"I have failed you Tethrin" Riklaun said as he knelt at the makeshift altar. "I was so close."

His head was hung low, his spirit down. "I have failed and am not worthy of the position of Swordmaster." Rik pulled out his magic Scimitar and laid it on the altar. I am not worthy. "

Riklaun stayed at the altar till night fell. He wished to gain some sort of understanding as to why he failed. 'Errandir should not have died at the drow's hands.' Rik thought.

When the candles finally burned themselves out, he got up and walked out. leaving his sword on the altar.

She awoke in the strange room, not quite certain of her surroundings. Looking up, she noticed wooden pews and realized that she was back in the Altar room - where she had been mysteriously frozen following the quest to rescue Errandir. "How is this possible?" she wondered. "I was sure I'd been cast out of the realms. And yet, here I am."

She heard a voice, solemn, sad and ashamed. Daring to peer around the seats, she saw Riklaun kneeling at the altar. Not wanting to disclose her presence, she listened in great sadness as she heard him speak of his unworthiness to the empty space. Darkness fell, and then, he was gone.

She fished through her pockets, found a candle and lit it. Then she rose from her hiding place and smoothed her dress, straightened her hair - the little vanities not yet purged from her soul. She was about to leave when she saw the blade, lying upon the altar.

Silently, she went to the altar and gazed at the fine blade. "Nay Riklaun, you are far from unworthy," she whispered. Ever so gently, she picked up the sword and wrapped it in her cloak. "I shall keep this for you, my friend, until you discover just how VERY important you are to Tel Mithrim." Realizing that an offering must be left in the sword's place, she pulled a dagger from her belt and carefully made a cut in her hand. Her blood fell upon the altar, a symbol of all the Elves and others whose blood had been shed that day. Wielding the dagger once more, she cut off a lock of her raven black hair and tied it with a ribbon of silk. Satisfied, she sheathed the dagger, bandaged her hand, and left her candle burning upon the altar, along with her modest offerings. In the faint light, she made her way to the door, leaving the altar room far behind her.

Sneaking stealthily through the corridor, Riklaun's senses were alert. No one was in the area. He rounded a bend and saw T Graywolf leaning against a wall. He pointed towards a door. Riklaun looked towards the door and saw that it was open. Sounds of battle could be heard from inside. Riklaun pulled his scimitar out and proceeded into the room.

The battle was in chaos. The Seeker called Judah was trapped in a corner with Zac pounding on him. He stood in a cloud of green smoke. SK Torm was fighting with another drow nearby. Riklaun turned towards Arielana. She stood with another Drow, Charissa. They watched as a margoyle clambered up onto the altar and rip open Errandir's neck.

"No!" Rik cried. Rik rushed in not thinking of his own safety. Charissa moved up to Rik and engaged him. Sword clashed with mace and shield. Riklaun could se that Ari was preparing a spell to cast on Errandir's dying form. "N'tess Gothamin!!!" Rik yelled and the Margoyle and Ari froze in their tracks.

Charissa cast a spell and reached out and grabbed Rik. Pain shot down his arm and he felt it go numb. Riklaun summoned his power to cast another spell. "Lanta en'Kalale!" he yelled as a lightning bolt flew out and slammed into Arielana. The bolt blew by here and hit the wall. It rebounded and hit her again. The bolt had no effect. Just then he felt more pain. Charissa had an evil grin on her and her hand was still glowing.

Riklaun tried to move away, casting several smoke clouds onto Charissa. Charissa moved through the smoke effortlessly, as if they were not there. Riklaun heard Torm yell out, "Rik! get over here so I can heal you!" Riklaun felt another pain. Charissa had a hold of his shoulder. He wrenched free and grabbed his amulet, preparing the healing powers inside.

Riklaun looked over to where Errandir lay. His eyes grew big as Errandir got up off the table. "You're alive!" Rik exclaimed. Errandir moved through the green smoke towards Rik. Riklaun's eyes widened as he saw Errandir's neck was still torn out. 'You failed me Riklaun. " Riklaun brought his sword up in defense and Errandir knocked it out of the way. He reached out and grabbed Riklaun by the throat.

Riklaun bolted upright in his bed, his sheets soaked with sweat. gasping for air, he threw his feet on the floor. Putting his elbows on his knees, he buried his head in his hands....

