A Flight and a Storm

[Tar-Ancalimë]

well i believe i will post a story on which i'm working right now...

[Pil]

Please do...we have no objections to any stories... :)

[Tar-Ancalimë]

mmm all right... its a short story thats kind of in a series... its the latest one ive written, and imo one of the better ones... and i cant think of a good name for it, happens to me every time...

ah well here goes

[Tar-Ancalimë]

Thayet sat miserably alone. She’d been shut up in this small room by Dleth, and was apprehensive about her chances of survival. In this country, his word, and his whim, were absolute law. And she was desperately afraid his present will would require her death.

She’d been an ordinary person, living in Millnore, minding her own business, living her life as it came to her. Then she’d men a young officer, serving in part of the army of Millnore. They’d fallen in love, and gotten married within two months. Her parents, angry at her impetuousness, had forsaken responsibility for her, and she went with him, off to a war. They went eventually to the war-torn country of Langret, where several countries were contesting against each other for control of this beautiful country-considered by those who went there to be the most beautiful location in the world. There, Thayet enjoyed the excitement of being in a war, and in a most desirable destination. Then, her husband had a dispute with the general of his army, and was discharged. Thayet had believed that they would return home, to Millnore, and settle down somewhere.

But instead, her husband gathered followers of his own, deserters and discharges from all the armies in Langret, and developed an army of his own, more efficient and stronger than the others. Under his generalship, that army defeated the others and gained the country. He crowned himself king, and fortified and strengthened the country’s defenses, bringing peace and security to the desperate country. That had been more than five years ago, and Thayet had gotten used to it. She never regretted her hastily chosen husband-her regret was simply his choice of profession.

He was naturally a proud and harsh man, but power had amplified these qualities, and given him others. He became self-centered, ruthless, and tough. He assumed an attitude of superiority, and was irritable and extremely short-tempered. Thayet didn’t love him the less for it, but she did wish that he had not changed from when she had married him.
Now, it had all gone a little far. She had recently found out that she was unable to bear children-but Dleth, her husband, wanted a kingdom with heirs, one that could last, a real country of the world. The only way to get rid of his wife was death-and the look on his face last she saw Dleth gave her a terrible premonition.

A key turned in the lock, and the door opened. Thayet jumped and a knot formed in her stomach. A soldier entered the room, and shut the door securely behind him. He turned to look at her with an odd expression on his face, portending unexpected things to come. She froze with trepidation.

“My lady, he’s going to kill you. It’s certain. I heard the order come to my officer.”

It felt to her as though her insides turned to stone. She gasped and he reached out, grasping her shoulder. “My lady, I’ll help you. No one wants you to die. You can go through the High Pass. It leads to Lath Fork-and the Naustin Trail.” Naustin would lead her to an access road, out of the country.

She looked at him, comprehension dawning on her. She nodded slowly.

“You must move quickly. Get time between you and him.” He gave her a sack, and suitable shoes. She grasped his hand gratefully, saying nothing.

She turned to the West. Freedom whispered its tantalizing chant. The mountains beckoned, and the sun shone upon her. She shouldered her pack, and gained the pass, leaving Dleth behind.

[Pil]

Gosh...what has Thayet gotten herself into? This is fab Tar...we're thrust right into the heart of a world with history and previous events... :thumbs: Evil Dleth though...so is it one of those places or times when divorce was frowned upon (?)...I'm glad she's got away...or has she...hmm...i see some hard times ahead...especially if she has to go it alone in the wild...:o...look forward to the next installment Tar...i'm glad you decided to post this! veryhappy

[Tar-Ancalimë]

lol pil youre funny.....you do love reading stories i guess...this isnt the best one in the series, but its the one im working on right now, so im posting it........

no, youre right, divorce is........nonexsistant...there........the world doesnt have a name, but in none of the countries can you....get rid of a spouse.....except for murder.......which ofc is not too nice

[Lady Ashley]

nice story, twin!

[Pil]

Indeed i think it's gonna be great! :thumbs: I'm funny...well...i tend to get v. excited about new installments...new stories...anything happening here... :hooray: :blush: :stomper: lol

[ridnarhti_M]

:jester: Intense and tense. I look forward to the journey and it's dangers, Tar ;) , If you allow me a small critic's note? How many words for country has the english language?. You wil know what I mean I guess :angel: :cuddles:
signed: H.R.J. Cythaloon XI

[Tar-Ancalimë]

thanks guys :grin: im soo glad people actually like it :):)

ah well i could get synonyms or just say the name of it, but its called laziness

hmmm hmmm well I've changed that last bit around. ill overlap here a bit, sorry.


“You must move quickly. Get time between you and him.” He gave her a sack, and suitable shoes. She grasped his hand gratefully, saying nothing.

“The west door is open to you, the guards there will notice nothing. If you hurry, no one will see you walking away, until distance makes you invisible.”

Barely believing the chance she was being given, Thayet walked out. And as it had been said, the guards turned a blind eye, leaving her free.

She turned to the west; freedom whispered its tantalizing chant. The mountains beckoned, and the sun shone upon her. She shouldered her pack, and gained the pass, leaving the castle Taenel, and Dleth, behind.

[Tar-Ancalimë]

now to move on....


Later that day, clouds gathered in the west. Winds howled, and fog crept in. Snow began to fall-light at first, and soft, but penetrating and chilling. The winds picked up, and howled through the mountains, and the snow turned Lainly Valley into a void of ice.

Dleth paced back and forth in his office impatiently. He hated storms and hated being cooped up in the castle. He hated not knowing what was happening in his country, and not being able to do anything about it. He hated the stopped traffic, the impeded tourism, and the halt of all operations. Restrictions always made his blood boil.

He walked out of the room, snapped at a few people, and banged a few things around. He paced the halls in irritation and found it difficult to entertain himself.

Soon after the storm made leaving the castle an impossibility, Dleth was approached by a messenger.

