Timeline
2141 – The Vault Dweller is born.
2161 – The Events of Fallout 1 Begin with the Vault Dweller leaving the vault in search of a water chip (Age 20).
2163 – The Vault Dweller defeats the Master (Age 22).
2165 – The Vault Dweller heads north with a group of followers, both vault dwellers and wastelanders. The settlement of Arroyo is founded by the vault dweller and his followers (Age 24).
2167 – The construction of the village is completed. John Rico (The Vault Dweller) marries Laura, the only survivor of the Master's followers (Age 26).
2168 – The 12 leaders of the tribe are chosen by the Vault Dweller.
2169 – The vault dweller's first son is born (Age 28).
2170 – The Vault Dweller begins his quest to unite all the local tribes.
2171 – 2187 – The Vault Dweller and Laura have another 4 sons and 3 daughters before their last child is born in 2188.
2188 – The vault dweller's youngest daughter and child Kathalyn (The present Chief Elder of the Tribe) is born (Age 47).
2207 – Laura dies age 64; He begins his memoirs after the funeral. The next year is spent fully on finishing the work that will later be taught to and inspire the tribe with the heroic journey and exploits of the Vault Dweller.
2208 – The Vault Dweller (Age 67) never having got over the death of his wife Laura leaves Arroyo without a word to anyone. Many rumours surround his departure but no one really knows why he left. He leaves behind a very large family and a growing tribe, knowing they will finally take the test of the Temple of Trials to prove their worth and call themselves the tribal elders. The Vault Dweller's youngest daughter begins her training to take her place as the first Chief Elder of the Tribe at the young age of only 20, although all consider her wise beyond her years.
2210 – The Vault Dweller's youngest daughter passes her test in The Temple of Trials and becomes the first Chief Elder. The other leaders of the tribe begin their own tests and will eventually form the Council of Elders.
2214 – Joshua is the firstborn of Anastasia and Jacob Ravenscroft.
2216 – Ariella (The Chosen One) is born, second eldest of Anastasia and Jacob. Her twin brother Phoenix is born minutes later.
2217 – 2240 – Anastasia and Jacob have another five daughters and three sons
2240 – By 2240 the tribe has grown to over 300 from its humble beginnings of the thirty or more followers that accompanied the Vault Dweller northwards to find the village of Arroyo, 75 years ago.
2241 – The Events of Fallout 2 begin with The Chosen One and her brother taking the test in the Temple of Trials. Ariella and Phoenix are both 25 years old. The village Chief Elder seems greatly aged beyond her 53 years, but maintains a strong hold over the tribe and its 12 elders. The Vault Dweller would be a hundred years old if he still lives.
--
Chronicles of the Chosen One
Prologue:
Arroyo,
Legacy of the Vault Dweller
25th July 2241, Midnight, The Village of Arroyo
Kathalyn was the village of Arroyo's Chief Elder. She was certainly not the eldest of the village wisemen and wisewomen. Just the one to whom the entire village looked to for leadership in the troubling and hard times ahead. Since her father had disappeared all those years ago she had held the village together with a sharp eye, keen wisdom and despite her frailty, an iron grip. All respected her, including the leaders and councils of the Northern Tribes.
The thirteen village elders sat in her tent, passing round a pipe of rootweed sprinkled with some of Hakunin's special ingredients. The smoke was enough to send Ariella and Phoenix dizzy. Hakunin was well known for his herbal concoctions, many of which had varying effects on the senses of the smoker. The village elders remained steady and calm looking over the two successful twins. The twins felt honoured to be called before the Council of Elders, only the direst circumstances brought the village elders all together for a council meeting.
Phoenix coughed continually as the smoke drifted past him and out of the tent. Ariella did her best to keep her composure and not show the fact that she desperately felt like choking on the vile odour the pipweed produced. She couldn't believe it was finally over. After the trials, the giant ants and radscorpions the dangers and traps, they were both here alive and well. If a little battered and bruised from their ordeal.
