Megalith Code for Sale

Down underground, Swith is prizing gold nuggets from the rock when she comes across a stone tablet half buried in a small side cave. She manages to free the thing and drags it off down the tunnels.

Sirena Lauria: tal Swith
Swith (cyneswith.luik) jumps, with a squeal.
Sirena Lauria giggles: I didn't mean to startle you
Swith (cyneswith.luik): 'By the gods miss... I thought yer was King Eecho fer a moment... He usually throws folk out of 'ere...'
Sirena Lauria: well, perhaps if we are quiet, no one will know we are here
Swith (cyneswith.luik) nods, putting a finger to her lips, then points to a stone slab under her arm. 'Eh... look what I found miss...' She puts the heavy thing on the ground.
Sirena Lauria takes a look and says "what is that you have there? isn't it a bit heavy to be lugging around?
Swith (cyneswith.luik) nods, 'Aye... bloody heavy. I's 'ad ta stop every cave fer a rest. Just thought might be useful to yer... I don' know what these carvin's be about... at least it nah be whisperin’.’
Sirena Lauria peers at the carvings on it "this is a key to the runes on the megalith Swith. Don't you recognize them?"
Swith (cyneswith.luik) shrugs, 'Aye... thought it were somethin' like that. But yer's already solved it, 'aven't yer?'
Sirena Lauria says, yes I have solved the carvings... but I need to find the answer to the question
Swith (cyneswith.luik) nods, 'Well maybe I leave this bloody heavy thing 'ere then. Eecho can tidy it up later..' She giggles.
Sirena Lauria: there must be more of these - this is only some of the runes.
Swith (cyneswith.luik) scratches in her hair. 'It be the only one I's seen miss.'
Sirena Lauria: well if you see any others, be sure to pick them up. someone might be willing to pay for them
Swith (cyneswith.luik) arcs a brow. 'Pay...?' She frowns, 'I's goin' ta need a donkey, 'elp me carry stuff.'
Sirena Lauria grins "There are many here who like to be first - they want to win at all costs
Swith (cyneswith.luik) grins too, 'Well if there be pay involved, I likes ta win too..'
Sirena Lauria frowns "perhaps you could sell the location of where you found these...."
Swith (cyneswith.luik): 'Yer thinks I should put it back where it were?'
Sirena Lauria says "if it was well hidden, then yes I do. But if not, then hide it yourself"
Swith (cyneswith.luik) frowns, 'I nah knows where ta put it now... can't be bothered carryin' it all the way ta the village..'
Sirena Lauria frowns as she thinks "then break it up into a million pieces
Swith (cyneswith.luik) wrinkles her nose. 'With what? Me slingshot?' She pauses before the obvious occurs. 'Oh, but there be pickaxes... hmm...' She looks behind her a while, wondering what to do.
Sirena Lauria nods "yes, pickaxes are all over this mine. Tthe dwarfs just left them lying around when they decided not to work the mines anymore'
Swith (cyneswith.luik): 'Well now I don' know what ta do... shall I bust the thing up an' move it, maybe sell it down the village... or shall I put it back? I don't trust them eerie whispery ghost voices... might come an' get me..'
Sirena Lauria says thoughfully. "I think the ghost voices are contained in the stone. As for this, I would break it with a pickaxe and scatter the pieces. it should not take more than a couple of shatters.
Sirena Lauria: After all, we both know the riddle now"
Swith (cyneswith.luik) frowns, musing a while, then looks down the tunnel behind her. 'Hmm... s'pose I'll go get a pickaxe then...'

