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From: motherc@cse.fau.edu (Christopher Motherway)
Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn
Subject: [DreamQuest] "...and the Two shall become as One." (Final post)
Date: 17 Feb 1995 18:08:16 GMT
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[ADMIN: Whew!  Finally finished!  And thanks to Hutch for the approval.]

[ADMIN:  THE STORY THUS FAR...
 Lance's soul was lost during a soul-walk with his love mate, Blaze.  He
meets up with his long-deceased father in a limbo world and proceeds on a 
quest to a sea/abyss which would bring Lance back to his body and his father,
Corwin, to a higher realm.  They defeat the beast gaurding the coastline,
and wait....
 Meanwhile, Blaze asked 'Raf and Miro for help.  They place safegaurds on
Lance's body and Miro writes up a summoning spell.  Blaze waited to feel for
the point where Lance's soul was closest to the mortal plane, that is, at the
sea/abyss...]

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

        "It is time!"

        Blaze could feel Lance's soul ever so close to her plane of 
existence now.  Thanks to their souls kissing that night, Blaze knew that
Lance could now be retrieved.  Now _was_ the time.

        She looked upon the mystical writing that Miro had placed in the air
beside their bed.  She concentrated entirely on the words;  she had to read
the words exactly, and with little pause, otherwise the summoning spell would
not work.  She started chanting the words, reading right to left (as was the
way with this particular writing style).  As she neared the middle of the 
text, she could feel the magic rising inside her.  This was normal for any
spell, but the magic seemed to flow from the very text itself into her body.
This foreign energy gave her such a rush, she was afraid that she would miss
a word.  But she continued on, her arms slowly rising, as if some unseen 
force was lifting them to the heavens.

        Finally, she came to the last word.  She did not hesitate in the 
least to utter it.

        It was the name of her mate.

        As she spoke the name "Lance", it felt as if a mighty power was 
forcibly shooting out of her arms, through the ceiling and up to the sky.  In
fact, when Blaze looked up, that was exactly what she saw:  green magical
energy shooting out of her fingertips.  As the weight of the spell lifted,
she started smiling, half in relief and half in joy.  It was only a matter of
time now.  When Lance's soul was close to Generica, she would go after it...

 = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

        Lance and his father sat down by the shore, their feet inches from the
waters.  The waters were perfectly still, even though a slight breeze was 
flowing over the area.

        The beast that Lance and Corwin defeated was still under a mountain-
side of rock.  The wounds on its paws and tail had made the creature 
unconscious.  The blood guaranteed that it would be that way for a good 
while.  Nevertheless, the two gentlemen kept their blades handy, just in case
it started to stir.

        "So," said Lance after a lengthy pause, "now what?"

        "We just wait, my son," replied Corwin.  "Wait to be carried to our
rightful places."

        A question had plagued Lance from the start.  His father was, 
perhaps, the greatest of gentlemen.  Hardly an evil word to anybody, save for
when he drank a bit much ale at the Mermaid Tavern in Wolverton.  He kept the
Twelve Points of Chivalry long after he retired.  He was a loving husband to
his mate, Dara, and an even better father to Lance.  Finally, Lance could not
take the mystery anymore.

        "Father," he asked, "why are you here?  Why are you not with Mother?
What has happened that landed you in this desolate place?"

        Corwin looked down from his son's eyes, as if in shame.  Lance could
not imagine anything that Corwin could have done to warrant such shame.

        After a few moments, Corwin lifted his eyes to Lance and said, "Son,
that is not for you to worry about.  It shouldn't be worried about at all.
For what I did today erases almost entirely the wrong I did in life.  I will
be with your mother soon enough.  Trust in that."

        Lance still pondered as to what Corwin did, but he did not question
further.  For one thing, he trusted his father as much as he trusted King
Kinseeker when Lance served under him.

        For another thing, had Lance tried to question he would not have been
able to.

        For at that moment, a stream of emerald energy shot over the horizon
and appeared to reach the shore in mere seconds.  The energy hovered at the
sea's edge and started to take form.  It was a human form, one which Lance 
recognized almost immediately.

        "'Raelf!" Lance proclaimed.

        The green image said, "Man, you wouldn't believe the stuff I had to
pass through to find you, Sir Lance.  I mean, I could've sworn I saw Marley's
and Caesar's ghosts trying to ask me for the time of day."

