From: <Sorchafyre@aol.com>

Sand stood watching the camp in chaos. Really, she had expected more reaction
for her presumption, if only a dressing down for being so bossy. Mostly it
seemed she was to be ignored. (What did you expect? That pathetic attempt to
be of some use to this lot would be anything but ignored? I did think Xenon
would at least scorch me with disdain.) As she thought of him, her eyes
involuntary searched the clearing, finding him as quickly as if the thought of
him were a magnet to her consciousness. He was talking to a young man who
apparently was one of the people to enter the camp as she slept. She watched
their intensity for a moment, then turned away. (I feel like a spy. Whatever
they are doing is obviously private, and deeply felt.) Even without seeing
him, she could feel Xenon's emotions faintly radiating.

(Now there is something I have to come to terms with,) she thought as she felt
Kay move away to speak with Fallenangel, (what do I do with this
_connectedness_._) She felt a moment of, not jealousy exactly, more like
longing as she thought of Xenon and the handsome stranger. (Am I drawn to him
because I want him to protect me, or because I want to be like him? Or both?
Or neither?) Looking into her soul, Sand could find only a longing she had no
reference for. When Fallenangel spoke, she shook her head to clear it of
these disturbing thoughts.

<snip>Tying Donas to a nearby tree, she turned and strode into the center of the
clearing near the piled belongings and announced in her loudest voice,
"People, if you will finish packing and gather here, we can prepare to leave -
before any _other_ creatures decide to attack."<snip>

Sand was loathe to move. A lethargy had fallen on her, and she decided she
was close enough to the group in the center to hear anything of import. (And
what do you have to offer this band of people you wish to admire?) came the
insidious whisper. (Tell them bedtime stories around the campfire? Sing a
stirring song of battle as we march?) Sand recognized the signs within
herself, this was a bad time to be around anyone. Especially people who did
not know her and were still judging her. (Does anyone know you, really?
Don't we judge each other all the time, and leave as we are found wanting?)
Sand sighed, and resolved to stay as quiet as possible until this jaded, black
mood had faded again. (Jaded, right. Like you have had enough experience in
your isolated little life to be jaded. Sarcasm is an art, and you fail
miserably even at that.) Sand could "feel" Xenon had left the clearing
heading into the woods and the part of her she kept closed was glad.

From: Adrienne <ametz@u.arizona.edu>

By the decree, of Sumas, the god of Humans, all immortals must spend 1000
years in the service of mortals. He thought that if an immortal was going
to dabble in the lives of the mortal, they should understand what they were
doing first. Eltor, the god of elves, had laughed in his face. Other
immortals that were not a part of this Pantheon had snickered also, when
Sumas suggested all gods and goddesses do the same. A few had at least
considered it. But Odus, the King of the Gods, had found his idea sound.
So all who wanted to rule in this Pantheon must choose how to serve.

For this reason, when Vahlender, son of Magnifica, goddess of Mercy and
sister to Odus, who is also known as the god of Justice, and Lessar, the
god of the Mind, turned 500 years by the planet's orbit, he began service.
How Vahlender chose to serve is yet another story.

Vahlender had been fascinated by swordsmanship for all his life. Magnifica
suspected Odus had promoted it. Certainly the boy's father had not, for
Lessar found little else in life but for intellectual pursuits, full
expansion of the mind, and, of course, his love, Magnifica.

Since he could grasp a finger, Vahlender had had a sword of some sort in
his hand. As soon as he could stand, Sumas, Eltor, Odus, and other gods
and goddesses taught him swordwork and maneuvers. From a tender age he
knew he wanted to be the god of Swordsmanship. How better to define
himself than to become a sword?

For two hundred fifty years, he searched for the perfect sword. He found
Rune Blades in the North, but they were not for him. He found katanas in
the Far East, where other means of fighting are taught. The Rune Blades
seemed too common. And the katanas already embodied the soul of their
master. Vahlender did not want to share his space. He found other swords,
but none fit what he wanted. Finally, Vahlender decided to have the sword
forged specially.

