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A Swift Tale
Posted: 15 Apr 2006 05:55 AM |
The sun’s rays danced through the canopy onto the morning dew, glittering like a sea of tiny gems on the forest floor. Early spring in Bloodwood was a wonderful time, assuming you knew which trails were best taken and those which we’re best avoided. The leaves we’re fresh, vivid and dancing in the cool breeze, a myriad of birds sang in celebration of the Mother’s new season and those creatures which preferred a deep slumber through the cold times awoke to their first morn in many months.
Fey folk, fairies, woodland sprites…they had many names but they had long been just a myth in this particular part of Vives. A story for the innocent as they we’re tucked into bed, diminutive creatures that inhabited the deep forest and whose sparkling dust was believed to hold wondrous magic.
But there was one such creature that did inhabit Bloodwood, known to the Owl-bears and a constant annoyance for the Etins, her name was Isabellina. A cheeky, flirtatious little sprite who enjoyed teasing squirrels and silencing woodpeckers with her mischievous magic. She was a caring soul though and was known and loved by all the animals who came across her. She was older than many of the younger trees and had seen many generations of the forest’s inhabitants live and pass. She had nursed chicks who had flown the nest too early back to health and helped deliver fawns who’s mothers were weak and vulnerable to the forest’s many predators.
On this bright morning she heard an unfamiliar noise. Her ears were accustomed to every noise of, every animal, beast and insect which inhabited the woods from Swiftfoot path to Etin’s retreat. This piercing sound however had not assaulted her tiny ears in all the centuries she had flown between the timbers of Bloodwood.
Muttering a few words of Fey magic she sped towards the awful noise and her keen eyes eventually picked out a small bundle in the long grass and ferns beside a birch tree. The untidy package let out another squeal, slicing through Isabellina’s being like a knife. A strange mixture of dread and curiosity drove her to unwrap the dirty rags which contained the critter responsible for the din.
A small creature, with a plump, round, dirty little face stared back at her, it’s screams for mother abated by the sight of the sparkling, winged Fey.
‘Oh my, what have we here?’ Isabellina said to herself as she looked upon what could only be a Halfling babe, judging by it’s stature.
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Eerel Swiftfoot
Self proclaimed fasterest little person in da land
Eerel's Story:
http://vives.dyndns.org/vives/Forums/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=49386 |
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A Swift Tale
Posted: 19 Apr 2006 01:42 PM |
Like a blur the figure sped through the undergrowth, small hands deftly moved leaves and bushes aside, whilst large hairy feet dodged rocks, logs and protruding roots on the forest floor.
A guttural and resigned noise sounded some way behind the speeding Halfling, then a loud thud as though a tree had fallen to the ground. He glanced over his shoulder and half-heartedly suppressed a chuckle. He slowed to a halt, dried mud and leaves falling from his person.
The young Halfling would have looked as a child to his own kind, although he had never met a fellow right-sized. A particularly filthy child in this case as he was covered almost exclusively from the top of his wild spiky hair to the tips of his bulbous toes in mud, leaves, assorted grasses and twigs. He wore some rags to cover his modesty although they were ripped and equally dirty.
A gasp and then a moan followed the previous noises from deeper in Bloodwood. This time Eerel couldn't suppress his amusement and let out a mischievous giggle. After a couple of moments enjoying the thought of another Etin running it’s self into the ground chasing him, he carried on his merry way and returned to Isabellina's glade.
Isy, as Eerel preferred to call her ("silly long names n' dat!"), had been his guardian since she had found him on a spring’s morning such as this one many years ago. She had kept Eerel safe, fed him, bathed him (very occasionally) and taken good care of him when he had no-one else. She had taught him to speak languages; Common, Hin and even Fey. How to communicate with the animals of Bloodwood, the importance of maintaining eye contact, moving your hands and body in certain ways and making the correct sounds.
Eerel was excited on this particular day as Isy had planned for them to forage deep in the forest for rare plants and herbs, the intention being for him to become familiarised with each of their individual properties and uses. As she so often did, Isy sat upon Eerel’s shoulder holding on tightly to what passed for a shirt as he made his way past oak, chestnut, bramble and the odd Owl-bear.
