Mikelle starts paying attention to the plot
Ulrich says "OK, I assume you read my last post for the fairie thread?"
Stefanos says "Remind us, please."
Mikelle says "Two more tests, then negotiations, I believe?"
Ulrich says "I just mentioned you all had a good nights sleep. :)"
SLEEEEP GOOD
Viola slept like a baby.
Ulrich says "So, well, what do you intend to do? The dwarfs are still partying. :)"
Stefanos says "Then rested, we prepare to continue this long, and seemingly pointless journey."
Viola dances with a dwarf.
Mikelle says "Yeah, lets get on with this."
Mikelle says "Come on Viola."
Stefanos says "Indeed. Perhaps your kinship with these places might enlighten us to our continued pace of action"
Ulrich says "Back in the large cave you came in (the one with the toadstool circle) there is an imp sitting in the circle and grining at you."
Mikelle says "You again? Why am I not surprised. You're very predictable."
Stefanos (aside) Well, fancy meeting that again
Viola thnks
Viola eyes the imp.
Stefanos Waits, impatiently
Viola sits down opposite the imp and stares at it.
The imp grins at Mikelle and says: Well, someone has to look after you, girl.
Viola says "twice...hmm..."
Mikelle says "Really, well if you were actually to do that then I would have to show appropriate gratitude."
Mikelle says "Fortunately for you, you don;t"
Stefanos says "Shying away?  Ah well."
The imp giggles.
Stefanos says "What manner of task do you set next.  We await it."
Viola says "imp..um..what do you do?"
The imp answes Stef: So? Then step in.
Stefanos rolls his eyes skyward
Stefanos (at viola)
Mikelle crosses her arms, and taps her foot, waiting.
Viola doesn't notice.
The imp says (looking at Viola): Waiting.
Viola says "why?"
Stefanos says "You do, waiting.  Well - certainly that makes little sense.  Viola, you speak this language.  Please continue."
The imp says (looking at Viola): Why not? Someone has to do it.
Viola says "er..for?"
The imp answers: You, little sister.
Viola sits back.
Viola says "why?"
The imp answers: Just to watch.
Viola hmmms.  "Is that....really?  Hmm..and all, just that?
Stefanos says "Viola, this conversation seems slow to me.  Are you acquiring the information we need in a manner I cannot percieve?  If not, then might I suggest a more direct course?"
The imp says: That's for me to know and for you to find out, little sister.
Viola doesn't notice Stefanos.
Viola says "Can I?"
Stefanos awaits violas answer
The imp says: Sure.
Stefanos says "Viola?  Can you hear me?"
The imp says: ...or maybe not...
Viola says "Well I can...soo...hmm...well if i wanted to, how?"
The imp says: Try.
Stefanos says "Mikelle, our negotiator appears ensorcelled.  I have temporarily forgotten whether I have any skills in this area, and leave it to you to see if you can remove this affliction"
Stefanos says "Alterantively..."
Viola considers.
Mikelle says "It is her own conflict. You will interfere?"
Stefanos loosens his sword
Mikelle smiles
Mikelle says "Not that that is always a bad thing"
Stefanos says "She is providing it no distraction -"
Viola says "I..well, I think I will.  I mean try."
Stefanos says "Again viola, I ask if you are merely concentrating."
The imp says: I'm waiting.
Stefanos says "And if she is not, then she has lost, and there is no shame in taking anothers challenge upon yourself, once they have removed themselves"
Viola says "How?"
Mikelle shrugs
The imp says: That's for me to know and for you to find out, little sister.
Stefanos waits, but viola seems not to be hearing him
Mikelle says "She has not lost yet."
Viola looks annoyed.
Viola crosses her arms.
Viola says "We need...well there are tests, yes?"
The imp crosses his legs.
The imp says: Yes.
Stefanos says "Mikelle, you should not encourage me to hesitate after encouraging me to act.  It makes you seem inconsistent - a failure to communicate your desires."
Stefanos says "Perhaps she has not lost"
Stefanos says "Thus I ask her"
Stefanos says "If she is ensorcelled as she appears, "
Mikelle says "But you must decide whether to act or not. Why should she help _you_."
Stefanos says "A good point."
Viola says "I think...hm..well I think..we must have passed"
Stefanos says "Right, then."
The imp says: Yes. You think so.
Stefanos steps forward, his hand ostentatiously near his sword.
