Date: Thu, 02 Jul 1998 21:18:01 -0600 Subject: [ffml] Re: [MW] The Caliph's fall From: His Dark Lordship Twas 02-Jul-98, whence The One and Only Shadow didst dost proclaimeth to me... > Khattan was pissed. He didn't have the resources to fight his older brother for the > throne. But...he knew where he could get some. Mog. Yes, Mog. If Mog heard about what > he could accomplish by capturing the Caliph's throne, he would certainly agree to help > Khattan! Yes...he must get to Mog...luckily, he knew exactly where Mog's camp was...it > was just a matter of time... He was quickly apprehended by the moogle troops as he neared their encampment. Taken straight to Mog, he felt almost certain his mission would be acomplished. "So then, I sent Nigar's head flying and we ransacked his keep." finished Cloud. "Excellent." smiled Mog "You will be well rewarded." he winked. Khattan grimaced at the thought, but sat obidiently as Mog turned to him. "So, why are you sneaking around our encampment?" "I seek help against my brother." replied Khattan. "He is the new Caliph of Tavan-dirith." "Really.." said Mog. "Excuse me a moment." He went in the other room, and spoke to Tifa. "When Shadow comes, keep him distracted for a little while. Tell him I'll compensate for the lost time." He returned to the other room to address Khattan. "So how would we benifit from this? Would you supply us with troops, war machines, and perhaps the Caliph's wives?" Aeris gave Mog a sharp look. "It's not for me, I'm not *THAT* horny. They're for the troops." "Oh." she smiled. He turned back to Khattan. "So? How will we benefit from helping you conquer your brother?" Date: Fri, 3 Jul 1998 00:17:35 -0400 From: tha-doggfatha@juno.com (The One and Only Shadow) "How would you benefit? I would give you 50 percent of the empire!" Khattan exclaimed in glee. Date: Fri, 3 Jul 1998 07:40:17 -1000 From: His Dark Lordship Mog smiled. "Ah, hell with it." Mog readied up his troops and prepared to lay waste to the Caliph's empire. With quick agility Mog redied a decent sized army from his forces, and marched straight in. They attacked several city states on the way, kupo'ing as they went. The mighty dildo weapon smashed down the toughest of walls, and the army quickly strode to the trade city of Tavan-dirith. The Caliph's mechs fought hard against the magitek dreadnoughts but were unable to withstand the moogles numbers. Khattan smiled as his new found allies approached the walls of Tavan-Dirith... END Date: Fri, 3 Jul 1998 01:11:28 -0700 Subject: [ffml] Re: [MW] The Caliph's fall From: "Beth Davis" In all of the clamor and chaos, no one noticed the slender figure of a veiled woman slip through a crevice in the palace gates. She remained in the shadows, silent, as hordes of armed horsemen galloped past cursing and yelling at each other. Her heart thudded with each pounding hoofbeat, but her mind was calm and resolved. "My sweet Farfalla," Caliph Armisia had murmured to her only days before. "You are my most treasured daughter. Out of the 37 girls by wives have produced, you, my butterfly, are the sweetest and most loyal. It saddens me that I someday may not see your darling face in the morning, bringing me my jasmine tea. "I fear, my butterfly, that my end is soon. The sweet Lady Paladin has dreamed of my death for many nights, and I fear it will come to pass. She is a woman of great gifts, and I trust her greatly. Be on guard, precious Farfalla. When my death comes, escape while you can. Go to the stables and release my gryphon, Talkron, and then the rest of the beasts. For when my sons squabble, as I have no doubt that will come to pass, my pets must not fall into their hands. Once this deed is done, mount Talkron and head east. Once you are clear of the city, fly to the encampment of the High Lord Bacca. He is a noble man, and lover to the Lady Paladin. Hand him this note, penned and sealed by my own hand. He will know what to do." The girl repeated his speech like a religious chant in her mind. Her every action was mechanical, following his orders. Farfalla crept to the gryphon stables, and to her relief, the fine beasts had been forgotten in the lust for blood. She slipped the latch from Talkron's stall, and the beast stayed close to her side. Since the death of his first wife years before, Talkron had been the Caliph's closest companion. Farfalla had no doubt but that the creature could sense his master's death and knew why she was there. Within minutes, the