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Post by Witcher Wolf on Dec 23, 2004 13:15:40 GMT -5
An Eq-Christmas story
“God rest ye Merry Gentlemen…”
In between satin sheets and soft pillows a man dreamed a rather strange dream…
The dappled layers of firelight shone around the inner sanctum in DuPont’s Hall of Mirrors. The Vice Council enjoyed his position of power in this coddled environment, he was safe and sound with a legion of Clerics all hand-picked and ready to defend him should the need arise.
One of the many logs cracked and crackled drawing his attention. With furtive steps he examined it, knowing full well the emotion and state he was feeling was a mix of fear and elation. His particular plan had been carried off flawlessly. Father was gone and he was now using the best in holographic technology to keep the old man’s spirit alive.
Prozium had been administered to the rest of the population, only a select few were ‘off the dose’ those were DuPont’s own minions – his elite.
Here he enjoyed the finest in EC-10 related materials, surrounded by art and music in all its forms – a lie within a lie living within shadow and hidden from the public eye.
It was deliciously ironic and the man knew it to the very core of his being.
His rest cycle was coming up and he prepared to retire to his sumptuous quarters now that his protectors had all turned in for the night. The fire snapped again and a billowing cloud of smoke issued forth from it with a hissing whisper.
The man turned pistol in hand to confront the sudden change in his room’s serenity.
What he saw sent a cold chill down his spine and made the blood in his veins turn to ice water. Standing in the centre of the room was the ethereal shimmer of Father’s ghost.
“F-Father?” He stammered and lowered the gun. “You can’t be here, you’re dead.”
“I am.”
“Dead?”
“Here and dead.” The soft musical voice of the older man replied. “I do not have much time so you are going to listen. DuPont.” The inflection in the old man’s voice struck a fearful chord in the back of the younger man’s throat.
“Of course.”
“I learned too late that what we were doing was wrong my young friend. You have a chance to turn from this path that I took our beloved Libria on and change it for the better.” This was spoken almost like a litany, a speech and in Father’s eloquent tones it flowed like honey.
DuPont dared not interrupt as his rational mind tried to fathom the enormity of what he was being told. He blinked a couple of times at this turn of events and finally shook his head. “You can’t be real; you’re a mineral substitute hallucination…a piece of undigested beef or something.”
“That would be your rational mind speaking again. I wish it would remain quiet. I will now come to the point.” Father stated and walked through DuPont sending another cold chill down the man’s spine. “I am here to tell you that you tread a dream of destruction, your own and this society.”
“These are your foundations.”
“And I am dead.”
“I do not know Father…this is all too convenient…too much like a setup.”
“Regardless you will entertain three ghosts tonight. The first will arrive in one hour…precisely at Midnight.” The figure of the old man faded into nothing before the Vice Council and he stood open mouthed for a moment.
“This is humbug…this is preposterous…someone put a drug in my food!” He ranted to the shadows and drove himself into a seat; worried that it might not be a powerful hallucination and that a particular ghost may come back to haunt him.
And so it was that time crawled onwards with the slow drum-beat march. The red-eyed tired young man watched every second and minute slip by with an inevitable heartbeat of chronological perfection.
It was fitting that he had a large Grandfather Clock in his sanctum to match the rest of the splendid décor…so when the roll of hours brought the hands together there was a soft clang of chimes.
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Post by Witcher Wolf on Dec 23, 2004 13:16:26 GMT -5
The room darkened upon the last strike of twelve.
His eyes beheld a sombre figure dressed in the clothes of a sense offender. It was a man he didn’t know but something about those serious eyes forced him to look on. His ragged jacket was full of holes – DuPont reasoned that this was how he died – a victim of a raid in the Nethers.
“You must be my first tormentor.”
“I am.”
“What now?” The Vice Council sat in his chair and looked askance at the ragged ghost.
“Watch.” He moved a hand with a dramatic amused flair to it. “And hopefully learn.”
“Do you have a name?”
“Ah…it was Seamus…but that doesn’t matter since you sent your Clerics into the Nethers.”
“No…it doesn’t.” Without the help of Prozium to guard his mind from such things the man was now starting to panic.
