I'm experimenting with a new form of RPG here. Basically, I'll be creating all sorts of new characters and roleplaying each of them <font color="silver">without having determined the big plot or sub-plots</font>. Every action here is based simply on the history, mannerisms and traits of the characters; they are not aware of one another's thoughts and will be interacting as if they are strangers to begin with (unless stated otherwise).

The reason I'm doing this is because I've a hyper-active imagination and I'd like to move the dynamics of the plot as much as possible, without being hindered by time-zones too much.

<font color="white">To the mods - Please let me know if you feel that this violates or goes against the spirit behind this forum's rules. If so, you have my word that I will cease this immediately :D </font>


As for all others interested in joining this story, <font color="gold"> YOU ARE MORE THAN WELCOME</font>. Just create a character, and see how you can fit her or him into the story<font color="gold"> COHERENTLY</font>.

Now, for the simple rules:

<font color="yellow">No power-players are allowed. All characters are capped at Level 13, for simplicity. And please, no liches, dragons, beholders or whatnot's. I don't find them interesting [img]graemlins/hehe.gif[/img] </font>

<font color="lightblue">Read before you post. Your character's actions must follow from all that has happened since you last read/posted. I will ignore your character's actions if they do not make sense.</font>

<font color="lightgreen">No controlling of other characters' actions without the consent of the person who created them. Killing off, imprisoning or even mazing other characters is a definite no-no.</font>

<font color="pink">No spamming allowed. Enough said [img]smile.gif[/img] </font>


Okay, with all that out of the way, I'm going ahead with my experiment ;)

<font color="silver">Sorsha

As she lifts her head towards the sky, the twinkling stars seem to beckon to her. ~ One day, my love... one day... ~ Blinking her eyes, she shakes her head, biting her lips determinedly. ~ How can I go on without him?

Feeling a tug at her skirts, she looks down to see the puppy chewing at her skirt, its bright eyes gleaming innocently at her and its tail wagging furiously...against her will, a tear trickles down her right cheek and she hurriedly wipes it away. ~ I must be strong... for his sake.

Bending down, she pats the puppy gently, whispering ~ "Time to go, Puka." ~ In answer, the pup opens its mouth, panting excitedly, its tongue rolling out and tail wagging once more.

The two figures continue on their way, into the darkness of the night...</font>

<font color="yellow">Damien

His acute sense of hearing picks up a series of footsteps heading his way. Immediately, his right hand grips the hilt of his longsword and he crouches behind the bushes, peering out from the spaces between the leaves. ~ A skirt... four paws... ~ He relaxes a little ~ Just a harmless young lady, probably taking a stroll with her pet ~

Nevertheless, he continues to strain his ears, listening to the girl's melancholic voice.

<font color="silver">"Well, Puka, it's just you and me now, isn't it? What shall we do? No one wants us... certainly not Philip's family."</font> ~ Here, there is a heartwrenching sob ~ <font color="silver">"Death would be far more welcome than this..."</font> ~ The voice trails off, and the footsteps halt momentarily.

I wonder... ~ Indecision creeps into his mind ~ Tis none of my business, yet to watch a lone maiden wandering in the woods is no chivalrous act. ~ As he pauses to consider his next action, he fails to hear the footsteps creeping towards him from the back...</font>

<font color="lightgreen">Gavrouche

Camouflaged by the trees, he watches the figure ahead, crouched against the bushes, apparently spying on something beyond. ~ Here's my chance... ~ A characteristic smirk forms on his cracked lips and he licks them to allay their dryness.

Treading silently, he draws out a dagger with his right hand and makes his way toward the figure. Whipping out his gloved left hand, he covers the mouth of his prey and presses the blade of the dagger against his throat.

"Let's make a deal here, bud. You hand over your goods, and I'll return you your life." ~ To emphasise his point, he applies pressure on the blade, and grins as he senses the tension surge through his victim. </font>

<font color="AACCFF">Legolas

As he walked over the snaking path toward the village up ahead, the elf noticed the people in the village were still awake. Men and women walked the streets ahead, some of them holding candles, others mugs of ale. Strings full of leaves hung between the houses, probably fresh and green.

He heard a soft voice to his right, though there never once came a reply. Soon after, his keen ears picked up the sound of footsteps. A girl, a woman, was walking through the forest, talking to herself.

