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Palle

07-18-2006, 04:22 AM

<DIV>To the readers,</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I've played EQ and EQ2 since beta for both, and have enjoyed reading all of the stories posted here. When I was stationed in the Gulf in 2002 I began working on a few stories to pass the down time, when not boarding vessels (that's another story). As of yet I haven't started an EQ2 story, so feel free to read this, but all references are to the original EQ, ......... enjoy.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Chapter 1 A BARD IN LOVE</DIV> Leyster had a failing common among most half elves. He loved women, not some women, but all women in all forms, shapes and sizes. As a half elf, you would think he would have a hard time finding a bed warmer, but whenever he made his way to the city of Freeport, the human women found him exotic, while the female elves found his facial hair….. amusing. While performing in the Jade Inn one night while in Freeport a particular beauty caught the bard’s eye. She stood in the flickering candlelight, staring raptly while Leyster sung his usually ballads. Something in the young woman’s eyes inspired him to compose a verse for her alone. After his performance, he excused himself to his table in the corner, begging fatigue from such a long show. After good natured jeers, and cheers, he was left alone to sip his ale in peace. However, the more he thought on the nights events he couldn’t get the young lady out of his mind. As if his thoughts had summoned her, she suddenly appeared in front of him. “I’m Rosalynn, your singing moved me, I wonder if I might join you” the raven haired beauty said. Never one to leave a girl on her feet, for long, Leyster quickly stood, and bowed to her, then pulled out a chair for her to sit beside him. Leyster was enchanted with the woman, and the feelings seemed to be returned to him threefold, and after a short time, he invited her upstairs to hear a private performance. After a little persuading to two moved upstairs, and became more thoroughly acquainted. During their time together that night, Leyster noticed an odd birthmark on her shoulder, but Rosa told him it was a tattoo, and Leyster distracted by other sights quickly forgot about it. The two quickly became inseparable, though Leyster was honest about not being sure how long he would be in town for. Rosalynn never made any demands, or threats, she seemed content with their time together. Several months passed, and Rosalynn was the one who had to move on, telling Leyster that she had to visit family in Quenos, and that her family which meant the world to her, would not understand that she had a half elf lover. Leyster then knelt to the woman of his dreams, and asked for her hand in marriage. Rosalynn, shocked at this bold move, stammered a quick “Perhaps, upon my return you will feel differently, I shall give you my answer when I see you again.” While not the answer Leyster was looking for, he acknowledged he wishes, and wished her a safe voyage. During the night, begging off from performing, Leyster thought about his last few months with this beguiling woman, but he couldn’t get a few things out of his head. First of all she had never mentioned her family often, and as far as he could recall, she had mentioned what few relatives she did have, as to be living in a village in the hills outside of Kaladim. So making up his mind to see her safely to her destination, he packed up his gear, girded himself for battle, and sung a song that removed him from sight. Leyster was skilled bard, but many saw nothing but a foppish half elf, but when he changed his tunes from entertainment to magic songs, few were his equal. Woe to the man, who challenged a bard such as Leyster, when he was armed for war. Tracking down his lady love, was not hard, but to his dismay she didn’t head out to the docks to catch a boat across the Sea of Tears. He mused to himself, that his memory must be failing; he found that hard to believe thought as a good memory is more valuable than a good sword to a bard. She made her journey west, following the common paths through the outskirts of town, and into the commons. The trip became more peculiar when she headed north towards the forest of Neriak. The woods of Neriak are dark and unforgiving, even to Leyster’s eyes the footing was unsure. However Rosalynn never mistepped or placed a foot off of the path she was following. Leyster was more determined than ever to keep her safe, so he dropped further back and using his Mask of Deception adopted the form of the Tier’dal. Resuming his tracking him quickly caught up to Rosalynn path, but the oddest thing then happened. To his horror, she seemed not to notice the dark elven patrol to her front. Leyster got ready to send a Tell to his lady, when more to his shock and dismay; she greeted the senior man of patrol in dark elvish. The dark elf, looked at Rosalynn with open admiration, asking “Is it done, did you find what we needed?” Rosalynn quickly replied with a sneer “Did you ever doubt that I could charm some singer? Innourok will have his newest devotee, in a few short months, and with any luck the child will have inherited, either my skills as a necromancer, or its fathers as a bard. Either way, our God will be pleased.” To this Captain Z’hok responded “You think highly of yourself indeed to speak of what Innourok may favour. Human remember your place.” Rosalynn seemed to think this over, then retorted “After the birth, if it’s not favoured by the God, then using the child as the missing sacrifice, Innourok shall allow me to complete the Spell of Transformation so that I too will be a Tier’dal!” The Captain did not respond, merely shrugged his shoulders, the ranting of the human didn’t phase the dark elf. He had heard promises like this before, in the heat of the moment but few had the audacity to complete the spell. Rosalynn then ordered “Take word back to my guild mistress of my intentions; let her know that in several months I shall give birth in the Tower of Oasis. Guarded there by my spectres, I shall be safe, and Innourok shall be pleased, one way or the other.” <DIV> Without waiting further instructions, the captain turned his back upon Rosa, and both he and his patrol quickly departed, blending into the night seamlessly. Rosalynn said a few mystic words, and she too was lost from the stunned bard’s sight.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Protecteur - Disjecta Membra - Crushbone</DIV>Message Edited by Palleel on 07-17-2006 05:25 PM

