There are 3 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. [WEB] An Old Story
From: Christopher Ackney <christopher.ackney@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
2. [DL-C] A Much Needed Vacation - JP
From: "Arlene" <wondermom@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
3. NRPG: RE:[DL-C] A Much Needed Vacation - JP
From: "Arlene" <wondermom@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 1
Date: Tue, 2 Nov 2004 12:36:37 -0800
From: Christopher Ackney <christopher.ackney@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [WEB] An Old Story
Ishi frowned as she gazed out the window. She had reached out
unconsciously
and gripped his arm. "Do you know that man?" she asked. "There's
something
about him," she added. "Something familiar. Should I know him?"
Kyle followed Ishiko's gaze out the window. A man stood casually
outside,
and upon seeing Kyle's gaze, grinned and tipped an imaginary hat to
them
before striding off.
"No, I don't know him, and I would be very surprised if you did." Kyle
said
as Ishiko slipped off her chair and rushed to the large window,
peering out
after the man. After a moment, Kyle got up and followed.
Kyle had heard many stories in his travels, and this one he knew very
well.
"But I know of him." He paused as he looked down at the young girl,
her head
passing through the pane of glass as she continued to stare after the
man.
Kyle pulled Ishiko back gently. "Careful." He said with a half-smile.
"Most
girl's can't phase their heads through solid glass."
Ishiko looked away in embarassment, and Kyle crouched down beside her.
"I
think I know why he seems familiar." She said a moment later. "It is
death.
He is surrounded by it, but it doesn't come for him." She looked back
at
him. "Does that make any sense?"
Kyle nodded, and took Ishiko's hand in his and brought her back to the
table. He saw the chance to tell a tale, and went for it. "From the
stories,
his name is Windstalker. He was a wolf, once, long ago, back in the
Old
Country. The people there, they feared wolves, especially during the
harsh
winters, when the wolves would come down from the hills and prey on
the
livestock. The people, seeing only the loss of their animals, and a
threat
to their own survival, vilified the wolves, and hunted them.
Windstalker was
a large wolf, proud Alpha of his pack, and he grew angry at being
hunted by
humans. And so, he gathered his pack, and they attacked the human
settlement. Blood made the half-frozen tundra red that day, as wolf
tore at
human throat, and spear tore at wolf flanks. And then it was over, and
only
one remained. Windstalker ripped out the throat of the last human and
howled
his victory. But there was no reply. He looked around him, and saw the
slaughtered remains of his pack lying amongst the human bodies. No one
was
spared, from the youngest child and pup to the oldest."
"This story doesn't have a happy ending, does it?" Ishiko asked, feet
swinging while she sat in her chair. She had heard many stories from
Kyle.
Kyle shook his head. "You will find that many of the true stories
don't." He
paused to take a drink. "Windstalker howled his sorrow to the night
sky, and
then he heard a sound. A soft weeping. A human sound. Windstalker's
sorrow
turned back to hatred, and he stalked through the ruins to find the
survivor. But when he found her, he found that she was the most
beautiful
person he had ever seen. Vibrant and full of life. For it was the
Earth
Mother he found, grieving over her lost children, both man and wolf.
She
told him of the grave wrong he had committed. The slaughtering of
innocents,
the failure to protect his pack, the abuse of their trust in him. All
these
things she cursed him for, and more things besides. For his misplaced
hatred
of humans, he was to become one of them and live in their cities. For
the
loss of his pack, he was to live on until he learned the value of
others,
and to experience the fullness of his betrayal of them."
Kyle paused for another drink. "The story is a very old one." He
finished.
"Should we go after him and talk? He seemed to recognize us." Ishiko
asked.
Kyle shook his head. "No, at least not until we know what his
intentions
are. If he wanted to talk, he would have come to us. Though it is an
interesting coincidence to find him hear at this time, I am not sure
he is
the one we are to find. I get the feeling that Owl wishes me to find a
woman." He laughed, mostly to himself. "Why the spirits always talk in
cryptic riddles, I don't think I'll ever know."
NRPG: Just some fun with a story. Hope it works for you, Michael ...
it is
just a story, after all, and needn't be all that true.
Chris, aka Kyle, Silent Strider Philodox
The information contained in this e-mail is intended only for the
individual or entity to whom it is addressed.
Its contents (including any attachments) may contain confidential
and/or privileged information.
