Here There Be Dragons - Discussion/Planning

[Mithadan]

As if I have not already been busy (and remiss in posting) due to work and Red Sox (fan since 1967) I will be unavailable through Monday due to business travel. I hope to be more active when I return.

[Ealasaide]

Sorry my Save for Fador has been languishing! I have been having to deal with some RL setbacks this week that have chewed up a good bit of my writing time.

I will do my best to have my Save filled sometime tomorrow, but if I miss, I'm afraid it will be Monday again before I will have any time to write as I will be away vending at a Pow-wow all weekend: outside in a tent - no computer access.

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EDIT: Ah, glory be! I got it done tonight. Okay, Nerindel, you are all set to proceed with Hasrim. Sorry for the delays!

[Child of the 7th Age]

I just wanted to say I am sorry for being such a laggard of late.

My daughter's bat mitzvah is in two weeks and, with that, plus other normal hassles, I have found free time very scarce. (I have tacked up a large sign in front of my house saying that no one will be admitted except on party business!)

There's never a dull moment. My daughter goes in tomorrow for oral surgery: four extractions and multiple repairs that could not be delayed. So mom will be pacing the floor until the anesthesia wears off.

As soon as my last relative departs on November 22, I am hoping to settle down again to writing. I filled in half of my one save: Rama and Aiwendil. I plan to finish the post in the next few days.

If anyone needs to "borrow"any of my characters, you are welcome to do so. Just let me know on the thread or by pm.

Mithadan, I never got a chance to say congrats about the Sox victory. Some people have all the luck.

Still in mourning for the Astros.....

[Nerindel]

Hey hey hey I am finally back! and come bearing gifts... well posts at least

Ok first is Korpulfrs post which I thing needs to go before Ealasaide's post #303

Korpulfr

It was quite late in the afternoon when Korpulfr finally awoke. Slowly opening his eyes he rose a dusty hand to shield against the glare of the westerning sun. Turning his head he saw the lean form of Tinar tending the dusty gelding he and Hasrim had conscientiously thought to bring for the young wyrmling, two more horses, packed and saddled stood nearby under the cool shade of the rocky overhang. The first a sand coloured gelding was his own mount and the other was the tan steed that Hasrim rode, looking around he suddenly became aware that his cousin was nowhere to be seen. Brushing the fine layer of sand that covered him from head to toe, he rose and headed towards his young friend.

“Any to spare for a parched friend?” he asked jovially seeing that the young Meanwaith was watering the horses.

Tinar’s head turned to greet him with a broad smile, “So you’ve finally decided to join us, I was beginning to think you would sleep the whole day away,” the young man laughed handing him the half filled water skin.

He drank deeply wetting his dry cracked lips, “Where’s Hasrim, you haven’t talked him to death have you?” he grinned handing the skin back to his young companion.

“Talk! I don‘t think he would have heard me even if I did?” Tinar said cocking a bemused eyebrow, “he spent most of the morning deep in thought, muttering to himself as he packed his own and your mount, then a few hours ago he said he was going out to look for fresh water and to scout out the desert movement, movement! I ask you for days I’ve see nothing out here but the sea of sand.” he continued shaking his head.

Kor laughed clapping Tinar on the shoulder, “Ha my friend that’s my cousins way, always thinking ahead and if he was here I am sure he would now be giving you a quick lecture on the unseen dangers of the desert.”

“Then I am glad he is not here,” the young man laughed jovially.

As they waited Hasrim’s return the two men finished making preparations to leave and enjoyed a cold supper of flat bread and salted pork, the conversation remained light and cheery like two young friends simply enjoying each others company with no political or outside influence at work, but as the sun began to sink below the western horizon the talk turned again to the matters at hand and the barely perceivable guardedness of each man returned.

“You must make sure your mother hears of the death of the eagle leader and the arrival of the northerners to their camp, it may all be coincidental but let her know that I will remain to make sure!” Kor said turning to look the young man squarely in the eyes. Tinar paused for a moment then nodded and as Kor turned away the young man asked him if he had any message for his father.

“Just let him know that I am fine and know what I am doing.” he answered after a moments contemplation. Tinar frowned not understanding and Kor shook his head and explained, “He has his grievances with the eagle clan, he still holds them someway responsible for my mothers death and won’t be please to heard that I am here!” he sighed wearily.

“And you?” Tinar asked cautiously, “Do you too think they are at fault?”

