A story in the history of Giliath...
World of Giliath at the time of the great upheaval:
Nendeen-- Land of the Nendeeni tribesmen
Capital city: Evalon
Bordering: Etude
Etude-- Kingdom of the Etudian nation
Capital city: Floria
Bordering: Nendeen and Yliah.
Yliah-- The philosopher's communal state
Capital city: Paragon
Bordering: Etude
State of the world: Nendeen and Etude are at war, and Yliah supplies weapons/intelligence to both with no real bias. Etude wants to make the Nendeeni their slaves, and the Nendeeni want them to back off, as well as take their land as revenge. Etude is ruled by women more so than men, but for years the current queen has been too weak to rule. The responsibility has passed on to her Warlord, Gunter Marsin and his sons. Gunter is actually of Nendeeni decent, and his family originally had been ambassadors, yet ended up assimilating. Gunter's eldest son, Indra, appears to be more Nendeeni than Etudian...
Ananta Narayana: Ananta the Wicked. One of Harisha's 'Jade Generals'.
Ever living in his father's shadow, Ananta struggled to make his name known at a young age. He was not physically strong at first, and had to work hard to keep up with other boys his age. The Narayana heir was thin and beautiful, and never really filled out even as he got older. He remained slight and retained his soft curves despite his title. Ananta's relationship with his father was abusive. He hated the man, and made no secret of the fact. Fakhri was one of Harisha's four most active generals, and Ananta swore that he'd rise to the same standing or higher.
When it came time for him to tame his Kylan, he was determined to find the best prized specimen possible. He brazenly approached a huge crimson lizard, and demanded a contract with it. The beast flew into a rage and savagely attacked Ananta and the others that had come as his witnesses. Two young men aside from himself died, and Ananta lost his left arm from the elbow down.
When one makes a pact, they take on some characteristics of their Kylan. It was Freya who came to care for the badly wounded Nendeeni's aid, and she treated him like her own chick until he was able to travel again. From the time that their pact was formed, his skin became pale, his eyes the color of blood, and his long dark hair was streaked with the gold of Freya's scales.
When he returned to Evalon, the first thing he did was seek out the alchemists, who crafted for him a special prosthetic molded after Freya's claws. His determination redoubled, and in an incredibly short time, Ananta rocketed up the ranks of Harisha's armies. He was feared for his enchanted, poisonous claw that he used mercilessly in battle. While he was away on campaign, his father died of an infection from a grievous wound. Ananta spat on his grave, and washed his hands of the entire affair.
Finally able to focus on what he considered his purpose, Ananta the Wicked, alongside Hidoi the Stealth, Naveen the Fearless, and Faiz the Stalwart were able to push back Etudian forces further than they had been in years-- nearly to the border. The Etudians were unfortunately better outfitted than the tribesmen in most cases, and the strange abilities that ran in their blood were an unfair advantage despite the Nendeeni's Kylan.
The Wicked General had become arrogant and a bit flamboyant. He painted his face like the nobles and wore scant armor despite the dangerous situations he often found himself in. Ananta's men feared him, but loved him as well and many were relieved to learn the that general heralded as being most feared of all of Harisha's men was in fact human. ...
Freya: Ananta's Kylan. Its visage is that of a dragon, despite his history with the creatures. She is motherly and stern.
Isidor Aloysius: General in command of all of Harisha's armies. He is Ananta's idol.
Born into nobility, Isidor is tall and strong and considered to be the shining image of Nendeeni perfection. Long hair is a sign of prestige, honor, and beauty, and he wears his long white hair down his back with its expensive adornments that show his ranking.
Fidda: Isidor's Kylan. She takes the form of a great chestnut steed with big brown eyes. She is playful and loving.
Kylan: When a Vendeeni child comes of age, they are sent to the Kylan fields and are not to return until they contract one. Every Vendeeni is bonded with one type of Kylan or another. The most common take the form of horses, but there are some that appear as great lizards or almost chimera like. Ananta's family is famous for contracting the Dragon Kylan. If you fail to contract a Kylan and survive the ordeal, you are considered a member of the lowest slave class.
Women in Nendeeni: A female warrior, or a woman with a Kylan (Lady Hidoi is this) is treated as a perfect equal to a man of the same standing.
--------------------------------outline:
Prologue: The unearthing of a statue...
Chapter one: Ananta's ascension- his men are slaughtered by the great Wyvern, and he is rescued by the golden lizard, Freya.
Chapter two: Isidor is briefed by Harisha, and the renewed push against Etude begins.
Chapter three: Ananta's recovery begins, he becomes more acquainted with Freya and their contract.
Chapter four: Isidor's regiment is decimated, but he and a few other survive. Harisha calls for the generals to assemble so that he can name four Jade Generals to prepare for their final stand.
