Emmerage

However..there was *a* beginning of sorts, it's just not *the* beginning. One will start there.

You're wondering where this is leading, what perhaps, is different about this walk? Nothing really, the route is the same as always, the sun is shining in its usual glorious fashion, and the air is clear and easy to breathe. She meanders here and there, not

sticking to any particular path, but always following the same general direction. Always towards the rock. That's really her

favourite place in the world, that's why she never takes her oppurtunity to walk out and explore some other field, or valley,

or even look down any other world. She feels, strangely at peace it seems, when she sits atop the rock, and looks back over her path. People have complained of hearing things at the rock, have told stories of ancient evil, sometimes ultimate good. Having never noticed anything odd herself, she took no heed.

It did seem unnatural though, this rock, she was fairly sure of that, given its shape if nothing else. Perfectly rectangular. Not a single chip missing in it, seemingly made of some sort of crystal. Clouded though, darkened and clouded, at a distance it appears to be normal shale, or even granite, grey sandstone, surely not crystalline at all. However on closer inspection, particularly at the edges, it does show its true nature. Imagine a grey, barely transparent rectangular block of crystal, with the swirling clouds of a storm trapped within, frozen in this singular speck of time, and you will have imagined something similar to "the rock."

Upon reaching the end of her journey, she picked a few flowers from the surrounding vicinity, intent to weave them into a lovely little pattern once seated, she moves to the rock, and sits herself atop it, legs dangling over the edge. Over the course of

time, positions change, it's hard to sit the same way for very long, from sitting cross legged, crouching, even standing and

leaning against the rock, always in contact with it in some way. Eventually, she is lying atop it, staring at the sky, a pretty

weave of flowers in one hand, greens and whites, the sun has only just begun to find itself at the horizon, pinks and yellows. The girl yawns, stretching out, her arms rise over her head and fall backwords, hands draping over the corners of the rock. Deciding it's probably time to make her way home, she sits up, a wrist dragging against the point of a corner. Reds and greys. Her lifeblood spills out from the slit, over the corner, trickling down very slowly. Surprised she clasps the wrist to her breast,

pressing it hard against herself in pain, perhaps an instinctive attempt to apply pressure, stop the bleeding.

Were you to watch what happened next, it would be harder to tell whether the flash of energy, what appeared to be lightning, came down from the sky, or reached up from the rock. A singular bolt, jagged in nature, tore its way through her body, an incandescent blue glow extending from it to her, consuming her flesh. Her soul, free of it's physical confines, was forced down the open conduit, this pathway of energy, that led straight into the centre of the rock. In less time than the blink of an eye, the snap of your fingers, and with more speed than the flutter of a hummingbirds wings, her physical form was gone, and her soul contained.

Dreadful, horrific, awful and perhaps evil you might think, to have such a thing happen to a young girls soul. Her very soul, the eternal soul, that defines who she is, through all lives, and all time. What if it wasn't as despicable an event as you might think? What if she weren't trapped as such, in a place of unending punishment, a place of restraint, a cage? What if she were placed in an observatory of sorts, somewhere she could watch the world, with all the sight of the soul, watching all layers of existence? Constrained to the rock though she was, the infinite sight of a spirit allowed her to view the goings on of anything that interested her. Spiritual sight not being tied down to time, she could watch any event, down any path of the future, in any dimension of the past, or any instance of the now.

Eventually other entities noticed her, those of the lower planes would hurl insults and tease at her unfortunate predicament, however, being able to see every possible thing they might communicate to her..she always had a well prepared retort. Those of a less enlightened nature, do not take well to being bested, and so grew bored they claimed, and left her be. She was lonely for the company, even such irritating company, she knew others would come though, she had seen them coming. Of course, to keep from immense monotony, one does not look down every pathway of that which is to be, or one does not look at every detail of what comes down that path. One just takes glimpses, to be assured that hoping is not in vain. She knew friends were on the way, she just didn't know who.

And so she came to meet the Devas, or rather, they came to meet her. Having observed her curious situation, they had taken an interest, and finally gotten around to saying hello, a few of them anyway. Long conversations were held, topics debated, subjects analysed, opinions exchanged. The girl became wise, she became enlightened, the Devas were leaving their mark. There is really no other word for what happened, they imparted their knowledge, and imprinted their thought patterns, their mindset, on a young impressionable soul. Yes, a soul that had been watching the ages passed, and the ages to be, and as such was wise on its own, having learned much. Having been taught to think one way, there was now a point to all she had learned, she was becoming a being of light.

Eventually the Devas, her mentos, her greatest friends, had to move on. There were other souls to attend to, other destinies to guide, and they knew the time for her release was soon, as they were guiding the entity that would bring it about.

