"A Land Unknown"

The night unfolded turning the sapphire sky to black. Stars were sprinkled across the heavens like far-flung jewels and the crescent moon hung low just over the horizon. The soothing melody of water tripping over stones filled the clearing and muted the sounds of night creatures preparing to hunt.

Gyndeene sat cross-legged before the small campfire wondering what tomorrow would bring. She peered into the orange flames hoping for answers. Sighing softly, her eyes turned to the boy who slept soundly on the other side of the fire. His cloak was wrapped tightly around his slender frame and his head was cushioned against his riding saddle. A shock of dark hair lay across his broad forehead making him appear very young and vulnerable.

Josh, she thought, how far we have come. A smile turned her lips upward.  The three years she and Josh had been together had passed quickly. She would always wonder why he had decided to ride with her. At one time, his dreams were filled with the sea, but those dreams changed when she saved his life.

The woman shook her head. She would never forget the look of terror on Josh's face as he clung bravely to the broken spar. Her smile turned into a frown. The plan she had was a good one, but it hadn't quite worked the way she'd wanted. This, however, was another tale altogether. It didn't matter that much anyway; she was just happy that he was here. For without him, the loneliness would have been too much to bear.

Beowulf's soft snort brought her to her feet. Gyndeene melted into the trees surrounding the small clearing and waited as her eyes adjusted to the total blackness of the woods. She slipped from tree to tree until she was beside the small stream. She smiled for the intruders were a pair of deer drinking their fill from the pure water of the stream. Satisfied no one else was about, she returned to the fire.

After their sojourn at sea, Gyn and Josh had returned to RhyDin. She had looked for her old guildmates and friends, but too much time had passed. She finally gave up her search and decided to make the long trip to see her beloved Kamelot. That was when her quest had started. Her remembrance of that night was as strong as the odor of thick, black coffee, and she recalled it easily.

The moon had been full and was at mid heaven when the man slipped into their camp. She had drawn her blade so sure that the man had intended harm.  How surprised she had been when he held his clenched fist toward her and then slowly opened his long fingers one by one, the elven sign for peace and lowered his hood.

Silver hair fell abundantly down his back and the contours of his face were as sharp as the dagger in her belt. His skin, drawn tightly over his high cheekbones, had the luminescence of a pearl. But it was his eyes that held her attention; polished amber that seemed to pierce her very soul.

"G'eve Gyndeene of Aquilar."

She nodded in reply wondering how he knew her name.  "G'eve, sir, but I don't think we've met before. How it is that ye know of me."

His thin lips curled back in what might have passed as a smile. "I know all about ye, perhaps too much. I am Sa'lin Kintinith, Knight to Mother Laumari, Queen of Sarenalon."

Disbelief fell like raindrops down her face. This could not be for high elves did not seek out half-breeds such as she. What was it he really wanted? What was he after? She lowered her long lashes over her eyes trying to sort the matter out. She had never met a high elf in her life, and she was sure it did not bode well for her now that one had appeared.

"What is it ye want of me, Sa'lin Kintinith?"

His look was disdainful as he replied, "Personally, nothing, but I have been commanded by the Queen to seek you out to make a request." His slender eyebrow arched as he studied her and then said in a low tone. "It is possible ye blood is pure."

Her pulses raced and she shook her head whispering."Nay, I am N'tel'Quess; my father is human." Her turquoise eyes flashed at him defiantly. "And I am proud of that fact."

Sa'lin's countenance did not change. "Can you be so sure of that, Gyndeene. You do not even know who your parents are. You were raised in a fishing village by a human woman, but, that does not mean you are a breed. However, I'm not here to discuss your heritage. I carry a request from the Queen."

The fine hairs on the back of her neck tingled. "What do you mean? I dinna know ye Queen. What could she possible wish of me?"

"My Queen knows much, Gyndeene. She wishes you to find and reclaim the Moonblade of Lord Everclear."

A short gasp left her stiff lips and fear pierced her heart like an arrow.  "What do ye mean? The sword is at Kamelot and could not be removed by anyone but Karrinth. So this is a moot request unless it was Karrinth himself who removed the blade."

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. You've been gone too long from Kamelot, my dear. Trust me, the sword no longer stands guard over that edifice. It has been removed by Darkelden in your absence."

"That is not possible."

"All is possible with Darkelden; a dark wizard with too much power. He has the sword in his possession."

Gydeene's thoughts flowed like a turgid river and the words fell from her lips slowly. "I find this hard to believe. Certainly, if this Darkelden had drawn the blade from the sheath of marble, he would have died."

Sa'lin was growing bored with the conversation.  Only a foolish and impertinent woman would question him so.  Searching for patience, he spoke to her as if to a child.

"What I say is the truth, Gyndeene. We do not know how he accomplished this feat, but he has, and he has taken the Moonblade to Stormport, where he resides. Because of your connection with Lord Everclear, you or he must be the one to regain the sword.”

"I see," she said still not understanding any of this. "But what of Karrinth? It is his sword."

"Lord Everclear is not be found and therefore the task becomes yours. It is imperative that you find and take back the sword.  Will you honor this request?"

She couldn't believe she was shaking her head in assent. How could she possibly get the sword back from a wizard, a very powerful one at that. Though she had magic, it was not strong and would do very little good against an archmage. She stared into the high elf's eyes.

"I'm no match for Darkelden. Just how am I to do this? Besides, I'm not too sure I wish to. Aye, the Moonblade was the protectorate of Kamelot, but if what you say is true, then surely Kamelot has fallen and my duty lies there. So tell me why should I retrieve the sword for your Queen?"

Once again, Sa'lin smiled.

"Kamelot has fallen and risen many times. Right now your duty is to retrieve the sword.  Once done, then and only then will Kamelot rise to its former glory. So you do this not only for my Queen, but for Kamelot. Come now, the night passes with every moment we speak, and by the break of day, you must learn all you can about Darkelden."

Gyndeene

The smell of cooking side pork filled the air. Long strips hung over the fire dripping globules of fat and every now and again a flame would grab one of the luscious morsels, crackling and popping as it did.

Gyndeene moaned softly and resisted waking, but the delicious scent of bacon ticked the fine hairs of her nose and made her mouth water. She opened one eye slowly and then another, stretching out her cramped limbs as she did so. Sitting up, she glanced about the campsite with narrowed eyes.

A cheery voice called out, "G'morn Gynne. Did ye sleep well?"

A frown crossed her brow; gods how she hated the mornings lately. "Aye, well enough, Josh. And ye?"

"Slept like a babe, Gynne."

"Aye, so I observed." Never one to go long without a smile, her lips turned upward and she gratefully accepted the cup of coffee he handed her. "Thank ye, Josh. Ye know how I be before I've had my first cup."

The slim lad laughed knowing she did not expect a reply. He watched the woman from out of the corner of his eye. This trip had been a hard one. It was a fool's errand they were on; likely, they'd both get killed, if not something worse.

He had tried to dissuade her, but when she got something in her mind, she was more stubborn than a dwarf. He chuckled to himself. She wouldn't like that comparison at all. "Ye'd best be gittin ye girly things done, Gynne, cause the grits are almost done."

Gyndeene nodded and ruffled through her pack for a clean tunic. She made her way to the swiftly running stream and finding cover quickly washed and dressed. Grumbles left her lips. Gee, what I wouldn't do for a tub of hot water. She looked forward to spending a few nights in an inn that offered a few creature comforts.

Quickly, braiding her long, tawny hair into a single plait, she returned to the campfire. Josh handed her a plate and she smiled her thanks. Her mind was busy formulating a plan for when they reached Stormport. She made quick work of breakfast and poured herself another cup of coffee before reaching for a slim leather case.

Carefully sliding a thin parchment from the case, the woman laid it flat on the ground studying it. She'd been lucky having purchased a map of Stormport from a passing peddler. Wondering out loud, she said, "I hope this map is accurate." She pulled out another rolled sheet of parchment and laid it along side the map.

The high elf had provided her with a list of places to seek out. Her long finger slid down the names one by one: Stormport Castle, Digerian Mansion, and The Kuriousity Shoppe. She had added a few places to the list herself: the docks, the library, and the gypsy encampment. Hopefully, one of these sources would produce knowledge of Darkelden.

Her brow wrinkled in concentration. She wondered if they had a guild for thieves; they always knew everything going on in a city and their eyes were not only on your purse, but also on the pulse of the city itself. If anyone knew of Darkelden, they would.

Josh had the horses packed and sat astride his stocky mountain pony waiting patiently for her to mount. Sliding the parchments back in the case, Gyndeene slipped it into her pack and slung it over Beowulf's back. She tightened her belt around her slim waist and slipped her dagger into her boot.

In one swift movement, the woman mounted the fractious black warhorse. "Okay, Josh, let's find out what awaits us in Stormport."

Gyndeene

The heavy sky was pregnant with raindrops just waiting to be birthed. A loud crack of thunder rippled through the late afternoon sky and a bolt of lightening followed heavy on its heels.

Gyndeene steadied her horse and signaled to Josh to stop. They had rode into the outskirts of the city a few hours earlier and had wound their way through the streets seeking an Inn.

She slid off her horse. Laboring too long, the sky relented loosing a burst of large, pelting rain on the weary travelers. Raising her voice, she called to Josh. "I'll try this tavern and see if'n the barkeep can recommend a nearby inn. Ye take the horses and seek a stable nearby. Meet me back here as soon as ye can."

Josh nodded in assent. "Will do Gynne. Ye be careful now, ye hear."

"Aye, I shall, besides I'm always careful."

"I dinna think so, Gynne." His laughter followed her into the inn.

The tall woman pulled the wide brim of her hat down, concealing her face. She took in the tavern at a glance. Nice, she thought, well kept and neat . Certainly, Eventide was an above average tavern. Patrons sat at tables talking and drinking their favorite libation while a plump barmaid scurried about. Gyndeene approached the bar cautiously and was surprised to see a dwarven barkeep.

A blustery fellow he appeared to be. And she wondered how he was able to stand over the bar; all the dwarves she knew were quite short. Roly-poly in appearance, he had all the grace of a fairie in flight as his short stubby fingers wove gracefully through the motions of filling orders the barmaid called out. A bulbous nose dominated his face. Dark eyes peered at her suspiciously.

"New in Stormport?"

"Aye, sir, that I am."

"What is it ye be needin?"

"A honeymead will do fine." Her turquoise eyes sparkled and she smiled at him. "I also am in need an inn for the night. Do ye know of such?"

"Suppose I do," he responded.

Gyndeene sighed softly. This might be difficult. He slid a glass of honeymead her way. She pulled some coins from her pouch and laid them on the bar. She sipped her drink wondering how to worm the name of an inn from him.
"Good honeymead."

"Aye, the best."

Gyndeene nodded hoping the name of an inn would be forthcoming. Patience, she thought, patience. A patron having noted her delicate features seemed to be enjoying the conversation. He leaned over and in a deep voice, said, "Try the Hound's Tooth or Martha's Keep."

The dwarf gave the man a supercilious look and shook his head. Strange he thought how some just can't mind their own business. He clicked his tongue. "Nay, won't do."
The patron drew back frowning. The barkeep's dark eyes stared at Gyndeene and he growled. "The Sleepy Mermaid be what ye're looking for."

Bewilderment crossed her face as she noted the exchange and hoped one of these inns was closed by. She took another sip of her honeymead and tried another smile on the dwarf. "Be this inn nearby."

"Aye, down this street. Can't miss it."

