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nevermord · 7 months ago

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From a heart wrenching song and straight into an action scene! A little jarring, but a lot of fun! Also realistic as life on a ship wouldn't just stop because of a sad song, they need to always be ready to snag the next prize!

SEA DRAGON’S GIFT : World of Sea : Part 26

SEA DRAGON’S GIFT

De Writer (Glen Ten-Eyck)

140406 words

written 2007

Reproduction in any form, physical, electronic or digital is prohibited without the express consent of the author.

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Users of Tumblr.com are specifically granted the following rights. They may reblog the story provided that all author and copyright information remains intact. They may use the characters or original characters in my settings for fan fiction, fan art works, cosplay, or fan musical compositions. All sorts of fan art, cosplay, music or fiction is actively encouraged.

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New to the story? Read from the beginning. PART 1 is here

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Startled, Kurin stroked her sea-foam white hair, then replied thoughtfully, “No, not since I got Mecat’s Gift …”

“I thought so — The Great Dragon’s Gift is more than just hair.” She tousled Kurin’s head. “It’s also what’s under it. Come, it is late. Time to bed.”

Sula pulled together some of her big cushions and made a nest of blankets. She tucked Kurin in and sang in a pleasant but inexpert voice, her hands accompanying the words with unfamiliar gestures at eye and chest level.

“Wise paddle ducks in their weed-mats hide

When Wide Wings hunt across the sky.

Snug in their nests they sleep at night

When the stars are out and the moons are high.

Hush, little one don’t you cry,

In your hammock’s nest, you’re safe from harm,

Hear Iren’s Orcas sing far from you.

Your happy dreams are your charm.”

Feeling truly secure for the first time since Cat had gone, Kurin snuggled down, and as she was drifting off to sleep, murmured, “Sula, do you have any children?”

She was too sleepy to notice the catch in Sula’s voice as she answered, “No, I never had the chance.”

The next day, Master Juris was invited to visit the Dark Dragon. Both he and Kurin were shown about by Sula herself. They learned much of how a large catamaran ship was built. A great deal of what they learned was amazing to them. What surprised them the most was that they had not thought of it long ago. The design made a lot sense. It gave an impressive increase in deck space over the standard designs. There were three decks in the thick layer that spanned between the hulls.

This created an amazing amount of space for shops, catch processing and other functions. A major surprise to both Kurin and Juris was the sheer size of the Armory. It was completely separate from the Boat Shop. That alone was unlike any ship layout that Kurin had ever heard of. Besides simply being a large shop, it vertically spanned all three decks of the center section. It was connected through heavy double doors to large straight corridors that looked to be fireproofed by Hag extracts. They ran fore, aft, starboard and port. There were many large storerooms and more decks and holds in each of the twin hulls.

As a Predator Hunter, the Dark Dragon was heavily armed. There were six large harpoon launching catapults spaced about the bow and three more around the stern. Each side also had another five catapults a little smaller than the bow and stern ones but still bigger than any that Kurin had ever seen before. Master Juris’s practiced eye noticed that the stop blocks that held the catapults level in their swivel mounts could be removed. The catapults would then be able to fire steeply up, as well as in the outward and downward directions needed for hunting.

While they were making their way aft through the between decks companionways Kurin heard soft music of a sort that she had never heard before, and stopped to listen. An empty mess hall had been taken over by a group of Dark Dragon sailors for a song fest. Most of the sailors, both men and women, wore cloth hoods that covered their faces like the one that Sula wore. Every one of them was armed with a short ax like the one at Sula’s leg and carried at least one large knife. They were playing the familiar tabors and drums that she had long known. There were also harps, other stringed instruments, flutes and a horn that were all new to her. Listening quietly at the door, the group heard a bare faced man call out, “Sing us ‘Where is My Love?’, Pollet!”

The woman that he had called to, black-hair showing below her hood tried to demur with flickering fingers instead of words. Several others joined the chorus, a few speaking and all the others signing. Pollet gave in. She stepped to the center of the circle and, glancing at the visitors in the doorway, she began.

The song was soft and sad, the music featuring mainly the plaintive notes of the flute, a strange many stringed oval instrument with a drum like head and a harp was accompanied by a soft underbeat from a tabor. As Pollet started to sing, she accompanied her words with flickering fingers, one hand just below the eye level of her hood and the other at chest level. Her dancing hands moved almost hypnotically to the tune.

“The Gathering will be over tomorrow

A Wedding Raft is floating in sorrow.

Where is my Love? The Weddings are near.

Where is my Love? His ship is not here.

Each topmast the horizon brings to my sight

Brings night to my heart in days that are light.

Where is my Love? The Weddings are near.

Where is my Love? His ship is not here.

His ship will never again draw near

Absence has filled my heart with fear.

Where is my Love? The Weddings are near.

Where is my Love? His ship is not here.

From my Love’s waters sails were seen

A Boren Sea raider fled from the scene.

Where is my Love? The Weddings are near.

Where is my Love? His ship is not here.

We found only the flotsam of a deadly attack

Dear Dragons, please, bring my Love back!

Where is my Love? The Weddings are near.

Where is my Love? His ship is not here.

If the Boren fleet took my Love away

The Boren fleet will have to pay.

Where is my Love? The Weddings are near.

Where is my Love? His ship is not here.

We can’t save my Love, he’s in Iren’s hall

But we’ll save others the Orca’s call.

Where is my Love? The Weddings are near.

Where is my Love? His ship is not here.

We fight so no other will have to cry

For a Love who had no need to die!

Where is my Love? His ship is not here.”

Sula listened with them and herded them quietly away when the song was done. She shed a few quiet tears as she guided Kurin and Master Juris through another passage and up to the main deck. Master Juris looked shrewdly at Sula as they made their way aft, listening to the answers to his and Kurin’s questions about the ship. Kurin noticed the odd vertical lines of decoration on or by almost every door and realized that they were writing of some sort. They strolled toward the stern under the shade of many sails, each tightly furled to its boom and yard. They lay on tall racks overhead, freeing the deck space.

A lookout high above called, “Strong Skin! North by northeast!” The paired dorsal fins of the big predator could be seen cutting the water a few hundred yards away. Men and women on watch scrambled aft and began to prepare a catapult.

“Can we watch?” asked Kurin eagerly.

TO BE CONTINUED

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#SEA DRAGON'S GIFT #World of Sea #Written by De Writer (Glen Ten-Eyck)#Part 26

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crystalblue42 · 8 years ago

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Here is the final version with sign offs!

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Ponyville Radio Morning Show

Eyes in the Skies

De Writer (Glen Ten-Eyck)

Commissioned by Wubzy Wubbles for the Ponyville Radio Podcast

1185 words

Writing begun 02/04/17

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All sorts of fan art, cosplay, music or fiction is actively encouraged.

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Cast:

Morning Anchor, Drift Hook,

Wingover traffic reporter

Mora Newsnose, On The Scene roving reporter

Gottago, Unicorn in a hurry – traffic incident

Zombie voice, undead from the cemetery

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(Drift Hook)

Welcome to PONYVILLE IN THE MORNING! The Happiest Town in Equestria, except when it is not!

This is your Morning Anchor, Drift Hook!

First up, the latest on the Royal Scandals of Canterlot! A ghost was reported in the Royal Kitchens! Closer examination, showed that Some Princess sneaked in and took bites out of the chocolate icing of Baron Snootinaire's garden party cake!

Now, on to our first morning traffic report!

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(Wingover)

Good Morining, PONYVILLE! This is Wingover, your EYES IN THE SKIES! So far, this morning's ground pounder traffic is pretty dense due to some low laying mists near to the Everfree and a fairly thick fog patch over the Long Rest Cemetery.

Circling back towards town, I see our first traffic incident. Watch out for trouble at Mane Street and Tail Drive! Looks like Unicorn Road Rage! A biggish red maned yellow unicorn is both ignoring right of way and pushing Earth ponies out of his way! Quite a tangle there. I see police ponies closing in on the area.

Now, over to the East Side, nothing to report over here. Ponies are moving along at a comfortable trot.

Now turning you over to our PONYVILLE RADIO ON THE SCENE reporter, Mora Newsnose!

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(Mora Newsnose)

This is Mora Newsnose, reporting LIVE FROM THE SCENE at Mane Street and Tail Drive! The Ponyville Police are taking the suspect into custody!

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(Gottago)

(Somewhat raised voice, excitable!) “You don't get it, officer! I am Gottago! These ponies was going way too slow, holding up traffic! I have to get to the Jailhouse! Gotta bail out my idiot nephew!

(mumbling voice)

What do mean, I am going to get there right away! Not with this slow traffic! . . . Get those manacles off of me!

(ambulance sound effects, if you want them)

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(Mora Newsnose)

We have two ambulances arriving to transport victims of this Road Rage incident to Ponyville General Horsepital!

From talking to witnesses I have learned that the Unicorn, who may not be formally named until after he is charged, was ironically, in a hurry to get to the Jailhouse! Apparently he was going to bail out another pony. Now HE will need bailing out!

Over to you, Drift Hook!

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(Drift Hook)

Thank You, Mora Newsnose for that LIVE ON THE SCENE report!

On to a press statement issued by the office of Mayor Mare. She says that Ponyville has some of the swiftest record filing and registry of any town in Equestria.

The only real bottlenecks are to be found in the issuance of death certificates and related paperwork. I quote from the press release, “After all, there is no real hurry on those items. What are the dead going to do? Come back to complain?”

Now, it is time for our next EYES IN THE SKIES traffic report!

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(Wingover)

Thank you, Drift Hook! I am back over Long Rest Cemetery area. The fog seems to be clearing. I see what appears to be a number of disturbed graves. There is a crowd emerging from the Cemetery gate that is causing a serious traffic back up!

Possibly a funeral or the like. In any case, if you are in the area, use caution.

Speaking of traffic backups, watch out for the Everfree curve on the Mareimount Tollway. A cart is off to the side with a bad wheel. Rubbernecking traffic is slowing things down a whole lot!

Back to you, Drift Hook!

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(Drift Hook)

This just in from Cloudsdale! Workers there appear to have accidentally broken a sewer line, putting a DAMPER on the land below!

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(Mora Newsnose, interrupting excitedly)

Mora Newsnose here WITH AN ON THE SCENE EXCLUSIVE!

The crowd that Wingover reported at the Cemetery? They appear to be Zombies! Ponyville may be under attack by a crowd of zombies!

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(Zombie voice, hoarse, wheezing)

We ain't attacking anything! Got us business at the Town Hall, that's all!

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(Wingover, interrupting)

This is Wingover, PONYVILL RADIO'S EYES IN THE SKIES! That crowd down there is totally ignoring all traffic rules! They are simply barging through intersections with no regard for right of way!

Whoever that was that spoke to Mora Newsnose appears to have been on the level. They are staying in a group and headed straight down Apple Parkway towards the Town Hall!

Watch out for traffic tangles as they pass through the area!

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(Drift Hook, trying exasperatedly to recover control of the Morning Show)

Thank you, Ponyville Radio's roving reporters!

Now, on to the Market Report!

Pies and baked goods are going up but expected to drop!

Among Apples, Red Delicious are up, Newtons have fallen!

Bread is presently hot!

Hay and other basic commodities are . . .

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(Mora Newsnose, interrupting excitedly!)

Mora Newsnose LIVE ON THE SCENE at the TOWN HALL!

The apparent zombies went into the Town Hall! They chased all of the clerks out of the Hall of Records!!

(amazed) They have formed an orderly line! I am going to try finding out what they are doing here!

(Office noises, sounds of papers shuffling, file drawers opening and closing. Papers being stamped)

Sir! I can see that you are very busy. Can you possibly take a moment to tell the listeners of PONYVILLE RADIO, LIVE ON THE SCENE what you are doing here?

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(Zombie voice, hoarse wheezing voice)

Every pony got to die some time, right?

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(Mora Newsnose, eagerly)

I have been given to believe so. What does that have to do with invading the Hall of Records like this?

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(Zombie voice, hoarse, wheezing)

(More sounds of stamping paper) There you go Clyde. Now it's official. All signed and sealed.

Well, Mora, there is a mountain of paperwork that goes with dying. None of us was proper done and filed. We ain't official dead until it's all taken care of! Since the dratted clerks been too lazy to do it, we gotta!!

Now we can go and be proper dead, all official and registered!

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(Mora Newsnose)

(slightly stunned) I see. I understand that death used to be easier than this!

Back to you, at Ponyville Radio Morning Show, Drift Hook!

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(Drift Hook)

We are out of time. After one last check with our EYES IN THE SKIES, be sure to stay tuned for our Morning DJ, Vinyl Scratch! Over to you, Wingover!

