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| Posted by: Angel Whitefang (Rider) 27-Jan-2004, 01:38 PM |
| This is what is known as a "Round About". Posted below are the few Rules of this wonderful writers game. Please Follow these Rules or your Post will be deleted. RULES: 1.)YOU MAY ONLY POST ONE LINE! 2.) No Obscene, Vulgar, Spiteful, Rude or Sexually explicit Posts will be tolerated. Those that post something of that nature will have their post either Edited by the Forum Mod or deleted and a warning email from the Forum Moderator or Super Moderator. 3.) Pictures of any type are not allowed. I have deleted Previous Rule #2 simply because I feel that Rule is unfair and makes things move way to slowly.  |
| Posted by: Angel Whitefang (Rider) 27-Jan-2004, 01:40 PM |
| On a Clear Crisp Spring day, Ashleigh went out to play. |
| Posted by: barddas 29-Jan-2004, 11:28 AM |
| He walked past the old oak tree that sat in front of the house. |
| Posted by: Angel Whitefang (Rider) 29-Jan-2004, 04:24 PM |
| Reaching down he scratched the dogs ears and noticed something hanging off his collar |
| Posted by: Haldur 29-Jan-2004, 06:39 PM |
| A slender, glass vile containing a viscous blue liquid hung from its collar. |
| Posted by: Angel Whitefang (Rider) 30-Jan-2004, 12:19 PM |
| "what is this?" he asked perplexed. |
| Posted by: Aaediwen 30-Jan-2004, 09:07 PM |
| Ashleigh freed the vial from the collar and carefully turned it in his hand. |
| Posted by: Roisin-Teagan 30-Jan-2004, 09:17 PM |
| Upon opening the vial, a strange, sweet fragrance filled his nostrils. |
| Posted by: Angel Whitefang (Rider) 31-Jan-2004, 12:30 AM |
| ** Note From Mod** BARDY! AAED! RT !!!! Woo hooo, now this is starting to move, Thanks for joining in every one. Haldur, I don't know you as yet but welcome , I like how you have added a twist to this. I am looking forward to seeing more.   |
| Posted by: Angel Whitefang (Rider) 31-Jan-2004, 09:42 PM |
| The Fragrance was that of Lavender and Roses, his mother always smelled of that he remembered. |
| Posted by: Richard Bercot 31-Jan-2004, 10:05 PM |
| But what are these markings on the vile, he wondered? |
| Posted by: Roisin-Teagan 01-Feb-2004, 01:05 PM |
| As Ashleigh gazed more intently at these strange markings on the vial, he felt an overwhelming desire to drink it's contents. |
| Posted by: Angel Whitefang (Rider) 01-Feb-2004, 05:18 PM |
| as he tipped the vile towards his mouth the dog jumped and knocked it out of his hands, spilling the contents across the ground. |
| Posted by: Aaediwen 01-Feb-2004, 07:30 PM |
| a strange smoke began to rise from the ground where the vial had fallen, and hung in the air in front of him. |
| Posted by: Richard Bercot 01-Feb-2004, 11:01 PM |
| His head started to swim and his vision became blurred. |
| Posted by: Haldur 02-Feb-2004, 07:47 AM |
| Ashleigh's eyelids closed as the dog's raucous barking dwindled away. |
| Posted by: Angel Whitefang (Rider) 02-Feb-2004, 01:20 PM |
| As his mind grew darker he felt himself crumple on to the ground, hitting his head on a large tree root. |
| Posted by: MacErca 02-Feb-2004, 04:30 PM |
| There he was floating above his body and looking at himself. |
| Posted by: myriad 02-Feb-2004, 05:35 PM |
| He saw a vision of his mother beside him saying "return"....but he knew not where to he was to return to. |
| Posted by: Roisin-Teagan 03-Feb-2004, 02:26 AM |
| "I don't want to return and loose this overwhelming sense of peace," Ashleigh said to his mother without uttering a single word. |
| Posted by: barddas 03-Feb-2004, 08:09 AM |
| "It is not your time" said Ashleigh's mother. |
| Posted by: MacErca 03-Feb-2004, 03:27 PM |
| Now get back in there and do what you do best. |
| Posted by: Haldur 04-Feb-2004, 08:33 AM |
| Ashleigh attempted to reply when it dawned on him that his mother had been missing for more than 3 years. |
| Posted by: Angel Whitefang (Rider) 04-Feb-2004, 10:20 AM |
| "Where have you been, Mother?" he asked her in a confused daze. |
| Posted by: MacErca 04-Feb-2004, 03:28 PM |
| " I have been on the other side" she answered. |
| Posted by: barddas 04-Feb-2004, 03:52 PM |
| " The other side" said Ashleigh, now more confused than before. |
| Posted by: Aaediwen 04-Feb-2004, 05:28 PM |
| "Yes, dear son, in the land never-ending, where mysteries are born." She replied. |
| Posted by: Roisin-Teagan 05-Feb-2004, 06:26 AM |
| "It is a place where golden streets have no name and glory and splendor is our sun," she said in a child-like whisper. |
| Posted by: Angel Whitefang (Rider) 05-Feb-2004, 08:24 AM |
| "Mother, I don't understand, you went out to tend the sheep and never came back, Have you passed over the great abyss?" he asked wanting to get a clearer answer. |
| Posted by: Haldur 05-Feb-2004, 08:57 PM |
| "My son," she remarked, "I have passed on, but not as you would have expected..." |
| Posted by: Angel Whitefang (Rider) 07-Feb-2004, 09:32 AM |
| "Then where is your husk?" if she had indeed passed on then they should give her body a proper Druid Burial. |
| Posted by: Roisin-Teagan 07-Feb-2004, 11:26 AM |
| Suddenly Ashleigh's mother started to turn and walk away into a mist, as she held out her hand beckoning him to follow. |
| Posted by: jaynebylak 07-Feb-2004, 12:24 PM |
| She took him over one mountain, then down into a valley and back up the next mountain, where she pointed down where her body lay, |
| Posted by: Nefariel 07-Feb-2004, 12:43 PM |
| The body looked more peaceful than he had ever seen her, but bending closer, Ashleigh noticed a blue marking on the right side of her neck. |
| Posted by: Haldur 09-Feb-2004, 07:34 PM |
| The marking was a crescent, shaded in blue and surrounded by twelve stars. |
| Posted by: Angel Whitefang (Rider) 16-Feb-2004, 02:21 PM |
| Standing he hung his head slightly, "Mother I will bring your husk home and you will have the Riyes preformed for you, Is there anything you wish for us to place in your mound?" he asked as he tried to keep his emotions under control. |
| Posted by: Haldur 16-Feb-2004, 04:25 PM |
| "My son," she whispered softly, "The only thing I request is the shroud your father made long ago." |
| Posted by: Nefariel 16-Feb-2004, 08:51 PM |
| He grimaced, for he knew that evil had taken the shroud from his house during a barbarian raid of the town, but he promised his mother she should have it. |
| Posted by: Roisin-Teagan 18-Feb-2004, 02:42 AM |
| Ashleigh awoke from the vision as a big wet tongue licked his face. |
| Posted by: Haldur 19-Feb-2004, 10:00 PM |
| Rubbing his eyes he realized he had been lying on the ground, perhaps dreaming all he encountered. |
| Posted by: Nefariel 20-Feb-2004, 01:30 PM |
| "Well, Schultz, looks like we better go to the town mage and have him analyze my dream. But first, are you hungry?" He ruffled his dog's ears. |
| Posted by: Angel Whitefang (Rider) 22-Feb-2004, 11:45 PM |
| with a bark and another slobbery kiss Ashleigh and schultz headed off for the house and the dogs food bowl. |
| Posted by: wyldred 24-Feb-2004, 02:51 AM |
| but as the door swung open slowly, a rose coloured mist wafted out and the sweet smell of lavender assailed Ashleigh's nostrils |
| Posted by: Haldur 01-Mar-2004, 02:33 PM |
| A figure much different than his mother arose from the plume of gathering smoke. |
| Posted by: Angel Whitefang (Rider) 09-Mar-2004, 07:25 PM |
| a look of bewilderment again appeard on the young mans face. |
| Posted by: Haldur 20-Mar-2004, 02:45 AM |
| "Speak not" said the figure, "for I am a messenger..." |
| Posted by: Roisin-Teagan 20-Mar-2004, 02:59 AM |
| "...sent by the gods to instruct and guide you on your journey." |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 22-Mar-2004, 10:26 AM |
| Ashleigh could feel himself shaking as he stared at the strange figure, and pondered over its words. |
| Posted by: Nick Castlum 03-Apr-2004, 04:04 AM |
| The image of the messenger grew as it spoke, "Listen closely and all things shall be revealed to you". |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 03-Apr-2004, 10:15 AM |
| "In the place you find your mother's shroud, there will be something you cannot even imagine. Waiting for you.." |
| Posted by: Angel Whitefang (Rider) 07-Apr-2004, 08:33 AM |
| "a gift from the heart of one you have not known" |
| Posted by: VetteGal 26-Apr-2004, 09:33 AM |
| "But you will know very well over time" |
| Posted by: Haldur 30-Apr-2004, 09:45 PM |
| "The visions that you have seen have been revealed to you for a reason..." |
| Posted by: VetteGal 30-Apr-2004, 10:25 PM |
| "For you are to learn the ways of the old ones and teach it to others the way your mother did and her mother before her." |
| Posted by: emerald-eyedwanderer 02-May-2004, 05:19 PM |
| "The ways of the old can only be preserved by you and you alone." |
| Posted by: VetteGal 02-May-2004, 06:29 PM |
| "Have you always noticed how you are always in tune with nature? |
| Posted by: urian 08-May-2004, 09:38 PM |
| Did you ever notice how the trees , birds, and the very air speaks to you in languages of the past? |
| Posted by: VetteGal 09-May-2004, 12:33 AM |
| For your soul has been on this earth many times over, and will continue here until you task is done. |
| Posted by: urian 09-May-2004, 10:23 AM |
| You have run along the shores of Atlantis and danced in the hills of Avalon. |
| Posted by: VetteGal 09-May-2004, 05:46 PM |
| Sat with Arthur at the round table in Camelot, |
| Posted by: urian 09-May-2004, 05:51 PM |
| You learned the secrets of Merlin and those of dragons as well |
| Posted by: VetteGal 09-May-2004, 10:14 PM |
| Saw the Great Pyramids being built, |
| Posted by: gtrplr 10-May-2004, 08:55 AM |
| and saw the rise and fall of nations. |
| Posted by: VetteGal 10-May-2004, 10:10 AM |
| I cannot tell you what you must do in this incarnation, I can only guide you. |
| Posted by: urian 10-May-2004, 05:38 PM |
| I can show you directions, it is you that has to choose. |
| Posted by: VetteGal 10-May-2004, 09:53 PM |
| If you have any questions along your path I will always be with you to guide and help you on your journey. |
| Posted by: gtrplr 11-May-2004, 10:10 AM |
| "Look to the highlands," said the figure as it faded into mist and Ashleigh was once again alone with his dog. |
| Posted by: VetteGal 11-May-2004, 10:26 AM |
| Schultz gave a bark and they both started up the path towards town. |
| Posted by: IrishRogue17 11-May-2004, 04:09 PM |
| It had been years since he smelled such a sweet fragrence |
| Posted by: VetteGal 11-May-2004, 10:22 PM |
| It reminded him of a long lost love that he had left behind when he left to go to school. |
| Posted by: Aragorn 12-May-2004, 08:16 AM |
| The time for reflecting is past and now his journey begins, and thoughts of the incredible task that lay before him swimming in his head. |
| Posted by: gtrplr 12-May-2004, 08:30 AM |
| He was so lost in thought that he almost missed seeing the wizened old woman sitting by the side of the road. |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 12-May-2004, 06:28 PM |
| She held a stained leather bag in one of her hands, while the other reached out for Ashleigh. |
| Posted by: urian 12-May-2004, 08:49 PM |
| Her skeletal hand was as cold as the grave when she touched his arm. |
| Posted by: gtrplr 13-May-2004, 08:59 AM |
| She said, "Take this bag for your journey, young master." |
| Posted by: VetteGal 13-May-2004, 12:51 PM |
| Inside you will find things to help you on your path of discovery. |
| Posted by: Aragorn 13-May-2004, 04:19 PM |
| Now, be off with ye before darkness settles on the land and the wolves come out to prey on the unsuspecting travelers. |
| Posted by: urian 14-May-2004, 08:49 PM |
| He took the bag and began to thank the lady when he heard a noise in the distance. |
| Posted by: Angel Whitefang (Rider) 15-May-2004, 03:01 PM |
| his heart raced, strange things were happening to him and he didn't know what to expect, then out from behind the bushes came a Shephard with three stragling sheep. |
| Posted by: Aragorn 18-May-2004, 08:49 AM |
| The Sherperd had a look of surprise but after he realized Ashleigh was just a lonely traveler he invited Ashleigh to join him for a while, two people traveling is safer then one. |
| Posted by: gtrplr 18-May-2004, 01:44 PM |
| "Where are you bound, good shepherd," asked Ashleigh, "and how are you called?" |
| Posted by: urian 18-May-2004, 07:58 PM |
| " I am known as Killian of Ascelin," the shepard said in a low, gruff voice," and where I am headed is home before the sun sets" |
| Posted by: VetteGal 19-May-2004, 12:33 AM |
| "And may I ask where you are headed and what you are called?" Killian asks of Ashleigh. |
| Posted by: gtrplr 19-May-2004, 09:21 AM |
| "My name is Ashleigh, and I am bound on a quest," Ashleigh replied. |
| Posted by: urian 20-May-2004, 10:27 AM |
| Killian sighed,"A quest, a crusade, a journey, a romp. Everyone seems to be on an adventure of some kind." He snickered a little more and reached into his belt. *sorry it's more than the one line* |
| Posted by: gtrplr 20-May-2004, 11:57 AM |
| Pulling out a pipe, he said, "Now me, I just want to get home to supper." |
| Posted by: dfilpus 20-May-2004, 03:11 PM |
| "Perhaps dinner will fortify my spirit for the quest," offered Ashleigh, thinking of roast lamb and other comforts of home. |
| Posted by: urian 20-May-2004, 09:09 PM |
| "HA! I've known this lad for 5 minutes and he's already inviting himself to dinner." Killian said with a touch of cynicism "Well, if you're willing to work for it...let's get going" |
| Posted by: Aragorn 21-May-2004, 08:48 AM |
| and off they went toward the goodly sheperds home. They made good time for the sheep were happy to be heading home too. Suddenly there was a rustling in the brush up ahead. |
| Posted by: urian 21-May-2004, 12:03 PM |
| A low, rumbling and growling came from just beyond the hedge. |
| Posted by: gtrplr 21-May-2004, 12:35 PM |
| Killian gripped his staff and stepped in front of his flock as Ashleigh looked askance at the hedge, wondering if he could somehow help the shepherd. |
| Posted by: urian 21-May-2004, 12:44 PM |
| He didn't have time to react before a massive black figure lunged past him and tore through a sheep, leaving only a severed head and some wool. |
| Posted by: dfilpus 24-May-2004, 07:16 AM |
| It was the Grinnoch, a fell beast of ravenous appetite. |
| Posted by: gtrplr 24-May-2004, 08:54 AM |
| "Get behind me, boy," shouted Killian as the Grinnoch turned toward them. |
| Posted by: urian 25-May-2004, 08:02 PM |
| The beast's throat emitted a low growl as blood dripped from it's enormous maw. |
| Posted by: Raven 25-May-2004, 08:07 PM |
| Killian squared off to face the fell beast at once raising his staff he muttered,"Hold still Grinnoch and this won't hurt a bit." |
| Posted by: urian 25-May-2004, 08:10 PM |
| With lighting reflexes Killian dispatched the hell beast. Ashleigh look on in awe and said:"You're not just a shepard are you?" |
| Posted by: Aragorn 26-May-2004, 09:56 AM |
| The sheperd, with a twinkle in his eye said, In my younger days I was many things none of which are important now, come along and do not dally. |
| Posted by: gtrplr 26-May-2004, 11:34 AM |
| Killian and his flock proceeded down the road, followed by Ashleigh, still wondering about his new friend. |
| Posted by: Raven 26-May-2004, 10:04 PM |
Killian shouldered his staff as they walked and began to whistle a happy little tune  |
| Posted by: dfilpus 27-May-2004, 07:37 AM |
| Across a style bordering a low lush pasture, Ashleigh espied a low-built sod-roofed hovel, which seemed to be as much part of the earth as built upon it. |
| Posted by: gtrplr 27-May-2004, 08:17 AM |
| "Is that your home?" Ashleigh asked Killian, pointing at the hut. |
| Posted by: Raven 27-May-2004, 08:26 AM |
| Killian replied,"No Laddie. But it's where we'll be stayin this night." |
| Posted by: Aragorn 27-May-2004, 01:11 PM |
| As they drew near the little hut an erie feeling overcame Ashleigh as the hair stood up on his neck. |
| Posted by: urian 29-May-2004, 05:15 PM |
| They made it to the hovel in short order and set up camp as the sun was going down. |
| Posted by: Raven 29-May-2004, 05:36 PM |
| As the chill of the evening settled the air was filled with the usual song and rattle of the insects of the glen, yet something did not seem quite in it's place. |
| Posted by: dfilpus 30-May-2004, 11:31 AM |
| Ashleigh could sense magic in the air, with a bit of mystery mixed in with a sense of foreboding. |
| Posted by: Lyra Luminara 30-May-2004, 12:24 PM |
| A glossy back raven flew across the now swirling gray sky. |
| Posted by: wizardofowls 30-May-2004, 12:28 PM |
| The scent of night-blooming jasmine filled the air and Ashleigh felt a chill breeze begin to blow. |
| Posted by: Raven 30-May-2004, 01:10 PM |
| Killian knocked his pipe on a rock and leaned back against his bedroll with all senses on a razors edge. |
| Posted by: wizardofowls 30-May-2004, 04:24 PM |
| He had the distinct impression that someone - or some thing - was watching them, biding its time, watching, and waiting. |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 30-May-2004, 04:27 PM |
| For all he thought, he could not place what could possibly be waiting and watching them. |
| Posted by: urian 30-May-2004, 08:19 PM |
| "Ye here that ,boy?" Killian whispered to Ashleigh."It's the sound of anticipation. The silence that comes before a storm. Aye, lad, whoever sent that beastie after us is angered. Best get ready for a long night." |
| Posted by: Lyra Luminara 30-May-2004, 09:06 PM |
| Ashleigh nodded, distracted. "Let us play another lively tune then, so we will not have to listen to this silence." |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 30-May-2004, 09:17 PM |
| (OOPS! I truly must apologize to everyone! I didn't read the rules which clearly state no more than one post per person per day! And I have posted twice on this thread today! Forgive me for not paying more attention!) |
| Posted by: urian 30-May-2004, 09:58 PM |
| (I would be at fault as well. Sorry but it's just soooo much fun) |
| Posted by: dfilpus 31-May-2004, 02:21 PM |
| But the wind muted the sound of the flute, sucking the sound away into the deepening night. |
| Posted by: urian 31-May-2004, 02:25 PM |
| It gained strength with every passing minute until it was threatening to blow out the fire and , with it, any illusion of security. |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 31-May-2004, 04:06 PM |
| "Killian!" Ashleigh cried, his voice nearly lost amidst the tumultuous winds, "Who lives in that hovel over there?" |
| Posted by: urian 31-May-2004, 07:42 PM |
| Killian said with venom in his words," 'Tis a witch that lives there. A priestess of Agrona, the Goddess of slaughter and war. May the heavens have mercy upon us if she is the one who sent that beastie." |
| Posted by: Raven 01-Jun-2004, 09:25 PM |
| Ashleigh spit over his left shoulder while making the sign of the evil eye with his right hand. |
| Posted by: Aragorn 02-Jun-2004, 09:04 AM |
| Goosebumps formed on Ashleigh's arm at the thought of what might happen if this was true. They light footed it towards the hotel hoping not to make a sound. |
| Posted by: gtrplr 02-Jun-2004, 09:21 AM |
| Upon reaching the hut, Ashleigh peeked into the window and observed an old woman bending over a pot. |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 02-Jun-2004, 10:55 AM |
| There were herbs set upon a table with a snake eating nearby. |
| Posted by: dfilpus 02-Jun-2004, 02:05 PM |
| The pot flickered with a greenish glow, with glints of gold and silver. |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 02-Jun-2004, 07:06 PM |
| Ashleigh noticed that she was saying something as she stirred the pot, but the winds that contiuned to howl all around them prevented him from making out what it was that she said. |
| Posted by: urian 02-Jun-2004, 07:18 PM |
| Killian sighed heavily:"Lugh be with us. You wanted an adventure, lad? You're about to get one. Let's go." |
| Posted by: Raven 03-Jun-2004, 02:12 PM |
| As they turned to move away from the hut, a loud roar split the air accompanied by a plume of smoke. When the smoke cleared they found themselves standing in the hut next to the table, suffering under the steely examination of the old hag. |
| Posted by: gtrplr 03-Jun-2004, 02:18 PM |
| "So, it seems I've captured a couple of spies," she said, still stirring the pot. |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 03-Jun-2004, 03:38 PM |
| "We're not spies, ma'am. Just happening to pass by," Ashleigh stammered. |
| Posted by: dfilpus 03-Jun-2004, 04:55 PM |
| "Not spies!" the hag screeched, "Sneaking up on a poor old lady like that." |
| Posted by: urian 03-Jun-2004, 06:44 PM |
| "Ha! Old Lady, indeed! You're a damnable creature so drop the charade and try to do what you will, hag. Know , though, that we come under the protection of Lugh the Long Arm, the many talented, the lord of the sun." It seemed Killian's proclamation caught Ashleigh more off guard than the old witch. |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 03-Jun-2004, 09:17 PM |
| As Killian talked with the witch, memories of another old woman suddenly leaped unbidden into Ashleigh's mind, an old woman whose cold, skeletal fingers had clutched his arm while handing him a worn leather bag - "Inside you will find things to help you on your path of discovery," she had said. |
| Posted by: urian 04-Jun-2004, 10:16 PM |
| Ashleigh slowly reached for the bag and felt it pulsate in his hand. |
| Posted by: dfilpus 05-Jun-2004, 08:51 AM |
