"Of rumors and plans"

[DoF Archive]

Date: 7/30/2000 11:44 AM Central Daylight Time
From: Beck Weller


He curled up near the rear wall of the Red Dragon Inn, tugging the blanket that someone had given him up around his shoulders, tucking his knees up against his chest to make sure all of him was covered. Resting his cheek against his bicep, his pale eyes lift to wander along the lines and cracks of the ruined Outback.

The picture of his plan again comes unbidden to his mind, seductive with all its powerful potential. It seemed like everything was linked; the park, FireStar, even the destruction of the both Outbacks.

He'd heard rumors and talk around the park as he knelt, listening intently to filter any requests for a fight out of the constant chatting. Eventually the conversation would turn to how so much damage could be traced back to those opals, most specifically the one that Alexandria currently wore. He'd listen as she promised that she would keep it safe, out of the hands of those that would destroy.

He couldn't believe that it was sheer coincedence that the need of repair to both of the Outbacks was due to fire. Although he'd heard very little other than that the very first Outback had burned to the ground, he could scarcely think that such a volitile thing as FireStar didn't have anything to do with it.

That's why it made the perfect weapon for him.

He learned that no matter how good a fighter he became, he'd still lose sometimes. By all accounts, he was one of the highest ranked fighters in this venue. In two short months he'd assimilated enough to be able to successfully defend himself against another person.

But what about two? Or three? Or the whole army of hunters and huntresses that Mistress Launna had at her disposal? How long would it be before she tired of his insolence and simply sent the whole regiment out to find him?

FireStar would keep him safe.

It was with that in mind that he approached Koy to help him, she could do for him what he couldn't do himself. That evening he delivered the two letters she wrote, challenging Alexandria through the proper channels for the privelege of holding the red opal.

Perhaps by it came time to make his way to the park again tomorrow he might even have an answer.