A long ago story by Jyssa (Wheaties)

[Mingol]

I think most of you enjoy RP stories so I decided to post this one that was created back in 2002 while Wheaties and I were playing the original Everquest. Wheaties was playing a character called Jyssa, who was a Dark Elf Cleric. For those of you who are not up on the history of EQ, Dark Elfs were born within Nektulos Forest, not far from the evil Dark Elf city called Neriak. This storyline was created during her efforts to become a member of the Coeur de Lion, a “good aligned” guild that had historically never even considered allowing anyone from an “evil aligned” race into the membership.

Jyssa’s story begins in the guild hall of the Coeur de Lion.


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

'Jyssa, would you walk with me,' Klynt requested of the Lady Jyssa.

Jyssa smiled and nodded in assent, and followed the sturdy short Priest out the door. They walked a while, seemingly aimlessly. Finally she asked, "Why did you bring me out here, Klynt?"

"Oh a couple reasons, the first time I seen a Dark Elf in our Hall the big debate followed," he said. "The other reason is I have question for you," he looked at her and smiled. "What of Innoruuk and your family in Neriak? And why the change of heart?"

Jyssa sighed quietly. "So it is the whole story you are wanting to know now? Well, I suppose I owe it to you to explain...."

"See, I grew up outside of Neriak. And aye, I do still love and care for some of my friends there, as I don't believe they are beyond hope of the knowledge I've found. They laugh at me, but they also tolerate my teaching, and some day ... perhaps some day they will learn as well."

"My mother was Teir'dal, oh, she was so beautiful, and had the most melodic voice. She sang all the time. There was no hate in her heart Klynt, I tell you truthfully. My earliest memories are of her songs, her smiles. I never understood that tinge of sadness behind her smile, or why we had to live so far away from any other people."

"But one day the world found us, and I learned about hate, about prejudice and injustice. Three paladins had hunted us down, and while my father was away buying supplies they killed my mother and burned down our house." Jyssa bit her lip and looked away so that Klynt wouldn't see the tears forming up in her eyes. "They carried me a bit away, but they were looking for my father too. They gave no reason for killing my mother other than that she was Teir'Dal... my father rescued me while they slept. He secreted me away, hoping to escape them, and begging forgiveness took me to the only place he knew I would not be killed outright for the color of my skin... I think if he had known, truly known, how bad Nektulos forest was, the horrors of Neriak, he would have chosen any other path, even death for us both, rather than that. He was killed while I escaped where our pursuers would not dare follow, deep into Nektulos forest."

"I wandered some time, unfed and uncared for, learning to hunt for myself, to be stealthy and sneaky and wise, " she shook her head. "Power does not long go unnoticed, I unwisely healed any and all in need, and soon I was brought before the Priests of Innoruuk. The rituals... the tests.." she shuddered involuntarily. "I adapted. I learned and grew strong, and nurtured the hate in my heart until it nearly consumed all of who I was, of who I used to be."

"I was there for many years. I'll not deny that. I was very powerful. But the blackness was eating at my soul. Perhaps it's something others can adapt to, but it was killing me. That hate was taken from my soul by the unknowing sacrifice Ripert made of me, in punishment for my transgressions against House T'Vlos. Stored in a crystal, all the hate seething there, for a while I forgot how to heal without it... but I learned. It may seem strange, but I had a vision of my mother, I could see her face, hear her singing... she chided me for falling away from the path she and my father had started me on. She showed me how to heal without hate, that the power was not dependant upon that hate, as the Priests of Innoruuk had tried to make me believe, and for so long had succeeded. She taught me to see life with hope, love, and joy in my heart, rather than hate."

"The longer I lived without that poison in my soul, the wiser I finally grew," she laughed, deprecatingly. "I finally learned that hate is the killer of all life and freedom. I learned to be who I was without that hate. I learned to be what my parents had wanted me to be... and on that day I shattered the soul gem, that I might never have to draw that hate in me again.

"Since then I've done my best to live without hate or anger.. no I'm not perfect and sometimes the baser, blacker emotions come to me as to any person, but they are not longer able to consume me. The healing I do, I do not do in Innoruuk's name, I never will serve him again, for he takes pleasure in our hate and suffering, and that is no god of mine..."

Klynt nodded at her, his expression unreadable. Then he asked, quietly, "Jyssa, you know our power, the power to bring life to those no longer living, the power to heal, it comes not of ourselves, but of the gods. We are but a channel for that power, not the holders of the power. It is more than any mortal creature can possess. Whose power do you channel?"

She sighed in frustration. "It's not enough to say I don't know anymore, is it? Not enough that I do what I do for good. If my power is of Innoruuk then I'm tainting everyone around me, aren't I?" Klynt nodded at her, sadly.

She whirled, and rushed back to the guildhall. She barged past them, and ran up to the front. "Forget I ever said anything.. forget I ever asked." The tears threatened to well up, and she savagely suppressed them. "My power can only come from a god, and the only god that gives such power to one such as me is Innoruuk, right?"

The hall went silent in shock at the name. Mallo, standing in the back, leaned against the wall and folded his arms, his face unreadable. "Right?" Jyssa asked again, looking directly at him.

"Yes, the power can only come from a god. I am but a warrior, I know little of any god save Rallos, and he doesn't deal in that kind of power. But the power of Innoruuk is not welcome here..." Mallo's face was implacable.