“Your majesty?” the messenger began.

Dleth turned from staring out the window to face the messenger. “Yes?”

“The queen is missing, majesty.”

“Missing?” he repeated mindlessly.

“Yes, she’s...” the messenger paused, then shrugged carelessly. Dleth wasn’t in the habit of blaming messengers for their news. “Gone.”

Dleth frowned. “In this storm?”

The messenger nodded.

The storm was a bad one. If Thayet had been caught in the open, in this storm.... It would mean death, certainly. And no telling how long it would last-already it was enough to freeze someone who hadn’t any shelter. And Thayet was in this storm.

Dleth, perhaps, took her for granted-his little girl he’d found unexpectedly at a train station in Carney, Mellnore. He loved her dearly, but sometimes he forgot her amid the troubles of his country. Even after five years, he didn’t know her very well. She puzzled him a bit. He didn’t have the time he would have liked to spend with her, and over the years, it seemed a little as if they grew more distant, rather than closer. They never had any close talks. But in any case, Dleth did not understand love nor what it did to people.

He had lost his temper when it was told him that she could not bear children, and he locked her up for a bit, that being his way of dealing with things with which he didn’t care to deal. Now, though, what was happening to him was something different. She was gone-in this terrible storm. Actually thinking of her death as something real, something beyond his control, was a bit more than Dleth could stand. He paled, and something hard formed in his stomach.

“What-” he asked the messenger, “When did she leave?”
The messenger shrugged. “I don’t know, your majesty, her disappearance was just discovered and I was commissioned to come tell you.”

“Who discovered this?”

The messenger named an officer of his army.

Dleth turned to stare out the window, his heart pounding. It was impenetrable with the gray of the snow and the rush of the wind. He could hear the howl of the wind, and the snow dashing against the castle. The cold and damp seeped in through the window, and the very air was cold. Now that his wife’s death was out of his hands, he no longer desired it.

The messenger kneeled to him, and left. Dleth stood there a bit, still reeling from the news.





Thayet reached the High Pass, in the Smilath mountain range, and crossed over it, putting Thaenel out of sight. Thankful to be out of there, she nonetheless was growing worried about the clouds gathering in the sky. By the time she reached Lath Fork, fog was already gathered around South Peak. She had planned to take the south path, to Naustin, which led over another mountain range to an access road, little used and leading out of Langret. However, the storm was more than a little scary. It was gathering more strength as time went on, and creeping down into the valleys nearby. The north path, to her right, led to the river Nathspel, which, if one could pass the towns unnoticed, theoretically was an easy way out of the country. Her chances of surviving the storm and not getting caught were probably best that way. However, another glance at the sky convinced her to go straight west, to the nearest town, Telnat, only three miles away. She’d never make it through the town without being caught, but she trusted her husband at least a little more than the weather.





Two and a half miles later, Thayet became afraid that she wouldn’t make it before the fog set in. It was growing darker by the moment, and South Peak was almost invisible. No one was on the trail, and even the animals were deathly quiet-a sure sign that the storm would be a bad one.

She walked faster-and faster. She didn’t wish to be caught by the storm, much as she feared Dleth. Hurrying along, she almost cursed the fact that she had ever left the castle.
Finally, the town came into view-it was closed and silent. From far, she could only discern a slight amount of activity-an alarmingly slight amount, for the size of the town.

Within minutes of attaining sight of the town, the fog set in. She stumbled off the road, blinded by the grayish white. She stumbled into the fence on the side of the trail, thankfully following it down the trail. The first building into which she ran was a private residence-but it had started to snow, a light snow but deadly all the same. Thayet didn’t wish to spend one more second outside. Necessity lead her to knock on the door and seek shelter within.

[ridnarhti_M]

By His Ridicilous Jesternesses command this be printed:

Frightening poor frightened queen, what is she gonna find in the almost deserted town????? READ THE SEQUEL :jester:

Cythanool XI, ruler of Madnesse

[Pil]

Oh Tar i'm hooked mate! (so many stories...so little time on net...mecry)

Keep going yeah...and make sure she's safe! :o ;) lol

veryhappy

[Tar-Ancalimë]

aww you guys are so sweet :grin: im afraid youll have to wait for another piece even after this one to see where Thayet is, ridn ;)

