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The Return - Mirtoba's Story Started by Realmling at 08-23-2005 8:59 AM. Topic has 87 replies. RoS & Savage Ge... » Bob (or General... » The Library » The Return - Mirtoba's Story

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08-23-2005, 8:59 AM Realmling Joined on 05-08-2005 Out there...way out there Posts 2,677 Re: The Return - Mirtoba's Story It was day, that much the window let me know. I woke feeling refreshed, no dreams of any kind had visited me that night. I probably could have lain there forever, but sounds were coming from the other room. Stretching, I finally dragged myself from the bed. It had certainly been more comfortable than the palate from before. The noises ceased immediately as I opened the door. Lycheas stuck his head around the corner.   “I didn’t wake you did I? I’m sorry.”   “No, I’ve been awake for a bit.”   The kitchen area was crowded with various boxes and packs full of household articles. I carefully picked my way through the maze to the door. This business of having to walk around the outside of the house to the bath was slightly annoying. Lycheas was piling empty containers outside the door when I returned.   “There’s some cheese and bread in here somewhere, if you’ll give me a moment to find it.”   “There’s no rush.” I called out.   “Are you sure? You’ve been asleep for a couple days.”   That left me stunned. I’d never slept that long before, even with a cold. I realized then that it was late afternoon. He came outside again with the food and set them on the boxes he had piled up.   “Can’t get to the table in there, hope you don’t mind eating outside.”   “It’s not raining, so out here is fine.” I perched myself carefully on a box. “I’ve really been asleep that long?”   “You were pretty exhausted.” He said with a small laugh. “I’m surprised you’re finally awake.”   “Now I’ll probably be awake for the next couple weeks.”   “Well, the house needs some work.” Lycheas grinned at me, a warm sparkle in his eye.   I only raised my eyebrow. This whole thing felt oddly nice, the two of us sitting here together. My face suddenly felt warm, and I must have been blushing. I quickly looked down at my hands, missing whatever look was on his face.   “Well, I have to get more of this put away. I have to do the initiation round for the newest additions at the hunting ground, if you’d like to join me.”   “That should be interesting. When did they start doing all this stuff for new trainees?” “What stuff?” came the slightly muffled reply.   “These armor quests, what you do with the young ones.” I said, bringing the food back into the house.   “Oh, well a while ago actually.”   “Obviously after I left.” I muttered.   “It was something the council of masters decided on. They wanted a way to keep better tabs on recruits I guess.”   I entered the bedroom shaking my head. They wanted less chance of recruits going the way I had most likely. But it certainly was a better system. Things before had often seemed overwhelming. Thanks to Arellat, I had clothes to last forever. Three sets of leathers, all the right size. I almost missed the silks after I changed.   “Would you like some help in here?” I said, coming back to the kitchen.   Lycheas was speechless a moment. I guess this set of leathers was a little revealing.   “Sure.” He pointed at the boxes on the table.   “I’ll have to thank your sister for the clothes. You’re all being too generous.”   “I’ll have to thank her too.” I thought I heard him say.   “You say something?”   “Ah…generosity is our family’s bad habit.” He sputtered.   I smiled and returned to unpacking the boxes. With a woman’s touch, the job was done rather quickly. Well, ok, that was a little bit of my ego talking. Lycheas was actually a quick, careful worker. I treated him to lunch at a nearby tavern before we went down to the hunting grounds.   The fresh recruits waiting for us were a rag-tag little group. There were six of them, and only two of them young girls. After Lycheas gave his little speech, I took the girls with me. I started them on tracking a spider hatchling, a relatively easy creature to hunt for beginners. I waited a small distance off, watching them fight with the spider, ready to help if they needed it. Promise shone through their initial clumsiness, and each had huge grins when they were victorious. We talked a moment about what they could do differently next time, and started off again after new prey. After a few hours, we returned to lift to wait for Lycheas and his charges. I sat with the girls discussing what they could expect when their magic training would begin. A weary Lycheas and four very scuffed up, and very puffed up, young boys approached us. We sent the youngsters on their way, and I helped Lycheas clean up a bit.   “Next time, you get the boys.”   “What in the world did the five of you do?”   “I only fought to survive. They tried to kill me out there. And I come back here and you’re having a chat with two very clean, nice kids.”   “You poor baby. You just don’t have luck on your side today. I can give you some pointers later on how to teach kids without getting dirty.”   “Watch it woman.” I R NUCKING FUTS! Yes, I know...I know what you always say - You trap, you kill, you eat - that's what a good spider does. You trap...you kill...you eat.... ~~    Report

08-23-2005, 8:59 AM Realmling Joined on 05-08-2005 Out there...way out there Posts 2,677 Re: The Return - Mirtoba's Story The next few days were wonderful. I finished crafting my armor, and thanks to the enchanted materials and patterns, I was successful with ever so limited skills in that area. Arellat had given me a new quiver in trade for some skins I brought her. I had enough coins to get some fletching materials and finally I felt whole with a bow behind me. Lycheas had gone with me to Crushbone again to gather what I needed for the sword quest Master Flamecaller had given me.   The two of us had been spending a great deal of time with each other, and I found myself feeling a little lonely whenever he left for the night. There had certainly been a lot of changes going on within me. Before, I would have never given him the time of day. It was times like this that I missed Leptictis more than ever. I hoped she was well, and that I would see her again soon.   Finally biting the bullet, I had gone to the druid’s hall and spoke with her trainers. They hadn’t shown any ill will towards me, but I could feel underneath the situation with me and my sister was a thorn in everyone’s side. I told them where she was to the best of my memory, and they agreed to send a few apprentices out to look for her. Mama Roe made it very clear to Arellat’s husband Rukal, one of the druid junior trainers that he was to volunteer to find Lepticis. I was glad I hadn’t been at that dinner event.   Evenings had been spent trying to teach Lycheas the ‘feint-kill’ move, as he liked to call it. I was on my way to meet him again. I could hear men’s voices as I approached the training grounds.   “So what’s going to happen after she teaches you this?”   “What are you suggesting Hibly?” Lycheas sounded slightly angry.   “Come on Lycheas, like you don’t want more than this attack.”   “I suggest you quit talking now. She’s a friend, and you certainly are not.”   I quickened my pace a little. This seemed to be the beginning of something ugly. I R NUCKING FUTS! Yes, I know...I know what you always say - You trap, you kill, you eat - that's what a good spider does. You trap...you kill...you eat.... ~~    Report

