==========oOo========== NEVERWINTER NEWS Issue # 165 Week Ending 12-22-96 ==========oOo========== *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* FRONT PAGE *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Congratulations to Melliandra for winning last week's News of the Realm contest for her story entitled "The Book". Melliandra has earned the choice of 4 Pearls or Access to the GOH (Guild of Heroes). Keep up the good work! ;D <><><><><> <><><><><> As I'm sure many of you realize, the Pearl Plan data conversion has been completed and the hold on pearl transactions has ended. You are welcome to submit purchase and transfer requests! I'd ask however, that you please hold off on requesting pearl account balances as we will be sending a transaction summary and balance to each and every screen name that holds an active pearl account or registered pearl only items. When you receive that mail, please report any discrepancies you find by January 15th at midnight ET. We'd like to make sure everything has transferred properly into the new database! If we don't hear from you by that date then the account stands as we have it. Please do not send mail UNLESS you find a discrepancy. NW Oyster and I have been working to get all the mail out and deal with reported discrepancies. If you haven't received your mail yet, please do not worry, it's going to be in your box very soon. With over 2600 accounts to process, we're working from both ends of the alphabet and hoping to meet somewhere in the middle! Please be patient and understand that we're working as fast as we can to get this information out and adjusted! Thank you all for your understanding and patience! ;D Regards, NW Events <><><><><> <><><><><> ~*~*~Santa's Christmas List~*~*~ There are full write ups in the "Santa's Yearly Visit" folder in the Event Announcements & Discussion area. -- News Ho! Ho! Ho! Happy Holidays all and congratulations! ;D To Ldy Spawn, the fleetest of foot, who has been good to Myrkul this year... a Necklace of Ice Storms. Use it well, Lass and in good health! To ABK Mind, beating out the ranger by a hairsbreath, Guild of Heroes access! ;D Well done Lad! To S1r Jake, arriving in the nick of time, Gauntlets of Ogre Power, to help heft his ale mug! ;D and to SSB Kai - 2 pearls to keep for a blustery day! To ITB Arcane, who has been a good, helpful lad and assisted new people to the various gates of the city, 4 Pearls! To Zandrakkas, who is pretty sure he hasn't been too bad and doesn't know what I was talking about when I mentioned "feebs", a Mirrored Shield +2! To Dem0nica, who reached me in the nick of time and insists that she was framed and has been a very good girl, a Cloak of Displacement! And to Nor Cnedra, 2 pearls for a cold winter's day! To SSB Venger, a goodly paladin lad... Bracers of Defense AC 3. Well done lad! To HR Sky, a "mostly" good elven lad, quick of fingers, skilled with the sword and powerful in the magical arts... a Mage scroll (Minor Globe, Ice Storm, Mirror Image) and 2 pearls! Keep practicing Lad, being good shouldn't be too difficult! To Prez Cing, a ranger lad of hearty disposition, a Cloak of Protection +3 to keep him warm on those cold days, and keep him safe while protecting the forest! And to Jair666, 2 pearls to keep toward something nice! To Abzzsta1n, a quick-talking, fast walking stealthy drow... who really thought that the term "good" might need some definition, a Clerical Scroll (Cause Critical x3). Use it in good health lad! To Warr Shirm, who has been "as good as Abzzsta1n" (now there's a sterling recommendation!), who's been helping new people by maxxing them, Guild of Heroes access. Welcome to the GOH! To Delracnid, another drow of even temperment if unlikely burp power, a Wand of Lightning, to use when the fireballs fail him! And to RG Laura, 2 pearls for a Neverwinter's day! To LOK Pyrite, a goodly lad with speedy feet, who has been very good this year, Guild of Heros Access! Be welcome amongst your peers lad! To ABK T Hntr, with the finest manners I've ever seen, a Flail +3! Use it to smite evil! To Tac Nomed, who promises a "interesting" New Player Tour to prove that she is very good, and who insisted on sitting on Santa's lap, a Bag of Holding! No lass, Santa is not from your guild, though the letters may be the same. ;D And to GDelisle, 2 pearls to hold to buy something nice! To Opslin, who knows his way through the sleaziest (and nicest) parts of town blindfolded and deaf and has been a very good lad this year, 4 perfect pearls! To Kal Mirage, who follows Opslin's directions very well and has a "thing" for reindeer meat. Not the "goodest" Santa has ever met, but he *was* nice to Frosty, soooooo, an Amulet of Health! To Mech Arysa, a lass whose goodness extends to helping new travellers find gates (a really common "good" act this year it seems), who is charitable and gives unneeded items away, and who manages not to hurt the young, Santa was very impressed and gave her a Clerical Scroll (Slay Living, Cause Critical Wounds, Flame Strike). Use it wisely lass! And to MJK732, 2 pearls for a winter's day! To MECH Tasha, the battle angel, who has been exceptionally good this year and kept hugging and kissing poor Santa until he was blushing madly, 4 perfect pearls! To Tara Seda1, another fine example of goodliness and courtesy, GOH Access! Enjoy the company of your peers, lass! To KamioSedai, a lass of admitted naughtiness, whose "attentions" displeased some of the Warders, but not all... who has turned over a new leaf and no longer wears transparent frocks, a Mirrored Shield +2. It'll help her with those makeup touch-ups while she's out battling evil. To Million775, a hearty ranger lad, with fleet feet and a noble bearing, a Fine Long Bow and a quiver of +3 arrows to use with it! Keep the forests safe, Lad! And to Lok Sadan, 2 pearls to hold for a cold winter's day! To Talonis, a fine lad who has been kindly granting free lessons in self-defense to new travellers at every opportunity, a Diamond Ring and 2 pearls! Enjoy them in the spirit of the season. To Sunslayer, an elf of few words but speedy feet, a Mage Scroll (Fumble, Feeblemind, Minor Globe) & 2 pearls! Remember, lads will be lads, its the intention that counts. To Xonthian, a pleasant enough lass who has by her own admission been verrrrrryyyyy good this year, a Cloak of Protection +3 to match her eyes! And to Wrathpoet, 2 pearls! To Quest KOM, who jumped into Santa's lap just as soon as he saw him... who's been very good this year, GOH access! Enjoy lad! To Naergoth, a helpful sort that has been escorting folks through the Sewers at every opportunity, a Ring of Protection +2! To Dirk Dirty, whose fascination with Santa's chainmail and insistence that Santa give him a kiss was er.. interesting, a Cloak of Displacement! And to Darsili, 2 pearls for a cold winter's day! Congratulations all! ~ Santa <><><><><> <><><><><> Fumble Booth Results - 12/19 Congrats to the following brave souls...who dared test Omar's skill and earned themselves 2 Pearls for surviving 2 Fumbles :) Denizaxs WGW Metis Dem0nica Mira Sedai Aspener SOL Rikki TCS Xzaver -- Omar n' Clyde :) <><><><><> <><><><><> New Players Tour - 12/20 It was a windy, blustery night when eight adventurers set out for Southwall and beyond. Repitts 97, Madcat 2, Ethndrshken, Jode Las, Stu 1701, Devon Dclr, and Abeam8791met NW Raven in the Neverwinter Gardens as the call for adventurers went out to the realms. It was a difficult struggle indeed for the party to navigate their way to the Inn to rest and procure provisions for the journey, and Repitts97 and Madcat 2 were almost left behind as the party passed through the crowded gate in the Southwall. Finally, the group reorganized and proceeded on their way south searching for monsters to slay and treasure to find. It was at the entrance to Vilnask that Madcat 2, alas, was lost. And the party had a difficult time staying together as the roads were crammed with adventurers returning to Neverwinter Square with battle spoils to sell and trade. Alas, Repitts97 was carried away from the party against his will by the surging tide of warriors. Thankfully, the party's ranks swelled by one more warrior, a valiant fellow by the name of Kastigir, and, after many battles, regrouped at the Vilnask Inn, to proceed on their journey into Crossergate. Many an ice hound met its dire fate at the hands of the adventurers that night. The wild roads of Crossergate were made safer for travellers by the hardy band. News of their struggles reached the ears of NW Nitro who came to assist in the valiant effort. Finally, after resting a bit at the Crossergate Inn, the party started back for Neverwinter Square, older and wiser, and a bit richer. One by one the members of the party dropped off, some to continue their adventures elsewhere, others were whisked away to more mundane pursuits. At the end, only Raven, Abeam8791 and Stu1701 were left to fight their way north through Vilnask. A hearty thanks to all the adventurers who joined the party last night! May all your travels be with such good company! -- NW Raven <><><><><> <><><><><> Rigors Booth Winners - 12/21 Winners: Least Damage (who survived with 50 points of damage in the tiebreaker between Verec and ABK Rikus) ABK Rikus -- who wins 4 Pearls! ************************************************* Most Damage (A whopping 77 points!) Kinson Boh -- who wins 2 Pearls! ************************************************* Congratulations and a jar of healing salve to the rest of the booth's participants: Verec -- 43 points (then 52 points in the tiebreaker for lowest) Chiquitabj -- 71 points Mourninstr -- 61 points O Prey -- 45 points V Insanity -- 45 points Seb Alexander -- 54 points Zorantek -- 45 points LOK Raistl -- 49 points BellaLynda -- 72 points Kamsa -- 64 points UDL Charon -- 65 points TCS Gray -- 51 points Naergoth -- 55 points And not a one of them flinched -- a fine showing by all :-) NWA Drake <><><><><> <><><><><> *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* NEVERWINTER CALENDAR *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Keep an eye peeled for those Mini-Booths because they will appear when you least expect in different areas of the Realms! 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: Join the following staff members for a tour of the Realm: December 23rd *Monday 12:00 AM EST - with NW Elwind. December 26th Thursday 9:00 PM EST - NW Mortis. * Technically, it's Tuesday very early morning but it's easier to remember that it's at midnight following Monday evening. ;> Those interested in any of these tours should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet! ;D <><><><><> <><><><><> The newly renovated kitchen of the Sisters' Tavern in the Great Hall opened with a bang-literally as GreySavant's recipie for Strick on a Stick was completed a la fireball. Luckily the new ceramic tiles were up to spec, as otherwise the kitchen would have been returned to its post-Mystri, pre-renovation state. For his culinary creation and masterful presentation, Grey was awarded the evening's prize of three Pearls. However, rumor has it that he treasured his stolen kiss from Spryte even more..... Wednesday brought the return of the Famous Dart Contest to the Tavern. Even WyrmSilver wrapped his talons around a dart and got it to the board--no mean feat for a pseudo-dragon--to get his licks in. Wyrm was newly-decorated with a present from GreySavant, a neck-ring which guides the little one to goodies. Patrons, watch your packs..you might find a pseudo-dragon curled within, with your goodies on his inside! Dancers took to the air on Wednesday night also, as the Dart Contest winner WGW Thorn finally asked Mystri to dance. Sorril and GreySavant each danced with Spryte, and not to be outdone were V Randym and Chyanna, also on the dance floor. Thorn left with two pearls and a kiss from Mystri, and he too had trouble deciding which was the most treasured. Friday saw the Sylvan Folk fill the Tavern for Elf night. It was a bit of a rowdy crowd, and several important events were occurring simultaneously....the return of SK Torn to life not least. GreySavant aided as a cleric of Correllon; also displaying his considerable skills as a bard, he continued to court NWT Spryte. WGW Thorn returned for another dance with Mystri..her raincheck kiss contented him. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Next week starts with a chill as the patrons play the new Tavern Game of Ice Hoops, tossing chunks of ice into the Hot tub...closest one to the inner hoop wins, with NWT Spryte rolling for your score. On Wednesday, the numbers again rule as Mystri gets out her Ouija Board. Can your number match hers? Come and see.....the week is finished out with a Halfling/Gnome night. The Sisters Tavern welcomes adventurers of the small variety, with the best RP winning GOH access. See you there! ~The Roving ReporterNot All Triangles Have Corners (submitted by: V Memoria) The shadows under Neverwinter's river piers felt cold, dark and bleak as Memoria's heart. So many things lately had her confused. Victor's betrayal and then insistance that he still felt for her; the feelings that developed with the casting of the charm on Randym and the echoes that remained unrecognized; emotions awakened by her apprentices...each strong and appealing, both stirring something in her that she had yet to understand---all left her torn inside. Defending Randym to Chyanna and repelling Dephroge's attempts to upset the Prince's newest childer made the elven minstrel feel more like the shadows around her than ever. Now that she did not have to worry about the 'connection' she shared with Victor's destroyed lute, her mind was free to create again. Nicolae would not fail to complete the favor she asked of him...though she felt bad having to lie about the reason for obtaining the ashes. Only by obtaining the ashes of the burned lute could Memoria hope to break the enchantment that connected her spirit to the lute...then the minstrel would be sure that she might never suffer the pain of its burning again. By telling the Ravnos that she feared for Victor's well being, she ensured that the only vulnerability that could not be covered with a few well acted smiles remained hidden. The only time she seemed to find solice was when she embraced her music or those connected to it. Under the cover of the pier, no moonlight touched Mem's silver hair or porcelain skin. Her senses were caressed by the rush of the water's passing and the dampness that flavored the air. For the moment, Memoria immersed herself in nature's elemental music...letting it wash away confusion she could not answer or untangle. When she noticed the rise of the tide, it would tell her of the approaching sunrise. In the meantime, the minstrel needed peace to think. Overhead, Mem heard the voice of her friend Jeanna. She also sensed the presence of Chyanna walking next to the Gangrel. It sounded as if Jeanna had also taken up the mantle, trying to help Chy see that the Prince would be true to his love. Her method employed a tale...one that held a common theme for more than one of the Kindred couples Memoria had met since the night of her rebirth. "He was extremely handsome and gentle. The ladies loved him and he them. He was a playboy of sorts.." Jeanna's voice had an eerie quality...echoing back on itself in the envirnment under the boards of the pier. The waters of the passing river trapped the sounds and made them sound like a song or the last remnants of a dream. "Finally one day, she met another and had an affair..all the while telling herself it didn't matter because there was no way he would stay faithful." Mem could almost hear the deep tones of a familiar voice weaving itself with the Gangrel's..."He was crushed..she was hurt..and their love was destroyed,,for he had indeed remained faithful. The end." Jeanna said the last two words with a finality that made Mem involutarily shudder as she contemplated what was said...and what was left unsaid. On one hand, the story could hold a lesson from Jeanna and Lazerus' past. On quite another, it held the possible history for Antonius and his lady, Ehlana...atleast from the few clues that he had given her during their conversations. Memoria was grateful for the cloaking shadows...they hid the bloody tears that marked her cheeks. Through her mind, one thought repeated itself as she sunk into the whirlpool of reverie..."How does one deal with love...?" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tale...Pt 1 Memoria was drawn into the sea of reverie by the images Jeanna's words evoked. Her heart broke again as she slipped through the memories of recent events...Chyanna's confusion over all that was part of Randym's past, Victor's words of love and denial of betrayal in his eyes, the pain in Antonius' eyes as he professed his need to speak with Ehlana, and the ache left with the destruction of Victor's lute and the soothing touch of one who should fear her more than death itself. Finally, the images settled...she had reached the eye of the storm. For the moment, the one once known as Constaynce could relax and relive a cherished memory... "Would persuing my growing feelings for another be a dishonor to the one who still is a part of my vows?" Antonius' voice always reminded Memoria of the sensations left behind by a gentle caress. She had again reminded Anton of her promise not to despoil the vows of marriage that joined him to his lady. The minstrel searched her thoughts for an answer to his question that did not jeapordize that. After a moment, she asked if he would listen to a story from her homeland (deciding to turn it into a lesson in bardcraft for her apprentice as well). He smiled and relaxed...waiting for the tale to begin. "Many great loves have graced the grounds we call home. Each inspire those who listen in their own ways. The task of the minstrel is to tell the tale...allowing the listener to gain his or her own lesson from the telling. In this way, we ensure that the same tale might tell the same listener a different message at a later performance." Anton nodded to indicate his understanding and the young Toreador continued... "Once, long ago, there lived on Evermeet a talented minstrel. The moon elf's name was Kair'Riel Hawkesong. She was honored as the creator of some of the strongest magic for the spellsingers of the isle. Beyond that, she was also popular among the members of the Court as a beauty to behold. Her eyes held the skies in their color and her hair was the color of seafoam. Many compared her voice to the nightengales and sparrows, and her grace to that of the asperii who were like ghosts in the woods around the Grand Palace. Her performances were popular at the temples that honored Hanali Celanil...the elven goddess of love and lust." Antonius could not hold back a smile at that information, though it seemed to hold some secret that Memoria could not understand. "Love...and lust, eh?" His soft chuckles became a backdrop to her rising blush until she continued the tale again. "One day, 'Riel gave in to the wanderlust that seems to infect many of the elven people. She travelled from one end of Toril to the other; seeing the wastes of the great deserts to the lush jungles of the Chult regions to the exotic temples of KaraTur. In each place she stopped, the minstrel expanded her knowledge of music, poetry and lore. The Lady Hawksong also added the skills of the rangers, meistersingers, and scouts that she met along the way. "After having satisfying her curiousity for seeing different places and people, something in her was drawn to a samurai named Kushoto Arashi in the lands of Kosakura. Arashi agreed to teach her the poetry of his land in return for 'Riel's company while he was not fighting for his master. She developed a strong friendship with the warrior...and both expected that bond to grow to one of love. This went on for four years before the moon elf began to again experience the sensation that something was missing. 