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Post by Sir Kiken on Dec 22, 2010 12:11:42 GMT -5
It is before the time of guns and gas and more in the times of steel and steam. This world is Verim and here all things are done according to the will of the gods. Altus, Relik, Myleina, and Tana. Though each deity is worshipped some followers give precedence to a certain one. Lovers of order and balance hold shrines of Altus in their very homes hoping to be seen as proper and in line. Lovers of peace and a calm rational state of mind pray more often to Relik in hopes of seeking a further enlightenment. Free spirits and adventurers look to Myleina's star for strength of will and keen perception. Those who seek power or play offer their prayers almost exclusively to Tana for inner strength and vigor along with humorous witt. Though Aden, our protagonist, cares little for the politics of the gods; he is one of their most important pieces.
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Post by Sir Kiken on Dec 22, 2010 14:29:13 GMT -5
Light and clouds over clouds cast out a beautiful canvas on the Olympus-like landscape of Celesteir. Home in the Stars and Home of the Gods. Four towers equaling the splendor of a castle sat at four ends of the terrain with arching diamond and platinum bridges stretching to the center where they met with a grand crystalline palace. Literally it was diamond encasing silver and gold built up and towering over even the sky to show mastery over all of Verim. Within it’s walls were wonders beyond mankind, but within one tower, white and gold, was an occurrence even gods cannot escape. Ambition.
“It is something only fitting for you Altus,” came a silken voice from red lips. Sapphires for eyes peered at the side of his face begging him to look under the red hair and into her fair face, but Altus knew better. He closed his citrine eyes and sighed,
“But we made this world in harmony Tana,” replied Altus rubbing the crest of his scepter in thought. Tana’s light hand skipped down the medium length of his hair down across his armored shoulders as she smiled, “It would not be right to use such a ploy. A trick to gain control.” continued Altus
“Altus, we need some sort of control. If not watched a fire will consume all in it’s path. Something has to keep it in check. That someone would be you would it not? After all, you’ve been our unspoken leader all along haven’t you?” Altus’s hand went to his trim golden blond mustache at the comment. Doubt was still evident in his face, but the claim held some degree of truth. His wings twitched a bit in thought.
“Explain it again.” Tana grinned letting him go and walking around in front of Altus letting her eyes wander down his godly form in scale armor decorated with studs and precious stones. His glorious white wings folded behind him in quiet regality and sword on his side was always with him even though there hadn’t been any combat in the godly realm for several millennia. She walked in long slow strides stretching her long legs out underneath the armored skirt folding her slender arms beneath the silver armor on her breasts. Altus did not look down her form. He’d let her seduce him once in all the eternity they’d spent together and learned that like many things involving Tana, it was a pitfall. She brushed her red hair back letting the base catch on her small horns and fitting the lenght of the lock over her right ear.
“The worlds we made before are never gone. You knew this I’m sure. They have been swallowed up by the Myst. The same Myst we used to craft Verim but on shifted reality. Whoever controls that world, controls the Myst, whoever controls the Myst, controls Verim. The others would never even have to know.” Tana explained . Altus sighed once more letting the silence stay for a moment as he pondered.
“I’ll have to think about it. Just go Tana.” She smiled walking out. “Very well.” came her reply as she walked from the tower. She knew he’d do it. She knew they’d all do it. After so much time they’d all become so predictable. This time she’d tricked no one. She’d played right into the slot she knew she was to fit. They knew all along that the worlds were there but didn’t know if anyone else did. They also knew she’d be there to tempt them with prospects of power. The only thing that kept this grand game a possibility was the deities willingness to ignore their own wisdom for the sake of ambition. Tana began to cross the bridge under the light of the sun. The glorious ball of light and flame. The very thing the gods believe had created them. Tana wondered if even it had a creator.
Once reaching her tower, Tana sat before a small globe that rotated ever so slowly showing the world spread out before her. She placed her hand on either side being almost especially careful not to touch it. Her smile turned into parted lips as she focused intently on the orb. It began to shrink until she saw trails of starlight. The perfect cover. Mist of a silvery light poured from her hands settling in the whitish blue streams of sugary light. “Your children, Verim, are very special. Those born under these stars will bear the fruits of my blessing, and they will be my own, my warriors, my acolytes. As they grow in power, so will my grip on your hand dear world of Verim. Once they are strong enough, we shall walk together.” smiling again, Tana moved her hands. “This will be such fun.”
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Post by Sir Kiken on Dec 23, 2010 20:25:07 GMT -5
Several centuries later...
Journal Entry Day One:
Okay, so you’re my journal and I’m your author so let’s get introductions out of the way. I’m Aden. Aden Halzier. I’m sixteen and I’m thinking about running away from the orphanage. I’m sick of this place. It’s no home. Maybe if I leave I can find a home of my own. Maybe I can make a home of my own. Who knows, I just don’t know if I can stay here. Anyway, I guess I’m supposed to talk about what I did today in here, but I don’t quite know you well enough to do that. How about after we get acquainted I’ll tell you more? Cool? Cool.
