The City Time Forgot

[CrystallineTears]

OOC: The OOC thread and general background for this story can be found at http://www.literotica.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=27481

IC:

Ariana k'Lar stood at the window of her chamber watching the Morning dawn on the city she so loved. The winds that whipped through the thick barriers of the trees that surrounded Bah'Lin sounded so ominous this morning. The spirits of the Ancients were restless tonight.

With a sigh she turned away. It seemed she never had a moments rest these days, whether it was mediating some dispute or listening to someone's complaint about their neighbor. And now, the Ancients were stirring over some threat they perceived which could only mean that there would be more troubles for her to solve.

The Traders still had not returned either. They were already two weeks overdue from their journey. Nerves were tense as they all waited for their loved ones to return. Most every family had someone or something invested. She herself was awaiting word of her cousin. It was very rare that they were this late returning.

Stepping out of her chambers she made her way to the open garden below, needing a moment in its tranquility to settle her troubled soul before she set about dealing with whatever problems the day held in store for her..

 

[Roland Gilliad]

Shawn Williams, the Outsider, Also Known As "Shadowalker"

*He sighed to himself as he looked up in the darkness, his partner was asleep, but he didnt care, he allowed himself a small, rare smile. FINALLY He would see this place these stange people came from, He didnt know where it was, but by george He would be there when they got there. A theif, Lover, and usual Gentleman, Shawn knew his way around the house, The bedroom, and occassionally, the Marketplace. He picked at his nails using a long silver dagger and waited silently, it sounded as if they were getting closer, hearing murmurs of thanks that they were nearly home, he wouldnt even allow himself the liberty of seeing which way they were going. that was far too risky. He could simply wait. and Wait he would, he allowed himself a......confidant grin, and looked up as he felt the bumps of the end of the road and waited, almost puzzled.....what was going on??*

 

[CrystallineTears]

Ariana

She rubbed her temples with the tips of her fingers, dark lashes brushing across her cheeks as she closed her eyes. Would this day never end? So far, she'd settled and argument between a housewife and a farmer who'd sold her a pair of chickens that had died the next day. Then there was the case of the children who'd been caught tossing rocks Old Shori's shop window and destroyed one of her awful sculptures.. she'd been hard pressed as to whether she should punish the miscreants or reward them. She didn't even want to think about the lovers quarrell that had turned into a brawling match in a public fountain between the girl and her mother, who happened to be arguing over the same man. And to top it all off, she still couldn't rid herself of this cursed headache.

If she had to hear one more problem, she'd pull every last strand of her hair from her head. Ariana could hear several members of the counsel chuckling over her shoulder as they once again examined the remains of Shori's statue, making rude speculations as to what the thing was meant to be.

"You're Highness! You're Highness!" One of her messangers came running down the golden tiled floor of the hall, screeching to a stop just before he landed in her lap. "The Traders! Lord Hari has sent word that they're less than a day away."

It was the first news that had brought a smile to her face in days. Perhaps things were finally starting to look up. But still, she could hear this nagging voice in the back of her head that told her something horrid was coming as well. What it was, she could only wait to discover..

[Edited by CrystallineTears on 03-24-2001 at 04:24 PM]

 

[Dea Artia]

Sabriel

She is the wind that flows gently from tree top to tree top. She is the laughter thats heard with the flow of the river. She is the light streaming in through the leaves, creating a sparkle on the forest ground.

Sabriel stood behind a tree, her hair, the color of autumn leaves, rising and falling with the passing of the wind. Her eyes watched the travelers resting for a moment after a morning of walking. Stepping out into the sunlight, she reached out her hand and brushed her finger tips on the cheek of a man. She had never seen him before and he intrigued her. Hiding her human form, she became a part of the sunlight and bathed him in warmth. She wondered where he and his companion came from, and what he was doing in her forest.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

Shawn Willams The Shadowalker, And Vince Hazzard The Jihad Of The Sword,The Outsiders

*Shawn shifted his head a bit with a smile, and looked up into the sunlight, he could swear he had seen someone, Thank goodness they were hidden enough so that normal people wouldnt catch em, He sighed softly and cracked his neck a bit, thinking to himself on where they were going, he didnt know really, But he knew it would be away from where they had lived. And that was enough, Being Abused by thier parents, Him an his partner Both wanted out of that town, he smiled up at the sun and basked in it abit* Hmm that feels nice...*whispered, his soft amber eyes glowing in the sunlight*

