http://mythicscribes.com/forums/portfolios/chime85/ Fantasy Writing Forums - Discuss all aspects of fantasy writing, including magic systems and world building. An active and friendly writers forum. en Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:51:57 GMT vBulletin 30 http://vbimg.mythicscribes.com/forums/images/mythic/misc/rss.jpg http://mythicscribes.com/forums/portfolios/chime85/ http://mythicscribes.com/forums/portfolios/chime85/158-chapter-iii-pendant-witch-part-one-journey-stone-pt-3.html Mon, 30 Jul 2012 16:21:30 GMT As each person stepped through the door, the atmosphere changed. From the quiet whispers of Tettle, came the true heart of its community. In the warm... As each person stepped through the door, the atmosphere changed. From the quiet whispers of Tettle, came the true heart of its community. In the warm flickering candlelight of the Inn were many Halflings, each busy with their business as they sat around small wooden tables. A path from the doorway to the bar seemed to be fashioned among the heavy rows of small tables and individual wooden chairs. It was this path that Amphi walked so confidently along, being sure all who saw her and her company knew they were both peaceful and graceful. Even with both Moofen and the naive Chime, did she accomplish this.
Amphi placed her arm across the bar and waited patiently for service. In custom of Tettle, she did not wait long. She did not care for the looks she and her party received from the patrons of the Inn, Amphi only cared about her goals for the moment at hand. She stood still, waiting for the barman to take notice of her.
This did not take long, considering Amphis height and appearance. She stood tall and spoke clearly to the aging barkeeper after he acknowledged her.
Leaning over the bar, she spoke clearly and politely ‘hello there Sir, what is your name?’ she asked with a hint in her voice that gave a command rather than a request.
The man in his sixties replied, his hair fading and leaving a shock of grey against his once black side parting. It was clear that his top hat was placed on his head to hide the fact he was going bald. Despite this, he approached Amphi with a kind smile and warmth in his eyes.
The Halfling man crossed his arms over the counter, judging that Amphi did not wish to be overheard and spoke to her both clearly and quietly. ‘How can I help you Miss?’ he said, looking her up and down. He continued, keeping his ear close to where he expected Amphi to place her lips. ‘If you’re looking for a good meal, my wife can cook her famous hams, we include all the trimmings in the price.’ He stated, his chest filling with pride and admiration for his wife.
Amphi smiled before looking back, it was clear her companions had caught what the Halfling had said. She turned back to the man and nodded ‘That sounds excellent. We’ll take that with one room, four beds if you have them to spare, Mr?’ she asked, slowly rolling her left palm in order to catch the mans' name.
For a moment, the Halfling man did not seem to catch on. When he did, he adjusted his tattered top hat and polished one of the brass buttons on his blue coat with his sleeve ‘Mr Hamthwaite, Miss’ he beamed, picking up his quill as he did so. He looked away from Amphi for just a moment whilst he dipped his quill in the bronze inkwell to his right. Before writing anything down, he leant in towards the small guestbook he kept on the bar. For a few silent moments, he thumbed through the pages, checking the ins and outs of his most recent customers. ‘Yes’ he said at last. He looked back towards Amphi ‘we have a room available, four beds as asked, Miss’ he began. Mr Hamthwaite began penning in a few small details before looking back up, one eye squinting ‘and to what name shall I mark the ahem proceeds to, Miss?’ he asked delicately.
Amphi tapped the ledger in front of Mr Hamthwaite ‘I think it would be best for both if I marked the name, Mr Hamthwaite’ she said politely.
Mr Hamthwaite kindly nodded before turning his ledger towards Amphi, followed gently by the quill. Amphi dipped the quill in the small inkwell and dabbed the excess ink off the nib. In her finest hand, she marked her full name and handed it back to Mr Hamthwaite with a warm thank you.
Mr Hamthwaite took the quill and placed it in its rightful place before taking back the ledger. He looked at Amphi and gave his best Innkeeper smile ‘thank you Miss Amph-Amphic-h’ he began.
Amphi let out a small giggle ‘it’s Miss Amphichokora Telefareece’ she explained. She nodded and smiled kindly ‘or, Amphi Teece if you prefer, Mr Hamthwaite’ she suggested.
Mr Hamthwaite smiled and continued with the booking. After asking what time Amphi and her companions would prefer dinner, he offered to show them their rooms.

After Mr Hamthwaite had taken the four travellers to their room, they began to unpack. The room itself was very spacious, despite the ceiling being low. Each of the four beds sat in each corner of the wide, wooden room. A small round rug was in the centre, giving the room one of its few decorations. Asides from the rug, a few paintings hung on the wall, presumably portraits of the Hamthwaite family. Despite the few decorations, practicality had been taken care of. A large wardrobe sat either side of the room and a bedside table with a few small drawers were placed neatly beside each bed. On each of these draws sat a small oil lamp and a book of matches. Luckily for the Hamthwaites, no matches were needed, as soon as Amphi entered the room, she slowly held her palm to each oil lamp in turn, the warm flame growing softly in each one as she done so.
At the far end of the room, opposite the door, were two doors. These lattice doors opened to reveal a small balcony which overlooked the lake and the rest of the town of Tettle on the right.
For a while, as the sky began moving from twilight to night, Amphi was pointing out all the different stars to Chime. Chime often smiled as Amphi taught her the lessons she had herself learnt. Chime tried pointing out the stars Amphi had just been talking about. They both found this was a good way to keep their minds off food.
As Chime was reciting the numerous stars in the sky, Garg and Borg were both content on trying to choose which beds they should pick, and to see if any previous guests had left anything in the drawers and wardrobes. When they were satisfied the room had no treasures to give up, they joined Chime in pointing out the stars, standing either side of Amphi and Chime as they laughed and tried to determine how a set of stars could look like a chicken, or a cow, or a crow. After laughing, Amphi was trying to explain the star signs in the sky were an aid for travellers and sailors. She did not get far with this explanation before there was a gentle knock at the door.

Amphi walked quietly to the door and open it. In the doorway, a small woman stood. She wore a dark green dress with a yellow apron, her dark blonde curls sat perfectly below her yellow cooking hat. Both hands clasped together in front of her, she smile before she spoke.
‘Miss Telefareece, your dinner is ready’ she explained. She continued after dusting off her long and modest skirt ‘you and your guests are welcome to join the rest of our patrons downstairs, if you wish?’ she asked.
Amphi smiled and gave a small bow ‘thank you, Mrs Hamthwaite?’ she inquired.
The lady smiled, her kindness showing through her long years ‘yes Miss Telefareece, I am Mrs Hamthwaite’ she explained.
Amphi smiled, noticing the rest of her group was standing hopefully behind her ‘Thank you Mrs Hamthwaite, we’ll be down in a few minutes’ she said, looking back slightly towards her roommates.
Mrs Hamthwaite smiled and gave a small bow in return, never having anyone bow to her before ‘we look forward to your company Miss Telefareece. We get a little rowdy downstairs at times, mostly my husband’s doing. I hope you don’t mind that kind of thing’ she sighed.
To this, Amphi gave a perky smile ‘no, not at all, but thank you, for the warning Mrs Hamthwaite’ she added.
At this, Mrs Hamthwaite said her goodbyes and left Amphi and the rest of the party to get ready.

As promised, downstairs was packed with many Halflings unwinding after a long days labour. Many of the patrons of the Inn were laughing, singing and enjoying the wholesome food and drink which was on offer. The many oil lamps in the dark room gave a warm and welcoming light as the group sat at their small table near the front of the Inn. Despite the business of the Inn, Mrs Hamthwaite was very quick to take their order of food. She smiled as each person gave their order in turn and she went away to prepare the meals they had chosen.
As they waited for their meals, Amphi leant forward a little before speaking ‘you know, we still have a lot of ground to cover before we reach Zolk. This is only the second night of many’ she announced. She continued after a small pause ‘in fact, I would guess we have about ten Cycles ahead of us. We have to clear the forest first and foremost. After that, we will be crossing the Bain River. It shouldn’t be too difficult, as long as we keep a good pace. After that, we have the sands which surround Zolk. That will take a full Cycle by my reckoning’ she said, as she calculated the journey in her head.
Whilst Chime and Borg were taking this news into their consideration, Garg looked at Amphi for a moment in small wonder ‘have you seen much of the world, Amphi?’ he asked.
Amphi gave a soft, kindly laugh ‘no Garg, not nearly as much as there is to be seen. But I have been to many places in Affron before’ she began.

