Peredhil

[Guido] So I'm ridin' da buzz, and then Will' does da Snake Charmer bit. Who'd he t'ink he was? Madame Quixotic. I'm kinda ashamed, but der *is* an old fight 'tween snakes and guinea pigs, even big tough ones like me. I was up in the rafters wit my gat drawn ready to Shoot Da Big Ones befores I was able ta think again. I wasn't sure if I'd miss the guests, so I puzzled through da booze and figured out da best plan. Takin' da Faerie Dragon Ring off, I tapped into sommada Ley lines dat fit dis sorta magic and letter rip. [/Guido] [Nuncio] After the lovely gentlemen had fixed up my suits, and run around the corner to Lobbs for the shoes, I was ready to go. I think they remained with cries of pleasure at serving me, whisking away imaginary lint, because this Plane just doesn't get much of a glimpse at magic. So it was with quite a bit of embarassment that I activated the Portal, only to discover it completely gone. I tried to think what The Boss would do, and came up with an unfortunate vision of "letting Elladan deal with it - he's best at Portals. You help him." As I'd been trying to think of how to deal with my embarassment, that was NOT reassurance, but definitely motivation. "My good gentlemen, and lady. If you would be so kind as to exit momentarily," I drew myself up to my full two meter, 21 stone presence and loftily continued, "I must prepare certain magics..." They scattered like quail. Now all I had to do was reconstruct the Portal. While one day at the Pen was one roughly one week here (and I'd have to remember to account for sideral times), I'd puttered about recklessly spending time. If I wanted to return in the same day, I only had one day left in which to do it. I considered popping the Screamer that The Boss had had emplanted in one of my teeth, but this just didn't seem that bad yet. Plus, a Interplanar Screamer would probably attract much more attention than the family, and some of it closer. After considered the results of Guido's practical joke with *his* Screamer, I mentally shut that door firmly. I'd rather plumb the depths of death by embarassment than have to be resurrected from death by dismemberment. Good thing the Boss had arrived as soon as he had, or Guido wouldn't have made it. He still claimed it was worth it for the looks on everyone's faces. I set to work. [/Nuncio] [Elladan] Snakes! I looked, but Guido had already scaled the ceiling. It would've been fun to see if Wyvern could've avatistically consumed a 315 pound guinea pig. I leaned back to watch the fun, then noted with a frown as Dad started forward with his frown. I couldn't believe he was going to spoil this. It wasn't like he couldn't deal with venom, and a bit of pain would help toughen some of the softer members. When I saw our hostess, Ayshela, up in the rafters, I realized the potential gaffe of the situation and knew he'd be unable to stay out of it. With a Polite nod to Yui-chan, I push off after him, allowing my sensitivity to come to full. I'd pay for this with a down later, but there were too many variables not to push it. I Felt Elrohir react to my Raising, and sent him a quick message in that almost telepathy we share in emergencies. The evening wasn't completely written off - I'd hopefully get to kill snakes, and several of these species made for good dining. [/Elladan] [Elrohir] As I sat poised and waiting, I checked the other Portals. All were fine, it was only the London one. I had friends in that Node, some whose families I'd known for generations, although not as long as the Chinese Node. Rather than worry and expend my energies, I allowed myself to Seek. My conversations and studies with the Valar before we left had given me a tremendous urge to Seek Eru, called Illuvatar, the One. In every Plane since, I'd seen reflections of Eru, fragments of a greater underlying truth of all the Planes. Called by many names, there were always other Seekers. Given my personality, I'd realized a long time ago I'd have to serve the fragments that fit my concept of Good, and would never have the vision to understand the totality. But it made a nice way to stay at a fever pitch without tension. I felt Elladan push himself up to combat ready. He doesn't seem to realize he draws on all the rest of us when he does. Dad seems an bottomless well and I renew through my clerical studies, but it is a definite draw. Since I already had a weapon drawn, I prepared to Port to him, but he sent a garbled message. Enough got through that I was suddenly angry, although I'm not sure how much was actually me. When 'Dan pushes like that, our emotions tend to snag on each other too. I was guarding Dad's room against Nuncio. Black thoughts of how to chastize him, with odd visions of snakes popping up, boiled up through my brain - until I saw the humor of the situation and shattered them with laughter. Poor Nuncio, he must be abandoned and terrified. A cross look from Dad was enough to devastate him. With a cheerful whistle, I set off to the Ballroom. [/Elrohir] [Peredhil] The music, the ambience, the attendence, the Ball was a success. I love it when people succeed. Even the mishaps were working themselves out in a manic Looney Tune splendor. I was enjoying this, and enjoying the others enjoyment. When I heard the flute, I admit I quit paying attention for a moment, chasing the memory of its melody down long abandoned corridors of my mind. It was with a start, therefore, that I recognized its power and tune. Too late. Snakes were already here, Wyvern mesmerized. Thank goodness none of the true dragons of the Pen had been present - when the melody ended, their reaction would've been one of rage and greed. That was Tiamat's tune composed and played by a master, designed to befoul even a Platinum's soul, on a Plane where such color/metal prejudices mattered. I waited to see what the others would do, this being an opportunity for people to excel, until I saw our Hostess up in the Rafters, teeth skinned back bloodlessly across a smile that looked too much like Elladan in a snit. Really, that was just RUDE. While I really hate being active, one never knows when the echoes through probability will end or where they will sound, this was just inappropriate. I stalked forward, and felt with no surprise Elladan Raise behind me. It was a quaint trick he'd learned from 'Sam' on that paranormal planet with the disembodied "demons" on which we'd been stranded, but then, Elladan was always one for tricks. He really didn't have the true confidence that comes from being centered and letting the universe flow through you. I felt Elrohir pop in behind me and noted he was nice enough to whisper an apology to Yui before slotting in behind. Riffling through the most convenience and least disruptive spells and powers I had available, I decided on a True Name of Reptiles I'd acquired in one of my rare occasions of gambling. With it, I could request an Avatar who could take all its children away harmlessly. Getting into the correct range, I let the Word form, and felt its acid crawl up my throat, its attempt to fit free from my Will. As it hissed and writhed over my tongue, I opened and gently released it with my Request. The soundless thunder unfortunately echoed painfully on any who had the ears to hear. And mixed with the sound of Guido's Spell. I hadn't anticipated magic from him. The mixture did not bode well. As the blackness passed from my eyes, I felt 'Dan and El's hands propping up my arms, and the first thing I saw were thousands of butterflies and tiny slyphs dancing in the domed ceiling. I was actually a bit reluctant to lower my eyes and see what had happened. [Peredhil] [Guido] Oops. Didn't t'ink da Boss would've done dat sorta t'ing. He normally don't do nutting lest he hasta. Shoulda realized that a party gone wrong would set him off. With a shrug, I settled back against the rafter. Too late now I thought with a grin. Might as well enjoy the floor show so I could tells Nunce about it later. Where *was* Nuncio? [/Guido]

