Subject: RP: False Hope
Date: Mon Jul 2 01:01:06 2001

Message: 
In a place where time does not exist, boredom sets in quickly and nothing seems to get
accomplished. Walking a day could seem forever, and walking forever could be only a
day. There was no way of knowing how long he had walked, for there was no sun nor a
moon. Light seemed to just be. It emminated from the barren ground, from the shy, and
even from the Highlander.
Chase found himself wondering if there was any point in walking. Was he really going
anywhere? He could walk for the rest of his life and still never....The Highlander
corrected himself painfully. He could walk for eternity. Seeing the situation was futile,
Chase simply sat down where he was. Surrounded by nothing, the King of Leah
despaired. 


"I just wish I were home with the girl that I love." Chase said aloud closing his eyes,
thinking back to the land that he grew up on. He missed the Highlands furiously. It had
been years since he had been home yet he could still smell the grass that toppe the rolling
hills.
Suddenly a light wind began to blow, with it came the sweet smell of a grass and soil and
life. Still lost in though, Chase continued to be lost in thought. He pictured his favorite
camping spot in his mind, remembering the pleasures of his youth. The winds began to
become increasingly violent, bringing the Highlander back with a start. What he saw
when he open his eyes caught him completely off guard.
Miniscule grains of soil lifted from the ground spiraling all around. Tens became
hundreds and then millions and so on until all was blanketed by the white illuminated
grains. Slowly, the grains began to take form. Trees. Grass. Flowers. A small stream.
After the shapes were formed, colors bled forth from the stream coloring the ground a
dark black, showing the soil's furtility. The trees' bark became brown and its leaves green. 
The Highlander sat back in astonishment. What he saw before him was impossible!
Chase stood and walked to the water's edge. Cupping his hands, he let the water run
through his fingers. It is Real! The only real thing he had seen, the only hope that could
be found. If he thought of the camp and it appeared, then if he thought Arborlon then
maybe he could save Lissammi!
Chase sat back down and began thinking of the Elven Capital. The high arching doorway
to the palace, the Ellcrys. The merchant's market, the ... Suddenly the winds began to
blow once more.
When the Highlander opened his eyes again, he sat in the center of the Commons Area.
Normally, this place was awash with life. There were always people here, coming to and
from the taverns and inns. Yet there were none to be found. The buildings were there,
just as Chase remembered them, yet the life was missing. Chase ran into the nearest
building, a tavern that he had never been to and found what he had expected. It was
empty. No barkeep, no customers, nothing.
The Highlander walked back outside and fell to his knees. Tears dampened his cheeks as
he sunk into despair once more. In a series of strong gusts, everthing faded away. The
buildings crumbled and blew into the horizon. 
"Lissammi!" Chase Leah yelled as loud as his voice would allow..



Subject: RP: My Own Prison
Date: Thu Jul 5 21:33:10 2001

Message: 
Alone. The entire world a dismal abyss of eternal nothing. A hollow shell of what once
was or maybe never was. In this place, even memories are questioned. Sanity is sand
through an hourglass, each moment the mind's fragile hold slips slowly away. Away to
where? Questions such as this do little to ease the soul of the weary. Perhaps this
maddness was imagined, perhaps it was some morbid self-inflicted reality. Yet more
questions, still no answers. 
Chase Leah. Once a proud and noble man, he sat with his face in his hands. Tears flowed
freely from his blood-shot eyes. He was no reduced to this. A scared, sniviling coward.
He couldnt stand, he was afraid of what he might see. He was afraid that if he opened his
eyes he would see something of substance, something real. He was afraid of hope. So he
sat there, eyes closed to the world.


Time passed by unchecked. There was no real way of knowing how long he had sat there.
His tears had ran out long ago, and his cheeks had dried. Still he wouldnt look up. He still
had his face buried in his palms. He fought inside himself, desperatly want to do
something. Anything. But the fear would not subside. He was in a sea of turmoil without
a boat or even a piece of driftwood to cling to. So he drifted alone, soon his strength
would give and he would sink. 
Chase. The wind seemed to say as it gusted in.
Chase. Again, barely audible, but definitely there somewhere in the distance.
Come back to be, Chase, I love you. Looking up in shock Chase saw the source of the
wisper in the winds. Lissammi stood off in the mists that now encircled him. He call out
to her, but she didnt seem to see him. She was looking at something over to his left.
Chase followed her eyes and saw a man, knelt down to the ground. It was the Highlander.
Chase saw himself, still crying looking for answers in his sorrow. Chase saw the fear that
his likeness was going through. The same fear that had so captivated him a moment
earlier. It was gone now, replaced once more by understaning. He wasnt dead. Not yet at
least. It was still his decision to make.
Slowly the Highlander walked forward, coming to strand beside the kneeling man.
Lissammi was gone now, and with it her words. But there passing had not been forgotten.
The only sound that was to be heard was the crying and the fearful mumbling of the
fallen man. Chase grabed the other's hands and pulled him to his feet. Surprise in those
tearful eyes mirrored back at the Highlander. Pulling the other into his embrace, Chase
released his soul.


Disoriented and weary, the Highlander woke at the river's bank. 


Subject: RP:Hi My name is Who,My name is Wha,My name is HellifiKnow
Date: Sun Jul 8 22:01:01 2001

Message: 
The sounds of rushing water echoed in all of the recesses of his mind. Each attempt to
move, even to open his eyes, brought shockwaves of pain throughout his body. Fighting
through clentched teeth, he sat up and gazed upon the world around him. It was a most
desolate place. He lay on the bank of a giant lake, nearly buried in sand. There was a
massive rockface that jutted from the water and reached far into the sky. The bright sun
was wasted in this ravine, for not a single ray touched the barren soil. This would be a
lush oasis of life, if not for the cliff that blanketed the area in darkness. 
The man lie in the sand trying to remember what had happened, how he had gotten to
where he was. Why he hurt so much. Suddenly he was aware that he didnt even know
who he was. His mind was a maze of confusion, a blur of nothingness. With all of his
strength, he got to his knees and crawle to the water's edge, looking at his reflection.
There in the rippling waters was the face of a young man, a man he had never seen
before. 


Several hours later, the man without a past managed to stand and walk around without
much trouble. He assumed that he had somehow fallen off the cliff, judging from the
many scrapes and bruises that lined his body and the postion that he found himself. Upon
further expection, he found that he had numerous scars all over his body. Many with the
appearance of being stabed with a sword. Perhaps I am a soldier. He said to himself.
"Well, I cant very well stay here. I have to go find out just who the hell I am." With that
he chose a random direction and began walking. 




Subject: RP: Wandering into the Unknown
Date: Wed Jul 11 02:33:37 2001

Message: 
Wandering. The act of leaving a direct path and drifting aimlessly. You can wander in a
physical sense and in the spiritual. The man that walked upon the weather beaten trail
was doing both. He had yet to find out where he was, and he was even less certain as to
who he was. Questions spiraled rapidly in his mind. Questions that he had no answers to.
And so he walked, unsure of the path he had chosen. He followed the sun during the
morning, rested during the noontime, and kept the sun to his back during the night. He
stoped little for there was no reason. The land was devoid of anything of substance to eat,
and the questions and uncertaincy that occupied his mind would not allow him slumber.
All he knew was that eventually, he would arrive somehwere. Where that was he did not
know, he only hoped that the distance between him and that place did not exceed his
physical reserves. He could die out here, cold and alone. Never knowing just who he was,
it was a scary thought.
For two days, nearly none stoped, the man walked. He saw no signs of life until the
evening of the second day. There flying high in the sky was a bird. It was a beautiful
sight. Souring gracful and free, the bird rose and fell with such ease. The man envied the
bird. He was stuck here on this mysterious land. He laughed at the thought. He could
have grown up here for all he knew. This barren wasteland could have been his home.
Laughing out loud for the first time since his awakening, the man contiued walking now
with a slight smile on his face.


