Neutiquam Erro

[Guest Rune]

*fights back the urge to say anything negative about it and just posts it anyways*

 

Neutiquam Erro - I am not lost.

 

In the alley behind a library, in the city of Ecivres, a young cleric walks towards the local temple. The alley is eerie and silent. Two make shift thieves appear in the darkness, forcing the cleric to his knees and demanding any food, money, or personal items he may be carrying. It is obvious that they tend to make off with more than just his money. The cleric begins to rummage around in his things to produce the items requested when a small fox appears behind him. "Look at that" the first thief says with a chuckle. "Looks like this chap has a friend." "Too bad a wittle foxy won’t be able to save him" the other says with a gruff laugh. The alley is suddenly filled with a sickening crack. The sound echoes between the 2 walls for what seems like several minutes. The thieves lay on the floor unconscious, their heads with the lasting imprint of a large club expertly placed near the center of their skulls.

 

The cleric looks around confused, and somewhat thankful, although he is unsure whether his rescuer will soon be his enemy. "Run" A voice calls. "oo.. ook" the cleric stammers. "But leave what money you can spare." The cleric drops his spending money which scatters as it hits the pebble walkway and then runs as quickly as possible towards the temple. A girl, hooded and cloaked head to toe, appears in the lighted portion of the alleyway where the cleric once stood. She picks up a few of the coins from the floor and pats the fox on the head. "Good job boy" she coos and then quietly shifts her gaze towards the entrance to the alleyway. With her hand still on the fox’s head she prepares herself for a possible attack as the figure of a man approaches from behind. The man discovers the grizzly scene of the two unconscious thieves and then quickly moves to defend himself against the only other person remaining in the alleyway. “Who are you? And what did you do to these men?” He demands.

 

The girl acknowledges the man and quietly turns towards the stranger. Her movements are lucid and flow as though time has stopped around her. Her fox kin companion growls quietly next to her side. "None of your business really" She replies and then moves slowly to pick up the purses dropped by the thieves. "But since you seem to be so interested in saving the day I will tell you. Those men *pointing towards the 2 unconscious bodies piled in the floor* were trying to kill that *she points towards the temple* cleric. I saved his life." Glancing at the purse in her hand, she mutters "he left what he could spare as payment for my act of” She pauses for a moment to consider her words “kindness." She turned and stared the stranger in the eyes. "I am not a thief, and I do not care to be a hero...but muttered words of thanks are not enough for me to eat in this world."

 

Their conversation was cut short as both turned towards the small fox who was now displaying a sign of growing alarm. Another dark shadow resembling a human appeared to be going after some of the fallen coins. She frowned and moved towards him. "This is a popular alleyway tonight." she muttered. The shadowed man, known to the local law officials as Mikala, looked up and saw the silhouettes talking, and a smaller one growling. He continued to pickup coins and drop them into a leather purse he was carrying. "I didn't realize this belonged to anyone..." He stammered. It was obvious he was attempting to play the part of a bumbling fool who happened upon the coins but his movements showed his true skill. He thought to run, but the small creature, a canine of some variant by the sounds of it, would be able to track him with little problems. "Yes", the girl replied, “They belong to me." She made a small whistle sound and fox snatched the leather tie from the purse dangling from the man’s hand and carried it to her. She nodded to the man. "Honest mistake" she said with a sarcastic scowl.

 

"Saving people for money?" The first man’s words brought her attention back to their conversation. He arched a brow to indicate his sarcasm. "How noble." he said flatly. "Aye", the girl muttered, "but did I ever say I was noble?" She smiled slyly. "I do admit that my ways are a bit unethical but Dwen here *she pats the fox on the head lovingly* needs food to survive and frankly I do as well. Not to mention a few coins helps to keep my spirits high when times are down. That man there *she indicates the fled cleric* Look at this hands. It is quite obvious that he has never worked a day in his life. He is just a rich brat who was sent to the temple to learn some manners. He could spare his precious spending money."

