Of Past and Future: The Tale of a Traveler
Disclaimer: Still don´ own SF. I do own Skysoar/Sky, Derek, Cloudkeep, Caillou and Serena. If you wish to borrow them, ask me. Be glad to help.
Part 2, Chapter 8: In the City
A\N: As Serena will play a rather important part in the plot, some parts of the fic from now on will be written from her POV (Point Of View) I have marked the places where viewpoints change accordingly. In later parts (Part 3+, should I get that far) we will get even more important characters with their own viewpoints. Enjoy.
*** Skysoar's POV
After the lich attack the caravan journey had been an uneventful one. Skysoar had explained the guards who had witnessed his transformation that it had been caused by a spell triggered when Cloudkeep was threatened. Most of the caravaners still avoided him.. not Derek, though. He had spent most of his time talking with Skysoar and helping to take care of Cloudkeep. Derek had taught Skysoar much of Cerinia, and Skysoar had told him of his past life.
"So, Skysoar.." Skysoar jerked suddenly as he was awoken from his thoughts. He and Derek had been going through the protocol required when in town.
"I've been needing to ask you a question. I recall that you called yourself a 'traveler' during the attack. What did you mean by that, may I ask?"
Skysoar took in a deep breath.
"As my true form, this must remain a secret.
I am a World Traveler, or a Realm Walker, a wanderer of dimensions. In a way I am immortal. When my physical body fails, my soul is instantly transported into a random dimension –a random universe- where I am reborn in my true Draconian form in a place of power in a random world capable of sustaining me. Non-Traveler souls –such as you, Derek- are reincarnated without any memories of their past lives in new bodies, though often similar to their previous forms. I also keep most of my memories, whereas others start totally clean after birth."
Derek looked slightly bewildered. "You mean that you just appeared up there in your Draconian self after you.. had died?"
"Mainly, yes. I appeared in some hills north from the canyon where we met. I suppose that those hills are positioned on a nexus of energy. I cannot remember what world I was in before Cerinia. When I Travel, I lose some of the memories I have gained since I became a Traveler. Still those memories are not completely lost- if I have 'forgotten' a creature, for example, and see one, the memories associated with that creature are reawakened. The lich, for instance, is a good example. I did not remember such beings ever existed, but when I saw it, I immediately could remember everything I had learned of it, the strengths and weaknesses of it. The Traveling, however, leaves intact those memories I gained before becoming a Traveler."
"I do not know why, or how, I became a Traveler, but I am trying to make good use of these abilities. I have been gathering knowledge of all the worlds I have visited, while searching.."
"Searching?"
Skysoar swallowed hard. It was still strange to feel some of the reactions his fox body had been equipped with. Draconians did not have the capability of shedding tears, for instance, and it was frustrating to fight with his own voice.
"I.. I had hoped I could meet again my family, no matter how slim the chances. Now I believe I have found again my beloved daughter, Cloudkeep, though she does not remember me."
"Are you really going to leave her in the next city we see to be taken care of?"
"Yes. I cannot raise her as my own, so I shall leave her to parents who can. I will keep an eye on her for a while and leave her to live her own life. There is so much to see here on Cerinia and on the other worlds of this realm."
***
A week after the Undead attack the caravan scouts had seen the lights of their destination city. According to Derek the city was the capital or the northern area of Cerinia, known as Castle City Sheriam. Derek had given Skysoar some Cerinian currency –'drakes' and 'scales' to Skysoar's amusement, fifty scales equaling to one drake- and some general advice on proper protocol and etiquette for the disguised Draconian. Skysoar had asked Derek to 'forget' about him after his departure, for the safety of all of them.
Derek and his caravan staid for three days before departing for their next destination. Skysoar was standing on a rooftop near the city walls to see them off.
"Farewell, gar´dre´wynn.. Friend. Live long and prosper.."
He turned and picked up Cloudkeep. They would need a place to stay.. Maybe an inn or a tavern? Skysoar´s golden eyes glittered as he glanced over the sleeping city.
***
A lone night guard was nearly dozing off when he saw a robed figure approach him. He was about to command it to stop when it spoke to him.
"Excuse me, milord.." Torchlight reflected off a pair of golden eyes under the black hood.
"I have just recently arrived here in Sheriam, and I was wondering, sir, if you could point me to a nearby inn?" The stranger spoke in a deep, calm voice.
"Certainly, mister. The closest inn would be the Silver Drake. Follow the street south until you reach the blacksmith. The Drake is built on the bridge you will see when you turn west."
The figure bowed slightly. "Thank you kindly, milord. West from the blacksmith.. Thank you and good night."
The guard watched the robed figure walk down the street.
"Now that's a first. No-one has ever called me milord before.." He shook his head and resumed keeping a lookout for anything unusual.
*** Skysoar´s POV
Skysoar smiled to himself when he saw the inn. The Silver Drake had been built partly on a stone bridge crossing the river that split the city in two halves. It was a strongly built stone structure half on the bridge, propped on large stone pillars. The lower floor windows were made of red and green stained glass, tossing red and green light onto the stream below.
