Category: Writers Block
Hey there everyone. I figured I would start posting here again. Its been a while since I have done so, and have done a lot of revision to previous works, and some new work. The following chapter is something I just started, and had turned in for an American Literature class focussing on the 1940 to modern period. The theme of identity, questing, and will are included, which is why I submitted it for the class. Let me know what you think. I am still revising, so hopefully it flows well now. Comment from anything to clerity, if you liked it, and so fourth. Hope you enjoy.
PS, the top portion is in italics, and is not a quote. Look at the next post for chapter.
Chapter 1
Tears are the essence of self, adorned by the will they inhabit. Entrusting oneself to the essence of tears can lead to a world renewed. I, the ornament that rests with those who hold me, will learn to embrace the earth’s pouring heart, able to take hold of their own futures.
The sunlight scorched the land of Crisalent. The barren road only magnified the never ending scope of the world, leading to many uncertain paths. The crust of the earth’s spirit reflected its desolate future, as compassion distant itself from harvesting new life. Two travelers walked on top of the decrepit and dirt stained road, hoping to revive the earth to new life. One of them kneeled down, brushing her fingers back and fourth.
“Selphia, the land here is rough, and stained with cruelty.” She stood up, glancing at her traveling companion.
Selphia gazed at Leona’s left hand, as the soil fell to the ground. “The more we travel, the worse things appear to be.”
Leona observed Selphia’s innocent face. Her face contrasted with her rough appearance, letting her wavy shoulder length hair dangle. The win blew slightly, inserting a calm emotion to Leona’s heart.
Leona turned worried that their long travel had no end. She looked down at her left hip, searching for her jug of water. She frowned knowing that she had no water left, and that her jug was empty.
Selphia walked forward, letting her boots travel on the desolate landscape. “I too have no water left. Hopefully the town of Sellas is close. I don’t think my body could take another day of traveling like this.” She continued onward, leaving Leona to follow.
Leona lifted her head, beginning to walk behind Selphia. As they both walked, the wind picked up in speed, blowing harder and harder.
“I cannot help but feel like we are being watched.” Selphia’s voice echoed curiosity. A hint of sadness cried out as she spoke. Selphia stopped, feeling Leona’s strong hand touch her right shoulder.
“Tellos must still be following us. He never seems to let up, and I don’t believe he will rest anytime soon.”
Selphia turned her head once more. “Perhaps not.” Her forehead began to glow, revealing a bright red gem. The tension in her heart boiled up. “This is the memory I hold, the only existence of identity I hold. 19 years of my life has gone by, and he wants to just take that away?” Her words welled up inside of her, erupting in louder volumes then she had intended.
“Sorry,” she murmured. The gem faded from her forehead. “It’s just that, everything I have known is because of this gem.”
Leona nodded in approval. A dark purple gem appeared on the top of her right hand. “I fully agree with you. For now, all we can do is take it a step at a time.” Leona’s wisdom calmed Selphia. Leona pulled her hand off of Selphia’s shoulder, placing it back on its side. Her gem vanished from sight, leaving it to remain hidden.
“Thanks.” Selphia turned, facing the road before her. “Let us continue. We won’t get anywhere closer to Sellas just standing around moping.”
Leona smiled, “That’s the way.”
They continued traveling through the rough atmosphere. The strength had diminished with every step taken, making them more thirsty. They walked for what seemed forever, letting the will to live push them on. They finally came to a sign, directing them to Sellas.
“Finally,” Selphia sighed with relief. Selphia looked ahead, inspired at the town’s lively atmosphere.
Sellas was a very small town, made up of taverns, small shops, and homes. Each building was made up of wood, decorated by colorized tarps to distinguish homes, taverns, and shops. The people worked hard, happy that what they had was something they could call home. Children played, shopkeepers advertised, while aromas of food filled the air. Each building was surrounded by greenery, and flowers, outpoured by the townsfolk.
Leona smiled at what she was seeing, letting the warmth emitted from the town, to sync in her heart.
Selphia looked to her right, noticing a water well decorated with blue and white bricks. Several men stood around it, each drawing buckets of fresh water. One of the older men came forwards, greeting the both of them.