'Riel had to admit that she was not finished travelling...some 'thing' was lacking in her perfect paradise. The day she confessed this unease to Arashi, he had intended to ask the elf to become his bride. Her admission delayed his asking...he did not wish to add to the things that weighed down her bright spirit. "Before leaving, the moon elf made a promise to her samurai friend. Kair'Riel told him that she would search for exactly one year. If she could not find that thing that she felt was missing from her life, she would return to Arashi and listen to the question he wished to ask of her. With that, she mounted the horse he gave her as a rememberance gift and rode toward the distant mountains on the horizon. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tale...Pt 2 "Centuries earlier, a drow lived with his kind and was trained as both a mage and as an assassin. He was known for an ebony locke of hair that split the white of his mane. Because of that trade mark feature, he was known to his people as Darkelock. For decades, he served the demon, Grz'zt...until the time came when he displeased his Master. At that time, his lord cursed him. Never would 'Lock find happiness...for on the night that he did, he would teleport to a new place and new time. Because of the curse, the elf grew to hate his kind, his ex-lord, his very heart. Memoria watched as Anton's eyes darkened with some memory of his own 'life' below. The pain hidden in his expression was not something she felt she had a right to pry into. Instead, she continued the story. "Darkelock's curse sent him from one end of the universe to the next. His charismatic charm drew many ladies to his side. Early on, he made the mistake of allowing himself to love...and each time, he would be yanked from her arms and deposited in a new place to begin again. Finally, he learned that a hard heart would guarantee a little more time in each place. But sooner or later, he would find a friend and some small peace. Then the curse would claim him again. "One night he found himself in the arms of an enchantress. Her smile was warm and he longed for even the tiniest pleasure. For a split second, he let down his guard. And again, he was ripped away...to find himself appearing nine feet above a bard as she lulled the last of a group of owlbears to sleep with her song. "Crash!" Mem smiled as Antonius reacted to the change in volume. "With a thud, Darkelock fell on top of the lady bard. Her mandolin was smashed and she was not at all pleased. Eventually, the minstrel untangled herself from the heap that his entry caused. As soon as she could, she turned to face her last 'attacker' in the light of day. His dark skin seemed to swallow the sunlight...and if it did, his stormy blue eyes reflected it all back. "The spellsinger, 'Riel felt herself being drawn into the piercing gaze. In that split second, she found that one thing she was missing...she had found the last fragment of her soul. It took a moment to register the shock that she was attracted in such a base way to a dark elf. But it didn't matter in the end...her heart was drawn to this elf as if Hanali Celanil looked straight into her soul to see what the minstrel lacked. By the time they broke the spell of their gazes, Darkelock was shocked to discover first, that the sunlight did him no harm and his curse was not trying to pull him away from the bard before him! "For the lady, Kair'Riel, her year was almost up. She had only a handful of days before her promise would have turned her around to return to Arashi. She still felt a need for the exotic man to stand at her side, but it was no less or more than the desire for the dark elf mystery before her. She was torn inside...but she knew that she had finally found that missing element. 'Riel whispered a greeting to him...it was a shock after the yelling that proceeded it. Within moments they had returned to a tangle of limbs; this time, it was very intended, and the cries were not of anger, but of passion. Memoria fought a blush and failed...she swallowed noticably and turned the tale from the newfound lovers to the shadow that watched from cover nearby. She began to tell the element that involved the samurai that loved the songbird. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tale...Pt 3 Memoria closed her eyes and tried to form a visual picture of the players in her tale. The drow was the easiest to picture...his white hair tied back with a black leather strip, a Sembian silk shirt of deep blue and leather breeches of deepest violet. The stripe of black in his hair bringing Darkelock's name to the fore of her thoughts. He was a stark contrast of images to exotic Arashi. The samurai wears more traditional armor for his homeland, his hair as black as midnight...falling as a lion's mane might, thick and full. His eyes were golden brown...and his swords worn with pride at his belt. The songbird was the hardest to picture, for the few times that Mem recalled telling the tale, she was compared to the lady. But the moon elf had silver white hair and eyes of blue with flecks of silver in them. Her voice had charmed the birds from the sky and the fawn from the cover of trees. She was enchanting in the eyes of any who saw her. The soft greens and golds that she wore complimented her love of nature. She could not picture herself in that elf's place...partly because she questioned the appearance that Hanali had gifted her with, and also because she had never once recalled being in a position where she loved more than one. A sigh later, she pushed the ache of losing her only true love as deep as she could. So many of the walls had been toppled by Auberon's kindness...but his presence was not a constant, and the pain was. Memoria went back to the telling of her tale... "In the far off lands of Kosukura, the samurai tried to apply himself to the duties that came with the sun's rising each day. He found that he was slowly falling ill while he waited for his songbird to return. Arashi had to force himself to perform the normal daily tasks of eating and sleeping...his thoughts were muddled and his heart was lonely. Arashi waited as long as his heart would let him...visiting sages and wu gen regularly with the hopes of buying a scrying spell to look in on his beloved. Those glimpses eased his ache for a time, but after six months, he came to a decision. Arashi bid his family farewell and mounted his warhorse. He rode to the west...with the hope of finding his heart's desire. "Along the way, the warrior faced many challenges and tasted his own blood in battle on more than one occasion. Arashi would not give up though; he had more spells cast, and began the task of locating the Lady 'Riel. In his dreams, he would replay their reunion. The samurai rehearsed the repeating of his proposal. And he prayed to the gods that her answer would be yes. "The day finally dawned that brought him within reach of his goal. He did not want to insult her ability as a fighter in her own right by raising his blade to defend her against the owlbears. He stood behind the cover of nearby trees and watched as his love defeated the creatures soundly. Arashi was shocked to see the dark elf appear and fall from the sky. But that was not as strong a blow as the one that followed...the one that carried her confession of love for the drow...or his response. "Through the night, he sat a cold camp. The trees did little to muffle the sounds that carried from a clearing to the south. The samurai sat and planned his revenge...reminding himself that the lady that drow held should have been hers. At one point, he went so far as to swear the drow's death would not occurr except by the edge of his blade! The watcher had given up his life as he knew it to follow the outsider, to love her...he had become ronin to have her stand by his side. He raged through the night..." Memoria noticed another response buried deep in her audience's eyes. She was not sure which of the characters he identified with now, and did not wish to ask. If he came to understand the lesson in the story, it would not matter. "The sunrise did not warm the samurai's heart, for the first time in years. He slowly stalked the couple in the clearing. Hoping to make his challenge and be quick about it. What he found as he approached, was that the pair had already risen and were talking to each other in hushed whispers." Mem's voice changed as she mimicked the that of her ancient ancestor. "I cannot agree to a joining without telling you this...I think...I think I love another." "She told 'Lock all about the one she needed to return to. The drow slowly digested the information. With the same speed of his reaction to the lady's presence, he realized that it didn't matter if she loved another. He loved her with all of his heart and soul and told her so. Arashi heard his words...and his own hardened heart melted. He stepped from the cover of a old oak and knelt at 'Riel's feet. He begged her to forgive him...and to accept him with all of her heart. "The inner turmoil she endured is a tale for another time. In the end, the result saw the trio reciting joining promises to the noon day sun. The assassin, the minstrel and the samurai grew to share a love that did not diminsh for anothers presence. The men came to share a relationship as close as the most loving of brothers. And each shared a devotion to their lady that was likened to the greatest of ballads. And their children and children's children learned their tale...carrying the greatest of loves as a secret in their hearts...shared only if its telling would bring the desires of Hanali Celanil closer to being. Like the tale, love is not love unless it is shared." Memoria backed a step away from her student, Antonius. She hoped he understood the story's answer to his question. She could not come staight out and tell him that it was alright to seek out true love while deciding where one's heart already stood. Like the pain that proceeded it though, she swallowed again the emotions she felt stirring. They seemed most persistant in the company of only a few males, but even in the company of one...the minstrel feared allowing herself to love again. ~V Memoria Toreador Neonate Childe of Randym Eternal MinstrelThe Claiming of a Black Heart - Part 1 (submitted by: ABK Autumn) Autumn took a quick last look into her bedchamber, noting the still vacant half of her room before closing the door behind her. Reaching into her sachel, she took out the note she had prepared and held it against the door. Then taking a small dagger, she nailed the parchment to the woodwork, accidentally ramming it to the hilt. Autumn sighed in frustration as she head splinters of wood cracking from the other side of the door and falling to the floor. Dammit, she muttered, cursing herself for wearing her enchanted gloves in the Keep again. Mental note, she thought, take off gloves and send for the carpenter again to fix my door. Autumn! Spinning around at the sudden shout, Autumn threw her back against the door and raised her hands out as if warding undead. Then she relaxed. By Tempus, Reality! Do you want me to die of fright? We're still in the Keep... Reality began in a chiding voice, rolling her eyes at her underling. I mean, Captain, Autumn corrected. Sorry, Milady. That's all right, Captain Reality replied, then she glanced beyond Lady Autumn. What's that? she asked, seeing the note. Ah, nothing, Autumn stammered. Attempting to impose herself before the note. Pushing her Sister aside, Reality read the document: Thank you for your friendship for these last few weeks, my Brothers and Sisters, but now my time is finished. I'm leaving. For as long as I remember, I've lived in sorrow, in hatred, but you've all changed that. You've changed me. You've brought me back to a place where I can again feel emotion. But as is my apparent curse, I'm caught up in things beyond my control. If I stay, Blood Keep will be in grave danger. I do this for the greater good, and for the only place and people I have ever cared about. Farewell forever, for where I go, there is no returning. ---Autumn What in the Abyss is this!? Reality shouted in amazement and dismay. I thought I explained it nicely, Autumn said slowly, nearing the bounds of insubordination. You...I...tell me...damn it, Sister...I want an explination! the Captain of the Crimson Guard exploded. Sildrehel... Autumn muttered, the name escaping her lips in a hiss. Reality froze, her mouth agape for a moment. Oh Gods no... she breathed. Then paused, studying Autumn intently. What has happened? Looking sidelong at her superior, Autumn began replying hestitantly. Ever since the day I returned from Berun with the crystal cube, I've been looking for him... What in the Hells for? Reality demanded. Are you insane? You were lucky he let you escape with your life? What's to stop him from killing you now? That's just it, Autumn mumbled. I wanted to find out why he spared me. I draw breath this very moment only because of him. I would have been slain without his intervention. My enemies would have overwhelmed me, for I did not know what I was walking into. He IS your enemy, Autumn, Reality stated firmly. For years he's been slaughtering ABKs without mercy or guilt...him and all the others like him. They are evil, Autumn! So am I, Autumn began, shamefaced. No, Reality protested. You're not! You've changed here. You wrote that yourself, here! she pointed at the note on the door. But, Sildrehel... Autumn shook her head. I must know why. I owe him my life. So what do you intend? Why are you leaving us? I found him, Reality, Autumn sighed. Or he found me...I can't really tell. Reality was again struck speechless. Just then, Valeran rounded the corner of the hall. His color was ashen and he stode boldly forward with a purpose. Autumn! he cried. I told you to stay away from him! Startled, Autumn turned to him, the unspoken question in her azure eyes. I heard you shout and then, I must admit, I did not want to interfere with your conversation, but I heard every word, Valeran cleared up. And I warned you to stay away from that damned black-hearted Drow. He's nothing but evil and trouble wrapped up in hatred! I realize that now, Autumn shook her head. I spoke with him, asking why he spared me. This he didn't answer, come to think of it, but the words he spoke against our Order here at Blood Keep were unbearable. I could not remain silent as he bad mouthed everything we stand for, including mocking the loss of several of our finest leaders. Yet you are still alive, standing before us? Reality regained her voice and said with disbelief. For one reason alone did he spare me a second time, Autumn said with a long pause afterward. ...I have agreed to fight with him to the death in the Arena of Triboar. What! Reality shrieked. In in the Gods' names, what are you thinking! Valeran shouted. He'll destroy you for certain. You are not ready for such a challenge! Don't you think I know that! Autumn finally raised her voice. But I have no choice. The Honor of the Keep is affronted, and my own as well. Some of the things he said to me I will never, even in death, stand for unless I try to avenge! And that's saying quite a bit, considering I don't give a damn about personal honor in the first place! But you're alive now! Reality raged. You needn't face him. Stay here, and we will protect you! That's one reason the Blood Keep exists! I'll have Wicked double the wall guard! No one could penetrate our defenses thus readied! No, Reality, Autumn insisted. This is my affair. And I go willingly. There is no law of Blood Keep that prevents me from dying for what I believe in. Reality opened her mouth to respond, but only an frustrated sigh escaped. Turning on her heel, she rapidly marched away, a cloud of anger hovering in her wake. There is nothing I can do to dissuade you, Valeran's voice was low and calm now. I realize, that. But let me help you. Val... Autumn began. No, Autumn, hush, the former ABK silenced her. Let me ride with you at least to Neverwinter City. It's the least I can do. Autumn nodded in assent. I'm ready now, she whispered. Valeran smiled, placing his hands upon her shoulders. Then, his attention drawn downward, he noticed a red rose lying on the floor before Autumn's door. Kneeling, he gently picked it up and offered it to her. I believe this was meant for you, he said soothingly. Don't you see, Autumn. Even though you've only been among us for a short time, you've already found friendship, and perhaps even a few admirers. If you fall in battle, you will be missed. I beg you to rethink this. Autumn took the rose and habitually looked up and down the hallway, inside knowing whoever had left the bloom would not be found. A feeling of warmth mananged to touch her sorrow-blackened heart as she caressed the crimson petals. It was a new feeling, one she's only felt a few times before. She knew it to be the touch of kindness and affection. And...it frightened her immensely. Autumn nearly dropped the rose for her shaking fingers, but another thought occured to her. If she was to die, she did not want to die alone...forgotten. And so, breaking off most of the thorney stem, she placed the red bloom in her hair, fastening it securely to one of her thin, blonde braids. Let's go, she said to Valeran, grabbing her travelling pack from beside her closed chamber door. Val! a pair of knights cried as Valeran led Autumn down the stares and into the lower halls. Wonderful to see you about again. We hope you choose to stay! Perhaps, Valeran answered with a small smile. I've not decided yet. There is much I need to think on. They continued on as Autumn added warmly, I, for one, hope you'll be staying here. Valeran smiled, but said nothing. They continued past an open alcove where Bud and Slice sat playing chess. As Autumn and Val walked on, they heard a terrific ruckus as if someone had kicked over the chess table. Autumn grinned as Slice screamed in mocking rage, I knew you were cheating! Next, Autumn turned her steps toward the infirmiry, hearing that Lancer Aegisa had recently been discovered wounded outside of the Keep. Valeran, startled at her sudden change in direction, hastened to catch up. Autumn opened the sickbay's door to behold a sorrowful sight. There, lying motionless upon a cot, her friend Aegisa lay with her arms folded across her chest. Were it not for her slowly rising and falling chest, she would look as though she were about to be buried. Most of her body was wrappen in bandages that were stained deep crimson. Kneeling beside the fallen warriormaiden, Arch-Knight Nova knelt protectively beside her. An empty vial, apparently that of a potion, was on the floor beside him. Oh dear Gods... Autumn breathed in horror, seeing her ally in such a state. It had been Aegisa that had first befriended her, and brought her to Blood Keep's embrace. It was she that was responsible for everything good that was now in her life. Aegisa was the first to every truly care for her. Hurrying to the cot's side, Autumn knelt quickly beside Nova, at the same time asking, What happened....to...to her? I don't know, Nova replied. I found her before sunrise yester-morning, lying as you see her now, save with wounds that bled as though someone had torn her insides to bits... Who could have....?! Autumn began