Im new at this

Chapter one...Eira

So here it is...i would really like feedback...Um...Most of you prob know how to get ahold of me..if not then just leave a comment here...Oh and some of the names may get changed and i havent reread it or done any editing..its really in its raw form right now..

Chapter 1


Beams of sunlight glittered down through the trees and hit the morning dew; giving the forest a sparkle. Suddenly the silence of the morning was broken by the rustling of leaves. A boy looked down from his hidden perch. Golden Hair flowed through the forests at quite a speed and he laughed. The girl stopped abruptly and looked up. “What are you laughing about Tanik?” She looked directly to his perch, eyes piercing through the brush that made him invisible. “Why you, Eira, does your father know where you are?” Tanik laughed and shifted his position on the branch to make himself more visible. “You know full well he doesn’t and you will do best to keep your mouth shut!” and with that she continued her quick pace home.
Tanik slowly descended from the tree and continued on his way home. He walked slowly, a far off look in his eyes. His memory retraced her face and the glitter of her hair. The long green robes she wore and how they seemed so rich to the paleness of her skin. He was entranced by her beauty, which had only begun to blossom.
“TANIK! TANIK!” Broken from his trance by the calls of his mother he quickened his pace! “Where do you run off to in the mornings?” his mother looked at him with curiosity in her eyes. “What has happened to you boy! Have you forgotten? You were to accompany your father to Castell Rhiann and now you will have to catch up to him!” With that she shoved a bundle into his arms and off he ran.

Across the forest, Eira was just reaching the Castell. The smell of eggs and pork lingered in the air. The aroma became stronger as she approached the kitchen door. She brushed the dust and leaves from her cloak and walked in. She saw a large woman bent over the fire, stirring a pot of gravy. She began to tiptoe around her when a loud voice stopped her dead in her tracks “Well hello little miss, where pray tell have ye been?” The woman stood, looking on Eira with stern, piercing eyes. “Oh Mena, I didn’t mean to I swear. I just feel asleep in the woods.” Mena shook her head with disapproval “Silly girl always out gazing at the stars. One of these days your father is going to catch you and then you will be sorry.” Eira bent her head in mock shame and Mena stooped forward and buried Eira in her arms. “Ahh me silly gurl. Run off now, yer mother has been looking for ye.” Eira looked up and smiled and with that she was off and running again. Up the stairs and down the hall, towards her chambers and as she reached her door she heard the all too familiar sound of her approaching mother. She grabbed the latch and hurried on in, landing on the window bench just as her mother entered.
“Hello mum” squeaked Eira. “Hello dear. Are you ready to start your studies? I had begun to think you would end up missing again?” her mother moved closer to her with an elegance that Eira envied. “I am truly sorry mum. I walked the garden early this morning and my lessons just slipped my mind” but she knew her mother knew the truth. “The garden, hmm I must have forgotten to look there. I shall remember that for next time. Now come, sit and let’s begin” her mothers’ eyes saw right through her. As much as she envied the gracefulness and elegance of her mother, she knew that she could never be such. She found her studies silly, boring, and a waste of time. She sat in front of the fire in a chair next to her mother and they began discuss the days itinerary. After only a few words her attention lingered back to the window. She gazed out on the forest longing to be wandering the woods. At that moment Tanik ran out of the woods and towards the stables. Her interest was peaked and she wondered why he had come to the castle. “Eira, Eira are you listening?” scolded her mother and as she turned back her mother noticed a peculiar twinkle in her daughter’s eye. She paused for a moment but then picked back up where she had been speaking. This time Eira’s eyes stood fixed on her mother, but her mind wandered elsewhere.

