From m.m.gunn@xtra.co.nzSun Feb 22 23:48:57 1998
Date: Mon, 23 Feb 1998 20:02:27 +1300
From: Mike and Micky Gunn <m.m.gunn@xtra.co.nz>
To: "dagrfall@ods.com" <dagrfall@ods.com>
Cc: Sherrian <sherrian@pagan.com>
Subject: [Porc] Reunion

My buddy Sherrian is still waiting to join the Dag. list, and she's
asked me to forward an instalment for the Porc. Tales, so without
further ado can we please have a big, hearty, welcoming round of
applause for the lovely Nyxalinth! :)

Cheers

Micky

**************************************************************
"Blasted rain just couldn't wait until I'd gotten to shelter!" 
Nyxalinth pulled her fur lined cloak more closely about her as she
hurried down the street. It had been threatening to storm all day, and
she'd hoped that it could hold off a bit longer. It had been a light,
drizzling mist when she'd entered Vanshire's east gate, but now, it
rained steadily. 
"Dammit," she grumbled under her breath. The wind picked up, blowing
cold sheets of rain right into her face. All around her the townspeople
hurried to shelter from the pouring rain. The lucky ones had horses, and
those luckier still rode in fine carriages. 
"It could be worse," she told herself with a sigh. "I could still be
with Vex." She pushed aside the memories of the daedra lord. There would
be time enough to torment herself with memories later, after she'd found
the Angry Porcupine. 
At last, soaked to the skin and chilled to the bone, she reached her old
hangout. "Perhaps the fond memories I have of this place will chase away
my blues." 
She opened the door and stepped inside. The inn was much quieter than
she had remembered.
Usually, on any given night, the place was packed to capacity with
adventurers and mercenaries of all stripes. But she only saw a few
unfamiliar faces scattered here and there like leaves on a still pond.
Sighing, she pushed her hood back. She shook the water from her silver
brown curls and moved to the bar. 
The barkeep was busy serving one of the patrons. While she waited, Nyx
studied herself in the mirror behind the bar. 
'I look like the proverbial drowned rat,' she thought with a rueful
smile. 'Would you still desire me if you saw me thus, Lord Vex? And what
of your spider daedra minions?' She shook her head, for she knew that it
wouldn't deter them in the least. Nyx knew that it wasn't merely her
looks that drew Vex to her: it was her. Even so, she had to admit that
even soaking wet, she wasn't half bad: long, curly brown hair, turquoise
eyes, and intriguing half-elven features. She was perhaps a bit plump,
but pleasingly so, and the leather armor she wore showed her figure to
advantage while still offering protection. 
"'Pon my soul, you're soaked to the skin!" the innkeeper exclaimed. 
Nyx grinned ruefully. "Tell me something I don't know, old friend." And
they exchanged a hug of greeting. 
"I feared for your life! Where have you been?" 
Nyx's smile faded. "I--I, er, it's a long story." 
"Well, you go and get into some dry clothes, do you hear? Your favorite
room is available, so just take it. Then come down and have some dinner,
and an ale or two." He shook his head. "You look like you've been to
Oblivion and back." 
"You'll never know how right you are," she told him, and went upstairs
to change. 
****************************************************************************