From: Seashimer@aol.com

Seashimmer listened to the discussion, gradually growing more and more
confused. Feeling somewhat on edge, she cleared her throat as a pause came,
and, once she was fairly certain that a least a few people were listening,
began to speak.

"As someone who knows little about tactics, the plans that Shadowblade and
others have brought forth seem sound enough. I agree with Solarin, as well,
in that we are still far from ready to leave this place. Much discussing
still needs to be done. For one thing, while I do believe our plans would
work well for attacking the Citadel and attempting to destroy its owner, I am
curious as to when we chose that as our objective. " She took a deep breath.

"As I recall, Solarin, you originally stated that our purpose was to venture
forth to the Citadel purely on a scouting mission, to determine what manner
of power was being used and stored there. If you and other members of this
group have sudden, compelling reason to change your mind in this, I am sure
many of us would appreciate knowing of it. Furthermore, many of the newer
members of this group doubtless have less knowledge than I; I am not even
certain if all know who Medivh Savar _is_. Perhaps those of you who are so
certain of everything might slow down a bit in your planning to explain things
to the rest of us." Seashimmer stopped, there, and sat down, resisting the
urge to continue talking and begin a discussion of the difference between "non
combatant" and "useless."

From: "KSD" <fallenangel_ksd@mindspring.com>


While waiting for the Jonas to respond, Fallenangel turned to her horse and
began loading the rest of her few belongings into the saddle-bags.

A brief look of absurd laughter flickered across his face before he
answered, and 'Angel wondered briefly what he found amusing. (Probably
don't want to know....)

"Yes, Bright One, I do have a horse. Unfortunately, I think it likely that
he is back in Port Orris... and who can say where _that_ is in relation to
here... but I've spent plenty... of time walking here and there, so, ahh, I
guess I'll do okay.... And one other thing... I was wondering, when you get a free moment, could you perhaps explain to me exactly _where_ we are and _why_ we're
here?"

"Well, we'll have to get you a horse of some sort, unless you really want
to walk...." She trailed off as she heard Etain agree with her about moving
out. "Then again, we might have more people joining us. As for where we
are, and why we're here - I would have thought you knew _where_ we are; you
got here after all. We're in the Kaladh forest, and the group's original
mission was as a scouting force to the Citadel of one alleged Dark Mage
named Medivh Savar. Somehow between the flight from the tavern where we all
met and here, it has evolved into a destruction force. Frankly, I am a bit
uneasy about how that came about; it makes me wonder if we aren't being...
'guided' somehow." She shook her head uneasily. "It makes me nervous, at
any rate."

"Wait!" Solarin's voice rang through the clearing. "What will we accomplish
by darting off again? We left the Midnight Sun at my suggestion, and were
then driven into the Kaladh by Savar's screylinh. Now that we are in this
forest we're on his turf no matter where we go, unless all will agree to
enter an elven haven or a gypsy camp. And given the nature of some of the
members of this group, I find that unlikely - though you are all welcome to
prove me wrong."

"I believe Solarin is correct. But," 'Blade said, turning to Solarin, "What
exactly do you plan to do? I'm not exactly sure what you mean by 'fighting
power'. How can we fight if we do not move? If we do not co-operate. There
are enough leaders among our group that there may be segregation among
ourselves. I'll supply the first suggestion. I suggest that we break up.
Have one infiltration group, and one main fighting force. Have at least one
mage and one mindspeaker among each group so we may communicate. Have a
rear guard and/or a group that can act as reinforcements. That is my
suggestion. Consider."

"My apologies, Fallenangel and Etain, but I must agree with Raven and with
Shadowblade." Muranog spoke up. "To leave this clearing without proper
planning would be foolish and dangerous. Nothing short of a god will pass
the combined wards raised by Adept Xenon and myself, and if Adept Savar
possessed divine power we would most likely all be dead already. Thus as
long as we remain here we are safe to plan our next moves. It is when we
leave this place that the danger shall begin, since wards - at least of the
kind my people know - cannot be used to protect a moving group. As to
Shadowblade's suggestion, I believe it has merit. Two smaller groups
present lesser targets than one large group, both to magical and to mundane
attack."

