From: khrystawlf@aol.com (KhrystaWlf)
Date: 30 Jan 1999 11:41:49 EST
It had begun as a slow night in the Arena. There were challenges of import going on in the Annex and most of the patrons of DoS were away, watching them. Keeping her rings full had been a challenge in itself. Her rings had been empty when the small, frail child had called for a duel. "Duel Cherri... Duel Cherri..." She had smiled at the youngster as she and Edible entered her ring.... The Ring of Tymora, Lady Luck. "I suppose
this means yer name is Cherri, then?" The child had smiled a bright smile in return with a nod. The duel began and before she knew it something was terribly wrong in the ring. Cherri.... Cherri of the bright eyes, ready smile and strawberry-blonde hair had fallen to the sands. She had cut her small blade low in an attempt to get under her opponents thrust, trying to use her small size to her advantage. But it hadn't worked, and the thrust
connected solidly against her shoulder. Her opponent, Edible, who had see the smallness and frailty of the little girl, had reversed his blade and hit the child with the hild of his weapon rather than the blade, and it didn't look to be a serious injury. Khrys waited for the child to rise and continue the duel, but Cherri stayed down in the ring.... a small trickle of blood at the corner of her delicate mouth. By the time Khrys realized that
something was wrong and ran to the frail form in the sands, the child was dying. She died moments before Khrys reached her, the soul of the child fleeing the now cooling form..... All the healing power of Kaewynn given to her couldn't heal what was already lifeless...... "Nooooo!" The sound was a muffled sob as she gathered the child to her breast and carried the still form from the ring. She laid the child on the caller's couch, covering her
with a quilt. Sir Cassius had tried to heal the waif as well, but to no avail for the somber Warrior Priest. He had taken the small body to prepare it for the trip to the next plane of life. As Khrys said a short prayer for the waif, she closed the staring, lifeless eyes and gently kissed her forehead before pulling the bright patchwork up to cover her strawberry blonde hair. This child would grace the rings no more.... This child would never
again smile, or laugh. This child was gone from our lives... forever. During the rest of the night Khrys tried to understand what had happened. The Ward had failed in some way...... and a child had died because of it.
The next morning she rose from a sleepless bed, pulling a dark green tunic on over black leggings. The somber colours fit her mood. Stamping her heels into her boots, she stamped out of the cottage as well. The community needed to be told what had happened, and it was her job as the official on duty when it had occured. She reached the message boards and placed a small notice for all to read of death.
Ladies and Gentlemen of RhyDin~~~
It is my sad duty to inform you that a death occured in the Arena yestereve. A child was killed during a duel. Her name was Cherri and she was about 7, or possibly 8, years of age. The Ward apparently failed for no reason that I, with my admittedly limited abilities in this area, am able discern. This child has been taken by Sir Cassius to be made ready for her passing to the next plane. Anyone who knows the parent(s) should contact him so that
they can be notifiied of the arrangements for their loved one.
Khrysta Wûlfgar
Caller for DoS
Khrys looked at the short note, an unnoticed tear running down her cheek. With a sharp nod she tacked the notice to the cork. Turning her back, she nearly fled the dark confines of the message kiosk. So little to have been said for such a sweet and innocent little girl.
((Author's Note:: This is NOT a closed thread. Please,everyone, feel free to respond.))
On The Death Of A Child
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From: taylara@aol.com (Taylara)
Date: 30 Jan 1999 12:35:59 EST
::Saddened by the child's death, her thoughts of her own daughter, Kammi, who duels under the Ward. But curious as to why the Ward of Gondar has suddenly become selective in who it protects::
((AN: This was just a thought and there was no one at the boards when it entered her mind.))
Date: 30 Jan 1999 12:35:59 EST
::Saddened by the child's death, her thoughts of her own daughter, Kammi, who duels under the Ward. But curious as to why the Ward of Gondar has suddenly become selective in who it protects::
((AN: This was just a thought and there was no one at the boards when it entered her mind.))
