Post by theeraven on Sept 14, 2007 2:12:41 GMT -5
[. How Daetien gained rank from an eight to a ten. ^_^ .]
Tattered leaves hung from their branches after the day’s previous windstorm. Many of them looked riddled with bullet holes as nature had shot her fury through their tender webs. Even the bark seemed to cling ever tighter to the trunks of the trees as if thankful to still be there. Dew clung to every blade of grass, every reed stalk, and every spiderweb was brought to life by the chill that still hung in the air. A large tree, a dogwood in particular seemed unaffected by the previous night’s high winds and torrential downpour. It stood calm and pristine on the edge of Selkie Lakes and beneath it a figure slept.
Morning brought promise of a warmer day. And it was that morning that found Daetien slumbering quietly in his earthen den below the huge gnarled roots of the dogwood tree on the little hill he called home. Truly it had never been entrusted to him as his own, but when he’d returned to the land of Selkie Lakes, he had come upon it during the winter months. It was then that he’d hollowed out the ground beneath it’s twisted base and created a small but comfortable home for himself. Just outside the hidden entrance to where the canine slept a marble slab wedged in between the branches stood emblazoned in beautiful white English script:
Daetien, Marblecrafter.
Underneath the two-hundred-year-old-tree Daetien slept sprawled out on his side on the elegant black and green marble floor. All around him the walls were done in a pale green and white marble, as was the leaf-shaped bed in the corner, colored in black and green marble as well. The simplicity of the inside of his den-like home was obvious but all-in-all Daetien was satisfied. He didn’t worry about most people coming to bother him on mornings like this. Through the roots around his well insulated home the soft voices of the birds outside began to pick up with the beginning of a new day.
The large white figure on the cool floor stirred gently. A soft snort caressed Daetien’s nostrils as he blinked the sleep back from his eyes. Raising his head to sniff the morning air that found its way down the tunnel to the inner windings of his chamber. He could tell it was early morning, probably around five-thirty, and the sun hadn’t even risen yet. Jaws parted and a yawn escaped from his toothy muzzle. Pulling himself to all fours Daetien looked around to check and make sure that he didn’t have any previous engagements before setting out down the entrance tunnel and into the misty morning.
Trotting along in a cheerful mood Daetien dipped his head in greeting to the other early risers he came across. Passing shop after shop he greeted their keepers in a cheerful tone as they called out to him. As he approached one of the fountains in the square, Daetien paused to lap a quick drink from it. Thirst satisfied he moved off again. On his way out of the shop square Daetien came across a large set of hoofprints. Quirking his head quizzically he stared at them for a moment with a slight air of curiosity about him before a mischievous grin crossed his muzzle and he took off at a trot in their general direction.
As he traveled through the region, passing a few of the lakes with their dainty Selkie fisherman perched on the banks he couldn’t help but wonder where this creature was headed. There was just something about that set of tracks that drew Daetien’s attention and held on to it as if attached by a leash. Soon enough he realized that the set of tracks was headed in a westerly direction toward the court of clubs. Daetien paused a moment. He didn’t know if waltzing into the court uninvited was a wise decision. Deciding against it he turned tail and began to walk back toward the square. He’d only taken a step when a masculine voice called out to him.
“You there!”
Daetien froze even though the voice was non-threatening. Craning his neck right and then left to see who had called out to him didn’t immediately produce results. Looking behind him though his eyes were drawn to a still figure in the distance. It beckoned him closer with a wave of a hand and Daetien picked up a trot and headed in that direction. As he got closer he could see that it was a cloaked white and amethyst colored stallion in bipedal form carrying a swift silver broadsword at his side. Clearly a lower ranking member of the court, probably a palace guard or a courtier, but magnificent all the same. Daetien dipped his head in greeting as he neared the figure to a comfortable speaking distance.
“Yes?” Came Daetien’s deep masculine voice in return.
“We must have crossed paths while we were out and about. I went by your home to find it empty unfortunately.” The stallion explained, hand resting on the hilt of his sword more out of habit than because he felt threatened.
Again the large canine quirked his head to the side, a bit confused. Some one was looking for him? True he marble work out of his home but he had yet to have anyone of the court come to call upon him. This was definitely something new. He stood there silent for a moment as the stallion went on.
“I’ve heard of you. You’re the one who resides in that little hill under the ancient beautiful dogwood tree. You’re Daetien the Marblecrafter are you not? Well-met.”
Daetien nodded, perking his ears. “I am.”
“The court has need of your services.” The stallion further explained as Daetien listened. “The stairs leading up to the throne room have a rather large crack in them and various chips and flaws here and there and that just will not do when we appoint a new Queen. I’ve been sent to commission your craft in repairing the stairs and laying a new slab of marble over them and the courtyard.”
