New Story

[flar7]

Okay, here goes. The card was the three of Pentacles. Semele drew it for me.


It was raining as Drake approached the foreboding structure

of the Turner and Sons chemical wharehouse. It had been at

least five years since anyone had worked there. Drake felt foolish

for being out on a night like this, but he had promised his "new"

friends that he would begin heeding his "inner" voice. Tonight his

inner voice said to get to Turner and Sons chemical wharehouse

Now! He had never had such a strong premonition, and they had

been getting stronger since he had started this new path in his

life. He had ran as fast and as hard as he could, driving himself as

the wind drove the rain before him.

Lightining backlit the building and a deafening crash assailed

him. "BAM!" as the bulb in the security light blew and the area

filled with the staccato flashes of light then very dark.

"Hello?" Drake called, thinking he heard the sounds of steps

ahead in the gloom. No answer, no, wait. There! A faint noise.

And again. What was it?

"Meow..." sounded the faint cry of a very unhappy cat.

Just great he thought, all this for a cat! Then feeling sorry for

the harshness in his thoughts, he stepped into the building to

see if the cat needed his assistance in any way.

Once inside, he scanned his surroundings during the brief

flashes of lightning.

"Meow...Meow..." there it was, up in the ventilation ducts. It

was a good twenty feet up with no apparrant way up except the

stack scaffold near the center of the room.

Her eyes glowed yellow in the darkness, and in the flashes of

light he could see she had a black coat and some kind of marking

on her head.

"Well, that's a mighty fine fix yer in alright. But I think I can

help you down. Hang on just a second." he told the cat as he

began his climb up the scaffold.

"Meow" replied the cat.

As he reached the top he leaned out and steadied himself

against the vent duct, and it began a gentle swaying motion.

"Meow" warned the cat.

"You don't say!" was the only reply Drake could mumble as he

barely caught himself from falling. "Well, you're going to have to

jump into my hands if you want down baby cat." he said trying to

soothe the cat. Up close, he was startled to see that the mark

on the forhead of cat was that of a small crescent moon, just like

the one he had on the back of his left hand.

"Meow" said the cat, and with that she stepped back into the

duct and out of site.

"Hey! We ain't got all day!" Drake called, "C'mon, here kitty

kitty. Here kitty kitty, c'mon baby cat."

The cat returned with the next flash of lightning, startling

Drake. She had something in her mouth. A kitten. It was softly

mewing and protesting this apparant change in living conditions.

"So, that's your secret." he humbly stated as he reached out

for the kitten. She released her grip, and the kitten was in the

man's hand.

"Meow" she said and dissappeared again.

"How many you got in there?" he queried.

"Meow" was the only reply. And there she was with another

kitten to be released again into the man's hand. With that she

jumped from the vent and dissappeared from his field of view.

"Hey! Where'dja go?" he looked around, but as he did so his

footing slipped and he realized he was going to fall.

He had to make a choice, drop the kittens and grab for the

scaffold or try to angle his fall. Twenty feet. He let go with his

remaining hand and twisted so that he would land on his back.

Tucking his hands to his stomach around the kittens he prepared

for what was sure to be a painful landing.

"Meow...Meow...Meooow...MeeOOOW" cried the cat.

It was taking forever hit. Then like a feather touching down, it

was over. He couldn't quite believe it. He stood on shaky leqs

and looked around. She sat there calmly gazing at him.

"You..You know, I kinda' need a cat. Or two or three. And I

could use some company in my new chosen path. I know these

friends, and, well they were telling me that a familiar could be

a real blessing. And by the four winds I think they're right!"

"Well? Are you interested?"

"Meow" said the cat as the rain ceased and the light of the

crescent moon broke out and shone down through the skylight

on them both.





**************Hope that works as a start, and that it ain too long. Please let me know of any typos, as it is late and I probably made a few.******************************

[Semele]

Woo-Hoo!!! Excellent start!!! I am drawing a card now!!! I will stick a read only version to the top and we can give it a title later.

[Semele]

Ok, I got the page of Swords...a card about getting above or around your problems rather than facing them head on. Let's see what I can weave!


As Drake carried the babies to his truck with mama running along behind him, he began to worry a little. Not only had Drake never had a pet, but his apartment was leased under a no pet policy. What was he going to do with three cats? How could he possibly hide them from his landlady who lived just across the hall?

As he opened the truck door the mama cat jumped up and settled herself in the passenger floorboard and looked expectantly at Drake. He gently laid the two babies next to her and they immediately began to nurse.

Drake got in and started the truck. He kept glancing down at the cats and smiling. The mama cat just looked at him and purred. Drake would almost consider the look on her face to be a smile. She seemed to trust him so completely!

Drake wondered just how old the kittens were. They barely had their eyes open and were so tiny. A thought crossed his mind that there were more than two originally. He looked down and the mama cat opened her eyes wide and looked deep into Drake's soul. It was as if she were confirming his thoughts. But that was silly...how could she have known what he was thinking?

