Post by Tekel Brighteyes on Jun 4, 2007 18:21:22 GMT -5
This is a little story that Tara asked me to write here quite awhile ago. So far only a couple of people besides her have read it but she asked me to post it here. So here it is. But this story comes with a warning. It has some very mature content in it. If you're not a big reader to start with, don't read it. If you're not sure and feel it may be too mature for you, don't read it. lol Not that it matters much, no one is ever here anyway. But if you do read this and are offended, just remember you've bee warned.
Tara was up to her old tricks as Tekel walked up the hill. He could see she was up to something but he couldn’t say what so he decided to keep hidden in the trees till he could see what she was doing. Right now she was making a small snow pile on one side of the hammock. Though he couldn’t be sure, Tekel though he could see two people laying in it covered with a blanket. He assumed it was Alassea and Apple Jack.
Carefully he crept closer, staying in the shadows of the trees. He could be very quiet when he wanted to be and the fresh snow helped soften his foot steps. It was then he saw that Tara had made an even bigger snow pile on the other side of the hammock.. And while he knew he should probably stop her, he just had to see what she was up to.
First she sat her salad bowl on the big hill. Then as quietly as she could she climbed a tree on the other side of the hill. Once she was a good way up, she took aim, and threw herself from the tree. Landing in the bowl, her momentum carried her down her little hill at a great speed. She reached the end and jumped over the hammock, and landed in the pile of snow she had on the other side.
It took all Tekel could do to keep form busting out laughing. But then he saw it. She had a wicked little grin that only she could get. She put the bowl back on the big hill. Then she started to jump on the trampoline. Higher and higher she bounced. He really enjoyed himself watching her do her little flips and splits in the air. Her red and black mini skirt just wasn’t made for things like that. Even though she was wearing her black stocking with the red spiders under it. Of course her black, almost revealing vest with the red buttons only added to her attractive look.
What he didn’t know was that she knew he was there. She didn’t see or hear him, but she knew just the same. Somehow she always seemed to know when he was there. So she decided to give him this little show.
Suddenly, without warning, she jumped from the trampoline towards the tree trying to make the black raven wings she wears flap. Grabbing a tree limb she did a little flip and sailed towards her bowl. Flying down her little hill she jumped over the hammock again. And this was where things went horribly wrong.
What Tekel saw filled him with horror. While she was in the air over the hammock she did a back flip and her colorful scarf that Alassea had given her, the only colorful thing she wore, got caught on a tree limb. She was caught there, dangling and gasping for breath. And Tekel knew he had to act fast. He knew she only had moments before she passed out.
In less than a heart beat he was up and running, with a dagger he had pulled form his left sleeve. It took another heart beat for him to throw it and for it to just catch the side of the scarf, embedding itself into the tree limb.
He was closer now and he could see that the scarf only had a small tear in it. Another heart beat it took for him to pull the dagger from his right sleeve and throw again. This time it hit the middle of the scarf causing it to rip a little more.
But not enough. Closer still he was and he could see Tara was starting to turn blue. Another heart beat it took for him to pull the last dagger he had from his belt and let it fly. He prayed to all the gods for it to work because if it didn’t he’d have to climb the tree to get her down. He was a fast climber, but he didn’t think he was that fast.
Skill, prayer, dumb luck, he didn’t know nor did he care. He’d still thank the gods later when he could talk again because the last dagger caught the last part of the scarf ripping it, sending Tara onto the hammock below.
As he ran over to help her he saw she was the only one in the hammock. Tara had apparently put two dummies in the hammock to make it look like someone was in it. He’d laugh later. Maybe.
Quickly he looked over Tara to see if she was alright. At first he though she was crying. But then he found out she was laughing her head off. Then he realized he was laughing to.
“One day,” he said through bursts of laughter, “you’re going to get someone killed.”
“Oh you worry too much.” She replied through her own laughter. “I’m going to be fine.”
“I was talking about me. You’re going to give me a heart attack one day.”
