Objective: Write small stories written around a single word.
Theme: World of Warcraft
Stories 34-37
34. Regret
Her fingers fiddled with a long thread that had come unraveled from her sleeve. Raising the hem to her mouth, Cylus neatly clipped the strand in her teeth and rolled it up into a little ball. She idly tossed it across the floor, giving a resigned sigh recalling to mind Quartermaster Qricket's ire. She immediately picked up the wad of string. As her fingers closed over the thread she heard a sound. Something about it chilled her bones, making her hair stand on end. Drawing her sword, she cursed herself for being foolish enough to brag of her safety in the city walls. It was a scraping. A whisper of something metallic dragging. Heart in her throat, she turned the corner to look down the short hallway leading to the door outside.
A sudden movement caused her blade to cross defensively in front of herself. Cylus retreated a few steps. Rusty sprang toward her chittering loudly as a moth beat fluttering blue wings against her cheek. Waving it away, Cylus sheathed the greatsword, realizing belatedly it wouldn't have done much good anyway in the narrow corridor. The door at the end opened fully and an elf slipped inside, garbed in dark leather from throat to toe.
"Commander, you look shaken." Stillwaters tugged on her black mask, moving forward with concern.
Cylus smiled quickly, her heart still beating wildly against her ribs. "I thought I heard something. It turns out it was just Rusty chasing your friend."
The night elf crossed the room gracefully and pulled out a few books from her satchel. "I questioned half of Booty Bay and turned up nothing on this assassin." Stacking the librams on a table Stillwaters dipped her pale hand back into her satchel this time for scrolls. "I regret that I have no news to offer. My advice, Commander, do not leave the city. I have friends here. You are never truly alone."
Cylus thought the smile looked more hungry than comforting. "I should feel so fortunate everyone thinks foremost of my safety. But you, Stillwaters, why did you choose to serve the Watchmen?"
"I knew Lady Julienus. I was consigned to the Watchmen many years ago."The sleek elf rearranged the scrolls and glanced over. "I served the Stormwind Intelligence: Seven for a long time before that." Slinging the half-empty pack over her shoulder, Stillwaters stared calmly at Cylus, looking upon her surprised face with bemusement. "I was a Fourth Finger when I gave my oath to your mother. There was very little I did not know, or did not have access to. Saravar bribed to get into SI and he bought his way into the Watchmen as well. He lives a very long time for a human."
"He lives? You are saying my fa- Nathaniel Saravar lives?" Her voice rose to an angry shout, echoing in the chamber.
"He has not truly died. It is childish the pleasure he takes in staging his death, over and over. I went to talk to a few contacts to see if Saravar was in any way related to this killer of yours, either by hire or association. I only wait for their messages." Stillwaters noted the pallor of Cylus' skin, the circles under the weary eyes. "You need rest. Go home. Commander."
"I... could use a nap. We will talk more on this later."
"Two of my friends will follow you home. You should not see them." The elf turned to finish unpacking the crate Cylus had opened, already busy in her task.
Feeling slightly irritated, the young woman left the armory, waiting to close the door until after Rusty had bounded through. She meandered the streets of Stormwind, hoping to catch a glimpse of anyone following her. By the time she reached the Deeprun Tram she had given up, the strain on her tired eyes leading to a vicious headache.
35. Roses
The young woman drew back the curtains on the carriage, surveying the dark landscape. Cylus had not known this uncle, her mother having never mentioned Lord Baez Corwyn. Now as she sped closer to his manor, she pressed her nervous hands down her simple black tunic, paired with leggings and sturdy boots. Her eyes flickered briefly over her greatsword, carefully perched atop the cushions. Far too dangerous to go without protection these days. The carriage rolled to a smooth halt, both horses neighing as they stamped their hooves. The door flung open and a manservant lent her a hand. Cylus carried her sword with ease ass he ducked her head and made her way out. The courtyard revealed by moonlight was stunning. Creeping ivy and roses wound their way up the sides of the walls, covering every stone except the very tallest spires. A fountain graced the very center, a woman garbed in only a simple shift looked over her shoulder, the marble hand gripping a poised spear.
