==========oOo========== NEVERWINTER NEWS Issue # 115 Week Ending 1-7-95 ==========oOo========== *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* FRONT PAGE *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Congratulations to Syren Coal for winning last week's News of the Realm contest with "Dwyvyrn's Gift". Syren Coal has earned the choice of 4 Pearls or Access to the GOH (Guild of Heroes) WTG! <><><><><> <><><><><> Ebenezer Vorpal in his hatred of Christmas set out to make everyone too sick to enjoy Christmas with his poisoned candy canes. He brought out his bag of mischief and the following people survived to win 2 pearls: Master Mu, UDL Dspair, Wench Cin, Acroyer II, V Selena, Zantarian The following were made miserable by mean, old Vorpal: Midrack, Phasmagora, ShortstopK, Ldy Legacy, Kh0lari, Belareth, Vilanne, Etep404, Rascalw0lf Thanks for all who participated. Vorp <><><><><> <><><><><> Tour 1/2/96 Rumours once again were running rampant about an unseen force attempting to undermine Lord Nasher from his rule in Neverwinter. This time..I had a bad feeling that there may be some truth seated in these rumours. I headed out with information gathered from my contacts..to check on a gathering of thieves and bandits in Southwall. I decided to gather a group of new adventurer's to accompany me..figureing lesser known faces would not draw attention to the quest that lay ahead. I sent word out...and 5 hearty souls responded. Astrosome, Shadow5680, Shadow 108, WBrittJr and BDavis4284 answered my call to arms. We headed to Southwall..to check the only lead I had. By the gods..it was true! The thieves den we raided yielded a clue about a password..and a conspiracy! We pressed onward..outside forces whittling down our hearty band to just Astrosome and WBrittjr. Fighting wolves, gnolls, thievs, bandits and even stirges..we finally made it to the ring leader..the mastermind of this wild plot! A battle ensued..and the dark soul known as Tandel Davaub took Astrosome's life...but he did not die in vain as WBrittjr and I delat the killing blow to Tandel and his henchmen! Long Live Lord Nasher! Thanks once again to Astrosome, Shadow5680, Shadow 108, WBrittJr and BDavis4284 for assisting me in smiteing this heathen! Happy New Year, everyone! NW Kregar ;> <><><><><> <><><><><> Location Hunt 1/2/96 Winner Congratulations to: neurosis who found "Chalk word VERN" in the sewers.. and wins 4 pearls and 1 hr online time! -NW Hobbes <><><><><> <><><><><> Tour 1/3 Meeting in Neverwinter... Tauschen, Primedeath, Ssales1326, WBrittjr, Ultimar, Regrace, and myself headed out to find the Thieves Hideout located just south of the city. Unfortunitly we lost WBrittjr, Ultimar, and Regrace to the temptation of going to fight dracs, but Jul Kael was kind enough to come along and help us on our quest. We finally cleaned out the thieves hidout, atleast for the night ;> Thanks for everyones help :D NW Tempus <><><><><> <><><><><> Charm Booth 1/4 Thanks to the following: S1gfreed, Moabys, Cortise, Evl Spawn, Sun Magik, WMS Raider, KF Rune2, Palbalaczr, Tatyana II, Minervasun, Kh0lari, Wbrittjr, Lady Elayn, OOC T Omar, Cyan555 Congratulations to S1gfreed who managed to withstand my "charms" and has won 4 pearls and one hour of online time! -NWA Lethe <><><><><> <><><><><> Rigors booth 1/5/96 Thanks to all who participted, and special congratulations to WOL Ulath! wol ulath - 43 pts ( winner of 5 pearls ) hunter sun - 61 pts ppaik39226 - 56 pts abzzsta1n - 52 pts sol shroom - 65 pts p rhianna - 47 pts etroh - 54 pts dsaner - 63 pts sir rikel - 49 pts sid sadist - 51 pts racersam - left viridecent - left c0rum - 44 pts strwrs4969 - 62 pts wms raider - 50 pts NW Tempus <><><><><> <><><><><> *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* NEVERWINTER CALENDAR *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Be on the look out for those Mini Booths that seem to pop up out of nowhere! Can you be at the right place at the right time when the NW calls for a location? Keep your eyes and ears open for these events! Watch for the banners! New Player Tours: January 7th Sunday 8:00 PM EST - Join NWA Omar for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet! ;D January 8th Monday 8:00 PM EST - Join NWA Cosmic for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet! ;D January 9th Tuesday 9:00 PM EST - Join NWA Mortis for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet! ;D January 10th Wednesday 10:00 PM EST - Join NWA Lethe for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet! ;D January 12th Friday 10:00 PM EST - Join NWA Legion for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet! ;D January 14th Sunday 6:00 PM EST - Join NWA Lethe