Chapter five: After several ruthless acts, Ananta has been promoted to captain of his own platoon. As the forces are beginning to gather from all of the tribes, he witnesses Isidor in person for the first time, and watches him interact with his men. Ananta's father dies.
Chapter six: Isidor's regiment is supplemented by Ananta's being assigned to him as well. He only succeeds his power because of his love for the Supreme General. Isidor approaches him and apologizes for any shame this may have caused. He knows that he has taken on the title of "Ananta the Wicked" and asks to hear stories of his exploits. Ananta agrees to regale him as they travel.
Chapter seven: Ananta recalls his childhood and the abuse of his father which led him to seek greatness. He rides alongside Isidor at the head of the caravan on Freya's back. He meets Fidda. Isidor is impressed by Ananta's resolved, and charmed by his intellect.
Chapter eight: The Etudian forces mount their attack as Isidor's regiment meets up with the main force. His presence boosts morale greatly, as does Ananta's. He is quickly reaching 'folk hero' status amongst the soldiers. The attack comes sooner than expected, and Isidor and Ananta rush in head first to try to hold them off. The battle rages for hours, and as Ananta struggles to reach Isidor's side, Fidda is killed. Isidor falls, suspected to be dead, and Freya covers them both with her body in an attempt to protect them.
Chapter nine: Isidor's mind is broken by the severing of his bond. Many do not survive the loss of their Kylan, and those that do are regarded with the highest respect. Ananta stays by his bedside, even after the battle moves on despite the urging of others to allow the nursemaids to care for the Supreme General.
Chapter ten: Life in the desert. For months, their tent is staked near an oasis while Isidor's body struggles to recover. His mind has begun to recover as well with Ananta's care, and his stories of Isidor's accomplishments. Freya keeps watch over them, and helps them hunt.
Chapter eleven: Bandits attack. Ananta dispatches them easily, but suffers some wounds. Isidor, now mostly healed, cares for him. They make love for the first time as it begins to rain.
Chapter twelve: Isidor and Ananta are completely lost in their forbidden love affair until an envoy of Harisha's armies comes to collect them. They are returned to the front lines and Ananta is promoted to General.
Chapter thirteen: Three years have passed since Ananta and Isidor last saw each other. Again, the Etudian forces have gathered and are threatening the lines. Harisha dies suddenly, and is replaced by Agni Marsin, defector from the Etudian side. He had recently been broken out of an Etudian prison in Floria, and swore revenge on his 'traitor' father, Gunter. He abandoned his Etudian name, Ferdinand, and took up the Nendeeni name Agni. The people are loyal to him, and he fules their desire for revenge. He calls the forces together enmass, and Isidor recieves a message, saying that one of the Jade Generals requests an audience with him. When he enters the tent, he is surprised to find Ananta there. Despite the fact that Ananta feels a bit jilted, and Isidor is reluctant because of how dangerous things are-- this is forbidden, he says, they make love and spend the night in each other's arms.
Chapter fourteen: After the immediate conflict is resolved, Isidor asks that Ananta and his brigade be assigned to him in order to help with his current mission. Ever one to please his allies, Agni agrees to this wholeheartedly and thinks nothing of it. One night, an officer of Isidor's special ops-- Jealous of the seemingly special attention that Ananta recieves from Isidor, waits by the Supreme General's tent. He overhears the sounds of their coupling, and is appalled by such behavior by two respected Nendeeni.
Chapter fifteen: Laksmi, a member of Ananta's brigade learns of the man's cruel intentions and warns Isidor of their promised fate: Death or slavery. Isidor goes to Ananta and they escape by night, carried on Freya's back.
Chapter sixteen: Though it pains him to do so, Agni sends out one of the generals to hunt Isidor and Ananta down, as they must face the tribal council and be judged. Their escape is however, proof enough of their sodomy and therefore the General Naveen takes it upon himself to kill on sight. The lovers evade detection on their way to Etude right up until they make it to the mountain pass, where Naveen finally comes upon them.
Chapter seventeen: Naveen attacks savagely and mortally wounds Freya. In her last burst of strength, she brings down a landslide so that her contractor and his lover can escape.
-- two possible endings--
ending one: Isidor and Ananta make it to safety in the enemy country, and pass on to Yliah where they find safety, even though Ananta's mind is shattered and never quite recovers.
ending two: Badly injured, Isidor is dying just as Ananta's life is slipping away with Freya's. Isidor embraces Ananta, and while leaning against a tree, they fall together on Ananta's father's sword.
Resolution: The story of these two so moved the Nendeeni people that it gave birth to the preference of free love that began to permeate Paragon. The Yliah took up the story of these two men first, and they became patron gods of love and sacrifice.