Darkness blanketed everything when the man came upon the small town. It was small
vale, obviously a farming community, with its outlaying acres ripe with various fruits and
vegetables. He looked at the lushous fruit that dangled from its vine, his mouth watering
with anticipation.
Leaping over the wooden fence, the man devour the nearest of fruits. As he pulled on the
vine, a bell rang out in the darkness. Suddenly, lights began to spark out in the distance.
Tiny specks of flame moving closer and closer to where the man huddled eating the fruit.
Seeing that he would be in trouble if he were found, he gathered a few of the spherical
fruits and scurried away from the small vale.
He walked along the edges of the gardens until he came to a small creek. Taking the
foodt hat he had stolen he crossed the narrow waters and found a place to sleep for the
night. In the morning, he would enter the vale and try and find out where exactly he was.
And hopefully, however doubtfully, who he was. 




Subject: RP: The Fruits of our labor
Date: Thu Jul 19 03:49:57 2001
Message: 
The smell of the already decaying flesh permeated the nighttime air. The days battle had
left the once green fields of rolling grass, razed and drenched with blood. It would be a
long while before life would begin anew in this place. This too pleased Salim. The mere
thought of his impact upon such an incredible thing as nature, brought a smile to his face.
Destruction. Such a beautifully twisted thing. The power to take away life, to end all in
an instant. That, he supposed, is why he and his brother had continued their trek. The
power. Still smiling, the usually stoic Dannon joined his brother for dinner.


Subject: RP: Consciously Sleeping Through All
Date: Fri Jul 20 01:52:14 2001
Message: 
The man woke up in a daze. It took several moments before he realized where he was
and what had happened. He had woken up several days ago in a large body of water, with
a huge ominous cliff hanging over him. He woke without any knowledge of where or
even who he was. He had no memory of even the smallest of things. Deciding that it
would be pointless to stay around there, he began traveling. He chose the direction out of
whim, simply out of need of some source of hope. After walking for nearly two days, he
found himself outside the walls of an enormous city, which he later realized was
Arborlon. He walked into the city walls and found himself set upon immediatly by
several large guards. They didnt question him, they simply ran for him. Out of instinct, he
fled into the crowded city streets. Elves, man, and dwarfs alike shoped in the large open
market. As he ran, the citizens turned to watch the specticle. Voices cried out,"Hail, Hail
the Highlander!" Many rush to shake hands with the man or to give him a friendly pat on
the back. This proved disasterous. The guards that chased the man closed fast and had
him before long. He went down in a flurry of limbs. He fought off the guards for a few
moments but their numbers overwelmed him. He was bound and taken from the
courtyard. Those that had gathered to watched, screamed their outrage at the treatment of
one of the cities heroes. Some tried to stop them but fell to the ground in pain moments
after. With that, he was taken away. 
Now he sat in the center of a dark room even more lost than he had been before. 






Subject: RP:Salim Dannon-Freud Style
Date: Sun Jul 22 03:58:59 2001
Message: 
Salim Dannon stood overlooking the countryside the dy afer their victory over the young
Oswald. Salim remebered his screams in the moments prior to his death. As each of his
limbs were bound and pulled tight, he pleaded desperatly for his life, casting aside his
pride and dignity in the hopes that he would find mercy. But there was none to be found.
Salim nor Gregor would allow this, Oswald had challenged the brothers and that could
not go unpunished. 
Salim smiled, reliving the last moments of Lord Oswald the Young.
The morning air blew across Salim's face as he watch the camp come alive. He watched
as tents were taken down and supplies collected. They would depart soon, though he
really didnt know where. He never did. He would follow his brother, who traveled
seemingly out of whim, until they came upon something of intrest. Gregor consullted
with his brother about their travles, but the timid Salim rarely offered anything. He cared
not where they went, as long as they did not become complacent. Salim dispised the
dullness of a settled life, he fed off of the constant motion. And so he kept going. 
It suddenly occured to him that he had no home. Sure, he owned many houses, but he had
no place to call home. He hadnt, in fact, since he was a boy. And even then, it wasnt...
Before he could finish the thought, Gregor came up to him. Grinning from ear to ear, the
cheerful Dannon clasped his brother on the back.
"Morning to you brother. Did you sleep well?"
Salim grinned. He knew that Gregor knew the answer already. Salim hadnt slept more
than an hour in four days, and last night had been no different. "As deeply and as
satisfying as the few nights past."
Gregor's smile reamined wide as he contiued to jest with his brother. They talked for
several minutes as he made Salim aware of his plans. Then they parted, Gregor to carry
out the move and Salim to remain alone on the bluff. 
Salim secretly envied his brother. He lacked the mirth and light-heartedness that Gregor
so amply possesed. While he enjoyed his solitude, Salim grew weary of it. 
Bored of his self-analysis, Salim walked down the hill to join his brother. 




Subject: RP: The Fallen
Date: Mon Jul 30 16:31:35 2001
Message: 
Cold. Like a parasite, it first breaks down its host's defenses. Slowly, patiently, the cold
creeps throughtout the body, shutting it down. Numbing all of your senses except for
pain, which its enhanced exponentially. Indeed a fitting method of torture. 

The man hung there, his hands shackled to the wall. He had no sense of time, measuring
the moments between beatings was pointless. He had just received a rather severe
beating, its sting still fresh and the blood still wet. They asked questions that he had no
answers for, though they refused to believe that someone could not even remember his
own name. And each time he would reply that he had lost his memories he was met with
a flurry of fists and whips and chains and by the point they got to the other weapons he
had already blacked out. Each time he would wake up, he would find that he was
freezing cold, soaked in some gel-like inkor. The gel seeped into each of his wounds and
burned hotter than the most interse of fires. Then there was the cold... There was always
the cold....Darkness fell for the man once more.

Waking up, the man saw that his jailers had returned. Metal grinding on metal, the door
swung wide revealing three large men each carrying several devices of torture. This was
always the worst part. By the time they returned to the small metal cell the pain had gone
into numbness. But now they were here and the pain with them. Slowly, the man began to
lose his fragile grip on sanity. 
And so the beatings comenced. It began with the same questions. "Why have you come
back?" "How did you survive?" Then the first man, whom he had aply named Smiley due
to the fact that his smile widened with each scream that he uddered, approched with a
trident-like knife. It is amazing how large a smile could become..........

Coming awake again, the man heard the doors begin to open once more. No, its not
possible! He could still feel the lashings and the prodings, there was no way it was time
again. Using the little sterngth that was left to him, the man lifted his head for enough
time to realize that these werent his jailers. A grey haired man walked through the door, a
mounful look in his eyes.



Subject: RP: It just seemed 'Right'
Date: Sat Aug 4 02:08:50 2001
Message: 
The darkness. Coming and going in a seemingly endless dance. He was floating between
the realms of the real and that of the unconsious. His vision gone, his last visual record
was of his rescuers. A while haired man and a girl with a tourquoise gem on her forhead.
He did not know these two heroes, from out of nowhere they had draged him from the
crevice on which he stood. Life or Death. It was not so simple a choice at that point. Pain
wreacked his body, and with it was the mental tourture of not knowing why he was being
submitted to such abuse. Of not knowing ones own self. 
Now he was being practically carried from the prison that he was being held, he could
feel a warm body beside him. It was the girl, he realized, noticing her smaller frame. He
could here her voice, though it seemed to be very far away. He wasnt sure what she said,
but he clung to her words as a drownding man would a raft. They were the only thing that
kept him upright, walking blindly, holding onto the girl who had saved his life. They
walked for what seemed like an eternity, until finally he felt the chill night air blow
against his face. As soon as the cool air enveloped him, so did the darkness.


