PATH LEFT UNWANDERED
A fan fic by Ahn-Li
Fandom: Guild Wars/Dragonlance (What the Hell…)
Summary: A family struggles to survive and hold together after being ripped apart by tragedy. Begins in Pre-Searing and follows each family member through the Searing and beyond.
Rating: Mature (Swearing, extreme fantasy war violence, blood & gore, strong sexual innuendo, and mild sexual encounters)
Author's Note: A few of the characters are from other worlds than Tyria. Given the Mursaat's origin, this isn't all that strange. Those PC's mentioned are used with permission, as is the Guild in question in this story. On Guild Wars I am known as Selena La Rune. Don't be shy because I am! I like playing with others. Whisper me.
Disclaimer: I do not own Guild Wars… wait, that was worded incorrectly… I do not own the rights to Guild Wars. All classes and NPC characters mentioned wherein are not my creation. I also do not own the rights to Dragonlance and anything recognizably of Dragonlance is obviously not mine. Some characters are actual player's characters from within the Guild Wars environment and are used with the respective player's express permission. Anyone else you don't recognize are, however, my own characters.
Prolog
It was a bright summer day in Ascalon, and just turning into autumn. The grass was still a vibrant green and the weather still warm. Many were just beginning to prepare for the winter and for the harvest season.
Those not called away to the war against the Charr.
The Charr were a large, intelligent, humanoid with a strong resemblance to felines that could usually walk on their hind legs. But this was not the reason they were called Charr, for they worshipped the element of Fire to fanatic levels.
This was not too far away from the mind of Terrence La Rune, the eldest of three children borne to Siul and Rosalie La Rune. He crouched from his position on the Northern Wall and looked down upon the seemingly never ending battle just outside the great city of Ascalon.
Terrence was a tall man, lithe, and powerful. He wore his dark brown hair, now only beginning to grey at the temples, long with the strands that would get in the way of his vision braided just in front of his ears and the rest of it tied back. He always sported a three day growth of beard, but to the chagrin of his Captain. But he didn't really care. No one really did as his line of work carried him not into direct battle, but in scouting missions as a Ranger. Not that he couldn't defend himself against anyone getting close as his brother, a Warrior, had trained him in just enough to know how to swing a sword effectively. The cross as a Ranger and a Warrior lent him solid fighting skills and so the Vanguard used him as a skirmisher.
His family consisted of his wife Kristal and his daughter Xiyra and they were a short run away from the city in the small town of Ashford. He was due back, but his position in the Vanguard sometimes did not allow for this. He looked over at his immediate superior, Captain Osric, "We should be out there, aiding those men."
Osric chuckled, "Patience, Terry. The Prince hasn't given the go ahead yet."
"Why not?"
"Oh, the King has something else in mind. I think he wants more 'heroes' to show themselves first."
This much worried Terrence. More heroes meant more dead heroes. And his thoughts immediately turned to his own family.
Cambe was a special sort of animal. As Terrence's pet she was a bit smarter than most, and more powerful even for a Melandru's Stalker. This much Terryann, the namesake of her Uncle Terrence, understood. And she couldn't help but be envious of her Uncle's lithe pet. Whistling to attract the large cat's attention, she shouldered her bow and began to walk to the city. The minute the summons for more heroes had gone out, Terryann was determined to answer.
"And where do you think you're going, missy?" came the stern voice of her elder sister, Selena.
The two couldn't be more polar opposites in personality. Terryann was all sparkle and spunk while Selena was more somber, serious, usually in deep thought. Physically, Terryann was the taller and stronger of the two, but, like most of her family, she had inherited the same lithe and trim lines as their mother. Selena was petite, almost childlike in stature. Terryann could literally look down her nose at her tiny elder sister. Terryann wore her dark red hair long, flowing, with her hair braided similar to her Uncles. Selena had short hair that was semi-slicked back in a sleek cut. None of her hair, even when not combed into its typical perfect place, would ever fall into her eyes. It was simply too short.
