A Brighter Future?, The story of Tara Willow. Options

[Tábrasa]

Hello! I'll start by introducing myself.

My name is Tábrasa and I'm new to the forums. I've been silently looking at some of the stories on the forums and have felt truly inspired.
Therefore I have decided to start the story of my Breton Wiccan, Tara Willow, who I've been travelling with for the past year. Below is an introduction to Tara, which will soon be followed by the Prologue...

INTRODUCTION TO TARA WILLOW

Tara Willow is a 20 year old female Breton born on the 14th of Rain's Hand, 3E 413.

She is primarily a Conjurer but also dabbles in Destruction and Illusion. She is also handy with a blade in certain situations.

Her father died when she was a teenager and her mother resides somewhere in Cyrodiil, under a new name following events in High Rock that led her to abandon Tara as an infant.

Tara's father was a man obsessed with the art of Mysticism; but in the wrong kind of way. He wanted to experiment the thought of finding a way to turn the human body itself into a soul gem; an experment not only ridiculed, but dangerous.

One day, however, he managed to succeed in his experiment; using a teenage Tara as his unwilling test subject. He managed to trap a spirit withing Tara's body, leaving her in an unusual state.

Tara now has to permanantly live with an extra spirit inside her, who she named Willow, after her surname.
Willow is able to communicate with Tara and take control of her body for brief periods; but only when Tara desperatly need's her assistance. However, Willow's possesions are almost NEVER a good thing.

Currently Tara is on a mission to find her mother, mainly for her own piece of mind. All she knows is that she is in Cyrodiil, but nothing else. The only thing she has to offer any aid in her quest is the memory of her mothers face...

This post has been edited by Tábrasa: Dec 12 2011, 01:17 AM

[SubRosa]

Hi Tábrasa! You have an interesting concept. The idea of turning a person's body into a sort of living soul gem is an intriguing idea. Sort of like lichdom, except in this case you have two souls sharing the same flat. Although perhaps dear old Daddy is working on a way to evict the original soul? That would give one a means for serial immortality, changing bodies as they grow old and wear out. All without all that rotting flesh the necromancers love to roll around in.

Given the name(s) of your protagonist(s) I suspect that you are a BtVS fan as well, not to mention a Willow fan. She was always my favorite character on the show. In fact, I had such a crush on her back then. Toward the end I was literally only watching to see her, and fast-forwarded through the parts she was not on screen.

You describe her as a Breton Wiccan? Not to mention a conjurer. Does that mean she will be using a different form of magic then we are used to seeing? Such as not summoning undead or deadra but something else? If she comes from the Western Reach that would make for the ideal melting pot for a very eclectic tradition of magic. In my TF, I introduced the concept of summoning Aedra for the "good" characters. Not to mention summoning animals such as wolves, bears, lions, etc... for the actual Witches.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Dec 12 2011, 01:17 AM

[Tábrasa]

Hi Tábrasa! You have an interesting concept. The idea of turning a person's body into a sort of living soul gem is an intriguing idea. Sort of like lichdom, except in this case you have two souls sharing the same flat. Although perhaps dear old Daddy is working on a way to evict the original soul? That would give one a means for serial immortality, changing bodies as they grow old and wear out. All without all that rotting flesh the necromancers love to roll around in.

Given the name(s) of your protagonist(s) I suspect that you are a BtVS fan as well, not to mention a Willow fan. She was always my favorite character on the show. In fact, I had such a crush on her back then. Toward the end I was literally only watching to see her, and fast-forwarded through the parts she was not on screen.

You describe her as a Breton Wiccan? Not to mention a conjurer. Does that mean she will be using a different form of magic then we are used to seeing? Such as not summoning undead or deadra but something else? If she comes from the Western Reach that would make for the ideal melting pot for a very eclectic tradition of magic. In my TF, I introduced the concept of summoning Aedra for the "good" characters. Not to mention summoning animals such as wolves, bears, lions, etc... for the actual Witches.

Yes, Tara and Willow are indeed from BtVS. I was always drawn to the thought of creating one character who can't live without their literal soulmate, and being such a huge BtVS fan, I was sure the relationship between Tara and Willow would be perfect inspiration. Seeing as i've been travelling with Tara for almost a year, it's been interesting seeing their relationship grow and almost change.

