Gyrfalcon

A note: Your edit did something strange to the line: “I’ll get you out of this hell hole, baby” Really, really strange.

Daryl picked himself up from the dirt and shook his fur out as Prospero watched sternly, the strange rodent watching between the wolf’s ears. “Alright, fox, what’s the meaning of that?” Prospero asked gruffly in Wolf. Somewhat related to the Fox language, wolves and foxes could talk to each other on most subjects. Daryl yipped and eyed the strange-colored rodent. “I notice you have a rat there... hold still and I’ll get it off of you.” He crouched down and started to circle the wolf, the purple mouse-like creature finally squeaking in consternation as he realized that the fox was attempting to eat him! Prospero sighed. “You don’t get to eat his purple-ness.” Prospero said, “Canid wants to meet him.” Daryl stopped and considered this, then sighed as he sat down and curled his tail around his paws. He respected and liked Canid immensely (like most other forest creatures) and wouldn’t go against her wishes. Which left him without prey. “Now, why were you planning to eat my companion?” Prospero asked. Daryl looked amused, and he fox-grinned. “Why else? I’m hungry and he smells like food.” Prospero leaned forward to look Daryl in the face. “Repeat after me...” They said in unison from long lectures “Even if its tasty prey, if it’s on a mission from Canid, we can’t eat it.” Daryl sighed, ears drooping in dejection. “You’d have thought she would forgive me for one mouse...” Prospero sighed. “One deer... and I still get the same lecture every few days.” The two muttered in unison. The purple creature spoke up “Canid’s never had to lecture me before... maybe if I ate the wrong nut?” It said hopefully. Daryl glared and Prospero rolled his eyes, then the two sigh again. “Anyway, where are you going?” Daryl asked, and Prospero pointed towards town with his nose. “That way.” Daryl considered this, then how much food humans threw out... “I’ll join you.” He decided. OOC: I do better with characters if they have a gender. I assume male, but I’ll switch to female whenever that becomes clear.

Whoo... What can I say? Excellent stuff, Falcon. *applauds*

Daryl slipped through the brush, low to the ground (well, lower then usual, foxes don’t get that high off the ground anyway...), careful to keep his waving tail low as well, but not low enough to scatter twigs and leaves and give him away with sound. Ahead, his keen nose caught the smell of a small rodent-type creature... the prey of foxes everywhere. Slowly easing through the brush, Daryl breathed deeply once more as he settled into a crouch, preparing to jump. Brackish water... old wolf smell, the rodent (yum!) and... another wolf, in close proximity to the rodent. Still... A rumble of hunger from Daryl’s stomach decided him, and he gathered himself up even further, ready to spring. The rodent got closer... closer... closer... Daryl sprang at the rodent, a blur of red, white and black, that came to a sudden halt as Prospero neatly grabbed Daryl by the scruff of his neck. Instinct made Daryl go limp, and he growled softly as Prospero continued along the trail, now holding a fox companion to complement the strange mouse-like one.

Tamaranis walked through the echoing hallways of the Pen, taking in the feeling of his surroundings. It was silent, and there was no one around, yet there was an... aura... around the Pen keep that had disappeared from the Conservatory- one that spoke of solitude granted, but the opportunity to talk to friends should one wish. Having felt the Conservatory die around himself, Tamaranis enjoyed the feeling of life once more. Perhaps he enjoyed it too much, as he didn’t sense the other’s presence until he was almost on top of the figure. “Tamaranis.” The voice whispered from the shadows, features concealed in shadows so deep that even the vampire’s eyes could pierce them. Reflexively, Tamaranis prepared himself, feeling shadows ripple down his arms to settle in the shapes of claws. “Tamaranis... welcome.” Gyrfalcon said as he stepped from the shadows, a welcoming smile on his face. “It’s been a long time, hasn’t it? I’m sorry for my abrupt departure from the Conservatory, but with the reemergence of the God Mari, I no longer had a place there.” He gestured to the stone walls surrounding them, and beyond, to the rest of the grand and beautiful Keep of the Pen. “This is my home now, where many have come from the Conservatory of Terra. Hopefully the rest of the wanderers will collect here eventually.” The half-elf started by Tamaranis. “I know that you should go and meet with Wyvern now, so I wish you well in your interview... and no matter what that greedy almost-dragon says, there is no ‘application fee’. The half-elf stopped and half-turned, smiling. “Good to see you here, Tamaranis.” He walked around the corner and left Tamaranis alone once more.

*smiles and applauds* What can I say? It has a happy ending, when I thought it would end badly. Good poem, Gwahir.

The Wonderful Wicker of Oz Verses “Weeeeeeeeeee're off to see the wicker The wonderful wicker of Oz, We want to see wicker and also to dicker And renegotiate ev-er-y clause!” cue two thousand elves skipping along and singing in unison “We're off to see the wicker, the wonderful wicker of Oz! We'll order the wicker and squeal at the sticker And bargain it down to a pause!” “We're offfff to seeeeeeee the wickkkkkkkkkkeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrr... The wonderful wicker of Oz!” “It's wicked to dicker for wicker, for wicker's inherently rich, For couches, none fairer, though much of it's rarer, But wicker comes without a hitch!” “I'd rather be sitting in wicker, the furniture needs not a stitch-- It's wicked to dicker for wickkkerrrrrrrrrrrr... 'cause I'm not a wicker'd old witch!” “For wickers to dicker, there is nothing sicker, yet when they get a sale itch. We'll be there to bargain with flair, and then their products defaults we will snitch!” “We're off to see the wicker, the wonderful wicker of Oz! We paid for the wicker the bill was much thicker, Than we had first signed in the clause!” “We're off and with the wicker the wonderful wicker of Oz! My feet under wicker don't step they just flicker, I really do pray for a pause!” “the wicker isaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!” Cue ‘Ole Peculiar exit above “Wyvern will be braking I hope his tail is not breaking He's quaking and I say right so!” “The half-dragon anchor Would bear us much rancor If the only thing left was his toe!” “The wonderful wicker of Oz!” singing elves end ~fini Verses by Tzimfemme (except for the ‘For wickers to dicker, there is nothing sicker’ verse, which Wyvern contributed)

