Topic: ...And Now the Living

NightRunner

Date: 2007-04-14 02:23 EST
Letters to the Dead ...And Now the Living

His letter to Harold had been written. With tears and half-a-smile, it had been written like it has every other night since the birth of this tradition. But now, to contend with this peculiar message from the stranger.

On the deck of the Pride and Fury by now, the blue-skinned imp sheds silent tears as he pens this newest message to a soul he knows not a thing about. He knows nothing of this stranger that asks about a soul both feared and venerated. Still, he won't deny a response to what seems to be curiosity carried by the winds.

Stranger,

I am nothing to know for. I only tell stories that are meant to be told. You asked about Sir. You are right...He is missed. You see, Stranger, Sir disappeared. I do not think he will come back but I think he will come back too. I have much love for him. I have known him for a long time now and the stories I have are very special.

He took away much. He gave me much more.

I cannot explain very well but I shall try slowly. Until I am certain I will hear Sir's voice again, I shall tell the stories I know. It is how I can hear his laughter.

Stranger, I will be on a ship soon. "Pride and Fury" is her name. The ship will be going on an adventure and on it, I shall learn how to sail. I will still tell Sir of adventures and what I learn. You see, I promised.

-Renne

Wings_Of_Balance

Date: 2007-04-14 03:09 EST
~*Revanche saw the letter....she had been watching the blue one all day. Oh, she'd taken the time to hunt a mouse down and devour it in her fashion, but she hadn't gone very far. The letter sat there, awaiting transport to the mountains. The wind was beginning to pick up; it was time. She swooped fast, and she swooped low, snatching the letter as if it were a mouse....she bore the letter back to her roost in the mountains. Her keeper, the tall one and the young one, they gave her the freedom she wanted whenever they did not need a favor, and every service rendered supplied rare treats for her. Yes, she was a creature of comfort, and she loved her life....she flew through the open window and dropped the letter onto the desk. Her keeper smiled at her and gave her a chunk of pork. It was a treat for her, and she took it greedily. She ate it, bobbed her head thankfully and flew to wherever she called home...*~

The tall gent, known in his letter as V.D., carefully unfolded the letter and read it at a casual speed. He gave a smile, a rather strange smile. He wasn't sure how it worked out like this, but whenever the wind brought him someplace new, or brought him someTHING new, it was always sure to catch his interest and often rewarded him with enlightenment. His new friend....he hoped he could become friends with Renne in time....claimed he was nothing of importance....just someone to share stories. Perhaps it was good, then, that V.D. saw story tellers as someone of importance" He places the letter aside and sets a clean sheet before himself, dipping the quill into the special ink, and began his response after a moment of careful consideration.

Renne, You wish to be a sailor" That is a fine idea, indeed. I cannot sail, not for any reason other than I never learned. As you share your stories of Serr with me, will you also share about sailing? I would enjoy learning with you. As for setting sail soon, if you wish to continue our conversations through letters, fear not; Revanche has excellent vision. Make sure she gets a good look at you, and she'll always be able to find you if needed. As for Serr....I am sorry he left. However, I think, if you care enough about him, you will be able to see him again. Your determination, and your love, will permit it, I think, even if only in dreams. And it is very honorable of you to keep your promise, even if he is not there. That takes great courage, Renne, that is a very brave thing to do, and I am certain he would be proud of you.

He paused for a moment. What to write next' Well, perhaps a little background would be appreciated.

I am certain you wonder who I am. You may call me V.D., for now, or simply D for short. I was born a very long time ago and I live in the mountains outside of the Kingdom of Golden Horn. Do you know that Kingdom' I am a healer there, but more often than not, I wander from place to place. Lately, I have not felt the need to wander; is it because if I did, I would never have gotten that first letter by accident' Do you believe in Fate, or Destiny' I do....and Renne, do not say you are not worth mentioning. It is you who will be telling me about Serr; it is you who will remember the good and the bad, no doubt. You are telling the story, and a good story is hard to find these days. Never give up, my new Bardic friend. Respectfully yours, V. D.

~*He called to his pupil then, and the lad came running. Rolling the now-dried letters together, and tying them in a blue ribbon, the lad calls to Revanche again. She lazily flew to the window, only slightly irritated at being disturbed. She should have known better than to get comfortable so soon; her keeper, while kind, was also fast in the many things he did, especially if excited or happy, and she had not seen him as happy as he had become recently. She ruffled the tiredness from her feathers and accepted her new parcel. Receiving the required affection from the two, she took flight again. She glided on the wind as much as she could, using as little energy as possible, and when she spotted the tavern, she dropped the letter onto the doorstep, and went to roost in a tree for the night. She'd almost forgotten how fun camping-out could be...*~

________________________________________________ "We're all a little mad here..." -Cheshire Cat

NightRunner

Date: 2007-04-14 22:33 EST
...And to the Living Millpond Night: Hold the Ice

Questions. They're easy enough to answer. most of the time. Thankfully these few from the stranger aren't that hard. Casting a letter to the sea earlier than usual — perhaps two tonight' Who knows — Renne journeys back and forth again from Home to the Pride. Sunset here on the deck of the Pride and Fury, the imp lets out a string of chirps to allow this hawk to follow him. hear him. And since the bird has good eyes, match sound with appearance.

Stranger,

I know Horn of Gold, yes. Please tell Ray-na I send greeting. And yes, Sir placed in me the desire to learn to sail. He did not know he did, I don't think, but he did. Sir and 'Chee both did. 'Chee is the brother-friend of Sir. I think 'Chee went with Sir, but I do not know. I will not tell an untruth. I wish to go with Sir and 'Chee both or at least know they are well. I will tell you as I learn, Stranger, if the winged one can keep finding me.

I will tell you of Sir. I met him a long time ago during a night when water fell from the sky. That night, Sir and 'Chee were both sick. I wanted to assist them, to find them well. You see, Stranger, I am very keen to emotions and how another being feels. I sometimes do not like how keen I am, but I am how I am and I have learned to accept this. When I met Si and 'Chee, I cooked for them. I made them a thing called stew. I think it helped. It seemed to please them at least. I was glad of that. And then they asked me if I would cook for them forever. I had nowhere to go, so I said I would. I felt something inside me, Stranger. I cannot describe it escept that it was like Transcendence. I know you might be confused when I say this, but in my People, Transcendence means a harmony of a kind with life-forms. A link. A Bond, kind of. The Transcendence I felt in the beginning when I met Sir and 'Chee was strange, unlike the one other Transcendence I felt. So I stayed. I still cook, Stranger. And when I knew I was pleasing Sir and his Brother-Friend 'Chee, I became pleased.

That is how I met Sir in the beginning. It was a long time ago, but I remember it. There are many other stories I have of Sir and 'Chee. I have a few more of Sir than I do of 'Chee, but that is all right. They are both very valued to me. I will not tell an untruth, Stranger.

I would do anything for them. After all, Transcendence does not always happen.

-Renne

Wings_Of_Balance

Date: 2007-04-19 02:05 EST
~*Revanche had been following the blue one called Renne for several days. It was why she was so late in returning. She wanted to ensure that she could memorize his actions and movements. Having done so, and trusting herself to recall it if needed, she returned to the mountains. Waiting for her was her owner, staring out the window as always. She never understood his reasons for doing that. It wasn't even a good view of the distant civilizations! Just the mountains themselves, many of the distant caps covered with snow even in the fiercest summer. She landed on the desk and laid the letter out, giving herself a shake to relax. Her owner came walking to the desk and gave her a gentle, compassionate stroke down the back, smoothing her feathers in the process. She gave him a warm look and flew out of the room, and settled herself to wait for when she was called upon to make the delivery...*~

The tall stranger read the letter casually and let it linger in his mind for a while. Someone new in the letter this time. 'Chee'. And he was someone Renne had cared about as well. And a 'brother-friend' of this 'Sir' Renne kept speaking of. What exactly was a 'brother-friend'" Or more importantly, what did it mean to Renne" He sat staring at the letters, and reviewed more of the letter. Renne had spoken of when he met these two strangers that he himself would probably never know. It had been raining, and they were sick. He said he wanted to help them, but also that he was 'keen to emotions and how another being feels'. That was Empathy, as far as he was concerned. He had a form of it, called Earth Empathy. He could hear the voice of the earth he walked on, the songs of the plants he passed, and the whispers of the stones making the homes and castles he frequented in Golden Horn. Through his Earth Empathy, he had tried learning to be as accurate with people as well. But whenever he tried, he generally got more negative emotions than positive, so he decided it wasn't time for him to learn. Blinking himself from his introspection, he focused on the letter. Whatever tavern this Renne fellow was working in seemed nice enough, if they offered him a job as the cook. And if they did, he must be good at it. He took up his quill and began to write his response.

Renne, It was interesting to learn there is a second person aside from Sir. You obviously care about them very much. You spoke of feeling a very odd feeling when they asked you to stay; you called it Transcendence. I believe a good word to describe this is 'euphoria'. It's a feeling of total and pure elation and happiness. I'm glad they inspire such joy in you; it is rare to find people who are happy with their existance. For example....in Golden Horn, I have met many people that are reclusive, and often very bitter. One such person is named Spyder. He is a Were-Lion, and he is quite grumpy very often. He comes and goes as he pleases, but whenever he DOES arrive, he usually causes trouble. But enough about that....there are also many people that, while they may have troubles, do their best to be happy. Queen Rayna is one such person; she is very loving and caring. I want to share something with you, Renne, to help you know me a little better. You wrote that you are very keen with the emotions of people; I am very keen to the emotions of plants, earth and stone. This is called Earth Empathy; my life is tied to the life of the world. That is why I choose to live in the mountains; stone is very solid and sturdy and lasts a very long time. I love it here because I also have several hot springs here. I think you would like it here; it's very peaceful.

He paused to let the ink dry. His Earth Empathy was no big secret, nor was what it entailed with his existance. Anyone could ask him and he'd tell them the truth. He glanced out the window. The wind was especially strong today, so he'd have to make sure Revanche was up to the journey before calling on her. He set the first page of the letter aside and pulled a second one closer. Dipping the quill into the ink well and scraping off the excess, he begins to write more.

I wonder what your favorite food to cook is" If you have a job as a cook, you must be good at it. Because I have traveled very far in this and other worlds, I have acquired several unique tastes. Sushi, is one such meal. It is fish....prepared and served raw on rice. Not all fish makes good sushi, but many do. There is also a type of sushi called Unagi....that is eel. It is very tasty.

He paused, licking his lips. Talking about sushi was making him hungry...

I also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. I grow a garden outside my house, but I primarily grow herbs since mountain-side soil does not produce fruits very easily. There is, however, a section of soil not too far from here where volcanic ash tends to gather; volcanic ash, while dangerous to people, helps plants to grow very quickly and strongly. The problem with volcanic ash, or nearly any kind of ash for that matter, is that when you breathe it in, it can get into your lungs and make you very sick. So I have to make sure I do not breathe too heavily or deeply if I sift the ash about to help fertilize the plants. If I concerned you, do not worry; I have been gardening for many years, I am very careful. I notice that this letter is very lengthy tonight; I am doing that to make up for the tardiness of my reply. Revanche tells me she took a lot of time to memorize your movements so she can find you easier if you're not at the tavern she leaves the letters at. And if I confused you, no, Revanche does not speak a human language. My Earth Empathy makes it easier to communicate with animals as well, but it did take me a long time to understand the language she uses. Please forgive me for taking so long in replying.

He pauses for a moment. Hmm....why not"

Renne, I want to share something else with you in this letter. I often enjoy watched birds flying about, because when they fly, they look so free. I, too, can fly; I have wings. But I have not flown in a long time....simply because I felt no reason to do so. But talking with you has brought me a kind of joy I haven't felt in a long time. I do not know if this is the Transcendence you spoke of in your letter, but I love this feeling. Perhaps after I send this letter with Revanche, I'll stretch my wings a little. Perhaps I will go and see Rayna and let her know you say hello' I'm not sure yet. As it is, I miss sailing on the wind. I may not ever learn to sail as you will Renne....but I enjoy my kind of sailing too. May your journey's be safe Renne. Sincerely, V.D

~*He sat there and waited for the ink to dry, then, when it raised up as it should, he called to Revanche and his pupil, the one that discovered the very first letter. Rolling it up, the lad gave it to Revanche and fed her a piece of meat. She gave a soft cry of joy and gobbled it down happily, mindful of making sure it wasn't too big for her throat. Once done, she stretched her wings and hopped to the window sill, mindful of the strong breeze. She knew the wind wouldn't be so bad once she cleared the mountain range, so she took to the skies, letting the wind carry her as far as it would. When she was gone, the stranger walked out of his room then proceeded outside. The wind caught at his hair and played with it happily, as if greeting a long-lost friend. He carefully unfolded his wings and let them stretch out, catching the wind. A strong gust nearly blew him over, and he chuckled as his body began to remember the days when he spent most of his time skimming the clouds....darting over the oceans....scaling trees larger than the very mountain....and staring at the moon from the tallest spire of a castle. Tonight, he probably wouldn't do more than a few laps in the area....but it was a start. Getting a feel for the wind, he felt another strong one push at his wings, and he leapt into the air to embrace it...*~

_________________________________________ "We're all a little mad here..." -Cheshire Cat

NightRunner

Date: 2007-04-19 03:59 EST
...And Now the Living Oceanside Ramblings

The sea. It always starts with the sea here. He'd not left the water's edge yet and only now begins to pen a reply to the stranger that had found one of the many messages to one both loved and gone. He will think me a fool. I do not care.

