Peredhil

Questions: Is there a beginning date? And end date? (I'm thinking that everyone can continue, but this IS a Quill Quest, and I'd not like you to be caught in an open-ended quest) The communication is to be poetry - is there the further restriction that it will be Haiku only? (5-7-5, 7-7, 5-7-5, lather rinse repeat) Are other types of Haiku allowed? Do you think you'd have time to make a small research post on Haiku to educate the Penners? (hint: you could steal a lot of stuff from a post by Bedlam on the UBB, if the UBB still exists) Are the participants to publish excerpts of their poetic conversations, for the amusement or edification of all? Forces his mind to spin off toward some other issue and leave poor Vlad alone.

Nods, and goes for fresh popcorn, more than content to wait!

I think perhaps I found a solution to the Elladan problem, and laid the foundation for more insanity. Heh, we'll see...

[Peredhil] After speaking to William, I was at somewhat of a loss as to what to do. I knew where my body was of course, as I could feel my Ring, bound to me as it is. Why Sauron hadn't spent the extra life force to password protect his, I'll never know. I'd looked on Melkor once. The Great Enemy. The most terrifying thing I remember was his beauty. Something had to be done. I wasn't sure what would happen if bodies were killed with their minds switched, but it probably wouldn't be pretty. Thinking back to the last time I'd worn a snake's skin, I wondered if the Serpentine Mysteries would work here. The Pen was situated at a crossroads of powers and planes, a natural weak spot through which much leaked. Perhaps. The benefit was that they required knowledge, not a great deal of power - most of that was in my own body. This snake wasn't even a potential mageborn. As I began writhing into the Glyphs which comprised the Ritual of Opening, I made a mental note to speak to Guido about all this later. [/Peredhil] [Elrohir] I hated snakes. Really. I know I went with Dad on that quest to recover the Eye from the Temple of Set, and had worn a snake's body, but... I really hate snakes. No matter how much I talk to myself, and know it isn't true, they'll always be slimy poisonous worms in the gibbering depths of my mind. Being closest to the Word, we'd been drawn into snake's bodies when it warped. I'd imagine that several others, if not all, had endured some change or transfiguration. The ones furthest away might only have mental effects, but they should be wary of repressed parts of their minds. I found Dad quickly through his essence, and saw he was a reasonably large Boa Constrictor, which rather made sense. They aren't as aggressive as most of the others. From the looks of it, I was stuck in a black mamba. Odd choice for the word, mambas are fast hyper-aggressive and very very poisonous. I can only assume the Word had liked Dad and not liked me in matching us up. Dad said something to William, which just goes to show how well he'd mastered the snake thing before, then started into the that slow snake magic. With a sigh, well, a hiss rather, I began weaving the Circles around him - he might think he could get away with working unshielded, but given the results of his last attempt, I wasn't going to take chances. I had two of the three Circles writhed into glowing existence around him by the time he'd finished Opening and had started into the Ritual of Welcoming. [/Elrohir] [Elladan] I blitzed into full as Dad started forward and time slowed to a crawl. Tiny details became magnified. Yui's sharp breath behind, the glint on Ayshela's knives, Regel standing with bent head listening to someone shorter. I Pulled the Mithran blade from its location elsewhere. I'm not a cleric by any extent, but the Bull Slayer was known for his hatred of Set, and the blade would put up with me if it got to kill snakes. I've been meaning to return the blade, but just