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*Gemstorm set down her mug of coffee..the common room was still shadowed
and the windows barely paled with the oncoming dawnlight..sleepy peeps came
from the little nests the penguin chicks had made around the room and a loud
burbling snore indicated that Ptero was deep in dreams still..she giggled
softly for he was on his back with his feet paddling in the air ...he was so
good when he was asleep but a holy terror when he was awake..and growing at an
alarming pace..she made a mental note to order another ton of herrings from Sliding off the bar stool she lightly stepped across the room and went out the door..heading for the stables to saddle up her mare Snowheels..her great wolfhound Gelert lifted his head from his paws and huffed a greeting..rising with a grunt to his feet and slowly wagging his tail..a ride was in the offing and he was more than ready for the fun. Snowheels nickered a low greeting ..nodding her head up and down as she looked over the half door of her stall..she was eager to run as well..and only nipped in play as Gemstorm tacked her up and adjusted the girths and bardings.."Steady there my lady..steady..we will be on our way in a moment..." Gemstorm smoothed the long black mane and straightened the horse's forelock..talking nonsense to her in the old comfortable way they had had since she was but a young plains girl and Snowie a half wild yearling filly from her father's herd. Leading the bay mare out into the stable yard..she stopped and waited patiently for some direction..the mists that permeated MagicalAirs were curling and creeping along the ground..rising like smoke into the air, seeming nearly sentient as they hid and then revealed the surrounding countryside..then rolling in great banks of pastel colored fogs across the farther distances.. Spotting what looked like a break in the vaporous curtain, Gemstorm mounted and gigged the horse into her ground eating running walk..the dog lalloped alongside..his flews belling as he took in the multitudinous scents that pleased and intrigued his questing snout.. Moving easily to a canter, Snowheels obediently to Gem's direction, turned toward the beckoning trail that led to the ancient woods that bordered the edges of MagicalAirs.. The sun strengthened and began to burn away the morning fogs as they followed an easy path through the lush green glens and flowered glades..Gemstorm listened with quiet joy to the songs of the exotic birds over her head, the dew still diamondlike on the foliage, a feast for her eyes and her heart lifted yet again when she spotted a snow white stag with silver horns as it ghosted across the trail, turning its head briefly to gaze at her from its fathomless dark and intelligent eyes..Gelert knowing the stag for who and what it truly was did not give voice or chase but stayed at the stirrup and bowed his head slightly in homage to the Master of the Forest. At length, with not a little regret, Gemstorm turned the mare's head for home..she had not seen what she had been looking for..the QuestBeast was laid up in some hidden dell and fetch was not about either..leaving that thought, her mind ran ahead to the day's duties and soon the sound of her bridle bells faded into the distance as she left the morning wood behind and returned to the tavern* Dear Gem, (whispering in case Whatcat is around) At least , the runaway has a full art look now with its large color splashes (Gem , why not cut them off and send them to a museum ? They may be worth a herd of horses or a few OOE kegs !) A tatterdemalion who had still a headache (he had an icecake on his head) came on foot to deliver a parcel. It was from Elfspirit : a small leather pouch sewn shut; it kept moving as I was holding it in my hand; as Elfspirit is famous for having magical power , I'll need your advice to open it. Elfspirit has heard of my having lost my charm and suggested going to Oakcastle: the peasants may have found it . I wonder where Oakcastle is; Switch ,who was scrutinizing the land when you went out for a ride with Snowheels ,tells me there is a path we could take to explore the forest but we better go there at night because of the peasants who may be hostile ; we will need Elfspirit's help (she seems to know them well ) . So Gem only tells Whatcat about it if she seems normal ( I mean not mewing or singing old airman's tunes ) ; see you on the full art part of the runway at sunset; take your trendy glasses : Teethless is coming along and , last night , as he was smiling in his dream ( ahhhhhh, She-Yak, my star !) ,the whole yurt was enlightened : his dentures are phosphorescent ! we take a mouth shade for him in case we don't want to be noticed by the Oakcastle peasants. See you soon Love Weeds
My dear weeds.. I have just discovered that a tatterdemalion delivered a message to you earlier that must have truly puzzled you as its content was likely a preliminary to actually writing to you and should not have been included in the actual reply..as it very likely was some of my musing over the previous night's ride..I would like to say that there is something that may or may not concern all of us in MagicalAirs and unfortunately the whole thing is in a way my fault..I was portaled here straight out of a battle with some exceedingly unpleasant enemies of my land and my people. It is my assumption due to other incidents, as I made my way through the vast, sometimes even more unpleasant realms, that lie about the perimeter of MagicalAirs, that the flash of light which swept me up, also gathered some of those enemies and sent them through as well. (we were hard and closely pressed by the enemy and I fear that my people rode home if any did..leading riderless warponies at the end of that dreadful day) If so they may at some point stumble into this realm and I would not like to be unwarned of their coming..even if it is a case of vapors..better to go out and see when I get that sense of not all is well ..so far there has been no solid evidence that they snuffle about our borders..but we (Black Dragon has kindly assisted me in these investigations) have noted there are weak portals..'Airs has its own defenses but as one goes further out from the center of the land the flux begins to dissipate slightly and the portals are effected commensurately. I know that you will take this information with your usual aplomb and if and when the time comes ..that I can rely upon your unfailing excellence at coming up with a spectacular plan of defense should we once again be forced to defend 'Airs as we did not too long ago(veryspectacularly) against the hideous No-Things. So there is that..but more importantly we will be at the meeting place for
