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Pika: WOW! cool dragonboat pic!

lucky_star: Soon gonna be 53

RAINBOW: Hello there!

topcat: Stay young Be happy

natasha:

...just sending a childlike lift to keep you up and flying high today

Numa: Numa

sparkle: Thanks for the thought, it meant much, I felt lifted^ there are not much encouraged hearts today... thanks for the cares you givehave a blessed week

Wednesday, May 21st 2008

9:54 PM

Renga


	Golden trail beckons in spring fields under moonlight dance of the firefly harmony of light and dark embrace continuity. Moon fold a blossom fall find water bed to lotus lilies quiet flicker lanterns float somewhere a shamisan buzz war or love tomorrow dawn Earth yawns and ink flows new bamboo shoots and fish bones sun silences all feather strokes on rice paper tranquil under sacred sky Alone together a birth and a memory such beauty death... life "Glint moon off blade drawn so dancea sword soul" Dragon of four seas revered this noble journey celestial breath enlightens ancient wisdom wise katana discipline The universe writes in pillow parchments and coal, change burns of white ash. "finger paints night rain erase this sunrise new spring blossoms" the way of the warrior is death.... and so accepted? life. in every breath. under a blossom's shadow virtue of a sword's true blade. On sure hooves dew fresh clashing path, young blossoms fall conflict fated joy "our destiny revealed dawn flash off drawn steel" Light burden honor as winter comes to white world chi dreams the wheel turns in hub and spoke, paradigms spring in a nameless Heaven. Bound toward pure land, cord patterned, the souls murmur sun's red lotus vows. falcons flight ascends with grace lost spirit, find peace at dusk "As petals fall dawn reveal what must be done here crane patient now strike" lightning flash swift death essence pure pride released to the sky All becoming one lantern, grass, sword, moon, sun, blood illusion dark fades sage dragon bows simply breathes join the dance of the firefly by Eusthacia, Elly Cigar Smoking Poet and Easy Rog

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Friday, October 26th 2007

6:30 PM

Keiko and Ren

I haven't posted here in awhile. I hope any that drop by enjoy the write.

Thie image came from wikipedia's public domain collection the poem by me

Keiko sits in a tower room. It's located in the home of the man she's promised to. Her fathers political promise and she's mourning the day and ceremony to come.

She rises from a futon and goes to the only window in the room. She waves a paper lantern in a predetermined pattern. She stares, forlorn, looking for a response as the sun sets.

Finally an answer by a torch from the wood in the distance. Her heart leaps and breaks in the same instant.

She moves to her brushes and writes with delicate strokes.

The cold wind deadly
Blossoms swirling fall too soon
Two blooms were scarlet

Ren, her young warrior lover, saw the lantern and made the response. They had used these same signals before. He, having no land, knew her father's retainers would kill him if they were ever caught. Carefully they had met many times late in the night.

This sudden promised betrothal made it impossible for him to rise in societal stature in time to openly pursue her.

He knew that the chances of abducting her were very slim. The estate was well guarded by experienced samurai warriors. He put out his fire and moved his location hoping no one had seen the torch but Keiko.

With his knife he carved

Season of the male
Climbing the steep mountainside
A force of nature

He holds his katana ready and starts for the tower.

Keiko hears the guards moving and knows they are preparing. He will not come until the the storm breaking will give him some cover. She knows in her heart that she will not be alive for the ceremony. She feels no hope and removes her wakazashi from its sheath.

A typhoon roaring
The lightning flashes striking
A strong tree felled

Keiko and Ren are together in the stormy sky for eternity....

by Easy Rog

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Monday, August 14th 2006

7:42 PM

Dianna's Gate a New E-Book Annihilation Reigns

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This is the introduction and opening scene to a new book. The working title is "Dianna's Gate". It is a collaboration written by Wolf2Roger & Jade_Magick1. We are both lovers of the genre. We both, want to read this book after reading the start. and hope you feel the same. Do spread the word if it lives up to its promise.

Dianna's Gate by wolf2roger & jade_magick1

Annihilation Reigns!

Dawn was breaking in the mountain valley. The sunrise, slowly clearing the mountain peaks, reflected trees and sky in the lake below the village. Picturesque terraces, ripe with crops and the beauty of the valley was unmarred.

The small village Eira was slowly waking, coming to life with the promise of another peaceful day. The people, a handsome race, were proud of the idyllic lives they had built. Hard working farmers, vintners, and hunters, they were self sufficient in most things. A furtive movement on the mountain side went unnoticed in the morning sun. A glint of metal and then a growing darkness.

Miles away, at the edge of the valley, Shane was returning to the village. His stallion, was a powerful animal and there was no illusion to the image of the well practiced pair they presented.

He had hired out his sword, for border duty, to the government of Klesh, a large city to the west. The city state had been experiencing raids at their mountain border. It had been a strange posting. He had not seen combat but he had seen the results of the raids and was

concerned. Total devastation rather than loot seemed to be the aim.

Missing his parents and young sister, Dianna, he was happy to be returning for the harvest. A sudden chill took him and the horse seemed to feel it also. Still pondering his sense of dread, he saw the smoke rising to the east. Too much smoke. His heart began to race and the horse tossed his head in understanding and matched the riders urgency. There was no good reason for the pall forming over his home.