"Meeow" She spoke softly to him and Drake understood that perhaps she was trying to tell him he was right. Maybe that is how he came to find her in the first place.

Drake pulled up in front of his apartment. All the lights were out, which was a good sign. Now he just had to get the cats in the house. There was no way he could carry all three and he couldn't let the mama run behind them as he had before. He was going to have to take the kittens up first and then come back for the mama. He glanced at her, afraid she wouldn't understand and she nudged the kittens toward him with her nose. Drake gently took both kittens and told the mama he would be right back for her. She layed down and closed her eyes.

Drake dropped off the kittens and came back. The mama was sitting up tall waiting for him. He smiled down at her and said, "You could get me kicked out of my house."

"meow" she jumped into his arms. Drake scratched her ears and contemplated the moon shape on her head.

"what's your name girl?"

She just purred at him. Drake couldn't help but smile at her. He said, "You are such a beautiful, mystic creature and I am glad you found me."

"Hey...Mysty...that's it. I will call you Mysty. Is that allright with you?"

Mysty purred loudly and rubbed her head against Drake's chest. He carried her up to his apartment, sheltering her in his jacket. Just as he opened his door, Mrs. Tucker, the landlady flung her door opened and said, "Drake Ivanson!! What on earth are you doing out at this hour, making all that racket??"

Drake froze with his back to her. "I...uh had a craving for some ice cream."

Mrs. Tucker snorted..."well keep it down"

Drake sighed in relief as he looked down as Mysty who was being as still as possible.

"Yes ma'am, I am sorry I woke you." He waited for her to go back into her apartment then he pushed open his door and walked in. He sat Mysty down and she ran to the bedroom closet, seeming to know instantly where Drake had put the babies.

He went into the kitchen and warmed some milk in a saucer, all the while worrying about what he was going to do. He could move to a place that accepted pets, but it would be a while before he could save up enough money to do that. He would just have to keep them hidden until then. He pondered the possibility of telling Mrs. Tucker in hopes that she would understand, then quickly dismissed it. No sense taking any unnecessary chances. He would really be in a fix if he got kicked out.

He walked into the bedroom and sat the milk down before Mysty. She began to lap it up and then came and sat in Drake's lap looking at him lovingly. She seemed to be telling him not to worry. Drake scratched her chin and said, "I know girl."

[bloodstone20]

This isn't near as long as yours, but ... i think its right for now. Anyhoo,

I got the star, and to me this means hidden, a beacon, a light in the dark if you will. I'm a weaving.

Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep

Drake nearly jumped as he was startled awake by the sound of his alarm clock blaring. He glared at the little black machine on his bedside stool and reached over and shut it off.

Drake sighed, and looked down at the foot of his bed. Between his legs, the kittens eyes were fixated on him, watching his every move. Feeling uneasy, he slid his feet out from under the covers -- Careful not to touch the kittens and walked over to his closet, preparing for a day at work.

"You guys better be good while i'm gone," He threatened, struggling into jeans and a tee shirt. The kittens, losing interest, started attacking each other, until Mysty ran in a broke up the fight and starting bathing them.

Drake sighed, and walked out his bedroom door into the other part of his apartment. He glanced at all the junk laid down on the floor, then walked over to the minature refridarator that served him. He took out a jug of milk, and poured it into a bowl for the kittens and Mysty, thinking they'd need it for when he went to work.

Mysty lead the kittens out from the room, smelling the milk, Drake guessed.

Focus, he commanded himself. Ok, got the animals taken care of, he thought, so next on the list is devotions. He walked over to the shelf that served as a shire, then sighed. He prayed to whoever was listening, watch the cats.

Mysty, a voice told him. Mysty, Trav and Peaches.

Then He took his hat, grabbed his keys and was off to work.

[rantnraven]

I shuffled the deck 13 times and drew the Star too. I didn't feel that would work out so I shuffled again and drew The Fool.

I'm all over this one.

...This has been a public broadcast from the Rant BBS. Thank you for your patience.

RnR

[Semele]

Great addition bloodstone!!! I am adding it now!!

I will look for your soon Rant!!!

[rantnraven]

Here it is - The Fool :D

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

Mysty sat in the middle of the room and watched her new Master close the door behind him. She heard the lock slam closed and listened as his footsteps faded into silence. This was not the first time she had been in this predicament, but prayed that it would be the last. Prayed that HE would be “The One”. She wondered what his name was.

She glanced over at the saucer of milk and watched the kittens. What had he called them? She knew them as Mew and Mow. Never the mind, she would learn these things later as time progressed.

Mew and Mow and stopped lapping at the milk and had taken up dipping their paws in it instead. Kittens!?!

Though only three weeks old, she could tell that Mew was going to turn out okay. Mow, on the other hand, was dumb as a bed post.

Mysty glanced over at the window and though to jump up on the ledge for some sunning. Then she remembered that cranky old woman’s voice in the hall. While Mysty wasn’t too concerned with it, she could tell that her master was. If this woman were to find out they were there, it could mean trouble for him. Instead, she decided to curl up in the closet for a nap. Mew and Mow would find her when they needed to.

