The List Friendship Ring


The Fourth of these pages, in friendship, wine and song.

Contains the onslaught of .. *shudder* Karaoke... Ok, so the Karaoke was MY fault, but we don't have to get into that do we?

Shadowblade Thu 12 Feb 1998 1:38p.m.

In between CDs, Shadowblade blows more bubbles. _More and more people are coming! Ooh, I'm having fun!_ The bubbles spiral up into the air and pops in front of the newcomers' faces. _hmmm, here's one for that jester, TORELL. Another one for ALDRIC, and one for SORANA, one for NIKI, one for CENNYDD, one for SHADOWWOLF, one for FEMMY, one for LANI, one for...._

Shadowblade puts on another disc, "Hey, hey people! It's time for another hit!!! Any 'Swinging' music? Pass me your CDs, and dedications at shadowblade@rocketmail.com!"
She grins to herself. "Meanwhile, here's Blur, with "Song2"!!!!" She switches off the mike and leans back as Blur "Woo-hooed" into the Hall.
_I should get Ynys and Danaa to come here..._ The Unicorn and the Fairy would feel left out otherwise... :Ynys, hey are you there?:
:I'm here. And I'll even consider going to the Hall when you decide to play _civilised_ music: The Unicorn sniffed.
:OK, OK...:
Shadowblade places her blade on the desk in front of her and leans her chin on her palm. _Wonder when anyone would talk to me...._ She felt like announcing to the Hall that she's free for anything. _Hey, I can always control the booth with my mind! But maybe that would sound too desperate. Hmm, ShadowWolf's here. Maybe I should tell Him that the page is half-done._
The Blur song ended, and Shadowblade grabbed the mike "Hey people! Contact me anytime! Remember! The booth has no walls! It's only a TABLE! (was that desperate sounding enough? Oh yeah, you can add my character into your mini-stories;)) And here's a small message to ShadowWolf-- God of Stupid Chess Moves, 'The Page is half-finished.' And here's another song that many of you would have heard before, "Only when I sleep" by The Corrs! I just love the drums! and the flute thingey!"
She feels like going up to SkyWolf and ask her how to do that dance... but she looked like she was having too much fun to bother.

The music played on.

Adrienne Thu 12 Feb 1998, 9:52pm

Just before the real dancing starts, Adrienne tries to speak to Cennydd. Before she can talk to him, however, he mentions something about having other duties and leaves. _No matter_ she thinks, _I'll see if there are any discussions that interest me_.

She joins a discussion with Barb and One Who Seeks about whether Krebain and Leareth are "incarnations" of Ma'ar. After she feels she has made her point and fairly supported it, she drifts off to find more interesting matter. The dancing begins. Adrienne only resists by the other conversations around her being so interesting. Even without music she is always swaying and moving to some music, whether real or imagined.

Suddenly, Skywolf is there inviting people onto the dancefloor. Adrienne cannot deny dancing any longer. She joins Skywolf and her friend, and now even others, on the dance floor. Looking over the happy crowd, she thinks of how fast friends are formed.

_That Friendship Ring of Cennydd's was really good_ she thinks. And then--_tomorrow it is supposed to be passed on! Ooh. how exciting!_ She continues to dance wondering who Niki will pass the ring onto.

Rainbow Thu 9:56pm 2/12/98

Rainbow peeked her head round the carved wooden doors, her Pegasus waiting patiently by her side. Dee'rina's mother-of-pearl wings were tightly pressed to her white hide where gold and silver rippled across the pure whiteness.

Dee'rina turned her deep black eyes onto her rider, :Can we go in Rainbow? Please?:
:Don't turn those big soppy eyes on ME Dee, I'll choose if we go in!: but she ruffled the Pegasus's gold, silver and white hair.
She was lucky to ride Dee, the Pegasi lived with them in the Valley, and children often rode them, but it was not often that they ever went out of the Valley. Dee and Rainbow had been friends for a long time, Dee had been her tutor in riding, and they had learnt magic together. Dee was the same age as Rainbow, and just as adventurous, so when Rainbow had wanted to see this Hall of MIST that she had heard so much about, even in their Valley, the rest of her Clan had agreed to let her go and see if she could find any allies in the name of the Animiian Clan.

