Kitana
October 17th, 2014, 07:34 PM
Hello my friends. It has been awhile since last I posted but I would greatly appreciate any help anyone could give.
I've been working on this story for a long while. I intend it to be Fantasy/Supernatural based. I'd even say High Fantasy but I'll let others be the judge of that.
This is my first chapter in a book I'm working on. To me it seems a bit short for a chapter but being a novice I just may be overthinking it. I do tend to do that.
If not please feel free to show me what could be improved on. I'm also sure my grammar is not great and that is my one greatest weakness with writing. But I hope I can learn to improve it. With the right guidence that is.
Thank you for your time friends. <^.^>
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A bright noonday sun shone down through the overhanging trees surrounding a quiet village. The soft warm wind of summer usually carrying the sounds of children at play and chatting towns people blew through deserted streets instead. Shop signs on local buildings swung lazily as they displayed their bright lettering, still trying to lure in people from the streets.
Striding alone through the empty streets was a tall woman with short silver hair falling to her shoulders in tiny braids. She was clad in simple white robes trimmed in silver and kept fastened closed with a thick silver sash tied in a tight knot.
With bright silver colored eyes oddly slit much like a cats, she expertly scanned the deserted town surrounding her as she solemnly walked down the dirt packed street.
As she looked around though a cold chill swept through her, she couldn’t help but feel an air of wrongness surrounding her. Something eerie and old. Something she had never felt before. It mystified her but it also scared her.
“I see you received my message.” called a soft gruff voice from under a nearby porch. “Thank you Priestess Ceres for coming.”
Ceres nodded towards the voice her molten gaze turning to face a tall handsome young man with slightly pointed ears and amethyst colored eyes and hair. His thin frame was fair and in the rays of sunlight his skin glistened with an iridescent shimmer. He was dressed in soft fine leathers and wrapped in a thin fur trimmed cloak.
“I did my friend.” Ceres greeted as she walked over to Lexx Sharde and hugged him warmly. “ I know it has been quite awhile since last we met but I did not think it had been that long to turn to such formalities.” she teased gently.
Lexx chuckled shrugging. “ I suppose not but if I didn’t I would forget them entirely. And a position such as mine does frown upon that. I am glad you could come though. I don’t know many others in your Order that would head my call.”
“How could I not? From your message, this was something I can’t ignore. You said there was a plague here a week before?” she asked as once more she turned her gaze to the deserted streets and windows.
“Yes. I was sent here to investigate. I only left for a day and a half. When I came back everyone was gone. No sign of anything aside from normal activity.”
“ So no signs of abduction at all? Though I suppose if there were any slavery group that large the Guardian’s or our Order would of heard of it. This is very strange. And this plague, you said it was different from anything seen before?”
Lexx nodded soberly. “It was like a sleeping sickness. It would weaken the victim until they slip into sleep and never wake. The odd thing is though the people do not waste away. Before they all disappeared the Sister’s tending the sick said some had fallen into sleep over a month ago. I was hoping the Kitsu may be able to know something to cure this sickness.”
“Of that I’m not sure. It does sound like a new sickness even to me.” Ceres said solemnly. “Have there been any other outbreaks?” Ceres asked curiously; her gaze was distant, her mind quickly trying to reason the information she was being given. As she gazed around another cold chill swept over her body even as the warm air surrounded her.
“This is the second as well as the second one to vanish. What more, the first outbreak was on the other side of the southern lands. No signs of outbreak have yet to show in the lands between there and here.”
“ What kind of connection could this plague have between it and the disappearances? This town doesn’t seem large but even for everyone to go missing and with no signs of struggle is perplexing.” she commented turning her silver gaze to Lexx finally. “This area feels of deep foreboding.” she finished her eyes flashing with an inner glow momentarily.
“Yes I felt it too when I came back. I thought perhaps I imagined it at the time.”
“ Sadly I’m afraid not, my friend. I sense it. Even as it grows faint as we speak. Something must of happened in that span you were absent. I can try to commune with this land. My power isn’t as strong as other Speakers but I may at least be able to glimpse the memory of the land.” Ceres paused looking around, “It will take time though. I’ll only get a strong reading through focal points. Places where the most activity is. Perhaps the Sanctuary or town square.”