Tanik had not seen Eira watching him from the window. His eyes were fixated on his father, who stood at the entrance to the castell. He approached, breathing heavily from his run “Hello father” and his father cast an impatient gaze toward him. “Come Tanik we are late. Have you brought your things?” Tanik nodded and in doing such his dirty brown hair fell over his blue eyes. He followed his father…into the castle and towards the stables. He kept his head down watching the cobblestones as he passed over them. He heard the neighing of horses ahead, but didn’t look up. His father stopped at the entrance to the stables. Tanik, not looking where he was going bumped into his father and quickly looked up. “Watch where you’re going boy! This is where I leave you; I told your mother I’d get you to the stables safely. You’re on your own from here. Keep your head up and get your hair out of your face. Good luck boy.” And with that his father left the way they had come. Tanik swept the hair from his face and continued forward. He was excited and scared, his mind raced with millions of things.
Is this the right decision? Do I belong here? Will I make a good apprentice? But his thoughts were interrupted by the old stable keep. “Ye the new apprentice? Hmmm…I guess you’ll do. Something familiar about ye, can’t seem to put my finger on it. Oh well, my name is john, now we done with the introductions, lets go boy.” “But sir I haven’t told you my name yet. My name is Tanik, sir” “Well that’s nice enough Tanik, but in my stables ill refer to you as boy, my memory ain’t as good as it used to be and aint no need for me to member your name.” They proceeded into the stables, “Get comfortable boy, this is your home now.” Tanik assessed his “new home” and grimaced. What had he gotten himself into? John took note of the look “Ye couldn’t do any better boy.” Sadly, Tanik knew it was the truth. This was the best he could do. Young boys ran from stable to stable, opening the old wooden gates, getting horses out. He saw a few feeding the horses and some were scrubbing down the stone walls. They all wore rags and head to toe they were caked in dirt. No one smiled; none even took notice of Tanik. All just went about their duties.
They came to the end of the great stable and a set of stairs were built next to the last stall. “Ye see these stairs boy; they lead up into the castle. That is where our quarters are.” “All these boys live here sir?” “Oh no boy, they all live in the village. You are the only one who will take residence here.” Tanik nodded and followed John up the stairs. John’s joints creaked, Tanik noticed that his hands were rough and his knuckles bulged out of them. As passed a bend in the stairs, the stone wall broke into an opening. Sun poured in on them from a window, broken by the silhouette of someone. As they came closer Tanik noticed that it was Mena, she was the nursemaid of all the children when they were young and now she was the cook. As they entered the hall in which she stood she buried Tanik in her arms. “Tanik it’s been so long. So very good to see you!”
Johns face shrank to confusion “Well how de ye know the boy?” “Ah john, your memory ails you. Tanik was the playmate of Darren when he was a wee boy. They were inseparable.” She laughed “and they played tons of pranks on Eiara. How Darren loved to tease his sister.” Tanik smiled, Mena was just as welcoming as she had been as a child. Her appearance was no different except for some lines of age in her face. She was robust, her arms thick, the perfect person to make him feel at home. “Ah well. My ol brain aint what it used to be. If ye know the boy ye might as well show him around the castle. I have work to be doing.” He turned to descend the stairs but paused and looked back. “Oh and boy, I’ll be needing you down in the stables at dawn tomorrow. Don’t be late!”
“Yes sir.” And with that John disappeared around the bend of the stone wall. Mena threw her arm around Tanik's shoulders. “I doubt you’ll be needing to tour the old place. It hasn’t changed much see ye been gone. These stone walls don’t move.” Tanik smiled, remembering the chaos Darren and he had caused as children. As if to read his mind, Mena looked down on him and said “Darren’s going to be mighty happy to see you. I can bet he can’t wait to spar with you. He complains that his brother William is no good. You remember William, don’t you?” Tanik laughed “Yes I remember him.” Remembering the little tricks they had played on the young boy. He had seen him walking through town once or twice recently. Tall and skinny with dark brown hair, quite the opposite of his older brother. Darren was stocky and shared the golden hair his sister had. Mena continued to ramble on about the castle and the family. “I’ll show you your room and you can put your things away and then come help me in the kitchen.” Tanik nodded and studied tapestries on the stone walls as they passed each one.