Tintari was clutching a book tightly, and started to say something, but Mallo glanced mistrustfully at the book in her hands, so she stopped.

"I should go then. I don't want to taint you all any more than I already have..." she straightened her shoulders, and ignoring the looks of dismay of some, slowly walked out the door.

Tintari's eyes flashed with momentary anger, and Mallo looked questioningly at her. "You think I enjoyed that?" he growled.

Her face softened just a bit. "No," she said in a small voice. "But isn't it possible, just possible, that her power comes from a god other than Innoruuk?"

"Is that what your book says?" he growled.

"No.. .well not exactly ... maybe ... I don't know!" she exclaimed in frustration.

"The power of Innoruuk is not welcome here. As long as she remains ignorant of the source of her power, we have to assume it is of him." His voice had raised, and he heard Sinstara's gasp of dismay.

Tintari was determined. "But if her power comes not of Innoruuk, but of another?"

"Then she would be as welcome here as any of you..."

Tintari bit her lip softly and nodded. "I understand."

Mallo looked again at the book in Tintari's hands. "Go now, before it's too late."

A smile twitched the corner of Tintari's lips, but she didn't say a word, just strode out the door...

"Jyssa!" her soft voice raised slightly enough to reach the back of the Teir'Dal.

Jyssa turned. "I have to go Tin, I'm sorry. You know it's right."

Tintari nodded. "Yes, I do. But here. I have... a gift for you."

Tintari held out the book. Knowing how the Erudite cherished her books, Jyssa's heart twisted a bit. "I couldn't..."

"Yes, you can. Please?"

With a wan smile Jyssa accepted the gift. "I'll take good care of it," she vowed.

"I know you will. Where will you go now?"

"I'm not sure. I want to go home..." Seeing the shocked expression on Tintari's face, she chuckled. "No, that evil place is not my home. I want to find the home of my childhood. I have some things I need to finish up there."

"I thought you said it was burned to the ground?"

"Home is not a building... home is a place, a feeling .. I'll find the place I grew up, I'm sure of it. I'll feel it in the land, in the trees... for the first time, I want to face my past instead of running from it."

Tintari nodded. "Be safe, Jyssa..." but she had already turned away again.

[Mingol]

The dismal monotonous drizzle had driven her to cut short her trek today. She had been navigating her path on sheer instinct, but it felt like the right path. At any rate, this area matched the one she remembered from her childhood. If it was not 'home' it had the feel of home, at least. There was a comforting warmth in the quiet wooded slopes and rocky paths. Occasionally she glimpsed wolves, and they made her smile as she remembered her father's friends, and wondered if any were descended of the wolves she'd played with as a child.

There was still a good half a day of light left, had the sun not been covered by the mournful clouds. Jyssa had found a sheltered spot under the branches of a great Karana Pine, fairly protected from the rain. An oiled cloth provided the rest of the necessary waterproofing of her comfortable spot, and she had a small fire cheerily snapping away at the gloom. She'd brewed tea, made an early supper.. but she wasn't tired. While she walked she was able to concentrate on the next step, and the next, driving all other thoughts out, and at night fall into a weary sleep without dreams, but now there was no escape from the turmoil in her mind. She tried to close her eyes and doze, but the thoughts chasing each other around kept her alert. Then she remembered Tintari's gift.

She thankfully pulled the ancient book from her bag. Making herself cozy among the fallen pine needles, she settled in to read. Glancing at the title, she laughed softly. Not my usual reading fare, but it will do... She leafed through the first few pages. The writing was very small, there was much here. Glancing at the text, she was somewhat surprised at Tintari's choice of a gift for her. As she often did with her books, she let the book fall open to a place of it's own, and read ...

....Then I fell at his feet and thought, Surely this is the hour of death, for Prexus (who is worthy of all honor) will know that I have served Cazic Thule and not him.... the Glorious One bent down his head and touched my forehead and said, "Son, though art welcome." But I said, "Alas, Lord I am no son of Thine but the servant of the Faceless." He answered, "Child, all the service thou hast done to him, I account as service done to me." I overcame my fear and questioned the Glorious One and said, "Is it true, then, that the gods are all One?" and he growled and the waves slapped against my boat but said, "It is false. Not because we are one, but because we are opposites, I take to me the services which though hast done him, for I and he are of such different kinds that no service which is vile can be done to me, and none which is not vile can be done to him. Therefore if a man swear by the Faceless and keep his oath for the oath's sake, it is by me that he has truly sworn, though he know it not, and it is I who reward him. And if any man does a cruelty in my name, then it is another whom he serves and by him the deed is accepted."

The tears that she'd been suppressing on her long journey flowed now, and she smiled. "Thank you Tintari... " she whispered, sending her love to the Erudite on the Karana rain, hoping it might one day touch her.

She was still reading when she heard the quiet crunch of soft steps on pine needles. Warily she closed the book and sat up. Her hand went to her mace, and she called out "Who's there?"

There was no answer, but the steps kept coming, slow but steadily. Then two glowing eyes peered out of the gloom from under the pines. The light of the fire reflected in those eyes, the wolf showed no fear of the fire. Is it rabid? Jyssa wondered worriedly. Her grip tightened a bit more on her mace as she shifted a bit closer to the fire, but the animal was completely unafraid. She remained completely still as the wolf got even closer, he was right next to her.... he chuffed quietly and laid down next to her, putting his head in her lap. She cautiously reached down and gently ruffled the fur on his head, and he closed his eyes in bliss. She became more enthusiastic with her caress, tousling his ears and neck, as the smell and the feel of him brought the memories out in full.

