From: "Raven Darkblade" <abbykat@hotmail.com>

<<Xenon moved closer to Solarin and said quietly "She shows less regard
for you than she does herself, and no matter what you may have told her
or not, She should have some respect for you as a partner, if she
expects anyone to see her as aught but an angry child. I feel your
pain, and I sympathize despite any difference we might have, Solarin.
And you have my respect for your selflessness. If you must rest, then
do so here in peace. Sad however. Your assistance would likely
outstrip hers at any rate.">>

"You misjudge her," Solarin answered quietly. "But, perhaps, we have
misjudged you. I wonder if it is possible to call it even and start
anew." He shrugged wearily. "Ah, well."

<<"However," Xenon spoke again more loudly, including Muranog and the
rest of those in the clearing with a friendly gesture of his hand "I
will do two things. One, see that the non-combattant in this party
recieves what assistance and leadership I can give them, and two see the
head of my uncle roll, in some fashion. I hope for your assistance,
especially you, Adept Muranog, as Solarin must leave us a for a while it
seems to rest, and you and I are, in fact, the ones who must form the
core of mage power and experience for this group. A few such as Raven
if she leaves off her tantrum, may advance useful tactical and strategic
advice as well, and some, such as Shadow blade and Erelan and
FallenAngel, perhaps even the Karilanthian Paladin will have some
thoughtful and useful words to say concerning the same. But you and I
know, great troll Adept.... That it will require Power to face Power.
Savar sits within his Citadel on more power collected piece by piece
than any but few have ever imagined. And he is no fool or lackwit. If
we are to win this match, we must use more than blade, skill, stealth,
or even magical prowess." He gestured to everyone. "We must use
wisdom, sound tactics and the skills of each to their fullest potential
in a cohesive manner. We must decide who are combattants, and who are
best protected and taken far from this undertaking of battle... as well
as who may wish _not_ to be involved. Nothing less will suffice. In
fact, aught else will ensure that my rather sadistic Uncle has a very
fine laugh... on us all.">>

Through Xenon's speech, Solarin stood in silence, braced upright, with
his head lowered... sinking into a light trance that would, given time,
restore his energy and balance. When the trance was complete, his
posture shifted. His head lifted. He straightened. And, quick on the
heels of Xenon's last statement, he spoke, in a voice that was not
Solarin's at all but harsher, with a decided change in speech rhythms.
"Indeed. Furthermore, since he's well aware that we're coming, we don't
have months to plan. So let's get at it."

Solarin--or rather, Raven in Solarin's body--crossed his arms over his
chest. "I am going to apologize, upon considerable gentle prodding from
my partner, to apologize for pulling a few genuinely idiotic stunts
recently. You'll likely never hear those words again, so make the most
of them.

"Now--" green eyes swept over those nearby "--as Xenon has so floridly
advised, it's time to do some serious planning. Where have the rest of
our number wandered off to?"

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

Zeke was rather disappointed that the beautiful elven woman, Kay just
ignored his gallant gesture and the beautiful winged woman, (Fallenangel, I
think) didn't even seem to notice it. (It should have worked, that's the way
Dak said to do it.) Then the woman started chastised him and turned away
without a second glance. Rather than wait for the Other to do the same, he
headed off to the cave, hoping to hear some of the good bard's music,
especially, since as far as he could tell, he would be the only male in the
cave!

Suddenly he heard a voice call out:

<Snip> "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. >>

Zeke stopped at the mouth of the cave, surprised that someone was calling
his name and turned to see the elven woman who had snubbed him running
towards him and then stopping when she had drawn up in front of him. He
smiled at her and noticed the other woman walking up as well. (Things are
looking up!)

<Snip>Fallenangel reached over and touched the amulet
that the young man wore around his neck. "This is nice," she said. "Where
_did_ you get such a thing?" 'Angel smiled at the young man's slightly
confused expression, but watched him warily. >>

Zeke was stunned as Fallenangel touched their soul-gem, the touch of her
hand on the gem a physical feel to him because of the link. (My gem, oh,
demons, don't take my gem!) He thought frantically, while trying to maintain
a semblance of non-chalance. Before he had a chance to come up with a
decent answer, she turned to an approaching knight, the one with the demon
in his sword.

