January 23, 200719 yr This is a story andufusthebronze and I wrote together. What we have tried to do is give each OTer (off topicer) a character in the story. (Except for Jess's brother, everyone in the story so far is equivalent to one of the OTers). We have tried to give everyone a fair personality based on the posts they make. Obviously me and andufus are the main characters as this was originally a story about me... but that's changed a bit... So firstly, did you enjoy reading it? If yes/no, please give us any suggestions to make it better. Secondly, if you think you can guess who any of the characters are, go ahead! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Part One - Flashbacks, Friends, and Very Naughty Knights Chapter One - Posted Chapter Two - Coming Soon! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If you read this please answer these questions - they'd really help this story and I'd appreciate it soo much. 1. How old do you think Jess and Phil are from the impression you got? 2. If you could describe the library in 8 words or short phrases what would they be? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter One The embers of the fire smouldered in the grate, sending plumes of smoke into the air. Jess poked the coal with her spear and it flared upwards and outwards, and settled back down. She sighed and gave up; as she walked over to the sofa to sit on it she had a thought which might wash away the boredom. She smiled at herself, and slipped into some old, faded light blue robes over a white toga-style tunic. Jess pulled up the hood and opened the door, she looked back at the interior of her cosy Cabin, then swung the door shut and turned a silver key in the lock. Jess strode down through the Gate of the Fountain in Varrock and continued her short journey. Hopefully she would find something interesting to do there. As she walked through the grand maple doorway she gleamed with happiness; she was in the library, her home away from home. Light poured in through the huge, sparkling panes of the massive double doors, tinting the whole colossal room a golden pink in the sunset. Smiling happily at the librarian (her friend Jane, who was new to the library yet instantly loved by many) Jess stared around one of her favourite places in the entire world. The regal blue carpet was stainless (somehow) and the bookcases, made of oak and mahogany, cut in traditional curved shapes, were elaborately decorated with ancient Varrockian symbols. The library was sectioned into several areas by small, jutting out walls, lower than head height. The main source of light was a huge transparent panel in ceiling; in fact, it was made almost entirely of glass. Books of all kinds, shapes, and sizes were sitting in the bookcases, most leather bound and old. The writings of young authors throughout the city where scattered everywhere, stacked on top of other books, in messy piles all over the tables. They were the hopes and dreams of children finally getting their poem or story in a glossy Varrockian magazine or a thick hardback book. It was a long walk to the other side of the library, but soon Jess sat down in a pool of light illuminating her table and pulled out an old parchment that was as old as Grandpa. She reached for a quill, paused thoughtfully for a second, and chose a satisfying title, scribbling, ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâOne Thousand Miles From HomeÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢. As she was thinking, JessÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s mind strayed, as they often did, to her brothers. Felix and Decens were alive, but living far away, and Kavanus, the eldest, had been slaughted by Sir Dramus Vartzen, a middle aged man whose heart had been swept away with greed. And of the woman who had saved her life - Sarah. Sarah and Phil, they were her greatest friends. Phil she had lost nine years ago, when she was eighteen, and Sarah was living in Falador now. She wasnÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t often at home, though, she was a spy for the White Knights, renowned and respected by the society. Her code name was Sal (Jess was one of the few allowed in on that piece of information) and Jess regretted that she hadnÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t seen Sarah for about eight months. Back to work, she thought. Jess didnÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t stop scrawling words, phrases, and bits and bobs of a plot for a long time. Suddenly when she looked up she recognised an old friend. Her heart momentarily stopped, and then she was waving and screaming. He was wearing a faded red cloak with a floppy hood pulled up over his face. His skin was pale and looked rough, bushy white eyebrows balancing above his eyes. The cloak fell nearly to the ground but Jess could make out a pair of tough brown sandals around his ankles, and bare toes poking from the leather. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâPhil! Over here!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ she shouted, leaping to her feet. The figure swung around and her cheeks burnt bright scarlet as Jess realised she had made a stupid, rash mistake. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâIÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢m so sorry, I thought you where an old friend of mine.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ She blurted out, and flopped, dejected, back into her seat. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢DonÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t worry Jess, you thought right,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ he replied, and smiled. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâPhil!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Jess cried, overcome with joy. She embraced him like a brother and he chuckled softly, glad he had eventually, after searching every library in the world, found his old friend again. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢So tell me about what you have been up to, Jess, how long has it been? Nine years now? My, my. Looks like weÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ve got a lot to catch up on, eh?ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Jess and Phil were settled comfortably infront of a happily roaring fire nestled in her old, charred chimney, the smoke wafting upwards like butterflies to the clouds. On the teak table infront of them sat a sizzling pot of nettle tea and a plate of scones. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâSo,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ he began. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâYou never quite told me what happened to you!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ~~~~~~ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâChaaaaaarge!!!!