Watching all that is, all that was, and all that will be again. Alone, observant, contemplative. Suddenly curious, interested, vaguely alarmed. There was something approaching, something she couldn't see, she didn't know what it was, or rather she didn't understand what it was. However, it was coming closer, it was fast approaching, cloaked in swirling etheric Shadow. The events it leaves in its wake, cloaked by the same Shadow, the events that it will bring about, equally obscured. An oddity to the girl, and drawing ever closer to her.

Pulled at, dragged, the feeling of being ripped from her home of so many centuries, she struggles, a chill strong enough to cause

pain even to a being without physical form had wrapped itself around her. She knew she was being uncaged, set free, but to what? What was drawing her out, surely the Shadow, but what was it? It was quite obviously not a nice feeling, something instinctively repelled her from this Shadow, and yet it drew her forth, and theonly way to go, was into it.

Engulfed in ice, a destructive, all consuming cold, a river to be fought against, all sharp edges and chaotic structure, pushing her under. Attempting to maintain herself, her own persona within this punishing enviroment, she sensed others that had been here, others that had given in, submitted to the torrent of cold, and so empowered the Shadow further.

In all that she knew, in all that she had observed, in all that she could theorise, and understand, she could not find a way to escape. There was no escape, there was no possible means, her soul gave way, and merged into the Shadow entity.

The girl, a being of light, flickered, the unknown entity of Shadow, it wavered. Something was changing, something unexpected

was happening, both entities understood, both came to the same conclusion. Shadow and Light. They were opposites, opposites attract, no wonder the Shadow was drawn. However, opposites will also cancel each other out. One + Negative One equals Zero. Neither wanted this, both struggled to free each from the other. Their spirits tore at each other, vain attempts to break the link, growing weaker with every moment, each struggle becoming more and more useless.

Two Devas watched on. Two Devas acted together, and forced the souls apart, the souls whom they were set to guide, the souls who they were themselves. If in another state of being, of course.

A young girl, stepped out of the Shadow, shaking with aftereffects of such an experience. The Shadow shuddered, feeling part of it's very essence being drawn out with her, and recoiling instintively at the residue of herself, that she left behind. Should anyone have been watching this interesting situation, they would have seen a young man, aged around sixteen, perhaps seventeen. The young man shaking, shuddering, quivering with strain, then straightening. Slowly, a young girl, of the same age, steps out of his back, and comes to a halt, standing back to back with the young man. Both exhausted, both frail, leaning against each other for support. Eventually, they turn to face each other. They eye each other carefully, observing the result of this union, and sudden seperation. The girl had been changed, and the Shadow equally altered. Its presence didn't carry the same dead chill that it always had in her sight, or when she was within its grasp. Her sense of self though, she wasn't the same, she had a darkness to her now, a Shadow of her previous Angelic self.

She raised a hand to the young man, perhaps just to reach out and touch him, make sure he was real, or gain a greater sense of what he had become. She starts back as he gives forth a violent snarl, baring his teeth, eyes flashing with anger and loathing. Then a sudden change, collapsing, crying, tears pouring forth in amazing quantity. Change again, she watched him study his tears, as if he had never seen such a thing before, he looks up at her. She takes a step back, unsure of what will happen next, of what sudden mood will take the once Shadow. He opens his mouth as if to speak, growls once more, in as menacing a fashion as he can muster, before leaping to his feet and running. She doesn't move a muscle, watches him run for a goodly way, before he leaps through the air and dives into a shadow cast by a singular tree, standing in thefield, he disappeared completely.

The girl was slightly confused by what had happened, unsure of who she now was. Unsure of what exactly had changed inside her. She knew where she was though, turning to the rock, her home for somany, many, many years. She walked over to it, leaned over, and kissed the top of it lightly, before setting off into the field. She knew much time had passed, she knew the world was rather different, that cities had risen, and civilisations had fallen. She knew where, and when she was. She had seen this place, this was the kingdom, or rather queendom, of Trazling.

It was easy to find lodgings, food, suitable clothing, everything needed to survive. Most of the people were generous and happy to help another person, particularly such a wondrous wanderer as this. Who wouldn't want to help a homeless young girl, that wanders into your town, talking to Devas the entire time?

Of course, we've all heard of the rest of her adventures from there. Her knowledge of past, present, and future, combined with her nearly offhand ability to converse with her Deva friends at will, leading to her being named the Resident Oraqle by Queen Traci herself. Her abilities to heal the soul itself developing rapidly upon joining the Hood of Druids, so much so that she was soon named Head of Healing the Universal Soul. The fierce loyalty to the Queen, and protective actions in times of trouble bringing her the title of Queens Champion. Although only until her apprentice Ione is suitably trained, as she has many other duties. Including those that come along with being made a member of the High Council.

