Character Castle 2.0
- This topic has 2,849 replies, 27 voices, and was last updated 2 years, 7 months ago by .
-
Posts
-
Wylo stared at the boy with blank eyes. “Hey? Are you ok?” Was that really what he said? He had appeared out of nowhere. The High-duck was so startled that he couldn’t really think. Part of it was because he had lived the past several years away from positive human contact, but most of it was just surprise — surprise that a person would…. Care, maybe? Or just be so bone-headed to do such a thing?
He didn’t speak for several seconds, but then he folded his bloody fingers farther into his arms and cleared his throat. Funny, it seemed choked.
“I am fine, thank you.” He continued to stare at the boy with narrowed eyes. Was it a trick? Was he trying to assess his weakness? Was he spying for that curly-headed girl?
Still keeping an eye on the boy, he nonchalantly leaned back against a smooth, mirror-less part of the wall and hung his head down so that his red-gold hair fell in front of his eyes. He didn’t want to be talked to, he wanted to be left alone. He heard the soft voice of the blind girl speak up, suggesting that they form teams, have a back up plan, and find leaders. The High-duke tried to shrink into a corner, but his shiny silver suit made it impossible.
He did not want to interact with those people. He did not want to talk.
There was no way that he would face those faces. There was no way that they would get him to do anything.
He was on his own, just like it had been for years.
***
“I think it’s a good plan. I’ll go. Anyone with me?” When the last of the words passed from his mouth, Kiark felt stronger; immediately stronger and more sure of himself.
It was then that he understood.
Wylo.
He had felt that man’s eyes boring into his head ever since he found him in the woods. Somehow, the High-duke made it seem as if his every move required scrutiny. Kiark had only ever looked up to his father, but the father he knew was gone. Waynot Reni was the only man who could make the prince look down at his feet, but he was gone. So maybe that’s why Wylo had such a hold on him. He was his uncle, after all.
But not anymore. The prince was scoffing at himself for his gullibility when the boy — Idiota, was that his name? — passed by him and went up to Wylo. Kiark watched with wide eyes as he asked “are you ok?” He heard his uncle answer in a dry tone, then saw him back away.
The nerve of that kid, Kiark thought. Just then, the blind girl started speaking. He turned his attention to her, and marveled at her train of thought. She had a quick mind, and he agreed. Then:
“I believe Eltar would be a suitable leader!”
It was a girl speaking, and then she leaned over to speak to the blind girl.
Kiark didn’t have anybody to vouch for him, so he suggested himself. “I don’t know if being a prince has anything to do with leadership, but I’m currently in charge of an army.” He didn’t mention the fact that there were also officials in charge of the army. “I promise not to make anyone march, but I offer my services.”
He restrained himself from bowing.
***
Ok, so I just wanted to say I think that after this post I’ll change to first person to get a better feel for my characters, fyi 😉
I light the arrow, pull the bow,
Shoot that fire right through my soul.“It’s a deal. Um, this is Wen, in case you didn’t know. Also, I realized a little while ago that I don’t know your name. Mind if I ask?” said Riure.
“Oh pardon me, madam. My name is Allen Ziess. I may not be the biggest of fighters but as long as we are here, my sword is at your command.”
With that, Allen clicked the heels of his steel boots and bowed.
The Devil saw me with my head down and got excited. Then I said Amen
Ehud has quite the nerves!
Heh, I love how you assume it’s his nerves and not his complete oblivion to the fact that he’s done something unusual/potentially self-destructive XD.
@joelle-stone
I love the way you describe things through Riure’s perspective, using senses other than sight makes it really engaging and interesting!@backwardslivewriter
Oh hey! Didya know if you’re blind in one eye everything looks sorta 2D cos your eyes working together make the depth perception?Somebody suggested Eltar as leader. His companion–Wen was it?–was talking to Riure and smiled up at Rosario. Rosario furrowed her brows uncomfortably and didn’t quite know how to response so she gave an imperceptible shrug and avoided her gaze. But if she was showing some care toward the girl chances were her friend was…At least it was better than nothing.
“Excellent,” she said instead “Eltar, Allen and Riure will be the first group, if all are in favor?”“I am fine, thank you.” Mr Pipe Man said in an awkwardly gruff way eyeing Ehud suspiciously. There was just something about him, Ehud couldn’t put his finger on. He glanced back at his companion who seemed studiously escaping him. It was something, Ehud suddenly felt worried for Mr Pipe Man’s friend.