Before Amphi had a chance to continue, she was interrupted by the arrival of their meals. A younger Halfling of around thirty approached the table, carefully balancing four plates in her hands and arms. She had many smooth hazel rings in her hair and a soft smile as she carefully placed each of the plates on the table in front of each guest.
With two plates left, she looked at Chime and Garg in turn ‘I’m terribly sorry, but I forgot my mother’s instructions. Who asked for the fish, and who asked for the meat and potatoes?’ she asked apologetically.
Garg looked at the young Halfling and smiled as he saw her fair face. He raised one claw gently to point to his chosen meal ‘mine is the meat and potatoes, Miss’ he said, trying to sound as gentle as possible.
The Halfling woman placed Chimes fish in front of her, nodding gently at Chime before turning again to Garg ‘it’s my favourite to. Would you like some stock with that, Sir?’ she asked, smiling as she put down Gargs’ meal.
Garg smiled back ‘please Miss, if it’s no trouble’ he said.
She bowed gracefully ‘of course Sir. My name is Sheila, Sheila Hamthwaite, Sir. I am one of two of my fathers daughters’ she said.
Garg bowed gently from his seat ‘and my name is Garg, just Garg I’m afraid’ he explained. He pointed to each of his companions in turn with one of his small fingers on the end of his claw ‘this is my brother, Borg. This woman is Chime, and my last friend is Amphi’ he announced.
Sheila gave a small bow to each person before taking her leave ‘it’s my pleasure to meet you all and to meet you, Garg’. With that, she left to fetch some stock for Garg and to attend her other duties.

They each enjoyed their meals peacefully sometimes pausing to make conversation with each other. Often, Sheila Hamthwaite would come over to be sure Garg was as comfortable as possible. Each time she approached the table, Garg seemed to fill with joy. Amphi and the others smiled to themselves each time she came over, finding small entertainment in this.
Although she was happy with the meal and the conversation, Amphi felt a small amount of unease, something which grew as the night pushed on. She could not place her thoughts on it until after they had finished their meals. As Chime and the twins were talking about small things such as food, cooking and washing up, Amphi was observing the room around them. Although the room was warm and cosy, the Halflings in The Jolly Gentleman seemed to grow quieter as they tried to continue their evening. What began as a night of relaxation and enjoyment was turning into tightly closed groups and quiet conversations. Amphi noticed an air of nervousness and unease, but it did not seem directed towards them.
At around midnight, Mr Hamthwaite sounded a low sounding bell from behind the bar, crying out to all his customers ‘last call, five minutes’ in a loud, booming voice. This sent the remaining Halflings into near silence.
Amphi checked with the rest of her group if they wanted any last orders. Politely, they declined.

Not wishing to be a rude guest, Amphi suggested they returned to their room before the last of the other guests had left the Inn. They all agreed and stood from the table and began to walk towards the small wooden stairs.
Amphi stopped at the bar and smiled at Mr Hamthwaite. ‘Goodnight Mr Hamthwaite, please thank your wife and Daughter for the lovely meal’ she said.
Mr Hamthwaite, who had been jolly all evening with his guests appeared pale in the lamp light, he looked concerned about something and for a moment, he forgot to smile. ‘Yes, sleep well, please. Miss Telefareece’ he murmured.
‘Yes, and yourself’ she replied.
It was at this, her journey to the top of the stairs was interrupted by a loud crash through the Inns door as two men burst through them, catching their breath before explaining their sudden arrival. ‘It’s here’ one cried. He spoke again, his voice gravelled as he tried to speak in a loud whisper ‘out there, it’s here’ he repeated.
Amphi stopped, as did Chime, Garg and Borg.
Mr Hamthwaite tried to hush the man before he spoke more, but he was too late. His hushing was interrupted by the second man ‘the ghost, it’s on the path’ he said, franticly pointing towards the open door. As he pointed, the man realised his mistake and pushed the door closed, pushing his weight against it.
The first man ran up to the bar, placing both his hands far apart as he tried to get as close to Mr Hamthwaite as much as he could. ‘It’s back, George’ he explained, his voice shaken as he kept looking back towards the window. He continued, his eyes fixed on George Hamthwaites’ eyes ‘the ghost is back George, it’s right outside, now’ he cried.
George Hamthwaite lost all colour from his once red cheeks ‘are you sure? Phipp, are you certain man?’ he ordered.
Phipp nodded, his scruffy ginger hair stuck to his forehead from his sweat. ‘As sure as the nose on my face, it’s there, now’.

Garg and Borg gasped, looking at each other. ‘Amphi, it could be…’ he said, knowing Amphi knew what he meant.
Chime took a step towards Amphi, wondering what had the Halflings so panicked. Amphi held out an arm, to be sure Chime did not get involved. Instead, Amphi took a few steps away from the stairs and towards Phipp. Slowly, she approached him before softly speaking to him ‘what’s wrong, Phipp, is it?’ she asked.
Phipp nodded quickly ‘yes Miss, it’s Phipp. I live a few doors down, me and the wife-‘. As he was pointing towards the window Amphi interrupted him.
She nodded slowly, placing a hand on his shoulder to both reassure him and to turn him to face her ‘will be quite safe’ she started, although unsure as she was not certain about the situation. She continued ‘tell us about this ghost business, please’ she said, offering him a stool.
Phipp was shaking as he sat his eyes wide ‘it began some night in the last quarter Miss. He moves across the village, he’s already killed livestock Miss’ he said his voice rising as he began to explain. Phipp took a gulp of air ‘we tried to catch him once, Miss, several of us. We thought it bandits or thieves at first you see. We tried to ambush it, Miss, but it held old Vic by the throat. Old Vic, he’s dead’ at this Phipps burst into tears his head shaking as he pressed his hands against his eyes. He whispered ‘it’s coming this way’ as he tried to pull himself together

Amphi patted Phipps slowly on his shoulder before letting her grip from him. She stood up and looked at the other Halflings in the room. One was still leaning against the door; the others were silent, listening for any signs of the ghost. If Phipps account was true, they were facing something which used deadly force, ghost or no ghost. Amphi looked towards her company, Chime had already moved next to her, looking around the room with the same expression.
At last Amphi spoke, her voice was hard and commanding ‘Chime, draw the curtains, quickly now. Borg, help Mr Hamthwaite block the door. Garg, take everyone to our room, we’ll be safer above ground’ she said, pointing towards the staircase.
Chime was already drawing the first of the curtains ‘Amphi what are you going to do?’ she asked, making sure no light escaped the curtains. She was already hurrying to the next window before Amphi answered.
‘Once you’re finished with the curtains Chime, we’re going upstairs with the rest of them. We’re going to the balcony’. She turned to Mr Hamthwaite ‘George, if you have any weapons, find them. After that, do what you can to secure that door’ she explained. Once again, Amphi pointed to the stairs ‘the rest of you, follow Garg’ she called, running up the stairs as fast as she could.

