From: santacioz@aol.com (SantaCIoz)
Date: 25 Dec 1998 01:46:09 EST
::In the most wee hours of the morn a fellow of wide girth wearing red trimmed with white pulls a large spruce tree into the ring, he sets it up in the center imbedding the trunk into the sand. With a wave of his hand presents begin to appear one at a time with varying intervals of time between each manifestation::
The new tree
-
DoS Archive
- Archivist
- Posts: 30701
- Joined: Mon Feb 16, 2004 8:27 am
-
DoS Archive
- Archivist
- Posts: 30701
- Joined: Mon Feb 16, 2004 8:27 am
From: jolaferen@aol.com (Jola Feren)
Date: 25 Dec 1998 11:16:51 EST
Jola wandered into the arena on her way from the manor to the Golden Ivy Tavern, just to see who was about this day. It's a day that, on Earth, some people celebrate Christmas. She remembers few Christmases from her youth, preferring to just leave the holidays alone.
She was very surprised to see a tree stuck in the sand. She was even more surprised to see the presents around and underneath the tree. And astounded to see one present in particular.
Parked amid the mound of gifts the 1996 FLH stood out like the true gem it was. The bike was fitted with Aerolite wheels and Avon tires. The seat of finely crafted Connoly leather with the initials "JF" stamped into it. The tank sports a fixed-wing, interplanetary craft flying through a lightening storm amid roiling clouds, the theme continues to the fenders, jet black with electric blue bolts of lightening streaking over them. Otherwise the bike is
all chrome and rumble.
Jola stepped up to the bike and studied it with wide eyes. She'd not seen anything like this in decades. She was almost afraid to touch it. Finally, she ran her hand along the splendid leather seat, and let her fingers trace her initials. Easily, she swung a long leg over the bike and rocked the bike fully upright, feeling the way her muscles responded to the bike. She walked it forward a bit, away from the other presents.
With a kick, and one was all it took, she started the engine. It growled to life instantly. Tears burst from her eyes and she turned off the engine to lean over the handlebars, crying freely. Whoever it was who gave this to her, whoever Santa is, she sent her blessings to him. All the memories of the Christmases she loved came back to her, the memories of her mother and sister and brother. Suddenly she missed them so much that she nearly choked on
her grief. On top of that, the thoughts of David, Ulath and Wil. Thank god she had her kids. Now, if she only had Wil.
"Thank you, Santa."
Date: 25 Dec 1998 11:16:51 EST
Jola wandered into the arena on her way from the manor to the Golden Ivy Tavern, just to see who was about this day. It's a day that, on Earth, some people celebrate Christmas. She remembers few Christmases from her youth, preferring to just leave the holidays alone.
She was very surprised to see a tree stuck in the sand. She was even more surprised to see the presents around and underneath the tree. And astounded to see one present in particular.
Parked amid the mound of gifts the 1996 FLH stood out like the true gem it was. The bike was fitted with Aerolite wheels and Avon tires. The seat of finely crafted Connoly leather with the initials "JF" stamped into it. The tank sports a fixed-wing, interplanetary craft flying through a lightening storm amid roiling clouds, the theme continues to the fenders, jet black with electric blue bolts of lightening streaking over them. Otherwise the bike is
all chrome and rumble.
Jola stepped up to the bike and studied it with wide eyes. She'd not seen anything like this in decades. She was almost afraid to touch it. Finally, she ran her hand along the splendid leather seat, and let her fingers trace her initials. Easily, she swung a long leg over the bike and rocked the bike fully upright, feeling the way her muscles responded to the bike. She walked it forward a bit, away from the other presents.
With a kick, and one was all it took, she started the engine. It growled to life instantly. Tears burst from her eyes and she turned off the engine to lean over the handlebars, crying freely. Whoever it was who gave this to her, whoever Santa is, she sent her blessings to him. All the memories of the Christmases she loved came back to her, the memories of her mother and sister and brother. Suddenly she missed them so much that she nearly choked on
her grief. On top of that, the thoughts of David, Ulath and Wil. Thank god she had her kids. Now, if she only had Wil.
"Thank you, Santa."
