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[Beyshaliban]

Written one silly morning in September 2003.

UU made me do it and I obliged willingly.

Disclaimer: Comedy ahead.
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ONSLAUGHT

"They didn't found some other... parts yet?" Sir Anomen asked, cringing just slightly.

Peterka slowly shook his head, "No," he said, "just the one." And they all looked down at this pathetic little hole in the ground.

"Well, they could have at least pretended." Anomen never thought of the deceased as a close friend, but he had been a long time comrade, and an adventurer of great skill, and devoted to goodness. He would have at least deserved the illusion of being buried in whole. His, the sorcerer's, honour asked for that much. Not this... last bed for some remains of a pinky finger.

The graveyard was crowded with people. Hundreds and hundreds of desperate mourners filling the air with constant murmuring, just like a river that flows nearby and whose waters break at the stones and rocks in its bed to be rushed and build dangerous currents.

The murmur of sorrow surged to a deafening rush, when the Cleric appeared to see to the proper ritual to put a man to his final rest.

Peterka looked at the mourners. Apart from himself, and the former male members of his group, there were only women attending the service. All dressed in black, all clutching their fists to their hearts, all of them crying, whimpering, whispering the sorcerer's name in despair.

"All these women..." Peterka squinted his eyes in remembrance of the many, many, many females that had followed the sorcerer's wake.

"I mean, he never really was THAT handsome..." The sorcerer's success with the fairer sex had always been a mystery to him. Peterka's classic profile, his blond mane and sea green eyes had invoked a lot of delighted sighs in his days. Even nowadays he didn't have much problem in finding company. Especially since he had started to shave his head, when the skin had begun to shine through his locks. It had become even better, as he now attracted the more... grounded women. They were so much more fun, than those romantically sighing girls.

"Or THAT strong..." Sir Anomen remembered the many, many, many times when Peterka had loaded the sorcerer's backpack onto him. And they had always thought he was slow. No wonder, when he had to carry half the party's equipment.

"He used MAGIC..." Valygar, who had loosened up so much over the years, felt his loath for magic had returned to full extent, after he had learned some of the more gruesome details.

"He was as poetic as an ogress in labour..." Haer'Dalis had not changed much over the years. His hair had intensified its colour and he looked now more like the peacock he had always accused Anomen to be.

"He had the inborn talent to invoke primal mating calls..." Cernd remembered the nights when he listened to the sorcerer's sleeping sounds and with awe watched all kinds of female creatures in heat appear and gather around the sleeping man.

"Is Imoen here as well?" Sir Keldorn asked, looking around, scanning for the mage's face.

"I have tried to track her down, but she has disappeared." Peterka told them. "I doubt she would have come anyway. She never forgave him." He added.

"Yes, he could have been happy and sound, but he had to have them all." Anomen mused. He still could not forgive the countless times the sorcerer had bungled his, Anomen's, amorous affairs.

"Still, no one knows, how this really happened?" Sir Firecam had returned from his retreat from the country, only to give this man his last good bye.

"He was ripped into pieces, but no one knows why." Valygar told him. "Some foul magic. No doubt!"

"He came to see me, some years ago, while I was preparing for a Jansen family gathering, with some very interesting sketches to some distillation device. He asked me to build it for him. It was quite a challenge, my cousin Biserka, started shifting the moment she laid eyes upon him." Jan Jansen, in his exquisite robes had been the only one to see the sorcerer on a regular basis during the last years.

"Distillation? What for?" Cernd raised his eyebrows. Distillation sounded artificial and he did not like this sound.

"Well, you see, he had started to drain the scent of all kind of flowers, cherries, chocolate, lavender, honey, and what not. He wanted to create and preserve their flavours." Jan filled them in on the sorcerer's last researches.

"Yes," Peterka nodded, "yes, he had always been obsessed by flavour."

"And then," the tinker gnome continued, "one day he came with the sketch for a new addition to his device. He told me he had made a profound discovery. That he would now be able to drain all the scents and flavours and create the perfect flavour, so he would become irresistible. I warned him, but he just shrugged."