“Are we done today mother?” questioned Eiara impatiently. The hours had seemed to pass so slowly and she her attention was wavering. “Yes Eiara, you may go” replied her mother with a sigh. How she wished her daughter took more interest in her studies. Before she could kiss her daughter goodbye, Eiara was up and running. She ran down the hall, hand gliding along the stone walls. The rays of sunlight came in through the windows, making Eiara’s hair glow like gold as she passed under them. She skipped down the stairs and rushed into the kitchen. “Mena mother was telling me.” She faltered in her tracks “Oh hello Tanik, what are you doing here?” taken aback by his presence. Tanik opened his mouth to respond, but was interrupted by Mena. “Eiara, silly girl, he started his apprenticeship today. Come sit and I’ll give you a bowl of soup. “Tanik's cheeks flushed red as she took a seat next to him. He continued to eat his soup and seemed to be studying it carefully. His hair hung over his face hiding his blushing cheeks. Mena handed Eiara a bowl of soup and she ate it quick. “Thank you Mena” and she jumped up and skipped to the door. “And where are you going now?” “ Oh Mena I’m just going for a walk.” “Right, well you best be back by nightfall! I don’t want to see you romping in tomorrow morning.” “I won’t stay out all night. Bye” and with that she was gone. “Well then, how bout you? What are you going to do today?” turning her gaze on Tanik. He looked up into her smiling brown eyes “I don’t really know, I hadn’t quite thought about it?” “Well I suggest you do something, this is most likely the last free day you will have for awhile.” “Oh I hadn’t thought of that. I guess I will go wander the grounds. Much Thanks Mena.” His long limbs straightened as he ascended from the stool. He picked his bowel up and placed it in a basin of water. He flashed a smile at Mena and he was out the door.
As he walked outside a cool breeze met him, sweeping his hair backwards. The garden was much larger than he remembered it as a boy. Some plants were taller than him and the green was so crisp. He had never seen any garden so alive before. All three of the stone walls had some sort of plant scaling them. He made his way towards the arched exit opposite him. He strolled down the path and through the arch and across the grassy expanse. He was nearing the forest when he glimpsed long blonde hair disappearing deep into the heart of the forest. He ran off after her, making sure not to announce his pursuit.

