PlaneShift
Fan Area => Roleplaying (Communitive Storywriting) => Collaborative Stories => Topic started by: Nalain Tarek on July 16, 2006, 09:51:20 pm
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On a night with a large thunderstorm there is born a menki his mother and father died when a bolt of ligntning hit their twining tails. 20 years later hes working in the new ojaveda blacksmith he works as an apprentice for the dwarf trasok. He repairs weapons for customers who already bought his massters wares. Suddenly a customer appears in a wisp of smoke . . .
This is a test of the story writers out their to see how a cummunity handles working to gether to make a story anyone can do anthing with any character show me what you got :lol:
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This type of story writing has worked in the past wonderfully and has already been tested. :D Glad to see someone else starting up a new story though, I quite enjoy these kinds of things. Community story for all to join - AKA:Yliakum Journeys (vol.1) (http://hydlaa.com/smf/index.php?topic=23917.msg264027#msg264027)
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Zorbels approaches the menki with a irritated look on her face. "Can you fix my long sword? It got bent out of shape when an ulber got ahold of it. I will pay you well. This sword means much to me as it was a gift from a friend." Zorbels looks at the menki with hopeful eyes and then reaches out her hand for a handshake "My name is Zorbels and yours .....?"
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"My name is Xagred, it is nice to meet you Zorbels. I can not charge such a beautiful fenki, consider this repair free of charge". Xagred starts to do his magic and starts to repair the sword. Meanwhile Miadon also enters the smiths shop and sees Zorbels at the corner of his eye.
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Zorbels smiles happily "So this means you can fix the sword Xagred. That is wonferful! I was worried it was broken behond repair." Zorbels turns her head slightly and see's miadon in the corner. He seems abit flushed and speaks to her in a quiet tone. Zorbels smiles at him and motions with her hands that she didn't hear him. "Xagred I am going to go sit with a menki friend of mine. Just let me know when you are done, and I will pay you for your work. I insist." She turns and walks to Miadon half dragging her bag behind her on the floor. "Hey you, good to see you. What brings you to the smithy shop Miadon?"
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"errr nothing really, just looking around" replied Miadon who was obvioulsy acting all shy and looking down at his feet.
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Arka pokes her head round the open doorway and sees Zorbels sitting in the corner, deep in conversation with a menkie. Not wanting to disturb her she approaches the counter and waits for Xagred to finish working on a long sword. She can see it's in a pretty bad way, but not beyond repair. In Xagred's skilled hands, it will soon be as good as new. Watching him work, Arka remembers how she used to help her father, Golthart, at his forge. How proud he was when she finished her apprenticeship! But that was so long ago and her smithing skills are not as they used to be.
She has come to see Trasok, but he doesn't seem to be around. There is no hurry; for now she is content just to stand and watch Xagred complete the intricate weld. He is exquisitely skilled and the molten metal flows just where he wants it. Arka is completely transfixed by his sheer skill.
"It is so easy to get this wrong", she thinks, "but then, he does have one of the best craftsman in Ojaveda for a master." She remembers her first clumsy attempts at welding and winces. Her father had laughed and she was nealrly in tears. But then he showed her where she had gone wrong, how to coax the liquid metal into the cracks. How she missed him!
Arka sighs out loud.
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Xagred finishes the blade and turns around to see 2 more people at the smith. "Ah zorbels your blade is finesed although i have never seen a blade with such fine details who did you say gave this to you?"
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Zorbels smiles at Miadon as he shyly looks at his feet. "I have come to get my sword repaired." She hears Xagred calling out to her and turns her attention toward the apprentice. "Oh that is wonderful news Xagred! Thank you so much. I reveived this sword from the master of entertainment himself, Sir Proglin. He named it after my lust for hunting ulbers. You are fixing the one and only Heart Of Fear. Zorbels says proudly while admiring Xagred work.
Zorbels hears a small sigh and looks to her right "Arka! Hello, how have you been? I didn't even hear you enter the shop."
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Arka smiles widely. "I may not have your feet, but I'm learning how to walk quietly," she says with a wink. "I was just watching young Xagred here and thinking of the times I spent with my father at the old forge. He's done a really good job on your blade. Even I would have trouble to tell it had been repaired. So this is the famous 'Heart of Fear'? It certainly looks the part." She views the longsword with admiration.
Remembering why she came, she asks Xagred if his master is at home.
