------------------------------page 1-------------------------------- For their 50 th wedding anniversary I made a journal for our mom and dad, Kyra and Tranox where I asked the kids to write something in. Polgara, Mazur, Galgo, Core, Mazur and I all wrote our story how we one day were somehow divided from our parents and how we grew up and finally were found back by them. Now I want to bring some life in this again as our beloved mother isn’t as much with us as we love to. So please try thinking back on how you were lost and found again or just any comments about our lovely family you want to add and write it to me in a letter or a message cause I’m the only one that can write in the journal. If you are one of those that already wrote something feel free to add any comments you want. I’ll make sure Kyra will get all new entries. Hail Windsongs! A part of the Windsong-history ------------------------------page 2-------------------------------- Kyra, mother of all Windsongs P1 Intro P2 Index P3 Polgara * + P4 Tow * + P5 Galgo * P6 Myrthan, son of Tow + P7 Mazur * P8 Core * P9 Rahum * P10 Eski + P11 Mordeanna, ex-wife of Eski + P12 Jamethiel + P13 Galena P100 Others: p101 Emty, sister of Kyra p102 Molotov, grandfather of Kyra p103 Dresden, mother of Tranox p200 Logosmas 410 P201 Windsong Logosmas Carol by Tow P202 Polgara’s Logosmas story Logosween 376 P204 Wot Windsong by Tow P205 Death by Diner by Eilonwy ------------------------------page 3-------------------------------- Polgara Windsong, the Flying Mousetrap To the most wonderful parents a girl could ask for. As a young girl growing up in Shallam I seemed lonely and lost. Then one day I came across the Sentinels and they were a wonderful group of people and I felt I belonged there. Then one day I meet a boy named Syphon and we became friends and a bond grew between us. Then one day Kyra asks to talk to me and I was so scared. So I went to see why she needed to talk to me but it was good and nothing I had done wrong. She said she had watched me since joining the Sentinels and felt I was the daughter she had lost while going though a city once. Then she told me about the other kids she had three sons and a daughter that had run away. So it turns out that Syphon was my little brother and that is why such a strong bond had been made. I was so glad about finding my family. Mom and I would catch up on things going on and would try to make things for us to do but time never allowed for that. But now mom has her own shop and makes clothes for us to try on and wear. Dad has always been there for the times when I would get in trouble. There was once when these guys said I was no fun because I wouldn’t fight outside of the arena so away I went to die. And Dad was there as fast as lighting. Boy was that guy scared and I got in good trouble. But it just showed how much he cared and I would lose that exp again to see the love I saw that day. Then once Tonic shot me with an arrow and Mazur came to save me, I think he wanted to make up for asking if Polly wanted a cracker. Well my point to this so far is to say that I love my family and am very proud to be a part of it. This is all comes from the Love you two share. The two have been there for me when I was down as well as up and I love you for it. The stories I would share if only I had the time to write them. So wishing the best and another 50 years as happiness and as full of love as the last. Love Always Your Polly Wolly ---------------- Wow so here we are at 75 that is so wonderful! Hmm lets see in the last 25 years I feel as if I have grown up so very much, I hope that I have grown into the daughter that you can be proud of. I was thinking of continuing the stories where I left off before but most of them don’t seem so big now. Mom and Aunt Emty would always try and see if they could find Niusyla, Ashavarti, and myself some nice young lad to take us out. You know I always curious what kind of chap they found suitable for me but I never did I get a chance to go out with one. I have given you two wonderful grandchildren for you to love and spoil and then send home. Mom I am very glad to have you here to guide me and help out in those times when I need some Mother advice on what to do, or just have someone to talk to make all the bad things go away. For all you do I would never be able to repay you or thank you enough. Dad you are a wise and wonderful man and I only wished that I could even stand in your shadow and live up to the name you have created. To the most wonderful people that someone could call parents. I love you both very much. Oh and I hope I can only be as good as you. Polly ------------------------------page 4-------------------------------- Darkfeathered Eaglechild Tow Windsong, Tumbling on Wings -- TOW STORY -- THE EGG I come from a land far away across the great eastern salt waters. There I lived with my parents, a man I called Father and mother Gaiana, in the northern forests. We lived in peace with nature. My parents saw how much I loved nature, the freedom, the animals, the trees... It was my father's most deep wish that I once became a member of a guild in Sapience, it was my destiny. When I still was a little baby, Gaiana used to take me with her when she went harvesting some plants and roots to flavour diner and to make some medicine. She always noticed how a white headed eagle was circling above us. And only at the times she took me with her. At first this worried her but soon she got used to it. To have her hands free she left me playing on a blanket under the sun in a clearing in the forest, close to where she was harvesting. One day she wandered of a bit further in the woods and all the sudden she heard the eagle scream, only seconds later followed by a crying baby. She hurried to the clearing and saw how the eagle tried to take off with me my head stuck in one of his talons. But at the sight of Gaiana the eagle dropped me and flew away to the mountains. Gaiana was able to catch me and to immediately heal my wounds with the plants and herbs she was carrying with her. But on the left side of my face three scars remained. I still remember Father telling me the story when I was older. He always said somehow the Eagle spirit felt connected with me and the connection was so strong he wanted to hoist me to his nest. He told me to always watch out for signs of this Eagle spirit as from that day on it would always be my guide and protector. That’s also how they named me, Tumbling on Wings. What they later shortened to Tow. THE HATCHING But when I was about 15 years, Father became very ill. But he was to far gone, the Gods called him to them. But before he died he made some last confessions. He told me to stay away from the Serpentlords. He once was one of them. He did so many evil things words couldn't even describe them. But then an old druid opened his eyes and helped him escape Sapience. After many years of penitention and meditation he encountered Gaiana. Did the gods forgave him?? Nature was there home and Gaiana got blessed, she got me We mourned for him and prayed the Gods to shelter his soul. A couple of years after this my mother, Gaiana, died also. There rested me nothing else to do than to find my way to Sapience. An adventurer named Caspian took me with his ship onto the oceans. But our ship was caught in a terrible storm. I couldn't help, cause I even was seasick before the storm. I got hit by something in the head and the next thing I know... I am overseeing Sapience from an island floating in the sky.... THE NEST After finally having found my way to the sentinels after being in the druid-guild for awhile I finally was found by my real parents. It took me some time to get used to that they were my real parents… but I couldn't have imagined a better family to belong to! The greatest day in my life in Sapience… Tow united again with Kyra and Tranox! Later I found out what happened... Kyra and Tranox were taking the ferry to Ulangi. I was laying in my baby basket looking at the sky. One moment the sea was calm but then out of nowhere came a giant wave and we all were thrown out of the boat. They both tried to save me but my basket floated away. Just before dad could reach me a giant sea-eagle appeared and took the basket in his talons. He dropped me near an island in the great eastern salt waters. There I was found by Gaiana, who raised me as her own son. Note: Congratulations on your anniversary mom and dad! May our family continue growing and life long and prosper. Hail Windsongs ----------------------------------------------------------- Sarapin 6th, 358 AF: Alyjo's Eagle Eyed Tow Windsong, Tumbling on Wings WINDSONG TREE Seven Windsongs sitting in a tree... I wonder how much more a tree can hold. One lonely Windsong: I came into the realms and went to buy my favourite eagle shaped crackers. Two Windsongs together: Then I spotted Polgara near the Sentinel guildhall. I couldn't resist and I went to give Polly a cracker. *beam* There we started talking seeing how the other was doing and the conversation turned to this journal and how not many wrote their story yet. Three Windsongs