inraged. Autumn, please, Valeran interrupted. Then he began soothingly. We don't know who was responsible, or even what she suffers from. Our clerics have been attempting to heal her for hours and hours, but still she cannot be helped. It was only after I gave her the Balm of Gilead, that her wounds stopped bleeding, Nova mumered, his head bowed. They will not close, however, and she will not awaken. There is speculation that whoever did this meant for her to suffer, Val continue. And these afflictions are such that only time and nature can heal them. Whoever did this might have used a sword of wounding, or perhaps these are the result of an attack by an arch demon. Only wounds caused by such a demon's natural attacks can harm a Paladin of Aegisa's power to this extent, and also resist all our efforts to aid her. But still, we don't know why or who... Serengainen? Autumn asked hestantly. I doubt it, Nova answered. Word reached me that his tower was destroyed and he has left off his attack. He has gone elsewhere, I suppose for realization that the Blood Keep is too powerful to be destroyed. I believe he would have also made it known if this was his work, Valeran agreed. A note or something would've turned up, marking and mocking the fall of another of our number. Autumn nodded at last, her eyes never leaving her friend's pallid face. Swearing silently at the Gods for Aegisa's fate, Autumn stood and hurriedly left the room. Nova and Valeran exchanged confused and worried glances, and then Val hurried after her. Autumn had already mounted her dapple mare when Valeran found her. He quickly saddled and leapt astride his steed as well, and the pair set off for Neverwinter City with haste. The sun was near setting, when the city came into view. Valeran trotted his stallion nearer to Autumn. Did I mention you look lovely today? I like your dress, he said, attempting to break the silence that had cloaked them the entire ride. Autumn smiled glumly. She wore one of her plainest dresses: a black torso with a long, light blue skirt. A shawl was hooded over her head, warding the mild cold of the descending night. She realized she looked nothing special this evening. Say? Val asked, examining the wrap. Isn't that Unholy's shawl? Autumn nodded vacantly. Oh...uh huh. I borrowed it from her clothesline last week. I guess I forgot to give it back. I must remember to when I retu...nevermind. They entered the city and dismounted. Walking through the streets, Autumn and Valeran approached the southern wall of the fortified city. Autumn glanced at the gate a bit uneasily, then she turned to Valeran. I have to go, she said. Sildrehel would be waiting for me by now. Valeran watched her, a sorrowful expression upon his handsome face. His eyes pleaded with her not to leave. I should have Storm order you not to face him, he said, with a sad smile. I would not obey, Autumn frowned at the suggestion. And I would be upset with you for disturbing him. You of all know the extent of his sorrow. I've not even seen him around for days...ever since you fell on my table in the tavern. Oh, Valeran frowned. That was you, was it? Sorry for shouting at you, Autumn shrugged, but you smelled like vomit. I guess I diserved that, Val admitted. I've not been myself recently. We all have our problems to deal with. I wish I had time to hear of yours, Autumn frowned. But I don't believe I'll be... Me too, the former ABK agreed, interrupting her pessimism with a half-hearted chuckle. No you don't, Autumn hung her head. All my problems are a result of my own sin. Valeran's false smile fell from his lips as he reached for the memory stone secreted beneath his tunic, caressing it with his scared hand. We all have our own sins, as well, he whispered silently to himself. What? Autumn asked, raising her gaze to beet his, not hearing his last remark. I said Storm will be well, he answered, looking at her with a fake grin again. He just needs time. Well... Autumn shifted neverously from side to side. I'll see you around, Val. Sooner or later. Sooner rather than later, I hope, Valeran prayed aloud. Autumn turned on her heel and hurried through the gate, heading for the Arena of Triboar. It wasn't until the young woman, travelling alone as night fell heavily over the Realms, reached Vilnask, did she begin to have misgivings about her actions. What was Sildrehel to her, anyway, she thought miserably. So what if he helped me. So have many others since I came to Neverwinter. I could back away, forget the dual, and what of that?... Well, what do I care if he thinks me a coward. I can live with that. Yes, live...until I become more powerful than he could ever imagine, and then...then I'll kill him for his insults. I've got my life to live. I have new friends, where before I had none. I have a home, possessions, and power. What's more. Who would avenge Aegisa? She was my first real friend in the world. She is the one I really owe my life too. Not a damned, bastard drow. And thus thinking, Autumn turned her back on Triboar and headed for home. Milady Autumn! Autumn! Atomic ran up to his Sister as she reentered the city of Neverwinter. He was bedraggled and wide-eyed, and a long cut extended across his cheek. Noting this, Autumn grabbed him and attempted to hold him still as he fumbled with the words he attempted to spew forth. What is it, Brother, she insisted, attempting to calm him. What in the Hells is wrong! A man, big guy...he...I...and then...damn it, Sister, Sildrehel is coming for you! What! Autumn froze in fear, not knowing how in the world the drow knew already of her refusal to fight. How does he...? Why...? Who told you this? Said his name was Drahkir, Milady. He jumped me in the wharves! Said to tell you that you're a coward, and that Sildrehel is coming for you. I refused and he attacked me! I escaped, but not before his dirk slashed me. I couldn't stop all of the bleeding, Atomic added. My spells are exhausted. Autumn placed her hand on his cheek and muttered a quick prayer. The wound closed behind the maiden's dimly glowing palm. Get out of here now! Atomic warned, after nodding thanks to his Sister in arms. I don't know who in the Abyss Sildrehel is, but if he's got allies like that Drahkir, I wouldn't want him to catch up with me! Just then, Atomic's body went rigid, and he stared beyond Autumn with a frantic look in his eyes. That's him! he whispered urgently, spinning her around to see a large man walking down the street in the hazy distance of night. Go now, before he finds you! Autumn recognized Drahkir immidiately, remembering him vividly from Berun. She grabbed Atomic's armplate and hurried around the corner of a building. Did he say anything else! Autumn whispered urgently. Nothing, Sister, Atomic hissed. Now go! Autumn stood for a moment, thinking rapidly. No, she said then. If I run, they'd find me before I made it to the Keep. Valeran took my horse back with him. I've got to hide, and wait them out. There's no time to find a safe place! Atomic insisted, breathing rapidly. The sewer system under the city! Autumn snapped her fingers. He'd never think I'd hide there. He doesn't think I'm capable of withstanding the creatures that wander down in that sludgy hell. I'll hide there till morning, and make my way to the Keep then. Sildrehel wouldn't dare attack me then. The sun would weaken his powers slightly. He wouldn't chance it, I don't think... Then get going! Atomic warned, glancing around the corner. Drahkir seemed unaware of their presence, but was coming nearer nevertheless. I'd come with you, but I'm a mere priest. And my spells are used up. Go, I'll be fine. It's you who is in danger. Thank you for telling me this, Brother, Autumn said greatfully, and then, quicker than darkness itself, she was gone into the night. Only moments later, she approached the gate leading into the sewers. A huge iron statue stood before her, guarding the entrance against all those that sought to enter without the proper clearance. Autumn had witness an attempted and unauthorized entry before, and she knew that there were more golems that guarded this gateway. And so, sliding into the shadows, she waited. Several minutes passed, and at last a man came sneaking towards the door. Autumn knew him to be a Kraken spy from his garb and manner. Murmuring a phrase of magic as the spy moved to place a badge into the gate slot, Autumn released her magic and paralyzed him where he stood. Hastily, she snatched the badge from his hands. I'll take that, she muttered triumphantly, grinning as the spy watched her with horror filled eyes. Thank you, sweetie. Her dagger flashed, slitting the spy's throat. Before he hit the wet stones below him, Autumn was through the gate. - continued -The Claiming of a Black Heart - Part 2 (submitted by: ABK Autumn) Huddled in a corner deep in the sewers, cloaked by an invisibility spell, Autumn slept fitfully. Did you honestly think you could escape me, dear little fool...? Autumn wrinkled her nose and slept on, her ears merely tickled by the deep voice that echoed in the enormous sewage duct like a gust of warm, soothing wind. I know where you will be before even you do... Autumn stirred slightly, as her dreams were slowly invaded by the voice. I am but a shadowy reflection of you.... It would take only a nudge to make you like me.... To push you out of the light.... The Knight Maiden's eyes flew open accompanied by a sharp intake of breath. That voice! She knew it only too well. But was it a dream? Now you are mine, Autumn... No dream! Vaguely, hidden in the shadows, a tall figure stood watching her. He was all black, even his face, and it was only his eerie, metallic eyes she could see flashing as he watched her. All around the figure lay bodies. Several massive giants lay in the muck on the bottom of the tunnel. Huge dismembered rats littered the slime everywhere. What had happened was obvious, but just how a battle had occured in her direct vicinity without her awakinging, Autumn hadn't the slightest idea. But it didn't really matter, for Sildrehel stood before her. Autumn knew she was going to die. It wasn't difficult to find you, my dear. You leave a trail like an acid slug. But that aside, it's fitting I discover you hear, kneeling in slime and filth. Deciding quickly that she wouldn't die begging for mercy, Autumn rose to her feet and jabbed an angry finger towards Sildrehel. If you find it so necessary to send me to my god, let's get to it! I've got nothing better to do! Then why did you not come to the Arena as we agreed? It was your decision, not mine. I'll be damned if I'm going to stand here and explain it to you! Autumn retorted. Read between the lines. I want nothing to do with you! I need not hear a single word from you to read your fear, Sildrehel said casually, folding his arms. But you needn't fear me. Come here. Make me, Autumn sneered. As you wish, the drow nodded. And responding to a wave of his hand, four great vilstraks loomed out of the darkness and lumbered toward the maiden. Bring her to me, Sildrehel ordered. Autumn grinned evilly and laughed, You'll have to do better than that. And so saying she gripped her flail and unslung her shield. The vilstraks were upon her in a moment, swinging their massive arms in vain attemps to seize the nimble young woman. Autumn swung about, seeking purchase for her flail, and finding it. A huge dent appeared in the first creature's chest, causing it to stumble backward into the tunnel wall. An second beast's arm smashed down, splattering wet grime all over the maiden as she barely dodged the blow. Enraged, she struck the huge, potato-like monster behind it's legs, tripping it up. The vilstrak toppled over, splashing sewage everywhere. A third beast grabbed Autumn from behind, seizing her waist with both massive claws and hefting her off her feet. The maiden struggled, but the beast clutched her to its chest and began shuffling toward Sildrehel. Looking up at him, Autumn heard saw the drow grinning as a chuckle escaped his lips. Demanding strength from her god, Autumn closed her eyes and tightened her muscles. Instantly, a lethal poison began seeping out of her body and into the Vilstrak's. The creature's roar of misery ended abruptly as the poison reached its heart. It stumbled backward, spilling Autumn into the muck once more, where she rolled onto her feet. The other Vilstraks came again, but the Lady was ready. Smashing her shield into one's gut, she crushed its head in with her flail as it bent over seeking breath. Blood splattered Autumn's face and dress as the creature's fleshy skull fell apart. Now screaming with bloodlust in the way of the Tempurian clerics, Autumn charged the other two. Shattering the leg bones of one with a powerful swipe, the maiden quickly turned on the other. Bal ahlkotherak viernath! she screetched, and blew a breath at the attacking monster. Just as it reared its massive fist back to strike her, a blast of freezing wind struck the creature, covering it in ice and freezing it to the bone. Autumn kicked the icey statue's knee joint, causing it to collapse. The entire creature shattered into millions of crystal shards as it struck the tunnel wall. The remaining, crippled creature struggled toward Autumn, pushing itself through the disgusting, foul-smelling sewage. Turning back to it with a fearsome fire in her eyes, Autumn dropped her shield and, gripping her flail in both hand, brought it down with incredible force atop the great vilstrak's head. It exploded in a torrent of brains and blood before sinking into the sludge. Looking again to Sildrehel, Autumn found him completeing a spell. A ball of flame gushed from his palms and soared in her direction. Instinctively, calmly, hastily, the Lady Knight muttered the words of a defensive spell. Just as the flames exploded about her in a raging inferno that engulfed the entire tunnel, a shimmering barrier enclosed Autumn, blocking the tongues of fire that threatened her. As the blast subsided, she heard Sildrehel laughing again. Well done, woman, he said mockingly. You son of a ...! Autumn cried, charging the drow with her flail swinging above her head. Sildrehel walked forward to meet her charge. As they collided, the drow snatched her swinging arm and swept her legs out from under her, sending Autumn face first into the collected dung and urine of Neverwinter. She struggled to regain her feet as the dark elf strolled up to her from behind. Seeing his reflection in the dim light within a pool of humanoid liquid waste, Autumn kicked up with her booted heel. Sildrehel staggered back as she struck him in the abdomine. Jumping up, Autumn scooped a handful of sewage off the sewer floor and flung it at the drow as he speedily chanted a complex spell. It struck him full in the face as the spell was completed. Misaiming, Sildrehel released a bolt of lightning created with such power that it shattered her protective globe and lanced through her thigh instead of her chest, which was what he intended. Stumbling into the muck once more, Autumn smelled her own burnt flesh, incapable of feeling the pain. She attempted to rise, but her leg refused to respond. In desperation, she surrounded the drow with a noxious fog. Sildrehel coughed and sputtered, but then merely began striding out of the cloud. As he came near once again, Autumn fought to stand, and stumbling against the stonework, she managed to hold herself up against the wall. Unfortunately, her weapon lay in the muck at Sildrehel's feet as he stepped nearer. Coming to stand beside her, the drow snatched Autumn by the neck and chanted a phrase of magic. Immediately, her body went cold and limp as a wave of weakness and paralyzation swept over her. Still grasping her throat, Sildrehel allowed the maiden to fall slowly to the ground, where he then began lying her back into the sewage. You've proven more powerful than I thought, Sildrehel stated soothingly, at the same time passing a hand before Autumn's face. At that moment, she found her facial muscles were her's to control once more. I appears I will not regret my choice. Knowing she was defeated, Autumn prepared for death. But she found herself asking, What choice? Why...you, was all the drow responded at first. After a pause, in which he merely watched her with unblinking eyes, he continued. As surely as I know you now, I know who you once were, Autumn. The gods have whispered in my ears your past, your crimes...your hatred. I knew of you even before you came to Neverwinter, and thus I merely awaited your arrival. For you see, Autumn, you have a purpose here. And that is to serve darkness...and to serve me. You're a sick, deluded fool, Sildrehel, Autumn shot back, fighting with all her will to move her muscles. But her body was no longer her own. It is you who are deluded, my dear, the dark elf replied evenly. Just how long do you believe you can deny who you are? How long will it be before you're beloved Blood Keep discoveres your charade? They know what I was...! Autumn retorted. But they do not realize what you are still capable of doing, Sildrehel interrupted, narrowing his eyes. I do. And together, I will aid you in becoming one of the worst nightmares Neverwinter has ever seen! I'm not like that anymore! Autumn cried out in frustration. The evil in me is dying! I've found friends and a home, and perhaps even...perhaps... What? Sildrehel sneered, seeing the red rose tied in her hair, half-covered by Unholy's now ruined shawl. This? he laughed, pulling the rose free of her braid. Love, Autumn? You think that you are capable of love? The woman watched Sildrehel's face in horror, realizing that she did indeed not know what love was. She's never felt strongly about anything in her entire life. Nothing touched her heart in the way that Captain Reality had once told her about. Her insides were cold, hard, and unfeeling. Autumn began to despair in this moment of clarity, knowing what the drow said was true. Her heart would never know true love's kiss...as surely as her body would never again feel the touch of mortal pain. Sildrehel smiled, knowing his words had struck her dark soul. Closing his palm, he crushed the rose bloom, grounding it with his fingers as the petals broke free and fell to the rotten swill of the sewer base. You don't need them, he said soothingly. I know your value. You've proven it to me time and again. And it is this night that brings you at last into my darkness. I watched you closely as you battled the vilstraks. It is your hatred that gives you strength, and your skill and knowledge that enforces it. You say that evil is dead within you, but I see it growing hotter with each passing day. That is why I aided you in Berun, and that is why I will help you now. Autumn watched him with half-closed eyes, forced to listen, though she did not want to hear. She also noticed that the dark elf had begun pushing her back into the sewage. Presently, it her entire body was immersed, and most of her hair floated atop the scummy waters. With me, Sildrehel continued, you will find a new definition of life. You will never again be made to aid others, or to share that which you have gained. And the power...the power to do whatever you wish, will be yours. I know that the pain you inflicted in behalf of Loviatar pleased you, despite your hatred for her. The screams of agony. The begging for mercy. All forced to obey you through fear. It can all be yours again. If you only speak a single word... Join with me... Enter once again into the darkness you were borne of. I would perhaps make you my queen, and you may at last find love in darkness, love that light could not give to you. Neverwinter can be yours. You cannot deny