VoyForums
[ Show ]
Support VoyForums
[ Shrink ]
VoyForums Announcement: Programming and providing support for this service has been a labor of love since 1997. We are one of the few services online who values our users' privacy, and have never sold your information. We have even fought hard to defend your privacy in legal cases; however, we've done it with almost no financial support -- paying out of pocket to continue providing the service. Due to the issues imposed on us by advertisers, we also stopped hosting most ads on the forums many years ago. We hope you appreciate our efforts.

Show your support by donating any amount. (Note: We are still technically a for-profit company, so your contribution is not tax-deductible.) PayPal Acct: Feedback:

Donate to VoyForums (PayPal):

[ Login ] [ Main index ] [ Post a new message ] [ Search | Check update time | Archives: 1, 2, 3, [4], 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 ]

[ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]

Date Posted: 20:03:20 03/06/05 Sun
Author: DS
Subject: Ch.2 (Ack! The last one didn't center...)
In reply to: DS 's message, "Ch. 1" on 20:00:44 03/06/05 Sun

Ch.2

Nite didn’t say a thing until she was in the butchery and face to face with an already tired but excited Lyzel.
“So, lad, how’re you fairing?” Lyzel asked politely as he wrapped up some venison for a young girl out shopping, her older sister in the corner with the other teenage girls.
You couldn’t tell little five-year-old Selzie and the older 18-year-old Koalle were related; they looked nothing alike. Koalle was tall, tan, and had dark, shining eyes and smooth bronze hair. She always seemed to have too much energy. And she spent most of it gossiping and talking about cute guys with her little posse. With Selzie, it was completely different. She had pale skin, and very light blonde hair. She was very short and skinny, and had clear blue eyes. She was very shy, and very fragile.
However, to Selzie, Koalle was a goddess.
“I’m doing fine,” Nite said, smiling to the little girl. She blushed as Lyzel handed her the meat (which Nite suspected was from her own elusive buck), and then retreated over to her sister and the posse, who surrounded her and talked about what she’d seen and heard.
“Glad to hear it.” Lyzel nodded, getting back to cutting meat. “So, Nite, what’ll you have? Maybe the rest of old elusive?”
“If there’s any left of ‘im.” Nite smiled, leaning against the counter.
“Oh, there’s enough for you anytime. You caught him, so you deserve him. And let me say, I’ve never seen meat better than this.” Lyzel wrapped up the meat he’d cut, and handed it to Nite.
“How much will that be?” she asked, loosening the rope that held the opening of her bag together.
“For you? 10 surles. And don’t try and argue. You deserve a discount. You caught the beast. Without it, I would’ve made about three times less than I have so far.”
Nite let her remark die at her lips, and nodded. “Thanks, Lyzel.” She said, passing the silver over. “What would I do without a friend like you?”
“Now, none of this is about friendship.” He said seriously. “I’d never discount in the winter for friendship. Naw, you’ve earned it.”
“Well, thanks anyway.”
“Alright, it’s a busy day for the both of us. Maybe we can talk tomorrow or something.”
“Right. Good luck with the meat.”
“Good luck with your shopping.”
As Nite passed, the teens in the corner went into a gossip frenzy. Nite could only hear snippets of it.
“—best hunter in Firond, I’ll bet—”
“—more like Camyl—”
“I’d say the world!” That voice was Selzie.
“Well, he may not be as cute as Lyzel, but—”
“How d’you know? You’ve never seen his face—”
Nite stopped listening here. It was weird enough pretending to be a guy with an appearance like hers. She’d never get used to girls calling her cute.
Nite never got into calling guys cute. Maybe it was because she lived her life as one. Maybe it was because she was just a late bloomer. Or maybe she just wasn’t interested in guys five years older than her sixteen years, like Lyzel. Also could be a combination of them all.