-
DoS Archive
- Archivist
- Posts: 30701
- Joined: Mon Feb 16, 2004 8:27 am
From: gnrtdrgoon@aol.com (GnrtDrgoon)
Date: 25 Dec 1998 15:00:08 EST
When G'nort finally made it to the Arena after a late night with his family, he was quite tired, to say the least. But since the Arena was on his "Rounds", so to speak, he decided to check in and see how things were going.
He made his way to the tree, seeing a varying array of gifts. The thought, -very- Briefly crossed his mind that leaving these here would be a bad idea if he were the type to say, take them himself. But it was the holidays, and everyone deserved a little something.
He then noted a large gift that was addressed to him. He blew off the hot pink nametag as whoever sending it to him was just being funny. So he wasn't bothered by that.
He then opened the gift, which revealed a full length Mirror.
When he looked into it, he simply growled and set about the Arena and then left.
"When I get a hold of that runt Evan....."
::grumblegrumble::
Date: 25 Dec 1998 15:00:08 EST
When G'nort finally made it to the Arena after a late night with his family, he was quite tired, to say the least. But since the Arena was on his "Rounds", so to speak, he decided to check in and see how things were going.
He made his way to the tree, seeing a varying array of gifts. The thought, -very- Briefly crossed his mind that leaving these here would be a bad idea if he were the type to say, take them himself. But it was the holidays, and everyone deserved a little something.
He then noted a large gift that was addressed to him. He blew off the hot pink nametag as whoever sending it to him was just being funny. So he wasn't bothered by that.
He then opened the gift, which revealed a full length Mirror.
When he looked into it, he simply growled and set about the Arena and then left.
"When I get a hold of that runt Evan....."
::grumblegrumble::
-
DoS Archive
- Archivist
- Posts: 30701
- Joined: Mon Feb 16, 2004 8:27 am
From: jonalyn@aol.com (Jonalyn)
Date: 25 Dec 1998 21:07:20 EST
The woman appeared in a soft azure shimmer, her glance taking in the tree and the items surrounding it. She approached the tree, then noticed the slim box of silver trimmed in green nestled among the items. It had a tag with her name on it. Without out even a backward glance she turned, leaving the box unopened. She was not in the habit of accepting gifts from strangers, least of all one who had insulted her publicly. She called
out to Hubie, "Och, th' box, there, th' one bearin' me name, wouldst kindly return it unto th' one wh' left it there, shouldst th' personage make an appearance? Ah do thank ye." She tossed a gold to the serving lad, then shimmered a soft azure vanishing to spend the day with her husband and family in the privacy of Arda Castle.
Date: 25 Dec 1998 21:07:20 EST
The woman appeared in a soft azure shimmer, her glance taking in the tree and the items surrounding it. She approached the tree, then noticed the slim box of silver trimmed in green nestled among the items. It had a tag with her name on it. Without out even a backward glance she turned, leaving the box unopened. She was not in the habit of accepting gifts from strangers, least of all one who had insulted her publicly. She called
out to Hubie, "Och, th' box, there, th' one bearin' me name, wouldst kindly return it unto th' one wh' left it there, shouldst th' personage make an appearance? Ah do thank ye." She tossed a gold to the serving lad, then shimmered a soft azure vanishing to spend the day with her husband and family in the privacy of Arda Castle.
-
DoS Archive
- Archivist
- Posts: 30701
- Joined: Mon Feb 16, 2004 8:27 am
From: nekedrat@aol.com (NekedRat)
Date: 25 Dec 1998 23:23:10 EST
::It was the smell that first alerted him, such a stench that he awoke wide eyed and afraid, his heart beating an unnaturally quick rhythm. After the first fearful seconds came the recognition, it was the feral blue eyed one for sure. He crept out of his hole and witnessed the exchange between the Queen and the more worthy serving lad. Waiting just long enough for the hideous blue haze to
vanish, he scurried to the tree to stand between Hubie and the slim silver gift. With a hiss the bald rodent turned snatching up the quill box to carry out his instructions. Her actions were predicted and unwittingly Jonalyn Starfare had just set things into motion that would one day cause the unforgiving one to relive her actions before the great spruce with deep regret.::
Date: 25 Dec 1998 23:23:10 EST
::It was the smell that first alerted him, such a stench that he awoke wide eyed and afraid, his heart beating an unnaturally quick rhythm. After the first fearful seconds came the recognition, it was the feral blue eyed one for sure. He crept out of his hole and witnessed the exchange between the Queen and the more worthy serving lad. Waiting just long enough for the hideous blue haze to
vanish, he scurried to the tree to stand between Hubie and the slim silver gift. With a hiss the bald rodent turned snatching up the quill box to carry out his instructions. Her actions were predicted and unwittingly Jonalyn Starfare had just set things into motion that would one day cause the unforgiving one to relive her actions before the great spruce with deep regret.::
-
DoS Archive
- Archivist
- Posts: 30701
- Joined: Mon Feb 16, 2004 8:27 am
From: rlupton@aol.com (RLupton)
Date: 25 Dec 1998 23:45:44 EST
The cloaked Warlord trekked down the steps in an early morning breakfast quest. His staff was on vacation, but the boys were always here.