Yes, she is a Wiccan, but I really want to download this Witchcraft mod I have heard of, but as I am on console normal Conjuration will do Tara just fine... for now I plan to write her with Wiccan powers, however, although in my game she does not. I've basically read what the mod provides so writing with that in mind whilst using the power of imagination will be fine

Tara's father is heavily included in the Prologue, as well as his experiment, so we may learn his intentions. Also, I forgot to mention in the introduction, Tara's parts of the story will be written in third person and Willow in first. I wanted to write something that shows the differences between the two people.

Also, thank you for your warm welcome

P.S I absoloutly LOVE Tara in BtVS. I was so upset when I watched her departure from the show :'( but from then on I was team Willow all the way

This post has been edited by Tábrasa: Dec 12 2011, 01:41 AM

[SubRosa]

Yes she is a Wiccan, but I really want to download this Witchcraft mod I have heard of, but as I am on console normal Conjuration will do Tara just fine. I plan to write her with Wiccan powers, however, although in my game she does not. I've basically read what the mod provides so writing with that in mind whilst using the power of imagination will be fine

I am the one who created that Witchcraft mod. Unless there is another one out there (there is a fella who created a hunter's mod that is very similar, and he too is a Pagan like myself). It basically allows you to conjure wolves, timber wolves, boars, black bears, lions, grizzly bears, and finally spriggans. There are also 3 sets of bound armor/maces you can summon of gradually increasing power.

The religion I created to go with the powers is summed up by a book I created for the mod:

The Witches of Cyrodiil are a very misunderstood people. Thanks to a meeting facilitated by a friend of mine who is a forester, I was able to meet with one of these Witches and speak with her at length about her tradition. Her name is Morcant, and she served me the tastiest sweet rolls and most delicate Argonian White Tea as we spoke of her craft.

When one hears the word Witch, the first thought that comes mind tends to be of a Daedra worshipper. This I learned is quite far from the truth. Witches worship the Earthbones, the Aedric spirits that perished in the creation of Mundus. They also revere those surviving Aedra who departed our world after giving over some of their life force to create it, as well as those eight who remained (whom we knew as the Eight Divines before Tiber Septim joined their ranks as Talos to make them Nine).

Witches also follow spirit guides, as the Bosmer of Valenwood do. Indeed, the religion of Cyrodiil's Witches appears to be nothing less than the native religion of the Wood Elves, which is now rapidly fading to obscurity thanks to the spread of the Imperial Cult in their homeland. These spirit guides appear to Witches in dreams, and even waking visions, telling them secrets, leading them places, even teaching them spells.

When asked the origin of the spirit guides, Morcant explained that they were in fact the memories of the Earthbones themselves. Even though dead, or gone from Mundus, the energy they left behind remains within us, as symbols buried deeply into our Lower Selves - what some call the unconscious mind. It is through interaction with these symbols that Witches in fact interact with the entire world. Learning, experiencing, healing, and otherwise doing their part to protect Nirn.

Aiding them in this protection are the animals of the natural world. Animals that are considered dangerous to any conventional person - Wolves, bears, lions, and even spriggans - are all friendly to Witches. In fact, a wolf named Tsume came to visit Morcant as we talked, and she explained to me that he was a friend of hers. When I asked why she had given him such an Akaviri-sounding name, Morcant told me that she had not given it to him. Rather her one of her spirit guides had told it to her.

It is thanks to these spirit guides that Witches possess the ability to also summon these animals to come to their aid when in danger. Morcant demonstrated this for me by summoning a grizzly bear. She explained to me that it was not an actual, living bear plucked from some forest that she had summoned. Rather it was an external expression of the symbol of one of her spirit guides - In this case obviously Bear - temporarily given flesh and blood through magic.

Witches believe that Mundus and everything in it is sacred, being that it was created from the life essence of these Aedric spirits. It is the product of their flesh, blood, and spirits. Witches have no temples, because to them the entire world is a temple. Nor do they have a special priest caste, as they are all priests and priestesses. As Morcant said to me: "We are all divine. We are all gods. Most of us have simply forgotten our divine origins."

Doubtlessly this will be considered quite shocking by most chapel-going Imperials, if not downright heresy. In fact, I believe that this belief in the inherit divinity is one of the main reason that Witches are so reviled and discriminated against in Imperial society. The other being their ability to create their own spells through their spirit guides. This completely negates the Mages Guild's monopoly on magical research and teaching, and would pose a serious threat to their existence if Witchcraft was more accepted and accessible.

So in closing, if you are traveling through the countryside and meet a Witch, do not be afraid. Rather great him or her (for Witch is a non-gendered term) as a friend. For they are the guardians of the wild places of Nirn, and will only bring harm to those who seek to do it themselves. And if you are very nice, perhaps they will even give you sweet rolls and tea!

