i ahve creative writing this simester so prepare to be presented with 10 million of my awsum stories in work
The Rasputin Chronicles; the rise of body and soul V1.03
Is that the sky? It was cold, cold and windy. He looked up to the sky and was amazed by its vastness. Millions of pin pricks of light dotted its surface and to him it seemed quite bright. He had heard that after a while a ball of fire would rise and all the land would be covered in a bright light. He decided his best bet would be to get as far as he could and get some shelter before then.
For the first time in his life he stepped out of the cave systems that he called his home, caves that were never ending spiraling and curving around under the surface of the world way down deep to where no one would ever know. For the first time in his life he would travel without a stone roof over head, no familiar stone walls to the sides, nothing but vast open sky.
From what he knew Calimport was said to be three days hard walk from where he was, well he decided, that wont do. He raised his robed hand and his voice came out forming a strange set of resonating words with an almost melodic sound, an outline of a door appeared before him. Stepping through the door the horizon seemed to jump and meet him and he knew that he was now at least 3-4 miles from where he had just been.
Continuing on in this fashion he quickly moved across the wide and vast expanse of sand he had been told was called a desert. It took a mere four castings of his spell to bring him to a large hill that overlooked the coast, a grand city with towering spires was built here and this was his destination. Leave it to humans he muttered, to build in such an undefendable and wide open place.
His fifth casting brought him to the base of the tallest tower along the out skirts of the city. No one saw him appear in the dark corner he chose nor did any one pay any attention to his cloaked form as he walked to the boarded up building to the left of the tower.
When he reached the building he stood before the door and paused for a count of thirty at which time he slightly raised his left arm and snapped his fingers producing a sparkle of light.
Obviously some one was watching from with in the building, within seconds the door was pushed open. A face peeked out and asked, “Are you he?” With a quick glance to make sure that no one was looking the cloaked man threw back his hood revealing long silvery hair which spilled out over his long pointed ears, the most noticeable fact though was the ebony color of his skin. “Yes” he answered in a soft commanding tone,
“I am Rasputin”
_ _ _
_ Five Years later_
Serina hurriedly went to her closet after she heard the servant close the door. From within she removed her most prized positions, her two swords. Each one was masterfully crafted with skill that edged on magic. Her father would give her whatever she wanted and money was never a problem.
Yes, she would miss her father. It was mother that was the problem; she was always demanding and ordering. Oh Serina why don’t you try on this nice dress; Why don’t you put away those silly swords and come have tea with me; Dear you’ll faint of heat in that sun come sit down with me and leave the weapons to the men.
Her mother did not approve of her hobbies and had no faith in her. When she was younger and had asked if she could learn how to fight like she saw the palace guards do her father and mother had said of course you can figuring that she would quickly tire of the rigorous training. Within a week she, a seven year old girl had defeated a twelve year old boy in one on one combat.
A rope made of blankets and bedding was just long enough to let her slide to the ground from her window. She passed through the courtyard and went to the east wall. Her well toned body made not a sound as she scaled the outer wall and pulled herself up on the edge. A hand reached down and helped pull her up. They didn’t even look at each other as she slid over the other side of the wall down a waiting rope. She knew the soldier would be loyal to her commands and as she hit the ground she saw him begin to pull the rope up. Not a bad deal she thought, in exchange for a kiss she had earned a quick and unnoticed route out of the palace, besides the guard wasn’t even bad looking. Thinking of him brought back more memories of her past.
At nine she had asked to learn how to fight with swords, he father of course had said yes but her mother tried to say no. A compromise was made; she could learn fighting as long as she also kept up with her studies on how to be a proper young lady. Serina learned, and she grew, and she mastered both. By fourteen she could best half the guards in the palace and by fifteen she could beat them all. She mastered the difficult forms of two weapon fighting and with her rapier and dagger she was confident that only a master could beat her. At the same time, she could dance better than her teacher, her balance and graceful walk was perfect, although she was quite terrible at poetry.
And here she was, seventeen years old and running away from home. She knew her destination, her passage on a ship was already secured and no one knew her identity.
As she rounded a corner into a dark ally she saw two men conversing, and more importantly a third man sneaking up on the long haired man. Before she could do a thing a club came down over his head and he went down; the short fat man and the man with the club quickly crouched over his body.
With a cry Serina ran towards the two men rapier leading the way. Both reacted faster than she anticipated the fat one pulling a short sword from his belt and the man with the club pulling a small hand crossbow from his hip. Neither man saw the dagger in her right hand, a flick of the wrist propelled it quickly through the air and into the fat mans throat.
A searing hot pain in the left thy brought Serina’s charge to a quick stop and left her barley able to stand. The man seeing his advantage moved in to attack while she was still on uneasy feat but this girl was a lot tougher than she appeared. The tapered blade of her rapier parried the thrust of the short sword he had drawn and using her longer range she backed him off a foot so that he wouldn’t be able to get in close and use his size to advantage.
The two fought back and forth trying to push each advantage and never relenting. Serina knew the man was no novice with his blade. The longer we fight the more blood I lose and the weaker I get. As he suddenly lounged she blocked his thrust to the right but realized to late the it was a feint, the real attack was not with his weapon at all. His hard boot hit her injured leg and sent spikes of pain through her mind flooding her vision with red.
When she opened her eyes the man was crouching over her and undoing the emerald buckle on her belt with a gleam in his eye. There is no way to overpower him, he is bigger and stronger than me, what am I going to do? As she went over ways to get away in her mind she saw a shadow come over the man, it was the one who had been knocked out. He raised the discarded sword of the man she killed and brought the spiked hilt down on the ruffians head creating a sickening Thwock sound.
As the second of the two ruffians fell to the ground the long hair man offered his hand to the Serina. “Thank you for saving me” she said to the man who she thought must be an elf, his ears were long and his face was fair, quite attractive. He wore a short beard from his chin tied with a gold band so he can’t be a poor commoner.
“No problem, as far as I can tell you saved me too; although I don’t quite recall. Who are you may I ask? And if you happen to know would you mind telling me, who am I?”
Bye the gods, that blow to his head must have damaged his memory, what do I do? Well I can’t stay here long and I can’t leave him here, ill take him with me.