Once in the closet, she thought of a life long since past. A life where she once walked on two legs like all of her other masters. She remembered when she was offered as a wife to one of the wealthiest Baron’s in the entire kingdom – of which her father had received a handsome dowry in exchange.

The Baron, one day, went off to war and never returned. She had only been married less then a year and was sixteen when the Baron was killed. The state later declared his property for itself and she became an outcast.

A year after moving back in with them, her parents were both killed by robbers on the highway. In dire straights, she fled to seek a better life.

Tired, alone and hungry, she took to begging for scraps at the market place. There she met an old woman who befriended her and took her under he wing.

She and the old woman, Martha, would laugh and talk for hours. As payment for food and shelter, Mysty – known then as Margaret – would conduct various chores around the house and stables. Everything was going greatly. Martha, claimed to be a Witch and had started teaching Mysty her Craft. Rather taken in by it, she learned all she could until everything went wrong. Bad wrong.

One rainy day, Mysty had left the stable doors open and Martha’s prize mare had gotten loose. The mare had attempted to jump a wall that was too high and lay bleeding on the ground through the night. Martha found the horse dead the next morning.

Martha said not a word throughout the day but Mysty could tell she was mad. Later that night, Martha ripped Mysty out of her bed and drug her outside. Mysty pleaded to no avail and when she saw the alter, she began to struggle and was surprise by the brute strength Martha possessed. She found herself tied to a tree and gagged.

The old hag started chanting something in the light of an open fire. Mysty was more scared now then she had ever been in her life. She started to feel the very bones in her body move and pop. The pain was terrible and she eventually passed out but not before hearing the words, “eternal life as a cat”. She awoke the following morning in a place she did not know. She realized that she was walking on all fours and a reflection in a puddle in the walk revealed that she was, indeed, a cat.

Mew and Mow stepped into the closet and took up residence at her belly. She sighed. She knew that they would never be the children she had longed for when she walked on two legs rather then four.

She hoped her new master would be the one to help her become again what she once was.

She felt the kittens purring at her breast and dozed off to sleep and, hoped to dream of a better time. A better life. The one she sought when she had fled

[flar7]

I liked that turn alot. It was sort of what I had in my head when I started the first one after semele told me the card.
Well told.

[Sequoia]

ooh this is so wonderful! I should be in bed but I MUST contribute!

The card I drew (from my deck) was "Tears"

Mew, the female kitten, nuzzled at Mysty for a moment, then cuddled up to sleep, and drifted into a dream. . .

Keri wandered through the fields. . .up on the hillside she could see his father herding the family's flock, and over to his left was their home, the stables, and the wintering pen. . . the food inside the house smelled wonderful! She tucked up her skirts, checked the herbs she had in her chemise sleeves, then ran to the house.

"MOTHER!! I brought ye the parsley and thyme ye wanted!"

A young woman turned from the stove, smiling. . . then seeing the girl had no basket . . and the green stains on her un-dyed chemise sleeves.. . she frowned.

"Keri, what have I told ye about not staning ye'r clothing? I realize that it's more convenient but it's ye'r good underdress, and yer father's finally home tonight! And ye went and spoiled it. . ." she sighed and took the herbs. "Well, go and fetch me some milk, be a good lass and hurry along,"

The little girl grinned, missing her front tooth, and ran off with barely a "yes, mother!"

Inside the barn, it was warm and damp and smelled of cows. . . besides the grassy meadows, this was Keri's favourite place. As she knelt to milk their best cow, Shenna, all the barn cats crowded forward. Every once in a while Keri would purposely miss the bucket, giving the cats a treat. Oddly enough, one cat stood back, not venturing forward for milk. After she finished, Keri noticed the cat head towards the heyloft, leaping nimbly up into the higher level. Keri followed her, climbing the ladder she really wasn't supposed to climb.

Halfway up the ladder. . .

"KERI! MIND YER MOTHER, HURRY! YER FATHER'S HOME AND HE'D LIKE HIS DINNER!"

Keri nearly fell off the ladder until she realized that her mother was yelling from the house doorway. She cracked a grin.

"YES, MOTHER! I'M HURRYIN AS FAST AS I CAN!"

she scuttled up the rest of the ladder, but just as she got to the top she realized how dark it was. She went back down to get the candle she'd brought with her, and went back up. She heard the cat's mews, and tiny kitten mews. . . she rushed towards the sound, but one of the boards underneath the hay gave way. With a shriek the little girl fell through, bashing her head on a beam as she fell.

***

A few minutes later, she awoke to incredible heat, the sounds of her mother and father shouting her name, and the staring eyes of the strange cat.

*keri. . . *

"Please, kitty!! Help me. . . I'm so scared!! Help!!"

The cat stared at her, then put a paw over the middle of the little girl's forhead.

