Gyrfalcon

Kasmandre slowly began to back away, hoping the silent, inconspicuous movements would keep him from the attentions of Crazy Bill. Unfortunately, the Bermuda-wearing weenie toaster happened to turn around just as Kasmandre took a small step forward to get around Daryl, who’s huddling at the edge of the crowd and trying to back his way through a few people’s legs. “Ah, good man!” Crazy Bill said brightly as he grabbed Kasmandre and dragged him forward to stand next to the grill. “One Weenie, coming right up!” he said, snatching this and that at random, before reaching forward and grasping the air next to Kasmandre and pulling back sharply. Kasmandre felt the loss of... something, even as he watched Crazy Bill dump the handful of ‘air’ into the sausage maker with everything else and begin to turn the handle quickly. A weenie came out of the other end, and Crazy Bill quickly speared and toasted it before placing it in a bun, adding some relish and handing the assembly to Kasmandre. Kasmandre stared at the Weenie suspiciously, willing to chuck it into the crowd and make a run the other way if it showed even the least sign of motion, intelligence, or sudden explosiveness. None of these occured, and finally with a frown, Kasmandre brought the roasted weenie closer and nibbled on it. It was perhaps the definition of a perfect weenie, roasted just right and with a rich flavor that could be tracked down to identifiable species that were normally considered sources of meat. With a grin, Kasmandre wandered away, munching on his Weenie. Behind him, Crazy Bill shook his head in consternation... it wasn’t often he made a bad weenie, but it happened every so often. “Next!” he shouted, shaking the thought of failure from his mind. OOC: Congratulations, Kasmandre, you’ll notice a lack of Weenie-ness around your title, now that you’ve eaten it.

Welcome back, Hydrus. I'll note that you've retained your former status as an Initiate, and have been set back to that status. Though I should really make you a Weenie just for missing the last rolecall.

*Daryl joins hugging, cuddling, and snuggling group around Mynx and administers his own affection, wrapping securely around a leg and making happy noises* Congratulations! I'm glad you got into the school you were aiming at.

Happy Birthday, Salinye. Hope you enjoyed your day and have many more to come.

A horde of flesh-eating penguins! :ninja2::pirate::penguin::penguin::penguin::penguin::penguin:

Whoohoo, I'm credited! Quibbling on the help files again, sorting and searching for all three still reference publishers, but that's just minor quibbling. Otherwise, the help files are excellent, good use of screenshots to explain what you're doing. I agree with Katzaniel, I like the way Quit goes red when you go over it.

Alright, I'm going to be lazy and not refer to Katz' post, so you might get some redundency. Sorry! Otherwise, I agree with what she said, this is much more fancy then any school project I ever undertook. Only note on the installer if you have any control over it is to change the disk cost button to something like 'Space Required' or something similar, as the name makes me more think it'd cost money to install it on the computer or something. 1) In the help files for the program, you either use the same text or link to the same page for Browsing under Games, Developers, and Publishers. Ideally, the text should be personalized to each part of the help guide. The same goes for the Sorting and Searching sections. Since your Index goes to each of the commands, you might want to just note something about how the process is the same for all the other menus as well. 2) Your tab order on the main menu is odd - I'd suggest going straight down the list of options with exit as the last one. Instead, it skips from Games Overview to Browse Games through Browse Publishers before skipping to Quit before touching Wallets overview and the main menu tab. Also, if its possible to select the other tabs (Games/Developers/Publishers/Add Game), it might be a good idea to do so. 3) You might want to add an option to add a game on the main menu as well. 4) Developers | Creative Assembly, the URL is cut off on the bottom half of the second line on my display (1024x768) 5) Tools disappears from the menu at the Add Game tab, should likewise not be there on the main menu where there are no tools, or should be present but inactive at the 6) Clicking Wallet or Games Overview generates an error - most likely because I removed the ASP.NET account from my computer, as it served no purpose for my class and it annoyed me. Since I can't enter the wallets to look around, I'll otherwise say it looks very good.