“Actually I can, you are my body guard, and we are on our way to the ship which is going to take us to Waterdeep. These men ambushed you and scuffled with me until I was overpowered. You took care of the last one just as I came to, do you really not remember?” she said trying to put on a quizzical look. “Well I remember some things, my name, the fact that I’m a wizard and that I’m in disguise but other than that not a thing.”
“Well then it’s a good thing that I am here to remind you, now lets hurry I don’t want to miss our ship.”
_ _ _
Once they had reached the ship, paid for an additional passenger and got to their cabin they were both ready for bed. Luckily Serina had been carrying a good deal of cash and was able to afford healing at a near by temple as well as the boat passage. He said he had a disguise on, what did he mean by that?
He sat down on the end of her bed and looked at her not knowing what to do, “Now that we are safe, and in private you may remove your disguise.” She stated trying to make it seem as if that was normal procedure, “Yes Mistress.”
He lifted his hands to his ear and removed a small earring which she had never noticed before, once the ring was off his appearance blurred for a second as it went back to what it really was. His long brown hair became pure silver and his eyes went from a pale blue to a crimson red. His skin shade went from a sun-kissed brown to dark black ebony.
Only years of discipline of body and of mind, and practice of never showing your emotions on your face kept Serina from staring at the fact that a Drow elf was sitting next to her.
“See, isn’t that more comfortable?” she said straining to keep surprise and almost fear from touching her voice. “Well it doesn’t really make a difference to me, but if that’s what you wish of me then that is what I do. Mistress I am sorry to tell you this but after looking through my belongings I have realized I do not have my spell book on me, however I do have all my tools for crafting.” Crafting? So he is a wizard who is able to create magic items, this is very useful. If only he wasn’t a Drow, though I guess as long as he respects me and stays hidden that wont be a problem, unless of course he gets his memory back.
“Don’t worry, we will get you to an arcane library in Waterdeep where you will be able to research a few spells and buy some scrolls.” She said, “But more importantly let’s see what you do remember to make sure there are no problems. How about starting with something simple, what is your name and what is mine?”
He looked at her in a studying manor, as if he was trying to bring back a memory from long ago, “My name, my name is Rasputin, yes that is my name. Yours… I’m sorry I can’t remember your name.” Serina chuckled naturally at the joke in her mind, of course you don’t know my name you’ve never met me before. “My name is Serina; however when we are in public the title lady will suffice.” Serina pondered what to say next, deciding to create a simple tale to explain their situation. “Now that we have obtained the two blades,” she said putting her two weapons in front of him, “You will be able to enchant them for me. You haven’t yet told me what we are going to need in order for you to enchant them.” Magic swords! Oh this could be very nice.
“Well I can’t tell you what I need to make your weapons enchanted until you tell me what type of enchantments you want me to place upon them. There are many things I could do right now, while other things would require exotic materials.”
“We agreed that the best idea was to give my dagger the capability to return to my hand after I throw it, as well as to make my foes blood run cold and their breath catch with a chill of mind numbing frost. The rapier has always been a weapon designed for speed, and you gave me the idea of making it even faster and to at the same time curse my opponents with slow movement.”
While at first Rasputin had worn a smooth grin of confidence on his face at the task he was being handed he now possessed a some what sunken look appearing none to eager to take up the job. “Half of those are quite basic enchantments which will bring me no problem, but the others are not so simple. I hope you have vast connections Mistress because if we intended to do this then we need to find a wyrm.”
A puzzled look came across Serina’s face, “A wyrm? You never mention a wyrm before, and what exactly is a wyrm?” Rasputin’s grave expression was quite foreboding, “We need to travel far to the north, from there we must venture off into the vast wildness and find the lair of a white dragon. We must slay the beast; I need its hairs, its scales, and most important its heart.”
“A dragon! How are we going to kill a dra” Serina was cut off by Rasputin quickly raising his hand in front of her. His head cocked slightly back and his eyes rolled up in his head as he began to mutter words in a language Serina didn’t understand. Is he casting a spell on me? Only one way to find out, if he isn’t and I do something my cover is blown so I’m just gonna have to find out.
Rasputin lowered his arm and looked at Serina, “Some one was trying to look at us through magic, I prevented them from doing so. I was able to use the traces of magic to follow the trail to an old mage waiting with a man in what looked to be royal garb; do you know who this may have been?” “Yes” replied Serina, “That would have been my father trying to find me. No doubt he already has men tracking us and the wizard must have been Galvander my father’s old friend from his adventuring days. Did they see us?”
“See us? My lady you are talking to one of the most gifted mages in all of Fearune, no mere man could scry upon me without my knowing of it. I am most capable of protecting my self and shielding the images so they never see a thing” Serina’s expression changed to one less alarmed and almost to what it had been before, “So we are safe?” “Safe? I never said that, they know exactly where we are. The target of the scrying was you not me and so I didn’t detect it until much too late. You can bet that there will be an army on our trail within an hour. And may I ask how you are with a Drow like my self? No surface dweller hasn’t heard stories of the evil Drow, or how dangerous we are. You can bet your father has heard them to so you can make that two armies on our trail”
“Well, I met you no more than a year ago and circumstances forced us to help each other. Since then we have been traveling together with you posing as my body guard” Serina lied smoothly. If he keeps asking these pointed questions he will figure out something isn’t right pretty fast, that is if he hasn’t already.
_ _ _
They have a three day lead on me but that doesn’t matter, I know where they are going to land. He has surfaced again, this wandering Drow wizard. Last time I tracked him down it was in Thay now he is traveling with her. Quite a coincidence my prior pray traveling with my new assignment, well no point complaining about an easy job.
He knows he can’t beat me. I live to kill his kind, no wizard can beat me. She’s said to be rather good with a blade but that won’t help her against his magic. How did he kidnap a princess?
_ _ _
The sea journey was uneventful and time passed slowly. Serina spent most of her time watching the sailors and talking with them trying to learn as much as she could, she always tried to learn as much as she could never knowing when it could come in handy. The long hours after dark before sleep were spent in conversation between Serina and Rasputin each trying to learn more about the other. Rasputin would eagerly tell Serina fascinating stories of his homeland.
Rasputin told Serina the story of his exile from his home and why he wondered the surface of the world. As a boy he had grown like any boy in his land, learning to fear the females and always keep his head low. When his gift of magic had manifested itself his mother immediately had him sent off to learn the ways of magic. After years of training Rasputin had emerged a very accomplished mage in the arts of magical creation which had pleased his mother greatly, and caused her to banish him.