yourself the truth. Your salvation awaits, and this is the only way... Autumn closed her eyes, his words tumbling over and over in her mind. They stung more than any wound ever could, for she knew them to be true. But there remained something within her, as their always had. The torture of the Pains of Loviatar could not banish it before, and Sildrehel's words could not now. After several minutes of silence, she open her eyes. Her azure eyes burned forth with such conviction and majesty that they shimmered with a sapphire strength that made Sildrehel himself shift uneasily. I will never join you! Autumn screamed with a frightning fury the drow had never before seen in such a beautiful face. I will see you in the Abyss before I'll have anything to do with you! Ever! Momentarily speechless, Sildrehel's handsome face distorted into such rage that Autumn cringed in fear for her life...something she had never done since Loviatar had stolen her youthful innocence. The drow dunked Autumn's head beneath the sewage. She coughed and sputtered as he held her under for a long moment. Then, dragging her to the surface again, Sildrehel began shouting. I will not allow you the peace of death, woman! he snarled, his white teeth gnashed like a wolf's. I will make your life here a living Hell until you turn again to darkness! I know why you hold back. I know of your spirit, your heart. One thing good remaines in you...your hope! You hope that you will have friends! You hope that you will be happy! You hope that you will one day know love! These things I will deny you forever, Autumn. These things I will take away from you as well. I know of your friend Aegisa, Autumn. I know of her suffering. She lives in agony, wishing, begging to be set free of her pain! But she will not die... Aegisa brought you to Blood Keep before I could claim your soul. And now she is being punished for that. It was I who had her ambushed. I sent the DemonMaster to deal her wounds that no priest can heal. And it is she who will suffer in your place until you join with me. And if you do not, others in your Order will follow. Those who associate with you will be hunted and tormented. You will be a curse. No one will dare to love you. To the fools at Blood Keep, love is a toy easily broken and disregarded. No man would sacrice his life for the love of woman with a heart as cold and black as yours. And I am not alone, Autumn. There are others who will make sure that the Army of Blood Keep will suffer...and all because of you. This is your last chance. Choking and sputtering on the swill that covered and consumed her, Autumn fought to look the dark elf in the eyes. Summing forth the remainder of her will, she opened her mouth in a final protest. Go to Hell, she spat. Eventually, Sildrehel responded simply, then struck her full in the face with a heavy fist. Autumn fell into unconsciousness. Autumn awoke in her own chambers in Blood Keep. She knew not how she had returned, and the sun blazed warmly outside her window. She wore the same garments she had worn to go to the Arena the night before, but they were untarnished, and she was clean of the filth of the sewers. Her weapons and equipment were placed where they had always been. Had it all been a dream? Autumn thought to herself. She rose to her feet, finding herself healthy and unhurt. It must have been a nightmare, nothing more, she muttered to herself. A splash of color then caught her eye in the middle of her cold stone floor. It was the remains of a destroyed red rose, and it was covered in brown slime and reeked of sewage.The Knight Before (submitted by: Augustus 5) T'was the Knight before Christmas....... Shuffling 'round in sock feet.... Augustus was up seeking something to eat ;) When all of a sudden, there arose such a clatter... In the Camelot courtyard... Aug sought out the matter... Cross the cobble' slides a sled... sparks fly from below... Pulled by a tassel of 'Elk-things'.... with a fat man in tow... Puzzled Auggie steps forth... and scratches his head... ...and smiles a glazed grin at the rotund man in red.... "My fellow..!!" He bellows as he leans 'gainst the sled... Have ye lost yer way, or would that be yer head ;> ...or mayhaps too much ale and ye can't find yer bed...? There's never been snow here... 'tis Neverwinter my friend.!!! ;) The chunky one chuckled... "Heh heh... Next year instead... I'll bring a fine wagon in place of this sled..! For now I must rush... much to do before bed." With a nod and a twinkle the Crimson one rose... Sled and all, they ascended.... with hardly a pose... And then with a soft swooping sound like the warm western breeze... Sled, passenger, and `elk-thingies' sailed above oaken leaves... But you could hear old Kris chuckling as he flew out of sight... Merry Christmas Augustus.... and to All a Good Knight..!!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Augustus of KORT With apologies to whomever wrote the original ;> Demon Poem (submitted by: SUB SKIN) You hate our kind for what we are, Demon hordes, killing from afar Raping yer land for all its worth Watching your children live and die from birth Planting in your head, our deceit and lies, Finding out the truth too late, in muffleld, bloodied cries To care nothing for humanity is where we strive, The unquenched bloodlust, the demon drive You will see to late, your lands we smother, from our demon grip, as humanity still kills each other. ~Subskin ~DEMON Scribe ~SATAN Tale Two The Tale of the Three Sisters Who Traveled Together (submitted by: OOR BABBLE) Upon arriving in Neverwinter, Babble had made the acquaintance of her new found family. While at the Red Mage Inn and standing on the stage by the fire in the story-teller's spot staring at the real forms that she thought were only imaginary characters that she had made up inside of her head to help pass the perilous days from WaterDeep to Neverwinter. After that first initial shock of them becoming real, she moved off the stage and down toward the four figures which had assembled watching her. She noticed the out-stretch arm and hand of OOR Alexen that she gingerly took. For fear, that if she touched this apparition, that all four would vanish into a swirl of mist before her eyes. But contact was made and it was a warm solid body, she followed the hand, arm up to the chest and upward toward the face that had a smile and wink awaiting for her. "Welcome Babble, you have been expected", he said. The others had already began to move toward a table and motioned for her to sit with them. OOR Alexen still holding her hand guided her toward a seat and assisted in her sitting. Babble was still in shock and disbelief. Shaking her head and closing her eyes - she re-opened them to find that they were still there. A surge of questions started flooding her mind and before she knew it, she was voicing these questions outloud to no one in particular. Questions ranging from what did OOR Alexen mean she was expected, how can they talk to her in her head, were there more like them, she started to blurt out more questions when.. OOR Oracle raised his hand and made a gesture in the air that only meant one thing -- to be quiet. Babble immediately became quiet and studied the features of OOR Oracle - awaiting his answers to her questions. OOR Oracle lend forward from across the table and like a magnet, Babble leaned toward him until they were almost touching noses.. He said in almost a whisper to her while rolling his eyes toward the others in the inn -- "Not here.. Too many eyes and ears are watching. Your questions will be answered in full but not now". At that he lend and re-settled himself into his chair. Babble still lending forward on the table, heard another say in a softer whisper, "Yes, not here", and then was startled by the caress of soft fur upon her face. It was OOR Kitty who had spoken. Instinctively, Babble reached up to stroke this fine feline and the motor began to purr loudly. Babble then studied this feline more closely, looking into her eyes to find the answers that she was developing about this creature that could talk. Was she a soul trapped inside this body by an evil mage or was she herself a magical creature that took this form? OOR Kitty meowed so loudly that it took Babble aback into her seat again. OOR Rascal, at that, spoke with a smile and song in his voice.. "Oh, that meow you will come to know mean only one thing, "I WANT MY BOWL OF MILK.". All laughed at this and a bowl a milk soon appeared. OOR Kitty purred, "PURRRRRfect" and began lapping the treat. Upon finishing her milk, OOR Kitty began the process of grooming herself. Upon completion of this, she settled into the lap of OOR Alexen who welcomed her warmly. OOR Oracle looked up from his tea and with certainty in his voice said that others would be joining them and to make room... just about that time, two individuals entered the inn. One who was a stubby human wearing a cute little hat with a shirt that showed off his bulging biceps and muscular forearms and a beautiful lady, whom Babble had come to call sister, came and sat down. They came up to Babble and gave her a warm hug as if Babble had been part of the family all of her life and had just returned home from a trip. They sat down on either side of her, pushing OOR Alexen and OOR Kitty further down the bench which he scoffed at. They laughed and said he would have enough time with Babble to do his courting and flirting.. but right now it was their time with her. OOR Scorch and OOR Melody introduced themselves and automatically Babble felt a kinship with them.. Babble asked why OOR Scorch was so small, and wondered if he was a dwarf. All laughed at this.. "I ain't no dwarf, I am a human that got stomped by giants.. The giants did this to me". Babbled smiled at this, envisioning giants stomping poor OOR Scorch. OOR Melody, well, the name says it all, Babble thought OOR Rascal was the songster.. Well, OOR Rascal must have been taking lessons from OOR Melody for she sang everything. All her answers come to you in the form of song lyrics. They all sat and got acquainted for many hours. OOR Kitty woke from her nap and stretched and looked around the table. "What?", she asked, "Have not taken our sister on a tour of Neverwinter?" With this she jumped into Babble's lap and started kneading her... , "Come, Come, let us girls leave these men here. We will take our new sister out to Long Saddle. Just us three". OOR Melody sang, "Just us three; you and me and Bab's make three" Before Babble knew what was happening, she and her new found sisters were traveling west of Neverwinter through the The Wharves, Floodbest, Nightsedge, through the woods of Central West and Central East until finally arriving in Long Saddle. The Wharves were no great deal getting through, it was the time of day that all was quiet but entering Floodbest, well.... immediately crossing over into Floodbest, there was a road block. OOR Kitty and OOR Melody said, "This is normal for Floodbest. That the evils of Cloud Giants and Owlbears was encroaching upon the Wharves and Lord Nasher had posted a reward for all who can come here to fight back this evil.." Babble thought that the whole town was here fighting due to the number of people that filled the woods path to Floodbest.. OOR Kitty and OOR Melody both said that they should split up here and try to make the inn in Floodbest individually rather than staying as a group. As soon as one fight would end, you'd take two steps and another fight was taking place. It was hard to sneak by fights at times for fights were back to back. It was agreed upon to separate and all gave embraces to each wishing each other luck. For Babble it was reassuring that if she got into a situation that she could not handle by herself - all she had to do was call out -- these wonderful voices in her head... -- she knew would be there to assist. Finally, making it to the inn in Floodbest, the sisters relaxed, tended their wounds, studied their spells and ate a big meal before continuing west. They past The Well in Floodbest which a lot of people were descending to stop the evil at it's lair. The sisters wished those entering The Well safe journey and may their swords strike true. Entering in the Nightsedge's Woods was a bit disturbing for Babble -- she had not traveled these woods and was still very young and new. She kept a close eye on her sisters to ensure they did not get too far ahead of her. They were better skilled than she but OOR Kitty and OOR Melody told her that they would be close at hand. If Babble did get into a fight in these woods, simply run away.. Do not try and fight. That fighting would be forthcoming upon the arrival in Long Saddle. OOR Kitty did an incantation upon Babble, OOR Kitty assured Babble by saying, "I just cast upon you an invisibility - if you do enter a fight - simply flee as our sister OOR Melody had said. Do not strike an enemy or this encantation will far from around you and you will then be seen by the enemy." Babble nodded in understanding. The sisters made it to the town of Nightsedge with few battle wounds but wiser in the field of skills. There was a training hall there that OOR Melody and Babble took advantage of. Upon leaving the training hall, Babble had a pleasant surprise OOR Jacko (formerly known as OOR Alexen) and OOR Scorch were there -- checking on their sisters -- how sweet. OOR Jacko presented Babble with some fine armor and a better weapon. Babble accepted these gifts with gratitude. OOR Jacko said, "The journey from here gets more dangerous the further west we go. There are some that lurk in the woods that will jump you if you are not prepared. Keep your eyes open and ears alert. Be quiet while passing through these woods. If you need to speak - speak with your mind -- we will hear." OOR Kitty suggested that they remain in Nightsedge and rid this town of it's evil before continuing on. "This is two fold", she said, "OOR Babble, (first time she was addressed with the title - made her heart pound with pride. Now she really felt accepted and part of this new family) OOR Scorch and OOR Melody requires more skill training. Let us show them techniques and strategies before heading further west and please Lord Nasher by ridding this town of it's evil influence". OOR Jacko agreed and offered to take OOR Babble for private training. OOR Kitty, OOR Scorch and OOR Melody all burst out with laughter, "OOR Babble, you better beware, we think that OOR Jacko has got a shining for you, hehehhe". OOR Melody sang, "OOR Jacko has got a shining for all pretty faces - in bright shining places who wears lovely dresses, that will give him two glances". OOR Jacko who was dressed to kill in his red, white and blue suit started dancing in the street and drawing a crowd. He loved the attention he was getting from the ladies and many joined in to dance with him. It was a good day for his ego at Nightsedge. A fight even broke out with some evils that came to hear what all the commotion was about, OOR Jacko was a blur of red, white and blue as he danced around the enemy slicing and dicing with every pass. OOR Melody continued to sing and fill the air with song while she too dance her deadly dance. OOR Melody songs seem to entrance the enemy while giving strength to those that fought. OOR Scorch and OOR Babble entered the fight as well - they did not want the others to have all the fun!! OOR Kitty was perched atop of a pillar watching and taking in the warm sunlight. Taking this opportunity of gabbing a quick nap but always keeping her ears alert for any sign of distress from her family. After ridding Nightsedge's of the evil influence and obtaining more training, OOR Kitty and OOR Jacko thought it time to venture onward into the woods. OOR Oracle had given OOR Babble maps to the realms for her to study. While studying the maps of the woods between Nightsedge and Long Saddle, OOR Babble could hear the others speaking in hush tones with an occasional snicker. She looked up from her maps and asked, "What's so funny? Something in my hair or on my face?", as she ran her fingers through her hair and wiped her face. "No, No, not at all," came the reply from OOR Scorch, "We're just watching you studying those maps so intently that we've come to the conclusion that you have got to know your way to Long Saddle by now ...so... we're gonna have a race!" With that they all jumped up and was gone through the south door of Nightsedge leaving OOR Babble all alone with the sounds of their laughter fading in the distance. She gathered the maps and put them away, got up, viewed herself, prepped for the dangers that lurked ahead and off she went following her new family smiling to herself that they also 'lived on the edge' of life with her. They truly enjoyed life and it radiated from each. Each had their own persona and they lived it at every moment. She did make it to Long Saddle after much fleeing from many fights that had trolls in them, sneaking by fights that she knew to be the evil ones that jump travelers passing through these woods and many wrong turns that led her to dead ends which she had to backtrack. All along, her new family were gloating in her head that they were at the inn drinking a fine wine with their feet propped up by the fire. They all were concerned about her safety and wanted to know if she needed for them to come rescue her but she told them , "No, that she was fine, even through she lost". She had the maps that OOR Oracle had given her that she referred to often to find the best route and path through the woods to Long Saddle. She entered Long Saddle Inn to find her family sitting at a table with a glass of chilled wine and a plate of fresh fruit waiting for her. She dug right in for she did not realize how hungry she was. Now that the ladies were all safe and sound in Long Saddle, the men left so the sisters could get to know one another better. OOR Kitty and OOR Melody took OOR Babble to a door that was three down on the right from the inn.. In this room was a fight of Griffins and Ogre Shamans that the sisters continued to fight to gain skills in their class. OOR Kitty was the life-saver on many occasions doing incantations of fireball to severely damage these creatures of power. After many fights, the sisters gained much in the way of skills, for each fight gave them a better understanding and experience that was required if one is to survive in these realms. OOR Kitty was called back to Neverwinter by Lord Nasher for an emergency meeting and had to depart leaving OOR Melody and OOR Babble to themselves. They looked at each other and decided that they could take out the creatures with out OOR Kitty. It was close but they did it. They were proving that they were becoming valuable warriors to help aide the realms in the upcoming Great War. OOR Babble starting making stupid silly mistakes and nearly lost her life on a couple occasions.. she was going on adrenaline but knew it would be best if she quit for the night. OOR Melody understood and it was decided that the inn was calling out for the both of them. At the inn, they said their good nights and went off to their separate rooms. OOR Babble said good night to all her family in her head and she was out before her head hit the pillow with visions of the days' event with her sisters and the sounds of her family saying goodnight to her as well...... The End... until the next one Myrkul Greetings (submitted by: Draugar) The sun upon your brow, the soft grass 'neath your feet The birds are chirping softly, and the air is smelling sweet You smile in the sunshine as you toss your curly locks And fall upon the ground as your weak heart receives a shock The yellow