08-23-2005, 9:45 AM Realmling Joined on 05-08-2005 Out there...way out there Posts 2,677 Re: The Return - Mirtoba's Story “I’m supposed to believe that you don’t want anything more from a woman that looks like her? Sell me another one buddy.” “I’m not your buddy. And you won’t talk about her like that.” I came upon the two of them standing toe to toe, moments away from taking their argument to a physical debate. Hibly, standing slightly shorter than Lycheas, had short dark hair and dark eyes. His oily grin seemed to fuel Lycheas’ anger. I figured I’d try to throw some water on the fire. “There a problem here gentlemen?” Lycheas didn’t turn. Hibly’s grin got a little nastier, and he took a step backward. “Nothin wrong here honey.” “That’s good to hear.” I let a little frost into my voice. “It wouldn’t look good if I damaged a fellow ranger beyond repair.” That registered something with Hibly, but I wasn’t sure it was a good thing. He turned to leave, but not before getting in one last jab. “Next time, she won’t be around to stop me Lycheas.” I took a firm grip on Lycheas’ arm, stopping his lunge towards Hibly. He shook free and stormed off in the opposite direction. I sighed and followed slowly behind. I’d broken a cardinal rule and injured the fragile thing known as the male ego. It wasn’t going to be easy to fix this one. His angry path was easy to follow however, and I soon caught up to where he had stopped. “I didn’t ask for you to help.” He fumed. “And I was stopping a stupid ugly yelling match from getting worse.” I snapped back. “What gives you the right to mess with other people?” “I was the main topic of that conversation, if you’d calm down enough to remember.” He said nothing and turned away. I continued talking for once. “I’ve seen many like him. He’ll find any way to manipulate the people and situations around him to best suit his needs. Would you have acted any differently if it had been about any other woman and she simply cried and ran away? What would you have done then? Fought to defend her honor? Or would it just have been about you?” I stood there looking at his back a few moments. He seemed turned to stone, even the forest around us seemed void and empty. For once the silence was driving me mad. “You think all women are weak little creatures to be protected? You think we’re just toys to amuse yourself with? Do you delight in causing us pain? Of stripping us of our dignity and whipping our flesh daily? Keeping us caged like a tortured pet?” Suppressed anger is an ugly creature, and even uglier when unleashed on an innocent. There was no closing the door now though, I’d thrown it wide open. I didn’t even notice the hot angry tears on my cheeks I was so caught up in it. “Go ahead, I’m right here. Feed that ugly beast you keep inside. I’m just a stupid, weak woman after all. I serve no other purpose in life. It’s the only thing I’m good for.” His shoulders slumped slightly, but the landslide wasn’t to be stopped. I don’t think I could have stopped myself even if I tried. “Why should I think you’ll be any different than the others? Yours is simply hidden behind a sweetened disguise.” His clenched fists trembled. I was getting tired of yelling at the back of his head. “Look at me! Have a look at your toy.” I screamed. Lycheas finally turned to face me. His face was a mess of conflicting emotions. Pity and confusion seemed to be winning out. This only enraged me further. “I don’t need your pity. I don’t want it either.” I sneered. He looked at me like I’d sprouted horns and a forked tongue. Slowly he started moving towards me. I took a few steps back. He opened his mouth to speak, but closed it quickly. Then his face went blank. With this new cold indifference, he turned his back to me again and walked off. I stood there frozen in angered shock. My mind screamed for me to run after him, but my body didn’t respond. My knees buckled and I collapsed to the ground. I’d cost myself everything once again. I never should have returned. I R NUCKING FUTS! Yes, I know...I know what you always say - You trap, you kill, you eat - that's what a good spider does. You trap...you kill...you eat.... ~~    Report

08-23-2005, 9:46 AM Realmling Joined on 05-08-2005 Out there...way out there Posts 2,677 Re: The Return - Mirtoba's Story Lycheas walked through the city, unaware of his surroundings. His stony face belied the turmoil within. Whatever hopes he’d had from days before had been stripped away under the onslaught of Mirtoba’s words. There was nothing more he could have done. He had never experienced such fury in another person before. She had seemed beyond any help he could have given. Traders had a saying about damaged goods, but he couldn’t remember what it was. Looking up, he saw he was standing outside his mother’s house. The only action he saw for himself was to leave.   Roeal stuck her head out of the kitchen as he entered the house. Her warm smile in greeting vanished immediately.   “Lycheas, what’s wrong?”   Slowly and painfully he recounted the events of that evening. Watching the floor as he spoke, he didn’t see the anger growing on his mother’s face. If he had, he would have seen the spoon as she hit him over the head. This surprised him, as she had never done anything like that before.   “Mother!” he rubbed the top of his head. “What was that for?”   “I’ll do it again if it will help knock some sense into that rock you call a head.” Roeal fumed. “That girl opened herself up to you and you went and walked off, leaving her alone? I might as well go offer myself up as a feast for the orcs since it seems I’ve not taught my fool son anything.”   She raised the wooden spoon again, but Lycheas quickly stumbled backwards. Things only seemed to be getting worse. Now he’d angered his mother.   “You’ve obviously not listened to a single thing I’ve ever told you. I’ve raised myself a coward who runs the moment someone calls out to be saved from their own demons. You…You think walking away is going to help her? She’s confused and alone and the only person she had to help her went and turned his back in her time of need.” Roeal paused for breath. Her eyes still blazed. “If you don’t go back and get her right this instant, you’ll tell me where you left her. I’m not stupid enough to leave someone in such a condition alone with weapons at their disposal.”   All color drained from Lycheas’ face as Roeal’s heated speech drilled its way through his mind. He was out the door quicker than she could raise the spoon a third time. Rushing through the city, he barely avoided knocking a merchant’s cart over. He didn’t even wait for the lift to completely reach the bottom before jumping off and running into the forest. In his haste, he lost the original path they had followed. Panic tightened his chest, and every breath started to hurt. It worried him further that there was no answer when he called Mirtoba’s name.   He finally found his way and quickened his pace towards the clearing where he’d left Mirtoba, hoping she was still there. The silence was eerie, and he began to think the worst had happened. Finally spotting her, he stopped dead in his tracks. She laid there silent and immobile. His breath caught in his throat and he stumbled over to collapse by her still form. I R NUCKING FUTS! Yes, I know...I know what you always say - You trap, you kill, you eat - that's what a good spider does. You trap...you kill...you eat.... ~~    Report