for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet! ;D <><><><><> <><><><><> Of the Troth of Lywnis & Ilustriel (Submitted by: Lywnis & Ilustriel) As Ilustriel broke the silken threads of slumber, only one thought occupied her mind...this was the day she would wed her beloved Lywnis..with that inspiration she lept from her bed and looked around her room, nervous as a newborn foal about to stand for the first time, she began to make her prepartions for this most wonderful of joinings... Water steamed from her brass tub and filled the room with vapors of wild flowers and spicy woodland scents...slipping into its inviting warmth with a soft sigh..she relaxed and pampered herself..knowing that soon even as the water carressed her skin..so too would Lywnis.. Combing her long tresses until they gleamed by the light of the fire..a smile passed across her face..her heart seemed about to burst with joy and happiness..never had she imagined that she could love so completely..and be so fullfilled by the mere thought of another..unbidden the words fell from her lips..even though none could hear them save herself..I love you Lywnis... Her fingers touched her wedding dress, made by her favorite seamtress, it was of the sheerest white gossamer silk, three layers..each coming to a point at different places along the hem..so that when worn they swirled and shimmered with each movement..the only accent marring its pristine white..soft light green accents..symbolizing the couples love of the forest and their oneness with all nature.. Slipping the dress over her head, she marvelled at the way it clung to her body..a masterpiece..I must remember to thank my friend..she has out done herself on my behalf..standing before the mirror..taking a flower from the mantle..briefly inhaling its soft perfume..she begins to weave its bloom into her hair..new blossoms of pink roses, magnolia, and baby's breathe..creating a garland entertwined with her hair...grinning impishly, she imagines Lywnis trying to untangle them from her hair..a light laughter escapes her lips at this thought.. *** At dawns's first light Lywnis was up. Sleep had not come easily to him that night as the anticipation of this day pounded loudly in his heart. As the first fingers of light stretched out over the lands he alit from his home. Caressing the gnarled bark of the oak that had for so long sheltered him he felt the tree's love for him and whispered and oath of friendship. Raising his eyes to the brightening sky he looked upon his love as she gleamed in the heavens above. Struck by a sudden longing to see her he sighed for the ritual period of seperation prior to marriage had been hard upon him. But then he smiled, for this eve, his dreams would be realized and he would wed she that had reclaimed his soul. Throwing his arms open wide he collapsed upon the soft turf of the meadow that surrounded his home. Gazing into the sky he cried to her as she bathed him in her loving light; 'White hot the flame burns in the night; Britest it glows by dawns firey light; Its beauty a rapture without any peer; Ilustriel, I yearn for thy touch; So far yet so near. For a moment the star seemed to glow brighter. Smiling Lywnis rose and made for the forest. As he walked, he sang and the creatures of the forest came to him. Greeting each in turn he wandered slowy deeper into the woods until at last he came to a small clearing where a stream gurgled and dropped over a ledge to rush on towards the distant river to the south. At the base of the waterfall was a deep pool. Pausing at its edge Lywnis shucked his sleeping tunic and regarded its placid surface. Smooth and black it beckoned him coldy and he dove in. The shock of the cold water upon his sun-warmed skin invigorated him and he lingered under the surface until his lungs demanded air. Kicking up from the depths of the pool he felt the warmth of the new morning as he breeched the surface. Breathing deeply of the fresh forest air he pulled himself up on the stone ledge carved by the waterfall. Raising his face to the flow he was lost in the cascade. Several long moments did he linger in this revelry before he knelt. Scooping a hand full of fine sand he scrubbed is body from head to toe before returning once again to stand beneath the plunging water. After a moment he stepped out from under the water and made his way to the bank behind the shimmering curtain of water. Once more upon the grass he shook his head and watched the gleaming droplets of water fly through the air. Climbing high upun the rock over which the stream flowed he stood in the full sight of the sun and felt it's warmth upon his body. Placing his fingers to his lips he issued a shrill call into the air. As the