Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 3
                               Chapter 7

Date: Wed May 14 20:32:38 1997
From: "L.J. Wolfe" <ljwolfe@eee.org>
Subject: AAE: Weaving threads of battle

(OOC: I'm playing with the order of the posts just a little bit. Hope
I don't screw up anyone elses timeline. Much snippage, mostly unmarked
but you all know what you said. <g>)

Gamer@host.yab.com wrote:
> Roscoe slips and slide for a moment, then pauses. Striking is hands
>straight down, he makes two handholds. Enough of holds at least to
>allow him to flip up and spring towards a startled John feet first.
>Boot strikes flesh and in a moment, both fighters are back on the
>ground sliding like a human pinball game.

Morgan is marginally aware of Roscoe's battle. Much as she'd like to
help the friend she's know longer than any other in the CAoL, she
knows she's more needed elsewhere.


Shadow wrote:
>John, having finished his current spell in his battle against Roscoe,
>has a small breathing space. He looks around at the CAoL, "I need
>something to keep you all busy." His glow flares a little brighter
>for a moment, then several, (about 50) summoned shapes start to
>appear. They resolve into the shapes of...
>13th century knights, who charge the remainder of the CAoL. Whenever
>a knight is incapacitated, however that may be, another takes it's
>place.
>
>As the knights start to battle the Callahanians, John's voice booms
>out over the battlefield, "Resistance is futile. Prepare to be
>assimilated."

The Scotswoman's eyes blaze coldly. "Fookin' Sensenach. _These_ I
understand." Her sword arm itches for battle, but right now she's
occupied with Gaunt.


Gareth L Owen wrote:
>> The ground around Gaunt appears to come alive, but it isn't the
>>ground. From everywhere swarm creepy-crawlies of every kind,
>>converging on the immortal. A bite from any one of them would
>>normally be of little consequence to one of his kind, but there are
>>thousands. He brushes them off, squashes them, but they keep coming,
>>keep biting and stinging. The cumulative effect is....
>
>"Urgh. Didn't know you could do that."

<OOC: Druidic spell, right out of the old Player's Handbook ;-)>

>The Stranger rises, planting one foot on either side of Roland and
>hefting his Falchion. Looking around he seems to be attracting a
>crowd. A ragged skirmish line of knights is approaching, Kitty places
>herself next to him, crouching and snarling.

<*Thanks for the assist, Stranger.*>


Roland X wrote:
>Quoth the Lady Morgan:
>><OOC: Roland, remember that since we found out Drisonel was here, I
>>deliberatly _don't_ look like Morgan. Right now I'm "Alex", who's a
>>slightly taller, slightly darker complected, and much more
>>intelligent looking variant of "Buffy". This is a shape change, not
>>an illusion, so Gaunt shouldnt' be able to "see through" it. Of
>>course, that doesn't stop the fact that he knows he can get to you
>>by threatening your female companions ;-).>
>
>   (OOC: You're right, he shouldn't. <g>)
>   (OOC: Actually, that was my bad-I forgot. But
>he does have similar powers, including telepathy,
>and Roland's mind isn't in the best position to
>defend itself. <g>)

(OOC: Well, so I guess he knows who I am. Let's see if we can keep him
from finding out the "Buffy" form is me, too. I've got something sort
of planned, folks, so please have your villains cooperate here ;-)>

>>Keeping her distance, prepared to defend herself if necessary, and
>>never taking her eyes off her sword-brother's enemy, she begins a
>>low, soft chant. "Anail nathrack uthvass bethud...."

<OOC: I'm surprised no one picked up on this one ;-)>

>>The ground around Gaunt appears to come alive, but it isn't the
>>ground. From everywhere swarm creepy-crawlies of every kind,
>>converging on the immortal. A bite from any one of them would
>>normally be of little consequence to one of his kind, but there are
>>thousands. He brushes them off, squashes them, but they keep coming,
>>keep biting and stinging. The cumulative effect is....
>
>   ...maddening.
>   "Arrgh!" Gaunt cries, his aura flaring darkly.
>"Twice now you've cost me the brat! You'll pay for
>this, you witch!"

The Druid smiles coldly. "Wrong tradition."

>   Gaunt retreats to the position held by the Drow,
>channelling his bio-energies in an effort to heal
>himself. The sword, still in his heart, interferes
>with the effect, however, and the insects feast.
>
>   Roland gasps, feeling his sword-sister's desperation.
>*My...sword...*
>   The pain leaks through the telepathic link. *Morgan...
>leave me...he'll return, and when he does...* Roland
>tries to stand. Unsuccessfully.

Morgan leaves the bugs to their own devices and drops back to where
Stranger stands over Roland. She stands with her back to his, dropping
the knights with practiced ease, adrenaline on full flow. Smiling as
she remembers her Chief in a similar situation, she shouts over the
din of battle, "You might as well join the Black Storm, Stranger, you
fight with the Faoilciarach often enough!"

And Roland X also wrote:
>   Roland, unaware of his surroundings until now,
>looks across at his rescuer.
>   "St-*cough*-stranger?" Roland rises shakily to
>his knees. "They can't kill me. I'm immortal. Get
>the hell out of here." Roland clutches at the
>sickly-green gash in his side, wincing. "I'll-"
>Roland falls over again. "oy...i think i'll just
>lie here and bleed for a while..."

<*Be still and concentrate on healing yourself. Let us still in one
piece do the fighting. That's an order, sword-brother.*>


Then Knytt wrote:
>At 08:04 PM 5/14/97 +0100, Roland X wrote:
><snippity-do-da, snippity-a>

<Peanut cannon. My kingdom for a peanut cannon.... :-)>

>"No kidding, Robot.  Protect the lady," indicating Crow, "with the
>two wolves I was just with.  I'm going to try and get this guy out of
>the line of fire.  C'mon, buddy, quit bleeding--Green!?  That's
>different!--all over my boots and help me get you outta here..."

"Thanks, uh," Morgan gets a quick message from Cutter. "Will? Just
help us hold off these bastards for now. I'll explain later."


At 03:59 PM 5/14/97 -0700, Xzerrion wrote:
>Meanwhile, Xzerrion realizes that his original plan has just been
>overtaken by events, and begins redirecting the drow elven troops.
<snip>
>`It is the will of Matron Drisonel, that if you surrender at once,
>your lives will be spared!  Resistance, however, will be met by
>deadly force. Know that the Matron wishes to have you alive, but is
>willing to accept the delivery of your bodies if necessary.  Which is
>it to be?'
>
>At a gesture, the group of drow warriors level hand crossbows at the
>CAoL, and those with exceptional hearing note faint clicks from
>behind-left and behind-right as two groups of drow move into position
>with hand crossbows out.
>
>As he waits, Xzerrion momentarily opens the link and drops his mental
>shield.  <*I can get us in close to Drisonel at the least, probably
>to the prison itself.*>

And at 04:19 PM 5/14/97 -0700, fuzzy wrote:
>\Who's Side is he on anyway?, Well since he hasn't noticed that I'm
>back yet, I'm going to take cover and remain in reserve, Advice: if
>he asks, Fuzzy was probably vaporized by some kind of miscast spell.\

Morgan briefly acknowledges Fuzzy. <*Our side, I'm pretty sure.*> HACK
<*Tell ya later.*> SLASH

She calls up to the Drow as she continues dispatching the armored
warriors. "Spared?" HACK "There's an awfull lot of" SLASH "folks down
here who" HACK "seem like they'd like us dead before" SLASH "we can
even answer!" HACK "Call a hold" SLASH "and we'll talk!"

<#*I hope to hell you know what you're doing, Xzerrion! We've got more
than just Drisonel to deal with now.*#>

Alex/Morgan  /|\
<phew! ;-)>
===========================
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle
Date: Thu, 15 May 97 00:46:15 +0100
From: Roland X <rolandx@ix.netcom.com>

   ((OC: Bad case of insomnia. Oh well, I go to CA. to meet my
ladylove [YAY!!!] for the first time on Sunday, so I'll be ABEND for a
while. So...)

>(OOC: I'm playing with the order of the posts just a little bit. Hope
>I don't screw up anyone elses timeline. Much snippage, mostly
>unmarked but you all know what you said. <g>)
   <snippage ho>
>Shadow wrote:
>>As the knights start to battle the Callahanians, John's voice booms
>>out over the battlefield, "Resistance is futile. Prepare to be
>>assimilated."
>
>The Scotswoman's eyes blaze coldly. "Fookin' Sensenach. _These_ I
>understand." Her sword arm itches for battle, but right now she's
>occupied with Gaunt.

   *Yep,* Roland wheezes (yes, he's wheezing mentally; acidic poison
in a large gash'll do that to a Psion. <g>) *definitely prefer Drow to
the sprockin' Anglish.*

>Gareth L Owen wrote:
   <Snipman>
>>The Stranger rises, planting one foot on either side of Roland and
>>hefting his Falchion. Looking around he seems to be attracting a
>>crowd. A ragged skirmish line of knights is approaching, Kitty
>>places herself next to him, crouching and snarling.
>
><*Thanks for the assist, Stranger.*>

   *Ain't it the truth...* Roland tries to slide out from under
Stranger (behind him, natch) so as not to make Stranger a _perfect_
target. *I shoulda known you folx wouldn't leave. Hell, I wouldn't and
I'm a coward. Just for Light's sake, if you see Gaunt coming _do_not_
face him alone. Unless he doesn't have that thrice-damned sword. Then
puree him.* <g>

>Roland X wrote:
>(OOC: Well, so I guess he knows who I am. Let's see if we can keep
>him from finding out the "Buffy" form is me, too. I've got something
>sort of planned, folks, so please have your villains cooperate here
>;-)>

   (OOC: Not a problem. I think between you, Fuzzy, and Stranger he's
been properly distracted. <g>)

   <Snippage Returns>
>>>The cumulative effect is....
>>
>>   ...maddening.
>>   "Arrgh!" Gaunt cries, his aura flaring darkly.
>>"Twice now you've cost me the brat! You'll pay for
>>this, you witch!"
>
>The Druid smiles coldly. "Wrong tradition."

   "I don't care if you're a flamin' Hermetic! I'll flay your aura
from your living body for this!!!"

   <Snip III: Snipman Forever>
>And Roland X also wrote:
>>   Roland, unaware of his surroundings until now,
>>looks across at his rescuer.
>>   "St-*cough*-stranger?" Roland rises shakily to
>>his knees. "They can't kill me. I'm immortal. Get
>>the hell out of here." Roland clutches at the
>>sickly-green gash in his side, wincing. "I'll-"
>>Roland falls over again. "oy...i think i'll just
>>lie here and bleed for a while..."
>
><*Be still and concentrate on healing yourself. Let us still in one
>piece do the fighting. That's an order, sword-brother.*>

   *Can't heal...poison...& the magick is making...my Aura...bleed.
   *Morgan. Sword-sister. _I_cannot_be_helped._ I beg of you...don't
let me be the cause...of your death.*

>Then Knytt wrote:
>>At 08:04 PM 5/14/97 +0100, Roland X wrote:
>><snippity-do-da, snippity-a>
>
><Peanut cannon. My kingdom for a peanut cannon.... :-)>

   (OOC: ROFL!)

   <Snipman & Robin>
>She calls up to the Drow as she continues dispatching the armored
>warriors. "Spared?" HACK "There's an awfull lot of" SLASH "folks down
>here who" HACK "seem like they'd like us dead before" SLASH "we can
>even answer!" HACK "Call a hold" SLASH "and we'll talk!"
>
><#*I hope to hell you know what you're doing, Xzerrion! We've got
>more than just Drisonel to deal with now.*#>

   Roland slides closer to unconsciousness again, Stranger and Morgan
fighting valiantly around him. His vision blurs...
   *No.*
   Roland struggles...and rises. In a moment, he is standing again.
His armor is torn and depowered, his sword destroyed, the gash in his
side spurts red and green.
   His eyes burn with St. Elmo's Fire once more.
   "NO!"
   He holds out his hands, and lightning and fire smash into the
advancing knights.
   "NO MORE!"
   He spreads his arms and looks to the sky, and a wave of raw force
comes down, scattering the attackers.
   "YOU WILL NOT HAVE THEM!!"
   For a moment, Roland is flying again. Gaunt stares at his nemesis
from afar, his eyes wide in shock. Roland stares back for a moment,
smiles, and gestures at the remaining knights, who just...
   ...stop.
   Then, his power spent, he falls to the ground, his senses
overloaded, his mind barely active.
   And the battlefield, at least in their small area, is silent for a
short while.
   (OOC: If you folx want it, there's your opening for talks &
such...<g>)
===========================
Date: Wed May 14 23:12:17 1997
From: "L.J. Wolfe" <ljwolfe@eee.org>

At 12:46 AM 5/15/97 +0100, Roland X wrote:
>   ((OC: Bad case of insomnia. Oh well, I go to CA.
>to meet my ladylove [YAY!!!] for the first time on
>Sunday, so I'll be ABEND for a while. So...)