| This most vivid memory made him quiver in his boots even now. |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 05-Jun-2004, 12:04 PM |
| The old hag and Killian were getting into an even more heated arguement as Ashleigh slowly opened to bag. |
| Posted by: urian 05-Jun-2004, 01:10 PM |
| In an instant Ashleigh was bathed in a cold fire and lives worth of memories came flooding forth into his mind. |
| Posted by: dfilpus 06-Jun-2004, 10:32 AM |
| "And who is this? And is he worthy?" intoned the voices in his mind. |
| Posted by: Raven 06-Jun-2004, 09:09 PM |
| The old hag extended a boney finger at Ashleigh and croaked, "Not spies aye! Then how do you explain him?" |
| Posted by: urian 07-Jun-2004, 05:11 PM |
| While Killian was stuttering and stammering(probably for the first time in his life), Ashleigh was having an internal dialog of his own. One that seemed to go on for days. |
| Posted by: Raven 07-Jun-2004, 06:22 PM |
| "He doesn't look like much!, just a snit of a boy." Ashleigh tried to reply,"Who or what are you and why are you prodding me so?" It seemed as if his mouth was frozen shut tight and yet the voices replied. |
| Posted by: urian 07-Jun-2004, 09:16 PM |
| "Ha! The whelp is too young and inexperienced. He's still trying to use his physical voice." I low toned voice chimed in. |
| Posted by: dfilpus 08-Jun-2004, 06:36 AM |
| "But he has such promise" an angelic voice chimed in. |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 08-Jun-2004, 12:16 PM |
| "Well, boy, are you going to answer or stand there as if you have no brains?" The old hag screeched at him. |
| Posted by: Raven 08-Jun-2004, 05:40 PM |
| Jarred by the old hag's screech, Killian noticed for the first time that something was wrong with the boy. His eyes had a vacant stare but his jaws were working as if he was trying to speak but couldn't. |
| Posted by: urian 09-Jun-2004, 08:24 PM |
| "Lad? LAD?!?! By Lugh's Spear what have ye done to the boy you old hag? Your quarrel was with me and me alone!!!" Killians gruff voice seemed to resonate with power and anger. The witch cowered and said, in a quivering voice:"'Tis not my doing, herder. Look, in the boy's hand, he holds a charmed bag. There is powerful magic at work here. More so than both of our talents combined I would venture to say." |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 10-Jun-2004, 09:20 AM |
| Killian tried to stride over and grab the bag from Ashleigh's hand, but the old hag grabbed his arm and stopped him before he could make that first step. |
| Posted by: Raven 10-Jun-2004, 10:13 AM |
| Ashleighs seemed to regain his voice and the words that he was mouthing began to grow in volume, yet the voice that came from his mouth was not that of a lad but a great resonate baratone. |
| Posted by: dfilpus 10-Jun-2004, 10:25 AM |
| "By the Power of the Elders, I command thee" he said in an archaic dialect, old as the hills themselves. |
| Posted by: gtrplr 10-Jun-2004, 10:41 AM |
| "Speak yer command then," said Killian warily, still not sure that this was not all the old hag's doing. |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 11-Jun-2004, 01:11 PM |
| "You will only do damage to that lad of yers if you took that bag from him before it was finished with him." The old hag explained to the confused Killian. |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 12-Jun-2004, 09:18 PM |
| "We must let it be for the moment," one of the voices, more kindly than the rest, said in Ashleigh's head, "as the child is in mortal danger just now..." and with that the bag released Ashleigh from its hold, "But not without some help" the kindly voice whispered. |
| Posted by: Raven 13-Jun-2004, 07:13 AM |
| Ashleigh's eyes suddenly seemed to clear and a befuddled look replaced the blank screen of moments before, "what ....did you hear....who....?" he sputtered. |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 13-Jun-2004, 07:28 AM |
| "Where did ye get that bag boy?" the old hag screeched at Ashleigh while swiftly closing the gap that had just been between the two people. |
| Posted by: urian 13-Jun-2004, 05:33 PM |
| Killian's staff met the hag's midsection half way to her destination and knocked her to the ground. When she looked up Killian's staff appeared to be more of a spear that he held at the ready while standing between the hag and the boy. "Are ye alrigth, lad? What happened?" Killian asked with concern. |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 13-Jun-2004, 07:14 PM |
| "Voices.....voices I've never heard before..." Ashleigh looked at Killian, "do you know who they were?" |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 14-Jun-2004, 06:51 AM |
| Killian shook his head, "I can't tell ye anything till ye tell us all ye heard." |
| Posted by: Ceciliastar1 14-Jun-2004, 01:03 PM |
| Are you sure you didn't hear it? It sounded so clear...but so strange..." replied the boy. |
| Posted by: urian 14-Jun-2004, 01:09 PM |
| Killian reaches up to touch Ashleigh's forehead and says in a very fatherly tone:"Now, Ashleigh, you have to trust me and what I'm about to do. Just relax, ok? This won't hurt. What I'm going to do is look inside your mind to see what happened." As as afterthought Killian turned to the hag and uttered an arcane phrase:"Dathoolma nay prexium". With that the hag was mute and immobile so as to be no danger to Killian or Ashleigh. |
| Posted by: Aragorn 14-Jun-2004, 01:14 PM |
| Slowly he began to tell Killian what the voices said, he tried to recount every word but somethings were hazy. |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 14-Jun-2004, 01:17 PM |
| Killian took his hand from Ashleigh's forehead, released the old hag from immobility, and stood for a few minutes drawn into himself, contemplating what he had just heard. |
| Posted by: Angel Whitefang (Rider) 14-Jun-2004, 01:55 PM |
| NOTICE: Hey all, I have deleted the previous rule #2 it just seemed wrong so go ahead and post away. |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 14-Jun-2004, 02:55 PM |
| Lost in his contemplation, Killian was unaware that the hag was stirring; her mouth was moving as she quietly whispered an incantation when suddenly arcane words leaped unbidden into Ashleigh's mouth: Icnatz soforuh show... as the words droned on, the witch gasped, clutched her chest tightly and fell, dead before her head hit the floor. |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 14-Jun-2004, 03:28 PM |
| Killian came out of his revenue as he heard the old hag hit the floor and looked concerningly (is that a word?) at Ashleigh. |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 14-Jun-2004, 03:31 PM |
| Momentarily dazed by this turn of events, Ashleigh shook his head forcefully and said, "What happened?" just as a familiar, kindly voice whipered in his head, "See? I told you we'd help!" |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 14-Jun-2004, 03:46 PM |
| "WHAT DO YE MEAN YE'D HELP! SHE'S DEAD!" Ashleigh screamed at the voice in his head. |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 14-Jun-2004, 03:49 PM |
| "Yes," it whispered, "which is exactly what she was just about to do to you and Killian; we just reversed her own spell back at her!" |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 14-Jun-2004, 03:55 PM |