“Hello their, how yall be doin’ this yer day?” His heavy accent was loud, as if he was speaking for most of the town and its people. He continued speaking, “You travelers wouldn’t be starting any trouble here, now would ya? If you are, we want no part of it. Just leave, and continue wherever it is yer going.”
“Please, we mean you know harm. We are hoping to speak to your elder about an item in our possession. If we could just speak with him, and take a rest for the night, we would greatly appreciate it.” Leona’s voice softly cried out still tired from the long journey both her and Leona had gone through.
“My companion is right. We apologize for coming so sudden, but we have been traveling for more then a day now, and we need the rest.”
The older man considered the request. “Well alright. You may stay. The names Jellon. Sorry for being rude a moment ago, it’s just that we cannot trust most travelers these days. What, with the world looking as if it wants to die, then how could you blame me. Anyhow, keep on ahead, and you will see our elder’s residence. A white tarp is at the base of his roof, so he is easy to spot out. Let him know that Old Man Jellon sent you, and he will help you with what you need.” Jellon returned to the well, filling up buckets with water. He took one more look at the travelers, nodding his head.
Both Selphia and Leona walked on, taking in all that was around them. Children ran up to them, smiling and laughing. Their pure hearts radiated with compassion, something the world lacked. People from the taverns yelled out, advertising daily drinks on sale, while those who were running shops and food areas announced what was the current special for the day.
The sun was beginning to set, letting the heat stricken atmosphere to slowly cool down. Selphia reached the elder’s cottage, recognizing the white tarp Jellon spoke of. She carefully knocked. “Elder, may we please have a word with you? Old Man Jellon said we would be able to speak with you.
“Hold please.” A young voice crept for the doors wooden frame. The door slowly swung open, revealing a man wearing a white robe. His long white hair acknowledged the wisdom he held, while his young face showed that he had a young heart.
“Travelers I see. Well, I am elder Rohand. Please come in.” The elder turned, inviting Selphia and Leona to come in.
They followed Elder Rohand inside. The house was brightly lit. The room was simplistic, decorated with a round wooden table, one ice box at one side of the room, and four chairs that surrounded the table. Both Leona and Selphia stood by the table.
“So, what brings you hear.” Rohand stood across from Selphia.
Selphia searched her pouch dangling on her left hip. She pulled out a small scroll in her right hand, presenting it to the elder.
“We were hoping you might be able to give us some information about this. We have been traveling from town to town, and we had barely discovered it when we had visited Melgo. We don’t know what it is, but only that the priest of the church gave this to us. He only told us that it would be wise for us to have it, and that if we wished to understand its contents, then we should investigate.”
Rohand took the item. He unraveled the scroll, examining its contents. Tell me, you bare the tears of life, don’t you?” The elder spoke as if he had already seen something like it before.
Selphia nodded. “Do you know anything?”
“I am afraid not. All I know is, essences of tears are needed. Perhaps the writing contained in this scroll will reveal itself as you uncover those who share the same fate. He rolled the scroll back up, giving it back to Selphia. Selphia took the scroll, placing it back in her pouch.
“Elder, may we stay here for the night?” Leona asked.
“Where are my manners? Of course. Some of the townsfolk will be bringing food soon. In the meantime, please head to the guest room. Just go on ahead, and take a left at the hallway. It’s not much of a resting place, but the bedding I have should provide you with a means of rest. I will come for you when food has arrived.”
Leona winked, “Thank you elder. We appreciate your help.”
Both Selphia and Leona walked pass the table. The wooden floorboards were constructed with a solid frame, mirroring the cottage’s sturdy wooden build. Turning left, the came to a wide open room. The area was plain, with a leather rug covering to wooden floors. The room held no windows, and only provided thick rolls of bedding for those who were to stay.
They each took a roll of white bedding, laying it in the middle of the room. The task was refreshing, giving both Selphia and Leona to think about past events, and what was currently going on.
Leona finished unrolling her bedding. “The elder seems like he knows something. When he examined the scroll, he gazed at it with some kind of familiarity.”
Selphia laid her bedding to the left of Leona’s. She stood straight, taking a breather. She looked up, taking notice of Leona’s long golden hair. She smiled, brushing her hair aside.