Chase..... 

Please come back to me..... 


A voice reached for him out of the dark. He could feel the need and the hurt in that voice.
Slowly it began to becoome more and more recogniazable. It was the voice that had
saved him. He felt a warm drop splash against his face. A tear.
He woke with a start, the sun shinning brightly into his eyes. It took several moment for
them to adjust to the new light, it had been a long time since he had seen the sun.
The girl still weeped into his tunic, not knowingt hat he had awoken from his slumber. 
"Thank You." He said, unsure of what else to say. The girl looked up, a shocked lok on
her face. She was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen, he thought as he looked into
her eyes. There was love there. It was unmistakable, he could feel the closeness that she
had with him seeping out of her body. He wished he could share those feelings but he had
no idea who she was.
"Chase! I was so scared. Oh shades!" She exclaimed, kissing him hard on his lips. He
returned her kiss without knowing exactly why other than the fact that it just felt right.
She felt right. They, together, felt right.
He sat up and look at her for a few moment before speaking, selecting his words
carefully. 
Finally, he began, "Who am I?...." 


Subject: RP: Waking
Date: Mon Aug 13 18:58:43 2001
Message: 
The Highlander listened as the beautiful girl retold him all that she knew of him. It was
an amazing story, almost unbelievable. He was the King of Leah, a southland city. He had
traveled north and aided the Druids in their fight against the evil witch, Galan Mai. He
had then undergone a long and hazardous journey with several new friends that he had
met along the way. She continued the story, telling of his flight to the Isle of Diablo and
the war between the Elves and the Trolls. She ended the story with their capture in
Arborlon and him being thrown from the top of the cliff. When she finished there were
tears in her eyes. It was obvious she had left something out. Something important about
her. Chase remembered the kiss they had shared moments before, such passion.
"You arent telling me everything. I am sorry that I dont remember you, I can see that it
hurts you. Tell me." He said, taking her hand into his.
"I love you Chase. And you..." She could hardly speak now, her tears overflowing down
her face. 
"And I love you." He said the words, not guessing, but becuase he truely ment it. This girl
that sat before him had one his heart the moment he had opened his eyes. 
He pulled her to him and held her for the rest of the night.




Subject: RP: The Past Remembered
Date: Sun Aug 19 19:39:55 2001
Message: 
The three stood there for several moments, looking at each other in expectation. The
question had been asked of where they were to go, and none had the answer. The
highlander fifnt remember who had asked the question, though he had a feeling it had
been himself. He was gone now, falling into the abyss of his mind, trying to find the
answer. They could return to Arborlon but that could be extreamly dangerous especially
in Chase's current condition. North. Another option was Leah. Perhaps returning to his
homeland would jar something insode of him and return his memories to him. North. He
heard it this time. A wispering from somewhere within him, or perhaps from without. He
was not sure, but he knew that he must heed it.
"We go north." The highlander spoke words that were not his to speak. Neither Cain nor
Lissammi questioned the decision, seeing in their friends eyes something that forbade
question. They trusted his judgement and so they went north.


The travel was light at first, the land flat and bursting with life. Slowly as the days faded
away, so did this life. The green of the trees were replaced by a barren grayness that
seemed to encompass all. With the changing of the terrain, such was it in their moods. At
the beginning of their journey, tlak was light and the three enjoyed each others company,
now near its end, talk was nonexistant and tempers were high.
And still the voice wispered, "North."
Darkness fell and with it the rain. It came suddenly, black clouds rolling out of the
mountainside. The three began searching for a place to make camp. They found their
haven in a cave, just as the rain intensified into a chaotic dance of water and lightening,
its symphony a rapid succession of thunder. The cave was nearly a mile north of their
posistion when the storm had begun, so they were soaking wet once they got under cover.
The cave was large and ran deep into the mountain. There was nothing with witch to start
a fire do they were to remain cold, their clothes drentched. They could have removed
their clothes had they any to replace them, and without a fire remaining nude would be
worse than leaving on the wet clothes. 
Chase sat, Lissammi shivering in his arms. He wispered soothing words into her ear, his
words hanging in the air in a mist given off by his breathing.
Cain had walked off, to be alone with his thoughts to be alone with the cold. The
highlander still wasnt sure about the enaigmatic warrior. Lissammi had told him that their
relationship had begun out of need, both fighting a common enemgy, their relationship
had evolved into one of respect, though the other seemed so distant and whimsical
towards the highlander. And so the night went on, the highlander and his love huddled
together fighting off the cold. Eventually sleep overtook them.

The Highlander woke with a start, alone. At the center of the room a fire burned, its heat
giving warmth. Across from the fire stood an old man. His face was somehow familiar to
his, someone from his past he assumed.
"Where are my friends?" Chase said, his voice dry and weak from the severe cold.
"Am I not your friend? Have I not earned it?" The other spoke, a smile formed at the
edges of his aged mouth.
"I am sorry, the past is lost to me, who are you?"
"That is why I am here, to help you find that which is lost." With a wave of his hand, the
fire rlared sharply and everything faded away.

It came to him then. Like a title wave, it rushed through him, soaking his mind with every
emotion he had ever felt. Every pain, every heartache, every tear, every smile. It all came
back. His childhood growing up in Leah. The slaughter of his parents. The countless
battle he had fought. The power of his sword. The loss of his friends. He saw them now
in a rush of images. Calden Green. Usivia. Elina. Thousands of elven soldiers. All dead.
He then saw his body, thrown from the top of a seemingly bottomless pit. The images
ceased and all that had transpired in his life was his once more. He was back in the cave,
the fire still burning the old man gone. 
"Thank you...... Usivia." He said to himself.


Morning came and the Highlander woke, Lissammi back in his arms, neither the old man
not the fire were there. The only trace of its passing were his memories, back where they
belonged. 



Subject: RP: Murphy's Law
Date: Mon Sep 10 00:41:09 2001
Message: 
Arborlon. The word brought a mix of emotion within the Highlander. His last adventure
into the Elven capital had not been a pleasent one. It had nearly been his undoing. Chase
was surprised that Lissammi, of all people,, had chose Arborlon as their destination. And
so they walked, each knowing what would await them. Each knowing that something
dark had taken place, something they didnt quite understand, knowing only that they
must do something.

They entered the city under the cover of darkness. The sun had found its resting place a
few hours earlier, casting an errie orange glow off of the eliptical orb that replaced it.
Upon entering the city, they realized immediatly that something was amiss. The streets
were empty as were the crowds that usually gathered within the taverns. Gone were the
fires that had always been lit at night to lead the weary back to their homes. Gone were
the sounds of the masses. Chase listened even closer now, realizing that even the songs of
the night were gone. There were no insects buzzing threateningly aroung nor were there
the sounds of the nocturnal birds that inhabited the Westland skies. All was blanketed in
silence.
Cain and Lissammi noticed this too as they each stoped in unison and turned to one
another. 
The silence lasted only a few moments before his fears were realized. Diving to the
ground, the Highlander narrowly avoided the creatures sweeping assault. Rolling onto his
back, he watched as it took back to the skies. 
Figures! Chase thought as he got to his feet, sword of Leah in hand.