When Strongbow heard the news about Riklaun, he was stricken. Sensei unworthy? Never! We had all failed Errandir.. one man must not, should not, and will not, have the blame for this thrust on his shoulders alone. It wasn't fair. How could such a thought even occur to his Swordmaster? He had taught Strongbow everything he knew about Bladesinging.. shown him the proper techniques.. the steps of the Bladesong... everything! To think this man thought himself unworthy was a travesty.. he must convince his sensei of the wrongness of this. If no one else would step up, he would take it upon himself to show the Swordmaster he must once again don the mantle of leader of the Bladesingers. He said a silent vow to this effect, and then went in search of Nalynn... he heard she had found Riklaun's weapon in the dungeons under Long Saddle, and he must have the sword before confronting his Swordmaster.

Descending the stairs into LongSaddle Under, Riklaun's senses were alert for Drow presence. He could hear commotion near bye and saw Bloodglade and Vonwildcat standing there. They were deciding on what to do next. They raised their hands and brought them down again. They did this a few times counting out. Then they stopped, both had their palm open wide. Riklaun walked up to them. They started the motion again

"Hey, Von, what are you doing here?" Riklaun asked.

"We are deciding who goes first.: Vonwildcat said. The two elves stopped, this time their hands were in the form of scissors. They both frowned and started again. Riklaun watched for a minute and they both ended with a closed fist. They started over, yet again. Riklaun watched and saw that they kept ending on the same thing. He turned to walk away "I'll go." he said.

Moving deeper into LS Under, he noticed Sk Judah and Sk Torm. They were walking away from Rik as if they did not see him. Before Rik could get close, they sprinted around the corner. Rik had to hurry to catch up.

Turning the corner, he saw T Graywolf standing there. He was holding an octagonal sign painted red. "Hey Rik, Glad you could come. They're in there." He pointed to a door that was closed. Riklaun moved up to the door and turned back to T Gray. He saw T Gray hold up the sign. the back of the sign was green and had the word 'go' written on it in elvish. Riklaun opened the door to the room.

The battle was in chaos. The Seeker called Judah was trapped in a headlock by Zac. Zac was punching Judah in the stomach repeatedly. They stood in a dark mist. Sk Torm was fighting with another drow nearby. Riklaun turned towards Arielana. She stood with another Drow, Charissa. They watched as a margoyle tied a bib to himself. He clambered up onto the altar and ripped open Errandir's neck.

"No!" Rik cried. Rik rushed in not thinking of his own safety. Charissa moved up to Rik and engaged him. His sword clashed with her snake whip. Riklaun could se that Ari was preparing a spell to cast on Errandir's dying form. "N'tess Gothamin!!!" Rik yelled and the Margoyle and Ari froze in their tracks.

Charissa swung her snake whip and hit Rik. Pain shot down his arm and he felt it go numb. Riklaun summoned his power to cast another spell. "Lanta en'Kalale!" he yelled as a lightning bolt flew out and slammed into Arielana. The bolt blew by her and hit the wall. It rebounded and hit her again. The bolt had no effect. Just then he felt more pain. Charissa had an evil grin on her and she was twirling her whip.

Riklaun tried to move away, casting several smoke clouds onto Charissa. Charissa moved through the smoke effortlessly, as if they were not there. Riklaun heard Torm yell out, "Rik! get over here so I can heal you!" Riklaun felt another pain. Three snakes had a grip of his shoulder. He wrenched free and grabbed his amulet, preparing the healing powers inside.

Riklaun looked over to where Errandir lay. His eyes grew big as Errandir got up off the table. "You're alive!" Rik exclaimed. Errandir moved through the green smoke towards Rik. Riklaun's eyes widened as he saw Errandir's neck was still torn out. 'You failed me Riklaun. " Riklaun brought his sword up in defense and Errandir knocked it out of the way. He reached out and grabbed Riklaun by the throat.

Riklaun bolted upright in his bed, his sheets soaked with sweat. "Not again...." he thought...

She had not seen her friend Rik since that day in the altar room. As she gazed out the window into the dark and starlit night, a sense of foreboding filled her and a chill ran through her body. "Something is wrong. I can feel it." she thought. She closed the window and drew the curtain to shut out the darkened skies. She lit several lamps to brighten up the room and crossed over to a large wooden chest which stood at the foot of her bed.

Opening it, she gently removed the sword she had retrieved from the altar. It was wrapped in fine Elven Damask. She unwrapped the sword and carefully cleaned it, being most careful of the sharp edges on the fine weapon. "Mellonamin," she whispered "what is it that so troubles thee? If only I could help you somehow." Silence was the only answer she received. She wrapped the sword once again and returned it to its place of safe keeping.

