From: Stana Hierspiel <darkannex@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 19 Apr 1999 15:47:05 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: [FARPG] RPG: Intro to Lyr R'Kelnin

 "Lyr R'Kelnin, you will step forward to give account of
yourself."
There was a flurry of motion in the back of the hall and a
single figure stepped smartly to the throne.
Tall and blonde and somber in the white and steel uniform.
The Red
sash around his waist indicated his station as Commander of
a division
of
the Army of Steel.
His face was the chisled mould of the monarchy, not
surprising
since he was rumored to be from an offshoot royal line. The
Blonde hair
was lying soft and gentle around his features, tickling the
Blue\Grey
eyes that had smile lines around them.
He was not grinning now as he bowed deeply to the throne
and slammed
into attention.
 "Majesty." he said to the queen, humility in every word.
"I failed
in the capture of the intruder into your castle. I pursued
but lost him

in the Royal hunting grounds."
 "This is grave news." The Queen answered "We
trusted you to ensure our safety-"
 "Excuse me?" a voice raised in the crowd as the
throng parted before the Earth Keeper and the Unicorn. Clip
snorted,
preening in the attention that Stana ignored.
 "Lady Stana?" The Queen hid any evidence of displeasure at
the
interruption well. She guessed it was expected that the
elementalists
have their idosyncrosies.
"I would like to speak if I may?" Her tone of voice was
flat, belying
the courtesy of the words.
Teri again got a flash of a hurt and ailing bird in the
woods, then
nothing.
 THe matriarch nodded assent.
 "I and my Companion entered the Kingdom through
the Hunting grounds, when we encountered this Soldier and
his division.
They took us in and were preparing to escort us here the
next morning.
That night we were attacked by what I now know to be a
division of the
6th Army. I am sure you are more aware than I of their
cruelty? Lyr
 R'Kelnin and his army fought off the intruders, allowing
for my escape
from an unpleasant fate. Do any here doubt that if we had
fallen into
enemy hands that we would be alive now?"
 She turned, an honest effort to be convincing in evidence
by the sheer
concentration of her expression. The images of their flight
that
evening were darting before her mind but she pushed them
away. This was
no time to be weak.
 Teri was helping the most she could, always willing to
throw in for
the underdog.
 "Then when we were attacked in Lord Finn's chambers, we
were revived
by this man, and he rescued Finn from kidnapping. He didn't
fail
there!"
She looked at the Queen, then nodded, indicating she was
done. Stana
barely glanced at Lyr, who wore an expression of utter
suprise, other
than to bow and say thank you.

 Clip reluctantly dropped his alicorn a fraction in tribute
as
well. He was cooperating with Stana under protest, not
caring what
became of the human in these mortal games. But Stana had
insisted that
fair was fair, and he owed this particular mortal a
debt.
  Another reason to comply was her promise to slip out of
the castle
and away from him if he refused. That could not be allowed.

 Murmurring threw up in the court, ping ponging back and
forth between
courtiers. Until the Queen swept them with a steely gaze
and they fell
silent.
 A harsh smile tinted her lips as she bowed to Stana. They
both knew
the elemental had trapped her into being gentle with the
soldier, and
the Matriarch respected the skill used against her. It had
been awhile
since someone had turned a neat trick against her, so she
was prepared
to be generous.  Besides, she liked this Commander.
 "With the additional testimony from the Earth Keeper." she
began "we
will overlook your failure in capturing our most wiley
intruder. Her
other testimony attributes to you our deepest gratitude.
For the skill
and bravery exhibited-We hereby promote you to General of
the
entire Army of Steel."
 Every mouth in the chamber gaped. For someone so young to
be elevated
so high!?!?
 Lyr felt that at this time he was to exclaim his undying
devotion to
the Royalty and to his duty and then manfully withdraw. He
did so,
looking for the Earth Elemental and not finding her.

>
   After Stana gave her speech, Shinji pushed forward
through the
crowd, and handed Stana the scroll he had been given.  With
murmurred
thanks the two followed the Fire Guardian outside and she
tore open the
seal to the scroll, letting Clip read over her shoulder.
   "A Cleansing?" she asked, exasperation in her voice.
   Shinji saw that as a good sign-it was an emotion at
least.
   "When is this?" she finally asked.