Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 2 Chapter 2 - Titania Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) Date: Wed, 8 Jan 97 00:00:31 -0000 From: Roland X Morgan (ljwolfe@eee.org) did sayeth: >Morgan stands and offers KnightShift a hand up. She turns to Titania, >and with a deferential nod of her head says, "Majesty, with all due >respect, I think it it past time we take you up on your offer of a >more secure location to continue our conversation. We seem to be far >too succeptible to - interference - out here." Titania nods. "Forgive this necessity, but if our enemy can do...what was just done, then it is better that I act swiftly." Titania speads her arms wide, and the magick of the fae swirls around you all... ...and when your vision clears, you are surrounded by wonder. A city-if it is fair to call a massive grove that would dwarf redwoods, strung with golden bridges and crystal dwellings, protected by bastions that are built from rainbows, a city-appears around you. Fae of all kinds-pixies with transparent wings, Giants of all sizes, Sidhe of impossible beauty, Gnomes seemingly carved from rock itself, just to name a few-stare openly at your gathered party. A gleaming silver dragon lands gracefully on a diamond perch, and stares openly at your own draconians. Titania smiles faintly, then turns to you all. "Now. I have noted, with some distress, the strange assaults on your group, which says more for your intentions than anything so far. Can any of you say what has happened to the Silver Phoenix, or the, ah, 'KnightShift?'" Elsewhere... "Fascinating," Roland heard. He gritted his teeth and looked down. Once, he would have claimed that a Shadow's form could not be 'twisted.' If he'd given it any thought, he would have quipped that any mutation of the shape of the spider-like monstrosities could only be an improvement. Staring at the...creature...below, he realizes that such an assessment would be wrong. /Didn't take Euclid into account...wouldn't want to, either./ Through the lightning field, he could see the trademark figure, a cross between a centaur and an ant, in oily black. But it was more..._fluid_ than others of its kind. Its 'arms' were almost tentacles complete with suction grips, and its legs seemed to flux as it walked. "You are an impossibility, just being here." the Shadow (?) looked up at him, putting a pincer to its chin, in an almost human display of curiosity. "But this place is home of the impossible, now isn't it?" "You talk...a lot...for a Shadow...you walking violation...of reality," Roland said between jolts. The Shadow sighed. Roland's stomach churned at the sound. "I never thought you so limited in thought, defender of Oa. I am not what I was. Obviously. I have learned the workings of this...magick. Reality is a much more fluid concept than even the Vorlons, even _my_ once-people, understand. ANYTHING can be." "Even things...that should not," Roland hissed. "Typical judgement of your kind." "Immortals?" Roland asked. "Heroes," it replied. Roland laughed harshly. "Hero? Me? I'm immortal. Where's the heroism when you know you can't die?" THe Shadow's lights that were vaguely where the mouth would be on a human face changed shape, and Roland realized to his horror that the thing was _smiling._ "There are fates worse than death...even for an immortal. _Especially_ for an immortal." The thing made a gesture, and a webline shot from its claw. "Example." A child, a girl who could not be in her teens, was pulled into the small pool of light. Wrapped in webbing from the neck down, only her pale, wan face could be seen. "You bastard," Roland hissed, and the lightning began to intensify. "Don't bother struggling. I can't affect you directly, since you reject the magick, but second-hand effects like the paincage are remarkably effective." The ex-Shadow stroked the child's hair. She shivered. "Oberon and Titania are terribly worried about their youngest. Imagine, wondering has become of your child. Wondering, for centuries, of the fate of your most vulnerable of offspring. And then, there is the child herself. Amazing, what a small amount of nerutoxin can do to-" "YEARGHHHH!" Roland screamed, and the lightning surged _into_ him. "Mistake," Silver Phoenix snarled, his armor forming around him and a sword of raw lightning taking shape in his hand. "I _am_ the lightning." The once-Shadow's eyes grew wide, and it backed away. "You don't dare," it said, clutching the child closer. "You would never risk an innocent..." The Phoenix's eyes cleared slightly. "Of course not. I'll have to come back for you." There was a blur of silver and gold, and the Silver Phoenix was gone. "How odd," the once-Shadow said, shrinking in relief. "I would have thought-" It stared at its empty pincers. "Silver Phoenix!!!" It roared. "Spidertrolls! Shade Dragons! FIND HIM!" * "You're safe now, child," Roland sighed, looking around with a paranoid air. The child nodded, feeling the poisons flow from her into her protector. The webbing and the lightning seemed to destroy one another, leaving her free and unscathed. "Are you?" Roland chuckled. "Being safe isn't part of my job description, little one." He turned to her. "So, what's your name? /Maybe some idle conversation will distract her./ "Psyche," she said seriously. "It means 'thought.'" Roland smiled down at her. "Very clever, Psyche. How old are you, anyway?" Her face scrunched up in the way of children of all kinds, lost in thought . "Um...momma says I'll be..." she counted slowly on her fingers, going through once, then twice, then a third time... "Thirtily...um, thirty-seven. Next season." "Oh," Roland said quietly. /Right. Immortals.../ /How did I ever get in this mess anyway?/ =========================== Date: Tue, 7 Jan 1997 23:13:06 -0800 From: "L.J. Wolfe" Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) Cc: gamer@host.yab.com At 12:00 AM 1/8/97 -0000, Silver Phoenix wrote: > Titania speads her arms wide, and the magick of the fae swirls >around you all... > ...and when your vision clears, you are surrounded by wonder. "Great Mother Goddess!" Morgan breaths softly. Her eyes are wide with wonder. Although she's never even imagined such a place in her wildest dreams, only one word fills her mind: Home. She steps over to the nearest oak, a magnificent great-great-grandmother of a tree, and leans her forehead against it. A sound that is neither a sob nor a chuckle, but yet contains elements of both, escapes her lips. > Titania smiles faintly, then turns to you all. "Now. I have noted, >with some distress, the strange assaults on your group, which says >more for your intentions than anything so far. Can any of you say >what has happened to the Silver Phoenix, or the, ah, 'KnightShift?'" (Morgan is going to commune with this tree for a while, and give someone else a chance to answer Her Majesty :-). I'll be listening if anyone needs my input. ) > Elsewhere... > "Oh," Roland said quietly. /Right. Immortals.../ > /How did I ever get in this mess anyway?/ Morgan Bandrui /|\ =========================== Date: Wed, 08 Jan 1997 00:49:48 -0700 From: John Edwards Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) > Titania speads her arms wide, and the magick of the fae swirls >around you all... > ...and when your vision clears, you are surrounded by wonder. Harker, keeping near the rear of the group can only gaze in wonder at the wonder Titania has graced the hero's with. As an unknown member of the group reaches over, and closes his hanging jaw, he mutters to himself, "I think you've gotten yourself in over your head this time my friend." Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) (longish) At 12:58 AM 1/5/97 -0800, Morgan wrote: >"I don't know what just happened, but I do know that your link to us >isn't completely gone. It's changed, yes, severly weakened, but it's >still there, and I'm pretty sure you can tap back into it if you >try." > >She smiles, a smile that includes the whole group. "The link between >us may have started out with help from Silence's hair or what? It's been so long :-). Fill in the blank, >anyway...