Skysoar smirked at the tavern sign representing a silver dragon holding a large pitcher in its forelegs.
"The Silver Drake, eh? Seems quite quiet for an inn at this time of the night.."
Skysoar propped Cloudkeep wrapped in soft cloth on his left arm, removed his heavy travel hood and opened the wooden door.
Golden light washed over him. The scents of dry straws, ale and sweat pervaded his nostrils. The inn seemed to be quiet. Only a handful of patrons (not too drunk, even) were seated at the large hall. A tired-looking gray-furred vulpine barmaid was serving the customers to ale. Skysoar made quick notes how the tables and chairs had been firmly bolted to the floor. At the rear was a large bar table with an old fox who seemed like the possible owner. It was warm in the hall, as a large fireplace at the side of the room had been loaded with large chunks of firewood. Skysoar glanced approvingly at the large metal (iron, from the scent) grate covering the entry, noticing how the hay had been brushed off the floor in a reasonable area around the fireplace.
"Can I help you?" A melodic female voice awoke Skysoar from his thoughts. The voice belonged to the vulpine barmaid who had stopped to talk to him.
"Thank you , Miss. Where could I get a room?"
The maid flashed a quick smile at Skysoar, her emerald-green eyes flaring amongst her silvery-gray fur.
"Oh, don't call me 'miss', milord. I'm Serena. You can rent a room from old Caillou over there."
She motioned at the old fox at the table. Skysoar nodded and returned the smile.
"Thank you, Serena. I will need to talk to him, then." He glanced around the near-silent bar.
"Is it always this quiet here, may I ask? One could think you are currently closed down. I cannot see the drunken patrons most inns would have gathered at this hour.."
Serena laughed quietly at him. "'Tis always this quiet during the winter, master Sky. As for the drunken patrons, we have a policy not to give too drunken people ale. We like it calm here. Besides, we will soon be closing for the night."
"Is that so? I will need to talk to Caillou, then. Good night, Serena."
Skysoar proceeded to greet the old brown vulpine at the desk.
"Greetings. I assume I am talking to master Caillou?"
The old fox nodded.
"Yes, I'm Caillou. How can I help you?"
Skysoar dug out his coin pouch. "My name is Sky. I would like to rent a room for some days."
"The price is fifteen scales for a night. How long were you planning on staying?"
Skysoar thought for a moment. "I do not know yet. I will pay for five days advance and see then."
Caillou watched Skysoar count up several pentagonal coins.
"Fifty-five scales.. That will be enough. You will have to understand that we don't want any trouble here. That means no gambling, no lady 'friends' or fighting. Break anything and you pay for it. Get too drunk an' I'll personally throw you out. Kapische?"
"I assure you, master Caillou, that trouble is the last thing I want. I happen to like it quiet."
"If you say so. Serena! Could you show master Sky to his room?"
The maid rushed over to the table and left her tray there. "Surely. Please follow me, master Sky."
Serena lead Skysoar up the stairs to a door on the third floor. "Here is your room."
The furniture consisted of a strong wooden table, some chairs, a large closet and a bed. The window above the table gave a good, if slightly warbled view of the sleeping city over the river. Serena hurried to light some candles in brass holders set in the walls.
"I hope you enjoy your stay here. Is there anything I could do for you?"
Serena's long green dress rustled as she turned to face Skysoar. The green cloth accented nicely her silvery gray fur and emerald eyes. The fur surrounding her eyes was nearly white, whereas the rest of her facial fur was darker, smoky silver gray. Her ears were like pure silver and a silvery-colored mane of hair reached slightly past her shoulders. Skysoar blinked and shook his head and as he realized he was staring.
"The room is excellent, thank you. One cannot complain when one has spent nearly two months in a mountainside cave and traveled with a caravan for nearly a month. Heck, this is divine compared to that.."
Skysoar stopped for a second and took deep breath. "And now, I am rambling on like a fool. Forgive me. I would appreciate if you could bring me something cold to drink and some soup. Meat soup, preferably, please."
Serena seemed somewhat surprised.
"Meat soup? I'll go see if we have anything.." She rushed out of the room, leaving behind a cloud of some kind of perfume. Skysoar shook his head.
"Concentrate, Skysoar," he growled silently to himself. "She is a fox. You are a blue Draconian, Skysoar Stormwing. Act like one."
He removed his heavy cloak, still growling to himself.
"Mammal instincts.. How can they concentrate at all?"
*** Serena´s POV
Serena climbed back to the third floor, balancing a heavy tray on her arms. She had been slightly surprised when Sky had asked her just to bring some food. Most male (and some female) customers had tried to hit on her when she had asked when she had asked if they needed anything. Some had treated her like pond scum. Master Sky didn't seem like either of those types. He had been so polite to her, completely unlike some customers. He had a kind of an aura of mystery around him. The way he spoke was completely different from what she had been used to. His appearance was somewhat exotic; new and mysterious, but in a good way. Serena had never seen a fox with blue fur before. Bluish gray, yes, but never had she seen such clear azure blue fur, like the calm summer ocean. And those eyes.. They were gold. Not brownish yellow, but pure gold, like a new coin. Serena found the way he had nearly blushed quite amusing..