She and the Once Shadow met again of course, in what both considered the most unlikely way. His is a different story though.

This tale, was merely a beginning of sorts, one of her many beginnings, that will never end. A pivotal one, worthy of a story, that helped bring her to be the amazing young woman whom today we simply call the Deva Oraqle.

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Ahhh, Trazling. It's been my home for quite a while now. It all started when I was sent as a spy for Tess, Queen of the Otherworld, to keep an eye on the happenings of Trazling. As it would happen to my great surprise, when I was hovering and listening in the council chambers the Lady Chez would call on me.

It was to me that would be the next order of business in the council. They had a request for Lord Nathan and Tess, my king and queen, and would I take it to them. Of course being a pixie who admired the human race of Trazling i would accept and take this request.

"AHHHHHHHH, you let them talk to you. You stupid unwholesome creature. Let alone the fact that they saw you. What kind of spy are you." If my queen hadn't been restraining me, I would have hidden away like all the other otherworldly creatures. She was more furious than I had ever seen her before. It took me many months in Gaia time for me to get through the wall of fury. Tess was now willing to read the Trazling request.

All in all my dearest queen would grant the Trazling citizens the presence of her gracious self and Lord Nathan as well. I was also to come too, as it had been me that the Lady Chez had contacted. I was to be the guide/servant in Trazling for my royal parents. Even though i was to be there with my royals I would not be privy to any meeting held, i was kept in the dark.

The meetings in Trazling took ages, well about a month. At the end I was sitting in the stables of Trazling, talking to a friend of mine. When I was to be graced not only with the presence of Lord Nathan and Tess but also that of Queen Traci and King David of Trazling. They were to give me the most joyous appointment in my life, that of head Trazling watcher of the pixie kind and that it would be as Trazling's assistant librarian that I would do this. For me a pale pixie of black wing, clothing, hair, eyes - you name it, who was forever in the books - this was most happy and exciting news.

From that day forth I have been the assistant librarian to Lord Ajes and watcher of the happenings of Trazling.

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Ha! Like anyone would have an interest in a Chief Justice. A Chief Justice is considered as only a bit better than a promoted lawyer, and we have all heard at least 10 jokes about lawyers. But surely someone out there is interested in why there is a chief justice? So for that person, here you go.

I spent my youth gazing out of carriage windows, always on the move. My father was a warrior for the Royal Family; my mother a music teacher. Both of them believed that they were needed outside of the safety of the walls of Trazling and thus travelled far and wide. Father would organise men and women in other regions to defend themselves against oppresors. Mother would show them how to enjoy their lives, filling them with song and dance. My brothers took after the parents: Jason to be a warrior; Sam to be a musician. But I...I was undecided.

Then one day, I watched from the carriage window, a child being bullied by two older children. They pushed him around, until he fell in the dirt. They laughed at him, kicked at him and pushed him until he was no longer able to cry.

In my fury, I raced out of the carriage and shoved one of the attackers away from the boy. I was all of 12 at the time - younger than the attackers but this did not register in my mind.

"For what reason do you attack this boy?" I roared. Suddenly, I felt myself growing taller. Not stretched, just grander in my presence. The other two must have felt it to, as they began to cower from me.

"It was just a bit of fun..." was their meek reply.

"FUN?!? Taking advantage of another person is your idea of fun?!? Surely, there must be some way of stopping this preposterous idea of Fun!"

Then, as softly as the breeze came a voice: "There is".

I turned around and saw a vision. It was like an angel, this light form that was there and yet not there. I have been told more recently that it was a Deva - they visit some people when the person is about to place a solid footing on their destined path.

The angel looked to me and said "A wise and fair ruler will one day cross your path. They will seek someone of fair and just mind to not only make laws to protect and serve the kingdom, but also to provide a clear and concise interpretation so that no person may abuse these laws and twist them for their own personal gain. What will your response be on such a day?"

I knew this was a fateful question, so I thought about it for a moment. I looked to the innocent lying on the ground beside me. I watched as the two attackers ran away. I stood my ground as some village people came to stand witness to my oath:

"I, Ann-Marie Mengel, do solemnly accept the path before me. I stand for justice, fairness and protection for those who cannot protect themselves. I will be guidance for those who cannot find themselves. I will be a rehabilitator for those who cannot help themselves. Just as the Law is a focus within yourself to see the grander picture and not the easy road of selfishness, I will also be a focal point for the law ensuring that people are not restricted by the laws, but are made aware of their presence as they exist as simply common courtesy to our fellow people."

The Deva smiled and said "You are ready for this day, my child. Stand strong and accept the hand that will guide you."

