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Post by fruitbat on Sept 25, 2013 4:18:01 GMT
“Up to it!” snapped Raisa. “All I want to do is get off this ship and start the mission that we have reluctantly been summoned by you to undertake! Of course I am up to it!”
“Raisa, I was merely demonstrating my concern for your injury. I can see that your dress is torn and that you might require some medical attention. Unfortunately, it does not appear that you will find it here.” Raisa looked at Tegraine as if she wished he would dissolve into a thousand pieces.
“Even a fool could see that,” she replied. “Fortunately for you, my powers of healing and self-reliance are well renowned and as far as my recent injury is concerned, it is almost mended. I wish I could say the same for my gown. I will require the services of a tailor before anything else.” Tegraine stifled a chuckle that threatened to burst from his lips. He knew Raisa would not appreciate it. He was simply relieved that despite her wound, she was back to her old self.
“Then you had better make haste and catch up with your compatriots. Dulin holds the purse strings.”
Raisa gave Tegraine a final look of disdain before swirling around to move off in the opposite direction. Although she would never show it, Raisa was weaker than she seemed. Transformation required a great deal of energy and even walking was an effort. The warm air swam around her.
The hot stone path on which she now walked led onto a walkway from which there were a number of exits. To the right there was chaos. Large numbers of soldiers ran between the ship and the linking corridor carrying a variety of objects, each seemingly more complex and bizarre. Raisa could not begin to imagine what purpose these objects might serve, but she hoped that at least one of them would help the injured member of the conclave that she had encountered on the deck. Sometimes the soldiers carried other soldiers, lifting them above their heads, moving at an impressive speed considering they were carrying the weight of another being. Tegraine was right about one thing: in the mayhem of the unexpected attack on the Calamita, their comparatively unimportant expedition had indeed been forgotten. Raisa hoped that the conclave member would live, if such a concept as mortality existed here. Raisa realised that she didn’t know. Apart from the brief history lesson about the building of the Calamita she had heard on board, she didn’t know anything much at all about Khula and its inhabitants.
Raisa forced herself to turn away from the chaos. She glanced towards the exit on her left. It was dark and smelt of damp. It gave her an uneasy feeling, as if stepping that way would lead to unimagined danger. She remembered the view from the Panorama cabin. The outskirts of Khula were swampland with many buildings crumbled away. She wondered whether this corridor would lead her there. She thought about the war that the conclave had mentioned. Was this the impact of battle or something else entirely? At this stage, Raisa didn’t want to know. No doubt she would find out if their journey took them there. For now, she was intent on catching Dulin and Stacius. She had no choice but to follow them. They had to stay together. After all, Dulin had the currency. If she had any hope of survival here, she needed money, especially if she wanted to find someone to fix the tear in her gown. Did Khula even have tailors?
Despite keeping Dulin and Stacius in her sights, they moved more quickly than she could. Raisa tried to increase her pace. The heat from the suns reflected off the whitewashed walls that surrounded her and beat down on her uncovered head. Too proud to call out, she began to slow. Surely they would notice soon that she had fallen behind? Were they so intent on getting away that they had forgotten her?
That was the moment when she sensed it. Without turning, Raisa felt someone behind her, moving between the shadows. The sweat on her now reddened skin began to cool as the feeling of unease grew stronger. Unable to alter her pace, Raisa knew that the being was closing in on her. The sense of malevolence was palpable now. Weakened as she was, she dare not turn around. She was not prepared for battle. Then she remembered her gift. If this being were her enemy, then this would surely stop him. Slowly her hand moved to her bracelet.
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Post by kei on Sept 26, 2013 9:07:41 GMT
Dulin pulled some currency out of the simple pouch. The white gems shimmered slightly in the sunlight, each of them being rounded like a beach pebble, she dropped it back into the pouch. “Gemstones,” she said to no-one in-particular. “These people barter with gemstones.” Looking back at Staicus he quickened her pace so she would not lose him in the crowds that were bustling through the streets.
He was fearlessly striding forward between the tall white buildings towards the busy market stalls that crossed their path in the distance. Pulling her hood up to shield her eyes from the red light of one of the suns, Dulin fell into step with the dwarf. “Alright, Stumpy.”