The sun's setting rays cast a reddish glow over the tree tops. Secluded deep with in the Northern most sections of Neverwinter Woods where no elf or human has ever set foot sits a small cottage. The cottage has it's own water supply via a pond that it overlooks. A small pile of rocks surround a crackling fire. Splashing is heard from the pond.

Coming up for a breath of air, Riklaun surfaces. He wades over to the edge of the pond and walks out. Grabbing a towel hanging off a limb nearby, he wraps himself with it. Walking up to the fire, he removes the towel and dries himself. Riklaun sits down on the ground near the fire and grabs a long stick. He pokes at the fire causing sparks to fly about. He sets the stick back down and tosses a log onto the fire. The log quickly catches and starts to burn.

Riklaun stands and goes into the cottage. He returns with simple clothes on and carrying a flask. He sits back down and starts to draw from the flask of Drow Spice Wine. This batch had sat up here for the last 57 years. It came from his finest batch he ever made. Riklaun thought back. 57 years. Had it been so long? 57 years ago he came to this place. He spent the better part of his life underground running from his past.

Riklaun poked at the fire and sparks flew up. He drew again from the flask. It was 57 years ago he finally made it to the surface world. He had left his home city over 300 years ago. Riklaun had traveled the underdark for many a year constantly moving, never staying in one place for too long. His travels had led to some most fantastic memories. Most were evading Drow patrols from his homeland, far to the east. Almost to the eastern seaboard of Faerun. He traveled west in hopes of leaving his past behind. His past. Ebonstarr. She was a part of it.

150 years ago, It was near the human settlement of Voonlar, just west of the Ruins of Myth Drannor when Ebonstarr had caught up with Riklaun. It was then that he found out that his homeland was destroyed by Lloth and that she had sent Ebonstarr after Riklaun. He narrowly escaped that time and fled farther westward. He decided at that time that running underground was not helping and that he would go to the surface. He looked enough like a surface Elf to blend in, only if he did not have to talk. It took him the better part of 90 years to travel westward and learn the human tongue. He even picked up some of the Elvish tongue, enough to get by.

Riklaun poked at the fire still. He took a long swig from the flask, emptying it. He tossed it into the fire and went to get another. Bringing it out, he opened it and took a draw. Riklaun continued to reminisce about the past....

Nalynn spent her day pursuing aimless tasks and meaningless chores. Day crossed into night and she found herself considering retiring early, for there was not much happening in Tel Mithrim of late. BriSid hadn't been home in several days...it was quiet. As she turned back the down quilt covering her bed, she glanced at the wooden chest. Silently, she opened it and gazed at the coverlet protecting Riklaun's sword. She unwrapped it, just to make sure it was still safe and secure. How the metal gleamed in the lamplight! Replacing the coverlet, she closed the chest against the night air and climbed into bed.

She fell almost instantly to sleep. No one was there to note when the dreaming began. In her dream, the vision came alive. A cottage, deep in the woods. But the trees and surroundings were unfamiliar - a place she'd never seen! And a serene pond was nearby. Her dreamself hovered above the peaceful sight. Ripples crossed the pond as a figure broke the surface, emerging from the water's depths. Riklaun! She gasped in surprise as she noted how different he looked. She watched as he wrapped a towel around himself and disappeared into the cottage. He returned awhile later - in dream time there is no measure of the minutes and hours to mark time's passage. He was dressed plainly, simply. And the look of peace and serenity on his face filled her with wonder.

It had been about two weeks since Errandir's death. Riklaun had left the TGC area to come here. This was his sanctuary. When his thoughts were deeply troubled, he always found this place to be soothing. He had not had a dream about that night since he came here.

Sun sparkled off the ponds calm waters. It was the dawn of a new day and Riklaun felt refreshed. He walked away from the doorway of the cottage and headed down to the ponds edge. He removed his tunic and tossed it on the ground. He leapt into the water gliding under gracefully.

After a while, Riklaun came back to the edge and got out of the pond. He picked up his tunic and started towards his cottage. Suddenly he froze. Out of the corner of his left eye he saw something in the woods. Remaining perfectly still, he turned his head to the left. standing in the woods, just 2 feet away from the clearing was a horse. But this was no ordinary horse. Out of the top of his head was a horn. it was about one and a half feet in length.

The horse just stood there looking at Rik. The two watched one another without moving for several minutes. Then the horse moved into the clearing and walked down to the pond. Rik watched the horse as it went. When the horse's back was turned, he moved to the cottage to dress. Coming out he noticed that the Unicorn was still at the pond. He stood there watching the marvelous site. The horse turned from the pond and saw Riklaun again. His ears twitched as he strode up the bank and into the camp near Rik.