Premonition dawned upon them.

"I delivered this device personally, and he was agitated and excited. He vanished into his rickety tower, and soon after that I heard him yell in delight and pleasure. 'I DID IT!' he screamed and he was overjoyed.

He then appeared again in the doorway. He waved at me, 'I?m irresistable, Jan,' he sneered at me, waved again, and disappeared.

About an hour later, I heard the rumours. When I reached the Promenade, the onslaught was over and it was pure accident that I got hold of his pinky finger. Five women were fighting to the death to get hold of it. It is pure luck, that one of them dropped it, and I was able to pick it up."

Once again their eyes dropped to the tiny hole.

"Dear Mourners!" The cleric asked for their attention. "As we are about to put a great man to rest, the City Council asks for your attention. The size of the grave had been chosen deliberately, to bring you to your senses. The City Council asks of you to return the remains, this might be done anonymous, so that this man can finally be buried in a grave of the size his fame and honour demands."

A bewildered gasping broke out of hundreds of mouths, as hundreds of hands clutched a blue locket even closer to their hearts. No one, no one would take him away from them!

Many hours later, the mourners had left to go home and cry themselves to sleep in desperation, and the friends had decided to hoist one in honour of their fallen comrade as a lone hooded figure appeared on the graveyard.

For a moment the dark slender shape just stood there and looked down at the beautifully and elegant gravestone. A single tear ran down her cheek when she put down a single pink rose.

"Rest in pieces, Kelsey," she sighed, before she began to dig up the fresh earth with her bare hands.

--- R.I.P ---

Edited by Beyshaliban, 25 July 2004 - 08:35 AM.

[Beyshaliban]

This is/was meant as a one shot. Thanks to Theodur I do have an idea for an expansion, but it?s unlikely it will be written soon, and I don't know yet, if it will work out as I intend, so I put this piece in here for now.

Due to time constraints it is not proofread or edited, so you may likely find more grammatical oddities than are common for my stuff.

If you like, feel free to tell me what you think in the Comment Thread. Thank you.

Disclaimer: Bittersweetness ahead

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The Night Of Her Life

The air was still cool and the sewers? ever present aroma not yet strong enough to clash with the impressive beauty and serenity of Athkatla?s temple district. The early morning sun got caught on a golden roof and the young woman who paced upfront the entrance to Helm?s temple squinted her eyes and stopped. Should she have misunderstood? Could he have changed his habit to pray at the temple in the mornings when he was in town? Determined she went for the door as it opened and the familiar shape appeared and stepped out into the morning sun.

Forgetting all conduct and noble restraint she squealed in joy and delight as a startled squire suddenly found himself with a young woman that hung on his neck. ?Anomen! I heard you are back. When were you thinking of letting me know? Hm??

Slightly embarrassed at this public display of affection in these holy surroundings but too surprised and happy to really bother he answered the embraced and closed his arms around his sister. ?I was about to inform you. I have the note I was about to deliver right here in my pocket. And if you release me, I can prove it.? Anomen chuckled.

Only reluctantly Moira Delryn let go of her big brother. Too long had he been away, too rarely came his letters, too long had she not seen him or talked to him.

