-- TwitterSaga.txt

To find the latest tweets, do a Twitter search for @5t0ry.
You will get youngest first.  Tweets past about 9 days old do not appear to be available.  Some tweets may not be found by the search (buggy software).

DP does not remember the exact tweet that inspired him to start "Once upon a time", but it was in response to a desire voiced by RL for a story.

In this file DP captures the exact tweets in chronological order, although the exact times are not of interest.

----
DP: Once upon a time, there was a magical desert, where Faerie came to pass once a year.

RL: and in that desert was a magical wizard who lived in a tin can

DP: And one day the beautiful but slightly wanton warrior woman stopped by to slake her thirst.

RL: she rapped on the side of the tin can. rat a tat she smartly rapped. is anyone home? I am so thirsty!

DP: She stared as the tin can opened like an immense flower. A flagon of water appeared, and she smelled coffee and bacon.

RL: o thank dust she said aloud to no one. peering around to be sure she drank deeply, wiping the back of her hand across her lips.

DP: "The wizard's not here," said the tin can, now looking more like a large metallic tent, "but would you like some breakfast?"

RL: would I. couldn't remember the last time she had eaten. she couldn't really focus on the source of the voice with all that glare

DP: A window opened, and a tray emerged with coffee, a perfect omelette, a bowl of strawberries, and rashers of thick bacon.

RL: bacon! o thank dust. she greedily gobbled the feast, downing coffee and burping loudly. hey tin can have you seen the wizard?

DP: "He caught the last flight out, so he should be here soon." Just above the horizon there was a slowly growing shape.

RL: oh good. what do you suppose that is? squinting in the light she shaded her eyes with her hand and stared off into the distance.

DP: The shape grew distinctly birdlike, but larger by far than even the largest eagle. A blue bundle was in its talons.

RL: crouched slightly, watching as the impossibly large raptor swept towards her. its cry pierced her skull and she winced again

DP: The great bird passed just overhead, dropping its package to the ground, which took two bounces. Then a moan was heard.

RL: o sweet, Wizard's here. Bout time too, I'm clearly losing my mind talking to a tin can in this heat. Wizard, you ok? Let me help

DP: Thanks. I hate taking the red eye with Big Bird" he said. The wizard summoned a coffee cup.

RL: well I can see why. what kind of a landing was that, crazy bird din't even slow down! well you're here now, and in one piece too

DP: "Sorry I'm a bit late. Had to keep a witch from being burned over in Xiote. Zealots are such damn fools."

RL: o man, are they on that jag again? thank dust for you that's all I have to say about that. so do I need to go back over there?

DP: "The priests now have balls the size of melons. That should slow them down for the next month. What brings you here?"

RL: well, I'm not entirely sure where here is exactly or why I'm here, or how I got here either, if you want to know the real truth.

DP: "By your clothes and weapons you are a warrior. But you crossed the desert and you swear by the dust. You are an enigma."

RL: if you would do me the service of letting me rest my senses will return. that meal from the tin can was my first in, well...I uh

DP: "Your confusion is from a recent conflict with Chaos. Yet you survived. Few from Law do. Do you know which you serve?"

RL: serve. now that does sound familiar. I'm goner Wizard, by dust I need sleep, real sleep, where I know I'm safe. someplace dark.

DP: "Come inside, and no being from either side will be able to find you. The dust can hide a multitude, if need be."

RL: Wizard, you're the best. I know I will have more to tell you once I shut down for a cycle. by the dust I swear it. now leave me.

DP: "May you sleep well," he said. He wondered how she had managed to find the tin can. I need better illusions, he thought.

RL: as she slept Wizard busied around camp checking the webs and tightening down where he could. fact was he needed sleep as well.

DP: The wizard considered the omens, and decided to sleep standing. To nearly anyone he would have appeared as a tree.

RL: the wind ruffled his hair, making the tree sway as she roused in her sleep, muttering under her breath about propellers and lift

DP: The wizard shook himself awake, letting a few leaves fall as the illusion faded. He said "Joshua is kindness itself."

RL: the dawn came cold and still, vivid colors blanketing the wide open skies in warm jewel tones feathering off into the distance.

DP: Even after all of these years it was a time when all things seemed possible. But first some coffee.

RL: smells of coffee brewing and breakfast sizzling brought Faerie out of her dreams. stumbling into the light blinking she groaned.

DP: So, as an introduction, I'm known as Tan, most likely due to the dust. Here, have a cup and a cushion."

RL: ugh. gripping her head she thanks Tan and sips slowly, hoping the incessant banging in her head will subside if she gets some in

DP: "I am not a great healer, but you permit me to touch your temples I may be able to ease the throbbing."

RL: if you think it will help we can try, comes and goes since the accident. I fell from a great height flying to find new basecamp.

DP: He touches his fingertips lightly to her head and hums a bit. The light seems a bit less harsh. "Any joy?," he asks.

RL: she giggles and says yes, actually, giving him the first radiant smile he's seen in a long, long time. he grins back, and hums.

DP: "I have something to say about the conflict between Law and Chaos. I fear that there will be more, and soon."

RL: crack! did you hear that? crack! Chaos, and Law you say? um crack crack! dust that's loud. is there somewhere quiet we can talk?

DP: "Unless I am mistaken, something wicked this way comes. You should draw your sword, wizard's lore might not suffice."

RL: her sword rings from it's scabbard before his words finish. wheeling slowly, taking her surroundings in she adjusts her hat low.

DP: An arrow's flight from them the dust heaved up, and a beetle the size of a ship emerged. It's wings opened. Crack! Crack!

RL: Faerie startled but held her ground, seeking an opening. glaring at Tan she said Sword's not much good here, what have you got?

DP: "If it advances, just hack at whatever's closest. I'm going after the eyes." He grabbed a crimson vial from a robe pocket.

RL: here i am you clattering mass, come and get me. thrusting her sword up at the beetle bug she waved the wizard on with one hand.

DP: Tan opened the vial and red smoke poured out. He shaped it into a cloud with a wave of his hands, and he walked forward.

RL:  the giant beetle's head ratcheted around and its iridescent multi-faceted eyes fixed on the wizard. the look was more hunger

RL: than malice but the intent was the same. crack! crack! its mandible clacks loudly in anticipation as it ambles jerkily forward.

DP: A breeze came up and pushed the red smoke towards the head of the beetle. It grew agitated, then ran directly at them.

DP: "Strike and run!" shouted Tan. "Run for your life! Run to the flag!" He pointed at the pennant a hundred paces away.

RL: she swung low, managing to nick the closest leg, pulling back just in time to narrowly miss its gnashing pincers above her head.

RL: that ought to slow it down a bit she screams above the clacking and rustle of the beetle freight train heading at them full bore

DP: Dashing for the flag, Tan and Faerie feel the ground shake behind them. The massive beetle is gaining ground.

DP: They reach the flag and the beetle rears up, its underside gashed and leaking, its wings beating in agonized futility.

DP: The beetle lands on its back, its underside already red hot, then catching fire. They stare as acrid smoke spirals up.

RL: "nice one Tan. gads that's a horrible stench." beetle carcass hit the ground with a thundering crash as they backed slowly away.

DP: "Technically it's not a spell, it's a mine field. Without your sword it might have caught us. Thanks, Faerie."

RL: "dust, it's nothing. I, just got lucky that's all." she wiped her blade and sheathed it, "your spell did the job quick. thanks."

DP: "That creature did not arrive by chance. It was sent by someone with malign intent, and with skill enough to fool me."

RL: chance! that's the key, it's coming back to me now. I serve neither Law nor Chaos, our way is walking the edge between the two.

DP: "Such is my own inclination. I appreciate the stability of Law, but Chaos throws the best parties."

DP: "As for the attack, normally such a beast is from Chaos, but Law often adopts the same foul means in these difficult days."

RL: "well and truly said. that is the crux isn't it? if you don't throw it far enough someone invariably falls short" she replied.

RL: Faerie scanned the horizon listening with her head cocked sideways. "It's not safe here. I'd like to get up high so we can see."

DP: "If they can send monsters into a wizard's home then nowhere is safe." Tan looked at the mountains thoughtfully.

DP: "But I like the idea of getting somewhere higher and more rugged, with more cover. It's a two day hike at best."

RL: "Is there a way to get to the mountains other than that crazy bird?" Faerie didn't relish the landing even with the perspective.

DP: "I can't summon the bird, so we have to walk. I have some friends there, although I'm loathe to endanger them."

DP: The tin can coughed up a satchel and said "Don't let it be so long this time." Then it sunk into the dust, fully hidden.

RL: "Dag. Easy breakdown or what?" she marvels scuffing at the place where the tin can used to be. "Why was it out when I got here?"

RL: "Either rate I mind we walk that far, we won't make it. And even if you call that thing, well, there has got to be another way."

DP: "That tin can is one of the most kind, wise, and generous beings I know. I think that it came out to help you."

DP: "As for getting to the mountains, we need to start walking now, but I've called for a pickup. It's a surprise," he smiled.

RL: "I'm pretty sure it saved my life. Do I thank it?" she fixes him with a puzzled gaze. "and it's not that I mind the walk. Truly"

RL: She looked up at the mountains ringing the immense plain where they stood. "I think we'll get taken out before we get that far."

DP: "It knows of your thanks already. I agree that we may be attacked before reaching the mountains. If we go straight."

DP: "I hope to go by the shortest route until dark, then change course, and there will be some other ruses. Your thoughts?"

RL: "Go straight? Hold your tongue man!" she chuckled at him and said "I trust your judgement in these things Tan, you know the area

RL: far better than myself. especially now." Straps her sword down, checks her pack, hefts water skins, and hopes wizard was right.

DP: Tan reached into his satchel, then put it on his back. From his hand a gossamer film spread out above them. It grew hazy.

DP: "This will make us harder to see, although we get less vision ourselves. And a wizard never goes straight for long."

RL: "Most excellent good wizard. Now what of the dangers arising from the dust beneath our feet? This is my fear, what hides below."

RL: Not that it will stop me, she thought to herself, rarely does. "No matter," she said aloud. "We will do what we must. Lead on."

DP: "What comes from below we must avoid, but if we keep moving we have a better chance." Tan placed the satchel on his back.

DP: He took a sip from a small blue bottle and offered it to Faerie. "This should help with stamina. One sip only, for now."

RL: "Now you have me drinking your potions, what next?" She shakes her head smirking and takes a swig. "Aw, that's radiator juice!"

RL: They walked along together beneath the ruddy haze stopping periodically to drink water and listen for anything that might follow

DP: "No more of that one for a while. The body can only feed on itself for so long." Tan walked steadily, but warily.