“hmm I don’t know… maybe they could have helped or maybe not I really don’t know it all happened so fast… I… only re…..” with a shake of his head Korpulfr stopped talking and got up and began to walk away.

“Where is that cousin of mine it is time we where away from here before we are discovered by outriders!” he said decisively changing the subject and looking out into the distant darkening horizon. But he could not hide from the memory that haunted him, clinging to the branches and safety of the trees as his mother was hauled off dying by the crimson warriors, he swore to himself not long after that day that never again would he hide from those who would attack his people, he would be strong, but still he felt like he had not upheld that promise, hiding in the city of his enemy at the insistence of the very people he wished to protect. With a heavy sigh he walked up to the sandy gelding and lightly scratching the animals ear he re-checked the straps adjusting his pack and the saddle baskets that carried the goods for trade, while he waited for his cousins return.

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And second is Hasrims post which needs to come after Ealasaide post #303

Hasrim

The quiet sound of leathery wings flapping against the cool evening air echoed in small furry ears as a small heart drummed with each exuberant beat, the ears twitched as the sound of raised voices whispered on the light winds of the Haradwaith desert, murmuring of sadness and of loss. But as the small desert bat drew closer, the sadness melted away to joy and praise bringing a dark and menacing scowl to the creatures dark features. Small beady eyes that should see very little, infact carefully scanned the horizon as the lightly billowing tents of the Eagle encampment drew steadily closer, carefully flying between the many tents avoiding the gaze of the sullen but vigilant outriders and guards the small bat looked for a familiar face.

The actual camp was strangely still, with nearly all the clan gathered at the brier of their fallen leader only the stragglers and those chosen to keep guard still remained, so he flew on following the voices cringing as they praised the wisdom and kindness of their fallen leader. Wisdom! Too live in the past and remain victims of the power and greed of others pfft…. But off course the eagles were never victims, they ran and hid while others died and suffered at the hands of the Haradrim and their dark master! feelings of great hatred and bitterness suddenly filled the small creatures mind and it struggled to hold on to the image at the forefront of it’s mind the one that kept him in the air unrecognised and unnoticed, he perched in a nearby tree and took a deep steadying breath, pulling the image forward once more, reminding himself of the purpose of this visit. Looking out from between the leaves he saw a familiar figure rise and move away from the others. With a wry grin the small bat again leaped into the air following discreetly the dark robed figure.

He stopping to watch as the robed figure hesitated at the edge of the camp, silently witnessing the older mans grim smile as he gazed up at the darkening sky in contemplative thought, but the small bat was forced to move quickly as the robed figure briefly glanced back towards the funeral brier of the woman he had helped to murder! Irony twisted the bats lips into a sly and cruel grin as he wondered if old fool was having doubts or regrets, for he knew it was already too late for the old eagle! for if it was discovered that he was in any way responsible for the death of his leader he would most certainly be cast out if not worse! But to betray Wyrma or her allies would be an even greater folly he had now witnessed how easily and deadly the old Wyrm could strike! As the figure walked on he followed, then when the camp was firmly out of sight he choose to speak.

“The wind whispers of ill tidings a great eagle has fallen and it’s clan stands leaderless!” He squeaked coming close to the Elders ear .

The figure stopped but did not turn, “The winds do indeed speak the truth, but not for long do the eagles remain flightless and without leadership!”

Flying around to come before the older man the bat let go of it’s current form to reveal the middle aged Wolf clan warrior. “Greetings to you Fador, wolf friend!” he said with the customary hand to forehead gesture of his clan his eyes firmly fixed on the older man revealing neither true hostility nor friendship, this man may have his uncles trust but he would reserve that judgement for himself.

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Thanks!

Esty - I also have a post for Halfr I would like you to browse through before I post I will pm it to you and you can let me know what you think.

[Nerindel]

oops nearly forgot I have also finally finnished Sorona's bio

Name: Sorona

Age: Unknown

Race: Maenwaith

Weapons: Sorona carries no other weapons but her talons and a razor sharp beak that can do considerable damage if necessary.

Appearance: Sorona takes the form of a beautiful golden eagle, dark brown with a soft wash of golden feathers over her head and down her neck. Her large round eyes are a sharp but warm gold-flecked brown and she boasts a wingspan of nearly 7ft.

It has been about 18 years since Sorona last took her mannish form and then she was a slender 5ft 6" with a warm coppery olive complexion. Thick dark brown curls cascaded down her back and her eyes were a rich chocolaty brown, flecked indiscriminately with gold that conveyed great warmth and wisdom.

