The intrepid heroes march bravely ahead, despite the harsh storm. Sir Bowen tells the others to head for denser areas of trees, but his words are lost amid the wind. They find it difficult to see where they are going, but fortunately they come across a large cavern under a tree. It is large enough to fit all of them, it seems, and so they go in. The wind still howls in, and the rain lashes down at an angle, into the cave, but Bowen notices there is more to the cave than is visible from outside. Another passageway will take them out of the path of the rain, and so they slip down it... and down is indeed the word, as it is a steep slope downward. Very little light is able to reach our heroes, but one part of the darkness seems to be even more dark than it should. It steps out, a form is visible, a crude, difficult to make out form, but a form nonetheless. It speaks...

"You have entered the domain of the Shadow People. We do not act kindly to outsiders..."

Our heroes try to scramble up, but the slope is steep and wet. They must find another way out... if they can...

Shadows? Drat. I know of only one way to defeat shadows, so let's hope this kills two wyverns with one quarrel.

(Keeran mumbles a few words, and a stream of bright-burning flame erupts from his right hand. The cavern is immediately lit, and the wanderer plays the flame over the slick passageway, drying the muddy floor. Most of the Shadows had fled when the light filled the cavern, but one creeps up on Keeran from the safety of his own shadow, and leaps onto his head, blinding him. Keeran wildly gesticulates, and the stream of flame emanating from his hand sweeps across the cavern, nearly singeing several of the party.)

Urk!

In the darkness, it is difficult to make out, especially with all the thrashing, but while the others manage to run up the passageway out, Keeran is dragged through another corridor, through several passageways until he is brought into a large room, barely distinguishable from any small passageway but from the dim light emitting from Keeran's small flame. He has been brought into the Hall of the Mountain King! Meanwhile, the others have no way of knowing where Keeran is and how to get there, or even... that he has disappeared at all!

Hall of the Mountain King?! That has been: a song, a book, and a computer game (mid-80's)!!

Dhalric draws both of his double-swords, and does a chant under his breath...

Carrontrolll Alaat Delllleeette!

Suddenly a ball of light appears in front of Dhalric, floating in mid-air. Dhalric looks at the others.

Everglowing Orb. I use it when I hunt the undead at night, or in crypts. Its bound to the clasp that holds my cloak together.

Noman pulls out some mistletoe leaves, mutters under his breath, and rubs the leaves over his eyes. His eyes now gleam like a feral creature's.

Night Vision. A little item that a friend of mine and I dreamed up.

Everyone here seems to have some magickal powers. I appear to be the only member of the expedition without any. But I will help to rescue Keeran! All for one and one for all!

The Mountain King of the Shadow people speaks.

"Keeran, we know what you have done and that it was you who did it. We must punish you in the way only we can."

What little light there was has gone, and Keeran awaits his punishment. What happens is that slowly, his worst fears are displayed before him in rapid succession.

"Now you will face the consequences for what you did so long ago..."

(Keeran gasps. All the things he had tried to forget, the horrible things he had to do to save others, they all burn into his mind. His concience assails him, forgetting that his actions preserved the lives of innocent people. All he remembered was the violence, the shouts, and screams. His long-buried memories resurface, now changed, to reflect his deepest fears. His actions were futile. They still died, at the hands of the men he attacked. His hands...his hands were covered in bloo...Suddenly the flow of false memories hit a discordant note. He remembered one of his wise old teachers, the wisest of them all. Telling him one thing, a truth of life. Keeran, bombarded with memories, gasps the phrase.)

The only thing we have to fear is fear itself!

(Immediately the overwhelming memories cease to fill his mind with fear. He recognizes them as false, and rejects them. His senses return to the present, and he finds himself crumpled in a ball on the cold stone floor of the Mountain King's throne room. He gasps in relief.)

Thank you, Effdee-Ar.

(Keeran gets up, and boldly faces the King.)

It won't work! Your torture is useless on me. I did what I did to save innocent people! I will regret my actions to my dying day, but my concience is clear! Do your worst, your Majesty!

(Keeran draws his massive sword, and it glints with blue light in the dimness of the throne room.)

Everglowing Orb, huh? Hmm. Sounds suspicously like a certain Master Of Mystic Arts's All-Seeing Eye of Agamotto. But I could be wrong.