Stefanos says "Right, you"
Stefanos says "Whatever you are."
Viola says "do you think?"
Stefanos says "Explain yourself right now, remove whatever you have afflicted my sodalis with, and perhaps we will not see what colour your blood runs"
The imp says: Yes I think.
The imp says: ...sometimes.
Viola says "I mean about tests"
Stefanos says "Ignore me!"
Stefanos draws his sword
The imp says: Sometimes, yes.
Viola finally notices Stefanos and looks at him as if he were an idiot.
Viola says "and us?  the tests?"
The imp says: Yes, recently I have thought about you, too.
Stefanos says "Answer now... or risk whatever you posess that resembles life"
The imp says: But... I DO answer.
Viola says "Well how?  I mean, did you think about passing?"
The imp says: Yes.
Viola says "what thoughts?"
Stefanos says "Impudent imp.  Cease prattling with this thing, and answer me."
The imp says: It's possible.
Stefanos says "Then do it, you little nuisance"
Stefanos says "Before something is done you may regret, shortly"
Viola says "you know?  but yes...but...hmm..are you sure?"
The imp says: Well, I'm not allowed to tell you if you passed a test.
Viola nods thoughtfully.  "But then...how...can we?"
Stefanos says "Who does not allow you.  If you cower behind another, then take me to them - that they may answer me."
Stefanos says "Or bring them forth"
The imp says: And you rageing human: Are you sure that it is not you who might regret something?
The imp says (to stef): I will. Two more tests and you will meet him.
Stefanos says "Pah, at last you acknowledge me.  Insults are not wise - and certainly I am willing to put my doubts at risk"
Stefanos says "I tire of these tests your master sets - and would continue to ones of mine own choosing, which might be testing."
Viola says "Well, but one test..I think one..enough, yes?  Why the two?"
Stefanos says "The roigional condidtion was four.  We accepted it, hoping for something real."
The imp says (to viola): Noone said you have to take them.
Stefanos says "but to renege upon that acceptance, which might cause this think to see weak -"
Stefanos says "What say you Mikelle?  Shall we continue with this irritance?"
Viola says "but then..how?  if we can leave?"
Mikelle says "I wish to face the tests, but _this_ is not a challenge I choose."
Mikelle says "Either finish it or continue. I am not concerned with this petty creature."
The imp says (to viola): Simply step into the circel and you are in the next test. Step in again and you are in the fourth test, step in again and you will meet my king.
Stefanos says "Taking thee at word, then..."
Stefanos steps forward, glaring at the annoying little thing
Viola nods.
Viola smiles at the imp.
Viola steps into the circle.
Edward follows her.
Mikellestrides into the circle, ignoring the imp
Sir Richard joins in
Ulrich says "Well, everyone who steps in simply disappears."
Ulrich says "... and this is where you re-appear."
You find yourself in a forrest. It seems to be the haunted forrest the Covenant is placed, but the magi feel no magicel aura at all. Next to you there is a toadstool circle. You hear angry human voices and angry elfish voices and the sounds of battle (well, a small battle. About ten voices in total).
Viola thinks
Mikelle Heads towards the battle
Viola says "hm...only one test I think..but maybe one more better?"
Viola keeps up.
Stefanos says "Well - this should be simple."
Nararn moves forwards stealthily, trying to find out what is going on
Miklos stays close to Mikelle, covering her with his shield.
Stefanos Strides forth... (wondering what his actual spell list is like, or even what magick he's any good at)
You approach the place where the sound comes from. There is a group of six woodcutters with a donkey pulled cart and a cut down tree on the cart. The woodcutters obviously had just begun to cut down another tree when a (need word here - my dictionary translates forrest deamon, but it is no deamon but a Fay. Maybe Ent will do?) arrived and attacked them. Next to the tree stands a pale dryad, bleeding from several wounds. Another dryad lies close to the placethe last tree wascut down - dead? The Ent fights furiously, but he will have no chance against six woodcutters.
Mikelle says "Leave these innocent woodcutters alone, or you will be destroyed!"
Stefanos says "Interesting choice mikelle.  Wood cutters above a test you say you chose?"
Viola ponders.
Mikelle says "I choose the test, and I choose a real solution. The woodcutters are stronger."
Stefanos says "No mikelle - surely you are choosing to abandon the test in place of another."
