RSwiftblade:     (I'm still on that animal magnitism thing)

Lunauc:            (cue classic comic inquiry: "How short is it?")

RSwiftblade:     (Maybe I need to take a shower)

RSwiftblade:     (go for it stan)

Tolmara:           The morning of the second day after your triumphant return from

Asflag's tower, you receive a note from Drenla to meet him inside the

conference room in the temple of Martreus.

Lunauc:            (You are all invited to creepy possessed mag Coming Out Party)

Lunauc:            (BYOC: Bring your own crucifix)

RSwiftblade:     ::Reiner will attend with some trepidation, not sure how he was

given access to the room::

Lunauc:            ::Morti will go along due to note's promise of punch and pie::

FenrysStar:       ::Lythar will not be happy and will be ready to call the old boy

a peeping tom and similar perverted epitaphs::

AlexPetrovich99:           :goes with his brother-in-arms::

AlexPetrovich99:           ::keps a wary eye out,as he's really on edge after hearing

reiner's thoughts and suspicions..::

RSwiftblade:     ::Reiner's wounds are a blazing red on his arms and a gash on

the side of his neck that seems to be healing nicely::

FenrysStar:       ((my apologies part of my mind is somewhere in Japan right now,

I bought the beginning Inu Yasha Manga and Anime today))

VBJunkie:         (filled with smug indignation)

VBJunkie:         ..

Tolmara:           ((Yay))

Lunauc:            (Hai hai, love Inu Yasha, haven't seen the second movie though)

RSwiftblade:     ::as he walks you see that he noticibly grimmaces with each

step::

FenrysStar:       ((starting last night I had some vague notions of combining Inu

Yasha with Rokugan for some interesting fan fics))

RSwiftblade:     ::takes a swig from a flask and continues to the temple::

Lunauc:            ::Morti enters the the temple peeling off his moose skin over coat

to show only his dirtied white tunic underneath, though the entirity of his

body remains covered. Having come from Asflag's place where he'd been

spending most of

Tolmara:           As you enter the room, the first thing you notice is that Drenla is

sitting in the room next to Arinth.

RSwiftblade:     "Greetings lads"

Tolmara:           They don't rise.

Lunauc:            his time cleaning out the rotting garbage and corpses. Regardless of

his comrades words, he insisted on making Asflag's home clean, seeing as how

it was willed to him, he feels responsible::

Lunauc:            :::-) "Hello."

Tolmara:           Drenla smiles, but it is hardly a pleasant smile.

VBJunkie:         "well I can't say this worked out perfect"

VBJunkie:         "but we are moving forward"

Tolmara:           Drenla:  "Sit, I care not.  We won't waste your time."

AlexPetrovich99:           "Hi,Drenla..what's goingon?"

Tolmara:           Drenla:  "I refuse to travel with a group of such low moral

character.  Arinth and I are leaving tomorrow, for the Citadel and Tolmara."

Lunauc:            ::Morti's enchanted scarf smile withers as he quietly takes the

farthest seat from the mage::

VBJunkie:         "well that is not my destination" (i believe)

AlexPetrovich99:           "Low moral characetr?What exactly is that supposed to

mean,hm?How many times have we already gone out of our way to help you?And

why?~ so we could be insulted like this?"

Lunauc:            ::suddenly he looks up on that note::

AlexPetrovich99:           "What's the real problem,Drenla?"

RSwiftblade:     ::Reiner looks confused with this remark::

Tolmara:           Drenla:  "Oh, you misunderstand.  I don't mean your outdated

notions of protecting the weak and upholding goodness.  Quite the opposite

really."

Tolmara:           Drenla:  "You see, Reiner, you're not the only one who's been busy

converting followers.  Right, Arinth?"

Lunauc:            ::Morti stays quiet but looks desperately to Arinth::

Tolmara:           Arinth opens his eyes, but they have a dazed, weakened look to

them, as if he hasn't been sleeping.

AlexPetrovich99:           "ARINTH!"

Tolmara:           Drenla nudges him violently, and Arinth jerks awake.  "Oh,

er...r...r..right, Master Drenla."

AlexPetrovich99:           "Wake up"

AlexPetrovich99:           ::goes to Arinth's side to see if he needs aid::

RSwiftblade:     "Converting or shall we say dominating Drenla..."

Tolmara:           Drenla:  "Quite."  He glances at Jer'ar and Reiner.  "Quite a

little puppy, he is, Arinth."

AlexPetrovich99:           (trying ot see if he's just not well, or if something else

is wrong with him)

VBJunkie:         "my destination is after the black pearl... I will see it thwarted

if not destroyed"

Tolmara:           Arinth seems starved and weakened as if he hasn't been eating for a

couple of days.  Come to think of it, you haven't seen him for about as long.

AlexPetrovich99:           "He's not a puppy,renla,but a man,same as you or me"

AlexPetrovich99:           *Drenla

Tolmara:           Drenla just smiles that hard, bitter smile.

OnlineHost:       Lunauc rolled 1 20-sided die:  12

Tolmara:           Drenla:  "You're probably wondering how I got into this room.

Easy, if you know a few spells.  Priests are such fools, especially your much

vaunted War Father."

VBJunkie:         "hmmm well there is a saying"

VBJunkie:         "to know a fool you must be a fool"

RSwiftblade:     ::starts to move menacingly towards the mage::

Tolmara:           He doesn't shrink.

Tolmara:           Instead, he turns his gaze to Morti.

FenrysStar:       "How long were you in my room, I was entertaining a guest."

RSwiftblade:     "Get out of here, you discgrace this hall with your filth"

Tolmara:           "You there, you pitiful dwarf.  Here's your staff.  Useless piece

of wood, thanks to you."

Lunauc:            ::Morti stares studyingly at arinth, a worried expression marrin

ghis mask::

Tolmara:           He throws it at Morti.