haven't found an active temple. Dad's shoulder's tensed as he started to cast, and I suddenly Felt Guido's wild flare of magic; he'd taken off his Faerie Dragon Ring. Stupid, he was gonna do something that required magic. No time to slow down and warn Dad or El', so I Shielded and threw myself backward into a Rip I opened, figuring I could survive whatever was on the other side long enough to come back and save them. The Rip worked - but got caught with something similiar and clumsy seeking the Pen. I looked around and slowed. London. I was in London and Dad was in trouble. The staff knew enough to exit when I appeared with a sword. In the absence of snakes, the sword started to fight me again. I dropped back to realtime and reminded it why it had let me take it from the altar the first time. It's whimpers were background distractions as I used it to begin carving Runes into the floor and walls, enchanting as I went. This would be a Wild Gate, but I was sure I could force it to get me back. Any fool who came in after me might find themself anyway, but that wasn't my issue. The Gate was rough and ready, just lacking an Adept Word but I took a moment to rest and focus. The time differential here worked in my favor, unless the Gate would be warping time as well. None of us are as good as Dad with the Adept magic, but he'd forced us all to learn over the years. In a few minutes, I'd be back. Dad had better be alive. Something inside tried to push at my cheekbones as if to force me to cry, but I fought it back down. Staring at them, I forced my hands to quit shaking at what was in me, then I spoke the Word and stepped. [/Elladan] [Guido] Perhaps it was da booze, but something ate my spell. Next thing I knows, I'm still in da high beams, gots my gat, and wearing my Ring. Nice reflexes I thinks to myself. When I looked down, I wished I hadn't. Something had gone very wrong. I saw da Boss okay, but he swayed and fell, then started writhing around on da floor. Elrohir was on da floor too trying to bite anything dat came close. Der was a raw planar hole starting ta close and Something was coming through. I aimed da gat at it and prepared to introduce myself Politely. Nine rounds of manners. [/Guido] [Nuncio] I finished checking the brush strokes for the fifth time to ensure I'd drawn them correctly. One of the haberdashers commented it looked like Oriental calligraphy. I accepted his praise as just due; I am acutely dexterous with my paws. Clutching my shopping bag with my extra clothes, I adjusted my new silk tie with my other paw. With one final thanks to the staff, I spoke the Word to activate the temporary Portal and felt it seeking the description I'd specified. It snapped into a lock-on much faster than normal, and I wished that Guido had been here to notice how much I'd improved. As I stepped through, Something brushed me, a maelstrom of rage lonliness and death passionate death, causing me to stumble a bit. There were a few sharp barks and something tugged at my bag. In horror, I realized I wasn't in the Bosses chambers. I was in a Ball Room looking like a Wyvern Terran Conservatory Bash. There were snakes, Pennites, and poorly dressed people; it was a horrible situation. Unfortunately the Portal's glow behind me had faded - I couldn't just step back through and pretend I wasn't here. I looked down to rescue my clothes and saw a tight shotgroup through the center of my bag. My bag with my new suits. It could only be Guido. Assessing trajectory from the exit holes, I raised my eyes to scan the ceiling for that clothes wrecking hamster, and saw the hostess, glaring down at the shambles of the floor with knives. There was only one thing a Peredhil Bodyguard walking into such a madhouse could do and I clenched the knowledge like a drowning rat grips a stick. "Miss Ayshela," I shouted, "Pardon me for arriving late to your enchanting soire!" [/Nuncio]

