One day a friend he had met, Archael -- a most powerful druid, sends him a letter
of most importance. Tharionwind must travel to West Karanas to meet him immediately
-- the safety of Qeynos and Norrath is at stake!

Tharionwind packs up his items and grabs a walking stick to head out and makes his
way to West Karanas. The sky so green and the smell rather pungeantly sick --
something is amiss within the airs.

Archael appears on the road way and they join together. Through his use of strong
magical powers they quickly transport throughout the lands of Antonica across the
continent.

At the sunset of that day they arrived in the East port city of Freeport. In this
city of ruffians and traders of all races and classes -- Tharionwind learned the
rougher side of the world was near. Archael gave him some equipment to start out on
his journey of enlightenment.

"You must train and build your skills young Tharionwind -- for the time of battle
will soon be upon us before we know it. I shall return for thee when ready." and
with that Archael dissapeared.

Tharionwind began his ventures into the world of Freeport and surrounding areas.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The young monk ventures forth from Freeport and is amazed at the enormous valley of
East Commons. The enormous cliffs, the Inns -- and the dangers. He fights and
practices each and every day. He begins to grow stronger and faster.

One day he walks along the northern wall and discovers a path up the cliffs. He
crawls up to the top and is totally enthralled with the view. "Some day I will
marry here. This is a most beautiful place."

Over the weeks he grows even stronger. One day on his 10th seasons he decides "I
must travel to Nek forest". Although Archael had previously advised against it --
the young Monk thought that he was ready.

He travels through the dangerous mountain pass and enters Nek forest. It is dark
and forboding. The screams of skeletons, spiders and bears -- oh my! Such a dark
and scarey place can really put fear into a young monk's mind.

"Bah, I can handle these skellies -- for I am of 10th season!" as Tharionwind walks
along the path torwards a bridge over a running river. He hears screams and growls
- a fight is amiss!

I look at the beauty of the river -- then look up to notice that an Iskarian Monk
was fighting two Dark Elf Bridge Guards.

"Bah -- Iskars are evil scum -- the guards are ridding evil! What a beautiful
waterway!"

As the iskar is slain the young human monk fails to take notice of the two Dark Elf
Bridge Guards.

"You must die ugly human human!" -- ack -- the young monk is slashed to death as
they stab him and slash his throat. He drops to the bridge floor and holds his slit
throat gurgling as the blood drains from his body.....he DIES.

Awakening in the city cold and naked -- Tharion realizes he must retrieve his soul
in NEK. He grabs an old staff in his bank closest and runs to East Commons. He
meets a powerful Ranger of 45 seasons (name long forgotten) and another monk, this
one of 20 seasons. Tharionwind relates his perilous trip and story to the two
adventurers. They agree to help him and go into NEK with him.

As they approach the bridge -- the Dark Elf guards screech as they see the party.
Arrows fly through the air as the Ranger's bow sings a song of Pain for the guards.
The 20th monk engages both guards as Tharionwind drags his soul to the zone line
and quickly gets his stuff. As he picks up the last item -- both the monk and
ranger drag him to the East Common zone as a rush of 4 guards led by Dragoon Zytl
attacks with the fury of evil Dark elf lore.......

[end of the 2nd installment]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After dusty himself off and thanking both the Ranger and the 20th Monk --
Tharionwind cleans himself up and makes for "The Tunnel" - an infamous hangout of
all sorts good and bad.

As he walks along the green grasses and trees he sees the tunnel in the mountain
distant. To the side he hears a scream -- "Griffon!". Pondering what this strange
thing is -- he turns and sees a High Elf Enchanter running for his life, his robe
tattered and sheared -- chased by a flying strange beast -- an eagle/lion calamity.
The talons of this beast were ripping the pour enchanter up. "I must help the weak
and fight the good fight" Tharionwind said to himself.

So tharion unbuckled his Great Staff and whacked the Griffon across the nose.
Screaching in pain (and with a bloody nose) the Griffon turned to the young Monk
and backhanded him to the ground.

"Arg -- ouch -- this beast is too powerful!" Tharionwind says to himself and flees
(the enchanter had already ran for the tunnel) to the tunnel yelling and screaming.
Several warriors step forward and draw swords of gleaming magical steel as magicals
hands begin to burn as they mutter words of power. BEGONE you evil GRIFFON! -- In a
burst of flame the beastbird was slain. Out of the smoke a human steps forward. He
looks like a magical warrior. His name -- Apox. A high level magical human.

"Young Tharionwind I am a friend of Archael's. He told me you would be in trouble
and to watch over you in this valley. My powers are that of a warrior-mage for I am
a human druid who also is versed in melee attack. I have been around for 52 seasons
sir and you must be careful."

