Dungeons & Dragons Fan Fiction ❯ Storms of Destiny ❯ Chap 1 ( Chapter 1 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Kitairo shifted her position in her hammock, trying to find a comfortable spot. She had slept in hammocks before and usually found them quite comfortable, but the swaying, that is what made her feel ill. Or was it the sore place in her heart, that kept sleep at bay.
Giving up on sleep she wiggled out of the netting to land lightly on the floor. The soft tread of her feet didn't wake the other sleeping passengers the nimble footed Ninja crept to the heavy door of the “passenger hold” and quietly pulled it open. The smell of sea water got stronger as she went up the stairs. Outside the moon cast beautiful lights on the water of the sea, dark clouds still hung in the sky from the storm that had blew the ship away from her home. She looked to the east, Rokugan was far out of her sight. But in her mind and heart it was overwhelming her. She remembered the day that her life had changed and the night that she had started her exile.
Kitairo swung her staff down on the wooden dummy's head, then turned to strike the one beside it. Swinging back and forth she hit the dummy five times over in different locations before rolling away to another set. Again she repeated the pattern until she had done ten successions of it.
Done with that she went to the barrel of water that was set up, taking the bowl beside it she scooped some up and carefully smelled it for any known poison before taking a drink. Then she pored the next bowl over her sweaty head. The water was cold and stung, yet was refreshing. Ringing out her hair, she went towards the house where the smell of breakfast made her mouth water more than the liquid did.
Carefully she slipped into her room to towel her hair and change. Her mother may have allowed her to follow in the path of ninja but she wouldn't allow her to show up to the table in leathers. She changed into the light hakima and kimono like robe that was allowed for a female trainee. Her sisters wore the more traditional clothing of a non married girl but she enjoyed the freedom of pants when she needed to move. He father would test her in any moment, hence even though he was supposed to be away she smelled the water for poison before drinking. She had made that mistake once, and though it was much diluted, she had been ill for nearly a month and her father had used that time to convince her to not be a ninja like him.
But she had held on to her resolve. And did her training even though her body shook with fatigue and pain. Stepping out of the room she found her mother setting out the meal, her young brother already at the table chopsticks in his hands. She was the eldest of four. One sister a year younger than her. Then a brother who was just now starting his training. Unlike her, as the first and so far only male child he had no other choice but to follow their family's trade. Finally an other sister, who was currently walking into the room rubbing sleep from her small face, followed by the middle sister.
In silence every one sat down. Her mother demanded piece at meals and that was a rule that not even her rude sister would dare break. They ate in silence, witch was only broken when her mother quietly set down her chopsticks. “Your father will be returning tonight. He is bringing a very important guest with him from the Lion Clan. I want everyone on their best behavior and you will where your festival clothing.” Her mother shot her a steely glare and Kitairo cringed. The petite matriarch of the house could make her feel like a bug when when wanted. “Kitairo, you will preform the tea ceremony.”
“Kitairo?” He sister squealed. “She will just wind up spilling tea all over herself again. She has no grace! She will dishonor this house with her inability to be a proper woman!”
“Nana! As the eldest it is her duty, when I am not able.” Her hand tightening on a wooden spoon sitting beside the rice. “And did you forget that you are still sitting at my table?”
Nana squeaked and turned a bright shade of red that made Kitairo smile a little. Bu inside she was nervous, tea ceremony usually ended in disaster on way or another for her.
Her mother got up from the table, a little unsteady with her belly swollen with her fifth child. “Come we have much to prepare before they arrive.”
The day passed quickly while everyone got ready for the important gust. Kitairo was surprised that some one from Lion would come here. The proud samurai clan had little to do with the clan-less and long expelled, ninja peasants. Except when it came to taxes. While they were poor, they still lived in a good home and her father was not only the head ninja and trainer, he was also the village chief.
Dusk was settling in when she heard riders approach, quickly she checked herself over before moving to the meeting room where she would wait for them to enter. Knelling she waited with head bowed for them it enter. The door slid open and she saw a flash of fire orange before she bowed deeply letting her forehead touch the the floor. She heard her father and the other man talking softly. The door closed and she waited till she heard the sound of the men sitting before she raised her head. Peeking at the stranger from under her lashes she was surprised to see that he was staring right at her. Her hands shook a little as she prepared and pored the tea. The stranger for the Lion clan openly sneared at her as he took his first sip. Seething in anger, she lowered her head so that he couldn't see her face. His first words made her jump.
“She seems meek enough, but too skinny to bare sons. My lord will not be pleased.”
In shock she jerked her head up. What?
“She is pretty but no great beauty. And I can see that her hands are rough.” He leered at her, “No doubt, that you have given her to much liberty, that will soon change.”
Kitairo turned her head, to look at the man she had trusted and adored her who life. “Father?”
Not looking at her; his gruff voice, normally full of confidences spoke softly, “Tell her.”
The man in read opened up a official looking scroll, “Let it be known that Crougan second son of the Lion clan has chosen Shishiren Kitaira of the house of Red Lotus for mirage into the Lion Clan. The Wedding will take place in one week.” He rolled up the parchment. “That is all” He rose and turned on his heal.
