Topic: Krollon Arkanan

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-01 20:09 EST

((Original postings by Krollon, Topaz and Tormay. ))

Nestled among the trees stands the cottage they would call home.

After discussing the need for finding a new house, Ark, or Reaper as most tend to call him, goes house hunting. He approaches the cottage and looks about, seeing an "Open House" sign in the front yard. Coming up the walk, he begins to tour the house taking in all the details. Meanwhile, a Real Estate Agent quietly waits for any questions.

The yard holds many trees of varying types, including a few pine and oak trees with huge branches which provide ample shade in the front. The trees thin out in the back to allow the sun to shine on the house during the morning as the front faces West. The fence is built with wood-rails and encompasses the property. A small flower garden occupies the north-east corner, with several other small flower beds surrounding the house. The cottage itself is made of a white-gray stone with a tan-tiled roof and tan shutters frame the windows. A huge bay window with a sliding glass door dominates the center of the back wall.

The entry way is small with a cloak closet and a short hallway to the main room. Unfurnished, the main room holds a large fireplace with an oak mantle. Easily large enough to hold several chairs and a table while still leaving space for dancing. The bay window is set in the east wall, the fireplace in the south. An archway just east of the fireplace leads into the dining room. Small globes which will emanate light on command are set in the corners and another hangs suspended from the center of the ceiling. A second arch leads from this room to the kitchen. A door at the far end leads to an area designed for servants, fitting three comfortably.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-01 20:12 EST

The second arch from the main hall leads into a den with a small fireplace, windows in each wall and a small door leads to a lavatory with running water.

The spiral staircase in the southwest corner leads to the second floor,
opening into a hall with four doors.

The first door opens into a second lavatory, with a deep bathtub. The second two leading to roomy bedrooms, each with a small fireplace and windows facing west and either north or south, based on orientation. The final door opens into the master bedroom, easily twice the size of the other two with a large window overlooking the backyard. A fireplace sits in the north wall with a second window facing south.

Having finished the tour, he quickly makes up his mind. He descends the staircase, walking up to the Agent.

Reaper: "I'll take it. When can I move in?"

Agent: "It's ready now, you can move in whenever you want. Would you like to talk financing?"

Reaper: "No." Krollon handed him three brilliant red gems. "That oughtta cover it."

The agent practically choked as he pocketed the gems.
Agent: "Then consider it yours, sir. I'll draw up the papers."

As the agent finishes up the paperwork, Reaper goes to retrieve the "For Sale" sign. Returning and having bid the agent farewell, he magicks up a comfy couch, and just reclines in front of the bay window, smiling to himself, hoping she likes his new home.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-01 20:15 EST

Ark had given Topaz a tour of his new house. Most of the rooms were still mostly empty, though he had managed to furnish some.

In the den, light glowed dimly from globes in the corners, when she was visiting. She had noticed a solid oak desk sitting against the near wall with a bear-skin rug before the fireplace and a comfy couch facing the fire with two small tables to either side. The walls were bare except for one portrait over the fireplace... covered by a white tarp. There was an incense oil burner made of black metal and glass on the mantle of the fireplace, burning
steadily, giving off a slight vanilla scent.

He had shown her his room, too. A large black fluffy rug was placed in the center of the room. A four-poster bed stood near the windows with midnight blue sheets and *HUGE* fluffy pillows covering it. One wall was decorated by a Dream-Catcher on one side and a crest on the other side of the door. The mantle of the fireplace was adorned with various wolf-sculptures. One of them looked to be a male wolf resting on rocks, another like a female with
three cubs. When she had asked him why wolves, he explained: " Back in my world, we're big on totem spirits...the wolf is mine. They're kinda like guardian spirits. Each person has one specifically for them. But of course, many share the same animal."

And he had asked her to help decorate. She would start by taking a couple of plants over.

"Which ones should we take, Tormay?" Topaz was looking at some of the indoor trees, trying to make up her mind about which two would look best in Ark's entry hall.

She had told a curious Tormay three times over how everything looked, even that the spiral stair railing could be used for sliding down, if one didn't mind getting oh so dizzy from it and it squeeking a little.

"Dat one." Tormay had picked one of the ficus trees.

Having herself decided on one matching in height, she opened a portal to Ark's house.

"Ready darlin'?"

"Aye...al ...wee's are ready mummy."

Taking the trees, Topaz followed Tormay through the portal.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-01 20:18 EST

Mummy! LOOOK! ::points to the ceiling::

Go ahead Tormay, have a look around while l set these in their places ::Topaz sends Tormay exploring with a smile::

::doesn't argue at all as he continues to look up to the ceiling of the portal::
::decides to flutter up::

::gets busy with the trees, placing them in just their right places left and right of the arched doorway into the den::

MUMMY~.....MUMMY!
::watching a caterpillar::

::She looks to see where Tormay is::

It's on the ceiling! Mummy!

Where? ::tries to see::

Here!.....::swats at it lightly::
::the caterpillar lands on her head::
Oh....oh.

Ohh ::giggles::

::giggles again:: I sawry Mummy.
::flutters down and his little hands dive into her hair::

get down here please Tormay ::tries to detangle the caterpillar from her hair::

otay Mummy. ::sly grin::
::sites the caterpillar:: Here it is Mummy.

oh you ::kneels so Tormay may extract it::

::holds it between his fingers and watches as it squirms::::giggles:: ::tilts his head up:: May we keep it Mummy?
I like him.::his eyes almost crosseyed from staring at it::

Sure, Tormay. til we get outside, then you can set it on a leaf.

oh...but.....::relents:: Otay Mummy.
::runs toward the trees Mummy has picked out::perty Mummy.

thank you. l hope Ark will think the same

::a mischievious grin slying his dimpled cheek::

Tormay whispers to the caterpillar. He sets it down on the ficus tree's base and folds his fingers into one another. He looks at his mummy with big eyes:: and Who Ark?

You remember, mummy's friend who bought this house.

kind of sort of....remember...Mummy. ::smiles::
he was nice person.
::fiddling with his finger and thinking further::
Does he ...um....::straight out:: Does he 'ave a sword, Mummy?

::chuckles softly:: Yes, Tormay, a big one at that.
When can we see him again?

Hmmm, l dunno for sure. You're usually asleep when he got time to play.

oh! drat it....::snaps his fingers but can't quite do it..right::

We'll see what we can work out. Wonna have a look at the garden?
::At Tormay's positive answer leads him outside:: No flying over the fence now, you hear?

::Sits in the grass and watches Tormay, enjoying the time away from the desk with its mountain of paperwork::

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-01 20:21 EST

Krollon stops by the house to change clothes after hunting for guild information. He walks in and sees the ficus plant, smiles, then notices a caterpillar munching one of the leaves.

He looks at it closely and gathers up some of the fallen leaves into a pile, moving them into a corner fer some type of little house for the creature before he walks upstairs and dons a brown riding outfit, grabbing a pouch of coins as he returns to the walkway, intent on finding just the right pair of horses and a nice little pony before he forgets.

Krollon peeks outside, checking over the work on the stables to the right of the house, noting that the workmen seem almost finished, leaves a few minor instructions with them and with Alex as he heads back into town.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-01 20:22 EST

::comes running into the new house and stops suddenly to look at the ficus tree.::

::sees leaves that have naturally fallen and peers down and notices a small mound.::

::kneels down and puts his cheek, ever so closely to the soil there.::

"Oh, wittle caterpillar....!" he giggles.

::the little caterpillar seems to know it's new owner and crawls out into the open.::

"you cute? Where did you get the house from?" laughs Tormay.

::the little caterpillar crawls into the mound.::

"MUMMY! Where you at?...." shouts Tormay. ::He runs into the bedroom and stops to sight Reaper. His dimpled cheeks take actions as his grin is widened.::

"Um, I 'ave a catterpiller! and he 'as new home."

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-01 20:25 EST

Krollon spins about as he puts away his riding outfit, having changed to go to the Arena later.

"Well hello there, Little Man," Krollon smiled. "I saw yer new caterpillar. Does he like his new home?"

Krollon kneels down so's not to seem too tall for the little guy and smiles pleasantly, thinking how cute the little guy looks with that intense look of wonder on his face.

Tormay studies him with amazement in his eyes then nods his head clear down to his chin in a show of utter glee. "Yes Sirree! don't know how it got dere but it did."

Tormay takes a little step forward. "You Arky?"

Tormay plants both of his little hands on the sides of his hips and awaits his answer.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-01 20:26 EST

Krollon had suggested to let Tormay have a look at the new house before asking him if he'd like to move there. They found him upstairs with his nose in a brown-leather volume.

"Hey you", Topaz greeted him with a grin from the door frame, keeping her hands behind her back.

"Oh, hey there", he replied, "I was wondering if you were coming by tonight."

Tormay was heard giggeling from behind his mother's back peeking through her legs as Krollon marked his place in the book before closing it and setting it aside. Looking up again he noticed the little feller."Hey there, Little Man."

With a giggle Tormay whispers, "I see you but you can't see me", hiding his eyes behind his little hands. His giggle turned merrier as Krollon got up, moved towards him and knelt down. "How's yer caterpillar?"

Tormay dropped his hands down to his sides and shyly let his little head peek out with the expression of dimples, "Fine!!!! Hi Arky!"

"How ya doin' buddy?" Krollon wanted to know.

Tormay jumped out to the side, about half an inch from his mummy. " I fine!"

"And what're you doin' up so late, Little Man?" By now they were all caught by Tormay's contagous giggles.

"Mummy lets me ifin I 'ave a bad dream, but....", Tormay's voice dropped to a whisper, "dat is a BIG secet."

"Oh, then I promise to never say a word." Krollon answered with a finger to his lips.

Quickly, before any of the grown-ups could change their minds about letting be up he changed the subject,"See me sword?" Tormay looked up to his mummy with utmost respect. "I like him!"

With a wink to Krollon over Tormay's head Topaz whispered back to her son, "I'm glad. I like him, too."

With that Tormay turned back to Krollon and put forth his little hand, "I Tormay in the flesh," giggles still carried on his voice, "shake on it?"

Krollon watched with interest and with a grin extended his own hand, massive compared to the tiny one Tormay had offered. Very gently he took Tormay's hand and shook it.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-01 20:27 EST

"A pleasure." Tormay bowed with very much interest and much ado as he looked to him with a rather skeptical eye. Krollon stood up and gave Tormay a just as grand bow in return.

"You build my caterpillar's home?" Tormay squinted up.

"Who told ya that?" Krollonf smiled back.

"I good at guesses. I magick. " Tormay shot back with another giggle.

"I can see.... well, yes, as a matter of fact I did."

"Pillar likes it." Tormay continued with three fingers held up in the air, "I dis old.How old be you?"

Krollon managed a show of fourtyfour fingers, after Tormay had explained to him how to. Tormay went on to share his secrets about his girl friend who had no idea of this and did not like boys. He had to ask his mom for the girls name, too. Rhiannon was a difficult name for a three year old to sound out correctly. Krollon told Tormay, Rhi might like him better if he got her flower, which took the two on to a conversation about gardening.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-01 20:28 EST

"Me like gardens a whole lot......dis much." Tormay opened his arms as wide as they would go. He slammed on of them into his mom's legs and almost toppeled her over. Having reasured himself mom was smiling he turned back to tell Krollon just how much he loved his mom. Again he demonstrated by opening his arms wide. After they all had composed themselves again from laughing, Tormay wanted to know, "You duel? Mummy got me a wooden
so...s...o..sword."

"A wooden one? Well, how 'bout something a little softer?" Krollon worried about the
bruises he would get practicing with Tormay.

Later half way through discussing the benefits of a wood sword vias a foam one, Tormay got tired enough to look for his bed and asked where the furniture. He went on to inform both grown-ups he wanted his things here. Having gotten a positive answer, he smiled. "I wuv you. I get some seepy eye for energies okay?"

He did not protest as Topaz picked him up to put him to bed and made his good byes already half asleep.

"I big boy mummy......I gettin to be big boy.I do....meself. I put meself to seepy." With those words Tormay fell asleep before Topaz had tucked him in.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-01 20:31 EST

The Visit

Sher and AJay had stopped by for a night cap or cups in this case as even AJay agreed to coffee instead of his usual goat's milk.

"Okay....okay.....okayokay......I know your gonna ask.......and I might as well just go ahead and tell you right you are. I've not finished my contract.......I've been too busy having fun with Kaetorian......." Ajay started them on a fun conversation about team dueling in general and bait in particular after Sher had complimented Krollon on the painting over the mantle. "I went and got him a fishing pole.......and it's just been too hard to think of anything else."

"At least I don't see a mug labeled "Big Bird" Was Ajay's comment when he saw the writings on the coffee mugs.

"We can fix that AJ." Topaz countered with a wink.

AJay went on to discuss business. "Our team........how will the duels be scheduled? Are there going to be particular nights which we will be required to duel the duel?"

"It's terribly complicated," Topaz launched into an explanation. "The captains of both teams meet and fight out who gets to duel who, the home team having to offer up one dueler first to be matched. The visiting team matches one to that offered one and then offers another one up and so on, taking turns. The captains also agree on a day and time to hopefully be able to have most of the five duels. Once the duelers receive the template and the suggested time and day, they contact their opponent, sending a carbon copy to both captains, stating either they can make it or suggest a different day and time to their opponent. This correspondence goes back and forth 'til the pair agreed on when to meet. Once that is done, the captains inform the rest of their team, so the team mates may be there to cheer the duelers on. There are deadlines by when the duels have to be fought so they will not be ruled forfeits."

"Okay.......as long as I know when the deadline......I can usually get under it just in time....." Ajay replied with a wink.

To a grimace from AJay Topaz went on: "And now that you got it so well explained, l got me someone to cover that part of spring training for everyone."

The friendly banter went back and forth, and more then once one or the other got himself into a bit of a tight spot. "Oh.....Procrastination.......my biggest sin" Ajay started to dig a hole.

"He's that bad, Sher?" Topaz lent him a helping hand.

"You wouldn't believe it if I told you, Topaz," Sher offered. "He's a great guy, but its like pullin' teeth to get him to do anything, anything that has a deadline, that is."

"Was she like that before ya got married, AJ, or is it just the way of married folks?" Krollon nudged Ajay toward the dug hole.

"I wish I could say that she changed.........but She's always been wonderful in her own way......" Ajay stepped around the hole with a wide grin.

"What exactly does Tiny mean to you?" Ajay, not be outdone, pulled Krollon toward the hole and made him splutter his coffee and put a rosy tint to Topaz's cheeks.

"Uh....um....well.....", Krollon stuttered at the edge. " Lots", he smiled, "That good enough answer fer ya, mister Bird?" He had made it around the hole.

With that Topaz took Sher on a tour of the house, leaving the men with the hole to inch around.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-01 20:34 EST

"So you ever go fishing........with Tormay, Ark?" Were the last words the women heard on their way up the winding stair case.

Krollon shook his head, "But, I'm sure we'll get time to. He and Topaz are moving into the spare rooms here."

"Oh great!!!" Then AJay got distracted , "I wonder what those two are upstairs gigglin' about?"

"Well...if she's showing things....probably either dresses, or her flower." Reaper answered the aside question and added, "In answer to yer earlier question...the lots thing does give it a start."

"Maybe one day when you get the Baby-sitting duty.........You and Tormay......Me and Kaetorian.......can head out to Lake RhyDin and sit........chat.......swap some stories...." AJay challenged and lowered his voice to a whisper, "Yea.......and give us a chance to show the boys how to duel. Don't tell Sher I said that."

"That sounds great. I already got a nerf sword fer Tormay hidden in the basement." Krollon confided before adding somewhat embarrassed, "You'll have ta teach me ahead of time though. Ain't never been fishing. "

With mock shock AJay took this as another reason to press for a trip to the lake, "You have never been fishing......oh my, we will just have to change that! The ladies just don't understand these things........."

"Yeah, me and my father never did stuff like that. Not fishing anyway. Mostly learned of war and magic," offered Krollon.

"Yea.......fishin'...that's our story.......and we're stickin' to it", Ajay continued with a merry wink. "Oh......when we lived in the wilderness.......we fished all the time....."

"Sounds like a Plan. We can always buy some fish at the market if they get suspicious", Krollon agreed. "I was always either on the run or in a fortress. But it sounds good to kinda have a guys-day-out."

"When we settled in Ballentyne.........and a lot of the fishing spots......got spoiled from war......Well, that's enough about fishing..." Ajay closed the subject as he heard the ladies giggle up-stairs. "Listen to them two......"

"You know how ladies can get. All giggly." Krollon agreed with a smile.

AJay continued, "Aye.......they disarm you with their sweet smiles and soothing voices.......then wham! Next thing you know.......Your hooked......just like a fish......"

With an arched eye brow Krollon mused, "She hooked me a long time ago, I just never realized it. You any good at judging horse-flesh, AJ? I bought a couple today, but its been a while since I've done that."

"Horses....You gotcha a couple of horses eh? I know a lil' bit bout the beasts." AJay urged his friend to go on.

"Yeah, a war horse fer me.... need the extra strength, a riding horse for Topaz, and a pony for Tormay. The war horse I'm sure on.... I got experience with them. But the riding horse and the pony I'm not too sure on.

"How many hands is the war horse?" AJay wanted to know.

"Sixteen", was Krollon's answer.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-01 20:40 EST

"So, you ever go fishing with Tormay?" Were the last words the women heard of the men's conversation.

On the way up the winding stair case Topaz described the blue glittery dress to Sher and demonstrated exactly what eyes Krollon had made when he saw her wear it which had them both in giggles.

Topaz lead Sher straight to the closet of the room which was to become hers to share her new treasures with her friend. After they had shown and looked at everything and were done uh-ing and ah-ing and friendly teasing, up-dated each other on the latest news of their children, Topaz asked Sher's advise on what to do with the room.

Once they had imagined every bit of furniture and every possible decor in every corner of the room, Topaz asked, "think the guys be missing us by now?"

"Probably," Sher answered, "but its good for them."

Despite the benefit to the men by missing them the women decided to re-join them and to see if they had left them any cookies. They re-entered the den just in time to catch the end of a discussion of horse flesh, if too late to see any cookies left on the plate.

"Sixteen what?" Topaz inquired as she sat down.

Krollon explained they were talking about horses, sixteen being the height of his new steed in hands.

"Has Topaz seen her riding horse yet?" Ajay stepped in the earlier dug hole.

Krollon frowned. "It was supposed to be a surprise, AJ."

AJay threw a hand up to cover his mouth, albeit a bit late. "Ark, ya didn't tell her.....Oh, gosh I'm sorry.......I didn't know......Oh man.....I feel like the oaf."

Krollon turned to Topaz to explain and undoubtedly to give AJay time to climb out of the hole. "Yeah, found ya a riding horse today while I was out, luv. A slim, white mare. So we can go on rides together. Seems strong and fast though."

"It might mean new Riding clothes Topaz", Ajay had made his way out the hole and ingeniously turned the conversation to clothes.

Topaz turned to Sher and asked, "Does AJ make you wear funny clothes for everything?"

AJay looked at Sher with Wide Eyes and with a whisper fell back into the hole. "You're not going to tell her are you?" His look was a scream for help.

"What's so funny 'bout a riding outfit, huh?" Krollon tried to lend a helping hand as Sher started to answer.

"Um....well, sometimes he does", she made AJay fear she'd push him in deeper before she continued. " Especially when he takes me fishing, and of course when we ride. They take a little getting used to, but they are not that bad, Topaz."

"Whew !" AJay sighed relieved and muttered, "Thank you......oh thank you."

Topaz's "Wonna warn me to be prepared for anything else?"-question made AJay look to the water-clock. "Is that thing right Ark?"

"Well, fishing kinda stinks. Sometimes I try to make up an excuse, but he makes me go anyway." Sher answered Topaz with a wink as Krollon answered Ajay's question.

"Yep, best money can buy. Water-clocks with gears, the only way to go."

"I make you.......excuse me...", Ajay protested, "I've never made you do anything......"

Sher cleared her throat secretively grinning to herself about AJay having stumbled back into the hole, "Oh really?"

"Uh oh, look out AJ.... ya just opened a can of bait, bud." Krollon pointed out to AJay his current location.

"Yea.....and it stinks, too." AJay muttered before he continued to dig deeper. "Remember that time.......that time I asked you if you wanted to go fishing before the ceremony you said yes!"

Sher helped him with a loving smile," Yeah, that was our wedding day, AJ...I thought you were just kidding."

"But I asked." Ajay looked to be pouting.

"You went fishing on your wedding day? No way." Topaz asked unbelieving.

Sher was laughing by now, "NO. But he did."

"Oh, AJ, even *I* wouldn't have done that." Krollon did not help.

"What's so funny." AJay did not like his present location. "I was nervous....." Which had Krollon laughing and AJay might have blushed. "Oh......uh......oh...yea, that's right......I can't believe I confessed to that."

"After we got married, he went fishing. The honeymoon had to wait." Sher finished, "Have you ever tried to stop a man from doing something he loves ? Especially as much as he loves fishing?"

Topaz shook her head in the negative and Krollon sat back with a huge smile and watched AJay struggle. "That'd be like having yer wedding between duels, man."

Ajay still looked for a way out. "Ark......now would be a good time for another save. Your killin' me here."

"Hey, yer on yer own fer this one, bud." Denied Krollon, as Sher redeemed her husband,

"But at least he took a bath after he got home."

Help came as they turned to discuss the benefits of a wedding in a dueling ring. The evening came to a close amidst much laughter.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-01 21:01 EST

Moving

With help of a portal and the beacon's guards and despite Tormay's efforts to oversee the move of his things, Tormay's and Topaz's new rooms fill quickly.

Tormay's room now sports his bed, topped with his Dal-doll - still headless, a toy chest, a couple shelves for books. The Tormay-size table and a couple chairs stand under the curtained window on a large bright multi colored rug, another rug of the same make lays in front of his bed, and the closet is filled with everything Tormay could need to wear. There also are a couple shelves on the walls, low enough for Tormay to reach - or at least ones he pulls up a chair to stand on - housing colored coal pencils in crystaline jars, prettily painted metal knights, dragons, chariots, people and animals of various sizes and shapes.

Two paintings in light oak frames grace his walls. A castle surrounded by forest on one, extended past it's frame with a couple ivy plants to either side mounted to the wall and some more of the metal knights on a tiny board of to the left. A clown with balloons surrounded by a fair atmosphere on the other.

As Tormay has left with Molleen, Topaz paints a couple bright ballons on the wall next to the picture, making them look like they just escaped the clown. The tiny board between the ballons and the picture frame is left empty for now as there were no metal clowns to be found between Tormay's toys.

The rugs in Topaz's room are forest green with tiny splashes of pink. The same pattern repeats on the spread and pillows on the cherry-wood four poster and on the love seat in front of the bed. The window is draped with a lacy curtain delicate as a spider web, tinted lightly green.On the low table between the love seat and the firplace stands the magical orb with that charm of a crown inside. The low shelves on each side of the bed hold a variety of books and lose papers. Green plants, a couple of miniture rose bushes, and a couple of ficus trees - all in brass containers - are spread evenly around the room together with brass and crystal candle holders holding candles matching the color of the roses. Between two smaller ones topping one of the shelves sits a light blue crystaline bloom.

The walls are now home to a couple of paintings of the Atreblian Valley framed in cherry wood and by more candles in brass and crystal as well as some english ivy. To finish off the decor, making the room look bigger and the walls look alive, the natural ivy is extended in painting on the walls.

A tall brass bucket stands by the door to hold the spare blades.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-01 21:03 EST

Tormay smiles.

"Arky huh? I suppose you kin call me that. But just you, kay?" Krollon gives him a secretive look.

"I hear yer gettin' good with yer toy sword, huh? If ya'd like I got ya one that's a little softer that you could have."

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-01 21:17 EST

Krollon wakes up, feeling her absence and looks around.

He sees the sunlight streaming in from the window and smiles at yet another nice day in RhyDin.

He gets up and begins to change clothes, noticing that his old scar on his abdomen has torn slightly, wondering at that, he picks up the ancient book he had been reading and turns to a passage he had read earlier and reads it aloud.

"Due to the inability to heal themselves naturally, Reapers and Takers must use their innate magick abilities to close any wounds before they become too serious. It has been successful to use a transfusion to eliminate the water-based fluid which serves as "blood" for them and replace it with true blood. Once it is introduced, the heart will automatically begin producing and pumping the new substance. Although this makes wounds less
life-threatening to the clones, it can introduce other problems. See Appendix 13 for more details."

He turns to the indicated index and begins to read, having never read it before thinking the problems couldn't be too big of a deal.
Krollon finishes reading the appendix and smiles. ?So, that's why.? He draws on the magick and sends a trickle towards the wound, sensing the darkness and evil taint around and inside of it.

He alters the trickle and the wound closes enough to stop any blood loss.

Good enough. Now, fer breakfast.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-01 21:18 EST

Ark woke up early the day of the tourney and went for a ride to clear his thoughts. Although not entirely confident that he would earn one of the coveted Rings, he had decided on a course of action. It was this course of action which now weighed heavily on his mind. He rode with no thought as to where he was going and soon found himselves among the many stores in the shopping district of RhyDin. Suddenly, a thought struck him almost like a bolt of lightning. A slow smile began to spread across his face and he calmly dismounted and tied off his horse near a jeweler's shop.

Upon entering, the shop keeper immediately approached him. A bit startled by the shop keeper's apparent hurry, Ark asked if he were busy. The answer quickly explained why the shop keeper had so quickly acknowledged his customer's presence. According to him, the shops were near deserted what with so many Warlords off practicing and others trying to arrange their schedules around the upcoming tourney.

Ark smiled, silently determining not to discuss the tourney with the man and instead began looking into the various glass cases around the room. An hour passed, and still Ark had not found what he wanted. "It must be perfect," he mumbled to himself. With that comment, the shop keeper finally asked if there was something he didn't see which he was searching for.

In moments, a clear picture came into Ark's mind and he described in complete detail what it was he sought. The shop keeper shook his head, "I have nothing even like it, nor do I have the correct stones you mention to do it. I could have it for you next week."

"Too late...too late...." Ark mumbled as he reached into his pouch and withdrew a small handful of gemstones. Picking out the ones he needed, he handed them over to the shop keeper. "Here, use these. And if you can have it by tomorrow night, any excess of the gems is yours as well as one of each besides."

The shop keeper smiled, "As you wish, My Lord. I will have it ready before tomorrow night's activities."

With that Ark smiled and headed back for his horse. After mounting his steed, he quickly made the journey home.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-01 21:20 EST

Ark glanced at the water-clock in his home and realized that he'd better be going since the second day of the tourney was to start in less than half-an-hour. Suddenly, he remembered his errand of yesterday. "Yikes! Better get moving." he said to himself. Determining that a Portal would be best, he opened one to just outside the jeweler's shop he had visited the previous day. A few wanderers jumped as he emerged, but most shrugged it off as an everyday occurence in RhyDin.