Earlier, a man had stood on the mountain side, his face covered in sweat. Known as Stark, he was,robed in black

almost hidden in an unearthly shadow. The concentration on his dark,

sensual face was complete. He was straining as a horde formed around him. Men garbed for war, beast-like demons called the Demonae and malformed, ghoulish creatures poured through

a wavering gate. His mind screamed, hurry!.. hurry!! Holding the gate open without the power of the "blood" was an enormous strain on him. He felt his very soul pressing its physical bounds, seeking escape....the gate collapsed with a sudden clap. Winded, the wizard smiled. Enough had come through. To his second he said "I sense the "blood" here. It is strong in whoever we are searching for. Not like the wisps at the Klesh villages."Stark led his army, down the mountainside. To his left, sporting a huge battle ax, was the

largest of the Demonae, a great ape-type creature. On his right, his second in command, a being with the form of a beautiful woman

and golden pools where her eyes should be. The orders were strict, find the "blood". Total annihilation to all else.

As the first cluster of homes was invaded, an alarm finally sounded. Those that still slept, woke to find their nightmare was not of the dreamworld. Hardily and with bravery the villagers fought. Armed with farm tools, hunting weapons and courage they took their bloody

toll, but were no match for the barbarian horde. Teeth, claws and armored knights all were faced, but the villagers were far outmatched.

Flames rose as the mayhem spread. Stark sensed the "blood" power, even stronger than he had expected. He felt giddy as he drew closer, and stopped before a small house. The ape smashed in the door and the man of the

house swung his sword

and wounded the ape, with a slash at his head. The wizard stopped him cold, freezing him with some arcane spell effective only in proximity to the "blood". A life saving test for the wizard. A woman, frantically attempting to protect the young girl behind her, let fly an arrow. The woman with the golden eyes deflected it with inhuman speed, as her eyes glowed with their own power. Brutally and swiftly both parents were beheaded where they stood. Dianna, terrified and in shock at the sight of her parents murder, screamed and attempted to flee. The ape, bleeding but still effective, easily captured the child and the trio started back to the site of the closed gate.

Shane raced into town on his stallion and fought his way toward his parents home.

Covered

in a cold sweat, he caught sight of an ape creature carrying a girl with flame colored hair. "Dianna" he screamed, redoubling his efforts to travel through the village. Slashing and dodging, his horses hooves brutal weapons, they advanced. The wizard started the process of reopening the gate. He was holding the girl and a nimbus of power was apparent. She seemed in a hypnotic trance. Fragile and innocent her state, yet still she thought, "my brother will come, these scum will see ruin ".

The gate opened and many of the horde returned, bloody trophies held aloft. The party went through and again the closing.. snap!. Shane, 50 meters below, screamed his rage at the sight and savagely killed the

few stragglers he could find. The few survivors of the village who could, helped the wounded and mourned their dead.

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Sunday, August 13th 2006

6:23 AM

Dianna's Gate Lamentations

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Dianna's Gate - Lamentations
Current mood: curious
Category: Writing and Poetry

Lamentations

Though Shane had exhausted his fury, a fire still burned intensely at his core. A fire that would not be satisfied until he saw his little sister again.

He walked his horse through the carnage that was left of his childhood home. The sound of distant lamentations reflected his feelings, so heavy was his heart as he got closer to his parents cottage. He knew that nothing and nobody would have been able to take the teen if either of his parents could draw a breath.

Shards of the door lay scattered, the fractured remnants hanging like useless appendages. Shane tried to steel himself to what he might see as he walked through the empty doorway. He could feel his heart, beating a powerful, rhythmic dirge. He stopped, just inside, at the fragile sound of a woman quietly weeping. The room looked little different, save for blood splattered everywhere and two mounds laid side by side on the floor, covered with bloodstained blankets. It had been quick.

A tight pain in his chest seized him and with a slow gasp he released the breath he'd been holding. The source of the mourning was a woman, with head bent, dark auburn hair spilling down on both sides of her face, hiding her obvious grief.

"Aunt Licia", he said gently, as if her name was a balm to his wounds, yet his voice offering solace. She instantly stood erect, with a speed and grace he was well familiar with. Licia was his mothers younger sister, and like his mother, was a lady of small frame...although this did little to impede the spirit of the battle scarred warrior she embodied. Always living of the fringe, she was vastly misunderstood by the village

folk and quite preferred it that way. As she stood, she quickly brushed away the tears and wrapped Shane in a bear hug that made him glad she wasn't a bigger woman.

"Where's Dianna?", her words were choked. His face contorted as he hung his head.

"They took her, Auntie, through some makeshift gate. I have to find her." Shane shook his head, "Why do they want her?"

"Oh child," Licia whispered as she released him. She looked into his eyes, her lovely but dirty face streaked with tears. "We need to talk." She glanced at the floor, then back up to Shane. "Right now, lets give your parents back to the earth so they may find peace,"her voice cracked, "We will discuss all of this after."

Dianna's paralysis was a frightening mystery. Her mind was active but her body, unresponsive. She was helplessly being carted...and none too gently...by the huge Demonae. She was glad that, at least, she retained the ability to close her eyes. The sight of this hideous mob, sporting their blood-soaked treasures was more than she could bear.