Subject: RP: This is no longer the city of the Elves
Date: Mon Oct 1 19:14:42 2001

Message: 
The attacker came out of the darkness in a silent rush. It set upon the weary three, driving
them apart from one another. The cloaked form looked out upon those he had ambushed. 
Chase looked past his drawn blade to the crouched form before him. An elf, tall and
powerful looked back at him. A dark cloak clung tight around his muscular form, while a
single curved blade hung loosly from his fingers.
"Lower your weapon, there are more dangerous things lurking around this city that I."
The other spoke, his voice non-threatening. 
The Highlander glanced nervously to Cain who simply noded.
"This is no longer the city of the Elves my friend. Danger no longer remains content with
the shadows. It is everywhere now, heed my words or you will share the fate of many.
Look around you. The Elves are gone, many were killed, some enslaved, those that could,
have fled."
The Highlander stood disbeliving. It was impossible that the Elven capital could have
been taken, and with no signs of a struggle. It was as if they had simply given up
everything they had ever known without a fight. 
"Who are you?" Chase asked, his voice uncertain.
"I am among the last of those who resisted. I was once a member of the Black Watch,
now I wander the city looking for answers. Though it is more likely that I will be found
and killed, but what am I to do?"
It was several moments before anyone spoke. 




Subject: RP: Why.....
Date: Mon Oct 15 03:57:00 2001
Message: 
Fire enveloped everything. Explosion after explosion, the entire city was engulfed. The
four rushed for cover as smoldering debris flew in all directions. Chase wrapped himslef
around Lissammi shielding her as best he could. The explosions continued, each louder
than the previous, each moving closer to the spot where they cowered.
Cain stepped forward from the shadows, an odd look upon his face. Chase was shocked
by this look. It was, no it couldnt be, pride. In its most simple form, pride. Like a father
would look upon his child who had learned its first word. The Highlander was perplexed,
not know anything about anything at the moment. Suddenly, Cain's gaze shifted from the
flames to the huddled form of the highlander. Their eyes locked and neither looked away.
Something passed between them then, something that Chase really didnt understand. He
had seen that look only once before, when he had gone in search for him in the
Northland. After they had departed, this was the look that he had given him. Satisfaction.
One word repeated itself in his mind, over and over. Why......



Subject: RP: Playing with fire
Date: Sun Nov 4 20:04:07 2001
Message: 
Im gonna make an extension of my last rp cause , well I feel like it!@ lol 

Fire enveloped everything. Explosion after explosion, the entire city was engulfed. The
four rushed for cover as smoldering debris flew in all directions. Chase wrapped himslef
around Lissammi shielding her as best he could. The explosions continued, each louder
than the previous, each moving closer to the spot where they cowered.
Cain stepped forward from the shadows, an odd look upon his face. Chase was shocked
by this look. It was, no it couldnt be, pride. In its most simple form, pride. Like a father
would look upon his child who had learned its first word. The Highlander was perplexed,
not know anything about anything at the moment. Suddenly, Cain's gaze shifted from the
flames to the huddled form of the highlander. Their eyes locked and neither looked away.
Something passed between them then, something that Chase really didnt understand. He
had seen that look only once before, when he had gone in search for him in the
Northland. After they had departed, this was the look that he had given him. Satisfaction.
One word repeated itself in his mind, over and over. Why......



"No!" The highlander shouted within the abyss of his consciousness. His face was drawn
and lined with dispair. All around them, the great city burned.
On streets where children once gathered to play, in taverns whos walls had been filled
with drunken laughter, all engulfed by supernatural fury. Like a caged animal that had
been set loose upon the world, sinking its venomous fangs into everything within its
reach.
The firelight danced in the dark eyes before him. Cain stood there, his grin wide and
mocking.
Chase thought back to all that they had been through, Of the times that that had fought
aside one another, of the long journeys they had undertaken. Chase got a sick filling in
the pit of his stomach. 
The highlander reamined speachless, his brain still not up to speed with what had
happened. It didnt seem real somehow. 


Subject: RP: I will help you
Date: Fri Nov 16 16:06:59 2001
Message: 
The Highlander gazed at Cain in shocked silence. The other's chest was bared before
him, awaiting an end to the torture that lived inside. 
The Betrayer lay before him, its blade dark and welcoming. Chase knew he couldnt do
what he was being asked but what else could he do. His friend was sick, and there was no
cure. Cain was lost to him, lost to everything but the fire. 
Chase took the Betrayer from his friend, instantly feeling its cold power in his hands. It
was the first time he'd ever held the weapon, though he had seen it take the lives of many.
Chase looked at it for several moments and then tossed it into the fire.
"I will help you, old friend. But I will not kill you." The highlander's words were hushed
an sad.
As if suddenly awaking, Cain roared in fury and lunged at the highlander. Pinning him to
the ground, drawing his massing hand back......,. 


Subject: RP: Personal Peril
Date: Mon Dec 10 05:01:40 2001
Message: 
The words echoed in the back recesses of the Highlander's mind. He had heard them
without fully understanding what was ment by them. "Be ready, my friend. This city is
about to see a battle the likes of which has not been imagined by elf or man."
Chase had found Lissammi a moment later. She lay in a crumbled heep in the corner of
the room, lost in unconsciousness. Taking her into his arms, Chase followed Cain out of
the room. Cain led the way through the many passages, dispatching guard after guard, the
Betrayer glinting red in the torch light.
Finally, after an exausting flight, they were clear of the caverns in which they were held. 
"There is much that I have kept hidden from you. There are few in the Four Lands that
know the reality of the present, few who I can trust with such information. Highlander,
you are my greatest ally. We have stood by one another through countless battles and I
fear the future holds countless more. The Four Lands stand in great peril." Cain stopped,
listening intently to the world around him.
"Whats going on? What threaten us?" 
"I do." Cain said looking back, a saddened look in his eyes. 


Subject: RP: The Torment Within - The Beginning
Date: Thu Jan 3 02:07:27 2002
Message: 
Blood. The life-giving plasma that circulates and cools the human body, bringing energy
to the muscles and power to the soul. But it is much more. As defender of the body, it is
responsible for many tasks. Maintainance. Development. Healing. Protector. Should a
virrus attack, it rises to face it. Becomes locked in ferocious battle for dominace. Most
times the virrus is defeated, depending on the nature of the beast. One such virrus, not
seen in the Lands for countless centuries was about to make itself be known once more.
Unfathomably Powerful. Unforgiving. Unstopable. It as coming and soon its reach
encompass all of the Four Lands. And with it came darkness. It had begun....

The Highlander walked along the dirt-strewn path in a respectful silence. Though his
friend kept his distance during their travel, more than a hundred feet ahead, Chase felt
that he needed to keep the talk in hushed tones. 

Mourning was a rite of passage and he would not deny Cain that. He understood fully
that grieving, though painful, was necessary and that laughter and small talk would do
little to help the situation. 

So he walked with Lissammi, content to spend all of eternity staring into her beautiful
eyes. She had changed alot since he had met her. The naivete that had once marked her
face was now replaced by a knowing gaze and a hint of sorrow that would never leave
her. It was the lok of someone who had taken a life when it was against their temperment
to do so. Had she not joined Chase in his journeys, this saddness would have never found
her and the nightmares would have instead been pleseant dreams of other things. Chase
blamed himself. He loved the girl enough to have saved her from the pain that she had
endure. And the pain that still awaits. Chase added to himself. 

