Intorduction at the Inn..

How this Whole Thing Started.  Cybrix's Story @@@

Far in the south east corner of the land, four miles off shore, lies a
string of islands.  The third of the string, named Gymia, is the
largest.  While most of the other islands subsist mostly off of the seas
surrounding them, Gymia encompasses enough land mass for fishing
villages, small farms, and thick  forest in the center.  Near the divide
of fields and forest lies a small village called Brergia, noticable only
for the  high reputation of the priestess of The Stone, both of which
lie in semi seclusion just inside the woods.  The Stone is  mansized
piece of black rock, unlike anything in the area.  The priestess, a
position handed down from mother to daughter, is able to communicate
with The Stone in some fashion.

Cybrix sat on a nearby log and watched her mother prepare to read The
Stone.  Although the forest blocked out most of the sunlight, one ray
struck her mother's face as she concentrated on the myriad of tiny
cracks which chased one another across face of the large piece of black
rock.

   "How does the rock tell you things Mother?" she asked, for  although
the villagers nearby had come to her mother all her life for advice on
everything from children's name to the guilty person of a crime, Cybrix
had never understood how the rock communicated.

"I read it in the cracks my child," her mother smiled fondly at the
lovely 10  year old perched before her, "That is why you must never do
anything evil for the cracks will spell your name here as clearly as the
sign near Brergia spells out the name of the town.   Soon, I hope, you
too will able to read The Stone."

   Cybrix peered at The Stone along with her mother but could discern
nothing, eventually she wandered away collecting fallen acorns to pass
the time until her mother was finished.  While she picked up the fallen
nuts she wondered if her one great secret would be  considered evil.
When she had first told her mother around age 3 she could hear voices in
her head and feel things that were not  her feelings, her mother had
sharply retorted that that was the  work of demons and she must ignore
such strange words!  Frightened,  Cybrix had over the years carefully
blocked the voices and emotions  out of her head, though her guard would
drop if she was in great pain.  In those cases Cybrix would be
overwhelmed by the sudden rush of words and feelings that assaulted her.
Following each episode she would carefully build up her inner shields
even stronger,  stuffing the demon work deeper away into her mind.

Suddenly her mother cried out!  Cybrix ran back to the glade to find her
mother keening quietly.  "There is great danger and pain foretold, my
child!  Come, we must warn the village!" She grabbed Cybrix's hand and
dragged her through the woods towards Brergia.  Frightened, Cybrix
trotted along behind as fast as her small legs would take her.  As they
neared the village they began to smell smoke;  Cybrix's mother  stopped
to tuck her daughter behind a tree.  "Wait here my darling, where it is
safe," and she ran off into the village.

Cybrix huddled in the gnarled tree roots, her terror mounting  with
every passing moment.  Suddenly her low-level empathy with her mother,
which she had never bother to block thinking it normal, flared into
pain!  Startled, Cybrix dropped all her guards.  Thoughts images 
emotions PAIN flooded through her!!  "NOOOOOO!!" she screamed, as she
lost conciousness in retreat from the unbelievable flood.

****************************************

Cybrix awoke slowly to find herself chained in a small  unfamiliar room.
As she sat up in confusion the images flooded back.  Seeing through her
mother's eyes Cybrix saw Brergia in flames.  Masses of strange creatures
clothed head to toe in leather wielding longswords mowed the peaceful
villagers down like the autumn hay.  When one valiant farmer sliced one
of the creatures in half with a  sycthe, the thing simply..deflated.
But soon enough another was in  its place.  The creatures were like
faceless dummies!  Her mother has stumbled into the fray too late for
any warnings.  Oddly though, Cybrix noticed that the creatures had
focused upon her immediately.  She was dead within seconds.  But what
had tormented Cybrix's mind  was what happened immediately after...  She
had seen/felt her mother's essence begin to escape into the ether when
something black and sticky had wrapped around it and sucked towards a
group standing off to the side.  When Cybrix again saw in her mind her
mother's essence drawn greedily into the black orb that hung around the
neck of the man standing within a group of the faceless men, these ones
clothed in chainmail over their leather, the horror again swept over
her.

   She was curled into a small sobbing ball when the door opened.
"Hush, my child, my demon whines that your pain is screaming in his
ears." Cybrix sat up abruptly, it was him!  He was clothed in dramatic
red and caressing the black orb which hung around his  neck.

Cybrix slammed her forgotten shielding into place.  The rush  of evil
off the man made her skin crawl.  "Who are you ?  Why am I here??  What
have you done with my mother!?!?"

"Calm yourself, little one, I shall explain everything in due time.  I
have need of you and thus I shall tell you more about  myself than most
will ever hear.  All the world shall know is that Trersia is Master over
all !!  And they shall know it soon!!" Trersia threw back his head and
laughed, sounding unhinged, all the awhile caressing the orb around his
neck.

   *********************************************



Trersia clapped his hands and one of the chainmailed faceless ones
brought in a small table, a large chair for Trersia, and a simple
dinner.  Trersia settled himself and urged Cybrix to eat something.  To
appease him she cautiously nibbled at the loaf of bread, cheese, and
juice, as he began his story.

"Let me begin my child when I was about your age.  I, too, was the proud
possesor of wild talent in a small ignorant village."

Cybrix stared at him in confusion..wild talent??..she couldnt even read
The Stone?!  

"My talent, however, was the ability to set things on fire simply by
thinking of it!  But as I grew older the villagers grew more and more
frightened by my oddness.  Ignorant peasants!  What do they know of
power?!" Again he cackled, sending shivers down Cybrix's spine.
"Finally, they sent me away, when I was about your age.  They deposited
me here, on this god forsaken island cast off from the chain,
unpopulated, and supporting nothing but birds !  They meant for me to
die, I am sure of it.  And for what crime I ask you ?" 

Trersia had warmed to his subject and was now passionately pacing
Cybrix's small cell.  It was obvious even to the child  that he had gone
over these moments often in his mind.   "Simply this !  I had eliminated
a class mate of mine.  He was  ignorant bully who deserved to be burnt
to a crisp!  He tormented  me endlessly!  But no, the peasants, rather
than commending my  favor to them in eliminating this nuisance from
their midsts,  throw me out to die slowly on this piece of land that is
so  insignificant that almost is submerged!" Trersia stopped,  facing
the wall, and simply stood there trembling for a few moments.   Cybrix
had given up all pretense at eating and had curled herself  against the
wall as far away from him as possible.

   When he had regained control, he turned again to her.  "Eat child!
We mustn't have you losing strength!" He waited until she was once again
nibbling, and then continued.  "So, there I was, wasting away on a
sodden hunk of land without so much as wood I could set afire to warm
myself with.  I did manage to occasionally crisp a seagull, and  thus
managed to hang onto life.  But my diet was so limited my body coudl not
be sustained and ultimately I was to weak to do anything but lie there.
It was then, my dying body covered faintly with salt from the seaspray,
that my pet appeared to me." Trersia stopped to smile down at the orb
around his neck.  "Hush my demon, you do not like you status I know!" 

With another bout of wild laughter he continued.  "Of course, at that
time he wasn't so confined of course.  He appeared to me in his natural
form.  He had apparently spent his life living off the meager magical
essences of the peasants in this area.  My essence, glowing so much more
brightly had drawn him greedily.  When he discovered my condition, alone
and cast off, he grew bold and crept up to talk to me, to gloat.  In the
course of his gloating I grew aware, even in  my weakened and childish
state of just how stupid a demon he was.  Now I know that only a minor
demon would ever confine himself to feeding only in such a low magic
level area and only taking the essence when the human had died
naturally.  He simply couldnt  compete in richer areas of the world!"

   "So, taking advantage of his greed and his stupidity I tricked him
into serving me.  Assuring him that the older I got the more magic I
would have to feed him, I got him to provide for me  from the other
islands, to train me in the limited knowledge of magic he had.  However,
I was learning much more that he thought he was teaching me!  Finally I
had enough magic to put my plan into place.  I created the orb, " he
paused to fondle it once again, "in a burst of magic which almost killed
me, but I  had succeeded!  I then tricked him into it by telling him
that once he was within it he could "snack" on my magic as it grew.
Hah!  Like anyone would allow a demon to draw upon him like a vampire!

Trersia found the very idea so funny he laughed for several  minutes,
while Cybrix watched in fascination as the dark orb appeared to pulsate
angrily.  Tresia continued with an underlying self satisfied chuckle.
"So, once I had the demon trapped he was dependant on me to  feed him.
After I had starved him for a few weeks he grew so anxious he quickly
agreed to my proposal.  So now my demon works for me!  With his power to
draw upon, I quickly became more powerful and proficient.  The more I
feed him the stronger he gets and thus the  stronger I get.  Thus my
little plan to conquer everything I can reach meets with his approval."
Trersia chuckled again.  "Nothing soon will be able to stand in my way!"

   ******************************************

   Cybrix, having nothing left to nibble on, screwed up her courage for
the obvious question.  "So what do need me for if you are so  powerful?"

Trersia looked slightly discomfitted at the question.  "Well, my powers
aren't in the telepathic or empathic range at all.  My demon has some
powers in this area, but trapped within the orb he can only sense
powerful messages sent.  He can't scan people at all.  So, while we were
destroying that petty little village and he heard your call he directed
us to you."

Cybrix looked confused, "My call??"

	Trersia eyed her narrowly, "You didnt know you screamed in the minds of
everything within a ten mile radius!?  Good grief!  Are you aware of
your abilities at all??"

   "My..  abilities..  are evil!  I shant use them !  I wish they would
just go away!" Cybrix stated.

   "Oh dear," replied Trersia, "Another peasant killed talent!  Well no
matter, I shall help you train your talents and you will use them for
me!  And believe me child, you will obey me!"

   With those thundering last words, Trersia turned and left her to
ponder the plethora of information she had received.  But it was all too
much for the little girl.  Within a few moments of his departure she
curled into a small ball, and whispering,  "Mommy??" fell back into
dreamless soothing sleep.

   ***********************************************

The next day Trersia called for Cybrix to begin her training.  However,
as days turned into weeks he began to despair of ever teaching her to
control her talents, much less use them in his  service.  Cybrix,
terrified of both her abilities and of Trersia, had simply strengthened
her shields.  She had walled herself up so tightly Trersia couldnt even
see the glimmer of magic upon her anymore.  Finally, his frustration
broke.  He leapt of his throne and created a fireball between his hands.
But just before he was going to throw it at the frightened Cybrix, he
stopped.

   "What's this my little demon??" Trersia allowed the fireball to
dissapate.  "Such a joyful leap?  Such greed!?!" Trersia sat back down
and pondered.  He seemed sunk wihtin himself, but Cybrix suspected he
was looking more closely at his demon, who had, of course, grown
stronger in the weeks conquests.  "Ahhh, I see it now!  How stupid of me
not to have realized it earlier !!  No wonder you  are so greedy little
one.  To feed upon such a huge amount of magic at once you just might be
able to break free!"

   Trersia stared at the little girl, "Well, then it will not do to 
kill you within range of my pet here will it, it will not do at all!"
Trersia began to pace the length of the room.  Finally, he called one of
the faceless ones.  "Take her to her cell and keep her there.  I will
call for her when I have decided what must be done.  She shall be
punished still, be certain of that, I simply must perfect my judgment!!"

***************************************

   Cybrix sat in her cell anxiously.  What punishment could be worse
than death??  At least, she consoled herself, my essence won't be stuck
for ever in that demons black goo.  After a week had passed one of the 
faceless ones came for her again.

   "I do believe I have found the perfect punishment, mu child," 
Trersia chuckled maliciously, "now just stand still please."

Trersia sunk into a deep trance, it appear he would need to draw  deeply
on his magic to perform his revenge in the innocent girl.  "First to
make sure no one wants to help you!"

   Crybrix felt her body begin to shrink, her legs and arms wither.  
*Whats happening to me??* she wondered.

"Second, and if I do say so myself this is a fine touch of mastery, to
pay you back for refusing to use your talents for me!"

Cybrix appeared suddenly to choke slightly, and her eyes widened in
panic.

"And finally, to make sure you manage to die somewhere out of reach of 
my pet!"

   Cybrix squirmed on the floor and an incredible pain manifested in her
upper back.  Trersia came out of his trance looking pale.  As he 
inspected his handiwork he laugh his offkey laugh uproarously.  
"Success!  Oh it is too perfect!"

   And with that he grabbed Cybrix and threw her out the window to the
ocean!

***********************************************************

Cybrix felt herself falling at a tremdous rate towards the water below
when she felt something catch her and tug on her back.  "Wings!" she
thought in disbelief, "He's given me wings!" She set herself to
mastering the new limbs and headed towards the distant mainland.

   Finally, the axhausted girl landed on the beach, she huddled in the
sand to rest.  Hours later she heard voices approaching her.  "Someone
who can help me!" She poked her head out of the hole she had made in the
sand and peered hopefully at the arrivals.

"AAAAAAAAAH !!!" screamed the fisherman!  "A demon!  A demon in our
midst!" He grabbed a piece of driftwood and ran towards the confused
Cybrix as  if to smash her to pieces on the sand.  When Cybrix opened
her mouth to plead her inncence she discovered she had no voice!  She
couldnt even swquak at the man!  "He's left me nothing but the voices in
my head?!?!" she thought in alarm, "No, I will not use the demon voices!
The Stone shall not write my name as evil!"