Warily, Mr Pipe Man slipped against the wall.
“I don’t know if being a prince has anything to do with leadership,” I know! It doesn’t! At least Ehud could almost hear Rosario thinking something along those lines. “but I’m currently in charge of an army. I promise not to make anyone march, but I offer my services.”
Ehud wasn’t sure what to do so he looked up pathetically at Rosario until she caught his expression. She quirked an eyebrow. Ehud glanced at Mr Pipe Man and at Mr Prince and shook his head as vigorously as he dared while as imperceptibly as he could, trying to communicate that they shouldn’t be on the same team. Narrowing her eyes at the prince she examined him up and down. Seemingly she had gotten the hint and was assessing how well he qualified and how soon she could consult Ehud.
“You…would have to be approved by the majority.” Rosario said finally, trying to calculate how many were left; Kami and Wylo couldn’t be put together, Ehud needed to be with someone Rosario knew would protect him, much rather have the dragons separated, Gwendolyn seemed reliable enough if she weren’t so reckless, not leadership quality.
Ehud stared at Wen who was talking to Riure.
“You’re not the only one who’s at least part blind,” She said rather that detached kindness like Rosario. From what he’d seen of Wen she was…he wasn’t sure but he had a vague feeling. Cocking his head to the side he tried to figure it out but he didn’t know. As far as Ehud was concerned Rosario was already basically the leader of all the teams together.
“I nominate Wen!” he blurted raising his handTo be a light to the world you must shine in the darkness.
Ooh! Can’t wait to see how Liorah will respond to that! (There’s no magic in my world, so that could get interesting)
Thank you so much! As for not doing anything stupid, I can’t promise anything there.😂
Thank you so much for answering my questions! It really helps a lot!
And btw, I love the Liorah’s head-jewelry!
Thank you! I needed some method of identification in my world for plot reasons.
Okay, here we go!
Liorah
Entering the cave had not been my best idea. I brushed a hand along the stone wall. Sadly, it hadn’t been my worst either.
I’d been out riding with my mare, Maewyn when I spotted the opening. I had some hours left before I had to get back to the camp, so I’d decided to explore it. The cave had gotten deeper and deeper, and colder and colder.
I bit my lip. A tingle of uneasiness crept up my back. Perhaps it was better to turn back now.
I turned on my heel and walked a few paces back, but to my surprise, I could no longer see the spot of light where the entrance had been.
I placed one hand on the rock beside me and stretched out the other to feel the width of the tunnel. It was now so dark that I couldn’t see anything. Before I’d reached far, my fingers scraped across the other side. I let out a long, shuddering breath. Okay, this was less than ideal.
I whistled through my teeth, letting the high note echo and reverberate across the chipped stone. I strained my ears for Maewyn’s whinny but heard nothing. I frowned. That mare. Couldn’t she listen just this once?
My breath became slightly more shallow as I assessed the situation. It was dark, it was cold, the passage was narrow, and the entrance had disappeared.
A slight smile tugged at my lips. I was glad Gavril wasn’t here in my place. He despised any sort of cramped and dark space.
I took my only option and turned around again, so I was facing in my previous direction.
I reached one hand ahead of me, so I could feel when I bumped into a wall. This happened more often than I cared to admit. I kept my right hand firmly on the other wall, so I didn’t stray too far away.
The passage twisted like a long trailing ribbon. I lost all sense of time and direction. Whenever I came to a crossroad, I turned right, in an attempt to get back to Maewyn. I might have been in the passage for ten minutes or two hours.
My scabbard screeched against the opposite wall. The sound made the hair in the back of my neck stand on end. In an attempt to keep myself from going insane with boredom, I started talking to myself.
“I’d better not tell this to Gavril. He’ll never let me hear the end of it.”
“Why is it this cold? It’s hot-season! It’s not supposed to be this cold. Stupid, miserable weather and stupid cave.”
“I nominate Wen!” A voice broke through my mindless soliloquy. I frowned, indignant at being interrupted, even though the owner of the voice didn’t even know I was here. I couldn’t place the accent. It didn’t even sound like the common language, though it was close enough to be intelligible. A glimpse of light came from the same direction as the voice. Breaking my pattern of turning right, I turned toward it.
As I neared the light, an opening became clearer. It led out into a cave, where several people were gathered. Some stood off by themselves, others huddled together in a group.