Journal Entry Day Thirty-Four:
So I’m really sick of this crap about me being red-haired meaning something bad. The other kids are all Altus worshippers and call me one of “Tana’s Hellions”. They’re so stupid. EVERYONE here is an Altus aficionado and it’s not even like I have something against him. I mean, he’s a god right? He’s all about balance and order and righteousness and stuff so I feel he’s pretty cool. Why does everyone act like Tana’s so bad though? She’s a trickster that’s all. She’d no devil and so why am I treated differently for having hair like hers? Heck, what if I was a trickster like Tana? I’m not evil. Man, I really can’t stand this place sometimes.
Journal Entry:
I’m tired of numbering the day. It’s past forty so why bother. Anyway, journal I decided finally. I think I’ll leave early in the morning as apposed to late at night. Wondering what the last straw was? I got called Hellion by Jenna Summers. Remember the girl I said arrived a couple days ago cause her parents abandoned her? Yeah, two days and they’ve already converted her. It’s almost funny. I was so frustrated that I came full circle and couldn’t stop laughing.
Journal Entry:
So I had a nightmare. I’m pretty sure I did at least. I awoke gripping a sharp pain in my chest. I felt like I wanted to scream, and couldn’t stop shaking. It was strange. Really strange. And what’s weirder, for the life of me I cannot possibly remember what I dreamt about. All I know, is that I probably won’t be getting to sleep again for a good while. Probably a good thing. It’s really cold out here tonight. ………………………………........................................................................................................
The small restaurant was more of a diner with wooden tables, wooden seats, and cheap food that was usually a tad salty or a tad bland. Still lots of the working class dined there and not once or twice. The place was generally lively and smelled decent enough with the cooking of the three star menu foods. “Why is red your least favorite color though?” asked a young brunette woman. She was pretty with raven hair and amber eyes. The hair was tied back but several strands hung loose framing her face and coming over her forehead. She had a curved face with a small chin and high cheekbones. They were prominent but they pushed her cheeks up making them full and somehow giving her eyes a happier look to them. She was petit but filled out and as she leaned forward her brow furrowed a little in regards to her companion’s last statement. He looked away red hair falling in his brown eyes a little. Frustration evident as his lips pursed a bit before blowing the hair out of his face with a harsh puff. “Aden, are you still on that thing with the hair?” she asked reaching out and sliding her fingers down his hair, “ I think it’s a lovely and unique part of you.” Aden sighed looking back to her and without response took a large gulp of ale. He somehow managed to forget constantly how attracted he was to his coworker. Selene was engaged and had been for a while. He never stepped up to ask why the marriage kept being pushed back. It wasn’t his business. Either way, she’d taken a shining to him since he first began to work at the Narettes Mills. Her family had money but she insisted on working their like her brothers had. Aden on the other hand needed the money to live day to day. Days often turned up this way. He would turn a wheel by a handle to help grind the finer powders and baking flowers. He did this for six hours and then Selene would turn up, comment on how the work was making his arms look bigger and drag him off to treat him to lunch with her. After half an hour of that, it was back to work for four more hours. Lucky for him, payday was in just two more days. After savoring the swallow he looked back up to her, “When I was a kid I was called a Hellion because of red hair having ties to Tana.” Aden responded. he’d told her before but she always said the same thing back. “I don’t think you’re a Hellion.” she responded smiling at him. This is the part where he always blushed. “I know you don’t think that, but it’s just something I grew up with that’s made me hate red.” explained Aden looking down into the tan colored brew. Mostly, he didn’t really like the stuff seeing as he’d been drinking it for every meal every day since he’d gotten the job at the mill a year ago. “Right, and your own hair because it’s red.” Selene responded taking a drink of her own ale, “You’re silly for that you know.” “I know I know.” Chuckled Aden tapping the table a few times. Their break was only a few minutes from being up. He looked to the door remembering how cold it was outside remembering how cold it was the day he’d wandered into the mill hungry and scrappy looking asking for a job. Now, he had a dilapidated apartment, a low paying job, and a crush on a woman wearing a ring. Things were looking up. “Besides, those Altus advocates act like Tana’s a devil. She’s just a mischievous goddess. She is to thank for just as many good things as the others.” said Selene’s cheerful voice. Standing and dusting the bread crumbs from his clothes Aden stretched and looked outside seeing several other mill workers heading back to work. “I wish there were more people like you in the world,” he said. Selene’s smile brightened as she stood. Her hand brushed her mug and it slid to the edge of the table as she stretched as well closing her eyes tightly. Feeling a splash of liquid on her just barely exposed stomach, Selene’s eyes shot to the table. Not seeing her mug she looked over. Adel was holding it steady just below the table as the liquid inside slowly settled. He set it back down on the table without a second thought and headed to the door. “Goodness you’re quick,” she said walking alongside him. Selene was taller than him at only about five-foot-eight. Aden had always been short. His height was only a couple of inches shorter than her, but it was still vexing being shorter than almost everyone he knew. “Nah, just psychic.” He quipped smiling back.