up in a tree: Then we started talking about Core. We both were so glad our sister was seen back in the realms. And by miracle at that exact moment Core came to the realms and greeted us all. I saw her in the trees above Vixen and I dragged Polly with me pouncing on Core. It was so fun talking to her again. Gave her a cracker also. Four Windsongs up in a tree: The family channel heard about three Windsongs in a tree and then Avana came to us also. *hug sis* Six Windsongs up in a tree: A little later there was Nadjan also, dragging her daughter Hawkyra with her right into the Sentinel guildhall and up at the tree. I'm sure Vixen was getting a bit nervous with all these Windsongs above her in the tree. Seven Windsongs sitting in a tree: And then the picture was complete, there arrived our beloved mother Kyra. Mom got a cracker also. She brought our family pet, Magic, our family wolfhound. I went out to go get my pet eagle Tumblewing. It was so great talking, having fun and playing with Magic. It just is like Core said I guess. Being a Windsong is being filled with love and magic. You can always find someone in the family to talk to if you need to talk, to ask for a hug when you need one, to spend time with you when you feel alone, or just to hang out with when you want some fun. I can't say I lnow any familyclan that hangs so close together then our Windsong family. Love you mom and dad, love you all brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews,... all those part of this magical Windsong family. ------------------------------page 5-------------------------------- Galgo Windsong For Mom & Dad's 50th: Sometimes I dream of gigantic trees, a bright warm sun, and a beautiful butterfly. I can't be certain, but the dreams seem so real, so tangible, that I just cannot merely dismiss them as fantasy. The butterfly flutters and floats between sunbeam and shadow. What a marvel, a spectacle! I'm enchanted by its beauty, its poetic flight. As I stare dumbfounded, I do not realize I am pulled to it, like a moth to a flame. Such a treasure, this tiny winged performer, I mutely follow in awe. I don't notice someone calling out for his child somewhere not far away. The miniature wonder has landed on a fallen tree. My chase has made me tired -- oh so tired -- and slowly my eyes close ... I was raised by my adoptive Tsol'aa family in the Aalen Forest. My mother always repeated the story of how she found me sleeping in the forest. Our life was humble, without pretence, but never lacking for anything. Even so, in my childhood I always felt incomplete, like a part of me was missing. Later, as a young man, I entered the Sentinels guild. A certain woman of the Sentinels made me feel like no other, like there was an invisible bond between us even before we met that day, one that could not be severed. She told me of a son she lost a son that wandered off into the Aalen and was never found. She and her husband called out for their son as they searched, but to no avail. Could this amazing woman possibly be ... ? After all these years ... ? Her eyes, so familiar. I told her of my past, and how I was found as a child. We embraced each other as the truth was revealed, and a long lost son finally felt completed as he found his way back home. ------------------------------page 6-------------------------------- Cub Apprentice Myrthan the Mirthful Windsong I don't remember much of my childhood, just bits and pieces, but that is probably for the best based on what I do remember. Most of what I do remember still gives me nightmares. There are a few happy memories too. One of my favourites is walking through the Northern Ithmia with my mother and father. She was lovely, I remember her massive ebony wings and the way they would seem to sparkle silver and cobalt when the sun hit them just right. Her large cobalt eyes looking on me with all the love a mother could have for her child. The tattoo she bore one her neck and face made me think all Atavians had them. I also remember her love for my father. My dad, always a smile on his face, often had to run off to help someone else. His glacier blue eyes so full of happiness and peace. He seemed to be surrounded by feathers all the time, he told me they were eagle feathers and I remember playing with them when I was young. The Northern Ithmia was special to my father, I wouldn't know about him being a former druid and having a grove there for a long time, but I knew he loved it. He showed me Thalia and told me she was the spirit of the forest. I was so scared of her, she was so ghost like. I remember petting a tengu it's soft fur and I wanted to keep him so bad, those great big blue eyes. While I was playing with it one of my Aunts showed up, I always liked her. Xoran or not, I always thought her scales and tail where so neat, she would thump the ground for me if I would ask. She started talking to my parents and then the tengu flew away from me and I chassed it, that's when things got bad. I managed to get lost after I got distracted by a red butterfly and wandered onto the road and ran right into a shell covered leg and fell I looked up and as the seemingly allied face stared at me, those black eyes. Then he said something in a language I didn't understand and reached for me. I ran for the forest where he tripped me and grabbed me up by one leg, lifting me upside down he laughed and spoke in Achaean saying "You're Mhun arn't you, you'll bring in a few sovereigns." The next thing I new a strange being that had the legs of a goat torso of a man emerged for out of nowhere, the Horkval dropped me and the Satyr yelled for me to run as the image of a jaguar overcame him. All I remember running or anything just waking up in an ally. I spent several years roaming the streets, my family lost to me. I would only travel at night while searching for scraps. I had heard people talking about druids, sentinels and sylvans as well as other guilds but the forestals are the ones I was interested in. I was about 18 when I decided to follow one of them and leave the city. I saw one of them prowling through the city, he was very powerful looking, broad shoulders, bulging muscles and his cloak fluttering behind him. I followed him for a few hours to get to where ever he was going, he was covered in curly yellow fur and moved with a spring in his step. I had to swim across the river to keep following him and was wet and shivering by the time we got to the gatehouse. I was in awe at the spiral staircase, each step composed of branches, leading higher and higher into the treetops. The Sentinel turned to me with joyful eyes and when he saw I was shivering offered me a blanket and I warmed myself with it. As he started to turn I summoned my courage and said "I want to be a Sentinel" The Rajamala turned to me and looked deep in my eyes and seeing that I loved nature took me up to Eleusis telling me his name was Eski Windsong and showing me the wonders of the city and telling me about the Sentinels. A couple years later after a lot of reading and hard work another Sentinel approached me, I had seen him here and there before, but at the time was not very social. For some reason there was something familiar about him, he wore a white cloak made of eagle feathers and had several intertwined in his hair. He introduced himself at Tow Windsong and when I told him My name was Myrthan his face lit up and he ran up to me and embraced me in a massive bearhug. Tears filled my eyes and his and he looked at me and said "I have finally found you, my lost son." I had tears in my eyes because I had finally recognized him as my father. Then I knew I had two families the Windsongs and the Sentinels. ------------------------------page 7-------------------------------- Scentimental Mazur Windsong, Nutty Earthchild Parts of this story I found out afterwards, when I applied severe pressure to Kyn, my grandmother. I was raised by a kindly pair of people in Shastaan, a forester and his wife, whom I called mom and dad until even now. It was a quite and pleasant life, and often I would go along with "dad" when he would go into the forest, to work, and he would tell me of what he did, and answer my questions. When it came to dangers to the forest, he would also tell me of the Sentinels and Druids, who would come to defend nature from its enemies. The stories he would tell, then, made me long to be part of them, and since he knew most of the Sentinels, they became my goal in life. When I turned eighteen, they told me I'd been adopted, and helped me find my way to Loom island, to get the initial training, after which I went to Certimene and applied for the Sentinels. I found my way to Zanzibaar street, announced myself, and then Gork came and hauled me to the Sentinel headquarters, where he handed me to another imposing Sentinel, one Tranox. This Tranox taught me the initial stuff, and then offered to be my mentor. Gork gave me a fortune to get myself clothed, and with the help of a Shallamese girl I get clothed. I'm not sure if I immediately agreed to the mentorship by Tranox, or whether I asked for a few days to make sure our biorhythms