woman had released all 37 of the gryphons. Just as voices seemed to be drawing closer, Farfalla took to the sky, mounted on Talkron. The gryphons flocked around her in an protective formation, escorting her as they flew further and further away from the burning trade city. Despite the chill of the evening wind in the sky, Farfalla's veils did not billow about, but were melded to her body. It was impossible to distinguish the stain of her blood from the dye of the red silk. Date: Fri, 3 Jul 1998 09:12:41 -1000 From: The One and Only Shadow Subject: [ffml] Re: [MW] The Caliph's fall On Fri, 03 Jul 1998 11:40:17 -0600 His Dark Lordship writes: >Khattan smiled as his new found allies approached the walls of >Tavan-Dirith... > "Mog, the city will be ours!" Khattan exclaimed in glee. "Yes, it will be, won't it?" Mog answered. "Just, don't try to damage it that much. I don't want to end up ruling a ruin." "Yes, of course." Mog answered, casually. The army was 3 miles away from Tavan-dirith, now. Khattan smirked when he remembered how his father had stupidly donated most of his best weaponry to that infidel Bacca. That left his brother Kalyd with nothing to defend himself with. This was going to be an easy victory. Khattan would soon be Caliph. Meanwhile, inside the castle... "What do you mean all the griffins are gone?!?!" Kalyd yelled at the Chancellor. "They are all gone. Someone must have stolen them." "WHAT?! Those were my father's prized possesions! Without them, everything is lost! We can't beat Khattan! Did you see that army of moogles he has with him? And that Dildo Weapon, the power of that thing is immense! All hope is lost!" "We must fight bravely, Kalyd. Your father wouldn't surrender the kingdom, no matter what odds he was against," the Chancellor said, trying to reassure Kalyd that all wasn't lost. "How many troops do we have left?" "Enough to handle Mog's ground forces. I don't know about that Dildo Weapon though. That thing is huge. And those Magitek Dreadnoughts. They're taking out our mech's so easily! And, as I already told you, our airforce is gone. Mog is within 5 miles away. We have to do something fast." "This can't be happening? Where are my father's allies?" "Lord Nightlin is rapidly approaching from the east. His army won't be able to withstand Mog's though. We haven't recieved word from any others." "Dammit! Are they all scared of Mog or something?!" "I guess so." "ARGH! Fine, let the war begin! Only a miracle can save us now!" Kalyd yelled, as he left the briefing room and began preparations for the impending war. Date: Fri, 3 Jul 1998 22:07:21 -1000 Subject: [ffml] [MW] Farfalla From: "Beth Davis" > Despite the chill of the evening wind in the sky, > Farfalla's veils did not > billow about, but were melded to her body. It was impossible to > distinguish > the stain of her blood from the dye of the red silk. The night-time flight was harsh, but it was not a comfort to see the sun rising over the distant mountains. The attentive guards of Bacca's camp quickly noticed the approaching flock, so when they landed there was a group of guards awaiting. Farfalla pulled herself from Talkron's back, and stood stiffly. The soldiers did not concern her; she had expected a welcome such as this. The guards kept their distance from the gryphons, and by the expressions on their faces they did not look happy. Farfalla suddenly recalled that her beasts had undoubtedly frightened off all of the horses on this side of the camp. The leader of the guards shouted to her, "Who are you and why are you here?" She confidently walked towards the guard, still staying within the ring formation that the gryphons had made. "I am Farfalla D'Sharin, daughter of the Caliph Armisia. I have come to speak with High Lord Bacca and the Lady Paladin on an urgent matter." The guards looked at each other. "They are not at the camp at this time. Show yourself, Lady Farfalla, so that we may know your face." With a graceful motion, she pulled the veil loose from her face. The lead guard cast his eyes downward. "I am sorry I had to ask you to do that, Lady Farfalla. You may cover yourself again." "I expected to have to do this," she coolly replied, pulling the veil back up to conceal from her nose to her neck. "When will the Lord and Lady return?" "It could be anytime now or days, Lady. We do not know. We could send a messenger if you wish, so that they will hurry." She nodded. "That will be best. I will wait here among my