*REVISED!!!1* (slash added to) title still pending, sadly

[schectergitarrguyy]

blah blah blah shit you know (assuming you read my last post) blah blah blah revised blah blah blah HOLY FUCK NEW SHIT blah blah blah learning blah blah blah mushy wushy end I A Most Humble of Beginnings Like most stories, this one begins in a quiet and out-of-the-way little town. It' name is Bendonil, and is mainly inhabited by humans, although Elves have been known to come from their vast forest to the Southwest and visit. On a clear day those of the sharpest eyes could make out the tops of the Ullard Mountains, the primary home of the Dwarves and the Ralnir, a race of airborne creatures that resemble our Dragons, but there are some rather distinct differences. Such as their fur, and shorter tail, and the ability to speak. Anyway, back to the town of Bendonil. A river ran a mile or two to the Southeast, and a few boathouses were placed along the river at it's widest point. There are many similarities between the peoples of Lavalia and us. One similarity is the most common language of the continent of Lavalia, which is identical to ours (plus a few words of their own), but under a different name, Balvish. Another similarity is the average height. The men and elves are only on average a few inches shorter than us. The Men, in general, live longer than we do (for instance, around 120 for them is around 75-80 for us). The Dwarves lead fairly lengthy lives, but the longevity of Men and Dwarves combined still pales in comparison to that of the Elves. It is rare bu not unheard of for an Elf to die of natural causes, they are usually felled in battle or by some wretched plot of a enemy. There are some Elves still who have been in Lavalia since time out of mind. Like us, Lavalia is no stranger to wars, though it's been some time since the vast Plains of Tullnat have seen a fight. The last great war was the War of Klarnith, which was just short of 50 years ago. It came about when one of the Urkhan (a race of humanoid beasts that were forced to the Northern Tundras long ago) roused the massive population and launched an attack on the South to regain their freedom. The leader's name was Klarnith, which is how the war got it's name. Due to the massive number of the Urkhan warriors, the Elves, Men, and Dwares had to fight with one another as they had not done since they had driven Trynlaen his mass of Mirdan soldiers across the Western Ocean to the lands that lay beyond. It was a long and terrible war, but with the help of the Ralnir, the free peoples eventually prevailed and peace reigns in Lavalia to this day. I realize I may have been throwing locations and names all over the place, and it may be a little confusing. Let me part the clouds of confusion. The town of Bendonil is in more or less in the center of Lavalia, though none of the Great Roads pass through it. The river to the southeast is the Surain. It runs across Lavalia, from the Northern Sea to the Bay of Frotkun, and is a water source for many towns and cities. Running from directly to the east of Bendonil to the southern coast are the Ullard Mountains. That mountain range is the primary home of the Dwarves and the Ralnir. The Halls of the Dwarves are things of legend in their size alone. To the west and southwest as far as the eye can see (from Bendonil) is the Forest of Rondain, the Elve's domain. The capital city of the Forest is Eldunon, and there is another city in the southwest and a town to the northwest. Though the Elves keep good care of it, there are still some wild beasts roaming the obscure regions. There are many cities and towns of men, Elves, and Dwarves around Lavalia, the biggest of which is Doliat. It is the capital of the province of Tullnat, which is the vast region in between Cerbat and the Northern Tundras. People of all races ave homes there. Even the some Ralnir have homes in the Hills of Tullnat just to the east. The Plains of Tullnat are in between Bendonil and the Tundras. There are 2 Watchtowns, an Eastern and a Western. the sea-faring Men and Elves live largely in the cities of Trilan, on the Eastern coast, and Ronlit on the Western coast. Solen Mountain is a seemingly random mountain in the Plains. Solen City is the great city made in and on the northern side of the Mountain. It is inhabited by Men and Dwarves, for Elves have no love of Mountains. The southwestern tail of Lavalia is the province of Cerbat. The people of Cerbat are very mysterious, and no one ever comes in or goes out. There is a mountain range in the middle of it called the Shalkon