(Originally posted in 2004 and lost in the attack. reposted from alternate archives - Kelryck)
The Sound and the Fury
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[Note about the story: This started as the story of my return to Hibernia/Nimue as well as the reminiscence of many of the things that have happened to me there over time. A few others joined in and I will include their stories as well. I hope you enjoy!]
It was not a pleasant way to go, but for the first time in her life Kriss did not fight for survival. The demon's last words to her were the most horrible and truthful things ever spoken to her and less of an accusation, but confirmation of everthing that had led up to this point in her existence.
"Unloveable..." the demon that sat on her chest had hissed down at her. Kriss looked up helplessly, unable to argue, spent from days of wrestling with the cruel being that pinned her to the ground. Her left hand bled slowly into the ground, the place where the last two fingers had been ached and throbbed, her face was a map of deep, oozing cuts and her right ear was half gone now, in the belly of the beast that straddled her chest. Slowly the creature leaned forward until his nose scraped against hers and Kriss winced at the fetid breath the washed over her face. The demon laughed hollowly and brought his hand up to carress her cheek. Kriss swallowed hard but found she had no more will to fight.
"Now," the demon hissed, "everyone will see you as I see you. As you see yourself." With that, he slid his thumb roughly over Kriss's left eye, forcing it closed. There was a sickening hiss, the smell of burning flesh, and a blinding white vision of pain. The pain was mercifully short. Kriss knew that goddesses could die, she had slain one not long ago, and now she learned what a goddess's death was like: inky black and full of pain.
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Somewhere there was the singing of birds; a sound Kriss thought she had completely forgotten. Then a cool breeze blew across her face and something tickled at her chin. Nearby she became aware of the unmistakable sound of air rushing in and out of a cavern opening: the breath of the earth, the stench of a tomb. Forcing her eyes open she found herself flat on her back, her hair blowing across her face, obscuring the azure sky above her.
Bringing her hands to her face in order to brush her hair away she froze when she saw her hand. The ring finger and littlest finger of her left hand were missing and roughly scarred over. Kriss let her hand drop to her side and noisilly let out the breath of air that she had been holding. None of it had been a dream. Every loss was horrifyingly real.
Struggling to her feet and pushing the hair from her face she felt the scars the demon had left there. Her vision was distorted but she saw the Muire tomb tilting and foggy to her right as she fumbled for her balance. The air was crisp and clear and the sun burned hotly on her head as Kriss gingerly moved down the hill towards Ardee. Each step was a like a hammer blow to her head and she gnawed her lower lip to brace against the pain. Though the horizon danced crazilly, she managed to keep her footing until she reached the edge of the river by Ardee, at last falling to her knees and peering into the clear waters. She barely recognized the face that peered back up at her.
Her face was marred by maze of sickening scars and her once raven locks were now streaked with white. The scars she was braced for and the white hair would have been shocking if it were not for what had once been her left eye. Staring out of the socket was a hideous white mass. Her right, blue eye widened in horror and she fumbled at her cloak, her mangled left hand, struggling to pull it tightly about her face.
Kriss stumbled into the pub in Ardee and moved straight for the bar. Reaching underneath she found the catch to the secret compartment she had constructed there years before. Thrusting her hand deep inside she found what she was looking for: the cool smooth glass fit perfectly in her hand. She pulled the decanter out and looked at it with her one good eye. The thick liquid inside was green shot through with gold and hissed out a cloud of green smoke as she popped the top. The Discordian Thoughtstopper went down smooth and Kriss went blissfully numb.
She was exactly what she had always thought she was. Exactly what the demon had pointed out. Unloved. Unloveable. She took another swallow of the thick liquor and stumbled out of doors.
Then the strangest things began to happen to her. As she sat precariously on the huge log outside Ardee, someone rode by and blew her a kiss. Kriss narrowed her eye at the Firbold. He looked familiar, but she couldn't be certain. Kriss moved on, retracing the last long walk she had taken about her countryside before her disappearance so long ago. All along the way people she barely recognized bowed and curtsied to her. She began to recognized faces and guilds, children and grandchildren of those she knew before. The numbers grew, people waved and said hello, but Kriss kept her face covered, ahsamed of who she was.
Suddenly from behind her there was a voice she could never forget. "Kriss! Tell me that is really you!" Kriss whirled around in time to meet the embrace of her dear friend Elethea. "I've been watching for you," Elethea gasped as she covered Kriss's face with kisses. "I knew ye'd be back." Kriss gave up trying to be strong at last and sank tearfully into Elethea's arms.
The next few hours passed quickly as Kriss found herself surrounded by old friends. Out of nowhere, Tatton seemed to appear, then Aeleoth, then before she knew it she was being welcomed back into her old home, Haven. Everywhere around her were smiling faces, old friends and new. Ale was passed around, as well as bottles of grog. Ardee was full of a laughter that she never thought she would hear again. Her own.
Kriss kept her cloak tight about her face, still unwilling to show everyone what she had become. For the first time, however, she caught a glimpse of things she had only heard of in song and myth: home and family and something akin to unconditional love. Haven was more of a home now than it ever had been when it had been under her guidance. Hibernia seemed sunnier than ever and friends righter than the summer rain.
Perhaps Kriss had changed afterall, but not in the ways the demon said she would. Unloved perhaps, but if so only by herself. Unloveable? Well that was just a lie, a tale told by an idiot, and she would rise up against that lie with sound and fury.