[Tábrasa]

I am the one who created that Witchcraft mod. Unless there is another one out there (there is a fella who created a hunter's mod that is very similar, and he too is a Pagan like myself). It basically allows you to conjure wolves, timber wolves, boars, black bears, lions, grizzly bears, and finally spriggans. There are also 3 sets of bound armor/maces you can summon of gradually increasing power.

The religion I created to go with the powers is summed up by a book I created for the mod:
The Witches of Cyrodiil are a very misunderstood people. Thanks to a meeting facilitated by a friend of mine who is a forester, I was able to meet with one of these Witches and speak with her at length about her tradition. Her name is Morcant, and she served me the tastiest sweet rolls and most delicate Argonian White Tea as we spoke of her craft.

When one hears the word Witch, the first thought that comes mind tends to be of a Daedra worshipper. This I learned is quite far from the truth. Witches worship the Earthbones, the Aedric spirits that perished in the creation of Mundus. They also revere those surviving Aedra who departed our world after giving over some of their life force to create it, as well as those eight who remained (whom we knew as the Eight Divines before Tiber Septim joined their ranks as Talos to make them Nine).

Witches also follow spirit guides, as the Bosmer of Valenwood do. Indeed, the religion of Cyrodiil's Witches appears to be nothing less than the native religion of the Wood Elves, which is now rapidly fading to obscurity thanks to the spread of the Imperial Cult in their homeland. These spirit guides appear to Witches in dreams, and even waking visions, telling them secrets, leading them places, even teaching them spells.

When asked the origin of the spirit guides, Morcant explained that they were in fact the memories of the Earthbones themselves. Even though dead, or gone from Mundus, the energy they left behind remains within us, as symbols buried deeply into our Lower Selves - what some call the unconscious mind. It is through interaction with these symbols that Witches in fact interact with the entire world. Learning, experiencing, healing, and otherwise doing their part to protect Nirn.

Aiding them in this protection are the animals of the natural world. Animals that are considered dangerous to any conventional person - Wolves, bears, lions, and even spriggans - are all friendly to Witches. In fact, a wolf named Tsume came to visit Morcant as we talked, and she explained to me that he was a friend of hers. When I asked why she had given him such an Akaviri-sounding name, Morcant told me that she had not given it to him. Rather her one of her spirit guides had told it to her.

It is thanks to these spirit guides that Witches possess the ability to also summon these animals to come to their aid when in danger. Morcant demonstrated this for me by summoning a grizzly bear. She explained to me that it was not an actual, living bear plucked from some forest that she had summoned. Rather it was an external expression of the symbol of one of her spirit guides - In this case obviously Bear - temporarily given flesh and blood through magic.

Witches believe that Mundus and everything in it is sacred, being that it was created from the life essence of these Aedric spirits. It is the product of their flesh, blood, and spirits. Witches have no temples, because to them the entire world is a temple. Nor do they have a special priest caste, as they are all priests and priestesses. As Morcant said to me: "We are all divine. We are all gods. Most of us have simply forgotten our divine origins."

Doubtlessly this will be considered quite shocking by most chapel-going Imperials, if not downright heresy. In fact, I believe that this belief in the inherit divinity is one of the main reason that Witches are so reviled and discriminated against in Imperial society. The other being their ability to create their own spells through their spirit guides. This completely negates the Mages Guild's monopoly on magical research and teaching, and would pose a serious threat to their existence if Witchcraft was more accepted and accessible.

So in closing, if you are traveling through the countryside and meet a Witch, do not be afraid. Rather great him or her (for Witch is a non-gendered term) as a friend. For they are the guardians of the wild places of Nirn, and will only bring harm to those who seek to do it themselves. And if you are very nice, perhaps they will even give you sweet rolls and tea!

All I have to say is WOW. This kind of lore you have created for the mod is amazing! If it is okay with you, would It be okay for me to use some of this lore to explain some things about Witches for my story? I will obvioulsy make a side note that you created the lore and the mod

This post has been edited by Tábrasa: Dec 12 2011, 01:56 AM

[SubRosa]

All I have to say is WOW. This kind of lore you have created for the mod is amazing! If it is okay with you, would It be okay for me to use some of this lore to explain some things about Witches for my story? I will obvioulsy make a side note that you created the lore and the mod

Thank you. Go right on ahead and use whatever you would like. We tend to like to share our ideas here at Chorrol, even down to simple things like terms to use for things. Some of my best ideas were borrowed from other people!