"Go forth unto Northern Ro. There you can train more and learn the powers of being
a monk. Once you are of 14th season you shall venture into Oasis and go even
further. Be careful young friend. Here I give you this to summon me if you are of
troubled mind or body."

He hands Tharionwind a magical talisman. Tharionwind puts this in his satchel and
thanks Apox. Apox mutters a few words and his hands become aglow. A magical force
surrounds Tharionwind and fills his body. He receives his first "buffs" and is so
amazed -- he feels faster, stronger and taller.

He heads off to Northern Ro. Once in Northern Ro he trains and fights in groups. He
heads back a day or so later to the bank. He meets a shadowknight who asks for help
-- he shows her how to get to the bank and gives her some water and food. She is
greatful and waves goodbye. Her name is Arimiah.

As he is about to leave the bank he gets a letter from the Royal Courier of Qeynos:

"Dear Tharionwind, Your parents served the kingdom of Qeynos well. They are well
known by the royal families of the Elvish kingdom of Felwithe. We have heard of
your ventures far in the East. A certain young princess Ladrael wishes to meet you.
Our scouts and emissaries report she is of the most divine High Elvish beauty.
Please write to her -- she wishes this -- and so do we.

Signed, The Royal Emmisary of Qeynos Swine"

Wow. A princess -- wants to be with me? I am but an orphaned human! She sounds so
beautiful and divine. I must meet her! But how? I dont even know the way to
Felwithe! Sigh -- I will meet her!

And so Tharionwind begins to write Ladrael daily telling her of ventures that he
has each day. She writes back and tells him of her peril -- that a magical lock
prevents her from leaving Felwithe. They are both sad. She is only of 6 seasons and
wishes to see the world and meet Tharionwind. He ponders this sadly.....

[end of part 3 -- next part coming soon]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tharionwind and Ladrael continue to exchange letters. He returns to Northern Ro a
proud 14th monk and then heads into Oasis.

He meets some friends here. Miguel, Arimiah and that Enchanter he forgot....

Oasis -- what a beautiful sand/seaside area. Tharion sees a lot of people fighting.
Crocodiles, caimans, orcs -- oh my!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noble Tharionwind, Tales of your adventures reach long to the boundaries of my
homeland Felwithe. Please allow me to tell you of myself.

I am Ladrael, elven princess of Felwithe. My parents seek to ally our people with
the strongest of all Norrathe, but I fear that this goal will blind them to some of
the dangers faced by the Elven people. Even now powerful forces are at work, slowly
working to some unknown end. I cannot shake the feeling of unease that seems to
surround my days. To fill my days and occupy my mind, I have begun clerical
studies. Though I am a novice, I hope to one day achieve skills that will aid my
people and her allies in the trials that I feel are yet to come.

I wish you safe travels and pray that Tunare continues to watch over you. I know in
the deepest of my heart that we will someday meet.

Yours most humbly, Ladrael

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
...Tharionwind's first few days in Oasis are exciting. Hunting near a ocean beach
-- killing caimans and deepwater crocs with newly met friends....

then on the third day -- he hears something scarey... a strange howling wind of
screams....

...he looks up and see three floating dark Reaper types -- with Scythes. Dangerous
looking and scarey sounding....

...he sees a lone paladin standing his ground to fight these undead evils.......the
pain and screams as the pally drops to one knee. The pally touches himself and
stands renewed Killing 1 of the reapers known as a Spectre. As he turns to kill the
second spectre, the third one cut the pally to shreds. As the paladin fell -- the
rest of us fled in terror to the docks screaming....

As we ran in fear -- a Large big ugly Ogre Shadowknight stepped in front of the
Spectre and smacked him with his sword -- killing the spectre instantly.

"You stoopid Spek-tur dont hurt me friend!"

I turn to face this ogre SK and it is my friend Swine!

"Swine Thank You!"

"Young monk, yet again you have dangerous fun. You must be careful -- here is a
mask and some equipment to protect you." He hands tharionwind a Sarnak mask and two
orc fang earrings along with a small bag of plat.

"Wow Thank you sir!" Tharionwind exclaims.

Tharion walks back to his monk guild. Once he arrives at the guild he sits at a
chair and pens a letter to Ladrael:

"Dearest Ladrael, It is very exciting and dangerous here on the East coast of
Antonica. I yearn to meet you one day -- to see thine divine royal beauty. Your
words flow like a soft gentle breeze on a summer day. To thee I present a kiss on
this parchment for you. Keep it always and think of me. Your words stir my soul
alive.

Your monk in waiting, Tharionwind"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gentle Monk, I fear the danger here grows. There is a powerful force keeping my
family and I trapped here. My people grow more afraid each day. I fear I will not
live to meet you, to see you with my own eyes. I suspect the evil being done here
is through someone close to my family. I have suspicions...but fear naming them
aloud less I place you in danger as well. I must end this note...some one comes
near....

Yours most humbly, Ladrael Cleric of 6 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
....Fearing the worst for the dear Ladrael -- Tharionwind pens a note to Apox and
hopes that he receives it in time to muster forces to free her.....

as Tharionwind awates a response he makes his way to West Commons (via a long
journey across Northern Ro and through the famous tunnel in EC).

Tharionwind arrives in West Commons and is amazed at the flurry of activity. Druids
and wizards popping in and out of the air, stepping through magical doorways and
such!

As Tharionwind approaches the western part of the Western Commonlands, he senses a
dread through the valley pathway into the infamous Kithicor Forest. As the sun sets
-- he senses a dread over the Forest before him.

Warily, he tightens his Wu's Gloves and prepares for the dangers ahead....

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The parchment is smeared with blood and trembling from the shaking fingers holding
it. Young Ladrael reads her words one last time before giving the document to the
messenger:

Most Noble Tharionwind, I fear the worst has happened. My parents have been
slaughtered. I managed to escape only because the murderers thought my wounds were
fatal. I am alone and in hiding. I implore you...please help me. I now have no one
in this world save you.

Yours, Ladrael

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just as Tharionwind was preparing to cross into Kithicor he sensed danger from
afar. He turns and sees a pile of smoke in front of him. Out steps Apox, the famed
human druid.

"We must go, I sense Ladrael is in danger young monk."

As he says this his hands start to glow and he waves them in a big circle. A bluish
light forms and a magical door way appears. Apox grabs tharionwind and drags him
through.

[as they are in the portal surrounded by magiks -- they hear a loud voice booming
LOADING, PLEASE WAIT.....  ]

They appear in a faraway land -- new to Tharionwind. He is dizzy and disoriented.
Apox casts magics and surrounds Tharionwind with powerful magic. Orcs are near! The
screams are loud!

"We must be quick -- follow me!" Apox states gravely as he hurries towards the
Elvish city... smoke is seen in the distance.

As they approach the castle they hear the clash of swords and the twang of arrows.
Orcs are attacking the castle in full force. The elvish guards are failing and
dying -- too overwhelmed.

As the two fellows approached the base of the castle -- two large Orcs turn.
Tharionwind pulls his oak staff out and starts to engage one orc. Apox casts a
spell and fire strikes the other orc in the chest, he falls to the ground dead.
Tharionwind trips and knocks the first orc out.

A scream is heard from the tower!

"That is Ladrael -- we must hurry!"

They both charge up the tower steps knocking orcs aside left and right. They get to
the top. At the top of the stairs a blocked doorway is besieged by 5 orcs. Before
Apox could raise his hand for magic -- tharionwind plunges into the fray.

"No Tharion Dont!"

The young crazy monk engages the orcs and they turn and attack him in force......

Apox cries out as he sees the orcs pile on tharionwind.....

......what will happen?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Apox gasps as the orcs are piled on the young monk....he hears the screams as they
stab at him. Apox steps back and blasts a fireball at the door, shattering it into
a thousand smoldering pieces.

Seeing that Ladrael is huddled safely in the corner (albeit very afraid), he casts
a powerful spell -- lightning begins to form from his hands and leaps out to strike
the orcs. 3 of the orcs die instantly. The last two are still fighting with the
young monk -- Tharion seems to be avoiding their attacks (mostly) but appears very
bruised. As apox is about to strike the last two dead, tharion deftly strikes one
with a blow to the chest knocking him out and round kicking the other against the
stairwell -- the orc falling down the stairs to his untimely death......

Tharion slumps leaning hard against the wall....Ladrael comes rushing
out...."Tharionwind!" she gasps....

"Ladrael...." tharionwind barely utters as he collapses into unconscience.....

"We must be going, I will tend to him once we are safe" Apox states firmly....

"But...he is hurt..." Ladrael cries...

"No time... the others are coming to attack us" Apox firmly states...

Apox quickly picks up Tharionwind and throws him over a shoulder. He grabs Ladrael
by the hand and casts a power gate spell. They step through just as a horde of orcs
charged up the stairwell with bloodlust on their minds......

They step through to West Commonlands...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tharionwind awakens to find himself on an old soft bed...... Ladrael is wiping his
brow with a cool damp cloth...

