The Great War - OPEN

[Stormrider]

Message 1 of 102 in Discussion
From: megn1 (Original Message) Sent: 9/16/2002 7:48 PM

This thread is a continuation of an on-going battle which has raged over many threads of this board. To fully understand, you should go to the General Board, and read "A Warning to Karo6 - LOL," followed by "Hullo... Hullo... Hullo..." The background debate can be found on the Entities of Arda board, under "Orc Lore."

Any TR member is allowed to post here, but I ask that you first review at least some of the background posts, to be sure you understand the nature of this battle.

Also, remember that this is a joint effort by a group of people who mutually respect and esteem one another.

I'll start this post by copying some of the most recent posts here.

* * *

Message 2 of 102 in Discussion
From: megn1 Sent: 9/16/2002 7:51 PM
(originally posted by Karo6)

A Darker Day of Birthing

Far away in the night's deeper glooms, a fell figure stood. His gesticulating form was surrounded by the eldritch lights of the Dragon Gate. Auroral curtains of vast energy waved opalescent there, tossed by a silent, running current of storm pressed airs. A single BOOM of black thunder without lightning, signaled the rupture of the thinning veils that once had kept quite separate this universe from another. The tall dark trees that bordered the Gate were now wrapped in coruscating sheets of many-coloured flame, and three Great Fire Drakes, panoplied in horn and scale and ivory came rushing through the night.

"ROBEDMERLIN! The Portal has swung wide, the summons that was spoken has been answered, and we who once were banished have returned!"

Their forms were vast beyond all reckoning, their pinionless wings were great folds of the night itself, and supple, twisting necks bore high their long serpentic jaws where fangs were ranged in socketed rows, and gleamed as deadly white as naked bone.

"We have come to rend and tear, and burn. We are the ripping force of vengeance! Where now, O Defender of Dragons, shall we direct our fire?" And the blackness of a starless night was turned into a glory bright, as Dragon Flame burst forth triply hot like three Suns rising to make a red, red day..

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Message 3 of 102 in Discussion
From: megn1 Sent: 9/16/2002 7:52 PM
Originally posted by Iarwain Ben-adar Sent: 9/7/2002 4:31 AM
Attention Iarwain shoppers!
The blue feather is waveing! Discounted Nomex, Kevlar blend underware all sizes.
Also, on a real tight budget asbestos underware below factory cost. Buy two asbestos and you'll recieve a coupon for a free chest x-ray and prostate check at participating medical facilities.
Remember shop right, shop Iarwain!
Where are moto...er..'this week' is:
"It's lembas trust us, it's just a tad stale, that's why it's so tough!"
We now return to your regularly scheduled program.
Namárië,
Iarwain Inc.

* * *

Message 4 of 102 in Discussion
From: megn1 Sent: 9/16/2002 7:54 PM
Originally posted by ROBEDMERLIN Sent: 9/7/2002 10:38 AM
Waiting upon the arrival of karo6 and the lil green smoker,we find the crafty wizard ROBEDMERLIN sitting in a forest glade due east of the shire....having taken a liking to the hobbits,he has decided to hang round the shire as much as possible.......so many people,and things, threaten them....and blindly they live on......ROBEDMERLINS vows to do what he can to protect the shire,while there is still time..........

The subject of this pending meeting ? To plan for the destruction of DA's orc rehabilitation facility...The distraction of Illadria's birthday party seems like a perfect cover,and the lil green smokers brothers are itching for some action.Karo 6 's presense is needed for two reasons..it will be his job to warn the orc's to get out before the dragons arrive ,and the 2nd...............

A special mesage from the ghost of legolas for his ears only.....I would not want to be DA or Megn1 when this plan comes to fruition...Buwha ha ha ha.............

ROBEDMERLIN- "Defender of Dragons"

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Message 5 of 102 in Discussion
From: megn1 Sent: 9/16/2002 7:55 PM
Originally posted by Popo Sent: 9/7/2002 10:42 PM
The Pup is does not remain silent regarding Karo's calumnies out of choice - he remains silent because he is not moved.

But, oh my! Word reaches him of awakening dragons and the arrival of Great Fire Drakes - from the East presumably, the cardinal source of much exotica - and he only has time to dream! Not of a dog-eat-dog world, but of a doggie-dog one!

Such patter (thank you Glor!)...Dragons, Fire Drakes! The very words awaken Popo to the salivating prospect of great ritual feasts to enliven middling Earth and its provincials - Peking Duck, self-roasted to a turn, disjointed (he'll see to that!) accordion paper dragons ondulating in conga lines, borne by emboldened chihuahuas and (birthday) party faithfuls - little poodle-shaped chrysanthemums cut from redundant asbestos underwear! A fusion feast that owes nothing to belchy threats from on high and much to Popo's ideas of how the U.N. should be run. YUM!

Gotta run!!!

Popo

* * *

Message 6 of 102 in Discussion
From: megn1 Sent: 9/16/2002 7:56 PM
Originally by Illadria Sent: 9/10/2002 12:05 PM
FEAR! FIRE! FOES!

Ack! RobedMerlin, what have you done?! 3 More dragons? As we did not already have enough to contend with? And what can we expect from these? (other than the destruction of my birthday party and the demolition of my home) My brain hurts already trying to wrap it's puny little self around Karo's words. And now there will be more???

FEAR! FIRE! FOES!

This is a call to arms. All who can hear (see) my words, arm yourselves, the war is on! RobedMerlin, the rascal, has unleashed havoc on our peaceful community.

FEAR! FIRE! FOES!

note to Iarwain: for the good of all your fire gear will be confiscated and doled out as needed.

~Illadria

* * *

Message 7 of 102 in Discussion
From: megn1 Sent: 9/16/2002 7:57 PM
Originally posted by Zauber Sent: 9/16/2002 7:17 AM
Ah Merlin. I am glad you are willing to contemplate a more reasonable approach to the orc rehabilitation center. I truly think you ought to take a TOUR of the facilities. There have been some derogatory rumors floating about these boards, seemingly spurred on by NON-rehabbed orcs.

Rehabiliation is not a quick fix, and the orcs are neither captive nor seduced into the center; it is strictly on a volunatary basis. We have had a few successes, and when their reconstructive surgery has finished, a number of orcelves will be joining the larger community. Our model students have been mastering meaningful trades and working in various healing modalities, and we are quite proud of thier work.

I myself, am greatful to your defending of dragons, but egging them on is not exactly defending them. Really, they can be hot tempered enough! If you feel a need to encourage them, it may be beneficial to foster their intellectual and literary persuits, as our prime example, the Green Smoker, has been doing. This is a constructive use of that fiery energy, that benefits both dragons and others.

Very nice to see you back from the Gate and posting again. And welcome to the new dragons!

Zauber

* * *

Message 8 of 102 in Discussion
From: megn1 Sent: 9/16/2002 7:58 PM
Originally posted by megn1 Sent: 9/16/2002 11:46 AM
Megn checked her marshmallow supply.

Yep. All set. Hope they get started soon.

The orc rehabilitation center had been a blight on the landscape too long. It's ugly brick and institutional windows were worse than Sandyman's new mill.

And Megn didn't approve of torturing any being. She remembered watching a child try to train a turtle to do tricks. It didn't work, and only frustrated the turtle, who really wanted to be allowed to lay her eggs and get back to the water. So, too, with the orc rehabilitation. You can clean 'em up, you can dress 'em fine, you can teach 'em the difference between a salad fork and a dinner fork, but you can't stop 'em from trying to use that fork to gouge your eye out. Let them go, or put them out of their misery.

Now three dragons were on there way to torch the place. Good riddence! She always enjoyed a bonfire...

* * *

Message 9 of 102 in Discussion
From: megn1 Sent: 9/16/2002 7:59 PM
Originally posted by Zauber Sent: 9/16/2002 1:42 PM
Zauber stood on the Orc Rehabilitation Center roof, gnashing her teeth, waving her staff in the air, practicing her line: "YOU CAN NOT PASS!" as she awaited the arrival of the dragons.

Was it the orcs fault they were housed in a substandard and aesthetically displeasing building? King Elessar had not been that forthcoming with the promised funds, so they had had to use the lowest bidder for construction. And cheap contractors did not make alloances for beuatiful structures. And besides, the orcs would get claustrophobic in Hobbit holes.

Smoothing down her asbestos robe and cloak, Zauber wondered if it was a violation of her pacifistic principles to wish that Megn would choke on a marshmallow, and pondered once again why some humans had to be so go'darn predjudiced. Oh well, Megn would be surprised, since Zauber had sent the semi-rehabiltated orcs over to Megn's to stay until the coast was clear.

Anonymous

***

Message 10 of 102 in Discussion
From: megn1 Sent: 9/16/2002 8:00 PM
Originally posted by Illadria Sent: 9/16/2002 2:34 PM
Illadria was relieved to be rid of the Torrid Trio, and thankful that a suitable use for their skills had been found which would prove proficuous for all. Still, she could no longer enjoy her birthday party, which was only 10 days old, though it was still going strong as most guests were undaunted by the occasional flare-up. She bid farewell to her guests and, no longer concerned about damage to her already ruined home, invited them all to stay and enjoy themselves as long as they liked.
With no other thought, but the welfare of Tolkien's Ring, Illadria set out for Megn's home. She would offer Megn her sword (and bow, and various other inplements of destruction) and stand beside her as she withstood this most heinous assault from Zauber

* * *
Message 11 of 102 in Discussion
From: megn1 Sent: 9/16/2002 8:01 PM
Originally by Illadria Sent: 9/16/2002 7:06 PM
"Megn is a great warrior." Thought Illadria. "Quite possibly the greatest orc slayer of this or any age. But many great warriors have fallen before when so outnumbered. No matter what, in this battle at least, she will have me at her side, and together we will stand, or we will fall."

She prepared herself mentally for the great battle she knew was to come. In her mind she considered all the different ways it would go down. When she finally arrived on the great estate, however, she gasped. She had expected many things, not any of which was remotely similar to what she actually found.

There were orcs there, too numerous to count, but besides the orcs were film crews from various agencies. One independent production company was filming a "documentary" called Orcs Gone Wild. MTV was there with full crew and a litter of hedonistic college kids in attendance for a taping of Spring Break, Orc Style, Illadria decided against reminding them that September is technically not considered a spring month. There were News crews in attendance, both local and National. She thought it best to avoid them as much as possible. Some random Dead Heads had set up camp and were selling veggie tacos. Illadria watched in horror as an orc made lunch out of one of the vendors. Zauber had organized a peaceful "sit-in" in front of Megn’s gates, many were wearing t-shirts or carried banners with the words "Megn1 is unfair to Orcs!" displayed. Meanwhile Joan Baez led the protesters in a rousing rendition of "All we are saying is give orcs a chance."

As Quickly as was possible, Illadria made her way through the din. As she neared the gate however, she was accosted by Peter Jennings, who demanded to know how she could sleep at night knowing that orcs were being slain simply for doing what they were bred to do. Without slowing her pace, she punched him square in the nose and continued on her way.

* * *

Message 12 of 102 in Discussion
From: megn1 Sent: 9/16/2002 8:28 PM
Megn looked up from counting her marshmallows as Illadria entered her great hall.

"Have you seen what's going on outside?" Illadria asked, massaging the fingers of her right hand as though they were a little sore.

"Not recently, should we go up the tower to have a look?"

"Can we get there without going through the courtyard?"

Megn was concerned. She went to the window, and looked out. The chaos was growing. As she watched, she saw Peter Jennings rapidly climbing a tree to escape from a slightly less than rehabilitated orc. The hedonistic college students had converted a portion of her fine garden into a mud volleyball pit. And over the hill came a troop of dwarves, incongruously playing the bag pipes. Sounded like they were playing "The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins."

"It's that dragon portal," she said. "You just can't open that kind of thing, and expect only a few dragons to come through. All you-know-what is breaking loose."

"What shall we do?" asked Illadria.

"Well, first things first. We have to keep our priorities straight." Megn opened the window, put her fingers in her mouth, and made an ear-splitting whistle. Illadria covered her ears.

"ALL RIGHT, ALL YOU REHABILITATED ORCS AND OTHER FICTITIOUS BEINGS, LISTEN UP!"

Illadria was impressed by the sudden silence that followed. Megn had a powerful set of lungs.

"YOU ARE HEREBY ON NOTICE! THIS SUNDAY IS A VERY IMPORTANT DAY! IT IS THE BIRTHDAY OF THE TWO GREATEST HOBBITS WHO EVER LIVED. IT IS ALSO THE BIRTHDAY OF MY FIRST CHILD, MY APPRENTICE-WARRIOR DAUGHTER LIZZY. I EXPECT THIS PLACE CLEANED AND POLISHED BEFORE THE BIG DAY. ANYONE WHO WORKS TO CLEAN UP, AND WHO BEHAVES RESPECTFULLY, WILL BE REWARDED WITH ALL THE CAKE YOU CAN EAT... IN THE COURTYARD. SPECIALLY INVITED GUESTS ONLY IN THE GREAT HALL."

Megn slammed down the window, shutting out the sudden bustle of activity.

"Is that true?" Illadria asked.

"Yep, my daughter Lizzy was born on September 22. Very promising, don't you think? Now listen, I need you to go find Sparrow. We need the little feathered one to spread the word - about the party, and about the danger of the dragon portal. We're going to need everybody in on this one!"

Illadria left the room, and Megn returned to her marshmallows.

"243... 244...245... I wonder when the bonfire will start."

* * *

Message 13 of 102 in Discussion
From: Illadria Sent: 9/17/2002 1:50 AM
Illadria left the room, the sound of counting continued behind her. She was tempted to throw a wrong number in, but realized she had no time for pranks. "Something's not right." she thought suddenly. "Why is Megn trying to dismiss me? And anyway, I already IMed Sparrow."

She turned around and went back into the room. She could'nt help herself,
"276...277"

"Thanks, now I have to start all over. Why have'nt you left yet? Is there a problem?"

"Well no, Sparrow's already been alerted. She's leaving droppings...er, messages all over the place as we speak."

Megn wisely waited to restart her marshmallow count. "Was there anything else?" she asked impatiently, she did'nt like Illadria hanging around while she tried to count.

"Megn, I think it's really cool that your daughter was born on Bilbo and Frodo's birthday, but when I asked you if that was true, that was'nt the that I was referring to. I meant the orcs. Did you mean what you said about giving them cake? I mean, unless you meant it in the Marie Antoinette way, "Let them eat cake!", I really don't see where you're going with this. You don't sound like Megn1, you sound a pro-RONer*.
You've seen what's going on out there. Those orcs are eating Vegans left and right. Then the pro-RONers just give them a big hug and tell them it's not their fault they do those awful things.
When will it all end?
I'll tell you when...when every last orc is gone. The Megn I've read is an orc-slayer, not an orc-hostess!"

As she spoke, Illadria paced around the room. Finally, she came quickly up behind Megn, and putting her in a headlock grasped her hair at the scalp and began to tug.

"Ow! Ow! Stop that!" screamed Megn.

Illadria let go.

"What did you do that for?"

"With all your pro-RON talk I was beginning to wonder if you really are the Megn1."

"Of course I'm Megn. Who else would I be."

Illadria had begun to relax, but now she drew her sword. "Come to think of it, I have no idea what the real Megn looks like. A RL pic of her has never been posted. First we were led to believe she was a beautiful, though unevenly proportioned warrior-type, then someone claiming to be her posted another pic and insisted the first one be replaced. Now I come here and I see that while neither picture is entirely accurate, nor can either one be discounted.
There's something strange going on here. The real Megn would never offer cake to an orc.
I smell a rat. Or, more likely...a little green dragon."

*RON - Rehabilitate Orcs Now...the organization for the advancement of orcs

* * *

Message 14 of 102 in Discussion
From: Zauber Sent: 9/17/2002 1:13 PM
Meanwhile, on the roof of the ORC (Orc Rehabilitation Center), Zauber was grinning. Her Marshmallow Abundance Spell was working just fine! Great Uncle Gandalf would be so proud! MegN would be kept busy for some time, but Zauber suspected Illadria would see through that ploy only too soon.