The working day passed as regularly as always. Grimy, dusty, and sweaty. The wooden wheel he had to crank was quite sizable, and being short had -at first- given him some problems with trying to turn it all the way around. Now, he was used to it so not only were his arms muscular from the work, his calves had beefed up as well from standing up on his tip-toes and back down so much. Of course that meant daily soreness, but if it was a means to keep his body healthy Aden didn’t mind. He entered his apartment that seemed to be made of brick and soot, and slowly closed the creaking door. It was dank and some places were damp, but it was home. There was a small kitchen and a chair in the living room. A tiny bathroom, and an equally tiny bedroom with a lumpy bed that Aden only fit on because he wasn’t of average height. The nightstand next to the bed had sitting on it a small leather bound book titled Journal. He’d neglected writing in it for a while. He had Selene to talk to more often so it seemed a mute point. Still, it felt like he’d abandoned an old friend and walked over picking it up flipping through the worn pages until the sun finally fell too low to read by it’s light. He burned the wick of a candle and sat down on his bed looking down at his old pillow stuffed with straw. Aden swallowed hard remembering how he’d awoken the past few nights. A cold sweat, body shaking with unknown fear, and pain. He’d continued having this unknown nightmare for about a week now. He placed his hand over the flame of the candle, far enough away to keep from hurting himself, but close enough to the feel the warmth on his palm. He set the candle on the night stand keeping his hand over it and opened the journal back up. He’d stopped ready just before the part where he’d run away from the orphanage. Smiling a little to himself, Aden kept reading. His inner thoughts had always been wittier and more amusing than his conversation skills. That was something he was still working on. The heat quickly rose in his palm and he pulled it away rubbing both his hands together letting the heat radiate from both of them. It seemed, strangely enough, to spread through his whole body. It felt good. Aden kicked his boots off and propped his feet up on the bed leaning back against the wall and setting the journal down in his lap. Maybe he’d just pull an all-nighter and write some epic life summary or something.
Everything was dark. A throbbing sensation emanated from Aden’s body. It pulsed and throbbed with dull pain that steadily grew. He felt pressure on his chest and lungs, a push. Something was pushing him further down into his bed. Just as he realized he had fallen asleep there was a release. The bed beneath him disappeared. His eyes shot open and he clawed for something to grab seeing nothing but dark and a glowing form of his own body. Mouth gaping to scream he choked on his own breath it seemed. No sound came out, not air, nothing. A coolness touched him and he plunged through it. A silvery white mist. It covered him like the inside of a cloud and as he fell through it he saw a blue sky. A sky and no ground as if he was falling upward. As he flipped and whirled uncontrollably in the air the panic grew to a boil and suddenly a shout escaped his mouth and his eyes opened yet again. He was lying on his back, on what seemed like solid ground. Aden sprang up looking around. Blue sky, fresh air, solid dirt. He was outside. Worst yet, he was naked. Even stranger yet, somehow this seemed familiar. Behind him, he saw a few trees. They were odd looking with big broad leaves stemming from the very top and hanging down lower like an umbrella. The bark looked banded almost like armor. Between the trees was a small pond . Everything else, however, was desert. He approached the pond looking at its clear waters. Here, it was very hot, and not that he minded, but it did make the water look appealing. There was something off about it though. It was almost too appealing. He took a step toward it carefully. An odd sense of hesitancy was hanging over him, but he made it to the water. There was movement within the clear mass, but no animals. Aden cocked his head to the side staring at it for a moment before suddenly something sprang out of it. He leapt back as his eyes filled with horror barely having time to register what was happening. Water cascaded over him blurring his vision as he fell back. The thing stood over him and swung down with a weapon. Aden quickly rolled away scrambling to his feet in time to see the thing land hard on the ground. It was a light brown color. Definitely not human. It had some kind of exoskeleton and a weapon that looked to be a stick with a blade at the end. Sand was thrown in his eyes and Aden heard a screech and hissing noise from the creature as it drew near him again suddenly. He threw a handful of sand back spitting and screaming as he ran in the opposite direction. “Geeyok!!!” he heard the thing cry. There was a thump and a shifting sound. Wiping his eyes in mid sprint, Aden looked back barely seeing it planting it’s foot and rearing back to thrown the weapon. He threw himself to the ground just in time to hear the spear whiz over his head and land in the sand. Aden dashed towards it still wiping the sand from his face. It stung his eyes and clung to the inside of his mouth, but he gritted it between his teeth and clenched his jaw as the adrenaline surged through his body pushing him forward in time to slide down and grab the makeshift spear. He spun around to face the thing. It growled. It was tall and lanky. It was…bug like. He was reminded of a grasshopper but with humanoid form. It hunched down opening it’s mouth threateningly. The gaping jowls held several rows of small spike like teeth. It’s long armored legs coiled and it’s small spiked arms tensed on the surface of the sand. Aden’s eyes widened realizing that it was preparing to jump. He lifted the spear towards it just in time and slammed his eyes closed. He felt the blade scrape across it’s carapace and tightened his grip. The point penetrated the shell and Aden’s arms tugged down with the weight of the creature as it impaled itself. A warm thick liquid splashed onto his arms and face and instantly began to burn and sizzle. Eye’s shooting open he dropped the spear that was dug deep into the side of the screeching bug creature and leapt panicked onto the sand rubbing it on his arms and face to wipe away the burning blood. It slowly subsided a little as Aden heard the writhing and thrashing of a wounded beast. Looking back to the thing it lay on the ground twisting and flailing with the spear sticking from it’s gut while pale green blood surged from it’s wound creating smoke when it hit the wooden