Lost and Found -- open.

[Koell Lorreciel]

•Koell Lorreciel •

Koell’s perception of a normal life was far different from the average person. He was used to this world and to him this was normal. Riding dragons was normal. Fairies were normal. He couldn’t imagine a life with no magic or no dragons. This was Koell’s whole world. He couldn’t imagine how things would be if he didn’t have Lorreciel. He didn’t want to imagine a life without all the things he had come to love.

To try to explain to Koell that he was just a storybook character…it would be impossible. He couldn’t see that and could never accept it. His life had happened because of his choices and his mistakes. He wouldn’t believe in something higher than that causing it. And he certainly wasn’t about to believe he was some book character, let alone a side character. (To be honest, Koell wasn’t even mentioned in Meggie’s story) If he had known the truth of all of this, he would have simply laughed and called the messenger crazy.

”Soon enough,” he smiled. Koell liked this man. He found him friendly and easy to converse with. It was pretty easy to see any family was lucky to have him as a part of it. And hearing his voice ask the simple question of children with no surprise to his tone just added to Koell’s thoughts on Mortimer. ”I only have a daughter. Ryss is 16 years old and a Drake like myself—and before you say anything, I am aware I was far too young to be having a child.” He said the last part with a small, ironic smile. He had been too young and had grown up too fast.

Koell was only 30 years old and already he had a daughter who was 16 years old. Though—Koell did look much older than 30. Age had not been nice to him. At least not too nice—it had been moderate. Though, physically he wasn’t doing as great as he should. How many 30 Year Olds had lost the use of one leg and had a hard time getting around. In this world, not many of those lasted.

”What about you? Have a small or large family?” Koell’s tone said he already assumed a family. And Mortimer’s response had reinforced that. ”I guess, when it comes to family it is no surprise many people have feelings for their young as similarities. Every parent should find some pride or joy in their child.” Koell clearly meant it when he said it.

”I am sure the little devils deserved it,” Koell added with a look around them so he was sure he wasn’t overheard. ”They are not exactly the nicest of creatures around.”

”I am sure someone would have found you if I hadn’t. I am just glad it wasn’t one of Garantar’s men.” He turned his attention to the new arrival. ”I’m Koell,” he left it short and to the point. Sure, Mortimer didn’t ask why the girl was heading to Kara, but Koell was more than willing to. After all, He was potential transportation right? Who knew, maybe this girl was interested in passage. ”Why are you heading toward Kara?” He inquired. His tone was still very light and friendly.

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[Skade Syrokkin]

My feet are so black and blue, and so are you.
Please take me out of my body
Up through the palm trees
To smell California in sweet hypocrisy

Skade narrowed her eyes ever so slightly as the men introduced themselves, automatically making a summary of weapons and dangers to her. They didn't have much, except that one of the men had a walking stick. The other man was unarmed; no match for her and her sword. She also had the advantage of a horse, and Gymir, who, when really angry, could breathe thin threads of flame, enough to burn you at least. Overall, Skade found herself to be the most powerful of the group, giving her some measure of confidence.

The men introduced themselves as Mortimer and Koell, and Skade nodded at each of them in turn, something a bit too formal for a meeting in a forest. Her time in London had taught her a few manners; she was vaguely aware that if she had grown into a proper shield maiden, she would have killed the men before they had time to say one word.

One of them, Koell, asked why she was going to Kara. The slightest scowl formed on her face, making her girlish features suddenly fearsome. Truthfully, there wasn't much she needed in Kara. However, she was reluctant to tell anybody, especially people she had just met, that she lived in the mountains. It was best if everybody assumed that she lived in or near the city.

"I need to buy a few things," she said in a short tone that allowed no room for question. Despite the fact that she wasn't even 20 yet, Skade sounded like an adult, at least an adult from where she came from. "However..." she paused, taking a deep breath. It was hard for her to admit that she was lost, since it would mean the stupid fire fairy had been right. "I seem to have gotten turned around," she finished, an English accent showing faintly in her words. "Can I come with you?" she asked, again having to swallow her pride. At this point, she knew if she tried to continue on her own, she would get lost again, and it was getting a bit late. If she stayed out too long, she'd have to go home in the dark, and that was dangerous.

[mortimerfolchart]

Mortimer Folchart.
Silvertongue.
The Bluejay.
“A good book has no ending.”

