The Voyage

[Omithiel 192]

The Voyage

Chapter One

The sea was calm and the air still. The smell of the sea masked the scent of the large patches of overgrown grass, that lied along the sandy shores. Dawn was approaching and its light meshed with the dim light of the campfires. Large tents were set along the shore, including piles of cargo which lied beside them. A large but stout fellow stepped out from one of these tents, his face stern as stone, with a protruding brow, wrinkles can be seen from a slight distance and his beard grey as a mid afternoon storm. His dark burgundy eyes looked out into the sea as he took a deep breathe after a long rest.The dwarf looked to his right as he noticed another dwarf stepping out from his tent. The dwarf noticed it was his fellow architect, the two architects saw each other and gave a slight nod.

The architect with the protruding brow who's name was Omithiel Strongbrow, walked slowly towards the end of the shore. He squinted his eyes from where he was standing and was observing the large boats that rested atop the calm waters. Though far in the distance Omithiel was observing the boat's design and what little he can see of its craftsmanship. He stopped squinting and turn his head slightly to the right and looked out into the distance. The clouds were beginning to brighten, and the sun's light was reflecting along the ripples of the sea. Looking in the distance, Omithiel now was in thought. He began to think of the first time he sailed, and remembered leaving the continent of Aegis, to the continent of Asulon. He exhaled slowly, his hands against his waist, and he said.

Another journey along t'e great sea." He then folded his arms on his chest and said. "I was beginning to wantin' to move again.." smiling a bit he said. "I wonder w'at new land awaits. W'at new mountains to be seen." He turned his eyes to the left and glanced at the boats, and for a moment stood there before walking back inside his tent.

Time passed and it was now morning, most of the dwarves inside the tents were already out cooking, boasting in laughter and sharing tales with each other by their campfires. One specific group of six dwarves were talking about their invitation to this gathering of dwarves.

"So your here for the same reason?" said a rather old dwarf with a rather swirled knotted beard.

"Nae I be a blacksmith I came to 'elp to make repairs 'nd ot'er necessities for t'e trip 'nd t'e fortress were makin'." said the dwarf who looks quite young with a short red beard.

Five of the dwarves were discussing the situation except one, who was quiet amongst the entire time since they all gathered, until the young blacksmith asked him what he was in for. The dwarf who responded had a black beard with three braided strands of hair sticking out. His left brow was scarred and the wound ended upon his cheek, his eyes had dark grey tint. He looked at the young dwarf with a emotionless expression before responding, in a serious tone to all the dwarves beside him.

"You lads know nothin' of w'at is going on."The young dwarf and the others all looked at him with a puzzled yet annoyed expression from what he said.

The young dwarf responded"W'at do you mean we know nothin'?said the dwarf in a rude tone.The dwarf with the black beard responded. "Don't ye think it be a bit wierd that we have all these supplies for such a short trip to an island by our kingdom. The notice we got about building a stronghold down on the island, is a complete lie my lad."

The group now looked at him with fierce intensity, as they were very loyal to King Hiebe who is the King of their people. The dwarves in the group all responded saying

"W'at do you mean?" and then the young blacksmith stood up angered by his comment, and the group all looked to him as he said.

"Traitorish words, how dare ye insult our King!" he said with loud voice.

The other groups of dwarves noticed the screaming but paused for a second before going back to their conversations. The dwarf who brought up the rumor stood up and chuckled before responding in an angered tone.

"What yer tounge ye young dwarflin'..Are ye blind can't ye see th-." before he continued at that moment, Omithiel grabbed his shoulder and gave a smirk to him and the group. The dwarf became silent and the eyes of the whole group of dwarves watched as Omithiel walked down the beach.

As Omithiel got to a center point between all the groups on the beach, he took a large breath and placed his two fingers in his mouth and whistled a high pitched sound, to gain the attention of the dwarves. He then said

"OI, I would like yer attention 'ere!" The dwarves stopped their chatting and all eyes were on Omithiel, and in the distance Ohgren his fellow architect was watching. Omithiel then continued after he gotten everyone's attention, and said

"Aye..." his tone very serious, "Today ye are 'ere because ye were told by King 'iebe to build a fort in a island. I be sure ye can see t'e boats ready to take us t'ere.." He paused before saying the next words.

"Well... that is not true." The dwarves amongst the group were commenting and rambling to each other, as it started to get louder and louder before Omithiel in a loud tone said.