[written by Kattarria]
Katarria awoke in Ardee, her body shivering and head pounding from the sickness. As she stood the dizziness forced her back to the ground. Clouded visions of the battle swam in her head, the scorpion and the diplomat; she had been unprepared for such a battle. Her lack of knowledge of her enemy became the downfall of her and Eltorr. As her vision cleared she went in search of a healer, the local bard sent her to the pub. As the door opened her delicate ears were assaulted by laughter and cheers. She cringed slightly in the doorway, her head still pounding from the sickness coursing through her veins.
Katarria scanned the room quickly, noting some faces she had seen before and others she had not. Despite the pain she smiled at the sight of such a joyous gathering and she quietly pondered what, or who the celebration was for. The healer's magic worked wonders, as always yet she remained a few moments longer to take in the site. She heard toasts and introductions but most of all happiness. The feeling stayed with her as she slipped out of the pub, not wanting to disturb such an event and with a smile she decided to seek her revenge. If not on the beasts that sent her reeling back to Ardee, then on their kin.
It was the following day when word reached Katarria that the celebration was for Kriss, a name she heard from tales of old. A glimmer of excitement sparkled through her bright blue eyes, knowing she had been so close to a legend. Hope coursed through her as she was being fitted for her new armor, perhaps one day she would even have the honor of meeting the one she had heard so much about.
[written by Cedia]
She couldnt sleep. She gazed over to where Arinas lay, scrunched up on the edge of the other side of the bed. She smirked as she remembered he always did that when he found her too worked up over things to even talk to her. So hed give her plenty of room, roll over and sleep. It was infuriating.
There are Siabra in the tavern! shed cried over their guild scrystone.
Oh? came his simple answer. He was always a pillar of serenity.
Yes! And nobody seems to care!
She watched Arinas frown in the glass. I hope you're not going to cause too much of a disturbance.
How dare he?! Asliantha had flung the thing away from her in disgust, running to the first inn she could find in the city, where shed curled up on a bed still in her armor, and cried.
Later, when hed found her, shed poured out everything that had happened. Yes, shed met Jypsie at Ardee like she said she would, and boy did she look pretty in her new dress! And guess what? Tatton is her papa! And Durome was very nice to welcome her there. And Well, she didnt exactly mention Aeleoth, or the way her stomach had flipped as she ran past him.
But then, it had all been ruined. Whispers and not-so-softly spoken words had slipped past her ears. Tatton was right, it was nearly, as he said, a challenge of our wits to see how much we can keep up with.
But then, talk of murder contracts, and then one elven man mentioned them. because siabra lie.. they gain trust and then stab you in the back. THEM. And as she turned and looked about the room, she thought she saw them.
Panicking, shed tried to be clever. Looking around, she muttered, Ew I smell something... And then, wrinkling her nose, Smells like Siabra scum! Ick! Shed run out the door then, of course.
Now, pouting as she looked over again at Arinas near-motionless form, she forlornly poked him in the ribs. Nothing. Sniffling, she rose and pulled on an old frock that she kept for working at the forge. He was the closest thing she had to family now, and even he didnt understand.
Maybe her mother had been right. Maybe she should have sought out the Sylvan instead of the elves. Then again, she really didnt know if the treefolk would understand all the craziness she felt inside. It all started when they had to refit her dresses one day because they were too tight across the chest. It was like, since that day didnt anybody understand how IMPORTANT things were? Like how the magic was going away from Hibernia because of the bucketheads and the barbarians? Or because the Siabra only care about killing everybody that stands in their way? Didnt Hibernians feel like laughing and crying at the same time?
And Mama had said that her people were all but gone from Hibernia. Maybe there were more veil dryads behind the Veil, but did they ever have kids with elves? Maybe there was something wrong with her? Who knows, Asliantha pondered, maybe Im just a monster! Maybe one day Ill just wake up, pass out, throw up, let out a great fart, and die.
Gathering up her armor and weapons, Asli made her way out of Tir na Nog into the dark night. Climbing to the top of the highest hill she could find, she spread out her cloak and lay down upon it. Looking up at the mists moving slowly across the moon, she tried to relax, but a million worries just popped right up again. What about that shar I met in the mines the other day? Does he really like me? Does he have fangs? Do I want to find out? Why does he like elves anyway? Probably he was just being silly. And what about that mean elf who was hunting Peridas, and what about the key to the north hallway, and
[written by RyssaBelle]
Ryssa ran as fast as she could, her tiny legs on the verge of spilling her face down in the tall grass. Someone had said there were folk in Ardee! She knew they sometimes gathered around the old log, and she had joined in once or twice. Ryssa had wanted to tell a tale there too, but she was terribly shy. No one would know it though, for she bounced and bubbled in a happy way. When they could see her that is, and that was only when Ryssa wished it. Deep inside people scared her, and she just couldn't make herself speak when they asked around.
But these folk weren't on the silly log, they must be in the Tavern. Now that sounded fun, and she had to see.
Ryssa was puffing a bit as she neared Ardee, wishing she had taken a horse. She slowed to a walk, habitually slinking into the shadows. She glared at the windows well above her head, but it mattered little as the shutters were closed. Finally she worked up her nerve and opened the big oaken door. Stepping inside she looked around and saw.... there was no one there at all. Sighing quietly she looked at the rising sun outside and realized she might have to adjust her nocturnal habits a bit. She climbed up to the highest branch of the old log and perched there like a tiny falcon watching as dawn broke over the land. Maybe next time she thought and hopped to the dewy grass. Until then she would head back to Wilton keep in search of darker entertainment.