shaft of the spear. The creature grabbed the spear pulling hard as it slowly made it’s way out of its belly. Aden stood and ran away from it again. “Gyeeeee! Geeeeyooook!!!” it shouted again in a high pitched shriek. Suddenly Aden saw a peculiar shimmer ahead and stopped dead staring at it. An image made it’s way slowly into view but just barely. The light was hitting what looked like standing water in the shape of that bug man. Aden’s eyes widened instantly realizing what was happening. Several of the shimmers appeared slowly rising from the sand almost invisible. He swallowed hard feeling his heart pounding against the ribs that bound it. He felt sick, but steady no matter how hard he shook. He stared where he presumed eyes were on the creature closest to him and gritted his teeth. He took a breath and screamed at the top of his lung without breaking focus. He roared as best he could trying to scare it, but the creature just began slowly approaching with the rest following suit. Aden continued screaming at them as they approached until finally the apparent leader stepped in front of him. Aden choked looking up at least seven feet to the face of a slowly appearing bug creature. It had something like horns and it’s face was ant-like with more ridges and angles making it look like a helmet. It’s body was thicker and spikier and it held a legitimate military grade spear in it’s right hand. The creature leaned down to face him staring him right in the eye. Shaking, Aden’s own brown eyes met with the layered pools of black. A deafening roar from the leader sent a shock through Aden’s system almost making his legs go weak. His heartbeat sounded in his ears. Whatever was going on in this place didn’t matter. He was about to die. Strangely -again- this felt familiar. Suddenly a ball of flame erupted from the center of the crowd throwing several of the bug-men aside. The leader spun around quickly seeing pieces of his brethren falling to the ground. Aden looked around him and slowly backed away seeing a tall man cresting the dune that the creatures rose from. A woman was already at the top holding a staff toward where the flames had struck. Aden could see long hair blowing as the taller man leapt down the dune towards some of the creatures,
“Move!” he shouted in a loud commanding voice. Green eyes flashed under his short black hair that had a trailing ponytail. One of the creatures stood in front of him eclipsing him from Aden’s view until the cry it let out was cut short. All Aden saw was it’s body jerk violently twice and then shoot backward towards the leader who reared back his hand and struck the flying body aside with a sneering growl. Aden scrambled backward on the ground. His legs wouldn’t carry his full weight upright. The larger man seemed to ignore the other creatures coming straight for the leader. Behind, the woman held a bright glowing light in her hand placing it on the tip of the staff which blazed a fiery red. Her mouth moved a little as she spoke too quietly for him to hear before her voice echoed threateningly, “Bring me thy fire!” she cried. The end of the staff seemed to explode with a wave of crimson flames that devoured several of the creatures at once. Aden’s mouth fell open, “Oh my…” he whispered to himself as the man came within range of the leader’s spear. The leader planted his feet and with a hiss sent his weapon thrusting toward his chest, but hit nothing but air and ate a quick punch and kick to the chest. The attacks were blindingly fast and there was an audible crack with each strike. The bug staggered shrieking and swung wide but the man moved in closer and stopped the attack by striking the bug’s elbow. Another loud snap sounded as the elbow bent out of shape causing the spear to sail behind the man, but suddenly large insect wings sprang from the creature’s back and it took instantly to the sky and roared down again before buzzing away. Aden finally breathed raggedly seeing the man approach. He was tall and muscular wearing a gi that looked to be covered in large red serpent scales, his pants were of similar make. His arms were wrapped in thick black cloth as were his shins. His feet were fitted with dark boots. He walked up to Aden and stretched out a red gloved hand. “How do you feel?” asked the warrior. Aden’s eyes went from him to the woman who approached. He gasped seeing red hair as she approached. She nearly glowed with beauty. He had to look away. It would be a mistake to look too long without wearing any clothing to cover any…changes. Atop the dune he now saw a man with long hair standing there holding a bow. Grabbing the hand of the man in front of him he was easily hoisted up rising only to the top of his chest in height. “Um…confused, a little weak. Scared…sick.” Aden managed to get out as his stomach churned and vision swam a little. The man nodded, “But you’re coherent? Looks like you’re a full fledged acolyte now. Looks like you’re one of Tana’s. I’m Elior, one of Altus’s acolytes. The wonder girl with the flames back there is Ayla. The quiet one with the bow is Eyan.” Aden smiled a little, “Thanks for helping me, but…” he looked around again and covered his junk, “Um, I have no clue what’s going on.” Elior nodded, “Naturally.” His eye widened a little, “Oh wow, already.” Suddenly Aden’s vision blurred and he felt extremely lightheaded. “What the-” he spat stumbling. Elior caught him and looked right into his face, “Listen, you’re waking up. Unless you want to end up somewhere random, before you go to sleep tomorrow you need to find a Channeler. You hear me? Where do you live kid?” Elior asked frantically. “Waking up? What?” Aden stammered. The pushing throbbing feeling he had felt before he arrived was returning. Elior shook him, “Where do you live?” he asked again. “Uh…uh…a city…uh Narettes!” Aden shouted almost forgetting the name of his own hometown in a panic. Elior thought for a moment, “Narettes…good. Look for Dean Carrigan. You hear me? Dean Carrigan! If you don’t, the next time you sleep you’ll end up somewhere random again and you’ll probably be attacked by something else. If you die, first of all: it’s gonna hurt, second: you’ll forget everything. Alright?” “Forget everything?” “Yes, so find Carrigan.” Aden’s eyes opened. The light burning sensation on his arms and face were gone, but the dream lingered in his mind like it had just happened for real. He lay there staring through his ceiling for a while and let his heart rate slow. He hadn’t slept long at all. His body felt tired somehow, but more mentally than actually physical fatigue. Knowing he would be doing no more sleeping that night, he sat up and grabbed the journal from the bed where he must have dropped it when he passed out.