"Enough!" the dwarves now silent looked at Omithiel with a confused and nervous manner. Omithiel then sighed before continuing speaking.

"Aye... Today all ov us with in t'is place rig't now, we all s'all be goin' to a new land, t'at be very very far. A new land t'at 'as not been c'arted yet." "King 'iebe 'as ordered me 'nd Ohgren in secretcy, to travel t'ere 'nd ye are our groups to come with us." Omithiel stopped talking, and he stood their knowing he will get feedback. The dwarves in the groups were rambling about this new continent, until one of the dwarves in the group stood and said

"OI!.. W'at if I don't want to go!..Ye t'ink I want to go somew'ere t'at will be death!" after the dwarf commented he folded his arms, and the dwarves amongst the groups began to agree. Until Omithiel shouted.

"Aye!..Go t'en back to t'e city, I'm pretty sure ye will get a warm welcome back 'ome, by King 'iebe 'imself." Omithiel said in a sarcastic tone. The dwarf rested his arms and went back to sit down. Omithiel then said to all the dwarves while looking through all the faces in the crowd.

"If ye leave, you will be banished by the kingdom 'nd yer beards will be s'aved off in disrespect." "If ye leave even right 'ere, ye will be put under arrest, 'nd sent back to our 'ome." he puased and then said. "No one is leavin' 'ere!..We are all goin' to t'is new land w'et'er ye want to or not." he exhaled and said with a calm reasoning tone. "Look lads.. I know ye be afraid 'n-." he was interrupted by a dwarf who said

"W'o said were afraid!?" and Omithiel shouted angrily

"OI!...Shut yer mouth before I cut yer tongue out!" Omithiel paused as the crowd was silent. He continued talking and said "Today, we are goin' to new lands 'nd t'ese new lands are across great waters. We are about to embark on a long journey 'nd w'o knows if we will make it t'ere. We are goin' t'ere to make a new 'ome. After t'e great fall ov-." Omithiel paused bowing his head as he began to choke a bit in grief, remembering the fall of Kal'Urugan. He raised his head and continued speaking.

"After t'e fall ov Kal'Urguan...we traveled across great waters to find a 'ome 'ere in Asulon. But ever since t'e fall ov Kal'Urguan, we 'ave nevah truely found a place to call 'ome. Ye know very well ov w'at I speak ov. Karik, Mt. Ire, Kal'Mugdor, Kal'Dwain, 'nd Kal'Anart. T'ese places we made t'em as our 'ome but in t'e end we abandoned it because ov trouble, or it just wasn't t'e same as our city in Aegis." He paused and gazed at the crowd, as they listened with great interest. He continued and said

"We 'ave searched long enough! Today!... We s'all find a good 'ome! Long 'as it been since t'e days we would sing 'nd c'eer amongst t'e 'alls ov Kal'Urguan. Long 'as it been since we mind to our 'earts content in t'e deep ov t'e city in Kal'Urguan. Long 'as it been since t'e days ov our glorious kings ov old. Long 'as it been since walkin' along t'e mighty 'all to see t'e magnificent palace in t'e center." He then paused and said the next words in a quiet low tone.

"Long 'as it been since layin' atop the mountain's bed ov grass gazin' at t'e twinkle ov starlight as dawn aproached, enterin' a 'ome w'ere t'e roarin' fire warmed ye up 'nd sleepin' peacefully." He then said shouting with intensity.

"Today!... we will sail across t'is great sea 'nd find mountains tat are mighty, with 'igh peaks t'at reach beyond our eyes! We s'all make a 'ome with our own 'ands, 'nd our 'earts, 'nd minds to form a mighty 'ome like Kal'Urguan. 'nd we s'all mine to find riches, 'nd craft beautiful arts t'at would make Yemekar 'appy. We will 'ave mighty 'alls 'nd drink 'nd get fat in taverns boastin' 'nd laughin' proudly." The next words Omithiel again in a calm tone said slowly.

"A 'ome w'ere we can sit by a roarin' fire singin' with each ot'er 'appy, 'nd be amongst each ot'er for we are all kin, 'nd we forever s'all be brot'ers 'nd sist'ers." He paused and then in a excited tone said "Now!.. Don't ye want t'is?!.. A place w'ere we can finally call 'ome!..I will sail t'e greatest seas, 'nd travel on foot as far as possible until I find t'is! W'o 'ere wants a damn place w'ere we can finally..CALL 'OME!" He said with intensity at the end, and all the dwarves in the group shouted "Aye!" and raised their tools and food in the air, and cheered amongst each other. Omithiel traveled through the crowds nodding his head and giving hugs and shaking hands with his fellow dwarves. He approached Ohgren who was smiling with folded arms, leaning by a wooden support that was holding his tent. He said to him.

