{"id":2125,"date":"2019-03-02T22:03:45","date_gmt":"2019-03-02T22:03:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ravensplayland.com\/wpRAVEN\/?p=2125"},"modified":"2019-03-02T22:27:42","modified_gmt":"2019-03-02T22:27:42","slug":"seerth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ravensplayland.com\/wpRAVEN\/2019\/03\/02\/seerth\/","title":{"rendered":"Seerth"},"content":{"rendered":"

Seerth
\n<\/b>
\nI walked the road of the in between, the dry cracked dirt packed hard to form it. The road, as endless as time it self, stretched out before me. The skeletons of the yellow school buses lined the side of the road, appeared and disappearing as I passed them, the never-ending repeat of the dust-covered shells. The air was dry and hot. The yellow and browns of the sands lay to all sides of the road with only the sudden outcrop of striped stones way off on the horizon line. The peace of the emptiness stir within me. I moved from the road and rested. Leaning back on my hands, my eyes scanned the sun-bleached tones of the place around me. I closed my eyes, with my staff in my clawed hand; my mind opened the door to a new journey. With out neither thought nor care I slipped through the portal before me.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The sky crackled in a fiery red as the hot burning rain scored my cloak. The sizzling sound of the hellish rain burning my covering sounded in my ears. The smell of the smoldering leather filled my lungs. Quickly scanning the land before me, I ran to an outcrop of stone and hide beneath a small protrusion. A steamy mist formed a swirling mass as the rain hit the surface of the land. The storm roared on and the mist shrouded me in an eerie cover.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Closing my eyes I curled close to the stone. Time passed and the storm faded. The mist clung in the air. The moist air smell reminded me of hot water steaming in a shower. It was heavy in the lungs yet warm and cleansing. From my hidey-hole I emerged. This misty blanket covered me. Looking down I couldn\u2019t even see my own feet. The rainwater pooled at my feet. Fear of the rising rainwater, made my mind up for me. I pressed myself to the stone climbing up the stones. The higher ground would be safer. Slowly I moved on the rocks inching my way across the surfaces, praying to the flame that I did not move in circles, praying to find shelter.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The search for a new safe haven seemed to in vain. Continuing the climb I could no longer judge height or distance; the mist was too thick. A large boulder with a fine ledge stood in my way. The glimpse of this land when I had arrived was to far remove to help me in my choices. Laying upon my tummy, I staring at the boulder I wondered if I should turn back and travel a different path. As I laid deep in thought a strange noise drifted to my ears. It was rhythmic and faint. The sound drifted from the other side of the boulder.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I moved to my feet, stepped onto the ledge. My claws finding weak places to dig into the hard surface of the boulder. Closely I pressed myself close to the cold wet stone as if trying to become one with it. The slick surface moved across my bare thighs as I slide my boot on the ledge, slowly I moved. Each step unsure, each moment an eternity of time, I listen to the faint music that gave me patient to endure. The ledge ended in to another wall of rock. My heart sank, but than I heard the music. It was clear now and came from the stone ahead. I moved quickly to the sound. My foot slipped and I felt my body giving way. My claws scratched the surface. I was jolted suddenly as my claws caught the ledge I once walked on.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I looked down; the mist covered me from my waist down as I hung to the ledge. I looked up; I saw a faint light dancing inside a crevice in the wall I was heading to. Searching the ledge with my hand, testing for a good hold, I dug in. Slowly I move my hands along, my arms aching from my own weight. At last I could see the opening clearly. The ledge widen just in front of the opening. I moved to position my self under it.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Summons upon the little strength left in me and clawed the surface of the ledge. Slowly my chin rose to the ledge, than my shoulders passed the jagged edge. Pressing hard against the stone, using my feet, I propel myself up as I took a new hold. My waist hit the edge hard. I laid on the cold stone winded. My legs dangled off into the mist. I inhaled the heavy mist laboring to regain my breath. My eyes closed. Who was I? Why was I here? Where did I come from?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The music rose louder from the crevice and as if a rush of thought hit me hard. I knew. I was Raven. I was here to find myself. I had no home. He was no longer mine. Only in his arms was I home. I was alone. Thoughts of my children slipped in my mind. In my mind’s eye I looked upon two of their sleeping faces. At least they where safe and loved, my little Gene and Thistle were with their people. I pulled my legs to the safety of the ledge. Why couldn’t I have remembered sooner? It would have only been a blink to here. I chuckled at my own struggle; my gift of teleport could have avoided it all.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The opening was small; it was the only way I saw to the music. I put my head in. Just pass the opening the passage widen and curved. The sounds of life echoed deeper down the passage. I tired to squeeze in the hole but my cloak and staff me caught. I thought of telepoting but what would happen if there wasn\u2019t as much room as I thought. I pulled off my cloak and wrapped my staff in it. I placed it between my legs, interlacing it in them. Again I moved to the opening. I pressed in and twisted my shoulders to pass the opening. Again I used my claws to pull myself through the narrow space in the rock. The roughness of the stone scrapped against my bare skin and I felt the skin slowly peeling off. The curve came, with it came more room.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 As I turned the bend. I could see shadows occasionally moving on the walls of the tunnel. The tunnel widen even more. I proceeded on my hands and knees dragging my cloak along. I came to the opening. A small shelf stuck out as it opened into a cavern. I could smell the sweetness of green plants and flowers drifting to my senses and the aroma of food cooking added to the sensation. Carefully I crawled out on the ledge and peered down and around.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I was but a few feet off the cavern floor. Plants of all types grew. They hung off of shelves or in large stone casings, reminding me of my warehouse forest. For a moment my mind slipped to my first son, Josho. I shook him from my mind, my heart heavy but he to was safe with his father and with the rest of my adopted family. I pulled my thoughts back to the business at hand.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Rocks glowing yellow from heat, where placed on top of tall stone poles and gave a gentle glow to the huge cavern. A flow of water came from the wall; it gently fell into a pool of water with a small lip on the floor. Around the lip was a small trench, which the over flow of water spilled into and disappeared.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The tiny fragile framed people moved happily as they raised their voices in song and chattered in a tongue I did not understand. I listen to the songs, they sung and watched them part take in their normal movements. The clothing they wore varied from a loincloth to fine silk jumper or gowns. Each seem to have some sort of ordination of jewelry, even the smallest one had something. I laid still and watched hoping not to be found till I was ready.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The masses of the people started to move to tunnels off of the main cavern. I slipped back into the one I crawled from as some approached. At first I thought I had succeeded in hiding. With my mind\u2019s eyes I scanned around me. I felt the minds of those coming up behind me through the tunnel and others to either side of the opening. Now was the tough choice. Let my self be captured or try to escape. I crawled out to the waiting swords.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Their tiny faces stared at me and I returned it. Their mouths were just a slit with no lips. Almond shaped, brightly colored eyes with tiny slits parted the center, stared at my form. Their skin was tinted in yellow. So child like in size and form, the tallest about four feet. Some where bald and others had short thin hair almost like fuzz Long fingers twice the length of my own held the finely crafted weapons.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cTa gee wa da?\u201d spoke one as he poked a sword at me.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Releasing my cloak, I raised to kneel before him, spread my arms to either side of me. The one came near and pointed the tip at my throat as two more joined him, each taking an arm. \u201cTa gee wa da?\u201d he spoke again this time in a firmer, louder tone.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI know not your language.\u201d In low tones, in the language of the green, I spoke. The puzzled look on his face showed me he did not understand. This time in dragon I spoke repeating, \u201cI know not your language.\u201d Again his face showed puzzlement. In my native tongue I mumbled, \u201cMay the flame please let them understand something.\u201d I said. He still showed no recognition of my speech.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A female approached the gathering. She looked much older than the warriors that held me. Her dress was in a long silken gown of red. A band of twisted silver and gold circled her baldhead. The males that surround me parted to let her draw near. On my knees I meet her eyes. The orange eyes meet my green ones. The gentle touch of her hand through my hair felt more like a caress, my hair was pushed aside to reveal my elf tips. Fingertips glided the edge of my ear and I closed my eyes as my body began shaking in repulsion from the sexual stimulation. She knew not what she did. Her hands of leather moved over my bare shoulders. As her eyes followed my art so did her fingers. She spoke to them all in her tongue and they all nodded. The one with the sword seemed displeased. The two holding my arms motioned for me to stand and I did.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 She lead the way to an opening I had thought a tunnel. The walls and ceiling was perfectly arched and highly polished pillars of crafted metal and rounded arches supported the stone hall. The floor was smooth and patterns of purple ran through the high gloss shine. As we moved down the hall we passed many doors. I stared at the beautiful artwork on each door. Faces adorned the metal door, sometimes only one face sometimes two, sometimes what looked like a family. I was taken to a door that was void of faces. She entered first and mumbled words as she rubbed a stone. The stone slowly illuminated the small room.