~*I look over into the mirror and I am completely green! I walk over to the restroom and get into the shower, I get out with my eyes closed and walk towards the mirror, and I notice I am not green anymore.. *~

I think back to yesterday, and was sloppily eating around 55, no 57 green popsicles, but how could that make me green..?

MAYBE...

Its because I was sloppily eating and I got green food coloring all over me!

I get dressed and then I suddenly remember seeing cutup walk by and hearing jade say something about a circle..

"I wonder" I say.. I suddenly think, were is Takiyono? I believe he is here somewhere.. Oh well, last time I saw him he was with Laurie, I'll go check over there..

I find myself seeing a circle of wizards around an oak tree, Takiyono turns around and signals to me to come over, so I decide to take my place in the circle *~

tossing potions upon the fires that burn at the base of my mighty Oak, I pace and ponder the gravity of the situation...

Suddenly a ray of hope! Cutup has found her way home!!! Screaming, crying, hugging, I have never felt such joy!!! Alas, our celebration is short lived, for our Guild-Sister EasyDamsel is still a Damsel in Distress...

Continuing to pace round the fire, with Cutup beside me, I see Twink approach, with a beautiful crystal bell, and several others coming to join...

An idea is forming...

We continue to circle...

~* I look around the circle as I see laurie stare at me with a smirk on her face, and and I notice people looking at me and looking away when I look at them. *~

I remember, my contact lenses..

I put them and I gasp, I notice im not human, Im a troll still! Thats what laurie was smirking about.. NO!!

And that wasnt Takiyono telling me to come into the circle, that was a grundo..

NOO!!!

I have called all wizards to the circle, *yes, even you, young TrOlL-PuP*...you shall join me and my search party~

I will wait no longer for this insolent oozemonger, I have never been known for my patience, and I want my Guild-Sister BACK. I have taken my proposal before Council, and get approval from our leader and my fellow council members. Armed with maps, scrolls, potions and a strange communication device we split the gathering crowd into groups. Twinkle and Cutup shall take the entrance in the Hall, Jade and Mundayne head for the Dust entrance, Zikoma, altho unwilling, shall come with me thru the hole in the Treehouse, 13lastech and yket are heading for the lab, themagician is busy conjuring up supplies for all...

The crowd disburses, joining the groups they choose, and each is escourted by the EFM, and of course EYD goes with Cutup...*quack quack quack*

We shall wait no longer, we will find our Damsel in Distress ourselves...

Let the journey begin...

~* I hear that I am going into the tunnels, I feel my heart beat very quickly and then I calm down and say.. *~

"Im with Laurie, so I dont think anything will happen.." although.. A strike of disappoint comes upon me.. "She turned me into a troll!!"

Well, being a troll isnt that bad, except for the drooling! I mean, I can make new friends, like Grundo's!

If I ever turn human again, I hope this grundo is still my friend...

I lean down and the grundo hops on my shoulder as thoughts of the tunnels fill my head..

Nor shall I!

*jade, having changed in and out of her wizard's robe a gazillion times now, snaps her fingers and changes back into camos and half-boots. In a matter of minutes, she has all her tech lovelies and Jade, her notebook, packed into a size-correcting sack. She chugs an anti-dust-allergy potion and braces herself and 'I-Vl Gr-E' to face the crystal spiders (she's arachnophobic too). As a final touch, she throws some nummy ration bars she's been working on into the sack (they may come in handy), straps it on, and heads off to find mundayne, her assigned search team buddy.*

I come to the Guild Hall, looking for an update to my Lady EasyDamsels state, only to see so many of my dearest comrades, lead by Laruie, murmuring a spell, and then breaking up.

"What? What is that? We are going on a search and rescue?!?! HUZZAH! Releif is here at last!"

I will join in on the search with Jade_Fighter.

Whilst on the search, I mutter my own poem as part of the ransom demanded. It is called Goblins Guile...

Dark and Dank
Vilest Skank
The Goblin Kings awakened.

He slithers through
Unbeknownst to a few
And a Damsel he has taken.

And now we see
What he wants of she
That is our hearts delight.

And we gather strong
On this night so long
To bring EasyDamsel back to our sight.

*Note that this is not being stated whilst on my PSB, which is why i am muttering...

*Julune

Know this, O King!
You terrible thing
Repel us you shall not.

For we are all one
In fight and fun

(cough) Yes, let's concentrate on matters at hand...

*jade stares down at her Nav device, and at the ever-reforming visual display. 'I-Vl' hop-toddles along beside her, as they trudge through the Tunnels once more. The sounds of dripping water and echoing footsteps sends a chill down jade's spine.*

That's funny...something about the display doesn't look quite right. And (sniff)...what's that scent?

*jade looks up from the display. To her growing confusion, she spies a green ichor smeared on the Tunnel Walls.*

'I-Vl,' something tells me that there have been other...beings...here while we were away. Do you think it's wise to head on?

*'I-Vl' smiles cutely at jade, and hop-toddles ahead down the path. jade suspects he's tracking down who- or whatever left ooze on the walls. She walks briskly after the 'Fu-Zl,' ready to take on anything...or so she thinks.*

Now what was the damn combination?
*Muttering, I type/pound on the numbered keypad. After a moment, the steel bolts slide back* Alright. Now, I must repair the Blast Shielding, perhaps plate it into armor? And then I should think about diving into programming that old arc laser of mine . . . *I cackle maniacally, envisioning rock melting before me, and the startled looks of the underground dwellers* Yes, yes! Computer, where did I put the number six ratchet? And why is my keyboard so cluttered with papers? *A buzz sounds, then:* I believe that YOU layed those papers all over creation. Why don't you keep a cleaner workstation?

. . . APP? Didn't I delete you from the mainframe?

*There is a mechanical whir as the program ponders* There must have been a flux of magic in the air . . . Well, I will assist in finding that goblin lair.

It is interesting to note that I may have given birth to the world's first Artificial Intelligence, and also that it has a penchant for doggerel . . . But enough of this! I have an army to arm! And so, welder's mask down, I get to work . . .

-13lastech

With the fuzzle minions fumbling up and down the tunnel corridors and caverns, I remember the last time...it was on a mission to explore, to find Cutup, to learn of new places, to discover new things...

And EasyDamsels sneezles were enough to throw us into fits of riotous laughter that echoed thru the tunnels...

Sneeze "e", I think to myself, looking to see if Zikoma is keeping up...

He seems fixated on this green goop, and almost looks, well, thoughtful...

If a Troll can be thoughtful that is...

*jade follows 'I-Vl' down until they both come to an abrupt halt at a fork...literally, a fork, in the path.*

I'm going to have to contact the SPCTP (Society for the Prevention of Convenient Tunnel Pollution) sometime, but jeez, just seeing this fork makes me really hungry!

*'I-Vl' does a surprisingly good imitation of rubbing his stomach, considering that he has no arms.*

Well, that settles it. Let's make camp here for the night. No sense rescuing lost Wizards on an empty stomach.

*jade sets up a makeshift camp, sits down across from 'I-Vl,' rummages in her sack, and hands him an unwrapped ration bar. 'I-Vl' looks at jade oddly, and attempts to minch the bar through clenched teeth.*

Dang, good thing I kept some InstaFlav, or these things'd be bland as protein cubes. Mine's salad flavour. What's yours?

*'I-Vl' chews thoroughly, and then mutters, "Runsrustik."*

Ransaurus Steak? Sounds good. It's neat how you growl at your food, although...it's kinda freaky.

*jade and 'I-Vl' finish eating, and then set out thermal blankets and quietly snooze, awaiting fellow team members julune and mundayne.*

a pink fuzzle, much the worse for wear comes screaming aorund the corner at breakneck speed screaming in a high pitched voice:

no no no! wizurds...you musting be to get out of the tunnelings fast! the gobbling king has been very angried by your challenges and is to be wanting to flood theses pasaagings with his gobbling troops! easydampsel snuck me out of her cell and sended me to tell youse wizards to going be back in the hall, where it is safer for you! the gobbling king is very very evilling bad and expecially likes to eat the wizurds!

easydampsel is being hided in a secreting place, where the gobbling king is getting ready to be marrying her...he wanting to be making her the evilling gobbling queen! oh poor easydampsel!

wizurds must all be returning to the guilded hall as sooning as possible...the govvling kings says in their court today that the riddle beast has been summomed from the icey mountians and will be here soon to challenge you wizurds to a duel of riddling...you must all be here and presented when he arrives!

the pink fuzzle passes out from exhaustion.

