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Sooo, here we go! The first official writing piece for the World of Tandem! A bit of a prologue, and a history lesson!
You can find out more about Tandem HERE
You can find a map of Tandem HERE
<
>
Prologue – A History Lesson
(Please note,this is a very early piece, the first I have properly written that has not been simple notes and ideas. The names of people and places are subject to change in the future, so please do not be surprised if they change!)
Siera pondered her masters' note as she travelled the streets of Northshend alone. The city was dark, quiet, save the occasional shout of joy from some long-off party in one of the taverns. Her breath, visible in the cold, puffed in her face as she walked. The snows were early this year, even the guard had decided not to venture out, despite their heavy-clad winter gear. The skyglow coloured the snow an eerie purple, which wasn't helping Siera's mood.
'We need to talk. Come as soon as you are able' the note in her pocket read. Of course, Siera would attend her masters call, but the nature of this summoning, by note under her door? This was something new. Was this about her recent reading in the square? Sure, a few members of the crowd got rowdy, but no more than usual. Perhaps it was Garo who was in trouble? Perhaps the both of them? All Siera could do was speculate. Tightening her jacket and brushing back her ears against the frigid air with a paw, she pressed on to the lower levels of the city, these questions tumbling in her mind.
Turning into a side alley in the lower levels of the city, Siera arrived at the door of the ramshackle cottage. She could see light emanating from inside, despite the build-up of snow at it's base. She hesitated a moment, before gently knocking. The seconds it took for the door to open seemed to last forever, her heart pulsing in her chest. She didn't expect trouble, but something didn't seem right.
Her mood however, was lightened when the door revealed the grinning face of Garo, the old human who had become her teacher. Briefly her feelings of doubt were forgotten and tossed aside.
“Siera! So glad you made it, and on such short notice!” The balding old man croaked. Siera made to speak, but was quickly interrupted.
“Ah ah ah” Garo cawed, waving a finger in the air. “I'm sure you have questions, and all will be revealed shortly. But first, come in and have some tea, it's bloody freezing out here.”
Settling down into an old, worn out chair (the lack of a space for her tail caused a brief stir), Siera watched Garo going about making his tea. Human though he may be, and poorer than most, Garo was far wiser and knowledgable than anyone she had ever met. Tomes of collected histories and stories filled slanted shelves and tattered cupboards.
Siera, though several decades Garo's junior, was a Kahnine Word-Weaver. It was a Word-Weaver's job to pass down knowledge and stories to others, be them fairy tails or in-depth histories. Siera's recent reading, on the great Fehnine tree climber Alverso Yanfe, had not gone down well. Apparently anything Fehnine-related these days was an unpopular choice.
“Heard about the ruckus you caused in the square the other day” Garo started, “Alverso Yanfe, bold choice, but a good one nonetheless. People these days have no respect for good tales any more.”
“Is that why you summoned me master?”
“No. And for the last time, don't call me master. It's Garo.” came the retort. The old man picked up the tea he had been brewing and brought it over to Siera. In it's old clay mug, the warmth was a welcome relief.
“The reason I asked for you is rather larger than a simple controversial reading.” Garo began, “Did you notice anything about the note I sent you?”
“Well no, not that I can think of, though you've never done that before.” Siera thought aloud.
“I didn't address it to you by name.”
“Why? To be secretive?”
“Precisely my furry friend,” Garo began, “There are plenty out there who would jump on the opportunity to hear us talking tonight, and I'm not just referring to the idiots who stand about all day wearing the kings badge.”
“Like who?” Siera questioned. This was all sounding rather strange. The more Garo spoke, the less calm she felt.
“In time.” The old man replied, taking a seat of his own. “First though, let me ask you a question. How much do you know of Tandem's origins?”
“Tandem's origins?” Siera asked, “That's an odd thing to ask.”
“Humour me.”
“I don't suppose I have a choice then?”
“You don't.” The old man's eyes delved into her, sending a shiver down her spine.