gryphons. When they return, please have them sent straight to me." His face scrunched in surprise. "Have you no need for shelter, food, privacy?" "What I have will suffice. Leave me be." She moved beside Talkron and then sat, facing the camp. Date: Fri, 3 Jul 1998 17:51:17 -1000 From: The One and Only Shadow Subject: [ffml] [MW] A New Weapon From: tha-doggfatha@juno.com (The One and Only Shadow) In Caliph Kalyd's personal quarters... "Caliph Kalyd, I have something to tell you." "Surely, it isn't anything that'll make the situation better..." Kalyd said, disgruntled. "Yes, it is. Your father had a supreme weapon hidden under the castle. For the past few hours, we have been excavating it under the order of the Chancellor." "What?! Why wasn't I told of this?" "Well, the Chancellor tried to tell you, but, you were too busy whining about your impending defeat." "Oh. I see. So, what's the weapon?" "It's called the Ultra Deluxe Mega Super Zord. It is just as big as the Dildo Weapon, probably even bigger." "Really? Who's going to pilot the damned thing?" "You, sir." "What?!?" "Only one with the Caliph's blood in him can pilot the Zord." "All right then. When will it be ready?" "It's ready now." "Is the army ready?" "Yes. Mog is right outside the city walls with his army." "I know. It's time, then. Mobilize the army!" A half and hour later... The Caliph's army was ready for battle. Lord Nightlin had arrived with his troops. Together, they could hold off Mog's ground forces. But, they wouldn't know how long they could withstand the attack. Moogles are known for their incredible stamina. "Chancellor, is the Ultra Deluxe Mega Super Zord ready?" Kalyd yelled to the Chancellor. "Yes, it is. You have to enter it now. Come with me." The Caliph was strapped into a chair. The chair was slowly raised into the body of the Zord. It was ready for battle. "Caliph Kalyd, I will communicate to you through this radio," the Chancellor's voice said from a nearby speaker. "All right. Let's see how to work this thing." The Caliph began taking note of all the gadgetry around him. He would have to learn how to operate the thing by scratch, because no one knew how to operate it in the first place. He carefully pulled a lever on his right. "Caliph, you're stepping on the soldiers!" the radio screamed. Quickly, the Caliph pulled the lever back. That was obviously the one that controlled walking. "Sorry. Any damages?" "20 dead. 15 wounded." "Damn!" The Caliph cursed. "Tell all soldiers around the immediate area to get the hell out of the way!" "Yes sir!" the radio said. After a few minutes it responded back with, "No troops around the Zord anymore Sir. You may do as you please." Now, he could test the levers without worry. He began to pull the left one, when the radio screamed, "Sir, the Dildo Weapon is approaching at a fast speed!" "What?! What about Mog's ground forces?" "They don't seem to be advancing. Just the Dildo Weapon." "All right! If Mog wants a duel, he'll get one!" "Be careful sir!" "Don't worry!" Kalyd yelled with pride. He began to walk the Zord forward. He couldn't see anything in his monitor. "Are you sure it's after me?" "Yes, sir! It's right underneath you now!" "What?!" "Oh my god sir!" "What, what's going on?" The Zord began to shake uncontrollably. "Why is the Zord shaking?!" "Sir...um...you have a problem." "What?! What's the problem?" "The Dildo Weapon is literally shoving itself up your ass!" "Agh!" Kalyd yelled. How was he to get out of this situation? "Sir, you better hurry and do something, it's going to climax!" "WHAT?! Is that possible from a piece of rubber!?!?!" "Well, I hear that they've really advanced the technology the past few years." the radio answered. "Eh...how do you know about that?" "Um..." the radio voice paused for a second. "Oh forget it! I have other things to worry about besides my Chancellor's sexuality!" "Yes, you do sir. The Dildo's beginning to shake even more uncontrollaby than ever! Do something sir! It's causing earthquakes down here!" "I have to think!" the Caliph said, banging his head into the dashboard. Kalyd was in trouble. Big trouble. Dildo trouble. Date: Sat, 4 Jul 1998 15:26:09 -1000 Subject: [ffml] [MW] Fall of Tavan-Dirith From: His Dark Lordship Kalyd didn't know what to do. His zord was getting.. kupoed. The hull wailed in pain. "What the hell am I supposed to do!?!" he screamed over the radio. "I don't know!" yelled the radio back. "Hmmm.." he thought. "What does this