>, but it's deeper than that now. Nothing can completely >take it away from us." The wolves nuzzle his other hand, and he >"hears", faintly, "Yes," and "She's right, you know." > >>(OOC: Heh, I love making life tough for my characters...) >(OOC: Well, did they at least leave you a change of clothes, or are >you stuck with that awful disco outfit ?) The KnightShift feels the thoughts of his friends on a subconscious level, tickling at the back of his mind...but he only really hears them when staring into their faces. Certainly not good enough for him to continue. Blinded by a headache that would require a truckload of excederin to cure, shoulders slumping as if the weight of the world were bearing on them, he shoves his hands into his jacket pockets, a scowl etched on his face. <<>> Slowly, a look of complete and total out-of-the-blue-no-way-it-could-be-possible wonder appears on his face. His left hand slowly emerges from his pocket and drifts up to his face. Hanging on his middle finger is a key-ring. There is an antique key on the ring, as well as what looks like the remote for a car alarm. Frantically now, he scrabbles for the car alarm, almost crushing it as he presses the button. A wind suddenly stirs leaves in the forest, as a loud repeating "grind-wheeze" is heard. The KnightShift holds up a finger, closes his eyes and listens. As the grinding stops, the KnightShift's hand points directly behind him. He turns and sees a large boulder. Slowly, he approachs the stone, placing a hand on it. "Oh yes. Yes. Yes! YES! She didn't leave! They didn't take her!" Suddenly the KnightShift is gleefully talking a mile a minute as he circles the boulder, feeling along the cracks in it's surface. What can be gathered by the assemblage is that, whatever it was, *couldn't* be taken by the *TimeLords*, because the *recall circuit* was recently *disabled*. They also gathered that a *Zero room* might be able to focus his mind enough to rebuild his telepathy. But that it would take months. Someone quietly remarks, "Did he study to be an auctineer or something?" The KnightShift continues his tirade, "You see they tried to overload the neurons in the area where telepathy occurs BUT since part of the telepathy I developed was through my own will and the shared experiences of the group empathy building a telepathic link they couldn't destroy it completely and though it may not be as strong as it once was in a few months I should have it as strong as I am naturally capable of making it which will be more than adequate for the task at hand--AHA!" At this, the KnightShift shoves the key into a crack in the boulder. The boulder seems to form a door from nowhere, which opens inward. "Your Majesty, gang, excuse me, only be gone a couple months." That said, the KnightShift darts into the "boulder", The grinding wheezing starts again as the boulder fades away, only to reappear in the exact same spot. "That didn't take long," someone remarks. "The KnightShift emerges, "What do you mean? I was gone for three months!" The boulder promptly vanishs as the KnightShift steps clear. But no one notices...they just stare at the KnightShift. The KnightShift has grown a couple days' worth of beard, and is dressed in black pants, tucked into black boots. A large, menacing blaster is holstered on his left hip. On the right hip, clipped to his belt, is a large black cylinder the size of a large flashlight, but more intricately designed with a few switchs at one end, nearest the lens. A white collerless shirt is tucked into the pants. Over the shirt is a dark brown leather jacket with an embroidered patch on the left arm bearing the likeness of a Millenium Falcon, and a pin on the left chest which reads "I went to Jabba's Palace and lived to tell about it." Over one shoulder is slung a deadly looking energy rifle, and over the other is a olive green first aid kit. The KnightShift removes the cylinder from his belt and flips it on. A deep hum insues, and a shaft of the darkest violet light emerges from the lens. It is nearly transparent, almost invisible. The KnightShift holds the blade near the back of his hand and a fluoresent green image appears where none was before. "Lando's Bar and Grill" is illuminated in tiny print. "Picked up a few toys while I was away...I think this is the first black-light lightsaber...at least that I have run across." "Well, at least the John Travolta look is gone," someone remarks, "Now it is Han Solo meets Indiana Jones." The KnightShift broadcasts to the asssemblage, /Can anyone vouch for this 'Someone' fellow? His sarcasm is really getting on my nerves...Oh, telepathy is back. Not quite what it was, but I think I am coming through loud and clear.../ Giggling madly, Doctor John Smith (The KnightShift) =========================== Date: Wed, 8 Jan 1997 03:58:31 -0600 From: "KnightShift (Michael Jon Knight)" Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) At 12:00 AM 1/8/97 -0000, Roland X wrote: > Titania speads her arms wide, and the magick of the >fae swirls around you all... > ...and when your vision clears, you are surrounded >by wonder. /Wow...Lord of the Rings meets the Wizard of Oz./ > Titania smiles faintly, then turns to you all. "Now. I have noted, >with some distress, the strange assaults on your group, which says >more for your intentions than anything so far. Can any of you say >what has happened to the Silver Phoenix, or the, ah, 'KnightShift?'" > At the mention of his 'name', the KnightShift steps forward to the Queen. "Your Majesty, though I can't fathom what occurred to the Silver Phoenix (other than an unnamed force 'plucked' him from our midst and deposited him the Gods only know where, I can tell you what happened to me." Gently, drawing conspiratorially towards the Queen, the KnightShift erects a faint 'shield' from his thoughts. An old TimeLord trick, he thinks to himself. He then whispers to the Queen. "Briefly, when I was younger, I made alliances with certain..." and here he searchs for a suitable term Her Majesty would be most acquainted with, "...'clans' who gave me certain powers. In return, I did special tasks for them. One clan, the Vorlons, enhanced my ability to read minds, to vanish at will, and gave me the power to control electricity...to throw lightning. In return, I often linked with one of them and carried them into areas where they would be too noticeable. A spy, if you will... "The other clan, the Time Lords, gave me a longer lifespan and the ability to heal quickly. I still have those, there wasn't time for them to remove them. I had the misfortune to test it in a bar room brawl just outside of Alpha Cen--anyway," glancing at the surprise on the Queen's face, "-that's not important. They also gave that backpack (now a pile of ash) and that key to the magic boulder, it is called a TARDIS, by the way. With them, I worked covertly, interfereing with other races' development (which is why I am so abhorrent to do it here). "Anyway, I saw the results of my actions lead to destruction one too many times...I ran. I found these people. They know none of this. They have accepted me as I am, without any doubt or hesitation. I think I can tell them in time, but now, they have enough to worry about...besides, I think many have guessed a bit, by now. "But since then, I have been hunted by both clans. This is the first time I have seen them work together to try and catch me. Very odd, that. They do not attack openly," he hurriedly adds, noting the sudden horror on the Queen's face, "or take out innocent targets." At least not yet, he thought. The KnightShift remembers a time when Vorlons and Timelords went out of their way to erase their mistakes. The TimeLords flung Earth several million lightyears from it's original position...and the Vorlons...the KnightShift wasn't ready to deal with *that* yet...even to himself. "Doctor Smith, your candor is comforting and disturbing," the Queen replies. "My original decision about you stands, though the weights balancing the scale are far greater than I had imagined...I do not envy your situation. I hope you see it resolved satisfactorally." "Thank you, Your Majesty." 'Doctor Smith' bowed, releasing the mental shielding. But, a fraction of what he had said and thought, a infinitesimal piece of an image, leaked out unknown to the KnightShift, sending a faint chill up the spine of anyone not engrossed in their own thoughts... > Elsewhere... Doctor John Smith (The KnightShift) ...a writer wannabe." Y'know, if I put this much effort into my scripts, I'd have a degree by now. Hmmm...that may be an important realization. Certainly explains a lot. > =========================== From: Martin Gerster Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War in Arcadia) Date: Mon, 13 Jan 97 13:35:04 PST /Congrats, Knightshift or should I say (snigger); "Doctor John Smith."/mentaly projects Dhyrchlanc the Sentinel-Lensdragon. /Nice to see your taste in clothes has improved. BTW, if the Vorlons give you anymore trouble, I should be able to give you a hand. I'm not sure I'd be any help against the Time Lords, though. It's been quite awhile since I've seen a TARDIS, what model is it?