Poseidon's Adventure (Silvarn)

[HoudiniDerek]

Guang was not in a good humor. First of all, it was chilly in the Lonea Lake country and it was very different than what he was used to in the Selkia. Second, he was on a boat in the middle of the enormous lake and the wind was blowing, pitching the little boat to and fro on the swells, which was upsetting his stomach. Finally, he was upset because he was being held prisoner by a band of mercenaries.

He had wondered into the lakeshore village early in the morning. He had gone to the bar to see about an early meal and had paid and eaten it. Unfortunately, he had been recognized by someone and somehow. Upon leaving for a nearby empty cottage that was rented out by the owner of a fishing vessel, he had been waylaid. Guang was usually pretty good at defending himself, but the late hour, the unexpected attack, and the overwhelming numbers had taken him by surprise.

He had been clubbed unconscious, tied up and taken out on the boat. He had been here ever since. None of the captors had tried talking to him or near him. They did not seem afraid of him or anxious. They seemed bored and restless, waiting for whatever was to happen next. Guang squirmed in his bonds and his head ached. He was not sure he wanted to wait around to see what was going to happen.

[Silvarn]

What an odd sight we must look. Tristan muttered to himself, half-amused and half-embarrassed by his ward's antics. The electric-blue-haired boy was practically skipping along the lake, picking up a rock every now and then to vainly attempt skipping it across the waves. Or to sit perfectly still and fawn a small rabbit from afar. Or to to sway gently in the wind with his head uplifted to the sun, a look of profound contentment on his fair face. Tristan could not help but sigh and smile a little. Helion was a unique young man, that was for certain.

"Helion, don't wander so far away." Tristan called after his slighter younger companion, intent on keeping his leisurely pace.

"You are such a spoilsport, Tristan." Helion beamed, his face practically glittering in the bright daylight.

"Here, put this on," Tristan ordered, offering his friend a fur jacket, "It's starting to get cold here."

"I am fine, Tristan, see?" he bared his pale forearm, "Not even one goosebump."

"If you say so, Helion." Tristan smiled, igniting Helion's own. "On another note, do you know how long we'll be staying here?"

"No." Helion's smile degraded to a grin, "But, I promise you will be the first to know as soon as I do."

"I'll hold you to that," Tristan playfully elbowed Helion, and started to walk past him.

"Tristan?"

"Yes, Helion?" Tristan responded, turning tightly on the spot.

"What is that -- there, on the lake?" Helion pointed as far as his arm and finger would allow, the tip quivering from extertion.

Tristan shielded his eyes from the sunlight and squinted hard in the direction Helion had indicated. "I don't see anything."

"It is right there! Are your eyes troubling you, Tristan? I could take a look at them and -- "

"My eyes are fine, Helion. You're just better at seeing the daylight, for obvious reasons, that's all. So, I'll just have to take your word that there's something out in the middle of the lake." he turned again to continue along the shore, "And, if there is, it's in our best interest not to attract its attention -- "

"HELLOOO!" Helion cried merrily, waving his arm over his head frantically.

"Helion," Tristan almost growled. He grabbed his friend's delicate bicep and began to lead him away from the lake. "You always get us in trouble."

The blue-haired boy managed to shake off his oppressor's clutch, "And you are the one that never lets me make any new friends."

"Then what do you call those people who go all googly-eyed whenever you start talking?"

"They are followers, not friends. You are my only real friend, Tristan." Helion choked out, his eyes becoming oceans.

"Helion, I didn't mean to get angry at you. C'mere..." he wrapped his trembling friend into a tight embrace. He kept watch of the lake over his friend's shoulder. "What...?" he breathed -- something seemed to materialize in the middle of the lake.

"I thought it was a boat." Helion chirped.

[HoudiniDerek]

Guang heard a distant greeting, but the words were muffled on the long lake waves. The men on the ship began to scurry around now and hoist the sails. Some went below and began to row. Guang had a sudden feeling that maybe he had outsmarted those hunting him for the last time. It was not a pleasant feeling.


A large wave slapped against the ship, spilling over the railing and washing over Guang, sending him rolling across the deck, hands still tied behind his back. He hit the far railing with a thud just as the ship reacted to the swell, causing him to hit at great force. The ship lurched again and he was tossed back towards the other side.

