Writing Journey across the land [E]

[Guest ~Sarza~]

[color=#C12267]Ok the title is very undecided! Very much so indeed. Any way its just something that i've been working on in my spare time recently, any ideas, or critisism is welcome, i don't mind ;) i'm very open to things that will make it better. I'll post chapters as they are completed this is chapter one.

Escape
Her breath was heavy as she ran towards the sunset, her bow and quiver bounced on her back and her sword clanked in its sheath. She panted now as she came to the entrance of a large forest, green and lush with life as it always was in the summer. Long blonde curls ran out behind the girl, who could be no more then 16 years old, crystal blue eyes focused on the forest, the place where her home was. She was now closing in on a small white marble palace, as the last rays of the sun fell under the horizon she burst through the doors. ?MADE IT!!? She screamed as she passed into the entrance of the palace. ?I really thought I would be late again??

?Miss. Kiana, you really must try to be a little more on time,? A kindly old man, obviously a butler, stood by the door, ?that means a little before sunset, however your mother will be pleased that you made your curfew and weren?t late again. She would have taken a fit on you!?

Kiana looked to him with a sweet smile, ?I?ll try harder next time, Ralf, promise.? She then turned to the direction of the cellar, leaving Ralf behind to shake his head at her. She walked down the dark and narrow stairway. ?Mother I?m home!?

?Its about time, I mean really, you must learn to be more on time young lady, now then change out of that grubby outfit, and put on your uniform. The mistress is waiting for her afternoon tea!? A lovely looking women about in her thirties had replied, Kiana?s mother had walked into the room shaking her head at her daughter.

?Yes mother?? Kiana reluctantly walked to the back of the small cellar and changed into a maid?s uniform and grabbed up a tray that held some biscuits and a pot of tea.

?I really wish you would take your responsibilities more seriously.? She was still shaking her head.

?I will mother, now then to the mistress she will be wanting her tea, now won?t she?? Kiana looked at her mother as if to say that she would try to keep her own priorities straight, and keep up her work.

?Well then off with you, get going.? Salina then ushered her daughter up the stairs.

Kiana walked quickly up the stairs and through the entrance halls and then to another set of marvelous white marble stairs. When she reached the top she made a quick and practiced turn to the left down a hall, she knew the palace almost better the woman who owned it. She then stopped at a large oak door with many carvings in it, shifting the tray to her right hand she knocked with her left hand and waited for an answer.

?Ah, Kiana, just on time, please come in!? A voice came running like music through the door.

Kiana opened the door to reveal a beautiful woman who was clearly elvish, pointed ears and an air of elegance, and a strange yet appealing accent made it easy to pick out. Kiana managed a small bow to the woman and laid the tray down on a small table, and did a more appropriate curtsy. ?Your majesty.? Kiana said in a very respective voice to the very poised queen.

?Oh, Kiana how many times have I told you that it?s not necessary to curtsy in private company?? The queen said in her flowing tone of voice. ?And drop those silly titles too.?

?As you wish Lienna.? Kiana?s voice was still full of respect for the woman. She then smiled to the queen. ?I brought your tea.?

?As you do every night, and I hope you had a good time out in the kingdom, and have a story or two to tell me tonight.? Lienna?s eyes where full of awe and wonder as they always where when word of the outside world was spoken as she had never seen beyond the forest, and had only been out in the forest with many guards.

?Of course!? Kiana loved to explore the outside perimeters of the kingdom and was permitted to do so as long as she was back before sunset. However what she loved even more then that was telling the story to the castle bound queen, many stories about monster and demons that she had seen, or watched as they were slain. ?Not quite as entertaining as last nights but still worth while.?

?My, my you must be losing you sneaking abilities now mustn?t you?? Lienna looked a little shocked, the adventures of what the young girl saw had always been better and better.

?No, no just that nothing is really happening, the guards are getting better at aiming and hitting the target, so there?s nothing to really see.? Kiana smiled again and poured a cup of tea and got ready to tell what she had seen that evening. ?Well I was on the grassy hill, the one with a huge rock on it, I?m up there a lot lately any way, when I heard a noise like a giant troll or a dragon walking. However it was odd it didn?t come again, so I was naturally curious and I went back into the forest and then I heard it again this time a lot closer.?

