SIR BLANDAMOUR (He hesitates, then steps through the portal, Eliza right behind him. They arrive in the longhouse, and he meets Greentunic's glare.) "Greetings. You must be the leader of the druids. I am Sir Blandamour, and this is my esquire, the Princess Eliza. I see by your countenance that you bear me no love, and I could bring complaint against you and yours, also. But, that is not the reason that we are here. Your son has told us that your daughter, his sister lies stricken with a wound dealt by my blade. Now, the blow was in fair fight not of my choosing, but though I do not regret it, I cannot let a young girl suffer so, be she foe or not. If you show her to me, I shall heal her, if that is her fate."

GREENTUNIC (visibly shaken) "Well spoken, Sir Knight. If you can heal the hurt you dealt her, I shall hold you blameless in all of this." (Goes to Diana's bedside, and shows the knight her dressing, stained with blood, which he gently removes. He then looks at Blandamour for instructions.)

SIR BLANDAMOUR (He studies the wound grimly, recognizing it as his own. Carefully, not to alarm anyone, he draws Cold Iron from its scabbard. As soon as it is drawn, all see the kinship in the white glow that surrounds it to that around the girl. He takes the hilt in both hands, kisses it, and mutters a prayer to Torm. The pommel begins to blaze with light, but with warmth in place of the cold blueness. He touches the blazing gem to the wound, and with a snap!, it closes. The blue glow disapears, and the girl awakens with startled eyes.)

DIANA (It seems as if she has been wandering in halls of freezing cold for weeks. She hears voices only vaguely, and recognizes them. Suddenly, there is a searing heat in her cold flank, and she awakens to warmth and her bed. She sees Greentunic, and is glad, but also recognises the face of those whom she had attacked.) "Father, what is all of this? Is our home taken? Have we fallen so far as to be hosting the Paladins?"

<font color=magenta>Isaura

Crouching by Diana's bedside, she had tentatively extended her hand towards her feeble form, wondering whether the contact will deal some deadly bolt of magical energy to herself. She had then heard Addison's cantations and sensed his disappearing act.

All alone with these druids, she suddenly felt vulnerable and strangely... sorrowful. True, Diana would be healed and probably, with lots of luck of course, the dragon would be slain. Good would triumph over evil, and yet... something was not quite right. With a heavy heart, she looked around aimlessly.

When her eyes chanced upon Greentunic's woeful expression, then darted to the mixture of hope and anxiety on Dolman's grubby face, the truth struck her then.

Family. This was kinship, love and every affection that any single living thing ought to feel. She had been deprived of it... no, that was not quite true. She had trampled on the warm regard of Raymond. And while Sorsha had in her childish frustration tried to hurl the responsibilities of the world on herself, she had turned against her.

My own sister. ~ Breathing was becoming rather difficult, with the room spinning around her ~ She was wrong, perhaps, to approach me in such a poorly executed form, but I never gave her a chance either, to get to know me better. ~ Feeling rather wretched, she walked towards the window and gazed out at the luscious greenery mocking her incessantly.

At the sound of speaking voices, she hurriedly turned around. Addison was back and conversing with Greentunic once more.

Perhaps there would be time to make amends, if the rest came this way too...</font>

<font color=lightgreen>For Kellen</font>

<font color=white>The Steeplewood Forest</font>

<font color=thistle>“A strange one, indeed, this lad,” Sylvas says humorously shaking his head at the slumbering elf.

“Quite so,” Belshon agrees and likewise shakes his head. “So disciplined when his hand holds a blade and such a child when it holds a bottle.”

“Quite strange,” Jasper says simply and his smile broadens as he joins in the head shaking. “Simply the most interesting friend we have made in quite some time.” His eyes sparkle as he turns to the others. “Well, we simply cannot leave him here in this state.”

“No, we cannot,” Belshon’s eyes gleam as well.

“He did manage to beat us in the game after all,” Sylvas adds, his own eyes glinting with amusement.