He smashed into the railing and it splintered, breaking loose and showering him with fragments of wood. His hands caught the side of the ship momentarily, but were pried loose when the ship lurched again. The sharp edge cut his hands and tore through the bonds, dropping him unceremoniously into the raging water below just as the rain let go.

Guang fell to the rolling lake and plunged under. He finished removing the ropes from his hands and attacked the ones at his feet. The wave through him against the underside of the boat, causing him to strike his shoulder hard. He managed not to scream underwater and finished untying his feet. He was about to head for the surface when a shadow crossed him and the keel of the ship struck him on the head. His last thought before blacking out was to remember not to scream...

[Silvarn]

"Stay behind me, Helion." Tristan commanded, a firm hand on his sheathed sword, then other on Helion's slight chest.

"No, Tristan, it is my fault they noticed us." the blue-haired boy argued.

"Yes, but you're less capable of holding your own if things come to blows. Please, just listen to me, Helion."

Helion said nothing, instead placing his hand on Tristan's. A few stray tendrils of sunlight radiated from the contact and Tristan's frame visibly relaxed.

The men from the boat approached, a half-dozen of them, while the other half remained to tend the boat. The leader, a debonair man with a wide-brimmed hat and a scarlet feather swaggered up to them. Helion could not take his aether-blue eyes off of the man's repulsive scar, running along the right side of his face and down to his semi-exposed chest.

"Greetings to the lot of ye." the man smiled through yellow teeth. "How be farin' ye gents this finest of days?"

"Fine, thanks." Tristan answered tersely.

"Why, now, I hardly believe the be proper etiquette to be greetin' someone, but what know I of etiquette?"

"What do you want?" Tristan nearly growled.

"Truth be told, laddie, we be wantin' the boy." he indicated Helion with a gnarled, salty finger. "There be a great reward for him."

"The only way you'll be getting him," Tristan's blade was out in a flash, "Is through me."

The man smiled cruelly, unsheathing his own sabre, while two rapiers and three scimitars joined the foray of glittering steel. "I think that can be arranged, laddie." the leader assured.

"OI!" a cry came from the boat, "The little one's gone!"

The six turned around for but a moment. One of them found Tristan's sword planted firmly in his belly and promptly crumpled to the ground after the support was removed.

"You'll soon be regretting that mistake, laddie." the captain growled, "Get the boy!" he ordered.

Minutes later, Tristan stood over the captain, blood splattered over the both of them. Tristan's chest heaved and the captain groaned terribly as he clutched the bleeding stump of his sword-arm. Tristan tickled the captain's throat with his sword, his face void of pity. Helion huddled behind him, trying desperately to remove the blood stains from his white robe without actually touching the ichor.

Tristan snarled savagely and drove his point at the captain, but found his wrist suddenly arrested -- by Helion's firm grip, no less. The cleric's eyes burned with some divine inner fire and he asserted himself in front of Tristan, then took up the captain by the scruff of his neck. His eyes, now literally burning with searing aether-flame, asked in an echoing voice, "Why did you attack us?"

"As I said, boy-o, we be tryin' to get the reward placed upon your fair head, your grace." the captain stammered.

"Who placed that bounty?" Helion asked, his voice uncharacteristically harsh.

"I don't his name, your majesty. He only said he be wantin' you alive and well, that's all -- please don't hurt me!" the piteous man whined.

Helion dropped him and stormed off, Tristan in tow. The captain watched them for a moment, then wilted when they were out of proximity.

***

Hours later, Helion stared out over the lake, letting the blinding sunlight reflect off the waters and onto his face. It seemed inconceivable this fair could have held so much ire, yet Tristan had seen that terrible face, heard that awful voice, a rare few times, but he could vividly recall them. He kept close to Helion, washing their clothes in the lake in silence, until --

"Tristan, what is that?" Helion was pointing at a rock.

"It's nothing but a rock, Helion. Are you feeling alright?" Tristan asked him, "You're never quite back to your usual self until you've had a good night's sleep."

"I am fine, Tristan. But, that little man is not."