*Vince looked up a little from where he was sleeping and grinned, his bright Blue Eyes flickering* oh hush *Whispered* Or they'll hear us....Mums the word pally o mine....
*they both chuckled and basked in the sun, sittin back to back, they waited* "ya know Vince.....""Yeah buddy?""I wonder what this place'll be like..""I dunno....But im gettin a feelin in my bones...""are ya now?""Yep..""Wonderful..."*They chuckled and waited, both of them curiously wondering about the strange Sunlight*

 

[Moonlight_33]

Aphrodite

Aphrodite watched all, and knew everything, but interfeared very little. Her realm was the one of the heart,and that was where she generaly limited herself to, but she was becoming bored and restless. The two men in the forest captured her attention, and she did not miss the fact that that had captured Sabriel's attention either.

Leaning back against the trunk of a great tree, she watched out of sight of the human eyes. Lifting her hand, she blew a kiss and vanished. Love needed her elswhere.

 

[doctor_insanus]

Mirus Tiriac

Mirus sat in the small garden, head back, letting the gentle breeze wash through his long black hair. The morning had been spent in training, the afternoon in study and meditation. Now, at last, he could relax in solitude.

He knew Ariana was having difficulty in her new role as ruler of the city. She was so young! It was unfair for her to be thrust into such a position, before she had really had any chance to enjoy her youth.

His eyes opened, his lips forming a slight frown. Was it Ariana's misfortune that he lamented... or his own? He drove the thought from his mind. She was his ruler now; the days of being her "big brother" were over. Playing in the streets, running through the fields when they were young, watching her blossom into the beautiful woman she had become...

Sighing, Mirus rose and took a drink from the small well in the center of the garden. The water was cold and clear, and helped soothe him somewhat. Whatever he had once felt for her, she had her responsibilities to her people. As did he.

 

[CrystallineTears]

Ariana

She was free.. free at last from the confinement of the counsel chamber. It seemed more and more of her day was devoted to the task of ruling the city. There was never time to have any fun. No time for her friends and barely enough for herself.

She knew there was nothing to be done about the situation. This was the role chosen for her and she could by no means turn her back on her people. But it didn't mean she had to like it.

She wandered her way out to the garden, it was her favorite place to be when she needed some time away. The solitude and tranquility never failed to put her spirits at ease.

Ariana hadn't been there long before she spied Mirus at the well. She hadn't seen him for longer than a passing glance in nearly a month.The large frond of a particularily old palm acted as screen between them as she watched as he leaned over the bucket atop the cobbled stones and cupped his hands to splash the cool water on his face.

She'd forgotten exactly how handsome he was she realized as she watched the droplets of clear liquid flow down his cheeks, a single drop falling to kiss his lips..

Ariana shook her head to clear her thoughts before she allowed them to travel any further down that road. She'd done that one too many times before.

Biting her lip to keep from smiling, she snuck quietly up behind him and tapped his shoulder. Mirus moved to turn and see who was there, an action that gave Ariana long enough to give him a little shove and send him spiraling towards the pool of water next to him.

 

[doctor_insanus]

Mirus

"Ariana?!"

He shouted her name as he stumbled into the cold water. Despite his catlike reflexes, Mirus fell into the pool with a great splash.

For a moment, only his legs from the knees down were visible. Then he sat up, completely soaked. Despite the frown on his face, Ariana laughed softly. She could see his true feelings in his dark green eyes. They had never been able to hide their secrets from her.

"Oh, Mirus! How clumsy of you!" She reached a hand to him. He took it in his own and, a smile forming on his lips, pulled her toward him.

"Mirus!"

She fell into the water, landing on top of him. Despite the chill on her skin, she laughed like a young girl. It had been so long since she had been able to. Her duties had left her little time for laughter, girlish or not.

Ariana glanced at her lifelong friend, and the smile faded somewhat. He still gazed at her with those eyes, but now there seemed to be a touch of loneliness in them. Loneliness, and perhaps sadness as well.

"Well, don't just sit there," she said, "get us out of this mess!"

Smiling at last, Mirus took her in his arms and lifted her from the pool. It seemed he hesitated for a moment before setting her down. Even then, he kept one hand on her shoulder, as if afraid to let her go.

 

[CrystallineTears]

Ariana

It seemed that no matter how long passed between the moments they could share together, it was always if it had been no time at all. Mirus never failed to lighten the burdens she carried by finding some way to make her laugh.