/ He turns to the rest of the party and bows again to the Faerie Queen, then he speaks aloud, "Putting myself in the inenivible (sp?) postion of deputy leader, now that (ahem) 'Silver Phoenix' has dissapeared. I suggest we call a 'council of war,' the 'table' is open to any and all ideas and conjectures re: our situation here. Needless to say, if S.P. were back, he'd probably be able to give us a better idea as to what's going on here and who we're up against. However. several of us here are 'transdimetionals' and if we put our heads together we could probably figure out these things on our own. Anybody, Anyone, Bueler?" =========================== Date: Mon, 13 Jan 1997 21:41:25 -0800 (and Tue, 14 Jan 1997 00:31:10 -0800 ) From: "L.J. Wolfe" Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War in Arcadia) Morgan, used to acting as Alpha Female when necessary, speaks up. "As I see it, we have two priorities. One is to find Stranger. Thanks to that 'sending' or whatever it was, at least we know we won't be pursuing undomesticated water-fowl." "Second, to do what we can to help rid this realm of the "fell spiders", which Silver Phoenix seems to think are here due at least in part to our little escapade with the Battery on Oa." "Does that about cover it? Can anyone think of anything else we need to do while we're here?" She looks around. "I just hope we can avoid any more of our number unexpectedly disappearing and reappearing. It makes it kind of hard to plan when you never know who's going to pop off somewhere without any warning. 'Course, it's gotta be kinda unnerving for the folx it happens to, too :-)." the Greywolf /|\ =========================== Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War in Arcadia) Date: Tue, 14 Jan 97 10:25:49 -0000 From: Roland X >"Does that about cover it? Can anyone think of anything else we need >to do while we're here?" "Well," Roland says hoarsely (just barely audible...if you have super-hearing) "I have a few personal things to attend to as it happens..." >She looks around. "I just hope we can avoid any more of our number >unexpectedly disappearing and reappearing. It makes it kind of hard >to plan when you never know who's going to pop off somewhere without >any warning. 'Course, it's gotta be kinda unnerving for the folx it >happens to, too :-)." "Tell me about it," Roland replies, this time finding his voice enough so that everyone can hear it. Titania turns around wearily-and sees Psyche in Roland's arms. "PSYCHE!" "Mom!" Titania quickly proves that being an ancient, immortal being or magick and royalty doesn't hold a candle to being a mother, sweeping the child into her arms and holding on for dear life. Roland smiles as best he can. "Now _that_ was worth it. "I would be extremely grateful, folx, if someone with that healing touch would...would..." The Silver Phoenix falls over, bleeding liquid lightning... =========================== Date: Tue, 14 Jan 1997 13:18:09 -0700 From: John Edwards Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War in Arcadia) At 10:25 AM 1/14/97 -0000, you wrote: > The Silver Phoenix falls over, bleeding liquid lightning... Harker, who's been watching the proceedings from the sideline, rushes to the Silver Phoenixs side. "Hold still my friend, this is at least one think that I CAN do to help." As he places his hand on Phoenix's shoulder, where his power of healing flows into the wounds, helping to stop the bleeding, and knit themselves closed. Ater a short while, he looks down to check on his patient. "You should be fine now, although I'd take it easy for a few minutes, since my power works with your own natural healing. You may be a bit weak for a few moments." (ooc: I knew I'd come in handy at some ponint ) =========================== From: Martin Gerster Subject: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) Date: Wed, 15 Jan 97 02:34:04 PST /O.K.. That's it! Everybody, especialy the 'Cosmicaly-Powered (sp?)' amongst us, defencive positions NOW!/ Is the telepathic shout everyone "hears" from Dhyrchlanc the Sentinel-Lensdragon. /I haven't the faintest idea what in the name of Palatine and Tahkis just hit the Silver Phoenix but I don't want to give it the opportunity to strike us while we're blindsided! Those high-level telepaths amongst us, I'd like you to help me weave our Telepathic Net tighter together and forge a Group-Mind out of it. Healers, get ready to tend the wounded. The rest of us, either help tend to the baracades or to defend the innocent. I repeat we are at Def-Com 5 here, I repeat this is a Red-Alert, This is *NOT* a drill!/ Meinwhile, the Sentinel-Lensdragon creates a new Power-Battery from his First-Ring and recharges the ring (It's that 24 hour jazz, don't you know). All of his power-artifacts blaze into life; his Lens, his five magickal power-gem emeralds and (of course) the First-Ring. As if that weren't enough, his huge Emerald hued Elder-Beast Psi-Aura flares into visibilty and his Dragon-sized Claymore Psi-Sword manfiests itself. The Sword, bolstered by the power of the First-Ring which Dhyrclhanc now possesses, instead of being composed of "living" jade/turquoise flame appears to be constructed of solid jade with a blazing fire contained within. The Sentinel-Lensdragon smiles a nasty smile, waits and prepares for the eventual attack. =========================== Date: Wed, 15 Jan 1997 13:25:11 -0800 (PST) From: Paul Campbell Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) On Wed, 15 Jan 1997, Martin Gerster wrote: >I repeat we are at Def-Com 5 here, I >repeat this is a Red-Alert, This is *NOT* a drill!/ Xzerrion, glad to see someone who knows what might be going on around here, taps into his own powers, calling up a powerful illusion. As far as anyone outside the area can tell, the group resembles a small grove of trees. *This won't hold up if folks move too much, but it should give the first wave one heck of a surprise.* > The Sentinel-Lensdragon smiles a nasty smile, waits and prepares for >the eventual attack. Concentrating to hold the illusion, Xzerrion steps toward the edge of the ring, his eyes scanning the sky as he sheaths his blades and pulls out a bow. *Is there anyone else around here with some skill at scouting? If not, can someone hold up this illusion while I go myself? I think it might be advisable to find out which direction our opponents might come from.* =========================== Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) Date: Wed, 15 Jan 97 22:23:02 -0000 From: Roland X Quoth Mr. Harker (harkerii@ix.netcom.com): > "You should be fine now, although I'd take it easy for a few >minutes, since my power works with your own natural healing. You may >be a bit weak for a few moments." > >(ooc: I knew I'd come in handy at some ponint ) Titania frowns at the rapidly healing Silver Phoenix. "This...damnably stubborn creature is immune to even my healing magicks, and yet...perhaps there is a reason for this. Regardless, you have my thanks, and you as well," she says nodding to Harker, "for healing him." Then quote Xzerrion (xzerrion@u.washington.edu) >I repeat we are at Def-Com 5 here, I >repeat this is a Red-Alert, This is *NOT* a drill!/ "Whoa, easy big guy, the baddies are _way_ behind me-" Roland sighs as both fae and Callahanians rush to battle-stations. >Xzerrion, glad to see someone who knows what might be going on around >here, taps into his own powers, calling up a powerful illusion. As >far as anyone outside the area can tell, the group resembles a small >grove of trees. *This won't hold up if folks move too much, but it >should give the first wave one heck of a surprise.* *Clever, Xzerrion-* Roland sends, before his own iffy concentration gives out. "Damn." >Concentrating to hold the illusion, Xzerrion steps toward the edge of >the ring, his eyes scanning the sky as he sheaths his blades and >pulls out a bow. *Is there anyone else around here with some skill at >scouting? If not, can someone hold up this illusion while I go >myself? I think it might be advisable to find out which direction our >opponents might come from.