First prize, is a story written by CelestiaNocturne
In the Time of Long Ago, in the Realm of Far Away, there lived a kind and brave Ruler who called himself Cancer. In his days, Cancer had amassed a great Fortune; gold, silver, jewels, a menagerie of animals, a huge palace, all of the material riches that one can behold. But he longed for more, he longed for Knowledge. He wanted to possess all of the information in the known world. He assembled a Cabinet of sorts, of his most trusted friends, to help him achieve his goal. His Procurators gathered the information, the Sentorans recorded the written information, and his Masters were a collection of artists, musicians, writers, thinkers, inventors, magicians, and theologians who furthered the proliferation of new information. Cancer was pleased. He sent out word to his people to always be diligent in the quest for education. His tribes were very loyal and always did what they could to help their Ruler's plans. But this is not the story of Cancer, though his intentions Noble and his heart Pure. No, this is about 3 special people who were a part of his Land, who came together to form a special Haven for those innocents that had been cast off.
In one tribe there was a young woman named Chordewa. She had come to Cancer's great nation to escape the pain and betrayal of her past. She was determined to press forward with her life, to make something of herself. She was a powerful Witch by nature, and a Healer by trade. She was petite, with honey brown hair and matching eyes, that displayed her compassion while worked, twinkled when she laughed, and flashed dangerously when she was angry. Her hands were adept at attending to man and beast, and had won the trust of many creatures for her gentle and affectionate ways. She was quickly accepted into a Coven for the use of her powers. She grew swiftly, in heart, mind and soul. Chordewa discovered that she could especially relate to the young people in the Coven, and that they found it very easy to talk to her. She was content; happy to be accepted for her and to be useful for her powers. She had friends; her best friend being an old and learned Dragon named Contessa. Contessa loved to read, and as Dragons do, collect shiny objects. Contessa and Chordewa spent many afternoons, after the Coven work was done, wandering the forest and talking. But Chordewa was lonely, she longed to start a family of her own. She was sure her Soul Mate was out there, but where?
In another House, a man named Vlkodlak had returned home, after training to become a Knight of the Realm, a Guardian of the Land he loved so well. As a child, he loved to roam the forests of his home, befriending the animals. He discovered that he could shift at will into Wolf form, to hunt with them, and protect the Pack from harm. As a man, he was tall with blonde hair to his shoulders and blue/green eyes. He had muscles that were forged from his handiness with his Broadsword. He was also content; happy to be useful to his Tribe as a Hunter and Guardian. His best friend was a fellow Knight who was called Tricky for his affinity for fun and his ability to get himself into and out of tight situations. They were brothers in arms; they had been raised together in the communal closeness of the House and had strengthened their bond on the field of battle. But Vlkoldak also longed to settle down with a Family of his own. He often dreamed of a woman with long brown hair and Golden Brown eyes; she always seemed to be calling to him. Vlkodlak attributed these dreams to the overactive imagination of a young man...but he never forgot her face.
In the last House, on the very edge of the Realm, a man named HellsGuardian was preparing to depart. He was another Knight of the Realm, a First Knight, a Leader of men. He had once had another name, but it had been so long since anyone had used it, that it went forgotten. His nickname came from the Battlefield, where he would go charging in to the Depths of Hell itself to Guard his own. He was a towering man, with jet black hair and dark eyes that were almost luminescent in the depth of battle, and were frightening when he was angered. He also could turn at will into a Wolf, but kept this power to himself. It helped him to be a better Knight and provider for his tribe. He had a younger brother named Cerberos, whom he was very protective of, and who was leaving with him on this Journey. It was Cerbo's time to be trained for Knighthood, and HellsGuardian was excited to be the one training him. HellsGuardian was happy too, but at the same time a bit sad because of the loss of his young Bride. Only 12 cycles of the Full Moon had passed since she went to the Summerland, and every day he missed her laugh and the sparkle in her eyes when she spoke his name. He would never, ever forget her, and would never be able to find someone to replace her. He wore a tattoo of a long thorny vine that started on his chest, over his heart, and wound up and over his shoulder and down his arm, culminating in a blood-red rose on his palm. The Rose of Sharon, as he called it, and it was his tribute to her. HellsGuardian would love her forever. He planned on leaving his House when his training tour was over, to explore the Lands he protected and start a new life.
