Pdcs short stories: The old Cielnol. by destruteka We are located in the north of the world of Petria, in the quiet and rustic village of Osli, continent of Noblion. Year 3430 cl. A slow three-sided war is raging for control of a large frozen citadel called Le Krustion since 3404 cl. The High Elves together with their human allies, Drakos (anthropomorphic Dragons), Cielnol (anthropomorphic Deer) and Kasterras (anthropomorphic Cats), against The Dark Elves and against The frost horde of Ice Elves together with gules, fight day by day. The population pays the consequences. The day before this village was attacked by the Dark Elves. We find ourselves in one of the numerous Cielnol Castra. This one is somewhat larger than the others. It has small walls around the rather old and sturdy wooden gate. The roof is thatched in the shape of a cone with a stone chimney coming out slightly to the right. The walls are a fairly thick mossy circular stone wall with a second smaller circle on the left, which is a bathroom. Inside, as soon as you enter, there is a plate with some slices of bread on top of a table with 4 wooden stools around it. On the left a bed made of wood, quite wide, with a pile of straw and cloth sheets on top of it. In the center, at the back, another smaller bed. To the right we can find a stone kitchen, and to its left, dishes made of copper and clay. In its center we see kitchen utensils hanging from the ceiling along with some strips of garlic and onions. Below, to its right, there are some baskets, abundant vegetables in one of them and wooden logs in another. And further to the right is the door leading to the bathroom. In the center we can see that the floor is made of earth. There is a brown straw carpet. On top of it is an old male black-tailed Cielnol, with a sturdy, wide body and brown fur, sweeping up the dirt on it. He is Bricio. His hooves are quite stout, legs a bit thinner but rough, and he wears knee-length pants of burlap, with numerous patches of cloth. The shirt is of fine yellowish cloth that covers his rope belt, the hands are strong and he has numerous calluses. His cheekbones are wide, with a tired look. Not many wrinkles around his face, brown eyes and on his right ear he has a black mole. He has tousled blond hair and big antlers. He takes his work calmly. The door opens. A saddened old Cielnol with a white tail, skinny build and a bit of a belly enters. With unruly hair at the top of her dark reddish hair and a long ponytail that skirts her collarbone, from the left, down to her chest. Brown eyes, tired expression and look. Thin nose, wrinkles, dark circles under her eyes and marked crow's feet, her ears are thin and droopy. The left ear has a cut underneath and is recent. He wears a short black hooded cloak, a green cloth shirt and a brown elven corset over it. His pants are dark green, his legs are fit and his hooves are small. Bricio stops what he is doing and looks at her. -So, did you get anything, Orla? - Bricio comments. -They attack us at night, wound many of us, including my daughter Lyta,- Orla says, devastated. -And ... and they kidnap as many little children as they can, including my granddaughter!!!, at her own baptism!!!! Orla sits on the nearest stool. -And...and...and...they don't do anything. Those high elves told me they didn't want to get into swampy ground. They call themselves our allies? - she exclaims angrily. -What a shame,- she saddens again. -The captain of the Drakos told me he had more important problems. Orla covers her face with her hands and bends down, trying to hold back her tears. -I was told that they were taken to their base camp near the Oilithrighy Mountains. They're going to turn them into Dark Acolytes. A living weapon... it's... it's... snff... no... this can't be happening... Why to us? Bricio puts down the broom and approaches Orla. He bends down a little. -What did you expect Orla, these are terrible times - says Bricio very convinced. - Neither you, nor I, nor anyone in Osli was prepared for what happened. You saw how your daughter's husband got. I don't think it's a good idea to want to move heaven and earth while being lame. Kind of silly of him. Orla lifts her head with a frown and her ears back, she fixes her gaze on Bricio. -He has a name. Her name is Hazel. He's a sweetheart and he's no fool for wanting to save his daughter,- Orla exclaims angrily. Bricio shrinks back and makes a pitiful face. -I'm sorry, Orla. It was not my intention,- he replies saddened. Orla looks away and remains thoughtful for a few seconds. -Maybe if we hire a group of heroes in O'solen,- Bricio comments. -But the trip is expensive, let alone hiring one of those warriors. Let alone pirates and bandits. Bricio scratches his head. -It's not... *cough*... it's an option. But you heard your brother, you're 67, you shouldn't be going anywhere, least of all to O'solen. Orla sits up slightly. -Maybe it's not the only option- Orla says with a calm tone. She looks up with a slight twinkle in her eye and looks at Bricio. -Do you remember when we were children, and they told us stories about a monster with big horns, prowling through the thickets of the woods? And it watched the distracted victims it wanted to eat from the depths? -What do you want, Orla,- Bricio doubts. Orla settles down on the stool. -Do you remember that day when we were teenagers, when we were all walking in the depths and we decided to climb that mountain,- says Orla. -Yes, that day you fell down the slope when you tried to pick some blackberries,- Bricio recalls sadly. -Luckily the pines caught you and eased your fall, I swear I thought we had lost you. Twenty meters is a lot. -I remember that a few seconds passed... I was still somewhat conscious... I began to see something coming out of the dark thicket... it was getting closer...- Orla commented with a somewhat lost look. -And you didn't tell us about it!? exclaims Bricor surprised. -Maybe, or maybe not,- says Orla. -I saw a horned Cielnol with horns, light blue eyes and golden hair, carrying a wicker basket full of mushrooms. When she approached, it seemed that she intended to help me..., but when she heard your shouts in the distance, she quickly turned back to the foliage. -Orla, that day you broke a rib and hit your head many times. Are you sure it wasn't a hallucination? - Brico commented nervously, his eyes wide open. -Do you know what it means to have a Cielnol with horns? It's worse than a wendy! -She looked very real. Maybe she can help us,- Orla says in a calm tone. Bricio puts his hands to his head. -Have you lost your mind,- he says in surprise. -Tell me you're delirious. Orla gets up from the stool and stares at Bricio. -I'm going for a walk. Don't tell anyone what we have talked about now,- says Orla serenely. -Okay, you've lost your mind, Orla,- says Bricio with a serious tone. -No, it's an opportunity, a hope, that I won't waste, Bricio,- answers Orla with conviction. -What if it was your imagination,- Bricio asks her. -Then it will have been another trip in vain, like the one I made today,- Orla answers. -Bricio, I'm convinced it was real. I'll leave right away. Tell my family I went to look for mushrooms. -Wh-what, what about your brother,- Bricio asks uncomfortably. -Tell him to go foraging for blackberries,- Orla comments sarcastically. Orla picks up an iron