Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn
From: milar@seq.uncwil.edu (milar andrea m)
Subject: [Alwine] Stood up...
Message-ID: <1993Oct28.161354.1699@seq.uncwil.edu>
Keywords: Alwine
Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1993 16:13:54 GMT

     It was noon again, and as Rowan the barkeep noticed the time
he pulled down a large mug and filled it with ale.  He placed it at
an empty spot on the counter and waited, muttering under his breath,
"five...four...three...two..." When he said "one", the door burst open.
     Alwine stalked in, rubbing sleepy blue eyes, and bumped against the
counter as she approached.  "Here yet?" 
     "Nope." Rowan pushed the mug towards her.  He had gotten to know
the barbarian woman a bit in the days since she arrived.  She came 
here every day to see if the friend she was here to meet had arrived.
So far, nothing.
     But today was different.  Rowan grabbed a scroll from beneath the
bar, and smiled as he showed it to Alwine.  "What's that?" She asked, 
yawning.  
     "It was brought by courier, this morning...addressed to Alwine 
called Kalimatchka or Cass.  Who's Cass?"  
     "Never mind.  What's it say?"  Alwine's eyes narrowed.
     Rowan handed it to her.  When she did nothing but stare at it
upside-down, he gently retrieved it and began to read: "Dearest Alwine,
or whatever you're calling yourself these days:
     "If you're there, you know I'm not.  Isn't that the great thing 
about logic?  I am elsewhere...I got a job.  I may be gone a month or 
more, but I'll get there eventually.  I still have very interesting
news for you, but I won't trust it with a courier--no offense, 
courier, if you're reading this.
     "I'll be there soon...enjoy the city...go to the gardens...
but please, don't kill anyone or get yourself arrested.  I have a 
reputation to protect...
                                 "see you soon,
                                 "Keelik"
     Rowan handed her the scroll again.  "And that's all it says."
     "Damn." Alwine sighed. "I thought you said he came in here all
the time."
     "Slight exaggeration.  He comes in here between jobs sometimes."
the barkeep shrugged.
     "I suppose I'll wait, then, huh?"  she put her chin on her hand.
"First, however, I'm going to drink.  And lots." She pulled the purse from 
her tunic and looked inside. "Damn. Empty." she pulled another purse from
the same place, pulled out a small coin, and handed it to Rowan.  "Keep 
it flowin', Rowan...." she grinned.