Having decided she was not a thread and would not be likely to spot him anyway, he walked the last few hundred yards into the village. He would get some rest before moving on again.
</font>
OOC: Not sure about this, but you want us to make up a history and keep it secret, then let the character enter the world, the character being unaware of what is happening around him/her and relying only on information which could realistically be gained through seeing/hearing first hand?

(ooc: Yes, Legolas, that's right. Your post was just fine :D )

<font color="silver">Sorsha

As she makes her way with Puka into the stillness of the night, her tired eyes finally detect spots of light glowing in the distance ~ A village perhaps... ~ For the first time in days, a tiny smile creeps onto her lips.

"See there, Puka? That's our goal." ~ In answer, the pup tilts its head towards her, his tongue drooping out and his tail swinging vigorously from left to right.

Crouching down, she swoops him into her arms and they continue towards the first signs of civilisation in the areas they have covered.</font>

<font color="White">Raymond

Raymond sat outside his home that evening...in a quiet little village where nothing ever happened. Sure, an occasional bear or someting would wander out of the woods, but the village was quick to take care of it. They may have even looked foward to it. Nothing ever happened. All day long, it was the same old thing. Go till the garden, feed the livestock, whittle a few sticks, and back to bed for the night.
Raymond loved the cool night air. It was both refreshing and peaceful. Being this far away from any major city held it's advantages. No robbers, no murders, no stink of the city life. This was paradise. Yet, Raymond felt like it was also a prison. Someday...he would have a great adventure. He would save a life or slay a dragon!...
Well...those were mere dreams and held little truth. Raymond knew he wa destined to do one thing. Die of boredom. </font>

<font color="yellow">Damien

His voice muffled by the cursed glove covering his mouth, he nevertheless swears violently at his lapse of concentration. Briefly, he contemplates retaliation... ~ Yet a wrong move, and my neck would be slashed and I would die a pathetic death ~ His fists clench tightly ~ And after all, it's just money... ~

Reaching into his pocket with his left hand, he draws out his money pouch and drops it onto the ground. In the next few seconds, he senses the intruder reaching out with his left hand to pick his loot and keeping it.

The blade on his throat disappears and he spins around to see a shadow dashing off into the woods.</font>

<font color="lightgreen">Gavrouche

Chuckling to himself as he dives into a particularly bushy undergrowth, he shakes his head in amazement ~ "I did it!... I actually did it!... What will they say to this?" ~ Hurriedly, he stifles the cry of triumph threatening to emit from his cracked lips.

My first attempt at robbery... ~ And then, the elation dies down, replaced by a whiff of suspicion. Hastily, he draws out the pouch and pours out its contents ~ Two hundred gold pieces... ~ This time, his teeth flash in the darkness ~ A decent enough loot.

Satisfied, he begins sprinting towards home...</font>

<font color="silver">Sorsha

As she steps into the village, Puka cuddling in her arms, the light in her azure blue eyes begins to waver ~ I hope the people aren't too hostile to strangers... ~ Nervously, she makes her way to the nearest inn and enters it, her heart thumping wildly.

"Erm... excuse me..."

At the sound of her faltering voice, silence shrouds the room. A dozen pairs of eyes scan her trim figure and strange companion. Realising that she may faint in any moment, she staggers towards the innkeeper and whispers ~ "I... I seek employment... d...do you need workers?"

The innkeeper takes a look at her delicate frame and frowns ~ <font color="skyblue">"Well... I do need a helper to make the beds, serve our guests and such. But I'm not sure if you're up to the job, my dear... you look ready to fall to pieces if someone much as breathed on you."</font>

"Oh, please... please... take me. I can work long hours... anything... I'll do anything..." ~ A film begins to form over her eyes ~

<font color="skyblue">"Oh, alright then...I've always had a soft spot for sweet young things."</font> ~ The kindly old man winks at her ~ <font color="skyblue">"I think we'll get along fine... my name's Winthorp, by the way. Oh, and one thing I can't possibly tolerate is your tears. We don't want to frighten our customers away with them, do we?"</font> Chuckling, he casts her another friendly grin.