Cybrix stretched her new wings and ran down the sand in an akward take
off.  As she looked down from the air at the enraged and frightened
fisherman below her, she felt a despair wash over her.  "He has taken my
voice!  Made me ugly as a demon!  I can not even scrawl a message with
this ungodly claws of mine!" The tormented child flew north.

Below the fisherman ran to warn thier village of the small  flying
demon.  "Like a lizard with nubby little back legs and huge  claws on
its front legs!  Its scales are a vile green and spreading from its
backthe wings of a bat!"

 *******************************************

	 Early one morning far to the north, the cooks of a large pub were
stoking their fires when they heard a strange thump on the ceiling
followed by the scittering of claws on slate.  Hugh looked up just in
time to see a bizzarre little creature fall past the window.  A crash
into the garbage directly ensued.  Everyone within 5 miles with
telepathic or empathic abilites heard or felt in thier minds an
unguarded, "OW!" Then there was only silence.



Shari's start
   @@@@ Bartender - Hello Shari

@@@(I am missing the first part somehow...)



Hugh smiled and replied "Coffee we have!  Rich, black, and from a
distant place called Kol'umbia...or some place like that!" <Hugh serves
Shari a full, aromatic cup of the brew, with a pitcher of cream and a
bowl of sugar nearby> "Now, as to mercenaries...let's see, Dunbar might
be one...perhaps Graylin and Creed...but you're right, we do seem a bit
low on 'opportunists' at the moment!" <Hugh chuckled good naturedly>

Shari sips experimentally at the coffee, leaving it black to begin with.
Its taste is sharp and bitter, certainly much stronger than the coffee
she was used to.  Cautiously, she tipped a little cream into the cup.
Much better!

"My thanks," she says.  "This is perfect.  Now, I have been watching the
people in the inn for a while, and most, if not all, seem already
employed." She shrugs, making her red hair ripple across her shoulders.
"Mayhap I will try those three..."

Hugh nodded and said "I believe that Marco...down the street, at the new
Bank...mentioned that an attorney had offices in the bank building."
Hugh pointed at Marco, a middle aged man with several bodyguards nearby,
who was finishing breakfast at one of the tables.

Shari nods her thanks.  "Tell me, what are the usual penalties for
manslaughter in self defence around these parts?"

Hugh frowned and said "Well, I don't know much about law...but as I
understand it, if it's self defense, it can't be manslaughter.  Of
course, sometimes self defense is hard to prove....I guess Montford is
like so many places.  You get as much justice as you can afford..."



Hugh smiled again and said "Marvelous!  Cybrix seems to have gotten into
the nooks and crannies, but as soon as we find her, perhaps you can help
her as well.

[Alas, Cybrix has been buried in work...she'll show up soon, tho!]

Smiling brightly, Shari's eyes light up, bringing a strong beauty to her
face.  Something all too long lost in loneliness and despair.  "It has
been so long since I was able to ...  help," she says, "and I miss it
so."

Hugh smiled and said "You'll like Cybrix!  Oh, she looks like a
lizard..that's due to the curse...but she has a most delightful
personality!"

With a start, Shari almost drops the cup.  In fact, there is an instant
there where the cup seems to have slipped from her hand, but that must
surely be due to the light since she assuredly holds it firmly now.  "A
lizard!?  Oh dear, I am afraid that I can do nothing for that ...  kind
of affliction," she says carefully.  "I was only a teacher of the mind,
not a ...  well, not whatever it is that can cure curses that turn
people into lizards.  Mayhap I have misled you kind sir, for which I am
most sorry."





@@@@ Cybrix embarks on mind broadening adventures 



[Cy] Hugh smiled and said "Thank you!  Now, let me find Cybrix!" Hugh
leaned closer and in a mock whisper said "She may well be helping Lulu
with the cinnamon rolls!" Hugh then winked and chuckled at the joke as
he started looking about for Cybrix.

When Hugh finally scrounged up Cybrix it turned out she had passed her
time catching up on her sleep from her long and ardourous journey,
stuffing herself with Lula's baking and Hawthorne's chili, and had even
managed to convey to Sera that she would adore some help with a bath.
He came across her in  patch of grass behind the Inn resting in the sun
with her wings unfurled drying.

Through out all of her various activities her mind had been busy
pondering the question of this phsyic stuff Hugh wanted to try.  She had
begun to wonder if perhaps the voices in her head weren't completely
evil...  So when Hugh showed up to inform her that not only one but Two
folks had offered to try to help her she was apprehensive but excited.
The prospect of being shown how to use her mind to communicate in a
non-evil way  was against everything she had been taught by her mother,
but by The Stone she needed SOME way to communicate with these people!
And, now that she was at last warm and safe, she had started to think
that she ought to warn people about the menace growing way down south on
her little islands.  If Trersia grows stronger he will most certainly
move to conquer more territory..his demon must be fed after all.

[Sh] Shari waited patiently in the inn.  Although the interruption with
the elves had been ...  worrying, she admitted to herself, it was
equally something that was now over.

Wondering idly just how many cinnamon rolls an average girl turned into
a lizard would eat, she toyed with the coffee cup in her hands.  Lizard,
she thought, shaking her head slightly to herself.  How could she teach
a lizard?  Indeed, could she in truth teach anyone here?  There were so
many things that were so very different here.  Certainly she had been
wrong about the elves.

She shuddered, feeling relief and, obscurely, disappointment that the
creatures had been dealt with without her.  They, she realised, were
clearly the type of ...  *things* that she should be helping the lesser
people against.  Though she took some consolation in that she had, after
all, been right in her reading - they *had* been angry, and they *had*
been frightened, though she was not sure of what.

Well, perhaps she could help this ..  *girl* (she forcibly reminded
herself, she must think of this Cybrix as a girl, not a monster) after
all.

She refilled the coffee cup, and settled back to wait.

[Cy] Cybrix gave her wings a final shake out, and thinking to herself,
"well, I still most certainly am not pretty but at least I am clean!"
she made her way through the kitchen and fluttered down on the bar in
front of the two people Hugh had described to her.  The reflection in
the mirror made for  an odd picture, the small winged reptile appear to
be encircled by the large black dragon both focused Shari.  Cybrix
reminded herself not to smile, seeing how it looked down right
frightenin, and made do with an earnest look which switched from face to
face.  Indeed, her apprehension at just  what would happen next made the
serious expression more than apt!  



@@@Ladar's Introduction at the Inn



 (My intoduction goes here.  When I find it..)

First talk with Shari



Ladar takes a drink and then begins his tale.  "I am not from around
here like you are.  You can say this is my first trip to Montford."

Shari winces at his words, but says nothing, merely nodding
encouragement to go on.  

Ladar smiles at his play on words.  His expression then changes to a
frown and he lowers his head .

 "I did not come here by choice.  My people sent me here as punishment.
I was banished from my people.  I hope someday they will forgive me of
my crime  and I can return to Tellard.  Right now I am just trying to
fit in.  I have watch  the people on the road to Montford and I am
trying to emulate them.  When I came  to this Inn, I decided this was a
good place to start.  So here I am.  I hope to  make a new start."

"Oh my!" Shari looks up with surprise, and a great deal of sadness and
sympathy.  "Banishment is an extreme punishment," she says.  "Better to
have punished you some other way, than to desert you somewhere strange
and hostile." Her voice trails off.  "Somewhere so very, very far from
what you knew ...  and loved," she finishes quietly.  "I don't wish to
pry, but was your crime so bad?"

Then a thought strikes her.  "Are the people so different here then that
you find it hard to 'emulate' them?  Whatever do you mean?"

"To emulate is to try to become." Ladar starts.  "I don't think I can
ever trully emulate the people I have seen.  I know I can look like them
and sound like them but to thinks and feel like them is differnet." 

Ladar looks at Shari, " Oh forgive my wandering mind.  I did not realize
I was talking out loud." Lardar quickly changes the subject.

Shari, though curious, respects this stranger's unwillingness to discuss
this matter.  Look like them?  she wonders.  Is this appearance an
illusion or something more complex?  Dark images of elves that are not
elves, and animals that are more than they seem chase each other through
her mind.



" You asked about my crime.  It is the worst crime any one can commit.
I killed one of my own people.  It was a fair fight but throwing someone
off a clift on to rocks does seem to have a nice killing effect on
people.  If I ever get depressed enough I will tell you the whole
storie.  It is still to early for that."

Ladar places both hands on the bar and looks over his shoulder.

"Oh my!".  Shari shudders at the matter-of-fact manner, and the
reference to a "nice" killing.  But, she realises, people here are
harder than she is used to, and perhaps in this stranger's land -
wherever it is - things were harder still.  "I will not press you on
that," she says quietly, "for I too have killed, though it were not
deliberate."

"Hugh said a 'psychic' is a type of mind reader.  This meaning has been
bothering me.  My people have a way of transferring part or all of ones
essence to another.  It is something like a merge.  That knowledge then
become part of that other person.  Mostly it is done when someone is
sick or hurt.  We also can do this if the person has passed on, but only
to a point.  That word 'psychic' to my people is about mind sharing not
really reading.  I hope we can help Cybrix.  It will be good to help
others again.  Well, that is my short tale.  I hope that's want you
wanted to hear.?"

Shari too glances towards the kitchen, wondering just what this girl is
suffering from, and whether there is anything that can be done.  She
sighs quietly.

"'Psychic' means many things, depending on where you are," Shari
comments.  "Where ...  I believe it means the ability to, yes, read
minds, though there is often more to it than that.  I was taught that
the higher mind skills of telepathy, empathy, psychokinesis,
pyrokinesis, and a few others were 'psychic' skills.  Though there are
permuations.  Your people seem to me to possess a telempathic projection
ability - though to be sure I am no expert." She pauses.  "At least, not
any more."

"I too hope we can help this poor girl, though Hugh's comments about a
curse, and her looking like a ..." she tries, unsuccessfully, to
suppress a shudder, "lizard worry me greatly.  Certainly I have no
experience with such things and doubt I will be able to do anything for
her in that respect.  I am ...  was merely a teacher.  Mayhap you will
have more knowledge of such things?"



"My knowledge (even the spelling) of the powers you used is also
limited.  My hope is to link minds and give some of my strength to
Cybrix, in hopes to help her help herself."

She smiles at that, her eyes smiling too.  "Certainly that is my hope.
There is nothing anyone can do if she is unwilling to help herself.
Mayhap with your strength and my teaching skill we will be able to help
this unfortunate girl." Looking past the bar, Shari extends a tendril of
her mind - cautiously for she doesn't know what state this girl is in.
"I believe the innkeeper has found her, and she will be along shortly,"
she says.



She pauses then, sitting silently for a while merely sipping at the
coffee.  It had cooled while they talked, but was now steaming again in
the inn's uncertain light.  Finally, as though deciding something that
had been troubling her, Shari looks up at this stranger.  Her eyes seem
to widen, and the colour fade slightly from the usual deep green to a
paler hue.

"Perhaps," she says, "you would be willing to aid me once we have done
what we can for this poor Cybrix?  Certainly we are much alike, you and
me.  Though much different too."

A smile apears on Ladar's face.  {Someone wants me.  Even knowing my
crime.} Ladar thinks to himself.  Small tears leak from his eyes and
sits up straight in his chair.  After gaining his composer back, he
turns towards Shari.  

"Yes, in some ways we are alike, but we are much more different than you
know.  I carry no weapons and am trained in none either.  I do not know
if my talents would be of assistance in whatever aid you require.  We
can talk after we see Cybrix..

"It will be a dangerous path, and mayhap you would rather not once you
are better informed," she says carefully.  "But yes, it remains to be
seen whether after we assist Cybrix she requires further aid.  Or
indeed, how long it would take to help her." Her eyes dim sadly.
"Though I would wish ..." She stops then, and quietly sips at the coffee
while they wait for the girl to arrive.





@@@ A Trick at the Bar



As Ladar hears Hugh explain the plowing lines on the ceiling, Ladar
reaches over and taps Hugh on the shoulder.  "Hugh from the way people
have been acting, don't you think it is time to hire a bouncer?..."
Ladar then continues watching the elves and waiting for Cybrix to finish
in the kitchen..

Hugh smiles glumly and said "Time?  More like past time!  The problem is
finding someone...<Hugh looks at Ladar hopefully>

"Sir Hugh, I have no weapons, what type of bouncer would I be?  I am but
new visitor to the Inn.  And on my first trip to Montford."

Before turning his attention back to Shari.  Ladar sends a projection to
the mirror behind the bar .  Ladar changes his image to look like a
Large Black Dragon.  The Dragon is sitting on the bar with smoke comming
out of it nose.  The Dragon's Tail is sitting on top of the Bar and it
loops around all the drinks.  The Dragon watches Hugh and all the people
in the Inn.  

 (admin:  I don't recall there not being one there.  If there is not a
mirror, Ladar will place the image in Hugh mind.  The mirror would have
a better effect, so the use.)

As Ladar now talks with Shari it looks like she is talking to a Dragon
sitting on the bar.  



Ladar changes his image to look like a Large Black Dragon.  The Dragon 
is sitting on the bar with smoke comming out of it nose.  The Dragon's 
Tail is sitting on top of the Bar and it loops around all the drinks.
The Dragon watches Hugh and all the people in the Inn.