?How is this less exciting?? Lienna looked puzzled and offered Kiana a seat, and took her cup of tea.

Kiana sat down in the chair and continued. ?Well I went in closer and then I heard more loud booming steps, moving closer a lot faster then before. So being ever so slightly scared I climbed into the nearest tree. After a couple of minutes I heard loud grunting noises and soon after that I saw the ugliest creature that I have ever seen in my entire life,? Kiana then added in a whisper, ?and I have seen some pretty ugly things??

The queen laughed at this comment, ?Were they hideously ugly??

?Even worse then that, they where the faces even a mother would shun!? Kiana added also laughing at the thought of the trolls again. ?Back to the tree I watched them go towards the hill and I scrambled down to see them start destroying my rock! I thought to myself how dare they destroy my favorite spot! That tore it I ran to the nearest guard tower and directed them to the creatures and made sure that they left my spot alone from now on.?

?Bravo!? Lienna put down her tea and clapped. ?I wish I could do something like that, it sounds like so much fun!? She then took on a regal look of impetus duty and responsibility, and mocked her mother. ?But we must up hold royalty and our dignity such as it is! Tut, tut we can?t be dressed in rags running around like wild animals!? She then laughed at the resemblance to her mother.

?That was a good impression, but it isn?t always fun, that bow that you gave me has really come in handy.? She sighed. ?And its not like I?m not stuck here too? Oh my, I don?t mean your bad company, and that I?m not gracious to your hospitality? Its just that?? Kiana thought of how she could say that she felt trapped and controlled without sounding rude or unhappy.

?I understand, your need and want to be out of the castle, on your own ready to fight for your life and other?s?? Lienna looked a little more serious and thought for a moment.

?What?s wrong your grace, uh I mean Lienna?? Kiana was worried about her she had never been so serious during their talks, except for the time that a duchess had come and demanded it be full of manners and proper behavior.

?Nothing, I was just thinking what if I were to extend the curfew?? Lienna raised a brow to Kiana.

?To how late??

?What say you to a couple of months?? Lienna watched the look of utter delight spread rapidly across Kiana?s face and a smile dance from cheek to cheek.

?Are you serious, but I would miss all of you? oh but think of the stories, the adventure!? Kiana jumped up and armed herself with a pretend sword. ?Ogres, trolls, giants, wizards, demons, dragons, towns in distress! What a thought!? She then sat down with a sigh, and thought of her mother. ?What about my mother, she does like my company, and help a lot, and she?s not getting any younger? and what of Ralf? What will happen to his timing me for my curfew??

?Your point is taken, but you will come back, for you would have to tell me all of your stories, and tales that you would learn from the people!? Lienna looked at Kiana, with a pair of sad eyes, ?If you don?t I don?t know what I?ll do here??

?Well? I guess I could go for a little trip, but just a short one.? She smiled and hugged the queen. ?I shall prepare.?

As Kiana began to walk out the door she remembered that she still had duties and turned back to Lienna, to see the look on her face as if to say go ahead, and a nod. Kiana rushed a little bow and ran back down the stairs into the cellar to see her mother, cooking diner. ?Mother, good evening.? Now how do I tell her? Kiana thought as she spoke, a troubled look came onto her usually cheerful face.

?Oh, Kiana you?re back early, what did you talk about today?? Salina had a soft smile upon her face as she stirred a stew. The smile slowly disappeared and turned to a frown as she saw the troubled look on her daughter?s face. ?What?s the matter dear?? She asked with a slight look of curiosity.

?Well?? Kiana then told her mother about the wonderful opportunity that the queen had proposed. She watched as her mother sat down a grave look upon her face. Kiana was finishing up. ?I guess though that if you wish for me to stay then I will, to help you with the responsibility of the castle and such.? Kiana?s face became sad as she thought about that.