DP: The hills grew closer, with their abrupt ascent from the dusty plain. The sun was only a hand's width above the gray peaks.

RL: As they walked Faerie told the story of how she arrived at the tin can that day, the dangers she had faced and narrowly escaped.

RL: She spoke of a strange, wonderful machine called a plane, with wings that could fly higher than big bird and carry more weight.

DP: Tan walked in silence for a while, listening. "It is what I hoped would not happen again. This conflict endangers us all."

DP: "The wall between the worlds is weakening." The sun disappeared behind the mountaintops. "Which world do you call home?"

RL: "Wasn't aware there was another option," Faerie chuckled. "Is the other world nice? I could use a good vacate right about now."

RL: She shifted her pack and grunted, muttering as she tripped over her own feet. "Mind if we stop for a bit? I'm still knackered."

DP: "I've never been there, but I've seen the images it leaks. Where did you see the aircraft?" Tan asked in a tight voice.

DP: "We can stop for a few minutes, but we need to move once it is dark. I promise a good rest before morning."

RL: "Good enough," she replied as she lowered her pack and streched. "I was on it actually, grapled onto a seam and rode its back."

RL: "Still couldn't find New Basecamp, not a trace. It must not be where they said, that or..." She didn't want to consider the or.

DP: "The other world may be leaking more than images these days." He sat still, listening, slowly eating some food.

DP: "There were no camps within quite a distance from my little home for at least two years." He watched the hills intently.

RL: "Ah, New Basecamp is a springup, they broke off earlier this year. Hoped to improve systems, replace old basecamp and take over.

RL: The usual. Run away from the mess you don't know how or don't want to clean up. I thought maybe this time...guess I was wrong."

DP: "Running away makes sense at times. Right now we run because otherwise we die, but soon we will have to turn and fight."

DP: He sipped from the blue bottle. "One more sip, and then we run for those rocks. Please trust me on this."

RL: Taking another swig from the odd blue bottle Faerie cinched down her gear and laced her boots up tight. Opening the latch on her

RL: sheath she rested her hand on the sword and said "Lead on Wizard, I'm right behind you." She had no idea why but no time to ask.

DP: As they broke into a run he glanced back. On the horizon a group of dark figures started towards them.

DP: Nearing the rocks, there was an enormous cloud of bats screeching just above them. Tan pointed and shouted "Into the cave!"

RL: She arrived just in time to see his feet disappear into a tiny gap in the rock. It looked like they could walk in the other way

RL: so she wondered why, but didn't stop to ask. She shot through the hole grovelling on her belly, grateful that her pack fit too.

DP:  Just beyond the small entrance there was a large room with an iron door in the wall. Tap tapped a code on the door.

DP: The door opened, they went through, and then the door slammed shut. "Now for something more pleasant," grinned Tan.

RL: "That was close. Who were they, and what is this place? I see travelling with a wizard has its advantages." She looks around.

RL: The cave is lit by an eerie blue glow that seems to come from everywhere at once. The place felt decidedly un-cavelike and warm.

DP: "That was a krod swarm. Singly not a threat, but a swarm is hard to manage. Sad little creatures, really," he sighed.

DP: "Have a seat," he motioned at a plush chair. As he sat down in a similar chair there was a twinkling of tiny green lights.

RL: The wizard gave her a funny look. "Where are we exactly and what is going on? If you want me to help you have to level with me."

DP: "Just hold on," he said, and pushed a lever with his hand. Both chairs dropped quickly and then picked up even more speed.

DP: Tan yelled "Yee hah!" as they followed a track through an old lava tube. Glow worms streaked by, dimly showing the walls.

RL: Faerie white knuckled the chair as they hurtled through the tunnels at break neck pace. Maybe this wizard is crazy, she thought.

RL: Maybe I have finally snapped. Yes... Or this could be magic. She tried to stay on her guard, watch her surroundings as she fell.

DP: The chairs slowed, then came out into the sunlight and stopped. It was an oasis, moist and warm, sweet smells in the air.

DP: "Wasn't that fun?" asked Tan as he stood up. "I've got some friends here I'd like you to meet. Like a drink?"

RL: puttering and speechless Faerie got up and shook the wizard's hand. "I guess I should stop being surprised, but this is, wow."

RL: Finally releasing him from her overly enthusiastic handshake she said, "Yes Tan, I would love a drink. With a long, long talk."

---- switched over to using @5t0ry

DP: "I should slow down. We can leave introductions for later. Here's a Za's Revenge for you. A bit of fruit, and a lot of alcohol."

DP: "First, there are things that I will not reveal, but I will tell you what I can. Besides Law and Chaos, there is another party."

RL: "That drink was good. What is this place?" Faerie was a bit disoriented and starting to get hungry. "Any chance food is soon?"

RL: "I don't know if I'm ready for another party Tan. I need to sit and get my bearings. So where is this in relation to the tin can?"

DP: "This place is a safe haven, at least for now. There should be food over by that table. Let's walk over." Tan looked much relaxed.

DP: "The tin can is an allied spirit who chooses to stay in the desert. It is safe enough, but there are hunters out for us there."

RL: "So the can moves around then? Just trying to suss our current locate. How far and what direction and you know what, nevermind."

RL: She sighed. "Hand me one of those and I'll take another drink please." She realized the wizard would tell her what and when he could.

DP: "We are in a protected fold in a valley of the mountains that border the desert. Our hosts are my old friends Luster and Quirk."

DP: "Have a pinnacle fruit, they're quite tasty. And have another drink, but they are rather strong." The trees shimmered and swayed.

TB: Scat had been atlking the two lost creatures for the whole day. They looked harmless enuff and besides the Wizard dude had food.

RL: "Strong but good! Is that your cat?" Faerie ate and ate, still not entirely sure about all of it but beginning to care less and less.

RL: "Compliments to the cooks, or hosts if that's how they do it around here. Most excellent." Finally full, she picked absentmindedly.

DP: "The cat is not mine, although it is quite striking. The food was most likely cooked by the staff, but they are giving us room."

DP: "After all that running I could use a swim. Join me?" Tan removed his boots, shrugged off his garments and dove naked into the pool.

TB: Scat cautiously edged his paw towards Fairie's dish and snagged a juicy morsel. This creature eats like a bird he thought to himself.

TB: He stretched out and watched the Wizard splash about. He licked a droplet of water from his back and purred.I got me some new people!

RL: Faerie wriggled out of her clothes and followed Tan into the water. Diving down she could see a village beneath the surface, glowing.

RL: Colorful orbs floating upward from the buildings lit everything with a warm, festive glow. She popped back to the surface like a cork

DP: "You like the light show?" Tan asked. "It's a real town, and just as beautiful in real life. We may have to go there."

DP: Tan pulled himself out of the water. A network of white lines crossed his body, looking like scars made with a small sharp knife.

TB: He wound around their legs to dry them off & with a flick of his tail he covered them both in a cloak of protection and warmth.

DP: Tan pulled on a light robe, and regarded the cat. "A most unusual creature. It shows no fear of us, and seems quite aware."

TB: Hm, thought Scat lazily. Those look like the claw marks of the Great Beast. Where would my new wizard have come in contact with that?

RL: "It really is a pretty kitty. Aren't you a aweet cat?" Faerie stroked its back as it wound around their legs, noticing its collar."

TB: The cloak shimmered around them as Fairie plucked at his collar. He knew he could meow all he wanted but she'd never understand him.

TB: If the Grt Beast attacked Tan then Scat knew it left its scent behind in those scars. Did they know what kind of danger they were in?

DP: "I wish that I spoke cat." Tan shrugged. "Faerie, would you like to meet our hosts, who are also among our strongest allies?"

DP: "Quirk is a fine artist, but also an actor, juggler, and comedian. He's also a demonically good archer and swordsman."

RL: "Would love to, sounds like quite the fellow. Lead on Wizard, I begin to look forward to your mind boggling revelations," she said.

RL: Rubbing behind the cat's ears she added, "I don't understand much cat but I do speak enough to make myself understood. Think images."

TB: Scat padded quietly behind them as they entered the beautiful gardens. He swished his tail back & forth keeping the cloak in place.

TB: n his mind he could see a message from Fairie and he knew she wanted him to stay close. Of course, he was a sucker for ear rubs too.

DP: Luster is probably the greatest healer alive today. She saved me after I fought the Great Beast."

DP: They walked towards a circle of sand in the middle of the gardens. The warm evening air was scented with citrus and jasmine.

RL: "Is that where you got those crazy scars from? Looks like a narrow miss at best, she must be one hell of a healer to bring you out."

RL: "That cat is cloaking us with protection. Aren't you? Yes, you are, uh huh." Reading the collar she said "Scat. Is that your name?"

DP: "I barely survived, despite Luster's skill. I think I hear them coming." Tan looked happy, and gave Scat a skritch behind the ears.

DP: Quirk and Luster walked up into the circle. The first thing one noticed was how completely present they were.

TB: Scat walked over stood on his hind legs and gave Luster a nudge. Then he walked back and sat between Tan and Fairie. He purred.

TB: He also knew of Luster's healing prowess and remembering he licked the scar on his front paw. Luster also knew Scats magic.

RL: "Greetings fellow wanderers. We are blessed with your presence here tonight. Join your lift to our loft as we spiral ever upwards."

RL: They both gave a deep slow bow, so elegant and serene it seemed to stop time. Gazing openly at one another in stillness they stood.

DP: Quirk's eyes possessed kindness and humor, and they observed everyone and everything. He seemed to be on the verge of laughter.

DP: Luster's eyes were utterly black, and gave the feeling that she saw past the skin and muscle down to the marrow of one's bones.

TB: Scat swished his tail and the cloak disappeared. He knew he wouldn't need this in Luster and Quirk's presence. Quirk rubbed his back.

TB: As Quirk rubbed little sparks of lite lit the air around them as Scat's fur illuminated with rainbows of color. Scat winked his eyes.

RL: Faerie felt a chill and suddenly realized she was naked. Without Scat cloaking them she wished for more warmth and less exposure.

RL: The thought had barely left her when she found the pair of them in gauzy robes the same shade as the rainbow sparks coming off Scat.

DP: Quirk and Luster embraced Tan, laid their heads on either side of his, kissed him, and whispered words of fond remembrance.

DP: "Whoever is opposing us has gained enough skill to send a giant beetle to my very home. But their identity is well hidden."

RL: "We barely made it out. If not for Faerie here it may well have been Tan's last stand." The wizard's words were merry but his face, somber.

RL: "Methinks we are betwixt and between, the break in the continuum lies here. She has seen actual objects leaked from the other side."

DP: "You've been hurt," said Luster. "May I try to help?" Faerie nodded, and Luster gently wrapped her arms around the warrior.