And like Terryann, she typically wore the clothing of her chosen profession, only, unlike Terryann who wore the leather Ranger armor; Selena wore the near scandalous and skintight armor that the Necromancers were known for. Terryann was typical for most Rangers in her look, which was understated and was made to blend into her surroundings. Selena was not the typical Necromancer, who typically preferred the dark look; pale skin and strange hair color that made some flowers look drab. Selena preferred her natural hair color and her skin to look, although not tan like Terryann, like it would compare to any other Ashford woman's skin. The only reason Selena was pale was due to the amount of time she spent out of the sun and under the Abbey in the Catacombs in near constant training for her profession.
Like the rest of her family, natural was how Selena preferred it.
Terryann turned around, "The King wants more heroes. Come on, Selena, don't think you can hog all the glory in our family."
Selena quirked an eyebrow, "Never said any such thing. But you know Father will be extremely worried."
Terryann waved it off. "I know that, but if I do really well, I have a shot at being in the vanguard. You know how proud Father would be if I could not only achieve that standing, but also work alongside Uncle Terrence."
Selena sighed and rolled her eyes. "Or you could wind up dead."
"Then you'd either resurrect me… or raise me as one of your undead minions," Terryann made a playful leap at her smaller sister, who deftly stepped out of the way.
"Grow up, Terryann," Selena pushed her sister back.
This started a small shoving match that attracted the attention of Cambe who bounded over to see what the commotion was about before throwing her large body in between the Apprentice Ranger and the Necromancer. When they finally moved apart, Cambe glared at them both. Terryann patted the large cat's head to placate it and said to Selena, "Not that you're one to talk. You know what our father had to go through to earn the right to learn his Necromancy skills. Warriors aren't usually allowed in those catacombs."
"Not as far as Necromancer Munne teaches," admitted Selena somberly. "Not even the monks would venture so far into Grenth's territory unless they wish to learn his secrets. I must admit I was surprised that he decided to venture in…"
Terryann shook her elder sister out of the near trance she always fell in when she thought of the horrors within the catacombs. The place practically crawled with undead… or worse. "So, you intend to become one of King Adelburn's heroes?" said Selena in sudden abruptness.
"Well, maybe not a hero," admitted Terryann. "But I intend to learn from both Father and our Uncle. I want to be Uncle Terry's apprentice, if they allow it."
"I don't see why not," Selena walked with her sister, the cat padding along behind them. "You're as good a shot, if not better, than our Uncle and pretty good with a sword."
"Yeah…" Terryann stopped, and watched her sister walk by her. "Wait, why are coming with me?"
"I know the tests ahead, or some of them," answered Selena. "You'll need me. I can heal and raise minions."
Which was true, as Selena was an interesting mixture of Necromancer and Monk. She had heard the whispers of the older apprentices that such mixing of professions was somewhat frowned upon even as they were feared in the arenas. A person who could both wield life and death with equal skill was someone to contend with in battle a valuable ally. Selena had passed her tests and was already in the Academy. She spent most of her time training under the Necromancer Munne in the Abbey's dark catacombs. The thought of spending so much time in such a dark and dank environment gave Terryann the chills.
The two walked on in companionable silence down the sloping path to Ascalon City. When the gates were in view they could see a farmer, a rather infamous farmer, arguing with a thin man in black. From the look of him, they both could see that he was a Mesmer. He leaned on his staff for support. They could hear the farmer, but not the Mesmer who spoke in whispers in seemed. Selena, being the elder, walked up to them. "Selena, this isn't any of our business," chastised Terryann.
"That Mesmer…" was all Selena said before she interrupted them. "Excuse me! What's going on here?"
The farmer, whose name continued to slip Terryann's mind, turned abruptly, "This man killed my poor Bill!"
"Bill?" asked Selena in confusion, and she looked up at her approaching sister in confusion.
"Bill the Bull," answered Terryann, finally connecting on why this farmer was so infamous. "Mack, nice to see you."
"Ah, good, young Lady La Rune," answered Mack, and he turned back to his hapless Mesmer. "Now, you'll see some good Ascalonian justice." He turned back to Terryann. "This fellow killed my bull, and I demand recompense."
The Mesmer snorted. "Hardly. You'll have to take that up with the one who ordered me to do so, Lady Althea of Barradin."
"Barradin's daughter?" Selena turned to the Mesmer. "Why would she want a bull killed?"
"Astute young lady!" exclaimed Old Mack.