<Snip>As the Knight stopped, Fallenangel half-turned toward him, keeping an
eye on Zeke. "There you are. I believe that we should talk...." >>

He barely noticed her start with shock, still wrapped up in his own confusion.
Then his attention drawn again when she spoke, "I'm going to wander over to
see what Blade has to say. Anyone care to join me?"

Zeke was relieved that he didn't have to answer, and relieved that while she
had seen his sould-gem, she had not found the other amulet. He wriggled his
ankle to make sure it was still firmly around his ankle inside his boot.
(I've got to put my gem away, as soon as no one is looking.)

The elven woman wandered off without waiting for an answer as well as the
knight, so Zeke took the opportunity to tuck the gem down into his pouch
where it wouldn't be seen, but would still be within the protective aura of
the other amulet. Then he moved into the clearing again, with a regretful
backwards glance at the cave and the quiet music now issuing forth.

ShadowBlade was speaking when he started paying attention. (She says we are
an army? But I didn't join up with an army. What kind of signals? Dark
Sign? Administration? I know a couple of devils that are wicked
administrators, maybe Xenon can call them up for her? Uh, oh, now she's
wants to start questing people. That usually ends up up with the questee
severly injured.)

Then Fallenangel stepped forward and began speaking then, mostly saying she
agreed. He noticed her glance off behind him, so he turned to look and saw
Xenon begin talking to the troll. (_He's_ back, piffle.)

It caught his attention again when she said, "Perhaps we should break this
group in two? I have the feeling that some of us are in a little bit over
our heads." She smiled to take some of the sting out of her words. "Any
other opinions?"

(Me, me! I don't know how I got into all this to begin with...it was Zora's
fault for jumping into an enchanted carriage, but as usual I get left
holding the bag! I'm tired of war, no matter how good I am at it.
Demon'aries are made for loving, not fighting.) He thought unhappily. He
caught part of an arguement between Rainbow and the young man who called her
his fiance. They couldn't seem to decide if they should return home or not.
(Well, if he goes then that makes her fair game again..)

Then Xenon spoke, he payed close attention then. (He's offering to help the
non-combatattants? Okay, maybe I don't want to go with them, then. Ah, the
usual Power against Power speech..how many times have I heard that one?
Sitting around a bonfire in the dark, implings dancing in the flames while
some poor sot roasts and the Dark elves went on and on about Power, we need
more Power. Although it is one of the more eloquent Power speeches I have
heard.)

>>Xenon stepped back with a bow and then stood tall and sturdily,
black-green adamant armour dully gleaming in the light of the camp fire.<<

Zeke caught a glimpse of movement from the corner of his eye and turned to
see Dakorillon stepping closer to the group, but staying in protective range
of the two caves. Then the tired elf suddenly stood up and began
appologizing for being an idiot. And started demanding where everyone had
wandered off to as though they were all out for a Sunday stroll around the
gardens. (Where were you when they needed you? If you were paying
attention, you would know where they were. Well, I have taken care of them,
at least those who would listen. So don't go all high and mighty on me!)
Zeke thought with righteous indignity. (Well, that's what I would say, if I
wasn't worried that he'd lightning bolt me or something...)

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

Dakorillon was rather surprised at all the comings and goings, and watched
with amusement as Zeke tried valiantly to gather up everyone and get them in
a safe place. (Luck and Love, the poor boy. Well, at least he got a few of
them together. Xenon was right, this is a motly crew, any instructor of
martial units would be appalled and send them all back to basic training.)

Things finally started quieting and he could hear Aya's and Ruvan's steady
breathing in the cave that heralded their descent into sleep. He smiled
quietly to himself. Shadowblade began trying to rally everyone back to the
center of the camp, undoing all of Zeke's hard work, and he nearly laughed
aloud at the comic tragedy of it all.

