From: ASG102@psuvm.psu.edu (The Dreamer)
Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn
Subject: [DQ][L] Kadrys: Success is in the Eye of the Survivor
Date: 15 Dec 92 14:13:31 GMT
Organization: Penn State University

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Luthor:
>"Why don't you start first...Last I knew, your group was planning on going to
>rescue a dragon upon the request of my shrunken giant-friend SunStorm." Luthorr
>leaned back in his chair and frowned briefly when he remembered that Serene
>would not be coming to get his order any time soon.

Kadrys settled back in his chair, his black eyes growing distant as he gathered
his thoughts. His always-quiet tones were even more pensive than usual.
"It's strange. I was just wondering to myself whether I could describe our
recent venture as a success or a failure. ...  I really am not sure which is
the truer description. We retrieved the dragon, yes. But that may be the least
of the successes, in a place where simply retaining selfhood is a victory, in a
war which must constantly be fought. ...  An ancient evil was prevented from
overwhelming Nexus and Titania." He directed a sombre glance at Luthor. "I had
no hand in preventing that evil. At the time, I did not even comprehend the act
that accomplished that goal." He sighed softly. "Yes, these things could justly
be called successes. ...  But an innocent man paid for those successes with the
loss of his life..." He paused and something blended of a shrug and a shudder
shook his form. "...perhaps, with the destruction of his soul." He stared
bleakly at Luthor, "I know of no other name for that than tragedy."

"Kadrys, I know that the price was great.  In preparing me to take over my
family's estate, my father taught me that if you do your best, you succeed,
no matter what the outcome.  I believe in those words and they have kept many
ancient evils from taking over the homes of many beings both here in Nexus
and elsewhere.  Compare the loss of one man to the pain and death of many
more people.  I'm sure that your friend died knowing what he was doing.
Nothing evil can come from a completely selfless act."  Luthor stopped then.
He felt strange giving an ancient vampire advice on how to live his unlife.

Kadrys broke the stare and looked around, yearning for some more joyous topic
of conversation. "I see that Serene is no longer here. Has the time come for
her to deliver her child?" he asked trying not to think back to another Dragons
Inn, another waitress ... another - offspring - waiting to break free
from the confines of its mother's flesh.

Luthor took a long pull from his mug of Catamount Amber before answering.
When Luthor did finally speak, Kadrys was suprised at the love and caring that
filled Luthor's voice.  "Serene...Yes, she did give birth to a daughter.  Mista
is her name.  She is the most beautiful child I have ever known, Kadrys.  A
true daughter of her parents.  I have had the good fortune to be named Mista's
godfather...well, one of them anyway."  Then Luthor sighed and stared into his
mug.

"When can I see this child of wonders then?  Such a diversion would be welcome
right now." Kadrys again scanned for the ever-present yet now missing Serene.

"Mista is with her mother.  While the inn was under attack and I rushed outside
to help out, Serene was attacked and Mista was kidnapped.  I see the concern in
your face, but don't worry.  Mista was found and returned.  Hopefully Serene
will recover soon.  If not, then I will have lost the love of my life for the
second time..."  Luthor sighed again.  He was saved from tears by a light
mood-altering melody from Listener's lute.

     Love and Peace and The Miracle of Healing,
                  -The Dreamer-
Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn