Post by Kurzann on Nov 23, 2011 13:29:19 GMT -8
Chapter 1: Fish and Chippy Critters
The Kerrans were a noble and peaceful race of felines who loved to fish. Once they had a proud civilization, but it had been lost in the Erudite Civil War between Erudin and Paineel. The Kerrans were considered less important and "in the way", so a movement was made to rid Toxxulia Forest of them. The Kerrans scattered and fled; many of their great council either being separated from home or slaughtered. Even after the war, some of the ruling body demanded retribution and a change of the old, simple and quaint ways. The world was changing, and the Kerrans needed to change with it. Others disagreed which caused arguments and dangerous fights with claws. Those who wanted change rebelled from their traditions and departed. Some of the Kerrans left the continent of Odus by use of magic. The rest who wished to keep their old traditions and peaceful civilization intact fled to the mountains. There, they built a new home which they called Kerra Ridge.
Kerra Ridge was safe and was well fortified against intrusion. Let the Erudites fight each other away from us, was the common thought amongst Kerrans. They were a simple civilization. No need for the stone buildings and cities that the Erudites built. Kerrans enjoyed the outdoors.
Kurzann was one such Kerran. On many afternoons such as this one, he would venture outside to do some fishing and hunting. There were many critters crawling around the mountain which made great sources for hunting. Kurzann was well liked by all and found to be very kind and compassionate. He was often together with his best friend, Lezaan. Lezaan enjoyed singing and entertaining with music, dance, and stories. Kurzann was more of the adventurous type. Some would joke that one day Lezaan would be there to sing Kurzann's story one day to the next generation of Kerrans. He was just waiting for the right opportunity to come along. Kurzann's compassion for others made him a wonderful candidate for the healing arts of the Shamen Guild. They welcomed him with open paws and guided his training.
Kurzann was taking a break from his studies and enjoying the outdoors. Lezaan, as always, was not far from him. Kurzann was planning to buy some more fish bait from Muxin at the dock.
"It's a beautiful day out," he said. "Do you think the fish will be plenty, my friend?"
"If not," Lezaan grinned, "I could always summon them to a concert with the sweet purr of my voice."
Kurzann chuckled. Lezaan had a way with others. Where Kurzann was compassionate with people, Lezaan put joy and happiness into people's hearts. Together, they helped make Kerra Ridge a wonderful place.
Lezaan placed his paw on Kurzann's shoulder. "I have been studying the ancient scrolls and songs of our people. Have you ever wondered what happened to The Lost Tribe?"
Kurzann thought about this. The Lost Tribe referred to all Kerrans who were separated from their homeland, whether they had rebelled or forced to flee by the Erudites. He felt compassion for those that may never see their home again. He nodded to his friend.
"What if I told you that I heard some rumors of another feline race in a land far from here?" Lezaan asked.
Kurzann smiled, "I would probably question the source of the story."
Lezaan laughed out loud. "Believe me, I did. But one day, I started to reconsider what I had heard and why."
Lezaan explained that he had left the mountains and ventured into Toxxulia Forest to fish one time. He was very careful to not be spotted by the Erudites. It had been many turns of the moon since their races had crossed, and Lezaan didn't want to be the one to cause any conflicts. He was an entertainer, not a warrior. The Erudites were close to his fishing site, so Lezaan had crouched low and crept in the high grass so as not to be seen. He could not tell if these were the Erudites of Light or the Erudites of Dark. They all seemed alike to him. As an entertainer, Lezaan took an interest in foreign languages. He knew some of their language. He knew enough to piece together their thoughts into a complete idea.
"They have no proof, but they are searching for this faraway land. They say the terrain is much different than it is here," he explained.
Kurzann asked, "But we have heard of many lands far from here. Filled with races like the Erudites of different colors and sizes. Lands of fire. Lands of ice. Some with creatures as big as our mountain and others as small as a fleck of dust on my fur. What makes this story any different?"
"Because they talk about felines! Not just four legged felines, but felines that walk tall and proud on two legs. Felines who have built a majestic civilization to rival their own," Lezaan explained.
"It couldn't be The Lost Tribe. Our people are not that way," Kurzann said.
"But some felt we should be. They felt we should change as the world changed or forever be lost as our people nearly were." Lezaan was very serious about this. "What if they succeeded?"
"Why not come back and tell us themselves?" Kurzann asked.
"Maybe they couldn't."
Kurzann lowered his head. He wasn't going to win this argument. Lezaan was very passionate about this.
"Normally, I would have paid no mind. Just stories. But the Erudites are searching for this land. They believe it to be the New World of promised knowledge, magic, and riches," Lezaan tried to convince his friend.
Kurzann chuckled. "So, our furless dark-skinned friends are on a treasure hunt? Why bother them?"
Lezaan eyed his friend closely. "Because if our ancestors have created a new civilization, then Erudites could be a threat to them. Wouldn't it be better if we found them first?"
Kurzann stepped back a bit. Lezaan grinned. "Besides, where is your sense of adventure?"
He had to admit. This was interesting, and he was waiting for that opportunity. Perhaps it finally arrived, and who better to be at his side then his best friend?