The backdrop of the room fell away into oblivion and it was replaced by a jolly scene indeed. A family back in the twentieth century were celebrating a festival that was known as Christmas. DuPont was forced to watch this as if it were a play he could not escape.
It did not really stir his heart for he despised anything that made others happy; he saw no reason that this little charade would even merit the sending of a ghost. He inwardly mocked it and watched with a detached air.
When the room was back to normal he turned in his chair to find no trace of Seamus or of the other revelling spirits of the past. This emboldened him a little and he turned to address the fire.
“See old man. That wasn’t as bad as you made out…I won’t change my mind…this is your vision…my vision and it’s going to remain that way.”
His red-rimmed eyes saw the clock had moved forwards towards one now and as he made a move to stop the hands from ticking on…the room once more delved into the dark.
Now this spectre was different, a woman in red and crowned with a glorious dark head of hair. She seemed to have a visage that spoke of pity until he face contorted with pain.
She lit up like a funeral pyre and DuPont fell off his chair when he saw the flames.
“You bastard…you caused this and you took everything from me…I wish you no redemption!”
“Why are you here?” He managed to say while crawling back up the chair.
“I have no choice.” She snorted and the room began to shift and change. “They want you to change your mind. So I was the freshest of your kills…now shut up and watch.”
This scene was a bleak one and to DuPont’s eyes it was a perfect image of Libria. Mary showed him nothing but the very vision of his fine city and society as it was now – he couldn’t understand why she would want to show it him.
She hoped that it might stir some revulsion in his heart – she was wrong. All DuPont saw was a need to keep the balance and maintain the equilibrium. It convinced him to tighten his grip on the people because without his guidance they would repeat the mistakes of the past.
With a sigh the spectre of Mary vanished in a soft plume of smoke.
Only one more left and now the Vice Council was feeling a little bolder. He looked upon this next visitation as a new challenge and something that he could deride. So far they had shown him nothing that could prompt a change in his plans.
Two o’clock and the Grandfather chimed twice…the last chime was drawn out and seemed to waver in several soft gong-like echoes.
The third apparition appeared and this one caused the man to take a step back to the warmth of the fire. As the dark shadow stepped into the room from by the window he saw the brief flash of a skull before it was replaced by a stern middle-aged face.
“Errol.” He whispered with disbelief in that word. “You’re dead…I saw the footage…Preston killed you.”
“That is correct Vice Council DuPont.” Partridge’s ghost stepped forwards again and he crossed another patch of light. His face turned from that of the man to that of a bone-white skull and back again.
“I have come to show you your future DuPont.”
As the ghost of the Grammaton Cleric turned to look at the man he once served he smiled a little wistfully and the room dropped into pitch-darkness.
When the light returned it was a sunny day and they were outside.
The scene was that of a Librian morning where a group of people were gathered by the gravestone made from dark grey marble. They seemed to be discussing the burial of someone who may have been important.
“Who is it?” He questioned the ghost.
“You.”
That reply caused his heart to almost stop there and then in his chest and he turned ash-white towards Errol. “What…how?”
The gentle spectre’s eyes turned towards the Vice Council and he once more smiled a little sadly. “Listen.”
As the mourners left the stone there was only one figure that remained. He stood like a dark raven-shadow.
It was John Preston that remained alone to speak at DuPont’s graveside and both ghost and man listened to what the First Class Cleric had to say.
“I’m sorry.” He began with a cold tone, just Preston’s way. “I trod on your dreams but you made this world a hateful place. You took Mary and you drove me to kill my best friend. And while I can be sorry – I will never forgive you for what you have done.”
The Vice Council shivered in a sudden wave of cold that ran through him like wildfire.
“I wish that I could say killing you gave me a sense of peace and justice…but it didn’t…it just made me realise that no matter how we try and escape it – we’ll always end up resorting to solving our greater problems with violent means. You see DuPont – its men like you that make us what we are – don’t blame us when we revolt and end up putting a bullet in your throat.”
Preston turned and left the graveside with a slow methodical step and both the ghost and DuPont stood there in silence for a long while.
“Do you actually understand Vice Council…do you actually give a damn?” Errol said and turned to walk away. “Or are you only concerned with being a god?”