Hugh smiles and says to the dragon "It's good to have one of you here in
the Inn.  Two of my favorite regulars are Silvers...and there was a Gold
as well.  Care for some Dragon Pods?  Red enjoys them, but they're much
too hot for my human palate.

And with that, Hugh places a large dish of the fiery peppers in easy
reach of the dragon...it's obvious that he's used to dealing with large,
fire-breathing, reptillian customers!

With the delivery of the Dragon pods, Ladar changes the image in the
Mirror back to his current form, that of a two arm to leg human.

{I hope I didn't cause to much trouble.  But I could not resist} Ladar
says to himself..

[admin:The only images that Ladar changed where those in the mirror.
His form at the bar never changed at all.  Only people looking in the
mirror saw a change.  Those who never looked in the mirror were not
affected thougths Ladar planted.  Just a small note Ladar is not a
Dragon but he is a shape shifter.  He can become anything he sees with a
little practics.]

"Thanks Hugh, I will try them.  Can I have a big glass of Milk if they
are as hot as you say.  :).."





@@@ Cybrix Appears on the Bar



Ladar wish he could share his true nature with people but how would they
react?  The only person in the Inn that was not human was a Birdman
sitting at a table accross the room(that is right now).  His mind was
missing the links and thoughts of others from his kind.   In a soft
voice "I am now alone and I know how bad banishment really is.  It is
worse that death." {Oh, well can't live in the past forever, Time to
start living.} He looked over at Shari sipping her coffee.   {Sad and
alone like I am, needing help but not to sure what to tell and what to
keep to herself.  This has to change.  People needs friends and others
who they can count on.}

Ladar reaches out a hand to Shari and places it on her shoulder.  "Shari
we need to go for a walk.  I have something you need to see.  Care to
take a walk out back?"



After making his request for a walk out back , who should appear at the
bar,, Cybrix...  

{I am glad I changed my image in the mirror} Ladar thought,{I would hate
to of scared her.}

"Well, Shari looks like our wait is over.  Shall we see what we can do
for Cybrix?"

Ladar:

"Shari, did you not say that Cybrix was a Lizard?  Well, it looks like
she found us."  Ladar reaches out a hand towards Cybrix, then stops.
{What a mind.  I can sense power and fear.  She is also so young.} A
smile appears on Ladrar's face and he stands up.  He moves his chair
away from the bar to give him more room.  {I think I can help this
child.  She is very powerful, that I can sense, Telepathy will be a good
place to start}.

"Well, my young lizard, lets see if I can help.  Hugh says that you
can't communicate;  but he feels you can communicate telepathically"
Ladar prepare himself and then tries to send his thoughts to Cybrix,
Looking her straight in the eye.  *_ Can you sense my thoughts?  My name
is Ladar.  I am here to help you.  I am a friend.  _*

Cybrix felt a strange presence probing around her mental shielding, but
since she wasnt even aware that she had shielded herself she  didn't
know how to respond.  

After sensing no responce from Cybrix he tries again  *_ Cybrix, can you
'hear me'?  My name is Ladar, this lady is Shari,(Ladar points at Shari)
she too is a friend _*

Cybrix could feel the presence again, at least it wasnt as insistant and
demanding as Trersia's demon had been.  She steeled herself to remain
calm.

Ladar looks at Shari and then try to communicate with her.  *_ Shari,
can you sense my thoughts?  Just trying to see if I am doing this right.
Can you understand me?  I am a little out of practice.  _*



Shari starts.  Her mind was running over the girl's aura, using her
empathy in an attempt to discover what she was capable of.  Ladar's
thought was an unexpected, though not unwelcome, interruption.  His mind
is a little ...  odd, she thinks.  Not unpleasant, but just ...
different.

*_ Yes _*, she returns via her mindvoice - it is soft and somehow
musical even in his mind, *_ I can hear you clearly enough my friend.  I
believe she is scared, and cautious.  Most would barricade their minds
in such a state.  Mayhap her barriers are too tightly woven?  Indeed,
had I been changed into a lizard, I think my own shielding would be very
strong!_*

She turns to Cybrix and smiles encouragingly.  "We are your friends,"
she says quietly.  "We wish to help you, but you will need to let us do
that." Her eyes pale slightly again, as she empathically projects a
gentle level of assurance, comfort, and well being.



Ladar listen to Shari talk with Cybrix.  "Shari, I have had no success
with the normal mind telepathy.  I have one more thing I would like to
try.  I will need more room than Inn has to offer.  Out back would be
good enough.  Not to many people leave by the back door, so we should
have some privacy." 

{Now, how to get Cybrix to follow us.} Ladar thinks, {Lets see if she
under stands this.} Ladar starts heading for the back door.  With a wave
of his hand he beckons Cybrix and Shari to follow.  Hoping Cybrix
understands..

--------------------------------- 

Shari:

"Well, you must be Cybrix," notes Shari lamely.  Of course she is, she
curses herself, just how many *other* lizards are there around here?

Her eyes unfocus slightly, and they seem to shift from their usual deep
jade to a pale green, and then to an almost grey.  There is a pause
then, as though she is considering something, or perhaps daydreaming.
Then in the blink of an eye, literally, her eyes return to the deep
mysterious pools of green they should be.

"Well," she smiles more certainly now, her eyes shining.  "Maybe we
three should retire outside for a while.  Or perhaps you have a room you
would prefer to use?  My name is Shari, by the way, and I am ...  I
*used to be* a teacher, so perhaps we can aid you after all."

   Cybrix looked earnestly at Shari, a teacher!  Of all the luck!  Ever
   so carefully she stretched out her neck and softly nuzzled Shari's
   hand which was resting on the bar.  "I did indeed fall off the right
   roof!" she thought to herself !

She tidies the coffee pot and cup into a neat group for the barmaid, or
Hugh, and turns back to the liz...  *girl*.

---------------------------

After Cybrix had expressed her appreciation towards Shari in her 
willingness to try to help her, she fluttered up from the bar and flew
awkwardly out the back door behind Ladar, checking behind her to make
sure Shari was following.  She couldnt explain it to herself but she
felt a wash of good will from these two people.  She would do her best
to learn this "psychic"stuff from them.



Shari smiles again as the girl nuzzles at her hand.  A strange way to
show your appreciation, she thinks.  But she can feel gratitude, and
hope from the slight figure, so is not startled.  "You are most
welcome," she says, and follows the other two from the inn.

As she walks, Shari probes very gently at the girl's mind, being sure to
maintain the assurance and very genuine concern for her well being.
Maybe, she thinks to herself, just maybe things don't work so different
here.  Then she looks at Ladar walking ahead, and wonders what he is
planning.  The more usual teaching scheme was to simply build up a level
of trust and confidence in the child such that the shields dimmed of
their own accord.  Then the real teaching could begin...











































 Back Yard Class 101

{note:  Cybrix is already learning to drop her shields simply in 
changing her mindset to try to use her mental abilities - what she is
sensing is their emotions through her empathic ability,  albeit dimly.} 

After reaching the back of the Inn Ladar takes a seat in the cool grass.
{Oh, how this reminds me of home.  Cool breeze, sun on my face, what a
beautiful day} He removes his cloak and leans back on his elbows to
enjoy the moment.

After Cybrix and Shari arrive......  Ladar:

"Shari I tryed communication with Cybrix with Telaphy and go no
responce.  I know she can hear me I can feel it.  What I don't
understand is why she doesn't try to answer."

   Cybrix perked up her ears - I can answer that way ??  I could
   talk to them in their minds ??  

Sitting back up and crossing his legs under him Ladar send to Cybrix
again.  *_ you look so alone....  You can go places in your mind that
others just dream of.  Please let us help you..  We are your friends....
_*

Cybrix was astonished!  She had no idea!  Her little face  crumpled into
concentration and she searched about her own mind to see what she was
supposed to be doing in there..

"Shari I don't understand, she has the power but....  Oh..  what a
thought...  I wonder if I am scaring her?  " 

Ladar turns to Shari..

"How did you teach someone to open their mind to you?  This is were we
will have to rely on your skills.  What do you think?  Better yet how do
you get someone to listen with their minds instead of their ears?  "

"We simply need to be patient.  And kind, and gentle," she says.  She
pushes her hair back over her shoulder out of they way, and her eyes
focus on the girl again.

"Though I think she will prove to be a far quicker student than most."
Shari can feel the girl's mind rolling and careering into the unknown,
with an eagerness that suprises her.  Perhaps, she thinks, Cybrix is not
as frightened as she first thought.  Uncertain, maybe, but not
frightened.

Behind the girl's strong natural shielding, Shari could *feel*=
 something.  *_ Yes _* she says quietly.  *_ THINK about what you want
to do...  _*



Shari:

She turns to Cybrix and smiles encouragingly.  "We are your friends,"=
 she says quietly.  "We wish to help you, but you will need to let us
do=
 that." Her eyes pale slightly again, as she empathically projects a
gentle=
 level of assurance, comfort, and well being.

Cybrix was overwhelmed at the concentrated good will she felt from
Shari.  She had always been sensitve to others emotions, but never felt
it so directed, so...intentional.  Maybe she  coudl do this as well!?

Cybrix suddenly rememebered how it felt the few times she had
unintentionally braodcast with her mind.  As she remembered she could
recall how it felt when the shields crashed down
 and she mentally projected.  Tentatively she lowered them a bit now
that she had actually found what they were...

*"Hello....  ?*"

[Note:  this is INCREDIBLY loud inside your heads even tho the tenor of
the voice is soft and tentative - she simply has no idea of her power
and us projecting the same way she does when frightened or shocked into
it that being the only way she knows how.  It is also a generic
broadcast - anyone in the vicinity who can pick it up does.  Her voice
of course sounds like a small girl from the southernlands - softly
burred and childish]







@@@ Ladar's First Change

 {I guess my mind is to cluttered with my new home.  This form isn't
even my own.  How can I help Cybrix open her mind when my mind isn't
even open.  Maybe I am shutting her out because of all the stress I have
been under lately.  Learning this new form takes a lot out of a
Centaur.} Ladar pauses in his thoughts and looks at Shari and Cybrix.  {
Well now that I am out of the Inn, I will have room to change.} Picking
up his cloak Ladar perpares himself for changing.  { This world has much
to offer.  Just looks at this day.  I need to relax but I need to be in
my true form.} Ladar looks at them again { Well, I do hope I don't scare
anyone with my changing.  This should be interesting to see.}

Ladar watches Shari working with Cybrix then slowly begins his change.
First he rolls over on his stomach and brings back his legs and torso.
Then he fold his legs under him and brings his arms back.  With a quick
toss he places his cloak over his back to help hide his tail and legs.

[admin:  in his natural form Ladar's robes become a blanket and
covering.  The belt at his waist now wraps around were his chest and
horse body meet.  The belt hold the pouches that he was carrying.  He is
about the size of a Quarter horse, body wise, his total height is 9 ft.
Front legs to top of head.  ] 



@@@

"Ouch!" Shari cringes, and automatically brings her own shielding=
 strongly into play, muting the girl's broadcast.  In the next instant,
she=
 projects a thought into Cybrix's mind, with undertones of reassurance
and=
 pride.

   Cybrix had felt the wave of pain from her friends.  She slammed
   the shields back automatically.  Maybe this was evil afterall !

*_ Not so loud, little one.  You will scare half the countryside that
way.  _* Her mindvoice is tinged with laughter though.  Laughter and
delight.  This girl is indeed a quick student, and has a good deal of
raw power - though she needs a little fine tuning...

   She relaxed some with Shari's reassuring tone..ok, she hadnt 
  done it _completely_ wrong..  

Without turning, she calls to Ladar.  "It seems our student has=
 progressed quite well under your tutelage after all!"

Shari extends her mind and clamps a tight shield around the three of=
 them.  She can only hope that it will function as effectively as it
would=
 have at ...  home.  Then, gently, she begins to show the girl what
*not* to do.

Cybrix felt Shari do something with her mind around=
 them..carefully she probed what Shari had created.."Ah hah," she
thought, "I see..."

"There are two things you need to learn first," she says aloud.  =
 "Direction and volume.  Arguably, direction is the more important." Her
face=
 becomes serious for a moment.  "In this land it is dangerous to
broadcast your thoughts.  Indeed, it is dangerous anywhere but more so
here." She=
 drops then back into a gentle telepathic exchange, slipping with easy=
 familiarity into her old teaching habits.

Cybrix concentrated on what Shari was talking about..  .

*_ Direction is achieved simply by concentrating on who you want to=
 hear you.  At first, anyway, that is the easiest way.  There are more=
 accurate, and more powerful methods, but they come later.  Thus, I can
direct my mindvoice to you alone.  Think of your mind as a vidphone in
that you=
 can call a friend - in the same or even a more distant resblock.  Yet
it is also a comlink to the local net in that you can broadcast a=
 general message _*

Vidphones ..  ?  resblock ??  Cybrix was confused, she had no idea  what
Shari was talking about - she could see the images Shari was sending and
sort of picked up the idea,..but goodness!  the world outside was even
more different than she had ever imagined!

She stops abruptly as she realises what she has said.  It had been so
automatic once the teaching had begun.  So natural to slip back into
everything she had known.  There was confusion in the girl's thoughts,
images of that past life had ghosted into Cybrix's mind as Shari had
subconsciously projected them to reinforce the lesson.  Images that=
 meant nothing - except to Shari, to whom they meant ...  everything.

With a sob, Shari turns away, as the shield collapses and her link=
 with the child vanishes.