The horse was within arms reach of Rik. He cautiously reached out to the horse. The horse did not move, he just kept an eye on Rik. Riklaun patted the Horses head and lightly stroked it's mane. Moving closer, he stroked out the matted fur of the mane.

"You are beautiful" Rik said to the horse. The horse whinnied, as if it understood. Riklaun smiled and stood there with the Unicorn looking out over the still waters of the pond.

"I'll be right back." Riklaun said. He turned away and went inside the cottage. He came back out with an apple for the unicorn. He stopped in the door way and saw that the horse had gone. Riklaun looked around but did not find the horse in site. "I must have been dreaming" he said to himself as he took a bite out of the apple.

Riklaun moved away from the cottage and down towards the waters edge. The sun glinted off an object to his right. He stopped and turned. Hanging from a branch he saw a pendant. Riklaun walked up to it and grabbed it. The pendant was circular. It had the image of two swords on it, one pointing straight up and the other, of a slightly shorter length, was canted to one side. A half moon shape was above the swords and a full moon below.

"Tethrin." Rik said. He grabbed the pendant and pulled it off the branch. "I do not remember seeing this here before. Where did it come from?" Riklaun played his fingers over the pendant. "I remember..."

It was near the River Shining, by the South Wood when he met the elf. Drenan was his name. Rik had met him about 40 years ago. Drenan was a Bladesinger and a follower of Tethrin. Rik and Drenan had not started out on the right foot. Drenan was leery of Rik at first when he said he wanted to speak only the human's tongue stating that he was learning it and wanted to use it as much as possible. They partook of an adventure together and became friends. Riklaun was awed at the speed of Drenan and his passion for the sword. Drenan was older than Riklaun and began teaching Rik the ways of Bladesinging.

Drenan taught Rik well and soon Rik was a formidable foe, even in practice with Drenan. Drenan also spoke of his god, Tethrin Veralde. Rik had no use for gods until one fateful day. The two elves had stormed an Orc Kings lair near Soubar. The Orc King had been threatening the town for some time now.

"Back there!" Drenan said, "The archers! take them out." Riklaun nodded and rushed the archers batting away the arrows that were feverishly shot his way. Drenan was busy with six Orcs, none of which were much of a match, but in numbers, they were formidable. Riklaun carved the two archers away with little thought. He spied the Orc King trying to open a secret doorway. Riklaun pulled the orc that was on his blade off and ran to the king. The orc got the door open and rushed down the corridor. Riklaun turned to see Drenan still fighting the orcs, he was down to 3.

"Go!, Take him down! Riklaun ran after the Orc. The orc entered a cavern and stopped. He turned, saliva dribbling down his chin. "Come, puny elfling, Come get me." it said. Riklaun moved into the cavern, mentally preparing himself for the battle. When he stepped in, the Orc smiled. Shimmering infront of the orc was a figure. A drow came into view.

"I actually prefer a straight on fight than the sneaking around, Gorklack." The drow said. "Prepare yourself elf."

Riklaun cast some prepatory spells while the Drow did the same. The Drow pulled out two shining blades, one of a bluish tinge. Riklaun lunged in and struck the Drow's shoulder. "Aargh!" he said. "I may have underestimated you elf." The drow attacked with fury, his scimitars being blocked by Rik's at every move. The drow swung high with one and low with the other, only to be blocked.

"To see an elf wield a scimitar is different. especially if he wields two." The drow said. "But your features are too fine for a high elf. Tell me, before you die, What race of elf are you?" The drow lunged and Rik parried both shots.

"I am not a surface elf, Drow." Riklaun said. "I am you kin, I am Albino Drow!" With that, rik swung deep with both swords, only to twirl them quickly around in a high arc. The drow had barely enough time to adjust and block the swords. The Drow was thrown off balance. He stumbled back a bit.

"Albino?!" The drow exclaimed. The drow took another step back, separating the elves. "Nizzre' " The Drow said. A lightening bolt flew from the drow's outstretched hand and slammed Riklaun. Riklaun was thrown back from the force into a wall. His scimitars fell from his hands as he slumped to the floor. Riklaun clutched the severe burn on his chest.

The drow walked up to Riklaun. "So you are albino huh? Well, Lloth will be praised when she receives your soul" The drow raised up each sword for the final blow when suddenly Rik kicked out with his foot. He caught the drow in the shin and he stumbled back, Rik kicked with the other foot and caught the drow in the left arm. The drow dropped one of his scimitars and backed up.