coincided, but soon enough this man was my mentor. Soon some odd similarities began to crop up: notable habits, like falling out of trees, or from the sky from morphing from a flying animal back to human, and other things began to become evident. I suppose it must have been obvious to Kyra first, but pretty soon Tranox and Kyra came to me to tell me I was one of their long "lost" sons. It appears, that Kyn, upon seeing her daughter become a mother so young, had decided it would be better to have the kids raised by others, so Tranox and Kyra would have some tranquil years together before having to deal with the extra responsibility. We didn't need much time to establish we were actually parents and son, and when the Logos granted the world bloodlines, many years later, we were quick to register, and he even granted us the favour of recognition between Tranox and myself, although technically Tranox was too young to be my father. With love equal to all the love mom and dad heaped upon me over the years, Mazur. ------------------------------page 8-------------------------------- Supplicant of Phaestus, Caring Core Windsong, Sweet Siren Surprise I don't remember much about my childhood. It is all clouded. There are a few fragments in my memory however. Most of them are of happy days. Two caring grownups, playing in a clearing, swimming in a river, eating under the leaves of a huge oak with someone I think is my family, happy laughter. Somehow all my happy memories are in summertime. I have some bad memories as well. A fire, some evil men, destruction, winter. After that there is no memories until I find myself at the bridge of Delos. I was alone, frightened, and insecure. My first year in the guild was troublesome. I did not know who I was and where I came from. Luckily I found a friend in Nadjan, Xel and Polgara. How strange it is that these nice girls should prove to be my lost sisters. I will never forget that day mom told me I was her lost daughter, that same day mom and dad sat down and talked to me and wanted to take me back into the family. I have felt secure and happy ever since. My life has become an eternal summertime with happiness and laughter around me. I am eternally thankful mom and dad. ------------------------------page 9-------------------------------- Cub Apprentice Rahum Windsong Ok, here's the "found lost son" story: Once upon a time, about 20 years ago when I was close to 2, Dad was babysitting me while Mom was hard at work painting wondrous works of Art working on her award-winning "Erato." I was playing happily when Caelan returned to the realms, and tried a sneak attack on Dad. During the following battle (Caelan was killed by the might of Dad, by the way), I wandered away. A phased individual picked me up, and tried to sell me for body parts, but the de Vermiis Orphanage was too shorthanded at the time. A priest managed to secure me, and dropped me into the Chamber of Celestial Harmony. They endured my screeching for a few years, but eventually I ran away and raised myself on the streets of Shallam. Growing up, I heard of the mighty Sentinels, and wondered if I might be found worthy enough one day to join their ranks. That happy day did me, and what to my surprise do I find, but Mom! She was able to recognize me despite the passage of years, and I rejoiced in reuniting with my family. ------------------------------page 10-------------------------------- The Daring Eski Windsong, Golden Curled Devil Eski was about 4 years old, when Eris, Goddess of Chaos performed a second experiment using the Living Spire. Like the first time, a vortex of power opened up in the sky. This time, however, Eris was able to keep it open and channel some sort of power from its fluctuating energy. Unfortunately for the Goddess of Chaos, the vortex of power shattered and the backlash released such a tremendous burst of energy that the Goddess of Chaos turned to stone. Strange things then started throughout Sapience. Tranox and Kyra decided that a village where gingerbread men argued with chocolate ladyfingers, and where Zsarachnor, lord of the vampires, was planting tulips, was not a good place for the young Eski. They asked Vixen to escort the young boy to Euterpe who was to take care of his upbringing. Euterpe looked after Eski, but no more than that. She fed him when he was starving and made sure he didn't get into too much trouble. He grew up in Northreach, being taught the ways by the animals there and raised by Euterpe, spirit of Northreach. As Eski grew older he roamed other Forests besides Northreach, avoiding cities, as did the animals he grew up with. He learned that nature was cruel, harsh, but fair, nothing happened without reason, a function or a use. Also he studied the wolves, which hunt together, cooperate to achieve their goal. On a certain day Euterpe told Eski to go to Eleusis to speak with a group of people calling themselves Sentinels. He found that these people shared his beliefs and joined them. Starting his life anew amongst his peers. And found again by Kyra and Tranox. ------------------------------page 11-------------------------------- Ebony Shadows, She Wolf Mordeanna Windsong, Sentinel Scholar I was lost for most of my early years, using my scholarly ways I've been researching for many years by reading and listening to the local folklore in many areas of Sapience, their tales are always intriguing. After visiting the library of the ancients, I listened to some of the Mhun folk in Moghedu and they told me a story about a human "wolf" child they heard crying in the forests above. This is how the story goes; One of the guards standing at the entrance to the great caverns went out into the forest toward the sounds of the crying baby. This Mhun guard searched the night forest and found the child in a basket with wolf pelt to keep her warm, but that wasn't all she had to keep her safe. Striking orange eyes appeared from behind the bushes at every angle, dozens of pairs transfixed on the Mhun guard, one of them whispered to the guard with a spine chilling voice that echoed in his ears, a kind of animalistic intelligence that was unknown to any being made the guard freeze solid. The creature of the night didn't show itself, only the burning orange flames behind its eyes were visible from just behind the child in the basket. "Are you worthy?" the voice reverberates in his ears, seemingly making the forest around him deathly silent. Unable to speak, the guard mutters a barely understandable "huh?". "This human child cannot be left here alone, her parents were slaughtered by heartless beasts, we could not save them, but we managed to save her. She needs someone worthy who can look after her." The guard replied in a shaky voice "Whwhho or whwhat are yyyou, and wwhwho is 'we'?" The voice whispers "It is best you do not know, our time will come when we will be revealed to the world. She has been marked on her left front limb, we believe her parents marked her and it has to do with when she was born into this world. All I can reveal to you is that her mark represents us well. We know that you have knowledge, so we leave her in your care Mhun, but know this; we have bonded with her in our customary way and we will know if anything happens to her. If anything should happen to her in your care, you will wish you never set foot out of your underground cavern." With that, these haunting figures of the shadows vanished, their flaming eyes gone in a flash and the guard felt more at ease. Completely in awe of the creatures he had just encountered the guard wondered when these creatures shall return, these protectors of the innocent. Curiosity made him walk over to the child and examine this 'mark' that the creature spoke of, to his amazement he saw a picture of a wolf, so immaculate in all it's detail that it almost seemed to have a life of its own. Seventeen small scratch-like marks encircled the image with a number underneath, all written with unsurpassable intricacy. A strange instinct overcame the guard and he took the child and basket back to the great underground caverns. After a while, the Mhuns realised that this human child cannot live in the caverns for she needs sunlight in which to bathe her skin. She was looking pale and quite sick so the guard that found her shared his knowledge of an old friend he had met in the forest, a human who called himself a philosopher and frequently visited the forest for quiet contemplation. Eventually, once the child was dressed, her belongings packed, wrapped snugly in her wolf pelts and put into a slightly bigger basket, the guard headed out of the caverns at sunset in search of this philosopher. Walking quickly through the forest, his eyes glancing in all directions, the guard caught sight of something running through the bushes and thought it was just a normal forest animal. He saw it again, but this time he saw the unmistakable orange flames burning behind those eyes, those eyes seemingly beckoning him to follow it. As the creature darted through the forest, the guard kept the pace of the creature with some difficulty due to the armour restricting