Agree with Deg' on your talent. If you can wait out this time-consuming whirlwind period of my life, I'd partner with anyone for poetry, just hope I can keep up with them. -Peredhil

This ties into a lot of thoughts I've been having lately (although I've a head-start as I do believe in God already.) And I think that's all I'm going to say on that.

Wow. I think I should write a short story when I get time based off that. Welcome back home to the Pen... Hugs Peredhil

I can't help but irrepressably laugh, although I know if you hate snakes, it's no laughing matter - I can just mentally *hear* Ayshela sounding like Indiana Jones... Snakes... why did it have to be snakes? Just as a side-note, after a great deal of thought - do make certain that y'all don't do anything with Elladan. I'd either have to change the last 25 years of roleplaying personality established, or prolly lose the character. As insight, If he found himself out of his own body in a situation like this, he'd be forced to kill anyone who'd witnessed his lack of control and embarassment (and anyone who might've seen, and ... you get the idea) or die trying. In some systems, great powers require great character flaws to balance them.

Oh...my. Recognizing a Muse drive-by kidnapping, he is suddenly very glad he's fulfilled his obligation... Y'all should prolly get writing - never stand in the way of a Muse!

Focusing on pain within It rises until I drown. Turning outward to help others Without expecting return... Value provides a drain.

Instructions... Okay, I'll write down what I think I understand, and then it can be confirmed, denied or modified. 0) find a song that gives you an idea. 1) you send the song/lyrics/whichever or both to Alaeha. 2) when Aleaha introduces you with your song in the thread - 3) your character roleplays telling a story inspired by the song. So it's find a song that would have meaning to your character to the point where the character could use it as an inspiration for a story. In summary, I have four parts to this: 0) communication and coordination. 1) roleplaying (introduction, your setup for story) 2) telling a story. 3) linking it in some way, however obscure, to the song that inspired it. Although so far, from the examples, I don't think you have to explain the links - let others wonder! If I have this wrong, then I eagerly look forward to correction - since I'm already chatting and PMing trying to find a way around the rules...

nods I liked this one. Really liked the same line as Appy.

You know, the amusement value to this is really enormous, once you get past them being snakes. Great catch on the insurance salesman Tamaranis - I nearly fell out of my chair laughing. I think I'll let others post before I do anything. I'm not looking forward to Elladan's reaction in any of the probabilities that spring to mind. It would be wisest to leave him alone for now. If anyone writes something about Elrohir, it should keep in mind he's clerical by nature and the most recent Imprinted magic system was Archmage(Maritel)/Magic:the Gathering(Wizards of the Coast)/Master of Monsters(Microprose) Ascendent/white/life type stuff. Oddly enough, Peredhil has been a snake before. Feel free, but in snake form before, he nearly starved because he was too Polite to bite anything.

Shrugs I've been through enough that I know that my answer isn't just talk. First, I wouldn't be guilt-ridden - I think guilt over circumstances beyond your control is stupid and a waste of energy. Nightmares... I'm rather odd in that I've always seen them as interesting and usually studied them for a story or to weave into my FARS worlds. But as to vengeance- I'm a Christian who really truly believes it. Enemy or Friend (although I'd be more cautious with the Enemy), I'd try to assuage THEIR guilt and grief, and pray for them. Talk to them if they'd let me. If vengeance is needed, I've found that God does it far far more effectively than I, cause my imagination is limited and my reach is short. I've seen it enough that I really feel sorry for people who damage or try to damage me and mine. It frees me to live my principles. -Peredhil

Sometime I'm going to have to write a ramble or a poem or something on the word "love". It is so abused and misused. I'm happy for you that you're recognizing that because you needed something but were given poison instead, that it wasn't love. It's abuse. Anyone can define a word as they want - it's actions that show. If someone says, "this is love" and then tortures you in some way, that isn't love. If someone says, "This is a cat" and then puts you in a cage with a wolverine, that' isn't a cat. but you can spend the rest of your life misunderstanding when other people use the words correctly. *hugs* I love you, not wanting anything of you except your success, not needing anything of you at all to be "worthy" of my love, and I've decided to love you despite what you do or don't do (although I mightn't not approve). -PereDAD

Happy birthday Ken! Happy birthday Degenero Angelus And Happy birthday to the rest of y'all, the other personae. It's your birthday and there's fall gloom You look outside but sit in your room The parents bought presents, oh money. That's nice. Love can't be shown with objects, no matter the price. But here at the Pen there are those who know And love you, appreciate you, and wish you the best And so for our poetic reporter of Terra Happy birthday on the day after the night of terror! hugs Love you little bro' Peredhil

Okay, Peredhil, driven by the Rudeness of the hostess hiding in the rafters, just tried a major magic. It coincided with Guido's drunken and very powerful spell. The result should be an opportunity for any sort of fun inspiration someone wants to have - someone who's character hasn't arrived yet could be drawn as a result. someone who's already there could react. or several someones. Just remember - this is supposed to be a *FUN* thread. Let's think Looney Tunes, not Crypt of Horror. Absurdity and creativity are *good* things. As a note, one reason we get along so well at the Pen is that so many are world-weary and have seen so much. read, basically fearless although still cautious. the fear, horror, rejection reactions the characters have always had elsewhere just tend not to happen at the Pen with its people. I'm picturing a place where Dracula is sipping a plasma cocktail (Blood-Lite) talking earnestly with Hastur and Cthulu while Minta tries unsuccessfully to braid and adfix bows to Cthulu's tenticles. A neutral meeting ground, relaxing sorta place. There are some people who simply *cannot* relax, like Elladan, but even he if you notice is able to unbend a bit - he's just... ready. Have fun! explore character development! Interact! -P in haste