The sword did not seem particularly special upon completion. It was a sword that was perfectly balanced, and a good size for any to carry and wield. The hilt was not of precious metal nor jewel encrusted, rather it was made of soft, sturdy leather bespelled to never wear thin nor to unwind. The blade itself had a core of strong ferrous, plated by dazzling indium, gold, osmium, and palladium, also bespelled to keep the blade sharp and not to chip. This made a gorgeous blade, showing flats of silver, gold, black, and white, respectively. Yet, others laughed, those unknowledgable in the ways of magic and gods because, who would make a blade out of such malleable substances? They did not laugh when the blade removed their appendages.
Vahlender's soul transfer from body to sword had been excruciating. The
whole Pantheon had gathered to provide the Power necessary for such an
attempt. Sulara had not been happy to do a soul transfer of another god.
But it was done.

Vahlender spent his first 650 years in sword form fighting in wars for
mercenaries, mainly. He learned quickly to hold his silence above all
else, after his first wielder went insane not understanding the voice in
his head was his sword. Vahlender preferred individuals pre-disposed to
Mind-magic to handle him. It was rare that he allowed one who was not to
wield him. And also after being wielded by two different, particularly
insane Power hungry persons, he began doing personality checks before
allowing a person to handle him. It was unfortunate that he only realized
the various ways to not be touched after he served such horrible people.
He learned also to hide his nature and shield himself.

After his time fighting, he spent about 50 years hanging in a temple as a
relic. He was bored and got quite a bit of rest. Then, for some reason,
he was taken down off the wall, again was in fighting hands. The man he
fought for was named Sarkenab.

Sarkenab established a new country where there had been no set government
before. That is how Vahlender fell into being the sword carried by the
ruler of Sarkenab. He had fought in several wars in the 255 years he had
been in their service. He made sure only good rulers would sit on the
throne. Along the way, the men made stupid laws on heirs and nobility.
Vahlender regretted the loss of female rulers, but men must make their own
odd, stupid mistakes. He grew to love the family he served. In that time,
rulers of other countries noticed the Ruler of Sarkenab had a special
sword. Many had their own commissioned. While some of the swords had
amazing capabilities, no one could commission a god to enspell his soul
into a sword.

It was not until he had only 45 years left of his servitude that he was in
the presence of another god. He did not speak to his father when he came.
He did not know why he Touched the baby in the womb of the Queen.
Vahlender had reflected since on Lessar's carelessness to Alter a baby in
the Womb. And especially to appear as his celestial self. For regular
mortal humans cannot bear the strain of having an immortal's magic worked
within. Alsara never spoke of Lessar's appearance to her. She paid a high
price for her daughter to be Touched; Alsara could never carry another
child after that, and it was only due to her speck of elven blood that she
lived twelve more years instead of one.

Shortly after the child was born, Odus began to show up in the castle.
Vahlender then understood why Lessar had Touched Alsara's baby. Odus could
see things in the future that few other could. And he always had plans.

From: "Tim & Tiffanie" <tntgray@sprintmail.com>

Dakorillon, no longer SilverSong without his harp, (must mean that I'm
Dakorillon Silverhair now, I wish I knew where my harp and other things
are?), he thought in passing, watched as the dejected Karilanthian walked
off to throw leaves into the fire, he could see the small flickers of ritual
magic licking through the flames. Then watched a moment longer as Solarin
listened to the big, black troll. Then he turned away to find Aya.

He finally spotted her, still looking around uneasily and very tiredly until
a beautiful young woman walked up to her and introduced herself. Then Aya
looked frightened and angry, this called to his heart and he took a moment
to just stare at her sweet, brave beauty only enhanced by the darkening
night and flicker of fire. She glanced up and saw him, her eyes softening
and the fear and anger melting. He smiled, he knew well that look of
adoration for his handsome face and form and blossoming love/lust, having
seen it in a hundred faces, he never tired of seeing it, both his joy and
his curse. (Ah, Dakorillon, my boy, Luck and Love have you firmly in their
clutches again, may as well enjoy the ride.)

He smiled at her, brushing his bangs out of his eyes as she walked to him.
As she neared, she spoke with a smile, "Dak, would you mind showing me a
place where I can feed my son with modesty and rest myself?" He bowed when
he arrived, no longer jealous of Xenon's skill, when it made her so happy
and beautiful.