As I accepted the Deva's hand, my hand passed through theirs and made contact with my father. "It is time we returned you to Trazling. You have met your calling."

I am now 24. I have spent many years studying, observing and listening to the people of Trazling. The rulers are wise and fair like the Deva said. They are assisted by people who are equally wise and fair. I have seen many things that people should be ashamed of, and even I admit that I can at times fall below my own high standards. But I am always open to being told as such. As I am always open to hearing any complaints on behalf of our fair rulers.

I stand for truth, justice and the Trazling, peaceful way.

Stay True.

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The steam hissed loudly in the small forge where a middle-aged woman and a young girl around six worked.

�Get the Hammer sweetie.� The woman said as her little assistant worked around her occasionally giving that somewhat agonized look when she had nothing to do.

The girl nodded and ran out laughing her long blonde hair trailing behind her. She went up to her father, a tall man who had dark hair and piercing blue eyes, he was cleaning swords, daggers and other such weapons.

�Can I hold it?� She asked meekly, she was not so much afraid of her father, more of the master way he held his weapons.

He laughed, at first he'd wished for a male child; he'd had friendships with masters of all the fighting arts including some of the magical side; at first he was a little disappointed at his child being a girl, as he knew from a prophecy made by a magi at his wedding, that they would only be blessed by one child. But his little girl amazed him; she loved to wrestle, she was curious about weapons and fighting and she was by no means frightened by the thought of magic.

She jumped up and down with excitement holding the sword he�d given her, it was heavy but she managed to hold it straight.

�First of all put your left foot out straight and lean back on your right and hold your sword out in front of you straight, your other arm up for balance.�

She followed her father�s instructions diligently and what at first was something to stop the boredom and monotony of her schooling lessons, developed into even more.

"Da if you don�t hurry up I�m leaving without you!�

Her mother laughed at her daughter�s annoyance, she was always eager to go to meditation at the monastery and of course her lessons by the Sensei�s that resided there had nothing to do with it, her daughter claimed lying badly.

�Emich if you do not calm down I will leave you at home!�

Her father growled as he walked out, their daughter was being graded for Sensei status today, achieving much more than some boys she had climbed the ladder with, fast excelling in the political and strategical studies her father had wished her to learn as well as the teachings by the magi of which her mother had enrolled her in. Although she lacked female companionship of her age her male friends were loyal to the end and sometimes a little worse for wear when they taunted her.

Emich still wore her hair long, however tied back into a plait that trailed three-quarters the way down her back, and her blue eyes were for ever calculating the events around her.

�Shall we go?� Her mother suggested, they got up in their small buggy and rode through the streets toward the monastery and dojos.

Their town was a peaceful one, bordering on the not-so-war-ravaged side of Trazling, her parents wished her to gain more status than they had, her mother being a blacksmith and her father a sword master, already at eleven their daughter had gained Sensei status in one martial art, and hopefully by the end of the day, two more.

They went to their places on the floor to begin the meditation and ask for blessings from Buddha.

At the end, their daughter acted much more at ease and not so overly eager for the grading, she was relaxed and at peace.

�I wish you well little one.� One of the monks said smiling as Emich walked out, the young girl smiled at him and nodded. They all called her that, the monks, the nuns even her Sensei�s, �Little One� it was their pet name for her, she didn�t mind. At times when she was dressed up in the robes of monks she felt as if she was a little Buddha, a female Buddha she corrected her thoughts.

�Do us proud.� Her mother said before Emich walked into the grading, they were not allowed in the Sensei grading, which was undertaken in the utmost secrecy.

Their daughter reappeared from the door, glowing with a heavily embroidered black belt in her hands.

�I did it!� She chuckled saying the words disbelievingly. Her mother kissed her and her father grabbed her up into a rough hug.

�Indeed you did my little spitfire! We�re so very proud of you. Now all you have to do is succeed in your magic and tactical studies and you would have finished your education.�

Emich wanted to. She was a master at fighting and in years to come would be able to command troops like a general and direct the energies of the earth like a master mage.

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He stopped and leaned up against a tree for support. Panting, he slowly looked around the white landscape and listened for the frenzied cries of his pursuers. Wincing with every breath because of a broken rib, and staining the purity of the white snow with crimson spots of blood that emanated from the welts and wounds on his back, he tried to remember the events that had led up to his current predicament.

It all started when he was quietly conversing with a bird next to the stream that ran through the forest where he lived. He had just bathed, cleaning the dirt and litter from his fur, and was in the process of sharpening his claws when suddenly, the forest was alight and an angry mob from the local town erupted into the tranquility and were upon him, beating him with clubs, sticks, bottles or just their fists. They grabbed him and threw him into a makeshift cell, and then knocked him unconscious.