His eyes twinkling as he speaks, Jasper affects a serious manner that nearly reduces the others to fits of laughter. “Fortunately we have faced situations like this before,” he says in his best imitation of the adventurers he has met. “And with cool heads and a little luck we might just be able to get him through this. Aye! ‘tis a quest most noble, fitting matter for the instruments of bards to set to music.” Unable to contain himself any longer he bursts into peals of laughter which the other two immediately echo. Composing himself after a few minutes, the sprite replaces the mithral stopper in the bottle of dwarven spirits. “Fortunately, he left us enough to secure some help in moving him.” Handing the bottle to Sylvas he says, “Take this to one of the goat brothers and promise another bottle once he carries our friend safely to the spring.”

Sylvas flies swiftly off and returns after a few minutes followed by a young satyr. Greetings are quickly exchanged and the goat-legged creature lifts the sleeping elf and bears him to the place where dancing water springs from the stones and flows into a clear pool. The satyr lays the elf onto a mossy patch of earth and gladly receives the promised bottle of strong drink from Jasper. As the goat brother leaves, Belshon hurries to gather the other sprites who make their home near this spring, especially the younglings. Perhaps this strange new friend of theirs will make that same music with his blade for them once more.</font>

<font color=silver>ooc: Once he wakes up, Kellen will find himself surrounded by quite a few friendly, but exceedingly curious sprites of various ages.</font>

OOC- All I have to say is, thank god for chinese internet!! ^__^ although I probably won't be able to access it again, at least not for awhile..
IC- Skye strode into the fringe of the forest, and gave the castle a backwards glance. (OOC- I do believe our group finally made it to the castle..?) Setting her shoulders she turned back to the forest and strode on. She didn't trust that king, and she believed the others could deal with him. She wanted to find out some about the dragon, and the involvement of the forest dwellers. She smiled slightly to herself. Perhaps she may even get her memory back. Unslinging her harp, she started to play an elven tune softly to herself as she continued on through the forest.
OOC- Skye's going to go through the forest, around the castle towards the dragon's lair. she's hoping that she may find some information out before she reaches there. By the way, does the king have any relative that would be good at ruling? We can just finish off the king and the dragon, and life will be good. ;)

OOC>> Skye, I believe all the group are at the castle except Blandamour, Addison, Eliza, and Isaura, who are at the druid's Longhouse. IC>>
OLD HERMIT (To Skye) "Well, what have we here on this fine day? A prety lass, out for a stroll, I should say, but all dressed up for fighting. Is there something old Skua can do for ye today?"

SIR BLANDAMOUR (To Diana) "Well there is your Druidic gratitude! I made your wound, so I suppose that I should heal it, but that leaves unanswered your attack on myself and my esquire." (Turns to Greentunic)"Your treasure is restored to you, druid. Do you know of something that might repay it? Has the den of the dragon have any secrets that he would not like for us to know?"

OOC- alrighty then, works for me. ^^ Also having my character break off will be helpful for when I'm not here, cuz I wont slow anyone down.
IC- Skye smiled at the old hermit. "Well, I was just looking for some musical inspiration. Also I might run into something that might make it start ticking up here again." She pointed to her head, a silly grin on her face. "You wouldn't know anything about the dragon near here that I could use to compose into a ballad, now would you? Or perhaps the forest, I like nature stories."
OOC- She's not a blade-bard for nothing.. ^^

<font color="plum">As Attalus and Greentunic discuss the dragon, Addison sits down and removes his shoes. He pulls a small jar containing some type of ointment out of one of the larger pouches on his belt and begins applying it to the wounds on his feet and legs.

The Quicklings' blade had completely pierced his left foot and the pain was becoming intense. The stab wound to his right foot was less severe, but he also had several cuts on both legs.

The magic of the ointment brings instant relief from the pain and the wounds start to close as soon as the ointment is applied. Addison closes his eyes and savors the healing warmth spreading through his legs. His wounds aren't healed completely, but the pain is greatly reduced and he should be able to travel without any problem. Another application of the ointment later in the evening should finish the healing process completely.</font>

OLD SKUA (To Skye) "Ah, the dragon! Big ol' worm, ain't he? Yeah, if you wanna sins a song about power and the beauty of flyin' free, blocking out the sun, an' lookin' for aybody that you might come across, he'd be your subject. Stick around, I'll give ye some o' my greens, and you may see him comin' out of his den over younder. But, we'll have to be hidden, and not move nary a bone, for he can see a cony twitch, he can, an' he'll be hungry."