I've always been absolutely a super sucker for absurd alliteration, it's one of my many wobbly weaknesses. but I can see what Gyrfalcon means - there are times it flows,and times it seems forced. I thought the story was very well-crafted. tightly plotted, with an ending worth wading through wounds and guts. A very nice tribute to the holiday designed to reward greed and fear (trick or treat) with few redeeming values. Nearly 75% of the people who came to my door hadn't even bothered with a costume - they just had open bags waiting to get something. I give out a quarter to each person - it can't be poisoned or sharpened so its far safer, it allows the child the choice of candy, and if everyone did it, they'd end up with five times the net results - which could then be spent foolishly or saved. 'Sides, my Dad was a Children's Dentist who didn't like dispersing candy; he considered it hypocritical. Anyone, one lovely little lady stood and argued with me as to why should have more than one quarter - she wanted it. She was poor and should have it. I was mean because I wouldn't give her more. She didn't care if anyone else received any. Her mother stood and watched, nodding, until I finally said, "still and always 'no'; most of the children say, 'thank you,' instead of 'gimme more'." At that, the mother called her away. I found her emblematic of Halloween in a large city. Given that terse reality, I think I'd've preferred the possible horrors of your story... At least they rewarded those who'd put forth an effort to role-play with one last LARP session...

Only Finnius... Motions to the Ninjas...