On an impulse, she sets Puka on the counter, runs behind it and gives Winthorp a big hug. ~ "Thank you!"</font>

<font color="yellow">Damien

Walking briskly ahead towards what appears to be a village, he sighs inwardly ~ Of all the rotten luck… ~ Feeling a tremendous growl followed by a persistent churning, he suddenly becomes aware of his ravenous and exhausted state. Yet… …no money…. ~ He grits his teeth ~ If I ever lay my eyes and hands on that rogue…

The realisation of his poverty strikes doubly hard at his heart ~ Now I can't even afford to stay in a proper inn… ~ His weary eyes gaze around the surroundings and he spots a lone resident sitting outside his home. Picking up the air of restlessness, he studies the stranger more carefully ~ A young fellow, probably hungry for adventure… I wonder…

Striding up towards the youth, he smiles broadly at him ~ "A good evening to you, young sir! My name's Damien, and perchance, I came across your village, after a most… regrettable incident. May I have the honour of being your acquaintance?"~ He extends his right hand towards the lad. </font>

<font color="silver">Sorsha

As her shy eyes gaze around the room, they rest on those of an elf sitting by himself at a round oak table, eating absently. A sudden shudder runs through her ~ He looks just like him! ~ Gasping for breath, she turns away in time before his penetrating eyes detect her strange behaviour.

The room is filled with a series of excited yelps as Puka runs forth, leaping onto the lap of the elf. He begins to wag his tail vigorously, licking the shirt of the elf playfully.

With a thumping heart, Sorsha walks over to the table, her hands fidgeting ~ "F…forgive him, sir… y...you reminded us of s...someone close..." ~ In the long awkward silence that follows, she continues stammering ~ "W..would you happen to know a person named... J..Justin?"</font>

<font color="white">Raymond

Well met, Damien!
The name is Raymond.
Raymond Rothberg.
Have a sit if ye will.
What troubles you, good sir?
May I be of any help?</font>

<font color="yellow">Damien

Heaving a sigh of relief, he takes the proffered seat ~ "Well met, too, Raymond. I have spent the last few weeks trying desperately to locate someone... someone who has some strange object." ~ He gives a wry grin ~ "I'm not making much sense, am I?"

Leaning back against the wall, he inhales deeply before continuing ~ "My tale is an odd one... in the early days of my childhood, my father engaged the best tutors for me. Swordsplay, literary... he envisioned a life of greatness for me. And so, I learnt all that I could... I was bored to tears of it, really."

His right hand raises to pat Raymond on his shoulder ~ "You remind me of what I would have preferred to be... a carefree life, I mean." ~ Yawning involuntarily, he goes on ~ "My swordsmaster now wants me to retrieve a powerful artifact for him, and my father fully supports this mad quest, thinking it time that I prove my manhood. Well, whatever it is has gone missing, and nobody knows where it is, including whose possession it could be in. So as far as I see it, I'm on a fool's errand."

Smirking to himself, he mutters ~ "And my first encounter with the real world had to be with a rogue... my money is gone, and I'm hungry and tired..." ~ Shaking his head ~ "What a life this is."

His voice trails off and he stares into the starlit sky.

<font color="lightgreen">Gavrouche

Home turns out to be little more than a run-down hut. As he sits grinning and recounting his prize, his eyes assume a faraway look ~ Wouldn't it be a lark to find some real treasure...

Abruptly, he stashes his money safely into his belongings and walks over to the window. Peering out, he perceives two figures seated outside Raymond's house. ~ Could Raymond be having visitors? But he's never had any... ~

Curiousity gets the better of him, and he sneaks out of the hut, hiding in shadows. As he approaches slowly but steadily towards the two, his eyes widen in recognition and he suppresses an oath ~ Well, I'll be... if it isn't my victim of an hour ago! </font>

<font color="white">Raymond

Well...It seems that you and I want what the other has...I tire of milking cows and weeding the garden. I want to do something grand!
By the way...I would like to help you. Seeing as you are short of funds, you can stay here, or I will pay you a night's stay at the Inn. We don't usually have many visitors, so the Inn is real quiet. They have food there as well, but let me tell you...I can cook a mean cornbread! You gotta try it! What will be your decision, then? Stay or go to the Inn?</font>

<font color="yellow">Damien

He smiles at the enthusiastic lad's hospitality ~ "I'll gladly accept your offer, Raymond. I'll sample your culinary skills, and I'm not too proud to accept a place to rest in."


