Post by wirrawong on Oct 23, 2005 7:07:01 GMT -5
Disclaimer- I don't own the world this story is set in; that belongs to Tamora Pierce (all hail) but i have created new characs from her original ones.
Summary: Marlie has been training as a Shang Warrior but strange coincidences lead her to Corus to find out about her past and future.
Rating: PG
A/N: This is my very first story to be put up:) and I am slightly nervous about the quality.
Chapter 1- The Beginning
King Jasson of Conte sat at his desk, silently reading a letter. Watching him sharply were three men, all waiting for his response. Sir Setol of Dunlath, the King’s Champion was the first to break the silence.
“What do you think, your Majesty?”
The King put the letter on the desk and leaned back in his chair. He glanced at the man standing near the window. “It is an unusual request, coming from you,” he remarked.
Tim Serras, the Shang Wolf shifted slightly as if he were slightly uncomfortable. “It comes not from me but the Shang Bear and the others. They’re the ones with the most association with the little one. I only know that she would really want this, Sire.”
“Even so, it is a strange request….” said the King.
Someone cleared his throat. The fourth man, Lord Markus of Tirrigen had been sitting across from the King quietly but now had something to say. “The Shang warriors have been known for their depth of knowledge and skills in the fighting arts. Why send one who shows promise to us in particular?” the royal training master wanted to know.
The Wolf started to pace about the room. “I realize that it is strange but the letter explained it quite clearly and the little one wanted to do this. It’s not like you’ve changed the decree now, have you?” He shot a questioning glance at the King, in which the King shook his head. The Wolf looked back at the training master and waited.
Lord Markus met the look, and then sighed and said, “I will be straight forward with you, Serras. I am reluctant to take girls because they are weaker. Let me finish,” he said when he noticed signs of anger on the other man’s face. “I have seen the lady knights and what they can do, but they have all trained harder than most boys. If your candidate were to come and cruise through the training because she already knows most of it, then she would just be wasting my time and her own. If you believe she would work hard regardless, then I will take her on board.”
“I believe she will exceed your expectations by miles,” retorted the Wolf.
Lord Markus looked at Tim for any signs of doubt. Finding none he shook his head in disbelief and left the room without another word.
“Well, that settles it then,” said King Jasson. “The girl will start her training as a page this year. As to the other part.” He looked over to his Champion and nodded. “We will take care of that and tell you any findings we receive.” He nodded to the men and got up to leave. “You are staying for the training, Wolf?”
“Of course. Lord Markus has already asked. It will be an honour serving you again, your Majesty,” said the Wolf and bowed to the king. Sir Setol also stood and bowed to his monarch. King Jasson nodded and left the room.
Marlienne, or Marli to her friends, stood on an outcrop of the hills and stared into the distance thoughtfully. She had a lot to think about recently and this was her favourite spot for such a task. She wore a green shirt and cream breeches, which hid the well-worked body and muscles she had built over the last six years as a training Shang warrior. Her rough hand fingered something underneath her shirt. Her dark brown hair was tied back in a ponytail, her green eyes betraying the uneasiness of their owner. She looked out, not really taking any notice of the breathtaking view in front of her, and sighed. How complicated life has begun, she thought. She sighed again.
Suddenly, all senses alert, she thrust a kick back on her right side. The brown man who tried to sneak up on her jumped back and laughed. “You are never too occupied enough to sneak up on,” he complained and gave the girl a shoulder hug.
“But you should have known that, Bear,” she said, as he let her go. The man was six feet three inches, towering over Marli’s four feet four inches, and had large muscles of steel, giving him the appearance like a bear.
“Yes, perhaps I do know but I might just be trying to test you,” Brad White said, amused. “In any case, I’m glad I’ve… I mean we’ve trained you well. You may be young but you are already a warrior, even without passing the tests. Titles only show other people that you are a warrior but true warriors know in themselves what they are, and you do. For all you are ten years old, you act much older than that.”
Marli blushed. She had never been given praise like this for a long time and this made her feel proud. “I had good teachers and mentors.”
“Modest as always,” he commented.
“You aren’t worried about the whole thing are you? About us sending you to Tortall and all?” His face turned serious, his brown eyes watching his young student carefully.
