Decrescendo

[DoS Archive]

From: novashayde@aol.com (NovaShayde)
Date: 26 May 1998 10:14:22 EDT

The doors and windows have been locked tight. Nova Grey Shadow stands on the front porch of his home, looking back at the now empty house. He had wound the music box his sister had given him before he left... he can still hear its somber notes, even outside. He hangs his head for a moment, the music causing him to remember the past years of his life. The people he has known, the thoughts and feelings shared, those that are no
longer alive or within the realm... he recalls every face and name. The thought strikes him as odd, sparking a short, quiet chuckle, as he begins to realize...
He never said goodbye. To any of them. There will be one or two that will wonder where he has gone, though they all should know. A few will resent him for not saying goodbye, a few will be hurt that he didn't take the time, with all his speed, to just stop and say something... anything. The truth, he knows, is that he can't. He can't look these people in the eyes and say "Well, I'll probably be back some day, but I just have to say goodbye
for now." He knows he'll never be back. The fight is a lost cause.
Suhn has been in the midst of a third civil war for months now. He had received word the morning before that the Wall of Shadow had been breached. The magnificent statues embodying his ancestors had been crushed beneath the strength of an enemy army. The city beyond the wall invaded, those inhabitants that stayed behind doubtlessly slaughtered. No, he can't go back to his homeworld to lead some spectacular army to victory... his duty is to
return, fight, and die.
His sense of honor has railed against his common sense these past weeks. His heart against his mind. His mind tells him not to leave. To stay in RhyDin and live on, with friends surrounding him. But his heart says he could never forgive himself. In the end, his sense of honor prevails.
The lights have been turned out. The ShadowKeep stands empty. Nova Grey Shadow turns from the house and descends the stairs. As his feet touch the ground, he looks up at the afternoon sky... and disappears from the realm of RhyDin in a swirl of starlight... without saying goodbye. And the music slowly fades.

[DoS Archive]

From: cygnetsera@aol.com (CygnetSera)
Date: 27 May 1998 08:18:45 EDT

The Seraph's visage is soft in a shadow of sadness as she senses an old friend departing the realm.

A gentle aura of celestial light touches him, lighting his chosen path.



Cygnet Seraphin
Redeemed1st of the 9 Orders
Keeper of the Queue, ad call, DoS
Swordsman, DoS
Veteran, Jade Gryphons, TDL
~cs~