K'arthur: Well the two prologue were very rough when I wrote them (considering that it was a rather late hour), and I was having problems with the conflicts in information of the age and certain events on different websites and in the recently released American translation of the Manga. And as the for the formatting…. I don't know what happed to it. As for random grammar mistakes….
1: I really never got into the habit of writing numbers under 100 since it just reminded me of my hellish years in High school, and since fan fiction is not supposed to be for school work, I tend to shy away from writing as such. (shudders)
2. The Mother thing… isn't gonna be mentioned that often so I'm not going to bother with that….
3. The history thing… I don't know if that directed to Roland's or Nei's (I'll assume both) Nei's is a self musing… Funny, I though I did the first two as italics….
4: Nadir is rather overdramatic… I was afraid I actually over did it O.o
It's been over a year since I wrote fan fiction, so I guess I'm really rusty… But then again I was never very good at writing to begin with… -.- Thanks for the criticism!
Star-Cursed Flight
By the black gryphon
Chapter 1: Moon
---------------------------
Moonlight bathed the ship's deck in it's gentle light, and with it the troubled soul of the elf maiden who sat in her hammock, staring out across the lake. The gentle lapping of the waves against the hull failed to soothe her nerves, nor did the drunken ballads coming from the tavern bring a smile to her face. The people who were on the deck kept to themselves as Jacques sat on the other end of the ship while Luce helped Goro with his task of hanging newly cleaned towels. She just sat there, staring at the moon's reflection. Footsteps behind her were unheard until a shadow appeared behind her own. Twirling around, Nei found herself face to face with the "Silver Maiden", Chris.
"Good evening Lady Chris." Nei greeted the knight after recovering from her shock. Chris smiled at the elf before leaving on the railing beside her hammock. "Good evening, what brings you out here at this time of night?"
"It's too stuffy in the tavern and I wanted to enjoy the night out here." Chris stared down at the pillow and light blanket under the elf. "You needed a pillow to star gaze?"
Flushing bright red, Nei sat up in the hammock and then fidgeted. Chris smiled at the blushing elf, who began to say softly, "I like to sleep outside… it's …um… romantic…"
People would think that a knight would find this both risk (for one could easily be taken captive) and a waste of time, but Chris, being female understood well enough. "I also liked sleeping outside with I was a child, but, as you can figure I can't enjoy such pleasures."
"That is a shame, everyone should be able to enjoy the night sky." Nei replied as the thick veil of silence settled in. Neither one knew what to say and merely stared up into the heavenly stars. Suddenly, the soft wordless hum broke the silence, bring Nei's attention to the now humming Knight captain. She recognized the tune and smiled softly as she felt the need to sing once again rise up and she closed her eyes before singing the first lyrics, the Jongleur rune on her left hand glowing in response to her song.
Nascer do sol, palavras, milagre
Água pura, uma lágrima
Paz, luz, amor...
Fruto, agreste, respiração, liberdade
As Nei's voice filled the air, Chris found herself silent as the song mistress wove her spell in the air, the spirits of nature swirling brightly around the elf as the Jongleur rune hovered lazily around the elf. Everyone on the deck at that moment were held enraptured by the song, and even those in the tavern seemed to calm down. Chris almost believed that there was a hidden orchestra playing somewhere, as the melody reverberated through the air.
Harmonia, vento da benção
Agradecimento...
Tempestade, inquietação, escuridão
Luz do sol alegria graças a Deas...
The songstress stopped singing, but the melody still hung around them and Nei smiled softly at Chris, whose normally sharp eyes were now glimmering softly, closed her eyes as the rune of true water began to glow as well. The spirits began to glow even more brightly as the two rune bearers, one of song the other of pure water began to sing the final chorus…
Tempestade, inquietação, escuridão
Luz do sol alegria graças a Deus...
Tempestade, inquietação, escuridão
Luz do sol alegria graças a Deas...
As the song slowly faded away, some of the spirits began to hover away, but most of the more curious ones stayed behind. A few began to play with the two women's hair, some landed on the railing, and others decided to perch around or on their enchanters. One brushed again Nei's face and she smiled, the tiny soul radiated peace and happiness.
"I did not know that buskers were also well versed in Zexen hymns." Chris said as she held a large water spirit on her finger, obviously happy with the feelings it was radiating.
"Normally we are not, but my father and mother loved all forms of song, even if they are considered holy and boring to little children. Your goddess must have gifted song writers to come up with such a beautiful work of art." Nei commented as the tiny wind spirit flew off over the side of the deck to play once again with the lake's waters. Chris's smile disappeared slightly.
