So you want to hear a story?
Then gather ‘round my dwarflings, hold on to your ale and listen well. This is the story of Kolkeskal and how she became a hero of Stibbomtulon [Primitive Road].
One day, in the month of Moonstone, the King decided a feast was in order. But what could astonish the Nobles? What meal could persuade them to limit their Mandates?
‘I know!’ Thought the King. ‘My Master of the Hunt will surely tell me what meat is the best!’
And King called out to his court to find his Master of the Hunt in a great hurry.
‘I wish to have my questions answered, as soon as possible! We have banquet to prepare!’
~~~~~
‘My Liege! There are plenty of meats you could use for your feast!’ Said the Master of the Hunt. ‘Leopards, wolfs, ravens and camels! Not forgetting the majestic elephant meat! But none of them are delicious when compared with elusive turkey!’
‘A turkey you say? Pray, do tell me more!’ Said the King. ‘Is it a cousin to a dragon, or maybe a sibling of the hydra?’
‘No, Milord, it is a bird!’
‘Bah, we have plenty of bird! Don’t speak foolishness! I need truly the best of meat for my feast!’
‘Your Majesty, turkey IS the best meat! It is also rare, mostly extinct in the realm! Ask your Cooks and Historians!’
‘Very well! Where can I find a turkey, then?’ The King was growing impatient.
‘In land of Uthmikoddom [Shakecloistered], where the last of turkeys live! Let me give you a warning, though, as turkeys are quick! Their wit is unmatched; their brain is biggest of all birds. Even ravens and owls cannot compare to their cleverness!’
‘More nonsense, my Huntsdwarf, but very well. Is there anything else you wish to tell?’
‘Yes Milord, you need to hunt alone, for when turkey hears more than one pair of boots, it is sure to run off!’
‘Very well, fetch me a crossbow and map! I shall make haste to this.... turkey’s.... lair and catch his fast!’
And so the King left his court, to catch a turkey for his feast. Little did he know what awaited him in the land of Uthmikoddom.
~~~~~
The King arrived in Uthmikoddom and yet he saw no turkeys. He did not know how they looked, just that they were majestic. His eyes wandered across the landscape and the ruins of the ancient fortress, now half-forgotten by all. He did see a bird, brown and with red neck but:
‘Nothing that says ”turkey” to me.’ He mumbled.
As he went on the bird noticed him, and came by.
‘Who are you, dear dwarf?’ The bird wondered.
‘I am the King!’ He answered with pride.
"What are you looking for, dear King?" it asked. The royal dwarf frowned at the distraction and replied "A turkey for my feast!"
‘Well, you should know, turkeys are not good to hunt!’ It replied, ruffling its feathers in disdain.
Puzzled, the King inquired 'Why is that?'
‘They make much better pets!’ Responded the bird with confidence.
‘No food makes good pets! Now if you won’t point me in the right direction, be gone!’
‘As you wish, dwarf, just be careful of Nisun Vimarak. He will kill any and all who enter his domain!’
~~~~~
The King wandered around even more, not finding what he was looking for.
‘What are you doing here dwarf?’ A voice from behind reached the King’s ear.
‘Hunting a turkey! Who are you?’ He asked of snow white creature.
’I am Nisun Vimarak, the Forgotten Beast! And if you're searching for a turkey you should have hunted the one you met!’ Bellowed the snow beast. ‘Now die, for I cannot stand those who trespass in my home!’
The Snow Beast knocked down the King, relieving him of his weapon. The Turkey saw it and took pity on the foolish King.
‘Hold it, Nisun!’ It called out.
‘What do you want, she-turkey? I let you live just because you are not worthy of death!’
‘So you say! But I think you are just scared!’ She answered.
The monster laughed. ‘Scared of what? There is nothing you can do!’ The monster laughed.
‘Don’t be so sure! King! If I save you, you will not ever desire turkey meat!’ The Turkey cried out.
‘Yes! Whatever you say, just help me!’ The King whimpered.
And so, with the King’s assurance, the turkey yelled: ‘Come here then, Snow Beast! I’ll take you on!’
Nisun was bursting with laughter. ’And what will you do when I get there! Tickle me to death? Oh well, I will indulge you! I will save this fool for later!’
As the beast rushed the turkey started to run into the field.
‘What’s wrong, birdie? Are you afraid?’ Nisun taunted, not noticing where the Turkey lead him.
They had run across the fields, to where the ruins were and the turkey was backed into a cliff.
‘Nowhere to run and nowhere to hide! What will you do now little turkey?’ Nisun mocked.
‘Wait, until you come and get me.’ Turkey answered, defiantly.
‘Why do you insist on mocking me? Die NOW!’ The beast cried out, rushing to kill.
But the turkey jumped, and flew* , and made the beast fall to its death.
‘Thank you for your help, my dear Turkey. Pray, tell me your name?’ Said the King after he caught up.
‘Kolkeskal, my King. What will you do now?’ The turkey asked.
‘I shall take you with me! As a friend and not a feast!’ Replied the King.
And like that Kolkeskal became a friend of Stibbomtulon, and dear friend of the dwarf-kind, living long in the Mountain Homes along with the King.
The moral of the story is: no matter how humble one may seem, as long as they use their talents to the fullest, they can make great deeds!
*Yes, I actually researched that and even though domestic ones do not do that wild one can:
Behaviour Paragraph.
Giant Thanks to Jayeff87 who helped to make this story worth reading by helping me edit it into something coherent^^
The fortress this happened in was originally made by Bsnott, than appropriated by me for Shakecloistered 1.5. Events themselves were witnessed when Red tried to retake the fortress. Slaves to Armok, God of Blood: Chapter 2: Dwarf Fortress was made by Bay12. I do not own any rights to their creation.