After a few minor moments, Marcus was handing him a mug of coffee, appreciatively splashing within his mouth imbued with a relieved sigh.
A tag grasped his eye better than any salesman, marked with a salient, "Lupton est Dracoern." Lupton eased curiously toward the package, lifting it slowly in a single hand. He took a remembering sip of the steaming brew before placing it aside and peeling away the paper. Within the long box resided a hand-crafted doll of a woman, short raven hair and sea blue eyes making obvious the impersonation. Then, with a quiet chuckle, he noted the thick noose
tied about the likeness's neck, the rope dangling over his hand. Again grasping his coffee, he returned to his large chair, sipping and marveling at this dream-like screen shot of the lady Jonalyn.
Date: 25 Dec 1998 23:45:44 EST
The cloaked Warlord trekked down the steps in an early morning breakfast quest. His staff was on vacation, but the boys were always here.
After a few minor moments, Marcus was handing him a mug of coffee, appreciatively splashing within his mouth imbued with a relieved sigh.
A tag grasped his eye better than any salesman, marked with a salient, "Lupton est Dracoern." Lupton eased curiously toward the package, lifting it slowly in a single hand. He took a remembering sip of the steaming brew before placing it aside and peeling away the paper. Within the long box resided a hand-crafted doll of a woman, short raven hair and sea blue eyes making obvious the impersonation. Then, with a quiet chuckle, he noted the thick noose
tied about the likeness's neck, the rope dangling over his hand. Again grasping his coffee, he returned to his large chair, sipping and marveling at this dream-like screen shot of the lady Jonalyn.
-
DoS Archive
- Archivist
- Posts: 30701
- Joined: Mon Feb 16, 2004 8:27 am
From: drakewyni@aol.com (Drakewyn I)
Date: 26 Dec 1998 02:12:08 EST
The Coal Black Raven flew into the Arena, going to memorize the daily posts and missives that were of interest to his half-sister, Drakewyn. He was, of course, no ordinary Raven, but a Dragon traveling in a more convenient form.
Talmiurian had seen Christmas trees before, traveling the Realms with Mikhail, and knew that they were commonly seen in the winter months...
Leaving off the messages, the Raven flew over to the stack of presents. Poking and picking around, he noticed many gifts to the friends of his half-sister.
He felt the magic being used in his proximity and stopped stock still as a woman appeared in a shimmer of azure light. After hearing the woman exchange a few words with a serving lad, he felt the magic again and watched as she vanished. Going back to his examinations of the presents, he missed the scuttling of the rat, and it's taking of one of the gifts...
After a moment, his eye lit upon a name that meant something personal to him... The multicolored twelve inch silver tube has a slot on one end and a small basket catch device at the other. Along it's length there are ten bands of wood, each band is stained with the colors of the rainbow also including white, each band can be turned. A tag lies inside the petite basket, it reads "To: Delilah". On the other end of the tube a bit of paper is tucked
into the slot, it reads ...
"The Handy Dandy Candy Coated Chocolate Color Changing Chute
Instructions:
Line up your desired color combination with the pink bead.
Drop any candy coated chocolate treat as will fit into the slot.
When your treat drops into the basket
it will have a coating that corresponds with the chosen color mix.
Hence a &&&&&&&&&& will result in a lavender coating, just as
a &&&&&&&&&& will result in a deep purple coating."
The note further read...
"Warning!
