Hey Mead Hall'ers!
Recently joined an Interactive history and to be honest it got my inspiration going again. So I thought i'd make a thread to throw up all thr stories I write in regards to it. The IH in question can be found here, and it looks like a heck of a lot of fun! This is being written to really get the cob-webs out of my fingers and get ready to be in character again. :yes: It's a very basic peice, likely the most basic i've ever posted here, but I think It's nice.
I'll be using this space much more often, so if you like what you see feel free to come back! Feedback is always appreciated and sought.
----------------------------------------------
A sickening crack preceded the roaring boom of thunder, throwing down the serenity of the day as the rains finally burst from the dark clouds above. The sun, trapped behind its prison, lamented as it watched the storm pound the beautiful lands below. Life was sent scurrying in fear as another booming clap sent a shock over the lands. Birds dove into trees that swayed heavily in the whirling winds that crept up from the east. Amidst a small valley, nestled between rolling green hills and a small forest the people of a sleepy community were thrown into a desperate race for cover as a bright streak of lightning etched across the sky.
Doors, one by one, were slammed shut as the rain hammered down from on high and soon all but the storm was silenced. The wind offered up her voice, screaming before being shouted down angrily by thunder. The two joined in a dance of fury that seemed to overwhelm all else. Not a soul dared venture beyond their homes into the storm, but still signs of life prevailed as small little children occasionally starred out from behind a wicker window covering before being pulled back by an elder.
A sudden and shrill whine tossed back the howl of the wind, sending her on her heels in surprise. Who would dare challenger her dominion of the land? Thunder crackled above and a thick band of lightning flashed across the clouds. Who would dare indeed? Another whine, closer this time, and followed by a subtle noise. One that rose up offering a bold statement in challenge to the storm, a rumble that seemed to make the ground shudder as it grew louder and louder still. The wind screeched and the thunder cracked, trying to force and shout the growing rumble down but still it came!
A curious watcher peaked from one of the many simple homes of the village along the main road that led into the humble community. His curious dark eyes darted to and fro, searching for the source of that which would challenge the storm. He dared not move the wicker shield far and indeed his eyes watched from the corner only, but such a vantage was more than enough. For soon his young eyes spied the tops of high banners, caught violently in the wind as slowly the forms below came into view.
He drew a quick breath, placing his hand to his mouth to quiet himself. Anxiety and fear clawed at his heart like a beast, demanding to be let free. Yet the boy stood his ground, not giving in as he watched in silent wonder. The banners gave way, held high in the wind as those who carried them came into view. Men, many of them, so many he lost track counting. Their weapons held high and proud, their many spears like a moving forest. They marched in even columns through the small village as he watched them in silence. His fear fell away, giving only to pride as he watched them go. The bright blue of their banners vividly displaying the symbol of the Mogami clan and the soldiers’ grimace told their purpose. Not one seemed to smile, not one seemed to notice him. Their emotion could only be described as focused, they were the Samurai of the Mogami, and they were marching to war.
Suddenly a dark image ground to a dead halt in front of the boy, casting him into shadow and blocking his view. Suddenly he threw back the wicker screen exclaiming loudly “You’re in the way!” Not an ounce of fear was within his heart as he said those words, but when he stared upon the image before him he soon felt it grip his body like an icy talon. There before him was a man, or perhaps it was a demon! The boy could not tell the difference
Astride a dark horse, Mogami Yoshimori, Daimyo of the Mogami clan, slowly turned and cast his gaze to the boy. Horns of dark yellow flowed out from his thick blue helm. Heavy, ornate armor that seemed fine enough to die in guarded every inch of him from his head to his toes. His shadow cast menacingly as the thunder cracked above, his steel gaze upon the boy. Yet the boy stood his ground, even though his shame was great now for speaking out. Still he stood.
Yoshimori laughed heartily, a smile growing upon his aged face as he returned the young boy’s look, giving him a gentle nod. “So I am, young one. So I am.” He bowed his head gently and cracked the reigns, forcing his horse into a gallop and quickly removing himself from the boy’s field of vision. Behind him raced more mounted warriors. The sound heavy falls of the horse hooves and the whines of the mounts joined the heavy trotting of the troops. Heavily armed as their Daimyo and keeping pace with their mighty Lord, they pushed their mounts faster. As the last horsemen sped by the window, the boy turned his eyes to the samurai again. To his great dismay, the warriors had almost all but passed his home and had made their way through the village. With a sigh, he let the wicker cover fall back in place over the window. He stood still a moment, listening to the gentle rumblings of the army as they marched away in steady rhythm. A small smile had formed as he dared to peak out the window again, watching the last banner slip from his sight over the distant hills.
High above the storm broke, the bright light of the sun cutting its way through the dark clouds, shining down in thick beams of warmth down upon the land. Life was fast returning to normal for all, all save the boy who still watched the distant hills.