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The stone walls where bare and featureless, as was the floor except for a small pillar that held the glowing stone. Only a golden colored metal canopy, covered in a hood of mint green velvet broke the emptiness of the room. Sheer drapes of light green, thread with gold strains, encased the frame. Within the four posters was a small mattress with pillows and covers to match the velvet hood.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 She motioned her hand and the warriors left except the one that had held the sword to my throat. In his hand he had my staff, cloak and bag. His eyes narrowed as he exchanged words with the woman. Her tone was of authority but he obviously argued as he pointed at the runes on my staff. Her voice was soft and steady as she spoke to him. Anger streaked across his face as he threw my staff on the ground before him. His voice echoed in the room as he tossed my bag to the ground, the items within falling out. The cloak he snapped open to the fullness of size and pointed at me as his voice still held harshness in the tone. She took the cloak from him; she spoke in very low tones. His eyes fell to the floor and he whispered as he backed from the room. She turned to me and held my cloak open, her voice beckon me near. I knelt before her tiny frame. She draped the cloak over my shoulders, than stroked my hair. The sound of her voice was soft and sweet her fingers moving to cup my chin and raise my head. I looked into her eyes as a she smiled and spoke words I did not understand. As her words faded from her lips she turned to the door. The door she closed behind her.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Placing my hand on the handle of the door, I checked to see if it was locked. The door swung open with ease. Peeking into the hall, I saw little movement. I closed the door. At least I knew I was not a prisoner. Quickly I gathered my things placing them back into place. I laid on the soft mattress, closing my eyes, waiting till the next event would unfold. The stone slowly faded and the room fell into darkness.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A light knock came to the door. Slowly I inched my way to the handle. The door opened with ease as it did before, what I assumed to be hours ago. There before me stood an orange fuzzed hair child, carrying a tray of food. I could not tell weather male or female, the features where not as developed as the people I had encountered the night before. Silver eyes meet mine as the child spoke. I stepped aside not sure what to do. The child offered me the tray as I took it the child slipped into the room and mumbled the words to make the rock heat and glow.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBaitee\u201d The child said as it pointed to its chest.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Pointing to mine, I responded. \u201cRaven.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cRAAA Ven.\u201d The child rolled my name off. A smile formed on the lipless mouth. \u201cRAAA Ven.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBaitee,\u201d I repeated smiling back.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The child took my hand and took me to the glowing stone, to either side my hands where placed. In a word the stone was out. \u201cRAAA Ven,\u201c the child spoke softly moving my hands over the stone, \u201cish ish wep.\u201d I felt the energy flow from the child into the stone. The stone light faintly. I repeated the words. Somewhere inside me, I felt a pull of energy flowing back to the stone, the glow became brighter. Baitee\u2019s eyes grew wide at the brightness of the stone.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/span><\/span>
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Time slipped by. How many cycles had it been? I was one of them now. My door was made in my likeness; a window was sculptured in my room so that I could see the rising of the suns with out leaving the safety of the people. From the window I could peer out to valley far below. As the days past I saw the rapid growth restoring the lush green from the scorched cinder of the rain I arrived in. Trees of great height sprung quickly, towering into the sky. Baitee had explained the seasons of this place. They were marked by the changes of the rain. The rain that fell now was sweet, rich with life, warm to the skin. It restored the land with vegetation. Than would come the rain that would be cool, it would mark when the plants would produce dormant seed, allowing time for the seed to bury deep in the earth. Than would come the fire rain I had arrived in. It fell hot from the clouds turning all to ash all but the stones and rocks, even the top of the soil charred from the rain. Most of the wild life burrowed in the ground or hide in the many caves till the fire rains pasted. The landscape was made up of many hills and mountains, with little flat land in sight.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I looked out this morning, upon the rising of the double suns, singing to my lost love. His image, I created, perched upon the ledge as his silent mouth lipped a prayer. His form was as I had remembered him the night he sat on the tree house rail. His black hair long slightly unkempt. The light reflecting in his intense jade green eyes. His lanky, almost raw-boned features contrasted slightly with his broad powerful shoulders and muscular legs. The sweetness of his kiss forbidden to mine once more, I moved my finger to trace the thin lips that held such passion.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Baitee burst through the door and looked upon the image my mind created. \u201cRAAA Ven, Who is that?\u201d she questioned in my native tongue. As she looked at the image and knew it as an image.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHe is my heart, my soul, my life, my love, My one and only.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou look so sad, RAAA Ven.\u201d Baitee moved to my side, \u201cWhat will make you happy?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I looked at the image of my lost love, \u201cOnly he can.\u201d I smiled down at the girl child. She had learned my language so quickly. She was my voice to the people and my guide in Stone Hold. \u201cSo what brings you to me this fine morning?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIt is time for the warriors to hunt. The Elder ones wish to know if you would like to join in?\u201d Baitee studied the image closely. \u201cHow tall is he?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I let the image of my beloved stand and wrap his invisible arms around me. His height of 6\u20194\u201d towered above me, \u201cHe is this tall.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHe is the size of a small \u2018Entint\u2019.\u201d Baitee commented with a touch of worry in her eyes.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNo Baitee, He is not one of their kind. See.\u201d I pointed to the elven ears. \u201cHe is one of the few left of my kind.\u201d I thought of the tales of the dreaded slavers of this world, the Entint.. The stories of the cruelties, viciousness and compassionless nature of this enemy ran through my mind. I had not yet been allowed to confront the beast but with the invitation to hunt, I knew that I would. \u201cBaitee, tell them I accept the invitation and it would be a honor to join the ranks of the warriors.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Baitee smiled, \u201cI will go tell them.\u201d She hugged my waist. \u201c Smile RAA Ven.\u201d Slowly she pulled away and looked again at the image I held around me. \u201cHe will make you happy?\u201d I nodded at her and she continued, \u201cThan you will have to have him. The food waits, come lets eat.\u201d She took my hand and pulled, her long fingers circling my wrist twice. I dropped my image and followed her.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The air was electric as the voices buzzed in expectation. The morning meal went quickly. Baitee informed me the talk was about the hunt. The warriors would choose their teams after the meal and head out for the first day. Baitee slipped from my side and went to the table of the elders. She spoke to the same one that had welcomed me into Stone Hold. I saw a smile creep across her ancient face of Kano as Baitee rattled on to her.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Six warrior men joined the six elders. Baitee slipped to my side. A role call of names was sounded by each of the six elders. As the name was spoke a person moved before the elders and knelt before the six men. Each of the five elders called out six names. The last elder was the female. Kano was the only female that sat as an elder. She slowly rose to her feet unlike the others. With a resonating voice she spoke the names, \u201cPorat, Migas, Greem, Igna, Kasum.\u201d Her voice fell quiet, the people began to murmur. The elder was questioned by the other five and with that she smiled and walked towards me. She took her headband off and motioned for me to kneel. I fell to my knees quickly. She placed it upon my head; I balanced the tiny circle upon my head as she spoke out to the people, Baitee translated for me, \u201cFrom this day to the next, RAA Ven, is my child. I give to her all that is rightfully my child\u2019s. As a child of our people I call on her to be my warrior.\u201d The five of the warriors shouted in disapproval. The sixth, Ectric, who was the one who had held the sword to my throat, stood quiet. Kano took my hand with a smile. I stood to my feet and she guided me to the front. My height of five-foot height made all others seemed dwarfed, as I tower above all that was around me. Kano left me with the other chosen. I knelt before the six like the others.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The pick started. Voices whispered as each of the first five called out a name. \u201cRAA Ven,\u201d Ectric stated and in my tongue he add, \u201cCome be my side.\u201d The mummers filled the room as I took my place, standing to his right like the others had when they where called. Baitee smiled at with me, her face filled with pride.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The pick continued. The next stood to the left. Ectric made his third choice and the man shook his head. Ectric frowned and called another; again this one shook his head. He called out a third name and a young woman moved to my right. The call continued and seven where left. Ectric spoke out in a statement and pointed at the seven. A hush fell over the room, as the seven remained motionless. Ectric voice rose in anger. He drew his sword and moved forward. In my tongue he commanded, \u201cFollow.\u201d I moved behind him, as did the other chosen.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Elders shouted after us. Ectric paused and looked back. His eyes where narrowed and his voice short and dry. One of the seven rose to the his feet and shouted at Ectric. His pointed at me and spit to the ground, the only word he spoke, I understood was \u201cEntint\u201d.