* "Folx!" Roland finally is able to get his voice above a whisper. "Unless this thing's troops are blind enough to miss a human lightning bolt in a forest and stupid enough to attack the heart of Arcadia, we have nothing to-" A cry of something almost sentient echoes far too closely. "Bloody nass." A...THING...looking like a spider the size of a horse, only with the torso, arms and head of a bluish-green man covered in warts, bursts into the clearing. Three dozen arrows, Titania's magick, and (no doubt) the powers of several Callahanians annihilate it before it can finish its leap. "This we do not need," Roland says, displaying a gift for understatement... =========================== From: The Renaissance Man Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) Date: Wed, 15 Jan 1997 19:36:52 -0800 (PST) > "Folx!" Roland finally is able to get his voice above a whisper. > "Unless this thing's troops are blind enough to miss a human light- > ning bolt in a forest and stupid enough to attack the heart of > Arcadia, we have nothing to-" > A cry of something almost sentient echoes far too closely. > "Bloody nass." "The Lords of Chaos do not require wisdom of their servants," Alaric observes drily. > "This we do not need," Roland says, displaying a gift for > understatement... "Need rarely enters into it," Alaric replies, as he calmly surveys the periphery of the clearing, looking for movement between the trees. =========================== Date: Wed, 15 Jan 1997 23:25:22 -0800 (PST) From: Paul Campbell Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) On Wed, 15 Jan 1997, The Renaissance Man wrote: >> A...THING...looking like a spider the size of a horse, only with >> the torso, arms and head of a bluish-green man covered in warts, >> bursts into the clearing. *Now that's just plain disgusting,* Xzerrion observes, *since when did one of Lloth's driders catch the measles?* >> "This we do not need," Roland says, displaying a gift for >> understatement... > "Need rarely enters into it," Alaric replies, as he calmly surveys > the periphery of the clearing, looking for movement between the > trees. After a moment's thought, Xzerrion pulls out his amulet, amplifying his powers of illusion. *All right, now I can maintain our cover for a little while without concentrating on it. Personally, I'd prefer not to have another of those things jump us without knowing it beforehand, since they might get lucky. I'll be back; if you see something ghostlike moving in the trees, that might be me - try the telepathic link before shooting, please.* With that, Xzerrion's form fades to a grey translucence as he slips into the shadows of the woods. =========================== Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 01:51:22 -0700 From: John Edwards Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) At 10:23 PM 1/15/97 -0000, you wrote: > Titania frowns at the rapidly healing Silver Phoenix. >"This...damnably stubborn creature is immune to even my >healing magicks, and yet...perhaps there is a reason for >this. Regardless, you have my thanks, and you as well," >she says nodding to Harker, "for healing him." Harker stands and bows to the fae queen, just as... > A...THING...looking like a spider the size of a horse, only with >the torso, arms and head of a bluish-green man covered in warts, >bursts into the clearing. Harker spins, drawing his sword, to face the horror rushing towards them. > "This we do not need," Roland says, displaying a gift for >understatement... "Humph, if they keep comming at us like this, we'll be home in time for Punday night." he says, bending to retreive his shield from where he left it, and strapping it back on his arm. "No reason to relax though." =========================== Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 18:11:15 -0800 From: "L.J. Wolfe" Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) At 11:25 PM 1/15/97 -0800, Xzerrion wrote: >After a moment's thought, Xzerrion pulls out his amulet, amplifying >his powers of illusion. *All right, now I can maintain our cover for >a little while without concentrating on it. Personally, I'd prefer >not to have another of those things jump us without knowing it >beforehand, since they might get lucky. I'll be back; if you see >something ghostlike moving in the trees, that might be me - try the >telepathic link before shooting, please.* With that, Xzerrion's form >fades to a grey translucence as he slips into the shadows of the >woods. A brief look of understanding passes between Greywolf and Leetah and Cutter. Then the wolves also fade into the um, into the brush. "More perimeter scouts. What _was_ that ugly sumbitch come hither, anyway? Phoenix, is there anything else you think we should know?" Morgan /|\ =========================== Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) Date: Thu, 16 Jan 97 22:40:31 -0000 From: Roland X >At 11:25 PM 1/15/97 -0800, Xzerrion wrote: >>On Wed, 15 Jan 1997, The Renaissance Man responded to Roland: >>>>This we do not need," Roland says, displaying a gift for >>>>understatement... >>>"Need rarely enters into it," Alaric replies, as he calmly surveys >>>the periphery of the clearing, looking for movement between the >>>trees. "Does it ever?" Roland says, rising unsteadily. He falls quite steadily, however. >>After a moment's thought, Xzerrion pulls out his amulet, amplifying >>his powers of illusion. *All right, now I can maintain our cover for >>a little while without concentrating on it. Personally, I'd prefer >>not to have another of those things jump us without knowing it >>beforehand, since they might get lucky. I'll be back; if you see >>something ghostlike moving in the trees, that might be me - try the >>telepathic link before shooting, please.* With that, Xzerrion's form >>fades to a grey translucence as he slips into the shadows of the >>woods. Roland smiles weakly. "I doubt that'll be a problem-" He glances over at Titania, whose face is a mask of amused tolerance. "Um, your highness?" She raises her hand, motioning for him to wait. >A brief look of understanding passes between Greywolf and Leetah and >Cutter. Then the wolves also fade into the considered, I don't really want to say "shadows" ;-)> um, into the >brush. > >"More perimeter scouts. What _was_ that ugly sumbitch come hither, >anyway? Phoenix, is there anything else you think we should know?" Roland broadcasts the events of 'Meanwhile' to the rest of the group. "This 'Fell Spider' is a dangerous customer. Hell, I can't think of much worse than a Shadow that knows magick. The...thing...you folx just nailed is a 'spider-troll,' and I'm sure you can guess its nature from its name. I heard it mention 'Shade Dragons' but I was lucky enough not to see any. That's about the breadth of my knowledge." Titania nods. "Recall your people, Lensdragon, or Roland, whichever of you is in charge." Roland blinks. "But why-AND HOW DID YOU KNOW MY NAME-" Titania gestures, and the full defenses of the Heart of Arcadia flare into blazing life. "I have 'instructed' the defenses of the Heart to permit your people safe passage, but their primary intent is to protect the Heart. They _will_ do so. Those of your company who have ventured out are safe for now. If they wish to learn more of our nemesis, well and good. But for now, I suggest that we rest and plan. You especially, Roland of the Iron Worlds. Please follow me." Roland stares for a moment as she begins to walk across a rainbow, heading for a spire that seems to go up forever. He shrugs as the rest of the group and follows... =========================== Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 23:58:13 -0600 From: Michael Jon Knight Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) At 10:40 PM 1/16/97 -0000, Roland X wrote: > Titania nods. "Recall your people, Lensdragon, or >Roland, whichever of you is in charge." > Roland blinks. "But why-AND HOW DID YOU KNOW MY >NAME-" The KnightShift glances in Roland's direction. /I didn't do it./ > Roland stares for a moment as she begins to walk across >a rainbow, heading for a spire that seems to go up for- >ever. He shrugs as the rest of the group and follows... Mental barriers slam into place as the KnightShift stares at the Queen. His face becomes unreadable. It is not a comforting sight. "I like this land less and less." The KnightShift falls into step behind Roland. "Phoenix, did I detect a potential threat behind her using the 'R' word? Or is it common here to address someone by names they have not given out? In front of an entire forest? In a land where a name holds a great deal of magical power? With a magick-inclined being trying to kill us? Whose minions can be lurking without us knowing? Or am I just being paranoid?" ;) Doctor John Smith (Like it does me any good now to use a pseudonym. lol) =========================== Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 23:03:15 -0800 (PST) From: "K. Ohanlon" Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) On Thu, 16 Jan 1997, Roland X wrote: > "Does it ever?" Roland says, rising unsteadily. > He falls quite steadily, however. Frowning, Crow rushes over to Roland, and tries to see if she can restore some of his energy. She touches his hand for a moment, and concentrates, borrowing energy from her own life force and the energy field which is around all living creatures. A white glow surrounds her for just a moment, as the channelled energies pass through her. Roland also glows for a moment, but the glow is silver instead of white. /I'm not sure how much energy this will restore to you, nor how quickly, Roland, but it should help when it kicks in./ > Roland broadcasts the events of 'Meanwhile' to the > rest of the group. "This 'Fell Spider' is a dangerous > customer. Hell, I can't think of much worse than a > Shadow that knows magick. The...thing...you folx just > nailed is a 'spider-troll,' and I'm sure you can guess > its nature from its name. I heard it mention 'Shade > Dragons' but I was lucky enough not to see any. That's > about the breadth of my knowledge." /Bloody wonderful. So is this magick-wielding Shadow creating its own twisted creatures? Or is it simply finding servants among creatures that share its nature? Perhaps both?