Kay spoke up for the first time among the group. She stood off to one side
with Winddancer at her side, for he had crept up with the horse to listen
to the planning session. "I have been with this group for a very short
time, and don't know most of you, but I must say that I agree with both
Fallenangel and Raven.... We must plan, but we need to move also. Without
one, we cannot have the other."

"I'll have to agree on some points and disagree on others." Solarin
responded. "We _can't_ move out yet - not everyone in this party is
capable of mental communication, and with a group this big it's nearly
impossible to keep up any semblance of a discussion while strung out for
half a mile along the road." Solarin tossed his head, shaking golden hair
out of slanted eyes. "I _do_ think that 'Blade's suggestion is a good one.
I've been in the Citadel and have a general idea of its layout, though
Xenon no doubt knows it better and more currently. I suggest that at this
point we start sorting ourselves out into three groups - those who can aid
an infiltration party, those who would be best in the attack force, and
those who really don't need to be risking their necks in either."

:"Stop!!!": The great wolf Lurker Broad-Sent.

:"My friends are on their way, and they should be here in about 4 hours.
They will have extra mounts, and extra rations. If you people feel that you
need to move, lets stay together, but I think that our best bet would be to
say here just a little longer. These caves are more defendable than the
clearing outside, and I don't feel any disturbances close by. What say you?
Do you want to wait here and make plans, or do you want to move? I can
scout the area for you if we leave. But please, please, please, stay
together, I don't want us to be picked off one by one. That is what the
enemy wants.:

Etain sighed and walked back toward the group.
"Organization is the key. I will not be part of a force that is so chaotic
it gets blown away by the first wind that comes down from the trees. I
will fight in another's quest, but I will not die for it. Only my people
have the right to ask that of me."
"Now as to a plan. I will fight in whatever group my skills are most
needed in. I can do secrecy as well as force, as I am sure, so can many of
you. Those to whom this quest belongs must decide, for they have the most
to lose should it fail."

Kay spoke. "I believe the stranger has a point. If these friends are
willing allies, and are bringing to the group supplies and mounts for those
who do not already have ones, they could save us all trouble in
the long run, for we would not be slowed down. Maybe waiting is a good
idea, as long as it is safe to do so."

Seashimmer cleared her throat nervously and offered, "As someone who knows
little about tactics, the plans that Shadowblade and others have brought
forth seem sound enough. I agree with Solarin, as well,
in that we are still far from ready to leave this place. Much discussing
still needs to be done. For one thing, while I do believe our plans would
work well for attacking the Citadel and attempting to destroy its owner, I
am curious as to when we chose that as our objective. " She took a deep
breath. "As I recall, Solarin, you originally stated that our purpose was
to venture forth to the Citadel purely on a scouting mission, to determine
what manner of power was being used and stored there. If you and other
members of this group have sudden, compelling reason to change your mind in
this, I am sure many of us would appreciate knowing of it. Furthermore,
many of the newer members of this group doubtless have less knowledge than
I; I am not even certain if all know who Medivh Savar _is_. Perhaps those
of you who are so certain of everything might slow down a bit in your
planning to explain things to the rest of us."

Fallenangel sighed as Seashimmer's words trailed off. The ideas had been
moving so quickly that she hadn't had time to speak up until now. She gave
a final tug on her stallion Donas's saddle-cinch, and glanced at the Divine
Knight Avare. "Well, I guess that we aren't leaving right away. Perhaps we
should re-join the planning?" Turning, she led her horse back toward the
group with Jonas and Isis following silently.

:Dearheart, are you all right?: She sent, worried at the panther's long
silence.

:I'm okay, 'Angel: Isis sent back. :Just... concentrating on something....:

Fallenangel glanced at the winged panther, not entirely reassured, but
willing to leave her bond-mate in peace if that was what she wished. Coming
up to the circle of planners, 'Angel stepped forward.

"I was perhaps hasty in announcing that I was leaving, like it or not. But
I do not believe that I was, and still am, imagining that we are in slowly
increasing danger here." She glanced upward at the shields that shimmered
over the clearing. "I am not a mage, so I cannot say how strong these
shields are. Milord Muranog, Adept Xenon - will they keep _all_ out? Or
just those with intent to harm? Perhaps you could take a moment to
enlighten me, and the rest of us, as to their exact nature?" 'Angel raised
an eyebrow questionally.