Eiara made her way around trees, stroking the bark as she passed them. They were cool to the touch, some were sleek and others rough. She was on her way to her favorite place, her secret place. The birds sang sitting in the trees above and she hummed along to their tune. They were such beautiful colors; some were crimson red, some black as night. Others blended into the forest background so well that you could only hear their song. She stepped into the meadow and gasped. There among the tall grass was a doe. She stood alone in the middle of the meadow grazing. Eiara thought it was a beautiful site and slowly made her way towards it. Her slippers became damp from the moist grass and she glided over to the doe. As she approached the doe bowed to her accepting the loving pat that Eiara bestowed on it. “Ahh you’re a beauty. I’m so very blessed to have crossed your path.” She continued to lovingly stroke the doe, awed by its grace and beauty. Then she gave her a farewell pat, “well I must be on my way.” She entered the forest on the other side of the meadow, skipping her way around the trees, happy to have met the doe in the meadow. She continued to run her fingers across the bark of the trees. Her mind wandered and she skipped happily on her journey. She saw the path opening ahead and quickened her pace.
“Hello Eiara and where are you headed?” and suddenly Tanik dropped into the path from a tree above. “TANIK! Must you try and scare me! And why do you need to know where I am going?” “I don’t, I just thought I would ask. I already know where you’re headed” and he took a step towards her, smiling. His blue eyes seemed to be laughing at her. Her forest green eyes narrowed and flared with defiance “Oh do you? Then I don’t see the need to tell you! Move out of my way now.” But Tanik didn’t move; he just stood there smiling. “Must you taunt me!” “Oh no dear lady, I shall let you aside” he bowed slightly and let her pass, laughing all the while. She gave him a sharp look and then headed on her way. Much to her dismay, Tanik followed along beside her, “Tanik, why didn’t you tell me your apprenticeship began today?” “It didn’t cross my mind to tell you and I wouldn’t think you cared to know anyway, but it seems I may be wrong.” Her eyes flared with panic “I…I don’t care. It just seems like you should’ve mentioned it to me! I guess you were just too busy taunting me!” They fell silent and she seemed to be walking in circles, hoping to get rid of him. “Eiara I know you’re going to the cave, must we walk around aimlessly?” Her mouth dropped open “How do you know I’m going to the cave.” “I’ve seen you wander there before. You’re always rushing through the forest to visit the druids” Her mouth still hung down in shock “How do you know the druids live there? They try to keep their location a secret.” “You forget that I am older than you and that I know these forests like the back of my hand. This is my childhood playground.” “Oh don’t you sound so wise! You are only four years older than I and I know these forests just as well as you!” “I won’t argue that you don’t. So shall we continue to wander?” Her body language showed her sincere annoyance and they changed direction.
The face of the cliff was massive, trees and random shrubs sprouted life out of the hard rock. They approached a massive boulder that long ago had fallen from the Cliffside. As they made their way around it a glowing cave opened up to them. Tanik stopped “Well Eiara I will talk to you at super. I’m off to wander the forest.” “Oh” she seemed surprised and almost sad that he wasn’t joining her visit with the druids. Tanik turned to go, but turned back to warn her “And don’t forget what Mena said, don’t be out past nightfall. Which doesn’t seem to be too far off” She nodded and disappeared into the cave. He smiled and ran off into the woods.

Eira turned down the halls of the hallowed-out cliff. There was a hum that always seemed to pierce the silence of the halls. She wandered deeper into the labyrinth of halls, running her fingers across the cold grey stone. She turned a rounded corner and she stood before an ornate wooden door. She lifted her hand to knock, her green robes exposing her porcelain arm. The door opened before she could knock. “Hello Eira, I almost thought I wouldn’t be seeing you today.” Before her stood an old man; draped in brown cloth. “Hello Erik” she smiled “how do you always know I’m here before I even knock?” “Why the trees tell me of course” “Oh, why don’t the trees speak to me?” she asked as Erik ushered her to a place on the floor next to his hearth. “They do my dear; you just don’t know how to listen yet. All will come in time.” “What else did the trees say?” remembering her encounter with the doe.” “Ahhh, well yes. They told me that a young man seemed to be bothering you today.” He smiled, catching her off guard with his knowledge of her conversation with Tanik. “Tanik followed me here! But I promise he knew the secret location already,” she watched for any hint of anger in Erik’s expression, but he gave none. “Yes I have had many conversations with Tanik. Interesting young man he is.” “Well I don’t know how interesting he is, I think he is a nuisance!” “Well I do think your opinion of him shall change with time. Now let us begin where we left off yesterday.”
His hands peeped out of the tunic he wore as he picked up an assortment of jars and handed them to Eira. “Do you remember the ingredients and process to heal and open wound?” She nodded, furrowed her brow and began her work. Wisps of hair feel forward as she mashed the ingredients into a paste. She added the final touch and handed her finished product to Erik. “Good, we will put this in a jar for future use. Now let us go over the healing powers of different plants.” “Well Dandelions, when mixed correctly can cure constipation, skin disorders, and aged joints. Purple cone flower can combat minor sicknesses, like the soreness of throat. Witch’s Hazel is known to have many medicinal properties, like healing burns, scalds, bruises, sprains, toothaches, and stings.” Eira continued to recite what she had learned, completely forgetting that she had to be home by nightfall.
The sun was starting to set making the sky light up as if on fire. He made his way to the stables and as he approached he heard a loud neighing. A beautiful black mare seemed to be quite annoyed with being stuck in her stall. He approached, but she shied away from him “Hello, I won’t hurt you. I won’t hurt you” his voice seemed to soothe the mare. He looked into those large black eyes swimming in mystery. She starred at him almost as if she knew a secret. He swore that she could see into the depths of his soul. He reached out and stroked her long black mane. The hair was long and tangled, her skin smooth and warm.
“Oh there you are Tanik” he turned to see Mena rushing in his direction. She was out of breath and spoke to him in a hurried tone. “That silly girl hasn’t returned home yet! I have had a stable boy search the grounds for her and I have searched the castle. The mistress will be expecting her for dinner and I shan’t be lying to her tonight. Tanik please go find her and bring her home. Be quick!” “I’ll go find her, don’t worry” “That’s easy for you to say, she could be anywhere in the forest” He opened his mouth to speak, but decided not to divulge her location. “You can take the horse, it’s her horse and it will get you back quicker.” “Alright” Tanik seemed a little uneasy about taking the horse. He didn’t know how well he could ride the horse. His hand turned the latch to her stall, a little shaky. The horse pranced out, excited to be let out of her cell. He grabbed the closest stool and flung himself on the horse. Off they rode, bareback, into the setting sun.