She had no thoughts to spare for who these monsters were, why they wanted her or where they had arrived. Her mind and heart were still bound by what she had just lost on the other side of the gate. Still traumatized at the sight of her parent's brutal murder, her mind tried to focus on the last sound she heard before the portal closed. Shane. He was alive and she knew he wouldn't stop searching until they were together again.

Stark, feeling the power emanating from the girl, swaggered through the halls of the cave-like fortress, his thoughts stirred by his success.

This was his stronghold. Carved into the depths of a mountain, using ancient spells stolen from an old wizard. A good man whose weariness had helped to mask Stark's evil purpose.

He had been an apprentice to the mage, but from the beginning had hidden his true and dark aspirations. He had studied hard, feigned a pure heart only to learn the hiding place of the Sacred Scrolls. Once the secret was revealed to him, the old man had little defense against Stark's onslaught. The battle was short and he was now "Master".

It was from the Sacred Scrolls that Stark learned the secrets of the Blood and how to manipulate the gate, but only in a small way. He now had a fragile entrance and exit,,to and from his mountain sanctuary, but the distance was limited. Limited!! This was bitter gall that ate at him. No more limits. He wanted more...much much more. And

now that he had the girl, he could take it.

Jade_Magick1&Wolf2Roger

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Monday, August 7th 2006

2:22 PM

Dianna's Gate Chapter 3

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Dianna's Gate

Chapter 3

The next morning, after committing his parents to the earth, Shane and Licia rode out of the ruined village at a brisk pace. "Klesh is what, four days travel from here?" Licia asked, "I haven't been that way for many years. The Temple of the Green Gate is the only place I know, where we might get the information we need."

"Is that ruin even still there?" Shane interrupted, "I've heard rumors that the congregation had all died of old age and the Council of the Ancients had all fairly disappeared." A small, wry grin slightly twisted his rugged face as he continued, "not many have gone there in the last century or so."

"Listen up, boy!" Licia's voice was rough, yet free of malice. "When I was very young and had my first commission with the raiders company; an old shaman that knew the secrets of healing our battle wounds, brought me to the great gate at the front of the temple compound. It was the night of the Blood Moon, when the three moons are in alignment...you know," she explained, "it happens every seventy-five years or so."

"Yup, uh-huh," Shane grunted, wondering why she felt the need to tell him something every small child knew.

She continued on, ignoring his mood, so lost in her own memory, "He told me his teacher had brought him to the gate as a boy. He instructed me to just sit and observe the old gate. It was worn and quite normal as

far as I could tell. I remember thinking how silly elders can be.

Because of what happened next, I remember his words as if it were yesterday," she went on, with a far-away look in her eyes.

As though in a trance, she began to quote the shaman. "I sense the power of the Blood Music in you," he had said. "You have eyes to see, but your choice to be a warrior may not be compatible with the spirit voice you hear from within. I do not know."

Licia's memories were familiar to Shane, but now he listened with concentration rather than amusement.

"As the moons came into line," she continued, "I sensed a change in myself. The gate began to glow. Images formed. Worlds, real or fantasy...in truth, I cannot say...but real, i think. The people were too present in the images for mere illusion. I saw worlds where people fly on machines of metal and travel the stars in great ships. Terrible weapons of war and wonders of many types, I witnessed that night." Grimly, she continued, "I felt a power flowing through my spirit that I have not experienced since, until the morning of that pathetic

battle at the village."

Thoughtfulness slowly returned, replacing the wave of anger. A small sigh escaped her. "It was the same sense of power," she explained, "I felt at my holding that morning, only somehow defiled and corrupted. That's what brought me rushing to the family. Your grandfather occasionally hinted of a prophesy the family may one day be involved in, but he passed before revealing more. So in my many travels, this is the only place that suggests itself as maybe having some of the answers we seek."

Dianna had been thrown, unceremoniously onto a stinking, possibly vermin infested cot, in a dark, dank cell. She was glad to feel her body returning to her own use. As she quickly removed herself from the cot, her resolve grew stronger. "I will do what I can on my own," She thought, "Shane will come. I must try and be ready to help." The door to the cell clanged open and a grotesque figure dropped a fine, black gown at her feet....plus, proper

accessories in a small bundle.

"The master wants you at dinner tonight," it croaked, "be ready." It slammed the heavy door, leaving as it had entered, swiftly and with no feeling.

She shed her blood-stained sleeping robe, with some relief. It was her parents blood and a grim reminder of her loss. The gown was beautiful, yet too revealing for one her age. Something she would never wear, if given a choice.

Dianna felt strange currents course through her spirit. If filled her with a clean power of some type, from a place inside herself she had not known existed. Some small recognition of her dreams, but no real sense of what the substance was. She also felt a draining and dark, forbidding touch when it occurred. Sometimes she felt both at once; confusion and fear of the unknown, uppermost in her mind. What is this? She felt no control over either side of the equation. Instinctively, Dianna knew she was being used in some way, yet had no understanding of how.

Later that evening, Dianna entered an ornate dining hall. She hesitantly seated herself across from Stark. His cruel good looks at ease, mocked her. "We will make a fine team, my lovely young vessel," the wizard said, smiling broadly. "Your power gleams and magnifies mine. An unstoppable team," he suddenly leaned across the table, staring into her eyes as if to dominate her will, "and we will rule this world soon."