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(Wingover)

The morning commute is just about over. No new problems to report except for a trickle of, um, ponies headed back up Apple Parkway to the Long Rest Cemetery. They are following the traffic rules now but rubberneckers are slowing traffic on the Parkway. It is not every day that you see ponies going back to the Cemetery voluntarily.

Be sure to stay tuned to Ponyville Radio for the best of tunes from Vinyl Scratch's morning gig!

~THE END~

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ask-de-writer · 6 months ago

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FIENDSHIP IS MAGIC

(Part 67 of ?)

18+ readers only (sex scenes)

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FIENDSHIP IS MAGIC

Making Fiends and Influencing Ponies

An Anthro *Tail* of the Mane Six

Part 67 of ? (Work in Progress)

De Writer

76884 words (story in progress)

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This story is age restricted to 18+

years or older!

All sorts of fan art, cosplay, music or fiction is actively encouraged.

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New to the story? Read from the start HERE

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Twilight nodded her agreement and gestured towards the balance of her Palace of Friendship, offering, “As this is a State Visit, I shall give the whole Throne of Empire and their retinue lodging in my Palace.”

Princess Luna retired to a dressing room and emerged in her usual regalia and dressed sensibly for the upcoming work in Kin's hospital operating rooms. She smiled at Kin and Rarity, the twinkle of her eyes telling that she well knew what they were going to be doing. “Scoot, you two. The casualty train has already arrived. You have about an hour and a half before Kin will be needed in the Surgery.”

Arm in arm, they scooted away to the Carousel! Kin snickered as she brought in the outside chair. “Pink tornado prevention!”

Rarity, joining the game, took a bit of hay from the kitchen and made a stop block out of it. She put the pretty but stout pale yellow wood like piece into the window, preventing it from being opened.

With no other words, they both took the time for close and cuddly hug. When they broke, Rarity suggested, “Let's take care of your breasts first, my Love. You are going to be needed soon. If necessary, I can milk myself. Which would you prefer, my Dearest One, to be suckled or shall I hand milk you?”

For an answer, Kin simply pulled Rarity close and cradled her head to the prominent nipple of her right boob. With a sigh of pleasure, she reveled in the sheer delight of Rarity's lips and tongue while she eagerly and rhythmically sucked her demon lover's nipple deep into her mouth. Kin gently but firmly held Rarity in place while she adored the sensations of breast feeding her wonderful partner. In far too short a time, her right breast was emptied and she presented her left nipple for the same joyous ministrations.

Without interrupting Rarity's eager and pleasurable suckling, Kin picked her up and gently laid her cherished lover on their bed, where she joined her. Rather than getting into an active sexual session, they quietly cuddled and stroked each other.

Rarity, in a gentle voice, wanted to know, “My dearest one, we have been so amazingly lucky to find each other. As things stand, I have but one fear. As a spirit, you are near immortal. I am not. What will become of you, my Love, when I age and pass on?”

Holding her treasured one close, Kin lightly touched Rarity's nose as she replied, “You need not fear for me, sweet darling. It is I who fear for you. Do you want to age and die, my darling? Keeping you close and young for as long as you wish it is no more difficult than giving you the gift of milk.”

Rarity nodded slowly, ears intently forward as she thought. “I did not even think of such a thing, my wonderful Kin. That can truly be either blessing or curse. I wish that I had either Marchhare or Princess Luna here to talk it over with. They both have been among mortals for ages and yet have kept their deep caring for them.”

As Kin was snuggling close and saying, “I understand, my treasure. Princess Luna would be my choice, having worked alongside her. Perhaps Marchhare would be better, for having lived more closely with pon . . . um, HORSES! Rom call themselves horses, don't they?”

There was a careful tapping at their front door!

Kin looked up alertly and exclaimed, “Love, get our Knives of Honor and our Golden Talons! That is the whole Throne of Empire, all three of them! They have an honor guard of eighteen gryphons!”

Rarity's magic reached out and brought the elegant cases unerringly to them. Kin's magic got them both dressed quickly and settled their medalions into place and girded on their Knives.

Kin paced for the door to let their guests in! Rarity dove into the kitchen and called out, “Twenty one of them?”

Kin returned, “Make that twenty two! Princess Luna just landed to join them!”

Kin opened the door and three Gryphons of Royal bearing and garb stepped in. As Kin was starting to bow to them, they all three, went to a deep crouch, wings spread and crests raised and spread to show honor.

The Empress of the Gryphon Empire rose, her crest going to a gentle smile as she greeted, “Kindred Spirit, it is we who are honored by your presence.”

Indicating her Two Strong Wings of the Throne, she asked, We have come to request of you yet another favor. Would you be willing to allow us of the Throne to watch your amazing healing? Princess Luna has said that this is your decision alone. That the Hospital is yours.”

While they were anxiously awaiting Kin's answer, Rarity emerged from the kitchen bearing trays that she set out on the Carousel's counters.

“Your Highnesses, the flying to get here must have been hungry work. We have laid on a small refreshment for you. We have a salmon, a pork roast, one of beef, and a substantial turkey for you. I do not know what you enjoy in drinks, so I made up an urn of Rom Black tea.”

As she was preparing to bow, the Empress raised a claw and said, crest smiling but serious, “No, my good Knife Bearers. It is We of the Throne who are honored by your presence and service. We bow to YOU, not the other way about.

“This feast is indeed most welcome. You are correct. It was hungry work, getting here.”

Kin had listened with care, using her skills only to assure herself that all that was said was honest. She made up her mind. “It will be my honor to have you of the Throne observe our healing work. But first, this is our home and you are most welcome guests. Allow us to serve you, so that this good food does not go to waste.”

TO BE CONTINUED

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Tagged: FIENDSHIP IS MAGIC, Part 67 of ?, age restricted 18+, MLP Fan Fiction, Written by De Writer, WORK IN PROGRESS.

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ask-de-writer · 10 months ago

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BLUE SUN RISING, Part 2 of 3

Science Fiction

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BLUE SUN RISING, Part 2 of 3

De Writer (Glen Ten-Eyck)

4394 words

This document may not be copied or distributed on or to any medium or placed in any mass storage system except by the express written consent of the author.

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The main engineering station was crowded. Everybody was looking over K'ress' shoulder as she began to set up the weapon and shield problems. It was quickly apparent that T'cass was right. Ideas began to flow freely back and forth, theory proposed by T'lass was translated to engineering reality by the others. Along the way, notes began to appear for other applications too. Before they were done, almost every system of the D'ancer was at least noted for improvements. Even the galley's snack generator had several possible improvements laid out.

K'ress thoughtfully began to generate the necessary documentation for manuals and for T.C. files. The D'ancer's automated systems were already beginning the task of producing many of the necessary components.

The tired family retreated to the galley for snacks while the D'ancer's systems did those parts of the work that they could do. They were just starting to tuck into a late dinner when the comm system signaled. Captain T'garr looked at them out of the field.

She saluted and said, “T'garr of the M'rel warship presently known as Treh's Hunt reporting. All political officers were taken alive and have been removed to Treaty Commission custody. Only a few were wounded, none seriously. Ninety five percent of the crew have agreed to Submit voluntarily to the Warrior Clan of M'rel.

“The remaining five percent of the crew agree that their situation demands Submission to either the justice system of the Treaty Commission or to the Warrior Clan but request the time to learn more of the Warrior Clan of M'rel first. This time has been granted to them. They wish to speak with members of the Warrior Clan to clear up their difficulties of understanding so that they can make proper decisions. Is this acceptable?”

Lezon smiled, ears pointed directly forward, as she replied, “Very well done, Captain T'garr. You got more of your crew to agree than I expected. We presently need to get some rest but will be happy to speak with those who need a better understanding of this complex situation. Please let the entire crew, including the ones who have not yet made up their minds, know that we respect you all and accept the Submission of those who have offered it. Expect us to come in person to your vessel about the middle of the watch after this.”

Captain T'garr nodded briskly and replied, “It will be an honor to have you aboard. T'garr out.” The field went blank.

When the D'ancer's small crew awoke, they found several messages waiting for them. One was from T'garr, reporting on the progress of repairs to the battle damage from tangling with the D'ancer earlier. One was from the Treaty Commission formally notifying them of the time, several months away, now set to begin negotiations for the new Treaty. The official delegations for the Combined Clans and the M'cratt would be coming to the TC outpost where they already were as a formal recognition of the importance of the Warrior Clan of M'rel to the Treaty Commission. The last message was a private one from the Feront. Their drive test torpedo had been launched to meet up with the Feront City Ship that was presently guarding M'rel.

Their first priority was to see what all the D'ancer's automated systems had done. It was an impressive list. Some of the things that were done, still needed the new superconducting cable harness that the Feront was manufacturing for them. Some others were completely ready to install. After breakfast snacks, they set to work, getting all that they could do installed.

A comm chime interrupted their labor. It was the Feront, cheerfully suggesting, “Friends of the Warrior Clan of M'rel! I have finished your new superconducting harness and the new power capsule for your vessel. It is suggested that you carry out your task of accepting the Submission of the Treh's Hunt while I carry out this part of your refit.

“Until all is properly installed and tested, you may take temporary quarters aboard my City ship. This will only take about two days.”

Lezon replied, “We need to finish fastening down a few parts that we made last watch. Here, I am transmitting the details to you as part of our agreement.”

T'cass was managing the torque settings of the tools and letting the kits do the actual fastening. They were delighted by the vibration and loud chattering roars of the tools!

Over the din, the Feront replied to Lezon, “Some of the items on this list of equipment that you have made will be stored in your secure hold A. They will be crated and secured as cargo. According to Treaty Commission Charter, these upgrades to weapon and shielding systems can not be installed while you are here at the base.”

T'cass nodded, “Reasonable. We will signal T'garr to send us a lighter. That way we will be out of your scales while you work here.”

The Feront made a fake scratching like a poorly groomed Clanner with fleas. “I fear, friend T'cass, that you will be more in my scales here in my City ship. Still, you are most welcome.”

The lighter was flown by a single M'cratt. She greeted them, “I am your pilot, appointed by T'garr. I have as yet earned no Name, being known as Pilot A246J34, but offer to you my Submission to the Warrior Clan of M'rel. I will fight by your side and learn from you.” She knelt and held forth a plain, smoothly polished Warrior's Knife. It was etched with the sign of the Triple Goddess.

Lezon touched the offered knife and stepped back. T'cass was next, followed by K'ress. T'cill, K'sere and T'lass touched her blade after their Clan mothers.

Lezon smiled and stated, “We, of the Warrior Clan of M'rel, take your Submission, Pilot A246J34. As you will fight by our side and learn from us, so we shall fight by your side and teach you all that we know of Conflict.”

Settling into her piloting couch and strapping in, Pilot said, “I was raised with the V'naris and the Way. When Captain T'garr presented your reasoning in being a Warrior Clan, I was amazed. I have thought hard on it since. I find no flaw and join you gladly.

“As T'garr told you, much ill is happening in the Empire. Worse, it is stemming directly from the Imperial Triad themselves. I am pleased that you are not renouncing the Way. That knowledge made it possible for me to come to you.”

As the lighter approached the Treh's Hunt, the extent of the damage caused by the D'ancer's single, well timed and accurately aimed shot became apparent. The pilot noticed that T'lass, in particular, was doing more than simply staring. She was making both images and extensive notes covering the depth, diameter, crater shape, and the extent of the hull cracks radiating from the sites of the destroyed battery and the failed shield generator.

As they completed docking, they were greeted by T'garr and some of her ranking officers. She told them, “All of those who wish to hear more before they are ready to Submit to the Warrior Clan of M'rel are gathered in our Primary Mess and General Meeting compartment.” She smiled and indicated their pilot. “A246J34 wanted to submit directly to you. I see that she did.”

TO BE CONTINUED

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#BLUE SUN RISING #Part 2 of 3 #Science Fiction #Written by De Writer

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nevermord · 7 months ago

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Kurin really does have the skill to be one of the richest people on the world of Sea if she applied herself to it. Her crafts are all so well made that if she focused on certain things she would make a mint! Shared with the Longin, of course! XD

SEA DRAGON’S GIFT : World of Sea : Part 25

SEA DRAGON’S GIFT

De Writer (Glen Ten-Eyck)

140406 words

written 2007

Reproduction in any form, physical, electronic or digital is prohibited without the express consent of the author.

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New to the story? Read from the beginning. PART 1 is here

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Mord breathed a huge sigh of relief. Sarfin held up his hands, and the Longin’s Captain held his thanks.

“Not done yet. I know that some sailors have been telling him tales about what happened to the last two who were cast off, because he asked me if it was true that they drowned when the rafts were stored back on the bottom. I had to say yes.

“If you give the boat and all to the fleet, to give him, then when he sees where it came from, perhaps he’ll know he’s not been wholly abandoned.