Salina looked at her daughter and sighed with defeat. ?You know I hate it when you guilt me into these things, I guess you will be leaving us then.? She forced a smile to come onto her face as she looked to her daughter.

?Really?? A smile played and danced over Kiana?s face as she spoke. ?Thank you mother, thank you!? She hugged her mother and rushed to her part of the cellar.

She grabbed a bag; in it she packed two sets of clothes one to wear while she washed the other, a blanket to keep her warm in the nights, a small and worn pillow, she finished packing the bag by attaching a bow on one side, and a quiver on the other. She would leave at dawn she decided, she was eager to begin, to leave and find excitement in the world, to fight off exotic creatures, to find out who she was meant to be. She lay on her bed and stared at the ceiling, and waited for time to tick by, dawn seemed a whole world away, twenty seconds felt like an eternity, and five minutes a lifetime. Finally sleep found its way to her, she slept lightly though, wanting to get up extra early today, to get a good start on her adventure.

As the night went on the stars in the sky shifted, and the moon traveled against the black canvas of sky, its pale face staring down at Gia. The stars watched from their heavenly perch high above the ground, watching everything that happened. They had watched the once peaceful land be torn by war, and split by hatred of other races. The crossing of races was now forbidden and they seemed to cry at this world now, wishing that they could leave and never need witness such a travesty again. Though they could not move, and would bare witness to this world being destroyed by its own people, by its own life force. Soon the moon slowly let the sun take the sky and begin to rise to face the world of Gia, its cotenants, and divided lands, its warring people, and the greedy ones that wished for nothing more then to make themselves more comfortable in life.

As the sun rose so did Kiana, she got up eager to start her day, her adventure, and her new life. She grabbed a small pouch from a small table by her door and tied it to her belt, it jingled a little as she walked, it was full of money that she had saved herself, at the time she didn?t know why she wanted to save it she just did. She grabbed a piece of bread and walked quietly up the stairs, she let out a small yawn, as she reached the top of the stairs from the cellar. She walked as quietly as she could through the entrance and out the front doors. There she saw the queen standing almost waiting for her, well she was waiting for Kiana to come out. ?Your grace, what are you doing out so early?? She made a polite curtsey, as she approached and spoke to her.

?I came to see you off, and I have a gift to aid you,? Lienna smiled softly but excitement shined through, as she whistled into the night. A young boy no older then Kiana stepped from behind the wall of the castle with a beautiful horse. It was pure white, with a long mane and tail; its coat was longer and thicker at the hooves of the majestic animal then its large, proud, and strong body.

Kiana ran to it, but slowed as she neared it, she reached out with a hand towards its muzzle, the horse pushed it into her hand; Kiana felt the velvet smoothness on the horse and then turned back to the queen. ?He?s magnificent!?

?It?s a girl.? The boy now spoke to her and Kiana looked to him. ?Do you think she even knows how to treat a horse, how to groom and feed it, what care it needs?? He addressed the queen now.

A wicked smile then came across Lienna?s face and danced a little. ?Kiana do you??

Kiana looked to the ground as the queen asked, she felt stupid for not knowing it was a girl. ?Not really?? She mumbled as she kicked a stone.

The boy looked at her and pulled the horse away from her. ?I will not give this beautiful creature to some one who doesn?t know how to care for it!?

The smile began to broaden on her face. ?Then you will accompany her! It?s settled you will not give it up then you will watch over the horse and its rider Kael!? Lienna looked to both of the people.

Kiana was almost struck back by these words, some one else was coming? She thought. ?You highness, please reconsider!?!? She almost begged the queen to change her mind.

Kael looked equally surprised. ?But?b-b-but?? He tried to find an excuse not to go.

?That is the only way that she will get the horse, and the only way I will let her leave is if she?s on that horses back!? Lienna?s wicked smile turned into a stubborn face.

?Fine, but I?m not waiting for you if you fall behind.? Kiana said to Kael, with a somewhat harsh tone.

?Your highness, please-? He didn?t even finish before she had interrupted him.