The use of non-chocolate based candies wi/
/////////////////////////"
The warning label was torn, the remainder was no where to be found.
Talmiurian wasn't so sure about taking a gift to his neice that had a warning label that was torn, but he was reasonably certain that Drakewyn could deal with any problems that might occur... Besides, he hadn't gotten her a Solstice gift and this reminded him of that fact.
Carefully picking up the present with his beak, he flew over to the cork-board and finished reading the rest of the messages... then flew off to the remote cottage to deliver the gift...
Date: 26 Dec 1998 02:12:08 EST
The Coal Black Raven flew into the Arena, going to memorize the daily posts and missives that were of interest to his half-sister, Drakewyn. He was, of course, no ordinary Raven, but a Dragon traveling in a more convenient form.
Talmiurian had seen Christmas trees before, traveling the Realms with Mikhail, and knew that they were commonly seen in the winter months...
Leaving off the messages, the Raven flew over to the stack of presents. Poking and picking around, he noticed many gifts to the friends of his half-sister.
He felt the magic being used in his proximity and stopped stock still as a woman appeared in a shimmer of azure light. After hearing the woman exchange a few words with a serving lad, he felt the magic again and watched as she vanished. Going back to his examinations of the presents, he missed the scuttling of the rat, and it's taking of one of the gifts...
After a moment, his eye lit upon a name that meant something personal to him... The multicolored twelve inch silver tube has a slot on one end and a small basket catch device at the other. Along it's length there are ten bands of wood, each band is stained with the colors of the rainbow also including white, each band can be turned. A tag lies inside the petite basket, it reads "To: Delilah". On the other end of the tube a bit of paper is tucked
into the slot, it reads ...
"The Handy Dandy Candy Coated Chocolate Color Changing Chute
Instructions:
Line up your desired color combination with the pink bead.
Drop any candy coated chocolate treat as will fit into the slot.
When your treat drops into the basket
it will have a coating that corresponds with the chosen color mix.
Hence a &&&&&&&&&& will result in a lavender coating, just as
a &&&&&&&&&& will result in a deep purple coating."
The note further read...
"Warning!
The use of non-chocolate based candies wi/
/////////////////////////"
The warning label was torn, the remainder was no where to be found.
Talmiurian wasn't so sure about taking a gift to his neice that had a warning label that was torn, but he was reasonably certain that Drakewyn could deal with any problems that might occur... Besides, he hadn't gotten her a Solstice gift and this reminded him of that fact.
Carefully picking up the present with his beak, he flew over to the cork-board and finished reading the rest of the messages... then flew off to the remote cottage to deliver the gift...
-
DoS Archive
- Archivist
- Posts: 30701
- Joined: Mon Feb 16, 2004 8:27 am
From: lrdcimmeri@aol.com (LrdCimmeri)
Date: 26 Dec 1998 19:03:40 EST
::He hated all things, all things of good cheer
He even despised the taste of good beer
He'd made his way careful, he made his way quick
Out to snatch up all things, the things of Saint Nick
Slipping through streets and into the taverns,
he collected many things and stored them in caverns
With feet like lightening and eyes faster than cat's
He crept down the steps, like a bald little rat
Reaching the ring he opened his bag
Filling it fast and dropping the tags
A ball, a rake, and an elf's lone shoe
He stole them all swift, a BB gun too
Eyeing the tree, he wanted it bad,
It could not be done with all that he had
Dropping the sack, and reaching the top
He broke off the tip, it came off with a POP
He gathered his load and made for the door
Christmas was over, of that he made sure.
Date: 26 Dec 1998 19:03:40 EST
::He hated all things, all things of good cheer
He even despised the taste of good beer
He'd made his way careful, he made his way quick
Out to snatch up all things, the things of Saint Nick
Slipping through streets and into the taverns,
he collected many things and stored them in caverns
With feet like lightening and eyes faster than cat's
He crept down the steps, like a bald little rat
Reaching the ring he opened his bag
Filling it fast and dropping the tags
A ball, a rake, and an elf's lone shoe
He stole them all swift, a BB gun too
Eyeing the tree, he wanted it bad,
It could not be done with all that he had
Dropping the sack, and reaching the top
He broke off the tip, it came off with a POP
He gathered his load and made for the door
Christmas was over, of that he made sure.
