"26 June 1993, World: Nexus, Location: The Great Forest.

"For the last three days, Pheu and I have continued our travel downriver.   
Pumice is still angry with our escapades in Specifica of the Furs, but he has  
finally come to agree with them.  

"We have made good time.  According to the figurings of Bill and Ted, we are  
four days out of Generica.  I think we will arrive none to soon.  Lately a  
feeling of great unease has been growing within me.  Even though I lack the  
sensitivity of a true mage, my magical and clerical studies have given me an  
understanding of the natural order.  Somewhere nearby, perhaps on this very  
plane, forces are arrayed in conflict.  I fear for our safety."

Thaddius looked up from his notebook.  Bill was leaning over the edge of the  
helm, calling to the half-elf, "Pheu wants to talk to you, man!"

Thad nodded in acknowledgement.  He closed up his sketches and journal book.   
Dumping them in his pack, he set out in search of the goblin.  He found Pheu  
standing at edge of the _Gibraltar_.

---

"Trouble, Thads," said the ranger, not turning around.  "I got a call from the  
Lady.  Dark things at work in the Forest.  She worried, think She know reason.   
Pheu been gone long time.  Too long.  She want Pheu home with funny elf.  Maybe  
you can help."

"Who is this Lady, Pheu?  I do not wish to seem ungreatful," replied Thad, "but  
I am not sure it is right for me to interfere in local affairs."

The goblin turned to the half-elf and pointed a small finger at him.  "You owes  
me life, Thad.  I could asks on that alone.  But not put a friend in that  
situation.  You elf, you from forest, and raised to protects it, yes?  Well,  
Lady same way.  ANYTHING that can help Forest is used, including outsiders.   
She think, since you not native, maybe you can help better."

Thad thought for some time, watching the shore pass by.  "Very well," he  
finally answered.  "You are a friend, Pheu.  That is reason enough.  But even  
if it wasn't, I cannot let such a grand woodland be threatened."

Pheu nodded his thanks.  "We get Pumice to drop us off tomorrow morning.  We be  
be close to Lady then.  Thank you, Thad."  He turned back towards the cabin,  
looking slightly forlorn.  Thad gestured, as if to follow, but was distracted  
by Ted yelling out the change of watch.

-Thaddius Farsinger
"If you need me, here I am."

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Sometimes, those you love most are the ones you have to leave behind.
Matt Cutter, e-mail to mcutter@nic.gac.edu OR mcutter@vax2.gac.edu
Gustavus couldn't afford my opinions if they wanted them!
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