Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn Subject: [G] Regarding Roger... and Rifts Message-ID: <1mhkh7INNi9h@senator-bedfellow.MIT.EDU> From: taz@athena.mit.edu (Brian P Shea) Date: 25 Feb 1993 05:13:11 GMT Thorr-kan and Roger leave the table as Traveller sits down and begins conversing with Wanderer. Both are quietly worried about their companion. The foursome had not travelled long together, but they have something in common now: the survivors' bond. These are the ones who have passed together into the shadow of death and emerged, not necessarily unscathed or unscarred, but alive nonetheless. Such trials have a way of bonding individuals together in ways that are not readily apparent. Littlefair is deep in conversation as the two reach the bar. His gesture says, I'll be with you when I can. Thorr-kan orders dwarf spirits and turns to Roger. "Drink is on me. Take your pick." Roger orders a Sam Adams Lager and the two settle in, observing the bar and its patrons. After several minutes, Roger sees Wanderer grin slightly and set himself to rest once more. He nudges Thorr-kan and is greated with a questioning grunt. "Wanderer's lookin' a bit more lively," whispers the Jolly Roger. Thorr-kan nods, a cloud passing from his eyes. "That is good," he rumbles, addressing the air in front of him. "Once more I find myself embarking with unknow companions on behalf of one I barely know. Yet, unlike last time, I am confident of the future." The White Minotaur turns to his companion and bares his teeth in a smile. "Many are the humans I have met in my travels: some decent, more evil, most beneath notice. However, you are different, Roger. You have met me in honorable battle and proven a valuable ally. I know very little of you, human. But all of it is good. I am honored to call you friend." A strange look passes over Roger's face, a look of mixed emotions. Among them are surprise, doubt, and distrust. But these emotions pass swiftly, as if they were but a reflex, and the emotion that wins out is pleasure. Pleasure in making a new friend, especially in a strange place that is far from the place Roger calls home. "It means a lot to hear that from you. I come from a place where trust and friendship are rare and valuable commodites. For whatever reason, though, I believe you. Until this moment, I felt alone in this place. No longer. I am glad to call you friend, and hope that you will do the same." Roger smiles and offers his hand to Thorr-kan. Thorr-kan takes the offered hand, shaking it with a firm grip. Roger shakes, then flexes his hand, muttering "damn strong grip" under his breath. He looks serious for a moment, though, and says to Thorr-kan, "I'll watch your back." Thorr-kan, recognizing a pledge of sorts being made, responds. "And I will watch your back as well, Roger." Roger looks pleased, and orders another round of drinks. Roger then offers a toast. "To friends." Thorr-kan echoes the toast and the man and minotaur drink, both realizing that a bond has been established. The White Minotaur nods and claps Roger on the shoulder. "Good. I confess to a great deal of curiosity about you." Thorr-kan grins strangely. Several seconds pass before the Jolly Roger realizes Thorr-kan is sheepish! Astonishing, he thinks. Thorr-kan nods as if reading Roger's mind. "Most minotaurs ignore or destroy that which they do not understand. But the human tendency to ask questions has 'infected' me. It is somthing humanity taught me during my 'enlightenment.' I find a measure of joy in learning of the world about me. The Dragon's Inn has proven a wonderful place to practice this. Would you care to indulge me and share a bit of your tale?" "Sure thing, Thorr-kan. Say, have you ever heard of Mr. T? No? Oh well, nevermind." Roger then takes a pull from his beer before continuing. Brian Shea aka The Jolly Roger taz@athena.mit.edu