Riklaun scooped up the scimitar . 'Still some fight in you eh?" the drow said. The drow started to chant again, magic seemed to curl up his fingertips. Riklaun rushed the drow and sliced down with the scimitar. He cleaved two fingers off the Drow's left hand.

Riklaun held the scimitar with both hands and swung wildly. The drow backed up parrying each thrust. The drow ducked one shot aimed high and used his own sword to chop at Rik's knees. Riklaun screamed out as the Scimitar sliced through his calf. The drow took the advantage and pressed in, putting Rik on the defensive. The drow got two more shots in, one into Rik's shoulder and one into his side.

"My name is Tarsus D'urben" The drow said. "I just thought you'd like to know who killed you." The drow pressed again, this time scoring on Rik's arm. Riklaun stumbled back and found himself cornered. He was no match for this drow. Riklaun thought about what Drenan said. 'Call upon Tethrin, the Shining one and he will come to your aid.' Riklaun looked at the Drow who was not laughing at Riklaun. Riklaun held the scimitar limply in both hands.

"That scimitar is mine. I want it back." Tarsus said. Riklaun looked at the drow. 'Tethrin, guide my blade. I need your help.' Riklaun tensed up and lunged at the drow. The scimitar Rik held glowed briefly. The drow held up his sword in defense and Rik swung. The two swords hit with a mighty clang. The scimitar Rik held cut through the drow's and broke it in half. Rik quickly turned his momentum around and thrust the scimitar into the drow's belly. The point came out the other side.

The drow had an astonished look about his face. "A-al-bin-o, I amm d-d-da-mmn-ed" Riklaun stared the drow in the face. "I am Riklaun Saambria! Albino Drow!" With that, he twisted the scimitar and yanked it out of the drow. The drow fell to the floor.

Riklaun looked up from the drow and saw Drenan in the corridor looking at him. "You are Drow?" he asked. Riklaun replied, "Yes, I am. I am not proud of what I am, but proud of who I am." Riklaun smiled at Drenan and together they left the caverns.

Drenan showed Riklaun the ways of Tethrin Veralde. He explained the history behind him and his clergy....

"Tethrin Veralde, was born of Corellon Larethian and Sehahine Moonbow's joining." Drenan said, "He is an adventurous, strident god. He believes in the power of Elven blades and magic to win the day. He is the patron god of all Bladesingers. He is sometimes called 'The Master of Blades', or 'The Shining One'.

Tethrin has few enemies, save Lloth. It is said that she wishes to deal a personal blow to Corellon and Sehahine by slaying him. She sent Selvetarm, a Drow demi-power to kill him, but he failed. Tethrin spends most of his time with his lover and confidant Kirith Sotheril. The both live on the first plane of Elysium." Drenan continued, "Once a month, a special day is held where all bladesingers show off their fighting skills and attempt to bring new converts. This day is aptly named Tethrin's match.

I wear his colors proudly, Riklaun, as you should do the same. That is not to say that you need to forsake your family colors of Purple and black, but only to accent them with the blue and silver of Tethrin." Drenan said.

Drenan grasped the amulet that hung around his neck. "This is his symbol, A long and short sword lying on a disk, the short angled in to the long. A quarter moon lies above the swords on the right and a full moon below." Drenan pulled another amulet out of a pouch. Here, take this, and wear it well." Riklaun took the amulet and put it around his neck. Never before had he been so proud. He had found a calling and it was Bladesinging.

Riklaun looked at the amulet in his hand. He remembered that day he learned of Tethrin as if it was yesterday. Riklaun cursed silently to himself. "Tethrin, I.. I failed in rescuing Errandir. I was not good enough. I have served you faithfully for many a year and have never failed in this magnitude." He clutched the amulet hard and turned from the tree and stormed into the cottage...

Nalynn traversed the astral planes once again in the strange dream state. She'd grown used to these episodes since her confrontation with Lloth's minions so long ago. Something drew her to that cottage she'd seen once before in a dream. As she glided over the strange woods, she looked for a landmark - there was something familiar about the place - but she couldn't quite grasp it. The cottage loomed ahead and as she looked down, she saw Riklaun engaged in combat with a Drow warrior. Lightning flashed despite the brightness of the day and the sun glinted off the scimitar Riklaun so deftly brandished.