DP: "Breathe with me." Faerie felt the pain in her head and joints fade as Luster's talent worked deeper into her body. Relief!

RL: "Wow, that's amazing. You really have the true gift. If there is ever any way I may regift you please, you have only to ask." Faerie

RL: bowed her head and placed a fist to her chest. "My heart and steel are yours," she said, rattling her sword in it's scabbard sweetly.

DP: Luster gave a wicked grin. "And maybe more?" She turned to Quirk, who simply smiled and raised an eyebrow. "Maybe later," he said.

DP: Tan spoke up. "I don't want to spoil the evening, but we need to hold a council to discuss our quandary. We know far too little."

RL: "Yes on all counts," Faerie nodded, and thought to herself, this is a very fine place indeed and she just might be awake after all.

RL: The cat wound around their legs and wandered off to lie under a tree nearby. "What is this council of which you speak?" Faerie asked.

DP: "We here are the council, including you if you are willing, dear Faerie. I am not at all happy with being on the defensive."

DP: "But I am too impatient. Let us rest tonight, and speak more in the late morning. I sense that an invitation may be given to you."

RL: "We can talk now, there'll be time enough later for what comes after," Faerie grinned broadly and clapped her host on the shoulder.

RL: "True enough," he said, grasping her forearm in a strong grip, returning her smile. "What say you Wizard? Talk while we have light?"

DP: Even Scat came over. "The problem is that we are being harassed by forces from both Law and Chaos, yet controlled by neither."

DP: "I think that there is a hidden leader, possibly a wizard turned bad." Unease came over the circle, even the dark Luster was pale.

RL: "I thought... Tellings say once you become Wizard you are not possible to turn. How could this come to pass?" Faerie's voice shook.

RL: She folded her arms across her chest, Scat leapt lightly into them, rubbed his face against hers for comfort and to mark her as his.

DP: "I wish that I had a better explanation. A malign wizard is an abomination, one that we are pledged to remove with all speed."

DP: "It happens so rarely that many think that turning a wizard cannot happen. Sadly, that is not true. I still hope that I am wrong."

RL: They all stood and watched in silence as the surface of the pool rippled in a suddenly turbulent breeze as if the weather could feel.

RL: Finally the cat jumped down, breaking the stillness of the moment. It sat at Tan's feet preening calmly as if evil had never existed.

DP: Quirk spoke up. "Clearly we need to find this hidden one, whether it be wizard or not. I can ask my friends among the carnivals."

DP: "But what do we ask them to seek? What traces might this person leave?" Quirk trusted Tan, and was ready to draw sword instantly.

RL: "I need more time to read the portends. Let us adjourn for now and reconvene midday tomorrow. By then I should know more. Unless one

RL: of you has something to add?" Tan looked around at each one, and then down at the cat, still cleaning himself serenely at their feet.

DP: Luster raised her arms. "You have the support of the Healers. I will ask them about what the dream state has revealed."

RL: "I'm not sure I track everything," Faerie added, "but you have my support as well. And if I ever find new basecamp theirs follows."

DP: Tan stood and stretched. "I need to do some late night hacking. Please enjoy yourselves and don't wait up." He smiled and winked.

DP: Luster sighed. "It's so hard to get him to play with us, but so sweet when he does." She looked at Faerie with a raised eyebrow.

RL: "Now that I'd like to see. Almost hard to imagine a Wizard in flagrante delicto as going down the path of precious payment." Faerie

RL: still could not concieve of how one who knew the price would willingly make the exchange. She gave the pair a knowing look and nodded

DP: Quirk said "He works too hard, but that's a wizard for you. He's quite good at fostering belief. This makes him good at illusions."

DP: "When he uses it for what he also believes in, it creates an intensity that just has to be experienced. We'll try again tomorrow."

RL: "Interesting. If that is his gift he certainly hasn't used it on me. I am well aware of nudges to belief system and he has made none.

RL: However I am sure you are correct. You know him far better than I." Faerie shifted weight and breathed in the night air as dusk fell.

DP: Luster spoke, "He would consider using it to influence you a violation. But his gift enhances anything genuine as well."

DP: "Quirk and Faerie, I yearn for my tent and repose. Yet I am not so tired as to spurn your company. Life is rich, time is short."

RL: "Then lead on fair and swarthy ones, if it ends in rest I will follow you to it. It has been many a long dusty moon since arms about

RL: me and an evening in paradise were an offer or option. I am honored to be included in your love. Teach me your customs," Faerie said.

DP: Luster walked toward her tent. Her hips moved with a sincere promise. The tent was lavish, with fine food and drink laid out.

DP: Quirk walked close beside Faerie. "Brave warrior. A tryst with us is no little thing." He took her hand and softly kissed it.

RL: "No small thing you say. Ah, so here we begin with boasting? Very well." Faerie chuckled and went on. "I have been told I am gifted,

RL: it is what they tell me, but it could be the sight of my blade rather than my technique inspiring the testament. You let me know."

DP: Luster welcomed them into the tent. She put on a thin silk robe that clung to her body like liquid, and bade them do the same.

DP: Taking a single large cup she filled it with wine. "This is the first of our customs, to share the greeting cup with travelers."

RL: Donning a robe and leaving her weapons near the door Faerie looked around the tent. From inside it appeared vast with thick carpets.

RL: As she took the wine she saw through the door, hearing nothing of the bustling about, as sounds did not enter here or leave unbidden.

DP: Luster came up to her and searched her eyes. "The second is to make certain that you are here joyfully, not just willingly."

DP: Quirk said, "What we desire is a deep sharing of body, mind, and heart. So we must ask if you meet us in this?"

RL: "Yes, I meet. In totality from the core of my being, with acceptance and a deep fondness that has no opposite. I come with the joy I

RL: own, to join with your joys and truly make, of combined energies, a force of love that fortifies the entire universe," Faerie swore.

DP: They embraced, gently at first, then tighter, as each felt the warmth of the others. Luster softly chanted an ancient affirmation.

RL: They held each other and went deep within, each of them reaching to their depths to bring their grounded root energy upward, swaying.

RL: Feeling heat rise focused on each node, entering nocturnal space, arriving to a bright spot between eyes, shooting light out crowns.

DP: The light robes dropped away. Skin to skin, lips to lips, moisture, warmth, sighs, all senses aware. Fingers pulled at hair,

DP: teeth left playful marks, tender and fierce they wove the pattern. And somewhere not too close a wizard noted how the emotional

DP: fabric rippled and sang. He felt a pulse of sympathetic joy, then returned to the work of unravelling the mists in front of him.

RL: Faerie slipped away unnoticed at dawn, slumbering lovers entwined at peace. She walked long by the lakeside remembering her own love.

RL: She came to a dish of fire by the shore, warmed herself at its apparently unfed flames and snuggled up in her cloak on a nearby bench

DP: Tan walked up, and handed her a mug of coffee, then sipped his own. "Welcome to our cabal, Faerie. You have truly joined us."

DP: "The owls have been helpful. Our next step takes us to the market at Mauka. We are running away to join the circus." He smiled.

TB: Scat rolled over on his back and basked in the morning sunbeam. He looked over to Luster and Quirk and purred.

TB: when he was warmed thru he padded over to Fairie and Tan. With a whisk of his tail his body transformed.

TB: standing before them on this sun dappled morn was a beautiful black shiny stallion complete with saddle for two.

RL: "I've always wanted to run away and join the circus. You know I'm a gypsy at heart. Something about the way you have to navigate in a

RL: place just makes me feel alive. Movement, like the seasons or the tides just feels right, you know? Look, my horse," Faerie giggled.

DP: Luster and Quirk walked up, hand in hand. They both kissed Faerie, then Tan. "What an amazing horse!" said Luster.

DP: "He used to be a cat. Say hello to Scat." said Tan. "We need cover. How would you two like to go back to being in the circus?"

RL: "Hello Scat cat," he teased. "Lovely ride, truly. Ahem. Hells yes Tan, I think I speak for both when I say we would love to join you.

RL: We are long overdue for a migrate to the families. Knowing what we know now it is best to act, and act swiftly, while we still can."

DP: Luster said "I want to keep our staff safe. I will send them home a different route. We will leave first to draw attention."

DP: Tan replied "Thoughtful and kind, dear Luster. I suggest leaving in late afternoon, then. I think that I want to be a clown."

RL: "Late afternoon it is then. I think I'd best take a job on the fairway so I can keep an eye on the roustabouts and such," Faerie said

RL: patting the horse and shuffling her feet. Truth be told she had big top talent, you just can't hide a proper weapon in those outfits.

DP: Quirk spoke, "I'll get our staff to make up some packs for us. Luckily we have plenty of believable costumes here."

DP: Tan turned away, made some motions, then turned back. He now appeared to be a much younger male, bland and not too smart.

RL: "Wo, that's freaky. I watched you do it and I still don't believe. Can you do that to me too? If you can make me look like I belong

RL: on the midway my job will be much easier." Faerie waited expectantly, looking like a child who has been told candy is in the offing.

DP: "Of course, Faerie. I would suggest being a blond, slightly older, slightly more worn than you are. Keeping a low profile."

DP: "But you could also start out as stunningly beautiful, then the change to low profile is even more effective. Your preference?"

RL: "Uh, that's just confusing, I have no idea! Whatever you think Tan. Use the least amount of Wizard resources to create best effect."

DP: "It's easier to turn an already striking woman into something that draws more attention, harder to make you look uninteresting."

DP: "But I think that we will have need of both appearances." Tan looked at the horse. "Scat is restless, sensing something we do not."

TB: Scat poked Tan with his muzzle and whinnied softly "lets get going." His hackles had risen and he was anxious to be on the way

TB: with a shake of his mane he scooped Tan and Fairie onto his broad back and galloped towards safety and the circus!

DP: "Hold fast, Scat. We need to join up with Luster and Quick." Scat spun around, and two more horses came up. Tan and Faerie picked

DP: up their packs. Tan said, "Now let's see if anyone is lurking. If they are we ride north for a while so we can confuse them."

RL: "I realize it's not really the time for this," Faerie bellowed above the rushing winds and crashing hooves, "but it's so nice to be

RL: on the back of one of these magnificent beasts again. And you are one fine specimen, yes." She patted her mount's neck as the sped on

DP: After a while, Tan looked up. "I think that we've been spotted. Those vultures have been following, not circling, for an hour."

RL: "If they even are vultures. The ones with the flying plane had mechanical birds as well. I heard them say they use them for tracking.

RL: We could try shooting one down." Faerie had a feeling Quirk was already preparing to try. Looking back she saw the first arrow fly.