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ King Roald roared. Shouts and yells filled the air, the shrieking and clashing of metal on metal rang through the valley outside Rimmington. The makeshift battlefield was already strewn with bodies of White Knights, Black Knights, loyal, brave members of the RVAG, and the Keldagrim Revolutionists. Blood poured from slits in armour and death was surrounding each warrior. Jess was utterly confused, distraught at the sight of death around her. Sarah was gripping her hand and they fought back to back, but the Dwarves and the Black Knights kept coming, advancing in on them. Jess was terrified, not only for herself. She and Sarah couldnÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t find Phil. It looked as though he was either dead, or had run away. Suddenly a hand grabbed her neck and she whipped out her sword, fighting off the Black Knights around her. It was Phil himself. He grabbed her hand, giving her strength. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâCome on, Jess. Keep going, Sarah. We can do this. DonÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t give up now!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâI wonÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ she vowed, and the three grouped into a small huddle of glinting armou, warding off the opponents around them. She had to forget she was killing ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Ãâ forget they were alive, forget they were people like her. It was then that it would get easier, not hurt so much, for every blow she struck was a blow to her mind, every bead of blood she drew was a bead of blood from her own heart. With Jess, and Sarah, too, standing behind me I felt so much more safe. We battled back to back until exhaustion overcame us. The Keldagrim Revolutionists eventually fled. No one knew where they were heading, except it was a place far to the west. Both the Black and White Knights, too, gave up the fight. No one had won; everyone had lost. The corpses of both innocent and evil were mangled among the grass and bloody leaves. It was not a pleasant sight. But what shook me more than anything else was discovering that, by the time the battlefield had empty of the living, Jess had disappeared. Sarah and I ravaged the battle plains for her ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Ãâ pulling corpses from the ground to see whether she had been crushed by a suit of armour; madly slicing down branches of trees and ripping bushes apart. Even when I came across the body of one of her three brothers, Kavanus, my only thoughts where for her. Then, underneath his body, I found something that murdered me from the inside. A few scraps of JessÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s battle-cloak, a purple and gold embroirdered cape, were clutched in his left hand. As I watched they fluttered forlornly away, off into the sky and the sunlight. I couldnÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t cry and I didnÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t hear the prayers or the sobs uttered by Sarah. My heart seemed to have been frozen. I was gripped by an unbearable terror ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Ãâ the terror of living my life without my closest friend. Now I had nothing to live for. I travelled, lost, for many years, never being able to find myself a home. Wandering from place to place, inn to inn, city to city, bar to bar, my life was fading away before my eyes. Gone. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâWell, IÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢m just glad you found me!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Jess exclaimed after hearing of her friendÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s adventure. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâIÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢m so glad youÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢re safe,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Phil agreed. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâLife isnÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t the same without you, Jess.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâYou too!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Jess choked, suddenly overcome by the pain of not knowing whether Phil had been alive or dead, continuing her life, and an awful guilt gripped her. Within seconds she was sobbing. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâI never looked f-f-for you!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ she wailed. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâAnd you w-w-were searching for m-m-me all the t-time ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Ãâ Phil IÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢m so s-sorry, will you ever f-forgive m-me? I just gave up! IÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢m s-s-sorry! ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâItÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s alright!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ he assured her. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâI gave up too, youÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢re not the only one! Shuuush, itÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s ok! ItÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s ok!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Phil gave Jess a tight, friendly hug, and they sat together for a long time. The embers of the small fire began to glow ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Ãâ it was nearly dawn after all, and he soon realised she had fallen asleep. Phil gently carried the sleepy Jess to her bed and tucked her in, under layers of cosy wool. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâNight-night, Jess!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ he smiled to himself, and went to lie back down on the sofa infront of the fire. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâThankyou, Guthix!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ he prayed. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâThankyou so much,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Chapter Two Chapter Two Jess awoke feeling pleasantly dozy. It was as though there was a little bubble of warmth inside her, and seconds later she worked out what it was. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâPhil!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ she called sleepily and climbed out of bed, wondering whether he had stayed in the Cabin or gone to the inn for the night. She was still in her pale blue cloak and white tunic ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Ãâ Jess guessed she must have fallen asleep on in front of the fire late the previous evening. Phil was spread-eagled on the sofa, gently snoring. He looked exhausted. Smiling to herself and barely able to contain the joy of having Phil back , Jess knelt by the fire, stuffed kindling into the embers and blew on them to get the flames going. When the fire was crackling merrily, and the heat was spreading through the little cabin, Jess went to the stove against one of the walls and began preparing a pie to share when Phil woke up. As she was kneading the dough Jess experienced a few happy memories of her mother laughing while Jess, a playful six year old, stood delighted in a cloud of flour covering her from head to toe. Grimacing, she blocked out the vision of their deaths which appeared every time her parents were in her head. Phil stirred on the sofa, muttering in his sleep. Jess slipped the pie in the oven, put her cloak on, and strode away from the Cabin to fetch the morning milk. Phil murmured something dreamy-sounding, and fell to the ground with a crash. His legs tangled in the blankets and, groaning, he landed on the hard wooden floor. Clambering to his feet, Phil ruffled up his hair and then let a tremendous yawn rip. Jess wasnÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t in, but the fire was already lit. Stretching and yawning once more, he sat sleepily at the dining table and waited for his friend to return. The square was packed with people, men and women bargaining for the latest goods, silk and fruit from the desert far to the south, dry wood and warm rough furs from the wilderness of the north, herbs from the east and magnificent Gnomish delicacies from the west. Colours and sounds filled the air, tinting it with the brush of excitement. Jess loved the atmosphere in the market-mornings. JessÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s thoughts slowly wondered back to Phil, and decided he should be up soon. Jess strolled into the small general shop. It had a quaint selection of interesting items for sale. Jess spied out some milk on the far shelves and chose a few bottles; free-range from the Lumbridge farms. She fumbled round in her pockets, and pulled out a small larupia-skin pouch. She handed the pouch to the owner of the shop, and turned to leave. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢Deln was looking for you earlier; he said he had a message for you and your friend,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ shopkeeper informed her. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢Oh?! Deln!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Jess exclaimed. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâThankyou!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Jess vaguely remember Deln as a young, smiley boy of fourteen, rushing around after his father in the courtyards of the White KnightÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s Castle. Jess had met Deln several times, she was about five years old than him. He had loved to be involved in the business of the knights and lords of the castle, their clutter and cloaks and adventures. What would he be like, Jess wondered, ten years later? The aroma of red berry pie welcomed her as the door closed quietly behind her. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢Hey.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ PhilÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s voice sounded, and she looked round, only to se him sitting at the dining table. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâSomething smells good!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Jess walked into the kitchen, and a minute later reappeared with a golden-brown pie in her hands. She placed it on the table, and cut it in half with her knife. A small amount of steam came out, and then there was a knock at the door. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢Who is it?ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Jess asked cautiously ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢Deln, messenger of the white knights,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ came a reply, the voice was deep and masculine. Jess stood stunned for a second by the manly voice. Deln?! Deln, the jokey teenager? He had changed more than she had anticipated. Well, he would be a man now, probably working under his father. Jess walked slowly to the door, taking deep breaths. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢Greetings madam, IÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ve been told to fetch you, but you have a day before it becomes urgent.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ He paused, then it dawned upon him who he was talking to ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Ãâ his old role-model, friend, and unofficial nanny- Jess the adventurer. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâJess!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâDeln! Gosh, youÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ve grown so much!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâItÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s nice to see you. IÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ve got a message from my master, Sir Amik Varze. We have also tried to contact your esteemed adventuring partner, Phil, but IÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢m afraid we havenÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t been able to trace him. No-one knows of his whereabouts,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâThatÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s OK,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Jess beamed. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâPhil is here with me!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Deln grinned. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâGreetings, Phil,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Phil rose and shook the messengerÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s hands. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâI remember you, Deln. Gosh, you were a tiny lad chasing your father around the castle when I last saw you. Fine looking man, I bet Varze couldnÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t do without you nowadays!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Deln stood up as straight as he could and bowed his head slighty. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâThankyou, Phil!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâSo, why does Varze need our help? And do you want some redberry pie? Homemade this morning,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Jess could nearly hear the young manÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s tummy rumbling, and smiled to herself. A White Knight was never full! ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâIÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢d love some, thanks,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâSo, why does Varze need our help all of a sudden?ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâI was not trusted with this information, its top secret. All I know is that my master, Sir Amik Varze, needs your help in his time of need. The Black Knights and the Keldagrim Revolutionists are slowly advancing in. My master needs all the help he can get, and he may have a special job for you,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâThanks, Deln. So, is the redberry pie a yes?ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Deln faltered. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâSorry Jess, Phil. IÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ve got a few things to do while IÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢m here. Hey, can I come back tonight for supper? Then we could leave together before nightfall,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Jess and Phil glanced at each other, smiled, and nodded. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâIt sounds great, Deln,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Phil agreed. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâWeÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ll see you then!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ An hour later, Phil and Jess had gone back to varrock. The streets where alive with music, and the two of them were smiling as they strode through the streets. As they turned the corner, they saw an old man lying in the street. He was a beggar, about fifty years old, with matted grey hair and scars on his face. He was thin and spoke in a feeble voice. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâCan you spare anything?ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Phil took off his old cloak, and handed it to the old man, wrapping it around his shoulders. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâThey say it will be a cold night, stranger, take this. It will keep you warm on the night to come. Sleep well.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâThank you, adventurer. I am forever in your debt.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ The man creaked to his feet and scurried away. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâThat was awfully nice of you!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Jess said admiringly. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâThis is no place for an old man.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Jess walked into the tailor shop, telling Phil to wait outside. He stared at all the different robes, and silks in the window, which kept him entertained for a while. Jess talked to Braggus, who seemed to be the owner of the shop, and tapped him on the shoulder. As he turned around, Jess got her first proper look at him. He was tall, with dark skin, and a muscular build. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâYes?ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ He asked, in a rolling voice. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâHow much is your finest red cloak?ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâFour hundred gold.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ He paused, and then added persuasively; ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâBut worth it. Should last a long time.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâCould I see it, please?ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ The man nodded, and led her over to a blood red cape on a small iron hook. It was a full length cape, and had a golden hem on it. It was finely made, and was PhilÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s colour alright. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâItÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s beautiful,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ she said, chuckling. She was certain Phil would love it. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâVery fashionable. Trimmed gold hem, gathered scarlet collar, soft peaked hood. Cut differently from most cloaks, slightly inwards to the ankles from the waist. Lovely choice,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ She pulled out another pouch, and handed it to the man, and he handed her the cloak. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâThankyou,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Jess walked slowly out of the shop, and told Phil to hold out his hands. He obeyed, and she placed the beautiful cloak into them. PhilÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s eye lids opened and he smiled as he saw it. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâWow, Jess, itÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s gorgeous! I donÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t even want to think about how much you spent on that!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ He swept it over his shoulders and hugged Jess. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâThanks! ItÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s perfect,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ 'no problem. I want to visit the library before we go. Is that ok?ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâSure, IÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢d love to. Hey, I havenÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t seen Jane or Sarah for ages. Do you think theyÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ll be there?ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ThatÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s why I want to go! Jane got a job as the new librarian, you know. Everyone loves her.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Jess hesitated and then spoke sadly. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâI havenÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t seen Sarah for ages, though. IÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ve tried contacting the White Knights but they wonÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t let me know anything. I miss her so much, Phil. I donÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t know whether sheÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s alive or dead or whether sheÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s still working for the White Knights. The last thing I know was that she was sent to Ardougne on a spy mission. IÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢m so scared for her and IÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ve been trying to pretend I havenÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t but I miss her, so, so much. I wonÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t be able to stand it ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Ãâ if ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Ãâ if ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬ÃâÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹Ãâ Jess shivered and Phil put his arm around her as they carried on walking. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâItÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s alright, Jess, IÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢m sure sheÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s fine. Anyway, now that weÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢re helping Varze out, heÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ll have to tell us everything he knows. Sssh, itÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s ok!