[written by Kriss]
Kriss scampered away from her homecoming in Ardee brimming with emotion. She ripped the door to the pub open and tore up the stairs finding the little place there where she once used to sleep after a raucous night down below. Curling up in blankets that had the disconcerting smell of the past she smiled to herself, listening to the chatter below, and drifted off into a deep slumber.
Kriss no longer dreamed, but while her body rested her spirit walked the dusky trails of time. Tonight was no different and what she lived again was as real as the day it first happened so long ago.
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Krisss little sister, Elyska, came bounding up the inner stairway of the Haven guildhall then barreled down the hallway to Krisss room. Bursting in unannounced she skidded to a halt, already in mid-sentence before she could stop herself, Kriss! I met the most amazing- Elyska stopped herself and narrowed her eyes, taking in the room. Krisss bedsheets were rumpled, the empty pillow next to her head still held the impression of anothers slumber, and the in the cloying heat of the room the soft scent of perfume still danced upon the air. Elyska went to the window and threw it open to let in fresh air. Kriss lay silently on her side, red-rimmed eyes following Elyskas every move.
Who was here? Elyska barked, whirling on Kriss.
Ely
Who was it!? Elyska shouted.
Kriss dropped back heavily against her pillow, draping one arm across her eyes. Kemis, she whispered.
Elyska threw up her hands in defeat. Did ye- Elyska then let out a breath of disgust and gripped the twin sickles that hung at her sides. Of COURSE ye did. How long has she been gone? Ely looked out the window as if she might leap out in pursuit.
Ely, no. Kriss shook her head beneath the weight of her arm. Shes not coming back.
Not if she knows wots good for her, no. Elyska tightened her grip on her twin blades, mumbling, ..keep me locked in a damp cellar, will she
Ely, shes pregnant.
Elyska took a long slow look at Kriss and wrinkled her nose, Wot dye mean... some sort of immaculate conception by Eris
Kriss peaked at Ely from underneath her elbow. Dont be daft, Ely. Its certainly not MINE nor is it the child of the Goddess.
But then Elyska cocked her head to one side. How?
Kriss raised to her elbows, sighing in exasperation.
I mean, Elyska continued quickly, I know HOW. Elyska sighed. I mean WHO.
Does it really matter? A mehume. Kriss swung her legs out of bed and began to dress herself.
Ely scowled as she helped Kriss slip into her robe. I dont like it when ye use that word.
Kriss cinched her robe tight and whirled on Ely. A MAN then if ye like. An ELF if ye must be particular.
But I thought she I thought ye
Kriss sank once again to the edge of the bed, running one hand through her raven hair, working out the tangles. The words came out in a rush, She is High Priestess no more, she has taken a lover and she will not be back again. Kriss looked up, her blue eyes piercing right through Elyska. Never. I made that clear.
But not before tha two of ye Elyska trailed off at the look Kriss shot her.
She wont be back, Kriss spoke dark and low. She is dead to me.
There was a long moment of silence between the two sisters after which Elyska pulled Kriss up with two hands and wrapped her arms around her. Im so sorry, Kriss, Elyska murmured as Kriss rested her chin lovingly on Elyskas curly red head.
I will heal, child. Moonblades always do. With that the two sisters released one another and Elyska stepped back to look into Krisss face. Impishly she grinned and spoke rapidly, I met someone. Ye will LOVE her!
Indeed?
Well, no like well I don mean I mean shes fascinatin an all Elyska stammered and blushed.
Kriss cocked an eyebrow. Out with it, little tiger. Who is this new friend?
Elyska smiled brightly. Her name is Chanell.
Kriss smiled brightly as well, at the look of joy on her sisters face as well as the way her own spirit tingled at the sound of that name. Well then, Kriss straightened Elyskas messy hair. We shall have to meet Chanell then, and right away.
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Kriss woke with a start, her spirit slipping back into her body like a hand into a glove. That was a bittersweet road for another night. Another journey.
[written by Elethea]
Elethea took off her cloak, lay it on the bench at the end of her bed, noticed the rumpled and empty blankets, and frowned. She reached over and touched one of the pillows, it was still warm. She turned with a smile of relief toward the sound of someone breathing nearby. A tiny figure wrapped in a Haven cloak, slept curled up by the fire like a kitten.
"There you are, my little Light." She said softly, and knelt beside the Lurikeen, gently smoothing his ruffled, red hair.
"Let's get you back to bed, you dont want to get singed from the flames."
Carefully, she lifted him into her arms, carrying him over to the bed and laying him down. She unfastened his cloak, and put it with her own.
"Something truly wonderful happened today..." She told him softly as she drew the blankets up over him and tucked him in.
"A friend... No, more than a friend, kin of my spirit has returned to our world, after many lonely travels. Can you guess who it is?"
The elf leaned over and kissed the tiny face peeking over the covers, pausing to gaze down at him.
"Kriss, Kriss is home. She has been greatly wounded, has suffered through many trials, but she found her way back to us. And though she would laugh merrily and dismiss it if I told her... She shines so, with a beauty that only those who have battled their demons and won, are able to."
Elethea fell silent, taking off her boots as she liked to do once at home, and sat on the bed next to her sleeping charge.
He had been so tired when he had found her in the Druid grove. And yet, he stayed, not leaving her to be alone with her grief and her ghosts. He had become her Hero that night. That winters night when, he sat with her and told her great tales of a world where dragons and warriors fought side by side as equals, and held her hand when she wept like a lost child. She still had the tiny golden flower he had given to her to make her smile, it was preserved in a golden locket she wore close to her heart. She wore it at all times, she would never take it off. Now he dreamed, and rested, and she stayed with him.