Ulrich says "The woodcutters cheer at Mikelles call and swing their axes at that Ent. The ent fights back."
Stefanos says "Of course, this would be the harder choice, and would make the last test worth more, and hence more difficult."
Mikelle says "So, I face tests of my own will, and defeating six humans is hardly challenging."
Stefanos says "But nor is a tree.  The outcome wil be the same if you intervene not at all"
Mikelle says "Back off, creature of the forest! Or does your survival mean nothing to you!"
Mikelle says "You do not know the test I have chosen, Stefanos, so do not presume to comment"
Viola walks forward toward the fight.
Stefanos (mutters under breath) Oh ye lords of all - now that thing is getting involved
Mikelle says "OOC: Is the ent still fighting?"
Viola pulls some ripe nuts off a nearby branch.
Viola walks almost into the fight.
Viola says "Wait."
Ulrich says "The Ent has problems to let go: he'd have to cut down two woodcutters to leave. Besides that he does not leave."
Mikelle strides forward
Ulrich says "The woodcutters continue slaying the Ent."
Viola says "Wait!"
Stefanos has come up with a plan.
Mikelle shrugs
Stefanos says "Listen to this one for a time - "
Mikelle and stops
Ulrich says "The Ent goes down. The woodcutters cheer and continue swinging their axes."
Viola directs that mainly to hte soodcutters
Mikelle says "The ent has chosen this fight. Should he survive he will grow stronger. The woodcutters will not."
Stefanos says "Ah, well"
Viola begins the gestures for a formulaic
Stefanos says "It was an idea.  Perhaps for later."
Mikelle says "After all Stefanos, I hardly seel to solve all the faeries' petty problems for them."
Mikelle says "OOC: what are the getstures?"
Viola says "MuTe"
Stefanos (to mikelle) You see, it could have worked to allow everyone to continue fighting, AND to get the most out of it, by fighting anyone left - but it appears we arrived too late
Stefanos says "And our 'negotiator' seems to beleive that that is the test we accepted."
Stefanos says "Do you not, Viola?"
Mikelle says "A reasonable point, but still no challenge. I sought to end the fight by presence alone, but the ent was not a survivor - who am I to _force_ him to end his fight."
Stefanos waits to see what viola is doing
Mikelle says "Viola could gain an interesting challenge now, of course."
Ulrich says "Viola, roll please."
Viola rolls the die, which comes up a 9.
Ulrich says "The ground around the fight turns to something swampy. Three of the woodcutters are stuck, one is drowning but two jumped on the Ent - and look confused."
Viola says "Wait."
Viola says "Listen?"
Stefanos says "Wel - a little extreme, Viola."
Ulrich says "The one woodcutter continues drowning. The others look paniced."
Stefanos decides to help the one who is drowning, at range with ReCo...
Viola nudges Edward.
Edward rushes in to dig out the drowning man.
Stefanos rolls a truck over, it comes up... 2
Stefanos and will now probably have to help edward, too...
Ulrich says "The drowning one comes out easily - and flees once he's free."
Viola says "Now."
Ulrich says "The ent groans."
Edward looks after the ent.
Viola holds up the nuts.
Ulrich says "It's as good as dead."
Stefanos tries to hold the fleeing man magially, but is belated.
Viola frowns.
Viola says "See?  Look."
Stefanos says "See what, viola.  Perhaps you could explain more plainly for these folk?"
Ulrich says "The other three men also climbed on the ent. The all look terrified."
Stefanos thinks....
Viola continues to addres sthe men.
Viola says "So you cut trees, yes?  Then what?"
Ulrich says "It takes a while until one of them dares to speak. He says: W...W...  What the hell...? GO! LEAVE! You can't touch me, daemon!"
Viola rolls her eyes.
Viola says "Answer!"
Ulrich says "They are completely terrified. :)"
Viola says "What happens?  You cut trees?"
Stefanos says "Viola, if your intent is to scare these men into stopping, you are too late.  And what do you mean, then what?  Then they cut down more trees. They are woodcutters - thats what that sort of person DOES."
Ulrich says "One of them starts to answer, but another one says: Don't talk to demons. They will trick you."
Viola glares at the guy with the ideas.
Viola walks forward a little.
A look of complete disgust and disninterest passes between stefanos and mikelle..
Viola says "You cut trees...no trees, yes?  And then?"