"We were worried about you Tharionwind," Ladrael states softly, "you must rest and
heal."

"Yes, you were crazy to attack all those orcs young monk!" Apox states firmly.

"I.... just was fearing for Ladrael's life....I love..." Tharionwind passes out
again on the bed.

Both Ladrael and Apox work through the night with magical healing powers. They
clean and heal all his wounds. Apox finds a broken poisoned dagger in Tharionwind's
side -- and Ladrael cures him magically of that putrid evil poison.

Finally at the crack of dawn...as the sunshine poors into the room Tharionwind's
color returns to his face. He awakens to see Ladrael tending over him. Apox is
outside of the hut smoking a tealeaf druid pipe.

"Your doing better Tharion of the Wind" Ladrael's voice soothes the young monk.

"Thank .. you.., I .. " Tharionwind begins to speak.

Ladrael's fingers touch Tharionwind's lips. "You must rest now. Apox has some grave
news for both our races."

Tharionwind ponders what is next.....

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tharionwind awakens and sits up. Ladrael is sitting in a chair next to the bed. It
looks like she had been up for several days tending to Tharionwind's wounds and now
is asleep from exhaustion. Tharionwind covers Ladrael with his Cloak and gets up to
stretch. AS he does he looks outside the hut and sees Apox speaking to a group of
travellers...seemingly from all the lands of Norrath.

"The fates of all the Good races in Norrath are in peril. Evil is spreading and we
must not let it continue. Humans, High Elves, Wood Elves, Halflings, Euridites,
Barbarians and the like must all unite to fight the evils spreading. Dark Elves,
Iskars, Goblins, Orcs, Undead and such are all causing havoc throughout
Norrath...." Apox speaks with resoundingly powerful voice (stronger than
Tharionwind has ever heard from his friend)..."I have just seen the evils and
destruction of the latest attacks on Felwithe. This is only the beginning. If we,
the good races of Norrath, do not unite -- Evil will conquer all of us eventually."

Tharionwind, upon hearing this grave news -- decides to head to High Pass Hold. He
had heard of a goblin invasion there and that the good citizens of High Pass need
his help. Quickly and quietly putting his wu's clothes on -- he prepares to depart.
Before he does, he pens a letter to Ladrael:

"Dearest Ladrael, Thine divine beauty is only surpassed by your loving heart. You
have cared for me so much and healed my body and soul. I must go to war and help
fight evil. I promise to return to Freeport when it is safe for you to travel
outside the city. For now, I must fight evil and protect good. Wait for me -- for I
have something for thee upon my return. Love, Tharion of the Wind"

With that -- Tharionwind hurries out a side door and heads to High Pass Hold to
face unknown evils....

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
....Tharionwind marches long and hard for a day...

Through East Commons then through the Western Commonlands...animals he once feared
now cower to him. He marches forward and enters Kithicor Forest.

The dreaded cursed forest. Once a land of pure beauty -- now corrupted by the
undead that come out at night and Orcs running through the land during the day.

Tharionwind begins to cross the land but hear's a voice "No! Wait!". He turns to
view the source of these sounds -- a short halfling appears -- it is Archael!

"Yet again young monk you rush into battle unprepared. I shall escort you across
this dangerous land. I cannot always be here to protect thee. I know your strong-
willed and wish to kill evil to avenge your parents deaths but you must head my
warnings. One day I shall not be here and thee will die if not mindful of this old
druid's musings of wisdom."

Archaels hands begin to glow blue and green as he encompasses magics into
Tharionwind. Spirit of the Wolf infused into Tharionwind along with Superior
Camoflauge.

"Follow me and stay CLOSE -- do not make a sound except for thine feet!"

Archael escorts tharionwind through the forest and notices the eariness and the
smell of the undead around. As his fears begin to rise, Archael and him arrive at
the entrance to High Pass Mountains.

"Here is what thee seek young monk. Be careful I shall be on journies for the War
upcoming. Do NOT be foolish. Good Luck!"

Tharionwind enters the pass -- wondering what adventures lay forth for him in High
Pass Hold.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tharionwind climbs the pass and enters the mountains of High Pass Hold. As he
enters he notices a battle ensuing -- ORCS attacking a group of travellers. One of
the travelers is a fellow monk.

Tharionwind draws his quarterstaff and engages the orc attacking the fallen monk.
The Orc becomes enraged with this human interference..

"UGH HOOMANH DIE NOW BLEED!" The Orc Screams.