OnlineHost:       Tolmara rolled 1 20-sided die:  7

Tolmara:           Of course it just skitters down the table like a dead thing.

RSwiftblade:     "I have had enough!"

Lunauc:            ::He jumps a bit, shocked as the staff calls his attention back to

Drenla::

OnlineHost:       Lunauc rolled 1 20-sided die:  3

Tolmara:           The mage ignores him.

RSwiftblade:     (Rolling for initiative to grab Drenal)

Tolmara:           (k)

OnlineHost:       RSwiftblade rolled 1 20-sided die:  17

RSwiftblade:     (20)

AlexPetrovich99:           :init here too

OnlineHost:       AlexPetrovich99 rolled 1 20-sided die:  11

AlexPetrovich99:           17

AlexPetrovich99:           *18 rather

Tolmara:           You grab him, but he seems to slip through your fingers.  It's like

grabbing oil.

AlexPetrovich99:           ::goes to subdue him::

Tolmara:           Arinth suddenly vanishes.

Tolmara:           (roll init)

AlexPetrovich99:           :;subdual with blade and mace::

RSwiftblade:     (20)

OnlineHost:       Lunauc rolled 1 20-sided die:  11

Lunauc:            (13)

AlexPetrovich99:           (hmm.. hoped to get an action n before the 2nd roll

OnlineHost:       AlexPetrovich99 rolled 1 20-sided die:  19

AlexPetrovich99:           26

RSwiftblade:     (looks around room to see if the mage is actually elsewhere in

the room)

FenrysStar:       ::is sitting back and letting the humans do what they wish to

each other::

Tolmara:           (This is not meant to imply that you didn't grab him, just that it

feels like you're grabbing an oil slick.)

AlexPetrovich99:           (it was Arinth and not Drenla who went poof)

Lunauc:            ::sits holding the staff, looking around for the mages:

Tolmara:           (26, Jer'ar)

Lunauc:            ::mage rather::

AlexPetrovich99:           :subdual w/ weapons:

Lunauc:            ::weakly::"Arinth...?"

Tolmara:           Drenla turns his glittery gaze towards Jer'ar.

Tolmara:           No response.

OnlineHost:       AlexPetrovich99 rolled 2 20-sided dice:  11 16

AlexPetrovich99:           wow..wicked chat lag

AlexPetrovich99:           15/21

FenrysStar:       ::sighs and leans back in his chair::

Tolmara:           The mage begins laughing, even as Jer'ar begins subduing him.

AlexPetrovich99:           hit?

Lunauc:            :-( ::staring at the laughing mage:: "What did you do?"

Tolmara:           Drenla (between smacks):  "Your friend will soon be given over to

the Shadow."

AlexPetrovich99:           ??

Tolmara:           (you hit him, he's not resisting)

AlexPetrovich99:           once,or twice?

Lunauc:            ".... shadow?"

Tolmara:           (both times)

Tolmara:           (damage if you want)

OnlineHost:       AlexPetrovich99 rolled 1 8-sided die:  1

OnlineHost:       AlexPetrovich99 rolled 1 6-sided die:  1

RSwiftblade:     "It must be the great evil that I felt"

AlexPetrovich99:           10

Tolmara:           You slice into Drenla's flesh, and recoil, as he begins

changing...transforming.

AlexPetrovich99:           "To ARMS! TO ARMS!"

Lunauc:            ::hopping up from his seat, still gripping the staff, he watches

wide-eyed::

FenrysStar:       ::nearly jumps out of his seat and grabs at his bow

Tolmara:           The mage slowly changes, and within a minute, changes form to a

tall humanoid man, taller than even Reiner, but incredibly skinny and bony,

and with leathery bat-like wings enfolding its form.

Tolmara:           The striking thing about this creature is that it has no eyes, and

its lips (if you can call it that) are merely a slit where its face would be.

RSwiftblade:     "WAR FATHER , this demon has defiled your temple!"

Lunauc:            ::A gulp catches in his throat at sight of the thing, head cocking

in consideration, while he slightly trembles.::

Tolmara:           The creature:  "Your friend, the mage known as Drenla will soon

fall to Shadow.  Kill me if you must."  It continues laughing, although

gurgling black bile.

VBJunkie:         "what is this foulness?"

AlexPetrovich99:           "HOw do I know you're telling the truth?"

Lunauc:            "Drenla..." ::the name is barely audible as he tries to concieve

what the demon means::

Tolmara:           The creature:  "It matters not if I am telling a lie.  It will

happen.  In the chamber of the pearl, it is happening even as we speak."

Tolmara:           (20, Reiner)

OnlineHost:       FenrysStar rolled 1 20-sided die:  7

RSwiftblade:     (striking with one sword only)

OnlineHost:       RSwiftblade rolled 1 20-sided die:  15

FenrysStar:       ((that was for my init 10))

RSwiftblade:     (25)

RSwiftblade:     (actually 26)

RSwiftblade:     "I do not fear you..."

Tolmara:           The creature:  "When he looked into the sphere, the

drinker-of-magic managed to draw his form into the chamber, as it attempted

to do with the elder wizard.  It succeeded and enabled me to switch places

with your friend.  You have

Tolmara:           no idea how difficult it is to maintain the form of a loathesome

soft creature such as a human with no evil in his soul."

Tolmara:           (26 AC?  sure, you hit)

Lunauc:            (dies this thing look like what we killed in the library?)

Tolmara:           (no)

RSwiftblade:     (strikes the thing as you see pain coming from his face)

Lunauc:            (just checking)

OnlineHost:       RSwiftblade rolled 1 8-sided die:  1

Tolmara:           (That was a figure in a tattered, billowing black cloak.  It never

quite revealed its form)

RSwiftblade:     (6)

Tolmara:           The creature coughs even more bile which sizzles into the wood of

the table.  Clerics begin pounding on the door of the room, but the door

refuses to open.

