Post by nima on Oct 6, 2007 15:34:08 GMT -5
Narrator: Welcome to the continued story of Litah and Nima.
Nima awoke in Winterspring. The chill air felt refreshing to her. Instinctively, her hand went to the pendant she wore. Before she activated it, the stone came to life with a voice she did not wish to hear. Kaenel was hailing her, talking as if they were friends. Nima did not question the revulsion she felt at the sound of his voice. She told him, instantly, that she did not want to talk to him; or, hear his lies. Deep within, she trusted her sister. Why, then, did this person make her doubt that trust. She was not going to allow him to that to her again. He denied that he had ever said anything to her about Litah and Nithei. He even sounded hurt that she would accuse him. Her confusion became greater when Grokus’ voice was angrily telling them to keep quiet. He did not want to hear any Hammers talk to each other the she was talking to Kaenel. Nima grew quiet, unsure as to what she had done; or, as to how she should react. She did not wish to make Grokus or anyone else angry with her. It was Kaenel who was being bad.
Litah moved without direction, allowing her magical steed to choose his own path. She did not know why she was riding through Thousand Needles. Her strength was almost spent. Her leg throbbed from the old wound that had begun to fester. She leaned forward and rested her head on the neck of her horse. Visions of the past playing on her mind. She saw herself and Nima, playing as children, catching tadpoles in a stream. Then, she saw Nima standing on a balcony, watching her as she ventured out into the woods. She had watched as her mother took her sister away from her. Nima was taught all that her mother thought a beautiful woman should know. Nima could set the best tables. She was a grand hostess, smiling perfectly, dressing perfectly. Nima knew just enough politics to make a man think she knew what he was talking about. Nima was the key that would open the door for their parents into the Royal Court.
Several times, Litah would hide a frog, a bird; and, once, a rabbit under her tunic to take to show her sister. When this was discovered, they were placed in separate bed chambers. No, Litah did not envy Nima her beauty. Once, just after the morning meal, Nima’s tutor was late in calling for her. Litah grabbed her sister by the hand and pulled her out of doors and into the woods. They played the entire day. Together, they swam in the river, climbed trees, ate nuts and berries. Litah heard her sister’s laughter for the first time in a long time. At sundown, as they neared their home, Nima stopped Litah. “Wait! I will go in first. You wait here for a while.” Litah looked at her questioningly, then, shook her head. “No. If we are to be punished, it will be together. After all, it was my idea.” Nima smiled, “Yeah; but, it’s the best one you’ve had in a long time.” Hooking arms, they strode proudly into the house. Both, covered with grime, thistles in their hair, rents in their clothing; and, quite happy.
Litah was brought out her dreams of the past when a bear knocked her from her horse. She fought as best she could until another joined his friend. Knowing she did not have the strength or energy to fight two, she threw up her protection and ran. She did not know where she was running. She took little notice of the ancient trees or the grass beneath her feet. When the grass turned to stone, she could not tell. She stumbled and fell face down on a stone floor. Her right arm continued to fall until her fingers could feel cool water. Fatigued, weakened, feeling no desire to push herself up, Litah released herself to sleep.
In the darkness of her dream, a pair of hands appeared. One hand pointed to a stone statue. The other hand joined the first. They floated toward the statue; and, where the heart would be, reached into it. The hands turned so she could see what they were holding. It was a chalice of gold, carved with great detail and beauty. They turned it over to show that it was empty. They brought it closer to her; and, she saw the vessel fill with a golden liquid that smelled of ambrosia. The sight and aroma caused Litah to feel a great thirst. As she reached to the cup, it changed to one of tin, rusted and pocked. The liquid inside had changed, as well. It was putrid green with swirls of black. It’s smell was rancid and turned Litah’s stomach. She backed away from it. The hands faded, along with the chalice. Litah awoke and lay, motionless. “Not the mind!” She whispered, as the realization took hold. “Her heart is empty. She neither loves nor hates. “
With a revelation that turned her blood to ice, Litah knew what she must do. Somewhere, somehow, she would find the strength for one last thrust of her sword. She touched the pendant. “Nima, I need you!” Litah closed her eyes; but, no sleep came. She knew Nima would find her. She knew what had to be done.
In Winterspring, Nima heard the message. Litah needed her. Suddenly, there was no doubt or mistrust. For Litah to call for, she must be in trouble. All their lives, the twins had known a sense of each other. One could home in on the other with a simple thought. When they were young, Litah had fallen from a tree and broken her arm. Nima felt her pain and led their parents straight to where Litah lay. On this day, Nima could feel a different pain; but, she did not stop to think of it. She hurried to help her sister. She ran to the flight master, paid him his due; and, took a wyvern to Faralas.
