High Treasurer Silverfire of Pian en Luries,
I feel most honoured to have received a letter from your Highness, and impressed that it arrived to this servant's hands quite legible.
This city of Darfix was overrun by monsters and undead, which took us more than two weeks of intense hunting to notice a change in their numbers. The population now starts to leave their houses and we can see that they aren't as few as we first thought, perhaps even thousands. One or two taverns are open, but we hope to see many more resuming business in the next few days. Those people wear colorful clothes, and their skin is somewhat darker than most I have known, perhaps due to the long time they spend in the docks and merchant ships. The docks were the only thing working while the monsters rampaged, and through them we saw the arrival of many mysterious packages, and something strange to my commoner's eyes: stones. The city houses, the palace and the ruined walls are entirely built in stone, all stones that came from across the sea.
As for the Honourable Sir Garret, your Highness, I know not a Sir Garret from Morek, but I did meet a Sir Garret from Shadovar who advised me... he advised me regarding my journey and the safe paths, but we dealt no business. Is there a way in which this servant can serve him, your Highness?
Humbly,
Nina Tai (Freeman)
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
Meeting in Orz
Our woman, or should I say, our wench, and now hunter, was happy to head south, that winter. Her black hair tranced and tucked under a leather cap, while she walked through a snowy trail. It could barely be called a road, but she could imagine a horse trotting his way through.
The rider would have to protect his legs from the bushes, but the horse wouldn't have much trouble with the straight floor, covered with leaves and snow. It was cold, and the night fell when she had not yet arrived to the local village, nor found any of the other hunters on the way. In the distance, our woman could see the faint light of fire, and headed towards it, straying from the path.
Not much went through her mind as she approached the fire, except that she was prepared to do anything she needed to get warmth and protection for the night. Nina was used to the impression she caused on men, and not afraid to use it on her behalf, though she wasn't actually fond of such low course of action. In those days she would still rather use her gentle voice and a smile.
Slowly, Nina approached the fire, to see an old man sitting, covered with many layers of dirty leather and even dirtier wool clothes. He lifted his blue eyes and looked deep in hers. The girl stood still, barely breathing, until he gestured her to sit. A moment later, he told her about his life, and she recognized a wise man. Eating quietly, she listened, and tried to learn. He had also started as a hunter, but slowly developed to a learner.
During the night, I sat by his side and allowed him to caress my hair, while he mentioned his long lost daughter, a beautiful blond woman that denied his existence, or while I showed him the few items I had gathered until now, to listen to his voice explaining about each of them, what I could do with them, and that if I brought him a really special item, he'd gladly fix it for me, if he was still around.
The next morning, he and I went walking together, searching the holes and nests for items, and I could not have said he was such an old man for his attitude. Even as I walked fast, he would easily walk by my side. The morning was fruitful, and I headed town to sell what I could. I kept an empty scroll case, a golden idol and a wolf's hide. The lump of wax was easily sold, but noone accepted the rest of the junk I had to sell. After a fine meal, I went monster hunting. It was easy, for there were many small groups around. At nightfall, the sage and I ate monster flesh together, and he taught me how to cook so it would be edible. Many stories were told, and I told him a little about my own life. About Lucy and Ceorl, about the faint early childhood that I can't recall, about the late childhood in Poryatu.
When I left, in the morning, he allowed me a hug. I just wished I had such a man as a grand father... And left. South awaited me, and now it was time for me to know Cadier. Orz's fishermen villages were charming, but the wind blew too cold in the plains. Hopefully the sage would be fine with his leathers, wools, and potions.
I never knew his name.
The rider would have to protect his legs from the bushes, but the horse wouldn't have much trouble with the straight floor, covered with leaves and snow. It was cold, and the night fell when she had not yet arrived to the local village, nor found any of the other hunters on the way. In the distance, our woman could see the faint light of fire, and headed towards it, straying from the path.
Not much went through her mind as she approached the fire, except that she was prepared to do anything she needed to get warmth and protection for the night. Nina was used to the impression she caused on men, and not afraid to use it on her behalf, though she wasn't actually fond of such low course of action. In those days she would still rather use her gentle voice and a smile.
Slowly, Nina approached the fire, to see an old man sitting, covered with many layers of dirty leather and even dirtier wool clothes. He lifted his blue eyes and looked deep in hers. The girl stood still, barely breathing, until he gestured her to sit. A moment later, he told her about his life, and she recognized a wise man. Eating quietly, she listened, and tried to learn. He had also started as a hunter, but slowly developed to a learner.