the excursion to Kindest regards as always dear weeds Gemstorm *Gemstorm tossed several shirts on the bed and then grabbed a pair of trews..held them up and discarded them..she really wished to be as fashionably trendy for the upcoming excursion as possible but so far her wardrobe was not a symphony of oh so trendy ensembles. Shaking her head in dispair over this regrettable but unavoidable lapse on her part she closed her eyes took whatever her hand fell on..so much for the decision making process.. Hearing a voice from below she realised that weeds was downstairs..and galvanised into action..she threw open her door and ran down the hall to whatcat's room.. Knocking gently provoked no response so she pounded on the door yelling "WHATCAT! PUT DOWN THAT HOLOGRAM OF ZATSIT THIS INSTANT AND HUSTLE YOUR FURRY SHANKS!! WEEDS IS ABOUT AND WE NEED TO GET DOWN TO THE LANDING FIELD!" Leaning her head against the door she heard sounds from within and a cranky snort from whatcat..taking that as assent she whirled about and galloped down the hallway and down the stairs..nearly tripping over Ptero who was pacing about honking with excitement and looking extremely trendy in his pullover.. Snatching a loitering tatterdemalion out of mid air she instructed it to go and find weeds and tell him they were nearly ready and would join him and Teethless at the landing field shortly* Greetings Lord Morpheus, Pardon my boldness if you would be so kind, but I wish to invite you to take tea(or beverage of your choice..:) and a small collation if such would be congenial to you, with me on the terrace of the tavern. There is a matter which has been pressing upon my mind somewhat and as you have recently crossed the realms and portals I am hoping that you may have some intelligence to relay and if not, that is even better as I will be relieved to know that it is only an unpleasant frisson of nerves on my part. My thanks in advance if you are able to attend and of course it will be at a time convenient to you. Kindest regards Gemstorm *Folding the parchment and sealing it with a bit of colored wax, Gemstorm beckoned to a loitering tatterdemalon and requested that it deliver the message. Ignoring the tat's mutterings about "dental plan", as it sulkily acceded and flew off on it's mission, she sipped her tea while around her the late summer sun turned the air to gold and the flowers celebrated in a riot of colors and scent* Fairest Lass... Your presence was missed in the gathering place this morn.I would be more than happy to meet you for tea, and perhaps a morning ride or stroll..if I may be so bold suggest such. If you are troubled by anything, it would be my honor to have your trust and be your confident. Mornings are preferable, but I will meet when you are able. Your humble servant...MorPheus_II
He holds the folded note for a moment, then lays it carefully on the counter. Feeling foolish, he steps out. Time to get cleaned up. Tomorrow morn he would wait for her answer.... Greetings Lord MorPheus, My thanks then for the opportunity to speak with you and mornings are also best for me. I look forward then with the pleasant anticipation of meeting with you. Kindest regards Gemstorm Here I sit, and I will wait. I would wait all day for you if I could Lass. But I will come and wait whenever I can... MorPheus_II Greetings Lord MorPheus My deepest apologies but I was unescapably called away this morning and between one thing and another was not able to return to the tavern..I will do my utmost to not be so discourteous again. Kindest Regards Gemstorm
*Gemstorm walked down to the stables her mind, stewing over recent events. She barely noticed the early morning sound of animals awakening to the new day or the faint flush of dawn along the horizon..the last stars winked out without her usual whimsical farewell and the dew wet scent of foliage and flowers went unremarked by her senses. She smiled absently as she realised she was much more light hearted than she had been of late and thought it was due to the lightening of spirit by Lord MorPheus's good tiding that at least one portal was apparently secured from the breaching by the enemy she sensed searched for her through the worlds and realms that touched upon 'Airs. Entering the stableyard, she shook off her thoughts and greeted her noble war hound Gelert who gamboled around her in his clumsy way..tail wringing and cheerful slobber flying off his flews. Snowheels left her hay long enough to look over her half door and whicker a low greeting..shaking her head up and down in the old familiar way. Laughing at their display of affectionate greeting she patted each one and bid them wait on her for she wished to take out the big raw boned iron grey stallion that some passing traveler had abandoned there and test his paces..she thought he would be a good mount for Lord MorPheus. The horse was huge to her, used to smaller and neater made plains ponies like Snowheels..she led him out to the courtyard and tied him up..taking a brush and working out the field gathered knots in his mane and tail and smoothing his coat, talking to him and watching his reactions..he seemed to be of a fair manner and enjoying the attentions..lifting his great feathered hooves obediently at her light tap on the back of his ankle and standing quietly while she checked his unshod hooves. Satisfied that he was of good temperment, she left him to go into the barn and find the tack that had been left with him..Snowheels snorted with obvious jealousy when she saw the tack and Gemstorm passing her stall by to go and saddle the big grey.. Other than a slight tensing when she drew up the girth and a look of surprise in his dark eye when she did not draw it too tight as he was patently expecting, the horse stood quietly enough and dropped his head to allow her to slip the bridle over his head..tching as she noted the severity of the bit..her people trained their horses to work in bit less bridles and were scornful of the folk who did not use the patience to train horses in partnership rather than dominance. Walking the horse around for a few minutes