A voice, very close to her, caused Litah to sit up. In the dim light, she could make out a pool and waterfall. The sound of the water drumming against the rocks almost blocked out the voice that was speaking. She turned toward it’s sound; and, came face-to-face with a winged serpent. In the dim light, the blackness of it was even greater. “Bring me the empty vessel! I will claim it! No other shall have it! “ it demanded. Litah drew her sword. “Ah, little paladin, you are nearly ready. All that needs doing now is for you to bring the vessel.” Litah forced herself into a fighting stance. Her eye marking the place her sword would strike. “No! You shall not have it. I am a paladin! A paladin for good. You will not have me or my sister!” She pulled her sword arm back, her shield arm came up, not fast enough. The serpent struck. She felt its fang enter her flesh just above her heart. She did not remember falling. All she had time to do was ask, “If I must die, do not let him take me. I beg of you.”
She did not know to whom she had prayed. All she could see was darkness surrounding her. In the center of the darkness, she could see herself, getting smaller and smaller. She could not take a breath in; nor, could she breath out. Somehow, she knew that the pounding in her ears was not the waterfall; but, her own heart, beating slower and slower. As she lay there, waiting to die, a white fog surrounded the darkness; and, a voice, neither male nor female, spoke to her. “It is not your time.”
As Litah began to breath again, she rolled over and tried to sit up. As she did, she saw Nima come around a boulder. Behind, Nima, in the shadows was the serpent. Litah dug the tip of her sword into the moist dirt and began to pull herself up. Her eyes on her sister and the dark shadow behind her. Suddenly, vines sprung from the rock where Nima stood. They entwined themselves around Nima’s legs, making their way up her body. Each place they touched turned her to stone. They worked quickly. In two breaths time, Nima stood before her like the stone statue in her dream.
Litah’s thought was to reach the winged serpent. She pulled herself up, onto one knee. Her strength and energy were virtually non-existent. There she froze. A blinding light filled the area. Litah forced herself to look for as long as could. It was golden in the center. As it radiated outward, it became various shades of yellow, then white. The outer edge was the brightest white she had ever seen. Litah shut her eyes to it’s brilliance. She leaned forward and rested her head on the pommel of her sword. Then a voice, as commanding as a king’s and as soothing as a mother’s, spoke to her.
“You have searched long, my paladin. Your trials have been many. We are pleased. You were willing to make the greatest sacrifice to keep evil at bay. This will not go without reward. Rise, paladin of Light. We are pleased with thee.” Litah opened her eyes in time to see a very small spark of light separate itself from the whole. It floated toward her. She closed her eyes, again, as it entered her very being. A great euphoria overcame the young paladin. She felt a joy she had never known. Suddenly, she was no longer tired. She could feel no pain, no anguish. Knowing exactly what to do, Litah rose and turned her eyes to the place where she had last seen the winged serpent. It was no where to be found. “Darkness cannot exist where there are no shadows, paladin. Remember this. As for the vessel, it will fill. With what, only time will tell. We have much for you to do. We will be watching.”
The light faded. Litah could feel it move away. She felt disappointed. She wanted it to stay forever. Then, she turned her thoughts inward; and, smiled. It had not left her. It would be with her forever.
Litah moved to Nima. She knew exactly what to do without thinking about it. She held her sword aloft and concentrated on the blade. It came alive with the light Litah knew was her own. Extending the sword, she touched it’s tip to the vines. They began to shrivel and disappear. Soon, Nima stood before her, smiling and happy. The two sisters embraced, each thankful that the other was alright.
For the next few hours, dangling their bare feet in the cool water, the sisters talked. They laughed and giggled for the first time in such a long time. Nima told Litah of the Hammer of the Ancients; and, of Nithei. Litah was pleased that Nima had opened her heart to someone. “You actually saw someone other than yourself in your mirror?” Litah teased her. Nima nodded, just a bit shyly. “That is so great!” Litah hugged her. “He’s really nice. I can’t wait for you to meet him. I think you will li…..” Nima looked into her sisters face. She saw the sparkle of the light in her eyes. Her face was relaxed, not tense with worry and concern. Her smile made Nima want to smile. “Litah….your beautiful.”
Narrator: Oh, my! This seems to be the last scroll allotted this story. It appears our time has come to an end. However, as a teller of tales, I do not like the words “The End”. Shall we part, then, with …..”The Beginning”?