Quickly, he walked in and was immediately greeted by the shop keeper.

"I was beginning to worry about you, My Lord," the shopkeeper said with a smile. He brought a small black box out and opened it.

Ark took the ring out with a smile. "It's perfect," he said in awe of the workmanship. He immediately handed over the agreed on sum plus a bit extra to the delight of the shopkeeper.

"Must be someone pretty special getting a ring like that," the shopkeeper said knowingly.

"Aye, she truly is," Ark responded as he shook hands and departed the shop, hoping that all would go well tonight.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-01 21:23 EST

Treasure Hunt

"Wonna fly or treasure hunt?" Topaz had asked at the picnic after they were done with dessert and almost made him choke on the last of his coffee. He wanted to see what she called treasure hunting in the tame forest just out of RhyDin.

After he took off his cloak on her advice, they were ready. Topaz brushed a couple low branches to the side to reveal what could not have been a trail for anything larger then bunny rabits.

"This way, luv." With that she disappeared into the thicket and left him to follow. He watched, and half out of curiosity and half not to disappoint her, he went down on all fours and followed her - or rather the rustling of the leaves, a noise he assumed she had made in her passing. Every now and then, when he dared to lift his eyes from the treacherous roots and the low branches he could have sworn where enchanted to lash out at his arms and face, he caught a glimpse of light blue, the color of the outfit she was wearing.

"How could she be giggling? Sure, she's a lot smaller, definitely an advantage for her on this trail." He thought to himself and started to grin as he dodged to the right to avoid a patch of poison ivy.

Barely did he have time to appreciate the sparcer vegetation and get up to stretch, when he came upon an almost vertical two foot rise. A shouted, "Watch yer head!", made him stop and take a look around. The path did continue up the rise and looked to be even less passable then it had been up to now.

Topaz's instructions had become less precise and timely. She had him work for this treasure. He turned his concentration towards giving the thorns as little as possible of his shirt to bite their teeth into and promptly bumped into something soft, Topaz.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-01 21:24 EST

It was darker here, the light did not filter through to them and the sounds of the night seemed louder and closer. The exersice of practically crawling and climbing made him sweat despite the cool night air. Topaz pulled a small glowing ball from her skirt pocket and set in on the ground between them which iluminated the spot sparcely.

"Is this the treasure, luv?" Krollon asked as Topaz reached into a hole at the base of a tree trunk. After less than a minute she pulled her hand back out and in the circle of light from the globe extended her hand and what she had captured within to Krollon.

"No. Just a sight along the way." Topaz answered with a smile. He looked at the tiny baby bunny and reached out to pet the little brown fur ball with an extended finger. He watched Topaz rub the animal with dirt before she replaced it into it's nest.

They were ready to go on he had told Topaz as he had handed her the globe. But he was not so sure anymore as he felt something slithering over his hand. "These snakes ain't poisonous are they?"

Topaz sounded unconcerned and elicited a half hearted chuckle from him. Though he could not see her anymore he could imagine her shrug and the impish sparkle to her eyes acompanying her non-chalant answer, "Dunno, ye should find out in no time once it bit ye."

Topaz had found what she was looking for. Quickly she retrived the glow globe and slipped it into the clean deer skull she had deposited there earlier in the day and moved it to where it could not be missed. She chuckled satisfied with herself as she heard him mutter about one of the roots which stuck out of the ground, though he did sound to be further back than she thought he might have been.

Ark came upon the glowing skull with a slight start. Chuckling, he picked it up and the glow globe fell from the inside. Reaching down, he pocketed the globe and set the skull back down. "She'd better do better than that if she's tryin' ta scare me," he said to himself with a grin.

Topaz 'forgot' to warn Krollon of the sudden two foot drop and was hoping the spiders had rebuilt their webs since she had walked into them this afternoon. The path was dark enough for Krollon to close his eyes and rely on the sences he had developed during the time he was blind. She hoped spiderwebs were not something he could sense.

Ark crawled along and came upon the drop suddenly, falling forward, face first into the spider webs. Mumbling, he used the magick to remove them from his face as he groaned slightly from the pain induced by the fall. Undaunted, he continued.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-01 21:26 EST

Topaz heard his mumble carry on the night air and, knowing her home woods well, deemed it safe enough to plant the next trick. She pulled a can of worms from her pocket, courtesy of one of RhyDin's tackle and bait shops, opened it and emptied the contents onto the trail behind her with the hope most of the worms would stay put until after Krollon passed the spot. Topaz went on and flew over a few more obstacles, hoping she judged their height right to be just enough of an obstacle but not unsurmountable. Krollon's mutter told her he must have squished some of the worms.

After he had wiped off his hands he walked on and stopped short before a wall of loose tree branches, leaves, foliage, and some things he could not make out in the dark. Krollon decided not to obliterate it as it looked natural enough and climbed over it with no little effort. He vaulted over the top only to land with a splash on the other side and far lower then he had thought. Topaz had lead him to the lake's edge, and he had plunged right into the lake. He heard Topaz giggle from a few yards ahead and contemplated sweet revenge as he picked himself up and again followed her.

Topaz followed the winding shore line for a few minutes before she turned back into the thicket. She made sure the first few golden coins caught and reflected the moon light. They were to lead Krollon the rest of the way to the box she had placed towards the end of the natural tunnel formed by a thorny hedge. Satisfied with the placement of the coins, she flew over the thicket and waited for Krollon on the other side of the
twelve-and-a-half-yard-long obstacle.

Krollon saw the first coin and pocketed it. He shook his head to himself but, with a shrug, crawled along the trail following the line of coins while he tried not to get overly scratched up. Eventually, and acompanied by a few muttered curses at the thorns, he came upon a box. He could barely make out the gold paper letters spelling TREASURE.

"Made it !" Krollon thought prematurely. He opened the lid and jumped, just as taken by surprise as the two toads which leaped from the box glad to be released. Despite the new scratches the jump had added to his skin, he chuckled to himself about getting startled by those little harmless creatures and searched through the crumpled papers in the box for what Topaz called treasure.

He held the light globe close to the obeject he found. It was a statuette, the same size of the ones he had on the mantle in his room, of a running grey wolf with a pink toungue hanging out one side of his mouth. As he placed the wolf back amidst the protective papers, his fingers came upon another object wrapped in more paper. Opening it revealed a small man's dagger. The ivory hilt sported what looked to be arcane runes of some sort. He determined that he'd have to ask Topaz what spell the dagger was enchanted with. Having put the dagger back, he grabbed a tight hold of the box and made his way out of the thorny thicket, into the clearing where they had had their picnic. "Oh, yer evil. Very, very evil." He chuckled to Topaz with a wink after he had streched his limbs and before he hugged her to him.

Much later Topaz answered his question about the small blade. The dagger was enchanted to never fail its mark so long as it was thrown to further the cause of light.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 01:08 EST

Proposal

The Warlord tourney had progressed through the first five rounds. Topaz and Ark had both been eliminated but waited, watching the remaining duels. Ark had told Topaz that AJ had an announcement and they had been asked to wait around until he got off work so as to not miss it. Sher came to join them with AJ in tow after he had changed out of his uniform. At a break in the fighting, AJ piped up. "Attention everyone, I need just a moment of your time if I may. Ya'll know me....and if you would please.... I'd like to share something with you......or should I say...... Ark would like to say something," AJ spoke and then took his seat, knowing what was coming next.

Ark cleared his throat and began as many pairs of eyes turned to him, "Um, yes, well, I had hoped to be doing this after either Topaz or I had one of the rings, but no reason to delay it just because of that."

Topaz blinked having no idea what was coming having been completely thrown off the trail by a well-planned ruse courtesy of Baron Bird.

Ark stood and looked to Topaz, placing one hand in his pocket. He dropped to one knee and pulled out a small, black ring-box. He flipped it open with one hand and showed the ring inside to Topaz. The ring was shaped like a delicate butterfly, diamond dust made the wings sparkle and a single, flawless topaz sat in the center as the butterfly's body.

As he did so, most of the eyes turned to look at the couple briefly and smile. Many of the women assembled began to wipe tears of happiness from their eyes as Ark took her hand and spoke once more. "You know I'm not the fanciest with words. So, I'll make this simple. You give meaning to my life. Since you came into my life, I have known true joy and happiness", he paused briefly, gathering his courage. "Will you be my bride?" he asked looking into her eyes lovingly.

In the background, voices could be heard making various comments about the proposal, but Ark heard nothing. He held his breath, awaiting her answer.

Topaz ignored Gnort's advice to give a none commital answer. The arena and everyone in it except for Krollon seemed to melt away and with a nod to Krollon she answered, "l should have guessed you'd ask me sooner or later. This is rather sooner than l thought." Her smile deepened having noticed he was holding his breath. "l am honored you ask me and Yes, l'd love to."

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 01:09 EST

Clowns

Ark quietly snuck into Tormay's room as he slept. Glancing to be sure the lad still slept, he gave a small smile, hoping the boy would see the new arrivals when he awoke.

Carefully, Ark moved to the empty shelf and withdrew a small figurine from the pouch at his side. The pure silver figure was of a clown standing on his head while balancing a large ball on his feet. Setting the figurine on the shelf, he smiled as this had been his first piece to come out correctly.

He then placed his hand back into the pouch and withdrew a second silver figurine. This one portrayed a clown juggling three balls. The balls were each attached with fine wires and connected centrally so they spun when the wind blew upon them.

Again, he smiled, remembering Topaz's delight in seeing the little balls spin as she blew into them. This one had taken several attempts to make, and afterwards, Ark had strengthened the wires so they would not break easily.

Ark took a step back and then reached out to reposition the clowns just a bit so they appeared as if interacting and then looked once more at Tormay's sleeping form.

"Clowns to make you laugh and smile, Little Man," he whispered. "Sleep well." Quietly, he closed the door behind him.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 01:12 EST

The Crystals Cave

Topaz and Krollon had hurried home from the team meeting and prepared for their outing. Krollon was taking Topaz to the Thardin Polar Caps to show her something. A surprise, he had told her. It was tough going until they got to the platform that took them up the 300-foot escarpment. But Topaz forgot all about the difficulties of getting there as her eyes beheld the cave Krollon had brought her to.

Crystals in all colors of the rainbow where everywhere. The ceiling, floor and walls of the cave where made up of them, each one perfectly formed and of different sizes. Looking closely, the crystals appeared alive with a strange pulse flowing through them.

"The Crystals represent the heart of my world. And since I am the rightful ruler, I am linked to the land. The Crystals changed recently, and I wanted you to see it." Krollon had explained to Topaz as she asked about the glow they were nearing.

The light emanating from the crystals was as colorful as the crystals themselves and seemed to shine brighter in the spot Krollon and Topaz walked. Slowly, Krollon lead his fiance deeper into the cave. They did not talk much; Topaz was too busy taking in the sights. Secretly delighted, Krollon tried to prepare her, "This is just the start of them."

Topaz almost did not notice as the cave narrowed into a corridor of sorts. Krollon picked up their pace, eager to show her the next room. The pulse within the crystals got stronger and more pronounced as they traveled deeper into the cave. Krollon stopped and brushed his hand against one of the crystal veins in the rock. It started to glow at his touch. He caught Topaz's questioning look and explained, "It knows me. They respond to my touch because they are linked to me. If I ever die without an heir, the crystals will all go out."

"How?", Topaz threw in.

"I'm not entirely sure", Krollon answered. "I know it has to do with the magick of my world. And I think they know who is the true heir to the World-Throne. I was brought here when I was three. I don't remember it, but I've always been able to point straight to this place."

"The crystals have intelligence?" Topaz almost stared at him from wide opened eyes.

"No one knows for sure. The knowledge of this was lost millenia ago." Krollon shrugged to her question. "Yer about to see something even stranger." He continued to try to explain this wonderous place and its meaning to her as they walked on. "Even though my body is that of a clone, the crystals respond the same way as they ever did. I think it has more to do with my mind than my body."

The corridor began to widen and the light from ahead grew stronger. The corridor then opened into a huge chamber made entirely of crystal, shining a myriad of colors; the crystals jutted out from the ground at precarious angles and pulsed hypnotically.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 01:14 EST

Krollon stepped onto a crystal ledge from which steps lead downward. With a gentle tug of her hand, he helped Topaz down the shining steps. His eyes were fixed on the structure ahead, "This is where I've always felt safe."

As Topaz picked her way with care, she failed to notice Krollon had stopped at the bottom and bumped into him. As he moved to the side, she saw what appeared to be a flat plain of crystal, not unlike a frozen pond, with a building at the center made of the same crystals that were lining the plain. The building resembled a lean-to; each crystal directly next each other and rising until they crossed their opposites, making a tall, pointed structure. Strangely, however, neither the crystals of the structure nor the plain upon which it sat pulsated.

Before Topaz had a chance to look her fill, Krollon lifted the hand he was still holding and laid it flat against his chest. "Feel my pulse?" At her nod he continued, "Look at the other crystals."

Topaz compared the pulsing within the colorful crystals and his heart beat. "It's the same," she said with an odd look around.

Krollon let go of her hand, "Wait for my signal to come onto the floor, kay?" With that he took a deep breath and steped onto the floor. At once the crystals all started to glow fiercely, including the previously liveless seeming structure, the Heart, he had told her earlier, it was called. Each crystal blazed with color, and then slowly, the pulsing continued. Topaz tried hard not to miss any of the light show.

As the light show lessened in intensity, Topaz asked, "They said hello?"

"That's what I've always thought." Krollon continued, "Now, I have an idea as to what's going to happen when you step on the floor. When I first came here from having been gone, they did something very different. I think the same thing is gonna happen when you step down here."

"What might that be?" Topaz was quick to ask.

"I'd rather you be surprised, luv. Just take a deep breath and step down when you're ready." Krollon nodded reasuringly to her.

Topaz did as told, taking a deep breath and then a hesitant step onto the floor. As nothing happened right away, another step, almost to dare the crystals into a reaction. The crystals all blazed once more, but now, each crystal emitted a tone, some pitched high, some low, making it sound like the crystals were singing in response to her presence.

Krollon backed up a hair so she had a short walk to come to him. "Okay, now come towards me when you're ready." The singing grew into a crescendo as she neared him and suddenly stopped as he reached out to touch her hand, only a single pure note hanging in the air like a promise. Krollon smiled, "They like you. But then, I knew they would."

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 01:15 EST

"There's one more thing you should see." Krollon was delighted seeing the awe and surprise mingle on her features. "In the Heart, there has always been a statue of the heir to the World-Throne. Before me, it was my father. Before him, his grandfather. Each time the heir changes, the staue changes, and no one knows how or why. But now, something wonderful has happened."

"Can anyone come and see it? What happened?" Topaz was full of questions, but left it at those two.

Krollon nodded to her first question, "Any that the crystals let pass. My father never saw it. They blocked him from entering the Heart. You have to see what happened to believe it." With a shake of his head he continued, "They knew his heart. And would not allow his evil to enter this place of purity."

Apprehensive and excited Topaz inquired, "You think they'll let me in? Did you 'tell' them you'd bring me?"

Krollon reached for her hand again and began to walk to the Heart. "No, I never said a word about you. They knew a while ago that sooner or later you'd come here." Krollon stopped at the solid wall of crystals, a spot just like any other. "They knew before I even thought of bringing you here. Actually, they gave me the idea. But only because I saw what they had done and felt you needed to see this. Ready?" There was no need for him to wait for her answer. He raised his hand to the crystal wall and layed it upon it gently.

With a softly spoken "Know me" from the usually much harder voice, the crystal shimmered and then vanished under his touch, leaving a doorway of sorts, easily accomodating his height. With a pleased grin he commented, "I think it would open no matter what I said, but that's how it's always been done. Shall we go in?"

Topaz looked to the crystals and quietly asked them to let her pass before she nodded to Krollon, "l can try."

The crystals of the Heart hummed in response to her thoughts. "Trust me." Krollon said simply, took her hand, and lead her into the place none but the purest had ever entered.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 01:16 EST

The room created by the crystals was large enough to be considered a grand hall. At the opposite end from the doorway where they stood sat a large crystal throne, raised up on a dais. Next to the first throne was a slightly smaller second throne.

"There's always only been one throne, luv." Krollon commented on this unexpected sight. "I think the second one is for you. The crystals are hiding the statue until we sit down. It's usually right in the center. Maybe they want to surprise you too." He grinned to Topaz and still holding her hand began to walk to the thrones with her.

"They think like you, or you like them." Topaz noted.

"I think they know my heart better than I do." Krollon agreed," I never know what they'll have for me here each time I come. But when I get here, it always seems 'right' ." Krollon ascended the dais and let her hand go as he sat in the throne, prefect for his size. "Your turn."

"How could it be anything else but right. It says harmony with everything, looks, sound."

Topaz had to smile as the crystals picked that moment to start humming quietly. Curious to see what would happen next she sat down.

The crystals sang once more as a section of crystal in the center of the room shimmered and vanished. From out of the hole it created, a statue began to rise. As it rose, it could be seen that it was not just one statue, but two. The first is clearly of the heir, Krollon Arkanan, and the second is a perfect image of Topaz. The pair stood side by side with their hands held together. "See what I mean?" Krollon asked Topaz but kept his eyes on the statues for the moment.

"...How? ...Why?" Topaz was clearly surpised.

"How, I don't know. Why, I think I can guess. At my birth, my father's statue vanished and was replaced by an infant in a cradle. As I grew up, the statue changed. But it has never shown two images like this. Even when I changed bodies, it always has looked like me. If I grow a scar that can be seen, it appears on the statue immediately. I told you that this place is called the Heart. I think that this explains why. It knows my heart better than I do." As he finally looked to Topaz he could see she itched to walk over and have a closer look. He stood and seeing the statues stayed he invited Topaz to inspect the Crystals' surprise.

"Was...did you..." Topaz tried to form the words as she crossed the short distance, "I mean, did you see this before... before you asked me?"

"The day after I told you I loved you for the first time." Krollon walked up to her, "Was it worth the effort to get here?"

"Ayup." Topaz beamed a bright smile to him. He would have kissed her then but the crystals made a sound he never before had heard them make.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 01:18 EST

" What the?" Krollon turned his attention to the bubbeling crystal. It was shifting. "I've never seen it change as I watched it before." The crystal grew and flowed as they were watching and then solidified as a third statue now stood in front of the first two, the hands of the first two now resting lightly on the shoulders of the smaller figure before them. The figure looked like a young child with wings, the face was still forming. Finally, the face solidified into the shiny, smiling face of Tormay.

Topaz reached out with her fingertips to touch it gently, whispers softly, "Tormay." After a pause she added, "How is this possible?"

The place had managed to surprise Krollon as well. "I...I....I'm not sure. Unless... it's.... no.... couldn't be." He thought on his answer for a couple long minutes. "Well, last night when I tucked him in, he asked me if it was okay for a guy to tell another guy he loved him. When I said that that was perfectly fine for a man to show his feelings, he told me that he "wuv'd me". And I told him that I loved him too." Topaz nodded to that with a warm smile. "Now, the Heart responds to that by adding him to the statues. Wow."

Krollon turned around feeling the need to sit down and started muttering again. While they were preocupied watching the shifting of the crystals and the adding of the third statue, the crystals had been busy simultaneously with the seats. The thrones now sat with Ark's in the middle, Topaz's on the right, and a small throne, built for a child, to the left of the largest throne. "I think the Crystals have just decided they like you both. Strange isn't it?"

"If it weren't so beautiful it would be creepy. And that without Tormay having been here." Topaz had overcome the awe of the place and her mind was racing on.

"We'll have to bring him here sometime." At that uttered suggestion, the crystals sang briefly.

"That sounded like a yes. l wonder if they know who Tormay will be and what he is." Topaz mused.

"I dunno. I wish I could figure out more about these, but there's rumor of only one book that says anything definite, and I've never been able to find it." Reaper said and caught Topaz's interest. "Appropriately, it is called 'The Heart.' And was supposedly written by an old sage who was lost and stumbled onto this place. It is said that he was the first person besides an heir to ever be allowed inside the Heart. You're the twenty-fifth by the way, in over three millenia."

At Topaz's widening eyes to that amount of time Krollon explained, "Time passes differently here, luv. I was here only three days ago by our time, but a year has passed here. The rulers have used other worlds to slow the aging process for generations to enable a stronger hold on the land. I came across that fact by accident."

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 01:19 EST

Topaz saw Krollon brushing a hand lightly along the crystal of the statue. "l wonder......", She started looking at the scars on the statue. The statues were their images, in every detail. Every glittery speck of fairy dust on Tormay's and Topaz's wings seemed to be there, each and every scar one of them had interrupted the smooth crystal. Even the colors seemed to echo that of their clothes and skintone. "If one were to try to polish the scar off the crystal, would it disappear from you?"

"Ya can't polish them, luv." Krollon threw in. "No tools in the world can alter what the Crystals create."

Topaz touched a fingertip to the worst one of Krollon's scars. It was the one on Krollon's stomach; the one which still bothered him from time to time. The immaculity looked to split the crystal in half if one stood directly in front of it. The crystal seemed to flow at her touch. Though not aware of how this was happening, the fleeting wish to see the image of the scar removed took hold, grew stronger, and then altogether was like it lived on its own. Words formed in Topaz's mind, though she would not be able to recall them later, " For you. We accept and love."

"What're you doing, luv?" Topaz did not hear Krollon's question. The crystal began to glow around the scar she was touching, the center of the glow moving along with her fingertip tracing the scar.

Krollon chuckled, "Hey, that tickles." He stoped abruptly realizing what he just said and looked in surprise to Topaz. "I *felt* that."

With no little effort and the employment of concious will, Topaz removed her fingertip from the crystal. She felt ever so tired from what had just happened and shook her head lightly to get rid of whatever that was. The crystal continued to flow until the scar vanished.

Krollon stared at Topaz and touched his abdomen in shock, "It doesn't hurt any more."

He untucked his shirt, pulled it up and looked at were the scar used to be. It had completely vanished. "Y-y-y-you healed it." He called out.

Topaz blinked at the sound of his voice and reached out for Krollons arm. "Wished it", she managed to utter before she fainted, the event on top of all the others had taken its toll.

Krollon was fast to react and caught her into his arms. The Crystals, as fast as Krollon, hummed sadly as a Portal appeared next to the statues. Not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, Krollon stepped through it carrying Topaz, swiftly returning to their home.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 01:22 EST

Ark had gone to the Arena hoping to take his mind off troubles in his Home-world. Drinking and dueling caused the night to go by in a blur of activity. Upon reaching home with his fiancee, he had much explaining to do. Try as he might, he could not make Topaz understand why he was so distraught. She could not understand why he felt so responsible for the actions of the dark creatures that had once again invaded his World, a World that was just now coming back to life with the return of many of the people who had fled the destruction during the last great war.

In desperation, she had thrown her Cloak of Light over him, hoping that it would drive out the evil influence she believed had taken up residence within him. She fled the room, but was soon followed. Ark held the Cloak of Light in his hands and beheld her with a curious look. After yet another argument, Topaz cloaked herself in invisibility. Not bothering to search her out, assuming she needed time to herself, Ark retired to his room and passed out. At least, that's what he remembered. He awoke standing in the Heart amidst the Crystals, Topaz holding him tightly. Too tired to care to hear from the other what had happened, they returned home.

The next day, Topaz brought up the *difficulties* of the previous night, but not before asking him several questions that only the true Ark would know the answers to. In time, the truth of the previous night's happenings came out.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 01:23 EST

Upon vanishing from his sight, Topaz had gone to check on Tormay and also bestow invisibility upon him to keep him safe from the monster she assumed had taken the place of her love. Within a few moments, a Portal suddenly appeared near her and the soft voice of the Crystals sounded from it. <Come, we accept and love.>

Knowing the voice, yet cautious due to all the recent problems, Topaz entered the Portal. The voice became more insistent. <Now. Must come, now. Pain. Must come. Hurry.>

Rushing to the Heart, she opened the doorway, quietly speaking the words she had heard Ark use to open it. "Know me." She had already formulated a quick succession of questions to the Crystals as she neared the statues. Topaz frowned as she noticed the changes. The scar on his abdomen had reappeared and was larger than before, his facial expression was one of sadness and the light from within that statue was growing more faint by the minute.
In short sentences, the Crystals made it known that they were in a great deal of pain and were apparently scared. They answered her need for wanting one of them to return to the cottage with her by explaining that they could not leave as they only survive in the cave. A sudden thought occured to her and she smeared fairy dust on the nose of Ark's statue, hoping that it would somehow let her recognize her true love. <hurry dying> The Crystals spoke softly with less strength as she rushed back to the Portal to find Ark.

The Portal deposited her directly into Ark's room where Topaz found him laying on his bed in a pool of his own blood, the Crystal Blade, tinged with red, rose straight from his abdomen. Firmly ignoring the start of panic, she frantically tried to remember what she could of the battle field aid while her eyes darted around for anything useful. With a glowing hot poker from the fireplace, she slowly cauterized the wound as she pulled
out the blade. Urged by the Crystals' insistance to bring him back to the Heart, she, with the help of a minor teleportation spell, displaced him through the Portal. Once there, she tried to gain an understanding as to what had happened from the group-mind of the Crystals.

A Viewer rose from the floor of the Heart and Topaz was shown what happened. That and the Crystals, able to only give a few short-word answers did not seem to help to come up with a line of action to stop Ark from dying. Neither did anything Topaz tried to do seem to make a difference. The statues and the thrones of crystal slowly melted down to lumps of lifeless crystal.

Within a few moments, the Crystals all died out, except for one which spoke pleadingly to Topaz in a soft, child-like voice. As Ark released his last breath, the lone Crystal shed a tear and guttered out like a candle in the breeze. Topaz sat quietly, her knees hugged to her chest, emotions and thoughts rampant within her. She tried to grow angry with him for leaving her and running away instead of fighting like he had always done in the past.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 01:24 EST

Eventually Topaz rose stiffly to return home to see to Tormay's safety. A dark shadow fell over the spot where the crystal thrones had once stood.

A sinister, evil voice came from the shadow, "And now I am free to return and finish what I began."

With a start, Topaz turned towards the evil voice, blinking to clear her view through the film of tears.

Evil laughter filled the Heart as a dark form detached from the shadows. The figure appeared similar to Ark, but much older and definitely full of evil and malevolence. Her hand instinctively drew her rapier as the form spoke once more. "Say good bye to him one last time, my dear, before you join him in Death." Arcs of energy began to jump along the figures fingertips as Topaz tried to remain clear of the darkness. "And thanks to the two of you," the voice said with heavy undertones, "After I finish destroying this world, I will destroy RhyDin."

Topaz searched for an escape, her eyes fell on the Portal as thin spider webs of darkness cover it, blocking her only path out of this nightmare come to reality. To block the path to RhyDin for the evil one as well, she hissed at the Portal, trying to command it, "close," but the Portal remained open as its creator, the Crystals, no longer controlled it.