some of his movements. Eventually he lost sight of the creature and found himself in a pleasant clearing with a waterfall of silver accented water deep in the heart of the Aureliana forest. Upon a rock gazing deeply into the gushing silver falls sat the philosopher. After a long discussion about the child and the creatures of the shadows and the Mhuns being unable to take care of the child, the philosopher smiled broadly and said he'd be more than happy to care for the child and raise her until she is ready to lead the life she so deserves, he said "It would be very unwise to cause harm to this child, these creatures seem quite formidable and to anger them would be most foolish and bullheaded. For some reason they bonded to her, this 'bond' seems like something beyond imagining and unknown to us, we can only hope that time will shed some light on the life of this child." He promised the Mhun guard that he will educate her, tell her all that he knows, his philosophies, his thoughts, but will not tell her how she was found until she was ready. With that, the guard made his final farewell to the child by planting a gentle kiss on her forehead and disappearing into the forest. I was in awe, completely speechless as I listened to this tale. This story was passed down from the Mhun guard to his son before he passed away. He said that someday, maybe, a human with a mark of the creature will come looking for answers. The Mhun were quite convinced that I fit this description of the human child, especially after looking at my mark. I did cry, knowing that my parents were slaughtered by some heartless beasts, but why? And what are these creatures of the shadows? What's this bond I share with them, can I communicate with them in some way and find my answers? Time will tell I guess. This brings us to our next part of the story which is how I was found by the Windsong family, it seems fate had a say in where I would end up. All the pieces of the puzzle seem to fit perfectly, the place where the Mhun guard handed me to the philosopher with the silver accented water sounds very much like Silverlode Falls, the place where Eski proposed to me and where we got married. Have these creatures been keeping an eye on me all these years? Would they be proud of me? Somehow I was already bonded to Eski in a way that I cannot explain in words. His interest in studying wolves must have been inspired by something, perhaps these creatures of the shadows saw some kind of bond, perhaps as they bonded to me they were able to sense another bond that bonded me to another being. I do hope these creatures of the shadows reveal themselves to me and the world so that I can make more sense of my past. Eski found me, I was completely lost, but when I saw him something deep inside seemed to fit into place perfectly, time seemed to slow down almost to a halt as I gazed into those blue eyes. All of a sudden I felt complete, unexplainable forces seemed to be dancing around Eski's form as I gaped in wonder. Kyra, you embraced me as a daughter, you are a mother that I never really had and I love you. You filled the gap in my heart where my parents that I never knew were ripped away by the evil that took their lives. Tranox, I wish I had the pleasure to meet you, i'm sure we would have got along nicely. No matter what my past is, I know this; that my life is here and now, I live to make people happy, to be the loving wife Eski deserves, and to be the most loving mother to our children. My place is here with the Windsongs, you all make my life complete. ------------------------------page 12-------------------------------- The Dreamweaver, Jamethiel Windsong, Snarer of Souls My History ----------------- Ashtan to Sharuksene --------------------------- Many long years ago I found myself alone in Ashtan, how I had gotten to Ashtan or why is beyond all our recollections. This is a turbulent world and the answers to these things can be nigh on impossible to find - maybe one day we will find it out? In Ashtan I was taught to read by a Noble Lady - whose name is in my journal which has been stolen - and I spent many long days and nights reading of adventurer's stories and of many different things. Most of all, I caught glimpses of what I thought were only Druids, great defenders of nature and the forests. When my Lady died of an illness passed to her by her lineage, I took to the Prelatorian highway. I survived by peddling what wares I could and begging what money, food and shelter I could. I peddled my trade between what Delos and Ashtan for it was on this piece of the highway I found many desperate for items but unable to pay for high quality items at full price. During these times I did, indeed, notice some men and women wielding great staves. I also noticed some who seemed to have vines and other natural plants shimmering about their form. Knowing that it was their knowledge I sort after, I grew fearful of my own calling and calmly disguised the fact that I might deliberately lower my pricing in order to do business with these people. One day, I walked along the highway and a great sorcerer - in hindsight probably a Maldhaathi or an Apostate - demanded all my wares, gold and goods. Clearly branded a Slave of Mhaldor, that city that is an abomination to all the plants that should thrive within its bounds, this thieve made it clear that he meant business and would kill me. Just then, a Druid of the Forest appeared from out of the Aureliana's trees and challenged this would be thief. It was a powerful and fearful challenge, for it is not my memory, but the trees themselves whispered the same challenge. In fact, my recollection of that day is that my saver was, indeed, on the road, but there were other watchful eyes hidden in the forest also whispering the same, fell challenge. The power prevailed and then began my journey... Sharuksasene ------------------- I was not sure if I was saved or I was doomed. Was I leaving a theft from which I could have recovered to a life of slavery and torture? Did this man, who beckoned me to follow him with the same power mean me good or bad? I did not know... We travelled swiftly through the Aureliana and in time we stopped in a particular spot. Here we stopped and we ate. When it came time to sleep, the very trees themselves closed in to protect us. A great being of earth, neither alive nor dead, simply natural stood watch, a being that this man explained was utterly loyal to the protection of nature and of him. I slept a fitful night, I could not see many stars but I finally did sleep. In the morning we had a breakfast of great way bread, of vegetables and of fish. I saw Sharuksasene, for this was the man's name, in a different light and he was jovial, joking but always respectful when talking about nature and what it could do for us. And I finally got to ask some questions. "How did you know my name and that I was in trouble?" I asked. "We have been watching you more than a year now." the answer. "Why do you trust me? Could I not be a spy sent by some evil one?" "We have heard your earnest, and ill disguised, questions about us already. We needed a proper time to approach you. This incident has not been the best time, but we do not let someone with such an positive influence of nature simply die to the whim of others." That day I spent hours questioning and asking, figuring what I should do and how I might prove myself. I was lifted into trees, saw the sunlight restore nature and learned that a druid in his grove was not weak even if he did appear to be unarmed. In time, Sharuksasene bid me farewell with these final parting words: "When the time feels right, travel to the Western Ithmia and walk the forests there."... Finding The Druids ---------- The time did not come for a while. I was but 16 and for 2 years later I walked, still peddling my wares. No Mhaldorian, Mhaldaathi or Apostate bought off me any more, but I found I could simply go into the Aureliana and find a meagre but healthy and filling array of fresh nuts and berries to eat. But I felt a calling in my heart and I remembered the words: "Walk the Western Ithmia...". Taking my parting leave from the old man Vellis - and my butterfly net, I didn't do it for the gold, I find his collection fascinating – I travelled to the Western Ithmia. I walked into it and then did not know what to do...so I simply found a peaceful spot and sat under a tree and waited. I thought I was dozing, but I suddenly heard: "Jamethiel, you wish to become part of the druids, protectors of the forest..." In my mind I thought, yes, that seems to be right. "Then stay peaceful and listen and you will here others who may help you..." Not knowing who this was, I suddenly came back from my trance and glimpsed a Dryad disappearing into the wood. I thought of what she said. At first I did not know what to listen to, but slowly I could discern that the very rustle of the leaves conveyed voices, sometimes happy, sometimes sad of others who must have been druids. And I said, quietly: "My name is Jamethiel, what am I to do?" The Druids & That Grove ----------------------- Eventually, I found a