she then checked the girth again and drew it up snugly..gathered the reins and with a grunt of effort turned nearly upside down to get her foot in the stirrup but made the mount without too much difficulty.. "Come along then..lad..let us see what you can do..I think you are battle trained for it would be rare to see a stallion used as a common palfrey.." she murmured conversationally, watching the animals ears flicking back and forth and feeling him gathering himself beneath her..taking the bit gently and collecting himself as she directed him out into the lane that led toward the river path. Returning an hour later she dismounted and gave the slightly warm grey a pat on the neck and praised him for his good work..she was pleased that he had shown he was battle trained and marvelously so..performing the airs above the ground as well as the side pass and all other movements of an exceptionally well trained and seasoned mount..she thought she would search around and find a kinder bit for him..he did not need the severity of the curb but went forward with gladness in his demeanor..sensitive to the lightest direction from the rider's seat and leg..obedient to halt and so patently pleased to be working that he seemed to try and anticipate her wish even as she formed it in her mind.. She was also pleased with his easy traveling gait..and thought with a little giggle that Lord MorPheus would be also as he had said it had been some time since he had ridden.. Cleaning up the grey and settling him back in his comfortable stall she mused upon the conversation she had enjoyed with LordMorPheus..seeing him in her mind's eye sitting across the small table from her ...she held that vision in her mind, looking more closely than good manners would allow, when actually in his presence..she saw a person who's noble bearing was complimentary to his courteous manner and though she noted the shadows of other thoughts and serious matters of his own that crossed his visage he yet was kind enough to hear her out on her concerns that she had been followed by a fell and predacious enemy across the realms and worlds in her own journey to 'Airs. Whistling to Gelert, she started back to the tavern..planning her day to include among other things..a rousing start for a certain blue furred cat ..still snoring in her pickle barrel..if any were to observe her face as that thought crossed her mind they would have seen a truly wicked smile tilting the corners of her lips and a sparkle of mischief in her eye.....*
*Checking the grey stallion, Gemstorm sat and listened..Snowheels had been so angry when she saw Gem walk by her stall and take out the stallion..she had quite raged..plunging her head over her stall door with her ears flattened and then whirling like a dervish around her stall, kicking the walls until the roof thatch began to loosen and float away on the soft breeze. The whinnying seemed to have finally stopped and the last double tattoo of hind hooves against a plank door as well..Gelert at her stirrup still..turned his head..ears pricked toward their back trail.. Gemstorm gave the grey leave to move forward and continued down the river side track..she would cut across she thought and pick up the trail she had noticed a few mornings ago..to see if there were any returning footprints..then continuing her plan to temper the grey by taking him through some of the portal gates that she knew to be safe and stable..only leading like shortcuts from one place to another within the boundaries of 'Airs. If the big horse seemed to accept all that she would start the next phase of finessing his training to be useful to her and give her ungrateful little wench of a mare some relief from the constant night riding. Cueing the warhorse to his easy traveling gait she made good time to her next portal..the horse pricked his ears as he sensed the flux but never hesitated going through with all good grace...the big hound keeping even with her stirrup as he had not been given leave to go ahead and seek on his own. Arriving on the other side..she let the horse canter on for a bit..then turned and checking him slightly took an uphill trail that led out to one of her favorite views..a panoramic vista of MagicalAirs..laid out below her in a checkerboard of greens. Drifting splashes of color showed her the pattern for the moment of the magical flux but even as she watched fascinated as always by the phenomenom..it changed...blended..and moved.. Feeling around in her pocket she took out the dragonseye stone and squinted through it..Black Dragon had lent it to her so she could espy the wild gates as well as the now familiar ones..mostly so she wouldn't accidently ride through one winding up either lost or in some world so hostile to her form of life that she would not survive the encounter. Daylight hours were not as perilous for the wild gates were mostly a night time manifestation and the wild gates were usually too small even for Gelert to go through.. Nothing unusual appeared through the device of the dragonseye so she pocketed it securely and picking up the reins ..chirped to the dog and rode on.. Looking at the sky she saw the sun had moved well up while she had dallied on the escarpment..if she meant to try the stallion's nerve in the presence of the dragon she had better get a hustle on as there were other duties beyond that exercise to command her attention this day* *Twyncles watched Ptero tuck into his breakfast..then turned and went out through the kitchen door..hesitating a moment..then deciding to walk down to the stables and see if Gemstorm had returned yet from the night patrol. She plucked a handful of sweet young carrots, softly speaking words of thanks in her own language to the spirits of the vegetable garden for their unceasing work to provide the bountiful harvest. Continuing along the cobbled path to the stable she looked around..enjoying the freshness of the morning and the multiple sounds of birds competing it seemed for some melodic advantage over their neighbor. Going through the stone archway into the stable courtyard..she was pleased to see that Gemstorm had returned..the big hound Gelert woofed in greeting and the two horses whinnied good morning ..Gemstorm stuck her head out of Snowie's stall and after a look of surprise called out a cheery good morrow as well. Gelert got to his paws and escorted her the rest of the way into the stableyard..while