(ooc: Larry - You can drag Damien along if you want to pick it up from here till I return tomorrow. As I said, I've no plans in mind about where this is leading; it's free and easy :D )

<font color="white">Raymond

Raymond begins to cook a fine dinner for his new friend that had found trouble this night, as Damien begins to lay out a series of wild and fanciful tales of his adventures and the world that is unknown to a commoner. He figured that was the best way to pay Raymond for his services this night.
They eat the meal, then Raymond shows Damien into the guest room that he had built just for an occasion like tonight, where he could help a travelor in need.
The night is upon them, and both are sound asleep within minutes, Damien dreaming about the simple life, and Raymond dreaming of rescuing damsels from dragons. </font>

<font color="skyblue">Gerald

Hey! Pretty Lass! Get yer tail feathers o'er 'ere and quit wasting time wit dat elf! I wanna dwarven ale!!!
Hey! Did ye here me??? Be quick 'bout it!!!</font>

<font color="AACCFF">Legolas

Legolas was glad he could rest his tired feet in the inn. His stomach too, had growled for the past few days. Waving the innkeeper over, the elf had ordered a meal and wolved it down in minutes.
Still hungry, he asked for another serving. His greatest hunger stilled, he ate slowly, thinking about his plans for the next day.

He snapped back to the present when the girl started speaking to him in a soft, halting voice.

"Aye, I know a man named Justin," he says, his voice strangely accented even for an elf. "Old Justin One-eye is one of the best rangers this side of the great forest. He may not be much of an archer, but the man's pure muscle and brain."

Legolas pauses for a second, taking another bite of food
"S that the Justin you're looking for? But I can see in your eyes he isn't. Come, sit down. I am Legolas."
</font>

<font color="silver">Sorsha

The gleam of hope that had found its way into her eyes dies instantly, and she blinks rapidly, her fists clenched in an effort to control herself. Hearing a booming voice yelling for dwarven ale from the other side of the room, she pulls herself together as well as she can ~ "Coming, good sir!"

Turning back to the elf, she gives a wistful, apologetic smile ~ "I... I'm sorry that I have to decline... this being my first day of work, I... I have to serve everyone..."

<font color="skyblue">"Oi, you! Are ye daft, lass?!"</font>

Hurriedly, she drops a curtsey to the elf and dashes to the counter, grabbing the ale that Winthorp had prepared for her. Looking up, she sees Winthorp's encouraging smile ~ <font color="lightblue">"You're doing just fine, my girl."</font> ~ And the burden in her heart lightens not a little.

She now makes her way to the slightly irate customer and places his beverage gently in front of him, giving him an embarassed smile ~ "I... I'm sorry... I'm new and a little slow here." ~ Her cheeks flush slightly and she makes to return to the counter.

<font color="gold">Day 2

As the gentle rays of the sun beam on the quiet little village, the roosters begin to crow. One by one, the windows of the quaint cottages open.

A lone old man steps out of his house, his gnarled right hand gripping a staff tightly. Making his way to the centre of the village, he locates his favourite spot - a wooden stump marked with an 'X'. Smiling contentedly to himself, he slowly lowers his body and sits on the stump. His left hand reaches in to his coat and draws out a pipe... soon, he is puffing away blissfully.

<font color="lightgreen">"Come back here, you little monsters!"</font> ~ The familiar howl is heard from the distance, and he grins as he watches two little figures, a fine lad and bonny lass, run up to him.

"Good day to you, young sir and miss." ~ He pronounces solemnly, to their delight. Flinging themselves onto his lap, they proceed to ruffle his clothes and hair in an affectionate manner ~ <font color="lightblue">"Heya, Dalben! Got any more stories to tell us?! Huh?!"</font>

He shakes his head unhurriedly ~ "Not today, my friends... not today." ~ His eyes twinkle with merriment ~ "Now, let me see if you've really listened to what I've been telling you... tell me, what does a new day signify?"

<font color="lightblue">"I know, I know!... A new beginning!..."</font>

<font color="pink">"No, you dope!... It's a new adventure!"</font>

Chuckling, Dalben draws them both into his arms ~ "You're both right, my friends... you're both right."</font>

<font color="lightgreen">Gavrouche

He paces about his room, his mind spinning ~ If he should see me... why, that'd be the end of my fledgling career as a... a collector! ~ He chews his kips thoughtfully ~ And Raymond... how peculiar that he should welcome a stranger into his house... ah, well... I suppose he was just as bored as I myself was.

