literature

Cruor Ventus Vs TCE .5

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    The sound of hammered steel rang throughout the small town.  Everyone was used to the racket that went on what seemed to be all hours of the day from the billowing building that was the smithy.  Working the bellows of the smithy was a young tanned woman, her dark red hair tied in a ponytail, in order to keep it out of the way while she heaved fresh air fueling the orange coals.  A sweaty mountainous arm pulled the red molten tip of an unfinished blade out of the furnace and started hammering the finishing touches.

"Always wondered why you took this job instead of the offer to be an actress or even a stunt double."  The burly man said above his hammering.

"Who else would be able to put up with you all day, Baedor?"  The girl replied, using the hem of her sleeve to wipe soot and dirt from her face in vain.

"None can boast of being the apprentice of the greatest blacksmith in the realm and also that of the last living swords master of the billionblades technique."  Baedor answered in turn.  The burly man paused his laboring for a moment to gesture at the silhouette leaning against the open doorway.
  
"Seems like there is someone waiting for you."

"Not hoarding the treasure of the town again is he?"

  The dark figure ducked under the overhang of the doorway, the air in the room filled with the incense of the sea.  A tall man with spiked black hair, almost transparent gray eyes, and scar marred face walked in.  The worn black trench coat that never left his shoulders had patches of smooth thread worn areas, on either shoulder where now yellowed symbols.

"Wrens!"  Cruor exclaimed abandoning the bellows without a second thought.  She raced towards the swordsman and enveloped him in a hug that almost knocked him over.

"Oh, not trying to make our smithy jealous are we?"  Wrensthav asked smiling.

"I would not call my best cloth soiled something to be jealous of, Ancient Sleeper."  Baedor replied returning the smile.  "Though some show of appreciation is always welcome."

Cruor released Wrensthav and placed a kiss on Baedors cheek.  "There, that should even things out.  Really, it is no small wonder people rarely tolerate the both of you in the same place at any given time."  She stepped back so that she standing an equal distance from her doting teachers.  She took a moment to gather her courage before asking, "Am I relieved of my duties for the day Master Baedor?"

"I figure that's a hard thing to decide.  I was going to teach you what you are always rambling about, which I am certain Wrens let slip."  Baedor shot a glare that simply bounced off the darkly adorned man.  Seeing that this failed, Baedor resorted to rubbing his chin letting his comments' meaning sink in.  "But I am sure that can wait for a day that you are well rested."

"Or you could stay and wait for another fortnight to pass in order to learn the fourth stage of billionblades."  Wrensthav interjected.

"There is a third option," Cruor said while pacing between her two teachers.  "And I think it would be my best option for this time."

Both men displayed a dumbstruck look as they pondered over this third option the lady was referring to.  Cruor cherished the few times that she could stump her teachers with what seemed to her plain as day.

"My family."

"Oh."  They both said knowing that they had completely forgot about her life outside of their instruction.

"Can't remember the last time I was obliged to visit my relations."  Wrensthav thought outloud.

"From the rumor I heard going around you will be seeing them sooner than you might expect."

"Not until that business hits this town."  Wrensthav warned.  "And you said I hinted at dangerous topics."

"What dangerous topic?"  Cruor asked now curious to know what would cause Wrens' family to gather.

"We will address that matter, if the time comes.  Not a moment before."  Wrensthav answered .  "There is a good chance that this will not be mentioned again during our time."
******************************************

How wrong Wrensthav was.  Not two weeks later, a great and terrible plague swept the town.  Half of the population was taken in the first three days, Cruor's parents where of the last to pass on of that group.  Half of those who survived, where suffering from the remnants of the plague.  A week passed after the tragedy struck the town, no one caught sight of Wrens.  Even Baedor heard nothing concerning his well being.  But the Dojo the swords master kept was locked ever since the first victim fell.

On the tenth day, three of the oddest characters walked into town.  Each one possessed a strong aura of power.  Three distinct scents: one of a warm winters' hearth, another of ink and paper, and a third was that of open ocean spray.  Each smell, though distinct, harmonized with the others to create a soothing and pleasant tone.  One could tell by the way the companions walked that they have traveled together, for their paces landed in unison.

