2002 Clan War(RP)

'''Ankhil gains control of Darmius when he was TE of Ruby Ankh because of the Ruby Ankhil shield he made, TRYING to make a Ruby Ankh Shield for the clan hall since Darmius knew Tifa was going to try and burn down the hall. Because of his residual power, and Sharra filling me with her dark control, Tifa was able to shield Darmius’s mind, drain his power, and in a trance, tell her how to get into the hall.'''

Part One — Trista: A Memory of Flames (Sat Jan 19, 2002 — 23:54:04)
'''Waking in a dew-filled glen one a sunny morning, smoke filled the forests around her, and animals who were once her friends and messengers all ran as Trista awoke. Smoke covered the sunlight, and charred animals ran from the direction Trista once knew all too well - the Ruby Ankh clan hall.'''

'''Trista shook her head, trying to clear the haze over her mind as to what was happening and how she had gotten to where she had fallen asleep. Slowly she lifted her arcane senses to the wind and felt the dark tendrils of evil curl through the glen and into her very soul. Beside her was a small satchel of still-lit fireballs, and as she looked over the lands that were once her humble home, realization set in…'''

'''There's no way that Trista could have committed an act like this. Surely something is amiss. Trista warmed a cup of mind-clearing tea, easing what the thought was the worst of the agony. She leaned back and read the smoke. What images it brought to her she hardly believed. She snuck in through the old hidden entrance at the back of the treehouse, and... her mind hazed again. Certain a spell was cast upon her, she retrieved her looking glass.'''

'''Rubbing the glass thoughtfully, Trista gazed into its depths and saw what the past had wrought. A dark force called her from the Asylum she had sought after leaving the Ruby Ankh as a Djinn... or so she had thought. Her feline features changed to those of a manx with residual flying ability, and as such, she left Ruby Ankh and her treasured library behind. A dark force called to her in ways she couldn't understand.'''

'''The past flew by her in the small window of the glass, and she saw Tifa calling to her in her catnap. Curious as to why Tifa would care to speak with her, she left her sheltered Asylum and.. blanked out. The memories seemed not to exist, or a powerful ward was set against scrying. Frustrated and afraid, Trista gathered her things together, grabbed the sack of fireballs, and ran for her trusted Asylum again, locking herself in it's depths.'''

Part Two —  Tifa: Firestarter(Sat Jan 19, 2002 —  23:59:58)
'''Beautiful, beautiful fire licked the tops of the trees where Ruby Ankh called home. The information supplied by the tortured former member was invaluable in placing the bonfires... bonfires "gratefully" supplied by the bookworm ASD members' tomes of knowledge.'''

'''"What beautiful flames these books make..." she said as she walked through the inferno, seemingly untouched by the unholy flames. "Surely it will give those mercenary fools something to look at.  And to think our money isn't good enough for their filthy paws."'''

'''Easily disbanding the Ancient Stone Dog's protection against intruders, Tifa had snuck into their sacred library hours before and took the thickest, most rune-covered tomes to be brought to the now-burning clanhall's floors. She felt that the close minded knowledge-keepers had done nothing to help her in the past, so they would help her now... in ways of her own choosing.'''

'''Trista, hypnotized underneath the unholy sigil of Sharra, Shadow Queen, had unknowingly betrayed her former clan and helped Tifa enter the holy land of the Ruby Ankh. "How wonderful it is to help destroy what you once helped to create..." Tifa said to her mind-drained companion.'''

'''After the deed was done, Tifa left Trista on the wayside of a smoking glen and proceeded to nonchalantly toss a fireball into the domain of the mercenaries. "Please enjoy my gift." Tifa grinned wickedly, then went to see what other malice there was to create...'''

Part Three — Darun: The Fire(Sun Jan 20, 2002 — 00:55:32)
'''As always, I was resting in the hot springs in the Ruby Ankh Clan Hall after a hard day of questing, when I felt the temperature begin to rise to an uncomfortable level. I quickly got out of the hotsprings and wrapped a towel around my body, running into the main entrance of the clan hall. There, I found  not the aged dulcimer walls that I have come to love, but rather flames licking the once beautiful deciduous bark.'''

