From: andrea@cm.deakin.OZ.AU (Andrea)
Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn
Subject: Kadrys reacts to Valgar and Lancos, and wonders about 'Raelf
Date: 24 Jul 92 01:51:29 GMT

In the inn, the DragonQuestors puzzle together over SunStorm's riddles.
Valgar says "Perhaps the reference to betrayal by a brother isn't meant to be
taken so literally. It might indicate a brother-in-arms, verily, it may point
to one of us." Valgar casts a glance at Kadrys. Kadrys returns the glance,
his black eyes inscrutable. He remains pointedly silent, having decided it is
wisest not to speak in his own defence. Lack of trust will not be swayed by
mere argument, particularly not when you may be suspected of trying to bend
another to your will. He notes that Valgar's uneasy posture relaxes after a
short while, and some of his own tension ebbs. He thinks 'I knew this suspicion
would be raised as soon as I heard that riddle. I _suppose_ I should even be
grateful to Valgar for bringing it out in the open.'

Lancos then speaks his interpretations, breaking the brief silence that fell
after Valgar's half-hearted accusation. "...Yes, Kadrys, for 'A crook' and 'A
thief', my first thoughts were of you" Kadrys grins whitely at this. "Ahh, how
nice it is to have a real friend!" he purrs teasingly. Lancos resumes:
"...For the third riddle: The first two lines CAN'T be talking about Kadrys --
I can stop him with a bad pun!", Lancos says, adding a wink and a grin towards
Kadrys. Kadrys responds with an exaggerated wince and cowers back for a moment
as if Lancos had just stuck a holy symbol in his face. "No! No! Not the
_puns_!" he grins as Lancos continues. "...although I can't say who the 6th
line regards. 'You'll need to Fear your Fear, and You'll be Betrayed by a
Brother'. Hmmm... you don't HAVE a brother? I didn't think it would be THAT
easy, but I can't imagine one of US betraying you!" Kadrys smiles quietly at
the veiled defense by Lancos.

Then, everyone having voiced their theories over the riddles, 'Raelf sets about
fashioning some gear for himself and Valgar in his own inimitable style.

"Watch." 'Raelf folded the bolt, measuring an amount, muttering in
distaste when he found a bug in the weave, and finally SNIKT cutting the
bolt off - with a suddenly sharp metallic fingernail.  "This is being
low power to do, but is also complicated to see in head," he commented
to nobody in particular. Kadrys grinned sharply. 'Hate to be his manicurist'
he thinks.

The piece was laid flat over a hastily-cleared section of an adjacent
table.  SNIKT - SNIKT, SLICE, SNIKT-RIP dammit SNIKT SNAKT.  The piece,
now comprising several smaller pieces, was carefully laid out, some
edges touching and rolled in other places.  'Raelf touched the cloth,
staring intently at the pattern in the air above the box.  He closed his
eyes and spoke quietly.

Kadrys recognized a cantrip construction in Kutuk, in Weaver dialect.
--::One be One and Weave as Weft Warp to Woof and Seam be CLEFT::--
Kadrys blinks in genuine startlement as he hears the string of rhythmic,
barbaric sounds, then his eyes narrow assessingly. He thinks 'Either 'Raelf was
able to take the knowledge out of my memories without my even knowing it, or he
is much, _much_ older than he looks. Yet he is obviously not of my kind. Here
is a mystery that must be clarified.' He settles into uneasy musing as 'Raelf
tries on his new garment, and grimaces, looking around. Nothing reflective.
<<DeskAccessory Mirror On Now>> he mutters at the box, and his image, in
miniature, appears superimposed over the runes and diagrams in the glow. The
image looks as uncomfortable as 'Raelf. Kadrys leans closer for a moment,
peering at the intriguing artifact. Though while he examines it his head is
between 'Raelf and the box, he is not reflected in the image. Whether this is
because of the unique nature of the box, or of its beholder, is unclear.

'Raelf finishes making garments for himself and Valgar, and sits at the table,
fidgeting unhappily. Kadrys eyes his restless movements 'What _is_ it about
people that they feel compelled to displays of activity?' He shrugs mentally.
An ancient memory grips him. Imariye's voice, singing one of the Lady's hymns:
'Dancing waves upon the ocean, Life is motion, Move on...
Winter, summer, ever flowing, Wind is blowing, Beyond...
Bright the sunlight in the morning, Life is dawning, Move on...
Joy is in the life beholding,
All is opening, All unfolding,
On the move to Beyond.'
He sighs and closes his eyes a moment. 'The hymn's right, of course' he thinks,
'This restlessness, it's a living thing. I wouldn't understand.' 
At last 'Raelf gets to his feet and says "I am hate this.  Kadrys, Val, is not
good for I sit still in dark bar all day.  Is nice day out.  I go get idea of
what this burg looking like.  Back by dark.  If no, send note to ...sage."
Kadrys nods wordlessly to 'Raelf. 'Nice day out.' he thinks. 'All those burning
rays. Nice indeed.' His lips twist in a cynical grin, mocking fate, or maybe
just himself.