"Thank ye. Have a good eve." She raised a hand in salute to the dwarf and turned making her way from the tavern just as Josh burst in the door.

"Raining cats and dragons outside, Gynne. Find an inn?"

"Aye, I believe so," she smiled, "and it is right down the street."

Gyndeene

Bang Bang Bang

The noise reverberated through the room like a drummer's cadence.

Bang Bang Bang

Gyndeene moaned and pulled a plump pillow over her head.

Psssst. Psssst. Psssst. "Hey, Gynne, wake up. T'is I Josh."

Gyndeene moaned again as she thought, "Of course, who else t'would be dumb enough to pound on my door at such an ungodly hour." Taking the pillow in both hands, she heaved it with all her strength at the door only to watch it slide harmlessly to the floor.


Bang Bang Bang

"Gynne, get up."

Grrrrrrr…she gritted her teeth together as she slid out of bed. Grabbing her breeches, she tucked her long shift into the waist and crossed the room in three steps.

Bang Bang Bang

Enough was enough. "Josh, if'n ye pound on that door one more time, I'll skewer ye on the end of my sword."

Lifting the latch high, the woman yanked the door open. Josh caught off balance almost fell into the room. He looked at his mistress and knew better than to laugh. Her curls hung in ribbons around her shoulders and stuck out at odd angles. Her shift was half hanging out of her breeches and her feet were bare. Thunder clouds rode upon her brow, warning of a storm about to break.

"What are ye doing up at such an ungodly hour Josh. I should've left ye hanging from that yardarm."

Josh slowly removed his knit cap and looked down at the floor. "Sorry, Gynne, but I thought there was something ye needed to know."

A slender eyebrow shot up. "Aye, and what is it that is so important that it couldn't wait for a few hours?"

The young boy met her flashing eyes, obviously troubled. "Gynne, I dinna know how ta tell ye this, but we're in the wrong city."

The woman looked at him blankly. "And what do ye mean by that remark? Of course, we're in the right city."

He shook his head slowly. "Naw, we're not. We're in a place called Stormpoint. I've been down by the docks asking about a few things, discreet like ye told me." He frowned. "Didn't find out much, but that we're in a city called Stormpoint and that much I know fur sure."

Gyndeene's mind raced. She grabbed her pack and removed the leather case. She unfolded the map none too gently and strode to the single window. Pulling aside the curtain, she held the map up against the glass. She squinted against the bright light and traced the name printed on the map with a slender finger.

A curse left her lips. "Darn, this map has been smudged and the ink has run." Her lips turned down and she whispered, "I suppose it could say Stormpoint." Her thoughts were interrupted by another knock on the door. Totally exasperated, she yelled. "Now who can that be."

In two steps, she was at the door and almost pulled it off its hinges. A young girl took a step backward; her eyes were wide with dismay as she looked at the half-dressed woman. In her hands, she held a wooden tray holding a pot and a cup.

She stuttered, "Ah, ah, hummmm, Mil, Milady, I was, ah, I was told ta bring this, ah, to ye." She held out the tray like a shield in front of her trying to put as much distance as possible between herself and the woman.

Gyndeene's lips finally turned up in a wide smile. "I'm sorry, lass, didn't mean ta startle ye." She dug in her breeches and handed the girl a coin. "I thank ye for being so kind." She took the tray and went to close the door when she stopped suddenly. "Lass, I need ta ask ye a question. Can ye tell me what city we are in?"

Holding the coin in her hand tightly, the girl smiled back thinking this woman a bit daft. "Aye, I can…ye are in Stormpoint." Gyndeene sighed deeply and handed the girl another coin before shutting the door. Frowning until her brows touched, she walked back to the table. "Well, that's that. Now what?"

Josh held back a laugh. T'wasn't too many times he'd seen his mistress at a loss. "See, Gynne, I knew ye shouldn't have trusted the map from that peddler. Ye paid good coin for naught."

Gyndeene poured herself a generous cup of black coffee and sipped the hot brew before replying. "Perhaps, Josh, but I'm sure we're in the right place. I followed the high elf's instruction down to the letter." Her good nature returned after a sip of her favorite brew. "Now we have ta get a new map and see if we can find out where this Darkelden lives."

The boy shook his head and sighed. "And how are ye gonna do that?"

"First, of all, I'm gonna get a map we can trust." She spread the peddler's parchment out on the table and smiled. "I'm going to the library. Surely, I'll be able to get what I need there. I'm also going to do a little reading and brush up on some history. When I leave there, I'll know a bit more about Stormpoint."

She turned her eyes on her friend. "And you, Josh, are gonna do some more looking about the city and see what ye can find out. We'll meet back at the docks in a few hours. Any suggestions where?"

Josh laughed. "Yeppers, I'll meet ye at the Skull and Crossbones." He stood and made his way to the door, turning at the last minute, he looked at Gyn innocently. "And, Gyn, really ye should do something about ye hair?" Before she could reply, he slipped out the door and closed it softly.

Gyndeene

The gentle thud of her steps was masked by the laughter that rang out from between her lips. Silver shook her head, her long strands shimmering with the moonlight's caress. Ty, the man next to her, chuckled before shaking his own head and absently tugging at his large, hoop earring.

"Aye, Cap'n, aye. Ye said it best."

Silver clapped a hand on the man's shoulder before lowering her hands back to her side. She turned her gaze towards the large pirate, a crooked smile dimpling her cheeks in childish mischeif. "Ye were the one who somehow managed to cheat out those sailors. What did you expect? Did ye think they were going to jump into a chorus line of happiness for you?"

"I won fair 'n'square, Cap'n. It just helped they sat in front of the bar mirror." Ty issued a great, bellowing chuckle before winding down the path and into the alleyway.

Silver laughed once again, her gaze turning from the man at her side to the shadows in the alleyway. One was never careful enough with those that dwelled in the docks. Theifs and pickpockets alike would take their chance with anyone that dared to wander down their territory.

"Skull 'n'Crossbones. Best crowd in the docks, Cap'n - at least to gamble with. Good lookin' wenches too." Ty winked teasingly to the lady captain at his side. A strangely forged friendship, he had learned she was not one to be reckoned with when she gave him a black eye and a bloody nose. His crew became a bit rowdy with some of hers, and in turn, the Captain had received hell for it. Ty chuckled at the memory before sliding an arm around the woman.

"Are you callin' me a wench? Ya know, I can break yer nose." Silver sent an elbow into his ribs, causing him to wince and drop his arm from around her shoulders. The tavern's sounds soon infiltrated the air with racious laughter and the sounds of a plethora of conversations.

A slight movement to the left caught Silver's eye. Two figures were walking down the street, somewhat cautiously, as if searching for a certain place. She issued Ty inside before peering once more down the road. Something seemed strangely familiar about the taller person. From the slender build, she guessed it was a woman. Something tugged at Silver's mind, forcing her memory to flip upside down and inside out. The way she walked, the build, the way the moonlight gave hints as to her facial features. Silver laced blues pierced the shadows as she dared to call out.

"Need any help there, stranger?"

Silver

Gyndeene dressed with care, tucking her soft white lawn shirt into her tight buff breeches. She pulled on her matching Elven boots and wrapped her belt of turquoise around her slender waist.

Her eyes sparkled as she quickly French-braided her thick, tawny curls into a long plait, which she twisted around her head and fastened with dragon clips. Sighing, she took a deep breath and knew she was ready as ever to meet the challenges that lay ahead.

The woman slipped one dagger into her boot and another into the belt at her waist. She pulled a dark, wide-brimmed, leather hat low over her eyes and taking a cloak of the same color, she slipped it over her shoulders.

She picked up her leather case and casting a final glance over her shoulder at the small room, she moved into the hallway closing the door softly behind her.

Making her way through the Inn and out on to the street, she studied the map and headed in the general direction of the library. The day was overcast and rather dark, but it suited Gyn's mood.

She noted the prosperous stores along the way and stopped to study "The Kuriousity Shop." She was eager to meet the owner of the shop, but knew she didn't have time to tarry now. It was important to find out everything she could about Stormpoint and the mage she sought, Darkelden.

Following the winding streets, her face grew as dark as the sky. Her eyes narrowed as she thought, if the library is not up ahead, I shall find and skin that peddler alive. Just as the thought whispered through her mind, she stepped out into a fine village square.

The beauty of the square took her breath away. In the middle, stood a large fountain filling the square with the sound of water tumbling through the maze at the center of the basin.

To one side of the fountain, stood a hauntingly beautiful church. Directly across the square stood a stately building, which Gyn hoped was the library. Without delay, she walked to the building and up the wide span of stairs.

Pushing the door open, she was amazed at the size of the interior. Tall wooden shelves lifted almost to the ceiling filled with rows and rows of books. The smell of dried ink on paper tickled her nose as she pushed forward looking for the librarian.

It seemed to Gyn that she had walked through miles and miles of books and had not managed to find one living soul. Frustrated, she turned a corner too sharply and knocked a stack of books off a shelf. Embarrassed, she quickly picked up the books and returned then in a neat row.

She glanced around and to her amazement was a woman sitting at a desk in a far corner. The woman was eyeing her suspiciously.

Gyndeene quickly pulled the hat from her head and marched over to the desk. "Miss?" But the woman seemed to ignore her as she continued writing away on a parchment. Gyn's temper began to flare. "Miss, can you…"

Shssssssssss. Gyn could feel the warmth rise to her cheeks. What was wrong with this woman? Was she deaf. Raising her voice another octave, she said, "Ma'am, can you?" Shssssssssssssss was all she got in response. Almost shouting, Gyn replied to the Shsssss.

Finally, the prim young woman stood, glaring at the offending female. She whispered, "Don't you know where you are at?

Gyndeene's temper blew like a too tight lid off a boiling pot. "Of course, I know where I'm at. Do you?"

The woman frowned deeply and whispered. "You are in a library where you need to keep your voice down, way down."

Once again, Gyndeene felt her face turn cherry red and she whispered back, "I'm sorry, but I need help. Of course, I know I'm in a library, but there doesn't appear to be anyone here to disturb."

The librarian stared at the tall woman with open hostility and whispered, "That's beside the point. It doesn't matter. Now what is it that you want?"

Feeling quite chastised, Gyn whispered, "I need a book with the map of Stormpoint, an accurate map, and all the information you have on the history of this city."

The woman moved slowly around the desk. "Follow me please." She led Gyndeene to a large table and indicated she should sit. Gyn slipped off her cloak and waited apprehensively. She had a feeling the librarian was about to get even with her.

Turning on her charm, Gydneene smiled as the librarian returned and handed her a small book. Gyn whispered, "Thank you." Quickly, opening the book, she was delighted with the detailed maps the book held.

Taking a parchment from her leather case, she quickly began sketching out a map of the city. Deep in concentration, she did not notice the young woman returned to the table again and again with piles of books.

Sighing with satisfaction, Gyn smiled as she closed the book, knowing at last that she had a true map of the city. Her eyes widen with surprise, and then dismay filled her heart. The entire end of the table was filled with books.

Gyn almost choked as the prim young woman returned and added another pile to the stack of books. She began to open her mouth and shut it promptly as the librarian smiled and whispered, "There, these should give you the information you seek."

Disheartened, Gyn knew she would be there most of the day if not into the night. Taking one of the books, she began to thumb through it.

The librarian smiled her first genuine smile as she thought,"There, that should keep her quiet for a long time." Holding that thought, she made her way back to her desk.

Gyndeene

Peeking over the top of a large, and regrettably musty, book, Kit watched the exchange between the two women with amusement, thankful for even a brief distraction.