"Kriss is home..." She whispered, as she closed her eyes and lay a spell upon her cottage, opening its door to her beloved friend, should she ever need a place to come to. With a smile, she moved to stand up, but was caught and held fast by a small hand that had reached out and held onto her wrist tightly. He mumbled in his sleep, a troubled frown creasing his forehead. Elethea nodded, and slipped under the blankets with him. She wrapped her arms around him, cradling him against her protectively and felt him relax again.
"I will come with you, and this time your dream will be a sweet one, my Light." She told him, closing her eyes again.
"Kriss is home..." She breathed, a soft smile touching her lips, as she drifted off to sleep.
[written by Kriss]
Kriss stepped down from the log in Ardee, her heart still pounding from the rush of adrenalin she got from speaking in front of the large crowd. She could not have hoped for a better reaction from the gathering and she fought back tears of joy as people hugged her and welcomed her back home while she moved to the back of the crowd to find her seat. Soon she was enraptured by a little bardess who was perched upon the log telling a tale of such innocence and newness that Kriss forgot the surge of emotions and simply sat quietly and listened.
The little bardess, Labbnie, finished her tale and hopped lithely down from the log as the crowd cheered her on. Kriss was shocked as the young bard made her way to the back of the crowd and sat next to her on the grass. I liked yer story, Labbnie whispered up to Kriss. Kriss nodded and smiled, her lips bobbing into view from the shadows of her hooded robe. I liked yers too, dear one. Very much so, Kriss whispered back.
Labbnie handed Kriss a piece of folded cloth, This is for ye, lady Kriss. I trust ye for ye are a friend of the lady Elethea.
Kriss took the soft cloth in her hands, enjoying the soothing way that the fabric felt against the place where her missing fingers used to be. Not everyone is ta be trusted, ye know, Labbnie whispered seriously up to Kriss, her eyes wide with the knowledge she bestowed.
Kriss caught her breath as a look of grief washed over her face, hidden from view by the shadows of her hood. Oh I know, dear one. Kriss patted Labbnies hand gently, That I know first hand.
Labbnie looked quizzically at Kriss, taking a moment to form her question. At last she asked, How long have ye been in Haven, lady Kriss?
Kriss smiled softly again. A very long time indeed, dear one. I once was Havens guild leader, but when I became unfit to lead I handed things over to my friends and I left this land.
But why? Labbnies hushed voice rose distinctly to Krisss ear. What happened?
If ye truly wish to know than I shall show ye.
Show me?
Aye, is quicker than the tellin, dear one. Well be back before the next performer even begins. Do ye trust me, dear?
Labbnie nodded.
Then let us begin. With that, Kriss reached out and touched Labbnies forehead. Labbnie felt a brief shock that caused her to squeal and close her eyes, followed by the odd sensation of being jerked swiftly sideways. When she opened her eyes she found that she was rising high into the air yet her body still sat at the back of the crowd below, the earth slowly turning below her as she spun upwards. Kriss was next to her, gently guiding her by the arm. Do not be afraid, dear. We are in the spirit world now and I will let nothing harm thee.
Labbnie found that she was not afraid in the least, even as the crowd of Hibernians grew small beneath her and she began to notice the myriad of slithering shadows that covered the land. Kriss pointed ahead and Labbnie watched as the sun climbed incredibly fast above the horizon then paused in the heavens to wink at her and sprout a fat, lazy tail that it swished across the sky. The astonished Labbnie gasped and Kriss laughed merrily as she slipped the two of them between the thin strands of time and into the darkness of the spaces in between.
The darkness of the in between was peppered by the occasional whirling light that would often swim up to the pair and gently nudge them curiously before dashing swiftly away. Labbnie got the sense that she and Kriss were moving quickly through the darkness but there was no rush of air against her skin, nor any sound at all in her ears, save that of Kriss softly humming next to her. The humming put her at ease and she began to bat playfully at the odd lights when they came to nudge at her. Suddenly she sensed something huge rush by, an enormous animal that brushed against her and snorted loudly. What was that? she cried out to Kriss who calmly patted her hand.
That was Ongar, dear one. He wont hurt ye.
Who is Ongar, lady Kriss?
The one-eyed dragon that travels the twisted rope of time. Kriss paused for a moment before continuing, Hmmmmm, I do believe he got his other eye back at last. Jolly good for him!
Before Labbnie could process it all Kriss tugged at her arm and said, Here we are! and although Labbnie saw nothing special Kriss pulled her downward into the abrupt brightness of a crisp, spring day. The two of them stood in a meadow before a massive house that could use a coat of paint. Above the porch, Labbnie could make out a guild crest tilted at a crazy angle and above that had been painted the word NAWG.
Where are we? Labbnie gasped.
Where we came from, dear, Kriss smiled down at the little bardess, only many years before. Oh look! Kriss pointed to the figure clad in blue in green that was emerging from the woods. Here I come!
Labbnie looked from at the young woman emerging from the woods, then up to Kriss, then back again. What are ye doing here?
Kriss could not keep the excitement from her voice. I be deliverin an invitation to the Lady Chanell. An invitation to the ceremony where I became High Priestess of the Discordians.
The young Kriss dashed by them laughing softly to herself, oblivious to their presence. Was I really ever that young? Kriss sighed sadly and looked down at Labbnie. Yet Labbnie was gone, following her young specter up the steps to the house of NAWG.