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Xagred looks worried "Im afraid i dont know where he is two days ago he left to get some materials from the hydlaa mines he should have been back yesterday"
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Zorbels looks at Xagred with concern "There has been no contact? This doesn't sound good, your master is always at this shop. He wouldn't stay away to long, he lives eats and breaths this place." Zorbels looks at Arka and nudges her softly on the shoulder "You up for an adventure? We could go on a quest to look for Trasok. I haven't been to the mines in quite some time though, I think it would be good to have a guide so we won't miss areas." Zorbels waits for Arka to answer while deep in thought thinking about who could help her navigate her way around the mines.
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"The mines? He could be almost anywhere down there. We'll need some help."
Arka looks thoughtful. "Maybe Xagred could recruit some more people to search - we could go on ahead. I know most of the mines, although my memory's not what it used to be. I hope he's alright!"
Arka rummages through her bag and pulls out an old battered notebook. "It's a few years old now, but I made some maps." She looks at the date on the cover of the notebook and realises it's over 90 years old.
"Hmm, maybe one or two shafts have been added since then," she mumbles.
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Xagred rushes to the door saying "i'll Be right back Toda has a few maps ill go see if i can get them besides she owes me a favor"
when xagred leaves he quickly writes a note and leaves it at the broken door inn it read
all yliki that know the mines or are willing to find a dwarf by the name trasok please go to the blacksmith
Xagred returns with a map in hand
(I may use an alternate character named Gimish every now and then once we get to the mines)
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Zorbels chuckles as Arka flips through the battered notebook. "My that is an old book friend. Well, it should prove to be useful. There have been knew maps made since that books time but I am sure your book will include certain areas forgotten about." zorbels gathers up her stuff. "I will head to my house and pack up about a weeks worth of food and supplies. I will also hunt around to see if I can find others who would be willing to help on this search. How about we all meet back here tomorrow earlier morn, just as the crystal starts to shine?"
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Xagred frowns "we should leave soon but we will need a few more than 4 People"
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“grrr ..this wont do…crap!...grrr…” Ostrax Klagg looks over his shoulder and sees Trasok inspecting lumps of iron ore. “Why you mad, mister blacksmith?” He asks. “All garbage, all of it!” Trasok replies. “How you make good sword from garbage, Mister blacksmith?” Ostrax asks. “Ah you know of my work, do you kran?” Trasok asks as he continues looking over the lumps he has chipped away from the cavern wall. “Ostrax buys many swords and stuff from Mister Blacksmith. You no remember Ostrax? Me likes stuff from Mister Blacksmith.”
Trasok Looks at Ostrax and smiles “Yes I do remember you now Ostrax. Are the daggers serving you well?” He recalls the dim witted, happy Krans difficulties in choosing the daggers he had crafted. “Me love daggers, I have nice daggers, want to see Ostrax’s daggers” Ostrax replies with a big grin. “No no, remember I made them. This is the worst ore I have seen in ages. I can’t use any of it. Can I ask you a favor Ostrax?” “Ostrax loves to do favors. What me do for you Mister Blacksmith?” Trasok Looks Ostrax in the eyes and tells him what he wants “I need to go down this shaft. It is the only one left with the quality of iron ore I need. I need you to keep an eye out for me, cause it is very dangerous down there.” “Ostrax watches you.” He says with a smile “Want see Ostrax shiny daggers?” “NO! Just keep an eye out ok?” Trasok snaps. The smile leaves Ostrax face “Ok Ostrax watches you”
Trasok starts to make his way down an old abandoned shaft.
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Arka agrees to meet Zorbels in the morning at the forge. Seeing Xagred's imatience she turns to him.
"The mines are dangerous. More dangerous than you could imagine. There's no point us hareing off down there if we put ourselves at risk. We don't want you to have to come rescuing us. Trasok's no fool. If he is in trouble he will have the sense to sit tight until help arrives. And he's unlikely to have broken the first rule of mining; never go alone. Someone will know where he is."
She bows to Zorbels and her friend. "I have a few things to arrange myself. If we are to explore the older shafts we will need climbing gear. The old iron ladders will have rusted away by now. I have most of the things we need at home, but if you can find some extra rope, that would be useful. Make sure it's strong and light and not too old. Our lives may depend on it. Don't worry Xagred, we will find your master."