08-23-2005, 9:47 AM Realmling Joined on 05-08-2005 Out there...way out there Posts 2,677 Re: The Return - Mirtoba's Story I lay where I had collapsed. There was nothing else left to do. I couldn’t even cry anymore. Once again, I offered myself to Tunare. I begged her to end everything, this kind of life was not worth living. Around me the forest darkened as night cast her cloak over the world. The air was slowly growing chill, but the dark frozen void inside me felt colder. I had no strength or will to move. Asking for help had never been something I was good at, but even I knew what I’d done had been the worst possible way. All the pain, anger, and fear I’d ever suffered at the hand of another had been thrown at Lycheas. How could I have expected him to stay after that?   Lost in the dark in more ways than one, I didn’t hear the approaching footsteps until they were almost on top of me. I didn’t move, hoping this would finally be my deliverance from Tunare. Perhaps she had finally heard my prayers. The faltering hitch in those steps confused me, then I felt someone hit the ground next to me. Hands gripped my shoulders and rolled me over. It was Lycheas, and he seemed surprised to see me alive. He wrapped me in an embrace and said something I didn’t quite catch. It didn’t matter though, Tunare it seemed had finally listened.   We sat there forever, feeling that if we were to let go the other would disappear. I’d tell you how many times we apologized to each other, but I lost count. Resting my head on his chest, I let the strong rhythm of  his heart beat wash the darkness from my soul. The chill in the air grew colder, and we finally gave in and headed back to the city.   “Lycheas, I can’t feel my fingers.”   He’d been holding my hand tightly, and with a bashful smile, relaxed his grip slightly. We stopped outside the city as a full moon broke through the clouds.   “It’s beautiful.”   “Can’t argue with that.”   He wasn’t looking up, and I found myself blushing like a little girl again.   “What made you come back?”   “A wooden spoon.” He answered, gingerly rubbing his head.   I laughed, and he pulled me close again with one of those smiles. His hand caressed my cheek and it wasn’t the cold making me shiver.   “Forgive me for being so forward, but I don’t ever want to let you go again. It hurts too much.”   “In many ways.” Was my timid response.   He leaned down and gave me a tentative kiss before pulling back a little quickly. “I’m going too fast here. I’m..”   I quickly cut him off. We separated a few minutes later, though it seemed neither of us wanted to.   “We’d probably better get back before mother sends out a search party.”   We nodded to the guards as the lift came down to meet us. They had to be smirking behind their helmets. One could only guess how many times they’d watched young elves coming back to the city late into the night. Well, let them smirk. We weren’t quite so young. Hand in hand we slowly made our way through the sleeping city. I stopped Lycheas before we went into his mother’s house.   “Lycheas,” My voice faltered a bit. “I…I don’t want to be alone tonight.”   “You’ll never have to be alone again if you don’t want to.” He squeezed my hand and opened the door.   Roeal jumped up from her chair, her crafting project falling to the floor.   “I was getting so worried! Took the two of you long enough.”   She took in our entwined hands and bashful smiles. The biggest smile I’ve ever seen jumped onto her face. I swear her eyes were a little misty. Speechless, she came over and smothered us both with her enormous hugs. Clearing her throat, she tried to look a little serious.   “Now out of my house with the both of you.”   “Mother?!”   “You have your own house boy.” She shooed us out the door.   I looked back as we were leaving, and saw her happily dabbing the corners of her eyes in one of the windows. I R NUCKING FUTS! Yes, I know...I know what you always say - You trap, you kill, you eat - that's what a good spider does. You trap...you kill...you eat.... ~~    Report