GREENTUNIC (To Blandamour, slowly and sourly) "Aye, well, ye've proved a man of your word, so I should repay ye. The dragon's den has a back entrance, and it is hidden not a league from here. He doesn't use it, for it is too small. He used the quickling to guard it, but that shouldn't be a problem, now. OH, and the captive princess, not like yours" (he glances slyly at Eliza) "is chained right beside where he sleeps."

<font color=magenta>Isaura

She watches apprehensively at the sight of Legolas and Sorsha entering the room via the portal. All her wretchedness of moments ago come surging back in her veins as her gaze meets her sister's. It is a tensed moment, but what should be done, must be done.

Stepping forward now, she clears her throat before speaking to her golden-haired sibling ~ "So... you are coming along as well." ~ Not quite knowing what else to say, she falls silent, wondering if that was an ill-chosen statement.</font>

<font color=silver>Sorsha

Her cheeks flush slightly as her exotic-looking sister approaches, then addresses herself. She, too, feels rather nervous and nods her head wordlessly, clenching her fists subconsciously. From Legolas' quiet and reassuring presence does she draw courage and strength. After a while, she replies softly ~ "Yes. And I hope you do not grudge it."</font>

<font color=magenta>Isaura

A lump forms on her throat, and she barely swallows it, realising that her earlier harshness would now always be a memory tarnishing their relationship. She lowers her head and whispers ~ "Let us forget our last conversation... we were both in the wrong, and there is no point dwelling in thoughtless words and frayed tempers." ~ Darts a glance at Sorsha ~ "What say you to that?"</font>

<font color=silver>Sorsha

The gush of delight coursing through her body is unspeakable ~ She is willing to give me another chance! ~ Yet seeing her sister's sincerity, she immediately feels guilt ~ I must not abuse this... I swear... I mustn't give in to temptation. ~ Hurriedly, she nods her head, trying to contain herself ~ "That is a wonderful idea, Isaura."</font>

<font color=cyan>There is little else to say between the two, who regard each other in a new light. The elven ranger, while happy to note this turn of events, is equally absorbed in the conversation of the others.</font>

LADY GALADRIA (She follows Sorsha and Legolas through the portal. She immediatly sees Blandamour and Eliza talking to Greentunic, whild Addison dresses his wounds. A beautiful green-haired girl is looking at Greentunic, anxiously listening to the conversation. She moves to listen to the convesation, though she wishes that the odor in the cabin were not so strong. Were they curing hides?)

ELIZA (She stands protectively near Blandamour, wishing that the girl on the bed weren't so beautiful. What if Blandamour liked green hair? She wishes that they could go on at get at the dragon, though she realises that valuable information has been obtained. She looks at Blandamour's sword, Cold Iron, dangling negligently in his huge fist, and thinks, that's not the only wound he deaals out that does not heal.)

OOC>>>Sorry Cyril and TAO, I have not had much fun with family here all week...I haven't even played NWN!!! Such a terrible sin, yet here I am posting, and not playing as I should. I can't stay away from this place. Anyway, here I go...

<font color=skyblue>Raymond

Raymond was listening to TAO's whisper, and was being distracted by the magical whispers of the forest. Night had fallen, yet the grove stayed radiant and alive. The winds had become cooler and Raymond was feeling the exaustion in his limbs sinking in. Not wanting to interrupt TAO's thoughts, yet needing to dismiss himself, he quietly said,

"Lady TAO, may I ne excused to rest this night? I am terribly fatigued and ...and...well, may I" ?</font>

[ 07-06-2002, 09:16 PM: Message edited by: Larry_OHF ]

Skye smiled. "Thank you, that's very kind. But surely there's a way to get closer, mayhap when the wyrm is asleep? Rather nervewracking(sp?) to compose a ballad when you can't move, out of fear of being eaten.. Rumour is, he has some sort of princess holed up there with him. Why doesn't he just eat her? Too bony?" Skye then handed the old hermit some elven mead that she had grabbed at the tavern. "Here, we can share this with your greens. Too bad there aren't any elves to share it with.. haven't seen any of my kind for a long time.. Er, I think..." she scratched her head in consternation, the beginning of a headache coming on as she struggled to remember.