   Abruptly Shari's comforting presence was gone from her mind!  =
 Cybrix
   felt the wash of sadness from Shari..casting her mind back to what=

   Shari had done to her she did her best to send a wave of comfort 
   and sympathy towards Shari..mimining what Shari had sent her when=

   they had begun.

"I am sorry," she whispers painfully.  "I ...  I need a break.  Maybe=
 Ladar ...  can ...  teach you some more." She closes her eyes and
begins to=
 weep quietly.

   Ladar :

After making the change Ladar prepares for the worst.   "Shari , I have
some thing else I would like to try." With that Ladar stands and walks
towards Shari and hopes for the best...

Shari nods though she cannot stop crying for the moment.  She=
 waves absently at Cybrix and struggles to put a coherent thought=
 together.

*_ Please ...  I will be alright.  In a minute...  _*

Though blurred by her tears she can see the new form of her=
 companion.  Somehow she is unsurprised, and something deep within her
is=
 strangely comforted.  With a supreme effort of will, she masters her=
 sadness for a moment.  Just long enough to send a reassuring thought
to=
 Ladar.

*_ You look handsome _*

And then she turns again, and lets her despair take over.  



   Cybrix obediently turned towards Ladar, only to discover that Ladar
   wasnt there anymore !!!  There was a large horse-like person=
 instead!

   Cybrix reverted to her normal reaction when startled and=
 frightened,
   she sent out the telepathic equivalent of " EEEK !" and ran behind
   Shari to hide.

(whoops - just got this..a little editing assume what ladar included in
the above is still there - i miss it -then....)



Ladar is taken back by Shari's statement.  *_Thank you Shari.  You are
the only one to ever call me that.  _* Ladar turns to Shari and give her
a hug with his lower set of arms.  " Please cheer up.  As one of my
teachers once said 'Life is where you are, so make the best of it' I had
forgoten this till I meet you and Cybrix.  So if it gives you any
comfort please know I am here for you.  You are most like my people,
Which I most likely will never see again.  I almost at home with you."

   When Ladar came and hugged Shari Cybrix realized her mistake.
   Sheepishly she crawled out from behind Shari and sent a VERY
   quiet thought to Ladar..."oops sorry.." S



Shari struggles to recover her composure.  She curses herself for a=
 fool and, worse, a selfish fool.  How could she interrupt the girl's=
 lessons with her own self-pity?  It had been years since ...  No,
better not to think about it at all.  Absently, tears still flowing from
her sad eyes, she toys with a rose that had appeared in her hand.  It
was a pink rose, speckled with pale cream marks.

She can feel the girl's attempt at empathic projection - unsteady at
times, but surprisingly competent for such a beginner - and smiles=
 sadly.

Life is where you are?  she thinks.  Maybe, were it not for ....  No.=
 THAT is definitely not something to think about.  The image in her mind
is gone before it is even fully formed.  The flower trembles slightly as
if in a light breeze.

She takes a deep breath, and wipes the tears from her cheeks with her=
 free hand.  Her hair is untidy, and she brushes absently at it with
her=
 other hand, winding the rose gently into the red strands.  Feeling very
foolish, and comforted though still there lurks a desperate loneliness
in her soul, she turns back to the other two.

Ladar steps back from Shair with a concerned look on his face.  " I have
one more thing I would like to try with Cybrix.  My people do not have
formal lessons in using our minds.  What is needed is usually passed to
us from a mind link with a teacher.  As we get older other minds are
added and taken way to help instruct us.  After 100  years or so you can
be linked to the whole tribe if you want.  Most councle elders do this;
however, most common Centuars do not.  We share thoughts and knowledge
this way." 

   Cybrix cocked her head at Ladar.."hmm, if I had acces to 
   someone's mind to see how they do this all I should just 
   be able to copy it like I do with Shari.."

Shari watches cautiously.  There had been attempts to do much the same
with the children she taught.  But too often there was *knowledge*
without *understanding*.  And that was only for those who could survive
the phenomenal pace of the process.  Too many had simply burnt out with
the stresses it caused.  Still, Ladar's people had obviously been
telepaths far longer than her own.  Trusting the Centaur, she says
nothing.

Ladar lowers his head and moves towards Cybrix.   "All my links to
family and love ones were cut when I was banished.  I have been alone in
my thoughts ever sence.  I hope a simple link with Cybrix can give her
the information she needs to control her powers.  "

Ladar lays back down on the grass next to Cybrix.  " Cybrix, please
understand this, I have something I would like to try.  How it will work
I do not know.  I am going to pass to you through a mind link the
information you need to control some of your thoughts.  The rest is up
to you.  Practice can give you the rest of the control you will need." 

Ladar hold out a(right upper) hand to Cybrix.  "Are you willing to try?"


   Cybrix fluttered up off the ground and landed precariously 
   on Ladar's forearm.  Looking intently into Ladar's eyes she
   nodded.  "I havent got any family now either..." she thought
   to herself...

Ladar turns to Shari with a pleading tone Ladar sends *_I will go slow.
You have shown me how important patience is.  Please...  please watch.
You should find this interesting.  I need your support.  _*

She blushes at his words, feeling acutely embarrassed.  "My apologies.
This most important task has my full attention.  I=
 will not ...." She pauses, and then shrugs realising that there is
nothing she can really say.

Carefully, she exerts a little empathy - a light touch of reassurance,
and gratitude, to Cybrix, and a stronger assurance to Ladar.



Ladar looks at Cybrix sitting on his arm.  "Cybrix, your eyes are quit
pretty.  Lets see if I can brings a smile to you face to go along with
those eyes." Ladar thinks to himself {I wonder how old she really is?
5, 10, 12..  I hope she trusts me.  This might seem scary to a younger
child.} 

Ladar removes the blanket from his back, slowing trying not to disrupt
Cybrix sitting on his arm, and places it on the ground.  After the
blanket is in place he places Cybrix on the blanket.  "Sit here and
watch.  This will take awhile to do."

Ladar turns to Shari with a pleading tone Ladar sends *_I will go slow.
You have shown me how important patience is.  Please...  please watch.
You should find this interesting.  I need your support.  _*

Ladar looks back to Cybrix and lightly places a hand on her head.
"Since you can not tell me some of the information I need little one , I
will have to guess." Ladar smiles at Cybrix and prepares himself for
another change.  As he watches Cybrix, he starts changing his shape to
match the feeling that he is receiving from his direct contact with her.
With a reassuring glad tone Ladar send to Cybrix before starting.  
*_Don't be scared Cybrix, I need to change to see what your true form
is.  Then went can address the other questions one by one.  _* 

[admin:  I will go through the process to give an idea how Ladar=92s
changes work.  They go pretty fast and his complete change should take
no longer than 60  sec.  This also depends on the size and shape.
Larger changes will take longer period of time as well as if he is
learning a new form.  Now on to the change...]

At first glance it seem like nothing is happening;  however, Ladar's
lower set of arms seem to be getting smaller and smaller moving towards
his chest.  At the same time his hind legs and body are doing the same
thing.  His hind legs start shrinking and moving up towards his tail.
His rear quarter also starts shrinking and moving towards his front
quarter.  His front legs start changing to resemble Human legs and a
waist start to form again.  The hair on his front legs and body become
pants and his waist belt that contains his pouches seems to hold those
pants in place.  As the arms shrink and as they reach the chest they
seem just to vanish as do the rest of his horse features as they reach
the 'new' forms main body.  

  Cybrix tossed a grateful look towards Shari, despite the courage
  the little girl was summoning up to deal with the remarkable things
  that were happening to and around her, she was sorely in need of a
  little support.  Knowing that Shari was there and that she didnt
  appear very surprised at Ladar's metamorphes reassured the girl.



Ladar as his features change he removes his hand from Cybrix and pulls
out his cloak.  After putting it on he places his hand back on Cybrix.



Quickly turning to Shari.  "Shari, this is a good sign.  I picked a the
form that most resembled her thoughts and I am back to my Human form.
From this I know her natural form is human.  Now how old.  This is an
important question.  This will determine how long I can link with her."

Ladar turns back towards Cybrix and his form starts to change again.
Not a new form but a smaller human form.  [note:  Ladar's clothes change
size to fit his need.] As the changing stops steps back away from Cybrix
to look at his new form.  [about 4' tall, brown hair, and eyes, 9 to 11
years old] 





As his form goes through its changes, Shari watches with mixed=
 feelings.  It doesn't worry her, but she finds it ...  strange.  But
the=
 underlying person is clearly the same, regardless of the appearance.
She strokes the petals of the rose lightly.  And perhaps it isn't *so*
different after all.

In a much higher voice than normal Ladar asks Shari "How old do I seem?
To me my age feels the same just my shape has changed.  From what I can
tell, I am about 10  and a half now."

"I would say that would be right." She pauses, and smiles weakly.
"Assuming we are talking human ages here," she adds with the ghost of a
smile.

Ladar looks back to Cybrix *_ How do you like the new younger me?.  I
know it is hard for you to answer but a link can be made here soon to
help.  Patience, have just a little patience, the time is almost here.
_*

Cybrix was most astonished as Ladar changed yet again !  Her new friends
seemed to have many unexpected talents, perhaps that was=
 one reason they were not averse to hanging out with a lizard...

Though her mind reeled at everything that was happening to her and
around her, the little girl was still calmly prepared to do=
 anything that would help her to at long last communicate..even to be
able=
 to at long last tell Hugh and his dear wife how grateful she was for=

their tender care and open affection even when they had no idea who or
what she really was would make any discomfort bearable.



Patience, Shari thinks to herself.  But if we teach you how to use=
 your mind, little Cybrix-lizard, how do we change you back into a real
child?

She sighs, and watches the two of them intently.



"How could they do this to such a young child.  Cursing a 10  year old.
What crime could she have done?  "  Backing away from Cybrix, Ladar
calms himself down.  Running his hands through his hair Ladar prepares
to make a small link with Cybrix.

Ladar just talking out loud to the world, starts to pace.  "Now that I
have a good estimate how old she is, I know how strong I can make my
link.  I should remind myself that, this will be my first attempt to
link with a human.  A cursed human at that.  I hope I know what I am
doing." 

Ladar stops in his tracks and looks a Cybrix and Shari.  "Opps, I am
talking to the winds again.  Sorry.  I get this way sometime when I am
nervous." 

Shari had been watching the process closely, trying to follow what was
happening so that she would understand.  If there were more children in
this world to teach, perhaps the technique Ladar was using could be
adapted.  Wary of unexpected explosions of mind power, she extended a
light shield again around the three.  No point in having half the inn
stunned (or worse) should something go wrong.  As the process=
 began, she strengthened her assurance to the child, and tried to hide
her concerns - and unhappiness - behind a shield of her own.



Walking over and sitting next to Cybrix on the blanket, Ladar changes
shape back to his adult human form.  "OK Cybrix, " Then Ladar pauses and
looks at Shari and then back at Cybrix and starts again.  Placing his
hand back on Cybrix he starts to connect their minds.  Slowly at first
hoping the shock is not to much for Cybrix.  As the Link builds Ladar
passes his thoughts to Cybrix.

*_ Cybrix, listen to me.  Part of my mind is now connected to yours.
The links will last for awhile.  Images and shape from my world will be
inter-mixed as well as the knowledge you need to control your thoughts
and communication.  (with a firmer tone) Knowledge is power, Wisdom is
the application of that power.  Be careful, You can lose you mind and
even hurt others if you miss use that knowledge.  People can come to
hate you and even try hurt you if you are not careful.  Remember that
lesson.  If none else.  Shari is here to help you, as am I.  We are your
friends and want to help..........  Learn what you can from this link.
You can shut out you mind from me but we will still bet connected.  I
too can shut my mind from this link.  I can not allow you to absorb to
much knowledge at first.  To much at one time can and will hurt your
learning instead of helping.  (with a loud tone) Please A RULE THAT MUST
BE FOLLOWED.  MIND PROBING AND RAIDING OF OTHER PEOPLES MINDS IS NOT
ALLOWED!!!  Even though we have the power to do so, we should not force
our will on others.  To do so would place all who possess Telepathic
powers at risk.  Such a thing happened to my people, so to this day we
are hunted.(with a softer voice) Please=
 understand how important this is ....Once understood we can start
learning from one another.._*



Cybrix was overwhelmed at first by the rush of images and=
 information that flooded into her head with the link.  However, she
found that=
 if she concentrated on Ladar's voice the flow became more managable.
As he warned her about rule #1 her little body almost sagged with=

relief.  Tersia's demon had practically raped her mind in its attempts
to make her amenable to working for them.  She was very glad to see that
most telepaths had rules about that sort of=
 stuff.  That alone reasurred her that using her mind's skills didnt
have to be evil.  She nodded to Ladar that she most definitely=
 understoof his admonishment

[Shari]

She can feel the girl's attempt at empathic projection - unsteady at
times, but surprisingly competent for such a beginner - and smiles=
 sadly.



She takes a deep breath, and wipes the tears from her cheeks with her=
 free hand.  Her hair is untidy, and she brushes absently at it with
her=
 other hand, winding the rose gently into the red strands.  Feeling very
foolish, and comforted though still there lurks a desperate loneliness
in her soul, she turns back to the other two.