So saying, she sets out to seek out a messenger. There are a few things she needs to arrange before the morn.
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Xagred looks nervous And pulls a rope of pure silver out of a chest and hands it to zorbels "Trasok told me that this was made of pure silver but it had a spell apon it to make it move like a rope, He is a master smith..." Next he pulls out a golden Flute And starts to play a beutiful melody and the whole rooms feels warmer "this is a magic flute i made although i had to take it to levrus for the magic to be worked into it..."
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Ostrax continues to mine, feeling the weight of his Mining pouch on his back. “Almost full Mister Blacksmith, me likes to dig” He looks around seeing no one “Where you go Mister Blacksmith, oh yeah he go in hole”. “Me get two more and go, bag is heavy” Ostrax gets his final two iron ore. With a pouch full to the top with 50 pieces, he looks around with a scowl on his face. “Me was to do something. Me cant remember what me is to do…….Oh yeah, when bag is full, go sell to Harny Blacksmith for to get trias, that’s what me to do” Forgetting his promise to Trasok, Ostrax heads out of the mines.
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Arka waits by the gates, hoping to find someone on their way to Hydlaa. After a short time, a young menki appears carrying a rough bag on his shoulders. Arka hails him and takes a piece of paper from her satchel.
"Good day mistress," says the menki.
"Good day," says Arka, "from your appearance I gather you are on your way to Hydlaa?"
"I am."
"Splendid. I have an errand for you if you will take it."
The menki eyes her suspiciously. Arka pulls a red Octa from her purse and holds it out, "Of course you will be rewarded."
All traces of suspicion melt away like the morning mists. She now has his full attention. "Please take this letter to Terenak Elganesh. He is a young Dermorian, one of my students. You will find him at the University - hopefully in the library," she adds with a smile.
The Menki nods, eager for the Octa.
"He will pay you the rest when you hand over the note."
"The rest? Why, thank you ma'm," says the menki, his eyes shining. He was on his way to Hydlaa to seek his fortune. It now looks like he will find it.
"One more thing," says Arka before she hands over the coin, "You must get this to him tonight. I'm trusting you."
"Your trust is not unfounded," says the menki, bowing so low that he nearly topples under the weight of his shoulder-pack. Arka suppresses a giggle before he straightens up again. And with a wave of his hand he disappears round the corner on his way.
"May the Gods speed you," says Arka to the disappearing messenger, suddenly serious, "I need you Terenak, I really do."
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A young Ylian stumbles into the blacksmith shop and pulls out two sword hilts.
"Hey, Trasok! Are you around? I had some...err... problems with my swords. I don't suppose you have anything stronger do you?"
Looking around Spetyco is suprised to see Trasok isn't around, only an apprentice.
"Hey there! I don' believe we have met. My name is Spetyco, Ranger of Yliakum, an who might you be? And where is good ol' Trasok?"
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Zorbels takes the rope of pure silver from Xagred. "This could prove to be very useful." Zorbels looks at the rope with awe as it shimmers in the azure crystal light. "I must go pack up now." Zorbels heads out of the smithy shop making notes in her head as to what to gather for supplies for the up coming trip.
At home she begins to pack food and other sorts of supplies. She writes a note to satayne telling him of the events and where she will be for the next few days.
Dear Satayne:
I have been informed by Trasok assistant that he has not come home after his trip into the mines. I have volunteered to go looking for him with Arka and who ever else may join. I should be back no later than three days, if I am not then please send word to gather a search party. I am not sure what we are dealing with or why he has gone missing. Take care my love and I shall miss you.
Love: Zorbels
After a good nights rest Zorbels loads up her pet Tefusang. She pats him on the head "We are going on another trip old boy, This migh very well be one of your last. " Zorbels mounts the tefusang and heads for the front gate of Akkaio with thoughts racing though her head trying to figure out what to expect.
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The candle is nearly burned out. The library is silent except for the rhyhmic snoring and the spluttering candle flame. A young Dermorian sleeps, face down, his nose buried in a huge leather tome.
Faltering footsteps break the rhythm of his breathing and a nervous face peers round the velvet curtains in the doorway.
"Mister Terenak?" says a squeaky voice.
The Dermorian does not even stir.
The young menki edges forward, uncertain of what to do. He's never been in a library before and certainly not one as vast as this one. He makes a vow to himself never to go to University.
