From: ASG102@psuvm.psu.edu
Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn
Subject: Serene and Luthor (Part IV)
Date: 8 Oct 92 20:37:45 GMT
Organization: Penn State University

The streets of Generica had grown quiet aftr the noontime hustle.  The
Shadowmaker and the Fog Dancer walked, BLACK by swirling grey, toward
the sea-gulls.

"I learned to Dance," Serene was saying, "out in the tropical islands.
My parents sent me to live there when my sister died, with an aunt.
They felt it would be best for me - and indeed it was.  The island
community was for ... special people.  Folks whom the rest of the world
might call mad or simple lived side by side in freedom with the more
usual citizens.  It was a loving community, full of people struggling to
become their better selves at all levels.  I learned so much about
reading body language, the distances in people's eyes.  I think that's
why I am a good barmaid ..."  Her voice broke off briefly.  "They Danced
there, and I found a way to express so many things.  And a way not to be
lonely without my sister.  She was my twin."  Serene was quiet for a
moment.  "She was mad," she said simply, letting her hand fall free of
Luthor's arm, lest he become afraid of her as so many did when they
knew.

Luthor was a bit startled, not because Serene's sister was mad, but because
Serene was worried about him knowing.  "Oh my dear Serene, everyone in the
world is mad in their own way, some madness is just considered more acceptable
than others.  I was once considered mad for marrying a full elf who would
outlive me by one thousand years.  'Nothing good could come of it' my family
said, but for the years we were together, we were VERY happy."

Serene was relieved and put at ease by his reaction.  She took Luthor's arm
again and they continued walking toward the sea.

They had meandered to the quayside.  Serene's eyes suddenly lit again
with a smile.  "I'll show you to the best seafood dinner in town.  Will
you eat with me and watch the rolling waves?"

"To watch the waves and the stretching shadows with a beauty such as you would
be an honor M'Lady."

She took his hand and led him down the docks, into an intimate restaurant.
It was not yet dinner time, and they had their pick of tables
overlooking the sea.  Lingering sea-fog rippled below them, reaching
tendrils out to the pair.

"Hello, little wisp," said Serene absently to a bit of mist.  It swirled
its way to Luthor and receded.  "you see?" she turned her grey eyes to
Luthor's ice blue ones.  "The Fog is alive, curious, loving, playful.  And it
approves of you."

"For some reason, I think that the mists and the shadows are related.  They are
living moving changing beings...and they have been kind to me."

Their hot chowder arrived first, steaming and full of clams.  "Luthor,
thank you,"  Serene said between bites.  "Whatever posessed you to spend
your day with me?  It has been beautiful; and I have made a new friend."

"I have discovered over the past century and a half that adventure and wealth
provide a hollow happiness.  Look how many 'adventurers' have sad stories to
tell.  I have also found that the simple things in life: food, friendship,
beauty, are the source of true happiness and this day has made me very happy.
I saw you working in the inn and thought that a day away from everything would
do you good, and so it has."

Serene ate voraciously as usual.  They each had chosen a different catch
and shared bites of the delicately flavored fish.  The sun began to
fill the sky with colors.  Purple cloaks seemed to swirl in the late
sky.  Candles were lighted, Luthor raised his cup of wine, "to a lovely day
with a lovely woman", gulls wheeled and glided with cool wind, shadows ran
across the land, and mist rose from the sea.

"Tell me, Maker of Shadows, the chance of such a beautiful sky in such
fine company."

"It seems like our allies, the mists and the shadows, have planned this
wonderful display to celebrate their own friendship as well as ours.  I
would like to think that this display is no chance happening, but a reward
for faithfulness." Watching the display gave Luthor a feeling of satisfaction.

Serene smiled at his response and let him ease her cloak around her
shoulders as they rose to return in the glowing evening.  The streets
seemed nearly silent in their darkling path.  Finally, almost within
sight of the Inn, Serene hesitated.  "What is the probability that..."
she touched the blue rose in her auburn tresses, "the beauty of this
blossom will not fade?"

"Like my family, the blue rose is long lived.  With proper care and a little
'influence', THIS ROSE COULD OUTLIVE ME."  Luthor said.  "Serene, should you
wake one morning to see that this rose has wilted, know that I am dead, but
do not dispair.  I will be with my wife and son.  Together, we will dance
forever to enchanting Elven music and I will be free."

"Thank you Luthor."

"It was a truly wonderous day."  He held the door open for her.

She reached up softly to kiss his cheek.  Familiar sounds filtered back
from the Inn.  Home again.
--------------

Text by: Serene Uhtsong and Luthor Anside

     Love and Peace and A Day on the Town
                -The Dreamer-