'''Horrified, I immediately began to pray to the heavens for gentle rains to wash away the blaze. Unfortunately, the fire was just too strong, and the rain could only control the spread of the blaze. I prayed that our precious clan hall could withstand the inferno while I went in search to determine what the cause of the fire was...'''

Part Four — Heinz(Sun Jan 20, 2002 — 02:02:14)
Stumbling wickedly back into the realm wondering what madness he might bring he slowly raises his cowl as his eyes come amidst flames rising above the tree line.

Slowly he thinks to himself "it would seem i've been replaced, a blaze of such grandeur is not something easily matched but im sure i can find some manner of which to oust such a deed but i wonder what exactly it is that is burning there....

Closing fast on the flames upon the back of a black nightmare steed he gazes thoughtfully onto the horizon reminiscing of wicked crimes he himself once caused upon these realms.

'''Upon arrival he realizes it is the very hall which he had seeked to destroy so many times under siege by some unknown force..... he swiftly finds the corpse of some unknown creature and gazes deeply into it's unseeing eyes attempting to elicit who would have done such a crime fitting only of himself.'''

'''Venturing deep within the corpses eyes he gazes upon a fragile djinn whom he once knew watching as she facelessly and almost sereally burns her own home to the ground. He cackles wickedly, becoming more aware of what is occuring. as he whispers softly onto the winds come to me..... "Trista" come to me face yet again my mighty gauntlet of despair. feel the hatred that lies deep within your very essence.'''

'''Cackling madly in the rubble of what once was the ruby ankh he stands watching the ashes slowly burn to embers and eventually to ash hidden behind his cloaks of shadows cackling madly into the window echoing his evil cries throughout the realm. "I have returned my children let it be known that our family shall once again gain strength from the weakness of good and know that i have returned to guide us onto the fires of hell and to our final resting place."'''

Part Five — Devaki: Burnt to a Crisp(Sun Jan 20, 2002 — 05:08:54)
'''A soft crackling roused him from his sleep. Devaki bolted upright in the simple cot, jarred with the memory of the flames that once consumed Quinari. Rushing to the window of the highest tower, he gazed over the land just recently acquired. To his dismay, his memory had served him correctly, and the flames continued to rise higher against the walls of the Mercenary Keep, now threatening to consume the mighty towers themselves.'''

'''He found his way down the staircases and to the ground floor. Already other Mercenaries were passing buckets of water back and forth to hurl towards the flames. As he reached the marketplace that now thrived around their keep, his heart and stomach sank, the source of the water now obvious. A bellowed a great scream as a young mercenary begrudgingly doled out the necessary gold to the blue-robed woman for her well water. A great rage filled him. They will pay for this. Pay in gold to replace what they must spend now to save their keep, and pay with their lives for such a blatant and unprovoked attack.'''

'''Dominian approached, wiped the soot from his face, and bowed. "The hall was threatened by the flames, but none seem to have caught.  They are diminishing now in their intensity." Devaki turned to him. "We were able to absorb most of them before any serious damage could come to the hall." Devaki nodded. '''

''' "There is another rumor, Elder." Devaki searched Dominian's face for an answer. "They say that the Ruby Ankh has been attacked as well.  They say that the damage was far greater than it was here." Devaki frowned. He had no vested interest in the Ankh, but clearly this was a well-orchestrated plot.'''

Devaki set off east for New Thalos, determined to find an answer and subsequently, reparations.

Part Six — Darun: Questions(Sun Jan 20, 2002 — 05:17:17)
'''As the blazes have been contained by my efforts, as well as Evensong's, I am granted a moment of repose. My thoughts go back to how a fire such as this could have started in our beloved treehouse, which is normally protected from fires due to the damp environment. Perhaps this was not a natural occurrence?'''

