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

[Kiln]

Great update Gamer, a glimmer of hope shows through all that has happened. Keep it up.

[minque]

Hmm...poor Edward....I do hope he will get trough it.....anyway..good work gamer...


S.G.M

[gamer10]

Someone was groaning, muttering, tossing violently as they tried to escape the twine of torture tightly wrapped around their neck. The support plank dropped-

I awoke with a start, and sat up. My thought process was hazy, probably due to the fact that it was late at night, but also maybe because I hadn’t eaten anything for a while. I was aching, from head to toes, but I was considerably well off. I stood up and looked around, I saw the Captain sleeping peacefully by the door.

Edward was sleeping in the only bed available, but it did little to comfort him as he dozed. He was tossing about in his bed. I strode over and placed my hand on his forehead, before promptly pulling it away.

He was burning, and despite his relative warmth I shivered. His forehead was sweaty, and I assumed that must mean the rest of him was as well. I held his hand, and was startled when he squeezed mine.

“Luna?” he muttered, as if he wasn’t sure I was really a person or whether he’d been dreaming his whole life. His eyes were still closed.

“Yes?”

“I feel all warm.”

“Yes Edward, I believe you’re sick.”

“No – I mean I know I’m sick.”

I raised an eyebrow, puzzled at his vagueness. “Go back to sleep Edward, you’ll be alright.”

It was minutes later that he dozed off again, and I smiled grimly, if that is even possible. I then paced back and forth the cabin for a while. I stopped after a while when I noticed that Captain Ponius was staring smugly at me.

“You look like you know something I don’t.”

“I do.” She responded, the smug expression never leaving her.

“Well spill it, if it’s important.”

She obviously didn’t take me seriously, but she patted the damp wooden floor beside her. “Sit down.”

I obeyed, but would have preferred to continue pacing. I felt more at ease, and useful for that matter, when I was standing up.

Neither of us spoke for awhile, but I felt a little better as time went on, sitting by her and trying to forget the Edward was in a terrible state.

“You love him, don’t you?”

I turned to face her, and blushed, the darkness concealing it well.

“I – don’t really know.”

“Well neither do I girl,” her voice sounded playful now, “So hurry up and decide, I can’t stand the romantic momentum that’s building between you two.”

I laughed, still embarrassed, leaning my head back against the wall and facing forward again. “Love is a sketchy subject.”

“No,” she said breathily, sarcasm strong.

“Oh stop it,” I muttered crossly, turning to face the other way.

“I think it’s rather fun,” she grinned, the outline of her face barely visible in the night, “I do wish we had a candle, it gets rather lonesome in the dark, even when you’re not alone.”

Silence for several moments, “You think Edward will be okay?”

“Oh face it, you’re mad about him.”

“Stop teasing me, I’m trying to be serious here.” I pulled my knees up and rested my head on them, I knew the way I stuttered – no matter how slight it was, would give me away.

“I’ll admit,” she said, her voice now rather alluring, seductive, “He is handsome.”

I fidgeted uncomfortably, “He’s all for the taking.”

She immediately frowned, “That’s not what you were supposed to say.” She sighed, “A heap of fun you are, Luna.”

The night wore on, and I sat there, resting my head on my knees. If the morning came, which I hoped to the gods that it would for Edward, then the sun had better be shining strong. Sunshine or rain, however, my determination would not weaken.

[Kiln]

Great stuff, very emotional update this one. Alot of mushy stuff, didn't really reveal anything that the reader hadn't guessed, just confirmed that she liked him...which is an accomplishment I'm just saying I'd already guessed so much. Anyways great job, please continue soon Gamer.

[gamer10]

“You hear that, someone’s snoring.” a young mans voice, though whispered, was loud enough to be heard through the holes in the cabins walls, where the morning light shown through.

“Yes,” responded another man, seemingly a bit older by the apparent gruffness of his voice.

I listened carefully, my heart pounding. Were we trespassing? I reached out one hand and shook the Captain, gently by her shoulder, and she opened her eyes simultaneously with her mouth, as if to speak. She stayed quiet however, for the voices of the strangers were more than just perplexing.

“We’re on someone else’s turf,” Ponius whispered moments later, standing up and quietly moving to the door, her sword drawn.