Nendeen-- Land of the Nendeeni tribesmen
Capital city: Evalon
Bordering: Etude
Etude-- Kingdom of the Etudian nation
Capital city: Floria
Bordering: Nendeen and Yliah.
Yliah-- The philosopher's communal state
Capital city: Paragon
Bordering: Etude
State of the world: Nendeen and Etude are at war, and Yliah supplies weapons/intelligence to both with no real bias. Etude wants to make the Nendeeni their slaves, and the Nendeeni want them to back off, as well as take their land as revenge. Etude is ruled by women more so than men, but for years the current queen has been too weak to rule. The responsibility has passed on to her Warlord, Gunter Marsin and his sons. Gunter is actually of Nendeeni decent, and his family originally had been ambassadors, yet ended up assimilating. Gunter's eldest son, Indra, appears to be more Nendeeni than Etudian...
Ananta Narayana: Ananta the Wicked. One of Harisha's 'Jade Generals'.
Ever living in his father's shadow, Ananta struggled to make his name known at a young age. He was not physically strong at first, and had to work hard to keep up with other boys his age. The Narayana heir was thin and beautiful, and never really filled out even as he got older. He remained slight and retained his soft curves despite his title. Ananta's relationship with his father was abusive. He hated the man, and made no secret of the fact. Fakhri was one of Harisha's four most active generals, and Ananta swore that he'd rise to the same standing or higher.
When it came time for him to tame his Kylan, he was determined to find the best prized specimen possible. He brazenly approached a huge crimson lizard, and demanded a contract with it. The beast flew into a rage and savagely attacked Ananta and the others that had come as his witnesses. Two young men aside from himself died, and Ananta lost his left arm from the elbow down.
When one makes a pact, they take on some characteristics of their Kylan. It was Freya who came to care for the badly wounded Nendeeni's aid, and she treated him like her own chick until he was able to travel again. From the time that their pact was formed, his skin became pale, his eyes the color of blood, and his long dark hair was streaked with the gold of Freya's scales.
When he returned to Evalon, the first thing he did was seek out the alchemists, who crafted for him a special prosthetic molded after Freya's claws. His determination redoubled, and in an incredibly short time, Ananta rocketed up the ranks of Harisha's armies. He was feared for his enchanted, poisonous claw that he used mercilessly in battle. While he was away on campaign, his father died of an infection from a grievous wound. Ananta spat on his grave, and washed his hands of the entire affair.
Finally able to focus on what he considered his purpose, Ananta the Wicked, alongside Hidoi the Stealth, Naveen the Fearless, and Faiz the Stalwart were able to push back Etudian forces further than they had been in years-- nearly to the border. The Etudians were unfortunately better outfitted than the tribesmen in most cases, and the strange abilities that ran in their blood were an unfair advantage despite the Nendeeni's Kylan.
The Wicked General had become arrogant and a bit flamboyant. He painted his face like the nobles and wore scant armor despite the dangerous situations he often found himself in. Ananta's men feared him, but loved him as well and many were relieved to learn the that general heralded as being most feared of all of Harisha's men was in fact human. ...
Freya: Ananta's Kylan. Its visage is that of a dragon, despite his history with the creatures. She is motherly and stern.
Isidor Aloysius: General in command of all of Harisha's armies. He is Ananta's idol.
Born into nobility, Isidor is tall and strong and considered to be the shining image of Nendeeni perfection. Long hair is a sign of prestige, honor, and beauty, and he wears his long white hair down his back with its expensive adornments that show his ranking.
Fidda: Isidor's Kylan. She takes the form of a great chestnut steed with big brown eyes. She is playful and loving.
Kylan: When a Vendeeni child comes of age, they are sent to the Kylan fields and are not to return until they contract one. Every Vendeeni is bonded with one type of Kylan or another. The most common take the form of horses, but there are some that appear as great lizards or almost chimera like. Ananta's family is famous for contracting the Dragon Kylan. If you fail to contract a Kylan and survive the ordeal, you are considered a member of the lowest slave class.
Women in Nendeeni: A female warrior, or a woman with a Kylan (Lady Hidoi is this) is treated as a perfect equal to a man of the same standing.
--------------------------------outline:
Prologue: The unearthing of a statue...
Chapter one: Ananta's ascension- his men are slaughtered by the great Wyvern, and he is rescued by the golden lizard, Freya.
Chapter two: Isidor is briefed by Harisha, and the renewed push against Etude begins.
Chapter three: Ananta's recovery begins, he becomes more acquainted with Freya and their contract.
Chapter four: Isidor's regiment is decimated, but he and a few other survive. Harisha calls for the generals to assemble so that he can name four Jade Generals to prepare for their final stand.
