[K T Ong]

(ooc: Been busy the last couple days so I couldn't post sooner -- sorry... )

IC> Chun-li smiled. "There's a plant in the Underdark which we call the snow rose," she said. "It thrives on extreme cold and in fact blossoms only at night and in winter. The flowers are as large as your hand, and have transparent blue petals which glow in the dark. We use the nectar and sap of this plant to make perfume and season our dishes -- in fact regular ingestion of the sap or nectar can extend your life by hundreds of years. I must show you this flower someday. I always liked to use this flower to decorate my home -- hence my interest in flower arrangement."

"I'm sure you'll look beautiful with a crown of snow roses upon your brow, my lady..." said Sir Jorlon, lowering his voice and coming very close to Chun-Li.

"Do you really think so?..." whispered the drow, looking into Sir Jorlon's eyes.

"Yes," said Sir Jorlon softly, "though in truth you're still beautiful as you are now..."

The paladin approached the dark elf until their faces touched. And they embraced and kissed each other... (ooc: SecretMaster, you don't mind? )

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Elsewhere in the Library:

"This book provides much invaluable information on the location or construction of various magical artifacts," said Ghzarbanan excitedly, indicating the tome in his hands. "I already have the necessary components for one of the artifacts listed -- this one!" The halfling hastily turned to the page and showed it to StoneRock, pointing at the full-page illustration showing a great sword. "This weapon is the great Wrath of Ra, which my Order had always sought to create but for want of the Eyes of God -- two legendary and sacred stones of power sought by my Order for centuries. If we can create this blade, half the battle will be won! And this book tells you how!"

StoneRock's eyes went wide. "Ya say ya have the components? Where?"

Ghzarbanan dug out the two warmly glowing gems from his side-pouch. "Here, see for yourself -- these are the Eyes of God!"

StoneRock was now as excited as the halfling. "No mistake about it? Just where didja get them anyway? But never mind -- look, why don't we go see Jah'zuer an' ask him if he can make this weapon for us? Maybe he can!"

The two ran to Jah'zuer with Ghzarbanan holding the tome in his hands. "Ho, friend Jah'zuer!" asked StoneRock, turning to the page showing the sword. "D'ya think ya can make this for us back in yer shop?"

Jah'zuer put on his glasses and carefully read the text on the page opposite the illustration. After a long pause he looked up at StoneRock and Ghzarbanan.

"Well, have you the two Eyes of God?"

"Yes!" said Ghzarbanan.

"I'll also need 5 lbs of platinum," said Jah'zuer. "And it must not be ordinary platinum, but platinum smelted and refined directly with the focused light of the sun for seven times seven days on a mountaintop, with the 25th day of smelting being the summer solstice. Have you got that?"

The halfling's face lengthened visibly. "Uhhh... Afraid not, Sir..."

"I fear I shall be unable to make this item for you, then," said Jah'zuer in a tone of regret. "It is clearly stated in this book that you'll need 5 lbs of platinum, treated in the manner I described. The construction of artifacts and relics is a task of extreme difficulty in any case, even for the celestial smiths and craftsmen I have hired; so even if you have all the required components, I may still have to charge you no less than one million gold."

Ghzarbanan's heart sank. So near was he to his goal now, and yet so far...

"Hey, friend," consoled StoneRock, "don't get so upset. Maybe we can borrow this book first -- or copy the pages ya need." StoneRock turned to Jah'zuer. "Can we, friend Jah'zuer?"

"Indeed you can," nodded Jah'zuer. Opening the book to the inner front cover in which was embedded a large flat emerald, he traced his finger around the emerald's edge a number of times. The gem twinkled and several pieces of parchment appeared in the air just above the book, which he took and handed to Ghzarbanan. Going through the parchments, the halfling found them to be exact copies of the pages he read.

"Say, this is ingenious!" remarked Ghzarbanan. "Thank you very much!"

Just then everyone heard a loud voice. It was Magnus. "Ho, friends," he cried, "Khadgar and I have versed ourselves in the spells we need. Come, let's make a move, shall we?"

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In the Seven Heavens...

"I'm aware of the formidable power of the Halberd," replied Lord Kuan. "That's why I'm scaling it down to a level safer for use by mortals. Wonder when our colleague Ra is coming, by the way..."

Just then a brilliant column of light descended into the courtyard right outside the main entrance to the central hall. The light faded and in its place stood a tall and regal figure with a solar disc headress. Lord Kuan, Clangeddin and Radiant Heart stood up to give their greetings.

"Hail, Amon-Ra!" greeted Lord Kuan happily. "We were just anticipating you!" Lord Kuan gestured with his hand and another throne materialised in the hall. "Please be seated!"

"I thank you kindly, O Warlord of the Golden Light," answered Ra with a smile. "I trust all of you are fine. Have the adventurers arrived? I have guided one of them to procure the components necessary for the crafting of a weapon, which shall aid them greatly in eliminating the forces of darkness currently plaguing the mortal world!"

"They shall be arriving soon," said Lord Kuan. "In the meantime, you may like to know that there are several of your followers among the recent batches of newly arrived souls whom I've received from the mortal world. Would you like to let them stay in my quarters for the time being, or would you wish to have them brought to your residence instead?"

[ 08-30-2002, 12:35 AM: Message edited by: K T Ong ]