“It would be an honor, Sir.” The corners of Daetien’s lips curled upward in a pleased smile. “Please lead the way.” The stallion waited for Daetien to rise before turning and leading the way through the trees down a winding path.
Upon reaching the court Daetien could see what the talk had been about. The alabaster that made up the courtyard buildings, palace, and throne room bore much wear and tear from the passing years. All around him Daetien could see chips, small crevices, cracks, separations, and holes in the white stone. Then as his eyes drew over the stairs that lead into the palace, specifically the throne room, he could see a large crack that ran down the right side. That wouldn’t do at all. Daetien surveyed the damage before turning back to the stallion.
“I’ve never worked on a scale this large. It will take a lot of energy but I think I can handle it. Is there a specific color that you’d like it to be?” He questioned.
“Preferably black and white if possible.” Daetien nodded.
“I shall need unrefined calcite and water.”
“Of course.” The stallion walked away and disappeared into the palace, returning five minutes later with three others. One was a very large bull, the second was a cat, and the third was another horse like himself, all in bipedal form carrying broadswords and wearing the same cloak. “These three will get you whatever raw materials you need.”
Daetien restated that he needed unrefined calcite and water and the three of them took heed and vanished into the forest leaving Daetien and the stallion.
Two hours later they returned with carts filled with calcite and water. The stallion met back up with them after a short chat with Daetien and the four of them headed for the Pub, leaving Daetien to work.
He peered over the mounds of calcite before dumping the water over so it could soak into the minerals. After a few moments he was ready. Sitting back on his haunches Daetien placed his paws out in front of himself on the edge of the white wet rock and closed his eyes. All of his concentration was focused on the soaking piles of calcite. He could feel the magic coursing through his body like lightning through his veins. The more he concentrated, formed the pictures of marble slabs in his mind the more he could feel the magic exuded from his body through his paws into the rough rock pieces beneath his paws.
Slowly he could feel the rock morphing from calcite to limestone. It almost felt as if he could follow nature’s way of producing the beautiful veiny rock each second as the calcite changed. After a few moments another change began to occur. He could feel the limestone pieces changing again, this time into the finished product of raw marble. Nature’s process that took hundreds of years happening in a matter of minutes. Daetien breathed a little harder, drawing in breath through his nostrils as he concentrated even harder on the final act of production.
Daetien spread his paws as wide as he could over the limestone pieces and envisioned it smooth and shiny in his mind. Again he could feel the magic coursing through him, down his shoulders and escaping through his paws into the bare rock. It began to give, feeling like a very thick liquid as it all mixed together, flowing outward further and further. Slowly it flattened out to a supple cold surface that was smooth under his paws. Daetien panted now, he’d never worked on such a large project at one time and he was beginning to feel drained from all of the force had had put into concentrating on such a large scale.
Opening his eyes Daetien looked over his work. Where there was once the white chipped stairs there now stood beautiful black and white checkered ones made of beautiful marble shining pristinely in the early sunlight. Where the court was bare a large simple fountain now stood. Though it was devoid of water it’s elegance was quite clear, even from afar. The pillars of the palace also shown in the black and white checkered pattern. Overall Daetien was quite satisfied as he looked over his craft, panting gently, his breath coming easier now. He’d never be able to create intricate statues, Celtic-like knot work, or enchantingly lifelike faces, but his work shown his mastership.
The stallion returned with the others a short time later.
“Master Daetien, you’ve done a fine job. It’s pleasing to the eye and looks quite strong. I think our new queen will be most pleased with your work. You have the Court’s and my thanks for your time and efforts. You’ll receive payment tonight. Apologies that I can not hang about and chat some more but I’ve got many things that I must get done before nightfall. Good day.”
Daetien thanked the stallion and headed for home. His body was tired, his mind was numb. All over he was drained, and he could think of nothing more soothing than a long quiet nap. His paws ached dully from the pressure he’d used on the stone but it was nothing he wasn’t used to. They dragged the ground as he worked his way back toward the square. Lapping from the fountain again brought back the moisture to his panting mouth and he felt a bit better. Still, he was tired beyond measure and by the time he reached home, Daetien felt as is he could simply collapse. Crawling into his leaf shaped marble bed he pulled a light blanket around himself and settled down. Within moments the large dog was in a peaceful sleep dreaming of being presented a small necklace from the stallion. Upon receiving it he could see that it carried a sterling silver pendant that read ‘10’.
Daetien woke up just as the moon began to rise. It was nearly midnight as he stretched his muscles under the blanket. Rolling over, he yawned before pulling the blanket back with his teeth. Daetien's muzzle split in a proud smile. There he found his payment from the court. His suit was still there, a single club shining black in the pale light, but next to it didn’t read eight anymore. Now emblazoned across the right side of his chest, it now brilliantly showed the number ten.
