Merelas

Sorry for the lateness, all. I'm jumping in at the last moment with permission from Mynx. Benedict Burnheart (goes by Bene, pronounced Ben-uh). I am sixteen years old, and I've never seen the wolves yet because they haven't come in my lifetime. I'm addicted to the local drug-of-choice, Devilgrass, and I've come to Calla Bryn Sturgis as a runaway from Calla Sen Chre in the north. I've been taken in by Father Callahan, who is continually trying to reform me of my bad habits. When I'm not high, I help Father Callahan with keeping the church clean, and work on one of the local farms for a woman named Rosalita. I am something of an outsider, and I don't really have many connections in the Calla yet.

My first creative post in a long while. Please excuse the format. This is the very first draft. Comment and critique, please?~ The Sky at Night O the massive blowing of the wind outside—it’s snowing— and the night as it glistens with whiteness in my sight. Flakes falling falling falling and the windsong is calling While the clouds obscure the sky—I cannot see though I try To see the stars overhead in a symphony of light. The moon slowly circling in its white, white pale Circling the snow that is falling in this gale… A gale of the snow that swirls as it twirls down below. Below the sky that’s covered by the clouds from the cupboard Of God or mother nature cloaking all the earth in white. The whiteness that is freezing from the clouds that are teasing Covering the sky that I cannot see, though I try tonight. Because the sky to me is calling as the stars seem to be falling In a parody of snowflakes chaotically crawling on the ground. The wind will pull and push them—make them sway all around. And the sky from me is hidden as this ray of white surrounds— All I want, all I wish, all I desire from this night Is a glimpse of the sky in a symphony of light. Because the light never fails and the snow rarely falls But tonight it assails my vision of the falls— The falls and the throne and the swan and the crone Arranged in their glory; always have they shone From above in a gloriously sumptuous sight But tonight, oh tonight—the snow and clouds prevail And my eyesight must fail in attempting to perceive Of the glorious reprieve granted to me nightly each and every eve. Because the sky at night in its symphony of light Makes me think that each symphony has guide: A conductor that will lead it through the audience’s pride. My faith is restored by the sky at night. During the day, I have nothing. No faith by which to walk. My path is unlit. My way is dark. I cannot think of a conductor, wordlessly guiding the Universe—from the cosmos of constellations enthroned in majesty looking down upon us to my very step. But O the sky at night! How it restores my faith on sight. And yet the clouds of snow cover it tonight.

Merelas strolls into the garden, still sinking into his old haunt. He notices the badge on his chest marked "WEENIE" that giggles with a mechanical cackle every time something bumps against it. He shrugs, moves towards the center of the garden. Just then, Wyvern makes his announcement to the assembled pennites. Having brought nothing to offer, Merelas thinks for a moment, before deciding. Quickly, he spurs a fire next to him, and it roars to a height over his head. He jumps into it and disappears. Moments later, he re-appears holding something, and steps out. The flame is extinguished with a wave of his hand, and we can see that what he's holding is a torch. Most who know Merelas well would wonder why he's brought a source of fire other than of his own making. Merelas cleared a spot in the garden, and produced a small silver bowl which he placed on the ground; finally, he threw the torch into the bowl. The wood burned rapidly to ash, leaving nothing behind. The fire burned on. If he had been asked about it, Merelas would have told his questioner that this fire was taken from the Everlasting Flame in the land of his fathers; nothing could extinguish this hearth until the last of the fire-elves perished from Terra.

I'm not sure if I know you; if so, it's been a long time, and it's good to see you again You have intrigued me somewhat. I am of the opinion that the first sentence is brilliant. Your rhyme style is amazing; I only wish I could play that game. I'm also incredibly impress with what I think you're (intentionally) doing as far as the evolution of the poem is concerned. You slowly phase out the rhyme scheme, become more and more focused, and really finish strong. This is really well done. My only discontent is that it's hard to read. As remarkable as the rhyme and evolution are, it's organized in such a way so that the stream-of-consciousness (which, I agree, works well) detracts from my understanding of the text. I think the stream of consciousness would work just as well if you divided it up by lines, maybe something like... Verily, the verity can be seen from the apogee; startling the abbess minding artillery in the cannery as we speak of a time wondering at the filigree's constancy in the stratosphere. Pick up where you left off of the train in spain and that coversation with a lovely girl named Lola. There was music playing, the freight cars were swaying with a rhythmic click clack that reminded you of a typewriter; your mothers', as she sat smoking all but the butt of yet another cigarette as she finished another chapter in the great american novel. This gives it a slightly different feel which may or may not be offensive to you. Without a doubt, either way, ten gold stars (out of ten) .