Chime shortly followed Amphi up the stairs, checking Borg and Mr Hamthwaite once more. Behind her followed Mrs Hamthwaite and her daughters, along with half a dozen Halflings who remained behind
Amphi looked about the room, it seemed much smaller with so many people in it and only four beds ‘is this everyone, Sheila?’ she asked.
Sheila nodded ‘yes, Miss. I think so’ she said in a hurry.
Amphi pointed gently towards Sheila as she walked across the room to note that she understood. One by one, Amphi turned off the oil lamps, whispering as she did ‘we’ll be better hidden this way’ she explained, looking at the worried faces of the Halflings. She ushered Chime to follow her, instructing her in soft whispers. ‘Come on, Chime. Let’s have a look on the balcony’ she hushed, crouching down and leading Chime by the hand. Slowly, she opened the doors to the balcony and they crept through, silently stepping into the night.

Amphi peeked at the town below, only her head revealed above the balcony, Chimes head slowly followed. At first, nothing moved. The long silence was only broken with a Halfling trying to hold his breath and taking another gulp of air.
Chime nudged Amphi, pointing towards her right carefully ‘Amphi, down there. I think I see it’ she whispered.
Amphis eyes followed Chimes finger. Chime was right; there was definitely something down there. What that something was Amphi was not sure. The figure moved slowly along the path, about twenty metres from the Inn. At first, no sound came from the cloak as it aimlessly drifted from one step to another. Then, a scratch in the air came. Another scratch followed, slow and dull. Amphi and Chime watched carefully as the figure moved. Scratch, thump. Scratch, thump. Each scratch came like metal, twisting and pushing against more metal. The thumps were dull and damp as if a boot fell in wet mud. A small yellow glow came from what looked like the hood of the creature, a round dark yellow glow from the left of inside the hood. It moved closer to the Inn. Although nobody spoke or made a sound, silence was no longer in the air. A wailing sound filled the room, as if something in the distance of the night was in great pain. It whispered to everyone in the room, its breathing and cries rasped in shrill whispers. More sounds and voices followed and filled the air, whispering in dark echoes from a great distance. The voices still seemed far away and muffled, but the words could be heard by all. The voices called for help, cried out in pain and agony, men, women and children all called out for mercy.

Chime raised her voice, trying to speak over the many voices in the air ‘Amphi, I can’t see it’ she called.
Amphi looked down quickly and nervously, the creature was out of sight. Amphi stood up, looking towards the night franticly. She cried out as she headed towards the room door ‘it’s under the balcony, it’s at the door!’
Amphi ran to the door, dodging some of the Halflings as she ran. She paused, only to find her spear. She looked at her spear in the dark as she gripped it tightly, heading out of the room door and down the wooden stairs.
Chime tried calling out in a loud whisper ‘Amphi, Amphi!’ without any success, Chime followed Amphi down the stairs.

Amphi rushed to the front door, keeping her breath steady ‘Borg, where is it?’ she said, trying to keep a whisper despite the foul voices in the air.
Borg was pushing against the fine furniture he and Mr Hamthwaite had used to barricade the door. ‘I think it’s at the door, but I haven’t looked’ he explained.
Amphi walked around the room with a great stride, snuffing out all the lamps save the one remaining behind the bar. The room was dark except the faint glow of the one oil lamp, its light licking across the room.
Chime moved quickly to the middle of the room, only then, did she notice how empty the room looked with some of the tables and chairs pushed to one place. She stood still, her hands held outward as she listened and watched in silence. Her eyes darted from one corner of the room to another, her head moved much more slowly.
She spoke quietly, trying to ignore the voices filling the air ‘Amphi, the shadows’ she exclaimed. Chime was not sure if it was a trick of the lamp, or her imagination. She saw in the corner of her eyes ever so briefly, the shadows in the room moved. Whenever she looked more carefully, they remained still, as shadows should.
Before Amphi could speak, Borg let out a small cry ‘they’re moving’ he said. He did not have a chance to point to what he saw; a loud noise broke his concentration.
A deep scratching noise moved outside, whining in short bursts. This noise followed along the windows, the grey scratch moving across each piece of glass.
Chime moved slowly towards the window to her left, following the noise from behind the curtains. She looked at Amphi for a moment, her hand held tight on the curtain edge. Her hand shook as quickly as her heart beat. Before she could think any further, Chime thrust the curtain open as far as her arm would let her. That dull glow grew brighter as the cloaked figure beheld her. His gaze met hers, through the dull cut of the window. His cloaked claw pressed against the pane, the cracks appearing more. The metallic smile on the creatures face caught Chime; its glistening reflection mocked her in the dark. Chime heard a clash in her ears as her eyes rolled and forgot how to focus. Chime slipped into dizziness and the dark. ]]> Chime85 http://mythicscribes.com/forums/portfolios/chime85/158-chapter-iii-pendant-witch-part-one-journey-stone-pt-3.html http://mythicscribes.com/forums/portfolios/chime85/157-chapter-iii-pendant-witch-part-one-journey-stone-pt-2.html Mon, 30 Jul 2012 16:20:41 GMT There was little in the way of conversation whilst the four travellers marched through the forest. Despite their small size and hunched posture, both... There was little in the way of conversation whilst the four travellers marched through the forest. Despite their small size and hunched posture, both Garg and Borg easily kept up with the pace of Chime and Amphi. The travel through the forest seemed long, despite the path making way for them. The morning started off crisp and fresh, the cool air refreshing them as they walked long into the afternoon. Chime protested on two occasions to stop for food, the first being at around midday. Although Amphi was hungry herself, she did not want to stop until the middle of the afternoon, stating she wanted to cover as much of the forest as possible while it was still light.
At around three, Amphi finally stopped the group for a rest, a rest gratefully received by the other three members.
It was only after stopping to rest, did Amphi begin to feel less cautious about having company on the road. Almost immediately after standing up to continue after their lunch, she seemed happier and much more at ease.
Still leading the group and pressing on at a strong pace, she smiled before speaking ‘Garg, Borg, have either of you ever been to Tettle?’ she asked, hoping to encourage conversation.
Giving the same answer as each other, Garg replied just before Borg ‘no, Miss.’ they stated.
‘You’re going to adore it’ she explained. ‘Tettle, it's the home of the Halflings, very peaceful people’ she emphasized.
Feeling a sense of relief, Borg responded ‘that’s good, what does Tettle look like?’ he asked.
Amphi smiled, looking at her feet for a moment as she walked before looking ahead again. ‘Well, Tettle is very much a farming town, the Halflings being a farming community. You’ll see many fields, I’m sure. I have not been there for a very long time, but I can tell you that it is a very quiet and peaceful place.’ As she explained this, she moved her head as if looking ahead for something.
Amphi lightly pointed forward, towards the path ahead ‘if we make good time, we should break the forest line in an hour or so. After that, you can see Tettle for yourself.’ As she explained this, she picked up her pace ever so slightly; making sure the others followed her example.
With the thought of a place to rest up ahead, the others also smiled.

Just as Amphi promised, the forest seemed to come to a sudden end after about an hour or so travelling. The trees gave way to reveal a large open space, filled with huge fields and gently sloping green hills. Chime stopped for a moment and looked ahead at the land, slowly turning her head to take in as much as she could. In front of her was a long slope of grass, descending gently with the path. Although this grass was solid and pure green, it gently ended at the base of this slope.
The grass was not interrupted by city walls or trees. Instead, it gave way to many fields of crops and animals. Only the long dirt path seemed to push through these fields, like a carpeted aisle in the middle of many large benches. Each of these fields seemed like block of bright colours from a distance. Huge ranges of yellows, greens and oranges were arranged in neat and carefully placed blocks along the roadside. Although far away, Chime could see a few farmers tending to the crops.

Only some of the fields seemed to have small wooden fences around them. In these fields, many animals such as cows, sheep and horses could be seen. These fields seemed to be closer to the village in the far distance, so the animals seemed only to appear as small specks on a large green sheet. The fields at each side of the path seemed about five fields or so deep, but running from the bottom of the slope and fitting nicely with the edge of the town ahead. On both the east and west sides of the fields, vaster, more open green land could be seen. This simple and lush land seemed to go on as far as could be seen, only broken miles away in any direction, by the forest which surrounded Tettle.