Tattered leaves hung from their branches after the day’s previous windstorm. Many of them looked riddled with bullet holes as nature had shot her fury through their tender webs. Even the bark seemed to cling ever tighter to the trunks of the trees as if thankful to still be there. Dew clung to every blade of grass, every reed stalk, and every spiderweb was brought to life by the chill that still hung in the air. A large tree, a dogwood in particular seemed unaffected by the previous night’s high winds and torrential downpour. It stood calm and pristine on the edge of Selkie Lakes and beneath it a figure slept.
Morning brought promise of a warmer day. And it was that morning that found Daetien slumbering quietly in his earthen den below the huge gnarled roots of the dogwood tree on the little hill he called home. Truly it had never been entrusted to him as his own, but when he’d returned to the land of Selkie Lakes, he had come upon it during the winter months. It was then that he’d hollowed out the ground beneath it’s twisted base and created a small but comfortable home for himself. Just outside the hidden entrance to where the canine slept a marble slab wedged in between the branches stood emblazoned in beautiful white English script:
Daetien, Marblecrafter.
Underneath the two-hundred-year-old-tree Daetien slept sprawled out on his side on the elegant black and green marble floor. All around him the walls were done in a pale green and white marble, as was the leaf-shaped bed in the corner, colored in black and green marble as well. The simplicity of the inside of his den-like home was obvious but all-in-all Daetien was satisfied. He didn’t worry about most people coming to bother him on mornings like this. Through the roots around his well insulated home the soft voices of the birds outside began to pick up with the beginning of a new day.
The large white figure on the cool floor stirred gently. A soft snort caressed Daetien’s nostrils as he blinked the sleep back from his eyes. Raising his head to sniff the morning air that found its way down the tunnel to the inner windings of his chamber. He could tell it was early morning, probably around five-thirty, and the sun hadn’t even risen yet. Jaws parted and a yawn escaped from his toothy muzzle. Pulling himself to all fours Daetien looked around to check and make sure that he didn’t have any previous engagements before setting out down the entrance tunnel and into the misty morning.
Trotting along in a cheerful mood Daetien dipped his head in greeting to the other early risers he came across. Passing shop after shop he greeted their keepers in a cheerful tone as they called out to him. As he approached one of the fountains in the square, Daetien paused to lap a quick drink from it. Thirst satisfied he moved off again. On his way out of the shop square Daetien came across a large set of hoofprints. Quirking his head quizzically he stared at them for a moment with a slight air of curiosity about him before a mischievous grin crossed his muzzle and he took off at a trot in their general direction.
As he traveled through the region, passing a few of the lakes with their dainty Selkie fisherman perched on the banks he couldn’t help but wonder where this creature was headed. There was just something about that set of tracks that drew Daetien’s attention and held on to it as if attached by a leash. Soon enough he realized that the set of tracks was headed in a westerly direction toward the court of clubs. Daetien paused a moment. He didn’t know if waltzing into the court uninvited was a wise decision. Deciding against it he turned tail and began to walk back toward the square. He’d only taken a step when a masculine voice called out to him.
“You there!”
Daetien froze even though the voice was non-threatening. Craning his neck right and then left to see who had called out to him didn’t immediately produce results. Looking behind him though his eyes were drawn to a still figure in the distance. It beckoned him closer with a wave of a hand and Daetien picked up a trot and headed in that direction. As he got closer he could see that it was a cloaked white and amethyst colored stallion in bipedal form carrying a swift silver broadsword at his side. Clearly a lower ranking member of the court, probably a palace guard or a courtier, but magnificent all the same. Daetien dipped his head in greeting as he neared the figure to a comfortable speaking distance.
“Yes?” Came Daetien’s deep masculine voice in return.
“We must have crossed paths while we were out and about. I went by your home to find it empty unfortunately.” The stallion explained, hand resting on the hilt of his sword more out of habit than because he felt threatened.
Again the large canine quirked his head to the side, a bit confused. Some one was looking for him? True he marble work out of his home but he had yet to have anyone of the court come to call upon him. This was definitely something new. He stood there silent for a moment as the stallion went on.
“I’ve heard of you. You’re the one who resides in that little hill under the ancient beautiful dogwood tree. You’re Daetien the Marblecrafter are you not? Well-met.”
Daetien nodded, perking his ears. “I am.”
“The court has need of your services.” The stallion further explained as Daetien listened. “The stairs leading up to the throne room have a rather large crack in them and various chips and flaws here and there and that just will not do when we appoint a new Queen. I’ve been sent to commission your craft in repairing the stairs and laying a new slab of marble over them and the courtyard.”
