From: theredzealot@aol.com (The Red Zealot)
Date: 21 Nov 2000 06:47:28 EST
The lithe figure crouched down before the long braid of snow white hair. A faint blue glow, resulting from the protective enchantments placed up it, bather her face in it's ghostly light. The Duels were empty and the hall of heroes itself had a thin layer of dust upon it's floors, something that never used to be. Tough times had arrived it seemed.
The Villichi priestess sat staring at the white braid for many minutes, the only sounds being her soft breathing and the light creaking of her read dyed leathers.
Her pupilless, milky white eyes closed for a moment as she remembered past glories, a sad departure and the hard road traveled back. She was surprised to feel the heavy weight upon her heart to see how badly the duels had flagged since her leaving. It was not right.
She felt CHEATED!
Her lips quivered and a tears moistened her eyes, but that was the extent of her emotions. She would not, could not, let herself get carried away like this. It was not a warrior priestess' lot in life to lament the passing of things, it was the natural order of the world in fact. Yet it somehow felt fundamentally wrong.
She reached out and traced a finger along the edge of the blue glow and found that she could reach through it with only the slightest resistance. Jonalyn had done well in this respect. She had figured on having to try to dispel the mage's enchantment herself yet it made sense. This was HER braid after all. She caressed the hair and suddenly smiled. Sister Kaprielle had braided this for her the night she cut it off and left it as a reminder that
even though she was gone, a part of her was always here.
So many faces, myriad names...what had become of them? The Femme Fatales were no more, was Alais still alive? Percival...the thought of that handsome face sent a thrill down her spine. A man of such beauty and chivalry that she would have...if only he... . She shook her head and dispelled impossible thoughts, it was folly to think on something that could never be. So many people, so much time passed. She would be strong, these memories would
not break her. Then the image of Sierra Redwin came unbidden to her and she did break down and weep in great heaving sobs. If only she could have been as great, as loved, as respected as that beautiful, fiery warrior.
In time the tears stopped and the woman gathered herself and stood. She had intended to take the braid and leave but she realized that it didn't belong to her anymore. It was part of history, part of the duels and it no longer belonged to her any more than it did the next person.
______________________________________________________________________
The innkeeper looked up at the woman with the short, white spiked hair, and stammered, "M-M-My Lady." Bowing his head to the priestess quickly he continued. "Would ye be wishing a room for the night? Things have been slow lately so we can accomeedate ye if ye wish." He slid an old ledger out from under the counter and opened it before uncorking an inkbottle and handing her a Quill. "I just be needin' yer name fer our records my lady."
The woman took the quill in hand and dipped it into the ink before she quickly scrawled something in the book. Pulling a few silvers from within her cloak and pressing them into the innkeep's palm, she turned to go.
"See to it that I am not disturbed." Was all she said as she climbed the stairs and disappeared.
"Aye priestess, aye." Mumbled the innkeeper as he spun the ledger around and read the name. He blinked and looked into his inkwell...black indeed. Then he read the name and staggered a step. "Och, I need a drink."
Written in the ledger were two lines:
Adeena Maeax,
The Red Zealot.
Contemplations
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From: athlstan@aol.com (Athlstan)
Date: 21 Nov 2000 17:15:54 EST
The bitter sobbing of the warrior priestess had faded with her footsteps, but echoes of disturbance yet troubled the old stones of the dueling hall.
A sense of discomfort roiled the musty air in the black stillness of the unlit arena. The unseen vortex wavered slightly amid the empty rings and the voice of the cleric muttered...
"Aye, the passing of such greatness leaves the world a lesser place..."
After a time the disturbance faded also, leaving the grand old arena quiet as a tomb.
Date: 21 Nov 2000 17:15:54 EST
The bitter sobbing of the warrior priestess had faded with her footsteps, but echoes of disturbance yet troubled the old stones of the dueling hall.
A sense of discomfort roiled the musty air in the black stillness of the unlit arena. The unseen vortex wavered slightly amid the empty rings and the voice of the cleric muttered...
"Aye, the passing of such greatness leaves the world a lesser place..."
After a time the disturbance faded also, leaving the grand old arena quiet as a tomb.
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From: slothshamn@aol.com (SlothShamn)
Date: 21 Nov 2000 17:47:37 EST
It was evening and the cellar was empty. His wingtips sounded overloud on the wooden steps as he descended the time worn way to the darkened rings. He didn't expect to find anyone there, and he wasn't disappointed. The faint stirrings in the dust of an earlier visitation escaped his notice as he made his way to the edge of the center ring and leaned on a post.