Palle

07-18-2006, 11:14 PM

<DIV> Chapter 2 Guild mates After the disappearance of both the patrol and his lady Leyster slunk away out of the forest deep in thought. First of all the woman who he thought he knew was actually a necromancer and secondly he was to become a father! He quickly returned to his room in the Jade Inn to try and settle his thoughts. He replayed the odd encounter between Rosa and the dark elven patrol. The words rang around and around in his head, not soon to be forgotten. As they echoed within, several phrases seemed to jump out like lighting bolts “if it’s not favoured … missing sacrifice … Spell of Transformation.” After ranting and raving for several hours and once the destruction of his room was fully underway, the innkeeper called upon a friend of the bard to see if he could calm him down. Kalleel Arcturus was never a hard man to find in Freeport. Go to the arena and he would either be in the stands watching avidly or in the pit below gladly risking life and limb for the cheers that would follow his every move. Kalleel easily stood out amongst the mostly human crowd as the Northman from Halas was closet to seven feet than six feet tall. Wherever Kalleel was you were sure to find his younger brother Palleel. Not as large as his brother Palleel was the magic behind the muscle in the two brothers Arcturus. Upon spotting Kalleel the innkeeper wasted no time in asking his assistance in calming down Leyster. Kalleel quickly called for his brother and the trio returned to the inn. Leaving the innkeeper downstairs the two barbarians rushed up to Leyster’s room, from the all of the noise they wondered what terrible foe the bard battled. Kalleel bashed in the door prepared to fight any foe on the other side only to spot a drunken bard swinging a bottle in one hand and his sword in the other. More than a little surprised at the interruption, Leyster took a few steps back and fired the almost empty bottle at Kalleel’s head. Muttering under his breath Palleel quickly cast a spell rooting the drunken half elf in place, hoping to gain time to see what was the matter. Leyster collapsed into a sobbing pile. Kalleel after disarming the minstrel tried to get the bard to explain what was ailing him. Leyster was unresponsive to all questions and prodding. Palleel decided it was time to intervene, so he send a Tell to Leyster demanding to know what was wrong. The most astonishing thing happened to that Tell, there was no response. This only occurred when the recipient was unconscious, in the middle of teleporting or inscrolled as none of these were the case Palleel was at a loss. Palleel quickly relayed this information to his sibling was baffled as well until a thought hit Kalleel “Maybe it’s not Leyster at all” Kalleel stated then seizing upon this inspiration, he grabbed the apparent half elf by the shoulders and started to violently shake him while demanding what he had done to the real Leyster. To this rough treatment the bard simply replied, “Leyster is no more, I have not the heart to go on as the care free minstrel you once knew. From this time on I shall only be known as Phul.” Thinking this to be some kind of a joke, Palleel sent a Tell to this man calling himself Phul, only to get a knowing nod from the half elf still being held in the air by his brother. “Put him down Kall, it truly is Leyster and by the Tribunal he really has changed his name to Phul now.” Palleel stated in a dead pan voice. “There is a story here I’m sure lets see if the bard can still tell one no matter what he is called now, and he could tell the story better while standing on his own two feet.” Kalleel placed the bard upon the shattered bed and waited for Leyster, now Phul to speak and explain himself. Phul shook his head at his friends and after a few moments seemed to shake off the effects of the alcohol. “What I have to tell you is grievous for me, but please allow me tell the story to all of our guild mates. I have need of all of your counsel as my senses are dulled and I’m still numb from the shock.” The brothers tried to get as comfortable as possible in the cramped room but the debris scattered around the room made it no easy task. Phul took a deep breath and then sent his guild a Tell. “Fellow guilders, if you can spare the time, I have a story to tell and I’m in need of your help.” All across Norrath fellow members of the guild known as Dragon’s Claw paused in their travails so that they could focus on what a fellow guild mate was saying, as the pain in his words transmitted as easily to the other guild members in the room, as it did to the other members across the continents. Phul began, “I’ll try and make this as short as possible, please no interruptions, as time I fear is an issue. Last things first for those who don’t recognize the name Phul, it is the bard formerly known as Leyster. The name Leyster is dead to me and to all else. Now on to the heart of the matter, I have been deceived by a human necromancer named Rosalynn. She is carrying my child and is planning on devoting its life to Innourouk. If the god is displeased with the child she plans to go through with the spell of Transformation. I overheard her confide these things to a Captain Z’Hok, in the forests of Neriak with my own ears. She plans upon birthing the child in the Oasis tower. All know of the deadly spectre’s that reside there.” Phul continued, “I know I do not deserve your help yet I ask of it, I want my child to be free and not to be a slave to the god of Hate.” Amongst the guild there was stunned silence until it was abruptly shattered by a laugh. The laughing voice was that of Vaylon Dethwalker, a dark elven warrior of great ability Vaylon quickly spoke to the guild, “Guildmates, peace, the laughter you hear is that of relief not ridicule. I thought Leys.. nay Phul as wishes to be known as had a real problem to worry about. Before I’m shouted down think on this, is there any of you not willing to storm a tower to save his dear child? Phul dear friend I speak for many if not all in that we would storm the dark lords castle itself if you but ask.” The voices that answered this challenge were unswerving in their support of Vaylon’s claim. From the druid Tindalen to the wizard Xzar and of course the founder of the guild Lady Valacian there wasn’t the slightest hesitation or doubt. The warriors of the guild were a step behind in offering their might as well. As would be expected from this band of heroes, there wasn’t one who would gainsay Phul his child. The planning then commenced on how to meet up and end this threat to Phul’s unborn babe. It was quickly established that all would meet up in southern Ro and make their way together to the Tower of Oasis.</DIV>Message Edited by Palleel on 07-18-2006 12:14 PM

