Worlde Arcane: The Lorimar Road 8: Enchanter’s Highway

By Hafling Servant at King Albion's Court (Mneowem)

Saturday, October 20, 2007 - 2:17 am GMT | Edit | Link |

The wagon with the odd assortment of passengers kept a slow, but steady pace down the Lorimar after leaving the Morgan Stead. The old woodcutter kept his eyes on the road, pacing his mules so they would not tire.

When the tall Elementelle leapt from the wagon to walk rather than ride, Haggis was somewhat surprised, for the being seemed a bit worse for wear. "Suit yerself." He commented calmly, but he shot a glance sidewise toward the petite female who seemed to care about the odd fellow. Perhaps she could talk some sense into him before he wore himself out completely.

Sunday, October 21, 2007 - 7:20 am GMT | Edit | Link |

(FROM:

Morgan Stead.)

Mneowem was highly relieved when the odd fellow hopped off the wagon - even though the notion that he could also flay them all from a distance did cross her mind. His nudity, now more evident than when he was huddled with the others on the wagon, gave the timid Hafling even more reason to avert eyes away from him. She concentrated on a small log which was thrown next to her - trying to examine its curves and cracks with much intent.

Monday, October 22, 2007 - 6:52 am GMT | Edit | Link |

Rigel watched the tall man as he left the wagon and was slightly amused by the reactions of the two ladies, though he did not show it.

Mr. Haggis, How long do yew supposse before we arrive at Daelows? We would take our leave of yew before turning off as we shall be continuing North.

Monday, October 22, 2007 - 5:21 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Dryn furrowed her brow, a troubled look on her face when Xerestal left the wagon and began walking along the road. She shifted and turned to watch him, worried that somehow he would get left behind even though his long legs easily matched the pace of the slow, bumpy wagon. Worse, what if he should collapse on the road from his recent injuries? "Please do not tax yer energy!" She called from her perch on the seat next to the old woodcutter.

The elementelle's nakedness was something she barely noticed, for his anatomy was nothing like Umans or Elves or Dwarves and such. She recalled when first she'd met Xerestal so long ago; she had been put off, slightly fearful, perhaps a bit repelled by his strange appearance. But then she had seen his many selfless acts, including having saved her life more than once with no thought of his own. What do I feel for him now? She knew her feelings had changed dramatically toward him, but what were they now? Gratitude? Friendship? Love? Dryn furrowed her brow again, trying to sort out the feelings that churned inside her.

Xerestal was in some kind of mood still and she did not know what to do to soothe him. All she could do was watch and worry as he allowed some distance to accrue between himself and the others. What if he has tired of me? What if he no longer wishes my company, his worries too great to allow him to concentrate on anything but his destiny? The elf-nixie felt a pang of sadness as these thoughts ran through her mind. Why did things have to be so complicated anyway? Sometimes she thought her life on the streets, though harsh and sometimes dangerous, were less complicated than relationships between men and women.

The wagon hit a deep rut and bounced her out of her thoughts. "Oh!" She let out a small exclamation as she grabbed hold of the wooden seat and steadied herself.

Monday, October 22, 2007 - 5:32 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

"Sorry 'bout that." The woodcutter pulled on the reins and veered around another deep rut, this time missing it and sparing his passengers another jolt. "I reckon my thoughts were elsewhere for a moment, 'stead of on the road."

He next addressed the question of the blue-eyed uman traveling with the quiet woman. "I won't be going into the city itself, but will drop yew all at the gate to the city. Once we round that bend up ahead, I 'spect yew'll be able to see the spires of the tallest buildings in the distance. Maybe an hour's ride yet." Haggis puffed on his curved pipe, inhaling the mild smoke, then asked conversationally. "Where yew headed up north?"

(OOC:

Have we lost Sam?)

By Hafling Servant at King Albion's Court (Mneowem)

Tuesday, October 23, 2007 - 9:38 am GMT | Edit | Link |

Walking wasn't helping. At least, not in the way Xerestal had hoped it would.

A few moments of solitude, the Elementelle had thought, would let him work through matters more easily - even if the solitude wasn't hardly solitary. All walking had done, however, was force Xerestal to focus on more mundane matters - being undressed in the cold, the length of the trip before him, the aches in his long and featureless body, the ruined shoulder that might never be the same. Argentalis and Faeloen, empty, dangled unhelpfully from the belts around his shoulders - the only garments he had left, and not truly garments at all.