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Jess led the way into the library, and pointed Phil to a chair. She then crept over to Jane, who was checking the shelves. Jess coughed to get her attention. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâOh hi Jess. Looking for anything in particular?ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâWell, actually no.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ she paused, her eyes shone with sadness. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâIÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ve been summoned by the white knights, and IÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢m not sure if IÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ll be coming back.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâOh Jess! I thought youÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢d given up all your adventuring talk!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâIÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢m really sorry Jane.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Jess burst into tears, embracing her old friend. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâJust do what you have to do, donÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t worry about me.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Jane handed gave Jess two books to take with her. One was an atlas, to help them find their way, and the other a copy of ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâWindy Stars,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ JessÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s favorite book; it was full of amazing poetry pieces. Jane and Jess hugged once more, and Jess and Phil tore themselves away from the library. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâWell, I think thatÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s everything Phil. WeÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢d better go now, Deln will be waiting for us,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Jess wiped a final tear from her eyes, knowing that after this dangerous mission she may never see her friends again. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâThis library is the meeting place of the worldÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s finest authors, Jane told me. ItÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s always been considered the most esteemed place of writing, leaving it the home of some of the most inspirational pieces ever written,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Phil nodded. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâItÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s a lovely place,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ he agreed. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâI feel honoured just to have known it,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâI can remember the first day I met Jane. Just outside the library. I feel so happy for her, now sheÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s working there,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ She had been in her formal outfit, looking pretty in a white toga; it was a tia-bwo-wanna make, except it was pure white. She wore red boots with it, and a cloak a bit like PhilÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s. Her glossy brown hair looked like gold in the light of the sun. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢It was a great day, that, IÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ll never forget it.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Phil just nodded, and went along with it. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâWhere are we going then?ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ He asked ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâTo pack.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâOh, ok.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Phil said, and smiled. About half an hour later, Jess had her bags packed and was ready to go. Phil had already got his equipment ready when Deln arrived, so he was cooking some potatoes. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâHow do you like your potatoes?ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâAs long as it isnÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t boiled its fine!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâRoast ok?ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâYup!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâCool, dinners ready then!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Phil emerged from the kitchen with a tray in his hands; he placed it on the table. Jess was wearing a dark blue tunic, that came down to her knees, and a sky blue cloak, that reached her ankles. It suited her, and her hair was tied into a loose ponytail. As she pulled back her chair, there was a knock at the door. Phil walked to the door, pulled back the bolt, and opened it. Deln was stood on the door step. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâYou always did manage to get here in time for food, Deln! Come on in.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâHi, Phil. I was just checking to see whether you two where ready to go.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâNearly, we are just having a bite to eat before we go. Do you want some?ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâYes please!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ So for the next hour they where there, eating roast potatoes and drinking chocolate milk. Then, forgetting final goodbyes, they rose from the table, and made for the door. They left for Falador, with the blood red sun setting behind them.
January 23, 200719 yr OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooh, now that was a very enjoyable read. I am sooooo pleased to be involved in this..........you see.......I was wondering...........am I sarah??????????? Another guess is........... Jane; is she suziangel???????????????????? On the writing itself i thought it was enjoyable written with vigour and feeling, but i think that you over-describe some things : basically you just have to many things being described briefly when it might be better to have less things being described more exstensively??????? Also some obvious details were neglected when you could have wrote something about them, but other than that....................wait for it........................ I LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : : :thumbsup: :thumbsup: MORE PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! by the way all criticism made with the two author's best interests at heart.