Mortimer had once had a normal life. For some time he believed that there was nothing out of the ordinary about his own world. The only magic he knew of was true love and the –fake- magic in books. Years later Mo learned that magic was real. His voice was a magic weapon and he vowed to never use it again. That became Mo’s new normal. Then he got dragged out of his world and into the Inkworld. Becoming the Bluejay was his third change of normal. Another one came soon after when the Bluejay was locked up. Four times he had changed his definition of normal. Was this world going to make it a fifth time?

How could Mortimer tell anyone that they were just a character in a storybook? He had only told the three men from Inkheart who came out of the book. Since then he had not told anyone from the Inkworld what they really were. Mo understood how it felt; he had seen how Dustfinger acted when he was trapped in a foreign world without those he loved. Ten long years trapped away from his wife and children and then to say that he was nothing but a dead man in a story created by a crazy old lunatic? Now that was cruel. Mortimer couldn’t say a word about his daughter’s writing to Koell. This man looked too determined to believe some lost traveler that he was a side character in his twenty-three year old daughter! It sounded just absurd in Mo’s mind.

Mo nodded eagerly. In a few hours time he’d be face to face with a dragon. Who would have ever thought? Mo was so enjoying Koell’s company and his hospitality. Without this man all hope was lost. Mo could never thank him enough for what he was helping him to do. It seemed Koell was a father just like himself. Even more things the two had in common. The girl was sixteen and Koell looked no older than his middle thirties. Mo did the math quickly in his head. He wasn’t much older than his daughter when she was born… That must have been tough. Mo had Meggie when he was in his early twenties and he was ready when she came. This man must have been completely lost. “Ryss is a lovely name.” A friendly smile played on his lips. He didn’t have anything to say about the second subject. He was too young, but what happened can’t be changed.

Mo’s smile widened at the man’s question. “It’s not too big. I have three children. My oldest, Meggie, is twenty-three. Than my two younger ones Alex and Madeline are twelve and six.” Mo couldn’t hide the pride in his voice. He was proud of his three beautiful children. They were all smart and loving, just like Mo raised them to be. Mo was only forty-four years old, but he looked like he was only in his mid to late thirties. Mo nodded to the man’s statement. “You are very right.” Mo completely agreed with him. He and his children were all very like, though Alex was much more like Resa then his other two. He assumed it was because Alex and his wife weren’t Silvertongues and stuck together. His two girls were both silvertongues like him and even if he hated his gift he was proud that they had it.

Mo nodded to Koell’s comment about those little beasts in the forests. He believed they defiantly deserved it, even if it was a bad thing to say. Being on such an important mission made Mo realize how annoying and vicious of the creatures of the forest were. There was no time to feel bad for knocking out, if not killing, a few of them.

Mo’s eyes brows furrowed. “Garantar?” was that the name of the villain in this story? Meggie had actually made one? Mo’s face pulled down into a slight frown. Turning to face the girl Mo gave her nothing but a friendly smile. He could see how she checked them out for weapons, and Mo wanted to prove himself harmless to her. If she threatened to attack them, she’d be surprised by what Mo could do. He wasn’t just a spineless or weak bookbinder. That was for sure. Mo knew it was better if Koell asked the questions since Koell knew this place and probably the people in this world better than he. The girl, like him, was lost in this troublesome forest. He didn’t feel as foolish since he wasn’t the only one. “Well, I don’t see why not.” Mo looked over at Koell for some sort of approval. Even if the girl had a fearsome scowl on her face just seconds ago, she looked alright. The sword and the animal wouldn’t be something that could stop Mo easily and he was sure Koell was just as capable.[/size]

[Koell Lorreciel]

•Koell Lorreciel •

Koell could imagine many things. Though he could never imagine he was just some character in a story book. He could imagine things being read from a story—but never that he was in the story. He could see how magic could do almost anything but he could never feel like he was just some words on paper. That his past and his future were predetermined and he couldn’t change that. No, Koell would lose most of his spirit if he heard such things.

Koell simply beamed when Mortimer commented on his daughter’s name. ”It is short for Carys. Lorreciel and I took a while thinking of names, we both agreed on Carys. Though, it appears that Ryss stuck a lot better. I am glad you agree!” He loved every aspect of his daughter. She was everything to him. Her and Lorreciel were his whole world and he couldn’t imagine a life without them. He couldn’t live in a life without them.

Koell could feel a kinship to Mortimer as his smiled grew at the chance to talk about his family. What could ever make anyone prouder? Koell was surprised to find that Meggie was as old as she was considering Mortimer’s age. Then again, a man could appear younger than he was. It was easy enough to do. ”Quite an age gap between your two oldests. And what has your dear Meggie chosen for her future?” He was referring to occupation. Seeing as someone who was only around 14 years old would already be moving forward and already working in this world.