SKUA (To Skye) "Aye, well, that'll go down fine. C'mere under this sycamore tree. It's hollow an' has a good view of the slot that lead's to his den. Careful, now, he's got some kind of buzzing guardian around the entrance."

(Sanael, who is watching the village, hears rustling in the bushes about 20 meters from him.)

Sanael Ganahr

sits up with a start - the suns warmth (and a lack of sleep from the night before) had lulled him to sleep. But he was sure that something or somebody had just stepped on a fallen branch behind him. Checking the village and seeing no change, he carefully moves towards the sound. In a few moments he sees the half-elf bard that had accompanied the group and an old man trying (rather amateurishly in his oppinion) to hide under a tree.

Carefully he moves closer - drawing his sword. When he's right behind them he clear his throat and hisses:

"What are you two doing here?"

<font color=skyblue>For Raymond</font>

<font color=white>The Steeplewood Forest

THE GROVE</font>

<font color=darkseagreen> “Shhhh!” Ligeia laughs softly to Raymond. “Never interrupt a woman when she’s opening up the mysteries of her past.” She rises to her feet and Aesop bounds quickly to her side. “Come, and I will show you to a place of rest.” Leaving the others to continue their conversation, she leads the young man across the grove to the other side of the great tree. Moving through an opening in a stand of laurel near the stream that runs from the spring at the grove’s entrance, she stops at a small hillock and whispers a few words in a strange language. An opening appears in the hillock. “The clasp I have given you will allow you to enter and leave this space without difficulty. Inside you should find all that you need.” Bending to scratch Aesop between the ears, she looks up at him and smiles, “Rest well, my friend. And tomorrow we shall see to your desire to remain among us.”

<font color=silver>ooc: Inside the hillock awaits a simply furnished, but quite comfortable room.</font>

<font color=skyblue>Raymond

Raymond bows to his hostess as she left the small abode. Looking over the place at a mere glance, he saw his heart's desire and ran over and flopped down upon the bed. He was asleep in seconds.</font>

EDIT:
I just sent you a PM about NWN

[ 07-07-2002, 09:36 PM: Message edited by: Larry_OHF ]

Just responded.

Sanael hears another rustle to the left of the bard and the monk. Silently moving closer, he sees a buckskin clad figure fitting an arrow to a bow and aiming at the bard and the monk.

<font color=skyblue>She watches wryly out of the corner of her eye, and smiles watching Raymond stumble off to sleep..........

~I shouldn't stay here long........it could be dangerous to them..........~ she frowns slightly, and turns back to her cloak, watching the glow of the sword beneath it fade away........~no, not very long at all......~

As she looks around with silver/amber eyes glowing, she whispers softly into the wind, "a long time to wait, and an even longer time to wait for that..........."

Smiling at confused looks, she sits back down on the grass, watching the runes carved in her palms glow softly to match her eyes......

another rose of crystal, this one in pink appears in the palm of her hand.........</font>

SIR BLANDAMOUR (To Greentunic) "Very well, if you show us the back entrance, I shall hold my healing and your attacks requited. Will you show it to us?"

GREENTUNIC (grudgingly) "All right, paladin, follow me." (He leads them to a hidden entrace beneath some hawthorne bushes.)

Sanael Ganahr

reacting instantly he charges the bowman, who tries to react to this new threat - but he hurries his the shot and the arrow passes harmlessly to the right of Sanael.

Before he can get another arrow from his quiver Sanael is upon him - slashing with his sword. The man falls back - trying to use his bow as a staff - the sting having been severed by the initial stoke from Sanaels sword.