Just as gently as the slope dipped, it raised again far away. On the other side of this, a village could be seen, with small hints of movement. Only a few buildings could be seen from the edge of trees where Chime was standing as they were generously spaced out. Although it was hard to make out, these buildings were made of well-built logs and had large, pointed roof tops. Out of the chimneys of these cabin-like houses, gentle wisps of smoke tailed the soft breeze.
Amphi grinned joyfully as she seemed to gesture an introduction of the land with her hand ‘well Chime, what do you say, your first sight of Tettle?’ she asked, now glad she agreed to Chimes company on the journey.
Chime took a moment to answer, still looking at the large expanse of land before her. She shook her head and smiled ‘it looks wonderful, so peaceful and calm’ she said.
Amphi nodded and motioned to the rest ‘well, shall we?’ she asked, smiling at Garg and Borg in turn.
Neither answered, but instead they gave a soft laugh as they breathed the open air and began making their way down the gentle slope.

The smells of the different crops filled the bright air as the travellers walked along the path, reminding them of warm, home cooked meals such as a hot stew or a well laboured roast. These aromas of carrots, corn, potatoes and cauliflower followed them as they walked closer to Tettle. The bright yellow corn stood high to the left, swaying gently and silently with the wind. The tomatoes dotted the right field closest to the animals with bright red on green in the neat rows of a perfectly tended field.
The animals in the fields looked healthy and well looked after. Many of the cows seemed to be relaxing in their herd, whilst most of the horses were grazing on the long grass grown for their comfort. More animals than Halflings could be seen as Chime and the others walked close to Tettle. In the half-hour or so they had taken to walk from the edge of the forest to the slowly rising slope near the village, they had only seen a small number of Halflings through the fields. Most of them seemed to be working hard with a hoe or spade, or gathering the crops they had worked so hard to grow. In this small sample, they seemed to wear simple but neat clothes. The fashion seemed to be a well buttoned cotton shirt and smart trousers, held by suspenders. Some even wore a waistcoat, either red or dark yellow. To Chime, the Halflings seemed to be difficult to spot at times, being no more than 3’6” at a guess. Despite the calmness of the fields, most of the Halflings kept a close eye on the travellers, as if they distrusted strangers. None the less, they seemed to be a gentle kind of people, leaving others to their business as they tended to their own.

By the time the group had arrived at Tettle, it was around five o’clock and the light was fading from the sky. The orange sky bounced on the small lake in the middle of Tettle, giving a warm glow to the grass and the windows from all the cabins which were closest to it. Tettle, being a small village was easy to navigate for Amphi and the others. A single street of cobble curved south-west and gently up hill. On the west side of the street was a row of houses spaced far apart with their neat gardens, separated only by small wooden picket fences. The Halflings of Tettle clearly cared deeply for their gardens as each one looked as if it was tended to perfection. Most had perfectly arranged the flowerbeds or an apple tree, covered in golden and green leaves, and garnished with ripe, shiny apples. These cabin-like houses followed the gentle curve of the cobbled road, with each garden path welcoming road to door, and door to road. Even though the day was not yet fully dark, some of the windows were glowing with the warmth of lanterns or candle light.
A dirt path tailed from the left side of the road, leading towards the lake and encompassing the outskirts of Tettle. With it, spaced far from each other sat a few more wooden cabin-like buildings. On the immediate left stood a home larger than the others, Tettles’ one and only Inn, “The Jolly Gentleman”, this was the North most building, its door facing south towards the lake. Clockwise from that, in the north-east corner of Tettle stood the village hall. This building was small and adorned a simple steeple, fitting around a single bell above the doors. To Chime, Tettles village hall looked as if it had once been a barn, painted white with a polished bell and a small staircase made of three long but shallow steps.
The last and furthest building in Tettle was a windmill, sitting on the south-east hill. Its large cloth made blades turned slowly in the orange sky, the white sheets turning orange as the light speckled through them. Among these buildings sat a few more houses, comfortably spaced so not to break the gentle hillside behind them. It was at this windmill, which marked the end of the small dirt path. Looking south between the main road of Tettle and the windmill, the other side of the forest could be seen in the distance. It was at this point that Chime realised Tettle stood in a large opening in the middle of the forest, and did not, as she first thought, mark the edge of the forest.

With the group cheerfully following her, Amphi lead them along the dirt path, towards the Inn. Overhanging the yellow wooden door hung a sign with the name of the Inn. “The Jolly Gentleman” was etched into the green wood, painted yellow and in bold lettering; each word began a new line. Below the name, was a painting of a bald and heavy man, dressed in a fine waistcoat and blue blazer, laughing. Although only the top half of the man was painted, due to his relaxed posture, he appeared as if he was sitting, his pipe held high and his pocket watch revealed only by the gold chain from his breast pocket. ]]> Chime85 http://mythicscribes.com/forums/portfolios/chime85/157-chapter-iii-pendant-witch-part-one-journey-stone-pt-2.html http://mythicscribes.com/forums/portfolios/chime85/156-chapter-iii-pendant-witch-part-one-journey-stone-pt-1.html Mon, 30 Jul 2012 16:19:46 GMT CHAPTER III Tettle and a Dark Echo, the First Stop 5th Cycle 4th Quarter 10778th Circular Chime began to relax her sword arm after a... CHAPTER III

Tettle and a Dark Echo, the First Stop

5th Cycle
4th Quarter
10778th Circular

Chime began to relax her sword arm after a short moment. To her, the cry for mercy meant these creatures were harmless. In the dark, Amphis spear remained ready to strike. She kept the tip pointed at the nearest creature, being sure that if it moved, she could attack it.
One of the creatures, the one nearest to Chime uncurled himself slowly. He appeared to have no weapons, only a few rags that hung from his small body. He slowly looked at Chime with his large, circular black eyes. ‘Please Miss, we don’t want to fight’ he pleaded.
The other followed by example and lowered his small arms ‘that’s right, we don’t even want you to harm us’ he explained.
Chime gently lowered her sword, pointing it slowly to the ground ‘then, who are you?’ she asked, not recognising their shape at all.
The second one answered first ‘we are Moofen’ he explained. The first one followed ‘Garg and Borg. He’s Garg and I’m Borg’ he said, slowly gesturing to his companion.
Amphi took advantage of their upper hand of the situation and kept her spear held tight as she interrogated the two Moofen. ‘Where did you come from?’ she asked sternly. She followed with another question only after she slowly pointed her spear closer to the nearest Moofen. ‘What is your business here?’ she demanded, her eyes fixed on her prey.
Being the one with the spear pointed at him, Garg was the one to answer. He did not answer immediately; rather, he hid behind his large hands. His hands resembled moles hands, large claws, shovel like in practicality. Neither Garg nor Borg seemed to have thumbs, and their fingers seemed joined, apart from the last knuckle. It was that last knuckle of each finger which allowed them any dexterity at all; otherwise, their long hands would literally be shovels. On the ends of their fingers, they had elongated and sharpened nails, the likes of which are often seen in tigers, or eagles.
Slowly, Garg removed these hands from his face and spoke, quivering ‘we come from Boon, we mean you no harm’ he said, his eyes widening to Amphi, hoping his answer was good enough.