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ectric leaped atop of the accuser. The loud thud sound of the man\u2019s body smashing to the ground echoed in the chamber as voices began to rise. Ectric sword was to his neck, he spoke in low tones as the others stood still to stun of move. I moved to Ectric side, touching his shoulder, \u201cPlease don\u2019t. I am not worth it.\u201d Baitee little voice rang out in translation. Ectric dug his blade into the throat allowing a small trickle of gray-green blood to dribble from the wound. Again he spoke to the man he pinned, this time his tone was colder. He removed the sword from the man and stood. His voice rang out to all.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 From the crowd came two men, each older than the chosen warriors. One woman cried out with tears, she pleaded with the one as he stepped to my left, the other step to position joining the other half of Ectric\u2019s team. The elders whispered among them self. Kano rose to her feet, her voice carried over the voices of all. The room fell quiet. She pointed at the bleeding man, speaking out. He bowed his head and moved into the people. Than she looked at the six with disapproval. Her voice was harsh as she spoke to them. She sat back down to her chair.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ectric stood in stance; he did not rejoin the others. I moved to his right and just behind and the rest of the team followed suit, each of them followed my lead. The picking resumed till there was one warrior left. One of the other elders stood and spoke out. The last warrior rose from his knees and rejoined the ranks of the people. My heart was torn as I looked at the sadness he wore on his face as he returned to the people. I realized I held a high position of honor among them. Only six hunting parties for all the people. Only thirty-six to hunt and defend the people of Stone Hold. Hundreds of people filled the great cavern and not all attended. It became obvious in short, that I was second in command.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Each team moved to the halls that lead to the tunnels to the outside world. Ectric stood fast till the others had slipped away. \u201cBaitee!\u201d he called. The child ran to his side and hugged his waist. They spoke.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cRAA Ven.\u201d Baitee started, \u201cEctric knows only few words of your tongue. You will have to direct the others the best you can. You are his side.\u201d She looked down, \u201c I wish I could join you but I am still to young.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYour time will come, Baitee.\u201d I looked down at her, \u201cI will do fine with them. So no worrying.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ectric barked in my tongue, \u201cCome.\u201d I waved to Baitee as I followed immediately behind his short but fast stride. He took me to a small armory of weapons. I looked at all the finely crafted weapons. Each was detailed in fine works of metal. \u201cTake!\u201d Ectric spoke. I moved to the corner of the room. There amongst the ornate was a simple bow and sheath of arrows. It had be a very long time since I used a bow. I lifted it from its resting place.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The bow was the plainest weapon in the room put even it had a carving of vines that twisted the full length of it. I leaned it to my foot and stung it. The others watched as I pulled back the string testing the strength. I pulled an arrow and looked at the deadly barred end. I rose taking my choose. I tied my staff to my cloak and stood ready. The others moved in and picked weapons.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We departed Stone Hold. Sadness entered in my spirit. The last I felt this, was the day I left the Fireoak Forest. I had stepped into the Swirling Gate created for me and I looked back to the people, my people. Their faces filled with joy. Their hopes and well wishes for my journey, for my quest. I felt the same now. The tugging deep within, I learned in my time on earth it to be a longing.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I opened my mind and scanned for life. I felt the minds of the other parties moving away in different directions. I opened my mind wider to include the lesser of minds. I was flooded with strange new thought. The good part of the morning we traveled. The stone gave way to grassy earth. I stopped in my tracks and looked down at the soil. There was something there. The mind moved within the soil. The others stopped behind me. Ectric turned and ordered, \u201cCOME!\u201d I felt the earth move. Ectric eyes grew as the earth rippled. He pulled his sword and shouted orders I did not understand. The others pulled weapons and scattered.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I took my bow in hand. Carefully I placed an arrow in. \u201cCome!\u201d shouted Ectric as he found a perch in a tree. I stood still as the earth moved. I thought of the days back in the forest. Josho the ever so patient parent. He held my arm steady as I pulled his bowstring back, him aiding me in the pull. \u201cAim careful, Raven.\u201d Josho would say, \u201cDon\u2019t release till you see your mark.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The memory of my beloved father slipped from me as a huge beast head broke the surface of the soil. The hound like head was followed by massive shoulders and two clawed for arms. The heavy fur skin was moist, sticking in a shinny coat of black. I held. Fearsome was the roar that echoed in the trees as it pulled up revealing the powerful hind legs. On all four it was as tall as I was. The one huge eye scanned the treeline. The beast slowly turned to face my direction. I held my bow aimed on it, as I stood near motionless. It looked at me a growled. The massive legs took to steps and pushed off into a leap. It sailed toward me. I let loose with my arrow.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The massive form cleared my head; the arrow lodged deep in its underbelly. It hit the ground on all fours and moved closer to the hiding spot of one of my teammates. Quickly I spun around drawing another arrow in my bow. A net was tossed, covering the creature. One of the others jumped down from their perch sending his sword through the beast. The animal roared as its claws ripped the netting. I prayed to the flame, for my arrow to fly straight. I let loose. It landed to the dirt. I swung my bow over my shoulder, closing ready to tear with my claws.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The others where now all over the beast, there was no room for me to close. The beast cried out in great pain. I opened my mind to my horror. A swarm of lesser minds swam beneath the earth towards us. \u201cEctric!\u201d I screamed, \u201cThere are more coming.\u201d Ectric looked at me blankly. I pointed at the beast and raised my fingers one by one and pointed to the ground. \u201cMore.\u201d Ectric nodded and called to the others. The others now bound the beast in the ruined net and hosted it to the trees. On the ground laid the inner of the animal.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ectric pulled my arm as he climbed up a tree. My foot had not left the earth when I felt the rumbling of the earth. Quickly I scampered up the tree. Three large heads broke the surface. They sprung out from the earth and moved slowly to the pile of guts. Two more heads raised up from the earth. The turned their heads side to side and looked up into the trees. The beast\u2019s ear perked up and they leaped back into the earth. I opened my mind.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I felt Ectric eyes on me as I followed the minds. They did not move away but held in position beneath the ground. Ectric moved to the trunk of the tree. I grabbed his arm this time and shook my head no. From the tree I picked a seedpod and tossed it to the ground. The five beasts sprung from their hiding spots and pounced on the seedpod. For the first time I saw Ectric smile. He motioned to the others to hold. We waited in the branches.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The lateness of the day streaked colors of purple orange and gold across the sky. His stare was on my back as I watched the beauty of the sky. I checked once more upon the mind in the ground. Somewhere in between my checks they had moved off. A few flying creatures where all that was around. I turned to my leader as I tossed another seedpod down. Ectric called out to the others. They all disembarked from their perches, approaching the one we sat in. In no time, the rest had climbed the tree bring with them fresh saplings. They secured the small trees in a weaving pattern making a mat that stretched between the limbs of the tree. From their gear they pulled out bread and ate. I watched as they talked. From the mimicking of motion they spoke of the battle with this creature. When the one pulled back the imaginary bow. I felt a hand pat my back, the other female passed me some bread.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 That was the first of my hunts with my \u201cTainers\u201d. I was one of them and it felt so good.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

*****\u00a0<\/span><\/span>
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The seasons pasted. It was once again nearing the end of the acid rains. I looked out at the fog as the sky lighting. In my mind I could picture the brilliant double suns rising close. The fog was thick and the rain fell heavy. I sang out to the unseen sunrise. I spoke a prayer to the memory of my lost love, the pain whelmed. I missed him so. I held his image on the window ledge each day and my prayers where always the same.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The first season of being a warrior, scoring the first beast of the hunt, had won me the respect of the \u201ctainers\u201d. That is the word they used for those you command over. The whole of the group was the \u201ctainers\u201d of Ectric. Every year the pick rotated the warriors and new ones replaced the older ones. The importance of the pick was really clear. The first chose was the next to command. If any thing should happen to Ectric, I would take his place. He always picked me on the first round. We had hunted several seasons and still I had not meet the dreaded \u2018Entint\u2019. Word from the other Holds came bringing word of their loses. Those in the far away places now had to hide within the holds. They could no longer enjoy the two seasons of life above ground. The stone villages were left abandoned in favor of the security of the holds. The Entint\u2019s had spread out and hunted further into the world.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Baitee burst in to my room. I turned with a smile; I did so love my little sister. She was full of excitement this morning. \u201cRAA Ven, You must come now.\u201d She took my hand and pulled. Her eyes falling upon the image of my beloved, as they did most every day. \u201cCome RAA Ven. this is a special day. You are needed now.\u201d I let her drag me out to the hall, the image of my beloved fading as I closed the door.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The great hall was filled. Everyone one had showed for this occasion. Baitee dragged me to the elders. Kano called to me in my tongue, she to had learned to speak it well, \u201cRAA Ven, Come sit at my feet.