Khistra, having immediately known through the mysterious link that she shares with Bellepherus that the ground beneath them would suddenly take a deep slant, took hold of the big cat's fur, and managed to stay on his back during the ride down into the deep, dark bowels of the earth. The pair had often slid down many hills and mountainsides that were much more deeply slanted, so this was nothing to her, and thus she felt no fear at the predicament. Predictably, they were the only two to land on their feet. But of course, cats always do, anyway. However, that still didn't prevent Brrtnrrnii's high-pitched screams of terror.

Oh, hush. Your head's been secured to the saddle horn with extra care. How can you not trust me to do as much?

Yeah, well, just wait till you get chopped up into several pieces and won't be able to have yourself put back together again until many days later, and then before that can happen you suddenly find yourself sliding down some godsforsaken deep, black tunnel that mysteriously opened up right in front of you!

Mr. Head, we really don't need your hysterics in this enclosed cavern, or whatever it is. We'll get out of this mess somehow. Now, Eep and Meep, will you please help light up this place some more?

With that, the pair of dragons open their mouths, breathe deeply in, then exhale orange flames for several seconds, bathing the cavern in bright luminescence. In that brief time Lorrol noticed a hole in one of the walls and points to it.

Look! A hole in the wall. And it seems that Mr. Keeran has disappeared. Mayhap he went through there?

Maybe, but by choice or not? Let us investigate. Bellepherus will lead the way. He can see most excellently even in the blackest blackness, so the dragons flames won't be necessary for him. Unfortunately, the rest of us aren't so gifted.

Uhhhh...no. The Everglowing Orb is just a floating ball of light, and doesn't come off of the cloak clasp; the enchantment that creates the Orb is just bound to the clasp.

Whoever grabbed Keeran is going to be in for a world of hurt when I get my hands on them! They'll be begging to die!

Ok, so I was wrong. I just thought that maybe the A-S EoA was the influence for the Everglowing Orb. It's still a great idea, though.

Keeran is waiting for the Shadow King to make a post. Otherwise he'll have to use an exit spell or perhaps Travel within Time, and that would be neither exciting or interesting, would it? *g*

Your weapon is useless if you cannot see us. Your weapon... with which you slayed that man... but it wasn't him, was it? No, he was one of the virtuous, the good... Will you kill us for your misdoings? We merely remind you of them...

The rest of the heroes are walking around the caverns when Dhalric stops. He makes a `ssshh' sound, and starts twirling both of his double-swords. He sneaks ahead and looks around a corner, where three dark figures are standing. He sneaks back to the group and whispers.

There are three figures standing several feet down the corridor to the right. I can't make out any details, and I didn't want to take a closer look because of the light from my Orb. Will someone with infravision please sneak around and go take a look?

Khistra's author: Please stop making everyone else look like a fool! We asked that once before!!!

(Keeran still has a look of profound regret upon his face, but he speaks boldly to the Shadow King.)

I will not kill you, Shadow-creature, if you do not attack me. Yes, what I did was wrong, but you have no right to bring it up. Do you derive enjoyment from this, torturing men by showing them their greatest regrets and fears? Do you enjoy it? If so then you are no better than I. At least I unintentionally killed that man. You torture and kill deliberately. I warn you, let me be, or not even your shadowy being will protect you!

Khistra's author: Please stop making everyone else look like a fool! We asked that once before!!!

I agree. Noman, being an original AD&D bard, is also a thief, and very nimble. He wouldn't fall on his *ss.

Friend Khistra, I also currently have the ability to see in the dark as an animal does (that's what my Night Vision spell is for), as well as Infravision. I shall walk with your friend, an he permit it.

Noman growls incomprehensibly (to humans, anyways). Bellepherus growls back.

That's settled, then. Be there anyone else with good dark vision and good hearing to guard our rear?

Very well... this shall stop. You may return.

Bowen runs into Keeran.

I'm glad I found you. There's an air of disturbance in here. Now, we have to get out!

Excuse me, but were Keeran and the Mountain King two of the three figures Dhalric noticed, or was my post completely ignored? I'm confused, as no one stated anything that would make either obvious!