"Miss I need help."

"Don't you know where you are at?

A smile tugged playfully at the corners of her mouth and Kit tried not to giggle as the stranger inadvertently goaded the overly prim librarian into yet another of the fits of peskiness for which the woman was so justly famous. It was a dangerous thing to do—not in that was likely to resort in physical harm, as the librarian was scarcely an imposing figure, but her somewhat dour disposition almost invariably resulted in a reciprocal, and far more intentional, act of vexation to the instigator of her moods. This time, it came in the form of burying the hapless stranger beneath a veritable mountain of books, ostensibly in the name of helpfulness. The smile on the librarian's face as she walked away, however, an equal mixture of glee and spite, made clear that assistance was not her primary motivation.

Had the exchange between the two been nothing more than that, Kit would have ignored the women and returned to her studies. She still had three more chapters to read before returning to the guild and, for some reason she had yet to determine, Quaralyn had an unerring knack for seeing through even her best excuses when she failed to complete her assignments. She sighed and ran her fingers over the tattered edges of the book. It wasn't that Kit didn't want to learn, but she hated being exiled to the library while the rest of the team was out scouting for information. To be sure, the library contained much information itself, but she sincerely doubted it was of the sort likely to prove useful to the guild. Something in the exchange she had just witnessed, however, told her that she might just have been mistaken on that point.

It wasn't often that library visitors requested maps and information on the city's history. In fact, Kit couldn't ever remember such a request, and she suspected that the purpose of the woman's search might be of interest to the guild. If nothing else, it would provide her with a moment's break and a chance to stretch her legs, which had grown cramped from being curled beneath her.

Her course now set, Kit closed her book and hopped down from her chair, drawing a stern look from the librarian as her feet hit the wooden floor with a slight "thump." Resisting the urge to stick out her tongue at the woman, Kit ignored her as best she could and stepped with half-manufactured shyness over to the stranger's table. Stopping only a few feet away, she twisted from side to side with the untamable energy of youth, and waited for the stranger to notice her.

Kit

"Between the dark and the daylight,
When the night is beginning to lower,
Comes a pause in the day's occupations,
That is known as the Children's Hour."

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
"The Children's Hour"

`It is dark, very dark. The stormclouds and rain cover both the moon and the stars nicely. No guards at the gate, a friendly place.' So thought the drow, as she walked through the gates to the city of Stormpoint. Her boots are simple, worn leather and muddy. Her cloak a dark green that tends to fade into the shadows of leaves. Nothing about her exept for her skin and the drow-runed blade she wears in its sheath across her back shows her heratige. This is why she wears a large hooded cloak, pulled to shadow her face. And why the doeskin gloves come up to her elbows. Her sword is bundled in oilskin, and slung tied tightly to hide its origins. She has made sure her race would not be recognised, for time has taught her caution. Entering the city she walks past the gypsy camp and into the town center. Looking at the monument she smirks, speaking aloud in bitterness, "Aye rare it is. Would that people actually believed in them." She holds out a small piece of wood, it has a single strand of golden hair strung across the small square. As she watches, then strand of hair glows along one side. She turns untill the glow stood at one end of the hair. Looking up, she noted it pointing at the library. She placed the wood back into her pocket then walked to the library, wiping her feet as she entered.

Jahdren Ue Danradi

Gyn bit her lip. She had only been in the library but a short time and already realized what a difficult and boring task this was. Her eyes stared at the page without seeing it. She was on her third volume and nothing. `Oh well, at least I have a good map of the city.' She had no intention of going through the stack of books piled high at the end of the table. Besides, she reasoned, she was to meet Josh at the Skull & Crossbones soon. Maybe he had had better luck than she.

A strange feeling that someone was watching her prompted her to raise her eyes from the page. Peering at her with unconcealed curiosity was a child. For a heartbeat, their eyes locked, and in that moment, Gyndeene found herself staring into violet eyes. She gasped. Red curly locks tumbled over the child's shoulders and rosebud lips turned upward in a pout. The name Siggi stuck in her throat. This could not be her daughter; she knew that and closed her eyes tightly to shut out the vision. She let them open slowly; a long sigh escaped her stiff lips. The vision was gone and within her heart she felt emptiness.

The unknown child continued to stare at her. Gyndeene stood gathering her composure around her like a cloak. She smiled invitingly at the little one, wondering how she had happened to find her way into the library. She grabbed a pile of books and made her way around the table. Kneeling down in front of her, she whispered, "Good day child, are ye lost?"

Gyndeene Trevianeu of Aquilar

The woman wore a look of exasperation on her brow as she poured over the open tomb before her. She'd taken few notes on her reading, but had sketched a detailed map of the city and its surrounding regions. Kit couldn't discern anything else of interest in the woman's research, and so she shifted to the woman's features, committing her appearance to memory ... long tawny hair, elven features .... she thought she was doing fairly well, well enough to make up for nearly getting caught by the owner of the Raven, well enough to be allowed on scouting expeditions again.

Her newborn confidence gave rise to a small flight of fancy as she imagined herself reporting back to Quaralyn with the information she'd gathered. The stranger must be in search of something important . . . something of possible value to the guild . . . and she would be the one who found her . . . the one who first pointed her out to the guild . . . the one who made the score! The silent dreams grew grander and grander until the woman's sudden movement grabbed Kit's attention and jerked her sharply back to reality. The woman was looking at her, was moving towards her, was speaking to her.

"Good day child, are ye lost?"

Even before the words fell from the woman's lips, Kit realized that she'd made a mistake. She hadn't really thought about what she would say once she had the stranger's attention, and she now found herself at a loss for words. Oh well, she sighed to herself, it was important to learn how to think on her feet, wasn't it? Seizing on the first obvious characteristic she could reasonably have noticed from her table, she spoke with wide eyes and a voice brimming with curiosity.

"Are you an elf? I've never seen an elf before."

Kit

"Between the dark and the daylight,
When the night is beginning to lower,
Comes a pause in the day's occupations,
That is known as the Children's Hour."

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
"The Children's Hour"

As she crosses the threshold of the library to enter, she pauses for a moment in thought. From the response of the glow Sasha knew that the one she hunted was near. Memories of far and long ago pass through her mind.

"Hello little one. May I help you?" spoke the tall elven warrior.

The dragon stood up on its legs, looking up at her. To a youngling such as her, a creature only 3 feet at the shoulder standing upright, the elf WAS tall. "I am lost. Where am I?"

The elf blinked down at her, "Well, if you would like I have a place you can rest. There is no need for dragon hunters to bother one so young" spoke the elf, glancing at the badly mangled corpse lying on the inn's wooden floor. "Perhaps it best that you not be here when the guardsmen arrive to see your handiwork."

"Come," the elven woman gestured," I have a place you can rest and we can tend those wounds..." And so the dragon followed her home. Her scales glimmered blue in even the faint light outside, the glints had the deep blue of a sapphire.

Memories of another place glimmer as well. Images of training and pain, glory of the kill, the fear of the sacrifice. Brutality at a young age, both taken and delivered, created a blade sharp and cutting. Strong, and precise. Deadly and merciless. Such is the training given to all drow. Jahdren spent more time in the warriors' school than the clerics learnings. She was to be not just a priestess of Lolth, but a deadly warrior to her cause. Memories of hunting young sapphire dragons, and the coveted single kill of one of them stands as a shining achievement. After all, dragons are cunning, and deadly.

More images, of fighting Gyndeene. Images of slaying. Of giving souls to her dark goddess. Of slaying those who sought her life. Of the long hunt for the elf-woman Gyndeene. The warm pleasure in the feeling that the long hunt is at last ... almost finished. She momentarily bends her head as she caresses the length of the black sword she carries. "Yes, my grand one. She is near, so too is your partner. I will once again be the twin swords terror."

Shashathana Ue Danradi

The smile froze on Gyndeene's lips. Only her white knuckles tightly gripping the books she held belied her turmoil. Outraged, the raw nerve demanded a tart reply to the child's question. `Aye, and they eat little humans like ye for the eventide meal." Gyndeene stifled the thought as she rose stiffly and studied the child carefully. She turned abruptly and walked to the end of the table. Her mind a jumble of thoughts as she asked herself why she let this upset her so. After all, she was half Elven. Perhaps it was because she was raised by a surrogate mother, a human surrogate mother, that she so closely identified with her human side. She frowned and push these thoughts away. Nodding her head in assent, her gaze returned to the child. In a low voice, scarcely above a whisper, she said, "Aye, I'm Elven." Returning her attention to the books, she fumbled through a stack. `This child was more than she appeared to be,' Gyndeene's intuition shouted. 'For what child of her age would ask such a question.' Gyn's lips once again turned upward. Perhaps she should get to know the child better. Sometimes children were a fountain of information, and such information could aid her in her quest for the MoonBlade.

Gyn's heart skipped a beat. She glanced causally around the room but saw nothing amiss. Something had changed; she could feel it, but whatever it was remained hidden from her. Fingering the books, one slid, falling off the table and landing squarely on her foot. She bit the inside of her lip hard to stifle a curse that would surely have roused the ire of the librarian. Bending over to take the offending book off her foot, Gyn's eyes widen as she lifted the book back up to the table. One word stood out; Darkelden. All was forgotten as her eyes scanned the page seeking knowledge of the evil wizard. The jubilation she felt was brief. Little was said other than powerful magic could be obtained from the fortress Darkelden. She turned the pages, reading quickly, but there was nothing more to be found. Her sore foot forgotten, she carried the book back to her pack. As tempted as she was to take the book, she knew that the librarian would probably search her before she left or in some uncanny way know that she had lifted the book. Setting it back on the table reluctantly, she scribbled a few notes in her journal. She slipped back into her cloak and pulled her hat low over her eyes. With one last look around the room, she stopped suddenly. `Ayeeee, the child.' What was she to do with the child?

Gyndeene

A moment to reflect, and then she placed the tips of her fingers lightly aginst the door. It would not do to go into danger unknowing. Sending her senses beyond the portal with a thought, she then recoiled. No fewer than five life forces were in there, three of them very powerful. An eyeblink later she steps back from the door. Glancing about to be sure none watched she made a high power-charged leap to the top of the library. From here, she would watch to see who exited. There was too much unknown power inside the library, even if the surface elf Gyndeene was one of them, to risk exposure. The darkness her ally, she watches patiently.

Sashathana Ue Danradi

Sasha takes a moment to reflect, then realizes something odd... During the probe, the fifth person she detected had not been in the library. Muttering to herself she takes off across the roof leaping down in the direction of the docks. After all, a personality strong enough to be detected this far away, it needs investigating.

Peering around the area near the docks, she once again allows her mind's eye to wander around. She leaves the shadows, allowing her hood to fall. "Well, fancy meeting you here, thief."

The young man leaped in the air, starting wildly,
"OhspitgodinhellallmightygetmethefunkouttahereandIsweartoyou..."

The drow's hand claps over his mouth, her other hand deforming as the fingers lengthen to encircle his hands like strands of rope. "Quiet" she hissed, "I am Jahdren. remember me now?" The frightened young man's eyes opened wider as she removed the hand over his mouth, "Methought me da' were tell'n stories! You do exist!" "Your..." a chuckle came out of her mouth "Of course.. you would be Jak's son. Walk with me a bit and talk to me, Son of Jak." She released his hands, fingers becoming normal once again. "Well, first, me name's Kordd..." he begins, knowing that to run from a drow is likely death or worse, he tells his story and follows Sasha.