Serena was still holding back laughter when she entered Sky's room. He had removed his cloak and was wearing black leather trousers, black boots with silvery decorations, a black sleeveless leather jacket and some kind of black metal bracelets with silvery designs on them. Serena was surprised to see the way his muscles bulged under a layer of short, blue fur. He must have been very strong. He had crouched over something on the table, muttering in a language Serena didn't recognize.
"Ehm.. I brought you some soup and ale, master Sky.."
Sky seemed to have been surprised by her sudden appearance. He straightened up suddenly and spun around to face her, reaching up a hand as if to grab something. A sudden flash of comprehension dawned on his face and he lowered his arm, embarrassed. Serena spoke first to break the awkward silence.
"I'm sorry if I startled you, master Sky. I couldn't find any meat soup, so I brought you some chicken stew. I brought some ale, too. You must be thirsty."
Sky had regained his composure and smiled at her, revealing rows of sharp teeth. "It is all right, Serena. I must still be jumpy after my travels. Chicken stew will do fine, thank you very much."
He took the tray gently from Serena and set it on the table. When he turned sideways to her Serena could see what was on the table.
It was a child. A white, vulpine child.
"Uh.. This is your child, master Sky?" Serena was surprised at the way her voice sounded- slightly stuttering and brittle. Sky seemed equally surprised.
"Hunh? Well.. Yes and no. She has been assigned to my care, so that makes her my daughter. Still, there is no blood relativity, as I am not related to her parents."
Serena nodded silently. She crouched over the child to study her closer. Her fur was pure white and her eyes were deep blue with a small hue of purple. She was staring at Serena with those blue eyes, with the curiosity only a small child could have.
"She is beautiful.." Serena whispered. "May I ask for her name?"
Sky smiled slightly at her. "Cloudkeep. Her name is Cloudkeep; The castle in the clouds."
Serena stared into the blue eyes of the little girl. "Cloudkeep.." she whispered. Her fur truly was colored like the pure summer clouds. Serena flinched slightly when Cloudkeep raised he small, but perfect hand to touch her cheek. "Oh.." Cloudkeep was just staring at Serena, her tiny nose moving slightly while she was feeling Serena's fur. Serena had to fight the urge to grab the child off the table and to cradle her in her arms. Her heart nearly leapt up to her throat when she felt Sky's hand on her shoulder.
"Would you like to hold her, milady?"
Serena nodded silently. "Than you, milord. She is such a beautiful child.."
Serena took Cloudkeep carefully to her chest and kept the child to her chest. The little girl instinctively wrapped her delicate arms around Serena's neck. "Oh.." Serena had to fight back tears. Cloudkeep was so small and fragile.. and she trusted her so much.
Serena put the child gently back down on the table.
"I- I am sorry, milord. I have work to do.." Her voice did not sound like her own. "I must go now.."
Sky spoke in a low, smooth and gentle voice. "I understand. Go. Sleep well, Serena."
Serena rushed out of the room, her thoughts and emotions a senseless jumble.
*** Skysoar's POV
Skysoar looked after Serena as she stumbled her way out. Something with Cloudkeep had shaken her. Towards the end of her 'visit' Skysoar had sensed a mindless jumble of feelings from her.
"Women. Be they Draconian, human, vulpine.. never will I understand them. I will have to keep an eye out for her.."
Skysoar shivered when he remembered how he had reacted to her arrival. He had still to get used to his vulpine instincts and emotions.
"Thank Dachar I did not have the Stormhammer handy.." The mace had flat-out crushed the bones of the undead attackers in combat. Should he wield the weapon against a living foe.. The results could not bear thinking about.
Skysoar shook his head. He would need to be more careful from now on.
"Now then, dal'rann.." Skysoar began, turning to the child. "Shall we feed you? You can have the soup and I will take the ale. Deal?"
There was no danger he would get drunk from a pitcher or two of mere ale. The Draconian body was extremely resistant to different poisons (including alcohol) and most of that resistance had been transferred over to his fox body. Skysoar had once calculated that the amount of pure, undiluted alcohol he would need to consume before becoming intoxicated was near five good-sized barrels of pure ethanol in his Draconian self. His vulpine form would not be far behind.
Cloudkeep just giggled at him as he approached the child, spoon in hand.
*** *** ***
That would be the end of Part One and the beginning of Part Two for you. Hope you liked it.
Do we sense some sparks here? What about maternal instincts? I do have plans for Skysoar and Serena, so stick around.
Arch, and the translations of the Draconian bits:
"Gar'dre'wynn"
"My friend" 'Gar' stands for 'me','I', or 'my'. 'Dre' means 'friend'. The 'wynn' at the end means that the particular friend is a male one. "Gar'dre'rann" would be 'my friend' when talking about a female friend.
"Dal'rann"
"Little girl/daughter/female child". As said before, 'Dal' stands for child and 'rann' means female. "Dal'wynn" would mean 'little boy' or 'son' or 'male child'. Simple as that.