It is so good to see my Guild Sisters and Brothers again!!!!
(((((((((HUGS))))))) and *****KISSES***** to all.

The search has begun. I go to the bar to wait for Twinkle.
While waiting a worse for wear fuzzle burst into the Hall.

What!!!!! EasyD to be the bride of Ozzemonger???? This will never do.

If he enjoys eating wizards is he just going to merry EasyD for her cooking expertise?
Is he sure that he wants to marry EasyD against her will he might get more than he barganed for.
Just in case we had better get on the move.

We need to get a message to EasyD and let her know that her fuzzle got threw.

I know I will send a Goblin Gram. (looking at my message form EasyD I note the spell of summoning for Goblin Express)

*(chanting)*
For all of you home and business needs.
Goblin Express gets it there with speed.

"you called?"

Yes, I need to send a Goblin Gram.

"to whom?"

EasyD captive of lord darkbane ozzemonger

"what is the message?"

EasyD*stop*
You are missed*stop*
Your fuzzle is safe*stop*
I will care for him in your absence*stop*
We are on our way*stop*
This message will selfdestuct in 10 seconds*stop*
Love cutup*stop*

"is that it?"

Yep, who much do I owe you?

"two snakes and a sheeps eye"

That's kind of steep but ok.

Twinkle enters the guild hall. (waving her over bar)

Twinkle::: Are you ready to go? We have EasyD to find before she has to wed ozzemonger!!!

Me::: Almost, I have some maps here from my lost time in the tunnels.

Twinkle::: Lets have a look. These should be helpful in our search. We should get them to the rest of the Guild Search Team. I will get right to that.
It's done the first map is there for the Team.

Me::: You are really quite amazing when it comes to the gallery! Now I think we have everything. I think it is time to head to the Tunnels.

Twinkle and Cutup head down into the tunnels.........

this poor poor little fuzzle, well, sort of a fuzzle... jumping up and down, in all of it's excitement, I cant make out what this thing is trying to tell me...
The beeping on my com gets my attention, and Cutup is telling me to get to the hall, fast!

We attempt to turn back, but with so many of us, you can imagine...but wait...this tunnel leads where? After much discussion, we decide to take the turn to the left, and what do you know, the hall is directly above us, we can hear the others...

KEWL *sorry Jon *

<}8^)

an enormous beast flies over the guild hall, more terrifying then any beast imagined before, it blocks out the sun and bellows to the hall beneath it:

I HAVE COME TO FULFILL MY DUTY TO THE GOBLIN KING! I SHALL BE ASKING YOU PATHETIC EXCUSES FOR WIZARDY THREE RIDDLES, IF YOU CAN ANSWER THEM CORRECTLY, YOU SHALL BE THAT MUCH CLOSER TO FREEING YOUR IGNORANT LITTLE FREIND EASYDMASEL, FROM MY MASTER'S CLUTCHES...I SHALL RETURN AT A LATER POINT TO BEGIN MY GAME...GOOD LUCK TO YOU, HUMANS. I DO ENJOY A CHALLENGE!

~GROWL~

[sighs...go with it, jade]

*jade, having been violently hop-toddled on by 'I-Vl' all night long, awakes to the sound of 'Fu-Zl' screams. To her consternation, she picks up that she must head back to Great Hall, to face the riddles. Sighing resignedly, she packs up camp and scoops up one very beat-up looking 'P-Nk Fu-Zl,' says*

'I-Vl,' let's head back now. We've lost time.

*and starts running breakneck toward Hall.*

HUMAN!?!? ::Karynn glares up at the beast:: I should under NO circumstances be considered human! That is an insult to my race!

(no offense to human guild members- Karynn has an overdeveloped sense of pride in her race)

::her tail lashes back and forth and her eyes glow red in anger as she snarls:: I AWAIT THIS SO CALLED CHALLENGE!!

*Ryan yawns as she awakens from her three-week nap, and looks around with a confused look on her face*

"Ozzemonger? EasyD to be his bride? What's going on?"

*Reads the messeges*

"What! Okay, bring on the riddles! I'm wide awake now!"

~Ryan

*jade stumbles out of the Tunnels in a hack-wheeze-cough fit, holding 'P-Nk Fu-Zl' in one hand and holding on to her size-correcting sack's strap with the other. Her anti-dust-allergy potion had worn off an hour ago. 'I-Vl' comes hop-toddling behind her. jade gets the quick on the situation from an Apprentice, grins, and cracks her knuckles (ow!)*

Bring it on! I'll answer any funky rhyme you got, mista beast!

HA HA HA!

YOU PETTY CREATURES THINK YOU CAN DEFEAT MY MASTER? GATHER YOUR STRENGTH WHILE YOU CAN, FOR SOON YOU SHALL ALL BE UNITED UNDER THE RULE OUR ILLUSTRIOUS LEADER, LORD DARKBANE AND HIS FINE NEW QUEEN, EASYDAMSEL!

MUAH HAH HAA!

*singing the mighty ook tree with a firey blast as he flies off into the distance*
ALL OF YOU, HUMAN OR NOT, WIZARDS OR FUZZLES, SHALL BE VANQUISHED! EVEN YOUR EVIL YELLOW DUCKIES ARE NOT SAFE FROM MY WRATH!

I SHALL RETURN, BE PREPARED FOR MY CHALLENGE!

*Ryan shakes her fists at the departing creature*
"I don't mind about the duckies, but to insult the fuzzles... Airechta, get him!"
*Airechta continues to play with her Ghoti, ignoring Ryan*

~Ryan

A quick spell to repair the slightly singed branches on the Ook tree, and stragically placing water faeries around the trees and hall, and I glare furiously towards the sky...

I shall send my hawk wand to find your lair, and see how you like the fire if you try that again, ya *CENSORED*

Stop squawkin' and get on with the riddles unless you are AFRAID or somethin'...

Crouched beside her Mighty Oak, this Wizard is ready...

A N Y T I M E

*jade walks over to cutup and hands her 'P-Nk Fu-Zl.'*

Looks like you're missing someone...he must've gotten lost on the way out. He kept saying "Ctp. Wr?"

*jade looks around the frightened Fuzzles and EYDs, and the newly-healed Ook, and resolves to fight 'til the end to protect 'em.*

Scrambling back into the guild hall, i enter to find (after an exhausting homework-infested weekend, sorry) that i'm the one who is supposed to send supplies to the search parties. ["Late, late, i'm very very late, late, late"]

*Quickly running to the kitchen*
I take my wand and start bossing all the food and plates in the kitchen around (a teacup kept complaining about how overworked it was, bla bla bla). I quickly put together a small army of supply bags. They contain:

- One medium-sized bottle of all-purpose faerie dust
- Three bottles of your favourite drink (which should be ABSOLUTely wonderful for laurie, or maybe TEArrific for others)
- Magic tape (should your wands be broken or your robes torn to pieces [though twinkle's designs should solve this problem without the need of any tape])
- A few faeries (should the situation become dark)
- An *indulgent* amount of food (especially faerie food, and my favourite, faerie sparklecake, yum!)

I've also made copies of a few scrolls i found hidden deep within the bookshelves, they don't contain much useful information regarding the expedition but they do have some interesting spells you may want to use.

*I cast a spell on these bags so they grow (a huge set of golden almost-transparent) wings and i send them off*
BTW, you can use the bags as a method of transportation (they're large enough and given a little convincing i think they'll agree to let you ride on their backs).

-daniel

~* The Tunnels seem dark as I keep my eyes open feeling no feelings.. I see people all around me, I wonder if they disregard me, or if they just dont care about me anymore. *~

I see Laurie up ahead keeping an eye behind checking to see if I am keeping up, with a sort of look of anger and sympathy combined..

I see a pink fuzzle run past me I believe but I sort of blink as it quickly runs by.. I sneeze and troll snot flies everywhere.. There is dust everywhere as I think.. (Mundayne would love this!)

As I sort of stand still I see lights flashing..

I wait, and I see, but I awake..