Following that elusive sense of where the other was, Sasha listened to Kordd. In view ahead of her, a man and a woman. Her nose caught scent of someone she knew.

"Need any help there stranger?"

"Kordd, go home. Now. I will find you later," mutters Sasha, motioning the young man away. Now it gets interesting. Not only is Gyndeene here somewhere, but she has found Silver as well... "Yes, I do believe you can help me." Sasha smiles in expectation, Silver was Gyndeene's second in command all those years ago.

Sashathana Ue Danradi

Kit's eyes widened in stunned silence as the woman's previously kind expression sharpened into one that would tan leather. 'Ouch, she's a crabby one,' the child thought as she puzzled through the reaction. None of the elves she knew had ever behaved that way, but then again, she hadn't known any of them particularly well. Had she said something offensive? She didn't think so. How could it hurt to ask people about themselves? 'Grown ups are strange,' she thought to herself, and was about to call her investigations to an end on that note when one of the voluminous tomes that lay scattered about the table fell from its place and landed upon the woman's foot.

Kit's first thought was that it served the woman right. Her second thought was that the stranger was actually lucky that the book had fallen on her foot rather than the floor. The librarian, though not of imposing stature, was a force to be reckoned with where the well-being of her books was concerned, and had been known to toss visitors of much greater size and skill out onto the streets when sufficiently provoked. In fact, it was odd that she hadn't yet responded to the incident, and Kit had just turned round to see if the great guardian of knowledge had noticed the event when her third thought kicked in. Her newfound companion had grown strangely silent.

Bringing her attention back to the newcomer, Kit found her back at the table, pouring over the offending volume, her face alit with victorious curiosity. Kit made out what she could of the pages, but her vantage point rendered the text upside down. She did, however, memorize the name and appearance of the book for later reference before the woman closed the cover and gathered her belongings.

Drat, she was leaving, and Kit knew little more than she had before. Some scouting expedition this turned out to be. She pouted, partly in self-disappointment and partly from not knowing what to do next. Should she follow the woman? Stay behind and read the book? Or just go back the guild and sulk in her room? With no certain course, the young child simply stood undecided on the quiet wooden floors of the library, hoping without assurance, that an option would present itself.

Kit

"Between the dark and the daylight,
When the night is beginning to lower,
Comes a pause in the day's occupations,
That is known as the Children's Hour."

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
"The Children's Hour"

Silver's brow arched as she waited quietly. Apparently the two had some business to discuss, and just as she was about to turn and enter the tavern, one of the figures stalked off. The Lady Captain waited a moment to see if she would get a response, and she did.

"Yes I do believe you can help me."

Silver paused, narrowed her eyes slightly, and looked past the darkness of night towards the figure again. Yes, it was a woman. Her first assumption was right, and proven by the feminine undertone of the voice. A hint of ... amusement? Was she smiling?

Silver descended the two steps she climbed before pausing, and using what light crept past the dirt-covered windows of the tavern, she peered again through the hood of the cloak. The voice was familiar. The facial features, from what she saw, struck some ancient memory in her mind.

"Sasha...?" The name escaped her lips before she could even stop it. She was thinking out loud again. She had only met the woman once, maybe a handful of times at best, but she might be right about this. "By the Goddess above, it's been ages!" The Lady Captain laughed, crossing the road to extend a hand, lowering her voice. "What in the blazes brought you here?"

Silver

Gyndeene gazed down at the little girl ashamed that she had been so abrupt. Leaning slightly forward, her whisper rang with sincerity. "I'm sorry little one if'n I was a bit sharp. I was just taken back with ye question. I hope ye'll forgive my rudeness." Having apologized, Gyn raised her hand in farewell and made her way out of the library.

She took a deep breath and was glad to be out in the open again. Gyndeene winced as her throbbing foot communicated pain to her brain. Shaking it off, she set off at a brisk pace in the general direction of the docks. She noticed little as she hurried down winding streets, stopping only a moment here and there to get her bearings. She turned a corner and saw a tall mast peeking over the top of a thatched roof. `Aye,' she thought, 'I'm almost there.'

The smell of fish touched her nostrils as she stepped out onto the street bordering the docks. Several ships sat at anchor while a few were tied stoutly to study piles as sailors and laborers unloaded their goods into various wagons and carts. Taking in the hustle and bustle around her, her lips broke into a smile. Here, everything seemed so simple. A place for everything and everything in its place. It was a hard life, but there was a code of honor here. Not to say, that they were not a rough bunch who would fight at the drop of a hat, but they were loyal. She laughed out loud at her thoughts. "Aye, she said to no one in particular, "this is the life" knowing that few here would agree with her.

Still laughing, Gyndeene wove her way along the walk to a stout building bearing a colorful Skull and Crossbones flag. Taking one last look over her shoulder, she pushed the door open and stepped inside. The tavern was brightly lit with lanterns and the air was stiff with the smell of strong ale, perspiration and burning tobacco. A few burly sailors stood at the long bar drinking tankards of ale while others sat in groups around wood-hewn tables talking and drinking. Her mouth watered slightly as she caught the scent of fish stew bubbling over a hot fire.

Josh sat alone at a corner table by the fireplace. He had a peculiar look on his face as he waved to her. Smiling triumphantly, she limped over to join him. "Well, Josh, I did it. I know where Darkelden might be."

Gyndeene Trevianeu of Aquilar

"Sasha...?" The name escaped Silver's lips before she could even stop it. She was thinking out loud again. She had only met the woman once, maybe a handful of times at best, but she might be right about this. "By the Goddess above, it's been ages!" The Lady Captain laughed, crossing the road to extend a hand, lowering her voice. "What in the blazes brought you here?"

"Gyndeene Trevianeu of Aquilar," replied Sasha grimly. "Come, let us talk in the darkness of this tavern." She pulls her hood up over her head, "I am unsure how drow are treated around here."

Turning into the tavern, Sasha makes her way to a table. Once there, she removes her sword. Silver was a bit startled, the Sasha she remembered was polite, and spoke more cheerfully. Silver's face only showed her thoughts in a raised eyebrow as she walked into the tavern, turned the nearest chair around and sat, arms crossed over the back of the chair as she waited for an explanation. She also recalled that Sasha's skin was fair as well.

Keeping her voice low, Sasha begins speaking. "I am following a vision I had not too long ago. During the search I have made to find Gyndeene, I have sometimes found hints of another object I seek. The other sword. I do believe you know this one." The drow carefully unwraps the sword enough to draw the hilt into sight. The hilt is jet black and heavily runed steel with absolutely no enchantments. The runes are in the language of the drow.

"Usually, I ignore the hints, for my search for Gyndeene is more important. The vision ... it showed Gyndeene holding the other sword, or caressing it. I am unsure which. And it sits next to the Moonsword. It seems that I will find both in the same place."

Leaning back in her chair, watching the tavern, she awaits Silver's reaction to the story.

Sashathana Ue Danradi

Gyndeene gazed down at the little girl ashamed that she had been so abrupt. Leaning slightly forward, her whisper rang with sincerity. "I'm sorry little one if'n I was a bit sharp. I was just taken back with ye question. I hope ye'll forgive my rudeness." Having apologized, Gyn raised her hand in farewell and made her way out of the library.

Kit frowned as she watched the woman leave. That hadn't gone at all well. She hadn't really learned what the woman was up to. She hadn't even learned her name. A heavy sigh escaped her lips and her frown deepened into a self-indulgent pout that didn't help her any. The woman had gone and so had her chance of gleaning any more information from her. There was nothing to do about it, she rationed as she scuffed her small foot against the floor. It didn't help either, but only drew another stern look from the librarian. This time, Kit did stick out her tongue.

She didn't wait to see the librarian's response, but instead shambled back to her own table and the tattered and musty book that awaited her there. She knew she should just finish her reading and head back to the guild. It was only ... ugh, she remembered suddenly ... it was three more chapters ... three more chapters of material as dry as the brittle tome that contained it. Her steps grew heavier as she contemplated the chore. What was she going to learn from the book anyway ... especially given her current mood? And it would still be there later. She could finish it anytime. Oh sure, Quaralyn might be a bit cross with her, but then again she might be too busy with Striker to even notice.

Her pace slowed as new thoughts ran swiftly through her mind, skipping over her conscience without so much as a second glance. She could follow the stranger, see where she went, learn why she was in town. The woman didn't have that much of a head start on her. She should be able to find her ... if she hurried ... if she was clever.

Stopping only to grab a few stray scraps of parchment left by a previous visitor at the stranger's table, Kit scampered from the library and out into the bustling city streets. There was no sign of the woman, but there were plenty of people who may have seen her. Grabbing the nearest adult, Kit asked quickly, "Did you just see a tall woman with light brown hair wearing a white shirt go by? She left some stuff in the library ..." she trailed off and proffered a small handful of papers and a plaintiff expression. A moment later she was racing off in the direction given, a mischievous grin lighting her eyes. Strangers in Stormpoint always drew attention. It wasn't too hard to track them, and few people in the city gave any consideration to the motivations of a child.

She had to employ her deception a few more times before she caught up with the woman, or at least, caught up with her current location ... a colorful, if not entirely respectable, tavern with the moniker "Skull and Crossbones." It posed a slight problem. Establishments of that sort generally didn't generally cater to lone children and she'd thus be somewhat out of place within the smoke-filled common room. Hiding within the shadows of a cross-street, she pouted and kicked at a small stone by her foot as she considered her next move.

She could sneak in the back door of the tavern and .... no, that was foolish. Maybe if she went in and pretended that she was looking for a parent ... no, that wouldn't work. What if ..... her thought was interrupted by the sound of a familiarly whistled tune and the corresponding approach of a lanky figure coming from the direction of the docks. She smiled. Fortune, it seemed, was favoring her today.

"Rorec," she hissed from her tiny sliver of concealment, "Rorec."

The figure stopped in his tracks, casting his eyes about the surrounding streets before settling on the darkened alley Kit currently occupied and then narrowing on her slight form. "Kit?" the man rasped, more in curious recognition, "what in blazes are you doing out here?"

"I'm looking for something, but I don't have time to explain," she answered. "I . . . uh . . . need a favor. Can you help?"

Kit

"Between the dark and the daylight,
When the night is beginning to lower,
Comes a pause in the day's occupations,
That is known as the Children's Hour."

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
"The Children's Hour"

Gyndeene sat down wondering about the look on Josh's face; for a moment a trace of fear had shown in his eyes.

"Josh, whatever is wrong? Ye look like ye've seen a ghost?"

He leaned forward talking in whispered tones, "Well, Gynne, not yet but perhaps soon." He frowned. "And why be ye limping?"

"Oh, tis, nothing, Josh. I dropped a book on my foot, but it was pure luck that I did. I've found out where Darkelden is?"

"Aye, well ye have not heard the least of it yet. I be talkin to a couple of sailors. Their advice was stay away from Darkelden unless ye wish ta be pushin up daisies. He be vera powerful and as wicked as he is powerful."

"Come on, Josh, don't count us out yet. There are ways of getting around wicked and powerful."

"Well, I dinna know for sure bout that. Would rather avoid it meself."

A rather bedraggled barmaid interrupted their conversation. "Anyth'ng for ye miss?"

"Aye, a couple of bowls of that fish stew that smells so good and a couple of tankards of ale."

"Aye, Miss. Be right back."

"Now, Josh, if our planning is good and if'n we are forewarned about the pits Darkelden will dig, dinna ye think we kin keep from falling in?"

