The Setting
This is a traditional fantasy world (picture something along the lines of Lord of the Rings). To the east there is a massive mountain range in the distance, the Maglor Mountains and the city of Homlyn. To the west a great river, known at the Muethuadic River. To the north, hills. To the south the land starts to level out and slope slightly downward.
The Current
Everyone is in Luthia. Jack has attacked the city. Dayen has a half-cocked plan to get Finn back. They will probably be forced to leave Luthia soon...
Previous 1: http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/3271819
Previous 2: http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/3288467
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Oct 24, 2009 - 20 43
If it wasn't one thing it was another. He would do this, bring Finn back, and leave Teagan to her happiness. As much as it hurt him to do it.
((Buggy I assume that your characters are with mine?))
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Oct 24, 2009 - 21 51
((Yeah, I'll jump in again when it's convenient.))
----------"Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one-- the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts." --The Screwtape Letters
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Oct 24, 2009 - 22 21
Teagan gave Dayen a squeeze. She wanted to tell him she loved him too, but that would just make it worse for Dayen. "No, Jack isn't omniscient., or omnipotent for that matter. Luckily for us." She let Dayen lead her along.
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Oct 25, 2009 - 09 13
((Should we do this meeting before the others reach the Hall of Light? I'm around for a bit in a couple hours. If you need me just IM me. I'll have my phone along.))
"Good," Dayen said as they walked down the hall. "That should make things much easier for me."
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Oct 25, 2009 - 10 43
"You need to do something about this, Lord Gwindor," a councilman insisted. "Remember what was nearly brought on us before because of your stubborn refusal to do what is best for your people?"
Gwindor was staring out the window of the Hall of Light, his stance tall and proud, but stiff. He wanted to help his grandson. He wanted to make things right. It had been far too long since the two of them got along. The council was right. He needed ot think about the safety of the elves. It was his duty and he had done it well for a very long time. He thought about Ellesar and Amroth. What would they do if their people faced such danger? Hide. That's what they would do. This is the price the Riverfolk pay for touching upon the rest of the world.
"Lord Gwindor..." another councilman stepped toward him.
Gwindor turned his head back to look at the elf. "Yes. I know." He looked out the window again. He could feel the strength of this presence. Only gods were this powerful. "I will speak with this threat. I know what must be done." But can I do it? "Leave me. I will deal with this."
The council all watched him for a moment before filtering out of the hall. Gwindor closed his eyes and reached out with his mind. I can feel you out there, he thought, sending his words out to the godlike presence he felt. I wish to have a word with you, for the safety of my people. You are welcome into the Hall of Light. No one will interfere. Perhaps we can reach an accord. He let go and walked over to his throne, sitting on the tall-backed, intricately engraved and shaped wood seat. As he did the hall seemed to light up more. He waited. This presence could now enter Luthia, but only the Hall of Light. The other protective wards would keep his people safe... for now.
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Oct 25, 2009 - 11 52
The room filled with light which coalesced into the shape of a a very tall man. He wore an impressive headdress made of stag antlers and oak leaves. Ivy twined all around. He wore soft deer suede breeches and a tunic with the lacings opened down the front to expose a fine muscled chest. His skin was bronzed from the sun. His hair was red-gold and his eyes were the color of green spring buds. He looked young, but a man at the peak of his fullness.
"Hail King Gwindor. I hight Roinn na Dare ((King of the oaks is how I hope this gets translated)), of Tara in Tir na Nog. I have come to claim my queen." Jack's voice filled the room.
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Oct 25, 2009 - 12 00
((Where should Emkai and Ovric be?))
----------"Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one-- the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts." --The Screwtape Letters
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Oct 25, 2009 - 12 09
Gwindor watched Jack appear out of the air. He was not impressed by the feat as he had seen it before. He motioned toward a chair that rose up out of the floor with the encouragement of the Essence. He kept his back straight as he looked down the dais at Jack.
"First we will speak," he said, showing no signs of fear. "My people are ammendable. We flow and change as does the Great River. I will be frank with you. I am less than pleased that you have attacked without seeking any sort of agreement first. And so now I am wondering what sort of being would do such a thing. Especially one who appears to be elven in some manner. Though your presence leads me to believe you have no evil intentions your actions sway me otherwise."
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Oct 25, 2009 - 12 44
"I beg your pardon, King Gwindor. I let my anger and frustration prevail." Jack said acknowledging the man as a peer. "I am rather impatient. My queen has eluded me for some time now. Midsummer approaches, the grain is ripe. It is time for her to take her place at my side. I had thought to have her ere now. 'Twas she who woke me, called to me. I only wish to claim she was is promised to me."
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Oct 25, 2009 - 12 59
"Well..." Tornica said carefully. "From what you said earlier it sounded as though your main problem with him was that he wasn't around when you grew up. That he didn't even bother to check and see if what he did with your mother had consequences. For all that he might have had a crappy life for reasons beyond his control, that still stands." He shrugged. "There might be any number of explainations for why he didn't, which you'd have to ask him about because I really don't know. I don't think you're going to be truly at peace with this until you've had that conversation with him. Are you sure you don't want me to go try and find him?"
----------Compassion hinders my creativity.
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Oct 25, 2009 - 13 05
"Which leads to to my next question," Gwindor said patiently. He was in no rush. For the moment his people were safe. "Why has she eluded you? Why would you force yourself upon her if she has no interest? I mean no disrespect, I am merely trying to gage this situation. Aside from that, telling me who this alleged queen of yours is would help me understand this situation much better." Gwindor's hands rested calmly on the arms of his throne. The ring that marked him as king, a large thing with a leaf much like his pendant at the top, glowed a little in the light.
---
Kieta glanced sidelong at Emkai. he looked less than happy. She opened her mouth to say something, then closed it again. Finally she stopped, grabbing his arm and turning him to face her. "Emkai I don't want you to be angry about what Dayen said. And I especially don't want you angry with me. But if he doesn't trust you how do we know you could bring him back?"
Silmarwen was a few steps ahead. She stopped and looked at the two of them. This was not the time for arguments. They needed to find out about hte portal. If she could just get Teagan out of her world then everything would be fine again. She could get on with things and help Regan and Aethan.
Regan was walking toward them, his face set with purpose. He was intent on finding Dayen and getting this whole thing with Phoenix sorted out.
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Oct 25, 2009 - 13 27
Emkai frowned. "Why would I get angry at you about this? It's Dayen who doesn't trust me. And how would that keep me from being able to bring him back?"
----------"Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one-- the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts." --The Screwtape Letters
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Oct 25, 2009 - 13 32
Phoenix smiled a little at Tournica. "You're sweet, you know that?" She sat up and swung her legs off the bed. "I think that I should just do it myself. There's no need for me to drag any of you into this. But thank you... for helping me." She blushed a little as she stood, then headed toward the door.
---
"You just look upset," Kieta said softly. "Dayen doesn't trust anyone, Emkai. Don't take it personal. But if he doesn't trust you there's a chance that whatever he needs to have in place, trust or whatever, may not be there for you to bring him back. Like it or not I'm the only one he trusts."
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Oct 25, 2009 - 13 40
Tornica smiled back. "Nice but dim, that's me." He got up at the same time she did. "Are you sure? I really don't mind helping." He thought a moment as she headed to the door. "Do you want me to stay here so I can let Regan or Kalin know where you've gone if they find Dayen and bring him back?" He could just see this turning into one of those awkward comedies entertainers sometimes told in taverns, where everyone tries to find each other and end up just missing each other for various contrived reasons. If not he should probably go find Archer; drag him back to the palace before he got himself into trouble elsewhere.
----------Compassion hinders my creativity.
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Oct 25, 2009 - 13 46
Emkai averted his eyes, feeling slightly ashamed of himself. "I just don't like what he said. As though I'd actually purposefully leave him behind. I couldn't ever..." He shook his head.
----------"Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one-- the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts." --The Screwtape Letters
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Oct 25, 2009 - 14 10
"I don't think you would," Kieta said. "But... we don't know how this works Emkai. We just have to trust that he does, even if he doesn't trust us. I'm not willing ot risk his life over it. Are you?"
---
Phoenix shook her head. "No. You don't have to wait. I hear voices in the hall anyway. Maybe everyone is close by anyway." She walked out in the hall and was a little startled to see Kieta and Emkai obviously debating over something important. She had no idea what.
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Oct 25, 2009 - 14 29
Emkai shrugged. "It sounds as though what I'm willing or not willing to risk doesn't matter. Just look out for yourself, please."