The Elementelle heard Dryn cry in surprise, and it sent a jolt down his back - he stopped and turned to look, only to realize that it had been a bump that startled her, and nothing more.

Frowning, Xerestal stretched a hand out towards the wagon. He spread his long fingers and turned his palm towards the roadway, feeling its contour through his feet and his worlde. His nebulous eyes flooded with the colors of dust and stone, and a ripple flowed out of the Lorimar, moving along before the wagon like a little wave in a hard-packed sea. Behind the earth-wave, the roadway was polished as flat as a pane of glass.

Xerestal moved the fingers of his other hand in a rythmic pattern. The first caught fire, burning in a little swirl. The second dissolved into a spinning whirlwind, twisting beside the third, which dripped little droplets of water onto the ground. This was typical - the Elementelle controlling one use of his power by playing upon the others. And yet, what was not typical was the fourth finger.

Around that smallest finger, a spark of lightning danced, coiling from knuckle to tip like a tiny thunderbolt serpent. Xerestal paused to look at it, oblivious for the moment to the advance of the wagon.

"I am changed." He said to himself. "Forever."

He looked forward to the woodcutter's wagon, pulling slowly away from him. He started walking again, at a faster pace this time - he had decided that he had stretched his legs enough.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007 - 4:18 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Mneowem was tense enough for the first bounce to alarm her - yet it only showed in the tightening of her grasp to the pieces of wood. She was more than relieved to start any sort of conversation with the woodcutter, who seemed to be the most friendly - nay, the least peculiar - of the wagon's inhabitants.

"To Kiana," she answered promptly. "It is my homeland."

The words tasted sweet and somewhat foreign on her tongue. And yet familiar. Like a childhood lullaby returning to be hummed in the mind after many, many years.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007 - 1:33 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Rigel smiled at Menowem's reaction to the question of the old woodcutter. She had seemed earlier unsure about returning hime but now seemed more excited about the possibility.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007 - 2:30 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

"Kiana." Haggis repeated the name of the Hafling city. "Never been there meself, but I know of it. Good farmland to the south, good fishing on the coast, though I hear the waters are rough and dangerous for the inexperienced." He looked thoughtful for a moment and puffed on his pipe again.

"I used to travel more in my younger days. Seems all young folks have itchy feet, but as we get older our feet grow tired." He chuckled, though he looked a bit wistful at the same time. Haggis had been a strapping young man full of adventure in his youth, but time and responsibilities had worn him down.

" 'Tis always good to return home to one's roots. Keeps a body grounded as to whats important in life - family, friends, familiar surroundings." The woodcutter smiled as he thought of his own sweet wife of 30 years. She'd passed on several years back after a brief illness. Haggis missed her terribly, but such was the cycle of life and death. He was grateful for the many good years they'd had together.

"How 'bout yew, young fella?" He spoke to Rigel now. Since the man was not of Hafling heritage, he was not likely from Kiana. "Where do ye hail from?"

Haggis realized the wagon was suddenly moving along smoothly now, the wagon wheels no longer creaking and bumping along the Lorimar. He looked hard at the road, wondering where the familiar ruts and bumps had gone. "Well look at that! Looks like our good King Albion has had his men begin work on the road! Long overdue, but welcome just the same." He'd not seen the magick worked by the Elementelle still walking behind the wagon. Haggis smiled, thinking how much faster he'd be able to make his deliveries once the entire road was repaired.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007 - 2:51 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Dryn smirked to herself listening to the old man talk of home and hearth. She liked the woodcutter well enough, but what did he know of losing yer family while only a child, of growing up on the hard streets, getting by through thievery and lies? She knew he meant well, but his platitudes of family and home meant little to the halflet.

Her cynicism was stopped short when, eyes still on Xerestal, she saw him move his hands and fingers in such a way that she knew he must be casting his elemental magick, but for what purpose she did not know. Then, as the road smoothed out before them, she realized he had responded to her little cry of surprise at the last jolt along the Lorimar. He did that for me!

The fact that he cared about her comfort and well-being never failed to amaze Dryn, who had fended for herself for almost as long as she could remember. Perhaps the old man is right after all - at least about friends. He was probably the only real friend she had ever had. She smiled and waved at Xerestal, beckoning him to come back to the wagon.

Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 7:27 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

quote:
"How 'bout yew, young fella? Where do ye hail from?"

Rigel smiled sadly for a moment before replying.

I come from Thesar, a village which is no more. I was largely raised on a farm with an old monk. But the village was only a few days walk from Kiana so the territory is familiar

Friday, October 26, 2007 - 7:44 am GMT | Edit | Link |

Dryn was waving for Xerestal to hop back in the wagon. She was smiling at him - that smile he had lost his heart to. He could not help but return the smile, and climb back into the wagon he had so recently left.

It would be moving along faster, now that he'd smoothed out the roadway - even if he'd wanted to keep walking, he wouldn't have kept up as well. And it was a little cozier in the back of the wagon, besides - easier to keep warm. Somehow, he would have to rectify his clothing situation, the sooner the better.

He made sure not to get too near the apples.

Monday, October 29, 2007 - 3:34 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

The wagon glided smoothly over the newly-improved roadway; Haggis had to pull back on the mules a mite to make sure they kept a safe pace.

"I'm not familiar with Thesar." He responded to Rigel, then paused before asking, "What happened to yer village if ye don't mind my askin'?"

The woodcutter noticed out of the corner of his eye that that Xerestal fellow had rejoined his companions in the wagon, and he looked a bit chilly without any outer garments. Haggis reached under the front wagon seat and pulled out a worn but clean cloak, patched in several places, but still functional.

"Here ya go. It's an old cloak but it keeps the chill away." He handed it back to the Elementelle with a smile. "I keep it tucked away in case the weather changes sudden-like, but I have another back home. Yew take this one - please." It wasn't near long enough to completely cover the tall Elementelle, but it would at least come to his knees and afford some coverage and warmth.

By Hafling Servant at King Albion's Court (Mneowem)

Tuesday, October 30, 2007 - 2:16 am GMT | Edit | Link |

Rigel looked somewhat plaintive as he started to tell his sotry to the old woodcutter.

Thesar was a village on the edge of Bigobo grove. When I was a boy it was hit with a grave disease. All but myself and my friend Enoch died. We were taken in by an old monk who I lived with until his spirit passed on.

I understand that the village was burned to stop the plague but I do not know for sure, nor do I know exactly where it was at.

Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 1:05 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Mneowem realized that this was perhaps the first time she heard Rigel tell of his hometown in detail. Uneasy with the return of the strange one into the wagon, she moved slightly closer to Rigel - listening to his tale.

So his home was burnt as well, she thought and squeezed his hand, to give him as much warmth as she could. What remained of Kiana?, the Hafling wondered as she recalled the horrid rumors creeping southwards to Daelows, telling of the flames and the Lamians and the death.

Thursday, November 1, 2007 - 10:55 am GMT | Edit | Link |

Xerestal looked at the cloak for a second, unsure of what to say. He took it with a nod and a sincere "Thank you most kindly." draping it over his shoulders and tugging it closed around his knees, which he drew in close to his chest. The cloak was not at all long enough for him, and it was far wider than necessary, but it was a great boon and as effective a shield against the cold as he could ever hope for.

It was Haggis, however, who had affected Xerestal the most. The woodcutter had offered so much, so freely, with not even a second thought, and with no expectation of payment for his kindness. Though he was a simple man, the woodcutter could not but remind Xerestal of wise and noble Kalien, who had raised him so long ago.

Thinking back on his mentor, the Elementelle could not help but smile. It was true, what Kalien had said - it is in the humblest places that we find the greatest discoveries.

"Master Haggis, I thank you. You have done more for me than I deserve." He nodded, then settled in as comfortably as he could, much warmer than he had been. He had been a fool to think of godhood, had been a fool to worry about Dryn's heart and about his own worth, in her eyes or his own. It mattered not - not any of it. Haggis had reminded him of what he knew already - of what was most important.

Kindness.

It was a revelation that came at an opportune time - their fellow traveller, Rigel, was recounting the fate of his home, and it struck a chord with the Elementelle. The two of them had similar childhoods, both orphaned, both raised by monks - though they were very different, it was not impossible to find common ground.

"Was it that monk who taught you of Peonu?" Xerestal asked. A part of him was relieved to voice the question - for the moment, he cared more about someone else, and it felt good to do so once again.