I see I'm still following Laurie and I suddenly think "What was that...?"..

I have a flash in my mind.. Trolls must do that! Oh well..

"Wait up Laurie" I say, as I drool a little bit, with a smile on my face..

.:*'The Tunnels'*:.

Lol, that's just punderful! Thanks a lot for bagging us all these cool supplies! This'll really carry us through whenever we go back to the Tunnels.

*jade starts transferring all her gear to a new magical bag, which, it seems, remains comfortably light. Good design is always a plus! She checks the drink bottles...*

Pumpkin Frappucino? Seriously? Yippee!
*...and grins. 'I-Vl' tries to growl at the bag.*
No...it's a 'Fr-Nd', see? A good thing.
*'I-Vl' cutely smiles at the bag in acceptance. jade looks over the scrolls...*

Wow, kirokaitaru told me about this spell...let's hope none of us have to use it. From what she described, it's really powerful and should only be used in dire emergencies...

Your Armaments! APP, please explain.
Very well then, Though it may take long, I think I'll explain this stuff in a song.
First off we have a pnuematic drill. Guaranteed to make holes that are harder to fill.
Next up we've got this clear plastic shield. So you can see goblins and still not get killed.
Lastly is what I suppose is a blade. Made out of tough steel, and only 12 made.
The magic we left up to Laurie and crew, for spells wands and potions are harder to do.
Thanks, APP. One of these days, I'll get 'ya to stop talking like that. ^_^
Anyway, enjoy the new gear, but beware the Beast of Riddles who has yet to rear it's ugly head . . .

-13lastech

Well, you sure know how to TRY to intimidate a group of very powerful (and vengeful) wizards. I am (not) impressed!

Now, will you do me one favor? Get on with the riddles you slimey worm...

YOUR BREATH STINKS!

Julune*

*Tosses Julune a Blade*
You could use this thin-edged one . . . I'll assume your swordplay's as fast as your wit. ^_^

-13lastech

<~~~still lurking in the shadows outside the Guild, gaining more fury with each passing moment...

Here little dragon, dragon dragon...

I have a couple of surprises waiting for you...

You just had to do this before Thanksgiving, didn't you? That's only going to make it more difficult for you to defeat us, since most of us are on vacation! My pets are armed and ready to receive your riddles!

~Ryan

Excellent.

*jade appropriates a blade, taking time to admire its heft and superior craftsmanship, and makes her way outside Hall to test it. 'I-Vl' hop-toddles along as fast as he can. On the way, jade and 'I-Vl' glance at Laurie, who is still stationed by Tree. Laurie appears to be quite intent on plotting the dragon's horrible demise, and is preoccupied with Odka thoughts, and so jade briskly walks by, not daring to look anywhere but straight ahead.*

Come 'long, 'I-Vl,' let's not tarry; time to try some block and parry...!

*Slightly further off from Tree, jade stops in a clearing. She makes her way through basic combinations; first trying two-handed grip, reverse grip, and then one-handed grip. She works her way through running and jumping combinations, and, finally, attempts to deflect and cut down objects quickly cast at her by 'I-Vl,' such as dead branches. 'I-Vl' makes a surprisingly good training partner. Having finished her practise, jade agrees that this is the right sword for her, and proceeds to name it.*

I name you...Ishi-no-kiru, or, Cuts through Stone.

*'I-Vl' cutely smiles in agreement, not being able to solemnly nod. Now jade has one more weapon to add to her collection, one that will strike fear in the hearts of evil abductors and riddling monsters. She carries Ishi-no-kiru back with her into Hall, sees to its care, and falls asleep with 'I-Vl' softly snoring beside her, both anticipating battle.*

After running up in the Hall with Cutup and hear the roars of the ugly breath smelling beast that circled around the Guild, I take Cutup and with a sprinkle of BigBang Dust, we both enter my HomePainting.

-Welocome to my Home. You're the first to enter!
I have a plan, I have plenty of iron cobwebs in the cellar, that would make a terrific net ..

*and both, Cutup and I sit in the centre of the room, making knots of an endless wobweb*

*After finishing, we both cast a self-lifting spell on it, at the same time, and we step outside, to Lauries Mighty Oak, followed by a massive mount of iron net!*

-Right! Now the only thing we need is a NetThrowing Machine!
...ohh, laaaaastech! where for art thou?

So, in case we all fail in answering the 3 riddles, we could capture the beast and make it lead us to Easyd.

(messaging my fingers good thing my art form demands limber fingers that was a lot of knots!)
Twinkle I am honored to be the first to enter you HomePainting. It was beautiful in there. How do you do it?
As Twinkle puts out a call for Lastech, I open a Cherry Coke. That sould get his attention.

slowly a familiar face starts to materialize in the fire
burning in the guild hall...

"hullo? twink? laurie? 13lastech? jade? anyone?
it's me...easydamsel...i hope you can hear me...i don't know how long i can
keep this spell working...i just wanted to make sure everyone is alright, and to warn you
the riddling beast is just a trick...by the time he tells
his second riddle the goblin forces will already be massing under the guild
please, be careful my friends...one more word of advice, the ruddling beast is an
impatient monster...if you don't answer him correctly at once, he will get more and more upset
possibly losing his cool...i have to leave you now...be careful, be safe my friends! protect the hall
at all costs!"

easydamsel's face fades back into the flickering flames

*Walks over to the microwave and looks around* Hrm... I thought I heard someone, but there is no one in here... *He pulls the warm pizza out of the microwave and grabs a beer from the fridge. He notices that the flam by the culdron is a little high* Argh... ED must have left the culdron on again... *He stokes the fire until it is a pile of hot charcoal ready to light up next time someone needs to use it* Ah better... She could start a fire or something... *He walks out of the kitchen on his way to enjoy his breakfast...*

*Comes running in panting like crazy* Everyone! Go to neopias news page and look at the random event. That was so not funny...

While outside, by the Mighty Oak tree, along with cutup, putting in place the net we have made, I see my 7 blue fuzzles running, mumbling and talking incoherently. Jumping up and down at the door of the Hall i follow them in and for just a sec i see a faded image of easyd within the flames of the fireplace!

In a split of a sec she dissapers, as Odd comes out of the kitchen with a pizza at hand!

Twink: Did you see that?!
Odd: Huh?

WIth my fuzzles mumbling something with the words "Hull" and "gooblin" and "widdle" i rush towards the fireplace and I cast the .. "rewind" spell!

I see easyd's message unfold before me and I stare in shock of what awaits us..

I send my 7 blue fuzzles to gather all Guild members within the Hall for a "Wizards Emergency Assembly".

::runs into the hall with a blue fuzzle next to him::
"you called???" i yell when running in... when i stumble on my (Newbie) robe and land flat on my face....
"OW..."

*jade jumps up at the scent of pizza. 'I-Vl' nearly topples to the floor, but jade catches him.*

Pizza...where...?!

*jade looks around Hall and feels the hair on the back of her head stick up...clearly, a powerful presence has visited the Guild...and not just nummy pizza!*

(Yawn) Wha's goin' on?

*jade sees everyone looking all like they've seen a ghost, and decides to stay awake for further information...she ties Ishi-no-Kiru across her back, and downs some caf.*

Every member involved in this adventure is called to review the *sobbbbbbb* message thanks to the "rewind" *sobbbbbbbb*

Oh "e" , oh "e" , love and other quips of your thought patterns, how can we save you from something that lives underground...lurks in the dark, mean, repulisve creatures that slobber and spit...

*A few mercinary evil yellow fuzzles silently and stealthfully and unseen enter through a window. They quickly disarm Jade and secure her a bag which is promptly tied off. They then as silently, stealthfully, and unseen exit through the origanol window with jade.*

Note: Read previous post before reading this...

*There is a dagger in the window frame on the inside side of the guild. The dagger is holding up this note:*
"
To oo it mey cunsern,
we have taken da little girlie. Shee putt up fite, but we got her hear. Let irt be noan to awl. Her detention wit us is variable and dapinds on da will of are master, da won we luv, da won dat is dat smawter dun us, and da won you shuld fear of the great, for he dere has da many of us. And we r many. We giv hir water and der fud, she is content, but she ish very fisety, so dun noked her over der head wit da big shtik. Da master sed it wer "medication". Den we put da ryming sell on her... Dat was aor idear, we thod it wood be da funny ding to do... Now we hapy she no talk. Andderway, we have her and she be of der fine. All atempts to go der and rescue her wil be in der vien. So dun do it.