Wyvern – More then any other thing I admire about you at the Pen is your endless creativity. The Elder of Initiates, each and every response you’ve written to applicants for the years I’ve been at the Pen has been creative and almost always funny, even as we groan at Wyvern’s unending sales pitches and misadventures. That brings me to the next thing I admire about you – your sense of humor. Every time I read something that involves Wyvern, a smile grows on my face as I read of your antics. Finally, I admire your drive. You successfully shepherded an epic like the Gaze of Eternity for almost three years, no small feat in bringing the story through so much. Thank you my friend, it’s been an honor knowing and writing with you for so long, may we continue that tradition. Yui-chan – What I admire most about you is your near-limitless talent. You are both an excellent writer and an excellent artist, and I admire that you have so many paths in which to develop your creative skills. As much, I admire your creativity, I also admire your dedication to the Pen and your ready ear. You’ve been a good friend, Yui-chan, and while we haven’t been able to talk for the past few weeks, you’ll always remain a good friend. Salinye – Yes you, you salaciously silly Salinye you. =D What I admire most about you is your drive. With so much you do in Real Life – between commitments to your church, your family, and projects with friends, is that you still have a little bit of time for all of us here at the Pen. I’d go crazy trying to do half of what you do, and while I don’t claim you’re entirely sane, I can’t help but stand in awe of how much you are able to accomplish with your time. I truly hope that your pregnancy goes well, and if your children are blessed with a tenth of your creativity, drive, and skill, they’ll do very well in life. Boaz, Joat, Shurak, Lyll, Tzimfemme and all the rest of the Blitz Boards crew of Old Archmage: I miss those of you who never made the translation to the Archmage Universal Bulletin Boards, or who never made it to the Pen. For those of you who are here, I’m glad to see you. I want to say how grateful I am to all of you. When I first came to Archmage, even longer ago then when I came to the Pen, I never would have stayed in the game as long as I did if I haven’t met you on the old Blitz boards there. Without your aid in learning the game and your lively conversation on the boards, I wouldn’t be where I am or who I am. If it wasn’t for your presence, I would not be here at the Pen, or the writer I am now. Writing has been a journey, but you helped me with my first steps upon its path. ----- I will have more to say later, of course, but I think that’s a good note to end on for my first set of those I wish to thank.

Speaking from the last hour of the year 2004, I wish us all a happy new year to come.

Strange how one simple fact can make a bad evening better, even when it doesn't even effect me. Congts, Salinye.

Daryl grins and cracks his knuckles. "Why not, I'm willing to take a shot."

Gyrfalcon chuckled at the sign and shook his head, making to pass by the table, only to be stopped as Daryl dug an elbow into his ribs. "What?" the half-elf asked his companion, who was in his human form this day. "They're looking for adventurers, Gyr, and you're not signing up?" Daryl asked with a grin. Gyrfalcon shrugged. "It's not like there aren't plenty of others who are up to the challenge... for that matter, if you're so interested, why don't you apply?" The ranger said pointedly. Daryl laughed loudly, drawing a derisive glance from Scarlot. "Didn't you read the sign? Wimps need not to apply." he explained with a grin. "And you call yourself a wimp? After the things I've seen you do?" Gyrfalcon said with an amused smirk. "Yup, wimpy as all heck. You on the other hand are a veteran adventurer, and surely no wimp if half the tales I've read of you are true!" Daryl said with a wide grin. Gyrfalcon looked irritated. "You shouldn't believe everything you read in a book, you know." Daryl chuckled. "I only have to believe a tenth to know you've been on more adventurers then I've ever imagined." Gyrfalcon muttered something under his breath. "A pox on all bards." it sounded like to Daryl, before shaking his head. "You still haven't given me a reason why I should sign up." he argued. "Because I'll be incessantly annoying if you don't. Besides, it'll be a nice break from patrolling around the Pen, and I know you've been saying you should go on a vacation." Daryl countered. Gyrfalcon raised an eyebrow. "And going off questing can be counted as a vacation?" he said dryly. Daryl nodded. "Of course! See new places, eat strange food, meet interesting people and kill them... what's not to like?" Gyrfalcon couldn't help but laugh. "The fact they'll be trying to kill me back?" he countered. Daryl grinned. "That just makes it more fun. Now you have justification!" Gyrfalcon sighed. "Fine, fine, I'll sign up, but more to keep you out of my hair then any other reason." Gyrfalcon shook his head before walking over to stand before Scarlot and Lorne. "Since I've been pursuaded into signing up for one of these missions, where to I sign?" he asked. Scarlot slid a contract and waver before him and he paged through it briefly, grinning a bit at the clause about being drawn and quartered. "Got to watch those desert nomads." he commented as he signed his name at the bottom. "You'll be contacted shortly about the nature of your mission." Lorne said as he gathered the contract up. "Just so you know, you'll be given a partner for this mission." He said, and the half-elf nodded in agreement. "I'll be seeing you soon then." he said before wandering down towards one of the refreshment tents, where Daryl was arguing over whether or not one of his coins was false or not.