Snowheels spotting the carrots let out an imperative snort..for she was most fond of carrots..the stallion pricked his ears with anticipation but was not so rude as to demand a share like his stable mate . Gemstorm finished grooming Snowheels, giving her an affectionate light slap on the neck.."Thou art a wench..as usual..mayhap all the carrots are not for you but for the grey..didst thou ever think of that?" Snowheels shook her heavy mane..then thrust her head over the door and nickered greedily.. Twyncles laughed at that silly play..giving half the bunch to Gemstorm to divide between the two horses later..she broke the remaining into manageable pieces and slipped into each stall to drop them into the horse's mangers. Taking a seat on a nearby bench she noted that Gemstorm was holding up well to her somewhat strenuous days and nights..Gemstorm plopped down on an overturned pail and made her report on the evening's patrol.. "Other than that Twyncles..neither I nor Black Dragon saw any other signs of entry by any that would be inimical to the peace of the realm." "That gives me some ease then..and...did Black Dragon deal with it..?" she looked sideways at Gem. Yawning hugely Gemstorm nodded adding ..."yes..the usual way..and sealed the gate also..they won't be back anytime soon..don't think they have dragons in their world.." Twyncles grinned quite wickedly and was met with a matching one from her companion. "Very well ..and how does the grey seem to be taking his new duties..will he do?.." "Yes..he will be a good second..he is still afraid of Black but he does not buckle under the fear nor will he in my estimation..he sweats but he stays centered on the task at hand..he takes the gates with nought but a prick of the ears when he senses one before us.." "Well enough then Gemstorm..you need to get some rest and I must away also..it was good that we could speak thus.." Gemstorm smiled.."Indeed Twyncles..as always a pleasure to be in your good company..*yawn*..urm pardon..that was not a comment.." Twyncles giggled..nodded..rose and with a last pat and kind word for the animals..walked forward and vanished.*
Out of Sequence *Checking the grey stallion, Gemstorm sat and listened..Snowheels had been so angry when she saw Gem walk by her stall and take out the stallion..she had quite raged..plunging her head over her stall door with her ears flattened and then whirling like a dervish around her stall, kicking the walls until the roof thatch began to loosen and float away on the soft breeze. The whinnying seemed to have finally stopped and the last double tattoo of hind hooves against a plank door as well..Gelert at her stirrup still..turned his head..ears pricked toward their back trail.. Gemstorm gave the grey leave to move forward and continued down the river side track..she would cut across she thought and pick up the trail she had noticed a few mornings ago..to see if there were any returning footprints..then continuing her plan to temper the grey by taking him through some of the portal gates that she knew to be safe and stable..only leading like shortcuts from one place to another within the boundaries of 'Airs. If the big horse seemed to accept all that she would start the next phase of finessing his training to be useful to her and give her ungrateful little wench of a mare some relief from the constant night riding. Cueing the warhorse to his easy traveling gait she made good time to her next portal..the horse pricked his ears as he sensed the flux but never hesitated going through with all good grace...the big hound keeping even with her stirrup as he had not been given leave to go ahead and seek on his own. Arriving on the other side..she let the horse canter on for a bit..then turned and checking him slightly took an uphill trail that led out to one of her favorite views..a panoramic vista of MagicalAirs..laid out below her in a checkerboard of greens. Drifting splashes of color showed her the pattern for the moment of the magical flux but even as she watched fascinated as always by the phenomenom..it changed...blended..and moved.. Feeling around in her pocket she took out the dragonseye stone and squinted through it..Black Dragon had lent it to her so she could espy the wild gates as well as the now familiar ones..mostly so she wouldn't accidently ride through one winding up either lost or in some world so hostile to her form of life that she would not survive the encounter. Daylight hours were not as perilous for the wild gates were mostly a night time manifestation and the wild gates were usually too even for Gelert to go through.. Nothing unusual appeared through the device of the dragonseye so she pocketed it securely and picking up the reins ..chirped to the dog and rode on.. Looking at the sky she saw the sun had moved well up while she had dallied on the escarpment..if she meant to try the stallion's nerve in the presence of the dragon she had better get a hustle on as there were other duties beyond that exercise to command her attention this day* *Twyncles heard the slow steps of a horse coming toward the
stables..Feeling a sense of unease for the she knew that Gemstorm had gone back
to the Gelert came into view first, slightly limping and with barely a wag of his tail or a huffing bark to greet her. Dropping her hand on his noble head and ruffling his ears she let him pass and anxious now, awaited the appearance of his mistress. Her breath caught with shock when the grey stallion came hobbling into the yard..Gemstorm leaning on his shoulder, the two looking much the worse for the night's encounter. Twyncle's took the dangling rein and put one arm around Gemstorm, supporting her weight. "Twyncles! right gladsome am I to see thee this morning, I fear I am sommat in dishabille, as are my animals.." Gemstorm said tiredly as she sat down on an overturned bucket. "You sit there..my friend, I will see to the horse." Twyncles replied, small relief in her voice that at least there seemed to be no unrepairable damage to any of them. Going to the head down grey she quickly stripped him of his bardings, kneeling to examine the wounded foreleg, tch-ing at the dried blood that streaked down from his shoulder. Closer examination revealed a superficial scratch and the leg was only strained, both would come around with a cleansing and a few days of rest. Leading the horse into his stall she offered him water and then left him