Shari watches cautiously.  There had been attempts to do much the same
with the children she taught.  But too often there was *knowledge*
without *understanding*.  And that was only for those who could survive
the phenomenal pace of the process.  Too many had simply burnt out with
the stresses it caused.  Still, Ladar's people had obviously been
telepaths far longer than her own.  Trusting the Centaur, she says
nothing.

 Cybrix was unprepared however for the way she picked up on the 
 emotions of those around her.  For Ladar to link with her she had
 dropped her shields and with the link in place her empathy 
 seemed to be heightened.  She felt a wave of desparate loneliness
 emanate from Shari, as well as concern for how Cybrix would=
 reacte
 to this flood of knowledge.  Cybrix found that with the link in=
 place
 she had but to think of how to accomplish what she wanted and it=

 came to her.  She focused on Shari and sent a wave of reassurance
 and comfort.  Speaking quietly directly to Shari's mind she spoke
 shyly, her childish voice sounding strangely mature, "Have no=
 fears
 my friend, I have seen what can happened to those that are abused=

 by our gifts and will take great care not to emulate them...and
 Shari.." she paused.." you arent really alone any more you know.
 We three are all castouts - together perhaps we can accepted
 again..even loved ?" And with that she sent a picture of herself
 to Shari of how she really appeared - a small dark haired girl
 smiling shyly holding out one hand to Shari.

Shari smiled and relaxed visibly as she "heard" the girl's voice in=
 her mind.  So it had worked, she thought.  And Cybrix was wise enough
to understand at least a few of the dangers.

*_ I see you've learnt a little volume control after all _* she sends
laughingly, tinged with relief, happiness that this beginning was a
success, and surprise at the obvious power in the girl's mind.  She
appraises the image of Cybrix and cautiously forms a simularum of
herself in the girl's imagery - smiling, with a deep life that shines in
her green eyes, her clothes clean, and elegant in contrast=
 to the simple cloth her real body was draped in.  Her hair in this
image flowed, and shone with life too, sweeping around her shoulders.

 Cybrix laughed.  *Yes, I shouldnt be blowing out your "ears"
 anymore!  I am sorry about that.* 

*_ Friends, _* she agreed, and the image held out her hand.  *_ As if
anyone could wish to be otherwise with two such wonderful people.  _*
And with that, Shari took the girl's hand in hers.

Though love?, she thought in a quiet, careful place in her soul.  I hope
that you may find it child.  For I will certainly never do so=
 again.

She seemed unaware that the image of herself in Cybrix's fantasy had=
 been joined by another - a tall, young man with dark hair streaked
with=
 silver, his blue eyes laughing too.  His image was clear and sharp as
he held=
 her gently ...  and then vanished as Cybrix turned her attention to
Ladar=
 and Shari dissolved the thought.

Cybrix was surprised when Shari added another image to their=
 mental pictures.  However, she felt the wave of love and loss that
accom- panied Shari's thoughts and wisely kept quiet about what she had=
 seen.  She already felt as tho she had inadvertantly intruded on
Shari's privacy.



 Meanwhile she sought out the link back to Ladar - speaking to him
 was even easier.  "Thank you my friend.  I see now why you miss
 you companions so much - for along with the link to you I sense
 the thoughts and knowledge of all of your race still echoing in=
 your 
 mind.  You have given me an even greater gift than I believe you=

 expected!"

[An unexpected success I am sure !  ;) But Cybrix's talents are=
 powerful and the experiences she has gone through had already matured
her=
 beyond her years - having Ladar's link there simply opened the
tremendous  potential inside her (not to mention this story should move
along a little faster now that Cybrix can at long last!  speak!  :)

Ladar was unsure how to answer.  So he sends back to Cybrix *_ You are
welcome.  And thanks you for reminding me who I am.  If my gift allows
you to learn and grown than I have given what was needed._*

This link with someone not from his race was new to him.  The rate at
which Cybrix learned was also a shock.  It usualy took weeks for young
centaur to sort out the voices in their head.  Cybrix did seem to have a
power much greater than he expected.  To learn at the pace she was, was
wonderful but scary at the same time.

 Cybrix's little body suddenly swayed.  *Oh...my head ..hurts..* She
looked up at them ruefully.  *I think I need to adjust  perhaps ...* 

"Perhaps," Shari said quietly.  "Perhaps you would be willing to tell us
how you came to be cursed?  And whether we can ...  help you in
returning you to your true form?  I would be more than willing to help
you - both of you."

Ladar listen to Shari's question closely.  "Cybrix, I to am willing to
help.  Please tell us about this curse."

Shari turned to Ladar.

"And you, my friend, make an excellent teacher!  Though I must admit=
 your methods are somewhat different to those I was taught."

In her hair, the rose faded from pink, through orange, to a pale=
 yellow.

Ladar did not know how to answer that question either.  "Uh, like
Uh.....  Well Shari, I hate to tell you this, but I am a bad teacher.  I
have never had sucess teaching anyone before.  I learn very quickly and
can adjust, but to teach what I know comes difficult.  I think sometime,
the link my people used was just so they would not have to listen to my
bad teaching skills.  "

Changing back to his true Centaur form Ladar moves closer to Shari.  "I
tryed to think what you would do as a teacher and then I did it.  I just
hope nothing bad comes from my lack of experence."

Shari shakes her head in mock exasperation.  "You are too modest my=
 friend."

At Shari's words Cybrix looked up sharply despite the pain.  *YES !  In
all that was happening I almost forgot!  Shari, Ladar - we have to do
something!  Trersia is getting stronger all the time !!  We have to help
my people!*

And after those cryptic words, the little girl/lizard fainted dead away.

"Oh my!" Shari gasps and jumps forward.  She had felt the increasing
pressure in the girl's mind, but had been unsure whether that was=
 "normal" under Ladar's methods or not.

She reaches out with her mind and traces the paths that the knowledge=
 is creating in the girl's mind.  The link with Ladar shows as a silver=
 thread that somehow seems to be ...  waiting.

As Cybrix fainted, Ladar stood there in disbeleif.  { What's going on}
Ladar thought to himself {I could sense lots of pain then a stuggle=
 then blackness.}

Turning to Shari.

"We have a problem.  I might have over did it with the Link.  I knew it.
It is all my fault.  Now Crybrix is in pain.  I should not have
attempted that link.  It was to dangerous.  I was so caught up in right
and wrong that I over looked saftey.  I wanted so much to help now all I
have cause is a young girl to be in pain.  Please ...Please, help her,
Shari.  I'll get some water from the Inn.  " With tears runnig down his
face Ladar runs to the Inn's kitchen for water to help Crbrix.  





Shair looked over the small lizard form carefully, her training was 
threatening to take over again, and she wasn't sure if that was wise=

given the result last time...  She gently checked the girl's pulse and=

general physical health to ensure it was normal.

Just what *is* normal for a girl turned into a lizard anyway?  she=
 thought  in a panic.  Then her training *did* take over.

A slight mind probe slid into Cybrix's gentle soul.  Shari let her own=
 mind take in the forms of energy that the girl was generating, seeing
where=
 the empathic and telepathic centres were strained and stretched
slightly.

Too far, too fast?  she thought worriedly in the back of her mind.  The=
 rest of her attention was focused on the girl's state, directing the
gentle=
 flows of healing energy.  There was power there in this young girl.
And=
 much that Shari could not comprehend - the curse, she guessed - though
strangely=
 much that was ...  well, normal.

_* Thus, and thus *_ she thought to herself, wishing she could project
the thought, and the procedure, to Ladar for his approval, but unsure=

of his response in his current state.  _* Thus we can mend the 
over-exerted mind.  Thus we can redirect the energy while it heals.  *_
Her mind radiated strength and comfort, in support of her attempts to=

help.  Gently redirecting the fragile flows of psychic energy in 
Cybrix's newly operant mind, Shari began humming lightly to herself.

_* And thus we can, very carefully, awaken the girl *_ Shari sighed.

At least, she though to herself, in a private place in her soul that=
 was walled and dark, that *should* work.  If she were one of my ...
past students, that *would* work.  Though weak, and obviously in need
of=
 rest, she should at least be able to let us know what happened.  I
hope.

The child's last words chased each other through her thoughts.  Trersia?
*Her* people?  

She sat back, mentally crossed her fingers, and waited to see if=
 Cybrix would waken.  



When Ladar returns he finds that Cybrix's faint has turned into a
restful sleep.  Her own body simpy finding its own way to help her
adjust to fully using her powers and giving her mind time  to heal and
settle in.  Shari and Ladar gently pick up the little lizard and carried
her up to her box in Hughs quarters.  Then they quietly tip toed out to
let her sleep.

As they sat in the Inn talking however they began to notice something
odd.  People's faces would suddenly look distracted as they found
themselves contemplating the image of an orb filled with swirling
darkness...and those who were sleeping had vivid dreams of a man in red
with that same orb around his neck laughing as empty suits of leather
armor slaughtered villages in a small farming community.   Someone had
forgotten to get her shields back up....

(took some liberties with you guys - edit if it bugs you !)



Shari felt exhausted as they left Cybrix to her much needed sleep.  It
had been a tiring experience - both physically, psychically, and
emotionally.  Not to mention that episode with the elves....

She could feel the girl's leaking mind, but could not make sense of=
 the images at all.  Presumably, she thought wearily, more information=
 would be forthcoming once the girl awoke.  In the meantime she felt
too=
 tired to even begin to rebuild any shields to stop the leaking.
Probably=
 the people around here were used to peculiar things happening anyway.
She shook her head slightly as she realised how stupid that sounded -
even=
 to herself - and turned to Ladar.



"I think I need a rest too.  Mayhap everything will return to ...=
 normal tomorrow?  Wake me if anything happens won't you?"

Ladar.  standing next to the Bare with Shari, talking about the
experence that just took place in the backyard.

"Shari, I am sorry I paniced like I did.  I was just so scared.  When I
saw Cybrix fall to the ground all that kept running through my mind was
what the Elders told me before sending me here.  {Ladar, you will never
understand your powers.  You will continue to use them for your own good
and not for the good of the tribe or others.} When I saw that Cybrix was
just sleeping then I started to understand how worried I really was
about trying that link with her."

Ladar stops and looks in the direction of the Hugh's room.  

"I sure hope she is OK.  This new power shocked her body really good.."

Ladar pulls out 8 orange balls from his pouch and starts to juggle them.
As he does he often stops them in mid-air with a thought.  {To make it
more fun and make it look harder than it really is, to the observer the
balls seem to change shape into larger balls, knives, swords, and
torches.} This helps him clear his mind of worry and also is good
practice for mind control.....

Shari watches for a couple of minutes the balls dancing in the air.  "I
think I need a rest too.  Mayhap everything will return to ...=
 normal tomorrow?  Wake me if anything happens won't you?"

With that she took the rose absently from her hair and left it on the=
 bar.

After arranging a suitable room with Hugh, and leaving a couple of=
 gold coins in payment, Shari climbed upstairs and slept deeply - the
images at the edges of her mind unable to penetrate shields
instinctively in=
 place even tired as she was.  But there was one dream, as always, she
could=
 never block out.







@@@Ladar and Card Tricks



Those who knew him called him Vitus, those who thought they knew him,
called him the Gambler.  "I'll take another whiskey!" The=

solitary figure barked, fingering and quick shuffling a slightly larger
than normal deck of cards.  Lady luck had deserted him it seemed, and he
was taking it out on the cards.  He was looking for a game, he was
looking for retribution, he was looking for the girl.
   An albino dressed in a powder blue riding suit, and there was seldom
a room that didn't quickly notice and judge him.  A freak of nature?
Trouble?  A messenger of the gods?  Perhaps none of these, but his eyes
would never tell.



>************************
  Ladar watched the Gambler shuffling cards for a couple of moments.
Ladar had not seen cards in awhile wondered if he could still do a few
card tricks.  With Shari and Cybrix sleeping he needed someting to pass
the time.  So with a quick grab he snatched the cards while they were
being shuffled with his mind.  He then started to shuffle them just a
the Gambler was doing.  ADMIN :{To the Gambler, It apears to you that a
unseen force has just grabbed your cards and starting shuffling them for
you.}

As that got boring, quickly Ladar then changes the color of the cards
and the shape and then started building a house of cards in the air in
front of the Gambler.  As people watched the cards show , Ladar moved
over to stand behind the Gambler unnoticed.

[addition admin:  the color change and the shape change can only be seen
by the Gambler.  They are his cards and he should know what is happening
to them}

Ladar just smiles as the house of cards grows to now 6 stories.

 "Am I supposed to be amused masked one?  You stand by me as a
   human yet there is the un-mistakable essence of equine.  You may or
   may not know that with the joker in this deck, my mind is dark,
   even to telepaths such as yourself." 
 "If I was looking for carnival tricks I'd be at the carnival.
   What I'm looking for is a game, or a game within a game.  Is this
   house of cards a symbol for you psyche, or would you consider
   yourself a player?  
 With a sweep of his left hand the deck is once again ordered and=

   stacked.  With the flip of his right wrist, two hands of five cards
   are dealt.  "Come around, have a seat, and lets us have a game or
   two." 
 Others watched and he nodded that they too were welcome.  His
   adroit hands, his assured manner, and un-flinching pink eyes,
   weighted his peculiar presence.
 "I'm still waiting for my drink, perhaps I could buy you one." 





   [Admin:  note that Vitus has protection from all mind read spells
   and psycic interptretations, when in possession of said 'Joker']

[admin:  quick fact about Ladar, he is not HUMAN....  He is a CENTAUR.
They are kinda picky about that fact.]