I followed suit, my sword in my hand. I glanced back to where Edward was sleeping.

The door flew open and I was on the ground in a moment. A fleeting look at Captain Ponius revealed that she was in no better a position than me. My sword hand was pinned down by someone else’s. I looked up, and struggled to move my arm.

“Well now pretty girl, calm down.”

I wrenched one hand free and formed it into a fist, bringing it to smack against the face of the man who held me down.

Whoever it was grabbed hold of my hand again and forced it down, using much more force than before.

“If you’re going to act like that, I might as well get rid of you right now.”

I stopped struggling, and he grinned. Surprisingly enough, it was a much more compassionate grin than I’d expected.

He moved away from me, and I was still for several brief seconds, before he motioned for me to stand up. Captain Ponius was already standing.

“What is the meaning of this?” It was a girl’s voice, very demanding. I looked to the door.

A beautiful young woman, not much older than me, strode through the door, moving with grace and zest unmatched by any I’d ever witnessed before. Her green eyes were stunning, and conveyed a feeling of passionate resonance. Her body was sparingly covered, elegant garments concealing the most exclusive places.


“No,” I said, surprising even myself as I stood and stared defiantly towards her, a sense of enmity arising in me. “I believe it is I who should ask such a question, for you are the predator.”

The younger man took a step forward, and with a sudden ferocity, struck me across the face. I stumbled sideways as he watched angrily.

“Don’t you speak to her like that-“

The girl however, seemed shocked at his action, and cut him off.

“Celo, cut that out, you’ll get me in a good deal of trouble if you continue attacking people like that.”

He bowed his head and stepped back.

“Sorry Minia,” he muttered ashamedly.

Captain Ponius looked peeved, at the assault upon me only worsened her attitude. “If men here go around beating their women for such petty things as name calling then I do say, this must be a rather terrible place.”

They ignored her, but the older man had evidently noticed Edward, still asleep somehow.

“What are we to do with him,” the man asked.

The girl, Minia, stood for a moment, thinking, then smiled. I didn’t like that smile.

“Kill him, and take whatever he has on him.”

I was glad at the moment that I’d kept my sword, and I threw myself in front of Edward’s bed, sword pointed threateningly at the younger man, who’d moved forward to carry out the girls orders.

“You won’t,” I spat angrily. The girl drew a small blade from a sheath at her side.

“I swear to the gods, if you don’t move from the way I will kill you as well.”

Nevertheless, I disregarded the threat and stayed where I was.

The girl sheathed her sword, and rather unexpectedly, dropped her resolve and retracted her orders. “Very well then Celo, let him live.” She looked to the older man, and snapped her fingers “Pick him up. You’ll be carrying him then.”

She walked out of the cabin, and we all followed, Captain Ponius and I rather reluctantly. This wasn’t for us, and maybe these people would be able to help Edward once we explained our situation.

“It’s a two hour journey back to camp,” the girl yelled back at Ponius and I as we followed several feet behind her across the shore.

[mplantinga]

Interesting developments; it doesn't seem like their situation has really improved all that much. I do hope their new "friends" turn out to be more helpful than their companions on the boat.

[treydog]

New twists and turns here- they need to be careful with those "nobles." (I assume they are of the nobility- who else so casually takes over and orders someone killed because they are "inconvenient"?)

You continue to please the reader with excellent descriptions and complex interactions among the characters.

[gamer10]

Camp indeed. . .

A very large manor it was, I noticed when we came within viewing distance of it. We were still quite a ways back from it.

“Miss,” the older man said, and he motioned towards Captain Ponius and me.

“Oh, yes, that’s right. They’ll have to wait outside while I fetch father. Can’t have them inside, can we?”

With that, Minia trotted off, briskly, and made her way inside the manor. I looked to Ponius, “Well this is just splendid, isn’t it?” I asked derisively.

“Shut-up.” She retorted, crossing her arms.

Several minutes later Minia exited the building, walking proudly, and beside her strode a tall, built man. Well dressed, and extremely well groomed, but obviously middle-aged.

He looked to Captain Ponius, probably assuming her to be my mother or something of the sort, which would be rather absurd for we looked little alike. The man ignored me and made his way to Ponius.