*A few moments later*

Jordon McGillivary walks up to his friend "can I help you with that Sirena?"
Sirena Lauria says "But of course Jordon
Swith (cyneswith.luik) points 'Eh, if yer breaks it up around the runes, maybe I can sell 'em...'
Sirena Lauria takes careful aim
Jordon McGillivary turns at the sound of a voice "good morn maam. Swith. How are you? Haven't seen you in a coons age"
Swith (cyneswith.luik) nods to Jordon with a black-toothed grin and sets about breaking down the tablet with an axe also. 'I's alright sir... 'ow's yerself? It 'as been a while..'
Jordon McGillivary: "busy. very busy"
Sirena Lauria wipes her brow. I think we have them now Swith"
Swith (cyneswith.luik) leans on the axe a while and looks at the rubble. 'Hm.. aye.'
Sirena Lauria: We can each carry a few pieces out of the mines for you"
Swith (cyneswith.luik) nods and starts to push some bits into her lute sack.
Sirena Lauria picks up two runes and put s them in her pouch which is beginning to sag.
Jordon McGillivary shakes his head over the retort he knew would follow his statement and asks "What is so compelling that two ladies are below ground swinging axes?"
Swith (cyneswith.luik): 'Yer wants to 'elp sir? Yer can carry some o' these runes.'
Sirena Lauria says "Here Jordon, carry these back for Swith"
Jordon McGillivary bends and picks up all he sees
Sirena Lauria smiles "It is nice to have a strong helper." she looks at Jordon's muscles with admiration
Swith (cyneswith.luik) looks at one of the broken chunks of rock. 'ow much yer reckon I can get fer these then?'
Sirena Lauria shakes her head "I have no idea Swith. Maybe you could let it be known they are up for bid?"
Jordon McGillivary says "I can hold more if you add them to the stack in my arms"
Swith (cyneswith.luik) nods, thoughtfully. 'Hmm... nah a bad idea. Just hold off tellin' everybody yer's already solved the riddle, eh?' She smirks.
Sirena Lauria: That is a deal Swith. I will not be deluged with inquiries then. I like the way you think"
Swith (cyneswith.luik) nods, 'I likes the way I thinks too... usually makes me coin.'
Jordon McGillivary: "what riddle? What do you want with rock pieces?"
Sirena Lauria turns to Jordon "it is a long story . Shall I tell it to you over a glass of wine?"

Jordon Meets the Unseelie King

The Unseelie King growls as he sees a figure standing in the middle of the underground passages. “What are you doing here fae!”

Leo444: Hello Jordan
 
King Eecho: Do you know this one Leo?
 
Leo444: No sir
 
King Eecho: How did you know her name?
 
Jordon McGillivary is startled and turns toward the voices. "Greetings. I was searching for stuff for my pouch.”
 
Leo444: Just see her now with you
 
King Eecho: You are trespassing. You will leave now, or I will make you work the mines with the goblins!
 
Jordon: "You know, the ingredients everyone is after for potions and I just got turned around." He straightens "I am not a her."
 
Leo444: ahh, I saw your pouch and wings.
 
King Eecho snorts, "You are lucky, I do not just take you down now!"
 
Jordon: "There are male fae also, how do you think we reproduce?"
 
King Eecho: Have you been granted leave by the High King to steal from his mountain?
 
Jordon shakes his head "I did not realize things that grew wild or branches that had broken off and were lying around were desired property for anyone."
 
King Eecho: Now you know. Nothing in Taure Ru is free.
 
Leo444: heheh, a true Fae
 
Jordon: "my friend Sirena is after them. She is learning how to heal others."
 
King Eecho: “Sirena can get her own things.” He pulls his staff from his back. "Now I will ask you one more time. Will you leave?"
 
Leo444 snorts
 
Jordon says "I will and gladly. However I am turned around and do not know how to vacate the premises."
 
King Eecho: go right behind you through the passageway and to the right. You will find a door after going right a bit.
 
Jordon nods and turns, saying "Good day to you gentlemen."
 
Sirena Lauria rushes in out of breath in response to a feeling that her long-time friend was in trouble. "Good day M'lords"
 
Jordon looks ahead "Greetings my friend. I am being shown the door by these fine men."
 
King Eecho: Sirena...did you send this bug into the dragons lair to steal?!
 
Sirena responds carefully, "No I did not send him to steal. I can find my own herbs. But he is a very dear friend."
 