'''Frantic, I head towards New Thalos to seek some answers, stopping by the New Thalos bank in order to withdraw some money in case information needed to be bought. Luckily, I ran into Devaki, a mercenary with whom I've conducted many transactions with in the past. He informed me of a similar fire burning in his own clan hall, a thought which was disturbing to say the least. Thoughts racing through my head, I ask Devaki if he would investigate the cause of this fire, as I must tend to the fires back at the Ruby Ankh Clan Hall... We agreed upon a fair price and I rushed back to the clan hall...'''

Part Seven — Ollie: Recouping Costs(Sun Jan 20, 2002 — 06:40:19)
'''In an effort to recoup the costs associated with the purchasing of water to fight the fires in our Clan hall, my cure disease services will be available until further notice at special wholesale prices. The cost will be 12 gold for successful cure.'''

'''You will note that this is a substantial discount from the prices found at the state monopoly Healer. This pricing is in effect for all players above level 15, all pets and all mobs.'''

If the service is to be delivered, cost of delivery shall be factored in as is deemed appropriate.

While it hurts me deeply to offer such discounted pricing, we were gouged substantially on water prices during our time of need, and must recoup those costs.

Ollie, plague bearer

Part Eight — Ankhil: Fires(Sun Jan 20, 2002 — 12:48:51)
The God of Fire and Death looks out over the Realms and considers:  It seems the younger mortals of the land have either forgotten, or perhaps never knew the Terror of a Raging Inferno.

'''He smiles as he remembers the Taint he placed long ago upon the soul of a young Female Djinn. It seems to have left her vulnerable to the machinations of other evils...'''

'''He laughs as he adds his strength to the fires, allowing them to burn what otherwise might have remained unscathed. The Mortals shall be reminded...'''

'''Ankhil. Immortalis Ignis, Excrutio Devoveo'''

Part Nine — Trista: Firebug In Hell(Sun Jan 20, 2002 — 14:39:20)
'''Hiding in the Asylum that had protected her from the forces that sought to steal her soul before, Trista nursed her weary mind, and fought for control of her memory, and thus, her mind. Too weary to bother trying to hide her thoughts, let alone the kitchen magic that she did, she made herself more tea and studied the work on the ancient piece of pottery.'''

'''Trista grimaced as the sound of the slamming clan door echoed throughout the Asylum. "What insanity is this?!?" the stern, female voice yelled at her. Shandreya, flanked by Coro and Firedale, stormed into the hall and demanded answers for the fires raging throughout the realm. "You set fire to Ruby Ankh and the Mercenaries, so I hear.  Do you seek to do us harm as well?" the near-manic voice squeaked out.'''

'''After much pacing and sending of pigeons, pondering of reports, witness files, and questioning each other, Shandreya carefully looked at Trista. "A dark veil hides you from me, and yet, I know you are weak.  Something.. or someone.. must have control of you, but who?". Trista laid her head down upon her satchel; her collection of memories both good and bad. 'I'm too old for this.' she thought as she thumbed through her old books, hardly able to read any of the words thanks to her head.'''

'''The hurricane of voices and chatter continued on until finally a young, male voice spoke up rather sternly, "We cannot have her in our hall.  Asylum we give, and it may be true she is under someone's control, but what of our own Asylum?  We cannot keep her here.". A female sighed, and a reptilian voice said, "But we can't banish her.  It's against everything we stand for.. and yet.. I tend to agree with Coro.".'''

The female voice muttered anxiously and finally said, "We must put her in a place of her own Asylum.  Somewhere where she cannot hurt herself and others.", to which, Coro piped up, "Why not Hell?  Her fireballs will be of no use in a place I know to be of fire and ice that can never be melted.  She knows the land well enough.  I don't see how that would be going against what we stand for.".

'''The group nodded to each other, and Shandreya walked over to Trista. With a pale face and furrowed brow she said, "Trista.  I think it would be best for you to go into the realm of Hell, where you cannot hurt yourself or others.  I will prepare you for your journey and stay, and as you're gone, we will send you help and news.  We simply fear that the dark force behind you is going to turn you against us.  Once we know how to lift this veil from your mind, we will do so.".'''