"You do not wish to tell him good bye?" the voice asked sinisterly. "It is of no consequence to me. You die with him either way, little Fairy."

Trying to deny the creature any sort of victory, she answered defiantly, "No need to say good bye if we stay together, now, is there?"

"Together.... I suppose you could call it that. Together in an Eternity of Pain and Darkness," the voice mused. "Never able to touch again. Never able to hold each other. Never able to kiss again. Together, but separated. When you die here, my dear, you go the Dark Realm of this world. And I rule there now. Torment forever."

Still trying to deny this creature of darkness it's victory, she countered, "Make up your mind. You cannot rule the dead and the living."

The voice answered smugly, "Ah, but with him gone, I can. You see, he was the only thing that prevented me. Now he is in *my* realm."

"Then why bother with me?" she asked, still searching for an alternative. Then mused quietly, having become suspicious, "Or is he?"

"Oh, simply because you meant so much to him," the dark voice continued its banter as if buying time with its voice. "He will be tortured by knowing that you lost your life because of him."

"I do not lose it by his hand," she argues. "So it will never have been his fault."

"Ah, but you will lose your life because he was not there to save you. And he will feel at fault. It is his one failing. Responsibility. Over the millennia, the guilt will consume his soul until I can claim it utterly and use him against the next world I conquer."

She smiled mildly to him. "May the light find it's way to your core and cleanse your dark soul."

The voice grew slightly angry at her benediction, "Light can not touch me anymore. The only true source of light from this world is dead."

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 01:24 EST

"Aren't you forgetting something?" she asked trying to distract him.

"What might that be, weakling?" the creature responded impatiently.

"You see, there is a light within you," she replied.

"No, my dear, that light was destroyed long ago." As if to demonstrate, he pointed at Ark's lifeless form and arced his finger. "Come to me, my son." The soul slowly rose from the body, easily seen, and began to float towards its father.

The disembodied form looked to Topaz sorrowfully. "I'm sorry," it whispered as if from a great distance.

She glanced to the spirit and whispered, "luv you."

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 01:25 EST

The dark form of Ark's father wavered slightly as Topaz spoke then continued, "No my dear, my Light is gone. And soon his will be too." Arks' soul floated past her and turned to look at her sadly.

"Luv, ain't you forgetting something?" she asked with a glint in her eye.

The soul seemed to struggle against the pull as it replied, "no, luv, nothing."

Topaz kept her slight smile remembering their small game. "Iffn you're well enough to fly around.... you could at least kiss me before leaving."

"NO!" the dark form shouted, "Come, now, my son." As he spoke the soul of the heir to the World-Throne was pulled towards the darkness once more.

Softly, the sprit spoke with true sorrow in its voice, "I can't stop him, luv." The dark form's arm stretched out to reach for the soul of his son.

"It's okay, luv," she said as she blew a kiss in the direction of his voice. "I forgive you."

The soul seemed to smile briefly as it was pulled along and softly answered, "Thank you." The two nearly identical forms almost joined, only a short distance separated them now. Topaz smiled toward the voice through new tears, leaving them unchecked. The dark arm finally reached and touched the hand of the spirit.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 01:26 EST

"Now, it is over, my son," the evil creature laughed in triumph. Then, the touch was broken as the spirit caught another glimpse of its true love. The spirit struggled and was able to pull a few feet away.

Softly, Topaz spoke, hoping to draw her love back to the world of the living, "That's it, luv. Fight."

"He's too strong," the spirit replied.

The single crystal which had shed the tear slowly began to glow and spoke into her mind, <help him>

"Ark..... do you remember love?" she asked, continuing to try and bring him back, seeing an opening in the dark creature's power.

The dead body sank into the floor of the crystal as the spirit answered softly, "Yes.....for....you."

She smiled encouragingly, "Draw on that."

The dark form seemed to rage but was unable to penetrate the small light given off by the crystal. It tried another route and stretched its arm out towards her. But it seemingly couldn't quite reach and the evil form howled in frustration. The spirit hovered several feet away from the dark form which seemed pinned in place by the feeble glow of the once again failing crystal.

Running out of ideas, options, and time, Topaz once again opted for the invisible and placed herself between the dark apparition and the soul of her fiancee. As the soul began to be pulled back towards the dark form, it brushed against her invisible form. Where it touched her, she seemed to feel flesh against her. Topaz concentrated on the single thought of loving him as the darkness tried to swell against the dying light. Remembering Ark's ability to sometimes read her thoughts she began to concentrate once more.

"What do you want most, right now?" she thought towards the spirit, not wanting the dark form to overhear.

"To live and hold you in my arms." he replied within her mind.

"Do it."

"I'm trying, but I can't....he's too strong." The soul's arms seemed to struggle but were unable to rise.

"I'm right in front of you, all you gotta do is open them arms", she insisted, hoping this would work.
"I can't lift them.... he's pinning them down."

Topaz began to get irritated with his whining tone and shot back, "try again, with love."

The soul seemed to struggle again and managed to lift its arms a few inches. "It hurts so much." The soul struggled once more and got its arms up and around her.

Topaz could almost feel his warmth and wrapped her arms around him. "No excuses. No running away. With love."

As they stood, holding each other, the single crystal strengthened in intensity. The spirit suddenly gained substance as the dark form shrieked with anger.

"NOOOOOOOOO!!!" The rapidly materializing soul leaned down to kiss the fairy that appeared before him.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 01:27 EST

Topaz looked up to him lovingly, stretched up on her toes to meet his kiss. The Crystals blazed as their lips met; their song filling the Heart as light pierced the darkness in a thousand places. The spirit completed materializing, air became flesh and bone. The darkness seemed to explode into particles as the Crystals continued their song.

Ark blinked suddenly as their lips parted, "Where am I?" He looked down at the loving form in his arms and smiles. "Hey there."

"Welcome back," she whispered in wonder as the Crystals spoke one last time in her mind, <You, we accept and love, forever.>

Ark leaned down and kissed her once more, then asked, "Was I gone?" He looked about, positively confused as the statues and thrones emerged from the crystal floor.

Topaz was too exhausted to do more than nod in answer to his query. "Bed would be nice," she mumbled, hoping the Crystals would solve that problem.

Ark mused as he looked about, "I remember going to sleep after you vanished. Should I even ask how I got here?" As he turned, the Crystals had opened a Portal before them in response to Topaz's need.

"I magicked you here," she replied with a tired smile.

"You did?" he responded in wonder. "Well, the Crystals must really like you a lot to have allowed that." He saw the Portal and looked to her, "Home?"

She nodded, and seeing that she was obviously tired, he scooped her up and stepped through to his room. The Portal winked out behind them with a final burst of Song and Light.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 01:31 EST

An Intruder

Topaz and Krollon had left the bar in less than perfect harmony, not even using the same gates home. Krollon had gone to the basement to clean up his mishappened art with a lot more energy than it warrented, while Topaz took solace in the outdoors. Eventually sleep overtook them; Topaz sitting in the mostly finished tree house and Krollon reclining on the couch in the den, both plagued by dark dreams. But it was not to last for long.

Topaz woke with a blood curdling scream as the Krollon in her dream throwing a mage bolt at her coincided with a searing pain in her shoulder only, to find one nightmare replaced with another. This one more real and for that all the more scary. Few sights could have been as heart stopping as this one. The back half of an arrow extended from her chest. Or, as she became aware of the next instant, from the back of the teddy she had held to her, together with the fiery pain in her shoulder. Someone had called out to stay low and now the sounds of combat drifted up to her from just below. She had instinctively crouched low before she even heard the command and now was straining to hear for anything apart from the grunts and the dull sounds of a fist connecting forcefully with flesh, barely aware of the warm, sticky liquid seeping between her fingers of the hand pressed against the fire in her shoulder.

Krollon jerked awake suddenly, unsure as to what had made him wake up. He sat up looking around but could not see anything that could have woke him at first. He stood up and crossed the den toward the sliding glass door to peer out into the night, gathering his magic as he went and sending it out in thin tendrils to test for anything that could have woke him. He was surprised to see an Atreblan guard and a ruffian engaged in what looked to be a fistfight in his back yard. Seeing them, throwing open the sliding door, stepping outside and demanding to know what was going on was one to him. He almost missed the stubborn sounding "l'm fine" answer to a question he had missed drifting down from the tree house. The guard half turned to answer Lord Arkanan's question. The would be assassin took the momentery break in the man's guard to break loose and slip away into the night. Out of breath the guard informed Krollon in telegram style of what had occured prior to him stepping from the house.

Krollon's rage knew no restrain against the one who had managed to slip past the set ward and the posted guard. He sent out tendrils of magic, scanning the area for the prowler in an ever extending range. Finally, his eyes red by now with rage, Krollon found him. He reached out with his power and crushed the life out from that offending heart.

"It is safe." He let them know in a tired voice, the use of magic showing its effect. Topaz took her time to make it down from the tree, while Krollon talked to the guard, giving him the exact location of the body of the prowler and instructed him to burn the body.

Krollon's eyes were hard and cold, still holding the power, as he looked at Topaz. He had to ask twice to get Topaz to answer his question about her well being. Her deathly pallor contrasting with the dark red seeping from her shoulder belied her answer. The after effects of the use of magic took all gentleness from his administrations in taking care of his fiancee's wound as well as his patience in dealing with the shock that started to set in.

Which was just as well. For, if not for his hard hold of her arm, as he sent forth waves of the power, knitting flesh, muscle, and skin back together, the pain, not unlike a shoulder being yanked from it's socket and twisted, would surely have made her pass out. As it was Topaz didn't stumble until he was done and let go.

After seeing Topaz settled inside and renewing the ward around the house, Krollon went up to the tree house to search for the arrow that had damaged her soft skin. He found not only the arrow he was looking for but also the teddy bear with a twin arrow to the other embedded deeply into it's stuffing. Looking closely at the fletching he determined to try and find if it's specific to any particular group in RhyDin.

Krollon walked back into the house, teddy bear in one hand, bloodied arrow in the other, to find Topaz had not moved at all in the time he was gone. Her deathly pallor and shivering worried him more than he was going to admit even to himself. His half murmered reassurances as he tried to warm and comfort her were as much for her as for him. He realized that she was not as tough as she claimed to be.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 01:38 EST

Taking for granted

Tormay lifted the covers from his bed and peered under it. He swatted the covers back down and sighed as he rested his elbows on his knees. Molleen's voice made him jump.

"This room is a Pig Sty, little guy! What is the meaning of it?"

"I'm looking for my crayons so that I can color a birthday card for Arky."

As usual, he wrapped Molleen around his pinky finger with that dimpled cheek of his. However, she was determined that he was going to help her clean up his room. She almost stomped over to his bookshelf and there she pulled down the bucket of crayons.

"It's a wonder you can find anything here, Tormay. Now a deal, Okay?"

"Okay." He went to grab for the bucket but she pulled it up high out of his reach and left him jumping with outstretched arms and extended fingers.

"Deal first, Tormay."

He stopped jumping and stood at attention even holding his hand in a salute and gazed at her with his large innocent eyes.

"You will help me clean up this clutter as soon as you are finished."

"Oh, but....."

Molleen walked toward the bookshelf and acted as if she was going to put the bucket up when he finally said with an exasperated sigh, "Molleen, I will help you, I promise."

"That's better. Your mom will be proud of you." She handed him the bucket.

"My mommy is proud of me anyway." He hugged the bucket to his chest.

"Awww....Tormay. I know your mommy is proud of you, but please don't take that for granted."

"What's that mean?" he asked while he went to sit at his small table. He dumped the bucket of crayons out and a few of them went flying to the floor. Molleen stooped to pick them up as they had stopped rolling at her feet.

"It means that you may not always make her proud."

He crinkled his nose up showing confusion. Molleen tried another explanation.

"Okay, Tormay. Here's a little story. There was Jack and there was Mary. They loved each other and decided to get married. Mary cooked for Jack, ironed all his clothes, cleaned up his MESSES.....and she did not mind. She did it because she wanted to and told Jack that she did it because she loved him. But after a time, Jack started expecting her to do it without ever thinking on whether she needed a rest. He was taking her for granted and assumed no matter what she would always love him. He always came home late cause he went out with his friends. During the meantime, Mary fell in love with another man and one day when Jack was home, she told him she wanted out of the marriage. See what happens, Tormay? And all because he took her for granted. All because he thought she would always love him. Understand, little guy?"

Tormay lifted his head from the drawing.

"I understand that Mary should have told Jack that she missed him."

Molleen giggled at that. "Not that easy, Tormay."

Tormay exchanged colors of the crayons.

"IS TOO easy. Just say I miss you."

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 01:40 EST

Molleen did not know how to explain herself out of this one. Maybe Tiny would have a better explanation, she thought.

"Adults are complicated people Tormay."

"I know! I don't want to grow up." he said.

"I'll be cleaning your breakfast dishes, Tormay." Molleen was thankful that she did not have to explain 'complicated' to him. She had gone over that definition last week. Quietly, she left him to his birthday creation.

In a little while, she walked back to Tormay's room to check on him. She was amazed at what she saw. All the crayon's were neatly placed back in the bucket, every toy was put into it's rightful place, his shoes were neatly put on their shelf, and his clothes that had been laying on the floor were folded; a messy folded, but done. In fact, she did not have to lift a finger.

Tormay crept up behind her with his hands holding something behind his back.

"Boo!"

"You about scared the pants off me, Tormay. I am so proud of you."

He giggled and handed her what he had been holding in his hands.

"Do you think he will like it?"

"Oh Tormay this is fantastic! It's a treehouse. I am sure he will love it!" She pointed toward the little boy figure climbing the tree. "That must be you!"

"A HA!" he nodded.

"And that must be Krollen."

"Nope...that is Arky."

"He wants to be called Krollen, Tormay."

"He said I can call him Arky."

"Well, Okay, little guy."

"Tormay, what is Arky holding?" She pointed to the big man following him up the tree.

"Those are my clowns that Arky gave to me." Tormay's eye's lit up. "They have unbreakable spells on them. So if Arky drops em, they won't break. They are sitting in my treehouse."

"Let's show this to mom. She's due home soon."

Molleen really was amazed at his drawing talent and she had thoughts to talk to Tiny about this. He even captioned words showing himself saying, "Happy Birthday Arky!"

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 01:44 EST

"Mommy? What's taking for granted?" Tormay asked, pulling Topaz into his room to show her his handy work.

After taking a moment to think about the question, Topaz answered, "It is taking something or someone as a given, forgetting to, or even how to, appreciate it, him or her. It's a very easy to do and not at all a good thing." With a merry twinkle in her eyes and a proud smile, Topaz turned from surveying the cleaned up room to Tormay. "But l can see, you already know that."

Tormay shot back a puzzled look. "l do?" he asked incredulously.

Topaz pulled Tormay onto her lap as she sat down on his bed with him, with a sweeping motion of hand indicated the whole room. "Just look. By taking care of your mess rather then keep depending on Molleen to take care of it, you showed her you do not take her for granted. Now, without you saying 'thank you' to Molleen, showed her you know exactly all the things she does for you, and you did take care to notice all the details. Why, you even folded your clothes."

Tormay nodded his head twice. "l did. l do." In the middle of the affectionate hug following, Tormay remembered another odd remark he had to know more about. "How's it not a good thing?"

"Hmm, taking people and what they do for granted hurts them; makes them feel unappreciated and empty. And it cheats yourself out of the joy to be had." Tormay giggled at his mommy's answer while Topaz searched for an example to explain it with to him. "Do you remember the way looking at the spider web this morning made you feel? The good feeling from watching the sparkling jewels (dewdrops) glisten and the wonder at this bit of art?"

At Tormay's nod Topaz continued, "When you keep seeing them like that, you just might forget the wonder of it, or not even notice it anymore. In other words, you might come to take the special look for granted. And then the good feeling wont come no more and, like dark magic, a little piece of joy is gone from your life. Cheated yourself right out of it."

"Eeewww, that's sad", Tormay jumped off Topaz's lap and grabbed her hand. "I'm hungry."

Topaz let herself be pulled up. "Aye. Let's see if we can find a snack to tie us over 'til dinner."

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 01:54 EST

Wedding Pictures

Guests are arriving

Sidartha, with a blissful smile, adjusts the green velvet robes about her. Jonalyn, following close behind, smoothes the mauve gown and tucks the hem carefully to cover her foot-wear. Julien and Araydia, on the other side of the picture, are captured as Julian bows, removing his hat and his ivory hair falling to his shoulders. Araydia lifts a hand to wave. AJ is cought with a frown, tucking at his pinguin-suit which looks to have shrunk just a tad. Elle can be seen wearing a simple, green sundress.

Marzan, in ceremonial garb is pictured talking with the two grooms-men, AJ and Keirin. AJ must have said something comical, for Tormay is pictured holding his tummy laughing and Keirin grabbing AJ's arm.

Sher walks in wearing a Jade green floor length gown, one of the Atrebla colors. AJ is captured with his thumb thrown backwards in Sher's direction, and Elle smiling warmly towards Sher. Keirin, the unmarked side of his face showing, still has his hand on AJ's arm, though he now looks to be smoothing the material on AJ's arm.

Keirin and AJ, the two grooms-men stand by the altar, to the left of Marzan.

The Groom enters

Krollon steps up to stand beside his grooms-men, wearing his best midnight blue cloak, clasped with the silver insignia of his family
and a pin designating him as a Captain of the Guardians of Truth.
His CrystalBlade is sheated and wrapped in a jade peace strap,
an ivory-hilted dagger positioned on the opposite side of his belt.

A different angle of the same scene. Krollon's pants are of soft brown leather and his shirt is white silk; black boots are polished to a high gloss; his eyes glow pale blue and a birthmark surrounds them
in the shape of spread falcon's wings. Extending past his cloak are light brown wings, resembling that of a great falcon, the tips barely clearing the floor's surface.

AJ's hand looks be brushing a lil' lint of the shoulder of Krollon's cloak.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 02:04 EST

The bride's maids

Marzan is seen motioning Khrysta and Sher up near the altar.
On the groom's features are clearly visible the butterflies he must be feeling summer-saulting inside his stomach. Khrysta looks splendid in a floor length, forest green dress with a full, pleated skirt... captured winking towards a very attentive Tormay.

Araydia and Julian have their heads close together, like they are whispering to another, as Sidartha and Jonalyn both smile radiantly.
Sher adjust her jade gown as she blows a kiss to AJ. Keirin looks a tad nervous, too, adjusting his expensive looking eye-patch.

The bride walking down the isle

She wears a long dress of white silk and tull. The hem of the full skirt is weightet with tiny soft pink roses, fanning out upwards. The tiny topaz stones on the skin tight bodice catch and throw back rays of candle light.
As the bride walks slowly up the aisle, she has eyes only for her groom through the delicate veil held up with a wreath of pearls and tiny pink roses.

In the background one can see, with a surprised look Tormay, Topaz's son, Marzan, the priest, Krollon, the awed groom, and a couple of the guests.

Marzan greets the guests with a welcoming smile and these lines,
"Dear family and friends, we have gathered here today to joyfully acknowledge the Wedding of Lord Krollon Arkanan and Lady Topaz Eludes.... They have requested your presense on this memorable occation in order that you might share with them, the pledging of their everlasting love on this day of commitment. Let us bless their union and wish them... all the happiness in their new life together."

Most the guests and the bridal couple one can but see from the back.
Tormay is fidgeting with the satin ring pillow in his hands. Jeff and Summer are caught arriving late, followed by Seamus. Summer's long skirts catching against her legs.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 02:12 EST

Marzan gives a very moving sermon.

This is a copy of the sermon:

True Love....
No one can love unless they are propelled by the persuasion of love....
The easy attainment of Love makes it of little value....
Difficulty of attainment makes it prized...
A True Lover does not desire to embrace in love...
anyone, except their beloved.
When a true lover suddenly catches sight of their beloved...
Their heart palpitates...
A Man in love is always apprehensive....
He whom the thought of love vexates and sleeps very little..
A true lover....
considers nothing good except what they think will please their beloved...
Every act of a True Lover....
Ends in the thought of their beloved....
True Lovers Honor one another....
as sincerely as when they are together or apart.
And if True Love is nurtured and cultivated....
it will continue to grow for Eternity....
And Nothing....shall vanquish it.

Near the door, leaning against the wall, stands Seamus. Molleen fidgets with what looks to be a string attached to one of Tormay's wings, as Tormay's head is turned towards Sidartha. A tear, resembling a crystal, rests on Sidartha's cheek as she smiles towards Tormay.

Summer's long braid brushes Jeffs shoulder, her head slightly tilted as she listens, one of her hands lays intertwined with one of Jeff's in his lap. The eyes of the ladies, watery with Marzan's moving speach, sparkle with the reflection of candle light.

Harris is cought half sitting, holding a wrapped parcel. The nuptual couple kneels in front of the altar, the tips of Krollon's brown wings, though lifted, brush the arena floor.

The wine ceremony

Marzan gestures with one hand to the nuptual couple to come forward to the altar, while he fills a chalice with wine with the other. The bride and groom, holding hands, have risen to follow Marzan's gesture.

Summer's eyes shine as she looks into the brown eyes (Jeff's) that have become her world. AJ and Sidartha watch intently. The sea blue of Jona's eyes is captured to perfection as she leans a little for a better view.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 02:20 EST

Marzan raises the chalice. A protective flare to Krollon's wings can be seen and Keirin glancing over the assembled guests.

The card of the words the druid said during the wine ceremony:
Beyond words or phrases or prose penned,
beyond the lines and meter and rhythm and rhyme,
be Blest....
Beyond a syllable whispered....
Language cannot reach the place....
Where your love will carry you....
As together you now drink.

May you together in perfect union and devotion to one another....
Continue to draw comfort, contentment, and felicity...
from the cup of Life.
And thereby may you find Life's joys doubly gladdening...
It's bitterness sweetened....
And all things Hallowed....
By true companionship and Love.

Topaz and Krollon, both reach for the gleaming chalice. Both, Sher's and Khrysta's cheeks, show signs of tears. Tormay watches with a critical look. Molleen is caught in a hushing pose towards Tormay. The lightest of glassy films covers Elle's emerald eyes.

Krollon lifts the chalice to his bride's lips. Summer lifts her husband's hand to her lips. Jonalyn looks toward Tormay.

Topaz brings the rim of the chalice to her groom's lips, tilting the chalice slightly. Jeff looks to his wife with love in his eyes, his fingertips brushing her lips. Tormay dimples a smile to Jona. Keirin looks relaxed with a rare smile.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 02:33 EST

The nuptual couple once again kneels before the altar. AJ looks splendid in his penguin suit, just having finished reciting one of Shakespeare's poems, and seems to be looking at everyone with a smile. Seamus, still leaning against the back wall, has this special admiring and moved look on his face he only gets at weddings. Tormay looks like he'd rather be fishing.

The card with the poem Ajay read, embossed with a single rose:
Topaz, Krollon........guests..
Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:
O, no! It is an ever-fix'd mark,
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.
Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle's compass come;
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this be error and upon me prov'd
I never writ, nor no man ever lov'd.

Tormay seems to be skipping down the aisle, the satin ring pillow with the two wedding bands atop, is tilted precariously in his little hands, while his whole face shines with his smile. But no one looking on looks worried, rather amused. AJ dabs a hankerchief to his brow.

The sheet of paper with the grooms vows, hand-written:
Topaz,
we have been friends for so long now, it only seems natural to me that this should be the next step.
I love you more than you can ever know,
and more than I ever thought possible.
I know that marriage doesn't mean
we'll always agree on everything,
but I know that we'll always work things out.
A long time ago, my mentor, Xenograg, told me that someday my anger at life would fade, and that, then, I would have room in my heart to love someone.
I find that that day has come sooner than I ever thought it would.
Topaz, I love you with my whole heart and wish to spend the rest of my days with you.

The card with the hand printed vows of the bride:
Today l vow to love you for the rest of my life....
to wake up every morning with you by my side,
knowing that no matter what happens,
l'll be able to come home to your loving arms.
l promise to share everything with you....
to talk to you about our ideas, our dreams,
the little everyday things that make us laugh,
and the not-so-little things that we can't help worrying about.
l give you my love...
as a place you can always come to
for acceptance
or the simple comfort silence brings
when things left unspoken can still be understood.
l want you to know that your happiness is everything to me
and that l want only the best for you always
no matter what it takes....that you are
more important to me than anything else in my life.
I am looking forward to grow old with you...
to watch our life unfold, our dreams,
one by one, come true.
All l want is to love you forever.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 03:06 EST

Roland,wearing the normal officier's garb, and Gnort are standing next to Seamus, all of them clapping. Krollon had lifted his brides veil and is kissing her soundly, magicly lifting them slightly off the ground. Looking at Tormay, one can almost hear the "yik" from his facial expression. In the background, Jeff and Summer are caught kissing, too,
while Sidartha is lifting a holy symbol to her lips.

Krollon and Topaz walk down the aisle amidst a shower of birdseed and rice, Krollon's wings are spread protectively over to shield them both from most of the shower. Gnort and Seamus are slipping out the door, Harris is still looking under his seat for the rice. Tormay is swept up into a hug by Khrysta and receives a smooch on his dimpled cheek.

Harris, still carrying the present under his arm, having found the birdseed, throws a handfull, but he looks to be confused, tossing them at Roland. AJ's just released handful flys back into his own face. Krollon is sweeping up Tormay, after the little one got him with hand full of birdseed to his belly.

Krollon kneels in front of his bride, sliding his hands up her leg to locate the garter, as she lifts her skirt up just a wee bit. Jeff is brushing birdseed from his hair, Tormay is pulling something from his pocket
which looks remarkably like Keirin's eye-patch. Marzan sticks what appears to be a little diamond in Andrew's forehead. Roland sports a rather crooked grin.

Krollon holds the garter, twirling it around his fingers, as the bachelors line up. Jona seems to nuding Roland into place. Harris and Andy, their tuxedos only slightly worse for wear, make room for Keirin to stand with them.

The Groom launched the garter like a rubber band straight at Roland's head. Andy and Harris, both had leaped into the air, their arms stretched out to grab at the missile.

Andy and Harris lay tumbled on the floor. Roland gets hot straight in the eye, his hand half way up to grip the garter.

A courier delivers a small, carved mahogany box, inlaid with with rose beryl. A small rolled parchment, tied with a crimson ribbon rests atop the box.

A scroll:
M'Lady Topaz Eludes, Krollon Arkanan.
On this, thy nuptial eve, may I offer to thee my personal best wishes and those of my husband, Gavilean for a long, joyous and wondrous life together. May the joy of this day be granted to thee for as long as the sun rises and the moon sets.
Jonalyn Nenshen Starfare

A picture of the same box, this time with the lid open. Resting upon white satin is a pair of exquisitely cut emeralds, etched upon each stone are the initials, K & T intertwined. A note, tucked under the satin reads; A small token of this day. May thee know always the greening of thine love each time thee gaze upon the stones. Jona.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 03:10 EST

Presents

Inside the box from Khrysta and Zachery is a delicate 5 inch statue of the finest elfin silver. The statue is of two lovers caught in an Eternal Kiss. There is a majik upon the statue which causes it to glow with an inner light from within, radiantly shining to show the two figures. The figures are not of Krollon and Topaz, but when looked at from the corner of your eye they take on the likeness of them, only to loose it once again when directly looked at.