Now, with the Center emptied of her charges (in their various stages of rehabilitation), she decided it was most necessary and imperative for her to slip out of her middle-aged Istari/artist/healer personna, and slip into her Zauber/Trinity personna from Namariatrix. With dragons descending upon the center, she knew some building-jumping would be required, and she needed to shed years, pounds, and pacifism, in order to tame some dragon butt.

Luckily her sleeves were wide enough to accommodate some tricks, and she was loaded down with assorted rifles, handguns, and stupifying grenades, leftover from another rooftop situation. On the horizon, she saw a smear of smoke growing rapidly closer. She hoped the dragons would not torch the woodland setting of the Center.

Suddenly, behind her and approaching more rapidly than dragons, she heard the WHUP WHUP WHUP of helicopter blades!!

(This is an invitation to anyone else to join Zauber on the roof. Put on your Iarwain Brand fire-proof underwear, and come on!

* * *

Message 15 of 102 in Discussion
From: RobedMERLIN Sent: 9/17/2002 4:06 PM
There is mischief afoot......WHO moved my war???LOL..just kidding......

ROBEDMERLIN sits and ponders the upcoming battle.Through his magical devices he has seen the comings and goings around the Orc-rehab center,and he is amused at the pitiful attempts of Zauber to encourage Megn1 and the oithers.....AS he waves his wand and repeats the magic words..."nna na na na na na" the marshmellows that megn1 has been counting suddenly harden and form an inpenetrable barrier which prevents her escape.....In their foolish attempts to rescue megan, they will never see where the real attack comes from...(he he he)

As the cruel and heartless DA hurries to the rescue of her friend megn1, she is walking right into a trap meant for her alone but could ensnare her allies as well...Choose your path wisely DA........Choose very wisely

ROBEDMERLIN, casts about his magical sight to scout out the potential battle ground, and smiles in glee as he realizes that they expect him to attack but are setting their defenses in the wrong direction......lol they know not what awaits them with the arrival of the dragons....soon..yes ...very soon

* * *

Message 16 of 102 in Discussion
From: IarwainBen-adar1 Sent: 9/17/2002 6:29 PM
Iarwain did a surveyal of the remains of his Fireproof Underware and Cram...er "slightly stale lembas" stand. Choco was nonchalantly sniffing and chewing on the last of some of the larger crumbs strewn about the tattered booth.
"Ruined!" Iarwain lamented, "Illadria has taken all my war profit, and GIVEN it away!"
"Down right communism." Mumbled Choco between her laborious and noisy chewing.
"Yeah!" Iarwain retorted, "Some help you were, I leave for just a bit and you let here and her band of heros confiscate all my stock! Then you fail to distract Popo adequately so I could copyright his "song lesson plan" with out his knowlege. Really Choco, you've been very little help here! I wonder why I put up with you at all?"
Choco looked up at Iarwain with her big, brown, watery, sad, eyes and said, "Yo quero miruvóre!" she burped, "These crumbs are dry and salty Iarwain, what did you make this stuff with?"
"Pottassium nitrate!" he answered, "you know, KNO-3! Salt Peter! I had a bunch left over from making plastic explosives for Namariatrix special effects. Turns out it mixes well with all the other ingredents to form a nice crust, and it lowers the libido and I had sold a ton of that lembas to the Orc Rehabilitation Center. They've been feeding it to the orcs for months now."
"Hmmm?" mused Choco, "I think there might be some explosive revelations when the Fire Drakes get here Iarwain. I think this time you go to far my amigo!"

[Stormrider]

Message 17 of 102 in Discussion
From: Stormrider Sent: 9/18/2002 7:32 AM
Stormrider patted Storm and gave her a carrot which she munched eagerly. Stormrider spoke soothingly to Storm as she brushed her coat and combed out the mare's mane and tail.

"Don't you worry, Storm, those foul-breathed, fire-breathing dragons won't turn you into a Bar B-Q dinner. You will remain safe here in the stables of Rivendell under the watchful eye of Engwadur.*"

Storm nickered softly and nudged Stormrider gently with her nose in appreciation for her concern and looked hopefully at her owner for another carrot. Stormrider smiled and gave her another one.

"Don't you worry, I have plans that I will set in motion immediately to take care of those dragons. Then we will see who ends up as someone's dinner! Well, I had better get these plans rolling now, Storm. You take care and stay nice and safe here with Engwadur."

With another scratch behind the mare's ears, Stormrider hurried out of the stable...............

*the Elf who tends the stables at Rivendell from Adv. in ME.

* * *

Message 18 of 102 in Discussion
From: RobedMERLIN Sent: 9/18/2002 3:29 PM
ROBEDMERLIN surveys the comings and goings through the use of his magic devices,,chuckling contentedly at all the efforts to delay the un-avoidable........and so it begins.....

Upon recent discovery of the tainted food being sold to the orc rehab center..He emitted gales of laughter..Larwain appeaarently does not no orcs very well......his intended misdeeds of the use of kno-3 have done larwain a diservice, for through research it has been discoverd that kno-3 has no effects on orcs........But my oh my.....there are a group of dwarves who recently helped them selves to a generous potion of larwain's lembas, who are very,very angry....# legions of dwarven fighters are at this moment, on the march with the intent to take down larwains store and his home,I woould not want to be a certain store keeper when these crack fighters arrive..

the orcs have been organized into Fighting battions. and are now moving into position to ssurround the rehab center and do what needs to be done...alot of these fighters had friends and family who went through that place and nevwere returned, so needless to say they are rather quite put out......

But lo, where are the dragons?oh yes they fly even now to the battle, but do not engage right away, what is going on? what are they waiting for? A signal? a sign from ROBEDMERLIN to start...that will come very soon..there is yet a small part to be played out in this scene prior to the commencement "Great War"........BE on your guard DA, aand be afraid.buha ha ha ha ha.........for you are the key...yes...and a certain ghost awaits..

ROBEDMERLIN has alaso observed Stormrider heading towards the frey, but she is NOT on storm, how can this be? hmmm but this is ok..for there will be plenty of horses for the Barbecue..lol

As for Illadria and Sparrow, who can say...Illadria is still stuck on the roof of the orc rehab......when the spell was cast to harden the marshmellows of Megn1....the ones that were strewn aboout and thrown up on the roof also hardened and Illadria is now stuck, on the roof of the rehab,encased to her knees in solid rock hard marshmellow...so while not harmed in any way, her effect is negated on the upcoming battle will be negated..........And Sparrow, she was last seen flying away to the safety of Rivendell as fast as her little wings will carry her........

Since ROBEDMERLIN has no quarrell with the elves, she and storm will both be safe

what will happen next? stay tuned for the "battle" will soon be commenced......(he he he)

* * *

Message 19 of 102 in Discussion
From: RobedMERLIN Sent: 9/18/2002 3:33 PM
sorry about the typo....3 legions of dwarves

* * *

Message 20 of 102 in Discussion
From: megn1 Sent: 9/18/2002 4:46 PM
Minor geograpical correction:

Megn and Illadria are not at the rehab center. They are at Megn's home/castle/palace, where they will shortly deal with the marshmallow menace. Zauber is on the roof of the O.R.C. - no marshmallows seen there yet.

Back to the war...

* * *

Message 21 of 102 in Discussion
From: RobedMERLIN Sent: 9/18/2002 8:08 PM
ROBEDMERLIN thinks he is beset with a brain cloud..of course illadria and megn1 are at megn1 estate...Poor peter Jennings..how ever Zauber is encased in solidified something for she cannot movefrom the knees down..lol..Sometimes an old wizard get forgetfull..lol NOw just what spell did I cast for someone is indeed traped within the orc-rehab.......behind a solid wall of something, who could it be..lol..Note to self...."2 cups of coffee before casting spells in the morning..lol Now back to the war...

* * *

Message 22 of 102 in Discussion
From: megn1 Sent: 9/18/2002 8:24 PM
Megn and Illadria looked at each other.

"What happened to my marshmallows?" Megn asked.

"I don't know, there's been lots of strange things happening lately," replied Illadria. "I don't think we're in Middle Earth anymore."

"It's that dragon portal..." grumbled Megn. "Who knows what will show up next. We'll deal with that when it comes. Now for these marshmallows."

"Should I call Swampy?" Illadria asked.

"Just the one," replied Megn.

Illadria leaned out the window (as best she could, being partially incased in marshmallow), and uttered a strange, gurgling cry. From the moat below, bubbles began to rise. A leathery wing appeared, followed by the rest of the being. It looked like a winged lizard, but it was blue and no larger than a certain golden retriever. It flew to the window, and entered the room.

"It's marshmallow, Swampy," said Megn. "Can you help us out?"

Swampy, the water-breathing dragon (the pet of Megn's daughter, Lizzy) nodded, and a stream of water issued from her mouth. Soon the marshmallows dissolved into a pool of sticky sweet goo.

Shaking herself free, Megn thought "ooo, that RobedMerlin. He made a mess of my hall. He'll pay for this!"

* * *

Message 23 of 102 in Discussion
From: megn1 Sent: 9/18/2002 8:31 PM
Megn and Illadria spent an evening in conversation. Soon Illadria understood all of Megn's plans.

Don't worry, Megn is a good host. She would never invite anyone to a party unless she intended to treat them kindly, and with respect.

But let us remember the words of her invitation:
ANYONE WHO WORKS TO CLEAN UP, AND WHO BEHAVES RESPECTFULLY, WILL BE REWARDED WITH ALL THE CAKE YOU CAN EAT...

Out her window can be seen the masses of people and dwarves and other stray beings, eagerly cleaning and being kind to one another. Among them still move the orcs, randomly snacking on passing college students, or idly sitting on the ground picking their teeth and belching. Clearly their behavior does not earn them the right to be among the invited guests. Yet they will be allowed in, if they wish. As univited "gate-crashers," the rules of hospitality will not apply to them...

* * *

Message 24 of 102 in Discussion
From: Stormrider Sent: 9/18/2002 8:57 PM
Far off atop a hill on the outskirts of a wooded copse, Stormrider sat upon a great white stallion and surveyed the mayhem that was developing at the O.R.C. and near Megn's castle.

Zauber was still perched atop the O.R.C. building with her arms laden with rifles and handguns as a helicopter hovered nearby.

She noticed a small, blue leathery winged lizard fly from the moat and up to the castle tower.

Peter Jennings was holding a cold steak to his nose and trying to get Iarwain's attention. Iarwain's focus was on his demolished store and Choco was reclining nearby watching his frantic antics.

Where was Robed Merlin, Defender of Dragons? Surely he was watching the fray from some vantage point or was he safely ensconced in some hideout far away with the use of a Palantir? Stormrider made a note to keep watch for his location.

The area around the dragon's gate was shimmering, pulsing, and quivering. Stormrider shook her head. "That dragon's gate will have to be closed but in the meantime, it will help me bring what I need back to this chaotic Middle Earth." she thought. "And when I return, we will put an end to it all once and for all!"

"Away! Firebolt!" she spoke suddenly to her steed. "To the South we must fly. There isn't a moment to waste if we are to return in time for the great birthday bash!"

The magnificent steed sprang forth and they were off. Horse and rider soon vanished into the southern horizon...........

* * *
Message 25 of 102 in Discussion
From: megn1 Sent: 9/18/2002 10:26 PM
Swampy left through the window. Megn was still watching her fly back to the moat, a smile on her lips and the antics of the strange creature, when a shadow passed over the window. Looking up, she saw a great bird, circling above. It came down, and landed on the ledge. It was an eagle.

"A star shines on the hour of our meeting," she said to the bird.

"Fair was your home, when I have sought you before," replied the eagle. "But much mischief has been done by those who surround it."

"Much mischief HAS been done, but they are not to blame for all of it. It's the dragon portal."

"Never in my day has it been opened. Never in my father's day, nor his father's before him."

"We will put it to rights. Did Sparrow find you?"

"That is why I have come. She told me of your fears. I come with good tidings."

"You found DaleAnn?" Megn asked.

"Yes. Your knowledge of her was correct. She has never set foot in the Orc Rehabilitation Center. All such tales were a lie. She has been found. She is safe. Where she is will never be assailed with success."

"Where is she?"

"Rumors say that the Defender of the Dragons has a palantir. I dare not name the place, for fear it will be heard."

"You are wise, and trustworthy, old friend."

"Farewell, wherever you fare, till your eyrie recieves you at your journey's end," the eagle said.

"May the wind under your wings bear you where the sun sails and the moon walks."

A great rush of wind from the eagle's wings, and he was gone...

* * *

Message 26 of 102 in Discussion
From: sparrow Sent: 9/18/2002 11:30 PM
Under cover of darkness, Sparrow left Rivendell. It was good that RobedMerlin thought she was cowering there. As long as he thought that, she would be free to deliver her messages without further delay.

Her first stop, as always, had been with the eagles. Their great lord always could salvage the most desparate of situations. Half of Sparrow's duty had been performed by informing him of the situation.

At Rivendell, Sparrow had warned Elrond to ready the elf warriors. Before she left, they had already made enough arrows to peg every orc in in the O.R.C. She knew they would soon have one for every orc in M.E. and all the pro-RONers as well.

With indignation, Sparrow recalled RobedMerlin's comments on message 64 of the Hullo, Hullo, Hullo thread. She had offered friendship to this wizard, and in return he had attacked. Sparrow was willing to also extend the olive branch to RobedMerlin's flame-breathing friends and integrate them into peaceful society. Well, the guantlent was thrown. So be it!

The brave, tireless bird headed over the mountains towards Lothlorien. Galadriel could certainly offer help in this situation, and Sparrow knew she would receive rest and refreshment there. . .

* * *

Message 27 of 102 in Discussion
From: RobedMERLIN Sent: 9/19/2002 12:05 AM
SMiling contentedly; ROBEDMERLIN watches as the palantir unfolds the goings on of ME for his viewing pleasure:

Sparrow is flying to her doom for one of the dragons is waiting near there,can you say "birdie Barbecue"? Lothlorian can be such a dangerous place

Stormrider rides to peril as well for the dragon's gate itself is a trap...Approach it and it will suck you in and shut quickly............but she is sooooooo unawares........

The wizard misses his old friend Soliel..she has been highly favored of the Gods with wisdom and kindness....If she were here, then perhaps she could show the old wizard a more diplomatic solution....But do not be deceived..His goal will be achieved..HE never wanted total war but he has been left with little choice..

Rivers and Karo6 two highly intelligent friends of the wizard are approaching his place of waiting...He has asked them to come to explain the role of "the ghost of Legolas ", in this play. Yes DA despite the eagles caution, I know where you are..And while i cannot spare a dragon , who can assail anything they wish,there is a certain Ghost who is on his way.....

Now one may wonder where the dwarves who reeked havoc on larwains sttore and house went too. After all, it is not easy to hide 3 legions of dwarven fighters...but fear not , they are exploring and old mine running under Megn1's mansion...whoa a rumble erupts, and a great cloud of smoke arises from a giant hole where Megn's mansion once stood....Did I say once stood....yes for the dwarves, as they often do ,got greedy and mined to far and fast, where megn1's castle once stood now sit a giant pit.....Being a Kindly wizard, ROBEDMERLIN does the kindest thing he can think of......A wave of his wand and a ""na na na na na na, and the hole is now filled with pink lemonade, over 100,000 gallons...Luckily no one was in the mansion at the time of collapse...........Round one in this battle goes to ROBEDMERLIN........

#Writers note: No dwarves were harmed in the creation of this story.

* * *

Message 28 of 102 in Discussion
From: Zauber Sent: 9/19/2002 7:44 AM
Zauber is trapped in marshmallows on the roof, cursing her useless weapons. She can't shoot the marshmallow goo -- she might shoot off her own foot! The helicopter is hovering nearby just below the roof edge, an elven rope dangling out the door.

Meanwhile, in the seemingly deserted O.R.C., a slight figure feverishly works in the kitchen.

"Hmmmph! Some way to celebrate Bilbo and Frodo and Lizzy's birthday, I must say!" Rhuta mutters to himself as he frantically stirs a batter in a huge industrial-sized bowl. His arms are tired but he can't possibly stop. Too much is at stake!