Chapter five: After several ruthless acts, Ananta has been promoted to captain of his own platoon. As the forces are beginning to gather from all of the tribes, he witnesses Isidor in person for the first time, and watches him interact with his men. Ananta's father dies.
Chapter six: Isidor's regiment is supplemented by Ananta's being assigned to him as well. He only succeeds his power because of his love for the Supreme General. Isidor approaches him and apologizes for any shame this may have caused. He knows that he has taken on the title of "Ananta the Wicked" and asks to hear stories of his exploits. Ananta agrees to regale him as they travel.
Chapter seven: Ananta recalls his childhood and the abuse of his father which led him to seek greatness. He rides alongside Isidor at the head of the caravan on Freya's back. He meets Fidda. Isidor is impressed by Ananta's resolved, and charmed by his intellect.
Chapter eight: The Etudian forces mount their attack as Isidor's regiment meets up with the main force. His presence boosts morale greatly, as does Ananta's. He is quickly reaching 'folk hero' status amongst the soldiers. The attack comes sooner than expected, and Isidor and Ananta rush in head first to try to hold them off. The battle rages for hours, and as Ananta struggles to reach Isidor's side, Fidda is killed. Isidor falls, suspected to be dead, and Freya covers them both with her body in an attempt to protect them.
Chapter nine: Isidor's mind is broken by the severing of his bond. Many do not survive the loss of their Kylan, and those that do are regarded with the highest respect. Ananta stays by his bedside, even after the battle moves on despite the urging of others to allow the nursemaids to care for the Supreme General.
Chapter ten: Life in the desert. For months, their tent is staked near an oasis while Isidor's body struggles to recover. His mind has begun to recover as well with Ananta's care, and his stories of Isidor's accomplishments. Freya keeps watch over them, and helps them hunt.
Chapter eleven: Bandits attack. Ananta dispatches them easily, but suffers some wounds. Isidor, now mostly healed, cares for him. They make love for the first time as it begins to rain.
Chapter twelve: Isidor and Ananta are completely lost in their forbidden love affair until an envoy of Harisha's armies comes to collect them. They are returned to the front lines and Ananta is promoted to General.
Chapter thirteen: Three years have passed since Ananta and Isidor last saw each other. Again, the Etudian forces have gathered and are threatening the lines. Harisha dies suddenly, and is replaced by Agni Marsin, defector from the Etudian side. He had recently been broken out of an Etudian prison in Floria, and swore revenge on his 'traitor' father, Gunter. He abandoned his Etudian name, Ferdinand, and took up the Nendeeni name Agni. The people are loyal to him, and he fules their desire for revenge. He calls the forces together enmass, and Isidor recieves a message, saying that one of the Jade Generals requests an audience with him. When he enters the tent, he is surprised to find Ananta there. Despite the fact that Ananta feels a bit jilted, and Isidor is reluctant because of how dangerous things are-- this is forbidden, he says, they make love and spend the night in each other's arms.
Chapter fourteen: After the immediate conflict is resolved, Isidor asks that Ananta and his brigade be assigned to him in order to help with his current mission. Ever one to please his allies, Agni agrees to this wholeheartedly and thinks nothing of it. One night, an officer of Isidor's special ops-- Jealous of the seemingly special attention that Ananta recieves from Isidor, waits by the Supreme General's tent. He overhears the sounds of their coupling, and is appalled by such behavior by two respected Nendeeni.
Chapter fifteen: Laksmi, a member of Ananta's brigade learns of the man's cruel intentions and warns Isidor of their promised fate: Death or slavery. Isidor goes to Ananta and they escape by night, carried on Freya's back.
Chapter sixteen: Though it pains him to do so, Agni sends out one of the generals to hunt Isidor and Ananta down, as they must face the tribal council and be judged. Their escape is however, proof enough of their sodomy and therefore the General Naveen takes it upon himself to kill on sight. The lovers evade detection on their way to Etude right up until they make it to the mountain pass, where Naveen finally comes upon them.
Chapter seventeen: Naveen attacks savagely and mortally wounds Freya. In her last burst of strength, she brings down a landslide so that her contractor and his lover can escape.
-- two possible endings--
ending one: Isidor and Ananta make it to safety in the enemy country, and pass on to Yliah where they find safety, even though Ananta's mind is shattered and never quite recovers.
ending two: Badly injured, Isidor is dying just as Ananta's life is slipping away with Freya's. Isidor embraces Ananta, and while leaning against a tree, they fall together on Ananta's father's sword.
Resolution: The story of these two so moved the Nendeeni people that it gave birth to the preference of free love that began to permeate Paragon. The Yliah took up the story of these two men first, and they became patron gods of love and sacrifice.