Stranger,

Please do tell Rayna I say hello. I know Spyder. I may avoid him most but that is not his doing. You see, Stranger, Emotion is a very complex thing with me.

I think this "Euphoria" is at least partly accurate, Stranger. But not fully.

I will not speak an untruth. Sir has sometimes angered me, frightened me and confused me. So has 'Chee. He is Brother-Friend to Sir. I think they are T'hyhar-an. Maybe they are T'hy'la. I cannot make sense of many emotions that Humans release. Yes, Stranger, I value them both highly. Home is a good place. It has endured much though. It was almost destroyed a few times.

Those times frightened me greatly. I cannot speak of those times tonight, Stranger. There is much pain there.

I like to cook many things, Stranger. Not long ago, I cooked something called a Ham for Sir. He said he wanted one for the Christmas. I fulfilled his wish. I am glad I fulfilled his wish.

I must explain something, Stranger. I seek no reward nor glory for what I do. When I please a being, that is greater than anything. It is because of what I am. I do not know if this will make sense to you, but Stranger, the place I come from is a place where you can hold Emotion in your hand. I know this is strange but it is truth.

I shall explain to you if you wish.

Sushi" Please, Stranger, tell me what sushi is and how to make it, yes"

And yes, Stranger, I know how to Soar. I have flight appendages too. They come when I wish them to.

I wish I could invite you to Home but Stranger, Home is empty. It is silent and I fear Home may never be bright again. If you wish to come, I shall await you but I do not think you will be pleased. The silence is sometimes too great even for me.

But, perhaps you can do what I do. Perhaps you can hear laughter in the walls. Home was made for laughter.

-Renne

Wings_Of_Balance

Date: 2007-04-24 05:03 EST
~*Revanche knew her owner spoke of strange beings that had all-power over every living being, but she never paid it any mind; after-all, her owner was kind, patient and friendly. But lately....she began to wonder if they truly existed. She had the letter, but a freak hail-storm forced her to take shelter for several days. Now she was having to make up for lost time and she was exhausted. Her owner often spoke of these people, these Fates....and whenever they were particularly cruel to him or others, he would say, 'Well, the Fates must have their panties in a twist...' She had no clue what panties where. But whatever they were, it must be very frustrating for them to be twisted....finally spotting her home just past the always-green needle-trees, she swooped in and crash-landed on the bed. Her owner came rushing into the room, relief and worry etched into his normally youthful face....but recovering her balance....and dignity....she ruffled her feathers, alerting him she had MEANT to do that....her owner chuckled and assisted her in thawing out by laying a warm, alpaca-wool blanket over her. Nestling into her wing, she basked in the glow and warmth of her owner's soft touch. Fates be damned, if that was the proper term, she wondered, but she felt safe from them here...*~

He took the weather-worn letter to the desk. He heard about the storm from the local town, so he had been worried about Revanche. The letter....the letter was important, but not nearly as important as a living being. Letters can be replaced....THINGS can be replaced. But a life....Fates be damned, but he liked Revanche. She was loyal, and friendly, and obedient....and she certainly had a personality! He watched her preen herself under the blanket a moment, smiling softly. Then he turned his attention to the letter. Some of it was water-damaged. The pages themselves were torn, thanks to the high winds Revanche braved to ensure delivery....VD was determined, then, to find her a mate for her troubles. It wasn't easy....even the local scryer couldn't determine her breed. It was within an old, ancient text from another, distant land that he found it. Falco sparverius. Better known as the Kestrel. And as far as he was aware, none existed in Rhy'Din....or did they' After-all, Revanche had been here. Who's to say others weren't' He reads the letters and sets them aside. He felt a weight on his shoulder, and saw Revanche perched there silently. It seemed she wanted to add something to the letter too! Well, Fates be damned, why not"

Renne, Forgive the lateness of this letter. Revanche encountered difficulties in getting home. She is safe, so do not concern yourself with that. She will rest here until she is able to travel, and then the letter shall be delivered.

Revanche wishes to say something. Since she does not speak the Human language, I will transcribe what she says...

'Blue One. I am curious. My owner tells me strange beings called Fates have power over everything, and that they unleash their anger if their panties are twisted. Is it very painful to have twisted panties" And what ARE panties"'

He finished writing it and tried not to laugh. He would have to be mindful to watch what he says around her from now on...

I am sorry if Revanche's questions do not make sense. I often vent my frustration at the Fates in words and phrases. Tonight, I want to ask you some questions. Your last letter has made me extremely curious....What is a Thy-har-an' And what is a Thy-la"

And how does one hold emotion in their hand" Please explain this to me. The closest I can comprehend is sensing emotions....and that I can do to a degree. And sometimes the emotion is so strong, I can almost feel it with my own body....like it was tangible. But emotion, to the best of my knowledge, cannot be held. Please, prove me wrong by teaching me.

You also mentioned....your wings come and go when you wish them to. How is that accomplished" Mine are always with me. It seems there is much to learn about you, Renne. Also....Revanche says you are blue" Does she mean blue as in, the emotion' Or are you literally blue in color" I am sorry if I am asking too many questions; feel free to ask them in return.

About your home. And the two people you spoke of, Sir and Chee. There is obvious much emotion tied between you, those two and your home. You are the cook for your home" And you wish to know about sushi" I haven't seen a book about sushi in a long time, but if I find one, I will tell you, is that acceptable" Sushi is difficult to prepare, even though it sounds easy. You clean the fish, prepare the rice, and place the fish upon a clump of rice. I have prepared sushi before but I have not made it in a very long time. I have forgotten the proper recipe for the rice. As I said, I will look for the book.

As for visiting your home....I do not think the time is right yet for us to meet in person. It takes several days for me to travel that far on horse-back, and travel, for myself in any case, is slow these days. However, I believe the time will come when we shall meet each other in person. I am also keeping in mind you told me you would be setting sail soon. Perhaps after your journey' In the mean-time, tell me more about yourself, and about Sir and Chee, please.

I wish you the best of good fortune, Renne. May your sails always have the wind they need, and may the waters always be kind. Sincerely, V.D.

~*He stared out the window while he waited for the ink to dry. It was interesting, the things he was learning. The Fates certainly took it upon themselves to ensure his life was never dull. But then again, he knew that was the case for everyone. The Fates were something akin to the very Gods....only more-so. Nobody ever really seemed able to beat them, much less see them. Who knows" Maybe they really DID wear panties....and if they did, if they were so strong, why did their panties often get twisted" He gave a shrug and checked on the ink. Dried and raised. Revanche was well rested and had fetched herself some food from the pantry. Calling to his pupil, he re-read his letter. Hm....should he let Revanche's questions stay on the paper" He didn't see the harm in it, though for some odd reason, he couldn't place his finger on it, something seemed off. But for the life of him, he wasn't certain what! Maybe he just wasn't used to communication with someone outside his family....his pupil came in and rolled the letter up and tied it with the customary silk ribbon. The ribbon had a double purpose; keep the pages together, and give Revanche something to grip. Her feet were a touch small, so instead of tearing up the pages, the ribbon kept the pages virtually untouched. Renne's letters usually arrived with holes in them, but that was okay. Revanche hopped to the window and received her praise before taking flight. Yes, Revanche thought to herself, certainly a strange twist in the panties of the Fates, for her and her owner to be so happy...*~

_________________________________________ "We're all a little mad here..." -Cheshire Cat

NightRunner

Date: 2007-04-24 18:17 EST
...And Now the Living Some Things that Just Are

He can't explain it, but the imp smiles a little as he finds this newest letter from the stranger. Having written to Harold, confessing many things from innocent stupidity to a mind slowly growing up, the imp finds himself inside Home again to write a reply to the stranger. But how to answer some of his questions" How to explain what he is.."

Whispering a brief little prayer, the imp sets about writing this newest correspondence. And yet, he can't help but shed a tear as he feels the sun streaming through the window onto his back.

Stranger,

There is much I do not understand about the worlds around me but I shall try to explain what I know to you. Yes, according to those that can see, my flesh is what they call blue. No, I am afraid I do not know what panties are aside from that they are garments for Females — and very tiny garments at that.

Yes, my flight appendages come and go. They are a part of what I am. You see, Stranger, the place I come from is a place where Emotion — we translate it as PassionLife — is much like flesh. To us, it is part of what makes us up. I must explain the Mating process to you in order to perhaps make clear my meaning. When two of my kind — not necessarily but commonly a Male and Female — become Bondmates and wish to procreate, they become very filled with PassionLife. They dance and make more PassionLife. This makes much Warmth — I think the Humans call it "heat" — which makes more PassionLife. This cycle goes on for a while; PassionLife making Warmth and Warmth making PassionLife until the amount is so great that the Bondmates become one being and it begins to leak and fall away. At this point, the Bondmates separate again and carry the leaking PassionLife-Warmth to a place where Lifestones are made. It is a place with a kind of mineral called Kat-Reh'ekkin. This Kat-Reh'ekkin is mined or gathered and placed inside the PassionLife-Warmth the two Bondmates created. The Kat-Reh'ekkin reacts to this and makes a Lifestone. Stranger, a Lifestone is much like the heart of a Human except all it does is create a physical manifestation of us. It does not become a Life-Sustainer unless, like what happened to me, the Drummer-of-Life — the heart — is removed.

I will not tell of that day, Stranger. There is much pain there.

In telling you how my People procreate, I hope I have answered your question. You see, Stranger, my body corresponds to what Emotion I am at the moment. There are some Emotions that are evil. You see, anger makes pain. Pain, Stranger, and other dark emotions like Fear, Anger or Shame can destroy one of my kind. Joy on the other hand, pleasure, happiness...These make beauty in us and can keep us alive.

I cannot explain very well how I am with Sir, 'Chee and Home except that they create Love within me. When I make happiness to them, it makes happiness within me. I will not tell an untruth and deny that Sir, 'Chee and I have never disagreed. We have. We have disagreed. We have created anger at each other. We have created pain. We have however, overcome this I think. We have conquered much.

It is very difficult to explain. There are times when I wish to throw down with them. There are times when I wish to bite many trees. But there are also times when I would be nowhere else but with them. They have given and taken away much. Still, I would do anything for them. They are T'hyhar-an to me. That is to say, "Friend-Brother Beginning". I attempt to make my language into this English but it is difficult. A T'hy'la" It is like a T'hyhar-an but different. In T'hy'la...

It takes a long moment of hesitation and puzzlement to explain all this and make sense. How can he put to mere words the link he has with Home and two Human mariners that both drive him to distraction and hold much of his heart' And then to explain T'hy'la" Well...he tries even with the tears in his eyes.

Stranger, T'hy'la is a thing that Transcends all. It is a Bond beyond many things. It is a spontaneous meeting of two Kat'Rah and Bonding of them. They do not necessarily Mate but they have a trust in one another that is complete. There are no secrets, nothing held back. This is a blade with two edges, Stranger. To make anger in your T'hy'la makes unimaginable pain and disharmony. I have felt it before. It is a pain I wish to never experience again.

Sir, 'Chee and Home...They are not T'hy'la, but it is a unique thing with them. I see them as T'hyhar-an yet their anger is as painful as if they were T'hy'la. I cannot explain it properly, Stranger.

I will be on the ship soon. As soon as Stephen-Captain calls for me. I confess though, Stranger, part of me does not wish to leave Home. 'Chee has not come back and Sir remains disappeared. I have much worry of this.

I must go to my rounds now. I protect Home and keep Home clean when Sir and 'Chee are not here. I miss them terribly.

I can at least remember their laughter. Their laughter is most glorious, Stranger.

-Renne

It takes him a minute to let the ink dry and a few of his tears to fall. He had never spoken of nature among his People except to one other. And really, it's an odd sensation. Odder still, is the fact he can barely put to adequate words his perspective of himself and those two mariners. Odd. Frightening. Insane. Beautiful. And somehow, there's an innate understanding of some things. Some things just are. Folding his message, the imp awaits the hawk with a quiet kind of patience. He had done his best and in trying to put all this down, the imp smiles amid his tears.

Some things. Some frighteningly wonderful things can't be explained. They just are.