<OOC: Hope you find a way to get your character to a point where we
won't need his input while you're gone. Or find access to a computer
so you can check in.>

>><*Thanks for the assist, Stranger.*>
>
>   *Ain't it the truth...* Roland tries to slide out
>from under Stranger (behind him, natch) so as not to
>make Stranger a _perfect_ target. *I shoulda known
>you folx wouldn't leave. Hell, I wouldn't and I'm a
>coward. Just for Light's sake, if you see Gaunt coming
>_do_not_ face him alone. Unless he doesn't have that
>thrice-damned sword. Then puree him.* <g>

<*With pleasure.*> Morgan/Alex looks around at her comrads in arms.
<*Besides, how often do any of us actually face someone alone?*>

>>(OOC: Well, so I guess he knows who I am. Let's see if we can keep
>>him from finding out the "Buffy" form is me, too. I've got something
>>sort of planned, folks, so please have your villains cooperate here
>>;-)>
>
>   (OOC: Not a problem. I think between you, Fuzzy,
>and Stranger he's been properly distracted. <g>)

<*I may need a chance to change back.*> <#Xzerrion, if you want me to
change back to "Buffy", arrange for "Alex" to escape and then I'll let
"Buffy" be captured.#>

>   <Snippage Returns>
<sigh>
>>>   "Arrgh!" Gaunt cries, his aura flaring darkly.
>>>"Twice now you've cost me the brat! You'll pay for
>>>this, you witch!"
>>
>>The Druid smiles coldly. "Wrong tradition."
>
>   "I don't care if you're a flamin' Hermetic! I'll
>flay your aura from your living body for this!!!"

Morgan no longer wastes any attention on bantering with Byron.

>   <Snip III: Snipman Forever>
<groan>
>><*Be still and concentrate on healing yourself. Let us still in one
>>piece do the fighting. That's an order, sword-brother.*>
>
>   *Can't heal...poison...& the magick is making...my
>Aura...bleed.
>   *Morgan. Sword-sister. _I_cannot_be_helped._ I beg
>of you...don't let me be the cause...of your death.*

Alex's blade faulters briefly, and she takes a minor cut to her left
arm. Not wanting to give away any potentially important details, she
stops it from healing over completely.

<*Brother, what do you mean, "can't"? There must be _something_....*>
She begins running a mental inventory of her skills, the mundane, the
Bene Gesserit, a few she picked up in Arcadia, hoping she can think of
_something_ that will help.

<OOC: OK, _I_ know you're not going to kill him off, but a comment
like that will have Morgan fighting down panic :-).>

>>Then Knytt wrote:
>>>At 08:04 PM 5/14/97 +0100, Roland X wrote:
>>><snippity-do-da, snippity-a>
>>
>><Peanut cannon. My kingdom for a peanut cannon.... :-)>
>
>   (OOC: ROFL!)

<Thank you. :-)>

>   <Snipman & Robin>
<88888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888>

>   "YOU WILL NOT HAVE THEM!!"
>   For a moment, Roland is flying again. Gaunt
>stares at his nemesis from afar, his eyes wide in
>shock. Roland stares back for a moment, smiles,
>and gestures at the remaining knights, who just...
>   ...stop.
>   Then, his power spent, he falls to the ground,
>his senses overloaded, his mind barely active.
>   And the battlefield, at least in their small
>area, is silent for a short while.
>   (OOC: If you folx want it, there's your opening
>for talks & such...<g>)

"Alex" looks around at the sudden calm, then drops to one knee at
Roland's side, healer replacing warrior. Not that there's much she can
do. She rests her hand on his uninjured shoulder. <*Stay with us,
Brother.*>

<#*OK, folks, I'm playing to the crowd. Don't take anything too
seriously. _Please_ play along.*#> Her voice _sounds_ strained, like a
woman who's been pushed near the emotional breaking point. Those in
the link know differently.

"Xzerrion! Traitor! Is _this_ your idea of being spared? So Drisonel
wants us alive - why, so she can kill us herself? Or hand us over to
the likes of _him_?" She gestures toward Gaunt.

"I, for one, want a show of good faith before I even _consider_
surrendering to _you_" She virtually spits the last word. "This man
needs a healer." <#*Don't let on _I'm_ one.*#> "What say you, Drow?"

<#Ball's in your court, Xzerrion.#>

Alex (for now)  /|\
<BTW, I estimate it's still full night - maybe 1:00 or 2:00-ish?
Anyone feels different, feel free to speak up :-)>
===========================
Date: Thu, 15 May 1997 02:23:23 -0400 (EDT)
From: Shadow <pookie@pluto.njcc.com>
Subject: Re: AAE: Yeah, lets go do _something_ :-)

On Wed, 14 May 1997 gamer@host.yab.com wrote:
>  Roscoeslips and slide for a moment, then pauses. Striking is hands
> straight down, he makes two handholds. Enough of holds at least to
> allow him to flip up and spring towards a startled John feet first.
> Boot strikes flesh and in a moment, both fighters are back on the
> ground sliding like a human pinball game.

John grabs Roscoe's feet and rises into the air. He begins to spin,
faster and faster, finally becoming a blur. At that point he releases
Roscoe, who flies straight into the front gate, cracking it. Roscoe
then falls to the ground. John materialises his staff in his hand and
begins to fall straight toward Roscoe to deliver the killing blow. At
that point Xzerrion delivers Matron Drisonel's 'message', reinforcing
the preferred alive portion of his commands. He pulls up and watches
Roscoe, ready to try to kill if he continues to attack. He sees Roland
perform his flying stunt, and cancels the spell, preventing another 50
knights from showing up. Again his voice booms over the battlefield,
though there is a slight strain to his breathing from when Roscoe hit
him, "Give up now. I would hate to have to exterminate you."

OOC: Hey, John's winning at the moment. We have incredibly huge ego's
when we're winning. And yes, he would kill someone if it came down to
it. He would be horrified and would feel incredible remorse, but he'd
do it in an eyeblink. He also considers it the easiest way to bring
everyone in. I can be nasty when I'm GMing. :)
===========================
Date: Wed, 14 May 1997 23:51:41 -0700 (PDT)
From: fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com>
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle

On Wed, 14 May 1997, L.J. Wolfe wrote:
> At 12:46 AM 5/15/97 +0100, Roland X wrote:
>>   *Can't heal...poison...& the magick is making...my
>>Aura...bleed.

\If I can get a grip on some of the poison with the fetching (Teleport
Objects) I've got I will teleport some of it into Gaunt's Lungs. I
will also see if I can manage to teleport any concentrations of it out
of Roland. and grab a sample to see if my medkit comp. can synthysize
a counter agent. (likely if it is just a physical compound)\

ttfn
  Fuzzy
===========================
Date: Thu, 15 May 1997 02:54:21 -0500
From: Michael Jon Knight <mjknight@smartnet.net>
Subject: Still weaving threads, but mainly OOC

At 11:51 PM 5/14/97 -0700, fuzzy wrote:
>On Wed, 14 May 1997, L.J. Wolfe wrote:
>> At 12:46 AM 5/15/97 +0100, Roland X wrote:
>>>   *Can't heal...poison...& the magick is making...my
>>>Aura...bleed.
>
>\If I can get a grip on some of the poison with the fetching
>(Teleport Objects) I've got I will teleport some of it into Gaunt's
>Lungs. I will also see if I can manage to teleport any concentrations
>of it out of Roland. and grab a sample to see if my medkit comp. can
>synthysize a counter agent. (likely if it is just a physical
>compound)\

Will seems to be having the same thought as fuzzy. <OOC: After all, he
and Robot are not on the link.>  He takes a handkerchief and wipes the
green "blood" off his boots, then slips it into a small sample
container built for storing acidic compunds.  He slips the container
into a small pouch on his belt opposite the holster.  He stays
crouched where he is, before Roland flew off.

"How do I always manage to pick the underdogs?" he mutters.

<OOC: Fuzzy, if you want to try and 'fetch' this sample, it is about
the size of a kid's lunchbox thermos, in a pouch not much bigger, on
Will's left hip.  He will be willing to put the container out in the
open, if need be, but you'll have to find a way to let him know.  He
is near Stranger, I think, so that is a possibility.>

<Also OOC: I will try and write up something for Will and Robot, as
soon as I finish my research on where the show left off.  Unless Gamer
says otherwise, Will can provide the current date.  Since they left on
October 17th, 1997, I will work from there.  Rough estimates say 2005. 
Of course, the ship could have gone back or forward in time, but that
will be the date Will thinks it is.  I know the date is trivial, but I
like details.  ;) Thrive on them actually.  As Knytt's musings on the
geology and weather of Quaren can attest.  In case you are wondering
why I am up so late, my sister goes into the hospital tomorrow at
which time, I will have a new nephew. Call me an excited uncle.  I
didn't get to be there for her first (she was in Germany) so this is
new for me.>

<Still OOC: Roland, been there.  My SO and I wish you good luck and a
safe trip.  We started getting involved in November, met in January,
really hit it off, and are going to see each other again the 31st of
May.  Though, I will probably be a bit less ABEND.  She is coming
here.  (Yikes! Now I gotta clean house!)  Anyway, take things slow,
and just enjoy the experience.  As Zathras would say, "There is
infinite time."  Sage advice for a guy who sounds like Lothar of the
Hill People.>
===========================
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle
Date: Thu, 15 May 97 09:38:20 +0100
From: Roland X <rolandx@ix.netcom.com>

>> At 12:46 AM 5/15/97 +0100, Roland X wrote:
>>>   *Can't heal...poison...& the magick is making...my
>>>Aura...bleed.
>
>\If I can get a grip on some of the poison with the fetching
>(Teleport Objects) I've got I will teleport some of it into Gaunt's
>Lungs. I will also see if I can manage to teleport any concentrations
>of it out of Roland. and grab a sample to see if my medkit comp. can
>synthysize a counter agent. (likely if it is just a physical
>compound)\

   The poison is deflected by Gaunt's own 'portational powers, but
Roland gasps, breathes deeply, and sighs. The wound in his side
(finally!) begins to heal, and he closes his eyes...
   (OOC: Roland will be unconscious while my RL self is in California.
For now, though, I will remain _just_ conscious. Oh well, my timing
could've been better...)
===========================
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle
Date: Thu, 15 May 97 09:52:55 +0100
From: Roland X <rolandx@ix.netcom.com>

Sayeth the Lady Morgan (L.J. Wolfe, ljwolfe@eee.org):
>At 12:46 AM 5/15/97 +0100, Roland X wrote:
>>   ((OC: Bad case of insomnia. Oh well, I go to CA.
>>to meet my ladylove [YAY!!!] for the first time on
>>Sunday, so I'll be ABEND for a while. So...)
>
><OOC: Hope you find a way to get your character to a point where we
>won't need his input while you're gone. Or find access to a computer
>so you can check in.>

   (OOC: Roland will be out of it for the duration of my RL vacation.
Sorry. <shrug>)

   <snip>
>>   *Can't heal...poison...& the magick is making...my
>>Aura...bleed.
>>   *Morgan. Sword-sister. _I_cannot_be_helped._ I beg
>>of you...don't let me be the cause...of your death.*
>
>Alex's blade faulters briefly, and she takes a minor cut to her left
>arm. Not wanting to give away any potentially important details, she
>stops it from healing over completely.
>
><*Brother, what do you mean, "can't"? There must be _something_....*>
>She begins running a mental inventory of her skills, the mundane, the
>Bene Gesserit, a few she picked up in Arcadia, hoping she can think
>of _something_ that will help.