Tharionwind, being of 19 seasons now, is not the young whelp he once was. Quickly
using his melee combat skills of hand to hand and Two Hand Blunt, he knocks the Orc
back. As he draws for the final killing blow the Orc Flees. A nearby druid casts a
magical spell and roots ensnarl the orc's feet. Tharionwind swings hard with his
quarterstaff and crushes the Orc's head -- killing him.

"Thank you sir, the orcs had overwhelmed us when we were leaving High Pass" states
the Druid Deabbas.

"No problem I hate orcs and gnolls -- they killed my family seasons ago. Where is
High Pass Keep? I heard the citizens and guards need help from a gobbie invasion."
Tharionwind replies.

"Let me heal my party and we will escort you there." Deabbas replies.

Deabbas and Tharionwind sit down as the others come to the fire that Tharionwind
started. Deabbas mends his fellow groupmates and they eat and drink before
venturing to High Pass Hold.

They head to High Pass Hold the next morning and arrive at the Gates. The guard is
out in force and their steel shine in the morning sun.

"Hail Commander -- where can I help fight the goblins?" Tharionwind inquires...

"Go to the basement, Captain Bosec is holding them at the door but cannot push
further -- there are too many in the basement rooms. Be careful young monk -- it is
a dangerous place. The gobbies have mines through the mountains that lead to the
basement. Hundreds of them attack daily. If we do not stop them, they will try to
kill us all and overtake The Hold for evil."

With that Tharionwind wishes Deabas and his friends good luck. He enters Highpass
Hold and prepares for more adventures...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tharionwind enters the vast stone stronghold known as High Pass Hold. It towers
above the mountaintop impressively. He enters through and goes to the bank. At the
bank he notices several wounded adventurers. He begins to hear screams of war and
battle downstairs in the basement.

"I must hurry, the evils have invaded!"

Tharionwind runs down stairs and leeps down into the basement. He joins with a
group battling several gobbies. The group of 5 are fighting hard. The melees and
magicals are battered but not defeated. After the tough battle ensues for about an
hour -- they take a rest during a brief respite in fighting. Tharionwind meets a
few of them.

A female bard clad in Blue introduces herself. Bronsistra of Norrath's Elite
Guards. Tharionwind introduces himself and they continue to fight together. After a
few days of fighting Bronsistra invites Tharionwind into the Guard.

Tharionwind is impressed -- the Guard fights well. He joins up with NEG. After
fighting for a few weeks in High Pass Hold -- the gobbie invasion subsides (not
stops but slows down enough for the guards to hold them in the basement safely).

Tharionwind decides that he must travel to a far away land -- Velious -- and meet
more of The Guard. He sets out for Oasis.

He pens a letter to Ladrael: "I have joined a guild called Norrath's Elite Guard. I
am off to Velious to meet up with them. I shall be returning shortly to Freeport to
be with thee dear fairest Ladrael.

Love, Tharionwind"

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- My
Dear Tharionwind, The days grow long and I miss you so. Please return to me soon. I
am alone and so afraid. What will become of me? How am I to survive?

I wake up screaming most nights, stirred from my sleep by the images of my parents
and the evil that befell them. I think of them often and think of you and the
battles you face. I fear for you, I fear for my people. I fear the death that looms
over us all. My fear keeps me within the city walls, but I know that I must come to
terms with what has happened.

I have decided to continue with my clerical studies. If nothing else, it keeps my
mind busy. I have promised myself that I will venture forth from these walls...to
explore the Commons beyond the guarded walls of Freeport....perhaps tomorrow I will
feel braver.....

Awaiting your return, Ladrael Cleric of 6 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tharionwind ventures to Northern Ro and gets on the barge to Velious. He falls off
but through the nice help of Knec and a few guildies is guided (for hours and
hours) to safety. HE finally makes it to Velious/IceClad where he meets the famous
Uncle Kneczhevo -- the greybearded Barbarian elder of NEG.

Knec takes the young monk on a tour of velious from IceClad through to Eastern
Wastes then to Great Divide. Then they go to the Dragon ring and get a Dragon Tooth
for Tharionwind. Tharionwind and Knec then go off and stop by the dwarf city of
Thurgadin.

Tharionwind (at 28th season) is awed by the HUGE waterfalls at the City entrance.
The dwarfs are a bit cautious but polite and nice to the monk.

After getting supplies and being magically bound at Thurgadin (strange magical
powers Tharionwind is not used to) -- Knec takes Tharionwind to a dungeon -- the
first he has seen -- CRYSTAL CAVERNS.

Tharionwind is enthralled -- a chance to kill lots of orcs! And a city close by to
protect! The money flows and the orcs die a death. Tharionwind grows in power and
strength.