Wings_Of_Balance

Date: 2007-04-25 04:31 EST
~*The skies were murky. Revanche HATED murky skies almost as much as she hated stormy weather. When the sky was murky, you really couldn't be bothered to do much of anything. But she had a duty, an obligation, and an honor; deliver the letters. But even with her spirits higher than her as she flew, it was difficult to care at the moment. Oh, she cared, deep down in her feathered breast, but at the front of her mind, she was feeling exceptionally....blah. She flew in through the window and dropped the letter on the desk. She was a bit cranky thanks to the weather, and her owner was no-where to be seen. She grumped, and instead of taking off like she normally would have, she waited. And waited. She had stood there for roughly fifteen minutes before she noticed that the room was faintly glowing. Now....she knew that her owner liked to dabble in that which was normally best left alone, and she also knew that after his....accident....he had learned his lesson. But the glowing vial of liquid sitting on the corner of the desk was a curious thing indeed. She hopped over to it, and cocked her head to examine it. She was a smart hawk, smarter than most thanks to her exposure to Rhy'Din's innate magic, and in her opinion, smarter than some of it's citizens....but this puzzled her. Where was her owner, and why was there a glowing vial of very-possibly dangerous liquid on the desk"*~

She knew better than to get too curious. She had seen her owner end up with green skin for getting too curious. But, alas, creatures pick up on habits easily. It's a survival trait. If it works for one, why not for you too' She had an exceptionally curious owner....but he wasn't here. And this vial was. The odds were that he left it here and exited the room to get something else. But his scent wasn't in here. That meant he'd been gone for a while. So, deciding that curiosity only killed cats, something she was grateful for, she pecked at the vial.

"Stop that!" The vial commanded.

She jumped and screeched in alarm. It TALKED!" She screeched at it again, demanding an answer of sorts.

"Oh quit your squawking!" It sniped at her.

Now she gave a warning trill and eyed it carefully. Upon closer inspection, she realized there was a tiny person in the vial....well, a face at least. She screeched in surprise, then asked who he was"

"Genie of the Lamp, at your service. And yes, I know, I'm not in a Lamp. Or even a bottle. I'm in a stupid vial. That tall guy caught me sniffing around his room and trapped me. Hey. Set me loose and I'll grant you a wish! How's that?" The supposed 'genie' promised...

Ah-ha! Genies were something Revanche knew about....in a way. Thanks to her owner letting her sit in on his teaching lessons with his pupil, she knew they were classified as Djinn's, they granted wishes, and could not escape a container unless summoned. But she also knew there were dastardly Djinn's, too. Such as Imp's, and Ifreet's. Was this one such creature" No way to be certain without releasing him, and if he WAS bad, well, she was but a hawk and he a creature of pure magic. But, those unusual tiny-panties wearing Fates be damned, her curiosity got the better of her. She went to the vial and knocked it over, shattering it on the floor. The creature inside swirled into a solid form and hovered for a moment. He was as tiny as he had appeared, and he was laughing.

"Ah! Free at last! Now I, Frimbar the Ifreet, can get out of here!" And he ran for the window. But alas, his escape was cut short. Revanche was already grumpy, and she hated when someone broke a promise, so she was on him faster than a snake on a lazy mouse. "AH! LET GO! WRETCHED BEAST!" But Revanche didn't care what she was called. She was tired, and hungry, and the weather was getting worse. She eyed the tiny Ifreet with a very annoyed, and very hungry, expression. Magic or not, he had substance. "H-H-Hey! Wh-wh-what?s with that look" Ok! Ok I'll grant you a wish!"

Revanche thought for a moment. A wish' What could she possibly want' Well....come to think of it, she knew the Blue One was expecting a letter....ah! She turned her gaze on him and screeched her wish; to be able to write letters to the Blue One.

"Letters" You're a hawk! What do you care about letters!?" The Ifreet asked. Revanche, close to not caring about any wish, opened her mouth to tear him apart in the typical hawk fashion, when the Ifreet cringed. "Well, your wish is my command! So you want to write letters, huh' Well, you can't do that unless you have hands. And my power is limited, I can't turn you into a full human. Hmm....but maybe you don't HAVE to be a full human! Ok, here's the deal; I give you the power to turn into a humanoid of your size, and back again as often as you'd like, and you let me go, ok?" Revanche closed her beak and thought for a moment....then suddenly, with a twinkle in her eye, nodded. "GREAT! Ok, here we go!" The Ifreet shut his eyes and began casting a spell....a few minutes later he was done. "All set, Feather-head! I'm out!" But Revanche didn't open her claws. "Hey! What gives!" I thought we had a deal!" Revanche nodded, and then reminded him with a series of screeches, they had DEALT on her shape-change....she never wished it. "...You're a cunning one." The Ifreet admitted. "Fine. What's your WISH?" But Revanche let him go. She knew another property of Djinn's that had wishes to grant; you call, they come. So Frimbar the Ifreet left, grumbling about this and that...

And Revanche had work to do. So, she flew to the desk and pondered. The Ifreet never said HOW to change forms....so she just willed it to happen. And after a moment of discomfort, she was a hawk-sized humanoid. She moved her body experimentally, finding the bone-structure and muscle-placement very confusing....she fell multiple times before learning to walk a few tottering steps. After spending close to an hour getting the movements down, she worked on her voice. Unfortunately, she was without knowledge on how to form human-sounds, so she worked instead on her writing. Now here was a problem....the pen was only a little smaller than her, and she had never written before. But she had watched both her owner and his pupil and attempted to mimic the actions and shapes. Fortunately, she knew the Common alphabet. The pupil was studying them, learning to read and write the language of Rhy'Din, because as Revanche understood it, he wasn't from here, and wherever he WAS from, they didn't use Common. So, practicing a few lines, she discovered that just because she could write, didn't mean she wrote well. But if the Blue One didn't write the same was as her owner did, maybe he would forgive her too"

Blue One, Please forgive my sloppy writing. This is my very first letter. I am Revanche. An Ifreet gave me the power to turn into a human-thing of my size, and since Owner is not here, I am writing you a letter too. I asked about panties. I think you answered me, but Owner is not here, so I dare-not open the letters without him. I want to tell you about me; I understand that is what letters are for. My favorite food is pig-meat. Owner calls it 'pork'. My favorite thing to do is ride the wind when it is warm outside. If it is cold, I like to stay inside. I do not know what else to write now. Will you tell me what sort of things people write in letters? Thank you. Owner will write you a letter when he gets back, so you do not have to write two letters if you do not wish to. Revanche

~*She hoped that was an adequate letter. Enough time had passed that the weather was beginning to clear up; this was as good as any time to deliver her own letter. Now, locating the blue ribbon, and learning how to roll paper, she struggled but accomplished the task of tying the ribbon. It was sloppy, not at all the usual neatness, but then again, it was a foot-tall woman tying it. The ribbon was almost as tall as her! Setting the letter where it would be easy to grab, she willed the change to hawk. The discomfort was as equal as changing to human-thing, but she was prepared for it. Stretching and getting used to hawk-form again, she clutched the letter and took flight. Right as she left, her owner came walking in, his nose buried in a book titled 'Sushi; History and Preparations'. The crunch of glass under boot alerted him to the scene; the Ifreet was gone and the letter was here. He chuckled to himself, believing the Ifreet had annoyed Revanche and she took her fill of him. He sat in his chair and awaited Revanche's return...~*

_________________________________________ "We're all a little mad here..." -Cheshire Cat

NightRunner

Date: 2007-04-26 01:49 EST
...And Now the Living Double Meaning

He received the message shortly before dawn this time and upon reading it...well, the imp's anger flares and he only barely avoids sizzling the note to ashes with the rise of his own temperature. "Owner", it said. That word only means one evil thing to him. Slavery.

This newest letter to the Stranger and the being he "owns"....it's nowhere near the same curious one the last had so far been.

Stranger,

The Revanche told me you own her. You have made much anger in me! How do you do this and remain without guilt"! Have you no Honour for life-forms of all kind" How do you own another life-form" You own the Revanche. Own her! What shall you do then" Take her life as you please? If you are an Owner of life-forms, Stranger, you shall be wise not to near me. I have slain such Owners in the days of my past. I was foolish to take life then, Stranger, but I was and still am very against owning life-forms. I still sometimes seek out owned life-forms and take them to Freedom. Perhaps I shall seek out the Revanche and take her to freedom too!

-Renne

Writing out his anger isn't a common thing really. This message may be among the uncommon ranks of such but if there's one thing the imp cannot abide by, it's slavery. True, he's tempered down over the years, having learnt to choose his battles, but it does no one any good to underestimate the fury this particular button can raise when pushed.

Wings_Of_Balance

Date: 2007-04-26 05:30 EST
~*Revanche swooped merrily in for the letter, pleased with herself for completing a task all on her own. Now she, too, could write letters to the Blue One! Unaware of the nature of the letter she now bore, she carried it directly to her home in the mountains. This time, her owner was there, waiting for her. He gave her the customary stroke of feathers and accepted the letter, a smile on his face as well. He grinned as he opened it up; Revanche had confessed what she had done. It had pleased VD to hear it....but then the letter made him freeze in place. Slavery!" HIM!" He set the letter down and steadied himself on the desk. He was suddenly dizzy, and felt nauseous....slavery. It was one of the few things he felt was unforgivable....the others being rape of any kind, murder that had no justifiable means, and deception with intent to harm. Revanche, a slave" Renne's letter forced him to take stock of his situation. Revanche had belonged to a merchant. VD, in need of a courier of her size, purchased her....and upon examination, realized none of the birds were well kept, so bought and freed them all. Revanche stayed, originally at VD's request. Did that make it slavery' From a very innocent point-of-view, yes it did. But he had not purchased her with intent to make her work for nothing, nor had he intendid to make her do anything she didn't want to do! She was free to come and go, and every time she did perform a service for him, he gave her treats she did not get else-where. She CHOSE to stay here! ...Didn't she"*~

VD turned to Revanche with concern in his eyes. She stared back with the unblinking stare all hawks had, but she was worried. Had something happened" Did her letter upset the Blue One" Had she done something bad" She hung her head sadly, believing VD's discomfort was a result of her. Indirectly, it was, but VD did not blame her.

"Revanche, Renne believes you are a slave." He said bluntly. Revanche ruffled her feathers in agitation. A slave" She was the farthest thing from it! She had the freedom to come and go! She ate what she liked! She chose to roost where she pleased! Everything she wanted was provided, and in return, she did something she enjoyed anyway! It was hardly slavery!!! How could Renne think that!" "You use the word 'owner'....and that, from a certain point of view, shows you are a slave....I intend to clear up the confusion, and hope that Renne will not remain upset with me." He went to the desk and pulled out the paper....and felt a feathery weight alight on his shoulder. Suddenly, Revanche's form shimmered and she became the humanoid Frimbar made possible.

"Me....wrrrrite....too?" Her words were soft, and it sounded painful for her to say them, but it was obvious she had been practicing using her humanoid-mouth for just such an occasion. VD smiled at her warmly and asked,

"Do you feel like a slave?" Revanche paused, and truly thought on it for a moment. If she was upset, VD said she could go away if she wished. But she liked it here. VD told her she was free to come and go whenever she wanted. But she liked coming back here. VD was more than her owner; he was her friend. So Revanche shook her head firmly.

"Noh. Noh sssslay-vuh." And she crossed her arms over her chest like she had seen VD's pupil do. And then she....yes, she grumped. She was NO slave and she intendid to teach Blue One of this fact. So, letting her jump onto the desk, Revanche pulled the paper out and awkwardly, but with determination, took the pen and began to write her OWN letter to Renne...

Blue One, Why you say I am slave" Owner is friend! He save me! He give ugly man money to take me home. He let me fly where I want. Roost where I want. He gives me good food if I ask him. And I like carry letters to you. You my friend too! You, Owner, Owner's Pupil, you are all my friend. I am not slave. Owner is just word. Not mean anything. Only mean he give man money to make me free. I stay because I like him. He was very sad you call me slave. He ask if I feel like slave, and I tell him no, I am not slave, I am free. I am free like you and Owner. Please do not call me slave. It makes me hurt in my chest. Revanche

She walked to the far side of the desk and sat down on her rump, waiting for the ink to dry. Then she frowned a little. She felt bad for yelling at Blue One....so she hurried over before Owner could put it aside. She grabbed the pen and jotted something else down.

Blue One, I am sorry if my words are angry. I do not want to stop being your friend. Please do not be angry at me either.

VD smiled at her, and stroked her feathery hair gently. Taking the pen from her, he began to write his own reply.