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From: auritan@aol.com (Auritan)
Date: 30 Jan 1999 19:23:08 EST
To All Who May Have Interest:
I have read both Edible's and Khrysta's recountings of the events that transpired in the Arena on the night of the 29th day of this month. These events concerned the death of a child in the rings. I have noted in both accounts of this tragedy that the child was not struck a mortal blow, as Edible had reversed his blade, tapping her on the shoulder with the hilt. The exact manner of her death remains a mystery to me.
From this incident, however, there have been questions raised about the ability of the Ward of Gondar to adequately protect (or allegations that it selectively protects) the patrons of the Duel of Swords Arena. As the temporary Guardian of our Ward of Gondar, I feel it necessary to document the fact that the Ward appeared to be in full force and operating correctly during the ill-fated time of this child's death.
I do not claim to be all-knowing of the workings of the Ward, but I have been physically and mentally linked to the Ward's interaction with the dueling rings for some time now, and I have come to recognize a certain manner of response from the Ward to injuries suffered by our duelists, both within the confines of the Arena and without. I noticed no disruption of the Ward during the time noted that could possibly explain the deed which transpired.
Without going into the details of the linkage between myself, the Ward of Gondar, and the ever-healing Stone of Earth which hath become, as it were, a part of me, suffice it to say that the Stone would most assuredly prevent the Ward from causing harm, as has been proposed in one theory as explanation for the death of the child. Also, I believe that I would be acutely aware of any attempt subvert the Ward, so I have cause to disbelieve that theory
as well.
However, as I have stated elsewhere on these boards, I have noticed on many occasions that outside influences, most notably the frame of mind of a victim of injury, can and do affect the ability of the Ward to provide revitalization to one injured in the Arena. I attribute this to the known fact that magical healing, such as provided by our Ward of Gondar, can be thwarted by the recipient of such healing, if he or she strongly believes that the
magic cannot work on them. Stated in simpler terms, I believe that the Ward's healing powers can be rejected by a strong-willed person hell-bent on causing himself or herself injury.
I have further noted that some talismans worn by people entering the Arena interpose their powers betwixt the person and the Ward. This also might provide some explanation for the event which transpired.
Upon reading Edible's account, and now Khrysta's, of the child's death in the rings, I can put forth only one other logical explanation for this event, and I shall repeat that explanation for those who may not have perused it in my original note.
The 'child' in question may have been 'planted' (perhaps not even being a child) or subverted by someone with a sick mind who was trying to prove a point in reference to our recent discussions regarding allowing children to duel in the Arena. 'Tis to this point that I note with curiosity no parent hath stepped forward to claim the poor child's remains, although I am well aware of the multitude of children in the realm who live off the streets and
have no knowledge of their parents.
As I have stated elsewhere, I morn the passing of this child with a heavy heart and tear-filled eyes. I am but a simple and humble man. I grieve the loss of any who pass away, but the death of a child causes my heart pain of a greater magnitude. This event has caused me to resolve my opinion of children dueling without proper supervision, though I shall not introduce that opinion into this document.
Be it known to all reading this missive that, from the moment I heard of this horrific deed, I rededicated my vigilance to the Guardianship of the Ward of Gondar, and to the Powers of Light for which I and the Stone of Earth both stand. I shall be glad to assist in whatever way possible, any efforts to uncover the truth of this incident, such that it may never again occur.
With humble regards for all, I am
~Auritan the Meek
[Humble Bearer of the Stone of Earth]
[Guardian (for the nonce) of the Ward of Gondar]
[Protector of the Light; Bane to the Dark]
Date: 30 Jan 1999 19:23:08 EST
To All Who May Have Interest:
I have read both Edible's and Khrysta's recountings of the events that transpired in the Arena on the night of the 29th day of this month. These events concerned the death of a child in the rings. I have noted in both accounts of this tragedy that the child was not struck a mortal blow, as Edible had reversed his blade, tapping her on the shoulder with the hilt. The exact manner of her death remains a mystery to me.
From this incident, however, there have been questions raised about the ability of the Ward of Gondar to adequately protect (or allegations that it selectively protects) the patrons of the Duel of Swords Arena. As the temporary Guardian of our Ward of Gondar, I feel it necessary to document the fact that the Ward appeared to be in full force and operating correctly during the ill-fated time of this child's death.