He hadn’t really been banished; his mother had simply used that as a cover story to send him to the surface. She called it a “sacrifice to our goddess.” In reality he had been sent to obtain certain items and craft a few specific things, when this was completed he was to return home. However on the surface world he had found freedom from the oppressive rein of the matriarchs of his homeland and had no desire to return.
He told her next of his brother, who for the last 3 years had been tracking him and trying to get him to come back or just to kill him. Rasputin knew his brother, he knew what his brother was and had, and he knew his only chance was to run.
Rasputin’s brother Dimir had been born with a strange relation to magic. For some reason he could shrug off magical effects that would cripple or kill others and minor magic harmlessly bounced off him. Dimir had spent the better part of 50 years training to perfect his techniques of sneaking, fighting, and at least a decade devoted to the magical arts. His unique fighting style and abilities had earned him a place of honored fear in the hearts of all who practiced magic, he was commonly known as “the Anti-Mage.”
Serina’s first sight of Waterdeep harbor almost took her breath away. While Calimport was no small city the port of Waterdeep was a very different story; the buildings, ships, and dock were immense in size. Most things were also in near mint condition showing the wealth and power of the city and its inhabitants.
“Wow” Serina said with admiration as she gazed upon the city for the first time.
Rasputin only laughed having seen the city many times in his time on the surface. “We need to get to the library as soon as we can” he said when the got off the ship. Serina looked at him somewhat uncomfortably as the walked down the street; there are so many people around, what if one of them can see through his magic? What will happen to me if I am caught with a Drow?
They spent an inter week letting Rasputin do his research at the library. “I never knew there was a fee to use a library” Serina remarked as Rasputin grumbled to himself about the “arm and a leg” it was costing him to do his work. “Of course you’ve never had to pay to use a library, in public libraries they don’t need to pay guards to watch and make sure the wrong people aren’t reading the wrong books, were that to happen BOOM! They could end up blowing up half the city” Serina looked at him, “you really mean there’s stuff in there that could allow you to blow up half a city?” Rasputin looked at her slyly, “No there’s just high paid elite guards with magic protection gear in there for no reason”
“Serina I’ve been thinking, I know you wanted your swords enchanted but to me killing a dragon seems like a lot of work. Not just work but dangerous and difficult work. While I was out I met some contacts of mine and came up with a much easier plan.” Serina had a puzzled look on her face. “And what would that be?”
“My contacts have offered a trade; if we secure a few of these items they will get us a white dragon egg. A newly hatched dragon is no trouble to deal with and the things we require will be just as potent if taken from a young dragon.” Rasputin handed Serina a paper with a list on it;
To –R
This is what we have agreed on
1 invisibility ring
3 magic enhanced silver daggers
The tail of an imp
In return for
The egg of a white dragon
-C
“But where are we ever going to get these things?” Serina said as she handed him back the list. “You forget m’ lady magic items are my specialty and these things are quite simple items which I can forge in under 2 days.”
A baby dragon? I don’t care if their kind are evil, how can he speak so coldly of killing a newborn?
“And the tail of an imp? No hellion devil will willingly give you its tail that we will have to acquire by force will we not?” Serina said, “I feel as if I’m in the children’s story where the child must get and items but has to make many trades to get what that person wants in return.”
Rasputin’s deep laugh put her more at ease, “The tail of an imp doesn’t mean the tail of an imp, it’s a code phrase. The tail is referring to the soul of something and imp is a common Drow insult used when referring to surface elves. The two numbers above it; one and three, mean one female and three male. The other items will have the souls contained within them. Were this note to have gotten to the wrong people there would be no great problem, white dragon eggs are not only a common component in clerical healing but they are also considered a culinary delicacy. A high payment is always expected for things such as that and the most concentrated form of physical payment is in magic items. However, was it to have been blatantly written souls, there would be a very large amount of effort expended into finding the source of this note and very alert guards.”
Souls! What kind of monster is this man? He speaks of such things with no regard as if they were trivial and meant nothing. The next thing he will be telling me is that it will be easier to get the souls from unborn children or something like that
“Just how are we supposed to capture souls? And by we I mean you because I want no part in that, it makes me feel dirty just thinking of it” Serina said. “If you want no part in it thats fine. I can do it simply enough, but while I am taking care of it I will need you to start looking for a new place for us to stay, preferably on the other side of the city.”
“Why?” Rasputin shrugged his shoulders, “My brother is still tracking me, well us now, and it’s not a good idea to stay to long in the same place. This ways its harder for him to find a location where we currently are and leaves him safely behind us trying to figure out where we go next.”
Well that makes sense; ok I guess I can find a new place for us to stay.” Serina agreed. “Of course it makes sense, and when you consider that I know my brother followed me here today you will see why it is necessary for you to take my hand at this time.”
“Wait are you telling me he followed you here? Right here? To this house! Why haven’t you said anything before?” Serina moved forward and took his hand, “And why must I hold your hand?”
“Because, we are leaving. I would advise closing your eyes.” Rasputin said as he began to chant words in that deep and mystical tongue she had heard before. She closed her eyes as he had suggested but that seemed to draw the sound of what he was saying right up next to her ears. The sounds seemed to pulsate in her head and make her thoughts muddle and stall before they were fully formed. The world tipped sideways and then the floor dropped out from underneath her feet. Just when she thought she would fall over Serina felt a firm hand on her back and a steady floor under her feet again.
“What the hell was that?” Serina said when she finally regained her balance and no longer felt like speaking would cause her to lose her lunch. “That was a bouncing teleportation spell which moved use through two random teleportations before going where we actually intended to go. Making it impossible to track where we went.”
“Oh. It felt like I was being spun around and tossed over a waterfall.” Serina said as she followed his lead and began walking towards a large bright yellow panted building.
_ _ _
So he saw me following him? That’s ok, he still doesn’t know that I’m tracking her and not him. As long as she keeps that sword I can find her if she walks to the end of the earth. Mother will be pleased when I bring them both back with me
I still wonder she would want a useless human girl but obviously there is something special about her if he has taken her too. What could it be?
_ _ _
Every three days they changed where they were staying again. They never saw Dimir again but they knew he was out there looking for them. Every day Rasputin would go out and do what he called his “work”. Serina spent her days wandering the city seeing if she could find there next place to go.