Gyrfalcon stared at the old druid in shock. “She did what?” he asked incredulously as Ardavial related what had transpired a few hours ago. “She packed up and headed off to your place. I hope you didn’t lock your door, by the way, since you’ll need to be replacing that doorway otherwise.” the druid warned. Gyrfalcon sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, she didn’t get mad, so it went about as well as could be expected. On the other hand, it looks like my library’s a little off-limits for the next few days. Glad I carry a spare set of clothes in my Bag of Holding.” “You could go back for anything you want, she just said that you had to knock first.” Ardavial said, but the half-elf shook his head. “No, I’m afraid that if I talk to her she might manage to get me to reveal some of plans.” Gyrfalcon explained. Ardavial snorted. “How’d she manage that where the rest of us can’t?” he asked. Gyrfalcon grinned. “Well, she has been taking lessons from Daryl. Combine big, innocent eyes with a trembling lower lip the first time I refuse to answer and I might break down and talk!” he said with a laugh. Ardavial grinned as well. “Ah well, coincidentally, I’d like to learn how you managed that black barrier over the garden.” he said, smirking. “I hope her rose-bushes don’t suffer from a lack of sunlight, otherwise you will see her mad!” Gyrfalcon smiled. “Barrier? There is no barrier; it’s all just an illusion.” Ardavial peered at the half-elf, then at the blackness extending across the garden below. “It looked real enough to me.” Gyrfalcon shrugged. “I’ll pass that on to the illusion’s creator. She’ll be pleased.” he said with a half-smile. the old druid shot Gyrfalcon a sharp look and debated asking the obvious question about who this person might be, but refrained, deciding the half-elf would just smile enigmatically and refuse to answer... again. With a frustrated sigh, Ardavial threw up his hands and stomped away. “Fine, don’t tell me anything! I think I’ll go and take a sniff at what’s being cooked up in the kitchen, it certainly smells good enough!” Gyrfalcon laughed softly before turning and knocking at the doors to the garden. After a moment, they cracked open and one golden eye peered out at him. “How’s it coming?” the half-elf asked. “We’ll be done be done a little after tonight.” Daryl said. Gyrfalcon smiled. “Does tomorrow evening suit your lady then?” he asked. Daryl grunted and then disappeared so that Jehane could peek out at the half-elf. “It suits me just fine, I should be able to find a tuxedo for Daryl in that time.” she said with an impish grin. “Tuxedo?! No one said anything about tuxedos!” Daryl yelped. “I know dear, it’s called an ‘ambush’ in military terminology. You committed to being my date at this party, and you wouldn’t back out now, would you?” She demanded. “No, but... a tuxedo?” Daryl said, sounding resigned. “You’ll fill it out nicely.” she purred as she closed the door as Gyrfalcon laughed at Daryl. Still chuckling, he walked away to likewise visit the kitchen, and then a note needed to be delivered... ----- Salinye smiled happily as she bounced a bit on Gyrfalcon’s bed, taking her prerogative to his room while he had possession of the Hostel to the limit as she enjoyed bouncing on his bed and browsing his bookshelves, somewhat impressed at the size of his personal library, as well as the fact that she didn’t recognize the languages that four or five of the books were written in... yet. These she stacked on the table for borrowing. An errant breeze stirred the drapes at the window, and she frowned as she moved to the window and closed it, with night coming on the breeze was cooler then she wished. Turning away from the now closed window, she started, for a folded page had appeared on the desk, where nothing had been before. Frowning, she cast a spell, seeking to find invisible creatures, but nothing appeared to her magic. Frowning again, she took the paper and unfolded it, to find Gyrfalcon’s handwriting on the letter within. Salinye, I apologize for the manner in which I took over the Hostel, but I hope that my efforts make the aggravation worth it to you. I cordially invite you to your Hostel tomorrow night for our date, a night of good food and dancing. Formal wear is suggested for the date. Sincerely and hopefully, Gyrfalcon She smiled as she set the letter down and considered his words, then a smile lit her face. “I think I know just the dress.” she said, humming to herself as she opened the door and walked down the stairs towards her normal quarters, the wardrobe down there magically linked to her wardrobe at the Hostel, giving her a broad selection of dresses to wear the next night. She hummed softly to herself as she riffled through that section of her wardrobe. Daryl hummed to himself as he trotted out of the tower, Jehane’s spell of invisibility fading away as he linked arms with her. “Well, message delivered, so now all we need to do is make sure the half-elf’s plans go right.” he said with a grin.