"You must escape Endu, this is not your time to die. I have augmented your skill, use your power to find safety." He was thrust back into the maelstrom of horrified faces, to find that he was now tied to a post, and surrounded by a bonfire. He was to be burnt at the stake. He thought about it, and it seemed befitting that this society would do this to one of his kind. Fighting for the Light, he freed innocents from death, and generally tried to keep the world on the straight and narrow. However, people saw the news that a witch had been freed by a werewolf, and only that 'fortunately, noone was hurt'. He knew that it wasn't easy, but he would never hurt an innocent to save another, because that was worse than not helping the innocent in the first place.

He turned his head to observe his surroundings. He was surrounded by chanting men, scared women, and awed children. In the light of the torches, the men looked almost demonic in the night. "If only they knew" he thought. It was too late now, as the priest had set the pyre alight, and the fire was quickly approaching the stake. It was now or never. He prayed to wind. "Element of wind, hear my plea, extinguish this fire so I can be free!" The townsfolk were astounded at the roar of this being - it sounded almost human... almost. Without warning, a mighty gust of wind came from directly above him, pushing the fire to the ground and extinguishing the torches. He quickly cut the rope with his claws and leapt to the ground. Torches relit, the women screamed in fear as he charged through the mob to the entrance of the small village. Bottles breaking on his back, and sticks hitting him the back of the head, he fled into the night.

It didn't take long for the townsmen to charge out the gates after him, some on horseback, others just running alongside. They fanned out, beating the forest down looking for him, killing any animal in their path. He was only slightly ahead, however their utter destruction of his home, and of the tranquility that the natural world represented tore him up inside. However he knew that vengeance was the way of the Shadow, retribution that of the Light. He knew that they would be punished later for their deeds, one way or another, so he continued running.

He thought about that voice- "You must escape Endu, this is not your time to die. I have augmented your skill, use your power to find safety." Safety? Where? He had been running all of his life, and it was only a matter of good deeds and time until someone caught up. Even he had heard the legends. This place, Trazling- did it really exist? Well he didn't really have the time or the strength to debate it now, but he did know that he had been to the four corners of this world looking, and he still hadn't found it. He knelt in the snow, and extend a claw. He drew a circle in the snow and stood inside it. He looked up to the sky, snow clouds still above. " I ask again for your help my friends. Aid my plight, and I shall forever be in your debt." This time, the voice spoke again. "Endu" it said "You must follow the Light energy you can feel and then, you will find what you are searching for." As soon as the voice had ceased, light surrounded him, healing his wounds, and a mighty blizzard erupted from the clouds behind him. "Be gone, and know this- you have no debt, as we are glad to help one so pure of heart".

He ran through the snowy landscape, sidestepping the masses of snow laden trees that seemed to urge him forth. If he had the time he would greet and thank them, but he didn't. He just ran towards hope, the dream of finally finding a place where he could settle down, where people would accept him because of how he acted, not what he looked like- Trazling.

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Boy, was I in a pickle. The Lord of the last castle I was in called me a liar when he heard about my honesty to his wife. The Lady wasn't impressed at his indiscretions, and gave me a few gold coins for the information. Of course, as soon as the Lord found out, he took what was left, and left me on the cold side of the castle gates. Honestly, couldn't they have expected me to find out the gossip? That's what I was known as. It's as if all the people in the world were Mages and my little gift had to be the one of having people tell me little truths to become my gossip. Of course there was that one time I did embellish a little... But then he deserved it. Treat me like a Princess or I find the gossip. Blah, I know my mother wouldn't have liked him either. Anyway... so, there I was, cold, hungry and homeless, again, and no idea where I was to go to next. Then there was a flash of inspiring light; the Queen would love to have me on her staff. Imagine what I would be capable of finding out. So, with my back straight, a small smile of happiness, I started towards Trazling. Queen Traci was a just and fair Queen, and everyone had said that they wouldn't work for any other royalty. Of course after walking for three days, I was starting to feel a little disheartened. I leaned against a tree and sighed as I watched the sun setting, flicking rays of reds, oranges and yellows around me. Then I heard a mammoth bugle. I looked to the sky and saw the dragons frolicking in the last of daylight. I smiled at their happiness. Then I realised, these must be the Queen's loyal dragons. I must be close to the large kingdoms favourite castle.I walked over the nearest hill, and there, whilst standing on the top, I looked down to the most beautiful sight. Trazling. Walking through the gates of Trazling was daunting. Here was the last best hope in my life. I watched as the lanterns lit up for the evening, and saw that everyone was heading to what looked like an inn. As soon as I walked in, I knew everyone saw me as a newcomer. I was someone different with new stories. At first I didn't think I would be welcome. However I was quick to be welcomed in the Blue Lotus Inn. I sat next to lovely gentlemen, by the name of Eddie, who assured me that I would fit in well. Looking back, I would think that that day was one of the best in my life. The first time I saw dragons, and then to meet the Queen, in such a casual way. Queen Traci is a beautiful person, and let me become one on her staff payroll as soon as possible. These days, I am centre of attention in Blue Lotus. I am always one with new stories. True, I don't always tell the gossip, but I am always there with an entertaining story.