echos of the call faded into the distance, he lay upon the rock to await his courtiers. Afore long his cry was answered. To him came The Falcon and his family. Each noble bird carried with him a portion of Lywnis' ramient and as each came to him he was clothed. Upon his breast gleamed the jeweled pendant that had saved his life long ago upon Whitefang. Glittering green against the silken white of his doublet it shone with the light of the new day. About his head was a crown of white roses and ivy woven by The Robin and his family. Sensing all to be in readiness he called for his friends to depart and rejoin him at the sacred grove.... *** Making her way to the place they had chosen to exchange thier vows, the normally cool and confident elven maiden is overcome with feelings of restless nervousness..her steps seem to take forever..so badly does she wish to arrive and see her intended..and give herself to him..at last she rounds a curve in the road and sees Lywnis waiting for her.. Pausing to gaze upon him, she knows he has not seen her yet, her heart skips a beat as she takes in his handsome form, feeling as if shes the luckiest of women, she whispers, god how I love him, and hastens to his side.. *** Gazing out across the lazy swirls of the river Lywnis watches the twinkle of the freshly emerging stars as they dance across the ripples. Thinking back across the short span of time to when he had wandered this bank, swooning in love for she that now came unto him to join with him for all eternity. So lost is he in his musings that he is startled to hear the faintest scrape of cloth upon stone. Turning he feels his breath depart his body. In stunned silence he regards the vision that stands before him. Legendary was the beauty of Ilustriel and of her still do the Harpers sing, yet this eve her beauty transcended even the ability of words to truly grasp. Shimering in the light of the fresh born moon she was surrounded by the glow of her love. The fine layers of her dress flowed about her in the early evening breeze. About her winked a veritable galaxy of fireflys who had retreated close by the river to avoid the ravages of the outside winter. Her hair, white as purest snow, was woven about with a riot of mulithued flowers. Then did she smile at the site of her intended, mouth agape at her loveliness. In an instant she crossed the space of the galde and stood with him upon the banks of the river. 'Thou are truly the lovliest thing mine eyes have ever seen', stammered Lywnis, 'this eve I think even the Golden Tree of Celadria would pale aside thee.' Smiling as he sees the crimson spread of her blush, Lywnis stepped to her and took her gently into his arms. For a moment he pressed his forehead lightly upon hers. Then looking deeply into her eyes he moved his lips towards hers ... *** When he presses his lips to hers in loving welcome, she feels her legs weaken as the onslaught of emotion swells within her..as if Lywnis sensed this, she feels herself released from his embrace and her hands taken and held by his..whispered softly into her ear she heard Lywnis speak..lets get married m'love.. Raising arms in the air, the maiden called all the elven gods attention to them..for she wanted all to know and bless this love they shared..and thier blessings could be felt in the air..a hush descended upon that glade by the banks of the river. Only the supplicating voice of Ilustriel's rang out into the evening sky ... 'Corellon Larethian, God of all elves, attend Rillifane Rallathil, God of Wild elves, attend Aerdrie Faenya, Goddess of Air and Weather, attend Erevan Ilesere, God of Mischief and Change, attend Solonar Theknadria, God of Archery and Hunting, attend Labelas Enoreth, God of Longevity, attend Hannali Celanil, Goddess of Romantic Love and Beauty, attend thy children..all.. May the place of this rite be consecrated by thee all, for I Ilustriel Morningstar and Lywnis Autumnleaf gather in the ancient ritual of love..for we are two who would be joined as one. We call upon thee in humble joy..for we your children seek thy blessings...' As she called unto each the two elves could feel the eyes of their gods cast upon them. Warm feelings of joy flooded into them and the dieties blessed their union and consecrated the vows that they prepared to exchange. Glancing for a moment into the early evening sky Lywnis fancied the winking stars to the eyes of the Gods smiling down at their children. Turning back to his beloved he smiled broadly as he knelt and spoke to her thus .... 