For Halloween Bob Hill and his new wife, Betty, were vacationing in Europe, as it happens, in Transylvania. They were driving a rental car along a rather deserted highway. It was late, and raining very hard. Bob could barely see 10 feet in front of the car. Suddenly the car skids out of control. Bob attempts to control the car, but to no avail. The car swerves and smashes into a tree. Moments later, Bob shakes his head to clear the fog. Dazed, he looks over at the passenger seat and sees his new wife unconscious, with her head bleeding. Despite the rain and unfamiliar countryside, Bob knows he has to carry her to the nearest phone. Bob carefully picks his wife up and begins trudging down the road. After a short while, he sees a light. He heads towards the light, which is coming from an old, large house. He approaches the door and knocks. A minute passes. A small, hunched man opens the door. Bob immediately blurts, "Hello, my name is Bob Hill, and this is my wife, Betty. We've been in a terrible accident, and my wife has been seriously hurt. Can I please use your phone??" "I'm sorry," replies the hunchback, "but we don't have a phone. My master is a doctor. Come in and I will get him." Bob brings his wife in. An elegant man comes down the stairs. "I'm afraid my assistant may have misled you. I am not a medical doctor. I am a scientist. However, it is many miles to the nearest clinic, and I have had basic medical training. I will see what I can do. Igor, bring them down to the laboratory." With that, Igor picks up Betty and carries her down stairs, with Bob following closely. Igor places Betty on a table in the lab. Bob collapses from exhaustion and his own injuries; so Igor places Bob on an adjoining table. After a brief examination, Igor's master looks worried. "Things are serious, Igor. Prepare a transfusion." Igor and his master work feverishly, but to no avail. Bob and Betty Hill are no more. The Hills' deaths upsets Igor's master greatly. Wearily, he climbs the steps to his conservatory, which houses his pipe organ. For it is here that he has always found solace. He begins to play, and a stirring, almost haunting melody fills the house. Meanwhile, Igor is still in the lab tidying up. As the music fills the lab, his eyes catch movement, and he notices the fingers on Betty Hill's hand twitch. Stunned, he watches as Bob's arm begins to rise. He is further amazed as Betty sits straight up. Unable to contain himself, he dashes up the stairs to the conservatory. He bursts in and shouts to his master, "Master, Master! . . . The Hills are alive with the sound of music!"

When you *feel* as if you have nothing inside - remember that at least one person in this world loves you, no matter how you feel. Hugs This is well-done, really conveys that icky feeling very well.

this is one of your better ones - hope it sells well.

clarification: As DM, you'll tell the wolves who each other are, so they can PM only each other, yes? As DM, you'll ensure there are the correct number of special characters: 1+ Werewolves, 1+ Wolfsbaners, etc, yes?

Isn't it amazing how different life becomes when fears become something exhilarating to try...to attack, instead of something from which to run? I'm proud of you for not using life as an excuse to fail, but instead continuing to try. The person too stubborn to give up, no matter how many times they fail, is usually life's winner in the long run. Hugs You know... DeVry is a hop, skip, and a Metro from Ozymandias, Wyvern, Nyyark, Zariah, myself, and a number of other Penners... Oh, life lesson number 31: Act confident no matter how you feel inside. Not arrogant - arrogance hides fear and forces attacks to maintain power or security. Confidence allows others to be them - but insists you are worthy too. If you act confident, then you're more likely to be worthy, because it frees your mind to deal with situations, instead of your inner turmoil. And then it won't be an act. -Peredhil the eternally Parental

How could anyone not want to be with you, Once they've seen a heart so full and true? If you've cast your pearl before swine Don't give up, love you'll someday find. Beware giving your heart to a selfish one Who says what you need to hear, and then will run You have so much need for a love who is true How could anyone not want to be with you?

laughs at the two PMing publically in the corner, then turns and addresses Dragon Queen. I think this is well crafted - and not so much depressing as realistically representative of a certain view and attitude toward life. So much of how life looks is determined by the emotional filters through which we view it. your poem is nicely done. Hugs all three and saunters away

And a cheering is heard!

Storm Clouds remind me of God's power, and hint of rainbows to come, God's promise. They bring the hope of the moist high winds in which I love to wander and feel the occasional spat of rain on my face. They provide an ever changing tapestry of shapes and figures, many hued whites greys and blacks, fertile misty canvas on which my imagination paints images and stories. I kinda like storm clouds, despite the near strikes of lightnings, wading through flooded streets, and all the damage. I see the wreckage on the ground around me, but my thoughts just keep getting drawn back up .