"Money can buy you anything, or so do many of the people think."
Nei shook her head before lifting a mischievous tree sprit off Chris' head. "Such feeling can not be bought. Who ever wrote it must of loved your Goddess."
"…" Chris remained silent until there was a loud cry of pain from the tavern, where she could see that drunken Borus had picked a fight with Lucia. "I enjoyed our talk, though I believe I will be needed to play peacekeeper. Nei held back a giggle as she leaned back into her hammock and watched the moon as it rose higher and higher. As Chris walked down the stairs, she was caught by surprise that Roland was leaning against the wall, a pair of Earth and tree spirits on his shoulder. She then blushed as she realized that Roland could have been listening to her sing all this time.
"Do not worry my Lady, I will not tell anyone about tonight." He answered, his eyes staring towards the lake, away from her. Chris sighed in relief before disappearing below the deck. Roland remained quiet as he leaned against the wall, his thoughts lost.
Dawn broke over Budehuc castle and the beams found the hammock empty. Instead, the Elvin maiden had taken a horse from Kathy (who always woke up at this hour to feed and groom the horses) and rode into the plains. The rabbits avoided her and anything that tried to attack her was easily subdued and sent flying by agile fists. Dew covered the ground as Nei found herself energized by the first rays of light. Stopping her horse, she gazed into the sunset to enjoy the rising sun when a roar broke the peace. Even the Rabid rabbits ran as a Troll Dragon dove in towards the Elvin maiden, who narrowly escaped the first dive. Urging her horse into a full gallop she ran for the tree line which she hoped would hold back the beast. Flaming missiles rained down around her as the dragon tried to spook it's future meal, but the horse was one of the Zexen war breeds and ran onwards. This didn't stop the dragon at all however who once again dove down. This time the rider was hurled off the horse from the force of the wind. Her back slammed into a tree and Nei struggled to stay awake, only to find herself failing. All she saw before all when to black was the dragon's talons coming closer and closer. Seeming triumphant, the dragon focused only on it's meal. This however, meant it didn't see the arrow aimed straight for it's eye until it was too late. It's scream of agony ripped through he morning silence and it oriented on the archer who had let another arrow fly, this time the arrows hitting it in the wing joint. The dragon either could chomp up his meal and run or attack his aggressor. However troll dragons aren't exactly the smartest of dragons and it stumbled towards the archer who kept his distance, launching arrow after arrow until the Troll dragon slumped down from loss of blood and died. Roland frowned at the corpse before maneuvering his horse over to where the uncurious Nei lay. Sliding out of the saddle, he took off his armored glove and pressed two fingers to the side of her neck. Finding that the plus was beating strongly, he turned her over to her back. Cuts and splinters were streaking blood down her back, dying the white cloth of her shirt a blood red. For now all he could do was administer a High quality ointment, mysteriously labeled Medicine A, and wrap a clean gauze over her shirt and back. (What did you think he was going to do? Take off her shirt? That's for later on heh heh heh [j/k]) Carefully lifting Nei in his arms he mounted his horse and urged his steed into a gentle yet fast paced trot, only momentarily stopping to gather the reins of the sheepish War horse who had abandoned his rider. Relief flooded him as the walls of Budehuc castle appeared on the horizon.
Groggily, Nei forced her eyes to open to find a slightly cracked white ceiling above her. Glancing to her side, she saw the smiling face of Mio, who asked if she was alright. Nei nodded and tried to get up but a sharp pain caused her to freeze and allow Mio to force her back into laying back down.
"You should be a bit more patient, Miss Nei. That Kindness Drops scroll still hasn't finished it's job completely." The soothing voice of Tuta appeared from the far end of the room.
"How… How did I get here?" Nei asked, the memories of her encounter with the troll dragon resurfacing. Unless Mio and Tuta, along with their whole office/medical room was swallowed after her, she had been saved by someone.
"Sir Roland came in earlier today with you unconscious in his arms. Your back would have been seriously injured if not for his quick thinking." The words 'Roland' and 'in his arms' brought a bright flush to Nei's face. Mio giggled before standing up and whispering to Tuta, who nodded.
"Miss Mio will accompany you to the baths since I believe that a good bath will make your recovery faster." Tuta said, scribbling down something before handing it to Nei. Reading the note, it was a herbal soak medication, which Goro would most likely have on hand.
"But I need my…" Mio interrupted her, " I have some extra soap and bathing items you can use. Now lets get you freshened up shall we?"