'Ilustriel, thee has touched me with the healing hands of thy love. The warmth and passion of thy soul has lifted me joyously unto the heights of heaven. Upon these heights I have found a measure of love within myself that I knew not existed. Tonight ... Humbly ... I set it before you, and ask you to claim both it and I as you own.' Smiling down upon Lywnis' eanest face, Ilustriel for a moment lingered lost in the love she saw in his eyes. Then she to knelt and took Lywnis' other hand in hers. Pressing her lips softly to its caloused skin she kissed him gently. At that kiss she felt him shiver and smiled as she looked yet again into the amber depths of his eyes. Squeezing both hands gently she spoke unto him thus: 'Above us are the stars, Below us are the stones, As time does pass..remember... Like a star, my love will be constant. Like a stone my love will be firm. Always my love..shall be close yet not confining. Like water..my love shall quench thy thirst. Like a sacred fire..my love shall burn..never to fail.. So do I pledge my troth..' As he listened to her words Lywnis felt the first faint trickle of tears upon his cheek as his joy welled within him. Heady was the perfume of the blossoms woven into her hair and she radiant beauty was bathed by the light of the new moon. Gripping her hands yet tighter he moved close and brushed his lips against hers. Savoring their softness he whispered in a voice horse from the emotions that raged within him: 'Ilustriel, I accept thy troth and this eve, with all our Gods in attendance, my soul do I pledge to thee. Bound together by love, communion, and now troth, I give myself to oneness with thee. Hence forth and forever more I shall be ... The wings that carry thy soaring heart, The salve that eases thy pains, The fortress that tenderly gaurds thy dreams and desires, And the haven to which thee may flee in time of saddness or uncertainty Never shall thy heart beat again but that it knows that mine beats with it. So do I pledge my troth' Pressed close to Lywnis, Ilustriel cloud feel the wild beating of hearts and realized that hers raced with his as he spoke his pledge. Regarding her beloved, Ilustriel smiled, as she felt him tremble with the anticipation of her acceptance. Brushing in turn his lips with hers she to spoke in a whisper: 'As Earth and Air, Fire and Water, The Sun, the Moon and the Stars. And the Elven Gods.. are a witness to this rite I now proclaim my love for thee... By seed and root, by bud and stem, by flower and fruit......in Corellon Larethian's name, I take thee, Lywnis Autumnleaf, to my hand, my heart and my spirit..for so long as the sun shall set and the moon shall rise.. Lywnis, my love, as my eyes gaze upon thee, they are pleased, by the strong and handsome man they see..as my soul entwines with thine it is pleased by the honor and depth of compassion it senses within you..and even though our bodies might wither and die, my soul rejoices in the knowledge that at last it has found a mate beyonds the bounds of time.. I love thee Lywnis..heart, body and soul' As she spoke unto him the final portion of her vow and took him to be hers, Lywnis felt his heart truly soar into the heavens. Weeping now openly he labored to speak through the sobs of joy. For a moment he lost his struggle, but then gaining a small measure of composure he spoke his final measure: 'Ilustriel, to thee I have pledged my heart and soul. They are yours and shall reside with thee evermore. Now at the last, my flesh do I pledge unto thee. Evermore shall thee have, My hands to stroke thy hair ... My arms to hold thee and stave off the lonliness ... My shoulder for thee to lean on when thee needs strength ... My back to bear thy causes ... My eyes to weep for thee when thee grieves ... My voice to join with thyne own in mourning or merriment ... And my lips to press upon your own in love's passionate embrace... Two now are one, entwined body and soul we have become as the Mallorn's. To thee this eve, upon the riverbank where I first swooned in my love for thee, passes all that I am and shall ever be. For I name myself thy husband and I shall cherish thee chiefest amoung all the treasures of this earth.' Tears of joy cascade down the maidens cheek as she gazes into her lovers eyes as he poured his heart and soul unto her..never has she heard anything sweeter or more profound..each word like a salve upon her soul..and with each uttered syllable she feels her soul joining with that of her beloved Lywnis..there upon the bank she in turn gave herself unto Lywnis, her love pouring forth as from a wellspring ..her eyes drank in the sight of her love..and she knows that she is now more than she was..kissing the tears from Lywnis' cheek, she savors the salty taste upon her tongue.. never has she been so happy..two who were two..now joined as one..heart, body and soul..pressing her lips softly to her husband's