Stefanos relaxes a little, waiting for viola to finish her little game
One of the men says: We need wood. So we cut down trees. But this demon attacked us. And now he's dead. And so will you be if you attack us.
Viola shakes her head.
Viola says "Wood?"
Viola says "Cut trees, no trees, then where?"
One of the men says: Yes, wood. That's what trees are for.
Viola nods.
Viola says "but no trees, no wood, yes?"
Stefanos says "Come viola, let us leave this."
One of the men says: No wood means cold winters.
Another of the men says: See, he's trying to trick you.
Edward gives up on the ent and tries to help the dryad.
Ulrich says "Well, you could try to bind the wounds."
Edward tries.
Ulrich says "The dryad gives a groaning sound."
Stefanos says "Viola.  Is this relevant?"
Viola nods.  "Cold winters"
Viola starts gesuting again for a spontaneous spell...
Viola kneels and touches the edge of the swampy area.
Ulrich says "Some of the mud turns solid again"
Viola walks along the solid path toward the men.  "Here."
Viola holds out the nuts.
Stefanos says "Viola.  They are nuts."
Stefanos refrains from making the obvious joke
One of the men says: Go, demon, we don't want your stuff.
Viola rolls her eyes.  "Just nuts."
One of the men says: And in return you want our souls? No way. You have no power to take our souls so GO!
Viola walks up to the nearest man and gives him some nuts.
Viola shakes her head. "No."
Stefanos OOC: records that, to quote out of context. . .
The man screams and drops the nuts.
Viola suppresses a giggle.
Viola says "See?  Cut trees, plant nuts"
Ulrich says "The men look confused."
Viola says "so then..well..more trees, see?  and wood"
Stefanos says "For goodness sakes viola.  Lets just go."
Viola turns around ot look at Stefanos, and makes magical gestures at a branch over his head....
Stefanos says "Viola..."
One of the men says: Yes, sure... but...
Another says: You agree with a demon? 
The first says: But if he's not?
The second says: And if he is?
Ulrich says "One nut drops from a tree and misses Stefanos by one inch."
Viola mumbles under her breath and turns back to the men.
Viola says "Me?  Demon?"
Stefanos fumes slightly...
Viola giggles.
Viola says "Nuts, see?"
One says: See, he is not.
Another says: Seen his eyes? That hair?
The first says: Well... But he... she?... said...
The second says: Can't you see? He's tricking you!
Viola thinks.
Viola says "well...maybe..hmm..if you prayed over nuts?"
Viola smiles.
Ulrich says "Now they are really confused. They start to argue loudly."
Viola waits.
Ulrich says "They come to a decision: You - the demon - tried to trick you. So they pray to be released of you - the demon."
Viola yawns.
Viola says "No demon?  See?"
Stefanos crosses his fingers and hopes fervently that it works...
Stefanos but says nothing
Ulrich says "The whole scene blurrs - and you are alone in the forrest."
Stefanos says "OOC: Who is alone?"
Ulrich says "I mean: No ent, no dryad, no donky, no men... just you and the trees. completely mundane trees."
Stefanos says "well - that seems to be over"
Mikelle says "Whatever it was."
Stefanos says "Might I ask quite what you did viola?"
Viola looks as confused as the rest of you.
Viola says "OOC same forest?  same or different trees?"
Mikelle strides back towards the toadstool circle.
Mikelle says "Come on."
Ulrich says "Similar looking, but mundane. No dryad-homes."
Stefanos says "It seems a little pointless to stay here longer indeed."
Stefanos says "perhaps we mightnot have left it so long"
Ulrich says "At the circle the imp waits for you. Frowning."
Mikelle says "Hello again."
Viola looks at the imp.  "Yes?"
The imp says: Step in so we can finish this soon.
Viola nods and steps in.
Edward follows.
Mikelle shrugs and steps in.
Viola and Edward vanish
Stefanos says "Indeed, let us get this over with. something is worrying you?"
Stefanos goes in also
Ulrich says "So does everyone else who steps in."
You are in the middle of some swamp. Everything looks dead or at least strangely warped. The air stinks rotten. Right now you stand on a large stone in the middle of the swamp - and yes, there is a toadstool circle too. Some 50 paces from here stands a small house. Out of one of it's windows emerges some orange smoke.
Viola shakes her head.
Viola says "Here..this....this is never."