As he draws level with the sleeping elf, he feels the tickle in his nose. The dust from the books and his nervousness are conspiring against him. Quickly he fumbles for a handkerchief but is too late. He sneezes loudly, blowing out the candle flame, plunging the library into darkness.
"Wha...? Who's there?" roars the Elf. The Menki tries to run but is stopped by a bookcase. He sinks to the floor, covering his head as a shower of heavy volumes cascade over him.
An eerie blue light suddenly fills the room. He finds the courage to peer out from underneath the mountain of books to see the Elf, now fully awake with a large crystal in one hand and a cruel-looking dagger in the other.
"Show yourself"
"Please s-sir," stammers the Menki, "I only bring you a message. D-don't hurt me."
Terenak laughs with a throaty chuckle. "Then you had better give it to me."
Terenak's laughter hides his own relief. He was expecting far worse than this. He has been hiding in the Library ever since his announcement about Xillix, the leader of the Vespers of Laanx. He had no idea what had got into him. Sov Head had started it and encouraged him. It seemed the right thing to do at the time, but ever since, he had been looking over his shoulder,,,
He puts away his dagger and starts unloading the books. Underneath was a very sorry-looking menki. In his hand is a crumpled piece of paper, which he holds out nervously. Ternak takes the paper and starts to read.
"Terenak. We are in a bit of a fix and I need your climbing skills. No time to explain now but I need you to meet me tomorrow at the Temple with all my climbing gear and as much rope as you can lay your hands on. Oh, and give the menki an Octa. I hope you were nice to him. Dol Garartth, Arka"
Terenak is intrigued by the note. He is equally nervous about meeting Arka in the Temple. The place was swarming with the Vespers. But he couldn't let her down. A small cough breaks his reverie.
He peers at the menki. "Are you still here?"
"Umm.. the lady said s-something about a re-reward?"
"A reward?" he booms, "For disturbing my sleep and wrecking the library?"
The menki looks crestfallen and Terenak chuckles again. "Here you are," he says handing out a new shiny Octa. "Don't spend it all at once!"
Bowing and scraping the menki backs out of the library, tripping over the curtain as he reaches the door. Jumping to his feet he scampers off down the passage.
"Work to do" says Terenak to himself, packing up his things. He can leave tidying the books till the morning.
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Xangred recounts the events to Spetyco and so Spetyco decides to join in the search.
"But first," looking at the sword hilts in his hands, "can I buy a couple of swords? I had an..err.. accident with these. I sort of fell into a hole a little while ago on a campaing trip(except we never really did any camping), and must have done some damage to these because I was hunting a trepor a few days later and the swords kinda broke."
So with two new broadswords in his possession, Spetyco set out for the mines.
"I hope I run into somebody I know. I think I'll grab an ale before I leave Akkaio though."
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After selling his ore Ostrax went to the tavern for a meal and something to wash the dust from his throat. The meal wasn’t much for a Kran, but it was enough to hold him over for a while. “Me thinks Ostrax should be some place” he thinks to himself. “Maybe Ostrax need lay down” As he was looking for a place to stretch out, he new there was something he should be doing, or somewhere he should be. “Daddy always said, listen to voice in head” he recalls, “But what voice say?”
After making his way to the grass behind Harnquists, he found a nice soft patch to lie on. Quickly he fell asleep. Not sleeping for long, He awoke with a start yelling “Mister Blacksmith!” Remembering the promise, Ostrax ran as fast as the large clumsy Kran could. He was back in the mines in a matter of minutes.
“Mister Blacksmith!.....Mister Blacksmith!....Mister Blacksmith?” He shouted and called out for Trasok, but there was no answer. After calling for hours, Ostrax sat on a rock and started crying. “Stupid Ostrax. Me is to do what told. Stupid, stupid, stupid” Being exhausted from the lack of sleep and the run back to the mines, Ostrax cried himself to sleep.
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Zorbels approaches the gate in seach for Arka and party members who might be joining on this quest to find Trasok. "Arka you actually beat me! Zorbels says in surprize but with a huge grin spread across her face. "I have everything we need for supplies." Zorbels pats the bags filled with food and other items on the tefusangs back. "Do you think others have heard of Trasok's disappearance? Do you think help will show?" Zorbels looks at her friend with a hopeful gaze. "I guess we should wait abit to see if others will arrive.