Gather ‘round and listen well Of a tale of bold companions. Off they set in search of a couch To replace one that flew away too soon. Listen to their tale, and hear of their travails, Of flying monkeys and psychotic plants, All in search of the perfect couch When cost is no object. *converted from IRC logs, sorry for the formatting* * Stick crashes his couch into the watchtower waaaay at the front * Gyrfalcon ducks out of the way of flying masonry * Stick crawls out "Whoo, what a rush..." * Stick falls over |Gyrfalcon| What was *that* about? |Stick| (I had previously ramped my couch out the window) |Gyrfalcon| Oh. * Stick shrugs * Gyrfalcon wanders over to where Stick lies and begins to give him first aid |Zool47| Yo Gyr! * Brute 's abdomen bulges out, then rips open as his liver leaps from his body. "You said you'd changed! You lied to me and I never want to see you again! I knew I should've listened to my mother," it screams as it walks out the door. |Gyrfalcon| Heya, Zool... * CuteNobby pours salt over Stick's wounds * Gyrfalcon steps out of the way of a walking liver * Zool47 holds up a sign *9.8* |Stick| Ow! |Stick| that's it! * Brute smiles contently and takes a drink from the Deecanter. "Ahhh...who needs you" |Gyrfalcon| your body, I believe. * Stick blows a carrot-shaped whistle |Stick| you asked for this... * CuteNobby pours honey over stick's wounds and then drop the ant farm on it |Brute| Nahyh.. I've gotten by for some time without it. * Gyrfalcon washes out Stick's wounds... with medical alcohol, which hurts worse then the salt *** MrBunny Appears * CuteNobby hunts down Mr bunny * MrBunny hears Stick screaming in pain |CuteNobby| yah bunny stew * MrBunny hunts down Nobby |MrBunny| ... * CuteNobby gets ready for the bunny anti magic net * CuteNobby toss the net over Mr.bunny * MrBunny summons a carrot dragon |MrBunny| ... * MrBunny hops out of the way * Wyvern ducks and covers * Gyrfalcon bandages Stick's wounds "There, disinfected and cleaned. |Valdar| Grrr. Bark. Grrr. Bark. * MrBunny 's Carrot Dragon lunges at Nobby |CuteNobby| Valdar * Valdar twitches in his nap |MrBunny| ... * CuteNobby throws Valdar onto the Carrot dragon * Valdar makes little running motion with his paws * Brute swills booze and watches the events unfold. * MrBunny runs past Nobby, bites his ankle and keeps on running * CuteNobby issa bitten and got angry * MrBunny jumps in Stick's pocket * CuteNobby sprays anti-Bunny spray on himself *** MrBunny disappears and Stick stops screaming. |Stick| aw nuts. |CuteNobby| so close, sigh * CuteNobby was this close to bunny stew |Stick| oh well, at least it wasn't a mode war with Falcon... * Gyrfalcon chuckles |Gyrfalcon| There is that. |Gyrfalcon| Feel better, Stick? * Stick pats Nobby on the back really hard "Not on my watch buddy." |Stick| except for the HORRIBLE PAINFUL BURNING!!! * CuteNobby shows Stick Canid's sharp fangs |Stick| yes, quite well. * Stick has seen them, thanks ^.^ * CuteNobby broke a themometer on stick's wound * Gyrfalcon looks quizical "That goes away after a few seconds." * Stick indicates everyone can come out of hiding now * Stick nods "I know." * Brute remembers a neat new spell he learned. * Stick gives Nobby a noogie * CuteNobby treats Stick's wound with rubbing alcohol and accidentally drop a match * Stick rolls his eyes * Brute casts Summon Booze Elemental * Gyrfalcon is glad that he bandaged Stick's wounds first |Stick| my wounds are fine, fool! |CuteNobby| Ohhh!!! me like Booze Elemental! * Gyrfalcon gets Stick new bandages and wraps the wounds... again." * Stick pokes nobby's eyes and makes a mad dash for some trees * Wyvern holds up a 4.5 sign * CuteNobby grab stick and use his point end to poke stick |Stick| gah! * Brute chases the doomed elemental around the room,yelling, I just want a little taste.. Stick superglues nobby's hands together "Leave me alone!" |CuteNobby| surrender Mr bunny!!! |Stick| no! * Gyrfalcon steps out of the way of the door, and the Booze Elemental races through * CuteNobby trips the Booze Elemental * Stick tosses Brute a BigPointyStraw * Brute uses the BPS to his advantage and destroys the elemental. |Brute| Yum. * Stick grins |Stick| ...and an assist goes to the Stickster! ye-ah! *makes cheering sounds* * Brute begins to cast the spell again.... |Stick| lol |Gyrfalcon| Brute, you're an evil, evil drunkard. |Brute| * Gyrfalcon should find the Demi-Semi-Hemi Plane of Alcohol * Stick climbs in *his* tree |Gyrfalcon| then I should send you there for a vacation. * Stick grins |Stick| Gyr, I never knew you had the planeswalking capacity. |Gyrfalcon| I don't. |Gyrfalcon| I just know people who do. * Gyrfalcon glances at Valdar/Astralis |Stick| ah, gotcha * Brute is interrupted by a small man dressed in a green suit. The little man points to Brute and addresses him. * Stick dresses himself in tree camoflauge |Brute| *YOU* sir," he says," have single-handly caused the rare Booze Elementals, a peaceful and fun-loving race, to become the most endangered race in the universe. There is only oine left, and he's rather terrified of you and your spell. * Stick shoots a blow dart at the little man |Brute| that's terrible. * Brute continues to cast the spell. * CuteNobby rob the man of his wallet and other worldly prosesssion * Gyrfalcon looks at Brute "Meaning that there will be no more for you to drink." * Stick catches said little man in a burlap sac * Stick beats the little man against the wall, then chucks it out the window |Stick| and that is the end of that * Gyrfalcon looks at Stick "Wasn't that a little violent?" * CuteNobby thought you pen people are all nice and polite... * Stick shrugs then curls up into a ball, as to resemble a bush * Brute finishes the spell and one terrified and cowering Booze Elemental appears. |Stick| ~bush~ * Stick makes bush sounds |Stick| ~bush bush~ |Gyrfalcon| Stick? |Stick| bush? |Gyrfalcon| Bush's don't make many sounds. |Stick| oh. |Stick| well... |Stick| what *do* bushes do? |Gyrfalcon| Er... sit and vegetate, really. |Stick| ah. |Stick| nuts. |CuteNobby| I thought people are suppose to beat around it |Stick| yeah, but I'm the bush, therefore I'm just beat around... |Stick| aw crap! * CuteNobby beat stick around a bit * Gyrfalcon takes out a big stick * Stick ditches the camoflauge * Stick leaps out the window |CuteNobby| again? |Stick| copyrightinfringement! |Stick| aaaaaaaahhh! ~ow~ * Gyrfalcon looks at Wyvern "32?" * CuteNobby watch Stick get splattered * Stick keeps on forgetting about the bramble patch |Wyvern| 32? |Wyvern| 43! * Stick grins |Zool47| Bramble patch? OW!!! |Zool47| 23? * Stick notes it's a bramble-filled grin |Zool47| 24? |Zool47| 33! |Stick| it's the tally of times I've jumped out the window * Stick slowly pulls himself back in through * Gyrfalcon chuckles * CuteNobby gives stick some ice |Stick| huh? * Stick discards it, assuming it's frozen cyanide or something equally hazardous * Gyrfalcon gives Stick some ice |Stick| ah, thanks Gyr ^.