i know what you mean, Pil... I'm on the net all the time and yet i never have enough time! lol

~~~~

Eventually Dleth stirred, and hurried to the officer’s room.

When he entered, the officer looked up, saw him, and jumped up immediately. Knowing why he was come, the officer spoke up.

“I am investigating this matter, sir, the details will be found shortly.”

Dleth impatiently turned away. “Well, hurry.”

“I am doing this as fast as I can, sir, it’s only just been discovered. I know right now only that she is gone. One of the soldiers around there was most likely responsible, he’ll be found.”

Dleth shook his head impatiently. “What else! I don’t like waiting on this, or anything. How difficult is it to find out who was there when and what they know?”

“Not hard at all, sir. I assure you, I am doing all that now. I have hopes that the culprit will come to us, that would be the quickest way we find something, sir. But we only just-”

Dleth held up his hand and cut the officer off. “I give you ten minutes more.” With that, he turned and walked out.

Even more restless and irritated than before, Dleth paced the halls some more. However, only minutes later, another messenger approached him with the news that results had been found. Dleth was back in the officer’s room within seconds.

“Sir, the soldier responsible for this has turned himself in, as I thought. We’ve-”

“Excellent. I’ll see him now.”

Dleth followed the officer into another, larger room to the side, in which was gathered a large, noisy crowd. Dleth pushed his way to the middle of the crowd, where a young soldier was standing, gossiping away, the center of attention. When he saw Dleth, however, he flushed a little and came to attention.

“Well?” Dleth demanded. “Are you the one who let her out?”

“Yes, my lord.”

“How long ago did she leave? Which way did she go?”

“Umm...” the soldier thought a bit. “Over five and a half hours ago, lord. Through the High Pass.”

“Five and a half hours...” he repeated slowly. That was quite enough time to get somewhere safe... hope grew a tiny bit in his heart.

The officer added his bit: “It takes four hours to reach Lath Fork, sir. She’d still have an hour from there before the storm really hit.”

Another added, “It takes almost two hours to reach the nearest town from there, Telnat.”

Dleth frowned. “She’s an excellent hiker, faster than many. If she was heading that direction, she might have made it.”

The officer looked uncomfortable. “Something makes me think, sir, that she wouldn’t head straight to town, if she didn’t want to be caught. The north path from Lath Fork leads to the river Nathspel. The storm wouldn’t be so bad in the riverbanks.”

The first officer admitted, “The chances of survival there are better than the chances of staying free in Telnat.”

Dleth turned his pained look to the ground, upset and afraid. What if she didn’t make it? It would be all his fault....

His attention returned to the soldier. “What was her destination?”

The soldier flushed a little. “I think she was going to go over Naustin, my lord.”

“Naustin!” he breathed. “She’ll never make it.”

The soldier shifted his weight a little uncomfortably. “I doubt she really did, lord.”

Dleth didn’t answer. He closed his eyes and let out his breath slowly, trying to convince himself that she would be all right. It didn’t work very well. He shook himself, and then turned his attention back to the soldier. The crowd grew silent. From the look on Dleth’s face, he was very upset.

“Love for your queen is an excellent thing,” he began, then looked around at the crowd. “It should not be lacking in any of you.”

To the soldier: “But you disobeyed my law.” The soldier’s eyes lowered to the ground.

“The fact that you probably did more harm to her than good should tell you something,” Dleth continued sternly.

The soldier muttered something unintelligible.

Dleth frowned. “Speak up. What did you just say?”

Silence dominated the room. For a long while, Dleth stared at the soldier and the soldier stared at the ground. Eventually the soldier spoke.

“I said, my lord, that you were going to kill her.”

His frown deepened. “I lost my temper. It happens all the time! I wouldn’t ever kill her-but the storm might.”

“Yes, m’lord.”

Again silence oppressed the room. The soldier gulped and felt compelled to speak again. “It won’t happen again, lord.”

Dleth narrowed his eyes at the soldier. “If you’ve caused her death, I’ll cause yours.” He turned to a few other soldiers standing nearby. “Lock him up,” he ordered. They grabbed the soldier and took him away.

Dleth addressed the rest of the crowd, which included some of his officers, a few close friends of the soldier, other people who happened to be in the area at the time of the queen’s departure, and a few scattered people who had nothing better to do with themselves.

“Was he alone in this?”

They exchanged many glances. Then a brave soul spoke up. “My lord, the whole castle knew an attempt to free her would be made. But, to the best of my knowledge, he was alone in the actual act.”

Dleth raised his eyebrows. “The whole castle knew, did it?” He searched the crowd for confirmation, and found it in each of their faces. Most of the people were suddenly beginning to think of better things they could to be doing with themselves.

Then a servant spoke up. “Your majesty, we know you wouldn’t kill her. But we fear the consequences of your temper. No one was about to let you know.”
Dleth clenched his fist tightly. “You should be fearing my temper... right now.”

The servant shrugged, and looked at the ground. “Forgive me, majesty, for making so bold as to speak to you.”

He glared at the servant. “It was the content, rather than the act, which displeased me.” He glowered at the whole crowd. “Did you not hear what I said to that soldier? I am pleased that you esteem you queen so highly. But I am very displeased that you esteem her over my orders.” He paused and looked around. “If a situation like this occurs again, the entire castle will regret it.”

The room was deathly silent. No one dared to speak.

“You are all dismissed.”

There was a rush for the door, and in a matter of seconds the entire room held only Dleth.

A horribly empty feeling settled in Dleth’s stomach, a feeling the treason of his entire castle couldn’t even cause. He sank onto the ground by the fire, his head falling into his hands. The wind howled outside, and the cold and the damp crept into the room. Dleth had never felt as alone in his life. Footsteps echoed down the hallway, oddly loud in the silence of the room, distant and unnoticed, far removed form Dleth’s state of mind.

He sat there for hours, and still the storm did not abate. His mood of emptiness gave way to self-accusation; a terrible new shape formed in his mind. He had, perhaps, lost the only thing he truly loved-and it was his own fault.

He couldn’t sleep that night, unmoving, alone in the large room. Hollowed and secluded, he sat by the fire, a pitiable figure. And no one came to give him any comfort.
~~~~

[Pil]

mecry This story is so psychological and emotional...*tissue please*...it's v. good...so glad you decided to post it! :) Even though time is limited...i will make time to read the next installment! :read: :p

[Elrenia]

I just read your story...fabulous....you guys are so talented...:thumbs:

Well, too bad, Tar..:p You will have to include me in your favorites fans...lol ;)

Keep writing !!!

[Bess the Bard]

Tar,

I've read your story. This is really interesting. You've set up an intriguing emotional dynamic between a woman who wants to get away from a very difficult man. And the man who you've managed to make sympathetic even though he has acted very badly. I'm eager to see what happens next. Best of all, you've got me guessing--not a predictable storyline. And that's a good thing. :)

[Pil]

She's great isn't she! Not only does she read others stories and help us but she's got a really good one here of her own... :gofatty:...:thumbs: TAR :thumbs:

[Tar-Ancalimë]

thank you so much guys! i really really really value your input! it makes me feel so nice :cuddles:

thanks for reading it! i love you all!!!!

[Tar-Ancalimë]

Thayet drew gratefully close to the fire and listened to the wind outside. The man who owned this house hadn’t seemed too happy to see her, but he’d let her in. She too obviously didn’t belong in Telnat, in her torn and dirty clothes, hiking in the middle of the storm. Her story had been short and incomplete. The man had made it quite clear to her that his house was a sanctuary only from the storm.