Tolmara:           (13, Morti)

Lunauc:            ::stays still, not quite sure what to do::

Lunauc:            (pass)

Tolmara:           The creature:  "I would have taken your friend Arinth to the

drinker, but he is too weak of mind and power for such to happen."

Tolmara:           (10, Lythar)

RSwiftblade:     "Trayn, try to open that door, we need elders that are more

powerful than I!"  ::yelling::

VBJunkie:         "alright"

FenrysStar:       ::shooting two arrows into the damnable thing as I move towards

the door.::

OnlineHost:       FenrysStar rolled 2 20-sided dice:  1 10

Tolmara:           (10 hits)

RSwiftblade:     "They will help to send this demon back to where it belongs"

OnlineHost:       FenrysStar rolled 1 8-sided die:  3

FenrysStar:       (6 damage)

Tolmara:           The creature collapses gurgling bile and laughing.

RSwiftblade:     (Yelling to make sure that those outside hear what he said)

Lunauc:            ::His confused head shakes, as he tries to make sense, thinking only

to ask:: "What about Drenla?"

Tolmara:           With the death of the creature, the door opens suddenly and

acolytes of Martreus flood into the room, as apparently it was the creature's

magic binding the door shut.

AlexPetrovich99:           "Killing keep..."

Tolmara:           Within minutes of the creature's death, a strong wind suddenly

blows into the chamber, turning the creature into dust, and scattering its

remains.  A small black pearl is all that is left.

AlexPetrovich99:           "Guys,we mustband together and go there quickly if we are

to save Drenla from that foul ...thing"

AlexPetrovich99:           ::grabs the pearl in case we need it for..something~

whatever::

RSwiftblade:     "It is as I said...a great evil is coming and we must be there

to help in its destruction"

Tolmara:           The clerics:  "This place must be sanctified as soon as possible,

as the Lord of Battle will not let this sacrilege go unnoticed."

Lunauc:            ::Morti nods firmly:: "We have to save Drenla.... and what about

Arinth. What happened to him?

RSwiftblade:     "Aye, it must"

AlexPetrovich99:           "Fellow followers of the warFather..if there's anything you

care to do to assist us, your aid is more than welcome"

RSwiftblade:     "How did this evil one get past your defenses?"

OnlineHost:       AlexPetrovich99 rolled 1 20-sided die:  1

FenrysStar:       "What in Elantra's Good Name was that?"

RSwiftblade:     ::Reiner's face grows dower:: "I believe it was a demon..."

FenrysStar:       "It went down far too easily to be a demon"

VBJunkie:         "I agree"

RSwiftblade:     "It may have been a projection of some magic trechery, rest

asured that the root was evil...I felt it!"

Tolmara:           The clerics (whispering among themselves first):  "If you will

stay, the patriarch will see you as soon as possible."

Lunauc:            ::in a murmur suggests: "Maybe it was only part demon."

RSwiftblade:     "Aye, I will stay..."

AlexPetrovich99:           "Yes..I think we should stay too"

AlexPetrovich99:           "I wnt to know if this pearl has any bearing on what must

be done"

Tolmara:           The clerics:  "We are not quite sure."  They glance around,

uneasily.

AlexPetrovich99:           ::holds it up::

RSwiftblade:     "Do not touch it"

Tolmara:           The clerics usher you out and into another conference chamber.

"The patriarch will be here shortly."

RSwiftblade:     (attempts to knock it out of Je'rar's hand)

OnlineHost:       RSwiftblade rolled 1 20-sided die:  1

RSwiftblade:     (misses pitifully))

Lunauc:            ::still holding Drenla's staff protectively, follows along::

Lunauc:            (oops...wrong x)

RSwiftblade:     "We may need him a bit sooner my brother's"

RSwiftblade:     ::talking to the clerics::

AlexPetrovich99:           afk/brb

Tolmara:           The patriarch walks into the room, followed by a hooded, cloaked

figure in dull brown robes.  "Ah, I came as soon as I could.  I heard about

the commotion....most distressing" as he glances at the hooded figure.

VBJunkie:         "very"

RSwiftblade:     "Aye...this disrespect will not go unanswered elder"

Tolmara:           The figure unfurls its cowl, and stands up tossing her head of

hair.  It's Rhian.

FenrysStar:       "My my my, reincarnated so quickly?"

RSwiftblade:     ::opens his eyes:: "What sort of witchcraft is this? I saw her

die in my arms"

Lunauc:            =-O

Tolmara:           She smiles slightly.  "Actually, I never died to begin with.  It

just appeared that I did."

Lunauc:            "Why?"

RSwiftblade:     "But we burried you with last rites..."

FenrysStar:       ::smirks and laughs as he nods at these turn of events.::

Tolmara:           Quickly her face turns grim.  "Before I answer your questions,"

holding up her hand, "this room must be sealed against intrusion ESPECIALLY

magickal intrusion."

RSwiftblade:     "I am just a warrior priest, I do not know of these wondrous

things"

Tolmara:           Rhian:  "Reiner, if you will please join your elder in his

castings, while I do my part?"

RSwiftblade:     "Aye, but what do I do?"

AlexPetrovich99:           sryy bout that..oldest woke up to a wet bed :(

RSwiftblade:     (know the feeling)

Tolmara:           Rhian:  "Reiner, a simple bless spell will do, but one can never be

too sure about these things, eh, Master Idras?"

AlexPetrovich99:           ::my eyes light up with joy at seeing her::

Lunauc:             :-) ::Comforted by the "cider" woman's present Morit relaxes about,

though still hugs the staff to himself::

AlexPetrovich99:           "Rhian..." excitement eveident in my voice::

AlexPetrovich99:           *evident

RSwiftblade:     "As you wish elder..." ::bows head::

Tolmara:           Idras:  "Ah, yes, m'lady.  This room is safe and there is no need

for alarm, but if you think it necessary, we shall sanctify it again."