They sat there that way for what seemed like hours, but was likely only minutes. The constant patter of rain on the tarp had ceased a bit back, and the dusky sunlight was touching the Karanas for a last little bit before retreating under the horizon. Why isn't his fur wet? she wondered. It should be, if only damp....

The wolf stood up suddenly, and padded away. Jyssa was sorry to see him go, wishing to have the magical moment back, but did not try to restrain him. He stopped a bit out from the fire, and then turned and looked back at her, and chuffed again. Took a few more steps, looked back, and barked gently. Bemused, realizing that he wanted her to follow, she complied, mentally chiding herself for her fancies. I bet I'm dreaming she chuckled to herself, but it was too pleasant to want to wake, for the moment.

The wolf's pace was casual for him, a struggle for Jyssa to keep up, but she did. The landscape looked more and more familiar. He's taking me home... Looking down she could see the traces of what used to be a footpath. There was the ancient oak she had climbed as a child. Surprisingly it seemed as big now as it had then. She paused to run her hands along the rough bark, when suddenly the world seemed to shift. A stab of nausea ran through her, and she staggered and leaned against the tree and closed her eyes, struggling to control the sudden nausea.

When she opened her eyes again, the sun was full overhead, afternoon. She could smell the scent of a fire and the faint smell of something... cooking? If I follow this path, I'm going to turn the corner and the meadow will be there, and the cottage, and mother and father will be there... she was suddenly afraid, but determined to go on. She placed her feet on the path, moments ago barely able to see it, it was now well worn. The wolf had left her. She followed the path as it twisted through the trees, to where it opened to the meadow, and there was the cottage, just as she remembered it. "Jyssa!" her mother's voice rang out from the cozy home. She started to answer, but the words "Coming mother" died on her lips as they were shouted out by another .... "Coming, Mother!" a child's voice shouted, and recklessly a young girl of about five or so zoomed past her on the path without seeing her, silver hair streaming in the wind, running without a care in the world. From behind a bush, a man jumped out and growled menacingly at the little girl, who shrieked in mock terror and detoured away from the house, but her father caught her anyways, and laughing they spun to the ground. Jyssa wandered closer to them, but they didn't see her.

The door to the cottage opened, and there stood her mother, beautiful as she remembered. She laughed in exasperation at her daughter and husband rolling about in the grass like a couple of puppies. "Come on, you two, I have lunch ready!"

Rheon hopped up and swooped over to her mother, kissing her on the cheek. "I am ever at your service, my love."

Mother smiled at him, but then her expression darkened. Rheon whirled too, as a crashing came through the meadow, and a black wolf darted up, a pup dangling from her jaws. She trotted up to Rheon, and dropped the motionless bundle in front of him. The wolves often came to him for healing, he loved them all and they adored him. Rheon squatted down and examined the pup. The little girl came over. "No Jyssa," her mother started to say to her, but Rheon stopped her.

Softly, he said, "Nay, love, death is a part of life, let her come."

The little girl stopped, afraid now, and looked at the broken body of the pup. It looked to have been mangled by some creature. The mother wolf whined quietly.

"I'm sorry Blackwind, I can't save him, he's gone..." Rheon whispered to the wolf and caressed her head comfortingly. Blackwind picked up the pup and trotted over to Jyssa the child, depositing her burden in front of her. "She can't either, Blackie ..." he said, but the wolf ignored him and looked imploringly at the child.

"I c'n heal him daddy, I can!" the child proclaimed stubbornly.

"You can't, little love, he's gone. You can heal, yes, but not the dead..."

She stamped her foot angrily at him. "I can TOO!"

He sighed. "You can try dead..." Jyssa's mother started to say something, but Rheon hushed her. "She has to learn, even when it hurts. We can't protect her from all pain." Rheon held her close to him. "It hurts dear, I know, but we have to let her hurt sometimes too...."

"Do you remember?" The voice was in her ear, and Jyssa the adult started.

"Mother?" she asked, puzzled.

"In a way, yes. I chose her form to reach you."

"No, I don't remember," she replied, puzzled.

"Yes, you do. I took the memory from you, but I'm returning it now ..." And suddenly Jyssa did remember, as the memory flowed around her and she experienced it again from both perspectives, as the child and the adult.

"I had to chose," she stated bluntly. "You made me chose. You would give me the power to return life to the pup. And to others. I chose then as a child, you said, and I would have to choose once again as an adult, when I knew what it was I chose...."

"Yes..." Tunare's voice breathed softly in her ear, and her image shifted.

"I chose to accept your gift. Would you now have me turn it down?"

The goddess shifted. "Time is not linear. You only experience it as such because you are mortal and have a finite time allotted to you. We are then, and we are now. You can unmake your choice now, if you choose."

"But what of all I've done since then?"

"It will be undone."

"I can undo the hurting, the pain I've given? I can undo the men that came to kill my mother? I can undo the time I lived in Neriak?"

"Some, yes. But you would also undo all the good you've done too. I warn you now, as I did then, this choice will change you forever, your path will never be the same, regardless of your decision."

"If I choose to reject the power, to remain here as I was before, will my parents still be hunted down and killed?"

