I AM REWRITING THIS STORY. IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE NEW VERSION OF CHAPTER 1, GO AND READ IT.
Hello everyone, here is the second installment of Runedar. This chapter is completely set in the world of Toril and introduces my OC and her family and kicks off the story. Let me know what you think of this chapter. I hope you enjoy it!
Disclaimer: I do not own the works of J.R.R Tolkien nor do I own the world of Faerun or any other characters created by the Wizards of the Coast. I only own my OC's Ilde, Kahlan, Vícta, Raínor, Horril and Simil.
CHAPTER 1 - Goodbye
It was still within the early hours of the morning, but the household of the Fireforge family was already up and about. Today was the day they had been waiting to come with a feeling of dread and anxiety. Ilde, the eldest daughter, having seen 120 summers come and go, was fidgeting with the sleeves of her dress. Her sister Kahlan was seated next to her, her shoulder shuddering while she silently cried. She watched her mother Vícta strapping up the last bits and pieces of her fathers armor. Her brother, Raínor, was cradling his little girl of three years old, while embracing his wife Simil.
"Come now, dear. It is time to go." The gentle voice of her Grandmother Bola sounded. Ilde nodded solemnly and made her way to the front door, casting sad smiles to her family. The entire family made its way to the centre of the Undercity. There stood Bruenor, the Tenth King of Mithral Hall, with a sombre expression on his face. When all inhabitants had arrived in the hall, Bruenor began his speech.
"Honored citizens, my fellow kinsmen. It is with great dread that I must now send so many of you on this uncertain path. As you all know, not two weeks ago a mysterious portal appeared within our mines, expulsing all horrible kinds of dark magic. We cannot remain oblivious to it and must therefore find out where it came from, thus where it leads to. And ultimately how we can expel it from our city. The bravery of those who have volunteered to step into the unknown will not be forgotten. Now, we must venture into the mines. I will, as will we all, pray for your safe return. I honor you, brave soldiers." His eyes roamed over the faces of all the volunteers, who were standing on the front line, a solemn expression tugging on his features.
He led the group of volunteers and their families into the mines. Each step that took Ilde closer to that accursed portal filled Ilde with greater dread. The portal that could very well destroy her family, but she would be strong. She would be strong for them.
She lifted her head to look ahead, but her vision was blurred with tears. She tried to focus on the golden tresses of her sisters hair. The blue dress that her mother was wearing, detailed with silver details, especially reserved for important events. After what felt like an eternity the group came to a halt.
The Fireforge family turned to each other, looking upon eachothers features for it may be the last time they would ever get the chance to do so. Her fathers face, which was lined with wrinkles and scars, his full red beard and the bright smile which he even now tried to manage. "There now, my dear. It will be alright. I will be back before ya've even missed me." He pressed his lips on her forehead, then moved to her ear and whispered "And if I don't, you can be proud of your old man. Now, promise me to take good care of your mother and sister. They need you." All Ilde could manage was a nod and she threw her arms around him, sobbing quietly.
He slowly pushed her away and moved on to the rest of the family. "Now, sis. It will be alright, you know me and da, you won't get rid of us that easily." Raínor jested, trying to keep a light mood. "Oh, brother. If only jokes could help us now." He lifted a finger under her chin and managed a small smile. "Oh, but it does. Laughter can heal, you know that. We will be alright. I would stay if I could, but you know I can't. I have to do this, for them." He looked at his wife and daughter. "I have to make sure the world she grows up in is safe.. enough." He added the last word with a smile, referring to the adventures they had shared in together as children. "I know why you need to go, but it does not make me glad you are going." "Good thing I would not want you to be. I expect some wails at my funeral." She punched him in his arm. "Stop it! That isn't funny!" He squeezed her shoulder and gave her a final hug. "When I get back, I want you to smile again."
When all families had said their goodbyes, the moment they had all been dreading had finally come. One by one the volunteers passed to the portal with a plop that did not indicate what kind of terrors may be waiting on the other side.
Ilde's hand was being crushed by her sisters firm grip. Kahlan had latched onto her and Ilde hoped that she could provide some strenght in this simple way. Then, her brothers name was called. "Raínior Firefore, please step forward." Her sister-in-law gave a heartbreaking cry as she was forced to release his hand. "I thank you for the service you are doing your city. May you be victorious and return to your wife and child." The king grabbed his arm and gripped it firmly. "Moradin be with you." And with that, he walked through the portal.
"Horril Fireforge, please step forward." Horril stepped towards the king, his chin lifted high, showing no fear. "Horril, you have served in our guard for many years and have proven yourself a capable and loyal warrior. I regret you must make yet another sacrifice for me and this city. I thank you for the service you are doing your ci-" "NO! I WILL NOT LET YOU GO!" Vícta raced towards her husband and grabbed his arm tightly. "Please, my king. I cannot lose him. Not him and my son as well. Let him stay or let me join him." King Bruenor looked at a loss for words. "Well, my lady. That is not my choice to make, if you wish to join your husband. Then he must allow you to do so, if you volunteer I can merely give my blessing."
Ilde's heart was thumping in her ears. Mother could not be serious, could she. None of them wanted Horril and Raínior to leave, but there was no choice. And for her to join them. What if they never came back? Ilde had wanted to go, but her parents had forbidden it, deeming it too dangerous. And they were right. Horril and Raínor had no choice, having families to protect. But Ilde, she was needed here, as was her mother. "Mother, please don't go!" Kahlan cried next to her, trying to get to her parents, but Ilde held her back. "No Kahlan, we can't." Ilde whispered, trying to reassure her sister with a quick tightening of her hand around Kahlans.
Horril took his wifes head in his hands. "Vícta, listen to me. You must stay with our children. With Bola and Simil, with our granddaughter." But Vícta just straightened her posture, refusing to back down. "No Horril, I will not lose you. I stay by you, in life and in death. I will not let you go alone, I refuse to." She turned to Ilde. "Look after them darling, I know you can. Protect them from whatever may come." She kissed her husbands cheek and led him to the portal. "Together or not at all. You remember, don't you Horril?"
Hand in hand, they stepped into the portal. And then they were gone.
Sort of cliffhanger I think? Well, please review! Next chapter coming up soon!