Walking over to the cupboard, he flings the doors open and examines the items neatly arranged within it. Travelling boots, a rather worn out cloak, a short bow and some arrows, rations to last for a week. ~ A frown appears on his lips, before the sides of his lips curl upwards ~ But now I've got two hundred gold pieces... if I live long enough to use it.

Hastily, he peeks out of his partially closed window and heaves a sigh of relief that Raymond and company have yet to emerge from the white house. ~ Now's my chance to escape! ~ Throwing his worldly possessions into a bag, he flings it across his shoulders, pushes the door open and dashes out, away from the village.

<font color="yellow">Damien

He awakens to the smell of freshly grilled bacon, his mouth watering. Jumping out of the simple but comfortable bed, he strides into the kitchen to see Raymond hard at work, fixing breakfast.

"Thanks, bud. You're really something." ~ He smiles gratefully at the keen youth ~ "Can I help in any way?"

In answer, a delicious-looking platter is placed at the table before him. Grinning, he begins to tuck in. Enjoying the savoury food, he mumbles ~ "This is the life, Raymond. I can't imagine why you don't like it... I mean, you're still more than welcome to join me in this insane so-called quest, of course. But I don't know if we'll ever find anything... and we could lose our lives for no good reason."</font>

<font color="white">Raymond

That does not trouble me, friend. I have nothing to live for. This whole place is mine...and mine alone. If nobody to share it with, what good is it? If I die in your service...at least I died good. Now,,,eat up and let's get going. I wanted to go to the Inn to say good-bye to a frined of mine, then we shall be on our way. </font>

<font color="silver">Sorsha

Gazing into the mirror, she scrutinises her appearance critically. ~ Dull blue eyes, plain brown hair, hollow cheeks, pale lips... could Justin really have loved a ghost like me? ~ Her lashes flutter involuntarily ~ Here I am, thinking of you again, my love... there will never be a day when I do not remember you.

Slipping on the worn-out boots, she walks out of her room, careful to lock the door. There seems to be no noise in the tavern yet... making her way out, she shivers as the cold winds assault her through the tattered shawl she had flung across her bare shoulders. Yet the air is refreshing, raising her spirits considerably.

As she walks further on, she notices three figures in the centre of the village. Two children and an elder. For some unexplainable reason, her feet begin dragging her towards the threesome... as she approaches them, her trembling voice speaks ~ "H... hello, there."

While the children rush to circle her, giggling at her impoverished appearance, the elderly figure makes no movement to turn around. ~ <font color="gold">"Good morning, child... I have been expecting you."</font></font>

<font color="yellow">Damien

Shaking his head half in amusement, he nevertheless finishes the food quickly, burping appreciatively when he is done. ~ "That was without doubt the best food I've ever tasted, Raymond." ~ Sensing the urgency in the lad, he smiles and helps to wash up the dishes and finish up any undone chores.

"Alright, then. Lead me to your friend, and you can say your farewells before we head off. With no particular direction in mind, I might add."</font>

<font color="gold">Dalben

He finally turns around, his clear gray eyes studying the waif in front of him. His pipe remains firmly in his mouth, puffs of smoke continually emerging from it. ~ How frail she looks... ~ Momentarily, a furrow forms on his brows and the lines on his face deepen ~ May the gods bless her; she will need it.

Noting the look of wonderment in her blue eyes, he casts her a serene smile ~ "Do not be alarmed; I mean no harm." ~ He beckons her towards him, his magnetic gaze drawing her forward.</font>

<font color="silver">Sorsha

Almost against her will, her feet stumble towards the strange old man; he, with the odd-looking staff and curious pipe. ~ What does he want with me? Is my identity not unknown in these parts of the world?