Mom isn't just a statement of birthing - Although that is part of it. Mom isn't just a cook - Although she may do that. Mom doesn't just nurture - Although she often does. For Mom is a verb of life As well as the noun It is an affirmation of caring She's always around Mom kisses and hugs But when it's best can say "no" 'Cause she loves you now And *after* you grow Mom is the one whose choice Is you over herself To meet your needs Her own go on a shelf And while she grows old And thickens with age And skin roughens and wrinkles And advice seems foolish, then sage Her heart's own reward Comes when you raise and from your wide-open mouth - Your Mother you praise.

yay! I missed you - you're my favorite kidnapper! (I still think that RP thread was hilarious. ) Drop by the Fall Ball thread at the top of this forum and introduce yourself to everyone - and help Ayshela complete her Quill Quest at the same time! Welcome back home to the Pen.

Hugs Good stuff - welcome back home. what do you think about making it hot tears, cold skin = warm soul. Avoids double use of warm.

[Elladan] It was with a bit of a shock that I realized that yes, she'd mistaken me for my clerical brother, and that, no, she wasn't afraid to shake my hand. For some reason, after a lifetime of being able to completely fool everyone outside my family, I was in a place where nearly anyone with power enough to be a threat not only recognized me for another threat - but was able to set it aside. Must be the Peredhil effect. I've seen it and still don't understand it - Elrohir told me once I was similiar to a colorblind person in that regard. Well, he told me that warily and made sure we weren't alone together for a while. Even at six he was a wise one. I didn't bother to correct him. I remember the colors he talks about. All life died when our Mother died. The woman in her flesh may have lived. Dad always treated her as if she were the same. But even at two, I saw inside and knew that wasn't my mother. I've seen her death in everyone but Dad since. He hurts, but he never dies. Pulling my thoughts together as I saw the shadow of rejection at my rude pause reflected in the Huntress' eyes, I tried my real smile, which my brother calls a grimace, in hopes she'd know the difference, and took her hand with uttermost gentle precision, careful to squeeze firmly without damage. "Huntress, it's a natural mistake, we ARE twins you know," trying to put her more at ease. The pulse in her throat and the pupil dialations since she'd come through, the tension in the small muscles everywhere on her body that give most people away, they all said she liked crowds as much as I do. I can't call her Yui, or Temae or anything but Huntress. No other title fits her than the image of a great hunting cat. Smooth, timid, provoke at will. Releasing her hand, I gave myself a mental shake to avoid laughing. She might take it wrong. I guess Dad's had a mellowing effect on me after all. I no longer had the urge to destroy anyone who could be a threat. Stepping back, suddenly everthing slowed outside and sped up inside. I saw something dark strain in her eyes to match me, but she wasn't it. Somewhere Glamdring had been drawn. I opened power and prepared to port. [/Elladan] [Peredhil] It was a pleasure to see Yui, and even more to see the non-hostile awareness of 'Dan. This was a wonderful occasion for him to grow, but I kept a wary eye out for potential threats. 'Dan is so fragile and easily hurt. When I saw his smile go to bared teeth and his eyes flash from dark to obsidian, I smoothly stepped in and hugged him, putting my Will on his surging power before it could reach far enough to flash his aura. I reached out and Knew the Pen for a moment, before I snapped back into myself. I let myself stagger from the effort to encompass the entire Keep, knowing 'Dan would stop everything to catch me. Enough bits remained in my knowing mind to reassure him. "Elrohir's okay, he just doesn't know that it was Nuncio who used one of my portals." I saw the sudden yellow glint to his eyes, and went on, "Nuncio had to go get some new clothes, Guido used his for target practice," I continued with wry humor and a certain tone, "and you can just picture Nuncio's distress." The leap of humor as he caught the image I'd sent of Nuncio trying to enter the Ball in torn cloths replaced his rage in one of his sudden shifts, and he was with me again. I finished the hug, the moment over in a heartbeat, and turned back to Yui. "So," I smiled, "Will Aegon be coming?" [Peredhil] [Nuncio] "I think I'd like the silk shirt and the satin lapels on this one. Can we make sure the guns and knives don't show, but that they are accessible on these?" [/Nuncio]