/ > Titania gestures, and the full defenses of the Heart > of Arcadia flare into blazing life. Crow steps back, startled, and her hand almost goes for her sword. Her instincts inform her there is no *immediate* threat, however, her hand remains near the hilt. > Roland stares for a moment as she begins to walk across > a rainbow, heading for a spire that seems to go up for- > ever. He shrugs as the rest of the group and follows... Seeing that Roland has decided to go along with the Queen's suggestion, Crow slowly draws her sword and calls Georgie forth. /Go find Xzerrion, and tell him we're going to that spire./ She points the spire she means out to Georgie and sends him aloft. A few of the others look at Crow, puzzled why she didn't just call Xzerrion telepathically. She replies in a low mental whisper. /Georgie's going to scout the area while looking for Xzerrion. I don't like it that that spider-troll got so close to the defenses of this place. Something's not right./ (OOC: Rehi, folx. Sorry, life's been hectic lately, plus I'm fighting off some kind of nasty cold. I'll try to keep up with things, but my character may have to pull some disappearing acts of her own from time to time. Either that or be real quiet. ;) ) =========================== From: Martin Gerster Subject: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) Date: Fri, 17 Jan 97 09:20:30 PST >"The Lords of Chaos do not require wisdom of their servants," Alaric >observes drily. "Nor any real inteligence, either, it seems." adds Dhyrclhanc the Sentinel-Lensdragon, while carefully mentaly probing the creature, making sure it's good and dead, and scanning the telepathic wavelengths, making sure there are no other"nasties" who are about to bushwack them. =========================== Date: 17 Jan 1997 15:38:07 -0000 From: "Capricia Davis" Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) From the branch of a tree, a small grey kitten watches the fighting below. >>>>>>Three dozen arrows, Titania's magick, and (no doubt) the powers >>>>>> of several Callahanians annihilate it before it can finish its >>>>>> leap. The kitten washes its left paw carefully. >> Titania gestures, and the full defenses of the Heart >> of Arcadia flare into blazing life. The kitten looks unimpressed. Or maybe that is it's usual expression. >> Roland stares for a moment as she begins to walk across >> a rainbow, heading for a spire that seems to go up for- >> ever. He shrugs as the rest of the group and follows... The little grey kitten hops down out of the tree, and winds its way among the ankles of the Callahan's folk. The fact that it avoids Titania's direct glance is purely coincidence. (OOC: I /am/ trying to work my way into this.. my cat just beat me to it. - Caprice) =========================== From: The Renaissance Man Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) Date: Fri, 17 Jan 1997 12:20:21 -0800 (PST) > The kitten washes its left paw carefully. Le dignite. Toujours le dignite. :) =========================== Date: Fri, 17 Jan 1997 18:45:47 -0800 From: "L.J. Wolfe" Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) At 11:03 PM 1/16/97 -0800, Crow wrote: >A few of the others look at Crow, puzzled why she didn't just call >Xzerrion telepathically. She replies in a low mental whisper. >/Georgie's going to scout the area while looking for Xzerrion. I >don't like it that that spider-troll got so close to the defenses of >this place. Something's not right./ > >(OOC: Rehi, folx. Sorry, life's been hectic lately, plus I'm fighting >off some kind of nasty cold. I'll try to keep up with things, but my >character may have to pull some disappearing acts of her own from >time to time. Either that or be real quiet. ;) ) (OOC: Just getting quiet is usually how I handle it. Makes it easier to jump back in .) "I'm with you on this one. Things around here keep getting curiouser and curiouser." Morgan lets out a low soft whistle, really more telepathic than physical. "They're on their way back to follow us, but they're keeping eyes, ears, and all other senses wide open on the way," she says, joining the rest of the troop following Roland and Titania. Greywolf /|\ =========================== Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) Date: Fri, 17 Jan 97 22:28:35 -0000 From: Roland X >"Phoenix, did I detect a potential threat behind her using the 'R' >word? Or is it common here to address someone hy names they have not >given out? In front of an entire forest? In a land where a name holds >a great deal of magical power? With a magick-inclined being trying to >kill us? Whose minions can be lurking without us knowing? Or am I >just being paranoid?" ;) *My friend, I got the _distinct_ impression that her use of my name was...familiar,* Roland sends to KnightShift. *That my pseudonym was...amusing to them. Or at least her. BTW, folx, feel free to go back to calling me Roland. Silver Phoenix is a mouthful, and it isn't likely to help anything except my ego.* Roland grins weakly. >Doctor John Smith (Like it does me any good now to use a pseudonym. >lol) *Keep trying, Doc. We have to keep what advantages we can.* Roland, in an uncharacteristic (but understandable) fit of paranoia, maintains a solid telepathic link to the rest of the folx as he is led further up the spire. A handsome, brightly dressed Sidhe approaches the rest of the team. "Greetings, noble warriors. I am General Aeon, and I am the unworthy leader of Arcadia's Guards of the Heart. If you would accompany me, I will see to your lodging and...sustenance. No doubt you've heard tales of the dangers of Arcadia's food-exaggerated, I assure you-but alternate methods of maintaining your physical needs will be found all the same. Her Royal Highness apparently has some private business with your leader..." Aeon looks up at Roland with a mixture of envy and pity. Mostly pity. "...and both will no doubt return in short order. How may I assist you?" (Next: My dinner with Titania! ) =========================== From: Martin Gerster Subject: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia)_ Date: Sat, 18 Jan 97 19:26:55 PST "My Lord General Aeon," speaking up Dhyrclhanc, after he's caught up with the other Callahanians, "are you sure that your guardsmen are going to be able to deal with the (ahem) 'physical needs' of creatures like myself and, my 'cousin' Stardragon? Admittedly, I present less of a problem. I only require an amount of food equal to about 5 mortal men, Stardragon, by my last recolection, devours whole planets for sustanance!" /No offence, intended, 'cousin'./ =========================== Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia)_ Date: Sat, 18 Jan 97 20:48:44 -0000 From: Roland X General Aeon swallows. "We are accustomed to setting places for your kind, sir, but your companion may well present a problem should it require a meal. Let me know, Stardragon, if you require anything, and I will speak to Queen Titania on your behalf-" A string of curses in several different languages bursts forth from an ever-widening glow. A man looking both young and ancient appears in one of the crystals set into the primary spire. He steps through it like it isn't there, and surveys the area as if he owns it. It would seem that Oberon has returned... =========================== From: The Renaissance Man Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) Date: Sat, 18 Jan 1997 21:31:29 -0800 (PST) > *My friend, I got the _distinct_ impression that her use > of my name was...familiar,* Roland sends to KnightShift. > *That my pseudonym was...amusing to them. Or at least her. > BTW, folx, feel free to go back to calling me Roland. > Silver Phoenix is a mouthful, and it isn't likely to help > anything except my ego.