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What a pity that when you are here I'm at home. I think the problem is with my time zone

Don't worry, Senior Wizard Manveru. We can write you in if you like You'll probably be the one who rushes in and saves everything...

@Jennabard, just cos you're not here at the time doesn't mean you can't put your own additions when you get here Maybe we will be greeted by Lady Jennabard when we arrive at Trademeet, and she will accompany Dragonwench and Sirs Ryan and Keldorn to the Gilded Rose...?

@Manveru, I agree with Loner, it's all going to go horribly wrong soon I think

[Ooc, Loner, I'm going to be gone all weekend. Go ahead and use my char. I'll be back Wednesday. Have a good weedend ladies.]

I hate to reveal my ignorance here , but what precisely does the acronym Ooc stand for? I know it has something to do with being aside from the topic at hand, but just curious what the letters mean.

Originally posted by dragon wench:
<STRONG>I hate to reveal my ignorance here , but what precisely does the acronym Ooc stand for? I know it has something to do with being aside from the topic at hand, but just curious what the letters mean.</STRONG>

Out of char. Don't feel bad, I had to ask someone two weeks ago.

Ah, thanks DP. Now I can use that in addition to italics. Just so I don't confuse myself (happens easily)I like to make a distinction. Either that or I've done a few too many footnotes.

@KramoR -- aw! Dang!! *deep breath* okay, here goes...

Have a good one

Georgi, Gwalchmai, the two paladins, and Dragon Wench gathered in the clearing outside the Druid Temple. They relised that much needed to be done, Vivien seemed to be missing, Dark Poet was equally absent and a parley with the Gilded Rose was imminent.

Dragon Wench proposed that they return to Trademeet first, so they could ensure that Georgi would recover quickly (with Loner and Kramo in search of Anomen, and two others missing they needed as much help as they could get). And of course they missed her cheerful presence and excellent fighting skills as well .
Dragon Wench decided that following her return to Trademeet, the first order of business would be to accompany the Radient Heart to its rendezvous with the rival order.

As they were nearing the town, an ominous, chlling presence suddenly overcame them. The dark night somehow became blacker, and the faint sliver of moonlight that had been illuminating their path was blotted out. Then, a terrible, bloodcurdling, unearthly scream was heard. (footnote to Tolkien ). The group, with racing hearts, stopped. Lady Dragon Wench, forgetting the presence of the paladins for a moment, said, "what the f##k was that?!?" Sir Ryan, blushing, cleared his throat uncomfortably, and replied, "I know not, but whatever it was, it is possessed of a great evil, I have sensed a presence of considerable menace and foreboding since leaving the druids." Fear and urgency took hold of the group, and without a moment's hesitation they spurred their nervous horse onwards. It was with great relief that they soon saw the welcoming lights of Trademeet.

[ 05-25-2001: Message edited by: dragon wench ]

Waverly/Vale was cheerfully heading south, when by blind luck (and he always had much of this) he happened to note his quarry heading back towards Trademeet. He followed at a distance and rode into view at what he considered the most opportune moment, just outside the city gates. At the sight of his armor emblazoned with a single golden rose, the Radiant Heart paladins drew their weapons, but not so violently so as to spark a fight. ‘Vale’ very deliberately adjusted his weapon in it’s sheath without drawing it, and dismounted to approach the party on foot.

“I had heard reports of you heading south and was sent to determine you intentions,” Vale began. “I apologize for pursuing when you once again headed north, but I was ordered to meet with you, and meet with you I shall.”

Lady Dragon Wench looked over the knight with suspicion. He bore the manners and protocol of the noblest of knights. How could an order such as this be using such treachery to attack the Radiant Heart? Presently she spoke to him, “We have wounded, and still intend to journey south to treat with your order.”

“Ah, a gallant gesture, despite the troubling reports of your dealings that have traveled south. I have done all that is necessary, your intentions are true and you will be allowed to pass. Take this.” At that Vale produced a black obsidian pendant on a leather cord. “Please, may I?” With some trepidation, Dragon Wench stepped foreword and allowed the pendant to be placed around her neck. A curious piece, it seemed to depict a phoenix descending into flame. Could that be correct? Vale continued, “this will be your token, safe passage and the knowledge that you and I have met in peace is it’s message.”