And with that, Trista took the provisions provided to her, packed her things from the Asylum, and went to find the realm of fire and ice, the realm of Hell.

Part Ten — Cylock: When in Doubt, Run.(Sun Jan 20, 2002 — 16:15:11)
'''Cylock lit her cornpipe and wondered if anyone would notice the stream of cats that had been going in and out of the Hall of Vortex. Reports from all over the realm came back, and things didn't look good. Ruby Ankh, Mercenaries, and Asylum had been attacked. Cylock reclined and inhaled deeply, resting in the ruined remains of her clan hall and wondered if anyone even remembered that the clan once had strength in numbers.'''

'''Steel resolve filled Cylock where blood has once been. Either she stays and fends off those who might care to burn down what was once a great hall, or she leaves the hall without it's last guardian. 'Cats may fight alone..' she thought, 'but we're not stupid either.'  Walking over the door just big enough for her messengers to squeeze in, she found another can, stolen from a trash bin somewhere, and pulled back it's rusted top. Inside was a message:'''

     “Your kindness to those of us who choose to live in the city leaves us

'''     grateful and in debt to you. We cannot thank you enough for opening'''

'''     the back part of the ruins of Vortex for us to safely stay. At the'''

     same time however, we cannot help you in the matter that is shredding

'''     the very realm to ribbons. Humans in the city say that there are more'''

     than just one to blame for all of the clans that have been attacked.

     One of them is a manx, and her name is that of whom you used to call

'''     your mother. Before the death of our dinner tonight, the bird told us'''

     that a manx and a hooded tall one behind her were witnessed outside of

'''     the place of Ruby Ankh. There are dark forces at work, and so as the'''

     leader of the cats in New Thalos, we have no interest but to ourselves.

     We leave the ruins of Vortex, and we shall not return until the end of

     this conflict, assuming that anything is left of even the ruins.”

'''A wry grin slowly crept over Cylock's features. She thought to herself, 'So, /mother/.. you looked for power and found it. Fitting that it should control you now.'  Cylock packed her things and slipped into the secret entry to the back of the hall, waiting for whatever the twilight would bring her.'''

Part Eleven — Xander: Thieves!(Sun Jan 20, 2002 — 18:48:04)
'''His glasses and Book fall noisily to the marble floor as he stares about the nearly empty hall of the Ancients, where the most ancient books of ASD are kept. "no... No, this Can't Be...."'''

'''Running swiftly from the hall, he descends the stairs to look in the Menagerie, seeing the giant book there is also missing, then sprints across the hall to the museum, seeing that the ancient book in there is gone. "Thieves! They stole the Books! But how did they get through the mist and the wards?"'''

Calmly walking from the Hall, he spreads his bat-like wings and takes flight from the mist, searching out his Father the Mercenary, becoming increasingly worried as he flies toward the pillar of smoke that is the Mercenary clan hall.

'''As he circles the main tower, he notices another pillar of dark smoke, and glides along the air currents to see what else has befallen the flames. Landing softly in the temple, he looks around, the realization slowly dawning on him that this was once the Hall of the Ruby Ankh. "such madness..."'''

'''Staring in awe, a charred piece of paper floats in front of his face, the front page of a book, clearly marked with the Insignia of the ASD. as his Sky Blue eyes Darken with his barely contained anger, his wings spread wide and he returns to the sky, landing again Beside the fountain of New Thalos it is there he waits for someone to pass by, knowing all too well that someone from one of the two clans saw him visit the two burning places.'''

Xander Sedai

Part Twelve — Xander: Good and Evil Join for a Mutual Goal(Sun Jan 20, 2002 — 21:20:11)
'''After the uneventful talk with his father, only getting him the promise that he and some of the other mercs would keep on watch for old books in the Bazaar and other areas of trade, the vampire began walking, too worried to fly, he ambled along the slate path, stumbling into Evensong. She seemed worried for her hall, and he seemed worried for his books. After much conversation, they decided to try to find some way to extinguish the fires that were destroying both their Property. '''

So it began, He took flight back to the Hall of the Ancients, looking through what books remained, and she returned to the untouched Atrium of the Dulcimer tree, where she began scrying into another world for some way to put out these unholy flames.