* Roland grins weakly. "Childe Roland to the Dark Tower came," Alaric muses, not quite to himself. > A handsome, brightly dressed Sidhe approaches the rest of > the team. "Greetings, noble warriors. I am General Aeon, and I > am the unworthy leader of Arcadia's Guards of the Heart. If > you would accompany me, I will see to your lodging and...sus- > tenance. No doubt you've heard tales of the dangers of Arca- > dia's food-exaggerated, I assure you-but alternate methods of > maintaining your physical needs will be found all the same. > Her Royal Highness apparently has some private business with > your leader..." Aeon looks up at Roland with a mixture of > envy and pity. Mostly pity. "...and both will no doubt return > in short order. How may I assist you?" "For myself," Alaric replies, "I have no special requirements. You need go to no effort on my behalf that you would not for your own knights." =========================== Date: Sun, 19 Jan 1997 03:46:13 -0600 From: Michael Jon Knight Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) At 10:28 PM 1/17/97 -0000, Roland X wrote: > *My friend, I got the _distinct_ impression that her use >of my name was...familiar,* Roland sends to KnightShift. >*That my pseudonym was...amusing to them. Or at least her. >BTW, folx, feel free to go back to calling me Roland. >Silver Phoenix is a mouthful, and it isn't likely to help >anything except my ego.* Roland grins weakly. /Alright, Roland,/ the KnightShift smiles, /But that brings up a whole new set of questions.../ >>Doctor John Smith (Like it does me any good now to use a pseudonym. >>lol) > *Keep trying, Doc. We have to keep what advantages we can.* "Doc?" the KnightShift mutters distastefully... > Roland, in an uncharacteristic (but understandable) fit of >paranoia, maintains a solid telepathic link to the rest of the >folx as he is led further up the spire. The KnightShift watches Roland, /Good luck, friend. Keep us posted. And holler if you need backup. We are only a thought away./ > A handsome, brightly dressed Sidhe approaches the rest of >the team. "...and both will no doubt return >in short order. How may I assist you?" "Greetings, General Aeon, I am 'the Doctor', and these are my friends. I believe we may only need to burden you with a place to rest and plan. Others may require nourishment, but I have all I need." Removing the TARDIS key ring from his pocket, the KnightShift activates the remote and the TARDIS materializes again, this time in the shape of a 7 foot tall slab of marble. Turning to the Lensdragon, the KnightShift grins. "'Lancet', would you like a tour? Or anyone else, for that matter?" The General looks confused, "Doctor, do you eat stone?" "What? No, I live in it." General Aeon looks very bewildered by now. The KnightShift gently takes him by the arm and guides him towards the TARDIS. Thrusting the key into a small hole in the slab. The KnightShift opens a door and enters the TARDIS, General Aeon in tow. "Big, isn't it?" the KnightShift says walking across the console room to the main console. His footsteps can be heard echoing across the hardwood floor. Clicking his tongue, the KnightShift glances at a few readings, then turns and heads for the kitchen. Appearing from nowhere, a black cat strolls across the black and white checkerboard linoleum, mewing hungrily. The KnightShift retrieves a can from the cupboard over the stove and fixs a bowl for the cat. The cat meows more loudly. "Yes, yes, I know Pyewackett. Give a guy a second to get it out of the can, willya?" General Aeon wandered around the console room in wonder. The bookshelves, the persian rugs, the Victorian furniture, the shelves containing rock samples from over half the galaxy, the wall of clocks, nothing escaped his notice. "This is incredible," he said quietly. "Isn't she, though?" the KnightShift remarked, stuffing food from the refridgerator into a large olive green duffel bag with a medical cross on it. "Y'know, I used to hate coming home, but now...I love it. She is a Type 110, fairly advanced, and I have done some modifications since I have had her." "If we only had something like this...an entire barracks in the same space as one bed. We could..." "Do many things that might lay waste to this world." the KnightShift warned, suddenly beside the General. "This may look quaint, but in the hands of the..." glancing at General Aeon, "unprepared, it can be dangerous. Besides, this TARDIS is linked to me telepathically. She won't accept any commands from anyone else. She is very intelligent. It is a trait they all share to some degree. Rather impractical for military purposes." The KnightShift led General Aeon to the door leading back to Arcadia. Just before exitting, the KnightShift turned and walked quickly to the console. As he approached, Pyewackett glanced up from his basket atop the central column of the console. Seeing nothing of interest, Pyewackett put his head back down and fell into a post-dinner doze. Tapping a few keys on a keyboard set into the black plastic surface of the console, the KnightShift heads for a dot matrix printer churning out a page of faint print onto the bar counter dividing off the kitchen from the rest of the console room. "What is that?" General Aeon asks. Ripping the sheet from the printer, the KnightShift sticks it on the fridge with a magnet. "Grocery list. I am low on spoo." The KnightShift and General Aeon leave the TARDIS, which vanishs again after a short time, to discover... At 08:48 PM 1/18/97 -0000, Roland X wrote: > It would seem that Oberon has returned... /Daddy's home.../ the KnightShift broadcasts. Doctor John Smith (aka the KnightShift) (poor General Aeon...he really isn't prepared for dealing with us...lol) =========================== Date: Thu, 23 Jan 1997 20:15:58 -0600 From: Michael Jon Knight Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) Back-tracking a tad, for those who are archiving this... >From: Martin Gerster >>"Isn't she, though?" the KnightShift remarked, stuffing food from >>the refridgerator into a large olive green duffel bag with a medical >>cross on it. "Y'know, I used to hate coming home, but now...I love >>it. She is a Type 110, fairly advanced, and I have done some >>modifications since I have had her." /A Type 110? Color me impressed, Iwasn't aware they'd even gone above the 60's line./ transmits Dhyrclhanc, /How about a private tour later, assuming we both survive this and that you can rig-up some form of real-world interface which wouldalow me to enter./ >>/Daddy's home.../ the KnightShift broadcasts. "There is a saying that exists, strangly enough, on most of my adopted homeworlds." says Dhyrclhanc the Sentinel-Lensdragon quietly to those close around him, "'Hell hath no fury, like a woman scorned. I'm afraid that from the look on Lord Oberon's face that a husband scorned, or perhaps simply ignored or miss-treated probably comes in a very close second." =========================== Date: Tue, 21 Jan 1997 01:00:15 -0600 From: Michael Jon Knight Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) At 01:20 PM 1/19/97 PST, Dhyrclhanc the Lensdragon/'Lancet' wrote: >/A Type 110? Color me impressed, Iwasn't aware they'd even gone above >the 60's line./ transmits Dhyrclhanc, /How about a private tour >later, assuming we both survive this and that you can rig-up some >form of real-world interface which would alow me to enter./ /Bigger door? No problem. I think the last 110 I saw was in the possesion of a vile woman using the name 'The Rani'. If you see her, don't ask for a tour. She tends to experiment on her guinea pigs...er...'guests'./ >"There is a saying that exists, strangly enough, on most of my >adopted homeworlds." says Dhyrclhanc the Sentinel-Lensdragon quietly >to those close around him, "'Hell hath no fury, like a woman scorned. >I'm afraid that from the look on Lord Oberon's face that a husband >scorned, or perhaps simply ignored or miss-treated probably comes in >a very close second." "Call me pessimistic, but I only hope it is that simple..." /Roland, hope you are getting all this. Cause this looks like trouble for us...or you./ (OOC: Jealous husband? Now THAT could be entertaining. ;-> ) Doctor John "Don't call me 'Doc'" Smith ;) =========================== Date: Thu, 23 Jan 1997 20:16:11 -0600 From: Martin Gerster (by way of Michael Jon Knight ) Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) Wrote KnightShift/Doctor John Smith onMon, 20 Jan 97 >/Bigger door? No problem. I think the last 110 I saw was in the >possesion of a vile woman using the name 'The Rani'. If you see her, >don't ask for a tour. She tends to experiment on her guinea >pigs...er...'guests'./ /Ah, yes./ sends back "Lancet"/I know of the "Lady" in question. Thankfully, it is only by reputation. From her reputaion I can only guess at what kind of a time she might have with me if she ever laid her hands on my unworthy carcass. Although I wasn't aware that her TARDIS was a type 110./ >(OOC: Jealous husband? Now THAT could be entertaining. > ;-> ) /Honestly, Knightshift, I'm not