Paying Respects.

[Scorched Druid]

Shuffled steps carried me in my usual fashion to the beach of the Twilight Isle. A place I have both come to love, and regret having ever found. I have met many people, met many that probably think of me on their list of friends. But I lost something as well. Someone. Halcyon was my closest friend. My Familiar. It had been the fur and warmth of the Gryphon that had kept hypothermia at bay during escapades into the coldest tundra. It had been the Gryphon who had watched over me while I lay incapacitated from fevers and disease. It had been the Gryphon whom brought me from conflict after conflict during my adventuring days. Each time I had faced death's door., the Gryphon had been there.

And it had been Halcyon, who pulled my burning body from a fire that surely would have killed me. I remember that day clearer than any other. It is a day that will stay with me till I am called by the gods toleave this realm.

Every night I relive the flames dancing along my body. Every night I still feel the fire making my skin boil when I close my eyes to in vain hope of finally finding sleep. But now, there are no soothing words to ease my mind, and drive the nitemares away. Now my haven is gone. Slain while protecting Topaz from a petty vampire. And I am alone for the first time in nearly 30 years.

You will be missed, Halcyon. I mourn your passing everytime I see these rings. Everytime Topaz crosses my path. And for all you have done for me, it would be betrayal to forget you.

I offered up an earnest prayer to whoever watched over Halcyon's spirit as I laid two bleeding hearts on the small pile of stones I had erected as a grave to my oldest of friends. Though he had not left a body to bury, I knew where he had finally found his rest.

"I miss you always, Halcyon. May you have found respite in the Wind Mother's embrace at last." A groan rolled from me as I knelt before that pile of stones and removed my mask. And for the first time since I could remember, I felt the cool wind blow against my ruined face.

[Scorched Druid]

I'd waisted too much time by the dull throb that began to play with my knees. It was true I still had much to do before actually finding sleep for the night, but too much bothered me lately. Too many things that felt unresolved. And most of it revolved around Topaz.

I'm nowhere near as spry as I once was and had to bring myself to one knee just to stand back up. It was strange to be without my mask after so long, it had come to feel like a part of me. An extension. My shield from a world that couldn't stand my face. Gazing upon the metal facade in my hands, Halcyon's words could only play through my head. Words that with each passing year I knew were true, but couldn't bring myself to follow. "Move on, and live." I chose to live, but doubt moving on will ever be possible.

It was then that I turned my eyes towards the Archmage's Citadel. The memory of my oldest friends last night with the physical. But the one thing that hurt more than truly losing my friend, was seeing that fairy move on as if Halcyon had not sacrificed his life for her. No condolences from her, not so much as a look that said she felt anything over it. My familiar died protecting her, and she probably doesn't care. That is what makes my job so hard. Working for her after that, so much time has passed that Topaz probably doesn't even remember it. Just spends her nights enphatuated with her husband and their coming baby. If it wasn't for Halcyon, would she even be expecting? That is something I've come to doubt but see no point in bothering to say anything to her about that night. Wouldn't do me any good at all.

I'm to old to have the happiness I once could have. I can count my friends on one hand, and lover's aren't worth thinking about. I'm a monster, I've been one for 16 years. I'll be a monster till my dying day. While all around me I see life blooming. Syous and Gnimish each have found someone special to them, someone that looks beyond their drawbacks. I feel glad that they have found such happiness, and at the same time am envious. For I know such a thing is impossible for me. I've accepted my disfiguration, but too many have rejected me for it.

Too many times over the years have I tried to let people in, tried to let them get close and gotten burned. Over and over, it was my burns that caused most to cringe, or turn away from me with green skin. None can stand my image. So, I've had to swallow my pride and accept I'll die alone, and no one will know of it. At least not till some come looking for me out of curiosity. Then what will I get? A moment of silence? That is probably if I'm lucky.

In years passed I'd feel bitter about what's happened to me over time. Now it wouldn't do any good for me, so I just move on. Move on and watch others be happy. I've also accepted that the cynical would say I'm sad, or pathetic, even weak. But being angry at the world is the fool's path. I'm too old and have no desire to leave some grand mark on the world. I just want to spend what time I have left around good people. People who have had their glory days and are just enjoying the friendships they've made. After all. That path is the only one I have left. Finding love is for the young. Not the aged and infirm.