One was a tall woman dressed in a traveled blue fighting dress, two daggers hung from a sling that held a slab of a sword on the back of her slender frame.  Her eyes where brilliant sapphires; cold, commanding, and the deepest shade of blue.  A river of flaming red hair with blue streaks adorned her head giving her an even more curious look.  That was if her slightly armored clothing didn't look so out of place.

Next to her was an ordinary looking man.  His half-moon spectacles acted as portals to the darkest green eyes that she would ever see.  His build wasn't that impressive though he was the same height of his companions, a brown traveling cloak hid most of his features.  His hair was almost closer to the color and complexion of an acorn and reached to the middle of his shoulders.  The most interesting aspect of this character was that he carrying the largest book Cruor had ever seen.  The iron bound volume spanned the breadth of his shoulders and the length of his back.  The tome was engraved with a wonderful relief of a strange and majestic tree; the binding was like that of a dragon's scales.  Holding this immense book was an intricate lock.  A thick chain with a leather sleeve anchored the behemoth volume.

The last of the strangers was a dark, broad, and burly man.  His sun-bleached clothing seemed to be starched and stiff in the oddest of places due to the many years at sea.  The bandana across his head must have been an outstanding sight when it was new, for even now it was a decent shade of red.  His turquoise eyes, told of endless tales of wild storms and dangerous journeys.  He carried a long spear of cherry, the tip was carved so that two serpents twisted around the top third.

"Is this the girl Wrens was talking about?"  The Woman asked her voice warm and pleasant.

"Tall, young, tanned and an air of confidence about her."  Replied the book laden one.

"And the looks of an actress."  The last companioned interjected.  His low, husky and weathered voice carried easily.

The scholarly one made the first move offering his hand.  The tips of his fingers and the side of his palm were stained from countless years etching words onto paper.  Cruor inspected the hand a bit more before he gave up on the gesture with a shrug.

"Pleasant morrow, if I may introduce my companions and I.  I am Arctavious Vegatari, the lovely lady to my right is Scilti Pyroaviorexus, to my left the good captain of the vessel Narwal, Terra Oroborros."  Each nodded in turn as they were introduced.

"We've heard not but good tidings of you from Wrensthav."  Scilti said, a hint of disbelieve lacing her voice.  "Though, this could just be another joke of his.  Never could understand that humor of his."

"When it comes to the billionblades summon he doesn't jest."  Terra interjected.  "Since he was the only one out of us who actually mastered the thing; and is quite proud of that fact.  I hear that you have made it to the third level, that is quite impressive.  When he mentioned that you can go farther we have reason to voice some concern on his part."

"I think that a little demonstration is needed to convince my two doubting friends."  Arc sighed.  "Would you be so kind?"

"Why do they require proof?  Is it to much to ask that you take some confidence on your relative?"  Cruor asked.

"Wrens has been known to bend the truth when he wants to left alone."  Arc explained.  Cruor noticed that he barely stifled a chuckle when she called them relatives.  

"We have been fooled into trusting 'students' of his that had less skill with void manipulation than a rock; though every now and then we find one who stumbled upon learning the basic level.  Each of them did have a good understanding of vapor manipulation.  So if you will do us this small favor it would put to rest our suspicions."

"It would seem that the three of you are still sore about that little stunt I pulled at Draconus."  

Wrensthav sighed before placing a reassuring hand on Cruor's shoulder.  Cruor was quite taken aback by how suddenly her teacher appeared and also by how tired and ill he looked.  Their where dark circles around his eyes and his skin seemed dry and pale compared to what it was when she last saw him.  Even his black trenchcoat had lost some of its weathered charm.  The only thing that looked the same was the condition of Polaris at his side.

"It is alright Cruor, show them why you are my favorite student.  And as you have probably guessed she is also an air manipulator."  Wrensthav gave Cruor a nod of approval after he and the three gave her enough space for the summoning ritual.  

Cruor took a deep cleansing breath and then ran through the various hand gestures and signs while mumbling the incantation.  Several moments of this passed before she struck the ground with her right palm.  Crimson lines flowed from her hand to form a summoning circle of Celtic design around her. Seconds later a hundred proud halberds exited from individual flashes of shadow then create a circling barricade around her.  She sent each one into the ground where the only thing left to tell of their presence where the scattered holes where the blades struck.