Journal Entry
Do I know a Dean Carrigan? I don’t remember a Dean, or an Elior, or an Ayla, or an Eyan. I can only wonder if that’s the same dream…or was it a nightmare? Either way, I really hope I’m not losing my mind and don’t have to fight anymore bug creatures in my dreams. I’ll probably be up until work tomorrow now…
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Post by Sir Kiken on Jan 8, 2011 15:50:36 GMT -5
“That’s pretty weird. No wonder you couldn’t get back to sleep,” piped Selene just before she sipped a third gulp of her ale staring wide-eyed at Aden. “So do you think it was real?” she asked. Aden snorted a little, “No, of course not. Just a freaky dream…” he scoffed waving his hand dismissingly.
“You hope…” she finished smiling a little making him look up at her curiously.
“What do you mean ‘You hope’?” he asked finishing off a piece of bread that he’d been eating with an under-seasoned piece of roast.
“I mean, what if it is real?” she said leaning in and smiling mischievously. Selene’s parents were all big Altus and Relik worshipers. Aden sometimes wondered if they knew how much their daughter followed the path of Myleina.
“Embrace the chaos, brother!” came a gruff shout from an unknown voice. A tall man with a stocky build came in. He had short red hair and a full beard of fiery crimson to match. He had a large toothy grin on his face as he passed patting Aden hard on the shoulder. Aden looked shocked back at Selene. She stopped chewing her own meal and looked wide eyed back as the man took a seat at the far end of the place.
“He called you brother!” she whispered excitedly, “You don’t think…?!”
“Calm down, it’s this stupid thing that us redheads say to each other supposedly. Has to do with the whole Tana thing.” quietly replied Aden. His gaze shifted embarrassingly downward.
“Oh come on Aden.” she said leaning down to look up under his lowered head making her eyes meet his face. He slowly blushed making eye contact. “I think it sounds cool.”
“It makes it seem like I’m in a cult.”
“Yeah…yeah it does.” she nodded in agreement without losing her smile. Aden couldn’t help but chuckle and look away. Selene sat back again and drank another swig of her beverage. “So, what if it was real?” she asked again. Aden’s gaze returned to her.
“Huh?”
“What if the dream was for real. I mean, what happens if you go to sleep tonight and you’re naked fighting bug people again?” she asked curiously.
“Um, well I don’t think that’ll be the case. It was just a dream after all.” replied Aden gulping down some of his ale.
“But Aden, what if it wasn’t just a dream?” Aden sat still for a minute. He remembered Elior telling him to meet the channeler.
“I guess I’d need to find that Carrigan guy…” he mumbled. Selene chuckled a little.
“I wonder if he really exists. That’d be interesting. Astounding even…” They both sat quietly wondering for a moment. Now that it was on his mind, Aden really didn’t want to dream about the bug guys again.
Despite the soreness in his calves from a long day of work, Aden decided to perform a small adventure. Well, more like Selene had decided he would perform a small adventure, “I’m so glad we’re doing this. It’ll be really cool if there is a Dean Carrigan. He shouldn’t be too difficult to find in a small city like Narettes. Carrigan isn’t a terribly common name.”
“It’s not? Good. If we don’t make any headway by the time it gets dark we’re going home okay?” Aden instructed looking around at the buildings. He and Selene were walking around the richer part of town nearer to where her parents lived than to his own dwelling. Nervous self-consciousness welled up in Aden’s chest as all the well dressed gave him wary glances. “Where are we going again?” he asked.
“To ask my father if he can find a Dean Carrigan in the city records. He works at the Records Hall.” she said continuing down the sidewalk.
“Records Hall?” Aden asked curiously.
“Yes. You know, the place where people’s whereabouts and such are stored in small towns like this. It just holds a record of your address, age, and next of kin.”
“Never heard of it…” replied Aden. He wasn’t lying either. Where he came from, people just called the place “They”. As in “Don’t worry, They know who you are if you get lost”. It was kind of creepy when he was a kid.
“Hm, wow most people know about it. Anyway, we can’t find out too much from my dad. He can get in trouble if he tells us a bunch of the guys info and he doesn’t want to be put out in public like that. All we can find out from my dad is if the guy exists. But that’s the first step right?” asked a smiling Selene. Aden took a deep breath letting it out slowly.
“Right.” he replied as they approached a two story house coated in a sunny cream colored paint. It looked clean and stood out just a little from the others with it’s angled roof and carved stone steps leading to the front door. Selene shivered as she looked at it.
