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 Posted: Mon Nov 30, 2009 2:43 pm
Pip watched the leaves fall. Oh, how he loved the leaves, and the trees. Ever since he came back to his mother, he had seen things with more wonder than ever before. He sighed, rubbing his face with his long, pale fingers. Pip's fingers trailed to his moppy black hair, and was reminded once again how different he was from the others.
Being so caught up watching the leaves, he didn't notice his mother slink up behind him. He jumped. An ivory hand rested on his shoulder, and he smiled, showing the empty space of his teeth. ''Hello, dear one.'' His mother's voice was like honey, sweet and slow. Pip closed his eyes, savoring her touch, smell and sound. ''Hello, mother.'' She wrapped his arms around his lanky form, sitting on the cushy leaves next to him. ''It's a shame that times are so bad. Rarely can anyone do this.'' Pip nodded, his fingers playing with the hem of his white tunic.
''Mother, why must we fight? Are we not all equal?'' Her eyes went soft, then sharpened. ''Tis the will of a being greater than us, dear one.'' Her fingers touched his cheek, and he smiled. ''Come, we must get back. The elders want to speak to everyone.'' And with that, she stood up, her dress making a soothing 'swish, swish.' He followed her, his long shadow walking next to her's.
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Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 1:35 pm
Such questions from young ones who could never really understand how dark and scary the world truly was, for their parents endeavoured to placate them with idle shallow answers. They never knew the truth and if they did it was a painted over facade. Something brutal and bloodsoaked was scrubbed, washing, and bandaged until it looked no more than a fall that in time would heal on it's own. That was not how this was, it was not how people or elves thought. Let them soften the blows of life...the young ones would learn soon enough in time that it was all a fragile veil, ready to break at the barest of touch.
Keyloriah pushed off of the tree she was leaning against and listening, and moved farther into the dense trees. "It is a shame Rycek. They will eventually lose the battles and the war if they continue to coddle their young ones." Reaching the resting wolf she motioned the creature up and to follow after her. "Shall I listen in dear friend? Or shall we merely tend to ourselves and go hunting? I know you're itching to. Or shall I perhaps have more else elsewhere?"
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He was sharpening his blades in camp. His fingers were itching for action but he was to remain docile for the time being. When things were quiet, was when you noticed everything and that was his job and perhaps his asset for the time being. After all, there wasn't much he could do until they all wore themselves out again with their petty squabbling. Let them tear at one another till they all hobbled to their camps and collapsed into their beds, thinking they were okay for another night. Then he would come. Most wouldn't see morning if they resisted. Nothing personal against them really...this was survival.
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Fractured Moonlight Captain
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Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 1:45 pm
Pip watched his feet, twitching his hands anxiously. If he had been in the human village, he would have ran ahead, breaking the slow stroll his mother kept. Obviously, she sensed his agitation, because she smiled. ''Go on, Pippin. The elders want to see you, anyway.'' Pippin stared at her thin, cat-like face in confusion. ''They do?'' She nodded, then waved him ahead. ''Go. Hurry.'' Pip nodded, his raven locks shining in the autumn sun.
As agile as a cat, Pip ran. They wind was cold on his face, and he felt like whooping. He didn't, though. At least, not until his mother was out of view. He knew she probably heard, but at the moment, he didn't care; it felt too good. Once coming to the village, Pip slowed. The elders turned his way. They were stunning, as usual. Their hair was a beautiful, shining white, and the looked to be his age, maybe younger. He bowed, closing his eyes. Quilanan, the eldest, and the leader of his wonderful city, stepped forward, placing a hand on the halfer's slim shoylder. He syood Pip up, causing him to blush. He stood alot taller than the elf. ''Welcome, *Liante Hin. We have a few words for you.'' Pip's eyebrows went up, slightly. ''Yes?'' His face grew solemn. ''The war is coming closer. We want you to go with the other warriors.''
Pip's mouth went in a hard line, but he bowed. He knew they needed his strange way with spiders to help, but he didn't relish in having to kill the race he half belonged to. ''Good. You leave in the morrow.''
[*It's elvish for Spider Child.]
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Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 2:33 pm
Eavesdropping was always more fun. Oh how delightful, they were doing what they all did. Send them out into the world and they accepted eagerly. All too soon would their eyes see what they wish they never . But what an interesting thing to call a child...he would be particularly interesting to add to her collection perhaps. Besides with looks like that, it wouldn't take much to send a human running. She'd admit...she did so enjoy giving them a little jolt from time to time, they startled easily." Moving away one more she hopped through the tree branches with all the grace of a jungle cat, dropping back down to the forest floor next to the waiting wolf who was happily scartching herself. "I think we will pay a visit to the leaving war party. Maybe they'll be smart this time."