In the mean time ..." *She pulls out a couple of potions and a small bowl* "I am going to mix these potions up for us so that it will help protect us. It is a protection spell but in a liquid form. It lasts twice as long then the ritual to cast the protection spell." Zorbels concentrates as she speaks unknown words to Arkas ears very softly while mixing the liquids together. She works to prepare enough for at least two other people besides here and Arka. When finished she packs the small vials away carefully and hands one to Arka. "Here, this may come in handy. Keep it close." Zorbels smiles and sits at the tefusangs feet to rest while waiting for others to show.
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Terenak leaves the library and climbs the stairs to Arka's lodgings. Pushing open the door, he quickly finds a candle and lights it. He knows where to find the climbing gear - Arka and him have been practising lately on the crags just outside the gates. They were planning a trip to the caves by the Bronze Gates later that month. Opening the large chest in the corner of her room her takes out wedges and spikes, a small hammer and wire fastenings. There is also a light rope-ladder. "That should come in handy," he thinks to himself.
He carefully packs it all into a neat backpack. "Now for the rope"
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Arka smiles. "Well, actually I have nothing here to pack. I was just visiting Trasok. I've sent word on ahead. One of my students will be waiting for us at the Temple with my climbing gear. There may be some that join us in Hydlaa, I guess."
She watches, fascinated as Zorbels makes up the potions. She would like to ask her about the language but doesn't want to interrupt her flow. She hopes they won't need to use them, but gratefully accepts the precious phial from her friend. She wraps it in a scarf and hides it deep inside her satchel.
"I should check at the forge - Xagred was asking people to muster there I believe."
Leaving her backpack by the gates, Arka wanders over to the blacksmith's shop.
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After grabbing an ale and discussing current events with Brado, Spetyco leaves the tavern and heads towards the gate. Then he sees Zorbels, "Lady Zorbels, greetings. Have you heard the news regarding Trasok?"
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A Stonebreaker approaches the gate to Akkaio. On his back, he carries a pair of small battle axes and a rock pick hangs from his belt on his right side. As he nears the gate, he takes a pair of tefusang teeth from a small sack and then spots a couple dear friends of his.
"G'day Lady Zorbels. How are you today?" he calls out.
He comes to a stop when he reaches them and bows to Arka, "Dovoy' Noskirt. Kalid dem?"
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"Estyõ, Einnol! Idom gara - endom?" Arka greets her dear friend and student. "And you too, sir, Garaveno' err... welcome. I don't think we've been introduced?"
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"Garid. Garamdor. I am quite well. Thank you.", he responds to Arka. "I was just on my way to see Trasok. Tis nice to see you."
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Arka looks at her friend in dismay, "You haven't heard? No, of course, you have just arrived. Trasok is missing. He went off two days ago to the hydlaa mines and hasn't returned. We were just about to set off to find him."
She takes hold of Einnol's hand. "You know your way round the mines as well as anyone. Can you help? It will be dangerous, I know, but we must do something."
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Zorbels grins "Spetyco, I haven't seen you since the camp trip! How are you? No news on Trasok, so we are going to look for him. Care to join?
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The look on Arka's face is enough to convey to Einnol that the situation is serious.
"Tis dire news indeed" he says as he casually drops the tefusang teeth back into his sack. With a slilght nod to Arka, he adds "I will help in any way I can. I am sure that between the two of us, we can help everyone to navigate the mines and return safely ... with Trasok. What supplies do we need?"
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Spetyco bows the says, "I would be honored to accompany you and your company, Lady Zorbels."
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"Zorbels has enough food to supply a small army. And potions, in case of injury. I have arranged for one of my newer students, Terenak, to meet us with my climbing gear. I have asked him to find more rope, in case we need it. I have some maps of the mines I made a while ago. They are rather ancient I'm afraid, but they do show some of the older shafts. I think we have enough."
She turns to Zorbels. "I think we are ready - as ready as we can be. Shall we set out, Lady Zorbels? We can camp overnight on the way if needs be."
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Zorbels nods "Indeed Arka, let us start this search. I have nailed up a piece of parchment in the tavern telling anyone who wishes to join this search, where our location will be." Zorbels heads out the gate and in th direction of the mines. She walks at a slow pace and looks over to Einnol "I am glad to have you here on this search with us. I am sure Trasok will appreciate this greatly. Thank you." Zorbels smiles a warm smile at Einnol and continues to walk along the path while listening to the birds chirp their morning songs.