\u201d I made my way, with Baitee in tow, to where she sat. I lowered my self to sit at her feet and Batiee curled up in my lap.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhat is the occasion?\u201d I asked. Every day they had song and dance and celebrated in the great hall but never had I seen a turn out this large. The hall was standing room only, people stood as they eat the morning meal.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Kano smiled down at me. \u201cToday, the great works of four years will be unveiled to the people. The workers of wood, stone and metal will show us the finest of their work.\u201d I nodded. I had seen the artwork of metal and wood all through the hold. Ectric approached our grouping and bowed to Kano. She motioned to him and he took to the right of her chair.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 One of the men moved quickly in front of us. His hand pulling parchment and ink from a small box he carried. I saw his eyes darting from us to his work. His hand feverishly was moving across the parchment. I looked around and noticed for the first time many faces I had never seen. Off to one side a thin female took scissors to the hair of a fussy toped young man. Others had trays of bands and bangles that people would make a choice of. Some took to what look like body painting or tattooing; some of the work imitated my own living art. Many artists of all types where present, capturing a face or moment as the chatter rose.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The man finished and turned the parchment to us. The rough sketch of the four of us stared back at me. I looked so out of place yet so perfectly in place. My long black hair contrasted with the light fuzz hair of Baitee and the baldness of Kano and Ectric. For the first time I realized how long my hair had gotten. Normally I wore it to my waist but now it draped almost to my knees. Baitee had spoiled me by tending my hair each day, brushing it and braiding it. Today my hair lay long against me.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Kano accepted the drawing and gave thanks. I had learned to understand some of their words to but spoke it poorly. I saw a pair of scissors in his box as he put his things away. I requested, \u201cMay I borrow those?\u201d Baitee translated. He handed them to me. I placed the blade to my waist and snapped a good foot of length. The man\u2019s eyes grew and spoke quickly to Baitee.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Baitee asked, \u201cHe wishes to do that for you and would like the honor of retaining your locks for his own.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I smiled and nodded. \u201c I could use the help to keep it straight.\u201d As the man clipped my hair, many eyes where drawn to it. He carefully placed the black treasure on a clean parchment and rolled it when he finished. I formed the sounds of his tongue, \u201cThank You.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The man stumbled on his words as Baitee laughed, \u201c He is honored. You gave him your locks. He will be able to do much with it. He wishes to thank you.\u201d The man quickly disappeared into the crowd. \u201cIt would take a life time for most to collect that much locks.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I was about to ask what my hair would be used for when the Elders all moved to their chairs and a great music roll of drums and horns played. The room fell quiet as the head elder signaled for the presentation to begin. The music played in a slow majestic tune. The people parted making a circle walkway. From down the green hall the Artist and there helpers began the walk. The masterwork of artist being proudly displayed to the people as it made it\u2019s way to the elders. The parade of taspartrys, paintings, woodcarvings, Jewelry and weapons moved before my eyes. In form the green hall and back out to the red hall the long line of craftsmanship was shown to all. Each item was breathtaking in it\u2019s own rights.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The music changed to a loud blare and silence fell over the hall. The last artist emerged from the green hall. Five of those who had been \u201cTainers\u201d of the last season pulled a low-wheeled cart. The object on it was large and covered in a veil of dark green. All eyes followed the item to the front of hall. Ectric joined the five and as I went to stand he motioned for me to stay. Baitee stood from my lap and looked to the people.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cRAA Ven,\u201d Ectric started in my tongue as Baitee spoke to the people, \u201cYou are my side. Honor you brought us many times over since you be of our people. Now we honor you. We give you your smile.\u201d With a tug the veil fell from the artwork. The murmurs of the people rose.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 My eyes filled with tears. Before me stood my beloved. His image cast in the metals. The green stones of his eyes reflected into to mine. One arm positioned away from him, almost inviting me into his arms. So life like, my heart tore. I barely found my voice, \u201cThank you.\u201d I smiled as I went the statue. \u201cIt is beautiful.\u201d I leaned over and kissed Ectric on the cheek. The hall roared in mixture of laughter and cheers.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The great party lasted the whole of the day and well into the night. People who where to be honored were allowed to pick from the prized artwork that had been displayed in the parade. The image of my beloved stood before the elders the whole of the celebration. All the people took turns in staring at the towering figure. Some made comments in low whispers and others looked upon it in awe. I found myself unable to leave his image.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The night drew in length and the great hall became silent. The lights dimmed. I moved into the arm that invited, sliding my form in between. My fingers reached up and brushed the cold metal of his cheek. I drew up on my toes, drawing my lips to the lifeless ones. Tears rolled down my face as I pressed against the form.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The wind whispered in my ears, \u201cRaven, don\u2019t cry.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I peered into the darkness. The sound of the water falling into the pool echoed. I opened my mind eyes and searched for the one who spoke. Nothing. The now blacken room was as void of mind as was the image of my beloved. Slowly I slipped down its form as my legs went weak and my sobs grew. I did so love him so.<\/span><\/span>
*****<\/span><\/span>
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The image was placed in my quarters and every morning it held me as I greeted the sun with my song. The time of the hunt came again. Ectric again choose me first. Unlike the first time the warriors all looked hopeful to be chosen by our group. I was held equal and respected by my peers, I could never remember feeling so full accepted.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We departed into the fresh air. The sun shining brightly in the sky. The mood of all excited to be out of the hold. We traveled to the soft earth and walked her a few more hours. The first day held nothing to hunt. The lack of life put me on edge. We camped in the trees and I listened to the stories, piecing together the words I knew to understand the meanings<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In the morning we pressed on. The smell of rotting flesh drifted down wind towards us. Ectric had signal for a wide spread and we half circled behind him. Carefully we moved forward. Still my mind eye showed me no life. The absent of even the minor creatures bothered me greatly. The trees thinned.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Lying in the clearing was two dozen corpses of the wolf beasts. The necks to most snapped and tossed in a pile like discarded toys. Many birds also lay shattered in charred piles. Ectric mumbled, \u201cEntints \u2026\u201d He knelt to the ground, removing twigs and branches and dusting loose soil, quickly he uncovered a huge footprint in the earth. He shouted orders and sent two ahead. Two others began to burn a blazing fire, which they tossed all thee corpses on. Ectric held fighting stance waiting and watching. I notched my arrow, following suit of my leader.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The dead burnt slowly and the foul odor filled the air. I held ready as did my Tainer as we watched the fire burning. I opened my mind to find the two sent a head. There were more than two minds. Nine minds moved. One mind was far ahead, one barely in front of the seven. The moved together for a moment as the seven over took the one. Three moved back the way they cam as the rest moved to the one mind. \u201cEctric! Danger.\u201d I shouted, moving quickly in the general direction of the minds. His legs sprung to life and took the lead. I fell back to his right and the others followed.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The tainer lay on the ground as we closed. Ectric held his hand and peered within the woods. Again I opened my mind, this time my mind saw nothing not even us. Worry filled me. Ectric motioned for us to circle as he stepped towards the fallen. The world shook as the creatures leaped from the branches.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The figures towered above Ectric the shortest one was eight foot tall and the rest varied taller. The olive tone skin looked of leather , no visible eyes could be seen but a lighter colored skin stretched where the eyes would have been on a human. A smooth flat plane ending is a slight flare of the nostrils formed its nose. The oily stringy hair hung in a tangled mess around their shoulders. The lip where full but the fangs of an animal protruded slightly in the animal like growl. The large hand of the eight foot one scooped up Ectric small frame.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 With out thought I leaped with my claws bearing down the arm holding my leader. The Entint blinked; he looked down at his bleeding arm as Ectric fell to the ground. The giants faced my form as I grabbed the tainer. I ran with my load and I heard the others following. A sharp cracking of trees snapping in half echoed as the enslavers gave pursuit. The Tainer I grabbed begged to be left. I handed her off to another to carry as I drew my bow. Ectric nodded as he limbed past me. I became one with the air. The sounds growing louder.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The ripping and tearing of the wild life made it easy to hold my bow in ready. The ten foot one moved into my sites and I let loose. The deadly sharpness stroked the midsection. His howl of anger echoed as the blood ran from his wound. With one quick yank he snapped the arrow end and pushed the bolt through.