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Post by Tismri on Aug 11, 2008 12:44:50 GMT -5
Jeriah stood on the island of Beirland, in the city of Eoam. She had been told that the was something incredibly magical about this place, though she never heard just what was so special about this place. Oranthor contacted her.
Small one, I think I found what we were looking for.
Where? I still can't tell what's going on with this place. She looked around. Oranthor dove from the sky.
I'll show you, come on! She climbed on his scaly back. Before she could quite prepare herself, Oranthor jumped and took to the sky. He flew high off to ground and turned. Jeriah gasped. There, floating high above the city, like a heavenly guardian, was a huge crystal. It glowed with a cheerful, magical glow. As she looked at it, she heard a voice in her mind. It was as quiet as a whisper and she nearly missed it, but it spoke with such athority, it could have been the voice of the universe itself.
Welcome, young ones. You have come far. But you still have to go farther yet. There is a war coming soon, one where you must choose sides. Choose wisely, or there will be much regret in your future. Jeriah did not understand, but Oranthor knew. One day, a day that was certainly drawing near, they would have to choose whether to serve the empire or the Varden. He hoped for Jeriah's sake that that day was still far away.
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Post by taran on Aug 11, 2008 17:01:58 GMT -5
Taran sailed along the Alagaesia coast, using the skills he gained from years of sailing to avoid the dangers. He looked down length of his ship, the cargo secure in the belly of the ship. The task master walked up to him, gingerly stepping over the planks in the rocking boat.
"Taran, sir. Everything is secured below, and the crew is ready to head for more open water. On your order, sir."
"Thank you, Jared. Dismissed." Jared returned to his post on the prow of the ship, chiding sailors on their poor skills. Taran scanned the horizon, getting his bearings. "Helmsman, take over," he shouted to a nearby sailor. He shuffled his sword across his back so he could look over the map more clearly. "Thomas, here." Thomas came running up from the deck below. "You are the navigator here, what do you think the best corse is from here? We can take the long way, passing the old city of Eoam, or we can cut between the island and the coast, but that is more dangerous."
"Sir, i would recommend taking the long way. This ship isn't strong enough to pass the the Boar's Eye."
"Very well, let's go around. We can stop at Eoam for the night and rest. It may be deserted, but it still has shelter." Thomas headed back down to the main deck. "Helmsman, stand down. I have the oar." Taran then steered the ship towards the outside edge of the island, fighting against the pull of the current..
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Post by Tismri on Aug 11, 2008 17:28:08 GMT -5
Jeriah and Oranthor landed once it was clear the Crystal was through speaking.
Oranthor, whaddya think about what he said, about how we need to choose sides and all that stuff?
Small one, I will tell you what I think of all this in good time. Right now, though, you just need to rest. We have another long day ahead of us tomorrow. Jeriah agreed. They walked to the beach to watch the waves come crashing in.
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Post by taran on Aug 11, 2008 18:02:58 GMT -5
It took most of the day, but Taran was able to maneuver the ship away from the coast and around the island. When they reached the ruined city Eoam, Taran put the ship at anchor.
"Jared, we need some of the crew to stay aboard overnight, while the rest of us go ashore. You pick the crew and the officer to remain while I prepare." Jared nodded and moved to the side of the ship, evaluating who should remain on board. Taran set himself at gathering supplies and loading the shore boats.
"Sir, i have come up with a list of personnel to remain on board. I shall stay here, as the officer, while and the others go ashore." Taran nodded and jumped in the smaller boat, leading the others to the shore.
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Post by Tismri on Aug 11, 2008 18:24:48 GMT -5
Jeriah stood up when she saw the ship on the horizen. When she saw the boat drop from it and begin approaching, she and Oranthor retreated to the city.
Who do you think they are? she asked Oranthor.
I don't know, Jeriah. Whoever they are, they're coming to the island. I say we go further inland and hide in the trees.
Why? Why do we need to hide? I'm sure they're not going to hurt us. They're probably not even gonna come into the city. Can't we just stay here? I'm tired.
Oranthor thought it over for a few minutes, then agreed. Sleep now, my Rider. I'll wake you if there's trouble. Jeriah nodded, them lay down beside Oranthor and fell asleep. Oranthor stayed awake and kept watch for anything entering the city.