Ulrich says "Btw: The imp sits in the circle."
Mikelle says "Still here?"
Viola says "I think..not safe.  Go?"
Ulrich says "He holds somthing to his nose. :)"
Stefanos shakes his head in exasperation
Viola waits for an answer.
Mikelle says "Well, lets see. Firstly, the swamp."
Mikelle says "OOC: how watery is it? Will we sink in if we walk out onto it?"
Viola walks toward the faerie circle, assuming ther'es firm ground.
Ulrich says "The swamp looks completely dead and it stinks like hell."
Ulrich says "You'd sink immediately."
Mikelle says "Well, Viola, want to try something so we can walk over this stuff?"
Ulrich says "The circel is on the same stone you stand on. It's a big stone"
Viola nods to the imp.  "Yes?"
The Imp says: It stinks. Lets get going. I don't want to wait for ages.
Mikelle says "Looks challenging though."
Viola nods and walks into the ring.
Edward shrugs and follows Viola.
Ulrich says "Viola disappears."
Mikelle says "Oh, well. Looks like she's wimped out."
Ulrich says "So does Eddy"
Mikelle starts to cast wall of Protecting Stone at the edge of the swamp, facing towards the house.
Ulrich says "A wall appears. It sinks a bit and then tilts."
Mikelle says "Yeah, push it over so it falls flat over the swamp."
Mikelle says "How quickly does it sink?"
SPLASH!
Mikelle says "Rego Corpus might be more effective. Any chance of something Stefanos?"
Ulrich says "It lies on something. You can see it about one foot below the surface."
Stefanos says "OOC: I don't know,. I''ve lost the spell list..."
Ulrich says "dangling puppet?"
Stefanos says "OOC: won't lift across..."
Mikelle says "I can propel you over to that house if you can lift yourself."
Mikelle says "Alternatively we can make alot of walls."
Stefanos says "A large number of walls to make a semi permanent path would have more applications"
Ulrich says "This one lies only one foot below the surface of the water. You can still see it."
Mikelle says "We'd need at least 13, and that's if we're willing to trust just one layer."
Mikelle says "Ah well. I test my weight on the first wall carefully."
Mikelle says "Stay back Miklos. It probably won;t take your weight. I'll go alone, unless Stefanos is interested?"
Ulrich says "Your boot touches the surface of the swamp and starts to hiss and smoke. You pull back your foot and look a bit surprised at your blackened, burned shoes."
Mikelle smiles
Stefanos says "Certainly more interesting"
Mikelle creates another wall and lays it on top of the first one.
Stefanos says "Well, imp - what form does this test take?"
Stefanos says "I presume that your desire to not remain here might loosen your tongue -  as well as not having to talk to that, person."
The imp says: If I may suggest: don't so that!
Stefanos says "Well - that was fairly obviously dangerous."
Mikelle says "look out for the splashing.. whatever it is."
The imp says: It's far more dangerous than anything you've seen so far.
Stefanos says "So, an obvious presumption would be to cross this swamp and do something at the cottage."
Mikelle says "Good."
Mikelle says "Why do you want us to persevere?"
The imp sighs.
Stefanos says "A possible exageration, since we've seen each other..."
Mikelle nods to Stefanos and smiles.
Mikelle says "OOC: BTW, what happens with that wall?""
Ulrich says "The imp says: I don't care what you do, but I want to leave this stinking mess."
Mikelle says "Well, perhaps you should have helped us earlier then."
Ulrich says "Oh... Well, it falls in the swamp splashing a lot of that strange liquid."
Mikelle says "Is it sticking oiut above the swamp now?"
Ulrich says "Yes it is."
Mikelle says "Well, this might work ... eventually."
Stefanos says "Yes, it loks slow"
Mikelle says "OOC: Any sign of the rock dissolving."
Ulrich says "No."
Stefanos says "Imp, will you not tell us the form of this test?"
The Imp says: I must not.
Stefanos says "Why not?"
The Imp says: I'm not allowed.
Stefanos says "Mikelle, should we move onto flight?"
Stefanos says "And you fear someone enough to obey them without question?"
Mikelle says "If you can suspend yourself, I can raise a breeze. Getting you back might be more challenging though."
The Imp says: Yes.
Stefanos says "Ah, and you cannot move yourself."