His brow darkened and his lips hardened into a straight line. "I'd be thinkin we'd best avoid Darkelden's pits by staying right 'ere. Let that old Elven blimp get the sword back for the Queenie hisself."

"Tis ye choice, but I be headin for Ogrekvania as soon as I get supplies. I dinna think we've time ta waste as the sooner we git this done, the better I'll feel." Her eyes hardened as she stared at Josh. "An trust me, I'll do it somehow."

Knowing he could not talk her out of anything when she got that look in her eyes, he relented. A snort left his lips. "Go without me…why who'd protect ye and make ye coffee in the morning ifn I wasn't there?"

She let her gratitude show as she reached out and grasp his hand. "I know, Josh, I know."

Gyndeene Trevianeu of Aguilar

Gyndeene slipped off her cloak...the tavern was warm. She was worried...the news she received from Josh was not very reassuring. She had ordered fish stew and honeymead from the barmaid and was waiting for it to come. Gyndeene glanced around the room, sighing softly. She knew that it was going to be difficult to get the Moonblade back, but just how difficult , she could not never have guessed. For a moment, she wished she were back in RhyDin.

The bitterness of the cold air was left behind as she followed Sasha into the warmth of the tavern. It was somewhat quiet here and Silver could see why this place was chosen. A slow intake of breath was inhaled with the musty scent of candle wax, polish and ale, but she seemed to hold her breath as Sasha stepped aside. A familiar figure sat at a table a few yards away, and the Lady Captain's eyes widened for a brief second.

Gyndeene looked back at Josh for a minute and then felt a draft of cool air. Josh was staring at the door and her gaze followed his. Her face turned white and she felt thought it must be a dream. She stood slowly, feeling that her eyes were deceiving her. It could not be possible that Silver was here; Gyndeene shook her head and closed her eyes, but when she opened them, the image remained. Slowly she took a step forward, afraid that the image would fade the closer she got. Her steps quickened. "Silver, tis it really you?"

A smile crept across Silver's lips as she watched Gyndeene's reaction. "Evenin' Gyndeene." The distance between them was quickly closed as the two met in a huge hug. "Aye, it is me. But what are you doing here?"

Gyndeene hugged tightly, afraid that if she loosened her hold her long-time friend would disappear. "Gods, Silver are you a sight." She laughed. "And I might ask the same of you, but right now there isn't anywhere I'd rather be."

"I was not planning on seeing you! This is such a wonderful surprise!" A million questions flooded her mind, all ready to spill out at any moment. It took great restraint for her not to squeeze the life out of Gyndeene. "How are you, Gyn?"

A slight frown crossed Gyndeene's brow. "Well it seems that I am on an impossible quest, Silver, to retrieve Karrinth's Moonblade." Gyndeene laughed once more. "Oh my, I can hardly breath! I am well, and ye my friend? You are as beautiful as ever..." She took a step back to take a better look at her old friend. "Ye look in good health. My gods it has been such a long time! What brings you to Stormpoint."

"Oh, the years have been all right, though not as kind as you make them out. I retired from Knighthood a while ago and took to the sea full time." Silver explained, laughing quietly. "You look wonderful, though your eyes still do not hide anything." A slight frown creased her cheeks. "I have missed you, but I feel these are not good circumstances that we meet under."

Gyndeene blinked in surprise at Silver's words. "Ye have left the Knighthood?" A smile slashed across her face. "And ye have taken ta the sea... I envy ye." She sighed and nodded. "Aye, what you said is true; however, under any circumstances just being able to see you again is worth it."

Silver laughed again. "Envy me? You should come with me if you envy me. It is not as glamourous as you think but fun."

"Aye, that I know...but the sea has always held allure for me...but somehow I seem to keep my feet pretty well planted in the earth."

"I still cannot believe it is you. Gods, I have missed you, Gyn!"

Gyndeene laughed and stepped in to hug Silver again. "Aye, and I ye."

Silver laughed again, poking a finger at Gyndeene. "To find me? I'm always floating around. Tis you who disappeared!"

Gyndeene seemed to sadden a bit and a small sigh parted her lips. "Aye, that be the truth...much has happened to me. I was on my way back to Kamelot , but that came to naught, and now I find myself here..." The brief instant of sorrow was quickly replaced by the joy she felt in seeing her old friend. "But I can't think of anywhere I'd rather be right now."

"Aye, neither can I. I feel as if I could spend months never sleeping just to talk to you about everything, to listen to you and find out how you have been and what has kept you away for so long. It is a blessing to see you again." Silver's eyes sparkled with a life that had gone so long unseen. "Perhaps we should have a tankard or two and talk about this quest of yours. I am afraid I'm going to be very attached to you now, since I found you again." She laughed. "It is as if a part of me came back." She gently placed a hand on Gyndeene's shoulder and squeezed reassuringly. "Whatever it is that plagues you, I will help."

Gyndeene laughed with her and a shiver ran up her spine. "I too feel the same." The joy she felt bubbled over at seeing her friend and the worries of a few minutes ago seemed trivial. Another shiver ran up her spine and slowly her eyes went to the cloaked person standing at Silver's side. Her eyes searched for the face hidden deep inside the green hood. Letting her senses flow, she knew this person was very special to her. She held back unable to believe that what she felt was true. Another friend here in Stormpoint? How could this be? A tear slowly trickled down her cheek as she prayed it was so.

Gyndeene and Silver

Quite startled to see Gyndeene with absolutely no warning, Sasha panicked, thinking 'she can't see me like this, I don't want to have to kill her!' Using her natural gifts of psionics, she reshaped her body into that of a pale young human, making sure no trace of a drow showed. Racial hatreds were NOT something to take chances about. Sasha had been almost killed many times, even by friends when she had forgotten this before.

As Gyndeene's eyes looked inside of the hood, she felt the last of the changes slip into place. Letting loose a low purr of delight, she smiled and spoke "Greetings, Mother. You have led me a merry chase." She pulled down the hood of the cloak, hoping Silver would play along with the change. She curtsied, "My abilities have led me here, but I did not expect to see you here. Where is the moonblade?" She smiled grimly, "Kamelot has not been the same without it."

Sashathana Ue Danradi

In a dark room, very poorly lit, the man who wasn't there peered deeply into his scrying bowl. Even the light of a candle would interfere with the use of this magic, so even the door was sealed shut and not the least crack allowed light into this room. The bowl shimmered faintly as the images appeared. Tall gates, a wharf, a church, a library... the images stilled at the library and the mage breathed softly. He peered intently into the image, watching events unfold. When the child wandered away, he gestured and mumbled a small spell causing a book to fall open to a specific page. He smiled as the book slammed into a foot. "It has begun... "

Satisfied with his effots, he passed a hand over the bowl, causing the image to fade away. By long practice, he placed a lid on the bowl, snapped down the edges, and placed the bowl in a box. After the box was covered by a heavy piece of felt, he sighed, lighting a single candle. "I must tell my thralls to prepare the way. It is amazing what you can do when you find a reletively intellegent ogre."
B He left the room. Hanging from the beam above the table that held the bowl was a glimmering sword. It glowed with an inner light, a pale light.."

Sashathana Ue Danradi

'Visions of the Hunt'

The wizard paused slightly outside of the room, muttering arcane glyphs in an ancient tounge. After all, there was no telling when a pet may become inquisitive. It's just so hard to pry them out of their holes when they find the results of a little curiosity. He teleported himself with a wave, sitting back into his seat where another wave of his hand called forward one who was waiting. "Well, I need you to find something for me. Contact the thieves guild, find out what that child knows. I will pay extra for a personal interview." He waved the man away impatiently. "Oh, and tell them she is safe. I prefer my reports honest, and unenchanted. She will come to no harm. It is not she I wish to bespell." The man bowed, leaving with alacrity. It would be a cold trip tonight, and wet. But not as cold as the wizard's wrath, nor as wet as a bleeding remnant of what was once a man would be. Besides, the wizard paid well.

Sashathana Ue Danradi

'Visions of the Hunt'

It had been stroke of amazing fortune for Kit that she had found Rorec when she did.  She realized, of course, that her plan wasn't the best, but at least it would allow her to enter the tavern where her quarry had gone and to remain there hopefully long enough to learn something of interest.  At any rate, even if it didn't work it was more fun than sitting in the library beneath a pile of musty old books.  She wrinkled her nose at the thought as she followed Rorec into the Skull and Crossbones tavern, hoping that the woman was still there.

Inside, the tavern was warm, yet poorly lit, perhaps due to the haze of smoke that hung gauzelike over the room.  She held her breath and tried not to cough as she followed Rorec behind the counter where he spoke briefly with the barkeep.  He gestured once at Kit as he spoke, prompting the keep to examine her with a weary expression before sighing and nodding. 

"Ta," Rorec finally said, slapping the keep on the shoulder.  "She'll give ya no trouble."  I''ll be back soon as I can."

Kit watched him go, a small pout lingering on her face after the door swung shut behind him.  The keep wore a similar expression, but for different reasons.  Clearly unaccustomed to children, he looked painfully at odds as to what to do with his small charge and was thus relieved when she plopped down in an out of the way corner of the tavern and began to amuse herself with a game of jacks.  He gave a small nod of mingled satisfaction and relief before resuming his duties at the bar.

Kit, meanwhile, continued her game, dropping the small ball which bounced silently as she plucked first one, and then two jacks from the floor.  If any were watching her, they would have noticed that she was quite good at the game.  They would have to have been looking very close indeed, however, to notice that the jacks were just a bit more substantial than their usual counterparts.  More importantly, perhaps, no amount of scrutiny could reveal that the reason for the puckish grin that curled one corner of her small mouth as she scooped a handful of jacks was not her luck at the game, but was rather the fact that she was in an ideal position to overhear the conversation now taking place between the woman she had followed and her two new companions.

Kit

"Between the dark and the daylight,
When the night is beginning to lower,
Comes a pause in the day's occupations,
That is known as the Children's Hour."

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
"The Children's Hour"

Josh watched the scene with suspicion. `Who were these long lost friends?' Where he was from, friends did not appear out of the blue. His scalp tingled in warning. His glance took in the hooded figure standing to the one side of his mistress, but he could not make out the person beneath the deep cowl of the heavy green material. His hand slipped to his waist. Fingers closed around the dagger in his belt. `This is just the type of thing Darkelden would do to protect the misbegotten sword.'

Josh shook his head and was momentarily distracted as the barmaid removed two bowels of stew from her tray and set them on the table. Her lips stretched in a tight line of disapproval as she watched the lad's fixed concentration on the women standing a bit from the table. "Men,' she thought, `all of the same ilk whether lads or gaffers; put a pretty woman in the room and all other thoughts fled like leaves before an autumn wind.'

Ignoring her, Josh once again studied the tall blond in sailor's garb. He was hard pressed to believe that this beautiful woman could have been conjured up by Darkelden; now, the other one was more likely a fiend sent by the powerful wizard to do his mistress harm. He frowned deeply, trying to penetrate the cloaked figure. Little did he know that even if he could see beneath the hood, he would know nothing more than he did now.

THUNK, THUNK. Startled, Josh looked up at the barmaid who slammed the mugs on the table unceremoniously.

He stood slowly wishing he had the magic at hand to turn her into the toad that she was. "What's ye problem woman. Canna ye be more careful?"

The barmaid stared back defiantly.

"Will ye be payin for ye fare t'day or t'morrow. I dinna 'ave all day ta stand here while ye oogle them women."