Your luving fuzzle camandore,
Cheech

ODD, get those mercs undercontrol, would you??? I head from the hall back to my Mighty Oak, dragging an unwilling Zikoma with me...

We climb to my home, atop of my Mighty Oak tree, and with the scrolls of the ancients begin preparing a Net Launching Device...giggling to myself...here dragon dragon dragon...

Thus set, another plan is forming...recalling a com message from 13lastech I float down to the ground, restoke the fires for maximum light and make haste to the lab~

Once I reach the lab, I search for the weapons created for our "Damsel in Distress" rescue, using extreem caution...one knows full well that ONE misspelled word will cause all that you seek to vanish from sight. *Memo to me, use spell check next time you decide to venture into the place of "Perfection"...*

Carefully weaving my way through, I find the post that I seek: "Next up we've got this clear plastic shield. So you can see goblins and still not get killed." I enter my request into the gigantic keyboard, and the shield appears before me. Thanking my Wizard Brother under my breath, I head back to the tree, for waiting has never been my strong point, as you all know...

Looking all around, seeing no one, *oops, sorry Zikoma, but you are a troll, you know*, filling my robes with potions, scrolls, spells, and, of course "Absolut Odka Supplies", I take my young Troll and drop down the hole in Cutup's home, I shall seek out these creatures once and for ALL!

and bright lights slowly circle and come together to form a frightening illusion of the riddling beasts face...

MY PETTY CREATURES...I HAVE FOR YOU THE FIRST RIDDLE...I SHALL ARRIVE AT YOUR HALL THIS EVENING TO GET YOUR RESPONSE...THINK CAREFULLY, AS YOU WILL ONLY HAVE ONE CHANCE TO RESPOND WHEN I ARRIVE, AND IF YOU ARE WRONG...EASYDAMSEL SHALL BE OURS! HAHAHAHAHHHAHHAHHA!

YOUR RIDDLE IS:
WHAT CAN MAKE US CRY, OR MAKE US LAUGH, IS BORN IN AN INSTANT, BUT LASTS A LIFETIME?

GOOD LUCK, PETTY SQUIRMING BEATISE, I HOPE FOR YOUR SAKES YOU HAVE A RESPONSE WHEN I ARRIVE!

the fog slowly slides up the chimney as the evil spell disperses, leaving only the echoing laughter of the beast in the hall....

I feel a breeze gently billow...in here? Cant be...but my hair is moving, and I am not...

Wind in the tunnel can mean only one thing, a creature is near that has the power to control the air...such as flight...

THE RIDDLING BEAST! It must be near~

The Net-trap is set above my Mighty Oak, self launching thanks to the knowledge of the ancient scrolls...I giggle to myself...

A message comes across my com unit...the riddle has been cast~

YOUR RIDDLE IS:
WHAT CAN MAKE US CRY, OR MAKE US LAUGH, IS BORN IN AN INSTANT, BUT LASTS A LIFETIME?

The answer if simple: Love

But what would you know about it, you miserable damsel-napping thing???

~* I walk along the corridor and I follow laurie as the tunnel begins to widen.. Laurie glimpses back at a mere troll which I am.. I see that Laurie stands up ahead and stops, Laurie sits on the ground... *~

I believe Laurie is opening up here Absolut Odka supplies or something but its really too dark to make it out..

A light flashes from the supplies bag..

I think I see.. A wind chill once again passes by, which means the riddling beast has left I believe, and Laurie knows the answer.. "Love"..

A troll doesnt know love, does it?

and bright lights slowly circle and come together to form a frightening illusion of the riddling beasts face...

INCORRECT, WIZARD! BUT YOU MAY BE CLOSE...
EASYDAMSEL SHALL BE OURS!

the fog drifts slowly from the room...echoing with evil laughter...

I wonder.. I thought it was love too..

But lets see, if its not love, and if its close..

This is sort of stupid..

But is it a child?

Its not really born in an instant though..

*true to form, jade springs up fastly...*

Hmm...what happened? Lessee, lastly,
I was in Hall, standing guard,
Some'n whacked me kinda hard.
Whee! They even left some 'visions,
Just hope Guild don't botch their missions.

Yeah, I'll party here jes' fine,
And kick-punch-block in funky rhyme.

*...thinks, rather ODD that this should happen,
Settles down and resumes nappin'.*

~* I see the light flicker out and Laurie signal to continue onward to our hopefully soon to be destination.. I get up and the Grundo once again hops upon my shoulder, and the long walk begins.. *~

It seems like the walk went on forever, but it was only a few minutes...I wonder what the time is..? But I walk into a wall and the Grundo makes a funny chirping sound! I slowly walk around, sort of laughing, but I cant cry.. Can Trolls Cry?

If I'm a Troll, do I sleep?! I havnt even ever read a book on Troll's, I wonder if I would remember.. I really dont remember anything, except that other pet, I forgot his name or something... I wonder if I will ever see him again...

After all this brainstorming I walk into another wall and I turn around and start walking, But I stop in a instant and I think (I NEED TO WALK THE OTHER WAY!) So I turn around and follow Laurie around the left hall, and Laurie stops, I think we have hit a dead end so Laurie turns around and walks around me staring down at something..

Does she have a map? We slowly turn the next corner from the last fork and then Laurie says "This is a huge chamber, I wonder whats in here?"

The ground begins to shake as we wonder what happens, and then it stops, and Laurie says "I think this room has constant earthquakes.. But we can get across!"

The grundo makes a few chirps, I look up at Laurie and I wait for her to take the lead..

:::I enter the guild hall, practicing with my new sword:::

"Excellent thought, Laurie. I would have thought that was the answer, but alas..."

"if not love...how about...a smile?"

"That may be right, though I do not see how such foul things could come up with a riddle that has such a beautiful answer. I will do my best to help with these mental battles...but I will also prepare for the physical one that will more than likely take place. I do not trust the Goblin King any more than I would Jack the Ripper with a carving knife at a cocktail party!"

Julune*

julune 01:49PM 11/20/2001" Re: The Riddle~ "

Another thought...

What about a memory?

Julune*

*jade sits up within her prison, clears her eyes of double-vision, perks her ears up, listens closely to the riddle, thinks morosely...*

Well, now, flying monster bird, my guess is, I'd say...a word.

*Drinks some water, quits her musin',
Lays back down, continues schnoozin'.*

~* The thought of crossing sends a chill down my spine as I shake.. I think I feel the Grundo shaking on my shoulder as well, I wonder if Laurie is nervous? I sort of doubt it as she opens one of her bags! *~

I see Laurie opening her bag as I sort of start but I look away sort of quick, I sit there and I wonder what she is going to pull out.. Its almost pitch black, and then it completely lights up, Laurie must have gotten something out of the bag to make light! Its not a flashlight, its some sort of wizard light stick!

A large quake stikes the room and it shakes as I sit there and wonder about trolls. I sort of think if trolls have discovered some of the things that us wizards have... AHHHH!

The next thing I know Laurie is running across the huge chamber and she reaches the other side during the pause of the quake.. I think that she calculated when the longest break was! What a genious! That gives me a small thought, I wonder if you can be a troll and a genious?! Ah well, I need to stop thinking, it sort of gives me a head ache!

Laurie and I walk on as she leads the way, but we notice there is a door behind us, in front of us, beside us, EVERYWHERE, TOO MANY DOORS!!

NOW WHAT?!

maybe a friend? or friendship?

I would think the answer would be Time.

WHAT CAN MAKE US CRY, OR MAKE US LAUGH, IS BORN IN AN INSTANT, BUT LASTS A LIFETIME?

Hmmm... *goes into a deep trase* [instert Asian flute music here] I can make one laugh or cry but not both. Lasts a lifetime and born in an instant. A mater of life with just one answer proves only to provoc those with the willingness to think is call a tiddle. To think of answers to riddles is to set order to chaos. There can be no order. Much how the Ying and the Yang are sides of spiritual balance, Order to Chaos can only be settled like a wildfire that is born from the harmless spark and then is cools by the waters of the sky. The order to a riddle cannot be given if the chaos of not knowing, the few that are brave and wise to provoc this chaos, are continued to not know.... [cuts music]

in other words, I have noooooooooooo clue. Maybe it's stupidity.