scribe, Certimene, who penned a letter of application to the Druids for me. I performed many of the required tasks to become a druid and found myself a beautiful grove within which was contained a shrine to Pandora. When I found that grove, I had completed one of the Druid requirements. The Lady Aelyn, Hierophant of the Oakstone, herself had spoken to a Pandoran representative about whether I may have the grove. Permission was granted... The Interview ------------- Each druid must satisfy each of his or her peers that he fits a certain criteria. It would not be unfair to say that this is common knowledge as all guilds must perform exactly the same task although they may do it in different ways. I was young and still proud of the cities too much and I found myself thrown out of the Druids and passed to the Sylvans, a group of people who supports nature in its own right but focuses also on the natural elements - the earth, the fire, the water, the air. The Sylvans ----------- The less said about the Sylvans the better. Because of a major misunderstanding and an accident on my part (I had misread a requirement) and an even bigger misunderstanding about my proposed grove, I found myself not part of the Sylvan Guild. I would note that I have stopped being significantly bitter about this, however it does cloud my judgment of the Sylvan Guild to this day. [Yes, Father, it's OK for you and anyone else to be a Sylvan if that is their call - my experience demonstrates they may not be suited to a free spirit as myself] The Decision ------------- I still wanted to be a champion of nature, to defend that which I believe is right. At that time, I was ready to give up on ALL of the nature guilds and had no clear idea of what the Sentinels were about. It was only during a long, frank and passionate discussion with Anoshia, the Sylvan Novice Aide and a short private talk with Covenant, the Sentinel Guild Master, that I chose - apprehensively - to join the Sentinels. The Sentinels ------------- Clearly I find the Sentinels my home. I passed my intro (it would be difficult to fail) but I passed it as a Special Edition. With great apprehension, I passed my second test although I thought that my last question may have had me fail - spectacularly. Last and not least, I passed my walk about the cities test and my forestwalking test. I feel home in the Sentinels; I can't explain why, I just *do*. ------------------------------page 13-------------------------------- Maiden of Aran'riod, Galena Lashyr-Windsong A Tale from the Aran'riod Greetings, dear family. My poppa, Tow, had expressed to me that he enjoyed a brief story I shared with some of Lady Melantha's followers and seekers about my childhood in the Aran'riod, and hoped that I would write more for the family journal. Although I do plan on gathering a more precise and general history someday, I hoped that a few tales and snippets of the life I held there would do for now. I hope I don't bore you, in fact, storytelling was a tradition held high and learned young amongst the Yrilauwe. And so, begins my tale... ============================ Every morning when I awoke in my family hut, the night's fire was smoldering near its death. Mornings in the tundra of Aran'riod were harsh, dark, and colder than is imaginable. I would wake with a jolt in my hammock, always rising from sleep at the same instant of the same dream. A gap in the woven roof of our hut made sure my first sight of each morning was the shimmering moon. Its form, whether a mere crescent glimpse of luminosity in the black sky, or an auroral sphere casting a heavenly glow upon my rest, would hint to me the path awaiting me for the day. I arose solemnly each dark morning, my first task a ritual one. Before even unfolding my cold-wrought fingers from my sleeping robes to add another log onto the fire, I first retrieved a long, gentle eagle's feather from a hidden pocket within my robes, close to my heart. Carefully, I twisted my hair into a thick braid, traditional of the Yrilauwe women, and wove the feather into my hair. Only then, with the eagle's feather in my hair, tickling my neck, a constant reminder, would I continue forth with my day's routine. I set more wood upon the fire and stoked it until it roared once again, lulling the other hut members into a more comforting sleep. I dressed in thick layers, nearly ceremoniously, and lifted my picking basket, hitching it against my hip. On the east side of the hut was a humble vegetable garden, each morning still dusted with the rising dawn's frosty dew. As the sun rose, the frost would slowly melt away into the soil, but my job was done before the sun grew warm enough for it. Our vegetables were not tender, but hardy and rough, grown in the cold and freeze. But we were lucky to have grown any at all, and had known the taste of nothing that came from a warm earth, so we were satisfied. My eyes were accustomed to the dark, and very perceptive. I noted each ripe vegetable quickly, my fingers twisting at leaves, snapping stems, or digging into the icy soil to pull up root vegetables. The job was done before the sun had completely risen, my basket fuller than before. It was never heaping, and lucky to feel the weight of half full, but the garlic bulbs, carrots, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and variety of herbs would get us through the day at least. When I ducked back into the hut, O'seru would already be awake. He always arose as soon as the fire I stoked grew hot enough once again. Its heat, I suppose, roused him. His heavy black pot would be filled with fatty sheep bones soaking in water, nearly boiling, hung just above the roaring fire. In a smaller pot off to the side, dark kawhe would be brewing for the both of us. We would greet each other softly, but stay mostly silent to let his sleeping wife have her rest. I would overturn the basket onto the table we called our kitchen, although our small hut served as several rooms in one. O'seru would nod his approval and I would draw a blade and begin to slice and chop for the day's soup. When it was ready, he would pour me a mug of kawhe, bring it to me, and ruffle my hair affectionately, in a fatherly manner. From every pile of vegetables and herbs I cut, he would sift out the perfect amount, the ideal combination, knowledge of his head and his tongue. In a mere few hours, the heavy steam of our gazpacho soup, thick with spicy aroma, would pour from the top opening of our hut. The village would begin to gather for the day's meal. They would not depart our hut until they were full and had enough sustenance to drive forth their herds, mend their quilts, perform their day's work. And thus I learned to serve, to give and take, in harmony with Nature. To pull from the earth only what we needed, and to feed it back into the ground. The plows, the warriors, the shepherds, all took our feed and offered it back to Nature, growing harmony's seeds with their sweat and blood. Penned by my hand on the 19th of Glacian, in the year 413 AF. Maiden of Aran'riod As seems to be the tradition, I will offer a little story about myself. I was born Galena Lashyr-Windsong to Tow and Julya Lashyr-Windsong on the 6th of Miraman, 391 AF. Although born in the fruitful prime of Spring, I coincidentally spent most of my childhood in an eternal Winter in the tundra of Aran'riod. Why I spent my youth there is a different story from this one, and so I will focus my writing differently. The Yrilauwe people of Aran'riod are quite primitive and worship the moon cycles. Cycles govern their quite simple life, and therefore my most essential attraction to the Seasons, in their cycle. I lived this way for such a long time. In the village, I spent my days listening to the stories of A'urnir, a beadworker who took her inspiration from Nature in all its Seasons. I told A'urnir many stories of my childhood before I came to Aran'riod. I recalled to her the scent of my parents, the tickle of Eagle feathers upon my toes, the colours of orange-red roses of some foreign forest called Aerinewild. She gave me the name A'laide, meaning Lady of Blossoms in the Yrilauwe tongue. To her, I was the girl who had seen Spring, and who had in fact been born in Spring. Although I spent so much of my life in a commune that worshipped the moon, that symbol was and is foreign to me. It is the cycles that forever stayed with me, and cycles to which my body and soul tune. I rejoice in seeking Lady Melantha, and hope to find someone willing to mentor and guide me on my path. In the peace of Nature's embrace, Galena Lashyr-Windsong Penned by my hand on the 18th of Valnuary, in the year 413 AF. ------------------------------page 101-------------------------------- Emty Wildfang, Votary to Phaestus My earliest memories of Tranox and Kyra was when they were first getting to know each other, at least that's what I think they were doing. I would be ratting and doing the elephant quest along the ramparts of Shallam and pass by them standing in the same spot for the longest time. I started bouncing on Tranox's foot as I went by, just to make sure they weren't statues. Kyra