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Date Posted: 20:45:35 01/21/02 Mon
Author: Erlic Eastlore
Subject: Revelations
In reply to: Ebessa 's message, "Info on Twilight and the Sharm" on 14:45:14 01/21/02 Mon

“Naturally, however, I am happy to put up with those who would in turn put up with me.”

Now that was a most interesting statement if Erlic had ever heard. He almost wanted to smile at Laurel’s unique use of words, but thought better of it. There was no sense in causing any more turmoil with the druid, especially if he planned on being friends with her. Although he was supposedly extremely aloof at times, at least to other people, there were certain phrases, and statements that didn’t go unnoticed, including Laurel’s current catchall phrase.

The scene suddenly changed from one of common to one of surprise. He had heard Ravin’s statement about wishing to read, and write, but because he hadn’t been around Saras, wasn’t privy to the information of he/she being a genie, and thus being able to grant Ravin’s request. Erlic was a bit concerned over his friend’s welfare, but it soon vanished as he realized that Ravin was fine. However, the younger thief’s new ability had been quite dramatic, to say the least. He wondered now just how much power the genie actually had.

He had heard various stories about how difficult it was to actually have a wish granted. Not so much as the wish itself, but how it was worded. Just because someone asked for money, didn’t mean that they would get the denomination they requested. He had heard one story, how true it was, was another matter altogether, where one wished for gold. The wisher had died on the spot as gold gave falling from the sky only to crush him to death. Of course these were all myths, and legends, and supposedly held no truth to them whatsoever, at least that’s what everyone taught.

Narur had just arrived with the bowl of water, which everyone was asked to drink. Erlic had partaken in the bond of salt, but this was the first time he had heard of the bond of water. He was not one to go against the customs of tribes regardless of their beliefs. Since they were the guests of the Awati clan, they should do as the clan suggested, in spite of what anyone thought on the matter.

After receiving a little history about the Sharm, and how Ebessa had escaped with her life with only the cutting of her hair as a remembrance of that evil night. The centaur soon explained that they would retire for the day, since they would be traveling at night. Erlic decided this was as best a time to inform her of their other misfortunes.

“Excuse me Laurel,” Erlic stated. “But I need to speak with Ebessa for a moment.”

With that Erlic excused himself, and called out to the leader of the clan. The centaur stopped as he approached. Erlic looked around, and wished for this information, which in itself could be considered both delicate, and dangerous; to make sure no one other than Ebessa was listening. She could inform whomever she pleased after the fact.

“I am Erlic,” the guild master began. “Firstly I wish to thank you for your hospitality in allowing my group to enter your safe haven.” Ebessa simply nodded in affirmation. “However,” he continued. “You should be aware that there is the threat of assassins that might be following us. I bring this to your attention for it is your right to know, and prepare should you find it necessary.”

Ebessa took on a thoughtful look, and finally nodded to Erlic, thanking him for his honesty, as well as thinking of their safety. Erlic nodded in return as the centaur returned to her comrades.

As he walked back to Laurel, he couldn’t help but notice how the camp was identical to a small village. At one area stood a tent where one of the centaurs had been fashioning the shafts, and feathers for the arrows that they used. That particular centaur was probably gifted in the art of fletchering, and probably helped out the rest of the Awati clan. Another area housed clothing of varying colors. Even an area where one could find food had been established. He almost smiled to himself wondering if there was the possibility of a thief’s guild in this little clan. He highly doubted it, but the thought amused him nonetheless.

He finally returned back to Laurel, and sat down next to her, looking at the cat. He stared into the druid’s eyes for a moment before looking away. It was most unusual, especially for a practitioner of magic, to don a ring of unknown origin. Some rings simply had some value assigned to them. There were those, however, that contained magic properties. Some were good, while others were quite unlucky. Too many times during his excursions, the adventurers in his group would find rings, and quickly place them on their finger. One was turned into a toad, while the other had no notion that he had this urge to steal from his fellow members. Such rings were considered cursed, and could not be removed except through magical means. He hoped that Laurel was aware of such conditions.

“I would be careful about what rings you place on your fingers,” Erlic stated to the druid. “One never knows if it is powerful, or magically cursed.”

Since Laurel was a druid, he only presumed that she had taken the necessary precautions before wearing the old, but still good band. Which led him to her next request about naming the cat. The guild master stared into the golden eyes of the cat, and was intrigued at how well the cat behaved itself. Most cat’s preferred their own space, and only became friendly when they required attention. This one seemed much more…worldly than others. It was the only word that Erlic could think of.

He looked down at the cat, and held out his hand. Oddly enough the cat actually approached the guild master. He smiled down at the animal, stoking it behind the ear. “I think a suitable name would be Mikoshi,” Erlic stated much to a perplexed look from Laurel.

He smiled at her while continuing to stoke the cat’s ear. “In the East, it is considered that when one’s life passes, it goes into another form, sometimes that of animals. Some animals are revered, and called Kami, or the spirit dwellers. Whatever seemed strikingly impressive, possessed the quality of excellence and virtue, and inspired a feeling of awe was called Kami. Here, the quality of excellence means an enormous power, which give great influence on many things. It is beyond the human power or human works. It brings a good luck, and happiness to man, or woman, but at the same time it could bring a misfortune or an evil as well. People whose spirits are enshrined after death are limited to those who have had a great contribution to a community, or the state. People who are enshrined during their lifetime are especially limited to those who have enormous spiritual power over human life.”

Erlic didn’t know if Laurel could possibly grasp the concept of Kami, but it was his own belief, one that he held high. There was always the possibility that an animal was simply just an animal, but there was also the hidden belief that it could be much more. Regardless of what Laurel would think, she had asked his opinion for a name, and he had given it. Whether she kept the name or not was her prerogative.

In order to explain a little further, Erlic picked up the cat, and looked into its eyes. “I think Mikoshi suits you well, little one,” Erlic stated to the cat. “Let’s be honest with one another. You could have chosen anyone here, but you had decided upon the lovely lady sitting to my right. Perhaps you will become her good luck piece, and then again perhaps not. But I’m sure there was a reason you chose her, and only her,” Erlic finished before finally placing it into Laurel’s lap, as it turned and meowed at him, almost as if in agreement with the guild master. “Mikoshi means a portable shrine, and I think the cat fits the description rather nicely, especially with its golden orbs. The cat did bring you a gift did it not? Do you not find any of this unusual? Think on it. You might have a Kami with you, and not even know it.”

Erlic smiled at the druid, and Mikoshi. Even if Laurel didn’t share his enthusiasm in the name, he most certainly did.

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