There was a great marketplace in the Land, which was called The Forum. It was a place that all of the people came to buy supplies and sell their wares. It was a magnificent mecca where all of the different Houses and Tribes could come together and mingle. Once a year the Forum held a celebration of Spring, a time to rejoice and feast after the long harsh Winter. Chordewa, Vlkodlak, and HellsGuardian all planned to attend the Feast. Unbeknownst them, this was exactly the place where their Paths would cross, and change them forever.
Chordwea and Contessa were walking amongst the vendor carts in the Forum when they saw a small fox dart across the path in front of them. A man was chasing it, waving his arms. "Stop that fox!" he was shouting. "That fox is a thief!" Chordwea had a feeling that the fox was no ordinary fox, so she and Contessa decided to follow them. The fox ran down a blind alley, the man in hot pursuit. Chordewa quickly stepped in front of him, before he could enter the alley. "Why are you chasing the fox?" she asked, as Contessa went into the dark to find the scared animal. "That’s no fox! That’s a girl shape shifter, who stole an apple off of my cart and ran!" The man's face was flushed and his dark hair was wiry all over his head. "Oh, come now," she said, smiling broadly. "The poor thing must have been starving to resort to stealing." Contessa appeared then with the small shivering fox in her hand. "She’s a small hungry thing," Contessa said, petting the fox in her hand. "She tells me that she has no home and is hungry, and that’s the only reason she took the apple." The fox spoke then. "I'm sorry sir," she squeaked, then ducked down and wrapped her tail tightly around herself. Chordwea reached into her skirt pockets and pulled out 2 gold coins. "I think this should more than cover it," she said, handing the man the money. "Yes, yes," he said gruffly, taking the coins. "But I don’t want to see her around my cart again! I'll turn her over to the Prince if I do!" he said as he walked away. Contessa and Chordwea laughed as they watched him stalk back to his cart, mumbling to himself. Contessa set the fox on the ground, and sure enough the little fox turned back into a young girl. "My name is Kitsuna," she said softly. "Thank you for saving my life." She wrapped her arms around Chordwea's middle and hugged her tightly. "It's okay, Child. Now, where is your home?"
“I don’t have one,” Kitsuna replied, her eyes filling up with tears. Contessa laughed and petted her head reassuringly, “you can come home with us, we will find a place for you.” Kitsuna put her arms around Contessa's waist and hugs her tightly. She looks up into her eyes and says, “Really? Can I?” Chordewa merrily laughs and says, “Of course you can, we have plenty of room back in our home.” The three continued to walk down the lane of carts until they came to an open area, being used to hold the jousting tournament. All of the guards had a mask in the small area and were choosing up teams for the great joust. Chordewa, Contessa and Kitsuna decided to take a seat and watch the festivities. Lord Vlkodlak, climbs into his horse, holding his lance close to his side. Tricky joked with him about finding the prettiest girl, amongst all the onlookers, to wear her colors during the great meet. Lord V laughed but scanned the crowd, always looking for the girl that he has always dreamed of, since he was a small boy. To his surprise, the eyes that he had dreamed of, met his, mixed in the crowd.
He nudged his horse, over to the edge of the rail, where she sat, but the trumpeter’s sounded, signaling the beginning of the match. He turned around but promised himself that he would find her after the match. One of court minstrels announced the beginning of the match. He stepped to the forefront, announcing that Vlkodlak, from the small western village of Pohansko , would be challenged by Hellsguardian, Captain of the Royal Guards. Amongst the cheers of the crowd, Hellsguardian waves, feeling that this may be his last time in the arena. He nodded his head towards Lord Vlkodlak, in a brotherly manner and silently wished him the best of luck. Hellsguardian had fought side by side with Vlkodlak on many occasions and always put him in highest regard. Vlkodlak returns the nod, knowing that if he would be beaten today, it would be by the best.