"Because 'Bill' attacks anyone on the North Gate road that heads to Barradin Estate, or to Ashford," answered the Mesmer, who then sighed. "I am leaving now. Take your problem up with those who truly care, Mack."
"Wait one minute," shrieked old Mack. "I'll take this to the courts! You'll never be able to…"
Suddenly, the Mesmer turned on Mack, and both La Runes felt a presence of power and this Mesmer was suddenly seeming taller, more powerful, "Be able to do what, old man? Earn a living? Don't make me laugh. I care little about strumming some guitar in a dark and smoky tavern. Take your argument up with Althea, little man."
He turned to the sisters, "I thank you for your intervention, however well intentioned, but unnecessary."
With that he walked through the gate and into the City. Old Mack was still not appeased. "You two, perhaps you would like to earn a few coins, eh?"
"What have you in mind, Mack?" asked Terryann, suddenly suspicious.
Devona looked up and smiled at the man in chain mail striding confidently towards her. He was rather well known in Ashford, more so than his elder brother. Siuil La Rune, the namesake of his father Siul, spent most of his time in Ashford. He was usually given special permission to stay close to home since his wife passed away, leaving him to raise his two daughters. Prince Rurik believed strongly in family ties and so allowed the veteran in his Vanguard time home. Most men in the Vanguard did not have the luxury of family as they had mostly remained single. Even those with wives or husbands could not say that their family had to be raised by strangers like Siuil had.
She frowned, remembering the horrible story of how Melina La Rune, Siuil's late wife, had been killed.
Devona had been there. She had seen it. Grenth, she still blamed herself for Melina's death. Siuil had been sent on a mission to put out yet another Charr flame alter. When asked to escort Melina home from Fort Ranik, Devona had literally leapt at the chance to help him. In many ways he was like a brother to her.
They had never seen the Grawl until it was too late. Melina had been dragged off, Devona left for dead. If not for Mhenlo and Aidan no one would have made it back alive. Little Thom and Osric had gone to look for Melina, hoping to find her still alive.
No one had been prepared for what they found.
Melina had been burned alive as part of some dark ritual, and was only recognizable by her pendant, and that part of her face had been protected by her arm when she managed to free it…
Upon finding out that his two daughters were motherless, Siuil had asked to resign from the Vanguard. Osric, thinking it for the best for who else would be best suited to care for the two girls, had nearly allowed him to leave. Selena was only nine at the time, Terryann barely three. Devona could remember the look on Selena's face upon knowing her mother had died.
That was fifteen years ago and still the memory was fresh in her mind.
Although, and Devona could admit this freely, Siuil was rather good looking. Unattainable as no one had managed to steal his heart yet, not since Melina, but Devona knew that more than one village woman had looked his way. She could admit that she had been one of them.
"Good day, Devona," he greeted.
"Good afternoon, Siuil," she greeted back. "A lovely day isn't it?"
"Absolutely," he agreed. "What brings you to Ashford?"
"Reports of Grawl," she answered, saw his look darken for half a second before his genial nature returned. "More so of banditry."
"I had noticed that," came his dry response, as he pointed past the village and to the small range of hills to the east. "I think a bandit leader is loose over there. At least, they sure seem to gather there."
"I'd thought about that as well," said Devona with a sigh. "I hear Farrah Cappo wants a piece of the leader that's rumored to be there."
He chuckled. Farrah was infamous for her love of battle, more so for her temper. "Indeed, I heard that as well. Have you seen Selena or Terryann? I have not been able to find either, and Munne said that she has not seen Selena today yet."
"Oh, I saw them all right," answered Devona, the smile falling off her face. "If you didn't know about it, that only means one thing."
His genial nature evaporated like ice on a Pyromancer's finger and he grew instantly concerned. "Tell me, I know they typically are up to it together."
"How old is Terryann, Siuil?"
"Eighteen this summer, why?" then he knew. "She came to you for training, didn't she?"
"Aye, she did. Sent by Saberlin. And, yes, before you ask, Selena was with her. At least she was smart. Selena may have chosen Grenth's own as her allies, but she also follows Dwayna. I've not known a more capable monk for these parts," Devona sighed. "Relax, Siuil, here they come now… and with Farrah!"
Siuil turned to see a flushed, but triumphant, Terryann run up to Devona and hand her a case, "Here you are, Devona. The money is all there according to Farrah."