poker that was hidden under the table and then stands up. -At least take some bread for the road, you haven't eaten anything since yesterday,- Bricio comments worriedly. Orla takes a slice of bread, puts on her hood and opens the door. Then she looks back for a moment. -See you later, Bricio,- says Orla in a familiar tone. She looks outside and leaves the house, closing the door very hurriedly. - ... yes, she has gone mad. But I hope she's right, at least this time,- says Bricio in a low tone. He picks up the broom again and continues sweeping. Orla decided to go deep into the forest and return to the mountains where she saw the strange Cielnol. Halfway there she met some high elven guards who knew her by face. They advised her to return to her village. She refused and kept moving forward until she finally reached her destination. The place where she fell years ago. A few hours later she arrives at the place, a somewhat lush pine forest surrounds a high mountain by its foot, it has several mulberry trees on its slope and on its top there is a large ash tree. Orla arrives at the place where she saw the stranger and begins to look for footprints. After a few hours of searching she finds a quartz stone that looks like a face. She squats down and picks it up, but notices something. Next to the stone and under a tiny bush is a huge bear print. It is very fresh. He gets a little upset. Suddenly there is the sound of a bush shaking. She stands up in fright, looks into the bush where the sound is coming from and immediately the head of a human emerges, with blond hair, blue eyes and a trimmed beard. The man turns his head and looks at Orla with a duck face that quickly changes to an unperturbed expression. Orla stares back at him with a neutral face as well, but with wide eyes. A few awkward seconds pass. -Um... Hello?- says Orla, a bit puzzled. The human shakes his head. -Ooo, sorry if I scared you, I didn't mean to. Hehe,- answers the human. -Well, just a little bit,- comments Orla. The human gets up from the bush. Orla looks up and falls on her ass in surprise. He is over two meters tall, his body is thick and very muscular. He has several northern tattoos. The one that stands out the most is a dragon perched on a round shield that is drawn all over his chest and belly. He wears leather shorts. Large leather boots. On his back he carries a huge cloth backpack with a light brown bow. An iron pot is also seen hanging from the backpack. -Horns, I've never seen such a big human before. -Yes, I'm sorry if I surprised you,- says the human, waving his hands slightly. My father is a northerner and my mother is a Giant of Archana, I am a half-breed. The human bends down and shakes Orla's hand. -If you allow me ma'am. -Thank you young man,- Orla thanks as she helps him to his feet. -If I may also ask you a question,- says the human. -Of course son, tell me what do you want to know,- answers Orla. -HU!- says the human. -That's right, what a head of mine, I forgot, where are my manners? My name is Nag, I am a hunter. -My name is Orla, from Osli, a pleasure,- Orla answers again. -Well, you see, Mrs. Orla. A bear decided to destroy and eat my bee hive, and on top of that, the greedy bear went into my pantry and devastated my mead!!! Damn, I was hunting deer and...- Nog remains thoughtful for a few seconds while he looks at Orla. -e.... Sorry if it sounds violent... - he says with an uncomfortable smile, while he plays with his fingers a bit nervously. -O, don't worry,- Orla replies amicably. -Nature is like that. And it always will be. -Well, it's... it's the first time that a Cielnol doesn't throw it in my face that I hunt her ancient[1] ones. -Well, ahem. About the bear. -I lost track of it when I came in here and I've been looking for days. Have you by any chance found or seen any trace of a bear? Orla pushes aside the small bush and points to the bear tracks. -How is it? -Oooo, finally! - says a relieved Nog, -After what happened last night, this is great news. Orla raises her right eyebrow and gets curious. -What happened to you last night,- Orla asks. Nog changes his happy expression to a more neutral one. -It was the first time I was scared in my life,- Nog answers. Orla opens her eyes wide and perks up her ears. Nog tells his story. -After setting up camp, lighting a fire and eating a nice stew of onion, rabbit, leek and potato with parsley, I went to bed. I think that was the cause of what happened, as I left some leftovers in my pot uncovered. It was midnight. A sound woke me up. I realized that the fire had gone out. I went out of my tent campaign with my axe in one hand and my runic flashlight in the other. Something was moving in the night, and it was very fast. I couldn't see it. I was so nervous I hadn't realized I had my flashlight upside down. When I finally turned it on I saw horns moving. A shiver ran through my body. I thought it was a wendigo. But I dismissed that thought a few moments later, as those beasts just see you and go after you. Then silence reigned. I heard nothing, until something moved behind me. I turned and saw a small stone that wasn't there before. Then I heard the wind coming strongly. The air hit me in a matter of seconds and after that, I started to hear a laughter that was moving away - Nog takes a breath of air. -It was a horrible experience, I didn't sleep at all. -Well, I know I don't have to spend the night in these parts,- says Orla with conviction. -Yes, and you're right,- replies Nog. - I must also say that when dawn broke, I started to explore the area where I had heard the footsteps. To my surprise I found some Cielnol footprints. They were small enough not to be those of an ancient deer. Orla blinks twice and looks at Nog with surprise. -So maybe it was a thief or someone who wants to play a trick... I know a Cielnol who loves to do that... and in fact I think he might have followed me... but it would be very stupid of him...- rambles Nog. -Nog, where did you find those footprints?- asked Orla hurriedly. Nog crouches down and starts drawing in the mud. -East of here. When you find a large split rock, go to its right and you'll find a boar skeleton. They're very hidden, but you'll see them in the middle of those two things. Nog stands up. Orla looks at the drawing carefully. -Thank you very much,- Orla replied happily. -You're welcome. And now if you have no more questions I must, my beautiful woman, I have to attend to a matter that has been waiting for weeks,- says Nog enthusiastically. -Nice to meet you, good luck with the hunt. -See you later. Nog follows the bear's trail while Orla goes east. After a while he arrives at the exact spot. They are indeed Cielnol's tracks. He begins to follow the trail that leads him to a small gorge. Little by little it becomes narrower and darker. The end of the gorge is a small tunnel. Orla lights his quinque and proceeds to enter. They spend a few seconds walking that narrow rocky area. Then she sees a crack where light enters at the bottom of the cave. And finally out of the tunnel, Orla is amazed and begins to go deeper. A small valley appears before her, the ground is populated with abundant green grass. There is a small stream that rises on her right and runs through the middle of the valley. On the other side of the crystal clear water grow several blackberry brambles next to a huge, rather old elm tree, with a lot of runes hanging from its large branches. You can also see some stones with runes on their roots full of moss. In the middle of the valley there is a rock. It seems to be inhabited as it has a wooden door and window. Also at its On the right side there is a very simple clothesline made with two trunks and a rope. To the left is a small area carved out with various types of vegetables. Orla doesn't think twice and opens the cave door with a gentle push. The door falls down making a terrible clang. Something jumps out of the shadows at the back of the house. Orla makes a guilty face, enters the cave and puts the door back in place. -I'm sorry, I've fixed it...