During the night, I sat by his side and allowed him to caress my hair, while he mentioned his long lost daughter, a beautiful blond woman that denied his existence, or while I showed him the few items I had gathered until now, to listen to his voice explaining about each of them, what I could do with them, and that if I brought him a really special item, he'd gladly fix it for me, if he was still around.
The next morning, he and I went walking together, searching the holes and nests for items, and I could not have said he was such an old man for his attitude. Even as I walked fast, he would easily walk by my side. The morning was fruitful, and I headed town to sell what I could. I kept an empty scroll case, a golden idol and a wolf's hide. The lump of wax was easily sold, but noone accepted the rest of the junk I had to sell. After a fine meal, I went monster hunting. It was easy, for there were many small groups around. At nightfall, the sage and I ate monster flesh together, and he taught me how to cook so it would be edible. Many stories were told, and I told him a little about my own life. About Lucy and Ceorl, about the faint early childhood that I can't recall, about the late childhood in Poryatu.
When I left, in the morning, he allowed me a hug. I just wished I had such a man as a grand father... And left. South awaited me, and now it was time for me to know Cadier. Orz's fishermen villages were charming, but the wind blew too cold in the plains. Hopefully the sage would be fine with his leathers, wools, and potions.
I never knew his name.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
The first journey southwards
The day I left home was the first day I ever fought a monster by myself. Ceorl and I had pursued monsters and killed a few when they were alone, but this time, I tracked alone, and killed a small pack of them. My instincts were at my skin's surface, while my senses were sharp, and my body, tense. The time seemed to run slower, as I stabbed one of the creatures in the spine, and turned to protect myself from a lateral blow that scratched my arms, but also allowed me to reach its throat.
Monsters stink of dead flesh, especially when they cry.
This time I didn't even look for coins or items, for I was too excited, and didn't yet know they could hold such treasures. Naive, I was. Happy for having killed them, for having helped protecting the small village they were rampaging.
That day was also the day I met Geremiah, for a short time, and handed him a map to the monster's lair. He was starting a career as monster hunter, too. Shortly after, I found my way south.
Nid Tek was beautifully ornated with snow in all the extent of its green pastures. On the horizon to the west I could see the lake, partially frozen. I had a long journey ahead of me until I reached Santoo, so I spent little time exploring, and could find a small room to sleep in. A whole family shared the room with me, and their goat. With my eyes closed, I heard them mentioning the richess of Poryatu, and how their life would be great there. My home had seen better times, and I didn't think they would find any jobs during winter. At least they had the goat, that would be worth some silver.
It was a long night, with winds raging against the small shack's roof. Yet, I could rest, and woke up to another few days of cold and long journey to my goal.
A short stop in Askileon Purlieus did not show me much of the region. I could see there were small fisherman villages to the west, but the east was all fields and snow. The hunt was scarce, but I could eat a bunny. My leather clothing was not enough to keep me warm, but some farmers allowed me to sleep in their cellar.
Santoo was not a surprise. With the recent bounty offered for every monster killed, I met many adventurers seeking fame, and very little monsters in the vicinity. Even the rocky formations, know as monster hideout and hard battlefield, were hiding but a few small groups of them. The cold plains were filled with people holding all sorts of weapons, yelling and hoping for payment.
After a busy day, hunting and tracking in the snow, I went to the taverns to relax. There, I met two young men who had just started, as myself: Doctor and Brandon. Both were also frustrated that there seemed to be little work for us around, and we drank together, and shared the few maps we had. My map drawing skills were increasing slightly, by then. In not three days, we all noticed we were useless, and decided to leave. News reached our ears that the noble armies of the realm were going to a distant city, Giask, to attempt a take over. Over ale and food, we found a few people who had heard of it, from relatives or wandering merchants.
My mind travelled far to imagine the units and banners, and nobles. Mo'Lucy wouldn't be mad at me for going further if I had contact with nobility, and that was all I could think of. Getting to know one of the largest cities in the whole island, someone told us. How full of life it should be! Without much consideration, the three of us hit the road, each by its own, yet sharing the information we could. The search for the Great City. Over simple reasons started my journey further to the south. I was only hoping for monsters to fight, items to find, and a city to absorb. We don't actually have much more to long for, these days.
Monsters stink of dead flesh, especially when they cry.
This time I didn't even look for coins or items, for I was too excited, and didn't yet know they could hold such treasures. Naive, I was. Happy for having killed them, for having helped protecting the small village they were rampaging.
That day was also the day I met Geremiah, for a short time, and handed him a map to the monster's lair. He was starting a career as monster hunter, too. Shortly after, I found my way south.