The Sound and the Fury
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[Note about the story: This started as the story of my return to Hibernia/Nimue as well as the reminiscence of many of the things that have happened to me there over time. A few others joined in and I will include their stories as well. I hope you enjoy!]
It was not a pleasant way to go, but for the first time in her life Kriss did not fight for survival. The demon's last words to her were the most horrible and truthful things ever spoken to her and less of an accusation, but confirmation of everthing that had led up to this point in her existence.
"Unloveable..." the demon that sat on her chest had hissed down at her. Kriss looked up helplessly, unable to argue, spent from days of wrestling with the cruel being that pinned her to the ground. Her left hand bled slowly into the ground, the place where the last two fingers had been ached and throbbed, her face was a map of deep, oozing cuts and her right ear was half gone now, in the belly of the beast that straddled her chest. Slowly the creature leaned forward until his nose scraped against hers and Kriss winced at the fetid breath the washed over her face. The demon laughed hollowly and brought his hand up to carress her cheek. Kriss swallowed hard but found she had no more will to fight.
"Now," the demon hissed, "everyone will see you as I see you. As you see yourself." With that, he slid his thumb roughly over Kriss's left eye, forcing it closed. There was a sickening hiss, the smell of burning flesh, and a blinding white vision of pain. The pain was mercifully short. Kriss knew that goddesses could die, she had slain one not long ago, and now she learned what a goddess's death was like: inky black and full of pain.
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Somewhere there was the singing of birds; a sound Kriss thought she had completely forgotten. Then a cool breeze blew across her face and something tickled at her chin. Nearby she became aware of the unmistakable sound of air rushing in and out of a cavern opening: the breath of the earth, the stench of a tomb. Forcing her eyes open she found herself flat on her back, her hair blowing across her face, obscuring the azure sky above her.
Bringing her hands to her face in order to brush her hair away she froze when she saw her hand. The ring finger and littlest finger of her left hand were missing and roughly scarred over. Kriss let her hand drop to her side and noisilly let out the breath of air that she had been holding. None of it had been a dream. Every loss was horrifyingly real.
Struggling to her feet and pushing the hair from her face she felt the scars the demon had left there. Her vision was distorted but she saw the Muire tomb tilting and foggy to her right as she fumbled for her balance. The air was crisp and clear and the sun burned hotly on her head as Kriss gingerly moved down the hill towards Ardee. Each step was a like a hammer blow to her head and she gnawed her lower lip to brace against the pain. Though the horizon danced crazilly, she managed to keep her footing until she reached the edge of the river by Ardee, at last falling to her knees and peering into the clear waters. She barely recognized the face that peered back up at her.
Her face was marred by maze of sickening scars and her once raven locks were now streaked with white. The scars she was braced for and the white hair would have been shocking if it were not for what had once been her left eye. Staring out of the socket was a hideous white mass. Her right, blue eye widened in horror and she fumbled at her cloak, her mangled left hand, struggling to pull it tightly about her face.
Kriss stumbled into the pub in Ardee and moved straight for the bar. Reaching underneath she found the catch to the secret compartment she had constructed there years before. Thrusting her hand deep inside she found what she was looking for: the cool smooth glass fit perfectly in her hand. She pulled the decanter out and looked at it with her one good eye. The thick liquid inside was green shot through with gold and hissed out a cloud of green smoke as she popped the top. The Discordian Thoughtstopper went down smooth and Kriss went blissfully numb.
She was exactly what she had always thought she was. Exactly what the demon had pointed out. Unloved. Unloveable. She took another swallow of the thick liquor and stumbled out of doors.
Then the strangest things began to happen to her. As she sat precariously on the huge log outside Ardee, someone rode by and blew her a kiss. Kriss narrowed her eye at the Firbold. He looked familiar, but she couldn't be certain. Kriss moved on, retracing the last long walk she had taken about her countryside before her disappearance so long ago. All along the way people she barely recognized bowed and curtsied to her. She began to recognized faces and guilds, children and grandchildren of those she knew before. The numbers grew, people waved and said hello, but Kriss kept her face covered, ahsamed of who she was.
Suddenly from behind her there was a voice she could never forget. "Kriss! Tell me that is really you!" Kriss whirled around in time to meet the embrace of her dear friend Elethea. "I've been watching for you," Elethea gasped as she covered Kriss's face with kisses. "I knew ye'd be back." Kriss gave up trying to be strong at last and sank tearfully into Elethea's arms.
The next few hours passed quickly as Kriss found herself surrounded by old friends. Out of nowhere, Tatton seemed to appear, then Aeleoth, then before she knew it she was being welcomed back into her old home, Haven. Everywhere around her were smiling faces, old friends and new. Ale was passed around, as well as bottles of grog. Ardee was full of a laughter that she never thought she would hear again. Her own.
Kriss kept her cloak tight about her face, still unwilling to show everyone what she had become. For the first time, however, she caught a glimpse of things she had only heard of in song and myth: home and family and something akin to unconditional love. Haven was more of a home now than it ever had been when it had been under her guidance. Hibernia seemed sunnier than ever and friends righter than the summer rain.
Perhaps Kriss had changed afterall, but not in the ways the demon said she would. Unloved perhaps, but if so only by herself. Unloveable? Well that was just a lie, a tale told by an idiot, and she would rise up against that lie with sound and fury.
