http://i738.photobucket.com/albums/xx21/dfenner_photo/Paige_3.jpg Paige Connelly Staff Reporter

Zev Zayveon. I hear a lot of you asking, who' Settle in with that good cup of coffee, my lovelies and find out who Mr. Zev Zayveon is and why he's someone you should try to call friend.

I meet up with Mr. Zayveon just off the Marketplace in a charming little shop called Teas N Tomes. He looked completely relaxed, not something that's easy for a man of his stature and being. He sat within one of the more comfortable chairs, without a side to it given that long reptilian tail required some space. His clawed fingertips were surprisingly delicate in their turn of the page of the book of old within those large hands of his.

"Hello, Mr. Zayveon. Thank you for coming down to Teas and Tomes today. I truly appreciate it. Let's get right to it, I'm sure you're a very busy man." I wasted no time in getting to this interview, I was excited to learn more about this being. "Question one: How long have you been in RhyDin?" There was a slight curl to his muzzle, his clawed fingertips lowered the book, and there was a light flick of the end of his tail. "I've lived here, all my life. I'm one of the few that were actually born here, once and long ago my dear."

I nodded while writing his answer down. "I don't believe I've ever met anyone who was born here. That's fantastic." Even thought I had my trusty recorder in my bag, I didn't want to miss a word of Mr. Zayveon's answers. "Question Two: What is the one thing about life in RhyDin that you love?"

"How unique, and open the possibilities are here. You can run into just about anyone, or anything here. Be it something to turn profit in dealings, or to even find that of love. One moment you're having a drink with an Elven Ranger, the next you're talking politics with a Demon Lord. Life here, on this world, is ever changing and you truly don't know what business or personal things will take place around the corner."

While Zev spoke, I was busily writing away, smiling at how simple but true what he was saying was. "So very true, Mr. Zayeon. On to question three: Is there anything about RhyDin that you would change?"

He rubbed a clawed fingertip at his snout idly a moment in consideration of the question. "Perhaps a better control on murders and blood thirsty population out there. I've seen quite enough innocent bloodshed in my time upon this world. Children growing up without their parents or siblings due to hungry creatures taking their loves ones away in the myst of the night. I'd perhaps also desire more Governments, leaders of all kinds to meet once or twice a month to keep more peaceful means about productive ventures open."

"You have a lot of people who would agree with you on that, I'm sure of it. On to question four: I did a little checking and it's rumored that you are a very charitable person. That it was in fact you, leaving presents for the children of the Orphanage and Clinic last Christmas. Any truth to that rumor?" I smiled at him hoping to confirm what had only been speculated upon at the paper.

"As they younger races say...you've caught me red handed." He held up a rather crimson reptilian hand with a curve to his snout in turn. "Yes, I have made several donations to the Orphanage and that of two clinics. As a father of...more then a few children, I feel the tug at myself to help those children less fortunate. Not to mention providing some supplies for the clinics of the city here. I'm by no means what some might call...a grump, when it comes to my coin. I believe if you have a bit more than others then you should do as you are able and help others with it. Be it toys for children, medical supplies, blankets or even clothing. My children would call me a generous soul and they'd be correct. Everyone should take part and lend a helping hand where they can."

"That was a truly wonderful thing you did for those children." I had to tell him just how much of a difference he had made. "I know that the kind gesture was not taken for granted by any that worked at those places and the children were over the moon." His mention of his own children, made me have to ask the next question. "And leads us now to question five: How many children do you have, Mr. Zayveon"

"Have, or had" I've had quite a few in my life time. All are grown up mind you now and no little ones running around. At one time I had..." He considered the answer with a tilt of his head, tail in flick out at the side. "Thirty-one. Currently, I only have fourteen daughters. My sons have all passed on in wars of old. Fighting for what they believed in. Several daughters passed the same way unfortunately." He nodded slowly toward me. "Given all their mothers weren't...Draconian like I am, they don't look at all much like their father." There was a curve of his snout in somewhat of a smile. "Some have wings of scales...others feathered. Some look Elven...others quite human with a touch of spice."

This reporter was speechless for a moment folks. I didn't quite know what to say to such an unimaginable loss as Mr. Zayveon had suffered. "I sincerely apologize if I have brought up any bad memories with my question. Losing a child is one of the worst things I can think of for a parent to experience. I can't imagine losing as many as you have. You have my deepest sympathies for your losses." "I thank you. Each child holds a special place. No matter how many a father may hold."

Picking up from a deep subject such as that is not easy, I know it wasn't for me. But the interview must move forward. "Question Six, if you are ready to proceed. What do you think makes for a successful relationship" "Trust, respect and the ability to be open. I've seen in my time many a relationship start off well and then end quickly in these lands. If you have concerns, speak of them to the person, or creature you are with. Talk often about what you enjoy doing together. If you think an area needs work, speak on it. If you have a special place just the two of you can sneak off to...then go there when able and make time for the both of you. Don't let work, friends or other commitments keep two apart too long from each other. Always make time to spend together. If you're away, write a little letter to the one you're with. Be open in how you feel and how they make you feel. Try not to rush things. If you've just met, don't rush off and get married the next day. Spend time getting to know each other, truly."