   Roland smiles weakly. *Nothing comes to mind-*
   Then Fuzzy teleports a large portion of the poison away. (c.f.
Fuzzy's post)
   Roland's eyes go wide. *Light. I-* He stops for a second.
   *I'll live, Morgan. Go.*

><OOC: OK, _I_ know you're not going to kill him off, but a comment
>like that will have Morgan fighting down panic :-).>

   (OOC: I will not blush. I will not blush. I will NOT blush. 8^) And
no, you're not that lucky. <g>)

   <snip>
>"Alex" looks around at the sudden calm, then drops to one knee at
>Roland's side, healer replacing warrior. Not that there's much she
>can do. She rests her hand on his uninjured shoulder. <*Stay with us,
>Brother.*>

   (OOC: Actually, you'd know that you could neutralize the magic in
the poison, but Roland probably wouldn't.)
   *Where would I go?* Roland quips weakly.

><#*OK, folks, I'm playing to the crowd. Don't take anything too
>seriously. _Please_ play along.*#> Her voice _sounds_ strained, like
>a woman who's been pushed near the emotional breaking point. Those in
>the link know differently.
>
>"Xzerrion! Traitor! Is _this_ your idea of being spared? So Drisonel
>wants us alive - why, so she can kill us herself? Or hand us over to
>the likes of _him_?" She gestures toward Gaunt.

   Gaunt smiles and studies the jagged edge of his sword with great
interest...though he's still brushing off the occasional insect. <G>

>"I, for one, want a show of good faith before I even _consider_
>surrendering to _you_" She virtually spits the last word. "This man
>needs a healer." <#*Don't let on _I'm_ one.*#> "What say you, Drow?"

   *Um, Morgan...Gaunt is _really_ going to complicate
things...remember his idea of honor.*
===========================
Date: Thu, 15 May 1997 10:27:44 -0400
From: Caprice <caprice@southeast.net>
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle

During all this chaos (little c! little c! I'm not invoking THAT one!
;) ) Mischief looks for a certain small rat, intending to pounce on
Squee and carry him off by the scruff of the neck to some kitten-sized
nitch away from the LoudNoises and BadThings.
===========================
Date: Thu May 15 07:35:03 1997
From: "L.J. Wolfe" <ljwolfe@eee.org>
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle

At 09:52 AM 5/15/97 +0100, Roland X wrote:
>Sayeth the Lady Morgan (L.J. Wolfe, ljwolfe@eee.org):
>><OOC: Hope you find a way to get your character to a point where we
>>won't need his input while you're gone. Or find access to a computer
>>so you can check in.>
>
>   (OOC: Roland will be out of it for the duration of my
>RL vacation. Sorry. <shrug>)

<OOC: OK, Have fun ;-)!> (Wonder if I just made him blush again <eg>?)

>><OOC: OK, _I_ know you're not going to kill him off, but a comment
>>like that will have Morgan fighting down panic :-).>
>
>   (OOC: I will not blush. I will not blush. I will NOT
>blush. 8^) And no, you're not that lucky. <g>)

<OOC: I tend to get very attached to the people I care about, and
Morgan cares about her comrads, especially her sword-brother. And
remember, the loss of Driscoll is still fairly fresh, and she's still
coming to terms with the ramifications of immortality. Losing a good
(and immortal) friend would be real hard on her just now.>

>>"Alex" looks around at the sudden calm, then drops to one knee at
>>Roland's side, healer replacing warrior. Not that there's much she
>>can do. She rests her hand on his uninjured shoulder. <*Stay with
>>us, Brother.*>
>
>   (OOC: Actually, you'd know that you could neutralize
>the magic in the poison, but Roland probably wouldn't.)
>   *Where would I go?* Roland quips weakly.

<OOC: Moot point now, I guess. She was thinking "poison" more than
"magic", though, so I didn't think of that.>

>>"I, for one, want a show of good faith before I even _consider_
>>surrendering to _you_" She virtually spits the last word. "This man
>>needs a healer." <#*Don't let on _I'm_ one.*#> "What say you, Drow?"
>
>   *Um, Morgan...Gaunt is _really_ going to com-
>plicate things...remember his idea of honor.*

<#*I know, it has me worried, too. Not much we can do but let Xzerrion
deal with it, though.*#>

"Alex", one less worry on her mind now that Roland is healing, waits
for Xzerrion's reply.

Concept flash. He doesn't need a healer as much now, but the enemy
doesn't know that. <#*Do we have anyone available who can work on
Xzerrion's side, including pretending to heal Roland of what's already
been fixed?*#> She shuts off the sigil link, and adds, <*Fuzzy? I
didn't want to give you away without your permission, but you may be
the only one of us here that they haven't already i.d.'ed. Your
call.*>

Morgan  /|\
===========================
Date: Thu May 15 07:38:48 1997
From: "L.J. Wolfe" <ljwolfe@eee.org>
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle

At 10:27 AM 5/15/97 -0400, Caprice wrote:
>During all this chaos (little c! little c! I'm not invoking THAT one!
>;) ) Mischief looks for a certain small rat, intending to pounce on
>Squee and carry him off by the scruff of the neck to some
>kitten-sized nitch away from the LoudNoises and BadThings.

(OOC: He was in my pocket last I knew. I leave it to Driscoll if he
vacated somewhere along the line. And thanks for letting me know what
my other little charge has been up to. When the battle fervor wore off
I would have been worried about her <g>.)

Morgan  /|\
===========================
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle
Date: Thu, 15 May 97 18:56:59 +0100
From: Roland X <rolandx@ix.netcom.com>

>>   (OOC: Roland will be out of it for the duration of my
>>RL vacation. Sorry. <shrug>)
>
><OOC: OK, Have fun ;-)!> (Wonder if I just made him blush again
><eg>?)

   (OOC: I'll tell you when I get back. <eg>)

><OOC: I tend to get very attached to the people I care about, and
>Morgan cares about her comrads, especially her sword-brother. And
>remember, the loss of Driscoll is still fairly fresh, and she's still
>coming to terms with the ramifications of immortality. Losing a good
>(and immortal) friend would be real hard on her just now.>

   (OOC: Yea, but think of how much less trouble you'd get into
without him...hmmm, I see your point. <G>)

>>   (OOC: Actually, you'd know that you could neutralize
>>the magic in the poison, but Roland probably wouldn't.)
>>   *Where would I go?* Roland quips weakly.
>
><OOC: Moot point now, I guess. She was thinking "poison" more than
>"magic", though, so I didn't think of that.>

   (OOC: About half the poison is stil there. I need an excuse for him
to lose consciousness later anyway, so I figured that between Gaunt's
power, the Brand, and the magic, the teleport wouldn't have been 100%
successful. He's still bleeding red & green. Yuck.)

   <snip>
>>   *Um, Morgan...Gaunt is _really_ going to com-
>>plicate things...remember his idea of honor.*
>
><#*I know, it has me worried, too. Not much we can do but let
>Xzerrion deal with it, though.*#>
>
>"Alex", one less worry on her mind now that Roland is healing, waits
>for Xzerrion's reply.

   Roland smiles and lets 'Alex' keep thinking that, trying to look
harmless to the villains at the same time...

>Concept flash. He doesn't need a healer as much now, but the enemy
>doesn't know that. <#*Do we have anyone available who can work on
>Xzerrion's side, including pretending to heal Roland of what's
>already been fixed?*#> She shuts off the sigil link, and adds,
><*Fuzzy? I didn't want to give you away without your permission, but
>you may be the only one of us here that they haven't already i.d.'ed.
>Your call.*>

   *Um, I could really use that healing, actually. If it'll use up
some of the bad guys' magic/power, let _them_ expend it getting the
rest of this gunk out of me. But I think I can fight again, if it
comes to that.*
   The Freelance Immortal, trying not to think too hard about what
happened to his poor sword...
===========================
Date: Thu, 15 May 1997 16:23:47 -0700 (PDT)
From: Paul Campbell <xzerrion@u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle

On Wed, 14 May 1997, L.J. Wolfe wrote:
> "Xzerrion! Traitor! Is _this_ your idea of being spared? So Drisonel
> wants us alive - why, so she can kill us herself? Or hand us over to
> the likes of _him_?" She gestures toward Gaunt.

Xzerrion gestures, and the drow he's been directing move forward. `If
he knows what's good for him, there will be no further interference.
Drisonel has her own plans, which for the moment require you alive.
Gaunt, you may have the opportunity to play later, but not now. You
will, of course, be suitably rewarded for your exertions.'

> "I, for one, want a show of good faith before I even _consider_
> surrendering to _you_" She virtually spits the last word. "This man
> needs a healer." <#*Don't let on _I'm_ one.*#> "What say you,
> Drow?"
>
> <#Ball's in your court, Xzerrion.#>

`As I'm sure you are aware, the Matron herself has some abilities as a
healer, and may condescend to use them. However, she is not here. My
authority does not extend to bringing her to you, therefore, I must do
the reverse. Guards, bind them for now, and bring any weapons to me.'

The three drow mages produce iron shackles, shimmering with power, and
move into position to lock up the CAoL, as the soldiers begin to
collect weapons.

`Remember, key the binding spells to *me*.'

<* Only way I can think of to leave us an easy out if needed. *>
===========================
Date: Thu, 15 May 1997 16:28:45 -0700 (PDT)
From: Paul Campbell <xzerrion@u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle

On Thu, 15 May 1997, Roland X wrote:
>    *Um, I could really use that healing, actually.
> If it'll use up some of the bad guys' magic/power,
> let _them_ expend it getting the rest of this
> gunk out of me. But I think I can fight again, if
> it comes to that.*
>    The Freelance Immortal, trying not to think too
> hard about what happened to his poor sword...

<* I'll see about getting Drisonel to work the healing. It probably
depends on what plans she has for us. *>

Xzerrion steps forward, accompanied by his honor guard, and stands
before Roland. `I am no healer, and you may not like how this power
feels. But it *will* get you on your feet for a while, though the
Goddess herself knows why Drisonel wants it.'

Xzerrion extends a hand toward Roland as his sigil flares red, and a
pulse of energy flies from his hand to Roland.

<OOC : Basic dispel exhaustion type thing. Also similar to
fatigue-banishing from the Deryni tradition. >
===========================
From: gamer@host.yab.com
Date: Thu, 15 May 1997 16:34:03 -0700 (MST)
Subject: Re: AAE-Dinner with Driscoll

> Argent sips her wine to moisten her throat before continuing. "As
> far as this battle goes, Xzerrion had hired me as a bodyguard, so I
> got dragged in as a part of it. I believe he has a plan, though who
> can tell how a Drow's mind works?"

 Driscoll looks confused for a moment, then toughtfully begins
nibbling on a sweet roll. "Hmmm You're not the one I brought here, yet
I still feel her inside you. Ca..Caprice. I don't understand...."
 Noticing Argent's obvious confusion to what he's talking about, a
smile begins to spread across his face as he gets an idea. Stars swirl
around Argent again, seperating Argent and Caprice, then weaving them
back together again. As the sparkles fade he looks deep into her eyes.
"Are you there Caprice? I have many questions but I don't know if my
power worked to let you switch between yourself and this Argent or
not..."
===========================
From: gamer@host.yab.com
Date: Thu, 15 May 1997 16:50:16 -0700 (MST)
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle

> The three drow mages produce iron shackles, shimmering with power,
> and move into position to lock up the CAoL, as the soldiers begin to
> collect weapons.
>
> `Remember, key the binding spells to *me*.'
>
> <* Only way I can think of to leave us an easy out if needed. *>

 Roscoe glares at John but finds himself unable to move. The Drow
shackle him and John moves away, but even his massive strength sin't
able to bend or break the chains. Adrennalin levels drop quickly and
fatigue rushes in. Soon he finds himself laying face down in the dirt
asleep.

 An X-window opens on a nearby rooftop and the Black form of The
Controller appears. He looks over the scene carefully, then chuckles
softly to himself, "The last bargaining pieces have been collected.
The time for the deal shall be soon I think. Then the Power will all
be mine." The X-window opens again and he steps through.