“Thank you Ceres.” Lexx said gratefully offering Ceres an endearing smile. “Come I’ll take you to the Sanctuary first.” he said beginning to walk down the street.
After another glance around Ceres nodded following after him. She couldn’t help but shiver in a deep chill even in the bright warm sunlight.
“So how have you been Ceres? As you said it has been quite awhile since last we spoke. I take you have been well?” Lexx asked conversely as he led Ceres through the streets.
“ Yes. The Order keeps me busy and when I’m not on errand I tend to keep to myself, mostly in a library.”
Lexx chuckled softly. “Aye. That sounds like a friend we both know. Have you spoke to her lately?”
Laughing softly Ceres shook her head. “Akkia? No. Not since her clans fall. Though I hear she has taken to joining the Guardians of Alaria.”
“Oh? Well I suppose that is better then the alternative. I wonder why she chose them though and not to join with her fellow kin in your Order?”
Ceres shrugged benignly. “ I wondered that myself. I had guessed though it would be to painful for her still. Her sister was highly regarded among the Sisters of the Order. So in essence we are all just a painful reminder of what she had lost.”
“Ah. Yes that is true I suppose. I was gravely saddened when I had heard of her Clans fall. To lose ones family and clan in just one night…I can’t even begin to imagine how that must feel. I had wished to be at her side when she was found. But I am glad you were with her.”
“Yes I owe thanks to Saphira for that. She was the one who found Akkia and sent word to me. I only wish she would of listened to me instead of wandering off so soon after healing.” Ceres said distantly as her mind momentarily turned to her friend. “But what of you Lexx? How have you been fairing?”
“Ah fine. Same as you really. The Library has been keeping me busy. In fact it was because of them I was sent here to see about this plague. I was to catalog it and see if any help could be found. This is most definitely turning into quite a task. I only hope we can find a solution and soon.”
“ As am I. These circumstances are quite perplexing. And neither can I shake the feeling of a great foreboding.” Ceres commented. “My only hope is that my speaking with the land will tell us anything important.”
After bringing Ceres to the towns small Sanctuary Lexx took a seat on a nearby bench watching her silently as she began to prepare herself for meditation.
When she first entered the area Ceres began to wander aimlessly about the room with her eyes half closed and her right hand reaching out as if searching for something. Finally after long minutes stretched by Ceres walked to the front of the small room and sat directly in front of the altar.
Sitting on the floor with her legs crossed Ceres began the process of meditation with deep calming breaths, her silver eyes closed peacefully and her slim robed frame sat as still as a statue. With her mind closing to the world around her Ceres easily slipped into her trance.
Willing the energy around her Ceres started the process of projecting her questions in her mind hoping the answers would come to her from the energies still lingering in the buildings and land of the town.
It took several attempts at first to commune with the land but without hesitation on her eighth attempt her surrounding was suddenly filled with bright images of various people around her. Some she recognized as the Sister’s, their bright auras calming and cool. Mingling with the Sister’s were more varied auras of the townspeople. Some cool like the Sister’s others more mellow and even electrifying as they hurried about.
Slowly Ceres brought forth the question most on her mind, that of the plague and disappearances.
In answer to her projected question the bright lit images were quickly replaced by dimmer versions that appeared sullen, their once livid auras matching their sullen looks. Ceres also noticed that there were few mingling about. A pang of solemn sadness twisted through her middle as she saw the once happy people before her turn quiet and dreary.
Then like puffs of smoke the images faded entirely, leaving only a shadowed silence filling the air around her. Ceres was just starting to wonder if that was all the trance could see when suddenly her vision was struck with a deep pitch black that blotted out not only light but sound as well. Leaving a feeling of drifting in a silent vault of space.
For a long moment Ceres tried to strain all her senses until a flash of bright red orbs appeared in the darkness followed by more appearing all around her.
Soon Ceres startled gaze found herself suddenly surrounded by double sets of red glowing eyes.
Out of the silence and following the haunting gaze was a low vicious growling followed by the stench of sulfur.
Abruptly a pair of eyes lunged at Ceres causing a sharp hot pain to shot through her arm. Cringing from the pain Ceres looked down in shock and saw a pair of ethereal jaws wrapped around her arm.