Still clad in his dark suit from work, with his overcoat draped across his shoulders as an impromptu cape, he looked awfully out of place, not to mention far from his normal dress in RhyDin.
A gusty sigh escaped the figure as he shook his head slowly, and he began to speak to thin air and shadows, as he had on and off for the last few years, never expecting a response from those who had gone beyond to a better place, but still addressing the air as if his only friend could hear him. He'd been here several nights a week before the duelists, what was left of them, appeared, and after the bartender unlocked the door for the evening. After
all, he was assured of a deserted venue for at least a n hour yet, and where better to woolgather?
"Well my clerical friend, seems you're presiding over more than a bit of quietude these days. Old names gone, old rivalries fading, and less and less of a younger generation to come into their own, eh? Ever thought you'd see the day? A little sad, but at least you'll get a little rest."
He shook his head as another dry chuckle escaped his throat.
"And me, fresh from work, talking to thin air. I guess some things never change. Sleep well, boyo."
Turning and passing by the trophy wall, he paused and grinned, seeing his own retired loincloth and a host of other mementos, wondering what had changed here. Something different, but nothing he could pin down. Maybe one of the younger set had added something? No matter. He'd check again at some later date.
Shuffling just a bit, he headed for the stairs.
Date: 21 Nov 2000 17:47:37 EST
It was evening and the cellar was empty. His wingtips sounded overloud on the wooden steps as he descended the time worn way to the darkened rings. He didn't expect to find anyone there, and he wasn't disappointed. The faint stirrings in the dust of an earlier visitation escaped his notice as he made his way to the edge of the center ring and leaned on a post.
Still clad in his dark suit from work, with his overcoat draped across his shoulders as an impromptu cape, he looked awfully out of place, not to mention far from his normal dress in RhyDin.
A gusty sigh escaped the figure as he shook his head slowly, and he began to speak to thin air and shadows, as he had on and off for the last few years, never expecting a response from those who had gone beyond to a better place, but still addressing the air as if his only friend could hear him. He'd been here several nights a week before the duelists, what was left of them, appeared, and after the bartender unlocked the door for the evening. After
all, he was assured of a deserted venue for at least a n hour yet, and where better to woolgather?
"Well my clerical friend, seems you're presiding over more than a bit of quietude these days. Old names gone, old rivalries fading, and less and less of a younger generation to come into their own, eh? Ever thought you'd see the day? A little sad, but at least you'll get a little rest."
He shook his head as another dry chuckle escaped his throat.
"And me, fresh from work, talking to thin air. I guess some things never change. Sleep well, boyo."
Turning and passing by the trophy wall, he paused and grinned, seeing his own retired loincloth and a host of other mementos, wondering what had changed here. Something different, but nothing he could pin down. Maybe one of the younger set had added something? No matter. He'd check again at some later date.
Shuffling just a bit, he headed for the stairs.
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From: mthorgrin@aol.com (M Thorgrin)
Date: 21 Nov 2000 22:23:02 EST
It was fairly early in the morning when Mikhail arrived at the Arena. The sun was just peaking between the taller buildings. He carried a long box on one shoulder and had a pair of children tagging along behind him.
The door was unlocked of course. He knew there were many times when the Arena was closed, but only once in his long memory had the door been locked.
"Where are we going, daddy?" asked the boy.
Mikhail smiled indulgently. "This ist the Arena, where the greatest of warriors didst fight, argue and e'en fall in love."
The boy rushed in eagerly, only to be disappointed. "It's all empty and dusty."
"Yes," he replied, dropping his more formal mode of speech. "Many believe those days are long gone and have all but abandoned this place. They claim that past glories are forgotten, but they never wait to listen to the Bards that sing their songs."
"Don't worry daddy," said the girl. "I'm going to be a Bard just like you and I will sing the songs too!"
"Daddy, can we go now?" asked the boy impatiently. "You promised we could go see the sky ships today."
"I have to deliver this package first." replied Mikhail as he descended the stairs.
There were many trophies there. All of them memories of times past. He knew most every story there was connected to those trophies; all learned as a Bard often learns them, second and third hand of course.
He set the box on the floor and removed the lid, shaking his head. "You're burning your bridges again daughter, just like always." he muttered, then lifted the long blade from the box. He was careful to hold it by the sheath, knowing from experience that only those of a certain bloodline would be able to lift it any other way.