 

*Sera stuffed the purse into her carrying pouches which were hidden by her cloak.* She turned so that both men where in view. "My name is Sera." She replied. "I am visiting this fair town *turning to move her hand along the span of the dark and dank alleyway* to see about finding some work. I need to earn some money for a trip I am planning on taking. Although I do so enjoy pummeling thieves after rich brats for some extra coin.. The chance doesn’t come very often." Sera made a short bow of respect in the direction of both men, but she was careful to never remove her eyes from either. "I had heard that there may be a relic in this city. Something about a book. I figure that whenever there is a relic, there is always a group of adventure hungry fools who will be searching for it. I hope to be of assistance with my tracking skills, granted if the price is right."

 

Sera did appear to be a bit on the sarcastic side, but it was obvious from her battle scarred hands and arms that she had reason to be so. She did not look like she had an easy life. Although her arms and legs showed strength and agility, it was obvious that she was weak from hunger. The concave of her stomach, which was visible at times from the natural movement of her cloak and torn tunic, told the tale of how scarce food was.

 

The man chuckled somewhat at the loud grumbling sound coming from Sera. She grimaced and patted her stomach. “Excuse me” she said, somewhat embarrassed. Her cruel and angry face twisted to reveal an innocent look and a subtle cry for help. The man smiled. “I am Zaidinrie Tal Surin, of The People. Forgive me of any assumptions I might have made.” The man bows towards Sera. His natural elegance reminded her of something familiar. She glanced at him uneasily. Noticing her reaction the man stepped back. “Do not worry.” He said. “You recognize my aura, for I am of elf kin as well.” His voice trailed off near the end of the sentence. Sera stepped back in alarm, her hands immediately moved to her daggers hidden beneath her cloak. “How did you know?” she stammered, losing her cool and collective manner. His words appeared to be venom in her veins. “Calm down.” He said. “And hush up.” His voice was controlling and indicated years of leadership and experience. Mikala muttered something about filthy elves and then disappeared from sight. Sera was too engrossed with Zai to notice. Zai’s eyes followed the thiefling as he scaled the nearest wall and disappeared from view. “Discussions such as these should not take place in alleyways. Let us move to an Inn for the night. I will purchase dinner for us and then we can discuss our business in the morning. I think I know some information about this book you are looking for.” Sera nodded to indicate that she would attend. While walking along behind the man she wondered to herself why she was reacting as she was and why she did not feel as thought she could trust this stranger. Yet for some reason she was drawn to him almost beyond control.

 

They reached the doorway to the Inn. Zai continued inside but Sera stopped suddenly. She glanced at the oak door and ran her fingers along the nameplate bearing the name of the Inn and Tavern. “Swallow’s Edge” She said to herself, her finger tracing the image of the S that was delicately carved into the wood. Snapping back to reality she bent downwards and patted Dwen on the head. She appeared to be communicating with the tiny animal simply by looking at him. Without a word he darted off towards the western most edge of the forest. Sera sighed slightly and then pressed on the door to enter the tavern. Its weight was awkward and the sudden sensation of freshly cooked pork and beef was overwhelming. The sounds from inside caused her head to reel as men talked loudly while playing games of cards and enjoying other fancy indulges. She tumbled backwards for a moment before catching her bearings and then entering the tavern the rest of a way. A few men started at her as she passed through the rows of tables and chairs to join Zai in a corner. Her hood remained on her head, covering most of her face as well. Zai smiled at Sera’s reaction to the environment. He leaned forward. “Don’t worry” he whispered. “They cannot sense your heritage, only your fear.” Sera gulped and quickly sat down trying to look as confident as possible.

 

A woman with inhumanly large features appeared at the table. “Here yas go” she said as she threw down 2 bowls of stew and some bread. Zai quietly picked up his spoon and tasted the steaming hot stew. He smiled as it’s warm sensation crossed his lips and entered his body. “Ah, nothing like the Swallow’s own stew” he started then stopped abruptly when he realized that Sera was already tipping the bowl to finish the meal. Without even swallowing she stuffed the bread in her mouth and chewed savagely indicating exactly how hungry she was. When she realized that Zai was staring at her with his jaw practically on the table she stopped chewing for a moment. Bits of stew and bread seeped out of her mouth. “whmat?” she tried to say. “mph, I was *gulp* hungrmy” she sputtered with her mouth full. Zai chuckled and pushed his own bowl towards the girl. He leaned back in his chair and withdrew a long pipe. “You don’t want that?” she asked. “No, You are welcome to it.” Zai replied. “Are you sure? Cause I wouldn’t want to take your food..” Sera said brushing the favor off for a moment. “I am positive.” Zai said with a nod. Sera attacked the bowl before he could finish the last syllable in his statement. Zai smiled to himself and lit his pipe.