?Do you have time for your little sister, Anomen?? Moira asked with hope and once again hugged him as he confirmed with a nod. ?Very good! Then let?s take a walk to Waukeen?s Promenade and have breakfast, shall we?? She took his arm and grinned at him. ?And you will tell me what happened to you while you where gone.? Her voice did not allow for an objection, but Anomen would not have objected anyway. His time was his own for now and he could schedule to his needs and liking. And there was nothing he would have liked better than spending a few hours with sister.

~~~

Moira listened to Anomen?s tales of good deeds and achievements. She asked when he told something she did not understand and teased him with sisterly easiness when he exaggerated.

?Now look at me. I talk and talk and you listen.? Anomen smiled self-consciously. ?Tell me, how do you fare, little sister?? He inquired.

Moira waved dismissively and shrugged. ?That?s alright, Anomen. There is not much to tell anyway. I clean the house, cook the meals and charm the merchants so that they defer our bills.? She did not mention that the bills at the wine merchant had reached a degree that sometimes cost her sleep. She neither mentioned that she only went to the market before it closed so that she could buy cheap. And she would never tell him that she sometimes even grubbed through the piles the merchants left when they closed their stands. ?I manage.? Moira smiled at Anomen. Yes, somehow she managed.

Her smile had diminished and Anomen?s heart clenched at the sorrow of his sister. ?Why do you still stay with him? Allow me to find a way out for you, Moira, please.? The serious pledge in his voice was marked with impatience and anger. Two emotions she only knew too well in him.

?No, Anomen. I cannot. I am the only one he has got and I can handle him. Really, I can.? She affirmed. Yes, she could handle Lord Cor. Their father was a worthless drunk -- there was no doubt about it. His temper was vile and he could be mean and heartless without any effort. But he was also a lost soul, driven with self-pity and hopelessness. She had deciphered him and knew when to stand up and make him back off, when to abet to his fits of self-pity or when to go and hide somewhere until he fell into a drunken stupor.

Moira had long given up hope that her brother would ever understand. Too deep were the wounds Lord Cor had caused in him and she did not blame Anomen for staying away. The young man was like a thorn in Lord Cor?s side and only the mention of his name caused tirades of accusations and blame as if his son was only born to cause him, Cor, pain and suffering.

?Helm?s mercy!? Anomen burst out. ?Don?t you have to go back? I don?t want you to get in trouble when father doesn?t get his lunch in time.? His face darkened at his words and Moira hurried to interrupt.

?No. I don?t have to go.? Moira appeased him. ?Father has gone on a business trip, and he won?t be back for another week or so.? She explained and laughed at Anomen?s relief.

The squire relaxed. ?How did you know I was back in Athkatla?? Anomen suddenly realized that he had no idea how Moira had found out about his return.

?Odethe told me.? Moira grinned. ?Odethe Adaligis? My friend from school? Her brother Navin is a squire at the Order as well. He told Odethe, she told me.? She helped him out.

Anomen needed a second to remember his sister?s friend from childhood days. One of the few she got and one of the even fewer that remained after Lord Cor had taken her out of school when he could not or would not want to pay for her education any longer. He had not seen the Lady Adaligis often since he had spent most of his time at the Temple and the Order and only rarely had visited home. He recalled two skinny girls sitting on the doorsteps in the backyard, giggling and whispering, and felt immediately uncomfortable.

And of course he knew the young Squire Navin Adaligis, a promising young man of hardly twenty years, who would undoubtedly become a fine paladin one day.

?I am glad to hear that you are seeing friends, Moira.? Anomen declared and grabbed her hand. ?You should not stay in that house all the time.? He looked at Moira?s hand that vanished in his. Such small hands. Too small and too frail to work so hard. Sadness engulfed him as he felt that her hands were not as soft as one would expect for a lady of her class.

?Odethe will come of age this weekend and the Adaligis are having a big party. She came over to invite me personally and we spent a wonderful afternoon.? Moira told with a smile.

Brother and sister knew each other well and as obviously as Anomen?s thoughts were to her, as clearly he heard the sadness in her voice. ?And father doesn?t allow that you go?? He asked dangerously low.

Moira shook her head. ?He doesn?t know I?m inivted, and he will not be back in time anyway. It is out of the question that I go there alone. Too bad that Odethe is the older one, isn?t it? If I were of age already, I would not hesitate and go there alone. Conduct be damned.? Moira winked at Anomen but her eyes were slowly filling with tears.

Anomen released her hand as anger filled him and he feared that he would squeeze Moira?s fingers too hard. Not enough that Moira would not have her own party, the financial situation of Lord Cor would never allow for this. But that she could not even attend the party of her friend, her best friend!

?And even if father was here. And even if he would agree that we go?? Moira wiped her eyes with the back of her hands and sighed. ?There is no way I can afford a present. Odethe told me not to bother, but I would never show up without a present.? Moira sniffled silently and again wiped her eyes. She wished she had not told him.

A small pouch was passed to her and Moira?s eyes widened. ?What is that supposed to mean?? She asked suspiciously and looked up into her brother?s eyes.

?Take it, Moira, please. Buy something for Odethe, and go to that party. I insist.? Anomen?s voice was steadfast.

?Anomen! Are you crazy? That must be a month?s salary! If not more!? Moira pushed his offering hands back as she had had an estimating peek at the pouch?s content. ?I will not accept this!?

Anomen smiled at her. ?Take it. I?m your older brother. I demand that you take it.?

Longingly Moira stared at the pouch. ?But I cannot go, Anomen. I need an escort. And even if father would return in time, I doubt he would agree to go. The Adaligis buy their wine from Saerk.? She rolled her eyes.

She had not asked yet but Anomen could already feel doom closing in. ?Moira, please!? He groaned. ?I have to find a new assignment, and??

?Please. I cannot go unaccompanied, but with my brother, soon-to-be-knight of the Radiant Heart. Who should object? Please?

?Please?? Moira tilted her head and pulled the sweetest expression, the one that never failed to convince him since she was four years old.

Defeated Anomen hung his head.

?Thank you!? With an outcry of joy Moira hugged him and kissed his cheeks.

?No. Now, stop that.? Anomen warded her off, but his smile belied his complaint. He would do anything to see her happy, would do anything to help her.

