From alt.pub.dragons-inn Wed Feb 9 09:06:25 1994 Path: netcom.com!netcomsv!decwrl!olivea!spool.mu.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!paperboy.amoco.com!hawkings!apctrc!msc.edu!news.gac.edu!news.gac.edu!usenet From: Thorr-kan, the White Minotaur, and Horde Father-Confessor Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn Subject: [Roaming] Departure Date: 8 Feb 1994 17:51:19 GMT Organization: Gustavus Adolphus College Lines: 120 Distribution: world Message-ID: <2j8jenINN2sf@news.gac.edu> Reply-To: mcutter@nic.gac.edu NNTP-Posting-Host: flash.gac.edu 5 JUNE 1993 "She's going to kill you." Thaddius smiled to himself. The words would not be so funny, except for their orgin. Large brown eyes looked up at Thaddius with a knowing expression. "You have little more than two months to the wedding. She will think you're running out on her." The half-elf turned to his short friend. A bit over three feet, the little one was very fair with large brown eyes. But his most striking features were the alarming lack of hair and the battle-axe he carried. "Marty," Thaddius began again, "I have already told you..." A sound from the door made both turn. "The kender is right, you know. I think you fiancee is going to be less than thrilled." This speaker was an elf dressed in black chain mail with a katana strapped to his side. Laughing, Thaddius shook his head. "Fletch, I have said it many times. I'll say it one last: SHE UNDERSTANDS. I just need some time to myself." "The Lady Ellen is as wise as she is beautiful. _I_ have no doubt she will accepts her betrothed's reasoning." With this fourth speaker, the room was getting crowded. "OUT! EVERYBODY! _NOW!_" Thaddius had had enough. "Elrond, my gallant friend, I appreciate the support. But remember who is engaged and who is not." Both the kender and the elf in black chain laughed at this comment. The speaker in the door, another half-elf in scale just blinked. Then, "The Lady Ellen is truly beautiful. But not that beautiful. There remain far to many ladies whom have not been honored with my presence. I do not think she will have any difficulties." "That's a relief," repied Thaddius. The four started walking towards the chambers of the Imperial Governor. Just outside his quarters, the final member of their small company greeted them. "About time, Thad," the human said. "My father is anxious to be finished. Apparently, the dark ones are raising trouble on the border again." At this news, pained looks crossed the company's faces. All knew that trouble loomed. Thaddius asked, "Is our aid needed, Justinian? If so, I can delay my journey." The paladin shook his head. "No, Father made it quite clear. The Roamers may be needed, but you are to continue. The rest of us will sit in on the Imperial briefing after your departure." Justinian turned to the crowd. "Father wants to speak with Thaddius alone. It would be best if you made your farewells now." With this pronouncement the company parted ways. The passing was quiet and dignified. Several hugs were shared, and several blessings given, both in the manner of companions who had seen much together. Finally, the bald kender, the black-garbed elf, and the armored half-elf left. Thaddius turned to Justinian. "Lead the way, warrior." The two entered the Imperial suites. Sitting before a massive oak desk was yet another half-elf. His Imperial Lord, Mathias Schofield looked his 175 years. Time, battle, and distance had ravaged his body, while magic and politics had ravished his mind. But his greeting was cordial as ever and his wit still shined. It was no wonder that, whenever Lord Schofield took a turn at tale-telling, people from leagues about would come to listen. In his youth, he had been a premier bard; there was still much of the performer in him. "Come, young Thaddius. You wish time to think before your commitment?" Thad nodded. "Good, good, no use rushing into such things. Justinian, my boy, say you good-byes. I must talk to the youngster alone." The paladin turned to his friend. "May your god and you music watch you, Thaddius. We will pray for a safe return, two months hence." He clapped the young half-elf on the shoulder and marched out. Thaddius turned to the Governor. "You wished to speak with me, sir?" "Aye, lad. The Lady Ellen sends her regards. By her absence, I assume you have made, uh, private farewells?" Thaddius just blushed. His betrothed had been very...passionate about reminding him of what he would leave behind. Mathias grinned. "Well, I thought as much. Keep ahold of this one, lad. Your Lady is precious." The two half-elves walked the length of the room in silence. On the far side, Mathias made several gestures. Thaddius found himself in a moderately well-equipped lab. He was standing in a white chalk circle at one end of a triangle. At the triangle's base floated the Governor. He, too, was enclosed, but in a pentagon instead. "You and your friends come from many worlds, young man. Roaming the planes and spheres has been a way of life for you. Many are the worlds you have come to know. Today, you embark on your first solo Roaming. It will mark your transistion to maturity. "I send you to a land called Nexus. You have two months to find a path home to your loved one. We will not aid you; we will not save you. You must fend for your self. Farewell." With that the Governor began chanting. Words of power resonated with the rock about Thaddius. Then the air began to vibrate. Finally, light itself flickered. Reality shiftend, and faded to black. ***** High in the Mysty Mountains, near the source of the Ceruputhon River, a figure appeared. He looked about him, shook his head. Turning to the sky, Thaddius Farsinger saluted. "I'll be Bach." he muttered, paraphrasing a line from a favorite childhood story. "Wait for me, love, wait for me..." With that, he shouldered his back and set out towards the gurgling sound of running water. -Thaddius Farsinger "I promise, Princess. This will be the last I say 'Good-bye.'" ****************************************************************************** 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! ******************************************************************************