She tore her eyes from his gaze and glared down at her hands, knuckles white as they gripped the arms of her chair. "Now, eat and enjoy your new home," he sighed in satisfaction as he relaxed back in his chair, we will soon have anything we desire."

Dianna recognized him from the village. She knew his face as the one that had ordered the slaughter of her parents. She knew his voice as the one that opened the tenuous gate they had escaped through. Something in her snapped, and without thought to her own safety, she rose and threw the plate of food at him with all the strength she could muster.

"You murderer!" she screamed, "you will have nothing from me."

With a laugh, he knocked the missile from the air. Brushing the food stains from his cloak, his face contorted from a mocking grin to a cruel grimace. "With or without consent, I will have all I want of you," he hissed. He turned to a Demonae familiar, his face a mask now, " return her to the

cell. Do not harm her." He looked back at her. "Do it now!" He roared. Dianna was dragged back to her cell, struggling to get at Stark with nails and teeth.

Slowly, her mind returned, as she realized he was out of her reach...

and with the assault on her nose this vermin perpetrated. Rudely

tossed in her cell again, Dianna knew she had a reason to live. Her

life's goal now, was to see Stark fall!

On the trail, Licia had, early on, noticed that they were being followed.

She warned Shane and they laid a trap around a sharp bend in the trail. Together, on cue, they attacked the bent figure, slumped on the back of a huge black, shaggy horse.

He squealed in terror and both paused. No warrior, bent on their destruction, was this. Raising his head from the dirt, an old, one-eyed man begged for mercy. His jester's clothes were a mess and his manner, pathetic... berating his horse for not warning him of the ambush that had awaited

them.

The two searchers laughed in relief. They had been fooled by the big, ugly brute of a horse and the cloaked rider.

"Who are you?" Shane roared, feigning anger.

The fool replied, stuttering, "I am your protector, sir... please, I am here to protect you and the lady from all manner of dark and angry demons."

"And how do you propose to do that?" Licia asked in a lighter tone, but suspicious still.

"With my lute, how else?" the fool answered, a silly grin now spreading across his face. "I travel this road only to protect you and the kind sir, m'lady. I pray, let me travel with you and the trip will be much safer for

us all." He began to hum as he rose, shaking the dirt from his cloak and straightening his colorful vest.

Shane and Licia conferred. "Our journey is a dangerous one," Shane warned, disinclined to take on this extra baggage.

The fool, seemingly disinterested in Shane's words, picked up his lute and began to play. Music, sweet and melodic, filled their ears. "Hmmm," Licia, a music lover, interjected, "Maybe we should keep this moron alive another day or so. Far better than listening to you bray trail songs for the next four days."

Shane shot her with his best pretense at a withering glare. "On your head then," he grumbled. He had no false illusions about his own singing voice, but the music made him think of Dianna's lovely voice. How she would hum and sing little ditties while doing her chores. Even the birds were jealous of her way with song. He lowered his voice, "Still, let us keep an eye on our supplies, eh?"

Shane turned sharply toward the strange man and growled, "Travel with us then fool, but we move quickly and will not wait."

The fool replied in song, plucking at his instrument, grinning and rolling his eyes, "Speed is my middle name, Oh ferocious warrior, darkness will retreat inch by inch in fear, at the sound of my voice. For 'tis my destiny to join in your endeavors, on this terrible road of tears. Sir, you've made the right choice."

They mounted their horses to the sound of the jester's tune and Licia's light

chuckling. Shane's face was iron in appearence, yet he was glad for the sound of her laughter. It gave him a sense of hope and somehow bolstered his resolve.

Many miles ahead, at The Temple of the Green Gate, a council was in session.Twelve ancients had gathered. Six men and six women met in conference, long awaited and prophesied for untold generations. The Temple was closed to the public for the first time in living memory, not that anyone frequented the place enough to notice.

A withered woman stood at the apex of the council chambers. Opening her strange eyes, glazed and fixed on the symbols carved into the center of the great stone table,

she croaked out, "The searchers come. We must prepare

and help as our natures allow. Powers gather...a storm comes. I have seen runes shine, in place eons old. I have seen rusted sacrificial knives, gleam new with fresh blood. Around our world, there arises a slow awakening of the dark way. The way of light has just become aware.

It begins again. The prophesy revealed to those with eyes to see, is at hand. No revelation has shown the truth of the end...which power will now prevail. We have survived and kept our vigil. Maybe well enough, only future events will tell. The end is near for this Council of the Ancients, and so it is meant to be. The searchers will be served and our vows kept.

by Wolf2Roger & Jade_Magick1

note: Haven't done a great job crediting images. We hope to get an illustrator and go with all original work. got a couple of Royos . Man on Horse is a nez pierce pre 1910. The woman with the headband came froma a russian gothic site We will try and hunt them down if anybody knows any of them please comment. thx

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Sunday, August 6th 2006

8:36 AM

Dianna's Gate Post 4

Dianna heard a lilting tune, somehow familiar, yet distorted and dark. Lying on the filthy cot, in semi-darkness, she saw the largest rat she had ever seen, scurrying along at the edge of the room. The huge black creature suddenly stopped and turned its eyes toward her. She expected a rat's normally beady eyes. These eyes were large and intelligent. They seemed to be trying to tell her something. Twitching long whiskers and showing long yellow teeth, the rat crept furtively closer. She closed her eyes and tried to scream, but the sound was covered by a loud clap of thunder. Her eyes sprang wide open and she found herself, effortlessly riding at the head of a mighty army, with a monstrous sword in her hand. The sword exuded an evil, seductive power, unfamiliar yet kindling a wild dark joy within her breast. It nurtured the deep need in her heart to seek vengeance for her loved ones. Fiery anger, building to a vast terrible fury was sweeping through her being. As the storm raged around her, she began to revel in the freedom of her hate. She saw the enemy rise up before her, small and weak, "Now," she laughed cruelly, "I will have my way".