Yeah, "An Author" and Noman, it's really my intent to make everyone else look like fools. Yep, that's it alrighty. Look, so maybe I forget some things, or may somehow miss something even when I go over the previous posts a few times to see what's been happening but I'm trying my best, ok? I'm not an author by profession but I'm giving it my best shot. Please correct me if I'm wrong but isn't the story supposed to be all done in good fun? I'm only human, guys. Criminy, where's Bellepherus when I really need him? BTW, Noman, I didn't mind you having him growl because he most likely really would've in that situation. But from now on I think we should all get each other's express written consent, and ply them with gads of money before giving action to anyone else's characters. Otherwise, the cheapskate(s) gets to buy the pizza and beer for the rest of us. haha!

the growling at/with Bellepherus was simply Noman talking to him in Tiger.

Noman and Bellepherus lead the way down the dark tunnel...

Keeran? These shadow people are creepy... I don't know what their intent is, but often people's anture is based around past events. They may have a secret as dark as the place in which they dwell.

With Keeran reunited with the others, they set off through the dark, apprehensive.

They emerge from the caves, as the sun rises in a spectacular dawn. The rain has stopped, and they manage to continue in roughly the right direction. They will be able to ascertain their position when they leave the forest. Presently, some people walk past.

"Greetings," the first one says, "do you perchance know anything about mysterious shadowy people nearby? We have met many people who have been badly disturbed by them, and we wish to seek them out."

Sir Bowen tells the leader of the expedition that they have, and points them in the right direction, as well as warning them.

"Perhaps you would like to see some of the people who have come to us? Our small village is in a clearing very closeby, just over there. Sometimes telling someone about a bad situation can help it."

Sir Bowen agrees, and [some of?] the heroes wander over to the small clearing.

The people are sitting on benches. As Sir Bowen and his group approach the clearing, they find the people are being sung to by a bard of the lute. he has a light voice, and sings a song of lovers meeting, when he notices someone.

"BOWEN! I never expected to see you here!"

Bowen is surprised, and turns to Dhalric and the others.

"Allow me to introduce you to Dunwyn, my brother."

Dunwyn approaches, and sings a song about brothers meeting, the audience, rather surprised, clap at the end.

"That's Dunwyn... knows a song for eevry occasion..."

A beautiful little girl, about eight, notices Bellepherus before the adults do, and giggling, she breaks apart from the small group of people to go pet him. One of the women, who in fact is the girl's mother, notices and screams in fright.

Fear not, Lady, for Bellepherus won't harm her. He adores children and is very playful with them. He's also very protective of them as well, as he is with me. Look, see how he bows before her, and lets her scratch him behind his ears? Well, one at least, since his head is so huge and her arm is short. smiles

The girl's mother slowly calms down upon seeing how gentle the great cat is being with her daughter. Then she wonders just how a cat could get to be so big.

Well met, Dunwyn! You are a bard of exceptional skill. A fine lute you have. Was this made by the great lutemaker Fnd'rr, or bardmaster Gebsin?

Dunwyn! I thought I recognized you! How long has it been since Bard College? Well met indeed!

It looks like a classic, old style Rhicknbaackir to me. You can't find those very often these days. The right ones can be worth quite a small fortune.

Perhaps, kind Sir Dunwyn, we could do a duet together sometime? I could play my Bharhnee fife and sing, too. Just not both at the same time, of course. smiles

Methinks you may be wrong there, my dear Khistra. It appears to be a Carhvhin, is it not, Dunwyn?

Not really interested at the moment in listening to the musical talents of their travelling companions, Lorrol and Haardi wander off towards the town. They pass a decrepit old man clothed in rags, missing quite afew teeth and sitting by himself on another bench by the side of the road. He points a gnarled, withered finger at them and croaks,

Beware the Buggles! Bewa-a-rrre the Buggles!

The pair look at each other, then at the old man and Haardi asks,

Please, sir, just what is a "Buggles"? We're strangers to this land and...

The Buggles are a small but savage race of evil creatures that prey on little children!

he screams at them

You would do well to avoid them at all costs or risk losing your children to their unspeakable appetites!

Sir...we don't have any children. Not yet, at least. Please tell us more about these Buggles.

They are an ancient, evil race, with perpetual appetites for the helpless, young children. They come at night and steal the children away right out from under their parents noses! It's been said that they have a strong sleeping powder they use on the parents to make sure they stay asleep long enough for their evil deeds to be carried out, because sometimes parents have woken up much later in the day than they normally would.

Dhalric, who had also wandered into town and overheard the conversation, looks grim....