DP: "These look like and move like birds, albeit under someone's control. Nice shot, Quirk! It fell just ahead, let's go take a look."

DP: When they got to the bird, Luster knelt by it. "Not a clean bird at best, but made more foul by having its small mind taken over."

DP: Luster looked pained. "If this be wizard's work, then he has fallen in love with power. Oh dust, there will be such suffering!"

RL: "Power be a nasty bedfellow even for a wicked Wizard," agreed Quirk. The bird twitched and then went still. "They are onto us," said

RL: Faerie, glancing about instinctively though she knew they were nowhere near. "Were you able to get anything before we lost the link?"

DP: Luster said, "They are not sure who we are, but they suspect. And now those birds will keep their distance. Tan, any ideas?"

DP: Tan nodded. "There's a herd of grazetti ahead who trust me. If we can reach them unmolested they can be excellent decoys."

TB: lightly thru this herd of grazetti. They had razor sharp hooves and spooked easily. He could be like a bull in a china shop sometimes

DP: As they approached the herd Tan dismounted, walked forward, and held out his hands. The largest of the grazetti came closer.

DP: Tan knelt to the leader, who bobbed his head in reply. A gray mist fell over the herd and the riders. Tan came back and mounted.

DP: "Now it will appear that we have joined the herd, who will continue north. It's time to head west, and quickly." Tan patted Scat.

RL: The horses wheeled in unison and galloped off in the direction of the setting sun. Shielding their eyes the humans on their backs saw

RL: the distant hills stark against the skyline. The sky began its show in ambers, worked its way through pinks, and arrived in purple.

TB: The ride was easier than Scat had anticipated and the grazetti gave him a wide berth. He had to start remembering that he was a large

TB: draft horse and not a tiny cat so the sharpened hooves were really no threat to him now. He picked up his pace as the hills drew

TB: closer. Man, a bag of oats and a cool drink of water would be a nice treat when they settled down for the night. He swished his tail

TB: and made the gray mist thicker.

DP: As they crossed a stream Quirk said, "Let the horses drink their fill. We still have some hours before we get to Mauka."

DP: As they rested, Tan walked a few paces ahead and probed the twilight. "There is something coming. Weapons at the ready."

RL: Faerie unpacked her short blades and dismounted, running beside Scat and Tan and peering into the darkness. She could see nothing,

DP: Tan lit up a torch in one hand, and had a curious metal object in the other. Then the sound came, slow heavy steps, rasping breath.

DP: It walked like a man but was far taller and broader. "Dust!" exclaimed Tan, "It's a Palint! Mindless and near unstoppable."

RL: Faerie dropped down low and aimed for the tendons on the backs of its knees. She got one set, rolled across its path and sprang up in

RL: its face, burying one of the knives in its gut and then slicing it back out again. Its forward momentum staggered her trip backwards.

TB: Scat herded the grazetti around the battle and out of harm's way. Then he pawed the ground and charged the Palint's back rearing up

TB: at the last second and crushing its back with his powerful hooves. The Palint turned and roared in anger and sidecocked Scat's snout.

RL: Faerie regained her footing and turned just in time to see the ugly beast connect with Scat's face. She charged the thing bellowing

RL: "Get back, fall back and aim high," she slide tackled the Palint and broke its other leg. As it went to one knee a volley of arrows

RL: flew out of the dark and hit their mark. Palint roared in agony. Faerie stuck knives in her belt and sheathed her sword in its back.

DP: Luster swung a weighted chain that circled the Palint's legs. But she was too close, and a swipe from the monster caught her.

DP: She tumbled back, and Quirk roared forward, swinging a broadsword. It cut deep, but the Palint continued to fight back viciously.

DP: At every cut, Tan swung his torch to cauterize the wound, preventing it from growing back, throwing illusions at the Palint's head.

TB: The Palint let out a horrifying scream and with that slumped forward, crushing Luster beneath its corpse. Firey beams flew from Tan's

TB: fingertips trying to reduce the beast to ashe before its weight could crush their friend. Smoke and heinous fumes filled the air.

DP: Quirk bellowed and threw himself forward. Tan grabbed Faerie's arm to hold her, then focussed her energy and his at Quirk.

DP: With their combined strength flowing through Quirk he was able to turn the beast over. Then Tan rushed to the Palint's head, and

DP: pushed the metal object into an open wound. They pulled Luster out as the Palint's head glowed and smoked, and its body spasmed.

RL: Faerie noticed the gaping wound in her side and held it closed, saying nothing and trying to even her breathing. The healer moved to

RL: her instinctively, weaving her web as she aproached. Tissues knit before her, blood ceased to flow and coagulated, beginning to heal.

TB: Scat's horse illusion lay on its side passed out. As his magic weakened from the blow his image wavered and dissolved into the small

TB: body of a black cat. He stood unsteadily and stumbled over to Fairie and curled up next to her side. He propped his tiny head on her

TB: hip and purred. They had survived the attack...this time. He slept.

DP: "Be still, stubborn healer!" Tan ordered Luster. "You have a blow to the head and two cracked ribs. The others can wait now."

DP: He talked as he worked. "Palints are rarely this far south. They have a sinister influence on the foolish, and attack friend and

DP: foe alike. They are easily confused with questions, but this one was deaf and mute, most likely to defend against our queries."

RL: "This gets worse and worse Tan. We can sing all we want but I don't think we can dance this one away." Luster babbled as they carried

RL: her to safety. Faerie was passed out next to Scat, so the rest piled in around them to wait for morning. It was cold, but bearable.

DP: Quirk said to Tan "I will do anything for Luster. Help me to help her." Tan nodded, laid Quirk down behind her, and cast a

DP: resonant field between them. Now they would share both the health and their hurt, but Luster would heal far faster.

DP: Then Tan gently worked on Faerie, following the path that Luster began, easing her breath. He also lent some strength to Scat.

TB: Scat rolled over on his back and offered Tan his belly. Tan chuckled and gave him a tickle. He was feeling strong enough to transform

TB: for their ride out of here in the next few days as everyone else healed. He curled in Fairie's arms and washed her nose.

RL: Faerie snorted in her sleep then opened one eye. "Kinda raspy there Scat," she said weakly. What she lacked in volume she made up for

RL: in attitude. "Nice kitty, let me sleep." Patting the cats head absentmindedly she strained her eyes, but dozed back off before dawn.

DP: Tan was tired, far too close to his limit. As he watched over his friends, he wondered if the Palint trap was set knowing that they

DP: would pass there, or if every possible trail had some menace, or even more than one. He set the wards carefully, then slept lightly.

RL: Dawn came cold and colorless, the very ground beneath them forbidding and harsh. They woke groaning and cursing, their wounds stiff

RL: bodies sore. These ones have never ridden with troops, thought Quirk, or they would wake silent for fear of beatings as he still did.

DP: Tan spoke, "Brave friends, the forces arrayed against us may be much stronger than I expected. I regret placing you in danger."

DP: "If anyone wishes to leave this band, this may be a prudent time to do so. There is no safety ahead, and possibly no reward."

TB: Scat had just returned with his hunting bounty held lightly in his mouth. He dropped the huge jack rabbit on the ground at Tan's feet

TB: next to the grouse he had caught earlier. He sat and washed his front paw. Well, he thought, I ain't going nowheres. Let's eat!

DP: Luster looked at Quirk, then said, "Tan, this cannot be your fight alone. Neither Law nor Chaos, nor our mysterious enemy can be

DP: allowed to win. Balance must be restored, and it will take many hands to make it so. So we will stay, and Balance will prevail."

RL: "Yeah, I'm not going anywhere either. I figure we can have a little less safety now or none later the way this is shaking down."

RL: Faerie stuck her knife in the ground. "I've always been a fan of balance." She laid its mate across the hilt, perfectly balanced.

DP: Tan looked at each one, assessing their will. "Very well, I think that we still need to arrive at Mauka soon, but given our hurts we

DP: should not hasten overmuch." Tan had burns and bruises. Quirk was untouched, despite being in the thick of the battle.

RL: Luster had borne the worst of it, her ribs would be sore despite Tan's ministrations, but her head wound healed, the dizziness gone.

TB: Scat slinked back over and dropped another small branch on the fire he had started. I might not have opposable thumbs, but I have

TB: pointy fangs and strong jaws, he growled. Everyone needed nurturing and sustanance before starting the journey again. He nudged Tan.

DP: Tan picked up Scat gently. "This cat is finding new ways to surprise me. I've never seen a furry animal cope with fire so swell."

DP: "I wonder if he is a shape shifter who prefers, or even must have, animal form." Tan stroked Scat with affection and curiosity.

TB: Scat nuzzled Tan and rubbed the scent glands hidden in his cheeks all over Tan's face marking him. He purred and laid his head on

TB: Tan's shoulder. He had already marked Fairie so now he was assured of never losing track of them if they got separated. He loved his

TB: new people and would do whatever he could to protect them. He projected his love and devotion into Tan and Fairie's minds.

RL: "Yeah this is definitely no ordinary cat. I can understand pretty much everything it says. Normally I'm lucky to get about half, if I

RL: know the cat really well. This one I got right away, that's never happened before." Faerie looked puzzled but calm and well rested.

DP: They travelled through the woods, sometimes walking, sometimes riding two by two. At one point Faerie allowed herself to rest upon

DP: Tan's back as the horse picked its way through the forest. Tan took one of her hands and pressed it against his chest lightly.

RL: The rhythm of the horses' feet clomping on the path lulled Faerie into a dream. She saw a figure's shadowy profile, when she turned

RL: to look where it faced the scene fell away, she found herself on a ridge overlooking the vast plain. She felt powerful and very evil.

TB: Scat had changed into a chesnut mustang for today's ride. He was closer to the ground this way and could keep a handle on the trail

TB: scents should danger be lurking around the bend. He could feel the tensions draining from Fairie and Tan as they rode along.

DP: Tan spoke softly to Faerie, "You see it, too, don't you? He's planning some kind of attack, and innocents will suffer. It could

DP: start a war on a scale that this world has never known. We need to warn them, but I don't yet know who or where they are."

TB: Scat's ears were intently listening to Tan. He did a mental inventory of creatures available to him and found just what he was

TB: looking for...the elegant and powerful Eagle. He could fly undetected to wherever Tan wished. He hoped they could see his idea.

RL: "Yes, I see him in dreams, well not see him, I am him. It's a man, he is on a high ridge overlooking this plain and he is very close.

RL: He must be stopped. I have no idea how but I will find out and we will stop him. Of this I am certain Tan," she returned the squeeze.

DP: As they came to the gates of Mauka they did not enter, but rather headed for the tents near the town. The carnival camped there.