He samples the batter and makes a face, quickly adds another jar of honey to cover the acrid taste. "Hope this works!" He dips his clawed hand again into the batter, and this time the mouthful makes him smile. He sets the batter aside to rest, after all it had just been beaten, and begins to open #10 cans of pineapple rings. He arranges them on the prepared cake pans, dealing them out like cards, working so swiftly his grey hands are a blur.

"D**m these people anyway!" he shreiks, opening an industrial-sized jar of marashino cherries. "Is this any way to celebrate a TRIPLE birthday? Would Bilbo approve of this kind of celebration?" Rhuta asks the empty kitchen as he tosses cherries into the industrial-sized cake pans. Then, althought the recipe says SPRINKLE, he flings brown sugar over the fruits. This is not a time for finesse or gourmandizing. (Although if Glor saw this, he would probably ROTFAHAHA).

"I'm just glad I'm wearing my Tolkien's Ring basball cap! I hope these crazy, war mongering humans and wizards and elves and dwarves and what-all-else recognize it as the International Symbol of Redemption it was designed to be." Rhuta patted his head, making sure his hat, now frosted with brown sugar, was still on his head.

He poured the batter quickly into the pans, not too concerned if the cakes were a bit uneven. "All my careful schooling and job-training, down the drain! I'm so upset I feel like tossing a dwarf!"

He opened the industrial-sized ovens and slid the industrial-sized cake pans in, seven all together, and shutting the door he set the oven timer. Then he ran outside to look up on the roof to see how Zauber was faring. He knew he ought to go up there to help her, but he was afraid the cakes would burn, and although he hated to admit it, he was also afraid of heights

* * *

Message 29 of 102 in Discussion
From: Zauber Sent: 9/19/2002 9:32 AM
The helicopter, dangling the elven rope, slowly lifts above the gutter of the roof, and peering inside, Zauber sees a faun at the controls.

"Tumnus?"

"Look, they insisted on coming." He leans forward and opens the door. Out jumps a medium sized brown dog, carrying a carpet bag in his mouth; close on his heels is a larger darker brown dog carrying the end of the elven rope in her mouth.

"Wizard! Sage! I told you to stay!" She looks up from the dogs and Tumnus only shrugs, then says, "Pull up the rope. I've got to get my end of this taken care of. Oh, and I have a Beowulf book totell you about, later." The helicopter gracefully arcs away, and Zauber takes the rope from Sage and begins to pull.

"How can you expect us to sit and say? I mean, this is more exciting than rabbits in the yard!" Sage wryly comments.

Wizard sets down the carpet bag to add, "Or squirrels in the trees! And Zauber, we got to ride in a helicopter!!"

Zauber just grunts as she pulls the rope. Attached to the end is a nozzle, followed by a thick hose. "Tumnus is putting the other end in the lake, but he has to go to the far end, he said, to get enough pressure." Wizard explained.

"She's got enough pressure right now, with those dragons coming and hoards of angry citizens coming towards us." Sage said. "What else can we do?"

Zauber looks in the hose but there is no water. "Help me get out of this hardened marshmallow!" Wizard obligingly lifts his leg, and the marshmallow melts away, leaving a sticky residue on the roof.

"I know you don't like me to do that indiscriminately, but. . ."

"Oh good boy!" Zauber says, grabbing the carpet bag. "And you remembered the Felix Magic Bag. You are so smart!"

Sage butts in to be pat also, saying "I'm smart too, aren't I? Huh? Aren't I?"

"Yes, you're both great, but here, get in these". Zauber scoops up her Iarawin Fireproof cape and gown, discarded earlier when she made her transformation. After a breif argument and a bit of growling from the dogs, they are safetly costumed, Wizard smug in the cape he wanted, Sage disgruntled. The cape has more stars on it.

Zauber reaches into the Felix Magic Bag and whisks out three sticks. "Oh great, Sheild Sticks (TM)!" She opens one with a wrist flick, and it spreads like a fan, but opening to a full 360degrees to make a glimmering, fireproof, puncture proof shield. The second one sticks, and she has a bit of a struggle to get it to the full 360 degrees. The third opens effotlessly.

She runs to the corner of the roof, grateful that her marshmallow-sticky boots give her good traction, and has Wizard LIE DOWN! STAY! "Remember, we don't want to kill the dragons. They are endangered after all!" She covers him with a shield and hastens to position Sage in the opposite roof corner. Again, she covers the puppy with a shield, but Sage has her tail out and wagging.

"Curl up your tail!! What are you so happy about?" Zauber tucks the puppy's tail in.

"Cause if the dragons knock down the O.R.C., I can wear my Search and Rescue costume for real!"

Muttering to herself, Zauber rushes back to the center of the roof. Making sure the Felix Magic Bag is firmly attached at her waist and the Shelob-brand net is on top, she picks up her Stick Shield and the hose, and looks at the sky. Where are the dragons? And more importantlly, where is the water for the hose?

* * *
Message 30 of 102 in Discussion
From: DaleAnn Sent: 9/19/2002 10:14 AM
"We found her in the library. She was in front of some empty chairs, talking to them. Come, you must see and hear for yourself."

They made there way into the room. DaleAnn was indeed speaking to the empty chairs. Suddenly, she went to the window. "Children, children!" she called. "Recess is over! Come back into the classroom this instant! Megn1, come out of the playhouse right now, you haven't finished your debate with Karo6! Illadria and Sparrow, where's your homework? Zauber, get down from those monkey bars! You've got marshmellow goo and geez what IS that wet stuff on your clothes?! RobedMerlin, stop bothering the girls! Iarwain, you clean up that mess, right now! Come in here, children!"

The group confered with each other. "This may be beyond our skill to heal. I'm afraid the Eagle might have brought her here too late. Quick, perhaps, a healing draught might ease her tortured mind. And rest. She needs rest!"

Gently, they took her to her bedroom. As she drifted off to sleep, they heard her whisper to herself, "Children, children, time for school...come in from recess...please...children...."

* * *

Message 31 of 102 in Discussion
From: DaleAnn Sent: 9/19/2002 11:28 AM
DaleAnn sat bolt upright in the bed. "Stormrider! Stormrider! Come back here! Leave that big white dog alone! He doesn't belong to you! Get back here! Recess is over!"
They gave her more draught and helped her lay down again. "Poor woman!" her nurse exclaimed. "A nice long rest...and nobody bothering her...that's what she needs."

[Stormrider]

Message 32 of 102 in Discussion
From: IarwainBen-adar1 Sent: 9/19/2002 11:33 AM
"Aw shucks! Just when it was getten good to! I didn't make the mess DA! Why do I have to pick it up? It was Illadria who passed out all the fireproof underware...er linen, and it was RobedMerlin's Dwarf friends that threw the lembas...er mud pies everywhere. Choco will eat them, she likes mud. Golly gee whizz, it's not fair" complained Iarwain, as he slowly began to gather the remains of his tattered stand, formerly a lemonade booth before becoming the Fire proof undergarment and lembas stand, and even before that a rental to a girl named Lucy who performed 5 cent psychological studies.

"See Amigo!" scolded Choco, "You go too far, now DaleAnn is angry, you've much to do, and you play war profiteer silly man negelecting many tings! She make you clean eraser after class again, or make you write nother poem. Aiy!"

"Oh Yeah!" retorted Iarwain, "I'll show you sqaut body four legs, I'll make DaleAnn proud! I'll do my bestest to study hard, and to but those fontetic things Stormrider wanted in the dictionary, and I'll even clean behind my ears!"

"No!" Not behind the ears!" Whinced Choco, "I'll still do dhat for you my Amigo! mmmmmmmm!"

That being said Iarwain waved to all his friends (except the Dwarfs, which he stuck his tongue out at because they think their such buff jocks) and explained he had to follow Frodo's example of responsibilty as stated within the character development thread.

"But I promise I will be back to play in the Great War again soon, don't let any one keep my Mom's linen...er Fireproof underware." Iarwain called out as he picked up the last of his battered refregerator box, "Illadria, I trust you, make sure everyone brings back all my toys! Oh and Robed Merlin I want my bowling ball....er Palantir back when your done!" ( Not saying there are holes in the Palantir thing or the like..hehehehe)
Namárië,
Iarwain

* * *

Message 33 of 102 in Discussion
From: Zauber Sent: 9/19/2002 1:17 PM
Just as Zauber is wondering why she smells something fruity and vanilla-ey and sweet, two things happen in one of those fictive Nicks of Time, Synchronistic Happenstances that fiction writers would be hard pressed to do without, namely:

Water comes trickling, then gurgling, then gushing out of the hose with such force that, were it not for her marshmallow coated shoe soles, Zauber would have been blown backwards off the roof, and:

three green great dragons appear in front of her!

With her rapid relexes and knee-jerk reactions, Zauber blasts the closest dragon, and sends it bowling into the sky, topsy-turvy, a** over tea cup, bright green tail spinning after bright green nose. She sees a small figure clining to the dragons neck, but it is spinnng so rapidly she can't tell who it might be. She swings the hose to get the next closest dragon, and the water dwindles to a gurgle and then a trickle.

Zauber throws the hose (alliteraturation?? um, onomotepia? sepiafidelis? anyway. . . ) aside and pulls her two Wallace StunGuns (TM) out of her pockets, and begin to fire. But!!

There are no targets! The two other green great dragons have disappeared!

* * *

Message 34 of 102 in Discussion
From: Zauber Sent: 9/19/2002 1:41 PM
Editorial comment: I got a bit rushed on that one, and forgot to proof read. My most humble apologies. I think you can make educated guesses and at least come up with a SENSE of what is going on up on the roof.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Rhuta whips the cakes out of the oven, fans them as cool as possible, tips them upside down onto platters (old platters, not the very best, considering what happened the last time a dragon got a platter), and was about to run out side when two huge heads appear in the kitchen window.

"Is that cake I am smelling?" asked a warmish voice.

"Yes sir," hollered Rhuta, trying his best to sound unafraid and official. "Coming right up. And do you want a bucket of milk with that?"

"Oh no, no milk, but a spot of tea would be grand."

The second dragon preffered to have coffee, decaff at that, so Rhuta was sent scurrying. He knew, if a dragon wanted something, you did not keep said dragon waiting.

"Excellent, excellent cake. You know, I love a bit of upside down cake, said the first dragon.

"So I have heard," Rhuta commented, hefting a dishpan full of tea out the window.

"This is delicious! Where did you learn to bake like this?" asked the second dragon, equally a fool when it came to cake, particularly of this variety.

"Right here, at the O.R.C."

"What, is this a college? "

"No, it's not accredited yet. And there is some debate over the name. Elforc U. sounds a bit rude."

Just at this moment, Zauber scrambled off the roof. She warily walked around the dragons, who were by this time lying on their sides; the large dragon was picking its teeth and the younger was licking the last cake platter clean in a rather cat-like manner. Zauber did not point this resemblance out to the dragon. She was hoping they would make an agressive attack on her, so she could blast them with her two revolvers, and when they were empty of stun charges, throw the guns away and draw another set from inside her boots and start blasting yet again. She had been practicing this manuever for quite some time and was looking forward to it.

But the dragons, full of hot liquid and an over-abundance of cake, were feeling quite mellow.

* * *

Message 35 of 102 in Discussion
From: DaleAnn Sent: 9/19/2002 3:02 PM
Through the moans and sighs, the nurse overheard DaleAnn whispering in her sleep. "RM, I told you to leave the girls alone! Why did you dig that hole under the playhouse? That was Illadria's pink lemonade you poured down there. Now look, Megn1 and Illadria are angry! You tell them that you are sorry and put that dirt back, right now, young man! Then all of you come in ...please...or I'll have to keep you after class!"
The nurse shook her head. "She needs more draught! Make it the sleeping draught! The poor woman is having bad dreams! When will she find rest?"

* * *

Message 36 of 102 in Discussion
From: Tumnus Sent: 9/19/2002 4:47 PM
A boy with extra hairy legs, and a very curly head of blonde hair had managed to sneak past DA after his lunch recess into the school's basement. It had been quite a challenge, since his small black cowboy boots clanked like a pair of hooves on the school floor.

The room had an eery feeling, and a storm was brewing outside. He slowly wandered down the steps to take in his surroundings. Old, dusty desks were piled in one corner, another held a movie projector complete with a pile of reels, and ironically - dusty cleaning supplies littered a third corner. Boxes were piled beneath the grated steps below. A window, high on the wall yet just above ground-level, let in a lone shaft of light to the middle of the room.

Tumnus unloaded his backpack onto the square patch of light. The contents were a flashlight, an umbrella, Little Debbie snacks (two boxes), a big red book, a lock picking set, a letter from Zauber, a birthday invitation, and a computer with the works. On the cover of the book was a strange symbol, similar to "JT." He peered into its mysterious cover with as much glee as a dragon might delve into a hoard of gold, or a cake for that matter. The book's pages seemed unending, in fact 'a never-ending story,' and he seemed to be in the story. It was very real, and very perplexing. He figured he would just have to start from the beginning.

* * *

Message 37 of 102 in Discussion
From: Glorfindle Sent: 9/19/2002 6:50 PM
Glorfindle trotted up on the great steed Asfaloth. He sat for a moment surveying all about him, then shook his head in sadness. "Karo and his posts are responsible for this MESS" he said to himself. Knowing of no other recourse, he spurred Asfaloth on to his meeting with Popo. All he passed, cowered to see an Elf Lord in such anger, and many Elves stopped their ears.

"Noro lim, noro lim, Asfaloth!" cried Glorfindle as he disappeared into the line of trees.

Glor

* * *

Message 38 of 102 in Discussion
From: Tumnus Sent: 9/19/2002 10:09 PM
Tumnus gazed into the book for over an hour. It had an addictive effect, much like caffeine (and Little Debbie snacks). He seemed to always be on the verge of an ending, yet new pages magically reappeared periodically. Karo6 had started it all with the clear vision of one who is plotting evil, but now, the world loomed out of its pages and the ferocious battles were a blur of confusion. The faun paused for a moment as he finished reading Part I: "A Warning to Karo6."

The basement room had grown darker as the day dwindled. Suddenly, lightning erupted and the roar of thunder shook the building. Tumnus shuddered. "Oh," he wondered, "Our story's plot is in peril. It must be saved. If only Prince Greenleaf had not succumbed so early." But still, there was a Part II: "Hullo, hullo, hullo."

He figured he had only to read that, and all would be clear. But now for a break. He grabbed his favorite reel out of the corner, "The Namariatrix." The old reel buzzed and whined as its wheel wound the tape into position. On the wall, a square of white light appeared ... 1 ... 2 ... 3 ...4 ... and the Namariatrix started. Tumnus wished that he could fly helicoptors so easily. His uncle could.

Tumnus bio:

Perhaps a little background info is required on poor Tumnus. As a very young boy, his parents had encouraged him eat his green beans, and not to drink so much Coke. They told him that it would put hair on his legs.

To their dismay, this new information only encouraged him. He quickly had developed a whole lot of hair, and his toenails had hardened into little black nobs. He also found that his mountaineering skills greatly increased. He could walk on ledges which had previously been too much danger.

His parents tried to hide his hair for a long time. But by the time he was in junior high, it was just too much for them. They wouldn't let him even go to school. So they sent him off to a boarding school where they knew he would be accepted - Elforc U. They took all kinds there; surely they would take an oddity like himself. His uncle provided the transportation, a helicopter. After checking on his old friend Zauber, his uncle flew the helicopter over to Elforc U. and dropped Tumnus off. It was quite obvious to Tumnus that he would fit in very well amidst all the other orcs. It frightened him that many of the smaller orcs were missing fingers and had bite marks on their ears. And that is why he was so delighted when he had found the basement door.

* * *

Message 39 of 102 in Discussion
From: Tumnus Sent: 9/19/2002 10:13 PM
editor's note: I meant that Tumnus would not fit in amidst the other orc students.

* * *

Message 40 of 102 in Discussion
From: RobedMERLIN Sent: 9/19/2002 11:30 PM
The wizard sits and ponders in silence..It has not gone quite as he has expected.......First of all->Glorfindle has appeared....ROBEDMERLIN has never had a quarrel with the elfs, and is secretly wondering why he has chosen now too appear.....This situation will bear close watching , as the wizard tries to discern the meaning of this new developement..