-
DoS Archive
- Archivist
- Posts: 30701
- Joined: Mon Feb 16, 2004 8:27 am
From: ladyeiise@aol.com (LadyEIise)
Date: 27 Dec 1998 01:04:10 EST
::The young apprentice, her slight frame more spare than usual, slipped in to gaze at the tree longingly. She knew deep within her soul that her wish was unlikely to be granted...for surely what she asked could not be found in the dizzying array of gifts beneath the ample branches. Yet, she found herself drawn to the tree... eyes searching vainly for some sign that her words had been heard, let alone granted when she heard the footsteps of another.
With the speed of a cheetah, she moved silently to hide behind the bar, watching the man who had nearly ended her wish's life steal the top of the tree. Nothing less than sheer amazement etched her delicate features as she observed his audacity. Blinking sapphirine orbs, she nearly laughed at his frustration in leaving the gifts behind, summoning one last bit of magic to restore the treetop in exact duplicate. Sagging wearily on the couch, the
archmageling's eyelids drift closed as she determines to wait... and see if perhaps her wish might be granted.::
Date: 27 Dec 1998 01:04:10 EST
::The young apprentice, her slight frame more spare than usual, slipped in to gaze at the tree longingly. She knew deep within her soul that her wish was unlikely to be granted...for surely what she asked could not be found in the dizzying array of gifts beneath the ample branches. Yet, she found herself drawn to the tree... eyes searching vainly for some sign that her words had been heard, let alone granted when she heard the footsteps of another.
With the speed of a cheetah, she moved silently to hide behind the bar, watching the man who had nearly ended her wish's life steal the top of the tree. Nothing less than sheer amazement etched her delicate features as she observed his audacity. Blinking sapphirine orbs, she nearly laughed at his frustration in leaving the gifts behind, summoning one last bit of magic to restore the treetop in exact duplicate. Sagging wearily on the couch, the
archmageling's eyelids drift closed as she determines to wait... and see if perhaps her wish might be granted.::
-
DoS Archive
- Archivist
- Posts: 30701
- Joined: Mon Feb 16, 2004 8:27 am
From: wnstnwlf@aol.com (WnstnWlf)
Date: 28 Dec 1998 18:38:31 EST
Winston had found himself back in the arena in the morining hours on a sunday night. Not a soul was out of bed, christmas and yule had most of the population at home, tired from celibrating, but not this grinning wolf.
Winston stood in the arena, eyeing the tree in one of the rings, an irresistable urge was drawing him closer to it, slowly but surely he found himself stand directly next to the tree, preparing to let his primal insticts get the best of him.
A sly grin crossed the blue furred wolf's maw as he marked his territory. He whispered while he worded, "I'm back ladies." With a grin Winston turned from the tree and the ring and slipped up the stairs and out into the arena.
Date: 28 Dec 1998 18:38:31 EST
Winston had found himself back in the arena in the morining hours on a sunday night. Not a soul was out of bed, christmas and yule had most of the population at home, tired from celibrating, but not this grinning wolf.
Winston stood in the arena, eyeing the tree in one of the rings, an irresistable urge was drawing him closer to it, slowly but surely he found himself stand directly next to the tree, preparing to let his primal insticts get the best of him.
A sly grin crossed the blue furred wolf's maw as he marked his territory. He whispered while he worded, "I'm back ladies." With a grin Winston turned from the tree and the ring and slipped up the stairs and out into the arena.
-
DoS Archive
- Archivist
- Posts: 30701
- Joined: Mon Feb 16, 2004 8:27 am
From: lrdcimmeri@aol.com (LrdCimmeri)
Date: 28 Dec 1998 21:23:56 EST
::He could have lit the torch himself, but it was so much more fun letting an unwitting patron do it for him. Slipping down into the Arena, cloak and hood drawn tight, he had requested a spark with which to light his torch ... and someone was only too willing. With a grin and a glint to his eyes he made way to the tree, setting the lower branches to flame. Staying long enough to watch the
fire reach the tree's summit, he then turned leaving behind those too foolish to run. He envisioned the old blind man stumbling about, beard aflame unable to breath and his heart filled with glee.:: "...dare to dream..."