They both stood there in the garden, thoroughly soaked and laughing like the children they had once been. She lifted her hand to pluck a bit of moss from his hair and caught a glimpse of a flicker in the depth of his eyes. Ariana had always loved his eyes. Dark green like the forest on a cloudy day, yet with flecks of color that made them sparkle like the rarest emerald. They were so expressive, truly a window to his soul.

The smile she had faltered yet again. The loneliness she saw now, that she felt. She'd been so concerned with her own problems and how her life had changed, she'd never taken a moment to consider how it had affected her dearest friend.

Brushing her lips across his cheek, she threw her arms around his neck in a tight embrace, which he returned. How good it felt to be safe and worry free for a moment.

"Forgive me, Mirus." She said softly. "Forgive me for being so selfish."

 

[doctor_insanus]

Mirus

Hugging Ariana tightly, Mirus smiled at her words. She always knew the secrets he held inside, sometimes better than he himself did. He returned her kiss, gently pressing his lips against her cheek.

"There is nothing to forgive, little one. Your people need you. I have had my entire life to spend with you; now it is time for me to share you." He wouldn't let his eyes drop from her face, for he knew it would be improper to see her in such a state. Already, he felt somewhat embarassed to be so close to her, with her clothes hanging wet from her body.

"I am happy to see you, nonetheless." He turned from her, dipping his hand into the water again. "Is there any word from the Traders?"

Mirus had never been fond of sending their people into the world. Sooner or later, it was sure to draw the attention of outsiders, and that was a threat to them all.

He would not allow them to threaten Ariana. He would die before he would see her come to any harm, and would take as many of them with him as possible.

Turning back to his friend and "little sister," Mirus saw the expression on her face.

"So. Your face tells me all I need to know." He had spent a lifetime learning her subtle expressions. The Traders were indeed returning. And danger was coming with them.

 

[CrystallineTears]

Ariana

Knowing one another as well as she and Mirus did had it's advantages, some of which could also be a disadvantage. Their ability to read one another was a prime example of this.

"What is it? What's wrong?" Mirus asked her the moment he saw the look on her face.

She had planned to keep secret her feelings. After all, there was no sense in sending everyone into an anxiety attack over something she wasn't even certain about yet. But no, there was no keeping anything from Mirus.

"I'm not sure, it's only a feeling really. Probably nothing."

She tried to stall answering him. The look he gave her plainly told her he wasn't buying it. She let loose a frustrated sigh and sank down to one of the stone benches nearby.

"Something is wrong, very wrong. I felt fear like I've never known last night, Mirus. Something dangerous is coming with the traders and I fear nothing will ever be the same." Dropping in hands in her lap, her shoulders slumped. What if this was a problem she couldn't handle? Her greatest fear was being a failure and it seemed very likely it was about to come true.

 

[Dea Artia]

Sabriel

Leaving the travellers, Sabriel took flight on the wing of a sparrow, making her way towards the outer reaches of the forrest. Once the sparrow came to a landing in a tree, Sabriel jumped off and grew to her full height, landing gently on the ground bellow. Looking around she called softly, a low pitched whistle note followed by two high notes.

It wasn't often she called for him, but she had to make sure he was aware of what was happening. Sabriel didn't want him to do anything rash. After all, she did think the men were rather interesting, and she wanted to observe them some more. She stood patiently beside a tree, and starting singing to herself as she waited.

 

[CyrusBlack]

Talen

Talen stood staring out over the valley. Home at last. It had been almost three months since he'd last beheld the breathtaking sight before him. He had missed the lush, green landscape and the mist that rolled down from the mountains to hide it. No one could have wiped the smile from his face.

They had been more successful in trading than they had in years and he could only imagine the great feast that his cousin Ariana would throw to welcome them home.

They were all excited and nothing could stop the quicker pace that adopted the closer they came to Bah'Lin. Home, at last!

 

[captainb]

the Wild

For a millenia it had wandered the forest of Bah'Lin. The towering tree canopy and the leaves on the forest floor were its home, and it flowed between them with a peace known only to the innocent. It knew no boredom, no longing, no pain. When thirsty, it drank from the morning dew that dripped down the oak trunks, or sipped from the streams that crisscrossed the woods. When hungry, it chewed on grasses and roots, soaked the nutrients from the dense earth, and absorbed the decay from lifeless animals. As was its nature, it also hunted. Not from need, but from instinct, keeping sharp the abilities given by the gods to protect the land it thought of as its own. If, in its wanderings, it caught sight of the ancient city, a nervousness crept through its body and it would turn away, heading back into the deep forest, back into the land where it was safe. It dimly remembered being called to the city before, and the memory agitated it but was quickly forgotten. Its intelligence and sense of time might be likened to that of an animal, but its cunning was far above such ordinary species.

