Post by Serin on Jul 8, 2007 9:49:10 GMT -5
My new story! Featuring characters from the forums, in my usual writing style!
If anyone wants in on the story, let me know, and i'll fit you in. For those already here, I am going to write A LOT of this, so your character will appear, like I promised. Please, be patient!
Ch.1
He awoke to the sound of bells.
Serin rolled over, his mind caught between consciousness and sleep. The second toll of the bell finally roused him, his eyes opening to view the familiar, white ceiling of his room. So, today is the day, He thought to himself, his head rising off his pillow as he leaned himself into a sitting position. Today, he reminded himself, was to be a very long and happy day.
So why did he feel so down?
He rubbed the back of his head, the mental cobwebs clearing themselves quickly. His lower half turned to place his feet down, the mirror beside the door drawing his eye to look at his reflection. At 19 years, he was a fit young man, his chest and arms covered in scars that had been with him since he came to the village. His face was fair, the only thing of note being the fact his left eye was always covered by his long brown hair. Entangled in the brown mess was a silver rosary and cross, another thing which had remained from his previous life. They were the only hints he had, the only evidence that he existed before the village of Alma.
Three bangs on his floor aroused him from his reverie, an old voice calling up to him. “Serin! Wake up, you lazy bum!” Old Mara, the woman who had been his caretaker, called to him from the kitchen below. He stomped twice to reply, his vision once again returning to the mirror. “Well, can’t sleep forever.” He nodded, stepping over to the dresser.
The town of Alma glittered in the morning sun, the peas of the Northern range shining down on them with a fresh coat of spring snow near their peaks. The small town was already filled with bustling activity, people moving to and fro to work, farmers already in the fields, everyone trying to get their work done earlier. For today was a special occasion.
Today was a wedding.
He had already finished changing, tightening his belt a little before looking down to check his boots. It was his usual clothing of a blue tunic and flared out pants, along with boots and his sword belt, the sword and scabbard downstairs with his cloak. The door to his room opened, and Serin let himself slide down the ladder, landing in the corner of the kitchen. The large room was alive, the four baking ovens closed and in use. Mara was beside a table, her hands moving a large wisk inside a bowl. “Stop yer chatter and take the sugar bread out of the ovens. I’ve gotta make room for the cake layers.” Serin smiled, moving over to one of the large ovens, the door swinging open to reveal two large trays with six loaves of golden brown bread on each.
Serin was happy that he lived with the baker. As he grew, it had become something of a hobby to help her out time and again, and even some of his creations, like the sweet bread, had made it onto her shelves as hot items. He didn’t mind her taking credit for the work, of course, but he was glad that he could help her, especially after everything she had done for him already. It had been ten years, after all…
The bread was already done, a slight glaze and a fine powder of cinnamon coating the loaf. He nodded, picking up the glazing tray, and sliding it into a nearby container, the bread falling in neatly to the separated places in the container. “There’s another fifty loaves…you now officially have enough sweet bread to feed an army.” Mara chuckled, moving away from the mixing bowl. “Alright then. All I need to do now is set these layers in the molds, and bake.”
Serin nodded. “Well, I’ll see about taking the bread over to the Elder’s house.”
Serin ducked quickly as a rolling pin flew over his head. “Using an excuse to go and see the groom, eh? Well…just be careful, alright?” Mara shook her head, turning back to the large mixing bowl. Serin lifted the heavy crate, heading out the door into the new day sun. The Mountain peaks greeted him as he stepped out into the street, the hustle and bustle of the small city permeating the morning air. The estatic cries of children playing, the steady low murmur of gossip and barter, and the overall buzz of excitement in the air…today would be a busy day, he mused to himself as he walked up the street to the Elder’s home.
The Elder’s house rested at the end of the single street, slightly higher than the rest of the village, the spired roof reaching into the sky. Serin made his way towards the large house, the double doors already wide open. A group of men were lined up outside, each of them trying to look inside the house for a bit. A Large man, aptly named Tiny, stood in front of the doorway, hexagonal staff held in his hand. “Watch out! Delivery from Mara’s oven, coming through!” Serin nodded, shifting his way past the people lined up. He looked up at Tiny, who gave him a solemn nod, moving out of his way to enter into the house.
Inside was just as busy as outside, the various specialists moving around from place to place inside the main room of the house. Serin looked over to a corner which held crates identical to the one he carried, all of them filled with sweets, breads, and food of all kinds. “Well, that’s the last of them.”
“Thank the gods, Serin. Your old woman is trying to drown us in food.”