Date: 28 Dec 1998 21:23:56 EST
::He could have lit the torch himself, but it was so much more fun letting an unwitting patron do it for him. Slipping down into the Arena, cloak and hood drawn tight, he had requested a spark with which to light his torch ... and someone was only too willing. With a grin and a glint to his eyes he made way to the tree, setting the lower branches to flame. Staying long enough to watch the
fire reach the tree's summit, he then turned leaving behind those too foolish to run. He envisioned the old blind man stumbling about, beard aflame unable to breath and his heart filled with glee.:: "...dare to dream..."
-
DoS Archive
- Archivist
- Posts: 30701
- Joined: Mon Feb 16, 2004 8:27 am
From: sirduel@aol.com (Sir Duel)
Date: 28 Dec 1998 23:02:20 EST
........::the old blind man did not stumble, and doesn't have a beard. But for a brief frightening moment, he blanked. Being deprived of oxygen he had passed out in the grey smoke. The others were fine with a cough or two, but not he, for the state of his health was far worse than that of his comrades. He collapsed. Seconds later, he was up and about, dueling, not caring for the pyro.::
Date: 28 Dec 1998 23:02:20 EST
........::the old blind man did not stumble, and doesn't have a beard. But for a brief frightening moment, he blanked. Being deprived of oxygen he had passed out in the grey smoke. The others were fine with a cough or two, but not he, for the state of his health was far worse than that of his comrades. He collapsed. Seconds later, he was up and about, dueling, not caring for the pyro.::
-
DoS Archive
- Archivist
- Posts: 30701
- Joined: Mon Feb 16, 2004 8:27 am
From: rhy@aol.com (Rhy)
Date: 01 Jan 1999 16:57:55 EST
She had long since learned better than to assess the value of a gift by its cover, but this one overwhelmed her sense of generosity....and the fact that the giver had gotten her entire name spelled correctly on the name tag, added no small amount to her amazement. It was not only a priceless present, but brought with it a lengthy list of questions, beginning with... "how" had the giver known?
Hyperion protocol demanded an exchange of gifts, even if she could not match the value. Her first ideal in this case had been nixed by Lupton and included a series of humorous threats. A smile at that as she had not been serious. He had known, but he always brought her laughter. That was its own kind of gift, and he made it daily without effort. A slight tug at the heart reminded her she was missing him and with a concentrated effort of will, she
forced her thoughts along.
Her touch was reverent as her fingers curled about the dented cateen in her hand. It was plain, with well worn trimmings of green and what appeared to have been crimson, now darkened by time and use. On the closest of examinations, there was not a single unusual thing about the flask aside from its extreme ordinary appearance. Oh yes,...and the not so ordinary fact that...on use, -its waters never ran empty-!
She had said but one prayer in recent months, and that had taken place on Kronous 9 three days outside of the landing colony at Newtown. After one too many setbacks, she and the cartographer Desmond Stewart found themselves stranded on the eastern rim of the Chaldara dessert with but half a canteen between them. It had been water that she'd prayed for, and water that they had eventually obtained, in a manner hauntingly familiar. Now she owned it
in excess. She had to speak with this Santa Cloz, not only to thank him personally, but to locate Desmond as well.
Survival being paramount, once obtained, gave way to other concerns of living. Desmond owed her money, -much- money and had conveniently disappeared. He was an excellent mapper as opposed to his talent for honest dealings. She'd expected he'd try to cheat her, but his rapid leavetaking took her by surprise as well as amusing her to no end. Owning a natural penchant towards wry humor, the thought of him bug eyed and trembling if she "happened" to
drop into his remote hiding hole brought a smile to lips easily given to that pasttime. He knew what she was capable of...but would she? Ah well...sweet dreams those, as ones of vengeance always were. Experience had alas often proven it less than satisfying in the wreaking, and there were other priorities at the moment, her current one being..."how did one thank any being for the gift of life"?
~Rowan Hyperion y'Nestral
Date: 01 Jan 1999 16:57:55 EST
She had long since learned better than to assess the value of a gift by its cover, but this one overwhelmed her sense of generosity....and the fact that the giver had gotten her entire name spelled correctly on the name tag, added no small amount to her amazement. It was not only a priceless present, but brought with it a lengthy list of questions, beginning with... "how" had the giver known?