Dragon Wench began to ask questions of him in earnest, but Vale mounted his horse and assured the party that he was not empowered to treat with them nor share information. With that he rode off.

Loner and Kramo stood in the palpable darkness of their new surroundings. Loner had a terrible, sinking feeling...She suddenly felt the absence of her friends like a gaping wound, and for once she wished she could have those visions Jennabard was prone to.

She turned to Kramo...and could barely see him. "I..." she began, and was shocked to hear her own voice: thin and distant, as if dying on the air. She went on: "I can't help but feel this is some kind of trap, some ruse to further split us all up and weaken us..." She realized she was trembling. So far, this place was everything Conrad had said, and more.

"Perhaps," said Kramo, "but there was no other choice, was there?..."

"I suppose not," Loner replied. "We need answers if nothing else...At any rate, I certainly am glad I don't have to face this place alone..."

"AWWWWWWWW!! Isn't that sweeeeeeet..."

At the sound of the voice, Kramo drew his sword and Loner reached back for the Katana. It was impossible to tell where the voice had come from; it was more of a presence in the mind than a sound.

The Voice laughed, a cruel, rasping sound. "Don't be frightened, children. I have no wish to harm you...yet."

"Where is that coming from?" Loner whispered, to which Kramo replied "I don't know; and I don't think I want to know." His voice wavered. They stood back to back.

"Those usually-incompetent Orchids sent you here successfully I see. I am duly impressed. You have come seeking that *ahem* knight of the Radiant Heart. An organization with which neither of you are unfamiliar, no?"

Kramo tensed.

"Ah yes. Well, he is here. But whether he is living or dead, I leave to you to find out."

"Who are you?" Loner cried. "How do you know all this? I wasn't aware people could spy on each other from different planes."

"I may not be a person, Loner. Loner, Loner...such an interesting name. Well, one can do many things you are not aware of, Loner. *sigh* I tire of these introductory remarks. You need to start moving. Turn to your left and walk as straight as you can. hehehe...you will have further 'guidance' as you go along. Go."

"Ha!" Kramo cried. "You are hardly to be trusted! How are we to know your motives? For all we know you could be responsible for this entire calamity between the Gilded Rose and the Radiant Heart, whoever...or whatever...you are..."

"I may and I may not. I may be your best friend. I may just want to see you writhe as I tear out your entrails. How do you know unless you come forward? Oh, I do think this game is going to be most amusing. Will they survive my little pets and guardians? Will they survive the nights? Ah yes, this is daylight, children. hee-hee!! Will I watch their friends rejoice at their return...or weep in agony just before they themselves are destroyed? Ah, it is a pretty little game indeed. Off you go now."

And with another spate of sickening laughter, the Voice drew away from their minds.

Loner looked at Kramo. Ah yes...it was a good thing she'd gone back to the Tent when she did...

[ 05-25-2001: Message edited by: loner72 ]

Dragon Wench fingered the amulet around her neck. There was something about it that felt....wrong. She wondered if perhaps she should dispose of it somewhere, and she tried to brush the thought aside. "Maybe I'm becoming too suspicious," she thought. Still, her instincts had yet to betray her. In the past she had relied on her strong sense of intuition without hesitation.
Coming to a decision, she handed the pendant to Sir Ryan. "What do you make of it?", she asked. He studied its curious markings intently, frowning. Then he passed it to Keldorn, asking him his impression of the strange item. Finally, Keldorn spoke, "I can't read this, it has an aura of energy surounding it that I have never before encountered; we must take great care in our dealings with the Gilded Rose, nothing here is as it seems." Handing it back to Dragon Wench he said, "I do not know what should be done with this, but I feel a great uneasiness."

As darkness came, the half orges, lit torches. So Darkpoet could continue planting. The cool air of the evening, refreshed him. A sound of rushing, came in between Darkpoet and the others. It caused the torches to go out. Before the torches could be lit, the sound came again. Darkpoet stood up, his eyes getting use to the darkness. He was hit from behind, the blow dazed him, as he hit the ground. He could hear the others in a panic, running away. Darkpoet swore he could hear flapping of wings. Darkpoet push that thought out of his mind, he contributed to being hit. Suddenly, a flash of fire, all three of his guards, were running around on fire.