Mikelle says "Suspending myself and raising a breeze simulataneously would be difficult. I think I could pull you pack."
Stefanos says "Then the puzzle is that of returning..."
Stefanos says "Imp - there is something within that cottage to face."
Stefanos shouts:  Ho!  Who lives here!
Mikelle nods to Stefanos
Mikelle gestures to Naranr, who readies his crossbow
Ulrich says "An old man steps out of the cottage."
Mikelle says "Hello! Why are you here in this desolate place?"
Ulrich says "The man looks at you, turns back to the cottage. The swamp starts to hiss and foam."
Mikelle says "OOC: Step back from the swamp. what is it doing?"
Stefanos says "Why do none of our adversaries wish to talkwith us first?"
Ulrich says "Some metal thing pops up. It looks like a small path over the swamp."
Mikelle shouts, "Will you not speak with us old man?"
Mikelle says "Oh, I see!"
Ulrich says "The old man reappears and shouts: Come on over!"
Stefanos says "Well, hospitality from someone at last"
The imp sighs.
Stefanos walks onto the bridge...
Mikelle strides out over the path, gesturing to Nararn and Miklos to stay back.
Ulrich says "It's a bit narrow, but you've got no problems to cross the thing."
Stefanos glares at the imp, breifly.  (smiling internally - lets see how long we can make him wait here...)
Ulrich says "The man waits for you."
The old man says: Welcome strangers. How nice to have guests.
Mikelle says "Thankyou for your welcome. I am Mikelle, and it is nice to meet you. I imagine you get few guests here."
The old man nods: Yes, they don't turn up so often.
Stefanos says "Indeed, it is possibly the nicest thing I've heard in days.  I am Stefanos, and am also pleased to meet you."
The old man says: May I invite you to share a cup of wne with me?
Mikelle says "Certainly. It would be most welcome. Who are you?"
The old man says: Oh, sorry I forgot to introduce myself. my name is Adula.
Ulrich says "Adula enters the cottage."
Mikelle follows Adula
Stefanos huh? Oh, right - I'll go too
Ulrich says "Inside you see what is best described as an alchemists laboratory. Lot of stuff, mostly glass. Some experiments seem to be cooking."
Mikelle says "Why do you live in this isolated place?"
Adula says: I have to beg your pardon, I was not expecting guests in the next few centuries.
Mikelle says "Not at all, I find this quite welcoming."
Adula looks sad: They sent me off. They say I'm weired and my work stinks and... (he looks very sad)
Adula collects some cups (some still dirty) and pours a bloodred liquid from a bottle. He hands each of you a cup and takes one himself.
Mikelle drinks, ready to react at once if it tastes poisonous...
Ulrich says "Well, it smells like wine, it tastes like wine... but it's hard to drink. It's almost solid."
Mikelle drinks anyway.
Ulrich says "Mikelles skin turns red."
Stefanos Looks interested at mikelles reaction...
Ulrich says "DEEP red."
Stefanos looks at his drink...
Mikelle says "Strange. Tasted quite nice though. Drink up Stefanos."
Stefanos smiles
Mikelle looks at her hand, turning it over, and then shrugs
Ulrich says "Adula drinks as well - his skin turns red as well."
Stefanos shrugs and drinks...
Mikelle says "Thank you Adula, that was delicious, though it seems to have something of a side effect."
Stefanos says "An interesting beverage"
Ulrich says "Stefanos' skin does not change."
Ulrich says "Adula looks puzzled at Stefanos: How did you do that?"
Stefanos says "Do what?"
Adula says: My artificial wine always made skin red. Why didn't it change yours?
Stefanos says "Presumably since my skin is not your skin, it has different properties?"
Adula says: Oh, by the way, Mikelle, this fades in the next month.
Adula says: I have to analyse this... wait a minute...
Stefanos says "Might I enquire as to the recipie for this?"
Ulrich says "He grabs a knive and turns to Stefanos."
Stefanos says "Now, hold on there..."
Adula says: Well, sure. May I have some of your skin, I need to analyse this.
Stefanos says "You sound worse than that fool lucias (OOC: grin)"
Stefanos says "A little skin could be difficult to arrange"
Stefanos says "how much is a little?"
Adula looks confused.
Adula says: Oh, not much. One arm will do nicely.
Stefanos says "I would really prefer to remain intact, if you don't mind?"
Adula says: You could have one of my artificial arms instead. They work quite nicely.