He's not joking. Unforunately, the Buggles are very real! My cousin lost his daughter to them. As a matter of fact, the entire Blacksilver clan has vowed to wipe them out!! (He pauses) According to legend, the Buggles are about three to four feet tall, and they resemble beetles, with dark blue carapaces and black eyes and mandibles. This hasn't been confirmed, however, because no one has proof that they have actually been seen!

Don't believe his nonsense. The Buggles are nothing more than myth, used by parents to keep their children from misbehaving. Maybe you've heard about the Buggleman? The story goes that a short, evil creature of the Buggle race, named Vih Dee-oh, killed the Radee Ohstahr children, when it snuck into their house in the middle of the night and stole the children. It's really too gruesome to recount. If you've eaten you'll lose your meal. If you haven't you won't want to, it's that bad.

The lovely Khistra was in fact correct, Bonno.

Good people, we have a place for boarding, you look in need of rest.

He speaks to Noman.

It's good to see another bard around. Bard College? Well, I am currently 26 years of age.

He then turns to Keeran.

Many have told me about their experiences with the Shadow People. What were yours like?

Thank you, Dunwyn, but actually the Townie was correct. Khistra wasn't part of the conversation yet...till now.

Joins in the conversation, after overhearing the last few exchanges.

I'm afraid, Sir Dhalric that you have the Buggles confused with another race having a similar name, the Bugottiis, but it's a very common mistake. The Bugottiis are very fast and mean. All armor and attitude. Or so I've heard, as well.

Oh. Sorry about that. I guess I'm a little out of it since I haven't eaten lately. And I am not a `Sir'. I have never been knighted, and would refuse the honor if it were offered; too much trouble comes with it!

He looks around, as if he is expecting something, then makes a `ssshh!' motion (with no accompanying sound) with his finger to his lips. He then creeps over to a pile of hay nearby and pulls out someone hiding inside of it.

And what do you think you are doing? Why are you spying on us?!

He looks at the person he jerked out of hiding; it is a small boy, perhaps 11 years old at the most.

Caractacus\Khistra, feel free to write the kid's dialog. I just thought I would throw something out there, and see how you handle it!

LOL! Thanks, Hackie. I know just what to have him say, too! Read on.

Please, suh. Don't hit me! I-I saw that very beautiful woman...

points to Khistra

...the legendary Khistra, the Tiger Maiden, coming this way a-and I really wanted to...to meet her, but I was too embarassed to go up and talk to her. She's so-o beautiful.

He says in utmost awe, as he can't take his big, bright eyes off of her voluptuous, womanly treasures. Those eyes widen even further as she slowly approaches him in a steady gait, hips undulating as no feminine hips have ever undulated before, and with the most brilliant, wide smile on her full, luscious lips that anyone's ever seen on a woman's face, and says to him...

Why, thank you, young Sir. And just for that...

bends down to his face, touches her fingers to his right cheek so lightly that even decades later he'll still be unsure if he ever really, truly felt them, and places a warm, appreciative kiss just to the corner of his mouth. Redygo's eyes roll upward into his head, his body goes limp and he faints in the road. Or would've, had Dhalric not still had a strong grip on his arm and held him up.

BTW, Khistra refers to all males as "Sir" out of respect to those deserving of it, or as derision to those who deserve that, regardless of age in either case.

Ahh! A first love. I remember it well. chuckling

He'll not likely forget that kiss anytime soon, I daresay.

Revives...

Wha-what happened? notices Khistra, almost faints again.

Milady! Then it's true. You're really here! I wasn't dreaming. beaming smile

smiles

No, young Sir, I'm really here. puts right arm around Redygo's shoulders, his head at the perfect height to be cradled against her beautiful, bountiful...

He feels a new, mysterious sensation and then comes closer to fainting again.

Oho! He'll definitely never forget that anytime soon, either! Har! Har! But please, Lady, be careful! You'll make him want no other woman ever again, for he'll always compare them to you, and then be disappointed that he'll never find another you.

Yes, she has that effect on males. Well, most of them, at least.

Speaking upon overhearing the voices. The little girl petting Bellepherus screams and runs to her mother.

Mama! Mama! There's a talking head on top of the tiger! points to Brrtnrrnii's head atop Bellepherus' back.