orb which hangs above that once was shining bright turns black and cold, devoid of love, a bane upon your sight. Lord Myrkul sends his grace up from his fiery domain to spread his word and steal the souls of those who spurn his name. Your heart sinks as the impact of your circumstance sets in you only wish you could have lived the fate that could have been But living is not in the cards as Myrkul rends your flesh He drops your lifeless corpse to rot and finds more souls to thresh... Goodies like to contemplate. To presurmise and ruminate. The fatted calf is fit for they to hack and slash, spar through the day and through the night, for you must know those little cows make quite a show when greased, and put down in a pen the goodies chase, but nary can they slay the beast, or even hit! It will not end up on a spit. Your peals of laughter as the goodies fall Is my gift (Merry Myrkulmass to you all) Strick on a Stick (submitted by: GreySavant) Talanithus walked into the Great Hall Tavern, throwing his shimmering black cloak across a shoulder as he felt the heat from the roaring fire. With a wry smile, he scanned the crowds, looking for his fellow Tel'Mithrim, but it appeared he was the first tonight. His gaze did catch the lovely Spryte's eye as she waited on a table across the room, and his wink was rewarded with a smile from her sensuous lips. "Vedui' all," said Talanithus as he unstrung his bow,nodding to the patrons in their respective seats. Seeing that no one had sat in the Tel'Mithrim's usual table, Talanithus made his way over and sat down, leaning his bow against the side of the tavern wall. He positioned his longsword into a more comfortable position and leaned against the comfortable padding of his chair. As he sniffed the aromatic smells of the Tavern's wonderful culinary delights, thoughts of Spryte's Herb Bread brought upon a ravenous hunger. "Spryte, love. Will you please bring a decanter of Fey and a basket of your lovely Herb Bread?" said Talanithus as he brought out a gorgeous set of crystal wine glasses from his pouch. Within moments, Spryte was at Tal's side, a basket in one hand and Fey flask in the other. "Her you are, Heruamin." Said Spryte as she set them down on the table. "Ah Spryte, lass. You are a Marvel!" said Talanithus as he grabbed her slim waist for a quick hug. With a deft twist and a lilting laugh, Spryte disengaged herself from Tals' grasp and made her way on down the Tavern tables, leaving Tal chuckling to himself. "What is that delicious smell?" said a voice from behind Tal's seat. Peaking around, Talanithus saw the lovely Lady Chyanna, betrothed of Lord Randym of the Camarilla, sniffing the air blessed with the presence of Spryte's special Herb Bread. "I think I'll have what he is having." She said, motioning to Tal's table as she spoke to her lover. Talanithus stood from his table and bowed to the two, saying "Please, my Lady. Sample a loaf of mine, so that you might know what heaven you are soon to enter into. That is, if you do not mind, Lord Randym of the Camarilla." His inquisitive look sent Talanithus into a deep bow. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Talanithus Tarant, also known as the GreySavant, a Priest of Corellon and member of the Tel'Mithrim. Believe me, my Lord Randym, your Lady has nothing to fear from me." With a gracious smile and a nod from Lord Randym, Lady Chyanna made her way across the floor to stand before Tal. "May I?" she asked as she came alongside the table. "Please, my Lady." Said Talanithus as he pulled out her chair, "it would be my pleasure." "Such a gallant young man," said the pale elven lady as she sat, her fingers clasped lightly before her. "Would you like a glass of Fey?" asked Talanithus as he poured two glasses and set a loaf before the noble Lady. "Yes, please..." was her reply, eyes studying the hands of her companion as they poured the wine. Just at this moment, a shout from the door caught Talanithus' attention. His sharp eyes catching the from of VonWildcat, another Tel'Mithrim Megil Toror'. "Vedui' melloneamin!" was Tal's answering reply to Cat's greetings, "come sit with us and enjoy a glass of Fey!" Cat made his way to the table, and seeing the lovely Lady who sat, made a deep bow and said, "Vedui' mellon." "Cat this is the lovely Lady Chyanna, betrothed of Lord Randym of the Camarilla. My Lady, this is Von WildCat, a fellow brother of mine in the Grey Company, or the Tel'Mithrim, in the language of our people." "It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Chyanna." said Cat as he bowed once again. "And I you." replied Chyanna. The trio proceeded to discuss many things, most especially the upcoming marriage of Chyanna and her Lover, Lord Randym. As the evening progressed, the Lady took her leave, so that she might spend time with her cherished one. By this time, Cat and Tal had begun to wonder where the rest of the Tel'Mithrim was hiding. Usually, there were far more members who came to raise a glass of Fey and lift their hearts in song. Tonight however, it appeared that they were the only Tel'Mithrim in the house, although Spedelism, Master of the Spirit Lurkers and fellow Tel'Quessir was near. But then, invite him to your table, and good time or no, you will probably leave with a lighter purse. Fearing that Spryte's good Herb Bread would run out, Cat ordered a bowl of delicious stew, which Tal also shared. The meal was excellently prepared, yet the two did not finish. It appeared they were saving their appetites for a special meal. After Tal and Cat had finished their stew, Cat decided he would go out and fetch the Tel'Mithrim that appeared to be lost in Neverwinter's Realms. To spice up the evening, Tal took out his harp and began to play a strange song. As the music grew in volume, a strange haze began to shape over the heads of the Tavern patrons, slowly blending a riot of colors into the image of a growing forest, trees reaching their green bounty up to the heavens in eternal reverence. This image faded into the pitter patter of a thousand rain drops, striking the forest floor and filling the hall. But the image shifted as the music changed pace and soon a pleasant summer meadow, with wild flowers in abundance, was coating the roof of the Tavern. A lone colt, his coat glistening with sweat came running through the field, his mane flying behind him like a streaming banner. As the colt swept by, the image was caught up with him, and the world began to race with the speed of Summer's youth. As he ran, the leaves of the tree's began to turn the golden red of Autumn, glistening as they offered their treasure to the ground below. Beneath a giant oak, surrounded in it's leafy treasure, was a beautiful woman, her hair the color of the Autumn gold, a dusky red that so matched this beautiful time. The colt ran to her side, it's nose nuzzling her beautiful red hair, and when she turned, it was Spryte! With a smile and a laugh, she jumped across the horses back, her hands gripping it's mane as they ran with the zest of life through the changing forest. As they moved, the woods began to change, a white carpet of snow drifting through the towering forms of leafless oaks and their guardian pines. Standing amoungst the snow was a cowled figure in a black cloak, it's shifting patterns confusing the eye. The colt neared the dark figure, and it reached up to grasp it's mane. A hand appeared, with skin a dusky grey, and Spryte grasped it lightly and leapt from her steed. The two danced in the snow, and as they did, they cowled one's hood flew back, revealing hair of white, as pure as the snow below them. And as the vision drew close once again, the features were those of Talanithus, he who played this song and crafted this magic. Then with Spryte and Tal's laughing faces still bright in the air above the Tavern tables, the music drifted off, followed slowly by the illusion. The calm in the Tavern was unnatural., for rarely did it reach this level of peace. Perhaps a hint of the joy in the illusion had infused each patron, and they sat in contemplation, wondering where such joy might truly be found. Scattered applause coursed throughout the walls, and Talanithus sat back down, Fey in hand and Harp on lap. "I have a poem I have prepared for this evening, my friends," said Talanithus as he finished his Fey. "It is something of a satire on the events of last night. Or perhaps I should say mis-events." This was followed by a sarcastic grin and a low chuckle. "I had hoped to wait until the other figure in this story arrived, but it appears he is not coming this eve." With that, Talanithus summoned up another illusion, this one of a tall elf with sword and bow. "This is Strick Lightheart, a patron of this tavern and fellow brother to me in the Tel'Mithrim, and this poem is dedicated to him." "Would you like some musical accompniament?" asked a fellow bard by the name of Marcos. "Yes, melloneamin, that would be most excellent. Something adventuresome and fiesty, eh?" replied Talanithus. The music began, and Talanithus began his poem, The Tel'Mithrim's faithful walked through the lands, Fighting off monsters with sword and bow in hand, We sought out the mysteries of the Lifegiver's Quest, But were attacked by bandits outside the Holder's nest, A Nasher impersonator, and someone named Doc, Thought they could help us by feebing our flock! Well we, being Tel'Quessir, had another idea in mind So we paid them for their efforts, and we weren't very kind It was four against two, in the midst of the maze, We left them befuddled in a gating haze, But here it was that treachery most foul was found, In the heart of Strick Lightheart, the mischievous hound, As I stood at his side, defending his flank, He surrounded me in smoke, that really stank! Then he spelled me again, as if that wasnt enough, He held me in bonds that were far too tough, I was trapped in their grasp and unable to yell, In that odious cloud, and OH! What a smell! Then the trolls came running, they surrounded my form, With gaping maws and rending claws they did swarm, They cut me down, victim of my own brother, So for that deed, today will we smother, We're taking you, Strick, on a little ride. Into the kitchen, now that Cat's Held your hide, We're cutting you into pieces, and mixing you with spice, Seasoning your haunches with all that smells nice, Then into the oven, heat the fire to the max! We'll cook you up, mellon, for these odious facts! And we are done, we'll have a feast beyond retorts, Arranged on a stick, a shish-ke-bab of sorts, I name this, my friends, for it's ingredient Strick, I call this culinary delight, Strick on a Stick!! Laughter coursed through the halls as Tal finished his tale, Spryte nodding her head and saying "You aren't cooking him in MY kitchen!! No cannibalism!" A short whispered conversation later, and Talanithus was into the kitchen, Fey in hand. "My, Spryte, you DO have a lovely kitchen.... Where do you keep the spices?" asked Talanithus as he began to dig through some of the drawers.Those who watched closely saw Tal stop, as if in shock, while flipping through a small book. Then he feverishly began to copy something down while muttering something "...recipe....Herb Bread!" Just then, Riklaun, the Megil Heru of the Tel'Mithrim walked through the Tavern doors. "Vedui' Grey!" he called as he spied Tal working in the kitchen. Tal stuck his head out the door and waved to his friend, saying "I'm in the middle of cooking something. It should only take a few moments!" But as soon as he had gathered all of his ingredients and set them over the fire, Spryte called out "Last Call for orders!" "Oh NO!!!" thought Talanithus as he sat before the fire, "The Strick on a Stick wont be ready!! I'll just have to speed up the cooking process!" With that, Tal rolled up his sleeves and cast Fireball right into the stove. Unfortunately, it didn't fit. Fire billowed up out of kitchen and lots of different things caught onto fire. "Holy Corellon's broken dagger!!!" yelled Talanithus as he beat out the flames in his shirt, still grasping firmly to the bottle of Fey and the Strick on a Stick. "I'm going to burn the food!" Then with a desperation formed of an impending burnt dinner, Tal summoned up a Cone of Cold, right inside the Kitchen. The dinner was saved , but Tal was still a little on the crispy side. With weary steps, he made his way back to the table and flopped into the chair. A kind patron borrowed his bottle of Fey in return for something or other, his brain was a little fuzzy at the time. The Rik leaned over him with a spicy wine in his hand, saying "Drink this mellon, it will make you feel better." Two gulps later, Tal was on top of the table, longsword brandished to the world, yelling "YIIIPPPEEE!!!!" With an acrobatic flip, Tal pinned his sword into the floor and landed directly in front of the startled Spryte. The Tal grabbed her in a giant hug and kissed her full on the mouth, followed by a backflip onto another table. Riklaun was laughing over the effect of the his concoction, but managed to squeeze out, "It's gonna wear off any second now..." Sure enough, Tal suddenly paused, a strange look crossing his face. Then he said, "Ahhh.... I think I'd better leave now. Aluve' all!" And he jumped down from the table, quickly grasping his bow and sword and bolting for the door. A few moments later, Tal poked his head through the door with the most pitiful look upon his face and said, "Spryte? You aren't going to, um... like hunt me down and kill me for kissing you like that, are you?" "No," was Spryte's quiet reply, "it's OK..." With a quick grin a saucy wink, Tal was out the door and into the cold winter night, his cloak once again pulled tight around his form. Your Humble Servant, Talanithus Tarant The GreySavant of the Tel'Mithrim Priest of CorellonWinter Dreams (submitted by: ElvinHawke) WINTER'S CHILL As the cold winter breeze howled through the crowded streets of Neverwinter; ElvinHawke secured his cloak tighter around his shivering body. "'Tis good I 'appened ta get me cloak back from Aristia" he mumbled, his words lost in the howling wind, as he struggled his way to Lurker Hall. His eyes caught sight of lights illuminating the interior of the Sisters Tavern this afternoon; and with eyes stinging from the winter cold, he elected to stop on in for a shot of brandy to warm his chattering bones. It was evident that the tavern had been left unlocked from the night previous. Immediately Hawke noticed the liquor cabinets had been pried open and ransacked, and several young warriors sat drinking thier fair share of ale. Hawke shook his head sadly, knowing the sisters had worked so hard to bring a good clientel into this inn; and now, all thier profits for the month had unjustly been carried away by the ingrateful looters and drunkards. Whispering silently to himself, "I'm a gonna 'ave to 'ave me Lurker brothers pick up a few extra o' them jewels this week...ta help replenish them sisters storeroom o' liqour" his lips purse in anger, and he strolls in to survey the loss. His elven vision quickly adjusts to the dim light, and as he turns his head to scan the bar, the elf notices the fire dwindling. Stepping behind the bar himself, the nimble thief picks the lock on an undisturbed cabinet, then reaches inside retrieving a bottle of firebrandy. Replacing the lock afterwards, he grabs the spirits and a glass, and walks over to the fireplace. Taking a seat on the hearth, Hawke relaxes and throws several logs on the fire. The cold of winter had settled deep within him over the last several days; and the elf battled continually with the coughing and sniffling associated with his illness. The warmth of the fire; in conjunction with the brandy he now consumed, began to make the elf drowsy. "I ain't in no hurry ta go nowhere's" he sniffled to no one in particular but himself. Mesmerized by the flickering flames, and fever burning in his brow; the young ill-struck elf dozed uncomfortably off into sleep. SHADOW DREAMS As Hawke dozed off in the tavern, his fever-induced dreams began to play in his head. Three shadowy, blurred figures, were the players in this landscape of dreams. One he recognized as somewhat resembling the vampire BH Tabbas. The second was a fair-skinned maiden, with long, silver-white hair tied behind her back in intricate weaves. And those eyes! In this room of his subconcious; Hawke could see those sparkling silver eyes. No...more of a silvery-blue....penetrating eyes. She seemed so real! Her hand held an object, but Hawke could not make it out. Whenever he tried to focus on it, this object blurred and became hidden in the dream. The third figure was hard to distinguish, though appeared to be...an elf possibly? This person, like the object in the woman's hand, blurred and faded as Hawke tried to focus on him. The one appearing in his dream as Tabbas began to speak. "It is Tabbas!" his mind whispered. The deep hollow voice of Tabbas relayed that he had been associated once with the Camarilla. "Ya mean it possible ta leave them V's? Tabbas? Be it true?" ElvinHawke realized this voice from the elf to be that of his own. Now slipping into his body amid the clouded dream, his eyes glance over at the lass. "See? Ya can leave...Tabbas did it! So can yerself!" A look of deep worry settles on her cloudy, blurred face. Tabbas replies quickly. "Yes...You can leave if you wish. But then you are hunted. Don't leave. Stay safe. They protect thier own" Hawke looked hard at her, trying to determine who she was. Her image again faded as the elf tried in vain to associate this face. His mind raced in this dream world. Who was this? A Camarillan? Chyanna maybe? Again Tabbas continues. "There are enemies of the Camarilla. They would jump at the opportunity to kill the Prince's Childer." The Prince's Childer....who the hell WAS that woman? Hawke quickly turned his head to her, hoping to thwart the dreams veil. All he distinguishes is her mouth. Ruby-red lips slightly open, nervously biting and working her lower lip. The three figures faded slowly now, and the dream began to shift................. REFLECTED DREAMS ........Hawke was now seated in the Great Hall Tavern. A celebration was in progress. The elf scanned his eyes over the inn, his dream casting a strobe effect upon all the faces inside. "Oh...there is Sped! And Jaliycia...and Centruo, Ilysianna, the smiling NWT Spryte....Chyanna....Randym...ACK!!!" The elf instantly felt the cold penetrating gaze of Randym, so close...almost as if he had floated over and was inches away from him. And the pale features of Chyanna....now looking evil, distorted and twisted. "GO TA HELL HAWKE!!" her voice shrieked out. His mortal body shivered at this as it lay sleeping near the fire; and in his dream he also shuddered, looking away from them quickly. The elf hated them very much for what they were. And again..... there was that lass in his dream once more. A white gown with intricate lace adorned her body, and the object he tried so hard to identify earlier was placed against her lips. "Memoria!" he finally concluded. "It be the poor saddened Memoria....oh...and she be playin' a tune on her lute....ohhh....'tis such a beautiful tune..." Once again, the dream shifts phase......................... DREAMING OF LIES The three of them were once again together. Tabbas, Memoria and ElvinHawke. "It is alright child. Do not believe me" Tabbas continued on reluctantly, "I am lying". ElvinHawke thought back to Randym's missive two weeks past. ElvinHawke had boldly come right out and called Randym a liar. He didn't care one bit WHO he was...prince or no prince. Hawke just had this feeling. This elf just knew things...his intuition