Adula says: Oh, but you have to be careful with water. They don't work when they get wet.
Stefanos says "My arms are quite sufficient for my needs.  Why don't you think upon the theories behind it all or something, instead."
Stefanos thinks - that usually distracts bonisagi types...
Adula says: Yes, sure... (puts his knife down) Where's my book? (he searches in a cheast and comes back with a pot with some ointment) Oh, I just noticed. Mikelle, don't you want to try some of this? It preserves the look of youth.
Mikelle says "Really, that sounds most impressive. Have you perfected the formula?"
Adula says: Well, almost. It has a few minor flaws, but I'd also like to see how it works on women.
Mikelle says "I'm most grateful. What are the flaws?"
Mikelle says "Have you been using it on yourself?"
Adula says: No, I've tested it with rats. They live for ages but for some strange reason loose all their fur.
Mikelle says "You mean it actually extends life, rather than just makes people look younger?"
Mikelle says "Or rats rather, so far..."
Adula says: Well... Not exactly... Every time I rubed it into their skin they reverted to small rat-babies.
Adula says: But it should not be as extreme on humans... I mean... Oh, damn, maybe they were right....
Mikelle says "Maybe who were right?"
Adula says: The others back home.... They said my inventions will never work...
Ulrich says "He's close to tears now..."
Mikelle says "Well, they all seem to work, they just need a littel tweaking that's all. I mean some of the things you have achieved seem really impressive, if you could perfect them,"
Adula says: Oh, do you really think so? Thank you so much... And you think it is worth it? I mean the swamp and all that?
Mikelle says "What do you mean about the swamp?"
Stefanos says "(quietly) Michelle, I beleive I have an elegant solution"
Adula says: I mean... You cant cross it. It was a nice sea, but I can't swim so I invented the bridge you came here with. The invention had sideeffects: the swamp...
Mikelle says "If you took this bridge down would the swamp go away?"
Adula says: No, I don't think so. I mean, I did invent something to eat away the bridge to do it - but it turned out that the damn thing prefered to eat trees.
Mikelle says "Probably best to leave what's outside your house alone then - work to perfect your inventuions, and then test them"
Adula says: Hmmm, good idea, yes... But how to test them? I don't have guests so often... Oh that reminds me: I've got a nice artificial sandwich. Would you like to try it?
Stefanos is letting mikelle do the talking
Mikelle says "I'd rather not.. our friend wandered off through the toadstool ring and though it was nice to meet you, we really should catch up with her. You don;t mind if I take this ointment do you? It really does sound most interesting."
Adula says: Oh, you want to go so soon? Well, but sure, here, take it. And would you please tell me if it works?
Ulrich says "He gives you a small flask."
Mikelle says "I'll try to send a message or visit again to tell you what happens with it."
Mikelle says "Thank you."
Adula smiles happily.
Mikelle says "And now we must take our leave. It's been very nice to meet you."
Ulrich says "He guides you back to the bridge."
Mikelle crosses back over.
Ulrich says "Back at the circle the imp has turned green."
Stefanos Mutterring his thanks, and how much he enjoyed the visit, leaves too
The imp sighs: Have you finished now?
Mikelle says "Well, we could have a nice picnic here..."
Mikelle smiles
Mikelle says "I find the scene of desolation, though horrible, at the same time strangely compelling."
Ulrich says "In fact you could. You don't smell anything that could spoil it."
Mikelle says "But enough. Let's go."
Mikelle heads towards the ring.
Stefanos says "Indeed"
Stefanos Goes too, wondering if mikelle was just trying to worry him
Stefanos smiles at the imp as he passes
Ulrich says "You find yourself in an inn in the middle of the fairie wineyard. There are stone tables. Viola and Edward stand at one of them drinking a mug of wine. There are quite a lot of stone statues as well."
Ulrich says "Mikelles skin is still bright red."
Viola smiles, "Fun?"
Stefanos says "Hello all, been waiting long?"
Mikelle says "Interesting."
Ulrich says "A couple of wineplants come walking by."
Viola waves to the vines.
Ulrich says "They wave back. "
Viola stands up and walks out of the house.
Ulrich says "The innkeeper, a huge troll-like thing appears."
Ulrich says "He guestures to a table."
Viola pauses on the way out and watches.
Mikelle says "Hello"
Stefanos says "Where are you off to, viola?"