button do?" He pressed it. "ALERT! ALERT!" yelled the system. "Break dancing mode initiated! Buckle your seatbelts!" "But I don't have a seatbelt.." whined Kalyd. "AUUUGH!" He flew forward as the zord dropped to the ground and began having an epileptic attack. Moogle and Human troops darted from it. Its arm flew down, crushing part of the cities' walls. "Sir! Dildo weapon seems to be burrowing itself up you! It's almost at the cockpit! Get out of there!" "I can't sucknob! The damn thing's breakdancing!" "Hit the emergancy key!" Kalyd did such, and suddenly it stopped. All was quiet. The hull creaked again. He wiped the sweat off his brow. "Sir! It's banging the wall! Get out of there!" Kalyd, suddenly aware of what was going on, grabbed a fire extiguisher and bashed it against the window of the zord several times. FInallly, the cracks in the glass began to give way. He pushed at them with his fingers. Then the wall creaked behind him again, and he heard the sound of metal splitting asunder, and he slowly turned around.. He was staring at the nob of a giant penis. He could almost make out eyes from underneath it. The hole in the nob spat out a white fluid at him. It caught him right against the chest, and he screamed as it ate through his armour and burnt his flesh. A couple more spurts of the acidic jizz hit the control board. It burst into flames. He rolled about in pain. And the walls creaked again.. The last thing he saw was the sharp teeth from underneath the nob coming down on him... * * * * * * * * "Well, Khattan, dildo weapon got him." said Mog. "Go in and get your crown." "Yes! I am Caliph! Whoo-hoo!" Khattan marched through the hole in the wall and stood proud. He entered the palace and sat on his newly claimed throne. Mog was right behind him. "As new Caliph, I hereby sentence all of Kalyd's advisors to death if they will not show allegiance to me." He then turned to Mog. "And you, my friend. I will supply you with all that you need." "And we will take it gladly." chuckled Mog. "And all else.." "Huh?" asked Khattan. "You forget that you are human. And we are here to destroy all humans." Outside, screams of citizens could be heard. Kupos sprouted up from the origin of the screams. The two guards in the throne room barred the door, but it was crushed by the horde of Moogleboars, who poured in. Khattan stepped back against the wall. "The Caliph's wives are upstairs and yours. Please, let us be.." he stammered. Mog simply chuckled. "Woe to the conquered." Date: Sun, 5 Jul 1998 11:49:57 -1000 Subject: [ffml] [MW] Returning to camp From: Sky H Ainsworth Immediately after the confrontation with the ghost and its subsequent ensealment, the party gathered gathered in the plaza and then boarded an airship to return to the base. Lady Paladin was resting in the officers cabin below while the heroes stood on deck, talking. "So what did you find in that cave?" asked Bacca. Kaitlin produced an axe-head. It looked like stone, yet shone with metallic glints. "This was under a large flat stone decorated in runes," said the druidess, inspecting the blade. "It is very powerful and much of what the ruins spoke about I am unsure of. But this axe holds magical abilities. I think it causes fear and panic in opposing troops in battle." Bacca's eyes widened. "Really?" he took the axe head and ran his fingers over the texture. "With such a weapon as this, we could cause some serious damage to those damn moogles." Kaitlin shook her head, absent-mindly. "It is very ancient, but the power within it is still quite viable." "Well, Kaitlin," said Bacca, handing the axe back to her. "I want you to examine this blade and make sure that there are no hidden powers to it. When we return to camp, have one of the weaponsmiths make a handle for it. Then give it to me. We will see how effective it is in battle." He smiled. "We also found these items," said Kaitlin. She indicated some objects and the heroes discussed their importance. In the officer's cabin, Bacca walked softly in and sat down on a bunk facing Lady Paladin. She was still resting. Bacca crept to her side and gently stroked her face. Lady's eyes opened softly. "You should sleep," whispered Bacca. "How can I when you are near me?" she asked, also in a whisper. "I want to look upon you all the time." Bacca smiled, as did Lady. "I cannot get enough of your smile." Bacca chuckled. He bent down and kissed Lady's forehead. "I am very proud of you for what you did back there. I