Curse

imanixon2 · Nov 13, 2005, 05:09 AM // 05:09

I saw Ashleigh's post and thought I'd post a story of my own. A few of the members of Xion Nights (XN) have posted stories about their characters; making them seem more real. We call it Fan Fiction(where this came from I haven't a clue). Enjoy!
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ALMOST A QUEEN__TALES OF IMA NIXONTOO

My day began when another ended. Numerous times have I been told it was my mother's destiny to trade her life for mine; as the gods in the mists had decided when her day began, though I would like not to believe it. To know that I have taken the place of another, my own mother, in this world, I would rather not exist. But it is not for me to make my own destiny; the gods have chosen mine as well. My father tells me everyday that he sees her in me, so it is as if he has both of us still. This comforts me, makes me see the similarities that I share with her. He speaks of her last words, "I’m a…". My name "Ima" helps him to hold on to the way that he remembers her, giving me the life that she was to let go of.

Growing up in the heart of Ascalon City, I had a marvelous view of Althea's acting stage. Duke Barradin always spoke of how great of an actress his little Althea would become. Maybe it was jealously, maybe it was sincere awe…whatever it was, I wished every day for the chance to show my talent on that stage. Sure there were smaller audiences in Ascalon, but this was to be a legendary stage; one where only the best Mesmers were to perform. In what became known as Barradin's Law, it was said that only Mesmers would be allowed to perform at this stage. From the way it was erected, Barradin believed that only the illusionary weaponry of a mesmer would bring out the true beauty that this stage could offer. I had loved watching the smaller acts in Ascalon and dreamed of one day performing at what would change my fate from that of the many citizens of home. So I told my father of my desire to learn the magic of Mesmers. He looked at me with such a face I knew I was making him proud. He sat me down by our fire and showed me a small note my mother had written my father while he was away on business after she learned of my coming. It said, "I'm a creator with you. Lyssa be praised!" The same words she had tried to speak when her voice was shattered by my crying, unknowingly for my loss, and from her fated departure.

And so with my father's permission, I grew up reading the ancient lore of the power of beauty and illusion. I learned how to punish others when they attempted to harm me, through melee and magic. Many days I would venture outside of my Ascalon to tune my skills competent to that of a theatrical Mesmer. Many a day would I find myself showing off my growing talent to the Prince. He had always had an interest in the commonalities of Ascalon, and he had grown a particular interest in seeing what the future of Ascalon possessed in terms of magical defense. Soon he was making appointments to see my work, and we would spend many afternoons hunting down any Charr that dared to near the wall protecting our city. He confided in me that he had a weakness for Mesmers and that he knew in his heart that he would share leadership of Ascalon. I shuddered, knowing all the time we had been together. He told me that he had been betrothed to the greatest Mesmer of all, Althea. I used this as a way to express my interest in the theater, of how I had watched the stage everyday of my childhood. Soon after this meeting I was summoned to Althea herself; we spoke, I displayed my magic and dancing abilities. Althea convinced me that I was not for the Ascalon Academy, I was to spend my days traveling with her and her theater troupe. Ecstatic, I rushed home, kissed my father farewell, packed my spell books, and dancing costumes, and headed off to my own private room at Barradin's Estate where I was to practice before performing at Althea's stage. There was always this little girl that would play around the stage in the afternoons. I would watch her and see me as a little girl again. Gwen never caused any trouble, it was humorous watching her mimick our moves but fall carelessly and then get up and try again.

Performing with Althea was a dream come true, though it left me little time for family(or what little I had of it). After traveling for many months, I came home to learn that my father had passed shortly before my return. Shattered, I took comfort in my performances. It directed my attention to syncracy with my fellow troupers and maintaining the legend that was written so long ago about the very stage I stood on. There were times when Althea would either be on a personal tour or have to return home for periods of time, usually lasting months, whereas I would be in charge of managing the stage's reputation, making sure that performances were up to standard and the revenues were sufficient. This gave Rurik the perfect opportunity. Throughout my career, we continued our walks; occasionally showing new skills, telling childhood stories, and complaining how we wished some things were different and how we loved how some things were the same. Sometimes Rurik would show a slight interest in me, romantically. He would bring me earrings from his treasure room, though I could not wear them, as they completely clashed with my armor and costumes. Plus it was Althea's rule that only she could perform with them. I kept them though, and secretly gave them to her, claiming I had found them, cast on the side of the road as Bandit Raiders ran from the Vanguard. One especially cold night, when Althea was away on tour, Rurik made me a very convincing offer. Come to his chambers after the show where he said we would prove our secret devotion to one another. He said that if I agreed, I would be the next Queen of Ascalon. Not being able to defy Althea, whom I had admired my whole life, I still declined. He said that he understood, but that he would still like to see me that night, casually. During the performances intermission, I learned that Rurik had betrayed me. He was planning on having me that night and then making it look like a suicide, just as "Rurik's Secret Lover" had done, after she was outed. But despite everything, I loved my life. I was doing what I had dreamed of ever since the Duke built this stage 20 years ago.

As the show continued I noticed an Elementalist standing on the side of the stage, appearing to be bored. Here I was dancing my heart out for the biggest audience in all of Tyria, and he was just standing there. I calmly glided my way over to him, keeping watch to stay in synch with the other dancers. I felt sure I could confide in him as we exchanged our histories with each other. I learned how the city would soon be nothing, and the stage would be destroyed. Not being able to see the stage disintegrated... we ran...and ran; for two years. Upon our hesitated return to Ascalon, we saw the results of what we had avoided.

For the Commander Daven side of the story visit www.xionnights.com in forums under fan fiction. It will make the last part of this somewhat more understandable.
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Annihilatory Conflict: overt attempt to destroy the other party.

Storm Crow · Nov 13, 2005, 10:29 AM // 10:29

pretty good story, I must admit. although you mix your past and present tenses, it was a good bit of writing in it's own.

imanixon2 · Nov 15, 2005, 04:48 PM // 16:48

thx for all who are reading this, keep the feedback coming!

Prince Rurik · Nov 23, 2005, 04:12 PM // 16:12

All lies! I have never been unfaithful to my fair Althea, you libelous hussy! "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned", eh? It's a pity my kingdom is demolished or I'd have you tarred and feathered for impugning my character. "Fiction" indeed - at least you acknowledge it as a bald-faced lie!