Warm steam filled the room as Nei allowed Mio to scrub her back. The herbal soak was an infusion of Lavender and Lily, a truly relaxing mixture.
"There, all finished. By now the herbs should of fully soaked the water, so shall we enjoy this opportunity?" Mio motioned to the scented water as she herself slipped into it. Quickly making sure her hair was firmly pinned in place, Nei allowed herself to sink in until only her neck and head were above the water. For the first few minutes they enjoyed the water until Mio asked the question.
"So, do you have a crush on Sir Roland?" Nei sat up straight and found herself speechless. She was about to deny it when another voice broke in.
"I think that would be obvious." Queen commented as she entered the bath area. Nei sunk deeper into the water, her face a deep red. Maybe if she stayed under long enough she could blame it on the water. Mio tittered and replied, "They do make the most wonderful couple, don't you think?"
"Miss Mio! What about you and Dr. Tuta?" Nei cried out, trying to get the attention away from her.
"That one is obvious. Tuta had a crush on Mio ever since we first met." Queen commented as she scrubbed her arms. Now it was Mio's turn.
"And you and Mr. Geddoe?" Queen remained quiet as she rinsed off the soap suds, and slipped into the waters.
"How about we just stop this and enjoy our soak?" Nei suggested.
"Agreed." Mio and Queen said simultaneously. Minutes ticked by until Mio accidentally splashed Nei, which triggered a full-blown water war between the two grown women and elf.
"Do you hear laughter?" Tuta questioned as he sipped on his sake cup. Roland merely shrugged. Geddoe shrugged and hit Ace on the head before he could suggest something.
"…. my bath…." Goro whimpered as he imagined how much ruckus the women were causing inside but dared not enter to stop them in fear of losing major organs.
AN: Pretty long this time huh? A few things I would like to point out…
1. There are 2 baths in Goro's bath area. Though most miss it, if you move towards Reed there is another doorway which leads to the male/female baths.
2. The hammock thing is related in Inquiry 2 of Nei, who likes sleeping in a hammock because it's romantic.
3. To sort out some confusion, this is after that newspaper article incident.
4. Bathes here are not like the ones I believe are like the bathes in Suikoden. Those are more Japanese style, where it's more appropriate to wear a bath towel when soaking in a public bath house. Of course that's not always the case, but hey, work with me here!
Review…. Please? [Somehow does a pouty puppy eye face even though she's a gryphon.]
1: I really never got into the habit of writing numbers under 100 since it just reminded me of my hellish years in High school, and since fan fiction is not supposed to be for school work, I tend to shy away from writing as such. (shudders)
2. The Mother thing… isn't gonna be mentioned that often so I'm not going to bother with that….
3. The history thing… I don't know if that directed to Roland's or Nei's (I'll assume both) Nei's is a self musing… Funny, I though I did the first two as italics….
4: Nadir is rather overdramatic… I was afraid I actually over did it O.o
It's been over a year since I wrote fan fiction, so I guess I'm really rusty… But then again I was never very good at writing to begin with… -.- Thanks for the criticism!
Star-Cursed Flight
By the black gryphon
Chapter 1: Moon
---------------------------
Moonlight bathed the ship's deck in it's gentle light, and with it the troubled soul of the elf maiden who sat in her hammock, staring out across the lake. The gentle lapping of the waves against the hull failed to soothe her nerves, nor did the drunken ballads coming from the tavern bring a smile to her face. The people who were on the deck kept to themselves as Jacques sat on the other end of the ship while Luce helped Goro with his task of hanging newly cleaned towels. She just sat there, staring at the moon's reflection. Footsteps behind her were unheard until a shadow appeared behind her own. Twirling around, Nei found herself face to face with the "Silver Maiden", Chris.
"Good evening Lady Chris." Nei greeted the knight after recovering from her shock. Chris smiled at the elf before leaving on the railing beside her hammock. "Good evening, what brings you out here at this time of night?"
"It's too stuffy in the tavern and I wanted to enjoy the night out here." Chris stared down at the pillow and light blanket under the elf. "You needed a pillow to star gaze?"
Flushing bright red, Nei sat up in the hammock and then fidgeted. Chris smiled at the blushing elf, who began to say softly, "I like to sleep outside… it's …um… romantic…"
People would think that a knight would find this both risk (for one could easily be taken captive) and a waste of time, but Chris, being female understood well enough. "I also liked sleeping outside with I was a child, but, as you can figure I can't enjoy such pleasures."