Five feet away from him now, she swallops a gulp, feeling her heart beating erratically. ~ "Who are you?" ~ She whispers, more in awe than in fear.</font>

<font color="silver">Raymond and Damien

Raymond leads Damien through town, on his way to see Winthorp. On his way, Raymond sees Dalben, speaking to an odd looking lady. He had never seen her before. She was certainly not from this town...
Yet, continuing on...they finally reach the Inn. Raymond runs up to Winthorp and tells him what he is about to do, and introduces him to Damien. They speak for a few minutes, then Winthorp asks to speak to Raymond alone.
Pulling him aside, Winthorp asked Raymond if he knew what he was getting into. The lad replied that he didn't care where this path took him, as long as it took him away from this tired life. Nodding his understanding, Winthorp goes into the back room and returns in a few minutes carrying a scabbard. Handing it to Raymond he says...</font>

<font color="lightgreen">"This is a gift to you. A long time ago...I was a young man, in search of gold and adventure like you. I travelled with a group of 5 others. They were close friends.
They all died in a terrible battle against a horde of Trolls that we were fighting...that had taken over a village, much like this one...
I was the only one to survive. This sword belonged to my best friend who died, saving me. He thrust this sword into my hands, yelled for me to run, turned to meet a troll that had been chasing us...and met his fate. I ran and ran, never looking back. I ...am ashamed of that, now. Please...use the sword well. Let it avenge the death of my friends in your hands."</font>

<font color="silver">With that, Winthorp turned and walked back out to see to his morning schedule. Raymond stood there for a minute, too shocked to say anything or even move. Finally realizing that Damien had been waiting on him, he turned and walked out to meet him. He did not look at the sword yet. He was not ready to. </font>

<font color="gold">Dalben

"I am known as Dalben to all... Sorsha." ~ His smile widens as he notes her eyes dilate at the mention of her name. Reluctantly, his right hand rises to pluck the pipe out of his mouth and he exhales slowly ~ "As I have said, I have been waiting for you."

Turning to the children, he suddenly assumes a sterner expression ~ "Go back home, now. And no wandering off elsewhere." ~ The tone of his voice leaves no room for disobedience; they scamper off towards their infuriated mother.

Gazing at the wiry girl in front of him, he resumes his speech ~ "I received a letter some months ago, from one of my disciples... Justin." ~ This time, the involuntary gasp from the girl startles him a little ~ "Yes, did you not know that he was trained in the magical arts?... Surely Philip would have dropped some hints as well." ~ As he pronounces the other name, a look of distaste crosses his face. </font>

<font color="yellow">Damien

He looks up as Raymond walks towards him ~ "Are you ready, my friend? Because if you are, I should like you to lead the way... I am not too familiar with this area, and any help you can offer will be most appreciated."</font>

<font color="silver">Sorsha

"N..no, Justin never said a word about you, much less magic." ~ A sharp pain shoots through her heart ~ "I guess he didn't quite trust me." ~ The light in her eyes flickers, and a tear rolls down her cheek... before long, she is crouched on the ground, overwhelmed by heartwrenching sobs.

When the storm is finally over, she looks up at Dalben wearily ~ "Philip had no reason to tell me anything; I betrayed him." ~ Sighing, she murmurs to herself ~ "What sort of ward goes running off with the first man she lays her eyes on?... Except me, of course..."</font>

<font color="white">Raymond

"Huh?...Oh..er...sure..Let's go." </font>

<font color="silver">On the way back out...Raymond and Damien walk past the village square again, and see that the lady was still in conversation with Dalben. </font>

<font color="white">"Who is that, I am wondering. I mean, besides you, she is the only one in town that I do not know. Have you seen her before? That's a nice dog she has with her."</font>

<font color="gold"<Dalben

He shakes his head gently at her, a tinge of mild reproof in his voice ~ "Malign not one loved you more than life itself." ~ Getting up, he stretches himself before addressing her once more ~ "Come... this is not the right place to talk. We shall have a good chat in my humble abode." ~ Again, that decisive tone which brooked no argument from others.

With that, he gestures towards a greyish house with his staff. Together, they make their way into his quarters.</font>

<font color="yellow">Damien

"I'm not sure, either... she seems to be in some distress..." ~ As he speaks, they see the old man suddenly take off for what appears to his home, the girl following him. ~ "Who's that guy, anyway?"

Shrugging, he turns back to Raymond ~ "Do you want to hang around finding out more about her, or shall we go on our own way?"</font>

(ooc: Lunch; back in 1 hour... if you'll still be here :D )

OOC>>>Sorry...out for the night. Not feeling well...
~bessitos~

(ooc: Sorry to hear that :( Hope you feel better tomorrow.)