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With a slight nod to Zorbels, Einnol replies "Tis an honor to be part of such a fine group."
He takes one last look over his shoulder at the Akkaio gate, which appears to get smaller with each step, before turning turning his attention to Spetyco. "Spetyco, I do not know if you remember me or not, but I am Einnol. I believe we met recently in the plaza in Hydlaa."
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Arka looks over at the fourth member of their group. "Ah Spetyco, we have not met before. I am Arka, daughter of Embra and Golthart Garam. Don ol Felim - I am pleased to meet you, sir." She catches sight of Trasok's assistant running down the path towards them.
"Oh! We forgot Xagred - here he comes now. We'd better let him catch up."
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"Yes, I remember you, Einnol, and I am pleased to meet you, Arka. We have not met but I have heard of you and your adventures."
Spetyco then stops and watches Xagred run to meet the group.
"Watch your step, Xagred!"
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"Thankyou" said Xagred. "Sorry I'm late. Had to show Miadon, who volunteered to keep the shop open while we are on our quest. He's no smith but hes just going to take orders and hand back any items people have left."
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"So we are all assembled then," begins Arka, "We are five, and with Terenak, we shall be six. A good number to start with. And so good of your friend, Miadon, to look after the forge while Xagred is gone.
"I suggest we make as much progress as we can before it gets too dark. If others follow, we can leave further instructions at Hydlaa. Also, we should try to rest at some point tonight; it will be hard work tomorrow and there may be some strenuous climbing to do."
She pulls her shoulder pack up again and fastens the straps securely. "Idoth: Let's go."
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After hours of travel Zorbels comes to a stop. She looks around and notices night fall is close. "Maybe we should set up camp here?" Zorbels turns to look at the others in her traveling party. "Besides I am kind of hungry. I don't think it would take much to hunt down a clacker or two .... I can go hunt for our supper if you would all agree to settle down for the night?" she smiles at the group and waits for their response.
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"Good idea," says Arka, "I'll gather some wood and get a fire going."
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"Tis a good idea indeed, Zorbels."
As he takes one of this axes in hand, Einnol turns to Arka "I will help you. I can chop up the bigger ones if you want to carry them them back."
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"Thank you sir Einnol."
So saying, Arka sets off with Einnol to gather firewood while the others unpack and build a camp.
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Ting, Ting Ostrax awakes to the sound of pick axes hitting the mines walls, echoing down each shaft. Looking around he realizes where he is “What Ostrax doing in mine again”. The simple Kan forgot the events that lead him back to the mines. “Oh well, me is here, me can fill Ostrax pouch, Ostrax likes mining.” While mining, a faint clicking sound can be heard, it is much different from the normal pick axe ting. “Funny noise, me no hear noise before. Maybe Ostrax being hunted by ghosts” he laughs to himself.
Looking around to try and find out where the sound is coming from, he spots an old abandoned mining shaft entrance. “Sound be in there me thinks” Ostrax moves to the entrance for a closer look. The shaft has been sealed with a strong wooden wall. There is a small area on the left that has been pried open; it is much too small for a Kran. “Ostrax likes wood, big wall for to stop Ostrax, me thinks it’s nice for to leave hole for rats in wall. Maybe rats make funny noise” Getting down to his knees Ostrax sticks his head in the opening.
With his head in the opening he is positive the sound is coming from deep within the shaft, the blackness Allows Ostrax to see nothing. “Eyes open, eyes closed, eyes open eyes closed, he he, me see no difference” Just as he is about to pull his head out of the hole, a faint blue glow catches his eye. “Pretty blue, Ostrax likes blue.” The glow fades into darkness, and the sounds he had heard were gone. Ostrax yells down the shaft “Put back blue light, Ostrax want blue light back” But nothing happens.
Disappointed the light has faded he gets to his feet and goes back to mining. “Ostrax have much to do, me fill up Ostrax pouch and go” Happily Ostrax whales away at the rock searching for the iron ore.
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Terenak looks at the collection of ropes he has amassed during the night. He has called on every single one of his friends. All of them had thought him mad - getting them out of bed for a piece of rope.
Now he looks at them carefully, there are perhaps two or three that are usable. The rest are too old, too thin or too heavy.
He sighs. Arka had been very specific. He would have to buy some rope. But that could wait for the morning...