^ |CuteNobby| ... * Stick slumps down against the wall, since his couch is utterly destroyed * Stick grins "Nobby, it's 'the boy who cried wolf' syndrome, I'm afraid." |Brute| wolf, wolf! |Stick| or something like that, anyways... |CuteNobby| oh well, the wolves isn't coming to get me |Zool47| *** Zool47 has quit IRC (Quit (Bye! ) ) |Stick| heh * CuteNobby set up a fense outside the window with a lot of hungry wolves pen insided it * Gyrfalcon 'happens' to trip near the gate and open it. |CuteNobby| poor gyrfalcone, he'll be doggy food * Gyrfalcon watches the wolves stream by him and grins- being a ranger is good. * Stick pulls a large deer from his pocket and tosses it at the wolves * CuteNobby gives out a puzzling look |Stick| oh, right * CuteNobby offer stick and Mrbunny some stew |Stick| no thanks. |CuteNobby| lol Later... * Stick looks for a new couch to hollow out... ***Tzimfemme walks in ***Justin Silverblade (SilvBlade) enters |Gyrfalcon| Heya, Justin. |Wyvern| 'lo Justin * Stick waves |SilvBlade| hey guys |SilvBlade| What's up? |Stick| the opposite of down |Gyrfalcon| ceiling? * SilvBlade sighs |SilvBlade| how's it going? |SilvBlade| * Stick chuckles * Stick is alright, although couchless... |Gyrfalcon| I'm doing well. Finally, the quest begins! |Gyrfalcon| Looking in a catalog for a new couch for the room |Gyrfalcon| Stick took out the last one. |Stick| heh * Tzimfemme suckles on the chocolate with inattention, flipping through posts |SilvBlade| lol * Stick notes to Gyr to get one that can be hollowed out |Tzimfemme| No inflatables, please |Stick| (but not a hide-a-bed... those things are too pointy, even for me) |Tzimfemme| They have too much recoil * Stick agrees |Tzimfemme| And it has to have legs high enough that Valdar can hide underneath |Stick| and wheels, so I can roll it around * Gyrfalcon stares at the magazine * Gyrfalcon throws it in the fireplace and watches it burn |Gyrfalcon| Alright, now that the old crap is out of the way |Stick| aw. |Tzimfemme| Well, those sliding tabs work also * Gyrfalcon pulls out a computer, sets up a T1 link and starts finding a custom couch company |Gyrfalcon| Ah, there we go... |Stick| a-ha! |Tzimfemme| You know, the highly slippery polymer circles? |Gyrfalcon| wheels with locks on them so it doesn't roll everywhere... * Stick scratches his head |Tzimfemme| Oooo, even nicer |Gyrfalcon| 18" legs. |Gyrfalcon| custom hollow space in the middle... air holes... water bottle, storage compartment for food... |Tzimfemme| no more being flipped! |Stick| oh yeah, make it about six feet long, and 3 feet front to back * Tzimfemme cheers |Stick| (enough room for me to move around in) |Stick| woo-hoo! |Gyrfalcon| 7' long and 3'6" wide... (need room for Valdar to move around under it) |Tzimfemme| I'll hollow out the legs and run some wires through it...phone...high speed internet... |Stick| suweet... |Gyrfalcon| *changes the legs to hollow with holes for the wires* * Wyvern notes that there should be enough room under the cushions to hide geld * Stick can hide geld! |Gyrfalcon| er... that's where Stick will be. |Wyvern| (i.e large quantities of geld ;p) |Gyrfalcon| there's more then enough room. |Wyvern| Okie... |Tzimfemme| ... |Stick| it'll be a good cover, so no one will know I'm in there... |Gyrfalcon| Lets see... that's the couch chasis. |Stick| wait Gyr! * Gyrfalcon selects reinforced bottom layers on the cushions with a plush overlayer so that people have soft couch seats and Stick isn't crushed. |Stick| ... |Stick| what color shall it be!?! * Stick grins * Stick suggests a subtle dark green * Gyrfalcon selects 'subtle dark green' for the upholstery color. |Gyrfalcon| Lets see... any comments? * Stick thinks * Gyrfalcon types out "If you fail to fulfill this order to satisfaction, your entrails will be reupholstered." |Stick| I suppose a trap door in the bottom would be nice * Stick nods "Yessir!" |Gyrfalcon| *changes the base of the couch to include a built-in trap door* |Stick| (we don't need an incident like last time... towels hurt... *rubs various bruises* ) * Gyrfalcon smirks |Gyrfalcon| What, you didn't like landing in that shower? |Gyrfalcon| Just wear armor next time. |Stick| I did, for the first few seconds * Stick grins |Stick| well, final verdict on the super-couch anyone? * Wyvern cheers |Wyvern| * Wyvern wobbles |Gyrfalcon| so don't go prying the road up behind us, a'right? |Wyvern| They're NOT gold? |Gyrfalcon| No. * Wyvern hesitates to go * Stick prods Wyv along |Gyrfalcon| You get to sit on the couch. |Wyvern| Ow.... alright already... * Wyvern takes out a road plan and writes various notes on it as they move along * Stick keeps an eye out for flying monkeys... * Tzimfemme step step step stumble step |Gyrfalcon| *meanwhile, a worried group of couch builders reads the end of the order and set to work at all possible speed* * Gyrfalcon step step step catch step... * Wyvern stops 15 minutes into the trip * Tzimfemme step step stumble, stumblestumbleSKIP! |Wyvern| "I'm huunnnnnnnngry!" |Tzimfemme| I HAVE to skip! * Tzimfemme skips * Gyrfalcon looks at Wyvern |Stick| yay! |Tzimfemme| I can maintain balance that way |Gyrfalcon| no you aren't. * Wyvern wants to take a nap * Stick skips too * Gyrfalcon plods along, dragging Wyvern behind him * Tzimfemme prances/skips along * Wyvern is dragged by his tail * Stick chuckles * Brute sneaks a fake work order to the group of couch builders, one that will prove to be impossible to fulfill. * Gyrfalcon digs some food out of his bag of holding and shoves it behind him to Wyvern * Wyvern eats it, then asks for more |Stick| hi-ho, hi-ho, it's off to... errr, wait, wrong song. * Tzimfemme is jouncing muscles and ligaments of which she was unaware but by gosh she's still balanced! * Stick grins |Tzimfemme| you know |Gyrfalcon| *elsewhere* What, another one? Bah, one at a time, back to work! He hasn't threatened to reupholster our entrails! |Tzimfemme| all this skipping makes me feel...cheerful |Tzimfemme| ...remarkably cheerfuL! * Gyrfalcon stops for a second * Stick nods |Gyrfalcon| That almost scares me. * Tzimfemme bursts into a wide...disturbing grin * Gyrfalcon hands Wyvern more food * Wyvern would feel cheerful if he was given something more to eat |Wyvern| Thankee |Gyrfalcon| I hope this isn't the cheerful of 'I'm going to kill you all." * Wyvern munches as he's dragged along * Stick sprouts another few leaves and some bean sprouts * Stick ignores it and skips along contentedly * Wyvern makes note that we should be reaching the competing couch manufacturer "Wicked West (fluffy's best)" some time soon... * Gyrfalcon whistles quietly as he walks along |Gyrfalcon| Your point is, Wyv? |Wyvern| I wanna stop over there... |Gyrfalcon| Why? |Wyvern| They might have better prices! |Gyrfalcon| So? We have a completed couch we've already paid for. |Brute| *elsewhere again..