Trillien

07-19-2006, 04:46 AM

Very nice...makes me homesick for EQ I. /cry

Ess-K

07-19-2006, 12:47 PM

Very well written, you certainly have a way with words.I hope we can read more of this story as I would really like to know what happens and how it turns out. Here's hoping <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />Cheers,Sandking Ironjaw (56 Conjurer)Runnyeye Server<div></div>

Palle

07-19-2006, 10:48 PM

<DIV> Chapter 3 Tower of Oasis The assembled might of D.C met in the desert plains in preparation of the oncoming battle. They grouped up together in fives and sixes, equally mixing mages, clerics, warriors and all others. As they made their way towards Oasis, Xzar quickly stopped them and offered to go ahead to scout the area, so there was no hidden surprises. All agreed that this was an excellent idea, except that the rogue Ozamen, and the shadow knight Astarte, would be better candidates. Going with the two would be the dark elven necromancer Mizzrym. “Who better to scout out evil, than evil incarnate?” Mizzrym bantered. Gallows humour aside, the three set off to see what was happening on the Tower. The Tower of Oasis is centered in the middle of a fresh water lake. The lake is surprisingly deep, for being in the centre of a desert. The bottom of the lake is inhabited by vicious fresh water goblins. Nearing the Tower, Mizzrym quickly levitated her and her two companions so that the goblins would not be alerted to their presence. After this, Mizz quickly vanished from sight, while Astarte cast a similar spell, and Ozamen seemed to melt into the shadows without magical aid. Thanks to the floating spell, all three remained visible to each other, yet unseen from anything that might be in the Tower. The trio slowly crept up the steep sides of the hill that the Tower was situated on, only to find that the human necromancer Rosalynn had just stepped out of the shadows herself. She was wearing only a loose fitting robe that couldn’t conceal the bulge of her pregnant belly. She then boldly strode over to the spectres on guard, and demanded that they kneel in obedience, to the scouting parties’ stunned disbelief the guardians did kneel before the human. “We shall watch the child” said the largest of the spectres “We obey as Innoruuk demands it.” This thrilled Rosalynn, to think that the god himself was sheltering her and her child. The reaction of the D.C guild mates was dismay, to be sure. Astarte gathered her wits the first and sent a Guild Tell, letting them know that Rosalynn was infact at the Tower, and the guardians were watching over her. Before Ozamens’s watchful eyes, the human female lay upon the ground at the base of the Tower, and started to scream. Oz had seen enough calves being born to know that the time was upon them all. Oz’s Guild Tell was a little more rushed than Astarte’s, he simply stated, “the [expletive haxx0red by Raijinn] is birthing, you all had better get here NOW.” Astarte quickly assigned herself to a spectre to start the fray, with Oz working his way behind Ast’s target. Mizzrym readied an undead charm spell as that would help tilt the scales in their balance. Without a sound Astarte quickly drove her sword into the spectre she had chosen, while Oz managed a deadly stab from behind, both attacks leaving the two exposed to all of the Tower’s defenders. Mizz was a heartbeat behind in casting her Charm, but no sooner had she finished, and one of the spectres turned upon its mates and started to swing its giant scythe at its own brethren. The remainder of the guild mates arrived in short order and it was apparent from the beginning that it was a one sided affair. The Arcturus brothers moving in tandem, along with their fellow northman Daenar, attacked a spectre. The wizards Xzar, Valacian, Mitebe singled out their own target for doom. Not to be outdone, Vaylon, along with Ogron, an ogre warrior, and Aquillan, a female shaman like Palleel, targeted yet another spectre for death. Rejenna, Tindalen, Katarn, and Khorder, single out the last of the visible threats, and no single target could survive the wrath of the two druids, ranger, and bard. While the combat raged on, Phul headed straight for the only thing that mattered, Rosalynn. In the midst of the fray, she continued her moaning as childbirth was upon her. Ghostly hands were her