Keri felt hot, Hot, HOT for a moment, then she was being carried through the air, felt a soft landing, and when she looked around again she saw, from the outside, her two parents yelling and crying out, looking at a giant flame where the barn should've been. Her parents were yelling her name, and she tried to run to them.

She realized it when she tripped over the baby thyme bush.

She spun, staring at the cat.

"Mew. . . **I saved you. . .this was all I could do. . .**"

Mew awoke with a start and pitiful mews, and it was all Mysty could do to calm her and keep her from calling in the neighbourhood lady. After a few minutes, mew started nursing, then all three cats fell back asleep.

[Semele]

awesome additions guys!!! Bravo!!!

[rantnraven]

Regeneration, sorry, just came up!!!

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

The Moon gone and the Sun just peeking over the top of the mountain, the old man stepped foot into the narrow river. It was cool and his feet tingled at its touch.

As he stood in the river, he watched as the water ran over his feet. The ever changing river on it’s never ending journey to the sea. The river, like him, knew eternity. Always moving. Always growing. Never seeming to find and end. Once the river reaches the sea, it is evaporated and returns as rain, only to start the journey again.

Across the river, he heard pine needles crackle beneath the hooves of a dear. An eight point Buck to be exact. That would have been a prize in his youth. One, over which, his father would have praised him endlessly. But that was a long, long time ago. The Buck grazed on scarce patches of grass but seemed to keep a watchful eye on him from the other bank. He was sure there would be a Doe around close by.

Around the bend, to the East, he could hear the mumble of a small waterfall that was just out of sight. He thought of the constant turmoil of the sand – that was once rock – beneath the fall. The river changed constantly and so he, too, must change. Go with the flow, thank you very much.

Just then, a Hummingbird swooped down and hovered not ten feet before him. He smiled as the hummer seemed curious about him.

“Do you not have children to feed?”, he asked with little thought.

The bird darted to the left then stopped.

“Go on then”, he stated. The bird was gone in a fraction of a second.

The Sun crested the mountaintop and seemed to bathe his entire body with warmth – less his feet that were submerged in the coolness of the water.

He closed his eyes and could hear all that was life. Above was a plethora of birds: Blue Jays, Finches, Sparrows and Wrens. He heard the Buck move. The water continued to run past his feet. Truly, this was the Great Mothers calling. An endless song of life, death, and regeneration. Sure, humanity was doomed by sheer ignorance and self love but, here, life had purpose and meaning. A way, if you will. Mankind has destroyed itself time and time again but, they always come back - if for nothing more then to destroy themselves again.

The old man stepped back out of the flowing water and opened his eyes. He looked upon the river and understood eternity. He would find the old Witch and reverse everything. He thought of the cat he had when he was little. Remembered the crescent moon on her forehead. A long time had passed. A long time.

The old man turned and threw his backpack over his shoulder. A lot of work lay ahead of him. A lot!

He glanced once more at the river. “I hear you, Brother”, he said in reply to the rivers constant babble.

“Well, Eddie McKennitt”, he muttered to himself as he began to walk away, “There is much to be done. And far to walk. And thank you very much”

The name Mysty popped into his thoughts like a ghost in a “B” rated Halloween movie. I’ll find the old hag, he thought. I’ll find her.


Rant ;)

[Semele]

Rant,

Great Job!!! Just had to bring old Eddie back in didn't ya??? I love it!!! I am beginning to think you are Eddie!!!

[rantnraven]

Originally posted by Semele
Rant,

Great Job!!! Just had to bring old Eddie back in didn't ya??? I love it!!! I am beginning to think you are Eddie!!!

Eddie had a lot more to offer in the last story but didn't have time. After reading the first of the new story, he asked if he could come back. "So much to do and thank you very much!". I couldn't turn him back to the Plain hence he came. :(

Am I he??? :cool: Perhaps. :p Perhaps no. :D

Rant

[Semele]

Either way Rant, I welcome him back and cannot wait to see what he has to offer.

[Silver Venus]

Guys this is sooo great and so much fun ~ I will have more time tomorrow so expect a episode from me soon :D

[Semele]

Yay!!! Silver's gonna weave for us!!! I will be working tonight and most of the week-end so somebody else may have to add the additions to the read only version if you guys don't wanna wait for me. I am sure Mol would do it if ya just ask!!!

[Silver Venus]

Here goes.. Im not very good at this so Im sorry if its a bit boring but Ive been staring at this for ages and I cant think of anything so Im just going to type now and see what happens!