Marli glanced at her teacher surprised at this show of affection. Before now she could count the number of times the Bear had shown affection to her in any way. She really didn’t think the whole scuffles about her would worry her teacher at all. She wanted to do this. It was the only thing that kept her going all these years. “I didn’t know it would worry you so much. You know me better than anyone here and you ask if I’m all right?” she said, smiling at him. Suddenly, Marli gave the Bear a hug and said, “This is what I’ve wanted ever since you told me about my parents. I’m not about to back down.” She turned red, looked away again and said more quietly, “I will miss you, though.”
The Shang Bear laughed and ruffled her hair gently. “I will miss you as well, little one, but greater things await you in Corus. Keep up the training ‘cause I expect you back for your tests.” When she looked at him in shock, he said, “You don’t expect us to let you go that easily, do you? You’re doing those tests even if I have to drag you back in chains to do so.”
“I didn’t think it was allowed seeing I’m going for a long time,” Marli said, looking at him wide-eyed.
“They will for you,” Bear said, confidently. The sky turned red in the sunset. “You should pack and get some rest. You’ll leave with the Shang Griffin tomorrow,” he said with a sigh. “Take care, little one.” With that he left Marli on the outcrop alone.
She watched him leave and turned back to see a glorious change in the view before her. Every thing was tinted with red and orange from the setting sun. Taking this as a sign, she said a silent prayer to Mithros and the Goddess for everything. Slowly she made her way down and into the camp set up for spring training.
Marli rose before dawn out of habit and readied for her long journey west. Finding she had nothing else to do, she left her tent and made her way to the horse herd just outside camp. All of them came over willingly, some searching her pockets for treats, others just demanding attention. A small bay mare roughly pushed her way the herd telling the others that Marli was her master, not theirs. She laughed, and gave her an apple from her pocket.
“Do they always gather around you like that?” asked an unfamiliar voice.
Marli glanced back towards the camp and saw a tall, slender female dressed in a cream tunic and breeches. Her hazel eyes showed signs of amusement and wonder. She had a small smile playing around her full lips. She walked slowly towards them, as graceful as a cat. “Do all animals gather around you like that?” she asked again.
“Not always. Mostly they gather for food or attention or chatter. Star is mine though,” Marli said, indicating to the bay mare beside her. “She’s a gift from the others.”
The stranger halted to stroke the nearest horse. “You speak to animals?”
Marli was unable to tell what the stranger thought. “A little. Sometimes it’s a buzz but mostly I can understand them. Most of them are chatterers.” She turned to face the woman. “They always want to give me news I don’t need to know.”
The woman chuckled. “They must have something to say to make all that noise.” She gave a small start. “Wait a minute. If you can talk to animals, you must have magic. I can’t see any of the Elders letting go of tradition.”
“Don’t worry, I don’t have magic. They tested me for that when they first brought me,” assured Marli.
The woman relaxed. “You must be the first of this lot not to try and pound me when I first talk to them,” she said indicating to the tents behind her, where people were already waking up and exercising. “Why?”
Marli smiled. “I’m no daftie like them. I can tell you’re a practiced warrior from your movements. Being here means that you’re probably a Shang warrior.” She stepped closer to the woman. “You’re also ready for travel means you’re probably the Shang Griffin. Am I right?” halting right in front of her.
The woman laughed. “I was told you were smart and they certainly made an understatement. Yes, my name is Kaitiya Nomustra. I will be your traveling companion till we get to Corus.” She shook hands with the girl and led her back to the tents. Star followed them. They stopped outside Marli’s tent. “We will leave when you are ready. Sooner, rather than later is best,” she said sternly, and then smiled. “Meet me at the edge of the clearing.” She walked off.
Marli turned to her horse. “We should get geared up, Star. We have a long ride ahead of us.”
Other young trainees were now up and about and many came by for a last word and farewells. Marli talked to them as she saddled Star and settled her packs.
Finally she was ready to go and walked over to where Kaitiya was talking to other Shang. She saw Marli between the crowds and waved. Brad walked out from the group to give Marli one last hug. Other warriors came over and said their farewells. Then they returned to tents to start the days training. Only Brad remained.
“Well, this is it. Good luck, little one and may your journey bring you back to us some day,” said Brad. “I will be thoroughly disappointed if you get yourself killed until then.”
Kaitiya and Marli mounted up. “I’ll try not to disappoint you, Bear. Take care,” Marli said, holding back the sudden flow of tears.
Brad took a step back. “May Mithros and Goddess shine upon you, Marli,” he said.
“Let’s go,” said Kaitiya. “These farewells are taking too long.” She nudged her horse forward. “See you in a few years time, Brad,” she waved.