"My lady, you must be new in camp," Dak said, taking her hand and feathering
a kiss upon the knuckles, "I surely would have noticed a beauty such as
yourself and your noble son, hadst thou been here ere long. I am
Dakorillon, a servant to your service." He grinned back at her amusement at
his antics, looking up through recalcitrant bangs that had dropped across
his right eye again. He straightened, the grace only somewhat marred by his
having to disentangle Ruvan's hand from his locks. He took Ruvan in one arm
and offered Aya his other in High Court fashion, which she took with a quiet
giggle. Then began escorting her to one of the numerous caves about the
clearing, they weren't deep, but would offer protection from the wind and a
sense of privacy.

"Allow me to escort you, my lady, to a place that, though humble, may be a
fitting place of protection for so delicate a flower. Tis a cave of low
birth, but it is cleanable and with a few silken cushions would be like a
geode stone, a coarse exterior protecting the precious gems within. Alas,
I've few silken cushions for the nonce, and so, instead I proffer two humble
blankets, that, though they have seen better days, would be happy to give
their miserable lives, as would I, to hold you in their rough embrace, and
comfort you." He smiled again, a smile of mischief laced with desire as he
released her arm, put Ruvan down and began spreading blankets from her pack
for her on the ground. (Ah, the chase, the wooing, the best part...) He
smiled to himself.

Suddenly, a mental voice intruded, Dak tensed for the pain/pleasure, but felt only
peaceful strength as Xenon warned of the dragons. (Well, now, isn't that a
beetle in your oatmeal? The Black has no saddle. The cave is the safest
place I'll warrant), he worried to himself. Then turning back to Aya.

"Fear not the noise outside, my Aya, tis only the peasants in a rabble due
to a small lizard running around, which some of the women find fearsome,
most like some good knight will take pity on them and remove it from about
the camp. Sleep, and feed your little one, I guard you, Luck and Love hold
you in their arms." He smiled gently. Then turned back to stride to the
mouth of the cave and find out what's going on.

From: "Tim & Tiffanie" <tntgray@sprintmail.com>


Zeke felt like an idiot after the elf, Dakorillon finished explaining to him,
all the mistakes that he had made with the woman, and he could see where he
made other mistakes with other women, as well. (Stupid, Zeke) he thought to
himself.

::I could have told you that::, came intruding into his thoughts.

Zeke didn't reply, just hoped that she would go away, which she did, having
made her point. He moved over to one side of the clearing, away from
everyone and watched and pondered, this strange mix of sentients.

#######################

It was several hours later that people began stirring, some people putting
up tents and some people taking them down. An injured man arrived and two
woman began tending to him. He began to get interested in what was going on
and heightened his hearing so as to listen around the camp. He felt the
presence of another demon and traced it to the injured man. (Wonder what
his job is? Is it someone that we know? Will the troll figure it out and
kill the man? I wonder that the troll hasn't noticed any of the demons in
camp, there must be five of us now, is he senile?) No battle seemed
immanent, so he began to look around again, listening to try to catch names
for everyone, it began to be a game.

Early evening came before anything else of excitement happened, by then he
had figured out nearly everyone's name, from their talking to each other or
about each other. He was feeling pleased with himself, when suddenly the
troll jumped up, pulling his sword, nearly scaring the pants off Zeke, who
was sure that the troll had finally figured out about the demons. But, as
the other fighters readied themselves he realized that someone else was
going to be destroyed, and so relaxed again. (Lizard men? I wonder if they
would make nice boots or trousers?)

He watched as the woman called Raven and the elf man called Solarin, who had
snubbed him before, left the clearing and everyone got into a tizzy, waking
up the last of the sleeping folk, some of whom had gone to bed but an hour
before.

The Demoner caught his eye next, (is he preparing to eat the baby?
Dakorillon said that was not appropriate, not in so many words, but that was
his gist. No, he's dressing it, Ruvan's the name.) His attention was drawn
as Raven and Solarin came running back into camp, Raven saddling her steed
and fussing at Solarin that he couldn't come with her. (I know how that
feels, Zora never wants me around, unless she wants something.) He really
liked the silver magic road that she and her horse road out on, though.

