Ashling Guildmistress
13 years ago
Ashling Guildmistress
Mage
Heya all, just thought I'd use this as a bit of an excuse to post up works of unfinished fanfiction that I have written over the years. I've been going through a couple of my old documents and found a few that were interesting to re-read again, and thought it may be nice to share with people, even if it is not finished and perhaps get some feedback if people are so inclined ^.^;
Thanks for reading in advance - hope you find some enjoyment :)
~~~~~~~~~~~
I thought my first post should be somewhat Obernet themed :P so here is one I was working on - I'd announce characters etc. but I like that you read it and discover who it is about.
Fandom: Obernewtyn
Characters: ...
Written: 2009
Status: WIP - extract
The room was filled with stacks of papers. Some of it maps, others Beforetime books. Vaguely I remember wondering why my papa kept supposedly Lud-damned items in the house, but it was his work. And when he worked he was happy. At that age that was all that mattered. At that age I did not have to worry about the politics of the world.
I walked over to the desk where he sat poring over papers. I tugged at his shirt. He jumped, startled out of his scholarly reverie and looked down at me. I held up my finger. He smiled and picked me up onto his lap.
“What have you done now?†he asked in a mocking stern tone.
“I was playing outside. I cut myself.â€
“That’s no good. Here, let’s clean it up.’ He pulled out his handkerchief and started to clean the edges of my hand. ‘This is why I work with books,' he said as I grimaced. ‘Less chance of this sort of thing happening.â€
I became ashamed of bothering papa with his important work and mumbled an apology. He laughed. “For what? It’s all part of growing up.†He ruffled my hair in a fatherly gesture and I giggled. “So my child, where’s your mother?â€
I looked away.
“What’s the look for?â€
“I don’t think mama likes me very much.â€
“Don’t be silly – of course she likes you.â€
I shrugged uncomfortably and turned my attention to the papers of the desk. They were full of pictures and symbols that I did not understand.
“Papa, what are you doing?â€
He looked around almost comically and leaned forward. “Well, what I’m working on is a secret. I can only tell you if you promise you won’t tell anyone – not even your mother!â€
I nodded, eager to share such a wonderful thing with Papa!
He smiled at my enthusiasm. “What I’m working on shall hopefully bring the world out of the dark ages we live in now. Despite what people believe – the Beforetime was not all evil.â€
“But the Herder’s say Lud purged the world of the unworthy and we should not go delving into their works lest we seek retribution.†I frowned at the recitation - there were too many big words and concepts for me to grasp.
“They just don’t understand. People tend to be afraid of what they do not understand.†Papa smiled. “I’m hoping to make people understand once more.â€
I continued to look over the maps and tried to pull out one in particular that caught my eye, but it was under the pile and as I dragged, a mess of papers fell on the floor.
“I’m sorry!â€
Papa just smiled, “These things happen, come on let’s pick it up before your mother walks in.â€
As Papa lowered me down a sharp knocking sound brought me back into the realms of consciousness.
I awoke clutching my head. The dreamtrails were no easy place to walk, and I wondered why after all this time I chose to revisit a place of my childhood. A dull ache throbbed in my chest but I ignored it as banging sound once again came ringing through my room. Ready to punish the incompetent who dared disturb me, I looked up to see the hatch window flailing wildly on the wall. It must come open during the night. I made my way out of bed to close it and thought I should be thankful for such strong winds. It had been too damn calm for the past couple of nights and the people on board were starting to become restless. Including myself. With any luck, these winds meant we should be able to maintain schedule.
Judging by the sun’s position on the horizon, it seemed a little time before first meal. Making my way to the washing basin, I splashed water on my face, savouring the coolness as it trickled down my skin. My mind drifted again to the dream I had about my father. Those were happier memories of childhood, ones I thought I had let go of long ago. But, if walking the dreamtrails has taught me anything was that time had no beginning or end.
A sharp rapping on my door brought me out of my reverie. Slightly more tolerant to deal with people, I opened the door to find a young boy of 13 or so. He gulped and his nervousness was more than just visible.
‘I’m sorry sir, I hope I did not wake you,’ he managed to say. Belatedly, I realised he thought I must have just woken for I was wearing nothing but a loincloth. Still, I was not about to do anything to ease his nerves.
‘You have a message for me?’ I crooned and suppressed a smile as he shrank back.
‘I… I have a message from the Master. He wishes to see your immediately.’
‘Immediately?’ I repeated amiable tones. ‘Surely, the Master would not mind if I take a moment or two to make myself more suitably presented?’
The boy gulped. ‘No sir. I shall relay the message.’ He bowed hastily and practically tripped as he got away.
I lingered in his presence a little longer before shutting the door. I would have to have a talk to ‘The Master’ about hiring better help. It does not good for people on board to be so blatantly fearful. Besides, it is no fun if things are too simple.
I suspected that my required presence was due to the sudden winds that were aiding our journey. Or rather, that was just an excuse for me to summon me for an audience. I opened my clothes chest and pulled out a silk blue robe trimmed with gold and donned on a pair of matching slippers. If I was to have an audience with Master, then it should only be fitting that I look my best. I pulled my hair into a ponytail and draping it over my shoulder before heading over to the Master’s quarters.