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Post by taran on Aug 11, 2008 18:37:12 GMT -5
Taran rowed with the crew towards the shore, carefully timing the waves so they would not be overturned. Once they were safely landed, the unloaded their supplies and moved closer to the city to set up camp.
"There, put the food there, along that wall." Taran said, directing the sailors. They quickly set up camp, with experienced speed. Taran went off on his own to explore the ruined city. The buildings were old and worn through years, some were crumbled while others seemed newly built. He stretched himself, glad to be off the ship and away from the dingy crew.
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Post by Tismri on Aug 11, 2008 19:30:32 GMT -5
Oranthor raised his head, suddenly alert. The boat had landed on the island and its passengers were headed for the city. He shifted so that his wings covered his sleeping Rider. He did not want whoever these strangers were to take advantage of her. He waited as they appraoched.
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Post by taran on Aug 11, 2008 19:48:41 GMT -5
Taran rounded a corner in the city, near the old forgery, and stopped in his tracks. Too far away to call for help, and no doubt without a chance in a fight, Taran opened his palms to the dragon before him, offering peace.
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Post by Tismri on Aug 11, 2008 22:26:05 GMT -5
Oranthor saw the man. He seemed startled to see him. Of course, Oranthor couldn't blame him. Not many people would expect to see a dragon in the middle of an abandoned city. Oranthor watched the man as he spread out his hands in a sign of peace. Once he was satisfied, Oranthor carefully stood, keeping his young Rider hidden from the man's veiw. He turned toward the man and sat there, content to watch him. He would wait and see if he attempted contact.
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Post by taran on Aug 12, 2008 23:01:11 GMT -5
Taran watched in wonder as the large orange dragon stood more fully, but no doubt trying to hide something. He dared not lower his hands near his sword, for fear of the dragon misinterpreting it.
"Uh..Hi? My name is Taran, elfin sailor and swordsman, fair dragon. I do not mean you harm, nor whatever it is you are protecting," he said aloud.
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Post by Tismri on Aug 12, 2008 23:28:13 GMT -5
Oranthor did not move, but listened to what the elf had to say. He reached out to touch the elf's mind, but before he could make contact, Jeriah stirred behind him and mumbled, "What is it, Oranthor?"
Just a stranger, Jeriah. I'll deal with him. Go back to sleep. But Jeriah did not go to sleep. She sat up and walked around Oranthor to meet the stranger. When she saw the elf, she walked forward to meet him, excited to make a new friend. Oranthor expressed disapproval, but let her go, following her so he could protect her in case the man turned out to be a foe.
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Post by taran on Aug 13, 2008 11:45:54 GMT -5
Taran looked on in wonder as a woman stepped from behind the dragon, not believing his eyes. He took a step back, confusion written on his face. He mustered as much courage as he possibly could, took a step forward, and extended his hand in greeting.
"Uh...hi. My name's Taran. Just stopped here for the night, I'll be leaving you two well enough alone. We'll be gone by sunrise, I promise you."
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Post by Tismri on Aug 13, 2008 15:02:22 GMT -5
Jeriah smiled at Taran, almost laughing at his confusion.
"It's okay. I'm always happy to make a new friend. My name's Jeriah. That overly-protective winged-lizard over there is Oranthor. We were just here to spend the night as well. We came here because we heard there was something magical about this place and wanted to see what it was." Jeriah looked over Taran. He had long, wavy hair and deep green eyes. Then she noticed something different. He had pointed ears. Jeriah grew amazed and excited.
"You're an elf!" she exclaimed before she could stop herself.
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Post by taran on Aug 14, 2008 12:38:26 GMT -5
Taran grew worried at Jeriah's exclamation. He hurriedly tried to cover his ears again, not wanting others to know of his true nature.
"Uh..yes. But please, keep this quiet. I don't know what my crew would do if they found out."
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Post by Tismri on Aug 14, 2008 19:12:32 GMT -5
"Why?" Jeriah asked, confused. "Why don't you want others to know what you are?"
Oranthor stepped in, Small one, I think it best to just leave his reasons to himself. He leaned closer to Taran and observed him carefully for a full minute. Jeriah looked around.
"Where are the others? You said you brought a crew here." She asked several questions, wanting to know about her new friend.
Lathem came unexpectedly to mind. He had mysteriously left his house several weeks ago, just before Jahag the werecat told her and Oranthor about the island.
I wonder where he is, she thought, I hope he's safe.
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