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Fractured Moonlight Captain
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Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 2:49 pm
After the elders sent him away, Pip went to visit the stables. The familiar scent of horse dung and sweat filled his nose as he reached the stables. A few horses whinnied when he entered; Pip threw carrots in their pens, and they quieted. He strolled over to his favorite horse. ''Hello, Snowfire. How are you, boy?'' Pip said softly, running his slim hand over the horse's muzzle. He nickered, as if to greet him.
In truth, he was nervous. ''I'm selfish. I only came to see you because I'm nervous.'' he admitted to the snowy horse. His large brown eyes watched his black sockets intently, as if hanging on every word. ''We're going to war, tomorrow.'' Snowfire nickered once again. ''I know, I know. These aren't happt times...'' Pip stared off, lost into the sky. He nuzzled his hand, breaking his line of thought. ''Oh, right.'' Letting the horse out, he jumped up, riding bareback. ''Let's go, boy. Tsk, tsk!''
Snowfire went into a gallop, going through the forest with beautiful grace that was bred into the elvish horses. Pip was quiet, though; thinking about the next morning, where he would be forced to slaughter the race he grew up with.
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Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 3:50 pm
"You shouldn't ride and think boy. Accidents happen that way." Rycek was easily running in stride with Snowfire, the wolf probably could have overtook the horse if it felt the need, but right now was just play running with it for the sake of the elf that was on her own back. She could wait till tomorrow...but why wait. Besides he was alone now and that made him easier to talk to than a bunch of paranoid warriors. And less trouble for her all around, which she really didn't feel like putting up with today. After all when she wore her riding gear, people often were suspicious. That's just what happened when you were unwilling to show most of your face.
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Fractured Moonlight Captain
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Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 4:10 pm
Pip twitched. Snowfire whinnied, eyeing the huge wolf nervously. Reeling his horse to the left, Pip stopped. ''Is that a threat?'' the halfer asked, narrowing his eyes suspiciously. He could fight weel, but he didn't think he could defeat her; she looked older, stronger, and more experianced. Her was just a simple half elf. All he could do was talk to bugs.
Pip stroaked Snowfire's cheek, trying to calm him. The horse was sweating, twitching his feet, and eyeing the wolf nervously. He had never seen such a magnificant and terrible beast. 'One of many, I suppose.' pip thought with a bitter smile.
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Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 4:24 pm
A tug on harnessing got the wolf to slow as well and she just gave a laugh. "A threat? No dear boy that is sound advice. Of course if you would like to have your head in the clouds and run smack into a treebranch or someone else, then be my guest." Scartching lightly at chocolate brown ears got her a lolling tongue of her mount. "Come now horse, calm yourself down. If he wanted to eat you, she would have already. "What reason would I have to threaten you?" Pulling down her halfmask of her cloak and letting down her cloak hood as well to rest on her shoulders. "Does this make you less jumpy as well, little one?"
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Fractured Moonlight Captain
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Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 8:07 pm
He was checking over his gear, adjusting the straps to his armor, polishing the metal. sitting his tent, far from home but doing his duty, he looked up when the flap opened to show the sunlight. he knew what was going on and just gave a nod to the younger man before getting up and walking out, looking at the array of camps in similar setups around him.
he got pleasant nods and some serious looks before heading to a much larger tent, where other men were gathered about a table in the center.
"Captain."
He gave a nod and moved the map laying on the table over toward him.
"We have people spread along the elf border, near the forests. they're ready and willing, but most of them are green to elvish fighting. they know how they fight, but never seen it. and seeing it and knowing about it are vastly different."
pointing at a spot in particular.
"This is our weakest link. all new recruits, even the officers are fresh. they've some experience but the forests are elven territory. they know the lay of the land like no other and the way they fight it's like watching a ballet of sword and sorcery. I'll go there, and offer the support I can. I should arrive by early nightfall, and prepare them the next day."
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Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2009 6:17 am
Pip's stroking got Snowfire calmed.
Giving a bitter smile to the elf, he said, ''The war. It's making everyone catious.'' He sighed. ''I'm leaving tomorrow. Any other words of advice for a young halfer?'' Pip smiled halfheartedly. He wasn't looking forward to it, but he would disgrace the whole city, especially his mother, if he refused to go.
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Fractured Moonlight Captain
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Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2009 10:50 am
"The war only makes you cautious and dare I say afraid if you let it. I've no fear of petty war." A snap of her own reins got the wolf walking around the horse as she watched the other. "Yes. Don't let yourself be led like a lamb to the slaughter. The humans are a tad smarter...they've been setting up around the border for days now. Waiting for your next group I'm sure to come passing through. Better warn them or perish with them in ambush. I may not care fo war but I watch these woods as needed. Mayhaps, I can offer you help in my own way if I feel the drive." She was often close to such matters...her magic provided her perfect cover. "But, you all will do what you will. I'm merely a loner elf of the woods. Do my words hold any weight to begin with?"
