Randomness

I would highly recommend this story to anyone. The characters are instantly relatable and you do want to see what happens when Geoff steps out of his comfort zone. I am very happy to see it here, up front and personal, just as the story is written. Well worth the read. Enjoy!

We quietly boarded the boat for the Capitol just before dawn. The final loading was done well after we were hidden below deck. I dozed lightly against sacks of grain while we waited. When the gentle sway of the water woke me, I looked at the others. They looked relieved to finally be on the way. Once out of sight of the city, we felt free to wander the boat. It was mid-sized cargo vessel. After the initial few appraising glances from the deck hands, no one bothered me. It seemed as if they made

We had not stopped or slowed down for hours. “Ismenios! We should be away enough for a break, I need to eat n‘ piss!” Artor declared in load, but clear common. Several others chuckled agreement. Ismenios held up his hand and we slowed down while scanning for a place to rest. He picked a small isolated grove off the path with good visibility to watch for anyone who might approach. Artor helped me dismount. “Ismenios?” Artor pointed at my shackles. Ismenios walked over. “Take off now.” He unl

The forest was dark, very dark. No stars glimmered between the trees, perhaps branches blocked the entire sky. I rode slowly, walking my horse farther and farther away. Night sounds, familiar and unfamiliar, surrounded me. There was no reason the stop. My head slowed, numbness flooded through my body. The horse’s steps were the only movement. ~ ~ ~ The trees seemed gray, the forest covered in a haze. The sun must have been rising. Branches covered the horizon. I dismounted next to a old fal

I appreciate your passion. Thank you. When I re-read before posting, I realized I had forgotten how difficult it had been to do that to the guys. It still feels painful. I assure you, this is not the end, or even near it. Thank you for reading and writing, please always feel free to let me know what you think as we go along. Thanks Again, GW Randomness

Hey Rndm,First and foremost, thank you for reading and writing. The point you made is very valid, however… … you also stated the reason I finally left it the way it was… Patrick, in my mind, is a fifteen year old boy when he is around Ben. More so when put in surroundings entrenched with memories. As for them being adults, I appreciate you mentioning that too. It seems to me that there are not enough stories about grown-ups. We all have pasts so our baggage is heavier sometimes. Pleased to hear you are enjoying it. I hope you find the rest as enjoyable. I would be happy to hear what you think when all is said and done. Thanks and Hug, GW Randomness

I came back through the inner gates to find a midday meal and to wait for Thorn at Hestian’s. The last few, uneventful days had been good, but after eating, Thorn and I were leaving. No more waiting for Kjartanei, Joachim, and the trading group. We were finally heading out so that I could show Thorn the hill on the way to Greenwater. We might even stay there a few days before checking with Barth on our trading party and leave messages. Thorn said it would be fun to drink with the guys again one

I am not precisely sure why this topic grabbed me so much, the more responses I read, the more I felt the need to respond. I apologize in advance if this sounds strange or “random.” In a specific instance, I was editing for an author here. I got to a very specific chapter and it caused such a visceral reaction I could not edit it all. It hurt to even read the words: my heart beat hard, I sweated, I flushed, even shortness of breath. When asked about it by the author, I could not even express myself coherently. I told the author I would come back to the chapter, and I tried to, repeatedly. I finished editing the rest of the story then went back to the chapter. It took days, editing in reverse, one paragraph and sometimes one sentence at a time, from the end to the beginning, to finish. I never read that part again. James, I do not know exactly why you are feeling the way you do, I do not need to. It sounds like you are working towards an understanding. Writing or talking, however you come to that understanding, it is for yourself and that is all that truly matters. Please know, you are not alone., GW Randomness

An early departure and a steady walk brought us back before the gates of Stag’s Pass. We carried branches as Machaeon had done. The guards on duty called down, spoke with us, and after a few short moments , we were allowed to enter and proceed between the walls to Hestian’s house. “My, My… it is good to see you all again,” he began. “You missed the event! Macheon’s a father! Twins! Isn’t that wonderful!” He began pulling at our cloaks and things to hang them on the pegs. To escape his assistanc

After a full day of rain and boredom. Joachim, Kjartanei, and I headed out toward Greenwater. Doriskos and Machaeon both thought we would be relatively safe going in that direction. It was not all that long before we were alone on the trail. “What do you think is going on back there? Really?” Joachim asked. “With the other village? Who knows? Some old blood feud maybe.” Kjartanei shrugged. “It would be good to keep a little distance. We don’t want to get involved.” He looked at me. I nodded a

The trail gave way to forested valley nestled in between the peaks. We stopped by a trickling creek for a mid-day meal and rest.. An old, dead, fire pit marked the spot. It looked as thought it had not seen use in ages. The horses grazed. Kjartanei played with the boys. I dozed in the sun. We mounted up. Crescen rode behind me. He was light, caused no problems, and didn’t talk. Only occasionally did I feel his grasp on my belt to hold on. At times, it was easy to forget he was there at all. G