Tunare smiled sadly. "Some things are given to choose and change. Some things cannot be changed. But without my power you would never have come to the attention of the evil priests of Innoruuk. They sought to mold the power to them, but they never reached your soul. And never will unless you let them and fall again into hate."

At the mention of Innoruuk, the memories of her 'training' came crashing around her, and she gasped with the physical pain of the memory. The sheer pain of it pierced her soul again, and drew an involuntary whimper from her. She remembered the cries of pain from those slaves that were hurt time and again, that she might practice healing in hate's name. She remembered the dead, tormented beyond bearing, remembered bearing the whips that she might not be whipped. She bowed her head in shame. "I've done such evil...."

Tunare nodded sadly. "Yes. You have. You carry the memories, and always will, unless you reject my gift. But remember also, all the good you have done... that too will be undone. The times you were there to prevent a final death ... the healing you've done, the time you've spent tirelessly showing people that what is on the outside of a person is not their soul ... who will take up your tasks if you reject me? Jyssa the adult glanced at Jyssa the girl, clutching the bloodied pup to her chest, trying with all her might to restore it's life.

"Does the good outweigh the bad?" she asked of Tunare.

"Justice is not my realm. Have you not already asked this of the shaman Dalgar?"

She nodded absently, remembering the conversation. "Yes, I did...."

"Did you receive your answer from him?"

"Yes."

"You need not ask again of me then. Accept the balance you have wrought, then. Accept my gift, and from here on in I need not be absent from your life anymore. I will walk beside you, I will carry you when you cannot walk, I will soothe your soul as best I can, but I can not unmake the evil, child..." she was hearing the words of Tunare twice, as if there was an echo.

Jyssa the child and Jyssa the adult took a deep sobbing breath, and knelt in front of Tunare together. Together they chimed in unison, "I accept your gift, for now and for always, and I will serve to the best of my ability."

Tunare smiled at them. "Of course you will..."

The pup struggled from Jyssa the child's arms surrounded in a glowing blue light of healing, and barked happily at Blackwind. Jyssa's mother gasped, and the world reeled around her ... and she heard Tunare's voice fading away. "Do not run from what you know is the right path, child..."

She awoke to blazing sunlight in her eyes, and the cheery twittering of birds. Disoriented, she sat up, and found herself curled in front of the remains of a tumbled down burned out hearth. There was no other sign of the blaze that had destroyed their home. She was shaking with the force of memory. She could feel Tunare's power blazing inside her. Everything looked a bit different. The trees were a bit clearer, the sunlight brighter. The throbbing ache of painful memories was mitigated by the memory of the goddess. Jyssa smiled the first untainted smile since the day her mother was murdered. She got up and turned her face to the bright morning sun, then smiled and knelt. "Mother of all, protect me, guide me, give me the strength to serve you now and all of my days. Walk beside me and touch the world through me. I will serve you well."

Unseen by the priestess, Tunare smiled and passed her hand over Jyssa's. Jyssa jumped a bit as she felt the tingling, and startled looked down at her open palm. In it was a small jade statue of the mother, with a silver cord. Jyssa slipped the cord around her neck, making sure the pendant lay outside her tunic, then got up and headed back to the pines. If I lose that book I'll never hear the end of it from Tintari.... she chuckled to herself and she made her way back to where she'd left her belongings. As she walked away, a single grey wolf, the pup the child Jyssa had restored to life so long ago, watched her leave from next to the ancient oak tree. He lifted his muzzle to the sky mournfully, knowing it would be a long wait before his Jyssa could return to him in what waited after life was lived ... but he had waited this long, he could wait a while longer for her...

[Mingol]

The following are lines of text saved from the story finale which took place as live chat during a guild meeting atop the wood elf tree city named Kelethin. By now you may have guessed that Mallo is the guild leader. For the purposes of the RP storyline in the following, Greypaws was played by one of the guild members that had been transformed into wolf form by one of our druids – Sinstara (whom is now a member of Bound By Blood).