[Peredhil] I took a sideways step to the right to put myself between Yui-chan and Elladan. Poor boy was just beginning to unwind and I didn't want him to startle. As she came into real space, I gave her a special warm hug, and then one from Aegon that I knew he'd want to have. "Aegon would be proud of you," I whispered softly by her ear, "I know I am." I think it's important to recognize true bravery - not the foolishness that knows no fear, but the everyday heros that act despite fear. "You know..." I winked, "I should introduce you to Regel!" [Peredhil] [Elladan] The Huntress was behind us, it was unmistakable by the itching in my shadow. It still amazes me that Dad can know that someone is that powerful, and has an inner core of darkness, and still can love them. Of course, that could apply to me, so I'd rather he not change. I kept myself loose to honor him. I wonder is she knows how to dance? She knows the dangers of power and is totally fixated on Aegon (now there is another one of which to be wary); neither of us would be careless, which is as safe as life can get. Of course, Elrohir and I are twins, although he is the older. Maybe she thought I was him? [/Elladan]

[Peredhil] It was with a rueful mixture of laughter and sighs that Peredhil watched the party "get interesting" as only Wyvern's catalytic presence could do. He'd long ago quit interfering with the mayhem around Wyvern - it only made it worse. Besides, he'd noticed that no one ever *quite* died, and they all had such marvelous stories to tell... He frowned as he remembered that fellow with whom Elrohir used to talk, something about living in interesting times. Drifting about the room, he automatically released small teardrops of power, activating some of the embedded Cabaret Room enchantments. The long sticky cake trail absorbed into the floor before it could become a safety hazard - although the cake was far too large for a trivial spell. The MADD spells changed alcohol into sugar in bloodstreams, leaving any drinkers at that golden buzz state, without slipping over into drunkeness. Funny how that spell automatically shut off whenever the Endless Booze Artifact entered the room. Healing a few bruises on Wyvern and Salinye that would've ached the next day, such were minor habits. He ended up next to Elladan and just let his love burn for him as he stood silently watching the party unfold. [/Peredhil] [Elladan] I hate big parties. Large crowds. Too many potentials and you just never know. The obvious threats, like Tamaranis, weren't a problem. If they were confident enough to be threatening as a habit, they were unlikely to act without reason. It was the shadow behind the smile, the plotters and crazies you have to look for. He dwelt on these thoughts as he ceaselessly scanned the crowd, with unselfconcious irony. Really, the only thing he feared was himself in another. He felt Dad approaching, and almost resented the warmth that melted away much of his tension. If Guido and Nuncio were here, especially Nuncio, he realized he might actually relax enough to dance. He'd long since determined the patterns and threat levels of the Pen's regulars, and he'd managed to model all the newcomers thus far. One of his teachers, a saint of swords, had taught him the mushin - no mind combat state, that allowed instant reaction and response. One of the few humans since Aragorn who'd deeply impressed him. That had been their first time on that Plane, but it was a favorite - Dad still did most of his shopping there. With Dad safely at his side where he could protect him, he relaxed even more into a quiet latent tension, and actually began enjoying the party. [/Elladan] [Nuncio] I looked at my wardroom, and even Guido's, in despair. There simply was nothing suitable. Guido may forget, but I've always been aware that a Bodyguard reflects on their employer, and simply must always look their best for the situation. I didn't really like what I thinking, but I saw no choice. I needed to get to the Ball; Guido somewhat rubbed Elladan the wrong way. Actually to be fair, given our job, Elladan simply saw Guido as the slacker whenever he was here at the Pen Keep that he was. How, after all we've been through Guildo could constantly forget our professional paranoia and always enjoy himself is beyond me. By this time, I was in The Boss's room, and had my FD Ring off. Before events like these, he always would unbind almost off of his latent links to other Planes and "hook" them around the room haphazardly. No, not really haphazardly, there was definitely a pattern, but never one I could decipher. I looked in all the ways he'd taught me, until I saw the one for London. We carried a revolving account there, and the British tradesmen with whom The Boss had dealt for the last several centuries prided themselves on unflappable good service for anyone who could pay enough - and Giant Guinea Pig or not, our account was deep enough for anything. Hooking my claws into the link (attached this time to the third slat of the bed), I Twisted and stepped through the Portal. Something moved at my back as I was through and I slammed it shut in reflexive protective instinct, drawing my 9mm with my other paw. And realized I was looking at a finely paneled, highly polished mahogany wall. I'd accidently broken the link. Shoulding my weapon, I pushed the swirling knot in the board which lit the light in Mr. Brooks' office and settled in to wait. Might as well get my suits first. The time differential in this Plane worked in my favor. [/Nuncio] [Elrohir] I slammed into Dad's room with sword at front and a combat spell writhing on my tongue, in time to see a large figure disappear into the Portal's light. I lunged across the room after it, but it closed the Portal as touched it - and I almost put my blade through Dad's wall. The Portal was closed - and had been broken. With difficultly I reimpressed the runes I'd readied, and sat on the floor to center myself and consider the situation. Since the Werewolves, not many non-humans had visited that particular place in that Plane. Most of them kept out of sight, or like the Vampires, hid behind advertising and illusion. The Ball would have to wait. I'd have to go after it. I slipped to my feet and went to get my Vest from my room. It had many small pockets with items I'd found useful over the years, and the kevlar didn't interfere with magical flow. I considered asking Elladan to come with me, but I wanted to question whoever'd had the gall to use one of Peredhil's Portal without permission - and how they'd broken the locks on it - or even detected it in the first place. Even other Planeswalkers shouldn't be able to find these. Unless The Dreamer? No, very unlikely and even masking himself, his power was unmistakable. As I began the Ceremony of Opening, I spared a thought to be glad Guido and Nuncio were with Dad at the Ball. There might be a need for a Bodyguard tonight after all. [/Elrohir] [Guido] Da tequila had begun to really slam me, and I considered moshing down and grabbing da floor to stop it moving. But somebody upped da spells, and I was flying high again. With a mental yeehaw, I had a vodka and watched da fun. Wit all deese people here, what could go wrong? [/Guido]