Koell looked at Mortimer completely surprised. He didn’t know or even hear of Garantar? Where had he been. Outlying lands had been talking about the evil man. ”You don’t know of Garantar?” Koell was shocked to hear that. ”Garantar is the ruler of any open area of these lands. The only area he hasn’t taken over is the mountains—though I am sure he will get there soon enough. He is hated and despised—with reason. He kills without a second thought and takes whatever he wants when he wants it. He has the open plains—the center of all travel, guarded in every area so he always knows what everyone is doing. If Garantar wants to get rid of you—you are as good as dead. So everyone tries to remain on his good side, though it is difficult to do.” Koell’s tone was dark as he spoke of Garantar. His hatred ran deep and it was especially clear since the Drakes were allied with the rebellion. They shared the same location on Drar Island as their center of operations after all. ”You must be from really REALLY far away to not know about him.”

Koell noticed her change in stature as he asked the question. So she wasn’t so comfortable and friendly. He was amused in a way but it also helped reveal a little of her character. Koell let his smile turn a little to show a bit of his suspicion. Either way, he had a dragon so he had no worries. It had always worked that way.

Most people would have felt smug knowing they were the only one who knew the way to a particular location, but not Koell. He simply smiled. ”Of course you can come along with us. The City of Yews isn’t far off now anyway.” He didn’t offer a ride on Lorreciel just yet. He knew from seeing Mortimer that he was a good guy. This girl was too reserved for him to be sure. So he would find out soon whether he would offer passage or not. Then again, it was always Lorreciel’s choice in the long run. She would determine whether the girl was safe or not. Either way—once on top of a dragon, you didn’t do anything to tick the dragon or the rider off. That was just asking for death.

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[Skade Syrokkin]

My feet are so black and blue, and so are you.
Please take me out of my body
Up through the palm trees
To smell California in sweet hypocrisy

Skade was slightly surprised that she was being invited along, though she didn’t protest. Accepting help was better than being lost in these blasted forests forever. For all she knew, those fire fairies would come back and try to offer her ‘advice.’ Knowing them, each would be telling her a way to ride into a lake, or over a cliff, or into the den of some fearsome animal.

Feeling slightly safer since the men hadn’t made any sort of aggressive mood towards her, Skade dismounted from Lodur. Her legs had cramped up from the long ride, and the poor horse was probably tired. He did seem relieved; at least he blew softly into her blond hair. She gave the smallest grin, then scowled to cover it up; she didn’t trust these men that much, and still wanted to seem much more fierce. She kept her sword on, though she slung it over her back so it would be easier to walk. She held Lodur’s reins in her hand, and walked quickly, keeping up with the men despite her short stature.

“Thank you,” she added a bit belatedly, sounding the tiniest bit belligerent. She had been here a few years, but it was still hard to be putting herself in debt to others, with these things called manners. In her old her own story, she hadn’t even known that you would show gratitude for a kindness. She absently wondered if the men here were from this story or another. They weren’t big enough to be from her own story; the men in her village were all huge, almost giants. Though they could be Saxons, she mused. Deciding it didn’t matter, she didn’t pursue it.

“Oh, this is Lodur,” she added, again belatedly, jingling the horse’s reins. “And that’s Gymir,” she added, pointing to the gargoyle. He was curled up like a cat on Lodur’s back, staring at the humans with owlish eyes. When introduced, he yawned loudly, showing sharp, stone teeth. He rustled his stone wings, resettling himself on the moving horse.

Skade replayed the men’s earlier conversation in her mind, recalling a familiar name. “You aren’t talking about Garantar, are you?” she asked, her curiosity piqued. He wasn’t a ruler where she lived in the mountains, though everybody knew of him. He interested Skade greatly; if he weren’t such a coward, he would be like one of the Northmen from her village. Though to Koell and Mortimer he would be a monster, his behavior would be considered normal and brave in her village. “I think he’s a coward,” she announced, shaking her head slightly in disgust. “A brjòstabarn, if I ever saw one!” she added, using her favorite Northman insult. “He would be much more worthy of his power if he fought for it on his own. And the lords around here…pah!” she spat contemptuously. “Where I am from, they would have risen against him long ago.” She didn’t add more; if they didn’t know where she was from, they could ask. Skade was unaware of how…well, how childish her view was. In her own story, there hadn’t been absolute rulers like Garantar. Sure, there was one king all the chiefs paid tribute too. But if he tried to take the power Garantar had, he would have been swiftly killed.