“Aren't you staying for dinner it is a long ride back.” He fathers gruff voice called out to the man. The messenger brushed off his sleeve and glared at him. “No. I know that your food is stretched o thin, I wouldn't dare to intrude.” The mocking insult hung in the air as the door opened and closed with a bang and the messenger was gone.
Kitairo stared at her father dumbly. Shock had left her light headed and vaguely ill. “Father?” she said again.
Still not looking at her he replied, “I've arranged the marriage for you. You should be honored that even a second son of a noble house would have you.”
“But, to be Ninja is to be free. That is what you told me. All of my training to marry a cruel lord with no honer....”
“Enough!” He fathers hand slammed on the table. “You are a woman, not a ninja! I've let this go on to far. Winter will come all to soon, we don't have enough for five children! Your marriage will save us.” With that he stormed out of the room.
Kitairo gasped back a few tears an ran to her room. The next two days she begged her father, she begged her mother, she begged her ancestors and when the clouds rolled in she begged the storms. On the third day when the sky was clear she was walking back to her home from the market. She saw a procession in front of her home. Her father was out front talking to a tall man on a horse. They were speaking when her father noticed her and with a bow moved away from the man and walk towards her.
The man wore the Lions symbol and she could see the tattoo of the clan on him clear as day. As she looked at him he looked back with interest. He wasn't handsome by any means. His dark beady eyes stared at her and he licked his thin lips in a lewd way hat made her flesh crawl. She looked away to see her father fast approaching. “Kit, Go into the house I have dealings with Lord Crougan.”
Numbly she obeyed. That was Crougan! That hideous pig who made her feel raped with just a look? Storms save her, it would be better to die!
She dropped off the food in the kitchen and went to her room. Sitting on the floor she stared at the wall and let numbness wash over her again, it was better than the pain of her fathers betrayal. She considered ending her life. Suicide would allow her family to retain honer, and it would solve the roblem of too many children. But, what if the Lion Clan demanded her bones for wife burial. Which would mean that when Crougan died she would be tied to him in the afterlife.
Still they may not, and allow her to be cremated. Her mind went over possible deaths. There weren't any cliffs or mountains around to throw herself off of. Traditional sepiku wasn't used by pheasants and she wasn't sure she could stand the pain. Drowning was more excepted for women, especially women in regards of love or marriage. She could always poison herself.
That night the storms woke her form her stupor and following the howling wind she went outside.
“Storms above me! Ancestor's! Please what do I do? How do I escape this?”
The wind slammed in her back and pushed her forward. As she stumbled a flash of lightning lit up the western sky. She was blinded by the light a moment when the wind pushed her again, and like before lightning flashed to the west like a hand pointing. Go west it seemed to say. Running back inside she grabbed her belongings shoving her jewels, her silks anything that she could sale in her back. Quickly she changed and looked down at her weapons. Deciding to take the morning shaft since she was best with it she took that with her bow and arrows and a small knife. She looked at her family wakizashi trying to decide to take it or not. She had never received a katana and knew now she never may. Never had she been more proud when her father gave it to her. But any one who say the red lotus flowers carefully engraved on them would know who she was. That and the guilt in her hart told her she wasn't worth it. Running away like this she couldn't carry her family's blade.
Her tears burned her eyes as he ran out into the storm heading west. She had sold near everything to bored the ship and with her what little money it had given her she had been stuffed in a cargo hold that housed five family's, where she got meals of poor rice and over cooked fish. But she was away and going to the only boat that that would go west to a distant land of prosperity called Crag Hold Keep. There were other islands along the way many family's came and went the further she got the stranger things seemed, rice was replaced with bread, men with different skin collars came and went, different languages besides the two she knew were spoken, but what bothered her the most was the eyes of men, no mater what they looked like what ever language was spoken, and no mater the shape or color the eyes reminded her of the piecing stair of her betrothed.
When she had docked on the island that she hoped would bring her freedom she traded her last bit of jewelry for a western style sword. She heard the the capital city's guards and army payed well for skilled fighters. If she joined she might be able to send money back home so that her parents needn't suffer. As she was looking around the dock town she froze. Off of the ship that she had taken was nagas. A naga servant was watching the unloading of cargo off the boat. It must have had enough passage to warrant a private room. She watched for a while with a feeling of dread before leaving to see if she could hitch a ride to the center city.
Weeks of travel had torn at her, she was able to get a few more coins buy cooking and dancing but hardly enough to stay on the caravan unless she was willing to do more than dance. Hunting and fishing supplied most of her food and her her rice what she had brought was completely gone. When she reached the city it was like they had known she was coming a festival was happening and food flowed freely. Though not a grain of rice was to be found she ate her fill, tasting new and exotic foods with relish. She watched the shows and listened to the story wishing she had a kimono to where, instead of her dirty leathers.
She often she would stop and listen to the storytellers as they told the legend about the city. At first she thought that what she heard was just a fantastic story. But as she listened and wandered the streets to hear another teller telling the same story. Not to mention a few of those people in it were walking the streets.