"What...?" Tristan left the clothes idle and investigated the rock. "Aw, jeeze...it's a gnome...annoying little creatures." Tristan grumbled, assessing the abject thing.

"A person is a person." Helion said seriously. "Is he alright?"

"He's not breathing. Not very well, anyway. Don't worry, he's alive. I just need to get the water out of him, and he'll be fine -- I hope." Tristan laid the small figure onto the shore and began pumping his arms onto the gnome's chest in a rhythmic motion, while Helion hovered over, his hands clasped together before his mouth.

[HoudiniDerek]

Guang was happy. He was out on a bright day in the Selkia. His best friend, Braish, was with him and they were heading back from their negotiations with other gnome tribes. The trip had been a success and it had been nice to get away from the encampment in the deepest part of the Selkia. They had run into some trouble on the way and the negotiations had been tough, but it was great to relax now and have some time to head back.

They stopped to camp that night at river bed that was running pretty high as the winter snows were melting from the Ularian Ridge on the lower slopes. It started to rain, but the two friends were safe in their tent and talking happily about things on their minds. Braish leaned over to Guang and said in a very serious tone, "Guang, I would like to ask your permission to marry your sister when we get back."

Guang wasn't surprised that Braish wanted this and had dreaded the question for some time. For one, he was not sure that his sister would marry Braish and for two, he was not sure he wanted to be the third wheel in their family. However, he did know that Braish was a good and fair man and that his sister could do no better among their tribe. Guang turned to Braish and smiled. "So ask her." Braish smiled too and they talked of other things.

Later that night, Guang went to answer a call of nature. The rain was still pouring down, but Guang strode away from the river and relieved himself behind a tree. He was on his way back when he tripped on a piece of debris and went headlong into the river, yelling as he fell. He went under and a log struck him as he tried to fight back to the surface. He could feel himself slipping and fought as hard as he could. His mind screamed for Braish and all went black.

Guang distantly heard noises and felt pumping on his chest. He had the urge to cough and breathe at the same time, but his movements were shallow. Suddenly, he remembered drowning and he sat up, hacking harshly and spewing out water. Still weak, he sank back to the ground. Just before he passed out again, he muttered, "Thanks, Braish."

[Silvarn]

"Well, at least he's alive." Tristan admitted as the gnome lapsed back into his slumber. Helion nodded in acknowledgment, nervously dabbing at the small frame with his clerical robe in an attempt to dry the gnome. A fire burned merrily moments later, the gnome placed near it, Helion and Tristan placing themselves on either side of him.

The night wore on, and the gnome's condition showed no changes. "It he going to be alright, Tristan?" Helion asked hopelessly.

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure he will. Gnomes are hardy little creatures." he explained.

"Still, I cannot help but feel we are not doing enough." Helion inched a little closer, his palms glistening with drops of sunshine, "Maybe if I --"

Tristan smacked his hand away, and then turned his head away. He knew Helion was looking at him, his face full of deep hurt. That face always broke his heart. "He might not appreciate the use of Sol Invictus' power on him. We don't know what gods he worships, if any." he hastily explained.

"Then this would be an excellent opportunity to show him." Helion countered.

"Helion, no." the finality of the second word could not be denied, and Tristan felt Helion's spirits dampen. "I'm sorry, Helion, but we don't want to offend him."

"I know, Tristan. You are right." he sighed heavily. "You are always right. I just wish I could be logical, like you."

"Oh, don't say that. You're a romantic, an idealist. That's a gift, Helion." he complimented, adding a rub on the shoulder. He was rewarded with one of Helion's rare shy smiles.

The gnome kicked Tristan's knee, causing both to jump. "Is he coming around?" Helion asked excitedly.

[HoudiniDerek]

Guang was lost in a daze. He could hear things happening around him and his mostly closed eyes could see a shimmering haze. His mind fought to stay conscious and slowly he won that battle, trying to adjust his ears and eyes so that he could hear and see again.

He kept thinking of Braish and remembered that it has been a long time ago that this had happened. As he lay there, the mercenaries and the ship and the escape had all come back to him...which probably explained why he was wet and sore all over.