After they calmed down Tekel climbed the tree and got his daggers back. Then settling into the snow he started laughing again.
Tara who was busy making snow angels looked over and asked, “What’s so funny?”
“You are always dressed in the night. And yet I think you are living proof that the gods want us to be happy because you are truly a light in this world. That or they just have a weird since of humor.” And they were both laughing again.
After all was said and done Tekel looked at Tara and said, “I’m off for a little trip. Would you like to come?”
“Yes! Where are we going? When are we going? How are we gong to get there?”
“To a secret place, now, and by Juna.”
Tekel could see the confusion in Tara’s eyes. Juna had only let one person ride her, and it wasn’t either of them.
“You see,” Tekel explained, “Juna was telling me about a place she needs to go visit. And she doesn’t want to go alone. So she asked me to come with her. And when she told me where it was I asked if I could bring you. It’s a place I know you will love. And when I told her about how I know you will show the place proper respect, and realize it’s not someplace to play any jokes, she said it was OK.”
Tara put her hand behind her back, “No jokes I promise.”
“You’re not fooling me with that girl. Get your hands in front of you, uncross your fingers, and promise me again. You’ll be glad you did.”
After Tara did as she was told Tekel led her down the hill to where Juna was waiting, in her dragon form.
“Dear Gods!” Tara said. “When you said Juna was going to take us there, I assumed you meant in her dire-wolf form. This changes everything. Now I know how important it is.”
And yes, it was important indeed. Juna had only let one person ride her in her entire life. And that was while she was in her dire-wolf from. No one, and I mean no one, had ever ridded her as a dragon. But times were changing.
Tara put Spirit, her raven, in a cage to carry her safely, and Tekel used a rope to tie it to the back of Juna. It wasn’t long until they were flying through the air. And while Tara promised to behave herself when they reached wherever they were going, she never said anything about during the trip. So it didn’t surprise Tekel when she stood on the dragon’s back and held her arms wide to pretend she was flying.
Because of the raven wings she wears she was almost instantly thrown off. So she undid them and handed them to Tekel. And while he wasn’t watching she slowly made her way to the back of the dragon. Carefully balancing herself on Juna’s tail, she begain to surf the winds. When Tekel saw what she was doing, he could only curse her for a fool and laugh. Before long he had his flute out and was playing some wonderful tunes he knows.
Though Juna would never admit it, she enjoyed herself looking back occasionally to check out their antics. It helped pass the time on the trip. And that was the way it went for the next three days of their flight. By day they would soar through the air, Tara riding Juna’s tail, Tekel playing his flute, and Juna just loving it all.
And by night they would camp under the stars. Tara would jump around and sometimes play tricks on Tekel and Juna who used her kender form at night. Tekel would sing or tell stories of old, and Juna would tell them some of the great battles she had been in.
But neither Tekel nor Juna would tell Tara where they were going. They both agreed it would be a great surprise for her. But Tara did notice that the temperature was getting warmer. And the trees were getting greener. She didn’t know how far they had traveled, but it had been a long way.
It was evening on the third day when they arrived. Tara started looking around. She was on soft ground she knew. And she heard a stream nearby. But because of the dense fog she couldn’t see a thing.
Carefully she got Spirit down and let him out for the night. “Take care now,” she said. “The fog is a beautiful thing. It is mysterious and inviting. It holds many great adventures, but also many great dangers. So stay on guard.”
“So,” she said turning to Tekel and Juna who was now in her kender form. “Either of you want to tell me where we are?”
“We are where dragons come to die.” Juna said. Seeing Tara’s shocked face she continued. “You see, long ago there was a great battle fought near here by many dragons. And many, too many, died for what was no good reason. You see little one, they were fighting for honor. Not treasure, nor land, nor even to protect someone they loved. One simply said the wrong thing to another and soon many were involved.
It was a tragic battle in which there were truly no winners. Every so often some of my kind will come here to pay their respect to the fallen ones and pray it never happens again. And sometimes, when one of us feels it’s our time to go, we might come her for our final resting place.”