He meets new friends -- Donny, Dannarth, Evro, Salerio, Laksmi and such. It is such
an amazing place.. Orcs, Stag Terrors and Spiders... Geonids oh my.

Tharionwind spends the next few levels here from 28-40. At 40 he amasses a nice
tidy sum. He meets other guilds and such. For awhile -- Arimiah came to team during
seasons 35 and 36 then dissapeared mysteriously. Donny managed to become
Tharionwind's best bud in all of EQ as well as Dannarth and Evro becoming close.

At 40th season Tharionwind kills a geonid and finds a special ring. This engagement
ring reminds him of the love he misses. He asks a favor from the freinds in CC and
gets magically transported to West Commons. He forgot -- during all his fun of
vengeance against orcs and such -- about his love Ladrael.

He runs to West Freeport gates and at the gate he sees Ladrael. She looks so
beautiful and divine. He gets on one knee and holds her petite beautiful hand and
looks into her eyes -- "Ladrael my heart is yours -- will you marry me?"

"Yes!" Ladrael shouts throughout the gates!"

They embrace and kiss passionately. Shouts are heard through the lands as friends
congratulate the happy couple.

Tharionwind and Ladrael spend a day or two walking through EC and Northern Ro.
Tharionwind gets a letter urging him back to the War effort. Sadly he leaves. A
tear is in Ladrael's eye.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The messenger finally able to find the monk, delivers a packet of letters to
Tharionwind.

Dearest Tharion, You have only been gone for a few weeks and I feel as though you
have been gone an eternity. I hope you can return to me soon. My clerical studies
go well. I am now a 10th level cleric. I travel with a regular group of friends
through the surrounding lands of Freeport and through the deserts of Northern Ro.
Among these friends is a brave troll warrior who is fighting on the side of Good!
We have become fast friends and it is said that where one of us is found, the other
shall not be far. Another of my friends is a charming bard who keeps us amused by
writing and singing witty songs about the various people we've met on our travels.
I miss you...come home to me soon. Love, Ladrael
 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- My
dear Tharionwind, I continue to write, though I fear you are dead. I have not seen
you since the days following your proposal of marriage. Long have the days passed
since I've received word from you. I pray that Tunare keeps you safe until you can
return home.

I am now a cleric of the 20th season. My reputation seems to be spreading
throughout Antonica as my clerical skills are frequently requested. My troll and I
are still great companions and travel extensively together. He is a great comfort
to me and has saved my life on many occasion. My bard friend and I, although we
still send word to one another whenever possible, no longer travel together. He
joined a guild and is frequently dispatched to do their work. I trust that he is
happy and hope that he knows that he is never far from my thoughts.

May Tunare keep you safe, Ladrael Cleric of 20 seasons
 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tharionwind continues to read through the packet of letters....

My dear Tharionwind, Am I harboring dreams that will not come to pass? Am I haunted
with thoughts for a ghost? If only I knew your fate. If you are alive, please send
word to me. I now travel in the lands of Kunark. I continue to increase my clerical
skills and continue to aid the side of Good in this fight against evil.

My troll and I are still travel companions and great friends. We are very close and
would give our lives to save one another. I have joined his guild. They are a
wonderful group of people. Their odd sense of humor and fierce loyalty to one
another brings a smile to my face on many a cold night. Please rest assured knowing
that I am safe with them- each one would die before allowing harm to come to me.

I beg of you....send word to me. Love, Ladrael Cleric of 25 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Donny glances up in alarm as the parchment letter slips from Tharionwind's fingers
and drifts to the floor. He watches as Tharionwind stumbles blindly away from the
camp, a look of absolute grief etched on his face. Donny lifts the parchment from
the ground and reads.....

My dear gentle Tharionwind, You must be dead or I would have heard from you by now.
It has been an eternity since I have seen you or felt you near. My grief has been
great and my friends have long worried about my health.

I married today. He will keep me safe and our guild will continue to aid the battle
against the Evil ones.

Though I no longer have any hope of seeing you in this life, I pray to Tunare that
we will see each other again in the after life.

Goodbye gentle monk, Ladrael Meenil Cleric of 29 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tharionwind is stricken grey. The last 7 or 8 seasons of warfare have been
particularly tough. This latest news strikes him hard -- to his very soul. He lays
against the wall in East Commons dumb found and cold.

His very bones are chilled. He cannot even move much. Donny and Laksmi tend to him
-- feeding him some warm soup and wrap him in blankets. The monk stairs off into
space -- for the love of war he lost his one true love.