Dianna was intent on the destruction of this enemy. She felt as though she flew toward the small group. Fury incarnate, she brought the mighty sword to bear and was about to strike when she realized that the face of her brother and aunt were before her. She reeled back in confusion and found herself standing beyond the Green Gate, a jester dancing insanely before her. With the voice of a choir boy he was singing that strangely familiar song. Light and enchanting, the song mesmerized her. He sang and whirled around her, wielding an old parchment scroll as if it were a weapon. She felt almost as if she were dreaming, when the fool suddenly stopped before her. His eyes met hers and as he thrust his face toward her, it melted away until it was nothing but a skull. She screamed and sat up, grasping at the coarse blanket she had been given.

Dianna's breath was labored as realized she had been dreaming. She tried for some control of her emotions, yet still felt like a lost child. She sat with her head in her hands and began to weep. She was trying so hard to be strong, but felt overwhelmed. So many emotions were battling within her, Dianna allowed herself a moment of fear and doubt. Only a small time was spent in self pity, before she berated herself for her lack of strength and decided to use the energy wasted on pity to plan. She had to think of a way to reach out to her brother, to let him know where she was.

Tears still clouding her vision, she saw movement in the corner of the cell. A large rat lumbered toward the cell door. Not near as large as the one in her dream, still it unsettled her. The rat had something in its mouth and as it came into the dim light, she saw that it carried an eyeball. Disgusted and appalled, she recoiled with a smothered cry. The gray, tattered rat, stopped its movements and dropped the eye. Sitting back on its haunches, it looked directly at her and said, "Ah Dianna, you are finally awake. Come, it's time to go."

Was she awake? She sat pondering the thought, dizzy and confused, when the rat spoke again. "Do not fear me child, I am here to help. I was once Starks master. I treated him with patience and care, as if he were my own son, yet to this moment he thinks he has destroyed me. So painful to have such a trust broken...to realize that the love was false. He used me to gain a dark power for himself and I must needs do what I can to help rectify this crime. So I am here, with what paltry power I have left at your disposal."

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Saturday, August 5th 2006

9:51 AM

Dianna's Gate part 5 The Trail

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note. The song is by jade_magick showing where the talent is in this collaboration Nice Job D.

Part 5 Dianna's Gate The Trail

The trio of travelers were debating the need to stop for the night. Shane insisted that they should keep moving at all cost. He was impatient to find Dianna and wanted no argument. The jester tried sensible logic, "truly warrior, it will do no good to be asleep on our horses at midday tomorrow." He absently patted the neck of his gargantuan steed. "And my friend here needs his rest also. He becomes quite grumpy without his beauty sleep."

Back and forth they debated until Licia could take no more. "Enough you two," she lifted her voice, exasperated and over tired, "mine is the vote that counts and I've decided that the fool is right. We'll seek a place to camp for the night. End of argument!"

Shane grumbled, but knew they would need sleep. They had no idea of what lay before them and a good soldier knows the value of being well rested. But he couldn't get relief from the knot that lay in the pit of his stomach. He knew he would have no peace from it until he could see Dianna's face again.

They settled in a quiet hollow, a good half mile from the road. Shane knew his way around the area fairly well and knew this to be a good place to camp. Private, easily guarded and a stream of fresh water nearby, they busied themselves setting up camp for the night. The jester, surprisingly, was good for more than song. His talents with building a rather proper fire and the fact that he had brought his own generous store of food, made him more welcome.

Once they all had eaten, Shane was ready to retire, hoping to rise before dawn. There was no argument from the his companions, but neither moved to a bedroll. The jester picked up his lute and began to absentmindedly strum a lovely ditty. Before long and to the astonishment of both men, Licia pulled from her pack, a small reed pipe. She began to follow along with the tune and as they played it became louder and livelier. The jester could restrain himself no more. He began to sing the song with the gusto it deserved and Licia tried to keep up, stifling the laughter that threatened to overwhelm her ability to accompany..

"I had a fair trinket

my lady to give

and though you'd not think it

by the way that i live

the bauble was lovely

but so was my meg

the cost was above me

i near had to beg

i dream't of my sweetheart

she'd kiss me so sweet

her lips would soft part

for my lips to meet

i had to have purchase

so i sold me ol' horse

doubts rose to the surface

i drownt them of course

i delivered my present

expectant and shy

i was washed and quite decent

i'm telling no lie

the trinket she savored

but all in due course

no man would she favor

with naught e'en a horse."

As the last note still hung in the air, Licia's laughter could no longer be contained. She had enjoyed hearing her father absently singing this tune when she was a child and the memories were refreshing. She would not question the moment. Licia knew she had to let herself experience the few fragments of joy she could gather day to day. Life was often a heavy burden and those happy moments were a short reprieve from the weight.