Fear not, young Lady. His name is Brrtnrrnii, and he's actually a very nice person. He just has a bad habit of um, saying some things that he shouldn't and then bad things happen to him. Being uh, separated from his various body parts is one of them. We're on our way to find the one who can help put him back together again, and then we'll continue on our journey.

She puts her hand on Caillen's shoulder, and looks into her beautiful big brown eyes.

Sadly, she says...

How dreadfully awful! I hope you can be put back together again fine, Mister Burpanernii.

Very touched by Caillen's words.

Thank you, young Lass. I shall endeavor to stay all in one piece once and for all.

(Keeran smiles)

Well, friend Dunwyn, there wasn't much to my experience. They dumped me on a cold stone floor, said some threatening things and showed me memories of something I'd rather forget. If not for something one of my teachers had told me, I'd be mad or most likely dead right now...

That's all right. Friend, you say? Already? It seems you make friends quickly, Keeran. He spots Bob. And who is this?

You are a fine fellow, are you not? A very fine fellow.

Bob blushes at Dunwyn's coment but runs to Khistra and pulls the boy away slapping Khistra.

Stop that Khistra! Can't you see your harming the kid? Fainting is bad for you! Leave him alone! You just think everyone loves you, don't you?!?

Baaaaad move, Bob!

Bellepherus, in just one powerful leap, immediately closes the large distance between himself and the author of his instantaneous ire, Bob, who suddenly finds that his head is mere nanoseconds away from being divorced from his shoulders, as the gigantic cat's maw encloses it, many, long, extremely sharp scythe-like teeth slowly sinks into the increasingly pale skin, just underneath the clavicles, drawing blood rivulets, the massive tongue wrapping around Bob's neck, saliva running out of Bellepherus' mouth down Bob's chest, intermingling with the blood, soaking his clothing, as the furnace-worthy heat of the cat's breath practically cooks Bob's head. Bob, shaking with a fear of such intensity that's he's never experienced before, tries beating at the monstrous maw in a worthless, pitiful attempt at freeing himself, but to no avail. His fear is so intense, his mind so focused on freedom from this hot, salivating prison that he momentarily forgets that this prison has those many, long, extremely sharp scythe-like teeth holding him in place, and that his squirmings only inch him ever closer towards a most undignified death.

Bellepherus looks over at his mistress, awaiting her instructions on what he should do with Bob, very anxious to tear asunder this human who would dare harm Khistra, herself angered by the impudence that Bob had meted out towards her. Her head tilts forward, brows drawing closer till they form a perfect V, her eyes look upwards and close very narrowly, a fire in them unlike few had ever seen before, and fewer still who were left alive to tell the tale. That is, had they been allowed to keep their tongues and hands to tell of it. Khistra looks at her feline companion, ever so slightly tilts her head to one side, and then turns her back on the tableau about to unfold behind her, leaving Bob to Bellepherus' mercy. He shows none, and, with Bob held fast in his mouth, the black and orange behemoth runs off into some heavy foliage and is gone in mere seconds.

In her wry sense of humor, Khistra says to no one in particular,

Too bad he didn't take any immortality potion.

She chuckles.

To the group of men she's been travelling with she sternly says,

Before you draw your weapons on me, let this...

points her slim finger towards where Bellepherus disappeared

...be a most important lesson to you all first. You've been told, actually warned for all intents and purposes, once before that Bellepherus is overly protective of me. There's your proof. I can't break him of that, as much as I wish I could, so I've no choice but to accept it. Please understand that by nature I'm not an evil person at all and prefer to avoid harming others at every opportunity, but should anyone ever threaten me for any reason, then believe it or not, Bellepherus can, and most definitely will, take action. More than once he's been up against many tough foes at one time, so he wouldn't hesitate to act against any or all of you. When he sees someone trying to harm me or others he will act without a second thought. That's just how he is. He's not immortal; however he is very capable of self-defense and is very hard to kill. This is no bluff. You may try and learn the hard way, as Bob has done, or you can learn from Bob's mistake. It's your choice.

Khistra! By the gods of X'Lar, what have you done? What have you allowed that walking pile of black and orange fur to do? And for what? A little slap on you? You're crazy! Crazy! And there's only one way to deal with crazy people...

he draws his sword and, holding it in both hands, raises it high over his head, ready to separate Khistra's head from her shoulders.