The day went well with a variety of bulbs, leaves and berries being identified, they even happened across a rare wild lady-slipper orchid. Although it had no use for either treating ailments or as a source of food, Isy was very taken with it and made a mental note of it’s location for a return visit in the near future. However, by late afternoon Eerel’s interest began wane and despite repeated warnings by his diminutive companion he wandered off. It wasn’t long before darkness fell and he began to regret leaving Isy’s side. With his inability to see much of anything and the unfamiliar surroundings he began to pick his way slowly through the wood in the direction he was sure led home.
His next step almost immediately didn’t feel right. Where there should have been at least semi-solid ground his foot seemed to step into a void and suddenly everything was spinning. He hit his shoulder hard against something jagged and could feel the warm sensation of blood against his skin. Then he his head impacted on something and where there was darkness now there was a searing white light… |
Eerel Swiftfoot
Self proclaimed fasterest little person in da land
Eerel's Story:
http://vives.dyndns.org/vives/Forums/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=49386 |
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The Cave
Posted: 02 May 2006 11:18 AM |
His head pounded as he attempted to lift himself off the cold, damp floor. He raised his chest and head a few inches but his strength failed him, he could taste blood in his mouth and then everything turned to white again.
He didn’t know how long he lay there in the cave, his awareness coming and going as he drifted between the darkest black and the searing white. The silence was deafening, exaggerating the already excruciating pain in his skull. He became aware of the pain in his shoulder, his chest and left leg. Eerel stifled a moan as the pain crept further into his consciousness, his nerve endings ablaze with its intensity.
~~~
Isabellina searched through the night for her missing companion, her usually jovial demeanour giving way to worry as she cursed Eerel for his impetuous nature. She knew that it was hopeless to continue, she didn’t know which direction he had taken off in and it was too dangerous for her to be out in the forest night on her own. Her sparkly, glowing form was like a beacon to any unfamiliar creatures. She knew the better course of action would be to call upon those creatures she knew could help her to track him down.
She made her way towards the glade she considered home, she would call upon her friend the hawk-owl Berem to be her eyes this night. Isy knew she needed to try and pick up Eerel’s scent and had an idea who may be able to help.
~~~
Through unfocussed eyes Eerel thought he saw black move against black, something darker than his immediate surroundings. He mistrusted his usually keen senses as the pain seemed to be doing strange and terrible things to him. Then a low growl, not a noise Eerel recognised, this was followed by a scuttling. Something moved swiftly off to his right, a dozen feet or so away as best as he could tell. He felt the air move and the hairs on his neck stood on end at the realisation he was completely at the mercy of whatever lurked in the shadows. He longed for Isy to take him from this place, to keep him safe as she had always done. Why wus I sucha silly bugga?
~~~
It had been two days since Isy had sent word to the wolves of Whipsnade, a wood pigeon returning a debt to Eerel for returning one of her new born chicks to the nest it had fallen from, was delivering Isy’s request. Isy had continued to search during the daylight hours and every creature she knew was helping in the search. But all to no avail, there was no clear sign of where the young Halfling was and she had to console herself with the knowledge that Eerel was resourceful and resilient. Still, she couldn’t help but worry. He had never been in the forest alone for this long.
The wolves would have the message by now she thought, asking for them to despatch their finest trackers to Bloodwood but it would be take several days for them to make the journey from the west.
~~~
A fearsome growl sounded and Eerel tensed his body, the pain redoubling and his consciousness starting to fade again. He fought to move and remain aware of his surroundings as the edges of blackness in his sight turned to white.
The air rushed past him once again and he flinched as another growl followed by a resigned guttural noise reverberated in the confined space of the cave. There was a ripping followed by bones cracking, which made Eerel start. He hoped that whatever manner of creature had been the victor would be sufficiently satisfied with its meal.
His hopes faded fast as he felt hot breath on his face, the smell of fresh meat and blood permeated his senses and he looked up at the blackest black. There was movement and he felt the creature’s jaws close around his good shoulder. Everything faded to black as he felt it tug on his flesh.
~~~
He didn’t expect to ever awaken again, he felt something moist move across his forehead, a lapping sound and his eyes could make out the dark creature once again. He tried to reach out for the creature, wanting comfort and reassurance. The effort set his whole body alight with pain and he could see the searing white light coming into his vision.