Merry Christmas, all you wonderful Pennites.

Happy Birthday, you interesting blue mage you! And may you have many more to come.

I agree that being sick every morning probably isn't fun at all, but I'm glad that your pregnancy is most likely fine.

Ayshela - I believe there's a quote about 'when it rains, it pours'? *Gyrfalcon gives her a hug* Stay strong and I hope the medication helps get you through these things as quickly as possible.

Ouch! Sorry to hear that you had to head in to the ER, Ayshela. I hope you're feeling better and that you'll get well soon. *Gyrfalcon leaves Daryl in her lap, and the fox wags his tail and does a good lap blanket impression*

Now that I can say it here... Congratulations, Salinye. As Black said, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

I promise not to cheat! *Gyrfalcon can't help himself as he announces to the rest of the Pen in a singsong voice* I know something you don't know... and I'm not telling!

Gyrfalcon smiled briefly at Salinye as she admired her newest magical ring for a moment before her face grew grim, eyes dark with unpleasant memories. “What now, Good Peredhil? You have this mage in any way I’m needed.” she promised. Gyrfalcon picked up his traveling cloak and shook most of the butterflies free gently before swirling it around his shoulders and setting the clasp, many of the butterflies coming to rest on his shoulders and head as he picked up his katana. He smiled faintly as many others clustered around Peredhil, taking their rings in orderly fashion. His smile widened faintly as a much smaller figure darted among the people, worming his way closer to Peredhil. Peredhil looked down in surprise to see Daryl sitting at his feet, wagging a butterfly-encrusted tail and holding out a small necklace made of many small steel links draped over one paw. Correctly interpreting this as a desire to come along, Peredhil took the chain and threaded the next ring, russet in color and with a red butterfly clutching to it, onto the ring before bending down to hand the necklace around Daryl’s neck, the butterfly fluttering its wings slowly against the fox’s white chest fur. “Yerf.” Daryl said in gratitude as he trotted over to stand next to Salinye, his slowly wagging tail barely disturbing the butterflies clinging to it. Gyrfalcon waited until the press had lessened around the table before approaching Peredhil for his ring. His fellow half-elf nodded gravely as he handed Gyrfalcon his ring, and the half-elf blinked in surprise as he espied which butterfly clung to it – the one Annael had given to him in gift on his last birthday. It fluttered its wings defiantly, and the half-elf smiled faintly as he slipped the ring onto a finger and found a place next to Salinye and Daryl in the circle of mages around the table as Peredhil disappeared. The time passed slowly as they talked little, each mage lost in their own dark thoughts about the kidnapping of Annael, or bright musings as to the nature their newest quest would take. When Peredhil returned, he reported the success of his experiment and looked around the group. “Anyone have an idea where Life could've hidden Annael?” he asked, the butterflies taking flight and swirling in agitation around the searchers. Gyrfalcon shook his head. “I have no idea personally, but perhaps we would do best to search her normal haunts? I can think of her quarters, the great tree in the Courtyard, and the Confessional as three places we might search for any sign of her recent passage or clues as to where she might have been taken.” the half-elven ranger said.

Ayshela - I'm not actually done with Salinye's yet, though I'm working hard at it! Once that project is done, I'll loop back to finish Katzaniel's date as best as I can. (Sorry Katz, but I sort of know where I'm going with Salinye's date, and I'll need to brainstorm for yours. Besides, you don't have an ogre muse looking for me. )

Salinye, The URL for your signature is: http://www.mdcplus.com/web/doppler/Salinyesig2.jpg , so if that isn't familiar, then someone else was hosting it for you. I'll also make sure to shoot another copy to you by e-mail.

*raises a hand* If you're contracted for two dates, must both be completed before you can bid at the bachelorette auction?