A slow blush rose on the young man's face as he pulled some coins from his pouch and tossed them on the tray, smiling to himself as several fell to the floor.

"Be gone with ye woman and leave me be, Canna ye see I'm busy."

Stooping quickly, she retrieved the coins and without a backward glance scurried away. As she disappeared into the bowels of the tavern, she chuckled knowing the lad had paid twice as much as he should have. Satisfied, she slipped the extra coins in her pocket.

Josh sat back down slowly as he watched Gynne and her friends approach the table. He was not looking forward to meeting these friends. He may only be a lad, but he was not a dullard; they would be watched closely, very closely. Just one false step, one false move and he would protect his mistress with his life.

"Shasha, words fail me, but my heart has felt joy that has long been missin. Gyndeene placed her hands on her friend's shoulders. "Tis been way ta long my friend. I dinna ever think ta see ya again."

Pulling her friend to her, she hugged her tightly and whispered, "Thank ye for searchin me out. The task of finding and taking the sword back to Kamelot rests easier on my mind now that both you and Silver are here."

Releasing her friend, she nodded first at Sasha and then at Silver. "T'will be a vera dangerous venture for all involved. Come let us sit so I can tell ye the strange events leading me ta Stormpoint." Walking to the table, Gyndeene smiled at the young man sitting there. "Josh, this is Silver and Sasha, two of the best friends anyone could ever wish for. They are here to help us get theMoonBlade back."

Remembering his manners, he stood and nodded curtly to the strangers. Trying hard to hide the distrust he felt, he moved from the table to find them seats, praying that his mistress knew what she was doing.

Gyndeene

Within the maze of grave markers that rested within the shadow of the church, the sleeper stirred. The city was busy, busier than the sleeper had seen it in some time, and it created just the tiniest speck of curiosity in the sleeper's vaporous mind. It had tried to ignore it and to let the apathy take sway once again, but though it had started small and gnat-like, the curiosity soon grew to a gnawing hunger that drove the wraith from its rest. Rising from its sepulcher, the sleeper drifted through the walls encircling the necropolis it now called home and ventured out into the city of life beyond.

The weather was warmer than the sleeper remembered it, not that it could sense the change itself, but the citizens it passed as it floated aimlessly through the streets were no longer wrapped in layers of heavy cloaks and their walks were less hurried. The wraith followed a few of them, but soon lost interest as most seemed to be about on routine errands. The sleeper gave a mental sigh as it followed the citizen it was currently trailing into a tavern. It hadn't bothered to note the tavern's name. What was the point? They were all largely the same.

Inside, the tavern's current clientele seemed to be enjoying the offered fare. In fact, several of them seemed to have enjoyed it a bit too much, their faces glazed with a distant expression of spirit- induced contentment. There was a time when the sleeper would have pitied them, but now it was envy that stirred in its ethereal heart. Even an artificial peace such as this was beyond its lonely grasp. Bitter, the wraith turned its gaze from them, eager to find diversion elsewhere. It didn't take long.

Tucked away in one corner of the tavern, a young girl sat cross- legged on the floor playing a child's game with a deft hand. What the hell was a child doing here? Had things changed so much during the specter's long slumber that children now patronized establishments such as this? The sleeper looked around, but saw no other's of the girl's age. She was an aberration then? The sleeper hoped so. Though the tavern was calm at the moment, it was still no place for one so young of years. The sleeper thus appointed itself the girl's guardian for the duration of her stay and hovered over her, keeping a silent watch.

The girl took no notice of the wraith, for indeed there was nothing notice, and continued her youthful amusement, unaware that death hung heavily over her. The sleeper watched her play until it grew tired of the repetitive motions of the game, and then let its gaze continue about the tavern. As it did, it realized something odd.

Across the room, a small group of people was gathered ...... two women, a young boy, and a cloak-wrapped figure. It was this last which drew the wraith's attention. No other within the tavern was so dressed. Indeed, while some without on the streets had worn lightweight coverings, all within had removed them; and even if this particular one was touched by some chill that left the others unmolested, of what warmth was the hood that draped over the figure's head and which hid its features in shadow.

Its curiosity now stirred anew, the wraith rose from its young charge and drifted over to the strange figure and its companions, suddenly keen to learn of their business.

Wraithshade

"The boundaries which divide Life from Death are at best shadowy and vague.
Who shall say where the one ends, and where the other begins?"

Edgar Allan Poe
"The Premature Burial" (1850)

Josh left the table quickly as if he feared catching some strange sickness from the strangers. He tried hard to pull the frown from his face and replace it with one of a person without a care in the world. He swaggered through the now-crowded tavern and made his way to the bar, ordering a mug of ale. He set some coins on the bar and nodded to the barkeep as he picked up the foaming mug and then sipped the strong brew slowly. He slowly searched the tavern for a group of sailors, successfully spotting a likely group sitting not far from him.

Picking up his mug, he walked casually to their table. "Good day, mates." His nose wrinkled slightly. Judging by the smell, they had just hit port. The biggest and broadest of the sailors eyed him curiously, wondering what this young lad wanted. "Aye, and a good day to ye." He waited as a hush fell over the other sailors. Josh nodded to a passing barmaid quite happy to see that it was someone other than the one who had served him earlier and ordered a round for the sailors. He turned his eyes back to the leader.

"Ye been in port long then?" The sailor not forgetting his earlier thought nodded. "Aye, this mornin. T's good ta be on land once again. What ship ye be from?" His eyes tried to penetrate any subterfuge beyond the young face and decided the lad was safe. "Join us for a bit." Anyway, anyone that was willing to refill their mugs was welcome at their table.

Pulling up a stool, Josh's face was a mask of longing. "I've been a landlubber for way too long and am looking fer a ship ta join up with." His face brightened and he continued, I've `eard the Siren be looking for a good mate. Ever `ear of the ship?" A knowing look passed among the men as they all began speaking at once. Josh chuckled to himself as the leader took control and he threw a thunderous look around the table. "Aye,that I `ave lad. Actually, ye be talkin about the Starstruck Siren, I think." Josh nodded eagerly, as he hoped to learn more about the ship that one of Gynne's so-called friends just happened to be the captain of. He lowered his eyes to the rim of his mug and decided to jump in with both feet. "Aye, but I've `eard the captain be a woman, and I dinna be sure `hat I be wishin to sail with a woman at sea, specially one that fancies herself the captain."

His eyes looked to the leader and he did not have wait too long for a reply as the table burst into life eager to answer his question. The leader nodded and took a long draw from his mug, trying to hid a wide grin that split his face from side to side. "Aye, youngin, ye `ave a lot ta learn. That be Captain Silver if'n I not be mistakin. She be a `ard taskmaster, ta be sure. But she be a true captin of the seas, or so I've `eard. Takes no draw from anyone and fights like a true warrior. She brooks no back talk from anyone and kin be quick ta draw her sword. She runs her ship tight and lean, woman or no. Ye could do worse, lad." "Aye, it may be what I'm lookin for. Still takin orders from a woman . . ."

One by one, the sailors broke into a raucous laughter. The leaded nodded once again in Josh's direction and repeated, "Lad ye gotta lot ta learn. Few men on the seas could better her. She be a fair one and would cover ye back when needed. Ye could do much, much worse," as he used the back of his hand across his mouth, "and ye be in luck." "Ay, and how that be?" "She be sittin over in the corner there with a lady as comely as she." He pointed toward Gynne and her friends. "'Here be ye Captin Silver; the one with the long blond locks and the huge sword at her side." Josh glanced quickly in the direction the man's short stubby fingers pointed and his brows raised in surprise. "Aye, see what'cha mean. So, that be Captin Silver." "Aye, lad, in the flesh. But dinna be disappointed. I `ear she be very picky on who she chooses to crew her ship, but take a chance lad, who knows?"

Josh nodded and smiled. "Aye, that I might. So where ye be from?" "Here and there, lad, here and there." "Will ye be in port long?" "Aye a fortnight or as long as it takes to unload goods and get stores." "I see. And where will ye be headed?" "Well, lad, not sure yet, but around where the fishin be good." The others in the group picked up the conversation thread and talked among themselves as Josh ordered another round. Taking a chance, Josh wondered if they knew anything of Ogrekvannia and decided to delve the depths of their knowledge of the lands about Stormpoint. "Did ya ever sail the waters of Ogrekvannia?"

The leathery skin of the sailor took on a warning look. "Not much, lad, other than the pickins be slim in those waters. Me captain be smart. Dinna wish ta lose his ship. We stay away far away from where magic seems ta touch the waves and ye be doin the same. Dead sailors tell na tales, mate, none it all. Take me advice…dinna sail those waters or travel those lands."

Josh's face flushed, whether from the strong drink or from the knowledge that his mistress would soon have him traveling those very lands. "Aye, I understand ye too well." Knowing there was little more to be gained from sitting with the group of raunchy sailors, he nodded his thanks to the man and stood. "Good day ta all and good sailin." He picked up his half empty mug and once again looked about the room for a someone that perhaps could tell him more about this land of Ogrekvannia. Smiling his thanks once again, he moved from the table and through a crowd of revelers, stopping suddenly as he spied a small urchin playing a game or some sort in one corner of the tavern. He wondered to himself why her eyes were more on his mistress's table and than on her game. Taking his time, he made his way to the corner where she was sitting. Easing his long legs beneath him, he sat down beside her and smiled his best smile, "G'd day lass and what be the game ye be playin there?"

Gyndeene

Gyndeene's turquoise eyes were veiled and her thoughts jumbled. Josh's disapproval was evident, but she was unable to put all the pieces of why together. She knew he disapproved of her quest for the Moonblade. She also knew he had taken an immediate dislike to the high elf who was but a messenger, and, now, it seemed, he distrusted her friends as well. She knew that his disapproval was fired by the flames of fear--the fear that she might never again return to Kamelot much less retrieve the Moonblade.

Pushing these troubling thoughts aside, she turned to the task at hand. As she pondered the enormity of what she had become involved in, an overpowering sense of foreboding penetrated her being and the cold fingers of death gently probed her heart. Troubled, she glanced over her shoulder, but the moment passed, and she began the strange tale of how she had come to Stormpoint.

She told of the unexpected appearance of the high elf and the even stranger request that he bore from his queen—finding and returning the Moonblade to Kamelot. The fact that little was known about how or why the blade had been taken troubled her greatly, but at least, the who had been answered. Evidently, a strong and powerful wizard known as Darkelden had claimed the blade as his own. Further attempts to get answers to the why had been brushed aside and her questions remained unanswered.

Gyndeene paused a moment as she withdrew papers from her pack and laid them on the table. Pointing to the rough map she had drawn, she said, "I believe this may be where the wizard resides—Darkendale. I understand from what I have read that the lands surrounding Darkendale are every bit as dangerous and unpredictable as Darkendale itself. There seems there would be little hope in getting help from anyone within those borders." She shook her head and sighed. "We need to know about this place and its inhabitants before we venture forth. That, I am afraid, will be a quest in itself. My question is, can we do this?"

She sipped her honeymead as she waited for a reply from her friends. As she waited, the feeling of being watched grew stronger. Her long fingers stroked the dragon scale talisman she wore about her neck. She struggled to find the key that would unlock the memory of mindspeak. Finding the memory in her mind, she turned the key in the lock. The tumblers fell into place and the door opened.

Welcome one from beyond. Are ye a stranger or a friend? Do you wander about the gray land alone? What do you seek from us? I am Gyndeene of Aquilar and I offer you my friendship.