was very keen in these matters, it was only a matter of time before he had the truths fall flat in front of his face. It had happened so many times in the past, and he was certain of it this time also. "How funny indeed!", thought ElvinHawke, "Randym 'as everyone believin' that they be the one's ta lie! Hah! I believe not what the Camarilla voices." Satisfied with that, he refills his glass, and sips his brandy. "Listen to the Camarilla, Memoria. Do not let me lead you away from them. I do not want you hurt." Tabbas stands and walks slowly to the fire. Slamming his glass to the table, Hawke groans and squeaks out to him. "Tabbas? Ya are controlled by that weasel too?" Tabbas just sits staring into the fire silently; and Memoria lowers her eyes. Hawke could tell they were both troubled. ElvinHawke watches as tears begin to form in the eyes of the Black Hand. "There is no truth to anything anyone has said. The only truths are the ones you find yourself." Elvin leant back in the chair listening. Memoria stood and walked over to Tabbas who was now seated by the fire. "Then how would you convey a truth?" she questions. "There are no truths child. None at all" Hawke rolled his eyes, knowing this was a falsehood in itself. For every truth, there is a lie; every joy also brought sadness eventually. Hawke knew this from experience, and it bothered him greatly. Memoria knelt by Tabbas. "Then where is happiness? Her eyes searched his for an answer. "Happiness is with you" he replied. "But where?" her hand now rested gently on Tabbas's shoulder. "I don't know. Perhaps I never shall" Hawke notices a slight smile tugging at her mouth, and her silver eyes start to sparkle in mischief. "But Tabbas....you said you lie. That means you know happiness." ElvinHawke glances to Memoria and nods. "Maybe I know both. But truths change and happiness ends." Sadness seems to grace Tabbas's voice as he speaks. Memoria speaks softly now, "Then it is the moment's happiness...and truth that count. And if you cannot speak the truth, have you no way to share your knowledge?" Hawke thought of Chyanna's new life as they spoke of truth and happiness. He grieved for her still, knowing she was no longer the carefree spirit of the past; knowing sadly she could never leave Randym's side now, only in death could that be. "A moment o' happiness..outweighs a lifetime o' hurt" sighed the elf. Tabbas smiles and looks at Memoria. "You have solved your own problem child. I am proud of you. It is the moment's happiness and truth that count. You said it yourself. Now, you must always remember it." Hawke giggles and retorts, "Word's o' wisdom Tabbas...now I knows why Randym fears o' ya!" ElvinHawke really despised Randym's way of control, though he knew now it was a way of life for a vampire. Hawke detested authority, and had sobbed alone in his room, thinking what had become of Chyanna. Now she was unable to even talk or travel with his brother lurkers, for fear of upsetting the prince. Hah!! The last straw for him had come the night previous, Chyanna yelling at him. "GO TA HELL HAWKE!!" she had said rudely. ElvinHawke had turned red in anger at these words; all he had been attempting, was to get Chyanna's attention through the noise of the hectic tavern. For all Hawke cared now, she could just burn in hell for eternity. He did not need that from her anymore. Looking up mildly confused, Memoria places a question to Tabbas. "Then..what is your moment's happiness?" Tabbas spoke softly now, with sadness evident in his voice. "It does not matter. What matters is that you are happy. I have my own truths and you have yours. Concentrate on your own." ElvinHawke fidgeted in his seat, getting more flustered by the minute. He had seen a bond between these two, and wanted it to take hold. "TABBAS! IT DOES MATTER! AN' YA KNOWS IT!" Hawke screamed with vengeance. The two just ignored his outburst, and Elvin just sat back; he was getting accustomed to people not taking his lead. More talk ensued. Hawke just sat and shook his head sadly; then cracking a slight smile as she began talking of the magic of her music. Tabbas leans over and kisses her softly. "I am one of the many that want you." he whispered through his kiss. Hawke noticed them like small chidren again. He smiled as Memoria brushes her fingers over her lips, savoring the kiss. "Thank you again....for your kindness." She mutters sweetly, stepping playfully over to Tabbas, his head now hanging low. "That means alot". Hawke smiled from the table, seeing her playfulness emerge once more. "When Randym came over and I saw you hide your feelings, it was too much for me." Tabbas affirmed. "I had to let out my feelings. That is why I spoke to Randym, and I regret my words to Chyanna. She was not the target of my anger." Hawke nearly choked on his brandy at the mention of these two names, and spit on the floor. Tabbas stands without a word and quietly leaves the inn. The dream shift flies forward..................... UNMATCHED BEAUTY "Hawke...he still confuses me." The young thief sat and smiled, knowing why she was so confused. "Ya do feel for Tabbas." he quirked. Her expression now turns to one of fright. Hawke looked at her troubled face and replied. "Jus' remember lass..if'n ya need some solitude, or a place ta jus' hide out, come inta Lurker Hall an' look fer me. Yer safe there I tell ya!" Turning back to the fire, Memoria whispers unaudibly. ElvinHawke's golden face wrinkled in confusion. "I think Randym be feelin' some pressure...that what I be thinkin'.." Memoria just moved silently closer to the fire, holding her hands out to the flames. "Mem...yer beauty was unmatched when Tabbas made ya smile...ACK!!" Hawke notices her hands too close to the fire now. Jumping swiftly up from his chair, he dashes over to the hearth, pulling her hands from the flames. "What cha doin' lass? Ya burnin' yer hands! What was ya thinkin'?" he screams, tearing off his tunic and wrapping her singed hands. "I..."as she begins to speak, she bursts uncontrollably into tears. "Aww...easy now lass..." Hawke takes her in his arms, holding and comforting her as she sobs. "Why would...would he care for someone like me?" Hawke continues to hold her shaking body, now not even concerned about her vampire form. "'Cause lass...ya hold a secret within' ya." She looks at him in wonder. "A secret?" Hawke smiles a crooked smile. "Aye...ya see a beauty that not many others care ta see..." Hawke continues to smile as Memoria now begins to hum a sweet tune. His eyes widen as her form begins to shine; her features morphing into that of a moon elf noble. Scents of Evermeet roses permeate Hawke's senses, and he stands speechless momentarily, very much in awe. "Ohh!!!!! Memoria!!! Yer the most beautiful creature!" Her voice sounding more like a harp than a voice,she sings "Not many see me...." The elf continues on, as she lowers her eyes.""I...I...saw ya as beautiful before...but now! Oh my!" "Hawke? If that is so...why am I so alone?" ElvinHawke sees a single tear shimmer like a diamond against her skin; wiping it away with a finger, he touches the moist tear to his lips, kissing it. "Mem...others wish ya not ta be happy is all. I hope I can make ya happy wit' me smile. I kiss yer tear ta make yer sadness fade away. Ya shall always be me friend lass, no matter what." A small smile grows as unshed tears make her eyes shine, and ElvinHawke felt great joy in her smile. "Remember me..." she whispers, as the illusion replaces itself, and Hawke nods sadly. "I will not ferget...I shall always be here fer ya as a friend." "I would never choose to leave a friend behind" her voice no longer humming the sweet melody. Hawke gently kisses her cheek, and he feels her blush against his lips. "I saw yer true beauty before t'day. It lies within ya lass." She looks at him puzzled. "I see none of that." "Lass...ya need ta look within yerself. Let no others sway yer vision." Suddenly; she hugs him quickly, then turns to exit the tavern. "Remember me Memoria." he speaks sadly, as his eyes watch her leave. "Always my friend..." she whispers as the shadows gather her up..................... Hawke jumped awake as the woman left him alone in his dream. Many hours had passed, and his fever had broken. "The dream! 'Twas so real! I couldda swore all o' them was right here!" The dreaming had him troubled deeply, and ElvinHawke sat by the fire and wept for the longest time, before gathering up his cloak and returning to Lurker Hall. Another friend of his was ill, Lady Tarma; and Hawke had some treats for her to prepare. He still thought of Memoria, and silently prayed for her safety, even though a dream. HawkeSkorp, The Autobiography - Part 7 (submitted by: ITB Skorp) Yes, I was tired. I had stacks of corespondance I could barely get through everyday. Teddi and I hardly ever got to spend any time together. I would always have a queue of 3-4 people lined up to fight "The Legendary ITB Skorp" at any given time. Every time I left the quiet of my tower to travel the roads of Neverwinter, my mind filled with ESP communications, some from my ITB brothers and sisters, most from kiss up children or those whos families had been killed or humiliated by ITB warriors, those who would line up and wait for a chance to have their vengence. It was all too much. My health started to deteriorate, and, our in house clerics had put me on various medications. Some to calm me when I was ready to snap, others to invigorate me when I felt like I could not keep up. I needed time. Time to recover, time to reset my priorities. After all, crushing upstart "newbie" guilds had always been an amusing endevor, but, the persistance and dedication it took to wipe them from the realm sapped the little stregnth I had left after assuring that all the ITB projects were being tended to. Then, it came. From nowhere, our land was infested by thousands of refugees. Everywhere I looked, hordes of immigrants, so many, that Nasher began to regularly lock his gates on the weekends as Neverwinter became too full to hold any more. It was time, and, I had picked a perfect replacement. My brother Smoke had been with ITB many, many years, and had been the AGM of admissons for a good deal of that time. I called together The Bond, and announced my decision, glad that there was one who I could count on like Smoke to take my spot as The Grandmaster of Bondage. Teddi and I moved our belongings into the 3rd tower of the ITB complex, and, Smoke moved his things into the central spire. Yes, our quarters were smaller than we had had, but, thanks to the riches that King Bookie Enterprises had brought us, we were able to decorate it quite nicely. Teddi gave me a study in a quiet part of her AGM tower, and, I began the long rest I needed. Part 8 - Epilogue ------------------------ These days my health is restored, and no longer do I need to rely on the clerics potions to pull me through. I have peace and quiet when I need it. The refugees keep coming, and, my poor wife must deal with rejecting all those new applications. Smoke, he has some major hurdles in front of him now, with all the crowding. Often, I try to go to town, only to quickly give up as I find that Nasher has banned the gates to prevent further refugee's from entering. Now, I can go back to paying attention to the simpler, yet, more enjoyable things in life. Killing for fun (jumping) and profit (ladder)! And...chasing Teddi around the tower when I feel like a young man again. Skorp Age Wizened Advisor HOUSE ITBA Gift for Jaliycia (submitted by: GWENTHAR) A gift that will preserve the wonder and magic of yuletide must itself be magical. I would give the young Jaliycia the magical Globe of Winter. This enchanted crystal globe always glows with a soft white light. When someone gazes into the crystal she will see a gently falling snow blanketing a peaceful country farmhouse. This image is what is seen in the globe all year round, except that is at yuletide. On this day the globe shows much more. If she gazes into the globe on this day she will see the things she loves most. People, places, things, everything and everyone that has special meaning to her, both past and present, will appear to her in the globe. Friends and places long gone, family that is still close, and some say a glimpse of something or someone that will be important to the viewer in the future. So in this way the globe will remind her of what is really most important to her and even if those things or people can't be there with her she can still share her yuletide with them. This is the gift I would give it Jaliyca, a gift of love and of fond memories past, present and maybe on a very special yuletide, of the future. With much love and Yuletide wishes, GWENTHARAn Excerpt from the Second Journal of Lady Virtu Entree the Second (submitted by: Lady Virtu) Dear Diary, The second entry in anyone's second journal always comes quite easy -- as easy as falling off a wild Kree. As is the custom, this second entry in my Journal of Youth is about my burning day. It being my custom to keep much to myself, I had never been to anyone's else's burning day. My sister, being nie a year older than myself, almost twelve, had had her burning day, but she had not invited me. Indeed, she had broken with all custom and invited no one but herself! She said that the preparations would have detracted from her studies. It was her right to invite whomsoever she choose, but I found it odd in the extreme. And now I was in a fix. I did not know what preparations were necessary, and by custom, those preparations were mine to make. I decided to beg my Sword Master to enlighten my path. As it turned out, he was busy beyond belief, having just assumed the role of Sword Master to the high lord. He did have some advice to offer however, "D' Na' forget to make copy of anyt'ing you want to be keeping from ya' fir' Journal. Ya' will na' have a chance to recover it! All else matters not." This he said while swinging his mock sword and trident at two of his best students. His kind wife, who was there assisting in the training, drew me aside and filled me in on the rest of the preparation that I would have to make. As it turned out, the first part would be easiest -- the invitations. Most of the people that I considered friends were, in fact, my parents friends. This included my Sword Master and his wife, all of my father's Vassals, whom had always been like aunts and uncles to me, and an odd assortment of other adults or near adults that would frequent our household. Naturally, my parents were on the list. I even invited my sister, though it vexed me. As was custom, I invited the high lord, though, of course, he was not expected to accept the invitation. The preparations of food, drink, and ceremonial adornment took much time, but were easy to accomplish in the week allotted. The choicest memories of my childhood, I copied from my first Journal into the back of my second in the place provided. The day arrived and all was ready. My mother served as host, my drudgly duties having been fulfilled with the preparations. The high lord arrived fashionably early. He kissed my mother's hand and then mine. He proclaimed it an honor to attend the burning day of the youngest daughter of the House of Visbinette. He made mention of the fact that he would have attended the burning day of the eldest daughter, but somehow his invitation had failed to arrive. If my sister Somula even noticed the barb, she gave no sign of it. With the arrival of the first guest, I proceeded to my duty. I began to copy the last entry in my Journal of Childhood into my Journal of Youth. Always a slow process with quill and ink, this would take even longer than one would expect due to the great care I would take. As I continued to copy, the high lord drew my father and mother aside and showed them a parchment. To my complete amazement, both grew stiff and pale as if with fear. The conversation that followed was in hushed tones, but I had no trouble hearing. It seemed that my sister Somula had been summoned to the court of the high Drow king. Our high lord is one of three human Vassals to the Drow king. He swears no oath to the King other than to protect our own boarders as best we can and to pay our taxes on time. Unfortunately, my sister Somula now fell under the heading of "tax". The Drow king sought the daughters of humans to serve as exotic adornments to his court. He did not abuse his human "baubles" and always released them within a year or two, so normally this would not have been a problem. But this time, he had asked for Somula. My sister is an odd creature. She knows only two passions -- the study of magic, and what she calls "natural truth". She treats all things, even human interaction, as though it were a force of nature. To her, humans and Drow alike were just one more thing to study. And, as she put so eloquently, it was a study that she hadn't got around to as yet! In short, Somula has the diplomatic skills of a wounded Wyvern. As the other guests arrived they were drawn into the now not so hushed conversation. It is customary on burning day that the guests make merry as the guest of honor scribbled away in her Journal. Instead of making merry, it seemed more as though they were holding a council of war! In the end it was decided that it was not possible to refuse the King's demand. To do so would send us into war. The only option was for my father to renounce fealty to our high lord and for us to rush into exile with the Kings minion's in pursuit. Unfortunately, Somula pronounced that option to be silly (OK, her exact words were "It is without economic merit"). She refused to leave the kingdom. It was decided that Somula would be sent to the King but that we all would begin exploring options for getting her home before she could say something that would get her killed. Somula was enjoined to be on her absolute best behavior. That settled, at least for now, the gathering took on a air similar to the party that it supposed to be. I finished copying my Journal entry and closed both books. I lifted my Journal of Childhood and walked to the blazing fire. At this moment, and no other in my life, I was allowed to beg a favor from the Great Lady of Mystery. One of the Great Mysteries of Artsym is that she would never grant what was requested, but in the end it will be received just the same. Silently, I asked her for an interesting life. I then cast my First Journal into the fire and watched my childhood burn away. May Artsym Guide Thy MagicsAn Excerpt from the Second Journal of Lady Virtu Entrie the Third (submitted by: Lady Virtu) Dear Diary, What follows is a tale of woe. Do not read in times of joy. It is a horror! Somula has been returned to us, but she is not whole! She did not spend but a single day in the Drow king's court before the foul deed was done. She was sent as adornment to the Drow king's court and through some miracle of the Lady she said nothing that would offend him. The trouble being that she spoke nothing at all! For all her studies, she is but nie twelve years old. She knows nothing of humanity and even less of Drow. Enjoined to speak not ill to the king, she choose to keep a silence absolute. He asked her but a single question. When she did not respond, he proclaimed, "If she will not speak, then she will not speak." The king's Vassal cut her tongue from her then and there. The escort that had been sent to deliver her to the court was in attendance. He begged permission to take his charge home to her family and it was granted by an off-hand gesture from the king. My father and mother cannot in honor continue to serve as Vassals to the Vassal of the king. The