The Moon ~
Mysty, Mew and Mow woke up with a start hearing feet creeping nearer and nearer there comfy, warm basket. Mew the scardy cat! quickly hid under mummy and so followed a very sleepy Mow, but Mysty decided to stand up in order to get a better look in the darkness and to face the noisey feet.
Looking up she saw a face that was un familiar and knew shouldnt be there.. He bent down and offered a hand to stroke her, which relaxed her for a moment but as the hand got nearer she knew he wasnt kind or to be trusted. Quickly she picked up Mew and Mow and ran under the cupboard, the feet turned to try and catch and another big hand came swooping down but they were too late they were safe ~ but what about her new master? she thought.
The feet were moving around now, but still trying to be quite as best they could. Papers soon were flying and floating on the ground from above, many, many and more.. Mow and Mew kept on trying to get out and play but Mysty held them back firm wanting to know why the man was here and what he was doing?
Then one peice of paper flew under the cupboard to the other side and the man whispered with joy 'Yes', Mysty knew she had to get to that peice of paper before him, she knew thats what he had been looking for, and she knew it wasnt his to find. She dashed out after it and grabbed it with her teeth, but the paper wouldnt move it was stuck.. hands came swooping down in no time at all and caught her up along with the paper. How could she escape now? What about her babies? She loved them so much and had only just relaised just how much... What could she do? Oh how did she get in all this mess?
'Meow, Me, Meooooww' cried Mow and Mew, 'Shhhhhhh' Mysty tried to say put in no time at all the man was crouching down to see under the cupboard. He lost his concentration on Mysty, and as quick as lightning she flexed out her powerful paw and scrathed him all down his left cheek. 'Ow' he shouted and as he did both his hands came to his face dropping Mysty and the paper, which safely fell under the cupboard just by Mew and Mow.
Mysty quickly jumped onto his back and started scratching, thinking about the danger he caused them and her own anger at the world.. He yelled and yelled, running about to try and shake her off..
Upstairs in his bed, Drake woke with a start too hearing all the noise and yelling, he quickly ran downstairs with a baseball bat in his hand, into the kitchen only to find Mew and Mow at the foot of the stairs and all his important paperwork and research all over the floor. For a few momnets he stood in silence, amazed and puzzled, about to have a fit of anger as he thought it was the cats, when he heard a big bang in the garden.
A man in black was trying to get over his fence, 'a research robber!' he thought and shouted 'Hey you, stop there!'. The man looked up and then so did Mysty, she lept of his back thinking her new master would catch him now.. but he quickly jumped over and shot off down the road on a motorbike.
Drake shocked at seeing the man and his sudden escape, bent down to stroke Mysty, 'Meow' said she as she led him to the piece of crumpled paper, he couldnt believe his eyes, 'had this cat actually saved all his research?', stroking her he said 'Well, well, well, you truely are a very special lady'... he just didnt know quite how special yet!

:T

[flar7]

I liked that a lot. Hero cat defends home, film at eleven.

[Silver Venus]

Thanks Flar! :) I think I write really corny, hopefully soon I'll get some deep and serious inspiration :D

[Semele]

I think it was great Silver!!!

Hey Flar...isn't it time for you to do another addition??? Shall I pull you a card????

[Semele]

FLAR!!!

Are you gonna set by and watch this thread get booted to the second page???

Come on guys lets have an addition!!!

[Silver Venus]

I'm ready and waiting for someone to add... actually thought about this story today and wondered why no one had added... Sorry to pass the bucket but ~ Ill add as soon as someone takes the story on from where I left it :)

[Semele]

I would do it myself, but I am going to bed to catch some z's!!! Been working lots of overtime to make money to get some furniture for the new house!!!


So when Flar 7 gets off his rump and decides to contribute someone may have to pull a card for him. Stay on top of this guy...don't let him off too easy!!!;)

[Silver Venus]

Flar this is for youuuuuuuuuuuu!! :)

(just to say.. I havent been reading with tarot or the runes the last few days and this was the first time I touched the cards.. I got ten of wands but thought we needed something happier at the moment... so pulled another.. tower! ...then another ~)

Eight of Wands! Go fot it Flar :)

[Silver Venus]

Sleep well ~ sweet dreams :sunny:

& Oo yippee! About the new house!! Your dream is finally coming together! :)

[flar7]

on the eight of wands... meanings, definitions, portents, etc...

[Silver Venus]

You can do a search in any of the serach engines too... but here my take.

Energy is this cards key for me!
Its an action card that speaks of movement and travel.
Either physiclaly or spiritually.. or both.
I also take it as a fighting card.. youve nearly achieved your goal but you just have to fight a little bit more... things are in your favour...
It can also stand for love, desire, passion,... cupids arrows!

have a look at the picutre and see what you feel and what comes into your mind. :)

[Semele]

http://www.learntarot.com/w8.htm

Some more info to add to Silver's awesome description!!! Now go to it Dude!!!

[flar7]

Drake grew more concerned about his research as the week progressed. Maybe the robber is someone I know. I could get my friends to help with a divination and find out. He began gathering his things for the journey.
Mysty watched him pack for some journey and grew concerned. She jumped up on the window sill and looked out at the cloudy night sky, searching for the moon. There. There it was. In the middle of a lunar eclipse! Didnt he know? She began to pace as the moon changed to the color of blood.
"Meow" she cried. "Meow, Meow, Meow."
"What is it girl?" Drake asked as he shouldered his bag and reached over to pet her.
"Meow" Mysty cried as she looked outside.
"Wow!" whispered Drake as he saw the clouds and the portents of a major storm coming.
But the moon had dodged behind the clouds hiding the red color and omens that Mysty saw.
"Well, you be good girl, I'll be back late. Got some casting to do."
Mysty began crying, louder and louder, "MEOW, MEOW, MEOW!"
This had the effect of upsetting the kittens, and they too began to cry.
"Well, this is great gang. I cant leave you hear making that kind of racket. I guess you come with me, and hope we dont get wet later."