AlexPetrovich99:           "What of this thing?"::shows Rhian the pearl::

Tolmara:           Her face becomes deathly still.  "Drop that thing NOW, Jer'ar."

AlexPetrovich99:           "The foul beast said Drenla is going to get turned into

something bad if we don't rescue him"

RSwiftblade:     "MAY THE WAR FATHER BLESS THIS SPACE AND MAKE IT COSECRATED

GROUND" ::in a loud tone with confidence and conviction::

AlexPetrovich99:           "Um.."::glances about::"ok"

Tolmara:           She whispers an incantation and holds out her hand.  "I said, NOW,

Jer'ar."

AlexPetrovich99:           ::opens his hand to let it fal onto the floor::

RSwiftblade:     ::waves hands::

VBJunkie:         "why the reluctance Jer'ar?"

AlexPetrovich99:           "What do you mean? She told me to drop it as I was in

mid-sentence,so i did"

RSwiftblade:     ::smiles when he knows his spell went off::

Tolmara:           The "pearl" falls to the floor, but before it hits the floor, it

comes to a stop.  Rhian concentrates, and sends it floating into an open

pouch that she takes from her belt, and tosses it inside before sealing the

pouch shut and

Tolmara:           placing it on the table, gently.

RSwiftblade:     ::immediately offers up prayer in a low muttered tone::

Tolmara:           For his part, Idras continues the incantation that Reiner began,

voice rising and falling in a practiced chant, until he too releases his

spell.

Lunauc:            ::Morti stares at the puch floating to the table then to Rhian::

"Should we still go see your sister?"

AlexPetrovich99:           "What is it Rhian?"

Tolmara:           Rhian:  "Anything tainted by the Shadow has a chance to taint

another creature, much like a sickness born on a wind has the chance to cause

a person to fall ill...like a plague or rats on a sinking ship."

AlexPetrovich99:           "I mean, it's just some stupid rock

AlexPetrovich99:           "

RSwiftblade:     "The Shadow?"

RSwiftblade:     "Oh... as I saw in Drenla?"

Tolmara:           Rhian:  "Aye, the Shadow."  She glances at Idras.  "Your help will

be needed, Master Idras.  This is not a creature of the one Whose Name Must

be Whispered."

AlexPetrovich99:           "Shadows are what you see when the sun is at your back"

Tolmara:           Turning to Reiner, she continues, "Not a creature of the Walker in

Darkness, but the Shadow.  The REAL Shadow."

AlexPetrovich99:           "Give me the culprit and I''ll run him through with cold

steel"

RSwiftblade:     "So it was not a demon?  I am confused my lady"

Tolmara:           Rhian:  "That was an apprentice Myrdraal, my child."

AlexPetrovich99:           ::is obviously befuddled::

AlexPetrovich99:           "YOu all speakin riddles"

AlexPetrovich99:           *You al speak in

AlexPetrovich99:           damn typos

Tolmara:           Holding her hand up, she begins again.  "I have not been truly

forthcoming with you but now is the time to begin anew.  And I hope you will

forgive me."

Lunauc:            ::Morti is completely confused, asking:: "What's a mirrordoll?"

Lunauc:            (damn lag)

RSwiftblade:     ::Reiner is in awe of Irdas's spell::

AlexPetrovich99:           "You speak of what everyone sees at dawn and at

dusk..shadows are nothing to be afraid of"

Tolmara:           Rhian:  "When I first met you, at Hawk's Shadowrest, I was first

aware of a creature that was trailing you, and had been on your scent for

quite a while.

RSwiftblade:     "I am thankfu to be in your presense Elder Irdas"

Lunauc:            ::head cocks to the side as he listens, scratching his neck as he

leans back against the table::

AlexPetrovich99:           "Now give me a giant or two and a host of Orcs and we'll

talk about fear,hmph!"

RSwiftblade:     l

Tolmara:           We Aes Sedai are fully tuned to emanations from creatures of the

Shadow, since we spend all our waking lives battling against Him and

creatures of His taint.

RSwiftblade:     "Quiet Je'rar, let the lady speak"

Tolmara:           "At first glance, you seemed like innocent and simple folk, hardly

worth the notice of an assassin as an apprentice Myrdraal, so I decided to

see for myself why it was trailing you.

Tolmara:           "Now, you may have experienced warriors and trackers amongst

yourselves, but please do not be slighted when I say that even the finest

among you can notice the relentless gaze of a Myrdraal, even an apprentice

one.  Once set on

Tolmara:           a prey, they will not stop until their goal, whatever it is, is

achieved.

RSwiftblade:     ::a thought visibly comes over Reiner's face::  "Aes

Sedai...that is what the evil one called Morti...or something like it"

Lunauc:            ::raises a brow to reiner:: "Huh?"

Tolmara:           She smiles.  "Nay, Morti is not at all one of us.  He will never

be.  But I digress."

Lunauc:            ::nods along, replying to Rhian's statement:: "I'm a cider"

Tolmara:           "So I decided to play the part of a traveler, which was not hard

for me to do, since in fact I was travelling to Tolmara, to seek the aid of

our sisters on another matter.  I assisted you in your quest to save the

people of the inn

RSwiftblade:     ::Reiner is even more confused now but listens::

Tolmara:           from the nightshades' machinations.  It was when we entered the

nightshades' hold that I lost track of the Myrdraal, so I decided to hide,

wait and see what would come of it.

RSwiftblade:     "Ah...so you feigned your death"

Tolmara:           "When I cast the spell that caused me to appear as if I sacrificed

myself, I sent my lifeforce into the ter'angreal that Drenla's staff was."

gesturing to the staff in Morti's hands.

Lunauc:            ::blinking for a second, Morti holds out the staff:: "Is that why it

lost power? You left it?"