[Acadian]

A very warm welcome to you, Tabrasa! As one who shares life inside the mind and body of another, I’m both delighted and intrigued by Tara and Willow!

What a fabulous foundation for a story you have here, and Tara already has a wonderful mission – to find her mother. I’m pleased that you have chosen to anchor your story in the beautiful province of Cyrodiil and I so look forward to reading more!

[mALX]

The concept for your story is fascinating! Welcome to the Forums!

[King Coin]

Very interesting character you have. Sounds like she has a very complicated relationship with the spirit residing in her body.

Welcome!

[McBadgere]

I had a bit of a thing for Willow meself... ...Oooh, and Tara...Oooh and Kennedy...Ooooh and Ms Calendar...Did you know she was one of Prince's dancers for Diamonds and Pearls?...*Sighs*...Oooh and Buffy's mum...

...*Cough*...Sorry...

Welcome Tabrasa...*Waves*... ...

Looking forward to reading yer story...

...

[Tábrasa]

Everyone, thank you so much for your warm welcomes! I really hope you enjoy Tara's story, here is the first part of the prologue.

The prologue will be in three parts.

Just a quick NOTE: There is a scene in the chapter which some people may find upsetting.

***

0.1 ~ Prologue

3E 423 - Farrun, High Rock

Tara was woken up, again, to the sound of her parents fighting. She never understood why. On the outside they appeared to be the perfect couple, but when the lights went out and they were out of view from the world, that’s when their true feelings for each other emerged.

Tara slowly crawled out if bed and crept towards her bedroom door. She slowly reached for the door knob and turned it ever so slightly, then pulled the door toward her. She didn’t know exactly what they were arguing about, but she heard her name mentioned on more than one occasion.

She saw it. Through a small opening in the door she saw her mother and father arguing. It was terrible, horrifying even, but Tara was used to it. She was used to the bitterness and the hatred they had for each other. She would look and the other mothers and fathers of Farrun and feel nothing but jealousy. She wished her parents could be happy, be normal. The amount of times she deemed running away the only option was one time too many.

She continued to watch her parents through the opening, praying silently to herself that the fighting would be over soon; mainly because she wanted to go back to sleep.

After five minutes of watching them Tara decided to sit down to view them instead. She knew it wasn’t going to end any time soon. Both her mother and her father were extremely strong willed and stubborn, so neither of them was prepared to end the fight without a win.

Tara then heard the arguing getting clearer as her parents took the fight upstairs. Tara slid away from the door opening, out of sight, but still listening carefully to her parents.

“This is obscure, Riccard! You can’t expect the guild to agree with this!” Tara mother pleaded.

“The guild has no business in this whatsoever, Jada, no business at all!” Riccard replied sternly.

“But you are dabbling in magic’s that no one has ever dared to! What do you expect me to do? Sit back and keep my mouth shut?”

“Well, that would be a good start!”

Then Tara heard something else she was used to, her mother harshly slapping her father on the cheek.

There was a silence. Intrigued by the silence Tara slowly crept her vision back to the door opening.

She then witnessed something she’d never seen before.

Riccard raised his fist and with such terrifying force he punched Jada in the eye, knocking her down with an incredible thud.

Tara was left reeling, eyes wide in shock at what she had just witnessed. She watched as her mother led on the floor, crying. She was in agony.

All Tara could do was run back to her bed and hide under the covers. She hoped everything would be okay soon.

***

“But mother, why do you have to go?” Tara asked. Her and her mother were sat at the table; or rather Tara on the table and her mother on a chair next to her, gripping her hand.

“I don’t want to, sweetie, but… it’s just something I have to do.” Jada replied, her eyes remorseful. Tara looked up from her knees and at her mother.

“Are you going because father hit you?”
Jada looked at her daughter, this time in horror. “Sweetie, what are you talking about?”

“Last night. I saw father punch you. I saw you crying.”

Jada remained silent for a second, eventually forcing a smile with the hope of comforting her daughter.

“That was an accident that you shouldn’t have seen. But no, that isn’t why I’m leaving. I wish I could tell you why I’m leaving, but…”

“But what, mother?” Tara asked. Jada thought for a while and then shook her head to remove the thought she had.

“Sweetie I really can’t tell you. You just have to believe and trust that I’m leaving for the right reasons.”

“How can I do that when I don’t know why you’re leaving?”

Jada remained silent, tears evident in her eyes. Tara then continued.

“Can I come with you?”

Jada slowly shook her head. “No, sweetie, you can’t.”