?Grab a horse young one, and get a saddle on it, and teach Kiana.? Lienna looked at Kael with eyes that he couldn?t say no to.

He sighed and led the horse to the stables. ?Come on you have a lot to learn?? he grumbled at what she had said and what he had been talked into.

Kiana followed him to the stable. She finally saw him in the light. He had shaggy brown hair that had a hint of orange in it and greenish brown eyes, and freckles on his face. He looked at her as well; he saw crystal blue eyes framed with golden curls, and bright eager look, one that seemed not to mind trouble. This could be bad for my health? He thought with a little regret of accepting this.

Kael saddled a large brown horse, and then showed Kiana how to do the same for the white horse the queen had gifted her with. ?What should I name her, or does she already have a name?? Kiana turned to Kael to ask his opinion.

Kael looked dumbfounded at the girl. ?Its just a horse why does it need a name? It?s a beast!? He quickly mounted his horse and looked down at her. ?You do know how to ride don?t you??

Kiana looked horrified at him. ?How can you call such a strong, and beautiful animal a beast? Of coarse it needs a name, everything needs a name!? She shook her head as she spoke to him and mounted the horse that she had been given. ?Of course I know how to ride, do you know how to keep yourself alive?? She asked with a tone of uncaring assurance as she thought. I?ll just have to think of a name myself?

Kael ignored her question and kicked his horse into a canter, and looked back to see Kiana not to far behind him and petting the neck of the horse. Stupid girl, she?s going to be killed herself if she?s not careful. Kael thought this as he sighed and stayed sitting tall on the horse, their journey would be long, longer then he thought it was supposed to be.

Kiana watched him ahead of her and she pushed her horse to a gallop and passed him easily and at the edge of the forest she stopped abruptly. Kael looked at her with curiosity. ?Why have we stopped?? He asked.

?You really haven?t been out of the palace much have you?? Kiana sighed, at one time she would have just rode on through and entered the meadow, but now she knew the hazards of doing this. ?The elven kingdom has made several enemies by their efforts to live detached from this world and try to be peaceful, therefore it would be very reckless of us to just go galloping out of this forest. I?ve had an experience with that and it wasn?t fun.? She said her last sentence with a little warning and shivered a little as she remembered.

Kael rolled his eyes as she got off her horse and climbed up a tall tree, he watched her go and then come back down. ?Now then,? she said with a little haste in her voice, ?I haven?t ever tried to cross the whole field before, but the less time we spend on open ground the better. There are trolls, and drows, and many other nasty things out there that will just as soon kill you as look at you.?

?TROLLS?!?! Those things are huge!? Kael?s eyes widened and looked at her in disbelief.

?Yes they are, fortunately their brains aren?t to proportioned, they?re easy to out smart, but hard to out run and over power.? Kiana said as she mounted the horse and walked it to the edge. ?Are you ready Kael, this will have to be very quick?We have to make it at least to the guards and then we will take a break and let the horses rest.?

Kael swallowed, and walked his horse to the edge, ?I?m ready,? he said weakly, and looked to Kiana and she nodded and they were off pushing the horses to go faster, Kiana stayed low, and Kael followed her example, and pushed his horse to go as fast as it could. Kiana?s hair flew out wildly behind her, and her eyes focused on the target and she forgot the world around her. Kael noticed this detachment from everything in Kiana and soon heard a very large growl and snarl behind him. ?Don?t look back, don?t look back?? He urged himself in a whisper but he couldn?t help it he look behind him and saw a large creature behind him, he had no idea what it was but it was moving fast. ?Kiana! WHAT IS THAT?!?!?? He yelled up to her with urgency in his voice.

Kiana looked back and yelled back in a calm tone, ?Not friendly!? She simply put it and soon the guard tower was visible on the horizon and she pushed the horse harder and let go of the reins and let her horse do the navigating. She turned and pulled out her bow, and quickly took aim to the creature?s neck and released the arrow, it missed but only barely it had grazed the troll, and it had a small cut and was bleeding. Once more she took aim on the bouncing horse and released the arrow, and this time it hit, and slowed it down considerably she then turned and took hold of the reins, the tower was close and the first step was almost done.