They spent a total of twelve days in Waterdeep, after which time Rasputin said they had everything they needed and showed Serina a large egg with blue veins that seemed to pulsate. Using another teleportation spell they traveled to the elven city of Silverymoon.
“Where are we?” Serina asked as they’re bouncing ride came to and end. Around them there were beautiful trees rising over a hundred feet in the air. Several people were staring at them; they had teleported right into the center of a market area with people all around them.
“Silverymoon,” Rasputin replied. “I have a friend here who can help us with our little forging. He’s an old dwarf with a gruff manner but if you ignore half of what he says you’ll find him a decent enough disposition.”
They walked for over half an hour. They passed several places where by the last light of day large crowds sat listening to elven poets reading in their sing song voices. Rasputin just shook his head at each of these and continued on his way. As the sun sank farther into the hills in the distance Serina saw that they were headed towards a large rock that had a chimney coming out of the top and a coil of smoke rose into the evening sky.
The surface of the building had a large round stone protruding from it, upon this stone was a small handle a little below waist height; a handle at the perfect height for a dwarf. When Rasputin turned the handle the rock seems to roll on its own out of the way, whatever gears it was on moved it silently and as soon as the door opened a thin line of smoke trickled out of it as well.
Rasputin led Serina inside; they had to wined their way through shelves full of strange metal devices. Other shelves held glass jars with unmentionable things floating in them or beautiful jewelry and a large assortment of other random objects.
An old wrinkled dwarf sat behind a large table, in front of him sat a large plate of ham and potatoes; he sat leaned back in his chair with a large pipe in his mouth. It was from the pipe that all the smoke was coming
No way all that smoke is coming from that pipe, I thought we would walk in here and find a dwarf standing over a flaming forge not this pot bellied old thing with a pipe as thick as my arm.
“Well lookie here, if it ain’t the pipsqueak o’ an elf with a pretty lass. Tiss been along time sense I’ seen ye’ hear boy, what ya be doin?” the old dwarf croaked in a raspy voice. “I came to you with alittle somthin’ I though ye might be intres’ed in.” Rasputin said mocking the dwarf’s accent. “Oi’? And what sorta thing might that be, not this girle here she to young for my taste and she ain’t got no beard on ‘er chin.”
From the deep pocket of his cloak Rasputin produced the dragon’s egg and held it out to the dwarf. The dwarves eyes light up and opened to the size of two large gleaming coins, “That’sa dragon egg that is! Where ye’ be getting a thing like that?” the dwarf said in an exited voice. “Never mind where I got it, I need you to help me hatch it.” Rasputin replied calmly. “Hatch it! But that’sa white dragon egg, what’cha be wantin a white dragon for?”
Rasputin only smiled, “My dear friend do you really think I can tell you that? You know how the business is.” The dwarf sighed heavily, “Yeah I kno’ but I couldn’t help me self. I may deal with rare items but that there is a true jewel. I ain’t seen a dragons egg in many a long year. Well if ye want to hatch it come this way we’ll set’el it in the forge to keep it warm. They don’t take long once ye’ get um warm.”
They walked to the back of the room where there was a door leading to the back of the shop. The dwarf produced a key from his pocket, after unlocking the door he stepped to the side and bowed his head, “Ladies first me perty lass.” Rasputin shook his head, “I thought you said she was to young for your taste?” The dwarf nodded his head as he pointed to the door “Aye ye’ right about that, to tall too. But Oi’ thought she’d be just the right ‘ight for ‘im.”
Rasputin gasped when he saw Dimir standing behind the door Serina had just opened; he held a long knife out to her neck. “Hello brother, don’t you think its time to go home now?” Dimir took a step back drawing Serina with him, he rapped his arm around her middle, “Hurry up now, don’t be late.”
_ _ _
Now your mine little brother, now your mine. I have your girl and in seconds ill be gone and there’s nothing you can do to stop me. Your magic cant hurt me, and the dwarf is on my side. I win little brother, I win.
_ _ _
Why is he holding me? Where is he going? Oh no! I can hear him he’s casting a spell. That’s the spell Rasputin always uses the one that you’re not supposed to be able to follow. “Save me!”
_ _ _
No he can’t take her! She’s mine. I need her; no he can’t take her she means too much to me. But what can I do? I can’t touch him with magic, what can I do? …
Nothing, but the dwarf can, and he’s not protected from my magic. At least I hope he isn’t.
According to what I learned, there are exactly four acceptable ways to start a story.
1. Start with action. Something happens - a shot rings out, a car speeds away, vicious dog attacks person, etc. 2. Start with dialogue. Having a character talk, especially when he has something interesting to say, throws us in the middle of action at once. 3. State an important background fact. At the age of 12, I broke my arm while playing hockey. And though it almost completely healed, the pain still bothers me during cold winter nights. 4. Make a statement so outrageous that the reader simply has to know what happens next. On his way to paradise, Marvin had to make a pit stop.
Now, I don't claim to know everything there is to know about writing. Maybe someday someone will discover a 5th effective way to start a story. One thing however is certain - making an offhand comment about the weather is not it. You run a serious risk to turn off the reader right there and then.
The first thing i learned is that there are NO set rules to writing a story, do it your way if it doesnt work modify it but keep it yours there are no set guidliness to how you can write a story
Ok story updated tell me what you think
still not done im really lazy and the story isnt actualy due till the end of the simester
I think my stories to long and no one wants to read the whole thing
OMG sorry i double posted i ment to hit edit on my last message but i hit reply
: ( i guess im kinnda dumb for not noticing that the old text was missing from the edit window sorry
The first thing i learned is that there are NO set rules to writing a story, do it your way if it doesnt work modify it but keep it yours there are no set guidliness to how you can write a story
Its not "his" way is a general writing tool. There are no rules or guildlines, just tools. It was discovered that a story is more interesting if you start with one of Puchik's examples. Technically your opening would fall under number 4, yet it just isn't very effective at grabbing the readers attention.
I'm still working on the story. Its semi-long, and my reading software reads slowly.
The Rasputin Chronicles; the rise of body and soul V1.03
Is that the sky?
It was cold, cold and windy. He looked up to the sky and was amazed by its vastness. Millions of pin pricks of light dotted its surface and to him it seemed quite bright. He had heard that after a while a ball of fire would rise and all the land would be covered in a bright light. He decided his best bet would be to get as far as he could and get some shelter before then.