However, she moved her mind on to more important matters as she stepped out into the congested streets of Firond.
First things first; she had to know more about the stone. That meant she’d have to stop by Benjil’s.
Benjil, the town jeweler, lived at the edge of the town. He had a simple cottage, which was only about a ten-minute’s walk from the Kylpha River. He normally loved to go there and wash off the many stones and gems he boasted.
Stepping up onto the wooden porch, she gently rang the bell. A clear, rich sound came from it, followed by a muffled yell of, “I’m coming!”
A short, skinny man soon opened the door. He was about thirty-nine, although he looked much older. He had gray hair and beard, and shining blue eyes. He was only a little taller than her stomach. He seemed very old, but in reality was very active and enthusiastic when it came to jewels.
A smile spread across the old man’s face as he saw Nite. “Hello, Nite!” He said, ushering her in as he would his own son, 18-year-old Jelzan. “How are you? I haven’t seen you in ages! Really must show you my newest emerald, it’s huge!”
Nite smiled, and happily followed Benjil through the door into the small house.
There were only fours rooms. The door in the right led to the bathroom, the left to the kitchen, and straight across to the bedroom. However, the room they stepped into was the most interesting.
It looked like a shop at first glance. Glass cases all around the room held gems and jewels of every size and shape. There was a case of pure rubies, the largest about half the size of the black stone in her bag, the smallest like glittering grains of salt. There were cases of emeralds, sapphires, diamonds, and so much more. It was hard, even for Nite, who had been coming here for years, not to look around at every single case.
Benjil strode happily down to the counter-shaped glass case, and opened a box in the corner. He placed it on the counter just as Nite walked up.
“This is the largest jewel I’ve seen in a long time.” He whispered, taking a large sack out. “I’m sorry to say I’m selling it today to an elf traveling from afar.”
Being extra careful, he placed his gloved hands in the sack, and took out a large, green emerald—a bit bigger than the black one Nite had found.
Nite stood, wide-eyed, staring in wonder at the stone. After a moment, she gathered herself up enough to ask, “Why are you selling it?”
“An elf, can’t pronounce the name, sent me a letter asking about it. Apparently he was one of the ones who found the emerald, and deeply regrets selling it. He says money is no option, and he’s willing to do anything to get it back. And you know…I’m sure Lillian would want me to give it back. She was always so kind.”
There was a slight pause. Lillian was an elf, and his wife. She’d died just four years ago. No one knew for sure, but Benjil believed it had something to do with the King. She had been with some elf friends, doing ‘something important’. They’d found her and two of the elves, dead. By the looks of it, a sword had been placed through her heart. She’d left a 14-year-old half-elf child and grieving husband behind. However, the town had always supported Benjil and Jelzan, and they’d gotten pretty much over it.
“I was thinking of giving it to Jelzan and Lolialle for their wedding present, but I know it’ll be in good hands with the elf. He claims to have known Lil, after all…”
Lolialle was a human, and was engaged to Jelzan. They were to be married in a week. Nite nodded. “Um… are you sure it’s an emerald?” she asked, trying to seem casual.
Benjil frowned. “Well, now that you mention it… It is very odd. For one, I suspect it’s hollow. However, the elf asked me not to test on it, so I’ll never know. And, it’s intensely cold.”
Nite must’ve been quiet a bit too long, for he peer at her intently. “Why do you ask, Nite?”
“Well… can I show you something?” when he nodded, Nite pulled up her bag. Searching wildly through the straw, she found it. Carefully lifting it up, she placed the black stone on the counter.
Benjil’s eyes widened, and he muttered quietly to himself.
“Amazing…” he whispered, and started to reach for it. He stopped, and looked to Nite for permission.
“Go ahead,” she nodded. “I’m just as curious. Just don’t break it.”
“What kind of jeweler do you think I am?” he asked incredulously, placing his gloved hands softly around the stone. He clasped it lightly, and picked it up. His eyes widened.
“So, is it heavy or light?” he muttered to himself.
“I asked myself the same question.” Nite nodded.
Benjil didn’t seem to hear. “Hm… it was warmer at first, before I touched it. Now it’s getting colder.”
“There’s an inner warmth.”
“Hm?” Benjil asked, looking up into her eyes. “What was that, lad?”
“It has a warmth inside. It’s hard to feel, but I can.”
“Interesting…” he murmured, and picked up a small piece of metal. He tapped the stone lightly, and listened hard. He almost smiled.
“Listen to this.” He said, and struck the stone harder. A clear, mellow note rang out. Nite looked fearfully to where he’d hit, but the stone was unharmed.
“It’s hollow.” Benjil nodded. I’m sure of it now. But, why is it so cold?”
“Dunno.” Nite said, reaching out and putting her hand against the smooth surface. She again felt the bitter frost of the outer shell, but it was still warm deep within.
Seconds went by, and for some reason she was compelled to keep her hand there. It was almost as if something was pleading her to stay, not to go, not to leave it alone…
“Nite? May I see it?”
Nite shook her head, and looked back over at Benjil. He had a curious look in his eyes. Flushed slightly under the hood, she took her hand off and watched as he picked it up.
He traced over the spot her hand had been.
“Very interesting…” he whispered. Then, out loud to her, “You weren’t thinking of selling this, were you?”
Nite looked shocked. “Well, yes—”
“Don’t.” he cut her off, eyes serious. “It is warmer where your hand was. This stone holds magic, my boy. A strong magic, I’d wager. No, it should remain with you. It reacts differently with you. That is important. I don’t know if it’s good or bad, but you need it. I know.”
Nite just stared at him. Benjil had always known very much about magic, as he was married to an elf. It would be wise to take his advice…
And, secretly, she had a hidden desire to keep it close.
“Alright…” she whispered, but before she could say anything else, the door swung open to reveal a tall, skinny 18-year-old.
Jelzan, being half-elf, was always very tall. He was about 6’11, the size of some of the smaller elves. He had waved, bronze hair, which he’d gotten from his father, though pre-aging on Benjil’s behalf made this virtually unknown. Sea green eyes, his mother’s, stared into the shop with the cool, calm air found in so many of his elven relatives. A silky black robe covered his smooth, pure skin.
“Hello, father. Nite.” He said, smiling to his father and bowing his head to Nite. He always treated Nite with special respect. Nite was alarmed at first that maybe he knew her secret, but he hadn’t shown signs of it if he did.
“Hello, Jelzan.” She said, nodding.
“How are you, my boy?” Benjil said, all smiles. He loved his son more than life itself; that was a fact.
“Fine.” Jelzan smiled. “More than fine, to be exact. Lolie just got her dress. Haven’t seen it yet, of course, but…”
Benjil, grinning, walked up and put an arm around his son’s waste, as that was as close as he could to get to around his shoulders. “I’m proud of you, my boy. She’s a fine woman, and I know you’ll be happy.”
Nite could still remember the day a few months ago when Jelzan had sought out her help. He had confided in her that he was afraid that his father would mourn his leave, as the man seemed to live for his son and his gems. Nite had agreed to be there when he broke the news to his father, who surprisingly welcomed the idea of his marriage with open arms.
Jelzan looked over at the counter, and frowned. “What’s that?” he asked, looking curiously at the stone.
“It belongs to Nite. He was just showing it to me; it ‘s very much like an emerald I’m selling to an elf.”
Jelzan nodded. His eyes glinted with hidden excitement of meeting one of his mother’s race.
Elves and humans didn’t get along well. The elves and humans had actually just come out of war. The war had stopped because of three young couples, Benjil and Lillian included, that had sworn eternal love, and had fought to break up the fights between the families. Benjil laughed that it was like an old love story, though no one had ‘tragically died’. Now, the elves and humans got along better. Only one of the couples remained, but the other two had remained loyal until death. And besides, the elves and humans had come to a mutual understanding through the years. A small one, but a strong one.
The was a slight pause, and then Nite cleared her throat. “Well, I best be leaving. Good luck with the preparations, Jelzan. Stay sharp, Benjil.”
Nite scooped the stone hurriedly into her pack, and waved goodbye as she trotted down into the windy streets.