~~~

Anomen shuffled his feet and looked pathetically uncomfortable in his ceremonial squire gear. Moira was late and his heart swapped worry and relief.

Maybe Lord Cor had arrived earlier than expected and Moira was bound to the house? Maybe she had changed her mind?

The quick patter of feet interrupted his chain of thoughts. ?I?m sorry, I?m late.? A slightly breathless Moira apologized with sparkling eyes and a broad grin. ?Curling my hair took longer than I anticipated.?

Anomen looked surprised at his ravishing sister. He thought he recalled the dress she wore as one of their mother?s but she had changed and adorned it and now it looked extravagant if a little outdated. Moira did not wear any jewels except for a string of pearls that once belonged to their mother and she had managed to hide from their father. She did not wear it around her neck though, but had laced it into a small braid that ran along her hairline and held back her otherwise loose her. A small symbol of helm rested comfortably just under the hollow of her neck, dangling from a thin and short golden chain. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation and excitement.

?You look beautiful!? Anomen was stunned. Of course she was beautiful. She looked like her grandmother who, so they were told, had been one of Athkatla?s most beautiful daughters.

?Flatterer!? Moira batted her lashes and giggled. ?I am so happy. It?s going to be a wonderful evening.? She had had a thorough look into her mirror before she had sneaked out. Her dress was old, but she did not care. She was going out with her brother, an esteemed Squire of the Order as companion, and nothing and no one would spoil this evening for her. She was determined to have fun, to chat and dance and relish in delicate food and wine.

~~~

Moira?s expectations were more than fulfilled. Odethe was overjoyed when they entered the exquisitely decorated ballroom of the Adaligis Estate. She kidnapped Moira from her brother and took her for a walk through the rooms to introduce her to selected guests.

With joy and pride Moira presented a small ivory dove she had acquired from a halfling artist in Waukeen?s promenade.

?Oh! It?s lovely! But I told you not to bother, Moira.? Odethe scolded her, but cute dimples appeared on her cheeks and told clearly of her joy.

Moira was also the first outside the family Adaligis who was informed about the big surprise that was going to be announced at midnight. Freshly knighted young Lord Heyether had proposed to her and the engagement was to be announced at midnight. Hilarious simultaneous giggles ensued as Odethe broke the news to her friend Moira.

?You will stay until midnight, won?t you?? Odethe asked imploringly, casting a suspicious glance to the direction where she had last seen Anomen.

?We will stay as long as I want. I am sure of it. And,? Moira lowered her voice to a conspiratorial frequency, ?father is not home, so I can stay until you throw me out.?

?Wonderful!? Odethe clapped her hands. ?Now, let me introduce you to my fiancé.?

From the moment the music started Moira had hardly time to pick bits from the bending buffet for she was asked for one dance after the other. By design or coincidence she danced mostly with Odethe?s own brother Navin who, like Anomen, had had only recollections of a skinny and giggling girl when they got reacquainted. He was enraptured by nature?s benevolence to change an edgy girl into a young lady of grace and beauty. Only unwillingly he shared her with his sister and other guests.

Again Moira had danced off with one of the guests when Navin spotted Squire Delryn standing at the far wall and intensely watching over his sister.

Navin knew the squire, of course, though the Squire Delryn was some years older than him. Anomen was respected for his talents and skills but not very much liked. Too eager he was to point out his outstanding comprehension for the tenets of the Order and to brag about his unmatched achievements.

