Writing Contest VOTING - Heb Bastet 2022

[Mr. Pooka]

All of the entries for the Heb Bastet (2022) writing contest will be posted in this thread. Thank you everyone for entering! (-8


Please take some time and enjoy this years wonderful entries and vote for your favorite! (-8

Please use your main account for voting, not your roleplaying accounts, (-8 (if you do by accident, it's not a real problem, but most importantly there you may only vote once per person!)



PLEASE DO NOT POST IN THIS THREAD!!!!

[Mr. Pooka]

Entry #1



"The normally quiet mountain path was alive with the clinking sound of metal as the knights made their way up to battle the mighty red dragon.
Unaware they were being watched from the shadows by another who wishes the glory of bringing honour to the village below."
"You know we would be more unaware if you weren't narrating the whole way up here." the angry voice of the captain said with a sigh as he plucked the little cub from the bushes next to the path.
"Hey! I need to go battle the dragon with you guys" they hissed swinging the stick sword around and trying to hit the captain.
Letting out another sigh the captain grabbed the stick and threw it into the woods before lifting the little cub up higher so they were at eye level.
"Jewel, go home now or I'll tell your dad that you got in the way of the mission." the captain said placing them down and pointing back down the path towards the village.
Jewel puffed out her cheeks and crossed her arms over her chest.
"Look Jewel," he said moving down to her level and getting her to look at him "I know you want to help but the dragon's layer is a dangerous place. We're going while the dragon is away to reclaim some treasure to help the village get through the dry season. We are not going to fight them." the captain ruffled her hair slightly.
"Look if you promise to go home and not to the cave I'll try and grab you something dragonish from the cave, ok?" the captain said looking at the young cub hopefully.
She looked at the captain for a moment before looking behind them where the others were waiting then off to one side.
"Fine," she huffed kicking a stone at her feet before starting to walk off towards the bushes again.
"The village is the other way," the captain said with a chuckle watching them walk off.
Jewel rolled her eyes as she looked at him. "I know that but you threw my sword in the bushes this way. It took me ages to get the sword just right."
The others chuckled behind them and the captain coughed slightly to cover it "Well fine but then home with you."
Jewel nodded and went to look for her sword as the captain and the town guard made their way up the mountain.
She wasn't sure how far her sword had gone but making her way through the bushes she was surprised to see another pat that lead down and around the back of the mountain.
"Ohh, a secret path through the woods," she mused to herself before a cheeky smile graced her lips "I said I would go home, I didn't say when."
Just a little way along the path she spotted her stick sword and smiled leaping for it and holding it aloft
"Hazar, The mighty warrior has once again been reunited with her magical sword of oak, The village will be saved."
A chuckle spooked her and she looks around to see someone relaxing in front of a large cave a little further along the path.
"Sorry little one, Oh my mistake mighty warrior, I did not mean to startle you. What are you doing so far out from the village?"
Jewel looked over the sphinx before relaxing slightly.
She was larger than some of the sphinxes in the village, more like the greek that turned up last year but she didn't have wings.
Her face was also oddly shaped, not like her own feline face, or the human face of her dad. it kinda looked like that of a snake, she knew that was called something else and she racked her brain until it clicked.
"Are you one of them Djets?" she asked trying to look past her front to see if she was a snake-like the others claimed."I thought they lived in the desert?"
The lady chuckled and shifted to show her hind legs wiggling her toes "Nope not a djet but we were related once. My name is Ruby and what is the name of the mighty worrier before me? "
"My name is Jewel," she said blushing thinking about how her dad would scold her for her bad manners. "why are you here Ruby? I've never seen you in the village before."
Ruby covered her mouth chucking at the boldness of the little one.
"I live here on the mountain, everything I need is here," she said still chuckling motioning to the forest around her. "I rarely go into the village only once or twice a year to visit the market for some ... luxury items." her eyes drifted over to the entrance to the cave behind her before she looks back at the little cub.
"Why are you here little one. As i said we are a long way from the village."
"I was following the village guard to see if I could capture a glimpse of the red dragon that lives on top of the mountain," Jewel said excitedly before her ears drooped "but the captain of the guard said I was too small to go up with them and told me to go home."
Ruby nodded her head slowly "your Captain of the guard sounds wise. But why do you want to risk injury just to see the dragon?"