DP: Quirk led the way, since he had been their star juggler and knife thrower some years back, and he was still loved by many there.

RL: The tents were organized and clean but had a ragtag, improvised feel. A few dogs and kids ran about unnoticed amidst the laundry and

RL: food left drying on racks nearby. Faerie felt at ease at once, and the tension of the ride drained from her body as she dismounted.

DP: Tan was disguised as a younger man, rather callow, who was asking if the carnival needed a sad clown who could also clean up.

DP: After a word from Quirk it was arranged with the manager, Sophia, who was a very strong and tall woman with shocking white hair.

RL: Faerie managed to secure her place on the midway hawking rings for the bottle toss. A good central location working for a one-armed

RL: woman with an eye patch, she was sure to see her share of fisticuffs along with the ripe and rotted gossip. She hoped at least they

RL: they would bunk near each other. She didn't relish the thought of being alone here for long. She fingered the scar on her throat.

DP: Quirk was complaining to Tan "How do you kill a Palint without a wizard along? It doesn't have a heart in the normal sense."

DP: "You cut it or break a limb and it heals up in seconds." Tan said "Just avoid them, dear Quirk. If you can't, then burn them."

DP: Luster had finished her healing of the carnies, so she put on a very low cut blouse (for better tips) and set up fortune telling.

RL: Faerie plunked down. "First customer," she grinned. "So tell me, will I ever be lucky in love or am I doomed to eternal heartbreak

RL: like the last teller told?" Faerie's face was merry but her voice was ice cold and her eyes seemed to fair burn forth from her head.

DP: "We are all doomed to heartbreak, one day or another. We cannot hold our dear ones forever." Luster intoned in character.

DP: Then her eyes sparkled. "But you are truly destined to have love stronger than most can imagine, not to mention the other pleasures."

RL: "Well now that sounds like it might just be all right," Faerie grinned. "I can see you're good at this, real good. The tellers I knew

RL: would as likely end up with a knife in their ribs as gold cross their palms. Some folks don't like the truth sugar coated like I do."

DP: A tear gathered in Luster's eye. "You have had great pain without much reward. You will have more pain, but at least it will come

DP: with great reward." Then she smiled as she saw Tan dressed as a clown taking pratfalls to amuse some children. He was quite spry

DP: for an old man, although wizards rarely showed their years, and never died from old age. "Occupational hazard", she thought.

RL: "It's all relative you know, pain. The most intense thing that's ever happened to you might not even register as an event for me. You

RL: see thing is just because you can take it doesn't mean you have to, you can choose. The power's in the choosing Luster." Faerie told.

DP: Luster said "Just so, brave soul" and refrained from describing the suffering that must be borne by an empathic healer.

DP: Sophia came over to them and said "We leave for the next town the day after tomorrow. Let's make them remember us fondly."

RL: Day after tomorrow, thought Faerie. That gives me a day or so to find out what is up before it's all packed up and hidden in transit.

RL: I hope it's long enough. It'll just have to be. "Thanks Luster," she called over her shoulder, wandering off to see what was what.

DP: Tan walked off into the woods and no one noticed, just as he intended. He cast about, seeking signs, but nothing was revealed.

DP: It seemed more sure now that the adversary was a single turned wizard. It was certain that he was stronger than Tan alone. Dust!

RL: Standing alone on the parapets the evil genius snickered. "That's right old man, I am stronger. You will pay for your arrogance Tan.

RL: I will crush you like an insect for what you did to my people, to my lover, to my mind. You made me Tan, and I will be your undoing."

DP: Tan returned and sought out Faerie. "You've seen something. Please tell me what you can." So she told him of the mad one in the

DP: castle and his threat. Tan said "I thought he perished. Many, many years ago a senior wizard and I were sent to determine if some

DP: rumors were true about a young wizard. They were, so we tried to pull his fangs. In the course of the battle he chanced upon an

DP: awful spell. It caused a dreadful earthquake, where many died, including his family. He disappeared, and there were signs that he

DP: did not survive. We were mistaken, it now appears." Tan looked anguished, clearly remembering the catastrophic struggle.

RL: "Great dust storm Tan, that is nothing short of tragic. You must be, look Wizard I know you. You would not do this thing lightly. We

RL: will make this right. If we cannot, if it is futile, then we will kill him and all of his followers. We will do what must be done."

RL: Faerie's head ached from the effort of recalling the vision, and she was deeply worried about what this discovery would do to Tan.

DP: Tan said, "At least we know who it is. He will keep throwing challenges at us to make me prove that I am worthy to fight him, but

DP: in the end he wants to defeat me himself. And he still wants power, limitless power. That is still at the rotten heart of it."

RL: "How well do you know him Tan?" Faerie wanted beta on his tactical stylings. "Do you know who he is, or how he thinks? We need to get

RL: a foothold here. If you can tell me anything personal about this fallen man it will help our chances immensely. Leave nothing out."

DP: "He calls himself Grif, and was a gifted student. He became a wizard, and appeared to be settling in near Xhoti. Even took a wife.

DP: Rumors came to us of strange sightings, missing people, and mutilated animals. A senior wizard, Oldred, and I investigated. Grif

DP: was caught using dark magic. He had his wife helping him, and even his son was being used as bait. If there was a wizard's rule to

DP: be broken then Grif was breaking it. We challenged him, and demanded he return with us for trial, but he refused and ran from us.

DP: It was a trap. He was prepared with a set of lethal spells and even more physical hazards. We fought desperately." Tan stopped.

RL: "Go on man, whatever it is, it won't change anything. You are who you are, and nothing you can say will ever change that," Faerie

RL: had a feeling the next few moments would be indelibly etched in her memory. "This is good so far, this is helping. Please Tan go on."

DP: "Grif summoned his most potent spells, and we deflected them. There was a cluster of houses nearby with people cowering inside.

DP: At the doorway of one was a woman with a bow aiming at us. Grif was distracted just enough that a bolt from him hit our shields and

DP: rebounded to the house, which exploded with flame that then enveloped the woman, his wife. His rage at us was so strong that the

DP: next bolt was ten times as strong, but his aim was not true. His strike and our shield met at the ground, delving down an old fault.

DP: The ground heaved up, wrecking the houses. When we recovered enough, we tried to find Grif and save as many as we could. The woman

DP: died in my arms, begging me to save Grif. We found his staff and robe in a crack that had shut, so we thought he died. So wrong."

DP: "Oldred was never the same. He died a few years later. There are fewer wizards now, I fear none can come soon enough to aid us."

RL: "Ok, we are on our own here as far as more Wizards go. Grif is insane, that much is clear, and obsessed with revenge. And you Tan, is

RL: it going to be possible for you to let go of remorse and think clearly here? That is our only obvious advantage, slim as it is. We

RL: must use logic where he uses passion, and we must be swift and relentless. His upper hand here is surprise and the creativity of the

RL: madness. It will be impossible to predict where or when he will strike, but I have a sense it will be a coward's way, from a distance

RL: with little danger to himself. We need allies and supplies and we must work in secret. How can we warn some without creating panic?"

DP: "My sorrow over Grif will remain, but we must put an end to him. He has tried twice with Chaos and failed to kill us. I think that

DP: he will attempt to use forces of Law next. That will fail, and then he will decide that he must have a personal battle. And that

DP: is where he will be most dangerous, and we will need to be most prepared. Faerie, I have a confession to make to you. At first, I

DP: helped you as I would anyone. But now you have become dear to me because you are brave and lovely, and you are also my spy."

RL: "And what makes you say that? A spy hides and sneaks, trades stolen secrets for their own gain, takes sides. I am none of these Tan."

RL: Faerie was dead serious. "I walk in the front door and hide from no man. I work for the greater good of all, I serve no faction. You

RL: of all people know this about me. I sought you out, not the other way around. Explain yourself Wizard, I serve your cause, not you."

DP: "It is not your doing, Faerie, and it is not mine. Your link to Grif has already uncovered much, and I hope that it will give us a

DP: chance to survive this fight and even to best him. Your honor is not in question, and even now you could refuse, but I will not hide

DP: rom you our need for every small advantage." Tan looked at her intently, for there was still much about Faerie that was hidden.

RL: "Oh that. I thought you meant...never mind. That's not something I can control, it just happens. For all we know it could be a trick

RL: He could be sending those dreams, controlling what I see. We can't rely on that, not if we are wise. It's too easy to misinterpret."

RL: They sat there in silence, both brooding. Finally Faerie spoke, "Look, I'm sorry Tan. It's still useful, we get an impression, there

RL: are some things you can't hide, those we can use. But particulars are too easy to fake, and it will be hard to tell which is which."

DP: "What I trust is not the surface features, but I do trust the identity of Grif and his emotional state. I trust you to tell me the

DP: truth as you see it, just as I will tell you the truth as I see it." Tan thought for a short while and continued. "I think that he

DP: has something ready for us as we travel to the next town. We should warn the carnies, and stay separate from them, but not too far."

RL: "Understood," Faerie nodded. "I'll start a rumour on the midway after we eat. Tan we must be careful who we take into our confidence

RL: here. The less even friends know of the specifics, well you know them best, but it's safer if they don't know the names or details."

DP: "I'll talk with Sophia directly. There is a chance that Grif will attack the carnies to pull us in, but it is much more likely that

DP: he wants a more direct revenge." Tan and Faerie walked into the back lot of the carnival and split up. The show was about to start.

RL: The big top smelled of wet sawdust and sweaty bodies, human and otherwise. Anticipation swirled through the crowd of excited tots and

RL: people of every shape and size. It was a festive mood, the pickpockets had yet to begin winding their way among the crowd, lightening

RL: the load of the unsuspecting, investigating marks for the card games later that night. What was too close to take they might win yet.

DP: Tan met with Sophia briefly, then left the lot, headed for town. Quirk was preparing for his act, and Luster was in the tent.

DP: Faerie was aware that anyone could be in the crowd, and if some agent of Grif was present they would not know until too late.

RL: She made her way to her place on the midway, dutifully hawking rings and backhanding the thieves who were too obvious. The patrons at

RL: her booth tipped her grandly for this service, never knowing the tips and the take would be pooled and split at the end of the day.

DP: Quirk was in the main tent, fencing with 3 opponents at once. They use sharp blades, but Quirk was too good to allow anyone to be

DP: hurt. The act came to a climax when he disarmed them, one by one. The act was based on fact, although this time his victims lived.

RL: Suddenly Faerie got a funny ache in her head, one knee buckled, and she began scanning the crowd for someone out of place. She kept a

RL: constant stream of hawker babble going as she searched for the source of the queasy feeling in her gut. He was here through someone.