It was time to be going, so I placed the leopard mask back upon my face and tied the clasp. I'd been lucky that no one had asked "out of all the animals or things to have a mask of, why a leopard?" The answer would be pointless. At least the true answer. No one in Rhydin will know who I am. And probably few from off-world would know. None would know me. Know me as Uriel the Crimson Leopard.

However that name belonged to someone else.

[Scorched Druid]

The fresh morning snow felt cool and refresing under my barefeet as I moved around the yard of my recent home. There was much work to be done in keeping the old mansion warm as winter rolled on, and it is sad to say that I'm too old to do it all by myself.

The roof has a few weak patches where the shingles need to be repaired. There is no way on this green earth I love that I'll get up there. Knowing my luck, it'd be the last thing I do. Can just see the headlines now. "Druid Falls from Rooftop, Herbal Pancakes Anyone?". Yes, that would be swell. I die and people get a joke at my demise. Knowing Rhdyin that's exactly what will happen.

I could hire someone to do the repairs, but there's not a chance I'll invite some stranger to fix my home. Seen too many problems with that, elderly person makes a call to get some home repairs done, next thing ya know they're in a nursing home and the repairman is selling their house. So, the holes in the roof will just have to stay there. I keep the first floor anyway, let the other two gather dust.

At least I got the frackin pool cleaned out. That was an adventure. Found the manor's previous occupants. Thought I would never get the smell off of my skin. Just lucky the owner didn't come to life on me, I hate laying spirits to rest. Specially if they fight back. Then I have to do all that chanting and burn medicines. So much work for a small task.

The pool was clear and filled with chrystal blue water. It's the nicest room in the house so far. I cannot do much to the garden until spring. Then I can really start into the work. I'll have roses, and daisies, and petunias, and bleeding hearts, and forget-me-nots, and ferns, tulips. Get a nice green house going on the grounds. Maybe even grow some things for the advocates of altered consciousness. Maybe some shrooms, or hashish. Marijuana needs a lot of heat to grow. I'm not buying lamps for that.

There's too much work to be done on the house. I need help to do it all, but the last thing I need is for people to make visits. This is my home, I want to see people, I'll go to the Arena, Outback, or the Isle. Even the Inn as long as that leggy woman isn't there. She asks too many questions. Splendiferous, BAHH!, That's what I say. Aught to turn her into a 90 year old looking hag, see how flirtatious she'll be then.

Still need to lay some more flowers on Halcyon's grave tonight as well. I think Topaz would accept me being a bit late for that reason. I'm getting too old and starting to like people again. That just won't do.

The usual shuffled steps carried me all the way back to the manor, and the fireplace in the first floor study sounded delightful.

[Scorched Druid]

Springs' finally arrived and now was the time for me to get to work. This old house would look good with a few more touches. Though the roof still needed work. Bloody roofs, and I'm not about to go galavantin across them to fix what needs fixin. No way no how. Of course now that I have an army of whelps at my disposal, could send a few of them up there to risk life and limb for the house. Nahh, save that amusement for something else, I think.

"Purple, get over here. Need ya to do something."

It's been nearly two months since the death of his parents and still the boy hasn't said more than two words to anyone. Though I am sure he talks regularly to his sister. The pair mostly keep to themselves though the girl has made a few friends among the dozen or so children. That sister will be the door to getting the lad to open up, of that I'm sure. But he must be willing to communicate verbally. For now nods and looks are enough, but he'll have to talk eventually. Simply to avoid people believing him a mute, that will bring only problems.

Still there's the issue of his eyes. That color and intesity bring on a feeling of looking into a mirror each time I regard the boy, what could this portain? Yet another mystery. Eh, I'm too old for this crap. Maybe I'll hold a mass adoption, make a penny off of all these brats. Make them help with the finishing touches on my home then sell them off. Make a profit and give children to couples in need. Win win for us all, I'd say.

"Alright Purple, Ethel and Ramis need help hauling soil to the flowerbed out back, go help them then head to the kitchen to get a glass of water and an apple. Marie should still be in there working on lunch for you all. If she asks for help, assist her. Cooking for this many mouths is a hard task for even the most proficient."