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She wandered through the halls but not really wandering. She knew where she was going, even though she had never been here before.

The walls were smooth, and cold, and tall. She could not see the ceiling, as it was dark, but the swore that she could see the stars, sparkling in above her in the sky.

She approached a door with no handle, she pushed the cold crystal, and it moved quietly aside, allowing her to pass into the room.

The room itself was small and colder than the corridor. There was silence, aside from the sound of her breathing slow, regular breaths. Her stomach threatened to grumble from the hunger it felt. It did not, however. She had fasted for 5 days in preparation. Her skin smelt sweet, and her hair was braided. The soft white robe she wore fell down to the floor.

She sat in what seemed like the centre of the room. This was her day, at last. She had prepared for this her whole life. But her teachers could only tell her so much, could only show her the path. It was up to her to walk it, if that was her choice. Her choice, the choice she had made. To be initiated, or die trying. She thought back to her breathing, taking a firm stance, preparing for the next phase. The room seemed to grow colder and darker, and it felt like being embraced by nothingness. It was cold and biting, and chilled her some more. She sat and waited, for what seemed like an eternity. She drifted in and out of awareness, taken by the darkness, till all the light seemed to leave her body. Till all life seemed to vanish.

What was left? Who was she? She could not remember anything before the darkness, and it had become her world, her existence.

More time passed, this body sat, motionless, almost dead, while inside, her soul began to travel, exploring the nature of being. Reflecting on what it was like to be in a physical body, remembering what it was like to not be confined. She floated and played joyously, excited, entranced and bursting with the bliss of being energy. The body�s functions began to slow, until finally they became almost too little to survive. The soul realised this, and had her choice to make. Stay free of the body, or return to it, to remember and be in a physical body, with these memories intact.

She decided to return to the body. This time, she brought a gift, the gift of memory.

She returned slowly, permeating every cell of this being, with energy so intense that the body began to glow. The room was filled with light, and showed the vehicle the door out of the room.

She stood up, energised and entranced, and walked towards the door. She pushed on the door and it opened, to allow her to go through.

It was night outside, and the stars shone in all the joy to see her. She could hear their song, calling to her, loving her, happy that she had chosen to stay.

Her mentor stopped in front of her, wisest mother of all, smile beaming to see her daughter and student.

She was to receive her blessed name, the one that she was to be known as from this day forward.

One day, she came across a strange looking room. She could have sworn that she had never seen the door there before, but there is stood, plainly, almost calling her. Curiosity won, and she reached forward to move the door aside. The door moved as if controlled by her very thoughts, or perhaps only for her.

As she walked in, she noticed that there was an eerie green glow that filled the room, but there was a point in the centre that shone brighter. In this space, there was a small table, with a metal disc on it. It was a pinky gold colour, and on closer inspection, she could see that it was on a chain.

She felt incredibly drawn to put it on, though she new she mustn�t, this felt right. She placed it over her head, and that�s when it happened. The light began to change colour, first to blue, then to red, then to purple, and finally to yellow. The yellow seemed to turn to gold, and it was so bright that she could not see anymore.

She found herself on a soft green bed. No, not a bed, but grass. As she opened her eyes and looked around, she noticed that she was in a clearing, surrounded by trees.

A young man stepped out of the shadows. He called himself Margrave Laz. She watched him walk closer to her, and realised that he looked exactly like her brother. She was confused, and wanted to see how it would unfold.

She discovered that she had gone through a portal to another time, and she was far away from her home.

She was told that she was in Trazling, and it was arranged for her to meet Queen Traci. She extended an invitation for her to stay in Trazling, as she believed that some other entity had caused this to happen, with good reason.

With her extensive knowledge of colour and healing, crystals and sound, she was welcomed into the healing order, to become the head healer of the multidimensional self. She also became the royal clothier, and would use what she had learnt to create clothing for the people of Trazling to wear, to help them express themselves completely, and to assist them in integrated parts of themselves

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The Fire was starting to lick at my feet, and even then I did not scream or squirm. I just stood, bound to the post, ready for their worst torture. How I had got myself into such a predicament is another story entirely.

I watched as the priests sprinkled holy water around my pyre. Preaching about some thing or other that I had done. Shooting me looks of absolute disgust as they slowly but surely covered the whole area. The sky was thunderous as the time grew near, but still I remained calm and in control. I hated these people with a passion that scared me, but I couldn't, and wouldn't show them my fear.