The elf's feelings really seemed hurt and Solarin barely paid attention as
the elf man Dak came up to talk to him, and then Solarin moved toward the
fire. The little bard, Sand, stood up and started telling all the big
fighters and nobles what to do, as expected, very few people listened to
her. Dakorillon took the woman Aya and her baby to a cave. People were
packing up the camp now and Zeke saw/felt the Demoner Xenon slip out of camp
just a few minutes before Solarin stood suddenly from where he had been
burning leaves in the fire and called out, "Nerethei!"

(I don't remember anyone called Nerethei in camp, I was sure I had them
all..), he thought to himself, then glanced in the direction that Solarin
was looking just in time to see the dragon, Erelan, who had left the camp
earlier he remembered, crash into another dragon in the twilight sky. (Oh,
now this is exciting!) He glanced around the camp to see if everyone was
enjoying the spectacle as much as he, and instead found that only the little
nobles on the flying horses were enjoying it. The rest of the camp was in
even more chaos, rushing about, three people now had told everyone what to
do, and only a few people actually seemed to be doing it. (This army is
woefully inadequate), he thought to himself, (they don't seem to understand
anything about safety or preparation. Except some of the fighters.)

The troll, Muranog had saddled the giant sheep and was standing near the
fairie, Etain, who had just recently returned to camp and had gathered her
steed. Solarin had saddled his steed, but was staring off stricken, in the
direction that the woman Raven had ridden. Dakorillon had returned to the
mouth of the cave and he saw no sign of Aya or the babe, so he assumed that
they were still inside. Zeke saw the winged woman, Fallenangel, (what a
strange name) talking to the young warrior woman Kay SilverSong (wasn't that
Dak's second name, as well? I wonder if they are related?) and her big dog
and then a black horse running up, scaring Fallenangel for a moment, as her
winged panther (I wonder if that's the current fashion where she's from?)
crouched a bit and then relaxed as the horse presented no harm.

People began running and dodging a few stray bits of falling fire from the
fight above, making it harder for Zeke to keep up his count. A few minutes
later, Solfaltis, the elf who was afraid of Zeke, ran into camp saying that
Erelan had been hurt. Zeke looked up and sure enough, there was no more
fire and lightning lighting up the sky. Solfaltis was joined by Shadowblade
as he journeyed back into the woods, supposedly to lead her to the injured
dragon. Ynis, the unicorn was holding the possessed man, Darro on her back
and was dancing and dodging the last of the burning flames that still licked
the ground. (Why don't they get into the caves?) he wondered.

Some of the other looked completely lost, and he heard Kay and Fallenangel
discussing what sort of creatures may be lurking in the woods. Zeke shook
his head, (I know more about battle than most of these folks, it seems).
The knight, Jonas with the demon blade, had taken up a position near one
side of the clearing and the other knight, Aytalya or something seemed to
have taken up a similar stance. He was surprised that neither of them had
gone to fight the dragons, but, in their place, he supposed he would not
wish to get involved either.

Most of the food had been gathered up from around the fire, but there was
still no clear leadership. Zeke sighed, (well, at least I can do this much.
The troll and knights will take care of defense, I'm sure, but all this
activity is sure to attract the night creatures.) Thinking this to himself,
he strode into the center of the camp, taking the bard by the arm and said,
"Lady Bard, if you would come with me, I swear no harm to your person, I am
gathering up those who seem to be confused and in fear. I would ask that
you stay with them, that your comforting songs could soothe them, I so
enjoyed your music in the inn." He smiled reassuringly and gave a small
elven bow before he led her calmly to one of the caves next to the one that
Dakorillon was guarding, figuring that Dakorillon could do double duty that
way.