“Fine.” Siera began, “ Everyone knows that our ancestors, the Firsts, came from beyond the mountains to the north, and settled under Mount Beacon, calling their new city Hope. Kahnine, Fehnine and Human-kind lived in peace there, until a civil war broke out, splitting the species. They called it The Fall. Nobody knows who started the war, but most say it was a group called the Forebearers. They betrayed everyone to take Tandem for themselves, and destroyed Hope in the process. It was the family of the King who lead the faithful Kahnine resistance. They destroyed the Forebearers, and lead the Kahnine to establish our new kingdom, restoring peace. The Fehnine went their own way, and created their own kingdom, also honouring the new peace. To this day that peace holds, though I doubt for much longer.”
“Good.” Garo nodded, “Now tell me what you know of the Woulves.”
Siera started. The Woulves? Why in Tandem's name would Garo want to talk about the Woulves?
“They... were traitors to the King too. I think.” Siera recalled, taking a nervous sip of her tea. “I've only ever heard elders and travellers talking a little about them, and only then in hushed tones. It's almost as if it's illegal to talk about them.”
“In a way it is.” Garo interrupted, but quickly bowed his balding head in apology, and gestured for her to continue.
“They too tried to take power from the King, to rule Tandem themselves. After the war. They were caught, and all put to death. At least that is what the travellers say.”
“And the elders?”
“The elders say something different. They say that the Woulves were the Forbearers, and that the the king is the real traitor. I've never heard much more, they stop and move on when they see me listening in.”
“Not bad, you knew more than I thought you would.” Garo pondered. “So, who do you think is telling the truth?”
Siera was stumped. She hadn't been expecting this line of talk tonight.
“I suppose the travellers see more of the world, hear more stories.” She speculated, “So I guess they would probably hear more of the truth right?”
Garo sighed and shook his head. “So the Seekers really have almost finished their task. I had hoped the fire still burned in the young. Perhaps I left this too late.”
“The Seekers? Who are they?” Siera leaned forward, almost spilling her tea. “Left what too late?”
“The real truth.” Said Garo. “The real truth that I shall now pass to you. But first, we are going to need some more candles.”
A little while later, sat in the new comforting light, Garo took a large swig of his tea, and relaxed back into his chair. “Now, are you ready to hear what I have to say Siera?”
“Of course.” Her mind boggled at where this could all possibly be leading.
“Good. Now listen closely, it is of the utmost importance that you remember this, lest our true history be lost forever. This is the final tale I can pass to you, so do not interrupt. I will answer all your questions when I am done. Understand?”
“Yes.” Siera nodded. What was all this about? True history? She was eager to hear. Taking a sip of her tea, she listened.
“Our ancestors arrived in this world many centuries ago. Some say they came from the stars, others that they came from distant lands far beyond our known borders. Whatever you believe, it is generally understood that they came to these lands from the Frozen North, far beyond the Great Ranges and into the Blasted Lands. They are known as the 'Firsts.'
At the end of a harsh and tiresome journey, the Firsts moved south out of the cold and settled beneath the shaded arms of Beacon, the mountain that now sits in the heart of Tandem. This is the history everyone is taught, as you have proved. From here, the tales diverge. What I tell you now is the true story, not the one the Seekers and our King would have you believe.
The Forebearers were not traitors. They were the leaders of the Firsts, and were Great Kahnine who helped instil a century of peace. Blessed with magic and an incredible ability to be at one with their surroundings, they were natural-born survivors. Their pelts and builds identified them, they stood out among all others with patterned fur and piercing eyes. Stronger and smarter than their peers, they were gifted leaders. They were also known as 'Woulves,' though who coined the name and why is lost to time. It was with their guidance, that Kahnine, Fehnine and Human-kind flourished and thrived. From under Beacon in the city of Hope, our 3 species grew and travelled to the far reaches of Tandem.
To manage such an undertaking, the First's and the Forebearers created a council, one filled with representatives of all species from all across the land. It was this council's job to maintain the peace, and create a Tandem for all to enjoy. And they did, as equals, for generations.