was always fun to tickle, she enjoys it so *grin* Their wedding was the first I had been to, and was outside of the Darkfeather house in Eleusis, Emergo performed the ceremony and it was a very nice, though simple, wedding. Then they disappeared into the house and not seen again for many months. It wasn't long before their family started. They have been a strong and steady anchor in the family. Love them both dearly. ------------------------------page 102-------------------------------- The Hand of Phaestus Molotov Lighthawk Congratulations dear and thank you for being such a major part of the dynasty Orina and I tried to make for this world. Your love and guidance wont be forgotten – Molo. ------------------------------page 103-------------------------------- Bloodsworn, Dresden La'Seir, Arkian Priestess Blessed be, Tranox and Kyra. Your family grows stronger each day. May the Good in you always flourish, may your lives be interwoven, for with Nature you protect, and you make me proud each day. May your path hold the Light in whatever you do. Congratulations on 75 years of bliss. ------------------------------page 201-------------------------------- WINDSONG LOGOSMAS CAROL Once upon a time in a land far, far, faaaaar away, long, long ago during a cold, cold winter a few days before Logosmas. There was this lovely young couple living in a forest in the far northern regions of the lands. Trannox, a raja forestal, was living there with his beautiful atavian wife Kyra. They lived in harmony with Nature, living of what Mother Nature was giving them. Tending and nurturing all that lived in the woods. All was going well and joy filled their hearts when Kyra got pregnant. Their love would blossom in new life. But then when winter came Kyra felt ill and she just knew something was wrong with the baby. She first tried to hide it from Trannox but then she started to worry too much and finally told him. Kyra would need help to deliver the baby. Trannox knew about birth from observing the wild animals around them, but he also knew if there are complications during labour often the young would die and often the mother too. They might need help from some healers or women that could help. But then winter was blowing in from the cold north, so leaving their sheltered environment would bring many dangers too. They couldn’t wait any longer and decided to pack the mule with lots of supplies and warm blankets. Their packs filled with everything they would need for a long trip. They prayed to the gods to watch over them and guide them to a safe heaven. They didn’t have any time to waste and on their way they went. They first headed south towards warmer territory. The first settlement on their path was the little village of Petra. But the village was looking deserted, the sings of war still were clear. The few farmer families had barricaded themselves inside their homes. One would think the village was deserted if it weren’t for the weary eyes sometimes watching from behind the curtains. The baron was known as a cruel and unfriendly man, so Kyra and Trannox didn’t even bother to visit the castle. They decided to try their luck in the nearby big city of Hashtan. And what they feared happened. The gates were closed. With the war going on in Petra between their city and Ashan, everyone was nervous and suspicious about strangers. The wise men of the city feared it was a list and the gates remained closed. Winter was gaining ground upon our travellers and the first snowflakes began to fall. Where would they head now? Night was fallen and Kyra could barely walk any further. Trannox unloaded the mule and rearranged his packs with what they needed most. He tucked in Kyra in many warm blankets and helped her on the back of the mule, leaving some of their supplies behind. Trannox couldn’t decide which direction to head till Kyra told him she had a vision of a bright star. In the dark night only the Evenstar was shining through the clouds. They followed the road to the east. They came passed the Crystal Leaf Inn and knocked on the door. A grumpy warden opened a small spy hole in the wooden door and yelled at them all rooms were overbooked already. He couldn’t let more people in and promptly closed the hole again. Trannox kept on pounding on the door, trying to explain the seriousness of their situation. But all was naught. And as if some evil powers where involved the light snow changed into a blizzard. One could barely see a hand before the eyes and the bright Evenstar was reduced to a sporadic flickering dim light. They continued further towards the east but in the blizzard they wandered off the path and got lost in the forest. But for some reason they felt safer in the forest and it seemed like the blizzard had a hard time fighting the thick canopy of the trees. They came upon a road leading towards Bagwar’s Copse but a grumpy Sylvan had caged his grove and just bluntly ignored Trannox’ pleas. The only thing they could do was continue to follow the Evenstar, but the trip was asking its toll. They arrived at the gates of Ashan and Kyra had passed out on the back of the mule. Luckily the poor creature was very brave and seemed to scent there was something wrong and they needed his help. But the gates of Ashan remained closed as there were rumours of spies trying to infiltrate the village. Would this damned war between Hashtan and Ashan mean the end of these two innocent needy people? Trannox was about to give up, but then he gathered his last forces and only his love for his beloved wife kept him going. And as if a compassionate God was looking down on them the blizzard changed to a soft snowfall. Trannox saw they drifted of their course and the Evenstar was shining in what seemed to be the south, even if that was impossible. But the faith in the vision of his wife was the only thing that kept him going. With a pained sigh Trannox dragged the mule towards the gate of another village. They were greeted by the city guard Cwincan. With caution in his eyes he asked them what their business was in Eloosis. But our dear Trannox was exhausted and crumbled into a miserable heap. Trannox was coming to his senses again and surprisingly was feeling very warm. He was laying in a simple, but soft and warm bed. When he wanted to jump up to search for his lovely wife a gently woman tried to calm him down. She told him her name was Miri, proprietor of the Eloosian inn tea shop. She told him he was in a hut under the trees. Another village woman named Muria was in the other room with his wife, trying to safe the baby as well. But even these reassuring words couldn’t calm down this loving man and she helped him stumble towards the western room. Trannox looked up towards the brightly shining Evenstar and send a silent prayer into the silent night. As they opened the door the silent night was disturbed by a crying baby. Their little xoran girl was showing her strong longs. Trannox shook his head in disbelief and relief. He was glad his lovely wife and their baby survived the harsh trip. Even if the goddess of Mischief decided to gift a bonding between an atavian and a rajamalan with a xoran baby. Like a mountain against the wind, a storm bull was standing there, motionless together with their mule, filling the room with their warmth and sharing it with the mother and child. Only after Trannox made sure his wife was ok and had held his baby he noticed the stranger smiling softly at him. The stranger was dressed in a grey cloak hiding the biggest part of his face under his hood. Muria told him this stranger occupied the room but immediately offered his bed to help. Trannox wanted to thank the man but the stranger just waved away his words. Then Miri softly knocked on the door and said three noble guests wanted to check upon mother and child. It were no other then the three Housemasters of the forestal Houses in Achaea bearing gifts. Conar of the Druids, Fartet of the Sentinels and Ane’Ia of the Sylvans. They also noticed the bright Evenstar and how it seemed to burn much stronger then on usual nights and how its trajectory changed. They also saw the star seemed to have frozen above Eleusis. Their Houses combined forces and explored the surroundings but their efforts were naught. The only unusual thing that happened was the arrival of the strangers in the village. Then all the sudden the grey cloaked stranger rushed towards the door without any noise and almost like he was floating. The men in the room followed him and saw he was blocking the entry for a small figure almost going unnoticed in the shadows with his black cloak. A silver arrow glistering in the light of the stars on his hand bow. The grey cloaked stranger raised his staff and a blue lightning came sizzling from the skies, zapping and killing the Nigi assassin on sight. A grey mist was crawling around the grey cloaked stranger and he vanished. Could it have been the Great Logos Himself? When they returned in the room Ane’Ia showed them the silver medallion the grey cloaked stranger left. The back of the medallion engraved with the words: “For the gentle Polywog”. And so goes the story of the