"My mom used to tell me stories about brave knights fighting dragons and saving the people" Jewel swished her stick around happily as she spoke pretending she was battling. "but she went to the city to get more work so I've missed her. But if i see the dragon then i could tell her my story when she gets back."
"Oh, i would love to hear more stories about dragons. If you tell me some I'll tell you some stories i know." Ruby said with a smile.
Jewel perked up and told her to sit comfortably and she would begin her tale.
Ruby humoured her and made a show of settling back into the same position and nodding for her to start her tale.
"Long ago Sphinxes were nomadic, moving from place to place with the seasons.
They relied on the bounty of the lands in season and tried their hardest to get through tough times.
Then a group found a lush valley and decided to make it a permanent home to try and save their dwindling numbers.
The land was very generous and provided everything that a new village could need to get started.
Many types of fruit trees proved more than bountiful to get them through the winter months and they started to make themselves at home."
The little one was a talented storyteller and very talkative with her body language. surprisingly Ruby found herself riveted to the story she was telling.
"Soon a small village was built and sphinxes came and went But the land was filled with the vicious beasts so they had to be careful most of the village turned into fighters to defend the weaker ones or the travellers.
Soon enough it was safe enough to allow the village to grow. More and more nomads travelled to the valley and called it their home.
With them, they brought new techniques for growing more types of foods and set up farmlands.
Things were looking good for the village until..."
Jewel faulted slightly and started looking around for something.
"What are you looking for little one?" Ruby asked thinking they must have dropped something while telling the story.
"well, i need a shield for the next part. I use a bucket at home but i was looking for a bit of wood or something to use." Jewel said looking at a tree nearby and wondering if she could pull a big enough bit of bark off to use.
Ruby let out a chuckle and shook her head "hold on one second i might just have something."
Stretching slightly as she stood Ruby vanished into the mouth of the cave.
Jewel looked a little puzzled as she could hear shuffling inside. She started to make her way towards the mouth of the cave to see if she could take a peek.
But as she got near the entrance Ruby appeared at the opening with a wooden disk in her mouth.
"This might work as a shield," Ruby said handing over the barrel lid that she had found.
Jewel's eyes lit up and she took the offered shield from her paws.
"oh, this is great. The mighty warrior now had the great oaken shield rightful partner to the magical sword of oak."
Ruby threw her head back and laughed deeply small whisps of smoke came from her nose as she settled back into her spot to hear the end of the story.
Jewel lept back into her story as if it had never been interrupted by the lack of props.
"Things were looking good for the village until The great red dragon descended upon the village to take away all the children.
The elders could not let that happen and soon a hero stepped forward to battle.
the battle was long and hard but with a final leap, the knight beheaded the dragon and saved the village children.
After the defeat of the red dragon, the elders sent the heroes into the forests and lands to slay all dragons they could find.
Only the deadly red dragons remained until the heroes defeated almost all of them.
Soon another large red dragon attacked the village and made a deal with the elders that it would leave the village alone if we paid it with gold and Jewels.
Twice a year the tribute is left at the foot of the mountain and we live in peace." Jewel finished and gave a small bow to Ruby.
She clapped slightly "a well-told story but not to my taste." Ruby said patting the space next to her indicating for Jewel to take a seat.
"As promised i will now tell you my story."
Jewel's eyes shone brightly as she settled where Ruby had motioned and waited expectantly.
"Many years ago before scrolls, every recorded time this was a land were many types of creatures called home.
Green earth hydras, Blue sky wyverns, and the Red fire drakes governed over them all.
They lived in peace sharing the whole valley and mountains with only a minimal amount of fighting.
Until one day a new species arrived, at first, things seemed fine. they settled in the valley and seemed to keep to themselves.
Things started to change slowly, they started to cut down trees more and more to make room to plant fields of food. This angered the hydras and they brought it to the drakes to deal with the matter.
The leader of the drakes went to speak with them but He did not return to the mountain.
It was decided that it would be better if we just left them alone but as time went on it was noticed that the smaller ones started to vanish.
Soon more and more started to vanish, though it was unknown if they were taken or killed, leaving only the drakes behind as they believed they were safe on the mountain top.
For who would mess with the mighty fire drakes on the top of the mountain home where they are the strongest."