"Tomorrow you will leave us, Chosen One. I see your brother is determined to make the journey with you. It is good that you have friends and family who will accompany you. The wastelands are very dangerous in these troubling times. They are full of mutants, beasts and worst of all, slavers. Be weary of all that you meet, the experience of those elders in the village speaks of a mistrustful and treacherous world where anyone is fair game for the strongest gunmen.
We have all had our doubts about our choice for the Chosen One, Ariella. Your wild ways, flighty nature and carefree attitude to all things are not the qualities that will see you safely on your journey for the Holy Geck. Mingan will prove an older and wiser voice on your travels, and his niece and nephew Chitsa and Narg will likely prove invaluable companions on your long journey. I ask that you bring them all back safely Ariella. The village grows by the day, but our numbers need the fruits of technology that the Holy Geck can provide for us.
It is sad that you have refused all attempts to arrange a match with the most eligible tribal leaders of the Northern Tribes. It seems you have decided that you know better than the Council of Elders whom would be an idle match for you. But we shall have to console ourselves that your lack of willingness to marry has left you free to search for the Geck. We know of your fondness for Lucas, but he is needed here. He is our tribal chieftain and warleader when such times are upon us. He will likely miss you, Chosen One. It is the closest you have allowed any of the village males to get near you, and now you are to leave us.
Your journey to Klamath should take you a few days. Look for the trader Vic when you arrive and be weary of the strange folk that inhabit so called civilization. From our years of experience they are not to be trusted. You must succeed, Chosen One. The fate of over three hundred of our people rests in your hands. Arroyo will be a place that all of the Northern Tribes will be able to call home once we have the Holy Geck. If you fail us, Chosen One, we will surely perish. The crops wither, the livestock die in the fields and the young and old grow sick with each passing day. We have placed a heavy burden on you, Chosen One. But you were chosen for a reason. Despite your flaws you are the best choice for this task." The Chief Elder said as she looked seriously upon the twins.
"We will leave first thing in the morning, Chief Elder Kathalyn. We will not disappoint you, if there is a Holy Geck to be found we shall do everything possible to obtain it. I am honoured that you have put so much trust in me."
"We expect nothing less, Chosen One. You have all that I can give you, now you must go and say your goodbyes and rest for your long journey will be both exhausting and dangerous. You must remain weary, Chosen One. Never let yourself be taken by the slavers or I fear we will never see you again and the village will perish with your passing." The Chief Elder continued, even more serious as she spoke her words.
--
Ariella held Lucas tight. She stroked his long dark locks of hair between her fingers, running her hand over his cheek and pulling him to her for a passionate and long kiss that only ended as Lucas pulled away.
"Don't go, let one of the warriors go, Ariella, they should never have asked you." Lucas pleaded.
"I can find it, Lucas. What's the point of sending any of the warriors when the village needs them here to protect Arroyo? You know I want to do this, perhaps I will even agree to marry you once I return."
"I haven't asked you yet."
"No you haven't, so why don't you ask me now, Lucas. Before it's too late."
Lucas let her go, and knelt beside the bed in his tent, taking her hand in his own. "Ariella, daughter of Anastasia and Jacob. Will you do me the great honour of accepting my hand in marriage?"
"Of course I will, the moment we get back we can make all the arrangements. I want all of the Northern Tribes at my wedding."
"You never were satisfied with small and quiet, Ariella."
"I'll only do it once so I want it to be perfect. It will be all the better if I return with the Holy Geck."
"Just be careful, you know what life is like beyond the village. The civilised folk live more like savages than any of the tribes."
"I'll be careful. We have a long life ahead of us, Chieftain Lucas."
"I have something for you, a few things that my family and your family have been saving for this day."