(They need someone with a strong hand. There are many strong personalities
here, many, I think are used to working alone, and they don't know how to
form a cohesive unit. So, either the most charismatic shall lead or the
strongest shall lead, that is the way of mobs and for now, that is all they
are. A mob, bent on the burning and lynching of a mage in his citadel.)
Dak shook his head sadly. He _felt_ Xenon's approach and _knew_ right where
he would come out of the woods. Dak saw Xenon walk quietly over to the
troll and Solarin, who it seemed was suffering even more than before. Dak
knew that before long, Xenon would play his hand, with skill and subtleness.
Weaving the people together in thought and then inciting them the way they
should go. He had seen such skillful mastery of diplomacy and bardship
several times and it still awed him.

Right on cue, Xenon stepped foreward and gave an impassioned speech, filled
with hints of praise and hints of censure, sure to drive everyone into
thinking that the praise was for themselves and the censure for their less
skilled comrades. (Bravo, Xenon, my friend, Bravo. And the bow, sets it
well above the common masses.)

Then, suprisingly, Solarin stepped forward, renewed vigor in his posture and
voice. Though the voice was not quite right...

<Snip>"Now--" green eyes swept over those nearby "--as Xenon has so floridly
advised, it's time to do some serious planning. Where have the rest of
our number wandered off to?">>

(Ah, my cue) he thought. "Solarin, I can answer that question for you.
Sand, Darro, Ynis, and Delane are in yonder cave, resting and
listening to cheering music. Lady Aya and her son are resting in the cave
next to it. You see before you all else but, Sofaltis, Erelan and your
bonded Raven, whom I'm sure you know where is, given the bond." He paused
for breath. "Most like the black dragon is not far as well, but all else
seems secure at the moment. I would like to volunteer to escort the
non-combattants back to the town in the morning as I have been given the
charge of protecting Lady Aya and her son until they are safe, and so a few
more will make the trip no more difficult. In fact, a small Gate would make
the journey quick and then I could return to aid with the assault, if that
is what's planned." Dak bowed, and stepped back to wait the outcome.

From: "Angie" <heraldtg@mbox3.singnet.com.sg>

'Blade caught Dak's voice piercing the clearing. Xenon had spoken before, but he
had sounded as if he was speaking to Solarin alone, so 'Blade had not bothered
to respond.

"I would like to volunteer to escort the non-combattants back to the town in the
morning as I have been given the charge of protecting Lady Aya and her son until
they are safe, and so a few more will make the trip no more difficult. In fact,
a small Gate would make the journey quick and then I could return to aid with
the assault, if that is what's planned." Dak bowed, and stepped back to wait
the outcome.

(Non-combattants moved out of the way... good idea. But what about the
not-so-experienced combattants? There are a few of those around the place.) She
looked into the fire, just staring into the flames, admiring their pattern...

(Maybe... nah. Why would anyone want to do that? We all have a dislike for
Savar, but it is unlikely that he has not noticed us by now... Nirathei's
appearance just proved it. Shouldn't we work at stealth?)

She frowned. The clearing was quiet, with crickets chirping somewhere in the
forest, and the flames crackling. Peaceful night. The second night that they
were in the clearing. Stagnation is not good.

"I do not think a Gate is a good idea, Dak. I doubt that Savar would miss the
presence of a Gate, however small, within his realm. You would have to escort
them on foot." :Unless: Ynys' voice sounded in the elf's mind.

:Unless?: 'Blade was puzzled. What was the unicorn talking about now?

:Unless I bring them back.:

:You? But you hate carrying people! At least, that's what you always complain
about when you're with me. Besides, they are too many to fit on your back.:

:Not in this form. The molecular masses would be under strain if I added the
weight of more than one creature on them. If I carried them in my other form, it
would not be that much of a strain.:

(Oh no.) 'Blade stiffled her sigh. She liked Ynys, really she did. But seeing
her in her real form really unsettled the elf.

:If you would voice out my desire to help... :

Raising a hand, she repeated Ynys' words. "I don't know how many of you would
want to be carried by a Unicorn. Ynys has offered to bring the non-combattants
back to the town. But not in her horse-like form. It's rather unsettling
watching her actual form, so if any of you want to take the fast road home, I
suggest an adventuresome stomach."

She waited for the answer. (Maybe Dak would have objections...)