08-23-2005, 9:49 AM Realmling Joined on 05-08-2005 Out there...way out there Posts 2,677 Re: The Return - Mirtoba's Story I changed quickly when we reached the house. Cold weather and chain mail aren’t the best of friends. Lycheas started a fire while I tried my best to make some sort of meal with what food I could find. While I was setting the table, Lycheas went through the kitchen again and pulled out a dusty bottle. “I think it’s some dwarven brew someone came home with. Should be even better now that it’s aged a bit.” “I don’t think I want to know just how long that’s been around if you can’t even remember what it is.” “A little adventure is healthy at times.” “You go right ahead.” I turned back to finish slicing the bread. “Have you gone yellow on me now?” “You found it, you get first drink. It would be a manly duty to protect a woman from something potentially deadly.” “Manly duty?” “If you’re scared you can give me the bottle. I was a regular visitor to Irontoe’s at one time. Dwarves do know their refreshments, good pub songs as well, but I was never any good at remembering them.” I turned around just as he opened the bottle and tipped it up for a swig. Taking the bottle away, I led him to a chair while he coughed and sputtered for breath. Amateurs… “You’re supposed to sip it, not chug it like one of those weak beers down at the pub.” “Good..tho..” he wheezed. I handed him a glass of water. “You might want to eat something. This stuff tends to go to your head fairly fast. Especially if you don’t know how to drink right.” I think he glared at me over the rim of the glass, I just smiled and sat down. The smell from the bottle brought back some warm memories of a couple hardened dwarves giving me the same lesson so long ago. I would have to see if they were still around. I poured a little of the liquor into a glass and took a leisurely sip. Lycheas was still recovering, his face a deep red. Wished I could remember the drinking game the dwarves had taught me, but it had been too long since then, and you really needed a couple of them to pull it off right. “Next time you mention ‘manly duty’ I’ll…” “You’ll what?” I gave him as innocent a look as I could manage. “Vile temptress and your bottle of death fire.” He mumbled around a piece of cheese. “It’s your bottle.” I reminded him. “And now I’m vile? Have I changed so much since the moment in the forest?” The drink was helping to loosen my tongue. Well, truth be told, I was feeling a bit mischievous now anyways. His face went a different shade of red, and it seemed he was having difficulty swallowing. I poured him another glass of water. “Why do I get the feeling you’re going to be my undoing?” He said after he had recovered again. “I can only undo what wishes to be undone.” Most of the bottle later, we were sitting in front of the fire, Lycheas telling me of the things young trainees kept coming up with and I was recanting tales from Irontoe’s. Luckily there weren’t any nearby neighbors, or our laughter and carrying on would have gotten us in trouble. He was still rolling after hearing about the first, and last, time the dwarves had gotten me up on a table for song and dance. “Come now, show me your dance. Sing a song for me, elven lady.” “Do I look like a bard?” “Oh, so you’ll do that for dwarves and not me?” “Even they realized their mistake. I leave the singing and dancing to the professionals.” I yawned, lost in that warm fuzzy feeling that comes from a good dwarven concoction. I rested my head lightly on his shoulder and we sat there a moment in silence. Feeling his hand on my arm, I didn’t think anything of it until I felt his fingers trailing down a few of the scars where I’d pushed my sleeves up. Reacting almost unconsciously, I pushed away and hurriedly covered up as best as I could manage. It was a sickening way to suddenly feel sober. “Mirtoba, I…” “It’s not your fault.” I said softly, not looking away from the fire. “I’ve ruined the moment. Mother would be hitting me with that spoon again now. I...” I reached over and put my hand over his mouth to silence him. Slowly I retold the tale for a third time. I left nothing out this time, he deserved that much. I couldn’t look at him as I spoke, as I had to keep fighting the slow urge to just get up and run out the door. There were no tears this time. The slight crackling of the fire was the only sound for a while after I finished. Lycheas gently took hold of my hand, and I finally looked at him. His face was a collection of conflicting emotions. Wordlessly, he pulled me into his arms, and we sat there watching the fire slowly die. I R NUCKING FUTS! Yes, I know...I know what you always say - You trap, you kill, you eat - that's what a good spider does. You trap...you kill...you eat.... ~~    Report

08-23-2005, 9:50 AM Realmling Joined on 05-08-2005 Out there...way out there Posts 2,677 Re: The Return - Mirtoba's Story The darkness was beginning to lift outside the window, and a few birds were trying to tell everyone day was approaching. We had just sat there all night, the fire long since dead and cold. Stiff muscles protesting, we got up.   “You should get some sleep.” Lycheas said gently. “I have those trainees again this morning.”   “I can sleep when I’m dead. Some strong tea should keep us going for a while.”   I began cleaning up the dishes from last night and readied a batch of tea while Lycheas changed. I left him watching the kettle while I got ready.   “If this stuff doesn’t kill us.” He said, handing me a steaming mug when I returned to the kitchen.   I had certainly over-done it just a little. The tea seemed more potent than the dwarven brew that had stared last night.   “You get to make the next batch then.” I said, grimacing at the taste. “This going to be the same group again?”   “I think so.”   “And you’ll want me to take the boys if it’s them again.” I choked down the rest of my tea.   “You don’t have to.” He said, giving me a guilty little smile before kissing me on the cheek.   “You make it very hard for a girl to be angry with you when you do that.” I muttered as we left the house.   Lycheas laughed as we made our way through the city. The same group as before was waiting for us when we stepped off the lift. Splitting them up again as before, I set off with the four young boys. They must have had high hopes with a woman following them around, but after their first round of hijinks didn’t go as planned, they glumly went through the motions for the rest of the day. Two of them weren’t too bad, it seemed after a while that they actually wanted to learn something. I decided the best way to do this was pairing them off and have a competition between the two teams. I sent them off with the instructions to bring me back a small list of things. Picking a spot on top of a nearby hill, I sat and waited.   About an hour had gone past, and I fought to stay awake. The first pair to return were the two that showed a bit of promise. They had grins larger than their faces should have allowed, and quickly presented the items I had sent them searching for. We sat and talked waiting for the other two, and I answered their questions as best my tired brain would allow. The other two returned, slightly less triumphant than the others. They hadn’t returned with all the pieces on the list. I had them sit and rest a moment before talking to them about their experience.   “What do you think you could have done differently?”   “I could have left this idiot at home.” One of them fumed.   “You calling me an idiot? You’re the one who couldn’t track a giant.” The other retorted.   “Enough!” I snapped, I could feel a headache coming on. I turned to the other two boys. “How did you two approach this task?”   “We traded off who got to do what for each thing.” They replied.   “Sounds like a good run of team work there. A person can certainly do things very well on their own. You don’t have to worry about other people. But the person who can work well with others will be more likely to find help if they ever need it. I think you two might want to ask your friends here if they might help you with things at times.”   “Don’t need anyone’s help.” One of the trouble makers muttered.   “Such thoughts combined with blind pride will only end your life sooner. Now, you two did complete a good portion of the task, and I will reward you for these efforts, but next time, I will be expecting more from you.”   We slowly made our way back to the city. I left them waiting below while I took their items to the nearest merchant. I handed each a small bag of coins when I returned, and that helped lift a few spirits. They weren’t such a bad group, they just needed a little work. I gave them a few pointers on tracking while we waited for Lycheas and the girls to return. We sat a little ways off from the lift and I had them try to make sense of the different prints left near the path to Felwithe. I almost didn’t recognize the three mud covered figures as Lycheas and the girls approached. It couldn’t have gone too bad, as all three were grinning profusely. I R NUCKING FUTS! Yes, I know...I know what you always say - You trap, you kill, you eat - that's what a good spider does. You trap...you kill...you eat.... ~~    Report