Xander Sedai

Part Thirteen — Blossom: Leaving the Woods (Sun Jan 20, 2002 — 21:36:00)
'''From her small forest clearing Blossom impassively watches the soot slowly rain down upon the surrounding trees. With an absent motion she wipes away some of the powder that has collected on her face. The streak of grime marring the smooth perfection of her skin does not even register in her mind as she watches the hypnotic pattern of the distant flames.'''

'''The burning of the clan halls meant little enough to her. What matter were the silly disagreements of those that lived in the city? Though the gray ash that blew from the flames over her trees was a bit vexing.'''

'''Shrugging off the mild annoyance she turns to seek the shelter of the deeper woods. A sudden sparkle catches her attention as she wipes a little more ash from her nose. Her ring. The light of the distant flames catches in the heart of the diamond setting the stone ablaze. The internal fire just as bright to her eyes as the one that haunts the horizon.'''

'''Taking a deep breath she looks from the blaze burning in the engagement ring to the one in the city below. It wasn't the same anymore. The few that she cared about did frequent those halls, and while she might remain uncaring to the fate of the clans she knew the one whose ring she chose to wear did care. Maybe it was time to choose an allegiance. Or maybe it was at least time to meet her soon to be family.'''

With far less confidence she turns to walk towards the smoke covered city.

Part Fourteen — Jarazal: Fires(Sun Jan 20, 2002 — 23:47:58)
Memo to: Shandreya

From: Jarazal

Subject: Findings of internal investigation.

'''I am sure you are aware of the  horrors that have transgressed at some unknown hands. I have done what I can to aid the victims of this disaster. All the while collecting evidence that might show as to how this came about. I have begun interviewing witnesses on the scene as what was seen that might help. However the blazes were quite large before noticed. Evidently the guards for the damaged halls were distracted for some time for the fire to grow that much. '''

'''So here are my initial findings. '''

1. This work was only able to take place with the help of members of the victims own clans.

2. That due to the fortitude of the flames, the dark arts were at hand in this matter.

3. The banker in New Thalos informs me that vast amounts of gold had changed hands just hours before the fires were found.

4. Speaking with the monk in the bazaar he was strolling by the hall that greed built and swore to me of seeing three persons running from the hall just minutes before the fires.

'''Now to the issue of one of our own being involved. Trista remembers waking with some evidence by her side. I closely examined her body and garb. I could find no damage to her from a fire, no singes, burns on her hands, or even a scorched hair. Unless there is evidence that I am not aware of, I see no reason to bring charges against her. I will continue my delving into the identity of the culprits of the travesty, and keep you informed of my findings.'''

'''In closing, as far as I am concerned a member of our ranks is not involved based on what I have found to date. '''

Jarazal Autel Mortal Leader

Part Fifteen — Trista: Enchanted Flames, Enchanted Sea(Mon Jan 21, 2002 — 00:13:08)
'''Weary and drained, despite her rest, Trista felt the presence of an old friend before he said a word. "Trista!  Trista!  I've heard rumors that I could find you here!" Darun called as he strides across the Hall of the Damned. Trista turned her head and said, "Mm.  Yes.  Have you come to yell at me as well, because I have an agonizing headache and would rather not hear it." Darun raised his eyebrow and shook his head. He had come for help.'''

'''"No, Trista.  As the new Tribal Elder of Ruby Ankh, I am still inexperienced and require some of your guidance.  The fires still blaze in our clan hall and I wish to ask your advice as to how to put them out." As the minutes melted away, Trista went through her most ancient of books and remembered that the God of the Sea had also been a friend to Ruby Ankh; showing Trista where his earthly abode was, and how to get his attention.'''

'''They ventured to the abode of Valsu taking offerings of clam in hopes that Valsu would help them stop the flames in the hall. They cleared their mind of all thoughts, and entered, putting the offerings of various clam dishes on the floor for Valsu to peruse.'''