In the guard tower they saw her coming and were amazed to see her out this far, when they saw the creature they mounted their own horses and took aim with their own bows and after a little struggle they got it to the ground. Upon closer inspection a guard exclaimed, ?ITS AN OGRE! THEY?RE NEVER IN THIS AREA!!? Kiana was startled by this news as well; they had never come this far east. The guard then calmed down, and turned his attention to Kiana. ?Come to think of it, you?re a little far from your usual spot today, considering you need to be in before sunset!?

?Not this time, I?m allowed out of the kingdom for a little while.? Kiana said with a smile on her face as she looked at the guard. ?Besides I thought that you were on patrol of the forest edge, aren?t you??

Kael remained quiet through the conversation as the rest of the patrol dragged the ogre out of sight from the field, he watched with curiosity the friendly conversation between Kiana and the guard. How long has she been aloud out for? She knows the guards, she knows the areas to find all those terrible creatures, and she knows where to shoot at them? Yet she doesn?t know how to take care of a horse! How pathetic? He cut his thoughts short and snapped back to reality when the guard answered her.

?Well?er?yes?that?s where I am normally, but they ran out of guards that would stay at the tower?? He stumbled through the sentence and saw Kiana look at him the way that she did when she knew that he was lying.

?Now, Allen, don?t lie, why are you here, and not at the forest.? Her voice was soft and sure, she knew he was lying. ?You aren?t a very good liar.?

Allen looked to the ground. ?Yes, well nothing gets past you now does it?Well I was supposed to be responsible for lookout duty for my patrol, and well I fell asleep, so they reassigned me here? Your lucky to be able to go where you want now, I wish I could come??

?Oh?I?m so sorry?? She looked at him from atop her horse and sighed, and then a thought came to her. ?Here hold these!? She handed him the reins to her horse and began to run to the tower she stopped abruptly in front of an officer. They exchanged a few words and then the officer returned to the tower and came back out of its base with a horse behind him, Kiana walked up to Allen with a big smile on her face.

Allen looked back at her and as the officer came closer he realized what she had done.

?Allen!? The officer called out. ?You will be excused to help these two on they?re little excursion through the continent.?

?Yes sir!? Allen said and took the reins of the blank horse that the officer offered to him, and handed Kiana?s back to her.

?Well we?ve spent enough time here for now, lets be off.? Kael finally got enough nerve to speak.

?Your right Kael? Come along then.? Kiana said mounting her horse and looking to Allen as he got up onto his, and started her horse to a canter.

After they were a little ways from the guard tower Allen rode beside Kiana and spoke to her. ?How did you get him to let me off duty?!?? He asked, Kael trotted up beside them and listened intently, he wanted to learn as much as he could about these people.
?Well,? Kiana started, ?I have saved a few lives in the time that I?ve been out of the palace, I just had to remind him of that.? She said with a grin on her face.

?What else have you done?? Kael now interrupted the conversation.

?Well let?s see?? Allen was answering this for Kiana, so that she couldn?t put a modest twist on the story. ?She?s warned us of trolls, why just yesterday she led us to some that were destroying her favorite spot. She?s also killed one, and that?s not an easy task, she?s even infiltrated a drow camp!? He exclaimed.

?Now Allen,? Kiana said calmly, ?you?ve done some pretty neat things yourself-?

?Yes but you get back by sunset and serve tea! You wash cloths and dishes and make supper!? Allen had cut her off.

?So you do all of that adventurous stuff, and then go and do chores?? Kael looked wide-eyed. ?I thought my life was busy with all the horses!? He said almost to himself.

?Yes don?t we all.? Allen said quietly and sighed.

The sun began to set beyond the horizon as the three figures that were crossing the field reached a small lake and stopped. The three then rolled out blankets and built a fire and lay down to sleep. They had escaped the boundaries of the elfish kingdom.


Well thats the end of that chapter, chapter two should be coming along any time now, even though its only 2 pages long right now, i have ideas.[/COLOR]