He entered the room now, saying, “Hey, you want something to eat?”

She turned to look at him. He was smiling at her courteously. She returned the smile. “Yes please.”

“Well, come on, supper’s ready.”

Thayet followed her host into the next room. His children were setting the table. When Thayet entered, the children sat down and waited patiently for the food. When their father set it out, and said grace, they instantly became little monsters, squabbling over food and places.

Thayet was astonished at the change. The instant the father noticed this, he said in a stern tone, “Theresa... Roderick... hush.” They hushed instantly, looking hurt.

“They are very well-behaved children. Mostly I am very strict with them. On some occasions, such as dinner, I allow them to enjoy themselves as they choose.”

“I see,” said Thayet, her thoughts turning unbidden to children of her own. Not only did she want them for Dleth, she wanted them for herself. Tears came to her eyes, and she stared down at her plate. the food was very good; it reminded her strongly of her own father’s cooking. Not wanting to think about her home, she turned her thoughts to Dleth-what would he be thinking, right now? He must now she was gone by now. She wondered if he hoped she would die out there or if she would go to a town, and get caught. She barely knew him; he never had any time for her. She loved him very much, but he was so close she seldom knew what he was thinking, unless he chose to share it with her.

They ate their meals in silence. When it was over, she rose to help clean up.

The man raised his eyebrows at her. “I wouldn’t have thought you’d know how to wash dishes, by your clothing.” She was still in her court clothes, torn and dirty though they were.

Thayet flushed. “I grew up relatively poor.”

“Married into it, huh?”

“Not exactly,” she replied evasively.

He let the subject drop. But when they had finished cleaning up, and retired to the sitting room, he brought it up again.

“How did you get where you are, if you weren’t born to it?”

She sighed. “I married a man of my station. He’s self-made.”

He frowned. “I see.” After a pause, “Who are you?”

She debated with herself a while before replying. “I’m the queen.”

“The queen!” he repeated. “Whatever are you doing here?”

“The king lost his temper with me. I ran away, fearing for my life.”

He raised his eyebrows sympathetically but dropped the subject.

When it grew late, he apologized for his lack of a guest room and spread a blanket out for her on the couch. She tossed and turned through the night, worried about what the morrow would bring. She suspected that, when the storm ended, Dleth would find her. Despair settled on her, and a knot of fear contracted her stomach. She got no sleep that night either.

[Tar-Ancalimë]

i know... its not very much... but i know you guys are all busy and... i just thought... i would spread it out... even tho i have finished writing it... anyway... i could give more, but... just tell me what you think, ok? thanks :)

[Bess the Bard]

Well, don't leave us in suspense too long. I want to know if Dleth comes after her, if he reforms and she takes him back. I think you have the sophistication as an author to deal with the fact that she was essentially abused and the repercussions this could have in their relationship. Looking forward to the rest!!

[Tar-Ancalimë]

well this story isnt very long. a few more pieces should do it... but there's a lot more stories about them... ;)

[Bess the Bard]

A whole cycle of stories about them? Bring them on! Please??!!
:whoohoo:

[Tar-Ancalimë]

lol ok... well im just posting this one here now ;)

[Tar-Ancalimë]

The next morning brought no lull in the storm. When the room brightened a little and the fire burned down, Dleth stirred from his position, exhausted and emotionally drained. He stood up and stretched his aching limbs and back. He paced to a window and stared gloomily out at the continued, unrelenting snow. He walked to the door and shoved it open, stumbling a little from lack of sleep. He made his slow way up to his chambers, shivering from the cold and nerves, and ordered a hot bath to be prepared. When he was warm again, dressed, and slightly more comfortable, he went down to take a leisurely breakfast.

Breakfast was always very informal-people just wandered in and took it when they liked. When Dleth walked in, four higher officers were already there. They greeted his respectfully, and he returned the greeting civilly. He grabbed some food-not really hungry, but trying to convince himself he needed to eat-and sat down, staring out the window, cursing the storm. Some minutes into the uncomfortably silent meal, Dleth spoke.

“Anyone know when this storm is likely to stop?”

The officers looked at each other, and shrugged. One replied, “The doctors said nothing about it, sir.”

He grunted. “Anyone ask them?”

They exchanged glances again. Another one said, “I don’t think so, sir.”

Dleth sighed. He put his elbows on the table, and his chin in his elbows, ignoring his food. He meditated a bit, then said, “Did the whole castle really know?”

They looked at one another again. There was a long silence, then a third officer swallowed and answered him, “Sir, we are-inordinately fond of the queen. None of us wanted to see her die.” Dleth opened his mouth and lowered his eyebrows, but the officer hurried on before he could say anything. “But, sir, we would, if we had known the mechanism of it, have stopped it.”

Dleth scowled. “If the whole castle knew, why couldn't you discover the mechanism of it with ease?”

This time, the fourth officer spoke up. “Sir, we-we will not let something like this happen again.”

His scowl deepened. “If it does, there will be some serious consequences. I’m mad enough already.”

The conversation lapsed, and then the first officer stood up to leave. Dleth stopped him, saying, “Go tell the coordinator that I want the officers in the main room in two hours.”

The officer turned and nodded deeply. “Yes, sir.” Dleth nodded slightly in return, and the officer turned and walked out the door.

A few minutes later, the door opened and a caretaker walked in, looking half asleep. Upon seeing Dleth, the caretaker, startled, and dropped a hasty bow. Dleth nodded brusquely in return. The caretaker rose, gathered food, and sat down next to Dleth.

“You’re up early this morning, my lord.”

“Ah, I couldn’t sleep,” he grumbled.

“I see. I’m still asleep myself, to tell the truth.”

Dleth then focused a stare at the caretaker and repeated his earlier question. “Did you know?”

A small, bewildered frown appeared on the caretaker’s face, who turned questioningly to one of the officers. The officer muttered, “The queen.”