[written by Kattarria]
Katarria awoke in Ardee, her body shivering and head pounding from the sickness. As she stood the dizziness forced her back to the ground. Clouded visions of the battle swam in her head, the scorpion and the diplomat; she had been unprepared for such a battle. Her lack of knowledge of her enemy became the downfall of her and Eltorr. As her vision cleared she went in search of a healer, the local bard sent her to the pub. As the door opened her delicate ears were assaulted by laughter and cheers. She cringed slightly in the doorway, her head still pounding from the sickness coursing through her veins.
Katarria scanned the room quickly, noting some faces she had seen before and others she had not. Despite the pain she smiled at the sight of such a joyous gathering and she quietly pondered what, or who the celebration was for. The healer's magic worked wonders, as always yet she remained a few moments longer to take in the site. She heard toasts and introductions but most of all happiness. The feeling stayed with her as she slipped out of the pub, not wanting to disturb such an event and with a smile she decided to seek her revenge. If not on the beasts that sent her reeling back to Ardee, then on their kin.
It was the following day when word reached Katarria that the celebration was for Kriss, a name she heard from tales of old. A glimmer of excitement sparkled through her bright blue eyes, knowing she had been so close to a legend. Hope coursed through her as she was being fitted for her new armor, perhaps one day she would even have the honor of meeting the one she had heard so much about.
[written by Cedia]
She couldnt sleep. She gazed over to where Arinas lay, scrunched up on the edge of the other side of the bed. She smirked as she remembered he always did that when he found her too worked up over things to even talk to her. So hed give her plenty of room, roll over and sleep. It was infuriating.
There are Siabra in the tavern! shed cried over their guild scrystone.
Oh? came his simple answer. He was always a pillar of serenity.
Yes! And nobody seems to care!
She watched Arinas frown in the glass. I hope you're not going to cause too much of a disturbance.
How dare he?! Asliantha had flung the thing away from her in disgust, running to the first inn she could find in the city, where shed curled up on a bed still in her armor, and cried.
Later, when hed found her, shed poured out everything that had happened. Yes, shed met Jypsie at Ardee like she said she would, and boy did she look pretty in her new dress! And guess what? Tatton is her papa! And Durome was very nice to welcome her there. And Well, she didnt exactly mention Aeleoth, or the way her stomach had flipped as she ran past him.
But then, it had all been ruined. Whispers and not-so-softly spoken words had slipped past her ears. Tatton was right, it was nearly, as he said, a challenge of our wits to see how much we can keep up with.
But then, talk of murder contracts, and then one elven man mentioned them. because siabra lie.. they gain trust and then stab you in the back. THEM. And as she turned and looked about the room, she thought she saw them.
Panicking, shed tried to be clever. Looking around, she muttered, Ew I smell something... And then, wrinkling her nose, Smells like Siabra scum! Ick! Shed run out the door then, of course.
Now, pouting as she looked over again at Arinas near-motionless form, she forlornly poked him in the ribs. Nothing. Sniffling, she rose and pulled on an old frock that she kept for working at the forge. He was the closest thing she had to family now, and even he didnt understand.
Maybe her mother had been right. Maybe she should have sought out the Sylvan instead of the elves. Then again, she really didnt know if the treefolk would understand all the craziness she felt inside. It all started when they had to refit her dresses one day because they were too tight across the chest. It was like, since that day didnt anybody understand how IMPORTANT things were? Like how the magic was going away from Hibernia because of the bucketheads and the barbarians? Or because the Siabra only care about killing everybody that stands in their way? Didnt Hibernians feel like laughing and crying at the same time?
And Mama had said that her people were all but gone from Hibernia. Maybe there were more veil dryads behind the Veil, but did they ever have kids with elves? Maybe there was something wrong with her? Who knows, Asliantha pondered, maybe Im just a monster! Maybe one day Ill just wake up, pass out, throw up, let out a great fart, and die.
Gathering up her armor and weapons, Asli made her way out of Tir na Nog into the dark night. Climbing to the top of the highest hill she could find, she spread out her cloak and lay down upon it. Looking up at the mists moving slowly across the moon, she tried to relax, but a million worries just popped right up again. What about that shar I met in the mines the other day? Does he really like me? Does he have fangs? Do I want to find out? Why does he like elves anyway? Probably he was just being silly. And what about that mean elf who was hunting Peridas, and what about the key to the north hallway, and
[written by RyssaBelle]
Ryssa ran as fast as she could, her tiny legs on the verge of spilling her face down in the tall grass. Someone had said there were folk in Ardee! She knew they sometimes gathered around the old log, and she had joined in once or twice. Ryssa had wanted to tell a tale there too, but she was terribly shy. No one would know it though, for she bounced and bubbled in a happy way. When they could see her that is, and that was only when Ryssa wished it. Deep inside people scared her, and she just couldn't make herself speak when they asked around.
But these folk weren't on the silly log, they must be in the Tavern. Now that sounded fun, and she had to see.
Ryssa was puffing a bit as she neared Ardee, wishing she had taken a horse. She slowed to a walk, habitually slinking into the shadows. She glared at the windows well above her head, but it mattered little as the shutters were closed. Finally she worked up her nerve and opened the big oaken door. Stepping inside she looked around and saw.... there was no one there at all. Sighing quietly she looked at the rising sun outside and realized she might have to adjust her nocturnal habits a bit. She climbed up to the highest branch of the old log and perched there like a tiny falcon watching as dawn broke over the land. Maybe next time she thought and hopped to the dewy grass. Until then she would head back to Wilton keep in search of darker entertainment.