"I kinda feel bad for them " Jewel interrupted her eyes slightly moist with tears " the strangers just came in and took the land and stole or killed the little ones."
Ruby brushed the tears away gently with her paw and smiled softly at the little cub.
"hush let me finish the story." Jewel sniffed back her tears and nodded waiting for Ruby to continue.
"As i was saying the red drakes stayed on the mountain tops in their caves filled with treasures that had been passed down through the generations.
After a while, the tempting jewels and coins proved too much, and the strangers soon made their way up the mountain. Capturing or killing any drakes they could find and claiming their family treasure.
It came a time when all that remained was one family of drakes left on the mountain, they were the descendants of the leader drake that had vanished.
The mother and her 3 daughters and a son.
They lived a carefree life for a while until it to was their time to be discovered.
The daughters had travelled into the lower lands to gather food to store for the coming winter when they were found by a group of strangers.
They were captured and taken back to the stranger's home and were going to be sold to the highest bidder.
The son had alerted his mother to what had happened and she arrived in her blaze of glory worthy of one of the elder fire drakes.
She demanded the release of her children or she would burn the whole place to the ground.
The stranger's leader finally had a shred of mercy and allowed her children free.
To save face with the other strangers the leaders proclaimed that they would pay tribute to the drakes as a way of apologising. Leaving them offerings at the base of the mountain as long as they never come near their home again. The mother took her children and returned to the mountain.
She decided it too was time to leave with her brood and find a new home.
She sent her daughters and son out in the four directions to find a new home and waited for their return.
Sadly they are yet to return so the mother waits on the mountain top.
Every night of a new moon she will go to the highest peak and shoot a pillar of fire into the sky so they can find their way home." Ruby said looking up at the slowly darkening sky.
Jewel looked up at the sky looking puzzled "I see a pillar of fire in the sky sometimes. Is that the drake mother? how do they live up on the mountain with the red dragon?"
Ruby offered her a sad smile.
"Drake is a type of dragon. same as hydras and wyverns. Like how i know you are a sphinx, i believe you are one of the Albion's clan, but i also know there are Egyptians and greeks. Similar in species but have known differences."
Jewel nodded "That was a very sad story for the dragons then. i always thought they were all evil creatures but they were just a family trying to protect each other."
Before she could dwell on it longer Ruby stood up and nudged her to her feet. "It's getting late and i know the captain and the guard will be coming down empty-handed soon."
Ruby turned and walked back into the cave and quickly returned with a small pouch.
"Hold onto this pouch and hop on my back and I'll take you down the mountain quickly," Ruby said offering her the small pouch.
Jewel hesitated for a moment but realised she would get in trouble with the guard if they got back before her, with a small nod she climbed onto Ruby's back and they took off.
They travelled quickly and in no time at all, they were at the base of the mountain by a large stone slab.
"Well, Jewel it was nice to see you and hear your story. but please stay nearer the village next time. Give that pouch to your dad and I'm sure you will see your mother in no time."
Jewel nodded holding the purse tightly in her paws "Can i not come and see you again Ruby? I could tell you more stories."
Ruby offered a small smile " as much as i would like that i will not be at that cave again for some time. I am more of a nomad of the mountain. Always moving."
Jewel let out a small sigh her smile dropping "will i see you again?"
Ruby's eyes shined brightly for a moment "You may not see me but i will keep an eye on you."
She ruffled her hair gently before walking back into the woods.
"JEWEL!" a panicked voice came from one side and she turned to see the captain running towards her with her father.
"where have you been? we came back from the mountain hours ago and we couldn't find you." her father said grabbing her arms and looking her over before pulling her into a big hug.
"I'm sorry I worried you, I got sidetracked on the mountain path. I found a lady called Ruby and we swapped dragon stories. She walked me home when we noticed it was getting dark." Jewel said hugging her father tightly
The captain and her father exchanged looks.
"Jewel, sweety there is no one living on the mountain. only the dragon can live up so high." Her father said looking down at her.
Before she could say anything else a deep roar echoed from the forest and a large red and orange drake rose from the trees.
The two males shrunk back slightly but Jewel felt a warm familiar feeling.
Opening the pouch in her hand she tipped out several coins with a dragon stamped on them.
Looking back she smiled and waved bye stunning both the captain and her father.
As soon as she was old enough she would make her way back up the mountain to find Ruby again.