(I hope you liked reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. May real life bring you happiness. May fantasy bring you fun.)
Nima awoke in Winterspring. The chill air felt refreshing to her. Instinctively, her hand went to the pendant she wore. Before she activated it, the stone came to life with a voice she did not wish to hear. Kaenel was hailing her, talking as if they were friends. Nima did not question the revulsion she felt at the sound of his voice. She told him, instantly, that she did not want to talk to him; or, hear his lies. Deep within, she trusted her sister. Why, then, did this person make her doubt that trust. She was not going to allow him to that to her again. He denied that he had ever said anything to her about Litah and Nithei. He even sounded hurt that she would accuse him. Her confusion became greater when Grokus’ voice was angrily telling them to keep quiet. He did not want to hear any Hammers talk to each other the she was talking to Kaenel. Nima grew quiet, unsure as to what she had done; or, as to how she should react. She did not wish to make Grokus or anyone else angry with her. It was Kaenel who was being bad.
Litah moved without direction, allowing her magical steed to choose his own path. She did not know why she was riding through Thousand Needles. Her strength was almost spent. Her leg throbbed from the old wound that had begun to fester. She leaned forward and rested her head on the neck of her horse. Visions of the past playing on her mind. She saw herself and Nima, playing as children, catching tadpoles in a stream. Then, she saw Nima standing on a balcony, watching her as she ventured out into the woods. She had watched as her mother took her sister away from her. Nima was taught all that her mother thought a beautiful woman should know. Nima could set the best tables. She was a grand hostess, smiling perfectly, dressing perfectly. Nima knew just enough politics to make a man think she knew what he was talking about. Nima was the key that would open the door for their parents into the Royal Court.
Several times, Litah would hide a frog, a bird; and, once, a rabbit under her tunic to take to show her sister. When this was discovered, they were placed in separate bed chambers. No, Litah did not envy Nima her beauty. Once, just after the morning meal, Nima’s tutor was late in calling for her. Litah grabbed her sister by the hand and pulled her out of doors and into the woods. They played the entire day. Together, they swam in the river, climbed trees, ate nuts and berries. Litah heard her sister’s laughter for the first time in a long time. At sundown, as they neared their home, Nima stopped Litah. “Wait! I will go in first. You wait here for a while.” Litah looked at her questioningly, then, shook her head. “No. If we are to be punished, it will be together. After all, it was my idea.” Nima smiled, “Yeah; but, it’s the best one you’ve had in a long time.” Hooking arms, they strode proudly into the house. Both, covered with grime, thistles in their hair, rents in their clothing; and, quite happy.
Litah was brought out her dreams of the past when a bear knocked her from her horse. She fought as best she could until another joined his friend. Knowing she did not have the strength or energy to fight two, she threw up her protection and ran. She did not know where she was running. She took little notice of the ancient trees or the grass beneath her feet. When the grass turned to stone, she could not tell. She stumbled and fell face down on a stone floor. Her right arm continued to fall until her fingers could feel cool water. Fatigued, weakened, feeling no desire to push herself up, Litah released herself to sleep.
In the darkness of her dream, a pair of hands appeared. One hand pointed to a stone statue. The other hand joined the first. They floated toward the statue; and, where the heart would be, reached into it. The hands turned so she could see what they were holding. It was a chalice of gold, carved with great detail and beauty. They turned it over to show that it was empty. They brought it closer to her; and, she saw the vessel fill with a golden liquid that smelled of ambrosia. The sight and aroma caused Litah to feel a great thirst. As she reached to the cup, it changed to one of tin, rusted and pocked. The liquid inside had changed, as well. It was putrid green with swirls of black. It’s smell was rancid and turned Litah’s stomach. She backed away from it. The hands faded, along with the chalice. Litah awoke and lay, motionless. “Not the mind!” She whispered, as the realization took hold. “Her heart is empty. She neither loves nor hates. “
With a revelation that turned her blood to ice, Litah knew what she must do. Somewhere, somehow, she would find the strength for one last thrust of her sword. She touched the pendant. “Nima, I need you!” Litah closed her eyes; but, no sleep came. She knew Nima would find her. She knew what had to be done.
In Winterspring, Nima heard the message. Litah needed her. Suddenly, there was no doubt or mistrust. For Litah to call for, she must be in trouble. All their lives, the twins had known a sense of each other. One could home in on the other with a simple thought. When they were young, Litah had fallen from a tree and broken her arm. Nima felt her pain and led their parents straight to where Litah lay. On this day, Nima could feel a different pain; but, she did not stop to think of it. She hurried to help her sister. She ran to the flight master, paid him his due; and, took a wyvern to Faralas.