RL: Of this she was certain, if she saw them she would know. "Where are you?" she growled under her breath, fuming and shaking her head.

DP: Luster came up to her, "So what is the threat? I can tell that you are on alert. Let me know as well and I can help." They looked

DP: around to see Tan coming back, carrying a sack and walking beside a doxy, who was clearly haggling while Tan showed little interest.

DP: "It's her!" said Faerie, and she and Luster bolted towards Tan. The doxy saw the movement, pulled a dagger, and stabbed towards Tan.

DP: The blade passed without pause through Tan. Without resistance the doxy's thrust carried carried her forward to an awkward stop,

DP: where she stood in dumb surprise. Tan came up behind her and took the dagger from her hand. "Don't harm her," he said calmly.

RL: Faerie and Luster bounced to a skidding stop in front of the two Tans and the odd woman. Luster grabbed her arm and backed them away.

RL: He'd seen this illusion before and saw that Faerie was confused and unsure if they should listen to the Tan that spoke or subdue her.

RL: The first Tan wavered, grew translucent and became Quirk, grinning like a fool. Faerie shook her head again, holding Luster tight.

DP: The doxy allowed herself to be led back to the sleeping tent. Tan said "She was taken over by Grif and sent here to wait for me.

DP: We need to question her, so I would ask Luster to first heal her mind, since I don't want her to repeat Grif's fictions. Then we may

DP: leave tonight, depending on what we discover. The wards are set around this tent, so Faerie and Quirk, please stay."

RL: The two went about unstrapping weapons and settling down near the entrance as the healer prepared to work. Faerie's head was muddled

RL: from all she had seen, she felt drowsy and warm. She tried to sit up more in the skins to watch, wanting to hear what the woman said.

RL: Quirk poked her ribs teasingly and gave her shoulder a firm squeeze. The contact helped to bring her more present, she smiled at him.

DP: Luster worked for some minutes and said "She's pretty clear now, not much damage from Grif's compulsion. Her name's Shira, and she's

DP: a free-lancer from the town." Tan went over to Shira, "We will not hurt you. We just want to know about the man who talked to you."

DP: Shira was scared, but willing to talk. "I never saw him before. He paid for an hour with me, and just talked and talked, not even

DP: touching me. Dark hair, skin like old leather, deep black eyes. I can't remember the rest." Tan looked at her closely and asked

DP: "How long ago?" Shira said "I don't know for sure. At least a few weeks ago, before the carnival." Tan looked at Faerie, "Do you

DP: sense anything from Grif? Does he know that Shira has been uncovered?" Tan tried to look ahead, but all was fog and darkness.

RL: "I think I could try, it helps if I am dropping off to sleep," Faerie gestured to Quirk to rub her back. She lay down and breathed in

RL: deeply, letting all of the air back out in a long soft hiss. Her body softened and her breath fell into soft sighs, lengthening out

RL: in the doorway. They all became aware of when she dropped fully into the trance, her eyelids fluttering as her breath became regular.

RL: Moments later she awoke, sitting up frowning. "I saw him but I am unsure what he knows. He was unagitated. It was as if he saw me..."

RL: "You understand in these visions I am him, I see through his eyes, feel what he feels. I assume he does it for his own vile purpose."

DP: "Yes, Faerie, I understand. But in his anger, in his sendings, I can read far more than he knows. He has shown me his identity and

DP: his emotions and his goals. Even if it exactly what he wanted me to know, I welcome the knowledge. I am not yet sure how much goes

DP: other direction, but think that we will find out soon. I was wrong before. We must leave our carnival friends in the morning. I

DP: leave a note for Sophia, but otherwise we will not reveal our departure to anyone. Shira, please stay here until we leave at dawn,

DP: for that way you will be safer." Shira said, "I will, and I freely offer you my company, Tan." Tan said, "Shira, you offer it out

DP: of gratitude, and I am sworn to accept it only out of joy. I accept your thanks, but cannot accept your company." Shira nodded.

RL: High above in a cold dank hall paced the one Tan called Grif. He called himself by many different names, but never that one.

RL: He could not figure out why he lost the link with the whore, it should have been unbreakable except in death...unless... No, even Tan

RL: wasn't a skilled enough healer for that. Maybe a rough neck slit her throat for her, it wouldn't be the first time a woman of her ilk

RL: met such a gorey end at the hands of a client. Still, she should have struggled, given some sign of distress. He had been distracted

RL: of late, perhaps he had missed it somehow. When he tried harder to remember he saw silk waving in the wind, nothing more. If it was a

RL: remote chance he would conclude someone was sending him visions and using a cover memory to mask the intrusion. None had the skill.

DP: Just before dawn the four set out on horseback, a black cat nestled just in front of Faerie. Their supplies were replenished and

DP: their energy somewhat restored. Tan hinted that their destination was near Xhoti, but was vague about the route, except to say that

DP: they must avoid towns for a while. Quirk mostly led them along the back roads and empty fields. After two days of travel Faerie

DP: grumbled "Why so secretive, Tan? Where's the trust?" Tan said, "Trust I have in plenty, but the path is cloudy for me as well.

DP: I am relying on Quirk to get us closer to Xhoti undetected. Unless I miss my guess Grif wants us near the scene of the last battle,

DP: and I intend to get close enough to draw him out, but not so close that he can spring a trap. A delicate balance indeed."

RL: The dawn came cold and silent to the hidden encampment tucked into the foothills below Grif's lair. Lita braided her hair and wound

RL: the long plait into a crown of sorts, which she then covered with a metalic silver fabric. This helped to amplify her thoughts while

RL: blocking those of others who would control her will. She began preparations for a new incursion, this time linked into three at once.

RL: It would be her most complicated attempt, and it must succeed if she were to gain the trust of the wizard known as Tan. She was in to

RL: his companion so deeply she thought the visions her own. Grif had yet to discover her intrusions, but he became suspicious so she had

RL: to strike now. If she could link Tan into the connect built between Grif and Faerie she knew she could convince him to let her help.

DP: The four of them were just enough to try to extend contact. Quirk could keep watch in the physical, Luster could support Faerie

DP: while Faerie held the window open, and I, thought Tan, will have to reach through and risk the trap, or maybe find a key ally. Dust!

RL: Lita brought Faerie's helmet out of the trunk and placed it in front of her on the earth she prepared with a circle of small stones.

RL: Then she poured the steeped herbs over it, drinking some herself, and muttering an ancient rhyme about roots and tendrils entwined.

RL: Lita began to sway and sing in an unearthly howl that echoed in the caves where she did her best work. She came to sit now, placing

RL: both hands on the helmet's crown, she spoke. "Blood of my blood and bone of my bone from where I have sent you I am calling you home.

RL: A blast of wind seemed to come from the helmet itself, and Lita slipped between worlds, speaking through Faerie she called out "Tan!"

DP: The wizard jerked sharply, then placed his hands on Faerie's temples. "That is not Grif," he said, leaning closer. Faerie felt as

DP: if she were in a river, the water rushing through her. Luster leaned her head into Faerie's body, using her talent to keep Faerie

DP: breathing. "Well met, friend," Tan said, "How can we help you?" He was wary, but eager to know of this new player.

RL: "Tan, this is Lita. We have little time. I am the one who has been connecting this one to Grif and he becomes wary. We may chance one

RL: more time, if we are discovered it is finished. Will you help me Tan? We must discover his dark plans before it is too late." Faerie

RL: shuddered. "If we join we may know more. We should begin, if...will you do this Tan? We cannot wait, the time is now," Lita pleaded.

DP: "I think that we must take this chance." Tan said to the others. "Grif loves short-cuts, so in his impatience he will act soon."

DP: Tan focussed through Faerie, "How can we entice him out, Lita? Am I sufficient bait?" Luster gave him a pained look, understanding

DP: that Tan risked everything on a single throw of the dice. It was a desperation that she had not before seen in Tan.

RL: "He will not know you Tan, your identity is safe with this link. It is I who may be discovered, but I accept that risk. I am close to

RL: him, much too close. But it is necessary, and imperative we begin at once. Prepare Tan, the personal item you still carry of Grif's."

DP: They heard a buzzing in the sky. Through the trees they saw what appeared to be an enormous dragonfly in the sky, but Tan knew that

DP: it was no insect, but rather a machine leaked from the other world. "Make yourselves hidden!" he urged, knowing that this was

DP: likely to be under the control of Grif, this close to his stronghold. The machine had two wings and a tail, all held together with

DP: wires. The four used the trees for cover, helping a groggy Faerie to hide as she slowly emerged from trance. The buzzing faded.

RL: Lita rocked back on her heels, the link severed. "No!" escaped her throat unbidden, and she sank to the floor, drained but hopeful.

RL: At least she had made contact and Tan seemed willing to try. She could not ask for more than this. They were no worse off than before

RL: and another attempt could be safely made if the conditions presented themselves favorably in good enough time. Now to put it to rest.

DP: They made their way up a gully, staying low and covered. Then they cam to a clearing, and the path led to the other side. "Nice

DP: place for an ambush," said Quirk, and Faerie agreed. "Just so," said Tan, with a glint in his eyes. As they got halfway across six

DP: horsemen burst from cover and rode at them. Tan strode directly at them, his hands raised, but not in surrender. Blades out, they

DP: seconds from cutting him down, when all at once their horses stopped as if they had hit a wall, pitching their riders over and into

DP: the ground. The riders did not get up. Tan said, "Horses are quite willing to see a wall where there is none." Faerie stared and

DP: asked, "Are the riders dead?" Tan replied "No, I won't waste life if I can help it, but they will take a few hours to wake. Luster,

DP: would you be kind enough to splint the arm of that one?" After a pause, they reached the far side of the clearing without mishap.

RL: "So who was that?" Faerie gestured behind them. "Locals? Grif's? Will there be more along shortly or was the lot of them? Spill Tan."

RL: Faerie was right fed up with being used as a human speakpiece and ready for the Wizard to level with her once and for all. He was out

RL: of excuses, she wasn't taking no for an answer. As for this Lita, Faerie had a few things to say to that woman if she could find her

DP: "They were Grif's horsemen, but I doubt that they knew who we were. That was certainly not the right was to attack a wizard."

DP: Tan looked at Faerie, "I cannot tell what else Grif has in store, but there is nothing close. I sense that you need more, though."

DP: "Grif is such a danger to this world. He has encouraged the leakage, and is enslaving those who come across. He uses them to

DP: dominate the people of our world, and he adds our people to the enslaved. As the only wizard with enough knowledge about him,

DP: and the only wizard close enough, I must stop him, even I do not survive the task. I am sorry that I have had to use you, but I have

DP: so little choice." Faerie, Luster, and Quirk were gathered around him. Luster looked at Tan and said "We will help where we can."