Esaneh smiles as he watches Nehrathi banter with Rahotep, knowing that their friendship ran deep. They had been friends even before he and Nehrathi had met, and that was saying something. Ever mindful of his duties, he takes up his papyrus pressed paper and brush, walking over to Moses, the ambassador. Bowing, he asks, "Is there any message I could convey to the Pharoah for you as his scribe, ambassador?" Edit: Replace "pharoah" for "king"

Hey everybody. This new post is a little belated, as I'm just getting settled into my duties. I hope that no one is too upset, I promise I'll try to be more regular in my news updates from now on. The first thing I want to remind everybody about is the"The Pen Reccomends..." thread. All pensters are welcome to stop by and check out some of the great works featured there. Full members are also invited to nominate/second any threads that you feel should get some special recognition! Also, everyone should know that WW XIV is beginning! This game is lead by our very own Lady Celes Crusader, and the theme for it is an ancient egyptian pyramid. The link is here, and anyone is welcome to stop by and read! Good luck to all the participants, especially myself ! Our final item is for the Writing Exchange Program. I am informed that there are a few items still missing from the thread, so those who were assigned characters and haven't completed them yet, do so soon! Everyone is also invited to wander by and read the great submissions that have been made so far. Thanks to everyone, and I'd just like to remind everyone that if you have an item that you want to see make the update, please contact me through PM here on the site! Have a good week, everyone!

I am Esaneh, the court scribe for the Pharoh. Or at least, I was. Oh, and Nehrathi and I were engaged to be married until one/both of us died, and we are now trying to be married even after we're dead. So there's that little tidbit of information.

Merelas sneers, and his eyes narrow at Gwaihir--still ice blue. "You would accuse me?!" he scoffs, clearly disgusted. Although he cannot tell whether or not Gwaihir is sane, he is clearly decided that he doesn't like whatever is going on with him. "I would ask you all to remember that it was me who helped our hostess Salinye back to the hostel, and myself who gained the aid of Katzaniel and her friends. Vahktang was kind enough to lend me his security personell to protect me while I was out trying to determine who was causing these attacks--and thus, I am the reason that he was not protected from the cemetary." Merelas looks down, ashamed. "That injury, I will take upon myself. He protected me while I was seeing Gwaihir, and even Finnius. "And now the final wolf among the lambs would have you believe that I am the one who's been doing the harm! I swear to you, with the Gods and goddesses as my witnesses, I am not. Please believe me when I tell you that I have only your best interests at heart--I beg you to believe me." He turns then, and looks at Gwaihir. "He would have you find the evil amongst us, and I would ask no less. Perhaps it is that he isn't aware of what he's been doing... but nonetheless, for his sake and ours, we must restrain him from committing any more evil." His eyes narrow again somewhat appraisingly as he glances at Gwaihir.

Merelas ran to the cemetary outside, seeing Vahktang stumble into the hole. Quickly, he meets Tanuchan as she calls for help, and follows her. They reach him barely in time to pull him out of the hole. Merelas checks his vital signs, gripping at Chrissiannia's Jewel in order to pull on its healing powers. He takes Vahktang's hand, closes his eyes, and attempts to aid him in any way he can. Finishing, he opens his eyes, and attempts to make his friend dressed as the Candidate more comfortable. "Thank you for protecting me," he whispers, and Stands. Anyone near them would have seen his eyes shimmer, tiny specks of blue appearing in the normal brown, until they shone a cold, steel blue-grey. "Now we end this," he says, before disappearing in his characteristic tower of flame. He found Gwaihir in the hallway in the manor. Appearing behind him in another of his flames, he draws Brillemiré with an improvised flourish. He narrows his eyes at the blade and it bursts into flame. Merelas advances on Gwaihir quickly, the blade before him like a spotlight as it sends light from the flames into his face. "Your pranks have gone to far, Gwaihir. I end them now. You will lead me into the dining hall, where I will announce you to the assembled group." They move slowly, Merelas ready for any sudden movement on Gwaihir's part, and finally reach the room. "Friends--I have seen this man setting traps all around the house. I am certain, now, that he knew all along where the passageway under Custos Manor lead, and that he has been here before. And before you all, I accuse him of viscious attacks upon our friends and family. Whether he has done this of his own free will or whether he has been under the influence of something else, I cannot say. I do know one thing, though--that he is responsible." Merelas looks around, hoping for support, and never stowing his blade. OOC: I accuse the last wolf/prankster, Gwaihir