Second-> The trap stormroder is heading towards is illusional, but yet very crafty,,intended solely to keep her occipied,and out of the way.......

Third-> the little green smokers brothers , taking a cake break, when there is much to be done........my oh my..such a lack of work ethic,,,,,but since they are here to knock down the walls of the orc center....maybe they need their rest and relaxation before hand.Who can tell

Fourth-> i am very shocked..dismayed and very dissappointed..All of this time I thought the Ghost of Legolas wanted revenge for the premature and undeserved departure of his head from the rest of his body..But this is NOT his goal.......He is still in love with DA..he merely wants to express his un-dying love for her...........such a good plan , ruined by the power of love....go figure....i actually observed him saying OOOooooooo DA is so Hot..!!!!

The wizard wonders at the delay of the arrival of Kaor6..It is not like him to be late for a battle. In the meantime ,he sits and follows events with his palantir.....His pipe is full of the shire's best leaf and time is on his side..He decides to befriend sparrow and not barbecue the little brown winged creature. DANG dragons..wake up and look behind you quick!!!!!!

* * *

Message 41 of 102 in Discussion
From: IarwainBen-adar1 Sent: 9/20/2002 9:24 AM
Truely a query for great wizard and sage alike to ponder. Suddenly light bulbs appear above the heads of all who seek majeks graces! But of course, it is as the Native shamans and primative tribes know not to attack, approach, molest, or annoy insane or "touched" peoples, or even to mention or acknowlege their existence is to risk a rift in any majeks energy, and could cause a weakened or distorted flow. Indeed it would appear anyone using any majek would have to avoid the mention of DaleAnn our "touched" school-marm untill her right mind and soul found her and allowed her spirit to speak for her self. This of course would also explain the sudden lose of the Dragon's Gate portal as well the twisted dialogue being read now by an unseen announcer with a voice akin to that of the Rocky and Bullwinkle Show!................. Set the time on the Wayback Machine Shaman...er Sherman!
-Peabody-

* * *

Message 42 of 102 in Discussion
From: Soleil Sent: 9/20/2002 11:59 AM
Having heard the news of Megn1's party plans and the whaco goings on at the O. R. C., Soleil rummages through her sewing supplies. "That l'il smoker has been TOO quiet, open Dragon's Gate portal or not . I know he'll hear about the party at Megn1's and Zauber at the O. R. C. and walk right into the middle of the BIGGEST mess. I KNOW he won't just quietly back away. Oh, no. His rapier tongue will get him into deeeeeep trouble. Oh, me...I just hope I have enough thread ......"

Soleil

* * *

Message 43 of 102 in Discussion
From: Zauber Sent: 9/20/2002 12:58 PM
This message has been deleted by the author.

* * *

Message 44 of 102 in Discussion
From: RobedMERLIN Sent: 9/20/2002 3:34 PM
The wizard, ROBEDMERLIN, settles in for a bit, surveying a scene that tells himm,change is coming, but how? When? Sending forth a mental image of calm and peace gives him time to think..T he mental warning screamed at the dragons, woke them up and they are now flying back to the rondevoous point....Also the dragon from lothlorian has been recalled as well........He views the little brown sparrow in a new light. Perhaps, she would indeed, be a better friend, then a foe. He awaits the chance to discuss his plans with her and the others, Soliel, rivers, Karo6.....All have been friend to the wizard in the past and, if a peaceful solution to this situation can be found, but he doubts it, it may be worth a try...

The dwarves returned from the disasterous situation at the mine,(under Megn1's house) , and have been sent to explore a cave under an ancient ruin, the wizard has sensed a strange emanation of magic, from these ruins, not necessarily evil, but very old and very mysterious....T he dwarves really are best at underground work despite the incident at Megn1"s house. which now looks very lovely as a pink lemonade-filled swimming pool...lol...

Setting his wards and protection spells in place, the wizard decides upon a brief nap....zzzzzzzzzz.......zzzzzzzzzz....

* * *

Message 45 of 102 in Discussion
From: Stormrider Sent: 9/20/2002 4:33 PM
As Robedmerlin sleeps, a very large vat of something wet appears above him. Quickly it tilts pouring a cold, wet, pink, sticky liquid over his sleeping form! It is the pink lemonade straight from the new swimming pool that Robedmerlin had created with the help of the Dwarves!

* * *

Message 46 of 102 in Discussion
From: megn1 Sent: 9/20/2002 7:35 PM
RobedMerlin is a deep sleeper. Even a lake of pink lemonade will not wake him. Nor will a persistent, loud knock at his door...

Finally, the delegation of the dwarves gave up. "He's gone," said the leader. "We should never have trusted him."

"I told you we should never accepted this contract," said another. "'Payment upon completion'-huh!"

"Well, if he won't pay, we'll fix him!" said a third. "Should we tunnel under his house now?"

"No, I've got a better plan..."

[Stormrider]

Message 47 of 102 in Discussion
From: Karo6 Sent: 9/20/2002 7:54 PM
This message has been deleted by the author.

* * *

Message 48 of 102 in Discussion
From: Karo6 Sent: 9/20/2002 8:47 PM

The Interlacing Quest Motif,
Pearl intrudes upon Tolkien,
Tolkien intrudes upon The Great War

or

Just who will ever dis-entangle this worried skein for us?

So many threads cross and pleach here that even the most astute of Dragons must pause, and scrath themselves contemplatively along the bare scales of their noggins. "Nope, scratching the old bump of intuition does not help at all!" The SGD shrugged his massive shoulders upward, and just plain admitted (to himself of course, Dragon's never admit to anything in public) that he was outright lost and hopelessly confused!

It seems there once was a Sparrow, who tattled frequently to a gang of moulting eagles; a handgun-law scoffing Zauber, who showed considerable defensive grace under Dragon attacks... a comatose DA (hah! so that's what happens to people who nibble the leaves of the rugosa rose!). And then there was this fine, Wizardly chap with hired Dwarves and lemonade - marshmallow franchises; a gooey-ooey Megn1 (nothing new there) and her hairpulling cohort, the equally gooey-ooey, Illadria (something new here!)... and next there came into the fabric of this story some goat-footed "kid" in sheepskin chaps who really shoulda stuck to the green beans; an ageless, oldest, rhyme-spewing fraternity boy -- blue feather in his Delta-Delta-Delta cap with Sigevna banner sigil -- who turned into a panty-raider and underwear dealer; a roller-bourne Popo, whose tongue was whipping idly in the breezes of his own momentum; a mounted -- dismounted -- remounted Stormrider, carrot sticks in hand (she had to bribe her mounts to turn at the proper times cause she never could figure out how to handle those dratted reins); and even some long haired Elf galloping along in his rhinestoned splendour, looking for his Pop (!?), or just maybe for this Popo? Toss in assorted Chocos, Swampys, helicopter jockies, non-vocalizing Rivers, a Peter Jennings with a raw steak to his face (Connie Chung snickering in the background), and apparently another Tookish (?) cousin of Bilbo's, who "coincidentally" just happens to share the single most popular day of birthing in the Shire with Frodo et al, this "Lizzy of the 22nd!" (Ok, was there anyone NOT born on the 22nd?) -- and one has quite a mess indeed!

Yoiks!!! Three different assaults made almost simultaneously upon the Orc Rehabilitation Center, aka RON, aka "elforc U," aka the "Project," aka, the Zauber Centre for Underachieving Soda-Pop and Little Debbie Gulping Addicts... then several biochemical incursions made at Megn1's party bungalow, aka "The Dark Tower of Absolutist Rectitude" -- WOW!!!

At just that moment 8 Orcs and a trailing Imp dashed by on their way to intercept Glorfindle, capture the stiffening corpse of a presumably still revivable (and possibly still edible?) DA, and then mount a more conventional sack of Megn's party-palace. The Imp, less fully in control of his careening form, jogged the elbow of the 'Li Smoker.' "Scuze, please!"

But the damage had been done. Megn1's painstakingly "rehabilitaed" cake platter lay smashed again upon the floor... A trickle of greeny ooze pulsed out from a minor gash that ran down one claw fron the talon to the arthritic knuckle. He put it at once into the dubiously "antiseptic" environment of his salivating mouth and suckled it... This thumb-sucking action proved to be highly stimulative of Draconic guile as he withdrew the digit with a satisfyingly thunderous pop of inspiration! Soleil!!! A seamstress of her high repute should surely be able to re-string this tangled RP tapestry, and bring a fine stitched order to the chaos -- she could also add a few more stitches to his bill and sew up his smarting claw.

"Soo-leel-el!" The SGD whined and thrust his torn paw-claw under her nose as an emphatic plea for immediate inspection, "Meg's platter bit me! And do you know what this latest War is all about? And can I have some of your gingerbread Elves? I can almost forget my pain when I'm nibbling their little Keebler heads off..." Of course Soleil made him say please, and then her needle flew into its therapeutic chore, and as the SGD chomped the heads from Elven cookies, "Take that, Glorfindle! Mggrumph, gulp!" Soliel laid out the underlying pattern of all these new acts of bellicosity. "Well, it seems that Megn... and then Megn... after which Megn..."

And as the sorry tale was told, its complexities became simple, and the SGD saw at once the key, the core strategic issue, and began plotting out his own courses of "remedial" RP action....

* * *

Message 49 of 102 in Discussion
From: megn1 Sent: 9/20/2002 10:48 PM
Megn and Illadria quietly sipped their tea. It had been a long day. Very eventful. When they had awoken in the morning, they neer would have guessed all that had happened. Peter Jennings... the marshmallows... the dwarves... the collapse of the castle... the pink lemonade...

Megn looked around the great hall with a critical eye. Those dwarves were very attentive to detail. She could barely detect any difference.

The dwarves had come to her, disgruntled and angry. RobedMerlin had stiffed them. Together they had agreed on a plan of revenge. With a diligence and perseverence of which only dwarves are capable, they had re-built Megn's castle, from the ground up. The only change was an improvement - a basement swimming pool.

Everything was finished just as the sun was setting. The timing was perfect, for the big party was coming...

* * *

Message 50 of 102 in Discussion
From: RobedMERLIN Sent: 9/21/2002 12:50 AM
As our wizard awakes he notices a pink residue all over the place..And he smells funny to..Yechafter 2 showers and a change of his wizards magic underwear..he set down with a entire pot of coffee.....There will be work to do today.

His palantir shows the goings on at megn1's palace..aand he is very surprised.......what manner of trickery is this..as he meditates on these things,,what haas transpired comes to him as swift as the wind....Megn1 has pulled a fast one again..The dwarves thought they had been cheated, but if they had remembered to look under the rock where the wizard told them he would leave the money, they would have found their entire pay plus a 20% bonus for a job well done.....ROBEDMERLIN walks outside and sure enough the money is still there, right where he left it..Silly dwarves, that is their loss........A wizard cant even take a nap anymore..lol Thats wwhy he left the money outside in the first place.

We must soon deal with Megn1, before she gets "to big for her britches"..lol and this wizard knows just what to do...(he he he ) this will be the funiest one yet..........What time is the Party?<<hint> <wink>

Sttormrider ride up to the dragon's gate and looks around..Then as sshe dismounts off her horse and her feet hit the ground..The spell is trigured and she is whisked to anoother part of ME where she finds herself in a giant maze.On foot, and with 20 miles of path.to find her way through....She is horse-less and alone....can she find the door way out. And how will she open the gate to return to her own area of ME......but will she make it out in time to save the party?

Soliel has returned .Maybe a better solution for the disposal of the orc...But Soliel is wise and i am sure she can help..As well as sew

ROBEDMERLIN has been researching the old spells and old ways and believes he has found a way to restore DA to her old self.....but it will require the help of another with magical power near to his own..And that may not be possible

As the old wizard study the display, a disturbing wind comes a whispering.."oooooooooDA is so hot", "ooooooooooo DA is so hot".... now where is that darn ghost?

* * *

Message 51 of 102 in Discussion
From: Illadria Sent: 9/21/2002 2:41 AM
Illadria thanked Megn politely for the tea and the warm shower.
"But now it's time I hit the road. I'll be back before the big day though...that's one party I don't want to miss. There's just one thing I need to take care of first."

Followed by two dwarves named Winkin and Blinkin, she went out through the great gate, where Swampy stood guard, and strode through the sea of sleeping revelers and protesters. Peter Jennings eyed Illadria warily from his perch as she passed by. She flashed a smile and waved at him.

The orcs, hopped up on sugar (from the lake of pink lemonade they had greedily gulped down) had abandoned any semblance of the fake persona they had worn at the O.R.C. Now they grouped together in militant fashion, scheming how they were to get free chocolate cake without any cleaning.

Finally, half mile from Megn's place they came upon some brush. Illadria led the dwarves into the bramble where they saw a large shiny something with what looked like a saddle sitting on top. She climbed onto the thing and, after putting a key into it, kicked it hard. With a roar like thunder, it came to life.

Winkin and Blinkin jumped back, grabbing their axes.

Illadria laughed. "IT'S OKAY. IT DOES'NT BITE." she yelled.

"WHAT MANNER OF BEAST IS THAT?" Blinkin yelled back.

"A HOG"

"WHAT DOES IT EAT?" asked Winkin, fearing the answer.

"GAS. NOW HURRY UP AND CLIMB ON BEFORE IT RUNS OUT."
But Winkin and Blinkin did'nt move.

"SUIT YOURSELVES." Illadria said, reaching for the strange-looking helmet sitting in front of her. "PERHAPS YOU'D RATHER STAY HERE AND DEAL WITH THOSE GUYS ALL BY YOURSELVES." She tossed her head in the direction of Megn's house.

The dwarves looked and saw several dozen bloodthirsty orcs coming their way. Quickly, they re-strapped their axes and climbed on the saddle behind Illadria.

"WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO?" One of them asked.
"HOLD ON!"

With those words the Hog took off, tossing up dirt and grass in it's wake. To the dwarve's horror, they steered right toward the oncoming orcs. And to their amusement, the orcs all ran away as soon as they saw the great beast approach.

Less than an hour later, the three climbed off their mount. They had reached their destination. Illadria circled the building, planning her next move.

"OVER HERE, ILLADRIA. THE FRONT DOOR IS HERE." Blinkin said, pointing at the door.

"You can stop yelling now. I've got off the engine."
"SORRY. CAN'T HEAR A WORD."

Illadria held one finger in front of her pursed lips in the international symbol for "Shut Up!".

"I wonder...," she said to herself. "Yes, perhaps the front door is where I am least expected."

She motioned to the others to follow and walked up to the front door...

* * *

Message 52 of 102 in Discussion
From: Zauber Sent: 9/21/2002 10:19 AM
Zauber pointed the Wallace STUNGUN (TM) at the larger of the two dragons. She tried to think of her line. "Hmmm. Thou canst come here. Uh, no trespassing! Thou can't do this. No. Uh, To come here, you need a pass." None of them sounded right.

Her gun spoke up in her hesitation, and said in a cold metallic voice, "I will drink thy blood gladly. I will slay thee swiftly."

Zauber almost dropped the revolver in her shock. Talking dogs was perfectly reasonable, but a talking gun crossed the line and would lead to yet more never-ending-stories and debate as to whether talking weapons had souls. Then came a tiny voice from inside the cylinder of the gun:

"I'LL drink their blood! I will! You won't even touch them, but I get to jump right into their scaley hides!" said the STUN bluuet.

"Silence!" said the gun. "I'm the hero here. You're just a bit player."

"No! No! I'M THE HERO!! I'm the one who STUNS the dragons!!"

"But you can't do it without ME! I'm the hero!"

Zauber jammed the STUNGUN into her pocket, embarrassed by this digression. The dragons and Rhuta simply stared at her.

* * *

Message 53 of 102 in Discussion
From: Zauber Sent: 9/21/2002 10:34 AM
"Don't" intoned the larger fire-drake, "ever wave THAT in my face again. Think that I'll take you, fry you or bake you, fricasse or toast you, saute or roast you? Hmmph! Rumor! Superstition! Prejudice! Why, without a treasure to guard, we Worms are as tame as iguanas."