Her astral eyes widened as Ceres let out a startled yelp, shaking her arm to try to dislodge the creature.
‘How can this be?!’ she thought quickly as her gaze turned to the rest of the eyes and startlingly glowing maws began to open below the eyes. In a flash the maws pounced onto Ceres form and began to tear at her body.
Pain erupted in Ceres mind as she let loose an agonizing howl her body quickly leaping off the floor as if it were hot lava.
“Ceres!” Lexx cried out at the sound of her anguished howl, his slim form darting to her side.
Still bristling from the ordeal Ceres silver gaze darted around as if expecting the red eyes to still be around her as Lexx tried to sooth her with his calming voice.
“Calm down. Your safe now.” he said soothingly as he noted Ceres defensive stature, his eyes creasing in concern.
At the sound of Lexx’s familiar voice Ceres slowly began to calm down, her long sharpened nails; extending defensively when she was endangered, shortened and rounded as she calmed.
“Thank you.” she said softly laying a still shaking hand on Lexx’s arm.
“Your very Welcome. What happened? Are you alright?” he inquired after a long moment as Ceres calmed down.
Nodding Ceres softly began to explain. “It was odd..The first visions were mundane and matched your descriptions. But,” Ceres hesitated looking about nervously. “I was met with hundreds of pairs of red glowing eyes. Then suddenly I was assaulted with vicious maws and the strong smell of sulfur.”
“Demons?” Lexx started his eyes widening in surprise.
“ So says this land. Yet there are no signs of struggle. How could Demons make hundreds of people disappear? Quietly at that. This is very dark. Can you take me to the first outbreak? If it fortells the same there we must be watchful of more outbreaks. And if another happens we need to warn the councils.” Ceres said starting as she slowly began to steady herself nodding to Lexx assuring him she was okay.
“Of course. We can set out tomorrow morning. Come, I’ve set camp just outside of town. We can rest there for the night and you can regain your strength. I even hunted some venison earlier, and if I remember correctly you love venison. I know you must be famished from that ordeal, too.” Lexx offered turning a knowing gaze to Ceres.
“Thank you, my friend. I am very grateful.” Ceres replied gratefully as she started towards Lexx, her movements still slow and shaky.
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I've been working on this story for a long while. I intend it to be Fantasy/Supernatural based. I'd even say High Fantasy but I'll let others be the judge of that.
This is my first chapter in a book I'm working on. To me it seems a bit short for a chapter but being a novice I just may be overthinking it. I do tend to do that.
If not please feel free to show me what could be improved on. I'm also sure my grammar is not great and that is my one greatest weakness with writing. But I hope I can learn to improve it. With the right guidence that is.
Thank you for your time friends. <^.^>
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A bright noonday sun shone down through the overhanging trees surrounding a quiet village. The soft warm wind of summer usually carrying the sounds of children at play and chatting towns people blew through deserted streets instead. Shop signs on local buildings swung lazily as they displayed their bright lettering, still trying to lure in people from the streets.
Striding alone through the empty streets was a tall woman with short silver hair falling to her shoulders in tiny braids. She was clad in simple white robes trimmed in silver and kept fastened closed with a thick silver sash tied in a tight knot.
With bright silver colored eyes oddly slit much like a cats, she expertly scanned the deserted town surrounding her as she solemnly walked down the dirt packed street.
As she looked around though a cold chill swept through her, she couldn’t help but feel an air of wrongness surrounding her. Something eerie and old. Something she had never felt before. It mystified her but it also scared her.
“I see you received my message.” called a soft gruff voice from under a nearby porch. “Thank you Priestess Ceres for coming.”
Ceres nodded towards the voice her molten gaze turning to face a tall handsome young man with slightly pointed ears and amethyst colored eyes and hair. His thin frame was fair and in the rays of sunlight his skin glistened with an iridescent shimmer. He was dressed in soft fine leathers and wrapped in a thin fur trimmed cloak.
“I did my friend.” Ceres greeted as she walked over to Lexx Sharde and hugged him warmly. “ I know it has been quite awhile since last we met but I did not think it had been that long to turn to such formalities.” she teased gently.
Lexx chuckled shrugging. “ I suppose not but if I didn’t I would forget them entirely. And a position such as mine does frown upon that. I am glad you could come though. I don’t know many others in your Order that would head my call.”