The doe slowly picked its way through the dappled trees, pausing to listen for a moment, then moving on. Her steps through the fallen leaves were amazingly silent. She stopped again in the forest silence, and bent to nibble at s green shoot.

The leaves around her exploded upwards, driving the deer into the air for a moment before crashing back to earth. The leaves wrapped around and swarmed over its body, and the struggles quickly ceased. After a moment the leaves seemed to melt, changing their color and texture to match that of the body which it now fed upon. It drank deep of the nourishment, and when sated it glanced about and moved to a tree trunk, its color and shape blending to the tree's form. It started to climb, then it heard the Sound. Memory flooded back, and a feeling of ultimate safety, and with almost a grunt of happiness it bounded into the deep woods.

 

[doctor_insanus]

Mirus

Mirus felt a quiver in his chest. It hurt him to see Ariana so upset, and there was little he could do to help. He took one of her hands in his own, squeezing it gently.

"Fear not, Ariana. I am here for you. If there is danger coming, I will be there to face it with you. All of your people will be behind you."

He kissed her hand softly, not daring to look her in the eyes. For then, his courage might break, and he might say something they would both regret later.

"We all love you, Ariana. I..." He released her hand, turning from her once again. "I will always be there for you."

Unseen by his beloved ruler, Mirus narrowed his eyes to thin slits. If there was danger coming, if anyone dared to threaten Ariana or the city itself, there would be hell to pay.

 

[Dea Artia]

Sabriel

She knew he was there, and he had chosen not to show himself. It was often like this, she would walk around in a little circle, seeming to be talking to herself. She couldn't remember the last time she actually "saw" him. It didn't matter. She was protector of the forrest and the creatures, so even though he was brought to protect the the city, in a way he also protecter her and she protected him.

She started walking, slowly around in a circle and when he song finished she greated him.

"Its nice to see you again" she said, laughing. "It has been a while since we last spoke. I'm not sure if you are aware, but the traders have returned and they've brought with them some guests. I don't know who they are, but I intend to find out. I don't suspect any danger, so please" she asked, getting down on one knee, reaching out her hand to see if she could feel anything, "don't do anything without thinking it through. They may be curious about us, heard stories perhaps, and they want to see if they're real."

Sabriel paused a moment, taking in a deep breath. Closing her eyes she thought a silent thought and she was almost positive he had heard her anyway. She stood, turned in a little circle and stretched her hands into the sky, trying to catch a cloud. "Thank you" she whispered and disapeared into the sunlight.

[Edited by Dea Artia on 03-28-2001 at 10:17 PM]

 

[Roland Gilliad]

The Outsiders

*they rolled off the cart simultainiously, slipping into an allyway, then stopping* Ok! *Shawn turned to falkner* Lets get the lay of the town, We wont be able to do anything unless we know this place inside and out...*He nods* Right Shawn! *They shook hands and dashed off into the city, stopping as they reached the main road, their jaws dropped in awe, as they took steps back* Well I'll be a...*shawn finished* Ten Toed Eight eyed golden dragon from heaven?? *He noded dumbly, and They nodded to the oddly dressed man as he walked by, he smiled in turn and wondered who was having a costume party, heading off and paying it little heed for now. SHawn dragged Falkner from the streets veiw and stared at him* Do You Realize what we've FOUND??? *he nodded* Yup. Paradise. *They grinned at one another, and slapped hands* So what now?? *They stood in the allyway, thoughtful for a moment* Excuse me...*A Voice interjected, they both looked over*
(HAVE IT BE SOMEONE!!!!!)

 

[captainb]

the Wild

It lay on a branch above the clearing, listening to the windswept song that flowed around and through its body, rushing into its mind with images and smells and touches that sank deeply into its core. With a soft sigh it relaxed, letting the tendrils of song weave their spell.

The song stopped and it lazily looked at the forest floor, watching Sabriel as she spoke to it. The words themselves were meaningless, but their sense impressed on its mind. The feeling was pleasureable, and built into a rush of satisfying energy that coursed through its form, finishing with a lingering tingle. It gazed at her as she softly moved, and then was rewarded by the flash of sunlight that burned and disappeared. Quietly, it drifted off into a dreamless sleep.

 

[CrystallineTears]

Ariana

"We all love you, Ariana. I..." Mirus released her hand, turned from her once again. "I will always be there for you."

