The Moonklaw: Prologue

[Ayluen]

Prologue<br><br>        Ayluen straightened his chain mail tunic as he stood in front of his guild. Ever since he had heard of his father’s accomplishments and journeys, Ayluen had always wanted to become a ranger. Skillful in many areas, sturdy, and magically adept, along with his determination, proved that he would be well fit for the task. Although young according to elven years, he would out live any human easily - unless a blade cut him short. He was an average wood elf in appearance, about 5’ 7”, somewhat muscular, with dusty brown hair trimmed short, light olive skin with emerald eyes that matched, and pointy ears that defined an elfs’ appearance. Even though he was regarded as handsome by many a lady, he did his best not to brag…too much anyway. <br>        Ayluen’s father was Everai Moonklaw II, a man known for his swift thinking, appalling temper, and ability to slay any beast. Everai was a legend among the elves and his battles against the dark elfs held him in Tunare’s high favor. Though he did not want to be his father and follow his footsteps exactly, he did want to be remembered as a powerful fighter that so many related him with to his father. Many people used his father’s reputation against some of his more curious traits, but he always countered their criticisms with remarks that he wasn’t Everai, and would live his life the way he felt necessary even if it ranged a completely different path than his father. Everai was over 3 centuries old when word came to Kelethin of his death, but their father’s old adventuring partners notified only Ayluen and his brother, Shadowan, of his true form of demise. Rumors began to spread that Everai was slain while on a holy quest given to him by Tunare herself, and Ayluen did nothing to make them think otherwise. However, both brothers knew that their father was murdered, but by whom they had yet to discover.<br>        The air was humid and tasted of evergreen as Ayluen drew a breath in before stepping into Faydark’s Champions. He knew this was the moment he had waited for all through his years of folk tales and young fantasies. Those days, seemed so far, and his future, so close, that sometimes it all felt like a dream to him. Even though he was fully prepared, he had felt nervous all morning and not excited, like most recruits on their first day. Perhaps it was his father’s reputation; perhaps it was something else entirely. <br>        The oaken doors creaked unnecessarily as he pushed them to his sides, and an air of mellowness and experience wafted through his soul as he stepped inside the building. As he strode along the planks attached to the nearby trees, he appeared to have a confident, diligent beat in his steps, and almost fit right in. His leather boots thumped an energetic rhythm against the soiled floor as he neared the vast meeting chamber. Ayluen felt awkwardly small and insignificant in the massive chamber. Runes and wards of protection were engraved in decorative patterns along the walls and ceiling , and told or heroic tales and adventures. But really he felt more out of place, and feeble in this edifice that centuries of legends grew up and trained in. Before he could gather his thoughts completely, he awkwardly stood in front of the most respected man in all of Faydark, Maesyn Trueshot. The elderly man was blind, but by just standing next to him, one could tell he was completely in touch with nature and was rumored to have direct communication with Tunare through his dreams. However behind his age was a man of fierce competition, discipline, and might. His lengthy gray hair symbolized his years of adventuring, and his battle scars combined with his endless wrinkles made him seem more like an outgrowth then a man. His solid white eyes, although not looking at anything, were looking through every person, soul, animal, tree, and more than even some of the wisest elves could comprehend. When he spoke, his voice rumbled through the land, and seemed to cause every tree to rustle with anticipation of his power. He cleared his throat with a mighty rumble and put his massive hand on Ayluen’s seemingly diminutive shoulder. <br>“Son of Moonklaw, you have come of age and we expect much from you. Indeed we have kept an eye as you have grown and matured. Your brother has raised you well…we will continue what he has begun. Now my son, tell me what do you seek by becoming one of us? <br>Ayluen’s voice was just a drop of water in an ocean compared to Maesyn’s overwhelming speech. Slowly his words stammered out, “My master, I only wish to serve the people best I can, and to do Tunare’s will.”<br>“Ah yes,” Maesyn smiled, “you are the same as your father three centuries ago, I remember when we walked in this very place when we were yet your age. He was always more adventurous…where I have constantly preferred a more simple life. Aye, you will become a true ranger, I already foresee. However, I will warn you, it is a hard, dangerous path. Only the most disciplined can make it through true path finding, and our enemies are many. Understand…you must be willing to die for Tunare as your father did, do you understand me?”<br>Ayluen nodded, “Of course sire, I am, and always will be ready for any task set before me.” Inside he sighed in relief, this was going better than he though it would have. “But, if I may, who are these enemies you speak of? Everyone has heard the tales, but I would prefer if I could hear it from a man who knows of their evil ways.”<br>Maesyn’s white eyes seemed to turn black and brought a sense of hesitation to the mind, “A long time ago, before any dwelt on this land, Veeshan, the wurm queen, controlled all of Norrath, and her winged spawn freely controlled and lived on this world. Soon other gods, including our own, Tunare, created their own people to keep the wurm queen in check. At this time, our greatest evil came upon us. Innoruuk, the prince of hate, and also perhaps our greatest foe, was displeased that he was not included in the gods pact to create people. Out of his own rage, he transformed the first elven king and queen into dark sadistic images that we call the Teir’ Dal. Do not underestimate these foul creations, as many are skillful in the dark magics and will not hesitate to take your life. They represent Innoruuk’s hate in every way, and as a warrior of Tunare, do not be afraid to take their miserable lives off of Norrath.”<br>Maesyn reached to an old cedar chest; etched with runes of past tales and times not even he could remember.<br>“Now my son, take this, I remember when your father give it to me, knowing that his son might use it someday. Shadowan would have inherited it if he had not become an druid, therefore, I think you can make the best of it.”<br>Ayluen gasped as Maesyn drew a sword, not only of beauty, but also of excellent function and its blade almost smiled back at Ayluen, as his gaping mouth lay open in a state of awe. Along the hilt, enchanted oak wrapped to effetely guard the hand while also providing a firm grip. The oak abruptly ended at the guard, which gleamed of mithril, evidently the High Elves magical smithing. And the blade…elaborately etched with runes of which Ayluen could not understand, but knew gave the blade its main source of power with a steel that shone a silvery green, possibly some type of ore and metal unknown to the common man.<br>“Its beautiful!” Ayluen stated as he examined the sword.<br>“Aye, that it is. Even though it is enchanted, only a skillful ranger can wield it properly and use its full power. I highly suggest not to use it until you know how to control its fully, as the results could prove to be fatal if you do not know how.” Maesyn said almost uncertainly.<br>“What do you mean, full power?” The question rang in both of their minds.<br> “Alas, I cannot say, your father spoke hardly of the weapon after he found it, and wouldn’t even speak of its origin. Perhaps you will discover by what he meant, perhaps…”<br>Ayluen nodded, “I must thank you, now, what will you have made of me? Do you require any tasks to be completed?”<br>Maesyn let out a mighty laugh, “ Indeed I see your father in you, patience my son, you first must learn how to conduct yourself as one of us, and also how to hold that sword correctly!”<br>Ayluen blushed as he realized he was holding the somewhat small, one handed sword with his two hands. Apparently Maesyn was not as blind as many thought.<br><br><br>-Ayluen Moonklaw<br>52nd Ranger of Tunare <p></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://pub78.ezboard.com/bmysticallight ... >Ayluen</A> at: 7/27/03 9:41 am<br></i>