Sanael draws his dagger - and the man tries to respond in kind - but that leaves him with just one hand on the bow, which Sanael knocks out of his grasp with quick thrust.

Realising the futility of futher fighting the man turns and runs - but before he can reach cover an arrow slams into his back - causing him to stumble. He tries to get up, but then another arrow strikes him, and he collapses facedown on the ground.

Sanael stands for a moment with a third arrow nocked and searches his surrounding for more enemies. Finding none he returns it to its quiver. Then he picks up his sword and dagger from the grond next to him, where he had dropped them when the stranger started to flee.

Sword in hand he goes over to see if the bowman had survived this taste of his own medecin.

Sanael sees a female, to his surprise, and still barely alive and trying to get a potion to her lips.

<font color=skyblue>For TAO</font>

<font color=white>The Steeplewood Forest

THE GROVE</font>

<font color=darkseagreen>Seeing the rose appear above the visitor’s palm, Ullalume rises and walks quietly to where the others are seated. “Claudia,” she says in a placid voice. The blonde woman nods at Ullalume and reaching out slowly takes the flower from TAOWolf’s hand. Ullalume removes one of her gloves and her eyes narrow as she lightly touches the crystalline petals with her ungloved fingers. Her touch is brief, both for her own sake and that of this mysterious guest about whose life time has been so strangely coiled.

Walking back to join the group Ligeia stops short and stands still watching as the expression on Ullalume’s face clouds for a moment. Even Aesop pauses in his movement. Iphigenia rises and, moving behind Ullalume, places a supportive hand upon the cyver’s shoulder.

Ullalume’s expression clears and she looks at the visitor, the one the others have called TAOWolf. The touch of the flower has called her by another name. “Lliath Madadh-allaidh,” she says quietly and pauses, the flash of recognition in the eyes of the visitor confirming that this is a name she has once been called. “Lliath Madadh-allaidh,” she continues, “the cords of time wind tightly about you, but there are spaces within these binding cords, places where movement has more possibilities than you might know.” She pauses and stares a moment at the shifting amber and silver eyes of the visitor. “There is, among the many tomorrows that open in front of you, at least one whose freedom is too violent to be bound.” Her eyes narrow once more as she concentrates to name this strange thing she has seen, this opening to what seems to be the time of another place. “You are bound, in part, to what will not be bound.” Her eyes suddenly fill with tears and she turns to Iphigenia, “Cruel!” she cries, “They are cruel that have done this to her.” Time within the grove suddenly stiffens for all save the women and their guest. The motion of the wind through the trees ceases and the chorus of crickets falls silent in mid-chirp, even the musical movement of water from the spring grows mute and still. The stiffening of time passes quickly and the placid quietness returns to Ullalume’s features.

Iphigenia holds Ullalume for a moment and then eases her to a seated position on the grass. Turning to TAOWolf she says, “I do not fully understand her words, but her gift is strong and I have not known her perception to be deceived.” At a nod from Iphigenia, Ajax walks over to TAO. The great wolf sits down beside her, resting his head upon her lap. As Ligeia and Aesop rejoin the group, Iphigenia says to TAO, “That we all might better understand what Ullalume has seen, perhaps it is time that your story be told.”</font>

Sanael Ganahr

rolls the woman over on the side and snatches the potion out of her hand.

"You really want to drink this - don't you? Well if you answer a few questions, I'll let you have it. For starters - who are you and why did you try to kill us?"

<font color="plum">Addison's head snaps up in surprise, and he turns to look out the window of the little cottage. He had been aware of Sanael's presence through his <font color="yellow">ESP</font> spell and had been subconsciously following his progress.

The ranger's hidden presence had been reassuring during his negotiations with Greentunic. He had also been glad to "see" the ranger protect Skye and the strange hermit from unseen danger.

But now that the would-be attacker lies helpless, the elf's unnaturally violent streak has surfaced again. Well, there's nothing to be done now. Even if he wanted to, Addison wouldn't be able to arrive in time to intervene. And the woman was preparing to attack a party member - or at least it appeared that way.