"Wonderful advice for RhyDin couples. Question seven: Who do you think is fascinating to watch?" "To watch?" There was a curious perk of an eye ridge at that. Light tap of a clawed fingertip at his side. "I would have to say I'm split on this one. Icer is an interesting dragon by the way she welcomes so many into her lair and holds so many off spring to keep track of. Mine are all grown up and the thought of her keeping track of so many little ones does indeed bring a smile. I'd also have to say a certain Gypsy by the name of Lilliana McClae, is quite interesting to watch. Be it her cheery attitude while in that famous Inn of old, or the way she's performed several dances for many to watch. There's always something unique bound when she's around. Of course I'm quite fond of her eyes. I've always been drawn to those that are unique, different."

I write furiously while he speaks with admiration for Icer and Miss McClae. "I whole heartedly agree. Both Icer and Miss Lilliana are truly beautiful women. Questions eight: What is something most people don't know about you? What do they miss when meeting you?" "Most don't realize how far my business dealings span. I currently have business deals here and off world upon several star systems. For something a little more close to home, most don't know that I once and long ago served as an Ambassador, Negotiator for Governments, Guilds, Factions and other groups wishing to discuss peace talks and trade. I quite enjoyed those days of long ago. Bringing peace between two cultures. It's not a duty many can do with all the politics involved. Lately I simply enjoy being part of a business and running that."

I wrote all that down, smiling at him. "Well, even my research didn't turn up that much. You are truly a fascinating man, Mr. Zayveon. On to question nine: If you knew you were going to be stranded on a deserted island - what 5 things would you take with you? "Some would disagree with you on me being a man." A wink was cast in my direction with a flick of that long reptilian tail at his side. "If I was going to be stranded on an Island...I'd first take along that of my enchanted sword. One of my wands, an Elven dagger for cutting smaller things up to eat. A fishing net. And of course I'd bring along a certain Gypsy so the days and nights didn't get boring." A slow nod of his head.

I could only chuckle to that answer given his previous statement about Miss McClae. "And onto question ten: What do you admire most about your best friend" "I hold several with that title you could say. But I'd have to say they all hold similar qualities. Their ability for reason. Their trust. The way they can be counted on in a unique situation. Their ability to make me feel humbled."

"All important qualities in a friend. Question eleven: Who is your favorite bartender?" "My favorite...?" He gave a soft tap of a clawed fingertip at his side against his robes. "There are a few I enjoy speaking with. Amber is rather interesting indeed. I've sold her through business dealings some barrels for her brand of root beer she holds to. She is always good to speak with and when at one of the gatherings, costume balls, she's quite entertaining to watch while dancing."

"Miss Amber is rather energetic, isn't she?" I'd seen the young woman before, she was very active, which was part of her charm. "Question twelve: Do you like sweets" What kinds of sweets are your favorites?" "Does Lilliana McClae count as a sweet?" It was his turn to chuckle. "Actually, I do enjoy chocolate. I don't need fancy expensive chocolates, just something rich in flavor and satisfying when have a craving for something sweet and tasteful to nibble on before a roaring fire upon winter's touch."

He said the magic word. Chocolate. I'm sure I had a very wide smile on my face to that answer. "I completely agree with you. Chocolate should be a food group. Question thirteen: Do you have a favorite caller in the duels?" "Actually." He gave a light flick of his tail. "I don't usually venture to watch the duels. I had what you might call a bad experience once and long ago so I don't go to watch of them anymore. I couldn't tell you who is a 'caller' these days or who won anything recently."

I could only nod along with him as I wrote his answer down. "I understand. I, myself, don't duel, either. Unless it's over the last muffin in the break room." I smiled at him before asking the next question. "Question fourteen: How do you feel about marshmallow?" "Are we talking the food, or a City ?" "I meant the food, but there's a City called Marshmallow?" "Yes...it's inhabited by Fairies of the South Lands." He nodded. "Far as food goes...I'd say on a cold winter's night I wouldn't mind a marshmallow warmed over a fire and then stuck between two pieces of gram cracker with a bit of chocolate tucked inside as well." "A little taste of summer in the midst of a long winter" Sounds perfect. I shall have to do some research on the City of Marshmallow. Sounds wonderful. On to question Fifteen: How big is your tab at the Inn?"

"It's never there for long. I always pay my tabs within a few days. To hold to coin as I do and not would simply be quite rude." A slow nod. "Though I will admit to not buying rounds for everyone in sometime I have run a high tab there in the past. But as I said, it's always paid off soon enough and there is always coin given to the orphan jar."

"And final question. Have you ever fed the stew?" "It's been sometime, but yes. I had to a few times in the past, to distract it from eating a few patrons that decided they'd attack it. I was able to help them away with some magical tricks and a well placed chicken tossed at the stew. The chicken didn't survive."

I wrote furiously, chuckling at the close of the story, then set my pen and paper aside. "Mr. Zayveon, I want to thank you for a truly wonderful interview. You are completely fascinating. I'm sure the Post readers will love it too." "I thank you and anytime." He gave a soft nod of his head towards me.

We parted ways then, it had been a rewarding hour with Mr. Zayveon. I learned so much about the mysterious being. I hope you have too.

Until next time..