"So... 'ow I did I do?" Ohgren responded

"Ye did fine, but ye forgot to tell t'em t'at t'e land were goin' to, 'nd we are 'eadin' in a general direction, 'nd we basically embarkin' into like an unknown dark cavern. We are just 'eadin' somew'ere 'nd we don't even know fer sure." Omithiel responded, and winking assured.

"Aye..but w'o said we aren't experts navigatin' t'rough dark caves?" They both stood there quietly turning their eyes to the crowd as they cheered and continued eating and conversing with each other.

The next morning right before the sun approached over the horizon, the dwarves assembled their gear and began packing. As they finished packing they all walk towards the edge of the shore looking out across to the ships, all of them together as kin peering out into the unknown almost grasping a new home.

[Omithiel 192]

Chapter 2

Two weeks have past since their departure from the shores of Asulon. The ships are sailing along calm waters and a brilliant bright sun. No clouds were forming and the ships motionless from the lack of wind. The ships with a large shell over the deck and the craftsmanship along the exterior of the ships were carved with intriquite runes. Along the stern of all the ships, a carved shape of a dragon peered out into the sea. The sails were unusual compared to other ships, and the ships design very bulky unlike designs of ships from other races. Nonetheless the ships were sailing fine until this past week, where the ships were motionless in the waters. The dwarves who after the first week of sailing, were full of cheer and playing instruments to pass the time, drinking ale to their hearts content. Though through all the friendly arm wrestling and drunken bets, the boredom was beginning to overwhelm, and for the past week many dwarves were doing nothing and becoming restless. The ship that Omithiel boarded, under the shell of the deck, the dwarves were especially silent and didn't speak with each other. Many of them fidgeted and moved about from the deck to the hull. Others began to sit for most of the day. The tensions were high in the ship due to the boredom. What made matters worse was the unbearable heat within the ship due to the location they were journeying through. It was only a matter of time before a dwarf would go "Stark Raving Mad."

On a mid afternoon it was the 3rd day of the third week. The boat was still moving at almost no pace, its sails still and motionless. In the ship it was so silent you can hear a cough or a sneeze from the deck to the hull. The constant crackling of the ship as it moves with the sea, the heat still unbearable to deal with. Many of the dwarves felt the heat most annoying upon their beards, that they would scratch their beards constantly. The ship had a foul reek of the gathered stench over the weeks of being unable to bathed, which smelled of a dead sheep. Up on the deck it was dark due to the shell that covered over it. A light seep through a trapdoor that allowed you to climb the top of the shell. Omithiel who was atop the deck, was sitting by an opening that was near the wheel of the ship, you can see the reflection of the ripples from the sea upon his wrinkled face, and the hollow deck itself. Omithiel peered out into the ocean in deep thought and was very calm unlike many of the other dwarves, though he was sweating like many of the others. One young dwarf with a a thick brown beard, who was sitting in the mid section of the deck who was fidgeting a lot. The young dwarf was restless, he had his arms folded across his chest swaying back and fourth to his knees and hitting the wall of the deck. He was sweating profusely as his anxiety and restlessness gotten worse. Looking around the deck constantly without noticing, as his thoughts raced uncontrollably, he began to pant as his anxiety rose, and he stood up as it got worse. Then he snapped and yelled out.

"I can't take t'is crap anymore!.. T'is is too unbearable... I 'ave to get..get..get..out ov 'ere!" The dwarf said while panting heavily.

The dwarves atop the deck were startled and stared at the dwarf. Below the deck dwarves began to walk up to the deck as he was yelling out and moving around. Omithiel interrupted from deep thought began to watch the dwarf panic.

"I 'ate t'is damn water 'nd t'is damn s'ip. I want to go 'ome! T'is 'eat is makin' me crazeh, I can't stand it!" The dwarf yelled and after saying these words he began to pull hairs from his beard.