midwives, and haunting voices surrounded her. As Phul closed upon this, he heard a heart wrenching scream come from the raven haired necro. To his dismay a young babe was brought into this world by incorporeal hands. A child was born, HIS child, yet try as he might Phul could get no closer than 10 feet from the young silent babe. The fight raged on around Phul, but the battle sounds were secondary to the words uttered by Rosalynn. “Innoruuk, accept this child as your own”, Rosalynn screamed into the darkening sky. “Take my son into your arms, so that he may spread your word throughout the world and beyond!” When the skies seemed not to respond, the now nervous necro started to examine her newborn. Phul had a sickening feeling in his stomach as an image of the odd mark on Rosa’s back flashed into his memory. Try as he might Phul could still get no closer to his son. His cries and pleas went unheeded by the unseen force holding him back. Rosalynn, after a thorough examination of her son, cried to the skies “He does not bear your symbol, dearest Innoruuk, therefore his sacrifice shall complete my transformation. Placing the child upon the ground, she began to cast the Spell of Transformation. While this was occurring, the last of the spectres were slain, and all eyes were upon the necro as she started this evil spell. All tried to close with a stop the necromancer, but to no avail, the boundary protecting her was too strong, it was as if Inny himself were her shield. Those that could tried to blast their way through the unseen barrier, but to no effect. The fighters of the guild swung away with sword and axe, to the same results. It seemed as if the might of the guild would be thwarted. Until Astarte sheathed her sword, and calmly started to walk towards the chanting woman. Rosalynn’s body began to change shape; a dark mist surrounded her legs, so that the new born child seemed to glow with an unhealthy white light. Rosalynn took a step back and peered within the mist only to cry out in dismay. The mists parted and all could see that where her previous legs stood, in their place there were now eight spidery legs. She continued the chant, as her upper torso began to take upon the aspect of the Tier’dal; she was close to finishing the spell never noticing Astarte’s approach from the rear. Her spell nearing completion, to all gathered she now looked like an arachnid priestess, except for her face. With a glow of triumph, she drew a hidden Blood claw stiletto, and leaned over to pick up the still silent child. From the entrance of the Tower, an enormous spectre appeared. Looking over her shoulder, Rosalynn took this to be a great omen, as if Innoruuk himself had appeared. With a look, the spectre froze Astarte in her place, and proceeded to hover behind the chanting woman. With a voice that seemed to echo from the grave, the spectre intoned “Woman known as Rosalynn, now know as Xeera, are you prepared to sacrifice a life, so that Innoruuk shall gain a new follower today?” Rosalynn quickly nodded her head, still chanting the final verses to her unholy song. “Then as Innoruuk demands it the sacrifice is accepted. Bow your head woman, and prepare, the end is at hand.” The chanting woman, with pride shining through her eyes extended the child in her arms, and bowed her head. Faster than the eye could follow, the spectre’s scythe flashed down, severing the woman’s head from her body. Collapsing to her many knees, the newly made corpse, folded upon her, the babe, smothered in his mothers blood, now started to wail. Reacting before anyone else, Daenar knelt and scooped up the child, shielding it from the spectre. The barrier now down, Dragon’s Claw now surged forward to protect against the largest spectre they had ever witnessed. The spectre chuckled aloud, never a good sign. “Innoruuk gained a true follower today, and many shall feel this newborn’s wrath. He shall be a plight…….” The voice stopped, as weeping Phul withdrew his blades from the undead’s back. Scooping the child from Daenar’s unprotecting arms, Phul turned and addressed the assembled guild. “Welcome my son………Plight.” Phul’s tears fell upon his sons back slowly washing his mother’s blood off of it. Plain to all to see upon the babe’s back was the mark, the mark of Innoruuk.</DIV>Message Edited by Palleel on 07-19-2006 11:50 AM