Standing in the midst of what appears to be a carbon-copy of our very own Guild Hall, I activate my Shield from the Lab...

What the heck is all this???

There are trolls, goblins, hob-goblins and beasties milling about everywhere~They can't see me with the light potion I wear, but through the power of the shield, I see them...

There are a few with what appears to be rocks on their heads, walking about with arms stuck out in a balance type way, some are so big that when they attempt to stand upright, they bang their heads and seem about to cry...they lumber off to the door to the right...sniffing and drooling, *that explains the earth quaking* while others continue with this bizzar display of almost ballerina proportions...

Laughing out loud, I say to Zikoma, "You have got to be kidding me!" as he comes behind the Shield and takes a look for himself~

I agree with julune- I think that it is a memory, since memories can make you laugh or cry, they are born in an instant, and they do last a lifetime. I can't think of any other words that can perfectly answer that riddle (besides love).

~Ryan

*Looks at Laurie and in sincerity says* Um what mercs? What are you talking about? I'm afraid you may be seeing things again...

While watching an amusing display, I send a message to Odd: No, I am not seeing things, that only happens on the weekends after the Absolut Odka has been over indulged...

I warn you, young wizard, once Jade comes too, she is gonna get mid-EVIL on your a$$!!!

For damsels in danger, my Sister I hail,
by casting upon you this 'wakening spell

Awaken fair wizard, JADE OPEN YOUR EYES,
and try not to unleash too big a surprise

For Odditys Mercs have true kindness at heart,
but know not the practice of jitsu type art

Try not to hurt them but you're needed here,
tell them you'll play with them later, my dear...

A mixture of moonbeams, 3 drops from the night
A tiny explosion shall bring you to light

It's done then~good luck Odd...

Following the principle of FCWSA,
jade, awakened by the spell, stumbles her hasty way
into the Hall, where oddity is trembling in a corner(y),
jade glares at him a moment, for her capture made her ornery. She looks around to make sure no one sees the evidence,
And cracking on her knuckles, she begins her martial dance.

Whirling, kicking, pivoting, she keeps it up for hours,
and when it's over, little beat-up odd, relenting, cowers.
He tells his mercs 'return jade's gear!' and, fearing even worse,
calls off his evil spell that forced her to rap in poor verse.

[FCWSA--Following Council Will for the Sake of Argument].

*jade, her fury at being imprisoned subsided (for the moment), collects up the magic bag and her tech lovelies, reties Ishi-no-Kiru across her back, and hastily looks around for 'I-Vl'. Upon his rejoining her, jade tries a new device she's been working on.*

There! You see, 'I-Vl,' this Dust Repulsor should keep my allergies from flaring up again. I ran out of InstaFlav when I was concocting those ration bars. Hee hee, you know, it's funny, I couldn't stand the taste of my own medicine (cough)! Well, then, shall we be off?

*'I-Vl' looks at the pathetically goaning, writhing spectacle of odd, and cutely smiles at jade.*

You're right. Let's help him out.

*casts Heal*

Off we go, then...! This time we'll rescue easyd for sure!

*jade and 'I-Vl' hastily wend their way back down and through the Tunnels.*

::Karynn enters the guild just in time to see jade leaving, checks her equipment, and then runs after jade::
(for reference, Karynn has a few problems... one is that she can't wear robes-she always winds up getting tangled in them... she typically wears cllothes that wont get in the way if she has to fight, either physically or magically... she has a dagger at her side which reflects the light in an odd manner - can't ALWAYS depend on magic, what if there was an anti-magic field?... right now her skin is ebon black and she has the basic form of a human but with a mix of cat/wolf like features...)

Stop at the lab, and grab one of these shields, you have got to see this!!! I am in the tunnel that branches due north under the Mighty Oak, then 33 degrees WSW, take 4 lefts, and one right, then...

Oh, never mind, just follow the glow!!!

*A large computer monitor whizzes into the room where Cutup and Twinkle are waiting. As they watch, a flickering face appears on the screen. It is strangely digitized . . . *

Greetings ladies, I've come to inform that your net-thing is ready, and it's engine is warm.

We labored all night, under burden of sleep, but some Cherry Coke vitalized those of us who got weak.

And now I present this net-throwing gadget. If the beast proves stubborn, just click this and catch it!

*The machine whirs away, muttering something about waking a certain late-riser . . . *

-13lastech (Via APP)

Still behind the shield, I was watching this strange group of beasties before me. I must have dozed off, and squeals startled me from the strangest dream... I am still in a large cavern that resembles the Guild Hall, some of the smaller creatures still try to balance rocks and sticks on their heads, some of the larger ones are gathered in a circle, some have scampered off down the other tunnels and brought back strange nasty looking items, then scamper almost joyfully to the rock door to the left. I move closer, knowing that this is not the place for a wizard who has actually cast a troll spell to humble her young student...

There is someone or something in the middle of the circle...

I have to know who or what it is...

::Jade and Karynn head to the lab to get a shield, Karynn's eyes sparkle with curiosity as she looks at the shield. They then head down to the tunnels, following the glow...::

Edging my way closer to the group of hidious creatures, one actually steps aside, I know that 13lastech is a master wizard, and there is no way that thing can see me, so why did it move??? In the middle of the gathering, I see a strange looking green fuzzle, eyes sharp, looking straight in my direction...

Slippppppnot???? The ancient green fuzzle that spoke to mundayne and jade when we first found the tunnels???

Getting nervous, I look back at Zikoma, who has headed for the rock door to the left...

No, DONT!!!

*Crackling through on Jade's wrist communicator* What's going on down there? I thought I heard shouting, but I could be mistaken . . . Alright, that's it! Tell the other's I'm comin' down loaded for bear! ^_-
*Saddling up The Big Gun, I stumble to the entrance of the lab and trip over a cord. The Big Gun falls to the floor and (Gasp!) snaps a crystal! Gonna' need some repair . . . But for now, I'll have to settle for one of the smaller plasmatic pistols . . .* APP! Watch things here! And don't scare anyone off with your poetry . . . ^_^

-13lastech

As I head to the gathering I see a dagger stuck in the winow fram with a note.
How Odd!

(translation as follows)
To whom it may concern,
We have Jade. She put up a good fight. But we have her now. Everyone should know that the length of time that she will remain with us is dependant on what our master says. He is great and other stuff, blah, blah... We hit her over the head with a 2 by 4 to get her to shut up. and then we put a rhyming spell on her. There is no point in rescuing her.

Your loving fuzzle comandor,
Cheech

We seem to be missing Jade!!!

Thr number of missing Guild Members grows. What's up with this??????

Look, we seem to keep losing. How about we propose a trade? I'll give myself up to the goblins in exchange for ED and Jade. **without waiting for permission Jami makes herself up and walks to the bad guys to make the exchange** Hey, I can't stay out of the fun forever. Even if I can't write poetry.

a fierce call echoes throught the guild hall, as the riddling beast circles the guild hall and comes to a rest outside...

HAVE YOU ANSWERED MY RIDDLE YET, PATHETIC LITTLE WORMS?

he glares at the assembled group...

WHO WILL BE YOUR SPOKESPERSON?
ANSWER ME, OR YOUR PRECIUOS EASYDAMSEL SHALL NEVER RETURN!

I'm NOT the spokesperson but I'm here to trade myself for ED. Now you take this trade or I'm going to start singing the worlds' most annoying songs. I'm a good singer but that won't make the songs any less annoying. I will start with Achy Breaky Heart and end with The Song That Never Ends.

AND WHAT EVER DO YOU THINK MY MASTER, THE GOBLIN KING WANTS WITH YOU, YOU ANNOYING, INSIGNIFICANT WIZARD? IF YOU DO NOT KNOW THE RESPONSE TO Y RIDDLE I SUGGEST YOU QUICKLY SCURRY OFF TO A HIDEY-HOLE, BEFORE YOU START TO ANNOY ME AND I END UP WITH A LITTLE SNACK...AND YOU DON'T LOOK THAT TASTY EITHER.