Saphire moves over to Reaper and hands him a very badly wrapped, oddly shaped package tied more in pink bows then covered with paper. She gives him a kiss on the cheek and smiles. "Congratulations to you Reaper and to Tiny Topaz for she could not have found anybody more wonderful if she tried."

When Krollon manages to untie all the bad knots she has made of it he will find a multi-hued crystal goblet with both of there names engraved on it in gold leaf.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 03:11 EST

The Honeymoon in Thardin, First Stop on the Tour

The Bowl appears to be a great crater nearly a mile in diameter. The surface of the entire crater is of a black, shiny substance, which, upon inspection, is seen to be obsidian. A rope ladder leads down into The Bowl, however, both Topaz and Krollon have no problems coasting into The Bowl using their wings. In the center of The Bowl stands what appears to be a charred column, broken off two feet above the ground.

Krollon explains the historical significance of the site, "This site was once of pure crystal, not obsidian, as you see it now. The pedastal rose four feet and atop it sat a glowing crystal Orb. The Orb was created by Power Magi millenia ago as a focusing point. This is where my father and I met and fought for the last time. He and I both tried to use the Orb to destroy the other, but the pull destroyed the Orb itself. The backlash killed every demon my father had assembled in The Bowl and also Banished my father and rendered me blind. Since then, this crater has grown steadily blacker, fanning out from the center over time, finally ending up as the site you see now."

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 03:17 EST

Having visited The Bowl, Krollon and Topaz make a short journey by horseback to the nearby village of Onari. The village is condensed in a small valley less than twenty miles north of The Bowl. The houses are made of brick with black tile roofs. All of the houses are kept remarkably well with hanging flower pots adorning each corner of each house as well as the front porches of most. One building is five times as large as the
rest. Upon approach, a statue can be seen in front of the building. The statue is made of stone and obviously is of Krollon with his wings outspread. The building appears to be a sort of cross between a temple and a public works building.

"When I first came back to Thardin after my father's apparent death, I arrived in The Bowl. An old man sat cross-legged at its center and immediately stood when I stepped from the Portal. He introduced himself as Onari. He apparently had helped to lead some of the people back to Thardin and established a small village here. Onari became the first priest and had the gift of prophecy. He knew I was the one foretold to come, but he also knew that I had come too soon and convinced me not to announce myself to the rest of the locals just yet. The village never did manage to grow into a city because there are no rivers or roads, and nothing special really grows here. But they do have what is considered a great attraction for pilgrims. This building was erected as a place for people to worship the Creator. It also functions as the clergy's headquarters. The statue was built by a local artisan several centuries ago after reading the Prophecies of Onari. Those are the ones that talk about the Guardian. When, I did proclaim myself as Heir to the World Throne, the first village I stopped in was here. Once I showed my birth mark and my wings, they accepted me as the Guardian and started sending for messengers to herald the news all over Thardin."

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 03:19 EST

After visiting with several members of the clergy in Onari, Krollon opens a Portal and the pair ride through to the next stop. New Arkan lies five hundred miles west of The Bowl hard against the Silver Sea. The bustling port town is also the seat of government and justice in Thardin. New Arkan boasts the largest sailing fleet, both merchant vessels and defense vessels. The whole of the city is surrounded by a wall rising over one hundred feet into the air and easily defended. The governmental body is basically designed to ensure no one group has too much power. Each major city has a mayor and a Lord Justice. The mayor answers to a City Council which has the power to over rule what is deemed a bad decision by the mayor. The Lord Justice is the equivalent of a judge and can have his rulings overturned by the mayor. The mayor can also have the Lord Justice intercede with the Council. This creates a situation where each branch can over rule one other branch. Smaller villages have District mayors, Councils, and Lord Justices.

"This was where Keep Arkan stood before I moved it into the aether. After people began to return to Thardin, it was naturally a perfect place for a large trade city. Since then, it's grown to be the largest city in Thardin. Technically, this is where I would stay if I wanted to take control of the government. It is my right to do so, but, I think they're doing just fine on their own so far."

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 03:20 EST

Krollon and Topaz visit with several members of the local Council as well as meeting the Mayor and Lord Justice of New Arkan. Again, Krollon opens a Portal for them to ride their horses through to the next visiting place. The Spire appears to be a huge tower rising four hundred feet into the air, made entirely of white granite. The Spire stands two hundred miles west of New Arkan and is positioned in the exact center of the Thardin continent. The Spire stands atop Guardian's Hill, a large hill with no roads leading up it. The area around the Hill is magick-dead. The Spire itself has 18 main floors as well as two levels underground. At the top of The Spire is one room made entirely of glass so that a person standing in the center can look in any direction on a clear day and see for many miles. This room also holds a great throne made entirely of gold. The throne's back is molded such that when a person sits there, it appears that a gold falcon is rising just above their shoulders.

"This is my home here in Thardin. There are rooms for servants, family, friends, and guards. As well as, four ball rooms, five dining halls, and ten kitchens. This room (meaning the one at the top) is known as the Heir's Hall. The throne you see is the World Throne. It was brought here from a cavern far beneath us only a few decades ago. I never sit there, except to just think. The floor below this functions as an audience hall for when I come to visit. So far, I have not taken my place as TrueKing of Thardin, so I don't use the Heir's Hall at all for audiences. The floor beneath the audience hall is also just one big room. That's where we'll stay tonight."

The indicated room is furnished with all oak furniture. The four-poster bed is canopied in black silk, the sheets of midnight blue satin. The floor is covered in patterned rugs, and the walls alternate from glass window to hanging weavings all the way around. There is a large walk-in closet, just like at home, where several dresses await for Topaz as well as many changes of clothes for Krollon. There is also a large oak desk littered with papers on every subject from taxes to the levying of penalties on criminals.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 03:22 EST

Krollon and Topaz awaken early and ascend the two flights of stairs to the top of The Spire. A small table sits near the door, two mugs resting on it along with a large pot of coffee, just as Topaz had asked for the night before. As the sun rose over the horizon, small imperfections in the glass walls caused the light to refract. When the sun finally overtook the horizon completely, the glass room of The Spire blazed like a second
sun. In moments, the refracted light became a ray of light descending from the tip of the pointed glass walls. The ray focused on the Throne in the center of the room, and as Krollon sat under the intense light, his eyes began to glow more brilliantly than ever before. In moments, the sun continued to climb and the ray of light vanished, leaving behind only the intense glow in Krollon's eyes.

"I once was sitting here at dawn after a sleepless night. When this happened, I felt totally energized. It seems the effect causes me to absorb some of the Land's magick, making me feel completely awake and ready for anything."

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 03:23 EST

Krollon and Topaz change for their second day of visiting Thardin. Ten miles south of The Spire lies The College, which appears to be a town unto itself. The buildings all appear freshly painted and the lawns are trimmed to perfection. Students walk amidst the grassy malls to and from their studies. Magickal energy can be felt emanating from many of the buildings. One building, apparently designed as a stadium, glows with a pale blue aura. Inside, benches line the sides in tiers. A special area for high-ranking guests of the College is roped off and gives the best view of the field below. Upon the field stand nearly two dozen students, separated into groups of three. One student seems to oversee the other pair in each grouping. In moments, it becomes apparent that each group is conducting some type of magickal duel. Each student attempts to overwhelm the other while also using their magick in defense.

"This is how we test some of the more advance students. Those who excel will be given the tasks of helping strengthen Thardin's magickal defenses in the event anything tries to attack again. But, primarily, the College is set up to teach some of the stronger minded people. And, of course, there's a lot of research done here as well."

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 03:24 EST

Having visited with several instructors, the Dean, and several students, Topaz and Krollon ride to the west. Upon reaching the small town of Karo, only twenty miles west of the College, it can be easily seen that the town is all ready for a festival. Acrobats and clowns wander the streets which are already filled with people. Small children play among the crowds, wacthful mothers perusing the wares of some of the merchants' booths.

Everything from simple wooden toys, to strange foods, to weapons of steel can be found among the booths. At each food booth, the proprietor is quick to offer samples to Lord and Lady Arkanan, just to be able to say that the pair had tried and enjoyed the delicacies to be had. Rides powered by magick line one of the squares. Parents smile, holding each other, as they watch their children enjoy the proclaimed holiday. And, each hour, a gong sounds throughout the town, followed by each couple sharing a soft kiss. Alternately, men and women approach the Arkanan's, offering a simple hello, or sometimes a gift from their craft.

Most make quite a fuss over Topaz's lovely wings, the women offering suggestions on colors and dress styles, the men quietly nodding their approval of the woman who is destined to be their Queen. By the end of the day, their carriage has become a virtual conucopia of gifts, including everything from beautiful tapestries to dresses for the lovely fairy.

"Lovers' Day. I had the day proclaimed a holiday so that you would get to meet more of the people of Thardin. Otherwise, most of these would be working at their crafts."

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 03:25 EST

Topaz and Krollon finally return via Portal to a place Topaz recognizes. They quietly ascend the lift to the crystal-filled caverns. Alternately talking about the past few days events and quietly enjoying the other's company, the pair make their way to the Heart, a structure of pure crystal which seems to sing at their presence. Once inside, Topaz sees the crystal thrones and statues which she remembers from their last visit. They picnic on the glass-like floor, soft music filling the air. Just before they leave to return to RhyDin, the Crystals speak, quite plainly for both to hear. "Be happy." Surprised, Krollon just takes his new bride and opens a Portal for Home.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 03:27 EST

Home Again

Krollon and Topaz had returned home from their trip to Thardin in the early evening. Tired, Topaz flopped on the loveseat in the den and promptly fell asleep as Krollon was putting away a few of the items they had brought back with them. Seeing she needed the rest, Krollon left a note and proceeded to the Arena. Topaz joined him later, and Krollon suddenly had an idea and left the Arena just before she began her duel under the pretense of having forgotten to do something at home.

Placing the last note, Krollon proceeded to hide in the downstairs closet, watching the front door using a small viewing crystal. Having set a ward that causes all Portals to open in front of the house, he began to wait.

Within a few minutes, Topaz arrived, looking about. She seemed obviously a bit confused as this was not where she had intended her Portal to take her. As she moved to open the front door, she noticed a folded piece of paper tacked to it. On the outside of the note were the words "Open Me" in Krollon's handwriting.

With a small grin, she opened the note and read the message therein.

~Here is your first clue. Our rings symbolize what? Find it in the house and happy hunting.~

Smiling at the thought of what appeared to be a treasure hunt, Topaz contemplated the note as she opened the door. "Eternal love," she mumbled as she headed for the den. She walked to the mantle where she had placed the statue of a couple in an eternal kiss, their wedding gift from Khrysta and Zachery, and searched for a note there. Seeing none, she laid a finger to her lips in thought.

Realization dawned on her, and she rushed up the stairs to her old room and walked straight to the first gift Krollon had ever given her. The eternally blooming rose still lay in its glass enclosure, the word "Eternity" written in gold upon its base. Next to the rose sat another folded sheet of paper.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 03:28 EST

Topaz opened the note and once more read the clue within.

~What drink do we love to drink in front of a warm fireplace? Find it.~

Topaz giggled at the message and exclaimed, "Coffee!" She ran down the stairs quickly, taking the last few in a leap. She used her wings to coast gracefully to the ground and continued her mad dash to the kitchen, her excitement building with each step.

As she entered the kitchen, she saw that her mug sat on the table, filled with steaming coffee. She sipped at it gingerly and smiled as Krollon remembered to add the cream and sugar in just the right amounts. Having found no note by the coffee mug, she moved to one of the cabinets and searched for the coffee beans, hunting for the next clue. Having found nothing there, she leaned against the counter and continued to sip her coffee as she thought. Turning, her eyes fell upon the sugar bowl. She examined it for a note, and, again, found nothing. Thinking she's on the right track, she lifted the creamer. Nothing. She went on to open the cabinet where Krollon's cup is usually kept when not in use. It was there, but, again, no note.

Topaz took the note back out of her pocket and re-read it once more. Tapping her temple with one delicate finger, she mused aloud, "The fireplace?" Deciding to check there, she was surprised to note she had finished all of her coffee. She picked up the coffee pot and started to refill her cup. Frowning, as no coffee emerged from the spout, she lifted the lid. Peering in, she found the next note.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 03:29 EST

Topaz reached her small hand into the pot to extract the note. Losing her disappointment at no more coffee for excitement over another clue, she unfolded the paper and read her next clue.

~My family holds the next clue.~

"Hmmmmm," she mumbled as she contemplates the message, "Krollon's family." She taps her finger against her bottom lip in her cute way as she thought. "He can't mean his dad." She slowly wandered from the kitchen, lost in thought. "Oooh. Maybe the family crest."

Thinking she must be nearing the end of her quest, she went into the hallway and flew up to the crest. In the claw of the golden falcon sat another folded note. She pried the note loose and opened it as she slowly descended to the floor.

~Go where you're not allowed to go.~

Knowing that Krollon must mean the basement where he has his workshop, she walked through the den and outside via the sliding glass doors. Walking to the side of the house, she inspected the cellar doors. Seeing there was no note, she tugged at one of the doors experimentally. Finding it unlocked, she threw the doors wide. The stairway below was dark, but Topaz could see light coming from the workshop. She reached into her skirt-pocket and pulled out a glow globe. Activating the globe, she descended the stairs to find the workshop bathed in the light from a single candle.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 03:29 EST

The workshop was neatly organized, but her attention was immediately caught by a three-foot pedestal of stone. Atop the stone lay a rose, carved from ivory, another note propped up against it. Her gaze was caught in amazement at the Ivory Rose as she slowly unfolded her next clue.

~The first of your two treasures has been found. To find the other, you must wear stars.~

"Wow, " she whispered in awe as she reached out gentle fingertips to touch the gift. Tears of happiness came unbidden to her eyes at the beauty of the gift and the knowledge that it was to be hers. She carefully lifted the rose from its pedestal as she pondered to herself, "Wear stars....."

Carrying the globe and note in one hand and the rose in the other, she ascended the stairs and closed the cellar doors behind her with a dainty foot. Looking up into the night sky, she asked herself, "How could I possibly get them down here to wear?"

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 03:31 EST

Watching them sparkle, she suddenly remembered the first dress Krollon bought for her. "The closet!" she exclaimed to no one. Smiling at the memory of his face when she tried on the sparkling dress, she moved towards the house once more.

As she entered their room upstairs, she noticed the room was lined by candles; some on the mantle, some on the desk, and several were held by floor-stands in the corners of the room. She walked to the closet, still holding the note, rose, and globe.

"Hmmmm, this won't work," she thought to herself and set the rose on the mantle beside Krollon's wolf collection and noticed another note placed there. She considered a moment before shrugging, deciding that it could not be the clue she's been looking for. She slid the glow globe back into her skirt-pocket and entered the large walk-in closet. Moving dresses out of her way, she finally found the sparkly dress she was seeking. And, sure enough, a note was pinned to it. Topaz unpinned the note and opened it.

~You're doing grand, only two more clues to go. Find the first treasure we ever hunted for together.~

Remembering that the previous note said to "wear stars", she took the time to change into the dress quickly befor she stepped back to the mantle. Seeing that the note she had noticed earlier was propped against the wolf she had given to him as a gift on their first date, she took the note from the shelf with a smile. Still smiling from the memory of their treasure hunt on that first date, she read the next clue.

~High, high, way up high.~

Frowning slightly she considered the clue with a soft, thoughtful murmur. She went back down the stairs and stepped outside, looking about. As she surveyed the back-yard, she noticed the tree house and grinned enthusiastically. She quickly spread her wings and flew up. Landing just inside the doorway of the tree house, she glanced about. Lying on the floor she found another note.

As she reached to pick up the note, Krollon decided it was time to get ready. Releasing his Ward, he opened a portal and went to wait for her in their room, still watching her in the crystal viewer. Topaz, meanwhile, read the next clue.

~I've been hiding all this time. But not anymore. Come find me. I lie in light.~

Topaz chuckled as she finished reading the clue, then blushed prettily. "That big....." she trailed off as a fit of giggles overtook her. She flew back out of the tree house and through the glass doors, pausing briefly to close them tightly. She made her way to the stairs and bounded upwards, grinning as her excitement rose.

Reaching the top of the stairs, she looked down the hallway to see their door was now closed when before, she had left it open. She reached for the door and opened it slowly. She blinked as the sight within filled her with happiness. Krollon lay on the bed, half under the covers, holding two goblets of champagne. The candles were now all lit and he smiled as she found him.

"Ya found me."

She chuckled as she moved to sit on the bed next to him, "So I did." With that, she leaned forward and kissed him softly.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 03:32 EST

Krollon awakens as the sun climbs towards its apex and sees that Topaz has already gone off to the Beacon to catch up on any paperwork she missed while she was away. He walks the house and sees that Chelle has already straightened up. Returning to their bed room, he chuckles, looking at the layer of fairy dust and feathers in the bed and on the floor. Gathering his magick, he quickly gathers up everything into a small pile and then blows it out the window with a quick gust of air. Deciding Chelle will probably take care of the candles, he goes down to the basement. Taking a large chunk of coal, he smiles, knowing she won't be expecting another gift so soon after the ivory rose.

Within an hour, he had pressed the coal into what he desired. Before him lay a mirror image of the ivory rose, but this one was made of pure, uncut diamond. Amazed at how well his control of the magick had improved, he smiled and wrapped the rose in paper. Returning to their room, he changed into suitable clothes for the day ahead and proceeded to walk off to the Beacon.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 03:33 EST

Topaz had left early for the Beacon to catch up on paper work, hoping to be back home before too long. She found it hard to concentrate, though, her thoughts straying to bask in the memory of the past couple days. Conceding she would not get done in time to be home for lunch with Krollon, she answered in the positive when asked if she wanted a tray brought up.

When the door opened again, she did not look up from her writing imediately, expecting said tray. She did, however, look up and completely forget all paper work as she felt Krollon's breath grazing her cheek. Topaz half turned and welcomed him with a hug. "Did you come to rescue me from the ink monster and the paper dragon?"

A knock on the door followed by a servant depositing a lunch tray for two on the low table prevented Krollon from answering right away. Topaz took hold of his hand and led him to the couch by the table with a "Thank you" and a smile to the leaving servant.

"You.."

"l..."

Both started to talk, and, erupting in chuckles, continued in unison, "You go first." The potent aroma of coffee steamed temptingly towards their noses, mingling with the scent escaping from the covered plates and dishes.

Amidst chuckles and not a few kisses they agreed on Topaz to impart with her news first. "You'll be so surprised. Rafe is back! Ain't it wonderful!" Topaz lifted the lids from the dishes and the plates, revealing a small bowl each of vanilla and chocolate sauce and a generous helping on both plates of golden chala paldash; pieces of peaches and cantelope, dipped in batter and fried. Krollon had poured coffee from the huge pot into the cups, adding cream and sugar to one.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 03:34 EST

The pair finish their lunch, chatting about their recent trip and the things they missed in RhyDin over the past couple of days. Once the fruit was gone, and the bowls scraped for the last drop of melted chocolate, Krollon walked to the door and leaned out, speaking briefly to the guard outside. The guard rushes off and returned a few moments later, bearing a hastily wrapped package.

Krollon handed her the package with a smile. "Made you a present, luv."

He sat back and waited for her reaction as she began to unwrap the gift.

"Another one, luv?" Topaz eyes shone brilliantly as she received the present from his hands. "Yer spoiling me silly." Meticulously, she undid the knots in the string holding the paper wrapping to the object within, taking her time despite Krollon's impatient urging. She moved his helping fingers out of the way with a a giggle, "Lemme. l don't need help."

The paper finally fell away and revealed the most remarkable work of art. An excited gasp was her first reaction as her eyes fell on the object within. It was the perfect twin to the ivory rose he had given her the previous evening. Just, it wasn't ivory. "Unpolished, raw diamond", Krollon had explained to her later.

"It is wonderful, absolutely magnificent," her voice dropped to an awed whisper, "Thank you." Her reaction was similar to when she first saw it's twin. A moment later Topaz was in Krollon's arms, expressing her thanks with sweet kisses.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 03:36 EST

The Coronation

Topaz and Krollon had left late in the night to arrive in Krollon's homeworld of Thardin. Since time acted differently here, the pair emerged from the Portal at just before dusk. They were greeted by the majority of the Guard, Krollon's personal soldiers. The group made its way to the Spire where rooms had been prepared. Upon cresting the last rise before reaching the needle-like tower, the group saw hundreds of tents spread out
before them. The valley floor lay covered in tents of all sizes and colors, as well as dozens upon dozens of carts and wagons.

"They began arriving yesterday, my Lord," spoke the captain of the Guard.

Krollon smiled as he looked down upon the many people who had come to see the upcoming coronation and enjoy the fair to follow. Topaz stood hand in hand with her husband as she too looked out over the assembled people. She swallowed nervously as the impact of the next few days sunk in. Noticing her slight discomfiture, Krollon squeezed her hand lightly and smiled down to her. "Everything's going to be fine, luv," he said calmly. "Just enjoy the extra attention."

With those last words, he re-mounted his horse, gathering Topaz up with one arm and swinging her up to ride behind him. The rest of the group steadied their own mounts until one young squire in the back raised his voice in a shout, "SHALATANE ARKANAR! Glory to House Arkanan!"

The group galloped into the valley amid the shouting and cheers of the many people awaiting their arrival.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 10:19 EST

The first evening passed quickly, a small reception with some of the more powerful local leaders took up the majority of the evening. Then, Krollon took Topaz to show her the barracks which had been established nearby. Hoping to alleviate her worries over his first task as TrueKing of Thardin, he had several of his Guard commanders meet her and try to explain what they were doing and how they planned on doing it. Krollon left
briefly for her to finish speaking with the commanders. In that time, Krollon made a visit to a place he had to go to alone.

It had been several years since Krollon had visited the crypt. Emerging from a Portal which he had created, he stopped and looked at how overgrown the area had become. Although less than a decade had passed for him, several centuries had passed in Thardin.

Queitly speaking the words that would undo the Wards around the crypt, he opened the door and stepped within. Here lay every TrueKing of Thardin since the land had become united. All, save one. In the place that had been reserved for his father, Krollon had had his mother inturred. When his father had died, the body had vanished in a flash of light. So, once Krollon had been hailed as the Heir to the World Throne, he had had his mother's body moved. Now, his beautiful mother lay here in a coffin of glass. Even in death, her face seemed to shine with an inner light. Even in death, Krollon felt she was still the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Even in death, he felt the warmth her smile seemed to shed.

Falling to the floor of the crypt, he wept.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 10:23 EST

Dawn slowly crept over the horizon, shedding light over the tents standing around the Spire. Krollon sat in the uppermost chamber of the Spire, looking out over the gathered assemblage. People had already begun to stir, a buzz of anticipation rose to Krollon's ears as he slowly smiled. Footsteps sounded behind him. Turning, his eyes widened and his mouth dropped open slightly.

He had thought she was beautiful on their wedding day, but he stood astonished as Topaz walked in. She wore an absolutely gorgeous gown with a black underdress visible where the red overskirt of shining material was held up in soft folds by small arrangements of miniature roses bound with golden brocade ribbons. The same arrangement rested at the low point of the decoltee of the top against unblemished skin, fitting like the cloth had been poured over her. More of the golden brocade cord trimmed the hem of the black and red skirts as well as the short, pufed sleeves. The sun, pouring in from the windows, reflected off her wavy hair, making it appear as liquid silver, matching the silver falcon pendant which nestled at the neckline of the dress hanging from a delicate chain with the golden cord woven loosley into it, contrasting beautifully.

"Wow," were the only words he could manage to utter.

Topaz smiled brightly at his simple word and spun about slowly. "Does it meet with m'lord's approval?"

Krollon consciously closed his mouth and smoothed his features. "Very much so. Are ya nervous?" he asked.

"A bit," Topaz said, knowing that her stomach would turn summersaults until it was all over.

"Well, I'm going nuts," Krollon said with a grin. "I just want it to be over with."

As if by summons, a third person entered the room. The Guard captain looked at Topaz, quickly recovering his composure as he turned back to Krollon. "It is time," he calmly stated.

Krollon sighed once and offered his arm to Topaz. Taking it, she strode with him to the stairs and down to the grand hall of the Spire.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 10:26 EST

As the pair reached the large dais which had been erected for the coronation, the grand ball room seemed to erupt in cheers. The room was packed. Krollon and Topaz looked out over the crowd, smiling to everyone, nodding to a few they had met individually during their previous visit. Every official who could manage to make it to the coronation had come and stood elbow to elbow with craftsmen and laborers from all over the land.

Those who could not fit in the ball room had gathered outside where several mages stood waiting for the signal to begin their spells. Inside, several more mages also waited. In moments, a gray robed man walked out onto the dais and raised his hands for silence. At his movement, the mages began, creating an image of the happenings inside for those outside to view.

"Countrymen. We are gathered to witness the raising of Krollon Orak Arkanan, True Heir to the World Throne of Thardin. The tests for heredity have been met. There is no doubt that he is the Heir," the man intoned and glanceed once to the closest group of officials near the dais. The officials smiled on, nodding.

"Today, we also acknowledge Krollon as the one foretold, known as the Guardian. As such, let it be known that his bride, Topaz Eludes-Arkanan, is also to be coronated today as the first ever Queen of Thardin," he smiled as he finished the announcements and began the ceremony which would bring a new era to Thardin.

Finally, after the customs had been met, the ancient Oath was begun and Krollon spoke, turning to face the people who looked on.

"I am Krollon Arkanan. I know that tradition dictates a certain Oath at this point before I am to be called your king. But, times have changed. Old ways are gone forever and new ways are springing up around us each day. With that in mind, I give you a new Oath. It is a simple promise, no flowery speach that make you lose track of what the Oath means, no hidden ways around fulfilling the Oath. Just a promise, from one man to his people," Krollon paused to let it sink in and then raised his voice, enhancing it with the Magick so that it was easily heard for miles, and yet, not overly loud for those near him.

"I promise to uphold the laws of Thardin with justice. I also promise to change those laws which are in themselves unjust. I will defend this land against all threats, from within its boundaries or from outside sources. This I swear by the World Throne, and promise to you all," Krollon once more paused as cheers erupted from the crowds. Then, slowly he rose his hands to bring silence once more.

"There is one other matter, " he began once more. "I am also the one foretold. I am the Guardian. As such, I have gone back and read many of the prophecies concerning the Guardian. It is said, that my heir will 'unite the people once more.' It is also said that, 'the Queen of the World shall bring Light unto the people in their darkest hour.' Both are from different texts, but in other texts, much the same thing is stated. For this reason, I now declare my wife, Topaz Eludes-Arkanan, as Queen of Thardin. I also now state that in my absence, and in the absence of an heir, she will stand as ruler of this land. This I decree."

Again, his pronouncement was met with shouts of joy and triumph. Krollon stood next to Topaz and held her hand in his, raising both their hands over their heads for all to see. Quietly, the gray robed man whispered as he beheld the final sign that proved these two were the ones foretold, "and his death shall save us all."

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 10:27 EST

The next several days passed quickly. Krollon had gone off to persue the leader of the renegades who had moved against him. He had already learned that the man he had most trusted to lead the Lord Justices of his homeland had turned against him in his bid for power. Now calling himself, Dark justice, he had begun to "liberate" many of the smaller towns that stood quite a distance from the main garrisons and cities of Thardin.

Krollon set out with fifty of the Guard, leaving the majority of the force back at the Spire in case anything happened there. He had already planned for several local artisans and craftsmen to visit Topaz while he was away. His group easily reached the fortress where one of the men from his network of spies had said Dark Justice could be found. Somewhat surprised at the ease of their approach, Krollon used his magick to send out probes for any hidden defenses. As the probe reached the fortress, he found his magick barred.

"Proceed with caution Guardsmen, the fortress is strongly Warded," he softly told his men as he heeled his own horse forward cautiously. They reached the main gates of the fortress and began to move even more slowly as they saw that the portcullis was raised. Silently wondering which of the new Magicians had the strength to block his own magick, Krollon attempted to open a Portal to the clearing on the other side of the gate. As suddenly as the Portal was created, it snapped shut. The sudden snapping of the flow of magick sending Krollon reeling, clutching his head in pain.

"My Lord," the captain of the Guards spoke as he rode to his king's side, "what is amiss?"

Recovering slowly, Krollon replied as he steadied himself and his mount, "I have not felt strength in the magick to do that for a very long time, Massigan. I fear this man is not who we think he is. Have any of you seen him since he became the renegade he now is?"

"No, Lord, none have seen him since he declared his opposition to you," Massigan answered. They had no warning. One moment, all was quiet, the next, the earth around them erupted in sprays of rock and dirt. "Fall back!" Krollon shouted in alarm as he reached out for the magick and found it... gone.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 10:28 EST

The group fell back as their king shouted to them. But, Krollon's mind was now elsewhere. His enemy had laid a trap which had been impossible to detect. As he reached out for the magick, his mind was caught in a web of power that he had never noticed. As he fought for control of his being, he became aware of the true power behind the renegades. Battling the other mind which now tried to claim his body, Krollon was able to see all that had happened.

The man he had appointed had been approached by an elderly man who spoke of open rebellion. The Lord Justice had attempted to defend Krollon with words, but failed to see that the old man had gathered magick around him. In mid sentence, the old man struck, destroying the mind of the Lord Justice and implanting himself in that body. Since that time, Dark Justice had been born.

The mind that had taken control had drifted for centuries, trying to find a way back into this world. And now, he had control of one of the most powerful men in the land. His only goal now was to ensnare the Heir to the World Throne. Once that could be accomplished, Dark Justice would be TrueKing. But Dark Justice was merely a cover for the mind that had finally found its way back to Thardin.

Krollon fought desperately for control, finally breaking the contact with the other mind and retreating with the rest of his men.

"Darkness is back," was all Krollon said as he led his men back to the Spire.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 10:31 EST

Krollon returned to the Spire and walked with Massigan to a small chamber where they could talk alone. Massigan had never seen Krollon so unsure and knew that he was worried about the future of Thardin.

"Massigan," Krollon began, "I am not ready to face him again. Not yet. I need to go back to RhyDin for a time. Practice the use of abilities within me that I have not had to use in a very long time. I will be leaving you in charge of the defense of the land. You must be certain that all know that Dark Justice must be faced. But, I need time before I can face him. No one is to approach that fortress until I return."

"I understand, my King," Massigan repluied as he bowed. "I will do my best to see that no more towns fall under his sway. Until you return."

"And return I will, Massigan. Have no fear of that. I glimpsed some of Darkness's mind before I broke the contact he had forced upon me. I now know how the time differential works between RhyDin and Thardin. It will be easy for me to use the magick to return here. When I do, you will have only believed me gone for a few weeks."

Massigan looked at Krollon strangely, unsure what his king was saying to him. But, he knew that if his king had said that it was to be so... then it was to be so. "As you say, my King."

Krollon left a few more instructions with Massigan on the defense of the towns and returned to his wife, planning to return to RhyDin as soon as she was ready. But, in the far corner of his mind, a small part of Darkness smiled.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 10:36 EST

Lost; Questions and Answers

The evening had started all wrong. Or more to the point, the trip to Thardin, though it had started better then either of them could have hoped for, did not end on the same note. Krollon was behaving differently, more so than the circumstances occurrences excused, though Topaz could not say what exactly had changed were someone to ask her. And now, Krollon was no-where to be found. He had left in a huff over some minor argument. There was only one place left Topaz wherein she could hope to find Krollon or, at least, get a hint of where to look: The Crystals.

Having arrived at the Heart of the Crystals, Topaz noticed the sad look to Krollon's statue.

"What's with you?" ~ He is afraid. ~

"Why?" ~ Losing you. ~
A bolt of guilt went through her at the Crystal's answer. "He's not. Losing me, that is, at least not that easily. So, now, what do l do? He's obviously not here."

~ He watches fights.... speaks with a god. ~

"Great, just great." Topaz's mind quickly counted all the places one may watch fights and converse with gods. "Gods and fights, those are like sand-corns on a beach in RhyDin."

~ He speaks also with a bird. ~

"This is getting weirder by the minute." Topaz thought to herself as the Crystals continued to speak.

~ We only know he is afraid to lose you. ~

~ And we know he awaits the Darkness. ~

"Darkness?" That did not bode well. "You mean to tell me he's becoming this awful evil thing again?" Topaz became more worried with almost every word the Crystals had for her. The change from a blue to a black aura around Krollon's statue added urgency to the information.

~ He fights it....but it is winning. ~

"Why, for goodness sake? And how to stop it?"

~ We think it cannot be stopped this time. ~

~ He seems to want to join his brothers in the Darkness. ~

The Crystals sounded helpless and final in what they said. The tears formed in the corners of Topaz eyes, partially from frustration but more from worry, were evident in her voice as she tried once more to press the Crystals for answers. "So what do l do?"

~ We do not know. ~

Topaz stared at the statues without really seeing them as she thought over the few answers she got. "Fights. Gods. Birds. AJ was on duty tonight. Could it be Krollon had gone back to the arena?" There was only one way to find out. Before stepping through the portal, Topaz glanced over the statues again and noticed a minor change in her own.. A small bubble of sorts where the Crystal was perfect the last time they had visited brought a slight smile to her lips despite her worries.

The smile still on her lips, Topaz entered the arena. It took her a few minutes to spot Krollon in the crowd. His appearance had changed, too, as he had somehow managed to change his clothes and get a hold of his scythes to duel with. Despite having seen the change at the Heart of the Crystals, Topaz was shocked. Though she managed to keep the shock from spoiling her smile, she did have to blink when Krollon opened a rift for them to get home through rather than a portal.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 10:39 EST

Found and Apologies

Topaz stepped from the rift half a step before Krollon, relieved to see that it had really led home and not into the abyss. She turned to face Krollon. "First, l think it's my turn to apologize...." Topaz remained but Krollon sat down with a sound of surprise to her words. Before she continued, her eyes remained trained on him. "For over-reacting the way l did to my disappointment of you having to go back to business here immediately after returning, where l was looking forward to a quiet evening without any court attendees."

"I suppose I could have said something before I left." Krollon interrupted her as she drew a breath, conceding some of the fault to be his own.

"l guess you just didn't have time or thought I'd find myself something to do without missing you right away." Topaz acknowledged his words.

"Well, I actually thought you'd come there. That's where we usually end up meeting" , Krollon explained, "I figured you'd have stuff to do for the Guardians." To which Topaz answered, she had made no appointments until the next day. "You did?" Krollon felt and even looked guilty at her admission and confirmative nod. "Sorry."

Topaz could do nothing but smile at that look. "l thought we might enjoy talking about our vacation turned business trip with more chaperones then there are in RhyDin. And l am sorry for being so selfish to want you all to myself ", Topaz finished her apology.

Krollon added his own, "Yeah, it didn't turn out the way I had expected it too. Well, I'm sorry for going off without talking with you first."

"It's okay." Topaz was quick to say.

Krollon glanced down at the bloody black robe he was wearing. "Don't know what's gotten into me." He muttered more to himself and magicked away the black robes, exchanging them for a robe of dark blue.

"l like that color plenty better, thanks luv." After having taken a seat next to Krollon on the couch, Topaz started to tell him of her visit with the Crystals. "When l was out looking for you, l was at the Crystals... and the statues changed."

"They did?" Krollon threw in. "Wait, did you go to the Crystals without me... that's odd."

Topaz answered his question with a nod and continued, "Yours got black while l was there, it worried me to no end, on top of not having been able to find you."

"I guess I kind of let my emotions get the better of me tonight."

"Me too."

"And they said you were afraid." Topaz went on after the asides.

"Me? Afraid? Nah." Krollon lied through his teeth which drew another smile from Topaz.

"l have a question, though." Topaz still needed a few more answers. "Why did you make a rift instead of a portal? Should l get used to those?"

"Well....it just felt natural at the time." Krollon answered, " And, I don't think so..... they leave....a residue."

Topaz flashed a grin to him, "Good, l would probably always worry that they would lead to some abyss."

At that, Krollon gathered his wife into his arms, "I'm sorry. Not just about the Rift, about everything. I've just not been myself lately."

"Aye", Topaz agreed, "that l noticed, l just was hoping that would go back to normal once you had a chance to talk about what happened when you went after that rebel lord."

Krollon started to recount his experience ending with, "He's not who I thought he was. It seems a remnant of my father survived. Kind of like his mind, or his spirit. It inhabits this Dark Justice person. So, now, I have to get ready to face it again."

"Hurt?" Krollon answered Topaz's question, "No. I got a headache. But, that's about it."

It took Topaz some time to get past Krollon's assurances that he was fine in order to elicit a promise from Krollon to have himself checked by a healer, just in case and to calm her worries.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 10:44 EST

Surprises

Topaz was about to relieve Krollon's head-ache with a comforting massage. But the strangest thing happened: Her fingers barely touching him brought him stinging pain and anything more was plain torture. Still, Krollon insisted, he was going to be right as nails in a couple of days. There was no bump to be found, neither, but an odd mark that had not been at the base of his head before. Trying to show Krollon the discoloration on the back of his neck with mirrors failed, as the mirrors would not reflect the marking. Copying the mark on some paper by tracing it with a coal pencil, brought pain but did not let Krollon recognize the blotch as anything familiar nor jog his memory as to how he acquired it. After a lot more prompting, Krollon finally promised, "Okay, okay, I'll ask Sher or Khrys to look at it next time we seen them."

After exchanging a few kisses over having this issue resolved for the time being, Topaz decided to take this opportunity to tell him of the other news she had glimpsed at her visit with the Crystals. "Oh, and you might wonna have a look at the statues yerself." With a grin she answered his need to know more, "There's the most amazing 'bubble' in one."

"A bubble?" Topaz little speech did not make any sense to Krollon, yet.

Topaz poked his lower belly, just under his belly button. "About here."

"Why've I got a bubble?" Krollon demanded.

"Not you." Topaz exclaimed, barely holding back a fit of giggles.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 10:46 EST

With an utter look of confusion Krollon replied, "Huh?" Which only deepened Topaz's grin and made him ask about her facial expression, though he by then was wearing the same silly grin.

"Ohhh, the bubble of course." Krollon looked too adorable in his confusion for Topaz not to kiss him. "The one inside the statue." Topaz finished after the short break.

"Speak plainly, woman. Who's got a bubble?" Krollon's soft chuckle belied the harshness of his words. "Yer silly."

"Hey, don't call me that. My statue got one." Topaz mock pout was ruined instantly by her giving into the urge to giggle.

Krollon mused, "Why does yer statue got a bubble?"

With a soft nod and a wide smile Topaz repeated her husband's question, "Exactly, why would my statue have a bubble?"

"Wait a minute...." , Krollon's eyes widened in shock, albeit a positive one. "A 'bubble'? Right about here?" He pointed to just below her belly button. "Yer not...? I mean, I'm not gonna...? Oh my." He paused a moment to draw a breath to finally splatter out, "Are we havin' a baby?"

Topaz nodded her head and shrugged her shoulders at the same time. "l dunno, but l think, l mean, why else, right there?"

"Whadda ya mean ya don't know? I thought women knew these things?" He demanded dumbfounded.

Grinning ear to ear Topaz tried to dampen his enthusiasm as much as her own. "Well, it's just a tiny bubble, kinda like your blotch, can't really say it's anything other then a bubble."

Krollon, impatient with Topaz vagueness, gathered as much of the magick as he could hold and lowered his ear to her belly. "I don't hear nothin'?"

"Oh you" , Topaz shook her head slightly, "How could one know when it's so a tiny bubble?

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 10:50 EST

The second visit with the Crystals

"Well, there's gotta be a way to know." Krollon was not about to wait for weeks or even months to know for sure. "I wanna know now. Let's go." He stood up so fast he almost toppled the couch over. He opened a portal as he reached for Topaz's hand and pulled her up. "C'mon, what're you waiting for?"

There was nothing for it, but Topaz had to hurry to catch up with her eager husband as he practically ran through the portal into the heart of the Crystals. They both stopped just in front of the statues for Krollon to inspect the bubble.

With an almost stern look Krollon lifted his eyes to the Crystals directly above him and demanded they explain this phenomenon.

~ The Queen of the World shall bring forth the Heir. ~

That made Krollon's eyes go very wide in shock. Not only for the news themselves, but it was also the first time Krollon heard the Crystals speak to them both in plain language.

"Holy cow." His exclamation and comical expression made Topaz laugh. "We're gonna have a baby!!!!!!!!!" Krollon practically danced at the news. "We gotta go tell everybody." Krollon was the picture of excitement.

Oh yes.
Yep.
Yep.
Yep.

Krollon swept his wife up into his arms and danced around the statues, with her held tightly to him, before he set her down gingerly again. "Better not do that." He said with a light and gentle hug.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 10:53 EST

More Answers

"While we're here, though, lets check out yours, too." Topaz reminded him of the other change. Krollon obediently looked at his own statue. He found the mark and frowned slightly. "Hey, it's got a mark." He was surprised to see it was really there. "I'll have someone look at it." Yet, he was still far too excited to worry about what he termed a silly little mark to himself.

Topaz figured it was her turn to ask questions and addressed the Crystals, "What about the mark on Krollon's neck? How'd it get there and what does it mean?"

~ Evil. ~

That answer got Krollon's attention as Topaz fired up to reel out another question. "The mark's evil?"

~ Yes. ~
~ Mark of Darkness on the True King. ~

Krollon's eyes widened, "How do I get rid of it?"

~ Fight it. ~

"That's it?" Krollon thought that too easy an answer. "Just fight it off like I did the part of me that wanted to be evil?"

~ Yes. ~

Topaz wanted to know, "How can l help?"

~ Be steadfast. ~

"Will it go away?" Krollon addressed the Crystals again, holding Topaz's hand a little tighter.

~ Time will tell. You must fight it, True King. ~

"Simple enough, right, luv?" Krollon turned to his wife.

Topaz was slow to answer, "l guess. But why does it hurt though when l touch you there?

~ Evil hates goodness. ~

Krollon turned back to the Crystals as they had answered Topaz's question for him. "Well, why doesn't it hurt when I touch it?"

~ You are not as pure as the Queen. ~

Neither of the couple had expected such an answer. "Guess I gotta clean up my act." Krollon mused, replacing his initial frown with a chuckle, sounding more light hearted than he felt. "Piece of cake. It'll be easy. Especially with one more reason to fight it."

"Okay, now can we go tell? Pretty please?" Krollon insisted he'd burst if he did not get to tell everyone immediately of his impeding fatherhood. And off they went to do just that.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 10:58 EST

Worries

Topaz sat by Krollon's sleeping form, nursing a cooling mug of coffee and watching him sleep, her mind adrift, worry etched on her features. No one consulted knew what exactly afflicted her husband. The healer had been able to ease Krollon's pain, but that was already all he had been able to do. Now, her love was sleeping most of the time. Which was a good thing, she supposed, but she so much needed to talk with him, missed being with him, wanted him to be healthy with all her heart. Krollon's condition had been unchanged for so long. Would he ever get well again, she asked herself a thousand times every day.

This was a time they should be spending getting ready for their baby. They not even had a chance yet to tell Tormay. And there was more to be worried about. Though, Krollon, before he got ill, had always been able to distract her from her fears, now they had come back full force. "You are not to have any more babies", the words from the midwife still rang clear and devestating in Topaz's ears. Bringing Tormay into this world had almost cost her life a little over five years ago. The reality of danger was brought to mind again when Lanu had died just a couple weeks ago, just after being delivered of her twins.

Topaz grimassed, sipping the now cold coffee and exchanged the almost empty mug for the damp cloth."How much of Krollon's illness was his fathers fault?", Topaz asked herself as she cooled Krollon's brow with the damp cloth, "and was he fighting his evil father now when he was rumpeling the sheets and pillows in his fevered dreams?" Even the Crystals stayed quiet when she had put those questions to them. With gentle fingers Topaz lifted Krollon's slightly damp, black locks to check on the development of the nasty splotch on his neck, carefull not to touch the discoloration directly. If possible, the black lump had gotten even uglier, Topaz noted with a grimace and let his hair drop back in place.

Topaz was surprised to hear Chelle walk in with a hushed "Good Morning". She had missed the sunrise and another night had passed without sleep for her.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 11:02 EST

Krollon awoke from his fitful sleep and glanced about. The illness, which had ravaged his body, had finally subsided, leaving him dazed and tired. He sat up in bed slowly, conscious of his light-headedness. Reaching around to rub at his stiff neck, he could feel that the dark mark which Topaz had noticed had turned into a festering sore. Even as his fingers brushed along it, he remembered the distrubing dreams that had been brought on by the fevers he had been plagued with. In his mind, he relived the horror of seeing himself clothed once more in the black robes he had once worn to fit the color of his soul. He remembered telling some of those he cared deeply for that he had once again become the Reaper. He also remembered the look of sorrow on Topaz's face as he returned home in those same robes. Suddenly, he shook his head grimly. It had not been a dream. He had done all of those things and more.

What had caused him to do these acts which once he would never consider?

What could have happened to him to make him lose his hope?

What made him wish that he had never taken off those trappings of darkness?

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 11:05 EST

Krollon considered all these questions and hundreds more as he sat in his bed. Feeling a cold gust of wind, strange for this deep into summer, he sent his magick out tentatively, testing his surroundings. With sudden realization, he frowned knowing that he had been sick far longer than he remembered. Many weeks had passed. He had missed the tourney, his illness having taken him mere days before its arrival. He had missed the first weeks of Topaz's pregnancy, a fact he had discovered the very day the sickness had struck him. He silently cursed himself for having left her alone for so long, but a small voice came from the corner of his mind and asked him why all of his friends had let him remain ill for so long. He could not remember any of them even trying to aid him in his battle with the fevers. Then again, perhaps some had come and he just did not remember. He vowed to ask his wife as soon as he could walk from the room to find her.

Thinking of the time he had spent sleeping in his ill state, he rose from the bed and crossed to the mirror in the room. He stared blankly at his reflection, barely recognizing the man that stared back at him. Small wisps of gray stood out among the dark strands of his hair. His face wore a blank mask, devoid of emotion despite the feelings which raged within him. But, the feature which stunned him most, was his eyes. Although the irises remained the penetrating blue created by long use of the magick, their centers, the pupils, had turned to a pulsating red. Staring at his eyes, he knew that he looked into the eyes of another man. A man he had thought dead for all time.

He turned from the mirror and hoped he could fight this new evil, although how he was to fight himself, he could not fathom. With determination born of both fear and the need to be active, Krollon walked to the huge closet and began to change clothes. It was time to face the world once more.

Topaz sat in the den when she heard noises from upstairs. Hoping Krollon was finally waking after the fever at least seemed to have broken sometime last night, she tip-toed up the stairs and all the way to the door of their room. Barely able to contain her excitememnt at seeing her husband up and about, she left for the kitchen as quietly as she came. Chelle was equally happy when Topaz told her what she had glimpsed and started to fix her boss a tray with all his favorites.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 11:07 EST

Morning Surprise

Going through the mountain of daily paperwork, Topaz came across a note with an unfamiliar script. As she read the small card a smile spread over her features.

"This warrents a break for sure." She thought to herself on the way out of the office to look for Krollon.

"Luv!! Lookee here what l got!" She called to her husband, still a few yards away, catching him just as he was leaving.

"Woha, not so fast." Krollon was chuckeling as he cought her in his arms and kissed her hello soundly. "Now, this is a pleasant surprise. Let's see what brings you home in the middle of the day."

After Topaz had shown him the note and recounted the events of the evening before, she showed Krollon the little jade carving. "Do you think it's possible to have a pin made of it?"

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 11:18 EST

Premonitions

Topaz woke with a start and sat up straight listening into the night for what had disturbed her rest. The bit of sky she could guess at through the window was dark. The place next to her was as empty as the heavens this hour were devoid of stars. Whatever had so violently ripped her from gentle slumber was gone now. Yet, the feeling of imminent danger resisted being shaken off. Even the soft breeze drifting through the lace curtain, heavy with scents of fall, seemed to whisper dark, vague warnings into her ears. Yearning for her Love to be close she lit a candle and went to check on Tormay. Finding him still sleeping deeply, Topaz pulled the thrown aside blanket up to cover him once again.

Far away, in a training camp on Thardin, Krollon stopped listening to the suggestions of his Lord General as he felt the magic strike a quiet warning bell in his mind. He already was worried having had to leave his wife to take care of state buisiness. After a moment of contemplation he went back to the tasks at hand, even more impatient to be done and on his way home.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 11:20 EST

Krollon knew he was changing inside. Everday, his moods grew darker and his ability to express any kind of emotion other than hate became more difficult. Even Topaz could sense that something was drastically wrong. Once more, Krollon sought answers from the Crystals which had begun to guide him since Topaz had come into his life. Knowing how connected the Crystals were to her, he brought her through the Rift and into the Heart.

Emerging from the Rift, the two spent a few precious moments alone. Topaz tried to keep the worry from her voice by talking of light-hearted things, and Krollon did his best to keep his own emotions in check. After a short while, they began to question the Crystals as to what their future held. Strangely, the Crystals had grown as silent as they had been before Topaz had managed to make contact with them. Trying hard to understand what had changed, the pair looked at the statues in the center of the Heart.

Krollon's statue had begun to take on a smoky-coloring, while Topaz's statue still held the "bubble" in her body. A bubble that had grown considerably. Looking at the statues, the two held hands to share the strength they had with the other. But, each looked at the statues in a different way. Topaz saw the darkness that had begun to fill Krollon's statue and wondered if she would ever have her loving husband back. She also worried about the new life that was soon to come into the world. Krollon saw his statue and knew that it portended his own doom; the same doom which had been his father's. The only bright point in his life were Topaz and the child she would bear.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 11:23 EST

Although the Crystals were not very forthcoming, Krollon and Topaz decided to stay in the Heart for a time. The peacefulness seemed to help Krollon be more like his old self, and the pair talked animatedly for several hours. As they talked, a sudden ringing gong sounded from the Crystals and they spoke to the pair within their midst.

~Darkness comes.~

Wondering what the Crystals meant, Krollon opened the "door" to the Heart and looked out into the main cavern. He was struck suddenly by the realization that the Crystals were dimming with each second. There was still enough light to see by, but instead of the illumination being akin to a thousand candles reflected by mirrors, it now had the appearance of twilight. Topaz peeked out from behind him and gasped as she was the first to see the intruder nearing them.

The man wore black plate armor adorned with spikes covered in dried blood. His eyes glowed deep red; the hatred within them apparent. As he neared them, he drew forth a blade of pure obsidian. Krollon started briefly as he recognized the weapon he had Banished to the Ether many months ago. His father's weapon was just as he remembered it. Looking more closely at the man holding the ancient sword, Krollon recognized the man who had called himself Dark Justice.

"You have hidden from me for long enough, Guardian," rasped the man with a slight grin. "But, now I find you."

Krollon asked the only question he could think of, "How did you get in here?"

"The magick of these Crystals is nothing compared to the Power I now wield. But, I'm sure you can't comprehend that, though you are sure to feel the effects of that Power shortly," he ended with a maniacal laugh.

Krollon began to become uncomfortable with the nearness of the man and the presence of his wife and unborn child. Turning to her, he asked her to open a Portal and return home to await him. She began to argue with him, but, seeing the pleading look in his eyes, she nodded and began to open the magickal hole that would take her home.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 11:27 EST

Just as Topaz made a move to the Portal, Dark Justice noticed it. With a negligent wave of his hand, the Portal collapsed.

"Oh no. We can't have the heir escaping this time," he said with a malicious smile.

Knowing that he had no choice but to face this incarnation of his father with Topaz present, Krollon brought his staff up in defense. No sooner did he raise the ancient wood than the man attacked, but not in the manner Krollon had expected. Krollon suddenly found his mind trapped once more amidst the spider-web of darkness which he had encountered the first time he faced this shell that now housed most of his father's spirit.

Krollon felt the link between himself and his father's mind strengthen and grow. The small part of Darkness which resided at the back of his mind answering the call and clinging to the greater Darkness in ecstasy. Unable to control his own actions, Krollon raised the staff slightly and swung it in an arc aimed at Topaz. In shock, she jumped away from the blow, the Crystals having shouted a warning to her mind to step back a split second before the blow would have landed.

"I cannot destroy the heir, my Queen," the dark man said mocking her. "But, the evil that is now within your husband certainly can." He continued to smile as Krollon stepped forward, swinging wildly again.

Topaz again evaded the blow, shouting to her husband to fight the evil that was trying to consume him, but Krollon appeared oblivious to her pleadings and continued to stalk her. Slowly, Topaz realized she was being backed into a corner of the Heart from which she knew she would not escape. Dark Justice followed the pair as one attacked and the other continued to evade. Becoming impatient, Dark Justice absently struck out with the Power, knocking Topaz to the ground. But, he had sorely misjudged the effect it would have on Krollon. Seeing his wife lying on the ground, pleading for him to fight the evil within him. Raging against his own body, Krollon swung the staff into a javelin-like hold and launched it at the man who had struck his wife down.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 11:30 EST

Straight and true, the staff flew, the clawed tip finally striking the black armor of its target. But, encased as he was in the Power, the staff simply bounced off and clattered to the ground. In fury, the armored warrior turned his attention back onto his true foe and advanced. His mind momentarily loosened from the grip of the greater Darkness, Krollon drew forth his Crystal Blade and moved to defend himself and his wife. Their sword skills seemed evenly matched, but it was obvious that Krollon had not yet fully recovered. Stumbling slightly, he was sliced along his left arm. Then, before he could recover, another cut appeared on his right leg.