Marli turned to wave to her teacher and friend until she could no longer see him. I have a lot to do, she thought. I can’t turn back now. I have to find myself. Somewhere.
Summary: Marlie has been training as a Shang Warrior but strange coincidences lead her to Corus to find out about her past and future.
Rating: PG
A/N: This is my very first story to be put up:) and I am slightly nervous about the quality.
Chapter 1- The Beginning
King Jasson of Conte sat at his desk, silently reading a letter. Watching him sharply were three men, all waiting for his response. Sir Setol of Dunlath, the King’s Champion was the first to break the silence.
“What do you think, your Majesty?”
The King put the letter on the desk and leaned back in his chair. He glanced at the man standing near the window. “It is an unusual request, coming from you,” he remarked.
Tim Serras, the Shang Wolf shifted slightly as if he were slightly uncomfortable. “It comes not from me but the Shang Bear and the others. They’re the ones with the most association with the little one. I only know that she would really want this, Sire.”
“Even so, it is a strange request….” said the King.
Someone cleared his throat. The fourth man, Lord Markus of Tirrigen had been sitting across from the King quietly but now had something to say. “The Shang warriors have been known for their depth of knowledge and skills in the fighting arts. Why send one who shows promise to us in particular?” the royal training master wanted to know.
The Wolf started to pace about the room. “I realize that it is strange but the letter explained it quite clearly and the little one wanted to do this. It’s not like you’ve changed the decree now, have you?” He shot a questioning glance at the King, in which the King shook his head. The Wolf looked back at the training master and waited.
Lord Markus met the look, and then sighed and said, “I will be straight forward with you, Serras. I am reluctant to take girls because they are weaker. Let me finish,” he said when he noticed signs of anger on the other man’s face. “I have seen the lady knights and what they can do, but they have all trained harder than most boys. If your candidate were to come and cruise through the training because she already knows most of it, then she would just be wasting my time and her own. If you believe she would work hard regardless, then I will take her on board.”
“I believe she will exceed your expectations by miles,” retorted the Wolf.
Lord Markus looked at Tim for any signs of doubt. Finding none he shook his head in disbelief and left the room without another word.
“Well, that settles it then,” said King Jasson. “The girl will start her training as a page this year. As to the other part.” He looked over to his Champion and nodded. “We will take care of that and tell you any findings we receive.” He nodded to the men and got up to leave. “You are staying for the training, Wolf?”
“Of course. Lord Markus has already asked. It will be an honour serving you again, your Majesty,” said the Wolf and bowed to the king. Sir Setol also stood and bowed to his monarch. King Jasson nodded and left the room.
Marlienne, or Marli to her friends, stood on an outcrop of the hills and stared into the distance thoughtfully. She had a lot to think about recently and this was her favourite spot for such a task. She wore a green shirt and cream breeches, which hid the well-worked body and muscles she had built over the last six years as a training Shang warrior. Her rough hand fingered something underneath her shirt. Her dark brown hair was tied back in a ponytail, her green eyes betraying the uneasiness of their owner. She looked out, not really taking any notice of the breathtaking view in front of her, and sighed. How complicated life has begun, she thought. She sighed again.
Suddenly, all senses alert, she thrust a kick back on her right side. The brown man who tried to sneak up on her jumped back and laughed. “You are never too occupied enough to sneak up on,” he complained and gave the girl a shoulder hug.
“But you should have known that, Bear,” she said, as he let her go. The man was six feet three inches, towering over Marli’s four feet four inches, and had large muscles of steel, giving him the appearance like a bear.
“Yes, perhaps I do know but I might just be trying to test you,” Brad White said, amused. “In any case, I’m glad I’ve… I mean we’ve trained you well. You may be young but you are already a warrior, even without passing the tests. Titles only show other people that you are a warrior but true warriors know in themselves what they are, and you do. For all you are ten years old, you act much older than that.”
Marli blushed. She had never been given praise like this for a long time and this made her feel proud. “I had good teachers and mentors.”
“Modest as always,” he commented.
“You aren’t worried about the whole thing are you? About us sending you to Tortall and all?” His face turned serious, his brown eyes watching his young student carefully.
Marli glanced at her teacher surprised at this show of affection. Before now she could count the number of times the Bear had shown affection to her in any way. She really didn’t think the whole scuffles about her would worry her teacher at all. She wanted to do this. It was the only thing that kept her going all these years. “I didn’t know it would worry you so much. You know me better than anyone here and you ask if I’m all right?” she said, smiling at him. Suddenly, Marli gave the Bear a hug and said, “This is what I’ve wanted ever since you told me about my parents. I’m not about to back down.” She turned red, looked away again and said more quietly, “I will miss you, though.”