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

[Sun Apr 28 19:37:22 2002] Mallo says, 'The gods put you in this world to make your way'
[Sun Apr 28 19:37:27 2002] Greypaws looks at Jyssa adoringly and wags its tail.
[Sun Apr 28 19:37:35 2002] Greypaws nudges Jyssa hopefully.
[Sun Apr 28 19:37:38 2002] Mallo says, 'If you please them they will aid you'
[Sun Apr 28 19:37:39 2002] Jyssa says, 'Grey! Puppy! How did you find me?'
[Sun Apr 28 19:37:43 2002] Jyssa pets Greypaws.
[Sun Apr 28 19:37:45 2002] Greypaws wags its tail.
[Sun Apr 28 19:37:47 2002] Jyssa hugs Greypaws.
[Sun Apr 28 19:37:51 2002] Mallo says, 'You have a puppy?'
[Sun Apr 28 19:37:58 2002] Greypaws puts her head against Jyssa's leg.
[Sun Apr 28 19:38:05 2002] Jyssa says, 'I have a friend'
[Sun Apr 28 19:38:07 2002] Jyssa beams a smile at Greypaws.
[Sun Apr 28 19:38:13 2002] Mallo says, 'When did priests of Innorruk have puppies?'
[Sun Apr 28 19:38:17 2002] Jyssa ruffles Greypaws's fur.
[Sun Apr 28 19:38:17 2002] Mallo boggles, shaking his head and looking confused.
[Sun Apr 28 19:38:24 2002] Greypaws sighs in pleasure.
[Sun Apr 28 19:38:29 2002] Luniel pets Greypaws tentatively.
[Sun Apr 28 19:38:47 2002] Greypaws looks curiously at Luniel and turns back to Jyssa.
[Sun Apr 28 19:39:03 2002] Jyssa says, 'This pup is the first to feel the power of my goddess Mallo I can't believe it's been so long though!'
[Sun Apr 28 19:39:09 2002] Greypaws looks at Jyssa adoringly and wags its tail.
[Sun Apr 28 19:39:24 2002] Jyssa beams a smile at Mallo.
[Sun Apr 28 19:39:28 2002] Mallo says, 'Goddess?'
[Sun Apr 28 19:39:35 2002] Luniel says, 'How'd you come by a wolf friend Jyssa?'
[Sun Apr 28 19:39:46 2002] Jyssa says, 'Aye, you heard me correctly. I do not belong to Innoruuk. I never have.'
[Sun Apr 28 19:39:52 2002] Mallo says, 'Ummmm'
[Sun Apr 28 19:39:58 2002] Jyssa hands Greypaws a treat.
[Sun Apr 28 19:40:16 2002] Greypaws takes it daintily from Jyssa's hand.
[Sun Apr 28 19:40:26 2002] Mallo says, 'This I have to hear'
[Sun Apr 28 19:40:40 2002] Mallo says, 'What goddess? Marr?'
[Sun Apr 28 19:40:49 2002] Jyssa says, 'I may have walked the wrong path for a long time, but I have never belonged to him. I belong to Tunare. And she sent me back here to you, when I would have gone away'
[Sun Apr 28 19:41:03 2002] Luniel listens intently.
[Sun Apr 28 19:41:17 2002] Mallo says, 'Tunare would not send you to me'
[Sun Apr 28 19:41:32 2002] Jyssa says, 'Not you specifically. She told me to follow that path I knew was right.'
[Sun Apr 28 19:41:37 2002] Mallo says, 'I follow Rallos Zek ~ Tunare's children barely tolerate me and mine'
[Sun Apr 28 19:41:45 2002] Luniel says, 'But Jyssa how do you know? Don't all dark elves follow Innoruuk?'
[Sun Apr 28 19:42:01 2002] Greypaws lays its head in Jyssa's lap.
[Sun Apr 28 19:42:23 2002] Jyssa says, 'No Luniel. I cannot speak for all others but for myself, I follow Tunare and will until the rest of my days'
[Sun Apr 28 19:42:39 2002] Jyssa softly ruffles the wolfs ears.
[Sun Apr 28 19:42:46 2002] Mallo says, 'No Teir'dal don't have to all follow the God of Hate'
[Sun Apr 28 19:42:52 2002] Mallo says, 'My mentor was an Inkie'
[Sun Apr 28 19:43:02 2002] Mallo says, 'He is the one that set me on my path'
[Sun Apr 28 19:43:23 2002] Jyssa says, 'What makes you think I have to follow the same god as your mentor?'
[Sun Apr 28 19:43:24 2002] Jyssa raises an eyebrow at Mallo.
[Sun Apr 28 19:43:57 2002] Mallo says, 'I didn't say that'
[Sun Apr 28 19:44:11 2002] Jyssa says, 'What were you trying to say, then, perhaps I misunderstood?'
[Sun Apr 28 19:44:18 2002] Mallo says, 'I was answering Luniel's question about all Inkies following Innoruuk'
[Sun Apr 28 19:44:27 2002] Jyssa says, 'Ah my apologies'
[Sun Apr 28 19:44:29 2002] Mallo says, 'Kuur followed Rallos Zek and he was an Inkie'
[Sun Apr 28 19:44:49 2002] Jyssa says, 'Well then you have proof that not all Teir Dahl follow the god of hate .'
[Sun Apr 28 19:44:51 2002] Greypaws snuggles closer to Jyssa.
[Sun Apr 28 19:45:04 2002] Jyssa starts to look frustrated with Mallo.
[Sun Apr 28 19:45:33 2002] Mallo says, 'Ummmm'
[Sun Apr 28 19:45:46 2002] Mallo looks speculative.
[Sun Apr 28 19:45:59 2002] Mallo says, 'It has been so long since I last spoke with Kuur'