Donny picks Tharionwind up and carries him to freeport. The monk is pale and near
death. They get to the monk guild and Tharionwind lays on the bed in a coma. Donny
(Tharionwind's best friend in all of Norrath) watch over him. Tharionwind drifts in
and out -- in Tharionwind's greatest need of friendship his friends of NEG surround
him -- Donny, Laksmi Nililanoa, Louna, Dannarth, Evro.

As Tharionwind is passed out he dreams .... [Two young halflings -- Tharionstorm
and Leardal play together and have fun in Misty Thicket. But then Tharionstorm goes
off and plays by himself. Leardal is sad. The young female is sad and leaves Misty
Thicket -- and leaves Tharionstorm as he has left her. By the time Tharionstorm
turns 23 -- he realizes that he has done what his father, Tharionwind, has done --
again].....Donny shakes Tharionwind awake -- "BRO where have you been!" Donny yells
in joy.

"I ... had this wierd dream...."

"No time bro, get on your feet -- time for Tharionwind to arise again!"

As Tharionwind rises -- he feels a new strength within himself. HE notices in the
room a group of friends from NEG. He also notices an old friend from long ago...!

"I missed ya friend and I am now of NEG -- Donny has brought me into the guild",
the friend states.

"Time for rejoicing -- Tharionwind you nearly died on that bed -- Laksmi and your
friend worked feverishly for the last few weeks to break that evil coma you were
in."

"I have come back from a far journey. It was sad to see you ill."

The Guild has a celebration -- tharionwind -- albeit a bit pale and weak from being
in coma -- feels his strength, dexterity, agility and stamina return. He dusts
himself off and begins to live again.

During this weeklong celebration the Monk grows in strength. At the end of the
celebration he decides to marry this friend. He is not sure why completely -- but
that this friend saved his life and cares for him so much to come across Norrath to
do so means a lot.

The marriage is held on the East Commons Cliffs. Donny and Wyndia attend -- along
with a few other guests including Nommad of Nox. The ceremony is beautiful and
genteel. Tharionwind pens a letter to Ladrael:

"I have recovered from my physical injuries and pains. The emotional scars have
shaken my soul and such. I realize the pains I have caused us by the War. I left
you alone -- the one true woman I love in all of Norrath. My guild has tended and
mended my wounds. I have married too, to an Euridite friend. My guild too, shall
protect me."

After the ceremony -- Tharionwind ventures to Velious and spend some time there.
The friend dissapears again for sometime -- tharionwind ponders and begins to
wander -- alone.

One day Tharionwind happens upon Evro -- a friend of his from NEG. They walk
together then find Ladrael. His true love! The three of them battle in Dreadlands.
This is fun and Tharionwind touches his scar but feels the happiness flow through
him again. Later that day the 3 of them head out to Sol-B. They meet Melph --
Ladrael's High Elf friend and Protector from BK. Ladrael gives Melph a Big Sloppy
Kiss. Upon seeing his one true love kiss anotherTharionwind staggers deeply and
falls back, falling into the lava and burns his skin. He drinks a Thurgadin gate
potion and prays that he doesnt die........

......the powers of the magical gate encompass him...he lands in Thurgadin.
Tharionwind is stunned and scared. Sad to see a kiss placed by his love on another.
He moves slowly and gets up.....he must shake this off...

...a few days later he and Donny meet with Ladrael, Melph and BK. Tharionwind gives
a wyvern claw mask to Melph. Tharionwind tries to mend the pain he has. Tharionwind
then asks for a Large Soiled Bag and is rather expecting a large discount -- from
Melph -- which is rude....they part and go their ways....

..Tharionwind then heads of (a day or so later) to Sol-B and hunts the Large Soiled
Bag himself. Hours of boringness he decides to try to find Ladrael to talk to her
-- he realizes he misses her so....he travels back to Crystal Caverns. The emotions
are too great -- and he is sad to see Ladrael with another. He cries and screams in
pain -- a rage he tears through orcs. Ladrael is shocked to see this bitterness and
anger. The BK team departs as Crystal Caverns is torn apart by a raging monk in
pain. Tharionwind walks alone across Norrath for 3 Norrathian days -- his heart
pounds -- sad. Tharionwind passes out.

...When Tharionwind awakens -- Donny and Jazamon take him to OOT. There he realizes
the joy and fun again. He has lots of fun with his old buddies. The water and beach
are beautiful. The riches begin to flow. Other NEGS come to visit and say hello.

...One day Ladrael stops by and visits. She kisses Tharionwind's forehead and they
hug. Tharionwind and Ladrael work together and with NEG team members -- have a lot
of fun in OOT....weeks begin to pass...