Another nod and the boy left my side. Hopefully interaction with Marie will get him to talk, she's shy but hates silence. I just pray Purple's silence will not cause any problems among the group. Still, only time will tell. For the time being, I need to go to the Isle and pay my respects to Halcyon.

[Scorched Druid]

The evening breeze felt wonderful coming offshore on the Isle. Shuffling steps had me at Halcyon's gaveside without even really looking to where I walked. Each month I have come here and laid flowers on this pile of stones, but there is something I notice in each instance. Halcyon's spirit seems to be stronger. This in itself troubles me.

I know that some familiars did not die, only lose their physical form for a time if gravely injured. But wouldn't Halcyon have told me if he were one of the them? I am sure he would have told me, something like this to be revieled after the fact ensures him a beating.

On bended knee I lay the bleeding hearts upon Halcyon's stone and sent up a prayer telling him that I am doing well, had even taken on a student though she had moments where she was slow in catching things. Such was to be expected. When Ice is your element it is only natural that the brain runs on a slower pace.

The tought of her made me remember her recent accomplishment in becoming Keeper of Water. It was high time I sent a letter to her in congradulations on the achievement. However such would be for later, now I had to talk with my friend. Even if it is a one sided conversation.

Why I still come here is beyond me, yet every so often I find my steps carry me through the portal to Halcyon's graveside. He's been gone for so long, yet I still come back to where he fell. Perhaps it is out of habit, or maybe respect to his memory. I doubt both of those. It is something on a deeper level that brings me back. And I'll never say that outloud because it will make me sound like some kind of a deviant.

"Not even sure why I stick around this city, Hal. Nothing to keep me here with you dead. Perhaps that's why I stay. Someone needs to lay flowers on your grave. Topaz won't. She feels the sadness of your passing everytime she is awake, but puts up a good mask at hiding it when in public. Still, your loss is something I feel more keenly than her. The fae are depicted to be happy and make others happy, so she performs her role accordingly. I can't fault her for that."

"It's a beautiful night here on the Isle, I wish you could see it old friend. Nights like this are rare, even though this place is eternally in twilight. The nights still vary as the moon passes through regular cycles. This is a good night, one of which I'm sure many couples, young and old are taking advantage of. Walking hand in hand, or talking quietly of whatever matters to them. And good goddess I sound like a mewling gossip. Somebody shoot me now. I blame the people that talk to me as if we're friends. Gnimish, Syous, Topaz, Wyheree...I know they call me a friend, but on what grounds can I call them such? No, to me they are acquaintances. We have no common interests, nor anything else in common.

Gnimish is grouchy merely as a facade to keep most the world at arms length, though now that he has Sandy, he's coming to show his true self to those around him.

Syous, well I don't want to get into him. His story is the same as Gnimish's thanks to Anushka.

Topaz tries to be friendly to all as part of her obligation as the Duel of Magic coordinater and her general demeanor. Halcyon died protecting her and though she feels his loss, I've yet to see her pay any respects to his memory. I'm sure she sends up a prayer, but the fae do not dwell on sadness. She has moved on by now with the birth of her daughter and all. The baby would sense her own sadness. Topaz would not want to make the young one cry inadvertantly.

And then there is Wyheree. The youth still insists there is some goodness in me. What goodness I hold is long gone, of that there is little doubt in my mind. She moves through this world without any form of guidance, that fact alone is why I choose to help direct her. Her and the others I've found in this city. "

The apathy of Rhydin disgusts me. It is a sickness that will only destroy the city. Destroy it like so many others have fallen to apathy. Some nights I agree that Rhydin needs to be destroyed. When it has citizens who watch with indifference as men and women are collared into slavery in public and do nothing clearly says Rhydin is beyond saving and it is time for the fires of heaven to raze it to the ground. And begin anew.

For all the evils that exist in throughout existance, indifference is the root that allows the sickness to spread. When the citizens that call themselves "good people" watch and do nothing while those they know by name and face are enslaved or beaten to death in broad daylight; that is the point where a city forefeits the right to exist. Like Rome, Atlantis, Paris, London, Krynn, Faerun, and so many other realms; it is time for Rhydin to burn and be reborn.