Palle

07-21-2006, 07:10 AM

<DIV> Chapter 4 Beginnings The silence upon the Tower was not unexpected, and it was finally broken by Palleel. “Welcome Plight, and congratulations Phul, it seems you have a healthy boy now”. The look given to the barbarian shaman from the minstrel silenced any other replies. “Congratulations…….CONGRATULATIONS?????????, do you mock me? Are you as dense as you appear?? This child is cursed, do you not all see the mark upon the child’s shoulder? Congratulations INDEED !!” Phul hissed at the now stunned shaman. “I cannot raise this [Removed for Content] child. Do you not see that? Do you not see the carnage that brought for this…. this…monstrosity into being??” “ENOUGH!” Xzar shouted. “Let us take our presence out of this vile Tower and discuss this matter elsewhere.” Few would gainsay the elf, and all left the Tower, to return to Southern Ro, where they might talk without disturbance. As Kalleel was leaving he spied the Blood claw lying on the ground, and put it in his belt. After all were gathered in relative quiet in the sand, Xzar continued. “Phul, you maybe in pain, but you were wrong to speak in such a manner to Palleel. The guild won’t tolerate such behaviour now, or in the future.” Phul till this point seemed unaware of what he cradled in his arms. When the child began to cry, it seemed to jolt him to his sensed. Phul looked once at the crying bundle in his arms, then dropped the infant upon the sand. “May the Gods judge me as they will, I will never touch that child AGAIN!” Phul said in a shockingly controlled voice. “Friends, I cannot look upon that child without seeing HER mocking face, nor hear its voice without hearing HER mocking speech. Plight is my child, but I am through with it.” Daenar moved with startlingly speed for such a large northman, scooping up the child from the sands. “Phul, he is of your blood, how can you turn your back upon him?” Daenar pleaded with the bard. “My blood true, but as the mark upon his back attests he is one of Innoruuk’s now, now and forever. He will bring chaos, mayhem, and death to all who know him, and to any who know him, and to any who do him favour, this I foretell”. Phul seemed to be speaking more to himself than the guild assembled. “You cannot even look at Him?” Astarte hissed “Yet when you needed help THIS follower of Inny answered your call, and has been your friend for years. Are you better than me? Or is it, that all of the years you have despised me as well?” Phul looked at the dark elf and replied, “Ast, you; have been a friend tome, that is undeniable, but you are not family, nor of my loins. You cannot expect me to raise a follower devoted to Inny? How long before he turned his blades toward me if Inny asked of it? Enough of this babble does with the child what you will, but I shall have no part of it, I feel sick to my stomach just at the thought of bringing that beast into these lands!” Before any of the stunned guild could respond, Phul stepped into a shimmering Portal that glimmered in front of him, and was gone. Any Tell that was sent to him was either Ignored, or never reached its destination. Astarte stepped before the assembled group and said “As the child has been spoken for by my god, I shall raise it in HIS ways.” Daenar shielded that child from the dark elf. He looked upon the rest of the assembled guild. “No, I shall raise this child, and no one will dissuade me. Phul is in pain but when he recovers he shall want to not only raise his son, but to teach it as well. A mark upon a newborn’s babe shall not decide its life path.” The only sound that responded to Daenar’s statement was the clapping of Astarte’s hands. “A mark you say? Make no mistake about it this child belongs to Innoruuk. As surely as the sun rises and sets everyday, the child belongs to my God.” Astarte paused, tilted her head then laughed aloud. “As you wish” she whispered. “Daenar you have my blessing to raise Plight, and the blessing of my Lord as well. But beware, he shall be made aware of his allegiance and I shall watch over him from time to time, and if Plight has ANY questions I shall be there, with any answers he requires. No one else gathered here today has ever been marked by Innoruuk, nor can truly know what that means.” Turning to stare directly at the big barbarian, she addressed him alone, “You have only to send me a Tell and I will be there, think not to hide him from me in Halas. Trust me in this, you have brought a shadowknight home and when it comes time to train him, I will be there. Do not try and change him he has been chosen and it’s in his blood to answer Inny’s call.” Astarte paused, “One final note, make sure you teach him control for when he angers even at a young age, he carries within him the power to kill, with just a touch.” Daenar listened to his friend, and responded, “I will raise Phul as my own all are welcome to visit and see him grow. But you are wrong we all choose who we are it is not all decided upon our birth, or we are no better than gnolls. Xzar could you please gate myself and my new “son” homeward bound. He will require food and shelter and there is no place more secure than my cottage in Halas.” Xzar looked around the assembled crowd, “Anyone else wish to make the trip?” Palleel and Kalleel raised their hands, “It’s over due for us to be getting home and our cousin Atook is due to give birth, though under much different circumstances I can assure you.” All wished each other a good journey to their destinations, and many stepped into summoned Portals, taking one step and crossing hundreds of miles.</DIV>Message Edited by Palleel on 07-22-2006 08:46 AM

Palle

07-21-2006, 07:13 AM

<DIV>Trillien and Ess-K,</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Thanks for letting me know that I can string two words together, or at least close together. Any feedback is welcome, for the only people who have read this story have been family, or the girlfriend as she re-types it out (lost the disk).</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Enjoy, and I'll try to post somewhat daily,</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Protecteur/Palleel Crushbone</DIV>

Ess-K

07-21-2006, 12:50 PM

Once more, really enjoyed the story. As a big fan of EQ1 I remember that tower in Ro so it help give setting for me. As for feedback, there are only two things I would probably have done different. I would perhaps have spent a little more time describing the surroundings of the story. I feel strong use of imagery can always benefit a story and for those that didn't play EQ1 they will have little idea about the locations involved in yout story. Secondly, I feel the use of the 'tell' in the story was out of place, it somewhat broke the flow of the story. Although 'tells' are part of an ingame function, you are telling the story as if you are inside Norrath.Please don't missunderstand those two pointers as criticism as that is not what they are intended for, it's your story and it should be done anyway you like. I actually really enjoyed the story and I hope I can see more of your work in the future. You have a good way with words and to be honest, this is the first EQ story I've bothered reading from start to finish.Keep up the good work mate, ten out of ten <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />Cheers,Sandking Ironjaw (56 Conjurer)Runnyeye<div></div>

Palle

07-22-2006, 07:42 PM

Ess-k, First of all thanks for the feedback, when asking for people's opinions I can't be critical of the feedback of they give, or its no longer your opinion <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> As far as background and surroundings and the use of Tells, I went in the middle of two options and therefore didn't solve either. Either the reader knows the word of EQ and I don't have to describe as vividly the area that the characters are surrounded in, but if that is the case then I shouldn't have to describe how a Tell works either. So it could have been, this is Norrath you know it and tells just make sense, or you don't know Norrath this is what it looks like and blend in how people talk to others in their head. These stories are only the basics and before I submit them to a publisher they will go through extensive re-writes and that includes details on everything to the clink of armor to how tall the Tower is in Oasis, etc etc. Its super hot but I'll keep at the typing, Thanks again. Protecteur/Palleel Crushbone