Amphi paused for a moment, feeling pity for the Moofen in front of her, but she held her spear longer ‘go on’ she said, giving Garg his cue to speak further.
Garg waited a little longer before he continued; nodding to Borg to be sure it was okay to speak. ‘We came from Boon, me and my brother’ he began with a fluster. His breath was quickening in his panic ‘we were attacked. Lots of bone, bones of men. They came from the ground and they began killing’ he stopped, looking at his friend once more before turning his face slowly to the forest ground.
Borg paddled closer to his friend and nudged him, hoping to restore his friends’ moral.
Borg nudged Garg once more before looking towards Chime with his pale bald head and large black eyes. ‘They attacked us suddenly, mine and his kin. We tried to fight them, but we had to run. We ran so far, and now we’re lost’ his long toes dug into the soil, as if it were habit for him. ‘We need to find our new home, our place in the north’ he explained.
Chime raised her sword slightly from the ground, not taking her eyes from the Moofens ‘where, up north?’ she asked, trying to follow Amphis example.
Garg looked up from the ground, and then to Chime as he answered her question rather optimistically ‘we have brethren in Kaloo, a place past the seas. We want to go there’ he explained.
Amphi lowered her guard gently at this point, but still keeping her spear in view ‘how do you expect to get there? There is nothing for you in this direction’ she explained.
Borg answered this question as he looked at Amphi ‘we want to find the lands edge, we will find a ship and cross the waters’ he explained.
Garg looked down, then back at Amphi with his pitiful and worried eyes ‘but we cannot find the way, and we’re so hungry’ he said, breathing deeply as he spoke.
Amphi waited until she felt her own breathing calm down, then she placed her spear to her side so both her hands were free. Even after that, she waited before she spoke ‘Alright, we have some extra provisions. We’re willing to share some breakfast with you’ she said, being sure her voice still had the command of the situation. She followed by introducing Chime and herself.
Both Garg and Borg looked up with their black eyes. For a moment they remained lifeless until they both lifted their long arms in the air with a grin and a cheer.
With this small demonstration of gratitude, both Chime and Amphi glanced at each other and smiled. If anything, these two Moofen were much more welcome than an attack from something sinister.

It was now dawn, the moon of Rein had peeked over the horizon and it was time for a healthy breakfast of bacon, eggs and mushrooms, nearly prepared for the four travellers to settle down. Both Chime and Amphi sat either side of Garg and Borg, being sure to keep a careful eye on them. It was Chime however, who was left with the careful task of cooking for four people. She was not a brilliant cook by any means, but she was not the worse. She was trying desperately not to burn the bacon, whilst the mushrooms seemed to be constantly damp.
It was only when this haphazard breakfast was served, did everyone have a chance to relax a little.
Chime, who decided her breakfast was fine, despite the burnt bits, spoke first. ‘If you don’t mind me asking, what happened in Boon? I imagine a place like that would be hard to overrun’ she said, pretending she had known the place.
Garg spoke first, clumsily placing his fork on his plate and finishing his mouthful before speaking. ‘It is, yes’ he said, picking up his fork once more.
Borg dropped his fork, the moisture of the mushrooms splattering on the bacon ‘but we weren’t attacked from the tunnel entrance. Boon being so secure underground, we’re usually safe’ he explained.
Garg leapt into the conversation ‘yes, usually. But this time, we were attacked from inside’ he put his plate down, his memories putting him off the food. After placing the plate down by his feet, he continued ‘they came from the ground, all at once. They fought with all of us, those bones and blades’. As he spoke, Chime stopped eating her breakfast, her fork suspended between her mouth and her plate as he told his tale. She placed her fork gently back onto her plate before being compelled to ask further into this tale.
‘How did you escape?’ she asked, giving Amphi a concerned look.
Borg answered her question after a gulp of food ‘we pretended to be dead, until they left us unguarded’ he said, looking to the ground. His face grew sad as he spoke ‘we wanted to help the others, but there was nothing we could do. Everyone around us were already dead’ he stated, not taking his eyes from the dirt on the floor. Silence followed for a short while, broken only by the sound of small birds waking in the trees.
Amphi took this chance to interrogate both the creatures further ‘tell me, why you were skulking around us at the dead of night?’ she asked, her eyes jotting from one creature to the other. She took a moment to eye each creature before fixing her eyes on Borg, waiting for a reply that would satisfy her.
‘We did not know, if you were friendly. We only wanted some food and to find the lands edge’ he stated. Garg continued ‘we can give you payment’ he started, reaching under his shirt for a moment. Shortly, he produced a small purse and held it towards Amphi.
She looked at it, making no effort to reach for it ‘what is inside?’ she demanded.
Garg eyed the purse in his outstretched hand, then at Amphi ‘precious stones Miss. We have no use for them, but they are valuable. We can give payment to you?’ he enquired.
Amphi started at the purse for a moment as she considered his offer ‘payment in return for what services?’ she asked. She looked at the creatures in turn once more ‘food is not worth a bag of precious stones, what else are you trying to pay for?’
Borg looked at the purse, then at Amphi ‘to trust us, and to show us where to go. We are lost; we want to find the lands edge and Kaloo’. His voice was almost weepy as he proposed this.
Amphi looked at Chime, then back at Garg and Borg. Chime looked more lost than she did at this proposal. She wanted to trust these two creatures, but she knew it was always worth being cautious. Amphi broke the silence, her voice sounding a little more friendly towards the brothers ‘Give me time to consider’. She looked up at the sky, then back towards the creatures ‘after breakfast, no sooner and no later. Agreed?’ she asked.
Both Garg and Borg nodded gratefully ‘thank you’ they both said.
Amphi looked at Chime, waiting for her response ‘agreed?’ she asked Chime.
Chime, who had been listening intently to the conversation nodded slowly, ‘yes, Amphi’ she said. Chime had rather Amphi said yes straight away, but she also knew Amphi would often take her time to consider difficult matters.

Although breakfast was finished and everything was tidied away, Amphi still had yet to give her answer. After she finished her breakfast, she took a few steps from the group and sat, facing away from everybody.
As she was contemplating her decision, she was lightly fingering some dry leaves which had long been on the ground. Her eyes seemed concentrated on something distant in the forest, cutting through the tall pine trees.
There were a few minutes in which nobody spoke, sitting uncomfortably and fidgeting whilst Amphi was deliberating her answer. Suddenly, it came ‘we will take you as far as our journey takes us, which is to Zolk’ she began. She continued her point further ‘From there, you will likely find help to a harbour. With our errand, we can place you with company who may assist you on what has happened to you, but I will promise nothing.’
She turned her head slightly to meet the two Moofen ‘but I will not take payment from you. It will feel unfair as we will not take you to a harbour. However, you will cover ay expenses you incur whilst travelling with us. I do not have the wealth to pay for four peoples travel’ she explained.
Borg nodded and smiled brightly with joy ‘thank you, Miss. We agree to pay for ourselves’ he announced, looking at his brother, who was also smiling.
‘Alright’ Amphi said. She turned and stood up, looking at Chime with her eyes, but her head facing Garg ‘does anybody have any objections to this arrangement?’ she asked.
Nobody answered, everyone simply shook their head.
Amphi picked up her bag and pointed at the remaining luggage before smiling ‘very well, as we’re all in agreement, we shall make a start on the day. I wish to reach Tettle before dark’ she announced as she began walking, taking lead of the march. ]]> Chime85 http://mythicscribes.com/forums/portfolios/chime85/156-chapter-iii-pendant-witch-part-one-journey-stone-pt-1.html http://mythicscribes.com/forums/portfolios/chime85/119-chapter-i-pendant-witch-part-one-journey-stone-pt-2.html Mon, 04 Jun 2012 01:42:34 GMT For Amphi, her favourite ornament was a two foot grandfather clock. She was given it when she was eighteen, the same age as Chime today. That was... For Amphi, her favourite ornament was a two foot grandfather clock. She was given it when she was eighteen, the same age as Chime today. That was fifteen Circular ago. Despite that, the small clock ticked dully every second of each day. Never once did Amphi have to mend it or replace any parts. She sometimes remembered the man who gave her that clock, and remembered she once had a different life to the one she lived in Fele-Hoon. As solemn as that thought was, she always found joy in watching the brass pendulum swing inside the dark varnish wooden casing. Even the engraved rose on the frosted glass front made her smile, seeing the mechanics of the clock work through the clear parts edged from the rose shape upon the frost.


