Luna Lioria, A Shroud of Light in a City of Darkness Options

[gamer10]

The next morning, when I awoke, dressed and preceded downstairs I found Nameless already busy preparing to leave. Curious as to what form of payment the Innkeeper expected, I inquired.

Nameless turned around and answered nonchalantly, “It's all taken care of, don’t worry about it, Luna.”

Not wanting to disturb the peaceful ambiance of the morning, after what transpired last night, I did not proceed to pry a detailed answer from him. Yet I was worried over the fact that he might be lying, and we may run off without paying for our room, but I tried to forget it.

I thanked the innkeeper for the fine service and left, with Windswept at my heels and Nameless trailing behind. It didn’t take us but a quarter hour to reach the dock where we would look for a shipmaster willing to take us to the mainland from which the City of Cyrodiil was separated, for a reasonably low fee.

We found one quickly in the bustling port, where I suspected there was always someone looking for work. Nameless requested to be the negotiator, but I turned down his offer. Not wanting to dishearten him, for I knew he wanted to be of use to the expedition, I offered to let him try if I could not strike an acceptable deal.

I was in luck; the shipmaster was desperate and willing to take us for only a few Septims. Nameless looked a bit disappointed, but I was glad that that I was sure of what was transpiring.

The ship was not to leave until evening, so Nameless and I walked aboard it and looked at the cabin offered. The travel would only last several hours, but I didn’t want to travel on a third rate vessel.

When we set sail that evening, Nameless, Windswept and I gathered in the small cabin and sat without much to do. I tried to strike up a conversation, but failed miserably. Something was bothering Nameless, and I needed him to get over it quick, or he’d only be a burden. Standing up, I shuffled out onto the deck after patting the sleeping Windswept on the head. I made sure to close the cabin door behind me.

I stood at the railing, looking out over the water as we passed on by. Within seconds, as I guessed, I heard the cabin door open and close and the patter of feet on the deck. Nameless was by my side in a few moments, and as I was, he looked out over the water.

“Where are we going Luna?”

The question hit me off guard. I struggled to find an answer, but to no avail.

“I don’t know.”

Nameless sighed, and I heard in the still of the night the tapping of his fingers against the wooden railing.

“I left my home behind, for a silly reason, some might call it. I just wanted to experience everything I could before age took me and made me an adult, before the dull of a daily routine entered my life.” My voice trailed off, but there was only silence from Nameless, so I continued, quietly, nearly whispering.

“I wasn’t willing to concede, I wanted something else.” The repetitive sound of his fingers tapping came to a halt, and a warm hand found its way over mine.

“Like me.” He whispered sorrowfully, and the stumble of his words made me realize he was crying again.

“Yes,” I stuttered, “Yes, like you.”

Then his hand left mine, and he left me to stand alone on the deck of the ship. As I faced the open water, the dark realization of what I’d stepped into struck me even harder than his question.

[Dantrag]

good update. Lots of emotion, and the mystery of Nameless still grips us.

[gamer10]

The ship sailed on for several hours, and I went to the cabin to rouse Nameless and Windswept from sleep. The fact that Nameless was emotionally disturbed, or so it appeared, didn’t do well to help build my courage as I placed a hand on his shoulder to shake him.

He mumbled something and turned over, and slowly his eyes opened to peer up at me. Then he smiled, much to my astonishment, and he stood up. I quickly backed away so as not to make the room feel congested.

“We only have about two hours until we reach port.” I informed him.

I saw him whisper to Windswept and the dog heaved its sleepy head and raised itself. Then, Nameless gathered what little we had and strode to the cabin door.

We all went onto the deck together, and all of us were surprised to see another ship sailing not a hundred strides from us, and making its way closer at a rapid speed.

The Shipmaster was on deck with the rest of the crew, and was barking orders. Something didn’t seem right, it was far to busy.

I seized on my curiosity and put forth my question to one of the crew standing nearby.

“Miss, I think its best if you stay in the cabin from now until we dock at port, we’re not sure who sails the other ship, but it looks to be pirates who made their way up the channel from Topal Bay.”

Oh Mara, save me.

To coincide with my thought, I raised a hand to my mouth, and my face furrowed.

What have I gotten into? Shall the waters be where I lie for the rest of eternity?

Nameless was in concurrence with my reaction, and when my discomfort became noticeable his hand moved to the hilt of his small sword. “They won’t harm us.” He said unsurely, “I’ll-we’ll fight back, won’t we Luna?”