“If you feel that you can’t do that because of the ‘your boats’ provision, the fleet can provide it all, but you’ll have to pay for it.”

Mord felt some measure of peace settle over him. “A good boat and all that is necessary will be delivered to the Dorton in two, or at most, three hours.”

Barad stood, delighted that, for once, all had gone as he planned. Mord pointed to him. “I cannot tell you how relieved I am to see a solution to this problem. The Grandalor stands ready to help now that I can see a way clear to do so. I will give a sun cooker and good pots to help save this young man who’s so important to you.”

Mord could only accept. It triggered a breaking wave of similar contributions. The water maker, blankets, fishing gear, including a small drag net that could be used while under way, even the provisions, and candle-lanterns with candles. All that Mord could do was accept. As Barad intended, all of the mixed gifts would serve to hide the origins of Silor’s help. The Council broke up. Relieved Captains went to their errands of mercy.

The shadows were beginning to lengthen as Silor, arms aching from being tied, watched a pile of supplies being made at the western boat landing area of the market rafts. Sailors that he recognized as being from the Dorton delivered a day-cabin fishing boat and began to load and stow the pile of things in an organized and efficient way. The little boat was being fitted for a long journey.

Captain Sarfin approached over the slightly rolling deck of the raft, and spoke to him. “Silor, lad, you ran aground so hard that you may never float on the safety of water again, but we are going to give you the chance.” Hope flared within him. I’m going to the Dorton! thought Silor as Sarfin cut his bonds with a Strong Skin tooth knife.

His hopes were dashed by the next words that he heard. Sarfin was pointing at the boat that he’d just watch get fitted out. “You’ve spoiled things here so bad that no ship will take a chance on you. The Council, however, agreed that you have done nothing to die for, unlike those two murderers before you. The Pallant fleet is about a thousand miles west. This boat and its equipment ought to get you a berth, with a clean parchment. If you are not a fool there, as you were here, you should be alright. If you are seen in these waters again, I am afraid it will not go so well for you.”

Sarfin carried Silor’s duffel, while Silor massaged the circulation back into his arms. They went to the boat. The market crowds pulled back around them, giving them space. As if I have the fire-cough, Silor thought.

Just then Kurin ran up. “Captain Sarfin, I just finished this. It is for you. I would appreciate it, if it you gave it to Silor before he goes. Thank you.” She turned on heel and ran, white hair blowing back in the wind, tears on her cheeks. She could not outrun the sorrow of losing yet another that she had known all of her young life. Even if he had not been the best friend, he had been there, a shipmate. It left a hole that hurt.

Kurin had put a knife into Sarfin’s hands, The handle, sticking up from the scabbard, was made of laminations of four different colors of nacreous shell, shaped to fit the hand perfectly and glowing with purples, reds, blues and greens in the late afternoon sun. A dot of ivory at the end of the handle showed that the tang ran the full length of the handle, making it as strong as it could be. The scabbard was of hard, pebbly, armor-scaled Wing Ray hide, finished to a high polish. When he pulled the blade out of the scabbard, it was the slightly curved, fourteen inch, naturally serrated fang of a large Wing Ray. It was the hardest, toughest material known for knives, and honed to a razor edge. It was scrimshawed with a scene of the Great Sea Dragon, Blind Mecat, helping the First Folk to build the First True Ship. On the other side was a two part scene. The first half showed Cat, in human form, preparing to dive from the Wedding Rafts, with the Dragon Moons overhead and the Great Sea Dragon, Dark Iren, waiting while his Orca Whales sported about the rafts. The second part of the scene was the same rafts and moons, but two Great Sea Dragons, the black Dark Iren, and the white Blind Mecat side by side, Orcas leaping about them.

“If you give me that,” said Silor, in a rage, “will throw it overboard! I don’t want anything that Dragon-witch has made! She’s the only reason that all this has happened to me!” His eyes were wild and there was spittle flying from his mouth as he finished. A fair sized crowd had gathered, drawn by his outburst.

Sarfin looked at him sadly. “Son, if you think that, you have run hard aground on the reef of folly and are sinking fast, but you won’t drown. Your wits are so far onto dry land that they will never see safe water again. This knife would have bought you a fleet of boats such as this, with all the gear thrown in. I’ll give it back to her. Somehow.” He heaved a sigh, and put Silor’s duffel into the boat.

As Silor got into the boat, Sarfin added, “If you really don’t want anything from Kurin then step over the side and swim. She asked Captain Mord to do something. He pulled together the Council that got you this.” He gestured at the boat.

Casting off the stern line and then the bow line, he pushed the boat free of the docking area and said, “Sail west, young man.”

One of Sarfin’s aides found him and handed him a note, explaining, “The Grandalor is going to test some new sails and rigging. They plan to sail south until moons-fall and then return. With this easterly breeze, they should have a simple reach each way. It’s just a confirmation. Captain Barad told me about it a little before this Council meeting.”

Sarfin read it, nodded, initialed it and handed it back. “File it. It’s not important. Oh, reminds me, enter this into the ledger and reserve the main square for noon, two days hence. The Grandalor’s crew wants to do something in public.” He gave his aide a small fistful of scrip.

Silor’s little boat could be seen making good time, straight west, toward the lowering sun. The sails of the Grandalor could be seen, through the multitude of masts, yards and rigging between, going away, straight south.

Chapter 8: Visits

Kurin, with the permission of Captain Mord, went to spend the night aboard the Dark Dragon. There, she got a small surprise. She found the fierce Captain Sula sitting cross-legged on a cushion in a cabin hung with tapestries and woven decorations. Like most of the crewmen and women that Kurin had seen when she came aboard, Sula was wearing a light colored hood whose eye openings seemed molded to her face, keeping them perfectly aligned. A small bump in the fabric showed Kurin that Sula’s tongue was in the corner of her mouth as she concentrated on a piece of Longin Lace, making careful notes as she tried to unravel it.

Kurin couldn’t help herself. She giggled. “You can’t do it that way. Hundreds of expert weavers have tried, and failed for something like fifteen Gatherings. Besides, that is the Iren’s Orca pattern, absolutely the nastiest one that I make.”

Sula looked up, startled, “You make this? I am the head of the Corlis fleet Weaver’s Guild, and I am amazed by it. We have nothing similar. How do you keep all of the different spacings so neatly?”

“I will show you. There are two rules. One, don’t let anyone in the Naral fleet find out how you do it and two, call what I show you, and any other patterns made by the same tools and methods, Longin Lace. Cat taught me to make it, and I don’t share it out to just anyone. In our Weaving Shop, only people who won’t marry off the Longin are taught how to make it.”

“I am honored,” said Sula, bowing her head, hands together, fingers pointing down. “Why do you chose me?”

“You are strong, in more than muscle, and not afraid to be a weaver too. You remind me of Cat. She would do any task that needed doing. Also, I want you to show me your ship, so that I can learn how it was made. I have never seen a catamaran ship before.”

“I will be delighted to show you my ship. I am proud of the Dark Dragon and would have shown you without the incentive of Longin Lace or tales of Mecat. — — So the Dragon herself showed you how to make lace?”

“That and much else. As I told you and Huld, she was my mentor for most of a Gathering.”

“So, what do we need to make this lace?” asked Sula, leaning back on a large cushion, exposing the odd scabbard on her right leg to Kurin’s view. It was still filled by the strange looking ax that Kurin had seen earlier. “I will have it brought, bought or made.”

“You will need a dozen very small netting needles, — I will show you the pattern — a cushion, firm, with a hard back on one side, longer than it is wide, a lot of bone pins, fine and polished, and writing skin —” The two women put their heads together and began to work, the sea Captain learning from the child. As they worked, Kurin told Sula of her time with Cat and what she had seen and heard. Sula listened intently.

“Sula,” asked Kurin, as they took a break to stretch fingers, stiff from the lace-work, “If you came all this way to hear these things, shouldn’t you write them down?”

“Huld does write what you say as you say it,” said Captain Sula, regarding Kurin with curiosity. “I have no need to do so. What you say is word perfect in my memory. I have never been able to forget anything that I see or hear. It is one reason why the Corlis fleet chose me to come. I will write it all down, never fear.”

Kurin nodded acceptance of Sula’s statement and asked a question that was bothering her from the time that she had seen the young sailor Lenhe respond so violently to the attempt to unmask her. “Sula, how violent are your people? You go armed everywhere and your sailors are either armed or have several empty scabbards. I saw a sailor of yours named Lenhe beat up a man far bigger than herself. He was just playing about at grabbing her mask and if she’d had her ax in the scabbard, I think that she would have killed him.”

Sula regarded Kurin carefully for a moment before replying, “I heard about that. Mistress of Armory Culark told me about it. Lenhe was fully justified in her defense against face rape but should not have gone so far out of control. She is only a tailor’s apprentice, not some skilled warrior. To any of the Winternight born, face rape is one of the few things that we will kill to prevent.

“To answer your question though, we are not a violent people. We have had to defend our host fleet in three unprovoked wars, so we do train and keep our edge. We also follow the Meditations of Dark Iren to find and hold our inner peace.”

Kurin looked up sharply at Sula and said, “You worship Dark Iren, the Dragon of Death?”

Sula made a sign in front of her face and told Kurin, “That was a smile. No, we do not worship the Dragon of Death. We follow the Meditations of the Dragon of Life. Dark Iren kills nothing but the fish that he eats. His task is to take our lives and reweave them into the web of all life on Sea. Another time I will be happy to tell you more.

“I spent the afternoon inquiring about you. You are something of a legend, yourself. You learn new things at a prodigious rate. Every Craft aboard the Longin would be willing to have you as an apprentice. Several, Clard, Master of Drums, Cirde, Master Weaver, Mistress Daeron of the Rope Walk and Juris, Master Boat-builder, have said that you are fully qualified in their Crafts.

“I wonder — Do you ever forget what you hear or see?”

TO BE CONTINUED

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BLUE SUN RISING, (Part 1 of 3)

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BLUE SUN RISING, Part 1 of 3

De Writer (Glen Ten-Eyck)

4394 words

This document may not be copied or distributed on or to any medium or placed in any mass storage system except by the express written consent of the author.

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Captain T'garr was led away the Treaty Commission. She was smiling. Not only had she Submitted to Lezon Treh K'lass, the long missing M'cratt War Leader, in doing so, she had secured the chance for safety for both herself and her crew. If she had not, both she and her crew would have to answer to the Treaty Commission for the unsuccessful attack on the D'ancer that had been ordered by Political Officer S'nake.

Data plates quietly came back into view. The Feront said, “While all of this interesting business has been going on, I have been working in my shops. Your drive test torpedo will be ready in about ten more hours. I have disguised it as a standard message torpedo which will be sent to my City in the system of M'rel.

“Its transit times and recovery should tell us all that we need to know about the safety of this drive system.”

Lezon nodded her thanks absently. She was working on a set of specifications for new superconducting cables based specifically on tachyon pairing. Pointing her ears at the plate in concentration, she added a last few micro key strokes with expert claws. Smiling, she handed the plate to the Feront with a cheerful, “This is under T.C. Security, according to the agreement just made. It might alter your plans for building the torpedo a tiny bit.”

The Feront's tail went dead straight and it crouched still, as if ready to spring. It said quietly, “Shall I make up a new superconducting harness for the D'ancer in addition to the other items agreed to?”

T'lass asked thoughtfully, “Will it work regardless of the drive system used? If so, please do.”

M'kah looked at T'lass and commented, “You haven't even seen what Lezon has just proposed. Isn't it a bit quick to make a judgment call like that?”

T'lass replied, “I trust mommy Lezon and I saw the Feront's reaction. Those two things tell me that the idea is good engineering. I will see it soon. That is part of my job. I have a few ideas along other theoretical lines that I am contemplating just now.”

C'rinn raised her eyebrows at that tidbit of news. Shortly, the T.C. Representatives left on their other official business.

As soon as they were alone, Lezon smiled down at T'lass and asked, “What was the Feront's news that might interest us?”

T'lass scuffed the deck with her foot and looked down as she said, “The Empire has closed K'lass' School of All Conflict. K'lass was exiled to F'roff, which is only fifteen C years from here. She has been restricted to teaching kits the elements of the V'naris as a system of hand to hand combat only.

“The range is short, an ideal test run for the new drives. The test run to F'roff would also give us the time and the chance to upgrade our firepower. It is possible that your teacher may be willing to begin a new School of All Conflict on M'rel. If she consents to do so, it will become an important part of our new planetary educational system.”

Lezon raised the kit's face with a hand under the chin and smiled at her. “This is indeed well thought of, T'lass. As soon as we have the test results back, we can do everything that you have suggested.” Pausing to ruffle T'lass' juvenile mane, she added, “There is a true Warrior lurking in your head.”