However, as with all things, the peace wouldn't last. Icarium Vernard, great-great grandfather of our very own King Vernard. saw to that. A member of the council, Icarium was never happy that despite the peace and the co-operation, the Forebearers still had a powerful presence in Tandem. He envied their natural abilities, and wanted power of his own. So in secret, he sought to remove them.
Nobody seems to remember how it all started, only that Vernard succeeded in vilifying the Forebearers, and turned the 3 species against their own. What followed was The Fall, an uprising against the Forebearers, the Woulves. The battle was fierce, and the city of Hope was lost to all. With the Forebearers gone, Kahnine and Fehnine came to loggerheads,with mankind in the middle. Both sides wanted ultimate power over Tandem. Without Hope as central hub of power, the two species went their separate ways, the Kahnine to the East, Fehnine to the West. Mankind however, were ultimately the losers. With fewer numbers, and lacking the strength of the other species, they became the lesser beings. My kind now make the most for themselves on both sides, and to this day, are treated as little more than a nuisance.
Vernard got his wish however, with the Forebearers gone he claimed leadership of the Kahnine, becoming it's first king, power he could pass down to his children. It wasn't long after that the Fehnine created a kingdom of their own.
Over time, knowledge of these events has been manipulated by the King and his loyal agents, the Seekers. It is their job to eradicate all knowledge of the real truth, and to remove those who refuse their version of events. Now, very few know this real truth.
This is why I had to keep things quiet. If the Seekers caught on to what I know, what you now know, then our time here in Tandem would be short lived indeed..”
Garo sat back in his chair and took a deep drink of his tea. His face, serious from his history lesson, brightened.
“So, any questions?”
Siera didn't know where to begin. It was going to be a long night.
You can find out more about Tandem HERE
You can find a map of Tandem HERE
<
>
Prologue – A History Lesson
(Please note,this is a very early piece, the first I have properly written that has not been simple notes and ideas. The names of people and places are subject to change in the future, so please do not be surprised if they change!)
Siera pondered her masters' note as she travelled the streets of Northshend alone. The city was dark, quiet, save the occasional shout of joy from some long-off party in one of the taverns. Her breath, visible in the cold, puffed in her face as she walked. The snows were early this year, even the guard had decided not to venture out, despite their heavy-clad winter gear. The skyglow coloured the snow an eerie purple, which wasn't helping Siera's mood.
'We need to talk. Come as soon as you are able' the note in her pocket read. Of course, Siera would attend her masters call, but the nature of this summoning, by note under her door? This was something new. Was this about her recent reading in the square? Sure, a few members of the crowd got rowdy, but no more than usual. Perhaps it was Garo who was in trouble? Perhaps the both of them? All Siera could do was speculate. Tightening her jacket and brushing back her ears against the frigid air with a paw, she pressed on to the lower levels of the city, these questions tumbling in her mind.
Turning into a side alley in the lower levels of the city, Siera arrived at the door of the ramshackle cottage. She could see light emanating from inside, despite the build-up of snow at it's base. She hesitated a moment, before gently knocking. The seconds it took for the door to open seemed to last forever, her heart pulsing in her chest. She didn't expect trouble, but something didn't seem right.
Her mood however, was lightened when the door revealed the grinning face of Garo, the old human who had become her teacher. Briefly her feelings of doubt were forgotten and tossed aside.
“Siera! So glad you made it, and on such short notice!” The balding old man croaked. Siera made to speak, but was quickly interrupted.
“Ah ah ah” Garo cawed, waving a finger in the air. “I'm sure you have questions, and all will be revealed shortly. But first, come in and have some tea, it's bloody freezing out here.”
Settling down into an old, worn out chair (the lack of a space for her tail caused a brief stir), Siera watched Garo going about making his tea. Human though he may be, and poorer than most, Garo was far wiser and knowledgable than anyone she had ever met. Tomes of collected histories and stories filled slanted shelves and tattered cupboards.
Siera, though several decades Garo's junior, was a Kahnine Word-Weaver. It was a Word-Weaver's job to pass down knowledge and stories to others, be them fairy tails or in-depth histories. Siera's recent reading, on the great Fehnine tree climber Alverso Yanfe, had not gone down well. Apparently anything Fehnine-related these days was an unpopular choice.
“Heard about the ruckus you caused in the square the other day” Garo started, “Alverso Yanfe, bold choice, but a good one nonetheless. People these days have no respect for good tales any more.”
“Is that why you summoned me master?”
“No. And for the last time, don't call me master. It's Garo.” came the retort. The old man picked up the tea he had been brewing and brought it over to Siera. In it's old clay mug, the warmth was a welcome relief.
“The reason I asked for you is rather larger than a simple controversial reading.” Garo began, “Did you notice anything about the note I sent you?”
“Well no, not that I can think of, though you've never done that before.” Siera thought aloud.
“I didn't address it to you by name.”
“Why? To be secretive?”
“Precisely my furry friend,” Garo began, “There are plenty out there who would jump on the opportunity to hear us talking tonight, and I'm not just referring to the idiots who stand about all day wearing the kings badge.”
“Like who?” Siera questioned. This was all sounding rather strange. The more Garo spoke, the less calm she felt.
“In time.” The old man replied, taking a seat of his own. “First though, let me ask you a question. How much do you know of Tandem's origins?”
“Tandem's origins?” Siera asked, “That's an odd thing to ask.”
“Humour me.”
“I don't suppose I have a choice then?”
“You don't.” The old man's eyes delved into her, sending a shiver down her spine.
“Fine.” Siera began, “ Everyone knows that our ancestors, the Firsts, came from beyond the mountains to the north, and settled under Mount Beacon, calling their new city Hope. Kahnine, Fehnine and Human-kind lived in peace there, until a civil war broke out, splitting the species. They called it The Fall. Nobody knows who started the war, but most say it was a group called the Forebearers. They betrayed everyone to take Tandem for themselves, and destroyed Hope in the process. It was the family of the King who lead the faithful Kahnine resistance. They destroyed the Forebearers, and lead the Kahnine to establish our new kingdom, restoring peace. The Fehnine went their own way, and created their own kingdom, also honouring the new peace. To this day that peace holds, though I doubt for much longer.”
“Good.” Garo nodded, “Now tell me what you know of the Woulves.”
Siera started. The Woulves? Why in Tandem's name would Garo want to talk about the Woulves?
“They... were traitors to the King too. I think.” Siera recalled, taking a nervous sip of her tea. “I've only ever heard elders and travellers talking a little about them, and only then in hushed tones. It's almost as if it's illegal to talk about them.”
“In a way it is.” Garo interrupted, but quickly bowed his balding head in apology, and gestured for her to continue.
“They too tried to take power from the King, to rule Tandem themselves. After the war. They were caught, and all put to death. At least that is what the travellers say.”
“And the elders?”
“The elders say something different. They say that the Woulves were the Forbearers, and that the the king is the real traitor. I've never heard much more, they stop and move on when they see me listening in.”
“Not bad, you knew more than I thought you would.” Garo pondered. “So, who do you think is telling the truth?”
Siera was stumped. She hadn't been expecting this line of talk tonight.
“I suppose the travellers see more of the world, hear more stories.” She speculated, “So I guess they would probably hear more of the truth right?”
Garo sighed and shook his head. “So the Seekers really have almost finished their task. I had hoped the fire still burned in the young. Perhaps I left this too late.”
“The Seekers? Who are they?” Siera leaned forward, almost spilling her tea. “Left what too late?”
“The real truth.” Said Garo. “The real truth that I shall now pass to you. But first, we are going to need some more candles.”
A little while later, sat in the new comforting light, Garo took a large swig of his tea, and relaxed back into his chair. “Now, are you ready to hear what I have to say Siera?”
“Of course.” Her mind boggled at where this could all possibly be leading.