A bolt of apprehension shot through me, and I yanked my scimitar out of its scabbard. The soft zing of the steel exiting the scabbard was a comforting sound.
I kept my sword low, curved tip pointed downward. Not aggressive, but formidable and anything but inviting.
There were a lot of people inside the cave, and I doubted I could fight them all, but I could certainly try. Besides, not all of them seemed like dangerous opponents. One was a slight girl with a huge dog. I eyed it. Those teeth were much too sharp for my liking.
“Who are you and what are you doing here?” I snapped,
_______
Okay! I hope that was alright! (And I got to use the word soliloquy! I love that word😊)
I tried to solve the language barrier as best I could😉
Just a quick mention, if Riure needs to identify Liorah by her voice, she has a strong accent. I can’t connect it to any real-life accent, but it’s a bit clipped-sounding. (Hope this helps!)
Without darkness, there is no light. If there was no nighttime, would the stars be as bright?
Ooh, this is going to be fun!
I frowned, indignant at being interrupted
Lol, that was pretty funny. 😛 And I never thought of using the word soliloquy before… must think on this… 😛
Ah, ok, thanks! I repeat: this is going to be fun. I’ve honestly never tried to describe an accent that doesn’t exist before. 😉 Will try to generate something cool in a moment.
“Oh pardon me, madam. My name is Allen Ziess. I may not be the biggest of fighters but as long as we are here, my sword is at your command.” There was a click next to her ear and a ruffle as he probably bowed.
Riure stood silent for a moment, unsure if this was good, bad, cool, or some combination of the three. Did this mean she was his boss? No, thank you. But if it meant that he was there to protect her, she had to admit, that was kind of nice – and confidence boosting. She had felt the power coming out of his hands once, and knew that, no matter his size, he was a fighter. “Thank you, Mr. Ziess.” She dipped her head in gratefulness, forgetting he was on her shoulder. “I’m deeply indebted.”
What is that? Riure cocked her head, filtering out the many voices talking around her. A new voice, female, faint, with an odd, distinct accent, had joined the throng, but she appeared to be talking more to herself than everyone else.
“Why is it this cold? It’s hot-season! It’s not supposed to be this cold. Stupid, miserable weather and stupid cave.”
Riure realized with a start that she was in a tunnel a little ways down, and headed this way. Almost at the same time, Ehud shouted, “I nominate Wen!”
Deciding the other person could wait for a moment, Riure added her nomination. “Rosario!”
——————————————-
(did I forget to mention that Wen and Eltar remember everything? Eidetic memory is a rare ability to not have with the elves, and 50% of the halfen have it. Along with your average few humans. On with the show!)
“I nominate Eltar!” He stared at his cousin. Kiarkus Reni looked warily about. “I don’t know that being a prince has anything to do with leadership, but I’m currently in charge of an army.” Eltar nodded, noting absentmindedly to himself that obviously his court would help him. “I promise not to make anyone march, but I offer my services,” Kiarkus added dryly. Wen was speaking quietly to the blind child. Ehud suddenly stepped forward. “I nominate Wen!” he blurted. Eltar nodded slowly.
Wen stiffened as his voice reached her ear. “But-” she began, noticing footsteps and a faint voice headed their way. “Rosario!” Riure piped in. Wen looked down at her young companion. “But surely you noticed-”
The familiar sound of a sword being unsheathed came from the same area the footsteps and voice had. Wen swept in between Ehud, Riure, and the sound, her katanas materialising in her hands. A woman with an unsheathed scimitar had stepped out of one of the tunnels. “Who are you, and what are you doing here?!”
Wen lowered her weapons slightly with a smile. So the setting had brought in another. “We are people that ran into eachother here and are trying to work together to escape. You must be new to the setting. I am Wen. You?”
Could one steal past those watchful dragons? I thought I could.
-C.S. Lewis@rose-colored-fancy
Ooh, soliloquy’s soo fun to say! Like serendipity and selcouth and susurrus!“I nominate Wen!” Ehud blurted and Rosario raised an eyebrow at him. She trusted his intuitive judgement, so when Eltar nodded in agreement she had enough confidence in the decision to begin calculating the best group to put her in charge of. “Wen will be in charge of Kami, Konyar and…”
“Rosario!” Riure called. Rosario froze and blinked trying to compute.
“I second!” Ehud jumped on it which didn’t surprise Rosario but Riure…?