        "Who?" asked a perplexed Corwin.

        Lance then realized that they had not been formally introduced.  So
he said, "Father, this is 'Raelf.  I met him and his brethren at a party a
good long time ago."

        "Ah, yes, that...er...'Shadehaven' party.  Yes, I recall."

        "'Raelf, this is my father, Corwin.  Without his help, I would not be
here now."

        "Pleased to meet you, sir," said 'Raelf.  "You should be proud of 
your boy."

        Corwin replied, "I always have been.  Thank you."

        "I'd, uh, shake your hand, but...you're not the one I came for.  So,
Sir Lance, shall we call it an afterlife and get you back home?  Or would you
rather join your father in the happy knighting grounds?  It's up to you."

        Lance did not have to consider options.  "I'm ready to return,
'Raelf.  But...give me just a few more moments with my father, please.  Let
me say good-bye to him."

        The image said, "Well...okay.  But do be quick.  The spell that 
brought me here has a meter running and, sooner or later, I won't be able to
pay the price anymore.  Understand?"

        "Yes, I understand.  Just a few moments."  The knight then turned to
Corwin and said, "Well, I...guess this is farewell, father."

        Corwin smiled and said, "Only for a while, my son.  When your time
comes, you will join me and your mother.  And, _hopefully_, that won't be for
a long while."  He grasped his sons arms, pulled him towards him and hugged
with all his might, as when Lance was eight and first became a page.  When he
finally released him, he said, "Oh, and one other thing, Lance.  The answer
is 'yes'."

        Now it was Lance's turn to be perplexed.  "What is the question?"

        "It is the question that has been bothering you for the last two or
three years, my boy!  Your lady, Blaze.  You have my blessing."

        It did not register in Lance's mind as to the meaning of Corwin's
words...at first.  A few seconds later, his eyes opened wide in disbelief!
He could barely blurt out the words, "You...you...you mean...?"

        Corwin laughed his hearty laugh and said, "I've seen you two together
since day one, when she saved your hide from that ogre."

        'Raelf said, half in fun, "Gee, Sir Lance, _I_ heard you say that
_you_ saved _her_!"  He then laughed at said, "Don't worry;  I won't tell!"

        Corwin continued, "I watched you two get closer and closer, although
I _did_ turn my head away in respect when you two got VERY close!  Anyway, I
also saw the worry in your eyes and in your heart.  If you had made your own
decision, you would've married her a year-and-a-half ago, when you said that
prayer.  Yes, Lance, I heard it.  You wanted a sign from myself or your 
mother, stating that it would be okay if you and Blaze became lifemates.  
Believe me, son, I tried to get the message to you somehow.  I wasn't certain
if your mother could, but I knew I was closer to you metaphysically.  That
was why I came to these shores in the first place; to see if I could reach
you somehow and give you my blessing."

        The shock finally cleared Lance's head and he said, "But...well, I
thought...I mean, that was why I..."

        Corwin nodded.  "I know, Lance, I know.  I never got along with magic
users.  Always thought there was something spooky about them."  To 'Raelf, he
then added, "No offense."

        "None taken," the image replied.  "People often shun from what they
don't understand."

        Corwin turned back to Lance and said, "I knew that was why you wanted
a blessing.  You thought I would disagree.  You probably thought your mother
would disagree as well, right?"

        Lance answered, "When the plague hit, she was given a potion from the
royal wizard.  It kept her alive for a while, but not long enough."

        "Hence my trepidations about wizards and the sorts.  But, my boy, how 
can I deny you this feeling in your heart?!?  You love Blaze more than anyone
else outside your parents.  I've seen her work.  She is a good woman, Lance.
Were I alive and single, I'd be after her myself.  She's a special person,
and special people don't come by everyday.  If you wish to be wed to her,
then I see no reason to reject your prayers."

        Lance said, "Oh, Father, thank you so much!"  He then hugged Corwin
as tightly as his father did him a minute ago.

        When this embrace ended, Corwin said, "Now, go, my son.  I shan't be
long for this world.  And if the beast stirs again, I'll hold him off with
this sword of mine until the time I join your mother."

        Lance almost did not want to let go.  With one last squeeze of
Corwin's hands, Lance said, "I love you, Father."

        "As I do you, Lance."

        And their hands let go.

        Lance turned to 'Raelf and said, "I am ready."