'''After some examination of the gifts, Trista said in an ancient tongue, "Lord Valsu, we bring to you these offerings and hope that your knowledge and power will see the fit as we ask of you a favor.  We ask that you lift the enchanted shield from Ruby Ankh's home, and put out the fires that rage within it's heart." The God of the Sea asked, "Fires in the hall... Do they resist you efforts with traditional waters?" Darun and Trista nodded.'''

'''After pondering other types of water, and knowing they worked to no avail, Valsu took time to ponder what could be done. Finally returning from his deep meditation he said, "These fires resist my efforts as if they anticipate my flood and phase away from it.  I have traced their source to a god and so I cannot simply extinguish them.  However, there is a solution."'''

'''Trista and Darun's faces fell and beamed in the span of a few seconds, and they anticipated what could be done. "If you place these balls of ice within each flame I can destroy them from the inside, but you must act quickly to save your hall." With that, Darun took the balls of ice that Valsu created, ran to the hall, and placed each in the heart of the flames. As he did, each flame slowly died down and extinguished.'''

Part Sixteen — Rumor: BUSY, BUSY!! (aka: Project Hotfoot)(Mon Jan 21, 2002 — 00:59:51)
**Spoken to whoever happens to listen in the New Thalos Market Square**

**Insert frantic voice, sweaty forehead, etc. Appearance of a harried journey with many close calls**

"I tell you, it was HER!! Just as the tales described her! Shroud of dark flames, crown of onyx with the eyes of dead gods as the jewels, everything! She was wading through the fields of New Ofcol, torching them as she walked, and smiling as the flames claimed the lives of every field hand around!

“If I wasn't a wraith, the flames would have claimed my body as well, but all she did was /look/ right at me *involuntary shudder and breaking voice* Those eyes....the cold darkness of the Void itself!"

**Rumor has to collect himself for a moment, finally continuing as the gathered crowds mutter**

"And then she spoke. Calmly, even pleasantly, like she was out on holiday and not slaughtering countless innocents. These are her words, remembered and repeated here as she commanded me to. The words of the Demon Queen...."

'''And now they will raise their armies and gather the force of their magics. They will march to the north, the soldiers of the Sultan and the Dragon, and they will know fear as they face down the Darkness-That-Faces-The-Light. The Sun Tower and the Kingdom-Under-The-Mountain will join them from the west. They will meet the Hosts of Twilight and they will battle. Already Our messenger has made themselves known to the Clans in Fire and Blood.'''

"Then she paused, and sighed. Then her face hardened and her final words still rings in my soul...."

'''Be ready. History WILL repeat itself.'''

**His message spoken, the Bard called Rumor collapses in exhaustion**

Part Seventeen — Darun: Divine intervention(Mon Jan 21, 2002 — 03:18:52)
'''As the trees of the clan hall continued to burn, I was struck with the inspiration to seek the advice of Ruby Ankh's former Tribal Elder, Trista. Wading through the depths of hell where she was rumored to be found, I found her, wracked with discomfort from a headache caused by the recent events. Luckily, her heart was still filled with the pride of the Ruby Ankh, and she offered her wisdom to me without a moment's hesitation. Her words still echo in my mind's ear, "To diffuse the power of a god, you need the power of a god.  Have you not thought to turn to Valsu, God of the Sea?  Certainly he holds all the powers of water that could quash any enchanted fire that would threaten your home."'''

'''With my predecessor's guidance and assistance, I was able to seek an audience with the God of Sea himself. Our efforts proved to be fruitful, as the great Valsu was able to quell the flames that licked the beautiful dulcimer trees that were the home of the Ruby Ankh, though doing so was not as simple a task as one would think. Now that the blaze has been dealt with, I can now focus upon the task of discovering the cause of this unnatural fire.'''

'''My mind looks back to the recent catastrophe and thoughts of gratefulness fill my heart and soul. Not only to the God of Sea, but also to my former comrade. I silently pray to the heavens that the demons that plague her be lifted from her tired frame, so that she may be whole once again... and perhaps one day, find her way back to her home within these singed yet noble walls.'''