If you are not an intended recipient you must not use, disclose,
disseminate, copy or print its contents.
If you receive this e-mail in error, please notify the sender by reply
e-mail and delete and destroy the message.
[This message contained attachments]
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 2
Date: Wed, 3 Nov 2004 02:15:00 -0500
From: "Arlene" <wondermom@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [DL-C] A Much Needed Vacation - JP
Day 8
Afternoon
MoonDancer's Ledge
MoonDancer was sitting on her ledge sunning in the afternoon sun while
her rider was sitting inside reading. The female looked up as a
shadow
passed over her. Bohoc soon landed beside MoonDancer and trotted
over,
snuggling up to her.
{Oh my favorite cuddle partner, and just the dragon I wanted to talk
to}
said Moon as she nuzzled back.
Bohoc looked to MoonDancer expectantly as he settled onto the ledge.
<What's up?>
{I am worried about our riders...} Moon began.
<Again?> Bohoc interrupted. <For humans that are supposed to like one
another they sure do spend a lot of time being mad at one another.>
Moon sniffed and nudged at Bohoc. {Will you let me finish?}
Bohoc lowered his head apologetically and nuzzled Moon. <I'm sorry,
continue.>
{Well it just seems like they never do anything fun together. The
past
few days they have rarely cuddled and your rider doesn't always spend
the night with my rider. It's not that she is upset at him, but....}
The female trailed off, looking out at the desert.
<Yes, I think I understand what you mean. My rider is often confused
by
what your rider needs from him. It is not as simple as cuddling
together, though I think he wishes that it were. When they are
together
he is content, but when they are not...> Bohoc laid his head down on
the ledge and followed MoonDancer's gaze. <Sometimes I wonder how my
rider manages. He really hasn't a clue most of the time.>
MoonDancer couldn't help but be amused by that. {They both have a lot
of
responsibility now. Perhaps if we provide an opportunity for them to
spend some time together, without the distraction of the warren...}
<Hmmm... that might be a good idea. But maybe it would be better if
it
came from my rider, and not from us?>
Moon nodded. {Yes, something romantic.}
Bohoc groaned, <Romantic, he isn't. *Nomads do not need romance.*>
Bohoc
imitated Andahar.
Moon snuggled into Bohoc. {Well maybe his very romantic dragon partner
could suggest it to him?} She gave Bohoc her best 'I'm cute' eyes.
The small green male gently rubbed his snout along her neck,
agreeably,
<I wonder if Alania would prefer a freshly killed buck or runner
beast,>
he teased.
MoonDancer giggled and nuzzled Bohoc in return. {Well I am not sure
about Alania, but I can say that her very cute and somewhat hungry
dragon partner would love a freshly killed buck.}
<Then, let me provide one, while you think on what my rider might do
that would please yours.>
Bohoc wasn't gone very long before he returned with a fresh kill which
he shared with MoonDancer. <So, have you thought of anything?>
MoonDancer took a few bites before answering. {Well the most I could
come up with is them taking some time away from the warren, to be with
each other. What you said about how Andahar feels when he is with
Alania, and then doesn't feel when he is away makes sense. Alania
feels
a lot the same. So why do they not live in the same apartment? They
might not see each other all day, but they would be able to spend each
night together.}
<I think my rider is afraid to give up his apartment, and I do not
believe that your rider would like living in my rider's apartment...
so
I do not know how we can convince them. But the other idea has merit.
They need to spend time alone and away from Cleft.>
Moon nodded slowly. {I still think they would be happier together, but
one step at a time. So you will suggest it to Andahar?}
<I will suggest it to him,> Bohoc assured her.
Moon snuggled down next to Bohoc. {Thank you,} She sighed contently
and
rested her head against him.
---
As the day was coming to an end, Bohoc went to find Andahar, who had
been helping with the trainees. He waited patiently as the young
nomad
chief finished talking with Rowan.
He was getting impatient and came up behind his rider, hanging his
head
down to peer at the two.
Rowan glanced up at the dark green eyes of the small green dragon and
then back at his rider, "I think your dragon has something important
to
say?"
Andahar looked up at Bohoc in surprised, <Is there problem?>
<No... No problem,> The small green dragon replied, while at the
same
time projecting behind those words the feelings and a quick burst of
memory of a night that had stood out in Andahar's mind as one of the
best he and Alania had spent together.