Tara looked back down at her knees. Jada then lightly grabbed Tara’s chin and lifted Tara’s gaze into hers.

“Look,” She started before taking off her silver necklace and placing it around Tara’s neck. “Keep this with you at all times, okay? Keep it as a symbol of my love for you. Where ever I am, however far away from you I may be, this is to remind you that I will ALWAYS be thinking of you. You will be on my mind from dawn till dusk. You will always be in my heart. Just because I won’t be around doesn’t mean I don’t love you, okay?”

Jada then slowly kissed Tara on the cheek, but the moment was spoiled by the appearance of Riccard. He stood in the doorway to the dining room; arms folded.

“I thought you were leaving?” He asked firmly. Jada stood and headed toward Riccard.

“I am. There is a carriage outside waiting for me. Would you at least help me with my bags?”

Riccard glared at Jada and then reluctantly headed to the front door to get the rest of Jada’s things to load them into the carriage.

As Jada was leaving the dining room, Tara asked her one more question.

“Mother… why are you leaving me alone with father?”

Jada stopped and slowly turned her head toward Tara. She said nothing; only cried. She tried to say ‘sorry’, but the tears formed a barrier her words couldn’t break through. She left the dining room. She left Tara’s life. Tara didn’t know whether it would be forever. But for now; she was alone.

3E 432 - Farrun, High Rock

Tara stepped into her house, keeping an eye out for her father as she snuck in through the door. She had just been out celebrating her nineteenth birthday with her friends, and if her father found out she knew he would freak. She didn’t even know if he remembered it was her birthday. He never had any time for her; but she was fine with that. As far as she could recall they had only had one conversation since Jada left when Tara was ten, and that conversation was only initiated when Tara accidentally got in Riccard’s way.

Tara walked through the house, looking for her father, but he wasn’t anywhere. She could only assume that he was in the basement working on his research. Ever since Tara’s mother left he had spent nearly every day working in the basement; and only the gods knew what he was working on. She stumbled into the kitchen (she had had more than a few goblets of wine) and looked in the cupboard for food. Her hunger was unbearable. When she walked over to the cupboard she noticed something on the table. A note. She picked up the note and read it aloud to herself.

“I’ve gone to get supplies. Don’t go in the basement.”

It was written by her father. She rolled the note into a ball and threw it on the floor. She went to open the cupboard, but caught a glimpse of the basement door. She stared at it for a while. Father won’t be home for a while, I think. Maybe the reason mother left is in the basement?

She slowly closed the cupboard door, ignoring her excruciating hunger for now as she walked toward the basement. When she was stood before the door she had a large intake of breath and prepared herself for the secrets she was sure to discover.

The basement was dark and miserable. The only source of light was a pathetic excuse of a torch flickering slightly in the corner of the room. She headed towards the torch and grabbed it. She looked around the basement. Nothing out of the ordinary. A few alchemy supplies and spell books. The only thing that bothered her was the unidentified smell that lingered. It smelled dead, like a rotting wolf. But with the source of the smell unknown and the basement less than interesting, Tara- Hold on. What’s this?

Tara looked at the table and saw an unlabeled, leather bound book. It looked like a journal. She placed the torch carefully beside the table and opened the book, looking behind her quickly to check for her father. Nothing.

She placed a seat near the torchlight and sat down. She began to read.

…I feel like my experiment is finally ready for testing. Jada disproved of it but I am certain that I can prove her wrong. For years I’ve had this theory that the human brain is capable of carrying the soul of the dead and extracting it at will into enchantments; much like a living soul gem, if you will.
I have stored some bodies that I have found under the floor board ready to extract their souls ready for the experiment…

“Bodies? The smell…” Tara gasped, but she continued to read.

All I need now is somebody that I can use as a test subject. Someone who is willing to be a marvel in the art of Mysticism. Someone who is willing to risk their life for my research into-

Abruptly Tara was grabbed from behind; her eyes covered, an arm held tightly around her neck. After a struggle, a potion was forced into her mouth, which she had no choice but to swallow. After her body started to relax, her musles loosening and her eyelids began to drop, she fell unconscious.

This post has been edited by Tábrasa: Dec 15 2011, 09:33 PM

[McBadgere]

Charming fellow that dad there... ...

An excellent and evocative write...I really did feel sad for Tara and her mother...Nasty business that...

Looking forward to seeing how the live soul gem thing works...And whether the recharging dissipates the captured soul over time kind of thing...

*Applauds*...Nice one!... ...Well done...