- Orla says rather apologetically with an uncomfortable smile. Orla looks towards the back. She manages to see in the darkness a wooden table with cutlery and a lit candle on top of it, a very rustic stool and a kind of oven made of clay in a very strange way. Something approaches from the shadows and grabs a knife from the table. Orla recoils somewhat frightened and begins to tremble. As the shadow slowly and carefully approaches her. -I'm sorry, it wasn't my...- she comments uneasily. Orla opens her eyes wide as she sees the shadow in the candlelight become a rather young Cielnol, with long thin antlers, blonde hair with two locks to her left, large light blue eyes, small ears, large breasts. She wears an old burlap shirt and a white leather belt with very torn green cloth pants. Her legs have lots of fur and the hooves are shiny. -What are you doing here? -asks the cielnol quizzically as she points her knife. Orla is perplexed, looking at her. -So you are real... I... I saw you, that day, it wasn't my imagination, are you real,- says Orla a little spellbound. A slight grimace of surprise runs across the Cielnol's face. -The Cielnol slowly lowers her knife and starts to remember. -I think I remember.... -Was it fifty-something years ago? -Yes... and look at you... You're still the same... it's as if old age doesn't exist in you,- says Orla perplexed. -Yes, OK, whatever you say. How did you find me? says the sky-angel in a cutting voice. Orla closes her eyes for a moment and shakes her head slightly sideways. -I followed some tracks from the mountain and they led me here. The Cielnol frowns and looks away. -Damn, I thought I erased them,- the Cielnol says, and looks back at Orla disapprovingly. -And now I have a problem. Orla comes within three feet of the strange Cielnol. The Cielnol takes a step back. -My name is Orla, I'm from Osli. Do you have a name? she asks curiously. -Nooooo, I am an entity and everything you see is a figment of your imagination,- says the Cielnol with a somewhat sarcastic tone while waving her hands. Orla quickly puts her right hand on the Cielnol's left shoulder. -Hey! - She pushes his hand away with her arm. -What are you pretending! -No, you're not, you're as real as I am,- Orla confirms, very sure of herself. The Stranger looks up while she crosses her arms and lets out a grunt of disapproval. -They say you're a monster, but I already know that's not true. Orla swallows and gives a pitying look. -I need your help. The Cielnol is surprised and shrugs her shoulders in surprise. - WHAT? Auntie, I'm sorry to disappoint you. But... Orla quickly puts her hands on the stranger's shoulders, shakes her slightly and with her eyes wide open, she looks at her sadly. -I beg you. My granddaughter was kidnapped at her christening by the dark elves. They want to turn her into a weapon of war. Please, please, I beg you!!!- says Orla quickly. The stranger pushes Orla away with her two arms, Orla moves back 3 steps and manages to keep her balance. -Misfortunes happen every day, everywhere, all the time,- says the annoyed cielnol. -I'm not here for comfort, okay? and I don't like to play the heroine either. -Please, I'll do anything, anything, I can give you my father's old castle, it's more hidden and much more comfortable than this,- says Orla in desperation. The Cielnol starts to move a bit nervously, she notices it, closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. An uncomfortable silence reigns for a few seconds, until the Cielnol breathes out calmly and opens her eyes. -No, there is nothing that you possess that I want,- she answers serenely. -Go back home and never speak of me, I never want to trust anyone again. Orla swallows a little saliva. - Please .... - she says in a brittle voice as she opens her eyes in sorrow. She clasps her hands together and gets on her knees pleading to the Cielnol, almost bursting into tears. -They are going to turn her into...a dark acolyte...she and many more innocent children kidnapped...help them.... She bows her head hiding her tears -Please.... - The Cielnol walks past Orla's side. Orla looks up slightly with a hint of doubt. Cielnol puts her right hand on the door. -You must go,- she says seriously with a frown. She opens the door, and notices that it is getting dark. The Cielnol makes a strange grimace of anger and then of tiredness. -Shit... Orla gets up slowly, very saddened. Cielnol looks at Orla. -Your village is 10 kilometers from here. I doubt you'll make it in one piece through these woods and I'm not going to accompany you,- she says with a friendlier tone. He closes the door and turns to Orla. -You'll sleep here. As soon as the sun rises, you leave and don't come back here, because you'll find it uninhabited. Orla approaches the door with teary eyes and a tired look. The Cielnol raises an eyebrow in surprise and crosses her arms as she watches Orla stand at the door. Orla opens the door and walks out of the cave. Orla opens the door and walks out of the cave, she looks the Cielnol in the eyes. -My family is everything to me. .... - Orla says in a tired, brittle voice. She looks down the road. -I'm sorry to have bothered you. She lights up her fire and walks briskly out of there. - Wait, it's dangerous... ! - she tries to warn him but doesn't finish her words. She clicks her mouth. - She will know... She looks around and closes the door. Then the Cielnol stands for a few seconds in front of the door and begins to feel remorse. She takes a few steps back and puts her hands to her head. -NO! There will always be misfortunes, some minor and some serious, it's not my problem. He lets out a loud huff as he lowers his arms. He goes to the table and sits down on the stool, settles down and after thinking about it for a few seconds, he looks under the table and takes out a book with the title: The Great Elvish Aberrations, written by Gol' helis. She sits up and puts the book on the table. She is a little nervous. -Let's see, what the fuck was a dark acolyte -she says to herself. She opens the book and begins to leaf through it calmly. -..................................... demon Aagon, no.... pfff ..... this looks like some asshole's sexual fantasy... a ha,..... no, it's dark, not from the court of blood..... wait... if it's Dark Elf, it'll be in their language... not in common... vasphir igneras?...no, that's ice elf.... vasbo?... no, that's high elf... no, I just made that up... stupid fucking dialects....