Gyndeene of Aquilar

The sleeper hovered silently over the three strangers, seeking to learn what it might from them while still keeping watch over the young girl. It grew momentarily distracted when someone approached the child and joined her on the floor. The newcomer was little older than the girl, however, and seemed to offer no real threat. Hence, the sleeper did not react, but continued its focus on the other three, intently studying the one whose face lay hidden within the shadows of a cowl.

They were speaking of a journey, an appointed task to reclaim something called a Moonblade. Was it a weapon? It sounded as if it was. It made the sleeper uneasy, as did the further tales of wizards and the land they sought to enter. Darkendale. Had the wraith the ability to do so, it would have spat at the utterance of the name. Roiling in a sea of death-clouded memory, the specter stopped hearing the words of the speaker, its newfound senses obscured by its own unexpected churning. It might have continued like this for days had not a clear beacon of light suddenly broken through the haze of its cathexis

Welcome one from beyond. Are ye a stranger or a friend? Do you wander about the gray land alone? What do you seek from us? I am Gyndeene of Aquilar and I offer you my friendship.

The sleeper snapped with a violent jolt. The woman, the one who had been speaking to her companions, was now speaking to it. It wasn't possible. Long had the sleeper drifted through the coastal city and long had its presence gone unnoticed. Only one had been able to directly communicate with it before, and the sleeper was still struggling to overcome its distrust of that one and all of her ilk. How was this new one then, able to sense and address it?

Curious yet wary, the sleeper floated towards this woman, the one who called herself Gyndeene of Aquilar. The name had no meaning to the wraith, but as it drew closer, her appearance did, causing the wraith to stir in unease once more. This one was elven as well. No, not entirely elven, the wraith realized with an involuntary shudder of revulsion. She was part human. Sickened, the sleeper nearly left her and her companions to their fate, but in that small portion of its reason still left to it, the spirit remembered that much had changed since it had worn flesh, and that the elven woman it had encountered before did not bear the trappings of evil it had long associated with her kind. Perhaps they were no longer servants of the darkness. Perhaps they were no longer enemies. Perhaps the world it knew was gone.

Overwhelmed once more by its state, the wraith heaved nonexistent sigh. The woman had offered friendship. The sleeper was honor bound to accept until she proved false. It lacked, however, the ability to communicate as the woman had, for words and speech still slipped through its vaporous fingers with cruel mockery. It therefore communicated in the only way it now knew, sending images to the woman and hoping she would decipher their meaning ...... an open hand; a delicate white bird; and a curious combination of a lance, a double-bladed axe, and an enormous mace.

Wraithshade

"The boundaries which divide Life from Death are at best shadowy and vague.
Who shall say where the one ends, and where the other begins?"

Edgar Allan Poe
"The Premature Burial" (1850)

Kit continued to scoop jacks absentmindedly from the floor while listening to the woman and her companions. The woman she had followed from the library, the one who the others called Gyn, appeared to be in charge, as she was doing most of the talking.

"I believe this may be where the wizard resides—Darkendale. I understand from what I have read that the lands surrounding Darkendale are every bit as dangerous . . ."

Kit's ears strained as her hand dropped the wooden ball once again, eager to learn more of the trio's plans. What were they up to? Who was this wizard? It sounded like information in which the guild would be interested if not for its own sake, then as a possible source of secondary profit. Though she'd brought in a few tidy sums and matters of interest as part of her team, Kit had never managed a large score on her own before, mostly because she wasn't supposed to be acting unsupervised. If she could just hear a bit more, she might change that. So intent was she on her goal and Gyn's words, that she nearly jumped out of her skin when she was suddenly joined on the floor by a boy who looked to be a few years older than herself.

"G'd day lass and what be the game ye be playin there?"

'Drat!' She thought silently as her jack-filled hand closed around the wooden ball, 'and they were just getting to the good stuff.' Her mood changed, however, when she looked more closely at her new companion. Kit had seen him with Gyn, and had watched as she'd introduced him to the others ... Silver and Sasha. Had he noticed her eavesdropping, or was he just curious? She didn't have time to decide.

"Jacks," she began innocently in response to his question, "Wanna play?"

Kit

"Between the dark and the daylight,
When the night is beginning to lower,
Comes a pause in the day's occupations,
That is known as the Children's Hour."

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
"The Children's Hour"

Gyndeene smiled at her friend and nodded in Josh's direction. "T'would seem he be otherwise engaged, Sasha. Hopefully, he be working himself out of his snit. T'would seem he is a bit suspicious of you and Silver." She signed. "He is a young'un and has much to learn, but he is right about one thing—this Darkelden is a vera dangerous opponent." Glancing at the pouch, Gyn was not surprised at the wealth it held. "Sasha you are too kind and too generous." Taking one of the black gloved hands in hers, she squeezed gently. "I'm so happy you are here. We must plan wisely for once we lave Stormpoint, our opportunity to do so may be limited. More importantly, we need information and your generosity will go far in convincing someone to tell us more about this unknown land."

Releasing the gloved hand, she sipped her honeymead wondering where they could find such information. She shrugged a slender shoulder and glanced at Silver who seemed lost in a world of her own.

"I have hopes that the proprietor of the Kuriousity Shoppe might be of help, but I'm uncertain if a visit to the Shoppe will be fruitful. It all remains to be seen I fear. We must get you settled at the inn, and then perhaps after a good meal, we can lay out a plan."

She turned her attention to the now cold fish stew, her hunger momentarily blunted by the enormity of the task before them. Pushing the unappetizing bowl away, she munched on a hard piece of bread torn from a small loaf. Her eyes drifted to her young friend as he left the group of sailors he had been talking to. They followed him across the room and widened in surprise as she watched him join a young girl sitting not far from their table. Startled, she realized that this was the girl she had encountered in the library. Who was she and why was she here? Biting her lip, she explored the possibilities. Was it only the curiosity of a child about the Elven kind or was there a more devious reason for her appearance?

Interrupted by images that floated through her mind, Gyn was intrigued by what she saw—an open hand, a small white bird and what appeared to be a weapon; one of the like she had never seen before. It was a very unusual weapon and appeared to be a lance, a double-bladed axe and a large mace. `Was this a message from the spirit hovering nearby? Could the sender not communicate in language and instead was trying to send a message through these images?

Her fingers once again stroked the dragon scale talisman hoping the wisdom of the dragon would unveil their meaning. `An open hand—was this in reply to my offer of friendship? The delicate white bird—a symbol of peace? Confusion flooded her mind. The weapon made no sense. She did not know its meaning. The double-bladed axe reminded Gyn of a weapon her friend Gnort had carried of Dwarvin kind. The lance was mostly used by foot soldiers and the mace reminded her of a weapon carried by an ogre. Was this a clue as to what the spirit had once been? Could she convey images back to the being?

Wrapping her fingers tightly around the talisman, she projected the image of the open hand with another hand clasping it firmly. Putting forth another hand, she watched the fragile bird land without fear. More complex, however, was the weapon, and she turned to mindspeak.

'Of your weapon I am unsure. Does this represent who you are or does it mean you are a warrior also? Is this a weapon you lost?' Gyn thought for a moment and continued. 'I far away. I have come to Stormpoint to reclaim a sword that was stolen from my home. A sword given by a friend to protect my family and friends from evil. I wish no injury or hurt to anyone. I only wish to reclaim the sword and return it to its resting place. I fear that the one who stole the sword is evil and our task will not be an easy one.'

Closing her eyes, she formed a mental picture of the beautiful Elven sword. A moment of sadness touched her as she thought of Karrinth and his generosity and her love for him. The thought of an evil wizard possessing this sword almost unmanned her and a flash of anger burned as bright and hot as a blaze fed dry wood. The image was so real, she was unable to stop herself from reaching out to touch the Moonstone embedded in the hilt--as she did so, a powerful blue light surrounded the blade. Her heart was troubled as she felt the ancestors of the sword calling to her. Emotions surfaced and teardrops framed her long lashes. Her soul felt torn asunder for she knew she would never again see the Elf she had loved. Sadness covered her like a shroud and her tears fell.

"Sunt lacrimae rerum et mentem mortalia tangunt."
There are tears shed for things even here and mortality touches the heart.

Virgil 70-19 BC: Aeneid

Gyndeene of Aquilar

The sleeper listened to the woman as she spoke with her friend and watched her carefully she considered the images she had received. Both recognition and confoundment registered on her features, suggesting at least a partial success. In partial satisfaction, therefore, the wraith hazarded another look at the child. She still seemed safe, happily engaged in game and perhaps conversation with her newfound friend. Content on this matter, the sleeper thus returned its attention to the woman just in time to see her wrap her fingers around a talisman that hung from her neck. As she did so, images began to swirl and coalesce in the remnants of the wraith's 'mind.' Images which corresponded with those it had sent.

The first two visions clearly indicated understanding from the woman, and birthed some measure of sympathy in the wraith for the difficulty in communication it no doubt created. Guessing at pictures wasn't the easiest way to converse, but as the wraith could do no more, it would have to suffice. It wished, however, that it could convey the fact that though it could not speak words as she had, it could understand them. It drew itself into an ethereal ball of thought as it considered the matter, finding its concern at least temporarily addressed when the woman began to 'speak' once more.

'Of your weapon I am unsure. Does this represent who you are or does it mean you are a warrior also? Is this a weapon you lost?'

The sleeper longed to exhale a deep breath, but sadly, could not do so. The woman had not understood, but she could hardly be expected to. Many years had passed and much had been forgotten. It was not surprising that, in a world where humans mingled freely with elves, the image held no meaning for the woman. It wasn't all that important of a point, the spirit decided as it listened to the rest of the woman's 'words,' learning that she sought to reclaim a weapon of personal import. Great emotion was attached to both this weapon and her quest, and much of it denoted a concern for the safety of others. This sleeper was surprised, not having expected to find such nobility in one of her kind. Clearly, the wraith had much to learn, much that perhaps it could discover by aiding this woman on her search. It didn't know how much help it could truly offer, but it would give that support which it could.

Decided, the wraith debated how best to convey this idea. It discarded a few options as hopelessly vague before it settled on what it deemed the image most likely to be understood. Focusing on the woman, it crafted an image of her leaving the city followed by a nebulous shroud of haze. The wraith didn't look like this, or at least, it didn't think it did; but it knew no better way to depict itself, aside from a walking skeleton, perhaps, which might have conveyed unintended meanings. Following this image, it drew another. This time of the woman holding the sword she sought, again accompanied by the vaporous form. The sleeper hoped it would be sufficient.

Though committed to this course, the spirit's curiosity regarding the cloaked one, the one called Sasha, still remained; and it decided to 'ask' the woman about her, calling forth an image of the cloak- wrapped stranger. How to convey curiosity though? The wraith pictured and sent a simplistic punctuation mark. It seemed somehow insufficient, prompting the wraith to consider other options afterwards. Curious? Curiosity? Without warning the wraith was struck by a sudden flash of inspiration unrelated to its question about the woman's companion, but inspired by the woman's previous words to her. Again, it conveyed to the woman the image of the lance, the mace, and the axe. This time, however, it followed that image with one of the sign which hung beside the door of the Kuriousity Shoppe, hoping that the owner might recognize what the woman could not.

Wraithshade

"The boundaries which divide Life from Death are at best shadowy and vague.
Who shall say where the one ends, and where the other begins?"

Edgar Allan Poe
"The Premature Burial" (1850)

Her lips quirked as she 'peeked' at the conversation. ~Why don't you ask me yourself?~ Outwardly, she placed the bag on the table, closing it and turning towards Silver. Her eyes glanced directly at the sleeper, the sapphire blue glint of them slitting for a moment. That reptilian flash the only hint for the moment that she was not what she appeared.