Ladar just smiled when he heard the words 'have a seat.' At last look
Ladar was still a Centaur and none of the chairs in the Inn could fit
him.  As to playing cards Ladar had never played 'real' cards.  {This
would be a nice change from cards tricks and slite of hand tricks} Ladar
thought to himself as he went to the other side of the table and picked
up the cards.  (one in each hand.  He has 4 of them.  and the last card
he pickup with his mind and it hovers up close to his chest.) 

"Before we start I should really introduce myself.  I am know as Ladar.
I Am waiting for friends.  Right now they are both sleeping so I have
some time to kill.  {Lardar sends out a small mind prob to check on
Sheri and Cybrix.  Yes, right now they are both sleeping.} If that offer
for a drink still stands I'll take you up on it, and shall we say loser
buys the next round?"





@@@@

@@@@ Breakfast after some rest

Shari awakes many hours later, feeling much refreshed and somewhat=
 more in  control of her life and her emotions.  Her clothes straighten
out, and=
 she  stands carefully.  Just because she *feels* better, she reasons,=
 doesn't  mean she *is* better.

Reassuringly, her legs feel strong enough to hold her up, so she moves=

over to the window and starts brushing out her hair.  Her mind reaches=

out lightly to see how Cybrix is doing, and finds her still asleep=
 [?].

Good, she thinks, the girl needs rest.  Though if we are to help her,=
 we  should really get started soon - or something very dangerous may=
 happen.

Smiling to herself, and humming quietly, Shari returns downstairs to=
 the  inn, curious as to what has been going on while she slept.  A
corner=
 of  her mind keeps a light watch on the lizard form of the little girl
-=

watching for when she awakes...



Shari watches cautiously as the axe-man stares around the room.  I am=
 not here, she wills quietly.  You need to look elsewhere.

With a grunt, and a shrug, the rough farmer turns and stomps from the=
 inn.  Shari relaxes visibly, and the cloak vanishes.  Though I doubt,
she=
 thinks to herself, that it will be that easy to get rid of *him*.



As Ladar talks to the Gambler he sends a small mind prob out to check on
Shari and Cybrix.  ...  Upon find Shari now awake:

*_Are you well rested?  I am glad you are awake.  I was getting lonely
passing the time....Hang on..._* Ladar stops for a breif second and then
continues.  *_I am in the middle of a card game right now or I would
offer to buy you coffee you jump start your day when you get down
stairs.  I also just poped in on Cybrix and she was still sleeping.  I
noticed you are watching her too.  I am worried about this curse of
hers.  I think the longer she in infected with it the harder it will be
to reverse its effect(or is it affects.  I can never tell.  :))_* after
another pause *_ Shari I could use your help(with a laughing tone)..  I
seem to be losing at cards right now.  Can you please sit behind the
person I am playing with and help me get some of my money back?(Playfull
sounding) Gambleing I am finding out is not someting I am good at.  I do
love to cheat if I can't get caught.(mischevious(sp?) grin) _*





A smile lightens Shari's face, and brightens her green eyes.

*_ Indeed, my friend.  I feel more ready to meet the world now.  _* A
small coffee pot appears by her hand.  But then she apparently=
 thinks better of it, and it vanishes again.  Instead, she pulls a coin
from=
 her small bag and asks Hugh for a pot - with some cream.

*_ Oh, _* there is laughter in her mind-voice, *_ and I thought you=
 were an ethical person!  Cheating at cards indeed!  There are easier
ways to obtain money!  _* She laughs, and looks across the inn at the
pair=
 playing with the cards.  *_ Besides, _* she adds *_ the only game I
knew was blackjack.  I don't know what it is you're playing...  Maybe he
could=
 teach me too, though 'twould hardly be fair I think.  _*

[Cybrix]

   Cybrix awoke several hours later feeling much refreshed.  She 
   stretched and "sat up" lizard style.  As she flexed her newly
   controlled mental muscles she discovered the gentle touches
   of Ladar and Shari.  *Good morning !  er..if it _is_ morning
   of course* 

Ladar on feeling Cybrix waking sends a small touch to let her know he is
still there.

*_ Good morning Cybrix..  I am in the common room trying to cheat at
cards.  Come join me.  I think Shari is on her way.  _*

   <grin> *Good, I am ravenous!!  Lets meet for breakfast and
   I will tell you the story of how i came be to be cursed.  I
   am afraid I might have already wasted too much time !!  Trersia
   is getting stronger everyday !!* 

Ladar after hearing the name Trersia again, Ladar trys to hid any
emotion that he is fearful of the outcome of any confrontation(sp?)

   Once again Ladar and Shari
   were presented with the image of the swirling black orb..it
   almost seemed ot be a reflex in Cybrix's mind..whenever the 
   curse was mentioned the orb was presented with a wave of
   terror and revulsion.  Then she cut herself off for a moment
   as she groomed herself and prepared to head down to the common=
 room.



Ladar holds the image of orb in his mind and studies it for awhile befor
letting the image fad.  What about that orb gave it the power to curse
people and frighten them so miuch?  Where did it get its power from?
All these question kept going through Ladar's mind and he tryed to play
cards waiting for Shari and Cybrix to join him...



Unconciously glancing upwards as she felt the girl's awakening, Shari
was pleased to feel Cybrix's mind-voice.  It was clear, it was strong
(but not loud!), and it was competent.

*_ Indeed, I have never met a child who was other than ravenous!  _*=
 she laughs.  An image of Cybrix - in her human form - surrounded by
mounds of fruit, and bread, and cheeses, staring wide eyed, appears in
her thoughts.  *_ How much do you want us to order for you?  I'm sure
Hugh would appreciate it if you left _something_ in the kitchen for the=
 other guests _* 

 Cybrix sent back a mental grin.  *Just a cinnamon roll, some fruit
 milk, juice, maybe cereal..um <laugh> that should be good for 
 starters!*

Shari smiles, and turns to Hugh to order the girl some breakfast.  "I
should have guessed!" she laughs.  "A cinnamon roll!" She drops another
coin on the bar.  

 "I do hope I have not been underpaying you," she adds as an aside to=
 the friendly innkeeper.



The tone of her mind darkens slightly as the girl mentions the curse,
and the image of the orb reappears.  

She settles back, sipping at the coffee.  Her eyes dart around the=
 room, coming to rest several times on Ladar and the gambler.  Surely,
she=
 thinks, we will be able to do *something*.

*_ Yes, _* she replies.  *_ I think it is time we helped you.  If I=
 can, that is.  And we will need to know whether someone more ...
martially gifted need be recruited.  _*

 *Yes, i sense some newcomers in the Inn who might be able to help us,
perhaps you could invite them to join us for breakfast so=
 they can hear the tale as well?* 



She settles back, sipping at the coffee.  Her eyes dart around the=
 room, coming to rest several times on Ladar and the gambler.  Surely,
she=
 thinks, we will be able to do *something*.

With a quiet sigh, she awaits Cybrix, and her story.

*_ Who did you have in mind little one?  Certainly there are some ...=

interesting characters about at the moment.  If you feel like pointing
out who you would trust I am sure Ladar and I would be happy to ask them
to join us.  Though _* and here she turns towards Ladar, smiling
mischeivously *_ I think Ladar might prefer not to have the gambler=
 along, since he might lose even more money!  _*



As Ladar finishes the last hand off cards he excuses himself and walks
over to join Shari.  As he trots over to the bar he shifts back to his
human form and takes a seat next to Shari.  

"Sorry I took so long getting here.  That poker is hard a hard game to
learn and to win is different story all together.  I'll teach you what I
know if you still want to learn.  (laughing) How to lose lots of money
should be easy to teach....."

Ordering a glass of orange juice with a side of biscuits and dragon
berry jam Ladar sits backs and looks towards the front door.

"On a more serious note Shari, I felt your mind projection that made
that man leave the Inn.  I am not going to ask about it but I just want
you to know that I'll help were I can."

She starts, and shakes her head.  "It was not my doing that made him
leave.  He is far too thick skulled to be put off by such a subtle
projection.  I would need to cudgel his mind into jelly before he
reacted." She shrugs.  "It was just luck, though I hope to be as lucky
in future." Then she smiles, and sends a thankful gratitude to her
friend.  *_ If it becomes necessary, I may tell you what happened.
Certainly I will try to keep you, Cybrix, and any who join us out of=
 it however.  It is my problem and not something you should need to
worry about.  _*



As Sara brings his order Ladar starts eating the biscuits.  

*_A good thing about physic powers is that you can talk with your mouth
full and not be rude(smile).  Have you ordered for our young
lizzard....girl?_* Ladar finishes his breakfast and sips on his orange
juice waiting..







After a few moments Cybrix fly down the stairs and fluttered over to
land on Hugh and give him a nuzzle.  *Good Morning, Hugh!!  I can talk
now !  I am about to explain to Ladar and Shari what happened to me if
you want to join us ?  Of course I can tell your mind the story while
you are doing other things as well* <grin> * I want to thank you and
your dear wife  for "adopting" me.  I will always return to you no
matter  where my quest takes me.* Cybrix nuzzled Hugh again and flew off
to land next to Ladar and Shari.  



"Welcome young Cybrix.  And well come too I hope.  I sense you are
feeling rather better.  Mayhap all you needed was a little rest, though
I would prefer it if you took things a little slower for a=
 while." She pushes the cinnamon roll and fruit over to her.  

>Hugh was both surprised and delighted!  He rubbed Cybrix behind the
>ears just before she flew over to Ladar and Shari, then walked over >to
join the group, coffee mug in hand.  Greeting the two, Hugh said >"I've
been looking forward to hearing Cybrix' story...may I join >you?"

Shari glanced at the cold coffee cup in her own hand, and grimaced.  "Of
course you may," she exclaims in surprise.  "I would hope you may always
consider me extremely grateful for your hospitality, and I=
 would be honoured for you to join us." She smiles, and takes a sip from
the steaming cup.

Serious now, but exuding a gentle encouragement and security, Shari
turns to Cybrix.

"Well, if you would like Ladar or I to gather anyone else, please ask.
Though you owuld be able to do so yourself now."

Ladar lost in thought about his lost money picks up the King of Hearts
card and places it in his pouch.  Upon hearing his name he quickly turns
to Shari.  "I didn't do it...I was nowhere around when that tray flew
accross the room..." Seeing the expression on Shari's face Ladar back
tracks a little.  After taking a long drink.
 "Let me try this again.  I don't think the gambler will be joining us.
He was winning so much that he took off after the last hand.  All I have
to show is a card and and smaller purse..." 
 Looking around the Inn Ladar sees many new faces.  "After studing the
people here for awhile I think that a good fighter or maybe a ....."
Looking for the right word Ladar thinks of a term outlawed to his
people..  "Magic user or Mage?" Looking nervously in the Miirror Ladar
thinks about the last Mage for his people.  

Turing towards Cybrix..  "So how many people should it take to 'SAFELY'
travel back to your home and destroy this orb?" 











@@@ Enter the New Members of the Group
 PHOENIX



He stood nobly before the enterance to the sacrificial temple.   The
High Priest spoke.  "You have been chosen to be the sacrifice of our Sun
God.  Do you accept this high honor?" The young man raised his head, his
bright red hair falling into his eyes.  His golden eyes sparkled.  He
was, indeed, ready.   "I do." The young man entered the sacrificial
temple, followed by the High Priest and the lower priests.  He stepped
upon the plate in the center of the temple.  Various lower priests
poured spices and oils upon him.  He frowned.  They would be burnt off,
doubtless, but they smelled terrible.  The High Priest raised his arms
to the sky.  "All Mighty Sun God, I offer to you this sacrifice!  May
you find him acceptable and bless us this coming year!" The High Priest
lowered his sceptor and sent the plate that the young man was on up in
flames.  He then left the temple, closing the door via the sceptor.  The
young man did not burn.  The fire entered into him, and he changed.  His
wings formed, and he looked to the hole in the ceiling (designed to let
smoke escape).  With a cry, Phoenix launched himself out of the temple.
He looked down at the land below him.  He had no need to be here any
longer.  With a cry, he flew away, his body of clean (smokeless) fire
glowing brightly, especially his excessively long, beautiful tail.

After a while his wings began to ache, and he wished to land.  Alas, all
that was below him were woods and villages.  That was not good.  He
would doubtless burn it if he got too close to a forest or a city.  He
would have to fly on.  He did, and eventually came upon a large
clearing.  Perfect.  With a cry, he circled down to land.  Before his
burning feet touched the ground he changed to human form, so that he
would not scorch the grass.  He traveled on a bit and came to a city.
"Sir," he asked a passerby.  "What is the name of this city?"
"Montfort." Phoenix thanked the young woman and went on his way.  After
a while he came upon a building, most likely an inn.  (Of course the
sign saying The Dragon's Inn in front of it did help.) Phoenix entered
the inn.  "Good day, sir.  I am a bit hungry.  Would you recommend
anything for
 me to eat?"

Hugh said "Well, we're quite proud of the beef...the ribs are
particularly good today, I must say.  And, we've got cinnamon rolls, a
specialty of the house!  <Phoenix sees one of the rolls...as large as a
full sized dinner plate, thick, dripping with butter, rich with sugar
and cinnamon, still warm and fragrant>.  And <Hugh smiles> there is
Dragon Breath chili.  It's hot, but very good...