Serin turned towards the voice, looking up at the man in the suit. “You know, Alex, the penguin getup doesn’t suit you at all.” Alex fussed with his tie as he stepped down the stairwell in shining black shoes and a suit that looked far too uncomfortable for such an important event. He was the same age as Serin, his black hair done in a small tail behind his head, his eyes locked down in combat with the tie he wore on his neck. “Well, they say this thing is the suit of choice in the city, and hearing that, Dad wanted to be like everyone else. Stupid tie..” Alex muttered under his breath, still working with the tie around his neck. “How do city folk even find the time for this thing?”
Serin shook his head as he stepped over towards him. “First we plant crops, now we give ourselves self-attached nooses…humans are going downhill, it seems.” He chuckled a bit, looking at his friend. “So, keeping away from the obvious questions…well, that’s all there is, really.”
“Yeah. Kinda nervous, you know?” He looked out at the line that Tiny was holding back. “And everyone wants to put in a good word with the next city elder, I see.” Serin shook his head. “I guess that’s why this is so important, aside from the fact you’re now the luckiest sap in the village.” Alex grinned, a straight punch landing on Serin’s shoulder with enough force to sway him. “Oh, look at you, all moody and sad. Need me to get a violin?”
“Nah.” Serin said, looking back at the crates. “Well, that’s the last of it. I’m gonna head back and see what Mara needs help with.” Serin turned towards the door, when he felt a hand rest on his shoulder. “Serin, I got a favor to ask…” Serin felt the hand retract, turning around to look at him, a letter now in his hand. “Well, could I ask for one more delivery?”
--------------------
Serin knocked politely on the door, watching it open as old Stella looked out at him. “Well, hello! She’s finishing the dress right now, but she’ll see you if you want. KIWI!” The old woman shouted, moving out of the way as Serin bowed himself into the house. “YOU HAVE A GUEST!”
She sighed, turning around to face him. “Oh, she’s finally growing up, and doing so well! I’m glad she’s found that special someone. Aren’t you?” Serin nervously looked down, nodding a bit. “Yeah, it’s good for her.” He said, looking back up the stairwell. “Well, I guess I should go. If you will excuse me, Miss Stella.”
The old woman smiled, stepping aside as he headed up the spiral staircase, gently knocking on the door. “Special delivery from the Black Knight.” He said, hearing footsteps on the other side of the door. The door latch clicked, a sweet voice coming from the other side. “Well, come on.”
Serin opened the door, the incense hitting him hard. She had always loved the smell, but he never figured out why. One of the mysteries of women, he shrugged as he stepped inside. Kiwi looked over the large dress in the center of the room, her hands working over it, snipping a loose sting here, replacing a bell there. “Well, what brings the Delivery man here during the day?” She smiled, standing up to look at him. She was taller than most women, standing near to Alex’ chin, and her head was topped with firey red hair, accentuating her form. She smiled, sitting down to face the large dress again. “Pain in the ass to upkeep, and I won’t even wear it again.”
“It’s like the moth and the flame. In the one glorious instant, it serves it’s purpose and fades. But the flame lives on, and so will the wearer.” He said, nodding as he handed her the envelope. “From the Black Knight, milady.” He said with a fake accent, bowing superfluously as he presented it to her. She shot him a look, snatching the letter before returning to her dress. “Serin?”
“Yeah?” He looked over at her. For all of his ten years in the village, Her and Alex had been the constants, the unmoving in his life. They were his first friends, and they had shared much in their time together. Serin mused a bit as he looked at Kiwi, waiting for her to speak. She leaned back in her chair, looking up at the ceiling. “You know what you gonna do soon?”
Serin shook his head. “My life is here now. I was thinking about learning from Mara, maybe taking over someday and just settling down…”
She cut him off with a look. “You don’t mean that, and I know it. It’s been ten years, and you still haven’t found anyone. You’re a good baker, but you also have…”
“Questions to answer…or find the answer to.” He completed her sentence, watching her nod as he placed a hand to his rosary. She spoke again, this time sitting facing him. “So…back to the question. Do you know what you are going to do after the wedding?”
“Yeah…but I guess you know, too. So does Alex. You and him have been what had kept me here this time, and you’ll be busy…I guess I may head south, see what’s waiting for me there, if anything.” Serin turned around, heading for the door. “But what if I find something that’s worth forgetting?”
“Then it is yours to forget. But at least it is yours.” She said. “Well, I’ll see you at the wedding.”
“Yeah, see you there.” He nodded, making his way out of her room. He walked down the stairs in silence, his eyes riveted on the large clock near the door.
Four hours, and he would lose his two best friends to each other, he thought to himself.