Tolmara:           "Yes, I feigned my death.  This was necessary in order for me to

observe, even in a limbo-like state where I could do nothing, what was going

on around us, and why this creature of Shadow was tracking you.

AlexPetrovich99:           "Ok..and why is it?And,more importantly,how do I kill it?"

Tolmara:           She smiles at Morti.  "No, the staff is still powerful.  It still

has power.  It only needs to be awakened by one who is trained in its use, or

one who has potential."  She smiles again.

AlexPetrovich99:           "Such a creature could pose a threat to all my peoples"

RSwiftblade:     "Elder Irdas, please excuse my brother Je'rar, he is a new

initiate"

Tolmara:           Turning her gaze to Jer'ar, she continues, "Aye, it does.  And

more.  But let me continue."

AlexPetrovich99:           (ok..maybe now I can see why city-folk might consider us

from the fhaard as barbarians..)

AlexPetrovich99:           ((lmao))

Tolmara:           Idras:  "I had noticed by the zeal of his voice and the strength of

his arm.  Please continue, m'lady."

FenrysStar:       ::listens to what's going on and nods even though on some level

he has no idea what's going on::

Tolmara:           Rhian:  "When you emerged from the hold, I thought I had sacrificed

my life in vain, for it was then that I had lost the creature's taint and its

scent.  I was trapped forevermore in the ter'angreal until I could find a way

to

Tolmara:           emerge into the waking world.  You see, it had taken a tremendous

amount of power for me to move or channel my lifeforce into an inert item

such as the staff.  And being in a limbo-state meant that I would not be able

to regain my

Tolmara:           energy as easily as I had hoped.

Tolmara:           "When you came to Wintershivven, and encountered the trio of

adventureres who fled from the Killing Keep, I knew then where the Myrdraal

had come from and where it had gone to.

RSwiftblade:     "We are sorry if we have caused you pain Rhian"

Tolmara:           "You see, a Myrdraal is in effect a soldier in a hierarchy of

soldiers, all dedicated to serving the Dark One's cause.  Myrdraal are the

assassins of this dark army, and they take their orders from creatures much

higher in rank than

Tolmara:           they.  Creatures such as a "drinker-of-magic".

Lunauc:            "Oh.. Moirairne mentioned that thing. She said that it would lessen

the time Asflag's wards would last

Lunauc:            "

Tolmara:           "The creature that was tracking you, as I said, was an apprentice

Myrdraal.  It had not fully ascended to it's 'final rank' if you will.  It

had not yet been given a blade forged at Shayol Gul.  It was not armed with a

sword of

AlexPetrovich99:           "OK..I get it..all we have to do is kill the dark general"

Tolmara:           spiritsteel.  It was not yet powerful."

RSwiftblade:     "Je'rar, please respect..."

VBJunkie:         ::listens and says little absorbing this scenario::

Tolmara:           She smiles grimly.  "Not so fast, Jer'ar.  Please listen closely.

There is more to come."

AlexPetrovich99:           "Well all we talk about is chasing after our own

tails..give me somebody i can face and deal with instead of all this spirit

mumbo"

Tolmara:           "In due time, Jer'ar.  The moment shall come, sooner than you hope

for."

AlexPetrovich99:           ::ctahces Rhian's look,and treis to maintain soe patience::

AlexPetrovich99:           *catches

VBJunkie:         "yes... rush not into danger... unless you are prepared"

VBJunkie:         "part of that is knowledge..."

AlexPetrovich99:           "Look, I just don't believe in the boogieman,ok?"

Tolmara:           "Now, please listen very carefully.  The time for questions will

come after.  Trayn as always is versed in wisdom."

RSwiftblade:     "Aye..."

Tolmara:           She continues.  "The rest you know since it happened to you fairly

recently, up until you investigated Asflag's tower.  Now, things began to

make sense...to me.  The wizard Asflag was working on a project that was

initiated by the

Tolmara:           Royal Wizard of Wylund.  He needed a spell component for his

project, and had heard of a creature known as a "drinker-of-magic" that

needed to be stopped.  He thought he had the matter well in hand, but he was

quite wrong, for a

Tolmara:           drinker can only be slain by one versed in the One Power, or by a

channeler, or by one wielding a ter'angreal.

RSwiftblade:     "The staff that you spoke of that Morti now has"

RSwiftblade:     "Was Drenla to give that staff to Morti?"

Lunauc:            ::looking at the staffs head:: "This thing you mean?"

Tolmara:           "In addition, Asflag foolishly scried upon the adventurers, never

quite knowing that creatures of Shadow can project themselves over great

distances using objects such as crystal balls and mirrors of scrying.

VBJunkie:         "ahhh"

RSwiftblade:     "Ahh"

Tolmara:           "It is how these creatures compensate for certain inabilities such

as being able to properly utilize magic that enables them to teleport or

transport themselves."

Tolmara:           Rhian:  "Yes, but later Reiner."

RSwiftblade:     ::Reiner is looking a bit overwhelmed by all of this magic::

Lunauc:            "Huh?" :doubly confused::

AlexPetrovich99:           ::grips the pommels of his weapons and stalks about a

little,not liking this at all.. give him things he can see and face

anyday..bah::

Tolmara:           Rhian:  "The drinker attempted to exchange its Myrdraal with Asflag

and failed because such an exchange requires like power for like power.

Asflag was a bit too powerful in body, magic and will.  Instead, the attempt

to exchange

Tolmara:           merely slew the wizard."

Tolmara:           Rhian:  "It would attempt to exchange the next wizard that glanced

into the crystal ball.

Tolmara:           "That person was Drenla.

RSwiftblade:     "Aye...I sensed that"

VBJunkie:         "hmm a transferrence..."

Tolmara:           Rhian:  "Now you understand.  You begin to understand.  I hope you

do.  Drenla, if you will recall, attempted to warn you, Morti, from looking

into the ball, because I think he dimly recognized the threat...even though

he does not

Tolmara:           and is not versed in the magic of the One Power.  He knew there WAS

something dangerous and so tried to save you all from what was to happen to

him.  He sacrificed himself, in effect.