08-23-2005, 9:51 AM Realmling Joined on 05-08-2005 Out there...way out there Posts 2,677 Re: The Return - Mirtoba's Story “What in the world did you three get into?” I asked as I stood.   “We killed our first orc!” One of the girls gushed with excitement. The other one nudged Lycheas.   “Oh, then they found something they thought you might like, but we didn’t realize how muddy it was until we went after it.” He said, pulling a slightly battered bouquet of wild flowers out from his pack.   The excited youngsters made their way up the lift, all the boys in awe of their orc killing counterparts. I handed Lycheas a rag to wipe his face. “You’re filthy.” I smiled.   “It was worth it.” He laughed, grabbing me in a muddy embrace.   “I was clean, you do realize that?” I said, trying not to laugh. “And now you’ve smashed my flowers.”   “You’ll have to wait for the mud to dry before you get more.”   A loud pop and flash of light from behind us interrupted us, and I managed to get away before I was too covered with mud. A portal was beginning to open on the hill above us. We turned and watched.   “Must be a new student, that’s the shakiest portal I’ve ever seen.” Lycheas said.   “Will they still be safe going through?”   “They normally collapse if they’re too unstable.”   “Before or after the person goes through?”   “Before. You don’t sound like a big fan of portals.”   “I prefer not to be sick for two days after I reach my destination.”   The swirling light slowly steadied, and a young elf came tumbling through. We rushed over to see if they were ok. I stopped in shock seeing Lepticis looking up at me.   “Mirt!” She jumped up and engulfed me in a hug, stepping back quickly when she finally noticed the mud.   “Lepti, how in the world?”   “I was sitting there with my friend, and we both realized we had our new spells with us, and we had our home gate spells. So we both helped each other learn them so we could get back. I never knew dwarves could be so much fun! We’ve already decided to meet up again as soon as we both get things taken care of with our trainers.”   “Um, someone going to introduce us here?” Lycheas tapped me on the shoulder.   “Sorry. Lycheas, this is my sister, Lepticis.”   “You need a bath.”   “Lepti!” I sputtered.   “Well, he does. Anyways, you’ll come with me to meet Timu again right? She said we’re both welcome, and the first round is on her.” I R NUCKING FUTS! Yes, I know...I know what you always say - You trap, you kill, you eat - that's what a good spider does. You trap...you kill...you eat.... ~~    Report

08-23-2005, 9:52 AM Realmling Joined on 05-08-2005 Out there...way out there Posts 2,677 Re: The Return - Mirtoba's Story Another portal, this one obviously by someone with more experience, opened nearby. Rukal stepped out, a weary look on his face.   “Oh, good, I don’t have to search for the two of you. Mirtoba, we finally managed to find where your sister was, but she left before we could get to her. I’m sorry.”   “Rukal, everything’s ok.” Lycheas said, helping Rukal take off his laden pack. “This is Mirtoba’s sister, Lepticis.”   “Thank you for all you had to go through Rukal.” I said warmly.   “As long as it all turned out ok.” His smile was a bit lopsided. “I have to take her to the guild hall now though.” He fished a piece of parchment from his pack.   “Am I in trouble?” Lepticis said quietly, hiding behind me.   “That I can’t say miss, we were just ordered to bring you to the hall when you were finally found.” Rukal sighed.   “Everything will be fine.” I gave her another hug, “Go with Rukal, and I will see you when you’re done.” She grudgingly followed Rukal towards the lift.   “We’ll drop your pack by the house Rukal.” Lycheas called out.   I was still slightly shocked at seeing Lepti. Things were getting complicated again. Where in the world would she stay?   “Well, she’ll certainly get along well with Arellat.” Lycheas mused.   “Of that I have no doubt. None of us will ever have to talk again. Where is she going to stay though? Certainly not with us, there’s not enough room.”   Lycheas stumbled, almost dropping Rukal’s pack. He stood there giving me a strange look.   “What?” I asked.   “Do you realize what you said back there?”   “All I said was where was I going to find a place for Lepti to stay.”   “No, the other part.”   “That she couldn’t stay with us?” Then it hit me. “I meant your house. You certainly don’t want two women taking over…somewhere for Lepti and I to go…” the hole I was digging kept getting deeper. I decided it was best to just shut my mouth.   “If you say so.” He set the pack down and grabbed my hands. “I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t a small thrill in hearing you say that.”   I opened my mouth to speak, but snapped it shut quickly. The heat was rising in my face, and I looked down at my feet. Putting a hand under my chin, he lifted my face up and kissed me gently   “I meant it when I said I’d never let you go. Besides, I’m sure mother would love to have a young chattering girl in the house again.”   Laughing, we made our way towards the lift. I R NUCKING FUTS! Yes, I know...I know what you always say - You trap, you kill, you eat - that's what a good spider does. You trap...you kill...you eat.... ~~    Report