wish I had known how difficult it was, then I would not have you do it." "No one else could have done it as good as I did. Besides, it was hard because of the amount of power required to seal the stone." Bacca said nothing. He looked deep into Lady's eyes. He took in the depth of her irises, the color of her gentle blue eyes. He absent-mindedly stroked her blond hair with his hand. Lady took Bacca's other hand in both her own and held it, squeezing it gently now and then. The hull of the corvette creaked and Bacca knew they had arrived at the camp. The airship was slowing down and turning slightly to get in line with the camp. The ship descended gently. Bacca could not quite tell the airship was descending since the floater stone's field did not allow altitude to be felt. If it did, then people would be complaining of earaches all the time. The corvette landed. Bacca helped Lady to her feet and helped her out. Walking down the gang plank to the ground, an officer approached. "Sir," said the officer with a salute. "A woman arrived earlier today with a flock of gryphons. She wishes to see you and the Lady Paladin. Her name is Falfella and she says she is the daughter of the Caliph Armisia." Both Bacca and Lady's eyes widened. "Thank you," said Bacca. "Lady do you want to go now? I think you should rest." "No, let's go," she said. Lady stood unaided and began to walk. "I am fine and feeling much better now." Bacca smiled and followed the officer to the gryphons. Date: Sun, 5 Jul 1998 22:46:30 -1000 From: "Beth Davis" The officer led the way to where the gryphons had landed, at the southern end of camp. Bacca quietly moved up alongside Lady Paladin just in case her strength gave out on her. "So, what do you know of this Farfalla?" he murmured. "She's the Caliph's favorite daughter, and one of the most intelligent women I've ever met. I...I'm stunned she's here, though...she has never left the palace in her life." The healer stared straight ahead and bit her lip in worry. "Something has gone very wrong...I'm afraid that my warning wasn't enough...." "Whoa, wait a second here...what warning?" Bacca's brow furrowed. Lady Paladin spoke in a soft whisper so no one else could overhear. "My dreams. In many of them, the Caliph was assassinated. I tried to out-maneuver fate by warning him, but it appears my attempt failed." They were getting close to were the gryphons were. "When did you send this message?" he asked, still angry that he had not been informed. "The Caliph has been a valuable ally, I had a right to know." She gave him a soft smile. "I sent it two days ago, immediately after Crystal Peak. And it would have done no good for me to tell you, because it was by no means certain. According to a few of my dreams, I was supposed to have died at Crystal Peak, fighting against one of the rare species of squid mages. But I am still here, and fought no such mage. It doesn't help to have us jumping like dragoons at every shadow...just trust me and my gift." The sounds of the camp were faint behind them, and before them was a remarkable sight. Thirty-six of the finest breed of gryphons were in a wide ring. In the center of this ring was the largest gryphon, obviously the dominating male, and the kneeling figure of a red-veiled woman. "Princess Farfalla," the white wizardess called. The Caliph's daughter seemed to shudder, as if coming out of a daze. She hesitantly rose to her feet and approached the couple. The gryphon kept to her side protectively. "Ah, the Lady Paladin...and I assume this is the High Lord Bacca. A pleasure to see you both at last." Bacca looked at Lady Paladin in stunned surprise as her hand seemed to grip his arm in a death hold. Her face had turned to a pasty white, and she stared at Farfalla. "Lady...?" he asked in concern, shaking her slightly. The healer seemed to have turned to stone. "Why are you letting yourself die?" Lady Paladin asked. "Because, Lady, I know this poison is irreversible. My own brothers tried to kill me, for they knew my loyalty to the Caliph." Lady's hand became icy cold. Bacca looked at the Farfalla and could see nothing visibly wrong; she was covered by red robes, and the only uncovered part of her body were her two sensual eyes. It seemed Lady Paladin's senses had become incredibly strong to detect any injuries. "You know quite well that I could have healed you...if you had the desire to live." The healer seemed to sag as though under a heavy burden. "So, I assume