[Sun Apr 28 19:46:07 2002] Mallo says, 'Its easy to forget'
[Sun Apr 28 19:47:02 2002] Jyssa says, 'Why are you so certain I could not possibly be Tunare's child?'
[Sun Apr 28 19:47:15 2002] Luniel says, 'What proof have you that you are?'
[Sun Apr 28 19:47:26 2002] Luniel says, 'It's nothing we've ever heard of before .'
[Sun Apr 28 19:47:33 2002] Mallo says, 'Kuur told me that all members of his city followed Innorruk only a few warriors followed Rallos Zek'
[Sun Apr 28 19:47:45 2002] Mallo says, 'And that only a very few of them followed the path of protection'
[Sun Apr 28 19:48:02 2002] Luniel snorts
[Sun Apr 28 19:48:03 2002] Jyssa says, 'The proof I can offer is the proof of my actions. Since I turned my back on the city of Neriak I have done no evil. I have worked diligently for the good and look'
[Sun Apr 28 19:48:11 2002] Luniel says, 'I think you could safely say one .'
[Sun Apr 28 19:48:13 2002] Jyssa takes off her necklace and hands it to Mallo.
[Sun Apr 28 19:48:15 2002] Mallo says, 'He told me while fighting in the Karanas that there was a war between Neriak and the rest of the world and Neriak was winning'
[Sun Apr 28 19:48:16 2002] Jyssa says, 'She gave me this .'
[Sun Apr 28 19:48:28 2002] Jyssa hugs Greypaws.
[Sun Apr 28 19:48:32 2002] Greypaws looks at Jyssa adoringly and wags its tail.
[Sun Apr 28 19:48:33 2002] Mallo says, 'Gave you a dog?
[Sun Apr 28 19:48:47 2002] Mallo says, 'Tunare is cheaper then Rallos Zek I at least have scars'
[Sun Apr 28 19:48:48 2002] Jyssa says, 'No. Greypaws belongs to no body. The necklace'
[Sun Apr 28 19:48:50 2002] Sinstara says, 'She's hardly a dog, Mallo.'
[Sun Apr 28 19:49:05 2002] Luniel says, 'Look at the necklace Mallo or if you won't, pass it to me.'
[Sun Apr 28 19:49:23 2002] Jyssa beams a smile at Luniel.
[Sun Apr 28 19:49:27 2002] Mallo looks at the necklace.
[Sun Apr 28 19:49:30 2002] Mallo says, 'What of it?'
[Sun Apr 28 19:49:55 2002] Jyssa says, 'Can't you tell? It radiates the mother's love'
[Sun Apr 28 19:50:08 2002] Mallo tosses it to Luniel.
[Sun Apr 28 19:50:12 2002] Mallo says, 'I feel nothing from it'
[Sun Apr 28 19:50:17 2002] Mallo says, 'Perhaps Luniel'
[Sun Apr 28 19:50:50 2002] Luniel hefts it as if it weighs more than it should.
[Sun Apr 28 19:50:53 2002] Jyssa looks hopefully at Luniel.
[Sun Apr 28 19:50:53 2002] Luniel says, 'Aye .
[Sun Apr 28 19:50:57 2002] Greypaws snuffles in Jyssa's pocket for another treat.
[Sun Apr 28 19:51:00 2002] Luniel says, 'Mallo .'
[Sun Apr 28 19:51:01 2002] Jyssa says, 'Do you feel it?'
[Sun Apr 28 19:51:23 2002] Mallo says, 'Do you Luniel?'
[Sun Apr 28 19:51:27 2002] Jyssa turns to Greypaws.
[Sun Apr 28 19:51:29 2002] Mallo glances at Luniel.
[Sun Apr 28 19:51:30 2002] Luniel says, 'This, aye this has been touched by divinity and of no malignant type'
[Sun Apr 28 19:51:36 2002] Jyssa says, 'I'm sorry little one, I'm out of treats .'
[Sun Apr 28 19:51:41 2002] Luniel says, 'Sinstara, you follow Tunare.'
[Sun Apr 28 19:51:53 2002] Mallo waits for the Dog to turn on Jyssa.
[Sun Apr 28 19:51:56 2002] Sinstara says, 'Of course .'
[Sun Apr 28 19:51:56 2002] Luniel hands the necklace carefully to Sinstara.
[Sun Apr 28 19:51:59 2002] Greypaws looks at Jyssa fondly.
[Sun Apr 28 19:52:03 2002] Llaene pats Greypaws on the back.
[Sun Apr 28 19:52:13 2002] Luniel says, 'I don't think the wolf is looking for treats'
[Sun Apr 28 19:52:17 2002] Mallo says, 'So who did you steal the necklace from Teir'dal?'
[Sun Apr 28 19:52:25 2002] Sinstara holds the necklace gently, reverently .
[Sun Apr 28 19:52:32 2002] Jyssa sighs exasperatedly at Mallo.
[Sun Apr 28 19:52:32 2002] Luniel says, 'What did you do, Jyssa, to inspire such loyalty'
[Sun Apr 28 19:52:33 2002] Mallo says, 'Sinstara make sure we find the proper owner for that'
[Sun Apr 28 19:52:37 2002] Jyssa says, 'It was given to me.'
[Sun Apr 28 19:52:42 2002] Jyssa says, 'No! It was given to ME!'
[Sun Apr 28 19:52:44 2002] Luniel says, 'It belongs to her, Mallo'
[Sun Apr 28 19:52:48 2002] Luniel says, 'That I know.'
[Sun Apr 28 19:52:49 2002] Jyssa stamps her foot angrily.
[Sun Apr 28 19:52:50 2002] Mallo says, 'Yes most of my armor was given to me'
[Sun Apr 28 19:52:55 2002] Mallo says, 'From the dead in Hate'