The entire house remained silent; all three floors were motionless and soundless. However, in their single rooms, both ladies were franticly getting ready for the festival, a festival which happened four times a year. The first day of the first Quarter, the second day of the second Quarter, continuing in that fashion.
Amphi, trying on many dresses, focusing on a yellow one. A long, single piece dress which dangled just above her ankles. To compliment it, she wore green, strapped sandals on her feet, fastening them softly around her feet and her calves.
Being one piece, the dress was still yellow for her top half. The dress cut neatly into a “V” shape on her front, giving Amphi a little reveal. The sleeves were armless, covering only half her shoulders. For this, she wore green woven bangles around her wrists.
Amphi was never one to look intentionally scruffy. She gave her waste long blonde hair a couple of gentle curls. She liked her hair to look bigger, she often though it helped soften her sharp features. Amphi was always very quick to get ready for occasions. She knew exactly which look she wanted, and often went for the same look.
Being a Safni, Amphi knew neatness was always important to being accepted in a human dominated society. Luckily for Amphi, her features were very human. Very little of her face was aquatic, except the colour of her skin, which remained white, with a blue tint. Her fingers and toes were all webbed to about half way. For her hands, the webbing extended just beyond the knuckles. The only other marking of her race was the three small slits just behind her ears. For Amphi, these gills were covered by her long, shiny blonde hair.

Amphi pushed the dark green curtain that hung in the doorway of her room. Standing out in the corridor she called across the hall ‘Chime, are you nearly ready?’
A hurried answer came from behind the curtain of Chimes room. ‘Yes Amphi, I’m nearly ready’ Chime replied, fastening her belt to her trousers.

After a couple of minutes, Chime emerged from her room. She was wearing a black tunic, complete with flared black trousers and a black belt. Her hair was straighter than usual. Her hair tipped just between her shoulder blades. The only accessory she wore was the purple pendant she always carried with her.
Amphi looked at her longingly, wishing Chime would try to vary her look. ‘Trousers, again? People will wonder if you have any other outfit Chime’ she said, smiling.
Chime looked at herself, then admired Amphis outfit ‘I like this outfit, it looks nice on me’ she replied, hoping to avoid getting changed once more.
Amphi nodded, folding her arms gently as her shoulder leant against the curved wall ‘you look lovely in that outfit each and every day Chime. These festivals come only four times a Circular, every ninety one Cycles. I’m sure there is something else you have in that endless wardrobe of yours’. She remarked, smiling before continuing ‘black, of course.’
Although she knew Amphi would react this way, Chime frowned before disappearing behind her curtain once more.

It took only a few minutes for Chime to reappear, in black again. This time, she had put on a strapless top, one which clung tightly to her shape. The other part was a layered skirt, flaring out with many noticeable sections. This skirt hung from Chimes belly, down so that it hid her feet.
Amphi smiled gratefully ‘thank you Chime’ she said, walking up to her. ‘You look lovely’ continued, before leading the way down the stairs, satisfied.
Chime nodded to herself whilst she followed Amphi.

Although the night was still early, darkness had set on the forest. Although there was no signs or directions in Fele-Hoon that gave lead to where the party was; the noises of music and happy chatter could be heard far into the night.
Fele-Hoon kept itself to the fashion of the forest that surrounded it for miles. There were no brick roads or tiled houses. All houses were either made from the hollow trees, or built using the resources the forest provided. Although roads were not constructed, many paths had been trodden and formed over the many circular and the many footsteps that walked them.
Being very small, Fele-Hoon had a very circular feel to its layout. Most the housing was on the outside of the village, whilst the shops and facilities formed a smaller circle closer to the middle. At the heart of Fele-Hoon was the unofficially designated village square. This was where most town meetings or public events were held. This had been named by the people of Fele-Hoon as the “Circleade”.

From their home, it usually took Amphi and Chime around fifteen minutes to walk through Fele-Hoon. Many people were migrating to the Circleade, coming from the infinite directions like rain filling a bowl. The mood in the air was high. Many of the residents of Fele-Hoon were joyful on these festivals, bringing with them their families and their hopes for the future. For many, the day of the festival gave significance to marking each past success and welcoming the future in high hopes, and with open arms.
For this, everyone brought offering of food and drink, to be shared amongst everyone, for the enjoyment and fulfilment of others. There was no law which stated this, but to not would be considered bad manners. Amphi and Chime had laboured many nights to perfect their skills in making many small cakes. Each of the cakes they made seemed bland on the outside, having only a sprinkle of sugar to dust the top. However, inside every individual palm sized cake was a small, still fresh fruit. Some had strawberries, cherries, even slices of orange or banana.

When Chime and Amphi arrived at the Circleade, they placed the carefully wrapped plates onto one of the many large tables. It was easy to see in the night air as there were many small fires dotted around the Circleade. The fires, although only small, attracted many people to sit around them or to dance near them. The orange glow filled the air and gentle warmth could be felt from these fires. Sometimes a little ash would drift high, sparkling red, orange and yellow as it scattered and waved itself out. In the middle of the Circleade was a large group of musicians. These musicians were not professionals, but they were good at their hobby and more importantly, loved to perform at festivals such as this one.

The evening was going well for both Amphi and Chime. Amphi did not take long to get into the party spirit; it took little over an hour before she was dancing franticly and clumsily with another woman. She was throwing her legs high, kicking them in rhythm with the music and clapping her hands joyfully as she linked arms with the other dancer.
The other dancer was a woman in her late forties, a red haired Elf named Halisha. She was just as jolly as Amphi as she giggled in the firelight, occasionally linking arms with Amphi while she turned and clapped hands playfully with her children.
Amphi giggled, clapping hands as she danced with her feet, trying to get Halishas’ children to join in with their dancing. ‘Come, let’s show your mother we’re better dancers’ she joked.
Two of the three children laughed, the third blushed and ran off as he giggled. The two that remained, the oldest girl and the youngest boy turned on Amphi. They began dancing with their mother, trying to dance better than Amphi. The third and middle child, who ran away, had a secret schoolboy crush on Amphi. He was in one of the classes Amphi taught in the village. He always looked forward to Amphis alchemy lessons and he always arrived early so he could get a seat at the front of the class. Amphi saw a lot of potential in him, she called him “Blitzo”, being that he was always the first to complete practical experiments and that his name was Ophenal.

Chimes evening was a lot different. She was not one for dancing and being in the middle of attention. She preferred to sit quietly, even if people sat with her. As the music danced in the air, she sat with a familiar man, talking lightly and enjoying her time in the sole company of Sonthal. She enjoyed his company a lot, but she did not wish Amphi to find out. Chime dreaded the idea of Amphi sitting up all night, questioning her playfully about her love life and any embarrassing topics which related to her love life. Although Chime loved Amphi, she had grown to know that Amphi was rather blunt about such subject and had little shame in asking personal questions. Chime knew Amphi never questioned her out of cruelty, but to Chime, Amphi was a little too open about these subjects than she preferred.

The air was warm for the time of year. The fourth quarter was the winter season, but with the warm evenings continuing, frost seemed less likely. Although this was hoped, everyone knew the frost would come eventually. For that reason, the warmth was welcomed even more, and heartedly celebrated by everyone.
It was in this warm evening, Sonthal was sitting next to chime on a long, half cut log on the outskirts of the Circleade. He had eaten long before he came to Chime, and offered her some of his wine. To his joy, Chime accepted and sipped it gratefully. For the many Circular he had known her, he knew Chime was fond of red wine when the occasion called for it.
His eyes were aflame in the glow of the fires. He gazed forward, one knee by his chest as he spoke, occasionally moving the hand that held the wine skin.
He made a small gesture to Amphi, who was clearly enjoying herself while she danced 'when do you think she’ll get too drunk this time?’ he asked, his mouth opening a small gap to show his teeth.
Chime giggled as she glanced briefly at Sonthal ‘it will be some time yet. She has yet to throw her arms around anyone’ she said, giggling gently at Amphis confidence.
Sonthal laughed, a few people nearby turned to him briefly. ‘I don’t think she’s scared about showing her affections even when she is sober’ he said, taking a sip of wine from his skin.
As she let out a soft giggle, Chime looked upon Sonthal. She was never a fan of shaved hair, but she loved his black shaven hair on his dark skin. She glanced occasionally at his shaped muscles whenever he wore short sleeves. Tonight he decided to put on s dark blue short sleeved tunic. Chime liked him in blue.
After Chime studied Sonthal, she looked at the rest of Fele-Hoon enjoying the night time festivities. Looking at Amphi and the many other people dancing, she wondered what it would be like to dance with Sonthal. She wanted to lean against him; his stature was stoic and alive.
She took a sip of the wine he poured into her mug, feeling the maroon liquid slide inside her. ‘I never see sense in what she does, but Amphi always has a lot of confidence about her’ she said, trying to move herself from the subject.