Palle

07-23-2006, 08:58 PM

<DIV> Chapter 5 Halas The brothers Arcturus, Daenar carrying the infant Plight, and Xzar stepped out of nothingness onto the rolling hills of Quenos. The aged elf looked upon the three barbarians and child. “Fear naught what was said by Astarte, she means well, and will bring no harm upon the babe. Raise him as you would your own Daenar, he will bring honour to your clan, and to the Guild, of that I have little doubt. If he is indeed a shadowknight, do not deceive yourself, you will not be able to raise him without help. Do not shy away from such aid, as it will be beyond your control to guide him when he has a Gods demands put upon him. Thankfully those times are years away, but trust in yourself Daenar, and your friends and guild mates.” Xzar looked upon the brothers, “Help him as I know you will, for I fear that Phul is lost to us, now and forever. The wound in him is deep, and I think he will not walk these lands unburdened ever again.” A flash of light signalled Xzar’s departure, and the northmen departed with the speed of wolves. No creature between Quenos and Halas, would ever attack a pair of Northmen who were in their prime, and the trio of barbarians went unmolested into the safety of their home city of Halas. Despite Palleel’s suggestions of swimming across the lake that was one of the natural safeguards of Halas, they waited for the ferry, and crossed the lake without incident. Daenar bid the brothers good night, but the brothers were adamant in seeing their friend and his young bundle safely home. Upon rounding the final corner to his small cottage, Daenar stopped dead in his tracks and stared at his small abode. “There’s smoke coming from my chimney, and I sure didn’t leave the fire burning when I left three months ago.” Daenar whispered to his friends. Passing the child to Palleel, he drew his blades and motioned to Kalleel to investigate the fire within. Both armed, they wasted little time in silently entering through the doorway; not knowing what awaited them inside. The sight that lay in front of them neither could have expected. To their dismay there lay a naked woman nursing a child. Palleel entered quickly behind the two warriors, and upon seeing the sight before him quickly shut the door and began to chuckle. “Well at least someone is getting fed tonight!” he said. Upon hearing those words the woman gathered up the loose furs at her feet, turning towards the sound and stopped dead in her tracks. She gently placed her infant son on the bed and ran towards the grinning shaman. When she went to embrace the smiling giant, her furs fell to the ground, leaving her exposed once again to the threesome. “Now Atook, what will your husband say if he bursts in here and sees you naked in my arms? A poor friend I would be to One-eye, hugging his naked wife while his son looked on” Palleel jested, never expecting the reaction he would receive Atook, quickly replaced her dropped furs, and started to sob. “You have no grounds to fear any harm from your cousin One-eye, he is dead!” ‘ Kalleel looked upon her stricken face and knew the truth in an instant, “He tried didn’t he? For the love of all of the Gods, tell me I’m wrong!” Atook looked ;upon Kalleel and nodded, “One-eye, was convinced that no mere ice giant could defeat him, so as a present to our unborn child he promised to deliver to us, an ice giants sword to show to all that he was worthy to bring another Arcturus into the clan.” Plight began to fuss and was quickly noticed by Atook. Palleel simply said “It seems your son has a play mate, but don’t look at me so, its Daenar’s not mine.” Atook swept the young human from Palleel, and said, “He’s filthy, and you handle him like he is a puppy. I’ll clean him up, shame on you Palleel, I would have thought you would have taken better care of him than this.” “Yeah shame on you Palleel”, Kalleel mimicked “You as well Daenar, to let such a brute as my brother lay hands upon your son like that.” Daenar didn’t respond to the jibe, instead came back to the matter at hand, “Ummmm, Atook? Why are you here, and not in the halls with the rest of the Arcturus clan? I mean my house is always open to you, and your son, but why are you two alone?” Atook looked over her shoulder and answered, “The elders of clan Arcturus, offered me a room to stay in, but I needed some time and some space to myself. You have been gone for a ling time, and I thought hat I might rest here. The cleaning of the child finished, she turned and asked, “It seems introductions are in order, Kalleel, Palleel, meet your nephew Phinnegan.” She scooped up Plight and put him into Daenar’s hands, saying “He sure is a tiny thing, I take it he takes after his mother?” Daenar responded, “Atook meet my son, not by blood but by choice. His name is Plight.” Giving her a look daring her to criticize him. Atook paused then scooped up Phinn and placed the two children near each other, “Well at least they won’t get bored now and it’s rare to find children so close together in age. I hope they get along. Now it’s late and you three are exhausted and famished what can we do about that now hmm?” “I’ll have what Phinn was having if you don’t mind Atook,” Palleel grinned, “If not I can summon up some food and drink to bide us over until daylight.” A laugh but a resounding “No” from Atook and Palleel quickly summoned up a quick meal for all gathered. Daenar quickly insisted that the only bed go to Atook and looked at Kalleel, “Get that brother of yours to make a bed for us as well, as you’ll find no welcome coming home at this hour of the night.” Kalleel smiled “You heard the man Pall, time for you to make a bed for us men.” Pall returned the smile, “As you command oh might bother, err brother.” He quickly started to mutter mystic words while the two men made room around him to the confusion of Atook. Atook took hold of the two infants who were both watching the glowing mist gather around Palleel, watching as he slowly transformed in the shape of a giant polar bear. Palleel grinned, if bears can grin and displayed an abundance of razor sharp teeth and snuggled down in front of the door to the cottage, “If I hear one door mat joke, both of you will be tossed into the lake and rooted to the bottom.” Kalleel and Daenar while both grinning refrained from any comment but both quickly began to make their preparations for bed. Atook on the other hand wasn’t quite so restrained, “You can’t sleep on the floor the two of you, and you plan on what snuggling up next to Palleel? Do you have any idea where he’s been, do you even know if he’s housebroken?” At this comment all in the room laughed but it was Palleel who responded, “Atook how would you like to be the lost or brave gnoll who ventured into this cottage with a polar bear at the door and these two ugly louts asleep with him? Please take care of Plight for the night and in the morning we shall see to better accommodations for us all.” Glancing at the two warriors, “The first one who drools into my fur buys me ale for a month!” All in the house settled in for the night but in the morning Atook awoke to find herself alone in the bed and snuggled up on the floor were both of the men and each held a child securely in the crook of their arms.</DIV> Protecteur/Palleel Crushbone