Shane lay, with his back turned from the reveling. Despite himself, the sound of the music and laughter lifted his dark mood and he soon fell into a sound sleep. His companions talked quietly for awhile, then, they too retired for the night.

Somewhere between the world of dreams and reality, a shadow made itself known to Shane. With a warrior's senses, an unusual sound from the horses was all it took to bring him to alertness. He stiffened moving no muscle other than those that opened his eyes and he kept his breathing at an even rate...yet every receptor in his being was on overdrive. Something or someone was moving about the camp. He had rolled over in the night and could now see the shapes of Licia and the jester, in the rosy hue that was the birth of dawn; both still lying quietly in their bedrolls. What he couldn't see was his aunt's eyes opened, in tiny slits...for she also had the keen senses of a soldier.

A dark, cloaked figure came into his view...stealthily moving toward the jester. Shane listened intently to the movement, to ascertain the number of intruders. As far as he could tell, there was just one.

Suddenly, with the speed and grace of a panther, he grabbed his sword and swiftly closed the distance between his bed and the culprit. At the same moment, Licia leaped from her bed with a war cry, that would have curdled his blood, had it not been so familiar. The tactic worked it's charm on the creature. It was frozen where it stood. Lifting its crouching body, it gasped what might be it's last breath.

Both Licia and Shane held the stranger at sword point. It remained hidden in hood and cloak, with head bent.

"Who are you?" Licia demanded.

The lack of movement within the cloak, brought an instinctive reaction, raising Shane's hackles. Not one to ignore the voice of nature, Shane lost patience, "Answer!" he shouted. Grabbing the back of the hood, he yanked..preparing to reveal a killer...but the cloak gave way entirely to reveal nothing but air.

by Wolf2Roger & JadeMagick1

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Friday, August 4th 2006

10:42 AM

Dianna's Gate part 6 Then There Were 4

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Dianna's Gate part 6 Then there were 4
Current mood: chipper
Category: Writing and Poetry

Link to parts 1 to 6 in order Dianna's Gate click

Now it was Licia and Shane who stood, confounded.

Renaud, the jester, had stumbled to his feet, before his mind was done reeling from Licia's war cry. Still somewhat off balance with what was occurring, he didn't seem as dumb-struck as his companions.

To complete their confusion, he leaned into the cloak and sniffed. An expanding grin spread across his face. A familiar scent of spices and flowers told him this was no enemy. Curiously, Shane lifted the cloak to his nose, keeping a wary eye on the fool. A heady scent, sweet and delicate. Renaud scowled and snatched the cloak from him.

"By the stars!", Licia exclaimed in wonder, "What ails you, fool. Have you finally lost whatever fragments of sanity you once had?"

"No, indeed, lady," he laughed, "unbridled delight is often mistaken for insanity, and I'm thoroughly delighted." His eyes began to comb the edges of the campsite, as though he were seeking treasure. He lifted his voice, "Selene! It's safe, my dear, no one will harm you here."

Like a lovely nymph, stepping from the forests embrace, a young woman appeared and ran to Renaud, throwing her arms around his neck. "Oh Father, I'm sorry to cause such a stir. I was so worried about you. I just couldn't stay home, pacing the floor, not knowing your fate." The fool tried to effect a disapproving glare, but managed only a comical frown, which withered quickly to a soft smile.

" I had my reasons for telling you to stay at home, but I can't say that I'm not happy you're here. There is much to discuss of this , my rebellious child. First let me introduce you to my friends."

Shane would have wondered at the jester's usage of the word "friends", if he'd not been totally mesmerized this young goddess. She was several years his junior a young woman of ethereal beauty.

She observed the world with large blue eyes, the shade of a clear summer sky. He was momentarily captivated by them. She had wild black hair cascading to her waist and her skin was like fine white porcelain.

"This is my precious child, Selene." Renaud looked like he might burst with pride as he kept a protective arm around her shoulders. "Selene, this is Licia and her nephew Shane, both warriors of great renown." She smiled shyly at the pair and the sight of it made Shane's head reel. How could such a lovely creature be the product of one such as the fool? Licia was quick to notice his reaction and slugged him on the nearest arm.

"Hey, Prince Gallant, say hello." She whispered a bit too loud.

"Wha? Oh, hello." he said absently, as his eyes shot blades of fire at Licia...then to the jester. He opened his mouth to vent venom on the idea of having yet another member in their troop, but Licia's curiosity had her throwing questions before he could speak. Renaud informed them that his daughter had shown certain talents as a child and had been sent to receive schooling from an ancient but wise wizard, far to the east.

"She has learned to be very creative with her talents, you might say. The disappearing trick is but one of her many talents," he beamed. Licia saw the girl blush and laugh nervously, but noticed that Selene's attention was more on Shane than what her father was saying.

Shane had turned toward the horses, trying to smother the physical response he felt at the sound of her laughter. He should probably have Licia punch him again, to wake him from his nonsense. "We need to be breaking camp soon," his voice harsher than necessary.

Shane sobering thought and now there are 4! An old fool and his young daughter, his aunt, past her prime as a warrior if not in her guile and experience, and himself. He was worried to the point of nausea for his sister and for the weakness of the party of would be rescuers.