“Que Sera, Sera.”
--------------------------
If anyone wants in on the story, let me know, and i'll fit you in. For those already here, I am going to write A LOT of this, so your character will appear, like I promised. Please, be patient!
Ch.1
He awoke to the sound of bells.
Serin rolled over, his mind caught between consciousness and sleep. The second toll of the bell finally roused him, his eyes opening to view the familiar, white ceiling of his room. So, today is the day, He thought to himself, his head rising off his pillow as he leaned himself into a sitting position. Today, he reminded himself, was to be a very long and happy day.
So why did he feel so down?
He rubbed the back of his head, the mental cobwebs clearing themselves quickly. His lower half turned to place his feet down, the mirror beside the door drawing his eye to look at his reflection. At 19 years, he was a fit young man, his chest and arms covered in scars that had been with him since he came to the village. His face was fair, the only thing of note being the fact his left eye was always covered by his long brown hair. Entangled in the brown mess was a silver rosary and cross, another thing which had remained from his previous life. They were the only hints he had, the only evidence that he existed before the village of Alma.
Three bangs on his floor aroused him from his reverie, an old voice calling up to him. “Serin! Wake up, you lazy bum!” Old Mara, the woman who had been his caretaker, called to him from the kitchen below. He stomped twice to reply, his vision once again returning to the mirror. “Well, can’t sleep forever.” He nodded, stepping over to the dresser.
The town of Alma glittered in the morning sun, the peas of the Northern range shining down on them with a fresh coat of spring snow near their peaks. The small town was already filled with bustling activity, people moving to and fro to work, farmers already in the fields, everyone trying to get their work done earlier. For today was a special occasion.
Today was a wedding.
He had already finished changing, tightening his belt a little before looking down to check his boots. It was his usual clothing of a blue tunic and flared out pants, along with boots and his sword belt, the sword and scabbard downstairs with his cloak. The door to his room opened, and Serin let himself slide down the ladder, landing in the corner of the kitchen. The large room was alive, the four baking ovens closed and in use. Mara was beside a table, her hands moving a large wisk inside a bowl. “Stop yer chatter and take the sugar bread out of the ovens. I’ve gotta make room for the cake layers.” Serin smiled, moving over to one of the large ovens, the door swinging open to reveal two large trays with six loaves of golden brown bread on each.
Serin was happy that he lived with the baker. As he grew, it had become something of a hobby to help her out time and again, and even some of his creations, like the sweet bread, had made it onto her shelves as hot items. He didn’t mind her taking credit for the work, of course, but he was glad that he could help her, especially after everything she had done for him already. It had been ten years, after all…
The bread was already done, a slight glaze and a fine powder of cinnamon coating the loaf. He nodded, picking up the glazing tray, and sliding it into a nearby container, the bread falling in neatly to the separated places in the container. “There’s another fifty loaves…you now officially have enough sweet bread to feed an army.” Mara chuckled, moving away from the mixing bowl. “Alright then. All I need to do now is set these layers in the molds, and bake.”
Serin nodded. “Well, I’ll see about taking the bread over to the Elder’s house.”
Serin ducked quickly as a rolling pin flew over his head. “Using an excuse to go and see the groom, eh? Well…just be careful, alright?” Mara shook her head, turning back to the large mixing bowl. Serin lifted the heavy crate, heading out the door into the new day sun. The Mountain peaks greeted him as he stepped out into the street, the hustle and bustle of the small city permeating the morning air. The estatic cries of children playing, the steady low murmur of gossip and barter, and the overall buzz of excitement in the air…today would be a busy day, he mused to himself as he walked up the street to the Elder’s home.
The Elder’s house rested at the end of the single street, slightly higher than the rest of the village, the spired roof reaching into the sky. Serin made his way towards the large house, the double doors already wide open. A group of men were lined up outside, each of them trying to look inside the house for a bit. A Large man, aptly named Tiny, stood in front of the doorway, hexagonal staff held in his hand. “Watch out! Delivery from Mara’s oven, coming through!” Serin nodded, shifting his way past the people lined up. He looked up at Tiny, who gave him a solemn nod, moving out of his way to enter into the house.
Inside was just as busy as outside, the various specialists moving around from place to place inside the main room of the house. Serin looked over to a corner which held crates identical to the one he carried, all of them filled with sweets, breads, and food of all kinds. “Well, that’s the last of them.”
“Thank the gods, Serin. Your old woman is trying to drown us in food.”