From: "Raven Darkblade" <abbykat@hotmail.com>

<<"I don't know how many of you would want to be carried by a Unicorn.
Ynys has offered to bring the non-combattants back to the town. But not
in her horse-like form. It's rather unsettling watching her actual form,
so if any of you want to take the fast road home, I suggest an
adventuresome stomach.">>

"There's a third alternative," noted Solarin, in the voice that was not
his, "But it, like Dak and Shadowblade's suggestions, depends on the
willingness of those involved. There's a gypsy camp somewhere in this
forest that would, if asked nicely, be glad to keep watch over the
noncombatants of our group. Savar has attempted to subvert Celi'Ardi in
the past, and failed spectacularly several times--I can't say for sure,
but I expect it'd take quite a bit to convince him to try it again."

He shrugged, a quick, sharp motion. "Mor's with them now, so asking's a
matter of a thought or two. It depends on whether or not our
'noncombatants' are willing to be put up by a band of gypsies. It's at
least another possibility."

From: troll@netcomuk.co.uk

Muranog nodded in agreement as Xenon finished speaking.

"Your words are wise, Adept Xenon - words, I must confess, that I
had not expected to hear from one of your expertise in the darker paths.
Power, especially such as you and I bear, confers with it responsibility -
responsibility to act wisely. It is incumbent upon us to assist the less
experienced members of our party, either in avoiding confrontation
with Adept Savar and his followers or in mastering such confrontation.
Perhaps your eloquence would be put to good use in addressing the
group? It would appear that friend Shadowblade is not doing well in
the arena of public speaking. Come, perhaps the two of us together -
and Raven, speaking through Solarin - can assist her in this matter."

Sliding effortlessly from Sable's back, the huge troll began walking
back toward where Shadowblade was addressing the main group, his
war sheep partner trotting alongside, without waiting to see if Xenon
and Solarin would follow.


From: Heather Arnold <typodrgn@arches.uga.edu>

Erelan watched the others fade into the deep, night forest, then turned
once more to Sofaltis. His expression seemed - odd - to her. She did not
know how to read or answer it, but she smiled with her eyes, in the way
humans and other minor predators seemed to find less threatening.
:Song-brother, thank you.: She said, vaguely remembering the boy saying
something about his sword. :May I help you find your weapon? We should
return swiftly to the camp, I think. Evil things roam the forest this
night, and we must all help to plan our attack on the fortress of Savar.:

Xenon listened as the great troll Adept replied.

<Snip>"Your words are wise, Adept Xenon - words, I must confess, that I
had not expected to hear from one of your expertise in the darker paths.
Power, especially such as you and I bear, confers with it responsibility -
responsibility to act wisely. It is incumbent upon us to assist the less
experienced members of our party, either in avoiding confrontation
with Adept Savar and his followers or in mastering such confrontation.
Perhaps your eloquence would be put to good use in addressing the
group? It would appear that friend Shadowblade is not doing well in
the arena of public speaking. Come, perhaps the two of us together -
and Raven, speaking through Solarin - can assist her in this matter."<Snip>

The troll slid from the back of his war sheep and walked a few steps back
over to the center of the clearing, looking for all like a polished ebony
tower placed, quite strangely in the center of the clearing by the hand of
an addled architect. As Xenon, Solarin/Raven, and the Troll approached, Dak
spoke.

<Snip>"Solarin, I can answer that question for you.
Sand, Darro, Ynis, Delane and Seashimmer are in yonder cave, resting and
listening to cheering music. Lady Aya and her son are resting in the cave
next to it. You see before you all else but, Sofaltis, Erelan and your
bonded Raven, whom I'm sure you know where is, given the bond." He paused
for breath. "Most like the black dragon is not far as well, but all else
seems secure at the moment. I would like to volunteer to escort the
non-combattants back to the town in the morning as I have been given the
charge of protecting Lady Aya and her son until they are safe, and so a few
more will make the trip no more difficult. In fact, a small Gate would make
the journey quick and then I could return to aid with the assault, if that
is what's planned." Dak bowed, and stepped back to wait the outcome.<Snip>

Shadowblade spoke again.