"I am also interested in the point that Seashimmer raised. When _did_ this
party change from a scouting mission to a force of mass destruction? Like
Etain, I will fight if need be in another's quest, but only my God has the
right to ask me to die for a cause." She smiled at the look of surprise on
the occasional unguarded face around the circle. "Yes, I am mortal, as are
all of Loaghaire's Angels - long-lived, and not easy to kill, but mortal
for all of that. I trust that you all will keep that little-known secret -
even in this forest far from Laoghaire's lands, it needs to be kept to help
insure the safety of His other Chosen."

Fallenangel looked slowly around once more. "As to the idea of splitting up
into groups, I agree. I, and Isis, will go with whatever group we fit into.
She can fight, and I can use Empathic Projection to stun enemies long
enough for me to... take care of them, although I detest killing under
ordinary circumstances. However, my gift does not discern between friend
and enemy; so I must neccesarily be a distance from the group to use it,
unless my companions have the gift of Empathy, and the shields to block me
out. Even then, I cannot garuntee that nothing will leak through. I also
have another talent that may be useful, though I prefer not to use it. Both
Isis and I, through the grace of Laoghaire, can change shape. Still, this
is limited, and we only each have two other shapes. I can change into a
winged black panther; and an 'ordinary' human shape, which resembles my
natural form, but minus wings."

:And I,: Isis Broad-Sent, forgetting that not all in the group had
Mind-Speech, :Am able to shift into a 'regular' panther shape resembling
this one, minus wings; also, a 'normal' human shape, again no wings.:

"Please," 'Angel continued, "could we make a decision? I agree with
'Blade's statement that there are too many 'leaders' in this group," she
glanced at Solarin, Muranog, Lurker, Etain and Xenon, "to do anything
effectively; perhaps we should split up choose one to lead each group, so
we won't be tearing off in all directions. Also, I don't believe that
Erelan and Sofaltis have re-joined us as of yet; in hind-sight, I _was_
hasty in deciding to leave before the group was even fully together. But
let us make plans while we are waiting for them, Raven, and Lurker's
friends to join us. And please, Xenon and Muranog, enlighten me as to the
nature of the shields you have cast; for I can't help feeling uneasy all
the same." Fallenangel shivered slightly at the feeling of foreboding which
was still steadily growing. "I cannot shake the feeling that there is grave
danger awaiting us if we stay in this clearing."

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

<<"As I recall, Solarin, you orgininally stated that our purpose was to
venture forth to the Citadel purely on a scounting mission, to determine
what manner of power was being used and stored there. If you and other
members of this group have sudden, compelling reason to change your mind
in this, I am sure many of us would appriciate knowing of it.
Furthermore, many of the newer members of this group doubtless have less
knowledge than I; I am not even certain if all know who Medivh Savar
_is_. Perhaps those of you who are so certain of everything might slow
down a bit in your planning to explain things to the rest of us.">>

<<"I am also interested in the point that Seashimmer raised. When _did_
this party change from a scouting mission to a force of mass
destruction? Like Etain, I will fight if need be in another's quest, but
only my God has the right to ask me to die for a cause. Yes, I am
mortal, as are all of Loaghaire's Angels - long-lived, and not easy to
kill, but mortal for all of that. I trust that you all will keep that
little-known secret - even in this forest far from Laoghaire's lands, it
needs to be kept to help insure the safety of His other Chosen.">>

(Solarin, partner, I respect you--but your diplomacy is going to start
one hell of an argument.) Raven sighed.

"All right. I'll offer my own--admittedly biased--knowledge on Savar.
Xenon and Agalein can shred it. Maybe we can avoid a screaming fit, but
my money's not on that. For the record, my partner and I have been
charged to destroy the Citadel, and have not intended anything else. Of
necessity it was offered that we at least see what's there first.

"I first heard of Medivh Savar when my mercenary Company, Captained by
Savar's daughter Kat, was hired by him as an addition to his forces. We
didn't, to be sure, ask too many questions, and he sure as hell didn't
give us any answers, but Kat, and most of the rest of us, had a fair
amount of ethics and we started getting a bit suspicious about the
things we were supposed to be doing. Kat ordered a little judicious
spying, headed by myself. What we saw and heard amounted to a good
number of torture sessions, at least one sacrificial rite, magic that
none of us understood but that looked fairly nasty, and some vague plans
regarding Teren, Jacora, and godhood. It all added up to something we
didn't want to be involved in, so Kat severed our contract. Next thing
we knew, we were all and sundry under arrest by Savar's toadies and Kat
was ordering a scatter. So naturally I got my tail out of there, only to
meet up with Kat again a few days later.