sure there's anything here to laugh about./ continues the Lensdragon /Especialy with that look on the Faerie King's face. Like I said before I'll take you up on that offer of a tour *Later*./ (OOC: Although, I do wish that Roland would write his continuation to this real soon. A fight between two of the most powerful characters in all the fictions is not something I'm looking forwards to and Roland seems to be prolonging the agony.) =========================== Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) Date: Fri, 24 Jan 97 22:11:44 -0000 From: Roland X Quoth the Doctor: >>"Call me pessimistic, but I only hope it is that simple..." /Roland, >> hope you are getting all this. Cause this looks like trouble for >> us...or you./ *I'll keep on my toes,* Roland says, watching warily as Titania makes some tea for herself. >>(OOC: Jealous husband? Now THAT could be entertaining. >> ;-> ) (OOC: Like I don't have enough problems? ) >/Honestly, Knightshift, I'm not sure there's anything here to laugh >about./ continues the Lensdragon /Especialy with that look on the >Faerie King's face. Like I said before I'll take you up on that offer >of a tour *Later*./ Oberon looks around, bloodshot eyes swirling as his subject jump (literally, in some cases) to avoid his gaze. "A pox on Gnomes and their ale. Bloody Spider and his bloody war. Psyche had better actually _be_ here this time..._ Oberon sways slightly, then gestures and... _something_...keeps him upright. >(OOC: Although, I do wish that Roland would write his continuation to >this real soon. A fight between two of the most powerful characters >in all the fictions is not something I'm looking forwards to and >Roland seems to be prolonging the agony.) (OOC: Okay, okay, I can take a hint! Seriously, I've been really busy lately. Here goes.) "Tea?" Titania asked, nodding in the direction of the teapot. "Um, no thanks," Roland said nervously. Titania sighed and put the pot aside. "Your, ah, highness-" "Why do you fear magick?" Titania asked. Roland stopped a moment. "It's dangerous. Unreliable. Fickle." "So is your 'Macin-tosh' ficton twister." Roland coughed, covering his mouth to hide laughter. "It's not that dangerous, your highness." Titania paused a moment. "Not in your hands, I suppose..." She sighed and sat down, taking a sip of tea. She watched Roland carefully. "Perhaps a better question is why you _reject_ magick." Roland's eyebrow quirked up. "Same reasons." "But they are not the same thing." Titania put out her hands, and an iron rod appeared, floating above them. "I fear this. Wisely. It is powerful, and to me, quite dangerous." She smiled, noticing the forcefield Roland had projected directly beneath it. "But I do not reject it. I dare not. In this Arcadia, it is one of the symbols of office. With this, I-or Oberon-pass sentence on recalcitrant fey. It is a part of who I am. I respect what it can do, but to deny it is to deny a part of myself." "But you can't hurt others by just thinking a mis- take." /And _this_ Arcadia?/ Roland wondered. /What-/ Titania's field dropped. Roland's eyes grew wide and he made a sound not unlike a soprano frog croaking, and grabbed the rod with his power. "Had this rolled away, it could have injured someone." Roland stared at Titania, incredulous. "You are out of your sprocking mind." "Maybe." The rod vanished. "Maybe I just believe in the person whose dreams made our version of wonder come alive. Whose fantasies once birthed worlds of all kinds. You have limited yourself for too long. Believe in yourself, Dreamer." Roland's eyes truly bulged this time. "HOW DID YOU-" Titania vanished. "Grife. I hate when she does that..." Roland's mind wandered. /...but maybe she has a point. Maybe I _have_ cut myself off from the wonder.../ /Like hell I have!/ * Titania appeared in the courtyard with the Callahanians, Psyche in her arms. "Poppa!" "Pun'kin!" Psyche flew (literally) into her father's arms, and many, _many_ fae peeked out from hiding places, sighing in relief. "Poppa, you should have seen it! A silver man came and Momma called down the rainbows and-" "Not so loud, love," Oberon whispered, wincing in the time-honored fashion of the hung over (easily recognized by the gathered Callahanians) and holding her tightly. "Wife, where is this 'silver man?' I wish to thank him." Titania smiled. "I believe he is being repaid as we speak." A flash...no, an EXPLOSION of light burst forth from the top of the spire. And down flew... ...Roland? "HA HA HA!" He swooped past, less than a meter above the heads of his companions, clearly dressed in form-fitting green clothing, the sheath for a ridiculously small dagger protruding from a tan-brown belt. He has grown considerably thinner, and his smile seems like a part of him. "I got it back! I GOT IT BACK!" "Fine!" he hears below him. "What did you bloody get back?!" "Watch," he whispers (though for some reason he is easily heard from below) and flies like a madman through the trees, distressing several birds, a handful of squirrels, and a pair of winged lovers who hadn't expected a lunatic in Lincoln Green flying through the Heart. A stream of wild colors follows behind him. "Sayeth the god Robin Williams: I AM THE PAN!" Oberon stares in shock at his wife. "You didn't." Titania smiles serenely back at him. "Of course I did." Psyche laughs. "He's funny." "That's what worries me, pun'kin..." Oberon mutters... (OOC: My RS name? Peter Flanagan. Honest. ) =========================== Date: 25 Jan 1997 14:09:52 -0000 From: "Capricia Davis" Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) In a quiet corner of the courtyard, a small grey kitten spreads butterfly wings like silver mist, and plays with a little princess. Psyche keeps taking flower blossoms, and tossing them into the air. The kitten the batbatbats at the flowers, trying to keep them in the air... until she can manage to bat them to land on Psyche's hair. Psyche giggles, then gets a distracted look, "Oopsie, mommy wants me." She grabs the kitten, hugging it tightly as she vanishes. > Titania appeared in the courtyard with the Callahanians, Psyche in >her arms. And a little grey kitten is in Psyche's arms, with a martyred expression on its tiny face. > "Poppa!" > "Pun'kin!" Psyche flew (literally) into her father's arms, and >many, _many_ fae peeked out from hiding places, sighing in relief. Oof! The little grey kitten gets smooshed between affectionate daughter and worried father. This is too much for the kitten, and she wiggles free. She sits neatly on the ground, tail tucked around her front paws. Well aware of feline rights, she watches Oberon with his daughter. > "Sayeth the god Robin Williams: I AM THE PAN!" The kitten blinks. > Oberon stares in shock at his wife. "You didn't." > Titania smiles serenely back at him. "Of course I did." > Psyche laughs. "He's funny." > "That's what worries me, pun'kin..." Oberon mutters... The kitten decides this is a good time to wash her whiskers, and starts doing so with serious intensity. -- Caprice (still looking for a way to get in, but at least Mischief is having fun) =========================== From: Martin Gerster Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) Date: Sat, 25 Jan 97 17:25:36 PST >The kitten decides this is a good time to wash her whiskers, and >starts doing so with serious intensity. > >-- Caprice (still looking for a way to get in, but at least Mischief >is having fun) /In my limited knowledge,/ transmits "Lancet"/and to miss-quote Captain Sheridan, Cats are both blessed and cursed in ways I can not possibly begin to imagine./ =========================== Date: Sat, 25 Jan 1997 23:28:33 -0800 From: "L.J. Wolfe" Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) At 02:09 PM 1/25/97 -0000, Caprice wrote: >The kitten decides this is a good time to wash her whiskers, and >starts doing so with serious intensity. Leetah, having gotten somewhat bored while everyone's been standing around waiting to see what happens next , decides to go give Mischief a 'hand'. She lays down next to the kitten and begins washing her fur, rather a lot of it at one time, considering the relative sizes of the beasts. Morgan /|\ (who's not sure what else to do at this point, either, and has _no_ pre-conceived ideas of how the cat will react. Have fun, Caprice! ) =========================== Date: Sun, 26 Jan 1997 02:51:43 -0600 From: Michael Jon Knight Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...