Staicus stopped in his tracks and slammed his axe to the floor as he turned to face her. Undeterred Dulin carried on; “Neither of us want to be here, we both have stuff to do back home but for now I guess we’re stuck together so I guess we just need to do this as quickly as possible. We’d be quicker at this if you stay out of my way.”
“You listen to me, elf,” he replied gripping his axe. “The name is Staicus and you’d do well to remember that or stay out of my way.”
Dulin raised her eyebrows at the dwarf and continued walking forwards to the sound of his mutterings. Together they reached the first market stall and began to examine the contents. “Some kind of fruit?” She asked aloud as she picked up a purpleish ball.
“That, that’s a Forest Remo.” The Merchant was watching them curiously. He was humanoid in form but with paper white skin and blue hair which extended down to his neatly trimmed beard. “You get six to the gem.”
“So it’s a fruit.”
“It’s a bitter fruit, you can eat it as it but it tastes better hot. But I thought everybody knew that. You must be new in town.”
Ignoring his last question Dulin turned to her sullen companion but he was paying no attention. His eyes were looking back the way they came.
“What you lost, Stumpy?”
“Raisa was with us when we left, we appear to have lost her.”
"So she'll have to catch us up," Dulin responded unconcerned. She turned back to the merchant but a sharp blow in her side made her turn back to the dwarf in fury. She drew herself up to full height so she was towering over him and felt her eyes burn as they turned red with her anger but he was not intimidated. He faced her calmly his axe held firmly in his thick hands.
"Tegraine told us to stick together. If we want him to send us home we best do as he says."
Dulin wanted to argue but the truthfulness of his words hit home. She put the remo down and with a nod to the merchant she began to follow the dwarf with a frustrated sigh. "Darn that Pixie, I want to get this done some time this year."
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Post by kei on Sept 26, 2013 9:11:29 GMT
Really good piece Fruitbat. I wanted to tell you before I posted my next bit but after reading yours and James' last the words were just flowing. I continued forward as we'd managed to get ahead and with James last piece got the sense that he was unwittingly beginning to like you so decided he better be the one to make us turn around.
James, I hope I got Staicus reactions right, doesn't feel right putting words in your mouth. Let me know if you want me to alter anything.
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Post by fruitbat on Sept 26, 2013 10:49:35 GMT
Great detail about the fruit and the gemstone currency. Very imaginative! Your section really made me chuckle, Kei. I think you have written both characters' interaction really well - very believable. I look forward to the next installment from James.  |
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james
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Post by james on Sept 30, 2013 17:57:19 GMT
I was gutted when both the last sections stopped! I wanted to keep reading!
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james
Junior Member
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Post by james on Sept 30, 2013 19:09:15 GMT
I've not got us out of trouble I'm afraid but here is my next bit:
A piercing shriek erupted from up ahead. Stacius's determined steps faltered as he dropped his axe and fell to his knees. He covered his ears with his hands but it did nothing to block the pain that racked his head. He shook convulsively almost as if his body were trying to shake the pain from his body. As he shook the book that Tegraine had left for them fell to the floor. Even deafened and in pain Stacius heard a faint giggle and the tinkle of bells.
“What makes a short man shorter? Hmm... he he... this infernal noise apparently!” With a click of his fingers the harlequin clad figure that had appeared silenced the noise. Before Stacius could thank the stranger he was cut off.
“Ohh food!” The diminutive figure floated to a nearby stall. It seemed only he and Stacius were free from the torment of the noise; the other market goers ignored them as they continued to writhe on the floor in pain.
“Pah!” The creature spat out the mouthful of fruit that he had bitten from one of the globes on the stall. Despite his apparent dislike for the fruit, the creature picked up three more. Stacius watched in disbelief as the tiny fellow floated in mid-air juggling, whilst all about him everyone else suffered and squirmed as the piercing shriek continued.
“Are you Grud?” asked Stacius as his mind returned to order.