The dwarves uneasy watched him as he panicked, they who were already restless were beginning to get angry. Omithiel who was sitting at the edge of his seat by the dwarf who was controlling the wheel of the ship, stood up and began walking to the crowd of dwarves who surrounded the dwarf who was panicking. The dwarf became even more restless and he was panicking as the dwarves surrounded him with angered faces. Omithiel began to push through crowd, and the dwarf with the thick brown beard began to panic even more. In a sudden moment the dwarf unsheathed his hatchet and wielding in his left arm in the air. The crowd in this instant were yelling loudly waiting for him to strike, and the dwarf his eyes wide open in rage began to rush forward to one of the dwarves. In that instant Omithiel got through the crowd and went in front of the dwarf and grabbed his hatchet and right shoulder, and halted him from moving. The dwarf made eye contact with Omithiel and growled before Omithiel bonked him straight in the skull with his forehead. The dwarf fell hard on the deck knocked out, and Omithiel threw his hatchet to the side looking down at the dwarf. The crowd shocked by the scene of what just happened calmed down, and were not expecting for the dwarf to be stopped. Omithiel then looked amongst the crowd and said.

"Poor lad went stark ravin' mad...Aye." He said with pity sighing. A moment passed and he pointed two dwarves from the crowd and said.

"Alrig't now ye two put 'im in t'e lower 'ull." He then pointed to two other dwarves who were clerics and told them to tend to the dwarf. Omithiel then said.

"Aye..Everyun' gat'er 'round 'nd grab yer c'airs." He said.The dwarves for a moment paused from the shock but their anger disappeared, their mentality changed, and did exactly what Omithiel had said.

In moments all the dwarves gathered around in the deck, some sitting in chairs, some standing by the beams which supported the shell. Omithiel who was sitting by a beam with a chair waited for everyone to gather. The dwarves now were gathered and looked towards Omithiel. Omithiel paused for a moment and looked down making clicking sounds in his mouth. He then looked at everyone and began to speak.

"Aye...'ave ye lads ever 'eard ov t'e tale ov t'e Great Guardians?" He said waiting for a response, but he recieved none. He then said.

"I guess ye 'aven't...Well it goes like t'is..In t'e city ov Kal'Urguan t'er-.." He was telling the tale, and the dwarves listened intently. After the tale Omithiel continued to tell more tales of old myths, and legends of the past. He even told the story of Urguan, he brought up even old poems and songs, and some of the dwarves grabbed their instruments and played along the songs. He even told them of his travels and his life. For days Omithiel was talking an old dwarf who lived for a very long time was keeping all the dwarves minds busy. Sure most of the dwarves came and go but they cycled back and fourth, even the dwarf who paniced joined in to listen to what Omithiel was saying. Omithiel who was clearly tired kept telling tales to keep the dwarves sane from the monotony of doing nothing for weeks. Little did the dwarves realized was that the boat was moving forward and the wind was picking up, and the heat was fading. Until one of the dwarves caught attention of the large movements of the ship, and brought it up. Omithiel who was interuppted by the dwarf, saw the dwarves began to cheer, hug, and laugh loudly. Omithiel smiled from this though very tired, he went away from the crowd and went straight to the hull upon a bed and fell asleep, even though he worried if the other ships were doing alright.

Luckily the other ships were occupied by older dwarves, and younger dwarves were known to be very restless. Unfortunately in Omithiel's ship it was occupied by many young dwarves, fortunately enough the other ships were occupied by a majority of older dwarves. Ohgren who as well had many stories to share to kept the dwarves from going "Stark Raving Mad," on his ship. Though everything seemed alright, the wind that was blowing was caused by a storm approaching in the distance. The dwarves with their decks shelled by a cover were blind to see what was approaching, even with the small opening in the back of the ship they couldn't see what was coming. The storm came from the north east and soon will hit the dwarven ships.

[Omithiel 192]

Chapter 3

Dark gray clouds loomed over the sky, the winds were howling as they blew more fierce. The waves became much larger as they hit the ships. You can hear the wind howling and the ships creaking and crackling, as it swings up and down more and more. It was no longer warm but a chill within the ships. The dwarves no longer restless, after the period of the ships being motionless for more than a week, they now were nervous for they caught attention of the strange weather looming over them, after of course they can now see the dark weather through the openings in the ship. Lighting was now striking far in the endless sea and the dwarves jumped from the sound of the first sounds. All of them now with grim faces as they now know for certain things will now get much worse. Those who lead their individual ships told the dwarves upon their ships, to brace for the storm. Omithiel who leads his ship was in deep sleep due to staying awake for so long.