“I hate this paint job. I miss the blue…” she whined walking up the few steps. Aden stopped at them watching Selene walk to her door. She grabbed the handle then stopped and looked back at him wondering for a moment before speaking. “Would you…” she paused, “like to meet my father, Aden?” He blinked as he absorbed the question,
“Uh…uh…yeah. Yes, of course.” he replied quickly darting up the stairs next to her. She smiled at him even brighter and opened the door. Aden held his breath as they entered. Feeling instant warmth. He’d heard of water based central heating but to the poor it was a dream. It definitely felt like a dream. There was carpet, something Aden had yet to see in a home, and the furniture looked…comfortable. The windows were large with curtains drawn, and flooded the beautiful room full of crème and red with sunlight. Aden finally exhaled as the door shut behind him sealing in the warmth. Selene walked ahead of him and beckoned him around a corner that had a large wooden grandfather clock ticking away. It was a quarter past six. As they turned the corner they entered a dining room where two men sat. One had dark hair and a pair of glasses over his brown eyes. He was older than the other man and was in the middle of drinking what appeared to be tea. There was a mild flowery smell coming from the table.
Selene stopped abruptly once she saw the other man sitting across from the older man. “Hello father.“ she said looking to the dark haired one. Her gaze shifted rigidly to the other man who sat closest to where Aden and Selene stood. He was blonde with a strong jaw albeit a thin face and looked quizzically at Aden before standing. His eyes narrowed a bit and Aden couldn’t help but sense something like aggression. “Charles…” Selene said curtly. Her full lips thinned a bit as she looked at her fiancé. Aden looked from her to Charles and froze up instead of speaking. The man who Aden could only guess was her father cleared his throat.
“Selene, who’s our guest?” he asked. Selene seemed to snap out of it.
“Oh right, this is Aden. He’s one of my coworkers and my friend.” she explained. Her father looked also quizzically at Aden. Seeing his eyes shift from his face to his hair, Aden’s nervousness grew paramount in his mind. Selene’s family were Altus worshippers first and foremost, and that meant that even alongside their righteous and morally upstanding ways they were harshly judgmental of all of “Tana’s Hellions”. Aden swallowed hard.
“Well,” said the father setting his tea down and standing walking over to Aden, “It seems it’s Tana I can thank for our meeting.” The man smiled behind his slightly graying mustache. His smile was warm and like Selene’s greatly raised his cheeks under his eyes showing all the kindness he could muster. Aden’s heart immediately glowed with relief as the man reached out his hand. Aden shook it smiling back instantly,
“It’s an honor to meet you too Mr. Parleau,” he replied barely remembering Selene’s family name in time. His eyes flittered over to Selene also noting the relief in her face.
“Please call me Roger. What can I do for you my boy?” asked Roger stepping back and standing next to Charles. He jumped a little noticing a mistake, “Oh oh yes, you’ve heard of Mr. Charles Leicent, Selene’s fiancé I’m sure.” Aden looked hopefully up at Charles extending his hand before meeting his eyes. Once he did he noticed the hostility had not left them. Charles smirked a little looking down at his hand and over at Selene before locking eyes with Aden. His hand reached up gripping Aden’s hand tightly. A little too tightly. Aden’s jaw clenched a little. He didn’t appreciate Charles attempt at intimidation, but still he staid silent and simply squeezed back. He wouldn’t lower himself to humor this guy.
“Yes, charmed I’m sure. Aden? Is that what your name was?” he asked smugly tightening his grip.
“Yes. Aden Halzier.” Charles’s eyes gleamed for a moment as the smirk grew just a bit.
“Halzier? Uncommon name. Never known anyone with that name before. Perhaps you’re from another country?”
“Wouldn’t know. I was orphaned since I can remember. Most people say when you‘re found alone at that age your parents were likely in some kind of accident, but I‘d like to think they‘re alive somewhere and just lost me or something.” explained Aden optimistically. It was the truth, mostly. He was dropped off at the orphanage by a woman whom they presume was his actual mother. There was a note in his swaddling that had his name and an apology.
“I see. A refreshingly optimistic view. Many in your situation have given up.” replied Charles. He smiled warmly. Aden was then confused as the smile seemed genuine. It was then that he realized he may have been stricken with a nice sized pang of jealousy given his feeling for Selene and all. It was clearly obvious that he’d looked far too much into Charles and saw only what he wanted to. Smiling politely and a little embarrassed Aden loosened his grip a bit. Charles did not. Instead he threw his other arm open, “Come! Any friend of Selene is family enough of mine!” he laughed putting his arm around Aden’s shoulder and tugging him into a hug. Aden was startled. He’d never misread a person so harshly before. It sank in that he was letting his impractical mind cloud his perception. He hugged back and gave up on the tension he was holding in the aggression towards Charles. Just as he did, he heard it. “Hellion” Charles sneered. Aden’s eyes sharpened and jaw locked “Your handshake is pathetic.” came the remainder of the whisper as Charles pulled away. Turning to Selene, Charles seemed to immediately put what he’d said out of his mind, “My dear. I believe we have private matters to speak about. I fear they are quite urgent.” With that, he marched out of a door in the back. Roger took another deep drink of his tea and set it down.
“Mmm, yes I’m sorry Selene. He’s been here waiting for you for a little over an hour now. Something to do with that wedding.” Selene’s father smiled at the mention of the word. Selene frowned.
“Right.” she said heading to follow Charles.
“It was nice to meet you, Mr. Halzier.” said Charles with velvet malice. Selene turned once she passed her father and mouthed the words “I’m sorry” to Aden before disappearing out of the back door. He could tell she didn’t even know why his face was heated and his hands shaking. Maybe she couldn’t even tell that they were. Aden had always been good at hiding his emotions, but this…this was different. Roger chuckled.