Of course it was common sense for her to lead, she was already in a way. But Rosario had always been the invisible hand, nobody liked her enough to willingly…She had zero social skills, a lot of issues the only person who’d ever had any willing confidence in her was Ehud.He grinned sheepishly at Riure turning red with delight. Wen looked down at the blind girl skeptically.
“But surely you noticed–” At that, Ehud glared at his own nomination. But he didn’t have time to say anything because a new person tumbled into the scene.
“Who are you, and what are you doing here?!” The stranger demanded. Ehud scooted next to Riure and hugged her.
“Thanks,” he whispered energetically “I know she’s a hard person to get to know but she really does care. A lot. She’s not cold, or heartless she’s just…different. And people don’t get her and she doesn’t get people but she’s…” Fading off, Ehud tried to find the words suddenly realizing he’s was flushing crimson so he took a breath. It wasn’t fair, it really wasn’t too him. All his problems and recklessness aside people were still more likely to be friendly to him (even to use him) just because his feelings were so readable nobody ever wondered where he stood.
“She just doesn’t show her emotions the way most people do. But she does have them. She’s more comfortable showing her emotions in practical ways not…she’s…” He ran his hand through his hair, not entirely sure how that had stirred up so much emotion in him. It was something he’d noticed for years and years. It was a while before Enoch trusted her. But she was just not like most people she…
“…new to the setting. I am Wen. You?”
“Oh, there’s a new person now!” Ehud announced to Riure. He started counting on his fingers and then mouthing the numbers. He rubbed the side of his head. “Is that fourteen or fifteen now? Oh I’m Ehud, you’re trapped in another dimension now and we’re all gonna die!” Ehud glanced down at the sword and really wanted to touch it. Luckily he shook off the thought. “…if there’s three passages…that’s five members a team…”To be a light to the world you must shine in the darkness.
Lol, that was pretty funny.
Thank you!😊
Will try to generate something cool in a moment.
You did an awesome job! Riure is such an awesome character! Can’t wait to find out more about her!
Ooh, soliloquy’s soo fun to say! Like serendipity and selcouth and susurrus!
IKR!
Liorah
A girl swept between me and the others, protecting them. Two long, lightly curved swords seemed to appear in her hands. I eyed the weapons.
Gavril had told me anyone who fought with two swords was either pretentious or very, very good. Judging by how quickly she had drawn her swords, I would err on the latter side. This girl was not someone to trifle with. I kept my sword poised in a guarded, but not aggressive position.
The girl lowered her swords and smiled. I narrowed my eyes and did not drop my guard.
“We are people that ran into each other here and are trying to work together to escape. You must be new to the setting. I am Wen. You?”
A boy in the circle looked up, noticing me. He told the small girl he’d been whispering with something, then wandered over, muttering and counting on his fingers.
“Is that fourteen or fifteen now?” He turned his attention to me. “Oh, I’m Ehud, you’re trapped in another dimension now and we’re all gonna die!”
I frowned, trying to grasp what he meant. ‘Dimension’? ‘All going to die’?
He peered at my sword, seeming to want to touch it. I raised an eyebrow. That was a strangely foolhardy thing to do. I wouldn’t attack him, but I had never seen anyone who’s first reaction to a bare sword was trying to touch the razor-sharp steel.
“…if there are three passages…that’s five members a team…” He muttered, staring into the distance as though calculating something.
I raised my chin.
“I’m Princess Liorah of the Lehabim and I just decided I’m not going to die,” I said, straightening my shoulders. The proper thing to do now would be to make a polite, smiling, fake curtsy. But I saw no reason to.
“My older brother said he’s going to win at sword practice tonight and I’ll prove him wrong if it’s the last thing I do,” I eyed Wen’s swords again, then decided to trust her. She didn’t seem hostile.
I slid my sword back into the scabbard but kept my hand on the hilt, ready to draw again.
“Also, if your entire plan is splitting up and exploring the tunnels, I’m not going to help.” I snorted. “The walls move, and I’m not going to get trapped in a stone prison without air. Dying isn’t in my plans for today.”
I hugged myself, glaring at the cave in general. Stupid weather. Why was it so cold in here? An icy draft washed over me, sweeping through the cave. The others didn’t seem to mind, for some reason.
Draft. Air.
I looked up and saw a small spot of light above us. It was no larger than my hand, and the stone surrounding it was thick. At least we were in no danger of immediate suffocation. I pushed my way through the other people toward the spot of light, paying them no heed.