Zauber stood stunned, but Wizard jumped off the roof quite agilely and raced up barking, "Leave her alone! I'll bite you! I'll bounce you!" He pronked all around the dragons, who eyed him cooly.

Sage dashed down the fire escape and joined in the canine furor. "Go Wizard! They're just big lizards!"

Hollering, "Time me!", Wizard leapt upon the larger dragon's front talons, scampered up its arm, jumped across its startled nose to the other forearm, teeter-tottered up to its shoulder and then pranced along its 13 furlong spine to the tip of its tail, then jumped off and ran back to Zauber and sat in front of her.

"This is no time for agility practice," she hissed.

"He certainly is agile, though," remarked the smaller dragon. "Enough digressions!" bellowed the larger dragon.

"I just thought we needed some light-hearted action here, before we got serious. I didn't mean any disrespect." Wizard looked abashed.

"That's all right, but if you get too bouncy, I'll just eat you. I love hot dogs."

"I'm not a hot dog!" Wizard barked.

"You will be before I eat you."

Wizard backed up until he was behind Zauber and the Felix bag of tTricks.

* * *

Message 54 of 102 in Discussion
From: Zauber Sent: 9/21/2002 10:46 AM
"So what's up? asked the smaller dragon. (By smaller I mean it probably measured only 10 fathoms). "We've been out of the loop, lately."

"I don't have time to explain, but there's a war going on, and some beings are on their way here to destroy the O.R.C." Zauber explained.

"This orc?" asked the large dragon, gesturing a huge clawed foot at Rhuta.

"No, no. The Orc Redemption Center. I really don't have time to explain, I have to mount some kind of not-harmful pacifistic but effective defence measures."

"Not have time? You had the time for all of the above nonsense," commented the larger dragon.

"All right, all right." Zauber gave in, impatiently, and then remembered her manners. "But first, introductions. I am Zauber, and this is Chef Bayga, and you've met Wizard and Sage." She gestured to the two dogs who were Sit-Stay-Quieting.

"You can call me Rhuta," the aforementioned mentioned.

The larger dragon pointed a huge claw to his scaley chest. "I am Coldair Inversion, and this is my niece Fogg. Now that the introductions are completed to our mutual satisfaction, and we are well met, do tell us what is going on here, with Dragon Gates opening and castles collapsing and an angry mob approaching over yon fortunatley large hill so it will take them a certain amount of time before they arrive and therefore you can continue with said back-story, eh?"

Zauber, thinking to herself that ALL dragons must be long- as well as hot-winded, proceeded to explain.

* * *

Message 55 of 102 in Discussion
From: Zauber Sent: 9/21/2002 11:15 AM
"It all began with a discussion as to whether orcs had souls, or not; if they are truly evil, or not, since they are the descendents of elves. A wonderful woman named DaleAnn established this Orc Redemption Center, and although there was a small movement to exchange captured orcs for goods and services, luckily that never really caught on. King Elessar granted the money to build these facilities, and a staff of do-gooders, doctors and nurses, elves, some of the missing Istari, soft-hearted hobbits and other airy-fairy new-age types versed in various healing professions came here to work.

"At first it started slowly; most orcs were in hiding and reluctant to come. But a few trickled in and we had some successes. Not ALL orcs can be redeemed -- some are too twisted by the two S's (the villains of Middle Earth) and don't WANT to be redeemed. But those who do have been astounding.

"The problem has been integrating the elforcs back into society. Orc-prejudice runs deep, and many people are convinced that orcs don't have souls, and therefore can not know redemption. We've held Open Houses here, to introduce the public to our elforcs and to show them what we are up to, but there's been a very poor turnout. It all would be very disheartening if it weren't for orcelves like Rhuta here."

Zauber glanced at Rhuta. His overbite had been corrected so he no longer drooled, and his uncrossed eyes had a merry glint to them peering out from under his Tolkien's Ring cap. (Available from this Web Site!!). Curing his sun-sensitivity had allowed him outside, and his grey skin was taking on a healthy hue.

"We know all about prejudice," Fogg interrupted. "As soon as they see us, people are sizing us up for weak spots in our bellies, trying to steal our gold as if they worked for the IRS [an anacronism], dousing us with fire hoses." She looked pointedly at Zauber.

"Sorry about that. I really am. I was just scared and over-adrenelined. Who was that I doused?"

"Aunt Highpressure System." Fogg scanned the sky. "She must have gone off to see Cousin Swampy."

"And who was that on her back?" asked Rhuta. "Was it Robed Merlin?"

"No, that was Lessa of Pern. She always is hitching rides with us when she slips into another alternate reality."

"Anyway," Zauber resumed, "We tried differentiating the orcs from the elforcs by having the elforcs wear official Tolkien's Ring baseball caps. {Spam spam spam: available from this site!!}. Unfortunately, some clever orcs caught on and began counterfitting the hats, except they aren't as well made or finely printed as those available here. So I'm afraid this mob will be indiscriminately murdering orcs and elforcs! I have to do something to stop them!!"

"But there's orcs in the mob coming down Yonder Hill!" shouted Rhuta.

"I know! It seems to be a plot fault! But we've got to get out of here!"

"Where are your elforcs?" asked Coldair, the breath from his nostrils belying his name."

"I sent them to the Wardrobe with the rest of the staff, to be safe until this blows over. But," Zauber said sighing, "There's potentially redeemable orcs in that mob!"

Just at that moment, the ANACHRON-ISTIC HELICOPTER came whicking its way through the air.

* * *

Message 56 of 102 in Discussion
From: Zauber Sent: 9/21/2002 11:34 AM
Uncle Tumnus cautiously circled above them, and then cautiously landed the helicopter on the roof. He cautiously tap-tapped his way over to the edge of the roof and cautiously peered over.

"We're all right!" Zauber called up to him. "We're talking. May I introduce Coldair Inversion and Fogg." Turning to the dragons, she said, "This is my good friend Uncle Tumnus."

"Pleased to meet'cher," Uncle Tumnus said. "Then you won't be needing any more water?"

"She does NOT need more water!" Coldair lifted his head to the level of the roof. "But do you have any tea?"

The brave faun stood his ground, his hooves stuck in marshmallow residue, and replied, "No. Uh, no tea."

Rhuta scrambled back through the kitchen window, hollering, "More tea! Coming up!"

"I like that elforc," commented Fogg warmly.

"Tumnus! Where is Young Tumnus?" Zauber called up to the roof, where Wizard was helping the faun get unstuck.

"He's safe, over in the school basement."

Turning to the dragons, Zauber bragged, "Young Tumnus doesn't know it, but he truly is a faun. He's possibly the greatest faun that ever lived but he's been raised by humans and thinks something's wrong with him. He won't learn of his true heritage until he comes of age, and gets his invitation to Goatwarts School. We have high hopes for him."

"Zauber, we need Sage!" Uncle Tumnus called down from the roof. "I came to get her. Stormrider is lost in a maze!"

Hurridly Zauber opened the Felix Bag of Tricks and got out the orange Search and Rescue costume, and helped Sage put it on. The big puppy was suddenly very serious, and alert. She ran up the fire escape and jumped into Uncle Tumnus's helicopter and they swept into the air, Tumnus's red woolen muffler fluttering out the window.

"It okay Wiz," Zauber comforted the brown dog and held his collar so he wouldn't chase the helicopter. "You go to Agility Class and she doesn't, so she should get some fun."

Zauber turned back to the dragons, who were whispering as they drank their tea.

"We have a plan!" announced Coldair.

* * *

Message 57 of 102 in Discussion
From: Zauber Sent: 9/21/2002 11:53 AM
Coldair Inversion leaned over to Zauber and announced, "We are going to move you! You and this O.R.C. building!"

"What!?!"

"We'll move you. Rhuta promises to make more Upside-Down cake." Coldair shifted his mighty bulk to whisper again in Fogg's ear. Whatever he had to say made the younger dragon LOL. She would have ROTF but that would have crushed Zauber, Wizard and Rhuta.

"Perfect!" she blurted between her hot bellows of laughter.

"Yes, isn't it?" Coldair turned to face the wondering trio. "You see, we can move your O.R.C. to a very safe place we know of, far from here. Then you can continue your esteemed and beneficial redemption of unfortunates, and in the meantime mount a PR campaign [another anachronism] to sway public opinion about your elforcs."

"But, but how can you move a building?" asked Rhuta.

"Haven't you wondered how dragons can fly, given our bulk compared to the average size of our wings?"

"Well, actually no." said Rhuta, "But now that you mention it. . ."

"It's very simple. The thirty-third rule of thermo-dynamics. Hot air rises! And what are dragons FULL of?"

"I get it!" said Rhuta, while Zauber merely nodded.

"So get ready to roll!" bellowed Coldair.

Zauber jumped up on the roof to retrieve her cloak and gown, and her Wallace Stckshilds, and stuffed them in her Tolkien's Ring Bag, grabbed the Felix Magic Bag, and ran inside and upstairs to secure the Wardrobe. Rhuta grabbed the cake pans (nicely licked clean by the dragons) and stowed them away in the kitchen. Wizard ran around in the yard, gathering tennis and crystal balls he had secreted about the place.

As soon as Wizard jumped in through the kitchen window, Coldair cried, "Pluck your Magic Twanger, Foggy!" and with a gigantic shudder that threw Zauber and the Wardrobe to the floor, tipped over furniture, flung dishes about, knocked all the TR caps off the hat rack, and created general unhousekeeping, the two dragons lifted the O.R.C. and flew north.

* * *

Message 58 of 102 in Discussion
From: Stormrider Sent: 9/21/2002 1:25 PM
As if she were being mind controlled, Stormrider found herself at the Dragon's Gate! "This is not where I intended to go! I wanted to go South!" She dismounted from Firebolt and the moment her feet hit the ground, was whisked away into a maze!

She was in the middle of a "four-way intersection" of the maze. The North path was very rocky and ascended in a gradual climb. The West path was very sandy and arid and seemed to be drifting at times. The South path was humid, viney, and buggy. The East path looked the easiest since it was just a simple country path passing fields and small wooded areas.

"Well, I wanted to head South but that way does not look like the way I want now! I don't want the jungle, mountains, nor fields and woods. I want the desert. But is this a trick of the maze to lead me in the direction by using a certain 'landscape' to trick me?" Stormrider pondered this for a moment.

Sunddenly, there was movement on the West path. Two people were steathily making their way across the drifting desert floor. They wore black suits and carried a Crysknife* at their belts.

Stormrider hailed them calling for help. They hesitated long enough to notice her and then hurried on without giving her a second thought. Stormrider was a bit peeved at this but took off after them as fast as she could go despite the hinderence of the drifting sands.

Soon she lost site of them and was beginning to slow down. The heat was unbearable, the shifting sands difficult to maneuver, the winds whipped sand into her eyes, and she was developing a terrible thirst. She began to think this was a bad idea. So looked back toward the intersection and it was lost to her site. She had come further than she realized or else the shifting, drifting sands had caused her to move further away from it.

"Help! Is anyone out there? I need help!"

--------------------------
*Crysknife--very long and sharp weapon made from the tooth of a certain creature that I don't wish to name yet because it will spoil the story!

* * *

Message 59 of 102 in Discussion
From: Illadria Sent: 9/21/2002 3:16 PM
ROBEDMERLIN sipped the remains of the last cup of coffee, grounds and all. It was no use, not even a full pot of coffee could lift the brain cloud spell he was under. It seemed everything had gone wrong. It was time to move to plan B, but he did'nt have a plan B. And there was a much more pressing issue...that of the coffee on his bladder.

He was moving (rather quickly) to the bathroom, when he heard a knock at the front door. "Ah, at last!" he thought, "My cohorts have arrived." He went swiftly to the door.

He nearly opened the door without checking the peephole, but these were dangerous times and caution was paramount.
It was not his friends at the door after all. It was dwarves.
He opened the door quickly, anxious to give them a piece of his mind. "So, you've returned for your money..." he started to say, but his words were cut short as someone slipped up behind him and knocked him unconscious.

"I'm sorry RM." Illadria said as she searched his robes, "but you are far too dangerous while awake. And with this." She said, as she pulled the wand from his pocket. She was tempted to break the thing over her knee, but something held her back.

As Illadria searched his robes, the dwarves set to work binding his hands behind him. They also covered his eyes and mouth. You can never be too careful, wizards can say things...even with their eyes.

Finally they propped him in a chair and doused him with water. Immediately he began to struggle against his bonds. But it was no good, he was securely fastened. He could'nt even rise from his seat, for there were two very strong arms on either side holding him down.

"ROBEDMERLIN" came a strangely familiar female voice. "You have wreaked havoc all over ME, and for no reason. Megn is not your enemy and neither am I. Just like you we want to see the O.R. C. destroyed. But you have chosen war with those who would be your allies. Foolish strategy RM. Soon you will be caught in the middle with nothing but enemies all around."

ROBEDMERLIN struggled, trying to speak. The dwarves increased their pressure. He only wanted to tell them that he needed very badly to get to the bathroom! Why would'nt that woman just shut up and leave?

But Illadria did not leave. She droned on and on for another hour, expounding first on the virtue of friendship, the the danger orcs, and fianlly the finer points of war strategy.

ROBEDMERLIN finally passed out. Illadria was tired of talking to him anyway, so she she decide it was time to leave. But first she left him a note telling him he could have his wand back after the big birthday party. And if the party went off without a hitch he could have it back in one piece. The dwarves loosened the straps at his wrist. And they started off. But as they neared the door, something caught Illadria's eye. "Oh look!" she said excitedly, "a bowling ball. I have'nt played this in ages." She picked up the ball and rolled it toward a collection of bottles on the floor near the fireplace. "No wait!" Blinkin shouted too late. There was a loud explosion as the shining orb crashed into the bottles. "Wizard's potions." he said.

* * *

Message 60 of 102 in Discussion
From: Karo6 Sent: 9/21/2002 3:32 PM

In Which The SGD
Falls Deeply Into Sleep

"There! All done, and you never cried once! Help yourself to another cookie..." but at just the moment Soleil refocused her eyes (from the sewing-minimum) to allow her widened attention to take a fuller cognizance of the room, she saw that the once heaping plate contained only a few headless gingerbread corpses and their associated crumbs. A near blushing SGD (an effusion of darker green in the face) spoke softly in a broken way. "Er, I guess I sorta already had another..."

A few minutes later, with his pocket-hoard of genuine Dragon Gold somewhat diminished -- Soleil, he felt, was due some sort of compensation for the distressed condition of her remaining cookies -- the SGD went wandering along the central, beaten path of this Middle-earth. He paused as some frightfully huge Dragons roared far overhead, and was glad that they were going, apparently, to some place far away with some very bulky burden. "Whew, them big kids play so rough!" And then he watched, more approvingly as 8 semi-rehabilitated Orcs matched their combined strengths (fractionally aided by an Imp) against a very bedraggled Glorfindle. Revealed in his arousal as a mighty lord among the First Born, his Elven aura glowed and pulsed brighter with each new Elvish curse! "Noro Lim, I says to Asfaloth, and the ungrateful beast runs off! Leaves me here with these untermenschen sub-sub-created, $*#&^# things!" In best Goblinic, Epic fashion the Orcs had jumped poor Glor from an ambush, and still unable to draw his blade, he was distinctly disadvantaged! "Go, You Goblins!" Shouted the SGD, in a neutrally encouraging tone.

His ambling way then recommenced, and a ruminatively long, ginger-flavored belch lit a slight, blue flicker of flame upon his lower lip. He was pondering the wisdoms of Soleil: "There's really nothing left for you do here til the Party, Greeny Gruesome. Besides you're wounded anyway, and events here have marched off in so many diverging directions, you'll never follow them all! Just you pull up a comfy chair some place, have a quiet smoke, let that paw-claw dangle, and do some watching for a change!"

So it came about, that the SGD coigned himself upon a commanding tor, reclined himself into the hammocking curve of some discarded awning (it once shaded lingerie shopper's at Iarwain's "Special Store") and from the point of this high advantage he gave himself up to the idling pleasures of full time speculation.