“Mind telling me what you were doing trespassing?”

Captain Ponius raised her head proudly; arms still crossed, and took a few steps towards the man. “Was I trespassing?” She asked, and I had to turn away to avoid being caught smiling, for what would have been perceived as no reason at all.

She was putting on a show, moving in such a way – I couldn’t help but snicker quietly.

“Yes,” the man didn’t seem phased, in fact his tone was more imposing than it had been when he’d spoken before, “And you decided to let your client sleep in the bed there, my servant’s bed.”

I caught on real quick, and I turned around, sputtering fiercely, “We are not prostitutes, you cheeky old man.” I glared at Minia, whose conceited smile disappeared quickly.

Surprised at my audacity, he was silent for a few moments. “Then, my dearest little girl, may I inquire as to what were you doing in my servant’s cabin?”

“We were only sleeping.” I spat, no less than furious.

“Indeed,” the man said skeptically, and then he nodded. “Celo, find them a place to sleep in the manor. Minia, I believe your mother is waiting for you, you know you weren’t supposed to have accompanied the men.”

Minia stomped off, and I did not stare after her, her attitude made me sick. Celo led us towards the manor and into its front doors.

Inside, it was absolutely beautiful, not that the outside was drab to begin with.

The rug near the entranceway was exquisite, of some strange exotic creature. Two stairways went up either side of the manor, the walls lined with candle holders, which upon inspection, appeared to be gold-

“Like it, eh?”

I turned to look at Celo. “It’s very nice, yes.”

He nodded, “The candle holders are mine. I found them in a tomb.”

I didn’t ask whose, though I was curious. Instead, I let him lead me up one of the stairways.

We passed several rooms, and Celo looked in each one before we came to one that he found to be suitable for my occupation.

“This will be yours, it should be just fine, I have a feeling father doesn’t intend to let you stay long.”

He pushed me in and closed the door, as I reached forth my hand and opened my mouth to inquire as to what he meant by that statement. I let my arm drop to my side, and stared around the room, disheartened.

“Aw . . darn it.”

------------------

Most of my updates are created in a time span of 45 minutes, just before I sleep. This one however, took me awhile because I was lazy and didn't pay much attention to it. I have now decided that I will try to update more often than I have been, since I realize its been what - half a year since I started this fanfic, and I plan to wrap it up by mid-August (for a reason I'm sure most of you are familiar with). I've already started on another update, and I plan to post it tommorrow. <---- I hate that word, I always forget how to spell it.

-Gamer10

This post has been edited by gamer10: Jun 6 2006, 05:35 AM

[treydog]

Another interesting update- I hope Edward will be alright, though. Although I understand your goal of finishing by a deadline, please let the story carry you where it will... Easy for me to say, considering I have been through 3 jobs since I started Trey

Anyway, I love your descriptions and your feel for the characters.

[gamer10]

I sat on the bed, staring out the window, thinking.

“Luna.”

It looked nice outside, the wind was blowing gently, and the sun was shining-

“Luna!”

“Oh for heaven’ sake Luna, don’t kill me.”

I stood up, off from where I’d pinned Captain Ponius to the ground, then I sheathed my sword.

“I’ve been speaking with the man of the house,” she chuckled, and I could tell she was feeling just a bit better than I, “I think he’s going to let us stay until Edward is all better – from whatever.”

“Yes, I do hope he hurries up and-“ I stopped, Ponius wasn’t listening to me. She was looking out the window.

“Luna, get on the floor now-“ I didn’t move, and she tackled me.

A rock flew through the window, shattering it and sending fragments of glass flying about. I heard voices from outside.

“Oh yeah, try explaining that one to father.”

“You’re the one who wanted to see how far I could throw it.”

“Always trying to pin the blame on me, eh, Celo.”

It was Minia and Celo. What the hell were they doing?

Captain Ponius stood up, pulling me with her. “Well, you certainly won’t be sleeping her tonight.”

She led me to the door, but it opened before we got there, and Celo came flying in.

“Hey, watch it!” I cried out as I tumbled backward, and Celo fell atop me.

It was several seconds later when I took the initiative to talk, “Uh – I’d really appreciate it if you sort of – yeah, got off me.”