I bumped into the small girl. Her large dog growled and I took a step away.
“I beg your pardon,” I said, absently, before standing directly beneath the spot of light. I scowled up at it. There was something… The idea slid into place.
I grinned.
“We can get out of here. I’m not going into those passages blind, but I know something.” I twisted my braid around my wrist. Talking in front of so many people made me nervous, so I made sure not to speak directly to anyone. “Does anyone have something to burn? Fabric, sticks, anything.”
_______
Just want to clarify real quick, it’s not actually particularly cold in the cave.😉 Liorah lived in a desert her whole life, so she exaggerates the cold.
I’m having a ton of fun! I love everyone’s characters!
Without darkness, there is no light. If there was no nighttime, would the stars be as bright?
He is nerveless, lol 😛
Ooo, that’s so cool that they remember everything!
Oh, that makes sense (head jewelry 😉 )! And whatever idea you have, noticing drafts was clever 😀
***
“You…would have to be approved by the majority.” The girl named Rosario said haltingly. I raise my eyebrows. She seems to know what she is doing — unlike everybody else. They just go along without any trouble at all. The group she just organized is a good one. I can see they’re talking and getting along. I walk up to Rosario so I can speak without shouting and tip my head slightly, still watching Wylo out of the corner of my eye. That man; why is my whole family off of their rockers?
“I like the way you’re handling things, miss, but I have a suggestion. Maybe we should keep those dragon-people together. The she-beast gets a little wild, and it seems like her companion keeps her civil. They should stay together. And–” I lower my voice. “That fellow over there?” I jerk my head in Wylo’s direction, “I don’t suggest trying to get him to do anything. Just let him be; he’ll do what he likes.” I speak fast, partly because that’s how I talk, and partly because I’m trying to get my words in before she can inturrupt. I’ve had lots of practice, what with entitled officials and all.
“Who are you, and what are you doing here?!”
I spin around and see a girl with a sword held out in front of her standing on the other side of the cavern. I sigh. Yet another person who’ll learn she’s trapped and doomed to have to reason with these people. I turn back, but, suddenly, after quick conversation, the princess is in the middle of the room standing and staring at the ceiling. I glance up and see a shaft with light filtering through.
“We can get out of here. I’m not going into those passages blind, but I know something. Does anyone have something to burn? Fabric, sticks, anything.”
“First of all,” I drawl, “what are you planning to do? I won’t throw my pants into a fire unless I know it’ll work.”
***
Ok, I tried to get everything straight; it’s a bit complicated. Hope that worked! 😀
I light the arrow, pull the bow,
Shoot that fire right through my soul.Welcome @rose-colored-fancy!
“Right now there is no one in charge. For us to successfully survive this ordeal someone will have to take the reins. Since you so recklessly gave away our position to any beast or person within perhaps a ten miles radius, we will have to establish both a parameter and systemized defense system.” We’ve got a long way to go before we’re half a functional team.” Said a young women with curly hair.
The plan made sense to Gwendolyn. Had she said something about a beast? If so wasn’t it a better idea to stick together?
“Hang on, wait a minute! May I say something?”
Gwendolyn turned her eyes to a girl who appeared to be blind. Her heart broke for her.
“This place is changing constantly. I think it’s a good idea to keep in groups, but I doubt we’ll be able to have a base. Chances are groups will head in different directions, then be cut off from whoever stays in here. Perhaps the person in here will be forced to leave, and then, if we could return, we’d all be confused and not know what to do.”
Pausing to catch her breath after talking that fast she resumed. “Maybe we should pick teams. For example, we could find the three, or four, most capable leaders in here and they could lead groups in different directions. If we meet up with other people, great, we can compare notes. Otherwise, it’s probably best to have each person know who their leader is, so there’s some point of reference. Having one leader over us all might be a good idea, or it could lead to controversy. Erm…Whatever the case, I don’t think it’s a good idea to just charge ahead without having some sort of plan or back-up. I’m probably not the one to do that, sine I’m…well, obviously, I’m blind, and really the only I’m half-way good at is telling stories. Any other ideas?”“As Riure has pointed out it is necessary to establish some form of leadership. I would suggest a show of hands, there will be two to three groups and a leader of the entire body. Can I get a few names to vote on?” Said the girl who had suggested the first plan.
“I believe Eltar would be a suitable leader!” Called another female.
More private chatter broke out and gave Gwendolyn a moment to sort through her thoughts.