:Oh alright,: Rainbow said relenting, listening to the music. :We'll go in, I've never heard this music before!: Dee'rina and Rainbow entered a grand hall, with a pure glass dome ceiling. The smell of delicious food wafted in from a side door where laughter echoed.
A Page ran up, "Shall I take your horse, Lady?"
:No!: Dee quickly spoke, and Rainbow had to hide her laughter at the Page's expression as Dee unfurled her wings as far as they could go in the confines of the corner of the room. All around her were people chatting, and she hesitantly walked up to some people to join a conversation.
:I'm going to sample some of this food,: Dee said, :it smells....: and she walked out of mind-range.

Raven Fri, 13 Feb 1998 04:07a.m.

Raven lurked in the shadows a while longer, not ready to come out and join the festivities just yet. (So I'm antisocial. So sue--what in Siliel's name?)

A black-feathered bird--a raven, she noted in the back of her mind--had flapped over and perched on a piece of decorative statuary nearby, and was staring at her. "Go away," she told it. "I don't have anything for you."

Unperturbed, the raven merely peered at her. "I said go away. Go pester the folks in the banquet hall. They have food."

The raven cawed harshly, and flapped from its perch on the statue to land on Raven's silk-clothed shoulder. "Hey! Who invited you to treat me like a perch?"

The glossy-feathered corbie responded by preening a bit of her unruly blue-black hair. In her mind, Tristan's voice whispered, One does not go seeking a familiar. One's familiar seeks one out.

"Ohhhh, no. No way. I'm a warrior, not a mage! What do I need with a familiar!" As she said the words, she got a feeling of deja vu... (Now I know how Tarma must have felt... Has the entire world gone mad? Or was it already that way?)

"Okay," she sighed at last. "Fine. You can run around with me for the night. But if you mess on my tabard, so help me, I'll feed you to that wolf I saw wandering about!"

Rolling her blue eyes, Raven made her way out through the hall--(Nice music,) she noted mentally--towards the banquet hall. (Must remember to keep an eye out for the cheerful kelpie person. I think I'm overdue for a drenching....)

Shadowblade Fri, 13 Feb 1998 07:11a.m.

Blade is AGAIN at the back of the booth. _Wish someone would talk to me..._
"Hey guys, it's a song request!!! At the delightful asking of ShadowWolf, I am happy to present "My heart will go on" by Celine Dion on the 'Titanic' soundtrack! And if anyone wants to hear the Perfect 10 movie mix version (including dialogue from the movie) mail me for the words!"

Shadowblade sits back as the strings begin on the slightly Irish sounding track. _I wish someone would just tell me what is going on in the Hall._
She spies a Pegasus spreading its/her/his wings at the Door. _More bubble eaters! Hope they giggle!_ Blowing a super-large bubble for the Pegasus (Did I hear someone call the pegasus "Dee"?) she made two bubbles pop up in front of Dee's and Rainbow's noses with "WELCOME" floating inside the transparent giggle-sweet delight.
_Thanks to Dax for teaching me about this.It's such a great gift idea!_ Blade giggled to herself. _Wonder if Ynys would come now along with Danaa?... doubt it._ She spins a disc on her forefinger, letting the next song on the soundtrack "Hymn to the sea" play out as well. Many couples were slow dancing, ShadowWolf seemed alone for the mo', Raven seemed to have acquired a familiar (that's just so cool!).
Waiting....

Niki Fri, 13 Feb 1998 8:24a.m.

....Lady Niki ponders her dilemma. Actually, she tries to ponder her dilemma, but her mind keeps wandering to her title.
She kind of likes it.
After all, most people seem to think Ladies are fragile and delicate. Being six feet tall and very willing to voice her opinion, few have ever realized that she was, in fact a Lady (Actually, I like the Lady Cinnabar as a hardier model of a Lady...). She is definitely amused. Of course, she is so much more than a Lady, but she has a tendency to reveal herself layer by layer. This means that over time she may share with her friends some of her gifts -- but for now she will remain Lady Niki, with a nod to Cennydd.

Meanwhile, she still has to decide who will receive the ring next. Should it be the newest newbie? She has special friends of whom she is fond; perhaps she had better give the ring to someone she is less familiar with.

And time, it plays tricks with her. Why, she has had the ring almost a week, yet it feels as though she has been at a nonstop party -- can anybody party that long? Or is that part of the gift of the ring........