“You should’ve seen the doe Erik, she was sooo beautiful” Eira rambled on about her encounter with the doe in the meadow. “She let me stroke her and she bowed to me. Why do you think she bowed to me?” “I don’t quite know, but that’s interesting?” His grey eyes twinkled. “She must’ve liked you.” “Oh and I loved her, she was sooo beautiful and...” “Oh Eira the trees tell me that Tanik is on his way here” “Oh I forgot, I have to get home.” She jumped up and began towards the door. “Erik how do the trees reach you through the stone walls?” “It’s more of a feeling than a conversation. Now you best be on your way.” He opened the door for her and she stepped out into the dimly lit hall. “Thank you for teaching me” and with that she was off. She ran down the hall, her slippered feet not making a sound. She turned corner after corner until she reached the entrance. Tanik was making his way towards her “Oh so I see you didn’t forget.” “No, I didn’t” she lied “I don’t need you checking in on me?” “I wasn’t, Mena sent me. She said she doesn’t want to lie to your mother again about your whereabouts.” “Oh Tanik did you tell her where I was?” she was afraid they would keep her from the druids. “No, I just said I would come find you and bring you home.” They exited the cave; the sun was almost completely out of the sky. The horse neighed happily at the sight of Eira “Oh you brought Midnight” She strode over to her horse and as she approached the horse knelt. Eira climbed on and patted her side lovingly. “Yes, to bring you home faster.” The horse continued to kneel; allowing Tanik to climb on easily. Eira sat side saddle behind him. The horse jolted into motion and with that they were off.
Eira threw her arms around Tanik's waist and Tanik shuddered. He felt warmth come over his whole body and he blushed. The horse weaved in and out of trees and flew through the forest like lightning. In no time they were back to the castle, dismounting. Tanik jumped off and helped Eira down from the horse. “Thank you” and she ran off up the stable stairs. He walked the horse back to her stall and fed her some oats. His thoughts were elsewhere, he was still in a daze. He had never felt anything like that before. He wandered up the stairs and down the hall. His mind retraced her golden hair, porcelain skin, piercing green eyes, and most of all her touch.