“Oh. Um... well, not exactly, my lord. That is, I thought that, well, people wouldn’t exactly suffer her to die. I mean-”

“Would you have stopped it, had you known?” Dleth interrupted.

The caretaker hesitated, then shrugged. “I can’t say, my lord. All I can say is, if I know about something like this in the future, I’ll tell someone.”

Dleth grunted, displeased. He was getting the same message from everyone-they’d known it would happen, and they supported it. He was already rethinking his previous stance of postponing consequences until the next occurrence.

The second and third officers finished eating and left, nodding to Dleth on the way out. He acknowledged them with a bare nod, scowling all the while.

Dleth decided he wasn’t going to eat anything by staring at his plate, and rose to leave. The caretaker rose and bowed again, and Dleth nodded again, a little peeved and irritated. Still musing on everyone’s attitude towards the queen, he made his way down to the infirmary. The doctors were accurate predictors of the weather, and Dleth supposed that it was worth the time and journey down there to go see if any of them knew anything.

[Lady Melody]

wow

[Bess the Bard]

Great stuff. Keep going.

[Pil]

Thanx Tar for posting in little chunks...makes my life sooo much easier! :thumbs: :)

Good to hear that after this story there will be more....hint hint....notworthy

But we are still being captivated in this one...keep going Tar! :p

[Tar-Ancalimë]

heh heh did i say i would post the other stories? no i never did :p

[Pil]

verymad YOU MUST!

mecry Pleeeeeeeease! notworthy

[Tar-Ancalimë]

lol.... so should i post more... or make you guys wait... for another week... like someone is doing in another thread ;)

hey what goes around, comes around, pil! lol

[Pil]

grr...:angry:...fine...but i'm putting mine up on the weekend...and by your theory...so must you! :thumbs:

[Mirkgirl]

I finally read it all Tar ((((-: Your words in the beginning almost managed to discourage me... bad you, never comment your stories lol... it's a great story... I generally don't read fanfic maybe I'm not right here

Anyways if I see you tonight I'll make you give me the next part :naughty: :naughty:

Great work :thumbs:

[Pil]

Another addition to the 'POST MORE TAR!' group! :thumbs:

[Tar-Ancalimë]

heehee i made her read it lol

ok ok tonight i will, all right? lol

you guys make me feel so nice, thanks to all :grin:

[Pil]

AH! Tonight?! When...i'm leaving in TWO MINUTES! :o

[Tar-Ancalimë]

lol

now i guess :p

[Tar-Ancalimë]

He descended the stairway and entered the room. He looked around; the room was empty. The aroma was calm and soothing, a blend of herbs that grew only in Loremt, on the south banks of the river Eldonar. The walls were covered in fascinating sketches, and specimens of unidentifiable creatures, and parts of creatures. Dleth took a seat and closed his eyes, a part of his irritation slipping away in the peace of the room.

Soon, almost too soon, the back door opened, and one of the doctors walked in. Dleth rose to his feet and the doctor fixed him with a steady stare.

“My lord.”

He nodded in return, but did not say anything. The doctors were an odd, reclusive group, who communicated very little with words. They knew every inhabitant of the castle well, and they usually knew the cause of the visits without being told.

The doctor continued, “You wish to know about the weather?”

Dleth nodded again. The doctor sighed, and uncomfortably shifted feet. This storm was an unusually bad one-typically storms lasted a few hours only. This storm was already almost twenty hours old. As such, the doctor couldn’t really tell precisely how long it would still last.

“I’m... sorry, my lord. I cannot say.”

Dleth frowned, disappointed, all of his bad mood returning.

The doctor continued, “It will continue into the night at least. The signs before the storm told me it would be harsh, but I know not much about the length.”

Dleth frowned some more. What little the doctor could tell him was not comforting. Then he turned away, shrugging, affecting carelessness. “Well, thank you,” he said, and left the room.

[Pil]

Darn it...you were too late! lol

It's still so good! :thumbs: :)

Where were you last night. Come on chat about eight tonight! :)

[Tar-Ancalimë]

8 pm your time is 12 pm my time, and im at work then :(

(you were online when i posted that :p) lol

[Lady Melody]

Whaddayaknow... it's 11 pm over here.

[Pil]

:( Scrap that anyway...i have to go to orchestra tonight...:angry:...

I'll be in the chatroom at ten o'clock...maybe half-nine if anyone wants to meet me there! :)

What time do you usually go on tar? :huh: :(

[Tar-Ancalimë]

oh, it varies. i am always on for ten or twenty minutes at... lets see, 2 pm GMT... usually get on again at midnight GMT
(lol...midnight...that sounds funny...heehee im never up that late, my time ;))

ok... anyone want more story? lol

[Pil]

Hell yes! post post post! *pil grabs a banner and begins a protest march against prevented posting* :brave: lol

[Bess the Bard]

Tar,

Don't leave us hanging...post more, More, MORE, MOOOORE!!

okay, I'm better now. :blush:

[Tar-Ancalimë]

ok then :grin:.... i love you guys a lot, im so glad you're enjoying this! :wave:

ok, heres a little more :) i guess its a kind of boring section... it only develops Dleth's personality a bit more... action will come... quite a bit later lol



~~~~~veryhappy~~~~~

Dleth spent some time staring out the window, despondent and gloomy, hopeless and exhausted. He stirred half an hour later, and made his way up to the main meeting room, where already many officers and upper officers were gathered. The instant they saw him, the idle chatter stopped and they drew away a little. The military coordinator approached Dleth, and said, “Sir, did you want all the officers here?”

He nodded. That was quite a large number, as the term ‘officer’ applied generally to every ranking soldier in the army in the castle.

Dleth was a very competent and ingenious military leader-as evidenced by his control of Langret-, however, he was still somewhat unsure of himself when it came to domestic problems and decisions. His first impulse was to draw his sword and settle all to the better swordsman-or in the case of wars, the better army. That instinct had served him well in battle, but now, it was not war, it was peace, and an internal domestic issue had arisen.

Dleth’s temper had subsided, thought not his bad mood. He was no longer thinking of the circumstance which had caused this issue, but rather of the issue itself. He was frustrated, with himself and the rest of the inhabitants of the castle, but this frustration was gradually giving way to deep thought. He did not know what ought to be done. He had called the officers here because he was angry with them, but he continued to remain uncertain of the best course.