For the first time in his life he stepped out of the cave systems that he called his home, caves that were never ending spiraling and curving around under the surface of the world way down deep to where no one would ever know. For the first time in his life he would travel without a stone roof over head, no familiar stone walls to the sides, nothing but vast open sky.
From what he knew Calimport was said to be three days hard walk from where he was, well he decided, that wont do. He raised his robed hand and his voice came out forming a strange set of resonating words with an almost melodic sound, an outline of a door appeared before him. Stepping through the door the horizon seemed to jump and meet him and he knew that he was now at least 3-4 miles from where he had just been.
Continuing on in this fashion he quickly moved across the wide and vast expanse of sand he had been told was called a desert. It took a mere four castings of his spell to bring him to a large hill that overlooked the coast, a grand city with towering spires was built here and this was his destination. Leave it to humans he muttered, to build in such an undefendable and wide open place.
His fifth casting brought him to the base of the tallest tower along the out skirts of the city. No one saw him appear in the dark corner he chose nor did any one pay any attention to his cloaked form as he walked to the boarded up building to the left of the tower.
When he reached the building he stood before the door and paused for a count of thirty at which time he slightly raised his left arm and snapped his fingers producing a sparkle of light.
Obviously some one was watching from with in the building, within seconds the door was pushed open. A face peeked out and asked, “Are you he?” With a quick glance to make sure that no one was looking the cloaked man threw back his hood revealing long silvery hair which spilled out over his long pointed ears, the most noticeable fact though was the ebony color of his skin. “Yes” he answered in a soft commanding tone,
“I am Rasputin”
_ _ _
_ Five Years later_
Serina hurriedly went to her closet after she heard the servant close the door. From within she removed her most prized positions, her two swords. Each one was masterfully crafted with skill that edged on magic. Her father would give her whatever she wanted and money was never a problem.
Yes, she would miss her father. It was mother that was the problem; she was always demanding and ordering. Oh Serina why don’t you try on this nice dress; Why don’t you put away those silly swords and come have tea with me; Dear you’ll faint of heat in that sun come sit down with me and leave the weapons to the men.
Her mother did not approve of her hobbies and had no faith in her. When she was younger and had asked if she could learn how to fight like she saw the palace guards do her father and mother had said of course you can figuring that she would quickly tire of the rigorous training. Within a week she, a seven year old girl had defeated a twelve year old boy in one on one combat.
A rope made of blankets and bedding was just long enough to let her slide to the ground from her window. She passed through the courtyard and went to the east wall. Her well toned body made not a sound as she scaled the outer wall and pulled herself up on the edge. A hand reached down and helped pull her up. They didn’t even look at each other as she slid over the other side of the wall down a waiting rope. She knew the soldier would be loyal to her commands and as she hit the ground she saw him begin to pull the rope up. Not a bad deal she thought, in exchange for a kiss she had earned a quick and unnoticed route out of the palace, besides the guard wasn’t even bad looking. Thinking of him brought back more memories of her past.
At nine she had asked to learn how to fight with swords, he father of course had said yes but her mother tried to say no. A compromise was made; she could learn fighting as long as she also kept up with her studies on how to be a proper young lady. Serina learned, and she grew, and she mastered both. By fourteen she could best half the guards in the palace and by fifteen she could beat them all. She mastered the difficult forms of two weapon fighting and with her rapier and dagger she was confident that only a master could beat her. At the same time, she could dance better than her teacher, her balance and graceful walk was perfect, although she was quite terrible at poetry.
And here she was, seventeen years old and running away from home. She knew her destination, her passage on a ship was already secured and no one knew her identity.
As she rounded a corner into a dark ally she saw two men conversing, and more importantly a third man sneaking up on the long haired man. Before she could do a thing a club came down over his head and he went down; the short fat man and the man with the club quickly crouched over his body.
With a cry Serina ran towards the two men rapier leading the way. Both reacted faster than she anticipated the fat one pulling a short sword from his belt and the man with the club pulling a small hand crossbow from his hip. Neither man saw the dagger in her right hand, a flick of the wrist propelled it quickly through the air and into the fat mans throat.
A searing hot pain in the left thy brought Serina’s charge to a quick stop and left her barley able to stand. The man seeing his advantage moved in to attack while she was still on uneasy feat but this girl was a lot tougher than she appeared. The tapered blade of her rapier parried the thrust of the short sword he had drawn and using her longer range she backed him off a foot so that he wouldn’t be able to get in close and use his size to advantage.
The two fought back and forth trying to push each advantage and never relenting. Serina knew the man was no novice with his blade. The longer we fight the more blood I lose and the weaker I get. As he suddenly lounged she blocked his thrust to the right but realized to late the it was a feint, the real attack was not with his weapon at all. His hard boot hit her injured leg and sent spikes of pain through her mind flooding her vision with red.
When she opened her eyes the man was crouching over her and undoing the emerald buckle on her belt with a gleam in his eye. There is no way to overpower him, he is bigger and stronger than me, what am I going to do? As she went over ways to get away in her mind she saw a shadow come over the man, it was the one who had been knocked out. He raised the discarded sword of the man she killed and brought the spiked hilt down on the ruffians head creating a sickening Thwock sound.
As the second of the two ruffians fell to the ground the long hair man offered his hand to the Serina. “Thank you for saving me” she said to the man who she thought must be an elf, his ears were long and his face was fair, quite attractive. He wore a short beard from his chin tied with a gold band so he can’t be a poor commoner.
“No problem, as far as I can tell you saved me too; although I don’t quite recall. Who are you may I ask? And if you happen to know would you mind telling me, who am I?”
Bye the gods, that blow to his head must have damaged his memory, what do I do? Well I can’t stay here long and I can’t leave him here, ill take him with me.
“Actually I can, you are my body guard, and we are on our way to the ship which is going to take us to Waterdeep. These men ambushed you and scuffled with me until I was overpowered. You took care of the last one just as I came to, do you really not remember?” she said trying to put on a quizzical look. “Well I remember some things, my name, the fact that I’m a wizard and that I’m in disguise but other than that not a thing.”
“Well then it’s a good thing that I am here to remind you, now lets hurry I don’t want to miss our ship.”