He concentrated, pushing it away and the pain began to subside. He felt soft light fur, whiskers and a moist tongue. The light began to creep in again, his shoulder burning in agony, his leg and head aching dully. He tried to push it away but it flared up even more fiercely moving along his shoulder down his arm through his wrist then to his fingers, it felt as though his whole arm was set alight. Eerel let out a gasp as suddenly he realised he was holding the light in his hand. He lay on the rough cave floor staring up at a majestic and beautiful panther. Blacker than night itself the creatures coat shimmered in the brightness of light Eerel held in his palm.
~~~
Isy changed direction suddenly; she was drawn to the north west. It was inexplicable but she somehow knew where he was, muttering Fey enchantments she sped towards Eerel. Feelings came to her; safety tinged with physical pain which was mirrored in her tiny body, an image of a huge black feline and a terrific white light. Then it was gone. She continued on, her own feelings of happiness and elation that Eerel was safe consumed her, but mixed with concern for his pain and injuries. |
Eerel Swiftfoot
Self proclaimed fasterest little person in da land
Eerel's Story:
http://vives.dyndns.org/vives/Forums/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=49386 |
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Re: The Cave
Posted: 05 May 2006 12:28 PM |
((I found a few pictures on the web I liked which really relate well to the story thus far – links to follow))
Isy’s despair…
The Wolves of Whipsnade travel west…
A friend in the dark…
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Eerel Swiftfoot
Self proclaimed fasterest little person in da land
Eerel's Story:
http://vives.dyndns.org/vives/Forums/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=49386 |
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Journey to Brandibuck
Posted: 09 May 2006 12:09 PM |
Thick black clouds rolled across the sky, the air was thick and hot, feeling heavy in his lungs. Distant thunder boomed, preceded by flashes of lightning as the day turned dark. The summer storms had turned the trail Eerel and Visariya took through Bloodwood into a muddy quagmire. he had already lost his boots several times in the waterlogged earth, having to retrieve them with a tug and wet popping sound. He jogged along at a pace his guardian, the usually jet black panther Visariya, could keep up with. Her coat was splashed with dirt and the cat was as much brown as black now.
It had been three years since Eerel had fallen into the cave in the deep forest. It had taken him several months to recover even with Isy’s tender care and healing, thankfully his leg had mended and his limp was gone. However his shoulder still bothered him from time-to-time. Over time Isy had helped him to channel the magical energies he had discovered within himself on that fateful day, she was fascinated about why he had suddenly been able to produce the ball of effervescent light in the cave. She had even surmised that perhaps his exposure to Fey magic since a very early age had awoken these latent abilities. One thing Eerel knew was that he could channel that same white light encountered in the cave through his legs and make himself run faster than any creature he’d ever come across. That made him happy indeed. It also led to Isy giving him a second name of Swiftfoot, after a Halfling God reputed to have quick feet.
Eerel slowed his pace as he caught a glimpse of creatures moving in the undergrowth ahead. He stopped and Visariya let out a low growl, he stroked her head gently by way of reassurance. They both stared into the undergrowth as the rustling intensified and a family of deer moved onto the trail in front of them. Visariya instinctively crouched low and Eerel ducked off the muddy path and looked from behind a small blackberry bush at the smallest of the deer being tentatively nudged across the trail by it’s father. The mother wasn’t far behind as they slowly crossed, the young fawn barely able to keep it’s thin legs moving and support it's weight. Eerel looked on at the family in wonderment as they protectively ushered their child through the forest. His thoughts turned to Isy and her story about finding him in the woods, vulnerable and unprotected. Questions came to him; Wheres me ma’ n’ pa’? Who are dey? Why did dey leave me in da woods? Did dey wan’ me ta die? . He felt emotion welling up inside himself, the frustration at not knowing and the emptiness of not having his family's love.
Eerel felt Visariya’s whiskers tickle his face as she brushed against him, this time giving him reassurance. He looked at his friend and companion, her large brown, intelligent eyes boring into his own. There was a strange familiarity between them, something he hadn’t seen before. He heard crying in his head and suddenly he was somewhere else.
The jungle was thick as he stalked through the thick vegetation towards the crying. His point of view was lower than usual and he could see black padded paws pushing the undergrowth aside. He had no control over this apparition; he was merely watching events unfold.
Voices could be heard ahead as the jungle began to thin out into a clearing. A fire brightened the gloom of late evening as figures stalked with incredible speed around the shanty huts and tents.