Palle

08-04-2006, 01:27 AM

<DIV>Sorry for the delay,</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> Greetings Once all in the house had awakened and had broken their fasts, it was time for Palleel and Kalleel to make their homecoming to their clan and parents. Asking Atook to watch both of the infants the three barbarians made their way to the Acturus halls. In a short time they stood before the doors to the clan hall and it was a hesitant Kalleel who broached the subject. “Daenar, any ides what you are going to tell the elders in Halas about your son? Have no fears you have both of our support in any decision or story you settle upon.” Kalleel stated. “Story? Why should I need to make up a story, the truth here works well! I’m raising my son and that is all anyone needs to know.” Daenar gruffly replied. Palleel raised an eyebrow at this, “Really don’t take this the wrong way big D but in a few seasons people will be able to tell the Plight doesn’t have our northmen’s size and strength not to mention, well, he’s evil.” Daenar rounded on the shaman “If you ever or anyone else ever calls Plight evil within my hearing I will draw steel and they shall speak no more.” “Peace Daenar, I chose my words poorly but you cannot doubt from the words from the giant spectre in the tower or even Astarte’s confirmation of the mark of Inny, can you? said Palleel. “A child may be promised to a god but there are promises and then there are promises, have faith we shall see. Never fear whatever choices Plight makes I will support him. Enough, now let us go in and visit your kin, it’s been too long since we all have been home. Clan Arcturus has always made me feel at home and don’t you think they will be happy to see the line of Frostbourne carried on to another generation?” Daenar replied. “Only one way to find out.” answered Kalleel and to that he thrust open the doors to the clan hall, strode into the entrance and cried out, “Hide your children, lock yer vaults, pour the ale, the Arcturus brothers have returned!” All seated within turned to face this outburst and greeted the noise with looks of dismay, and then upon seeing that it was actually Pall, Kall, and Daenar grins broke out benches were pushed back and over so that the customary back slapping and other hello’s could be made. The trio usually returned with wild stories for all and were a welcome sight to all gathered in the hall. Kalleel asked the closest, “Where might I find our father this fine morning? Tell me he’s found his way out of bed or did he fall into the tankard of ale again? As well, any sightings of our ma or is still she still attached to the forge with chains?” Once the laughter had died down it was pointed out that unlike most youths both Rikard and Elayn held responsible positions within the town and couldn’t just show up and adventure like some. “You hear that Kalleel, they have tasks to attend like they never use to take us to task, I swear, you let one winter wolf into the house and they think it’s the end of the world.” Palleel grinned. “Aye but when you locked yourself in your room you at least could have given the rest of the household a heads up. How would you feel if you arose to check on the forge only to be fact to snout with a mangy wolf chewing on the furniture? Truth to tell the wolf wasn’t that scary, more exhausted than anything after having to sprint after you those many leagues. Kalleel answered. To this all had a hearty laugh and a few of the youths were sent off to tell the parents of Kall and Pall that their wayward sons had returned. Shortly thereafter Rikard and Elayn entered the halls and greeted their sons and Daenar with a great many hugs. Daenar as the last of the Frostbourne had been somewhat adopted by the family a long time ago. “Look at him Elayn, Daenar has news of I’m a dark elf magician!” Rikard stated to his wife. “A mage you are not, but hung like a dark elf, well, I’ll never tell your secrets my dear.” Elayn bantered back at her beloved husband. Much laughter and jeers answered her but it was Daenar that broke the din. “Rikard you know me too well. I have news indeed. I’m a proud father!!” Daenar stated. “The line continues.” answered Elayn. “So when do we get to meet the lucky girl that landed my Daenar? You are a father but ever the man is the child a boy or a girl that you have fathered? “I sure hope its one or the other or Daenar might have some explaining to do but it would explain why the mammoths love him so.” Palleel glibly replied. “Thanks for your confidence Palleel, but as you well know I’m the proud father of a strong healthy son. Alas the mother died shortly after giving birth she was never a strong woman. To answer your forthcoming questions she wasn’t from the northern tribes she was from Quenos. I plan to live in my cottage and raise my son as befits a true Frostbourne. I have every confidence that we will be a warrior without peer, well Rikard might be able to best him, but Kalleel will crumble before his onslaught of blades, much as he does to mine now.” said Daenar. All in the halls made comment of their sympathies for Daenar’s loss, for to lose a