“How could I not? From your message, this was something I can’t ignore. You said there was a plague here a week before?” she asked as once more she turned her gaze to the deserted streets and windows.
“Yes. I was sent here to investigate. I only left for a day and a half. When I came back everyone was gone. No sign of anything aside from normal activity.”
“ So no signs of abduction at all? Though I suppose if there were any slavery group that large the Guardian’s or our Order would of heard of it. This is very strange. And this plague, you said it was different from anything seen before?”
Lexx nodded soberly. “It was like a sleeping sickness. It would weaken the victim until they slip into sleep and never wake. The odd thing is though the people do not waste away. Before they all disappeared the Sister’s tending the sick said some had fallen into sleep over a month ago. I was hoping the Kitsu may be able to know something to cure this sickness.”
“Of that I’m not sure. It does sound like a new sickness even to me.” Ceres said solemnly. “Have there been any other outbreaks?” Ceres asked curiously; her gaze was distant, her mind quickly trying to reason the information she was being given. As she gazed around another cold chill swept over her body even as the warm air surrounded her.
“This is the second as well as the second one to vanish. What more, the first outbreak was on the other side of the southern lands. No signs of outbreak have yet to show in the lands between there and here.”
“ What kind of connection could this plague have between it and the disappearances? This town doesn’t seem large but even for everyone to go missing and with no signs of struggle is perplexing.” she commented turning her silver gaze to Lexx finally. “This area feels of deep foreboding.” she finished her eyes flashing with an inner glow momentarily.
“Yes I felt it too when I came back. I thought perhaps I imagined it at the time.”
“ Sadly I’m afraid not, my friend. I sense it. Even as it grows faint as we speak. Something must of happened in that span you were absent. I can try to commune with this land. My power isn’t as strong as other Speakers but I may at least be able to glimpse the memory of the land.” Ceres paused looking around, “It will take time though. I’ll only get a strong reading through focal points. Places where the most activity is. Perhaps the Sanctuary or town square.”
“Thank you Ceres.” Lexx said gratefully offering Ceres an endearing smile. “Come I’ll take you to the Sanctuary first.” he said beginning to walk down the street.
After another glance around Ceres nodded following after him. She couldn’t help but shiver in a deep chill even in the bright warm sunlight.
“So how have you been Ceres? As you said it has been quite awhile since last we spoke. I take you have been well?” Lexx asked conversely as he led Ceres through the streets.
“ Yes. The Order keeps me busy and when I’m not on errand I tend to keep to myself, mostly in a library.”
Lexx chuckled softly. “Aye. That sounds like a friend we both know. Have you spoke to her lately?”
Laughing softly Ceres shook her head. “Akkia? No. Not since her clans fall. Though I hear she has taken to joining the Guardians of Alaria.”
“Oh? Well I suppose that is better then the alternative. I wonder why she chose them though and not to join with her fellow kin in your Order?”
Ceres shrugged benignly. “ I wondered that myself. I had guessed though it would be to painful for her still. Her sister was highly regarded among the Sisters of the Order. So in essence we are all just a painful reminder of what she had lost.”
“Ah. Yes that is true I suppose. I was gravely saddened when I had heard of her Clans fall. To lose ones family and clan in just one night…I can’t even begin to imagine how that must feel. I had wished to be at her side when she was found. But I am glad you were with her.”
“Yes I owe thanks to Saphira for that. She was the one who found Akkia and sent word to me. I only wish she would of listened to me instead of wandering off so soon after healing.” Ceres said distantly as her mind momentarily turned to her friend. “But what of you Lexx? How have you been fairing?”
“Ah fine. Same as you really. The Library has been keeping me busy. In fact it was because of them I was sent here to see about this plague. I was to catalog it and see if any help could be found. This is most definitely turning into quite a task. I only hope we can find a solution and soon.”
“ As am I. These circumstances are quite perplexing. And neither can I shake the feeling of a great foreboding.” Ceres commented. “My only hope is that my speaking with the land will tell us anything important.”
After bringing Ceres to the towns small Sanctuary Lexx took a seat on a nearby bench watching her silently as she began to prepare herself for meditation.