"That is a shame, everyone should be able to enjoy the night sky." Nei replied as the thick veil of silence settled in. Neither one knew what to say and merely stared up into the heavenly stars. Suddenly, the soft wordless hum broke the silence, bring Nei's attention to the now humming Knight captain. She recognized the tune and smiled softly as she felt the need to sing once again rise up and she closed her eyes before singing the first lyrics, the Jongleur rune on her left hand glowing in response to her song.
Nascer do sol, palavras, milagre
Água pura, uma lágrima
Paz, luz, amor...
Fruto, agreste, respiração, liberdade
As Nei's voice filled the air, Chris found herself silent as the song mistress wove her spell in the air, the spirits of nature swirling brightly around the elf as the Jongleur rune hovered lazily around the elf. Everyone on the deck at that moment were held enraptured by the song, and even those in the tavern seemed to calm down. Chris almost believed that there was a hidden orchestra playing somewhere, as the melody reverberated through the air.
Harmonia, vento da benção
Agradecimento...
Tempestade, inquietação, escuridão
Luz do sol alegria graças a Deas...
The songstress stopped singing, but the melody still hung around them and Nei smiled softly at Chris, whose normally sharp eyes were now glimmering softly, closed her eyes as the rune of true water began to glow as well. The spirits began to glow even more brightly as the two rune bearers, one of song the other of pure water began to sing the final chorus…
Tempestade, inquietação, escuridão
Luz do sol alegria graças a Deus...
Tempestade, inquietação, escuridão
Luz do sol alegria graças a Deas...
As the song slowly faded away, some of the spirits began to hover away, but most of the more curious ones stayed behind. A few began to play with the two women's hair, some landed on the railing, and others decided to perch around or on their enchanters. One brushed again Nei's face and she smiled, the tiny soul radiated peace and happiness.
"I did not know that buskers were also well versed in Zexen hymns." Chris said as she held a large water spirit on her finger, obviously happy with the feelings it was radiating.
"Normally we are not, but my father and mother loved all forms of song, even if they are considered holy and boring to little children. Your goddess must have gifted song writers to come up with such a beautiful work of art." Nei commented as the tiny wind spirit flew off over the side of the deck to play once again with the lake's waters. Chris's smile disappeared slightly.
"Money can buy you anything, or so do many of the people think."
Nei shook her head before lifting a mischievous tree sprit off Chris' head. "Such feeling can not be bought. Who ever wrote it must of loved your Goddess."
"…" Chris remained silent until there was a loud cry of pain from the tavern, where she could see that drunken Borus had picked a fight with Lucia. "I enjoyed our talk, though I believe I will be needed to play peacekeeper. Nei held back a giggle as she leaned back into her hammock and watched the moon as it rose higher and higher. As Chris walked down the stairs, she was caught by surprise that Roland was leaning against the wall, a pair of Earth and tree spirits on his shoulder. She then blushed as she realized that Roland could have been listening to her sing all this time.
"Do not worry my Lady, I will not tell anyone about tonight." He answered, his eyes staring towards the lake, away from her. Chris sighed in relief before disappearing below the deck. Roland remained quiet as he leaned against the wall, his thoughts lost.
Dawn broke over Budehuc castle and the beams found the hammock empty. Instead, the Elvin maiden had taken a horse from Kathy (who always woke up at this hour to feed and groom the horses) and rode into the plains. The rabbits avoided her and anything that tried to attack her was easily subdued and sent flying by agile fists. Dew covered the ground as Nei found herself energized by the first rays of light. Stopping her horse, she gazed into the sunset to enjoy the rising sun when a roar broke the peace. Even the Rabid rabbits ran as a Troll Dragon dove in towards the Elvin maiden, who narrowly escaped the first dive. Urging her horse into a full gallop she ran for the tree line which she hoped would hold back the beast. Flaming missiles rained down around her as the dragon tried to spook it's future meal, but the horse was one of the Zexen war breeds and ran onwards. This didn't stop the dragon at all however who once again dove down. This time the rider was hurled off the horse from the force of the wind. Her back slammed into a tree and Nei struggled to stay awake, only to find herself failing. All she saw before all when to black was the dragon's talons coming closer and closer. Seeming triumphant, the dragon focused only on it's meal. This however, meant it didn't see the arrow aimed straight for it's eye until it was too late. It's scream of agony ripped through he morning silence and it oriented on the archer who had let another arrow fly, this time the arrows hitting it in the wing joint. The dragon either could chomp up his meal and run or attack his aggressor. However troll dragons aren't exactly the smartest of dragons and it stumbled towards the archer who kept his distance, launching arrow after arrow until the Troll dragon slumped down from loss of blood and died. Roland frowned at the corpse before maneuvering his horse over to where the uncurious Nei lay. Sliding out of the saddle, he took off his armored glove and pressed two fingers to the side of her neck. Finding that the plus was beating strongly, he turned her over to her back. Cuts and splinters were streaking blood down her back, dying the white cloth of her shirt a blood red. For now all he could do was administer a High quality ointment, mysteriously labeled Medicine A, and wrap a clean gauze over her shirt and back. (What did you think he was going to do? Take off her shirt? That's for later on heh heh heh [j/k]) Carefully lifting Nei in his arms he mounted his horse and urged his steed into a gentle yet fast paced trot, only momentarily stopping to gather the reins of the sheepish War horse who had abandoned his rider. Relief flooded him as the walls of Budehuc castle appeared on the horizon.