In the stands, Chordewa, who had never heard of either of these men before, felt her heart leap in her chest. She didn’t know why, but she felt a deep connection to these two brave knights. Another blast from the trumpets and the match has begun. The two men rode towards each other, urging their horses onto full speed. Hellsguardian’s lance struck, straight and true, onto Vlkodlak’s shoulder, sending him flying off of his horse. He landed on his back in the dirt, the world through his visor spinning rapidly. Hellsguardian urged his horse around to where Lord Vlkodlak laid on the ground, with the wind knocked out of him. Before she knew it, Chordewa flew over the fence and out onto the field. She rushed over, passing Hellsguardian, over to where Lord Vlkodlak lay on the ground. She knelt beside him and pulled off his helmet. She looks down into his face, his eyes closed and whispered, “Are you ok?” Lord Vlkodlak opened his eyes and discovered he was looking into the eyes that he had been dreaming of for years.
“I’m alright now,” he said, smiling a bit and catching his breath.
She smoothes his hair away from his face and smiles down at him. Hellsguardian dismounts and slowly walks over to them. He surveys the two on the ground and smiles. “Aye, woman,” he said, “I admire your spirit, but I am the winner.”
Chordewa and looks up into Hellsguardian and felt the connection with him as well. Hellsguardian and looks down at Lord Vlkodlak, “Are you ok lad?”
Lord Vlkodlak groaned, “Aye, tis but a scratch.”
Hellsguardian offered his hand to Lord Vlkodlak. Lord V took the helping hand and allowed himself to be helped off the ground. The crowded cheered to see, that everyone survived.
Lord V turned to Chordewa and smiled at her. “What is your name, may I ask?”
For the first time, Chordewa realized what she had done and blushed deeply. She stammers, “My name is….Chordewa.” Staring down at her hands.
“Chordewa,” Lord Vlkodlak repeats, smiling softly. “That is a lovely name. My name is Vlkdolak and this is Hellsguardian, Captain of the Royal Guards.”
Hellsguardian pulls off his helmet and extended his hand to the lady. She places her hand in his and watches as he raises it to kiss it gently, his eyes never leaving hers. She giggled softly and looked back at Lord Vlkodlak, back into his eyes. It felt so strange that she had only just met these two men, yet felt such a connection with the two of them. Tricky and Cerberos came riding over to check on the two of them.
Tricky took off his helmet and holds it under his arm, laughing wildly. “Did you see how far he flew!!!! Hellsguardian you haven’t lost your touch, you almost put him to the stars.”
Hellsguardian walked towards Tricky and Cerberos, as Lord Vlkodlak lagged behind with Chordewa.
“Would you like to get something to drink with us?” Lord Vlkodlak inquires, reaching for her hand.
She took his hand and smiled at him, “I would, but I have to find my friends. They are not hard to miss, one is a shape shifting dragon the other is a tiny fox like girl.”
Lord Vlkodlak laughs and then says, “Please, I beseech you. Meet me later then, at the end of the Knight’s table at the great feast tonight.” He kisses her hand and as she turns, she felt regret to be leaving him so soon, after just meeting. He gives her a reassuring smile and she knew, that she would see him soon.
She walks back to the edge of the crowd, finding Contessa easily, who is waving her tail in the air. Chordewa knew that Contessa had observed the whole entire scene and when she joined them again, all Contessa could say. “He is handsomer in real life.”
A little while later, Chordewa, Contessa and Kitsuna made their way to the Castle for the grand feast. Chordewa saw where the Knights were sitting and saw Lord Vlkodlak at the very end of the table, waiting for her, as he said he would. She walked over to him and his face lit up in a smile, as he saw her. The introductions went all around, as the gentleman knights, made room for the ladies.