Hello everybody! As your News Manager, this is my first update, so bear with me if I miss something or if my writing is a little poor at this point. Firstly, The Halloween games are all the way up to XIII now! Although no new players can join, I'm asked to convey the wishes of our Moderator, Tanuchan, that anyone who so desires stop by the thread to read and enjoy! Also, Tanuchan would like to invite anyone who wishes to to come in and play a "gost" if you wish. Drop by the thread, post your eerie activities, and have fun! Speaking of Werewolf, our Moderator for WW XIV will be our very own Lady Celes Crusader. Starting with a Mummy theme within an ancient pyramid, Lady Celes is calling for all who might be interested inplaying to sign up in the sign-up thread in the Conservatory. That thread is located here. Have you got a great story to share with the pen public? Did you discover bat children with wings of eagles in the Conservatory the other day? Direct your attention to the Mighty Pen Enquirer! Begun by Katzaniel the Tigertaur, The Mighty Pen Enquirer is for any story that you might want to promote, whether it's whacky and outrageous about the walls of the pen, or slightly slanderous about one of our fellow pen members. Members are encouraged to create posts within the thread and start a friendly banter right here!. A new RP is shaping up to be very interesting--The Crossing is located in the Conservatory. As far as I understand it, mystery girl Anna needs help, and there's currently a demon at the door of the Pen. If you're willing to help out, check this great thread started by Black9. The Writing Exchange Program is off to a great start! In the Cabaret Room, links are displayed too all those that are already completed, and for those who aren't finished yet, I'm asked to remind you that the due date was yesterday. Wyvern would like to remind everyone that he's inviting Pen Members to call in to his radio show this friday, Nov. 5th. Here, you can check out for the skinny on his program, along with the official call he made in (I think) his last post in the thread. Finally, check out the Piazza of Portraits. There are many great examples of how to set up a profile, and everyone is highly encouraged to do so. If you have any items to go into the next news update, please PM them to me here at the Pen. Thank you, your cooperation is appreciated! I'd like to apologize for the length of this Update--usually they won't be this long, but there just seemed to be quite a bit that needed plugging this week . Have a good one all, and I'll be back next week!

Merelas steps into the hallway with Brillemire drawn, still trying to round up the missing people in their party. Soon, he realizes that unless he finds someplace to put them all, they'll keep roaming about this haunted house. Searching for a suitable spot, he moves about randomly until he stumbles upon an office-like room. It is octagonal, with a desk facing the door and an ancient chair behind it, everything covered in cobwebs. Bookshelves line the walls, and a fireplace is directly at his right. With a wave of his hand, he lights a fire there, and steps into it. He sends himself to where he last knew some of the party to be, and hopes that they're still there.

I absolutely loved this... I really did. I don't know why... maybe the analogies. I love analogies.

Aww Mynx! I haven't been there yet this year, but previous years... :S it's terrible! Good luck!

Molly hands Shamus a phone, quickly. "Deep throat," she says. It was the code name they had given to the informant. "Mickey's moving, and he's moving fast. Pull some strings, Shamus." Click. It was time to make calls...

OOC: Cryptomancer. It appears, from recent intelligence, my alliance was misplaced.

Merelas shrugs, looks behind him at Ayshela and Finnius, and winks at them both, as if to say, I'm with you two. OOC: Vote for YanYan

"Aye Lad. I'm here now," says Shamus, striding in a bit more slowly than he normally would. The bomb in his kitchen had given him quite a turn, after all. Molly walked in, and sat at a table not too far of, facing both the door and the table where Shamus and Mickey sat. Argus, limping badly, sat beside her. "So lad... you wanted to see me again, and I'm here. We've just to wait for that Nolen lad, I assume?"

Merelas keeps his cool, rushing over to Salinye. He quickly asks and finds out that Gyrfalcon is indeed at the party. Calling a tower of flame, he steps into it as fast as he ever has. The silence inside is deafening. Merelas has taken others inside before and been told that those who aren't fire elves hear the roar of the flames--the crackling of fire in its natural state. In an instant, the eerie old house is gone from his surroundings, and there are only flames. They extend beyond the horizon, and he begins to walk slowly. As he does so, the walls of a fireplace slowly fade into view, and soon they materialize alltogether. A drunk partygoer screams in fright as he steps out of the fireplace, dusting himself off. He shouts for Gyrfalcon and his shouts are quickly recognized. The ranger appears before him, and Merelas entreats him quickly. "Gyr, I need to borrow your ring of fire resistance." Gyrfalcon raises an eyebrow. "And why do you need it?" he asks, smiling. The fire-elf explains quickly--"I don't, Salinye does so I can bring her over the flames. She needs to see the healers and I'm the fastest way." In a flash, Gyr had his Bag of Holding out, and dug through it to find a ring of fire resistance. He pressed it into Merelas' hand with a pleading, nervous look. Merelas winks with more confidence than he has. Instead of walking back to the fireplace, Merelas calls the flames over him where he stands. For those looking on at the party, it would have appeared that in a single instant, a fire rose from his feet to above his head, and then went out in less than a second. When it did, he was gone. But he retured a moment later, carrying Salinye. Quickly, he finds Katzaniel, and places Salinye in the tigertaur's capable hands... or paws. Returning to the house, he reports, and looks around the group. Could it be that one of them is doing this? Or is it the house? Someone they didn't know altogether? He didn't know. (OOC: No vote yet.)