 A cloaked figure watches invisibly from the nearby shadows. His mind
reaches out to the only two minds he can touch, Roscoe's and
Alex/Buffy/Morgan's. The message is short and simple and from someone
they are both very close to. [You're not alone. I will be near.]
 Then he is gone completely.
===========================
From: gamer@host.yab.com
Date: Thu, 15 May 1997 16:54:01 -0700 (MST)
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle

On Thu, 15 May 1997, Caprice wrote:
> During all this chaos (little c! little c! I'm not invoking THAT
> one! ;) ) Mischief looks for a certain small rat, intending to
> pounce on Squee and carry him off by the scruff of the neck to some
> kitten-sized nitch away from the LoudNoises and BadThings.

 Squee spots Mischeif before she can pounce on him, sticks out his
tounge and makes a run for it. In and out through the feet of CaoL
members and knights alike. One knight almost steps on the rat, so he
jumps onto its leg and climbs to the helm. Gesturing with paws, a bolt
of light is shot directly into the eye-slits of the greathelm,
blinding the knight. Squee jumps as the knight falls (OOC: I thougth
Knightfall was hours ago...) and continues leading the chase towards
an alleyway as the CaoL is shackled.
===========================
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle
Date: Thu, 15 May 97 20:16:53 +0100
From: Roland X <rolandx@ix.netcom.com>

Quoth the devious Xzerrion:
><* I'll see about getting Drisonel to work the healing. It probably
>depends on what plans she has for us. *>

   Roland smiles inwardly. *Clever...*

>Xzerrion steps forward, accompanied by his honor guard, and stands
>before Roland. `I am no healer, and you may not like how this power
>feels. But it *will* get you on your feet for a while, though the
>Goddess herself knows why Drisonel wants it.'
>
>Xzerrion extends a hand toward Roland as his sigil flares red, and a
>pulse of energy flies from his hand to Roland.

   Gaunt's eyes go wide. "Wait-"
   The energy pours into Roland, and his body gains enough energy to
seal the wound, though the poison is still inside his body.
   Roland cries out, then shudders and falls to one knee. A white,
cloud-like energy begins to coalesce around him, and small arcs of
electricity run along what's left of his armor.
   "Oh, bloody hell," Gaunt says, and dives for cover.
   (OOC: Anyone who's seen any Highlander knows what comes next. <EG>)
   Roland shudders as power flows through him. His Aura flares
brightly, and the white energy begins to pour into him. Lightning
begins to flare in the sky, and flow along all metal in the area. No
one seems to be harmed by it, however.
   Then he screams, and a stained-glass window above shatters. He
falls to the ground, holding the place where his wound 'was.' The skin
is a sickly green, but the gash is sealed for the moment.
   Gaunt rises, shaking badly. "That...was fortunate. At least he
didn't change. How those thrice-damned faerie folk managed to enchant
him without causing this is beyond me-perhaps something to do with the
bizarre nature of the dream realm Arcadia-but whatever magicks you do
on him, do not empower him with it directly. While I would greatly
enjoy the more likely occurence, the less probable transformation
would not be pleasant for anyone."

><OOC : Basic dispel exhaustion type thing. Also similar to
>fatigue-banishing from the Deryni tradition. >

   (OOC: Can you say 'Quickening?' I knew that you could. <EG> Just
saw an ep of Highlander...)
===========================
Date: Thu, 15 May 1997 19:38:49 -0500
From: Michael Jon Knight <mjknight@smartnet.net>
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle

{ ... } = Radio signal, audible only to Will

Will stays stock still as the Drow begin shackling the CAoL. In his
ear, a small speaker comes to life.

{Will Robinson, there is a gate of unknown energy opening on one of
the rooftops. I am monitoring something emerging.}

At 04:50 PM 5/15/97 -0700, gamer@host.yab.com wrote:
<Snippy the Wonder Editor>
> An X-window opens on a nearby rooftop and the Black form of The
>Controller appears. He looks over the scene carefully, then chuckles
>softly to himself, "The last bargaining pieces have been collected.
>The time for the deal shall be soon I think. Then the Power will all
>be mine." The X-window opens again and he steps through.

{The unknown gate is now closed. The 'something' is some form of
cyborg. Did you receive the signal from my audio receptors?}

"Yes, robot," Will mutters almost silently, "It appears there is
dissention in the enemy ranks..." <FREEZE-FRAME AS DRAMATIC MUSIC
TAKES US INTO COMMERCIAL>

<OOC: The more I write for this kid, the more I think Lost in Space,
as hard-core science fiction, not the camp, has potential.>
===========================
Date: Thu May 15 18:17:27 1997
From: "L.J. Wolfe" <ljwolfe@eee.org>
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle

<An aside before I pick up the thread: I got to thinking that the
spell Morgan used on Gaunt was a little to powerful for her to have
pulled off unassisted on such short notice (Creeping Doom, 7th level
Druid spell). To be fair, I'm going to back up and say she had to draw
some on the sigil. Since I've already established that battle lust is
one of the side effects that artifact has on her, and since John was
so kind as to provide her with an army of those who were her enemies
before she ever _heard_ of Callahans, she had an opportunity to work
it off. She's recovered now. I just wanted to get that on the record,
both for my sake and in case I decide later that there are cumulative
effects of using that thing. Now, back to the story....>

At 04:23 PM 5/15/97 -0700, Xzerrion wrote:
>Xzerrion gestures, and the drow he's been directing move forward. `If
>he knows what's good for him, there will be no further interference.
>Drisonel has her own plans, which for the moment require you alive.
>Gaunt, you may have the opportunity to play later, but not now. You
>will, of course, be suitably rewarded for your exertions.'

<#Thanks! I _really_ don't like the way he looks at me.#>

<OOC: I was thinking for a while that I might like for Morgan to have
her own arch-nemesis. It occurs to me that I don't need one - I've
already aquired three of yours (Drisonel, Gaunt, and the Controller).
What was it Fuzzy was saying about involvement with the CAoL being the
greatest threat to his existance ;-)?>

>The three drow mages produce iron shackles, shimmering with power,
>and move into position to lock up the CAoL, as the soldiers begin to
>collect weapons.

The Drow may or may not notice that the claidhmhor is not to be found.
Alex is armed only with an unremarkable belt dagger.

>`Remember, key the binding spells to *me*.'
>
><* Only way I can think of to leave us an easy out if needed. *>

<#I'd better get that blade _back_, Xzerrion.#>

At 04:50 PM 5/15/97 -0700, gamer@host.yab.com wrote:
> Roscoe glares at John but finds himself unable to move. The Drow
>shackle him and John moves away, but even his massive strength sin't
>able to bend or break the chains. Adrennalin levels drop quickly and
>fatigue rushes in. Soon he finds himself laying face down in the dirt
>asleep.

Morgan probes gently, and is relieved to find Roscoe's sleep is that
of normal exhaustion.

> A cloaked figure watches invisibly from the nearby shadows. His mind
>reaches out to the only two minds he can touch, Roscoe's and
>Alex/Buffy/Morgan's. The message is short and simple and from someone
>they are both very close to. [You're not alone. I will be near.]
> Then he is gone completely.

"Alex", wrists shackled, fights the impulse to look toward the source
of that touch. <Dris?>, she sends on a "frequency" not used since they
all fought in a mountain in Arcadia. No response. That was a
_familiar_ touch, not the mind of the youthful Harlequin God. Or maybe
her overworked mind was playaing tricks on her. Roscoe barely stirs in
his sleep.

Morgan  /|\
===========================
Date: Thu, 15 May 1997 22:53:08 -0400
From: Caprice <caprice@southeast.net>
Subject: Re: AAE-Dinner with Driscoll

gamer@host.yab.com wrote:
>  Driscoll looks confused for a moment, then toughtfully begins
> nibbling on a sweet roll. "Hmmm You're not the one I brought here,
> yet I still feel her inside you. Ca..Caprice. I don't
> understand...."
>  Noticing Argent's obvious confusion to what he's talking about, a
> smile begins to spread across his face as he gets an idea. Stars
> swirl around Argent again, seperating Argent and Caprice, then
> weaving them back together again. As the sparkles fade he looks deep
> into her eyes. "Are you there Caprice? I have many questions but I
> don't know if my power worked to let you switch between yourself and
> this Argent or not..."

Caprice pauses before answering. "It worked... for now at least. I'm
not sure how stable it will be... As long as I am in Quaren, being
Argent is going to be easier, more natural, than being Caprice... at
least until I get her integrated."

Caprice reaches for a glass of water, and sips it slowly. "What
questions can I answer for you?"
===========================
Date: Thu, 15 May 1997 23:15:37 -0400
From: Caprice <caprice@southeast.net>
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle

gamer@host.yab.com wrote:
>  Squee spots Mischeif before she can pounce on him, sticks out his
> tounge and makes a run for it. In and out through the feet of CaoL
> members and knights alike. One knight almost steps on the rat, so he
> jumps onto its leg and climbs to the helm. Gesturing with paws, a
> bolt of light is shot directly into the eye-slits of the greathelm,
> blinding the knight. Squee jumps as the knight falls (OOC: I thougth
> Knightfall was hours ago...) and continues leading the chase towards
> an alleyway as the CaoL is shackled.

(OOC: Knightfall... I've been meaning to buy that book)

Mischief waits until they are out of sight before sitting down to do
some serious paw-washing. *Nasty elfs. Nasty castle. Good peoples
caught. Mommy somewhere else. Mommy's gone weird again.*

Mischief tilts her head looking at Squee. *Clever Mischief. Shifter
Squee. We find dungeon. Lots of wigglysmall places... rescue friends
AND otherpersons.*
===========================
Date: Thu, 15 May 1997 21:36:11 -0700 (PDT)
From: fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com>
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle

On Thu, 15 May 1997, Caprice wrote:
> Mischief waits until they are out of sight before sitting down to do
> some serious paw-washing. *Nasty elfs. Nasty castle. Good peoples
> caught. Mommy somewhere else. Mommy's gone weird again.*
>
> Mischief tilts her head looking at Squee. *Clever Mischief. Shifter
> Squee. We find dungeon. Lots of wigglysmall places... rescue friends
> AND otherpersons.*

Feline mode send:
\If you two would like some big people help, let me know.\

ttfn
  Fuzzy
===========================
From: gamer@host.yab.com
Date: Thu, 15 May 1997 22:26:09 -0700 (MST)
Subject: Re: AAE-Dinner with Driscoll

On Thu, 15 May 1997, Caprice wrote:
> Caprice pauses before answering. "It worked... for now at least. I'm
> not sure how stable it will be... As long as I am in Quaren, being
> Argent is going to be easier, more natural, than being Caprice... at
> least until I get her integrated."
>
> Caprice reaches for a glass of water, and sips it slowly. "What
> questions can I answer for you?"

 "Would that I could garuntee it would stay thusly once you leave, but
my power is at its strongest here and I've never worked it quite like
this on someone from another world, or kind of from another world. I
don't understand how can you be from two places at once? Besides the
normal curiosity, I also have a real fear for you. I chose the Army of
Light becuase they were _not_ from Quaren. Because the Gods would not
realize their existance and could not interfeer with them. Yet you
changed, you became of this world. And that will make you vulnerable.
darath is much more powerful than I and has had much more practice
with his power. It would distress me greatly to see such a perfect
flower of a woman damaged."
===========================
Date: Thu, 15 May 1997 22:29:14 -0700 (PDT)
From: "K. Ohanlon" <bastet@u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle

<OOC: Bloody effin' heck, get a nasty case of the midterms, and I miss
a chance to fight! *sigh* Guess the next major battle stuff will
coincide with finals week, right? ;) I'll just have Crow be off
somewhere in a mental haze and get caught up with current events.
That's the easiest way to get caught up without stepping on anybody
else's concept of how things  went.>

On Thu, 15 May 1997, L.J. Wolfe wrote:
> At 04:23 PM 5/15/97 -0700, Xzerrion wrote:
>>Xzerrion gestures, and the drow he's been directing move forward.
>>`If he knows what's good for him, there will be no further
>>interference. Drisonel has her own plans, which for the moment
>>require you alive. Gaunt, you may have the opportunity to play
>>later, but not now. You will, of course, be suitably rewarded for
>>your exertions.'