King Eecho: No seelie should be in these caves. We capture those we find and send them to work the mines. If they do not do well enough...well, the goblins have dinner for a day or two.
 
Sirena swallows and nods, "I will take responsibility for him. He will not enter the Hive again. I will see that he stays on the surface."
 
King Eecho nods. "Thank you."
 
Sirena says "By your leave, your majesty." She whispers to Jordon, "Quickly, let's leave."
 
Jordon bows to the Unseelie King and moves on in the direction the King said the exit lay. He follows Sirena through the twisting passages until they emerge through a heavy door into a grassy meadow where he breathes easier once back in the open air. 

He says, “Let us move further from the door, he may not take well to our loitering.”
 
Sirena says "It is because you are not allied to the Torgan Empire. He is the Unseelie
King of the Winter Court and can be capricious and chaotic. I was happy to see that he took me at my word. And yes, by all means, let's move away."
 
They ford a stream and walk up a long stone staircase on the outer edge of the mountain, arriving near the arena. Sirena remarks, “ I think we are far enough away now.”
 
Jordon nods and says, "we should be out of his territory." He pulls off a boot and shakes it out. "I picked up a pebble under ground. Although the terrain here is no easier."
 
Sirena asks, "Is your foot all right or does it need healing?” She casts Flames of Passion and restores stamina to those nearby.
 
Jordon sighs, "It was sore, large pebble. Feels good now. Thank you." 


~ ~ ~ ~ ~

My thanks to Sirena for her submission 

Sirena explains Belenus to Jordon

Sirena says "Jordon, I know I have tried to explain about my god to you, but perhaps this story will make you understand." Jordon settles on the ground to listen. Sirena sits on front of him and continues. “I placed a poster on the wall at Sylvhara advertising for a position and a man answered it. He paid a lot of coin and asked me to dance for him. So I did what he had paid for. I dedicated the dance to Belenus as was proper, and when I was finished I bowed to the man, ready to leave. But the man asked for one more dance because the hour was not yet gone, so I danced just for the man." Sirena hangs her head and whispers "That was my mistake. Later, Belenus came to me in the fire again and said he was not pleased. I had danced for another other than Him. So he took the dance from me for three days and took the memory of that night from the man who watched me dance." Sirena cries softly as she remembers, "Every time I took a step on the sand, my feet felt as if they were on fire. They burned and ached and I could not dance for three days." Tears fall from her eyes. "He can be a cruel God, Jordon."


Jordon reaches towards her as if to comfort her, retracts his hand wondering if it is safe to touch her, or if her god will call down anger upon her. He tries again and hesitates just short of touching. "A horrible experience for you my friend."
Sirena watches his hand pull back from hers and sighs. "I think you should go from me Jordon. Suppose he should remove all memory of me from your mind? What would I do with no friend here in this dark land?" She whispers, “I could be the death of you.”
Jordon heaves a great sigh. "I can not leave so easily after finding you again Sirena. I care too deeply for you to do so. The memory of you has sustained me for years. I will try not to do anything that will anger your god.”
Sirena says, "I have thought of you often since you left. I often wonder how different my life might have been with someone to laugh with and take away the pain. But I must behave as He asks. It is like my father all over again."
Jordon says "Oh gods, I do not know. I wish I did, but I fear the knowledge would hurt both of us.” He shakes his head at old memories "I wish I could spare you this. Is there no way?"
Sirena shakes her head "I do not know. I have been commanded by Him to study, so study I shall...all about Him. I will find a way to be free of Him."