Eira rushed down the hall to her room. She flew open her armoire doors and reached for a clean dress. The green one she wore had a line of dirt around the hem and was sprinkled with dirt and leaves from being in the forest. She quickly changed into a dark blue dress and headed to the dining room. She slowed her pace as she reached the entry and strolled in. “Ahhh look my daughter makes an appearance” laughed her father who sat at the end of their long wood table. “Yes father” she smiled at him and took her seat next to her mother across from her brother William. Her mother flashed her a smile and then the men started their chatter. “Father I heard that the kingdom is going to war with Gaswellt. Is it true?” “Well Darren I have not heard any news of it yet, but it very well may happen. They want to take the northern region from us. I hope that it is solved before it comes to war” “Oh father, If a war begins will you have to go” squeaked Eira in fear. “Yes my dear, but let us hope that it does not come to that. Now let us talk of other things. I shall be going to Caer soon and I will need someone to accompany me. I was thinking you might like to join me Eira.” Her face lit up and she smiled at her father “Oh really, I would love to go to the city with you, Oh can I mother?” Her mother gave her a loving smile “I think you are old enough to go and if you father wants to take you then I shan’t stop him.” She leaped up and ran to hug her father “Oh father when do we go?” “We will leave in a month’s time.” Eira took her seat as Mena entered to bring them super. The room filled with the aroma of venison, vegetables, and potato soup. Mena was delighted to see Eira sitting at the table and sighed a breath of relief. “Oh Mena did you hear father is taking me to Caer!” “Oh no miss I didn’t hear, that’s wonderful” and she finished serving the dinners and left to the kitchen.

Tanik sat at the table with the rest of the house servants. They ate quietly until Mena arrived. “Tanik, I see you have found your way to super as well. Thank you so much for bringing the little miss home.” Then she turned and addressed the old stableman “John the Mister and little miss will be going to Caer soon, you may want to clean the carriage” John nodded and continued to eat his soup. Mena sat to eat and began to converse with all the servants. The chatter was a nice break to the silence that had preceded it. One by one they all finished and went back to their various activities. Tanik left the table and continued on his way ot the servants wing. The halls were dimly lit by various torches. The hall took on a golden glow; he rounded a corner and bumped right into Darren “Oh sorry Darren” Darren smiled and patted Tanik on the shoulder. “Tanik how have you been? My how the years have changed you!” Tanik looked frail standing next to Darren, though they were the same height. “Well yes it has been awhile.” Tanik was unsure of how to act oaround his old friend and shuffled nervously. “Yes it has! So when can I show you my sword skills?” Tanik shuffled uneasily “Well im not sure, John wants me in the stables at dawn and Mena says I’ll be rather busy.” Darren seemed unhappy at his response “Hmm. Well I shall speak to father about it.” He patted Tanik on the shoulder “It was very good to see you” and then they both went on their separate ways.
Tanik walked slowly thinking of how he would do at sword fighting. He had never even held a sword, but the thought of it intrigued him. The closer he came to the servants quarters the dirtier the halls seemed to get and sparser the torches seemed to become. No tapestries hung on these walls nor cherished family possessions. The halls were darker, making it hard for him to find his room, but finally he reached the worn wooden door. He slipped in and was surprised to find his roommate, John, already asleep. He slipped quietly to his straw palate, making the dust dance in the moonlight. The moon shone like silver and a feeling of lonliness came over him.
Eira sat on the bench by the window, adjusting the green velvet cushion to make her more comfortable. She stared out into the night sky basking in the beauty of the stars. She imagined what Caer would be like; tall houses, bright colors and signs. How exciting it would be to stroll down the streets and into the various shops. Leaning her head against the window, she yawned. She was exhausted and the day had been quite an adventure. She ascended from her bench and walked to her armoire. She pulled her dress off, causing goose bumps to run down her body from the cold night air. She quickly pulled her white cotton night dress on and skipped to her bed. One last glance at the night sky and she pulled the velvet curtains back on her ornate wooden bed. A feeling of sadness came over her as she climbed into her bed alone. She had once shared this bed with her older sister Corryn, but now slept alone. It felt cold and lonely and made her wish her sister had never married. But a thought crept over her, now that they were going to the city she would visit her sister. Oh she couldn’t wait to tell her of all the things she learned in her sister’s absence. Her mind wandered and she tossed restlessly. It seemed that she couldn’t turn off her thoughts and emotions. Just as the sun began to rise she fell into a deep sleep.

posted by My life @ 2:29 PM