<Snip>"I do not think a Gate is a good idea, Dak. I doubt that Savar would
miss the presence of a Gate, however small, within his realm. You would have to
escort them on foot." <Snip>

She seemed to pause a moment, then continued, raising her hand.

<Snip>"I don't know how many of you would
want to be carried by a Unicorn. Ynys has offered to bring the
non-combatants back to the town. But not in her horse-like form. It's rather unsettling
watching her actual form, so if any of you want to take the fast road home,
I suggest an adventuresome stomach."<Snip>

Xenon, personally thought the Gate was by far the more expedient alternative
than riding some unusual creature back through the Kaladh. Further, anyone
who thought Savar was _unaware_ of their plans so far was surely in for a
rude awakening. Then Solarin/Raven spoke up.

<Snip>"There's a third alternative," noted Solarin, in the voice that was
not his, "But it, like Dak and Shadowblade's suggestions, depends on the
willingness of those involved. There's a gypsy camp somewhere in this
forest that would, if asked nicely, be glad to keep watch over the
noncombatants of our group. Savar has attempted to subvert Celi'Ardi in
the past, and failed spectacularly several times--I can't say for sure,
but I expect it'd take quite a bit to convince him to try it again."
He shrugged, a quick, sharp motion. "Mor's with them now, so asking's a
matter of a thought or two. It depends on whether or not our
'noncombatants' are willing to be put up by a band of gypsies. It's at
least another possibility."<Snip>

Xenon was amused at this. If they couldn't talk the group into going to an
elven enclave, then trying to get them to go to Celi'Ardi was cetainly the
next closest thing. It wasn't Celi'Ardi that was a problem to Savar,
really, as far as Xenon was concerned, it was the Adept Gypsie Mikal.
Actually Xenon liked Mikal the few times they had met, and held him in
respect as due any Adept, but no real awe. The Gypsie played up the
mysterious in excellent fashion and was a classily competent showman... but
was no more, or less, dangerous than many other Adepts Xenon was aware of.
Still, for some, Celi'Ardi might be a good idea... if Raven/Solarin could
actually get them entry there.

Abruptly Xenon came to a decision and stepped forward.

"With your indulgence" he said, inclining his head mostly to the Adept
Muranog, Xenon wove a web of protective magic over and about the clearing,
confusing to the eye and ear, disruptive of scrying especially and magic in
general, and which contained elements disruptive to external use of mind
gifts as well. The pattern was intricate, and quickly completed, guarding
from above, below and all sides, but not including the caves where Aggy and
Delane slept. An enemy could walk in, as could a friend, but the entry
would be heralded by an awareness by everyone here in the clearing, and the
figure would be covered by a pale purple blue light for several moments...
quite a nice effect Xenon had always thought. Xenon was also aware that he
had just placed his signature on this little group to Savar's scrying eyes,
and so he left the signature blatantly apparent rather than hiding and
obscuring it. :Live with that Uncle: he thought. :Open rebellion. Not my
way you will think. Might make you wonder a bit just what I am up to....:

Xenon stepped back a step with a final flourish and spoke.

"Companions, I have placed a Ward about this clearing which will ward from
scrying and other such magics. I am absolutely sure of its effectiveness,
pardons Raven if it makes your temporary possession of Solarin a bit...more
difficult dear. And I must say I am surprised and flattered that you would
seek to become more familiar with such arts... . Xenon smiled a small smile
and then addressed the rest, Muranog in particular.

"Still, Adept Muranog, one can seldom be too careful when making plans of
this nature agreed? You had some very nice wards with that sword of yours
in the Inn earlier upon this excursion. Would you care to add those as
well? Then we could begin to make our plans in relative security, and leave
Savar wondering just what we are up to."

Xenon waited to see what the troll adept would decide, and quite ready to
enjoy the fit he was sure Raven would throw or the subsurface fuming she
would have to stifle.

From: troll@netcomuk.co.uk

The troll Adept inclined his head to Xenon as the latter finished speaking.
With one smooth, fluid motion, he unsheathed the sword from his side and
placed it upright on the floor of the clearing, its point touching the earth.

"In the Name of Graal, I invoke protection on this place," he rumbled.
The runes all along the great white blade seemed to glow and writhe for
a few moments. When Muranog removed his hand from the runesword,
it remained upright, its tip just barely touching the ground.