| "Ye still shouldn't have KILLED HER! Couldn't you have lessened the power of the spell?" Ashleigh asked the voice. |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 14-Jun-2004, 04:08 PM |
| "We were only acting in your defense,"the voice said, now very demure, "we had no way of knowing what she was casting and had to act quickly." |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 14-Jun-2004, 04:53 PM |
| A strong hand grasped Ashleigh on his shoulder and he could feel himself being shook, but his concentration didn't waver from the his yelling at the voices. |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 14-Jun-2004, 05:21 PM |
| Killian was really starting to worry about Ashleigh; first he had sunk inside of himself, then he'd come out long enough to chant an incatation that killed the hag, and then he started screaming at people that weren't there about killing the hag when he had done it himself! |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 14-Jun-2004, 05:25 PM |
| Ashleigh looked uncertainly at Killian, " They reversed the old hag's spell, and..and..." Ashleigh's voice wound off as he couldn't fully grasp what had happened. |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 14-Jun-2004, 07:11 PM |
| Killian looked at the body of the hag; "So that's what she intended for us? Good thing they stopped her... whoever they are!" |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 14-Jun-2004, 07:42 PM |
| "But she's DEAD! Yes, it is a good thing they stopped her, but to kill her! That was over doing it! Even though they claim they didn't know what she had thrown at them..." |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 14-Jun-2004, 07:58 PM |
| Killian, who was starting to get just a bit angry now, said "Ashleigh, wake up boy, you are not back on the farm now, you are in the real world dealing with real evil about which you have no comprehension and which could take your life without a second thought and without a care!" |
| Posted by: urian 14-Jun-2004, 08:05 PM |
| Ashleigh looked through Killian, muttered something in a dead tongue, and passed out in the shepherds arms. Killian buried the witches body and tended to the boy. |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 15-Jun-2004, 07:35 AM |
| Killian settled Ashleigh down onto a blanket after buring the old hag, he went over to the old hag's fireplace and started a fire since the night was crawling in. |
| Posted by: urian 15-Jun-2004, 03:21 PM |
| He glanced down at the sleeping boy and thought to himself:" Killian, ye old,daft bastard, what have ye gotten yourself into this time? If it hadn't been for the promise ye made, ye'd have been home by now. But, a promise is a promise and ye have to see this boy to safety." He tended to the fire and Ashleigh throughout the night and most of the next day. |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 15-Jun-2004, 08:11 PM |
| Ashleigh's sleep was restless, filled with visions of hags and headless sheep and Grinnochs... and then there were the voices. Always just out of the range of understanding... so close and yet so far... |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 15-Jun-2004, 08:32 PM |
| "Better carry the lad to my house, there I have my herbs and medicines." Killian said to himself hoisting Ashleigh into his arms. |
| Posted by: urian 16-Jun-2004, 05:42 PM |
| They reached Killian's abode by sundown od the second day. Ashleigh was still alseep, or comatosed. He would , occasionally, mutter in arcaic tongues and make gestures with his hands that Killian recognized as some for of magic. "What is happenin' to ye, boy?" Killian wondered more than once. |
| Posted by: Gordon 17-Jun-2004, 09:48 AM |
| Killian, though tired from carrying the lad for so long, set Ashleigh down on a soft cot in the corner and began to concoct a potion of sorts that he hoped would awaken the young lad from his current state. |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 17-Jun-2004, 12:51 PM |
| As Killian started to concot the potion for him, Ashleigh was stuck in his mind, conversing with people who he still didn't remember who they were. |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 18-Jun-2004, 04:57 PM |
| Killian was shocked to hear a healing spell spoken in the dead tongue known as Sylvan, the language of the people of the lost isle of Sylvatus; even more shocking, though was that the voice emerging from Ashleigh's mouth was most definietly not his own - it was female! |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 18-Jun-2004, 05:56 PM |
| "What is going on?" Killian wondered aloud to himself. |
| Posted by: urian 20-Jun-2004, 07:43 PM |
| "no worries, Guardian" The woman's voice said,"He will be well. Just keep your end of the bargain and watch over him. In time everything will be revealed." |
| Posted by: dfilpus 22-Jun-2004, 07:09 AM |
| Another deeper voice interrupted with "No. That may not be wise." |
| Posted by: urian 24-Jun-2004, 08:04 PM |
| With that, Ashleigh began to convulse and flounder then awaken with a scream. |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 24-Jun-2004, 08:14 PM |
| Senses on edge, Killian leaped into action. Levering himself on top of the boy, he held Ashleigh down until the convulsions and screaming stopped. Moments later, as Killian released the boy from his hold, the sweat-soaked Ashleigh weakly looked around the room. "Where are we?" he asked softly. |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 25-Jun-2004, 12:09 PM |
| "We are at my house lad." Killian answered as he sponged the sweat off of the pale Ashleigh. |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 25-Jun-2004, 07:43 PM |
| Ahleigh lay back in confusion. The last thing he could remember was arguing with Killian over the death of the hag. "How in the world did we get here?" he managed to mumble. |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 28-Jun-2004, 11:05 AM |
| "Ye blacked out, I didn't know what happened to ye, but I knew I had a better chance at helping you here rather than there." Killian said to a now even more frightened Ashleigh. |
| Posted by: Aragorn 28-Jun-2004, 12:02 PM |
| The warmth of the fire in the hearth began to sink into Ashleigh and he started to calm down. Killian seeing this becan to swiftly prepare dinner for the two. |
| Posted by: Mayte2 28-Jun-2004, 02:52 PM |
| As Killian stirred the soup in the big black pot above the fire, Ashleigh sensed something wasn`t quite right. |
| Posted by: dfilpus 30-Jun-2004, 06:49 PM |
| He felt the throes of conflict within himself, contrasted by Killian's inner peace. |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 30-Jun-2004, 07:15 PM |
| Killian was lost in his own thoughts; hearing words spoken in Sylvan, the language of his own long-lost people, had been strangely comforting. |
| Posted by: erickbloodax 30-Jun-2004, 09:10 PM |
| The raven lands on the shoulder of an old one eyed man dressed in rags, after a moment a slow smile spreads over his face as he says; "it seems to have begun Mugin." |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 03-Jul-2004, 11:49 AM |