[mALX]

GAAAAH !!! Her father is a necromancer? URK !!! Very sad (but revealing) chapter. Great Write !!

[King Coin]

Great start! Poor Tara though. Dad just found his test subject.

[SubRosa]

Tara is from Farrun I see? So I guess that makes her a Witchwoman of HighRock (or whatever they call the female Witchmen )

Well, that was an unfortunate example of domestic violence for Tara to witness. I wonder if that is why her mother left,? or if it was because of her father's experiments? Or perhaps both? I also wonder at why her mother left Tara behind, and suspect that it was a decision forced upon her by her father.

And so now we know that Tara was ten on that fateful night and day her mother left, and is now 19. That knowledge was very well revealed.

Don’t go in the basement.”
Well after reading that, Tara has to go in the basement! Seriously, anyone would.

And it seems Tara has volunteered to be Daddy's test subject! Assuming he did not have her in mind all along.


nits:
I am not sure if it is intentional, or if the forum is doing it when you paste your text here, but most of your paragraphs are all run together. That makes it difficult to read. For web-based text, there ought to be a space between every paragraph. For standard printed pages, there should be an indent instead. For example, your first three paragraphs should look like this:

Tara was woken up, again, to the sound of her parents fighting. She never understood why. On the outside they appeared to be the perfect couple, but when the lights went out and they were out of view from the world, that’s when their true feelings for each other emerged.

Tara slowly crawled out if bed and crept towards her bedroom door. She slowly reached for the door knob and turned it ever so slightly, then pulled the door toward her. She didn’t know exactly what they were arguing about, but she heard her name mentioned on more than one occasion.

She saw it. Through a small opening in the door she saw her mother and father arguing. It was terrible, horrifying even, but Tara was used to it. She was used to the bitterness and the hatred they had for each other. She would look and the other mothers and fathers of Farrun and feel nothing but jealousy. She wished her parents could be happy, be normal. The amount of times she deemed running away the only option was one time too many.

I am so used to writing for the web that I always put spaces between my paragraphs even in my original Word documents. I am wondering if your originals have indents for each new paragraphs instead of spaces? That would probably account for it, as I do not think the forum recognizes an indentation mark when you paste.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Dec 12 2011, 09:04 PM

[Acadian]

A wonderful start! Well, not for Tara I guess. You did a great job of sprinkling all kinds of detail in here in a very natural manner (like the names of Tara’s parents for example, and Tara’s age). I too, thought of the nearby Witchmen at the mention of Farrun.

There is certainly some dark magic going on in Riccard’s basement and I fear that Tara is caught up in it.

You certainly built some tight suspense in this episode!

I’ll second the gentle encouragement of SubRosa to take your paragraph spacing cues from other stories on the forum – just makes things easier to read in this venue.

This post has been edited by Acadian: Dec 13 2011, 01:51 AM

[Athynae]

Poor Tara, witnessing such an encounter as a young girl is a horrible experience and one that will shape decisions for the rest of her life. And then having her mother leave her will only add to the psychological impact.

You are off to an incredible start with the story, intriguing to say the least. Riccard needed more than his face slapped....I can only imagine how hard it was for Jada to leave without Tara.

Too bad Tara couldn't hear all of the readers yelling "NO, DON'T GO DOWN THOSE STAIRS!" but then again if she had the story would be totally different.

Welcome to the forum, I look forward to more.

[Grits]

Yikes. Tara has had a heck of a time already, and it doesn't look good for the future Willow. Unless being extracted at will into enchantments is more fun than it sounds.

Welcome, and I'm glad you're posting your story here! I will be reading it.



Tara and Willow were my favorite part of that whole series. They are also one of the few things that I remember about it. Due to small children, I was tired during those years.

[liliandra nadiar]

Good, wince worthy (in all the good ways) start. Though I hope there was a reason for Jada leaving Tara behind when she was pretty clearly thinking Riccard was a threat, if not criminal. Hope you have an explanation besides Deus ex, and if it's the 'push' for a while of the story, great. ^.^

[Tábrasa]

First of all I want to thank all of you SO MUCH for reading

liliandra nadiar: Haha, don't worry. I know every last inch of Tara's backstory so Jads's dissapearance will be explained... eventually

Grits: I love the relationship between Tara and Willow in BtVS, and it was perfect ispiration for my girl(s). haha. I love the idea of literally not being able to live without your soulmate

Athynae: Yes, Tara's story isn't a happy one to start with. Hopefully things will pick up for her soon and yes, he did need more than a good slap! But i don't think Jada was expecting a retaliation!