He then went out and began collecting those who seemed to have no purpose of
their own. (Agalein, Sea Shimmer, Delane), he counted off in his head, and
then directed Ynis to take the fallen man to the cave with the rest. He
approached the nobles carefully, you could never tell when one would lash
out with a whip stroke or a flat-bladed sword blow if they felt offended.
"Lady, Sir, if you would be so kind as to retreat to the cave, there is
entertainment there, as well as safety from the hazards of the dark, there
is also room enough for your feathered companions" he concluded. (Wings must
be 'in' this year, I'll have to grow some), Zeke thought to himself. He
gave a polite nod, as he pointed to the correct cave and then continued on
his self imposed rounds. (Kay and Fallenangel now), he decided that Etain,
the Paladin, Jonas, Dakorillon and the troll, with their various steeds
could choose for themselves, and so left them to guard.

"Excuse me ladies, there is entertainment in that cave there, if you would
be so kind as to join them, and then perhaps your discussion would be a
benefit to all, as I think that very few know of the dangers. There are
ample guards remaining", he said motioning to the fighters, "so, some
protection and discussion might be in order, the rest are gathered there as
we speak." Zeke smiled, and offered his arms to each of them, the way he had
seen Dak offer his arm to Aya. "There is room for your companions at the
edges of the cave, as well. Not to mention, that you are a nice target
silhouetted against the fires and you would be much less so in the cave."

(There, great reasoning!) he thought happily to himself, (as for those in
the woods, they were foolish to depart, but there is little I can do for
them, at least it clears the ground for the fighters to be able to see and
hear if an enemy actually does approach, instead of the enemy sneaking in, in
the confusion.) He gave a jaunty and for him daring, smile to the troll and
headed into the safety of the cave. (Hmm, this is looking up, a warm cave, a
nice drink of water and perhaps...?) he smiled at the two women.

From: Katie <kay_silversong@yahoo.com>

Kay was waiting for Fallenangel to answer her about the defense
tactics. (I'm glad that Falager was able to get Lightning to me so
quickly. I was afraid that I would have to wait. At least now, if
the camp moves, I'll be able to keep up. A blessing from the Goddess
was Falager. A teacher that trains horses. And is willing to keep the
gifts until needed and mage-transport them to me when needed.) Kay
thoughts were broken into when a young man interuppted. Kay gave him a
quick glance to see who was so rude as to interupt a conversation, and
felt her irritation over the incident fade away. The boy was talking
sense, even if his tactics were not straightforward.

<< "Excuse me ladies, there is entertainment in that cave there, if
you would be so kind as to join them, and then perhaps your discussion
would be a benifit to all, as I think that very few know of the
dangers. There are ample guards remaining", he said motioning to the
fighters, "so, some protection and discussion might be in order, the
rest are gathered there as we speak." Zeke smiled, and offered his
arms to each of them, the way he had seen Dak offer his arm to Aya.
"There is room for your companions at the edges of the cave, as well.
Not to mention, that
you are a nice target silhouted against the fires and you would be
much less so in the cave.">>

Kay sighed as the young man she had met shortly after she had
arrived in camp. He babbled something about going into the cave,
which would be safer, and held out his arm. Kay ignored it and gave
him her opinion. "You're right, that would be safer, but if I stay
out here and move over to the edge of the camp near to the cave, I can
watch for any prowlers, and sound a warning before any get too close
to those who cannot protect themselves as well, such as the Lady with
the young baby. I would prefer to stay out here with my horse and my
wolf." Kay didn't give the young man another glance, until Winddancer
nudged her hand.

<<He gave a jaunty and for him daring, smile to the troll and headed
into the safety of the cave. he smiled at the two women.>>

:Bondmate, you should learn what you can of your fellow
travelers. Isn't that what your last teacher said? 'Don't let a
friendly aura fool you.' Besides, that goes double for you, since you
can't seem to stay out of trouble. Go and learn the boy's name.: The
wolf snorted at his bondmate, who wasn't making a move to follow and
do as the wolf said. Kay started moving when Winddancer grabbed the
horse's reins from her hand and shoved against her legs.