A horde of demonae with black-hearted merciless wizards directing them were their seemingly overwhelming opponents.

I pray there is help at the green temple he thought as they started the trek once again in the faint dawn light.

by Wolf2Roger & JadeMagick1
© 2007 Wolf2Roger&JadeMagick1

Art from wikipedia Public domain collection

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Thursday, August 3rd 2006

5:25 AM

Dianna's Gate part 7 Battle at The Temple of the Green Gate

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Battle at Temple of the Green Gate

Dianna, in shock, from the ordeal of losing her parents and facing her situation, thought she was losing her mind. She could barely see the rodent in the dim light of the dingy cell. The rat attempted to soothe her, squeaking, but somehow with authority, "If I use the energy now to transform myself to my true form girl, it may be detected. What have you got to lose? Come with me. It is out of Stark's lair anyway, eh?"

Dianna nodded slowly and the rat dragged a key through a grating in the wall. They left through the door and followed a dark corridor to a staircase leading downward.

As the four searchers approached Klesh they were aware of Demonae horde sign everywhere around them it seemed.

Licia commented, "Seabirds don't belong here. How could it have gotten here except through a gate. This is a bigger town than they have dared attack previously. All this attention is not for us. There's no way we are perceived as much of a threat, if they even know we exist".

They came to the outskirts of the city and found the normal bustle of late afternoon in the town, as people returned to work after their siesta or were heading to dinner.

Shane grunted, "Let's hope they don't. We need to find care for the horses and continue to the temple".

Renaud with his usual lopsided smile entered the conversation, "Oh, I think tonight they will get to know us quite well. Intimately in fact". Selene looked worried. Shane and Licia knew, by this time, daughters that appear and disappear and war chargers under a fool, make for more than meets the eye.

The people seemed unaware of a heaviness in the atmosphere that was plain to the four.

Licia and Shane, by the blood in their veins and Renaud and Selene by training. They found what seemed a suitable stable near the center of town and the Temple of The Green Gate. The temple seemed battered and not at all cared for.

A simple matter to quarter the horses and they continued toward the temple. At the gate of the temple Shane commented that it looked deserted. It was closed to the public that day for the first time in written memory. Nobody came anymore so nobody noticed. As they entered, a servant approached, "the searchers", she said, more a statement than question.

Licia and Renaud both answered "yes". The servant took them to the council room entrance. Here Renaud said to Selene "Ward this place quickly as you can if you can. We'll be right inside. Don't come through that door. We may have to leave through a gate and then it will be up to you to continue from this plane. This is of the utmost importance".

Shane looked relieved. He did not want to be protecting anybody. He wanted to be able to do anything he felt he had to, to insure his sister's return without worrying about others.

Selene looked unhappy and said "I'm sure I can be more useful than the warrior in this". Shane looked a little shocked.

Renaud said "Perhaps, but he cannot ward this place and keep the horde at bay while the principles play the game." She nodded still looking unhappy.

Shane, Licia and the Fool entered the council room of the Green Gate Temple. The Fool had been playing his lute and spouting one nonsense after another as they came through the last corridor to the temple council room. Amanda, the withered leader of the council, greeted them. "Welcome searchers. I think we have what you need."

The jester sang, "there was a young girl from Klesh who danced in nothing but.... " He hesitated, and looked up at the sound of Amanda's voice. With a grin he said, quite loudly, " Amanda you randy old girl. I always thought you were the lustiest wench in these parts. You did not think I would make the party did you, eh?"

Amanda wanted to smile. You could see the glee rise in her face but then her eyes fell. Alas she had seen how this day played out too many times and sorrow replaced the rising smile. "Renaud you crazy old fool, I knew you would come regardless of the likely cost. To hide the unfamiliar emotion, she snapped, "Jon, get the damned sword and the key. It is about time the artifacts saw the light of day after all this time."

A dark hole started to form at one side of the hall.

Few minutes before this, Stark, the beautiful (until you looked into her eyes) Neela, and the noxious ape Pidar had their own conference. Pidar growled, his only tone, "the horde is ready and the preparations made."

Neela purring questioned "You are sure you will know when the artifacts are not warded?"

Stark annoyed at the question replied, "Yes, Dianna's aura has changed. I already know" he snapped. "I would not have kept all this power at the ready if I was not sure of the chance coming now. The battle will be joined again. Let's go to the gate and be ready for anything. Get the sword, get the key, kill anybody that gets in the way. The power to control many times and places is at stake and almost within our grasp. Dianna is the catalyst, with her we could control this planet". His voice rose to a maniacal pitch, "You know the plan, let's get it all. Immortality and absolute power!"

He moved toward the dark Gate, his eyes gleaming. For a moment, Stark was distracted when he noticed one of his minions missing an eye. Some unimportant spat over food, he suspected. He ignored that and went through the Gate.

Two of the walls blew out. Surprisingly the dome over the room remained. Shane was hurled into one of the remaining walls. His thought was sooner or later honest steel against honest steel with these scum. Licia hid behind a stone table that had been overturned and hurled to the wall like a leaf. Renaud was with her. He spoke to Licia, "here girl", handing her his lute. "Play me a battle song. It will help. You have some small bit of your niece's talent. The blood ya know". He smiled, winked and started to leave the shelter, finishing, "something that reminds you of clean battle like training on a mountain side on a frosty morning".