Back in town, the traders and happy tourists encircled Nite. The sound of shouting advertisements and the clang of money was a merry and happy sound to the girl. She walked along happily, watching people demonstrate how to use this or what exactly that does. Along the way she stopped for essentials, such as blankets, matches, salt, and coals. She also bought some extra hay to stuff the beds with. It would be a cold winter; she could feel it.

As sunset neared, she finally found the last thing she was looking for.
She walked steadily up to one of the traders that sold weapons. She looked, breathless, at the wide selection. There were just about all types of weapons, and they ranged from crude wooden instruments to proud, jewel-encrusted ones that looked from the king’s own army. Beautiful longbows with emeralds that came with their own quiver and twenty arrows, daggers that shone with the light of sapphires in the setting rays of the sun…
And swords.
Nite walked casually up to the trader, and looked at him thoughtfully. He was a normal-sized man, with neatly kept black hair in a ponytail. His skin was tanned, and he had dark eyes that seemed to glint with fascination at his many customers.
“Hello.” Nite said, and the dark eyes rested on her.
“What can I do for you, lad?” He asked, his voice rough, but soft. He had a foreign accent that Nite couldn’t quite place.
“I’m looking for a sword for my little brother. Do you happen to sell practice swords? I‘ve been looking for a while.”
The trader raised an eyebrow. “How old is this little brother?”
“Half-brother, actually. He’s three, but do not be fooled. He is the only child of Raylen, the youngest knight of the king’s army, deceased now for three years.”
The man’s eyes widened. “Are you speaking the truth, boy?” he asked, amazed. “Can you show me proof?”
Nite nodded, and then looked through her bag. She brought out a small piece of cloth, the darkest of blue. On it was a crest; a blood red phoenix emerging from flames. The king’s crest.
“It was given to him, mother, and I by the King himself. Part of my stepfather’s uniform.”
The man stared long and hard at it. Finally, he walked over to some boxes, and pulled out a long, thin box. There was writing in another language on it, probably the language of wherever the man had come from.
He laid it down in front of her, and watched her, as if waiting for her reaction.
Nite carefully reached over, and gently opened the top of the box.
Inside, well kept and ready for use, was Raylen’s sword.
The handle was pure black, blacker than anything Nite had ever seen. Soft golden symbols were written delicately on the handle, forming the word, Knight. The case was the dark blue of the fabric Nite held, silver markings declaring, King’s Second. The highest rank. On the back, in the same soft lettering, was the name. Raylen.
Nite couldn’t speak. A lump in her throat blocked all words. She just stared in awe of the one thing she knew would mean the world to her brother.
“I believe, young man,” Nite was startled back into reality at the trader’s voice, “that it belongs to your family.”

About an hour later, Nite was heading back home. The sword was back in the box, tied to the bottom of her bag. Under it was tied a small package. The trader, one called Fenren, had wanted to give the wooden sword to her for free, but was paid a good 20 surles for it anyway.
And the stone was in the bottom of her sack, getting steadily warmer.

The sun was just disappearing as she made it home.


[ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]

Replies:

Forum timezone: GMT-5
VF Version: 3.00b, ConfDB:
Before posting please read our privacy policy.
VoyForums(tm) is a Free Service from Voyager Info-Systems.
Copyright © 1998-2019 Voyager Info-Systems. All Rights Reserved.