Barbara Fri, 13 Feb 1998 4:34p.m.

Barbara enters the Hall of MIST, unsure of what has happened but sure of the atmosphere in the room. Certain that every one here has become friends in one way or another. She enjoys sitting back and listening to the conversation, being the quiet clerk that she is she never really involves herself. She watches as bubbles fly among those present and enjoys the exclamations of suprise as everyone gets a taste of their favorite treat, hers being French Vanilla Capuccino.

She stands back and admires the beauty of the hall. *The tapestries are magnificent* she wonders who had the opportunity to decorate.

She waits for everyone to enter the dining hall and is startled by something wet against her leg. She looks down into the loving face of what appears to be a sheep. She reaches down and touches her and realizes that this sheep is unique indeed. She decides to invite her new wet companion home with her and to find the giver of such an amazing gift.
She enters the hall and sits at the grand table, Helping herself to the grand feast in honor if the giving of the Frienship Ring to Lady Niki.

Rainbow Fri, 13 Feb 1998 5:18p.m.

Rainbow laughed as she saw the Welcome bubble, it was good to be here... Dee'rina snorted as her bubble caught her on the way to the dining hall.
:Hey, my favourite food...: came the thought from Dee as she licked off the remains of the bubble. Rainbow smiled as she tasted ice cream, and wondered where the bubble was from. She saw movement behind a booth, and smiled as more bubbles floated out, she knew now at least, she'd have to talk to that person sometime...

:Can we dance now?: came Dee's plaintive voice from the dining hall.
:I thought you were stuffing yourself!: Rainbow answered, a tinge of laughter present in her mind voice.
:I am,: Dee replied laughing, :but you could dance...teach them some Animiian dances!:
:Uh...: Rainbow stuttered at a loss for words (for once!) :but I'm not the best dancer in the Valley! Jay is!:
:Oh who cares? They don't know the dances so how COULD they know that you're not brilliant at them?:
Rainbow mentally shrugged, and gave in. Swaying out onto the dance floor she listened to the music and then started to dance......

Ana Fri, 13 Feb 1998 8:41p.m.

Ana was still dancing. But, she was beginning to think that maybe someone else should go and watch the booth.

On the way over, she was sidetracked into a discussion about Leareth, and then one of the pages told her if she didn't leave she'd be late for class.

Then, of course, a *really* good song was playing, and then the swing dancing started, and then... and all of these things piled up to keep her from going to the booth.

Finally, she made it there.
"Heyla, I'm Ana, you must be Shadowblade. Listen, I *promise* to take good care of the booth so you can go dance. I also promise-on my honor-to not play any Spice Girls or Hanson."
"Thanx. But I think I'd rather talk."
A discussion on various subjects then ensued, with Ana grabbing others to join in. After awhile, Ana decided to get a drink.
"Excuse me."
"Yes, ma'am?"
"Do you have any Schnappes?"
"Yes, peach, cherry, grape-"
"That's fine, can I have a bottle each of peach and grape. Oh, and a 2 liter bottle of Fruit Punch soda."
The barman didn't even blink, he just handed them to her.
"Oh, and a big pitcher would be nice-large enough to accomodate all of this."
That too was provided. Ana opened the bottles and poured their contents into the pitcher. Next, she stirred it a bit, then poured some in a glass, and tasted it.
"Oh good. Just the perfect mix. Can I just leave this here? And everyone can have some, of course."
"Very good ma'am."

Wandering back to the booth with a largish glass of blood wine, Ana looked over the controls and blinked.
"Hey Blade."
"Yeah?"
"That is a karaoke machine, is it not?"
"Yes." replied Blade warily.
"So that means we could have a karaoke contest, right?"
"But, would it be a good idea?"
"Of course not! but it would still be fun. It doesn't have to be a contest, we can just let people sing if they want. I'll start off."
"With what?"
"Hmm, how about the Pet Shop Boys 'It's a Sin'? Neil and I have close to the same voice, so it shouldn't sound too bad."
"If you say so." muttered Blade darkly.

Tamlin Sat, 14 Feb 1998 1:04a.m.