He turned and rested the hilt upon an empty section of the display and slowly slid the sheath from the emerald bladed sword.
"Isn't that big sister's sword?" asked the girl.
"Nay. It was hers, but now will belong to whichever of her daughters comes to retrieve it."
"Does that mean that big sister isn't going to fight here anymore?" asked the boy.
"Aye. That is what she told me when she brought this to me. She will only be here in the songs, now."
"Now, let's go see those sky ships." Mikhail said with a grin, scooping up his children and carrying them out of the Arena once more.
Date: 21 Nov 2000 22:23:02 EST
It was fairly early in the morning when Mikhail arrived at the Arena. The sun was just peaking between the taller buildings. He carried a long box on one shoulder and had a pair of children tagging along behind him.
The door was unlocked of course. He knew there were many times when the Arena was closed, but only once in his long memory had the door been locked.
"Where are we going, daddy?" asked the boy.
Mikhail smiled indulgently. "This ist the Arena, where the greatest of warriors didst fight, argue and e'en fall in love."
The boy rushed in eagerly, only to be disappointed. "It's all empty and dusty."
"Yes," he replied, dropping his more formal mode of speech. "Many believe those days are long gone and have all but abandoned this place. They claim that past glories are forgotten, but they never wait to listen to the Bards that sing their songs."
"Don't worry daddy," said the girl. "I'm going to be a Bard just like you and I will sing the songs too!"
"Daddy, can we go now?" asked the boy impatiently. "You promised we could go see the sky ships today."
"I have to deliver this package first." replied Mikhail as he descended the stairs.
There were many trophies there. All of them memories of times past. He knew most every story there was connected to those trophies; all learned as a Bard often learns them, second and third hand of course.
He set the box on the floor and removed the lid, shaking his head. "You're burning your bridges again daughter, just like always." he muttered, then lifted the long blade from the box. He was careful to hold it by the sheath, knowing from experience that only those of a certain bloodline would be able to lift it any other way.
He turned and rested the hilt upon an empty section of the display and slowly slid the sheath from the emerald bladed sword.
"Isn't that big sister's sword?" asked the girl.
"Nay. It was hers, but now will belong to whichever of her daughters comes to retrieve it."
"Does that mean that big sister isn't going to fight here anymore?" asked the boy.
"Aye. That is what she told me when she brought this to me. She will only be here in the songs, now."
"Now, let's go see those sky ships." Mikhail said with a grin, scooping up his children and carrying them out of the Arena once more.
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From: ladthejanitor@aol.com (Lad the Janitor)
Date: 22 Nov 2000 11:21:25 EST
Lad entered the empty dueling hall with hesitation. He paused at the top of the steps and gazed down upon what looked like a real mess. His left eye squinted and then twitched.
"Eh, wod I get meself into now",
he mumbled as the door to the Inn closed behind him.
"A freeggin' mess methinks"
The tall, lanky youth jogged down the stairs to a turned over table, righting it with a calloused hand. He peered about the vastness of the huge basement hall and shook his head.
"Might as well start wid the tables", snapping stick like fingers, a damp, fragrant cloth appeared in his hand.
He liked the smell of pine.
Lad the janitor went to work, a chipper whistle filled the dueling hall.
Date: 22 Nov 2000 11:21:25 EST
Lad entered the empty dueling hall with hesitation. He paused at the top of the steps and gazed down upon what looked like a real mess. His left eye squinted and then twitched.
"Eh, wod I get meself into now",
he mumbled as the door to the Inn closed behind him.
"A freeggin' mess methinks"
The tall, lanky youth jogged down the stairs to a turned over table, righting it with a calloused hand. He peered about the vastness of the huge basement hall and shook his head.
"Might as well start wid the tables", snapping stick like fingers, a damp, fragrant cloth appeared in his hand.
He liked the smell of pine.
Lad the janitor went to work, a chipper whistle filled the dueling hall.
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From: hostdfcstormi@aol.com (HOST DFC Stormi)
Date: 23 Nov 2000 19:35:02 EST
Stepping down into the Arena to catch up on some paperwork she slows her pace hearing a whistling below. Pausing on the last step she smiles seeing an unfamiliar face dusting tables.
"Heya! What happened down here? I promise I cleaned up after the last duel before I left last Saturday," eyeing the shambles about the basement.
"Seems there's to be a holiday of sorts Thursday, so the duels won't be open. But, come Friday and Saturday the patrons and callers alike will really appreciate your efforts," crossing to the bar to settle on an empty stool.