Kay ran towards the young man, calling an apology to
Fallenangel, and asking her if they could continue the conversation
later. Kay caught up to the young man, whose name she could not
remember, before he reached the cave. "Hey,
wait a minute." Kay called out after him, hoping that he would stop
and talk to her. "Can I ask you some questions?" She thought
frantically, trying to remember his name. (Oh, Goddess, what _did_ he
say it was? Zak? Zaz? Zeke? Um, Zeke. That's it.) "Zeke, wait
up!" She stopped running after him, realizing that it was up to the
young man now. Kay heard a soft mental snort in her mind.

:For the sake of the Goddess, try to be nice to him. I realize
that you are shy, and that you're going to be very mad at me later
when you realize that I forced you to talk to people, but be friendly,
but not too friendly. I think that this young man is one who needs
little encouragement...: The wolf trailed off, and Kay knew that he
was leading the horse to the edge of the camp, just inside the ring of
light from the camp-fire.

>>>>She woke with a start, to a face she had not expected or even feared
>to see. Caught in the horror of a moment helpless before one she
>recognized as a mage equal to or greater than Tor in power, she
>instinctively boiled into the defensive posture of a hatchling. In the
>blink of an eye, every fang, claw, and spine in her considerable armory
>was presented forward in a wicked display, and she swung the spiked tip
>of her long, mobile tail down to crush the perceived danger before her.
>
>The fact that she could ready a defense at all was the only thing that
>stopped her from attacking Xenon. The feeling of wholeness about a body
>she last saw on the verge of death brought her up short, and she backed
>up one step, and another, shivering like a terrified horse.


Xenon stood without moving as the dragon woke and immediately went into
posture to defend and then began her attack, knowing that further movement
could provoke an attack for certain. As the tail swung, he quickly and
easily erected a shield which, along with Kang's adamant protection would
serve to deflect the dragon's first blow, at least. Then, much to Xenon's
amusement, the dragon began to back up, looking for all the world like a
terrified horse, shivering and stamping, though the stamping looked more
like a very prim kitten backing up from a bath, a surprisingly delicate and
dainty movement for such a large being.

>>>>:What have you done?: she mentally whispered, elation at the feeling of
>blood coursing strong through perfect wings and each breath painlessly
>drawn warring with the creeping horror that it had been done by this
>one, this blood-mage and demoner. :What have you done to me?: she
>whispered, and even more faintly and panicked, :What will you demand for
>this? Better you had let me die....:

Dragon mindspeach echoed into Xenon's mind. Xenon considered it a somewhat
of an insult for the dragon to feel it was better she had died, but he
determined to give her a moment longer to collect herself before taking
offense. Xenon watched as the dragon backed until her backside met some
large trees, and then stopped, moving her head slowly side to side as she
began to shake off her bewilderment. Then the dragon bowed her head and
dipped her wings in acnowledgement and apology, sails rustling nervously and
Xenon found himself feeling sorry for her. He had had two encounters with
Nirethei himself, the first of which almost saw his death, the second of
which almost saw Nirethei's but for Savar's intervention. He knew it was
dragon fire that had destroyed his familial home, and not Nirethei's
lightning, but Xenon hated the insane evil dragon nonetheless. Soon he
would find out what Wyrm Savar had sent to destroy his home and then....
Erelan spoke once more and advanced.

>>>:Your pardon, mage: she murmured, mental voice colored the soft
>blue-grey of a sea calming after a tempest. :Your pardon, I ask most
>humbly. My thanks, I give... wholeheartedly.: She cast her eyes
>downward and advanced a step or two forward, until she could crouch down
>at eye-level with the mage. :I... forgot about Nirathei,: she
>admitted. :Damned moth-eaten memory. I knew him once, sometime long
>ago. Sometimes, it is not a blessing to forget.: Ruefulness brought
>out the green in great hazel eyes. :I do not dare believe he is dead -
>though by rights we should both have fled this world. I am a fool, that
>I expected the Honor of fair battle from a creature like him. You
>have... rescued me from my folly, and I fear I am indebted to you for
>that.: For some reason, the stiff formality did not go far to disguise
>a sense that she would rather have taken on Nirathei again than admit to
>her debt.

Xenon smiled, but continued to listen, watching the Dragon's uneasiness at t
he admission of her debt.