I didn’t know what to say, and I opened my mouth as if to speak, but nothing was spoken.

How is he so good at catching me unready with such demanding questions?

“I don’t know, I don’t know!” I cried out, desperately searching for an answer as I closed my eyes.

I don’t know.

This post has been edited by gamer10: Jan 28 2006, 09:08 PM

[Kiln]

Wonderful update Gamer, I can't wait until I find out what happens next. You've truly given us quite a cliffhanger here with this last bit.

Update soon!

[mplantinga]

If every installment continues to increase the depth of this story, soon I fear I will be overwhelmed. The emotional complexity of your characters, especially Nameless, is truly astounding. I continue to look forward to each new post with eager anticipation.

[minque]

I´ve just read through this whole story.....and I´m really glad I did....it´s plain awesome. You really have a talent of describing events, felings and details in a way that really is impressive.

Keep it up gamer.....I want more of this amazing story


By the way....I´m sorry I´v not commented more.....I´ll try my best to be more attentive!

[gamer10]

“Luna?”

No, no, no!

“Luna?”

A hand grasped my shoulder, and shook me a bit. My eyes blinked open, and I gazed into the eyes of Nameless. They were alive with fear, sorrow, and a deep confusion. I took it from the look upon his face that mine did not differ much in that respect.

“Luna, the ship is approaching, surely, if they are pirates, they will attack the ship from afar before boarding to weaken it.” His tone of his voice was mixed anxiety and anticipation, and perhaps I sensed a bit of concern.

“What are you suggesting?” I asked. His voice implied a proposal.

“I think you ought to seek shelter in the cabin, or you might be injured in the foray.”

Are you mad?

“Don’t be silly,” I said as I shrugged off his request, “I’ll be fine, besides, that ship doesn’t look so big anyway.”

He unsheathed his sword, but I did not draw my own. I suspected that this whole ordeal would be over without a fight, but because I was not certain I placed my hand on the hilt of my sword as he had, not a few minutes ago.

“Don’t be to hasty, we have yet to see if they are even hostile,” I whispered to him, I had no reason to whisper but it seemed to fit the situation.

“Luna, they have yet to give us a reason to think of them as friendly.” He responded grimly, it sounded as if he had suddenly become angry with me.

Windswept was at our feet, and he was yelping excitedly. Was this a signal?

“Windswept is sure that there are pirates aboard that ship,” Nameless informed me. I bent down and smiled halfheartedly at the dog.

“I am beginning to wonder,” I said aloud, though I meant to keep my thoughts to myself so I spoke no more.

I stood and stared at the oncoming ship, and my sword shone in the air moments later when it aligned with ours.

---------------
Thanks for the inspiring comments, school is going to be hectic for about two weeks from here on out, so don’t expect many other updates, or if any at all, expect them to be small.

Thanks again to all of you for taking the time to read what I’ve written.



This post has been edited by gamer10: Jan 31 2006, 07:27 PM

[mplantinga]

There is definitely more to this dog than meets the eye; perhaps it is some unfortunate mage stuck in a dog's form? Equally curious is how Nameless seems to understand the dog's barking, which suggests (as we already knew) that there's a lot more to Nameless than is obvious. These mysteries are the part of the story that captures most of my attention. Somehow, I don't think that the ship actually contains pirates; part of me suspects that the chase and soon-to-come boarding of the ship have much more to do with the passengers than with piracy. I'll try to wait patiently to find out the truth of the situation.

[minque]

what mplantinga said! I second that fully. And I do understand when real life interfers with your creation....hmmm it´s very common I´d say,.

But we will wait for you to update.....when you can find the time to do so....

[Kiln]

Argh...it is too bad we'll have to wait for the next update I'm dying to see what happens next. I truly hope you find the time to update now and again while juggling school.

Best of luck with school and life mate!

[Neck' Thall]

I Like This Story as well, It is very well written and you seem to have put a lot of time into it. Ohh and Minque, i Know the quote you have in your sig is from Voltair but, what exactly does it say?

[gamer10]

The ship wasn't as ominous when it came close enough for a detailed look on my behalf, and I was relieved when, instead of a one leg, one eyed pirate, a rather striking young woman boarded our ship after the two had positioned properly.

"I'm Captain Ponius, and that," she said as she motioned to her ship, "is Fina."

I couldn't help but chuckle at the lackluster name she'd bestowed upon the ship, for it was grand.

"And what in the name of Oblivion do you want Miss Ponius, I thought you were a darn pirate!"