He especially applauded Zauber's use of the three-part dissertation format during her bold and ingeniously clever defense of the O.R.C.; and he muttered only half-antagonistically "Serves you right!" When a confused, "amazed" Stormy seemed (at least temporarily!) confounded inside RM's maze. And his long jaws closed with an anticipatory snap, when he saw the massive thing that was Megn and Illadria's "Everyman's Birthday Party" cake. He even wished the sword wielding Lizzy a very exciting time on her (heavily shared) natal day... And then he dozed off into another of his long Draconic naps, but vowed ominously to return in a couple of weeks or so....

* * *

Message 61 of 102 in Discussion
From: Stormrider Sent: 9/21/2002 5:35 PM
"Oooooofff!" Stormrider moaned as her inert body received a jab in the side. The hot sun bore down on her and she covered her eyes from its brightness. Another jab in her side. "Oooofff! Stop!" she managed to mutter.

Whispering…..voices in discussion nearby……too quiet to hear what was said……Stormrider ventured a peak despite the blinding rays. Four silhouetted figures bent their heads together not more than six feet away from her. A shadow fell across her as the figures shifted slightly blocking the sun’s rays from striking her.

"Here, put this on." Urged a masculine voice as a black thing was held out to her. Stormrider tried to focus on the thing and the people surrounding her. Her mouth was parched and she yearned for water. She tried to lick her lips but her tongue felt very thick and her lips swollen.

"Put this on and your thirst will be taken care of." Spoke a gentle feminine voice. Gentle hands helped Stormrider to stand and others helped her into the black suit. A mouthpiece was inserted into her mouth and a hood and facial shield put in place.

"Suck on your mouthpiece, but use it sparingly." instructed the gentle feminine voice again. Stormrider followed the instructions and she was surprised to take in warm water! Her urge was to keep sucking and drink it all, but she remembered the words to use it sparingly.

"Let’s move, we must be undercover by nightfall." Commanded the masculine voice again. "She will recover more quickly in the stiche." Stormrider looked directly into the eyes of the speaker. What she saw surprised her. Looking penetratingly back at her were eyes that were blue within blue. She shook her head and looked again….Still blue on blue….where have I heard of or seen eyes like that before? She wondered.

Next thing she knew the four began to move at a fast pace, keeping her between them and helping her along the way when her feet got tangled and twisted. After awhile, they slowed down and stopped. Quickly they moved and uncovered an opening hidden between some rocks at a sandy lip in the desert. They entered and moved her forward into what seemed like pitch-black darkness. Her eyes took a few moments to adjust.

Eventually they came to a large underground room with many people sitting around on bedrolls. They all looked curiously at her and she was instructed to remove the black suit as the other four who brought her there were doing. A bedroll was pointed out for her and she dutifully sat down.

"You are on Arrakis, also known as Dune. I am Paul Atreides, the leader of these Freemen. You will be safe in this sitche for the time being and you must never go out into the sand alone or without a stilsuit. To do so would cost you your life. The stilsuit collects your body’s moisture and filters it into catch pockets, which will hold it until you need a drink. But you must use the water’s supply sparingly." He moved across the room as though he was finished speaking.

Stormrider glanced around the room of the sitche. It was sparsely furnished yet had a feeling of comfort about it. The sparseness was a necessity in the event that the Freemen had to pick up their belongings and depart swiftly.

She was about to speak when Paul Atreides spoke again. "Who are you and what are you doing in the desert without a stilsuit?"

Stormrider explained everything. She explained about the TR site, the War that was going on, the confusion, the wild and crazy actions of the Orcs and Dragons, and the great birthday bash that was coming up. "So you see, I was on my way South to find some of the Riders of the Riddermark to come to our aid. I was mysteriously directed toward the Dragon’s Gate portal, which brought me to the maze. Then I saw some of the Freemen and followed them."

Paul Atreides nodded curtly, motioned another Freeman (or were the females called Freewoman?) to bring the guest a plate, and then he left the room with several others behind him. Stormrider eagerly took the food and did not complain when she noticed a very strange spicy flavor.

After eating, Stormrider tried to get comfortable and rest. The other Freemen kept to themselves but studied her carefully. It was several hours later when Paul Atreides returned.

"We are willing to help you get back to your War in Middle Earth in time for the Great Birthday Bash. Here is what we will do……….."

[Stormrider]

Message 62 of 102 in Discussion
From: megn1 Sent: 9/21/2002 7:12 PM

You are invited
to the
Big Birthday Bash
September 22
Megn's castle
Cake and other refreshments for all

Message 63 of 102 in Discussion
From: megn1 Sent: 9/21/2002 7:17 PM
Castle cleaned and decorated - check
Cake baked - check
Extra help hired - check
Invitations sent - check

Megn went to bed, the party preparations completed. She hoped the weather would be fine for the big day. She also hoped that Rivers would remember to show up early. As she fell asleep she wondered - had she given Rivers directions? Too late now...

* * *

Message 64 of 102 in Discussion
From: rivers Sent: 9/21/2002 11:19 PM
"Ahh let me see here Megn's Big Bash and she has given me the honor of bartending and as I have just went through the the Dragons Gate and it sent me miraculously to "The Restaurant at the End of the Universe", I have picked up some wonderful drink recipes namely "The Pan-Galactic Gargleblaster "and a couple of bottles of that "Old Janx Spirit". Man are these guy gonna have a good time it will almost be like the "Big Bang Show" at the restaurant. Let me see here I got my boots on, tap the heels toghether and say "Megn's Big Bash, Megn's Big Bash, Megn's Big Bash". The colors started swirling and a serious sense of disorientation overcomes Rivers and ********** Chicka bount bow chicka chicka*********** he is outside O.R.C. I have to find Megn and get my itenerary but first I must talk to a man about his dog.....................................................

* * *

Message 65 of 102 in Discussion
From: RobedMERLIN Sent: 9/22/2002 9:23 AM
My oh my what a mess you have made Illadria.....Why do you roll my bowling ball into my supply of "Love Potions"......Now you have 2 dwarves who will follow you around like puppy dogs forever..no more peace and quiet for you.......And honestly do you really think i would leave my palantir or my "get down to buisness wands" out where anyone could get to them, they remain safe and secure..lol you just stole my marshmellow wand..lol It will be amusing to follow your adventures with your 2 "Lovesick" Dwarves now............

Megn1 sent me? a invitation to the party? what manner of trickery is this? Oh i will be coming,with plenty of surprises..lol But to invade a person's home, hmmmmmmmmaybe i should share this new tactic that they have used.....Note to rivers,karo6,sparrow Soliel, and my secret allies...Do NOT, i repeat,,,,DO NOT.....eat the cake

* * *

Message 66 of 102 in Discussion
From: megn1 Sent: 9/22/2002 12:48 PM
The weather clouded over. That was on Saturday the eve of the Party. Anxiety was intense. Then Sunday, September the 22nd actually dawned. The sun got up, the clouds vanished, flags were unfurled and the fun began.

Megn and Lizzy met the guests (and additions) at the new white gate in person.

They gave a welcoming smile to one and all. To some they said "See you soon in the Great Hall." To others they said "Help yourself to some cake in the courtyard."

Over her shoulder, Megn said to an assistant "Remember, all TRers get into the Great Hall. They are all invited guests."

"Even RobedMerlin?"

"Even RobedMerlin - this is a great day, and all hostility is laid aside. See if you can get him to leave his wand at the door..."

* * *

Message 67 of 102 in Discussion
From: Tumnus Sent: 9/23/2002 12:35 AM
click, click, click, click...

Tumnus woke from his near-comatose state of sleep to the repetition of the movie reel. 'Namariatrix' had long since been over, and a little drool had collected onto his pillow (backpack). The floor was cold, hard concrete, and he felt sore and stiff. It was past midnight, and some light from a full moon had slowly crept across the window.

He knew that he ought to head off towards his room in the north wing, but a strange sense of adventure stirred within him. Perhaps it was the moon. He gathered his belongings and headed up the stairs.

He opened the door, and to his great surprise (and secret pleasure) ... the entire building above the basement was entirely gone! It was as if some torrential force had ripped the building away. Sorta of reminded him of the Wizard or Oz. Hmm... 'I wonder what wizards may be in the vicinity. Hopefully, not evil ones. If they are evil, they ought to beware of falling houses,' he chuckled. From his experience, magic had always helped to keep life exciting; anything could happen.

Magic (change) was in the air, as it is for all sublunar places. Perhaps the loss of the school was for the best. Afterall, the O.R.C. like a prison, was one of those N.I.M.B.Y. buildings (NotInMyBackYard - everyone thinks they are necessary, but nobody wants it in their backyard). The value of the surrounding houses now had a chance to grow again, now that the local vandalizers had been cleared out.

Unfortunately, his bedroom had also been cleared out, but he was not tired anyways. After all this excitement, he looked forward to seeing his friends, and having an import beer from Rivers. Pulling his birthday invitation and flashlight out of his pack, he headed off to megn1's castle.

* * *

Message 68 of 102 in Discussion
From: Tumnus Sent: 9/23/2002 1:35 AM
The young faun wandered long and far under the bright moonlight. Finally, he humbled himself and pulled out the invitation to look at the directions. There were none. He felt a certain glee in being lost, but also a certain glee in the knowledge that even megn1 forgets to put things on her checklist once in a while.

Having spent most of his life out in the wild, he did not feel lost. He just hadn't found his destination yet. That's all. He reached into a side pocket and pulled out his new Garmin Vista GPS. Then he headed to the nearest high point to take a look at the surrounding lands. The high point happened to be rocky outcropping, with a patch of green on top. After climbing the very steep and forlorn hill, he sat down upon the excrescent green mound to look around.

Though forlorn, pinnacles had always produced an austere pleasure for him. For the faun, it wasn't the sense of accomplisment that mountain climbing provided for some, it was more the sense of power and beauty that moved him. It was a place where the vast expanse of sky came down to meet the massive swelling of the ground. It was a place of trancendence into something unknown, something invisible.

A ruddy gloaming was just starting to appear on the horizon, silhouetting a castle. He pulled out his pipe and Old Toby, and lay back against the top of the hill enjoy the moment, and to think. Two wisps of smoke rose up out of the ground behind him. 'Hmmm... There must be some volcanic activity up here,' he thought.

He recalled the story he had just read the day before and the essays on orc redemption. It had all become so confusing. So many characters, so many ideas. And how could orcs be redeemed without a redeemer? Certainly not through such a silly (although well-intentioned) thing as a school. He knew of only one way. It was in the old books, in the old magic. If a dragon confined himself to a place of historic power (real life) for a period of time, but also stopped by to check on the well-being of the local inhabitants from time to time, then it would be possible for orcs to be redeemed. Ah, that tied up the plot and question of orc redeemability nicely.

He had not yet read the end of the story, for it was a magical book, and the chapters always seemed unending. From time to time, new chapters would even appear. He only hoped that it would not be the SGD who left, but one of the other dragons. He really enjoyed having the SGD around. But if the SGD decided to leave, then he would give the SGD the freedom to leave. Only, he hoped that the SGD would stop by once in a while. As everyone involved in the story of "The Great War" knew, there was that ominous vow (promise) that the SGD would return in a couple of weeks or so.

The castle was now on fire in the sunlight. He was sure it would be a place where friends could meet, and enjoy each other's company. He was sure it was going to be a great day. A rock in the side of the hill blinked open to reveal a yellow cat-like eye, which watched Tumnus, careful as a mountain goat, head down the tor and into the east.

* * *

Message 69 of 102 in Discussion
From: Glorfindle Sent: 9/23/2002 2:07 AM
This message has been deleted by the manager or assistant manager.

* * *

Message 70 of 102 in Discussion
From: Illadria Sent: 9/23/2002 2:57 AM
As Winkin, Blinkin, and Illadria watched, a thick cloud of smoke gathered midst the broken bottles and rapidly enveloped them and ROBEDMERLIN. Illadria could see nothing through the haze, but it cleared quickly, and as it did, she saw ROBEDMERLIN pull the loose straps from his wrist. "Hmmm..." she thought, "He's kinda cute for a villianous wizard. And he sure can run fast."

(ROBEDMERLIN made a mad dash for the bathroom. See message #59)

Illadria was still staring after him, waiting for his return, when Winkin, or was it Blinkin (she never could tell for sure) grabbed her hand. "Come Illadria we must go now. We've accomplished what we came here for, now let's hurry back. We don't want to be late for the Birthday Bash." And his brother grabbed her other hand, "Yes, the Birthday Bash. I heard there will dancing. You will dance the first dance with me, won't you Illadria?"

As they talked, the twins led Illadria out of the house and back to the Hog. They alternated between fawning over Illadria and pulling each others beards.

Illadria climbed onto the bike. As the dwarves fought over who would sit behind her, she stared back at the house. She thought she saw ROBEDMERLIN standing in the window looking back at her. He seemed so sad...just like she felt. She wanted to stay, but she knew the dwarves were right, she would be needed back at the party. So she put her helmet on and kickstarted the motorcycle, but they were still arguing over their seating arrangements. Illadria decided to just start going and let the fastest one get the seat of his choice. As she took off, the dwarves stopped fighting and started running.

Winkin was the faster of the two, but as he put out his hand to grab on, Blinkin struck with his foot, tripping him. Then Blinkin climbed up behind Illadria and wrapped his arms tightly around her. Now Winkin was angry. When he caught up to them he grabbed Blinkin and pulled. Down on top of Winkin came first Blinkin and then Illadria. Somehow, all three were clear of the massive motorcycle as it too crashed to the ground.

Illadria was caught between the two as they punched and kicked each other. She tried desperately to break them apart but only wound up being punched and kicked herself. Taking that as a clear invitation, she jumped into the fray.

During the tussle, the ROBEDMERLIN's wand fell from her pocket and was dashed on a large stone.

----------------------------------------------------

ROBEDMERLIN laughed at Illadria for taking his marshmallow wand and for mistaking his bowling ball for a palantir. He had a good laugh, but he was still sad. He was glad that Illadria had left, but he wished she had'nt made Blinkin go with.

If only he had had a chance to convince Blinkin to stay! Now he watched from his upstairs window as Winkin and Illadria hit Blinkin repeatedly. Clearly he wanted to stay, and they were trying to force him to come along.

As ROBEDMERLIN watched the fight intently, he saw his wand slip out of Illadria's pocket. It was aimed right at him.

As the wand struck the ground, ROBEDMERLIN heard himself saying "Na na na na na" right before he was completely encased in a gooey, sticky marshmallowey mess that glued him to the window.

He watched with tears in his eyes as Illadria picked up the motorcycle and made Blinkin sit between her and Winkin and then they all rode away.

* * *

Message 71 of 102 in Discussion
From: megn1 Sent: 9/23/2002 9:29 AM
Megn sat back in her chair. She needed a break, just for a moment. She was doing her best to be the good hostess, and make sure everyone was having fun at the party. She smiled as she watched Lizzy mingle with all her friends. Indeed, this was a GOOD group of people.

Through an open window she heard the increasing chaotic noise of orcs partying. Her flower beds, recently re-planted by the dwarves, would be a mess tomorrow. She trusted that Rivers was taking good care of the orcs, serving them well as a bartender. Well, that would be revealed in time...

Though she tried not to, she couldn't help but look beside her at the empty chair that stood there. It was a study chair with a hole cut in the back for a tail to fit through. On it sat a new, perfect, crystal cake platter. The cake on the platter was green, and decorated with the words "Welcome, SGD." It was to be a surprise...

Swallowing the lump in her throat, she returned to her guests.

* * *

Message 72 of 102 in Discussion
From: RobedMERLIN Sent: 9/23/2002 8:11 PM
My Oh My....How many showers does a wizard have to take within a 24 hour period.....He thought these thoughts as he turned to go back with-in his mountain......As he closed the door and reset the new security wards the thought occurred to him that while blinkin was cute for a dwarven woman,,His heart was set upon another....He wondered if he would ever get brave enough to tell her.