Seeing Tara’s concerned look Juna quickly continued, “Oh don’t worry about me young one, my time hasn’t come yet. I am simply here to pay my respects.”
Tara breathed a sigh of relief. “So what you’re telling me is, there is a dragon graveyard near here?”
When Juna and Tekel both nodded Tara was sad and happy at the same time. The dead were sometimes easier to be around she felt. For the most part they didn’t give anyone any trouble and as Juna had just pointed out, they have a lot to teach the ones left behind.
Tekel walked over to Tara, slid his arm around her shoulder, and said, “Now do you understand why I said no jokes here?”
“Oh don’t worry, I’d never do anything in a place so sacred.” And looking at Juna she said, “Thank you for trusting me enough to bring me someplace you hold so special. I promise to behave myself.”
“To be honest little one,” Juna sad, “I never had any worries about you. After what Tekel told me about you , I knew the two of you were the ones I wanted to bring with me. Very few mortals have ever stepped foot in this place, but I needed to share this with somebody and I’m glad it’s you two. Like I said, I needed to come here, but I didn’t want to come alone. And remember Tekel, you can sing about this place all you want. It will help others to know what happened here. Just don’t let any of your song or stories give the location of this place.”
Tekel bowed and said, “Have no fears, I wouldn’t want anyone here either. And I promise to never give it’s location to anyone. Not even under torture.”
So slowly Juna led them across a bridge over the river. The closer they got the more Tekel and Tara could see shapes in the fog. At first they thought they were trees in the distance. Then they thought they were large trees on hills. Then they knew what they were. Huge dragons’ bones jutting up from the ground.
Slowly they walked in silence, each praying to their own gods for peace for the souls of those who were once living but now dead. Each praying this would never happened again.
And it just so happened there were two others in the grave yard that night. And it wasn’t long before thy met. Juna and her group came across two wandering male elves. Though neither Tekel nor Tara could place their origins.
“Greeting brothers,” Juna said. “I hope we are well met in this sacred place.” Leaning towards Tara and Tekel she whispered, “They are both gold dragons. But in this place, we are all family. Color means nothing to us here.”
“We are indeed sister.” one answered. “But please tell us why you travel with two little kender?”
“They are my friends who are accompanying me on this difficult journey.”
“If they are with you they are most welcome. But be warned, there have been grave robbers in the area and if we see them take anything they will be eaten.”
Both Tara and Tekel were excited about the idea of being eaten. What would it feel like? Would they be crunchy or squishy? What would they taste like? How long would it last? But in this place, and in respect for the dragons neither said anything. A true testament of their willpower.
“Sister,” one said, “Come and let us talk for awhile.”
“Very well,” Juna answered. Then turning to the two kender she said, “I need to talk with them about things concerning dragons. I will only be gone for a while. You may wander around if you like but please be careful.”
After they both promised to be careful Juna walked off with the two elves. Then Tara and Tekel started walking around talking.
“So,” Tara said, “How many dragons do you think fought in the battle?”
“I don’t know,” Tekel answered, “But Juna said it was a lot by the time it was over. It started between just two dragons, a bronze and a red I think, and ended with hundreds dead.”
“Tara looked down with a tear in her eye, “How sad it is at the bigger races can’t seem to get along. I think if the gods had made everyone kender there would be no wars.”
“True,” Tekel said touching her chin and lifting her face, “But then the would be such a boring place.” Then he kissed the tear off her cheek and she smiled.
Now Tara and Tekel promised Juna they wouldn’t get into any trouble. And they tried, gods know they did. But eventually they did get into trouble. But in their defense, it wasn’t their fault. They just happened to walk right into three humans who were digging near a big dragon skeleton. They were talking about how the scroll had worked and it was helping find lots of magical items.
That was when Tara and Tekel turned the corner and walked almost right into them. “They’re trying to steal our treasure,” one of them said. “Get em.”
The other two men charged at Tara and Tekel. Tara, being an acrobat, and after having a little training from Tekel, did a cartwheel and quickly got out of the way of her attacker. Unfortunately she did so right into the arms of the third man.