“Ha yes, the great, the wise, the.. the floaty!” he announced flinging the fruit away carelessly as each globe returned to his hands.
“And who are you? You appear to be made of metal and hair, but I fear it is a lack of style which causes that. I assume that there is more to you than that?”
“I am Stacius. I was summoned by Tegraine. He said you would help us.”
“Us? Hmm Tegraine? Dull fellow, three eyes, talks like this – books, ahem books very great important books?” asked Grud in a mock bass voice.
“Yes that's him.”
“How dull for you.”
“Listen, my head still hurts. My frien... my associates are out there in danger. Will you help?”
“Hrump. No one wants me for my wit, or my miraculous good looks and dress sense. No they are all dull and want my help with some trivial problem. Dull! Dull! Dull! Ohh shiny!”
As Grud floated away to investigate the contents of another stall the shriek returned like a physical blow, and Stacius dropped back to his knees.
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Post by kei on Oct 1, 2013 11:50:27 GMT
Cool James! I love this guy - he's perfect!
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Post by fruitbat on Oct 2, 2013 13:04:20 GMT
Raisa could not believe the effect of her simple action. After she had flung her bracelet to the ground, all the beings she could see in the near and far distance had fallen to their knees, hands over their ears, clearly in some distress. Yet she sensed nothing. She was momentarily mesmerised by the sight and not a little amazed by the effect that removing the bracelet had generated. Sensing that the presence behind her was now paralysed by the silent clamour, Raisa turned to face the cause of her fear. The creature she witnessed was not as she expected. He was no more than a child, thin and cowering, his sallow skin so loose, it vibrated with the force of the noise emitted by the bracelet. His eyes although snapped shut, were large and bulbous in the tiny bone structure of his elfin face.
No longer scared, Raisa retrieved the bracelet and snapped it back on her arm. The effect was instant. The tension that had surrounded her vanished, and although she was unable to hear the sound she had unwittingly created, she sensed the almost visceral relief of all around her who had had the misfortune to encounter the piercing blast. The cowering creature opened his eyes experimentally. Seeming to sense that the danger had past, he rose unsteadily to his feet, which Raisa now saw, were shifting in shape. From a long paw-like form, they seemed to shrink back into themselves, becoming shadowy stubs, no larger than that of a Geisha. His whole frame too became shrouded in shadow as he shrank back against the white walls of the city and scuttled away.
“That’s an Arca. They are attracted by weakness. You must be quite unwell.” Raisa turned at the sound of an unknown voice. Before her stood a curious creature. Dressed in a harlequin suit, bells at his heels and his head tilted to one side, he regarded her as if she were an oddity at a Victorian circus. Raisa was about to address the creature when he cut her off. “No matter! The noise you created has scared him away. What is that, by the way? It really is very effective.” The creature peered at her wrist with a fervent fascination. Quickly, Raisa moved her bracelet arm behind her out of his sight and regained her composure.
“That is none of your concern! Who are you and what is your business?” As she spoke, she became aware of two familiar figures appearing close behind the creature. “Ah! About time!” she barked at them. “Couldn’t you see that I was losing you? Are you not aware of the physical toll that changing into another being takes on someone?” When neither Dulin nor Stacius replied, Raisa continued. “No, of course you aren’t, because you clearly do not possess my skills. When you are able to transform into a panther, perhaps then you will have more sympathy and be a little more vigilant of those who can!”
The harlequin-costumed creature began to convulse with laughter, his ankle bells echoing his obvious amusement. Raisa failed to share his humour.
“Who is this creature?” She looked at both Dulin and Stacius, her narrowed eyes splinters of ice. “Would anyone care to enlighten me?”
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Post by kei on Oct 7, 2013 11:52:34 GMT
Great Raisa! Cool little bad guys - we'll have to watch out for them. Now it's just working us back together:
That noise! Though it had passed Dulin remained where she was, crouched on the ground with her hands on her head. Around her she could hear life returning to normal as the merchants began to go about their business all asking each other the same question; What was that infernal noise?
“There was an elf, thought she was a statue – she planted herself in the market and waited for a rescue.”