Looking to the crowd for just one sympathetic person, I found myself drawn to one face in particular. Her features stood out, as did her expression. She was outraged at the treatment I was receiving, and I could feel her temper rising with every word the old priest was saying. Her face was a mask of calm, but her eyes were glowing with unspent rage.

The smoke was starting to get thick, and I started to panic. The crowd were getting wilder with every lick of the fire, and I could almost smell myself burning. It wont be long now, I said to myself.

I looked back to the woman I had seen before, but she had gone. Probably couldn't handle the scene any longer. She appeared to have been noble born except for the dress that was hastily tacked to her form. It was her stance that gave me the opinion of someone who was used to getting her own way. Inwardly I was crushed, I don�t know why, but I felt she was to help me.`

Accepting the inevitable, I decided to have some fun. Well, why not I thought, the bastards had it coming. I was just about to start my merry curse of their lands, when I spotted a commotion over by the old priest. Someone was wreaking havoc, but I couldn't see who it was through the smoke.

The acrid smoke was starting to make me light headed, and I could feel myself slipping away at any time. It was then that I started to really lose control, the rope was making my hands and feet bleed, and I could feel it dripping down my fingers. At first I didn't feel the knife cutting the ropes, my hands were numb from the wrists down, but I felt the rope give, and I was scooped up, and delivered into someones waiting arms.

I don�t remember much of where they took me, but I do remember the profound sense of relief that I felt when the ropes had given way. The last thing I remember before I passed out, is someone referring to my savior, as their Queen.

I awoke 5 days later, to a scene of absolute harmony. The rich colors and sounds dizzying my senses as I slowly took it all in. My hands and feet were bound, and I could smell the herbs from the poultice they had used. I was just thanking my lucky stars that I was still alive, when the lady I had seen in the crowd came wandering through my door.

" The fire has damaged your throat, and it may be a while until you can speak." she said in her sing song voice. It was so melodious that I didn't want her to stop talking. She handed me a piece of paper and pen, and directed me to write my thoughts on the paper. I was gob smacked, and I was nearing tears as she gently brushed my hair away from my face. I wrote that I was from the elven clan from the other side of the ocean, and I told her of how I had become tied to the post that fateful day. She read my story right there and then, and proceeded to tell me about an Inn that was a bit run down and in need of some love. Her hypnotic voice healing me as she spoke. She asked that I run the Inn, as she could find no-one else who would do it.

Feeling that this was all as it was meant to be, I agreed to start work at the Inn as soon as my voice came back. The trouble was, we had no staff. When I started gaining my strength, I decided to wander around the fair land that was Trazling. The smells and sites were a marvel to be seen. Hues of pink and purple assaulted my senses with their absolute brilliance.

It was on one of these walks that I met my co-owner to be, Shilyn. Her aura was so beautiful, that I found myself gravitating towards her. She ran from me at the beginning, as my gaze was surely too much for her. For you see, I have one black eye, and one bright green eye. My quirky eye color is what had gotten me in to so much trouble to begin with, so I thought it best to tackle this another way.

Knowing she was head of Technology, I asked her to design some glasses, that would allow me to be able to still see clearly, but also cover the colors in my eyes so people couldn't see them. Tis this very same problem that landed me bound and close to death the day my Queen found me.

So, you see, it was inevitable that Shi and I meet, and run the Inn together. As her invention has saved my life numerous times.

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For the past few years my passions have lead me towards the media (journalism, photography, radio broadcasting and television) and I believe that�s where I�m destined to go at this stage in my life.

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�Dear are you sure this is the right thing to do. What if we lose her?� Her husband nodded sadly. The town behind them was silent and grim, the occupants all waiting for the advance of the enemy. The world around changed all the time, and this time the change had brought war. It was only the neighbouring country of Trazling, that seemed unaffected by the war, even though slow poison tendrils had started to affect it as well.

The man knelt down beside his daughter and said,�Taliesin you have to go now. That�s the army of the 1^st evil. There is a rouge magi leading that army. The town needs us to protect it. That�s why it is nurse who will be taking you to go see Uncle Felior.�

The girl looked up at her beloved papa with her big deep green eyes and asked, �Papa will I see you and mamma again.� The woman�s grey eyes filled with tears and she had to look away from her daughter lest she cry and frighten her. While he was still eye level with his daughter, he grabbed her in a swift bear hug and embraced her hard.

"Of course darling, we will see you again. Now you are to be a good girl for Nurse. Remember she isn�t as young as you are. You are to go directly to Uncle Felior and you are to stay there.�

The nurse who had been standing quietly was short with grey hair that was trimmed quite close to the base of the skull. She had sharp blue eyes that saw everything. She held out her hand for Taliesin to hold, after Taliesin had said her farewells to her mother.

