Fippy's Odyssey

By Ferrel

Chapter 8 - Snow Paws

Light, bright, piercing and painful. Shadows, dark, cold and soothing. The rogue slowly lifted her hand to shield her eyes. The once sharp eyes no longer held their luster or recognition. Sharp tingles spread through her body, as though a million tiny spears pressed into her skin.

“Nestaf! I think she is awake. Hurry, please!” called a familiar voice.

A growled reply came, “Coming outlander, coming. Much haste with you, always rush here, rush there!”

Soft hands, as though shrouded in silk, touched the half elf's pale shoulders. “Up, sit up,” accompanied the hands, helping her to rise.

“Thank all the Gods, you're awake. Lisika, hey open your eyes. Lisika?” came the familiar voice again.

Painfully, Lisika opened her eyes. A dog sat hunched over her. Not a dog, a Gnoll. “Fippy?” she asked softly. Another gnoll, one with white fur, dabbed her forehead.

Fippy smiled and nodded at her, patting her hand.

“Where are we?” the rogue questioned further.

“Snow Paw fishing camp,” said the white furred gnoll. “You with Nestaf, you safe now.”

With concern in his eyes, the blue gnoll barked, “You nearly froze in the snow Lisika. I was so worried.”

Swallowing painfully, Lisika nodded and whispered, “How did we get here?”

Tapping Fippy with his finger, the snow paw gnoll yipped, “Blue cousin carried you here.”

Nodding, the rogue began to focus. She smiled fondly at Fippy who blushed. Taking her first look around, the half elf took in her surroundings. They were in some sort of shack. It seemed sturdy, but was made of ice. In the center, a large fire roared, its smoke escaping through a small hole in the ceiling. Settled comfortably on a thin cot, Lisika found herself bundled in soft furs. Wiping her eyes lightly, the rogue sat up for a better look around. The fur blankets slipped slowly from her shoulders, causing her to shiver as the cold attacked her instantly. Looking down and reaching for the blanket, Lisika was shocked to find herself nude. With her pale skin completely exposed to the gnoll she turned crimson.

“Fippy!” she shouted, pulling the furs over her chest. Bright with embarrassment, she added, “Why!”

“Clothes were wet. Best way to warm you up.” replied Nestaf for the obviously shocked Fippy.

Hunching in the fur, Lisika glared a moment at the gnolls and then breathed out softly. Knowing they were right, she tucked the blankets under her arms and tried to regain her composure. “I guess we made it huh?” she said matter of fact.

Fippy nodded vigorously, eager to change the subject. Offering the rogue a bowl of soup he began, “Yes, there are many gnolls here, and we're just in a small fishing camp. Nestaf tells me that they have a city about a day away.”

“Any warriors?” Lisika asked.

“Well,” began Fippy, but Nestaf cut him short. “Snow Paws have the best spearmen! All creatures fear Snow Paw warriors. Even giants.” Puffing himself up, the gnoll added, “Best shaman too! Like Nestaf and Pack Leader Stice.”

“Who?” the rogue asked.

Giving the snow gnoll a look, Fippy cut in, “Nestaf is our host. He has been taking excellent care of you.” He motioned to the other gnoll. “And Stice, well he is apparently their pack leader.”

“Pack Leader Stice.” corrected Nestaf.

Fippy nodded.

Smiling slowly, Lisika reached for her friend's paw. Taking it in hers, she asked, “So carried me all the way here?”

With a nod, the little gnoll said sheepishly, “I couldn't let my best friend die in the cold.”

“You're a good friend Fippy. Even after the way I treated you, you came through for me.” Lisika beamed.

“We all make mistakes.” he whispered.

Nestaf surveyed the scene and then clapped his paws loudly together. “Okay, less yap more sleep.” Lightly prodding Fippy, he added. “You come back later.”

Fippy nodded and smiled once more to Lisika before slipping out.

Two days later, Lisika was back on her feet. Dressed in borrowed furs, she scouted ahead of the group of gnolls who traveled with Fippy. They were on their way to the gnoll city, too impatient to wait any longer. Nestaf had protested and when they were set on going, he went with them. With Nestaf and Fippy marched a group of fishing gnolls. They had business to attend in the city and were happy to accompany their guests.

Nestaf barked, “She should not be there! Still too sick.”

Fippy shook his head and remarked, “You try to stop her. Lisika is a strong woman and she wants to see our quest completed.”

“I still not like.” grumbled Nestaf.

“Will Stice see us?” Fippy asked, changing the subject.

“Pack Leader Stice!” corrected Nestaf. “Yes, Pack Leader is good gnoll. Pack Leader will see anyone.”

Nodding, Fippy turned back to his trek, pondering what he would say.

As the gnolls had promised, the trip was little more then a day's walk. The small group had reached the gnoll city, Icy Cliffs. Lisika fell into step beside Fippy. She looked around, taking in the sight. The gnolls spoke poor common, but in architecture, they were far ahead of their cousins. Icy Cliffs was by no means huge, but in a frozen waste, it seemed like a palace. It was not a burrow, but an actual city.