Mountains. It is rumoured that Trynlaen and what remained of the Mirdan eventually came back and made the massive border, but not many people beleive that. The capital is Viltan, and there are a few other cities about the province, such as Seaport. A race of people called Shortlings live in Cerbat. They are called so because they are about half the height of a normal man. They rarely leave their country, and when they do it's never a good sign. I believe that will suffice for now, I am quite sorry for that rather lengthy description. I do believe it is time to really begin this most humble of beginnings. * * * * * * * * * * Our first person of note is a man named Denunil. He is a warrior-turned-carpenter who resides in Bendonil. He fought in the war of Karnith when he was in his early twenties, which makes him around 70 now. He is of average height and stocky build, with dark short-cropped hair and a well-kept mustache of the same color. Currently, he is overseeing the construction of a Pavilion for the Harvest-day feast. "Come on! That's not how you raise a tent!" he yelled "Careg! Learn to swing a sledgehammer!" Which brings us to our second big character. Careg, a man in his mid-thirties (what they would call a quarterling), is tall, relatively slender, yet very strong. He has a very youthful spirit, and an uncommonly foul mouth. As well as a proficient builder, he can hold is own on the battlefield, and hopes one day to venture to Doliat and and enlist in the army. He and Denunil are very good friends, regardless of the occasional criticism. "Come on, Denunil. We've been working like dogs since like half past eight!" He looked into the sky and saw the sun above him. "It's noon anyway," he continued, "Can't we break for lunch?" Denunil paused as if considering, checked the sun and conceded. "You have an hour for lunch. Go, I'll finish this tent." The workers left to go find some food where they may. Denunil walked over to the half row of pegs that needed pounding. He slipped the noose over the peg, tightened it, stepped on the peg to partially push it into the ground, then pounded it home. He finished the line in this fashion and sat on a bench. He took a look around the Pavilion and saw a familiar hat sticking up over the top of a log pile. He got up, and when he arrived at the woodpile, the hat was gone, though he had kept his eyes on the hat all the way there. What the hell? thought Denunil. "Well Hello there!" said a familiar voice right behind him. Denunil jumped and wheeled around. There he saw Gwildom, and old friend and one of the few remaining Wizards of the world. "Holy hell!" exclaimed Denunil, " You scared me!" Gwildom was bent over laughing. Fairly average in height and build, Gwildom was one that would stick out in a crowd, unless he chose o conceal himself. He wore a hat much like Bowler hat, and kept his goatee in a fashion that was quite different from the way other Men wore theirs. Finally Gwildon rightened himself and properly greeted Denunil. "Hello old friend!" he said, "It certainly been awhile." "That it has, what with you being abroad for several years" he replied "Where have you been anyway" "Here and there. Places you will be in time." "What? I don't plan to leave Bendonil. I've made a very good living here and I do not wish to give that up." Gwildom chuckled chuckled and said "Anyways, I am here for the festival." "That didn't stop your adventuring before." "I got what i needed." Denunil shook his head. "You are too vague for your own good." They shared a laugh and walked around the Pavilions talking about the goings-on in Bendonil over the last few years. Denunil talked of everything from the sprouting of a grove of saplings to the discovery of gold in a nearby hill. "It's definitely helped our economy" he said. Gwildom listened intently, laughing where it was accepted and adding an occasional "You don't say!" or "Indeed!". After awhile Denunil noticed the time. "Damn! It's been two hours since I told them they could have lunch! Where the hell are they?!" ********** Careg and the other workers were sitting in Turmran's Bar & Inn eating lunch and talking and laughing merrily. There were some shady-looking people in a far corner, eying the group and Careg in particular. After awhile two of them walked up to Careg. The supposed "men" were actually Shortlings of the mysterious land of Cerbat, Midgets to those who keep uncivil tongues. Careg was at the end of a joke. "And the third man says, 'I just made a dollar!'" The men roared with laughter, except for the few who didn't get it. One of the