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Date Posted: 19:47:50 12/11/01 Tue
Author: Erlic Eastlore
Subject: Do unto others
In reply to: Isobel 's message, "A pause for reflection" on 11:49:36 12/10/01 Mon

Erlic was just as intrigued about this new test of enlightenment as were the others. The group spread out as the mirror like objects started to approach them with the intent to harm. Erlic pulled out his katana, gauging his distance between he, and the unusual figure before him. He blocked one of the blows, and fell back a bit harder than normal. Either they were extremely strong, or he was becoming weak.

He continued to watch the creature until he spotted an opening that he could attack with. As quickly as possible, he swung the blade into the creature’s thigh hoping to damage it significantly. He felt a razor sharp cut in his own side as he backed away, and looked down, only to see his leg bleeding profusely. Was it possible that these creatures had other appendages that were invisible? It was a well thought out question, so he carefully maneuvered himself for the next strike.

Thinking of the appendages, he found another opening, and lashed out at the creature’s arm, only to find himself inflicted with the damage. At the time, Erlic was unaware of the same situation happening to his fellow comrades, for each of them was engaged in battle. It was only Ravin’s yell that brought the assassin to a level of realization. Mirror images. He hadn’t even thought of that. He moved back swiftly, and caught sight of Ravin covering up his creature, and then killing it. Who would have thought that such trickery could exist?

Erlic ran as fast as his injured leg would carry him, and tore down one of the tapestries. Rather than get too close to the creature, he waited for an opportune time before throwing it on his opponent. As soon as it was covered, Erlic lashed out only once, and when he felt no pain, continued quickly to finally overthrow his opponent.

Once his victim had fallen, Erlic quickly grabbed a white cloth, and wrapped it around his leg trying to stop the bleeding. He tore another piece of cloth, and used it for the wound in his arm. Here he thought that the tests of enlightenment wouldn’t cause any injuries; how wrong he was.

Once the group had huddled together, they looked around to find another door appear out of nowhere. “I wonder what lies ahead for us?” Erlic questioned as he looked to his friends. He made sure everyone was fine before deciding to continue forward. This time he decided to check the door for any signs of traps. Again, as before, he found none, looked to his friends, and opened the door.

There, sitting at the table eating dinner, was the old man that they had met when they first entered the room. “Come, my friends, come, and join me for dinner!” he cried out.

Considering what had happened last time, the group decided it was best to cooperate rather than be faced with another barrage of tests. “I see you almost didn’t make it,” the old man stated with a smile. “But I also see that you did survive the tests, and for this I am thankful. Now please eat, while I explain.”

For some strange reason the group was quite hungry, and oddly enough the food was much to their liking. “I have been entrapped here for ages, waiting for someone to discover the secret doors that lead to this chamber. As am I the Kami of Thunder, there are others, situated throughout the realm awaiting those curious enough to investigate, to learn, to understand, and most of all….to perceive. It is a foolish game, which I’m sure you have realized by now, but it’s one we must adhere to, for just like yourselves who follow a higher order, so must we.”

The old man continued to eat, and then drank some of the wine before him. “However, I’m getting ahead of myself. What’s important is that you have passed the tests. Now you’re probably wondering what was accomplished by any of this, no?” He smiled a bit uncertainly before continuing. “Ravin, and don’t look at me as if wondering how I know your name, for I simply do. Ravin, master thief of the city from whence you came. Know that the empathy you carry is quite real, and can be quite true, you have but to believe in it, and study it. The more you learn about it, the more you will come to appreciate its….gifts. But that will take time, something of which you have much of.”

He then turned to Isobel. “And Isobel, whose heirloom you carry with you at all times, and have never given it up. Perhaps it was time you studied that sword of yours more carefully, for it holds many secrets.”

Finally he turned to Erlic. “And finally to Erlic, or should I say Lon Su?” The assassin’s face didn’t register any sign of surprise whatsoever at the old man’s comment about his real name, as he continued to face the old man. “Cold, and cruel at one end of the spectrum, yet compassion, and warmth at the other, but nothing in between. Perhaps it is time you understood what balance actually meant, eh?”

The old man smiled before taking a sip of the wine. “But I have tarried too long. You came, and passed the test in accordance to the rules set, and it is now time for you to leave, and re-join your friends.” Just as the man finished speaking, a door appeared behind him. “That will lead you directly out of this room to an area just outside your camp.” With that the man vanished.

Erlic looked to his friends after taking a sip of the wine. “Perhaps it’s best the we get out of here while we have the chance.” The trio rose, and made their way out the door pointed out by the old man. No sooner had they gone through when it vanished behind them.

“I wonder,” Erlic stated. “Just what that was all about considering…..” The assassin stopped just as the camp came into view. He felt something odd coming from his pouch, and reached down, pulling out an emerald from his pouch. He looked to Isobel, and Ravin. “I didn’t have this before I went in,” the assassin stated.

Ravin, and Isobel in turn, reached into their pouches, and pulled out the same type of gem…..and smiled. Erlic shared the smile with them. “Maybe it was worth the test,” he stated as the group approached the camp where they had left the others.

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