You know, I really truly tried to think about this, but I can't think of anything I'd *want* to do. I fail at my own standards enough, just being a fallable human being, to start thinking about trying at it! I think that might come of having an absolute, external standard of Right and Wrong. That *is* a thought provoking question though, and did result in some soul searching. Now if you'd asked me that about 24 years ago, the litany of things I'd have imagined would've covered a wide-range of activities and behaviors. But now... None of it seems worth the trouble. I'd much rather try to help. -A thoughtful Peredhil

In the hustle and bustle of the workplace It sometimes chances I see your face And reminds that there isn't time To talk together, except in rhyme. When I have time to wander nigh As when I could in days gone by I see you talking on the phone Or programming in the zone There doesn't seem to be time to talk Or laugh or share or take a walk We both have our jobs to do And life has separated me and you But I remember you my friend And how we talked together then The fierce love you showed for your son Or how we cheered the day's being done And so I know that friendship conquers time And our friendship's foundations are sublime Time will come some other day When work is done, for laughter and play.

As you sit and gestate A woman might hesitate And wonder about the face She'll see when she is done She'll think thoughts of comparison About whether its daughter or son "It doesn't matter," she says A proud former Alvarez But as a gentle reminder As this poem reaches to find her Clearly he'll be above the rest Because he'll be born a Best.

Huggles As the Mentor in question, can I say how incredibly proud of both you, and Porcelin (Heart like a Hole) I am? It's almost eerie how those two poems parallel each other - and some of the others from other people who've sent me similiar poems over the last few years - but just couldn't stand to post them. When you've been lied to with certain lies, when abusers have tried to destroy something inside - they leave behind the voices and echos of their darkness. If they started young enough - those lying voices sound like your own thoughts. Once you learn enough to challenge them with reality... You get affirmation poetry like these - if you're smart enough, creative enough, and enough of you has survived to write it. I'm so intensely proud of all those who fight for health and the right to love. Hugs again Peredhil

I'm sorry, didn't realize I was supposed to post thingies in here - I sent theme music for Peredhil, Elrohir, Elladan, Guido, and Nuncio by PM. But those themes, while very representative of them, would be far too personal for any of them to speak on. I'm working on coming up with songs that would fit each one, but that they could use as a introduction to speaking. I'm not so sure Elladan or Nuncio would participate though, as they're kinda shy about public speaking, prefering small groups and one-on-one. A supportive Ancient struggling for time

Sitting in a briefing Mind intent on leaving Best way to fix it Is heading to the exit. These things are mandatory Giving leadership a moment's glory I'm not sure just what they're provin' As I watch their lips constantly movin'. United we stand is the motto to keep Divided we fall - I'm falling asleep And when all meetings are said and done... If we can stay awake- we'll all say we won.

Cheers and congratulates Merelas Wonderful! Sorry your Contest didn't get more entries Gwai', but I think you frightened most of them away. The Writer's Workshop is an guilty area - so many feel as if they *should* post something to help, but just don't know what. I think you did succeed in giving the WW a bit more visibility though.