"So it is true, you finally found your protégé at long last."  Scilti said in awe.  "Never thought you would find somebody in time."

"In time for what?"  Cruor asked Wrens slightly confused.

"Remember when I said that meeting my relatives was a dangerous topic to talk about.  Well you will soon learn why.  Would you all follow me to my house so we can get down to discussing this dreaded business.  Baedor would have been glad to finally meet you.  He left something behind for you as well Cruor."

Wrensthav lead the group to his house which he also used as his dojo.  The room was much like its owner, weathered old fashioned and holding a rather rugged charm.  Dark stained wood made up the walls and floor, countless tables lined the outside of the room holding stands where 11 bladed weapons where kept.  In a corner was a dark iron chest that seemed to dissuade company with its dark demeanor.  In the center of the room where three Cedar chairs surrounding a low table.  The table was stained a light honey chestnut, a cleaning set was still on the table along with a letter as they walked in.

"I hope none of the gentlemen would object to allowing the ladies to take the chairs."

"Wouldn't dream of it."

"If you insist."

"Good.  Now to the matter at hand.  As everyone here knows a terrible catastrophe has swept across the land taking countless lives and is working its way to adding the rest that are in its grasp with it.  From what I have gathered this is no ordinary plague, for even the Sentient weapons are suffering from its affects and are losing their abilities slowly.  I have tried every method I know to hinder the effects and am afraid that only a few of my blades have taken to resisting this curse.  So I think we have all came to the same conclusion.  We must once again fetch the properties of the healing bloom."

Crour was shocked to hear of this news.  The sentient weapons where renowned for their ability to avoid all forms of deterioration.  For something to be powerful enough to harm them was cause for concern.  The others gathered in the room seemed to be less upset with this news.

"We have also felt the effect of the plague this time around Wrens. And as you know each of us has taken the journey to find the healing bloom this time around that task falls upon you."  Terra said as he paced the room.

"Unfortunately, the method I devised to keep my blades intact has weakened me to the point that I am personally afflicted by this ailment."  Wrens explained.

This created a stunned and awkward silence from Cruor and the other three.  After the initial shock sank in Wrensthav continued.

"That is why I propose that Cruor take my place, if she is willing."

"This fledgling?  Do you know who else out there is going to that forsaken island to find the curing bloom?"  Argued Scilti.

"I hear there are even some demi-gods that are seeking the flower."  Arc pointed out.

"Your apprentice has only mastered the third stage of billion blades.  Though impressive, will it be enough to aid her on this journey?"  Terra asked.

"She also has a good head on her, is a skilled swordswoman and air manipulator. Also she was under the tuition of Baedor."  Wrens said as if this last bit of information would quiet their last concerns.  Strangely enough the three newcomers did calm down a fair bit.

"So does she know about sentient forging?"  Scilti asked.

"I am in the room you know." Cruor stated.  "And for your information, Master Baedor was about to teach me the way to create items of soul and voice, before this catastrophe struck him down."

"Speaking of which he told me to give this to you when the time came."  Wrens picked up the wax sealed paper and handed it into Cruor's hand.  Crour lifted the envelope and saw and smelled the tell-tale signs of the blacksmith.  Smudges off soot covered the page and the smell of iron and carbon lingered on the paper.

"He also said it was up to you to decide when to open it."  Wrens kneeled before her and held her strong and fair hands.  "It is no small thing we are asking of you, but you are the last hope we have of restoring the order of this world and curing the rest of those who still suffer from the grip of this curse.  I wouldn't ask this of you if I didn't think you where ready."

She could tell from the sincerity of his voice and the trust in his eyes that he really did mean what he said.  The last thing she wanted to lose was the last person that meant the world to her.  The rest of the companions waited anxiously for her reply.

"Well if you believe I am ready to take on this task then I am willing to accept it."  Cruor said at long last.

"Then there are a few things that I wish to give you to aid you on your travels."  Wrensthav traveled the room and gathered up an armload of weapons.  He faces Cruor with four of the 11 weapons he displayed in the room.

"These are the blades that have been affected by the curse the least and have also agreed to aid you.  Bergecrest, for times when you are facing an enemy or creature that needs a good heavy blade.  Vivil, in case you are in need of storing a spell that you can use later on.  Gilchen, for those nasty characters who hide under steel and stone.  When fighting those few creatures that have no visible weakness Moonbeam is usually a good bet."  