[Guido] So I'm ridin' da buzz, and then Will' does da Snake Charmer bit. Who'd he t'ink he was? Madame Quixotic. I'm kinda ashamed, but der *is* an old fight 'tween snakes and guinea pigs, even big tough ones like me. I was up in the rafters wit my gat drawn ready to Shoot Da Big Ones befores I was able ta think again. I wasn't sure if I'd miss the guests, so I puzzled through da booze and figured out da best plan. Takin' da Faerie Dragon Ring off, I tapped into sommada Ley lines dat fit dis sorta magic and letter rip. [/Guido] [Nuncio] After the lovely gentlemen had fixed up my suits, and run around the corner to Lobbs for the shoes, I was ready to go. I think they remained with cries of pleasure at serving me, whisking away imaginary lint, because this Plane just doesn't get much of a glimpse at magic. So it was with quite a bit of embarassment that I activated the Portal, only to discover it completely gone. I tried to think what The Boss would do, and came up with an unfortunate vision of "letting Elladan deal with it - he's best at Portals. You help him." As I'd been trying to think of how to deal with my embarassment, that was NOT reassurance, but definitely motivation. "My good gentlemen, and lady. If you would be so kind as to exit momentarily," I drew myself up to my full two meter, 21 stone presence and loftily continued, "I must prepare certain magics..." They scattered like quail. Now all I had to do was reconstruct the Portal. While one day at the Pen was one roughly one week here (and I'd have to remember to account for sideral times), I'd puttered about recklessly spending time. If I wanted to return in the same day, I only had one day left in which to do it. I considered popping the Screamer that The Boss had had emplanted in one of my teeth, but this just didn't seem that bad yet. Plus, a Interplanar Screamer would probably attract much more attention than the family, and some of it closer. After considered the results of Guido's practical joke with *his* Screamer, I mentally shut that door firmly. I'd rather plumb the depths of death by embarassment than have to be resurrected from death by dismemberment. Good thing the Boss had arrived as soon as he had, or Guido wouldn't have made it. He still claimed it was worth it for the looks on everyone's faces. I set to work. [/Nuncio] [Elladan] Snakes! I looked, but Guido had already scaled the ceiling. It would've been fun to see if Wyvern could've avatistically consumed a 315 pound guinea pig. I leaned back to watch the fun, then noted with a frown as Dad started forward with his frown. I couldn't believe he was going to spoil this. It wasn't like he couldn't deal with venom, and a bit of pain would help toughen some of the softer members. When I saw our hostess, Ayshela, up in the rafters, I realized the potential gaffe of the situation and knew he'd be unable to stay out of it. With a Polite nod to Yui-chan, I push off after him, allowing my sensitivity to come to full. I'd pay for this with a down later, but there were too many variables not to push it. I Felt Elrohir react to my Raising, and sent him a quick message in that almost telepathy we share in emergencies. The evening wasn't completely written off - I'd hopefully get to kill snakes, and several of these species made for good dining. [/Elladan] [Elrohir] As I sat poised and waiting, I checked the other Portals. All were fine, it was only the London one. I had friends in that Node, some whose families I'd known for generations, although not as long as the Chinese Node. Rather than worry and expend my energies, I allowed myself to Seek. My conversations and studies with the Valar before we left had given me a tremendous urge to Seek Eru, called Illuvatar, the One. In every Plane since, I'd seen reflections of Eru, fragments of a greater underlying truth of all the Planes. Called by many names, there were always other Seekers. Given my personality, I'd realized a long time ago I'd have to serve the fragments that fit