Lucas walked to an old chest and pulled out a thick roll of blanket. He rolled the blanket out on the floor to reveal several items for Ariella's quest. Ariella stood up from the bed and walked over to the items laid out on the floor. There was a worn but sturdy backpack that would be essential for the long journey ahead. She picked up a dusty but otherwise fine pair of old army combat boots, they looked a bit big for her but it was better than travelling barefoot through the desert. There was a pair of waterskins to hold the precious liquid that would otherwise prove her downfall if she could not find it. Water was extremely precious in the wastelands. There was an old combat knife and a small handheld compass. There was a woollen blanket and sleeping bag for the long cold nights ahead. Ariella was drawn to the tattered leather long coat that had been a gift to Lucas's father many years earlier from the Vault Dweller John Rico. The last thing was at least two weeks worth of packet food, simply add hot water and eat. Ariella didn't want to think how old it was or what they must have gone through to find such rare items but she was grateful nevertheless.
"I can't take all of this, Lucas." Ariella protested quietly.
"Of course you can take it. You must take it for the sake of the village. The others have been given what we can spare, you must also accept this gift if you are serious about travelling the wastes. If you were to leave without it how long do you think you would last in such a harsh and terrible environment. It is a gift from all of Arroyo."
"Thank you, Lucas. I will take care of it all. I had wondered how I would travel the desert without even anything to hold my food and water. It will aid me greatly."
"Even your Aunt Morlis contributed. She gave the compass. It will guide you on your journey. Remember Klamath is to the east, it wouldn't be a good start if you were to get lost before you had even begun your travels."
"Funny, I know where to travel. The Chief Elder has given me all the knowledge she can. Although she could not tell me the location of Vault 13."
"If you are meant to find it, and you are… Then you will find it and save our village and all the peoples of the north. You will be talked of as only the Vault Dweller was before you."
"I think I'll like that. Ariella Ravenscroft, the Chosen One of Arroyo, Saviour of the Northern Tribes."
"Don't get ahead of yourself. You know how hard this task will be. The Council of Elders must have thought very highly of you to have given you such a quest."
"I know, but I need to keep my spirits up. It will be the furthest I've ever been from Arroyo simply travelling to Klamath. If our journey takes us further than that town then it could be weeks or even months before I return. I will have you on my mind the whole time we are away."
"And I will think of you while you are gone."
Ariella laughed as he playfully wrestled her to the bed. He lifted her dress over her head and let it fall to the floor. The following hours were precious indeed, they lost themselves in each other, determined to make the most of their last night together.
--
Phoenix couldn't make his mind up. Should he pursue Francesca or Catalina? Lucas's sisters were inseparable and it was driving Phoenix crazy. He had to have one or the other. He'd have taken them both but didn't think they would be accepting of his deepest darkest fantasies. His thoughts drove him wild. He wanted them more than anything.
"Look at him, Fran. He doesn't know which way to turn." Catalina said as Phoenix sat between them.
"I think maybe he's a little shy." Fran said followed by the dirtiest most suggestive giggle he had ever heard.
"I can promise you I am in no way shy. We must hurry if we are to do this."
"Don't you know that rushing a girl is not gentlemanly?" Catalina said laughing at his expression as she suggestively undid the top of her dress.
"I had thought you would both be horrified at the thought of …"
"You'd be surprised what we think about, Phoenix." Fran continued following her sister in undoing the top of her dress until the top of her breasts were visible.
"Then we should waste no more time talking, we have a long night ahead of us."
Phoenix found himself buried between the two sisters. His lips met theirs, first one and then the other. His darkest fantasies were being played out, would they be willing to go all the way, like he had dreamed they would.
--
Mingan was the younger brother of Ariella's Aunt Morlis. He would be leaving behind a pregnant wife and four young children. Christina held him to her, it was their last chance to say farewell before the morning, and they intended to make the most of the night ahead.
"You must return before the baby arrives, Mingan. You can't expect me to bring up our family all alone. What if something happens to you while you are gone? Who will hunt for our family, who will feed us?"