T'lass looked up into Lezon's eyes and smiled. She said, “Thank you, Mommy. Now, may I see that idea that you had for a paired tachyon superconductor? I have an idea or two of my own along those lines but I lack the engineering knowledge to be sure of them.”

Lezon smiled and handed the data plate to T'lass. Lezon silently signaled the others to be quiet. T'lass frowned and activated a textbook on her own data plate. She followed what she found with a claw tip, tracing something. She stared off at nothing for a few minutes and reset her plate to sketch mode and began to trace something out. Several times, she redid parts of her sketch. She changed modes again and began to type quickly with her claw tips on the micro keys.

She handed the data plate to Lezon, saying, “Our text is pretty basic about weapon layouts. If the text is right, this should work. I'm sure that it will be needing a lot more engineering to make it work properly. What do you think, Mommy Lezon?”

Lezon glanced at the plate and simply handed it directly to K'ress saying, “You are the best engineer among us. Will this thing do what I think it will?”

K'ress took out her own data plate and began typing and sketching. She looked up and stated, “If you think that it will punch right through the strongest shields in known space, you are right. Kit's right too. It will need a good bit of work to make it fire safely but the basic idea is sound.

“Shields usually distribute the incoming weapon energy across the entire surface of the shield and radiate it outward. This little monstrosity confines the hit into a circular eddy current that more than doubles the shield strength at the outside edge of eddy but reduces it to nearly nothing in the middle. Might be off by a fair bit on these preliminary figures but it looks like about seventy five to eighty percent of the tachyon beam energy should go right through that hole.

“If we can fit this to our present guns without any other increase in output energy we should be able to knock out a medium cruiser. If we actually do the full upgrade that T'lass has indicated, we should be able to take on almost any vessel except, possibly, a Feront City ship.

“My only reservation in that regard is shields. Ours will only upgrade about ten percent.”

T'cill and K'sere were squabbling in a good natured way over their data plates. K'sere was saying, “It's a good idea, T'cill, but it won't work like that! Here, see the problem? We need to do it some other way.”

T'cass gently scooped up their plates, looked at their work and commented, “You know, our other daughters aren't exactly stupid. I think that this will take care of your shield problems, K'ress.” She handed over the plates of the other two kits to K'ress, who studied them thoughtfully.

T'cass suggested, “Data plates are all well and good, but we should go the main engineering station and let K'ress set things up while we all comment. Everybody here seems to have good ideas and we are setting off chains of thought in each other as we sort them out. Let's see what we can do together.”

TO BE CONTINUED

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ask-de-writer · 10 months ago

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BLUE SUN RISING, Part 3 of 3

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BLUE SUN RISING, Part 3 of 3

De Writer (Glen Ten-Eyck)

4394 words

This document may not be copied or distributed on or to any medium or placed in any mass storage system except by the express written consent of the author.

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They were led through the many corridors of the Treh's Hunt to a large room, about three fourths filled with Warriors from the ship. Several had assorted injuries that had been tended to but were still under bandages.

T'garr started the meeting.

“Good Warriors, I have before you the Warrior Clan of M'rel. They have come to answer your questions about their unique fusion of our Warrior's Way and the Clans. Ask what you will and they will answer what they can of your doubts.

“Understand this also. You have few choices for the path forward. You may join the rest of the crew and I in accepting the way of the Warrior Clan which will also shield you from the Treaty Commission's justice system. You may also reject this choice and go to the Treaty Commission, accepting their ruling about your part in the recent criminal actions initiated by Political Officer S'nake.

“The Warrior Clan has, in its first triad, TWO of the highest accolade graduates of K’lass’s School of All Conflict, Lezon Treh K'lass, and the only Claner trained by that famous school, T'cass. It was T'cass who led the Clans to their winning the last war. By this, you may know that there is no misunderstanding of the Warrior's Way involved.”

One of the audience pointed out, “Then what about those three attacks on inhabited worlds after M'onafar?”

T'cass nodded, “Those did happen. When the Strategy Board would not listen to reason and went ahead with those plans, I contacted the Treaty Commission with the knowledge and resigned. That is how the Treaty Commission was able to stop those attacks while the fleets sent to carry them out were still enroute. The losses suffered by the Clans in those engagements led to the final peace negotiations and to the massive economic depression in Clan space that followed. I managed the conflict as well as I could and keep the Way. I had no part in attacking civil populations and did what was possible to defend them.”

The one who had asked replied, “I see. Who you were and your part in the last war, we were told. That it was you who saved our worlds we were not told. That was the core of my reservations. How did our War Leader from that conflict come to be by your side now?”

Lezon stepped forward and answered, “That question needs a little ground work laid.

“At K'stall, I and T'cass fought. Neither of us could get a clear advantage but she ran out of weapon energy and her missiles were already gone. She rolled her craft to a Submission and offered her Knife. I refused it, and gave her the Obligation of Conflict instead. I escorted her back to safety.

“I think that the problems that are now plaguing the Empire were already beginning. After K'stall I sent home Captain D'saric in disgrace for killing the helpless prisioners on the old interstellar signal laser. Her blatant failure to follow the Way cost us priceless intelligence. The Imperial Triad had no choice but to execute her. She was a close friend to S'tabbin of the Imperial Triad, who personally gave her command of her vessel.

At M'onafar, my wing was in the second wave. After the sun dive we launched. Well away from the Hand of Claws, I was hit from behind by a low power disruptor shot. I had only one superconducting cable left. It was from the capsule to the disruptors. I tried to repair the damage but the cable was just too short to reach the inertial drive. I tried to bridge the last few centimeters with some copper. The drive failed explosively, nearly killing me.

“T'cas found me unconscious in the wreck of my talon during the after battle salvage and recoginzed my ship. She concealed the evidence of the assassination attempt and paid for my regeneration. When I recovered enough, she took my Submission rather than making me a slave, no matter what the Clan law said.”

The whole room paused to think through all that they were learning. One nodded quietly and pointed out, “All of Lezon's wing were Warriors. The order to assassinate her could not have originated in the fleet. They would have refused it for sure. It had to be an Imperial order, relayed through M'ace. I wonder what they used to get her to comply with it?”

Lezon replied sadly, “We will never know, now. She was killed when we destroyed the Hand of Claws.”

The one that had been speaking to them now turned to the others in the room. “My doubts are at rest. We were all agreed that the explanation of how a Warrior Clan could be was good. Our doubts lay in issues of history. Do any of the rest of you have further questions?”

There was a quiet rumble of negatives. One whimsically asked, “Even the Warrior Clan's kits have Names. How are Names earned in the Warrior Clans?”

K'sere answered, “One name is given to each member of a Clan. It makes interpersonal relations easier. That is long standing Clan custom. Other Names will need to be earned through merit, by Warrior custom.”

T'cass added, “When you form triads, you will register them with Captain T'garr. You will be allowed to choose your Clan names at that time. As an example, we are the Warrior Clan of M'rel. I am T'cass,” putting a hand on K'ress' shoulder she went on, “She is K'ress. Lezon Treh K'lass is fully Named. Our kits are T'cill, K'sere, and T'lass. Yes, she is T'lass of the Question.”

Heads all over the room regarded the kit and nodded slowly. Almost as one, they knelt and offered their knives, backs to the assembled Warrior Clan. The one leading them said humbly, “We Submit to the Warrior Clan of M'rell. We will learn from you and fight by your side.”

Lezon touched the back of the knife of the group's leader and replied, “We, the Warrior Clan of M'rel, accept your Submission. We will teach you all that we may of Conflict. We will fight by your side. Warriors, we welcome you.”

One of the bandaged crew raised a hand for recognition. “My question has nothing to do with our Submission. I was well away from the battery that you destroyed and was still injured some by the blast. How did you manage that with only a trivial 70 megatons?”

To the surprise of the crew in the compartment, it was T'lass who answered, “It is not appropriate to fully answer that here at the Treaty Commission base. With that knowledge, you could greatly increase your battle readiness in violation of the T.C. Charter. You will be fully apprised of that and other major upgrades to your vessel when you are in Warrior Clan Space.”

T'garr added, “Things that T'lass has thought of, the Question and the damage that we suffered while they were trying to NOT destroy us are why they have made her their Minister of Technology and War. Trust me, she thinks far deeper than the average kit. It was explained to me by the Treaty Commission that their weaponry was legal because it was NOT covered by the Treaty.”

Heads nodded thoughfully all about the room. One observed, “I think that it is going to be fun to learn from and fight by the side of the Warrior Clan.”

All the others of the Warrior Clan followed Lezon's lead in raising their claws in salute to their new followers. As they were returning to their shuttle, Lezon quietly informed Captain T'garr, “Any orders that you may have had from the Empire are now voided. As soon as your ship is able to safely travel, you are dispatched to the system of M'rel. There, the Feront City ship watching our system for us will begin your upgrades. During a good part of that, which involves better power capsules, drives, and a unique superconducting harness that will replace much of your present power distribution system, your ship will be unable to fight. You will be given the specifications for the new shielding and weapons which you will have to manufacture and install on your own. The Feront, being a part of the Treaty Commission, cannot do those things.”

Captain T'garr nodded. “What of planetside leave? I understand that the world is safe.”

It was T'lass who responded, “With the understanding that simply because we cannot get any of the local diseases, there may be many other dangers present, provisionally, yes. Select a substantial island, isolated from any larger land masses for now. We are not planning any mining or other resource exploitation of M'rel except for what the Feront may be doing in the polar regions. The Feront has now mapped the world and can offer you appropriate guidance on a good location.”

T'garr smiled as she added, “Now, being released by the Treaty Commission is our only problem. We have done sufficient repairs to be travel worthy.”

T'cass put away her comm unit. “I have just notified the TC that we have dispatched you to M'rell. They are preparing your clearance now. You should receive it within the hour.”

As they were taking places aboard the shuttle, their pilot smiled as she told them, “We have all heard about your naming rules! When next we meet, I will have my Warrior Clan Name! I hope that you can understand how much that means to us all! Your meeting was broadcast throughout the ship so that we could all see and hear what our new Government had to say.

“You have made us happy with our decision to join you. Many of us, myself included, could see the value of your new Way and were unhappy with what is happening in the Empire. That did not make us happy to leave the Empire that we have served all of our lives. Now we have been allowed to submit to a better Way. We will learn from you. We will fight by your side!”

The return flight to the Feront City ship was purely routine.

T'lass did make a call to Captain T'garr. “Captain, when you have your ship refitted according to our specifications, you will need to re name her as the first ship of M'rel's navy. Your new ship's name will be Blue Sun Rising.

“As soon as the Blue Sun Rising is battle ready, register her with the Treaty Commission as a M'rel Medium Cruiser. We have heavier ships planned. Besides giving your crew land leave, we hope that you and the Feront can begin to set up ship building facilities on one of the resource rich moons of the other planets.

“Of course the military side of such a ship yard will have to be fully separate from what the Feront can do. While the City Ship is of the Treaty Commission, and bound by its Charter, the whole rest of the system of M'rel is not.”

T'garr grinned and her ears took a jaunty angle as she replied, “Understood, Minister of War, T'lass. This should be a fascinating posting. At least, it won't just be dull sentry duty. I will see to it that we carry out these orders to the best of our ability. We do have a very good engineering and damage control staff that will appreciate the challenge.”

T'lass's tail twitched as if she was stalking prey as she replied, “I did study your crew roster before making that assignment. Of more importance, we are transmitting to you the general specifications of the ships that the yard should be prepared to produce.” She raised her student's knife, back to T'garr, and added, “A Good Hunt to you!”

T'garr repeated the gesture, ears forward and smiling as she responded, “Your Conflicts here will also be fascinating, a Good Hunt to you as well.”

TO BE CONTINUED

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SULA’S SONG : Part 70 : A WATCHER BLINDED : A World of Sea tale (Work In Progress)

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SULA’S SONG : A WATCHER BLINDED

Part 70

De Writer (Glen Ten-Eyck)

158672 words presently written, WORK IN PROGRESS

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Users of Tumblr.com are specifically granted the following rights. They may reblog the story. They may use the characters or original characters in my settings for fan fiction, fan art works, cosplay, or fan musical compositions. I will allow those who do commission art works to charge for their images.

All sorts of Fan Activity, fiction, art, cosplay, music or anything else is ACTIVELY encouraged!

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NEW TO SULA’S SONG? READ FROM THE BEGINNING.

PART 1 is HERE

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Captains Allison, Aril, Mogar and Hulden, along with their Battle Commandings, Danar and Daron were all studying the situation surrounding the construction raft.

It was Sarina, the Carlyle's Battle Commanding who pointed out, “We need to have a special sweep around the raft, Danar. Be as far out as you can and still see the target. If the Borens have another spy ship watching this raft, like the Petral was for the fleet, we need to either sink it or capture it.”

Around the table, heads were nodding agreement. “No sense in letting Karl know that we have his raft any sooner than absolutely necessary.”