However, with the passage of time; her appearance will have changed somewhat. Her face and body will have aged with the passage of time, her coppery complexion paled through lack of exposure to the elements. The warmth of her eyes lost to fear and sorrow and her dark curls streaked white from the fear of the things she has seen and been forced to do during her servitude and imprisonment in Mordor. Sorona's body is also marred with many scars, reminders of the numerous beatings inflicted upon her during her stay in the darklands.

Personality: Sorona was once a sweet, caring, kind young woman. A free spirit among her people and even although her open-mindedness was always a cause for concern among the elders of her clan, she was still well liked and respected. She always looked for the best in people and had a great love and respect for the knowledge the Storytellers and elders had to share.

But now she is withdrawn and filled deeply with sorrow and guilt, her curiosity and thirst for knowledge still remain , but her openness is now marred with fear and doubt. The traumatic experiences in her life have caused her to block out and forget most of her past in an attempt to put behind her the horrors of her imprisonment and the tragic events that lead to her escape.

Sorona's main strength is her ability to listen and her extensive knowledge. Her main weaknesses is her lack of faith in herself and her inability to take any other form than the one she now holds.

History: Sorona was born to the eagle clan her mother died when she was still very young, so with the help and support of the clan her father looked after and raised her as best he could. Growing up Sorona had many friends but the strongest of these friendships was with her Cousin Ayar, the two girls were roughly the same age and barely separable they both studied under her father (Thoronda) the traditions and lore of their clan and while her more sure headed cousin took in all they were taught, Sorona strayed more towards lore, becoming enthralled by the Storytellers and their tales. Oft she would confide to her cousin her dream of one day being the one that the young and old alike gathered round, listening wide eyed to the tales and lore of their people. More and more was the time she spend with the storytellers debating and quizzing the deeper meanings of their tales, gaining what wisdom she could from them.

The tellers humoured and even encouraged her eagerness and inquisitive nature, but the elders of her clan (her father included) became concerned that her thirst may one day overwhelm or consume her, so for a time they sent her with the outriders and the herders to learn the more traditional skills that keep the clan thriving year after year. Reluctantly she went and with time she did come to understand the importance of such things, she learnt almost as much from them as she did from the elders, she enjoyed their company and got satisfaction from knowing that by helping them in their chores she helped not only them but the clan as a whole. She still missed the teachings of the Wise ones, but learnt that ensuring the clans future was every part as important as remembering it’s past and her cousin made the long nights tending the herds easier by keeping her company and sharing with her any new tales told by the tellers.

The eagle daughter as she was oft affectionately called learned well, grew in beauty and came to love her people and their ways very deeply, so deeply that for a long while she knew no other place she would rather be. But Sorona had a free spirit and spoke always from her heart and many worried her seemingly unquenchable thirst for knowledge would eventually lead her astray! So it came after a time she became restless and often she would travel with the traders of her clan to seek the lore masters of the desert tribes and other maenwaith clans to feed her appetite and learn more of the world and in particularly the history of the maenwaith people. It was on one such journey when she and her kinsmen suddenly found themselves caught in a sudden sandstorm, her horse spooked by the whipping sands suddenly bolted and although she tried hard to hold on she could not control the terrified beast and was eventually thrown from the saddle but not before she was separated from her kinsmen. As the winds abated she called out the names of her kinsmen in the hopes that they were somewhere nearby but alas no reply was heard and she knew she was alone with no water and no idea in which direction she had come! All she knew was that she could not stay were she was. It was getting hotter , she needed to find shade and wait till nightfall when she was sure the stars would guide her back to her people. But as she looked around all she could see was the vast sandy expanse of the desert in every direction, even the sun had made her peak so that guessing east and west was made impossible. For several hours she wandered aimlessly in search of water and shade before she finally passed out. She did not know how long she had been unconscious when she awoke to see a young mans face at first she thought it was a mirage till she felt cool water on her dry blistered lips and his strong arms lifted her up, she saw his lips moving before she slipped again into unconsciousness.

When she next opened her eyes she was looking up at the pale canvas of a small tent, “ah you are finally awake” a deep but soft voice whispered beside her and she turned to see the smiling face of the same young man who had saved her in the desert. She began coughing dryly as she tried to sit up to thank him, “No don’t try to talk just yet your throat will still be sore from the heat, here drink,” he said with genuine concern as he held a wooden cup to her lips she took it from his hands and began to drink the cooling water within. He watched her for a moment then telling her that she should get some more rest he turned to leave, but as he turned she reached and caught his hand, he turned and smiled with a nod as he understood the gratitude in her eyes.