The stranger and Shadowdancer arrived at the Halls of Mist to find a party in full swing. The stranger was glad that Shadowdancer had respected her right for privacy and not pressed her on who she was and where she had come from. The truth was that the stranger had no idea who she was, and so was walking, hoping to find that which she had lost oh so long ago...her inner self. Many tribes had a different term for this, but the one the stranger liked best was 'Walkabout'. So, until she found that which she lost she was of no name, and no fixed abode. Maybe she would find her name and her purpose in life here, then again maybe she would have to keep travelling, but now it was time to rest, that much she knew.

She thanked Shadowdancer and the large wolf by her side and watched her vanish across the room. To those two she owed a debt; for bringing her here, and for saving her from the cold and the rain. Maybe one day, she could return the favour. The stranger found a corner and some food and settled down to watch, for that is what she liked to do best...watch people.

Carson Sat, 14 Feb 1998 2:01a.m.

The young minstrel looks around at the other people in the hall, recovering from her encounter with the Goddess of Music and Song. She grins as a couple of those mysterious bubbles float in after her and drift among the crowd.

Suddenly, she hears a completely different sound coming from the hall. Is that... Yes, it sounds like a live DJ, if she's not mistaken. She timidly raises her hand to summon the page assigned to her, and frighteningly quickly, the child appears in front of her.

"What's going on in the main hall?"
"Oh, Shadowblade conjured up a hi-fi set and is now playing dance music for everyone."
"Oh..."
The minstrel stands up, and walks down from the platform. "If Lady Sophia wonders where I've run off to, could you just tell her I'm in the next room? I can't resist good dance music," she says to the somewhat surprised page with a grin.

And with that, she pushes her way through the doors back into the main hall, and is immediately assaulted with... Well, someone apparently got a karaoke set mixed in with the speakers, because there's someone up there singing along quite enthusiastically with some background music.

The minstrel gets a rather eager look in her eyes. [[Ooooh, karaoke...]] she thinks. Now where to go to get in line...

Shadowblade Sat, 14 Feb 1998 5:27a.m.

Blade leaned back, smiling at the line in front of the booth. She winks at Ana (who is still belting out The Pet Shop Boys song.) The song finally finishes and Blade leans forward to speak into the mike that Ana handed to her.
"Alright people! That was Ana with her rendition of "It's a Sin" by the Pet Shop Boys! Ladies, Knights, Gods, Goddesses, Priests, Priestesses, and Listsibs, if you wish to belt out a song or two..." A huge shout from the line waiting for their turn at the mike, Blade grins and waves at them.
"... form an orderly line in front of the booth situated near the bar! Come up to me when your turn comes, state your song, and sing man! No competition is allowed! I'm sure that while everyone enjoys singing, not everyone CAN, sooo... to spare our other more sedate listsibs, I'll alternate songs. One Karaoke, Two Songs, One Karaoke! OK?" Nods all around. "Right, now on to the next song. It's a song request by Ana!!!! For your listening pleasure, here's a Back-to-back session with Depeche Mode, 'Never Let Me Down Again', followed by 'Policy of Truth'!! "
The song blasted into the Hall so loudly that some of the bubbles that Blade blew burst and dismembered giggles filled the air. Quickly adjusting the volume controls, Blade mutters an apology into the mike, "Sorry, guys, forgot about the Karaoke..."
With a more comfortable volume, the music played on, with bodies swinging in the Hall....

Shantaya Sat, 14 Feb 1998 1:35p.m.

Shantaya Autumnleaf is welcoming Jeanne Riverwolf and her friends Jareth and Cheylasa. "Nice to meet you. I hope you enjoy our little fun and dancing. You are elves, aren't you? Reminds me of my days among your people. BTW, I'm a mercenary and part-time healer."
"Yeah, first she cuts them down with her knives and throwing stuff, then she binds them up. Most find the first more fun", Torell adds.
Shantaya frowns down on him, then looks surprised when she notices what he is holding in his hands. "What do you want with this bowl of ... uh ... chocolate pudding?"
"It's mousse au chocolat", Torell corrects her haughtily, "and I'm going to welcome Jeanne's friends."
"No, you don't!" - "I don't?" - "No."
Grumbly Torell turns his back, clutching the big bowl of chocolaty mousse while Shantaya continues her conversation with Jeanne, Jareth and Cheylasa. As soon as Torell finds her deeply absorbed in this conversation, he steals himself away very very slowly. For he has spotted another Newbie!
But before he can reach the unfortunate and unaware person, a bubble touches his lips. "Jelly-bean scrunch! Yum yum." Forgotten is the Newbie as he heads in the direction where the bubbles are coming from.