~~~~~veryhappy~~~~~



well ok next part will be more interesting... i hope lol

[Pil]

it's all good Tar! :cuddles: you rock girl! :)

[Bess the Bard]

I like how you're not making this guy an easy hero. He's flawed and interesting. Keep up the good work.

[Tar-Ancalimë]

well thank you. i really appreciate your comments... no, really, i do lol

and just because i love you all so much, ill post more! lol


~~~~~veryhappy~~~~~
The room filled with officers, some looking inquiring, some fearful. Dleth mounted a short platform to address the gathered crowd.

“I assume,” he began, “That everyone here knows why you are called.” He paused, and there was silence.

“I have been investigating the circumstances of the queen’s departure, and I am displeased by the results.” He paused again to study his audience. They all had varying degrees of apprehension on their faces by now, and some even looked like they were remembering everything else they had to do, and thinking about the best way to slip quietly out of the room.

Dleth continued: “I have come to the conclusion that most people in this castle have a higher loyalty to my wife than to me. I’ve been threatening consequences, should a situation like this occur again.” A speculative murmur broke out among the crowd.

“I trust, however,” he continued, “That taking action against this happening in the future is unnecessary.” People were nodding, looking somewhat relieved. Voices grew louder.

Dleth raised his own voice slightly. “I look to all of you to not only not commit, but prevent, further treason-”

An angry, indignant mutter cut him off, and Dleth raised his voice even more: “Yes, I said treason, for that is what this is, how I view the matter-”

Voices got even louder, and a few people even began shouting over the noise, at both their neighbors and Dleth.

“Quiet!” Dleth roared. [btw, i hate this verb "roared"...it doesnt express quite the way he says this line... but i cant come up with anything better :(]

He didn’t mind the noise, but he wanted the attention of the crowd. They hushed instantly, many of them looking slightly ashamed.

Dleth continued, “I look to all of you. As I earlier said, I am seriously displeased. It would be best if I were not, if this whole attitude were changed.” He paused again.

“You know what you can do about it.”

Utter silence followed this statement-the crowd was holding its breath. Dleth looked at them, and decided that was enough.
“You are dismissed.”

They instantly began talking with one another, filing out of the room.

Dleth watched them go speculatively, hoping that had not been a complete waste of time. He still was unsure about solving things with words, for he was no diplomat, neither eloquent nor meaningful. Yet what had to be done, had to be done.

He stepped off the platform and sat down on it. His thoughts turned to Thayet. Despite his hard ways with her earlier, he had always loved her. Wondering desperately where she was now, he resolved never to loose his temper with her, should he gain her back.

~~~~~veryhappy~~~~~

ooh guys, its almost over... its just a short little story :grin:

...well, maybe not almost over, actually i guess theres about six more posts left in it ;)

[Mirkgirl]

*joins the crowd* WE WANT MORE!!!

lol quit sleeping honster and finish the story

[Lady Melody]

Well, what else can I say? Make sure it's coming, dear... ^_^

[Pil]

6 more posts....mecry.....

After this fab story is over...we will DEFINITELY be requiring more from you Tar! :)

Look forward to the next bit, that installment was great! :thumbs:

[Tar-Ancalimë]

thanks all for your comments :grin:

aww irky finally read it :)

lol...the others arent as good as this one, pil, dont even expect it ;)

[Tar-Ancalimë]

Thayet spent that day reading. Her host had an extensive if plain library, and though reading wasn’t her favorite pastime, it was the only thing to do during this storm.

Theresa and Roderick spent most of the day quietly playing in another room. After Thayet managed to take a little nap, the children came in to the sitting room and begged her to tell them a story. Charmed by their evident anticipation of delight, Thayet let them choose a story for her to read.

That evening was one of the most enjoyable Thayet had ever spent. She read stories to the children until dinnertime, laughing and playing with them. When their father chased them off to bed, Thayet, exhausted, managed to fall asleep, wishing the storm would never stop.

She dreamed of Dleth that night: a confused, scattered, incoherent dream. They were traveling together trough Langret, passing the time, laughing and kissing. The wind was blowing through her hair; Dleth was picking her up and spinning her around. He picked flowers and gave them to her. She smiled, pleased, and reached out for them, but the wind picked them up and swept them away. Then she watched them go, crying, upset. She watched Dleth go, too. Her whole soul left her on the breeze.

She woke up there, sweating and shaking. She rolled over, uncomfortable and afraid. She began worrying about Dleth again-sometimes she thought he loved her, but other times she felt certain that he didn’t care-that he couldn’t care

[Pil]

:( she's so confused...content with her present position...but longing to return to Dleth...maybe to discover his real feelings for her.

I love how you used the flowers he gave her to show their moving apart...lovely... :p

Please continue Tar...i really want to know what she decides to do. :grin:

Oh...and you know that i'll have to come over to the US and get the stories off you to post...save me the trouble (and plane fare)... post them...go on...i bet they're great...just like this one! :thumbs:

We await the next post! :)

[Bess the Bard]

Tar,
This is definitely keeping my interest. Thayet is such an fascinating name, almost sounds Egyptian. Picking the names of my characters is one of the most important parts of writing, for me. Dleth is a powerful, very masculine sounding name--like the character. I'm eager to read more.