[Sun Apr 28 19:53:07 2002] Sinstara says, 'This is indeed the Mother's magic . it was not taken Mallo, it is with who it belongs . Jyssa'
[Sun Apr 28 19:53:24 2002] Mallo oh no not Sinstara as well.
[Sun Apr 28 19:53:24 2002] Luniel says, 'Tunare's echo would not remain on a stolen token'
[Sun Apr 28 19:53:28 2002] Sinstara hands the necklace back to Jyssa.
[Sun Apr 28 19:53:47 2002] Jyssa thanks Sinstara and puts the necklace back on, carefully arranging the pendant.
[Sun Apr 28 19:53:51 2002] Sinstara says, 'Indeed, if it was taken it would tell me'
[Sun Apr 28 19:54:00 2002] Mallo says, 'My lady and lady Sinstara are both forgiving people'
[Sun Apr 28 19:54:08 2002] Jyssa sighs at Mallo.
[Sun Apr 28 19:54:09 2002] Luniel says, 'But we are not fools Mallo'
[Sun Apr 28 19:54:14 2002] Jyssa says, 'You refuse to believe their counsel?'
[Sun Apr 28 19:54:20 2002] Luniel says, 'Neither of us. Nor easily taken in'
[Sun Apr 28 19:54:43 2002] Mallo says, 'I don't refuse to believe ~ I merely understand that they come from more peaceful surrounds'
[Sun Apr 28 19:55:04 2002] Mallo says, 'Treachery isn't as common in Surefall or Kelethin as it was in Qeynos '
[Sun Apr 28 19:55:18 2002] Jyssa says, 'What more proof can I offer you, then?'
[Sun Apr 28 19:55:26 2002] Sinstara chuckles remorsefully.
[Sun Apr 28 19:55:53 2002] Greypaws curls up to sleep at Jyssa's feet.
[Sun Apr 28 19:55:56 2002] Jyssa says, 'My words. My deeds. My actions. My soul. What will you believe?'
[Sun Apr 28 19:56:01 2002] Luniel says, 'The token is a gift from Tunare to Jyssa. What more proof do we need?'
[Sun Apr 28 19:56:35 2002] Jyssa sighs at Mallo.
[Sun Apr 28 19:56:43 2002] Mallo says, 'I believe in the actions of my guild'
[Sun Apr 28 19:56:50 2002] Mallo says, 'I believe in the actions of people'
[Sun Apr 28 19:57:13 2002] Mallo says, 'But I don't forgive and forget because a dog walks up to you or some how you get a trinket'
[Sun Apr 28 19:57:22 2002] Luniel growls softly.
[Sun Apr 28 19:57:37 2002] Mallo sighs.
[Sun Apr 28 19:57:39 2002] Jyssa whispers Mother, help me to know what more to do or say'
[Sun Apr 28 19:57:46 2002] Greypaws is surrounded by a supernatural aura.
[Sun Apr 28 19:57:46 2002] Greypaws 's eyes fill with intelligence as Tunare enters her body.
[Sun Apr 28 19:57:59 2002] Jyssa blinks at Greypaws in disbelief.
[Sun Apr 28 19:58:01 2002] Spirited Greypaws says, 'Hello My children...'
[Sun Apr 28 19:58:11 2002] Jyssa kneels before Greypaws in humility and reverence.
[Sun Apr 28 19:58:12 2002] Luniel kneels before Greypaws in humility and reverence.
[Sun Apr 28 19:58:13 2002] Palou ponders Greypaws. What is going on with it?
[Sun Apr 28 19:58:19 2002] Mallo bows before Greypaws.
[Sun Apr 28 19:58:21 2002] Sinstara kneels before Greypaws in humility and reverence.
[Sun Apr 28 19:58:27 2002] Baladuur says, 'Hello Greypaws'
[Sun Apr 28 19:58:33 2002] Jyssa whispers, Mother .
[Sun Apr 28 19:58:34 2002] Sinstara says, 'Greetins, Mother .'
[Sun Apr 28 19:58:46 2002] Mallo says, 'I think Greypaws isn't at home at the moment'
[Sun Apr 28 19:58:47 2002] Greypaws nods at Sinstara.
[Sun Apr 28 19:58:58 2002] Greypaws looks at Jyssa with love.
[Sun Apr 28 19:59:09 2002] Luniel shouts, 'All hail the Lady of the Elves all hail the All Mother!'
[Sun Apr 28 19:59:11 2002] Spirited Greypaws says, 'You are troubled, child..'
[Sun Apr 28 19:59:45 2002] Spirited Greypaws says, 'This child of Qeynos is an unbeliever?'
[Sun Apr 28 19:59:57 2002] Luniel says, 'Nay lady . not exactly'
[Sun Apr 28 20:00:02 2002] Mallo says, 'I believe in War'
[Sun Apr 28 20:00:14 2002] Spirited Greypaws says, 'And nothing else?'
[Sun Apr 28 20:00:23 2002] Mallo says, 'Even if my Gods people reject me'
[Sun Apr 28 20:00:33 2002] Mallo says, 'I believe in Lions ~'
[Sun Apr 28 20:00:49 2002] Mallo waves at the people gathered around with Lion badges.
[Sun Apr 28 20:01:07 2002] Greypaws notices that Her children are among them.
[Sun Apr 28 20:01:27 2002] Spirited Greypaws says, 'And no more?'
[Sun Apr 28 20:01:33 2002] Mallo says, 'No'
[Sun Apr 28 20:01:36 2002] Mallo says, 'No more'
[Sun Apr 28 20:01:48 2002] Greypaws smiles at Mallo
[Sun Apr 28 20:01:59 2002] Spirited Greypaws says, 'Did you never have a mother? Did you never feel a mother's love?'