Polywog, born on Logosmas day. The Xoran girl of the atavian Kyra and the raja Trannox, named Polywog Windsong in honour of a mysterious grey cloaked stranger that probably safed her life. Polywog grew into a beautiful woman that always protected and nurtured Nature and that always was there to help her village mates, friends and family. Her father already is gone from the realms for a long time, but her mother Kyra is occasionally spotted in the hut under the trees in the Eleusian Inn. None ever knew who the stranger was. But destiny sure seems to have a special plan with the special Polywog, maybe one day I can tell you the spectacular story of the Polywog treasure if I ever life long enough to witness and tell the tale... ------------------------------page 202-------------------------------- Polgara’s Logosmas Story In the village there lived a Atavian woman with her family. She had many children and they all grew into fine young people. She had one son that became a leader of the village. Another that ran the shop for the guild, and yet another that was head of the novices for the house he was in. Some sons became soldiers and some adventures. She had a very nice group of kids, and all came from the guidance and love she gave each one. Her daughters were lovely young women who were well respected in their houses and villages. There was one son though who had a special job that started when the winter began. He was to go all around the lands during the night and create spectacular designs out of ice. He would make patterns on the windows and cover the branches and ground with ice chips. When you woke in the morn and look out the windows everything would look like a land of magic covered in crystals. Well one day while he was out covering the forests, he meet a beautiful lady laying in the bushes. He picked her up and carried her to his house. There he covered her with blankets and stocked the fire to warm her. When she woke he spoon fed her some cubby stew. After a few days she grew strong again and told him the story of how some men in big black robes had grabbed her and dragged her away from her family. After barely escaping into the forest, she became lost and hungry, when she stumbled across something on the ground and was knocked out. She did not know what had happened to her family so the young man said she could stay until the warm weather came and she was fully recovered. Well as the days came and went and they went about their daily chores. They felt a stronger and stronger connection. Logomas was drawing near so the young man thought and thought what to get the lovely lady. One night as he was out and about he came across a lovely necklace, it had a ruby heart hanging from a gold chain. He got it for his guest that had become to mean so much to him. On Logomas morning he brought out the present he had gotten for her. When he gave it to her, she was very surprised and happy. She flew into his arms and told him how much she liked it. He was happy to hear she felt the same way for him as he felt for her. They got ready that morning and went to his mothers house for Logomas dinner and to meet all his family. As they shared family memories and Logomas traditions, she felt a very strong connection to the family. On the day for which you show your love he bought her a ring in a ivy pattern with a diamond in the center and asked if she would be his forever. She said for always. As time went along they planned a wedding for the next Logomas. They were married and a couple of children, when one day she was out shopping in the village she ran into a woman who she sensed she should know. So she walked up to women and started talking to her. It turns out the woman was her mother. She told her all that had happened to her and the way her life turned out. She was reunited with her family and soon her children and husband would get to meet her family. ------------------------------page 204-------------------------------- WOT WINDSONG KYRA'S WINDSONG FAMILY NEWS #158 Date: 10/29/2004 at 11:33 From: Rotten Rabid Rabbit Tow Fartsong, Terror of Windsongs To : Everyone Subj: A LogosWEENED SONG Let the Rabies spread! Look Tow He is a human and is hopping and bouncing around the room as a rotten rabid rabbit, almost like one of those rubber bouncing balls. When he finally sits quiet for a moment in a corner the first you notice is his white fluffy busy blurry bunny tail and his pale skin. Then he starts sniffing the air and all the sudden his sexy scary shifty eyes focus on you. His eyes get filled with bloodlust and around them are dark black walls, the same colour of his lips. You see him drooling from the left side of his mouth where you also notice the scar on his left cheek that seems to have been made by a huge claw. With a wrinkling nose and licking his teeth he starts hopping in circles around you coming closer and closer and closer and closer and closer.... He is wearing bunny bottom panties, a tight-fitting bunny shirt, a set of vampire's fangs, a pair of bunny slippers, a black top hat with jackrabbit ears, a softly furred brown jackrabbit mask, black mascara, messily applied black lipstick, and black eyeliner. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And now the story of Wot Windsong! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Once there was a lost orphan called Wot. When he finally was old enough he started his initial training on Loom island and then tried his luck in joining the druids. He still had a lot to learn and failed his novice interview. Without his metamorphosis skills he felt so naked and alone. After thinking his situation over a bit he decided to try and join the Sentinels. From then on he seemed on his way to have a good life when he passed the first interview there. He was living his life minding his own business. But then things changed. Lots of times when he was sitting in the woods he always felt he was being watched. Prying eyes high up in the trees, between the bushes, behind every corner and Wot often had the feeling something was following him from the sky. On one of his wanderings he got lost in the Northreach forest and didn't find his way back. Night was falling and he was very hungry and tired. Then he heard a woman singing, a soft lullaby making him remember the song from so long ago. Following the voice he arrived in a clearing where he saw this old wrinkled atavian woman. "Come closer my boy" she said with a squeaking voice. "Don't be affright." The way the woman looked and spoke made Wot almost run away, but then she was singing so beautiful and where would he go? So he decided to come closer to the woman, but still keeping some distance. The woman saw he was scared and flashed him a joyous smile with only five teeth left. She tossed Wot a blanket made of the softest rabbit skin. "You must be cold my boy" she squeaked. "And you sure must be hungry. Follow me to my house and I'll feed you and give you a soft corner in the stables to sleep." Wot couldn't believe all this goodness and lost his fear of the woman. Or maybe his stomach decided for him as these delicious flavours coming from nearby filled his nose. In the house it was nice and warm and the old woman served him a serious of delicious meals. The next one always even more delicious as the previous one. Roasted rabbit filled with herbs, crispy rabbit with fresh herbs, a finger licking good rabbit stew and many more. Wot was so filled he had to release his belt a bit to release his belly. "How could I ever repay you?" he asked the woman. But she said not to worry about it and brought him a nice mug of hot wine before she guided Wot to the stables. It was dark in there but nice and warm and soft hay covering the floor. The woman gave him an extra rabbit blanket and wished him a good night. Wot blushed and gave the old wrinkled woman a peck on cheek and snuggled under the blanket. What a happy ending of the day... But then the nightmare started. When Wot waked up there was only a little bit of light coming from a small window nailed shut with some hard wooden planks. His head was still hurting from the wine and Wot tried to stand up. Only then he noticed the chain locking him to the wall with a spiked choker tightly closed around his neck. How did he got himself into this? Wot tried to scream for help, to unlock his chain, to pray to the gods, but nothing helped. He started thinking he would surely die there. But then he heard some voices and he yelled again for help. But he only heard the old woman cackle hellishly. Then he heard some other younger voices asking if the 'Wench' , the way they called the old woman, had found herself another 'Boy'. Days passed and the only thing that happened was some unknown folks of different races throwing some death rabbits to Wot. Their throat slit open but still with all the fur on them. Wot was going insane from hunger and thirst and when he could no longer take it he started tearing apart the half rotten rabbit corpses with his bare teeth. Nasty Naddie sometimes came to whip him. When he was finally broken a big cat like man sometimes walked him outside