wife as they all assumed, is a high price indeed for a child. Daenar never corrected their assumptions towards the mother of the child. Elayn asked, “When is the naming ceremony to be for this babe? If you have any needs now or ever with the young one, you as always have the full support of our Clan.” All gathered agreed with the statement from Elayn, voicing their support in raising the child and a few offered to help arrange with the naming ceremony for Daenar and his little one. To this Daenar thanked them for their continuing help and comforts but alas a friend of the mother has named the child. All sighed, as a naming ceremony was a great way to break up the winter months and was one of the better excuses to break the seal on a keg of ale. “My sons name is Plight. Not a name I would have chosen but one that was chosen for him. He will bring pride to my clan of that I have no doubts.” Daenar responded. A dull hush from all gathered was the only immediate response to this most uncommon name. Then from the back came the answer “Lets have a toast to Plight Frostbourne.” Many took up the cheer and a swarm of people made an advance upon the kegs stacked in the back of the great hall. Daenar gathered Rikard and Elayn asking them, “so do you want to see the little guy? I’m sure he will be delighted to see his grandparents.” Grinning with delight the two readily gave their assent and followed Daenar out of the halls. After following a short while Elayn voiced a question that had been nagging at her for some minutes, “Daenar who is watching over Plight while you are out?” Daenar didn’t’ respond but kept walking eventually turning off of the path towards his cottage. At the entrance Daenar stopped and turned placing himself squarely in front of the door then turned, “Rikard, Elayn think no ill of me, this is not my choice but as long as it is hers she has a roof over her head and my arms to protect her, even from you two.” The two looked slightly confused at the pronouncement but motioned to Daenar to open his door. Inside they found a busily cleaning Atook while the two babes within were grabbing onto the fur of a wolf that was busy giving Plight a bath with its pink tongue. Ripping a sword from Daenar’s waist Rikard quickly approached the wolf meaning to sever its head from the shoulders while lining up to ensure that no harm that the sword stroke would cause harm to the two infants. A snorting laugh from his wife stopped him dead in his tracks faster than a Root spell ever had. “Rikard, are you so muddle today that you can’t see that it’s a summoned wolf, I’d guess Pall’s or that Atook would clean away while a wolf was gobbling up her child or anyone’s child for that matter?” Elayn scolded her warrior husband. Sheepishly Rikard returned Daenar’s sword with a quick muttering that at least he has reacted and that Daenar shouldn’t be so easily disarmed. Atook greeted them all warmly and bid them to enter. Elayn quickly embraced the girl stating, “You deserve to be in the clan halls with your son so that all would enjoy the company of your newborn.” Atook shook her head and replied, “Too many eyes judging eyes followed me within the halls after One-eye’s demise. With this house being empty it was a perfect refuge from all of the others but with the return of Daenar and his son I will look elsewhere for a home to rest in.” Rikard laughed, “By the Tribunal you will not. My wits are not that muddled that I can’t find a solution better than that. We have more than enough room in our house for you Atook and little Phin. You won’t get him out of my sight that easily besides raising an Arcturus is a full time job for two people and almost nigh impossible for anyone alone.” Rikard paused, “Enough, Daenar you shall move in as well, you can have Pall’s room and Atook can take Kall’s. Anyone who thinks ill of it can take it up with me.” Glancing over at his wife and seeing her nod her encouragement he continued, “This way both of the young ones will have the guidance of two strong parents and under our roof no one has any means of casting doubts or shame upon you two for living together outside of wedlock, you know how some have nothing better to do than gossip. As for my sons they can share your cottage Daenar for the short time that they spend within the protection of Halas. “That’s the longest speech you’ve ever made so I guess you mean it. The only question I have for you Da is when is moving day?” asked Palleel. “Let’s make it for tomorrow, for today I have two little wee ones to meet and welcome.” Rikard responded. Protecteur/Palleel EQ2 - Crushbone</DIV>

Gratuitios

08-27-2006, 02:38 AM

*waits patiently for the next one* ....... *taps her foot*.......*whistles*......*starts drumming her nails on the fingerboard*.....*has a short attention span*......*gets out sock puppets* hey,did anyone watch that new EQ1 story yesterday? *says in a lighter,softer voice* yeah! it was awesome!

tinde

12-06-2006, 11:03 AM

and purely out of curiosty.... I question the locals.....To my surprise I have been heard of. Tis always a nice surprise to hear your name spoken of by the bards.....<div></div>