“I’ve got her!” he shouted, “Go help Jack with the other one.”
He went to help Jack, who was by this time on the ground unconscious, leaving this one to handle Tara. She tried to get away, but the man had a good grip on her. One arm was around her waist, the other was holding her by the topknot.
They were close to a large rib sticking up from the ground so using what Tekel had taught her, Tara ran up it throwing her captor back. He was so surprised he let go of her waist. Then by doing a back roll she was able to go to the ground with him. She rolled on over so she was over him, upside down from the way he was seeing things. She leaned down and gave him a long kiss. And when she felt his grip on her topknot loosening, she brought her head back, and slammed her forehead into his nose, breaking it. He screamed like a little baby, then holding his nose he ran off.
Tara looked over to the sound of Tekel clapping for her. “You’ve learned well,” he said standing over two unconscious men.
“Well it seems you’ve had quite an adventure.” Juna was saying to Tekel and Tara after they finished telling her everything that had happened. First Tekel had started while Tara jumped around in the background, emphasizing everything Tekel was saying. Then Tara told her part of the story while Tekel acted out the scenes. Back and forth they went telling the tale until the tale was told. And when they finished they all sat down around a fire Juna had built while the kender told their story.
“So what happens now?” Tara asked as she poked a stick in the fire.
“Well, after we find the third man the four of us will give them a trial to determine what to do with them.”
“What do you mean ‘the four of us?’” Tekel asked.
“I ran into another dragon tonight. She’s a copper. I just want to know why there are so many metallic dragons here tonight? How come I haven’t seen even one chromatic one?”
“Maybe it’s some kind of convention.” Tara said laughing as she pulled the burning stick out of the fire and started running her fingers over the flame.
“Giggling Juna said, “You may be right child. I just wish someone had told me. And please be careful with that. I wouldn’t want you to get burned.”
Tara laughed as she said, “I have no need to fear the flame because I understand and respect it. True fire can be a very destructive and evil force. But it can also be a creative, driving and passionate one. It is life giving because it has a life of it’s own.”
Laughing Juna said, “you are a confusing one child. The first time I saw you I though you were a follower of Sargonnas because of all the red and black you wear. Then I thought you were just a weird trickster with a fetish for black and liked to wander around in the fog and play in graveyards. Now you speak as a follower of Sirrion might speak.”
“Like many kender I worship and respect all of the good and neutral deities. After all, why would I want to make any of them jealous? But like Tekel, who has a soft spot in his heart for Branchala, I feel a strong connection towards Sirrion.”
“You speak wisely for a kender.”
Everyone turned to see who had just spoken. A human female with long red hair, green eyes, and a beautiful flowing yellow gown stepped from the shadows.
“This,” Juna said, “is Grace, the copper I was telling you about.” Then turning to Grace she added, “Will you sit with us sister?”
“I wish I could, but I’m just here to deliver a message. We caught the last grave robber and we would like you to join us tomorrow to help us decide their fate.”
“I would consider it an honor to join you.”
“The trial begins at dawn.” With that Grace turned and walked away.
“What a shame.” Tara said as she twirled her stick which now had flames on both ends. “I had hoped to play with her some. Copper dragons are supposed to be a lot of fun.” She gave the stick a little toss in the air and caught it as it came back down.
“True but these are serious matters. Now don’t look so sad little one. Maybe you can play with her later.”
“Besides,” Tekel said, “It’s late and we need to go to sleep. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow.”
“Really?” Tara asked brightening, “What do you have planned?”
“You’ll just have to wait and see.”
Tekel laid down and covered himself with a blanket and Tara followed suit. Juna, who needs little sleep stayed up through the night to keep the fire going. And in the middle of the night, when the dampness and cold of the fog settled in, Tekel cover Tara with his blanket. Then crawling under the blanket with her, thus he kept her warm through the night. Juna smiled to herself.
When Tara woke she was alone. Looking around she realized she was not only covered with two blankets, but also Tekel’s shirt and tunic.