Shortlings tapped Careg on the shoulder. He turned around and snickered. "What's a Midget doing this far North?" "Wondering if the citizens of Tullnat are always so vulgar" replied the Shortling with distaste. "Actually, I wish to know where I may find the Mayor of this town." "Why do you ask?" Careg noticed the sword at the Shortling's belt, and the one at his accomplices'. "None of your business, you sniveling idiot, now tell me where I can find your Mayor." "Sniveling idiot?! Can you believe this Midget!" the workers laughed. Careg looked back at the Shortling. "Listen," he said "I'm taller sitting down than you are standing up, and I could take you and your three friends with a hand and a foot bound." He fingered the hilt of the large knife on his belt. "Now," he continued "If you don't want any trouble, I suggest you be well out of Bendonil by the time the sun sets." The Shortling and his friend laughed. "You have a stout heart! However it shall bring your demise!" The Shortlings all drew their swords and the two in the corner walked over. Careg stood up laughing. He drew the large knife from his belt with his right hand and beckoned them forward with his left. "You have no chance against us, there and four of us!" cried the leader of the Shortlings. Careg chuckled, grabbed the Shortling's hand and threw him face first into the wall. The Shortling collapsed and dropped his sword. "Make that three" said Careg. The others charged him with their swords raised, and Careg delivered a low roundhouse kick to their faces. He looked at the knife in his hand. "I didn't even need this!" He and the workers, laughed and he sheathed the knife. "Turmran! See that these Midgets are imprisoned! And tell the Mayor I saved his life. I bet these hooligans had a mind to kill him!" "Aye, I'll see it. These Shortlings'll be the talk of the town, no doubt." "Come on men, Denunil's probably worried himself sick wondering where we are." The workers paid for their meals and returned to the Pavilion. "There you guys are! Where the hell have you been?!" yelled Denunil "Woah, woah ,woah, calm down," said Careg. "You know the Midgets that live in Cerbat?" Denunil sighed. "For the last time, they're called Shortlings" he said. "Whatever! Anyway, four of them tried to kill me over at Turmran's." "What?!" "Well, they asked where the Mayor was, and I saw that they had little "swords", my knife is bigger, and one called me a 'snivelling little idiot'." "They don't take kindly to being called Midgets..." "I really couldn't care less. Anyway, I saved the mayors life, so.... I think that gets us off the hook for being late. Gwildom! I didn't see you there!" "Hello, Careg." Gwildom said "When I left you were still being taught your letters." "Yeah, where the hell did you go? Your tales have been sorely missed and all the gatherings since you left." Gwildom chuckled "You'll learn all that soon enough, and i may even have some new stories for the kids." "Yeah, yeah, yeah," Denunil interrupted. "Enough reunions! If we don't get the last Pavilion up there isn't gonna be a party!" "Like one missing Pavilion is going to stop anything." "Stop with the smartassery! Just get to work." ********** The workers began setting up the tents. Then they filled every Pavilion with tables, benches, chairs and the like. Bar and Tavern owners started showing up and setting up casks and whatnot. After a few hours the place was ready for tomorrow's party. Careg got to his feet and wiped his brow. "Damn, it's hot today." he said. "You can say that again" said a worker. Denunil stood on a bench and raised his voice. "Okay guys! Job well done! I'll see you guys tomorrow, and don't drink more than you're fill! We're charged with taking this all this down as well!" The men let out a simultaneous groan. "Oh come on! You guys get a day off!" There were some hesitant cheers, and the workers went there separate ways. Before going home, Denunil decided to pay Hannon, the town's blacksmith, a visit. He walked across town to the forge and kncoked on the door. A deep voice answered. "It's open!" Denunil opened the door and saw a great back leaning over an anvil, studying something. He walked into the room. "What's that?" he said. Hannon straightened up and turned around. He was a big man, tall and broad, very muscular. He had a rough black beard and shoulder-length, thick hair of a same color. He was holding up the semi-finished head of a pitchfork. "A pitchfork?" said Denunil. "Yes," answered Hannon, " Ottrun broke his, no surprise though. Left it outside in the rain one too many times, the