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The hair on the back of my neck stood on head as I felt someone moving behind me. I turned quickly as I notched another arrow. The eight foot one was just feet from me. In his hand he held a gun. Seemed playtime was over for him. His arm still dripped. He moved his head from side to side in a scanning motion. The others started to gather with him. I lend into a tree and held still. The ten foot one stumbled to his companions growling in pain. One that was about twelve-foot glanced towards the tree I leaned on. The eight-foot responded to the sounds the tall one made by moving closer to my location.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I watched as he neared. The flesh across his eyes now darken. The line was straight towards me. I gave a leap, commanding myself up. His hand caught my invisible leg. He pulled down and drew me near. With a twist I scored his face with my claw. The grip that held me loosen for a moment but that was all I needed, I floated above his reach and looked down from the sky. I could see Ectric leading the others way. I looked to the other direction. I was still missing one of my tainers. I blink to the length of my vision back to where we had been ambushed.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I lifted again and looked for movement and blink further away. The sun was now low in the sky and my friends now a good distances away. I lifted for the last time. Off in the distant I saw a ruin stone village. The large enslavers roamed freely around the narrow street and in an earthen floor cage I saw many of the native people like those of stone hold. The Entint\u2019s made fire of wood, placing torches out to light their way. Some carried guns, other had swords and many just walked bare handed. I moved closer and waited.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I sat up in a tree watching and plotting my next move. Other Entint\u2019s returned to this spot dragging prisoners with them. Among them I spotted my tainer, he was bleeding from his head but was alive. The stillness of the night fell as the encampment rested. A few guards walked occasionally by the cage. I became one with the night and made my way quietly to the cage.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The door was locked with a heavy chain but the walls where made of small trees forced in the ground and bound by rope. My clawed gloves would cut the rope easy. I called out to my tainer who lay huddled with the others. AT first there was no response and I called again.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cRAA Ven?\u201d his voice drifted from the group as he looked around the cage. I became one to the eye. He smiled as I put my finger to my lips and sliced the ropes. He understood. He shook a few around him, quieting them as he woke the sleeping. In a low tone he pointed at me and they came to me. With my mind eye open I watched for the guard and help the people to the tree line. Every last one did I help from the cage and me and mine went to the woods where all the people stood frozen in the darkness.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I took the hand of one and we made a chain of hands. My sight for the darkness was far greater than their sight. I guess it is good to be an elf sometimes. We quietly moved away from the encampment. With my mind and my sight I moved as quickly as I could with this large group, through the night. The suns peeked over the horizon and for a moment I thought I saw eye jade eyes in the sky. I quickly said a silent prayer but could not greet the sun in song; instead I called my tainer to me. As best I could I explained the need to separate into smaller groups.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 He nodded and barked orders to others. They quickly split up and moved in different direction in-groups of ten. I took a child in my arm and moved with my group. I prayed I did right. I felt no minds given pursuit but I didn\u2019t know these minds well.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It took three days, no food, no water, just a continual flea as I lead them to the safety of Stone Hold. My heart was filled in relief when I came to the ledge. One by one they move along the cliff face and entered the tunnel entrance. I was last in the line. I paused for a moment, looking over the great valley. The suns of this world hanging low in the sky. The sky streaked in warm oranges, fiery reds and deep purple.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The crawl in the tunnel seemed short and I hurried into the sounds of joy echoing deep within. My head no sooner\u00a0<\/span><\/span>
broke into the great hall when I was pulled and scooped up by the many happy faces. The passed me around on the room above their heads and landed me before the elders.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I looked back over the room. The ones I brought being feed and cared for, I sighed in relief. Kano moved to me and in my tongue she spoke, \u201cRAA Ven, you have out done the honors we can give one such as you. You shall now be \u2026 Lead of the Tainers. You words shall be our words.\u201d Her eyes where filled with tears and her face was filled with pride as she repeated her proclamation to the people. A great cheer rose and rang through out the people. I was handed food and drink. A great party roared around me. I slipped to my room. The night sky catching the jaded green eyes. I moved to the image of my beloved. I placed my arms around his waist as I wiggled into his frozen arm. I looked out at the darkened sky. Exhaustion swept over me. My legs could no longer hold me up; I let myself slip to the ground at his feet and slept.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n


\nFrom the note\u2019s of the Entint Psi<\/span>
\n<\/center>I must account for the most unusual thing I had ever seen, since I arrived on this dismal planet. Today as we hunted for food, sport and slaves. We came across a half-breed. It was definitely a female. She was not the scrawny little animal waste that inhabit this world. Her size must have been stunted, was tiny like a child. If she is truly half animal of this planet and half Entint, than we would have to consider the implications. She was brave like one of us and fought with wild passion. There was no terror in her eyes as she drew my blood with her clawed hands. She was gifted in weapons too. Somehow she had been able to soar up in the sky and away from my hands. I must find her again. There is so much to find out about her.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/center>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The cycle turned. Most all greeted me now in my elvish language. It was amazing how well they learned it. It was once again time for the hunt. I went to the great hall. All the hopeful warriors gathered near the front. The elder spoke, \u201cLet the leads of the past come forward.\u201d The six went to the front. I smiled at Ectric as he took his place straight faced and stern looking. His eyes catching my smile and for a moment his features softened. The elder continued, \u201c Now is a happiness, for now one of the leads may step down to family the new.\u201d The elder lay his hand on the shoulder of one of the warriors. He slightly lowered his eyes and departed from the platform. \u201cRAA Ven! Come forth and take your place as a lead.\u201d He commanded and I obeyed. The elders choice their six warriors. The pick began.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>
\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ectric picked first. At that moment my heart sank. I realized how I looked forward to being with him each hunt and now we would be on separate paths. It became my turn to pick my right. I looked at the warriors. Some had fought with me, some with others, a few where new. I picked, Ewson, one that I had fought with. He was older than most of the warriors. He had stepped out of the people so log ago for me, leaving his well-deserved rest to return to the duty we preformed. Pride brusted forth as he stride to my right. Ectric picked his left. I realized than he choice none I knew. He was leaving me with the friends we shared. The pick ended and we went to the room to equipped each according their sponsors. I now realized that both Ectric and me were Kano\u2019s.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The elder that spoke walked besides me. He read the look on my face \u201cRAA Ven, you are now my child.\u201d He removed Kano\u2019s circle from my hair, handing it back. He placed on my wrist a bracelet. It was huge even for me and he clamped it shut. It was a very snug fit. Than took me by the hand to his war room. All choose their weapons. I replenished my arrows, keeping my old bow. He looked at me. \u201cThe locks need to be removed. You are now lead.\u201d<\/span><\/span>
Again he read my face, \u201cAt least cut short for this season.\u201d I nodded. He drew out a knife and sliced my hair. The knee long hair now lay on the war room floor. I reached and felt my bare neck. The elder whispered, \u201cYour locks grow fast. It will return.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I felt so torn as I left stone hold that day. I felt out of place and out of tune, my Tainers flanking me. It wasn\u2019t long before we took our first kill and returned to the people. The hunt was good this year but the Tainers treated me different. I was no longer part of them. I felt removed. Instead of them scuffing at the baby Entint that was feared or like a brother, they treated me with awe like a hero or a god placed above them.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I longed to be Ectric\u2019s right each day that pasted. To be just one of the others. Than my other longing came. One day just before we were to settle, the sound of a flute caught my ear. I was lost in the past under the great white trees and the rejoicing of the elven people of my lost love. The memory of his sweet embrace and pride in his voice as he introduced me as his lady. I remembered the great longing of wanting to be totally apart of them, for him. I was drawn to the sound of the flute like a moth to a flame. Slowly I crept towards it, my Tainers following in puzzlement.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I moved the tall bladed grass quietly and peered into a small clearing. Leaning up against a tree was eight feet of massive muscles. To his lips was pressed his flute. The scar on his arm and across his face I recognized, I had placed those marks on this Entint. I was spell bound to him as he played. His face didn\u2019t seem so hideous in the shadows of the setting suns. The music was filled in a saddening tone that plucked at my own lost.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Crackle went a twig beneath the foot of one of mine. The Entint stopped playing, scanning the brush and trees around him. The fearsomeness returning to his scowl as he looked into our direction. I motioned for my tainers to move back and they did. The Entint now started to come towards our position. I notched my arrow and jumped out of hiding place. The creature was starleted, taking two steps back. A strange grin moved across his lips as his hand rubbed lightly the scar on his face.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIf you favor your life I suggest you leave us be.\u201d I spoke out in the most authortive voice I had.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 For a moment he stared blankly at me. I doubt he understood my words. With my minds eyes I knew my Tainers had fled, the minds move away me. The beast raised his flute to his lips and played. My hand eased a little on my bow as my mind raced in a million thoughts. I felt strange curiosity growing in me. Slowly I walked backwards, back into the grass blades. The music played on, fading as I moved back to the tainers.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The night was restless for me. Green eyes, with the wash of fresh blood filled my dreams. The firewater eating away at my flesh as the evil female laughed at my torment. A feeling of fear and hate sprung with in. Never had I known either before. I woke suddenly with a gnawing ache pulling on my emotions. The living art of the dragons moved upon my skin.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n