[written by Kriss]
Kriss scampered away from her homecoming in Ardee brimming with emotion. She ripped the door to the pub open and tore up the stairs finding the little place there where she once used to sleep after a raucous night down below. Curling up in blankets that had the disconcerting smell of the past she smiled to herself, listening to the chatter below, and drifted off into a deep slumber.
Kriss no longer dreamed, but while her body rested her spirit walked the dusky trails of time. Tonight was no different and what she lived again was as real as the day it first happened so long ago.
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Krisss little sister, Elyska, came bounding up the inner stairway of the Haven guildhall then barreled down the hallway to Krisss room. Bursting in unannounced she skidded to a halt, already in mid-sentence before she could stop herself, Kriss! I met the most amazing- Elyska stopped herself and narrowed her eyes, taking in the room. Krisss bedsheets were rumpled, the empty pillow next to her head still held the impression of anothers slumber, and the in the cloying heat of the room the soft scent of perfume still danced upon the air. Elyska went to the window and threw it open to let in fresh air. Kriss lay silently on her side, red-rimmed eyes following Elyskas every move.
Who was here? Elyska barked, whirling on Kriss.
Ely
Who was it!? Elyska shouted.
Kriss dropped back heavily against her pillow, draping one arm across her eyes. Kemis, she whispered.
Elyska threw up her hands in defeat. Did ye- Elyska then let out a breath of disgust and gripped the twin sickles that hung at her sides. Of COURSE ye did. How long has she been gone? Ely looked out the window as if she might leap out in pursuit.
Ely, no. Kriss shook her head beneath the weight of her arm. Shes not coming back.
Not if she knows wots good for her, no. Elyska tightened her grip on her twin blades, mumbling, ..keep me locked in a damp cellar, will she
Ely, shes pregnant.
Elyska took a long slow look at Kriss and wrinkled her nose, Wot dye mean... some sort of immaculate conception by Eris
Kriss peaked at Ely from underneath her elbow. Dont be daft, Ely. Its certainly not MINE nor is it the child of the Goddess.
But then Elyska cocked her head to one side. How?
Kriss raised to her elbows, sighing in exasperation.
I mean, Elyska continued quickly, I know HOW. Elyska sighed. I mean WHO.
Does it really matter? A mehume. Kriss swung her legs out of bed and began to dress herself.
Ely scowled as she helped Kriss slip into her robe. I dont like it when ye use that word.
Kriss cinched her robe tight and whirled on Ely. A MAN then if ye like. An ELF if ye must be particular.
But I thought she I thought ye
Kriss sank once again to the edge of the bed, running one hand through her raven hair, working out the tangles. The words came out in a rush, She is High Priestess no more, she has taken a lover and she will not be back again. Kriss looked up, her blue eyes piercing right through Elyska. Never. I made that clear.
But not before tha two of ye Elyska trailed off at the look Kriss shot her.
She wont be back, Kriss spoke dark and low. She is dead to me.
There was a long moment of silence between the two sisters after which Elyska pulled Kriss up with two hands and wrapped her arms around her. Im so sorry, Kriss, Elyska murmured as Kriss rested her chin lovingly on Elyskas curly red head.
I will heal, child. Moonblades always do. With that the two sisters released one another and Elyska stepped back to look into Krisss face. Impishly she grinned and spoke rapidly, I met someone. Ye will LOVE her!
Indeed?
Well, no like well I don mean I mean shes fascinatin an all Elyska stammered and blushed.
Kriss cocked an eyebrow. Out with it, little tiger. Who is this new friend?
Elyska smiled brightly. Her name is Chanell.
Kriss smiled brightly as well, at the look of joy on her sisters face as well as the way her own spirit tingled at the sound of that name. Well then, Kriss straightened Elyskas messy hair. We shall have to meet Chanell then, and right away.
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Kriss woke with a start, her spirit slipping back into her body like a hand into a glove. That was a bittersweet road for another night. Another journey.
[written by Elethea]
Elethea took off her cloak, lay it on the bench at the end of her bed, noticed the rumpled and empty blankets, and frowned. She reached over and touched one of the pillows, it was still warm. She turned with a smile of relief toward the sound of someone breathing nearby. A tiny figure wrapped in a Haven cloak, slept curled up by the fire like a kitten.
"There you are, my little Light." She said softly, and knelt beside the Lurikeen, gently smoothing his ruffled, red hair.
"Let's get you back to bed, you dont want to get singed from the flames."
Carefully, she lifted him into her arms, carrying him over to the bed and laying him down. She unfastened his cloak, and put it with her own.
"Something truly wonderful happened today..." She told him softly as she drew the blankets up over him and tucked him in.
"A friend... No, more than a friend, kin of my spirit has returned to our world, after many lonely travels. Can you guess who it is?"
The elf leaned over and kissed the tiny face peeking over the covers, pausing to gaze down at him.
"Kriss, Kriss is home. She has been greatly wounded, has suffered through many trials, but she found her way back to us. And though she would laugh merrily and dismiss it if I told her... She shines so, with a beauty that only those who have battled their demons and won, are able to."
Elethea fell silent, taking off her boots as she liked to do once at home, and sat on the bed next to her sleeping charge.
He had been so tired when he had found her in the Druid grove. And yet, he stayed, not leaving her to be alone with her grief and her ghosts. He had become her Hero that night. That winters night when, he sat with her and told her great tales of a world where dragons and warriors fought side by side as equals, and held her hand when she wept like a lost child. She still had the tiny golden flower he had given to her to make her smile, it was preserved in a golden locket she wore close to her heart. She wore it at all times, she would never take it off. Now he dreamed, and rested, and she stayed with him.