“Shut that miserable little bastard up, girl” One figure shouted in a threatening, high pitched voice.
“He’s only a babe, don’t shout father” A girl retorted, holding a bundle lovingly in her arms.
“Yes, the bastard babe of a Halfling, just like you. Slow, lazy and full of good intention” The father spat. “I want rid of the child, its an insult my blood courses through it’s veins. Give it here” He moved towards the girl and her bundle pulling a blade from his belt. His actions were a blur of speed, but the girl was equal to him and was on her feet and away into the jungle before he was close enough to bring any harm her way. The other figures looked on dumb-founded.
The pursuit was on, the Quickling father chased his daughter through the jungle and Eerel was behind them. The pace of the small humanoids was reduced by the density of the vegetation but he still couldn’t keep up with the family. The Quicklings became a distant rustling until there was eventually no sign of them other than the tracks left by trampled plants.
“Leave the little sod there to rot” There was further shouting along the trail.
“No, no, please don’t do this father” The girl protested in vain as her father dragged her away from the small bundle discarded on the ground.
The shouting and protesting disappeared into the distance and Eerel crept closer to the abandoned babe, its wail for it’s mother out of place in the harsh environment of the jungle. He stalked forward slowly, reaching the helpless form on the wet ground, a paw gently moved the dirty blanket from around the creature and Eerel stared at himself some fifteen years younger.
“Ya took me away frum dat place didn' ya Vis? and gaves me ta Isy” Eerel was back in the present with the realisation that Visariya had saved him once before the time in the cave, she had been watching over him since he was a babe.
The family of deer were still in the middle of the forest trail when a noise behind Eerel made them start. The doe’s ears were the first to prick up and she was off into the undergrowth closely followed by the fawn and buck. Eerel turned to see an ugly slobbering creature less than a dozen feet away, towering above them both. Eerel muttered a curse as a huge club which was an uprooted tree, swung towards him. He had time to leap clear as it gouged a huge sod of earth out of the ground and showering the vicinity in mud.
Visaraiya was back on her feet and to the left of the Etin as it again focussed it’s attention on Eerel. This time the club swung in a horizontal arc catching Eerel off guard, he realised too late he couldn’t avoid the ungainly attack and awaited the inevitable crunch of impact. The club suddenly swang upwards above his head as the Etin’s balance was lost, Visariya was on it’s back, gouging and biting at the creature’s thick hide. Eerel needed no further respite and was on his feet approaching the creature at terrific speed.
Enraged, the Etin grabbed the panther from it’s back and through it to the forest floor with a snarl, it turned just in time to see Eerel bounding forwards. Eerel jumped putting his foot on the creature’s large kneecap, he pushed off leaping up towards the creature's face. Using all the momentum and what little strength he had in his tiny frame he caught the Etin square on the nose with his right fist. As he reached the apex of his jump he pushed off the Etin once more and landed solidly just above it’s other kneecap causing a splitting sound as cartilage ripped away from bone.
The stunned Etin roared in agony as it’s leg buckled and it fell towards the ground, it’s club slipping from it’s huge hairy hand. Eerel landed on all fours and looked back at his tumbling foe. Visariya was already atop the forest giant before it had hit the ground, Eerel had to turn away as she tore the Etin’s windpipe from it’s throat.
It wasn’t long before the companions had collected themselves and were off on their way down the muddy trail once again. Isy had told him that it wouldn’t take much more than a days travel to reach Brandibuck and once there to seek out Drugo who’s tutorage would further improve his knowledge of the uses of plants and herbs she had introduced him to.
The shade of Bloodwood soon gave way to open fields and a well used track running parallel to the forest could be seen. The distant rain clouds were rolling onwards to clear the air as Eerel took his first steps outside of the place he considered home. He had reached the homeland of his kin. The other part of his heritage he would sooner forget. |
Eerel Swiftfoot
Self proclaimed fasterest little person in da land
Eerel's Story:
http://vives.dyndns.org/vives/Forums/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=49386 |
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Re: Journey to Brandibuck
Posted: 09 May 2006 12:23 PM |
((More images which inspired some of this story from www.ans-graphics.com))
A Family of Deer
Leaving Bloodwood for Brandibuck
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Eerel Swiftfoot
Self proclaimed fasterest little person in da land
Eerel's Story:
http://vives.dyndns.org/vives/Forums/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=49386 |
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