One day the long lost friend stops by the docks in East Freeport where Tharionwind
is getting on the ship. The friend is sad and does not wish to group with anyone in
NEG save Tharionwind. She is upset that she has failed to keep up with Tharionwind.
Tharionwind sheds a tear and waves to Arimiah as he boards the ship. That night the
friend commits Hari Kari and vanishes from Norrath [Fennin Ro] forever.

A few days later and Ladrael's friends from BK sadly miss her -- especially her
friend Melph (an uncle of her husband Beastiesone) and other friends from BK.
Ladrael, with a tear in her eye, realizes she that friendships must not be lost.
Tharionwind knows the pain of losing a friend -- even though it pains him dearly --
he does not want others to bear this pain. He shall carry this scar.

Tharionwind and Ladrael continue to see each other, but less often, as they are in
Different Guilds. They have both had pains but their love shall never perish for
one another. Love is truly strong and shall not perish. Both have met great friends
and made good friendships within Norrath in NEG and BK (along with NOX, Patron
Saints, Champtions of Light etc.). The fire of their love shall never perish. But
that fire of love will not burn good friendships either.

Love is the strongest fiber of all, love is seeing your love near or far, love is
holding her hand and feeling beauty, love is knowing that every night you dream of
her, love is waking each morning with her smiling at you, love is being a 1000
miles away and her calling worried, love is what keeps the soul and heart warm
always.
 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ladrael stands on the sands of the beach in OOT, staring into space with a
bittersweet smile on her lips, tears streaming over her cheeks.

She watches with longing as Tharionwind subdues yet another Cyclops and turns to
battle its comrade. His NEG teammates assist and aid one another to arise
victorious. It is difficult remembering all that has occurred. The marriage that
never happened, the lost time and hurt feelings.. but she will not forsake her
husband, her new friends. Her love and loyalty runs strong and deep...

She is not the same young cleric that was ripped from the jaws of death so many
seasons ago. She is now a powerful priestess in her own right. She better
understands the pains of war that her dear Tharionwind had experienced those long
lonely seasons ago when she thought him dead....

Ladrael is startled back to reality bya shout on the beach. She mentally shakes
herself.

Ladrael and Tharionwind were not meant to be….Tunare does not move with the same
sense of time that mere mortals do…and in her wisdom, she does not always reveal
what is to be…..

With one last look toward her past, Ladrael wipes away her tears, prays that Tunare
will watch over her friends, then steps through the magical portal…….

Edited by: Ladrael at: 2/12/02 2:02:10 pm

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --
Tharion of the Wind --

...Tharionwind turns to see Ladrael leave -- a tear on her face. He sees the pain,
and his heart is stricken. Before Evro could yell "THAR!" the evil Corrupted
seafury strikes Tharionwind down hard......the monk crumples to the ground....his
head bleeding from a deadly gash...

"I...Love....you..." Tharionwind's last gasping breaths as the magical gate
closes...

...Evro, Libridox, Donny and Dannarth charge forth to protect Tharion and engage
the evil Corrupted. They scream in rage as they attack the onslaught of seafuries
joining the attack...

...Nililanoa, Varicos, Motrin and Laksmi work their magics along with Nommad....but
to no avail for the fallen monk.

...the battle is long fought and after the last seafury is laid dead...the warriors
and magicals of NEG and NOX sit down in a circle as tharionwind's dead body is laid
upon a pyre.

...a tear in Donny's eye as he throws the torch upon the pyre -- they all sit sadly
and silently stunned as tharionwind's body burns bright into the sky of Seafury
Island....

A small flower is placed at the Tree near the Gornit camp. This is where
Tharionwind's ashes have been spread.

[It's been a fun time but time for me to move on, this is my official retirement
from eq]

Edited by: tharionwind at: 2/22/02 1:38:16 am

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
....As tharionwind awakens he realizes that this is just a game to have fun -- for
all.

[The couple look at each other and kiss as they close the book on the story of how
two characters began their interesting EQ toons on Fennin Ro.]

Hugs Tharionwind

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
...The last 10 months have been exciting, scarey, sad, upsetting, angry, fun, bad.

Now I must face real life and the consequences of what 4 people have done within
and without EQ. Hopefully I will survive this.

Wish me luck...

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In
In the end the monk died within Norrath so that the man could live.

The love of the monk's life, Ladrael, left him at this grave. She has chosen to
return to Norrath. Her heart never left Norrath. Twas sad because Tharionwind and
Ladrael were borne into Norrath together. They part ways -- a love lost from too
many pains. From death shall come life. From life shall return happiness anew.

May the story never die.