_ _ _
Once they had reached the ship, paid for an additional passenger and got to their cabin they were both ready for bed. Luckily Serina had been carrying a good deal of cash and was able to afford healing at a near by temple as well as the boat passage. He said he had a disguise on, what did he mean by that?
He sat down on the end of her bed and looked at her not knowing what to do, “Now that we are safe, and in private you may remove your disguise.” She stated trying to make it seem as if that was normal procedure, “Yes Mistress.”
He lifted his hands to his ear and removed a small earring which she had never noticed before, once the ring was off his appearance blurred for a second as it went back to what it really was. His long brown hair became pure silver and his eyes went from a pale blue to a crimson red. His skin shade went from a sun-kissed brown to dark black ebony.
Only years of discipline of body and of mind, and practice of never showing your emotions on your face kept Serina from staring at the fact that a Drow elf was sitting next to her.
“See, isn’t that more comfortable?” she said straining to keep surprise and almost fear from touching her voice. “Well it doesn’t really make a difference to me, but if that’s what you wish of me then that is what I do. Mistress I am sorry to tell you this but after looking through my belongings I have realized I do not have my spell book on me, however I do have all my tools for crafting.” Crafting? So he is a wizard who is able to create magic items, this is very useful. If only he wasn’t a Drow, though I guess as long as he respects me and stays hidden that wont be a problem, unless of course he gets his memory back.
“Don’t worry, we will get you to an arcane library in Waterdeep where you will be able to research a few spells and buy some scrolls.” She said, “But more importantly let’s see what you do remember to make sure there are no problems. How about starting with something simple, what is your name and what is mine?”
He looked at her in a studying manor, as if he was trying to bring back a memory from long ago, “My name, my name is Rasputin, yes that is my name. Yours… I’m sorry I can’t remember your name.” Serina chuckled naturally at the joke in her mind, of course you don’t know my name you’ve never met me before. “My name is Serina; however when we are in public the title lady will suffice.” Serina pondered what to say next, deciding to create a simple tale to explain their situation. “Now that we have obtained the two blades,” she said putting her two weapons in front of him, “You will be able to enchant them for me. You haven’t yet told me what we are going to need in order for you to enchant them.” Magic swords! Oh this could be very nice.
“Well I can’t tell you what I need to make your weapons enchanted until you tell me what type of enchantments you want me to place upon them. There are many things I could do right now, while other things would require exotic materials.”
“We agreed that the best idea was to give my dagger the capability to return to my hand after I throw it, as well as to make my foes blood run cold and their breath catch with a chill of mind numbing frost. The rapier has always been a weapon designed for speed, and you gave me the idea of making it even faster and to at the same time curse my opponents with slow movement.”
While at first Rasputin had worn a smooth grin of confidence on his face at the task he was being handed he now possessed a some what sunken look appearing none to eager to take up the job. “Half of those are quite basic enchantments which will bring me no problem, but the others are not so simple. I hope you have vast connections Mistress because if we intended to do this then we need to find a wyrm.”
A puzzled look came across Serina’s face, “A wyrm? You never mention a wyrm before, and what exactly is a wyrm?” Rasputin’s grave expression was quite foreboding, “We need to travel far to the north, from there we must venture off into the vast wildness and find the lair of a white dragon. We must slay the beast; I need its hairs, its scales, and most important its heart.”
“A dragon! How are we going to kill a dra” Serina was cut off by Rasputin quickly raising his hand in front of her. His head cocked slightly back and his eyes rolled up in his head as he began to mutter words in a language Serina didn’t understand. Is he casting a spell on me? Only one way to find out, if he isn’t and I do something my cover is blown so I’m just gonna have to find out.
Rasputin lowered his arm and looked at Serina, “Some one was trying to look at us through magic, I prevented them from doing so. I was able to use the traces of magic to follow the trail to an old mage waiting with a man in what looked to be royal garb; do you know who this may have been?” “Yes” replied Serina, “That would have been my father trying to find me. No doubt he already has men tracking us and the wizard must have been Galvander my father’s old friend from his adventuring days. Did they see us?”
“See us? My lady you are talking to one of the most gifted mages in all of Fearune, no mere man could scry upon me without my knowing of it. I am most capable of protecting my self and shielding the images so they never see a thing” Serina’s expression changed to one less alarmed and almost to what it had been before, “So we are safe?” “Safe? I never said that, they know exactly where we are. The target of the scrying was you not me and so I didn’t detect it until much too late. You can bet that there will be an army on our trail within an hour. And may I ask how you are with a Drow like my self? No surface dweller hasn’t heard stories of the evil Drow, or how dangerous we are. You can bet your father has heard them to so you can make that two armies on our trail”
“Well, I met you no more than a year ago and circumstances forced us to help each other. Since then we have been traveling together with you posing as my body guard” Serina lied smoothly. If he keeps asking these pointed questions he will figure out something isn’t right pretty fast, that is if he hasn’t already.
_ _ _
They have a three day lead on me but that doesn’t matter, I know where they are going to land. He has surfaced again, this wandering Drow wizard. Last time I tracked him down it was in Thay now he is traveling with her. Quite a coincidence my prior pray traveling with my new assignment, well no point complaining about an easy job.
He knows he can’t beat me. I live to kill his kind, no wizard can beat me. She’s said to be rather good with a blade but that won’t help her against his magic. How did he kidnap a princess?
_ _ _
The sea journey was uneventful and time passed slowly. Serina spent most of her time watching the sailors and talking with them trying to learn as much as she could, she always tried to learn as much as she could never knowing when it could come in handy. The long hours after dark before sleep were spent in conversation between Serina and Rasputin each trying to learn more about the other. Rasputin would eagerly tell Serina fascinating stories of his homeland.
Rasputin told Serina the story of his exile from his home and why he wondered the surface of the world. As a boy he had grown like any boy in his land, learning to fear the females and always keep his head low. When his gift of magic had manifested itself his mother immediately had him sent off to learn the ways of magic. After years of training Rasputin had emerged a very accomplished mage in the arts of magical creation which had pleased his mother greatly, and caused her to banish him.
He hadn’t really been banished; his mother had simply used that as a cover story to send him to the surface. She called it a “sacrifice to our goddess.” In reality he had been sent to obtain certain items and craft a few specific things, when this was completed he was to return home. However on the surface world he had found freedom from the oppressive rein of the matriarchs of his homeland and had no desire to return.