"DW, is that you?" he called out. Trying to shake out the cobwebs, he stood up, as he did all three torches, lit simultaneously. Darkpoet stood, he sensed that someone or something was out there.

"You are not afraid, Paladin. Of what the darkness hides? My mother said, you are a brave warrior. She also said, you lost someone really close to you, battling the Drow."

"Who are you? Who is your mother, that she knows so much of me?"

The sound of chuckling, was in front of Darkpoet. He walked towards the soft laughter, as he got closer, he was face to face with a black dragon. The dragon eyed Darkpoet, suspiciously, he sniffed. His face crinkled into smile.

"You dress funny for a paladin warrior, I hope I didn't kill the wrong being. But, I know I didn't they had the smell of Drow on them. They have magic now, to change apperance."

The dragon smiled at Darkpoet's surprised look, he started to laugh, which caused smoke come out from his nostrils, covering Darkpoet. He choked out, "Drow, but how?"

"Who is your mother? What do the Drow, want from me?"

The dragon sighed, he had a far away look. Darkpoet, then knew who the dragon's mother is.

"My mother was Adalon. After the Drow wars and we had hatched. The Drow hunted us, with no stop. They took my sisters, killed my mother. I hid, and left the underworld, and lived in the mountains. Until I was strong enough, then I looked for you."

"Come on, to the house, I need to get out of these shackles. Clean up, and get into some real clothes."

The both of them, headed to the house.

Loner and Kramo stood silently int he darkness, waiting for the Voice-induced chill to wear off. It seemed both were afraid to speak, lest something terrible happen, lest their voices set off some kind of deadly trap...

Finally Loner took the initiative. "Shall we go?"

"Go where?" Kramo replied.

"To the left, like...it said."

Kramo sighed. "I don't trust that...thing...at all, Loner."

"Well, it at least gave us some clue in which direction to head. Do you have a better suggestion?"

Kramo didn't answer.

"I'm not trying to be sarcastic," said Loner eagerly; "I really want to know. If you have a better idea of where to start, I'd genuinely love to hear it, believe me."

Kramo looked about. It seemed to be getting darker, if that were possible; and needless to say he wasn't familiar with the area. "No, of course I don't..."

"I think that's our...ah, 'best' option right now. Maybe he's serious about the game...or maybe he knows more about all this than we even suspect: maybe he has led us here on purpose; maybe himself has captured Anomen...and we'll find both of them at the end, along with some answers. You don't know...we may be close to the source of this whole thing."

Kramo sighed. "All right, yes, let us go. Stay close to me. We cannot be separated."

Loner shuddered at the thought. Kramo lit a torch -- it barely affected the ever-deepening darkness around them. Then, each holding on to the other's arm to avoid being separated, they turned to the left, and started off.

“Alright,” announced Lady Dragon Wench,”we have but to rest, allow friend Georgi to recover, then we may be on our way to the Order of the Gilded Rose to find out what they’re up to.”

The paladins looked at each other, and Sir Ryan cleared his throat, “But, my lady, time is of the essence, perhaps we should leave the fair Georgi and make our way post haste?”

“No! We have already been to much divided, I’ll not leave her side again,” Dragon Wench said forcefully, “Just eight hours, a day at the most. Its all we need.”

“If I may say something,” whispered Gwalchmai, “Conrad told me of some strange occurrences that may have some bearing.” All eyes turned toward him, and he continued “Apparently, there has been much activity around the Ruins at Ogre Falls. Knights in black attire, but with the emblem of the rose upon their cloaks frequent the place. Perhaps it should be investigated?”

“Perhaps then, we should split up. You, Sir Ryan and Sir Keldorn, should make haste to the Order of the Gilded Rose, where you can continue with your 'diplomatic' solution. Meanwhile I, Georgi, and Gwalchy will rest, then investigate the ruins, which may prove a bit more adventurous and to my tastes.” Dragon Wench removed the black pendant from her neck and held it out to Sir Ryan, “Since you will be going to the Gilded Rose, you should take the pendant.”