"Kriss is home..." She whispered, as she closed her eyes and lay a spell upon her cottage, opening its door to her beloved friend, should she ever need a place to come to. With a smile, she moved to stand up, but was caught and held fast by a small hand that had reached out and held onto her wrist tightly. He mumbled in his sleep, a troubled frown creasing his forehead. Elethea nodded, and slipped under the blankets with him. She wrapped her arms around him, cradling him against her protectively and felt him relax again.
"I will come with you, and this time your dream will be a sweet one, my Light." She told him, closing her eyes again.
"Kriss is home..." She breathed, a soft smile touching her lips, as she drifted off to sleep.
[written by Kriss]
Kriss stepped down from the log in Ardee, her heart still pounding from the rush of adrenalin she got from speaking in front of the large crowd. She could not have hoped for a better reaction from the gathering and she fought back tears of joy as people hugged her and welcomed her back home while she moved to the back of the crowd to find her seat. Soon she was enraptured by a little bardess who was perched upon the log telling a tale of such innocence and newness that Kriss forgot the surge of emotions and simply sat quietly and listened.
The little bardess, Labbnie, finished her tale and hopped lithely down from the log as the crowd cheered her on. Kriss was shocked as the young bard made her way to the back of the crowd and sat next to her on the grass. I liked yer story, Labbnie whispered up to Kriss. Kriss nodded and smiled, her lips bobbing into view from the shadows of her hooded robe. I liked yers too, dear one. Very much so, Kriss whispered back.
Labbnie handed Kriss a piece of folded cloth, This is for ye, lady Kriss. I trust ye for ye are a friend of the lady Elethea.
Kriss took the soft cloth in her hands, enjoying the soothing way that the fabric felt against the place where her missing fingers used to be. Not everyone is ta be trusted, ye know, Labbnie whispered seriously up to Kriss, her eyes wide with the knowledge she bestowed.
Kriss caught her breath as a look of grief washed over her face, hidden from view by the shadows of her hood. Oh I know, dear one. Kriss patted Labbnies hand gently, That I know first hand.
Labbnie looked quizzically at Kriss, taking a moment to form her question. At last she asked, How long have ye been in Haven, lady Kriss?
Kriss smiled softly again. A very long time indeed, dear one. I once was Havens guild leader, but when I became unfit to lead I handed things over to my friends and I left this land.
But why? Labbnies hushed voice rose distinctly to Krisss ear. What happened?
If ye truly wish to know than I shall show ye.
Show me?
Aye, is quicker than the tellin, dear one. Well be back before the next performer even begins. Do ye trust me, dear?
Labbnie nodded.
Then let us begin. With that, Kriss reached out and touched Labbnies forehead. Labbnie felt a brief shock that caused her to squeal and close her eyes, followed by the odd sensation of being jerked swiftly sideways. When she opened her eyes she found that she was rising high into the air yet her body still sat at the back of the crowd below, the earth slowly turning below her as she spun upwards. Kriss was next to her, gently guiding her by the arm. Do not be afraid, dear. We are in the spirit world now and I will let nothing harm thee.
Labbnie found that she was not afraid in the least, even as the crowd of Hibernians grew small beneath her and she began to notice the myriad of slithering shadows that covered the land. Kriss pointed ahead and Labbnie watched as the sun climbed incredibly fast above the horizon then paused in the heavens to wink at her and sprout a fat, lazy tail that it swished across the sky. The astonished Labbnie gasped and Kriss laughed merrily as she slipped the two of them between the thin strands of time and into the darkness of the spaces in between.
The darkness of the in between was peppered by the occasional whirling light that would often swim up to the pair and gently nudge them curiously before dashing swiftly away. Labbnie got the sense that she and Kriss were moving quickly through the darkness but there was no rush of air against her skin, nor any sound at all in her ears, save that of Kriss softly humming next to her. The humming put her at ease and she began to bat playfully at the odd lights when they came to nudge at her. Suddenly she sensed something huge rush by, an enormous animal that brushed against her and snorted loudly. What was that? she cried out to Kriss who calmly patted her hand.
That was Ongar, dear one. He wont hurt ye.
Who is Ongar, lady Kriss?
The one-eyed dragon that travels the twisted rope of time. Kriss paused for a moment before continuing, Hmmmmm, I do believe he got his other eye back at last. Jolly good for him!
Before Labbnie could process it all Kriss tugged at her arm and said, Here we are! and although Labbnie saw nothing special Kriss pulled her downward into the abrupt brightness of a crisp, spring day. The two of them stood in a meadow before a massive house that could use a coat of paint. Above the porch, Labbnie could make out a guild crest tilted at a crazy angle and above that had been painted the word NAWG.
Where are we? Labbnie gasped.
Where we came from, dear, Kriss smiled down at the little bardess, only many years before. Oh look! Kriss pointed to the figure clad in blue in green that was emerging from the woods. Here I come!
Labbnie looked from at the young woman emerging from the woods, then up to Kriss, then back again. What are ye doing here?
Kriss could not keep the excitement from her voice. I be deliverin an invitation to the Lady Chanell. An invitation to the ceremony where I became High Priestess of the Discordians.
The young Kriss dashed by them laughing softly to herself, oblivious to their presence. Was I really ever that young? Kriss sighed sadly and looked down at Labbnie. Yet Labbnie was gone, following her young specter up the steps to the house of NAWG.