 

Sera leaned back and patted her stomach. She now slouched in her chair and her cloak relaxed around her body. It slipped off her head slightly showing her features and hair in the tavern light. Zai smiled as he realized that the young girl was very pretty. His smile quickly turned to a look of concern as he leaned forward and snatched the hood of her cloak back onto her head. He peered deep into her eyes and uttered words of ancient worlds. The look of terror on Sera’s face revealed that she was familiar with the language but not able to understand it. The bar grew silent as everyone watched Zai man handle the girl. Noticing the change in the atmosphere he sat back and continued to smoke his pipe. The Inn’s tavern returned to normal as Sera sat motionless and afraid. He leaned forward again and whispered. “Why is your hair short?” A scowl on his lips indicated that he did not approve. Sera shrugged “because it is easier to take care of.” She replied. “How do you hide your ears?” he said, rage rising in his voice. “I .. I wear my cloak” she replied. Her hands grasped the seat of the chair as the situation grew more and more intense. “And what if someone were to remove your cloak, little girl?” Zai moved closer, the tip of his nose practically touching Sera’s. “I.. I don’t know” she said. “You have much to learn if you wish to survive in a city of men.” He returned to his seat and smoked his pipe. Another bowl of food was brought out and Sera ate it slowly and quietly this time.

 

The last few hours have been mostly silent. Zai appeared to be lost in a sort of dream world as Sera drifted back and forth attempting to fight off the fatigue she was experiencing from the large meal and the events of the day. What is only minutes seems to pass as hours. Finally Zai put away his pipe and stood up to exit to his room. “Here is your key.” He hands Sera a small inn key. “Your room is at the end of the hallway on the left.” Sera took the key slowly and held in it in her hands as though it were made of crystal. Zai picks up his cloak and moves towards the stairs. “wait” she says, her eyes still fixated on the key. “You can have this back, I do not wish to stay in here.” Zai looks back somewhat frustrated. “Listen, it is late and I do not have time to deal with foolishness. Take the key and get some sleep.” Sera’s eyes turn towards the windows. It is now raining heavily outside. She lays the key down on the table and walks towards the door. “I will be back here at first light waiting.” The door closes quietly behind her. Zai rolls his eyes and retrieves the key. He moves towards the door and opens it slightly. In the distance he can see Sera making her way through the rain. She spots a local merchants cover and moves towards it for shelter. Zai shakes his head and returns to the warmth of the inn.

 

The rain has begun to pick up again. The wind blows through the alley ways and streets of the town, wailing as though it were in pain. A child can be heard crying through an open window nearby, more than likely upset by the sudden draft caused by the wind. When glancing at the forest edge from the merchants cover, it almost appears as though it is moving. The dark green foliage against the black setting of night sways in the breeze. Smaller animals skirt the outer edges of the forest making their way back to their families and homes for the long night ahead. Sera pulls her cloak tighter around her neck, blocking out the harshness from the weather and waiting for something she cant quite put her finger on.

 

The tavern portion of the inn glows against the bleakness of the storm. The windows show the familiar glow of the fire that is burning brightly inside. Rushed footsteps and ghostly images are seen and heard as people make their ways through the streets trying to reach their destinations as soon as possible. Their cloaks flow in the breeze creating an illusion of ghastly phantasms that appear and then disappear between the sheets of rain.