“Perhaps, but it’s not our place to intrude on his own thoughts. Perhaps he will let us in on his thoughts while we eat, and If not, maybe tomorrow will be a more fitting time to speak about what he knows.”
Leona smiled. Leona then turned, hearing footsteps come their way.
“Food has arrived. Please, come and eat before you rest.
They both nodded. Following the elder to the round table from before. They each seated themselves at the table. Each seat held a plate with season sparrow and beef tails, and a glass of water.
Selphia and Leona graciously ate the meal in front of them. Their long travels left their stomachs empty, and the food was a refresher to the strength they had lost. The elder laughed hardily, gulping down some water after eating a piece of sparrow.
“You young ones must have been hungry. With all the traveling you do, it’s no wonder you seemed so tired. At any rate, please listen to what I have to say.”
Both Selphia and Leona took one last gulp of water, setting it down by their plates. They both gave their full attention to Rohand, listening to the words he had to offer.
The elder cleared his throat. “When I examined your scroll earlier, it reminded me of a woman I knew. She used to visit me from time to time, since I was close to her uncle. There was one instance where I saw her crying, and a gem flashed on the top of her left hand. It was brown, and very bright. It mirrored the earth’s crust. She seemed to cry, knowing that the earth was feeling the same as she did. I have no clue of her current whereabouts, but her name is Millia Kayte.” Rohand smiled at the mention of her name. He continued on. “Also, do try to keep this in mind. Your tears are not just of sadness, they can be many things. No matter what happens, don’t just cry in sadness; cry because you can be happy.” He pointed at Selphia, “Miss, you seem to wish those around you could lift their heads high, and look you straight in the eye. Some do, and some look at you with disgust. Just by looking into your eyes, I can see this. Your companion also seems to be dismembered from society because she is with you. The townsfolk here do not reflect on the physical appearance of people, but remember, your inner appearance is what will turn this world into something bright, your outer appearance will not do that.” He cleared his throat once more, taking a drink of his water.
Selphia and Leona quietly sobbed. “Thank you elder,” Selphia softly said.
“We will do well to remember your words, and the name you gave to us. We thank you for your advice.” Leona withheld her tender voice, keeping it away from the elder.
“Well, its getting late you two. Please, take a rest for the night. You can do as you please when tomorrow comes.” The elder lifted himself from the wooden chair. Selphia followed, and then Leona.
Selphia calmly spoke, glad that the elder trusted both her and Leona. “Thank you elder. I wish you a good night.”
Rohand nodded. “The same to you.”
They parted ways, walking back to the room designated to them. Selphia climbed into her bedding. Leona followed, laying to the right of her traveler, and her dear friend.
“Sleep well Leona.”
The two holders of the gems lay comfortably, letting sleep run its course. Midnight was fast approaching. An air of discomfort began to settle in the night sky, as both Leona and Selphia embrace the restful sleep. They left their troubles behind, letting time heal the wounds they held.
I can't help but wonder what the gems are for. I'm hoping we will find out eventually. Wonderfull as always my friend. I can't wait to read more.
Thanks Ashley.
LJ Community did not think so lol... they hated it.
Thanks for reading.
I'm always looking for new stuff to read. and I don't see what is to hate about it.
O.O, you've got an LJ? ooooo!! mee too!
I like it. I think it is interesting so far. What LJ com did you post to? I'm sure there's another com you could post in and post on here as well when you have more. *Smiles*
Hey, so tell me what happened next? Very interesting story. What does those gems mean? And what part of the story do they reveal about those gems? Out of curiosity, would there be an intruder that will try to steal those gems or would they travel to the next town the following day? The last few lines you wrote, "An air of discomfort began to settle in the night sky." So, what do you mean by those lines? Do you open the next chapter to continue the story or would you add some more to the story? There's so many possibilities. I like the way you write. Very descriptive and specific with the places. I enjoy reading adventure stories, so, why don't you add the next chapter. It looks pretty good to me. You don't have to revise anything.
Hey hey, thanks for your comments.
I am posting hte next chapter by tonight.
Hope you will read!
love it! I write too, and I want to invite you to co-write a story on here with me and a few others.