"This way, Miss Corwyn." The manservant touched her elbow, gesturing her to follow him to the great arched doorway of the manor house. He opened the door where a butler took her sword before she could protest and led her to a small room. Motioning her to have a seat, the butler closed the doors behind him and was gone.
It was a study, complete with desk and chairs accompanied with several bookshelves. She peered at a few titles. History. She winced and sat instead in one of the high backed chairs. History was not her best subject and yet she did not fore see any time in the future where she would be able to devote time to reading. She itched to go fishing more than anything.
When the door at long last opened, a large barrel-chested man garbed in attire only befitting a Lord greeted her, his voice a comforting rumble. "Cylus, I welcome you to my manse and offer you hospitality. You will have no need for arms here. I have a retinue of guards in my garrison, and another twenty men on patrol. As long as you rest in the Bear's Den, you are protected. Dinner awaits us." Though Lord Baez aged more than seventy, his eyes were sharp as ever and the streaks of silver in his peppered hair only served to make him appear more distinguished. His step was unhurried as he led the way to the dining area. A woman in her forties already sat at the table. Upon seeing Cylus, she rose elegantly and crossed the room with arms outstretched.
"And look at you! Spittin' image of Juli. I haven't seen you since the day you were born. Oh, come here." Mouse crushed Cylus to her bosum, sweeping a fond kiss on each cheek. "By the Light, you've grown. Bear and I are so proud of you."
Cylus returned their smiles warmly, seating herself as they took to their chairs. Resting her palms lightly on the fine tablecloth, she looked upto notice a man sitting at the table as well. Taking the initiative,she extended her hand to him. "I'm Cylus. Are you kin as well?"
The man laughed easily. "Bastard born, milady, and no relation I know of. I am Lord Corwyn's guest tonight, and tomorrow should his generosity permit."
"Of course. Stay as long as you wish, Railic. It's beena while since my libraries have seen use." Baez nodded to a servant and their dinner was brought in. It was a lavish affair and much to her delight, the meal was complimented with rich amber mead. They toasted and spoke long into the night.
36. Secret
Pages 76-77, Chapter Six: The Watchmen
Though small in numbers, the Watchmen served valiantly and masterfully adding success upon success to their credit. Losses among the numbers were rare, yet Lord Richards would succumb to wounds in battle against Blackrock Orcs attempting to assault Redridge Valley. Before the Lord could be retrieved from the frontlines, he appointed Lady Julienus Corwyn to lead in his stead. The youngest and by far the most headstrong, Lady Corwyn led the Watchmen to victory. She was capable and commanding, however time proved her to be not the leader that Lord Richards was.
The arrival of an enigmatic man named Nathaniel Saravar, complete with papers of recommendation from the SI:7 was recruited by the Church to take some of the pressure off Lady Corwyn. In little more than a year, the ranks were doubled and by four years tripled. All members, competent and active. During this time, Lady Corwyn and Sir Saravar were under investigation for inappropriate dalliances within the ranks. Sir Atonis Reyner , Lady Corwyn's advisor, shouldered many of the duties when the Lady and Saravar would take long consistent leaves of absence. Sir Reyner disappointed his superiors by keeping the relationship a secret.
Sir Reyner became sole caretaker of Lady Corwin's illegitimate daughter, Cylus, when the mother proved unfit for duty.
37. Snakes
Drakomira, a lesser known assassin-in-training, was still hiding behind the tree as the large deadly arcane wyrm appeared. For the first time, she was grateful for not having an ounce of magic in her bones. Well, none that she could call on anyway. Scanning the forest, Drak wondered where Suru had gotten off to. She stepped out from the shadows and smiled reaching out a hand to the arcane wyrm.
"NO SNAKES ON DIS PLANE!"
"SURU, NO!!!"
Both of them watched as a spark of violet fire leapt from the mage's fingertips to directly behind the wyrm, a tear in the ether pulling the screaming serpent through. "I saved ya, stupidhead! Pettin' a bad snake. Who ya t'ink ya be, girl?"
"That was my ride..."
The old troll scratched his head looking contrite and concerned at the same time. "Oh. I be real sorry for dat den. I t'ought ya were dumb an' wantin' a quick death, mon."