She did not watch the battle long, for some force drew her onward - beyond the cottage to a glen deep in the wooded lands. Her dream self came to land on the soft grass. This place was familiar. The aroma of gardenia and honeysuckle filled the air - the lovely blooms surrounded her and she was filled with great pleasure and happiness. "What is this place?" she wondered as she looked around. "I KNOW I've been here before - long ago when Braldt....?" she caught herself short. "Braldt? When Braldt what?" she mused. There was a gentle rustling of the bushes - almost like footsteps. She turned cautiously and gasped. There before her stood a dashing and handsome warrior. His image shimmered with magic dust in the sunlight. He gazed at her, smiling warmly - all she could do was stare back at him. He had the blondest hair and eyes of blue - the most magnificent elf she'd ever seen. As she approached the figure, she reached out tentatively to touch him, afraid the image would vanish.

"Nalynn, my beloved" the elf said. "'Tis I, Braldt2, your husband. Do you remember this place? I brought you here so you would remember. It is where I proposed to you."

Her breath quickened as she searched her memories, striving to recall. "I remember this place. Even now if fills me with a joy I've not felt since before I wedded Torm. It's the only time I can recall being truly happy." she whispered.

She touched the figure - the image rippled softly, but did not vanish. For a moment, his form solidified and he reached to embrace her. From his shirt pocket, he removed a ring and placed it on her finger. "I give you this, beloved, to replace the one that Torm destroyed when he tried to purge me forever from your mind and heart. It will protect and guide you on the journey you must soon undertake. But do not venture alone. Riklaun must be found before he is forever lost to us. There is one who will help you. He will seek you out when the time is right. My love, I must leave you now - but I confess, I thank Corellon for giving me the chance to touch you and hold you once again." He kissed her tenderly and then was gone, leaving her alone in the glen.

Nalynn awoke with a start. "Riklaun? Lost? What is this madness?" Sunlight streamed through her windows as she arose, strangely refreshed and with a lightness of heart. As she reached for her fey glass, a glint caught her eye. Looking down at her hand, she saw a magnificent ring on her finger - with a gem as blue as Braldt's blue eyes. "Braldt," she whispered as she twisted the ring on her finger. "My love, I remember the glen now. And somewhere near there, I can find Riklaun. I will wait until the other finds me - then we shall go to rescue him."

The trail to Brisid's abode was well known to Strongbow. And as his feet bore him towards his goal his mind wandered. He shifted the small basket he was carrying to his other arm, savoring the scent of freshly baked pastries as he did so. Gumples had been generous. Especially after Cat had told the peerless Dwarven baker who they were for. More than generous. His mind drifted back to the veil. Would Nal let him see it do you think? Well, I'm well-armed with some tasty bribes at least!

As Bri's house came into view, Strongbow slowed his pace. Cat paused at the door. Lifting the lid of the basket, he rechecked the mouth watering cargo before knocking on the door.

It was Nalynn who opened the door. Surprised to see Strongbow here, she gave him a quick hug and exclaimed, "Cat! So good to see you! What brings you out this way? I thought you were busy in your lab.. Please.. come in, come in....what's in the basket?.. here, let me take that for you..."

Strongbow entered the house, eyes darting past Nalynn, trying to catch a glimpse of the veil.

"Looking for something Cat?" asked Nal.

"Umm.. no.. not really. I just haven't been here in a while." Cat replied, not quite telling the whole truth.

It was about this time that the aroma of the pastries in the basket attracted the fair maiden's attention. Nalynn sniffed the basket. "Ohh..Cat! What have you got here in this basket?" Cat gently, but firmly, took the basket from Nalynn and set it on the table. "Those are for later, arwenamin."

Strongbow smiled. "I come looking for the Seamstress of the Veil." grinning slyly, "Have you seen her?" His grey eyes focused on the hall. "Is she back there spinning now?" He moved as if to go down the hall but Nalynn slipped in front of him and put a hand on his chest.

"No!.. Cat! You can't see her.. err.. I mean ..it! "

"Are you sure?.. just a peek?"

"No."

Strongbow spread his arms pleadingly, "But Nal... what harm will it do?... glancing at the table he quickly changed the subject. "Look Nal! Look what I brought you!" He strode to the table and opened the basket. Reaching in, he pulled out two large pies, and set them side by side..

"And they're your favorite too!... Strawberry Creamcheese! And fresh from the oven of Gumples himself! Come on.. have some." Cat picked up one of the pies and moved it around and around in circles under Nalynn's nose.. it was too much to resist.. She snatched the pie from his hands with an unnerving practiced ease, and was already beginning to slice it when he had fully turned around. Without saying a word she went to the cupboard and retrieved two plates and placed a healthy portion of the pie on each one. Handing him a fork she finally replied.. "Very well, let's eat!"