"You know the Council of Elders would make arrangements for you and the family. They would not let you starve while I help to look for the Holy Geck."
"I know you must go, Mingan. The others will need your wisdom to guide on your quest."
"I will return to my family, Christina."
Christina lay back on the bed lifting her dress so that her stomach was bare. Mingan placed his head gently on her stomach listening for the little kicks of life that would occasionally come from inside.
--
"Why must you leave, Chitsa? We are supposed to be getting married. It is all arranged." Jordan insisted in a slightly annoyed tone.
"Because my cousin needs me, the village will continue to suffer unless we find the Holy Geck. Why can't you see that I must do this?" Chitsa insisted firmly, turning her back on Jordan as he went to put his arms around her waist.
"Let one of the warriors go in your place."
"Do you have so little faith in me, Jordan?"
"You are to be my wife, I wish only for you to remain here with me."
"And what of the sick, would you let your young brothers and sisters grow ill because you want to keep me safely tucked away?"
"That is not fair, Chitsa. I do not wish for anyone in the village to grow sick. But I will worry for you while you are out in the wastelands. What horrors are you likely to meet on your travels? I can only guess at the barbarity of many places that you will find. Is it not reasonable that I would want you here with me?"
"I will have Narg and Uncle Mingan to watch over me, and Ariella and Phoenix. We will be fine."
"Narg is too busy chasing my cousin Nadea. His head will be full of empty and hopeless thoughts about how he longs to have her."
"Don't be so sure. My brother has passed the Temple of Trials just like the rest of us. He knows what is at stake otherwise he wouldn't have been allowed to go with us. The Council of Elders has chosen wisely and you should not cast doubts on their wisdom with your spiteful comments."
"I did not mean them to sound spiteful, I only wish you to be safe."
"I know, Jordan. But you must let me do this. I would never forgive you if you tried to stop me going."
"I will not try to stop you, Chitsa. I know how much this means to you." Jordan said as his hands slipped inside her dress and lifted it from her shoulders dropping it to the floor.
Jordan took her hand and led her to the bed. They would share each other one last time before Chitsa left on her quest.
--
Narg was the son of Morlis and the brother of Chitsa. His Uncle Mingan would be accompanying them on the journey into the wastelands. Narg has pursued Nadea for the past couple of years in the vain hope that he would attract the most sought after young woman in the village. After his successful test in the Temple of Trials and the following celebrations Narg had finally got to spend some time alone with Nadea.
"Do you know how long I have waited for this moment, Nadea?"
"I know this isn't what you think it's going to be. I will only sleep with the man I marry, Narg."
"But what of the quest for the Geck? I may never see you again after tonight."
"And that is the very reason I cannot give you what you ask, Narg. I will not be left with your child to bring up alone or the thought that you may die before returning to me."
"Then we will spend the night under the stars in each others arms."
"I had thought you a warrior and a brute, Narg. I had no idea that you could be romantic."
"It is just a night beneath the stars. The moonlight to …"
"You will return, Narg? You won't forget me?"
"I could never forget you, Nadea. You know how long I have waited for this moment."
"But it is not what you wished."
"It is enough, Nadea."
Nadea took his hand in hers as they sat in the fields looking up into the starlit sky.
--
The following morning was one of many tears and farewells. The entire village had turned out to see them leave. Even some of the traders from the Northern Tribes had joined the night's celebrations and now joined their neighbouring tribe in seeing off the Chosen One and her companions.
They walked over the rope bridge traversing the canyon that led to Arroyo. The mood was good and determined. They walked silently until they reached the other side and then turned to wave a final goodbye to friends, family and their fellow tribespeople.
There journey began here, the furthest most of them had ever travelled outside the village. But Mingan knew the way and with Ariella's compass they would find Klamath and the Holy Geck.
--
The story may be changed to an M rating later on. I'll wait to see if anyone reads it and what they think of the story.