(alright so it was a day or so ago and confined to planet earth...cut a guy some slack. :->) Roland wrote: > "Sayeth the god Robin Williams: I AM THE PAN!" > Oberon stares in shock at his wife. "You didn't." > Titania smiles serenely back at him. "Of course I did." > Psyche laughs. "He's funny." > "That's what worries me, pun'kin..." Oberon mutters... > (OOC: My RS name? Peter Flanagan. Honest. ) (OOC: Alright I'll say it...I am sure everyone else has been dreading it... ;>) The KniteShift looks up at Roland 'Pan' as the Disney Chorus sings 'You can fly'. /Just don't look at me to play Tinkerbell.../ he broadcasts, fingering his blaster menacingly in case that 'someone' character is still lurking about. "However," the KnightShift continues aloud, looking towards the royal family, "what concerns me more is what has been given to our young friend?" as he waves in the general direction of where Roland is madly gadding about, upsetting the local wildlife and the general populace (though who is who can be difficult to distinguish at times) of Arcadia. "I am glad to see him happy, but I could not help overhearing his Majesty and would be quite curious to know His meaning...I am the 'Doctor', by the way, your Highness," adding a deep bow, while keeping eye contact with the royal court and Roland...no mean trick...Roland not being willing to stay still... /How much coffee did you have this morning Roland?/ The KnightShift/Doctor John Smith Flarn version 1.0: Do YOU have the best? No? Too bad... :P =========================== From: Martin Gerster Subject: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) Date: Sun, 26 Jan 97 15:56:54 PST > (snip of the scene of Roland flying though the trees > and Knightshift's coments) The Sentinel-Lensdragon approaches the, now, happy royal couple playing with their rescued daughter. "Your Highnesses," begins "Lancet", "Not to be one to interupt such a happy scene but what did your Queenship do for my friend and companion?" Titania looks up from the sight of her happy King and their freed offspring and addresses the adolecent dragon. "Sir Lensdragon, for rescuing my daughter I simply gave your Roland his one true heart's desire." To which, "Lancet" replies,"Oh Kay." in a fantastic mimic of Richard Moll/Bull Shannon. Then continues by saying, "If your graces would indulge me, I'll return momentarily." So saying, the Sentinel-Lensdragon lauched himself straight up into the Arcadian Sky. "For a Creature-of-Magic, he doesn't seem very used to it. Does he, My Lady." asks the Faerie King, Oberon. "I am afeared that our draconian knight has strayed too long in places where the Magic which Spawned him may simply not exist." Titania replies. "The main tools of his Craft no longer solely include the elements of the Arte. But do not judge him too harshly my King, even the most fragmented Sidhe still find their Destiny." /Hey, Roland-Pan!/ mentaly shouts the Sentinel-Lensdragon, /Slow down a moment and let me catch-up to you. The folx down below would like to know what happened and, for that matter, so would I!/ =========================== Date: Sun, 26 Jan 1997 17:50:31 -0800 From: Caprice Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) > Leetah, having gotten somewhat bored while everyone's been standing > around waiting to see what happens next _decide_ what to do next ;-)>, decides to go give Mischief a 'hand'. > > She lays down next to the kitten and begins washing her fur, rather > a lot of it at one time, considering the relative sizes of the > beasts. The kitten mews, a pitiful though musical sound, and tries to squirm away. The look on her face says clearer than words 'I am a grown up kitten and can wash myself!' When she manages to wiggle clear, she spreads her wings and flutters up, landing herself on Leetah's head. She attempts to pin one of Leetah's ears, and groom it. If her expression was a word, it would be 'Nyah!' Caprice (who is wondering when someone will notice that this kitten that appeared out of nowhere?) =========================== Date: Sun, 26 Jan 1997 23:15:51 -0800 From: "L.J. Wolfe" Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) At 05:50 PM 1/26/97 -0800, Caprice wrote: >If her expression was a word, it would be 'Nyah!' > >Caprice >(who is wondering when someone will notice that this kitten that >appeared out of nowhere?) The she-wolf sighs, her expression one of bemused tolerance. Her mate gives her a quizzical look, and those paying enough attention to notice "hear" her think at Cutter, "Not a word!" .... Meanwhile, Morgan broadcasts to Roland-Pan, on an 'open frequency' so everyone can hear (and with the slightest of cultured British accents), <*Peter, darling, I _know_ you're having fun up there, but do _please_ remember we've still got work to do. Aside from the fact that we haven't found Stranger yet, we've those nasty spiders to deal with.*> Morgan "just call me Wendy" Greywolf /|\ =========================== Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) Date: Mon, 27 Jan 97 15:30:52 -0000 From: Roland X Then Wendy *cough* Morgan said: >Meanwhile, Morgan broadcasts to Roland-Pan, on an 'open frequency' so >everyone can hear (and with the slightest of cultured British >accents), <* Peter, darling, I _know_ you're having fun up there, but >do _please_ remember we've still got work to do. Aside from the fact >that we haven't found Stranger yet, we've those nasty spiders to deal >with. *> Both telepaths enter Roland's mind. They find utter chaos. Roland flies up to the Lensdragon's head, and pats it in a friendly manner. He smiles and ges- tures. The Lensdragon is now wearing a rather impres- sive steel helmet. There are indents for all the approproate places, except for the gems, which peek through holes shaped precisely for them. "This is fun," Roland says, almost giggling, then flies over to Morgan. The wolves convince him to move on. "Be right with you, milady," he says, trying to affect a serious manner (and failing miserably) as he bows and flies over to the lady Titania. Titania quirks an eyebrow. Roland cocks his head curiously. A flower is peeking out from the Faerie Queen's hair. She sighs and plucks it out. Two flowers are now in her hair. In moments, several flowers are on the ground, and the Faerie Queen wears a garland crown. Roland nods. "Better," he says, flying back to Morgan. "I'm sure that we'll know what happened to Stranger when the time is right," he says. "As for the Spider..." Roland rubs his hands together conspiratorially. "I'm going to enjoy that..." "Enjoy?" Oberon stares at Roland. "That beast twists a good quarter of the realm, holds out 'gainst my finest warriors and magi, and you are going to enjoy it?" "'Knocking over something cocked at an arrogant angle is a deep delight of the blood.' Santayana," Roland explains matter-of-factly. "I'm going to do something it's going to hate. "I'm going to tweak the little creep's nose." "The devil cannot abide to be mocked?" one of the Callahanians asks. Roland nods maniacally. "I'm sure the rest of you can come up with something while I have the Spider...ah...hooked." He floats there serenely. Titania sighs. "For those of you who are won- dering...Roland has a deep connection, as you all do, to the realms of wonder. I simply reminded him of it." Roland nods again. "What a blast!" "Jesus H. Frog on a crutch, he's drunk." "On magic," Titania agrees. Roland laughs and spreads his arms. A huge table appears, complete with the finest tableware, food, and goblets of wine. And stronger stuff for the larger folk. Oberon shakes his head. "Wife..." "This will pass," Titania insists. She plucks out another rose; two more take its place. "I hope." =========================== Date: Tue, 4 Feb 1997 23:30:43 -0800 From: "L.J. Wolfe" Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) At 03:30 PM 1/27/97 -0000, Roland Pan wrote: > Both telepaths enter Roland's mind. > They find utter chaos. Morgan rolls her eyes and sighs. > "This is fun," Roland says, almost giggling, then flies over to > Morgan. > The wolves convince him to move on. Two pairs of amber eyes look up at the Greywolf, who can't help but grin at the whole state of affairs. "Thank you, my friends, but I'm sure however annoying he may have gotten he wouldn't have hurt me." > In moments, several flowers are on the ground, >and the Faerie Queen wears a garland crown. > Roland nods. "Better," he says, flying back to Morgan. , she thinks to herself, . :-) > Oberon shakes his head. "Wife..." > "This will pass," Titania insists. She plucks >out another rose; two more take its place. "I hope." The assembled Callahanians and fae look at each other in varying stages of shock, amazement and bewilderment. Before anyone has time to do much more than gape, however, they all become aware of a frighteningly familiar sound. A black shape flies over, looking like a cross between a spider and your worst nightmare, emitting a "scream" that makes even the mighty Oberon wince.... Morgan /|\ ===========================