Something nudged him and he kicked out at instinctively, but weakly. More jumbled words and suddenly he began to cough again. His coughing was so strong that it took him from the supine position into a sitting one. He spewed out more water and lay back, exhausted at the struggle. Drowning was not fun...nor easy apparently.

Guang coughed again and opened his eyes. He could see trees above him, but he could hear the lapping of the Lonea behind him. He blinked to clear his eyes and he became aware of people around him. Slowly and with exaggerated movements, he sat up and faced them, the warmth of the fire giving him confidence even as it dried him.

"Thank you," he croaked graciously nodding at the older man first and then towards the younger one. "I am not sure I could have made it without help. I am Guang of the Gnorash."

[Silvarn]

Helion's face lit up at the gnome's awakening, his large eyes eager for him to speak. He sat on his knees, trembling with the utter excitement of it all. He had never seen a gnome before to say nothing of actually hearing them. What kind of a voice would he have? Deep and gravelly like a dwarf's? He imagined it would sound like a human child's, only more nasally. The gnome inhaled to speak, and Helion held his breath in anticipation.

At the end of his introduction, Helion nearly jabbed him in his small chest as his hand shot out, "Hello! My name is Helion!" he beamed. Then he caught Tristan's rebuking face and the offer withered as did his fair expression.

"Well met, Guang. My name is Tristan, and this is my ward, Helion. We found you washed up on the shore. Prior to that, we were attacked by a crew of what I believe were small-time pirates. Do you know anything of them?"

"Where did you come from?" Helion interrupted, his face once again radiant, "I mean, what brought you here? I am sure you plenty of interesting stories to tell. I have never met a gnome before."

"Helion, please..." Tristan groaned in exasperation, "curb your enthusiasm. We do not want to annoy our guest."

Instead of inching back like an innocent puppy, Helion simply held his tongue, his eyes still vibrant with expectation.

[HoudiniDerek]

Guang watched the little boy with amused curiosity as he rushed forward to introduce himself and then get shushed by his larger companion. Guang nodded to each at the introduction and was beginning to speak when the boy interrupted again.

Guang waited until the boy had subsided again and smiled patiently. "I will try to answer both sets of questions." Guang's eyes twinkled friendly at the boy and he situated himself against a nearby tree so he could sit up and still feel the fire.

"I had come from the edges of the Dermun. I had business there and I thought I would come back through Lonea. It's pretty country and I do not get here very often. I got here early yesterday morning and got waylaid." Here, he turned to Tristan. "I know little of them, but I imagine they are small-time mercenaries looking for a way to become big-time mercenaries. Their skill is rudimentary, but their numbers are quite impressive. Seeing as how you encountered them and survived, they are even more pitiful warriors than I thought."

Guang rubbed his head where he had been clubbed. It still smarted, but if he was easy on it, there should be no permanent damage to his skull. "I am not sure why they attacked me directly or took me out on the lake, but I intend to find out..." Guang's words trickled off as he looked toward the future for a few seconds. The crackling of the fire brought him back to the present.

Guang now turned to Helion and smiled. "I am from the Selkia as you might have guessed. All of the gnome tribes inhabit some section of the forest. My group is the Gnorash and we live in the innermost parts by some of the deadliest bogs on Valear. We are one of the few buffers people have between them and the Orcs that sometimes inhabit the boglands."

Guang adjusted his position and leaned back again. "I currently live in Tamasha and I travel around, teaching people different things, earning my living and enjoying myself. It's not the most glamorous life and it can be lonely always being on the go, but it allows me to meet some of the greatest people and see some of the greatest things." His thoughts stalled for a moment as he remembered the mercenaries. "Of course, there are weeds in every garden, young man."

Guang shook his head to clear it and smiled again. "Now that you know some of me, what exactly are you two doing out here on the Lonea? Where did you come from?"

[Silvarn]

"The mercenaries weren't as easily handled as you may think." Tristan admitted, "I only killed maybe one or two, and when they saw me take their leader's hand, they broke and fled. Cowards." he grumbled.

"I am from Selkia as well!" Helion interrupted excitedly. "In fact, Tristan and I are both from there. More specifically, we were raised in a -- " Again, he caught Tristan's forbidding eye, and obediently stopped talking.