"Well done, Selena and Terryann La Rune," said Devona, genuinely pleased at their success. "You'll make your father proud, if you don't kill him with worry."
"Worry?" came Farrah's response. "That Terryann is deadly with a sword and more so with her bow. I had an excellent flank guard, and Selena kept us healed. Ah, good day, Siuil…"
The two girls turned to their father, who had his lips compressed into a fine line. "Terryann La Rune… what do you think you're doing?"
For a moment, Terryann hesitated. "Um, well…" then she grew bolder. "Hey, just because I sit around at home doesn't mean I didn't learn anything. I wanted to help out too. And you can't stop me from doing so. I'm going to be in the Vanguard like you, Uncle Terrence, Selena and Xiyra."
"Oh dear Gods," murmured Selena. "It's a good thing I have a Res on me…"
Devona tried to keep from chuckling, but was unsuccessful. Seeing Siuil's horrified look, she brought her laughter under control and said, "Siuil, given her skill, I don't think she has anything to worry about. From what I understand, she's doing extremely well in her lessons. Let her be."
He sighed then looked at his youngest daughter. "Terryann, promise me, no, swear to me, that you will be careful. I couldn't bear to lose anyone else."
"I promise, Father, I'll be fine," she said. "Besides, I still have a lot of training to do before I even get considered to move on to being tested for the Vanguard."
"I can attest to that," snorted Selena. "Anyway, the day grows dark and seeing as we're at home anyway, can we go home and start fresh in the morning?"
"She has a good idea," said Siuil. "Devona, I would be honored if you joined us…"
Devona's heart skipped a beat. "I'd love to."
Xiyra La Rune spent the night under the stars. She lit no fire and slept up in a tree. Her partner was in another tree and they would be taking turns on watch. She had first watch and so had time to think. She stifled a yawn and settled in for the watch, listening to the forest. Xiyra, although she had some forestry skills as taught to her by her father Terrence, was no Ranger by any stretch of the imagination even though she wore leather armor. Her long sword was strapped to her back and she had her leather cap off her head, allowing the wind to move through the braids of her dark brown hair.
She was tanned almost as dark as the leather of her armor. She could hear Charr moving beneath her and she held her breath.
Her companion had also stilled, as if in sleep he instinctively knew to still himself. Finally, the Charr patrol passed and she silently breathed a short prayer to Dwayna for guarding over them. She breathed another for the success of their mission in the morning.
The Gate Guard, Torin, had asked her to find his friend who was lost just outside what used to be the trade bazaar of Piken. This had led to a dash through the North Gate and straight into Charr territory. She had no doubt that she and the Ranger that she had met in Ascalon. The poor fellow had the look and smell of a greenhorn. Although she couldn't confirm it, she also suspected this was his first mission.
When it came time for his turn at watch, she threw the three pebbles at him to wake him. To his credit he woke silently and nodded. Xiyra settled down for the night.
In the morning they shimmied down the trees and onto the ground. Xiyra crouched, her leather armor silently moving with her. She possessed chain mail like her father, but given the type of mission, she figured that silence was better than heavy armor. Not to mention that the shiny metal chain of a Warrior would be out of place in a tree…
Now, to save this Ranger…
Managing to avoid all the Charr, they snaked to Piken, then into Piken. Once another Charr patrol had passed they ran down to the lake. There a battle with Grawl awaited them. "Stay back here and keep them with suppression fire," she ordered before drawing her sword and charging into battle with a battle cry.
A short moment later, both Grawl were dead, and the Ranger limped over to her. With a slight roll of her eyes, she healed him as she was also a monk, and told him. "Okay, now, either you can stay here and keep watch or you can run up there past that next Charr patrol and retrieve Wolfston."
"I… I think I can keep watch…"
"Then stay here."
With that she ran up the hill and around another rise before the Charr seen her. Ben Wolfston was also there, in hiding. He started upon her sudden arrival. "How…?"
"When I say so, follow the cliff crest down the hill. You'll be fine."
He nodded.
She waited until the Shaman called the other Charr over, no doubt to figure out why he could smell human, and then told him, "Now, while they aren't looking!"
Ben and Xiyra ran down the hill to where the other Ranger waited. "Now, back to the Wall," she said.