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Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2009 2:19 pm
''Well, that depends. A loner elf's words of wisdom would be helpful if they knew what they were doing.'' Pip smiled, showing his gap of missing teeth. The dinner horn rung in the distance. Before battle, they had a feast for the warriors. Pip turned his head to the sound, and back to the elf. ''I'm sorry. I must go. Farewell, and may your sword stay sharp.'' It was the customary parting phrase for his city, and he wasn't sure she used it or not, but Pip realized that he didn't care either way. With a wave to the elf and a ''Tsk, tsk!'' to Snowfire, Pip was on his way back to the city.
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Fractured Moonlight Captain
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Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2009 2:35 pm
She watched him go with a grin. "And to their deaths they rode, noble warriors with victory in their heads but alas it did not ring loud from their hearts. If only, if only." A moment of quiet for herself before a kick of heels to Rycek. "Come, let us go wander down to see is indeed what's going on at the battle front, perhaps have us a little fun." Pulling her cloak hood up and heading through the forest with ease. She'd mask herself when she got closer.
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Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2009 3:46 pm
He came to the camp, dismounting and adjusting the sword on his back, giving warm smiles and reassuring words to several of the young officers and recruits, shaking hands and generally lightening the mood, as night was starting to creep in some.
"I'm here to help with things. I know your all new recruits, greenhorns if you will. it's nothing to be ashamed of. we were all there once, even me."
getting up on a stool and addressing them as a group.
"So listen to me. heed my words and my commands tomorrow, and make yourselves at ease tonight. this war has raged long before you, and will rage through you tomorrow and the days beyond. this is a trial of fire. So screw your courage tight, sharpen your swords, polish your shields. Tomorrow you are going to witness the awesome force of elvish combat. they are going to move with grace unknown to you, thier going to wield strange powers. they are centuries older, and experienced. but for all that, remember, they are flesh and bone, same as you. they bleed, same as you. they are not invincible godlings or powerful spirits of earth and sky. Time may not kill them, but a bow or blade will. fire burns them as easily as it does us. they can feel fear, they can feel mercy, and they can regret."
Looking at each of them in turn, and waiting a moment for that to sink in.
"It's our job, our duty, to fight. to defend our people, and our way of life. but do not let your duty become one of bloodthirst and violence! if an elf cannot fight, give him quarter. if he surrenders, give him quarter. We kill because we have to kill, not because we want to kill. I'm sure you've heard that they call us barbaric, that they call us little more then animals. that is your way to prove them right, if you give yourself over to the blood and violence of war. if you let it consume you with anger and hatred. Show that we more then animals, show that we are more then barbarians. show them that though we will fight, and we will kill, that we know compassion, and mercy. make then regret fighting us, but let them know we can be peaceful. That is your duty, as much as the sword in your hands."
"soldiers often forget that. we are not merely cold blades in the hands of higher nobility, sent to slaughter those that oppose them.we are also keepers of peace. but we have to show we can give peace, before the elves will deem us worthy to have it from them. I won't promise that none of you will not make it back here tomorrow. but those that do remember that the elves your swords bring down also had families, and friends. that they mourn as we mourn, and they regret as we regret at lost lives."
Getting down off his stool and motioning to the gathered soldiers and officers.
"Now go on, gets something warm to eat. relax yourselves, and prepare for tomorrow."
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Fractured Moonlight Captain
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Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2009 4:57 pm
The ragged black cat sat by the fire pit, watching the camp, listening to the passionate speech of someone much more older. They had been so happy to boast of how they were going to wrench the heads off of elves and here was this man telling them to show mercy. Good show for him, Key could appreciate that. But he was still a practitioner of war, wasn't he? He chose to fight. But did he fight because he was attacked or did he fight for the love of it. Whatever the way her worked, the mood in camp had changed, she could see that much. Words may mean nothing to those who were merely here to see blood flow, some would disappoint him. Impassioned warrior whom sought battle with honor, awash in a sea of children of war whom sought to do whatever it was they could to go home alive. A mew was given as a scrap was thrown her way even though she didn't ask. Maybe that one too would show honor.
With elves planning on coming down through the forest in the morning, and this camp of soldiers lying in wait, and one little halfelf not heeding a warning...well, the dawn would be filled with perhaps nothing but sorrow and violence. But this all spoke something else to her as well. This war was far too close to her home now to turn a blind eye too it. It was time to leave this place for safer grounds until they all came to their senses. Another mew as someone else gave her a pet in passing.
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