\nFrom the note\u2019s of the Entint Psi<\/span>
\n<\/center>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Another encounter with this female. This time it seems she had control over the weak little ones. I was playing my song away from the others. I heard them approach. It humored me at the thought they grew brave enough to watch me. Yet they had breached our camp the past year and stolen our collection. The loud noise of a branch snapping. I could not let them get that bold. I stopped my play and went to scare them from their hiding place. That is when she emerged with bow notched. She spoke in a musical tone that was so very pleasing. The others ran like the timid little creatures they where but there in front of my was my brave little halfling. She stood tall, unflinching, she was definitely the influence that has made these creatures act. There was no other explanation for their sudden boldness except her. I studied her for a moment and raised the flute to my mouth. Yes, it was the music that had lured her. I saw her arm relax as the taunt bowstring lessened. I played on. She moved back to the tall grass. Now was not the time for my revenge on this creature nor was it yet time to lay claim. She would be a challenge to capture and keep. I would have to lay my plans careful and prepare. She will be mine.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/center>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The elder was right my hair did grow and by the end of the season it had returned to past my shoulders. I waited by the entrance for Ectric\u2019s team to return. All others had returned and the great celebration was being prepared. It was so unlike Ectric to be late on his return. The great feast began. Baitee brought me a plate of food. \u201cWhat is wrong RAA Ven?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cEctric, has not returned.\u201d The worry I was sure showed on my face.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIf he can he will come.\u201d Baitee nodded, \u201cSince you been with us good times smiled on us but it is the danger of lead that makes it so honored. Only the brave and strong hunt.\u201d I heard a light moan drifting softly through the tunnel. With out a word I left my little sister and made my way to the entrance.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Half in the opening lay Ectric\u2019s left. I drew to him and pulled him to through the tunnel to the great hall. The broken and battered body now lay on my lap as I tried to aid his wounds. Baitee seeing the man ran for aid. He opened his blood filled eyes, \u201cRAA Ven, Entints have them.\u201d I opened my minds eyes and touched his. In his mind he played the battle. I saw my Tainer\u2019s approaching with the other hunts. Baitee leading the healer to us.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 They read my eyes. I move quickly to my room and regained my weapons. As I approached the tunnels the elder stopped me, \u201cThis is not our way.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNO! It\u2019s not.\u201d The anger filled me. \u201cBut is my way.\u201d I moved into the tunnel. I felt many eyes on me as I left and I heard my Tainer\u2019s following. I moved into the light of the setting suns and raised above them. Their mouths falling open. I had been so careful not to show my talents to the others. Only Ectric did I intrust but now he needed me. My little brother needed me. I searched for a direction and way off I saw a spark of light. I rejoined my team and led them into the thick growth, away from their home. Days past as I followed the Entints. My tainers ever loyal.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The rains fell cold. I looked at the ones who stayed with me. My heart ached for the hardship I put on them, yet I could not let Ectric perish. The encampment was near. I waited till the double suns set to move close on it. The security was no longer lax as the first one I had encountered. It as though they expected me.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I saw only six figures lying in the prison. Ectric stood swearing curses at the pasting monsters. One hulking figure looked female. It was the first female I had seen. Her face was like the others. Her form was well formed and developed like mine. The greasy black hair gone from the top of her hair but encircled her head just above the ears. It open the cage and grabbed him with one hand, lifting him off his feet. The strange growling language erupted from her voice as she shook him violently. I felt a hand hold my arm, to stay me, it was Ewson. My right looked to my eyes. He read my face with ease. How could I just stay there and watch this but I had to, the time was not yet right. This female tossed Ectric around like a rag doll and through him roughly to the ground. My muscles tensed as I looked at the still form of my lead, no my friend. We waited. No food, no aid, nothing was brought to those in the prison. The others helped Ectric, the best they could. We waited longer.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The night was pasting. Still they roamed in heavy attention to the captured. I saw the scared ones face. He carried a tray. All others had moved away. The keys unlocked the heavy chain of the iron barred cage. I moved. I sprung from my hiding with bow notched. The seven of us moved as one. I released my arrow striking his right shoulder. The others rushing him and toppling him to the ground. I renoched my arrow aiming it to his throat. It played out in perfection. My Tainer\u2019s moving swiftly, each helping get other.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ewson lifted Ectric. I will never forget the soft, tender smile that appeared on Ectric as he was carried . My eyes locked to him a frozen moment. Time was passing in the pounding of each of my heartbeats. My eyes had drifted from the Entint, following that smile. That pure moment of the greatest joy I had ever wittiness. The smiled faded one click at a time. Ectric voice frozen as his hand pointed to the danger. The huge mass reached his knees. The spring of the massive legs, the flex of each muscle now was imprinting in small flashes upon my mind. The force of the weight hit me sound. The press of the flesh against pushed my shoulder, the arrow sailed from the string flying high into the heavens. He pressed forward, my body lifted to his arm. We traveled above the surface I saw Ectric sadden face as Ewson disappears into the foliage.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I saw the double suns rise, my cheek touched the surface. The sky was hot. Red streaked across the sky . The blood sky pulsed to the beat of my heart as my head slammed to the ground. The warm rich fluid ran down my throat. His green eyes came to me. His warm arms were around me.\u201d Oh my Beloved Cufaen, How I love you.\u201d His sweet lips pressed against mine in the same sweetness, the same wonder, and the life passion. My beloved held me in his arms. The darkness came.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n


\nFrom the note\u2019s of the Entint Psi<\/span>
\n<\/center>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Luck had it my way. Before the end of the ending of the second third season of this rock rotation, I was able to secure a small one and his pitfall pack. The leader had a flare in him. This rodent now spoke in a crude imitation of the ones she had used, those few word haunted my dreams. The half-breed was influencing these animals too greatly. She must of been born with the cunning of her father, I wonder if the father still lived. I was sure she was half of our race. Some animal must have survived our mating lust and conceived. This was the only explanation. Home World had such a field around this plant that no new influences could enter with out their knowledge and defiantly no one could leave if they did manage the reach the surface. Each creature had been identified long ago when this planet was chosen for use to store us. No she was the future this dingy, damp, swampland of cesspool of rot. I loathed this place.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 This creature seemed to resemble the one she first came to defend. I was not sure, after all they all did look the same but her. I had a special iron cage placed in the northern summer camp. It took extra time to get these things to the cage but she was cunning. I needed to know how cunning she was. Could she reason?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I had my special brew for her. I took three uncut food supplement we fed the trainable ones, add two measure of sleep inducers and mix well with the dark fluid the tree roots produce. I made it strong enough to knock out myself out if I drank the whole amount. Yes, I was ready.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The second day at the encampment, was when they moved. It worked so well. They would never have even thought of such a thing. It was when I went to feed the stupid animals that they moved. They waited till I open the cage and I saw her leap from the tall grass. I was stupid. Why did her warmth entice me so? The arrow sailed and I felt the hot burn as it ripped through my flesh. Six figures trampled over me, my eyes locked on her. Her eyes where on me, the arrow notched and pointed to my throat. One of the new little ones grabbed the head I capture. On the face of the creature I swear I saw emotion. Her eyes left me for only a split sec but I was on my feet and sailed through the air. In a flash of battle she laid under my body her head smashing against the ground. The red blood of this female ran from the head wound, the smell was a hot sickly sweet flow of juices. I poured the liquid down her throat. She drank with an unquenched thirst.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Her lips parted speaking the musical tone as I lifted her from the ground. Her gentle touch roamed to the side of my face. She was but a wisp of life and yet she raised her unnatural lips to mine. The rush of warmth to my skin struck a burning desire within me. It was not yet my season but her touch. The taste of her kiss mixed with her blood. My head reeled. In a sudden shaking of her tiny frame, she went limp. The kiss was gone. Her near lifeless body lay in my arm. I moved her to my assigned quarters and began my work.