With blinding speed, Krollon's attacker landed cut after cut until Krollon's clothes were shredded and soaked with blood. Fearfully, Krollon glanced to Topaz and saw that she was in too much shock to attempt to open a Portal. Knowing that if he expended the energy to open a Rift, he would not be able to defend against another mental attack, Krollon swung his blade up at the last minute to block an incoming strike. Then, with the speed born of desperation, Krollon dove towards Topaz and opened a Rift behind her.

Pausing briefly, he kissed her softly, "I will always love you, Topaz." Then, with a shove, he pushed her through the Rift and let it snap closed just as the obsidian blade pierced through his back and into his heart. With a sigh, Krollon smiled, seeing that his one true love had escaped. As his life ebbed away, Krollon used the last ounce of Power he could gather and unraveled the ties around the Heart.

Tremors began to shake the foundations of the Heart until the walls began to break apart; a thin sliver of crystal falling and impaling the black armored warrior despite his enchantments. In moments, the tremors spread to the surrounding countryside and from there to the rest of the planet. The people of Thardin fled through the Portals created by their leaders, scattering to the planes. And as the last tremor faded, all that remained was a promise of love that would outlast death.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 11:34 EST

Healing

Khrys had been called to the Arkanan's by a lad she had seen around the DeGorol house before with a verbal message. Though odd, the boy's tear smudges were real enough, and underlined the urgent need of the plea for her help. Grabbing the bag she always kept ready she wasted no time and hurried to aid Chelle in which ever way she could.

The sight that greeted her upon crossing the den towards the stairs made her pause momentarily and firmly push aside the knowledge of these already drying puddles being the blood of one she holds dear.

Chelle, having heard her steps, called out and in doing so led Khrys to where her abilities were needed. "l'm mighty r'leived t'ave ya 'ere, m'am. Me man got'er up'm steps afore goin' ta 'trebla. S'much blood ev'ry-where's. l's tried, b'm'lady's no help. sure 'ope ye kin 'elp t'missus. Musta ha' been gott'n knocked by mor'n jus'm punch..." Chelle was babbeling out of worry while Khrys went to work. It was neccesary only occationaly to interupt Chelle's fountain of words, as Chelle seemed to know just what assistence she needed at any given moment.

The night had passed, the sun risen and now stood high as Khrys finally straightened. "Now, all we can do is wait and hope."

"Ah' git us s'fresh tarbean tea." With that Chelle left Khrys to collaps exhausted into the only chair in the spacy room, taking an arm full of soiled cloths with her.

"Poor dear." Khrys whispered, saddened for her friends loss of the babe and curious as to what exactly had happened.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 11:41 EST

Recovering abed seemed to only make matters worse for Topaz; at least that was her way of thinking. She was tired of staying in. She sat in a cozy arm-chair by a warm fire which seemed to be more inducive to speeding her recovering along. As much as she wanted to be out and about more, she refrained from her usual activities, knowing well what fatique and stress she could possibly place on her body.

"MUMMY!" Tormay practically flew from his tree house through the open glass door. He held one of his clown figurines in his hand.

"MUMMY!" One big leap and he was seated on his mother's lap.

"Umpf. Hello there, little darling."

"I made my clown talk!" Tormay almost hit his mom in the nose when he thrusted his arms up with the clown with utter glee. His eyes sparkled with excitement. Topaz sighed with a slight pang. It pained her to think about passing the sad news on to Tormay. The news that would surely put his world inside out and change his life forever. Tormay and Krollon were close to each other.

"I just do what Arky tell me, " he continued, "I close my eyes and imagine it! I can't wait to tell Arky about it!" Topaz felt heartbroken watching the grin that Tormay bestowed upon the clown. She knew that sooner or later, that sweet smile would disappear.

Topaz treasured this visage wishing she could halt time, but she had stalled long enough. She could not hold back the information forever. Somehow she had to make him understand.

"You can tell him now, " she said in a melancholy tone, although she tried to make it more cheerful for Tormay's sake. "He no longer needs to be there to hear you. Chances are that he is right here with you."

Tormay wrinkled up his little nose.

"Wow,. . . Arky know so much magic. Hear that?" He directed his question to the figurine in his hands as he settled it to his lap. He lifted his eyes up to his mothers and paused quietly for a second. He saw tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Mummy, you crying?" She nodded her head.

"Why mummy? Did somebody hurt you?"

"Aye, that too, but that's not why."

Topaz searched every corner in her mind for the right words and hugged him closer.

"I am sad." she answered.

"I don't want my mummy sad."

"Sometimes sad cannot be avoided."

"WHO hurt you mummy? I will get them with my sword that Arky gave me."

Topaz realized that Tormay was not going to relent or give her any more time.

"That is a sweet thought, darling, but Arky already took care of that."

"Oh! I know, I mean I knew Arky could do it. Hear that?" Tormay looked down to his clown and then bent his ear down close to the figure's mouth.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 11:45 EST

"Just doing that was very dangerous and Krollon did not survive it. But yes, he did do that." she explained.

Tormay turned his questioning eyes back to his mom. He noticed that her usual and bright smile was gone. She should be proud of Arky's achievements. For a moment this frustrated him and it showed on his face, but then he thought about the word survive.

"What that mean, mummy? survive?"

He sat his clown down to the side of him patting it gently.

"When he kept the evil man from doing anymore harm to me, he died in doing so."

Tormay gasped. He knew what died meant.

"NO, NO, . . . " He shook his head. "you are pretending."

Topaz held him close, brushing her hand through his hair. Tormay's smile dropped quick and so came his beginning cry.

"Arky no die. Arky no DIE. MY Arky." he sobbed. "I don't want to live anymore."

But his mom did not change her words or take them back. He buried his head deeper into her and the grip he had on her hands tightened. They sat like this for a long time before his sobs mellowed enough for him to talk again.

"I WANT Arky."

He still did not believe her and could not understand why she was telling him this. All he knew was that Arky knew magic. Tormay started what might have turned into a tantrum, a quiet tantrum was what it really could be described as, but truth had it that he was too sad to come up with the energy for one. He mustered up what was in his soul, though; the thing he could not understand.

"Mummy, I want Arky. He can't die. He magic." he cried. Small tears streamed down his face and his fingers tightened even more around his mother's hand.

"In a way, while we remember him, he is not completely gone," she said.

"No Mummy. I don't want it that way."

"It's the only way now. I do not like it one bit neither."

Tormay's voice softened as with the sobs once again.

"Why did he die?"

"I don't know." She knew that Tormay needed to hear more, so she added, "I just know he had no other option."

He still held her hand tight.

"Mummy, I don't feel good." He sat up straighter, but then spooned against her side, moving his mom's hand to his chest over where he had understood his heart to be.
"Mummy, I hurt here. Does it mean I gonna die?"

He took in a big gulp and let a breath out with another sob.

"Yes, it hurts, but that kind of pain does not kill."

No matter how much one may wish it would, she thought. And inside Tormay's mind, he wanted to be with Krollon, dead too.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 11:49 EST

Tormay's eyes harbored a frightened look. He tilted his head up to his mom.

"What are we gonna do?" he asked, then quickly threw his head back into her lap and begin crying again.

"I love Arky."

"Me too."

"I never want another daddy. I mad. Mad, mad, MAD."

"I know, darlin."

"You mad mummy?" Tormay asked as he quieted down. His sobs were sporadic, coming and going. He did not give her a chance to answer.

"Mummy I don't want to see my clown anymore! I don't want to play in the treehouse!"

He wiped the tears from his eyes with his sleeve, and continued, "cause it make me think of Arky. I mad cause he is gone. I want the REAL Krollon!" Tormay used his real name for the first time. Many thoughts stormed through his head. Tormay did not understand why but he was mad at Krollon.

"Hmm, you know,. . . " Topaz said in a gentle voice as soft as she stroked Tormay's back, "There's a little bit of Krollon in those things. His love and care for you. That tugging feeling when you look upon the clown is the love that does that tugging."

Tormay quieted. Mom always made sense and her voice was so comforting much like a lullaby. "You see, his care for you is still there."

"So I can talk to him?"

"Yes, anytime you feel like it. You may even rant at him for leaving."

Tormay replied by nodding his head up and down, but still carried a soft wimper. Topaz thought he was about to fall asleep, but then he opened his eyes back up and looked straight into hers.

"Mummy, m... M. . . don't you ever die." He clung to her and begin to sob again. His small head dug into her stomach.

Topaz ignored the jolt of pain from his urgent hug and tried to calm his fear. She was careful with her wording, not promising anything she could not keep.

"I will try not to, anytime soon."

Night had fallen and the fire had died of it's embers by the time he had weeped himself to sleep to sleep. Carrying Tormay to bed was not exactly an option and so the two slept as they were.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-02 11:51 EST

((OOC note: This post was originally posted by Marzan))

Eros arrived to the cave, fatigued. Normally the travel from Atrebla to the Isle would have been relatively easy. But he had lent the horse to Topaz, and had spent half the night walking.

Sitting upon a rock, he reflected. The evident pain in Topaz's eyes was hard to take from such a dear friend. Her husband had been a good man, dying trying to protect her. And he had succeeded. The Druid marveled at the Honor involved, the "True Love."

His hands gently moved to Leonard and Lennox, coaxing them onto his lap. Soothed by their soft purrs, he thought of the day he had married the two. How proud he was of her. How impressed he was with her dashing young suitor. His eyes fell as he thought of the cermon on "True Love"...and what it involved. Sighing, he realized his cermon had almost been a prophecy of sorts.

His thoughts traveled further......deep into the distant past. The glory days...He chuckled to himself. He remembered naming The Lady Topaz his Lady of Honor at the Overlord Challenge. He smiled, remembering the dress she had made of his colors. How honored he had felt. He remembered how she strengthened him, inspiring him onward.

The bittersweet acceptance that she loved another.

He remembered that one, watching him go his own way.....now...The Druid knew that it was important for him to know his place. As a counselor and friend. He had seen the strength in her eyes last eve. He knew eventually she would be alright. That's just the kind of person she was.

He leaned against the walls of the cave and swiftly dropped into a deep sleep.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 09:48 EST

Years Later

"Mummy!" The combination of scowl and intenseness on Tormay's face was directed toward his mom as she crossed the room. The expressions seemed to be more of an accusation than the usual welcome Topaz received from him. Mother and son had little time to enjoy each others company, and both looked forward to the precious hours which were theirs alone.

"Hello darling. What's wrong?" Topaz crouched beside him, guessing at the problem, by the way his eyes kept darting back and forth between her and the gleaming blade laying on the bed in front of them.

Tormay's answer floored her. "I want to duel in the arena. It is time." He spoke with a conviction far beyond his age. His fingers fidgeted over the sword. "I think my sword wants me to duel." Excitement crept into his voice as he continued, "It is making a beckoning sound. You hear it, mummy?"

Topaz could only stare at him. The sound. The chimes that weren't. It was impossible. The Crystals were dead. They had died with Krollon. No longer did they talk. But there was the sound, undeniably, though faint.

"Mummy you okay?" Tormay was surprised my his mom's reaction. She was supposed to be excited, not just looking at him this quiet-like. Topaz managed a smile and nod to him which were enough to alleviate his concern.

"It is." Tormay was referring to the sound. He picked the crystal sword up from the bed, "I don't even have to put it to my ears to hear it anymore."

"Have they....", Topaz stopped herself from asking the question. This was not the time to invite more curious questions, nor to tell him about the crystals.

"l mean has the sword been doing this for long or just today?" she rephrased.

Tormay's answer sounded distracted. "Oh yeah. ALL day. I have to go to the arena toNIGHT!"

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 09:52 EST

No! He's too young for this. It was not Tormay's wish to duel in the arena Topaz's mind protested to so vehemently. "Ain't this a bit sudden? ... l know you've been training hard..." She never got to finish her sentence. And she knew Tormay was ready and had been ready for months.

"Krollon promised me I could duel, but then dat didn't happen," Tormay bowed his head. Topaz could not tell if it were to hide the tears which still came to his eyes every now and then when thinking of Krollon, or if he was annoyed with her. "And I can't sleep at night cuz my sword keeps making noises. So I figger that I have been training hard and if I give the sword a lesson - or a beating," Tormay thought this part particularly comical, " it will be happy."

Topaz laughed with him at his logic. Tormay again sounding like the boy she still thought him helped her ignore the unbidden questions about the crystals for the moment.

"You know, l very very much want to be there at your first official duel in the arena. And tonight l have to duel for our team," she said, hoping he knew that she did not bring this up just to stall him.

Tormay knew exactly when it was time for compromising, "Then can I duel sometime this upcoming week? Maybe?"

"Of course.Yes. Would you like Thursday?" Her pride in Tormay's diplomatic abilities was evident in her voice. Despite all the apprehensions Topaz found herself looking forward to the event.

Tormay's face lit up."I would like to Thursday. I want the sword to be happy. Did you hear the sounds it makes?"

Nothing and no one would keep her from attending the duels this Thursday with Tormay, barring the arena being closed, Topaz vowed silently. "Very faintly. Tormay, but yes, l do hear it." Unbelievingly so. "It should not be possible." Topaz mumbled, but not quietly enough to escape Tormay's acute hearing. Promptly he demanded an explanation. This was not something his mom talked about usually, so he payed close attention to what was to come next.

"Well, yes. Tormay, you see...The crystal place, it was destroyed, there was nothing left." Tormay waited for more, but nothing else was forthcoming. "We will have to go visit Chelle, and see if we can find Krollon's old books. Would you like to come?"

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 09:53 EST

This would be even better. Perhaps he would get a chance to peek into those books himself. "YES!" His wings fluttered as he jumped up with utter excitement, the fairy dust flying everywhere. Visiting Chelle also meant all the sweets he could possibly stuff into himself.

"You could visit your old tree house while l have a look at the books." Topaz suggested, but Tormay was no longer paying attention.

"I'm ready to go Mummy." He jumped up, grabbed, and sheathed his sword in one fluid motion. He attached the sword belt to his middle, looking every bit the perfect little gentleman.

Topaz smiled at his eagerness to be on their way. "l will have to grab a couple things, though."

"Okay Mummy. And you deserve my hug cause YOU, mummy, are the first to be a warlady with 100 WoL's.!" With that he swung his arms around Topaz and squeezed her with all the exuberant strength of his almost ten years.

Returning his show of affection, Topaz threw in, "So , you heard that, too?"

"I READ that mummy on the cork boards," he replied. "I read them all the time." He did not add he had done so by slipping out of his room at night.

Topaz knew and had long ago resolved not to remark on it, but had made sure someone was keeping an unobtrusive eye on him. "It is important to know what all is going on. l am proud of you, that you keep up with all of it." She quickly hid a grin at the slightly guilty spark in his eye.

"It is important to be well-informed of the going ons." He repeated with emphasis on every word. "And I intend to make you very proud of me." He stood tall and straight.

"Mummy, my tutor says I am number one rating in my class for my speech."

"That is wonderful. We ought to celebrate this. Say with some ice cream, the one Chelle always keeps for your visits?" Topaz reminded him that they were about to leave before he sidetracked.

"Oh....you know my answer for that." Tormay flashed his mom a wide grin.

"Then what are we standing around here for?"

"Yes, my sentiment exactly." With that he made a grab for Topaz's hand, sharing her laughter, and pulled her out of the room. Topaz stopped in the hall to collect paper and pencils, then they were on their way to their previous home.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 09:54 EST

They had dicided to make a flying race out of their trip. Though they both exerted themselves, they landed at almost the same time in the back yard, more out of breath for the joking and laughter along the way than from the exercise. While traveling to their destination they had changed the lead several times. Topaz had manged to pull up to Tormay as they picked their way through the still intact magical wards the house and the surrounding area were protected by.

Tormay merely gave the tree house a glance, satisfied to see it was still standing, before he turned to the sliding door.

"Okay. After you." Tormay stepped from the door he just opened and straightened from his perfect bow with a wink to his mom.

Topaz easily fell into their old play and offered Tormay a curtsy, "Thank you, M'lord." It just did not feel all that much like a game anymore. Tormay was almost the same height with her.

"Your welcome M'lady." Tormay followed Topaz inside.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 09:56 EST

They had made enough noise to where surprising Chelle was no longer possible.

"Lady Topaz, Master Tormay, t's awfully nice ye droppin in. How'd you do?" They were greeted by the aging retainer almost as soon as they stepped into the living room. The furniture stood hidden under pristine white holland covers. Even the wall hangings were covered to protect them from the sun's bleaching rays.

Chelle's stream of words of welcome distracted them from the sleeping surroundings. "My, my, my, you sure've grown. Could it be yer too grown up for m'berry ices?" Chelle herded them through the hall towards the kitchen.

"M'lady Chelle, my mum and I are doing grandly." Tormay answered for them both. "No...I have not grown much."

"Good. T'would be sad to see all the goodies go to waste." Chelle made a funny face toward's Tormay and pinched his cheek affectionately.

"Oh no...", Tormay thought quickly, and puffed out his chest. "I have a man's appetite. And you make the best there is to make."

Chelle pulled out chairs for Topaz and the lad, "C'mon then, afore it got a chance ta melt."

Tormay proved his statement to be true and managed three dishes of ice cream in the time it took Chelle and Topaz to tackle one. They caught each other up with news and eventually , driven by the increasing hum resonating from the sheathed sword at Tormay's side, Topaz directed the conversation toward the books she came to find.

There was no denying it, the crystals did beckon. As soon as it was polite to do so, Topaz excused herself to go in search of the books.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 09:58 EST

Though Topaz had raced up the stairs, her steps slowed considerable as she walked down the hall and came to a complete stop in front of the door at the far end. Memories rushed in. She had not been there since Krollon died. Oh, they had visited with Chelle plenty of times over the last two years, but Topaz had always avoided going upstairs.
Faint laughter from Tormay and Chelle below reached her ears and pulled her from brief but intense reverie. With deliberate ease she opened the door and stepped into their room.

After all the apprehensions Topaz had had about coming here, she was rather disappointed nothing assailed her but slightly stuffy air. A quick glance around revealed the Holland covers shrouding every piece of furniture appeared as if Chelle had just but them there. Like in the living room here, too, no dust had been given the chance to settle anywhere. Yet, unlike the rolled up rugs downstairs, here the floor coverings had not been rolled up and moved to the side. Their rich texture caressed Topaz's feet as she walked to one of the windows. It as well as the shutters opened without a sound, turning easily on well-greased hinges. Fresh air carried the scents of spring into the room, as Topaz turned to Krollon's desk.

Careful not to upset any of the items hidden beneath, Topaz lifted the cover from the desk and let it slide to the floor. The first thing Topaz noticed where two still sealed letters addressed to Krollon, which he had never had the chance to read.

The Books off to the left, the topmost of the short stack had a bookmark peeking out from between the first quarter of the pages, where not the ones Topaz had come for. Other then those, the firmly closed ink well, and the quill Krollon had used last, nothing else had been left out.

Topaz's opened the flat drawer under the writing surface and removed the blank parchments and linen papers within to the desktop. One hand held beneath just the right spot, her other hand dipped inside the now empty drawer. Her fingers remembered the code in which to move over the apparent scratches to release the almost ridiculously small key.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 09:59 EST

The key had performed its duty; it and the papers had been hidden again within the drawer. Topaz's fingers still tingled from contact with the magic protecting the older of the two books. Both of them now lay before her on the desk on the cloth they had been wrapped up in. Neither sported a title, or any other writings on their covers.

Topaz gently picked up the smaller volume and leaned back in the chair still swathed with linen. She opened the book to a random page. It took several minutes for the words in Krollon's handwriting to come into focus for her eyes through the emotions, which misted them. Her fingertips traced the characteristic lines, which would guide her to find the answers the other book might reveal.

The pages where filled with translations of sections, some whole paragraphs, some sentences, others partial phrases or even as little as only a single word, of the second book; each with pages and line numbers of where the section was to be found in the other book.

Soon Topaz became emerged into the revelations of the crystals. Minutes passed into hours as she read through Krollon's notes. Most of the history and predictions - predictions they were when Krollon wrote them down, by now they had become history - were what Krollon had told her, very few were new. Often lines where crossed out with slightly different translations following.

Evening came all too quickly, and with it Chelle and Tormay intruded upon Topaz's solitude.

~~ Come ~~

The crystal sword at Tormay's side hummed faintly. Amidst Tormay's recounting of the afternoon spent at play, helped along by Chelle, Topaz re-wrapped the books to take with her.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 10:02 EST

Topaz woke with a start. "That's it." Her voice was colored with excitement and overly loud in the quiet of night.

Ever since she discovered the second book to be spell bound, Topaz had been searching Krollon's notes and her memory for anything that would aid her in getting the book of the Crystal's predictions to open for her, but to no avail. It was a frustrating task, but the fairy refused to quit. Not that the insistant call of Tormay's Crystal sword would have let her.

Now, the answer had come to her in her sleep. Or at least she hoped it was the answer. As she concentrated on keeping alive the memory of the elusive words of magic while lighting a candle and reaching for pencil and paper the rest of the dream dissipated from her mind like whisps of fog in the morning sun.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 10:05 EST

Topaz had worked ever since she woke hours before dawn. The blanket she had wrapped around herself like a cloak against the chill of the night air had slid to the floor unnoticed some time ago, the sun's rays now warming her. Several times she had tried the spell with different intonations, always breaking off before the last syllable was spoken. Each time after a failed attempt she had gone over her notes, making subtle changes to her marks of lines and dots under the words. Topaz knew she had gotten close just now, the telling tingle was with her through the first part of the spell, but left apruptly after two thirds of the syllables where spoken.

Pointedly ignoring the mess the misfired magic of the broken off spell had wrecked in her office she continued. A quickly stiffled voice of reason let her know there was little time left for her to try again before Dex would have heard from someone of the odd going ons and came rushing over to put a stop to her experiments and from finding out just how dangerous messing with unknown arcane words could be.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 10:06 EST

Topaz was ready to try again. She gave the paper one last look before she again collected her concentration on opening the book. Her hands hovered over the cover of the old tome. "Ay quen valsyla urakis kelwa angabande..." It felt right so far. She could feel the magic of the book reach for her fingertips. But it had done so last time, too. "....o lokgur ..." The tingle had not left, rather it spread. From the tip of her fingers the feeling associated with working magic moved up her arms and further to her shoulders.
"... tome apar..." Still, it was correct. All the way into her toes she felt the magic working. Topaz was surprised to watch one of her hands weave through the air just over the cover, as if guiding it to open. She did not make that happen, did she? "... unum."

A breeze, brushing searing hot through her fingers, blew open the book and turned the pages. As abruptly as it had started, it stopped. The elating feeling of magic gone from her, Topaz collapsed exhausted into the chair behind her, her fingers gently touched the page the book had opened up to. A smile played around her lips at the soothing cool to her burned fingers emanating from the smooth paper.

The smile quickly gave way to an expression of annoyance as the door burst open. Something else was going to happen to delay her finding out what the Crystals had in mind for Tormay and herself. Surprise is too mild a word to express what Topaz felt as she saw just who stormed in.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 10:08 EST

It was to be a night of dreams and nightmares again, he could tell as he entered the small room he had graciously been allowed to occupy since his return from Carthia. They had been endless since he had returned, and though memories haunted his days less and less, they were still as powerful in his sleep as they every had been. He would seek the stars and the moon for comfort as he did many nights, but it had been 3 days since he last had slept and faced what awaited him behind closed eyes. His return had been harder on him than he could have ever imagined. He knew he would have to face the questions that arose in his own mind, and battle the inner demons that they represented, but he had assumed that they would fade as he re-acclimated himself with Rhydin and its surroundings.

He had done everything he could to distance himself from what had been. He had returned with nothing but the clothes on his back, having left all the monetary trappings that had been associated with his former life with his sisters. He had wanted to make sure they would never want, and had also seen to it that others would benefit from what he had never felt was rightfully his. Making arrangements for his estate outside of Rhydin to be turned over to the crown of Carthia had been his wisest move before his return, for at least that was one difficult task he did not have to face. Topaz having seen the grief written large in the lines about his eyes, had been kind enough to let him stay at the Beacon until he worked things out, but after 3 months he still remained feeling less and less as a guest each day and more as a freeloader. If he was not at least symbolically paying some of his debt by representing Atrebla in the Dueling League then he would probably have been lying drunk in a gutter by the road somewhere by now. He felt hollow inside, but at least he moved on day by day hoping for a break in the storm that was his mind.

Laying down his mind drawn to the past as it always was in the wee hours of the night, he tried to relax, but still memories flashed before his weary eyes. Always it was the same, a fiery highlands lass whose life had burnt out before he could ever rewin her heart and the wee lass that she had left him the product of their one night together. That hurt most of all in the end, the loss of his first-born. The abandonment of his wife and the children she carried would always come next. Duty had called and when forced to make a decision between duty to his country and the love of his wife, he had left Rhydin to serve as Regent to the land of which he was born. Sometimes life is not fair, and decisions must be made that no one can understand, but that was something he would have to face within for the rest of his life. And finally his greatest regret in life would fill his mind in the form of a simple bracelet of wood, something he still kept with him somehow seemingly as fresh as the day she had tied it about his wrist. Never had he felt so full of life nor felt more complete then the few moments they had shared. Knowing he had walked away from his soul mate would forever haunt him.

Finally sleep overtook him as the quiet of the deep night soothed the churning of his mind only to submit him to the hells of his dreams. Minutes or hours passed, it was always hard to say, but he found himself awake and seemingly in the midst of the horrors of his dreams as the crashing sound reverberated through the Beacon. Jumping quickly to his feet in startlement at the sound, he quickly gathered his bearings and strode saber in hand in pursuit of the noise. Moving through the Beacon he quickly lost his bearings for the sound had stopped as suddenly as it had begun.

((This writing was originally posted by Matthias))

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 10:09 EST

The slight taste of sulfur in the air and the faintest smell of smoke led him onwards in his search for the origin of the loud sound. Somewhat in surprise he finally tracked the smoke to Topaz's door as it slowly seeped out from underneath the door. Noting the wash of light from outside across the hall his concern grew knowing she was usually not within her rooms at this hour of the day. With grim resolve, and fear in his eyes, he burst into the room without knocking only to be confronted with a grim yet bemusing sight. He would have probably laughed at what he saw if he had not been so alarmed, but the sight before him brought out the father within him. Turning to swing the door closed behind him, he found all that was left in his grasp was the polished doorknob that had broken free from the scratched and blackened door. Kicking the door shut and tossing the doorknob to the floor he entered the catastrophe that was her sitting room and approached the fairy.