high lord cannot recant his vow to the king on a matter such as this, for it would send the land into war with the Drow -- a war without hope of winning. Vengeance wrought by my parents would serve the same end. The House of Visbinette prepares to flee. There is more to tell, but I must make an end. We depart. *** Entrie the forth Dear Diary For two weeks we have traveled north into the salt water channels that pass through the frozen wastes. The hand of Artsym Guides us and is the ground beneath our feet. I tell the tale of our exodus. With mother and father both Righteous Warriors, they are both sworn to poverty, but that does not mean that we were devoid of possessions. Indeed, though we held no land as would normally come with mother's high title, we lived far better than the servants of the land or the keepers of the shops. We could not take with us but the smallest fraction of what we owned. My father enjoined us to take only what we must. Somula gathered only her Journal and her Book of the Bells, a study in magic and music. I took only my journal and the sword that I had received from the high lord. My father looked pleased with us. The House of Visbinette mounted and rode toward the sea, leaving the unburdened pack mule to graze in the yard. As we rode out my mother made a demand of us that I had not expected to hear for at least a decade. "We ride into peril my daughters. This is the Cusp. You will have need of all the skill that you have earned and all that the Lady will bestow. Somula, choose your path. Virtu, choose your path." Joy leapt to my heart, for I knew that today I would join the ranks of the Righteous Warriors. But the words were cold pain in Somula's ears. She knew the truth of what our mother asked of us. At this moment in time, the house of Visbinette did not need a fledgling mage who's single sleep spell could not affect the Drow king's storm giants that even now pursued us. What was needed was the power to heal fallen comrades and the power to fight with valor. I raised my sword toward the sky, in the gesture that signified my choice. Somula too, raised her hand and grasped the sword that I held high. For me it was so easy. For her, it was bravery beyond measure. At the hand of the Lady, into us was infused the spirit of the Righteous Warrior. The power to heal the injured and cure the diseased came to us unbidden. Our sword arms strengthened. Our hearts grew bold. We were still as nothing compared to all the heroes we had known, but at least, now, we were something. Perhaps we may be that small added measure of strength that is needed to preserve our House. As we rode, mother and father told us of the secrets of our Righteous order. The sun was sinking at we reached the sea and the house of my aunt. Word had been sent to her, but we had surpassed the messenger on our journey. Mother quickly explained our situation and our need. My aunt's only comment was "Look what ye `goodies' have gotten y'selves into this time". My aunt always claimed to have no preference to good or evil and professed that all ill came of attempts at one or the other. She is a bit of a nut case. Still, without hesitation she cast her arms to the sky and summoned the Kree fish for us. The summoning was over in the space of a heart beat, but the Kree did not arrive for the better part of an hour. In the intervening minutes my aunt went into her cottage and then came out with two swords, two shields, and two suits of plate. Each item glowed with a faint trace of magic. My mother looked at her sister angrily such that I thought she might strike her. The suits of plate were obviously made to fit eleven year old girls. My aunt had foreseen this day and she had told my mother nothing. My mother kept her silence. When the Kree fish arrived, my aunt rowed us out to introduce us. The part of the fish (or animal as my aunt claimed) that showed above the water was as a small island, fully sixty paces wide and two hundred paces long. We have seen naught else of the fish for it keeps most of its bulk bellow the line of the water. We walked upon the fish and my aunt spoke to it in the strangest tongue I have ever heard. We were gone from her side without chance for good-bye. As my aunt grew ever smaller in the distance, I saw her point her finger in our direction. The veldt bird named Nosferatu that had resided on her shoulder for as long as I could remember, left her shoulder and flew with the wind toward us. It took up residence on my mother's shoulder as though it had been there forever. It squacked simply, "Hello Mother". There was a tear in my mother's eye. We rode the living island north into the cold. We sparred and trained upon it's back, having little else to do. For ten days we traveled north, with the air growing colder, the salt channels growing narrower, and the northern star growing higher in the sky. When the cold seemed as though it was too much for us, my father would tell us of the land for which we quested. He did claim that winter never touched it's shores and that one could find warmth there the year around. At one point, when the cold reached it's worst with the north star straight above our heads, I did challenge the truth of his tale. Upon his story, he did swear a paladin's oath. Oh, what a wondrous world where such things are true! `Tis easier to believe now. Still we travel in the same direction, but the air grows warmer and the north star falls in the sky. That in itself is miracle of a sort. What wonders lie ahead? May Artsym Guide Thy MagicsEven Children Sacrifice (submitted by: Jaliycia) On any normal night, the adults around Jaliycia had a habit of confusing and confounding her. Tonight...the problem seemed worse than ever! Her mother's wedding seemed to have a sense of magic about it...but something felt wrong. Jaliy attributed the feeling to having a kitten tucked in her pack. Bronwynna insisted that she ride there, no matter how many times the little sidhe tried to take her out of the riding place. Once Wyrmsilver found her neck, it didn't seem to matter. After the ceremony, everything seemed to be going according to the plans she heard the adults discuss on more than one occasion. She and her bestest dragon friend had taken over the desserts table in the buffet. Jaliycia was introducing Wrym to all of the flavors of ice cream that McD had gathered for the feast. At the same time, she was sampling the cheescakes, puddings and other confections. The only thing she tried to be sure not to touch was the wedding cake itself. That was supposed to be something that her mother...and new father would cut together. Jaliy's bestest friend was having a grand time going from one flavor to the next as the princess offered each cup to him. After about six flavors, she set Wyrmsilver on the tabletop in front of her. She looked very seriously at him as she said, "I have a very important mission for you...and I know that you can do this for me. Will you be sure to guard this cake so that no one except Mother and...Father touch it?" When the little dragon with the never-ending appetite answered, Jaliy hoped she would have five minutes to get her parents' second wedding gift ready. At the tavern party, Jaliycia had given her mother a silver comb to wear in her hair and Centruo a silver pin. To the casual observer, the ornaments were silver butterflies entwined with hearts. If they ever chose to look deeper, they would discover the crests for House Fiona and House Ravenmane hidden in the designs. The gifts themselves held meaning because of Jaliy's love for the tiny winged creatures and for the ones she thought of as her parents. But that, accompanied by the gift she intended would give them a deeper meaning. She took Tremble from her hair and began to remove the tiny pendant that Dwar had given her. He told her once that it linked her to Staz, his companion. Tonight, she was surrounded by family and friends, she couldn't be safer. It would be alright to take the pendant off for one little minute, wouldn't it? She began to annimate the pair with a touch of Glamour when all of a sudden, everyone started yelling. Jaliycia turned around and stared...dumbfounded at the scene before her. McD was yelling at Centruo...and Dephroge was yelling at the Queen...Kyrasha stood in the middle, going from one pair to the next and back again. She didn't even notice when Wyrmsilver turned away from nibbling on the wedding cake to see where she was headed. Finally, the princess started walking toward them; listening to what they were saying to eachother. She grew sad and upset...the gift of her butterflies going through a dance of friendship and 'courtship' in the air was forgotten. The adults in her life looked like they wanted to rip each others' throats out. Behind her, that familiar red cloud began to grow...her anger manifesting into the baby phoenix and hovering over her shoulder. The only question going through the childling's head was whether Bronwynna had found the Orb of Chaos that still rested deep in her pack? The yelling continued and grew worse as the moments ticked by. Jaliycia couldn't stand hiding out beside any one person for very long. They were all acting like a group of childlings and she was becoming more and more frightened. Not one adult was lying...but none of their stories wanted to come together. Repeating, "No one is lying...you are all telling the truth..." she tried to get the grownups around her to register her words. The princess was good at puzzles, but even she could see that there were some pieces missing. And one piece was an adult to come in and tell them all to stop, before someone was hurt beyond healing. Images of blood and violence flashed before her eyes as she tried to block out the sight of her mother and her mother's best friend hurting each other. The princess' chimeral firebird circled over the combatants' heads...reacting to his mistress' state of confusion. It remained to protect, but was not sure if it was allowed to harm. In the end, all it guaranteed was that the child could not block out those around her without a great deal of effort. During this 'distraction', Lugon had managed to get between the two friends...and Centruo's anger had mainfested in spells of fire. When she felt Kerrgon's hand resting on her shoulder, Jaliy calmed. She hadn't expected to see him, because of the injuries that were still healing. But there he was, and he looked at Jaliy as if he could hear her thoughts. Nodding, she knew what she had to do... Gathering all of the latent Glamour her system could hold, Jaliycia's body began to glow pink. The phoenix disappeared in a flash as his energy was called upon too. Finally, a soft flow of violet radiance filled her as well. The littlest sidhe called out to the 'adults' in the room to stop. They didn't listen...Jaliycia continued by telling them that they were all acting like childlings. Still they did not seem to really register what she was trying to tell them. A quick flash of light spread around the room, flowing over the form of every changeling in front of her. They were each covered in a pink glow as she crumbled the brownie in her hand and cried out their 'sentence'. If they each chose to act like a childling, then they would look like a childling! Every adult in the room stared at their shrinking surroundings. Centruo was the only one to recognize Jaliy's handy work...because he was the only one present to have felt it before. Lugon reentered the room, with the Queen restrained behind him as he watched everyone in the room except for Kerrgon and Marknight regress in age to look no older than the princess herself! All Jaliy needed to see was that they stopped fighting for a moment...and then she slumped against the nearest wall. She had pushed too far again. The little girl had done too much. It was hard enough to alter one wilder...but twelve? Even with all of the ambient glamour from the wedding and Kerrgon's help, she felt empty inside. That emptiness clawed at her inside. She shivered at the thought of what she had done...and what it was costing her now. Too soon, Kerrgon returned with a young Kyrasha next to him. For a moment, Jaliy registered the sight before her. Never had she been in a room with this many people her own size! Kerrgon was asking something of her...she had to focus, concentrate to hear him. He was asking tha Kyrasha be restored. The eshu didn't look so good, and he was making it a personal request. There was no way she could turn that down, not if there was any way she could see of accomplishing his request. Something inside her whispered the traditional ideology of House Gwydion...and she took Tremble from her hair for the sencond time tonight. Whispering good journies to her oldest friend, she drained the last bit of glamour from the chimeral object and looked up at Kyrasha. One flash of light and a wish that the cantrip be undone...and the eshu stood tall again. Jaliy didn't even have the energy to get angry at what the request had cost her. No one seemed to notice...they were back to fighting again. The little girl dropped the silver butterfly on the floor and walked to the furthest corner she could find...hoping the shadows would hide her if they tried to rip each other to pieces again. The room became a blur...her emptiness dragging her down further and further. Centruo's voice finally brought her up enough to register that they were still there. Grybbn's voice in the background was asking if she was alright...how could she be alright? She had murdered Tremble. And now she was being asked to reverse another one's state...Centruo wanted to go after her mother. Jaliycia barely recalled seeing her mother pick up Tremble and then drop him again...it had confirmed for the little sidhe that her friend was gone. Now all the little girl could think of was going to sleep. Before she could do that, she needed to make it through the rest of the night. Taking the ring that Mhikail had presented to her as an oath-gift, she looked down at it. The ring was the only thing she had that felt like her Someday-Knight. It was all that was left of him for her...she drained it of its magic too. And used that to give Centruo back his former age and form. In undirected anger, she threw the ring to the other side of the room. Centruo wanted to talk to his wife...and he picked up his daughter to take her with. Wyrmsilver flew to keep up...Marknight's orders still in his mind...he was to guard the Princess through the night. The last thing Jaliycia saw of the room was Tremble...a silver butterfly...lying like a dull lump of silver on the floor. And then, all that remained, were tears. Jaliycia Littlest Sidhe of the Seelie Court Princess of the Kithain Rememberances (submitted by: Ceribus) A young man walked into the main room of an overcrowded inn. He made his way into an empty back corner and found himself a seat. Unlike the other travelers he kept his cloak pulled tight around him. All that could be seen of him was that he appeared to be a tall, thin human. He kept to himself in the back of the inn, watching as the patrons came and went. Once a waitress came over to him and asked what he was having, but he gave her a handful of gold and she left him alone. He continued his scan of the inn. This was the type of inn that was kept open every night because the innkeeper liked to cater to the adventurers that happened by. It was situated on the Trade Way, south and east of Longsaddle. Because of this it always saw a great deal of business. The mysterious man in the corner kept a watchful eye on everyone, and his gaze finally rested on a boisterous young women. She was dressed all in red, trimmed in black. Over her right breast was the symbol of Loviatar, goddess of pain. He waited patiently as she finished her meal, and when she rose so did he. As he left his chair he placed another small pile of gold on the table. He followed the lady out the door and out into the dark night that lay beyond. He kept following her until they were in a somewhat untraveled section of the small town. "It's dangerous for anyone to be out on a night such as this." He said with a calm, relaxing quality to his voice. The priestess looked back. She had intense blue eyes, and hair that was a shimmering red. Her features were pale and angular. "I am no novice to danger." She said in a whiskey soaked voice. "It is my goddess' desire for her subjects to seek out pain so that they can rise to power within her hierarchy." "Well, dear lady." The cloaked man said. "In that respect you're about to become a full bishop..." He lept at her suddenly, and as he did so the cowl on his cloak fell back revealing a pale man with long, raven black hair. He opened his mouth as he flew at her to reveal two pointing incisors. She gasped in horror, trying to scream, but no sound came forth. The vampire flew at her, and picked her up. That act seem to have broken the shock that the young priestess was experiencing. She screamed as she felt the vampire bite her neck and draw out her life blood. He still had her in his grasp, high up in the air. When he finished gorging himself on his meal he let her lifeless body fall hundreds of feet to the ground. He let out a laugh of delighted pleasure, and melted into the form of a bat. He flew a quick circle, then went flying off to the west. Towards Longsaddle. * * * It was close to an hour before dawn when the bat finally got to the next town along it's course. There was a cave near it where he could rest during the daylight hours. The bat fluttered to the entrance, and flew into the back of the cave. Time passed, and before long night fell. With the onset of the night the vampire walked outside of his refuge. He looked around and breathed in the wonderful night air. It wasn't long before his everlasting hunger urged him onward to another inn. He had chosen the location of his cave well, there was an inn not too far away. He walked through the dense woods that surrounded this particular inn, and stopped on the outskirts of the forest. He gazed upon the wood structure, trying to decided whether or not to enter. He decided to play things safe this time. The closer he got to Longsaddle the more likely it would be that someone could destroy him. Therefore he would have to take extra precautions. He silently willed himself upward into the boughs of the trees above him and waited. It wasn't a long wait. A young woman left the comfort of the inn to walk around. She was dressed in a plain green and brown robe. Her long chestnut hair was tied back behind her with a small strip of leather. She started to walk toward the trees edge, muttering to herself. The vampire slowly drifted down behind her, making not a whisper of sound. He walked up behind her, and felt his hunger push him on compulsively. He rushed forward suddenly, one hand going around her mouth to keep her from yelling out. With blinding speed he bit into her throat. He relished in the sensation of her blood rushing into his body. Buying his life with her own. "Just what do ye think yer doin' there?" A voice asked behind him. He abruptly tore his teeth out of his meal, spraying blood onto the nearby trees. The young girl fell to the forest floor, not quite dead, but dying with her life blood draining out of her. The vampire turned to face who had spoken, fresh blood dripping from his mouth. He found himself facing a member of the smaller races. Upon closer inspection he found that he faced a dwarf. The dwarf had a cloak pulled tight about him, but nothing else really stood out about him. When the dwarf noticed the blood dripping from the humans fangs, he nodded. "So yerself's a vampire then?" The