Tristan rolled his eyes and urged, "Helion, why don't you tell our friend why we're out here?"

Helion's fair skin reddened deeply, an adorably bashful expression on his face. "I..." he began, then withdrew again. "I thought you told me not to discuss beliefs in front of strangers."

"Friend Guang seems accepting enough. He asked the question, so it'd be his fault if he doesn't like the answer." Tristan soothed.

Helion took a calming breath and tried once more, with confidence, "I am sent around Valear by the command of Sol Invictus, the Sun-God. He has charged me with spreading His light to every dark corner of Valear, to rid this realm of shadows. Granted it is not always an enjoyable charge, but it does have its good moments, and those are what keep me strong and faithful."

"You'll have to forgive us for not discussing our origin, however." Tristan cut in, "We gave our word to our father we would not."

[HoudiniDerek]

Guang smiled at the boy's excited outburst, but was not surprised when Tristan told him with a look to keep quiet. It was easy to see why Helion needed someone to look after him. He was very innocent in his own way. Guang nodded approvingly.

He listened intently to Helion as he spoke about his mission and the Sun God. Guang had come across references to the god in many places, but it did not seem to be very widespread in the belief...mainly remote villages in distant places...no overall connection. This must be the prophet of which they spoke.

"I completely understand the need to maintain some mystery, promises or not." Guang smiled knowingly. "I did not guess that the two of you were brothers though. You seem very different. But I only had a sister and know little of brothers."

Guang turned serious now and looked to Helion. "I have heard of you though in my travels. It did not register until you told me of the work you do, but you are a very well-known man in parts of Valear." Guang looked over at Tristan. "There are many places where his head is wanted on a platter. I am sure you know of it and is one of the reasons you travel with him. He will need more protection as long as you live in this section of Valear."

Guang looked out towards the lake, still shivering somewhat with the damp clothing. "Mercenaries like that are small game, but they know things. They have seen you. They know where you are. They can sell that information to more powerful people. As long as you stay here, you are in danger. The Lonea is not easy to defend anywhere because of the lay of the land."

Guang sighed and turned back to the duo. "Your best bet would be to move on and prophesy elsewhere for a while. While I do not doubt Tristan's resolve, he will not always be enough."

[Silvarn]

Tristan looked Guang while Helion looked at Tristan -- both with confused looks on their faces.

"Why would anyone want to hurt me? I have not done anything wrong." Helion asked, his voice dripping with hurt.

"Be that as it may, Helion, there's people out there who would be out of a job if Valear was made into your ideal world. Those men who tried to kidnap you kill others for a living, Helion."

The frail cleric puffed up in indignation "What a deplorable way to waste a life!" he exclaimed.

"Still, Helion, Guang is right...we should move on."

"No! Sol Invictus told me to come here and stay for one week!"

"Was it the Lake specifically? Or, can we journey to an area nearby?"

"Tristan, do not contradict me!" Helion's visage became suddenly fierce, "I was told to stay by the lake; and, by the lake I will stay, with or without you!" At that, he rose and stormed off to the shore.

"You'll have to forgive him, Guang." Tristan groaned, "He's a bit temperamental when it comes to his prophecies. Excuse me, won't you?" Tristan followed after his younger companion. "Helion!" he growled when he finally came close, "That was no way to conduct yourself in front of a guest!"

"You openly defied me!" Helion sobbed, "You promised to follow everything I said."

"Helion," Tristan groaned as he rolled his eyes, "This is no time to cry."

"I will cry if I want to." the blue-haired boy retorted.

"Some Mouth of the Sun. I wouldn't want to follow your faith if I knew it would lead to depression." Tristan spat, then turned on his heel and marched away.

"Tristan, wait!" Helion croaked, "I am sorry. I did not mean to.."

"Don't apologize to me; apologize to Guang."

Helion sniffled for a moment, then asked, "Tristan, what's that?"

Had it been a different time, Tristan would have claimed it was the moon rising, yet Luna was already high in the skies. Not only that, but the glowing thing was getting closer, as if it was crossing the lake.

[HoudiniDerek]

Guang felt for the boy when he seemed genuinely confused as to why people would want him dead. It seemed that with the mix of his faith and his guardian, Helion was unaware of the things in life which were harmful or on the black side of right. While it was nice to see such innocence, it made him an easier target and victim.