Unfazed, she places her hand over her mouth, faking a yawn and says to Bonno,

You would do well to stay your hand, Sir, for Bellepherus can sense any harm that's about to befall me long before it does. In other words, you won't get the chance to even begin to bring that sword down before he returns, let alone actually do it.

No sooner is that said than Bellepherus returns, with Bob walking a little jerkily well away from him, as if drunk but very much alive and well, albeit scared nearly completely out of his mind. The closer he and the tiger come towards the small travelling party the calmer he becomes and discovers himself not to be as hurt as he believed himself to be when Bellepherus grabbed him, although his clothing was still wet, and the drying saliva very sticky and smelly.

See, Bonno. Bob wasn't really killed. Bellepherus just scared him half out of his wits. Perhaps more, but it was a lesson that could've been learned even harder, had Bellepherus felt Bob to be worth the effort, not to mention worthy enough to be a meal. No offense, Bob, but he's got better taste than you. And from now on, you'll know better than to raise your hand against me, won't you?

Bob, barely able to even meet her eyes for a second, can only shake in renewed fear and humbly nod yes.

Laughing from atop Bellepherus' back,

HAR! HAR! Oh, yes, the boy's really learned his lesson, and I daresay very well, too, Khistra! He'd blacked out before we even hit the bushes, maybe even as soon as Bellepherus picked him up and was about to trot off towards them, I'd wager. I'd also wager that he looked mighty dead to the rest of you men, eh? heh heh! Well, no fear, sirs. He may be overprotective of my dearest Khistra, but he's no unthinking idiot. Had he actually killed the boy Khistra would never forgive him or let him forget it and would be forever angry with him and that would hurt the big cat more than any of you ever would or could know. He has killed for her many a time, but it was always justified. This time it wasn't, so Bob lived.

Actually, originally Bob did die, but then I thought Bob's author might get pissed about it so then I gave Bob a second chance. He'd better realize just how lucky he is this time! *wickedly evil grin*

All right, Brrtnrrnii. No need to make fun of Bob's fright and embarrassment. He's learned his lesson, and taught a very good one to the rest of the men, I think, so now it's time to move on.

By the way, Bob, I know that Bellepherus went a little too far in drawing your blood, and for that I apologize, but if you're perplexed as to why you're not still bleeding, that's because he used his saliva's healing properties on you. He never really had any intention whatsoever of actually harming you. Like I said he just gets a little carried away sometimes.

Oh, and you're wrong on one thing, Bob. No, I don't think everyone loves me. Never did, never will. That's also not part of my nature. Quite the contrary, in fact. Any good people I've had the pleasure to meet and spend even a fractional amount of time with would tell you that I'm the one who loves others, as evidenced by all the good I do for, and bring to them, and with no demand of reciprocation...although it is appreciated sometimes.

smiles

Thanks for that little display, Khistra. I, and Dhalric, have both deduced Khistra's alignment (or at least part of it), and will be keeping a close watch on her....

Dhalric looks at Khistra...

That was a little ruthless, in my opinion, but effective.

Bob, very shaken by his near death experince, stumbles and faints, his hat falling of his head reveling Mellisa's long black tresses. Everyone looks at each other except Dunwyn who looks at Melissa and breaths

Dunwyn: a maiden a beutifull maiden...

Melissa sits up suddenly and notices everyone surronding her looking shocked especialy Khistra, and also notices that Dunwyn is holding her hand and Sir Bowne is looking angry.

Melissa: I'm sorry Sir Bowen! My real name is Melissa and I've always wanted to join a quest, like in books, but I wouldn't have been alowed too. When I noticed how you axcepted winces slitley the LOVELY Khistra
the wince was only because of bad memories, khistra so DON'T set Belepheris on her, okay?
I toyed with the idea of reveling my true identity but desided against it, please don't send me back! You acepted your brother who has no attacking skills what so ever please let me stay!

NEVER mention the Name of Evil again, Hackmaster, lest you be overwhelmed by the Forces of Chaos! :-)

(Keeran had been watching the whole exchange with narrowed eyes.)

Well, Khistra, I mean this with the most respect, but perhaps you could keep a tighter "leash", so to speak, on your fearsome pet.

Ah, Bob, a maiden! Don't worry, my dear. Your past life must have been frightful, if you wish so much not to be returned.

(Keeran crouches and extends a hand to Melissa, to help her to her feet.)

It was. I was treated as inferior and never alowed to do anything! I tried my "Bob" trick on three quests before you, you're the first to beleive me!