“Those two…” he shook his head, “It’s always something ‘quite urgent’.” he chuckled again straightening. “Right then, what was it you needed my boy?” Aden gathered himself slowly recovering from his encounter with Charles. Well, he at least appeared to. He did have other matters to attend to.
“Oh, um well I needed to know about a certain person. Do you know of anyone with the surname Carrigan in the city?” he asked. Roger thought for a moment before holding up one finger,
“One moment.” He said placing his hand on his chin delving deep into thought. Aden stood not knowing what to do with himself while Roger pondered. He’d assumed there’d be a big book of names or something that Selene’s father would look through, but perhaps he’d committed the less common to memory? Aden looked around seeing the kitchen through the open doorway at the opposite end of the dining room. What he could see looked clean. He could only wonder if Selene had to clean it up. The dining room itself what nicely built also having the large windows that were in the main room. The light washed over the large table and lit up the room. It would likely look big and daunting at night.
“Now that I think about it, I only know one Carrigan family. Let’s see there was a Darlene, David, Delora, and…hmmm…well Darlene and David are both deceased but there are two more. Delora…and…drat what was her brother’s name?” he asked in frustration. Aden’s eyes widened, “Was it Dean?!” he piped. “Daniel!” Roger shouted clapping his hands once loudly in resolution. Aden’s heart sank. “Oh…Daniel, right.” “Well what was it you needed to know for?” Roger inquired. Aden sighed,
“Well, I just needed to meet him for something is all.” Roger smiled,
“Well I can’t help you find a person named Dean Carrigan, but there is a man named Daniel Carrigan whom I believe works as the dean of the local academy.” he hinted. The corners of Aden‘s mouth turned upward.
“Oh…ohm. DEAN Carrigan…” he said to himself smiling up at Roger, “Thanks Mr. Parleau.”
“Roger dear boy, Roger.” he said with a grin shaking Aden’s hand again.
“Of course, Roger. Thank you.” beamed Aden. He looked to the back door again hoping to see Selene coming back. Roger noticed patting him on the shoulder,
“They’re talks usually last a bit. Unless you got good time on your hands then you may be better off going it alone. The choice is yours Mr. Halzier.” Aden wanted to sigh and show his disappointment, but held it in. He smiled,
“Just call me Aden, sir.” Roger smiled brightly.
“Right then!” ……………………………….........................................................................................
Aden now walked alone back toward his apartment. Still fuming he constantly muttered to himself quiet curses on Charles. The rage was still pent up in his neck and in his clenched fists which stayed safely in his pockets. There was a yipping sound behind him. Angrily he whipped around glaring at a small puppy. It had short hair that was golden yellow-blond and had big dark eyes and no collar. Two things happened when Aden looked at the dog. First it whimpered and cowered down on it’s belly, and second Aden regretted looking in the first place. The puppy was a little dirty and wet, but had he not scared it the thing would have come right up to him. It was brave and hopeful. Hope was good, but bravery can get a dog killed. Aden knew however, there was no way he could take care of an animal. As soon as his eyes softened the pup stood up again and yipped.
“Where’s you mom and dad little guy? You need to go find them, I’m sure they’re looking for you.” he said walking away. He’d pass the Nerettes Academy soon and hadn’t yet decided if he’d actually go in or not. Chances were, by this time, Carrigan had already left and trying to find him at home would be both difficult and suspicious. Aden couldn’t help a little skepticism from the fact that Dean Carrigan’s name wasn’t Dean. Maybe he was looking too seriously into some small coincidences. Then again, he couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something to this. The puppy yipped again. Aden looked back to see it still trotting behind him. He stopped and sighed, “Shoo! Git, go on!” he shouted. The dog just sat down and panted looking up at him. It was too late, he’d already shown it his weakness. Sighing again, Aden turned and continued to walk. He resolved to check out the academy and brave the strange looks he would get, but he would not seek out Carrigan outside of the school. He reached an intersection in the road letting a carriage pass before crossing the cold muddy earth beneath. The puppy sat whimpering, too afraid to cross the street. Aden frowned in spite of himself in disappointment. He couldn’t help but wonder if the dog had seen one or both of his parents hit by a passing carriage or something to that effect. Still, it was best if it staid there so Aden continued on.
The academy building was tall and daunting. Three floors up made of beige brick surrounded with winter-beaten trees and freezing grass. It looked to be generally devoid of presence. Approaching the door Aden drew his jacket closed fastening the buttons and grabbing the two handles. He pulled and they opened letting out a burst of warmth. Aden, surprised that the doors weren’t locked shut, slowly made his way inside. The hallway of the entrance was a long corridor with a few doors on each side. At the end it turned left and right, but suddenly a man rounded the corner carrying a small bag. He stopped and fixed his glasses,
“Can I help you?” he asked. Aden cleared his throat,
“Uh yeah, I’m looking for Mr. Carrigan?” he said with inflexion in his voice making it sound like a question. The man’s demeanor shifted.
“This is he.” he replied coming forward. He had graying hair and a thin mustache and goatee. He wore a black jacket and black breeches as well with a small pair of spectacles on his long nose. His eyes met Aden’s and just then Aden realized he hadn’t really thought this through. “Can I help you?”