It was several days before Sorona was again well enough to travel and in that time she had learned that her saviours name was Halfr and that he was the youngest son of the tribe leader a tribe that had been kind enough to nurse her back to health and to which she would always be grateful. She learned much of there ways but like her own people they were guard when she asked of their past and she soon came to wonder if these people where not also Maenwaith. He friendship with Halfr blossomed and the became quite close, the night before she was due to leave she took a big chance and confident in Halfr telling him of her clan and her maenwaith heritage, to her surprise Halfr already knew apparently during her fever she had assumed several different forms. Halfr and several other outriders of his clan escorted her home, to the adulation of her father and others of her clan.

When it came time for Half and his people to leave Sorona was filled with sadness, but Halfr promised to visit her again and he kept his word and both clans watched as they grew to be more than friends. Sorona often petitioned her father and the Elders to consider reviving old ties with the wolf clan as Halfr did with his father and elders so eventually a strong friendship was reached between the two tribes and Halfr and Sorona were married to celebrate the new friendship. Sorona often confided in Halfr her hopes that one day all the friendships of the elder days would be renewed and that all the squabbling and differences that divided their race would be forgotten.

They lived happily together, Sorona still though less often travelled with the traders of both clans when and were she could trying to help settle the differences among the clans and bring peace to the maenwaith people, several years later they were gifted with a baby boy who they named Korpulfr, meaning Raven wolf after his shock of raven coloured hair. But even while Korpulfr was still young dark times began to befall the maenwaith people and at the insistence of both her husband and her father she stopped travelling between the clans as it became dangerous to do so with the coming of the herewith raiders, the clans spread out as they attempted to avoid being found by the raiding parties but the wolf clan and the eagle clan stayed close. But tragedy fell one morning while the wolf clan hunters were out hunting for the winter ahead the haradrim struck and they struck fast. Sorona sent her cousin feya who was visiting back to warn the eagle clan, ordering her to tell them not come for them they would hid in the forest not far from the camp. Then spreading the word to the wolf maenwaith she picked up Korpulfr and ran to the safety of the forest. But the haradrim had horse and sought to separate them and bar their way many of them made it into the forest but the haradrim followed and eventually Sorona was separated from them, realising she was cornered she hid her son high in the branches of a tree and turned in wolf form to protect her son or at least lead them away! After being wounded she and many others were taken prisoner (mainly children) and taken to the dark and frightening lands of Mordor were their worst nightmares where finally realised!

Of all the Maenwaith that where captured Sorona was the only one to survive and escape. The events proceeding and during her escape were both traumatic and horrifying she was badly wounded and much of her memory of her life before Mordor was temporarily lost and she lost all will to live, but she was saved and she spent her life in the northlands studying the people and cultures of those lands trying hard to put behind her the guilt and pain of her time in darkness. She choose to observe life and took no part in it until she could bare it no more and helped a fishing town out of hardship.

Then she did something that was forbidden for men to do she sought to look on the lands rumoured to be across the sea a place of reputed beauty and peace a peace that Sorona craved more than anything the world could offer her . For her Crime she incurred a punishment more harsh than the spirits could have imagined, A dream that jogged her fractured memory reminding her of the lands to the south and of kin and family. But the dream was a nightmare, dark and terrifying. Sorona could not bare another nightmare so she tried at first to hide from the vision shutting it out but she could not so she eventually and reluctantly came south to find answers and warn someone of what the vision pertained.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Many thanks to everyone for their patience during my lengthy absence. Things are slowly falling into place so I have a bit more time. My last save between Ráma and Aiwendil is finally filled in and revised.

Hilde - thanks for carrying on with day#2.

Nerindel - please check your pms. I have a question about how to proceed with a possible dialogue between Sorona and Ráma about a future trek to the south to visit the wisewoman... Please let me know how you'd like me to approach this. If you prefer that I edit or eliminate Aiwnedil's final statements about Sorona, I can also do this.

~Cami

[Child of the 7th Age]

Addendum to above: Shall I do a save and begin working on the summary post for day 3 of the funeral, or are there other things that need to go in first?

It is taking a while for my old brain to get creaking again!

Cami