        'Raelf said, "Finally!  Just kidding.  To quote an old author from a
world I often visited, 'Take my hand and you'll be upheld more than this.'"

        Lance grasped the image's hand and 'Raelf added, "Okay, Sir Lance,
hang on to your teeth!"  With that, the image and Lance sped off over the
horizon, disappearing into the greyness of the skies.

        Corwin felt happy that his son was getting a second chance at life.
He himself would not take on another form for all the gold or power in any
plane of existence.  His place was with Dara.  All he could do now is wait
for the gods to deem him worthy enough to bring him up to her.

        And to hope the beast didn't wake up soon.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

        Lance saw the view that he missed en route to his father.  And he 
really wished he had missed it again.  It was as bad as 'Raelf made it out to
be.  Spirits flying everywhere, mostly in eerie shackles and weights, moaning
in agony.  If this was hell, he prayed right then and there that he would not
suffer such consequences.

        'Raelf then said, "Okay, Sir Lance, we're nearing Nexus now.  We
should be arriving at Generica in a few minutes.  Just hold tight and try to
enjoy the scenery."

        Lance simply closed his eyes, hoping it would make the trip shorter.
He wanted so desperately to see his beloved Blaze again and tell her what he
had been meaning to tell her for what seemed like the longest of times.

        The minutes seemed like hours.  Lance was hoping the young mage did
not take a wrong turn somewhere.  Then he could hear 'Raelf say, "Next stop:
Generica.  All passengers wishing to reconnect with their host organisms will
disembark and meet up with their parties shortly.  The ozone is for loading
and unloading of souls only."

        Lance opened his eyes again and saw the town of Generica in the
distance.  It was late afternoon, but he could still see the glow of his own
soul about him.  'Raelf did not lose his emerald complexion, though.  Lance's
smile grew wider and wider as they neared the city.  By the time he reached
the outskirts, he could see the lovely vision he saw a few nights ago.  
Glowing bright white, in a single-shouldered tunic, hair flowing in the 
wind.

        "BLAZE!!" screamed Lance.  He wanted to float to her, but 'Raelf kept
a wolf-jaw's-like grip on his right hand.

        Blaze was likewise overjoyed to see her love again.  But kept her
emotions in check;  she would only rejoice when body and soul were one again.

        At last, Blaze reached out for Lance's left hand.  As Lance grasped
it, 'Raelf let go of his other hand, allowing the two to embrace each other
a good mile above the city.

        "Oh, Lance," said Blaze, "thank the gods that the spell worked!"

        Lance replied, "Best to thank 'Raelf here.  He...where did he go?"
The green vision of 'Raelf was gone.

        Blaze explained.  "Beloved, that was a part of a summoning spell
made up by Miro and transferred through me.  It made the transition easier 
for you by showing an image you recognized."

        Lance smiled, saying, "Why it could not have been you I saw up there,
I will never know."

        "Perhaps, later, you will understand, Lance.  For now, we must get
you back together again with your body.  I believe you know the procedure."

        Lance, now serious, said, "Yes, I do.  And, I promise, nothing shall
distract me this time."  He closed his eyes and concentrated on the peaceful
setting he thought of before this whole fiasco started.

        Blaze said, "I should warn you that, this time, since your soul has
been out for quite some time, there may be some pain in your return.  But try
your hardest to disregard it."

        "I shall.  No problem."

        Blaze grasped both of Lance's hands and started the decent.

        As before, the resistance started to grow as the two souls got lower
to the rooftops of the Dragon's Inn.  But, this time, Blaze was determined
not to let the same thing happen again.  She struggled with all her might to
pull the soul of her mate down towards the world.

        Lance kept his word.  He kept his thoughts on the field where he used
to train, play and rest in.  The serene setting eased the slight nagging pain
that was beginning to shoot through him.

        This time, he saw his father again in the dreamscape.  Only, on this
occasion, he was walking away from view.  The figure turned and waved at
Lance.  And it yelled one word back at him as he disappeared into the sunset:

        "Thanks!"

        There was no doubt in Lance's mind.

        Corwin Wolf was where he was supposed to be.

        As Blaze neared the roof of the Inn, the resistance loosened a bit.
She felt Lance's body relax, and had an idea as to why.  The person she saw
Lance with in that "Limboland" place must have gone on to his final resting
place.  This made the phasing through the third floor room above their own 
even easier.