When she first entered the area Ceres began to wander aimlessly about the room with her eyes half closed and her right hand reaching out as if searching for something. Finally after long minutes stretched by Ceres walked to the front of the small room and sat directly in front of the altar.
Sitting on the floor with her legs crossed Ceres began the process of meditation with deep calming breaths, her silver eyes closed peacefully and her slim robed frame sat as still as a statue. With her mind closing to the world around her Ceres easily slipped into her trance.
Willing the energy around her Ceres started the process of projecting her questions in her mind hoping the answers would come to her from the energies still lingering in the buildings and land of the town.
It took several attempts at first to commune with the land but without hesitation on her eighth attempt her surrounding was suddenly filled with bright images of various people around her. Some she recognized as the Sister’s, their bright auras calming and cool. Mingling with the Sister’s were more varied auras of the townspeople. Some cool like the Sister’s others more mellow and even electrifying as they hurried about.
Slowly Ceres brought forth the question most on her mind, that of the plague and disappearances.
In answer to her projected question the bright lit images were quickly replaced by dimmer versions that appeared sullen, their once livid auras matching their sullen looks. Ceres also noticed that there were few mingling about. A pang of solemn sadness twisted through her middle as she saw the once happy people before her turn quiet and dreary.
Then like puffs of smoke the images faded entirely, leaving only a shadowed silence filling the air around her. Ceres was just starting to wonder if that was all the trance could see when suddenly her vision was struck with a deep pitch black that blotted out not only light but sound as well. Leaving a feeling of drifting in a silent vault of space.
For a long moment Ceres tried to strain all her senses until a flash of bright red orbs appeared in the darkness followed by more appearing all around her.
Soon Ceres startled gaze found herself suddenly surrounded by double sets of red glowing eyes.
Out of the silence and following the haunting gaze was a low vicious growling followed by the stench of sulfur.
Abruptly a pair of eyes lunged at Ceres causing a sharp hot pain to shot through her arm. Cringing from the pain Ceres looked down in shock and saw a pair of ethereal jaws wrapped around her arm.
Her astral eyes widened as Ceres let out a startled yelp, shaking her arm to try to dislodge the creature.
‘How can this be?!’ she thought quickly as her gaze turned to the rest of the eyes and startlingly glowing maws began to open below the eyes. In a flash the maws pounced onto Ceres form and began to tear at her body.
Pain erupted in Ceres mind as she let loose an agonizing howl her body quickly leaping off the floor as if it were hot lava.
“Ceres!” Lexx cried out at the sound of her anguished howl, his slim form darting to her side.
Still bristling from the ordeal Ceres silver gaze darted around as if expecting the red eyes to still be around her as Lexx tried to sooth her with his calming voice.
“Calm down. Your safe now.” he said soothingly as he noted Ceres defensive stature, his eyes creasing in concern.
At the sound of Lexx’s familiar voice Ceres slowly began to calm down, her long sharpened nails; extending defensively when she was endangered, shortened and rounded as she calmed.
“Thank you.” she said softly laying a still shaking hand on Lexx’s arm.
“Your very Welcome. What happened? Are you alright?” he inquired after a long moment as Ceres calmed down.
Nodding Ceres softly began to explain. “It was odd..The first visions were mundane and matched your descriptions. But,” Ceres hesitated looking about nervously. “I was met with hundreds of pairs of red glowing eyes. Then suddenly I was assaulted with vicious maws and the strong smell of sulfur.”
“Demons?” Lexx started his eyes widening in surprise.
“ So says this land. Yet there are no signs of struggle. How could Demons make hundreds of people disappear? Quietly at that. This is very dark. Can you take me to the first outbreak? If it fortells the same there we must be watchful of more outbreaks. And if another happens we need to warn the councils.” Ceres said starting as she slowly began to steady herself nodding to Lexx assuring him she was okay.
“Of course. We can set out tomorrow morning. Come, I’ve set camp just outside of town. We can rest there for the night and you can regain your strength. I even hunted some venison earlier, and if I remember correctly you love venison. I know you must be famished from that ordeal, too.” Lexx offered turning a knowing gaze to Ceres.
“Thank you, my friend. I am very grateful.” Ceres replied gratefully as she started towards Lexx, her movements still slow and shaky.
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