Phoenix accepted a cinammon roll.  "Sir," he said.  "What is the price?"
Hugh told him, and he paid.  Sacrifices were _not_ supposed to have
money, but, since he had known he was going to leave, he had hid some on
his person anyway.  After he was done he said to Hugh.  "Know you of
anybody who would be interested in my services?  I do have proficiency
with and can control fire.  I am certain I would be a most useful
friend--and dangerous foe."

Hugh (who has now heard Cybrix's background!) replies "Yes, there is a
group of adventurers over there <Hugh points at Cybrix, Ladar, and
Shari> who face a most daunting problem.  A cruel wizard murdered
Cybrix' mother, slaughtered her village, and then kidnapped her.  When
she would not help him with his vile designs, he cast a curse upon her,
changing her from a little girl to a little lizard.  And she believes
the wizard's power is growing...."

Hugh pauses, then continues "Ahh, if I were but younger...it would, I
think, be a grand adventure...."

"Indeed," Phoenix straightened out his outfit, making himself as
presentable as possible.  "Thank you for the cinnamon roll, sir."

Hugh smiled.  "Call me Hugh."





Hoping he wasn't barging in on an important conversation, Phoenix walked
over to Cybrix, Ladar, and Shari.  "Good day.  I have heard that you are
in need of some...assistance?  Allow me to introduce myself.  My name is
Phoenix."

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

countenance.  She sighed, and trembled slightly.  countenance.  She
sighed, and trembled slightly.





[Admin - Hugh, Shari, Ladar, and Cybrix eat breakfast while a  mental
conversation occurs...]

[Cybrix] 
 *Yes, i sense some newcomers in the Inn who might be able to help us,
perhaps you could invite them to join us for breakfast so they can hear
the tale as well?* 

[Shari]  *_ Who did you have in mind little one?  Certainly there are
some ...   interesting characters about at the moment.  If you feel like
pointing out who you would trust I am sure Ladar and I would be happy to
ask them to join us.  Though _* and here she turns towards Ladar,
smiling mischeivously *_ I think Ladar might prefer not to have the
gambler along, since he might lose even more money!  _*

"Well, if you would like Ladar or I to gather anyone else, please ask.
Though you owuld be able to do so yourself now."



[Cybrix - mentally talking to all three] *Well, I didnt catch their
names but one was a ..Ranger, I think?
 And this may sounds silly but I would prefer that you ask..it has
 been my experience that people dont reacte well to my appearance :/
 We will need as far as I can tell at least a few warriors, and at 
 least one person learned in magic, but here - I will explain what
 we face and we will all decide what sort of group we need.  I believe
 your experience is better at such things than I.*

[Admin - the shortened version of the tale - anyone wants details I will
forward the original story :) ]

Cybrix went on to tell of the small islands off the extreme southern
edge of the continent where her people live.  She talked of her mother -
the Seeress of the The Rock, who had been warned of the coming of
Trersia just in time to be killed by him herself.  Her small body seemed
to withdraw into itself as she described seeing through her dying
mothers eyes the clouds of..mana?  that rose from each dying person to
be sucked into the swirling black orb the wizard Trersia wore.  She went
on to  tell of her capture by the wizard and his animated suits of armor
that served as his army.  Then she explained what she had learned of the
wizard during her confinement.  That he was a "wild talent" in fire
starting that had been expunged from his village for toasting the  local
village bully when he was a child.  Exiled to a small barren  island to
die he had encountered the demon who was waiting to eat  his mana upon
his death.  Slyly he had tricked tthen weak demon into teaching him more
and ultimately trapped the demon in the orb to work for him.  From that
point on Trersia has started to conquer the
 isles to collect more mana to feed and strengthen the demon.  He had
avoided outright killing Cybrix because the one thing neither he nor his
demon had was telepathic abilities.  However - ther frightened child had
refused outright to work for him and was almost killed when Trersia
discovered that such a large portion of mana outright as she had might 
allow the demon to escape.  Thus he had cursed he the fashion she now 
wore.  Well, he made the demon, much to its disgruntlement, curse her.
After which he had thrown her out the window, she learned how to fly 
rather quickly with the sea ruching up from below her and fled, to end
up here.  *But meanwhile my friends, as I have been resting and learning
here I am sure Trersia has continued his slaughter and grown stronger!
He will soon I am sure exhaust his supplies of villagers and move onto
the mainland!  We have to stop him now!  Not to mention I think if the
demon orb were broken my curse would be broken.  * 



Ladar watches as Phoenix approch the small gathering.  

Hoping he wasn't barging in on an important conversation, Phoenix walked
over to Cybrix, Ladar, and Shari.  "Good day.  I have heard that you are
in need of some...assistance?  Allow me to introduce myself.  My name is
Phoenix."

"Glad to meet you Phoenix.  Let me get you a chair." Ladar brings a
chair from another table for Phoenix to sit in.  (Well, he actully makes
the chair walk over itself, being in the middle of a conversation.) 

Phoenix was surprised to say the least although, in a way, he shouldn't
have been.  All his years of existance (his many lives?) had shown him
that most of the creatures on Ifreann could _do_ such things.  They just
seemed new and magickal after each "rebirth" as it was.

" I see you have tryed the Inn's famious cinnamon rolls.  Cybrix (Ladar
points to the Lizzard on the table) loves them.  If you are not careful
they it might be gone before you know it(laughing).

   Cybrix sent a look at Ladar.  *Now, now, dont ruin my reputation
   before I have a chance to do so myself!  :) *

Let me intoduce you to the rest of the group.  That lovely lady next to
you is Shari.  My name is Ladar and again the lovely lizzard is my young
friend Cybrix."

Phoenix nodded and said hello.  "So, from what Hugh told me, you're
trying to fight an evil wizard who destroyed your family and made you
what you are now, Cybrix?" he said to her.  "Of course, if you wish to
continue talking about what you were before I came I do not mind."

*Welcome Phoenix* he heard her soft voice in his mind, *yes,
 let me give you a quick recap of what I have shared with my friends
 so far.* She sent to his mind a quick succesion of images and 
 words so that he would be caught up with the story.









@@@@ The Elves Join the Group (I am sad to say I have not intoruction
for them.)

The elves made their way across the common room to meet the child-lizard
and her companions.  Kllandrith lead the way with Faldelak only 2 paces 
behind.  The stopped short when a somewhat large but unimposing in
bright  clothing approached the table ahead of them.  They waited so as
not to be  rude to the new arrival and moved in closer.

They took this brief moment to scan the party.  Not exactly an 
adventuring group by the looks of them alone.  The woman was rather 
attractive by human standards but shorter than the elves.  The man
seated  there was equally unimposing and apparantly unarmed.  Kllandrith
wondered  if he was premature in his assumptions of a quest.

When the way was clear [admin after phoenix sits down or leaves] they 
stood in front of the group.  "Greetings," the blonde ranger began.  "I 
am Faldelak Silvestrin, woodsman, scout, hunter, and tracker.  This is 
Kllandrith Fehrlan.  He is a ..  hunter of a different variety.  The 
bartender said that we should meet.  You must be Cybrix."



   *Welcome, my friend, if I may call you that.  A man of your skills
would be a good friend to have!* Cybrix sends her  mental messages to
all the folks at their table (when did we get from the bar to a table ?
;) in order that she wont have to  repeat herself.

Fitch leaned forward on Faldelak's shoulder spying the winged lizard 
curiously, sniffing and squeaking.  "Please do not mind the little one.
He is just being friendly.  May we join you?"

*Please do!* Nodding at each of her aquantainces old and new, she
 made introductions.  She then sent a small probe to the mind of 
 the creature on the man's shoulder.  Its mind was ..different from
 humans, but receptive none the less to a welcoming "hello." 

The elf for his part felt mixed reactions of anger, sympathy, and fear
as  he absorbed the mental play flash through his mind's eye.  He looked
at  Kllandrith and nodded.





 *Well Phoenix, Faldelak, and Kllandrith, my two friends and I  were
discussing an attempt to defeat the wizard Trersia and hopefully free me
from my form as well.  The quest would involve a long journey to the
south, which I would only slightly be able to guide us on, as I was
flying in the dark most of the time I traveled.* Overtones of sadness
crossed her voice at the memory of her terrified voicless flight.  *We
will need to  collect a group capable of guiding us through the journey 
down to my islands, fight Trersia's "empty men" as well as  anything he
and his demon throw at us, and hopefully someone learned in magic who
could understand the demon's orb and  perhaps figure out how to free me.
*

Phoenix frowned.  He was no warrior.  Oh, sure, he knew how to weld a
blade and was extremely light and nimble, but there were warriors who
were far better than him.  Of course, some were far worse than him.  He
once knew magick;  in one of his earlier lives, but had forgotten it
through the various rebirths.

"I think I can be of assistance.  I am immune to and can control fire,
if such a thing can be of any use.  I'm afraid you'll have to forgive me
if I seem to be...new...  at this.  I was just recently reborn."

 *Fire control just may be very important Phoenix!  Rememeber that that
is really Trersia's only skill he has without his demon.  Any last ditch
fighting will undoubtably involve fire..and lots of it I am afraid..*
Cybrix was delighted  to have such an addition to the group.

Phoenix smiled, glad he could be of help.  So, the great wizard
Trersia's only real skill (without the demon) was fire control.  A pity
that nobody--mortal or immortal--could win in a fire fight against a
firebird, also known as a phoenix.

Again Cybrix betrayed the maturity she had gained through her link with
Ladar.  The link was also causing Ladar to receive vauge mental images
of the various things she spoke of.  

While listening to the girl's story, Shari grew more and more pale,
until her deep green eyes finally stared wide-eyed from a silent and
worried countenance.  She sighed, and trembled slightly.



Ladar watched the two new stranders closely.  If he had a sword he would
have drawn it.  Not that he could use one but the two that just showed
up at the table (bar) looked like the same people who were out to kill
off his people.  

*I am afraid I dont know what my own contributions to the quest 
 could be.  Of the islands I was only familiar with my village.
 Of the travel in between..well I didnt exactly stay at all the
 local inns..* she sent another mental sigh *and I dont know
 how i could fight except perhaps by flying down on folks 
 with these claws..* she looked down at her ungodly claws.
 They were the length her fingers had been (indeed they were in
 reality her fingers transformed.  Long and wicked looking, yet
 she fumbled with them often.  *You all have a better idea of the
 world outside than I do.  Anyone have ideas or suggestions ?
 provided of course you are willing to help us.  If so we should
 outline what each of us could do to help and what sort of 
 equipment and supplies we will need for the journey.*

"As far as I can tell, he probably has a weakness.  Most people--wizards
and non--do.  Of course, it can prove very difficult to find it.  As for
supplies we will need food and shelter, maybe some extra clothing." He
did not say water.  Phoenixes in general did not like water.





[Shari] "You forget, I am but a simple farm girl." She smiles wryly.  "I
would know no better than you who could be of use - or trusted.
However, I believe Hugh has been recruiting for us already - in a
manner.  If you would be willing to explain your predicament to the
gentlemen at that table" - she indicates Faldelak - "they may be willing
to help us.  Certainly anyone who would help must be willing to accept
your current ...  position.  And I think any who would not, would be of
little use to us in any event."



Ladar look over at Shari _* A simple farm girl?  One who can minipulate
mater(smile).  *_



"Well..." she says at length.  "Though I am unsure of what use I would
be to you, I am willing to aid you in your quest.  Certainly there are
few as deserving of aid - meagre though my skills are." The cup slips
from her hands and shatters on the floor of the inn.

"Oh my!  And here I am destroying our kind innkeeper's crockery again."
She sighs, and her eyes fade slightly in the inn's dim light.  The cup
shards *bend* and vanish.  Shari places a whole cup on the bar, away
from the edge.





Kllandrith narrowed his eyes at the words "empty men." When the child 
finished he said, "I am not a mage, but I am well versed in magic.  I
have  a few tricks up my sleeve and have made it a point to know my
enemy.  You  need say no more to convince me.  It is my sworn duty to
slay undead  creatures wherever I can hunt them, as well as those who
control the power  to create this mockery of life."

"Aye," Faldelak responded.  "I have other friends who will accompany us.
You can meet them if you wish, but not here unfortunately.  I am not 
familiar with the terrain this far south, but I am more than adaptable
in  the wilderness.  My combat strength rests on my bow, but I am no
slouch  with the blade either.  I am also practiced at animal lore and
training.   I may be able to help you with those claws of yours."

*Any help at all would be appreciated!  * Cybrix smiles at
 Shari and Ladar, *I appear to have turned into everyone's student!* 

 *Well..* the little lizard surveyed the group, *Here we have 
  a group that can fight the empy men, battle Trersia's fire,
  and perhaps even unlock the secrets of the demon's orb!  Plus
  two experienced travelers to assist us on the journey south!
  Hopefully someone can cook?  and hunt..and ..* she pondered..
  *with that I believe we have an ideal group?  I thank you all
  for helping me!* Her lovely eyes, so incongrously set in the 
  narrow retilian face filled with tears.  * I never imagined
  I would ever feel friendship again!* Then she took a deep
  breathe as one tear escaped down her leatherly skin.  *So,
  are we all in agreement ?  Do we travel together?  * The
  little lizard turned slowly in a circle on the table as she
  stared into each of the party's eyes awaiting confirment.  