Renne, I can understand why you would think Revanche was a slave. But I want to assure you, she was no slave. Not even when I purchased her. You see, the man who kept her was kind, but he did not take very good care of the birds he kept. So I bought them all and set them free. Revanche, however, I kept with me, because I liked her. She was very friendly. I brought her home, fed her, cleaned her, and groomed her, and then set her free. But she came back the next day. SHE chose to stay here, when I gave her the choice to leave. So, I decided to let her stay. I feed her whenever she is hungry and does not wish to hunt. If it is too cold in her normal roost in the forest, I open the window for her to come inside. My pupil and I take very good care of her when she is here. If she is sick, we nurse her back to health. If she is injured, we do not make her do anything. In fact, I never force her to do anything she does not wish to do. I asked her if she wanted to deliver the letters between us, and she said yes. When she gets tired, I will ask another bird if they want to carry the letter, but Revanche tells me she enjoys it. Revanche is learning to speak the Common tongue, but because all of her life she was entirely a hawk, it is difficult for her. I am helping her as much as I can, because she asked me to do so.

He paused in his writing to rest his wrist. He looked at Revanche at the other end of the desk; she was watching the pen as if mesmerized. He smiled at her, and she smiled back. Yes, as Revanche had said, they were friends. You didn't have to be the same species to be friends...

I want to tell you that I view Revanche as a friend. I am friends with many creatures, including dragons, demons, angels, and even common, regular animals. I do not know if I told you, but I keep horses too. My primary mount, Stargazer, is a beautiful blue roan Andalusian. He is very friendly also, and I take great care to brush his coat and I ensure he has plenty of field to graze and run about. You see Renne, all life to me is precious....even those that are less than friendly, for there must be balance in everything. There are four things that are unforgivable to me; Slavery, Rape of any kind, Murder with no justifiable means, and Deception with intent to harm. Beyond that, I am willing to try and forgive. I hope you are able to understand this, Renne, because I do not want to stop communicating with you. I honor all life. If I kill an animal, it is only in either self-defense, or for food purposes. Believe me if you can, Renne, I would NEVER enslave any living creature. The Ifreet Revanche found was a different subject; he was trespassing in my home, so I captured him. I intended to release him later, but Revanche freed him before I could. There is a reason I will not enslave anything, Renne....but tonight is not the night to discuss it. Even now the memories are not pleasant. I await your response, if you still intend to talk with me. Respectfully yours, V.D.

~*All was said and done. The letters....how to transport them' Seperate or together? Revanche had it solved before VD did. Seperate, but in a cloth pouch. One tied with a blue ribbon, one with a gold ribbon. Revanche assisted with the rolling and tying, and then they were put into a cloth pouch. She shifted her form and adjusted herself before grabbing the pouch and flying with incredible speed. She was determined to clear Owner's name....and as for VD' He sat in his chair, locking away memories that were best forgotten...*~

_________________________________________ "We're all a little mad here..." -Cheshire Cat

NightRunner

Date: 2007-04-27 00:18 EST
...And Now the Living I Can See Clearly Now

Stranger,

Please, I ask forgiveness. You see, Stranger, I was once Owned by some beings both of my own people and Outworlders. Humanoids, all of the Outworlders. I know slavery to be a very evil thing and I fight against it with much passion and anger. I do not believe I understand you entirely. Is the Revanche like I am to Sir and 'Chee" I work for Sir and 'Chee. I do it very gladly and of my own choice. They are much valued Brother-Friends to me. I do as they ask me to because I have learned that they have much wisdom where i do not.

Please forgive me, Stranger. I believe I made an error when I spoke last time. I have not good English and when I find words that have more than one meaning, I become very confused.

I shall tell you of another being, Stranger. His name is Stephen-Captain. He is the one on the Pride and Fury. He is a very interesting being, Stranger. I do not know him well yet but my instincts are becoming very strong. I shall tell you more about him when I learn more. But for now, I shall only ask you this, Stranger.

Sir and 'Chee have vanished and have not returned home. I am very frightened because of this. 'Chee told me Sir was gone and never coming back. What does this mean, Stranger" I know that Humans can Pass and not be considered Living anymore but I do not think Sir or 'Chee are that way yet. How am I to know for sure? I ask this because of my dreams, Stranger. But I cannot speak of them yet. Right now, I keep thinking Sir and 'Chee shall return someday and that I must be there for them when they do.

They make Home alive, Stranger. When they laugh and be silly and do silly things and teach me things all at once. It is Home. Stranger, I must go now. I must take care of Home and search for Stephen-Captain. He will be going on Pride and Fury soon and I am to go with him.

-Renne

Wings_Of_Balance

Date: 2007-05-03 02:50 EST
~*Revanche had taken her sweet time....she'd spent some time in her humanoid form, learning all it's little quirks....such as the fact that relieving oneself wasn't as easy as passing by barren rock and letting go....watching humans showed her that it was 'proper' to hide yourself when communing with Nature in this manner....but why' Realizing she knew nothing about humanoid anatomy, she'd gone about 'learning' by watching from the shadows....she started at the local taverns. Getting in and out was difficult at first....but soon she started learning to utilize her talent of switching forms to sneak in and out undetected....but simply watching the humanoids didn't provide any insight. Eventually, she decided she needed to learn the difference between male and female anatomy, and the only way to do that was to dart under the billowing cloth-things the 'females' wore. After she was satisfied she knew what a female looked like, she went and watched as a 'male' undressed in his room. The sight was unusual, because her hawk instincts made her want to swoop in and snatch at it, but she'd heard that, not only was that improper unless you know the person, as a hawk, it would be very painful to grab with talons....So, she knew humanoid anatomy....she hoped!*~

Revanche swooped in as a hawk and snatched the letter. She flew as far and fast as she could without stopping. VD might be angry she had taken so long and she wanted to make sure he wasn't....reaching the window, she flew in swiftly and tossed the letter to the desk, feigning pain and injury, hoping this would buy her some time from the scolding she was certain she'd recieve...

"Revanche!" The tall stranger shouted, but he wasn't angry; he was worried. "What's wrong" How did you hurt yourself" Here, rest on the bed and let me examine the wound!" He picked her up gently and set her on the bed. Now Revanche was worried....she didn't HAVE an injury! But she couldn't let him catch her now, so she turned into a humanoid and fell onto her back, complaining of sore muscles. VD sighed gently, thankful it wasn't serious...."Go ahead and rest for a few days, then. I'll see if one of the owls would be willing to carry the letter..." Revanche sat up suddenly, worry on her face.

"No! Re-van-shee take let-ter!" She demanded. No WAY was she going to let some mangey old barn owl take over her favorite past-time! And besides, how would she ever learn how to be 'proper' unless she went out amongst the humanoids" But VD shook his head.

"No. If you're injured and tired, you will take a day or two off. I insist." VD gave her a sidelong glance. "That is, of course, if you really ARE injured..." Revanche gulped, but decided, she couldn't lie to him. Not when he'd done everything for her...

"Re-van-shee no hurt." She confessed. "Re-van-shee wor-ry you be mad Re-van-shee late." She hung her head low, worried he'd yell for sure now. But she felt her chin being lifted with one of his fingers, and he looked worriedly into her eyes. For some reason, she felt much smaller than usual...

"Revanche, I was worried about you. You take longer and longer to return home. It's not even the letter I'm worried most about. It's you. You're my friend, aren't you?" Revanche squinted her eyes shut and nodded her head. "Well, Revanche, pretending to be hurt to get out of possibly being yelled at is lying, and friends don't lie to each other. It's improper." Revanche heaved a sigh of regret and made as if to apologize, but VD shushed her. "I forgive you, Revanche. But don't make me worry like that!" He said, and his voice carried a note of agitation. "There, I yelled at you....let's see if Renne forgave US, ok?" Revanche nodded, and climbed up his arm to sit on his shoulder, much like a feathery pixie of sorts.

VD was relieved, and slightly amused. Revanche had been worried he'd yell at her for being late" He gave a mental shake of the head and replayed her actions in his mind. She'd spent much more time this time around retrieving the letter, especially when it concerned Renne possibly being angry at them still....which meant she had been doing something out of the norm that occupied her time.

"In any case Revanche, what WERE you doing that took so long?" Revanche swelled with pride and said as clearly as she could,

"Re-van-shee learn be pro-per." VD stopped in his tracks and gave her an amused look.

"And how are you learning that?" He asked curiously.

"Watch o-ther hu-mans." She nodded. VD stifled the smile that threatned to appear, and instead kept a very straight face. Revanche was determined to be 'proper', so laughing at her wasn't particularly helpful. However...

"Revanche, spying on people is improper." He informed her. She grumped, but asked in response,

"Ha-ow learn if no watch?" And VD had no answer....so they sat together at the desk and read the response letter....and sighed in relief. At first. Learning Renne had been a slave once....not just once but multiple times....it made their blood boil. Perhaps tonight was time to explain why VD hates slavery so much...

Renne, Thank you for writing back. Of course you are forgiven....and now I will tell you why I despise slavery in all it's forms. I, too, was once a slave, when I was very young...

I was a slave to my father.

From the moment I was born, my father was cruel and heartless....but he was also a demon. A true demon, born of hatred and malice in the depths of Hell itself. He forced himself upon my mother....and kept her as a slave also. I eventually broke free and destroyed him....but in the process, I lost my mother...

Even now, countless years later, the memory hurt. He suppressed the screams that threatened to take root in his mind and kept writing.

It saddens me to hear you have had a similar life, but I am glad you are free of it. To answer your question....when one says a person is gone, and not coming back....it can mean they are dead....however, I do not know if this is true for your Sir. I will, however, keep him in my thoughts, and hope he returns to you soon. It is obvious how much you care for him.

Yes....Revanche is my friend. She chooses to work for me....that is not quite right. She does not work for me, she works with me. No....it is difficult for me to put into words what simply is. She comes and goes as she pleases, and willingly carries the letters, because it makes her happy. She also views you as a friend, and likes seeing you.

Revanche told me the reason she took so long this time was because she was watching humans and learning how to act like them. It made me smile, but it also makes me wonder something. You yourself said you come from another world, and that you are not human-colored. Are you human looking" And if not....what do you look like" And if you're not human, how did you learn to act like one"

It is reasonable to believe he acts like one, isn't it' He turns to Revanche and she nods her head; for what she understands of human behavior, Renne is very good at it....or at least appears to be, since nobody is trying to hunt him down. And she came to that conclusion because he still exists, writing letters and walking about in broad daylight.

Renne, I know I ask many questions, but you do not seem to ask any in return. Why is that' I await your next letter. Tell me more about this Captain Stephen fellow, as well. May your sails always have the wind they need. Sincerely, V.D.

~*Revanche once again assisted with the rolling of the letter, as well as tying the ribbon on it....but they paused a moment. Revanche was a friend, yes....but VD looked at her silently. What exactly did she feel towards him' Best not to ask, best not to open that door. Revanche looked at VD silently. How did she truly feel about him' Most certainly a bit of hero-worship there....after-all, he saved her from that vendor. The vendor....he'd been nice enough. But he lacked the skill to care for many different hawks....but was it more than that' Less" Something different but on the same level" She turned into a hawk and gripped the letter....and looked at VD again. As a hawk, it was different. He saved her, he fed her, gave her warm shelter. She was grateful, nothing more, nothing less....well, she did like his company, but that was the extent of it, as a hawk. Had Frimbar the Ifreet given her more than a humanoid body' Had he somehow given her human reactions....and emotions....as well? She ruffled her feathers....when she had a wish that needed granting, she'd make sure to wring Frimbar dry and get all the details from him....she took flight into the night and vanished behind the snow-capped mountains....leaving VD alone with his thoughts. For the first time in a long time, he thought about his mother, Katrina the Angel. He denied the tears the freedom they desired for as long as he could, but, like death, it was inevitable and they broke free anyway...*~

_________________________________________ "We're all a little mad here..." -Cheshire Cat

NightRunner

Date: 2007-05-04 01:08 EST
...And Now the Living If I Were Human

He'd found the letter delivered by Revanche just after midnight on his return from the shoreline. Odd, this time, his expression doesn't change from a deadpan hollowness it had taken on earlier in the day when he'd found the strange note written on a coaster.

-Why does it rankle you so much"- I do not know. -You are irrational.-

Upstairs, the imp crawls with the letter held carefully in his mouth. He doesn't make a sound on his way up, only thinks. His thoughts have always tended to wander sometimes so at first, he thinks nothing of this. Often, these wanderings have turned into Analyses.

I am not. -He is gone.- He will come back when he will. -You are too certain.- I must be. -Why"- I will fail him if I am not.

He settles into his cherished corner with his one remaining blanket. With slow hands, Renne opens and reads this latest message.

-And the strangers that speak to you?- I shall answer them with the truth. -You are missing part of yourself.- Yes but that part remains. -The strangers will believe you are not of Soundness.- Let them.

Hm. How to answer this" Honestly of course, but how" Thinking on this for a good while, the imp writes more slowly than usual. Yes, he has to think about how to put this. And then it comes to him.