lips..she murmurs..I love thee, I love thee, I love thee... Taking his wife into his arms Lywnis feels her lips upon is as she offers her love. Unrestainable a smile of purest joy splits his face. Pulling back for a moment he gives her an impish peck upon the tip of her nose. Before she can offer a protest of feigned indignation he smothers her lips with his own. Breaking that kiss after a long moment he looks deeply into the green meadows of her eyes. Speaking lowly, but in a clear tone he said unto his beloved: 'Ilustriel, many things thou art to me. Wife, lover, friend, and she that guards my back within this dangerous world. Yet chiefest and always thee shall be my Angel. Bearer of my salvation and the healer whose love gave unto my heart warmth and brought me back upon from that cold lonely mountain. Amin meluva lle ten'oio, amaelverne'amin. * I will love you forever my beloved wife. Missing in Triboar - Mission for Azail (Submitted by: HG Tarl) "Whew, what a day this hast been!", Tarl remarked to Quill as the two weary Harpers trudged their way from the Arena towards the Triboar Inn and Public House. "Aye" Quill was quick to agree, "A most glorious day, indeed." "Twas a good tournament ye think?", Quill asked Tarl as they stepped into the dimly-lit entrance foyer of the alehouse. "Ye did fine job Quill" Tarl said with a smile, "But ye really shud review yer scrolls on 'Double Elimination' afore ye go attempt'n anutter Tournament, Ye Silly Dang Cleric." Both men chuckling, the two Harpers moved to a table by the large open-hearth fireplace. "Two of yer best Stouts, if'n ye please", Quill called out to the buxom serving maid, as both he and Tarl eagerly sank down in two of the high-backed oaken chairs that were scattered around the large circular wooden table. Tarl was removing his cloak and gauntlets as the young serving lass brought two frosty mugs of a dark-brown foaming ale, and a basket of hot-buttered bread to their table. "Ah, Thankye lass", Quill said with a generous smile as he quickly pressed several coins into her young, tender hand. "We may be need'n more ale", Quill said with a wink, "M'Friend's an..., ahh, well, somewhat renown fer his thirst." "Yes M'lord, I'll bring more right away" the young girl replied with a grin, as she noticed Tarl's Silver Moon and Harp Pin on the clasp of his cloak. "I've served Harpers afore M'lord, and be a-know'n they kin keep a poor girl busy indeed." "Well said M'lady", Tarl replied with a chuckle, as both men downed their first mug in a single, breathless swig. "Ahhh, good brew" Quill gasped, as he set his empty mug down, and reached for a slice of the thick warm bread. Ariea, the lovely sandy-haired serving maid, quickly returned with several more mugs. "A toast to the lady La Cantora" Tarl said as he lifted his fresh mug to Quill's. "Aye fer she won the day, and the Tourney" Quill replied as he clinked his refilled mug with Tarl's. "That she did indeed" Tarl remarked with a chuckle, as he rubbed the fresh bruise's on his head. "A skilled fighter she is, and me purse be 100 Jewels lighter ta boot!" Tarl said with a wry grin. The background din of voices diminished as the hour grew late, and the crowd in common room dwindled, leaving the two Harpers alone at their table by the fire. Ariea, the young serving maid that had worked hard at keeping their mugs refilled throughout the eve, approached Tarl and Quill's fireside table. "M'lord's", Ariea said, a hushed demeanor in her voice. "This be the Lady Jhandelspar, and she dost wish to speak with thee" Ariea continued, as she pointed to the rather demur Half-Elfin woman at her side. "Well met", Tarl said, as both he and Quill rose and bowed to the short, but slender Half-Elf. "Please, be seated", Quill said as he pulled up a chair for the Lady Jhandelspar. "How kin we help thee?" Tarl asked as the Harpers returned to their seats. "Well Sir's", Lady Jhandelspar began, tears welling in her deep-brown almond-shaped eyes, "Tis me husband Borth, he's a guide for folk around these parts, and he's not been seen for nigh on a ten-day now!" She said, breaking into tears. "He knows this area well Sir's, and tis not like him to be gone so long!" Lady Jhandelspar cried as Quill hastily grabbed a hand-cloth for the sobbing half-elf. "I'm so worried", continued the distraught housewife, "What with all the disappearance's of late, and rumors of an Evil Sorceress!" "Well, when I heard there were Harpers in town, I just knew I could ask ye fer help!" Lady Jhandelspar said as she continued weeping into the linen napkin. Ariea returned to their table and handed the distraught lady a steaming mug of spiced ale. "Indeed ye kin ask fer our help M'lady" Tarl said as he watched