“It would be an honor, Sir.” The corners of Daetien’s lips curled upward in a pleased smile. “Please lead the way.” The stallion waited for Daetien to rise before turning and leading the way through the trees down a winding path.
Upon reaching the court Daetien could see what the talk had been about. The alabaster that made up the courtyard buildings, palace, and throne room bore much wear and tear from the passing years. All around him Daetien could see chips, small crevices, cracks, separations, and holes in the white stone. Then as his eyes drew over the stairs that lead into the palace, specifically the throne room, he could see a large crack that ran down the right side. That wouldn’t do at all. Daetien surveyed the damage before turning back to the stallion.
“I’ve never worked on a scale this large. It will take a lot of energy but I think I can handle it. Is there a specific color that you’d like it to be?” He questioned.
“Preferably black and white if possible.” Daetien nodded.
“I shall need unrefined calcite and water.”
“Of course.” The stallion walked away and disappeared into the palace, returning five minutes later with three others. One was a very large bull, the second was a cat, and the third was another horse like himself, all in bipedal form carrying broadswords and wearing the same cloak. “These three will get you whatever raw materials you need.”
Daetien restated that he needed unrefined calcite and water and the three of them took heed and vanished into the forest leaving Daetien and the stallion.
Two hours later they returned with carts filled with calcite and water. The stallion met back up with them after a short chat with Daetien and the four of them headed for the Pub, leaving Daetien to work.
He peered over the mounds of calcite before dumping the water over so it could soak into the minerals. After a few moments he was ready. Sitting back on his haunches Daetien placed his paws out in front of himself on the edge of the white wet rock and closed his eyes. All of his concentration was focused on the soaking piles of calcite. He could feel the magic coursing through his body like lightning through his veins. The more he concentrated, formed the pictures of marble slabs in his mind the more he could feel the magic exuded from his body through his paws into the rough rock pieces beneath his paws.
Slowly he could feel the rock morphing from calcite to limestone. It almost felt as if he could follow nature’s way of producing the beautiful veiny rock each second as the calcite changed. After a few moments another change began to occur. He could feel the limestone pieces changing again, this time into the finished product of raw marble. Nature’s process that took hundreds of years happening in a matter of minutes. Daetien breathed a little harder, drawing in breath through his nostrils as he concentrated even harder on the final act of production.
Daetien spread his paws as wide as he could over the limestone pieces and envisioned it smooth and shiny in his mind. Again he could feel the magic coursing through him, down his shoulders and escaping through his paws into the bare rock. It began to give, feeling like a very thick liquid as it all mixed together, flowing outward further and further. Slowly it flattened out to a supple cold surface that was smooth under his paws. Daetien panted now, he’d never worked on such a large project at one time and he was beginning to feel drained from all of the force had had put into concentrating on such a large scale.
Opening his eyes Daetien looked over his work. Where there was once the white chipped stairs there now stood beautiful black and white checkered ones made of beautiful marble shining pristinely in the early sunlight. Where the court was bare a large simple fountain now stood. Though it was devoid of water it’s elegance was quite clear, even from afar. The pillars of the palace also shown in the black and white checkered pattern. Overall Daetien was quite satisfied as he looked over his craft, panting gently, his breath coming easier now. He’d never be able to create intricate statues, Celtic-like knot work, or enchantingly lifelike faces, but his work shown his mastership.
The stallion returned with the others a short time later.
“Master Daetien, you’ve done a fine job. It’s pleasing to the eye and looks quite strong. I think our new queen will be most pleased with your work. You have the Court’s and my thanks for your time and efforts. You’ll receive payment tonight. Apologies that I can not hang about and chat some more but I’ve got many things that I must get done before nightfall. Good day.”
Daetien thanked the stallion and headed for home. His body was tired, his mind was numb. All over he was drained, and he could think of nothing more soothing than a long quiet nap. His paws ached dully from the pressure he’d used on the stone but it was nothing he wasn’t used to. They dragged the ground as he worked his way back toward the square. Lapping from the fountain again brought back the moisture to his panting mouth and he felt a bit better. Still, he was tired beyond measure and by the time he reached home, Daetien felt as is he could simply collapse. Crawling into his leaf shaped marble bed he pulled a light blanket around himself and settled down. Within moments the large dog was in a peaceful sleep dreaming of being presented a small necklace from the stallion. Upon receiving it he could see that it carried a sterling silver pendant that read ‘10’.
Daetien woke up just as the moon began to rise. It was nearly midnight as he stretched his muscles under the blanket. Rolling over, he yawned before pulling the blanket back with his teeth. Daetien's muzzle split in a proud smile. There he found his payment from the court. His suit was still there, a single club shining black in the pale light, but next to it didn’t read eight anymore. Now emblazoned across the right side of his chest, it now brilliantly showed the number ten.
