Lady Ru's Story pt 3

Here is the last part of my fiction story about my game character. If you missed the previous installments they can be found here, Part 1 and Part 2. Lady Ru does go on and have many more adventures, but those stories were told by another. You can find them in the Brimstone series.

Lady Ru's Story pt 3

The audience was granted, and set to take place on the next official petition day, where all subjects of the holding had the ability to bring their concerns to the leaders. Upon that day, Lady Ru sat with the group of people waiting to be heard. Lorder Markam was heading the meetings as usual, but Josha, apparently hearing of his daughter’s petition, was in attendance as Consult. This was rare, but as former Lord, he had the right to sit in at any major decision processes, and any counsel he gave would be heeded.

Lorder Markam called each person forward, heard their petition, solved disputes and denied or granted requests as deemed appropriate. Often he consulted quietly with Josha before rendering judgment. The Lorder had no knowledge of whom or what was on the petitions list, as this policy was considered the best way for impartial decisions. Lack of foreknowledge was considered the best way to avoid bias. So when he heard Lady Ru called forward to make her petition, he was understandably surprised.

Lady Ru, pale with nervousness, and determination in her very movements, made her way to the front of the hall. Nodding her respect to her father and the Lord, she cleared her throat and began to speak.

“Lorder, as you are well aware, I have studied our old histories extensively, and have been fascinated by certain elements that I have read about. I hereby petition I be allowed to travel to the lands we originally came from. Thereby learning what has happened since we left, possibly establishing new trades, and increasing our knowledge.”

As she finished speaking, her father stared at her in shock. “No, you are too young.” he murmured, barely audible. Lorder Markam, sat quietly for a moment, gazing at her, and he collected his thoughts.

Then he spoke, “Lady Ru, I do agree that your idea of reconnecting with our old homeland has merit. But I cannot see that sending you, as young as you are, would be wise. As you know, you are to be Lady of our Holding in less than two years. You are needed here. I will therefore send a ship with an official representative to our ancestral lands to learn what they may, but I am afraid I must deny..”

Lady Ru spoke then, interrupting him, and shocking those gathered with her discourtesy. “No, you may not deny this request. I have no choice but to go myself, and I must leave within the week.”

Turning to face her father, she said, “Often have you spoke to me about my birth, and of the dream you had before it. Often, I saw you act on your ‘feelings’ to be somewhere or to know something before it happened. Many times you have told me you have been given knowledge of events somehow, and have acted on them, without knowing how you knew of them. Many were the problems you solved before they became critical during your term as Lord. I know this, as you, yourself, have told me of them.

As she spoke, Josha became pale, and a sad look came over his face. “Yes, my daughter, I have told you of these things. True enough, I have had precognition at times. Please, my child, do not tell me that you have seen that this leaving must be done. I cannot bear to lose my only child.

Lady Ru smiled sadly, with a wisdom on her face far exceeding her tender age. “I am sorry, Father, I must go. I have known for long that this day would come, but I was hoping that it would not come so soon. I am afraid to leave our lovely home, but I must. I will leave before this week is over. I requested this petition, not to seek permission, for this cannot be denied, but to make it official, so that our people would know why I must leave.

Lorder Markam turned to Josha, a question on his face, but before he could speak, Josha said, “Lorder, know this, as you once trusted my judgment on things, now you must trust my daughters.

The Lorder sighed deeply, and spoke to Lady Ru, “I see I have no choice but to grant this petition. But I will do so only on one condition. You may go, but you will take two of our best warriors to guard you, and you will return at all costs in the month of your fourteenth birthday. On your return, you will be confirmed in your majority, and take your position as Lady of Frenton Holding. If you do not return at the appointed time, you will forfeit your rank and all your status,” Pausing here for a moment, he looked seriously at Lady Ru, then continued, “Including your status as citizen of this Holding.”

Gasping at the seriousness of the threat of status loss, Lady Ru bowed her head for a moment. If she did not return in the appointed month, she would never be allowed to return. Those in the hall watched the young girl take a deep breath and raise her head. Lady Ru spoke quietly, but clearly, into the silence, “The conditions are acceptable. I will return in the month of my fourteenth birthday, or not return at all, forfeiting all I hold. I will trust your judgment in choosing the two warriors to accompany me, and I will leave as soon as the ship is made ready.

****

Lady Ru left her holding within the week, and after almost 2 months at sea, finally came to the island called Arakas. Making port in the town of Lighthaven, she quickly picked up on the customs, and found herself tutors. She discovered that spellcasting was still known, indeed, much more advanced than her texts at home had hinted at. She soon became a talented fire mage and travel the lands learning and questing as many had before her. She became aware of the gods and chose to follow Artherk.

She returned to Frenton Holding in the designated month and ruled as Lady for just over three years. In the middle of her seventeenth year, she felt herself called back to the Olden Lands, as her people called the three islands of Goldmoon. She appointed Markam as Lorder during her absence and returned, arriving just in time to answer the call to rescue a man named Brimstone.