<font color="silver">Sorsha

Seated now in the cushioned armchair, she feels her defences slowly receding ~ How snug and cosy this place is... ~ Her gaze sweeps across the well-furnished room ~ He must be extremely wealthy...

His soothing voice floats into her ears ~ <font color="gold">"What you see, my dear, could be a reality or an illusion. The same applies to life."</font> ~ Distracted, she tilts her head to perceive his fatherly expression ~ <font color="gold">"Come... as promised, we shall have a good talk now."</font>

In a daze, she nods, giving him her characteristic childish smile ~ "Of course..." ~ Her muscles begin to relax and she breathes more easily ~ "Please... tell me more about Justin. And Philip, if you know anything about him."

Puka creeps over, halting at her feet. Taking a sniff at her boots, his nose wrinkles and he turns away in disgust. At Dalben's kindly chuckle, he trots over to him and begins his usual panting and tail-wagging. The old mage's eyes crease with amusement, and he bends down to pick up the pup.

As the three settle down in their respective comfortable positions, the air grows warm from the gentle fire and bond forming between themselves.</font>

<font color="gold">Dalben

Stroking his thick white beard, he stares pensively at the crackling fire before he begins recounting the tale of his favourite disciple.

"Justin was rather an outcast amongst his people... the elves, I mean. Born to an elven father and human mother, he inherited those pointed ears and delicate features common to elvenfolk; complete with green eyes and black hair." ~ His eyes narrow ~ "But that was not enough for some... his blood was tainted, and so he would forever be a monstrosity."

For a while, the silence in the room is interrupted only by the flames of the fire licking the fireplace greedily ~ "And so, he travelled about, his charm being his greatest asset. You already know how much he loved to sing..." ~ He pauses, as he sees Sorsha's eyes turning misty ~ "... we met at a tavern one day, I forget where... and I was most impressed by the way he carried himself and his keen interest in magic. And so, I taught him a little of spellcasting."

Suddenly choking, he begins to cough furiously before continuing ~ "He could never learn as much as my average mageling disciple. But all the same, he was my favourite... the bard of all time." ~ Smiling at the memory, he turns to Sorsha ~ "He left after a while, being the restless fellow that he was. And I suspect he met you soon after, for I never heard from him for months after he had gone."</font>

<font color="silver">Sorsha

Cheeks slightly pink, she replies ~ "I… I think so. He mentioned that he had just left a dear fatherly character's home." ~ A sudden thought hits her ~ "So he was here, then? At this very house?" ~ Seeing Dalben's affirmative nod, she peers around the room as if viewing it in a new light ~ "I can understand why he seemed rather sad to leave it… I mean, here."

Sensing Dalben's eyes resting on her steadily, she speaks on hurriedly ~ "We met one day, near the river… Philip's wife had sent me to get some water from it… she didn't quite like me." ~ Her slight frame trembles ~ "She seemed jealous of me, of how Philip always protected me." ~ Her left hand raises to support her chin on the arm-rest ~ "Anyway, Justin was strolling along the woods and we sort of bumped into each other." ~ For a brief moment, a sad smile touches her pale lips ~ What happy days those were…

As another violent cough interrupts her train of thoughts, she looks up guiltily at Dalben ~ "Sorry." ~ Her cheeks flush ~ "… to continue, we met everyday after that, and Philip got wind of the news. He… he tried to lock me up, while his wife pressed for him to release me since I clearly cared not a whit for his attempts to shelter me." ~ Closing her eyes tightly, she shakes her head ~ "I let Philip down… I escaped one night, through the window… Justin was there to assist me."

<font color="gold">"And so, you were on the run for the many subsequent months?"</font> ~ Dalben's kindly voice floats across the room to her ~ <font color="gold">"He mentioned of the hardships you went through… poverty, ridicule, assaults… he kept all problems to himself as well as he could, for he did not wish to worry you unduly... the last note informed me that he was dying of a lethal poison, from an unknown enemy."</font> ~ His clenched fists pound against the arm-rest indignantly ~ <font color="gold">"If I ever find out who did this…"</font>

Another sigh escapes her ~ "Nothing can bring him back; it matters not whether his murderer is punished." ~ Resignedly, she gazes into the fire watching the sparks dancing.<font>