I do not claim to be all-knowing of the workings of the Ward, but I have been physically and mentally linked to the Ward's interaction with the dueling rings for some time now, and I have come to recognize a certain manner of response from the Ward to injuries suffered by our duelists, both within the confines of the Arena and without. I noticed no disruption of the Ward during the time noted that could possibly explain the deed which transpired.
Without going into the details of the linkage between myself, the Ward of Gondar, and the ever-healing Stone of Earth which hath become, as it were, a part of me, suffice it to say that the Stone would most assuredly prevent the Ward from causing harm, as has been proposed in one theory as explanation for the death of the child. Also, I believe that I would be acutely aware of any attempt subvert the Ward, so I have cause to disbelieve that theory
as well.
However, as I have stated elsewhere on these boards, I have noticed on many occasions that outside influences, most notably the frame of mind of a victim of injury, can and do affect the ability of the Ward to provide revitalization to one injured in the Arena. I attribute this to the known fact that magical healing, such as provided by our Ward of Gondar, can be thwarted by the recipient of such healing, if he or she strongly believes that the
magic cannot work on them. Stated in simpler terms, I believe that the Ward's healing powers can be rejected by a strong-willed person hell-bent on causing himself or herself injury.
I have further noted that some talismans worn by people entering the Arena interpose their powers betwixt the person and the Ward. This also might provide some explanation for the event which transpired.
Upon reading Edible's account, and now Khrysta's, of the child's death in the rings, I can put forth only one other logical explanation for this event, and I shall repeat that explanation for those who may not have perused it in my original note.
The 'child' in question may have been 'planted' (perhaps not even being a child) or subverted by someone with a sick mind who was trying to prove a point in reference to our recent discussions regarding allowing children to duel in the Arena. 'Tis to this point that I note with curiosity no parent hath stepped forward to claim the poor child's remains, although I am well aware of the multitude of children in the realm who live off the streets and
have no knowledge of their parents.
As I have stated elsewhere, I morn the passing of this child with a heavy heart and tear-filled eyes. I am but a simple and humble man. I grieve the loss of any who pass away, but the death of a child causes my heart pain of a greater magnitude. This event has caused me to resolve my opinion of children dueling without proper supervision, though I shall not introduce that opinion into this document.
Be it known to all reading this missive that, from the moment I heard of this horrific deed, I rededicated my vigilance to the Guardianship of the Ward of Gondar, and to the Powers of Light for which I and the Stone of Earth both stand. I shall be glad to assist in whatever way possible, any efforts to uncover the truth of this incident, such that it may never again occur.
With humble regards for all, I am
~Auritan the Meek
[Humble Bearer of the Stone of Earth]
[Guardian (for the nonce) of the Ward of Gondar]
[Protector of the Light; Bane to the Dark]
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From: sirduel@aol.com (Sir Duel)
Date: 30 Jan 1999 19:35:23 EST
Oi...healer's insite:
Was der any'in' wron' wit da child's frame? As in speaking..was she vulnerable? A bone or spinal disorder perhaps? Dat would make any blow fatal, if a irresponsible parent lets a sick child duel...as fer other explanations, a blow to the collar bone, punctures sah'mtin'?
::brushes back a tear as he posts it up::
If any o' ye want ta know perhaps more o' me explanations, or if I can examine the body, contact.
Coron
Healer Practice-
Contact-13 Locke Dell, Rhydin-
Date: 30 Jan 1999 19:35:23 EST
Oi...healer's insite:
Was der any'in' wron' wit da child's frame? As in speaking..was she vulnerable? A bone or spinal disorder perhaps? Dat would make any blow fatal, if a irresponsible parent lets a sick child duel...as fer other explanations, a blow to the collar bone, punctures sah'mtin'?
::brushes back a tear as he posts it up::
If any o' ye want ta know perhaps more o' me explanations, or if I can examine the body, contact.
Coron
Healer Practice-
Contact-13 Locke Dell, Rhydin-