[Mr. Pooka]

Entry #2


The silver dragon clawed his way to consciousness after a long sleep. He opened one eye and immediately turned his head to the left to check on his mate, only to remember what had sent him into his long sleep.

Had it really been three years since his beloved Shorylth had been taken from him? He groaned and contemplated returning to his slumber. At least in his dreams, he could still see her, her red scales gleaming in the sun, her vivacity and how she always seemed to be laughing at him. He groaned and closed his eyes. How he missed her!

As he moved to resettle himself on his golden bed, he heard a voice in his mind that sounded suspiciously like his mate. “Now, Zedror, get up! You’ve been a lazy lump of scales long enough!”

“I don’t want to,” he complained. “There’s nothing to be awake for,” he added in a softer voice. “You’re gone.”

“Being a lazy wyrm is what got you into this mess, though, now , isn’t it,” his conscience – he was sure it was his conscience – reminded him.

He sighed. It was true. He had been asleep when the group of adventurers had struck. He’d been roused by the unfamiliar scent, but before he could do much more than shift, he’d been hit with an immobilization spell. While he usually would have been able to shake off such a thing without thinking, they’d had some sort of object with them that seemed to nullify his magical resistance. Moments later, a sleeping spell had settled over him.

When he’d awoken, his mate had been gone. There was no trace of her or of what had happened besides some scorch marks near the entrance of their cave and a missing scrying mirror, the object the thieves had obviously come for. He had immediately gone to search for her, but he had found nothing, not even her body.

He’d been left alone with nothing but a gaping wound in his heart.

“Which is why I am going back to sleep,” he stated as he settled back down. Perhaps when he woke in a month or two, he’d feel less broken.

Zedror was just drifting back to sleep when he noticed it. There was a shift in the atmosphere that hadn’t been there before. He tried to ignore it, but it kept niggling at the back of his mind until he finally grumbled himself back into wakefulness and made his way to the entrance of his cave.

He carefully crawled out from behind the waterfall that hid the entrance from most prying eyes and scrambled his way up the cliff face to get a better vantage point. He could see several winged creatures flying towards him. If they kept on their current path, then they would pass over the city of Lander.

He cocked his head to the side as his snout wrinkled in thought. “What are dragons doing this far from the island,” he asked aloud and then shook his head. It didn’t matter. Protecting the citizens of Lander was no longer his business. After all, they certainly hadn’t seen fit to spare his mate.

He huffed to himself as he moved to climb back to his cave. When he reached his home, he moved towards his bed, but his conscience decided to pipe up again. “You don’t know that the ones who attacked us were from Lander, and you promised that you would do what you could for them if they left you and your mate alone.”

He sighed and moved away from his bed and towards the back of the cave instead. It was true. He had been exiled from Mal’tolgalen many years ago for a crime he had not committed. Although he was later proved to be innocent, he had refused to return to the island, angry that those he had called his friends would think such things of him. So, he and Shorylth had settled in this cave with the citizens’ knowledge and blessing, promising to protect the city if the need should arise.

Zedror raised a long claw and tapped a large crystal ball that was mounted onto a basin that was filled with water. The ironic part of the attack they had suffered is that he had much better scrying tools than the mirror the thieves had taken. It was just that the mirror was much more well-known.

A moment passed before he swirled the same claw into the basin of water. As the water began to settle once more, he began to see clearly that his assumption was correct. Dragons were heading towards the city. It seemed as if the entire island had been emptied, and they appeared crazed.

“You need to warn the city,” his conscience told him, and he nodded.

He moved towards the entrance but hesitated. It had been many decades since he’d last visited the city, and he did not wish to frighten the citizens or appear to be with the other dragons on their way. He would need to shift into a more acceptable shape. What a bother!

