From: erik_read@qms1.life.uiuc.edu (Erik Read)
Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn
Subject: [Jarl] Tiaga
Date: 16 Dec 1993 02:41:54 GMT
Message-ID: <erik_read-151293203629@gardner2.life.uiuc.edu>

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Perth  Laguz    Raido <<<<<<<<Read in this direction


It took Jarl four days to overtake the Elk. Several times during his trek
fog had rolled in, his concentration had waned, and he almost entered the
empty trance. Hunger is said to be a grim reality, but a reality none the
less, it was this  hunger that kept Jarl from drifting off
completely........

Markings indicated that the Elk had stopped in this sheltered valley. It
was perhaps a mile across and deep enough to allow the growth of hardy
conifers, which stunted as they creeped up the slopes. A stream ambled it's
way through the center, probably fueled by a glacier. The Elk had found a
stable environment that could fulfill their needs, 'they might overwinter
here' Jarl mused.

Jarl decided to act with haste just in case the Elk were of a mind to move
again. The forest would also fulfill his needs for the Hunt; wood for a
fire, a sapling for a bow, and food for his stomach. The first order of
business though was to make camp. Jarl chose a spot on the southern slopes
that was both sheltered from the wind and away from the trees, it would not
do to burn down your provider.

After hasty arrangements for a camp had been made, hunger began to dictate
Jarl's actions. He strode through the forest, barely noticing his
surroundings, until he reached the stream. It gurgled as it cut its way
through the valley, eroding the banks here, pooling up there, this was the
center of activity in the woods.

Jarl layed himself prostrate on the rocks and placed his hands into the
cool crystal water. After what seemed like an eternity, Jarl's arms flew
out of the water as an icy spray of blue diamond water arced across his
back. An object flew onto the rocks behind Jarl. Pulling a blade from his
pouch, Jarl scrambled to where the object has landed, and thrusts the blade
into the trout at his feet. With a self satisfied smile he hold his catch
to the sun and admires it, then quickly returns to his camp......

In the evening, having eaten his trout, Jarl watches the embers of his fire
while listening to the sounds of the forest. All the folk were about their
business, he could hear them as they conducted their affairs. Jarl knew
this isolated valley was a small community and could only support a few
hunters. He would have to be careful not to upset the delicate balance, and
prey upon the Elk, who were also guests. With thoughts of the forest Jarl
drifted off..........


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 )Hey you, Antero Vipunen, rise from sleeping, from dreaming too much ! )
( There's not a man in the departed...my mound of flesh already rotted!(
 )Erik_Read@qms1.life.uiuc.edu                            -The Kalevala )
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