It was foolish to think otherwise he knew. If the past was any indication of the path his
life was still to lead, Chase knew that the suffering was long over. He had responsibilities
that came with the birthright of the magic that had been bestowed upon him. It was too
much to hope that they would return to Leah and live out the rest of their lives peacefully.
Chase laughed in spite of himself. 

The travel to Leah was long and uneventful. They walked throughout the day, stopping
ever so often to rest and eat a snack of local plantlife. At night they made camp and took
turns at watch, Cain offering the first watch each night. Though Cain never woke either
of the others up to take over for him. Instead, the mystic sat there, Betrayer in hand for
the entire night. Chase questions why he had done this but the answer he got left him
unsatisfied. 
"I do not need sleep. I will rest once we get to your homeland. Let us be on our way, your
kingdom awaits." With that, they had resumed travel walking for three days before within
the rolling hills of the highlands.

The landscape had changed dramtically since they left the barren, rocky trails of the
north. They had walked south, through the westland. The thick forests had hindered their
travel but it offered protection from the emmense heat that bore down upon them. They
marched west towards Tyrsis before arching south again. The ground changed from rock,
to patchy grass to the lush green that surrounded them here. Chase smelled the familiar
air and knew he was home. He was glad to share this with the two that traveled with him.
His greatest friend and comrade in battle and his beloved. He had told both of the beauty
that was the highlands but he could tell that his words did not do justice to the
magnificent sight before them. They walked the whole of the day and finally reached the
city as the sun dipped below the horizon. 
Just as well Chase thought. His return would be a cause for celebration throught the
Southland kingdop. A celebration he was too tired to attend and one that he didnt think
his friend would want to partake. Entering his home under the cover of darkness would
give Cain the privacy that he likely wanted. 

They went to a small cottage on the outskirts of the city, choosing not to go through the
hassle of entering the palace. The cottage was his father's. Back when he had lived the
home had been used to escape the buracracy of the palace. Many years later, his son did
the same. 

Chase padded Cain on the shoulder as he walked past the lit table towards one of the dark
bedrooms. Moments later he was asleep, Lissammi in his arms. His last thought before
slumber had taken him still ringing in his consciousness. "Im home." 



Subject: RP: The Heir of Leah has Returned: Torment Within Saga
Date: Thu Jan 24 16:57:28 2002
Message: 
The Kingdom of Leah was just as he remembered it from his youth. Its rolling green hills
stretching endlessly towards the horizon. The smells of the morning's dew awakening the
wear traveler. This was how every morning began, but this was not a morning like any
other, for the heir to the throne of Leah has come home...

Chase grined as he walked past Cain, Lissammi's hand in his own, leading them to the
awaiting feast. Dont know what Id do without that guy. Chase thought as the doors
opened before him.

It was a joyous celebration, everyone had been envited. People from all around showed
up to greet their prince. Chase smiled and waved as he walked past them, shaking many
hands and even kissing a few babies. The Highlander had never really been good at this,
he was a modest person, prefering to go unnoticed. Now he stood surrounded by his
friends and followers, cheering his name.

They took their seets at a large table on a raised platform, looking over everyone. There
were seats for Chase, Lissammi, and Cain, and several others for the ministers who had
been governing the city in his absence. After they were seated the people who had come
to see their prince seated themselves as well. 

The feast was as grand as he had ever seen. Native dishes were served along with several
that he recognized as Elven, Dwarfish, and there were even a few that drew their origins
from the gnome tribes. They ate and the talk was light. The ministers were old friends to
Chase, people that had helped to raise him after his parents were killed by the evil witch.
They asked of his journeys and of all of the rumors of his great battles that had made
their way down to the southland. They spoke marrily with Lissammi and Cain, getting to
know them as friends of the Kingdom. When the servents were bring out the dessert
course, Chase leaned over and wispered for several moments into Lissammi's ear. Those
seated around the table couldnt hear what was said, but when the beautiful girls eyes
went wide and a tear trickled down her cheek they had an idea. She smiled and kissed
Chase hard on the lips. There friends politly looked away, grinning. Even Cain managed
a smile.

Following the meal, cries came from the crowd, "Speech! Speech!" 

Chase rose to his feet and with it came the roar of the crowd. Raising his heands to
silence them, he began.

"Good people of Leah. My people. I have been many places on my journey from you,
seen many beautiful things. Though none compare to what I see here in the Highlands. I
have missed you all very much." Chase paused as the crowds cheered, again raising his
hands to silence them. 

"Darkness no longer threatens the Four Lands and your King and Queen's death have
been avenged. I have taken the legacy of Leah into the Westland and aided the Elves in
this battle." The Highlander turned and gestured towards his two friends. "This is Cain, a
man who has proved his loyalty and might many times throughout our journey. He is a
hero and shall be honored as such." The crowd erupted shouting out his name. Cain
seemed uneasy with the attention and nodded to the crowd and sent an odd glance toward
Chase. His friend winked to him and then began speaking again.

"Next, I would like to introduce to you Lissammi Bayne. She too has saved me from
many dangers along the way. A woman of extrodinary dept and beauty, Lissammi has
won my heart. Welcome your queen." These got the biggest cheers thus far. All looked
upon her in awe for she truely was everything he had said she was. She came to Chase as
he bekoned, her face red and wet with tears.


Happiness all around, the evil within sturred... 


Subject: RP: The Happiest day held only sorrow : Torment Within Saga
Date: Tue Mar 19 03:26:55 2002
Message: 
Chase stared out into the masses of people who had come to hear the joyous news. They
greated their future queen with exuberant cheers, moving Lissammi to tears. She was
unprepared for such a warm welcoming. The only words she could manage were "Thank
you." 

The day wore on into darkness and the feast began. It had been a long day and the
Highlander and his bride to be were famished. Chase was so caught up in the excitment
of the day that he neglected to see Cain slip threw the crowds. 

Where he went was as much a mystery to Cain as it was to Chase. The parasite that had
inhabited the whole of his being had taken a firm grip on the wanderer. He had lost all
control over his actions, all he had were his thoughts and those were plagued with
nightmeres of the fates of his friends. They were outside of the Highland capital now,
moving swiftly into the forests nearby. A strong stench permeated the thick woodlands,
creating a sauna effect. It was a smell one could never forget. The smell that had clung to
the plains of the eastland several months following the gruesome war. It smelled of
rotting flesh.
Moments later, they came upon the source of the foul odor. A body sat upright against a
tree several yards away. It had once been a man, a rover from the look of his garb. Now
all life was gone from his eyes, all blood drained from his body. Cain looked upon the
shell of a man in disgust. The shrivaled carcuss had met a painful end, an end that ....
Cain didnt finish the thought. From the darkness step forth an elf. 
He was odd looking by comparison. Cain had never seen an elf that was as pale skinned
as the one who stood before him. Blood trickled from his mouth and driped from his
chin. There was something definatly out of place. 
The eyes! Cain say it immediatly. It was there for only an instant but he knew he had
seen it. There was a frightened look in his eyes, a look of an animal that was being caged.
"Look." the parasite that had infected him wispered, "You see yourself there dont you.
You see how truely helpless you are." Its wicked laugh filled his head.
As Cain fought to control his panic, more shadows detatched themselves from the
darkness. "It begins."