my concept of Good, and would never have the vision to understand the totality. But it made a nice way to stay at a fever pitch without tension. I felt Elladan push himself up to combat ready. He doesn't seem to realize he draws on all the rest of us when he does. Dad seems an bottomless well and I renew through my clerical studies, but it is a definite draw. Since I already had a weapon drawn, I prepared to Port to him, but he sent a garbled message. Enough got through that I was suddenly angry, although I'm not sure how much was actually me. When 'Dan pushes like that, our emotions tend to snag on each other too. I was guarding Dad's room against Nuncio. Black thoughts of how to chastize him, with odd visions of snakes popping up, boiled up through my brain - until I saw the humor of the situation and shattered them with laughter. Poor Nuncio, he must be abandoned and terrified. A cross look from Dad was enough to devastate him. With a cheerful whistle, I set off to the Ballroom. [/Elrohir] [Peredhil] The music, the ambience, the attendence, the Ball was a success. I love it when people succeed. Even the mishaps were working themselves out in a manic Looney Tune splendor. I was enjoying this, and enjoying the others enjoyment. When I heard the flute, I admit I quit paying attention for a moment, chasing the memory of its melody down long abandoned corridors of my mind. It was with a start, therefore, that I recognized its power and tune. Too late. Snakes were already here, Wyvern mesmerized. Thank goodness none of the true dragons of the Pen had been present - when the melody ended, their reaction would've been one of rage and greed. That was Tiamat's tune composed and played by a master, designed to befoul even a Platinum's soul, on a Plane where such color/metal prejudices mattered. I waited to see what the others would do, this being an opportunity for people to excel, until I saw our Hostess up in the Rafters, teeth skinned back bloodlessly across a smile that looked too much like Elladan in a snit. Really, that was just RUDE. While I really hate being active, one never knows when the echoes through probability will end or where they will sound, this was just inappropriate. I stalked forward, and felt with no surprise Elladan Raise behind me. It was a quaint trick he'd learned from 'Sam' on that paranormal planet with the disembodied "demons" on which we'd been stranded, but then, Elladan was always one for tricks. He really didn't have the true confidence that comes from being centered and letting the universe flow through you. I felt Elrohir pop in behind me and noted he was nice enough to whisper an apology to Yui before slotting in behind. Riffling through the most convenience and least disruptive spells and powers I had available, I decided on a True Name of Reptiles I'd acquired in one of my rare occasions of gambling. With it, I could request an Avatar who could take all its children away harmlessly. Getting into the correct range, I let the Word form, and felt its acid crawl up my throat, its attempt to fit free from my Will. As it hissed and writhed over my tongue, I opened and gently released it with my Request. The soundless thunder unfortunately echoed painfully on any who had the ears to hear. And mixed with the sound of Guido's Spell. I hadn't anticipated magic from him. The mixture did not bode well. As the blackness passed from my eyes, I felt 'Dan and El's hands propping up my arms, and the first thing I saw were thousands of butterflies and tiny slyphs dancing in the domed ceiling. I was actually a bit reluctant to lower my eyes and see what had happened. [Peredhil] [Guido] Oops. Didn't t'ink da Boss would've done dat sorta t'ing. He normally don't do nutting lest he hasta. Shoulda realized that a party gone wrong would set him off. With a shrug, I settled back against the rafter. Too late now I thought with a grin. Might as well enjoy the floor show so I could tells Nunce about it later. Where *was* Nuncio? [/Guido]