the red-eyed half-elf eagerly sip at the hot brew. "And gladly we shall do our best to see yer husband safely returned to ye", Quill said as he stood, reaching for his cloak. "Tarl, I'll see the Lady Jhandelspar safely home, if'n ye'll send a missive to Harper Hall" Quill continued, as he helped the sad half-elf from her chair. "Aye M'friend, and I've just the Harper in mind fer this mission" Tarl told Quill, "He's eager to prove his mettle, and these disappearance's seem to be exactly the kind of problem he'd enjoy solve'n." As Quill led the Lady Jhandelspar from the inn, Tarl quickly withdrew his writing instruments and penned a missive to the young Harper Apprentice. Azail Wyvernspur, Priest of Azuth, Harper Apprentice: "We've recently been informed of mysterious disappearances in and around Triboar." "A young half-elfin Lady Jhandelspar, hast not seen her husband Borth in over a ten-day." "There's even been rumors of an Evil Sorceress operating in the area." "Ye are to investigate this matter at once, offer what assistance ye kin to thwart these evil doings, return the ladies husband to safety, and put this matter to rest." "As with all yer Harper missions, I shall expect a full report of yer findings be posted in the Harper Archives." "May the Lady Tymora Guide and Bless Yer Path." Signed, HG Tarl Betrothed of Sharna Harper Master Trainer Cleric of Tymora Giver of Quests To Find The...(what was it?!) Part One (Submitted by: LinnaStar) She stepped slowly, pausing only to listen. Her small, leather-booted feet made no sound as she continued. The floor seemed to slope upward, and she heard voices...LinnaStar could swear they were the voices of her friends, but knowing the evil that awaited her if she failed, she was also aware of the power that could deceive her. As she reached the next turn, she felt a cold, weblike hand reach out to her. LinnaStar screamed, and as soon as that hand touched her, she fainted... LinnaStar woke up in a sunny room. As she looked around, she realized it was very small, much too small to hold herself, and the five bundles rolled up in the room. As she walked toward the window to see if she could recognize where she was, she tripped over one of those bundles, only to find...Aahz, the ranger who had been leading the party to safety. At this discovery, she checked the other four bundles, and was very surprised to find FrankSense, the fighter and protector, Gamblitzer, her long lost brother, Lady Tyr, one of the most honorable women she knew, and TL 23, an odd character, but necessary, nonetheless. Their mission was one of direst urgency, and it centered on LinnaStar. If only she could remember what it was they were supposed to be doing...if only...if only... LinnaStar vaguely remembered speaking with a Guardian. It was some time ago, although she couldn't be quite sure because, she didn't know how long she'd been in this room, when she got there, or how. She did recall, however, that the Guardian was very grave, and had impressed upon her that if she failed to re-acquire the...dammit, what was it? Well, she remembered that if she did not obtain this THING, the Guardian, and ALL the Guardians would be doomed to a life of subserviance to the evil mages of Lindar. The others were coming to, slowly...too slowly for Linna's comfort. "Wake up!!!", she screamed. Then slowly, she slid to the floor in a heap and began to cry. To be continued... THE LONGING - Part 5 "The Story" (Submitted by: Lake Mist) Phlaren did spin stories along, To teach me the ways I will need; A brotherhood of knights in song, The visions created planted a seed. At the end of the twenty-ninth century, before the age of Neverwinter itself; A band of Rangers out of antiquity, They fought with bows, swords and stealth. The forces authored under Cian, would Defend the realm from monsters and evil; But misfortune beset Cian before he could Place into motion the wheels of this bill. Ranadar sought advice and council, And spread the word far and wide; Many Rangers agreed in principal, The ideas expressed they should not hide. On the night of the gathering, the walls, And the very ground itself; shook With merriment and great calls For feast and drink and the way they took. Oaths were drawn, and vows were taken, The Brotherhood of Pathfinders was born; Their alliance with good shall not be shaken, To protect the all from evil they have sworn. The temple defiled by evil mages, Another was built more remote area, and clever; The greatest of places in all the ages, The window of the sunset, it is known forever. They now assist Lord Nasher in any way, By keeping the peace and helping newcomers; All are loyal to the realm,and will not sway From defending good and