to his hay. Returning to Gemstorm, who was struggling out of the light chain mail and hissing softly with the pain of the effort, she assisted her, as gently as she could..Gemstorm nodded her thanks, wincing as she tried to work her shoulder free.."Gah!..tis right smarting but I think tis only a bruise..I will have a pretty shoulder as recompense for the night's work." Gemstorm glanced up at Twyncles, her eyes lighting briefly with a spark of humor, thought the jest was weak. Gelert, hobbled over to them, and laid his great head on Gemstorm's knee. "Well, old son, thou didst give a good accounting didst thou not?" Putting her face down by her good dog and receiving a quick slurp of affection, she leaned her forehead a moment on the great dome of his head, then straightened and worked off his spike collar. "Gelert seems to be only pad sore, Gem, I will work some healing ointment into them for you." My thanks ,Twyncles.. again." Gemstorm sighed as she rose from the bucket, gingerly rolling her shoulder, knowing if she did not keep moving as much as possible it would stiffen up and she would be quite at a loss to hide her condition from her friends for the next few days..she worked the buckle loose and one- handed removed her belted shortsword, returning it to it's peg, Twyncles doing the same for the heavy hunting bow but leaving the quiver of arrows affixed to the saddle. "I will not query you for the tale of the encounter."Twyncles told her as she steered Gemstorm out of the barn and pointed her toward the tavern. "Black Dragon will be pleased to tell all that needs to be known, but curiousity does compel me..what of the wild gate? "Collapsed," Gemstorm mumbled through a prodigious yawn.
*Pouring a mug of tea, Gemstorm turned from the sideboard and started for her usual window seat, a casual glance across the bar top redirected her feet. Something there that had not been there before. Except for the single gasp of an indrawn breath as she examined the objects on the bar the room was utterly silent.. Presently she rose and paced distractedly back and forth across the room. She had no doubt about who had left them for there was only one in whom she had confided her haunting fear of what might have followed her and might have one day decanted into this gentle land with all of its ravening savagery. "But," she mused aloud.."the fear allayed and even extinguished there is yet a question..several..and only he can answer them..I would know how this came to be..for it is the UrukHai Battle Queen Barazzaluth that glares up from this small globe..and is it a truth or a trick of the glass that makes me think she lives and sees me as well." Plucking a loitering tatterdemalion out of mid air she instructed it to take a message to Lord MorPheus.."and find him..wherever he bides and do not return until you do!" Lord MorPheus, I am utterly bereft of speech by the incredible gift you so casually laid upon the tavern bar top..I await further illuminations from you and will bide in the window seat of the tavern common room for awhile should the messenger find you speedily. Gemstorm
*Gemstorm stood staring stupidly at the closed door between the kitchen and the common room of the tavern...her mind reviewing the events of the evening before. Stifling another oncoming yawn..she turned and went to look through the messages heaped in the InBox..a smile took over the yawn as she saw a new one addressed to her from MorPheus..reading the brief message..she took a piece of parchment and scribbled a reply* Cariad I look forward to the moment..if however I am not instantly in view I will be there as quickly as I can..tis laundry day here in the tavern and (snort of glee thinking of a certain pair of Scientific Coveralls) will be back and forth between the wash line and the common room. Gems
***Out of Sequence**** *Gemstorm sat easily in the saddle as the big grey picked his careful way along the rocky trail..he went on a long rein as they were returning from the night's work along an established track. The sound of leathery wings cracked over head and she looked up to see Black Dragon bank and turn for his lair. Returning to her thoughts which milled in her mind like honey drunk bumble bees she considered the highly diverting Lord MorPheus..her cheeks warmed as she saw herself being a perfect idiot when he had stopped by the other morning..but she did manage to trim his hair as he asked without accidently stabbing him with the scissor even though her hands were shaking..what was it about him that so summarily brought out the old elegant courtesies of speech and manner which she couldn't help falling into in his presence.. She snorted like a pony at herself..speaking aloud.."Gemstorm, thou art a little git..it's not as though you are some sweet maid who's never been out of the bower..you are perfectly aware of what Lord MorPheus is attempting here..*giggles* and you quite like it although you have reservations...her face sobering." The grey swiveled his ears back at the sound of her voice and Gelert came trotting to her stirrup to see if it was he she wanted. Leaning down from the saddle she stroked the dome of the great hound's head and ruffled his ears..."nay tis nought a sensible hound needs to concern himself with, lad..go back to your rabbiting." Straightening in the saddle, she knee pressured the grey to take the upcoming left turn on the trail.. She gently touched the little nosegay she had made from the wildflowers MorPheus had given her, tucked into a lace on her leather tunic..it was a small fancy of hers that she would carry it as a token like some Lady Knight in a tale, and have that sweet gesture comfort her in the midst of the peril she faced on night patrol. Her thoughts stuttered to a halt and the bees all took flight as she broke into hearty laughter..well..not always perilous..seeing the scene of the night now passed, in her mind's eye of herself and Black Dragon trying to herd some very strange animals back through a wild gate to their own world, and not for the first time had she dismounted to chivvy the stupid things..she was heartily sick of them..they smelled..they had a nasty bite and they were as idiotic as sheep..Gelert had his paws-ful redirecting the break aways and Black Dragon mentioned it would be a lot easier to just flame the lot of them, them toss them back through..might alert their owners that the fences needed mending.
