Hanging up the Hat.

[DoS Archive]

From: ellemcbrde@aol.com (ElleMcBrde)
Date: 03 Jan 1999 02:24:02 EST

The hat of a conspirator had never been an easy piece to wear. Never. Of course, as with everything, it did come with its share of benefits and rewards. Virtuous or not so, rewards were rewards.

Elle would never forget the time she acquired an entire army for half a piece of lint. She thought it to be a great accomplishment, despite her dear husband's despondence as he mourned the declining lint population. Lord Halfwit, as he was most commonly known, had been in total compliance, or at least he seemed to be when she flashed him a charming smile.
There was also the instance upon which she "borrowed" the grand fountain from a neighboring element. The redhead had immediately fallen in love with its artistical curves and soothing flow, and she soon devised a wily strategy to keep it as her own. Less than two weeks later, the Plane of Fire had a fresh centerpiece in its main courtyard.
Her most memorable feats of conspiracy encompassed more practical matters, predominantly love. If asked, the redhead would single-handedly take credit for the pairing of some of RhyDin's prominent individuals. So what if Dalamar and Sidartha--while having made the relationship decision themselves, Elle would certainly claim a large portion of the movement--were the only two still together? Always the quality, she would tell herself, not the
quantity.

And, oh, the grandest conspiracy of all! She had thought that having Stefano de Fortenza fall in love with her would just be another minor task in her preternatural life. Little did Elle Raven McBride know, the handsome man of princely attributes would instead be the one to lure her. She found her thoughts consumed by his coarse and oftentimes dogmatic nature, and it frustrated her to no limit. Always wondering and having to guess how he felt,
she casually scrutinized him when she believed he was not paying attention. Much to her surprise, he had frequently been doing the same thing to her.
The deciding, fulfilling moment had finally come when they stood together at the altar of an ornate, pillared temple. When he gazed down into her emerald eyes, she realized that all that she needed was to be found in that single soul, that one body. It was there, in front of family, friends, and all higher powers, they vowed to be as one. For better, for worse. In sickness, in health.
Until death would they part.

So, it came to pass that one day, while looming over their newborn daughter's cradle, she came upon a startling revelation. As she stared into the foresty green eyes of little Aubrey Natélle, Elle de Fortenza discovered her greatest priorities. Family. Marriage. Stefano. Aubrey.

Alas, the hat of a conspirator had never been an easy piece to wear...

...and it would be a hat Elle de Fortenza would wear no longer.