RL: "I don't mean to sound ungrateful Wizard and I would never question your motives. It just helps me to name a thing, to have the words

RL: to say it out loud, it gives me power over it. I can contain it with the words and understand what I can. So please do not take my

RL: questions as insolence, I mean no such thing. I follow your lead Tan, without question. It's a matter of safety, for all of us, but

RL: it is also the way of the Warrior, it is a part of the honor code. Once a leader has been chosen you follow that one without question

RL: else people die. We do not philosophize about strategy on the battlefield, that's left for talk at cups if we survive," Faerie said.

DP: Tan spoke, "When the crux arrives I will need all of your support. I hope to convince Grif to try to take me on himself."

DP: "When he does, just keep me alive long enough to give me a chance to beat him. After that, I accept whatever happens to me, and

DP: the rest of you should make your way out as best you can." Quirk frowned, "No, Tan, just as we believe in you so you must believe in

DP: us. We will live, and Grif will not." He hugged Tan tightly, then released him. Luster said "This is also our world, Tan."

RL: "From what you told me it seems likely he will willingly go along with your wish to settle this one on one," Faerie scoffed. "We will

RL: have to hope revenge clouds his judgement but even if we wanted it any other way the fact is the likelihood of the two of you being

RL: the last two standing is quite high if you ask me." Faerie snorted and shook her head. "Pretty sure he could take the rest of us out

RL: with a wave of his hand. If he wants you alone it should be pretty easy for him to do. We would be helpless against him without you."

DP: "If Grif does manage to win he will not be undamaged, I can promise you. But what matters now is to try to enlist Lita." Tan said.

DP: "Although it exposes us to more risk, we have to get closer." Quirk said "We still need to follow this valley further, but perhaps

DP: not so directly on this path." Tan nodded, and they went forward, making their way to the left of the path. Tan wove some cloaking

DP: spells to cover them. As they climbed, the trees were smaller and the brush less thick, so their pace increased.

TB: Scat rolled over and rested his head on Fairie's shoulder. He was nestled inside of her pack. It felt like all he did these days was

TB: nap. His fat belly growled and something niggled at the edge of his walnut sized brain. Had he been warned about being complacent?

RL: "Alright Tan, I'll be your dusted speakpiece. But I swear when this is all over and you're well and we are all safe you are gonna pay

RL: and you are gonna like it and it is going to hurt." Faerie grinned like a fool and clapped the Wizard on the back. "What do we do to

RL: get her attention, knock on a tree? Other than falling asleep, I don't know what to do to contact Lita and get this going already."

DP: "Soon enough, Faerie. We need to close the gap some. And if we live through this I will give you whatever it is my power to give.

DP: Can you talk well enough with Scat that we could make him a scout? Especially at night he would be undetectable." Tan paused.

DP: At a break in the trees they came to a stop. Grif's fortress was partly visible. But there was little cover ahead, so they would

DP: have to wait for darkness. A well hidden sunken spot was what they had, so they created what comfort they could for a rest.

TB: Scat rolled on his back so the fire could warm his nads. In his mind he saw the image of a cat roasting on a spit. He look up

TB: to see Fairie grinning staring back at him. She had successfully communicated with him!

RL: "Ha! Pretty sure he got that loud and clear," Faerie chortled. "Let's try for a real message now." She closed her eyes and imagined

RL: Scat doing recon for them, she sent images of him going out and returning with reports, running errands, delivering messages. Then

RL: She sent a clear affirmative and negative response option, a series of movements the cat would perform to indicate willingness or not

RL: to take on the required task. Faerie repeated the sequence twice in her mind, and then quietly waited for Scat to respond yes or no.

TB: Scat could see the new images forming fuzzily in his mind. He locked eyes with Fairie, rose from the ground stretching, winked once

TB: and bowed his head low letting his luminescent eyes demur from her face. He pawed the ground with his right foot signaling her an

TB: affirmative response. And with that he pounced into Tan's lap for pets and purrs before setting out for the nite's assignment.

DP: "I wonder why he connects with you yet jumps into my lap," Tan smiled. "What we need to know is what lies in wait along the path to

DP: Grif's fortress. And we need some hidden place about halfway along to try to contact Lita." Then Quirk pointed off towards the

DP: horizon where Grif's airplane could be seen, circling lower and lower. "It's nice to know that infernal machine will not be watching

DP: for us," said Quirk. Tan stroked Scat with affection, hoping that no harm would come to him, knowing that it was utterly uncertain.

RL: "Guess he likes you," grinned Faerie. "He says yes, he'll help. Now he's waiting for you to tell him what you want him to do. Try it

RL: Tan, I'll bet you can do it too if you try. Just focus lightly in his direction and think in clear visual images. It's kind of fun."

DP: Tan visualized the path ahead, with images of Scat running back to them if anything alive was on the path, and images of comfort

DP: if Scat found a protected place some distance closer.  Scat became a little tense, since Tan's thoughts were not as easily read as

DP: Faerie's.  Tan's mind was less direct, with a background of concerns and uncertainties.  As Tan focussed and repeated, though, Scat

DP: was able to see the images, and rubbed up against Tan to acknowledge them. Faerie chortled, "See, he gets it!"

TB: Scat was suddenly sorry he had eaten all of those extra scraps at every meal. He groomed his paws for the journey and consoled

TB: himself with the thought that after many trips he'd reduce his bulk. Hr trotted to the edge of the clearing and looked back one more

TB: time at his people. They were both smiling at him. He ducked down and hurried into the dark using his impeccable night vision to see.

RL: "I hope this works, I kind of like that cat. He's getting to be my regular snuggle buddy, I'm gonna miss his warmth in the sleeping

RL: skins tonight, I can tell you that. We are such creatures of habit, not long ago I was content to sleep on the ground alone, no skins

RL: or bodies to keep me warm, and I thought myself well contented. Now look at me, all soft and fat and love soaked. You'll be the death

RL: of me yet Wizard," Faerie shook her head with a smirk. "Whatever is a love lorn warrior woman to do?" She mooned at Tan and laughed.

DP: "My quest may be the death of us all." Tan looked over at Quirk and Luster, huddled together some distance off. "And if Scat comes

DP: "good news then we will not get much sleep. If you are willing then I would be pleased to have us hold each other for the time that

DP: are granted." Tan reached out, and Faerie took his hand. A warmth and strength flowed through that holding such as she had not

DP: felt before. They stepped forward at the same time and their arms reached around. Tan and Faerie stood still, taking in the moment.

TB: Scat padded down the softest part of the deer worn path. It was already starting to get cold so he fluffed his fur. Up ahead was

TB: nothing but darkness, except once in a while he would see a small light flicker across his path ahead. A firefly, he thought quietly.

TB: Suddenly the light flickered much closer and Scat stopped cold and started slowly stalking the it. He could hear the wings rubbing

TB: together as the light flew back and forth. Then he could smell a new scent in the forest. It was almost like buttery roasted corn.

RL: Lita paced back and forth nervously in her hideout, as Grif paced his halls in the fortress above. The waiting was agony, knowing in

RL: in time she would be discovered, hoping against hope it would be after she had been able to help in some small way. Lita could not

RL: bear the thought that she had gone through all of this for nothing. She had done everything correctly, it simply had to be enough.

DP: Once more Grif started the spell that weakened the wall between the worlds. The last time was still on his mind, when he brought

DP: the minister and his mistress in flagrante delicto. Grif laughed out loud, the fact that the minister was worse than useless to him

DP: being amply compensated by their embarrassment. The minister was quite dead, but his mistress was still willing to ply her trade,

DP: giving favors to be near to power. And Grif was powerful now, far beyond what that minister had promised. Grif deepened the spell.

TB: Scat sniffed the air cautiously. My word! He could smell the edges of the spell Grif was casting. The air around him shimmered.

TB: the small lights flitted wildly now. Scat crouched close to the ground and opened his eyes wider as his world began to shift out of

TB: with the electricity of the moment. Oh what I wouldn't do to have Tan and Fairie see this! He yowled with all his might calling them.

RL: Faerie sat bolt upright, her hair on end and her senses crackling. She could almost hear something. No, not hear it really. More like

RL: feel it but not clearly enough to know what it was. She took a deep breath and tried to empty her mind, or focus, or something useful

RL: but that just made her tired. Tan had forbidden her sleep so she stood up and walked outside. The stars were bright in the cloudless

RL: night, the winds picked up. Odd for night, she thought. Something moved in the underbrush nearby, a stick snapped and leaves rustled.

DP: Tan gathered Luster and Quirk, then they came over to Faerie. "Grif is up to something. I'm not sure, but the spell is quite strong

DP: and has a stench about it. We can't wait for Scat now, so let's hope that our paths meet ahead. Our chances are best when Grif is

DP: occupied. Have you any hint from either Scat or Lita?" Tan shifted about, uneasy with what Grif could summon. He badly wanted to

DP: have just a sliver of information or just one more ally. Quirk said "It's time to go. We gain nothing by delay." Tan nodded. Then

DP: Luster gravely gave each of them a kiss, "What strength I have I will lend now. And my love goes with it, dear ones all."

TB: Following his yowl came a blurbling belch that smelled slightly of rancid corn. He closed his eyes from the burn of it and shook his

TB: snout. He looked around and felt oddly forlorn as the world around him settled back to normalcy. The vision was gone. He watched the

TB: edges of the beauty fade. Then he turned in the way he had come and ran like the wind back to his friends. Grif was up to no good and

TB: his art of seduction would surely overtake them as easily as it had him. He projected thoughts of flight into Fairie's open mind.

RL: Luster placed a hand on Faerie's shoulder, and uttered an eerie sound while still touching Tan. Faerie convulsed and began yowling.

RL: "Run!" Faerie's voice was feral panic, and they had to hold her to keep her from bolting. "Scat saw something, he's on his way back."

RL: "Good Faerie, good. Now go deeper," Luster stroked her hair and concentrated. Faerie's eyes fluttered and rolled skyward. Her knees

RL: buckled, and she wavered but stayed standing. Then her eyes fixed on Tan and Lita's voice spoke from Faerie's lips. "Tan, he strikes!

RL: The air is thick with deception and this place reeks of power hungry control and fear. I think if we try now we may pass unnoticed."

DP: Tan spun some protection over them and the effects of Grif's invocations became more distant and less distracting. They walked in

DP: darkness, finding their way by the dimmest of lights that Tan was willing to produce. Quirk and Faerie exchanged the lead as they

DP: moved along, Luster guarding behind, and Tan holding the center, where he could provide the best protection. Scat found them and

DP: rubbed up against Faerie's leg, then walked beside. Colors started to appear in the sky, much like the northern lights, but centered

DP: Grif's fortress. Tan said "I'd rather not try the front door to this place. When we can we need to stop and query Lita to see if

DP: there is some easier way in." Faerie felt uneasy. Was Tan just guessing? He trusted Lita's information, but would the bet pay off?