Melissa puts her hat on again, this time leaving her hair loose

Dunwyn is largely affected by this recent relevation. But the weary travellers take room and board.

In the middle of the night, after everyone has retired to their room (or tent and bedroll, or whatever), they are awakened by a horrifying scream, followed by the sickening sound of breaking bones, then a few seconds later the sound of a horse riding off at a fast pace. Dhalric (and anyone else who wants to) grabs his clothes and dresses quickly, then runs outside to see what has happened.
There, in the middle of the street, lies a man, flat on his face. Both of his legs have been broken. Dhalric bends down to examine the man to see if he is still alive; he is, but just barely.
A minute or so later, the sounds of a fight ring out; someone is getting a butt-kicking, but it is obviously an unarmed beating!

Dhalric turns around, but the fighting has stopped. He sees a figure step out from the shadows. As Dhalric reaches behind his cape for a weapon, the figure speaks, with a familiar voice...

You need to be more careful, Dhalric, my friend. I just stopped two archers from perforating you while you examined the poor man on the ground. (He pulls out a flask, takes a drink, closes the flask, then bends down next to Dhalric..) Lets turn him over and have a look. I might be able to help him....

(Yes, its the Staggering Monk!)

The Staggering Monk turns the man over, so he is lying on his back. His face and hair are wet and caked with mud. As the Staggering Monk begins to examine the man's wounds, the man begins to awaken, moaning in pain....

Its not good. I don't think he'll ever be able to walk again, or if he does, it will be with a severe limp!

Dhalric takes the end of his cloak and begins to clean the man's face off. After a minute, Dhalric looks stunned; The man is.....

Dhalric(stunned):Baron Shanlir!

Baron! You are he? Did you come to assist us on our quest?

Baron Shanlir looks up, still in agony. He coughs, then begins to speak....

I...I came to tell you...that...y-you must...must go...

Before he can say anything else, he passes out again. Dhalric looks up at Sir Bowen, then at the Staggering Monk.

I think we had best get him some medical attention, and as soon as possible!

Bellepherus, if you will, please?

The mammoth mass of black and orange fur strides over to the prone baron, stands over his legs, and lets some saliva drip onto the wound.

It will take a few moments but when he awakens he'll be as good as new. You'll get to see what few others ever get the chance to see, Bellepherus' wonderful healing drool.

Please do. Now, back to the story...

That is truly a wondrous beast you have there, Khistra. Odd, but wondrous.

I am quickly getting tired of these unseen aggressors. I believe I shall do a little snooping around and try to root out our enemies here. Would someone light on their feet and gifted with the ablility to move quietly like to accompany me in a bit of covert espionage?

The Staggering Monk smiles....

I'll go with you.

Thank you, Sir Keeran. I couldn't describe Bellepherus any differently. We've only been together for six years but it seems like a lifetime, so much have we seen and done together. Despite his size he's very stealthy when he has to be, so he could accompany you on your secret mission and prove to be quite a beneficial asset. Brrtnrrnii's...well, uh, Brrtnrrnii can stay here while I summon my friend who can help put him back together again. If she can't, or I can't find her, then perhaps I'll try this Jastrus Sir Dhalric bespoke of previously.

Uh, my sweet Khistra? Don't I get a say in this? After all, it is my body we're speaking of, in all of its separate parts. Mayhaps I wish to go on Keeran's "secret mission" with Bellepherus. Did you ever think about that, lass?

Yes, my friend, it's your body. Go ahead. Make your decision.

sighs
Very well. I'll stay. You always were quite the persuasive one. You know I can't argue with you.

Thank you. I'll stay here with you.

Keeran, Bellepherus will, if you'll allow him to join you, obey you, but please just be careful how you tell him things. He's good at doing as he's told (at least by me) but he's also got his own mind, so if you ask him to do something that he feels is too dangerous for himself or you all, he won't do it. He can be pretty stubborn, and depending on his mood might just sit or lie there, feigning ignoring you or he may even give you a short grunt of disapproval, but don't take it personally. If he feels you're about to take a dangerous path he'll gently grab your arm or clothes and pull you back. Please heed his warnings. He's got great extra sensory...perceptions that for as long as I've known him have never failed us, so I truly believe you'll be in good hands, er, paws with him.