* Brute pounds his fist into his other hand. Drat! foiled my plans! I'll have to improvise and make this one work." He makes another impossible work order, but stamps TOP PRIORITY in red across the top of this one. |Stick| I don't know Wyv, they might be... might be... |Tzimfemme| Weeeeeeeeeee're off to see the wicker |Tzimfemme| the wonderful wicker of Oz |Wyvern| Besides, I here the person in charge is a reeeeaaaaaaalllly easy to convince person * Stick joins in the song |Wyvern| She'll give you a couch if you show her a bucket of water, supposedly... |Tzimfemme| We want to see wicker and also to dicker |Gyrfalcon| *elsewhere* "But boss, it's top priority!" one worker whined. "And look at the price!" the boss grabbed the worker and shook him. "There's top priority and there's 'being alive' priority!" "Oh... right." |Tzimfemme| And renegotiate ev-er-y clause! |Wyvern| *cue two thousand elves skipping along and singing in unison* |Stick| We'll uhh... |Gyrfalcon| Wyv? Shut up and walk backwards. * Stick scratches his head * Wyvern tags along... |Tzimfemme| Skip * Stick just hums along and resumes skipping |Tzimfemme| It makes singing SO much easier! * Valdar wonders why he is skipping along for no readily apparent reason * Wyvern doesn't skip fast enough and is trampled by numerous elves |Stick| because you're Toto! * Tzimfemme (One portion of Tzimfemme's head wonder if this is what it's like to be Rydia in a shiny shop) |Gyrfalcon| *Daryl rides along on Valdar's back, making a composite Toto the wolf/fox* * Stick grins * Valdar stomp stomp stomp * Stick stops |Tzimfemme| We're off to see the wicker, the wonderful wicker of Oz! We'll order the wicker and squeal at the sticker and bargain it down to a pause! |Stick| ack! happy murderous elves! * Stick runs to Wyv's assistance * Gyrfalcon drags the somewhat trampled Wyvern along at a faster pace |Valdar| (Valdar's elf right now btw, gyr) * Brute curses..."so...it's threats they respoind to is it? Well, I'll take care of that!" Brute summons a huge, menacing demon to hand deliver another Top Priority impossible work order to the couch builders, with threats of eternal torture for failure to cpmolete it. |Tzimfemme| we're offfff to seeeeeeee the wickkkkkkkkkkeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrr. .. * Tzimfemme improvises * Stick assists Gyr in dragging Wyv |Stick| ack! it's hard to skip in uni... uni... * Wyvern grumbles as he's dragged along |Gyrfalcon| *elsewhere* "I'm sorry sir, we can't take this order- you have 10,000,000 in bad credit. I know sir... I'm sorry sir, but its company policy. Our parent company?" *the man gets an evil smile but hides it.* "Wicked West (fluffy's best), sir. Thank- He hung up on me!" |Wyvern| We're *grumble, grumble, grumble* the *grumble grumble* og *grumble* |Tzimfemme| It's wicked to dicker for wicker, for wicker's inherently rich, For couches, none fairer, though much of it's rarer, but wicker comes without a hitch! * Wyvern perks up |Tzimfemme| I'd rather be sitting in wicker, the furniture needs not a stitch-- |Tzimfemme| it's wicked to dicker for wickkkerrrrrrrrrrrr... * Gyrfalcon prays the store is over the next rise * Stick hears an odd sound on the air |Stick| huhh? |Tzimfemme| 'cause I'm not a wicker'd old witch! |Wyvern| For wickers to dicker, there is nothing sicker, yet when they get a sale itch. We'll be there to bargain with flair, and then their products defaults we will snitch! * Gyrfalcon stops * Stick points to the horizon * Wyvern is cheerfull suddenly |Gyrfalcon| What is it, Stick? |Stick| looks like... * Tzimfemme crashes into Gyrfalcon, overbalances, and lands on her face * Gyrfalcon falls over |Gyrfalcon| Ow. |Tzimfemme| ...yellow paint |Tzimfemme| on the bricks |Stick| little furry guys... with wings.. |Tzimfemme| not even gold leaf. * Wyvern is run over by countless elves, who now seem to be running in the opposite direction |Tzimfemme| I feel cheated. |Stick| ack! * Gyrfalcon looks up, and his eyes flare |Wyvern| ... screaming |Gyrfalcon| Oh good, I'll get to kill those damned flying monkies. * Stick is snatched by flying monkeys |Stick| heeeelp meeee * Gyrfalcon aims and kills the one holding Stick's right arm (but in cutsey fashion, it just disappears* * Gyrfalcon takes care of the other flying monkey * Wyvern runs * Tzimfemme takes off a ruby slipper and hurls it at one |Gyrfalcon| Um... Wyv? I'd move the other direction. * Wyvern runs around in circles |Stick| ~keeeeeeeeee-rash!~ * Wyvern confuses the monkies, who procede to get dizzy * Stick lands in an explosion of straw * Tzimfemme pitches the other shoe at something else flying up there * Valdar gets his states mixed up again and runs around barking as an elf |Gyrfalcon| *Daryl begins 'playing' with one* |Wyvern| *One by one, the monkies get sick watching Wyv running in terrified circles and crash to the ground* * Tzimfemme dodges flying monkey..er..vomit * Gyrfalcon looks around "59 disoriented monkeies, 3 mauled monkies, 12 dead monkies and one monkey knocked out cold... your ruby slipper, Tzimfemme." |Tzimfemme| no time! * Wyvern speeds up as he notices monkies falling all around him trying to get him! |Tzimfemme| I need to be able to doge |Tzimfemme| dodge! * Gyrfalcon is landed on by a monkey |Gyrfalcon| Get off me! * Tzimfemme swerves to the right to avoid Valdar, who's yapping and turning in circles * Stick peels himself off the ground just in time to get pegged by tzim's slipper that was deflected off the monkey [23:3 * Wyvern s speed increases so greatly that he becomes a semi-tornado |Stick| ow. * Stick falls back over |Tzimfemme| Ohhhhno * Wyvern 's wind sucks in the flying monkies * Gyrfalcon pulls the monkey off and does Horrible Things to it * Tzimfemme spies the problem--her other slipper is hanging off of Valdar's forehead, being shiny in his peripheral vision * Wyvern screams as he notices all the monkies are coming to him |Stick| (wow, so horrible, it's capitalized! ~shudders~) * Wyvern speeds up |Gyrfalcon| (I've always hated the things. ;P) * Tzimfemme tries to snag slipper #2 * Stick grins * Wyvern is a full fledged speeding tornado now... * Stick crawls back, hoping he is not noticed * Stick is |Wyvern| *monkies try desperatly to escape, but are sucked in |Stick| nuts * Wyvern collapses on the ground exhausted * Valdar shinyshinyshinyshiny * Stick is picked up by a rather sluggish monkey that was late on the scene |Wyvern| On top of him... 200 flying monkies * Valdar runs in circles faster * Tzimfemme dizzydizzydizzydizzy * Stick hurls his slipper at Valdar |Stick| err, the slipper that me, rather |Gyrfalcon| *Daryl yelps from under the pile, having been drawn into it as well* |Stick| ack! |Stick| ^that *hit* me * Wyvern trembles on the ground, trying to scream but to afraid to do so with all these unconcious monkies on top of him * Valdar zoooms around like a mad tornado |Valdar| shinyshinyshinyshinyshinyshinyshinyshinyshinyshinyshinyshiny * Wyvern is sucked in, along with the monkies * Stick is carried off to the Wicked West Couch Factory, very slowly * Valdar 's suction sucks away the pile of monkeys and wyvren * Gyrfalcon finds his longbow and puts an arrow through the monkey |Gyrfalcon| (carrying Stick) |Stick| yay! |Stick| oh right, height. * Gyrfalcon winces as Stick bounces down a tree, limb by limb. * Stick plummets * Valdar runs in circles so fast he becomes unstable * Valdar ka-BANG *** Valdar turns into Waterlily * Wyvern wants his mommy * Waterlily sits...idle |Gyrfalcon| ... |Gyrfalcon| you had a mother, Wyv? * Waterlily