        Finally, they were in their own room.  Blaze's body was still on a
chair next to the bed, almost ready to fall over and crash onto Lance's
body.  Blaze positioned Lance's soul to match the position of the body and
slowly started to push down the spirit.

        Lance felt the pain starting up again, but he would not allow it to
distort his vision.  He did not wish to see his father again until his proper
time.  And this sure as hell was not the proper time!!

        As Lance soul neared his body, shots of white narrow fire appeared
between the two entities.  Blaze knew this was a good sign;  the body has not
accepted death yet.  Nevertheless, the bolts were rather weak;  certainly,
they were not strong enough for the body to retake the soul on its own, so
Blaze continued to push.  She could see Lance clinching his teeth in pain,
but he would not cry out.

        One final resolving push and it was over.  All that Blaze could see
now was the dull aura around Lance's body, growing a little bit brighter 
every second.

        She then returned to her own body, anticipating waking up from her
wizard-sleep and to see her beloved awaken.

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        For the first time in days, Lance opened his eyes.

        And the first sight he beheld when his blurry vision cleared was that
of Blaze staring down at him, tears running down her cheeks and unto his own 
face.

        He still felt quite weak.  He presumed that the long walk in the
limbo-world took an effect on his soul that would only translate to fatigue
in the body.  But he still was able to smile and say, through a near-parched
throat, "Hello, m'lady Blaze."

        Blaze did not say a word.  She just embraced Lance and planted kisses
upon his neck and cheek.  Lance joined in the embrace, though not as strongly
as his mate.

        'His mate'.  Why wait any longer?  He pushed Blaze away from him and
said, "Beloved, believe it or not, you did a good thing when you could not
maintain a grasp on my soul.  I met my father.  He helped me get to the sea.
And, more importantly, he gave me something I needed:  courage.  The courage
to ask you the question that I wished to asked you many, many months ago!"

        Blaze looked a little puzzled, but waited for the question.

        Lance looked over to his pack and said, "In the small pocket inside
my pack, this is a small skin with something inside it.  Please bring that
skin to me.  Then I shall ask the question."

        Blaze did as instructed.  The skin was no more that an inch-square
pouch.  She handed the skin to Lance and sat down on the bed next to him.
Lance then pushed himself up until he was sitting up, his head resting 
against the headboard.  Then he pulled out the contents of the skin.

        It was a pure silver ring.

        Lance then said, "In my religious beliefs, it is a tradition, not a
necessity, to give the woman a silver ring as an...'engagement' gift.  The 
golden ring is reserved for marriage only.  So," he said, taking Blaze's 
right hand and sliding the shiny silver band down her fourth finger all the 
way to the base, "I ask you now:  Blaze, my beloved, will become my lifemate, 
to love and be with me forever, even after death?"

        Blaze looked upon the ring, and more tears of joy came down her face.
She was right;  the soul-walk DID bring them closer together!

        Still, all she could mutter was, "I...I do not know...what to say..."

        "Please, Blaze," Lance said, in an all-but-begging voice, "just say
'yes' as my father did when he gave me his blessing."

        Blaze shook her head, as if trying to wake from the dream she thought
she was having.  It was dream she wished would come true for a long time.
Finally, Blaze embraced Lance even stronger than the last time and said, 
compassionately, "Oh, Lance!  Of course I will wed you!!" 

        Lance embraced her back, getting up what strength he could to wrap
his arms around the delicate frame he has held every night for the last three
years.  The two lovers remained wrapped up for a good while.

        And, for the first time since his father died, Sir Lance cried.

        Only, this time, the tears were like those of Blaze:

        Tears of joy.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

ADMIN: (Sniff, sniff)  No kidding, folks, _I_ almost cried while typing this!
Don't worry;  no one will know or, at the least, care if you're emotional
right now.  I just hope you don't cry at weddings!  ;)  Coming ever so soon,
the wedding of the year!!

Chris Wolvie					motherc@sunrise.cse.fau.edu
Disclaimer: I learned, almost too late, that man is a feeling creature...
==============================================================================
Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton (The Rat's Mouth), Florida
==============================================================================
"I can't believe you tried to distract those gaurds by pulling a rabbit out of
your hat!"
'Hey, don't knock it!  How many six-foot-tall rabbits do YOU know about?!?"
				-DUNGEONS & DRAGONS (The Animated Series)