Saturday, November 3, 2007 - 9:03 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Dryn felt better now that Xerestal had rejoined them in the wagon. She was especially glad the woodcutter had offered the cloak to the elementelle, for the gesture seemed to have brought Xerestal back to his old self. She smiled and settled in for the duration of the ride, listening to the conversation around her.

When Rigel spoke of the loss of his village and people, she felt a small pang of compassion. He had suffered too. She guessed that most folks would suffer hardship, sorrow and loss if they lived long enough. It was the way of the worlde. This thought put her in a contemplative mood and she wondered just why it had to be thus. Why was living day to day so hard for so many?

Dryn glanced at the quiet Hafling woman who had said very little on the journey so far. What is her story? What saddness does she harbor? Dryn nearly blurted out the questions, but knew it was too blunt and personal to ask of a complete stranger. Still, as she looked from person to person she tried to imagine what had happened to each of them to bring them to this point in life.

By Hafling Servant at King Albion's Court (Mneowem)

Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 5:05 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Rigel turned to the elemental and smiled warmly.

Yes, Elgin taught me of the gifts and fortune Peonu grants us. Love, caring, safety, The value of hard work and watching for others. It is through others that our greatest joys are found. The way a husband cares for his wife or a wife for a husband, the way friends care for each other or children for parents. They all bring great, settling joy

Rigel smiled at Mneowem.

Peonu has given me far more than I could ever ask for.

Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 8:30 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Emotions nearly flooded Mneowem as Rigel spoke, and she looked at him with such care and compassion that the words which came flowing out of her mouth surprised even her:

"She gave yew more burdens, Rigel. For each care is a worry and each worry brings pain in times of loss. And time of loss always come."

Monday, November 5, 2007 - 6:42 am GMT | Edit | Link |

Rigel smiled at Menowem he was almost aglow.

Yew fell, she provided me to help yew up. THe morgans needed wood, Haggis was provided, Our new friend was chilled, He was provided a cloak. All things work through others.

Monday, November 5, 2007 - 2:30 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Haggis nodded his head while listening to Rigel's words. "Wise words for one of yer years." he smiled at the dark-haired Uman. "They say the gods never give us more than we can handle, though I am sure there are those who would disagree. Still, I prefer to take the optimistic point of view."

He considered the Hafling woman's words as well, then offered his own thoughts. "As fer each care bein' a worry - yew've got a point ma'am. Any time ye care for somethin' or someone, yew run the risk of pain, but that's what sets us apart from the beasts in the forest. Without pain we'd not know the meaning of joy or love or true friendship. 'Tis a fair trade in my humble opinion."

In the distance several tall spires could just be seen if one squinted and looked hard. "Ah! Daelows Gate is not far off now. We should be on the outskirts before long. He pointed ahead and marveled at the time they had made on the newly improved road.

Tuesday, November 6, 2007 - 7:17 am GMT | Edit | Link |

Rigel spoke of the workings of others, and Xerestal heard in the man's words a truth he had long known. Between all things, there were connections - between men and the worlde, between the Four and the One, between the worlde and the stars and the great expanses Beyond and Between. They were all linked together, threads numbering a million millions all tied in a grand universal tapestry.

Rigel spoke of something that Xerestal understood very well, even though he did not know it's name. Rigel, though he was thinking of Peonu, was talking of the Superweave.

It gave the Elementelle much to think about. And the more he thought, the more relevant Rigel's words became. After all, had the man and his wisdom not been provided, just as he said, when Xerestal needed them the most? For within Rigel's words, there was a path to greater understanding.

"The connections do not end." He said, thoughtfully. "To flee from burdens is no escape. Even should you wall yourself away and care about nothing, so that you may be free of worry, you still do not escape your own influence. The lives you were meant to touch, the people you might have saved - they are lost and broken, damaged by your absence. To care is to take on burdens, yes - but to disregard the burdens you are destined to carry is cowardly and criminal."

He was not admonishing Mneowem - he hardly looked in her direction. He was talking mostly to himself; reminding himself of the reasons why he cared, of the reasons that he could not let himself sink into selfish bitterness. He would not follow the path to madness, like his predecessors had. He would finish the job his parents had started, and break the cycle of the Everblessed once and for all time.

Daelows loomed ahead, tall and pompous and noble. It had been a long time since he had left the city, through a catacomb beneath a back-alley swap hutch, with an escaped criminal and a pretty theif and a Venturan in a bottle - the best friends he'd ever known. He smiled at the city, and at the memories.