contains the sum of all monkeys * Stick grins, his straw pretty much gone, the only straw that remains is jammed so far up certain places that don't need to be mentioned. ouchies. * Wyvern supposes so * Wyvern just wants protection! * Waterlily plucks out Wyvern and begins to make coo-ing noises |Gyrfalcon| I thought you were the living incarnation of greed... * Wyvern screams |Gyrfalcon| Waterlily! |Gyrfalcon| Put the red lizard down! |Gyrfalcon| *Daryl bites Waterlily's root* * Waterlily cradles Wyvy |Wyvern| * Wyvern trembles and sobs * Waterlily lashes out and puts Daryl on a tree * Stick stumbles in * Waterlily drips chlorophyl around Wyvy's mouth |Gyrfalcon| *Daryl forgets he's a red fox, not a tree fox, and climbs down the tree* |Wyvern| Eeeeeeeeeeek! |Stick| now where did those slippies go... |Gyrfalcon| Eww... * Waterlily 's limbs go still and idle * Stick sees something red and shiny |Waterlily| (gotta go out for a while, wyvy has moomy now 0 |Gyrfalcon| (*chuckles* alright.) * Stick picks it up |Stick| there's one! |Waterlily| (assume he's being allowed to suckle or something) |Waterlily| (feeding time ) * Stick tosses it at Tzim |Wyvern| Eeeewwwwwwww * Gyrfalcon finds the other and hands it to Tzimfemme "Let's say we go get Wyvern on our way back?" |Stick| are you *sure* you want to just leave him here? |Stick| I mean, he might go off to that other place |Stick| ah * Wyvern better get paid for this whole Waterlily thing too! * Stick grins |Wyvern| Do you know how CHLOROHIL TASTES?!!!! ;p * Gyrfalcon checks to see who's still with us on this quest |Stick| i'm in for it |Stick| do we have our Dorothy? * Gyrfalcon and Stick turn to look at Tzimfemme |Gyrfalcon| *Daryl yips and tries to look vaguely Toto-like* * Stick begins gathering some more straw |Stick| hm, I guess it's just the tin man and the scarecrow. |Stick| and toto. * Gyrfalcon accelerates time |Gyrfalcon| *the party arrives at the factory* * Tzimfemme has _carried_ her shoes the rest of the way * Stick notes the factory is made out of emerald * Gyrfalcon signs for the couch "Thanks, you did good work." |Stick| odd... |Stick| woo-hoo! * Stick opens up the trap door on the bottom and climbs in * Gyrfalcon climbs on the arbitrarily-designated front end |Gyrfalcon| Onboard, Tzimfemme? |Tzimfemme| On board! * Tzimfemme claims the middle cushion * Stick opens the trap door again and starts paddling flinstone-style * Tzimfemme removes it and sticks her feet down to the ground |Tzimfemme| yaaaabbbbaaaa daaaabbbbba dooo! * Gyrfalcon attaches some boosters to the aft end, sets up a steering arrangement, and maneuvers the couch towards the road* |Gyrfalcon| Charge! * Gyrfalcon activates the boosters |Stick| w00000000000000t! |Gyrfalcon| Waaaaaahooooooooooooooooooooooooo! |Stick| *muffled from beneath the couch* uh, Gyr? Everything okay up there? |Tzimfemme| we'reofftoseethewickerthewonderfulwickerofOzwepaidforthewickerthebillwasmuchthicker thanwehadfirstsignedintheclause! |Stick| woah * Tzimfemme gasps verses desperately as the couch zoooooooooooooooms |Gyrfalcon| *pulls the couch cushion up and shouts down "Just the speed!" * Stick rolls to the side as not to be shin kicked * Gyrfalcon takes out a tiny tank and attaches it to the boosters "Stick? If I were you, I'd keep my feet up!" |Tzimfemme| we'reoffandwiththewickerthewonderfulwickerofOz |Stick| gotcha |Tzimfemme| myfeetunderwickerdon'tsteptheyjustflicker * Stick peers out the eye/air holes |Tzimfemme| ireallydoprayforapause * Gyrfalcon activates the tank, and Ole Pecuiliar streams into the boosters... |Tzimfemme| andthenyoumaydareaskbecause |Gyrfalcon| Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! |Tzimfemme| thewickerisaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee * Stick slams into the front of the couch |Stick| ooowwwww! aaaaaaaaaaaah! * Tzimfemme contributes to the sonic boom with a scream |Stick| (heh) * Gyrfalcon readies a lasso and lets it stream out behind |Gyrfalcon| LetshopethatgetsWyvernandnotthedamnedplant! * Stick 's impact flips the couch once |Gyrfalcon| WHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!! |Tzimfemme| whatplantisreferrednotmonkeyvineIheard... * Tzimfemme spies the waterlily |Gyrfalcon| Thatplant! |Stick| owspine. * Stick yells "GAAAAAAAATE!!!" |Stick| I hope you have a plan for brakes, Gyr! |Gyrfalcon| "Brakes? What're those?!" |Stick| crap! |Gyrfalcon| *the loop settles over Wyvern and tugs him along. |Tzimfemme| Wyvernwillbebraking |Gyrfalcon| *meanwhile, Daryl clings desperately to the back arm of the couch, tail streaming out behind him* |Tzimfemme| ihopehistailisnotbreaking |Tzimfemme| he'squakingandisayrightso |Tzimfemme| thehalf-dragonanchor * Stick carefully maneuvers the bps out of the trapdoor as a braking mechanism |Tzimfemme| wouldbearusmuchrancor |Gyrfalcon| *the Pen looms ahead, just as the last of the old peculiar leaves the boosters* * Stick gets stabbed as the couch hits a bump and drops the bps |Gyrfalcon| *the couch suddenly decelerates* |Stick| ow. |Tzimfemme| iftheonlythingleftwashistoe! * Tzimfemme flies forward into Gyr |Gyrfalcon| Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhshhhhhhhhiiiiiiit! * Stick slams into the front of the couch again * Gyrfalcon grabs on for dear life as he's nearly flipped forward |Gyrfalcon| *Daryl flies forward and lands on Tzimfemme * Tzimfemme yelps |Tzimfemme| pileup |Gyrfalcon| *the couch coasts through the door and gently stops in the middle of the room* |Gyrfalcon| Whoot. * Stick stumbles out and rushes over to the window |Stick| ~pleaaaah~ * Stick vomits |Stick| remind me *not* to jump out that window for a while. |Gyrfalcon| *Daryl shakily steps off Tzimfemme and falls over* * Gyrfalcon looks over the edge of the couch "Whoo, all the pretty stars..." * Tzimfemme peels herself out from between Daryl and Gyrfalcon |Tzimfemme| I feel a strange empathy with lunchmeat |Gyrfalcon| *falls over backwards* Ooo... soft cushions. |Gyrfalcon| Lets do that again some time. * Stick takes a seat on the couch, placing his arms around his companions |Gyrfalcon| *Daryl hops up and sits on Gyrfalcon's stomach* |Stick| well, that was one helluva a ride. I got my brain, Gyr got his heart, Wyv got his courage and Tzim got... rid of those shoes, I think. But most importantly: we got our couch! |Tzimfemme| Wyv got a mommy |Tzimfemme| don't forget that |Stick| oh yeah, right * Stick notes that * Tzimfemme halfway fuses with the couch in exhaustion |Gyrfalcon| and Daryl got his fur blown out. |Gyrfalcon| Which means he won't need a bath for a while. * Stick chuckles |Stick| that being said, I depart * Gyrfalcon likes the length of the couch- he has two cushions, Tzim has one, Stick has one |Gyrfalcon| Alright, goodnight Stick! |Stick| nighties ^.^ [00:08] 'night * Tzimfemme would wave if she could summon the energy |Gyrfalcon| You know, this would make a good story. |Tzimfemme| post it up And thus the companions- Wyvern, Valdar, Waterlily, Gyrfalcon, Daryl, and Tzimfemme, gained for #thepen a new couch to replace the old, one that satisfies the needs of all. *bows* Thank you for your time and attention.