Listening to Cybrix's comments, Shari had become aware that she too had
been unsure of her own contributions to the quest in hand.  She waits
for the others to finish, and begins quietly.

"As for supplies, I am willing to assist in payment should any be
required." She pauses, unsure if the next comment would cause offence.
"Also," she adds finally, "were anyone to join us who would require
payment, I would be happy to reward them." Absently, she brushes at the
money pouch on her belt, her other hand pushing her hair to one side.

[Ladar] After hearing Shari offer to buy the items that are needed
Lardar is puzzled.

*_ Shari, why would you offer to pay for Item for people who you do not
know?  These elves I do not trust.  They look and sound like the people
that are out to slaughter my kind.  (with a serious tone) How can you
over look the evil they have caused and buy them anything?  Kelons only
bring evil.  All they know how to do is kill and kill..  They even
killed one of my close friends.  They don't deserve any trust.  _* 

Ladar send a mental picture of how he found Horn with his head ripped
from his body and attached to a pole.  

_* I am worried about your saftey and that of Cybrix.  Because she
trusts them and wants them to come with us I am putting my difficulties
aside and will do my best to guard your backs from the untrusting
Kelons...._*

[Fal] "Payment is not a concern," Faldelak spoke up.  "We live off the
land,  but if we need to stay in a town on our way assistance would be 
appreciated if it would make you feel better.  Helping those in need and
disposing of an evil mage is payment enough."

   Cybrix smiled at Faldelak.  With every word she was more convinced
   that these two new members of her group where good men, now if
   only she could figure out what was troubling Ladar...  

[Shari] "I am, or rather was, as Cybrix is aware, a teacher.  A teacher
of parapsychic skills.  I also have ...  certain abilities in that area
myself." She shrugs.  "It is difficult to give you examples, for I have
merely been working on a farm for some time, and have not had to use
those abilities much in this ...  world." A small rose appears in her
hands now - pale yellow with cream markings - and she looks down as her
hands spin the flower by the stem.  Cybrix and Ladar recognise it as
identical to that she had owned the day before.

"Lastly," she says, almost too quietly for the others to hear, "Adric
taught me a certain measure of the unarmed martial skills." Cybrix and
Ladar catch a quick glimpse of an image in her mind - Cybrix in
particular recognises it as the young man she saw in their imagery of
the previous day.  It is gone in less than the second it takes to form.

With that she says "Welcome, friends.  I hope our quest is successful,
and that we all gain by the experience to come.  Mayhap we will also
become true friends by the end?" She smiles and looks up then, as if
seeking approval, or perhaps simply some comment.  Carefully, she exerts
a blanket empathic sounding over the strangers to determine their
reactions - and, as they talk, as much of their character as she is
able.

Kllandrith simply nodded and said, "It is difficult to work together
with  enemies, so I hope we can call each other friend as well."

Faldelak gave a sideways glance to his friend.  "I consider any who are 
basically good at heart to be a friend until they prove otherwise."





[Ladar] Ladar smiled as Shari placed the new cup back on the bar.  _*
Like I was saying Shari, A simple farm girl..  There is nothing simple
about a gift like yours.  Some of the things I have seen you do, I think
I would have a hard time getting myself to try.  _*

With a mental wince, Shari flushed in embarrasment.  *_ Oh dear, am I
making a spectacle of myself again?  I don't mean to upset anyone...
But, as far as this world is concerned, I _am_ a farm girl.  For the
past three years I was on a farm, and have only recently ventured
beyond.  Certainly I have no experience of anything remotely approcahing
what we are about to undertake...  _*

[Admin :  Shari is a strong empath.  However, she has difficulty
deciphering non-human emotions, and often gets them in a "cloudy" form,
or even sometimes innaccurate.  If you feel like e-mailing me a run down
of what she would "feel", I'd appreciate it.  Sadly, my own empathic
skills do not extend over the net :-) ]

------ Cybrix started.  She hadnt even thought of money!  Some
adventurer she was!  She shook her head ruefully and sent a heart felt
thank you to  Shari.  Meanwhile, while she waited to hear from the rest
of the group she pondered the mystery in Shari's past..

Phoenix nodded.  "I am with you."

Cybrix inclined her head towards Phoenix.  *I am very glad to hear it my
friend.  I have never even heard of someone of your kind, much less met
one.  Perhaps on the long trip south you could explain a bit more about
yourself.* She did her lizardarly version of a rueful grin.  * I am
after all despite my strange appearance nothing more than a backwoods
girl I am afraid!  *

Puzzled, Phoenix thought, {I don't remember telling her I'm a firebird.
Perhaps it's obvious, though.  Red hair, golden eyes (no pupils), can
control fire.  Besides, she does have some telepathic powers.  I wonder
how far they go.  I wonder if she knows how far they can go} he mused.

Aloud he said, "Telling you about myself might be a bit boring, I'm
afraid.  Also, I'm afraid my memory of previous lives is a
bit...foggy...after rebirth.  {Perhaps that's it.  Perhaps my previous
mention of my rebirth had something to do with it.} And do not worry
about being just a backwoods girl," he laughed.  "In many ways, I am
like a baby!  So many things seem new.  Don't worry, though.  I am an
adult, and do have maturity.  I am simply dealing with being reborn.
Luckily I _do_ remember the basic things of survival of my previous
lives, and I can remember some details on my previous lives.  I think
the furthest back I've ever remembered was five lives, but I can't be
sure.  I'll probably remember more as I get 'older'." Phoenix realized
he was babbling and stopped.

   Cybrix grinned again at her new friend.  She certainly was meeting 
   some very different people from her quiet life back in the forest!
   The Stone had never hinted that there could be such folks in the 
   world!  Then again...it had never hinted that there could be such
   evil as Trersia in the world either.  





Faldelak nodded.  "I only need to know how fast we must ride.
Kllandrith  and I have no horses yet and the pace we travel may be an
issue for ..   one of my friends.  None of this decides whether or not
we are with you.   I assure you we have made our decision, but how far
will the journey take  us and how fast must we make it?"

[Ladar] Watching the elves closely, Ladar listen to what is being said.
Thinking about experences Ladar plays back in his mind his brush with
Kelons(the elf like people killing his kind).  {Playing hid and seek was
one of Ladars favorit past times.  Now was his time to hide.  As he
shifted into a rock not two hundred yards from the starting place, he
put up his mental shields blocking out (he hoped) the mind links.  The
other Centaurs in the game started passing him by.  He slowly counted
each one.  12, 15, 21, only 4 more left, then he would run to base.
That's when the attach came.  From the trees the Kelons sprang a trap.
Arrows flew every direction and many of his friends screemed in terror
and tried to shift to excape the slaughter.  Ladar was powerless to stop
the attack, but he had to do something.  As the Kelons passes his point,
Ladar shifted into a Displacer Beast and started hunting the Kelons from
behind.  As he started searching his mind links to see who was in
trouble and needed help Ladar tryed to remain calm..  As Ladar started
walking slowing deeper in to the woods he came upon his friend Horn.
Horns body was full of arrowns and his head was taken from his body and
set upon a pike.  Ladar was mad with rage upon finding this sight.  With
hate in his eyes he started out after the Kelons.  After killing 6 with
fire and poisioned tentacles he returns to his village.  Only 16 of his
friends had made it back he waited to see if any others returned.  None
did........} 

 Cybrix bowed at the pair.  *I am relieved!  I believe you two
 have the most exrience at such things and will be a great asset!
 As for traveling I had not thought about it.  I of course will not
 need a horse.  I will fly and, if someone will tell me what sort 
 things to look for I could scout as well, I suppose.  Though it
 would be nice if someone had a leather shoulder protector I could
 rest on.  I am afraid my claws make it impossible for me to land
 without tearing clothing.  The journey will take us far to
 the south, the very edge of this continent.  There we shall have to
 find a ship to take us to the islands.  Unless ...  * Cybrix stared
 at the table thoughtfully...  *I do not know the geography here
 very well but perhaps we could find a route by water that would
 be more round about but faster and certainly more comfortable ?  * 

 Cybrix left the question up in the air for feedback, while she shot
 a glance at Ladar.  She had sense his discomfort with the pair of
 elves but did not want to pry into his mind.  She couldnt help
 feeling the backlash through the link however.  Was he coming??

Ladar came out of his flash back not know to sure what had been said.
All he knew was Cybrix sent a mental probe to check on him.

Backing away from the bar(right?) Ladar bowed (with out taking his eyess
off of Faldelak.) and shifted back to his natural form.   *_ Cybrix I
will join you, to help pay back a wrong and to revenge your mother.
People who cures childen and kill to gain power must be stopped.  That
and I want to watch and make sure Shari and you have someone to cover
your backs.  _*

[Shair and Cybrix will notice that Ladar is no longer unarmed.  He is
now has two bows and a battle lance.  They will find this unusual in
that Ladar does not beleive in carring weapons.]

Cybrix smiled at Ladar with relief.  Thank goodness - she had been
worried he wasnt going to come.  The comment about watching their backs
seemed to have strange undertones, and Cybrix was sure that all was not
right with her friend, plus the sudden appearance of weapons on her
peacable friend.  She shrugged it aside for the  moment.  





"I have reviewed some maps of this land.  [admin - which look
mysteriously  like dragon-faq.geo.xl and xxl] The sea is several weeks
journey from  here and the route to the southern tip is rather
roundabout indeed.  It  would not save any time.  Comfort is not a
problem.  We have travelled  nearly 1,000  miles from home almost
entirely on foot and camped where we  had to.  Perhaps it would be
easier if you met Ranuul and Syr."

   Cybrix nodded.  *The trip will be difficult but not insurmountable
   by land.  And no matter what it will be more pleasant than the trip
   here was!  At least I will not be traveling alone.  

   I look forward to meeting your friends, perhaps we should delegate
out
   the buying of supplies this afternoon, get a good nights rest, and 
   meet your friends as we head out in the morning ?*



Faldelak raised his head in a pensive look.  "If I knew what climates we
were travelling through I could give you a better idea of what supplies 
would be most useful.  More camping supplies of course, and some
climbing  gear might not be a bad idea.  I remember a small mountain
range on the  maps.  Might just be hills, but couldn't hurt to be
prepared.  Hmm .."



*Well...I flew over some mountains, but there was a lower pass below
 me if I recall.  And as for climate..well it just gets hotter and 
 hotter as you go south.  The edge of the mainland was hot and wet.
 Though the climate of my islands was much more pleasant.  *



The ranger seemed to simply pause, but in reality was looking at the 
door as a lovely young woman entered the inn.  He could not help but be 
distracted by her, and felt his mind wander.

Kllandrith coughed and Faldelak's focus snapped back to the bar and he 
quickly noticed 4 sets of eyes fixed on him.  "Umm ..  yes ..  you
should  meet Ranuul and Syr.  I can take you to them now if you wish.
They are  just outside the city walls in the forest."

Cybrix smiled.  *Alright.  Perhaps your friends should meet us before we
head out.  After all - they may not like us!  :) *



Kllandrith raised an eyebrow to Cybrix when she called Phoenix a 
firebird.  It was not a bad assumption, given his magical appearance,
but  he noted the child's unintentional use of her telepathy in saying
it  before Phoenix could.  He was intrigued that "phoenix" was not
simply a  self given nickname but apparantly what he really was.

He scanned the room as he listened to his friend ramble about maps and 
supplies when he spotted the woman enter the inn.  As Faldelak paused to
gawk, Kllandrith rolled his eyes and coughed purposely loud.

After exchanging stern looks with the archer, Ladar backed away from the
[table, bar, whatever] and without a word metamorph into a centaur.
This  made the elf raise an eyebrow again as he looked up at the "new"
Ladar.   "A shapeshifter, eh?" he said.  "Is this your true form?  I
have to admit  I have not met a centaur who would so freely associate
with humans."

[Ladar]

Ladar paused as the question was asked about his 'true form'.   With a
stern look in his eye, Ladar smiled, "I do not have a problem with
humans, I find them very good company..  It is Kelons(elves) like
yourselves that I have a hard time associating with." Ladar paued and
counted to ten..  Thinking to himself {You hunt my people and killed
many of my friends and family.  You think you know all and see all.  But
when you come accross something you cannot control you
killl........}with a softer tone in his voice Ladar continues "Yes this
is my natural form.  I can shift into about anyform that I see.  This
Inn has given me many oppertunities to study different people of all
races." 

Ladar looked up at Cybrix with sad eyes...

_* Sorry about the weapons.  I really don't know how to use them.(Smile)
These kelons(elves) just make me jumpy.  I have seen them kill my
friends and family.  I really do feel bad that I can't trust them like
you do.(sigh) (trying to change the subject) So, how do you like my new
toys?  I just copied the images in my mind and made them real.  They are
heavy though.  I don't know how people carry these things day in and day
out.  Now I know why I never learned to use them.*_ 

Turning to the group.   "I need to strech my legs (all four of them).  I
will wait for you out front.  I never knew sitting in a chair was so
hard."

As Ladar walked towards the Door he sent a quick message to Cybrix.

_* If you don't mind I would like to listen to what's said through you.
Just keep the link open and I'll try not to be peek to much(smile).  *_

With that Ladar leaves the Inn to excersise his legs.(In other words he
has summer College papers due in a couple of days that will take up much
of his time.) 

*Well..* she fluttered off the table and into the air *shall we  go meet
our new friends' friends?*