“Good. Now listen closely, it is of the utmost importance that you remember this, lest our true history be lost forever. This is the final tale I can pass to you, so do not interrupt. I will answer all your questions when I am done. Understand?”
“Yes.” Siera nodded. What was all this about? True history? She was eager to hear. Taking a sip of her tea, she listened.
“Our ancestors arrived in this world many centuries ago. Some say they came from the stars, others that they came from distant lands far beyond our known borders. Whatever you believe, it is generally understood that they came to these lands from the Frozen North, far beyond the Great Ranges and into the Blasted Lands. They are known as the 'Firsts.'
At the end of a harsh and tiresome journey, the Firsts moved south out of the cold and settled beneath the shaded arms of Beacon, the mountain that now sits in the heart of Tandem. This is the history everyone is taught, as you have proved. From here, the tales diverge. What I tell you now is the true story, not the one the Seekers and our King would have you believe.
The Forebearers were not traitors. They were the leaders of the Firsts, and were Great Kahnine who helped instil a century of peace. Blessed with magic and an incredible ability to be at one with their surroundings, they were natural-born survivors. Their pelts and builds identified them, they stood out among all others with patterned fur and piercing eyes. Stronger and smarter than their peers, they were gifted leaders. They were also known as 'Woulves,' though who coined the name and why is lost to time. It was with their guidance, that Kahnine, Fehnine and Human-kind flourished and thrived. From under Beacon in the city of Hope, our 3 species grew and travelled to the far reaches of Tandem.
To manage such an undertaking, the First's and the Forebearers created a council, one filled with representatives of all species from all across the land. It was this council's job to maintain the peace, and create a Tandem for all to enjoy. And they did, as equals, for generations.
However, as with all things, the peace wouldn't last. Icarium Vernard, great-great grandfather of our very own King Vernard. saw to that. A member of the council, Icarium was never happy that despite the peace and the co-operation, the Forebearers still had a powerful presence in Tandem. He envied their natural abilities, and wanted power of his own. So in secret, he sought to remove them.
Nobody seems to remember how it all started, only that Vernard succeeded in vilifying the Forebearers, and turned the 3 species against their own. What followed was The Fall, an uprising against the Forebearers, the Woulves. The battle was fierce, and the city of Hope was lost to all. With the Forebearers gone, Kahnine and Fehnine came to loggerheads,with mankind in the middle. Both sides wanted ultimate power over Tandem. Without Hope as central hub of power, the two species went their separate ways, the Kahnine to the East, Fehnine to the West. Mankind however, were ultimately the losers. With fewer numbers, and lacking the strength of the other species, they became the lesser beings. My kind now make the most for themselves on both sides, and to this day, are treated as little more than a nuisance.
Vernard got his wish however, with the Forebearers gone he claimed leadership of the Kahnine, becoming it's first king, power he could pass down to his children. It wasn't long after that the Fehnine created a kingdom of their own.
Over time, knowledge of these events has been manipulated by the King and his loyal agents, the Seekers. It is their job to eradicate all knowledge of the real truth, and to remove those who refuse their version of events. Now, very few know this real truth.
This is why I had to keep things quiet. If the Seekers caught on to what I know, what you now know, then our time here in Tandem would be short lived indeed..”
Garo sat back in his chair and took a deep drink of his tea. His face, serious from his history lesson, brightened.
“So, any questions?”
Siera didn't know where to begin. It was going to be a long night.
Category Story / All
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 120 x 72px
File Size 70.8 kB
Listed in Folders
You got the frame set up, so good job there, many developing writers miss that even in a prologue. Due to the prologue being this history lesson it is ok for the heavy dialogue chain with little action and character description. Usually that is a habit not to be a crutch on, but only will tell. A good start with grounded world building.
best of luck with the rest.
best of luck with the rest.
Hello, and many thanks for feedback. This really is just a part-time hobby, but to hear that I've made a good start is always welcome, especially from someone who knows a lot more about all this than I do! I was concerned there was too much dialogue, and will making sure not to rely on that in future. Thank you for taking the time to read, and again, many thanks for the feedback!
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