Over_Chess

(Atreides to Sage while playing a game of chess ("lanceboard"). Moves bishop to queen four.)

ATREIDES: Sage, I would like to borrow a sheaf of parchment and some of your ink.

SAGE: (Rook takes pawn.) Sure. What for?

ATREIDES: I don't know what's in store, but it seems that a confrontation with Thraxata is inevitable. Knight to King three.

SAGE: (Moves King to Bishop one.) That seems quite likely.

ATREIDES: Rook to Knight two. These are troubled times, and I want to be prepared for any eventuality. Check.

SAGE: Pawn to queen four. So what's the parchment for?

ATREIDES: (Moves knight to rook three.) A plan. "How to slay a dragon." Checkmate. (Smiles) That was twenty three moves this time. You're improving.

SAGE: Wizard! (lays down Talis cards with a High Arcana hand). Mine again, Atreides!

ATREIDES: (Mumbles while throwing down the cards) Stupid games of chance.

SAGE: Don't be a sore loser. (Smiles)

ATREIDES: I walk the path of the Lady of Strategy. Being a sore loser is an article of faith. (wry smile)

SAGE: (Hearty halfling belly laugh, followed by a gulp of wine)

ATREIDES: So why is it about all this activity that has you so worried? You seem unusually agitated, even for a hin. Better be careful, or you'll lose your sense of humor! (claps Sage on the back) Is it just the prophecies? Or something more substantial?

SAGE: (Sobering up a bit) Yes, what indeed. You see, in but a few months time, the lands surrounding this region have errupted in activity surrounding Ashardalon. Of course, I find this to be no coinidence. Also, when considering the ties Ashardalon had with demonic nature my worries are furthur confirmed by the presence of at least two Vrocks in the area. Then, with Thraxta's recent agression and evidence of a rising tide of dragons that may not be far off, and might be irreversible, I wonder why not everyone is concerned. But, that too is part of my concern. I disturbes me greatly that almost no one else seems to have taken serious notice of these events, it seems almost as if these clues are invisible to them. Is has even crossed my mind that the general populace is actually responsible for the growing evil somehow, though I don't truly believe this is so...

ATREIDES: (whispers) Sage.

SAGE: (sleepily) Go to sleep, Bloodhawk.

ATREIDES: In a moment; I'm still thinking. This area is your old stomping grounds; do you have any allies that we could call in?

SAGE: Dunno... mebeee... We'll talk in the morning.

Over Chess, by Campfire