Sirena says "I know it is nearly time for you to leave again, but I would give you something before you go" She draws a small stone out of her pouch. "This is for you. Keep it safe and hold it in your hand when you think of me." Jordon holds out his hand and watches a small shiny stone drop in it. Sirena says "I do not know what it does, but I was told by the mage who gave it to me that it was powerful. I want you to have it."
Jordon folds his fingers about the stone, unfolds his fingers and brushes it with his lips feeling her warmth radiate through it. He looks at the face of his dear friend. "I will treasure this small bit of you"
Sirena blushes "I will keep this picture of you in my mind ‘til we meet again." She touches the back of his hand with her finger and sighs.
Jordon sighs "And you are correct, it is time for me to depart my dear."
Sirena stands "Safe paths to you my friend. May Belenus keep you warm and fed and far from trouble."
Jordon rises to his feet. "I think I would prefer being watched over by a more kindly god."
Sirena says "He is a powerful God. You could do worse than have him on your side"
Jordon nods "I might, but I do not want to be beholding to him." He touches her lightly on the shoulder and turns to leave
Sirena watches him leave with sorrow and turns toward the dark again.

Jordon Tells SweetPea the Truth

This takes place on the bridge spanning Sylvahra Elen and Sylvhara Tari

Jordon McGillivary trudges across the bridge without hurry, not looking forward to the conversation he must have with his good friend.

SweetPea FeatherFeet is flying over the bridge when she spots the friend she traversed four realms looking for. She quickly yells out "Jordon!"

Jordon turns. "Pea!"

SweetPea lands on the bridge and trots up to him "Where have you been? I have missed you!”



Jordon looks gloomy "I've been looking for you this day"

SweetPea giggles, happy they have found each other at last "What a coincidence. I have flown all over these realms looking for you.”

Jordon smiles at her obvious excitement and then sobers "I have been acting as a courier for packages, traveling to other lands. I just returned from my last assignment last evening"

SweetPea is impressed and says "That sounds like a very important thing to do." She smiles as she thinks of her friend being employed. "But do you find time to play any more?'

Jordon nods and says "When I am at leisure after I hand over parcels, I am able to enjoy the local sports"

SweetPea looks at Jordon and sighs "That sounds...fun. What about shinies and pea shooters?'

Jordon chuckles "No shinies other than those I am hired to protect, or pea shooters in my pouch"

SweetPea pouts "Then you will need me to make you laugh.” She flies up and gives Jordon a big hug

Jordon nods and hugs her fiercely. “I have something to tell you Pea."

SweetPea hears the seriousness in his voice and says "What is it Jordon? Are you all right?'

Jordon nods, sighs and continues, "When I was growing up in the village, I knew a girl."

SweetPea detects something in his voice as he says this and she looks at him out of the corner of her eye and shrugs "So you knew a girl...'

Jordon says "She lived in the village, a merchant's daughter,"

SweetPea says impatiently "I know you grew up with mortals, so of course you would know ... a girl'

Jordon wishes he could be anywhere, any when else. He groans. "Yes, I did. She was fun loving and winsome......" He stammers to a stop. SweetPea’s heart is doing a strange fluttering at Jordon's words and she is filled with dread. He continues "At any rate, we grew up together; playing, learning about life."

SweetPea says " But you are fae. You are my friend now and we play together. “

Jordon McGillivary nods "Yes, I am fae. Gave her a start, it did, to see me with wings."

SweetPea says "Wings are the best things about being fae. With them you can soar over mountains and…” She stops midsentence as she hears Jordon continue.

Jordon realizes he left out an important detail "I saw her again. Last week."

SweetPea says slowly "Did you? And is she still fun loving and winsome?

Jordon says "I found her again Pea, or maybe the gods found us." He shakes his head "No, she is not fun loving. Life has not been kind to her. She needs a friend now."

SweetPea says as she tosses her head to dismiss the subject, "Can't she make friends?' A feeling of fear and loss comes over her. Jordon seems to have changed. It is not that he is sober, he has always been that. It is that he is so sad.

Jordon shrugs "She has changed. She would not find it easy to make friends now, as you do. You are light and air and spunk and people flock to know you"

Jordon tries to explain "I took for granted that when she reached maturity, we would marry. It did not happen that way. Her tyrannical father promised her to another merchant. Knowing him, it was probably with a discounted dowry, tightwad that he is."

Jordon says "It was around the time that my father claimed me. Perhaps her father could not reconcile himself to his daughter being with a fae."