| When the soup was finished, Killian ladeled out two bowls which they ate in utter silence, each man lost in his own private thoughts. |
| Posted by: Mayte2 03-Jul-2004, 04:04 PM |
| In a cottage the other side of the woodland, a wizened old hag laughed as she looked at Killian and Ashleigh through her cloudy crystal ball. |
| Posted by: dfilpus 03-Jul-2004, 06:01 PM |
| She could not know that the one eyed man was watching her, when the raven took flight. |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 05-Jul-2004, 12:11 PM |
| The one eyed man moved slowly through the underbrush towards the old hag with the crystal ball, hoping to catch her unaware. |
| Posted by: Mayte2 09-Jul-2004, 04:25 PM |
| As the one eyed man crept up behind the wizened old hag .. she turned to face him and screamed ... "How can it be you .. you`re only in my mind?" Mayte |
| Posted by: dfilpus 09-Jul-2004, 06:15 PM |
| "The mind is a curious thing. Sometimes thought trancends reality." THe old man was wiser than he looked. |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 10-Jul-2004, 11:09 AM |
| "Impossible," said the old hag slowly crept backwards shaking. |
| Posted by: dfilpus 18-Jul-2004, 01:49 PM |
| The crystal ball pulsed with wierd green and purple flashes, as if the magic within it were growing. |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 19-Jul-2004, 12:03 PM |
| "Nothing is impossible in the mind," the one-eyed man said as he reached out his hand for the pulsing crystal ball. |
| Posted by: dfilpus 25-Jul-2004, 08:19 AM |
| The orb pulsed faster and rose of its own accord moving toward the old man's hand. |
| Posted by: Mayte2 26-Jul-2004, 12:25 PM |
| The orb suddenly stopped. spun wildly and then shattered .. sending splinters of glass into the old mans arms and face. |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 26-Jul-2004, 03:38 PM |
| "What did you do!?!" the one-eyed man screamed lunging for old hag's throat/shoulder region. |
| Posted by: SCShamrock 26-Jul-2004, 11:59 PM |
| The old hag's eyes began to glow. The darkness of them was quickly replaced by a quickening light, a light that held no warmth or love, but a sinister evil that intensified as she began to rise into the air. |
| Posted by: Mayte2 27-Jul-2004, 11:58 AM |
| As the light in the old hag's eyes intensified, Ashleigh's head began to throb and pulse in pain. |
| Posted by: SCShamrock 28-Jul-2004, 04:21 AM |
| "Ashleigh!" screamed the old hag, "do not resist me. You can't fight your destiny. The best that you can hope for is a quick and painless death" Ashleigh heard the voice, but the old hags lips remained still, pursed tight against her rotting teeth. |
| Posted by: Mayte2 30-Jul-2004, 02:07 PM |
| The pain seared through Ashleighs head, pounding against his skull while the one eyed mans grip tightened around the old hags neck. |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 30-Jul-2004, 02:49 PM |
| "Killian! Ahhhh!!" Ashleigh cried out in pain, grabbing for Killian's forearm and looking at him as if he should know what was going on. |
| Posted by: Angel Whitefang (Rider) 14-Aug-2004, 02:41 PM |
| Killian looked at Ashleigh with fear in his eyes. |
| Posted by: Mayte2 17-Aug-2004, 12:31 PM |
| Killian relaesed his grip from the old hag and then he slumped to the ground. |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 23-Aug-2004, 10:24 AM |
| The old hag cackled as her hands went up to her throat and as she turned her attention back to the suffering Ashleigh. |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 06-Sep-2004, 11:11 AM |
| Pictures swirled around in a crazy unified pattern through Ashleigh's brain as the pain increased. |
| Posted by: ANNHAM 06-Sep-2004, 02:54 PM |
As he finished eating, the meanderings in his Sylvan past subsided and Killian realized that the boy had again slipped into semiconciousness and was sweating profusely.  |
| Posted by: ANNHAM 08-Sep-2004, 04:39 PM |
As Ashleigh grabbed Killian's arm and screamed, Killian realized that bringing him out of this was going to take more than soup, so he rushed to his herb cellar and sprung into action.  |
| Posted by: urian 08-Sep-2004, 07:06 PM |
| Killian screamed:" By Lugh's Spear!" and he jumped up, grabbing a leather bag and some herbs from the tabel near by. |
| Posted by: ANNHAM 09-Sep-2004, 03:58 PM |
| He ran out into the darkness and fumbled with the lock on the cellar where many years ago, he had hidden special ingredients and an ancient book of potions. |
| Posted by: ANNHAM 10-Sep-2004, 07:22 PM |
| When he entered the cellar, he lit several dusty, well used candles and began searching for the correct potion. |
| Posted by: ANNHAM 11-Sep-2004, 07:09 PM |
| He started a small fire and began heating a caldron in which he put some tallow and a pinch of magic herbs passed down to him from an ancient ancestor, Airmed of De Dannan. |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 12-Sep-2004, 11:08 AM |
| Ashleigh fought his way back to conciousness and slowly tried to crawl to the open door towards the cellar. |
| Posted by: ANNHAM 12-Sep-2004, 05:40 PM |
| His head was still pounding and his memory was foggy so he wasn't sure where he was, but he did remember meeting the shepherd Killian on the road and setting up camp with him just outside that old hut. |
| Posted by: ANNHAM 22-Sep-2004, 08:36 PM |
| As Ashleigh reached the door, Killian appeared with a small black keg of ointment in his hand. |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 02-Oct-2004, 06:10 PM |
| "Here, use this!" Killian says,stuffing the black keg of ointment into Ashleigh's hand. |
| Posted by: Annham 02-Oct-2004, 07:39 PM |
| Rub this potion all over your body Ashleigh, and it will ward off the Evil who wishes to keep your mother's shroud for itself. |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 11-Oct-2004, 01:40 PM |
| Ashleigh's hand slowly started doing as it was told, but Killian was getting impatient and started helping spread it faster. |
| Posted by: Annham 14-Oct-2004, 06:27 PM |
| Once Ashleigh was covered with the sauve, he relaxed and laid back on his cot. |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 16-Oct-2004, 10:18 AM |
| "What's in that stuff Killian? It's wonderful!" Ashleigh exclaimed, raising up the bottle to look for a label. |
| Posted by: Annham 16-Oct-2004, 01:48 PM |
| That Ashleigh, is a very powerful potion which contains magic herbs passed down to me from ancient times - it will ward off evil as long as your spirit is pure. |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 17-Oct-2004, 11:30 AM |
| "Oh!" Ashleigh exclaimed looking closely again at the bottle, "well, thank you and um the ancients" he said ackwardly. |
| Posted by: Annham 19-Oct-2004, 06:56 PM |
| You are most welcome Ashleigh. I hope that will take care of the evil spirits who were trying to posess you. |
| Posted by: Mayte2 23-Oct-2004, 06:45 AM |
| How much will I need to take? asked Ashleigh |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 23-Oct-2004, 09:17 AM |
| Just keep putting it on you until half of what is in there is gone, but make sure you don't use more than half, it could be dangerous if you did. |
| Posted by: Mayte2 23-Oct-2004, 09:20 AM |