slaying evil doers. Grey-eyed and armed with sword and spear, Clad in forest green with long leather boots; Colors change with the seasons so near, Tough weather-worn, they defend from those who would loot. Phlaren ended her tail with a mug of ale And a strange meat she called owlbear jerky; Without another word, she lay down and slept, The words still in my ears, the imagery. The longing for someday new to rise, If I could change my life, what would I mise. THE LONGING - Part 6 "The Trial" (Submitted by: Lake Mist) The question to me arises As to what your life should be, And I wrestle with the mise I made with myself under that tree. I shall train as a Ranger this day And see what road lies before I decide which stone to cast in clay And make my life along a lake's shore. The lake of life runs deep within The souls of man as we travel it's banks; No fate but what we make, thin Lines drawn in the sand, moist and dank. Tis easy to cross the line to evil measures If you have no conscience; The promise of power and treasures Can lure the weak soul, incense. I learned the way of the sword in Southwall And along the roads of Vilnask; Fighting alone and staying quiet and tall, I only helped those when they asked. I had not yet learned to help weaker And less prepared adventurers, To face the dangers that linger Hidden round dark indentures. Then one day came to me known That there were groups that are guilds; Some good, some evil that have shown Teamwork and family are a foundation to build. After traveling a bit I came to a wide road, On the left was evil and the right was good; I can clearly see the serpent and it's abode, Time to choose, the river or the wood. Alone in this world we shall meander aimless, The path is always smoother with family; I ran into a wanderer named Slick Sly, no less Who suggested the Pathfinders to me. After long thought and troubled sleep, Not knowing if one such as I could be right To become a member of a guild so steep In fame and might. For the Lake of the world and the Mist of it's life I have sworn good over evil and it's strife. Brothers (Submitted by TK Arion & KEFWarHwke) With brisk strides the Knight of the Eternal Flame made his way to the Triboar Inn. Only an hour before he had received a message asking him to come to Triboar if he wished to learn of his family. Without hesitation the orphan Knight left for Triboar. Upon entering the Inn he quickly scanned the crowd, seeing a stange looking fellow motioning to him, he approached the man and his companion. "Greetings Sir Knight, thank ye fer comin ta meet with me", the man said with a grin. "What word o me family?", Warhawk asked as he sat down and looked over his companions at the table. The man who had spoken was exceptionally short with flaming red hair streaked with grey. His companion was a man of about Warhawk's height and build, wearings the surcoat of a Templar Knight. At Warhawk's question the Templar shot him a puzzled look. "I didst believe I had come ta discuss my family old man? What game are thee about?!?!, grumbled the angry Templar. The old man chuckled for a few moments, smiled, and said,"So we will young fellers. Although ye dinnae kenn it ye are brothers. Born ta tha merchant clan o McClain shortly afore t'was destroyed by rivals. Ye were each taken by one o tha loyal servants o yer family and well hidden." "You," he said pointing at Warhawk, "Are Brion McClain, first born son o Declan McClain. Ye were taken ta tha safety o tha Temple o Tyr in Suzail, where ye were raised by tha good brothers. And ye", he said, now pointing at Arion," are Arion McClain, second born son o m'lord Declan. Ye were given unta tha care o tha priests o Helm." The two brothers looked at each other in shock. Finally Warhawk spoke,"Why hast thou come to us now old man? Why hast thou revealed thy secret?" "Tha enemies o yer father are nae more, and tis safe fer ye ta stand foward under yer rightful names.", the old man answered, then paused, "Tis also time that ye seek out yer brother and sister. Fer know that ye dost have a brother and sister who's locations are beyond me ken. Ye must find them, unite with them, and make tha name o tha Clan McClain shine again!" With his words spoken, the old man vanished in a burst of light. After several moments of surprised silence Warhawk reached out a hand and spoke,"My friends call me Hawk", he said with a tentative smile. Arion reached out and grasped his hand, "Me friends call me Ari.", he said with a smile as the two brothers shook hands. Thus began a night that both had long dreamed of. KEFWarHwke TK Arion KEF Questmaster Templar Knight <><><><><> <><><><><> Gimme a Scoop! 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