SweetPea shouts "Her father was right! Mortals do not belong with fae! We are different!' SweetPea suddenly understands and her heart drops to the floor. “Jordon McGillivary! Do you prefer her to me?” She shrieks "She is a mortal! She is not even fae! We are fae!"

Jordon McGillivary shakes his head "It is not that I prefer her over you Pea. It is that she needs me more than you ever have. And our souls...." He stops speaking. He starts again "it was as though our souls recognized each other, as old friends, as ...."

SweetPea’s eyes flash and her voice goes quiet. She is suddenly jealous and very, very angry "Jordon if you leave me for a mortal, I will never, never, never speak to you again!'

Jordon frowns "Now Pea, don't say that!" He panics "I'm not leaving you. We aren't together in that way! We are friends, good friends, but friends"

SweetPea starts to cry as he says friends. He has come to mean so much more to her. " I mean it. I cannot share, will not share you with anyone, especially a mortal... a silly girl who can't fly and can't make friends'

Jordon reaches for her "I want you for my friend Pea, you are dear to me. The times we have shared. I don't want to lose that."

SweetPea takes a step back from him. "No Jordon, don’t touch me”

Jordon hesitates "now Pea...."

SweetPea looks at her friend and tears well up. "I swear, if you do this thing, you will never see me again."

Jordon steps towards her with arms out in supplication.

SweetPea steps back again. "No Jordon, I can’t” She whispers “I love you.. "

Jordon says "NO Pea! Don't go!! " He drops his arms to his sides, recognizing that he has hurt her immeasurably.

SweetPea says "I will go between the worlds. That is what I will do"

Jordon McGillivary says "Pea, please do not do this. I beg you do not! NO Pea! Don't go between!! "

SweetPea opens her wings and looks at Jordon. The tears fall over him as she flies into the air. She cries sadly, "Farewell my friend. I will love you forever"



Jordon lifts into the air and reaches out, hoping to stop her, but fails to catch her. He cries out "PEEAAAA!!!" and falls to the ground.

A Reunion of Old Friends

This tale takes place in The Place of Torgan

Jordon McGillivary opens the door to the tavern and walks in

Sirena Lauria feels a slight draft from the open door and looks up. She glances at the newcomer and then abruptly stops her dance and whispers to herself "can it be?'

Jordon stands inside the door, surveying the space. Notices that it is large, but confining with pillars and a balcony. Scans to see if there is anyone around but the lady in the middle of the floor

Sirena watches the faintly familiar figure look around The Place and shakes her head. The boy she knew years ago did not have wings. Jordon says "Good day ma’am"

Sirena smiles an enigmatic smile and says "May I dance for you sir?'

Jordon turns to look to the balcony he walked under checking for others, then turns back to the lady, raises a brow "Certainly you can if you would care to ma’am. It is not an offer I get often."

Sirena looks at the man/fae again. His speech pattern reminds her of home but she cannot place who he might be. She replies "I will endeavor to do my best for you m'lord'

Jordon watches her as she bows and then begins to step with the music

Sirena asks, a bit distracted by her memories, "What brings you here m'lord?'

Jordon shrugs "traveling through" thinking of the wooden box he dropped off in lands not far from here. He thinks to himself "She is lovely; a dark skinned beauty"

Sirena says "Please rest your weary feet traveler and enjoy the braksheesh. But stay away from the bloodwine if you want your wits about you'

Jordon nods, seeks a spot to relax

Sirena turns to face the stranger again. "My name is Sirena, traveler. And I am the First Dancer here in The Place.”
Jordon settles onto a cushion and takes a puff. He starts in surprise "Sirena?!"

Sirena replies "That is the name my father gave me'

Jordon says "As a child I knew a girl named that. My name is McGillivary. Jordon McGillivary"

Sirena smiles, thinking she is sure she knows this man/fae.
Jordon uneasily wonders if he said too much, if the walls have ears

Sirena says slowly "I once knew a boy named Jordon. We would hunt frogs together and run away when our parents called."