Lady Ru’s story continues in the Brimstone series.

Lady Ru's Story pt. 2

Ru grew up in a loving, yet sad, household. Her father was Lord of their island Holding, as their towns were called, and was often kept away by his duties. Her mother continued to try for more children, but although she usually carried to term, the births never resulted in live children.

At the age of three, Ru established herself, as future Lady of the Frenton Holding, by bursting into tears when her maid walked into the room. Upon questioning, she managed to sob that her hand was hot and hurting. The maid revealed a minor burn on her hand, saying that she had burned her hand making tea for Ru, a few minutes before. This proved Ru to have the empathic talent that all leaders were required to show to be allowed leadership.

Lord Josha was thrilled that his only child had inherited this talent, as otherwise a search would have been required to find the next Lord or Lady of the Holding. Lady Ru, as she was henceforth titled, was begun in her training on her fifth birthday. In addition to the proper manners and quiet demeanor that was considered appropriate for a woman, she was also taught to read, basic accounting skills and leadership tactics.

She found solace in the books and tomes in the manor library, as she was not fortunate enough to have any other children of appropriate rank to play with when she had time away from her lessons.

Although the island holdings were not part of the Kingdom of Goldmoon, and most residents had no knowledge of much other than their own island, Lady Ru was taught the old histories that had been brought with the original settlers. The most recent of those were several hundred years old, and she often wondered what had happened in the times between. In her explorations of the library, she also came across some old texts that contained information of certain elemental powers. This subject fascinated her, and she searched eagerly for more on the subject, but other than a few confusing words about mana and spellcasting, she found nothing to explain how or what the powers were, nor how they were used.

Lady Bethan did not live to see her daughter’s ninth birthday. Repeated pregnancies, still births and her grief, finally sapped her strength so far that she could not recover from a normal winter illness. In his grief, Lord Josha spent more time away, burying himself in his duties, leaving young Lady Ru with only the servants and her tutors for company.

During the fall of Lady Ru’s tenth year, her father was severely injured in a defensive battle against the giant spider-like creatures of the islands called Gnorches. As a result of this injury, Lord Josha was no longer able to perform the border patrols required, and due to a head wound, could not remember procedures and policies he needed to rule effectively. Lady Ru would not be considered an adult until her fourteenth birthday, so an immediate search was made for an empath to lead Frenton Holding. Josha’s friend, Markam was appointed as Lorder, acting leader, until a suitable empath was found or until Lady Ru reached her majority.

Lorder Markam took an avid interest in Lady Ru’s education, as Josha still wanted her to succeed him, if at all possible. Lady Ru’s free time decreased as her training took precedence over all other things. Shortly after her twelfth birthday, she sent a petition for an official audience with Lorder Markam.

****

part 3 will be coming soon

Dragon Dreams Come True

I have always loved dragons. The idea of them, the look of them. Dragons are majestic and beautiful. As I have always been an avid reader, I would search for and read any book that dealt with dragons. Then I came across one set of books that I immediately fell in love with. The Pern series by Anne McCaffrey. The dragons in her world were loving and gentle and worked as a team with their human caretakers.

I loved this premise. People and dragons bonding for life, taking care of each other, always there for each other. Her dragons looked like the ones I had always pictured in my mind as the proper look for a dragon. Anne McCaffrey wrote other stories too, some that didn't include dragons, but I had grown to love her writing by the time I found them and enjoyed those series' too.

Then one day, I heard about a convention called DragonCon. It was taking place in Atlanta, GA. Anne McCaffrey was a guest and speaker at this convention. I had to be there. I just had to. Anne lives in Ireland, and the sad fact is she is getting older. This might be my only chance to ever see my favorite author, ever. It is a long trip to take and probably one she wouldn't be making again.

So, I needed to be there. The problem was, I lived in Kansas City. Way too far to just drive over. It seemed impossible for me to make it. But luck was on my side. Some other people from a discussion group I was involved with were going as well. I managed to get with one of them in an agreement to share a hotel room and some expenses for the trip. I bought a plane ticket, ordered convention tickets online. Yay, I was going to go to DragonCon.

Then some bad news. Anne wasn't feeling well, and may not be able to make it to the convention. I didn't like this news at all, but I would definitely give up my chance to see her in person to keep her healthy. So I resigned myself to the fact that even though I was going, the reason for my attendance may not be there.

The day finally arrived and I was in Atlanta, entering the convention hall, still not knowing if my idol was there. I wandered around looking at the booths and performers and suddenly a shock when through the whole area. It was like everyone stopped breathing at once. The whisper came through, Anne was here, she made it. I was thrilled.

I won't bore you with details of the whole convention, but some of the highlights were I bought a copy of Pern music on CD, I met Teal'c and Bratac from Stargate SG-1, talked with them both for over an hour. Met and spoke with my favorite cover artist Rowena.

But the absolute best thing is not only did I see Anne McCaffrey, I met her, and sat with her and a few other people for a few hours. We chatted and shared a bag of pretzels. Her son, Todd, was there as well and I won a galley copy of the first book they co-wrote together.