Crow snarls outwardly at the approaching drow. Inside, she's feeling
somewhat relieved. Xzerrion's restored contact, somewhat. She still
can't seem to probe his mind, but just knowing the contact is there
helps.

<*Thank you, all. Both for the lending of energies and protecting me.
I think my mind simply snapped. I'm feeling weak, but my energy is
coming back. I've faced a few too many betrayals in the past. Xzerrion
did not win my trust lightly, and the thought that he had broken that
trust.... Now, let us see what shall happen next.*>

>>The three drow mages produce iron shackles, shimmering with power,
>>and move into position to lock up the CAoL, as the soldiers begin to
>>collect weapons.
>
> The Drow may or may not notice that the claidhmhor is not to be
> found. Alex is armed only with an unremarkable belt dagger.

Unfortunately, too many of the drow have now seen her in her real
form. Crow considers switching back to 'Triel', but her energy levels
aren't enough to hold up to that major a change for that long a
period. Though the drow do find a dagger and a (normal) whip on her
person, there is no sign at all of the katana. <OOC: Just seemed the
sword style that *fits*, both character and RL. Might actually try to
find one someday... and gee, that belt of mine comes in handy for
storing things where they can't be detected. ;) >

>>`Remember, key the binding spells to *me*.'
>>
>><* Only way I can think of to leave us an easy out if needed. *>

Crow nods curtly, mentally. To Xzerrion, her mind whispers, <*I hope I
can trust you again, otherwise....*> The rest of CAoL can't 'hear' the
images she sends only to Xzerrion, but their minds *might* be able to
come up with something sufficiently close to give them a good idea
that a threat worse than death has been delivered.
===========================
From: gamer@host.yab.com
Date: Thu, 15 May 1997 22:30:59 -0700 (MST)
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle

On Thu, 15 May 1997, Caprice wrote:
> Mischief tilts her head looking at Squee. *Clever Mischief. Shifter
> Squee. We find dungeon. Lots of wigglysmall places... rescue friends
> AND otherpersons.*

 Squee changes into his humanoid shape and begins fencing at a wall
with a twig. "Take that and that! we'll show them not to mess with us!
Ummm What do you mean wierd again? Hmmm I bet I know how to get into
the dungeon unseen, but you're not going to like it little miss
prissy-clean!"
===========================
Date: Fri May 16 02:40:55 1997
From: "L.J. Wolfe" <ljwolfe@eee.org>
Subject: AAE: The kids

At 10:30 PM 5/15/97 -0700, gamer@host.yab.com wrote:
>On Thu, 15 May 1997, Caprice wrote:
>> Mischief tilts her head looking at Squee. *Clever Mischief. Shifter
>> Squee. We find dungeon. Lots of wigglysmall places... rescue
>> friends AND otherpersons.*
>>
> Squee changes into his humanoid shape and begins fencing at a wall
>with a twig. "Take that and that! we'll show them not to mess with
>us! Ummm What do you mean wierd again? Hmmm I bet I know how to get
>into the dungeon unseen, but you're not going to like it little miss
>prissy-clean!"

Alex noticed the younguns take off, but hasn't the option of going
after them. With Caprice/Argent temporarily out of contact, she can't
even inform her. Occupied though she is, she still feels responsible
for the two.

<*Fuzzy, Mischief and Squee are off on their own. I can't watch them
anymore right now. Could you please keep track of them for a while?*>

Morgan  /|\
<who's leaving it up to Fuzzy if she said this before or after he made
his comment to the kids>
===========================
Date: Fri, 16 May 1997 03:24:58 -0700 (PDT)
From: fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com>
Subject: Re: AAE: The kids

On Fri, 16 May 1997, L.J. Wolfe wrote:
> Alex noticed the younguns take off, but hasn't the option of going
> after them. With Caprice/Argent temporarily out of contact, she
> can't even inform her. Occupied though she is, she still feels
> responsible for the two.
>
> <*Fuzzy, Mischief and Squee are off on their own. I can't watch them
> anymore right now. Could you please keep track of them for a
> while?*>

Moments later...
To Alex only
\
 Of course, I was makeing sure I could keep track of them when you
called, they are currently planning a daring rescue.
 Are Will and The Robot with you?
 That glass rod I gave Xzerrion was given a 'true name' I will know
exactly where and when it breaks, I will check with you to findout
what is needed when that happens, if you don't know I will check the
minds present at the site.
Some of the Options
 My Arrival Combat Ready with spare weapons.
 A Chaos Gate from there to where I am.
 A Major Distraction.
\

Fuzzy is also going to retrieve the remains of the Phoenix Claw, from
the scrap heap where Gaunt tossed it.

ttfn
  Fuzzy
===========================
Date: Fri, 16 May 1997 07:47:59 -0400
From: Caprice <caprice@southeast.net>
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle

gamer@host.yab.com wrote:
>  Squee changes into his humanoid shape and begins fencing at a wall
> with a twig. "Take that and that! we'll show them not to mess with
> us! Ummm What do you mean wierd again? Hmmm I bet I know how to get
> into the dungeon unseen, but you're not going to like it little miss
> prissy-clean!"

Mischief tilts her head. *New world... Mommy someone else for a while.
Knows all they know. Always becomes mommy again later.* She turns her
head, and gives her left shoulder a lick. *Sewers, yes? All
twisty-tunnels down, down, down. Rats too.*

She looks up, turning her head in the direction of someone not in
view, and projecting at him as well. *Fuzzycatperson! Not caught!
Catclever!* She purrs happily, obviously liking Fuzzy, even though he
is not Mommy.
===========================
Date: Fri, 16 May 1997 08:21:44 -0400
From: Caprice <caprice@southeast.net>
Subject: Re: AAE-Dinner with Driscoll

gamer@host.yab.com wrote:
>  "Would that I could garuntee it would stay thusly once you leave,
> but my power is at its strongest here and I've never worked it quite
> like this on someone from another world, or kind of from another
> world. I don't understand how can you be from two places at once?
> Besides the normal curiosity, I also have a real fear for you. I
> chose the Army of Light becuase they were _not_ from Quaren. Because
> the Gods would not realize their existance and could not interfeer
> with them. Yet you changed, you became of this world. And that will
> make you vulnerable. darath is much more powerful than I and has had
> much more practice with his power. It would distress me greatly to
> see such a perfect flower of a woman damaged."

Caprice sips her glass of water. "I have the ability to walk between
worlds on my own... But when I enter a new world, I start to become
the person I would have been. Often the process is very slow, taking
weeks. However, I already have a doppleganger in Quaren. There is an
Argent in Quaren, whose past is exactly as she told you. Except that
she was hired as a bodyguard not by Xzerrion, but by a Drow Matron of
a very minor house."

Caprice pauses, turning over the information in her head. "Argent has
come to hate the drow, and is assassinating them whenever she can get
away with it. It's keeping her sane in this job. Her employeer is
being set up to take the blame if this invasion fails, and hates the
other Drow for it."

Caprice nibbles on some nutmeats. "Your enemy could indeed be a
problem... but first he has to tell which Argent is which. You were
looking for Caprice, so the duplicity didn't bother you. Argent has no
loves, her adherence to her word is her one noble trait. She is a
cynic in many ways, I doubt she could be bribed. Of course, your enemy
could just try to destroy us both. Argent has no fear of death, and
though I am not immortal, I am harder to kill than I once was."
===========================
Date: Fri May 16 06:53:03 1997
From: "L.J. Wolfe" <ljwolfe@eee.org>
Subject: Re: AAE: The kids

At 03:24 AM 5/16/97 -0700, fuzzy wrote:
>Moments later...
>To Alex only
>\
> Of course, I was makeing sure I could keep track of them when you
>called, they are currently planning a daring rescue.

Alex can't help but smile. <*Try to keep them from getting into _too_
much trouble.*>

> Are Will and The Robot with you?

<*"With" in what sense? He's here, and he appears to be on our side.*>

> That glass rod I gave Xzerrion was given a 'true name' I will know
>exactly where and when it breaks, I will check with you to findout
>what is needed when that happens, if you don't know I will check the
>minds present at the site.
>Some of the Options
> My Arrival Combat Ready with spare weapons.
> A Chaos Gate from there to where I am.
> A Major Distraction.
>\

<*Got it. I'd forgotten he had that. I'll remind him if and when it
becomes relevant.*> (OOC: Unless, of course, he remembers it himself
<g>.)

>Fuzzy is also going to retrieve the remains of the Phoenix Claw, from
>the scrap heap where Gaunt tossed it.

Alex smiles again, and has to wonder what the Drow shackling her are
thinking. ("Smile - it makes people wonder what you're up to"?)

<*Thanks again. I know he was worried about that.*>

Morgan  /|\
<waiting for Xzerrion to take his turn>
===========================
Date: Fri, 16 May 1997 07:58:42 -0700 (PDT)
From: fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com>
Subject: Re: AAE: The kids

On Fri, 16 May 1997, L.J. Wolfe wrote:
> Alex can't help but smile. <*Try to keep them from getting into
> _too_ much trouble.*>

\Only means -Don't Get Caught- Always a good idea.\

>> Are Will and The Robot with you?
>
> <*"With" in what sense? He's here, and he appears to be on our
> side.*>

\He is indeed one of the Good Guys, if a bit too noble for his own
good.\

> <*Got it. I'd forgotten he had that. I'll remind him if and when it
> becomes relevant.*> (OOC: Unless, of course, he remembers it himself
<g>.)

\Be very sure of him first.\

>>Fuzzy is also going to retrieve the remains of the Phoenix Claw,
>>from the scrap heap where Gaunt tossed it.
>
> Alex smiles again, and has to wonder what the Drow shackling her are
> thinking. ("Smile - it makes people wonder what you're up to"?)
>
> <*Thanks again. I know he was worried about that.*>

\Any headaches the Nasties get is no more than they deserve... '<eg>'\

ttfn
  Fuzzy
    Who checks mail even when he gets up for just a moment.
===========================
Date: Fri, 16 May 1997 08:08:35 -0700 (PDT)
From: fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com>
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle

On Fri, 16 May 1997, Caprice wrote:
> Mischief tilts her head. *New world... Mommy someone else for a
> while. Knows all they know. Always becomes mommy again later.* She
> turns her head, and gives her left shoulder a lick. *Sewers, yes?
> All twisty-tunnels down, down, down. Rats too.*
>
> She looks up, turning her head in the direction of someone not in
> view, and projecting at him as well. *Fuzzycatperson! Not caught!
> Catclever!* She purrs happily, obviously liking Fuzzy, even though
> he is not Mommy.

\'Groom at Ears' 'Purr' Good Clever youngling.\

ttfn
  Fuzzy
===========================
Date: Fri, 16 May 1997 13:24:24 -0400 (EDT)
From: Shadow <pookie@pluto.njcc.com>
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle

On Thu, 15 May 1997 gamer@host.yab.com wrote:
>  Roscoe glares at John but finds himself unable to move. The Drow
> shackle him and John moves away, but even his massive strength sin't
> able to bend or break the chains. Adrennalin levels drop quickly and
> fatigue rushes in. Soon he finds himself laying face down in the
> dirt asleep.

John returns as the Drow are about to manhandle Roscoe into
conciousness/drag him into the keep as brutally as poosible. He waves
them back then makes a simple gesture upward, both palm face up and
rising levelly. From the ground underneath Roscoe rises a four-poster
bed, complete with hanging silks and done, of course, in tones of Blue
and purple. It then proceeds to float along behind the prisoners. John
himself winks over to Xzerrion and moves into the keep with him.
===========================
Date: Fri, 16 May 1997 13:43:40 -0400 (EDT)
From: Shadow <pookie@pluto.njcc.com>
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle

On Thu, 15 May 1997, Paul Campbell wrote:
> Xzerrion gestures, and the drow he's been directing move forward.
> `If he knows what's good for him, there will be no further
> interference. Drisonel has her own plans, which for the moment
> require you alive. Gaunt, you may have the opportunity to play
> later, but not now. You will, of course, be suitably rewarded for
> your exertions.'