The Shang Bear laughed and ruffled her hair gently. “I will miss you as well, little one, but greater things await you in Corus. Keep up the training ‘cause I expect you back for your tests.” When she looked at him in shock, he said, “You don’t expect us to let you go that easily, do you? You’re doing those tests even if I have to drag you back in chains to do so.”
“I didn’t think it was allowed seeing I’m going for a long time,” Marli said, looking at him wide-eyed.
“They will for you,” Bear said, confidently. The sky turned red in the sunset. “You should pack and get some rest. You’ll leave with the Shang Griffin tomorrow,” he said with a sigh. “Take care, little one.” With that he left Marli on the outcrop alone.
She watched him leave and turned back to see a glorious change in the view before her. Every thing was tinted with red and orange from the setting sun. Taking this as a sign, she said a silent prayer to Mithros and the Goddess for everything. Slowly she made her way down and into the camp set up for spring training.
Marli rose before dawn out of habit and readied for her long journey west. Finding she had nothing else to do, she left her tent and made her way to the horse herd just outside camp. All of them came over willingly, some searching her pockets for treats, others just demanding attention. A small bay mare roughly pushed her way the herd telling the others that Marli was her master, not theirs. She laughed, and gave her an apple from her pocket.
“Do they always gather around you like that?” asked an unfamiliar voice.
Marli glanced back towards the camp and saw a tall, slender female dressed in a cream tunic and breeches. Her hazel eyes showed signs of amusement and wonder. She had a small smile playing around her full lips. She walked slowly towards them, as graceful as a cat. “Do all animals gather around you like that?” she asked again.
“Not always. Mostly they gather for food or attention or chatter. Star is mine though,” Marli said, indicating to the bay mare beside her. “She’s a gift from the others.”
The stranger halted to stroke the nearest horse. “You speak to animals?”
Marli was unable to tell what the stranger thought. “A little. Sometimes it’s a buzz but mostly I can understand them. Most of them are chatterers.” She turned to face the woman. “They always want to give me news I don’t need to know.”
The woman chuckled. “They must have something to say to make all that noise.” She gave a small start. “Wait a minute. If you can talk to animals, you must have magic. I can’t see any of the Elders letting go of tradition.”
“Don’t worry, I don’t have magic. They tested me for that when they first brought me,” assured Marli.
The woman relaxed. “You must be the first of this lot not to try and pound me when I first talk to them,” she said indicating to the tents behind her, where people were already waking up and exercising. “Why?”
Marli smiled. “I’m no daftie like them. I can tell you’re a practiced warrior from your movements. Being here means that you’re probably a Shang warrior.” She stepped closer to the woman. “You’re also ready for travel means you’re probably the Shang Griffin. Am I right?” halting right in front of her.
The woman laughed. “I was told you were smart and they certainly made an understatement. Yes, my name is Kaitiya Nomustra. I will be your traveling companion till we get to Corus.” She shook hands with the girl and led her back to the tents. Star followed them. They stopped outside Marli’s tent. “We will leave when you are ready. Sooner, rather than later is best,” she said sternly, and then smiled. “Meet me at the edge of the clearing.” She walked off.
Marli turned to her horse. “We should get geared up, Star. We have a long ride ahead of us.”
Other young trainees were now up and about and many came by for a last word and farewells. Marli talked to them as she saddled Star and settled her packs.
Finally she was ready to go and walked over to where Kaitiya was talking to other Shang. She saw Marli between the crowds and waved. Brad walked out from the group to give Marli one last hug. Other warriors came over and said their farewells. Then they returned to tents to start the days training. Only Brad remained.
“Well, this is it. Good luck, little one and may your journey bring you back to us some day,” said Brad. “I will be thoroughly disappointed if you get yourself killed until then.”
Kaitiya and Marli mounted up. “I’ll try not to disappoint you, Bear. Take care,” Marli said, holding back the sudden flow of tears.
Brad took a step back. “May Mithros and Goddess shine upon you, Marli,” he said.
“Let’s go,” said Kaitiya. “These farewells are taking too long.” She nudged her horse forward. “See you in a few years time, Brad,” she waved.
Marli turned to wave to her teacher and friend until she could no longer see him. I have a lot to do, she thought. I can’t turn back now. I have to find myself. Somewhere.