The newly boarded woman frowned, "Pilpen you old man, you can clearly tell that the ship I'm sailing in is Fina."

The old captain stomped his foot, "Not from afar you can't!"

"Oh shut up. I don't care, do you have anything of interest, treasure map maybe?"

"You're too young and immature to have your own ship." The old man grumbled as he walked off.

The lady sighed, and turned to look at me. "Well who have we here? What's a pretty girl like yourself doing aboard this loafer’s ship?" she inquired.

"I'm going to the mainland," I told her hesitantly.

"Why not hop aboard my ship, we're not headed towards the mainland, but we can take you anywhere in Tamriel you'd like to go."

Someone, a member of the crew, snorted.

"Don't mind them, they're just arrogant selfish men," she said in a matter of fact tone.

"I-I'd like to, would you hold on a second," I turned to ask the opinion of Nameless and . . .yes, Windswept.

She noticed them then, and raised an eyebrow suggestively.

"Who's this?" she asked me of Nameless, the tone of her voice just as provocative as her facial expression.

I blushed, and turned away from Nameless as he stood there puzzled.

"He doesn't . . er . . exactly have a name." I told her as my cheeks burned a deeper hue of red.

"Risky, very risky, I’d find another boy if I were you?" Miss Ponius smiled as she joked.

I hadn't thought of Nameless that way, but it struck me then how it must look when the two of us traveled together.

Nameless spoke up, "Windswept and I," he told the lady "Wouldn't mind traveling with you for a while."

The lady smiled at him now, "Wonderful, just gather your stuff and jump aboard. I'm sure that we have a few spare bunks."

I nodded and took a surprised Nameless by the hand. We were going somewhere worthy of our time, I'd make sure of it.

[minque]

Yay! This I like, a cocky female captain....woah.....just the way I want it......so keep it up gamer....it´s awesome!

[Neck' Thall]

Again, another awesome update, It's getting better all the time. I'm windering whats the captain motives for bringing them aboard. Ohh and Yay Me!! I finally got an actual avatar!

[Kiln]

Nice update Gamer, I also wonder about the captain's motives for bringing them aboard. I love the characters they seem so simple yet so complex...I know it doesn't make since but I like it so keep it up.

[gamer10]

The bunks were merely large sheets tied together, which needless to say wasn’t anything comparable to the beds available on our first transport. I left Nameless and Windswept to make themselves “at home” while I wandered onto the deck; I had quite a few questions for the captain.

The captain was exceptionally busy, I noticed, and I dared not divert her attention at that particular moment, so I went back down below deck to speak with Nameless, who was leaning himself against the wall and staring blankly down at Windswept.

“So,” I began, realizing I hadn’t anything to say.

“It’s all right,” Nameless gestured to Windswept, “he likes it just fine.”

I smiled somewhat lightheartedly, “I’m so relieved.” I said feebly.

He frowned, and I hastened to change the subject away from the strange dog.

“What about you?” I inquired, forcing concern to rise in my voice.

“I’m fine, even this beats living in a stable.” He said with a smile somewhat stronger than mine, “Besides, this is all very new to me. I have yet to form my own opinion.”

I nodded, “I, as well, have yet to make judgment, but all seems well. The crew and captain seem friendly enough.”

He chuckled, “Yes, they do, especially the captain.”

I cocked an eyebrow inquisitively, “What about the captain, hmm?”

“Nothing,” he said quickly and slyly, purposefully exaggerating the situation.

“She’s a lot older than you,” I stated, fixing up my bunk.

“I suppose you think I’m going to fall for someone like that, don’t worry, I’m not interested in someone nearly twice my age.”

“I didn’t say anything like that,” I said quietly and crossly, striding determinedly away from him to climb up to the deck.

I didn’t know why I had gotten irritable, but I couldn’t stand the way he acted as if I was the least important of our troupe. Even the damnable dog received more recognition than I did.

Am I jealous?

It was several moments later that I realized I’d walked out on a clueless Nameless. Taking a deep breath, I went below again to converse with him.

He was crying. Just barely, but if you listened you could hear him sniffling, I saw him wipe his eyes as I approached.

What in the world?

“Luna?” he asked, and my heart shattered.

Don’t get like this again. . . please not again.

“What is it?” I asked as gently as I could.

“I don’t know, but I-I can’t handle this anymore. No one seems to care, no one at all.”

He was rambling.

I walked over to him, and placed an arm on his shoulder.

