From alt.pub.dragons-inn Mon Feb 14 13:32:11 1994 Path: netcom.com!netcomsv!decwrl!olivea!sgigate.sgi.com!sgiblab!swrinde!cs.utexas.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] Preparation Date: 13 Feb 1994 23:42:51 GMT Organization: Gustavus Adolphus College Lines: 70 Distribution: world Message-ID: <2jmdtrINN3hk@news.gac.edu> Reply-To: mcutter@nic.gac.edu NNTP-Posting-Host: flash.gac.edu Dawn comes quickly to the Great Forest in August. One moment there is utter blackness. Then, from the east rises a hint of light. The sun reaches her arms over the edge of the Mysty Mountains, and suddenly, the entire Forest consumed with light. If one did not recognize the danger signs, it would almost seem like nothing was wrong. Deep inside the Great Forest, a certain half-elf sits, facing east. Thad welcomes the sun; it had been a fitful night. He had been haunted by dreams of darkness and death. The time spent with the Lady had sensitized Thaddius to this land. Now, the half-elf can feel the blight that is Thorn. Dawn is a special time for Chan-Da'all. With the waking of the world, it becomes a daily celebration of Life. It is a renewal, a time for change. Her presence especially strong and Her followers more receptive than normal, Chan-Da'all takes this opportunity to grant them favor. Thaddius Farsinger seeks Her favor fervently this morn. He prays for success in the battle to come. He seeks harmony with nature to combat the enemy. He invokes life, hoping against hope for survival. Thad plans on making the best attempt he can, but seriously doubts he can survive. At most, the half-elf hopes to buy time for the Lady of the Forest to strike back. The sun brings warmth as time passes. Another type of warmth suffuses Thad. His faith and mission have earned Chan-Da'all's blessing. "Thank you, Seeker," he whispers in awe. "I will be worthy." Thad struggles to his feet and stretches. It is mid morning now, time for food and reflection. "I am going forth to my death, willingly. Why? Ellen waits for me. WIth her, I could achieve the happiness I have always dreamed of. But I never truly expected it. Am I so fearful of happiness?" The Forest gives him no answers. His subconsciousness can mull the problem at length. Thad sighs and returns to his preparations. Inch by inch, he goes over his armor and finds no flaws. Next, Thad checks weaponry; his quarterstaff is undamaged, but the sling shows signs of wear. Frowning, the half-elf replaces the pocket and reties the thongs. Finally, Thad arranges gear for accessibility: rope, bullets, spell components, torches. The final task is studying his spellbook. In seeking knowledge, Thaddius had learned how to manipulate the forces around him. Here and there, Thad picked up spells that aided his duties, defended him, or helped with performances. Now he studies them for survival. These tricks of his may be the margin that allows him to succeed. While studying, the half-elf finishes his meal. He is refilling his waterskin when a thought strikes. "I am here because it is my duty. There are people in need; I have the power to help. Milady would understand. Indeed, I could not return without betraying who I am, what she loves so much!" Fortified and resolved, Thad turns back to his preparations. He is determined to succeed. A chill settles over the half-elf as he realizes that this fate does not bother him. He is being true to himself. Thaddius Farsinger has finally found the answers he began this search for. -Thaddius Farsinger "Things always seem to come together when there is no hope left." ******************************************************************************* 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! *******************************************************************************