Andahar felt the warm, sensual feelings wash over him, and he turned
toward his dragon in surprise. It was something that Bohoc had never
done before, replaying back his own emotions, and it was much like the
feelings one experienced as a male dragon reacted to the first rushes
of
dragon lust of a mating flight.
"Are you all right?" Rowan asked, seeing Andahar's odd reaction.
"I don't... know." Andahar began, then swallowed unable to go on, as
a
longing so intense surged within him. He needed to be with Alania. He
needed to be with Alania, alone. He needed to be with her, now!
"Andahar?" Rowan asked in confusion, as the young nomad simply
mounted
his grinning dragon and took off.
---
Early Evening
When Andahar found Alania, he was glad that she was at home and alone.
His passionate gaze fell upon her and he whispered her name and was
rewarded with a warm smile.
Alania set her book aside as Andahar came into the apartment. She was
pleased to seem him, but a bit surprised. She stood and went to meet
him when his gaze struck her.
"Has a female risen?" She wondered why she had not heard.
Andahar shook his head, "No, Bohoc would be in chase. Why do you
ask?"
"Well I thought you were working with Eth'n? I did not expect you
tonight, and it's not even night yet. You look like..." She giggled.
"You look like you are ready to drag me to bed."
That was exactly what he did wish to do, but... he had been planning
to
go back and work with Eth'n after he'd finished talking to Rowan.
What
was he doing here?
<Bohoc?> He could feel his dragon snuggling with MoonDancer and he
seemed rather smug and self-satisfied. <Bohoc! What have you done?>
<You want to be together. Tell her that. Take her in your arms and do
what you humans do and make each other happy!> Bohoc responded.
Andahar did want her. She was the most wonderful, exotic woman he'd
ever known. "Bohoc wishes for me to tell you..." Then he shook his
head. "No, I wish... for us to be... together."
Alania blinked. "You came because of Bohoc?"
He thought he saw disappointment in her eyes, and that was the last
thing he ever wanted to see there. He sat down beside her and took
the
book from her hands, to hold them in his own. "No, Murad, I came
because this is where I want to be... where I need to be. I need to
be
with you."
Alania smiled, a faint blush filling her cheeks. She felt the
stirrings
inside her as she heard his words. She squeezed his hands and then
snuggled close to him. "I need to be with you too, Andahar." She
tilted
her head up to look at him. "I always love being with you."
He smiled and leaned in to kiss her. He felt a weight lift from his
heart as she met him halfway. Their kiss lingered sweetly for a moment
and then he gradually pulled back.
<She should go away with you.> Bohoc thought, while filling in a
picture
of a beautiful sunset.
Andahar watched her eyes slowly open and she smiled at him. "Come
with
me, Alania. Come spend night with me under stars!"
Alania nodded without hesitation. "I would love that." She kissed him
again and then stood. "I'll get some things together."
Alania moved to her bedroom and gathered some blankets and things
together. Within a few minutes she had a basket of food and a small
pile of blankets ready.
Andahar had a moment to wonder what had just happened, yet he felt
extremely pleased that Alania had agreed. While she was getting a few
things together, Bohoc reminded him that it might be nice for him to
bring along some things, as well.
<Wine would be good, and you know she likes blue flowers.>
Andahar nodded and called out to Alania, "I am coming right back."
Alania moved things out to the ledge and sat to wait for Andahar. She
studied the desert as she sat there, thinking about spending the
evening
with Andahar, alone and away from Cleft. It brought a smile to her
lips. Not that she did not love the warren, or being there; it was
her
home. But it often brought many interruptions to her relationship
with
Andahar. It would be nice to spend a night away where they did not
have
to worry about interruption.
Bohoc returned and his rider smiled to see her waiting. Andahar slid
down and took some of the items she had with her, and loaded them onto
the small, green dragon. Bohoc didn't mind. He was glad that his
rider
was taking his advice so well.
The dark blue and the hunter green dragons took off and after
conferring
for a moment, they vanished to reappear over a familiar mesa. Not too
long ago, Andahar and Alania had spent a memorable night there. The
dark patch that had been their bonfire had been partially obscured by
grass, but it was still visible from above, as the dragons circled.
But
some of those memories had been painful ones.
Alania glanced down and then spoke to MoonDancer. {I have a better
idea}
She gave Moon a picture and asked her to show Bohoc.
The young male pulled up before landing and circled again. <What's
wrong
Bohoc?> Andahar asked.