Aril smiled grimly, “And when he does find out, we can make it as confusing for him as possible. Remember, we are still not actually part of the Corlis fleet at the present. Let's fly those Winternight fleet black banners.”

The others all looked at each other and nodded slowly, “Why not? A great notion, Aril.”

Captain Sile was striding the poop deck of Karl's Eye. In this choppy sea it was easier to move about a bit than it was to simply stand. His high lookout, in his bosun's chair on the tall whipstaff attached to the main mast, sent down a tallow-slate note. The loop of line bearing it also carried a fresh slate up to him.

The watch runner brought the slate with its puzzling message, “Small vessel approaching swiftly from east north east.”

Captain Sile shook his head at that. A small vessel coming swiftly from open sea and not the building raft that they were there to watch? It made little sense at all. Soon the regular lookouts had it, only thirty kilometers away. It had a bizarre sail plan, apparently, but high lookout was right! It was closing fast!

It made less sense the closer the strange craft got. Besides bearing crazy sails in masts like none seen before, it was flying a fleet banner that was simply a black flag with a line of white characters near the uphaul.

As it slashed its way into hailing drum range it arrogantly pounded out, “In the name of the Great Sea Dragons, surrender and return to Great Laws or be destroyed!”

Captain Sile snapped, “Catapults! Fire at that insolent boat!”

Aboard the Corlis Avenger, Danar watched the lances launched from Karl's Eye arch up high, for maximum range and splash harmlessly far short of them. To Behar, standing beside the drum, he called, “We have our answer! Load a rigging destroyer!”

Jims and Mahad leaped to load the proper round onto the loading ramp and slide it into place in the big already tensioned catapult! Danar swept the Corlis Avenger about to aim at Karl's Eye's broad side. She had been using only a pair of jibs and the mizzen gaff sail to basically hold her position relative to the raft that she had been watching.

As Cora and Kanahar gave Danar the range mark, he watched the aiming beads carefully. This choppy water was lifting the bow higher than usual, giving him a chance at a high rigging shot! His mallet slammed the release! While recoil drove both catapult and ship back at once, the rigging destroyer roared across the space between vessels, spinning madly!

It sailed high, almost to the mast tops, its wildly spinning heavy weights on their cables snagging and ripping away ordinary rigging and catching the vital mainbrace between the foremast and main, snapping it like a thread! Without its support, the force of the wind in the jibs began to bow the foremast toward the bow! With a slow crunching and snapping the mast crashed down alongside the bowsprit, crushing the forward catapult under it!

The crews of two of the remaining catapults were frantically sawing at the ghastly tangle of ropes and fallen ratlines to free their weapons!

Captain Sile watched the disaster happening up forward in disbelief! His mainyard and its big sail had broken under the force of the remaining rigging between it and the falling foremast! His catapulters were trying, but that deadly menace was staying far out of range!

Aboard the Corlis Avenger, the crew took a moment to cheer while Danar was working to bring them to a dead on stern shot. Jims and Mahad were heaving on their long winding levers to winch the catapult back to its lock. Danar gave them a thumbs up and called, “Hull breacher!”

As they wrestled the heavy round onto the loading ramp and pushed it into place, Mahad commented casually, “We sort of thought that you would want this. Rudder shot again, like the Petral?”

Danar nodded briefly, his eye glued to the sighting plate and aiming beads. Cora and Kanahar gave him his range mark. As the bobbing of the Avenger brought the right bead onto the target, his mallet slammed down!

The impact of the massive hull breacher hurled Captain Sile from his feet! As he hit the deck he heard the creaking and smashing of Strong Skin inside his ship as it failed! He was trying to get to his feet as the mizzen mast, broken below-decks, came crashing down, smashing him to the deck! The last thing that he heard, his ear to the deck, was the sound of a torrent of water rushing into his now sinking ship.

The Avenger waited nearby until the Karl's Eye plunged into the depths. They found nine survivors in the debris field of the wreck. As they had done before, the survivors were bound and placed under a net.

The Avenger finished her sweep and rejoined the attack group closing in on the unsuspecting building raft.

TO BE CONTINUED

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#SULA'S SONG #Part 70 #World of Sea #Written by De Writer #WORK IN PROGRESS.

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nevermord · 7 months ago

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Kurin showing her wisdom yet again. Since the knowledge of their mapping of the sea floor is out there anyway, why not sell training in the skill? I imagine there will still be a fair few students who don't get it, much to the grumbling chagrin of their captains, but as long as some of them gain the skill then none can complain or say that they've been cheated!

SEA DRAGON’S GIFT : World of Sea : Part 31

SEA DRAGON’S GIFT

De Writer (Glen Ten-Eyck)

140406 words

written 2007

Reproduction in any form, physical, electronic or digital is prohibited without the express consent of the author.

//////////////

///////////////////////

New to the story? Read from the beginning. PART 1 is here

///////////////////////

Chapter 10: Damage Control

Kurin was unpacking some more toys when Sula and Huld strolled up. They were examining the big model of the Longin at the back of the booth. “Impressive that is, very,” said Huld. Measures yesterday I took, check your model may I?”

“Sure,” said Kurin, moving it carefully to the counter.

Huld took out a boat-builder’s story stick and began transferring measurements with a pair of scaling calipers. When he was done, he looked pleased. “Exact the model is. No flaw can I find. The rigging properly done is. The Longin’s sails up I have not seen. Wager I will right they are, as well.”

“They are,” said Kurin confidently. “Are you interested in buying it? Everything in the booth is for sale.”

That brought smiles. “You’re in the booth, too,” Sula pointed out with a grin. “If it weren’t for that teensy little technicality known as the First Great Law, I’d make an offer. Too bad I can’t.”

Keep reading

#SEA DRAGON'S GIFT #World of Sea #Written by De Writer (Glen Ten-Eyck)#Part 31

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ask-de-writer · 1 year ago

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FIENDSHIP IS MAGIC

(Part 62 of ?)

18+ readers only (sex scenes)

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FIENDSHIP IS MAGIC

Making Fiends and Influencing Ponies

An Anthro *Tail* of the Mane Six

Part 62 of ? (Work in Progress)

De Writer

67461 words (story in progress)

//////////////

This story is age restricted to 18+

years or older!

All sorts of fan art, cosplay, music or fiction is actively encouraged.

///////////////////////

New to the story? Read from the start HERE

//////////////////////

The next morning found a huge flurry of activity in the Palace of Friendship! The stage doors were open and the several hundred mares going in were a parade of pony pulchritude!

Red was giggling to a friend, “I always dreamed of opening in the Palace, but somehow I never even guessed that I would be doing strips on the main stage!”

“I know what you mean, Red! I lucked out and got in on the side stages Saddle Arabian strips! Kin is going to be giving me the intro this morning!”

“I got mine last night! It is absolutely amazing! When she is done you don't feel any different at all, until the music starts! It's sort of like remembering but you are remembering something that you never knew before! After that, it is just the most natural thing in the world!”

Another one was shaking her head in wonder, “When Ohula and I suggested this thing to Pinkie, we never dreamed that she would pull together something like this! We had in mind maybe the dancers from two or three clubs getting together for a big several hour strip show for the benefit. Now, WOW! And all five club owners are behind this a hundred percent!”

With every mare inside and the doors shut, Pinkie got up on stage and announced, “OK, my mares! This show will open the day after tomorrow! Foamy and Clarice have been teaching you all your parts! Now we get to see and be a part of the first full undress rehearsal!

“We don't really know how long we will be running. We have permission to keep the show going until we stop getting paying customers. Frankly, I hope that it is a LONG run!

“The Gryphon Empire have been our allies in FIVE wars! When we have had disasters, like the Southern Bay Hurricane, they were flying in aid as fast as we were. They have been that rare thing among nations, real, solid friends, always there when we needed them. We have helped them a time or two in the past as well.

“Now, they really need us to be there for them! This earthquake was not some minor temblor. They only have two working Aeries of Healing left and both of them are damaged. We opened an emergency trauma hospital for them, as you have surely heard. It is far worse than just that.

“The Gryphons liked to build on hill and mountain sides. They lost almost seventy percent of their aerie homes and lots of their farms even.

“They need every copper bit that we can raise to help them rebuild.”

She stopped to sniffle, “They have not found any more survivors since three days ago and have stopped searching for them.

“Kin, Rarity, would you come up here please? So that these great dancers can see the amazing mares who have done so much!”

Kin came up to the stage and stood beside Pinkie. Rarity joined her.

Pinkie told the crowd, “Rarity and Kin have done the costumes for this event! They refused to charge a single copper bit for any of their work or materials, and some of the cloths used were not cheap!

“Besides this, Kin is the one who has been doing surgeries on injured Gryphons alongside our wonderful Princess Luna! Between them, they have done over a hundred patients so far. This afternoon, the trains will be bringing us the last three hundred and forty six earthquake victims. Kin is gonna be a busy pony.

“But not before she takes all of those who are going to be doing the side stage Saddle Arabian dance strips and sorta builds that into you.

“I've said enough, I hope. Saddle Arabian learners go over to the right side stage so that Kin can do her thing for you!

“Let's get this party hoppin'!”

Among those joining Kin at the right side stage, were AJ, Rarity, and the DJ, Vinyl Scratch. Vinyl explained, “Kin and I spent part of this morning digging up good music for you guys! Adding to the fun, our Princess Twilight has put a sound containing spell around the audience area of each side stage. The main stage gets a totally different sound and I get to manage BOTH at once!”

That drew giggles from everypony there!

Rarity explained, “Minty and I will be sewing up these new Saddle Arabian dance outfits as soon as we get free here. We will have the lot of them ready by this afternoon, in time for the second rehearsal.”

One of the mares awaiting her turn to get the Saddle Arabian dance “treatment” pointed out into the shadows of the back audience area. “Um, don't want to stir things up, but somepony is out there in the shadows, watching.”

Kin looked up, “Oh, we know. Don't mind them, it is just Princess Twilight, Princess Luna, Princess Celestia and the Gryphon Ambassador. They want to watch the dress rehearsals. That's all.”

Out at the main stage, Foamy and Clarice were explaining, “The dances will be just like our practices, for this first run, the back curtain is open so that we can see if the stage hands are having any problems with the sets. We start with closed front curtain, our lead dancer comes through to begin the piece, curtain opens and the chorus dancers begin, following the lead!”

Pointing to Vinyl, they exclaimed, “Intro first, and follow with Hall of the Shetland King! Hit it, Vinyl!”

The music began and the lead dancer came through the curtain, into the spotlight to begin. She danced for only a few moments before the curtain lifted to reveal five other dancers following her movements. Shortly she peeled away part of her top. The others followed. The strip was going in a fairly “normal” way. Top, then skirt fronts, so that what was left became a train, showcasing their tails!

The costumes had deeply cut bare backs and now were low cut in front to showcase the dancer's fine boobs! After several slow coordinated turns to show low cut bare backs and equally low cut bare fronts, they had formed a V shape when the lead dancer's wings seemed to appear from nowhere! The two dancers directly back of her turned one left and one right, wings seeming to simply appear as they turned! The back row of three turned and revealed wings as well!

The set had been moved in without seeming problems while the intro dance was happening. The dancers separated into two rows, framing the set. Their wings facing the audience, were lifted high, the far wings pointing towards the set as the music transitioned to the classic Hall of the Shetland King!

TO BE CONTINUED

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#FIENDSHIP IS MAGIC #Part 62 of ?#age restricted 18+#MLP Fan Fiction #Written by De Writer #WORK IN PROGRESS

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THE FISHERMAN'S LEG (Part 14 of 20)

A sequel to Dee 1/2 Demon

De Writer (Glen Ten-Eyck)

18187 words (work in progress)

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Their first frantic searching got the attention of Constable Canra. He notified Magistrate Lim who came in person to the waterfront and calmly organized the search for Ichuru.

“About the stolen boat, we have the fishermen from all the present boats and the Sea Lion's crew. I need the Cormorant to search the coast toward Wan Wei and let the first several villages of Wan Wei Provence know of the theft. The Hawk of the Sea must search up the Sabo coast to let villages that way know of the stolen boat.

“The fishermen from the sunken Chrysanthemum of the Sea cannot be found and may have something to do with the crime.”

A panting runner was escorted to the Magistrate. “Magistrate Lim san! The criminal Minami has escaped from the road gang where he was working off his sentence! As fast as we found it out, I was sent to let you know!”

“I see, good runner. Is it known when he got away?”

“Not for sure, Magistrate. Some time last night is all that we are sure of.”

“I believe that we have what is needed to know. The stolen boat, the Sea Lion, belonged to him but is held by his crew against debits that he owes. The missing child, Ichuru san, is his son. Until we know otherwise, we must assume that he abducted the child and stole the boat both of which he complained were his. The missing fishermen may have been a part of this crime.”

There being no other thing that they could do, the search now being in other hands, Tanira, Minara and Takahara opened the Fish Market. Many came to them but mostly to express their good wishes for Ichuru's safe return.

Shaking her head, the long pins in her bun making arcs as she spoke, Magistrat Lim's cook offered, “We can hope for your son's safe return, Tanira san. I mean, it appears that it was his father who took the child. Surely he would not attempt to harm his own son?”

“I do hope so, widow Horichi san. I fear that may not be the case. Minami has been mad since he came back from the War to Unify Corutsu. These last four or five moons, he has been getting worse. He now sees every misfortune that he has as part of some vast plot by Dee and her fellow owners in the Shop of Repairs.”

Shaking her head sadly as she wrapped the cook's order, she added with a slight chuckle, though there was a catch in her voice, “I have truly seen him drop a fish and blame them! Nothing is ever his fault, even when there is no other but himself to blame.”

Minara took the widow's cash of copper and looked about, tears at the corners of her eyes. Speaking softly, she said simply, “I miss little brother.”

Horichi san asked sympathetically, “Little brother? Are you not an Emancipated minor?”

Indicating Takahara as well as herself, Minara replied, “Miko san has looked into the matter. Even though Emancipated, we can still be adopted by Tanira san. We want to be part of her family.”

Eyes slitted in anger, the large cleaver in Takahara's hand took the head off of a large red snapper in a single powerful but precisely controlled stroke! She growled, “If any harm MY little brother, they had better pray to the Perfected Ones that the Constables find them first!”

She added the head to the tasty fish soup that was simmering for the luncheon crowd. The rice was already done and awaiting hungry customers.

Shortly before noon word came up from the docks! “The Sea Lion is returning! They are rowing hard into the wind! They will be docking in perhaps a half hour or a bit more!”

As Tanira and the girls put out fires and rushed to the dock, they found Magistrate Lim and no less than six of his constables barring the way!

Bowing politely to Tanira, he stated, “Whatever the reason, they are returning voluntarily. While it is certain that crimes are involved we must wait to see what has and is transpiring.”

Bowing in return, she responded, “As always, Magistrate Lim san, you are an unfailing guide to both law and compassion where it is possible. Takahara san, Minara san and myself will be guided by your wisdom.”

Takahara shaded her eyes and her lip corner lifted in a snarl. “They may thank the Perfected Ones that you are here, Magistrate Lim san. I do not see Ichuru in the Sea Lion.”

The Magistrate bowed to her and agreed, “I also do not see him. However, they are returning voluntarily. We shall first find out what has happened, then we shall do whatever is needful under the laws.”

Takahara took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Bowing in return, she said softly, “It shall be so. I thank you for your guidance, Magistrate Lim san. However, if harm or worse has befallen the one who is as a brother to me, I shall be following close in the hope that any of them try to escape you.”

He chuckled as he replied with a conversational head bob, “Spoken like a true Second Dan Brown Belt! If they have any wisdom at all, they will not try to flee my arrest but if they do . . . Your assistance will be appreciated.”

The Sea Lion was met by two constables, who saw to securing it to the dock. One pointed into the boat and slung his naginata over his shoulder by it's sling.

In the boat, Minami lifted the limp form of Ichuru to the constable. He bailed out onto the dock and took the body in his arms, yelling, “Murder! That vile ONI and her evil witches have murdered my son!”

At the Magistrate's nodd of permission, Tanira, grim of face, stepped forward and simply laid two fingers to the boy's neck! She looked at his soaked clothing and turned to the Magistrate! “I need a constable quickly to gain evidence!”

He nodded permission and one followed her directly to the docked boat! Without entering the boat she pointed and asked, “Constable san, do you see the place where my son was laying in the boat? Is it still wet?”

“It is, Tanira san.”

She pointed to a pair of the men in the boat. “Are they soaked too?”

“They are, Tanira san.”

“Look closely, Constable san. Do you see my son's toy boat that he took with him?”

He shaded his eyes and gazed piercingly about the Sea Lion. “I do not, Tanira san.”

She pointed, “Those are my son's floats that he wore. Are they folded neatly and are they dry?”

“They do seem dry and they are folded neatly. I need to enter the boat to get them in order to see if they are dry.”

The boat rocked some as he stepped in and lifted up the floats. “There is no dampness to the floats or where they lay. They have not been in the water today.”

“I thank you, Constable san. Bring the floats and report all that we have found to the Magistrate, please.”

Easily seeing where this was all leading, Minami tried to loudly override the Constable's report, “You do not understand! He was murdered by that monster and her witches! They will have to bring him back to life! They have done enough of murder! Hundreds have died at that creature's claws!”

To be Continued

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#THE FISHERMAN'S LEG #Part 14 of ?#Classical Fantasy #sequel to DEE 1/2 DEMON #WORK IN PROGRESS #Written by De Writer

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Return to the Master Story Index

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THE FISHERMAN'S LEG (Part 12 of 20)

A sequel to Dee 1/2 Demon

De Writer (Glen Ten-Eyck)

13269 words (work in progress)

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Things went quietly and happily for the next few days. Besides fish sales, the whole Fish Market gang, Minara, Takahara, Tanira, and Ichuru, would take out one of the Shop of Repairs' larger boats to fish for crabs and sand sharks. Besides those, they often took snappers, flounders, sea bass and rock cod to liven their sales displays.

At their now almost “traditional” dinners with the Shop of Repairs gang, which included all of those working for the Shop of Repairs, the Chiasu Estate, and Sabo's Better Fish Market, Miko suggested, “Tanira san, Minara has told me that since Magistrate Lim separated your debits and Minami's you are no longer in debit. Rather, you have caught up those that are properly yours and are making cash beyond what you owe.”

Tanira, a little worried at where Miko was going with this, nodded a bow and replied, “That is so, Miko san. Why have you brought this up?”

Dee, at the long table's head answered, “Minara san and Takahara san have asked us if they can be released to work for you, that is why!” Pulling a comic frown, she went on, “They like you better than us!”

Smiling now, Tanira bowed deeply to both girls and replied, “I shall be most happy to have them, but on two conditions. First, my house is so empty without Minami's boasting and bluster, that I wish them to live there with me, as a family with Ichuru san. It will be good to have friends and peace in the house for a change.

“Secondly, they must be willing to accept at least five more of copper cash daily, making a full ten. It has been wonderful to have them but their help is worth far more than I have been able to pay before this.”

Ichuru, eyes alight, clapped his hands and exclaimed, “That is wonderful, Mother san! They are as sisters to me already!”

Tanira smiled happily and hugged her son as she said fondly, “Ichuru san, they have not yet accepted my conditions.”

Takahara simply whooped and pounded Minara on the back! “She does want us! Yes, Tanira sanma! When we asked, we were afraid that you might not want us underfoot all the time!”

Tanira nodded a deep bow to them both. “You are indeed most welcome to work with me and share my home.”

Turning to the head of the table again, she asked, “Dee san, how will this affect our agreements, which are only oral and made in conversation? Especially about ice? But other things too, like using your boats to fish for crabs?”

Dee nodded thoughtfully, “Tanira san, I can see no reason to make any changes to our present practices, including having you all here for dinner.”

Patsu took up, “Got an offer for you. I will soon have three new girls that I need to train. Would you accept as a training project a boat of twelve paces length? It will be equipped with fan like lateen sails, like some of our larger boats and set up for sail, oars, and to fish how you would like.”

Instead of temporizing, because she well knew her hosts, she bowed deeply and inquired, “Could it be set up for trolling but have space to install nets later if it seems wise?”

Patsu simply nodded a bit of a bow as she replied, “I will see to it.”

Ichuru, forgetting his manners in his excitement, waived his arms and called, “Can I help to make it, Patsu?”

Tanira corralled her offspring and remonstrated gently, “She can answer you, Ichuru san, as soon as you ask politely.”

Abashed, but still eager, he bowed deeply and offered, “Patsu san, apologies for my unruly eagerness. May I please be allowed to assist in the making of mother Tanira san's fishing boat?”

Patsu returned his bow and replied, “When your other work, which includes some lessons in reading, writing and figuring, is done, you may help us to build that boat.”

One of the young ladies bowed to him and asked, “Do you still have that toy boat that I gave to you?”

“I love it, Ontara san! I keep it and my floats at the Fish Market. Mother, um, Tanira san lets me take it down to the shingle beach to play with it, as long as I wear my floats and Takahara san is there too, in case I fall into the water. She can swim really well.”

Looking about, he felt secure enough in this company to confess, “Sometimes I fall in on purpose so that Takahara san will pull me back to shore.”

A giggling Takahara grinned, “I can always tell when he's going to do it, too! He pushes the boat over to the shore, so that the wind can't take it away. As soon as he does, I get ready!”

The whole table, including his mother, had a good laugh at the whole idea.

After the friendly and actually productive meal, Takahara and Minara happily called, “Wait for us, Tanira san! We don't have a lot to pack!”

When they came down with their first arm loads, Patsu had an odd looking cart waiting for them. Seeing both Tanira and Ichuru's interest, she explained, “We use this cart to bring our boats up to the boat house when we are done for the day. Its shape has room for a keel under the boats with sails. Beats dragging them up that boat ramp.”

Tanira tilted her head quizzically as she asked, “You bring them up each night? Why? Other fishers only bring their boats out once a week or so.”

Patsu jerked a rude thumb at the door and the street beyond as she spat, “Minami. If we leave them out, he will try to ruin them somehow. It has happened three times already.”

Nodding slowly, Tanira nearly whispered, “I can see how that might be, Patsu san.”

The cart loaded, they pulled it out of the Chiasu Warehouse.

Minami was waiting, but across the street from them as required by Magistrate Lim's order, and the Constable who stood patiently beside him. He sneered loudly, gloatingly, “So, thrown out by the Demon spawn for helping another? Where will you go now, worthless ones? Nobody wants orphans like you!”

To everyone's surprise, it was Ichuru who snapped back, “Silence, Foul One! They are coming home to be my sisters! You are not a father to me! I turn my back to you!”

The enraged Minami started to charge across the street to strike the boy! Takahara dropped the pull bar of the cart and slid into a dangerous karate combat stance. Unneeded this time! A fast swipe with the handle end of the constable's ceremonial but very functional naginata had him down face first in a tangle of tripped legs! Before could catch his breath, his arms were bound behind his back!

As he was being led away, they all overheard, “Didn't you hear what my insolent son called me?”

“I did. I also heard your provocation. Why do you always assume the worst of others without the bother of asking what is happening?”

The next morning was a happy one in Tanira's suddenly busy household! The girls had taken Ichuru out to clean, weed and harvest the fairly extensive but much neglected kitchen garden!

To be Continued

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#THE FISHERMAN'S LEG #Part 12 of ?#Classical Fantasy #sequel to DEE 1/2 DEMON #WORK IN PROGRESS #Written by De Writer

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nevermord · 7 months ago

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The raw strength and fighting skill of these captains is impressive and terrifying. It makes you wonder how hard life on their ships must truly be.

SEA DRAGON’S GIFT : World of Sea : Part 23

SEA DRAGON’S GIFT

De Writer (Glen Ten-Eyck)

140406 words

written 2007

Reproduction in any form, physical, electronic or digital is prohibited without the express consent of the author.

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///////////////////////

New to the story? Read from the beginning. PART 1 is here

///////////////////////

Chapter 6: A Problem of Ship’s Business

Kurin sat in the shade of her small toy booth, as she had for every Gathering market since Cat had gone back to the sea with her mate, Dark Iren. The wind fluttered the dagged edge of her awning, making the embroidered birds and fish seem to fly and swim. In front of her were toy fishing boats and small sailing boats that would actually work. There were also soft flexible Strong Skin fish and Glue Fish, Wing Rays, lobsters and crabs. All the creatures were fashioned out of a modified form of glue and the Strong Skin scraping dust left over from boat building. Behind her, on prominent display, was a large model of the Longin under full sail, with all sails and rigging neatly done. As usual, there was a knot of children and a few adults in front of her booth, and trade was brisk.

Quietly, the crowd parted. Approaching her booth were the woman and man that she had seen come from the Dark Dragon and the Soaring Bird. They stopped in front of her booth and seated themselves cross-legged, regarding her curiously. The woman’s big scabbards were no longer empty. The odd looking one on her right leg held an ax like none that Kurin had ever seen before.

“Are you not Kurin Behar Longin of the Naral fleet?” asked the Captain of the Dark Dragon, tilting her red-brown head curiously. Her lively green eyes had taken in the toys on the board and she was studying them intently.

“I am. May I get you something?” asked Kurin. “I can send for food and water, if you wish it.”

The two Captains regarded each other a moment. “That would be appreciated. It is well past noon, and we have not yet had a chance to get food. You are most courteous.” The woman gestured towards herself, “Allow me to introduce us. I am Captain Sula Corin Dark Dragon of Winternight, guest of the Corlis fleet and this is the Honored Captain Huld Barsan Soaring Bird of the Barant fleet. We have come from the other side of the world to get news of a ship and crew favored by the presence of a Great Sea Dragon. Every one that we speak to, says this or that and then adds speak to Kurin. She knew the Dragon best. So, we have come to speak to you.”

Just then, a large red haired man jostled Captain Sula aside and started to point at one of Kurin’s toys with a long knife with large jagged teeth down the cutting edge. Kurin knew the style of weapon and thought little of it. A show-off’s toy, prone to breakage. “Give me that one,” he demanded. “I know someone who wants it.”

“Mister Kotance,” she said sharply, “I would like you to meet Captain Sula Corin Dark Dragon.” Meanwhile, Sula and Huld had risen to their feet.

Kotance turned to Captain Huld and said, “Sir, my apologies for bumping into your wife.”

Sula took Kotance’s knife hand, the front of his shirt and stamped across his instep as she pulled the startled Kotance from his feet. As he hit the raft face first, she wrapped his knife hand around behind him and pushed up, her knee in the middle of his back. She wasn’t even breathing hard as she said, “I am Captain Sula. Drop the knife or I break your arm.”

Kotance made an abortive attempt to break free of her hold then dropped the knife as Sula began to press his arm against the joint. She immediately released him and stepped back, ready.

Sula smiled the coldest smile that Kurin had ever seen as she said, “You have interrupted the business of Captains. Please put away your toy and leave us.”

Kotance, scowling and rubbing a sore shoulder, put the knife into its scabbard and left.

“I’m sorry about that,” said Kurin. “Just a moment while I get someone to watch the booth for me, then we can talk — — Hey! Roper! Will you watch my booth for a bit? I’ll give you lunch and a toy off the board.”

The boy that she called to came up and slid into place behind the counter. “Done. Can I get the lunch right away? I’m starving.”

Laughing, Kurin went with the Captains to Marad’s food booth. He and some apprentices were preparing fresh shellfish and other delicacies on the spot. “Hi, Marad. Would you send some water, a pair of fish cakes, a slice of crab cake and some redweed salad to Roper? He’s watching my booth.”

“Sure, Dragon-hair. What will you have?” he answered, turning to adjust the reflector of one of the solar heaters used for steaming and boiling crab, lobster and shrimp. It was made of large, highly reflective, side-jumper scales, glued to a backing of Strong Skin.

“The same for me. What will you have, Captain Sula, Captain Huld?” she asked turning to them.

She saw Captain Mord and Alor discussing the morning’s Council session at a nearby table. She overheard Alor saying heatedly, “If the Captains can’t even make it illegal, we Pursers will have to do something! It’s costing hundreds of Skins a Gathering!” Kurin made a note to ask about it later. For now she had another fish on her line.

They took their lunches and Sula and Huld led the way to the Council Pavilion. Seating themselves in its shade, they began to eat.

Sula asked, “What did your cook mean, calling you Dragon-hair?”

Kurin pulled her sea-foam white hair over her shoulder. “This, Captain Sula. It was my parting gift from Cat — — that is Blind Mecat. My hair used to be almost black. It reminds me of her because now it’s the same color as hers was.”

“I see,” said Huld, writing in a blank book made of supple paperfish parchment. “Know her how did you come to?”

“She was always a part of the Longin, as far back as my memory goes, Captain Huld. We didn’t know that she was a Great Sea Dragon until the end. The Longin picked her up from the open sea as an infant, drifting in a tiny boat, about twenty four Gatherings ago. She was made the foster daughter of Alor, our Captain’s mother, who is also the Longin’s Purser. About six and a half Gatherings ago, my father died, and my mother went mad from grief. I was too filled with my own heartache even to cry.

“Cat took care of me like a Wide Wing with a chick and helped me to get over it. While she was at it, without trying to, she taught me that I could do anything. Because of that teaching, I’m not an apprentice boat-builder anymore. I’m a full journeyman and consequently a legal adult. I also work in the rope-walk, the weaving shop, the net shop, the galley, and the Captain is teaching me how to navigate with instruments and arithmetic.

“Cat just did anything that needed doing anywhere on the ship. She worked up in the rigging, and in every shop. She fished and dove for shells. Whatever she did, she showed me or shared with me. She always had time for me.”

“Position in crew she had what? Did she so much?” asked Huld with great interest.

“Oh, she wasn’t in the crew, Captain Huld. Her name kept her out. They were afraid of bad luck from her name, so they never gave her a position in the crew.”

“This Honored one, would find honor more if Huld you call him,” he said with a small bow.

“As always, Honored one, you lead me in courtesy.” Turning to Kurin Sula added, “Please, call me Sula.”

“Name Cat unlucky how was?” asked Huld, critically inspecting his bone pen point

“It was short for Mecat. Her name goes back to how the Longin found her. A storm blew the Longin off course, way north, to the Dragon Sea. There, they found a little boat,” Kurin gestured with her hands, about three feet apart, “with a baby in it. On the boat, someone had written Mecat. She told me that she always hoped that whoever wrote it there was asking the Dragon to look after her instead of wishing her ill.

“Everyone knows that it is bad luck to name someone with a Great Sea Dragon’s name, but fleet Law and naming Custom left no choice. With no mother name first, and no father’s clan name second, all that was left to her was a ship name, and that was Mecat, the Dragon’s name. She contrived to make me feel sorry for her, with her crippled name. That was the start of my healing.”

Just then, a few young deck-hands from the Fauline came up, raucously, they called, “Hey, White-hair! Teach us to feel the bottom, too! Do you feel it with your own arse? Do the crabs pinch? I’ll bet that’s how you know where they are!” One of them felt the other’s bottom and gave a pinch, in imitation of a crab. They were near doubled over with laughter at their witticisms.

Without getting up, or seeming even to look, Sula reached up behind her and grabbed the shirt of the ringleader. Before he could brace himself, he was slammed to the deck in front of her, on his back, stunned. She leaned over him, speaking venomously, “You are rude. You interrupt the talk of Captains. If this were my command, I would hang you over the side of the Dark Dragon and feed you to a hungry Strong Skin, feet first. Now, your name, your ship and your Captain!”

“Thelo, deck-hand of the Fauline, Captain Skua,” he replied in shock, struggling to get his wind back.

“You will be reported, Thelo,” Sula said grimly. Effortlessly she picked him up as she rose to her feet. She threw him into his cronies, knocking them down like nine-pins.

Kurin was startled at this display of skill and raw strength, though nowhere near as much as the young ruffians who were picking themselves up off the deck, and scrambling away. What they said penetrated through her surprise. Looking worried, she excused herself, “Sula, Huld, I must find my Captain. Someone has been spreading Ship’s Business where it should not be.”

TO BE CONTINUED

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THE FISHERMAN'S LEG (Part 9 of 20)

A sequel to Dee 1/2 Demon

De Writer (Glen Ten-Eyck)

7763 words (work in progress)

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Later, at the Minami house, Fisherman Minami closed his eyes and took a deep breath before saying anything. Carefully, he bowed his head and apologized to his wife. “Tanira san, I am deeply ashamed of my behavior towards you this day. I can only say that I am used to being the one taking in catch from the other boats and was upset at seeing you and those girls from over at the Shop of Repairs doing it. You do know that they are spies for the evil ones in that shop, do you not?”

Tanira nodded a bow thoughtfully as she replied, “Minami san, I will accept your apology. That you were very upset at the turns of events lately is obvious. I did also expect you to say that last.

“If Minara and Takahara are spies, still, we owe them much. I took the Fish Market as a complete settlement for the golden cash that you stole from my dower rights. Looking at its books, I made a very bad deal. Without the help of those girls, I would not have earned enough to pay for the fish that we got today.

“Even if I tried your criminal trick of only paying for fish after it is sold, the Market's earnings would have been only a few of copper cash. With their alert and pleasant attitudes, they drew in many customers that would have passed us by. Because of them, we earned two of silver cash and three strings sixteen of copper cash after all costs including buying the fish at dockside.”

Slipping a bit from courtesy, Minami snapped, “And then you went to dine with those evil ones!”

“Minami san! After a long day of hard work, Ichuru san and I were invited to share a free dinner in pleasant company!

“On the dock you crowded to the head of the queue in front of those there first! You rudely called me 'woman!' and demanded over three times the value of your catch in front of all the fishermen! You were so completely rude that your own crew threw you into the water for some peace so that they could settle the value of the catch.

“You left such a sour ending to an otherwise excellent day that when Ichuru san and I were offered a pleasant meal in happy surroundings, YES, we took it at once!

“When we came out to come home, you ruined even that! If you are what is good and they are evil, I will take the evil at once!”

Her shoulders slumped and she began to weep. “I am sorry, Minami san. This conversation has gone badly. I wish that you could see why.

“Would you like me to fix you some dinner?”

Minami paused, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. He noticed Ichuru quietly playing with his toy boat on the tatami mats of the floor and his face softened. “Yes, Tanira san, I would appreciate that.”

Taking the small victory of her husband's being courteous with her, she went to the kitchen and began to cook.

For a wonder, it was a quiet meal and when it was done, Minami helped her to clean up.

The next morning both Minami and Ichuru were absent, so she had a quiet breakfast and went to open the Fish Market. Both Minara and Takahara were waiting for her. They had not been idle. All of the sun shades were up and in their proper places. The little ice that had survived the night was waiting.

Takahara bowed politely in greeting and said sadly, “Poor Patsu san was right. There is a lock on the ice house door and a note saying that the key will cost you a cash of silver.”

Concern in face and voice, she asked, “Poor Patsu? What has happened?”

Both Minara and Takahara shook their heads in sorrow. “It was last night sometime, after the tide started to rise. One of Sabo's regular fishing boats, the Chrysanthemum of the Sea tried to fish in the waters near to Dry Island after dark. There is a strong tidal bore that comes out from between Dry Island and the Rocky Eyot. The sudden current caught them and pushed the boat onto some rocks sideways.

“It rolled over and three of the seven men on her drowned. Patsu came out to our dock first thing in the morning and found two of the bodies. In spite of being broken up, she saw the survivors on that dangerous rock beach on Dry Island. She took a small boat and some floats out.

“Not even our boats are safe near that beach. She let the floats out on a long line for them. She pulled all four of them to safety at our dock. On the way in, she found the last of the drowned men. She was really upset by that.

“The ones that she saved went and got a Constable to complain that she should have come for them in a bigger boat that they could ride in, instead of being towed in on floats.

“She had to explain that a bigger boat could not have got close enough to get the floats to them and then snapped that since they were that ungrateful for being saved, she was going to charge them for her work, equipment and time in the rescue.”

Both girls started to giggle. “She did too. Went straight to the Tribunal and filed her claim, pointing out in the bill that if they had not been ingrates and complained to a Constable, she would have charged them nothing.”

Nodding at the ending, and smiling some, Tanira pointed to their cart with the ice chest. “Takahara san, if you would, they told me yesterday that they would see me cared for with ice. Could you please go and get us some?”

Takahara took up the pull bar and trotted over to the Sabo's Better Fish Market. The women there laughed at the idea of Minami trying to blackmail his wife for the ice that she needed as they filled the cart with sparkling clean ice.

Soon the Fish Market was open. The three of them had loaded their display trays and were busily cutting fillets from fish that were still good but getting a little stale. The filets were going into openwork trays that were being put into the sun to dry for commercial trade to the back country areas, far from the sea. Along with those, they were setting up trays of sea water to evaporate for salt, also valuable in both Sabo and the back country.

Besides this happy industry, they were tending to a surprising number of customers! Word had gone out that Minami no longer ran the Fish Market and it was now busy.

In the midst of this, Minami and Ichuru came up from the dock area. Minami had a sourly triumphant lip curled half grin as he announced, “If you want to use the key to the ice house, you must pay me!” He was holding up the key. “It will only take a silver cash each time that you need it opened!”

Takahara snorted, “Really, Minami! You truly should use your eyes before opening your mouth!”

His eyes took in the trays of sparklingly clear clean ice! He instantly snapped, “Where did you steal this from!? You must have forced or picked my lock!”

Tanira had a grim smile of her own as she pointed to the key still upraised in his hand and nodded. Constable Canra who had come up unnoticed during Minami's outburst, plucked the key from his hand!

To be Continued

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THE FISHERMAN'S LEG (Part 20 of 20)

A sequel to Dee 1/2 Demon

De Writer (Glen Ten-Eyck)

25570 words

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The others all laughed but just a little thoughtfully. As they were leaving the Tribunal, Takahara shook her head and noted, “I am less good than I thought. I find myself hoping that Minami will try to escape and thereby lose his head.”