Ariana lifted her head to stare at his back and it was all she could do not to tell him the truth. To tell him it wasn't everyone's love she wanted.

But she couldn't tell him, no more than he could tell her the things in his heart. Her father's death had left both of them without a choice in this matter, each with their duties..

Shaking her head, she stood and wrapped her arms around him, her cheek pressed to his.

"Mirus.." It was all she could say for the moment, all she needed say. Even she could hear the longing in her voice.

"They're here." She finally whispered after a long silence.

 

[doctor_insanus]

Mirus

"They're here." She finally whispered after a long silence.

Mirus sighed, squeezing Ariana gently before releasing her. It was her place to greet the Traders upon their return; it would be his place to meet any danger their return might pose.

They shared a last gentle kiss, her lips on his cheek, before she left. He smiled at her, although he felt little to be happy about. Although he was skilled in the arts of war, he had no desire to use those skills. If it came to that, however, he would show no mercy.

Mirus walked quietly to his home. There, he dressed and donned his sword and shield. Drawing the sword, he studied its gleaming surface. The lessons of his masters returned to his thoughts, as they always did when his anger was at its hottest. Almost immediately, he felt himself growing calmer. He would meet this threat, but he would do nothing to provoke it.

His mind and body calm and ready for whatever he might face, Mirus left to rejoin his dearest friend. She needed him to be strong, and he would be strong for her.

 

[CyrusBlack]

Talen

Talen stood hands on hips looking at the two men before him. He'd barely caught a glimpse of them jumping from the wagon,but it had been enough to cause him to investigate.

"Excuse me, " He repeated, his brows moving closer together with the scowl on his face. "Are you, gentlemen (he used the word with much sarcasim) lost?"

The two men looked as if they would run. But there was nowhere to go. His men had their way blocked already.

"Ariana isn't going to like this." He groaned. He didn't even want to think what Mirus would do when he found out. Things were not going as well as he'd though.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

The Outsiders

*Shawn cracked his neck looking the men over and judging their Battle Readyness..Whilst Falkner walked up* Naw, We aint Lost...Well, Persay we're not lost...We dont know where we ARE...But We're not LOST. We ment to mosey on over this way..*he spread his arms with a grin but realized it wasnt working..Then crossed his arms* Hey we dont want any trouble...Really, we just dont have anywhere we can really go. We saw the Caravan and decided to Hitch a ride, you seemed like a pretty prosperous Town o sorts...I guess I never bargened on HOW Prosperous...*whistles a little as he gets another peek of the streets* But Hey, Whats a lil Ride between freinds eh??? *He put on his best face, Oy this wasnt good, he looked to his partner, if there was a way out via trickary they would use it.*

 

[CyrusBlack]

Talen

He wasn't buying it in the least bit. What had been such a lovely day was turning into one of the worst in his life. Motioning for a couple of his men to step forward, he gestured to the two strangers.

"Escort our 'guests' will you? I have a feeling that Ariana will want to meet them." Not that he cared to be the one to introduce them.

He turned to continue his way towards the council building. He'd tell her the good news first and then he'd break it to her about these two. Gods damn it, no one had allowed an outsider into the city in nearly three hundred years and he just had to do it.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

*They Turned to one another. nodded then turned to the three guards as the man left, They crossed their arms and whispered to one another* Well Falkner..What now? Im thinkin we either go nice and quietly with these gentlemen here, and see who's in charge of this place.....Orrrrrr we could always kick their arses from here to Timbuktu and make a break for it.*They grin* Hmmm decisions decisons..*They Shrug, Falkner gives em a wry grin* I Dont feel like Hurtin no one today. Too good of a mood. SO Gentleman, would you care to lead the way? ANd if you try clapping hands on us ONCE We will Reconsider our options. Now! Ten...SHUN! About, FACE! For'erd, MARCH. TO This Ariana Person!!! *The Guards, A little confused at their massive confidance and showing of no fear, complied. They WERE Going for the castle anyway, and those were their orders. So They did, and as they marched down the street under gawking eyes, Falkner grinned to Shawn* Feels abit Like you're a Celebrity Wot? *shawn grins back* aye! That 'tis!*They laughed merrily and seemed without care, Both of them rather confidant that should worse come to worse, they could just Break away! Ah This was good! They were able to enjoy the sights and got front row seats to the rulers, and if they gave em trouble, Well It was just a hop, skip and a leap from the city, THEN They'd regret the day that they ever messed with Falkner And Shawn!*