[Tar-Ancalimë]

thank you, pil....the flowers come back in later, just to let you know :grin: lol you dont even know where i live in the US :p

thank yo uso much, bess! Thayet was a suggestion of my friend for another story, i thought it fit this one tho... and dleth wasnt his name to begin with, since i started writing him a bit nicer than he is now.... it was Leth, and i just added a 'd' and pretended that thayet had just called him by a nickname.... but thank you so much, i really like the names of my characters.... and i have a q about the name of one of your chars...but ill ask it in your story lol

[Tar-Ancalimë]

Dleth slept that night, mostly because his body simply didn’t function on no sleep. His sleep was untroubled, and in the night, the sound of the wind stopped and it grew peacefully quiet.

Rising that morning, he looked out the east window, to a truly magnificent view. The fury of the storm had vanished, giving way to a beautifully light snow fall. Lainly Valley swept away down from the castle in the mountains to the Eldonar River-- all covered in a charming blanket of snow, sparkling and glittering in the newly risen sun. Movement was awakening in Lainly-- reviving and returning to life after the hibernation of the storm.

Dleth’s spirits rose unmeasurably at the uplifting sight, joy swelling to fill his heart. Thinking of Thayet gave him no longer despair, but hope. He rushed out and roused the castle at once.

He quickly sent out messengers towards the High Pass, and search teams in that direction. Daily business returned, and Thaenel was rushing with those hurrying to catch up with lost time. Dleth got waylaid by three messengers and a caretaker before he could reach the stables, all needing his word or his orders. He dispatched them with haste, all the while gathering a team to go with him to search the High Pass.

Dleth got his team together-- mostly searchers, with some soldiers and messengers-- grabbed skis for himself and left the castle at once. The morning’s business could by no means spare him, but the impatience of Dleth could wait no longer to find Thayet.

[Bess the Bard]

Yea! He's going after her. I like the touch about the skiis. Somehow I wasn't expecting that, even with the snow, but I like it. Requires even more effort than hopping on a horse and going to the rescue.

Don't know if you intended it, but it struck me that the storm was a metaphore for the battle Dleth was having in himself about his feelings for Thayet. Now the storm is over and a chance for a new beginning is there. If he doesn't mess it up...the anticipation is growing!!!

[Pil]

I thought that too bess...how the pure snow represents his now cleared and untroubled heart...he knows that he wants her back and is no longer confused about his feelings. :p

I hope he manages to find her...we await the next post Tar! :)

[Tar-Ancalimë]

heehee. well i dont put metaphors in on purpose, but i did think about that :)

mm about the skiis, i reall yhavent decided exactly at what technology stage this world is. i mean, they use swords, i knwo that for sure...anyway, ill get there eventually .lol


heh, im putting this into small parts to streaaaaatch it out lol

[Tar-Ancalimë]

Dleth wasn’t a strong skier, but he was competent, and eager. The approach to the High Pass was slightly difficult, twisting steeply as it did. Dleth found he was glad of the chance to let skiing take up all his concentration, taking away from his fears about Thayet.

Gaining the High Pass, Dleth had to stop and rest a bit, out of breath and tired. He wasn’t the only one, though. The soldiers with him had been chosen for their faculty in skiing, but some of them were not much better than Dleth himself, and needed the rest.

Recovering his breath adequately enough to continue, Dleth began the descent to Lath Fork, nestled between two hills and the Smilaths. Reaching it, he found a messenger coming from Naustin, to the left. Seeing Dleth, the messenger nodded deeply.

“Your majesty, an equipped search team is taking Naustin. A larger party is searching down to the right, and two went ahead to Telnat; they should be there already.”

Dleth nodded. “Very good.” He hesitated. His hope told him to go ahead to Telnat, in the chance of finding her there, safe and sound, but his fear told him to try other places... after all, if she was in Telnat, she would be safe. He decided, “If she’s in Telnat, things are fine. If she went to Naustrin,” he hesitated, then: “There is nothing we can do. We are going to Nathspel.”

~~~~~

oh yeah and, if anyone is confused about place names or sth, and would like me to post the index in here, id be happy to do that :grin:
I have a map too but im not sure how well it would turn out if i scanned it in. lol plus, image posting is off

[Mirkgirl]

um well.... I agree with Pil hehe

Well done, honster and give me that map will you haha

About metaphors... they aren't to be thought when one writes it... you can't write and think about them

[Elrenia]

Go you !!! :thumbs:

I totally agree with Mirky .... roflmao :p ;)

Really well written...your narration has a lot of potential ... and you know the rest bla bla bal roflmao :grin:

No kidding...writing is definately one of your skill...sentences are not too long..it is easy to follow (except for the green background and yellow character..tiring for the eyes ;) ) You know how to keep the reader interest ...

Wonderful work...I like it very much...I want more !! Hehehe

:grin: :grin: :grin:

[Pil]

Don't we all?! notworthy C'mon Tar...that was great...post more...you know you want to! :p

[Beleglotiel]

Very good, Tar! Nicely done. Can't wait for the next part.

[Tar-Ancalimë]

ok about the map, pm me and ill send it to you, i finally got it scanned in. its pretty helpful with place names and such, i even used it when i was writing. lol

[Tar-Ancalimë]

ok im sure you guys must have missed this story sooo much.

not.



anyway, regardless of your level of f&s deprivation, i will post the next part. only because i'm slightly repentant for starting this, and i might as well get the torture over quickly.


~~~~~
The rest of his team nodded and set off. The messenger fell in with them.

Heading down the trail, Dleth felt nerves take over his body. He couldn’t stand this waiting, and not knowing. Patience had never been one of his virtues.

They went quickly and soon caught up with one searcher, who was going slowly, searching the sides of the trail. Dleth halted and had a short conference with the searcher, learning nothing.

They went down the trail a few more minutes, when they heard a shout behind them. Dleth turned and saw another messenger coming quickly towards them. The messenger’s face was radiant and the news was good:

“Your majesty, she’s been found, she’s in Telnat, she’s fine.”