Drake put the kittens in his trenchcoat pockets and bent to pick up Mysty, but she walked to the closet and reached her paw in to pull down his old walking stick. A relic from his Great Grandfather.
"Ok, I'll take it." Drake knew enough to recognize that his cat, er, familiar was giving him not so subtle clues.

The drive into the woods was pleasant enough, but the sky was still overcast. He turned off his headlights as he pulled into the clearing. He opened the door and Mysty jumped out first and started stalking around the area.
"Dont wander off." He told her as he grabbed his gear and the walking staff that Mysty bade him to bring.
As he headed toward his favorite casting site near the small creek he looked up and for the first time noticed the lunar eclipse.
His hand began to burn and itch. He heard Mysty hiss at something behind him and as he spun around he was struck across the forehead with incredible might.
He hit the ground hard, barely remembering to protect his pockets as he rolled on the ground out of his attackers reach. Coming to his feet with the staff in his hands. A human shaped rushed at him out of the shadows. He swung his staff in a diagonal arc and a trail of blue flame laced out of his hand, down the staff, and struck the man dead center. The stranger landed with a groundshaking crash and didn't move after that.
"What the hell was that!" Drake said as he looked first at his birthmark then at the staff.
"Meow" cried Mysty as she sniffed the unconscious man's body then quickly approached Drake to check on the contents of his pockets.
Drake removed the kittens for inspection and glanced toward the attacker only to notice the body was gone.

A voice behind him said, "They are kinda tricky that way. But evil spirits usually are."
The new arrival was cloaked in the night and no features were visible. Mysty seemed not the least bit concerned as she cared for her kittens but Drake, just having more adreniline than he cared for, swung his staff around. And agian the blue flame arced but did not lance out as Drake took a defensive stance. Protecting Mysty and her charges.
"Who are you!" Drake demanded.
"Why, I'm Eddie McKennitt" The old man replied with a grin. Then added just as affably, "I'm here to help if you'll let me."
"Help with what?" Drake asked, still not certain what the old man was up to.
"Well, how about that blue fire, and the birthmark you and the little lady there carry?" He said with a smile as he cast his fatherly gaze down at the cat and her two little kittens.

[Semele]

Wowzers Joe!!! Not bad for a country bumpkin!!! Very good addition!! Hey Rant did ya see who popped up??? Your old pal Eddie!!!! So are you gonna take the next spin off now??

Woo-Hoo!!!

[Silver Venus]

Yeah that was great Flar!
More! More! More!
Raannnnttt ooooohhh Raaannnntt! Where art thou?
Eddie's about :D

[rantnraven]

I must bow out for the now. Having some issues with the room maate. I will be back on track soon enough though. Eddie won't allow anything else.

Blessings,
Raaannnntt
:D

I think you'll see me around avery now-and-again.

[Oridian]

this is for Flar, hah hah, got ya.

[Semele]

Originally posted by Oridian
this is for Flar, hah hah, got ya.

Hey!!! Stop laughing and play along!! Shall I pull a card for you??? Or are ya chicken?!?!?!;)

[Silver Venus]

Ill play next week :) when I have a little more time.

[Oridian]

Hey Semele, Im not allowed to play yet. Though I will continue to follow the story with interest. I will take you up ont he offer later though. Lots of studying for now.....

[Semele]

Originally posted by Oridian
Hey Semele, Im not allowed to play yet. Though I will continue to follow the story with interest. I will take you up ont he offer later though. Lots of studying for now.....

Don't think I wont hold you to that too!!! Study hard and play later...good plan!!!

[rantnraven]

Originally posted by Semele
Wowzers Joe!!! Not bad for a country bumpkin!!! Very good addition!! Hey Rant did ya see who popped up??? Your old pal Eddie!!!! So are you gonna take the next spin off now??

Woo-Hoo!!!

Here HE comes. Soon, anyway.

I drew, from the middle of the deck, the Ace of Swords. This should get REALLY good from here.

RnR:cool: :D :eek:

[Semele]

Well don't keep us waiting Rant!!! You always do that...make me sit on pins and nedles waiting for you...although it is worth it!!!

[rantnraven]

Eddie is one cool customer. I don't think this story will end anytime soon.

Enjoy.
--------------------

Eddie had taken a few paces down the road when he heard the voice.

“Draco”, it spoke, with emphasis on the “A”.

He thought that it was the wind in the trees when he realized that there was no wind.

Again, “Dra-a-a-co, The Dragon is here”.

Definitely not the trees, he thought.