The cloak made from the Midnight Stag was ready the same day the boat arrived. “Everyone knows you are ‘the one’ now.” Thorn laughed at me as I exanined at the garment in his hands. “Familiar, too familiar.” I muttered. “What?“ He looked at me. “I’ll pay for it,” he said, handing the coins to the shopkeeper. “No charge my friends. You brought good fortune to us and our brothers in the other village. No charge.” We walked down to the dock. The boys were playing easily on the planks. Machaeon

I agree with Valkyrie71, I like the optimistic ending, but it does make me want to learn more about Jasper and what happens. Keeping it short can be a very good thing. In this case the choice to leave us smiling was a good one. Odd quirks are fun and there are plenty to create a story around. I look forward to reading more. Good Luck! GW Randomness

You guys convinced me... I am pulling it out... my Civilization 5 of course! When I had to switch computers it never seemed to work right again, but it will be worth another try. I had all the Civ's at one point or another and liked that you actually had to THINK and PLAN while playing them. Hours and days gone before I knew it! Not like the shoot 'em ups that these kids today play... . No wonder no one has an attention span anymore.

A loud clanging woke us. We had enough experience with sounds like that to know there was trouble, big trouble. Without thinking, we threw on our armor and rushed out into the common room then into the town square bright with torches. A messenger announced to all of the people assembled that a neighboring village was under siege and sent word for reinforcements to repel the invaders until help would arrive. We were to leave with all possible men immediately. Our decision was instant. I heard T

I felt my foot being tugged and massaged gently. I opened my eyes to see Thorn smiling. I smiled back. He wagged his finger at me and pointed. Joachim was curled up against me with my arm around him. I made to protest. Thorn grinned wider and shook his head. I disengaged Joachim and met Thorn standing with Machaeon out in the common room. “Good Morning Talon.” He shook my hand strongly. “We were just about to head out. Kjartanei is resting right now. He feels a lot worse than he looks. Just tel

“Did you know I am an orphan?” Joachim had been talkative all morning. “I never knew my family. I was told that I was brought across the river as an refugee. I grew up passed between one orphanage or another. Some crowded, some cruel. No one cared. Sometimes we would even be let out to steal our own food because there was none otherwise.” He shrugged. Fishing was supposed to be peaceful and quiet. Somehow it was not to be. “When they thought I was old enough, I was turned out to fend for mys

The next day, I was woken up by Thorn. He was fully awake and dressed. “What’s going on?” “Kjartanei and Joachim are ill,” Thorn began. “Joachim found me this morning and brought me back to Kjartanei. He is in bad shape. While I was over there, I realized that Joachim was sick too. There is a physician in the area and will be back by morning. I’m going to sit with them and wait.” “What’s wrong?” Thorn shrugged. “Joachim seems like a regular fever, nothing serious. I have some stuff in here f

Thank you being the first person to comment! This one is just for fun and I am happy you enjoy the 'winks' to WoW. A promise made to myself was the first person I heard from would get a character named for him. What do you think about “Maritimus”? (as in Arizonas Ursus Maritimus) I am ahead of where we are now so there is time to think about it. I will always happy to hear from you. Thanks again! Hugs, GW Randomness

The hold on Bald Cliff was a large fortress designed for war. Like Arrowpoint, relatively safe for Thorn and I. Like Parrot Bay, relatively expensive. We spent the last few days before the solstice, our set meeting time, around the Hold trying not to get into trouble or drafted into various campaigns that we either did not understand or care about. “What if he is not there?” asked Thorn on one of those days. “We can wait. We were late. He will show.” Before sunrise, we left the safety of Bald

Kjartanei woke me up early and then promptly went to sleep. I had a few more hours to wait so I filled my time watching, listening and carving a small totem from some fallen branches. Before dawn, I woke them both and we began across the warm waters. As expected, it was hard going at times. I lost one of my satchels, but we made it across without any serious incidents and were safe on the opposite shore before mid-day. We made camp off the sand and stayed just long enough to let our clothes bar

I woke first, facing the sleeping back of Kjartanei, Thorn snored lightly on the back of my neck. I didn’t sleep very well as I was not used to sharing accommodations with a potential enemy. I had drawn toward Thorn and away from Kjartanei all night and had no idea how Thorn was even still on the bed at all. Being awake first, I had time to think. Thorn was right, he always was when it came to his instincts. I plotted accordingly. Kjartanei rolled onto his back and his eyes slowly fluttered ope

The final leg of the journey was nearing its end. The ship we were on was due to dock before sunset. Because the journey took slightly longer than expected, the new moon had been two nights before. We were running behind. Thorn leaned on the rail and dozed lightly. This morning, we had been planning a trip up to the tundras for when this meeting was over. We both needed some distance from the wars and the tundra lands, with the lawlessness and feigned neutrality, was just the place to go. I c

Once again, thank you so much Gary. I said it before, but it really does mean so much to me that you found TMF again and took the time to comment. I am also extremely pleased that you found the final chapter satisfying. Leaving you happy makes me smile. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Gary!

Three things that are important in a relationship, communication, communication, and communication. Right? What they needed all along was to get on the same page. Better to learn it late than never.