From: lari@netcom.com (Lari Howard)
Subject: [CASTLE] Morgana and Trog (and others) arrive!
Date: Fri, 11 Sep 92 03:59:37 GMT
Organization: Netcom - Online Communication Services  (408 241-9760 guest) 
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[I know it's taken a while since the twins were born ... but here's
the next chapter - Trog and I wrote it together (and I've been Very
slow)... I'm not sure just who's at the castle at the moment but we'd 
like to say hello and do something with whoever is about - so speak
up!!] 

Morgana

  ===

> 	"Jame, I cannot begin to express my gratitude for the rescue
> and your invaluable help in the cave", Morgana said.  "John and Arthur
> will grow up hearing of their "Uncle" Jame. I hope you find what you
> need to during your journeys. Please travel with care and in safety."

> 	Jame gathered her into his arms and held her tightly for a
> moment and then kissed the two infants, John and Arthur. He hugged
> Alarian and bade Morgana's equine friends farewell. He paused for a
> moment, staring off in the direction of the Castle and then sighed.
> Smiling at his friends he moved off into the forest, the mists
> wreathing his figure.      

"There travels a very brave knight" said Alarian. "One day he will
return to the Land, but until then there will be a hole in both my
heart and all of ARC."

"Yes", replied Morgana. "He has provided much of our strength against
the invading forces. He is already missed."

"I will prepare a litter for you and my sons. We shall travel to the
castle where I will feel much safer. I know these woods are clear of
trouble but I would still feel better with a thick wall around you."

Alarian disappeared into the mist for a few minutes and then returned
carrying two long and straight poles and a number of shorter ones. "I
see that you came well prepared Morgana" he called from over by the
horses. "I will use this large mantel to add a little comfort".

Morgana Shhhushed him and pointed to the two sleeping forms. Alarian
nodded and continued in silence. After a half hour, the litter was
complete.

"It will take us a few days to travel to the castle. Are you sure that
you will be all right", worried Alarian. 

"Yes my love, we will be fine. Now help me arrange the three of us on
the litter and let us start."

-------

Towards the end of the day, Alarian chose a site for them to rest and
built a large (actually a little too large) fire and after a bit of
hunting produced a large suculant boar. They ate heartily. Morgana
had never felt so hungry!

"I have noticed that we are very close to the old temple to Alm. I
would very much like to take my sons there this night and give
thanks", said Alarian.  Morgana was a little taken aback, she had
never seen this religious side of Alarian before.  "Yes my dear.  I'm
sure that would be fine.  Just be as quick as you can, the night is
cool."  Alarian noded and lifted the two small bundles to his chest.
He had already removed his armor and could feel their warmth through
his shirt.

Morgana watched the three of them disappear into the tree. Somehow,
she felt that it had not been an accident that Alarian had chosen this
spot to rest.

Alarian took his sons through the tree to the remains of the old
temple. This had once been tended by an order of clerics who had long
since left ARCdom. But the temple alter remained. The night was clear,
a little ground mist had formed but otherwise it was going to be a
fine night.

Upon reaching the alter Alarian laid his cloak out on the ground and
gently placed the infants onto it. Then he knelt and gave thanks to
the Gods. 

Morgana's curiosity had got the better of her and she had followed her
family and stood at the edge of the clearing watching with love as the
rite was done. She jumped and almost gave a cry when suddenly a small
star fell from the sky and landed directly on top of the alter. But as
the star descended and before it struck the alter it transformed into
the shape of a man. A glowing man.

Alarian heard a strange rushing sound and looked up just as the God
appeared. His eyes shot open and he rose to flee. But before he could
move, or in fact maybe he couldn't move at all, Alm spoke. "Do not be
afraid Prince Alarian. I have come also to give thanks for these
little ones. For a very long time you have been known to the Gods.
Both you and Morgana have been much on our hearts since the Thunder
Dragon took you from your fathers castle. Stand now and I will bless
your sons.

Looking from the shadows Morgana could not hear what was said, but she
saw Alarian... and Trog arise. She had not noticed, but somehow Trog
had been standing next to Alarian. But how could this be. She must
have stepped slightly out from her hiding spot, because she suddenly
noticed that Alm was addressing her.

"Morgana. I was wondering when you would join us. Come my dear and
receive my blessing also."

The five humans and the God prayed together....

"Now before I go, Morgana, we had asked Alarian and Trog to perform a
task for us. This will require Alarian to sleep once more and Trog to
wake. We know how difficult it will be for you and so that you may
call upon Alarian whenever you need him have fashioned this ring."

Alm took a small copper ring from his hand. "Hold this ring before you
and speak the name of your love and he will transform." Morgana took
the ring and placed it on her finger next to the one that Alarian had
given her.  

"Thank-you, Lord" she stammered.  "When do you require Trog?  Or, to
be honest, how much longer may I have Alarian's company?  I know it is
selfish of me but I would at least like to have his company as far as
the castle."

Alm looked again at the little company before him and could not deny
her request - "You may indeed have Alarian's company until you are
near to the castle.  It would be better if Trog were to return to the
castle instead of Alarian however.  So, when you are within sight of
the walls you will have Trog to accompany you the last distance." 

Alarian smiled and took Morgana's hand and she felt herself flush at
the touch.  Trog looked as though he was about to burst from the
Wylde Magyk contained within.  The babies just tossed about and
gurgled softly.  

Alm touched Trog's shoulder and Trog looked up and nodded.  Clearly he
understood his mission.  Alm seemed to glow more brightly and rose
into the sky returning to the star he had been and floated off into
the night's darkness.

Morgana turned to ask Trog what his quest was to be and found he had
disappeared yet again and Alarian stood beside her.  They each took
one of their sons and returned to their camp.  Neither spoke - there
was nothing that needed to be said.  

As they sat by the fire John awoke and announced that it was his
dinner time.  Morgana chuckled and was again relieved that both of the
boys never seemed to demand feeding at the same time.  Alarian was
leaning against a tree and Morgana settled against him with the hungry
child at her breast.  Both were still gazing at the stars feeling more
at peace than either could remember.

--------

After a couple more days of travel they started up a hill just before
twilight.  Just before the crest Alarian dismounted from Cephian and
came to Morgana.  "This is the last hill my love,  we will be able to
see the castle once we reach the top."  So saying he scooped Morgana
into her arms and kissed her thoroughly.

Morgana smiled and touched the new ring on her hand.  "I know - and I
know you will always be with me.  Let's leave the boys in the litter
and walk from here together.  At least that will give me a chance to
run if Trog's Magyk decides to drop something from the skies once
again!" 

They laughed and hugged.  Alarian bent down and kissed his sons.
"I'll see you two soon - take care of your mother!"  

Morgana started laughing - "When have I ever needed taking care of???
Oh well, yes, I guess I Did need a little help just a while ago didn't
I?  Shall we go?  I'm anxious to see my friends - it's been quite a
long time - and this will be a nice surprise for them!"

With that they started up the last of the hill.  At the top they
stopped to look at the castle.  "It doesn't seem too much the worse
for wear" Morgana said.  "It still feels like my home away from home -
what do you think?"  And before she could turn to look at him she was
showered with flowers falling from the sky.  She didn't have to look
to know that Trog was with her now.  "I take it you're glad to be here
as well?" she laughed and hugged Trog.  

Together the strange band started down the hill...
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