John looks over at Gaunt, a true smile lighting his face, "He will not
interfere. It is the will of Matron Drisonel." John looks delighted at
the prospect, almost daring Gaunt to try. Even if he died <actually,
was horribly mangled and in great pain.. Oh wait, that's Roland's
schtick :)> in the attempt, he would be doing something for the right
side.
===========================
From: gamer@host.yab.com
Date: Fri, 16 May 1997 16:06:36 -0700 (MST)
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle

On Fri, 16 May 1997, Caprice wrote:
> Mischief tilts her head. *New world... Mommy someone else for a
> while. Knows all they know. Always becomes mommy again later.* She
> turns her head, and gives her left shoulder a lick. *Sewers, yes?
> All twisty-tunnels down, down, down. Rats too.*
>
> She looks up, turning her head in the direction of someone not in
> view, and projecting at him as well. *Fuzzycatperson! Not caught!
> Catclever!* She purrs happily, obviously liking Fuzzy, even though
> he is not Mommy.

 Squee tosses his twig away and shifts back into a rat. [That's silly!
Mommies don't turn into other people! Other _things_ maybe, but
htey're always still mommy. You cats are all dingle-brains!] Squee
sticks out his tounge again and starts down the alleyway, staying
close to the wall. Along one wall, he finds a crack just big enough
for the kids to slip through [Comeon! _If_ you can. I bet your
dingle-brain head is too big to fit in here!] Slipping through, Squee
finds himself in a small courtyard in front of a large two story home.
[They gotta have a way to the sewer in there. And maybe a few tidbits
in the kitchen to snack on too. I'm hungry!]
===========================
From: gamer@host.yab.com
Date: Fri, 16 May 1997 16:15:45 -0700 (MST)
Subject: Re: AAE-Dinner with Driscoll

On Fri, 16 May 1997, Caprice wrote:
> Caprice nibbles on some nutmeats. "Your enemy could indeed be a
> problem... but first he has to tell which Argent is which. You were
> looking for Caprice, so the duplicity didn't bother you. Argent has
> no loves, her adherence to her word is her one noble trait. She is a
> cynic in many ways, I doubt she could be bribed. Of course, your
> enemy could just try to destroy us both. Argent has no fear of
> death, and though I am not immortal, I am harder to kill than I once
> was."

 "Wow, it's so interesting? Does everyone from your land have this
ability? But I guess it can't be easy changing your life everytime you
visit a new place. You must not know exactly what form you will take.
As a warrior Argent is a fine example, but as a human, and as a
woman... It distresses me to hear of someone who holds love from no
one and nothing. How about you Caprice? Are you a cold warrior such as
she, or is there a spark, or a flame within you waiting to be fed?"
 He runs his hand softly across her cheek as he says this, locking his
eyes on her own. Then, slowly and gently, he moves forward a little
more and softly places his lips on hers.
===========================
From: gamer@host.yab.com
Date: Fri, 16 May 1997 16:22:12 -0700 (MST)
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle

On Fri, 16 May 1997, Shadow wrote:
> John returns as the Drow are about to manhandle Roscoe into
> conciousness/drag him into the keep as brutally as poosible. He
> waves them back then makes a simple gesture upward, both palm face
> up and rising levelly. From the ground underneath Roscoe rises a
> four-poster bed, complete with hanging silks and done, of course, in
> tones of Blue and purple. It then proceeds to float along behind the
> prisoners. John himself winks over to Xzerrion and moves into the
> keep with him.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZ
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
zzzzz
===========================
Date: Fri, 16 May 1997 19:24:57 -0400
From: Caprice <caprice@southeast.net>
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle

>  Squee tosses his twig away and shifts back into a rat. [That's
> silly! Mommies don't turn into other people! Other _things_ maybe,
> but htey're always still mommy. You cats are all dingle-brains!]

Mischief sniffs. *Your mommies are BORING! My mommy becomes other
persons alla time! Then the person comes part of mommy, until we
change worlds again.*

> Squee sticks out his tounge again and starts down the alleyway,
> staying close to the wall. Along one wall, he finds a crack just big
> enough for the kids to slip through [Comeon! _If_ you can. I bet
> your dingle-brain head is too big to fit in here!]

Mischief wiggles after Squee. *Ha! Shiftin' alla time, youse got SAND
for brains!*

> Slipping through, Squee finds himself in a small courtyard in front
> of a large two story home. [They gotta have a way to the sewer in
> there. And maybe a few tidbits in the kitchen to snack on too. I'm
> hungry!]

Mischief perks up at that! *kitchen! food! Me first!*
===========================
Date: Fri, 16 May 1997 19:59:26 -0400
From: Caprice <caprice@southeast.net>
Subject: Re: AAE: Dinner with Driscoll

>  "Wow, it's so interesting? Does everyone from your land have this
> ability? But I guess it can't be easy changing your life everytime
> you visit a new place. You must not know exactly what form you will
> take.

Caprice smiles sadly, "What land? It took me along time to learn how
to control my abilities. I am the sum of all the people I have been,
the worlds I have travelled... But no, I know of no others of my
nature. And it can be difficult... but I have flown with feathered
wings, and swum the oceans depths... How many can say that?"

> As a warrior Argent is a fine example, but as a human, and as a
> woman... It distresses me to hear of someone who holds love from no
> one and nothing. How about you Caprice? Are you a cold warrior such
> as she, or is there a spark, or a flame within you waiting to be
> fed?"
>  He runs his hand softly across her cheek as he says this, locking
> his eyes on her own. Then, slowly and gently, he moves forward a
> little more and softly places his lips on hers.

Caprice blushes, and returns the kiss very gently, almost timidly.
===========================
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle
Date: Sat, 17 May 97 01:01:12 +0100
From: Roland X <rolandx@ix.netcom.com>

Quoth the Shadow:
>On Thu, 15 May 1997, Paul Campbell wrote:
>> Xzerrion gestures, and the drow he's been directing move forward.
>> `If he knows what's good for him, there will be no further
>> interference. Drisonel has her own plans, which for the moment
>> require you alive. Gaunt, you may have the opportunity to play
>> later, but not now. You will, of course, be suitably rewarded for
>> your exertions.'

   Gaunt smiles darkly. "Of course, my good Drow. My...
_arrangements_... are with Matron Drisonel, however. And what I will
do to that Phoenix whelp-well, any 'play' will simply be a...bonus."

>John looks over at Gaunt, a true smile lighting his face, "He will
>not interfere. It is the will of Matron Drisonel." John looks
>delighted at the prospect, almost daring Gaunt to try. Even if he
>died <actually, was horribly mangled and in great pain.. Oh wait,
>that's Roland's schtick :)> in the attempt, he would be doing
>something for the right side.

   Gaunt looks at John through slitted eyes. "Roland is mine. MINE!
Your precious Matron and I have already come to an understanding about
my services-and even if we hadn't, I could flay your skin with a
thought now that I have-"
   Gaunt grows silent very quickly. "Do not test my patience, dense
one..."
   Roland simply gasps with pain as the poison twists within him. He
hardly seems to notice the Drow warriors shackling him...
   *Morgan, I'm sorry. But whatever happens, sword-sister, a part of
me will be with you. If you know how, you can draw strength from
it...*
===========================
Date: Fri, 16 May 1997 23:56:16 -0700 (PDT)
From: Paul Campbell <xzerrion@u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle

On Thu, 15 May 1997, Roland X wrote:
>    Roland shudders as power flows through him. His
> Aura flares brightly, and the white energy begins to
> pour into him. Lightning begins to flare in the sky,
> and flow along all metal in the area. No one seems to
> be harmed by it, however.

<* Um, ..., ... Oops. *>

>    Gaunt rises, shaking badly. "That...was fortunate.
> At least he didn't change. How those thrice-damned
> faerie folk managed to enchant him without causing
> this is beyond me-perhaps something to do with the
> bizarre nature of the dream realm Arcadia-but whatever
> magicks you do on him, do not empower him with it
> directly. While I would greatly enjoy the more likely
> occurence, the less probable transformation would not
> be pleasant for anyone."

`I will keep that in mind, M'Lord Gaunt. My thanks for the
information.'

- Xzerrion
===========================
Date: Sat, 17 May 1997 00:00:44 -0700 (PDT)
From: Paul Campbell <xzerrion@u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle

On Thu, 15 May 1997, L.J. Wolfe wrote:
> The Drow may or may not notice that the claidhmhor is not to be
> found. Alex is armed only with an unremarkable belt dagger.

Xzerrion noticed, but he isn't talking. <eg>

>>`Remember, key the binding spells to *me*.'
>>
>><* Only way I can think of to leave us an easy out if needed. *>
>
> <#I'd better get that blade _back_, Xzerrion.#>

<# Of course, that's why I'm carrying the weapons and have the
bindings keyed to myself. #> <eg> <# So, you want the blade hilt first
or blade first? #>
===========================
Date: Sat, 17 May 1997 00:07:12 -0700 (PDT)
From: Paul Campbell <xzerrion@u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle

On Thu, 15 May 1997, K. Ohanlon wrote:
> Crow snarls outwardly at the approaching drow. Inside, she's feeling
> somewhat relieved. Xzerrion's restored contact, somewhat. She still
> can't seem to probe his mind, but just knowing the contact is there
> helps.

Momentarily, the metal shield drops. <* I am still the Xzerrion you
knew, simply a side I have not drawn on for more than twenty years,
and hopefully, one I will not need for a like number of decades. *>

> Unfortunately, too many of the drow have now seen her in her real
> form. Crow considers switching back to 'Triel', but her energy
> levels aren't enough to hold up to that major a change for that long
> a period. Though the drow do find a dagger and a (normal) whip on
> her person, there is no sign at all of the katana. <OOC: Just seemed
> the sword style that *fits*, both character and RL. Might actually
> try to find one someday... and gee, that belt of mine comes in handy
> for storing things where they can't be detected. ;) >

The drow bring the weapons to Xzerrion, as instructed. Feeling the
dagger he winces, touches it gingerly, and drops it into a leater belt
pouch,

>>><* Only way I can think of to leave us an easy out if needed. *>
>
> Crow nods curtly, mentally. To Xzerrion, her mind whispers, <*I hope
> I can trust you again, otherwise....*> The rest of CAoL can't 'hear'
> the images she sends only to Xzerrion, but their minds *might* be
> able to come up with something sufficiently close to give them a
> good idea that a threat worse than death has been delivered.

<* I really hate to put it this way, but do you have a choice at the
moment? I won't betray you, but if anyone else finds out the game I've
been playing we will be betrayed. *>

===========================
Date: Sat, 17 May 1997 00:33:48 -0700 (PDT)
From: Paul Campbell <xzerrion@u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle

On Fri, 16 May 1997, Shadow wrote:
> John returns as the Drow are about to manhandle Roscoe into
> conciousness/drag him into the keep as brutally as poosible. He
> waves them back then makes a simple gesture upward, both palm face
> up and rising levelly. From the ground underneath Roscoe rises a
> four-poster bed, complete with hanging silks and done, of course, in
> tones of Blue and purple. It then proceeds to float along behind the
> prisoners. John himself winks over to Xzerrion and moves into the
> keep with him.

Nodding to John, Xzerrion leads the troop of prisoners back to the
temple, where Drisonel awaits. He is stopped there by several of her
personal bodyguard. `But ... you were not expected so soon ... Matron
Drisonel is ... '

Xzerrion cuts the guard off, unsheathing Frostbite and giving the
impression he might do so literally. `She will want to see me
immediately. She wished to be informed at once of the capture of the
CAoL. Move to one side, AT ONCE!' Xzerrion throws open the door ...

... And sees a sopping wet, very angry, and very naked Matron Drisonel
sit up from her bath. `WHAT?? I gave orders not to be disturbed! YOU
should be flayed alive for the impertinence. Why do you dare?' During
this outburst, Xzerrion did hear her, but also noticed that despite
her over 500 years, Drisonel didn't look a day over 150.

`Matron, I have brought the CAoL to you as you ordered. You wished to
be informed at once.'

`Yes, I did, Illusionist. Now, bring them to the cells, and then
return here, so I can hear a full report of what transpired.'