<New place,> Bohoc circled and then disappeared just after MoonDancer
did.
---
Moments later the two dragons reappeared just above a sleepy little
town. A few lights flickered below and the dragons circled there and
then flew a bit to the east. Bohoc and MoonDancer landed in a large
field of tall grasses. They were close enough to keep the village in
view, but far enough away not to bother the residents. There was a
tree
line further east.
Alania slid from MoonDancer's back and took a deep breath of the cool
evening air. She looked up and smiled as the sky was spread out above
her. As far as the eye could see there were stars beginning to come
out
in every direction.
The smells were different than the dessert, much earthier, damper.
Andahar breathed in the scent deeply and looked around. He slid down
and joined Alania. "Where are we?"
"That village," she pointed in the direction of the flickering lights.
"That's where Cylith was for a while. They supply us with lots of our
things."
He looked at the village and wondered again why people would want to
remain in one place so long. It had been a very big adjustment for
him
to live in the warren, but he could still go anywhere at anytime, on
Bohoc. These people never left their little bit of land and their
little rock houses.
But if one had to settle somewhere, he guessed this pretty farming
valley, nestled against the foothills of the mountain range that
separated the Nomad ands from the DragonLands, was probably one of the
better places to settle.
He was glad to see that the night sky was only partially obscured by
the
mountain, and if he kept the mountain behind him, he could look out
and
see the familiar stars stretching out before him. He turned to Alania
and smiled, "Why did you choose here?"
"Because we have not been, and it is one of my more favorite places."
She smiled and wrapped an arm around him.
He could see the value in that; a new place to create new memories.
He
liked that idea. With her arm around his waste, he draped his arm
around her shoulder and pulled her against him. It still surprised
him
how well they fit together. "I can see why you like here. It is full
of life. Like you."
She smiled and leaned against him. "Well it's not home, but a nice
vacation spot." Then she glanced to him. "So, now what?"
"Unload dragon?" They turned to take the items that Alania had
prepared
for their evening together, but Andahar was still pondering what she'd
said. Finally he had to ask, "Vay kay shun spot?"
She glanced to him. "What?" Then it hit her and she giggled.
"Vacation.it means, umm like a place you go that's away from home to
relax. Usually for a few days."
Now that was an interesting concept to a Nomad. "Relax? You go to
place and do nothing but rest? Is it for old people?"
"No," she smirked. "Families do it to spend time together without the
interruption of work and stuff. Sometimes couples do it for the same
reasons."
He grinned, "Then we shall stay here as you wish. You work too hard.
You need... Vay kay shun!"
She giggled and hugged him. "So do you!"
He laughed, "I do not work! Not like real Nomad chief. No work to
hunt.
Everything in warren; food, warm and soft blanket, clothing!" He
smiled, "But I will vay kay shun with you as... couple... if you
wish."
She grinned and leaned up to kiss him lightly. "Sounds wonderful."
He was glad that he could do something for her.
It didn't take too long for Andahar and Alania to set up a small and
cozy camp. Soon there was dinner cooking over an open fire. Alania
was
sitting on the ground near the fire watching the meat cook. Andahar
sat
next to her, an arm casually draped around her.
Alania smiled and leaned against Andahar. She felt content, more so
than she had in a long time.
Andahar pulled a bottle of wine and some blue flowers out of a leather
sack and with a smile presented them to her. "Shall I open it now, or
wait for meat to cook?"
Alania smiled at the flowers and nodded to Andahar. "How about a
little
now and the rest with the food?"
He nodded and pulled out a thin dagger and uncorked the wine. He
handed
the bottle to Alania for the first sip. After she'd taken a sip she
handed it back to him. Rather than taking a sip himself, he looked at
the wine against the firelight and swirled it, pensively.
"Alania, I need you to tell me how you feel about my receiving these
clothes."
She looked to him curiously, and slightly surprised. Instead of
answering him right off she thought for some moments.
"Honestly, it was not that you got them as much as how badly you seem
to
want to know who made them for you." She looked into the fire, the
light
dancing off her face. "It does make me feel like it means something
more to you than just receiving a gift."
He nodded. That was what Rowan had said. Why had he not seen it?
"Then I need to explain. Fine gift like this requires thank you. No,
more than that. In my culture it is obligation. But I am unable to
fulfill obligation, since giver does not wish to be found, so I will
no
longer pursue finding giver... and it is causing pain to you."