Soon after, the other Knights and patrons, went off to their own devices, leaving the small group sitting alone. The group began talking about their future plans, about their hearts desires. The Knight’s spoke of starting their own families and houses. Chordewa was the last to speak.
“All I want, is a place to taken in, the children that are unwanted by anyone.” Nodding towards Kitsuna, who had fallen asleep in Tricky’s lap. Hellsguardian looked at Chordewa and smiled.
“I think that is a very noble idea, I would like to help you.” Lord Vlkodlak, gazed at Chordewa. He knew in his heart that this is the woman he wanted to spend his life with, even after knowing her for such as short time.
“I would do anything to help you,” Lord Vlkodlak smiles and takes her hand.
Chordewa looked at Hellsguardian and Vlkodlak, not believing what she heard. “Really? You both would help me? Even if it meant taking in other’s children?”
Hellsguardian smiled again and took her other hand. “My life is given to taking care of those, that cannot otherwise take care of themselves. I would consider it an honor to help you in your endeavor.”
V squeezed her hand tighter. “I too, have pledged to always be a Guardian, I have a feeling that I am not going to be leaving your side, anytime soon.”
Chordewa smiled wide and looked at Contessa. “What do you think?” asking her dearest friend.
Contessa looked around at the motley group, assembled there. “I think its ideal,” she smiled.
Kitsuna’s eyes opened as she woke up. “Would you really? Would you really have a home that had me in it?” She asked with hope in her face. It broke Chordewa’s heart to see someone so young, so love starved.
Tricky grinned, “Where do you suppose we set up our little club”
Cerberos looked at his brother and said in a quiet voice, “How about our family land? We have more than enough room and half the buildings and houses are abandoned.”
Hellguardian smiled, “That’s a wonderful idea.”
“Then its settled,” states Cerberos, “you will all come to our land.”
Contessa looked at the group, “Well if we are going to journey that far, we should get some rest.”
One by one, the group began to peel off. Tricky and Cerberos went back to the palace guardhouse. Contessa mentioned heading back to their own coven and takes Kitsuna to collect their things.
Chordewa, Lord Vlkodlak and Hellsguardian sat together in a tight little group. Chordewa looked at her two new friends. “What should we name our little group?”
Lord Vlkodlak smiled, “Well we are Guardians…”
Hellsguardian caught onto his train of thought. “We will protect the children of the night,” he said.
Chordewa smiled widely, “Guardians of Darkness,” she said.
CelestiaNocturne closes the book and looks down on the members of the coven. She smiled, “And that is how we came to be.” "Where did you come in?" asked Diemos, rubbing her eyes sleepily. CN smiled. "I was an orphan, just like you all." "Really?" said Wolfbite. "Yeah, you have to be an orphan, to come here, right?" asked Batrapist. CN touched their heads gently. "I wasn’t an orphan in a traditional sense. I was a grown up, looking for a place to belong. And I was found by Kitsuna and Destiney, who brought me home to Lady C, Lord V and HG. I've been here ever since. Earls yawned, triggering a chain amongst all of the kids. "And now, its time for bed, for all of you," said Lady C from the door. The kids filed out to their rooms, hugging CN and Lady C on the way.
And what of our three Heroes? They are still Guarding those who cannot protect themselves. They strive to make Cancer's Land a safe place for all, a Haven for those who need it most.
Congrats to us on One Year of laughter, tears, friendship and family!
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COMMENTS
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Bones
00:27 May 30 2008
Heh, they still stamp it though, it just takes a bit more effort now to make fools of themselves! ;)
Kitsuna
00:32 May 30 2008
What is the reason for stamping it anyway?
Ohhhhhh... let your presence be known...
Nightgame
01:21 May 30 2008
aw but it was such fun reading where they asked the database to come an fairly rate them back!
Maledicta
07:07 May 30 2008
I just can't believe people are still stamping it with the copy and paste option...I mean, to do it automatically when the option is there is one thing, but to go out of your way to paste it in is just sheer pig-headedness!