*Gyrfalcon applauds as well, but has to ask...* Isn't that an insult?

*Gyrfalcon comes in and coughs as his feet send waves of dust flying up. Two months without a single footstep had allowed the dust to settle on the floor- enough so that noticable clouds rose with every step. Gyrfalcon shook his head as he moved to the bulletin board with his announcement in hand. Hopefully, its presence would bring new life to this room. Gyrfalcon held that seed of hope as he carefully stapled teh announcement to the bulletin board and left the room. Hear ye! Hear ye! A new site has been designed by Steelfox Studios, (that's Gyr, BTW) devoted to a new story series. The first new story of that series has been completed and awaits the eyes of the public to view it! Follow the path below to read of magic and gunplay, of the fox-kin and the demon-lord, and the fate of the world hanging in balance... In short, like every other heroic story in creation. But hey, you haven't read this one yet! the Foxkin story Tell what you like or don't like, a'right? -Gyrfalcon No'Dessu -Daryl Carnsilion

Through the looking glass clear We can see what his dear But what is truth and what is illusion? Are they separate or is everything in collusion? What do I do when daylight slips away And leaves only night to find its way Where can I look, where can I turn When it all begins to burn? So many act like they’re made of steel Trying not to let themselves feel They try not to show how they hurt when they’re Betrayed and left to strive against a world, unfair But there’s no fairness in life, no sureness In anything but death, when kindness Is but a pleasant dream, its how you fight On that matters, how you find the light In the overwhelming darkness When all seems hopeless.