RL: Lita sat with her head in her hands trying to grasp why Tan hadn't answered. She knew she had gotten through, she saw Faerie's hands.

RL: She could no longer distinguish between hunger and the fear twisting in her guts. Maybe being this close to him is starting to have

RL: an effect on me she thought. Lita fought to wall off her emotions without draining her resources. She had to stay clear and be ready.

DP: Into the night they walked or ran forward. It grew colder, but Grif's efforts did not abate. Without Tan they might have been

DP: glamoured into being his next victims. Then, off to the side, there was a small cliff face. Quirk cautiously explored it and said

DP: "It's a cave, just big enough for us, and the morning light will be here soon. Tan?" Tan responded "Lead us in, Quirk, I think that

DP: we are close enough. We must get through to Lita, and we must not be discovered." The cave was clear. It was too small to stand in

DP: yet wide and deep enough to hold a dozen people at need. They could hear a low growling from Grif's direction - a wizard at work.

RL: The four humans and the shape shifting cat settled into the cave as first light tore through the clouds and spilled onto the valley.

RL: The air hung still and damp, and the travelers huddled together for warmth and comfort. They would sleep briefly to regain strength

TB: Scat's feline senses shifted into overdrive as his companions settled in for daybreak. He waited until he could hear Tan's gentle

RL: and then they would make another attempt to contact their mind skipping ally Lita. Faerie's mind raced and her breathing was shallow.

TB: snores before he prowled slowly into the open. He sniffed the air. He turned his head and sniffed his own fur. They all still reeked

RL: She focused on her out breaths, trying to expell every bad thing that had happened since that day she left Basecamp, to unsee what

TB: of last night's spell. He had probed Fairie's mind and knew now the vision of beauty was not an apparition. The vision had a name and

RL: she had seen, unknow what she now knew to be true, and go back to a time when she felt invincible. Swinging a sword at the enemy was

RL: something she accepted, the high cost of the blood shed and lives lost, but this brutality of the soul, the spells and mind games...

TB: it was Lita. It was no wonder the shimmering wonder had evoked such emotion from him. He and Lita had a long history together. He

TB: groomed his fur to rid it of the stentch of Grif and watched the sun rise. He knew just how to find Lita. He opened his mind to her.

DP: Tan dreamed about Grif's wife. She pled for Grif's life, asking Tan to save him. Then the scene changed to Grif's fortress, where

DP: she appeared once more and tearfully asked Tan to kill the monster that Grif had become, to save that little good that Grif had

DP: remaining from being perverted and desecrated. "He was once a fine man. You must end this." Tan stirred and dreamed of Faerie,

DP: strangely named for one of the ancient realms of Chaos, armed like a soldier of Law, with a heart that could change so easily from

DP: hard to soft and back. Then he saw Luster and Quirk from years ago, welcoming him into their tent and bed, laughing at his shyness.

DP: And finally he dreamed of Scat, locked in an animal body, but with a larger soul. Tan woke to Scat licking his face, demanding.

TB: Lita had readily found Scat's open mind and he saw her smile. He received a 360 degree image of her surroundings. She appeared to be

TB: imprisoned. Scat struggled to hold the connection as long as he could but the pain in his head was increasing with each second. He

TB: let go with a gasp. The magic around her was strong and ugly. He hurried to Tan's side and tried to wake him with pats and that did

TB: not seem to work so he set about giving Tan's cheeks a brisk washing. If the roughness of his tongue failed, the rank of his breathe

TB: might succeed. He shoved thoughts into Tan's mind of Lita and her predicament. He was anxious to be understood. Tan gazed into his

TB: eyes and they connected. I know where Lita is. We must get to her!

RL: Lita struggled to breathe as the walls of her hideout seemed to close in on her. This seemed more like leaking magic than an attack,

RL: but the effects were the same. She was trapped and Grif's dastardly spell would be her undoing unless she found a way out. At least

RL: she had made contact with Scat, she knew he would do what he could for her. She could only hope the rest would trust and do the same.

DP: Tan now had a clear image of a lightly guarded gate that led to a tunnel into the fortress. Grif was no[w] so caught in his own spells

DP: that he was effectively blind. Although it was now mid-afternoon, with Grif's inability to see them the guards should prove to be

DP: avoidable. One catch - Grif had another Palint, and there was no clue as to its location. The 4 humans sat in a circle, Tan touched

DP: Scat with one hand, and Faerie stroked Scat on the other side. The image of the gate was now clear to all of them. When they left

DP: the cave a heat shimmer lay between them and the fortress. Luster lent some strength to Tan, and Faerie and Quirk discussed

DP: tactics. As they approached closer Grif's spells even made breathing difficult. What Grif had not reckoned on was how his spells

DP: would make his troops sick and his guards distracted. What should have been an impregnable fortress was more like a hospital.

TB: Scat's head was pounding and he was finding it hard to focus on Lita as he led the group to her prison. He stopped walking and hung

TB: his head low. Fairie, seeing his distress, scooped him up and carried him and Scat projected images of the pathway into her mind.

RL: Faerie stroked Scat absentmindedly as they went along, she found it helped her focus. The cat could amplify her abilities if she was

RL: touching it, at least that's how it seemed. They came to a low doorway, the mantel came only to Faerie's waist. She stooped low and

RL: peered inside but could see nothing save the rough hewn door and latch. "I guess this is it then. Do we knock, or just open it? What

RL: if it's a trap? I can try to bust in but it looks fairly sturdy. I've half a mind to just camp out here and wait. What say you?"

TB: Scat narrowed his eyes and bared his fangs hissing. And for the first time in many moons sounds like words fell from his lips.

TB: "opeeeen the doooor" he rasped. "OPEEEEEN the DOOOOOR!" he screamed. Fairie felt the tremor from his small body reverberate thru her

TB: own bones.She held Scat closer and stroked his head. He was hot with fever and she wondered how much more his small form could stand.

TB: a nasty tendril had wrapped itself around Scat's mind. It dug and swatted at his thoughts as if it were snuffing a campfire.

DP: Tan went up to the door and pushed firmly. The door opened slowly. "It may be a trap, but it's no less safe than climbing the

DP: walls. Luster, please see if you can get Scat a little cooler. He's taken a lot." Faerie drew a short sword and entered the door.

DP: On the other side there was a narrow corridor leading further in. No torches burned, but small openings let in air and dim light.

DP: Even underground Grif's efforts could be felt. The walls shuddered, and Tan had to increase his shielding as they progressed.

DP: They entered a larger chamber and paused in a group. There were several exits, all alike. Tan looked at them and pondered.

RL: Lita burst through the closest door frantic to get out and entirely unaware that Tan's proximity was allowing her to finally do so.

RL: She ran smack into Quirk, and then sat right down on the ground in most undignified fashion. She sat there gasping for air, looking

RL: from one to the next as if she saw a ghost. "How? I mean where...who sent you? If I am not dreaming then this be a miracle indeed."

TB: Scat lay limp in Luster's arms. "He's not breathing too well Tan." Scat's small ribcage shuddered, his tongue lolled from his mouth.

TB: Lita ran to him and gently took him from Luster. She cradled his body next to her cheek and nuzzled his fur. She had missed him so

TB: much. How these wonderful people found her was no longer a secret. Her Scat had helped them. Her touch to him was a tonic and he

TB: purred. He felt his life force dimming and knew he needed to rest or die so he closed his eyes and let his dreams take over.

TB: Luster moved closer and laid hands on Scat. The healing power flowed over him and his nose pinked up. He slept now.

DP: Quirk looked at Scat. "I've see far larger warriors with but a tenth of his spirit. Tan, how do we know which door to take? I do

DP: not wish to be eaten by a grue." Tan muffled a laugh, "Such things do not exist in this fortress, but I am still worried about the

DP: other Palint." Tan reached into his pack and took out what appeared to be a pointed thimble. "Fix this to an arrow, and shoot the

DP: Palint in the left eye if you see it." Tan bowed to Lita, "I think that we owe our entry here to the visions you sent. Faerie here

DP: is the most sensitive, and at first we thought that Grif was the author. We are pleased to see you alive. I am Tan, this is Quirk,

DP: and our healer is Luster. We need to reach Grif and stop him. It is much to ask, but can you help us find the way?"

RL: "You really intend to face him directly?" Lita struggled to take it all in. "I don't know why you would want to do that, what could

RL: you possibly gain by walking right into his stronghold. But yes, I can show you where he is." Lita stood up and headed back to gather

RL: her things. Faerie turned to Tan and said, "Just give me a minute, I'll explain why you must face him alone so she can see this."

RL: The two returned to the group and Lita indicated the way through the dungeons to the upper levels of Grif's fortress. They climbed in

RL: silence, managing to avoid all contact with the residents. Just before they arrived at the main hall they gathered in a side room.

TB: Scat opened his crusty eyes and looked around. He was inside Fairie's pack on her back so he wiggled to the top and rested his paws

TB: on her muscular shoulders. He rubbed his cheek on hers and kissed her face. The remnants of the invading tendril in his mind lay

TB: tattered on the outer regions of his brain. He picked thru it for clues of how to get to Grif and sent puffs of putrid into his mind.

TB: Sneezing he winked his eyes and manifested as a small mouse on Fairie's shoulder. "Follow me" he silently told Fairie's mind. He

TB: hopped to the ground and scurried away before Fairie could protest. She had something to tell Tan and now it would have to wait.

DP: Tan peered into the main hall. It was empty, not even a guard. The noise and lights from Grif's spells were gone. Scat jumped into

DP: into his hand. Tan's mind skittered about, perplexed. He felt sure that he would have felt it if Grif's spells had fully opened the

DP: portal, but there was only an eerie silence. Scat sent an image to him of Grif standing outside in a field. They all moved into the

DP: hall, alert. From the far end a large shape shuffled towards them. The Palint had arrived. When it was still many paces away Quirk

DP: raised his bow and, in one fluid motion, let fly the tipped arrow directly into the Palint's left eye. The monster lurched, then

DP: fell face forward, it's skull smoking. "It helps to be prepared," said Tan. "So, Tan, why the left eye?" asked Quirk. "I did not

DP: want you to waste time deciding on the right target. Either eye would have been sufficient," Tan replied. "Tan, has anyone ever

DP: told you that you keep too many secrets?" said Luster, shaking her head. Lita spoke, "He's outside, on the field for battle trials."