- the cielnol starts to get angry. -Why the fuckhell didn't they just unify their stupid language and put it all in Sylvan? at least it's easier ....... Dúr... Dúr edhel... - She remains thoughtful for a few seconds. -Durkk Osckkur!!! FUCK!!! the fucking fucking k's- They start turning the pages quickly. - Osckkur is dark and acolyte era.... Dafakke- A slight grimace of happiness floods the Cielnol for a few seconds. -I got it! He begins to read carefully in his own way using his index finger as a guide. -A dark acolyte is an asshole who embraces the goddess of darkness blah blah blah. His main motives are a lot of religious fanatic stuff.... pain flagellation preparation for... this would be for those who guide the other acolytes because.... - He changes his tone as he reads the next paragraph to a more serious one. -How?- She begins to get a little nervous as she continues reading. -....the vast majority of them have a primary training to be a guide but the vast majority ..... have their eyes removed so they don't fall into luminescence....a bunch of elven runes written around their body etched into their skin.... change the unnecessary organs for crystals in order to channel the mana and.... and absorb the souls of the enemy, in order to be walking bombs? and... and... and... - Cielnol closes the book with a blank stare and starts breathing heavily. -Motherfuckers! ..... do they do this with infants...?. Remorse starts to creep up on him again. - Shit...damn curiosity... - He starts scratching his head and tries to convince himself. -No... it's not my problem... I have already suffered a lot and I don't want to have more enemies... ..... Silvia... control yourself... - She leans back, raises her head and closes her eyes, leaving her hands on the table. She takes a deep breath. -.... calm down... - She exhales. -... - Breathe deeply. -.... - Breathe out. - ... - She hears a faint wolf howl, Silvia lifts her ears and opens her eyes quickly, she looks towards the door. - ¡¡¡¡SHIT, ORLA !!!!-. She gets up from the stool, picks up a rag wrapped around a stick and sets it on fire with a tinderbox. She grabs the knife and shoots out of the cave in search of Orla's trail with breakneck speed. We find ourselves in the thick forest. Orla is surrounded by a pack of hungry gray wolves. Little by little they are cornering her. She desperately cries out for help and harasses the wolves with her lamp to keep them away. Desperation and fear overwhelm her, she drops her lamp and climbs the large pine tree next to her. One of the wolves lunges to bite her and latches onto her cloak. Orla starts to choke for a few seconds, reacts and removes the hidden clasp that held her cloak, causing the wolf to fall backwards two meters up. She climbs a little higher and clings to the trunk of the tree. She screams for help with all her might. One of the younger wolves attacks the cape, while the rest of the pack circles the tree and prances around trying to get to Orla. A few long minutes pass until Silvia's voice is heard in the distance. Orla raises her head in great hope. Suddenly Silvia comes out of the thicket quickly with a leap, charging with her paws towards one of the Wolves, hitting it powerfully and sending it flying through the air for a few seconds. The rest of the pack is surprised. And they fight back. Silvia keeps the wolves at bay with her torch, defends herself by kicking and kicking powerfully, killing two of the wolves. In the fervor of combat, one of the wolves jumps at Silvia's jugular, while another lunges at her legs from behind. She manages to hit the first one with the torch, but the second one bites her paw and pulls. Making her fall. The rest of the herd wastes no second. They attack from all sides. Orla watches in terror from the pine tree and begins to search in her pockets for something to throw. She starts throwing copper coins and some small quartz stones at the wolves. Silvia struggles on the ground, stabs, punches, kicks with all her might. Then two of the wolves viciously tear off her left arm. Silvia lets out a cry of pain in tears. -NOOOOO!- shouts Orla very loudly. She begins to carefully climb down the trunk of the pine tree. Silvia continues to fight with all her strength, manages to get to her feet, grabs one of the younger wolves by the tail, and smashes it against another wolf. Orla reaches the ground and starts looking for a stone to throw. But she notices that the young wolf that savaged her cloak is just a few feet away from her. The wolf rejoices and leaps at her, Orla ducks as low as she can. The wolf hits the trunk of the pine tree and is confused by the blow. powerful kick in the testicles. It gives a loud yelp and escapes into the bush with its tail between its legs. Orla goes back to what she was doing, finds some stones and throws them at the wolves attacking Silvia. Hitting some of them. Silvia continues to fight with all her strength and ends up goring one of the wolves. The wolves begin to retreat. Five of them lie dead. Orla approaches Silvia and is shocked to see the state of her body; bruises, bites and scratches, in addition to the amputation of her arm. -Gods, I don't know how you can stand up,- says Orla, upset. -I've been in worse situations,- says Silvia, fatigued, -Tell me, do you know how to make a tourniquet? -No, I don't know,- says Orla, surprised. Silvia puts the torch in her mouth and with her right hand she tears a large strip from her pants. She ties it over the amputation making a knot. She shows Orla the end of the strip. Orla takes the strip and Silvia tells her to stretch, they tighten enough and the arm stops bleeding. -You didn't have to tear your pants, I had my cape over there. We could have used it. Silvia bends down to pick up a branch with her little finger. - It's a bit late, to be honest,- Silvia answers. And she gets up again. -Anyway, here comes the funniest part. She puts the branch in her mouth while Orla remains expectant and surprised. She brings the torch close to her amputation and burns the wound. Tears of pain fall from her eyes as she clenches her teeth tightly, causing the branch to crack. When she sees that the wound is sealed, Silvia spits out the branch and gasps. -*She lets out a giggle*. Now we just have to wait for it to grow back. -That's impossible,- says Orla, very surprised and a bit upset. -I don't expect you to understand,- answers Silvia. -Changing the subject, she looks Orla in the eyes. -What is your granddaughter like? She's a 2-year-old girl. Her name is Eire. She has long reddish hair like my daughter Lyta. Green eyes, very round and big ears with a white teardrop shaped spot on her forehead like her father. She's quite tall for her age and... she loves riddles,- Orla comments with a glimmer of hope. -Perfect, it's a very important detail on her forehead,- says Silvia. -I suggest you, in order not to have another unfortunate encounter, pick up your lamp, go to my cave, you have food for a month. It's all in baskets. Spend the night and when the sun rises, go back to your village. -Do you know where they took her? -They took her to their base camp, near the Oilithrighy Mountains. That's the area of those elves. It's thirty kilometers north of here. You'll know you're there when you see a monstrous black tower,- Orla answers very convincingly. -Typical of the moron pointy jerk edgies,- says Silvia, not very surprised. Silvia looks at the moon. -North is...- She turns around herself. -... Over there - She points in a direction. -Okay. See you in a few days. She goes that way. -Wait, wait!!!