Stranger,

Once, I tried to act and be like a Human. I tried this to the point of wanting to become a Human. For me, it was a very, very bad mistake. I hurt myself and remained hurting for a long time. This does not mean I do not still try to act like a Human or understand how a Human thinks. Some Human behaviours are very good. Some are not. No, Stranger, I am not Human in the way I appear. I shall attach something to my words this time to allow you to know what I appear as. The thing I attach will be a fold on the left corner of the paper I speak upon. Unfold it. make it smooth and you will be able to understand what I appear as. You will also be able to understand what a specimen of my People appears as. You see, Stranger, I am different in that I am what Humans call an Albino. Except where Human Albinos have brightness, Albinos of my people have darkness. You shall understand better when you unfold the corner.

Act Human' It is very difficult to do this. Humans are unpredictable. They are strange beings that are capable of much evil and betrayal as well as much good and compassion. They are confusing many times and I think, they need assistance understanding themselves!

Sir and 'Chee are Humans and there are many times when I do not understand them. But, I love them and that will not change.

I like the Revanche too. I do not make questions unless I have them, Stranger. There is a place I go to that holds many, many books. It is there I try to learn. But Stranger, there is a Human Female there. I call her Crotchety Old Bat. She throws books at me sometimes. She thinks I am a pet. An animal. I tell her I am not, get away from the book she throws at me and then go find the books I wish to learn from.

Stranger, I received a message today from another stranger. I do not know why, but it creates much confusion in me. The stranger asked if the stranger could help me. Help me with what? I do not understand this. I am not Unsound in my body. Do you know what this other stranger speaks of? I asked Sir the same thing.

Perhaps I shall know. I have some curiosity about you, Strange, but I do not yet know what to ask. When I have a question formed, I shall ask it. May Revanche go safe when Revanche meets the wind.

-Renne

As promised, the imp folds the corner of his note and upon it, lets a single tear fall from his left eye. As the fold comes down upon the iridescent tear, a reaction takes place. The fibers of the paper bind to the enzymes found in the tear. Upon this fold being opened by the recipient, this binding will tear and form a specified image of Renne himself and a non-Albino of his kind. After all, unlike most, Emotion is the catalyst to life, and life is the catalyst to memory. To Renne, emotion is as carbon to a human being.

Wings_Of_Balance

Date: 2007-05-12 04:44 EST
~*The pupil was waiting in his Shi Fu's room at his request. When Revanche arrived with the letter, he was to set it aside and write his own letter to Renne with Revanche's help. The lad wasn't sure this was a good idea, as he hadn't mastered the writing style yet, but that was what Revanche was for. Soon, Revanche came in through the window and set the letter down, looking around curiously...*~

Revanche stared at the lad for a moment....then turned into her humanoid form.

"Pew-pul, wh-air is Fuh-rend?" She asked gently. Speaking was still very difficult for her, and she often had to speak phonetically and pray she got it right. The lad smiled and bowed.

"Ni hao, Revanche! Shi Fu is out working in the garden today, while there is sunlight to do so! He said we can write a letter tonight, and save Renne's letter for another night!" Revanche smiled and motioned him to the desk. The lad climbed into the chair and sat there while Revanche prepared the materials, resisting the urge to peek at the letter. When she was done, she dragged the pen to the pupil and instructed him, very slowly and repetitively, how to dip the pen into the ink, scrape off the excess, and then told him to write out the words one letter at a time, and ask if he wasn't certain on spelling. But the pupil refused to ask. He would have to learn one way or another, and confidence was key. So, he set about writing his first letter in the Common script...

Ren, I am ryting my furst letur to yu. I no the spelling is not gude, so plees forgiv me. Yu ryt leturs to my Shi Fu. Yu cal him V D. Shi Fu meens teechur in my langweg! I want yu to cal me J.L. It wud mayk me hapy. Plees be sayf Ren. I want to be frends with yu! I do not no wat els to say. Gude by! J.L.

Revanche wasn't much better than him, but she did give a soft chuckle at his spelling technique. But the lad seemed rather proud of himself. His first official 'letur'! He even rolled it, after allowing the ink to dry, and tied his own ribbon to it; an orange colored one. Revanche had also been writing her own letter to Renne...

Blue One, Hello again! This is Revanche! Friend's pupil wrote you a letter, his is the one with bad spelling, but do not laugh at him. He is very proud of himself. After all, he did not speak Common when he first came here, that is why Friend is teaching him. If you cannot read his handwriting, he said, he wants to be friends, and he would like it if you called him J.L. He also asks you forgive him for the bad spelling, as it is his first letter. He is a very nice boy who gives me a lot of happiness to be near. I like him very much, as much as I like Friend! I call him Little Friend. I will end my letter now. Friend will read your letter to us when he is done in the garden, I promise. Your friend, Revanche

~*Rolling her own letter and awkwardly tying a gold ribbon to it with JL's help, she turned back into a hawk and grabbed the letters excitedly. She took to the sky with speed, glad that she could share her favorite new hobby with Little Friend...*~

_________________________________________ "We're all a little mad here..." -Cheshire Cat

NightRunner

Date: 2007-05-12 12:06 EST
...And Now the Living Emerald Sea II

He'd received both messages just as he was departing the Maritime's grounds. And while both were read with a small smile, his reply was not created with one. The penmanship and spelling were only a little better than that of the writer of his newest letter but this time lies something different about even his manner of writing. It's slower, often halting.

Stranger, Winged One, Student,

I am pleased to have messages from you. But this day, I go on a journey. It is a duty I perform every time this day comes. It requires me to be brief this time, but I shall speak again with more words soon. I shall return.

-Renne

Folding this message, the imp stops only to ensure Revanche has hold of it. Dipping his head then, the imp continues on his trek. His gait may be slow but his head is held level and his face takes on an almost stoic expression.

—————————-

He hadn't let the tears fall along the way. Upon reaching the hidden little place, Renne moves to kneel in front of a stone carving. In this position with his head now tilted up a bit, he recites to the stone a story familiar only to him.

If he could see, he could swear the emeralds set in the granite face shine a little more brightly this year.

Wings_Of_Balance

Date: 2007-05-13 02:43 EST
~*Revanche took the letter dutifully, giving a pleasent trilling noise to the Blue One, and hurried on back. Somehow, the letter felt lighter....one page" That was unusual. Since when did the Blue One only write on one page" Nevertheless, she darts home, riding the wind casually. Upon reaching home, she discovers that JL is in the room, as opposed to Friend. While it wasn't unusual, she was a little concerned, as this was twice in a row...

Revanche set the letter down and turned into her humanoid form. She turned her gaze to JL and asked the question that was heaviest in her mind.

"Pew-pul! Fuh-rend is hurt"!" She asked in a panicked tone, but JL shook his head.

"No, Revanche, he stepped out for a brief moment. He will be back shortly, I promise this." No sooner had he said that, then VD walked back in, sipping water from a mug.

"Ah! Revanche! Glad to see you. I see Renne wrote you two back, eh?" VD was very pleasant, but for some reason....he seemed a little, down.

"Shi Fu" Are you unwell?" JL asked instantly. VD shook his head and gave them a very convincing smile.

"I'm perfectly fine, you two. Please believe me. I just....well, for some reason, I'm feeling a little down today..." He gave them his version of a shrug. That kind of thing had been difficult since the 'accident' over two years ago...

"I, too, confess to feeling saddened, for some peculiar reason." JL announced. They both turned to Revanche and gave her a questioning stare.

"No fee-ul sa-duh....Re-van-chee fee-ul co....con-few....not know what to thin-kuh." She confessed. "Buh-loo W-un right on w-un puh-age." Revanche, despite her practicing, still couldn't get her brain to make the sounds come out right. To her, she was still a hawk, and hawks didn't need to know how to make sounds....but now she COULD make the sounds! She HAD to learn!

"One page" That's not like him..." VD responded. "Even if only two pages, I don't recall him writting such short letters..." He pondered. "ESPECIALLY if he received two letters." They all sat down together and opened the newest letter, momentarily forgetting about the last letter Revanche brought. The latest letter was chilling, somehow....a duty' What kind of duty' But VD would not ask. He felt, somehow....he would be intruding on a subject he was not privy to....nor ever meant to be. There was just something....sad in these words. VD decided to write a short letter in response and hope things were well for his little blue letter friend...

Renne, I do not know what duty you feel you must perform on this day, however, I will not ask. For some reason, your words seemed to express a great sadness. I hope that whatever it is you must do, you are well, and you are safe. Take your time in responding if you wish. We have not read the last letter you sent, the one before your response to my student and Revanche. We will read that with the next letter you write to us...

For a moment, he was tempted to end it there, lest he write too much. But, it seemed his hand was being guided by someone, or something, else...

If you wish it, Renne, you may tell me about this duty. I will listen to you. You may tell me whatever you want, and I will listen.

It seemed the letter was beginning to lengthen despite his original desire to keep it short.

I hope all is well with you. Do you like music" I enjoy it very much; I know how to play an instrument called a pan-pipe. Mine has two layers of pipes to make music from. The reason they are called 'pan-pipes' is because of an entity called Pan. He was a faun, a half-goat, half-human creature, and he played a flute-like instrument made of several reeds of varying length tied together. Because that was a symbol attributed to him, all others are called 'pan-pipes.' Very interesting, no' Do you play any instruments" What kind of music do they play on your home-world"

It seemed that VD had a need to write, and Renne was the lucky recipient of his itchy fingers.

I realize this letter is beginning to lengthen, so before I write you a book-long letter, I shall end it here. For some reason, I was feeling a little sad before getting your letter, but now, strangely enough, I'm feeling happier. My guess is that writing to you makes me happier. I hope we make you happy as well, Renne. Take care. Your friend, VD

PS: JL and Revanche wish me to tell you they say hello, and they send on their wishes that all is well with you.

~*His letter finally done....that had taken longer than expected! ...He had his student roll and tie it with a blue ribbon. VD watched as Revanche turned back into her true form, that of a Kestrel Hawk, and hopped to the letter, grabbing it happily. No wonder the Blue One had been brief with his letter! He was probably very busy with his duty, and wanted to make sure that neither she, nor her two friends, felt neglected! But before she took to the skies, a brief surge of sadness permeated her feathers and chilled her to the bone. But why' She was performing her favorite duty! Thinking of Renne somehow made her both happy....and nostalgic for something. She gave a shake of her feathers. It was not her place to question the Blue One's actions, but somehow, all three of them felt something was not quite right at the moment. As Revanche took to the sky, the three of them locked themselves in their own minds, pondering what this strange feeling of gloom was, and wondering if Renne was feeling it too...*~

_________________________________________ "We're all a little mad here..." -Cheshire Cat

NightRunner

Date: 2007-05-13 22:21 EST
...And Now the Living I Once Had a Candle

He found the message from the stranger just as he came back from his brief but faithful sojourn. It didn't take too long to reply but where time was lacking, tears made up for it. Some letters end up smudged to nothing but inkblots. Some words end up more scrambled than they typically are. And one line is said for the first time in seven long years.

Stranger,

Yes, I do like music. I have encountered a Pipe-of-Pan but I do not know how to operate it. I have music makers from my home that I operate.

I offer my apologies for brevity in my last words. I had a duty.

It is duty I carry most faithfully like my words to Sir. But this duty, Stranger, has gone on longer than that of my duty to Sir. Longer in time, yes but no more and no less a duty and honour. I do them both without holding one above the other.

A long time ago, Stranger, I had a Brother. He was not kin to me in blood. We were Bonded in the ancient way of my People called T'hy'la. At first, I did not think an Outworlder could do this. But he did and he was a being called a vampire. I trusted him completely. He trusted me completely. My joy was his. His joy was mine. But so too, was pain. Stranger, long ago, he was taken from this existence. He is what Humans call, dead. There is no word in my language for such. To my People, he was Tel'Nar-asha. To my People, nothing is left when this occurs. To your language, I felt him die.

I still carry the emptiness to this day. My duty to him now is to tell his story and to go to a secret place. Stranger, he was a harmonious being. He had Green eyes.

And I love him. And I felt him die.

I once had a candle. I loved it so. Then it went out.

-Renne

He could not put any more down. Letting the ink dry, Renne folds it and doesn't even wait for Revanche to find it. No, not this time. This time, he crawls down to the sea. For the first time, his tears for his T'hy'la are not hidden from the outside world.

Wings_Of_Balance

Date: 2007-05-14 03:38 EST
~*Revanche saw him, and swooped down carefully. She noticed the tears, and did not know why he cried. She rubbed against him, letting him know she was still his friend. When handed the letter, she trilled in her fashion and took to the skies. She flew home rapidly, and flew in through the window. There, sitting at the desk reading a book, was Friend. She flew to the desk and set the letter down, waiting for the praise he normally gave....but when he didn't, she turned into her humanoid form and glanced at his book; Advanced Farming on Mountain Ranges. Revanche smiled, and tapped his hand gently...*~

VD jumped a little, but smiled upon realizing who it was.

