Convergence (long post)

[DoS Archive]

From: ceiyn@aol.com (CeIyn)
Date: 02 Jan 1999 10:50:38 EST

((Author's note: Apologies in advance to anyone who may feel slighted that they are not named in this post. I did the best I could with my memories of five years ago. :) BTW, the screenname is Ce"i" yn))


The lady sits by the fire, in a rocking chair given to her so many years ago by a dear friend. Alkron lay sleeping peacefully, and the lady writes.

=====================================================
Journal Entry #1

The new year has come, and I am witnessing a convergence of old and great souls upon the Duel of Swords. If this is an omen of things to come in this year, it is an omen of significant importance.

Since the death of my husband and children, and my subsequent return to RhyDin, I've watched the Duel of Swords. There has been much talk on the old cork board about honor and duty, about the sport of dueling, about politics. There have been many good duelists who have left, for one reason or another, but all seeming to boil down to the degradation of the overall quality of people in the Arena.

I've seen some bright spots here and there. Some "newer" duelists are good people: Gimmzak, Jeffrey Oakenshield, Sartan, Percival de Clermont, G'nort Talanador, Jaycynda Ashleana, Daegarth, Dexter Montoya, Rix Favre, Roland Sal Roa, Drakewyn Alabaster, Topaz Eludes, Zen Rising, Marit Takcouma, JohnTasslehofl Momus, Khrysta Wulf, Nick O'Doyle, Jaem Triver, Colleen Lasher.

Some of the old group has been returning over the last year or so: Grandel Zephyrhus, Jola Feren, Stefano de Fortenza.

Some have even been here throughout: Midnight Blue, Luthien Tinuviel, Rand alTan, Kalamere Ar'Din, Ulath Fici (deceased), Valmion, Leto Covington, Eros DeBurgo, Teleperien, Xenograg kathu-Darelir(retired), Amaltea thu-Darelir(retired), and of course, Dalamar Ar'Daumon.

And of course, a few have popped in and left again: Psi Mysticate, Dare.

But most noticeable to me has been the return of Athlstan, and of course, Alkron.

I've heard rumors as to why Athlstan is back, but I won't speculate on that. I know why Alkron is back.

Who is next to return? Will the Duel of Swords become strong as it once was, when some of us friends would traipse into the basement for something to do when we tired of throwing darts and drinking? I wonder if anyone much here remembers, as I do, how it all started.

The old ones are returning, and one should be aware that though they are older and hopefully wiser, these duelists are no less capable than they were then. Perhaps a little rusty, but that will give way very soon.

Who would I wish to see return? Suzielle. Mad Mad Max. Siera Redwin. Feadur. Juan Ramirez. Kaprielle. The Ace of Swords. Some are dead, some are missing. Maybe these will never return. And perhaps, many whom I've not named may return. My memory, unfortunately, has faded with the passage of time.

I will have to do some more research.

=====================================================

As the lady closes her book, she looks over to Alkron and remembers.
Long ago, she loved him. She also loved Tyran. She chose Tyran to marry, and their love was good. But their life together wasn't easy. Tahasara destroyed any hope for peace they had. It seemed at times it was inevitable that Tyran and the twins die, leaving Celyn to regain her sanity alone, and then with Klytus' help.
Day after day, Celyn would tend her garden and her magic. Life in RhyDin, in her old house, became quiet and mundane. No one really knew she was around, and she liked it that way. Now and then she'd look in on the goings on in the Arena.
Two days ago, she felt Alkron's return. The last time he'd returned, she'd ignored it, believing him to be well over her, and she didn't want to interfere. And yet, the last time he'd returned had brought all her own feelings for him to the surface. She hadn't been able to stop thinking about him since then.
So on this return, she sought him out. She needed to know. If he had another, she would let it go. If not...
He had no other, any longer, at least. He had things to do here, tasks to accomplish. One of those was to settle things with her.
The sun was shining again. Alkron, the first to wear the first Baronial ring of the Duel of Swords, had returned. It would be a good year.

[DoS Archive]

From: gavilean@aol.com (Gavilean)
Date: 07 Jan 1999 08:57:24 EST

The Lord of Westridge rides once again to the old cork board, dismounts and skims though the posts with little interest until he comes across the name of a woman he once knew. At first he smiles...then frowns. He picks up a pen and scribbles on the bottom.

"Greetings Celyn,
It's nice to see you're still living, but I am so insulted. How could you forget me! I was there the day your husband threw his first dart in the Inn and spent many nights ducking those errant little stinging weapons released from his hand.
Welcome back.

Gavilean Starfare
King of Westridge
Warlord of DoS (retired)"

He smiled as he ground mounted Nasrullah and rode away. She would know he was not really offended.

[DoS Archive]

From: ceiyn@aol.com (CeIyn)
Date: 07 Jan 1999 09:16:07 EST


::tacks a note up over Gav's::

Well, I'll be. If it isn't the clown himself! I have a dart right here with yer name on it...

Cel

::vanishes, leaving the sound of giggles fading into nothingness::