As far as she knew, everyone just wanted to get home. She knew she wasn’t a leader but she would rather be in her own charge than someone else’s. But could she lead a whole team? No. Better leave the leading to the leaders. She was just a guard.
“I’ll be on any team the leaders put me on. I would suggest putting me on a weaker team though. I’ve had some … experience with protecting people. ” Gwendolyn said.
But you failed! The king is dead or worse because you left him! You can’t protect anybody.
The voice in her head all but screamed. No. Don’t distract your self by thinking about that. Just get back.
@Everyone: please forgive me if I forgot one of your characters. I haven’t been on for a few days and I had two pages to catch up on so my mind was slightly frazzled.😛
Beautiful things don't ask for attention
To say that Riure was surprised would be an understatement. No one had ever hugged her before, except for Lytt, and the Ave’s embraces were long and gentle, accented by her gigantic wings folding around Riure like a safe cocoon.
But Ehud… Ehud hugged with a hard, quick squeeze with as much energy as enthusiasm. Riure found all her breath pushed out of her lungs as he let go, and had to gasp in a couple deep breaths before summoning all the oxygen needed to let out a laugh.
“Thanks,” he whispered energetically “I know she’s a hard person to get to know but she really does care. A lot. She’s not cold, or heartless she’s just…different. And people don’t get her and she doesn’t get people but she’s…” He seemed to be having trouble finding the right words. Riure tipped her head slightly to the right and waited silently, trying to wipe her dancing smile off her face. “She just doesn’t show her emotions the way most people do. But she does have them. She’s more comfortable showing her emotions in practical ways not…she’s…” He faded off, and didn’t speak again. Riure just winked in his general direction, knowing that it was an odd gesture for someone who was blind. All the same, she thought it conveyed her feelings nicely.
“I am Wen,” Wen was saying. “You?”
“Oh, there’s a new person!” Ehud exclaimed. Probably the tunnel person. There was a pause sharpened by a couple soft “s” noises. “Is that fourteen or fifteen now? Oh I’m Ehud, you’re trapped in another dimension now and we’re all gonna die!” He paused. “If there’s three passages…that’s five members a team…”
Riure stifled a wider grin. Ehud switched between objects that interested him like a bee. It was kind of funny, but, then again, everything had some humor in it, if you looked hard enough.
“I’m Princess Liorah of the Lehabim and I just decided I’m not going to die,” the lady with the clipped accent, the one in the tunnel, announced with regal authority. A soft laugh escaped Riure’s lips, and she quickly clapped a hand over her mouth, not wanting to appear rude. Deciding not to die was one way to deal with this.
“My older brother said he’s going to win at sword practice tonight and I’ll prove him wrong if it’s the last thing I do,” Princess Liorah continued. A sword slid easily into – or out of – a scabbard, and the tension crackling in the air abated somewhat. That probably meant into. “Also, if your entire plan is splitting up and exploring the tunnels, I’m not going to help.” She snorted, an entirely un-princessly move as far as Riure knew. Then again, Riure wasn’t a princess, so what did she know? “The walls move, and I’m not going to get trapped in a stone prison without air. Dying isn’t in my plans for today.”
“Wait, the walls move?” Riure murmured out of the corner of her mouth to Ehud, whom she could feel standing next to her. “Ehud? Why didn’t you tell me?” She wasn’t angry, more amused. If this was a dream, it was the best one she’d ever had, even if she couldn’t see in it. Most dreams she could see, but now and again the images were blurry. It always hurt when that happened, for Riure knew that she was beginning to forget what the sky looked like, and how grass rippled in the breeze like water, or how beautiful the color green was. She’d always hoped her eyes were green, but Lytt had gently informed her that they were a golden brown. That was good enough, she supposed.
Footsteps. Light, determined, and swift, they probably belonged to a female. A female who either had short legs or was walking fast. A female headed directly towards Riure.
“Erm, Master Ziess (BTW, I forgot to put Master instead of Mr. in my last post, just ignore that. :P)?” Riure whispered uncertainly. Sadiq tugged backward, and Riure stumbled a couple steps away. All the same, the person brushed into her accidentally.
“I beg your pardon,” she said absentmindedly, and Riure recognized the voice.
“No problem,” she replied with a laugh, but Princess Liorah didn’t appear to have heard.