“No, my lady. We will have no trouble entering the halls of the Gilded Rose, rivals though they may be. You should keep the pendant, in case your path should continue there as well.”

Dragon Wench stuffed the pendant into a pocket of her jerkin, and bid farewell to the knights. Rest, that night did not come easily, but by morning the healing spells woven by Gwalchmai and a hot Tia Maria Toddy had made Lady Georgi well enough to travel. By mid afternoon, the trio crested a low hill and could see the Ruins at Ogre Falls for the first time. Nestled in a small valley at the base of a great cliff with a spectacular vertical waterfall, the town could be thought of as beautiful. Overgrown by greenery, most houses were nothing but low stone foundations, but the temple yet stood, its walls and markings covered with vines. The temple had been dedicated to an ancient fisherman’s goddess, but most of the statuary had long since been looted. The town itself had persisted as a fishing village for many races, being a place where dwarfs worked willingly with elves, and halflings, gnomes, and humans drank and sang together. What caused the town’s demise was not known.

As the trio approached the temple, they were suddenly blinded by a bright light. Weapons drawn, they blinked away the spots in their vision, and saw two figures standing in a tight embrace. Thinking they may have intruded on someone’s privacy, the Ladies began to look away, but Gwalchmai shouted “Lady Jennabard?”

Jennabard stood held tightly in the strong arms of a tall man dressed in the green robes of a Master Wizard. Slowly, Senior Wizard Manveru released Lady Jennabard, and they approched the trio.

The three ladies embraced, and Georgi exclaimed, “Jenna! Its so good to see you! But why are you here? Why are you with... er... in the... um.. I mean, who is this wizard?”

“Senior Wizard Manveru is an old friend of mine,” Lady Jennabard explained, “I asked him to help me find you, and he brought us here!”

Manveru bowed deeply and elegantly, “At your service, Oh Ye Of The Lovely Faces.”

Dragon Wench quickly explained the situation, and wondered aloud how Lady Vivien and Lady Loner were faring on their separate tasks. Manveru thought on this, the said, “Perhaps my magics can scry for your friends, but it will be difficult. I will return. Cover your eyes.” And in a flash of light, he disappeared.

As the quartet made their way to the temple, Georgi turned to Jennabard, “Why did you appear with Manveru in such a... tight... embrace?”

“He said it was the best way to teleport two of us.”

“Somehow, I doubt that,” muttered Gwachmai.

[ 05-25-2001: Message edited by: Gwalchmai ]

[Ooc, Loner I'm here to help, miss me? ]

Kramo and Loner, moved slowly, the darkness just swallowed the light.
"This is darker than Bodhi's heart, um Loner, your cutting off the circulation in my arm."

"Sorry." she mumbled. Loner then tripped on something. Kramo pulled her to him, to keep her from falling. Putting the torch, near where she had tripped. There laid a body, in paladin armor. Kramo turned over the body with his boot. Loner gasped, "It's Darkpoet, how did this happen?"
She went to reach down to him, Kramo pulled her back.
"That's not DP, it's not his armor."
Laughter filled the air.
"You have chosen wisely, you may continue."
The body melted, as acid came from the pours of the body. They both looked at each other, they both stayed close to each other.
"I'm glad, I stopped you from touching the body. I don't know what I would done, if you turned to soup. Okay, this place is starting to get to me now."

[ 05-25-2001: Message edited by: KramoR ]

Dragon Wench was relieved to see Jennabard and the mage Manveru (she could not help but wonder, though, at Jennabard's slightly coy expression )
Indeed, she had heard of this mage, his powers were such that they had reached mythical proportions throughout the lands. Suddenly she remembered the amulet stuffed in her jerkin. She dug it out and handed it to Manveru asking him what he thought of it. Upon touching it, he let out a cry, dropping it on the rocky scree slope where they were still standing. The amulet shattered into a thousand irridiscent fragments, and an otherwordly glow rose from the ground where they lay scattered and eerily shimmering. The glow hovered for a moment and then was gone leaving a strange presence in its wake.
Manveru swallowed hard and said to Dragon Wench, "where did you get that? I've only ever seen one of these, the accursed thing was destoyed......" The others, confused, questioned Manveru, but he remained silent and grim, refusing to speak of it. He only said, "I must gather these fragments up and dispose of them, although the essence has already escaped, I'm not sure if this will work." Manveru began to gesture with hands and a swirl of colour emanated from them, the fragments came to nestle within it. Then, Manveru brought his hands towards the ball of colour, closing in on it until nothing remained. He was sobre and seemed uncommunicative. Dragon Wench related her encounter with the strange emissary to him and his concern increased. Those paladins, he said, are in grave danger.........