He could see the agitation on her face at being interrupted even through the swatch of soot that covered one delicate cheek, but was unfazed as he made his way through the clutter of singed books and parchments that littered the floor. Catching a glance at the opened book before her he almost halted as he felt the power that emanated from within its pages, but this was now a mission and with a reproachful look on his face he turned on the diminutive Topaz.

"Just what in the names of the three faced God do you think you are doing!" He exclaimed a bit louder than he intended. "It is one thing to be interrupting a person's sleep, but to be toying with......this!" His voice stuttering as he struggles to convey his feeling for the obvious origins of the tome before her. "If you are going to play ye could at least have Dalamar or Dex here to guide ye, don't ye think?" his voice full of reproach for her experimentation's in something she obviously did not understand. Waving his arms about at the destruction about him, he continued in his diatribe "Look at this place! Did ye truly intend to destroy ye're rooms or were ye just redecorating? I have never seen such a mess in my life, and all over that....that.... book of evil." His prejudice against magic showing through, though he could feel the power radiating from the book, he could never comprehend that this in itself was not normal. "What in the world could possibly be so important as to disturb a man from his sleep, frighten half the staff, and turn this fortress into the center of Armageddon?" Tapping his foot he waited for her lame excuse for the mess that surrounded her.

((This writing was originally posted by Matthias))

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 10:13 EST

"You're not Dex." Topaz tried to work through her surprise of seeing Mathias standing in her sitting room. He sure did not look pleased neither. The combined noise of the door falling shut and the doorknob hitting the floor made her flinch. Mathias either did not hear her dumbfounded comment or simply chose to ignore it, for he burst into speech - none of which mirrored any of the elation she felt at finally having succeeded to open the spell bound book. Mathias even frowned as his gaze brushed over it.

Mathias diatribe made her take inventory of her surroundings with a sweeping gaze. While she had concentrated on her work, she had paid no mind to her surroundings. Belatedly she felt a twinge of fear at the power she had worked with and something akin to guilt, seeing the worry in Mathias's face as she returned her gaze to him.

What answer should she give him?

"I merely opened a book."

That was no good, she could tell be his mien.

"I had to do it."

She did not like the looks of thunderclouds. Okay, Topaz thought to herself, explanations later.

"I am sorry to have disturbed your rest.... And to have worried you."

This Mathias appeared to like to hear a lot better.

"..and the staff."

Topaz caught the light twinkle in his eye and ventured a slight smile.

"You know, redecorating might not be entirely avoidable now."

Mathias was still tapping his foot in tact with the increasingly painful throbbing in her fingers. Nothing less but a full explanation would do, Topaz saw by now.

"The book is not evil. Far from it."

Topaz proceeded to relate to Mathias all she knew and some of which she hoped to find out.

"You see," Topaz came to the end of her detailed and passionate explanation, "asking Dalamar or Dex for help was impossible. They are nowhere to be found. And, anyway, even if, they could have been of no help, for the Crystals would not have accepted them."

Her friend's earlier comment of thinking her merely at play still rankled. Topaz hoped Mathias got a better understanding now.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 10:16 EST

Standing there watching Topaz fret a bit as she tried to explain away the mess without actually getting to the point of the matter was a bit exasperating, but at the same time he would remember it fondly. He was not settling for less then a full explanation though! He kept a stern visage on his face, even though at times he wanted to smile or even laugh, until the words finally started to flow from her, and she relented
to telling him about the book and all it represented.

As she recounted the ties it had to Tormay, and possibly even to Krollon he relaxed being caught up in the history of the book, as she knew it. His expression changing from stern concern to curious, and finally, to thoughtful consideration of her words. He knew what Tormay meant to her and her deep concern and her need to find out the truth about the sword he felt inside. Though he held his feelings within, he could not help but think of his own Gilyan who had been lost to him. It was this probably more then anything that finally won him over, for he would not stand in the way of something so vitally important to the bond of a mother and a child.

Laying a hand softly on her shoulder as her words died down, he looked down at her with genuine compassion. He could see the need that shone from within her eyes and her fierce determination to find the secrets that lay locked within the pages of the book, and he could do nothing but agree. With a gentle smile and squeeze to her shoulder he finally spoke "Topaz, I can obviously see and wholeheartedly support the need for the research you are undertaking. The sooner you can find the mysteries that lie within the tome, the better. But" he paused to emphasize his next words "this carelessness has to stop. From now on ye need to do ye're work where ye cannot create a natural disaster, and ye WILL have guards on the door and a healer close by in case something goes wrong. Now shall we arrange this now, or do ye need time to rest before tackling the book again?" With a wink and a soft smile he awaits her answer.

"Naww. l'm fine." With an unspicious motion, or so she hopes, Topaz hides her burned fingers behind her back. "The book is open now. So, l wont have to do anything like this again. Thank you, Mathias." As she noticed his questioning look, she added, "... For understanding."

Mathias looked at her a bit suspiciously, he could tell there was something she was hiding, but with a laugh he just shrugged and leaned close to give her a fatherly kiss on the forehead. "I hope ye find ye're answers m'friend, and if ye need me for anything ye know where to find me." He then retreated from her rooms to allow her to concentrate on her studies. He stopped on the way back to his room to make sure food is taken in to her, for he knew she would be at the book for awhile this day.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 10:19 EST

~ Aftermath ~
((Posted for Krollon))

"She's safe."

It is the last thing he remembers before entering the big sleep. Despite the dreamless sleep of death, he remained aware of the passage of time. But suddenly, as if the universe had cried out at the injustice of the too soon death, he became aware of his surroundings. Floating at the edge of reality, where the uncertain line separated the Prime and the Ethereal, he watched and waited. He felt his being pulled in both directions as the need to continue his journey to the afterlife fought with the need to return to life. A constant struggle; with neither side strong enough to win.

Time passed in spurts. The heart, which was said to have existed since the dawn of time, had been pulled into the Ethereal Plane. He watched as the Crystals pulsed and hummed in anticipation. As he watched the Heart begin to thrive once more, he knew that his task was not yet over.

He continued to watch over his soul mate. He silently hovered over her. A part of him was saddened at some of the events he witnessed, but he was glad she had overcome her grief and moved on with her life.

He watched as Tormay struggled with the loss of his friend "Arky". He yearned to stretch forth a warm hand to console the lad, but he sensed it was not yet time. And yet, something had awakened him from his slumber. So, he kept watching.

He lost track of how much time had passed. But, he knew that time was nothing to him now. He also knew that the time was drawing very near. He marveled at how he had cheated death once more. In his mind's eye, he pictured the different faces and bodies that he had worn. One more face was then added to that silent inventory.

Emotionless, he hunted for that face. He knew the moment in which the soul that inhabited that body would be released. He knew that body would be mortally wounded on a battlefield. He also knew that he could repair that damage. Some would say that what he was doing was wrong, but he knew that the greater good would be served. Besides, one without emotion did not feel guilt.

Winter came to the land of Loran and the snows were painted red with blood. In the middle of a vast battle, the lone survivor stumbled as the belly wound slowly bled the life out of him. The warrior fell, was still, and breathed one last time.

The disembodied spirit hovered over him. Then, as the other soul continued on its journey, the warrior's wound closed. Blood began to circulate once more. Lungs expanded and breathing resumed. An index finger twinges once as muscle control returned. The man's eyelids opened to reveal pale blue eyes with white flecks. He sat up slowly and stretched.

He nods in satisfaction at once again feeling the sensations that only the living can feel. Silently, he stands and soaks in the warmth of the winter sun. A spark ignites within each eye and they begin to glow an electric blue. Harnessing a tendril of power he alters his attire. His image wavers briefly and then solidifies wearing a black robe. He pulls the hood over his head to hide his features and sends out a thought.

Miles away, a griffin hears the ancient summons and instinctively responds. As the creature lands, the black robed man extends a calming hand. Upon contact, the Bond is formed. Now, telepathically linked to his new master, the griffin kneels and allows him to climb up to a comfortable riding position. He sends a thought, instantly conveying his destination to the griffin. In moments they take flight, spiraling out of sight.

Half a world away, the Crystals in the Heart sing out and words come forth again.

"The Reaper awakens."

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 10:22 EST

So much had happened in the last couple weeks to keep her from devoting the time to Krollon's books, as she wanted to.

A stranger, or so she believed at the time, contacted her. Mr Mecfine had expressed his hopes, since Topaz's name was the only connection he had to what might be his past, she could tell him what he needed to know. It had turned out she could. Mr. Mecfine was no stranger at all. Once she saw him, it was clear, he could be no other than Dalton, temporarily lost King of Krynn. Everyone had presumed him dead the last four years.

Tormay was hiding something of late. Usually that would not worry her, but this time her son did not appear to hide a normal boy growing up secret and she worried about him. Whatever it was, it made Tormay a bit less the worry frees impish little boy she was used to. Topaz was sure it was more than just the letters back and forth between Tormay and Dalton.

And now, Dex had disappeared. Topaz had not worried at first, when she failed to run into him a few times each day. She had been far too busy with straightening out the minor everyday catastrophes. Him not being there when she happened by his office to seek his advice was no strange occurrence neither. But his office, though always straightened up, had an empty feel to it. Some things were definitely gone, the books she had gotten him, for one. Topaz found that out as she was going to have a peek into one in the hope she'd find something useful to help her open Krollon's book of the Crystals. More odd was, when Topaz stopped by the Montoya's home to find out from Anne what had Dex so busy, Topaz found it empty of Anne and the girls. That was enough to worry Topaz into searching her office for the note Dex was sure to have left for her, should he have planned on being gone for any length of time. But, even a second turning the office upside down did not bring forth any missive Dex might have left. A suspicion of just where Dex might have gone to dawned on her, but it was so outrageous to think he'd have taken Anne and the girls along to that dangerous place, she dismissed the thought. Albeit, a feeling of unease persisted.

Topaz pushed all those worries aside as she sat down in her office with the Book of The Crystals to study what it might reveal. Within minutes she was immersed, the cup of coffee off to the right cooled without her notice.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 10:25 EST

Studying what the books might tell was tedious work. Topaz had spent every free minute the last two weeks with the book of the Crystals and Krollon's notebook.

Actually, far more than just the free minutes. Plenty more passages were clear now. What had been garbled signs the last time she had looked at the pages now appeared as easy to read as common. All the way up to Krollon's last fight and death, that is. The fairy had read through those pages quickly, as she was present for most of what the book now openly told of. She would have liked to know what had happened at the scene of the fight after Krollon had pushed her through the portal, but within the pages telling of those events some of the lines started to get garbled up again and the book stubbornly refused to tell her any more of those last minutes. After numerous attempts, Topaz gave up on that passage and turned her efforts to find any reference as to why and where-to the Crystals where calling her. Some of Krollon's notes, especially those he had scratched on the pages of the book of Crystals, helped to wrest meaning of some of the still garbled writing several pages further. Some of the runes shifted and changed even as she was looking at them and proved impossible to comprehend.

The answer to the question why Tormay's sword would call and hum remained hidden. But Topaz now knew how to get the answer. The book had been most clear about that. She would have to go to the Heart for an audience. She would find her way to it through the Ether, the book stated, and "The Way Will Be Made Clear." Topaz thought it odd the words each appeared capitalized, but the book was a fountain of oddities. She would find out once she got there, of that Topaz was certain.

Further study had not revealed any other details concerning the audience. Though Topaz had more or less stumbled over two more very clear paragraphs.

"He shall arise again and take up the Blade of Justice. He shall return to his home and continue on as before. The Power shall be with him; and he shall have mastery over it."

"Justice was taken from the land to protect the people in their new home so that Justice would not be lost."

Not that they made any sense to Topaz. Her vague guesses did not even come close to what the Crystals tried to communicate to her.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 10:27 EST

It was time. The note to Keirin to explain her absence and with instructions had been written and delivered. In case Dex picked one of the days she was gone to return, Topaz had left him a note, too. Her farewells to Tormay she had made a little over an hour ago over a very enjoyable breakfast.

Topaz was still apprehensive about this trip she was about to start upon; the fright of her last excursion into a similar dimension was deeply impressed into her memory. She was glad Xeno had insisted to come with her, rather than to just open a portal.

With a minor spell Topaz lightened her bag of provisions and everything else she thought might prove of use. Again she studied the instructions of how to find Dojo Darelir, before finally slipping the card into her skirt pocket.

During the hours of the night and the morning Topaz had added and removed the book several times from her pack. She was not at all sure if bringing it or leaving it would be the better course. She was about to step through the portal that would take her down town RhyDin when she changed her mind again. Quickly she retrieved the book and stuffed it into her bag.

It took less time to walk from downtown to the Dojo than Topaz had anticipated. Nearing the gates Topaz was surprised to find it guarded by Turkoman warriors, as well as by the feeling the place invoked. The feeling was very similar to coming home to the house Krollon and her shared though the windowless two-story wall with the wooden door and iron gates of the Dojo Darelir had nothing in common by looks with the garden surrounding House De Gorol.

As instructed the eve before by Xeno, Topaz approached one of the guards and offered him the card. "Good day to you. My name's Topaz and l believe l am expected."

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 10:29 EST

The Turkoman warrior nodded that she was expected and openned the iron gate.

"Dojo on the left, lady," he instructed with a very thick accent. Topaz followed the stone path past the gatehouse and the stables into the sunlit garden. Beyond stands a simple, lightly ornamented chapel. At the fork in the path Topaz went to the left and came before the Dojo proper -- and face to face with Xenograg, who had stepped out to greet her. The sorcerer looked even more impressive clad in his light blue tunic and hose, thick brown-red sash, and dark blue Ostego cloak.

"Should I think of bringing food or other supplies?" Xenograg inquired with a gesture to the pack slung over Topaz's shoulder.

"Might be a good idea. Better to bring too much than to live with the discomfort of hunger and thirst."

"'It is better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it'," quotes Xenograg with a smirk at rephrasing her words. He invited Topaz inside but left her to gather provisions for himself. Something about the feel of Xenogrags home, plus the way the monks seemed to all walk around corners in a most precise way, suggested that Topaz should curb her curiosity rather than to wander around. There was plenty to see from where she stood. Half a dozen monks and Turkomen where engaged in weapons practice: fighting staves, spears, swords, even bows. Despite the din of fighting sounds, Topaz could make out conversations held in a foreign, tonal language. Xenograg returned after a few minutes.

"There. I borrowed from the lunch table in the other room," he explained, a small bag over his shoulder.

"How kind of them to time their lunch with your needs," as the fairy's eyes twinkled with mirth. They proceeded down a hallway but Xenograg abruptly stopped halfway to the ending door. Topaz, occupied with trying to put a name to the feeling the dojo inspired, would have bumped right into him had his words not halted her steps.

"Never go down there," Xenograg instructed. Despite Topaz quick assurance that she would not dream of roaming through his home uninvited, he finished his softly-spoken warning about the door at the far end. "It is a trap." His trusting her with the knowledge of this secret also sufficed to distract her curious eyes just long enough to miss whatever spell he worked on the side wall. The single word the spell required turned Topaz's gaze back to Xenograg just in time to see the wall swing inward like a door. Topaz did not need another invitation to follow as he ducked through the doorway and started to descend the narrow spiral staircase. Not that Xenograg would have had a chance to, with the way Topaz was peppering him with questions about the trapped door.

The stairs brought them to what Xenograg called his 'true sanctum,' and Topaz would have called a well-kept but rather empty laboratory. Xenograg patiently answered Topaz's earlier questions while he busied himself with last minute details. Topaz took a look around. The first thing she noticed, and took great care not to step upon or within, was the large magic circle inscribed upon the floor. The room had no windows. Tables lined the walls but bore none of the bottles, books, or other items Topaz would have expected.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 10:32 EST

Having asked and received permission, Xenograg placed two fingertips to Topaz's forehead for a moment to get an initial feeling for her aura. "I cannot open a physical gate to where we need to go. I will have to shift us there", Xenograg answered Topaz's many questions, "I needed to get a feel for you. Same basic technique, except the destination is not in the same dimension. Takes more energy."

Topaz was about to add another question concerning the triangular amulet he now wore and the plentiful runes on it, but Xenograg forestalled her by requesting a minute to prepare.

Once finished with what looked remarkably like Keirin's meditation - until he lifted of the floor, that is - Xenograg bid Topaz to step into the circle.

"How big is where we're going? What's the chance we're getting anywhere close to the Crystals?"

Xenograg put a finger to his lips, which quieted Topaz immediately. "Do not doubt yourself.

What you think affects what we do here. Give me your hands."

As soon as her small hand disappeared into his much larger ones, Xenograg instructed her. "Now close your eyes. Clear your mind. Take ten deep breaths, thinking only of breathing. Good. Now picture in your mind our destination."

Topaz promptly lost count. "What does the Ether look like?"

"Shh. See it. Hear it. Smell it. It is like being wrapped in an endless veil. Floating in a fog." Xeno made sure she could sense his light mental probing. "Make it real in your mind. Now add your desire to be there again. Think in the present tense." Topaz struggled to follow his barrage of instructions. "Breathe. Remember a smell."

A sudden fit of nausea together with the sense of solid ground under her feet being removed made it impossible for Topaz to keep her mind on the scent she tried to recall. Her wings reflexively fluttered to make up for the changed environment.

"Good. You did it. Yes, you are flying. Slowly open your eyes."

"Ohh." All Topaz could see in every direction was a never changing fog of pink-gray and a near-transparent sphere of gold surrounding them like a protective shield. "It worked." Not that Topaz even for a second doubted Xenograg's abilities, but she was worried the vague picture she had in her mind of what their destination looked and smelled like might not have been enough to get them there.

"Do not float too far from me", Xenograg warned as he let go of her hands, "The sphere is centered on me."

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 10:34 EST

BOOM!

A bright red flash, not unlike lightening, struck the sphere. The noise that came with it was deafening. Topaz had not yet fully managed to accommodate for the change of surrounding, though being a flier definitely helped in making up for the absence of solid ground and the also missing sense of direction as up and down. The combined surprise of overwhelming lightening and noise made her jump and, rather than connect her posterior ungently with a floor but just as annoyingly, made her lose some of the distance she had gained in trying to realign herself with Xenograg.

Xenograg experienced no such disorientation. Already he had pulled a wooden cylinder from the folds of his cloak and urged, "Topaz, move behind me."

"Where exactly is behind?"

"Put me between you and that."

Topaz, who had started to move, stopped dead as her gaze caught on what Xenograg had pointed to. The first thing she saw was a dark oval defined by pointy, yellowed fangs snapping at the shimmering shield of the sphere surrounding them.

With the sound of a braking twig, the cylinder Xenograg had retrieved became a six-foot staff. Topaz eyes opened wide as the one maul pulled back and a second sprang forth from the fog to attack the golden shield. "Oi, where did that come from?"

The sight through the pink-gray haze was extremely limited, but sufficient to let them guess at the size of the two-headed, yellow-green and black scaled serpent. Where Topaz was awed by the horrific beauty of the beast Xenograg acted. He grabbed hold of the staff horizontally with both hands and extended his arms. White light coursed along the shaft, and each end fired a bolt at the serpent, which sent the creature disappearing back into the fog with an alien screech.

"Are there any more? What was it?"

"Topaz, please do not distract me with questions!" Xenograg was annoyed, having taken much too long to shoot. With another snick sound he collapsed his wand once he ascertained there was no second attack forthcoming.

"Time will tell. No more questions, now. Concentrate on our destination", he reminded Topaz why they were here and at her chastised expression added, " I will answer your questions later."

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 10:36 EST

"Patience. Recall the image of the Crystals. I can guide off of you." Xenograg's instructions as he once again took Topaz's hands into his sounded simple enough. But try as she might, Topaz could not visualize a clear picture. It turned out to be extremely difficult to imagine what the Heart of Crystals might look like now. Memories of the Crystals before their destruction were impossible to ban from her thoughts entirely. The image in her mind's eye therefore kept shifting. Most frustrating was the absence of the call from the Crystals. Topaz was sure they, or at least she, would be able to hear that call, the moment they entered the Ether. The endless fog was starting to get to her as well. Xenograg's meant to be encouraging "You are doing fine" sounded more like mockery to her. For she was becoming more certain by the minute she was going about this the wrong way.

"Xeno?" A voice, obviously not her travel guide's, intruded. Xenograg and Topaz turned to face of who spoke. Who they saw might be best described as a glowing man in mail armor.

"Teraden, what are you doing here?" Xeno sounded only mildly surprised, and his facial expression suggested he had expected the apparition.

"You made an error before, my friend. You cannot find your destination here." To Topaz's astonishment, the glowing knight knew more than she thought he should.

"Where?" Xenograg inquired.

"You know where we want to go? How's that possible?" Topaz asked at the same moment. She was convinced what the knight called Xenograg's error was due to her inability to picture their destination clearly.

Teraden looked at Topaz and smiled angelically, "Greetings, Topaz."

The fairy was stunned. "We met? Uhm, l meant, Hello."

"No, child. I am Teraden", the spirit bowed with grace.

"Pleased to meet you", Topaz answered the bow with a polite nod.

"Thank you for coming then, my friend. I look forward to your correction." Xenograg said with a hint of sarcasm before turning to finish the introduction. "Topaz, this is one of my oldest and dearest friends, and my guide."

"You are slightly out of phase, Xeno." The pleasantries over, Teraden got down to business.

"Indeed?" Xenograg fished for more of an explanation as Teraden floated over and reached for their hands. Xenograg released one of Topaz's hands and took Teraden's. Topaz, never having met a ghost up close before, was a second slower to comply. Teraden's hand was there, yet not. Strange, but not dangerous at all, Topaz found. At close range, she could discern racial differences between Teraden and Xeno and notice other details. Though glowing white all over, it was now obvious Teraden was Caucasian with brown hair. The tabard he wore was white with a great golden lion upon it.

"I see it now, Teraden." Xenograg said out loud for Topaz's benefit and put an end to the silent conversion of no words between himself and his friend. Topaz's stomach lurched and she experienced the same minor dizziness that had assaulted her when Xenograg had first shifted them into the Ether.

"Yes, now we are in the correct phase." Teraden sounded pleased.

"I had to shift us again." Xenograg answered Topaz's question if they were moving again. His amulet darkened back to normal after glowing at the moment of shifting.

By now Topaz did not need the confirmations. She knew they had changed locations despite the pink-gray fog not having changed the slightest. She now could hear the Crystal's call.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 10:39 EST

"Did you hear that?" Topaz was excited and relieved to finally hear the Crystal's soft hum.

"Yes, madam." Xenograg's mood brightened, too. He immediately reoriented them and started to move them into the direction Topaz pointed.

"Topaz was just fine", the fairy replied laughing.

"This is your mission", Xenograg insisted with a smile.

"But you're the captain of this vessel. Want me to start calling you captain?" Topaz argued. Teraden was enjoying the exchange whole-heartedly.

"Touch?." Xenograg ceded and answered the original question. "I sense it but not as sound."

"That is because you are a sorcerer, my friend." Teraden explained more to Topaz's benefit. "You do not have to shunt down to five physical senses.

They were moving faster now, but not fast enough for Topaz's taste. The call of the crystals became more insistent. So much so that Xenograg had to expand some effort to lower his sensitivity to them.

"Careful, Topaz. The sphere is not solid." Xenograg warned just before her impatience would have propelled her beyond the golden shimmering shield.

"Oops." Topaz stopped. "I would not have to be careful if you'd two move instead of conducting lessons."

"I am cautious by nature." Xenograg offered.

Teraden had something to say to that. "Were not always", he whispered to Xenograg just loud enough for Topaz to hear, too. Xenograg's attempt to hush his friend came too late.

"How long ago and what happened?" Topaz was fishing for the story Teraden suggested was there, but Topaz was to be disappointed.

"Old age. We both survived rash-full youths, Topaz. I had a witness, unfortunately." Xenograg teased the fairy's curiosity.

"You're not the only ones." Topaz shot right back with a wink. Obviously a rash-full youth didn't have the same effect on the lady.

"C'mon. Out with it."

"Certainly not!" Xenograg was laughing at the comical face made trying to talk him into sharing youth. "You have seen enough secrets today."

Which did not keep Teraden from offering up part of another secret, "There were three of us. There were three of us."

"Who was the third?" Topaz was quick to squeeze in a question.

"Menadus. Who you have not seen in years." Teraden mildly scolded his friend.

"I know, I know." Xenograg replied before explaining to Topaz Menadus and Teraden were members of the same Order. Topaz waited for him to tell more, but was to be disappointed.

"Nothing specific or exciting, child. Sorry to disappoint you. Unlike most men, Xeno does not miss his youth much." Teraden was rewarded with a lifted brow from Topaz.

"Hey! Do not sell my soul for me. I know who I am now. Where I belong." That last bit sounded sufficiently boring -- and dangerously like the prelude to a lecture -- to Topaz to abstain from asking anything more on the subject.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 10:41 EST

"It is so loud, Topaz. How do you manage it?" Xenograg asked as a rock, large enough to be considered a small, oddly shaped, mountain became visible through the wisps of pink and gray.

"Me? I ain't managing anything here. Can we get any closer? How will the sphere interact with the hull?" Topaz tried to keep the assailing memories at bay, which became more difficult as they came closer to the rock.

"Any way I want it to"; the mage replied and offered a question of his own. "We have to find an opening, yes?"

"If it still works like it used to, the door should open to touch. Aye. It's about as visible as the one leading down the stairs." Topaz's answer was rewarded with what could be considered frowns from the two friends. Xenograg was directing the sphere around the suspended fells. Though there was no doubt they were moving, the surface of the rock appeared the same. Different directional instructions from Teraden and Topaz made Xenograg stop the sphere with a frustrated "What?!" The sudden absence of movement caused Topaz to stumble -- as well as one can stumble in the absence of solid ground. Xenograg turning their vessel on a dime to race to where Topaz had pointed last did not help the matter of balance.

"Uff, you could give a warning when you do that." Topaz, now being in the "rear", struggled to stay within the boundaries of the sphere.

"My apology." Xenograg's facial expression mirrored none of his words, but sported a faint grin while Topaz was reminded movement in this realm was achieved with her mind rather than legs or wings. Giving this renewed discovery a try the fairy concentrated on the door and reached out, flattening two palms against the rock.

Xenograg had been watching her closely and slowed the pace. He knew from Topaz's mien the moment she had found the entrance. "I will follow you." He meant to re-assure Topaz as he moved up behind her after he had moved the sphere close enough for the forward edge to admit the rock wall.

"Good luck. Though it might be advisable you plan on not doing that." Topaz felt guilty having to leave the two behind.

Teraden and Xenograg answered simultaneously, "We will manage."

"Just don't manage to leave without me." Topaz requested of the grinning faces.

"Would not think of it." Xenograg replied solemnly, having noted Topaz appeared genuinely worried.

Topaz applied gentle pressure with her hands against the rocky surface and spoke the words she had heard Krollon say every time they had come to visit The Heart. "Know me."

Xenograg's eyes went wide at the view the immediately disappearing rock revealed. "By the gods...."

Teraden's expression was much the same. "Beautiful."

