Vyko and I finished our drinks. It had felt good to just relax and find our about a warrior's background, and to listen to his story. This realm is a richer place for having Vyko walk through it. "Have you ever saw the Eternal Realm?" I asked as we stood to leave. "Nay, M'Lady. I think not. Where it be?" "In the Spiritwood, East of the Hedge Maze," I replied. "Would you like to visit?" "Aye, if ye don't mind being seen with a scoundrel." "Not at all," I chuckled. "As long as you can bear the shame of being seen with a proper Lady." 'Har, Har! Shall we proceed, M'Lady." Hold onto your hat! Next stop, Spiritwood," I exclaimed. The portal obeyed my command, and we stepped out into the grassy commons of the Tower. ( I walked through first). Vyko looked around at all the outlying buildings and rested his eyes on our picnic table. "Quite a nice area you have here, M'Lady." Thank you, Vyko. The Knights have worked hard to build this area up." "What is this building south of your Tower," He asked. "Tis an inn. It was built so that weary travelers could rest peacefully. We have had many visitors, even a scoundrel or two." Vyko cocked an eye upward. "Scoundrels you say." "Aye, You are welcome to use the inn should you need a place to rest." "Why thankee, M'Lady. You are most kind." I smiled. "Now then, about your dilemma,"I said, changing the subject. "I think your answer lies at sea. I wish you to join some friends and I to find out if my supposition is correct." 'I'd be willing to go with ye. You have proved yerself trustworthy, M'Lady." I smiled again. "Come then, kindred spirit. Ride the wind with me once again." The portal blazed forth at my beckoning. "Shall we go?" Vyko stepped in first this time. It tis great to be trustworthy. Headwater was bustling. Elma, Hans and Gerber were getting things ready for the incursion into the dread pirates lair. "Is he a friend of yorn, Oni," asked Gerber. "Aye, Master Craftman. He is. Come to lend us aid in the forthcoming adventure this night." "Very good then," Gerber replied. "You coming," I asked. "Nay, M'Lady. I wont not to be fightin' pirates. Aeritas 'volunteered' to go in me place." How nice of him," I replied jokingly. "Lady Oni, Phaedrus of Stormhold and Shadbak of Paws have thrown in their lot with us this evening also," Hans broke in. "Ah! Very good. Very good indeed. A very formidable band we now have," I concluded. Watch out ye nasty murderin' pirates, me blade is sharp," Vyko blurted out bravely as he swung his blade around over his head. Phaedrus and Aeritas and Shadbak arrived to complete the party. The gate was summoned and in a flash we stepped into the Lair of the dread pirates. We were met by some crazed, drunken pirates of ill-repute They fell quickly to the might of the warriors. "Stay together and bring them down as they come. It will get tougher," warned Shadbak. She was right. The pirates had 'harnessed ' several krakens to defend their Lair. The warriors closed quickly with the krakens. I began to disrupt the krakens with a bit of magic. We finally cleared out the krakens and headed farther into the Lair. The opponents became more fierce as the dread pirates made their presence felt. Alas, they were no match for the spears, maces and swords of the warriors. The dread Captain was brought low by the combined, crushing blows of Shadbak and Aeritas as Elma applied healing to Phaedrus. He had borne the brunt of the vengeance of the pirates and performed valiantly. I am so thankful for warriors like him. They always seem to stand between me and danger. "Thank you for your gallantry, Phaedrus," I said as I helped Elma bandage his wounds. "My pleasure, M'Lady. My duty is to protect the Ladies." As she was driven to the ground, The Dread Captain yelled out, "Vyko, Thou wert supposed to be dead; by the hand of me firstmate." "Seems, thou art mistaken, M'Lady. Thou art the one dyin' today." Loot was everywhere. We plundered the plunderers. We all went away with full packs and happy hearts. Going the second mile is very often needful to prove your friendship. It was worth the walk, Vyko....
"My pleasure, M'Lady. My duty is to protect the Ladies." ^What I say after I get killed embarrassingly in front of everyone because you didn't notice that was a boss pirate... Your words are too kind Lady Oni! hehehe
A man a long time ago put it this way: "And of some have compassion, making a difference." It remains as I have written it, forever in the lore of the realm: Phaedrus's actions were bold and gallant. His compassion for others was proved in this instance. To sacrifice all for others is truly heroic and worthy of praise and adoration. Thank you again, Great Warrior. Lady Oni