“Uh…well I was told by someone to meet you. My name is Aden.” he explained. Okay, good start he thought to himself.
“And who told you to meet me?” pried the dean. Aden swallowed. Here goes.
“Elior.” he finished. Carrigan looked at him quizzically.
“Elior?” he asked. Aden swallowed hard holding his breath briefly. Suddenly the dean looked away and then back up in realization, “Oh oh, I see. Elior. Right, I’m sorry sir. Alright, I understand. You need a channeler.” he smiled. Aden exhaled,
“Yes, that would be…” he stopped. “Wait, so that whole thing was real?” Carrigan smirked and stood next to Aden.
“Well, did it feel real?”
“Well yes, but I mean…the stuff that happened was…was so…”
“Strange? Odd? Good descriptions. That world is called Myst.” Daniel stopped for a moment looking out a window to his right. “Actually, it’s a bit late. Come here.” He beckoned for Aden to come closer. Aden took a few steps forward stopping just in front of the dean. Carrigan extended his hand as if to shake Aden’s. Looking a little suspicious, Aden lifted his arm slowly straightening his fingers and grasping Carrigan’s firmly. A few moments passed and the dean locked eyes with Aden almost as if reading him. Aden felt uncomfortable for a moment, but it passed and he simply stood up straight and shook the man’s hand. Daniel smiled and patted the back of Aden’s hand, “I’d give you a little history lesson, but there’s not really much time now. Try coming back tomorrow, a bit earlier if possible.” said Carrigan releasing his grasp and heading around Aden to the door.
“W-wait, was there supposed to be some kind of…thing?” Aden asked. He really didn’t want to be forced to fight bug men in the nude again. Carrigan looked back at him,
“Oh the connection? It’s done…for now. Be sure to come back tomorrow, if you don’t I’ll release it.” he said seriously and with that he walked out the door holding it open for Aden’s exit. “Well, I do have to lock the door.”
“Right, sorry.” Aden responded coming out. It wasn’t long before Carrigan had hailed a ride and was gone. Aden sighed again and suddenly heard a yipping sound. “You’ve got to be joking.” he said turning around seeing the puppy from earlier -now covered in mud- just behind him sitting and panting. Aden knelt next to it patting it’s head. The dog looked up at him enjoying the attention. “You don’t have any parents do you?” he asked it. The dog yawned.
Journal Entry
Today I had the honor of meeting the most insatiable jackass in the whole wide world. His name is Charles Liesant or Leecent or something. I’m sure it’s some rich noble family with more money than they know how to spend and that gets queasy at the thought of charity. Every fiber in my being wanted me to punch him in his smug mug. I apologize Journal, but I need someone to vent to and you’re the only one here. So here goes:
That f*cking prick had the nerve to call me a hellion. Who the hell meets someone for the first time and consciously decides to make a personal insult to their character without a clue as to who they are? Dammit! I hate him and I met him for all of two minutes. I hope he falls out of his carriage on the way home and gets mugged by an orphan that coughs in his mouth and gives him mono and the flu combined! I was so furious that I almost hurt an innocent creature on the way to the academy! Once more (for the record) f*ck CHARLES LECROISSANT!!! (or whatever his last name is).
Okay, I feel a little better now. On a lighter note, I now have a dog. He’s currently attempting to eat the sleeve of my jacket. I’m not worried, he can’t quite reach it. Also, I met Carrigan today. His name is Daniel Carrigan and he is the dean of admissions at Narettes Academic School for Boys. I suppose I’ll be meeting him tomorrow as well. He’s hard to get a read on, but regardless he -to and extent- informed me that my dreams spoke the truth. It makes it hard to believe I’m not dreaming right now. Still, I suppose tonight will be the true test of what’s real.
Aden set down his pen and journal looking down the hall at the puppy which was still jumping up trying to bite the sleeve of his jacket. Suddenly it’s jaws latched on and the dog pulled touching the ground and nearly pulling the entire rack down on itself. It was quick though, and just as the rack began to tip the dog darted down the hallway whining and yelping loudly once it heard the loud “Clack!” that sounded once the rack hit the floor. The puppy sprinted with all it’s might leaping into Aden’s lap.
“Whoa whoa, calm down boy,” he said petting the puppy’s head as it slowly settled. He’d already had to change pants once, wash his jacket, and mop. All this because of the puppy’s muddy paws. It had gotten a bath, a bed, and a little bit of dried meat, and after that immediately began to sniff around it’s new home. It yawned again. “I’ll worry about a name for you tomorrow.” Aden told it placing it in the old basket that now had straw from his old pillow and a small quilt nestled in it’s basin. The dog happily settled in until Aden lay down in his own bed and suddenly felt it’s paws on his belly. “Fine, fine just find a spot.” he complained leaning over and blowing out the candle. He felt several licks on his face. Quickly turning away, he threw the quilt he was covered up with over the dog as well and pushed it over making it lie on its side. He heard it turn over on it’s belly and Aden began to rub it’s back and shush it. The puppy settled. Soon after, it’s breathing slowed and it slept. Soon he would sleep too. He knew he would. What he didn’t know is if he wanted to. So many things were happening he didn’t know about that it made things difficult to bother thinking about. For sure though, he knew now that once his eyes did close, he would dream.
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