"Revanche, you startled me. Ah! Renne wrote us back! Let's read the letter!" Revanche sat down on her tiny little chair; it had been crafted by JL at VD's request. While VD was talented, small, detailed pieces of furniture was not something easily done anymore. So, Revanche sat on the edge of her seat, anxious to hear what Renne had to say. VD read it aloud for her benefit....to the best of his ability. There were many tear marks and smudges, but he muddled through, only shedding a tear or two himself. Revanche, likewise, had to dry her eyes once or twice before the end....without discussion, VD set to writing his response.

Renne, I am very sorry to hear your brother died. It is never easy, no matter how fast time passes. Just because he was not your kin by blood, does not mean he was not your kin. I had a brother once....his name was Havok. He was very friendly, and very helpful when I first entered the realm of Golden Horn....only back then, it was known as Hijinx. We called each other brother, even though we were not related...

I miss him. After a while, we went our seperate ways, but thankfully, we did not leave on bad terms. I do not think he is dead, merely in another place. He was very long-lived, like me, and a great warrior. When I think on him, I always smile....I do not think he and I were Bonded, as you say. But we were very good friends.

I will tell you about pan-pipes. Several reeds are put together in descending height....meaning, the tallest is put on the right, then one that is slightly smaller is put to the left of it, so on and so forth. Tying them together with a series of crisscross knots holds it together. That is a basic pan-pipe; there are variations, such as a double layered pan-pipe, a gift to me from Queen Rayna from a Yule since past. To play music, you blow air into one pipe at a time, in a certain order, at a certain speed, depending on the song you wish to play. I hope I explained it well enough for you. Tell me about some of your instruments from your home world, please.

You say your brother had green eyes....I hope I am not causing you harm by talking of him so much. My own eyes are golden in color....I think that is because my mother had gold eyes, too.

Mother....no! Don't take that road, old boy! It's in the past! LEAVE it there!

Renne, do you know how to farm' I tend a garden here in the mountains, and just now I was reading a book about how to grow plants better on a mountain. My favorite garden is my apple orchard. If you like, I can send a bushel of apples with the next letter; I'll have an owl help Revanche carry the load. Let me know if you would like some apples.

Renne, I am sure your brother would be proud of you. And I am sure, wherever he is, he is smiling at you. Your friend, VD

The letter was done....and VD had Revanche roll it. He had to step out of the room for a moment, complaining of the air getting too stuffy. Revanche did not believe him, so followed for a moment....only to find VD had stepped into the washroom, shutting the door. She sighed softly, wrinkling her forehead in an attempt to understand what could have caused him to become saddened....then she realized, it must have been because he mentioned his mother. She went to the letter, and decided to add something to it.

Blue One, This is Revanche. I wanted to tell you something, if I may. You make Friend so happy by talking with him in these letters. I don't know if he told you that, but you do. He lives by himself, except for me and his pupil, and we do not stay near him all the time. You keep him company with these letters. I wanted to thank you for being our friend. I hope we make you happy too. I never had a brother. But your brother sounded very nice. What does harmonious mean? Your Friend, Revanche

~*NOW the letter was done! Revanche thought that adding that little extra might make the Blue One smile....she realized that it was his brother that made him cry, because he missed him. Well, Revanche rolled the letter just as Friend came back into the room, and then she changed back into a hawk. Friend seemed perfectly fine to the untrained eye, but it was obvious to Revanche and her hawk-eyes, he had been crying, too. Hmmm....Blue One was crying. Friend was crying. She wondered, as she took to the sky with the letter, if there was a connection between the two, or if it was simply coincidence...*~

_________________________________________ "We're all a little mad here..." -Cheshire Cat

NightRunner

Date: 2007-05-15 01:03 EST
...And Now the Living The Bitter, the Sweet and the Strong

Time and repetition had taught him many things both painful and good. One thing he's had to learn on his own though is that time can't teach everything. Time is nothing without experience.

So, while this time of year is always one of bittersweet joy/pain, this newest message to the stranger and his comrades shows perhaps the faintest ray of hope despite the maudlin cloud that annually takes to roost within the blue creature's soul.

Stranger,

These pipes you speak of create curiosity in me. Perhaps I shall find some when I go to find Tahiti and Mouth-of-Bar. Sir is from Mouth-of-Bar and Tahiti is where Sir and 'Chee had said they wanted to go. They have vanished but I will still find both places. If anything, to understand and learn more.

I visited the home of my Bonded once. It was a long time ago. And yes, I miss him. This may sound strange to you, but I have never understood what Green is except that my Bonded said his eyes were that. Perhaps I shall find out what Green and Gold are when I find Tahiti and Mouth-of-Bar.

If there is one thing I do not forsake, it is my honour to those I hold close. I do say it is my duty but I am not forced to do what I do. I wish to do it. I am honoured to do it.

I must end for now. I must look after Home and attend my duty at the docks. I shall return Home as always. And please yes, an apple would be most pleasing. I shall attempt to send a small model of a native instrument in my next words.

-Renne

A few last tears fall as he lets the ink on this message dry. Seven years and he still cannot say the name of his Bonded. But, the pain has grown into something of its own making. It isn't always pain. Sometimes it's a quiet kind of joy.

Wings_Of_Balance

Date: 2007-05-15 04:42 EST
~*Revanche swooped and nabbed the letter, leaving a trail of happiness as she went. She didn't tell Friend what she had added to the letter; that was her special secret. She flew home....but changed her course at the last instant. She flew to the apple forest, as she called it, and landed on a branch....and her hunch was right. Friend was here, pruning the trees, collecting ripened apples. He had a large basket filled to the brim with beautiful, delicious ruby-red apples. The scent of apple blossoms filled the warm air, traveling on the wind as if scent had it's own wings....Revanche liked to think that color had a scent to it....for her, 'red' smelled like 'apple'....which was easy to understand, if one knew what color was. She watched as Friend lifted, with minor difficulty, the basket of apples and placed them in a pull-cart. Then, he went to the front....or the back, she wasn't sure how that worked....placed a harness over his shoulder and lifted with his right arm, pulling the cart slowly but steadily. Revanche decided to fly to the room and wait for him there, knowing that for some reason, Friend preferred to garden by himself...*~

VD pulled the cart slowly, resting whenever he needed to. He had even more surplus of apples now, so perhaps he'd go into town to sell some....even though he didn't really need the money, it would be nice to socialize for a while, break the 'reclusive hermit' habit....he walked barefoot over the spongy grass, letting his calloused feet feel the soft caress of the velvety grass. Green. Renne had said his Brother had green eyes....color was an amazing thing, really. It could be proved scientifically, VD was certain, but....he didn't want to know how color appeared. He liked to think that color was a magical thing, something that had sight, texture, taste, smell, and sometimes, sound....all five senses could appreciate color in some way. For example....grass was green....when healthy. And when healthy, it was soft, sometimes a little moist from morning dew. Grass had a taste, depending on where it grew and what fertilizer was used. And sound....VD wondered if he was an odd sort, because he often enjoyed just sitting in a grassy field and listening to the wind create a chorus with the grass, passing through tall blades and small. Grass had a sound, too. And you couldn't describe it as anything except, 'The sound grass makes when wind blows through it'....So, 'green' could be 'grass', in a word....

As he walked, the sun bore down upon him, which raised an interesting question; if VD was always out in the sun, why was he always so pale" He wasn't aenemic, and he certainly spent enough time outside to tan even a dwarf....VD, whenever he was asked....and he wasn't asked often....attributed this to his heritage. Not many knew his heritage. Even VD didn't know everything, but that was due to a combination of time and the desire to forget. Gold. For some reason, he'd informed Renne his eyes were gold....VD knew gold was a type of metal, but metal was cold, uncaring, and had a value. A price. No, VD thought of the color 'gold' as....a ray of sunlight. The warmth of it, the feel of the sun's warmth on the skin, the smell of warmth....really, it all boiled down, with sunlight, to warmth, so 'gold' was 'warm sunlight'....a warm, cozy feeling, one you could almost wrap yourself in like a blanket....brilliant, able to both be blinding and dull, depending on if you didn't polish it, or keep it fresh. And VD had golden eyes, courtesy of...

No. We've been over this. You don't bring those memories up anymore, old man...

He picked up the pace. He knew it would have been easier to have a horse, or mule, pulling the cart, but VD enjoyed the exercise, the wonderful feeling of life coursing through his veins. Passing by a bubbling brook of fresh, mountain water, VD paused and took a sip of it, using a hollowed-out gourd. Water....when using paints, or describing oceans, one usually said 'blue'....in several shades, at that. Sky blue. Azure. Deep sea blue. So many ways to SEE blue....but what sort of texture did it have" VD puzzled for a moment, his train of thought picking up speed. Blue had several shades, but in general, VD believed that it had a fluidity to it....the sky was massive, and never ending....and so, really, was a running stream. Of course, if the water stopped, so did the river....and the sky had an end....beyond it was that great unknown, space....the place where stars are born, and die, where planets spin and circle each other. No, come back to the ground, space was black to VD....empty, cold, unfeeling, unending....Blue was cool, smooth and easy to feel....easy to hear. Rain, a babbling brook, an ocean wave....blue was a loud color. But also a calming color....rain helped the crops. The oceans gave birth to legends and dreams. And rivers provided drinking water. True, too much of a good thing was devastating, but that was the beauty of 'blue'....blue, as well as a loud color, was also a powerful color. You both needed it....and in some instances....feared it.

Continuing his walk to the barn where he stored the fruits before sorting them, his toes began to rip a few blades of grass up, exposing the dirt below. Rich, fresh soil, the scent that hits your nostrils in an instant....VD loved the smell. It just said, 'brown'....light brown, dark brown, brown was a RICH color. Soft....or hard as rock. Smooth....or jagged like a mountain. The sound was like grains of sand falling through an hourglass....or a rockslide in a gorge. The taste was as tangible as the smell, something you felt you could hold in your hand....and really, pick up some fresh soil, breathe in the scent, and tell yourself you're not holding the smell and taste of good, rich earth. Or find a rock, one rich in minerals, and hold it; tell yourself it's not strong, determined, powerful. Carve it, and it's still stone, just in a different form. Grind it; it's still rock, just in the form of sand. Yes, brown was certainly a rich color, full of life and silent strength...

He realized he was procrastinating, and hurried to the barn to put things away. Revanche would be back soon, if she wasn't already....Revanche....life. Did life have a 'color'" Perhaps it did. Perhaps the color of life....was red. You could, 'see red', and be angry. You could, 'be red in the face', and be embarrassed or shy. A red rose generally meant you loved someone. The rising sun was red, the beginning of a new day....and at times, the setting sun was red, the closing of a day, the beginning of the night. A red moon was an ominous omen. Rust was a reddish color, fading life, the sign of neglect. Staying in the sun for too long....for anyone other than VD....turned your skin red, punishment for ignoring the power of the sun. And blood....for many creatures....was red. Yes, red, the color of life, in all it's forms....and the color of flame. It provided warmth, it cooked meals, and pierced darkness....but stray too close and it's tender caress would remind you why 'your old flame' could burn you still to this day. VD was certainly in an interesting mood today! He shrugged the harness off and decided to sort the apples later....he entered the house. Yes, color was everywhere, if one knew how to find it...

He went upstairs and found Revanche quietly waiting. VD smiled and stroked her feathers warmly.

"Hey Revanche! Good to see you!" Revanche preened under the praise, ruffling her feathers happily. Hmm, he was certainly happier today, wasn't he" VD opened the letter and read it's contents aloud. Revanche was puzzled; how could Blue One not know what green was" She was so confused, she transformed and asked VD just that.

"Fuh-rend. Ha-ow Buh-loo W-un no know what guh-reen is?" Day and night she practiced her speaking, and day and night she became frustrated. Would she ever learn properly, she wondered"

"Hmmm....I have a hunch, Revanche, that Renne is blind....the raised ink was a primary clue....like I had thought, if he wrote in it, that was how he read things....so, I used raised ink to write to him. When he did not tell me he didn't need raised ink, I kept using it....and now he says he does not know what the color green is....so perhaps....he is blind." VD explained his theory aloud to Revanche, and she nodded.

"Ha-ow tell buh-lind w-un what cuh-lur is?" Revanche asked. VD blinked softly, and then smiled pleasantly. Exactly what he'd been doing outside when he was bringing the apples in! Speaking of which...

"Revanche, go find my pupil and have him sort out about ten fresh apples into a basket for one of the owls to carry. Also....ask him if he finished with the project I asked him to do for me, please?" Revanche nodded, changed back and flew off to perform the request. Once that was done, VD sat down and began to write a letter to Renne.

Renne, I completely understand when you tell me that your duty is your honor. I, too, have many 'duties' I perform by choice, because it is something I enjoy, or because it brings joy to others. My gardens, for example. And by the way, I am sending you ten of my finest apples, please tell me how they taste. I hope they taste good. I am also sending you a gift, something I think you would appreciate. It will be in the same basket as the apples. Reach into the basket and feel under the apples for it. You'll know it when you find it.