Hyperion protocol demanded an exchange of gifts, even if she could not match the value. Her first ideal in this case had been nixed by Lupton and included a series of humorous threats. A smile at that as she had not been serious. He had known, but he always brought her laughter. That was its own kind of gift, and he made it daily without effort. A slight tug at the heart reminded her she was missing him and with a concentrated effort of will, she
forced her thoughts along.
Her touch was reverent as her fingers curled about the dented cateen in her hand. It was plain, with well worn trimmings of green and what appeared to have been crimson, now darkened by time and use. On the closest of examinations, there was not a single unusual thing about the flask aside from its extreme ordinary appearance. Oh yes,...and the not so ordinary fact that...on use, -its waters never ran empty-!
She had said but one prayer in recent months, and that had taken place on Kronous 9 three days outside of the landing colony at Newtown. After one too many setbacks, she and the cartographer Desmond Stewart found themselves stranded on the eastern rim of the Chaldara dessert with but half a canteen between them. It had been water that she'd prayed for, and water that they had eventually obtained, in a manner hauntingly familiar. Now she owned it
in excess. She had to speak with this Santa Cloz, not only to thank him personally, but to locate Desmond as well.
Survival being paramount, once obtained, gave way to other concerns of living. Desmond owed her money, -much- money and had conveniently disappeared. He was an excellent mapper as opposed to his talent for honest dealings. She'd expected he'd try to cheat her, but his rapid leavetaking took her by surprise as well as amusing her to no end. Owning a natural penchant towards wry humor, the thought of him bug eyed and trembling if she "happened" to
drop into his remote hiding hole brought a smile to lips easily given to that pasttime. He knew what she was capable of...but would she? Ah well...sweet dreams those, as ones of vengeance always were. Experience had alas often proven it less than satisfying in the wreaking, and there were other priorities at the moment, her current one being..."how did one thank any being for the gift of life"?
~Rowan Hyperion y'Nestral
-
DoS Archive
- Archivist
- Posts: 30701
- Joined: Mon Feb 16, 2004 8:27 am
From: meieri@aol.com (MeIeri)
Date: 02 Jan 1999 03:06:29 EST
In the wee hours since the tree itself had been consumed by flames, the young apprentice made her way into the Arena for one last attempt to see if this SantaCloz had indeed taken her seriously. With ponderous steps, she moved into the room, weak and tired, but still willing to chance it to see... just maybe... if he was waiting.
But no. No one was there in the darkest hours... not even the rat she had come to recognize. She sat for a moment, despondent, wishing and hoping with all of her might that she was wrong... that he was there somewhere... for her to say goodbye. She didn't know where Keighven was taking her... or when she would return... If she returned.
With a soft sigh, she rose, gathering the folds of her robe about her spare frame. Summoning what little magic reserves, she conjured up a golden rose, placing it on the board in a place he was certain to find it... and know its meaning. "I shall return, my friend... wait for me. I may be a little late, but I shall surely come."
Having done her final ritual, she turned and slowly made her way out of the Arena and into the bright sunlight of Rhydin day... nevermore to embrace the shadows.
~~@ Elisanne Damaris Sinclair @~~
Date: 02 Jan 1999 03:06:29 EST
In the wee hours since the tree itself had been consumed by flames, the young apprentice made her way into the Arena for one last attempt to see if this SantaCloz had indeed taken her seriously. With ponderous steps, she moved into the room, weak and tired, but still willing to chance it to see... just maybe... if he was waiting.
But no. No one was there in the darkest hours... not even the rat she had come to recognize. She sat for a moment, despondent, wishing and hoping with all of her might that she was wrong... that he was there somewhere... for her to say goodbye. She didn't know where Keighven was taking her... or when she would return... If she returned.
With a soft sigh, she rose, gathering the folds of her robe about her spare frame. Summoning what little magic reserves, she conjured up a golden rose, placing it on the board in a place he was certain to find it... and know its meaning. "I shall return, my friend... wait for me. I may be a little late, but I shall surely come."
Having done her final ritual, she turned and slowly made her way out of the Arena and into the bright sunlight of Rhydin day... nevermore to embrace the shadows.
~~@ Elisanne Damaris Sinclair @~~