(Morpheus Writes here)
*As she neared the stable, Gemstorm heard the deep bellowing neigh of the grey stallion..Snowie threw up her head and answered his greeting, her lighter toned voice ringing out and echoing from the distant hills..arching her pretty neck the mare rolled her eye back at Gemstorm and shook the bridle bells. "There now lass..calmly..we do not run for the stable ..tis unseemly."Gemstorm adjured the impatient horse in a gentle but firm tone though her eyes did flicker with amusement. Entering the stable courtyard produced a whole new series of neighings and the sound of a heavy brisket slamming against the stall door..Snowheels kept up a little running commentary of whickers as she was unsaddled and the bardings removed..while the grey countered with bass inquiries. Gemstorm, working with the quick ease of long practice, set the gear in an empty stall she had taken over for a tack room, unstrung the heavy hunting bow and hung it on a peg next to the belt that held her sheathed shortsword, shrugging out of the light chain mail vestment she had been ordered to assume by Black Dragon, she hung that on another peg. Leading the mare into her own stall, she gave her a bait of hay and rubbed her down with a twist of straw while she ate..stepping out of the stall..she stopped to give the grey a friendly nose rub and was quite astonished to see one of her bar towels draped over the door. Picking it up ..she stared..however did this come to be here?..she stared blankly...thought back but could not remember absently picking it up and bringing out to the stables with her the evening before.."not that I didn't..or couldn't have..but I am most convinced that I did not ..." Tucking the bit of cloth into her belt..she tidied up the barn area, not seeing Gelert..she whistled ..but he had gone on about some business of his own..very likely to the kitchen midden..she thought crankily..for the midden and the hound were recurring themes in her life and change of worlds did not seem to have changed the hound's delight in rolling and digging in muck. Both horses now had their heads over the half doors of their stalls and were watching her with prick eared, bright eyed interest.. Gemstorm seeing their unspoken inquiry..smiled and going to the grey opened his door and taking him by the headcollar, led him out and down the lane to his stonewalled grassy paddock..returned for Snowheels and led her out to her own, separated by another stone wall, pasture next to the grey. Leaning on the gate she enjoyed the exuberant play of the two horses..both of them walking nose down to select the perfect spot for a thoroughly good roll, then in unison rising to their hooves and racing along the dividing wall, snorting and bucking in their play. Turning from this amusing scene..she started back for the tavern, her fingers idly playing with the bit of rag looped through her belt and still quite puzzled at it's appearance draped over the grey stallion's door.* *Checking Snowheels as they burst out into a clearing on the hill overlooking
the moon limned tavern far below, Gemstorm gazed with a rush of affection for
the quiet sleeping scene below..she turned her eyes toward the brightly
lit landing field where the Inventor Seeing a moving figure out of the corner of her eye..she turned her head wondering who came so late to the tavern..her breath caught in her throat as she identified, by his signature staff, the tall man who strode far below her... Her heart, an unruly organ of late regarding LordMorpheus, clamored to turn the mare and ride down to meet him..give him greeting, that he would know though the hour was late he was always welcomed. Snowie, feeling her rider's indecision surged beneath her, starting down
the hill, but Gemstorm recalled to her night's task, checked the mare, spun her
about and turned for the gate that would lead to the She flung a last thought that she hoped would somehow reach him by the old magics that linked two persons and had nothing to do with more arcane enchantments ...LordMorpheus..I ......................" Then Snowie flew through the portal gate and she was gone...
*Gemstorm walked slowly through the dimming of the day..she felt that odd sense of loneliness that accompanied the lowering of the light and the sight of the first star of the evening glimmeriing in the northern sky....... Turning her steps toward the stable..she decided she would take Snowie for a run up on the rampart..it would lighten her mood.. Leading the mare out of her stall by the bridle rein she spoke consolingly to the inquiring grunts from the grey stallion..he seemed to accept that this was not a battle run for him and withdrew to the comfort of his well filled hay rack. Leaping easily onto Snowie's bareback..she whistled up Gelert and set out to do the ride...automatically directing the horse by weight and subtle pressing of her knees, while her mind wandered into review of the recent changes in her life.... "My stars..Snowie.." she spoke softly to the flicking of the horse's ears..I am utterly besotted by the man.." Shakiing her own head in amazement that she should fall so easily..but..she sighed..from the moment he had kissed her hand in gallant courtesy..she had felt the flame of her inner being flare..as though she were a wild mare standing tense and fearful until the Horseman layed his hand upon the crest of her neck.... causing her to shudder with an understanding skin. Sensing the gate before them..the mare gathered herself, snatched at the rein to regain her rider's attention ..then feeling Gemstorm settle to her seat..leaped through......