Lunauc:            ::scratching his head:: "Is he okay?"

RSwiftblade:     "So what was left was not Drenla"

AlexPetrovich99:           "WE just have to go and get him back is all , right Morti?"

Tolmara:           She smiles sadly and gently.  "No, Morti, Drenla is not all right.

Not now.  And soon, he will not be alive."

RSwiftblade:     "Aye it makes sense to me..."

AlexPetrovich99:           "Hoqw much time do we have?"

AlexPetrovich99:           *How

Lunauc:            :-( "We can still save him though, right?"

RSwiftblade:     ::Reiner's face turns sad:: "It may be too late"

Tolmara:           Rhian:  "The creature that exchanged with Drenla was the apprentice

Myrdraal, whom you saw moments ago.  Among its abilities is the ability to

mask itself as a creature other than itself.

Tolmara:           "It is why it is one of the most efficient killers in the Shadow's

army."

AlexPetrovich99:           "Well if that's efficient,then we'll be fine,as it is

dead,and we are not"

RSwiftblade:     "Assasins...no honour...poor drenla had more honor than I gave

him credit for"

Tolmara:           Rhian:  "Drenla, if he is in the vicinity of a drinker-of-magic, is

in very great danger.  The drinker will first consume his magical energies,

siphoning off what spells he has in his mind.  This is a slow process.  Once

done, it

Tolmara:           will then attempt to consume his intelligence.  When he is no

longer an intelligent creature but a mindless, drooling vegetable, then the

creature will consume his body, and then his soul.  And then, he will be

truly dead."

Lunauc:            ::springing to fully stand:: "Then we have to go! Now!"

RSwiftblade:     "Does this drinker of magic have a form that can be attacked by

us humble warriors?"

Tolmara:           Rhian:  "Each day that you dally, you waste.  I shudder now to

think of what he has become.  Once his intelligence is drained, the process

is irreversible."

Tolmara:           Rhian:  "Yes.  And that is where Morti comes into play."

Lunauc:            "HUh?"

RSwiftblade:     "Aye a secret weapon"

Lunauc:            ::glances questioningly between Reiner and Rhian::

AlexPetrovich99:           (going to turn into a pumkin soon guys)

AlexPetrovich99:           (*pumpkin)

Tolmara:           Rhian (turning to Morti):  "Morti, I want you to understand that

you do not have to do this.  You do not need to act or be coerced into doing

this.  There are other ways of defeating this creature.  You do have a choice

in acting. 

Tolmara:           You don't need to sacrifice your life if you do not want to.

Please tell me that you understand."

Lunauc:            (An I shall be a mango)

RSwiftblade:     "Sacrifice his life?"

Lunauc:            =-O

AlexPetrovich99:           "Who says we'll let him die?"

Lunauc:            "Wha-wha-what do you mean?"

AlexPetrovich99:           ::steps rotectively towards Morti::

AlexPetrovich99:           *protectively

Tolmara:           Rhian:  "There is a chance, because he is an untrained sai'dar,

that his magic will become uncontrolled and backlash against him."

AlexPetrovich99:           "Then give him a crash course"

Tolmara:           Rhian:  "That is fraught with danger, and it is likely that he will

not survive."

AlexPetrovich99:           "Show him at least something that can help him"

Tolmara:           Rhian:  "It would be as if he were me, back in the nightshades'

hold, except that the appearance of him dying would be very real."

Lunauc:            ::Morit goes quiet, staring between the others::

AlexPetrovich99:           "Morti..I think I'd feelmuch better about this if you stay

behind.."

RSwiftblade:     "How can we protect him if he chooses to go?"

Lunauc:            "Your dying looked very real..."

Lunauc:            "How much realler?"

AlexPetrovich99:           "Shhe means dead dead Morti..no comig back"

Tolmara:           Rhian:  "We all will.  I first and foremost swear by the White

Tower that I will lay down my life for you, Morti."

AlexPetrovich99:           *she   coming

AlexPetrovich99:           "Look here!"

Tolmara:           She gets down on one knee and takes your (Morti's) hands.

Lunauc:            "Why?"

Lunauc:            ::Looks down at her frowning::

AlexPetrovich99:           "ANyone that thinks of dying is already good as dead; I say

we none of lay down our lives and defeatthis foul blight upon the world"

AlexPetrovich99:           "Now all those who plan on living feel free to folow me"

Tolmara:           Rhian (looking in Morti's eyes):  "Because life is sacred, and

because life must be upheld, and because we must all stand against the

Shadow."

Lunauc:            "Why me?"

AlexPetrovich99:           "As for this Shadow thing,.. I'll throw my torch in its

face and show it the light"

RSwiftblade:     "Death is always a part of battle...it must not be feared

Je'rar but respected"

Tolmara:           Rhian:  "Because you are a sai'dar.  Because you have potential.

Because you have a gift, and to those with gifts come great responsibility."

RSwiftblade:     "knowing that there is a chance of dying maked the battle more

significant"

AlexPetrovich99:           "Reiner, never have I walked into battle thinking thathey I

could die today"

AlexPetrovich99:           *thinking that hey

RSwiftblade:     "Ye must...so ye respect the life ye are given"

AlexPetrovich99:           "I don't see it that way"

AlexPetrovich99:           "I think hey,I'm going to live"

Lunauc:            ::Morti takes a moment turning it over, before asking tentatively:

"What would I have to do?"

Tolmara:           Rhian:  "Because I have SEEN you, Morti.  And I know what 'tis like

to feel spited and trodded, and ignored, and maligned.  And because you

deserve better."