*Gyrfalcon applauds* Nicely done.

*applauds* I like knowing what your cats are up to, thank you for a nice little story. And their thoughts and comments are extremely cat-like, though I think it may have gone more like this: "Excuse me, it's *my* turn to have my ears rubbed, you've had the pet long enough!"

Seth crouched down a little closer to the rock and listened closely to the two figures at the far end of the cavern. He had extinguished his light when he had heard the sounds of their approach down one of the many tunnels that opened into this chamber and was relieved that there was enough fungus that glowed in this cavern that he could see, if only barely. One of the figures, a patch of blackness against a general dark green turned to the other and spoke. “ Yar na bladk?” It said in a questioning tone, and Seth grimaced. He couldn’t speak the language, but he’d heard it enough times before that he could identify the speaker, a goblin. The other figure, somewhat larger, only grunted, red eyes gleaming in the darkness. As it slowly scanned the cave, Seth crouched down lower against the stalagmite and waited, hoping to avoid notice. A novice in the Underdark, Seth didn’t know that the larger figure, an orc, was using infravision, looking for the patterns of heat that distinguished a living creature, and that Seth’s cool stone concealment, which normally would have hid him perfectly, only made his body heat standout more. “ Yar! Yar bladk na sa cax!” The larger figure said in harsh tones, pointing his arm unerringly at Seth. He had to restrain a curse as he stood and unsheathed his rapier, somehow he had been found. With hooting yips, more figures spilled from the tunnel the orc and goblin had come from, and Seth slipped around the stalagmite and set his back to it to prevent the creatures from encircling him. Grimly, Seth clenched his teeth and muttered a prayer to God as the goblin swarm attacked. The first goblin’s shrill war cry ended in a gurgle as Seth smoothly lunged and ran the point of his rapier through its throat. The next goblin suffered a pierced heart and the third was sorely wounded as it scrambled away. After that, the goblins formed a semi-circle around Seth and feinted but refused to close, afraid of his skill. In the back, the orc snarled and whipped the backmost with a cat of nine tails, urging them on. An impetuous pair of goblins lunged for Seth and with two almost negligent moves, he sent both to whatever deity they held dear. Seth panted slightly as he waited for the next goblin to attack him. The tension grew greater as the goblins began to slowly shuffle closer, feinting with their short spears and rusty swords, growing bolder as they saw that Seth, despite his speed, couldn’t be anywhere at once. Slowly, the goblins convinced themselves that while the ones on the other side would die, they personally, would not. The orc roared an order and snapped his multi-tailed whip over the heads of the goblins, and the goblins on Seth’s left attacked. Seth began to whisper a prayer commending his soul to the Lord God as he waited for the goblins on the right to attack his undefended side. Instead, the goblins on the right and in the center began to push and shove, screaming. Above it all was the whistle of a blade parting air, ending in the sounds of meat being chopped. Seth finished with the last goblin attacking him for the moment and threw himself to the right, his rapier’s tip bringing death with it as it lashed and probed among the goblins. Putting aside honor for the moment against the numerically superior but cowardly foes, Seth killed several goblins with their backs turned to them before the others realized that they were now being attacked on two sides. Never brave, the goblins panicked utterly and began to push and fight each other to get away from their slayers. Those on the edges of the swarm bolted down the nearest tunnels and Seth came face to face with Gyrfalcon. “What are you doing here?” Seth gasped, struggling for breath. Gyrfalcon responded with his customary grin, made ominous by the blood splashed across his face. “I heard the party and felt slighted for not being invited to attend, so I invited myself. Want som- Urk!” The half-elf clawed at his throat as he was pulled to the floor and towards the orc leader, who was still alive and had several tails of his whip wrapped around Gyrfalcon’s throat. To insure the half-elf’s death, the orc held a heavy-bladed knife in his other hand. He dragged the half-elf into range and bent to cut Gyrfalcon’s throat, but instead stiffened and died as Seth ran him through. The chamber grew quiet as the last goblins fled with the death of their leader, and Gyrfalcon ripped the thongs from around his throat. He breathed in a deep breath of the cool air gratefully. “I hate whips. Thanks Seth, if not for you, I’d be in serious pain right now.” He commented to the air above him as he lay on his back. “You are more then welcome. Are you alright, Gyrfalcon?” Seth said, leaning on his cane, which he had picked up again. “Oh, sure... nothing like a good fight to get the blood moving in the morning, one or another of my friends always said.” Gyrfalcon said as he rolled over and pushed himself up. Quickly, he started to check that all the goblins were dead and not faking the condition to put a knife in his or Seth’s backs. Seth paused, then asked cautiously “I’ve lost all track of time... is it morning already?” Gyrfalcon looked up from one of the goblins? “Huh? Oh, no, mid-afternoon, I think. Don’t quote me on that though, these caves make it hard for me to keep track of time myself.” Seth nodded and carefully cleaned his rapier with a scrap of cloth before sheathing it inside his cane once more. “How did you find me? I’ve quite lost my way, and I was just heading in a downward direction hoping to come out at the bottom of the pit that Falcon fell down.” Gyrfalcon shook his head “Actually, I was just heading downward to see if I could find a path to Falcon or Stick. It’s likely that there isn’t such a path, at least not directly. It would have been more intelligent of you to head back to the Pen, like I thought you did.” Seth flushed, but then narrowed his eyes. “And what are you doing following this path, then?” Seth sensed Gyrfalcon’s grin in the darkness, and smiled in response to his cheerful reply. “Because I’m not intelligent sometimes. Well, since we’re both being fools, let’s continue on together, shall we?” Seth gave a courtly bow. “Certainly, my good friend. On one condition though...” “Yes?” “We clean up at the next pool we find, blood does horrible things to silk, and frankly, I’d rather we didn’t smell like dead goblins.”

Whoo. *applauds* Excellent poetry, Stick, especially since it was (somewhat) randomly written. It makes me want to do the same (take a notebook with me), except I don't write and walk very efficently.