Stories 1-7 8-13 14-18 19-25 26-33
Theme: World of Warcraft
Stories 34-37
34. Regret
Her fingers fiddled with a long thread that had come unraveled from her sleeve. Raising the hem to her mouth, Cylus neatly clipped the strand in her teeth and rolled it up into a little ball. She idly tossed it across the floor, giving a resigned sigh recalling to mind Quartermaster Qricket's ire. She immediately picked up the wad of string. As her fingers closed over the thread she heard a sound. Something about it chilled her bones, making her hair stand on end. Drawing her sword, she cursed herself for being foolish enough to brag of her safety in the city walls. It was a scraping. A whisper of something metallic dragging. Heart in her throat, she turned the corner to look down the short hallway leading to the door outside.
A sudden movement caused her blade to cross defensively in front of herself. Cylus retreated a few steps. Rusty sprang toward her chittering loudly as a moth beat fluttering blue wings against her cheek. Waving it away, Cylus sheathed the greatsword, realizing belatedly it wouldn't have done much good anyway in the narrow corridor. The door at the end opened fully and an elf slipped inside, garbed in dark leather from throat to toe.
"Commander, you look shaken." Stillwaters tugged on her black mask, moving forward with concern.
Cylus smiled quickly, her heart still beating wildly against her ribs. "I thought I heard something. It turns out it was just Rusty chasing your friend."
The night elf crossed the room gracefully and pulled out a few books from her satchel. "I questioned half of Booty Bay and turned up nothing on this assassin." Stacking the librams on a table Stillwaters dipped her pale hand back into her satchel this time for scrolls. "I regret that I have no news to offer. My advice, Commander, do not leave the city. I have friends here. You are never truly alone."
Cylus thought the smile looked more hungry than comforting. "I should feel so fortunate everyone thinks foremost of my safety. But you, Stillwaters, why did you choose to serve the Watchmen?"
"I knew Lady Julienus. I was consigned to the Watchmen many years ago."The sleek elf rearranged the scrolls and glanced over. "I served the Stormwind Intelligence: Seven for a long time before that." Slinging the half-empty pack over her shoulder, Stillwaters stared calmly at Cylus, looking upon her surprised face with bemusement. "I was a Fourth Finger when I gave my oath to your mother. There was very little I did not know, or did not have access to. Saravar bribed to get into SI and he bought his way into the Watchmen as well. He lives a very long time for a human."
"He lives? You are saying my fa- Nathaniel Saravar lives?" Her voice rose to an angry shout, echoing in the chamber.
"He has not truly died. It is childish the pleasure he takes in staging his death, over and over. I went to talk to a few contacts to see if Saravar was in any way related to this killer of yours, either by hire or association. I only wait for their messages." Stillwaters noted the pallor of Cylus' skin, the circles under the weary eyes. "You need rest. Go home. Commander."
"I... could use a nap. We will talk more on this later."
"Two of my friends will follow you home. You should not see them." The elf turned to finish unpacking the crate Cylus had opened, already busy in her task.
Feeling slightly irritated, the young woman left the armory, waiting to close the door until after Rusty had bounded through. She meandered the streets of Stormwind, hoping to catch a glimpse of anyone following her. By the time she reached the Deeprun Tram she had given up, the strain on her tired eyes leading to a vicious headache.
35. Roses
The young woman drew back the curtains on the carriage, surveying the dark landscape. Cylus had not known this uncle, her mother having never mentioned Lord Baez Corwyn. Now as she sped closer to his manor, she pressed her nervous hands down her simple black tunic, paired with leggings and sturdy boots. Her eyes flickered briefly over her greatsword, carefully perched atop the cushions. Far too dangerous to go without protection these days. The carriage rolled to a smooth halt, both horses neighing as they stamped their hooves. The door flung open and a manservant lent her a hand. Cylus carried her sword with ease ass he ducked her head and made her way out. The courtyard revealed by moonlight was stunning. Creeping ivy and roses wound their way up the sides of the walls, covering every stone except the very tallest spires. A fountain graced the very center, a woman garbed in only a simple shift looked over her shoulder, the marble hand gripping a poised spear.