Groggily, Nei forced her eyes to open to find a slightly cracked white ceiling above her. Glancing to her side, she saw the smiling face of Mio, who asked if she was alright. Nei nodded and tried to get up but a sharp pain caused her to freeze and allow Mio to force her back into laying back down.
"You should be a bit more patient, Miss Nei. That Kindness Drops scroll still hasn't finished it's job completely." The soothing voice of Tuta appeared from the far end of the room.
"How… How did I get here?" Nei asked, the memories of her encounter with the troll dragon resurfacing. Unless Mio and Tuta, along with their whole office/medical room was swallowed after her, she had been saved by someone.
"Sir Roland came in earlier today with you unconscious in his arms. Your back would have been seriously injured if not for his quick thinking." The words 'Roland' and 'in his arms' brought a bright flush to Nei's face. Mio giggled before standing up and whispering to Tuta, who nodded.
"Miss Mio will accompany you to the baths since I believe that a good bath will make your recovery faster." Tuta said, scribbling down something before handing it to Nei. Reading the note, it was a herbal soak medication, which Goro would most likely have on hand.
"But I need my…" Mio interrupted her, " I have some extra soap and bathing items you can use. Now lets get you freshened up shall we?"
Warm steam filled the room as Nei allowed Mio to scrub her back. The herbal soak was an infusion of Lavender and Lily, a truly relaxing mixture.
"There, all finished. By now the herbs should of fully soaked the water, so shall we enjoy this opportunity?" Mio motioned to the scented water as she herself slipped into it. Quickly making sure her hair was firmly pinned in place, Nei allowed herself to sink in until only her neck and head were above the water. For the first few minutes they enjoyed the water until Mio asked the question.
"So, do you have a crush on Sir Roland?" Nei sat up straight and found herself speechless. She was about to deny it when another voice broke in.
"I think that would be obvious." Queen commented as she entered the bath area. Nei sunk deeper into the water, her face a deep red. Maybe if she stayed under long enough she could blame it on the water. Mio tittered and replied, "They do make the most wonderful couple, don't you think?"
"Miss Mio! What about you and Dr. Tuta?" Nei cried out, trying to get the attention away from her.
"That one is obvious. Tuta had a crush on Mio ever since we first met." Queen commented as she scrubbed her arms. Now it was Mio's turn.
"And you and Mr. Geddoe?" Queen remained quiet as she rinsed off the soap suds, and slipped into the waters.
"How about we just stop this and enjoy our soak?" Nei suggested.
"Agreed." Mio and Queen said simultaneously. Minutes ticked by until Mio accidentally splashed Nei, which triggered a full-blown water war between the two grown women and elf.
"Do you hear laughter?" Tuta questioned as he sipped on his sake cup. Roland merely shrugged. Geddoe shrugged and hit Ace on the head before he could suggest something.
"…. my bath…." Goro whimpered as he imagined how much ruckus the women were causing inside but dared not enter to stop them in fear of losing major organs.
AN: Pretty long this time huh? A few things I would like to point out…
1. There are 2 baths in Goro's bath area. Though most miss it, if you move towards Reed there is another doorway which leads to the male/female baths.
2. The hammock thing is related in Inquiry 2 of Nei, who likes sleeping in a hammock because it's romantic.
3. To sort out some confusion, this is after that newspaper article incident.
4. Bathes here are not like the ones I believe are like the bathes in Suikoden. Those are more Japanese style, where it's more appropriate to wear a bath towel when soaking in a public bath house. Of course that's not always the case, but hey, work with me here!
Review…. Please? [Somehow does a pouty puppy eye face even though she's a gryphon.]