A voice, very close to her, caused Litah to sit up. In the dim light, she could make out a pool and waterfall. The sound of the water drumming against the rocks almost blocked out the voice that was speaking. She turned toward it’s sound; and, came face-to-face with a winged serpent. In the dim light, the blackness of it was even greater. “Bring me the empty vessel! I will claim it! No other shall have it! “ it demanded. Litah drew her sword. “Ah, little paladin, you are nearly ready. All that needs doing now is for you to bring the vessel.” Litah forced herself into a fighting stance. Her eye marking the place her sword would strike. “No! You shall not have it. I am a paladin! A paladin for good. You will not have me or my sister!” She pulled her sword arm back, her shield arm came up, not fast enough. The serpent struck. She felt its fang enter her flesh just above her heart. She did not remember falling. All she had time to do was ask, “If I must die, do not let him take me. I beg of you.”
She did not know to whom she had prayed. All she could see was darkness surrounding her. In the center of the darkness, she could see herself, getting smaller and smaller. She could not take a breath in; nor, could she breath out. Somehow, she knew that the pounding in her ears was not the waterfall; but, her own heart, beating slower and slower. As she lay there, waiting to die, a white fog surrounded the darkness; and, a voice, neither male nor female, spoke to her. “It is not your time.”
As Litah began to breath again, she rolled over and tried to sit up. As she did, she saw Nima come around a boulder. Behind, Nima, in the shadows was the serpent. Litah dug the tip of her sword into the moist dirt and began to pull herself up. Her eyes on her sister and the dark shadow behind her. Suddenly, vines sprung from the rock where Nima stood. They entwined themselves around Nima’s legs, making their way up her body. Each place they touched turned her to stone. They worked quickly. In two breaths time, Nima stood before her like the stone statue in her dream.
Litah’s thought was to reach the winged serpent. She pulled herself up, onto one knee. Her strength and energy were virtually non-existent. There she froze. A blinding light filled the area. Litah forced herself to look for as long as could. It was golden in the center. As it radiated outward, it became various shades of yellow, then white. The outer edge was the brightest white she had ever seen. Litah shut her eyes to it’s brilliance. She leaned forward and rested her head on the pommel of her sword. Then a voice, as commanding as a king’s and as soothing as a mother’s, spoke to her.
“You have searched long, my paladin. Your trials have been many. We are pleased. You were willing to make the greatest sacrifice to keep evil at bay. This will not go without reward. Rise, paladin of Light. We are pleased with thee.” Litah opened her eyes in time to see a very small spark of light separate itself from the whole. It floated toward her. She closed her eyes, again, as it entered her very being. A great euphoria overcame the young paladin. She felt a joy she had never known. Suddenly, she was no longer tired. She could feel no pain, no anguish. Knowing exactly what to do, Litah rose and turned her eyes to the place where she had last seen the winged serpent. It was no where to be found. “Darkness cannot exist where there are no shadows, paladin. Remember this. As for the vessel, it will fill. With what, only time will tell. We have much for you to do. We will be watching.”
The light faded. Litah could feel it move away. She felt disappointed. She wanted it to stay forever. Then, she turned her thoughts inward; and, smiled. It had not left her. It would be with her forever.
Litah moved to Nima. She knew exactly what to do without thinking about it. She held her sword aloft and concentrated on the blade. It came alive with the light Litah knew was her own. Extending the sword, she touched it’s tip to the vines. They began to shrivel and disappear. Soon, Nima stood before her, smiling and happy. The two sisters embraced, each thankful that the other was alright.
For the next few hours, dangling their bare feet in the cool water, the sisters talked. They laughed and giggled for the first time in such a long time. Nima told Litah of the Hammer of the Ancients; and, of Nithei. Litah was pleased that Nima had opened her heart to someone. “You actually saw someone other than yourself in your mirror?” Litah teased her. Nima nodded, just a bit shyly. “That is so great!” Litah hugged her. “He’s really nice. I can’t wait for you to meet him. I think you will li…..” Nima looked into her sisters face. She saw the sparkle of the light in her eyes. Her face was relaxed, not tense with worry and concern. Her smile made Nima want to smile. “Litah….your beautiful.”
Narrator: Oh, my! This seems to be the last scroll allotted this story. It appears our time has come to an end. However, as a teller of tales, I do not like the words “The End”. Shall we part, then, with …..”The Beginning”?
(I hope you liked reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. May real life bring you happiness. May fantasy bring you fun.)