on the chain and choker. The others called this man poppa Tronax. After a while some of the younger ones that called Wot brother took him with them to search some commodities in far away shops to supply the old woman. Most of the times it was Mutilating Masur and Terrorising TS dragging Wot with them. And so Wot was nothing more then a slave, a boy of the old wrench and her so called family of Windsongs. After some years they send Wot alone to the shops, but always one of them nearby. Spooky Screaming Siren Kore sometimes even took the broken Wot and tied him up in the Eastern Ithmia were she then found some nasty cubs throwing walnuts at our poor Wot. Bruised and battered she would then return him to his cell. One day Wot escaped on one of these shopping trips. Plump Pumpkin Polly was supposed to watch him, but she was seeing one of her many lovers. Wot tried to run to the closest place where he could find some people that could help him. But he hadn't set ten steps outside his regular route or the old woman came down from the skies with her deadly talons hoisting Wot from the ground, almost crushing him to death leaving a big scar on his left cheek. She took him back to one of the shops she owned in Delos where he was locked and chained away in the dark corner of a secret room in the storeroom. Years passed and the only thing Wot saw was now and then two dark figures coming in and tossing some rotten rabbits to him. Morbid Mordi and Pesky Ezki took care of this job. But then one day things changed. A good Samaritan by the name of Cian broke down the door of the shop to retrieve some stolen goods. He heard some crying coming from behind an old cupboard. He found a secret room behind it and what he saw there was to sad for words. A creature that once must have been human, now covered with old rotten rabbit skins covered with dried blood. With his sword he broke the chain locking this creature up. But when the creature was loose it almost killed our good Samaritan. With only some luck Cian was able to get himself out. Nothing could help this creature. Wot, the rotten rabid rabbit smashed the entire shop and fled into the wilderness. Cian cursed the dark, evil practices of Big Momma K Windsong. Affright of what outsiders might say of this, Big Momma K never told a living soul and rebuild her shop. Being sure Wot wouldn't survive long on his own out there. None ever knew what happened, but from time to time some of this dreadful Windsong family just disappeared without a trace. The only evidence of struggle was some stinking plucks of rabbit fur scattered around. From that moment on all Windsong were know to run away in panic by the mere sight of a fluffy playful rabbit. None where ever able to discover why this panic. But you better be aware when you come into an area with rabbits, there might be a creature nearby defending his rabbit family covered in rabbit fur, but once human. And I would suggest you run away as fast as you can if your name is Windsong as twisted 'Turned around' Wot might be there, ready to take his revenge. Rotten rabid rabbit Wot Fartsong, Terror of Windsongs -penned by an unknown hand- PS: This work is believed to be fictional and names or places resembling known people or locations are just coincidental, but still I keep on looking around and try to get out as fast as I can when I see rabbits... Penned by my hand on the 3rd of Glacian, in the year 376 AF. ------------------------------page 205-------------------------------- DEATH BY DINER KYRA'S WINDSONG FAMILY NEWS #159 Date: 10/29/2004 at 13:29 From: Evil Cootie Bearer, Eilonwy Windsong, Giant Rabid Bat To : Everyone Subj: Death by Dinner Nanny Kyra, the most beautiful hunchback you'd ever see, was out foraging one day in preparation for a spectacular dinner to feed her 164 children and 293 grandchildren. She hummed her way happily around the garden collecting the delicious nuts and berries that had kept her extensive family well fed for so many years. Sooo well fed infact that they were all a little plump and round, which was cute, in a way. And yes, the Windsongs loved their food. So when Nanny Kyra happened upon a big fat bunny, she jumped at the chance to serve him for dinner, and prompty bashed him over the head with her knitting needles. Unaware that there was something seriously wrong with this bunny, she scooped him up and shoved him down her bra for safe-keepings. She frolicked all the way home, so pleased with her catch, and burst through the front door in a fit of ecstasy. Jamethiel, a debauched, crazy bard from Cyrene was sitting in a whicker chair mumbling to himself and picking nits from his brother, Khebh's hair. Eski, Fisherman of the Year and the epitome of handsome, was posing by the fireplace. "Look what i got us for dinner, boys!", squealed Nanny Kyra. All three boys jumped to crowd around Nanny Kyra as she carefully plucked the big fat bunny from her bra. "Ooooohh! Crunchings and munchings with feastings tonight!" screamed the boys with delight as they rubbed their tummies greedily. Just at that moment, Mordeanna the flea-infested Werewolf came tumbling through the side window dressed in her best fur, licking her chops and drooling. She gave Khebh a lopsided grin and rolled over for someone to scratch her belly. Eski could hardly contain himself, who was this mysterious mangey mut? Her putrid breath was somehow attractive and he found himself drawn to her like bees to honey! Nanny Kyra pulled out a giant cauldron, filled it with water and placed it over the fire to boil. Next she picked some nits from Khebh's hair and dramatically tossed them into the cauldron. Some fleas from the Werewolf Mordeanna, and some fishscales off Eski's boots, in it all went! Her nuts she gave to Jamethiel to chop who, instead of chopping, grabbed a hammer and beat them to a pulp. He looked up expectantly, waiting for the berries, which Nanny Kyra handed over grudgingly. With a cackle, he threw them on the ground and squished them into a gooey mess. Myrthan, the suave, one-eyed rat master stalked in, followed by the diabolical one-breasted Eilonwy after finishing a heated round of croquet. Seeing the terrible mess on the floor, Eilonwy graciously swept it up and tipped it into the cauldron. Myrthan produced two rats which Nanny Kyra snatched from him to throw into the stew. While gnawing at his fingernails, Khebh began a mawkish dance around the cauldron before accidentally tripping and falling into it. "Ohwell!" exclaimed Eilonwy cheerfully, "It needed some thickening anyways!" Jamethiel, infuriated by the loss of his favourite pastime (picking nits from Khebh), grabbed a lemon and threw it at Eilonwy's head. Eilonwy returned the favour and after exchanging evil glares, they shrugged and walked off. Nanny Kyra absentmindedly stroked the big fat bunny before tossing it into the cauldron. With a childish giggle she skipped merrily around the cauldron while the rest began to set the table. Eventually the rest of the family turned up, some with wooden legs, others wearing nothing. The bizarre Windsong family sat down for their meal. Nanny Kyra fussed over the stew before dishing the sloppy green mess into bowls and passing them down the table. Polgara licked her lips and wiped the drool from her chin. Everyone was silent in anticipation when suddenly, Eithan gave a horrified gasp. "Nanny Kyra!" He exclaimed, "Where is Uncle Tow and Uncle Khebh?!" Nanny Kyra smiled sweetly and said, "I dont know about your Uncle Tow, dear, but Uncle Khebh helped make dinner, not to worry, he's not far away..." and with that she scooped up a dollup of stew and handed it to Eithan. Like vultures, the family began madly attacking their meals. Anyone from outside would think they'd gone days without food. Finally, after licking their plates and fingers clean, they rubbed their round tummies and began to groom each other. Unfortunately, none of them realised that the bunny they had made stew from was actually Tow, who had been bitten by a rabid slugbeast and then turned into a rabbit by the evil bog witch. So now, having eaten rabid rabbit, the family began to turn on each other. Hungry for blood, and twitching, they tore at each others throats and gnawed on each others fingers. Arms a legs flew this way and that. Blood splattered the glass windows and then all was silent. Days later, a young party of explorers came across the house. Noticing the stench they ventured further to investingate. Hesitantly, the explorers peeked through the window, expecting a bloody dirty mess. But no! What did they see! A mass of fluffy fat bunnies hopping and bouncing and romping around. In delight, they scampered in to grab as many bunnies as they could hold, and skipped away back to their houses to make delicious, juicy bunny stews. Little did they know... And so today, in every home, in every house, there is a little craziness, a little flicker in every eye, a little twitch in every body. A little Windsong you might call it, and thus the Windsongs live on to this day. Uhm, Love YOUUU aaalll!!! Eily *eye Tow* Penned by my hand on the 5th of Glacian, in the year 376 AF.