"Well it's not..." Alania bit her lip and then glanced at Andahar. "Do
you think she is nomad? Whoever made the clothes?"
He smiled at Alania, "Yes, no doubt, she is. Leather is cured in
traditional way. Bead work and stitching shows that woman who made
this
knows Anavasha symbolism."
She nodded. "So then if she is a nomad, wouldn't it stand to reason
that
she knows that you would have an obligation to thank her? Because she
would know the culture as well as you. Yet she still chose to give
them
to you without telling you who she was. Considering the whole warren
is
talking about who gave them to you, surely she is even more trying to
keep it a secret."
She glanced back to the fire. "Perhaps the best way to thank her is to
not try and pursue her anymore."
"Yes, you speak wisely. She may have given them as thank you for
something I already did for her. And I have dishonored her by not
knowing what it is I have done. I swear to you, I will no longer look
for her."
Alania looked back to him. "Will *you* be content with that?"
"Content?" He frowned, "What does it matter? I give my word."
She reached to take his hand into her own, her expression softening
into
a smile. "Because I would not trade my own comfort for your
discomfort."
He smiled and kissed her for that. "You confuse me, Alania. You speak
of emotions that I just do not understand. My comfort is not of
importance."
"It's important to me." She smiled a bit and leaned into him. "I know
it's not what you are used to, but I love you, and I want you to be
content and happy."
His eyes softened as he gazed into her eyes, "Being with you makes me
feel... content and... happy."
Alania grinned and leaned up to kiss him gently.
His arm tightened around her shoulder and she nestled against him.
They
watched the flicker of the fire and relaxed to the serenade of the
insect noises. The sky slowly changed from the oranges of evening to
the dark blues of night.
Their meat was cooked and as Andahar took it from the spit, Alania
unpacked other food that she had brought, and they settled down for
their dinner.
As they ate, Andahar talked a little about Rowan and how it was
working
with her. Then he asked Alania about her thoughts on his being made
the
wing second.
Alania was, of course, thrilled that Rowan had asked Andahar to be
wing
second. It was a position she knew he deserved and would do well at.
She knew it likely meant more work, and more dangerous work, but she
knew he would be happiest in the spot as well.
"You do not worry that it will take me away from you more than I am
already gone?" He asked only half joking.
"It won't take you back to Jasra will it?"
He looked surprised. Was Alania still upset about the sea-woman and
the
mating flight that he'd been a party of there? He answered her
carefully, "If Cynthia sends me, I will go, but no... I do not see
myself returning to Jasra. I see that my duty will take me out on
more
patrol and more negotiation with nomad clan."
She nodded. "I will miss you of course," and then smiled at him. "It
just means we have to take more vacations. That the time we are
together is that much sweeter."
He was grateful for such an understanding woman. He wondered if a
nomad
woman would be that understanding. Even though they were supposed to
obey their men, he hadn't yet found one that didn't secretly scorn men
and think of them only as a means to improve their personal standing.
Alania seemed to care for him only for himself and not for any
ulterior
motive. "I will value our time together and try to make each moment
as
special as this one."
Alania simply smiled and nodded. Dinner passed and not long after,
Alania was snuggled up with Andahar. She felt comfortable and safe in
the circle of his arms.
"I hope things stay like this forever," she said softly.
---
NRPG: No tags, just character development.
---
Summary
Day 8
Afternoon
MoonDancer and Bohoc plan to get Alania and Andahar together.
Early Evening
Bohoc begins to flood Andahar with memories of Alania while he's
talking
to Rowan. Andahar rushes to Alania's apartment, where he and Alania
plan an evening together.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 3
Date: Wed, 3 Nov 2004 09:41:07 -0500
From: "Arlene" <wondermom@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: NRPG: RE:[DL-C] A Much Needed Vacation - JP
My apologies!
Perhaps it was the hour of the night at which I posted, but somehow I
forgot to include the signature lines.
I owe Rachel an apology most of all.
The post: [DL-C] A Much Needed Vacation - JP, was written by:
Rachel Lange
AKA
Alania and MoonDancer
and
Arlene Jacobs
AKA
Andahar and Bohoc.
Sorry about that!
Arlene
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
To Join World Weavers, visit: http://www.worldweavers.net/
Only members of WorldWeavers Worlds should post to this list. To post
messages to this group, send email to WeaversFiction@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
|