After the first pie was gone, Strongbow sat back, put his hands behind his head and said, "So... Nalynn.. about the veil.."

Nalynn raised an eyebrow, "Y-e-e-e-e-s?"

"Are you positive I can't....."

"CAT!..Nalynn was getting exasperated. " It's bad luck! she scolded. "Von., you can't do it, I won't let you, so don't. Okay?.."

Cat looked downcast. "I know..." He sighed.. "I guess I knew what your answer would be all along... But I was in the neighborhood.. sort of.." He put his hands in his lap and was silent for a long while......

Nalynn finally broke the silence. "Von?"

"Hmm?"

"What's bothering you?"

He paused to gather his thoughts before replying. "I went to the dojo today....... it was quiet. I mean an empty, dead, kind of quiet. I had to leave. It's the first time I've ever felt uncomfortable there.. and I didn't like it....... I looked in Rik's office before I left and from the evidence, he hasn't been there since we tried to rescue Errandir..... Nal?.. I'm really starting to worry about the Swordmaster.. Where is he?.. And why hasn't he returned?..

Nalynn held her breath momentarily after Von's question. She took his hand and told him of her dreams - of Riklaun, the cottage, the glen. Then she showed him the ring which had been returned to her.

Upon finishing her story, Von looked down and whispered "This glen, do you think you could find it again?"

"I don't know Von, I was still a stranger in Neverwinter when Braldt took me there. But if we can find the glen, we can find Riklaun, for the cottage is near that wondrous place." Rising from her chair, she disappeared into her bedroom for a moment. When she returned, she again took Von's hand and placed a small strand of the most beautiful thread - spun by her prized electric spiders. "This is but a sample of what Ray's veil will look like, Von. Hold onto this thread - it will bring us luck. Now, there is one more thing which I must do before we leave."

She went back into the bedroom; Von could hear the sound of a heavy chest being opened. Nalynn returned with a large bundle. Von gasped as she unwrapped Riklaun's sword. "Rik's sword! Nal! Where did you find it?" "After Errandir's failed rescue, I awoke in the altar room. I saw Rik kneeling at the altar. He was in extreme distress, for he believes he failed Errandir and all of Elvendom. He left this sword, saying he was unworthy and then departed. I took the sword and in its place left my own offering." She revealed the scar on her hand as proof of the exchange she had made that day. "Let us go quickly Nalynn, for the way is likely treacherous and we must find Riklaun before something dreadful happens. He doesn't know that Errandir still lives. How could our beloved Swordmaster ever think himself to be a failure? He's the most worthy man-Elf I know!"

Nalynn nodded in agreement and left a hastily written note for BriSid. Securing the sword in a sheath she slung across her back, the two elves headed off in the direction of the West Woods.

Strongbow and Nalynn made their way thru the NW Woods, not quite certain they followed the correct path. The skirmishes they encountered along the way were but a nuisance, nothing could divert their attention from the mission they had undertaken. Stopping at a bridge after a particularly irritating encounter with hordes of trolls, they caught their breath.

"Nal, I have an idea," Von said. "If we become invisible, we can outwit many of these beasts."

"Hmmmm, 'tis a good idea, Von. But something tells me the battles are important - we'll just have to endure them." she replied. They munched on some jerked beef and crisp potato stix, then resumed their journey.

Nalynn focused her thoughts on the mysterious glen and the cottage where she'd seen Riklaun in her dreams. As the image sharpened in her mind, she felt a mysterious force which drew them ever closer. Approaching the North West Woods, they took a lesser used path, one seldom traveled by the many seekers of fortune and adventure. The path ended in an impenetrable thicket.

"Nalynn, we must have made a wrong turn. No one, human or elf could get through these trees and bushes." Von turned around, prepared to head back the way they'd come.

"No, I'm certain this is the way." she whispered. Unsheathing her small dagger, she began cutting away at the dense foliage. Oddly, the twigs snapped easily as Von joined her in the task.

They peered through the clearing they'd made - on the other side, Nalynn could see a pond...and a cottage. "Look! This is the place I've seen in my dreams!" Without a thought, she charged into the opening.... and was gone. "Nalynn! Wait!" Von cried too late. Seeing no other choice, he too entered the opening. A strange force drew him like a magnet, past the cottage into a forbidding place. Nalynn was caught in a terrible battle - ogre mages, Dracs and Elementals! She fought fiercely. Von entered the fray giving little thought to the act, save that his friend was in mortal danger.