Mindspeaking again ~I am elven~I am dragon~ The dual voices blended into one image, one an elf dark as night and fair as day, the other a dragon in its full splendor and glory, glinting with its sapphire brilliance.

Her eyes continued to Silver's face, eyes normal and smiling. "Captain, have you a need for a ratcatcher on your ship? It seems I will be staying here to aid Gyndeene." The smile became warm. "I know a good cat who would love to prowl your pride and joy this eve."

Sashathana

Josh hid a grin as the small girl spoke to him. "Jacks. Wanna play?" Shaking his head, "Nay, Poppet, me finger be too large and me movements too slow."

His mind worked quickly. He felt a bond with this little one. He too once had needed to live by his wits. He also knew she watched Gyn; thereby, she knew he was connected to Gyn. 'Drat,' he thought, 't'would be better if'n she knew me only as a stranger, but, then, maybe not." He needed to know what lie behind the innocent façade; was this just a child's curiosity of a stranger in Stormpoint or was it something more. He doubted she had ties with Darkelden.

'I shall play her game.' He chuckled remembering playing cats cradle as a child. 'Let's see if she kin play this game.' He could ill afford to let one string slip or cross in the wrong direction. He studied the jacks. "So, Poppet, do ya usually play ye game in a tavern or do ye wait on someone?"

"The game," he said, "is never lost till won."
George Crabb, 1819

Josh

Silver was indeed lost in a world of her own as she settled back recounting the Moonblade she had once seen. It was a long time ago, in Kamelot, a place that held a very special place in her heart. It was the first place she could truly call home when she arrived here. Just the thought of the people and the splendor of the place brought a pang of pain slithering through her veins.

She vaguely heard Gyndeene's voice again, mentioning the proprietor of the Kuriousity Shop before a voice was ingrained in her head. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she glanced quickly around the table before her gaze settled on the hooded figure. She searched the shadows of the hood, catching the briefest of flashes, before Sasha began to talk aloud.

"Captain, have you a need for a ratcatcher on your ship? It seems I will be staying here to aid Gyndeene. I know a good cat who would love to prowl your pride and joy this eve."

Silver allowed a hint of a grin to play on her lips. "Aye, I do believe I could use one. Glad to have you aboard." She winked before settling her gaze again on Gyndeene. She felt something hovering, something near, but she realized the voice in her head a moment ago was Sasha's. However, it was not Sasha that was making her skin tingle ever so slightly. Silver cast a glance towards the loud, drunk man before rolling her eyes slightly and turning back to Gyn.

"Aye, it does seem Josh is wary of me but I'm hoping that should pass. Did you mention the Kuriousity Shop?" A brow arched curiously as she sipped her ale and looked at Gyndeene over the rim.

Gyndeene nodded, smiling at her friend. "Aye, I did, but I dinna know much about the proprietor." She wondered if Silver was aware of the Spirit who was hovering near. She frowned thinking of Josh...."Josh will soon get over his snit...and once he knows that ye are the real thing...a Captain of the seas...he will be lost.

Yes, she was aware. She kept her senses alert as she continued. "I know the proprietor, from other dealings. I will go with you if you'd like, to the shop. Do you have need of the *Siren *?"

Gyndeene shook her head slowly as she looked over the map on the table. "I dinna think so, Silver. Looks as if Darkelden's lands are rather landlocked, although it would speed out journey." A slender eyebrow rose. "Aye, ye know the owner of the Kuriousity Shoppe?"

Silver nodded and took a sip of her drink. Setting the mug back down, she leaned over slightly to glance at the map. She was familiar with most places along the coast, as she had docked in numerous ports for business transactions. She pointed a finger to a port near the northern coast. "I can dock off land there, and we can rowboat to shore. It might make it faster." Pausing, she looked up at Gyndeene. "Aye, I do know her." Acquaintance was more like it, but at least it was helpful. She smiled and settled back in her chair.

Gyn nodded as she continued to study the map. "I wonder how long it would take us to go overland and how much resistance we might meet..." She bit her lip..."I just dinna know how friendly the locals will be to strangers traveling through the lands...Her brow furrows..."I thought perhaps that it might be best if we traveled north to the border of Stormpoint and set up a camp there...What do you think?"

Silver nodded and looked at the map again, her brow crinkling as she looked at the land. "I think it should be alright. I would like to look at the map and compare with one I have….as well as talk to you and the owner of the Shoppe about this as well. She'd be very helpful in telling us the best way to get where we have to go." She relaxed a bit, and nodded once more. "When exactly do we leave?"

Gyn glanced over at Sasha..."What do ye think, Sasha? I'm unsure when we will be able to leave. It t'is vera important to get more information and I think that ye are right, Silver, we might get useful information from the proprietor of the Shoppe. At least hopefully. Also, wonder ifn we kin find others who can enlighten us..do ye think we should post a notice somewhere offering a reward for more information on Ogrekvannia? And just how helpful do you think the proprietor of the Shoppe be? Do you think she will be interested in a stranger's plight?"

Silver shook her head and looked at Gyndeene. "No, posting anything asking for information regarding Ogrekvannia could get us into a lot of hot water with folks around here. That wouldn't exactly attract the type of people we should deal with."

She sat back, sipping her ale again in quiet thought. "I think we should visit the Shoppe tomorrow and see what we learn. I do think she'd be helpful." She paused, nodding in thought. She had dealt with Eowyn on a few occasions and respected the woman. She only hoped it was reciprocated. "Then it might be a good time to consider when we should begin traveling." She nodded, looking from Gyndeene to Sasha, silently seeking an approval of the plan.

Gyndeene smiled, "As always...you give good counsel, Sil."

Gyndeene and Silver

"Nay, Poppet, me fingers be too large and me movements too slow."

She looked quizzically at his fingers as he spoke, finding them to be larger than hers, but certainly not too large to play. Even Rhyskall had played jacks with her once or twice, and his rough- calloused hands were far larger than this boy's.

"So, Poppet," he continued before she had a chance to press him further on the game, "do ya usually play ye game in a tavern or do ye wait on someone?"

"I'm waiting for Uncle Rory," she replied, and resumed bouncing the small wooden ball as she spoke. The noise it made as it hit was drowned out by the surrounding sounds of the tavern .... clattering dishes, a thick mix of voices, the harried footsteps of the serving women, and dozens of other less identifiable noises. "He's gonna buy me a spinner if . . . " she paused, as if trying to remember exact words, "if I play quiet and don't cause a fuss." Satisfied with her recollection, she dropped the ball again and scooped another handful of jacks. She repeated the process a more few times before offering a profound opinion. "This floor's good .... it's all even and there aren't many cracks. Not like at the library. You can't play there, you know."

When her new companion didn't offer any counter opinion, she continued with another drop and scoop, "We were there earlier today." Having successfully finished a round of three's, Kit gathered all the jacks in her small hands and allowed them to cascade to the ground once more, their tiny clatterings drowned by the panoply of sound around them as well. When they came to rest, she studied them for a moment, then, apparently content with their dispersal, she progressed to four's.

Like their predecessors, the fours posed little challenge to Kit's nimble fingers and she easily scooped two sets before she paused to point at Gyndeene with those same small digits. "She was there too. She's awful pretty. Is she an elf?" The ball fell and rose again before disappearing with another handful of jacks. "I've never seen an elf before. I've seen an ogre though," she added proudly, "and even . . ." she caught the ball with another set of jacks and held them in tight silence, looking quietly about the tavern before leaning closer to Josh and continuing in a whisper, "and even vampires."

This last statement appeared to bring with it memories oft-wished forgotten, and she remained both still and silent for several seconds thereafter ere she spoke again. "There are scary things here, you know? You and her aren't really looking for a wizard, are you?"

Kit

"Between the dark and the daylight,
When the night is beginning to lower,
Comes a pause in the day's occupations,
That is known as the Children's Hour."

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
"The Children's Hour"

~Why don't you ask me yourself?~

The voice rang through the hollows the sleeper's mind. Another one. Another speaker. Another who possessed this strange curse, for truly it could be nothing else. Disoriented by the new voice, the wraith cast about in search of its owner, finding it to belong to a pair of cold blue eyes that peered from the darkness of the stranger's cloak. This one, then, could see its message as well? Fixated, the specter drifted closer to the cowled figure, drawn by the eyes and the words that spilled forth from the darkness within.

~I am elven~I am dragon~

The wraith roiled with the new words, its fixation dashed upon the sharp-edged stones of revulsion. Images assaulted it as well .... images the wraith found too horrid to consider. Dark elves? Dragons? No. The sleeper withdrew into itself, pulling far away from the cloaked one. No, this was too much. Much may have changed while it slept, but this ...... this was not possible. It was abomination.

Tossed like jetsam within its maelstrom of intangibility, the swirling mist of thought and recollection left the strange trio of women and swept back over the girl. She still appeared safe, merrily playing her child's game and rambling her simple musings. The wraith would keep watch over her while what remained of its mind percolated in ageless confusion. Churning in contemplation, the sleeper studied the girl's small hand as it first cast and then collected bits of metal from the floor. Casting and collecting, giving and taking, reaping and sowing, the same cyclical process that repeated endlessly upon itself. A process in which the wraith should no longer be part, and yet it was, it thought as it continued to float above the child ...... the dead keeping watch over the living. It paused with this last cogitation, sickened in its own dreadful vigil. The dead keeping watch over the living.

The morbid dichotomy struck the wraith painfully, goading it, forcing it to rise higher above the child lest it drift too close and its chill touch fall across her frail mortal flesh. She was too young to know death, too young to feel its dread cold grasp; and the sleeper was too long passed to remember the colors of youth. Neither should be here, within this tavern, and yet both were.

The dead keeping watch over the living. Another abomination. Another impossibility. Another realization.

Wraithshade

"The boundaries which divide Life from Death are at best shadowy and vague.
Who shall say where the one ends, and where the other begins?"

Edgar Allan Poe
"The Premature Burial" (1850)

~abomination, Indeed, watcher. I gather from your words, you are elven. I agree.~

Listening to the words of her companions she nodded, "I agree. Information is good. Mayhaps you would like to speak with an acquaintance of mine, The son of a man I knew named Jak. Korrd is a local who owes me. Between him and the Kuriousity Shoppe, we should have enough information to make our plans." She turned and seemed to sniff the air, her hood falling back across her shoulders. "Speaking of information.. "

~An abomination happened to me. And yes, it was a drow work. Ask me not, simply accept a victim of their nature, a plaything of their game of death and pain~

She turned and motioned towards the children playing with jacks, "I sensed these two at the same time I sensed you in the library, be they with you? If they be not, mayhap you should find out why they followed ye here."

~I am free of them, but still bear the scars form their vile deeds.~ ~I have but one question for thy morality, is one who repudiates drow society truly a dark elf?~

Sashathana

Josh watched the ball bounce up and down as though mesmerized by its actions. His mind, however, was elsewhere. It was not that he did not trust this small child for he had once been there. A child of the streets at the mercy of all. He did not remember his mother or father for they have vanished long before he could walk. He remembered dimly the halls of an orphanage and then the streets where his next meal depended upon what he could steal. T'was not an easy life to be sure.

Perhaps his luck changed the day he tried to lift a sea captain's pouch. Caught in the act, the sea captain decided the young one would perhaps do well on his ship, and Josh's life changed.