The storm began to worsen, the waves have gotten larger than before, and the winds were blowing more fierce. It now began to rain gently at first but a short moment later it poured heavily. Sounds of the howling wind, masked the pitter patter of rain drops falling upon the ships. The sails were moving sporadically due to the gusts of wind. All ships like a pendulum in a clock, began to swing up and down as the waves were getting more larger and higher. Dwarves were holding on to whatever they can, beams, doors, walls, benches, and even each other as the ship swayed more. Omithiel still in deep sleep as all this happened around him.

Moments passed and the storm was at its worst, the waves became beasts as they tried to engulf the ships down into the belly of the sea. Monsters they were tackling the ship with all their might. The dwarves were rolling and tumbling as the ships swung with great force. Omithiel finally awakened after being tossed out of his own bed, dazed and surprised as he can hear the yells of his kin. Like others in the ship he tried to cling onto something to get his balance, but like all others they fell tumbling and pushing uncontrollably. Dwarves who have a distinct dislike of water saw their doom and prayed to their gods. One of the dwarves who surely thought it was the end, made a prayer to Anbella as he swung around the ship.

Oh Anbella who gives hope to all,

Give me strength as I tumble and fall,

The mighty sea who I cannot fight,

Protect me from this horrible might,

Oh Anbella please save us all,

For we need to make a glorious hall,

I make an oath with ye Anbella wife of Yemekar,

As we travel in the mighty sea going beyond and afar.

Many prayed as the stormed continued, and in a split moment few heard a large splash. The splash was the sound of a ship being engulfed by the sea, and of the four that embarked only three remained. Those who heard the sound though couldn't say a word for they worried more for the ships they were in. Waves of beasts unknown continued to beat the dwarven ships which held with much resilience. Eventually the storm began to the die down, and the waves large but were weakening. Moments passed and the dwarves got their balance as the ships stopped swinging violently. Time passed and the ordeal finally over, the dwarves regained composer. One of the dwarves wanted to take a look outside, so he climbed the ladder up to the trapdoor that lead to the surface of the shell. He peered out and saw large waves and dark clouds. The air was very cold and he squinted his eyes and in the distance he saw it, a shadowy figure of large peaks.

[Omithiel 192]

Chapter 4

The Dwarves now that they made it onto the new continent, they camped along the shore, not in cheer that they had made it, but in grief of the loss of their kin in the sea. On a night where the skies were still filled with clouds, and the air very cold, the dwarves gathered by a campfire. Ohgren and Omithiel gathered with their kin, and they all took out their instruments and played a deep solemn tune. They played, hymed, and grieved for those they lost in the terrible sea. Prayers were given and for the rest of the night their was no cheer but only silence. The following days the dwarves were exploring the lands which was a cold valley with frozen rivers, dark green pines, and endless mountain ranges far as the eye can see. Though dwarves loved to settle within mountains, they had to pick the right one. Omithiel and Ohgren with a group of dwarves searched for a spot for days but many times returned with no luck. They continued to venture out exploring, not cautious to whatever lived within these lands. Until one night when they should have returned, they wanted to make a last effort. Trying to climb over a hill with much snow, they stood atop and they saw it. The stars twinkling in the night , the moon shining upon it. Large pines, and streams upon its feet, a mist coated its peak, the snow was gleaming a slight blue. The mountain was so high and grand, it was like nothing they had ever seen before. Omithiel and Ohgren and the dwarves beside them were mesmerized by the beauty of such a mountain. Their eyes as if they saw a large vein of gold were fixed upon that mountain. They stood their for a look and both Omithiel and Ohgren said.

"By Yemekar's Beard." looking at the mountain.

They all then rushed back to their camp to bring the news. The dwarves all of them were finally able to accomplish what they had began. They gathered their supplies for years they picked, plowed, carved, cut, and hammered away roads, gates, halls. They finally were able to acquire a new home for the rest of their brethren.

[no longer active 734]

((Lovely read, keep it up))

[Omithiel 192]

Updated. Thank you all for reading and hope you don't mind my grammar. I appreciate it Mily thanks.

[Hiebe 2493]

(Good read mate brings out the good rp mission I gave you ;))

[Oghren Grandaxe 31]

I present our new lore master * points at omi*

[Boomack21 124]

Moved to the Great Library. It shall be sorted into appropriate category shortly.