Subject: RP: The Past, The Present and well... :Torment Within
Date: Sun Apr 21 16:46:23 2002
Message: 
It was a day of celebraton. The dawn brought with it antisipation, signs of life were
everywhere. The streets were filled with the sounds of laughter and joy as much of the
city gathered to share in the happiness of their rulers. Today was the day that the people
of Leah would have their queen.
Chase Leah stood gazing out of his window, admiring the wonders of his home. The
Highlands unfolded before him. Her rolling hills adorned by a gown of green as brilliant
as the sun. The beauty of this place was unmatched in all of the Four Lands.
He caught himself as he turned his head to see Lissammi's still sleeping form. "Save for
my bride." Chase said softly to himself, a grin spreading across his face. It was an odd
sensation, he had nver loved anything with such unbridled passion, and now here she
was. 
The Highlander leaned over and kissed her lightly on the forhead, careful not to wake
her. His travels were done for now, he was home. 


Drawing his cloak tight, Chase walked through the busy highland streets undetected. He
watched and listened as the people of Leah prepared for the days festivities. There was
pride in tone, they were happy that their king had returned to them.
"Calden Green." He heard the name and turned sharply to see who had spoken. There sat
an old man telling a story to the dozens that had gathered to listen. 
"It was a terrible battle, the trolls marched upon Arborlon with such fury that the Elves
were driven back and almost broken completly. The Galan Mai had infused the
Northlanders with dark magic, driving them to insanity. It soon became a hopeless battle
for the elves, there were just too many!" The old man paused for a moment, taking a sip
of ale.
"There was always hope." Chase said before he could stop himself. The old man looked
up, a smile forming on his lips. "I was wondering when you would stop to see me. Its
been a long time. Too long."
Chase pulled the hood of his cloak back and embraced his god-father. "I know, my
journey from Leah is over now."
"Too bad, I guess I will just have to tell these same stories. Care to sit a while? Perhaps
tell a tale or two." Drauin said, sitting the glass back on the table.
Cheers erupted from the crowd, urging him on. 
"Well knowing Drauin, he has probably told you that I defeated the entire Troll army
with one hand tied behind my back singlehandedly. I fear he is too proud of me for
honesty." The two shared a grin as Chase drew the Sword of Leah from the scabbord
strapped across his back.
"Magic! Thats how this all began. If you remember......"
Chase began his tale. He told of all that had befallen him since he had left the highlands.
He had left for Paranor, seeking to aid them in their fight against the Galan Mai and her
army. He told of his meeting with Cryta and Janiper, and the warrior Andrew, and of the
still enigmatic Cain. An odd company they had made, especially after joining with the
Druid Caohmin. It was a long tale he told, remembering things that he had forgotten,
some of which he wished had. Throughout the tale he experiance feelings that had been
dorment for a long time. He was on the verge of tears while telling of the death of the
valent Elven Commander, Calden Green. He couldnt stop smiling while telling of his
meeting with Lissammi. It was very emotional for him, and therapeutic he realized. After
it was over, the crowd exploded in cheers. Out of the corner of his eyes, the Highlander
caught sight of Cain. 
After hushing the crowd, Chase motioned Cain forward, intending on having a little fun
withhis reclusive friend. 
"This is the warrior I told about just now, the one who is greatly responsible for me being
alive right now. Cheers for Cain!" Chase yelled and the people cheered. To Chase's
astonisment, Cain smiled and spoke. "Thank you highlander!" Chase stoped cheering for
a moment and watched Cain join in on the celebration. He thought to question Cain as to
what had gotten into him latly but disregared the idea an instant later.


The time had come. The entire city had gathered at it's square to watch the wedding of
their king and the one who would be their queen. Elaborate decorations were
everywhere; flowers, silk banners, and beautiful tapistries. Chase stood at the alter,
flanked by his advisors. He had asked Cain to be his best man but his friend said that he
appriciated the gesture but that he couldnt. Chase had expected this and knew that it
wasnt an insult to him, it was just the way he was. 
Thats what he thought, but when Cain showed up at his side Chase was flustered. He was
going to question his friend when the music came on and Lissammi appeared. 
Words could never express the feelings that stirred with the highlander as he gazed upon
his bride. His pulse raced, he felt like his heart was going to jump out of his chest. Its just
as well, Chase thought, his heart didnt belong to him anymore anyway. A tear trickled
down her face, her eyes mirroring what he felt in his, She was almost to him when Cain
stepped forward and grabbed her, his magic flaring at his fingertips, anxious to be set
free. 
"Stay where you are Highlander or you will wed ashes!" His voice was different,
somehow darker and seemingly more distant, a malicious bite at the end of every word.
But his eyes! There was a terrified look hidden behind the magic. It was there for an
instant and was gone, but Chase had not missed it. 
"Please Cain, whatever it is, we can handle it. Dont hurt her, take me instead!"
"She is needed." With that Cain sent fire lancing toward the Highlander and disappeared
in a wirl of mist and smoke.
Chase had dodge the fire but imidiatly wished it had struck him. The pain then would
have been managable, she was gone!
Drauin was there in an instant, handing him his blade. "Your travels are not over yet, my
son." 

Subject: RP: Return of a shaken queen
Date: Tue May 21 14:10:09 2002
Message: 
Chase stood atop the battlement, overlooking the countryside. The Highlands of Leah
stretched before him, her rolling greens lit only by the crecent moon that hung above. It
had been several hours since Cain had dissappeared with his bride during their wedding
and still there were no answers. The darkness had made any search all but impossible.
Impatience and unanswered questions taunted him. He was helpless to do anything for
his love and yet he couldnt help but blame himself. As if in answer to his thoughts, a
solitary figure ran from the shadows of the forests and towards the city. A tiny speck
against the backdrop of rolling hills, the Highlander knew who it was. It must be! He
begged.
Sprinting from atop the keep, Chase made his way through the city towards the dot on the
horizon. He mounted a horse of one of the guards and galloped out of the city gates,
leaving the safety of her walls. Closer and closer the person drew, becoming increasingly
visible. It was her! He got to her and found her quite delirious. She was terrified by
something that had happened to her in the forests, with Cain. He lifted her onto the horse
and took her back to Leah, hoping the security of the city would calm her. 
After sipping from a hot cup of tea, Lissammi related what had become of her since her
kidnapping. After she was done, Chase stood and straped the sword of Leah over his
back.
"Where are you going?" She asked, knowing the answer.
"To help a friend." He replied, kissing her before walking out of the door. 



Subject: RP: The War of A Sleeping Warrior
Date: Wed Jun 12 01:27:33 2002
Message: 
Chase gazed upon the fallen warrior. Cain lay sprawed out before him, his clothes burned
from his body. His skin was scorched from the fire he had set upon himself to free his
body of the parasite that had latched onto his will. It was a somber site for the
Highlander. 
Draping his cloak over his friend's mangeled form, Chase felt a tear creep down his
cheek. He had struck Cain with his sword's magic, rendering him unconscious. Hoping
that this would give Cain the edge he needed to win the battle that was being fought now.
Either way, he would be here waiting. Should Cain come out victorius he would be there
to carry him to a healer. However, if Cain should fall....... He couldnt finish the thought,
it was too painful. Yet he knew what he would have to do. He was just too powerful. 
Then the Highlander prayed. He prayed for his friend. He prayed that he would have the
strenth to do what was needed, if the dark one won. Inwardly he wondered if he would be
strong enough to defeat the monstrosity that had permeated his frien's body if his fears
were realized. He found himself doubting it. 


Subject: RP: One Im Proud Of lol
Date: Fri Jun 14 02:32:02 2002
Message: 
Chase felt Lissammi wrap her arms around him from behind. She knelt down to where he
sat, taking his free hand into hers. His other rested upon his fallen friend. There was pain,
he could see. Cain's eyes twictched within the flaps of skin that protected them. He slept,
but he battled still. The Highlander could only imagine what was going on inside of the
other's mind. 