Merelas draws Brillemire again, and makes a flicking motion at it. The sword bursts into flame, and the fire-elf brandishes it before him. He looks around them, carefully watching everything. He was nervous. This... room gave him an eery feeling and he didn't like it. He attempted to calm himself by muttering an old prayer his father had taught him. Shadows always stray from light, Let my flames set wrong to right. I'll set a bonfire towering here, To reveal the source of all fears. I'll take my candle, hold it high-- So the world may see the light. Let my fires pierce the night. It helped... a little.

Merelas follows Tanuchan into the room, walking slowly and finding several people in a group cuddling on the floor. He raises an eyebrow, chuckling a little. He sheathes the sword at his back, but maintains the fire. :Now now, Tanny... no picking on the new ones. I thought you'd be nicer than that,: he thinks.

Always glad to have you here

*Blushes*... Erm... welll... Ok, no excuse. I forgot But I've done it now! It's up in the Assembly room.

Merelas stepped through the hallway of the pen nervously… it was seldom that he felt nervous in these halls that he loved so much, but today he had just cause to be. He was finally going to fulfill his duties to Tanuchan, and take her on a date. Finding the appropriate room, Merelas stood before the door for a moment. He smoothed his hair, patted his clothes down for a moment. He had dressed casually… not to casual, but not excessively formal, either. He starts to knock on the door, then hesitates. Eventually, he tentatively knocks, and shortly the door is opened by Tanuchan. “Ready?” he asks. “Sure, Merelas,” she says, flashing a grin. “Before we go,” he says, still a little nervous. Quickly he produces a rare rose from behind his back. Its petals are white, with red tips. “It’s called a Fire and Ice rose.” Surprised, Tanny doesn't pick it immediately, touching its silky petals with light, delicate fingertips. "It's... beautiful... thank you so much, Merelas... " She looks at him with a warm smile and bright grey eyes that show her true appreciation of the gift. “Why is it called that?” Merelas smiles, “Mostly for the colors—red is fire and white is ice—but also because it’s extremely strong. It can grow nearly anywhere if it’s imported. The only places it grows naturally are the far northlands, and my home, the Mirénore. I brought it from the place we’re going now.” Tanuchan tears her eyes away from the exquisite beauty of the flower, and looks up at the tall fire-elf. “Where are we going?” she asks. Merelas grins saying, “That’s a surprise. But since I want you to be able to find your way there any time you want, I won’t blindfold you,” he says with a wink. She giggles softly, before putting her hand in his. Merelas leads her outside at a leisurely pace. They continue slowly towards the gardens, following a path until they come to the wall of the pen keep. The wall is lined with rosebushes--a repetitive pattern of white, yellow, pink red. Sensing an undercurrent of nervousness and anxiety from Merelas, she asks him softly to tell her about his homeland. He smiles then, remembering. “It’s very lovely there. Warm all the time. There are always children playing a game called Firefight… it tests their ability to manipulate flames, and determines which will become Scouts, which magi, and which Leadership.” "And which one did you become, Mer?" She smiles at him once again, "May I cal you that?" “Yes, Mer is fine. I was a guardian mage… as a rule, we’re not allowed to use any type of magic aside from fire. Only the Flamekeeper, the Firestarter, and the Estinguisher were allowed to use other types. And then, after a while, the other guardians asked me to become their representative to the Shiré. The two of them continue walking along the wall, and come to a sort of path. Somewhat over grown—it had been a while since he’d tended it, after all, as he continued to explain. “The Shiré; I think we would say Council. It’s one of the governing bodies of the Fire-elves. I was the youngest Shirénedra—councilmember, that is—in fire-elven history. And some say that’s why my term was also the shortest.” Tanuchan continues speaking to him about his past, though not pressing him on any subject that she senses resistance—the end of his term as a Shirénedra seemed to be one of them. Continuing down the path, both Merelas and Tanuchan eventually fall silent, realizing that the fire-elf has become comfortable with her presence. Soon, they the path begins to slope downwards, but the area around it remains level, as though they’re descending a ramp. Eventually it levels out, and Tanny realizes that they are below ground, and even though there’s no roof, she can see a tunnel ahead. But more important now is the roses. The earthen walls around