[Flintrok]

Very nice buddy , keep it up ! <p><a href="http://www.magelo.com/eq_view_profile.html?num=36384" target="flintrok">-=Current Profile=-</a><br><img src="http://66.197.149.109/SigPics/SigPicFli ... </p><i></i>

[Liamwhiteblaze]

Hmmm this seems familiar. Still waiting on that first chapter bro, but this is still a great read second time through.<br><br>Liamwhiteblaze Lightinthedark<br>45th Ranger of Tanure<br>Proud Member of The Mystical Lightfighters<br><a HREF="http://www.magelo.com/eq_view_profile.h ... "black">MY PROFILE</color></a><br><br>A conservative is a man who is too cowardly to fight and too fat to run. <br><br>And now here is my secret, a very simple secret; it is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye. <br><br>Let go of your attachment to being right, and suddenly your mind is more open. You're able to benefit from the unique viewpoints of others, without being crippled by your own judgment. <p></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://pub78.ezboard.com/uliamwhiteblaz ... teblaze</A> at: 5/17/02 2:18:20 am<br></i>

[FafnerMorell]

Very good story so far - looking forward to the rest! <p>"Sad is the man who doesn't know about the unseen forces in the universe."<BR>-- Joseph Campell</p><i></i>

[Ayluen]

Aye, i understand Liam. Needed to show them the first part though! <br><br>And yes i am currently working on the first chapter...about 1/5 done with it. Remember, im only 15 and with school its hard to get free time after i play! But i promise to get it out ASAP~!<br><br>Ayluen <p></p><i></i>

[kuwe]

/bump <p><!--EZCODE IMAGE START--><img src="http://www.eqfaces.com/photos2/kuwe2.jpg" style="border:0;"/><!--EZCODE IMAGE END--></p><i></i>

[Ayluen]

/bump <p><!--EZCODE CENTER START--><div style="text-align:center"><!--EZCODE IMAGE START--><img src="http://members.aol.com/ayluen/myhomepag ... 20sig2.jpg" style="border:0;"/><!--EZCODE IMAGE END--></div><!--EZCODE CENTER END--><br></p><i></i>

[Aay1ia]

/bump to keep them in order. <p><!--EZCODE LINK START--><a href="http://www.magelo.com/eq_view_profile.h ... 21">Aaylia Templaer</a><!--EZCODE LINK END--><br>59 Knight<br>Mystical Lightfighters</p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://pub78.ezboard.com/bmysticallight ... >Aay1ia</A> at: 6/27/03 3:39 pm<br></i>