Part Eighteen — Balerion: Deepest Crimes(Mon Jan 21, 2002 — 16:41:13)
After returning from an expedition beyond the Great Eastern desert, I returned to the Great Library of the Ancient Stone Dogs and its stricken occupants.

'''Word has spread what befell my clan, the Mercenaries and the healers of Ruby Ankh; they need not be retold. While I was aware of the cruel capacities of the members of Chaos, I was rather surprised that such a high-ranking member of their clan could do such an idiotic, foolish thing. Our clan preceded all others and kept a chronicle of all events that followed the birth of our clan. Much of that has been destroyed.'''

'''Tifa, you have committed the deepest crime of all. You have destroyed documents that tell the heritage of this realm. The heritage of the Ancient Stone Dogs, Ruby Ankh, and the Mercenaries. The heritage of Chaos. You have made a mistake.'''

'''Knowledge, forever lost or nearly impossible to recover remains dear to my heart. ASD's defenses, which were admittedly lax after a long era of peace, have been improved so that the Great Library is now invulnerable to all but a large-scale invasion. I offer my sincerest best wishes to my friend Darun Sanctus, and leader of the Mercenaries, Devaki Tal'Avares, to whom I hold a great deal of respect. This crime against all living beings will not be forgotten.'''

Balerion Targaryen, Keeper of the Library, Tribal Elder of the Ancient Stone Dogs

Part Nineteen — Evensong: Reach for the Sky! (even if Werebear's right)(Mon Jan 21, 2002 — 20:22:27)
'''After spending days in various libraries and talking to the magical creatures of the forests, Evensong was able to piece together a spell that would encourage the Ruby Ankh treehouse to regenerate. However, as she is old for a Human and her hips need replacing *again*, she was unable to gather the necessary ingredients.'''

'''Where do you go when you're unable to do the work yourself? To the Mercs, of course. Upon obtaining all necessary components, Evensong made haste (as quickly as one can with bung hips) to the remains of the treehouse.'''

'''It was a terrible sight to behold... burnt wreckage, and the peaceful tranquility of the glades disturbed to the extent where the Leader of Spirit felt her own spirit cringe. She sure hoped this would work!'''

'''After setting protective wards about her own body, she slipped into a meditative state where the pains of her body would not trouble the pains of her heart. The spell was raising to a climax, but something was wrong! There was something missing. "Please, don't fail me! We need a Safe Haven for the clannies!" With those final wishes, something gave... and the tree began to regrow. However, something unintentional had happened. The Ruby Ankh Treehouse became a Safe Haven in truth -- it was protected. No fire, no evil could ever touch the tree again... and so the 'back entrance' disappeared.'''

......but Evensong could not wake up.

Part Twenty — Shane: An Awakening(Mon Jan 21, 2002 — 21:11:45)
'''The mage stands at the battlements of the Mercenaries' Keep, staring down at the charred stone where the magical flames climbed the mighty walls not hours before. His dead eyes wide and unblinking, he ponders deeply the events of the day, the battle against the flames, the smoke that choked and blinded his living comrades earlier still sharp and acrid in his nostrils, his mind still numb and exhausted from hurling his ice magics against the great fires that burned even stone.'''

'''Not since the curse of undeath ripped the joy and passion from this once-jovial being has there been any sort of spark in his heart. But now, glowing brightly among the cold ashes, an ember burns. The one thing he truly cares for has been threatened. Some foolish creature has dared to attack the Brotherhood he has served and helped nurture since well before his humanity was torn from him.'''

'''What evidence there is points to the Lady Tifa Kentari, a being Shane once held in high esteem, having served Chaos by her side in his earlier years before he set aside the sword and began developing the magical energies that are the Llenlleawg birthright. And the spark feeds off this feeling of betrayal, and glows brighter…'''

'''Emotion courses through Shane for the first time in years, melting the icy ashes in his heart, and his gaze shifts from the walls of the Keep to the western horizon, toward the clanhall of Chaos. And the ember of hate in his heart erupts into flames.'''