I WILL GIVE YOU A FAIR RUNNING CHANCE, ON THREE YOU HAD BETTER BE FAR FROM MY SIGHT...

ONE!

TWO!

Combining ALL the answers, we get . . . Uh, The Timely Memory of a Stupid Loved One (A Friend) ^_^

-13lastech

ROAR!
WIZARD YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS!! DON'T WASTE MY TIME...SINCE YOU ARE SO INCOMPETANT, I WILL LET YOU KNOW THAT ONE, AND ONLY ONE OF THOSE RESPONSES IS CORRECT. YOU WIZARDS ASTOUND ME!

the beast shakes his head and growls.

PATHETIC!

*The fightin', spellcastin' team of Karynn and jade, at a loss for time, ninja-speed-run their way to Laurie, and activate their shield. From behind it, they glance upon the strange scene, exactly as Laurie described it...jade looks over at zTroll, edging toward the rock door...*

'the heck is he up to?!

*...whispers jade.*

JARIA ZAN?

*...asks Karynn. jade turns to laurie.*

13lastech's on his way down, too. He should be here...in a BIT.

*laurie directs jade's attention to what appears to be Venerable Ancient Slippppppnot sitting in the middle of the room. jade's eyes narrow.*

What nuts. They've got the Venerable Ancient hostage? Don't they realise how foolish it is to think they can keep him sober so long and get away with it?

So the right answer is either Time, Memory, Stupidity, or Friendship, since love was rejected before

Only one response is correct, so it's safe to assume that it's only one of the four listed above.

I still say it's a Memory

~Ryan

"Mona!" The cat just wouldn't shut up. For a good thirty minutes they'd been sitting beside the road just a quarter mile from the guild (on a rather burly old stump that was protruding most uncomfortably against her backside, I might add). At least the woman had been sitting, Sid, the dastard (they block the word that rhymes with that one you know, hee) of a cat, had been wandering around, just returning every so often to meow, and take a few bites at her legs. "Whhhaattt...?! OW! Grrr..." she came abruptly back onto her feet, heaved the cloth backpack onto her shoulder and stomped past the oaks and up to the unimposing guild.
Her march ended abruptly however as she came to a sudden stop just a few paces before reaching the actual door. With one or two blinks, she slowly turned her head, finding herself distracted by the spectacle that is the Riddle Beast. Taking a deep breath to steady the nerves, she ambles towards scene. "What do you think it is Sid?" His only response meanwhile was to abandon her, bolting up the side of a nearby oak. Grumbling something about her a cowardly greymalkin, she's suddenly startled by the singing wizard running past. Eventually reaching the congregation wizards, she taps gingerly on a nearby shoulder and inquires, "What's up?"

(Hai. Heehee. )

*From down in the Tunnels, jade sends a comm trans. Though riddles are 'portant, she's making some plans.*

(sputter)
******************************
I still say the answer's Word,
But whateva, funky bird.
Should our failure come to pash,
I will still come kick your ash.

(end trans)
(sputter)
******************************

My senses tingle, something came very close to the net launcher...peeking at my com, I see the most amusing fellow, darting up my Mighty Oak...a quick whisper for anit claw-matic *giggling* protection, and back to the adventure!!!

ODD...cheese and wine...now what are you up to???

Looking over at Jade and Kiro, I signal for them to come closer...

"Dont you see, the fuzzle is no prisoner, look at him...he speaks schmoblin, and look at how they make room when he moves...

And get a load of the group over to the right, with branches attacking the floor. Are they sweeping? Why would one sweep dirt I would like to know...

And where did ZTrOlL go, I cant seem to find him...

Faintly Mona hears a resounding "Riaaoowww..." as Sidney Vicious tumbles down the tree and only through that strange, cosmic law, manages to land upon his feet. She however, is far too distracted to worry about the fiery orange and white cat in a spiked collar, as the Riddle Beast is a bit more intriguing. Sid meanwhile, quite put out; his coat in shambles and his ego devastated, finds himself exposed and a bit disturbed to find he can't climb the tree. The flight of a bird overhead though, is enough to send him scurrying into the underbrush, tail tucked safely between the legs

Kiro signals me and I look through my shield to the left, and the rock door has been moved...

Out comes these creatures, all shapes and sizes, some with rocks in their hands, turned upwards...lurching, snarling, drooling, the bizzar display continues on...

One of the things drops its rock, howls in agony, running back towards the rock door, knocking everyone out of the way...

I hear a familiar sound from behind the door...almost a cooing...

I HAVE GOT TO GET IN THERE!

*Not for nothing has jade named her sword Ishi-no-Kiru. She removes it from her back and prepares to bolt out from behind Shield. In a flash, she runs toward door, emitting a kiai of pure malicious intent.*

Hyaaaaaaaai!

*She jumps and attempts a downward slice, landing in zanshin. Door has no choice...but to yield! jade's Dust Repulsor clears away enough dust to obscure her movements from Troll vision.*

Dazed for a moment with that display of impressive ancient wizardry and "Singular Jade style", I head towards the door, dodging the creatures that mill around down here...

They seem to notice that something has happened, but continue on with the balancing of rocks and roots on their heads and hands...

Using extreem caution, for every time one hits its head, drops its rock, or smacks into the wall, it runs back into this chamber...making entry difficult, but not impossible, I weave my way toward the opening~

Strange smells and almost human mumbling and murmers emit from this area, but the dust resistor has impaired the shield for a moment or two...

::Karynn draws the blade at her side from its sheath- it appears longer than would be thought from the sheath- the two and a half foot blade shimmers oddly... Karynn then steps over the shattered remains of the door and follows jade::

*jade flicks off her Dust Machine
So the team can view the scene.
The dust subsides, and yep, there be
A sight the likes we never see.
Covering up her coughing mug,
jade gulps down a potion.*

(Chug).

Yech! Go on without me; I'll
Stand guard here for a short while.

*Scoff* Are you kidding me? Of course I can't be serious! Not even for an instant! Well, except for important wizardly stuff . . . Speaking of which, where the hell is the OTHER tunnel entrance?
*I scramble away*

-13lastech

What the hell do you . . .

??? Who are you, and what do you want? Wait, that hat . . . Alright, come on. We're heading towards the tunnels. We've got a rescue to perform, and I'm missing out . . .

-13lastech

Blinking, Mona finds herself being yelled at by 13lastech, who seems a bit overzealous, though he did say a rescue. With one brow skewed upwards she watches him trapsing off. "Hmph."

Making her way to the dry underbrush, she reaches into its depths and quickly pulls out the cat. Giving the feline a severe look to stiffle it's meows, she lifts the standard pointy black hat off her head, turns it upside down and drops the unhappy critter inside. Returning her head piece, she meanders after the others off to these tunnels of theirs.

***squelch***
13Lastech, can you hear me?
***squelch***
The entrances are in the hall, by the bar...***squelch***my tree, Annes room...dust potion
***crackling***
WTH is THAT????

silence

[neverminding other venues,
Our fair story doth continue].

Standing Guard over big Trolls
and clumsy creatures seems quite droll.

jade surveys the scene in anguish.
Not like her to stand and languish.

Laurie, Karynn on do travel.
jade remains outside Door's gravel, taps her feet and crosses arms, wishes them avoideth harms.

She goes through the motions of
kicking, punching from above
and then below, and feeling right,
starts to head off, wanting a fight.

Karynn must be on to her.

AENIKU-TORA!

In a blur,
jade finds her body start to still.
Curses! It's Apprentice Will.

jade's motion has now been frozen,
she considers once more dozin'
but forgets it, and begins to ponder other ways to win.

"This arguing is pointless!"

:Julune steps to the front of the group...his Guru robes flowing in the breeze. With an almost tangible air of confidence, he steps up to the vile serpent of the sky and proclaims...:

"You there! You slime of the most lowly kind. I have pondered the riddle of your so-called king, and I am here to tell you the answer. It is a thought from the past of my Lady EasyDamsel being horrifically kidnapped...of my wifes first kiss upon my lips...of my childs first touch on my face at her birth (pulling upon my beard!)...because of it I can cry or laugh at will...it comes at an instant expectedly or not...and I can only pray that they will last forever...

THEY ARE MEMORIES!!!"