Lass... I am not much at at expressing feelings in words myself. But I remember a song I once knew how to play on the 'box'.... Somewhere my love, there will be songs to sing................... Although the snow covers the hope of spring......................... Somewhere a hill blossoms in green and gold......................... And there are dreams, all that your heart can hold.................. You'll come to me out of the long ago................................. Warm as the wind, soft as the kiss of snow........................... 'Til then my sweet, think of me now and then......................... Godspeed my love, 'til you are mine again..... MorPheus_II (Gemstorm’s Farewell to Cyndarion as She Finally Lets go of That Old Grief)
*Gemstorm picked up the parchment she had been trying to draw a map ..went out through the kitchen..reflexively kicking the pickle barrel...which rocked empty..looking at it she wondered just what that blue cat was up to..no good probably..dismissing that for the moment she poured a mug of coffee and went out to the stables. She had ridden in this morning on the grey with Snowheels and Gelert
free ranging alongside..after the event of the morning before she had been too
spent to meet with her friends and had ridden north with Twyncles to spend some
little time in the place she had named Little Serpent Slide..for it has some
similiarities to the main camp of her people on that other world. They
had taken down some willow boughs and made a bower to shelter them should it
turn to rain..then with a small fire going had grilled some Gemstorm sat on her upturned bucket and applied her wandering wit to the danged map..if she meant to have help with the Rides..it would be a good idea to give the Free Patrols some idea of where to go.. Making a sort of wandering line of encirclement she then divided it into four quarters.. The Northern Range Ride..Herself and Black Dragon The Eastern Ride...off limits..Mahtigwess and the Clan of the Rabbit People held that ground..weeds and Crazy Rabbit were liason there The Great Southern Ride...hmnn..Moccoson had gone down there and
reported some sort of oddness at The Western Rampart Ride...hmnnn...Vanishinwolf had sent five of his brethren to scout there..and .."Stars..I have no idea how that went..I asked them to overlook a wild gate that had been trying to manifest but ...*shakes her head..mutters..must see about that.. She stared off blankly into the middle distance..thinking...I hope I can get this settled ...I don't think I am quite ready to confess to MorPheus the whole of my duty here..*sigh* bother the map..do it later...* *Tying the grey to the balustrade, Gemstorm ran up the steps to the terrace and into the common room..pouring a mug of coffee she went to the window seat..irritably pushing her shortsword around the to her side she leaned against the sill...staring out at the darkness..she ran a rapid tatoo of finger taps against the pane..there had been no sign of the shadows or any other disturbance when she had circled the landing field.. Turning away from the window she paced ...the slight chinking sound of her mail reminded her not to tarry..some late traveler or one of the fosterlings might wander in..and she was not sweet Gemstorm tonight... Stopping in mid stride she held still..then nodded..set her mug down ..a moment later she was up and riding..her eyes cold and her mouth grim...the grey surged under her and they went north.*
Beloved I do not know what or why you found your experience in that place so disturbing..and distracting..but you know now from my earlier message that Dari is dead..my best guess without endless and probably utterly confusing explanations is..you somehow met the shaman of our clan..and the altar?..I do not know ..he had a private place which I never saw..perhaps that was it..the emblem I wear is just a token of my clan..it has I am sure great significance but I confess that I was probably out riding the day it was discussed in our lessons ..so have nothing of import on it.. I am sorry that you are distressed if you are.. Gemstorm oh...and the black and white braid of ribbons..*sigh* maybe it was originally a braid of my hair and some of the white strands that mingled in Dari's..he had an unusual streak of white running through his hair..I used to call him "Skunk Pony" when I was very small..and I got my ear boxed smartly for snatching the white hairs I needed to make the circlet..an important lesson there in the theory of action=reaction..= duck!..anyway...it was a symbol and a very powerful token too since it was the only thing I had of his once being alive..it was a final gesture in a last farewell..something that needed to be done to settle my own mind...again..of no importance I am sure to you..but at least it is some explanation.. *Gemstorm sat before her mirror..blah!..I will never get this mess untangled..putting the hairbrush down..she leaned back in the chair and let her mind idle..a soft knock on the door and a soft voice calling returned her to the moment.. "Come in Twyncles..glad I am to see you..do you have any skills with hairdressing..?" Gemstorm stood up and spun around.."Look, the dress is beautiful...the shoes are made to dance in..but I fear the rest of the, *giggle*, um..vision, looks like it just got off a horse after a fast run in a strong wind..gah!..help!" Twyncles smiled and crossed the room..took Gemstorm by the shoulders and sat her down again before the mirror.."Let me try.." Taking the brush she began to straighten out the long black hair..finger combing gently to undo the tangles.. "So today we dance on the moon yes?"..Twyncles said conversationally. "A marvelous experience..not even I could have imagined such a thing..what a way to celebrate the Equinox." Gemstorm smiled at Twyncles reflection.."Yes..and..um..weeds and I will be contestants in the Lance Gauntlet Dance..that is my Hero Watermelon..you know.." *grins* Twyncles snorted.."Uh Huh!..well good luck to you both..have you ever tried the Lance Gauntlet in a long dress before?..that should be interesting.." "Ack! You are right..no.we have practiced but I forgot that I must also manage the skirts of this dress...oh me..this may come to disaster..weeds has the pattern down well enough.but now I see I will be the weak link in our partnership...dang!" Gemstorm looked at her reflection blankly..well..she could give it a try with weeds before the contest.. Twyncles continued to brush out Gemstorm's hair..then began to braid it.."And what of MorPheus..?..have you seen him lately?." Gemstorm twitched her shoulder.."Yes..he is distracted by some experience he encountered ...portals..*looks up at Twyncles* I am backing through the bridle on the whole thing..I know not what it is about or why he should have found it disturbing." Twyncles rapped Gemstorm on the crown of her head with the back of the brush. "Ow!..whatever what was that for?..*rubs her head* Casts an aggrieved look at Twyncles. "No running away from him..that's all..see it through.."* (enter Ryu)