AlexPetrovich99:           "after battle,then I respect the life i have"

RSwiftblade:     "I too understand Morti for I have seen your discomfort"

AlexPetrovich99:           "Thinking about yuour own death gives a man pause for

momentary doubt; that is often what decides who stands and who falls in the

course of conflict"

Tolmara:           Rhian (standing up):  "There is much fear in you, child.  You will

never let go of your fear until you have faced it.  You will never be free of

your fear until you stand against it.  Drenla wanted to be feared.

Tolmara:           What do you want, Morti?"

AlexPetrovich99:           "and Morti, I'll do all I can to keep you from getting

hurt"

RSwiftblade:     "Yes Morti, what do ye want"

Lunauc:            ::looks up to the others, nodding at their support:: "I want to get

home"

Tolmara:           Rhian (confused):  "Home?"

AlexPetrovich99:           "Ok..no problem..and whereis home for Morti?"

Lunauc:            ::Morti just nods off to the side:: "Where everyone is"

AlexPetrovich99:           "Umm Morti..who do you mean by everyone?"

Lunauc:            ::rather uncomfortable under scrutiny:: "My family, I want to find

them. I want to be home again"

AlexPetrovich99:           "If you mean us, your fellow travelers,then I guess you are

home right here,hm?"

AlexPetrovich99:           "Ok.. .. so then what are we waiting for? Let's guide you

home"

RSwiftblade:     ::under his breath:: "Je'rar sometimes things are more

complicated...let Morti think"

Lunauc:            "they aren't there. I don't know where they are"

Lunauc:            ::shoving aside those thoughts, he looks back to Rhian, with a fresh

determination:: "What do I have to do to save Drenla and everyone?"

FenrysStar:       ::sighs and leans back and contemplates trancing while they

wait::

VBJunkie:         "you cannot save those who don't want to be saved..."

RSwiftblade:     "Morti, this is very important, if the shadow is alowed to

exist in our walking world, then you, I and everyone  includidng your family

might be doomed"

Lunauc:            ::nods firmly to Reiner and looks back to the Aes Sedai::

RSwiftblade:     "This would be a step in ridding this world of such evil"

RSwiftblade:     "You show the courage of a warrior Morti"

AlexPetrovich99:           "Enough of talking about fighting thigns we can't see..

right now I'd just about die for a chance to kill some goblins"

AlexPetrovich99:           "Give me something I can face"

Tolmara:           Rhian smiles gently and seems satisfied. 

VBJunkie:         "goblins are the blisters of evil..."

AlexPetrovich99:           ::adopts a proud and somewhatregal stance::

RSwiftblade:     ::gives elder Irdas a frustrated look and holds his hands up::

VBJunkie:         "this seems like the heart of evil... much more dangerous when

left to its devices"

AlexPetrovich99:           "Soo then we kill it"

RSwiftblade:     "Aye Ye are right Trayn, but evil is cunning"

VBJunkie:         "im not sure its alive in a sense that we know.. but destroy it

yes"

Tolmara:           Glancing at Jer'ar, "Do not wish to do what you will soon face,

warrior of the People.  Killing is nothing worth desiring and brings joy to

no one."

AlexPetrovich99:           "When what you kill takes delight in hurting people

indiscriminately,then that is called a necessity"

Tolmara:           Rhian:  "You asked whether this creature has a form that can be

slain by cold steel and untamed iron.  Yes, there is."

RSwiftblade:     "Aye true Elder...aye true"

Tolmara:           Idras:  "You are too soon a warrior of the Lord of Battles, my son.

When you have walked in the path of war, you will know what it means to deal

death."

VBJunkie:         "I was thinking of the spell shatter if it would mayhap be of use"

AlexPetrovich99:           ::is clearly puzzled by that statement::

VBJunkie:         "the spirit stated it was vulnerable to sorceror magic.."

Tolmara:           Rhian:  "All creatures of Shadow take on a form that is familiar

for their true visage is so horrific that to see them in their right form

would drive a person mad.

VBJunkie:         (musing of the pearl - hope im not off topic)

Tolmara:           "Your first step is to see past its appearance, for then will you

be able to discern its position.

Tolmara:           ((no David))

AlexPetrovich99:           (umm def. got to get some sleep..)

Tolmara:           ((I'll send the log to everyone))

Tolmara:           ((go if you need to))

AlexPetrovich99:           ok

RSwiftblade:     "Aye, but how is that done my lady?

RSwiftblade:     "

VBJunkie:         ::awaits this answer::

Tolmara:           "Your next step, once you have discerned its appearance -- and when

you do, you will never be fooled by that creature again -- is to corner it as

quickly as possible and strike true.  Let it not touch magic, for doing so

serves only

VBJunkie:         "so attacking it with magic... even that of divine or sorceror is

folly?"

Tolmara:           to heal it.  By this, I mean strike at it with cold steel and

untamed iron, no enchanted weapons must taste its flesh.  It is not called a

drinker-of-magic for nothing.

Lunauc:            "no magic, okay then...."

Tolmara:           "It is only vulnerable to magic of the One Power.

Lunauc:            "...not sure what help I'll be in this then..."

Tolmara:           "A sorceror such as Morti can slay a drinker-of-magic."

RSwiftblade:     "Ah that is why the War Father has called upon me for my steel

is true and free of enchantments"

Lunauc:            ::blinks for a second, then glances toward the dusty remains on the

floor:: "Are you sure?"

Tolmara:           "A person trained in the use of the One Power, such as I, can slay

it.  Or a person who is trained in the use of a ter'angreal, such as this

staff, can slay it.  Any one of those factors, or a combination of them."

RSwiftblade:     ::looks disheartened:: "But not steel?"

Tolmara:           "A casting circle stands the greatest chance of slaying it.  By

that I mean, Morti and myself enjoined, sai'dar and sai'dan, with the One

Power."

Lunauc:            "What's the one power?"

VBJunkie:         "so enhancements on a person won't feed it... as long as the steel

in enchanted?"