your father is...?" "Dead, and my half-brothers are squabbling over the throne. It is to be expected. I fear some of them will seek an alliance with Mog, but I suggest you send messengers to confirm this." Farfalla's cool, almost unnerving gaze turned to Bacca. "My father said that you are the Lady Paladin's lover. My family is indebted to the Lady for her attempts to save my mother several years ago. Since you are the only man she has let into the confidence of her heart, I want you to know that this debt extends to you and whatever heirs you conceive together." Bacca seemed stunned for a second, but then graciously bowed. "I am honored, Princess Farfalla. Now, if you want to continue this conversation privately in a tent..." "No!" Farfalla snapped, her fists balling at her sides. "No," she repeated in a weak, resigned voice. "I am tired of hiding. Always hiding." She tore the veils from her face, and Bacca took a half-step back in surprise. The princess' cheeks and jaw were mottled by hideous burns that had discolored and bubbled the skin. "I was burned by one of my father's jealous wives when I was a child of five, High Lord. Thus I am a 27 year old maiden whom no man wants, a maiden who was only loved by her father and mother. Thus I accept death, for I have no life." She lifted her chin proudly. "I have a note for you, High Lord Bacca. My father wrote it but a few days ago, and gave me the noble duty of carrying it to you." She pulled a scroll from within her robes, and pressed it into Bacca's hand. "I do not know all of what he wrote. I am also to give these gryphons to the Lady Paladin." The healer blushed. "I am very honored, Farfalla...I know how much these beasts meant to Armisia, especially Talkron. I will find a place for them, and continue this noble line." In the back of her mind, she was panicked about where to put them; the gryphons would try to eat Golden Melody and Adventure if she took them back to her cottage. She knew she would have to ask Bacca about this later. Bacca unrolled the scroll, and silently read its contents. "What the hell...?" he exclaimed, and then began laughing hysterically. Farfalla cocked her head to the side. "What is it, High Lord Bacca?" He glimpsed over at Lady Paladin and tried to contain his amusement. "First of all, he deems all of his eldest sons to be unfit heirs to his empire, and has declared that Lady Paladin and I are to have joint rule over the empire until one of his sons by his wife Ulvia can be summoned from a distant kingdom. I assume that many of his younger children were sent from the city before this civil war broke out...?" Farfalla nodded weakly. "Yes. Their locations should be on that scroll as well. Now go on." Bacca looked over at Lady Paladin and smirked. "The Caliph also has a final wish that Lady Paladin dance for me at least once a week, and that I make sure that she is taught a variety of...interesting dances." To Bacca's surprise, she not only turned red but burst out laughing. "Oh, that Caliph," she said, dabbing tears from her eyes, "It is so like him to have his last wish be something like that. He was always such a dirty old man, but he still always respected me throughout his teasing. I'll miss him..." The tears from her laughter became tears of sadness. Bacca pulled her close, understanding how she felt. Farfalla looked between the two of them and smiled. It was wonderful to see two people in love like this...it brought a peace to her mind and heart. She leaned against Talkron, and painfully parted her scarred lips in a wide grin. "Please have my body burnt in the traditional manner of my people," she said softly. Lady Paladin raised her tearful eyes to look at her. "We will, with honor, Farfalla. God be with you." "He is, he is." With the smile still on her lips, her eyes closed and she slid to the ground. The gryphon Talkron lifted his noble head and roared in mourning to the heavens. Date: Mon, 6 Jul 1998 14:14:02 -0400 (EDT) From: Sky H Ainsworth Bacca looked to the Lady Farfalla and looked down. "Lady, I must help Farfalla now," said Bacca. The master healer looked over, not quite understanding. "Please, sit down," said Bacca. He lowered Lady to her knees and set her on the ground. Walking over to Farfalla, the mighty gryphon at its side cock its head and opened it's beak a little. Bacca stopped. "Whoa there friend. I am here to ease the lady's sufferings. I mean no harm." Bacca held up his hands in peace. The gryphon