(from here is a long break in her story..the whole ebony dragon thing was played live in the room.. *Riding out through the heavy mist, Gemstorm let Snowie pick her own path..she meant to take the western portal and check out the import of the message that fetch had sent..who was back?.. A fog muted crack of leathery wings overhead, set her mind at ease..Black was keeping pace, accompanying her this morn, as curious as she about the slight mystery. As she rode, her reins laying loose on Snowie's neck she reviewed the past weeks..the ebony dragons were down and done..she and Ryu after going to Ryu's homeworld to retrieve the Light Sword had returned to the Southern Ride, the battle had been fierce, there had been two of the monsters, Ryu had taken out the first one while she and Gelert had harried the second..but he had been badly mauled in the fray..the trauma had sent him deep into unconsciousness and when she had labored to return him to awareness he had come back on his draconic side..attacking her, blind to himself and to his knowing of her..that she thought had been a very chancy moment..she patted Snowie on the neck..if it hadn't been for Snowie keeping her far enough away from Ryu until he had regained some sense of himself she wouldn't now be riding so blithely in the early morning. She sighed..but that hadn't been the end of the matter..even though Black had come in and repeatedly slagged the ground and the nest area..apparently the two ebonies had managed to kindle a clutch of nestlings..which had gotten loose in the land..making their way north to the very doorstep of the tavern..Once again Ryu, and this time with the assistance of Veng Fury Weasel and Wolfinthedark, had been able to defeat the little monsters..though she had done for the one that had made its way to the terrace and then shot the second that Veng had teleported caged into the middle of the common room..Veng was not at all pleased at her action since he had some thought to try and get information from the creature and was also not impressed at the way she had slain it but she had no intention of waltzing around the room with it in some sort of honorable battle..the thing would have done for her in a heartbeat..one slap with it's soul eater tail sting and again she would not now be enjoying the early morning sounds of awakening Airs. Sighing a little at the memory..she turned Snowie off the track..heading west now for the portal still a few miles ahead. That made about seven possibly eight of the nestlings..Myst had warned that a full clutch could contain up to fifteen hatchlings..so she had asked the Wolf Rune Warrior ..GarlGiantWulf to keep an eye out as he and the Brethren scoured Airs for the renegades from the orc wars that had been raging five or six portals east of Airs..he had reported they had found and slain five more of the ebony beasts and seen no others...she was somewhat mollified to hear that bit of good news..though a nagging feeling still harried her..she must go south and see if she could tell by the remains of the shells just how many there actually had been.. She spoke softly to Snowie who was sidling in mock horror at some shadow crossing the track in the drifting mist..her thoughts returning to recent events as the mare snorted and settled down again... It had not been all sturm and drang in the past few weeks..the celebration to honor the noble Teethless's birthday had been a brilliant success..and they now had a new friend in Airs..the white elephant Babar..who enjoyed the company of BlackDragon and the importunings of the fosterlings for rides on his splendidly caparisoned back.. Veng Fury Weasel also..a staunch warrior had taken up residence..building an amazingly comfortable burrow for himself as she had seen when he had proudly taken her on a tour of it ..she made a mental note to hide her boots whenever her feet weren't in them..it might not have been the best deal she had ever made when she got him to take the cases of cheezy whiz..he had plans and they didn't seem to include crackers and hot dogs..whatties still hadn't fallen into the trap he had laid for her..<snickers> The convening of the MCU the other night had given her a few hours of unaccustomed solitude..the return of a drunken dragon, an over stuffed blue cat, and a wickedly cheerful weasel had made for an energetic end to the evening.. however..the morning was less amusing..a crabby hung over dragon and a paint bespattered idiot of a blue cat as well as the appearance of a 25ft giantess and her club wielding da' was a little much..though the remembrance of a certain ChaosDragon hiding under the couch from the consequences of his evening's pleasures was one for the old scrapbook.<giggles> Checking Snowie as the arch of the western portal loomed out of the fog..she let her mind drift a little toward the future..as hazy as the landscape around her..she thought..Twyncles had laid a severe command upon her..that the good of Airs as a whole was to be her focus..and her personal wishes..well..it seemed she was not to have any after all.. Straightening in the saddle and squaring up her shoulders..she sent a mental call to BlackDragon and gigged the mare through the gate..Gelert running silently at her stirrup.........*
So ends the first portion of Gemstorm in the realm of Magical Airs..she left with her lover on a journey to other worlds..and would not return anytime soon..for she had no thought for any but Ryu..bound to him by alignments both inner and outer ..He asked her to marry him and she said she would..by the sacred rituals of his land though she had already felt the inner marriage that was held by her people to be as binding if not more so than any that could be pronounced upon in more worldly ways. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