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The covering that she hid her form in was like nothing I had touched before. Each piece I inspected as I removed it from her. Such skill went into the making these garments. I looked at her nude form. The breast moved up and down with each breath. The warm flesh felt soft to my touch her hair was dry but still was soft my hands slipped through it. None of the servant clothes I had would fit her. It didn\u2019t matter really in the training room she would be stripped again. There also was the matter of the markings she made on me. No, I wasn\u2019t going to let her get away with that.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/center>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 My eyes open, my head pounded, the room spun, the sounds of painful moans with a brief screams floated to my ears. My arms where sore, I could not move them from above my head. I sat on a cold stone in a darken room, my back ached from the chill. Goose bumps covered me. I felt the coldness resting heavy over the whole of skin. The pleas of others rang in my ears. I heard the sound of a whip followed by screams. I closed my eyes and tried with all my might to open my door.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I felt a black pudding in my mind. It swam with in the blood, my mind floated away from my body. I gasped as I slammed back into my shell. The Entint moved down the hall as his light danced on the walls, I could see the many others lying in the shadows on the floor. The scar faced looked hideous in the course shading of flame.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 He pulled out a waterskin, kneeling beside me. To my lips he pressed it. A thick black fluid poured out. At first I shook my head and let it run down my body. His strong hand grabbed my throat. Strong fingers found the rear of my jaw, his huge hand forcing my jaw to open. The liquid ran into my mouth. I went to spit it out but he was swift to clamp my lips shut and held my nose. I swallowed. The room felt odd. His face softened. More of the liquid filled my lips. I drank freely from the flowing liquid. The darkness fading.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 My beloved, Oh my sweet love. He took me in his arms and pressed me to his chest. I lay my head to his chest to listen to rhythm of life. My head spun, it ached. The sound was wrong, the warmth was wrong. I found myself falling in the empty void. The hellish laugh of the female, mocking me. \u201cNever yours,\u201d It laughed. Swirls of color smothered me as I spiraled deeper into the dark. The laughter faded as it was replaced by a scream.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The scream erupted from my own body, yet strangely enough broken and distant. My eyes again regain focus. I was in a lighted room filled with chains. My feet where clamped solid to the floor my hands stretched over my head. The sound of a snap rang out. The whip tore at my back. I felt the sting as the flesh was torn from my back. Yet I was removed from the pain. The eight-foot monster moved in front of me. The red blood covered the whip in his hand and smeared on his skin as he coiled it up.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 His hand cupped my face. Again he pulled the waterskin from his belt and poured it in my lips. Hot searing pain began to dance on my back. I drank his liquid. I heard another voice growling behind me. The rough hands of the other touching me. I was slipping from this place but the eight foot one sprung away. I heard a fight of words. For a moment I thought I understood. \u201cSHE is rightfully mine. I will do with her as I please and I am not sharing her with you!\u201d I faded back tot he dark. The wild dance of the dark ones moved around my body. The music lifted me. I felt the chain around my neck it jingled as my body was swept by the music. I was being called to the music and I danced. Pain shoot through me but I danced.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n


\nFrom the note\u2019s of the Entint Psi<\/span>
\n<\/center>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 According to the rules of my people she was mine. I looked at her frame lying among the waste. She was a flower of our people I knew it. I gave her a drink of my liquid. She feebly fought. I forced it down her. Her body relaxed as she entered in the world unseen. The place in the mind that lets one escape. I lifted her to my arms. Her soft warmth even though smelling of filth cuddled close into my chest in a tender nuzzled. She is an animal I reminded my self. I had to remind my self.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I began her punishment. The whip cracked the air as the others watched me. Red flowed from her back as the skin tore. That lovely soft skin peeled so easily as the whip licked the blood. I heard her cry out in pain. It was a death scream, was she too much like the animals, too fragile to finish? I let the whip release in another crackling snap. She was quiet. Again I let loose with the snap. Eight more times I struck her, The blood flowing, raw meat hung from her frame but she had suffered the full punishment of a Entint for the crime she had done to me.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 She hung on the chains. The little orbs of her sight moved across. I wound my t whip up, placing it upon my belt and removing the elixir. Cupping her chin I put it to her lips. She drank. T\u2019dak moved behind her and moved his hands upon my property. He made comments of testing her out from me during his mating time. I was furious. \u201cSHE is rightfully mine. I will do with her as I please and I am not sharing her with you!\u201d His face growled in threat. I didn\u2019t care he was stronger than I was. I moved to face off with him. The others broke us up. It was not yet time to settle things in combat. I had to wait to extract my revenge on his insolence.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I hoisted her from the hook and carried her to my chambers. I would train her in my own ways. The ointments used on the little ones did nothing for her back. I pulled out the medical kit I had hidden. They would do worst to me if they knew I wasted this on the likes of an animal. I pulled the cell pad and stretched it across her bloody back. At first I worried it would not adhered but slowly the blood soaked into the patch. I chained her to my bedpost and hung the strange things she had worn, in the sitting room on my wall. I watched the small thing curl up in the warm skin on the floor. With her orbs closed she was almost pleasing to the eye. I feed her the liquid each time she woke. Her back healed slowly and the marks of the whip scared her as she had scared me. I played my flute. She moved to the sound. Her orbs never opened. I played on as she moved in the wild dance. I forced my playing to end. To her lips I pressed the fluid and she drank deeply.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/center>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I lived. Through the thick heaviness that clouded my mind I knew I lived. My masters\u2019 actions and words became like one-word commands. If I did them I would receive the drink. I so wanted the drink. The collar and chain around my neck was removed and only placed back when he took me into the halls. I saw a blur of faces scurrying around near my legs and large eyeless forms laughing. The fluid was given. The flute began. I moved to the sound. It was a sound that made me try to think. A faint memory of green. A flash of soft black. What did it mean? The rhythm of life that pounded in my mind. What was it? I felt my reward begin poured between my lips. I heard the laughter, the evil laughter. Anger flared. I ran to the sound. Large arms pulled me away, lifting me to the air.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Time was gone to me. I briefly thought once and tried hard to remember what time was. My master took me everywhere with him. Please him, get the drink, that is all that matter. If I was kicked I would pout in a corner and he would stroke my hair and say light words than pour the liquid in me. The sweet black liquid. The dreams of other places came to me.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 On this day I was woken by my master. He dressed heavy and tossed a long cloak over my shoulders. A switched turned on as the smell of cloth reached my brain. I waited patiently for the liquid. It did not come. He hurried, pulling me along the halls and out to rich vegetation of the out doors. Another switched turned on. I saw the suns rise. My mouth opened and from my lips slipped the words of a half-forgotten song. All heads turned to me. My master pulled the pouch from his waist and poured it in my mouth. Two Jade green eyes danced in my head as I slipped into the flaming forest, they stared watching as I travel moments in my mind till my mind moved into the void. \u201cLost and gone forever, never yours.\u201d The demon spoke in my mind as I felt my limbs following. I was walking in places I knew and didn\u2019t know.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n


\nFrom the note\u2019s of the Entint Psi<\/span>
\n<\/center>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Oleana, Sweet beautiful Oleana. She came to me this evening. She had the most interesting offer. I could have her in my bed this matting season. I remember her sharp words when I as her before, \u201cMe with a pigmy like you? I wouldn\u2019t bed you if you where the last mate on this planet. I would rather mate with the animals. You men seem to like it.\u201d Her cruel laugh still rang in my ears. I knew that with so few of our women imprisoned here that it was unlikely she would accept but I tried. Now she came to me offering herself to me.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I had to ask, \u201cWhat\u2019s the catch?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Oleana leaned back in my chair; her head turned to my servant. \u201cI want your toy. I want you to give her to me and I will give my body to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNo.\u201d There was more to this. I would have to guard my servant more careful, \u201cGet out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou are a fool.\u201d She growled, \u201cDo you think that you will ever get chance like this again?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cLeave.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cShe will die in your passion and if you don\u2019t take her, she will be up for grabs. The ship will be coming soon.\u201d Her laughter filled the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cGET OUT!\u201d I screamed at her. She moved from my quarters laughing. I knew she was right. My time was growing short. I would soon need to have my collection gathered. I moved to my bed, I looked over the edge to the fur she laid on and stroked her hair. I would have to take her with me tomorrow. To many wanted to take her from me. If she could just carry a child. I could prove my point.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/center>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 My master pulled me to him on his lap and stroke my hair. My hair now reached my knees. The oil was warm as he brushed it through my hair. I closed my eyes, green, the lovely sparkle of green the limpid pool of the green doted with the blackness of the void. I was reeling into the blackness feeling the hot passion, the entense emotion. I felt my body shaking a cloud move. My eyes meet little one. Just out side the masters tent they drug a tiny form. She lay in front me her lips formed and her voiced screamed, \u201cRAA VEN!\u201d The tiny form began to cry, turning her fussy orange hair from me.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 My mind ached. The swirling in my stomach twisted. My voice rang out \u201cBaitee!\u201d The collar pulled on me and choked as I fell in the ground. My fingers reached out and touched her tips. I fought against his commands as I struggled to join Baitee. Baitee reached out for me as the other entints pulled her along the ground. I screamed and a wail long forgotten came from with in. The entints stared blankly around for a moment. My master forcing the liquid to my lips I spat it out. He forced it down. Through my glazed eyes I saw them drag her to the cage. \u201cBaiteeeeeeee\u201d My voice trailed off as the void swept over me. The sweet blackness covered me. I swam in the blackness of the green pool.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n