When Chime was not looking at him, Sonthal was studying Chime. He noticed her shapely body, even behind the loose garments she chose to wear. As she sat, her ankles protruded under her skirt, the white flesh catching his eye. She was lean, but he liked that about her. Sonthal was not a man who liked bigger hips. As with any man, he could not help but notice Chimes chest, curved outwards and moving as she breathed the air that kept her alive. But for Sonthal, it was her soft cheekbones that attracted him the most. Those eyes of hers, dark yellow with an ever accurate stare; even as children he was mystified by her eyes.
He took a large, chest moving breath before speaking ‘how do you live with her?’ he asked, half joking and half curious.
With the question, Chime sighed. Taking another sip of wine she answered ‘she is a very kind woman. I think many people misunderstand her, Solthar. She does what she can to teach children the skills to read and write. She makes sure the people she knows are looked after’ she started, thumbing the lip of her mug.
Chime smiled distantly, recollecting events from her past she had shared with Amphi. ‘She goes out of her way, to make people feel better about themselves. Often, I think she plays the fool on purpose. She is very clever, her work in alchemy is brilliant and she can speak many languages’. Chime paused for a moment, wondering what Sonthal would say to her response.
Sonthal said nothing. Chime felt his lips warmly press against hers. Chime tilted her head towards his, relaxing her eyes and the rest of her body as she tastes his salty mouth upon her.
Solthar pressed in, enjoying her velvet lips against his, her gentle touch sweetening the tip of his tongue.

As both Chime and Sonthal pulled gently away, Chime took a long and deep breath. This was not her first kiss, but it was certainly one of the better ones Chime had received. The pause after the kiss left all sounds to echo, as if calling from a great distance. Both Chime and Sonthal continued to talk quietly after, moving a little closer to each other. They remained like this until both Chime and Sonthal decided they had been out late enough.

Amphi was enjoying her night, dancing and swaying playfully with the children she taught nearly every day. Admittedly, Amphi had also been enjoying some of the beverages that were on offer. Due to her many hours of teaching, Amphi did not often have time to relax and enjoy herself in this fashion. When she did find time, she took every opportunity to have as much fun for herself as she could.
Her night came to a gentle end after she helped Halisha put her children to bed. She shared a little food with her before setting off on her own way home, slowly stepping through Fele-Hoon before reaching her front door.

Amphi opened her door and called out for Chime. There was no response, the house was characteristically quiet. Amphi saw the letter on the table, exactly where Chime said she had placed it. Slowly Amphi picked it up, holding it at eye level. For a moment she wanted to read it, she was curious to its importance. On the wax seal, there was no signature or marking to identify the writer, only a blank red spot. Slowly she placed the letter back onto the small table, deciding the letter could wait until the morning. With nothing else to keep her busy for the Cycle, Amphi crept upstairs and fell asleep in her bed. ]]> Chime85 http://mythicscribes.com/forums/portfolios/chime85/119-chapter-i-pendant-witch-part-one-journey-stone-pt-2.html http://mythicscribes.com/forums/portfolios/chime85/118-chapter-i-pendant-witch-part-one-journey-stone-pt-1.html Mon, 04 Jun 2012 01:41:31 GMT

CHAPTER I

Fele-Hoon & the Festival

4th Cycle

4th Quarter

10778th Circular

Amphi was already impatient, waiting for Chime to return with the water. The dinner was ready to cook, but the vegetables needed the water to boil. Chime had been in Amphis' care for over six Circular. Amphi walked across the well-lit kitchen impatiently, her bare feet gently pressing on the wooden floor. She leaned her head out of the small, curved square window. As her long webbed fingers pushed the window open, Amphi was careful not to catch her long blonde hair on the window frame.
As she gazed through the trees that sheltered Fele-Hoon, she gave a gentle sigh, as if someone should hear her. ‘Rein is getting low. Bein will be out soon’ she said, seeing the daylight growing dim.

As she leant further out her window, Amphi looked across the small village of Fele-Hoon, hoping to catch Chime walking back with the water she asked for. Chime could not be seen, but the quietness of Fele-Hoon relaxed Amphi. Most of the homes in Fele-Hoon were made from giant trees in the forest, hollowed out and shaped inside to make comfortable and spacious homes.
Being high above the ground, Amphi could see the wooden bridges that connected some of the homes and other buildings in Fele-Hoon. Despite the large trees, and the heavy foliage that crowned them, light pushed through from the sky.

The window was closed impatiently, Amphi shaking her head and nipping the corner of her bottom lip. ‘Where is that girl? I expect she’ll only complain when dinner is late, again!’

Rein had vanished behind the horizon, allowing Bein to fill the sky with night and the stars. Fele-Hoon had gotten quiet for the time being, quieter than the slow paced bustle of every ones daily activities. Within Amphis' home, the front door squeaked open, before the click of the lock gently echoed up the wooden stairs.

A young, slightly breathless voice called from the staircase, the owners’ footsteps creaking on each step in turn. ‘Amphi, I’m back!’ the voice said, nearly at the top of the stairs when the announcement was over.

A young woman moved clumsily through the curtain of the kitchen, her slim body battling against a heavy bucket of water. As she poured the water into a large basin under the window, she placed the bucket next to the basin and brushed her long, straight black hair from her face.

She turned to Amphi, whose arms were crossed, her eyebrow rose to a point. Chime took a breath or two before speaking, knowing an explanation was expected ‘sorry Amphi, It’s a long story’ she said, apologetically and still catching her breath.

Amphi unfolded her arms and moved to the water basin and began filling up the boiling pot. She broke her silence whilst she poured the chopped vegetables into the water. ‘We have a long time before dinner is ready. Why not pass the time and tell me your tale, Chime?’ She closed the lid on the boiling pot and moved it over the fire, trying not to spill any water on her long, emerald green dress.