Then she heard it. The sounds of fighting, grunting and crashing. She got up quickly and started running through the trees certain Tekel was in trouble.
A Mid-Winter’s Night Dream
Just A Little Joke
Tara was up to her old tricks as Tekel walked up the hill. He could see she was up to something but he couldn’t say what so he decided to keep hidden in the trees till he could see what she was doing. Right now she was making a small snow pile on one side of the hammock. Though he couldn’t be sure, Tekel though he could see two people laying in it covered with a blanket. He assumed it was Alassea and Apple Jack.
Carefully he crept closer, staying in the shadows of the trees. He could be very quiet when he wanted to be and the fresh snow helped soften his foot steps. It was then he saw that Tara had made an even bigger snow pile on the other side of the hammock.. And while he knew he should probably stop her, he just had to see what she was up to.
First she sat her salad bowl on the big hill. Then as quietly as she could she climbed a tree on the other side of the hill. Once she was a good way up, she took aim, and threw herself from the tree. Landing in the bowl, her momentum carried her down her little hill at a great speed. She reached the end and jumped over the hammock, and landed in the pile of snow she had on the other side.
It took all Tekel could do to keep form busting out laughing. But then he saw it. She had a wicked little grin that only she could get. She put the bowl back on the big hill. Then she started to jump on the trampoline. Higher and higher she bounced. He really enjoyed himself watching her do her little flips and splits in the air. Her red and black mini skirt just wasn’t made for things like that. Even though she was wearing her black stocking with the red spiders under it. Of course her black, almost revealing vest with the red buttons only added to her attractive look.
What he didn’t know was that she knew he was there. She didn’t see or hear him, but she knew just the same. Somehow she always seemed to know when he was there. So she decided to give him this little show.
Suddenly, without warning, she jumped from the trampoline towards the tree trying to make the black raven wings she wears flap. Grabbing a tree limb she did a little flip and sailed towards her bowl. Flying down her little hill she jumped over the hammock again. And this was where things went horribly wrong.
What Tekel saw filled him with horror. While she was in the air over the hammock she did a back flip and her colorful scarf that Alassea had given her, the only colorful thing she wore, got caught on a tree limb. She was caught there, dangling and gasping for breath. And Tekel knew he had to act fast. He knew she only had moments before she passed out.
In less than a heart beat he was up and running, with a dagger he had pulled form his left sleeve. It took another heart beat for him to throw it and for it to just catch the side of the scarf, embedding itself into the tree limb.
He was closer now and he could see that the scarf only had a small tear in it. Another heart beat it took for him to pull the dagger from his right sleeve and throw again. This time it hit the middle of the scarf causing it to rip a little more.
But not enough. Closer still he was and he could see Tara was starting to turn blue. Another heart beat it took for him to pull the last dagger he had from his belt and let it fly. He prayed to all the gods for it to work because if it didn’t he’d have to climb the tree to get her down. He was a fast climber, but he didn’t think he was that fast.
Skill, prayer, dumb luck, he didn’t know nor did he care. He’d still thank the gods later when he could talk again because the last dagger caught the last part of the scarf ripping it, sending Tara onto the hammock below.
As he ran over to help her he saw she was the only one in the hammock. Tara had apparently put two dummies in the hammock to make it look like someone was in it. He’d laugh later. Maybe.
Quickly he looked over Tara to see if she was alright. At first he though she was crying. But then he found out she was laughing her head off. Then he realized he was laughing to.
“One day,” he said through bursts of laughter, “you’re going to get someone killed.”
“Oh you worry too much.” She replied through her own laughter. “I’m going to be fine.”
“I was talking about me. You’re going to give me a heart attack one day.”
After they calmed down Tekel climbed the tree and got his daggers back. Then settling into the snow he started laughing again.
Tara who was busy making snow angels looked over and asked, “What’s so funny?”
“You are always dressed in the night. And yet I think you are living proof that the gods want us to be happy because you are truly a light in this world. That or they just have a weird since of humor.” And they were both laughing again.