A thunderous crack burst forth across the sky and DuPont snapped awake to the sound of his clock chiming seven in the morning. He looked at the window to see the sun streaming through the sky and he cursed the wine he drank the night before.
“It must have been something to do with that book I was reading.”
He scoured the shelves for the tome and then set his eyes on it lying on the side of the bed. He regarded the book as if it were a striking scorpion. “I think I have had enough of you for now.”
He dressed and stepped into the other room tapping the cover thoughtfully. Today was the first day in the rest of his new life. The dream had taught him something – he needed to fix a few problems and there were certain players in that particular nightmare that needed to learn of his power.
He would act like a chess Grandmaster and move his pieces like pawns until he check-mated John Preston. While he wasn’t a man that set much stall in dreams – he could not afford to take chances.
So he summoned Brandt to his side and while the cover of a Christmas Carol smouldered in the fireplace they made plans to change their world for the better – or so they thought.
Merry Christmas to you all.
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Post by mawa on Dec 23, 2004 15:29:59 GMT -5
Great!  I don't know whether it is just me, but an association with Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" appeared in my mind. Was it on purpose? I usually get bored with numerous Christmas stories, but this one is lovely- suitable for Christmas, but also with other, more universal, non-Christmas layer surfacing through. EDIT: I didn't get the two former hints, since I've read "Christmas Carol" in Polish. But the last one, near the very end... OMG, sometimes I forget to switch my brain on  |
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Post by Witcher Wolf on Dec 23, 2004 15:32:58 GMT -5
The title -- in bold, should have given you the first clue.
There are other clues hidden in the text.
"A piece of undigested beef."
And of course.
So he summoned Brandt to his side and while the cover of a Christmas Carol smouldered in the fireplace they made plans to change their world for the better – or so they thought.
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Post by Libby on Dec 23, 2004 17:07:25 GMT -5
Brilliant interpretation...really enjoyed this. Although it wasn't difficult to predict the identities of the Ghosts of Libria's Present and Future, it still gave me a buzz when Mary and Partridge appeared.
I liked the twist...far from making DuPont see the error of his ways, the apparitions simply steeled his resolve. For Ebeneezer Scrooge was at heart a good man, who had lost his way through the tragedies which marred his path. DuPont has no heart, just 'vaulting ambition'.
Excellent work ClericWolf! ;D
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Post by Witcher Wolf on Dec 24, 2004 8:31:24 GMT -5
Thanks Libby. It was an interesting type of story to try and follow. How could I get Dickens and EQ to mesh somehow.
I had a few moments where I wondered who should take the parts of the various ghosts.
Father seemed the obvious choice for Jacob Marley and the rest kind of dropped into place. I also thought that DuPont if faced with something like this would have his resolve steeled by such actions.
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Post by JenGe on Dec 24, 2004 19:25:47 GMT -5
Wolf, I want to share something with you. Today is Christmas Eve & though all the preparations are in place up until now I have had little mirth for the day. This is due to that fact that I've had a nasty head cold & sore throat since Tuesday. My little jog to the theater yesterday to see Phantom about did me in. So today has been spent attempting to regain enough energy to take on the duties of the evening. Your story has put me into just the right mood. Thank you!!
I think I'll go up date the front page right now & link to it...I knew there was a reason I had waited!!
Ever your friend & fan,
Jen
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Post by Witcher Wolf on Dec 24, 2004 20:26:42 GMT -5
Wolf, I want to share something with you. Today is Christmas Eve & though all the preparations are in place up until now I have had little mirth for the day. This is due to that fact that I've had a nasty head cold & sore throat since Tuesday. My little jog to the theater yesterday to see Phantom about did me in. So today has been spent attempting to regain enough energy to take on the duties of the evening. Your story has put me into just the right mood. Thank you!! I think I'll go up date the front page right now & link to it...I knew there was a reason I had waited!! Ever your friend & fan, Jen You're more than welcome and as long as people like yourself keep appreciating the work I do, it'll always be there to lighten the spirit and hopefully challenge the perception of the reader. It's just gone Christmas Morning here so: Merry Christmas! |
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Post by ClericWilkinson on Dec 26, 2004 2:30:07 GMT -5
*applauds ClericWolf* Very, very well done! I particularly like the parts with Partridge and Preston...Wow. Thank you ever so much, and I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas!