Wrens handed each weapon to the awestruck Cruor as he mentioned their names.  He then reached into his trenchcoat and retrieved a silver disk and chain.

"She may give you some trouble, but Silvi is the best tracker around.  I also know how quickly the weather turns on that island so take this with you."

Wrens then took off his coat and placed it over Cruor's shoulders.  The coat conformed to her frame as if it was made to her measurements.  A warm and pleasant aura surrounded her as soon as the cloth settled.  

"Though he doesn't look like it, he is as strong as most armors and more comfortable.  He will also protect you from both the heat and the cold.  Last of all, I would like to give you this last item."  From his belt he removed his favored weapon.  Everyone gasped at this gesture for it meant that he truly was placing all of his trust on her by giving her the one item that never left his side.

"And with that you are properly equipped to start this quest."

"You really trust this girl?"  Scliti asked.  "Well I guess you won't be traveling anytime soon will you.  In the morning we will be off.  Have all your things ready by daybreak."

"Something has been bothering me.  How come Wrens refers to you all as family when all of you have different last names.  I remember Arc finding this funny when I mentioned it."

"In a way we are family; Wrens, Terra, and I all grew up in together.  Much later on we found out that Scilti was taught in the same school as we where and at the same time."  Arc explained.

"So basically we are all from the same general area and have been around each other for a long time."  Terra interjected.

"They also act like in-laws, only coming around when there is trouble or wanting to start some."  Wrens added.

Cruor finally understanding the relations between the four rose from her chair and bid them all good night.  First a plague strikes the town, then three strange people show up, and now she was about to leave the only place she knew to search for a miraculous flower on some strange island.  Her nerves where working havoc.  Part of her was scared and the other part was thrilled to go and see a new place.  The blades and coat sat folded by her bed next to her shoulder sac.  The excitement kept her up most of the night to the point where she didn't remember when she fell asleep.  

A loud rapping on her door startled her awake though Scilti opened the door only to find Vivil flash past her face to land on the wall behind the door.

"I guess you picked up more than just of a few of Wrens' habbits."  She said un-phased.  "The sun has been up for an hour already and its due time that we get going."

Arc, Terra, and Wrens were already outside chatting when the two ladies exited Cruor's home.  

"Well since we are all here, Cruor could you bring out Silvi?"  Crour handed over the silver disc to Wrens.  

"Now I need every ones aid for this one each person should hold a part of Silvi and Cruor should be the only one touching the chain."  They all did as instructed then Wrens continued.  

"Next pour in some power this is a rather large jump we are making."  The disk started to glow in with 5 different colors from red to blue.  

"Cruor, Silvi will have enough energy on her own to warp short distances but she doesn't always get drop you exactly where you want to be.  Also she will have a supply of power for one more long distance jump.  Only use that jump when you are in dire need to be somewhere else.  Good luck and Sol Speed."  With that Cruor and the disk where enveloped in darkness for a brief moment.  When the light returned Cruor found herself suspended ten feet in the air surrounded by a tropical jungle.  

"Great start this journey."  She mumbled as she prepared to hit the leaf covered ground.
Almost finished version of Cruors intro and why she is after the healing bloom of TCE. Critiques welcome.
***edit 11/20/09***
as always I will continue to update and edit the context of my pieces until the deadline is reached all other past the deadline will be done to spelling and grammatical errors that do not warp the original intention of the entry. If you find any errors/contradictions please notify me.
***Final Edit***

For the :iconthecuratioeffloresco: OCT

Wrensthav Aviovus, Cruor Ventus, Baedor, Scilti Pyroaviorexus, Arctavious Vegatari, Terra Orroborros and the 13 swords of Wrensthav (c) *WrensthavAviovus

plot, inspiration, Healing Bloom setting belong to :iconthecuratioeffloresco:
© 2009 - 2024 WrensthavAviovus
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LadyDeven's avatar
dang. i need to fave this for 2 reasons, one i can't focus long enuf to read it (let alone a gum wrapper), and 2 i really wanna read it :iconiwantitplz: and it looks really good thru the skimming i did