Xzerrion bows, and exits the room. He then brings the CAoL to the
dungeons, and dismisses the guards. Finally, he turns to Morgan. <*
I'm turning the magic of the bonds over to you now. At an opportune
moment, you will find it a simple matter to release them. As for the
group's weapons ... *> Xzerrion produces a small sack and turns to
Crow, <* I know you can make things ... disappear ... as needed. Take
these, so that I know they will be put to good use at the right time.
Good luck to you all, I have to report to Matron Drisonel so she won't
suspect anything. *> Finally, over a private link, he sends to Crow.
<* I did not betray you. I will buy you all as much time as I can;
Driscoll's family must be down here somewhere. Remember that I do love
you, and I will be back. *>
===========================
Date: Sat, 17 May 1997 01:58:27 -0700 (PDT)
From: fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com>
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle

On Fri, 16 May 1997, Caprice wrote:
>> Slipping through, Squee finds himself in a small courtyard in front
>> of a large two story home. [They gotta have a way to the sewer in
>> there. And maybe a few tidbits in the kitchen to snack on too. I'm
>> hungry!]
>
> Mischief perks up at that! *kitchen! food! Me first!*

\Remember Kids, If you get caught you won't be rescueing anyone.\

\And if you blow-up another can of tuna You Will get Caught.\

ttfn
  Fuzzy
===========================
Date: Sat May 17 02:04:47 1997
From: "L.J. Wolfe" <ljwolfe@eee.org>
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle

At 12:00 AM 5/17/97 -0700, Xzerrion wrote:
>On Thu, 15 May 1997, L.J. Wolfe wrote:
>> The Drow may or may not notice that the claidhmhor is not to be
>> found. Alex is armed only with an unremarkable belt dagger.
>
>Xzerrion noticed, but he isn't talking. <eg>

Alex appreciates this.

>> <#I'd better get that blade _back_, Xzerrion.#>
>
><# Of course, that's why I'm carrying the weapons and have the
>bindings keyed to myself. #> <eg> <# So, you want the blade hilt
>first or blade first? #>

Alex's response through the sigil link is simply to return the grin.

<I'm assuming since no one said otherwise that Xzerrion and I the only
ones on the sigil link now, although _most_ ;-) of the time I'll
cross-link thru the other psi-webs.>

At 12:33 AM 5/17/97 -0700, Paul Campbell wrote:
>... And sees a sopping wet, very angry, and very naked Matron
>Drisonel sit up from her bath. `WHAT?? I gave orders not to be
>disturbed! YOU should be flayed alive for the impertinence. Why do
>you dare?' During this outburst, Xzerrion did hear her, but also
>noticed that despite her over 500 years, Drisonel didn't look a day
>over 150.

<OOC: I assume the rest of us were out in the hall and were spared
this sight? ;-)>

>Xzerrion bows, and exits the room. He then brings the CAoL to the
>dungeons, and dismisses the guards. Finally, he turns to Morgan.
><* I'm turning the magic of the bonds over to you now. At an
>opportune moment, you will find it a simple matter to release
>them....

"Alex" nods, and Morgan reflects briefly on how "point" seems to have
returned to her, despite her original intention to let someone else do
that this time around ;-).

>...As for the group's weapons ... *> Xzerrion produces a small sack
>and turns to Crow, <* I know you can make things ... disappear ... as
>needed. Take these, so that I know they will be put to good use at
>the right time. Good luck to you all, I have to report to Matron
>Drisonel so she won't suspect anything. *>
<snip of something I didn't hear anyway ;-)>

<#* So now we wait? Keep a link open if you can, Xzerrion - the sigil
or the old AAE1 link, whatever works, so we know what to expect. Good
luck to you, too. *#>

Alex  /|\
===========================
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle
Date: Sat, 17 May 97 08:47:10 +0100
From: Roland X <rolandx@ix.netcom.com>

Hmm...this kind of messes with my plans.
Quick backpedaling...<eg>
Quoth Xzerrion:
>On Fri, 16 May 1997, Shadow wrote:
>
>> John returns as the Drow are about to manhandle Roscoe into
>> conciousness/drag him into the keep as brutally as poosible. He
>> waves them back then makes a simple gesture upward, both palm face
>> up and rising levelly. From the ground underneath Roscoe rises a
>> four-poster bed, complete with hanging silks and done, of course,
>> in tones of Blue and purple. It then proceeds to float along behind
>> the prisoners. John himself winks over to Xzerrion and moves into
>> the keep with him.

   Gaunt smiles as the CAoL is brought down. As Roland passes, he
smiles, quickly shifts his sword, and touches the flat of the blade to
the place the wound had been.
   Roland gasps faintly, but nothing else seems to happen.
   Gaunt leans close to him. Through the link, the others hear:
   "That is for the indignities you have heaped upon me, you whelp.
Enjoy agony."
   Gaunt walks away, leaving an astonished, and apparently unharmed,
Roland.

>`Matron, I have brought the CAoL to you as you ordered. You wished to
>be informed at once.'
>
>`Yes, I did, Illusionist. Now, bring them to the cells, and then
>return here, so I can hear a full report of what transpired.'

   Gaunt shows up, practically on Xzerrion's heels. "Matron, Roland
has been-"
   ...and sees the Matron. He smirks.
   "He has been prepared. I am receiving... the energy _I_ require,
and you can take whatever it is you want. You'll find him impossible
to kill, but that should not hinder you."
   Gaunt bows (and probably gets another tongue-lashing) and leaves.

>Xzerrion bows, and exits the room. He then brings the CAoL to the
>dungeons, and dismisses the guards. Finally, he turns to Morgan.
><* I'm turning the magic of the bonds over to you now. At an
>opportune moment, you will find it a simple matter to release them.
>As for the group's weapons ... *> Xzerrion produces a small sack and
>turns to Crow, <* I know you can make things ... disappear ... as
>needed. Take these, so that I know they will be put to good use at
>the right time. Good luck to you all, I have to report to Matron
>Drisonel so she won't suspect anything. *> Finally, over a private
>link, he sends to Crow. <* I did not betray you. I will buy you all
>as much time as I can; Driscoll's family must be down here somewhere.
>Remember that I do love you, and I will be back. *>

   *Ha. I knew it.* Roland sits down, finding the momentary respite
blessedly peaceful. He begins to sweat. *Now, if we can...say, is
anyone else warm?*
   Roland shakes his head, trying to remove a dizziness that can be
felt through the link. *Wait a minute. this place should be freezing-*
   *Indeed it should,* Gaunt sends, and Roland finds the strength to
keep him from infiltrating the link.
   *How-*
   *Remember how our bodies react to poison?* Gaunt mocks as Roland's
skin begins to turn an ugly shade of green. *I'll be channelling your
power through the resonance field I set up with the Brand. You're
going to help me get my ancestral home back from that usurper.* Roland
falls to the ground, shaking.
   *...won't...allow...this...*
   *It's done,* Gaunt laughs. He takes his sword, and the fabric of
reality screams as he butchers his way through it. *I'll be back to
take what's left when Drisonel is done with you. Even I am not as...
inventive... as Drow are when it comes to torture.*
   *You should take... more pride... in your work,* Roland gasps as
the poison fills his system.
   Gaunt leaves Quaren's reality, still laughing.
   *Morgan... I freely give to you... what that monster would take...*
Roland concentrates with the last of his will, and his conscious mind
shuts down. His body stiffens, every inch of his skin now green, and
his eyes close. The building pain mercifully passes as he fades out.
   (OOC: See y'all in a week & a half! <VBG>)
   (We're off to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of Oz...)
===========================
Date: Sat, 17 May 1997 11:51:08 -0400 (EDT)
From: Shadow <pookie@pluto.njcc.com>
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle

On Sat, 17 May 1997, Paul Campbell wrote:

> ... And sees a sopping wet, very angry, and very naked Matron
> Drisonel sit up from her bath. `WHAT??  I gave orders not to be
> disturbed!  YOU should be flayed alive for the impertinence. Why do
> you dare?'  During this outburst, Xzerrion did hear her, but also
> noticed that despite her over 500 years, Drisonel didn't look a day
> over 150.

OOC: This is also the first time Matron Drisonel will have met me. She
will know who I am, me being kinda distinctive and all, but... John
does a quick genuflection on the floor. Down on one knee, palms facing
the ground, head down at first then brought up. Xzerrion just manages
to catch a _very_ angry mutter, "If I _ever_ get out of this stinking
compulsion..." He straightens, trying very hard not to glare at Matron
Drisonel, while his body projects humble obediance.

> `Matron, I have brought the CAoL to you as you ordered. You wished
> to be informed at once.'
>
> `Yes, I did, Illusionist. Now, bring them to the cells, and then
> return here, so I can hear a full report of what transpired.'

John nods, "As you wish, Matron." turns, and walks out.

> Xzerrion bows, and exits the room. He then brings the CAoL to the
> dungeons, and dismisses the guards.

Before he dismisses the guards, John looks at the cells and says, "The
Callahanians have been brought _to_ the cells. I go now to breif
Matron Drisonel on what happened." He, once again, disappears. The bed
carrying Roscoe settles to the floor with nary a bump, but remains in
existance.

OOC: I seem to be in a small dilemma. I have no clue as to how I'm
going to get that thrice damned pendant off. I can't remove it, if
anyone removes it it kills me and possibly them. The compulsion part
could be taken off the pendant, removing me from being compelled,
while I still wear the pendant, but it would have to be done without
my knowledge. Of course, I had to make myself magically sensitive, so
I'd have to be preoccupied with something else.
===========================
Date: Sat May 17 10:56:50 1997
From: "L.J. Wolfe" <ljwolfe@eee.org>
Subject: AAE: Roland's "departure" (was Re: AAE: Weaving threads of
battle)

At 08:47 AM 5/17/97 +0100, Roland X wrote:
>   Gaunt shows up, practically on Xzerrion's heels. "Matron,
>Roland has been-"
>   ...and sees the Matron. He smirks.
>   "He has been prepared. I am receiving...the energy _I_
>require, and you can take whatever it is you want. You'll
>find him impossible to kill, but that should not hinder you."
>   Gaunt bows (and probably gets another tongue-lashing)
>and leaves.

Alex hears this, and the pieces fall into place. <*That son of a
....*> As she contemplates just what she'd like to do to Gaunt to
repay him, she senses the Ril'lynttar sigil begin to pulse with it's
dark energy. Quickly, she puts a lid on her thoughts. Gaunt might
deserve any revenge she could possibly imagine, he's not worth what
the sigil might do to her in the process.

<snip of Xzerrion taking us to the dungeon and giving us our stuff>
>   *Ha. I knew it.* Roland sits down, finding the momentary
>respite blessedly peaceful. He begins to sweat. *Now, if we
>can... say, is anyone else warm?*

"Warm?" kneels next to him and lays the back of her hand against his
face. A fever is a normal component of the body fighting off an
infection, so this alone doesn't concern her _too_ much.

>   Roland shakes his head, trying to remove a dizziness that
>can be felt through the link. *Wait a minute. this place
>should be freezing-*
>   *Indeed it should,* Gaunt sends, and Roland finds the
>strength to keep him from infiltrating the link.
>   *How-*
>   *Remember how our bodies react to poison?* Gaunt mocks as
>Roland's skin begins to turn an ugly shade of green. *I'll
>be channelling your power through the resonance field I set
>up with the Brand. You're going to help me get my ancestral
>home back from that usurper.* Roland falls to the ground,
>shaking.
>   *...won't...allow...this...*

The fever may not have worried her much, but change in his coloration
does. She holds him as he falls over (he was already sitting, so it
wasn't that far), and sits with his head in her lap, doing what little
she can with energy flow to ease his pain. (OOC: _Before_ you start
blushing, Roland, <g> it's the gesture of a sister and a healer. More
maternal than anything else.)

Roland may have kept Morgan from hearing what Gaunt sent, but she
know's her sword-brother is in communication with someone, and it
isn't hard to guess who from his emotional response.

>   *Morgan...I freely give to you...what that monster would
>take...* Roland concentrates with the last of his will, and
>his conscious mind shuts down. His body stiffens, every
>inch of his skin now green, and his eyes close. The building
>pain mercifully passes as he fades out.

<*Brother....*> He's out before she can finish the thought.