| Dangerous? What do you mean dangerous? Could I die? queried Ashleigh |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 23-Oct-2004, 09:30 AM |
| The salve contains many things not upon this world any longer, if you absorbed to much, it could make worse what you are trying to get rid of. |
| Posted by: Annham 23-Oct-2004, 12:39 PM |
| Killian took his small leather pouch and placed the small bottle inside tying it around Ashleigh's neck and said, "Keep this safe for you will need it on your journey". |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 23-Oct-2004, 12:53 PM |
| "What journey Killian?" Ashleigh asked,"aren't you going to come?" |
| Posted by: Annham 23-Oct-2004, 01:20 PM |
| Killian realized that Ashleigh's memory must have been erased when the evil spirit was trying to posess him, and he said, "When we met along the road, you explained that you were searching for your mother's shroud so that she may rest in peace." |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 23-Oct-2004, 01:27 PM |
| Ashleigh's face fell into despair with rememberance at his forgotten sorrow, now awash with guilt. |
| Posted by: Annham 23-Oct-2004, 01:57 PM |
| Killian gave Ashleigh a reassuring pat on the shoulder and said, "I've not been on a real adventure for a long time Ashleigh, I would be honored to accompany you on your journey." |
| Posted by: Mayte2 23-Oct-2004, 02:28 PM |
| So, with only his wise old friend and the potion around his neck, Ashleigh set off for the most important journey of his short life - but what awaits the young man? |
| Posted by: Annham 24-Oct-2004, 07:12 AM |
| They set off at dawn down an overgrown path towards the mountains and a beautiful magenta sunrise. |
| Posted by: Annham 01-Nov-2004, 12:11 PM |
| Killian appeared to be deep in thought as they walked along the forgotten path. |
| Posted by: Haldur 27-Nov-2004, 04:37 PM |
| "The sunrise...it's magnificent, isn't it?" Ashleigh asked. |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 30-Nov-2004, 02:35 PM |
| "What?" Killian stopped suddenly, thrown off track by the unexpected question, making Ashleigh run into him from behind. |
| Posted by: Annham 03-Dec-2004, 08:43 PM |
| "The sunrise Killian", said Ashleigh who was quite startled by his friend's reaction. |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 04-Dec-2004, 05:39 PM |
| "Oh, yes....yes it is.." Killian's voice trailed off again, entering his thoughts once more. |
| Posted by: Annham 10-Dec-2004, 12:27 AM |
| The two trudged along quietly for a while before Killian spoke again, "The red sunrise is sometimes considered a bad omen Ashleigh." |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 19-Dec-2004, 12:02 PM |
| Ashleigh stopped, glancing at Killian nervously, " You said it is sometimes a bad omen, but what if it wasn't one of those times Killian? It could easily mean something else, right?" |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 19-Dec-2004, 03:07 PM |
| "Yes, Ashleigh, it could," he whispered, his eyes stealing cautious glances at the sky, "it could." |
| Posted by: Haldur 21-Dec-2004, 06:14 PM |
| The wind howled violently upon Killian's words. |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 02-Jan-2005, 05:48 PM |
| Ashleigh shivered and wrapped his arms around his body, "Stupid wind" he muttered under his breath. |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 02-Jan-2005, 06:23 PM |
| "Ashleigh!" Killian yelled, "We need to go quickly! Follow me as closely as you can!" |
| Posted by: greenldydragon 04-Jan-2005, 03:31 PM |
| The two slowly started trudging up a hill that lay in their path, while the wind beat fiercely against their advance. |
| Posted by: Haldur 05-Jan-2005, 09:16 PM |
| They heard a low rumbling noise coming from behind; it sounded as if one thousand horses were running after them. |
| Posted by: Haldur 06-Jan-2005, 05:11 PM |
| They rounded an enbankment, turned around on their heels and saw exactly what they thought they'd heard; they both gasped in horror. |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 06-Jan-2005, 08:13 PM |
| The horses seemed to run as though driven by the wind itself; and as Killian and Ashleigh watched they also became aware of a smell, the charnal odor of the grave, which seemed to emanate from the horses' riders. |
| Posted by: Haldur 10-Jan-2005, 09:18 PM |
| The horses and riders were transparent, the color of pale blue, and rode with a vengeful fury unlike any warrior living or dead. |
| Posted by: jpmoore 11-Jan-2005, 11:54 AM |
| The horses swept around them like breakers along the shore. |
| Posted by: urian 27-Apr-2005, 06:43 PM |
| For the first time since the two had met, Ashleigh saw fear in Killian's eyes. |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 28-Apr-2005, 12:22 PM |
| In no time they were completely surrounded; the smell of death was nearly overwhelming. |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 21-May-2005, 11:27 AM |
| The surging tide of riders swept past them like the wind, and in moments was gone as though it had never happened. |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 22-May-2005, 08:40 PM |
| "This is not good..." said Killian, thinking out loud, "someone has summoned The Host... no, this is not good at all..." |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 24-May-2005, 06:01 PM |
| Ashleigh got chills listening to Killian speak; "Um, Killian," he said, "what is The Host?" |
| Posted by: dfilpus 24-May-2005, 07:31 PM |
| "Careful, child. One does not speak lightly of the Host." |
| Posted by: Laoghire 31-May-2005, 07:52 AM |
| ...I am now wiser then before..." |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 31-May-2005, 07:47 PM |
| "Yes, my young friend, I know you are," said Killian, "but there are some subjects even the wise speak of with caution." |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 04-Jun-2005, 08:25 PM |
| The two began walking again as they talked, and Ashleigh noticed that the older man seemed much more cautious than before, frequently looking behind them, then straining to get a good look farther ahead. |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 10-Jun-2005, 09:01 PM |
| "So, umm, exactly what is the... ummm you know....,"said Ashleigh, much more cautious than before. |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 11-Jun-2005, 06:47 PM |
| "Once long ago, they were the fiercest figthing force in all of the land, known far and wide for their honor and courage on the battlefield. |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 03-Aug-2005, 06:50 PM |
| Until, that is, they were betrayed by their own leader, who led them into an inescapable trap. |
| Posted by: stoirmeil 04-Aug-2005, 03:54 PM |
| Wiz -- I read through this whole thing and I can't quite believe what a coherent and really captivating story you all made together this way. I feel a little sad that you have been keeping the flame all by yourself for a while. I also feel like I would like to add to it, but it's so well developed and all, with all your personal stamps on it, that I hesitate. You can delete this post if you want. |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 04-Aug-2005, 07:25 PM |