He stepped to a small chest to the right and carefully removed a silken robe. He carefully held it between two of his claws as he climbed out of his cave entrance once again. The dragons were much closer now. He didn’t have much time. So, he cast a mild concealment charm upon himself and took off towards the city.

He landed outside the city as quietly as possible half an hour later before shifting and throwing the robe he had brought around his shoulders. He hated being in this form. It was so small and weak, but it would allow him to blend into the population and hopefully reach their leaders before the dragons arrived. With that thought in mind he headed for the city’s gate.

He’d forgotten how slow moving in this form was, so it took him much longer to reach the gate and enter the city. He was only halfway to the city center, where he remembered the ruling powers living when the first attack came. He was too late! He watched with wide eyes as the first of the dragons attacked a tower up ahead of him.

Zedror’s first instinct was to shift back into his dragon form, but in doing so, he would demolish the area around him and injure many innocents. As he debated on whether to continue forward or head back to the gate, he heard screams from the next street over and rushed towards them to offer what aid he could.

He found three children huddled together in a building that was quickly collapsing around them. He ran towards them but knew he would not make it in time to physically assist them. So, he cast a quick shield spell around them as the timbers fell upon them. A moment later he reached their location and quickly retrieved them from the wreckage.

“Hurry, children, get to safety,” he instructed them though given the mayhem occurring around them, he wasn’t sure exactly where they would find that safety.

He began moving back towards the city center when he heard another cry for help. A quick ice spell, his specialty, saved the lady from her burning home. A healing spell had a knight back on his feet ready to protect the city. Another ice spell kept a smaller dragon from attacking.

He continued to help those he came across as he moved towards the city center, but he was quickly tiring. This form wasn’t as conducive to his type of magic. Soon, his magic stores were exhausted, and even his strength was beginning to fail. It was in that moment that he saw her.

A flash of red to his right caught his attention, and he stopped for a moment, thinking there was another fire. Instead, of a fire, though, he saw the most beautiful sight he could have imagined. It was a familiar figure with wild red curls falling down her back. But, it couldn’t be! Still, he would know that figure even in this form anywhere.

He was brought back to reality by a large crack, and to his utter horror, he watched as a large plank of wood began to fall upon her. He couldn’t do anything. He had no magic left, and he knew he would never make it in time. He cried out a warning, but it was too late. The plank made contact, and the redhead fell.

He was at her side in a moment, and he heaved the wood from off of her. She lay unmoving, and he shook his head in disbelief. “No,” he cried as he shook her. “Shorylth! I won’t lose you a second time!”

He continued to cry her name and shake her until he heard her groan. “Could you please shut up? You screaming in my ear is giving me a splitting headache,” she griped.

Zedror set her back and stared in disbelief as she blinked up at him. “Shorylth! You’re alive! My Shorylth!”

She blinked at him a couple of times. “Shorylth… that’s my name,” she said a bit puzzled as her brow furrowed for a moment. “And you… you are mine. My Zedror.”

He was sure he had never been filled with so much joy, and tears filled his eyes as he leaned down until his forehead was gently touching hers. “Shorylth! My heart, my love, my mate,” he choked out before carefully moving back. He took note of her injuries and carefully began to maneuver her so that he could carry her. “Come, my love, we must find you a healer, and then you must tell me what happened.”

“I’m not sure I remember,” she admitted as she clung to him. “But, I’ve been stuck in this form for a long time.”

“It doesn’t matter,” he assured her, too happy that he had her in his arms again to care what form she was in. “We’ll get you healed first and then figure out the rest. I can’t believe you are alive,” he exclaimed again as he carefully carried his mate through the burning city, paying no more attention to anything else around him. He never would have thought that keeping that promise he’d made so long ago would lead him back to the love of his life, but he was certainly glad it had.

[Mr. Pooka]

We have our winners! Congratulations Operetta on first place and Minkey55 on second place! I've got an extra third place prize that I'll give you each a chance at... with some dice rolling!

We'll say, Even for Operetta and Odd for Minkey. Good luck both of you and thanks so much for your wonderful entries! (and thank you everyone for voting, and especially making it so I didn't have to pick a winner out of our delightful entries, (-8)

bvlirWRF1-201-20

[Mr. Pooka]

and an extra prize for Operetta, (-8