Morgan closes her eyes in concentration, and tries to "read" Roland's
physical state. The poison has spread through his body, and she senses
the occasional flow of energy from him. It isn't hard to guess where
it's going. Despite the flow, however, his energy level isn't dropping
appreciably.

If she heals the magically enhanced poison in his system, or
interferes with Byron's withdrawal of energy, it will just bring the
Gaunt back to repair his "battery". Every instict she has screams
against drawing from one as injured as Roland, but clearly he wanted
_her_ to draw on his energy rather than let Gaunt have it all. She
sits, gently stroking his forehead <again, it's a _maternal_ gesture
:-)>, and finally sighs. "As you wish, brother."

Her eyes close, and she reaches out and sets up a connection to
Roland's "aura". Two-way, so she can flow back to him if he needs it,
and set to alert her if his level drops too low. She has the small
comfort of knowing that she _can't_ kill him, but draining too much of
his energy could seriously hinder his eventual healing.

Finally, she stands, and gives Roland a soft kiss on the cheek as she
gently lays his head down. She looks at the Callahanians, who've been
mostly silent though this.

"It's going to be tricky, but I'm going to try to pull as much energy
from him as I can without either hurting him or letting Gaunt catch
on. Hopefully Gaunt will just think him a poor source, because of the
poison or just because he thinks Roland is inferior. It could mean
I'll sometimes have a surplus, so if anyone needs a boost let me
know."

"Now, on to our original job...." Morgan walks to the nearest wall and
lays the palms of her hands against the stone. The more sensitive in
the group can feel her reaching out, tapping in to the "vertical
earth" of the stone wall, trying to sense what the other parts of the
wall know.

<OK, Driscoll, are the brothers in here or not? This is your chance to
let us find out, along with anything else going on in this dungeon we
might want to be aware of.>

>   (OOC: See y'all in a week & a half! <VBG>)
<OOC: Have fun!>

Morgan  /|\
===========================
From: gamer@host.yab.com
Date: Sat, 17 May 1997 13:38:34 -0700 (MST)
Subject: AAE:Shifting sands

 The Controller opens an x-window into a chamber known to nearly no
one else. Far under the sands of the Misernian Desert, it's easy to
see how he thinks of this place as a safe place for his inner sanctum
and the sheltering of valuables, two of which it's time to feed.
 Touching a certain sequence on a nearby panel, two bowls of yellow
glop pours out into 2 bowls. Moving to the cages where the sleeping
figures lie, he places it inside without waking either human.
 Leaving them, he moves into another room filled with computer
equipment. Checking various moniters dials and sensors, he notices
that there is indeed a 'visitor' in satellite 8, but that his Fly has
been spotted. "Hmm prehaps not as stupid as I thought. Oh well. I
don't feel like playing now." Pressing another button, he activeats a
remote bomb inside the sattelite, but seperate from the computer
system. A few Quarenians note a star flash into existance and
disappear as quickly in the quickly lightening dawn sky.
 Moving into a third room, The Controller sits down on a Lazy-boy
recliner and uses his power to turn on the radio, and loses himself in
his thoughts and the music of the Bee-gees.

 (OOC: ok, does THAT tell you if they're there Morgan? ;-) )
===========================
From: gamer@host.yab.com
Date: Sat, 17 May 1997 13:45:45 -0700 (MST)
Subject: AAE-KidQuest

On Fri, 16 May 1997, Caprice wrote:
>> Slipping through, Squee finds himself in a small courtyard in front
>> of a large two story home. [They gotta have a way to the sewer in
>> there. And maybe a few tidbits in the kitchen to snack on too. I'm
>> hungry!]
>
> Mischief perks up at that! *kitchen! food! Me first!*

 Squee races across the courtyard, and shifts into a butterfly, flying
through a window he saw cracked open to catch the cool evening
breezes. Inside Humans seem to be everywhere, getting things set for
the day and getting ready to sleep. Fluttering past them, Squee moves
towards the dining-room and kitchen area. The food from the evening's
last meal is still in the process of getting put away. Squee's tummy
rumbles,a dn he shifts into a rat to grab a bit to eat.
 Only a few morsels pass his lips before a broom whaps down on his
head and a scream makes his ears ring. Snagging half a roll in his
mouth, he runs for a small hole under the kitchen counter.
===========================
From: gamer@host.yab.com
Date: Sat, 17 May 1997 14:07:07 -0700 (MST)
Subject: Re: AAE: Dinner with Driscoll

On Fri, 16 May 1997, Caprice wrote:
>>  He runs his hand softly across her cheek as he says this, locking
>> his eyes on her own. Then, slowly and gently, he moves forward a
>> little more and softly places his lips on hers.
>
> Caprice blushes, and returns the kiss very gently, almost timidly.

 Driscoll smiles sweetly at Caprice and moves in again for a bit more
passionate of a kiss when he hears a chuckle from behind him and a
female voice, "Am I inturrupting you from anything Driscoll? I
certainly _hope_ not, but it seems I must."
 Turning around, there is a tall Blonde woman with darkly brozned skin
and a light, gauzy, toga-like dress made of metalic gold. Driscoll
sighs, "No, of course not Ligi. What do you need?"
 She smiles cattily towards Caprice, "To speak with you in _private._
Send your little human off somewhere would you? The Dawn is nearly
here and then I have other things I must take care of."
 Turning to Caprice, "I didn't realize how late it was, I guess that
spell took longer than I thought to cast. I enjoyed talking with you
and wish to do it again soon." He takes her hand and tenderly kisses
it, "Until then, I shall send you back to Quaren. Ummm I'm not quite
sure where to send you, but because of your Quarinian side, I think I
can cast this so you can decide where to land."
 Smoke seems to eminate from his fingertips and swirls around Caprice
until she can no longer see the room. Then the smake fades awaya nd
she finds herself... (OOC: I'll let you fill in the blank here.)
 Once Caprice is gone, Driscoll tuns his attention back to Ligi,
"Alright, she's gone, now what is so important?"
 Ligi walks over to the table and picks a choclate covered strawberry
off the table and begins to lick off the chocolate. "You face Darath
for the second time soon. Last time was a fluke. He _is_ the better
warrior, and will kill you. But I can help. I have fought him for a
long time and know his weak points."
 Driss kicks his feet up on the table, "A service for which you
want..."
 Ligi gives a badly melodramatic hurt expression before continuing.
"Well now that you ask, I guess there is something I could use. You
were supposed to return the stolen jewle to _me_ but instead you kept
it for yourself and claimed godhood. But I don't begrudge you. There
is a way we can _both_ have what we want. Pledge your complete support
to my cause."
 Driss spits on the floor near Ligi's feet, "Become your slave? Your
servent? I think not. What did you even do to me to ingratiate me to
you anyways? When that wizard's spell sent us to your realm, it would
have been a simple matter to send us back as we asked. But no, You
sent us on this suicide mission against Darath, that costs the lives
of many of my freinds and Shiela, one of your own followers and my
Love. Goodbye Ligi. You have nothing to offer me here. Isn't it time
for the Dawn?"
 Driss makes a bottle of Cherry brandy appear in his hand and begins
drinking deeply as Ligi vanishes, but not before she casts him a
hateful glance.
===========================
From: gamer@host.yab.com
Date: Sat, 17 May 1997 14:08:21 -0700 (MST)
Subject: Re: AAE: Weaving threads of battle

On Sat, 17 May 1997, fuzzy wrote:
> On Fri, 16 May 1997, Caprice wrote:
>> Mischief perks up at that! *kitchen! food! Me first!*
>
> \Remember Kids, If you get caught you won't be rescueing anyone.\
>
> \And if you blow-up another can of tuna You Will get Caught.\

 Squee sticks out a mental tounge at Fuzzy [Grownups worry too much.
We're big kids, we know what we're doing!]
===========================
Date: Sat, 17 May 1997 14:36:14 -0700 (PDT)
From: fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com>
Subject: Re: AAE-KidQuest

On Sat, 17 May 1997 gamer@host.yab.com wrote:
>  Only a few morsels pass his lips before a broom whaps down on his
> head and a scream makes his ears ring. Snagging half a roll in his
> mouth, he runs for a small hole under the kitchen counter.

\I may worry too much, but I Do know how to have Fun... 'snicker'\

\Let me know if you want a snack that doesn't give you such a
headache...\

ttfn
  Fuzzy
===========================
From: gamer@host.yab.com
Date: Sat, 17 May 1997 16:17:30 -0700 (MST)
Subject: OOC-Daylight?

 Well we all already know what Knytt was up to this day, I figure by
the time everyone gets searched, shackled, drug off, etc it's probably
around dawn, Roscoe's alseep unless someone wakes him, and I'm waiting
to see what Caprice is going to do to se if the kids are tired out for
the day
===========================
Date: Sat, 17 May 1997 16:48:36 -0700 (PDT)
From: fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com>
Subject: Re: OOC-Daylight?

On Sat, 17 May 1997 gamer@host.yab.com wrote:
>  Well we all already know what Knytt was up to this day, I figure by
> the time everyone gets searched, shackled, drug off, etc it's
> probably around dawn, Roscoe's alseep unless someone wakes him, and
> I'm waiting to see what Caprice is going to do to se if the kids are
> tired out for the day

Fuzzy will hole up for the day, somewhere... Unless something comes
up. He will keep monitoring the Kids and be ready for Rescue or
Distraction duties should anyone call.
 I figure a nice daylight walk, killing anything that challenges him
will provide a decent distraction if needed.

ttfn
  Fuzzy
===========================
Subject: Re: AAE: Roland's "departure" (was Re: AAE: Weaving threads
Date: Sat, 17 May 97 19:59:44 +0100
From: Roland X <rolandx@ix.netcom.com>

Quoth the Lady Morgan:
>At 08:47 AM 5/17/97 +0100, Roland X wrote:
   <snip-o-rama>
>The fever may not have worried her much, but change in his coloration
>does. She holds him as he falls over (he was already sitting, so it
>wasn't that far), and sits with his head in her lap, doing what
>little she can with energy flow to ease his pain. (OOC: _Before_ you
>start blushing, Roland, <g> it's the gesture of a sister and a
>healer. More maternal than anything else.)

   (OOC: I already reached my blushing quota for the week- and
surpassed it by far. Can you tell I'm nervous about this trip? <g>)

>Roland may have kept Morgan from hearing what Gaunt sent, but she
>know's her sword-brother is in communication with someone, and it
>isn't hard to guess who from his emotional response.

   (OOC note: I was allowing the CAoL to 'hear' Gaunt, but not letting
Gaunt use his powers to force his way into other minds to dominate
them or steal secrets. Make any adjustments you feel necessary.)

   <snip>
><*Brother....*> He's out before she can finish the thought.
>
>Morgan closes her eyes in concentration, and tries to "read" Roland's
>physical state. The poison has spread through his body, and she
>senses the occasional flow of energy from him. It isn't hard to guess
>where it's going. Despite the flow, however, his energy level isn't
>dropping appreciably.

   (OOC: This is a correct assesment of the nature of immortals from
my world.)

>If she heals the magically enhanced poison in his system, or
>interferes with Byron's withdrawal of energy, it will just bring the
>Gaunt back to repair his "battery". Every instict she has screams
>against drawing from one as injured as Roland, but clearly he wanted
>_her_ to draw on his energy rather than let Gaunt have it all. She
>sits, gently stroking his forehead <again, it's a _maternal_ gesture
>:-)>, and finally sighs. "As you wish, brother."

   Roland smiles.

   <snipmeister>
>"Now, on to our original job...." Morgan walks to the nearest wall
>and lays the palms of her hands against the stone. The more sensitive
>in the group can feel her reaching out, tapping in to the "vertical
>earth" of the stone wall, trying to sense what the other parts of the
>wall know.

   Morgan feels a slight tug...as if some new sense were simply
waiting for her to 'open' her 'eyes.'

><OK, Driscoll, are the brothers in here or not? This is your chance
>to let us find out, along with anything else going on in this dungeon
>we might want to be aware of.>
>
>>   (OOC: See y'all in a week & a half! <VBG>)
><OOC: Have fun!>

   (OOC: Thought my love was going to send an email, so I checked one
last time. Thanks, & I intend to! <G>)
===========================