Rumours told that Anomen?s judgement was close. The day when the superiors would decide if he was worthy to become a knight, or not.

Secretly and supposedly unbeknownst to the Order?s authorities there were bets going on for each of the candidates closing in on their final tests. Anomen?s quotas were balanced. Many thought he would make it, because of his devotion to the Order and his skills and deeds. Many thought that his temper and anger fits would finally cost him the good will of the upper judges.

But he was a respected field officer, and, more important, he was Moira?s elder brother. And since Lord Cor was not around, a fact that Navin greeted with as much relief as every other guest, Anomen was the one to be addressed concerning anything about Moira.

Navin suddenly found himself much closer to Anomen than only minutes ago. The squire still had not noticed him as he kept his watchful eyes on Moira.

Squire Adaligis swallowed and took a deep breath. Moira adored her brother.

?Squire Delryn.? Navin greeted politely.

Anomen looked at the young man who had approached him. ?Squire Adaligis.? He slightly bowed his head.

Moira loved her brother. ?I hear you are back to wait for your final trial.? Navin began the conversation determined to make a good impression.

Moira?s head swirled wonderfully. She was untroubled, jaunty. She was happy. For a moment, when they arrived, she had worried about her old dress, about her self-made hairstyle, about her lack of jewellery. But Odethe?s affectionate welcome had extinguished any doubts. She knew she would not have her own party. There was no way Lord Cor could be persuaded to pay for it, aside the fact that they could not afford it. Moira felt a slight stitch of envy and jealousy but decided to pretend this was her party. No one knew, she just pretended for herself.

She spotted her brother talking with Odethe?s brother Navin as she danced by. Good! He was having a good time as well. Moira was unspeakably happy.

She curtsied when the music ended and asked to be led back to her brother.

Moira cast her most charming smile to Navin. ?You will allow me to kidnap my brother for this next dance, won?t you??

?Oh, Lady Moira, I must protest!? Navin looked hurt. ?You promised me the next dance.?

?I did?? Moira looked guilty. ?Then you must release me from this promise.? She begged him with a slight smile and tilt of her head.

Navin bowed and stepped back. ?I will, under the condition that you dance with me for the rest of the evening.? He looked at Anomen. ?Unless your brother has any objections.?

A fight was going on in Anomen. Brotherly protectiveness wanted to keep any suitors away from her, but hopeful relief allowed him to project into the future. If Moira took interest in this young man, maybe he was a candidate to lure her away from Lord Cor. If Moira got married she would no longer be subjected to his will and charge.

?How could I have an objection as long as Moira is in care of a reliable fellow squire of the Order?? He officially allowed Moira to be courted. Lord Cor would kill him. Anomen smiled.

?Dance with me, Anomen.? Moira interrupted his chain of thoughts as she grabbed his arm and dragged to the dance floor.

Squire Adaligis?s heart skipped as Moira cast him a beaming smile past her brother?s broad shoulders. He could wait one dance when it meant that she would dance only with him for the rest of the evening. His foot began to tap nervously as the music seemed to go on forever.

~~~

?My feet are killing me!? Moira complained with a sigh. ?Wait.? She ordered and grabbed for hold at her brother?s arm as she bent over to take off her shoes. ?Ah?ouch?? she giggled as she rough pavement tickled her soles.