Jordon "I was raised in a village far from here. My friend is undoubtedly married with children at her knee."

Sirena says in reply 'Perhaps, but life does not always go according to plan. Do you not find that so?' She stares at the wings on the traveler.

Jordon "Sirena and I hunted frogs.
And it is true that life does not always go as we wish.”

Sirena stops her dance and says ‘I was raised in a land far from here'

Jordon notices that she has stopped dancing although he was concentrating on her words and not her movement "You dance beautifully"

Sirena smiles ‘The dance is my only love and has often given me refuge'

Jordon "You were raised in another land? May I ask where?"


Sirena says with a scowl "my father was a merchant in Arran, which some call the Isle of Mann' She walks closer to the man/fae

Jordon: "I come from the same land. Mine were foster parents, my mother abandoned me young. The villagers cared for me until my father claimed me."

Sirena nods "Aye, I knew a boy and his life was similar. He left and then I had no one." She continues "you could be him, but he had no wings'

Jordon stands "Could you be my childhood friend? All the way in this forsaken land?"

Sirena says with joy "You ARE my friend Jordon. I know this in my heart. But why do you have wings?'

Jordon shakes his head "A truer question would be why I did not have them then. My mother was ashamed to have a faery son. I did not have them upon birth and after they grew, she made me understand even that young that they were a point of shame not pride. She trained me to hide them. She told me when she left me that the villagers would not protect me if they had knew I was fae so I continued to secret them"

Sirena whispered "And you did not tell me? I thought I was your best friend. She reaches out with her hand. “May I touch one? Is it permitted?”
Jordon nods "yes, of course you may" turns one close to her.


Sirena gently caresses the top wing and it feels velvety soft under her fingertips "Lovely' she whispers in a sultry voice.

Jordon says, "I swore to my mother I would not tell anyone regardless. She believed it would keep me safe"

Sirena looks at him with tears in her eyes "And did the secret keep you safe while you were gone? She looks at Jordon and thinks he has grown into a handsome figure of a man.

Jordon shrugs, "I am still alive. Who is to say whether it was because of my secret, or luck and skill"

Sirena says "I am sure it is skill. You were ever a clever boy.'

Jordon smiles and bows slightly "thank you. You were a smart girl and a good friend"
Sirena continues "Tell me, do you still catch frogs for the butcher?”

Jordon laughs loudly "no!!"

Sirena giggles "I think they are harder to catch when one is old."

Jordon McGillivary says "So now you work at the black market as a dancer. Quite a change for a sweet merchant's daughter. Has life treated you so badly, the road you traveled that brought you here?"

Sirena smiles sadly "It was not a road that brought me here. It was a swim, forced upon me by the captain of the ship I sailed on'

Jordon looks startled "You were fortunate not to end up as shark's food"

Sirena nods "Perhaps. I was so terrified, I did not think of that. It was a long swim to this island. And I am thankful to you for the ability to swim. Remember how we used to play in the stream? And you made me learn to swim" she smiles

Jordon chuckles "I do remember, those were good times, carefree times"

Sirena shakes her head, 'But we have both grown now. And are changed by what we have seen and done.' She does not want to tell the whole story. She looks at Jordon's wings. "How long are you staying?'

Jordon McGillivary nods, thinking he has rough times he does not wish to discuss with his good childhood friend. He shrugs "no specific time. I travel a great deal. I am known in some realms as someone able to carry messages, packages from place to place. I have no home."

Sirena says "Perhaps you can be of use here. I hear many deals being made here and they sometimes involve packages and secret travel'

Jordon sighs thinking of Arran and missing it and the sweet life where most dragons were friends and did not need to fear the swords of man

Sirena hears his sigh and says "But you are tired and thirsty. Please seek a rest and we can talk later'

Jordon nods "Good to see you again old friend" hoping they can renew their acquaintance. He opens the door and strides out, in search of lodging.

Sirena says “Farewell, my friend’ and watches him leave, praying that he will return again.