"If you have an extra cloth there I'd be more then happy to help," slipping from the stool to make her way over to the man. "By the way, my name is Stormi and I call duels on Saturday evenings. And you are..."?
Date: 23 Nov 2000 19:35:02 EST
Stepping down into the Arena to catch up on some paperwork she slows her pace hearing a whistling below. Pausing on the last step she smiles seeing an unfamiliar face dusting tables.
"Heya! What happened down here? I promise I cleaned up after the last duel before I left last Saturday," eyeing the shambles about the basement.
"Seems there's to be a holiday of sorts Thursday, so the duels won't be open. But, come Friday and Saturday the patrons and callers alike will really appreciate your efforts," crossing to the bar to settle on an empty stool.
"If you have an extra cloth there I'd be more then happy to help," slipping from the stool to make her way over to the man. "By the way, my name is Stormi and I call duels on Saturday evenings. And you are..."?
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From: ladthejanitor@aol.com (Lad the Janitor)
Date: 24 Nov 2000 11:35:46 EST
Lad the janitor looks up from wiping down another table, his chipper whislte ends as he stands upright watching the lady come down the stairs.
"ello, miss. I'm not quite sure what 'as happon here but I'm gettin' the job done..... an I ain't daft when a right lovely lady offers ta help a man of me sorts.", Lad said to Stomi's remarks, a quick snap of his boney fingers produced another lovely scented rag.
"An me name is Lad, a pleasure to make your 'quaintance, Miss Stormi.", a gay wink mingled with Lad's squinty twitch as he tossed the cloth to her.
"we should have this place in order in no time!"
Lad smiled briefly before taking up where he left off, a chipper whislte filling the arena hall once more.
Date: 24 Nov 2000 11:35:46 EST
Lad the janitor looks up from wiping down another table, his chipper whislte ends as he stands upright watching the lady come down the stairs.
"ello, miss. I'm not quite sure what 'as happon here but I'm gettin' the job done..... an I ain't daft when a right lovely lady offers ta help a man of me sorts.", Lad said to Stomi's remarks, a quick snap of his boney fingers produced another lovely scented rag.
"An me name is Lad, a pleasure to make your 'quaintance, Miss Stormi.", a gay wink mingled with Lad's squinty twitch as he tossed the cloth to her.
"we should have this place in order in no time!"
Lad smiled briefly before taking up where he left off, a chipper whislte filling the arena hall once more.
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From: ladthejanitor@aol.com (Lad the Janitor)
Date: 24 Nov 2000 11:35:46 EST
Lad the janitor looks up from wiping down another table, his chipper whislte ends as he stands upright watching the lady come down the stairs.
"ello, miss. I'm not quite sure what 'as happon here but I'm gettin' the job done..... an I ain't daft when a right lovely lady offers ta help a man of me sorts.", Lad said to Stomi's remarks, a quick snap of his boney fingers produced another lovely scented rag.
"An me name is Lad, a pleasure to make your 'quaintance, Miss Stormi.", a gay wink mingled with Lad's squinty twitch as he tossed the cloth to her.
"we should have this place in order in no time!"
Lad smiled briefly before taking up where he left off, a chipper whislte filling the arena hall once more.
Date: 24 Nov 2000 11:35:46 EST
Lad the janitor looks up from wiping down another table, his chipper whislte ends as he stands upright watching the lady come down the stairs.
"ello, miss. I'm not quite sure what 'as happon here but I'm gettin' the job done..... an I ain't daft when a right lovely lady offers ta help a man of me sorts.", Lad said to Stomi's remarks, a quick snap of his boney fingers produced another lovely scented rag.
"An me name is Lad, a pleasure to make your 'quaintance, Miss Stormi.", a gay wink mingled with Lad's squinty twitch as he tossed the cloth to her.
"we should have this place in order in no time!"
Lad smiled briefly before taking up where he left off, a chipper whislte filling the arena hall once more.
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From: hostdfcstormi@aol.com (HOST DFC Stormi)
Date: 25 Nov 2000 17:07:34 EST
Catching the cloth in hand a smile crosses her lips, "Well met, Lad. I'll start on the bar though I'm not certain I can do the job as well as Marcus."
Tending to the work at hand she starts for the banners after giving the bartop a high sheen. "I may need your help with a couple of these, Lad," fumbling with the corners of one rather long banner that had fallen from it's hanger. Teetering on an unsteady bar stool she reaches for the bar rail on her way down, the banner wrapping about her.