Tolmara:           "Steel will injure such a creature, but for the creature to be

truly slain, it must taste of the One Power."

RSwiftblade:     "So we weaken it and you give it the final blow"

Tolmara:           "Exactly."

Tolmara:           "You cannot bring it near ANY MAGIC, at all."

RSwiftblade:     "What weapons does this creature have against us"

VBJunkie:         (is unenchanted)

Tolmara:           "If you come at it with no magic, then it has no weapons to use

against you."

VBJunkie:         "hmmm then I shall have to be clean of my spells"

VBJunkie:         "for it may strip them from me... to feed itself"

RSwiftblade:     "Aye...I am thankful that the War Father has chosen me for this

task, along with my compatriots"

Tolmara:           "A drinker-of-magic cannot be harmed by divine spells.  But it

cannot tolerate divine magic in the first place.  The two are like oil and

water."

RSwiftblade:     "Aye how so my lady?"

Tolmara:           "Your spells, Trayn and Reiner, will prove invaluable against this

creature."

VBJunkie:         "can it feed off of divine spells?"

Tolmara:           "No, it cannot."

Lunauc:            ::Looks to Reiner:: "Glad you're happy to be chosen..."

VBJunkie:         "oh then... it shall fall before the might of Solnor then"

VBJunkie:         "that and the One Power that you speak of"

Tolmara:           She smiles gently.  "Yes, I suppose so.  But do not even think of

converting me to Solnor, young prince."

Lunauc:            "What's the one power again?"

RSwiftblade:     ::smiles at Trayn, but  believes that the War Father will smite

the shadow::

VBJunkie:         "prince... I think not.... unless its royalty to serve others"

Tolmara:           "Morti, the One Power is what sorcerers and wizards in your world

call the Pattern.  It is magic.  It is just that we Aes Sedai and others use

it differently."

Tolmara:           "It's just that you remind me of Mat."

RSwiftblade:     "Yes Trayn, ye are her prince charming" ::chuckles::

Lunauc:            ::scratching his head, somewhat recalling such words:: "Oh.... "

Tolmara:           Rhian:  "Before I forget, I must finish my tale.

Tolmara:           "When Drenla was exchanged with the creature, I was forced to find

a way to take form for I would not be able to defend myself against the

creature of Shadow that was now in Drenla's body.

RSwiftblade:     "Yes I sensed something unusual was happening my lasy"

RSwiftblade:     lady

Tolmara:           "I was forced to take a small portion of the power within the

ter'angreal with which I used to create a body for myself to reside in.  This

is a temporary effect, and I'm afraid, will be a lasting one soon.  My time

in this world is

Tolmara:           limited and I cannot be with you for very long.  Soon, the magic

holding this form will fail, and then I will truly be dead."

Tolmara:           ((er you get what I mean, I think))

RSwiftblade:     ((er yes))

Lunauc:            (damn aol froze up on me)

RSwiftblade:     ((the aol boogieman got lunuac)

Tolmara:           Rhian:  "Necromancy is an art forbidden to those of us who belong

to the White Tower.  Necromancy is an art reserved for sisters of the Black

Ajah.  I refuse to practice any necromancy, so this time will be soon in

coming.

Tolmara:           Rhian:  "And that, is the conclusion of my tale."

RSwiftblade:     "Aye our shaamans are forbidden to deal in death magic"

RSwiftblade:     "Well morti, are ye up to the task?"

RSwiftblade:     "I will even sharpen yer dagger again"

Lunauc:            :: though he doesn't entirely understand the task, he nods to

Reiner:: "I will do what it takes"

RSwiftblade:     "Ye must be a warrior that uses the One Power"

Lunauc:            :-\ "Uh...."

Lunauc:            "Okay..."

RSwiftblade:     "Ye will be remembered in song Morti"

Lunauc:            ::stares oddly at the war priest:: "What does that mean?"

RSwiftblade:     "In future days people will sing about you!"

RSwiftblade:     "You will go on to do great deeds Morti"

RSwiftblade:     (Trying to inspire Morti)

Lunauc:            (I know, he's not really use to it though)

Lunauc:            "I hope so."

RSwiftblade:     "He is the wonder in the brotherhood of might, wonder and

honor"

Lunauc:            :::weakly hoping he even lives on::

Lunauc:             :-\  "Please stop using that name.

RSwiftblade:     "I will stand by yer side...do not worry morti"

VBJunkie:         "I shall be there bringing the blessings of Solnors bright light

to vanquish this evil darkness"

RSwiftblade:     "But now we will have a sister for a while"

RSwiftblade:     "Aye..."

Lunauc:            ::peering sideways at him::"You aren't going to be talking like this

the whole time yer at my side, are you?"

RSwiftblade:     "It is our way...in our clan, we are all brothers and sisters"

FenrysStar:       ::shakes his head as he rolls his eyes at the name::

RSwiftblade:     "If we fight togethers we are brothers..."

Lunauc:            "Ah...." ::completely clueless::

RSwiftblade:     "Even you Lythar..."  ::chuckles::

FenrysStar:       "Rather broad requirement for brothers.

Lunauc:            ::;eans toward trayn,

FenrysStar:       "Usually the term is reserved for male children of similar

parents living in a single domecile"

Lunauc:            "He isn't going to start hugging is her?"

Lunauc:            (he rather)

RSwiftblade:     ::in elvish:: "Ye have much more time to contemplate these

things...."

FenrysStar:       "We live longer"

RSwiftblade:     "Tis true"

RSwiftblade:     "Elder Irdas, thank you for yer space in these hallowed halls."

VBJunkie:         "well what is our next course of action?"

VBJunkie:         "we should begin to prepare"

Tolmara:           Idras:  "The name is Idras," he gently corrects Reiner.  "Any time,

my son."

RSwiftblade:     ((dislexic))

Tolmara:           ((closing the log))