Serin turned towards the voice, looking up at the man in the suit. “You know, Alex, the penguin getup doesn’t suit you at all.” Alex fussed with his tie as he stepped down the stairwell in shining black shoes and a suit that looked far too uncomfortable for such an important event. He was the same age as Serin, his black hair done in a small tail behind his head, his eyes locked down in combat with the tie he wore on his neck. “Well, they say this thing is the suit of choice in the city, and hearing that, Dad wanted to be like everyone else. Stupid tie..” Alex muttered under his breath, still working with the tie around his neck. “How do city folk even find the time for this thing?”
Serin shook his head as he stepped over towards him. “First we plant crops, now we give ourselves self-attached nooses…humans are going downhill, it seems.” He chuckled a bit, looking at his friend. “So, keeping away from the obvious questions…well, that’s all there is, really.”
“Yeah. Kinda nervous, you know?” He looked out at the line that Tiny was holding back. “And everyone wants to put in a good word with the next city elder, I see.” Serin shook his head. “I guess that’s why this is so important, aside from the fact you’re now the luckiest sap in the village.” Alex grinned, a straight punch landing on Serin’s shoulder with enough force to sway him. “Oh, look at you, all moody and sad. Need me to get a violin?”
“Nah.” Serin said, looking back at the crates. “Well, that’s the last of it. I’m gonna head back and see what Mara needs help with.” Serin turned towards the door, when he felt a hand rest on his shoulder. “Serin, I got a favor to ask…” Serin felt the hand retract, turning around to look at him, a letter now in his hand. “Well, could I ask for one more delivery?”
--------------------
Serin knocked politely on the door, watching it open as old Stella looked out at him. “Well, hello! She’s finishing the dress right now, but she’ll see you if you want. KIWI!” The old woman shouted, moving out of the way as Serin bowed himself into the house. “YOU HAVE A GUEST!”
She sighed, turning around to face him. “Oh, she’s finally growing up, and doing so well! I’m glad she’s found that special someone. Aren’t you?” Serin nervously looked down, nodding a bit. “Yeah, it’s good for her.” He said, looking back up the stairwell. “Well, I guess I should go. If you will excuse me, Miss Stella.”
The old woman smiled, stepping aside as he headed up the spiral staircase, gently knocking on the door. “Special delivery from the Black Knight.” He said, hearing footsteps on the other side of the door. The door latch clicked, a sweet voice coming from the other side. “Well, come on.”
Serin opened the door, the incense hitting him hard. She had always loved the smell, but he never figured out why. One of the mysteries of women, he shrugged as he stepped inside. Kiwi looked over the large dress in the center of the room, her hands working over it, snipping a loose sting here, replacing a bell there. “Well, what brings the Delivery man here during the day?” She smiled, standing up to look at him. She was taller than most women, standing near to Alex’ chin, and her head was topped with firey red hair, accentuating her form. She smiled, sitting down to face the large dress again. “Pain in the ass to upkeep, and I won’t even wear it again.”
“It’s like the moth and the flame. In the one glorious instant, it serves it’s purpose and fades. But the flame lives on, and so will the wearer.” He said, nodding as he handed her the envelope. “From the Black Knight, milady.” He said with a fake accent, bowing superfluously as he presented it to her. She shot him a look, snatching the letter before returning to her dress. “Serin?”
“Yeah?” He looked over at her. For all of his ten years in the village, Her and Alex had been the constants, the unmoving in his life. They were his first friends, and they had shared much in their time together. Serin mused a bit as he looked at Kiwi, waiting for her to speak. She leaned back in her chair, looking up at the ceiling. “You know what you gonna do soon?”
Serin shook his head. “My life is here now. I was thinking about learning from Mara, maybe taking over someday and just settling down…”
She cut him off with a look. “You don’t mean that, and I know it. It’s been ten years, and you still haven’t found anyone. You’re a good baker, but you also have…”
“Questions to answer…or find the answer to.” He completed her sentence, watching her nod as he placed a hand to his rosary. She spoke again, this time sitting facing him. “So…back to the question. Do you know what you are going to do after the wedding?”
“Yeah…but I guess you know, too. So does Alex. You and him have been what had kept me here this time, and you’ll be busy…I guess I may head south, see what’s waiting for me there, if anything.” Serin turned around, heading for the door. “But what if I find something that’s worth forgetting?”
“Then it is yours to forget. But at least it is yours.” She said. “Well, I’ll see you at the wedding.”
“Yeah, see you there.” He nodded, making his way out of her room. He walked down the stairs in silence, his eyes riveted on the large clock near the door.
Four hours, and he would lose his two best friends to each other, he thought to himself.
“Que Sera, Sera.”
--------------------------