All three of them felt the overwhelming effects of the breathtaking sight. Multi-colored, soft hued crystals filled every spot on the wall, ceiling, and floor of the circular hall the door had opened up to and continued as far as they could see. Except for the mirror-smooth platform, which extended from an equally smooth entryway and continued into a narrow path leading into the depth of the cavern. Not one crystal was exactly like another. Each crystal, the path, and the platform pulsated with a low liquid light which was the source of the sound -- like a harp strung with crystal threads being caressed by a soft breeze.

Topaz stepped from the sphere onto the path and took the couple steps to the platform of the cave mouth, welcoming the caress of the pulsating light to the soles of her feet.
Xenograg made to follow the fairy inside and looked to his friend. Teraden stayed were he was. "I cannot enter."

"A shame." Xenograg replied to his friend. But he soon found, though he could step onto the cave mouth, he could not truly enter. "She did warn me this would happen," he mumbled to himself with regret at the sights he would miss and that he would not be able to help the fairy with whatever lay ahead for her.

Topaz moved forward propelled by the irresistible pull of the call of the Crystals. The light brightened a nuance as Topaz ventured further and after a few steps disappeared from Xenograg's view.

At first, Xenograg and Teraden passed the time talking. Once Teraden took his leave, Xenograg sat down to meditate. All the time he was aware of the comfortable temperature, so unlike one would imagine crystals to hold; the pulsating of the low light within the crystals, not unlike a heart beat; and the alternately subsiding and swelling of the hum, putting him in mind of the rise and fall in a conversation.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 10:43 EST

Topaz slowly traversed the crystalline hall as the Crystals beckoned her onwards. An expectant hush settled over the area as she neared the inner chamber where the true Heart awaited. Hesitating at the entrance, Topaz tried to hold back all the negative thoughts that seemed to suddenly assail her. She immediately thought of the last time she was here and the encounter that had occurred.

^ Stumbling slightly, Krollon was sliced along his left arm. Then, before he could recover, another cut appeared on his right leg. With blinding speed, Krollon's attacker landed cut after cut until Krollon's clothes were shredded and soaked with blood. Krollon swung his blade up at the last minute to block an incoming strike. Then, with the speed born of desperation, Krollon dove towards Topaz and opened a Rift behind her.
Pausing briefly, he kissed her softly, "I will always love you, Topaz." Then, with a shove, he pushed her through the Rift and let it snap closed just as the obsidian blade pierced through his back and into his heart. ^

Finally she took a deep breath and strode forward. Immediately the Crystals took up their song once more. The sound swelled as she neared the open entrance to the Heart and then quieted once more until only a single Crystal emitted its beautiful chime. In sudden recognition Topaz looked up and remembered the Crystal which had shed the tear when she had thought her husband had been mortally wounded several months before the last fatal encounter. She looked back to the opening in the Heart and paused. Something in her warned her this was not right. She distinctly remembered that the doorway to the Heart had been sealed the last time she was here. Wondering who or what could have reopened it, she walked forward cautiously.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 10:44 EST

Unconsciously, her hands strayed to inside of her pack and withdrew the book that she had brought along. Glancing at the cover she frowned slightly in surprise at the writhing of the symbols engraved upon it. Topaz walked into the heart and looked about as she moved towards the center where the statues had always been. She was slightly surprised to see them still there, but at the same time, she felt she had always known that they would be there and that they always would be there, waiting for someone to visit them. Her statue looked much as it did the last time she remembered seeing it. Tormay's statue certainly reflected his maturing. But, as she caught its view out of the corner of her eye, she was amazed at how perceptive the Crystals were. It certainly looked like a golden dragon until she turned and looked directly at it. Reminding herself why she was here, she stopped smiling and began to study closely the remaining statue.

The life-size statue had definitely not changed in size or build. The wings, which had once seemed to flow from the back of the statue, were gone, and there was a change in the facial features, but she could still sense that this was Krollon. And yet, it wasn't. As she pondered the statue - later Topaz would not be able to say if she had done so for minutes or hours - she noticed also that the Crystals had erected a bookstand for her. Crossing to it, she set the book upon the stand and absently opened it to a random page. Immediately the Crystals echoed a resounding chime. Once more, just as she had felt so long ago, a mental click occurred as if this was something that had to be done.

~~We await the Return and the Queen comes again as was foretold, "She shall unlock the Mysteries and the Path will be opened."~~

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 10:49 EST

Startled at the sudden words from the Crystals, Topaz could only stare at the book before her as the runes on the outside ceased their writhing. She still could not read the language in full, but a few words, which Krollon had taught her, did stand out. She could make out the word Mysteries and the word Prophesy. Looking back towards the statues, she decided to begin her questioning since they seemed to be fully aware of her presence.

"What is happening?" She asked. Topaz immediately knew that this was too broad a question for the Crystals to answer and was completely amazed when the reply came.

~~Justice returns to the land in the hand of the Reaper. He comes to bring swift judgment on his enemies and the enemies of his friends. His Soul did not flee this Realm completely and instead waited for a time to find a new habitation that he could continue on his journey. The Void will have changed him and been changed by him. He will have mastery over the Power and over the Way. He is One with all of his former selves now. He journeys to the place, which he now calls home. He journeys towards RhyDin.~~

The Crystals ceased their speech momentarily, as several Crystals seemed to begin to shine more brightly than their companions did. Then, an altered voice spoke up. The voice was similar to the Crystals's, but deeper in tone and came from only the Crystals that had intensified in brightness. Their words lifted the fairy's spirit one moment and plummeted it the next. Just listening became a strenuous and draining task. Tears of joy mingled with those of morning on Topaz's cheeks.

~~We are One with him. We see through his eyes and likewise can he see through us. He is aware of you, Queen of the world. And he hastens to return to your side as your faithful friend. When the Darkness attacked, it altered the Prophecies so that the Path divided. Down one Path, our Master would have perished utterly. Down the other, he would have become the Darkness. We did not realize at the time that he had the Power to make yet another divergence in the Path. He escaped death and the fate that would have been worse than death. New Prophecies have been born. The Key to the Mystery of the Prophecies rests in your hands and in your heart. Through you, the new Prophecies will be revealed. Through you we will continue our work. For now, go with the knowledge that the Reaper is on the move once more. He shall come quietly to RhyDin. Be on the watch for him, for he shall come in other guise and hide himself for a time in order to perceive who are enemies and who are friends. Many things have changed, and he must be weary of some of those whom he once named friend. But, you needs be steadfast and ready to welcome him when he returns. The time draws near, be ready.~~
With those last few words of instruction, the Crystals dimmed slowly and the voices faded to whispers. Try as she might, Topaz could not make out the words even though she knew that the words would help her recognize Krollon when he returned. More anxious than ever, she returned to the spot where she had left Xenograg.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 10:51 EST

The return trip proved uneventful and much less time consuming. Which was just as well.

"Rhydin." Xenograg announced as soon as they arrived back in his sanctuary. "Shall we go upstairs? I have more comfortable chairs in my study."

"Thank you", Topaz declined his hospitality, sounding even more tired than she looked. "But I don't think I'd be able to get back up. And you look like you could do with some sleep yourself. We could find out what day it is, though, before I head home."

Which was exactly what Xenograg did from the first monk who bowed a greeting to Xenograg as they passed through the dojo proper. "A little over four days." He shook his head. "Amaltea will not be pleased." Though it had seemed an extraordinary long time, they both were shocked they had been gone that long.

"Ouch. Tell her it was none of your fault." Topaz felt guilty having taken Xenograg from his duties and wife for several days.

"That will not save me." Xenograg chuckled at the fairy's suggestion. "No, I will be fine. Amaltea hates to sleep alone, is all."

"I should get going, and you are probably eager to find Amaltea and tell her of the trip. Do give her my best, and my apologies for taking you from her side for so long."

"I will. Do let me know of events? Just send a message here."

"Yes, as soon as they become known to me. And...." Topaz grasped both his hands in hers and finished with the utmost sincerity. "Thank you."

Xenograg was saved from having to answer as a monk hurried up to them and bowed. After giving the monk instructions, Xenograg again turned to Topaz; "This man will see you to the front gate. Further, if needed." With that they made their good-byes and parted.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 10:54 EST

Aftermath Part II
((posted for Krollon))

The griffin and its silent rider landed on a plateau that overlooked a blasted, barren valley. The mouth of a cave stood just a few meters from them as the cliff face ascended even higher to yet another plateau. The black-robed rider stepped down and looked out over the destruction in the valley. The griffin shifted nervously as it shared a memory of its master throught their unique link. The griffin, who's name was Ra-Osh, grew slightly troubled as the sight before them reminded his master of another destroyed land.

Uneccessarily, the rider spoke, "Remain here Ra-Osh." He turned and walked deliberately to the cave entrance. Stopping before it, he sidestepped to the left and released a tendril of Power. Suddenly, the Power-wrought traps around the large cave mouth became visible and a smaller cave mouth appeared next to the other. Stepping into the smaller cave, Reaper ignited a wall sconce, which gave of no heat or smoke, and continued along the rough hewn corridor.

He walked for perhaps fifty meters before the passage suddenly widened into a huge cavern littered with gold and jewels. In one quick glance he could tell that nothing here had been disturbed since the last time he had visited this world and befriended the dying dragon who had lived here. Now, he would use his inheritance given him to give himself a better start than ever before. Walking to the very center where the glittering treasures had been moved away, he spoke the word that opened the trapdoor beneath his feet. He dropped silently through the hole created. Passing more traps laid with the Power, he entered a second cavern, made entirely of Crystals. Briefly, an emotion of relief passed through him. He hadn't been certain the Power would be able to draw the Heart to this Realm.

Moving with distinct purpose, Reaper withdrew the Crystal Sword from the set of statues. Instantly another Sword sprung up to take its place. As he turned back towards the way he came, he raised the Sword over his head to the triumphal singing of the Crystals.

"The Reaper goes forth."

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 10:56 EST

Krollon's Continuing Journys
((Posted for Krollon))

He made good speed to the hill country and silently landed in a peaceful valley where he released the griffin. The creature hesitated a few moments, thinking that one day, it would be needed again. Silently, the black-robed figure acknowledged the possibility with a mental shrug. The griffin sped off, eager to share the news of the return of a man-made creature that could speak with the True-Ones in thought. Krollon, or Reaper as he was more commonly known in various realms, gave no thought to it as the creature sped away southward. He stood for a time and looked toward the setting sun, eager to be on a journey on his own. A journey which could prove to be the key to unlocking the memories which eluded him.

As the sun fell behind the hills, a single beam of sunshine made its way through a gap between two trees to land on a precise spot on the ground. Marking the spot with a small stone, Reaper slowly drew on the Power and Created for the first time. In moments, his camp was ready. A small tent for shelter, a campfire and a pot for his meals, and a metal three-legged stand, which appeared to have no function at all. Tired from his work, but not overly so, Reaper sent out his thoughts and located a rabbit. Probing slightly, he could sense that the creature was growing old. Not too far from the rabbit a fox lay in wait. The old rabbit would certainly never outrun the fox. Nodding in satisfaction, Reaper trans-located the animal and stopped its heart painlessly as it appeared on the ground before him. A short time later, Reaper ate for the first time in what seemed decades.

It was then that he began to wonder just how much time had passed back in RhyDin. Shrugging, he decided that no matter how much time had passed, some things would be the same, and some things will have changed. "Probably best if l return quietly," he said to himself. He hoped that the object that he had been told was there would help him remember some of the things he had forgotten.. He knew that he had led many different lives, but he was anxious -- for the first time in centuries -- to remeber them all. Recently, he had had a dream of Topaz returning to the Heart. But, he thought he remembered that the Heart would not admit anyone without him. He had shrugged it off at the time, but now, he began to wonder about that dream. "Could it have been real?" he asked the air around him. He shook his head sadly and lay down as the stars watched over him.

Reaper awoke early the next morning and began his first of many days of preparation for the upcoming Event. He knew that the Doorway would only open once for each person, and it was sheer luck that he had located the Learned One to teach him the rituals. He briefly thought that his luck was due mainly to the interferance of the Prophecy, but he quickly dismissed that idea. The Prophesy was just a pre-determined that wasn't even certain of its own occurence. Besides, it certainly hadn't shown itself as a consciousness so far. Going through the proper rituals seemed strange to him, but he knew now there were gods and that each Realm had its own. He certainly did not want to offend any of the gods of this Realm, not until he was certain who they were and who's side they were on of course. He refrained from using the Power or the Way as he performed the ancient customs, thinking as he did so, that the less these gods knew of his own powers, the better off he would be.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 11:01 EST

For three days he repeated the ritual until it had become second nature and he did not even need to think about the steps. He began to become impatient with the whole task on the forth day. On the fifth day, he decided that, although the Learned One had told him it would take as many as fourteen days, he could wait no longer. He set the metal stand above above the stone that he had placed upon his arrival to the valley. Harnessing his Will, he sparked a small fire and began to speak in the language of the gods.

"Heed my call, Ancient Rulers of the Realm. Open the Doorway so that l might return to the Past and retrieve the object l seek. I come as one Ruler to another and ask that you allow me to pass beyond your Realm and return." As Reaper finished speaking, the flames leapt into the air and a crackling voice came from within them.

~ We refuse your request, Son of the Slayer. Here you shall stay until we might rid all Realms of your kind. ~

Angrily, Reaper cursed in his own language. Then, once more, speaking in the language his accuser would know, he replied, "I am who you say I am. You also know what I have done in my past. I am not the Slayer nor am I as he once was. Do you think you can ignore my deeds and focus only on my heritage? I will not allow that. The gods of this Realm will not stop me from opening the Doorway, by force if needs be. I will pass." Once more, the fire roared and spoke.

~ Dare you challenge us, Slayer's son? What powers have you that can match the power of gods? Think you that the Sword of Justice can strike at us? We laugh at your boasting and think that you would do better to slink quietly away this place, never to return. ~

Rage boiled inside of Reaper. Never had any gods in any Realm spoke to him in this way. He had spoken with some of the mightiest gods of all the Realms, and even they spoke with respect to the son of the Slayer, the Reaper of Souls, the Taker of Life, the Bringer of Justice. Gathering his Will he struck with precision into and beyond the flames. Hearing a scream echo from the flames, he released his Will and spoke once more. "Hear me, gods of this Realm. I am the Reaper. All must pay their dept to the Reaper. Open the Doorway, or I shall collect the debt of this Realm now. Think upon that; I will lay waste to this entire Realm. And, without those to to whorship you and give up offerings to you, you will wither away and become one with the Void once more. Do you wish that? Or would you rather I continue on my way? The choice is coming soon. Are you prepared to choose your side?"

Silence echoed in the valley until a lone voice spoke from the flames. The voice was the melodious sound of a female. She spoke quietly with dignity and respect as the flames of the fire slowly turned blue.

~ I apologize for my brethren, Justice-Bringer. We will open the Doorway for you as you request. Know that our hesitancy came not out of spite but out of the fear that the place to where you go might be of some danger to our Realm. Slayer also resides in that time and place. We fear the return of the Slayer as much as any of the Brotherhoods. We are ready to make our choice, Reaper. We will fight at your side when the War of Prophecy comes upon us. Yet, we fervently hope that it is still some ways off. As you know, none can see that part of our future or the outcome. We are guided only by the Prophets and they have not been revealed to us for this Age. Once more, l ask that you forgive my brethren. Return safely, Torch-Bearer. We shall be ready. ~

Satisfied, Reaper nodded in the direction of the fire and decided to at least answer one of the questions that the Brotherhood unknowingly had posed. "Know this, my Sister. The Queen of the World has been chosen as the Voice. Through her we will be instructed. l shall return."

A sigh as if from a hundred voices echoed from the flames as they leapt into the air high enough so that the tips of the flames danced over Reaper's head. Just as Reaper thought the Brotherhood here had changed its mind once more, the flames parted like a curtain and the Doorway was revealed. Without fear, Reaper stepped through.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 11:03 EST

A lone wolf watched as the man-creature disappeared into the tall flames. Thinking how fine it would be to see this "Time and Place" that the gods have spoken of, the wolf slowly edged forward. There were few of his kind left, and he was revered among his pack for his ability to understand the languages of the other creatures and the gods. Blinking, the wolf continued to stare into the Doorway. Thinking he could slip through the Doorway before the man-creature returned, the wolf darted forward. At the last second before he would have flown through the Portal through Time, Reaper took his step back through the Doorway. Their formes merged briefly within the Portal, both essences struggeling for control and freedom. The Doorway began to close as the gods sensed the impending danger as the Slayer neared the other side of the Doorway. Then, without any warning at all, Reaper emerged and the Doorway snapped shut behind him. In his hands he held a glowing white orb and the lifeless form of the wolf. Within the orb, he held the essence of that same wolf and was enhanced by it.

A world away the Crystals sang out in joy as their master became whole again. Eager to share their happiness, they caused words to appear at a page within the ancient text which Topaz had been reading at just that moment. Startled she read the few lines and pondered their meaning.

~~ He will return as he once was, one with both the Power and the Way. With one hand, he will give life, with the other hand he will deal out death. He will know the past and the future. He will be man and beast. The Reaper cometh once more. ~~

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 11:06 EST

Reaper rested for several days after his journey back in time to retrieve the Orb of Power. He remembered the battle when the Orb had been cracked; but, never had he realized that the Orb had been replicated before its destruction and the weaker, replicated version had been the one that was actually distroyed. Once he was well rested, Reaper placed the Orb upon the metal stand and began the precise unleashing of his own Will, which would allow him to draw out the energy from the Orb , which he needed to become stronger in the Power. Whith that added energy, the Power of Creation would not tax his system as it normally did and he would be able to continue on his journy.

A few short days later, Reaper had completed his task. It was then that he began to worry about the disposition of such a valuable asset. While pondering what he should do about the Orb, his small campfire suddenly burst into a roaring bonfire. The flames turned blue as they once had, and a voice came forth.

~ We shall watch over the Orb for you, Justice-Bringer. We would ask for this task only to show you that we have made the choice and become your allies. We would be honored to be the first to openly declare our allegiance to you. What is your answer? ~
Reaper thought for a few moments, then, satisfied with the plan in his mind, he addressed the flames, "My Sister, it is well that you wish to declare your allegiance to me. However, l fear that your brethren may not have the same motives as you in regards to the Orb. Therefor I will place a ward over the Orb and set it in this place. You may then all watch over the Orb and make certain that none come near it. I further charge you that if any come near this place other than myself, you shall destroy them utterly. You will destroy them so that not even a trace of them exists in any Realm. This restriction holds for both the creatures of the gods, the creatures not-meant, and the gods themselves. If you agree to this, I shall consider you as my my forces so that you will recieve your due share in the glory of our victory. How is your answer?"

Reaper could hear the whispering of many voices from beyond the flame, but in short order, the female voice agreed to his offer. Safe in the knowledge that the Orb would be well guarded and that his first allies, however reluctant, had been made, Reaper used the Power to open a Portal to his next stop, and hopefully, his last stop before returning to RhyDin. Stepping through, he failed to notice the shadowy form come from the dying embers of his campfire and follow behind him.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 11:09 EST

The Return, Part One
(Posted for Krollon)

A rift in the fabric of time and space opened silently in the open field of waist-high grass, slicing through bent blades as smoothly as any knife. Reaper stepped through the Power-created portal and surveyed his surroundings briefly before releasing the Power and closing the rift. Storm clouds hid the twin suns, which he had last seen several decades before. Looking to the west, he could see three riders quickly closing in on his position. Confident that his abilities would sustain him, Reaper refused to seek shelter or hide in the tall grass. Instead, he harnessed the Power and caused a small wall of force to separate the grass, making a path between the riders and himself. The riders did not slow as the path swept passed them. One swiftly opened a distance between himself and the other two riders. As he neared, he held up a raised fist to his comrades and slowed to a halt. Reaper noticed that the other had stopped about a hundred yards further back. He nodded to himself as the scouting party used such a common tactic to approach an unknown single foe.

"From where do you come, stranger?" asked the scout as his mount danced slightly. Reaper noted calmly that the scout was having no trouble keeping the arrow, which he had readied, aimed directly at his chest.

"Another place, friend," Reaper answered quietly as he looked up at his questioner. "I am here only briefly and will move on shortly. If I were you, I would move on and forget that you had seen me." He hesitated only briefly, considering whether or not to make the last suggestion a command, but he knew he did not have the energy to waste on such a difficult task.

"Truly, stranger?" the scout asked with a look of exasperation. "I think that you should accompany us back to the city before things go badly with you. This land is in dispute, and you may be able to provide better answers to our superiors."

"I think not," Reaper answered slowly. "I keep my own counsel and my own schedule. I will be moving on now." He quietly began to gather his Will and pushed outward slightly, making an edge to the probe and neatly slicing the bowstring of his would be attacker. "Go back to your comrades, friend, and I will go about my business."

The scout appeared startled briefly, but he wasted no time in drawing a curve-bladed sword. "Come with me or die where you stand," he commanded.

"I have no time for this foolishness," Reaper stated impatiently. With that he sent out yet another wave of his Will, warping each blade of the three scouts as well as snapping every arrow within their quivers. "Your weapons do not scare me, and your petty disputes mean nothing to me. Now, you may leave the way you came, or you may meet whatever gods you worship," he threatened as his eyes took on the red glow that was triggered by his anger.

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 11:10 EST

Seeing the glow come from the stranger's eyes, the scout became more tentative and unsure of himself. Looking more closely at the subject before him, he was reminded of a child's fable in which a black-robed being came to claim the lives of those who were meant to pass on to the other side of life. The image was so strong that the scout paled as he backed his mount away before turning around and riding back to the others in his patrol. They spoke briefly before all three turned and rode as fast as they could back down the path in the grass, which closed behind them.

~ That was an interesting way to deal with the locals, ~ came a voice from the wind.

"Who speaks?" Reaper questioned, already thinking that he knew the answer.

~ I am the one you seek, Death-Bringer. I felt your presence when you were in the Void and knew you would someday find a way to seek me out to answer your questions. ~

"If that is true, then you know why I come," Reaper continued as he localized a disturbance in the air a few yards to his right. "Enlighten me, Brother, and tell me what I wish to know."

~ You always did think that things should be given to you, Krollon, ~ the voice said with a sigh. ~ Ah well, I suppose it cannot hurt things at this point. As much as I wish l could help you, Brother, I do not know what the possible outcomes to this Divergence could be. Once you created the latest Divergence, all of my auguries and all of the written prophecies became irrelevant. Since then, I have not been able to discern anything. But, you should have known that. ~

"I had assumed that it would be so, Brother," Reaper replied. "But, I had hoped that I would be wrong. Then, she is truly the only source of the new prophecies?"

~ For now, that is true. Who knows what the future might hold? In any case, I cannot help you in your journey. Farewell, Brother. Stay safe this time and try to keep this incarnation a bit longer than the last one."

Reaper nodded once as the ripple in the air faded from view and sighed as he once more spoke to one of his first teachers," Farewell, Orakin. I hope that you have found what you wanted out of life." He then released all of the enhancements that he had used in the field and opened yet another rift to his next destination. He stepped through, and the rift closed behind him, a figure coalescing next to it, briefly saluting in farewell.

~ You have exceeded even me, my Brother, my student. You shall succeed. For good or for evil. ~

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-03 11:13 EST

The Return, Part Two
(Posted for Krollon)

Reaper stepped from the rift and looked at the fenced in yard around him as he released the Power, which held the rift open. He smiled briefly, remembering the good times he had spent with Topaz and Tormay in this yard. He looked up to the tree house once and then walked to the side of the cottage, opening the cellar doors and descending to the laboratory below. Creating a pale, bluish light with his Will, Reaper began to search for the object he needed. It took only moments for him to find the metal amulet right where he had left it what seemed like a lifetime ago. Opening himself to the residue that came from most magical objects, he smiled slightly as he confirmed that the amulet did not give off any sense of being enchanted. Placing it about his neck, he looked about for a mirror. Pulling a white tarp off a full-length standing mirror, he looked at the image that stood before him. Focusing on the image of his old mentor, he was rewarded as his own image changed to meet his desires. Satisfied that he would not be recognized, he doused the light and went back to the yard. He closed the cellar door, making certain that no one would notice someone had been here. A part of him felt sad that he had to hide his return, but the other part of him knew that it was necessary for now. He consoled himself with the knowledge that those he trusted would know of his return soon enough.

Gathering his Will, he opened a portal since it was easier to use here than creating a rift with the Power would have been. He was momentarily disoriented as he stepped through, but he quickly righted himself and made certain of his location. Nodding that he had indeed come to the dojo of his friend and former teacher, Xenograg, he peered about and quickly altered his appearance to that of Xenograg's retainers. He wandered about the dojo area freely for a short time. Satisfied that his mentor was indeed involved in at least the political happenings of RhyDin, Reaper took yet another portal to his next destination. Stepping into the now empty arena, Reaper was accosted by several flashes of his past life experiences. He frowned as his most recent memories of the arena surfaced. Finally, Reaper opened his last portal for his current journey and emerged at the entrance of a small cave far from any other habitation. He had prepared this place many years ago in case he needed a place to be alone or to rest without disturbing his wife. He smiled as he noted that the wards that he had set had indeed lasted all this time and had kept the shelter in the exact same condition as he had left it. He quietly went about preparing a meal, which he ate slowly as he thought about how best to proceed. Having eaten, he continued to plan out his next few months in his mind. Satisfied with his plan, he reset the wards and fell into a deep, rejuvenating sleep. The last thought in his mind before entering the state of hibernation was of his soul mate. He prayed that she would take his return well and that their life might continue. If not as husband and wife, at least as friends.

Worlds away, the Crystals continued to chime their chorus.

~ Reaper walks RhyDin once more. ~

Xenograg · Date: 2006-06-07 19:48 EST

:: a letter arrives for Topaz. She notes that copies have also been sent to Alais of Nitesong, Teleperien of Eldicor, Jonalyn of Westridge, Sidartha of Amandor, and Athlstan the Cleric. ::

My friends,

This is to inform you that there was a security breach at Dojo Darelir two days ago. An unknown individual teleported through the defensive wards, possibly posed as one of my retainers for a short time, then teleported back out. Retainers with sorcerous training were in the dojo during the period in question but none detected anything, thus my supposition that the intruder used a mundane disguise.

I just completed a thorough investigation but found nothing missing. I have no clues as to the purpose of the violator's actions. I will keep you advised. Take care.

Regards,
Xenograg kathu-Darelir.

:: below the signature is the mark in wax of the Darelir signet ring ::

Topaz · Date: 2006-06-07 20:13 EST

Dear Xeno,

Thank you for your consideration, it is very much appreciated. Though no security breach had been detected, l had ordered a thorough investigation and that the wards be checked more often and more thoroughly then is routinely done. So far nothing out of the ordinary has been found. Nothing has come up missing neither. They extra security measures will stay in place for a few more days. I will contact you should we come across anything peculiar. Take care.

Regards, Topaz