“We can get out of here,” she said after a moment of shuffling and tense silence. “I’m not going into those passages blind-” Riure laughed, closed her mouth suddenly, and snorted out her nose accidentally at the princess’ unintended pun. “-but I know something. Does anyone have something to burn? Fabric, sticks, anything.”
Hm… Riure thought, leaning against the wall as she went over everything she had. Besides her clothes and Sadiq, she had nothing. No help there.
“First of all,” some male person said slowly. “What are you planning to do? I won’t throw my pants into a fire unless I know it’ll work.”
Excellent point.
Suddenly the wall gave way. Riure tumbled back with a squeal, landing hard on a smooth, polished, freezing cold stone floor. Master Ziess was there a moment later, and with his and Sadiq’s help, she regained her feet.
“Hey, Ehud,” Riure said with a nervous huff of laughter. “Make that four passageways.”
I guess if we get another person, we get another tunnel? Useful, or hard to keep track of?
———————————————————————————–
Finally got this done. Yeesh, y’all, I’ve been trying for so long, but kept getting interrupted. That’s probably why it’s so choppy. But I guess we’re gonna roll with it. 😉
“I’m Prince Liorah of the Lehabim and I just decided I’m not going to die,” Ehud choked and blurting out laughing.
“I like her!” he said and was for all intensive purposes ignored. They kept talking and Ehud dropped back to Riure.
“Wait, the walls move? Ehud? Why didn’t you tell me?” she exclaimed playfully
“Oh…yeah. Wait, that was earlier this was spikes that pushed us into the cave, I gotta tell you all about it…once everybody decides on everything that’d make a fun story while we’re walking wherever.” Princess Dramatic bumped into Riure very unprincessly.
“I beg your pardon,”
“No problem,” Riure laughed easily.
“We can get out of here, I’m not going into those passages blind-” The blind girl snorted laughing and for five seconds Ehud winced while stifling an awkward giggle. “-but I know something. Does anyone have something to burn? Fabric, sticks, anything.”
Without thinking Ehud meekly fumbled through his pockets, pulled out a rag he usually used to polish knickknacks he found, and handed that to her.
“First of all, what are you planning to do? I won’t throw my pants into a fire unless I know it’ll work.”
“Hey, Ehud. Make that four passageways.”
“’Ey what?” he says
Blowing them off, Liorah took the rag from Ehud’s hand and lit it. He watched her closely and glanced at the passage. And back at her. Finally he said it.
“Would a flashlight work better?”To be a light to the world you must shine in the darkness.
Rosario watched Kiark edge to her to speak closely, which was the way Rosario preferred confronting people. All in all he had a reasonable level of potential she was doubtful he was leadership quality.
“I like the way you’re handling things, miss, but I have a suggestion.” She didn’t like small talk, useless compliments, she’d heard way too many fake ones. It was much more fruitful to her for someone to just cut to the chase instead of trying to manipulate her goodwill. “Maybe we should keep those dragon-people together. The she-beast gets a little wild, and it seems like her companion keeps her civil. They should stay together. And–that fellow over there?”
Rosario pursed her lips to hid a smile. Ehud’s uncanny intuition already beat him to the announcement. “I don’t suggest trying to get him to do anything. Just let him be; he’ll do what he likes.”
He halted catching his breath and Rosario digested everything he had said and formulated both a plan and a response around it. Realizing she had left him dangling she nodded somberly and began.
“Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Don’t worry your companion I intend to have a word with him,” She tried not to make that sound ominous. And failed. “Now, about the dragons. First of all you will not ever again refer to either of the dragons as beasts. They are at least as intelligent as you, possibly more so and if you wish to face their anger you can call them beasts to their faces.”
Rosario stared him down until he shifted uncomfortably to make sure her point came across. Then she relaxed and continued somewhat more welcomingly.
“As for keeping the dragons together I understand your concerns there but that’s just too much power concentrated in one group. I’m much rather place her in a group with either some of more easygoing members or with whichever groups will have either Kami or your friend as members. Now what I need from you is to determine which people are best equip and which people will need more assistance. I can’t afford to have the weakest members grouped into one team. Next I’ll need an assessment of each persons’ strengths and weaknesses. Understood?”
She looked up him smartly, giving him enough responsibility to gauge his abilities. Then she nodded to him a dismissal as respectfully as she would to anybody and moved on.
“I’ll be on any team the leaders put me on. I would suggest putting me on a weaker team though. I’ve hand some…experience with protecting people.” When Gwendolyn finished Rosario made eye contact and nodded.