So, kind Sir, should I remove Brrtnrrii from his travelling perch so that you may take Bellepherus with you on your covert operation? Just say the word.

This is, of course, giving you permission to briefly write the tiger's actions while away from the rest of us, should you choose to take him with you. Um, I'm assuming that things taking place on the mission will be written separately from the rest of the story...or will it? Otherwise, I'll keep writing for Bellepherus.

Maybe I could be of assitance (Keernan turns around and sees a tiger, suddenly the tiger shimmers and shapeshifts into Robar The Mighty) I have been watching you for sometime now Keernan and I have decided to show myself.

I'm glad about that. One tiger is bad enough.
Who's Keernan? Do you mean Keeran?

I know of an augurer lives nearby. Prophetic Bencowan is his name. The answers he gives are obscure, but I'm sure you lot could work them out!

Very well. This will require a little effort to keep us hidden, but...Monk and Bellepherus, you can move quietly, can't you?

(The Staggering Monk hiccups affirmatively, and Bellepherus gives Keeran a look that says he shouldn't have asked.)

All right. Stand extremely still. Dhalric, you might want to step backwards one pace, unless you want to see what your innards look like. There...

(Keeran weaves his hands in the air and a shimmering circle of white appears above himself, the Staggering Monk and Bellepherus. As he gestures, the circle descends, and the trio abruptly ripple and disappear from view. From out of nothing, Keeran's voice emanates.)

This should work. Now what is the best place in a city to get information? The tavern, of course. Let's go.

Well, Bellepherus has never travelled that way before, so far as I know. bemused smile

Anyway, as much as I love that giant furball we do need some time apart now and then. Now, let's go get some much needed information. By the way, I'm actually too young to enter such establishments as taverns, but I look older and often am mistaken for such so there shouldn't be any trouble. she said hopefully

(The door of the Lemur and Ocelot tavern drifts open, and slowly swings closed again. The patrons pay it no mind, and the proprietor makes a mental note to have the latch replaced. Slow, slight breezes begin to drift through the room, again unnoticed. They seem to stop near the most unsavory characters, the ones deep in conversation. Several half-empty tankards of ale on the bar abruptly disappear, and reappear within seconds, empty. One customer looks startled, regards his mug of stout suspiciously, and leaves the tavern, shaking his head.)

Another patron, an El'Lae woman, tall of stature, thick of musculature, long, midnight black hair falling in small wavelets down past her shoulders, had also noticed the strange slight breezes, but unlike the others she had a very strong idea of what it could be, and shared her feelings with the rest of the establishment.

Demons! There be invisible demons here!

And with that she drew her great sword and, gripping it in both hands, tried to pinpoint where the "demons" were. The other patrons, used to these sorts of antics from other drunkards such as themselves, merely shrugged off her outburst, then returned their attentions back to their own personal tankards of ale or mead and conversations with each other.

You besotted fools! There be demons here and all you care about are your inebrieties? Bah! I see that I'll have to prove it to you then!

She moves with an almost balletic grace around the tavern, jumping up on tables, rafters and then back to the floor, kicking in savage strokes, swinging her sword, thrusting and hitting nothing but air. Finally after a few minutes of this silly display, she settles down, shoulders slumped, eyes scouring the tavern for any sign that she may have inflicted some small measure of injury on the so-called invisible demons.

There was so sign that she had.

She grumbles, seemingly to herself, I know you demons are here and I swear I'll find you.

Still invisible, the Staggering Monk manuevers himself over to the woman and administers a pressure-point attack that causes her to fall unconscious. To everyone else in the tavern, it simply appears that she has passed out.

Tavernkeeper: Throw her outside, boys. No more ale for that one, tonight! Hahahahahaha!


If whoever made that last post intended for her to be a new participating character....sorry. Have someone revive her, or something....in the street!

'Twas I, just wanting to put something in since no one's posted for awhile. You'll notice I didn't allow her to connect with any of the invisible characters or have the other patrons pay her much mind. She wasn't necessarily to be a recurring character but I may have her be.

(Proudly)Well Khistra as a matter of fact I am old eneugh to enter such establishments, I am Seventeen. That must mean that you're younger than me, dosen't it?

I suggest we follow Dunwyn's lead and see the agurer. I for one don't wish to leave any stone unturned! He speaks to a person walking by If you see two men and a tiger, tell them we went to see Bencowan and will be back soon.