It was a bloody battle - both elves sustained serious injuries as they struggled. The Dracs were most formidable and stubbornly clung to life as Nalynn and Strongbow exhausted their supply of fireballs, lightning bolts and ice storms. Exhausted, Von made a desperate maneuver, running in behind the last standing Drac while Nalynn distracted the beast. Then, in a stroke of sheer elegance, he back-stabbed the Drac, bringing it down. As the beast sighed its last breath, the elves were seized by a powerful wind. They were too weak to resist as the forces of Nature tumbled them thru the air. Nalynn reached out for Von's hand, grabbed it - the two elves clung to each other with what remaining strength they had.

And then, they were falling as the winds suddenly ceased. Downward they fell until they landed on soft grass. The scent of gardenia and honeysuckle engulfed them, as they lost consciousness.

Strongbow awoke first, feeling refreshed and at peace. He looked over at Nalynn, and saw that her wounds had been magically healed. He realized that he, too, bore no marks that would tell of the battle they had just endured.

"Nalynn, wake up," he gently shook her. She opened her eyes and breathed in the smells of this sweet glen. "Von, I think we've found the place," she said as she sat up and took in the view. "Yes! This is where I saw Braldt! We must hurry, the cottage is near!"

Checking quickly to see that Riklaun's sword was still secure, they followed the path which lay before them. As they rounded a bend, the cottage and pond came into full view. And there was Riklaun, emerging from the clear waters. They rushed to greet him. Seeing the approaching elves, he hastened to dress himself.

"Swordmaster!" Von cried "We have journeyed far to find you! Thank Corellon you are all right."

The three elves embraced in fond reunion. As they talked, Riklaun told them of his failure in Errandir's rescue and his self-imposed exile to atone for his sins. They listened solemnly to his tale, nodding in understanding and wondering at the depth of impossible responsibility the Albino Elf bore upon his shoulders.

"But Rik," Von interjected finally, "You have been punishing yourself needlessly."

"Nay, Von," he replied "I was unworthy in the moment of truth. I even left my sword upon the altar. Were I worthy, Tethrin would have refused the offering."

Nalynn smiled and brought forth her package "Rik, perhaps Tethrin has answered you. I have your sword here; I took it from the altar after you left." She unwrapped the sword which gleamed brightly in the sunlight.

"What's more, Rik," Von whispered, "We have learned that Errandir lives! He is deeply enchanted by Arielana - a spell which will not easily be broken. But, sensei..... he LIVES!...."

Riklaun took the scimitar and held it up. The sun's rays gleamed off the adamantine surface. The sword glistened in it's bluish color. His scimitar was not taken as a sacrifice. "If my sword was not taken as a sacrifice, then something has to have been." Nalynn returned Rik's stare and said nothing.

"If what you say is true, then we must get back to Tel'Mithrim. It would not be wise to delay." Riklaun said. "But tell me first, how did you find me? This place has been kept secret for many a year. No one but myself has ever known about this place."

"I saw it in a dream. " Nalynn said. She told Rik of the dreams she has been having, Especially the ones with the mysterious elf named Braldt. "He proposed to me from nearby."

Riklaun smiled. "I remember that. I did tell him about my cottage. I told him that it would be a perfect honeymoon spot. I guess when he saw it, he fell in love with it like I did. "

Riklaun went into the cottage and gathered his things. He grabbed the amulet off the wall and put it around his neck. He then walked out to his companions. "Come let us go." The three elves walked away from the cottage and through the 'portal' that led them there.

"Mellonae, " Riklaun said. Nalynn and Vonwildcat turned to Rik . "Kallile'o yamen en'sina thanrina." Magical energies floated up around the two elves standing before Rik. A blank look covered their faces for but a brief moment. Nalynn looked away from Riklaun and hid a smile.

"What are we just standing here for? Let's go save Errandir!" Von spoke up. Riklaun smiled at his two friends and walked with them back to Tel'Mithrim headquarters.

THE END

Riklaun Saambria Swordmaster, The Grey Company and Tethryl(follower of Tethrin Veralde) translation for the elvish follows: Kallile'o means: 'Shining one' or Tethrin.

"Kallile'o yamen en'sina thanrina." translates to: "Tethrin, oppress their memories of this place"

A powerful spell from a god that CANNOT be broken. Von will never remember the 'cottage' or where he found Rik. Nalynn on the otherhand, due to her connection to the cottage and Rik will remember it. Tethrin as seen to that...