Dulin looked up as the tinkling creature began to laugh. Behind him she could see the dwarf making his way back towards her, she quickly stood up straightening the back of her cloak as she did so.
“Who…?” She began but Staicus interrupted.
“Grud. He came out of the book Tegraine sent with us.”
“Grud? That’s me!” Grud yelled to the sky with an air of excitement as he spun on the spot.
Dulin winced with the noise and, grabbing his ankle she pulled him down roughly so she could take hold of his shirt with her other hand. His smile grew broader as his eyes met hers then he vanished in a puff of purple and orange smoke and appeared on the other side of Staicus.
“oooooh! Someone’s got a firey temper. You may want to calm down oh my angry one. We still have to find the other of your… associates.” Then with a whoop of giggles he raised higher into the air and began to search the ground.
Dulin cursed under her breath and closed her eyes willing her heart to go back to a regular beat. Upon opening them she found the white too smiley face of Grud directly in front of her. “Boo.” He said then twirled away coming to a halt between her and Staicus. “If the other of your company sticks out as much as you two do then she ‘s back that way. Come along.”
Shaking her head Dulin pulled up her hood and moved into step besides Staicus while Grud raced ahead. The pixie went into a stream of complaints the moment they got close enough to hear. "He's from the book Tegraine sent with us." Staicus informed her with a nod.
"Allow me to introduce myself." He said grasping one of Raisa's hands. "Grud the great! I am the wonder of the worlds, the delight of days, the joy of jails (when you require a breakout) Singer! Dancer! Puzzle Solver and according to our illustrious Tegraine Message Courier! Not half as fun." Raisa looked at Staicus, Staicus looked at Grud, Grud looked at Dulin then Staicu then Raisa before finally breaking the tension that had begun to steam up as each companion fought the urge to hit something. “I have to get back to my pages, reading a good book don’cha know. Bye!” He called cheerily and dived at Staicus who held the book in his arms. Raisa followed his movement and as she stared at the book that was closing in Staicus hands of its own accord her skin returned to its normal pallor.
She looked back up her gaze stern once more. “Did you even manage to gather any gear or at the very least map out where the stalls are after you abandoned me. I require the services of a tailor, sooner rather than later.” She demanded as she stormed past.
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Post by fruitbat on Oct 10, 2013 20:36:00 GMT
Nice work! I like how Grud dives back into the pages of the book. However, I am sure he will turn up again at some point!
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james
Junior Member
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Post by james on Oct 14, 2013 9:54:03 GMT
This is a bit short sorry I think Stacius's tiredness crossed over...
Stacius watched as Raisa stormed into a shop displaying rolls of cloth outside. He turned to Dulin but saw only her back as she glided over to a nearby stall and started an animated conversation with the stall holder. He heard raised voices from the cloth merchants shop. He stomped over to the entrance and craned his neck to look inside warily. A grin danced across his face, as he saw the shop keeper being berated by Raisa. He turned back to look for Dulin but she had gone. He felt concern for a moment, but then decided that she could probably look after herself. He moved to a shaded spot by a nearby wall and let against it, waiting for his companions to return.
His eyes slowly began to close as his wait grew longer. As his mind drifted homeward her reassured himself that he would hear screams if Dulin or Raisa needed help, probably someone else's screams.
“Glad to see you being useful,” snarled Dulin.
“Huh?” Stacius jolted back to full wakefulness. He saw Dulin and Raisa staring at him.
“What by all the spewing vents of the abyss is that?” asked Stacius pointing at a hovering disk that Dulin was stood on.
“Transport. I don't want your little legs getting tired.”
“It's not my legs getting tired elf. Still better than walking. Hmm a trailer for our supplies too. Time to go?”
“No point waiting. Raisa which way once we leave the city?”
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Post by kei on Oct 15, 2013 9:10:51 GMT
Cool James...poor Staicus stuck between to temperamental gals.  We're off once more to unknown dangers. I'm loving this. Hey guys, do you mind if I put a small extract into the anthology to give other writers an idea of the game to encourage them to start their own? (Not that I have any idea which part, just thought it'd be cool, I'll find a spare page somewhere) The draft of the anthology cover is on the website - home page slide show of pics. (I'm full of random comments today) |
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Post by fruitbat on Oct 15, 2013 19:57:04 GMT
That's fine by me re: putting an extract in the anthology. No problem. It will be difficult to choose a passage, though, I imagine! I like the way you have left the next section open for adventure, James. Hmmm! Will have to give it some thought...