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xagred settles down near the fire and starts to play his flute the group looks at the fire with curiosity as it forms the shape of a dancer and starts to dance with the music of the flute as xagred puts down the flute the dancer bows ad returns to the flame "tis an old trick i was taught by toda she has a flute like this too" ...
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Arka is fascinated by the flute and askes Xagred to see it. He hands it over.
She turns the instrumnent round in her hands very gingerly.
"I have never seen such workmanship. Did you make this? It is so beautiful."
She looks at the way the gold has been soldered to form a perfect seam, almost invisible, except to a trained eye. She saw something like it, many years ago, almost on the edge of her memory... there was a story about a flute like this...
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"yes, I made this flute as only the one who made it can use it" Xagred takes backs the flute and starts to play a fast paced melody and a fire creature comes out of the ground "this is my flame spirit freind Xigra" ...
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Zorbels returns with a hand full of clackers and a grin on her face spread from ear to ear 'You won't believe this, but I just found 50 trias on the ground near one of these clackers as I killed it! Must be my lucky day." She begins preparing the clackers. She slices with her sword skinning them and taking out the bones. "Could someone tell a story, or sing? I hate the sounds of skinning these things!" Zorbels makes a face and returns to the task at hand.
-
xagred grins "a song, that sounds good anyone hear know the song Little dwarves, No ok il play the tune" xagred starts to play a tune on his flute and xigra starts to dance...
-
Arka hums along with the tune for a while, a far away look in her eyes.
Then she breaks into the song, a little hesitant at first, then with more confidence as the words come back to her:
"Pekdvertth, pekdverth, koridorth, pekdvertth?
Idoth na kerkna Vig.
Pekdvertth, pekdvertth, korei Vig, pekdvertth?
Preid desso mundom
Pekdvertth, pekdverth, kõ utidorth, pekdvertth?
Avers elfreth oskara
Pekdvertth, pekdverth, ki eith, pekdvertth?
Eith Drepnartth mor.
Pekdvertth, pekdverth, kel fekkorthen, pekdvertth?
Kerkothen Fjorim nova"
Finishing her song, she falls silent. The firelight is reflected in her tears.
-
As Zagred's beautiful music starts to fill the air, Einnol sits on a log sharpening his axe. When Arka starts to sing, he stops and looks at his teacher. He listens to her lovely voice as she sings the song in the original Pel Perrakithor. At first he tries to concentrate on the meanings of the words:
"Little dwarves, little dwarves, where do you go, little dwarves?
We are going for to search the way."
A few lines into the song he realizes that he still has much to learn of the ancient language and concedes to just savoring the beauty of the language and the sounds of Arka's singing.
-
Arka wipes away a tear.
"It's generally thought of as a simple child's song these days, but it's origins are ancient indeed. And very sad. It tells of the Rodfrakkem, the Great Divide, when our clan split from the Petty Dwarfs and came to this place, led by Garwin. I can never sing it without feeling sadness for those who were left behind to perish."
-
xagred frowns "trasok taught it to me all though he never told me what the words ment thats why i never sung it i only play the tune. Im sorry if i made you upset, Arka"
-
"It's a fine song, Xagred. And you played it wonderfully. Trasok will know the meaning of it too. As children we were all taught this song. The Rodfrakkem was both the death of our people and the start of a new life, here in Yliakum. So it is both sad and optimistic."
Arka sighs.
"So little is known of our history. What we do know is largely tragic. But we all know that we who survived are the lucky ones."
-
"Tis tragic indeed" Xagred starts to play a new melody
Xagred looks into the fire and sees the flammes dancing for him
-
Back in the caves a dwarf wakes up from his nap to find a kran mining for iron Grouchily he stomps over to the kran. "Keep it down you mangy beast cant a dwarf get some rest here" Gimish stomps back to his tent and returns to sleep
-
The dwarf’s voice echoes off the rock walls. Ostrax turns with a smile “hello Mister Blacksmith” Taking a closer look he realizes it isn’t Trasok, and his smile fades. “Oh me sorry, Ostrax thought you was my friend Mister Blacksmith, but you not him” A concerned look comes over his face “Ostrax misses Mister Blacksmith, me should go visit”
Ostrax turns back to the rock and starts to swing his pick axe again. He swings twice then stops, turns to the dwarf with a smile and says “Me forgot to tell my name, me is Ostrax, who is you?”