High Priest Nandi san nodded a bit sadly, “Beings such as Minami often bring such thoughts to disturb the tranquility of the mind and heart. It is not a discredit to you that you feel so. It is a natural response to such as he. In his own way, he is worse than most Oni.”

Tanira looked up at the angle of the sun as she and her new daughters strolled towards the waterfront and asked Patsu, “Have we still time to launch the Rising Dawn today? It seems to be fine weather for it.”

Patsu looked about, smiling at kites being flown from one of two small hills just out of the village. She agreed, “It is a fine day and yes, we have plenty of time.

“Mikore told me that they are offering fried dumplings with minced crab filling over at our market. Let's grab some of those or other goodies, some rice and tea. We have plenty of time for a nice, if late, noon meal before we launch her.”

The crab dumplings were actually quite good. They were all happily agreed that the best item was a new offering. Sand shark fillet steamed first and then tempura dipped and fried to a light golden tan. Tea, rice, and some stir fried vegetables finished the meal nicely.

The newly finished Rising Dawn was pulled out of the Chiasu Estate boat house where it had been moved after the hull was done to finish setting up her rigging and sail. Using a pulling block and the same cart that was used to put away their smaller rental rowing boats, she was eased down the boat ramp to the water by the dock.

Several of the men owning some of the other fishing boats came to watch, faces clouded, brows drawn down in anger. “Tanira san, why are you setting up a boat for serious fishing? Do you really think that you can cut us out or lower the prices that you pay us?”

Tanira shook her head at their rudeness. “No, Satura san, we are not in any way trying to cut you out of anything. If you had only waited to see how the Rising Sun is rigged, you would know that. My boat is set up for trolling and the like line fishing.

“What we seek are cod, snappers, and such things. For you they are an occasional lucky by catch. If you have them, you will continue to get the same good prices as you have been.”

“One of my men told me that Minami . . .”

Patsu interrupted, “The child murdering thief who was just this day divorced from the honorable Tanira san? You expect him to say anything that would not cause her further harm?

“Even after it was proved in the Tribunal that all of his lies about Dee san being some sort of Sorcerous monster were totally false, he still tried to blame her for all of his problems! He ordered us to not finish healing his leg but still blames us for it not being neatly healed.

“He is madder than a sand flea!”

Abashed, Satura san cringed back a little and looked down, scraping his sandal on the wood of the dock. “That is true. We followed his lead and respected him for many years. I apologize for our unjust behavior.”

Tanira straightened up, bowing acceptance, she asked, “So will we be seeing you tomorrow at the public dock to buy your fish?”

“We will be there, Tanira san. I heard that you adopted Minara san and Takahara san. That is well done. We have seen how well you all work together and get along.

“May we watch the sea trials of your Rising Dawn?”

Dee chuckled as she strapped herself into floats, “Of course you may!” She pointed to the floats and added, “Yes, I can swim, though I don't really like to. My Aspect of Fire doesn't really get along with water!”

That drew a general laugh.

With all made ready, they cast off from the dock, stern line first and then the bow. A solid push from a boat hook gave them the room to unship the oars and begin rowing the Rising Dawn out a ways from the dock.

They let the boat coast while they raised the sail. It rose up along the fairly short mast, spreading out into a triangular fan shape, reaching from nearly the bow back just short of the stern and lifting well above the top of the mast. About a third of the sail was in front of the mast.

The Rising Dawn began to drift sideways. Wisely, one of the watchers commented, “Wind's wrong for this. It's going to just push them back to shore.”

Another of the watchers, shading his eyes with his hand, replied, “Don't think so. See, they are picking up speed going across the wind.”

Satura san added, “They are turning into the wind! Look! They are tacking around forty or forty five degrees into the wind. Now they are turning again! Still steep into the wind but coming back . . . And again, going back like they were before. Zigzaging right into the wind! I will have to talk to them about that rig! I might want to do one like it for my Sea Gull!”

They all watched as the Rising Dawn went sidways to the wind but slowly now. “They've put out a boom of some sort. I expect that is for their trolling.” Only a little time passed before, “Whoops! They either got a snag or they hooked something fair sized! Look at that boom bend!”

Aboard the Rising Dawn, Tanira and the girls were excitedly watching the trolling boom / crane bend nearly to the water. Patsu was manning the boom's line winch. She was counseling the others, “Get the big framed net to finish catching it! Takahara san, be ready to club it on the head when it is safely in the net! Be ready with a boat hook to the gills to finish pulling it in!

“Look! We can see it now! That snapper must be nearly a pace and a half long!”

The next few minutes were an organized chaos as they netted the fish in the framed net and pulled it up snug to the side of the boat! Takahara wielded the stout club to it's head to kill it! Dee slid the boat hook into it's gills and lifted the big snapper into the boat. It only took a moment to get the hook free and put the near monster into the catch box.

The triumphant girls made all sail for the public docks of Sabo, close to the Fish Market! Along the way, they caught three sand sharks as well! It was not long before they dropped the sail and finished their approach by oars.

The young women watching the Fish Market for Tanira saw them coming and sprinted down to the dock, pulling the cart with the box for fish on it!

The fishermen converged on them too! All wanted to know, “What did you catch!?”

As they were opening the Rising Dawn's catch box, Patsu smirked, “Just three moderate size sand sharks! And the biggest snapper that Sabo's ever seen!”

As they were loading the cart, one of the girls that had been watching the Fish Market was weeping quietly.

Miko asked gently, “Ontara san, what has you upset? You did a wonderful job keeping the Fish Market open and this trial of the Rising Dawn has gone very well.”

Ontara sniffled, “I wish that Ichuru was here to see it. I gave him the toy boat that got him drowned.”

Miko gave her a hug and replied, “No, Ontara san, it was not the toy boat that got him drowned. It was Minami, whose mind was twisted to evil by his leg.”

“His leg? What was wrong with his leg?”

Miko shook her head in bemusement as she explained, “He thought that he was transported to the Hospice by magic because he did not understand that he gave himself a deadly case of Gangrene. That started his fears. Then he thought that he saw us do something evil and forbade us to finish healing it. That caused a great scar that his working pants always hid. Only he was bothered by it but it drove him mad that he was scarred. That and his fear drove him to attacking us with lies, slanders, and even trying to ruin things of ours. It was that same madness that made him kidnap Ichuru and take him out in a stolen fishing boat.

“He demanded that a ten year old boy prove that he was a man by taking off the floats that would have saved him when he did fall in. His father and the others did not even notice when he went overboard.

“It was Minami, who drove himself to madness because of his leg, that killed Ichuru. His father gave him only anger and hate. You gave him a wonderful toy that he loved.

The END

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A QUIET EVENING : MLP Fan Fiction

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A QUIET EVENING

De Writer (Glen Ten-Eyck)

1208 words

Writing begun 10/01/19

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Possible triggers: graveyard with real ghosts and such. CMC

As they caught sight of Bonnie, poking her head through the door of her family crypt, the three began to back slowly away. Sweetie Belle whispering to the other two, “Now? Now you listen to me? I told you that coming here was a bad idea.”

Scootaloo replied, “It is not like we are even breaking any sort of rule. It is still daytime. The cemetery gate isn’t locked yet or anything.”

Bonnie, her cloudy white fur and black mane contrasting well with the aged oak of the crypt door actually agreed. “You don’t need to act frightened. The orange filly is right. You have not broken any sort of rules by being here in the daytime, even on the eve of Nightmare Night. I’m afraid that we don’t have any sort of treats for you, though.”

Cautiously, Apple Bloom pointed out, “We might not be quite so cautious if you weren’t about half out of that door while it’s still closed. Are you some kind of ghost?”

Bonnie looked back in confusion while she stepped free of the crypt. “No, I’m not a ghost or anything like that. The ones here are my friends but I’m not one of them. I am as alive as you are. Why would anypony need to open a door? What does that have to do with going through it?”

The CMC looked at each other blankly. Apple Bloom pointed, “Are you SURE that you are alive? See those hinges and lock? Normal ponies need to unfasten the lock and then they can open the door to go in.”

Comprehension dawning on her face, Bonnie observed, “So that’s what those things are for! I always wondered. Before I learned to use a door properly, Zom or Junea always let me out. I was little then and did not really pay attention.”

The CMC looked at each other in mild consternation. “Who did you say taught you about using doors?”

Bonnie shrugged, “You know, just the ghosts and my other playmates. Who else would?”

Pausing, she gave the CMC the old steely eye. “Exactly what are you doing here?”

Scootaloo looked down and scuffed the grass before she replied, “We heard that Morgripe and his buddies were planning to mess up some graves. That’s wrong. We kinda planned to set them up a sort of haunted graveyard. We got springs and sheets to do fake ghosts that could jump out from behind gravestones. You know, stuff like that. Don’t want to hurt them, just scare them off so that they don’t damage anything.”

Bonnie perked right up! “Oh, that will be so much fun! I would love to help you! I have some friends that would like to help too! The Nightmare Moon is already up, so they can come out to join us!”

Sweetie Bell looked up at the gibbous moon lurking high in the sky and at the nearly set sun. “Doesn’t the sun have to be down before, um, your buddies can come out?”

“No, silly! They all follow the Night Mare. As long as she is up, we can play! They just usually wait until her sister goes down, that’s all.”

Bonnie bounced happily over to a big mausoleum, and stuck her head through the door! The CMC could not hear anything through the heavy stone and solid door.

Bonnie cheerfully came back and told them, “Wait here! I am going to see if Flowering Ash or any of the other Ancient Ones want to help!”

She galloped off towards the back of the cemetery, where it faced the Everfree forest.

Apple Bloom watched her go. She wondered in a soft voice, “Are Ma and Pa here? Will they be helping us?”

Sweetie Belle was watching critically and replied, “I don’t know, Apple Bloom, but Bonnie just jumped past the wall and it is sort of tumbldown and moss grown. I have been here before and the back wall was not like that.”

In only a few moments Bonnie came floating serenely back, her legs folded neatly under her as if she were resting on something invisible. She alighted in front of them and exulted, “We are getting two unicorn litches and Flowering Ash to come help! We are getting some ghosts too!

“When Flowering Ash gets here, show us how to help and where to set your “haunts!” The whole graveyard thinks that this is hilarious!”

It was only a few moments before they saw the head of a beautiful gray mare across the moss grown wall. She reared up, forelegs folded and crossed the wall, her forelegs remaining folded as her huge snakelike body slithered across the stones and undulated swiftly to them.

While the CMC were watching the lamia, their eyes bugged out, two mostly skeletal unicorn litches leaped gracefully over the wall as well.

With all gathered, Flowering Ash wrapped her long body about the CMC, providing them with a comfortable resting place. Bonnie, with absolute confidence, joined them in her coils.

Flowering Ash, smiled and suggested, “Please tell us what we need to know to help you set up this trap of frights for those vile vandals.”

Eagerly, Scootaloo dug into a big saddlebag and pulled out parts! As she set a spring mounted to a cross stick, Apple Bloom pulled out a sheet, bound around soft straw with big googly eyes stuck on! Sweetie Belle attached trigger strings and set stakes to hold them where hooves would trip them!

Giggling, Bonnie stomped one of the demonstration “ghost's” trigger strings! The false haunt leaped up, driven by the spring! It fluttered down flat, except for the bulbous head. Suddenly it lifted up and floated about, flapping a little.

The CMC clapped hooves in delight! “A real ghost in our fake one! That is so perfect!”

They guided the whole group to the area where they had overheard Morgripe and his buddies plotting to cross the cemetery wall. Choosing tombstones and other grave markers with care, the whole group planted the phony ghosts to provide the best scares.

Thoughtfully, they planted some near the graveyard gate, too. While they were doing that, Sweetie Belle noticed, “I guess that we are stuck here for the night. They have locked the gate already.”

Apple Bloom felt the softest of hugs and a gentle neck kiss. Almost like a breeze, her mane got ruffled. Her eyes misted up. “That you, Mom? Dad? Thanks.”

Flowering Ash pointed out, “If you are here when things happen, it will spoil the effect. Here, let me help.”

One by one, she held the CMC and lifted them over the wall, setting them gently on their hooves and pulling back to her massive coils for the next.

The next morning, all of Ponyville was abuzz with the story! Morgripe and his friends had done it again! They came running over their ladder screaming about ghosts and monsters in the graveyard! Constables opening the gate had got a bit of a fright too, as spring trap “ghosts” jumped out at them!

Morgripe and Co. were in trouble again! And the CMC, giggling behind their hooves could not say anything about their Nightmare Night adventure that actually worked like it was supposed to!

~THE END~

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#MLP Fan Fiction #A QUIET EVENING #Written by De Writer #Tales to read AFTER the Lights are OUT

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