Acadian: Ahh yes, the witchmen of Farrun. Well Tara's path might not QUITE go down that path, but we'll see. Lol.

SubRosa: I'm so pleased that the story has left you with questions; much like Tara felt in that respect. and thank you kindly for your nits I'm so used to writing for novels I didn't think! DOn't worry, It will be edited

King Coin: Haha, Isn't her dad the sweetest guy?

mALX: Well, I wouldn't call him a necromancer EXACTLY, he is just more into the dark side of Mysticsism; although he does possess alot of necromancery behavior

McBadgere: I'm so glad you enjoyed it, and I'm glad you have questions i hope can be answered!

***

0.2 ~ Prologue

3E 413 ~ Farrun, High Rock

Jada held Tara in her arms, Tara’s tiny hand gripping her finger. Jada smiled, leaning to kiss her daughter on the forehead. She looked Tara in the eyes; those beautiful hazel eyes that made her heart flutter with pride. She never believed in a million eras that she would conceive something so… perfect.

Not before long, an anxious Riccard walked into their bedroom. He glared at Jada as she scurried over to the basinet, placing Tara softly inside.

“I thought I told you not to hold her?” He said. “We cannot have you getting too attached to her.”

Jada looked at him with a scowl. She walked over to the dresser a pulled out a blanket before going back to Tara and placing it on her gently.

“You cannot seriously believe that I’m going along with this sick plan of yours, Riccard.”

“There’s nothing sick about it, Jada,” He informed her with an eerie precision. “I’ve told you before…”

“Yes, you’ve told me, and it is utterly preposterous. ‘All the women in the Willow family line have the power to absorb the spirits of their foes into their own bodies to temporarily enhance their own magicka’; do you even understand how absurd that sounds?” Jada objected.

She walked over to the bedroom window, drawing the curtains eliminating any light from the room before heading to the bedroom door. Riccard moved slightly and blocked the doorway; blocking her exit.

“You know this is important to me, this is my life’s work!”

“NO Riccard! No! You have created this… fantasy over an unproven family legend! You can’t expect me to allow you to use our two month old daughter for your… experiments!”

Riccard slowly closed in on Jada. His silhouette in the darkened room was daunting.

“Exactly, Jada; She is OUR daughter. Not just yours. I have as much right to say what her purpose in life will be as you do.”

Jada looked at him in disbelief; horror, even.

“Who are you? What happened to the man I married?”

“I’m the same man my dear, nothing has changed.”

“YOU WANT TO KILL OUR DAUGHTER!” Jada bellowed.

Suddenly Tara unleashed an almighty scream as Jada’s outburst had woken her. Jada walked over to her daughter and picked her up, shushing her as she held her to her chest. Jada looked up at Riccard; hate in her eyes.

“You are not going to use our daughter for your experiment. That is the end of it.” She proclaimed.

She took Tara and headed past Riccard out of the bedroom. Riccard grabbed Jada’s arm; a grip Jada easily escaped from.

“You will realise sooner or later that this is the right thing to do.” He informed her in an educated fashion.

“And what if I leave? Take her away?”

Riccard smirked, “I think you know what’ll happen if you do that, don’t you?”

Jada glared at him one last time before walking downstairs. Riccard looked after her with the smirk remaining firmly in place.

3E 419 ~ Farrun, High Rock

“Riccard, please, come down and celebrate!” Jada begged. Riccard remained sat at his desk, uninterested in celebrating his daughters sixth birthday.

Jada knew he wasn’t interested, so she decided that instead of pestering him further she would just proceed back to the party.

“Mother! When is father coming down?” Tara asked as her mother approached the living room. Jada smiled.

“In a little while sweetie.” She replied, gently kissing her on the forehead.

Jada walked over to a small table by the fireplace where her friends Mildred and Aleksander were sat drinking ale. Jada sat on a seat between them.

“This is a great party Jada!” Mildred congratulated. “All the children seem to be having such fun!”

Jada looked over at Tara. Watching her play with her friends for some reason left a tear in her eye.

“Is Riccard not coming down?” Aleksander asked. Jada shook her head.

“No. He’s… busy.”

She suddenly stood up and gazed up at Riccard’s office. She had decided that she was going to make one last attempt to bring Riccard down.

“Actually, bear with me; I’ll be back in a minute.” She said to her friends before heading back upstairs, storming into Riccard’s study.

“You need to come down. Now.” Jada ordered her husband, who was still uninterested.