>She sighed and dropped a bit of the ritualistic presence. :I would have
>warned you away if I could have, Mage Xenon, and for more reason than my
>own pride. A dragon's mind is often a gate to madness and death for
>humans. This I know, and know well. I would not wish that fate upon
>you, Mage. It is... a horrible way to die.:

Xenon smiled, again, amused than she felt that someone such as he would
succumb to the traps of a draconic mind. He had entered the minds of far
worse, and equally as powerful...and in some cases, perhaps more so. But
still he listened.

>:You were fortunate you did not venture there, Mage,: she spoke quietly,
>almost to herself. :I would not wish such a thing on anyone... else.:
>She shook her head to clear her thoughts. :I do not know how you have
>done what you have done, and I greatly fear that it was no trifling
>thing. Then I suppose i'faith, we must settle our business, Mage of the
>Old Ways:

Xenon listened to the dragon's concern, and his training warred against his
spirit for a moment that he should not make full use of this debt, this
handle of power he was offered. Then the voice of training bent to the
will, and was subsumed. Xenon's face, expressionless until now, except for
the smiles, took on real expression as he addressed Erelan.

"I ventured further within than you would believe dragon Erelan, and
certainly further than you would like" Xenon replied, smiling with real
humor this time "I have been in the mind of Nirethei before and emerged
sane. In comparison, your mind is a clean waveless ocean of peace, though
tortured, and like unto a mirror. I have entered the minds of demons so
foul no description will suffice and laid bindings there... but no matter.
I laid no bindings upon your mind, spirit or body , as you have, likely
ascertained. I am no Luine Tor to do so, despite that my training cries
out within me to not discard so powerful a tool as a dragon controlled and
bound. I have but healed your form, for the most part, and then began the
healing of your mind by seeing much of the pain, removing the demon taint,
and then beginning the process of reconstruction which you, or perhaps a
better mind healer than I might continue building on the foundations I set
or along other lines if you wish."

Xenon then moved to as appropriate a similation of a draconic posture of
authority as mages had been able to find the human form able to take and
spoke: " I release Thee of any debt at this time Dragon, as a Mage fully
cognizant of the Old Ways, and will do you the honour for the bravery of thy
battle with Nirethei, to ask only this for the fulfilling of thy honour:
That thou shalt continue to seek the good of those good folk you may assist
as is already thy want, and to require thy peace to me from henceforth for
any imposition you may feel I have put upon thee in this thy healing and
previously. Let all be as new between us Dragon Erelan. That is all, and it
is enough." Xenon's posture returned to his normal proud and arrogant
stance.

"As for the how of it, Dragon Erelan," Xenon said "I did it by Power and
preparations I have made and carried with me. The Powers of Death and Life
are the closest of siblings. But no insult to thee or even to my powers to
admit it was more than a trifling feat to be sure to heal a dragon at any
time. Still, it was within my power to do so, as thou saw with Dak, my
elven.... friend... and I did so willingly. Thou art welcome and thy formal
thanks appreciated. I have heard and read of Tor, though I didst believe
him to have died before my birth, and recognized his preparation within you
as I dismissed it from your body. From your mind, I saw little of some
parts, but I did see that thou hast occurred his demise... and better the
world for it. With any luck, the perview of my elven friend and not a
factor in my own beliefs, we will soon see the demise of another Mage even
more foul, and I will happily assist him to the place the eyes in your last
image of Tor were seeing with such horror."

Xenon's posture shifted to a less formal stance as he finished speaking this
last, allowing and inviting the dragon to do likewise if she chose. "I also
thank you for your concern, Erelan, for me though it is needless. Often, if
you will pardon the phrase coming from me, others are less troubled by our
internal demon's than we are ourselves. And finally, Erelan, I am not sure
what 'business' we must finish, but I do hope we can do so equitably if it
has not been 'finished' by our discussion and words thus far". Xenon
waited, then, alert, to see what the dragon would say and do.

Start | Back | Next

Go to the:
Home Page | Members Page | Rules Of Conduct | Pictures | Cast List | Story

Background created and ©Copyrighted by Kathryn Shannon on behalf of Mistic Circle

---

This page is hosted by Get your own Free Home Page