By: Sulpicia Posted on: May 16, 2010
Dripping with water
and soaked to the bone.
On Loom Island I arrived
Cyrene my new home.
Bombarded with welcomes
Though feeling so lost
I decided to explore
No matter the cost.
On Loom Island I spotted
A sign made of wood
That hovered above me
Next to it Romeo stood.
I read it quite quickly
Too scared to remain
My house was all shouting
I needed to train.
Where was this 'Grotto'?
I had to bless what in song?
Every answer I provided
Just felt very wrong.
I stumbled East
And stopped with a start
There was a man there called Vinci
Stooped over his art.
He straightened up quickly
And passed me a glance.
Around him was swirling
Green and Yellow inks in a dance.
He ushered me over
And grasped at my arm.
I stood struck in wonder
My soft skin quickly marred.
By a tattoo so hideous
And large as can be
That left me discolored
With the image of a tree.
Something did fill me
With a light feeling of pride
Though it wasn't physical
It was something inside.
I had no gold to pay him
But he waved me away.
"That tattoo was a gift,
"Now to portals! Away!"
I concentrated quickly
And arrived with a start
Back at Loom Island
Where a humgii did fart.
I covered my nose
And stumbled west
Where a stooped little woman
Smiled her best.
I dropped in a curtsey
Feeling her eyes on me
She reached out her hand
Expectantly.
I raised one eyebrow
And did not but provide
A vial made from wood
As she poured an elixir inside.
I sniffed it with disdain
Mother's cooking smelled worse.
I fumbled about
No gold in my purse.
She waved me away
I teleported right back
To where I had started
With naught but some robes and a pack.
This time determined,
I strode to the Southeast.
Where I met Vellis
Who danced over with glee.
I greeted him gently
And tried to walk away
But quickly he stopped me
And begged me to stay.
"Dear little Siren,
A butterfly net for you.
I am in desperate need
Of something you can do!"
I blinked and nodded
Who knew I'd agree?
To catch him a Summerstorm
And a Golden Emperor or three.
I undertook his task
Flitting about with joy
Every butterfly falling
To my clever ploy.
As I returned later
And handed over my net
Into my palms
A giant pile of gold did I get.
He winked with a smile
Then stopped and did stare.
"Why little Siren,
What colour is your hair?"
I looked down at myself
And did look quite plain.
No distinguishing features
Though my eyes showed disdain.
I did all my make-up
And brushed out my hair
Straightened up taller
My skin now quite fair.
Suddenly giddy,
I had to tell father!
I was getting along
And wouldn't be a bother.
I made it to Cyrene
Though got lost on the way
Nearly devoured by a lion
Who I swear wanted to play.
Requesting a letter
I scooped up a quill
Gathered my thoughts
And sent word of my thrills.
Just passing the fountain
I spotted a man
Arms spilling over with wares
And some rapiers in hand.
With the gold I had gathered
Helping Vellis at the gates
I bargained and pleaded
Finally getting my way.
A rapier he handed
To me with a smile
Counting his gold
As I departed outside.
With a look I was set
To travel along
The road now to Tasur'ke
To bathe my rapier in song.
Above me a crow
Swooped and cawed
Then out of its talons
A letter did drop.
I broke open the seal
And began to read
A quick note from father
With a desperate plea.
"Dear, daughter. Dear, daughter.
Hurry to Ashtan quite fast!
Your mother is ill
And the city is infested with rats."
I took up my rapier
Ran as fast as I could
To the docks of the city
Where the Ratman now stood.
He offered me a greeting
A quick whispered bribe.
The rats were a problem
And they needed to die.
Many days I did stand
A slash here and a jab.
Doing my best
To not miss with my stabs.
A sac now filled
With bloody guts from the rats
I handed them over
"Dear Siren, that was fast."
I had bags under my eyes
The time did draw near
I needed to sleep
And the darkness was here.
I pocketed the gold
And stumbled away
My heart set on home
Though my mind half awake.
I bumped into a man
It did give me a start
I quickly composed
And he said in the dark,
"Little Sulpicia,
I've heard of your deeds.
Slaying those rats
Is quite noble indeed.
Here are some herbs
To help on your way.
Be sure to RIFT those
So they don't fall away."
I listened intently
And did as he said
Though thoughts of my home
Loomed in my head.
That's right, Loom!
I exclaimed to the dark.
Concentrated on portals
Then nothing. Still dark.
Seems while I ratted
My experience did climb
Until finally twenty-one
Did far too soon arrive.
There is my story
Of when I first arrived
On Loom Island as a Newbie
And now a mentor Outside.