"Take that you wretched thing, and tell your master that we await the second riddle, unless he has finally gotten the courage to face me on the field of mortal combat!"

:With that, I turn and take my place with my Guild brothers and sisters, hand on my sword hilt, awaiting this vulgar abominations response:

(God, how I love dramatic moments!)

Julune*

my shield seems fully functional, but yet, it's almost as if I am looking at our Guild kitchen...

If it weren't for the fact that I am a: underground,
b: surrounded by beasties and c: sober, I might think I was. These creatures seem so excited about something, and the stench is not nearly as bad as I thought goblins trying to cook would be...

The manner in which they cook is equally bizzar...they approach hot coals, and step back, again and again, finally getting close enough to toss grubs and slugs at the coals from a distance. With long roots, they push their food around, as it squirms and slimes...THIS IS TOO MUCH! I am fixated on the scene before me, and another clumsy clod comes rushing through the entrance, almost knocking me over...running for what seems to be rootstairs going up...

Sounds that appear to be human like are also coming from there...

You know, I just gotta go look!

*jade stands in her body-silence,
and mulls over thoughts of violence.*

*thinks* Why must I be the one
to stay here as they have the fun?
Well, no matter. I am gonna stay here 'til their spying's done-a.
[The spell can't hold her back too long, though Karynn's power is quite strong, it needs some charging, 'cos it's taxing.
Pretty soon, she'll need relaxing].

*jade knows she's out of commission,
but she never ditches missions.*

*Dashing down wrong corridor after wrong corridor, backtracking as fast as I dare. With a gasp, I turn the corner and almost crash into Laurie and Jade, who are hiding under one of the shields I made . . . *
Glad I found you! I . . . Why do you look so downcast? What's going on? Is that . . . roaring I hear? Listen, there's something I ought to tell you about those shields . . .

-13lastech

Walking backwards so to see the Riddle Beast's final hurrah, Mona nearly ends up on her arse, barely catching her balance after tripping on a root that just popped right out of the ground. "Oop..." Turning back around, she finds 13lasted examining a tree. Quirking a brow at his perplexing demeanor (and for calling her kiddo), she's slow to react as Sid comes popping out from under her hat and bounding on ahead. "Damnation. Must get that whole fixed... Armed?"
A precaution he says before following her cat down some strange hole. Hmmm Pondering her armory for a moment, Mona glances around, and finds good ole fashioned stick lying beneath the tree. About the length of a quarter staff, she gives it a twirl before deciding it'll do nicely, and follows behind, letting his light and her own senses provide direction.

((Sorry for two posts, last one was a lil late, heh. Oh, and sorry, I keep messing up your name 13lastech. ))
Finally catching up with Sid, she finds 13lastech has gone on ahead... which begins to worry her. Please tell me youre just waiting here because you know how to find him... Sidney. The greymalkin gives her a shifty look, before plopping down for a nice grooming. Oh bother. Reaching into the pack slung on her back, she pulls out a small, feathery, catnip toy, an object to which Sid gets very excited. Cupping the mouse-sized toy in her hands, she whispers to it, Seek, before placing it upon the ground, and parting her hands. Immediately the critter dashes off, Sid quick at the chase, and Mona relying on her ability to follow the cat to guide her after them towards 13lasted.

*I open my mouth to say something when I hear some peculiar footsteps come to a stop behind me. Whirling, I see bewicked, with what appears to be a large tree branch in hand.* Bewicked! Apparently Odd has trashed the guild hall in a drunken stupor . . . I was just about to tell Laurie something important about these clear shields. You see - *I am cut off as a hoarde of goblins begins poking around our shield . . . Seems like thier looking for ingredients. Time to move . . . And CAREFULLY!*

-13lastech

*click*

"...Act now, and we'll throw in Harry Pot--"

*click*

"...But I swear that that little Shoyru isn't mine!"
"The DNA matches yours, sir."

*click*

"...and 1 and 2 and 3 and 4! C'mon ladies! You can do it!"

*click*

"The Wizardhod of BOFH, home to NeoPet master, alombar4--"
"Hey folks! Do you need a new or used ca--"

*click*

Can you guys get out of the tunnel and put up a dish or something? Or while you're down there run like a cable connection throught please?

*Our entourage heads up the stone stairway. We have to go in reverse order, with Laurie coming in last. *
Laurie: I just thought of something . . . interesting. If the goblins are coming up the stairs, and there're more at the top, what's preventing us from being seen? Only one shield, as I recall . . .
*Sure enough, the scrabbling, scratching noises of goblin toenails begin decending the stairwell. We freeze for a moment as they get ever closer and closer . . . But is seems as though our new friend bewicked has a plan!*

-13lastech

*Karynn, sympathetic, doth release her spell. jade gives a cough...*

Gosh dang, that was some freaky magic.
Luckily, things ain't too tragic.
It was good you put me out.
There's lots'a things I thunk about.
Well I'm back, and I can see (vil)
I don't need to get medieval
quite just yet.
And so lead on before the team is too far gone.

*...they run up 'hind Laurie, 13lastech, hiding 'hind their shield of plastic.*

((er...)) For her first day here, Mona wasn't expecting to be creeping through tunnels hiding from goblins. In fact she still didn't get the whole goblin thing, this being her first encounter with the evil critters. Chewing upon her bottom lip, she mulls over everything she's ever heard about goblins... Deciding that part about them wearing underwear on their heads was probably just a joke, she happens to remember something about them really not enjoying the company of cats. "Oh boy..." Hearing their footsteps tramping closer, she's gotta act fast. Reaching down behind her, she grabs her cowering cat by the scruff of his neck and holds him out infront of her, directing his claws away. "Sorry Sid," is all she can say before tossing him onto the stairs infront of her. The rest of the company pressed against one wall, that leaves the cat out in the open just as the goblins are upon them.

*The footsteps grow ever closer. Jade's grip on Ishi-no-kiru grows tighter. She readies the blade for battle.
They are a step away when she springs into the air, weapon swinging downward for a killing slash. Just as the goblins come around the corner, bewicked throws up her hand. Blinding light flares out from her palm. It reflects off of Jade's sword and into the eyes of the other monsters. They screech in horror. Within seconds, Jade has rendered them unconcious. Laurie breathes a sigh of relief. I hurry on up the stairwell, letting the shieldbearer go first.*
Laurie: *Gasp*! Who is that in the center of the room, surrounded by those grimy little creatures? Could it be . . . EasyDamsel?
*And sure enough it is. Excited Laurie shouts . . .*
Laurie: Hold on E! We'll be there in a second to save you from the globlins! Oops! I meant to say goblins, but . . .
*The damage has been done. With the misspelling, the shield shatters. There is silence and the monsters stop what they are doing to stare. Slowly, a growl erupts. Spellfire lights in Laurie's hands, and I level my pistol slowly. Jade begins to growl back a little as the monsters edge closer . . . Suddenly, there is a flash of green light. With the trail end of Easy D shouting "STOP!" ringing in our ears, we disappear . . . *

-13lastech

*. . . And reappear in front of the guild, in front of a slavering beast. Yes, the one and only beast of riddles . . . And I surely hope that he has the second riddle for us soon . . . *

-13lastech

FINALLY YOU DECIDE TO FACE ME! I HAVE COME TO DELIVER THE SECOND RIDDLE:

IT IS ALWAYS TALKED OF, NEVER HEARD, NEVER FORGOTTEN, EVERY MAN WAITS FOR IT, IT ALWAYS COMES, BUT NEVER STAYS, IS ALWAYS LOOKED FOR, BUT NEVER FOUND.

ANSWER ME THIS AND WE WILL TALK ABOUT THE THIRD! HA HA HA HA HA!

~GROWL

*Ryan thinks about it. Suddenly she looks up*

I feel the answer is- immortal happiness

~Ryan

*jade throws in her half-a-cent*

I would say...enlightenment.

Now this one HAS to be love, guys. ::having said that she goes back to singing::

This is the song that never ends - it just goes on and on my friends. Somebody started singing it, not knowing what it was, and they'll continue singing it forever just because - This is the song that never ends.... (continued till the beast gives in!)

***stunned***

What happened? I was in the tunnels, there were many of us, fires, goblins, a kitchen, Z was gone, the beast was here, easy damsel cast a spell, I'm in the hall, I think its the hall...