- says Orla in surprise. -Could you at least tell me your name? Silvia looks back with a raised eyebrow, a face of absolute passivity and with a deep tone she answers Orla. -Silvia... tenebrous forest... - She looks forward again and continues on her way. Orla listens to Silvia and goes to the cave. The next day at noon, and having her wounds healed and her arm regenerated, Silvia arrives at her destination. A monstrous black stone tower rises into the clouds from the dark elven camp. She cautiously observes from a thicket what is going on in the camp. It is surrounded by great wooden walls. All around are many felled trees and dead earth. Silvia whispers to herself. -Let's see .... Do we have a plan? *she remains thoughtful* .... more or less.... should be credible ... they shouldn't be suspicious. She takes a deep breath and exhales. - Let's go with all of them. Silvia walks a few steps through the dead ground and some lookouts intercept her. She cautiously drops the knife from her belt to the ground and tells them in their elvish language that she wants to join their cause, as she raises her hands in the air. The lookouts are puzzled, but escort her into their camp. After a few seconds they enter one of the tents around the tower. The entrance is quite large, the walls have various dark elven patterns and symbols. The colors are purple and black. As soon as they enter, a powerful smell of bitter incense fills Silvia's nostrils. There are two black braziers with large purple flames on either side of the entrance, a long black carpet runs a few feet to an ornate black metal table. On top of it dozens of books and scrolls are piled next to two purple wax candles. Behind it is a dark elf sitting in an ornate chair with purple upholstery minting a letter with his fist. The elf notices his presence and raises his gaze discreetly. One of the watchers steps forward to the table and says something in the seated elf's ear. The dark elf rises from his chair and walks slowly towards Silvia with an arched eyebrow. He is a rather old man of not too dark a hue. What stands out most about his face is that on his left side his ear is missing and part of it is emaciated with many scars and corrosion marks. His right eye is dark blue and his left eye is completely gray, white hair and a beaked chin. She wears thick cloth robes with shoulder pads. The robes are luxurious, purple and blue, with silver and gold embroidery. There is a rune on his chest. And her shoes are maroon leather with silver laces. The elf looks Silvia this way and that as he circles her. -My name is Elbe, captain of the seventh regiment of dark wizards,- he says with authority. He crosses his arms. -They tell me you want to join our cause. Why would a Cielnol like you want to join the Dark Crusade? How badly have the high courts treated you? -I want to become a dark acolyte,- says Silvia with a serious tone and without losing eye contact. -And serve the great Norade'l.- She crosses her arms. -My race hates me, and I hate them more. I want to exterminate them all, including the high scum. Elbe looks somewhat convinced and stops crossing his arms. -Sounds pretty convincing- Elbe slouches a little, invading Silvia's space. -But .... Why do you hate them? It's not a normal behavior among Cielnols... Silvia responds with a passive aggressive tone. -My name is Caeti from the lower fjords.- She stops crossing her arms and cautiously approaches Elbe's face. She blows a horn. I am a white-tailed Cielnol. We females don't have antlers. But as fate would have it, the unfortunate ones born with them are considered the worst thing in the world. They are marginalized ad nauseam. They have made my life impossible. I've lost all the people I've loved and cherished. -I feel only hatred Elbe... an enormous hatred. - Elbe sits up and touches his chin, thoughtfully, while he looks curiously at Silvia's body. A few seconds later he looks her in the eyes again. -Sounds convincing,- says Elbe seriously. -Although it strikes me as odd that someone so young or who looks so young would want to become an acolyte by choice ..... Silvia bursts in, raising her voice, speaking in dark elven. - Darkness, I am your carcass, come to me your penitent servant!!!! - She puts her little finger in the shape of a hook and plucks out her right eye without thinking. After plucking out the nerves he throws it against one of the flaming braziers. The elves are very surprised to see that. Silvia continues speaking in dark elf. -I want to feel Norade'l's embrace. May my hatred and anger become.... - Elbe bursts in and grabs her hand in surprise. -WAIT! I really didn't even expect this situation to happen. - You still don't believe that I worship the great goddess,- Silvia reproaches him, upset. - I dream of hearing the agonizing screams of my enemies when I rush at them and find the sweet embrace of Norade'l in my path. Elbe lets go of Silvia's hand. -All right, sit down, I have a lot to tell you,- Elbe says in a more familiar tone. He looks at his lookouts. -You guys bring some bandages, we have to cover her wound, she's no good to us if she's dead. And so Silvia began her dark Flagellation. She had to undergo a series of tests that were very painful for her body and mind, but she did not falter or back down. She was assigned a dormitory three days later in the great tower. It was a source of pride for anyone to tread those halls. In addition to gaining the trust of the elves, he also managed to draw camp plans and memorize the watchmen's time. As two weeks passed and she finished her flogging, Elbe ordered her to summon the lower floors of the tower. They entered a rather long and narrow corridor. It was all stone except for the floor, made of dark oak wood, and the torches, which are made of iron. It is very dimly lit. Silvia wears a few strips of paper hanging from her antlers to her ears with prayers to Norade'l on them. She wears a black leather eye patch that she tore off. She wears a tunic of fine cloth, black as coal, along with tight-fitting leather pants. Elbe brings her to a window. From there Silvia leans in slightly and begins to observe what is going on below. She sees a rather large room. She can see that there is a huge closed double door and at least fifty or so Cielnols children between six months and seven years old wandering or sitting on the floor. They are quite terrified and nothing can be heard. Some of them have bruises or marks on their arms and face. -A very select nursery. I doubt very much that their parents would leave them here in an acceptable way,- comments Silvia sarcastically. -And you deduce well Caeli...- replies Elbe with a familiar tone. -Caeti...- corrects Silvia seriously. Elbe clears his throat. -Caeti... -These puppies are here to become the same as you. -Well... not exactly- -Silvia turns her head angrily. Silvia turns her head angrily and looks Elbe in the eye. -What do you mean?