“Understood.” That was something she could manage.To be a light to the world you must shine in the darkness.
Thanks for the welcome!
Princess Dramatic bumped into Riure very unprincessly.
LOL! I love that! XD. I think I’ll be referring to Liorah as Princess Dramatic from now on.😂😂
If this was a dream, it was the best one she’d ever had, even if she couldn’t see in it. Most dreams she could see, but now and again the images were blurry. It always hurt when that happened, for Riure knew that she was beginning to forget what the sky looked like, and how grass rippled in the breeze like water, or how beautiful the color green was. She’d always hoped her eyes were green, but Lytt had gently informed her that they were a golden brown. That was good enough, she supposed.
Wow! You keep impressing me with how well you write Riure! That part is brilliant! You write her so well, and I love how you describe everything clearly without using sight.
Footsteps. Light, determined, and swift, they probably belonged to a female. A female who either had short legs or was walking fast. A female headed directly towards Riure.
That’s amazing! I don’t know how you guessed, but that’s exactly what Liorah’s footsteps sound like!
Oh, that makes sense (head jewelry )! And whatever idea you have, noticing drafts was clever
Thank you! I hope it works!
Liorah
For some reason, the boy that greeted me earlier, Ehud, his name was, and the girl with the dog both giggled when I said ‘blind’. I frowned, puzzled. What was so funny? They didn’t seem to be laughing at me, but there was something I was missing out on.
A young man with a slightly arrogant tilt to his chin answered my request.
“First of all,” He drawled, “what are you planning to do? I won’t throw my pants into a fire unless I know it’ll work.”
I scowled. He was certainly mocking me, and since my request had been sincere, it annoyed me. Judging by his higher quality of clothes and his self-important reply, he was a noble of some sort.
A sudden flash of movement caught my eye. The delicate girl tumbled backward, a passage opening behind her. I instinctively reached for my sword but stifled the impulse to draw it. It was only a wall, not an enemy.
The girl sprawled on the ground, seemingly disoriented until someone helped her up.
I couldn’t help staring at her, trying to figure out the mystery. When I saw the way she gripped the scruff of the dog’s neck and how he seemed to lead her, I finally understood.
The girl was blind. I bit my lip, finally understanding why she and Ehud had laughed when I said blind. My pun had been unintentional, and I hoped I hadn’t offended her.
“Hey, Ehud,” she said with a nervous huff of laughter. “Make that four passageways.”
Ehud fumbled through his pockets and produced a rag. I examined it. It would do.
“Thank you, that’s fine,” I said, with a smile. I decided I liked Ehud. He was a bit odd but seemed kind.
Ignoring the arrogant young man, I drew my dagger and struck a spark against the rock wall. The spark caught on the rag and a trickle of smoke circled up as the tiny flame licked up the fabric. I smiled.
Ehud seemed puzzled, glancing back and forth between me and the passages. Finally, he said,
“Would a flashlight work better?”
I paused, briefly confused. ‘Flashlight’? I assumed he meant some sort of lantern.
“It isn’t for the light,” I said, both to Ehud and the other young man who stood watching the proceedings with raised eyebrows.
I turned to him and my voice stiffened.
“It’s drafty in here, and a draft means air circulation. Air has to go in, and come out.” I glanced up at the small hole.
“There can’t be enough air for fourteen people through that little hole. And, since it’s drafty, it’s going out somewhere.”
I shot him a sharp look.
“Does that answer your question, or do I need to explain what air is and why you need it?”
I usually made a rule not to be sarcastic to people the first time I met them, but I was more than happy to make an exception.
The ringlet of smoke was carried on by the draft and swirled into three of the passages, including the one the blind girl had just found.
I pointed to the remaining passage.
“See? That one has no exit. It’s airtight, and we would have suffocated,” I said, triumphantly.
As the rag burnt out, I noticed something odd. The smoke was getting sucked behind one of the shiny, reflective surfaces. They looked rather like highly reflective glass.
“Anyone try breaking that?” I asked, pointing to it. “There’s a reasonably close exit for the air behind it.”
____
If I mischaracterized anyone’s characters, I’m really sorry, I’m still trying to figure out what they’re like.😉
Besides, Liorah has a tendency to jump to conclusions😂
Without darkness, there is no light. If there was no nighttime, would the stars be as bright?
- The forum ‘Private: Fantasy Writers’ is closed to new topics and replies.
