From: Mike Sander <344LWKC@CMUVM.CSV.CMICH.EDU>
Date: Monday, 21 Sep 1992 12:51:09 EDT
Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn
Subject: [DQ] (Week 8) Alita: State of Shock(Wave)

Alita slowly made her way from her house to the Dragon's Inn. As she did
so, she briefly reflected...

The previous night had been successful for her in more ways than one.
She had successfully --in her eyes-- dealt with the group known
collectively as the Dragon Questors. True, they hadn't responded to
her feminine charms and advances as much as she'd hoped. But she had
gained the trust --and more-- of them, and that was enough to suit
her purposes.

Even so, as she neared the door she felt a tinge of nervousness which she
immediately dismissed. She had anticipated what might happen shortly, and
knew how to deal with it. After all, her story was the truth, and it had
been enough previously. Still, she entered the inn ready for anything. And
after a hailing by 'Raelf, the "festivities" began.

ShockWave rose upon seeing her. "I was right! She's a demoness!" During the
others' gasp of surprise, he started to move towards her, poised to attack.

Elsewhere in the inn, two assassins tried to use the distraction to their
advantage. Instead, their target taught them a lesson.
[ADMIN: So, this is why WE didn't help vs the assassins, Jon (aka Zebron).
 Anyone else have as lame {:-)!} er... I mean good an excuse?]

Fortunately, ShockWave was not totally used to controlling SunStorm's body,
and the party caught up with him. As 'Raelf led Alita outside, the other
DQers, along with Listener, tried to calm ShockWave down, despite his
constant protests.

Outside, Alita and 'Raelf briefly exchanged words:

'Raelf: "Is what ShockWave said true?"

Alita: "No! Of course not! It must be another part of the curse on me!
The same one that turned me blue and put words that would offend you in
my mouth first last night!"

'Raelf's expression was a mixture of scepticism and sympathy.
"Well, why don't you go back home for a bit? I'm sure we can make ShockWave
see things our way. Then, I'll be back for you."

Alita agreed, an idea suddenly crossing her mind. As she left, 'Raelf headed
back into the inn to see ShockWave sitting somewhat calmly again.

'Raelf: "So, what's with the Groo impression back there?"

ShockWave: "I tell you, I detected demon essence on her! It's true that it
was weaker compared to what I've felt in Titania, but it was there!"

Valgar: "Calm down --don't get overexcited again!". He looked over to see
Listener prepared to play his song of peace again if necessary.

Eventually, the group convinced ShockWave to at least give Alita a shot.
He was quickly reminded of 'Raelf words. Besides, even if ShockWave was
RIGHT, the party HAD had a vampire they could trust. Not to mention the
fact that the group in general felt that the more "people" involved, the
better. Plus, so far the most danger Alita had presented had been in the
form of flirtations.

ShockWave: "All right, rather than risk losing any of the rest of you,
I'll let her come along. But believe you me, I'll be keeping a steady
eye on her!"

Lancos smiled at ShockWave's satisfaction, and went to tell Listener that
the situation was resolved. On his way back to the table, Littlefair met
him, along with another man.

Littlefair: "Is everything all right with him now?"

Lancos: "Yes --temporarily at least. We're sorry about that!"

Littlefair shrugged, having seen worse. "Anyway, I've found someone who
might be able to help you find your dragon NOW..."

The man next to him interrupted "Lifilis Kloote. Yes, I can help you,
provided you can produce a suitable representation of the dragon in question."

Lancos seemed to ignore the fact that the Kloote's nose seemed to be the
highest point on body in his current position --help WAS help, after all!
"Not I, but my friends should be able to come up with something.", he said
as he led Kloote to their table.

===========================================================================
Michael Sander 344lwkc@cmuvm.csv.cmich.edu
AKA Lancos Erredan