He told her next of his brother, who for the last 3 years had been tracking him and trying to get him to come back or just to kill him. Rasputin knew his brother, he knew what his brother was and had, and he knew his only chance was to run.
Rasputin’s brother Dimir had been born with a strange relation to magic. For some reason he could shrug off magical effects that would cripple or kill others and minor magic harmlessly bounced off him. Dimir had spent the better part of 50 years training to perfect his techniques of sneaking, fighting, and at least a decade devoted to the magical arts. His unique fighting style and abilities had earned him a place of honored fear in the hearts of all who practiced magic, he was commonly known as “the Anti-Mage.”
Serina’s first sight of Waterdeep harbor almost took her breath away. While Calimport was no small city the port of Waterdeep was a very different story; the buildings, ships, and dock were immense in size. Most things were also in near mint condition showing the wealth and power of the city and its inhabitants.
“Wow” Serina said with admiration as she gazed upon the city for the first time.
Rasputin only laughed having seen the city many times in his time on the surface. “We need to get to the library as soon as we can” he said when the got off the ship. Serina looked at him somewhat uncomfortably as the walked down the street; there are so many people around, what if one of them can see through his magic? What will happen to me if I am caught with a Drow?
They spent an inter week letting Rasputin do his research at the library. “I never knew there was a fee to use a library” Serina remarked as Rasputin grumbled to himself about the “arm and a leg” it was costing him to do his work. “Of course you’ve never had to pay to use a library, in public libraries they don’t need to pay guards to watch and make sure the wrong people aren’t reading the wrong books, were that to happen BOOM! They could end up blowing up half the city” Serina looked at him, “you really mean there’s stuff in there that could allow you to blow up half a city?” Rasputin looked at her slyly, “No there’s just high paid elite guards with magic protection gear in there for no reason”
“Serina I’ve been thinking, I know you wanted your swords enchanted but to me killing a dragon seems like a lot of work. Not just work but dangerous and difficult work. While I was out I met some contacts of mine and came up with a much easier plan.” Serina had a puzzled look on her face. “And what would that be?”
“My contacts have offered a trade; if we secure a few of these items they will get us a white dragon egg. A newly hatched dragon is no trouble to deal with and the things we require will be just as potent if taken from a young dragon.” Rasputin handed Serina a paper with a list on it;
To –R
This is what we have agreed on
1 invisibility ring
3 magic enhanced silver daggers
The tail of an imp
In return for
The egg of a white dragon
-C
“But where are we ever going to get these things?” Serina said as she handed him back the list. “You forget m’ lady magic items are my specialty and these things are quite simple items which I can forge in under 2 days.”
A baby dragon? I don’t care if their kind are evil, how can he speak so coldly of killing a newborn?
“And the tail of an imp? No hellion devil will willingly give you its tail that we will have to acquire by force will we not?” Serina said, “I feel as if I’m in the children’s story where the child must get and items but has to make many trades to get what that person wants in return.”
Rasputin’s deep laugh put her more at ease, “The tail of an imp doesn’t mean the tail of an imp, it’s a code phrase. The tail is referring to the soul of something and imp is a common Drow insult used when referring to surface elves. The two numbers above it; one and three, mean one female and three male. The other items will have the souls contained within them. Were this note to have gotten to the wrong people there would be no great problem, white dragon eggs are not only a common component in clerical healing but they are also considered a culinary delicacy. A high payment is always expected for things such as that and the most concentrated form of physical payment is in magic items. However, was it to have been blatantly written souls, there would be a very large amount of effort expended into finding the source of this note and very alert guards.”
Souls! What kind of monster is this man? He speaks of such things with no regard as if they were trivial and meant nothing. The next thing he will be telling me is that it will be easier to get the souls from unborn children or something like that
“Just how are we supposed to capture souls? And by we I mean you because I want no part in that, it makes me feel dirty just thinking of it” Serina said.
“If you want no part in it thats fine. I can do it simply enough, but while I am taking care of it I will need you to start looking for a new place for us to stay, preferably on the other side of the city.”
“Why?” Rasputin shrugged his shoulders, “My brother is still tracking me, well us now, and it’s not a good idea to stay to long in the same place. This ways its harder for him to find a location where we currently are and leaves him safely behind us trying to figure out where we go next.”
Well that makes sense; ok I guess I can find a new place for us to stay.” Serina agreed. “Of course it makes sense, and when you consider that I know my brother followed me here today you will see why it is necessary for you to take my hand at this time.”
“Wait are you telling me he followed you here? Right here? To this house! Why haven’t you said anything before?” Serina moved forward and took his hand, “And why must I hold your hand?”
“Because, we are leaving. I would advise closing your eyes.” Rasputin said as he began to chant words in that deep and mystical tongue she had heard before. She closed her eyes as he had suggested but that seemed to draw the sound of what he was saying right up next to her ears. The sounds seemed to pulsate in her head and make her thoughts muddle and stall before they were fully formed. The world tipped sideways and then the floor dropped out from underneath her feet. Just when she thought she would fall over Serina felt a firm hand on her back and a steady floor under her feet again.
“What the hell was that?” Serina said when she finally regained her balance and no longer felt like speaking would cause her to lose her lunch. “That was a bouncing teleportation spell which moved use through two random teleportations before going where we actually intended to go. Making it impossible to track where we went.”
“Oh. It felt like I was being spun around and tossed over a waterfall.” Serina said as she followed his lead and began walking towards a large bright yellow panted building.
_ _ _
So he saw me following him? That’s ok, he still doesn’t know that I’m tracking her and not him. As long as she keeps that sword I can find her if she walks to the end of the earth. Mother will be pleased when I bring them both back with me
I still wonder she would want a useless human girl but obviously there is something special about her if he has taken her too. What could it be?
_ _ _
Every three days they changed where they were staying again. They never saw Dimir again but they knew he was out there looking for them. Every day Rasputin would go out and do what he called his “work”. Serina spent her days wandering the city seeing if she could find there next place to go.
They spent a total of twelve days in Waterdeep, after which time Rasputin said they had everything they needed and showed Serina a large egg with blue veins that seemed to pulsate. Using another teleportation spell they traveled to the elven city of Silverymoon.