His shower finished, and yet another clean pair of wizards magical underwear donned......He puts on his party robes and his new Party staff grabs his special bag of "Party Favors" ,and heads out the door for the party...This wil be a party they will never forget....(he he he)

* * *

Message 73 of 102 in Discussion
From: Glorfindle Sent: 9/23/2002 9:41 PM
Cautiously, Asfaloth found his footing around the bushy out-croppings of tangle weed. Glorfindle rode with head bowed, chanting in soft tones in Queyna, as he made his way into the wilds. He had just come from meeting with Popo, that had not turned out well. His pain almost overcame him, but he rested his mind in the Undying Lands, in the glow of the trees, and in memories long forgotten.

He reigned Asfaloth in as they closed on a gentle creek bed. He stared at the twilight decending upon the trees, and the early glow of a new moon rising. A single tear he last shed in immortal time for a departed friend.

"Namárië, Mellyn" was all he said.

K6

* * *

Message 74 of 102 in Discussion
From: RobedMERLIN Sent: 9/24/2002 6:57 PM
The Wizard is at the top of the hill overlooking the great scene below at Megn1's re-built castle.....Such a party he has not seen for quite awhile.....He see a great assemblege of friends from ME as well as those who have not been "quite so friendly" but he does agree that on such a momentus occassion, angers andpercieved hurts should be put aside. Shaking his head he reutrns to surveying the party....he sees sparrow and megn1 and the guests of honor......also illadria and larwain, and Soleil and many many others..And up a tree on the corner of the lawn sits the ghost of legolas..no one notices him but ROBEDMERLIN ,and he knows the wizard will not give him away...................Yet the wizard senses NO malice and wonders what legolas is here for.....

He now arrives at the gate and walks in and surprisingly is welcomed in a friendly manner..He even opens his party favor bag and shows the gatekeeper the "football Shaped " party favors.......seeing nothing threatening he opens the gate and lets ROBEDMERLIN pass......The wizard settles down in the corner on a stool, enjoying a pint, and waits for the arrival of the rest of the guests as well as for the formal introduction of the Guest of honor...This is gonna be a great party"

* * *

Message 75 of 102 in Discussion
From: rivers Sent: 9/26/2002 1:54 PM
After serving his pal Robed Merlin a beer, Rivers walks back to a huge vat he is mixing some vaious ingredients in. "Let me see here, a healthy portion of that 'Old Janx Spirit' which if drank straight will cause the imbiber to go insane for an hour followed by several days of drooling and fits of euphoria that usually include naked break-dancing on a card-board box in front of thousands of people even if your all alone and then the sobering up process which usually includes a team of therapists and some mustard, a splash of that toe curling Entwash followed by dried and crumbled kingsfoil, pureed lembas concluding with exactly 1 nanogram of pseudo Scorlock the mind inhibitor from the moon of the prison planet Loche Kem Uppe which given in any large dose causes everyone to reenact every episode of "Leave It To Beaver" without having to watch any episodes which was on the cusp of proving once and for all that Nurture beats Nature until it was found out that after imbibing only a nanogram would make one smile and repeatedly say to no one in particular " I want you to go out and cut the largest tree in the forrest down with ................ A Herring" and to follow up by laughing uncontrollably while moon walking with a fish in one hand and a glove on the other. Rivers surveys the crowd and then pours in the rest of that 'Old Janx Spirit' realizing that this would be the party to end all parties". "Shoot, I forgot the cherry Kool-Aid" quickly he steps in the Dragon's Gate and goes to Semmes he picks up the Kool-aid and a 50 lb bag of sugar as he returns he notices the wind and rain has followed him."Man I brought Isadore with me, oh well looks like its gonna be a hurricane party"..........................

* * *

Message 76 of 102 in Discussion
From: RobedMERLIN Sent: 9/26/2002 4:02 PM
As the wizard sits back to enjoy a fresh pint, served by his good friend Rivers, he seems puzzled.....He can no longer sense his friend, Karo6 's presense anywhere with-in the bounds of middle earth not, even with the use of his palantir......ROBEDMERLIN is saddened by this sudden loss of a friend and ally.....but deeep with-in his heart, he feels that ME has not seen the last of his friend. His room within the wizards keep will be kept as he left it.....

The Glint in River 's eyes , tells the old wizard he is up to something, and since he and Rivers , are friends aand allies, he has decided to keep his own plan in check for the moment to allow his friend to do what he is doing.......It ought to be fun...(he he he) But ROBEDMERLIN casts a protection shield around him just in case to avoid any "stray" magic.....

[Stormrider]

Message 77 of 102 in Discussion
From: Stormrider Sent: 9/26/2002 4:43 PM
Meanwhile, while the party commenced, the Dragon's Gate portal shimmered, glowed, quivered, and spun three times. As if its lips were puckered, it spit out a humongous creature! Upon the creature was one lonely figure--Stormrider.

She moved the creature forward and it searched for sandy ground to bury itself. The ground was too hard and consisted mainly of deep, rich, earth, and grass. The sandworm was not happy. It required its spicy sand to survive and move quickly.

Stormrider noted a sudden stealthy movement on the outskirts of the woods surrounding Megn1's castle. Music, laughter, and general happy sounds were coming from the castle and the party was progressing nicely. The partygoers were not aware of the danger that was creeping up on them from the woods.

But Stormrider was aware of the danger. She spurred the sandworm forward to deter the approaching menace...

* * *

Message 78 of 102 in Discussion
From: RobedMERLIN Sent: 9/27/2002 7:24 AM
A sense of foreboding passes over the wizard......He walks into a quiet corner of the yard to view the area through the minature palantir built into his "party" staff...he sees Stormrider returning, but what is that strange creature she is astride of?? The danger is not there though... as the wizard shifts his view towards the woods, he sees.............. He must wanr the others....This party is over , for indeed DANGER COMES............

* * *

Message 79 of 102 in Discussion
From: Tumnus Sent: 9/27/2002 10:01 AM
Having stopped to see his friend Bacchus (who had promised to come by shortly), Tumnus arrived at noonish. He always invited Bacchus to parties (but no where else - he was just too wild and crazy). He wore dark sunglasses, and had his hair spoofed up to impress the ladies.

To his chagrin, a bunch of boozed up drooling orcs were raising havoc in the castle courtyard. They looked like they had rabies, or more likely some exotic drink from Rivers. He was surprised that Megn hadn't kicked them out on the streets yet.

He stepped into a corridor, which led to a massive dining room - The Great Hall. It was all decked out; the decorations were fabulous. There was a world-record size cake on a chair, an exhausted and half asleep megn sat in a nearby chair, rivers was in control of the bar (or perhaps it was the other way around, he seemed to have some kind of wild look in his eye - Tumnus couldn't decide if it was extreme mischieviousness, or if he was just plain psycho), I.B. was opening other peoples' presents behind a little booth and then trying to resell them (while simultaneously talking on his cell phone to get a patent for the Entwash cure to the Old Janx Spirit), Merlin was laid out on the floor drooling and Illadria was nearby with two dwarves trying to help the mad wizard (no one could go near him though, apparently he had some sort of shield around him. Too bad it only worked against magic and not against rivers' toxic chemical-old janx spirit which was just plain poison. Good poison though). Glor, Zauber, Storm, and a few others, who had promised to come, apparently just hadn't arrived yet.

Everything was going swell, and the party was only missing one very important thing. As if on cue, Bacchus burst in! Tumnus yelled, "Hey everyone, come out on the lawn, and let's dance dance dance!" Totally out of the blue, the seemingly dead Merlin jumped up and moonwalked out of the chamber and into the courtyard. Not bad for an old wizard! Bacchus, like a perfect gentleman, went over and picked up a sleeping megn and carried her out towards the courtyard.

When everyone arrived outside, punk music was already playing at a hearing loss decible level. The orcs had formed an aggressive mash pit, and most of them had already killed each other off. Bacchus and Merlin immediately jumped in. Merlin started breakdancing on a cardboard box (in his birthday robe - the ladies present gasped, and many turned around). Bacchus was so wild, many of the orcs quit the mash pit and even left the party saying, "Now that guy is outta control!"

Tumnus removed himself to the dj table to spin a few tunes that everyone could dance to; he decided to change up the pace to a slower tune, perhaps an old Tinuviel record. Megn, being awoken by the previous punk songs, seemed to smile as a more melodic round of songs commenced, and accepted Bacchus' offer to dance.

* * *

Message 80 of 102 in Discussion
From: Tumnus Sent: 9/27/2002 3:44 PM
What RobedMerlin saw (before the dancing):

RM's eyes became inured to the world as he gazed into his party staff palantir. Like a puppet, he had no choice; his head remained fix in the direction of the ball.

A dark cloud seemed to take shape, and a pair of preternatural red orbs intensified to form eyes. It carried a staff with a ball on top of it, and its cape flowed in the wind like a winged, rippling shroud of darkness. It was all black. Could it even follow him into this castle? Could he not lose it even here?

"Aagh! It's coming, we're all doomed!" he cried out. In utter terror, he ran to The Great Hall. While running, he said, 'nananananananannananannana-nih-nih-nih-no-nih-nih-naga-naga-nichichee' in a high nasally voice and pointed the wand towards himself to cast his 'protection' spell. He knew that that spell would not be enough against such a great evil. Out of breath, he fell at the foot of River's bar. "What up Merle?" asked Rivers.

"It is my shadow, and it comes to claim me!" responded an exasperated RM. Rivers shrugged.

RM looked offended. "I don't think you understand. This isn't any ol' shadow, it is the shadow of a mighty wizard, a king among principalities of the air, a dark lord, a sorceror, a master of mystery, a governor of wickedness, an elusive spirit with insuperable spells ..."

"What a lot of bilge water..." muttered Rivers under his breath. Out loud he said, "I think you take your idiom too seriously sometimes, but I have just the ticket for such shadows. I've gotta drink here that I auger will wash'em down to the underground." Or at least palliate his ego he thought to himself.

Without taking a breath RM gulped it all down. Smoke came out of his ears and his face became aflame. He hopped up and down, and started speaking in pig-latin to himself. All of a sudden, he collapsed on the floor, and his sight darkened. He was in euphoria, and no shadows were there.

* * *

Message 81 of 102 in Discussion
From: RobedMERLIN Sent: 9/28/2002 2:36 AM
ROBEDMERLIN"S state of euphoria does not last very long.....For as he floats aboove his still form,he glances to the north...........the SHOCK of what he sees coming snaps him back to his body where his magic wizards underware does the rest..Why are they magic? Because they are curative, they protect him by quickly dissapating the poisons and draughts that entered his system,,,He awakens and pulls himself up with his staff...He goes off to find Megn1, and the others to tell them what he has seen.....Even the shadow. pales in comparisonfor he becaaame a shadow wizard by losing his life to the belrog under the mountain....But now the goblins come from the north, and they bring the balrog with them..HOW can this be?

And why is stormy riding a Sandworm? Could it be that this creature , from a different time and place is what can defeat the balrog?

And how did the goblins gain their seeming control of the balrog?

His football shaped party favors should handle the goblins all right...For the magic though not lethal is very strong..It is time to bring Megn1 ,Soleil, Rivers,and the others in on his plan??And where have illadria and larwain dissappeared too......now is not the time for Profit-making...

* * *

Message 82 of 102 in Discussion
From: RobedMERLIN Sent: 9/28/2002 2:48 AM
As the meeting is about to commence, ROBEDMERLIN sees Sparrow fly in through a near-by window..Since she knows allready some of his plan for victory, she agrees to take on a special misson::1- To find Glorfindle, and get him here fast..For the great elflords help will be needed....He also ask Rivers to perform a task as well..Since now is the time for action, not drinking, he sends Rivers down into the opening of the new mine which is behind Megn1'shouse to bring back the 3 legions of Dwarven Fighters....They will fight goblins on a moments notice, for they still remember the injustice done in their Home under the mountain.

Now for the plan

* * *

Message 83 of 102 in Discussion
From: Stormrider Sent: 9/28/2002 1:33 PM
Atop the giant sandworm, Stormrider watches as the Orcs in the woods surrounding Megn1's castle weave in a out of the trees. She sees that they are all wearing TR caps and tshirts but carry weapons and armor akin to Saruman's colors and design. These must be Orcs in disguise trying to fool everyone into believing they are the "possibly" rehabilitated elforcs.

Suddenly, the Orcs stop dead in their tracks! They crane their necks to listen. Trembling they exchange horrified looks with each other and begin a retreat. Stormrider is troubled by this retreat and knows that only something more horrible than an army of Orcs could cause an army of Orcs to back off.

Stormrider urges the sandworm forward and comes up to the moat surrounding the castle. She jumps off the sandworm and offers it a "treat" from the huge bag she carries. It is a spice treat to subdue and tame the worm. She crosses the drawbridge and knocks on the great doors. A moment later, she is admitted by a somewhat dishevelled Megn1.

"I think there is something everyone should be aware of." Stormrider begins. "There was a band of Orcs disguised in TR clothing sneaking up on the castle. They just disbanded and that can only mean something worse is approaching.

Everyone at the party looked extremely uncomfortable at this news. A silence fell as they moved toward the castle windows to take a look outside.

"I have a sandworm with me from the planet Dune, so don't be concerned about it. I have brought it here to help us, believe it or not!" Stormrider continued.

At that moment, Robedmerlin rushed into the room panting for breath and looking wild-eyed.......

* * *

Message 84 of 102 in Discussion
From: sparrow Sent: 9/29/2002 12:26 PM
Sparrow knew exactly where Glorfindle was, having spent some time there in contemplation and mourning herself. Immediately upon hearing Robed Merlin's call, Sparrow departed. The long flight into the wilds wearied her, but she new the cause was urgent. Arriving at Glor's creekside campsite, she delayed only to drink some water before delivering her message.

"Glor, I know the pain in your heart. Yet now we must be strong. Megn and all the others are in grave danger. Robed Merlin has repented of his attack. He has seen something coming in his palantir. Even the Orcs have ceased their advance and fled."

Glor studied the frantic little bird. "Aye," he said, "Karo would be greatly disappointed if we did not protect our remaining friends. If he were to return, it would not do for him to find devestation."
Sparrow continued, "Glor, we cannot defeat this enemy without your help."

"Then we must go now," replied the elflord. He extended his index finger to Sparrow. "You have come this far distance in great haste," he offered, "please ride with me."

Sparrow hopped onto Glor's finger. He placed her on his shoulder, and they were off. Sparrow had to hold tightly as they raced back towards Megn's castle.

* * *

Message 85 of 102 in Discussion
From: RobedMERLIN Sent: 9/29/2002 1:20 PM
Ah!!!!!! ROBEDMERLIN breathes a sigh of relief.....As he looks up from his Palantir,he informs the assemblege that Sparrow has been successful in her search foe the Elf Ford "Glorfindle"..Now we await the return of Rivers from his mission to bring back The dwarven Fighters..3 legions should be enoough to coontrol the attack of the Goblins that are coming........

ROBEDMERLIN proceded to explain the power of the Football shaaped Party favors.....Their magic is that they"spell those who are the target" causing them to do the chicken dance for at least 24 straight hours..Allthough intended for a differeent use, They will confuse the goblins,thus making it easy for the dwarves to remove their threat.

But........that still leaves the Balrog.....How the Goblins are getting him to come along is still unknown, but it is common knowledge that Balrogs have no love for wizards

As the menace draws, there is increased agitation in the sandworm..Could there be a connection? The sandworm seems to be sensing spice..Hmmmm perhaps Glorfindle will be able to make som sense of this...........

* * *

Message 86 of 102 in Discussion
From: RobedMERLIN Sent: 10/1/2002 6:59 AM
The wizard surveys the scene before him........Plenty of footballs are at the ready on each outer wall of Megn1's mansion, and the people are as ready as they will ever be......

Sparrow has returned from her mission to find Glorfindle, he has taken a sidetrack to check on something but send a message to ROBEDMERLIN..A full company of Elven Archers is on their way.hey should arrive with-in the hour. they will be a blessing as ROBEDMERLIN feels that the attack will begin this evening..

The worm Stormrider rode back from Dune has broken his tether and headed off towards the advancing horde...The balrog seems to exude the essence of spice and the Worm will not be deterred....So soon we will see if The worm can solve our problem with this menace.....We can hope...