What is that noise??? Are we being INVADED??? *shaking my head, trying to focus* No, wait...something is slumped over there by the bar...BAR

Breakneck speed I head for my Absolut...must let the events settle in my brain...

Do you think that the answer could be

Death?

dusting off my hands and shaking hy head at my guild members, i return to what i was doing...wondering what on earthe they could be doing in the tunnels, they know they are supposed to be staying safe in the hall!
growlign under my breatha nd chanting a quick sfaty chram...hoping everyonr is ok at the guild...

love and toher predicaments,
e

::wondering why he doesn't respond, this IS the most annoying song after all.... and to stop it he just has to trade ED for Jami:: (I'm stubborn, I refuse to give up on annoying him.)

o/` This is the song that never ends, it just goes on and on my friend. Some people started singing it not knowing what it was and they'll continue singing it forever just because.... o/`

I haven't been in this guild long, so forgive me if I don't rhyme or whatever, but I think the answer to the riddle is 'tomorrow'
If it's not not... oh, well...

Now, this absolut odka is in her Mighty Oak, still wondering what the hel1 happened...

Suddenly it dawns on me that I am missing Zikoma, sure, I cast a spell on him, for his insolence, but, hey, I like the kid!!! Using a powerful relocation spell I set low fire at his feet, it will dance its way thru the tunnels and guide him to the entrance under the Guild Hall...hopefully he wont resist the spell and his feet will do the Back Home Shuffel~

*With a growl of displeasure, I sweep all of the cooing orange fuzzles (42 to be precise) off of the Net Machine* Ha ha ha . . . Alright, let's see if we can't guess that riddle, so the beast appears again, so I can FIRE this thing! *I wheel the machine carefully (to avoid running over any orange fuzzballs) over to the door. With a hiss, it slides open. Cackling to myself, I push with all my might, and the giant wheels of the net-throwing machine grind forward . . . and to a halt. It seems the doorway is a bit too small . . . And so it's modifying time . . . *
APP! I'm going to need some - *With a squeak, a fuzzle hops on my head. I sigh.*
APP . . . Just babysit the fuzzles while I try to fix our door . . .

-13lastech

WHAT IS THAT HORRIBLE SCREECHING? WHY WON'T IT STOP? IT JUST GOES ON AND ON . . . *Growl*

I HAVE COME TO INFORM YOU THAT YOU ARE ALL VERY CLOSE . . . IN FACT, ONE OF YOU HAS THE SOLUTION ALREADY. BUT WHICH ONE IS CORRECT? MAKE YOUR DECISION SOON . . .

~GROWL

revised list

A Date
Death
Enlightenment
Happiness
Immortal
Love
Time
Tomorrow

Another plan is forming... I stop at the fire and add 3 drops of a potion we picked up on our trip to the resturant at the end of the universe...that should do the trick...

Turning to head for my home, I see fuzzles overflowing onto the balcony...

A quick organizational spell should do the trick, one never knows when one may need a fuzzle or forty-two~

One just never knows...

Carefully placing the crystal bell Twinkle gave me into the center of the net-launcher, placing 7 pieces of a fallin' star around the net, I carefully back away, observing the object that will surely trap this beast...

Something is missing...

Oh yes, it needs the bit of magical meteor, I had that hidden in my com unit...

Which, of course, I lost in the tunnels...

I hastly head for the Guild to the Council Chambers, where the pieces of meteor are stored...whispering to myself, "I can not believe I lost my com...Jade is not gonna be happy with me...spirits hold off that beast until I can complete my mission...just 2 more minutes...*SPLAT* (Censored) ok, make that 3...

Night after night,
testing after testing,
I have finally succeeded!

With all the Powers I posses,
rare crystal grained and a dose of gloomy cloud
Specs of dust from comets far beyond
and a pintch of BigBang

A spoonfull of Odka and a bottle
of purified moonbeams
mixed with Hawk eye vision
(it comes in the tiniest cutest bottle these days!)

Pour them all in a cauldron and boil mildly
for 3nights
Leave a round ball of never_melting ice
on heated charcoals with the scent of golden rice

Deep the ice ball into the mixture,
with a net of silky web
on a night when the sky is clear
and the moon is full and bright

.....................
And now I sit on my heavy wooden chair,
with my Magical Orb in sight and
my Dragonquill at hand,
vewing and recording,
My opinion I leave outside,
The Chronicles must be updated
thus, my sword i leave aside.

I see events unfold before me
as I gaze into my Magic Orb
I hear whispers, I see goblins
I must be quick to record!

EasyDamsel is captive no more
But I see movements down below
and a horrid beasty being flying
over our Hall
what will happen I do not know.

CURSES ON THE FOOLS...YET ANOTHER RIDDLE SOLVED...
I SHALL UNLEASH MY WRATH BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE AND EASYDAMSEL ESCAPES...

*Though it took almost all night, I've finally finished -ahem- remodeling the doorway. The fuzzles are all sighing peacefully . . . APP has "sung" them to sleep. Can't stand the poems, myself . . . but I guess one could get used to it. Speaking of which . . . *
APP! Help me move the Net Launcher out to where Laurie has set up that special net she was talking about . . . We'll let the other's load it. *I pause for a moment* How was your thanksgiving, anyway?

Why do you ask this cold machine? You precisely where I have been . . .

Ah . . . Well, I'm sorry that I snapped at you earlier . . . I suppose it's all the tension of rescuing a damsel - and guildmate - in distress. I've done more inventing on the fly in three days than in the entire rest of my time here . . . Tell 'ya what: After we get this moved out, I'll see if I can't find a way to magically modify some motor oil to taste like turkey, eh?
*And with a metal groan, the net launcher is moved . . . Later, It seems that APP enjoys flavored machine oils quite well. ^_^ *

Well, that's it. When that . . . Thing shows up again, just push the big red button to fire the net. Be sure he's within the crosshairs, but I don't think you can really miss with this thing.

Happy Thanksgiving, one and all! Now we retire; it's been a ball . . .

-13lastech (And APP)

Rushing into Council Chambers, I run right into Twinkle...Oooops, sorry twink...say, what have you got there? She wants to know what I am up to...

Quickly I relate the events of setting the trap, and losing the com and the meteor...she knows me, of course, with a smile of understanding she hands me her creation. With a wink of her eye and a twinkle of her hat, in the ancient way...she related the prophicy to me:

"use this with kindness and grace in your heart, for things never seem what they were at the start,

this magic is stronger then any before, use caution and move slowly toward the side door...

be swift, my Guild Sister, soar back to your tree,
with blessings from ancients bestowed upon thee,

remember my words for without them we fail,
and listen for signs of the beast whence he hail,

for saving fair damsel is only one feat,
be gone now, I bid you, and make no retreat...

Woah, I am suppose to do this with a kind heart...me???? Contemplation seems to be the least of my worries as I head out the side door to my tree...

I repeat the prophecy over and over...I have a hard time with this, after all the beast has put us through...

Wait, Kiro cast a nice spell on Jade...Calling forth my EFM, and, of course, one EYD, I send them post haste to the hall, with a message:

Jade, Kiro *stop*
I have a slight problem*stop*
Please grab your magical pillows and join me in my home*stop*
Make haste*stop*
No, don't stop*stop*

CUTUP, call off the fuzzle gram spell, will ya????

Hurry guyz, this trap will never work if I dont get some assistance...

(Welcome new members, and if you feel like you are a little lost, please read the cronicals and tunnels section on the home page of the Guild) <)8^)

*'Ryn and jade, both still at the Bar, are alerted as to Laurie's situation by the cutely smiling evil messengers...jade looks at 'Ryn...*

Time for action?

*'Ryn nods. The two run out of Hall, toward Tree. The messengers hop-toddle and quack in tow. The WizKids halt and stare in amazement at the marvelous Net-launcher.*

That is one schweet looking device...

*jade muses. The two walk over to Laurie. 'Ryn's look inquires as to the need for their assistance. jade interprets...sort of.*

...why're you dragon us into this (cough)? No matter, we'll still help you nab the funky riddle bird. If only we could figure out how to load the Net into the Net-launcher...hmm, no instructions? These things are so 13lasted complicated...'Ryn, any ideas?