Celo stood up, rubbing his neck though no harm had come to it, obviously embarrassed. I was slightly discomfited by the grins on both the Captain’s and Minia’s faces. “Well, sorry miss, that was awfully awkward- I’m sorry.”

I ignored him, and walked out of the room with a self-righteous smile on my face, Ponius following. I could hear the faint sound of Celo swearing angrily behind us as we made our way down the stairway.

“That was a really nice move that boy pulled up there.”

“No, it wasn’t.”

“Ah, here we are, the dining area.”

Indeed we had reached the dining area, and rather striking smells, some good, some terrible, were wafting out from the kitchen.

“Hungry, Luna?”

[gamer10]

Here is the foundation for the fourth chapter. Sorry for not updating for such a long time, I’ll try to update more often than this.

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The window; frost covering the glass and hindering the view of the snowy landscape outside, was an expansive portion of the wall, and could be considered a fine work of art. Inside, a fire blazed quietly in the hearth; but this has little or no importance to the tale. What is important is what was taking place out – in the street, the darkness.

Outside, a man stumbled through the snow clutching a letter in his hand, his fingers black and frail from frostbite, and his body yielding to the frigid winds. Still, he marched forward, determined and disciplined. His venture, it seemed, was far more important to him than his life itself. Indeed, other would probably agree with his mindset, if they knew.

An armored city sentry approached him, holding a lantern to shun the darkness as he peered quizzically at the old man who was lurching through the wet streets. “Excuse me, what’s a man your age wandering around this time of night?”

The man stumbled into the guard, his body failing as he forced the letter into the sentry’s unoccupied hand. The sentry held the man up, but took a step back, bringing the man with him. “Whoa! Now, you all right sir?”

The old man stretched his legs, his form hunched from age, and whispered enigmatically into the sentry’s ear. His calm voice was hoarse and barely a whisper, “You have stumbled upon a new fate, stranger than what you would ever otherwise have known, young man.”

Then he sagged, his spirit giving away and leaving his body to drop lifelessly into the snow, as young Daripen, still clutching the sealed letter, stared in horror and shock at the space the elderly man had occupied just a moment ago.

It was only the beginning.



Luna awoke with a headache, terrible, but not unusual. Life the last few weeks had seemed splendid compared to the days that precede her stay here. Of course, she owed someone now, a lot more than she would probably ever be able to repay.

She yawned and sat up, stretching her arms as her blanket fell to her waist and she glanced tiredly around the room. Captain Ponius would already be outside, looking out over the water with a look on her face that Luna did not feel comfortable with. What made her less comfortable was that the Captain rose herself exceptionally early to trek several hours back to the ocean.

Luna hadn’t seen it since their rescue. She didn’t want to. She was sick of it, what was more, she was also sick of the recurring dreams she’d had the last few days. Her life might seem splendid on the outside, but she felt as if it were confusing, pointless. Ponius told her she was just going through a stage in life but that only worsened her feeble self-esteem.

Edward had fully recovered, but she didn’t have the heart to tell him that this was where this crazy troupe had to disband, this chaotic journey in search of excitement ended – nor did she have the heart to tell him that he’d have to go home. No doubt he’d be broken.

She had to tell him though, and sometimes it was best to do things as fast and sudden and possible, if it wasn’t better that way for the one on the receiving end it was for the teller.

Twenty minutes later she was dressed and leaving through the front door of the manor, she lacked much of an appetite, but she knew where she’d find Edward – but he wasn’t sitting with his back to the manor wall reading as he’d been the last week. He must’ve been feeling energized this morning- and gone by himself for a while or something.

Or something was probably the case.

She wandered the halls of the upper floor of the manor, bringing herself to stand in front his room; the door was shut and probably locked. She raised her hand to knock, but as she pushed her closed fist against the door it opened gradually, and left a crack wide enough for her to peer in. She was glad for this, because if he just happened to be sleeping still, she didn’t want to wake him for what she was going to tell him.

But she’d rather he’d been sleeping.

Someone was giggling, a girl – she froze as her eyes gazed upon a scene that burned her compassion for Edward as if it was a dry forest on a scorching day – she held back the sudden sob that caught in her throat and looked down, away from the two of them.