"This way, Miss Corwyn." The manservant touched her elbow, gesturing her to follow him to the great arched doorway of the manor house. He opened the door where a butler took her sword before she could protest and led her to a small room. Motioning her to have a seat, the butler closed the doors behind him and was gone.
It was a study, complete with desk and chairs accompanied with several bookshelves. She peered at a few titles. History. She winced and sat instead in one of the high backed chairs. History was not her best subject and yet she did not fore see any time in the future where she would be able to devote time to reading. She itched to go fishing more than anything.
When the door at long last opened, a large barrel-chested man garbed in attire only befitting a Lord greeted her, his voice a comforting rumble. "Cylus, I welcome you to my manse and offer you hospitality. You will have no need for arms here. I have a retinue of guards in my garrison, and another twenty men on patrol. As long as you rest in the Bear's Den, you are protected. Dinner awaits us." Though Lord Baez aged more than seventy, his eyes were sharp as ever and the streaks of silver in his peppered hair only served to make him appear more distinguished. His step was unhurried as he led the way to the dining area. A woman in her forties already sat at the table. Upon seeing Cylus, she rose elegantly and crossed the room with arms outstretched.
"And look at you! Spittin' image of Juli. I haven't seen you since the day you were born. Oh, come here." Mouse crushed Cylus to her bosum, sweeping a fond kiss on each cheek. "By the Light, you've grown. Bear and I are so proud of you."
Cylus returned their smiles warmly, seating herself as they took to their chairs. Resting her palms lightly on the fine tablecloth, she looked upto notice a man sitting at the table as well. Taking the initiative,she extended her hand to him. "I'm Cylus. Are you kin as well?"
The man laughed easily. "Bastard born, milady, and no relation I know of. I am Lord Corwyn's guest tonight, and tomorrow should his generosity permit."
"Of course. Stay as long as you wish, Railic. It's beena while since my libraries have seen use." Baez nodded to a servant and their dinner was brought in. It was a lavish affair and much to her delight, the meal was complimented with rich amber mead. They toasted and spoke long into the night.
36. Secret
Pages 76-77, Chapter Six: The Watchmen
Though small in numbers, the Watchmen served valiantly and masterfully adding success upon success to their credit. Losses among the numbers were rare, yet Lord Richards would succumb to wounds in battle against Blackrock Orcs attempting to assault Redridge Valley. Before the Lord could be retrieved from the frontlines, he appointed Lady Julienus Corwyn to lead in his stead. The youngest and by far the most headstrong, Lady Corwyn led the Watchmen to victory. She was capable and commanding, however time proved her to be not the leader that Lord Richards was.
The arrival of an enigmatic man named Nathaniel Saravar, complete with papers of recommendation from the SI:7 was recruited by the Church to take some of the pressure off Lady Corwyn. In little more than a year, the ranks were doubled and by four years tripled. All members, competent and active. During this time, Lady Corwyn and Sir Saravar were under investigation for inappropriate dalliances within the ranks. Sir Atonis Reyner , Lady Corwyn's advisor, shouldered many of the duties when the Lady and Saravar would take long consistent leaves of absence. Sir Reyner disappointed his superiors by keeping the relationship a secret.
Sir Reyner became sole caretaker of Lady Corwin's illegitimate daughter, Cylus, when the mother proved unfit for duty.
37. Snakes
Drakomira, a lesser known assassin-in-training, was still hiding behind the tree as the large deadly arcane wyrm appeared. For the first time, she was grateful for not having an ounce of magic in her bones. Well, none that she could call on anyway. Scanning the forest, Drak wondered where Suru had gotten off to. She stepped out from the shadows and smiled reaching out a hand to the arcane wyrm.
"NO SNAKES ON DIS PLANE!"
"SURU, NO!!!"
Both of them watched as a spark of violet fire leapt from the mage's fingertips to directly behind the wyrm, a tear in the ether pulling the screaming serpent through. "I saved ya, stupidhead! Pettin' a bad snake. Who ya t'ink ya be, girl?"
"That was my ride..."
The old troll scratched his head looking contrite and concerned at the same time. "Oh. I be real sorry for dat den. I t'ought ya were dumb an' wantin' a quick death, mon."
Stories 1-7 8-13 14-18 19-25 26-33