seemed to understand and closed it's beak, moving it's head away a little. Bacca continued forward and knelt down. Picking up the body of daughter of the Caliph, Bacca carried her a few feet away and set her down on the ground. Farfalla opened her eyes and looked up at Bacca. The sun was rising and the light began to show, casting rays on the scattered trees and mountains around the army encampment. Farfalla studied Bacca's features. She had so hoped for a handsome man to show her love and attention, like in all the stories she had read, but none had dared. Now, here was her knight. Here was the man that came to her rescue. "Rest now, Lady Farfalla," said Bacca softly, placing one hand on her forehead. "I will ease the pain and help your journey." Farfalla blinked, uncertain of what he said. Bacca raised his left hand and made a symbol in the air. He then lowered this hand and placed it on Farfalla's chest, right above her heart. Warm energy left Bacca's hand and swept through the daughter's body. She had felt tired from the effects of the poison, but now she felt sleepy, the exhaustion going away. The energy enveloped her being and caressed every part of her body. Lady Paladin leaned back and wondered. Finally, she remembered what it was that Bacca was doing. It was called a Reiki, a healing technique that used one's own power or life energy to heal another. It also made it easier for a person to die, if they were lingering. Bacca gently stroked Farfalla's hair with his right hand and looked into her eyes. He saw now the pain that must have tipped off Lady to the poison. However, the pain was replaced by softness. Farfalla's eyes became even more beautiful now as the expression became less hardened. Farfalla sighed, a gentle soft sound. She felt content now. Her mission was accomplished. And she had finally had an experience that she had always dreamed of. Finally a man came to her and cared for her. She knew that his heart belonged to another, but she felt that at this moment, she was the only one who mattered. Farfalla closed her eyes and began to sleep. Her head tilted to the side, her breathing became even and soft. After a minute, Bacca removed his hand, which was tingling from the energy. He sat back, tired. "Sleep well, princess Farfalla," whispered Bacca. He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. Farfalla's breathing slowed and became softer. Her sleep was untroubled and Bacca thought he saw her eyes move. Dreaming until the last, thought the warrior. Finally, Farfalla's breathing became too faint to recognize and the eye movements stopped. Later, beside a funeral pyre, Farfalla was placed upon it wrapped in a shroud. Lady stood beside Bacca, clutching his hand. A priest came forward and preformed the rites, and then the body was put to the torch. Date: Mon, 6 Jul 1998 22:52:02 -1000 From: Lady Paladin Bacca and Lady Paladin stood there for awhile quietly, the crackling of flames the only noise. They continued standing there until the flames died down. "That was very noble, what you did for her," Lady Paladin murmured, suddenly shattering their silence. Bacca said nothing in reply, but clutched her hand more tightly and began pulling back towards camp. The soldiers saluted and bowed as they passed, but Bacca continued in silence until they reached Lady Paladin's tent. "You've had a tough day, you need to rest," he said, looking at her in "I...I suppose I should." She fidgeted with her hands, obviously thinking of something else. "It is strange, though...I don't want to be alone. I feel like if I go in that tent and try reading or sleeping or anything at all, I'll just go mad." Genuine worry glistened in her brown eyes. "But I know I'm in no condition to heal anyone. Perhaps if I just followed you on your rounds, just so I wouldn't have to be alone. I would try to not be a nuisance." The healer managed a dry grin. The warrior looked into the distance. "Oh, you're never a nuisance, my Lady." He winked at her. "At least, not much of one. "Yes, you can come along with me...I would welcome your company, in fact." Bacca gave her a tender smile. She nodded. "Perhaps later this evening...after I've recovered more...we could talk about some things." Such as those gryphons, she thought in concern. "I also hope that we can have our little combat tomorrow, since I haven't gotten to show you my talents with a fighting pike yet. I think it would help me to get some emotions out of my system."