Though something drew him down the road a ways. He found himself at a small campground that rested on the same stream he had camped at the night prior. There was a small car in the allotted space but, there was a strange truck parked along the main highway. The hackles on the back of his neck shivered – even in this heat.

Eddie approached the car. He heard a scuffle ensuing. Beyond that, however, he heard the old familiar cry of a woman – now a cat – he once knew.

He approached with caution only to find that this man (Draco, he thought) had already won the day. The man, as he approached, had his back turned. When Draco turn toward him, he did so with fright and swung at Eddie. Eddie thought he had ducked in time but, the instrument went directly through him.

He was relieved that he had not yet fully returned to that of a man. At least, not yet. Too soon, he thought.

The man, Draco, looked into Eddies eyes. Obviously in disbelief as to the events.

Eddie glanced at the corps that now lay on the ground. This “Dragon” has, yet, no idea that he has killed.

Draco took another swing but, to no avail. He had swung off balance and fell to the ground, landing directly upon his hind-quarter. Eddie laughed aloud.

Eddie then notice the Cat with the crescent moon on her forehead. “Merry Meet”, he said with a familiar tone.

“Meow-w-w”, She replied.

“Who are you?”, Draco asked.

“I am Eddie McKennitt”, He replied proudly with a thick Scott accent. “And you are my new student. She is an old love and this man is dead”, he said pointing at the man on the ground.

Drake looked at the body in disbelief.

“Get up”, Eddie commanded. “There is much to do”

Mysty knew this was the one. She was very happy to see Eddie again.

Very happy.

[Silver Venus]

Great twist! :) I can see lots of adventures now :sunny:

[Semele]

Yes!!! Great addition Rant. I may have to draw a card and take a stab at this...between my loads of laundry of course!

[Semele]

Ok I got the Ace of Wands...how very appropriate!!

Here goes!

Drake looked at the body before him and blinked his eyes. Just a moment ago he had looked at the same spot and the body was gone. Now it was back. He glanced back at Eddie and said, "I don't understand, I could swear the body disappeared..."

"No, No, No....it was a temporary disappearance, long enough for the wretched spirit to be taken back to wear it came from."

Drake shook his head in disbelief and said, "Who are you and what the Hell is going on?"

Eddie thrust his index finger at Drake and hissed, "Just don't you get agitated or I'll teach you a lesson you will never forget!"

Mysty hissed loudly at Eddie and he turned to her and said, "Oh lighten up hag, I am here to help the both of you worthless spirits."

Mysty glared hard at Eddie and then started grooming herself.She seemed mildly annoyed yet genuinly unconcerned with Eddie.

Eddie started over, "Okay I will try to explain it to you like a child since that is basically what you are...a newborn baby magician....kind of big for a baby aren't ya? Maybe Mysty there will let you snuggle up to one of her extra teets.." Eddie cackled at his own joke.

Mysty stopped grooming and glared at Eddie...sending a shiver down his spine.

Eddie looked back at Drake and said, "You have been chosen for an important job because someone sees a great potential in you...not that I can see it but I don't make these dicisions."

Drake asked, "Who chose me?"

Eddie waved his hand toward Drake..."Don't worry about that right now Whippersnapper....just listen up and I will help you understand some of your newfound powers."

Eddie rubbed his hands together and said, "Ok lets start with your staff"

Drake held his staff in his hands and looked at it, "You mean this old walking stick?"

Eddie rolled his eyes, "Yeah stick, staff wand, whatever you want to call it....where did you get it?"

"I picked it up on a nature walk several years ago because I thought it looked cool."

"Right..it called to you."

Drake started to respond but Eddie shushed him with his finger to his lips. "That shall be your staff and your greatest source of power...it will aide you in many important works over the next few weeks."

Mysty sat calmly listening to Eddie. Drake glanced at her as if to find some sense of direction from her.

Eddie snapped..."You listen to me...that hag has done her job by leading you hear, now I am in charge!"

Mysty leaped toward Eddie and scratched his arm. Eddie slowly glanced at his arm and the drops of blood. Then he methodically wiped a drop off and flicked it at Mysty. "Does it still taste as sweet to you as it did so long ago?"

Mysty walked over to her kittens and sat by them and continued to look at Eddie.

Drake asked, "Why do you speak as though you know her?"

"Because I do! That old hag cut me up pretty bad many years ago to get a drop of my blood for revenge. I was married to her sister...long after I had a brief fling with her. She didn't appreciate the way I treated her sister. She never could mind her own business."

Mysty growled a deep glutteral sound but kept sitting by her kittens.

Drake stared at Eddie and said, "You were married to a cat?"

Eddie laughed, "Everything is not as it seems youngster. That is the most important message I have for you. Never assume what you see is real."

Drake dropped down to his knees with his head in his hands. mysty walked over to him and rubbed against him. He absent mindedly started stroking her and looked up at Eddie, "But where is this power coming from? What is the source? Is it God?"