“Shh . . now, everything is all right.”

He pushed me away, and I stumbled backwards, tripping over myself. I stared up at him the way I had the first time he’d done that back in the barn he used to live in.

This time was different.

He rushed down to me on the ground, and kneeled over. Attempting to raise me by the arm, “I’m sorry, god I’m sorry.”

I jerked my arm out of his grip, and immediately regretted it. He burst into tears and turned away to bury his head in his hands.

“Stop it,” I said strongly, “Stop it now. You’re acting as if you’re alone, but you’re not.”

His sniffling slowed.

“You’re not alone, because I’m here with you.”

I turned him around and kneeled to look into his eyes.

“Whatever it is you’re facing, you don’t have to face it alone, but you must tell me if I am to help. I can’t stand idly by and watch you like this, I just can’t!”

He wiped away a tear, “I know Luna, I know . . . and bless your soul, but I don’t know how I am to tell you. It’s not- it’s just not that easy for me . . . am I getting through to you?”

I nodded, kindly taking his hand in mine as he had done to me when we stood upon the ship.

“I’m here, you have time. Think it over, because I’m ready to listen whenever you are ready to tell me. “I awaited a response, half expecting him to be silent.

“Thank you,” he said, and a warm feeling came over me. I felt as if my heart had reconstructed itself within my chest.

[mplantinga]

Excellent updates. The great depth of pain felt by Nameless continues to tug at my heartstrings. I do hope he can find the courage to confide in Luna, and that she has the patience to help him through it.

[gamer10]

I think I’ll play on the relationship forming between Luna and Nameless for a little while. I’ve had more free time than I suspected I would.
-gamer10

------------------------
“Well,” I told Nameless, “Perhaps you should come up on deck with me to have a look at the rising sun.”

Nameless smiled, and stood up. I pulled him up on deck, eagerly awaiting a chance to speak with the Captain.

Miss Ponius was standing on deck surveying the crew as they busied themselves, but she wasn’t busy directing them, so I took the opportunity to speak with her.

“Captain,” I asked rather queerly, not sure of how to address her, “Where do you plan on heading next?”

She thought for a moment, or at least I assumed that’s what she was doing, “Wherever you feel we should, as for the moment, the wind takes me where it will.”

Alarmed, I spoke quickly. “That’s an insane idea, I’d appreciate if you’d have the crew set a course for the mainland of Cyrodiil!”

“Oh don’t get that way with me little Miss, why sail straight for land. Let’s go sailing!” Captain Ponius said merrily, and I almost suspected she might break out into song and dance. I could use some amusement.

Nameless interjected, “I think, Captain, that it would be a good idea to sail somewhere safe, none of us,” he looked at me and would’ve looked towards Windswept had the dog not been below, “want to get hurt.”

The captain nodded, “Oh all right, but you’re missing out. It is greatly satisfying, to clash with Pirates.”

I shook my head nervously, “No, I’d much rather not, but as long as you take us somewhere safe you can scratch the idea of returning to Cyrodiil for the moment.”

The day passed rather quickly.



That night Nameless and I sat awake on the deck of the ship, and talked in whispers of what we expected.

He was busy attempting to frighten me with tales of dark ships and all that rubbish. What was he doing, when he was so insecure himself?

“Then, generally you hang,” he said finishing one tale, I gave him a slight push to show my objection, I suppose you could say in an affectionate way.

Before I knew it, his arms were around me and his face close to mine, close enough so that I could feel the warmth of his own body and the sound of his shallow breathing.

“What’re you doing?” I asked, my face feeling as though it was heating up.

“What does it look like?”

I was very tempted to answer that question, but I didn’t know the actions my planned answer might provoke.

“Luna?”

I realized I had closed my eyes, and when I opened them I noticed my face had drifted closer to his, I quickly withdrew.

He positioned himself so that he was sitting beside me now, and we both looked up at the stars.

“Luna, I think I can tell you now.”

I stretched out, lying on my side as I faced him. He mirrored my position.

“So tell me,” I whispered softly, and our eyes locked together as I braced myself for all he was about to throw at me.

[mplantinga]

Playing indeed, you little tease. Thanks for giving us just enough information to feed our anticipation, then leaving us in painful suspense. It was a superb update, and I definitely want to know (soon!) what happens next.

[minque]

may you be cursed......evil, thy name is "gamer" A cliffie.....juuust like that huh?

*sigh* Awesome installment though...

You update this soon ...or else....