[Sun Apr 28 20:02:24 2002] Mallo doesn't answer that question.
[Sun Apr 28 20:01:42 2002] Mordicade says, 'How you not get attacked by the guards?'
[Sun Apr 28 20:02:04 2002] Mallo says, 'Yeah its shocking how lazy the guards have gotten'
[Sun Apr 28 20:02:36 2002] Sinstara says, 'Hardly lazy, they know The Mother's blessing when they see it'
[Sun Apr 28 20:02:43 2002] Spirited Greypaws says, 'I have many children Mallo Artanos'
[Sun Apr 28 20:02:53 2002] Spirited Greypaws says, 'Some of them you see here in this fair land..'
[Sun Apr 28 20:03:01 2002] Spirited Greypaws says, 'Yet others were torn from me long ago '
[Sun Apr 28 20:03:09 2002] Spirited Greypaws says, 'I still call to them with a mother's love'
[Sun Apr 28 20:03:25 2002] Spirited Greypaws says, 'And ... ever so infrequently... one of them hears me'
[Sun Apr 28 20:03:33 2002] Jyssa beams a smile at Greypaws.
[Sun Apr 28 20:03:41 2002] Mallo says, 'You say then that Jyssa is one of yours?'
[Sun Apr 28 20:03:43 2002] Spirited Greypaws says, 'You too could hear me, if you listened..'
[Sun Apr 28 20:03:53 2002] Spirited Greypaws says, 'By virtue of the elvish blood within you'
[Sun Apr 28 20:03:53 2002] Mallo shakes his head.
[Sun Apr 28 20:04:07 2002] Mallo says, 'Nay for who would fight off your foes if not for the likes of me?'
[Sun Apr 28 20:04:10 2002] Spirited Greypaws says, 'Jyssa is My child'
[Sun Apr 28 20:04:13 2002] Mallo says, 'I'll stay where I'm at'
[Sun Apr 28 20:04:36 2002] Spirited Greypaws says, 'As you wish'
[Sun Apr 28 20:05:07 2002] Spirited Greypaws says, 'Nevertheless Jyssa listened to my call long ago..'
[Sun Apr 28 20:05:14 2002] Spirited Greypaws says, 'And received her powers from Me'
[Sun Apr 28 20:05:28 2002] Mallo says, 'If you say that Jyssa is your child then I will accept that ~ there are only a limited number of gods I'll argue with'
[Sun Apr 28 20:05:36 2002] Greypaws smiles.
[Sun Apr 28 20:05:50 2002] Jyssa smiles timidly at Mallo.
[Sun Apr 28 20:06:15 2002] Jyssa bows before Mallo.
[Sun Apr 28 20:06:20 2002] Jyssa says, 'Thank you sir!'
[Sun Apr 28 20:06:28 2002] Sinstara hugs Jyssa.
[Sun Apr 28 20:06:32 2002] Llaene hugs Jyssa.
[Sun Apr 28 20:06:33 2002] Mallo says, 'I only pray this is no trick of hers Lad '
[Sun Apr 28 20:06:37 2002] Luniel cheers at Jyssa.
[Sun Apr 28 20:06:38 2002] Spirited Greypaws says, 'I affirm here before you all that Jyssa is My dear child, walking under my guidance..'
[Sun Apr 28 20:06:59 2002] Spirited Greypaws says, 'And that the powers she wields come from Me'
[Sun Apr 28 20:07:37 2002] Jyssa thanks Greypaws heartily.
[Sun Apr 28 20:07:37 2002] Sinstara beams a smile at Greypaws.
[Sun Apr 28 20:07:41 2002] Jyssa hugs Greypaws.
[Sun Apr 28 20:07:41 2002] Sinstara says, 'Thank you, Mother'
[Sun Apr 28 20:08:35 2002] Spirited Greypaws says, 'May your company prosper .. '
[Sun Apr 28 20:09:11 2002] Mallo says, 'May your power grow '
[Sun Apr 28 20:09:13 2002] Luniel kneels before Greypaws in humility and reverence.
[Sun Apr 28 20:09:14 2002] Greypaws smiles at Her children gathered around.
[Sun Apr 28 20:09:22 2002] Sinstara kneels before Greypaws in humility and reverence.
[Sun Apr 28 20:09:22 2002] Mallo bows before Greypaws.
[Sun Apr 28 20:09:33 2002] Greypaws smiles at Mallo
[Sun Apr 28 20:09:36 2002] Palou nods at Greypaws.
[Sun Apr 28 20:09:43 2002] Jyssa bows reverently in front of Greypaws.
[Sun Apr 28 20:09:52 2002] Greypaws 's eyes dim as Tunare's power fades from her.
[Sun Apr 28 20:10:10 2002] Greypaws turns to Jyssa and snuffles her pocket.
[Sun Apr 28 20:10:21 2002] Greypaws looks at Jyssa adoringly and wags its tail.
[Sun Apr 28 20:10:37 2002] Jyssa pets Greypaws.
[Sun Apr 28 20:10:59 2002] Jyssa says, 'Thank you puppy I've missed you'
[Sun Apr 28 20:11:08 2002] Greypaws wags its tail.
[Sun Apr 28 20:11:46 2002] Greypaws spots a squirrel.
[Sun Apr 28 20:11:53 2002] Greypaws runs off.

[Tirade]

*smiles*

[Rage]

Great story... It took a god showing herself for Mallo to pull his head out! sheesh

Where is the next Chapter?

Or maybe a flash back on how she tried to heal her father, but couldn't? come on there has got to be more

[Tanek]

That was so much fun to read! Thanks a bunch for sharing, Ming.