OOC: Thanks to Salinye for her help in writing this section! Salinye hummed happily to herself as she puttered towards her prized rose garden, dressed in her gardening attire, loose-fitting tan trousers and a plain shirt, with her ever-filled watering can in one hand and the rest of her tools in a small basket carried in the other hand. Lost in happy contemplations of tending her beloved garden, she didn’t notice Ardavial until he stepped into her path and cleared his throat loudly. "Ah... Salinye, you know that party that half-elven ranger is planning for you?" Ardavial said, ill at ease. The elven woman blinked in surprise before smiling tenderly at her grumpy friend, a little surprised at his tone, and at his words. “A party?” she asked, raising an eyebrow in question. The druid shrugged uncomfortably. "The daft fool mentioned something about a night of dancing he promised you along with a dinner?" Salinye smiled with a twinkle in her eye before looking down, momentarily embarrassed to have her emotions so close to the surface. "Yes, I believe he vaguely mentioned something about that." She said, looking back up at the old druid. He took a deep breath and braced himself. “Well, to that, er... well... your garden is off limits for the next day or so.” he said in a quick rush. “He said none of the plants would be harmed or anything, but he doesn’t want something or another ruined by you seeing it.” Salinye couldn't help but feel irritation creep into her. "What do you mean my gardens are "off limits"?” she demanded. Ardavial coughed and looked a bit embarrassed. “Well, y’see... you can’t go in there, it’d ruin whatever surprise the half-elf is planning.” Salinye felt the irritation she felt mounting slowly begin to melt away with the words "Surprised the half-elf is planning." she said, suddenly taken over by girlish giddiness. She set her watering can and basket of tools aside and linked her arm with Ardavial's. "So, tell me, Ardavial." She began, smiling coyly at him. "What do you know of this "surprise"?” Ardavial chuckled. “Ah, I’m afraid the half-elf knew’d you ask, Salinye. He refused to answer any of my questions, and whoever’s in there’s not letting me peek in, the door’s securely bared.” he said with a sigh, afire with curiosity of his own. She laughed softly. “Barred? No one and no magic can bar those doors from me. Of this I assure you. Now, shouldn't be take just a wee peek? It couldn't hurt and my ranger would NEVER know.” she said, heading for the doorway with a broad smile on her face. Ardavial reached out and touched her arm. "Ah, I wouldn't, Salinye. He made me promise to guard those doors on threat of a horrible fate." “Oh believe me, Ardavial, he won't harm a hair on your wonderful head.” she said, gently shaking his hand off her arm and stepping up to the door, placing her palm on it. A distinct ‘chink’ is heard as the doors obey their creator’s will and unlock. Salinye looked over her shoulder with a mischievous smile. “See? What did I tell you?” She swung the handle downward and pushed forward, stepping forward to peer through the crack. Instead, she nearly hit her forehead against the door as it refused to budge. Salinye pushed again and the door still refused to budge. Doing her best to see through the miniscule crack that had presented itself, she could see some sort of wood object, most likely a chair or two wedged under the door handle, and beyond that she can see only black. "Sneaky devil." She mumbled to herself. “Alright then, to the upstairs windows, Ardavial!” she said, giggling in unexpected delight as she runs through the halls toward the stairs. The druid muttered and trotted after her, complaining to himself that he was too old for this sort of thing. Despite his age though, he stayed doggedly within sight of much more youthful elf, who was taking the stairs two and three at a time. Upon reaching the third floor, she threw the door to her chambers open and ran to the window, which overlooked the garden. Instead of the expected view though, she was confronted by only blackness again, a canopy of the deepest black extending out over the entire courtyard with no visible means of support. Salinye laughed before turning to face the puffing Ardavial, her arms folded across her chest. “"So, tell me, Ardavial. What else is "Off Limits" here at my hostel?” she asked. He leaned on his staff for a moment as he recovered his breath a bit. “Well, lets see... the main dining hall, I guess he has something planned there, the private dining room off that, the kitchens, the rear courtyard where shipments come in, and two of the guest rooms near the garden.” Salinye raised an eyebrow in good humor. "Well then, do deliver a message to the ranger, will you?" Ardavial recognized the smirk playing on her lips but nodded hesitantly. "Please tell him that since he's taken over my hostel, I'll be taking over his quarters at Pen Castle." Ardavial opened his mouth to speak, but she only shook her head and interrupted him. "Yes, yes, I realize I have my own chambers at the Castle, but that's hardly the point, nor as much fun." She waved her hand dismissing that issue. "Please inform him that if he wished for me not to meddle here, then he should be sure his chamber doors will open for me. Oh, and he may call on me socially, but only as long as he knocks first." She smirked, pleased with her plan as she began to pack a small bag.