I've always been absolutely a super sucker for absurd alliteration, it's one of my many wobbly weaknesses. but I can see what Gyrfalcon means - there are times it flows,and times it seems forced. I thought the story was very well-crafted. tightly plotted, with an ending worth wading through wounds and guts. A very nice tribute to the holiday designed to reward greed and fear (trick or treat) with few redeeming values. Nearly 75% of the people who came to my door hadn't even bothered with a costume - they just had open bags waiting to get something. I give out a quarter to each person - it can't be poisoned or sharpened so its far safer, it allows the child the choice of candy, and if everyone did it, they'd end up with five times the net results - which could then be spent foolishly or saved. 'Sides, my Dad was a Children's Dentist who didn't like dispersing candy; he considered it hypocritical. Anyone, one lovely little lady stood and argued with me as to why should have more than one quarter - she wanted it. She was poor and should have it. I was mean because I wouldn't give her more. She didn't care if anyone else received any. Her mother stood and watched, nodding, until I finally said, "still and always 'no'; most of the children say, 'thank you,' instead of 'gimme more'." At that, the mother called her away. I found her emblematic of Halloween in a large city. Given that terse reality, I think I'd've preferred the possible horrors of your story... At least they rewarded those who'd put forth an effort to role-play with one last LARP session...

Only Finnius... Motions to the Ninjas...

For Halloween Bob Hill and his new wife, Betty, were vacationing in Europe, as it happens, in Transylvania. They were driving a rental car along a rather deserted highway. It was late, and raining very hard. Bob could barely see 10 feet in front of the car. Suddenly the car skids out of control. Bob attempts to control the car, but to no avail. The car swerves and smashes into a tree. Moments later, Bob shakes his head to clear the fog. Dazed, he looks over at the passenger seat and sees his new wife unconscious, with her head bleeding. Despite the rain and unfamiliar countryside, Bob knows he has to carry her to the nearest phone. Bob carefully picks his wife up and begins trudging down the road. After a short while, he sees a light. He heads towards the light, which is coming from an old, large house. He approaches the door and knocks. A minute passes. A small, hunched man opens the door. Bob immediately blurts, "Hello, my name is Bob Hill, and this is my wife, Betty. We've been in a terrible accident, and my wife has been seriously hurt. Can I please use your phone??" "I'm sorry," replies the hunchback, "but we don't have a phone. My master is a doctor. Come in and I will get him." Bob brings his wife in. An elegant man comes down the stairs. "I'm afraid my assistant may have misled you. I am not a medical doctor. I am a scientist. However, it is many miles to the nearest clinic, and I have had basic medical training. I will see what I can do. Igor, bring them down to the laboratory." With that, Igor picks up Betty and carries her down stairs, with Bob following closely. Igor places Betty on a table in the lab. Bob collapses from exhaustion and his own injuries; so Igor places Bob on an adjoining table. After a brief examination, Igor's master looks worried. "Things are serious, Igor. Prepare a transfusion." Igor and his master work feverishly, but to no avail. Bob and Betty Hill are no more. The Hills' deaths upsets Igor's master greatly. Wearily, he climbs the steps to his conservatory, which houses his pipe organ. For it is here that he has always found solace. He begins to play, and a stirring, almost haunting melody fills the house. Meanwhile, Igor is still in the lab tidying up. As the music fills the lab, his eyes catch movement, and he notices the fingers on Betty Hill's hand twitch. Stunned, he watches as Bob's arm begins to rise. He is further amazed as Betty sits straight up. Unable to contain himself, he dashes up the stairs to the conservatory. He bursts in and shouts to his master, "Master, Master! . . . The Hills are alive with the sound of music!"

When you *feel* as if you have nothing inside - remember that at least one person in this world loves you, no matter how you feel. Hugs This is well-done, really conveys that icky feeling very well.

this is one of your better ones - hope it sells well.

clarification: As DM, you'll tell the wolves who each other are, so they can PM only each other, yes? As DM, you'll ensure there are the correct number of special characters: 1+ Werewolves, 1+ Wolfsbaners, etc, yes?

Isn't it amazing how different life becomes when fears become something exhilarating to try...to attack, instead of something from which to run? I'm proud of you for not using life as an excuse to fail, but instead continuing to try. The person too stubborn to give up, no matter how many times they fail, is usually life's winner in the long run. Hugs You know... DeVry is a hop, skip, and a Metro from Ozymandias, Wyvern, Nyyark, Zariah, myself, and a number of other Penners... Oh, life lesson number 31: Act confident no matter how you feel inside. Not arrogant - arrogance hides fear and forces attacks to maintain power or security. Confidence allows others to be them - but insists you are worthy too. If you act confident, then you're more likely to be worthy, because it frees your mind to deal with situations, instead of your inner turmoil. And then it won't be an act. -Peredhil the eternally Parental