Gyrfalcon forced his stiffening legs to propel him down the stairs, clutching the walls to prevent himself from tumbling down the stairs. His legs hurt, and he shivered constantly in the cool sea air. He really, really wanted a blanket. Finally, the dripping half-elf made it down the stairs and walked to where Myth was standing at the entrance to the hold. He scowled at Myth and opened his mouth to ask her why she hadn’t just brought the blankets up. Before he could say anything though, she pulled the last figure he had expected to see out from behind her and shoved him forward with her knife laid along the side of his neck. Reyn tried to smile, but it came out as a sickly grimace. He was clutching a pair of blankets to his chest. Quickly, Myth explained the situation and concluded in a chilled, calm tone. “Gyrfalcon, do you want Reyn? I don’t.” Gyrfalcon sighed and plucked a blanket from the pile Reyn had in his arms and began to dry his hair. He let the towel fall across his face and grimaced into it. He didn’t want to have to take charge of the sneaky little rat of a man, but he knew that if he didn’t, either Myth or the captain would kill him. “Reyn, any reason I should let you live?” he asked the thief as he dragged the towel from his head. Reyn gulped and started back, then stopped as Myth pressed down with her dagger. “Um... er... my charming wit? Um... I promise to be good! Don’t let her kill me!” Reyn said, beginning to panic as Myth began to bear down on his shoulder with her dagger. Gyrfalcon sighed and shook his head. As much as he might like to, he couldn’t let Reyn die in cold blood. “Bring him along, will you Myth?” He asked the assassin as he started up the passage with the blanket wrapped around him. Up top, he turned and took the blanket from Reyn and went over to Kaleyra’s side. He wrapped the blanket around Kaleyra’s shoulders, and she tugged it the rest of the way around her with a quick smile. Gyrfalcon gave an answering smile before turning and finding the captain. “Captain? There’s a man I’d like you to meet.” Gyrfalcon said, and Myth shoved Reyn forward. “This is Reyn, a man who’s been following us. He’s also a stowaway.” Gyrfalcon said. Captain Wallace’s face darkened and his first mate pulled a dagger with an ugly expression. Stowaways generally had their throat slit and were thrown over the side unless they could talk fast and had money. Sometimes, they still had their throats slit. “Unfortunately, I don’t want his throat slit. I’m sure you have chains and manacles, or at least enough stout rope to tie him up well. Keep him below decks and fed, and I’ll pay his way.” Captain Wallace looked disgruntled, but the thought of profit appealed to him. He brightened up slightly more when Gyrfalcon allowed that most likely any money the little rat had on him was stolen and that it should be ‘liberated’ until it could be ‘returned to its proper owners’. Just to drive the idea home that Reyn was to live, Gyrfalcon quietly spoke as Captain Wallace began to walk away. “Oh, and please speak to Y’Tren if you happen to forget that Reyn is supposed to stay alive.” He said. Even though the man was facing away, his stance gave away his fear. “Thank you.” Gyrfalcon said before returning to where Kaleyra was sitting to help Timothy and Kaleyra decide if anything was broken or damaged.

(conversion confusion, this is actually the fourth post in this thread) *bows* Good to have you back with us, Hopper!

I had to read Maus, and I remember that part of the story well. *bows his head in silence* (excellent poetry...)

*Gyrfalcon laughs* While I don't think Shakesperian theater is that bad, it can get pretty overdone. =) edit: I'm forgetful at times. Excellent scene, Mistral. =) Edited by: Gyrfalcon25 at: 8/30/02 9:46:22 pm

Not to be rude or anything, but perhaps this discussion would be better served in a new thread? While I do have a brief two cents to throw in on the current topic, I'll wait until it has its own thread. This thread is for what we fear, not debating points of religious matters. (Which I generally don't think is a good idea- people are too touchy about their religions.) Anyway, back to the main subject...: from a psycological aspect, fear can be explained in a few ways. (Forgive me if I miss one or do not state these properly) First, some fears are instinctive- someone can have a fear of spiders without ever having been bitten by one, for example. Second, fears are learned- if you badly burned in a fire accident, there is a good chance you will fear fire from then on. You will almost certainly never grow to love it. Third, you are taught to fear (or hate) something, by watching how those around you react. So those are the clinical (if I didn't mess them up too much) reasons why you might fear something. Now as to a person's SPECIFIC reason for fearing something, that is up to him or her to explain.

I thought it was pretty good, though as you say, its only a start. Maybe pick it up and continue it later, when the creativity strikes you again?

Yay, Gwaihir is back! (I'd do one of these, but I tend to get verbose when I describe something, a bit more then fourty words. Plus, unlike Zadown, I can't think of any scene vivid enough that I wish to paint it with words right now.) Welcome back, Gwaihir. =)

Gyrfalcon entered the room, and two steps past the door stopped as he was buffeted by what was either a sudden windstorm or being too close to Peredhil as he was passing by. As the wind of Peredhil's passing came to an end, Gyrfalcon shook his head and ran his fingers through his hair, returning a semblance to order to it. Finally, he continued into the room and stopped once more, seeing many of the members of the Pen gathered in a cluster near one table. Wondering what had happened, Gyrfalcon moved to join them. Selecting the arc of the circle that held the shorter members (such as Canid), Gyrfalcon peered within... to find Seth Exodus returned. As the hubbub of greetings lulled for a moment, Gyrfalcon spoke. "Seth!" he said, and the scholar turned to see Gyrfalcon bow to him. "Welcome back! It is good to see you returned to us, my friend. How was your journey? More importantly, how are you?"

It's a bit much to digest in one go- still, I'll start reading soon.

Gyrfalcon heard a startled scream as he picked himself up off the deck, still trying to shake the ringing from his ears. When he looked up, he had time to glimpse Kaleyra plummet into the ocean, wings flapping awkwardly but not doing anything more then slow her fall. Through the ringing, he heard Captain Wallace crow in victory. “Ha, that showed that scaly son of a pile of seaweed not to mess with the Lunging Lobster! Timothy wheeled on the Captain, murderous anger etched across his face. “And does that ‘scaly son of a pile of seaweed’ include the woman who saved this ship from being snapped like a twig?” he demanded, “You nearly killed Kaleyra with your first shot!” Timothy turned to scan the skies for Kaleyra, instead, he saw Gyrfalcon racing for the railing, shedding his cloak and sword, quiver and bow. His boots were left where Timothy had last seen the half-elf standing. “Wait, what are you doing-!” Timothy cut off as Gyrfalcon dived over the rail without bothering to slow down any. “Man overboard!” Came the cry from the crow’s nest. In the cool water of the ocean, Gyrfalcon ignored both the voice overhead and the one inside his head, berating him for being so impulsive. Instead, he turned his attention to swimming towards where he saw Kaleyra splash into the ocean. Gyrfalcon wasn’t the best swimmer in the ocean, and surely not swimming in the middle of the ocean, but he was good enough to make fairly steady headway against the swells. Finally, he reached where Kaleyra had splashed into the ocean, but he couldn’t see her floating there. Sucking in a deep breath, he dived down into the water. The ocean was clean and clear this far out, and the sun lit the depths down farther then Gyrfalcon had ever though possible in the ocean. He kicked his way down, looking for Kaleyra or any sign of her presence. As he began to surface, his lungs straining, Kaleyra found *him*, crashing into him as she struggled towards the surface. Gyrfalcon grabbed onto her shoulders and kicked for the surface as hard as he could, hoping Kaleyra would remember to hold her breath. The two broke free of the water gasping in sweet air as they bobbed in the water, Gyrfalcon showing Kaleyra how to stay afloat. A quick learner, Kaleyra soon began managing for herself, despite the bulk and drag of her waterlogged wings. Gyrfalcon took the opportunity to look around for the ship, and hoped someone would come up with a plan to rescue Kaleyra and himself.