A view from within

[DoS Archive]

From: jakvaltrds@aol.com (Jakvaltrds)
Date: 29 Sep 1998 01:13:30 EDT


::the Scot sat silently at his oaken desk, pen in hand, as he tried to capture the thoughts which weigh heavily upon his heart.
He peered out over the meadow where his stock stood grazing amidst the heather. He mused over the colts as they ran unbridled amongst the mares. Each youngster racing, tail erect, mane flowing fully in the gentle breeze. All was right in his world save a matter of the heart.
He had sat upon the council of Barons for some 5 months. Not so long, but a seeming eternity in this realm. In this short tenure, he had seen four new rings created, he had seen his friends gain rings, he had seen them lose them, and he had seen them regained once more. He had watched the sport he had grown to love nearly spoil, as the venom of hatred spread over the DoS like an ominous shadow. He did not know what he could do to aide in the healing
of the Dos, but he knew he must do something. Others had left the rings altogether, gathered their belongings and moved on rather than fight for the sport they claimed they loved. Reaching for the glass which was perched across the tablet, he took it to his lips and savored the rich blend of aged malt before returning it to its place on the desk. Leaning back in the leather seat, he closed his eyes and begin to recall the first days of his sojourn to
Rhy Din. He began to chuckle as he pictured the Imp scampering about the docks, looking for the cherished pink boxers. In an instant, tears began to fill his eyes as he watched her die at the hand of another dear freind. She was the epitome of honor, her life given to insure the continuance of Gondar's Ward. He saw the one armed Overlord dueling in the rings too, with the light weight rapier, rather than his oaken cudgle, in order to continue his
reign, even with the impairment. He saw the duel which cost Athlstan his flesh and sentenced him to a life beyond the hedge. Another who carried himself with true honor. His heart warmed as he recalled the duel with Sloth Shaman which gained himself the rank of Warlord. He laughed as he recalled his first peer win, and the cocksure braggarts response when he called him a truly honorable man. Then the duel he had witnessed between the Shaman and
Dalamar, where Vengeance and Athlstans shellacked arm were the weapons of choice. "Those were the days Seamus, perhaps it is time for you to move on as well" barely audible as the words passed his lips. He knew those days were long gone, but as well, he knew there would be others that may not seem as grand to him, but were going to the be the memories of those within the rings today. "Yer gettin too old for this, ye bugger" again speaking quietly,
so as not to draw attention from the staff. Glancing back over the meadow, the old stud horse caught his eye. It pranced out onto the Rhea in all his glory. The old stallion knew his rightful place. There was no confusion in his mind as to who was heir to the herd. Before a moment had passed, a younger stallion boldly trotted out from the glen, his eye on the mares and the old sire. Without hesitation, Dartangon turned to face the upstart. Digging
his hooves into the plush grass as he charged the intruder. Both met in the middle of the field, stomping and snorting, each proclaiming his intent. One to hold what was rightfully his, the other, set on claiming it for himself. They danced upon their hind legs, reaching out and pawing at the other, straining to prove themselves, one to the other. As Seamus watched this age old ritual, he realised something of great import, they were alone. No one
stood between them. No one tried to save the older stallions brood. The younger came without an escort, he came to take what he wanted unashamedly. "there is something to be learned here Seamus, something you should ha'e seen all along"
With that, he began to write.His mind made up. He would keep what he loved, or lose it, but this would be done in the way he had gained his ring, with his friends at his side, and his blade in his hand.

[DoS Archive]

From: jakvaltrds@aol.com (Jakvaltrds)
Date: 29 Sep 1998 19:44:19 EDT


::laying out the parchment, he dipped the quill into the well and scribed his thoughts on the matter in his heart. :::
Lord Dalamar, friend.

I wish to thank you for yer kind and generous offer to interecede on my behalf in the upcoming match between myself, and the Warlord, Daelin Dragonsblade.
After a great deal of soul searching, I have come to the conclusion, that I must defend the title myself. I cannae claim the title while sitting back on my laurels and letting you do what I should be doin myself. Please understand that this is something I have ruminated on for the entire time since the challenge was issued. I did not make this decision lightly, nor do I intend to surrender this ring to the Warlord. I would be honored if you would be
there to witness the event but will understand fully, should other obligations keep you away.
Again my heartfelt thanks for your generous offer.

Sincerely
Seamus Mac Donnaugh
Holder of the First Ring

::he fanned the parchment allowing the air to dry the fresh ink. Carefully he folded the paper and slid it into a a small plain envelope. Turning it over, he reached for the candle and began to allow the wax to spill over onto the surface. After a small pool had formed, he replacedhe candle and pressed the First's Ring into the cooling mass to seal and authenticate the letter. Satisfied of its seal, he rose and passed the letter to Jae for delivery
to the Overlord, then he walke to the stairs and alked toward his room for a bit of rest::::