?I can call for a carriage, if you are tired, Moira.? Anomen offered but she shook her head.

?No, let?s walk. But slowly.? She smiled at him. She wished this night would never end.

?Do you need a ride?? Anomen asked suddenly and Moira looked at him with big eyes.

?Yes!? She accepted with a laugh as she reaped her skirts and Anomen crouched to make it easier for her to wind her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck. He hooked his arms under her knees, stood up again and hopped to adjust her. Moira crowed and laughed. ?Just like old times, Anomen, isn?t it?? She rubbed her cheek to his head and remembered the countless times her strong brother had carried her around when she had still been a child.

Anomen walked very slowly. She did not weigh much and he wanted to postpone the moment he had to deliver her back to the house as long as possible.

Moira rested comfortably on her brother?s back, hummed the tunes she had heard and memorized each detail of this evening. She wanted never to forget and whenever life would be tough on her, she would recall and remember how wonderful she felt today. How happy she was. How exquisitely untroubled.

With a sigh Moira let go of Anomen as they reached the Delryn Estate and he gently put her back on solid ground. ?Well. All things must end.? She embraced him. ?Thank you, Anomen. I cannot possibly tell what this evening means to me.?

Anomen shook his head. ?I am glad I could help you at least this one time.? His expression hardened as she turned to unlock the back door. ?Moira, wait!? He grabbed her arm. ?Come with me. We will find a way.? He begged. ?I feel terrible and uncomfortable knowing you still have to live with him.? He spat the last word as if he had bitten on bile.

Moira smiled and brushed his cheek. ?I cannot leave him. I told you.?

Angrily Anomen warded her off. ?You will never find a husband as long as you are around him. He chases off any suitors, because he knows once you are married you will no longer be his slave.?

Moira was not insulted by her brother?s outburst. She put her hands on his shoulders and smiled at him. ?Find yourself a nice girl, Anomen. Introduce me to a future Lady Delryn and I promise I will find myself a husband. No matter what father says.?

She grinned at Anomen?s embarrassment and decided to let him off the hook. ?Will you stay in Athkatla for a while??

Relieved of thinking about an appropriate reply to the marriage matter Anomen shrugged slightly. ?I do not have any assignments from the Order now, so I look around for myself. I?m staying at the Coronet. The place is a blight but mercenaries frequent it, so the chances for an assignment are good.?

Moira nodded in understanding. ?You will let me know, when they dub you, won?t you? I want to be witness to my brother?s grand day.?

?I will let you know.? Anomen promised.

Once more brother and sister embraced each other, held onto each other for long minutes. Finally, they let go and Moira sneaked through the door. ?Take care of yourself, Anomen.? She looked at him. ?Know that I love you and am proud that you are my brother.? She waved and was gone.

The last thing Anomen saw was her happy smile before the door closed.

Slowly he began his way back to the Order but changed direction southbound as he realized that the sun was rising.

The young Lady Delryn hummed and danced upstairs to her room on bare feet. She was so happy. Her father was still gone and she would sleep in until her eyes popped open by themselves. She undressed and slipped under her sheets, not bothering to brush out her hair. Only the string of pearls was carefully removed and hidden in the back of her nightstand.

With a delighted sigh she stretched out and closed her eyes as she began to recall each detail of this wonderful evening. She wanted to dream about it, determined never to forget. She would recall it whenever she was feeling sad and lonely as a sign that life was indeed wonderful. And maybe she would accept Squire Navin?s invitation to take her to the Circus.

By the time Anomen Delryn reached The Copper Coronet to begin another day of looking out for new assignments, his sister Moira was fast asleep. Not even the detonation that collapsed the northern corner of Waukeen?s Promenade, which force cracked houses, shattered windows and tore half of Athkatla from its sleep disturbed her dreams of lights, music and the dances with one Squire Navin Adaligis, who had such lovely dimples when he smiled and who had held her just slightly tighter than conduct allowed.

Edited by Beyshaliban, 25 July 2004 - 08:36 AM.