Blood trickled from the edge of Cain's mouth as his battle within raged. It was a
terrifyingly morbid sight. 

It was Lissammi who saw them first. Several shadows detatched themselfs from the
surrounding forest. They were human, yet there was something different about them.
Something dangerous. They lunged upon the two, seeming not to notice the man who lay
sprawed upon the earth before them. Lissammi pulled on the Highlander, causing him to
double over on top of her. They had him then, an atacker at each arm, Chase was helpless
to do anything. He shouted in protest, but this was met by a barrage of blows by another
of the mysterious shadows. His lungs emptied, Chase found little fight left in him for a
moment. Now they waited. For what Chase had no idea. Chase took this time to try and
asertain who had ambushed them and what was their purpose. 
The Highlander could tell neither. He wasnt sure if he was dizzy from being struck on the
head or if the attackers lacked substance completely. They seemed to shift as if with the
ebb and flow of some tide. And still, they waited.

They seemed unaware of Lissammi, simply tossing her aside as if she were not threat.
That was their first mistake. Their second had been not securing all of the weapons in the
area. This would prove fatal for one of the attackers. Retrieving the fallen Sword of Leah,
Lissammi snuck up upon the shadow that held Chase's right arm and sliced into him,
nearly cleaving his head from his torso. 

Using his weight, Chase tossed his other captor over his shoulder and into the one who
had beat him. 
"Run!" He yelled out to his rescuer, taking a log and smashing it into the nearest shadow.
The limb splinted into the face of his combatant, a blow that should have felled any
normal man. The other simply smiled, a smile that carried with it an evil forboding that
seemed to permeate the small clearing.

"You have no idea what you have stumpled upon, do you King of Leah?" Chase stared
blankly at the other, his fear and surprise worn openly. "This is too good for your kind.
We are a part of something pure, something that you could never fully understand."

"What do you want with me?" Chase managed. The laugh he got as a response was cold
and mocking.

"Fool! That is so typical of you vermin!" He spat to the ground, a disgusted look upon his
face. "You think yourselves all-powerful, the center of the universe. How little you know!
If you had any idea how insignificant...." He trailed off and he detected movment from
behind him. Cain had begun convulsing.

There was something in the other's grin that disturbed him. "You will learn your place.
Soon." 



Subject: RP: Friend or Foe
Date: Sat Jul 6 23:58:20 2002

Message: 
The mixture of feelings within the Highlander threatened to overtake him. Cain stood
behind his attacker, blades drawn, ready. 
"I believe it is you who shall learn your place soon." Cain said to the attacker.
"I am sorry master, I did not know that you had risen. An easy battle I take it." The
subordinate replied humbly.
"I found little resistance. This one's heart was blankened already."
Cain looked at Chase, a little bit of the warmth that had once been in Cain mirror back.
He had returned victorious. 
Casting a bearly audible to Chase, Cain lowered one of the blades, slamming the flat of it
against the highlander's torso. Lissammi shark back against the darkness, yelling out to
the enigmatic one, begging him to come back to himself. She hadnt seen the look that
had been shot towards Chase, she didnt know.
Chase fell to his knees, trying to gain his breath once more. Cain was back, he had to be.
There was a moment there, shared between the two combatants. He knew what his friend
had planned. He would infiltrate the enemy camp and try to asertain her purpose. He
hoped... If he were wrong and Cain had been defeated....
The shadows that had fallen under the force of the Highlander's and bard's attacked, rose
and joined their brotheren.
"The King shall become our guest of honor. Take him." Cain's voice was a slow hiss, as
he gave orders, as if loathing the act itself.
"And the girl." 
"Leave her, she is of no consequence to us."
She started to run forward, to try and do what she could for her future-husband, but
Chase stoped her, yelling for her to leave.
With that the attackers carried the fallen highlander out of the clearing and into the
darkness. 


Subject: RP: Beaten but not lost....
Date: Sat Jul 20 04:26:19 2002
Message: 
The Highlander slouched against the rigid form of his former comrade, gasping for
breath, praying for a miracle. He could feel the other's gaze burn through the back of his
head.
Cain held the trembling form of Chase Leah in one hand and the Betrayer in the other.
The enimatic traitor spoke in harsh maliscious tones to the burden that he carried.
"King of Leah. Look upon this face! These pale, drawn features look familiar do they!"
Chase barely saw the kick coming as the boot slammed into his face. Everything was
spinning in a maze of pain and confusion, Chase struggled to hold on to consciousness, to
hope. He had little choice. Im a matter of a week an army of this monster's dark minions
would march upon Leah and ravish his homeland.
Spiting blood to the ground, Chase came to his knees. Immediatly he was met by a fist
and fell him once more. Tears soon mixed with blood as Chase rose time and again as the
other pummelled him with vicious blows. But the highlander would not give. He could
not.
Finally Chase Leah made it to his feet, his tormentor staring at him in disbelief. His eyes
so filled with dirt and blood from his beating, that he didnt see the blow that knocked
him unconscious. Suddenly all was blanketed in darkness and the pain and the disgrace
he felt inside were gone...... 


Subject: RP: Drifting....
Date: Thu Jul 25 01:44:10 2002
Message: 
Echoes. A sound reverberating off of an object, reflecting back to the ear. A distortion of
perception. Could life itself not simply be an echo? Reality being simply a wavelength
apart from the lives we live. Where do dreams reside......
One moment emense pain and frustration the next, peaceful slumber. The Highlander
drifted from one memory to the next. Their order was random skiping throughout time
speratically. Images of his father, of the once-wizard Usivia, his childhood in the
highlanders, and even of Cain. The enigmatic warrior turned friend turned..... Chase
found that he didnt know. It seemed imposible, given all they had been through that Cain
has simply turned on him. But given the circumstance and the fact that he was lying
unconscious in a pool of his own blood, Chase was ready to accept this. Cain was no
longer his friend and therefor must be stopped.... 

Subject: RP: Do or Die or Die Anyways....lol
Date: Thu Aug 8 13:39:55 2002
Message: 
Fighting the dizziness and confusion that threatened to overtake him, Chase look down at
his fallen blade. Cain needed his help. But Cain was the reason for his current state of
pain and haze, would helping him destroy this monster only unleash and even more
powerful monster unpon the Four Lands. Cain.
Chase fingered the handle of his weapon wearily. Even as he debated within, Chase knew
he would help. Using the wall to keep himself on his feet, Case look down at the battle
below. Cain stood toe to toe with the jugernaut and seemed to be doing well. That is to
say he was still alive. The beast was massive, rising to a height of at least thirty feet! How
would.....
Chase laughed to himself as the solution came to him. Fitting. Chase stood upon the
rooftop of a building behind the battle between the two beings. Judging the distance to
the ground between moments of blurred vision, Chase guess he was about fifty feet from
the ground. A fall from this height under normal circumstance would likely leave him
broken but alive, but now could he even survive? He knew he must try to save his old
friend. 
Concentrating for a moment, swinging the Sword of Leah before him, Chase checked his
balance. With a final prayer to the heavens, the highlander sprinted to the roof's edge and
lept outward. Bringing the sword around in a wide arc, Chase buried it into the monsters
skull. No having the strength to remain conscious, Chase released his grip upon the
pomell of the blade and fell to the ground. He could almost hear the creatures last breath
as he drifted into darkness, or perhaps that was his own. 



Subject: RP: Waking from a Dream
Date: Mon Sep 16 14:08:28 2002
Message: 
The smell of burnt flesh is unmistakable. Bring tears to weary eyes as the fetid odor
enters the nasal passage. It leaves an impression upon the mind that it can never shake
off. Imagine the effect if the flesh is your own.