08-23-2005, 9:53 AM Realmling Joined on 05-08-2005 Out there...way out there Posts 2,677 Re: The Return - Mirtoba's Story We were saved a trip through town as Arellat was waiting for us when we stepped off the lift. She wrinkled her nose at Lycheas.   “Aren’t you a little old to be playing in the mud? You all have to come over to Mama’s for dinner tonight. Bring that sister of yours Mirtoba, we’re all waiting to meet her. But I’ve got to get home for when Rukal’s done.”   She dashed off before we could get one word out. Lycheas shrugged, and all I could manage was a stifled yawn. All I wanted right now was sleep, even with the excitement from earlier. I sent Lycheas to bathe first, and tried my best to clean the mud from my armor. Mumbling something I didn’t catch, he took my armor from me and shooed me away towards the bath. He was grumping over his own when I returned.   “The rest will have to wait for later, I’m too tired.” He rubbed his eyes.   “You didn’t have to clean mine.”   “I got you dirty didn’t I?”   He stood and wrapped his arms around me, slowly walking towards the bedroom door.   “We need to get some sleep before dinner tonight.”   “Not my fault you’re in the way while I’m trying to get to the bed.” He mumbled. “Don’t know what ideas you have in that little head of yours.”   I laughed as we collapsed on the bed.   “Now quiet woman, man has to get some sleep.”   Insistent knocking on the door woke me up. I nudged Lycheas.   “I know, the knocking. I was trying to ignore it.” He muttered, finally getting up.   Arellat was standing outside.   “Finally, my hand hurts now, I’ve been knocking so long.” She took in our rumpled appearances. “Did I disturb something here?” a sly grin on her face.   “Yeah, you disturbed our sleep. Now go away.” Lycheas grumbled.   “Family dinner tonight remember? Or do I have to send mother over to get you?”   “We’ll be along shortly.” I said before Lycheas shut the door in her face. “Someone’s grumpy.”   “I was happily asleep with a beautiful woman in my arms. You’d be grumpy too if someone woke you up from that.” He stalked off to the other room for a change of clothes.   I smiled and shook my head. I grabbed whatever was on top of the pile and changed. Lycheas was sitting at the table nodding off again when I opened the bedroom door. He rubbed his eyes and looked over at me.   “You women dress like that to torture us, don’t you?” he muttered.   “I can find something else to wear if you don’t like these.” I had grabbed that set of leathers.   “No!” He jumped up quickly. “I mean, we’re already late. We shouldn’t keep the others waiting.”   “Right.” I R NUCKING FUTS! Yes, I know...I know what you always say - You trap, you kill, you eat - that's what a good spider does. You trap...you kill...you eat.... ~~    Report

08-23-2005, 9:54 AM Realmling Joined on 05-08-2005 Out there...way out there Posts 2,677 Re: The Return - Mirtoba's Story There were a few turned heads as we walked through the city to Mama Roe’s. I ignored it for the most part, but I started to notice a definite strut developing in Lycheas’ stride. He slipped his arm around my waist with the most puffed up smile you could imagine.   “Think you and your ego will fit through the door now?” I asked as we approached the house. I tried to look serious, but it obviously wasn’t working.   “You…”   Whatever he had planned to say got cut off as Lepticis came rushing out of the house towards us. She nearly knocked me over flying into me and locking me in another one of her hugs.   “He looks much better without all the mud.” She said, looking Lycheas up and down.   “You’ll have plenty of time to find your own dear.” I said, steering her towards the house.   “You mean he’s taken?”   “Very much so.” Lycheas replied with a wink as he held the door open.   Lepti was quiet for once, her mouth a silent ‘oh!’ of shock. She recovered quickly however, and soon it was a battle between her and Arellat as to who would do most of the talking. Rukal looked as tired as we felt, and the three of us tried to find a quiet spot to just sit and relax. Mama Roe popped out of the kitchen for a moment. She gave us a knowing smile and turned to Lepti and Arellat.   “Since the two of you seem to have all this energy, you can come help me finish things up.”   “You may regret having her back.” Rukal muttered after they had left the room. “Mine, well I can’t get away from her.”   “Only if I had to share a house with her again.” I laughed.   “Mother will get her sorted out.” Lycheas grinned.   “Where are the boys?” I hadn’t seen them when we walked in.   “They broke one of mother’s favorite lamps, so they have kitchen duty till they die.” Rukal said.   “I thought something was missing in here. And it would have to be the one I brought her from Luclin.” Lycheas grumped.   “Oh, hush up boy, it was just a lamp.” Mama Roe chuckled as she set a large pot on the table. “Have them peeling roots, so I’m sure they won’t do it again any time soon. You three look dead to the world. Why in Tunare are you here?”   “Like Arellat would let us stay home and sleep.” Lycheas and Rukal said in unison.   “Well, you eat a little and head home. I’ll take care of those two chatter birds in there.”   “Take care of what?” Arellat demanded from the doorway.   “You.” Mama Roe replied. “Making these three come to a dinner I didn’t plan when they need some rest. Honestly girl, did I teach you nothing?”   I was coming to suspect this was Mama Roe’s normal way to address her children. They rarely seemed phased by it, unless she went after them with a spoon.   “Well, they can eat and head straight home. The rest of us will have fun without them.” Arellat huffed.   None of us were going to argue with that. Mama Roe had prepared a light stew, and of course her wonderful fresh baked bread. There was silence for a few minutes while everyone ate, but my sister can never hold her tongue for long.   “So, Lycheas, about you and my sister..”   Lycheas and I both had a hard time swallowing that last spoonful of stew.   “Lepticis, you need to eat.” I said, forcing a slight smile.   “I have the right to know don’t I? I’m still part of the family right?”   “You’re the older one, right?” Lycheas murmured in my ear. “I’m afraid I can’t answer such a broad ranging question.” He said to Lepti.   Mama Roe just sat there, hiding a grin behind her hand.   “I mean, she tells me I’ll find my own someday, you say you’re taken, but I see no evidence of anything on either of you. Not that I’d be interested anyways, long hair and all.”   Lycheas seemed taken aback a bit. I kicked her gently under the table.   “I think what Lepti is trying to say is how she’s happy to see her sister with someone, and that she’ll love to hear about everything when I tell her at a more appropriate time.”   She was still rubbing her shin, but I think she got the hint, for the most part.   “Just as long as your intentions towards my sister are honorable.”   Lycheas sputtered into his mug of ale. Mama Roe chuckled.   “Don’t you worry about that little one, Mama Roe raised her son good.” She leaned closer to Lepti. “And if all else fails, I have my trusty spoon at the ready.”   Everyone had a good laugh at that one. I R NUCKING FUTS! Yes, I know...I know what you always say - You trap, you kill, you eat - that's what a good spider does. You trap...you kill...you eat.... ~~    Report