Stefanos will sit down with the others at the table
Viola says "well..talking?"
Viola shrugs and sits.
Ulrich says "He seems to invite you to that table (by the way: this is outdoors in the inns garden.)"
Mikelle goes over and sits down
Ulrich says "The innkeeper serves a mug of wine to everyone."
Ulrich says "A little imp appears (not the one from the circles). He's got bright red hair, smiles at Viola and then climbs on your table."
Viola smiles back.
Ulrich says "He's about 30cm tall."
Ulrich says "With some surprise you notice that all statues seem to have bowed to your table."
Viola bows slightly to the little man.
Ulrich says "The little man smiles at Viola and says: So you've done it, little sister? I'm proud to see you again."
Viola smiles sheeplishly. "Er...thank you."
The little man says: So you came to trade?
Viola nods.
Stefanos waits, not all that patiently...
The little man says: Well, this what I say: We will respect you as good neighbours. We will hold a feast ever October and you are invited to come. In return you will hold a feast every spring and invite us. We will exchange news, and goods then.
Viola thinks.
Viola says "I think....well, hm..for what it goes, yes. But..."
The little man says: But?
Viola says "The vineyard.  The...um...see, the normal one?  Beneath?  "
The little man says: Yes?
Viola says "The grapes there."
The little man says: Yes?
Viola says "Those...we would we like.  We need."
The little man says: Yes, I know.
Viola says "Can we?"
The little man says: You humans always want the Vis... (he shrugs). 
Viola smiles.
The little man says: Well, sure, but what do we get in return?
Viola says "Yes"
Viola says "Vis we need.  Things to do that you don't need."
Viola says "Hm...well?  Like?  What?"
The little man says: Well, what is there you could offer?
Viola thinks.
The little man says: Maybe some work of art?
Viola says "Something...maybe made?  Pictures, songs?"
Viola smiles.
The little man smiles: I see you know what we like.
Viola blushes
Viola says "Well...good..."
The little man says: So... Every October when you visit us, you will bring us what you think is worth the trade. In return you may harvest the grapes if we are satisfied.
Viola nods quickly.
The little man asks: Some more wine?
Viola smile and holds her glass to be poured.
The innkeeper appears and pours some more wine.
Ulrich says "This wine is pretty strong - but very tasty."
Viola motions a toast.
Mikelle drinks
Viola sips.
Stefanos says "A toast to new neighbours"
Stefanos drinks
Ulrich says "The wine has the nice effect to keep away dark thoughts."
Edward says "My lord..."
The little man turnes to Edward and smiles amused. He says: Oh, our little pet and Violas second voice. Speak up, young friend.
Edward says "Might this humble servant suggest that when we meet in trade, perhaps the good that might interest us most is this wine?"
Edward smiles.
The little man says: Be assured, young friend, I will keep this in mind.
The little man says: But make sure you've got something interesting to trade with.
Edward says "Possession of wine so fine as this would provide us with a resource which would greatly enhance our ability to protect this forest."
Edward smiles, "Of course, milord"
The little man nods back at Edward and smiles. Then he calls for the innkeeper for something. The innkeeper brings a large bowl filled with different fuits.
Viola and Edward eat.
Ulrich says "If noone want's to talk with him anymore, he'll leave you after a couple of minutes with best wishes for everyone, casting a strange glance at Stefanos and leaves."
Stefanos is puzzled by the strange look...
Ulrich says "I thought so. :)"
Viola smiles.
Ulrich says "On the way back you notice that the ghosts in the valley behave strange: They seem to be attracted by your presence, but they don't dare to come closer then 5 paces."
Viola hmmms..."Odd"
Ulrich says "OOC: Sorry if I cut this a bit short, but I wanted to get though the plot tonight and it's past midnight already."
Stefanos says "Alright, what was all that about, then?  Would somebody please explain quite why we had to go to all that trouble merely to agree to trade?"
Viola says "OOC okay :)"
Edward says "Milord, the ways of faerie are strange..."
Ulrich says "So, if you have any questions you might have asked this little man, just email them."
Edward says "The faeries said we must past tests, so we passed tests."
Ulrich says "Oh, the whole story kept you away from the Covenant for about two days."
MTKnife says "ah, okaky"
MTKnife says "hopefully lucias and auriane didn't kill each other in that time"