"No laughing!", as she sits there looking to Lad with a grin.
Date: 25 Nov 2000 17:07:34 EST
Catching the cloth in hand a smile crosses her lips, "Well met, Lad. I'll start on the bar though I'm not certain I can do the job as well as Marcus."
Tending to the work at hand she starts for the banners after giving the bartop a high sheen. "I may need your help with a couple of these, Lad," fumbling with the corners of one rather long banner that had fallen from it's hanger. Teetering on an unsteady bar stool she reaches for the bar rail on her way down, the banner wrapping about her.
"No laughing!", as she sits there looking to Lad with a grin.
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From: alaisdns@aol.com (Alais d NS)
Date: 26 Nov 2000 12:49:23 EST
::The four winds howled around the deserted castle. Morrin had been gone so long... and the lone figure moved almost wraith-like among the cold grey stones. Her head bowed... contemplation locking her mind away from the ragged cold filtering between the crumbling mortar.::
::Unseeing... unfeeling... oblivious to the physical realities most folk saw and felt.::
::Memories working themselves free from the recesses..... a time when she felt alive... old friendships.... ::
Adeena....
::The name flooded to the forefront of her thoughts. The High Priestess had been a special friend.... her thoughts warmed as she recalled the friendly contests with the sister... and the commaradarie of the Femme Fatales.... what had happened to her swordsister?::
::Raising her head to the grey shadows and cold::.... "Adeena... prithee where haff yer travels taken ye?"
::A gust of icy air whipped through the stone arch where once windows had held the cold at bay.::
::Resolving to go back to their old haunt... for just a moment... soft words of Annaran disturbed the silence... and the figure shimmered into a cloud of silver before dissolving away.::
::She shimmered into substance at the top of the stone stairs the let to the rings... where she had expected to be alone in the darkness of the unlit rings... but she'd stumbled onto mirth and light instead.::
::Pausing in the deepest shadows at the top of the stairs.... she remained stone still... memories flooding through her.:: (sw) Adeena
Date: 26 Nov 2000 12:49:23 EST
::The four winds howled around the deserted castle. Morrin had been gone so long... and the lone figure moved almost wraith-like among the cold grey stones. Her head bowed... contemplation locking her mind away from the ragged cold filtering between the crumbling mortar.::
::Unseeing... unfeeling... oblivious to the physical realities most folk saw and felt.::
::Memories working themselves free from the recesses..... a time when she felt alive... old friendships.... ::
Adeena....
::The name flooded to the forefront of her thoughts. The High Priestess had been a special friend.... her thoughts warmed as she recalled the friendly contests with the sister... and the commaradarie of the Femme Fatales.... what had happened to her swordsister?::
::Raising her head to the grey shadows and cold::.... "Adeena... prithee where haff yer travels taken ye?"
::A gust of icy air whipped through the stone arch where once windows had held the cold at bay.::
::Resolving to go back to their old haunt... for just a moment... soft words of Annaran disturbed the silence... and the figure shimmered into a cloud of silver before dissolving away.::
::She shimmered into substance at the top of the stone stairs the let to the rings... where she had expected to be alone in the darkness of the unlit rings... but she'd stumbled onto mirth and light instead.::
::Pausing in the deepest shadows at the top of the stairs.... she remained stone still... memories flooding through her.:: (sw) Adeena
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From: ladthejanitor@aol.com (Lad the Janitor)
Date: 26 Nov 2000 16:57:03 EST
Lad knew he'd get along fabulously with Stormi, watching her there wrapped in a banner.
He didn't laugh, just grinned at her.
In no time the hall was looking rather tidy and ready for business.
"I'll see you about the place, then Miss, maybe even bring me old short sword and take a night dueling here. I got me a room upstairs. G'day Miss".
With a clap of Lad's hands the scented cleaning rags vanished. Lad nodded to Stormi before he was just ..... just gone.
Date: 26 Nov 2000 16:57:03 EST
Lad knew he'd get along fabulously with Stormi, watching her there wrapped in a banner.
He didn't laugh, just grinned at her.
In no time the hall was looking rather tidy and ready for business.
"I'll see you about the place, then Miss, maybe even bring me old short sword and take a night dueling here. I got me a room upstairs. G'day Miss".
With a clap of Lad's hands the scented cleaning rags vanished. Lad nodded to Stormi before he was just ..... just gone.