[ 05-25-2001: Message edited by: dragon wench ]

{OOC: Kramo -- whew, I DID miss you ehh...am I doing all right? ...}

Apparently Test Number One had been passed...but Loner and Kramo both were shaken.

"All right," said Loner, attempting to pull herself together. "Looks as if this...whoever...knows exactly what chains to yank in our heads...We should expect more like this, and worse as we go on, I'll wager..."

She looked at Kramo. "Thank you," she said, and laughed nervously. "I've seen some terrible things, but...now, I'm ashamed to say, I'm shaking..."

Kramo laid a strong hand on Loner's shoulder. "No shame in fear, Loner, only in running from it. Which is something I haven't seen you do so far."

Loner smiled. "Thank you..."

The night was progressing to the point where it seemed impossible to go on. Loner could barely see Kramo's face by the increasingly ineffective light of the torch. "As much as I hate to say this," she said, "I don't think we'll be able to go any further tonight."

Kramo agreed. "Let's back up a little and find a place to rest for the night. We're going to need all our strength for what's ahead..."

They retraced their steps a bit and found the remnant of an old, crumbling wall. After investigating it as well as they could, they determined it was an ordinary wall and decided to stay by it for the night. "I'll take the first watch," Kramo said, while he dug the torch into the ground and sat down with his back against the wall. Seeing Loner's dubious expression, he said, "I know it will be difficult, but try, at least, to get some rest."

Loner sat beside him, and remarkably soon she was sleeping lightly. Kramo watched as the torch sputtered in the ever-deepening gloom, keeping one arm around Loner's shoulders, and the other hand on the hilt of his sword...

**********
At what could be called daybreak, Loner sat watching over Kramo in the throes of some nightmare. She could guess what it was...Kramo awoke with a wild start and a cry. He blinked in confusion on seeing Loner, and she immediately placed a hand on his forehead to calm him. "You had a troubled dream," she said.

"Yes...I did..." He sat up, leaning his head on his knees and trembling. Loner placed an arm around him. "It is over now," she said; but Kramo replied, "It will never be over..."

WILL YOU TWO CRAZY KIDS GET A ROOM?!?!?!!!

The Voice was back.

"Ha-HAAAAAAAAA!! I've always wanted to say that. You two are proving to be most amusing. I'm glad you passed the first test indeed. Otherwise I would have to be bored again. As it is however, you are promising to give me many hours of enjoyment for some time to come.

"Well well, dreams of the Drow, eh Sir Kramo? Your uneasy rest will be the death of you, I'm afraid. Poor Loner, she didn't sleep well either. Did you, Loner? Ah well, your one true love didn't sleep well, either.

"OOOOPS!! Now look what I've done. In my playfulness I've given the secret away. Now you know he is alive. Ahh, but will he remain so? Hm-hmm, that is the question now. And what will you do to him if you catch him, Loner? Ah, that I wish very much to see. I'm almost tempted to give you an escort through this terrain of horror just so I can witness that event.

But I have so many fun diversions planned for you today. So up and moving, now! To your -- ah, you've gotten turned around. To your right, then, and straight, just like before. Off you go..."

When the Voice was gone, Loner and Kramo looked at each other, then rose and went on in silence.

[ 05-26-2001: Message edited by: loner72 ]

As Darkpoet groped to light a couple of torches. To his surprise, the dragon was just small enough to fit in the house. He was jet black, his eyes were flecked with green, gold and red. As Darkpoet went around gathering his things, he found a basin of water. He started to clean himself up.
"You haven't told me your name or should I call you Smokey?"
The dragon's eyes narrowed.
"I am called Darius. You call me smokey, I'll show you smoke."

"Fair enough, lets get something to eat, then sleep. Tomorrow, we have to find some friends."