"I'm not going to detail everything that happened between then and our
next encounter with Savar's fine hand--it would take far too long and
serve no real purpose. Eventually, though, we wound up in Teren and
found ourselves incidental in the thwarting of an attempt to assassinate
Angharad of Teren, then Crown Princess, now Queen. That attempt was
organized by Angharad's parents, Andreyan and Leisen--but behind _them_
was deft manipulation by Savar. We never found clear proof of his
actions or intentions, but it was implied to us that Savar meant to put
Andreyan and Leisen's son Arik on the throne and then manipulate the
young man as he pleased. Savar later launched a direct attack against
Teren but was turned back.

"Our final encounter with Medivh Savar took place at his stronghold at
the edges of the Worldsend Mountains--Drakehall. Savar captured his
daughter, intending to use her in a rite of blood-magic to increase his
power and ingratiate him to the Dark Goddess Mara'liweion. Kat's
Company, regrouped and fortified, attacked Drakehall, while I and my
partner accompanied Lucian, Angharad, Kharvasi, and Mikhal in an
infiltration of Drakehall. We managed to divert him from Kat, free her,
and kill him. Drakehall was destroyed."

Solarin's voice grew even harsher as Raven continued, "During that
infiltration and diversion I had the displeasure of a private encounter
with the man. I'm almost proud to say I vomited on his velvet robes. I
will not swear to the fact that he's the most evil, most perverted, and
most sadistic individual I've ever met--I've met quite a few--but he's
definitely up there. The only reason I'm allowing myself to get within a
hundred yards of him again is so that I can return him to the realm of
the dead where he belongs."

From: troll@netcomuk.co.uk

Muranog nodded in response to Raven's speech.

"Mara'liweion, indeed. That name is known to my people of old.
Even if not for the other things I have heard about Adept Savar, and
the attack by his dragon on friend Erelan, his worship of that servant
of the King of Hell would be ample cause for me to oppose him. But
opposition is useless without plans, and it seems to me - meaning no
offence to any gathered here - that we have much still to plan. We
have spoken of splitting into three groups, but not of who is to lead
our various groups, and many of our number have not even stated
which group they will join!
For my own part, I have suggestions to make regarding the leadership
of these groups. While it is true that I have more years of combat and
commanding legions in battle than the rest of you in this clearing put
together, I am insufficiently familiar as yet with this region and with
working with so many different races and peoples to command well.
Any attack on Adept Savar's home MUST be commanded by one who
actually knows the terrain, not by one who has never been there before.
Thus, based on my observations of the abilities and experience of those
gathered here, I would nominate Raven to lead the infiltration party,
Solarin to lead the main battle force and Fallenangel to lead the
noncombatants, if the three of them will agree to my nominations.
Once we have chosen our leaders, it will hopefully be easier to divide
the rest of us among the groups."

The troll finished speaking and waited for reactions.


From: "KSD" <fallenangel_ksd@mindspring.com>

"For my own part, I have suggestions to make regarding the leadership of
these groups. While it is true that I have more years of combat and
commanding legions in battle than the rest of you in this clearing put
together, I am insufficiently familiar as yet with this region and with
working with so many different races and peoples to command well. Any
attack on Adept Savar's home MUST be commanded by one who actually knows
the terrain, not by one who has never been there before. Thus, based on my
observations of the abilities and experience of those gathered here, I
would nominate Raven to lead the infiltration party, Solarin to lead the
main battle force and Fallenangel to lead the noncombatants, if the three
of them will agree to my nominations. Once we have chosen our leaders, it
will hopefully be easier to divide the rest of us among the groups."
Muranog finished.

Fallenangel considered a moment, then replied.

"I would be glad to lead the non-combatants. I must say, however, I have
only rudimentary leadership training and no real personal experience in
leading a group. I will take the post if need be, of course." She smiled.
"Also, I am as new to these lands as Muranog is; therefore I would have
only a very little idea of dangerous areas, as such. So perhaps I am not
the best choice for that post? Rather, I may be more useful in advising one
who is more qualified."