 

Zai appears beside her under the shelter. He hands her a bag filled with dried meat. “This is for your companion. Are you sure you do not want to stay inside?” he asks, a bit of concern in his voice. “I appreciate it but I am actually more comfortable outside even if it is raining.” She says with a slight smile. “Mother Nature has never abandoned me, so in her protection is the only place where I prefer to let my guard down.” Zai nods as though he understands but disagrees and heads back to the inn. As she enters the confines of the forest the trees provide enough shelter to block out most of the rain. The violent storm appears to grow weary and soon turns into a soft drizzle. Dwen waits patiently at the edge of the forest to lead her to his resting place.

 

As she enters the foliage the tiny fox picks up her stride and walks along with her. His routine is consistant, always walking slightly ahead of her, his ears twitching as stray raindrops pelt his muzzle. They enter the shadowy cover of a willow tree. Sera removes her cloak in preparation of making a dry bed for herself. For the first time the entirety of her head can be seen. Soft black hair frames her face but the most noticeable feature are the 2 pointed ears. In this world, ears such as these are cursed. She recalls being kicked out of merchant stalls and taverns for having them. The constant nagging feeling that someone would be willing to kill her for her heritage is always at the back of her mind. She forms a palette of leaves and material at the base of the tree. Dwen curls up beside her forming a sort of living pillow. She cuddles up next to him and he remains awake until her breathing indicates that she is softly sleeping. Always watchful the fox sleeps lightly aware of everything that is nearby, even the smallest insect searching for food in the dead of night. But Sera’s peaceful slumber is only temporary.

 

Her mind fills with visions of pain, anger, and death. The nightmares cause her to convulse as her body attempts to react to the drama that is playing in her head. Dwen knows this routine all too well. Sera has these visions nightly. She seems to be able to hear and feel most of the creatures of the forest nearby. Although minimal during the day, at night these visions overcome her senses and cause severe discomfort and anguish. Near the northern edge of the forest a group of men are burning plants and chopping down trees to attempt to warm themselves from the rain. The fire consumes the flesh of the organic objects and the insects caught within the burning wood scream in terror. Birds and other woodland animals cry out as their homes are destroyed. Little can be heard by normal human ears. Some even find the roar of the fire peaceful. Sera whimpers slightly. Dwen wraps his tail around her arm and lays his nose on her chest trying to provide as much comfort as possible.

 

--To be Continued (maybe hehe)--

[Peredhil]

A new talent bursts on the scene!

 

If you DON'T continue, it would be a crime! Good stuff so far.

 

 

We do not write because we want to; we write because we have to.

W. Somerset Maugham

[Guest Rune]

wow its really really long. Sorry bout that.

 

Here is a sketch of Sera if anyone wants to get an idea of what she is suposed to look like.

 

protocolseven.com/archive...serapose_c

Edited by: Rune  at: 12/31/02 11:40:43 am

[Gyrfalcon]

protocolseven.com/archives/album15

[Guest Rune]

oops! sorry, didnt realize the link was silly like that. Ill go back and correct the other as well.

 

Thank for reading it. I didnt figure many people would because its so long. Its sort of intimidating. ^^;;

[Guest Tamaranis]

Well, first off, I'm not quite sure how I feel about including actions between *s inside speech. Definately not standard, and would probably be considered improper by some, but it actually seems to work fairly well. I also noticed you used "2" rather than "two" at one point. Seems like it might have been a typo, but at any rate I personally prefer the "two".

 

But as for the good stuff about this:

 

Its very late and I'm tired, so I'm not going to find the specific bits and quote them, but your describe things beautifully and there are some bits of the story where its no effort at all, even to my sleepy mind, to see what's going on.

 

And the story itself is imaginitive. It seizes my attention, and considering how tired I am, that's really quite imrpessive.

[Guest Rune]

Yeah. This was originally written as an RPG, hence the use of stars to indicate actions. Its sort of a trap I fell into I think. Ill be sure to try not to use them in the future.

 

As for the switch between 2, and too, or two.. I dunno what happened there. o.O Im rather embarassed.

[Guest Tamaranis]

I kinda figured two to 2 (wow that looks silly when I don't use quotes to break it up) was just some sort of... not really a typo but a wierd thing where your brain goes "two" and your fingers go "2"... an internuerono?