Aranée 59: Convalescence by NetWorthy
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Description
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Concerned about Aranée's listless behavior, Amikas finally took matters into his own hands. He gathered Mubela and the others and with uncharacteristic forcefulness, laid down the law: They would establish a schedule to get her out of her room at least five hours a day. She would eat proper meals and take therapeutic walks - they would FORCE her out of her funk. If not, her prognosis was dismal. She MUST improve her attitude and get more exercise.
So the following morning, sitting in her bed in her usual torpid state, she was startled when the door flew open. Her glance took in Mubela and a tan blur. A huge weight hit the bed - and Kuila lay beside her, happily nuzzling her side and nudging her arm. The effect was immediate: The floodgates of her heart opened and she embraced him in teary-eyed reunion, burying her face in his fur. She caressed his face, gently touching the scar across the eye he nearly lost. She looked at Mubela through misty eyes. "I thought..."
Mubela nodded. "Your injuries were grave, we could not bring him before now." She bit her lip, then set her jaw firmly and looked unwaveringly into Aranée's eyes. "But now you are better - and being entirely too lazy." Aranée's brows shot up, and Mubela pressed on. "You must increase your daily activity. You are finally in this place, I suggest you explore it. And take Kuila with you, you can help his recovery too."
And so Aranée started a new routine: One of them came every morning and they explored the decaying fortress until lunch time, then a short nap, followed by additional walks in the afternoon. The fortress was immense. In fact, it had been a completely enclosed city. Its true size only became apparent when she discovered part of it underground, hollowed into the very rock itself.
One bright morning, she and her Elf guard explored the highest rooms in the upper reaches. These areas were not easily entered from the common areas - they accidentally stumbled upon a hidden staircase. As they climbed, her scalp tingled and when they came to the ornate double doors her neck hairs were standing on end. Even Kuila paced nervously before the massive doors. But when she opened them, the sight caused her legs to buckle and she abruptly sat on the floor. Alarmed, the warrior ran to her side, but she waved him off. Skin pale, she swallowed, stared at the floor, then looked into the revealed space. A frown, then instant revelation. "Of course."
She looked at him. "Please go to my room, in the small pocket of my travel bag you will find a small parchment - please bring it to me." He hesitated. "Go on, I will be fine. And another thing... bring Mubela too."
He looked at her, his face a question.
"I think that little paper may be the key to this place."
--- TO BE CONTINUED!
View episodes in sequence for the entire story.
Please leave a comment or suggestions, your words mean more than you can imagine...
Image and story © 2011 by Larry Hodge
Comments (26)
mapps
excellent :-)
mininessie
wonderful...waiting for the next!
jandunne
I, too, can;t wait to see the rest.
densa
wonderful story can't wait for more
magnus073
This one is so exciting, and a truly picture perfect scene. Great work once more Larry
joaq
Superb lighting,Larry!Outstanding artwork!!!
Cimaira
Wonderful! Great reading and wonderful illustration!
Bossie_Boots
Superb illustration the lighting is amazing !!
PhilW
Great atmospheric image - and love the cobwebs! Intriguing storyline too - can't wait for the next chapter!
lyron
Fantastic composition. Excellent work!!
LivingPixels
great image and story line larry!! very well done!!
Faemike55
I got goosebumps reading this, especially the last part. Good job!!!!!
mikeerson
Well done... I like the fire, looks like a face is in it.
RJS
I, too, got goosebumps reading this. Your life experience is showing, Larry. This hits home like an arrow between the ribs. A powerful image with even more powerful prose, this was definitely worth the wait. More!
mgtcs
A most superbly episode Larry, Splendid art work as well! A fine combination and marvelous addition to this series!
Orinoor
Great writing and I love the scene, especially all the cobwebs.
brewgirlca
Wow, loving it Larry. Like Robert, this one sent a shiver through me as I read it. Really glad that you are back to writing this again; hope it is a sign that you too are on a road to recovery or at least are using the story as personal therapy. At the bottome there is only one way out and that is up.
neelzonline
Cool image and story.
Minda
Great image and another nice story larry..
1010
The details and lighting adds to the suspense Larry.
Savage_dragon
Love the lighting & highlight. Nice one! ")
LBJ2
Fantastic render and story, Larry. State of the art, all the way through.
Sledgezapper
Nice suspense
drifterlee
Wonderful lighting and scene!!!!!!!!
myrrhluz
Wonderful to see Kuila again! With him at her side, curiosity in the fortress, and friends to support her, Aranée will be able to make the hard climb to recovery. Excellent episode with an exciting ending. Excellent image! I love the lighting and poses. Aranée, in a small area of light surrounded by darkness, with Kuila at her side, an elf guard in position to protect her, and her eyes toward the light. It is a wonderful representation not only of her present physical reality, but also of the support and inner strength that will see her through her tragedy. Beautiful image and superb story!
velleman
Amazing scene, and I like the colors and depth!