"My wards are raised, Adept Xenon," the troll reported. "No outside
agency not already linked in mind to one already in this clearing shall
observe us or hear our words. Friend Raven, linked in mind as she is
to friend Solarin, may still assist us unimpeded. Now, let us make plans."


From: "Raven Darkblade" <abbykat@hotmail.com>

<<"Companions, I have placed a Ward about this clearing which will ward
from scrying and other such magics. I am absolutely sure of its
effectiveness, pardons Raven if it makes your temporary possession of
Solarin a bit...more difficult dear. And I must say I am surprised and
flattered that you would seek to become more familiar with such arts..."

"Still, Adept Muranog, one can seldom be too careful when making plans
of this nature agreed? You had some very nice wards with that sword of
yours in the Inn earlier upon this excursion. Would you care to add
those as well? Then we could begin to make our plans in relative
security, and leave Savar wondering just what we are up to."

Xenon waited to see what the troll adept would decide, and quite ready
to enjoy the fit he was sure Raven would throw or the subsurface fuming
she would have to stifle.>>

Raven canted Solarin's head slightly to one side, absently feeling along
the connections between them and finding no resistance. She paid his
words to her scant attention. (Might as well call a spade a spade,) she
thought dryly. (If it amuses him to imply I'm mucking around in dark
magic... let him. We've got more important problems at the moment.)

<<"My wards are raised, Adept Xenon," the troll reported. "No outside
agency not already linked in mind to one already in this clearing shall
observe us or hear our words. Friend Raven, linked in mind as she is to
friend Solarin, may still assist us unimpeded. Now, let us make
plans.">>

"Indeed," Raven said, fascinated in some idle part of her mind by the
way the voice she used resonated in Solarin's throat. "I'll give my
initial suggestions--the main things we'll have to deal with in an
assault on the Citadel are the shields Savar's got around the place, his
offensive magics and any mages he's got under coercion, the physical
guards, and that damn dragon. There's also the matter of traps, both
magical and mundane, all around the place and on the way there, and the
creatures that just about any large-scale use of magic is going to
attract. The last is, incidentally, why I don't agree with Dak's
suggestion of a Gate; that and the storms those have the tendency to set
off.

"Since my knowledge of magic consists mostly of ways to keep myself out
of it, I won't be of any use on the problem of the shields and other
magery, but I _can_ offer my knowledge of combat and tactics, and what I
know about physical traps and the assassin's art. I can also offer some
possibilities on how to deal with Nirathei."

From: "Jeffery Melville" <darvoso@hotmail.com>

>Erelan watched the others fade into the deep, night forest, then turned
>once more to Sofaltis. His expression seemed - odd - to her. She did not
>know how to read or answer it, but she smiled with her eyes, in the way
>humans and other minor predators seemed to find less threatening.
>:Song-brother, thank you.: She said, vaguely remembering the boy saying
>something about his sword. :May I help you find your weapon? We should
>return swiftly to the camp, I think. Evil things roam the forest this
>night, and we must all help to plan our attack on the fortress of Savar.:

Sofaltis watched Erelan as well, cocking his head to the side as she
spoke into his mind, considering her words and posture. Moving around
like the shadow that he was in the forest, he shrugged...

:It's I that should thank you,: he mind-sent, :for saving my life. I
got a bit too...involved... upon seeing that black dragon, whatever his
name may be.: His mental voice trailed off as he saw the shadow of a
perfectly innocent animal dart by, scared to death of the dragon, but
there. Suddenly, he jumped bolt upright as he felt a variety of
earth-magic he hadn't felt in some time. (Somebody's a nature lover
here, perhaps they can help us...)

Calming down a bit, he sighed, watching the dragon watch him, and he
smiled at her. :And yes, my sword..It's over that way, about half a
mark's walk.: He pointed as he sent, without looking. Nothing magical,
merely, good direction sense. :I lost it when he grabbed me, and that
sword... Is special.:

He waited for her to reply, smiling, hoping that he could keep old
terror's and fear out of his voice. Somehow, he don't think he quite
succeeded....