As she hurried backward out of the room, she tripped over herself and fell backward. Landing on her bottom, and struggling to get up while using the railing as a support – Edward had pushed Minia away from him and stood up.

Now she released the cry, and stumbling down the stairs – her legs suddenly weak, she let go – Edward, home, love, and tumbled down as the boy she’d felt a great affection for called out after her. She didn’t hear, because she didn’t want to.

This post has been edited by gamer10: Jul 11 2006, 05:29 AM

[The Metal Mallet]

Yay! A post from this wonderful Fic!

I really admire the use of emotion throughout each post, the characters are personified fantastically.

I do hope Edward clears things up with Luna though, there has to be a reasonable explanation.... right?

[jack cloudy]

Oops, bad timing. Maybe he's got a good excuse, maybe not. Who knows?

[minque]

Ah yes....Luna! Very good as always gamer! Keep it coming please!

[gamer10]

I'm terribly sorry to everyone for not being able to keep up with my promises, but life's been chaotic, and I haven't had the time. I've tried my hand at managing multiple projects, but to no avail. I've finally found time to update this, and with Oblivion I can finally create the characters to fit the story.

-Gamer10



I was going to kill him . . . if I could get up.

It seemed only a moment later that I awoke, though I knew that hours had passsed. As my memory returned to me my anger flared, but I dared not open my eyes, for my wrath at this point would be weak, and my vengeance ruined. I must wait until I recover, and until then appear weak, then I will get my revenge on him . . .

It was the next morning that I opened my eyes, but the world was a blurry mess. I had only a small recollection of what'd occured the night before. I remembered the incident that caused my injury, to body and soul, but I remembered not what I'd been thinking only hours ago.

A hand was upon my arm in a moment, "Luna?"

I frowned, and the frown turned to a snare. "Hands off." I spat out, my head but a mass of dull pain as it raced.

"Shhh . . now, rest. You were badly hurt and we sent Edward out to get the nearest healer, near a hundred miles away."

The voice was not Edward's, nor that wretch's, and I relaxed. "My head is ringing," I groaned, "I cannot see."

There was silence for a moment, but then the voice, kind but not familiar, spoke up again. "You are safe, at this time your sight is not my main concern."

But frightened as I was at the prospect of losing my sight that I panicked. "I must see, please, isn't there anything you can do?"

I could see only faint outlines, and I knew that the woman was sitting next to me on a chair. She was tall, but not heavyset.

"My dear, please calm yourself-" At that moment the door to wherever I was, I assumed it to be my allotted room, burst open.

"The healer's here, she'll be up in a minute.

I know that voice.

"You!" I shrieked, and before I knew it I was up. "You've been nothing but a burden to me ever since we met." As I placed my feet on the ground pain shot through my body, intensifying my splitting headache.

I collapsed, fully concious but unable to move. There I began to whimper, and what was just a sniffle soon turned to a sob, but Edward took just a few strides and was at my side.

I struggled mightily, though I did not intend to impede my own recovery, I hoped to do what little harm I could to the beast who'd betrayed me.

But as I strugged I realised that the hands of a young man were replaced with the hands of a much gentler sort.

"Move aside boy, you're going to make it worse."

The healer.

I was picked up and placed back onto my cot, and there I lay as the healer discussed my condition with the woman who'd tended me throughout the night.

I wasn't watching either of them, but instead the figure of Edward. His head was hung, but I could not read the expression on his face, for my eyes remained blurred.

"Leave the room, boy." The healer snapped at Edward. Apparently she now knew the consequences surroudning my injury.

I muttered something to the heal, and was immediately surprised at myself.

"What's that?" She asked.

"His name is Edward." I repeated.

"I don't care what his name is, he'd better leave the room. You must undressed so that the extent of your injury can be seen."

Edward left.

[The Metal Mallet]

I'm glad to hear of the resurrection of this story, gamer10. I always enjoyed reading about these characters.

This was a well written return to the forums if you ask me. Good work!

[jack cloudy]

A good return indeed. I hope that her drop down the stairs wasn't too bad though it seems that she's taken a nasty hit on her head which might explain the blurred vision.