"Hullo", he says, "aren't you Shadowblade? Did you make those bubbles? They are great! How did you generate them? Look, what I've brought you, it's mousse au chocolat, very fine!" He puts the large bowl down on the table and digs too spoons out of his motley garb offering one to Shadowblade.
"Would you play 'This Corrosion' by Sisters of Mercy for Shantaya, please? She loves this kind of music!" he begs around a mouthful of mousse, his brown eyes giving Shadowblade the look of a lonely puppy.

Aerden Sat, 14 Feb 1998 5:29p.m.

Aerden the Healer winces as the strangely-moded music blasts into the air. He's never heard anything like it. Still, it does have a good beat.

In the back of his mind, his Author whispers a suggestion, and Aerden calls out to Blade, "Say, do you know anything by Renaissance? 'Black Flame,' maybe? Or 'Mother Russia?'"

A bubble pops just below his nose and Aerden grins. "Chilled sparkling wine. Lovely!"

FallenAngel Sat, 14 Feb 1998 9:22p.m.

FallenAngel looks up from her discussion of the Story Circle as someone taps her on the shoulder. "Can I come?" a young woman who FallenAngel remembers as Kas asks.
"Why, of course," she replies, "You're the first that's asked! I would be happy to have you join me." The young woman smiles and moves off with the others, her lamb following her.
FallenAngel smiles to herself and returns to her pile of papers.
:Why are you still working?:
:Oh, there you are, Isis: she replies to the great panther. :I was wondering where you had slunk off to.:
:Just to the rest of the party. You missed the Presentation of the Ring to Lady Niki:
"Ohhh....I forgot that was tonight!"
:And you haven't answered my question.: FallenAngel looks down at the pile of messages, all marked urgent.
:I really don't know. It's been so long, I hardly remember.:
Isis yawned, her long, sparkling white incisors gleaming. She raises one great paw and with a single swipe, brushes all her bondmate's papers off the table.
"Well," FallenAngel says out loud, "I guess that settles that!"
With a grin, she stands and turns back toward the Main Hall, where the others are currently eating dinner.

:That will never do: Isis scolds, staring at her clothing.
:Jeans and a tye-dyed Grateful Dead T-shirt? Really!:
:Is this any better?:
FallenAngel smiles at her bondmate and raises her arms. She began to shimmer as if a thousand stars were sparkling within her skin, radiating an opalescent glow until the far corner, where she had been lurking, began to shine. People on the edge of the gathered crowd in the Great Hall turned to look, shielding their eyes against the light. Suddenly the light shrank to a manageable glow that was no brighter then what any of the assorted Mages and Deities wore as an adornment.
FallenAngel shook the folds out of her bright red silk dress as it fluttered in the slight breeze. She folded her dark maroon wings tight against her back, semi-conscious of the questioning looks she was receiving. Glancing down at Isis, she sent a thought ripe with lemon-flavored amusement.
:Aren't YOU going to dress?:
Isis growled deep in her throat. :I just KNEW you were going to get me for making you to change!: she complained. Still growling softly, she began to shimmer, highlighting their corner of the Hall. She completed the transformation without the display that FallenAngel had given off, and ended with a smug glance in her bondmate's direction.
:Show-off.: Isis only purred in response to the comment
:You've only had more experience. Give me a century, and I'll be able to do the same.:
:Be a fast learner,: Isis advised, :and you MAY last that long.:
FallenAngel snorted at the panther's grin. :Nothing's going to happen in the Halls of Mist. THEY can't get through to here. All the Goodwill and Love is a mightier barrier then the strongest steel.:

Isis purred in response as the tall woman brushed dark red curls off her shoulder and walked toward the Hall, her winged black panther bondmate treading gracefully at her side. As they passed a shadow, it made a quick movement that caused the companions to whirl in anticipation of an attack. "Well," FallenAngel murmured in surprise as she gazed at what her own glow revealed. "Who is he for?" Isis just smiled in answer as the winged tiger cub vanished into the Main Hall. Suddenly she lifted her head, listening as an interesting sound floats out of the Hall. :Do I hear Karaoke?:





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