A Trip, Mayhap an Adventure
After all was said and done Tekel looked at Tara and said, “I’m off for a little trip. Would you like to come?”
“Yes! Where are we going? When are we going? How are we gong to get there?”
“To a secret place, now, and by Juna.”
Tekel could see the confusion in Tara’s eyes. Juna had only let one person ride her, and it wasn’t either of them.
“You see,” Tekel explained, “Juna was telling me about a place she needs to go visit. And she doesn’t want to go alone. So she asked me to come with her. And when she told me where it was I asked if I could bring you. It’s a place I know you will love. And when I told her about how I know you will show the place proper respect, and realize it’s not someplace to play any jokes, she said it was OK.”
Tara put her hand behind her back, “No jokes I promise.”
“You’re not fooling me with that girl. Get your hands in front of you, uncross your fingers, and promise me again. You’ll be glad you did.”
After Tara did as she was told Tekel led her down the hill to where Juna was waiting, in her dragon form.
“Dear Gods!” Tara said. “When you said Juna was going to take us there, I assumed you meant in her dire-wolf form. This changes everything. Now I know how important it is.”
And yes, it was important indeed. Juna had only let one person ride her in her entire life. And that was while she was in her dire-wolf from. No one, and I mean no one, had ever ridded her as a dragon. But times were changing.
Tara put Spirit, her raven, in a cage to carry her safely, and Tekel used a rope to tie it to the back of Juna. It wasn’t long until they were flying through the air. And while Tara promised to behave herself when they reached wherever they were going, she never said anything about during the trip. So it didn’t surprise Tekel when she stood on the dragon’s back and held her arms wide to pretend she was flying.
Because of the raven wings she wears she was almost instantly thrown off. So she undid them and handed them to Tekel. And while he wasn’t watching she slowly made her way to the back of the dragon. Carefully balancing herself on Juna’s tail, she begain to surf the winds. When Tekel saw what she was doing, he could only curse her for a fool and laugh. Before long he had his flute out and was playing some wonderful tunes he knows.
Though Juna would never admit it, she enjoyed herself looking back occasionally to check out their antics. It helped pass the time on the trip. And that was the way it went for the next three days of their flight. By day they would soar through the air, Tara riding Juna’s tail, Tekel playing his flute, and Juna just loving it all.
And by night they would camp under the stars. Tara would jump around and sometimes play tricks on Tekel and Juna who used her kender form at night. Tekel would sing or tell stories of old, and Juna would tell them some of the great battles she had been in.
But neither Tekel nor Juna would tell Tara where they were going. They both agreed it would be a great surprise for her. But Tara did notice that the temperature was getting warmer. And the trees were getting greener. She didn’t know how far they had traveled, but it had been a long way.
It was evening on the third day when they arrived. Tara started looking around. She was on soft ground she knew. And she heard a stream nearby. But because of the dense fog she couldn’t see a thing.
Carefully she got Spirit down and let him out for the night. “Take care now,” she said. “The fog is a beautiful thing. It is mysterious and inviting. It holds many great adventures, but also many great dangers. So stay on guard.”
“So,” she said turning to Tekel and Juna who was now in her kender form. “Either of you want to tell me where we are?”
“We are where dragons come to die.” Juna said. Seeing Tara’s shocked face she continued. “You see, long ago there was a great battle fought near here by many dragons. And many, too many, died for what was no good reason. You see little one, they were fighting for honor. Not treasure, nor land, nor even to protect someone they loved. One simply said the wrong thing to another and soon many were involved.
It was a tragic battle in which there were truly no winners. Every so often some of my kind will come here to pay their respect to the fallen ones and pray it never happens again. And sometimes, when one of us feels it’s our time to go, we might come her for our final resting place.”
Seeing Tara’s concerned look Juna quickly continued, “Oh don’t worry about me young one, my time hasn’t come yet. I am simply here to pay my respects.”