It was almost like coming home.

(TO:	Daelows Corridor?)

Wednesday, November 7, 2007 - 12:36 am GMT | Edit | Link |

Hearing the old woodcutter say that Daelows City was not far off, Dryn raised slightly off the wooden seat to peer off into the distance. She had excellent eyesight, a gift of her elven heritage on her father's side, and she could see several tall spires sparkling in the afternoon sun.

She was anxious to get there for several reasons; first and foremost to find Xerestal proper garb as well as a proper healer to attend his wounds. Though he seemed to be feeling somewhat better, she knew his energy had been severely tapped during his recent battle in the forest. Secondly, she was out of resources. Daelows would provide a large population and a bustling marketplace, an ideal place to blend into the crowd and ply her 'trade'. Her nimble fingers flexed slightly at the thought. It had been a while since she'd picked a lock or a nobleman's pocket.

As soon as the thought crossed her mind, she cast a quick, guilty glance toward Xerestal. He and the others all spoke of such lofty ideals. Of course he would not approve, and so she would not burden him with her plan. They needed coin to eat, to buy clothing, to pay a healer, and thievery was the only way she knew.

(OOC:

To Daelows Corridor it is)

By Vlad Stiganor (Vlad)

Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:10 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

The smell of smoke and the cries of hungry children as the first of the refugees from Terajin huddled around campfires trying to keep warm in the frosty predawn morning carried to the two hidden watchers on the ridge above the road. While the pair watched a troop of Daelows guardsmen traveled up road keeping the peace, “We will have no problem with the guard.” said Vlad patting a tunic pocket to ensure the pass was still there “But that mob down they could be a problem.”

“But Vlad they are old folk and children how could they be a danger?” Clavis questioned. The larger warrior did not reply for many moments then softly said, “I had forgotten yew are only knowing in the Skylder way. Do not underestimate those people below Clavis in desperation they will fight and it will take only one minor incident to spark it.”

Later the two descended to the roadway Vlad had warned the youth how to act as they made way though the crowd. While most at this early hours just sat around the smoking fires or still where wrapped in makeshift bedrolls a few of the more hearty souls begged and pleaded for help. Only the strongest or the privileged had made it this far so quickly Camps with carts that sheltered nobles or the wealthy stood next to others that the people that had only the clothing on their backs.

Most where put off with a stern look from the huge Skylder, But several of the bolder or possibly the more desperate and the threat of the flat of a sword was the only thing that dissuaded them. Soon the way is clearer as the mounted pair put distance on the others.

00c, To Dealow’s Mile.

By Anonymous

Monday, January 28, 2008 - 12:09 am GMT | Edit | Link |

(FROM:

The Lorimar Road 9: Bridgewest)

Trees, villages and farms flashed by as the fresh horses made easy work of the miles to Daelows City. The men, who had been riding hard all night, let out the occasional grumble or curse that was quickly swept away on the wind. Strausser, however, remained silent, his face set in a look of grim determination. Reaching Daelows with his captives was his only priority – the comfort of the men riding behind him was of little concern.

The sun rose as high as it was going to in the middle of winter and began its swift descent far too quickly for the mercenary’s liking. He urged his horse onward, barely sparing a glance over his shoulder to check his men were still following. Time was of the essence and Strausser was not best pleased to find that when the road at long last started curving northwards, marking the final stretch to Daelows City, the sun had already almost disappeared from view.

The beauty of the sunset and the changing colours of the sky were lost on Strausser. He saw only the miles of travel yet to come and thought only of Vallen’s wrath if they did not reach Daelows soon.

(TO:	The Lorimar Road 7: The Daelows Corridor)

By Skylar (Sky)

Sunday, February 3, 2008 - 7:53 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

(FROM:

The Lorimar Road 9: Bridgewest – as a captive in Strausser’s box )

At some point during the long, arduous journey to Daelows boredom and monotony lulled Skylar into an uneasy sleep. It was a welcome relief from the aches in her bones and muscles, and the stifling closeness of the dark, wooden box. In her dreams she ran free, covering miles of open, if rather bumpy, countryside, not caring where she was heading, only relishing the feelings of freedom and independence.

(TO:	The Lorimar Road 7: The Daelows Corridor)