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Post by fruitbat on Oct 17, 2013 3:50:07 GMT
Hope it was okay putting words in both Dulin's and Stacius' mouth! Let me know if I have misrepresented either character and I will alter accordingly.
Now that the rip in her garment had been adequately mended, Raisa began to feel an improvement in her condition. It was surprising what a difference a spruce up made to her wellbeing. The tailors in Khula were nothing compared to those of Sastre if the fool she had just encountered was anything to go by. He knew nothing about fabric or boning, though if she were honest, she was just grateful that she had managed to find a tailor at all. Everything here was disagreeable and it would still be some time before she had fully recovered from her recent transformation. She needed rest, but here was the dwarf asking her to tax herself again.
“I believe that you, dwarf, are the one to whom Tegraine entrusted the map. Why don’t you use it?” Stacius considered her for a moment through baleful eyes before retrieving the map from an inside cavity of his armour.
“The name is Stacius.” He spoke with a quiet malevolence. “I understood that map reading was your special skill. Here!” He thrust the map towards her. Raisa sighed. She wanted to get out of there just as much as they did, especially after the scare with the Arca. Her hand moved quickly to her bracelet to check it was still in place. It had already proved its value. She snatched the map from Stacius and considered Tegraine’s crude co-ordinates.
“This is so unhelpful, not to scale, badly plotted…” As Raisa spoke, she focused her full attention on the map. The thin paper began to quiver in her hands. The map began to shift. Contours of mountain ranges started to rise up in relief as grains of sand formed into a tiny desert with miniature sand dunes. Dulin and Stacius stared at the perfectly formed reconstruction of Khula in Raisa’s palms.
“How did you…?” began Stacius.
“Never mind! Just look! Can you see where the majority of the books have fallen now?” Stacius and Dulin peered into the now three-dimensional living map.
“It looks like they’re scattered quite far across the mountains and…” Dulin looked to the right at the arid desert region, “…quite a few to the west in the desert.”
“Look! There are several more south of here in the forest.” Stacius jabbed at Raisa’s wrists.
“Careful! Watch where you’re pointing! I can only hold this image for so long, you know!” Stacius frowned, withdrew his hand and wisely said nothing. Before their eyes, the map began to shimmer and became paper once more. “I can usually hold it for much longer than that. I am much depleted. I need sustenance before we go anywhere, not to mention adequate supplies.” Raisa eyed the trailer next to Dulin. “I need to see if what you have gathered is acceptable for my needs before we set foot outside this city. You should have waited until I had finished at the tailor’s before you made any rash decisions on food and supplies.”
Dulin had had enough.
“Listen, pixie! Whilst you were busy fixing your skirt, I was the one being useful getting vital goods for our ridiculous venture. Too bad if you don’t like my choices! How dare you even…”
Stacius held up his hands.
“Silence! I am weary. I too need sustenance and rest. There is little point in blaming each other for what has befallen. Unfortunately, we are in this together.” Dulin and Raisa remained silent.
“Well it was a good thing I got the transportation disk, then,” said Dulin. “I don’t want to hang around any longer than we have to. You two pathetic specimens can rest on the disk until you recover. The sooner we can get on with this mission, the sooner it is over.” Raisa was about to offer a sharp reply, but she realised she was too tired to argue. Petulantly, she climbed aboard the hovering disk. Reluctantly, Stacius climbed up behind her. “So, Raisa? Which way do we go?”
“Head north. Past the market and left at the first junction. Let’s start in the mountains.”
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Post by kei on Oct 17, 2013 8:14:33 GMT
You've done well fruitbat. I love it! WE're all starting to get along a little begrudgingly and the mission is getting under way in style. To the mountains we go!Loved the little trick with the map, a very handy idea.
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