them are covered with all manner of roses—roses of colors and types that she’d never seen before. "She gasps in amazement, and Merelas can see that she's delighted at what she sees. "It's... just too beautiful to be true... what is this place, Mer? How come I never found this?" “Not many people do… It’s quite a long walk. You probably didn’t notice, because we were talking the whole time… but we’re a couple miles away from your room. But it’s better down this way,” he says with a grin, and leads her onward. She follows him, and he slows down his pace as he notices her lagging, enjoying the surprises that come in the different varieties of roses, from the simplest to the most exotic. From her smile, Merelas could tell that she enjoyed what she was seeing. He smiled privately as he waited for her to catch up… he had done something right. Finally, they entered the tunnel. The roses were everywhere now—on both sides, and above them. They barely spread away from a small area on the walls to allow a periodical torch bracket, allowing light for their path. Finally, they reach their destination. The tunnel opens to a wide area—a cobbled stone courtyard. There is a circular hole in the ceiling, allowing natural light to filter down upon the scenery, which is even more breathtaking than the tunnel. All the walls are covered in roses—a variety that it’s hard to believe exists. In the center of the courtyard, there’s a large three tiered fountain with a rose in the top—water bubbling out of the petals of the golden flower. On three sides of the courtyard, there are stone benches—weathered, as though they had been there since the beginning of time. “What is this place?” Tanny asks, taking it all in. Merelas simply points to a sign above the tunnel entrance. Chiseled in stone are the words, “The Rose Courtyard.” She sits on one of the benches, resting her eyes on the roses and smiling sweetly, somewhat lost in memories. Merelas approaches her and sits next to her. "It's a lovely place... so beautiful... and... peaceful... who built it, Merelas?" “I’m not sure. I found it a few years ago, but it was run-down. Far worse than it is now. I helped work to help bring it back to it’s best state.” Merelas pulls a basket out from under one of the benches, revealing a picnic that he had brought ahead of time. He reveals various dishes, some of his own native land, and some that he had hoped Tanuchan would be familiar with. They spend a time in silence, both taking in their surroundings and enjoying each other’s company. “Where are you from, Tanuchan?” Merelas asks finally, interested to learn more about her. "A land far from here, Mer... it's called Shadowmere by humans. It's a valley hidden deep in the mountains, where the rivers are cold and clear, and the stars are bright at night." There's a quiet longing in her voice. “Why did you leave, Tan?” "I... it's a long story..." There's a slight shadow in her eyes, and Merelas quickly makes a gesture as if to stop her. She shakes her head with a half-smile. "No, it's okay, Mer... My family is one of the most important, traditional ones in the Clan. And I have a too free spirit to be quietly bound by tradition. Soon after my Name Day I left Shadowmere because I thought, and still think, that it's wrong to shun the rest of the world because of past wrongs done. Leaving Shadowmere is forbidden to any Clan-bound." She finishes in a whisper. Merelas looks at her with a mixture of empathy and sorrow at her plight. He says nothing, simply laying a hand on her shoulder. She smiles and looks up at him, meeting his (currently) blue eyes and allowing his warmth to dissipate the shadows. "No, don't be sad, Mer. It's part of me, and I learned to accept that, much as it still brings a wave of sorrow from time to time. By leaving, I learned a lot and made new friends. I don't regret it. " “Good,” he says, and stands. He gathers up the things from the picnic, placing them into the basket. He carries that in one hand, and puts his other arm around Tanuchan’s shoulders. They walk down the tunnel and reach the end only to discover that it’s raining. Quickly, Merelas adjusts his cloak to cover the both of them. They exchange a smile briefly, before hurrying off to Tanuchan’s room. At the door, Merelas stops, and hands something to her. “I wanted you to have this,” he says slowly, handing her a package. As she starts to open it, he says, “No, wait. Don’t do that yet. Um… when you open it, it might seem a little odd… but you’re a good friend, and I do trust you, so… I wanted you to have it.” She looks at him with a bright smile for a minute, before hugging him. After a moment, he leaves with a warm smile, off to his own room to warm up.

"Blegh!" Merelas sighs. "I hate winter."

So when does the game officially start? When will we know what roles we are?