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

<<"For my own part, I have suggestions to make regarding the leadership
of these groups. While it is true that I have more years of combat and
commanding legions in battle than the rest of you in this clearing put
together, I am insufficiently familiar as yet with this region and with
working with so many different races and peoples to command well. Any
attack on Adept Savar's home MUST be commanded by one who actually knows
the terrain, not by one who has never been there before. Thus, based on
my observations of the abilities and experience of those gathered here,
I would nominate Raven to lead the infiltration party, Solarin to lead
the main battle force and Fallenangel to lead the noncombatants, if the
three of them will agree to my nominations. Once we have chosen our
leaders, it will hopefully be easier to divide the rest of us among the
groups.">>

Solarin stirred to wakefulness in the back of her mind, and Raven turned
a bit of her attention to him. :Feeling rested?:

:Well enough,: he responded agreeably.

:We've made some progress,: she told him, and as briefly as possible
explained what had been decided while he was in trance. :I'm taking the
infiltration group,: she finished. :You've been nominated for the main
assault force.:

He answered with a mental sigh. :I caught that. Not my first choice, but
perhaps it is just as well.:

:Your choice, but I'm for it. Here.: His stance eased from the
straight-backed, squared-shoulders posture into something more graceful
as Raven withdrew and left him fully in control of his body again. :I'll
watch with you until I've caught up physically. Shouldn't be long.:

<<"I would be glad to lead the non-combatants. I must say, however, I
have only rudimentary leadership training and no real personal
experience in leading a group. I will take the post if need be, of
course." She smiled. "Also, I am as new to these lands as Muranog is;
therefore I would have only a very little idea of dangerous areas, as
such. So perhaps I am not the best choice for that post? Rather, I may
be more useful in advising one who is more qualified.">>

Solarin spoke up now, voice gentle again under his control. "I will
accept Muranog's nomination of leadership of the main battle force,
unless someone more capable should choose to offer, and Raven has agreed
to lead the infiltration force. We will both, however, need someone
knowledgeable in magery to aid us; we have between us only a limited
knowledge and barely enough Power to light a candle."

As for the noncombatants," he continued with a nod to Fallenangel, "the
offer made by Raven and myself to call in our gypsy allies still stands.
The gypsies of Clan Celi'Ardi know this area intimately indeed, and if
it is decided not to send the members of our group to them, perhaps we
may call some of them to us."

From: "KSD" <fallenangel_ksd@mindspring.com>

"As for the noncombatants," Solarin continued with a nod to Fallenangel,
"the offer made by Raven and myself to call in our gypsy allies still
stands. The gypsies of Clan Celi'Ardi know this area intimately indeed, and
if it is decided not to send the members of our group to them, perhaps we
may call some of them to us."


Hesitating, Fallenangel answered. "I would not object to leading the
non-combatants to your allies, if I am elected to that post. Or, organizing
them here if need be. BUT, I have said before, and I say again - I DO NOT
like the feeling of this clearing, and I vote that we make plans quickly."
She looked around warningly. "I admit, I may sound like a needless worrier;
but I'm beginning to feel like Cassandra reborn." Seeing the blank looks on
the group's faces, 'Angel sighed. "Like a clairvoyant that's invisible,
unable to get anyone to listen to my warnings." She shook her head at the
unbelieving, and in some cases slightly condescending, look on most
everyone's face.

:Angel,: Isis sent, her mind-voice sounding far away and distracted, :If
you're going with the non-combatants, what are we going to do about Jonas
Avare?:

:Oh _sheckla_,: Angel lightly swore, :Thank you for reminding me,
dearheart.:

"And I have a concern with my nomination to lead the non-combatants. I'm not
sure how many of you were here when Knight Jonas showed up," Fallenangel
gestured to where he stood, "but I cannot let the sword he carries...
disappear again. When we were keeping the group together, I had no reason to
object to his carrying it - but Masamune is to powerful to allow anyone to
carry it out of the... supervision of someone un-corruptible. I feel that if
the group splits up, I'm going to have to either go with the main force -"
she had to force herself to say the next few words - "or take the sword with
me."

