Great, I once again agree with the time frame, although it could be extended it need be for various reasons. I definatelt think an over night journey or arriving after dark at Baloc. That would add a bit of mystery to the new surroundings. As well as showing a bit of the nightlife on the riverboat and Baloc. Who knows maybe Splevey's face could be noticed at the landing. He would definately be interested on both the cargo and any new arrivals.

Nice post. We should be able to advance the days at a good rate I imagine. A little more realistic.

I am working on a post for supper at Kallend's. It's taking a little longer than I expected, there is a lot of detail in the introduction of his home and some insights into his life.

I am just going to write up to the beginning of the supper, preliminary conversation is going to being in the parlor, where often women and children were silent and the men spoke. Once at the table the characters can converse and reveal plans or possibly recent discoveries.

(My time seems a little shorter now that we have a puppy running around. A shitzu-havanese cross, super-cute.)

LOL

Thanks. I figured we could advance the story at a nice pace as well. While we'll need to keep the time frame realistic enough for the sake of some conversations the characters will need between each other, we don't want to stalemate the story either. And of course there will be Ta'kun raiding parties here and there to contend with, no doubt.

GRRRRRR...you just WOULD have to mention that fact about the parlor, wouldn't you? (J/K )

And yes, puppy's DO tend to need a bit more time than mature dogs. They are just like small children who have to be monitored to make sure they don't get into things that are potentially harmful. Not to mention look for the tell tale signs of a needed potty break.

We're going to be getting a white german shepheard pup in the fall. We've already ordered her, we're just waiting for the bitch to come into heat and hopefully she will become pregnant.

I figure my son will be ready for another dog by then. While he's coping well witht he death of his long time companion, he still misses him.

Ah, the mellow German Shepherd, nice. They are beautiful dogs.

LOL...not sure about the 'mellow' part. At least not at first. It will take her a few years to mellow out some. But she will definately be the full of energy ball of fire my son needs to let him see that he can have a wonderful companion once again.

By the way, that was a very good post. I don't have time to reply to it just now. I'll get to it as soon as I can.

Thanks, its nice to get back to some 'domestic' writing after all the mayhem. I figure it's important to add some more depth to Kallend as he is the central figure of Mierithal, at least from the perspective of our characters.

Take your time... no rush, the story is moving along nicely and the others that require attention as well.

I think the supper will provide a good outlet for the character's hidden thoughts and agendas.

Dittos on the post job Tiph.

Yep puppies can be a challange but nothing either of you can't handle I am sure.

Thanks again.

I really enjoy assisting in the direction of the story but I do not like to fall prey to the almighty EGO. I do not want to become domineering, so I try as much as I can to allow plenty of room for other ideas, in my mind that that is the true spirit of Free-Form writing - a good blend of Direction and Constructive Response.

That was an EXCELLENT bit of writing RPM. I don't believe I want to leave Marshall Kallend's house.

I believe that the characters are definitely due for some victory in their tragic lives. Fort Glory has fallen, but Meirathal should stand against the Ta'kun. When the time comes I think we should have a little success against the 'villains', do you think?

Because Mierathal is in such close proximity to Glory an attack is imminent. I was alluding to the raids of the Lesser Ta'kun, because I imagine that they are more territorial than the Greater. I am not sure why, just seems fitting. The Lesser Ta'kun which are inherently scavengers would be compelled to spread out and stake their claims to the their new area. This would be an instinct that the Mermadon know is futile to try and discourage and so there would be smaller parties bent on conquest. They would be looking to make names for themselves to build up their standing in their clans and so these hunting parties would take great risks for fame and glory.

Thank you very much.

And yes, I think a little victory against the Ta'kun is appropriate. I think your perception of the Lesser Ta'kun is right on the money. I believe it's their basic instinct to want to claim territory for themselves and run off anything that tresspassed on it. Human or otherwise.

Yeah, I see the Great Ta'kun being the more noble race by default because they are more like the Dragons themselves. Perhaps, the Lesser were the first created but inferior to the greater species that followed them?

The Greater seem to know that their place is at the side of the Dragons and therefor are content with their place in the world, while the Lesser are constantly squabbling over the scraps. I also feel that because of this the Greater are naturally more subservient and less prone to disobedience and are consequently a little more dull witted. The Lesser are crafty and malicious, always seeking opportunities.

Oh, there is much more to Mierithal than meets the eye. Something that even eluded Cursha.

I know we all have been distracted from this storyline for various reasons. Would anyone mind if we jumped ahead a few days to where Colleen, the kids and Elija have all settled into thier new digs for say a couple of days? That way everyone will still be discovery things and Colleen's reputaion as a quaility craftswoman could be getting started

Sounds good to me!

For sure... take a leap.