rust finally took its toll. Anyway, what brings you by?" "Just taking a stroll, thought I'd pop in and say hello." "There's something else on your mind, isn't there." replied Hannon "Well, sort of. During the lunch break Careg said he was attacked by four Shortlings." "What? Why are they this far North?!" "That's what I want to know. Turmran's put them in the sheriff's control. I have no doubt the Mayor will be questioning them extensively." "Mmm." Hannon stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Think they could be after us?" Denunil asked. "We did raise some hell down there." Hannon chuckled. "Indeed we did. Scouting's a hell of a job. I like carpentry much better." Hannon pumped the bellows of his forge. "I've still got some work to do, and I bet you'll be late for dinner if you dawdle any longer." "Yes, I suppose I will be. Well, I suppose I'll see you tomorrow." "Until then." With that, Denunil left and walked to his house near the outskirts of town, humming softly to himself. ********** The next morning Denunil rose with the sun. He sat up in bed and looked at his old weapons hanging on the wall. His bow & arrows, of Elvish make. The arrows would stay true in a gale, and the bow would never break unless the spells became undone. His sword and hunting knife were also up there. The sword was simple and plain, yet very strong and durable. The knife was an exact miniature of the sword, and when traveling fully armed he tied the knife to the quiver, within easy reach of his right hand. He ran a hand through his hair and looked at his still-sleeping wife. He smiled, dressed and went downstairs. He looked around at the house he had built himself many years ago, after the war. Looking out the kitchen window, he saw people already bustling around to the town square, making hasty, last-minute preparations for the party. He lit the stove, put the kettle on, sat at the table and ate some bread. After a little while the kettle whistled. He took it off the stove before it could wake anybody and made some coffee. He stood before the window watching the town, drinking his coffee and reflecting on the past. Both of his sons had moved away to Doliat, married, and had families of their own. His firstborn, Deluin, was forty-eight, and his second-born, Hadrin, was Careg's age. he had last heard from them 2 months ago. He had received a letter from the two of them. Deluin's son had turned 12, and Hadrin had married. Denunil finished his coffee, went outside and climbed the ladder to the roof of his house. He had built his house taller than the others in Bendonil, as sort of a watchtower. He stood at the top of his house an faced south. He saw clear skies, and the tail of the Ullard Mountains. He slowly turned anti-clockwise towards the North, looking at the peaks of the mountains. When he faced North, he again saw the black clouds on the horizon. A few weeks ago he had seen the clouds moving up the Western coast, until the clouds had settled in the North two days ago. He had made many guesses, but the real cause of the clouds had only just entered his darkest dreams. After awhile his wife, Iola, climbed up the ladder. She hugged him and he kept his arm round her. "You're still watching those clouds?" she asked. "Yes." he replied simply. "Why? We both know the discomfort they cause you." "Ever since the war ended, this land's safety has always been one of my chief concerns. I know we did not wipe out the fell creatures of the North, I was forced to order the retreat once King Donark thought we had sufficiently weakened them. I had never thought that they were utterly defeated, and I have never trusted Cerbat. I knew one day, maybe not in my lifetime, that the peoples of Tullnat would be endangered again. I fear that day has come." "Do not say such things," Iola said, in an effort to cheer him. "Think not of what is to come. Be happy today, it is a good day. The sun shines yellow in the east, and a party and a feast are at hand. Do not be troubled with what happens outside this town's walls today. Promise to abandon all thoughts of sorrow and fear, at least for today." Denunil sighed and bowed his head. After some time in thought, he looked at his wife. "I promise," he said. "Come, let's have some breakfast." Iola smiled and kissed him. the climbed down the ladder and ate a small meal, conserving their stomachs for the feast. *notes* Possible entire first chapter? This is more tedious to spellcheck than to read If you have anything you would like to contribute, do not hesitate to contact me. Please post your thoughts!