Tara breathed a sigh of relief. “So what you’re telling me is, there is a dragon graveyard near here?”
When Juna and Tekel both nodded Tara was sad and happy at the same time. The dead were sometimes easier to be around she felt. For the most part they didn’t give anyone any trouble and as Juna had just pointed out, they have a lot to teach the ones left behind.
Tekel walked over to Tara, slid his arm around her shoulder, and said, “Now do you understand why I said no jokes here?”
“Oh don’t worry, I’d never do anything in a place so sacred.” And looking at Juna she said, “Thank you for trusting me enough to bring me someplace you hold so special. I promise to behave myself.”
“To be honest little one,” Juna sad, “I never had any worries about you. After what Tekel told me about you , I knew the two of you were the ones I wanted to bring with me. Very few mortals have ever stepped foot in this place, but I needed to share this with somebody and I’m glad it’s you two. Like I said, I needed to come here, but I didn’t want to come alone. And remember Tekel, you can sing about this place all you want. It will help others to know what happened here. Just don’t let any of your song or stories give the location of this place.”
Tekel bowed and said, “Have no fears, I wouldn’t want anyone here either. And I promise to never give it’s location to anyone. Not even under torture.”
So slowly Juna led them across a bridge over the river. The closer they got the more Tekel and Tara could see shapes in the fog. At first they thought they were trees in the distance. Then they thought they were large trees on hills. Then they knew what they were. Huge dragons’ bones jutting up from the ground.
Slowly they walked in silence, each praying to their own gods for peace for the souls of those who were once living but now dead. Each praying this would never happened again.
And it just so happened there were two others in the grave yard that night. And it wasn’t long before thy met. Juna and her group came across two wandering male elves. Though neither Tekel nor Tara could place their origins.
“Greeting brothers,” Juna said. “I hope we are well met in this sacred place.” Leaning towards Tara and Tekel she whispered, “They are both gold dragons. But in this place, we are all family. Color means nothing to us here.”
“We are indeed sister.” one answered. “But please tell us why you travel with two little kender?”
“They are my friends who are accompanying me on this difficult journey.”
“If they are with you they are most welcome. But be warned, there have been grave robbers in the area and if we see them take anything they will be eaten.”
Both Tara and Tekel were excited about the idea of being eaten. What would it feel like? Would they be crunchy or squishy? What would they taste like? How long would it last? But in this place, and in respect for the dragons neither said anything. A true testament of their willpower.
“Sister,” one said, “Come and let us talk for awhile.”
“Very well,” Juna answered. Then turning to the two kender she said, “I need to talk with them about things concerning dragons. I will only be gone for a while. You may wander around if you like but please be careful.”
After they both promised to be careful Juna walked off with the two elves. Then Tara and Tekel started walking around talking.
“So,” Tara said, “How many dragons do you think fought in the battle?”
“I don’t know,” Tekel answered, “But Juna said it was a lot by the time it was over. It started between just two dragons, a bronze and a red I think, and ended with hundreds dead.”
“Tara looked down with a tear in her eye, “How sad it is at the bigger races can’t seem to get along. I think if the gods had made everyone kender there would be no wars.”
“True,” Tekel said touching her chin and lifting her face, “But then the would be such a boring place.” Then he kissed the tear off her cheek and she smiled.
Now Tara and Tekel promised Juna they wouldn’t get into any trouble. And they tried, gods know they did. But eventually they did get into trouble. But in their defense, it wasn’t their fault. They just happened to walk right into three humans who were digging near a big dragon skeleton. They were talking about how the scroll had worked and it was helping find lots of magical items.
That was when Tara and Tekel turned the corner and walked almost right into them. “They’re trying to steal our treasure,” one of them said. “Get em.”
The other two men charged at Tara and Tekel. Tara, being an acrobat, and after having a little training from Tekel, did a cartwheel and quickly got out of the way of her attacker. Unfortunately she did so right into the arms of the third man.
“I’ve got her!” he shouted, “Go help Jack with the other one.”