- she comments passive aggressively. Elbe replies without losing his composure. -I want you to be the guide. .... I have never met anyone who loves Norade'l as much as we do. You are the one. -Elbe, if there's one thing I hate in this world, it's brats,- Silvia answered seriously. -They cry, they laugh, they hit each other. They are an undisciplined nuisance, they need the discipline of the great mother. I'll be honest, I like the idea of seeing how they throw themselves against their parents,- says Silvia with a perverse tone, -I will delight in the screams,- she looks at Elbe with a psychopathic face and a crazy smile for a few seconds. A cold sweat runs down the back of Elbe's neck, and he tries not to look away out of respect. Silvia returns to her usual calm face. -But .... I will do what the great goddess Norade'l whispers to me,- Silvia says in a calm tone. - I go to my bedroom to meditate. Under no circumstances do I want you to disturb me for the rest of this filthy day and beautiful night. Silvia opens her eye wide again -I... agree...? -I understand, I will tell Lhosi not to bother you and the guard to leave your door,- answers Elbe. -So be it,- says Silvia. She looks out of the window again and begins to look for Orla's granddaughter. -First... I'll go get the meditation locket. - ...then I will lock myself in my room. I want to feel... as strongly as possible the embrace of the great mother. She finds little Eire without difficulty. She looks quite terrified. Then he looks at Elbe again. Elbe notices him taking off his ring and hands it to her. -This week is going to be a busy one. I have to negotiate with some Condottiero Fontozzio Anima. Let's see if we can stop the advance of the frozen horde,- says Elbe. -You open the door that holds the locket; you'll give it back to me tomorrow. -That's the way it will be done,- said Silvia. She stands firm and speaks in dark elvish. -Good luck and darkness with the negotiations.- After saying that, Silvia goes on her way. Silvia is in her room. It's been a long time since that talk and she has one thing she didn't expect to have, it's going to make her plan easier. She is going over the plan that has been in her head for days. Since she doesn't have a corpse to fake her own death, she has scattered a pile of ashes in her bedroom, putting her current acolyte outfit underneath them, as if a powerful wizard had charred her. In the closet she has a female, dark elven, full, heavy, armor next to a scroll of illusion[2]. The closed helmet of the armor has a cutout for her to pull her snout out. She has also just created a letter, with a purple wax seal from Elbe's ring. She knows the buildings well and sets about preparing to flee. He puts on full armor and breaks his antlers, covering his wounds with some papers so he doesn't bleed and uses the illusion scroll to magically plug the gaping hole in the helmet. And look like another elf. Silvia enters the courtyard at a brisk pace. She selects an armory wagon, made of steel and ebony, quite large and armored. Ten square meters in a rhomboid shape, with several weapon boxes that she empties completely. He herds two steeds into it and loads it with two bread crates. She tries to take a third, but is discovered by the cook. Luckily she manages to slip away without attracting too much attention. It's getting dark, Silvia has the wagon ready, all that's left is to bring the children. She knocks out the guard who was patrolling the courtyard with a kick so that she has direct access. She arrives where the children are locked up and, thanks to her wit, manages to get one of the guards to go to rest and give her the keys. He stays for a few minutes next to the other guard. Silvia begins to look at him from time to time. He asks her why she looks at him so much, to which Silvia replies that it looks like his helmet is cracked across his forehead. The guard takes off his helmet and begins to look at him strangely. Silvia takes advantage of the fact that no one is there to give him a big kick that leaves him unconscious. The guard makes a big noise as he falls. He grabs the guard and makes a small performance trying to wake him up. From the side, a patrol of three guards appears quickly. One of them asks what happened. Silvia replies that she was fine just a few minutes ago, but suddenly she started to sway slowly and fell flat on her face on the floor. The guards find this convincing. They drag the knocked-out watchman to the infirmary in a nearby building, leaving Silvia alone. After a minute, she opens the gate and takes the half-asleep children with her. The paths are clear to the courtyard. Arriving at the carriage, and putting almost all of them inside, she notices that the soldier she had knocked out is waking up. The latter shakes him with an elbow and knocks him unconscious again. Having finished loading the children into the wagon, she closes the hatch, gets into the pilot's saddle and drives the horses towards the exit. She is stopped by the watchmen at the gate and asked why she is leaving. She answers that it is unofficial business and that she is in a hurry. She shows them the letter with the stamp. The guard is a little surprised, takes the letter and takes a good look at the stamp. Silvia becomes a little tense. The other guard starts sniffing, and tells her that she smells blood. Silvia looks at the guard and tells him that she cut her cheek in training. The other guard gives the letter to Silvia and chides his partner to stop doing that, just because she's half vampire doesn't mean she can accuse everyone who's bleeding of murder. After that bizarre situation, she is allowed to leave the camp. They open the gate and the wagon begins to pull away. Suddenly a large icy glowing ball, full of spikes appears in the darkness of the skies from the north and crashes into the tower, destroying the room where Silvia was sleeping. Alarm bells begin to ring. -¡¡¡¡ THE FROST ORDE IS ATTACKING US, TO ARMS !!!! - They shout in the camp. Movement begins to be seen in the camp. As Silvia gallops away to the south, entering the forest, she sees how the camp begins to be attacked with numerous icy balls and how the great tower collapses. -fuc... king... shit.... - says Silvia in surprise. She removes her helmet and throws it to the ground as she hears the illusion spell fade, returning to the helmet's original form. -This was unexpected,- she breathes a sigh of relief and a grimace of happiness. He opens the wagon driver's window, so that the children can breathe easy. After a few hours it begins to get light. Silvia listens as the children wake up. One of the children approaches the window and asks her in a very trembling voice where they are. -We are on our way to Osli, you are going back to your parents,- says Silvia with a serious tone. -But hey! no screaming with happiness or...