\nFrom the note\u2019s of the Entint Psi<\/span>
\n<\/center>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I cared for my pet. Yes, I admit it I saw her more as a pet. I thought she had come to accept her station, that secured her to position of animal. No Entint would allow to be kept. She was too much of her mother. I had narrowed down the possible of which had father her. There were only two men that went in the passion heat while out of our keep. It had to be one of the two. Even the other settlements had no records of any others having to be hunted down and dragged back. But my poor little pet needed punishment. She had leaped out to attack. I restrained her stretched out prone against the floor. I waited till the liquid wore from her.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I pulled the cloth from her scared back. I saw her move. I took a belt in my hand. I went before her eyes. I spoke to her. Her eyes teared. A brought down the leather. She qenched but did not call out. I repeated till I heard a soft whine. She would not bolt again. I replaced the covering over her. Her hair was so dry no matter how I treated it never stayed slick. I oiled her hair and soothed her in my arms. How could I stay mad at her?<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/center>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The warmth in the tent filled my lungs. I moved to the edge my chain securing me no further than the entry of the dwelling. My mind hung heavy and life seemed fogged. The bowl of black liquid lay on the floor in my dish. The pain in my stomach grew. I heard the scream. I knew the scream. \u201cBaiteeeeee\u201d my lips barely calling a name I nearly forgot. The pain in my back ached, the pound in my head echoed, my stomach twisted as the black fog called for my nourishment I went to my food and lifted the edge of the bowl to my lips. His lovely green eyes appeared before me. A ghost figure shimmered, his words whispering, \u201cI am in love with a drug dealer.\u201d I through the bowl out the door.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I lay crying in the fur skin for a long time. I drifted in and out of the nightmares. My body shook and my stomach turned inside out. I felt the beads of sweat on my brow. The last time I sweet I was \u2026. Where was it? Who where the faces that touched this fog. I shivered and shook.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 My master entered the room he tilted his head down. With one hand he pulled my limp body up. He parted my lips and began to pour the liquid in my mouth.. I drank a little gurgle and let the rest drip from the corners of my mouth as I pretended to sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 For days I took only what he forced in my mouth. The shivers and shake stayed with me, as my body demanded more of the liquid. It was ever so hard not gulping all he offered. The bowl in the morning that I carefully poured out. The tiny chunks of brown that he offered in the evening as he oiled and brushed my hair. Only in the night would he force the food in me, to quiet my sleep. He was so preoccupied with other things he did not notice my eyes clearing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I was left alone everyday as he tended business of collecting the others of the little ones. I tried hard to call upon my mind. So many things could my mind do. I know it could. I tried and tried over and over I repeated the same actions. The door, I need to open the door. I need to be able to blast the minds. I tried to lift things with my mind. The black fog and pain coursed in my blood. Nothing happened.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 My limbs became weaker the clear my mind became. The rain turned cold and he took me back to the keep. I watched the other Entint\u2019s work. The few females moved in a superior aire You could tell by the stride they held power. My master again took me on walks. The collar an ever reminder and the lease just long enough to let me move slightly ahead of him. I saw all the rooms he did dealings in. Faint fogged memory flashes came back as I saw rooms I must have gone in before. The little ones did the routine work. The others where treated far more harsh than me. In a large gathering room, many of them collected in a circle of seats that seats moved up each step. Down to the bottom were little ones performing for their amusement. It was no hold bar down there. A fight to the death, a rape, anything their twisted minds could think of they had the little ones do it. I blanked my face and tried not to think. If I responded my master would surely know. He stroke my oil filled hair as he spoke with others. I could not help but watched. My heart tore.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Baitee was brought out to the arena. I moved to my feet. My master taken by surprise lost the grip of my chain. I leaped forward and sprung into the arena. I tumbled on one shoulder picking up a club that had been left from the death fight. I whirled it above my head and grabbed a hold of Baitee. Her eyes where glazed. She was a lightweight; I lifted her with ease. The Entints now rose to their feet. The doors were guarded by the massive forms. I moved in circles. Why did I do this? This was hopeless. A saw my master pushed through the crowd. He approached me.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I dropped the club and cradle Baitee in my arms placing her near as if to have her suckle. She was to go. The voices talked in anger. My master moved near. I moved to his legs holding Baitee tight. His eyes looked down at the little thing in my arms. Softness almost came to him but instead he ordered me to give. I held tight and held still. He tried to take her from me. I bite him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The look of surprise was on his face. He just nodded and moved away from the both of us. There was talk among the men. Two very large ones came towards me I backed off, crawling on the floor, holding her frame to me. One pulled Baitee from me and I cried out in pain. My master motioned to me as I wailed. The drug was still deep in my blood and my mind could not clear. My hands were bound and a hook dangled me on my tiptoes. Baitee was set aside. My master spoke loud and quick and unheard. I broke a rule or a code or something; my punishment was about to begin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The first male creature came up to me. He ripped the cloth from my back. My master went into a heated rage. He jumped out making the tall one topple. He landed on his feet and broke the binds in a yank of my hands. He dropped me to the ground. The others looked at him. I saw it to. Something was different now, a dark passion now boiled. He grabbed me and Baitee and ten other females from a rack and left.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I had seen his darkness. Other Entints had fallen into this dark rage. The took to them the small ones in a heat of passion. Most not lasting but a few hours at the most. He took us to his chambers. The others stayed chained to the wall. I brushed the hair of my sweet Baitee as he took the first one to his bed. Female after female the number dwindled. Each time he appeared the less the hunger ruled his cold expressions. From my arms he took Baitee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I cried. I heard the faint painful moans from the room. I knew she would also lay dead. I held my self as the tears rolled I opened my mind and thought of the hot sands. A small swirl opened. I looked at the wall. I was so weak. I pulled my things off the wall. I held hem close to me. I balled up and slipped thorough the small opening as I heard silence fall in the next room. I cried, \u2018Good bye Little sister.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The skeletons of the yellow school buses lined the side of the road, appeared and disappearing as I passed them, the never-ending repeat of the dust-covered shells. The air was dry and hot. The yellow and browns of the sands lay to all sides of the road with only the sudden outcrop of striped stones way off on the horizon line. The peace of the emptiness stir within me.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Seerth I walked the road of the in between, the dry cracked dirt packed hard to form it. The road, as endless as time it self, stretched out before me. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9,11],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2125","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-stories","category-wild-hunt"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ravensplayland.com\/wpRAVEN\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2125","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ravensplayland.com\/wpRAVEN\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ravensplayland.com\/wpRAVEN\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ravensplayland.com\/wpRAVEN\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ravensplayland.com\/wpRAVEN\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2125"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/ravensplayland.com\/wpRAVEN\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2125\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2127,"href":"https:\/\/ravensplayland.com\/wpRAVEN\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2125\/revisions\/2127"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ravensplayland.com\/wpRAVEN\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2125"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ravensplayland.com\/wpRAVEN\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2125"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ravensplayland.com\/wpRAVEN\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2125"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}