The Snow Paw gnolls made their homes from roughly hewed stone. Each little building was stacked together like blocks. The natural white of the rock reflected the sun, causing each dwelling to feel warm and inviting. At the city's center, a large manor stood. Standing above all other buildings, it was obvious where the ruling body was. Nestaf pointed at the large structure. “Snow paw keep. You find Pack Leader Stice there. Come, come, we go.”

Nodding, Fippy straightened himself up and prepared to meet the Pack Leader. As Nestaf led them to the city's center, the speech he had prepared ran through his mind. The gnoll murmured softly, “This is what I came to do, lets get it right.”

“What was that?” asked Lisika.

Fippy blinked, “Oh, nothing. Just practicing what I'm going to say.”

Lisika nodded and pat him on the back. “I'm sure you'll do great.”

Fippy paced the length of the antechamber again, his fur standing on end. Nestaf had made the appointment and then left them to make arrangements for their lodging. From her spot on the floor, Lisika looked up and murmured, “Calm down Fippy. I'm sure your presentation will convince him.” Stretching out under her borrowed blanket, she added, “Besides, you have the letter from Tranixx Darkpaw and Lord Elgnub. Surely he'll see that as important.”

“The letter is nothing really. Words he cant read from two gnolls he has never met.” said Fippy. Shaking his head, he barked, “No, my speech is everything.”

Slowly, the door slid open. A small gnoll stepped in and announced, “Pack Leader Stice will see you.”

Standing and brushing herself off, Lisika smiled. “Here we go.”

Fippy nodded and led the way into the audience chamber.

“Welcome outlanders,” came a smooth and silky voice. “It is said you've come from across the ocean.”

Lisika whispered to Fippy, “You didn't tell me their pack leader was female.”

“Nestaf didn't tell me” Fippy replied before clearing his throat. “That is true Pack Leader. Our journey has been long and hard.” Bowing at the waist, he continued, “I am Commander Fippy Darkpaw of the Blackburrow gnolls.” Motioning to the half elf, he added, “This is my travel companion, Lisika.”

Stice, a tall, slender and voluptuous gnoll, stood elegantly from her throne and approached them. Her fur was pure white and looked velvety soft. With crystal blue eyes she regarded them. “Why have you come so far Commander Darkpaw?” she asked as she inspected Lisika.

Fippy wrung his paws, feeling small in the presence of such a beautiful gnoll. He had never expected her to be so fluent in common either. “My mission is one of mercy, Pack Leader. My people need help. Our burrow is under siege, by a race known as humans. They slay our pups and steal our food. We hold our own, but without aid we'll never be victorious. Aid, or,” he paused and shifted from foot to foot. “Or a new land to call our own.” said Fippy boldly. Reaching into his pack, he produced the letter and offered it to Stice. “I bring a letter from the Pack Leaders of the Blackburrow and Splitpaw gnolls.”

Accepting the letter, Stice walked a graceful circle around the pair, taking everything in. “Commander Darkpaw, I have met some humans, but they have never attacked the Snow paw. They looked like your companion here.” she replied smoothly.

Swallowing, Fippy barked, “Not all humans are evil, Pack Leader. They are as varied as the snowflakes that fall around your manor. Perhaps you met good humans, or because they were out numbered, they were to afraid to attack.” Motioning to Lisika, he continued, “Lisika is only half human. She is a half elf and sympathetic to our cause. Surely, if a half human is on our side, that is proof enough that the others are doing wrong?”

Lisika smiled at that, mentally applauding Fippy's speech.

Stice's muzzle creased in a smile. “You're a very wise gnoll Commander. The point you make is good. This, however,” she began, motioning to Lisika. “Could just be show.”

Fippy moved to speak but Stice held up her paw. “But, your case is good enough to warrant investigation. I will send an ambassador with you, as well as a small entourage. If all goes well, I'm sure we can work out an arrangement.” she said softly.

Beaming with pride, Fippy bowed low. “Thank you Pack Leader! I must warn you though, the trip is long and word may be slow in reaching you.” he yapped.

“Don't worry Commander, we have our ways.” Stice said with a wink. “Now, go enjoy my city while I make the arrangements.”

Both Fippy and Lisika bowed again and offered their gratitude before leaving the audience hall.

As they walked from the manor, Lisika prodded Fippy. “I told you so.” she teased.

“Oh hush you.” the gnoll barked.

“Take me to dinner!” Exclaimed the rogue. “If it wasn't for me, it might not have gone so smoothly.”

“Without you! You didn't say a thing.” taunted Fippy.

Putting her hands on her hips, Lisika huffed, feigning anger. “I stood there for moral support. Now feed me! I'm starved!” she cried.

Laughing, Fippy nodded. “Okay, okay. Lets go find a spot to eat.”

Back to Fiction

This site is Copyright ©, 1999-2008, Graeme Ing.   

Please do not reproduce any content, text or images, without permission. Thank you. Email me!
Site hosted by pair.com using PHP 5.2.13 and MySQL. Developed on a Mac.