“The only birthday I’m interested in celebrating is the nineteenth. But you already know that.”

She did, indeed, know that; but she wasn’t happy. She was dying inside knowing what that date would mean for her daughter and being unable to stop it.

She decided to take action now, rather than later as the opportunity had only just arisen. She had always had some form of plan to at least help prevent the events that would occur on Tara's nineteeth birthday, but with Riccard constantly watching her every move, she never had the opportunity to go through with it; untill now.

She silently crept to Riccard’s supply cabinet, opening it slowly to prevent any creaks and took a piece of paper and a quill. She walked over to one of Riccard’s desks, unseen by the man himself, and began to write a note. She stared at Riccard as she folded the finished note, sealed it with wax and slowly edged out of the study and down the stairs.

Once she was downstairs she approached Aleksander and gave him the note.

“It is important that you open this note the day Tara turns nineteen, okay?”

“Um… okay. Sure, I can do that!” Aleksander replied, baffled and slightly confused.

Jada looked over to Tara and smiled. Her mind was slightly at peace. She knew she’d done all she could.

3E 432 ~ Farrun, High Rock

Tara woke up in a post blackout daze. She was lying on a table, she knew that much, but she was strapped down by something. Her arms, her legs and her waist held down by something tight. Her struggle to escape was inevitably futile. She wasn’t going anywhere and she didn’t know why.

However, she knew exactly where she was the moment her eyes began to adjust to her surroundings. The basement. W-what? What is this? Dad.

Despite the fact that she was basically held hostage in her own house, she found it odd how her kidnapper didn’t blindfold her. Surely they would want to hide their identity?

“Tara? Are you awake?”

Tara turned her head to see the blurry image of someone; a male someone. But she didn’t need a picture when the sound was perfect.

“Father?”

She saw the figure walk closer to her. The image becoming clearer as it approached.

“Of course it’s me, who else would it be?”

Tara looked at her captor in disbelief. She could slowly feel the blood drain from her face in fright.

“Father… what… what are you doing?”

“Tara, don’t be so stupid. You know exactly what’s going on here.”

Tara remained silent as her father walked over to a desk at the end of the table she was one. She was terrified. Mother, please…

“You read my journals? Yes?”

Tara said nothing.

“Answer me when I speak to you, Tara.”

Tara didn’t speak, she only nodded. Riccard skirted through some books on his desk as Tara silently wept on her prison. Eventually he spoke up.

“You are going to be a great thing, Tara Willow. You are going to be a revolution in the art of Mysticism.” He informed her, his tone cold and uncaring.

“B-but…”

Riccard looked directly at her. “But, what? Tara?”

“But… I don’t want to. Please father, don’t kill me!”

“Kill you?”

He pondered a moment and then came to a realisation.

“Oh, you mean the bodies under the floor boards? Oh, you misunderstand. Those were simply failed experiments who I managed to deposit souls into, but didn’t survive the ordeal. I have stored them until I find time to extract the souls back out again. That would be a terrible waste, otherwise.”

Tara watched in terror as Riccard pulled something out of a drawer; a black crystal of some kind.

“Is that why mother left? Because she disproved of what you were doing?” Tara asked.

“Partly. But that isn’t any on your concern.”

She watched as he opened a secret door under a rug. He then cast what she recognised as a Soul Trap spell, watching the black crystal glow after the casting. After putting the rug back over the trapdoor, Riccard began to approach Tara.

“Now what I’m about to cast is a spell I’ve created myself. It will stop your body from turning the soul you absorb into magicka. Instead it’ll cause your body, or more correctly your brain, to hold the soul in a permanent existence.”

“W-what? What are you talking about?”

“Basically, this spell will cause a soul to be trapped in your body until it is extracted again. In conclusion, you will be a human soul gem.”

“But… why me?” She asked; her tone pathetic and childish.

Riccard glared at her as if she should have known ‘why’ she had been chosen to fulfil his need.

“It is a well known fact that the Willow women have the skill to absorb souls and turn tem into magicka. Only I plan to change that theory. It’s a risky experiment; but you WERE born for this purpose after all.”

Born for this? Did… did mother know he was going to do this to me?

Tara panicked, realising the extent of her father’s madness. She tried desperately to escape her bonds as Riccard slowly placed his hand on her chest.

Riccard readied himself for his spell; his hand glowed a brilliant blue. He didn’t even have any words of comfort for his daughter. He didn’t even hear her beg for her life.

This post has been edited by Tábrasa: Dec 16 2011, 02:25 AM