Renne, please forgive me if I am prying, but are you incapable of vision' By which I mean, are you blind with your eyes" I suspected it when I first received one of the letters by accident and it had raised ink....and when I sent it back with raised ink, you did not tell me to stop. Now you tell me you do not know what the color green is....if you'd like, I will gladly tell you, in my next letter, what I think colors mean. To me....colors have a feel to them, and a smell. Sometimes they also have a sound and taste....there was a time when I was temporarily deaf....my hearing returned to me, but I will admit, it was difficult getting around when all my life, I had ears that worked....were you born blind? Again, forgive me if I am asking too many personal questions.

Being blind is no shame, as it is. It is not a disability, to me, anyway. Being 'blind' simply means you have to learn to use your other senses to get around....but I will be the first to admit, the thought of losing my eyes is a frightening thought. All my life, I have had all my senses, and losing one, or having one lessen, isn't easy for me....but at the same time, it intrigues me. I suppose you could say I have an addiction to learning....and to be honest, that had cost me much over the years....more than some might guess...

He paused, giving his shoulder a gentle rub....yes, more than some might guess...

You say you like to read books. Be careful that you do not become too curious about some things. Take it from me....some things are best left unknown. I do not say this to dissuade you from learning all you can, nor do I mean to scare you, and if I have, please forgive me....simply remember, if your friends warn you of something, take heed. I do not think you need to be told this, but I made that mistake long ago, and paid dearly for it.

But enough about depressing subjects. I just harvested many apples from my orchard....I love the smell of apple blossoms....in fact, I will send you some apple seeds, and an apple blossom, so that you may grow your own apple tree. It requires a lot of effort at first, but if you stick to it, and show the same love and compassion you obviously have for your friends Chee and Sir, the tree will grow tall, and strong, and give you many apples. And if you enjoy growing an apple tree, I can send you other seeds as well. Perhaps you will enjoy gardening. If not, that is perfectly fine; not everybody likes it.

I do not know if I have told you, Renne, but I enjoy our letters. They help me to feel connected to the world again. I have been living in the mountains for so long, and rarely go out....I haven't visited Golden Horn in many, many days. Perhaps I will go there later on. I wanted to thank you for your companionship, and hope we continue to be friends through our letters. For now, I shall end this letter. Remember; if you'd like, I can share with you what I think colors are like... Your friend, VD

~*The letter was long today....but he was sure Renne wouldn't mind....Revanche came in, perched on the shoulder of JL. VD's pupil handed him a basket of ten apples, as well as a small, cloth-wrapped object. VD nodded and thanked him, placing the object under the apples as his letter explained it would be. Once done, he took a small vial, and had JL fill it with apple seeds....with a note explaining what was in it....he checked and made sure at least one of the apples had a blossom attached to the stem. Then, giving a shrill whistle, a huge tawny owl flew in, giving VD a curious glance. VD explained that he was to follow Revanche and deliver this basket, and in exchange, the owl would be welcomed to some pork and mice. The owl screeched it's acceptance, and flew to perch on the basket. JL rolled the letter up and tied it with a blue ribbon, handing it to Revanche. She took it and, after getting the attention she so loved, flew out the window with the owl following her...*~

———————

When Renne received the letter and basket, and after reading said letter, when he follows the instructions and puts his hand under the apples, he'll feel the cloth-wrapped object VD mentioned....the note attached was very simple; 'Open me'. Well, should he do that, he'd find...

A pan-pipe. A simple one, sure, but there it was, hand-made by JL with another note attached.

Renne, I hope you like this. I had my pupil make it for you. Be sure to practice on it and in no time at all, you'll be able to make beautiful melodies. Your friends, VD, Revanche, and JL

_________________________________________ "We're all a little mad here..." -Cheshire Cat

NightRunner

Date: 2007-05-16 01:03 EST
...And Now the Living O Wisdom, Thy Velvet-Steel Hand

He found the letter and the gift not too long after his work on the docks. And while he found himself tired and muscles sore, the imp did only two things before answering the message. He performed his nightly traditions of scouring the Maritime clean and writing his midnight letter. Then he found an apple, investigated the pan pipes and carefully penned his reply.

Stranger,

Yes. I have learned those lessons well, though in a different way. I still seek all knowledge but I do not try to use all knowledge I learn. Some is best for the sake of knowing, understanding and learning. Some is best for use. There is much I still must learn even now. Many things of the past, I still attempt to Analyse and learn from. I was very stupid once, when Sir asked me to stay at Home. Sir went into the Underdark on a mission and at first, he said I could come with him and help. Then later, he told me to stay behind. I did not understand then and I followed him. I think I angered him when I did. I know why I did. I feared for him. But, after we got back Home, it was a long time before I learned I had done a very stupid thing. We made it out but sometimes I wonder what would have happened had I stayed behind or even if he had still allowed me to go with him. The Underdark is a place of many, many dangers.

I feared for Sir very much. And I was confused. I followed because I feared for Sir and because I had a very stupid thought in my mind then. I believed Sir did not think me strong enough to come with him and be truly a help. More, I believed he thought I was...I do not know how to put this. Not equal. Less somehow. I do not know if I make sense. I hope you understand.

It was not until a long time after that I learned and grew wiser. I only hope Sir knows this. I hope he forgives me. I do not wish to hold an of-the-self thought but I think it is natural for all life-forms in some way. I am not pleased by this, but it is present. Therefore, I must acknowledge that it is there.

At this point, the imp hesitates and amid sorting his thoughts, he munches on the apple he'd selected from the gift-parcel. Indeed, it tasted pleasant. Sweet with that definite crackling crunch upon biting. Not as effective as trees for anger management but most effective for stemming hunger and allowing enjoyment. Polishing it off, the imp buries the core and writes again.

Yes, Stranger. I am, I believe the word is, blind. I have eternal night. I always have except for brief moments in my past. One moment was forced and evil. The other was a most wonderful gift. I was able to perceive the faces of Sir and 'Chee during a thing called Christmas. It was a precious gift. And I must admit, Sir and 'Chee are both very pleasing to the conduits of translating life into reflection. Forgive me. My words are confusing. I often find myself speaking and translating my own Low-Tongues. I think the word is "pleasing to the eye".

I shall attempt to make a tree of apples. Perhaps one for Sir and 'Chee each somewhere near Home. I almost have the model done for you, Stranger. It is very complex and I am slow in constructing it. The docks are very busy lately.

Perhaps sometime you and I may meet and hear the voices of one another, yes? I must go now though, Stranger, Pupil, Revanche. The docks wer every busy today and I find myself very tired.

As Sir would say, Nos Da. -Renne

This one's a long one. Still, he thinks it all over and remembers the misguided foray into that world where Drow live. He had indeed learned since then even if it gave him another scar. The scar is a faint one unlike most, but it is a sufficient reminder of many things. Trust those that know what they're doing.

As he crawls upstairs to sleep, the imp holds his spyglass and turns his face upward. There was a prayer...what was it' Ah. yes. Remembering it, the imp whispers it into the darkness as he drifts off into an exhausted sleep. Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change...

Wings_Of_Balance

Date: 2007-06-06 09:29 EST
~*Time was a wicked mistress. It seemed regardless of what the mere mortals under her watchful eye wanted, she deemed it unnecessary, pointless, worthless and virtually useless to think on. So when Revanche brought the letter to Friend's home, after spending gods only knew how long GETTING there, she had a rather interesting surprise waiting for her. It didn't help she was exhausted and had her own little mishap to share, but coming back and finding Friend waiting....that wasn't surprising. What WAS surprising was the fact he had opens arms...*~

VD stood there with his arms crossed over his chest, something he was not prone to doing recently. Revanche set the letter on the desk....and simply stared. Surely this was an illusion, a trick of the light"

"Revanche! Thank goodness you're OK!" VD said, rushing to her with worry and panic in his eyes. "What happened?"

It was at this point Revanche, weary and exhausted, transformed to her humanoid form and regaled him with a tale of narrow escapes, a water-logged dragon and the occasional Drow or ten....VD wasn't sure if he believed it, but it would certainly account for her tardiness....and the condition of the letter. He opened it up himself, disregarding setting it evenly on the table....Revanche still couldn't understand what had happened to him....reading the letter through, he nodded to himself as he sat at the desk and pulled the chair forward....while taking hold of the quill. He began to pen his response, while tapping his fingers....a pleasant experience for him.

Renne, Forgive me for the tardiness of this letter. Revanche had quite an adventure; I believe I will let her tell it to you in the next letter. For now, I have an amazing story to share with you!

When I first received your letter by accident, I had much difficulty writing you back, and not because of a lack of knowledge. You see, when I mentioned some knowledge was not meant to be learned, I was, of course, referring to an accident I had involving a parasite I shall call the Red C. In an attempt to see how quickly it infected and spread, I allowed it to infect my arm....the speed it infected was more than I could have comprehended, so, in order to save my life, I severed my own arm off.

Now, I am friends with many healers, magi, and technicians; Dwarf-kind, mainly. But I could not reclaim my arm, or even a new arm. The shoulder was cursed, and refused to heal properly or stop hurting. That was a year ago.

Recently, on a trip to Golden Horn to visit my friend, Queen Rayna, she and another mage insisted in helping me reclaim my arm. I shared the story with them....

I must tell you, first of all, I am highly curious. That is one reason I began writing letters with you. My curiosity has driven me to do things that many find....foolish. My experiments with the Red C, for example. Rayna has long been my friend, and we have saved each other's lives many a time....and she does not hesitate to yell at me if I have done something stupid. But it was her help that purified my shoulder....and the mage as well assisted. The Red C was still infecting my shoulder, you see, but they helped me expel it, and then kill it. But my shoulder refused to stop bleeding....so I called on my Earth Sense to at least heal the wound, or speed the healing at least.

That was when something amazing happened. Something began to grow from the wound, and when I looked, it was an arm made of plant-material!

It still makes him marvel, as he pauses to let the ink dry. He had no answers as to how or why, but his run-in with the Red C had taught him NOT to poke and prod without taking extra precautions...

Where was I" Ah yes.

The arm is as strong as my original arm, thankfully. It has full sensation and movement, though the 'blood' seems to be plant-blood....I believe the word is Chlorophyll....I would investigate the mystery behind it, but I am too thankful at having an arm again that I will leave it be for now.

Renne, anyone can make foolish mistakes. Take me, for example! You may have made a mistake when you followed Sir and Chee into the Underdark....it is a world of dark Elves called Drow. Not all Drow are mean....but many can be. Perhaps the reason you were asked to stay behind was not to make you seem inferior. I am an accomplished warrior, and even I wouldn't enter the Underdark unless I had good reason. I think he wanted to make sure you were safe, so he would not have to worry so much. I do not know, as I was not there, but that is my opinion.

As to your being blind....it is not always a curse. There are times when I wish I had not seen certain things. I believe everyone has those thoughts. However, in a world where most people rely on sight, it can be a daunting experience. And you have been 'gifted' with sight twice....one time was forced, you say' And one time was bliss, it seems. As terrible an ordeal the first time was, never forget it, because you never know when hard-earned knowledge can be useful. And as for the second time....never forget the faces of those you love the most. As long as you remember them and keep them close to your heart, they are never truly gone for good. Keep their memory alive, Renne, and never lose hope.

I am looking forward to the model you are constructing. Perhaps by the time I have received your letter and you receive mine, it shall be done. And yes, I would thoroughly enjoy seeing your home someday; perhaps you would enjoy visiting mine as well" We have many gardens here, and the forest is teeming with life.

I trust all is well with you. If it is not, please feel free to tell me, and if I can, if you wish it, I will help you. Take care my friend. And good luck. Your friend, V.D.

P.S.: In case you are curious why Revanche did not deliver the letter this time, it is because she is too exhausted. Instead I employed an owl named Su'aco. It is a Drow word meaning 'Wind'.

~*He let the ink dry and then, once that was done, he took the letter in his hands....that was a wonderful thought....and rolled the letter himself. Revanche was still exhausted, but recovering her strength. He summoned the owl with a whistle, and after tying the letter with a blue ribbon....and using his own hands, too!....asked Su'aco if he would deliver the letter. The owl bobbed it's head, and after taking the letter, took to the skies. VD then went to Revanche and lifted her up, setting her on a huge pillow. And Revanche slept peacefully...*~

__________________________________________ "We're all a little mad here..." -Cheshire Cat

NightRunner

Date: 2007-06-07 02:14 EST
...And Now the Living Of Words and Their Wisdom

It was almost dawn when he made it back home, read the latest letter and then finished his model. Luckily most of it had already been done and all he had to do was polish and tune it. While Stephen and Jewell's instrument is of a more sedate ceremonial use, this one is more for "intense tribal dances around a bonfire" kind of atmosphere. Constructed of a kind of translucent yellow-veined crimson wood, bright light makes it easy enough to see the gray-gold stones enclosed within the shuriken-shaped rattle. He'd decided to make only a model of this instrument since, much like his gift to Stephen and Jewell, this one's on the large side. An authentic one usually runs from two to three feet long. Once completed and wrapped in brown paper, Renne then reads the latest message and smiles.