An interesting side-light....The ghost of Legolas has suddenly perked up and appears to be staring intently in the direction of Rivendell, from where the elven archers come..As ROBEDMERLIN looks into the palantir, he sees a rather amazing sight, the Elven leaader seems to be a dead-ringer to Legolas...A brother , no a twin!!!!ROBEDMERLIN senses this and thinks maybe DA's continuing issue with her "Brain Cloud" might be a good thing

ANd just where did the Dragons go??

ROBEDMERLIN - "Defender of Dragons"

* * *

Message 87 of 102 in Discussion
From: RobedMERLIN Sent: 10/1/2002 6:45 PM
ROBEDMERLIN searches the Palantir intently..He is looking for signs of the dragons, who suddenly dissappeared , strangely enough, at the same time as the appearance of the worm that Stormrider rode back from Dune....hmmm he continues the search , finding no sign of the little green smokers 3 brothers........

And what of the Lil green smoker? Since ROBEDMERLIN was the one who introduced him to Karo6 in the first place, he feels a sense of responsibility,now that Karo6 has slipped to another realm......

Where are Rivers and those darn dwarves??

* * *

Message 88 of 102 in Discussion
From: RobedMERLIN Sent: 10/2/2002 10:04 PM
Hearing a noise of war from the north, the wizard turns and scans the skies..The Goblins are on the move with the Balrog........But whats this...... from the entrance of the mine behind Megn1's palace come the dwarven fighters..heading into the fray...............FIRE shoots from the skies, " The Dragons" they have done aand end around and are coming at the orcs and goblins from behind....Arrows fly from the east as the Elven archers join the fray.......their arrows seem to have no effect on the balrog though as it zooms straight for the palace........between the dwarves, elves and the dragons..the orcs and the goblins are falling into dissarray very quickly...

Suddenly the worm comes up from the ground, right in front of the dragons but he turns to face the balrog...the remaining combatants back off...the air is "charged with energy" SUddenly ROBEDMERLIN yells fire at will and hundreds of "Magic Footballs" go sailing awaay at the combatants....what happens next is amazing......The worm and the BAlrog.......STop fighting and start doing the "Chicken Dance" together.. along with a few goblins and Orcs who got caught in the cross-fire"........This effect is so amazing that even the most grizzled of fighters is LTBO, at the sight before them..

The Sun is starting to rise so the few remaining goblins retreat quickly...THe dwarves seeing the few remaining orcs just standing around attack and finish off the orcs quickly, then go off after the goblins.....The elves are running to join the castle defenders...And a most amazing thing happens..The worm and the Balrog go off together ,dancing the chicken dance as they go throough the dragon's gate...They are gone...

Suddenly ROBEDMERLIN sssmells smoke....he turns to see the castle wall burning....What manner of magic is this? he runs quickly to insure that all the defenders are off the burning wall....Now where iss MEGN1 at?

* * *

Message 89 of 102 in Discussion
From: RobedMERLIN Sent: 10/4/2002 7:32 AM
What deviltry is this? How can stone burn? and burn quickly as this ^#&@ (that's wizard speak).......I smell glue........I must find MEGN1 quickly, she has been had...............

* * *

Message 90 of 102 in Discussion
From: RobedMERLIN Sent: 10/5/2002 1:38 PM
ROBEDMERLIN continues his search for Megn1.....He has sent rivers and Illadria to help evacuate the others out the rear gate of Megn1"s palace..And thus the search continues............

He has discovered the secret that haas caused the walls to burn so easily...Megn1 , has indeed been had.....There will indeed be some dues to be paid...

All the party goers have been aaccoounted for and are safe.......except for megn1.........The fire is now oout and the searchfor clues begins...Using the Palantir, ROBEDMERLIN searches for clues to Megn1's whereabouts..He can sense her spirit so he knows she is still alive, but WHERE is she? And WHO ?, or WHAT?, is responsible?

* * *

Message 91 of 102 in Discussion
From: RobedMERLIN Sent: 10/6/2002 8:43 PM
The mystery continues to grow.......Megn1's palace of paper mache is a smoking heap of ash........The dwarves have much to answer for.....But where is Megn1?

ROBEDMERLIN sends Sparrow on a mission to find Glorfindle to inform him of this latest developement....He also asks Rivers to form a party ro search the mine behind the palace...The dragons are flying search patterns in a ever-widening circle.......The elves are searching the woods to the north ..........

A meeting is called in 12 hoours to discuss what to do next.......Here's to hoping that Megn1 will turn up before then......

ROBEDMERLIN--"Defender of Dragons"

[Stormrider]

Message 92 of 102 in Discussion
From: megn1 Sent: 10/6/2002 10:48 PM
Megn smelled smoke. She saw grey light, shining through a haze. She heard muffled voices, at a distance. She could not move. She had no idea where she was. She hoped that someone would find her soon...

* * *

So far, the search flights of the dragons have turned up nothing concerning Megn1's where-abouts..There has been no word yet from the elves searching the woods to the north. This is puzzling........A thought strikes ROBEDMERLIN as he ponders Megn1's where-abouts..........WHY? Isss there smoky haze coming from the entrance to the mine? Has Rivers even started his search yet?

And where are those dang dwarves? There are many things to be answered for.........

At the strategy meeting in a couple of hours, ROBEDMERLIN intends to propose a search of the dwarves mine on a very detailed scale..Sometimes the best place to hide someone is right under a person's nose..hmmm........

* * *

Message 94 of 102 in Discussion
From: RobedMERLIN Sent: 10/8/2002 4:02 PM
ROBEDMERLIN looks about searching for any kind of clue as to Megn1's dissappearence...the longer it goes on , the harder it is to find a trace........

The dragons have returned from their search with no positive results..They have went 100 miles in all directions. which causes ROBEDMERLIN to realize that maybe the focus should be closer.......So he sends one of the dragons to guard the entranceof the Dragon's Gate . One he sends to recall the elves from their search of the north woods...The third he sends to the wizards keep..Since the dwarves know it's location ( thanks to Illadria bringing two of them with her on her visit) ROBEDMERLIN does not trust them.

Trying to cover all angles..he plans for the search of the mine...time is of the essence If the rest dont show up soon, he will have to go alone..

Where has Rivers disappeared too..Why has he not returned from his preliminary search of the mine? Could something have happened to him as well? WHat manner of EVIL is this? Who is responsible??

* * *

Message 95 of 102 in Discussion
From: RobedMERLIN Sent: 10/14/2002 4:30 PM
Well after fruitless hours of outside searching and hoping,,It is time to enter the mine...Megn1 has to be in here,,there is no other place for her to be.....The party for the search is split into 2 parts...One led by ROBEDMERLIN, cconsisting of Majah, Rivers. Winkin, and the aforementioned wizard...The second party is to be led by Illadria,consisting of Sparrow, DA, Blinkin,as well as Illadria........Since the cavern splits into two paths about 50 yards in.It was thought that two partys would be more efficient....One of the little green smoker's kin have taken up a guard position at the entrance.......and the little green smoker himself guards the split with Friend of the wizard and Algamesh..This is to help cover a hasty retreat by either of the parties...

The stage is set and the parties move out.....ROBEDMERLIN'S party goes right...Illadria"s party to the left..success to all.....

And slowy the sounds die out as both partie leave the Little Green smoker and Algamesh to their thoughts and to the silence within................

**************************

Megn1 still lays bound and unable to move....She has managed to loosen the pressure of her restraints but cannot yet free herself........She is indeed, somewhere within the mine, but where??? She is a strong woman , and does not dispair for she knows her friends will find her....She ponders who, or what could have done this too her, and more importantly, WHY?..............

* * *

Message 96 of 102 in Discussion
From: Majah Sent: 10/19/2002 1:33 AM
This message has been deleted by the author.

* * *

Message 97 of 102 in Discussion
From: Majah Sent: 10/19/2002 1:36 AM
Majah was concerned and a little bewildered at being chosen as one of the party of this important mission but her newly formed friendship with Megn1 was giving her the strength and resolve to continue. Majah glanced around in the darkness as she felt the presence of the other members and felt reassured by their calm demeanors. RobedMerlin had his reasons for selecting her to join the search but Majah wasn’t sure if even he knew the secret she has been keeping to herself.

Majah stumbled a little and bumped into Rivers who was walking in front of her.

“S’cuse me Rivers.” She whispered and she felt his hand steady her again.

“No problem Majah, but if you trip one more time you are outa this parade.” Rivers replied and Majah blinked back tears a few times before realizing Rivers was just being his impish self to try to put her at ease.

“Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh…no more sound you two!” RobedMerlin thundered under his breath ,”You must concentrate and focus your thoughts people…especially YOU, Majah!”

And it was in that moment that Majah knew deep within her purple heart that RobedMerlin DID know her secret! And she also knew why she was a part of this mission.

“Hold on dear Megn…” Majah thought projected into the darkness ahead. “Find comfort knowing that we, your friends are heading towards you…” Majah stroked the talisman that hung around her neck and smiled to herself.

* * *

Message 98 of 102 in Discussion
From: RobedMERLIN Sent: 10/20/2002 9:50 AM
We return to the scene of the search for Megn1.......The cave having split into 2 parts caused a split into 2 parties...We now look in on the group led by Illadria; They continue to advance cautiously through the cavern...IT would be alot darker if not for the use of the light crystal that ROBEDMERLIN gave to them,And Illadria think maybe the wizard is ok after all..

CRASH,,,BANG<<<<CLANG...... ILLadria turns with weapon drawn only to see Blinkin , tangled up in the mess of his own backpack, contents strewn about.......QUiet, you lovesick fool, before you bring the enemy down upon us..........DA looks at the scene and wonders just how long the wizards love potions last, Sparrow goes out ahead on a short recon mission, sees nothing and returns to the party, The search continues with Sparrow flying point, and Blinkin in the midle of Illadria in front and DA with weapon drawn, bringing up the rear............

***********************************

Megn1 has heard the clamor of noise caused by the dwarf..They seem fairly close......Megn1 tries a few shouts, to no avail, this place is soundproofed to keep the noises from getting out of the room.....What manner of evil magic is this anyway?.........

************************************

Meanwhile , back at the split, we find Algamesh, Friend OTW, and the little green smoker , ever vigilant , and talking quietly..Algamesh turns to FriendOTW and ask her, about her rolling pin she is carrying, he is curious as to her inclusion in this effort..FriendOTW explains to him that the rolling pin has been imbued with a sleep spell, which will instantly render unconcious, those who are struck by it.....A weapon just right for the close quarters which they may find themselves in........Meanwhile the Lil'Green smoker sits and ponders.he watches the cavern and seems sort of sad...He wishes his Friend Karo6, was still here,but he wants to do his best for ROBEDMERLIN is the one who brought them together in the first place.............Algamesh polishes his weapon and stands ready, mentally making note to stay out of arm's reach of FriendOTW, when the battle comes................

* * *

Message 99 of 102 in Discussion
From: RobedMERLIN Sent: 10/20/2002 10:11 AM
The wizards party meanwhile, continues on searching and casting out, trying to find any sign of an entrance,trapdoor, etc, anyclue to the whereabouts of Megn1..so far the search is fruitless

As they turn the corner, they come to a spring,,,ah fresh spring water!!!!!! WAIT shouts the wizard,he nods at Rivers,who is the expert on all things drinkable, and Rivers goes over pulling a small stick like object from with-in his vest pocket, sticks it in the water and then looks.. "It is safe to drink" Rivers says,so ROBEDMERLIN decides to take 5, and after setting the protection wards for the party,sits down to take a load off......Rivers,Majah, and Winkin join him and they begin to ask ?'s of Majah.......Who is She? How did she get here? Where did she come from? then the wizard holds up a hand and silence falls...."I have known Majah since the day I was begat" says the wizard..That is enough for you to know for now,save this,"she is not without power,of her own"....AAt this Majah eyes sparkle.......ROBEDMERLIN says "Sister, It is time"..Majah standsand walks to the front of the party , She touches the purple crystal she has with her and goes into a deep pattern of though...The time for secrecy is past says the wizard . they know we are here......If Megn1 is here, Majah will find her...........The wizard, Winkin, and Rivers take positions to guard Majah as she does her work.............

*****************************************

Megn1 suddenly feels a sense of calm..she senses the presence of Majah,and relaxs,,,She now knows she will be rescued...It is only a matter of time

* * *

Message 100 of 102 in Discussion
From: RobedMERLIN Sent: 10/23/2002 4:14 PM
Majah comes out of her trance and, after taking a minute to collect herself, tells ROBEDMERLIN "Megn1 is this way".. So the party reforms, and continues on into the cavern...After procedeing for about 5oo yards, they turn a corner and suddenly come face to face with a dead - end......Now what????River's is subconsciously wishing that he wasn't there.....He thinks "Somewhere there is a barrel of ale with my name on it" to which Majah replies "there is"...."Oops says Majah sry about that sometimes i forget to filter out the thoughts of my friends, when searching with my mind".... Rivers fumes..dang magic crap anyway he also makes a note to control his thoughts more carefully......Meanwhile, Winkin searches for something....There is a place to open the wall somewhere...Now just where is it.

Suddenly A huge puff of smoke appears and blinds everyone.....when the smoke clears, they find themselves in the same room with Megn1..After freeing her and seeing to her needs, they sit down aand try to figure out a way out of this mess.......

************************************

Megn1 is surprised at the sudden appearance of ROBEDMERLIN, Rivers Winkin , and Majah(Whom she does not recognize..After being untied, and drinking a special elixir brought by Rivers, she feels refreshed and sits down with the others to figure out this dilemma..

**************************************

Illadria,Sparrow ,DA, and Blinkin are still proceding down the cavern..They are, as of yet, not aware of how close they are their objective....For just on the otherside of the wall, is the room where Megn1, ROBEDMERLIN,Majah,Rivers, and Winkin are now held.....SO close, and yet they have no idea.....

* * *

Message 101 of 102 in Discussion
From: RobedMERLIN Sent: 10/26/2002 2:55 AM
Illadria.Sparrow,DA, and Blinkin continue to search for the missing Megn1........All of the sudden their torch goes out.....Blinkin , in his haste to impress Illadria, strikes a match to relight the torch, stumbles in his excitement, and sets the wall of the cavern on fire....How can this be?.......

*****************************

ROBEDMERLIN stands up at the same time as rivers and Megn1."I smell smoke", says the wizard, and suddenly,they turn to focus on the smell,and are amazed to see a hole appearingf before them, as the hole widens, they are even more astounded to see Illadria's party on the other side of the hole.."Just as I thought", Majah spoke......"ROBEDMERLIN we have seen this before"......

*****************************

The parties now reunited, procede to the cavern entrance, seeing Algemesh,FriendOTW, and the LIL'Green smoker, all greet each other in joy and relief..........."Let's get some fresh air" says Rivers.... As all the parties are standing outside, in the sunshine.......They are even more surprised when the Elf Lord Glorfindle rides up accompanied by the elven archers........."Brothers and Sisters...You have shown courage and maturity as you put aside your differences to work together through this time of trial...........""""""WHAT???Rivers shouts ? Your knew about this cavern's secret? Yes It was a test to prove you worthy of being defenders of ME......Allmost in unison "PROVE US" they shouted?

As the Semi--angry groups advances,(except for ROBEDMERLIN) DA and MEgn1 hear a familiar NA NA NA NA NA NA as a genlte rain of Pink lemonade and MArshmellows comes down on those near to the great Elf Lord.........Laughing Heartily ROBEDMERLIN,Majah, and FriendOTW dissappear in a puff of smoke...............After a brief period of anger, even the Elf Lord shows a slight grin, and soon all are laughing.....They break off to clean up and go on their seperate ways..........

The dwarves have returned, this time with real stones and mortar, and work on Megn1"s new house begins....

**************************************

Thus end s the story of the Great War.....No fanfare, no hero's welcomes, just peace and tranquility...Which is the best ME can hope for..........I Bet all of you who have followed this journal will never look at Pink Lemonade the same way again..LOL Peace

ROBEDMERLIN

* * *

Message 102 of 102 in Discussion
From: megn1 Sent: 10/26/2002 12:15 PM
Megn sits back in her lawn chair, watching the dwarves busily recreating her home... again. She sips a tall glass of pink lemonade, and reflects with gratitude that all has ended well.