Guang nodded to Tristan as he went to soothe the boy after his outburst of faith. Guang shook his head as they argued just out of range of his hearing. Tristan was wise and he loved the boy, which was good. It was too bad that Helion had not learned to let him temper his hand some with common sense. Even the gods had logic did they not?

Guang shivered and scooted closer to the fire, happy for the warmth and his lucky escape from the captors. He knew it was unlikely for them to be looking for him since they probably figured him dead, but they might still be looking for the boy...and that could lead to problems for everyone. But the boy seemed determined to stay here for at least a week, regardless of what common sense said to do.

Guang looked over when he sensed movement and saw Tristan start back. He saw Tristan turn and look up, watching a flaming sphere in the sky. Guang had seen those before. "Look out!" he cried, lunging from his sitting position to a full-out run in their direction. They were close enough that he catapulted himself right into both of them and sent everyone flying away from the campfire. Moments later, the projectile descended into the campfire and exploded, illuminating the area with light and shrapnel.Silvarn, I took the liberty of knocking both people down, but I figured it was a way to move that point of the story along. Let me know if you want me to change it. -

[Silvarn]

Both men found themselves knocked to the ground as a gnome-shaped object hurled itself at them and connected bodily. Tristan was sent hard into a sitting position, while Helion was completely winded, gasping for air, while Tristan picked himself up, then Helion, then the gnome.

"I suppose thanks are in order." he gasped to Guang, steadying Helion's shaking frame by holding it close to his own. "Of all the auspicious signs, a falling star has to be one of them. Even you can't argue with that, Helion."

Helion, had he a response, was unable to speak due to his advanced shivering. He clung to Tristan, his aether-blue eyes wide and bugging.

"Buck up," Tristan ordered softly, giving him a gentle shake. Helion nodded dumbly and removed himself from his companion, gripping his arms and taking rapid, shaky breaths.

Then, the shivering died abruptly. A spark came into Helion's eyes, and his mouth spoke divinity: "Nox will depart from Luna, his lover, and will reunite with Neptune. Luna, alone in the skies, will return to Me, that we may rule the Heavens together and Light and Dark will be harmonized."

The frail boy shivered with ecstasy as his perception returned to reality. He caught Tristan's expectant look, and stared back in confusion, "What?"

"What do you mean, 'what?' You just prophesied!" Tristan explained with exasperation.

"Oh, right!" Helion chirped, "Sol wants us to take whatever is inside that fallen star to the bottom of the Lake. What then, I am not sure. Somehow, this will strengthen His relationship with Luna, and, without Nox to compete with, they will be able to rule over Day and Night together. Or, something like that. I really wish I could remember my prophecies." he added with distinct sadness.

"Well, he sent you a message in the middle of Night. He can't send you a vision, since it isn't Day right now."

"Still..."

"Anyway," Tristan continued, cutting him off, "We should reconstruct camp and wait for the fallen star to cool off so we can get at whatever it is we're supposed to find inside. Until then, we might as well get some sleep. Guang, would you mind giving us a hand?"

[HoudiniDerek]

Guang stood, shaking a little from exhiliration and fear. He watched as Helion nearly lost it...and then went into some sort of trance. Guang had seen the same thing before, but mainly with people who were using some sort of hallucinogenic drug. He watched the daze fade from the boy and listened skeptically about what was to be done.

Guang was suprised to learn that the sky had fallen from the heavens. He had thought initially that they had been found by the mercenaries and a fire ball had been shot towards them. It was hard to tell which one would have relieved him more.

He heard Tristan speak and nodded. "I will help clean up the camp. If you don't mind, I will spend the night. I would not want to hinder you in your quest, so I can leave you in the morning."

Guang smiled and started to take a step toward the destroyed camp site. His movements were not coordinated and there was a sudden pain in his stomach. He looked down and saw a large sliver of firewood protruding from his abdomen. The blood was oozing out, but it was hard to see in the dark against his already wet clothing.

Guang's head swam and he fell to his knees. "Help," he managed to gasp before he passed out again, falling face first to the ground.