Her fate was now in the hands of the unpredictable ranger

Addison changes his focus to the lady lying on the ground to read her thoughts and see if he can learn any information in case she dies before revealing it.

He also sends Skrith to a observe the cofrontation from a nearby treetop.</font>

[ 07-09-2002, 03:29 PM: Message edited by: Cerek the Barbaric ]

WOUNDED DRUID (to Sanael) "I...I am Delia Nightshade. I live in the village over yonder. I was seeking to keep those fools fropm spying on the dragon, our protector. His quickling spies on us, and if we allow anyone to get too near, then he will punish us, maybe flatten our village. Please let me drink the potion. I shall die without it."

Sanael Ganahr

Puts the potion to the druidess lips and lets her drink the potion.

"So the dragon is your protector? - sounds to me like you haven't been following events around here, girl. The Dragon betrayed your little community, you fool. It sent your fellow druids to be slaughtered so that you would no longer be a significant factor in these parts. Still think it's worth protecting?

<font color=silver>Sorsha

"Don't you find all this terribly distracting?" ~ She whispers to both Legolas and Isaura as she watches the proceedings with increasing alarm ~ "Violence... threats... spying..." ~ Shuddering, she stops for a moment, closing her eyes as if to blot out such unpleasant issues. Then feels a warm hand clasping hers reassuringly. Without reopening her eyes, she knows whose hand it is and smiles.</font>

<font color=magenta>Isaura

We're more similar than we think. ~ Indeed, the events are turning rather distasteful, and the plot seems to be thickening even as her companions speak, one by one in turn. Seeing her sister so well-protected by Legolas, she cannot help but bite her lips in frustration. Yet... ~ I have no one to blame but myself. ~ To her great surprise, a thought now repeatedly echoes at the back of her mind.

I wonder how Raymond is faring now...</font>

<font color=skyblue>Legolas

He silently assents to Sorsha's observations, studying the situation from their unobstrusive corner. If it were not for the sake of the kingdom, he would gladly have whisked Sorsha away from these scenes which so obviously disturbed her. Clearly, she was not one who enjoyed the company of strangers, and it was telling on her taut, slightly pale face. Still, one good had come out of their patient following till now - at least the relationship between the two sisters had improved - by leaps and bounds, compared to their first meeting. He wondered about the change in Isaura, as he caught her shining brown eyes staring at himself and Sorsha.

It was then that he began to feel a little uncertain, glancing down at the smiling Sorsha with closed eyes. Would she still wish to follow him after this quest was completed? It would be both comfort and pain to watch her go if she chose to - comfort that she would be well taken care of by her sister and subjects, that she would not have to leave the world knowing he would outlive her a few lifetimes. As for pain... that was obvious enough.

To distract himself, he pored over the group, avoiding Isaura's further looks. Behind him, on the ledge of the window, a little green bird hopped about playfully, its beady eyes fixed upon the unsuspecting elf.</font>

[ 07-09-2002, 07:57 PM: Message edited by: mistral4543 ]

<font color=#9999CC>Ni Deng

All the cross-examination, accusations and what-nots did not interest him as much it could have, in his youthful days. Nevertheless, his sharp eyes easily discerned the more active members of the group as persistently wanting to do something - the bigger, the better. And then, there was the group of three which always chose to stay out of the action. Well, the third member - that foreign looking lady whom he had met many months ago, way back when she had asked for a job in his garden - behaved so erratically now that she had lost her memory.

Ah well, what did it matter? Let the young make their mistakes, that they would willingly learn from them. With that, he tossed all thought of his companions to the wind and scratched his chin, gently rebuking himself for not remembering if he had, in fact, taken any breakfast this morning.</font>

[ 07-09-2002, 08:07 PM: Message edited by: mistral4543 ]

DELIA NIGHTSHADE (To Sanael) "Do...do youspeak true> Did he indeed plot against us? Imust...I must talk with my chief druid. Mayhap, I can help you."