Stranger,

It is hoped Revanche is well and will recover. I have completed the model of the Mnembolke for you but I do not think a lone creature can carry it. Even as a model, it is big. If you wish to hear how it sounds, I have included a memory inside a crystal sphere for you. Hold it and speak the name of this instrument and the memory will play for you the song I and the twins played one cold-time. We were in the midst of a special celebration called Wanlym'den. It is when no falling-water comes and the Sea People can visit the Land People. During thi stime, we play the Mnembolke. I have selected a traditional Wanlym'den song for you. I hope you are pleased by it.

I did not know you had a part of yourself taken. I hope you are not in pain. I am pleased you have reclaimed that part of yourself.

I did make a mistake when I went into the Underdark. I was afraid for Sir but an evil part of me was also thinking. You see, Stranger, I do not trust the words of others very well. I have gained so much distrust that there were times I doubted both Sir and 'Chee and even myself. I still doubt myself many times. And I learned that most in the Underdark are evil creatures. There is one called a Flayer of the Mind. I was weak and it attacked me. Stranger, I have a flaw. It is a flaw that my bloodline has. It creates wild-times in the body and leaves one open to attack. The Flayer of the Mind found me when my flaw showed through. It caused much pain in me but I made it through and I gave pain right back to the beast.

I did not believe them and I have since regretted. I can only hope that they know I have learned and I am learning to trust them. It is slow, but my barriers are difficult to come through. I am still trying and I shall not stop. At least where Sir and 'Chee are concerned. They have been good to me. How can I be any less" Sir has taught me much, even when he had to yell at me. 'Chee has too. It was a long time before I learned but Sir found out about the attack the Flayer of the Mind did to me. I do not know how he knows but he does. It was when he and 'Chee were going on a mission to take a Female back to her home that Sir scolded me and said he knew. Well no, not scolded me. He gave me a strange emotion I cannot interpret yet but he said to me that I was hurt last time and he did not wish that to happen again. How did he know" Did he hear me" I do not know. But I did as he asked me the second time. I am glad I did though I wish I could have gone with him to assist. I do not doubt the strength of Sir and 'Chee. I love them much and it would create much pain if they came to harm.

Stranger, I have smelled 'Chee recently. His path is strange. It leads to the sea, then stops and turns around t Home again. I cannot explain it but nor do I understand it. Have you thoughts"

I must go for now, Stranger. My captain, Stephen-Captain, has chosen a Mate named Jewell and though I miss the Joining of Bondmates, I shall go to them with a gift. I shall speak again soon. Please be careful with the Mnembolke and if you wish assistance transporting it, I shall arrange it.

Until the next message. -Renne

Wings_Of_Balance

Date: 2007-06-10 07:33 EST
~*Su'aco waited patiently, like she knew she should. It was V.D.'s wishes to deliver, and then retrieve a message from a small, blue person. It wasn't until evening that she roused herself from the fitful slumber. She hated roosting in trees that didn't belong to her forest, but she knew she would be rewarded for her efforts. Taking a moment to orient herself, she opened her eyes and shifted her head to the right, tilting it; there was the message, she supposed....and something else? Hmm. V.D. never mentioned a second parcel. Better to take the message to him and let HIM sort it out, then. She couldn't do both at once. Spreading her wings to test the wind, she launched into the air, swiftly and silently, like the deadly predator she was. And she moved as swiftly as her namesake: Su'aco. Wind...*!

It was well into the night by the time Su'aco brought the message home, and found that V.D. was asleep. She stared for a moment, studying his lithe body. V.D. was strange to her, but kind and gentle. He lived alone, in the mountains, as some did. But why' Why not go among the other people" Su'aco ruffled her feathers in agitation, and flapped to the desk. There, Revanche was waiting in her hawk form.

Now, Revanche and Su'aco were different species, but as they were both avian AND Raptor's, they could understand one-another.

"You are late." Revanche said to her in the avian speech.

"No, I am not. He said to bring the letter; he never said to bring it by light of the day-star. Why are you and he so interested in this paper, anyway' What do the strange symbols tell you?" Su'aco was an owl, albeit smarter than most, but just an owl. She didn't read, she'd never tried to learn.

"They are words." Revanche said firmly. "They tell me nothing, but when I read them, I know what they say."

"They do not speak, yet they say things?" Su'aco asked, curious for the first time. "How?"

"It is called reading. Recognizing certain symbols to mean certain things. Let me show you..." Revanche said. Changing to her humanoid form, she pulled a paper over and, holding the pen in her hands, wrote out a single word; Su'aco. "This says your name; Su'aco." Revanche continued using the avian speak.

"That is what I am called?" Su'aco asked, staring at the strange squiggles curiously. "They look like mouse tails jumbled together." Su'aco, however, was intrigued. She dropped the letter and turned to Revanche. "Did he tell you anything about a second parcel" The blue person had it set out."

"Parcel" OH!" Revanche jumped up in surprise. "Blue One must have finished it! He said he would make a model of a music maker from his home! How big was it?" Su'aco explained in measurements only birds would understand. Revanche pondered, and then bobbed her head. "I will ask Friend if he can make me stronger to carry it!" Su'aco gave a ruffling of the feathers and turned around to take off.

"Revanche, can anyone learn to....read?" She asked in a whisper, and without waiting for a reply, left the room. Revanche smiled with glee, and began to write her own letter without opening the latest one. She would read it with Friend later.

Blue One, Hello! I am pleased to say I am much better now. I have been resting, and I will be taking the music-maker when I take your next letter home. Friend is asleep right now, so I am going to do as promised and share my tales with you, explaining why I was late...

It started off with delivering the letter to you. Along the way I was keeping an eye out for dry places, in case it rained. Well, I felt I was foolish, because it was not raining! But I have been caught in surprise storms before. I wanted to be safe.

After I was sure I found a good cave, I delivered the letter and waited. When you had the new letter, I took it very soon, and began to go home....when I felt a pain in my wings. Realizing something was wrong, I landed in the cave and changed to my human form. As you know, my human form is smaller than a normal human child, and the paper was a little bigger than me, but I set it aside and looked at my arm; it was red and....what is the word that means it is painful to touch, and bigger than normal? Whatever the word is, my arm was that. Friend says if that happens, soak whatever is red in cool water, and look for cuts. He says red and painful might be infection. I don't know what infection is, but I went deeper into the cave, looking for some water. How strange, no' I chose the cave because I thought I would stay dry, and now I needed water!

The cave was long, and deep, and I dared not go further in when weak. I stayed by the cave entrance, guarding the letter, and hoping the pain would stop. I had told myself if it did not stop by the next morning, I would go looking for the water. In the meantime, I was hungry, but my arm was hurting, so I had to decide what to do! In the end, I caught some bugs and ate them. It was not very tasty, but at least I did not starve.

I will end my tale for now, and write you another part tomorrow night. Also, tomorrow night, I will make sure Friend has a letter for you too. Please be well Blue One. You are a good friend. Your friend, Revanche

~*Revanche nodded, proud of herself for remembering so much of her tale so easily....but the more the memories came back, the more she realized she would not soon forget THAT little misadventure. Rolling the letter, she gently climbed down to the floor and ran to Friend's bed. Climbing up, she settled on her favorite pillow, turning into a hawk again. When the sun arose several hours later, V.D. awoke and saw Revanche waiting for him. Explaining her needs, he cast a simple spell to increase her size and strength. She gave him many thanks, and took off with her letter...*~

_________________________________________ "We're all a little mad here..." -Cheshire Cat

NightRunner

Date: 2007-06-11 22:21 EST
...And Now the Living Paramedics, Ponies and Pudding

It had turned to dusk by the time he's found the newest letter awaiting him. Still, after reading it three or four times it hadn't been until now that he could think of a proper reply. So, with pen, paper and raised ink poised, Renne begins his message.

Stranger,

I am pleased you are becoming healed. Yes, red is a bad thing as I have learned. It has a distinct smell to it too. I have come to call it the red-smell. When that smell is present, it is usually a sign that a life-form is harmed. You see, what I learned is that when the red-smell leaks out of a being, it is a bad thing and the leaking must be stopped. I think this red-smell is called blood. I know Humans and other creatures have it and that it is bad for this to leak out of them. I have blood too but it is not entirely the same. It is bad when mine leaks out, but mine does not have the red-smell and mine is thinner than a Human's. As far as I know, you did the correct thing.

When a being comes into Home and has the red-smell, I do as Sir or 'Chee tells me to. They are Humans and they know more about making Humans healed than I do. On occasion though, I will offer a trait I have called the Touching. I do not offer it many times anymore. I only offer it to those who are in immediate danger or to anyone under the roof of Home. However, I can only offer. I must obtain permission — trust of sorts — from a being. Or, if that being cannot speak for itself, I must obtain trust from one who speaks on behalf of the being. If this is not present, I cannot do anything.

I used to offer it more freely than I do now. I have learned since those times. But nonetheless, I am pleased you are becoming healed.

I hope you are able to hold the Mnembolke when you get it and I hope you are pleased by it.

I must go for now, for I wish to be with Ty'Rekh for a while. Ty'Rekh is a being called a Pony. Sir gave her to me. I know she is not a slave, for I speak to her and when I do, I receive emanations of pleasure or peace.

I love her much, Stranger. When I play with her, or ride upon her back, it is as if Sir is right there beside me again. I feel much the same when I hold my spy glass. I do not know what a spy glass is or how to use one, but it is a gift from Sir and it is a treasure. Just like my thought-book. My treasures are kept close to me always.

I shall await your next words.

-Renne

Once the ink is dry and the letter bound for transport, the imp places it beside the wrapped Mnembolke. Then, good as his word, Renne crawls out and to the stables to be with Ty'Rekh.

It isn't until about an hour or so later that Renne returns to the Maritime. Neither tired nor restless, he crawls into the kitchen. He hasn't cooked something in a while. Hm. Perhaps a nice hot meal might do some good. It never takes him long to virtually sterilise himself or the places he works. What takes a bit is preparation, and tonight, it's something new. He'd heard the recipe recently and he'd marveled at the name. "Pudding of Yorkshire".

Ah, well. Strange name or not, it's getting made tonight by a meticulous, perfectionistic little imp and it's not too terribly long before the smell of it becomes evident in the air.

Wings_Of_Balance

Date: 2007-07-24 00:03 EST
(Yes, hello. For those of you who keep checking for updates, forgive an old fool for moving at a crucial moment. I'm still having trouble accessing internet regularly, so please have patience and hopefuly we can return to our regularly scheduled program shortly.)

Wings_Of_Balance

Date: 2007-08-11 14:07 EST
(I am very sorry that this came to a stand-still....but thanks to circumstances beyond my control, it seems this thread is over. I didn't want it to be....but....well, we don't always get what we want, and sometimes, it just can't be done. Thanks to everyone who kept pace with this thread and read it loyally. This was my first attempt at a SL on a board. Here's hoping it wasn't a total dive. Any comments, or questions about the SL or my character, feel free to PM me, even if you want to tell me I was a horrible role-player and I should do various horrible things to myself (Hope not, though), but please understand, I won't always be able to check them right away, thanks to my shaky off-line life, the very reason this came to such a sudden halt. Thanks for the memories....I hope the ones I left with you aren't so bitter that you want to forget them right away....It may seem silly, or stupid to some of you, but I'm sad this had to end. It's never easy when you discover that although you thought the future seemed bright, it was simply a reflection of your current status, nothing more. There's no telling if I'll post on the RDI again, but if I do....keep an eye out for me, and if you'd be so kind, light a candle in the window for me so that I might find my way back. And to those who think this is a pathetic attempt at pity, or an overly dramatic pile of dragon dung, let me say this; I had every right to be here regardless of your opinions, just as you do. Why judge another if you don't want to be judged? This is my way of getting closure, and if you don't like it, well, sorry, but I didn't come here to please the populace. There's going to be someone, somewhere, doing something, someone doesn't like. It's the way of this and any other world; learn to accept it like I did, and you'll find it's a happier place to be, ironically. And on that note....Farewell.)

~*The paper sat there gathering dust. The ink was probably dried out by now, and VD was sorry it had come to this. The fates- may their panties forever stay twisted!!! -plucked him from his home and dropped him somewhere else. It had taken time to return, and when he finally was able to....well, things had changed. Revanche said the tavern was empty and cold, save for a single candle in a window. VD sat in his chair, looking out the window at the setting sun. Somewhere out there was his little blue friend....VD hoped with all his heart, that wherever he was, he was surrounded by those that cared about him. Sadly, it was all he could do now; hope. And even sadder yet, that hope tore at his heart. Once again, VD felt alone, and isolated from the world.*~

"It's probably better this way..." He commented, and allowed a single tear to hit the floor before turning away from the window for the final time...

_________________________________________________ "...It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah..." -Rufus Wainwright