“Where are we?” Serina asked as they’re bouncing ride came to and end. Around them there were beautiful trees rising over a hundred feet in the air. Several people were staring at them; they had teleported right into the center of a market area with people all around them.
“Silverymoon,” Rasputin replied. “I have a friend here who can help us with our little forging. He’s an old dwarf with a gruff manner but if you ignore half of what he says you’ll find him a decent enough disposition.”
They walked for over half an hour. They passed several places where by the last light of day large crowds sat listening to elven poets reading in their sing song voices. Rasputin just shook his head at each of these and continued on his way. As the sun sank farther into the hills in the distance Serina saw that they were headed towards a large rock that had a chimney coming out of the top and a coil of smoke rose into the evening sky.
The surface of the building had a large round stone protruding from it, upon this stone was a small handle a little below waist height; a handle at the perfect height for a dwarf. When Rasputin turned the handle the rock seems to roll on its own out of the way, whatever gears it was on moved it silently and as soon as the door opened a thin line of smoke trickled out of it as well.
Rasputin led Serina inside; they had to wined their way through shelves full of strange metal devices. Other shelves held glass jars with unmentionable things floating in them or beautiful jewelry and a large assortment of other random objects.
An old wrinkled dwarf sat behind a large table, in front of him sat a large plate of ham and potatoes; he sat leaned back in his chair with a large pipe in his mouth. It was from the pipe that all the smoke was coming
No way all that smoke is coming from that pipe, I thought we would walk in here and find a dwarf standing over a flaming forge not this pot bellied old thing with a pipe as thick as my arm.
“Well lookie here, if it ain’t the pipsqueak o’ an elf with a pretty lass. Tiss been along time sense I’ seen ye’ hear boy, what ya be doin?” the old dwarf croaked in a raspy voice. “I came to you with alittle somthin’ I though ye might be intres’ed in.” Rasputin said mocking the dwarf’s accent. “Oi’? And what sorta thing might that be, not this girle here she to young for my taste and she ain’t got no beard on ‘er chin.”
From the deep pocket of his cloak Rasputin produced the dragon’s egg and held it out to the dwarf. The dwarves eyes light up and opened to the size of two large gleaming coins, “That’sa dragon egg that is! Where ye’ be getting a thing like that?” the dwarf said in an exited voice. “Never mind where I got it, I need you to help me hatch it.” Rasputin replied calmly. “Hatch it! But that’sa white dragon egg, what’cha be wantin a white dragon for?”
Rasputin only smiled, “My dear friend do you really think I can tell you that? You know how the business is.” The dwarf sighed heavily, “Yeah I kno’ but I couldn’t help me self. I may deal with rare items but that there is a true jewel. I ain’t seen a dragons egg in many a long year. Well if ye want to hatch it come this way we’ll set’el it in the forge to keep it warm. They don’t take long once ye’ get um warm.”
They walked to the back of the room where there was a door leading to the back of the shop. The dwarf produced a key from his pocket, after unlocking the door he stepped to the side and bowed his head, “Ladies first me perty lass.” Rasputin shook his head, “I thought you said she was to young for your taste?” The dwarf nodded his head as he pointed to the door “Aye ye’ right about that, to tall too. But Oi’ thought she’d be just the right ‘ight for ‘im.”
Rasputin gasped when he saw Dimir standing behind the door Serina had just opened; he held a long knife out to her neck. “Hello brother, don’t you think its time to go home now?” Dimir took a step back drawing Serina with him, he rapped his arm around her middle, “Hurry up now, don’t be late.”
_ _ _
Now your mine little brother, now your mine. I have your girl and in seconds ill be gone and there’s nothing you can do to stop me. Your magic cant hurt me, and the dwarf is on my side. I win little brother, I win.
_ _ _
Why is he holding me? Where is he going? Oh no! I can hear him he’s casting a spell. That’s the spell Rasputin always uses the one that you’re not supposed to be able to follow. “Save me!”
_ _ _
No he can’t take her! She’s mine. I need her; no he can’t take her she means too much to me. But what can I do? I can’t touch him with magic, what can I do? …
Nothing, but the dwarf can, and he’s not protected from my magic. At least I hope he isn’t.
_ _ _
im not done dont complain
Currently working on
B// =34 (Legacy)
R// AggroLoam (Legacy)
B/ Elder dragon highlander, General: Savra, Queen of the Golgari
Team Sexy Decks
Serrephile, US, Mal'ganis, Horde, <zZq>
According to what I learned, there are exactly four acceptable ways to start a story.
1. Start with action. Something happens - a shot rings out, a car speeds away, vicious dog attacks person, etc.
2. Start with dialogue. Having a character talk, especially when he has something interesting to say, throws us in the middle of action at once.
3. State an important background fact. At the age of 12, I broke my arm while playing hockey. And though it almost completely healed, the pain still bothers me during cold winter nights.
4. Make a statement so outrageous that the reader simply has to know what happens next. On his way to paradise, Marvin had to make a pit stop.
Now, I don't claim to know everything there is to know about writing. Maybe someday someone will discover a 5th effective way to start a story. One thing however is certain - making an offhand comment about the weather is not it. You run a serious risk to turn off the reader right there and then.
The first thing i learned is that there are NO set rules to writing a story, do it your way if it doesnt work modify it but keep it yours there are no set guidliness to how you can write a story
Currently working on
B// =34 (Legacy)
R// AggroLoam (Legacy)
B/ Elder dragon highlander, General: Savra, Queen of the Golgari
Team Sexy Decks
Serrephile, US, Mal'ganis, Horde, <zZq>
still not done im really lazy and the story isnt actualy due till the end of the simester
I think my stories to long and no one wants to read the whole thing
OMG sorry i double posted i ment to hit edit on my last message but i hit reply
: ( i guess im kinnda dumb for not noticing that the old text was missing from the edit window sorry
Currently working on
B// =34 (Legacy)
R// AggroLoam (Legacy)
B/ Elder dragon highlander, General: Savra, Queen of the Golgari
Team Sexy Decks
Serrephile, US, Mal'ganis, Horde, <zZq>
Its not "his" way is a general writing tool. There are no rules or guildlines, just tools. It was discovered that a story is more interesting if you start with one of Puchik's examples. Technically your opening would fall under number 4, yet it just isn't very effective at grabbing the readers attention.
I'm still working on the story. Its semi-long, and my reading software reads slowly.