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Post by Witcher Wolf on Dec 26, 2004 12:40:11 GMT -5
You're welcome. And yes, so far Christmas has been very wonderful. Likewise I hope yours has been just as good  |
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Post by Sasha on Dec 27, 2004 17:46:16 GMT -5
That was Absolutely Fantastic!!I loved the way you tied it right into the original story of EQ at the end......talented I tell ya Sasha |
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Post by JenGe on Dec 27, 2004 18:01:12 GMT -5
You're welcome. And yes, so far Christmas has been very wonderful. Likewise I hope yours has been just as good Mine sucked...I'm still sick but I don't want this to turn into a pitty party... |
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Post by Sasha on Dec 27, 2004 18:18:01 GMT -5
Oh no, youre sick JenGe! I hope you get well soon!!! Sending good healing waves your way  |
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Post by Beefie on Dec 30, 2004 19:38:00 GMT -5
Finally....not long been back from Christmas holidays, visiting family etc, etc, etc....so FINALLY catching up with all the fan fic reading.
Wolf....what can I say that hasn't already been said... but FANTASTIC STUFF as always. ;D ;D
Loved the original story of A Christmas Carol anyway, but merging a classic story such as that with EQ is just simply brilliant!!
I've said it before Wolf and I'll say it again (and keep on saying it), you are just overflowing with talent. ;D
Keep it up!!
BTW: Hope everyone had a good time over Christmas.
BTW: Get Well Soon Jen, hope you feel better soon. (*sends lots of warm hugs*)
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Post by Witcher Wolf on Dec 30, 2004 20:43:49 GMT -5
There's also Ashes part 3 that has recently been released as well Beefie *G*
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Kate
Resistance Member
Posts: 22
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Post by Kate on Dec 30, 2004 23:40:08 GMT -5
Well, I suppose it's a bit late to be reading Christmas stories, but I've just been able to get online and--wow. Charles Dickens would be proud. A bit confused, maybe, but proud. ;D You have such a wonderful writing style, it's engaging and thoughtful. DuPont has always been one of my favorite EQ characters, and your portrayal of him seemed really spot-on. I'm glad you deviated from the Christmas Carol plot at the end, though, because it just wouldn't be DuPont if he ran out the door and asked the boy next door to buy the Preston family the prized turkey  Also a clever twist with having the novel itself make an appearance. I've never really took the time to read a lot of fan-made stories here, but I think I'll get started. ;D |
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Post by Witcher Wolf on Dec 31, 2004 6:01:45 GMT -5
Thanks Kate.
I couldn't stay true to a Christmas Carol and DuPont's character when I reached the end. Knowing that DuPont would not have it in his heart to change nor any redeemable features at all - I went for the option that seemed to me the next course of action.
Make Preston's life hell.
If you've just gotten into the fan-fiction side of things there's a fair bit of stuff I have written which is either EQ or non-EQ related - I welcome comments and feedback on all of it *G*
My EQ related stuff started with Judgement Call (A slight scene set in the EQUniverse)
House of Cards (An experiment in the early years of Prozium and introducing a female Grammaton Cleric)
Ashes (Some folk have said this is the sequel to EQ - which still makes me blush like anything)
The link for Ashes is on the main site as well as in my sig.
------
I can also highly recommend:
Libby's work, Judas' work, MaWa's work and Coolhand's work as some excellent reading.
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Post by Beefie on Dec 31, 2004 18:07:25 GMT -5
There's also Ashes part 3 that has recently been released as well Beefie *G* Give me a chance, I'm getting there, or to use a quote from Shrek "It's on my to-do list"... You'll know when I've ready Ashes 3 as I will send a post, but can't wait, I know it's gonna be good. Also got to read MaWa's latest chapter. Been nagging for ages for the next installment of Martin Stein. And then of course there's mine to finish. But to be honest, might have to finish mine first before reading any other installments otherwise I'll get a complex about mine, and wont finish it.  Anyway, lets finish on a lighter note. HAPPY NEW YEAR WOLF AND EVERYONE ELSE. HOPE YOU HAVE A GOOD ONE!!! ;D ;D ;D L&K's B  |
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