08-23-2005, 9:55 AM Realmling Joined on 05-08-2005 Out there...way out there Posts 2,677 Re: The Return - Mirtoba's Story We finally managed to get away after I promised Lepti a few times over I would see her the next day. Lycheas was still bothered by some comment of hers, but he wouldn’t tell me what until we reached the house. We settled in by the fire a moment.   “What did she mean by not seeing any signs on us? Any idiot out there can look at me and tell. Not that I’m saying your sister is an idiot.”   “You’ll have to ask someone else, as I have no idea what she’s talking about. I doubt even she knows what she meant back there.”   “She expect me to wear a sign around my neck proclaiming it to the world?”   I had to laugh at that one.   “I love you, I really do, but I’m not too sure about your sister.”   I sat there, quiet for a moment. It was the first time either of us had voiced it.   “What’s wrong?” concern instantly filling those green eyes.   My smile seemed to confuse him further. Leaning over, I whispered I loved him in his ear before getting up and heading to the bedroom to change. There was a soft knock at the door before I had even started to undress. He looked about ready to burst.   “Did you…”   I didn’t give him time to finish. I R NUCKING FUTS! Yes, I know...I know what you always say - You trap, you kill, you eat - that's what a good spider does. You trap...you kill...you eat.... ~~    Report

08-23-2005, 9:56 AM Realmling Joined on 05-08-2005 Out there...way out there Posts 2,677 Re: The Return - Mirtoba's Story The sunlight coming through the window finally managed to wake me. I stretched slightly, trying not to wake Lycheas. It turned out he already was.   “Good morning.” He mumbled, nuzzling the back of my neck.   “Mmm. How long have you been awake?”   “Not long. I didn’t want to move and wake you up, and well, there isn’t anywhere else I’d rather be at the moment.”   “You could spoil a girl with talk like that.”   “I intend to do just that whenever I can.”   “We really should get up, Lepti will be chomping through her tongue if I don’t show up eventually.” “I’m not sharing.” He muttered.   “Lycheas!” I attacked him with a pillow.   “Alright! I surrender!”   There was a knock at the door, causing us both to jump. I tossed Lycheas his pants and he went to answer it.   “Morning mama.”   “Boy, get some clothes on you, I have the little one with me.”   “I just woke up mother, and I am wearing pants.”   “Oh, I don’t mind.” I heard Lepti pipe up quickly.   Sure she didn’t mind seeing a half dressed, attractive man. I rolled my eyes.   “Well, you going to let us come in, or do we have to stand outside all day?”   I grabbed something and threw it on quickly. My hair was a mess, but I tried to ignore it.   “Good morning!” Lepti greeted me with enthusiasm.   “Morning sweetie.” I gave her a quick hug on my way out to the bath.   Mama Roe had tea going when I returned. Lycheas had changed, I was almost put out to find he had clothes on and found myself blushing. Roeal gave me a knowing grin as she handed me a steaming mug. Lepti was inspecting the small kitchen and main room area of the house.   “It’s not much of a place is it.”   Lycheas’ lips were pressed together so tightly they were going pale. I slipped my arm about his waist in hopes of distracting him slightly. He relaxed fractionally.   “Am I going to have to have another one of those talks with you young lady?” I said sharply.   She turned around, and thankfully for once kept her mouth shut. Perhaps it was the fact that Lycheas was giving her the look of fast approaching death, she’d never listened to me. Mama Roe cleared her throat and stepped in.   “Mirtoba, honey, you won’t mind if I borrow my boy for the day? I’m sure you and your sister have a lot of catching up to do.” “You didn’t have any trainees to take care of today did you love?” I looked up at the still fuming Lycheas.   “No.” he replied curtly.   “Give us a moment.” I herded him to the bedroom and closed the door. I pushed him down to sit on the bed and talked quietly while I changed from the silk night clothes I had thrown on earlier.   “Look, I know she’s a little much to deal with right now. If I had the time I’d explain things to you right now, but that would take too long.”   “She’s really pushing it.”   “You were patient with me when you didn’t have to be, and I love you for that.” I stopped for a moment to give him a kiss. “All I’m asking is that you be a little patient with Lepti right now. These flippant little remarks of hers only come out when she feels threatened.”   “What does she have to feel threatened about?” He was cooling off slightly.   “She probably sees you as this big monster taking her sister away right after she’s gotten back. It’s a little too much for her to deal with. Just give her some time. And think of the fun we’ll get to have whenever she brings a boy home to meet everyone.”   That did the trick finally, and he laughed as he stood.   “Alright, but only because it’s you.” He gave me a quick kiss before we left the room.   “You ready to kidnap me mother?”   “I’m ready to go, can’t kidnap you, costs too much to feed you.”   I got a hug from Mama Roe and another kiss from Lycheas before they left. He winked at Lepti as he went out the door, ignoring the glare she directed at him. Why did I have the feeling this was not going to be a good morning after all? I R NUCKING FUTS! Yes, I know...I know what you always say - You trap, you kill, you eat - that's what a good spider does. You trap...you kill...you eat.... ~~    Report