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


Erelan banked sharply and drew her passenger up closer to avoid grinding
him into the dirt when she landed. Folding her wings a bit, she dropped
twenty feet through the air, then caught herself in a neat backwing,
settling lightly to her hind-talons for a stylish landing. Briefly, as
the dust-devils settled, she wondered if even her toned-down flight of
exuberance might have been too much for poor Sofaltis. The boy did look a
bit shaken. She supposed it was just as well she had been carrying a
passenger. Otherwise, she would have been tempted to strain her wings
with a truly wild set of aerial acrobatics, just to rejoice in the
ability. With a wide grin, she nudged him toward the caves, tucking her
wings to her back and dropping down to all-fours. :I think we are missing
the council, Sofaltis,: she said as she moved into the cave.

There was enough room for her to fit through the entrance without
too much difficulty. Muranog and Sable had made it after all. Erelan
listened thoughtfully to the proceedings as several of those present
voiced their opinions on the parties. After a long moment, she spoke,
coaxing her words out in trade-tongue, for the benefit of those she
suspected could not hear mindspeech. "I agrrree that we sssshould move
quickly. He hassss ssssent forcesss againssst ussss alrrready, and if he
issss the crrreature you ssssay, it will not be long beforrrre he
foregoesss thissss playing and ssssends a challenge morrrre than grrreat
enough to dessstroy usss all. Unlesss I am needed elssssewherrre, I would
like to join the infiltration grrroup. Though my magic issss not
powerrrful, I am fassst enough to quickly move about insssside hissss
terrritorrry, and I can carrry one orrrr perrrrhapsss two, fasssterrr than
even Nirrrathei can fly."

With a slow nod, she waited for a reply.

From: troll@netcomuk.co.uk

Muranog rose once again as Fallenangel finished speaking, after having
looked around to see if anyone else in the clearing wished to offer any words.

"Solarin's suggestion is sensible, as I would expect," the troll rumbled.
"It would be wise to divide our more experienced mages among the groups,
rather than concentrating them all in one. It would appear that Adept Xenon
and myself are the two most experienced Adepts present - at least in the
combative magics - and I have already pledged myself and Sable to the
main assault group, since stealth is hardly the forte of our peoples. Thus I
would suggest to Adept Xenon that he should join the infiltration group, if
he will, in order that they do not suffer the lack of an experienced Adept.
As far as our other companions are concerned, I would recommend Shadowblade
for the infiltration group also, since she seems to be quite talented in moving
quietly and stealthily, and Atalaya and Jonas Avar for the main battle group.
I doubt a paladin of Solaras would be permitted the arts of stealth in any case,
and though I know little of Laoghaire I would hazard a guess that Divine Knights
are similarly prohibited?" Muranog bowed briefly to the two paladins before
turning to Fallenangel. "My suggestion for you to lead the noncombatants
still stands, friend Fallenangel. If you wish it, I shall watch over Jonas Avar
and his blade on your behalf. As for the rest of you, friends, who are as yet
undecided, I would suggest that you decide quickly now which of our three
groups to join, that we may make full plans and leave this clearing at last."


From: ikunkle@andover.edu (Isabel Kunkle)

Her back to a tree, Atalaya sat on the ground, quietly listening to
the discussion. Inwardly, she attempted to keep her mind off the
contemplation of murder-and didn't quite succeed. (How in /hell/ can he do
that?) she raged mentally. (Goes running off without so much as a note to
anyone, to do gods know what for years. I show up and it's, 'Oh, hi, how
are you? I've fallen in love with a /human/, what's new on your end?' And
the first time I suggest he do something /reasonable/, as opposed to
sitting around feeling sorry for himself, he shuts down the conversation
completely. 'You're wrong.' Well, thank you very much, Solarin the Perfect,
I'll just go repent my many sins-including the oh so unpardonable one of
respecting the standards of my-/our/-people. Please do forgive me for ever
opening my mouth.) Her hands clenched and for a brief moment, anger showed
itself on her face. Aware of the people nearby, however, she forced herself
to calm down in time to hear Muranog speak. Bringing a faint smile of
approval to her face, Atalya nodded. "While part of my training did
emphasize swiftness and silence, I do not know much of infiltration. I
would be pleased and honored to join the main assault."