Licia felt a strange flow of energy as she started to play. That she was obeying the fool startled her but she knew this was not her type of battle. Maybe she could help somehow.

As Stark , Neela and Pidar stepped through the gate, Renaud laughed, saying, " Who invited you three piles o' dung to the tea party?" The dark gate stopped growing and the horde appeared frozen on the edge of two realities, obviously Selene was doing her part. A sense of humor apparent, fire breathing butterflies and fanged, taloned frogs attacked the trio.

Amanda was desperately trying to open the Green Gate that she had been the human caretaker of for so many years. Stark screamed "No! There will be no Elven magic here". He struck the crone. The incipient opening for the Green Gate collapsed as Amanda fell to the floor. Renaud fended off the onslaught of Neela's power with his own slight magic, while Shane and Pidar were dueling with more physical weapons. Licia continued to play, not realizing that her music was the source of the fool's magic.

Stark picked up a long dark sword from the council table. A humming of energy was heard over the battle and the sword crackled with dark power. When he tried to lift the key, his hand was burned and he fell back.

Shane, his hands full with the Ape, didn't notice that Neela had turned her gaze to him, until he was knocked across the room. Licia stopped playing to run to his side.

Stark turned his attention to Renaud and Renaud's fate was sealed under the power of the sword. Three slashes it took to get through his shield. The smell of burning and the screeching sound of battle was over. As Renaud went down, the Green Gate started to open again. Stark snarled, hate in his eyes and voice, "die Renaud die".

He and his cohorts, retreated through his dark gate. It snapped closed. Death and destruction in it's wake.

Amanda crawled over to Renaud, to hold him as he left this reality. Shane, injured himself, came also. Leaning heavily on Licia, he was saddened and furious that he had been useless in this battle. The fool quietly, with dignity held Amanda rather than the other way around. With his eyes still clear and his voice still firm, he said to Shane. "Take this parchment, give it to Dianna". Weakly he pulled a rolled parchment, looking very old and fragile, from his colorful vest. "The sword is not important, it is a tool you could never use for the light. It was his the day he chose his road. The key is important but useless without this. It is a song to be used when Dianna has opened her Gate". Amanda gently lay the fool's head on her lap. He winked at her and his voice barely audible, whispered, "Amanda, next time around we will play more."

Renaud's body floated toward The Green Gate. It received his as sweetly as a mother's arms and closed behind him, without ever completely opening.

©JadeMagick1&Easy Rog

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Monday, July 17th 2006

10:16 AM

An Imagined Meeting One for the Net eh?

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An Imagined Meeting

It Is 4:am and I cannot sleep

I write of My Desire

I leave the bus backpack held tight

to meet my friend of a long time

for the first time

Many Hours spent laughing and

Helping Each Other as We could

Across the Miles

Confidante Trusted Muse

Flirtatious Friend and

Much Support through

Trouble and Partner Through all.

And so we Meet

She Approaches

So Easy to Assume

the Trusted Friend Role

a Hug a Smile. "Hi, it

was a good trip"

Stop

No Friend Here

Instead a Person Whose

Connection I Crave

A Rare and Beautiful

Spirit Loving Sensuous

A Huge Foolish Grin Splits My Face

Hidden as a Shy Boy

Now The Grin Encouraged and

Welcomed is this Involuntary Sign

Of My Passion and My Joy

Blushing a Brushing of Lips

an Intimate Touch of Hands

An Embrace A Whispered Finally

Release, Eyes Mischievious

and Still the Foolish Grin

Flushed and Happy

at My Souls Core

And then that prude convention

will be served

Coffee to see I Bear no Axes and

She Truly Feminine and not; a 600

pound man.

The Grin Here Too Will Peek Out

and My Eyes Flash

Heart Fluttering and Laughter

Later well A Story for Another Day

If Shyness Loses and the Tale

May Be Too Private. If Told it

will only be

from Memory

Imagination Playing No

Role.

Oh yes less you Misunderstand

A Friend to be Treasured just not the only Role

by me

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Monday, July 17th 2006

10:04 AM

One From a Friend One Path

One Path

Two men on a path in opposing directions,

met somewhere between and stopped for reflection

They spoke of their families, their past and their homes,

Of the places they'd seen and the people they'd known

One spoke of his child, a strapping young son

And all of the feats and the wonders he'd done.

An honest young man in deed and in heart

So sad time had broadened their distance apart.

One spoke of his father, a man without measure,

whose guidance and wisdom had been his life's treasure.

He knew the old man had wanted what's best,

Yet the dreams of his youth lured him far from the nest.

Lone men on a path had discovered reception,

Each seeking to heal some long broken connection.

The young trav'ler knew no more reasons to roam,

The elder man said, "Son, it's time to come home".

by Donna

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Saturday, July 15th 2006

8:45 AM

An apology

Mood: Contrite
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I finally went to look at my numbers and apparently I have a few readers. I should not have erased my posts without some warning. If anybody wants to see any pariticular thing I will repost it. Leave a comment. Also they are all at a myspace blog I have Now I am starting a new collaboration and I hope you enjoy it. Thanks for reading my stuff and.....

Best Rog Oh yeah it will not happen again

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