The highlander opened his eyes weakly, fighting off the dizziness and pain as he sought
the remember why he hurt so much. What had happened came back to him with a jolt.
He had been beaten into uncounsciousness by his old friend Cain. Then awoken to find
himself overlooking a frightful battle between Cain and his dark minions. The Sword of
Leah had found its way back into his arms. Cain was fighting a losing battle. An
enormous beast stood over Cain, who was busy fighting several demons. His options had
been limited. He had lept from the building and onto the monster, driving his magical
blade into its skull. The blade's magic engulfed the monster in flames. Fire from the beast
licked hungrily at the exposed highlander who clung to the sword in it's head. 
Now here he lay, smoke still seeping from his arms, pain racking thoughout his body. He
realized then that someone was starding before him, though still blurry he knew it to be
Cain. 
His vision cleared and he could see his friend clearly now. The look on the others face
had cleared all doubt as to his loyalties. It was a mixture of worry and fear and shock.
Chase tried to speak but found that he couldnt.
Lifting the highlander's ravaged form, Cain took his friend home. 


Subject: RP: Overlooking Oblivion
Date: Wed Nov 13 00:45:58 2002
Message: 
Cain walked slowly, holding his heavy burden close as he headed toward the Palace. The
King of Leah hung limply from the warrior's arms, blood trickling from his open wounds
leaving a trail of red inkor down the rock-strewn path. 
Lissammi stood at the Palace door watching the other's advance. Her face was drawn
with worry, a silent cry left unsung. 
Dead! It isnt possible. No. Please no.

Cain shook his head as he came to her, his somber eyes revealing all. All there was to do
now was wait.

The Highlander clung to life only by the narrowest of margins. His leap from the building
onto the beast had cracked two ribs and left him bruised. This damage was
circumstancial in comparison to what was going on inside. With the last of its strength,
the monster had stung the fallen king, injecting poison into ihs already unconscious body.
So the waiting began...

Drifting in nightmares of his friends dead or missing. They were numerous. Andrew.
Crysta. Janiper. The druid Chaomihn. Drake Darfyre. Calden Green. Usivia. Where had
they gone, those that lived? What had befallen them. Had their lives been one pitched
battle after another as his had? He dreamed of leaving the Highlands all those seasons
ago. He was only a boy then, grown more in body than mind. OH how quickly that had
changed. He had seen more death and bloodshed than any man should. It had hardened
him for a while, then he had met Lissammi. She had changed everything.

Slowly the nightmares receeded, in their place came dreams of his love for his people,
his friends, and his love. With the nightmares left the fever. He no longer convulsed in
seizures and the look of emense pain that had blanketed his face was gone. It was nearly
two weeks before Chase Leah came back from the dead. 

Laying in a bed somewhere in the Palace, Chase opened his eyes to the world. The light
stung at first, blinding him. He could feel a warm body against his own bare flesh.
Lissammi, he knew, her scent welcome to his dulled senses. She slept, but he could tell it
had been a rare occurance since he had been under. Dark circles hung under her eyes and
the lines on her face were drawn. She was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. He
went back to sleep then, finally feeling as if everything was going to be alright.


Subject: RP: The Honeymoon is over..
Date: Wed Dec 25 02:48:51 2002
Message: 
A lone woman rode into the sleeping city. She was old, bent from age and the strain of
sitting atop the horse had begun to wear on her. Her posture gave an impression of great
frailty and definitely not that of an experienced rider. Her features, while remarkably
Elven, were drawn and weathered by the years. She rode slowly, purposefully towards the
city proper and then on towards the Palace. She had never been into the Highland capital
but she knew exactly where she was going. Those who had accompanied her on this trip
had told her. The trip from Paranor had been hastened by the unknown. An almost
strenuous pace to get here due to the possibility of what could be out there. Of what
could happen. It was terrifying. She could still see the visions each time that she closed
her eyes. The howling, still so loud in her ears she was amazed that no one else could
hear.


“What business have you at the Palace at the hour?” A stout, roughened-looking guard
rose out of the darkness in challenge. 
“I have a very important message to be delivered to only the king and his queen.” The old
lady said, her response given to her by those that had brought her here. “Tell the queen
that Metheir has come and that it is urgent that I have council with the king. Give her
this.” She finished, holding out a small locket with a crest etched into its face.

The guard blinked several times in the silence, a mixture of surprise and uncertainty
clouding in his eyes. He looked down at the locket, examined it, and then nodded. “Wait
here.” He said, walking into the Palace doors. 

It was several minutes before the doors opened again but when it did stood Lissammi.
She was panting hard; obviously having ran from where she was to see her old friend. A
huge smile crossed her face and she reached out to hug the other. From her dress, Metheir
guessed that she had been in bed, and she wasn’t quite sure if all of that sweat was from
her run to the door or if she had interrupted something. Her suspicions were realized
when Chase walked into view. He wore a dark blue robe that bore his family crest. He
didn’t seem quite as happy to see the old lady as his wife had, but he smiled all the same.

“Welcome to the Highlands! What’s mine is yours, please come in.” The King said, his
voice losing the edge as the words came forth. 

“I am sorry. I wish I could say that my visit tonight was pleasure but it is not. You are
needed.” Chase and Lissammi exchanged worried glances at the old woman’s words.
Seems that the honeymoon is over…




The room was small and well lit. At its center stood a round table with five wooden
chairs surrounding it. It had been never really been used by anyone. Chase would
sometimes come here to draft the policies of the kingdom. It was a quiet place that one
could escape to. Tonight it had a different purpose. 

“He should be here in a few moments. Id like for him to be here for this.” Chase said to
the two women after sending off a messenger to get Cain. He realized that his friend
probably already knew and was simply waiting for an invitation. It wouldn’t surprise him
if he already knew what all this business was about. A mystery wrapped up in the guise
of a warrior.
Cain walked in quietly and sat across from the King and his bride, situated parallel to the
old woman.

“I see no real need for introductions, we are all old friends here. Metheir has come to us
tonight with a message.” Chase spoke.

“I had a vision. Not like before, this one was intense and it has stayed with me. I began
having them several weeks ago; violent, terrible dreams. There is something happening.
Something that dwarfs any evil that I could comprehend. I have never felt such raw
power. Such blind force.” She stopped for a moment collecting herself, or perhaps
preparing herself for the confrontation that she knew would come. They had told her it
would. “I didn’t know what to do so I went to the only place I thought I could go.
Paranor.” With this, the two men gathered at the table gave her a venomous glance, their
hatred seething into the air. 

“Ive heard enough!” Cain spat, coming to his feet. “There are tricks being played here,
and I will be no pawn!”

“Please, hear me out. Give me that courtesy?” She returned his glance, waiting. He sat
down grudgingly. “I went to them and they already knew. They had been told by those
gone from this world, the spirits in that lake, of what was happening. But they didn’t
know much more than I did. There is something terrible brewing, something that we
must stop. You are needed, all of you.” 

The room was silent for several long moments; each milling over what had just been told
to them in their minds. Cain looked over at Chase and his words caught him off guard.
“I have a debt owed to you. Do what you will and I will do the same. I know you
highlander. I can see the wheels spinning in your head. You are already considering it.
Choose wisely. We have seen many battles, lived when there has been no reason for it,
but power and skill only get you so far. And luck even less so.”
Lissammi squeezed her husband’s hand, letting him know that she was with him too. It
was up to him. He let the possibilities turn over and over in his head, weighing his
options. “Where would this trip be taking us?”
“East.” She replied.