Vengeance WILL be had.

Part Twenty-One — Zinsul: What Can Happen Now?!(Mon Jan 21, 2002 — 21:15:37)
As I made my way towards our beloved Dulcimer this day, my heart in my throat, expecting to see and smell the acrid smoke that has hung like a shroud around the Hall for days now, I was intrigued by what awaited me..

'''Since the day of the incident I have watched as our hall and the halls of others have suffered. I sought the refuge of my adopted home to better puzzle out what has happened and what it means to us as a whole.'''

'''As I wandered the ways inside, taking stock of the state of repair, muttering supplications to the gods for guidance, I began to feel a change in the feel of the air. Something was happening, something made my eyes widen, and my skin prickled. Someone was there, inside, with me, and by the strength behind the flows of Spirit I felt being woven, it could only be one person.'''

'''Having been near while our Leader of the Spirit plied her trade, I knew it could be no other. My steps became more purposeful, as I was sure that Evensong had happened upon something that I, at least, hadn't thought of. More than willing to assist, I called out her name to ask where she might be. No answer..'''

'''Unperturbed, I raised my voice, so that she would surely hear, and still I got no reply. The power that coursed through the air at that moment gave me pause to think on what I may be interrupting with the sound of my voice. More determined than ever to seek her out, I walked past the springs, following the cloying scent of magic to its source.'''

'''Rounding the corner, nearing the center of the hall, I marveled at what I saw. Evensong was indeed here, and busy! As her work progressed, I could not help myself but to watch and take heart in what I could feel all around me. I began to sense the power ebbing around her, and she seemed well pleased with herself, eyes turning to survey the walls, ceiling and floor before facing front again.'''

'''When I was sure her endeavor was complete, the magic hanging about her no more than her equipment could account for, I strode forward her name on my lips. Still she did not acknowledge me. Feeling the beginnings of alarm, I knelt in front of the place she rested, eyes closed, seemingly in a deep sleep and tried once again to gain her attention.'''

'''Her eyes closed, lips murmuring words of satisfaction she lay right where she was, and for all I could tell, fell into the deepest sleep I've ever witnessed with not even a glance in my direction. I have sent for Darun, and the others so that we may care for her as need dictates. Of course, I tried what I knew to wake her, with no success. Together we will overcome this adversity, of that I am sure, but what of the common man...'''

Part Twenty-Two — Xavior: The Silent Watchman(Mon Jan 21, 2002 — 21:47:02)
'''He was titled as a Bishop of Chaos, three time Clan Leader, recruiter of nearly forty members. He spilt blood to join the clan, and now he would have to spill blood to defend it. Through divine intervention, the clan of Chaos was now the playthings of Immortals, and supernatural beings. Fate of mortals.'''

'''His Divine Blast pulsed in his hand, prepared to be unleashed at anything that moved. They would come. They would come in rank and legion. They would come to destroy the keep.'''

'''"Stand Strong!" His voice echoed from the overlook to his men. He did not want to be there, and if the Mercenary clan came to batter down the door, he would stand before them, weaponless and calm. He would not fight the Mercenaries.'''

'''This war had little meaning, but love was strong in him. She was a Mercenary. He had treated them like brothers, but that was all forgotten when a price was bargained. She was not liked by them. But she was on the other side. He was the bearer of the Silver Rose, she the Bearer of the Golden Rose. A gift from him to her, and from her to him.'''

'''He couldn't fight the Mercs if they came. They wouldn't understand.'''

Xavior Darkwind, (Bearer of the Silver Rose)

Part Twenty-Three — Ankhil: Fire and Water(Tue Jan 22, 2002 — 19:57:46)
'''Ankhil looks up from the dark tome he is reading as he feels a backlash of power as the fires he feeds are abruptly quenched. Apparently Trista has some powerful friends when she is possessed of her own mind…'''

He shrugs and goes back to his reading, sure that eventually those hiding in the shadows will make another move that might be worthy of his attention.

Ankhil