----------"Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one-- the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts." --The Screwtape Letters
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Oct 25, 2009 - 14 37
"Taking this a bit hard aren't we fireman?" Dayen asked as he approached them with Teagan. "Sorry if I don't trust you. Hate to think you wouldn't like me or anything."
"Dayen you're not helping," Kieta said in a hard tone.
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Oct 25, 2009 - 15 00
The thunder and lightning outside had stopped and the rain had abated since Jack entered the throne room. Jack used his power to turn the chair Gwindor offered him into a likeness of his own throne. Solid oak with deep carvings of oak land holly leaves. He settled himself more comfortably.
"It is her destiny. She woke me--she is my queen. The human girl. The red head. She loved me once. I entrusted her to a half-elf. He betrayed me. Give me the girl and I will return with her to my realm and leave you in peace. My quarrel is not with you or your people." Jack crossed his legs and sat back.
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Oct 25, 2009 - 15 54
The half-elf... Had that meant Dayen? What sort of mess had he gotten himself into? But Dayen loved Teagan. If he gave in to Jack he would be doing nothing to help heal his relationship with Dayen. However he couldn't let his people be harmed. Lgive me a few hours and I will see that you have her so long as you promise to leave my people unharmed." There was a deep sadness on Gwindor's face.
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Oct 25, 2009 - 16 26
"You have until dawn to deliver Teagan McCormack to me. Finn McCool pays the price for betraying me. Anyone else who stands in my way shall pay as well. None of your people shall be harmed if I have the girl by dawn."
((If they are done talking...))
A bright light shone from Jack and blinked out. He was gone.
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Oct 25, 2009 - 16 36
Dayen strolled past Kieta and Emkai and kept walking. When they got close to the hall he could hear his grandfather talking. The other voice he didn't know, but judging by what he heard it wasn't good. He let go of Teagan and stormed ahead, throwing open the door and glaring at Gwindor. "How can you ever expect me to trust you?!" he roared.
"Dayen I have no choice in this," Gwindor said sadly. "I cannot risk my people for her. I'm sorry."
Dayen pushed out with Air, throwing Gwindor back against the wall. "How do we get the portal open?" he asked. "Tell me!"
"Ask your friend Regan," Gwindor said, not surprised by the anger. "I won't risk your life for her."
"I will!" Dayen roared, walking away and leaving Gwindor pinned against the wall. He knew his grandfather was strong enough to break out.
((That's all I can give for now. I would like everyone to have a chance to react to this.... I'll probably be gone the rest of hte night.))
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Oct 25, 2009 - 17 31
A muscle twitched in Emkai's jaw as Dayen brushed past them. "He doesn't understand," he murmured. "It wouldn't matter if I did think he was the scum of the earth, I could never harm an ally. It's very hard to deal with someone who expects me to be so... so ignoble."
They got to the main room just behind Dayen. The words Emkai heard from Dayen's grandfather were alarming.
----------"Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one-- the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts." --The Screwtape Letters
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Oct 25, 2009 - 17 59
Teagan knew Jack's voice. How had he gotten in? And what did the king just say? She was to be handed over to Jack--just like that? Without even talking to her? Granted. She had been willing to hand herself over to Jack, but this? She wanted to turn and run, but where would she go? As she made up her mind to follow Dayen into the room, he was already storming back out.
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Oct 25, 2009 - 19 24
Silmarwen grabbed Dayen's arm to stop him before he reached the doors. "Don't over react. We need him to--"
"I don't need him for anything!" Dayen hissed loudly, jerking his arm away from her grasp so hard she was lifted off her feet. She stumbled and fell on her back. Dayen turned to Gwindor, who had released himself from the bonds. "In all these years you haven't changed at all."
"Can we please discuss this calmly?" Gwindor asked as he walked cautiously toward them.
"What is this about?" Kieta asked, having missed what Gwindor said.
"He intends to _give_ Teagan to Jack to save his own ass!" Dayen said, stabbing a finger in Gwindor's direction. His anger was clear on his face.
"Who's Jack again?" Phoenix asked, debating whether this would be a bad thing.
"The god that thinks he had right to Teagan's hand in marriage," Regan answered calmly.
"So red is married?" Phoenix asked, her eyes wide. She couldn't believe that of all the women her father chose it was a married one.