�Don�t worry M�lord, M�lady. I�ll get her to Felior�s safe and sound for you.�

The dark haired man stood up and embraced the nurse and said, �I know, make sure she is safe and sound. If anything happens to us, she is the last of our kind. Summoners are rare, and she will be a strong one.�

Taliesin sat at her desk and wondered if the council had done the right thing by chosing her as the new head of the Magi Order. Her hands rubbed the smooth curved sides of the desk and she remembered her mentor Aylsande sitting at this same desk when she first came to Trazling with Matt. The woman had had a great presence about her and Taliesin wasn't sure if she would let them in to the order. Her and Matt had been ushered into the room by a magi apprentice and left there to wait, then after a few minutes of waiting a tall grey haired woman in a Adepts robe strolled into the room. She sat down at her desk and stared at them and as soon as she spoke Taliesins fears were put to rest. "I am sorry to hear about your parents my dear, they were great friends of mine. Is this young man going to be your first apprentince?" Taliesin cleared her throat of the suprise that had clutched it, and told the woman, "For now Master, until i can find some one who can teach him how to use his other powers that he has." The woman nodded and her face was frozen in thought, "It is interesting that Taliesin should bring you to us now of all times as we have had a development that bodes well for you young sir." This last remark was directed at Matt who jumped when he reliased someone was speaking to him. " It is." He stammered.

The woman laughed a rich deep laugh and said, " I hope you enjoy it here Matt, my apprentice shall show you where you will be sleeping. I want to talk to Taliesin alone about Master matters." Matt nodded, grateful to be let out of the room, and followed the man who came for Matt. When they had left, Aylsande turned from the smiling woman into the Head of the Magi Order, " Tell me all about this being who calls it self The First Evil." Taliesin knew that tone, and proceeded to tell all she knew about the being she had encountered.

Just then a knock on the door disrupped Taliesins thoughts and she was back in the present. "Yes." " Master, the ceremony is about to begin." It was the voice of her apprentice, Lady Relle. Taliesin looked out the window and saw that it was indeed time for the ceremony of her selection. " Thank you Relle. I am on my way." She stood up and brushed out the wrinkles in her ceremonial robe and crossed the room. Taliesin hesitated slightly as she reached for the door handle, then chided herself gently and opened the door. Relle had already been hustled off to get into her place for the ceremony. The new Head of the Magi order was to make the journey to the Hall of Induction alone.

Taliesin thought to herself as she reached the door to the Hall, ' I must not have any doubts in myself if i am to harness my full powers. Last chance to back out Taliesin.' Then she saw the image of her mother and father, of her first mentor and all the others she had seen killed by the First Evil. Taliesin shook her head and made her way into the room. The hall was huge, it was made from a special metal and rock formula that made the walls gleam like rainbows lived in the walls. The floor was made of a clear crystal that was made to with stand the use of magic. There was places carved from the crystal floor for the heads of each group in the order and then there was the place for the Head of all the orders. This was the spot where Taliesin was headed to. Before she could sit in the chair she had to kneel in front of all assembled and take an oath on the crystal of magic that was just before her chair that bound her to all her oaths.

Taliesin knelt in front of the stone and said to all, " I Taliesin do solomley swear in front of all witnesses and the stone of magic, that i shall always use my magic to protect the people, to not misuse my powers and to continue the pursuit of knowledge. I shall try to defeat this being called the First Evil, who brings with it dealth and destruction." When she finished she placed her hand on the stone and all in the Hall waited. The stone started to pulsate and then turned bright green. Every one cheered and Taliesin got up. She had been accepted by the Stone of Magic. She stepped up and sat down in her chair, for it was hers now. The elder councillor came to my side and the cheering stopped, in a loud voice that carried to the futher reaches of the room. "This woman has been accpeted as Head of our Order, as a token of our trust in the Stone of Magic, and of our love and respect for her, we give her this." Out of her robe came the Scrolls of the Elements, there was one for each order of the magi. No one knew where they came from, they just appear when they are needed or a new magic is found. Taliesin gentally took the scrolls from the elder councillor and bowed her head. She put each of the scrolls to her fore head and recieved all the knowledge they contained. Each scroll took a bit out of her, and once she had finished absorbing all the knowledge, she was limp from exsustion. The elder councillor then said to all, " Welcome our new Head of the Magi Order, Taliesin13." The thirteen part of my name was an honor, that meant that i was the thriteenth Head. The crowd started cheering once again, and then cleared out. Taliesin stood up and went back to her quarters to rest for the feast that night.

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