vampire just leapt at the dwarf with his mouth open, fangs bared. The sturdy dwarf merely reached up when he got close enough and flipped the human over in mid air, slamming him to the hard earth. The human sat where he lay, amazed that a mortal had managed to take him out of his flight. "By the way," the dwarf said. "Me names Elgar." He then looked at the nearly dead young woman. "I can't believe ye ruined that perfect meal." The vampire looked at him strangely, but then gasped in shock as the dwarf turned to face him. Elgar's features had sharpened, and when he opened his mouth to speak a pair of fangs showed in prominence. "Ye bloody fool!" He rumbled. "I don't like competition fer me meals." His form blurred into that of a dark colored wolf, and he sprang at the amazed human. Still a vampire, the human dissipated into mist, and reformed several feet away. "My name is Gavin, I'm just passing through these lands, and I mean you no harm." But the wolf lunged at him again, and this time just before he reached the human he dissipated into mist. Gavin started looking around, trying to find his nemesis. The dwarven vampire appeared behind him and kicked the legs out from under the human. Gavin tried to twist around, but the dwarf turned into a berserker and started punching and biting the human underneath him. The human managed to get one leg underneath him and used his unholy strength to hurl the dwarf away from him. As soon as he could, Gavin stood up and broke off the branch from a nearby tree. As soon as Elgar hit the ground he leapt into the fight again. He didn't see the make-shift stake until it was too late. He tried to turn around in mid-air, but Gavin flew up to meet him, ramming the stake deep into the dwarf's chest. He then grabbed hold of the dying vampire and turned him around, impaling him on the jagged end of the tree where he had gotten the branch from. Gavin reached up to the dying dwarf, and tore his throat out. With that finished, he looked over to where his dinner lay. She was obviously dead by now, but he could see from the fright on her face that she had witnessed at least some of the fight before her life fled. He shrugged, turned into a bat, and flew into the night. * * * Several weeks later, an elf walked through the wide streets of Neverwinter. He wore dark clothes, with his cloak and dark black hair blowing out behind him. He was simply out, walking around, and enjoying life in general. Wanting to spread his good will he headed toward Mataga Inn. It was early night time, and the streets of Neverwinter were filled with adventurers of various types. Some were newly come to Neverwinter, others had been here for years. He turned a corner and walked near the Temple of Oghma. He watched curiously as a young man escorted a woman out of the inn. He smiled upon seeing them, content to see young ones in love. But then he noticed the young man, and the tickle of memory crept up on him. The elf hurriedly hid in the shadows of the temple, praying silently that the young man hadn't seen him. His good mood evaporated, to be replaced by a healthy dose of fear. He knew that human. * * * "So you recognized a human, big deal." Simian was telling his elven cousin the next morning. "You don't understand," Cer said. "I met him nearly forty years ago, that he still looks the same as when I met him is unfathomable." Simian sighed and peeled a banana. "You're blowing this out of proportion, it is possible for a human to become as long lived as an elf, ya know." "Not when that human is a fighter that has always disdained the use of magic!" Simian shrugged and bit into his banana. "Then he used a potion to regain his youth or something, I don't know. But I fail to see the reason you're so upset." "For one thing, that young woman I saw him with has disappeared. I tried to scry her, and saw her corpse, torn and mangled on the outskirts of Nightsedge woods. There have also been reports this past week or two of bodies being found, completely drained of blood." Simian put his banana down. "So what you're trying to say is that your old friend is..." "A vampire!!" Cer exclaimed. "Well, assuming that he is, what do you intend to do about it?" Sim asked. But his elven cousin had no answers. Later that night Cer went once again to the Mataga Inn in Neverwinter. He waited by the door, patient. It wasn't long before he saw his first human friend walk up to the inn. "It's been a long time, Gavin." Cer greeted him. Gavin looked surprised. "Cer! What are you doing here?" Cer just looked at him, conveying his thoughts with a glance. "We need to talk Gavin." The human nodded, and followed Cer into the inn. They found an out of the way table, and ordered some wine. "I saw you last night." Cer began. "It surprised me to see you still alive, mind telling me how you accomplished that?" "You always were rather blunt." Gavin laughed softly. "Since you probably already know what I am, I have no reason not to tell you." He sat back and looked into nothingness, recalling old memories. "When I saw you that last time in Waterdeep I had been hired along with a handful of others to raid this small keep and get some of the treasure out that this wealthy noble had wanted. What he hadn't told us was that the keep was controlled by a vampire." "We fought it, and everyone died except me. Since I had been the last to survive, the vampire offered me a choice. 'Join me', he had said 'and live eternal life, or die where you stand.' I had no illusions that he could easily kill me if he wanted, so I agreed. Anything to escape death." "So I've been wandering the realms for nearly 35 years, trying to find a way to end my curse." He looked at Ceribus, who had taken in his story. "So what are you going to do now?" Cer sat back and thought. Finally, "I don't think I could bring myself to destroy you, and I won't tell anyone what you are, but in return I ask that you leave the town of Neverwinter. I like this area now, and I don't want to see everyone scared of attacks from a vampire." "You will have what you ask," Gavin said with a small bow. Then he excused himself, and walked out of the inn. * * * "So you just let him go?" Simian asked incredulously. "He was the first human that I ever befriended, I can't bring myself to harm him." Cer said. "I don't believe this! You had the chance to destroy him, and you opted to let him loose to feed off of anyone he chooses?!" Cer got defensive, "I made him promise to leave Neverwinter!" "Oh yeah, lot of good that'll do! There's still a lot of places around here that he could prey on!" Simian paced as he spoke. Would you really object to him feeding on the people in the sewers?" Cer asked. Simian stopped his pacing, and thought about it long and hard. "Tempting...but no." He turned to the elf. "Cer, you have to destroy him, rid the world of some evil, man!" "It's just not that easy Sim." * * * The next night Cer walked the realms looking for his former friend. He had decided to look in the region of Nightsedge since he knew there were cave's nearby, and that was also where some of the bodies had turned up at. It was nearing daylight, and Cer was beginning to be thankful that he hadn't found any sign of the vampire, when a cry rang out from the woods ahead of him. He ran towards the sound, but before he got there, his friend stepped out of the shadows. "Well met Cer, I had not expected to see you again." "You have to leave, Gavin, as soon as possible." But the vampire just smiled. "And what if I say no? I kind of like it here. And besides," he said with a crafty grin, "I know you won't harm me, so I can take whomever I please!" Ceribus bowed his head as the vampire's laughter rang out around him. When the elf finally looked up, he spoke, "You're right, I can't do anything directly to harm you." He said the last words of a waiting spell, and great black bands of energy suddenly sprang into being around Gavin. "What? What is this?" Gavin tried to break the bonds, but found that not even his great strength could break them. "What will this gain you? All you have made it possible for me to do is not move or shift shape, what good is that?" Just then the sun decided to crest the horizon, and one finger of light broke through the gloom. "No!" Gavin whispered in horror. He turned to Cer. "I thought you said you couldn't harm me!" Ceribus drew himself up. "In the end it wasn't my magic that killed you, it was the sun. That's not breaking my vow." The vampire started yelling about the injustice of it all, but then the sun crested the horizon fully. Ceribus sat and watched in quiet vigil as his former friend caught aflame. He seemed to age, to grow older. His clothes caught flame, and torched the body. As the body died, Ceribus just barely heard it utter some words. He had to listen carefully, but they sounded like, "Thank you." When there was nothing left but ash, Cer took out some holy water and washed them away. With that done, he turned and headed back to his house in Floodblest, a heavy weight upon his soul. -Ceribus the Wonder Monkey, Current jester of the SOM, and Assistant Scribe.The Wisdom Works (submitted by: MyLove2U4U) As you walk along the road to NeverWinter activley talking with other newcomers to The Realms your leader, MyLove comes to an abrubt stop. You take no notice of him and keep chatting away. That is until you get bopped on the head with his Quarter staff. Rubbing the lump your head you say, "Whad ya do that for?" Now with a deep scornful look on his face MyLove shouts, "What is wrong with you boy? You leave you satchel loose, and your sword sheathed? Be you aware that we are approaching Southwall?, The town of thieves!" Feeling quite embarrased at your newbie mistake you listen to MyLove give further instructions "Arm yourselves and leave no valubles in plain site for this is the place I have spoken of." As you watch another party member struggle into some plate mail you take notice of MyLove rummaging through a backpack, finding what he wants he swiftly walks over to the member in plate mail giving him the same bop on the head you recieved earlier he roars, "You fool! You couldn't out manuver a caravan of starving ogres wearing that! Take this and dont let me catch you making any more mistakes, around here they cost alot more than money." In bewilderment you watch as MyLove jerks the plate mail away from him and throws it to the ground. "Hey!" says the newbie,"That cost me alot of silvers." Grumbling, MyLove hands him some bracers and a strange cloak then walks over to where your standing. Pointing a rough finger at you he says,"You are a mage arent you?" Swallowing hard you give a muffled reply,"Yes sir" Looking you over and tapping your nicely kept befittings, MyLove, in a low voice says "You will go far if you stick to your ways." Having said that he removes a ring with a interesting engraving of the two moons on its top, and tosses it to you."Where that ring at all times. Don't ask questions! Just do it." Then he comes to an erect position and says loudly "But dont think this means Im going to let you get away with making any mistakes!" MyLove fastens his staff to a sling and unsheaths a sparking dagger. "Onward to the thieves hideout" He says with ambition in his voice. As you walk down the streets of Southwall the party huddles closely together henceforth many tiny figures just within shadows cast by the crumbling city walls. The party stops infront of a heavily padlocked door. A hefty fighter tries to break down the door with his shoulder, then a Dwarf hacks at it with his axe but to no avail for the door does not not budge. Finally just before the Fighter breaks his shoulder, MyLove grabs him by the arm and points to you, "You know the way to open this door dont you boy?" You nod in aggreement as he continues, "Well then go ahead!" Beaming with pride now that you know you can do something the other members cant, you bow your head and chant the words of the knock spell. When you finish chanting nothing happens for a second until you gesture at the door,It collapses in front of you! MyLove nods in approval then continues onward into the dark room. The party comes to a old wooden stairway that winds upward about twenty feet into the air and comes to stop at a raggedy door with a circle burnt into the middle. MyLove whispers "This is it this is the thieves hideout. Beyond this door lies the main hall of their domain. We should be able to find the leader and defeat him easily. With this he points to the Fighter and says "Your turn" As the party burst through the door they find themselves right in the middle of the biggest group of thieves they have ever seen and then to there disgust the party realizes that they just broke up a Meeting of the Thieves. Without wasting time the thieves attack! The party fights well but the thieves get the advantage. You watch as party members fall all around you and you are sure that you will not be able to hold off the horde much longer. Then MyLove mumbles a phrase you dont quite hear and waves his right arm in a circle. At this a purple cloud surrounds you and all the thieves, save one slump to the ground, dead. At this time you realize in shock that you and MyLove are the only members of your party that are still alive! Turning in rage to face the last Thief. MyLove thrust a dagger at his heart, moving swiftly the thief dodges and gestures strangley at MyLove, His eyes roll up into his head and the next thing you know hes lying on the floor in front of you, alive but unconcious. Not bothering to try to help him for you know he will not wake you say to the thief, "Your Your not a Thief your a Mage!" The thief looks you dead in the eye and says, "I am not a thief nor am I mage to you boy. For those pesants like you who oppose me I am nothing but death itself." With his announcment finished the head thief gestures and a huge bolt of lightning flies toward you! Not wasting time you murmur a quik phrase and a small barrier forms in front of you taking most of the shock, you leap to the side and send a barrage of darts hurdling towards your opponent, The Thief dodges some of the projectiles but he takes the brunt of the attack. Now crippled the theif limping tries run, but you know hes finished. You hold your hands high in the air as you chant the words of the Fireball, your fiercest spell. The flame flies toward your adversary, and you watch as it devours him and the lifeless bodies of countless thieves around him. Then just seconds later its as if none of them where ever there. You gaze at the bodies of your companions and a tear rolls down your eye. With that you turn, pickup the unconcious MyLove and head for the closest civilization.....Never WinterWinter Solstice (submitted by: Thorn Hawk) I woke as the moon's silvery rays cleared the railing of the flet and alighted upon my face. My wife's head rested quietly on my chest her sleep undisturbed by the tingling in the air. Slipping from bed as not to upset Luthyen's sleep, I dressed and headed for the small clearing and the shrine it held. Knowing that others would be at similar shrines or quietly sitting around campfires, I smiled thinking of Klaw, Lake, Ellyn, Neer and the many others who like me would stand watch this night. It was the shortest day of the year, full of magic and each creature felt it. Some, like the dwarves felt its presence less, but felt it still in the stones of the mountain they called home, others like the elves keenly felt its intimate touch. The night was crisp and a light dusting of snow covered the forest floor its crystalline surface reflected by the pearly glow of the moon. Stillness hung in the air as if the world waited for something, something special, magical as I knelt in the small shrine among the great trees feeling the magic coursing through my veins, heightening my senses to the world around me. The elfstone around my neck slowly came to life its own magic touched by this night illuminating me in its green glow as I thought of the woman I loved and the goddess I revered. My body swaying in time to the currents of magic that flowed through the woods, I knelt there lost in prayer to Mielikki, the forest goddess. The whispering wings of an owl barely stirred the night as it landed on a branch to regard the mouse who sat beneath a small tuff of snow. A hare, its white coat melting into the surrounding snow, sat calmly next to a pair of foxes. Wolves settled around a clearing each looking at the many creatures gathered, even the doe and her yearling fawn, yet made no move toward either. As the lingering howl of a wolf faded into the distance, a pair of unicorns entered the clearing their milky coats glowing in the moonlight. They all waited. South in a long forgotten cave, a scaled terror known by men long since dead as Brightflame, stirred in its sleep, while in a tower in the great city of Waterdeep, a mage's apprentice practicing his cantrips found himself in a tower surrounded by dark woods after casting a simple spell. Suddenly like the arc of a swinging blade, the magic that filled the air vanished leaving me cold and shivering. I felt drained without the strength to rise when a hand touched my shoulder. Glancing back, I looked into the eyes of Luthyen, my wife and knew that she had felt it too. I rose to wrap her in my arms drawing strength from the bond we shared. I looked down at the white tunic I now wore and the finely woven green unicorn head that adorned the breast and knew the loving hand that had woven it. We walked back supporting each other without saying a word as none was needed. Off in a clearing deep within the woods, each animal seemed to shake itself and stare at those around it. It was then that instincts forgotten for a time came back and the owl dropped to the ground only to find the mouse gone. The hare, its mind filled with fear, fled the foxes while the wolves searched for the now missing deer. Only the two unicorns, their dark eyes showing signs of understanding, reared before dashing off into the trees knowing the circle of life would continue. Thorn Hawk, Brotherhood of Pathfinders(submitted by: Kymil Nimn) Congrats to you all for surviving the Guantlet of Chaos!! And special congrats to Ldy Xymox who won the Necklace of Ice Storms with a low damage of 19. I would like to thank you all for taking the time to compete in the Booth. Kymil Nimn GuildMaster Guild of Chaos(submitted by: ABK Mellow) Attention all: The wedding of LORDGUNNAR and Lightfox has been made public. The engagement took place at the Great Hall Tavern December 18, 1996. Please contact DRK AIEL to get an invitation, and time of the wedding. Pastor\Cleric\Priest is GreySavant.Gimme a Scoop! Enter the weekly News of the Realm contest by submitting text for publishing. If your Announcement, Article, Helpful Hint, NW Abby Question, Poem, Fiction, or Tidbit wins, you'll have won your choice of 4 Pearls or Access to the GOH (Guild of Heroes)! Submit all text to screenname: NW NEWS. <><><><><> <><><><><> MONTHLY CONTEST!! Win Pearls for your Guild! Participate in the monthly News of the Realms "Newsworthy" contest. Each month, 4 pearls will be awarded to the account of the Guild with the most "newsworthy" articles for that month! We're looking for works of art, articles of fine literature, helpful hints of extraordinary brilliance, poetic works which stir the soul, etc. The key word here is "newsworthy"... only articles with substance will be counted in the contest! To participate you need to: - Indicate with your submission the name of your SANCTIONED guild. Only sanctioned Guilds are presently eligible to receive pearls for a Guild pearl account. - Write something! <><><><><> <><><><><>