Nid Tek was beautifully ornated with snow in all the extent of its green pastures. On the horizon to the west I could see the lake, partially frozen. I had a long journey ahead of me until I reached Santoo, so I spent little time exploring, and could find a small room to sleep in. A whole family shared the room with me, and their goat. With my eyes closed, I heard them mentioning the richess of Poryatu, and how their life would be great there. My home had seen better times, and I didn't think they would find any jobs during winter. At least they had the goat, that would be worth some silver.
It was a long night, with winds raging against the small shack's roof. Yet, I could rest, and woke up to another few days of cold and long journey to my goal.
A short stop in Askileon Purlieus did not show me much of the region. I could see there were small fisherman villages to the west, but the east was all fields and snow. The hunt was scarce, but I could eat a bunny. My leather clothing was not enough to keep me warm, but some farmers allowed me to sleep in their cellar.
Santoo was not a surprise. With the recent bounty offered for every monster killed, I met many adventurers seeking fame, and very little monsters in the vicinity. Even the rocky formations, know as monster hideout and hard battlefield, were hiding but a few small groups of them. The cold plains were filled with people holding all sorts of weapons, yelling and hoping for payment.
After a busy day, hunting and tracking in the snow, I went to the taverns to relax. There, I met two young men who had just started, as myself: Doctor and Brandon. Both were also frustrated that there seemed to be little work for us around, and we drank together, and shared the few maps we had. My map drawing skills were increasing slightly, by then. In not three days, we all noticed we were useless, and decided to leave. News reached our ears that the noble armies of the realm were going to a distant city, Giask, to attempt a take over. Over ale and food, we found a few people who had heard of it, from relatives or wandering merchants.
My mind travelled far to imagine the units and banners, and nobles. Mo'Lucy wouldn't be mad at me for going further if I had contact with nobility, and that was all I could think of. Getting to know one of the largest cities in the whole island, someone told us. How full of life it should be! Without much consideration, the three of us hit the road, each by its own, yet sharing the information we could. The search for the Great City. Over simple reasons started my journey further to the south. I was only hoping for monsters to fight, items to find, and a city to absorb. We don't actually have much more to long for, these days.
Monday, March 10, 2008
The beginning
This story comes to you written by a commoner's hand. You might ask how can this commoner read and write, but I cannot answer you either. It seems it was taught to me when I was a young girl, before Mo'Lucy and Da'Ceorl received me in their home, at the age of five. Those five years are a blur in my mind, yet from them came some reading ability, and small writing skills.
You may ask, how am I writing this now, with fine handwriting and almost correctly? But this is another story. By the time my adventure began, I could read little better that at the age of five, from the few books and announcements that I could find, and my writing was maintained barely decent by an old neighbour's request - I would eventually write inventory listings for him.
Enough with the chit chat. This story began in a sunny winter day, not long after the young woman Nina had completed her 20th birthday. After a long day of deliveries, she was going back home, with her mind set on Lucy giving her extra beans that night, and a mounted messenger stopped in the middle of the market square. Our lass stood there, admiring the beautiful horse, so well taken care of, as the man announced loudly that the Count of Santoo would hand out gold for people who helped vanquishing the monsters of his region. It didn't take Nina long. Lucy told her to go and earn her living, and she went, happy to join her first journey. In her bag, just a couple of bandages, leather clothes to help protecting in battle, and a dagger.
That distant day, when I first left home, all I could think was: "I wonder if my hunting skills will be enough against those monsters?" For not a moment I thought that was journey with no coming back... Even when I visited my father, a few weeks later, I knew I could never return. My life was a new one, and he cried to learn that.
You may ask, how am I writing this now, with fine handwriting and almost correctly? But this is another story. By the time my adventure began, I could read little better that at the age of five, from the few books and announcements that I could find, and my writing was maintained barely decent by an old neighbour's request - I would eventually write inventory listings for him.
Enough with the chit chat. This story began in a sunny winter day, not long after the young woman Nina had completed her 20th birthday. After a long day of deliveries, she was going back home, with her mind set on Lucy giving her extra beans that night, and a mounted messenger stopped in the middle of the market square. Our lass stood there, admiring the beautiful horse, so well taken care of, as the man announced loudly that the Count of Santoo would hand out gold for people who helped vanquishing the monsters of his region. It didn't take Nina long. Lucy told her to go and earn her living, and she went, happy to join her first journey. In her bag, just a couple of bandages, leather clothes to help protecting in battle, and a dagger.
That distant day, when I first left home, all I could think was: "I wonder if my hunting skills will be enough against those monsters?" For not a moment I thought that was journey with no coming back... Even when I visited my father, a few weeks later, I knew I could never return. My life was a new one, and he cried to learn that.
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