The Gnome sorcerer Matthias who flew with dragons was now the Keeper of the powerful Mage tower. Dungren of the silver arm was the keeper of he under city. Camellious failed thief turned Constable. Thorroar who became the Minator of the great labyrinth was there delighting the children of the city with tales and story's. Chlodbert leader o the paladins of Paladine, his armies still protected the city and he held the holey order. Bastion who led the armies of the deep now reined as king with his wife the sister of the fallen hero Lorillia. And Lorillia herself, who sacrificed her life and soul to save the city and became the steel angel that slept in the center of the city curled up next to the platinum dragon that as once the demon Esseux.
She joined the crowd as the king and queen came forth with their twins who were the reason for the festival. She watched with awe and admiration of the strong duo. The king a large strong looking man with stone armor would smile and fuss over the cooing child in his lap. And the beautiful queen with her raven dark hair would thread her fingers through his. The look she gave him was of strong love and devotion and she would look upon the child in her arms with the same glow.
Kitairo knew her father and mother loved each other, but they had never looked at each other like that. Respect yes but not open adoration. Thinking of her family brought back the sadness and she quickly shoved it down. And turn her attention back to the waiting nobles presenting gifts. She felt her spine stiffen and ice clench around her heart as the bandage wrapped servant of the naga came forth as a representative of Rokugan with his gift.
She knew nothing about magic and little more about Nagas. But the statue that was presented to the king and queen radiated evil to her. She wanted to shout out that it was dangerous and that naga were an evil race. But she bit her lip and held her silence knowing that her outburst would do nothing. Who would believe that a poor, dirty, foreign peasant would be of knowledgeable help. Or even believed.
Eventually, the festival wore its way down and she found herself wandering the inns and taverns trying to find a room that didn't ask two much finally she found a place. Once again she saw the naga's servant leaving as she came in. The elderly inn keeper was clearly kicking him out saying that she didn't allow his kind. The stout woman then turned to her blatantly demanding to see her skin. No doubt to see if she too were covered in scales.
Kitairo rolled back her sleeves to show that she was clean. At the still unconvinced glare of the woman, Kitairo sighed and pulled up her leathers to show her muscled but un marked belly. Her face reddened at the few catcalls and whistles that came from the bar patrons, and it seemed that the woman stared at her for an eternity before she grudgingly nodded for her to pull her clothes back into place.
“10 copper a night. That includes breakfast but nothing else! No brawls. No drinking. No visitors and especially no men in your room.” With a huff the inn keeper held out her grubby hand for the money and Kitairo turned it over with a sigh.
Up in her room Kitairo tossed and turned in her bed. It was worse than the hammock. That she could sleep in after a few days. She felt like she was high up on a lumpy cloud. To far from the earth. And she was someone who rather enjoyed naps in trees! Every time she would began to drift off, she would shift slightly and she would have the sickening sensation she was sliding off the bed. Giving up, she pulled the matrices off the frame and settled to sleep with it on the floor.
She was content and mostly comfortable, drifting in a light doze when a thunderous crash rocked her awake. For a few dazed moments she wondered if she was back on the boat and that they had crashed into something. Screams and more crashing woke her fully. She grabbed her weapons and bolted from her room and then to the streets. Outside the world was chaos people were running this way and that in panic. She searched the area trying to find where the danger lie, when she saw the castle. It was lit up with magic and the crashing seemed to be coming from there.
Cold clenched her middle, the naga! She knew she shouldn't have kept silent! Seeing a group of guards running towards the castle. She followed in their wake, letting them clear a path for her. Upon reaching the castle gates she could hear the screams coming from inside and and she could see thunderbolts, fire, and flashes of every color coming from within the walls. She saw the before mentioned Matthias flying towards the gate and she shouted out to him. “Its the Nagas gift!” She saw him look her direction before he flew in on his platinum wings. Closely following him was the towering form of the ogre/Menitor with his great club.
Solders pushed her back and she lost sight of them entering the door. She understood that they were just trying to get civilians away from the danger. But they didn't understand, it was her fault for not warning anyone! She screamed into the face of the guard who was trying to get her away. “It is the Naga! This is their fault!” The guards hand clenched down on her arm, his eyes really focusing on her for the first time.
“What? What do you know about this!” She knew that she had made a horrible mistake. Because of her appearance and where she was from people would autocratically assume that she was apart of this. Another large explosion rocked the earth as a large chunk of the castle fell towards them. The falling stone forced them apart. She used the confusion to escape.
She ran through the streets back to the inn that she was staying at. As she reached the door of the building. She paused, something else was wrong. She looked back at the castle, No crashing no lights everything had stopped and that was more terrifying then the explosions had been.
She ducked into the inn and ran up to her room. Slamming the door behind her slid onto the floor. She vowed that she she had had to do something to make up for not speaking out before. If she had then nothing would have happened at the palace. However she had no idea what she could do.


That's It the first chap! Kinda short. If your want to know about the legend she is hearing in the city it is about the last game that my group finished. Please feel free to leave comments, but no flames! This is my first post, please be kind!