"No," Dayen answered. "And Jack will _not_ get his hands on her either." He looked at Gwindor. "We are leaving before dawn."
"Dayen you are putting all of the elves at risk if you take her," Gwindor said in a hard voice, but it was clear he expected this reaction.
"Then it's a good thing you know that now so you can be ready," Dayen said flatly, his dark eyes narrowed in challenge.
"You know I cannot let you take her with you," Gwindor said slowly, carefully. Dayen caught the hint of stress Gwindor put on the word 'let'. He nodded.
"Then I think it's best if you can't stop me," Dayen said, meeting Gwindor's gaze. The two were within reach of each other.
"You won't have long," Gwindor said quietly, too quietly for anyone else to hear. "Your mother disappeared too you know. She put on her cloak and ran to the war."
Dayen smiled just a hint of a smile. Then he balled his hand into a fist and threw his best knock out punch. Gwindor crumple and Dayen caught him before he hit the floor, laying him down carefully. He looked at the others.
"Let's go."
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Oct 25, 2009 - 19 33
Emkai blinked. "What just happened?"
Ovric, however, grabbed Silmarwen's hand and immediately began walking after Dayen. He thought he understood what was going on, at least in part.
----------"Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one-- the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts." --The Screwtape Letters
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Oct 25, 2009 - 19 50
"Ovric get Worsanoth and meet us outside Luthia in less than an hour. Stay under cover in case Jack is watching," Dayen said as he took Teagan's hand and walked out. "Emkai and Kieta, watch the palace. We don't want anyone to see us leave. Silmarwen, you go get supplies for the road. Regan and Phoenix, go find whomever is missing and bring them out. Teagan is staying with me. I have a stop to make. Everyone meet outside Luthia in less than an hour. We need to be gone before he either comes to or is found."
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Oct 25, 2009 - 21 44
"If we do get away--you know Jack will take it out on the Riverfolk. He told me this place is similar enough he can move about freely now that he's here. His powers work the same here. Dayen, Jack will kill you if he can. Or anyone he thinks stands between him and me." Teagan felt a knot forming in her stomach.
"My pack--Finn's pack, is back in my room--I have to get it. Then, I guess if this is really what you want to do--we should get out of here before Jack realizes what happened."
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Oct 25, 2009 - 23 09
Tornica hadn't really felt like dealing with Archer's hissy fit at being interrupted before he was ready and so instead had gone to find Kalin. It didn't take too long and they arrived back just in time to hear part of Dayen's blow up at his grandfather.
"Wait, what?" Tornica asked, confused. "Why is Jack going to kill everybody? And why would he take it out on the elves here if you sneak off despite them trying to stop you?"
Kalin was looking faintly disgusted. "So...you're meant to be this 'Summer Queen' of Jack's? I thought that position was entirely voluntary." The look of disgust deepened. "He used to be such a decent guy, what the hell happened to turn him into a kidnapping rapist?"
----------Compassion hinders my creativity.
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Oct 26, 2009 - 05 37
"The power of the elves will have to be enough," Dayen said flatly. "I'm not risking you for a group of people who never accepted me. Consider it payback for everything they did to me." But he couldn't help feeling a little guilty about it all. "Let's get your stuff then we will swing past the old house. There are a couple of things there we will need. Teagan I would suggest wearing that armor under your clothes."
He headed back to her room, keeping an eye out aruond them.
Kieta's hand slipped out of Emkai's and she headed out to check the palace perimeter, then moved back to the doors, keeping herself out of sight.
Regan looked at Kalin and Tournica. "We need to get Archer. We're leaving. I agree with Dayen. The elves can fight him, we, however, can't. I din't see why he would take it out on the elves, but let's at least hope we are buying some time."
Phoenix nodded. "The tavern. That's where we left Archer. Come on Tournica, let's go get him."
Silmarwen moved quickly and easily out the door. She made quick work of gathering the supplies they needed, getting a lot of cooperation from the elves. She was fairly sure that was why Dayen had sent her to do it. Once finished she headed back down to meet with Ovric and Worsanoth so they could strap the bundles to the stag and get moving.
----------NaNo '07 Winner: Divica Prequel: Blood Forsaken. Buy it here.
NaNo '08 Winner: Divica 1: Hunt for the Blood
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