-. You start to hear how the child shouts loudly that they are going back to their parents, the other children start to shout for joy and some of them start to cry. Silvia makes a face of absolute disappointment for a few seconds, takes in air through her nose loudly and shouts - LET'S SEE YOU TADPOLES, IF YOU DON'T BEHAVE, I'LL TURN AROUND RIGHT NOW!!!!! Then the children begin to cry and scream nooo at the top of their lungs. Silvia puts her hands to her head. -I have to be gentler or they will make my head like a tambourine,- she murmurs reluctantly, -Children, children, listen to me, we are going to go with your parents, but I need you not to make any noise during the rest of the trip, promise me? Several yeses are heard, somewhat sad and happy. A cry is also heard. -Okay, if you are hungry there are some boxes with loaves of bread. Don't be greedy and share for everyone, ok? A more animated yes is heard again and a box is opened. The crying is also still heard. -All right, we'll be home in a little while, but somebody calm down the little one who is crying, eh? We hear the crying subside. Silvia lets out a sigh of relief. She looks out the window and sees some children watching her and others eating. One of the girls is cradling the six-month-old baby. She continues on her way. After an hour they reach the vicinity of Osli. The wagon is about to be ambushed by the high elves. Before the situation worsens Silvia raises her hands and shouts in Elvish that there are children in the wagon and that she is peaceful several times. After a short chat and explaining the situation to the High Elves, Silvia tells the captain that one of the girls, with a specific description, is Orla's granddaughter who lives in Osli, but she doesn't know where the others are from. Meanwhile, the elves are taking the children down from the carriage. The captain tells her that this act of courage will bring her a lot of fame. Silvia tells him to keep her identity a secret, she wants to remain anonymous. The captain nods, and tells all his soldiers present not to say a word about her. Silvia then goes into the lush woods. She hears a voice in the distance, it is the voice of little Eire shouting -Grandma-! Silvia goes behind a tree and sees how Orla appears running. Little Eire runs away too. They end up in a huge hug. Orla looks around with tears of joy as she hugs her granddaughter tightly. She notices that Silvia is hiding and waves to her. Then Silvia smiles slightly returning the greeting, leaving the place. After a few days Orla showed up at Silvia's house. The first thing she commented, extremely surprised, was that her arm was back in its place, how was it possible? It could have been the work of healing magic, but the use of it left after-effects and also deformed the organic tissue. Then Silvia opened her heart to him and told him of her history.She was Daughter of Ger'nika goddess of war, she had many siblings of different races, who were commonly known as Eternals. Both she and her siblings were immortal in body and soul and had the power to regenerate. So the days began to pass and Orla visited Silvia several times a month. They talked about their things and little by little they created a friendship, something that Silvia had not found for years. A friend she could trust. Silvia told her why she was in hiding. The great druid Hedras Manor was after her, he wanted to make her his prisoner. Hedras was obsessed with her and no matter what you told him, he was a monster. Orla promised him to keep that secret, and so it was. The days continued to pass. And so it went for 6 months. One day the air became tense and the forest stirred. The great druid Hedras Manor had arrived in the village. A rumor had reached his ears. His vassals began to question the villagers. Orla managed to slip away and reach Silvia's house. Orla enters the cave breathlessly and closes the door, Silvia is sitting at her table reading a book. -Well, hello Orla,- says Silvia in a friendly tone, smiling. -Would you like some Mentatruena tea? You came early today. -Silvia, listen to me,- says Orla very upset. She stands next to her. -Today Hedras has arrived in Osli. -Silvia gets upset. She closes the book and stands up. -Damn it! .... She grabs a backpack from under the table and puts the book she was reading and a few others in it. -Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, anonymity my ass... She takes out a drawer with onions and puts some in the backpack -And I thought the High Elves were trustworthy... -Orla, do you know anything else? - -I have no idea. He just showed up today. Nobody knew anything, not even the mayor,- says Orla in despair. -It's all right. I'll go north. That way lies the frozen Horde. I doubt will come near the great son of .... . - Silvia grumbles. And suddenly the door falls down. They see a Cielnol with thick, long antlers with a Sylvana rune hanging on each side, long black groomed hair, light green eyes, robust cheekbones and a thick snout with a not too short goatee. He wears a long brown cloak over a druid's outfit made of wood, leather, cloth and leaves. He carries a large wooden staff ending in a spiral with several Sylvan runes. Orla and Silvia stare at him, it is Hedras Magnor. -Knock knock, is it possible? - says Hedras with his academic tone while smiling. And I thought you were hiding in the forests of Lot'hael. How deluded I was. You were here, in the heart of our people. - How.... how you found me...... - Silvia stammers in terror. She approaches Silvia little by little. -You see my little beast. I heard about a great feat while we were celebrating a victory in the capital of the Drakos,- says Hedras. -I asked who this great hero was.... His answer, an anonymous,- he snaps. -I really didn't believe what I was hearing. So I persisted, again and again. I started to investigate. I can confirm that the High Elves kept your secret very well....but the children you saved..... adore you.- Heh, heh, heh, how unexpected, isn't it? - Look at Orla. -By the way, thank you Orla. If it wasn't for you I would never have found this beautiful cave. Hedras looks at Silvia again. -What else are friends for, Silvia? -You, always being a bad omen dog,- Silvia says angrily and almost out of breath. -Silvia, I... - says Orla very scared. -Orla, this is not your fault? - Silvia bursts in. -She is to blame for her confidence,- says Hedras with an authoritative tone while pointing at Orla. -What are you planning Silvia, do you intend to gain the trust of these poor people to devour their souls when they are trusting, or do you just want to corrupt this old granny? Silvia shrinks little by little as she finds herself unable to do anything with the dominating presence of Hedras. -..... you are ..... a horrible being ..... -Silvia lets out in tears. I hate you..... She looks away. -A monster like you shouldn't see the sunlight. - Well,- says Hedras, -we can do this one of two ways...., which one do you choose? Silvia raises her hands in surrender. -I don't want any trouble,- confirms Silvia. -Not this time,- she says, closing her eyes. The Vassals of Hedras, who were at her back, enter the cave and take Silvia away handcuffed. Orla is perplexed and wonders mentally, how come she hasn't done anything to escape. Hedras looks at Orla. -Well, Miss,- says Hedras, smiling. -As far as I am concerned, you are a heroine, you have helped your people to catch a terrible monster. -NO!