| I would very much like some company in keeping the story going! Please feel free to jump in! The new perspectives help to keep it fresh and suprising! |
| Posted by: stoirmeil 04-Aug-2005, 08:13 PM |
All right then.  The fury those bold men raised when they knew they'd been sold, and the curse they flung to the sky -- lad, the darkness under the hills heard them and answered. Even their steeds of war were swept into the oath, and now neither horse nor man knows rest. |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 04-Aug-2005, 08:19 PM |
| It is said that, even now, to look into the eyes of a member of the Host will spell incurable insanity for the unwary. |
| Posted by: stoirmeil 04-Aug-2005, 08:28 PM |
| "It is fortunate that we did not do so. But Killian --" the young man whispered, "who has the power to summon them now?" |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 04-Aug-2005, 08:38 PM |
| "I wish I knew," he said, deeply in thought. "We must tread cautiously, my friend. Your quest seems to have be leading us deeper and deeper into the eye of a storm, and I fear we have not yet seen the worst." |
| Posted by: stoirmeil 04-Aug-2005, 08:57 PM |
| Killian glanced at his companion, and his brow furrowed. Ashleigh had not yet shed the otherworldly shadow around his eyes since the hag's spellcasting, and the tale of the Host had visibly shaken him. |
| Posted by: Eventide 05-Aug-2005, 04:47 PM |
| The feeble sun that warmed their backs was setting, lengthening their shadows on the wide dusty path; Ashleigh shivered slightly. |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 05-Aug-2005, 08:45 PM |
| (Sorry, this post will be a little longer than usual. I seem to have lost sight of the original story, so I did a quick re-read and wanted to try to get us back on course...) The two men set up camp and fixed a nice supper for themselves. Killian decided he needed to try to soothe the boy's nerves somewhat after all that he had been through over the last few days, so he taught Ashleigh some of the old songs of his people, the Sylvan. Ashleigh caught on quickly and played accompaniment on his flute. The music seemed to visibly relax the boy and he even laughed at a rather naughty song Killian threw in for fun. Afterwards, the two lay down to sleep, and for the first time in days, Ashleigh slept well. His sleep was filled with dreams, visions of his mother and messengers, hags and grinnochs, headless sheep and Schultz barking at his heels. By the time the sun had risen the next morning the two were up and on their way again. Ashleigh was delighted when he heard a barking sound from up ahead and was knocked off hi feet by Schultz who begin licking his face eagerly. "You silly dog! I'd wondered were you got off to..." |
| Posted by: stoirmeil 05-Aug-2005, 09:09 PM |
| Suddenly the dog let go a deep, suspicious "woof!" and began sniffing his master all over. Ashleigh laughed and pushed him off: "He must be smelling that salve you put on me before. Is it still working?" |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 06-Aug-2005, 02:34 PM |
| After playing with the dog for a few minutes, Ashleigh got up and looked seriously at Killian. "I had a dream last night and it reminded me that I am supposed to be learning the old ways. Can you teach me some as we travel?" |
| Posted by: Eventide 06-Aug-2005, 04:04 PM |
| Killian had a few reservations about the lad and with good reason, he had not really proven his mettle, and their situation would only become more perilous. Still he could not fault Ashleigh, he had a good soul. "Aye, the time has come for a lesson boy. But first we go see a friend!" |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 06-Aug-2005, 05:34 PM |
| Ashleigh was eager to be on the road again. The time he had spent in Killian's company, though frought with danger, had been some of the best of his young life. Having never known his father, it was nie fo have an older man in his life that he could look up to. Soon, though, they would have to start looking for the shroud. And he could not have asked for a better travelling companion. |
| Posted by: Eventide 07-Aug-2005, 10:00 AM |
| They set a fast pace along the winding dusty path. The air was sweet and the countryside graced them with an open landscape dotted with wild flowers of many hues and accompanied by the sound of a brook nearby. Schultz who had been running about chasing anything that moved was the first to find it and did not waste time in announcing its presence the only way he could. He howled. |
| Posted by: stoirmeil 11-Aug-2005, 04:31 PM |
| "Killian," said Ashleigh, smiling at the dog's exuberance, then becoming sober. "Teach me. I know it's not chance that brought me to you." The older man regarded him for a long moment. "So," he said at length. "As you wish." |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 11-Aug-2005, 08:49 PM |
| After a quick lunch, Killian took a couple of hours to start showing Ashleigh some of the various types of herbs that grew near the brook, and to teach him their uses. Ashleigh, who had an excellent memory began memorizing all of the information, and vowed to buy a blank book in which to record it. |
| Posted by: stoirmeil 11-Aug-2005, 09:03 PM |
| Though he did not remember ever paying any mind to herbs and grasses before, he discovered that there was something in the shape of their leaves and the smell of them lingering on his hands that seemed familiar. |
| Posted by: Eventide 15-Aug-2005, 09:54 PM |
| Killian noted the slight gleam of recognition in Asleigh's face and his heart quickened, he thought, "Maybe the lad has a chance afterall." He quickened the pace a little. "Kalen will know what to do." |
| Posted by: Eventide 16-Aug-2005, 01:04 PM |
| They followed the winding dusty path as mile after mile dissolved under their seemingly tireless feet. They fell into a comfortable silence. |
| Posted by: WizardofOwls 17-Aug-2005, 12:39 PM |
| Killian was greatly anticipating seeing his sister Kalen again. It had been a long time since he had last seen her. Perhaps, he thought, since she is a seer, she might be able to help them locate Ashleigh's mother's shroud. |
| Posted by: Eventide 17-Aug-2005, 01:29 PM |
| Schultz who has disappeared for some time, joined the fold. Ashleigh noted that the trail ahead curved around a large hillock and was becoming narrow and less travelled, tufts of wild grass covered it. |
| Posted by: Eventide 19-Aug-2005, 02:23 PM |
| Now they were forced to walk in single file and after just a few paces, with a low growl Schultz stood in a defensive stance with lowered head and hackles raised. |
| Posted by: Eventide 20-Aug-2005, 05:44 PM |
| A mist seemed to rise from the ground and slowly encircle them until they were surrounded. |
| Posted by: Eiric 08-Sep-2005, 02:41 AM |
| From the grey mist an overearthly voice said; "So the ancient ones have gathered again" then showing a body dressed in a black mantle made of stormy weather and an old, forgotten spell. |
| Posted by: Eventide 08-Sep-2005, 04:00 PM |
| A faint piercing noise like a high pitched whistle occurred in their midst and without warning a bright light filled the glen. |