That was one of the best days of my life. Sitting and chatting with my favorite author, even sharing a snack while we chatted. That is a memory I will always treasure and hold close to my heart. Anne McCaffrey to me is one of the best authors ever, and if you read at all, I recommend her books very highly.

She is not just a great author though, she is also a warm and friendly person. I will always be honored that she chose to share her worlds with us, and I admire her strength and determination in coming to that convention for her fans, despite her poor health at the time.

Anne McCaffrey is a role model, even a hero to me. I love her books, her dragons and her strength. Meeting her, spending most of a day with her, made my dragon dreams come true.

Thank you, Anne, you mean the world to me.

Lady Ru's story

As I promised yesterday, here is Part 1 of my fiction story about my gaming character Lady Ru.

Lady Ru's Story, pt 1

As another scream echoed throughout the house, the man turned white and almost fell into the chair behind him. “How much longer will she have to suffer?” he groaned. His friend poured wine into two goblets as he replied, “Not much longer now, by the sound of things, Josha. This will soon be over and you will…” His voice trailed off as he listened intently. Josha jumped to his feet, knocking over the wine as another wail filled the room. He grabbed his friend in relief and joy. “It is over,” he cried, “Markam, it is finally over!”

Markam pushed his friend back into the chair, “Yes, my lord, now have a glass of wine and catch your breath.” Turning to the table he noticed the spilled goblets, shook his head in mild amusement and went to the bell to ring for the servants to come clean up the mess. As he poured more wine, a young woman entered the room. Nodding her head in the local gesture of respect she spoke to Josha.

“My Lord, your wife, Lady Bethan is resting well. She is weak but will recover swiftly.” she said softly. “You now have a beautiful daughter. The child is strong and healthy.”

Josha jumped up again and shouted, “Markam! I have a daughter! I am finally a father!”

“Congratulations, Josha! I know how you and Bethen have suffered through the past three stillborns. You will be a wonderful father.” Markam said as he pushed the glass of wine into his friend’s hand. “Drink this and then you can go up and see your wife and daughter.”

Several hours later, Josha was finally able to be alone with his wife and child. Bethan was still pale from her two day labor, but she was radiant with joy. “I was afraid to hope this one would live,” she said quietly as she looked at the sleeping infant in her arms, “Have you thought of any names, Josha?”

Josha considered for a moment, then replied, “I was planning Jothan for a boy, and Bethsha for a girl, but the night before you went into labor, I had a very strange dream. In it, a person of glowing light told me that if this child survived the birthing, that I was to choose the name Ru.”

Bethan looked confused. “Ru? What kind of a name is that? It sounds very odd.”
“I know,” Josha said pensively, “But I have a feeling that we should name her that.” He looked at the child as she slept in her mother’s arms, “It seems to fit her somehow though.”

Bethan looked at Josha, then back to the child. “Yes, we shall call her Ru. It does fit her.” As Bethan finally started to fall asleep, she murmured, “I love you Josha, and I love our little Ru.”

****

part 2 will be coming soon.

Online Games and Fiction

I have alway enjoyed games and puzzles. I remember when I was a child we had an Nintendo system. I spent many hours playing games. My favorite type were the role playing games, or RPGs for short. Creating my character, doing quests and earning levels, it was always so much fun. One game I will never forget is Ghost Lion. This was a simple style RPG, but what made it so memorable was it was the only game I ever played with my father. Dad and I spent hours trying to figure out what to do next, and where the next part of the puzzle was. Mom played too, but that game was mostly just me and my dad.

So, it only follows then that when I got a computer, I would play PC versions of the same type of games. Then came internet, and my choices of games got even larger. I came across an RPG game called The 4th Coming, or T4C for short. Now, I will review that game in detail one day soon but for now I want to go in another direction.

This was a multiplayer game, and I met many people there. Quite a few are still friends today, in fact that is where I met my boyfriend, Ducky. This post, however relates to another player. A man who went by the name Raist Justice. He turned out to be a writer, and has written an 8 book series based on this game with the 9th book in progress. The greatest part of his stories is the fact that the books are self contained. You don't need to really know anything about the game to understand and enjoy the story. He included player characters in his tales though and I was honored to have my game name and character included.

In honor of his stories, I decided one day, after months of his asking, to finally write a short story explaining my characters history. My story starts with the birth of my character Lady Ru, and continues up to the point where she was included into the Brimstone stories of Raist Justice.

His stories begin far before my character had been born, so my short tale doesn't begin to even cover the depth of his work. But it does allow those that knew me to see how my character began. I will end this post here for today, as it is getting long, but tomorrow I will post the first part of Lady Ru's story for your reading pleasure.

Remember, this story was my first attempt to ever write fiction, so it may not be very good. All comments will be welcome, so please, whether you hate it or love it or anything in between, please let me know.

And if you are interested in reading the Brimstone stories by Raist Justice, you can begin reading them here, Brimstone, Book 1.