Path: netcom.com!netcomsv!decwrl!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!usc!math.ohio-state.edu!caen!cmuvm.csv.cmich.edu!344lwkc
Organization: Central Michigan University
Date: Wed, 6 Oct 1993 11:08:40 EDT
From: Mike Sander <344LWKC@CMUVM.CSV.CMICH.EDU>
Message-ID: <93279.110840344LWKC@CMUVM.CSV.CMICH.EDU>
Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn
Subject: [Inn] Old Friends
Keywords: Brent remeets up w/ Zebron
Distribution: world
Lines: 59

The door to the Dragon's Inn was pushed open wide, temporarily letting in a
gust of wind, along with another patron.  The newcomer paused a second, to
take off his helmet, and allow those so inclined to get a full view of him.
They would see a half-elf, about 5 and a half feet tall, with brown hair and
similarly-colored eyes.  He wore the outfit of a Generican Town Guard, and
carried the standard issue short sword on his left side.

Through the infravision he had been born with, Brent watched as his presence
caused some inhabitants of the inn's many corners to sink deeper into the
shadows.  He grinned slightly, enjoying the indimidation a bit, though he
had no intentions of bothering them.  He spotted Kryalla Simuel, the so-called
Shrouded One in her traditional corner, and gave her a small wave, though he
probaly knew more about the long-time customer than she did of him.  Then
again, that was sort of how Brent _liked_ it.

And speaking of fixtures in the inn, the person he meant to talk to was
definitely one.  But first, a stop to talk to Littlefair.  As the bartender
stepped up to the bar, the half-elf said, "Uh.. better just give me an ale,
and some of your great soup.  If I want anything more, it looks like my
destination has plenty."

Rowan grinned.  "Going to talk to your old friend, eh?  Glad to hear it."

Brent nodded, and turned toward the table housing the person he sought, a man
known by several roles.  First as Zebron Twilight the mage, one of the first
patrons in the bar since records began, and one of the few still around from
that far back.  Next as the Silver Sword of Eilistraee, a champion against
evil for that Goddess.  Next, more secretly, as the thief Jaq Spayde, seen as
a menace by his victims -- usually rich and, as Brent knew, though Generica
in general did not, into corrupt deeds --, and as a hero to the needy people
he gave his jeckts to, such as the local temples.  And of course, he had an
identity as a Drow, one the half-elf knew some people would never see past,
perhaps even after Zebron did something good for them.

The guard turned back to Littlefair, as Rowan topped off a flagon.  "Yeah,
I'll talk with him.  After all, someone has to help him eat all that food."

Littlefair hid a grin as he handed Brent his ale and soup, knowing that the
half-elf wasn't nearly as self-centered as he sometimes pretended to be.
Oh, he might have partially like that when he had first arrived in Generica,
with incredibly limited possessions.  But after some time in Generica, Brent's
attitude had improved, and now he was a heavily contributing member of the
Guard, as well as a regular, loyal customer.  Rowan issued a small sigh as he
watched Brent walk away, wondering to himself exactly what had happened
earlier in the young guard's life.

Brent, unaware he had drawn such attention, quickly and quietly sat down in
between Zebron and the other, unknown to him, person at the table.  The
half-elf paused briefly to take in the changes in Zebron; then again, he had
changed himself since they had last met.  Before any response could be made,
he said, "Hello, old friends.  I would ask if you're here for business or
pleasure, but I'm sure you'll find both." he gave a wide grin.  "So anyway,
tell me of your exploits since we last saw each other, if you will.  Or at
least please introduce me to your friend, and tell me why you have a virtual
feast here."  He pointed to Mitchell, and then to the many plates on the
table.

-----------------------------------------------
Mike Sander 344lwkc@cmuvm.csv.cmich.edu