Chime brushed her black top clean from the dust she gathered during her errand. She pulled out one of the small oak chairs and sat down at the tiny square table. ‘It was Mrs’ Nisco again’ she started.
‘The old lady, the one near the pond?’ Amphi enquired.
Chime smiled and nodded, she often liked talking with Mrs’ Nisco. ‘Yes, I haven’t seen her for some time. It was nice to catch up with her’ she said.
Amphi smiled and joked ‘oh I see. While Mrs’ Nisco gets her daily gossip, I grow increasingly hungry’ she said, letting out a small laugh from her thin, blue lips.
Chime laughed, trying to justify herself ‘no Amphi, it wasn’t like that. She was trying to introduce me to her grandson again, Sonthal.’ Chime looked up at Amphi from the table, her yellow eyes meeting Amphis green eyes.
‘Well, if I was a little younger, I wouldn’t turn up an invitation like that, Chime. Sonthal seems very respectful, and you have known him since you were thirteen.’ Amphi pursed her lips and raises her eyelids for a moments before smiling ‘he’s quite a catch too Chime, don’t tell me you haven’t noticed’ she said, sitting in the chair opposite Chime.
Chime looked away from Amphi briefly, trying to hide the blush that came over her milky skin when she heard Amphis response. ‘You always say I’m missing a “catch” Amphi’ she said, hoping to deflect the conversation onto Amphi.
Stretching her long, pale blue arm across the table, Amphi patted Chimes wrist gently, looking into her eyes. ‘Well, I’m just saying what you see, Chime.’ She smirked, standing from the table ‘My point still stands, Chime. I see little in him which you can see as objectionable’ she said, moving across the candle-lit kitchen.
Silence followed, broken only by the sound the wooden spoon clicking against the sides of the boiling pot. Chime watched Amphi as she worked, hesitating to respond. She couldn’t help but think Amphi was deliberately avoiding Chimes concerns when it came to her love life.
Amphi replaced the lid on the boiling pot and leant against the low counter, one leg bent as her foot rested against the side. ‘Unless there is something about him I have overlooked?’ she asked, giving Chime a reassuring but questioning stare.
Chime looked down by her feet for a moment, frowning a little before looking back up. ‘No, he’s lovely, more than lovely; he’s always very sweet to me.’ Chime began, sweeping some of her hair behind her pointed ears. ‘But I don’t know if he thinks of me as just a friend. Even he looks at me oddly at times.’
Amphi did not answer straight away; she had always known Chime had many concerns about her own appearance. Chimes Elf ears were not too uncommon, but her yellow eyes had always seemed to cause a stir to strangers. Amphi considered her answer before answering Chime softly ‘You’re a wonderful young woman, Chime. I don’t think Solthar would be friends with you all these Circular if he had any concerns about you. Do not deny yourself happiness; don’t let your insecurities hold you back.’ She smiled gently, before playfully flicking some water from the basin with her fingers at Chime. ‘And don’t let yourself hold you back.’ She said, giggling as a few drops of water sprayed Chime.
As Chime playfully defended herself against the drops of water, Amphi took the chance to move from the subject. She faced the overhead cupboards and took out two small plates. ‘Dinner should be around twenty minutes. Fetch two small mugs and I’ll fetch some wine from the cellar’ she said, placing the two plates in front the two seats at the table.
Obeying without question, Chime smiled as left the room to fetch the two mugs she was instructed to get.

The meal itself consisted of seasoned vegetables, with a side of pork, roasted earlier in the day over a naked flame. Chime had always taken a liking to pork, and it did not take her long to finish her meal. Amphi on the other hand, took her time with her plate. Although she did not dislike pork, she much preferred to not have meat at all. If Amphi was still living by herself, all her meals would consist entirely of well-prepared vegetables.
As they ate, both Chime and Amphi discussed ideas for new spells. They were both very skilled Witches, a talent which found them both in Fele-Hoon. They both resented magic being banned from the world of Affron, but they very rarely discussed this.
As she was finishing her plate, Chime remembered about the earlier hours of the day ‘I almost forgot, Amphi. I was asked to pass on a letter to you’ she said, looking at Amphi questioningly.
Amphi took a moment to answer as she finished her mouthful ‘a letter, what did it say?’ she asked, playing with the food on her plate.
‘I didn’t read it, the man who gave it to me said that it was only meant for you’ replied Chime, placing both her knife and fork side by side on her empty plate.
Amphi was still playing with her food, struggling to finish her meal ‘what was his name? Where is the letter?’ she asked, only half paying attention, her eyes fixed on her moving her food around her plate.
Chime glanced at the curtain covering the kitchen doorway ‘I left the letter on the side table by the front door. The man was on a horse. He did not give his name. I’m sorry, Amphi’ she said, feeling as if she had let Amphi down.
Amphi half turned her head to the curtain before looking back at Chime ‘It’s ok Chime, I’m sure all the answers are in the letter. I’ll read it later, tomorrow, the latest’ she said, giving up with the last few mouthfuls of her meal. She placed both the knife and fork on her plate, a tell-tale sign that her meal was over. ‘We have much to do before then, it’s the fourth Cycle of the fourth Quarter, Chime. The day of the festival.’ She grinned, picking up both plates as she stood up.
As she carried the plates to the sink, Amphi continued talking, louder as if Chime was in another room. ‘I hope it’s better than the last festival. The third Cycle of the Third Quarter was disappointing’ she said, tailing her statement with a tone which almost sounded like a question.
Chime smiled, remembering the last festival ‘yes, you arrived late and found most the food had been eaten’ she said, letting out a small giggle.
Amphi was washing the dishes, her strong green eyes glancing towards Chimes voice, her head not turning with them. ‘Well, that being said, we have eaten and I have no intention of being late’ she said, smirking into the soapy water.

It did not take long for both women to clear up the kitchen. By nature, both were organised and often tidied as they went about their business. After the kitchen was cleared, both Chime and Amphi went to their rooms. The stairs up to the next floor were slim and spiralled along the inside of the trunk of the tree that was their home.
Along the walls, small candles supported by copper lacing lit the way around the home. Each candle was surrounded by a small, clear glass bulb. Although the rooms and floors were carved from the inside of the tree, Amphi had put in floor boards long ago. She felt more at home when she added her own decorating to the house. Along each varnished staircase, many paintings were hung. These painting were there long before Amphi took Chime in. Throughout the seven Circular Chime had lived with Amphi, she had asked on a few occasions about the paintings. They were various and each one was in a different style, and displayed a different subject. Some were portraits, some were landscapes. Each time Chime had asked about the paintings, Amphi told her she knew the artist, and that particular painting was a gift. Chimes favourite was a painting filled with sand, the horizon having the tips of mountains, grey spikes splitting the orange, wind-blown sand with the twilight sky. The painting looked smudged to most that saw it, but to Chime, that fed her imagination, and gave her wonder of distant lands.

Amphis room was small. When Chime moved in, Amphi gave her the bigger of the two bedrooms. Often, Chime had wanted to swap. She was shorter than Amphi by a clear foot, Amphi standing above even some men at slightly over six foot. Chimes room, despite having many candles was often dim. Chime disliked too much light, so was sure to only light half the candles in her room. She justified this to Amphi by telling her it reduced the amount of candles they had to make or purchase. Amphi knew this was not the case, but did not challenge it. After all, Chime still had a point.
Chimes most favoured possession was an oval mirror she placed on her writing desk. The left side of the top had long been broken, giving a long crack that ran diagonally from that point to the bottom right of the mirror. Despite this, Chime still loved her mirror. Amphi had got it for her as a welcoming present to the house. Unfortunately, Chime dropped it when trying to fix it onto her writing desk. Despite this, Amphi convinced the then, the eleven Circular old Chime, the crack gave her mirror a unique look to it. Chime being only eleven; Amphi worked hard to convince her, this was the case.

It was in this mirror, Chime often revealed the pendant she had carried ever since she was a child. It hung around her neck on a silver chain, and was held in a blunt, diamond shaped silver setting. The main part of the pendant was a dark purple jewel. The silver setting was the top half of this diamond shaped treasure, covering only a quarter of it. The rest, the peak being in the setting was triangular shaped and with a sharp point at the end. Its straight cut always made one edge look white in the light. In the darkness, that side was solid black. On the other edge, strange writing was inscribed into the purple jewel. Only Chime was able to read this writing, although she had not seen this writing anywhere else. She never admitted this, accept to Amphi. Occasionally she would stare at the writing, when alone in her room. Whispering to herself in a strange tongue she would recall the meaning of the text “One for the forest, one for the dead. Two for the moons, the lands and the rest”.
On this occasion, Chime did not whisper the text on her pendant. . She was growing uneasy of it. The pendant had been doing strange things for many Cycles for over a quarter, and Chime did not like that. On occasion, she had noticed it glowed without warning or command. Until the strange glowing, she knew of only one power the stone had. Her stone had the ability to make plants and such like things grow. When she used it in that fashion, the pendant would glow. But when the pendant began glowing on its own accord, that was when Chime began to distrust it. ]]> Chime85 http://mythicscribes.com/forums/portfolios/chime85/118-chapter-i-pendant-witch-part-one-journey-stone-pt-1.html