- interrupts Orla angrily. -She's no monster! -Hay... Orla, Orla, Orla,- Hedras hesitates. -Choose..., to be a heroine or to have your granddaughter disappear again, together with your daughter and .... that nice man who lives with you. Bricio is his name. Orla closes her mouth in fear. A few silent and uncomfortable seconds pass. -I thought so,- Hedras comments hesitantly. -Enjoy the fame. Heh heh heh. After saying that, Hedras leaves the cave. Orla begins to collapse, until she falls to the ground, cringes and begins to cry, putting her hands over her eyes. Frustration and helplessness run through her body. She never forgave herself for that. Silvia was imprisoned for 30 years in the druidic tower of O'lettra, enduring torments, humiliations and tortures by Hedras. Hedras would say or do things that made no sense to her. What did her captor want to do, to break her mentally, to rape her, to turn her into an ally? The only thing she understood was that he was obsessed. One day, a mysterious young Cielnol woman, cloaked entirely in black robes, slipped into the tower through the shadows unseen. She entered the dungeons around lunchtime undetected and freed Silvia. There was also another big problem in the tower that day. Apparently someone spread a spice called Essina, which tastes like oregano but has great laxative power. The two Cielnols got out of there. In the suburbs of the city, the young Cielnol, while changing her clothes, told him a riddle. -I was born on land and I will die in the sea, my skeleton is made of pine, neither day nor night my three sails can give light, the waves break as I pass by and fire is my greatest rival. What am I? As Silvia thinks, she realizes something. Her savior was Orla's granddaughter. Eire had grown into a very beautiful woman. She still had her characteristic white mark on her forehead, her long reddish hair was even more intense, her green eyes were even more intense, her ears were still round but not so big anymore, her snout was very upturned. She is putting on a green shirt, on top of it a brown Sylvano corset and finally a green baggy pants. -.... Pinza?- answers Silvia. -And why is it that particular boat,- says Eire. -Because it's made entirely of pine,- Silvia answers again. -Exactly, but also because it will be our escape ticket,- says Eire very animated. -It will sail at midnight. It's time to sneak in and... well, enjoy the sea views while we get to our destination. She wants to see you... -... Orla...- says Silvia surprised. After a few minutes, they leave the suburbs. Then at dusk they enter the merchant port and sneak onto the ship bound for Noblion. They arrive in Osli in a couple of days. It is 10 pm, it is a cool summer night. The wind rustles lightly and a couple of children can be heard playing in the distance. The sun has almost gone down. Eire accompanies Silvia to a Castro. Through the window they see that it is quite well lit. You can see that there are many people inside. Silvia enters the door first. An atmosphere of sadness pervades the house. She can see a large blanket with various patterns of black and green cloth, stretched out, like an interior curtain across the wooden foundation. To her right she observes a kitchen with several dusty utensils and a straw basket with wood and cobwebs. Silvia stops for a few seconds in front of the cloth, observing the silhouettes reflected against the light. Then carefully, Silvia pulls the cloak to one side and moves forward. As she enters, she sees on her left a group of 8 people who begin to look at her in surprise. To the far left is a black-tailed, small antlered, slightly older Cielnol sitting on a stool. His build is skinny, one of his legs has been replaced by a peg leg and his hoof is thick. He has several scars around his body and arms that are quite old. He wears short pants and a simple linen shirt. His hair is gray and short, large eyebrows, brown eyes, small ears, pronounced snout. His face is full of wrinkles, and he has a white teardrop-shaped mark on his forehead. Next to her, also seated, and holding her hand, is a white-tailed Cielnol. Athletic build, shapely legs, large and pronounced breasts. Strong thighs, hips and buttocks. She wears a traditional brown Cielnico dress. She wears no make-up. She has very red eyes, thin snout, full lips, long round ears, green eyes, thin eyebrows, long shiny red hair, has very few wrinkles. Behind her looms a small Cielnol boy, somewhat stout, between 7 and 9 years old, short red hair, brown eyes, small ears and growing antlers. Followed by an old Cielnol lady with a very short black tail. Skinny build and small chest, she is hunched over. Her eyes can not be seen very well because they are very closed, her ears are droopy, her hair is completely white and in braids. Her muzzle has a small scarred wound on her lip. He wears square reading glasses attached by a small string around his neck. One of his glasses is damaged. She wears a wide-sleeved white linen shirt, leather belt and a short brown skirt. Behind her can be seen Bricio, very aged, in full brown attire. Standing to his right is a slightly older white-tailed Cielnol. Lean and stretched build, her makeup has smudged around her face from tears, dark reddish hair somewhat graying, very groomed. She wears a Silvano outfit. Behind her is a large built male Cielnol in lumberjack garb. In the center is a table with a pile of objects, books, illustrations and some flowers. In the other corner a large bed can be seen, on it lies Orla very tired. Her reddish hair has turned completely white, her eyes have become somewhat whitish and her face is full of wrinkles. Her ears are very droopy. She is wearing a green shirt and is covered by a gray sheet. She blinks a couple of times as she looks. He raises his gaze slowly. -Silvia.... - Orla says with a tired smile. -Look at you...... you're still the same as ever. -By the gods, I wasn't lying,- Aunt Esas says with surprise as she wipes off her smeared makeup. -Are you really a Cielnol with horns? asks little Ínigo with curiosity. -Yes, I am,- says Silvia with a familiar tone, looking at Inigo. Silvia looks at Orla again. -Orla, I will always be the prey of that being sooner or later. Why did you bring me here, it is not wise. -Silvia, it was my fault,- Orla says very saddened. -That day I shouldn't have gone, I never forgave myself. But seeing you here... on my deathbed, fills me with joy- Orla smiles. -Every sixth day of the week, together with Eire, I went to see that your cave and your books were in perfect condition. I just wanted to say one last thank you... Silvia keeps her composure. She approaches Orla and sits next to her, takes her hand and gives her a little hug. -Even if you never forgave yourself, you were able to live a happy life? - Silvia whispers. -Yes, it was wonderful to see Eire and Inigo grow up,- whispers Orla. -I'm glad,- whispers Silvia with a tearful look in her eyes. They stop hugging and Silvia stands up again. -Thank you,- says Orla tiredly, -Now I'll sleep a little, I'm very... very... tired. Silvia says goodbye with a brief farewell and goes into the thicket of trees. Two days later, Orla died of old age at the age of 97. She is buried on the outskirts. After a sad and long farewell ceremony at dawn, the stone burial mound remains silent with a bouquet of flowers. She is buried on the outskirts. After a sad and long farewell ceremony at dawn, the stone mound remains silent with a bouquet of flowers. Silvia emerges from the forest. She remains silent for a few minutes staring at the tombstone. -I will always remember you, Orla,- she says through small tears. After a few minutes Silvia leaves the burial mound, leaving a flower-shaped quartz stone on it. END Thanks to friends and family https://twitter.com/destruteka Pdcs short stories: The old Cielnol.by destruteka . Page ________________ [1] The ancients are the animals from which they evolved. Ex: the ancients of the Humans are the primates and that of the Kasterras are the felines. [2] It serves to visually alter the image or distort the perception of something.