08-23-2005, 10:00 AM Realmling Joined on 05-08-2005 Out there...way out there Posts 2,677 Re: The Return - Mirtoba's Story “So, what do you have planned for me today mother?” Lycheas asked.   “You get to help me restock some items in my kitchen.”   “And before you even think it, Mirtoba and I already had a talk about her sister.”   “Give me some credit will you? I’ve been around a while, I know what goes on behind closed doors.” Roeal replied with a grin.   “Mother!” Lycheas turned red.   “I was referring to the talk this morning. Boy, you have the mind of a scummy drunkard.”   Lycheas kept his mouth shut until they were out of the city and walking through the forest. Roeal did have something to talk to him about, but for the first time in her life she couldn’t figure out how to do it. Arellat and Rukal had been an easy venture. It bothered her that the same couldn’t be said for her son and Mirtoba. It wasn’t anything she disapproved of, she was behind them all the way. She just wasn’t sure how to talk to him, and wished his father had still been alive to take care of this.   “Something wrong mother?” Lycheas had turned, noticing she’d stopped.   “Yes and no. Not sure why I’m having such a time with this.”   Lycheas waited for her to continue.   “You know I couldn’t be happier for you, and Mirtoba. I guess Lepticis got me to thinking with some of her comments last night.”   He sighed.   “Now, don’t start that. I was thinking what the girl meant when she mentioned not seeing any signs or anything. I’m not trying to pry or push, but have the two of you come to any sort of understanding about all of this?”   “It’s just one day at a time mother.”   “That won’t work forever son.”   “You told me not to push her or rush her or anything like that. Everything is just fine right now.”   “And that’s not what I’m telling you to do. I just asked if you two have talked about anything yet.”   “Not of what you’re thinking. She’s finally started telling me of what’s happened to her. Now her sister’s here and we’ll have to deal with that.”   “What of last night? I told you I’m no fool boy.” Roeal hoped she hadn’t gone too far with that one.   Lycheas paled slightly. What was it with his mother today? She’d never been like this before, even with the spoon at hand.   “Why all of this all of a sudden mother?” he pulled a root out of the ground with a little too much effort, sending dirt flying everywhere.   “Everything with your sister and Rukal was so easy. It’s different with you somehow. Here, lets sit a moment before you destroy any more helpless herbs.” Roeal took a seat on a fallen log. She dug in her pack a moment and pulled out a small box wrapped in a soft rag. “This isn’t because I want you to rush off and do something stupid, you keep this and think about things for a while.”   Lycheas took what she offered and unwrapped it. In the simple box was the ring he remembered she had worn until his father had died.   “Your father gave that to me, then he asked me if I’d wait for him to return. Like most foolish young girls I agreed. The only difference with our story is that he actually returned to me. You keep that safe, and when you’re ready, give it to her. Tunare help you if you ever change your mind. Mirtoba might let you off easy, but you’ll have me, your sister, and her sister after you.” She chuckled lightly.   Lycheas smiled and gave her a quick hug. Carefully wrapping the box again, he placed it in his pack.   “I’ve done some stupid stuff, but I don’t think I’d be foolish enough to do something like that mother.”   “Now, back to work. I’ll not be going back to my kitchen empty handed. You’ll be needing things for yours as well.” I R NUCKING FUTS! Yes, I know...I know what you always say - You trap, you kill, you eat - that's what a good spider does. You trap...you kill...you eat.... ~~    Report

08-23-2005, 10:01 AM Realmling Joined on 05-08-2005 Out there...way out there Posts 2,677 Re: The Return - Mirtoba's Story I gave Leptictis a hard look after Lycheas and his mother had left. While I could understand some of her behavior, I certainly didn’t like it. She must have sensed my displeasure, as she sat at the table looking down at her hands. I sighed, it had never been easy.   “Lepti, you want to tell me what’s going on in that head of yours?” I settled in for her answer, it would undoubtedly be a long one.   “You’re going away again.” She replied softly.   I waited, expecting more, but it never came.   “What makes you say that?”   “You don’t need me anymore, you have him. I went through all of that to find you and I come back and you’re gone again.”   “I’m not going anywhere, and you’re not losing me at all. How can you say I don’t need you anymore? You’re the only sister I have.” I moved my chair over next to her and cradled her in my arms.   “But he doesn’t like me.” She sobbed into my shoulder.   “Well, you haven’t been exactly friendly with Lycheas since the two of you met. The comments you’ve made have offended him a bit. You may not want to hear this, but I think the two of us are going to be together for a while.”   “Just a while? Not forever?”   “We haven’t talked about that yet. You showed up and you’re more important right now. Stuff like that can wait.”   “But you both love each other right?”   “Yes, we do. You just need to think a little before you let some of those thoughts go rolling off that tongue of yours. You like Mama Roe and Arellat don’t you?”   “Mama Roe is wonderful! And Arellat and I have so many things to talk about.”   “See, he can’t be that bad if you like the rest of the family. You will try to be nice to him for a while until the two of you get to know each other?”   “I’ll try, but only because you asked me to.”   These two were going to drive me out of my mind. If all else failed, I’d lock them in a room together and wait to see who’d kill each other first, or if they’d actually start to get along. Lepti went to the bath to clean up her face, and I gathered a few items into my pack.   “Oh, I forgot. Arellat mentioned that she might have some extra clothes in her shop for me if we had time to stop by today.” Lepti mentioned when she returned.   “We can stop by after lunch. First we better check in with your trainer and see what you’ll need to be working on.”   “Do we have to? I spent most of yesterday there, they had all these boring questions for me. And I don’t think they like you very much.”   “I wonder why that is, and yes we have to go.”   I shouldered my pack and ushered her out the door. She dragged her feet the entire way to the druid’s hall. I sent her inside and waited. Lepti returned with a box and stack of papers, her beginning armor quest. On the way to the bank, she moaned and groaned about the list of items she would have to gather. She looked at me with this pitiful expression, expecting me to help her with everything.   “I might be able to keep an eye on you when you have to venture to Crush, but you’re supposed to do this yourself. I suggest you find other young trainees that are at the same level as you and help each other out.”   She was still pouting when we went in for lunch, but stopped when I mentioned young men didn’t like that look very much. If Lycheas found my behavior exasperating, he should try spending more time around Lepticis. After a couple of berry tarts, she was good as new again. Arellat was happy to see us, and her shop was still as disorganized looking as the last time I had been there. I had her take some measurements, and a few coins this time, to make me a belt sheath for my newest sword. I would have to save up for another one soon.   We stopped to leave Lepti’s clothes at Mama Roe’s, and went to get a few things for the evening meal. It only took the one trip to remind me why I had never hunted or foraged with my sister. Not managing to gather much, we returned before I decided to leave her out there to fend for herself. She wasn’t too happy with the idea of peeling roots either until I explained it was that or go hungry. I told her if she finished that task, she was free to see what books were in the other room. We had never worked together well in the kitchen, if you could call what she did work. I got everything ready and decided to wait until later to start cooking, Lycheas and his mother would most likely be out for a few more hours. I R NUCKING FUTS! Yes, I know...I know what you always say - You trap, you kill, you eat - that's what a good spider does. You trap...you kill...you eat.... ~~    Report

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