SIR BLANDAMOUR (To the group in the Long House) "Enough talk. Let us go. Greentunic, show us this entrance, and lead us well, or I shall not be gentle."

GREENTUNIC "Aye, then, all right." (He leads the party to the edge of a huge clearing where the grass and trees are scouched. An open mouth with bones strewn about are easily seen. This is the dragon's entrance. He then steals into the underbrush, pulling a bush aside. A small opening is seen. There is no sign of a guard.)

<font color="plum">Addison steps up to the opening. Removing some spell components from a pouch, he begins casting. When he is done, a small, dis-embodied eye is floating in the air, looking around at the party.

He then turns to Blandamour.

"I will scout the passage and cavern of the wyrm with a magical eye. Are we to summon Lady Galadria and the rest of our companions before entering, or do you wish to proceed without them once the scouting is done?"

Addison pulls the brush aside and mentally commands the <font color="yellow">Wizard Eye</font> to enter the passage and look around.</font>

OOC: Thanks for the repley to my pm, Attalus.

IC:
Sanael Ganehr

After checking to see if the druidess can be moved - he lifts her up on his shoulder.

"Let us see if we can't find your leader. I would love to hear his explanation for this little ambush."

Moving with deliberate speed Sanael moves past the druid grove and follows the tracks leading towards the rear entrance.

Upon arriving he sees Sir Blandamour and the Druid kneeling at the entreance the rest of the party standing around. As he enters into view, he notices Addison lokking straight at the spot where he appeared. Addison says something to Sir Blandamour who looks up to see Sanael approaching with a figure over his shoulder - arrows still sticking out of her back.

"I think you had better reconsider entering the cave Blandamour - I think the druids are trying to betray you."

Sanael lowers the druidess to the ground

"I was near the main entreance when this one tried to kill me and Skye in an ambush. Perhaps something similar awaits inside the cave."

[ 07-10-2002, 04:58 PM: Message edited by: Ar-Cunin ]

<font color=skyblue>For Raymond</font>

<font color=white>THE ESTATE</font>

<font color=darkseagreen>The objects have been completed and her artists have exceeded even the remarkable quality their feverish and inspired efforts had promised. She runs her fingers along the delicate ebonwood carvings and smiles at the feel of the smooth and flawless detail. So much emotion, so much spirit has been poured into this work that the wood itself seems to reach into dimensions beyond the merely tangible. Work such as this cannot simply be displayed passively for the eye to appreciate. No, work such as this must be brought into contact with life to touch and stir the passions of those it greets. Her smile broadens and the aspect of Cora completely falls away leaving only that of Melpomene.

“He sleeps,” she says quietly, delight ringing in her voice, “and his dreams are strong.” Having paid him one visit and not been refused – and, indeed, who would refuse one who simply accepts and stirs the deep and hidden ideals of the heart? – it is a simple matter to find and enter his dreaming spirit a second time. Her hand gently closes around a small ebonwood carving whose surface is filled with minutely detailed embellishments and her form dissipates, slowly losing density and color until it is no longer to be numbered among physical things. Yes, tonight she shall have a most enjoyable visit with young Raymond and the work of her artists will be put to good use indeed ......</font>

SIR BLANDAMOUR (He balls his left hand around Greentunic's clothing and lifts him several inches off of the ground)(to Sanael) "Say you so? Blast it, I have never trusted druids. Now, sirrah," (to Greentunic) "Speak, for your life. Are there ambushes within?"

[ 07-11-2002, 08:24 AM: Message edited by: Attalus ]

GREENTUNIC (Writhes in B's grip) "No, no, I swear by my daughter's life, that there is nothing." (Glares at Celia) "Nightshade! What have you been doing? I have warned you before of being too zealous on the dragon's part. Can you not see what he has cost us? These people, though they are not like us, can free us of his evil domination, the Balance requires it."

LADY GALADRIA {To Blandamour) "I volunteer to go into the cave first, my Lord. I am not afraid of these lot." (Looks contemptuously at Greentunic, dangling from Blandamou's huge fist, and Nightshade bleeding on the ground next to Sanael)