Dleth felt as though he would collapse under the relief that poured over him all at once. He gave thanks to every fate that had ever existed, and couldn’t get himself turned around fast enough on the narrow path.

A bemused smile appeared on the messenger’s face. Dleth saw it and frowned, but then the messenger quickly said, “Your majesty, there’s no hurry. Don’t rush and hurt yourself."

Dleth frowned sarcastically. “Thank you so much for your concern.” He pushed past the slightly contrite messenger, and skied back to Lath Fork, a great gladness spreading through him and giving him wings.





Thayet woke to find the storm ended. She drew back the curtain and her spirits sank. She grabbed her stuff and left the house before anyone else stirred, not wanting to say good-bye.

She gathered her robe about her and stepped lightly on the snow, trying hard not to sink in. The sun had not yet peeked over the mountains, and the light was slightly eerie.

Resigned to whatever fate awaited her, she made her way over to the guard station, heart beating slightly. She pushed the door open and informed the guard that the king was searching for her.

Then she sat down to wait.





Dleth skied into Telnat, boosted by his anticipation and gladness. Something huge swelled in his soul.

The messenger said, “Your majesty, she’s in the guard room, waiting on you.”

Dleth tore off his skies and pushed open the door. Thayet was sitting there, wet, tired, and fearful. She looked up and saw Dleth, and her heart stopped. She couldn’t imagine why he would have come himself.

Dleth took her hand, pulled her to her feet, and embraced her. He held her so close, she thought he might squeeze her to death.

When he finally let up a little, she pulled away and gasped, “Dleth!”

“Oh darling,” he said, pulling her close again, “I’m so sorry. I missed you so much, I couldn’t stand it.”

“Oh Dleth!” was all she could say. “Don’t scare me like that!”

He pulled away very slightly, still holding her, and replied, “I won’t, Thayet, I honestly won’t, ever again.”

Thayet, astonished to hear those words from him, looked up at him. He laughed a little at the expression on her face, and said, “Don’t you believe me?”

“Mmm...” she said, leaning close to him again, “Of course I do.” Then, relieved to be near each other again, they embraced and became momentarily lost to the world.





Dleth set back off to Taenel with Thayet, so very relieved to be going back with her. Thayet, who had dreaded this day with all her being, found herself counting it one of the happiest days of her life.

Dleth dispatched messengers to recall the search parties, and to bring the happy news to Taenel. Swiftly going down the trail together gave Dleth his calm back as nothing else could have.

Thayet’s heart beat faster and faster, as they neared the High Pass. Going over the crest, her soul swelled to fill the valley, everything in it winking and welcoming her, the flowers of winter spread out for her. She gazed down on Taenel fondly, thinking it home at last.

~~~~~



weeeell... what do you think? was the ending good? should they have not made up? and should i post more stories about them? how much did you love this fic? how much did it suck? how much do i care what you guys think? oh and thank you all for your wonderful responses, i love you guys!!!!!
ps mirky if you say 'i agree' ill strangle you

[Mirkgirl]

I agree with you Tar... I think! the was ending good! they should have not made up! and you should post more stories about them! I loved this fic! it sucked! you care what we guys think!

Well semi-serious now... you know what I think... if the others want to find out come in chat (http://www.warofthering.net/chat.shtml)

[Catz]

would you believe........i agree ????
*catz hides, and from inside her hidey hole( in the chat (http://www.warofthering.net/chat.shtml) ) makes her comments*
i liked it Tar.......but i dont think they should have gotten back together either ;).........lol .......im not keen on happy endings lol......but i really liked it........well written hon:thumbs: :cool:
:catz:

[Tar-Ancalimë]

lol then the next one i post will be the one with the *ahemiwontgiveanythingawayhere* ending rofl

[Bess the Bard]

Tar, I agree!!!

I like happy endings, believe it or not. :smile:

In other stories about them, will you explore whether the happy reunion is working out or not? Will Dleth backslide in to his old arrogance now that he has her back? Old hobbits, er, habits, are hard to break. I like these two characters and I will gladly read more about them. Good work!

[Beleglotiel]

Cool, Tar, Keep this up! Very good!

[Tar-Ancalimë]

ok for anyone who cares the map is now at http://mywebpages.comcast.net/tar-ancalime/Map/Lainly%20Valley.jpg

[Pil]

:cuddles:

Cute ending Tar...i liked it. I dunno what you think of your writing, but personally i can't wait to read the next story if it's anything like this one. You're a REALLY good writier Tar! :thumbs: :)

Thanks for the map too! I'm gonna print it out and go back and read the story again whilst using it as referance. I find i get a completely different experience of the writing if my mind is assisted with the visual side of things...maps...piccies...have you drawn any pictures for this story Tar? :huh: :p

[Tar-Ancalimë]

lol thank you a lot, Pil, you make me veryhappy

well yw for the map, but eeeeeeek i cannot draw :(

lol

[Beleglotiel]

very nice indeed, Tar. You are truely talented! :thumbs:

[Pil]

Originally posted by Tar-Ancalimë
eeeeeeek i cannot draw :( lol

I don't believe you! lol ;)

Are we going to hear any more stories from this land? :huh:

[Tar-Ancalimë]

oh believe it... lol

hmm... if youre really nice :naughty:

[Beleglotiel]

I be nice..................... notworthy

[Tar-Ancalimë]

lol thank you Bele :)

[Bess the Bard]

Yes, Tar. I'd really like you to continue stories set in your world. The map was really cool!

[Beleglotiel]

I never saw any map!! Where??!!

[Tar-Ancalimë]

Bess--thank you a whole lot. when a writer whose stories i love likes my writing, im extremely flattered and it means a lot to me


bele- same thing, and, about the mapOriginally posted by Tar-Ancalimë
ok for anyone who cares the map is now at http://mywebpages.comcast.net/tar-ancalime/Map/Lainly%20Valley.jpg