He went to help Jack, who was by this time on the ground unconscious, leaving this one to handle Tara. She tried to get away, but the man had a good grip on her. One arm was around her waist, the other was holding her by the topknot.
They were close to a large rib sticking up from the ground so using what Tekel had taught her, Tara ran up it throwing her captor back. He was so surprised he let go of her waist. Then by doing a back roll she was able to go to the ground with him. She rolled on over so she was over him, upside down from the way he was seeing things. She leaned down and gave him a long kiss. And when she felt his grip on her topknot loosening, she brought her head back, and slammed her forehead into his nose, breaking it. He screamed like a little baby, then holding his nose he ran off.
Tara looked over to the sound of Tekel clapping for her. “You’ve learned well,” he said standing over two unconscious men.
A Fun Day
“Well it seems you’ve had quite an adventure.” Juna was saying to Tekel and Tara after they finished telling her everything that had happened. First Tekel had started while Tara jumped around in the background, emphasizing everything Tekel was saying. Then Tara told her part of the story while Tekel acted out the scenes. Back and forth they went telling the tale until the tale was told. And when they finished they all sat down around a fire Juna had built while the kender told their story.
“So what happens now?” Tara asked as she poked a stick in the fire.
“Well, after we find the third man the four of us will give them a trial to determine what to do with them.”
“What do you mean ‘the four of us?’” Tekel asked.
“I ran into another dragon tonight. She’s a copper. I just want to know why there are so many metallic dragons here tonight? How come I haven’t seen even one chromatic one?”
“Maybe it’s some kind of convention.” Tara said laughing as she pulled the burning stick out of the fire and started running her fingers over the flame.
“Giggling Juna said, “You may be right child. I just wish someone had told me. And please be careful with that. I wouldn’t want you to get burned.”
Tara laughed as she said, “I have no need to fear the flame because I understand and respect it. True fire can be a very destructive and evil force. But it can also be a creative, driving and passionate one. It is life giving because it has a life of it’s own.”
Laughing Juna said, “you are a confusing one child. The first time I saw you I though you were a follower of Sargonnas because of all the red and black you wear. Then I thought you were just a weird trickster with a fetish for black and liked to wander around in the fog and play in graveyards. Now you speak as a follower of Sirrion might speak.”
“Like many kender I worship and respect all of the good and neutral deities. After all, why would I want to make any of them jealous? But like Tekel, who has a soft spot in his heart for Branchala, I feel a strong connection towards Sirrion.”
“You speak wisely for a kender.”
Everyone turned to see who had just spoken. A human female with long red hair, green eyes, and a beautiful flowing yellow gown stepped from the shadows.
“This,” Juna said, “is Grace, the copper I was telling you about.” Then turning to Grace she added, “Will you sit with us sister?”
“I wish I could, but I’m just here to deliver a message. We caught the last grave robber and we would like you to join us tomorrow to help us decide their fate.”
“I would consider it an honor to join you.”
“The trial begins at dawn.” With that Grace turned and walked away.
“What a shame.” Tara said as she twirled her stick which now had flames on both ends. “I had hoped to play with her some. Copper dragons are supposed to be a lot of fun.” She gave the stick a little toss in the air and caught it as it came back down.
“True but these are serious matters. Now don’t look so sad little one. Maybe you can play with her later.”
“Besides,” Tekel said, “It’s late and we need to go to sleep. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow.”
“Really?” Tara asked brightening, “What do you have planned?”
“You’ll just have to wait and see.”
Tekel laid down and covered himself with a blanket and Tara followed suit. Juna, who needs little sleep stayed up through the night to keep the fire going. And in the middle of the night, when the dampness and cold of the fog settled in, Tekel cover Tara with his blanket. Then crawling under the blanket with her, thus he kept her warm through the night. Juna smiled to herself.
When Tara woke she was alone. Looking around she realized she was not only covered with two blankets, but also Tekel’s shirt and tunic.
Then she heard it. The sounds of fighting, grunting and crashing. She got up quickly and started running through the trees certain Tekel was in trouble.