Eddie contemplated these questions and said, "Yes and no. It is a higher power or diety but probably unlike what your narrow minded perception of God is at this point. You will understand soon enough. Basically there is a balance of light and dark in the world, both equally useful. I am here to teach you about the dark and Puss in boots there is here to teach you about the white light, happy side of things...I am sure her charges there have some part in this as well."

Mysty Meowed gently looking up at Drake. He rubbed his thumb over the mark on her head that was so similar to the one on his hand. He glanced at his hand and Eddie chuckled again.

"Yes, that is a nice theatrical touch huh? That is in case you were too thick headed to listen. A definate sign to show you this is truly your calling."

Drake straightened his back and sighed, "But what exactly am I supposed to do?"

Eddie said, "I don't know yet. I just know that now you have to learn all I can teach you. You are my student and have to listen carefully."

Drake nodded..."So what now?"

"Now, pup, we get the Hell out of here before the fuzz shows up and hauls us into jail."

Drake glanced back at the body as if remembering it for the first time. "Who was this man and why did he attack me?"

Eddie started walking towards Drake's truck and said, "The body belonged to a bum who drank himself to death three days ago. The spirit that was using him was someone who was trying to stop you from your work. We have to be watchful of his kind."

Drake continued to look at the body.."We can't just leave him here."

Eddie turned back to Drake and said angrily, "Don't be foolish...he is noone, he will not be missed and when they find him they will see the cause of death was his own ignorant addictions. However if you call someone in they will start questioning us and then you have ruined everything before you even started. Now come on"

Drake asked, "Where are we going?"

"To your apartment."

Mysty ran ahead and jumped in the cab of the truck and waited patiently for them.

Drake sighed and picked up the kittens and got in the truck.

[rantnraven]

I didn't realize that Eddie was so sinister(sp?). Got the DnD thing going on here. :D Completely changed my "train-of-thought".

Maybe I am not Eddie "And Thank you very much".

Great add Semele,
RnR

[Silver Venus]

Yeah! That was really, really great! :D
No more pussy footing around! ;)
Time to toughen this story up!

It just may take me a little while to actually think of an episode of any sense or worth after such a spectacular episode! :)

[Semele]

I am sure you are up to the chalenge Silver!!!

[rantnraven]

9 of Swords
-------------------------------

Mysty took a quick inventory as the car took off down the road. The ride was bumpy and fraught with sudden jolts as the car sped down the mountain road. Both Mew and Mow were accounted for.

She could hear Eddie raving and, when she looked up, could tell that Drake had not concept of what the ranting was about. She paid little attention. Her thoughts were on what Kylian – now Eddie – used to be.

The Summer had been hot and the crops were unfruitful. On Samhain of that year, she and Kylian, and a group of friends set out to visit the local village. They were all dressed as Elders and were eager for treats.

They walked from house to house and had been greeted in friendly fashion. They relished the treats of cakes, cookies and sweets.

Eddie seemed rather frail and shy and she had wondered about him. She had a keen sense about her then.

They came to a house and knocked upon the door. There were no candles lit and no answer at the door. No carved pumpkin or squash in the image of the Goddess, the Hag. Eddie walked to the back of the house and she had followed. They both noticed that the crop of corn had died before it could be harvested.

“We shall mark this one”, Eddie said.

They returned to the others and drew a Star upon the door.

Giggling, as children do, they proceeded to the next house. It was, after all, Samhain.

The following night, the children of the village gathered under the watchful eyes of their parents and, under the lead of Kylian. The moon was waxing. Together the returned to the house they had drawn the Star on. They carried with them a basket that was full of cakes and such that they had received the night prior.

She watched as Kylian approached the door and knocked. But there was no answer.

He knocked again as the other children began to chant:
“The Goddess is Kind. To you, this, we give”.

Soon, an man and woman came to the door. They said nothing yet they wept. Kylian offered them the basket. They would make it through the Winter despite the crops.

The children had made it so. And will again if need be. Eddie had made it so and she loved him for that.

There was a strong jolt as the car leaped onto the highway. Mysty looked up at Eddie and wondered where the boy was in the man before her.

[Silver Venus]

That was great RnR!! :) I love your digressions they always add so much depth!

Im stuck though.. totally and utterly! :( So I think Im going to have to take a back seat for a while and jump in when Im ready again, I will still be here reading all your excellent entries ~ and hopefully the goddess will bring me inspiration very soon.

[rantnraven]

The Goddess will share with you, I feel it. Take a card and write. She is with you and will guide you. Write from your heart. Even if you do not post what you have writen, do so anyway. PM it to me, of course.

Let your hair down.

Blessed Be,
Thoma:p

[Silver Venus]

Thanks for your support hun :) When she inspires me with creativity and words ~ I will surely write my thoughts down and either post here or pm you :sunny:
Peace and light

[Dagda Moon~Lily]

~*BUMP*~

Come on everyone.....draw a card......and work the meaning of the card into the story! :D

[Silver Venus]

Why dont you babe ;)