January 23, 200719 yr Author Thanks sooo much lee, that means so much coming from you!!!! :D also, I know we overdescribed the library a little...but I think it was worth it cos we wanted to have a perfect image of it. ah well we might change it later :D
January 28, 200719 yr As always I got the 'this is so fake' feeling all the way though the story. The feelings felt forced, the actions were rushed and undetailed. In short I thought it was a terrible story....Sorry but I do. There is nothing that really hooked me, or even got me partically interested. Nothing really was described in the detail it required and the 'oh and the rest of her family died' seemed very much like an afterthought, rather than a major plot line. Its really just not a story that I can enjoy because there is no real emotion there.....sorry. 1. How old do you think Jess and Phil are from the impression you got? I would assume that they were late 20s early 30s. Because they have neem commission in a battle therefore over 18. They have been searching for each other(Or not searching as it may be) for about 8 years...so that tells me 26 as a bottom level and 36 as a top level. 2. If you could describe the library in 8 words or short phrases what would they be? A playground for the literally enlightened. http://www.uzzisoft..../archimage.jpegWell I knew you wouldn't agree. I know how you hate facing facts.
February 12, 200719 yr I found it interesting, but the feeling towards the end felt rushed, and overly dramatic. Overall, it was good, and I will wait for the second part. Also, the description of Jane needed some work. It didn't go into enough detail, and led readers to beleive she was the steryotype librerian. Work on these few things, but you are a very talented author with much potential! Tetris is about using the equal force of the working power to build up the glorious people's republic of Russia....
February 12, 200719 yr It didn't REALLY capture my interest, but it was OK. The battle was pretty good, but emotional stories really aren't my cup 'o' tea. Or milk. Or soda. Where was I? Oh yeah. So it was alright, but i've seen better out of both of you authors. ** out of ***** )-(
February 12, 200719 yr Author I found it interesting, but the feeling towards the end felt rushed, and overly dramatic. Overall, it was good, and I will wait for the second part. Also, the description of Jane needed some work. It didn't go into enough detail, and led readers to beleive she was the steryotype librerian. Work on these few things, but you are a very talented author with much potential! Thanks alot, andufus did indeed ask for a better description of Jane. We will work on it! :) And just so you know its we are very talented authors, not I. :wink: Thanks for the comments everyone, means alot to us
February 12, 200719 yr I found it interesting, but the feeling towards the end felt rushed, and overly dramatic. Overall, it was good, and I will wait for the second part. Also, the description of Jane needed some work. It didn't go into enough detail, and led readers to beleive she was the steryotype librerian. Work on these few things, but you are a very talented author with much potential! Thanks alot, andufus did indeed ask for a better description of Jane. We will work on it! :) And just so you know its we are very talented authors, not I. :wink: Thanks for the comments everyone, means alot to us Issy, when are you intending to post chapter 2?
February 13, 200719 yr Author It's 9.30 am GMT here now, it should be posted by 10.30. Is that ok? If you come online I'll get it to you again and you can make any edits you want.
February 14, 200719 yr Chapter Two Jess awoke feeling pleasantly dozy. It was as though there was a little bubble of warmth inside her, and seconds later she worked out what it was. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâPhil!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ she called sleepily and climbed out of bed, wondering whether he had stayed in the Cabin or gone to the inn for the night. She was still in her pale blue cloak and white tunic ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Ãâ Jess guessed she must have fallen asleep on in front of the fire late the previous evening. Phil was spread-eagled on the sofa, gently snoring. He looked exhausted. Smiling to herself and barely able to contain the joy of having Phil back , Jess knelt by the fire, stuffed kindling into the embers and blew on them to get the flames going. When the fire was crackling merrily, and the heat was spreading through the little cabin, Jess went to the stove against one of the walls and began preparing a pie to share when Phil woke up. As she was kneading the dough Jess experienced a few happy memories of her mother laughing while Jess, a playful six year old, stood delighted in a cloud of flour covering her from head to toe. Grimacing, she blocked out the vision of their deaths which appeared every time her parents were in her head. Phil stirred on the sofa, muttering in his sleep. Jess slipped the pie in the oven, put her cloak on, and strode away from the Cabin to fetch the morning milk. Phil murmured something dreamy-sounding, and fell to the ground with a crash. His legs tangled in the blankets and, groaning, he landed on the hard wooden floor. Clambering to his feet, Phil ruffled up his hair and then let a tremendous yawn rip. Jess wasnÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t in, but the fire was already lit. Stretching and yawning once more, he sat sleepily at the dining table and waited for his friend to return. The square was packed with people, men and women bargaining for the latest goods, silk and fruit from the desert far to the south, dry wood and warm rough furs from the wilderness of the north, herbs from the east and magnificent Gnomish delicacies from the west. Colours and sounds filled the air, tinting it with the brush of excitement. Jess loved the atmosphere in the market-mornings. JessÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s thoughts slowly wondered back to Phil, and decided he should be up soon. Jess strolled into the small general shop. It had a quaint selection of interesting items for sale. Jess spied out some milk on the far shelves and chose a few bottles; free-range from the Lumbridge farms. She fumbled round in her pockets, and pulled out a small larupia-skin pouch. She handed the pouch to the owner of the shop, and turned to leave. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢Deln was looking for you earlier; he said he had a message for you and your friend,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ shopkeeper informed her. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢Oh?! Deln!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Jess exclaimed. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâThankyou!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Jess vaguely remember Deln as a young, smiley boy of fourteen, rushing around after his father in the courtyards of the White KnightÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s Castle. Jess had met Deln several times, she was about five years old than him. He had loved to be involved in the business of the knights and lords of the castle, their clutter and cloaks and adventures. What would he be like, Jess wondered, ten years later? The aroma of red berry pie welcomed her as the door closed quietly behind her. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢Hey.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ PhilÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s voice sounded, and she looked round, only to se him sitting at the dining table. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâSomething smells good!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Jess walked into the kitchen, and a minute later reappeared with a golden-brown pie in her hands. She placed it on the table, and cut it in half with her knife. A small amount of steam came out, and then there was a knock at the door. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢Who is it?ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Jess asked cautiously ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢Deln, messenger of the white knights,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ came a reply, the voice was deep and masculine. Jess stood stunned for a second by the manly voice. Deln?! Deln, the jokey teenager? He had changed more than she had anticipated. Well, he would be a man now, probably working under his father. Jess walked slowly to the door, taking deep breaths. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢Greetings madam, IÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ve been told to fetch you, but you have a day before it becomes urgent.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ He paused, then it dawned upon him who he was talking to ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Ãâ his old role-model, friend, and unofficial nanny- Jess the adventurer. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâJess!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâDeln! Gosh, youÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ve grown so much!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâItÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s nice to see you. IÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ve got a message from my master, Sir Amik Varze. We have also tried to contact your esteemed adventuring partner, Phil, but IÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢m afraid we havenÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t been able to trace him. No-one knows of his whereabouts,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâThatÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s OK,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Jess beamed. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâPhil is here with me!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Deln grinned. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâGreetings, Phil,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Phil rose and shook the messengerÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s hands. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâI remember you, Deln. Gosh, you were a tiny lad chasing your father around the castle when I last saw you. Fine looking man, I bet Varze couldnÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t do without you nowadays!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Deln stood up as straight as he could and bowed his head slighty. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâThankyou, Phil!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâSo, why does Varze need our help? And do you want some redberry pie? Homemade this morning,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Jess could nearly hear the young manÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s tummy rumbling, and smiled to herself. A White Knight was never full! ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâIÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢d love some, thanks,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâSo, why does Varze need our help all of a sudden?ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâI was not trusted with this information, its top secret. All I know is that my master, Sir Amik Varze, needs your help in his time of need. The Black Knights and the Keldagrim Revolutionists are slowly advancing in. My master needs all the help he can get, and he may have a special job for you,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâThanks, Deln. So, is the redberry pie a yes?ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Deln faltered. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâSorry Jess, Phil. IÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ve got a few things to do while IÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢m here. Hey, can I come back tonight for supper? Then we could leave together before nightfall,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Jess and Phil glanced at each other, smiled, and nodded. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâIt sounds great, Deln,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Phil agreed. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâWeÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ll see you then!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ An hour later, Phil and Jess had gone back to varrock. The streets where alive with music, and the two of them were smiling as they strode through the streets. As they turned the corner, they saw an old man lying in the street. He was a beggar, about fifty years old, with matted grey hair and scars on his face. He was thin and spoke in a feeble voice. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâCan you spare anything?ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Phil took off his old cloak, and handed it to the old man, wrapping it around his shoulders. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâThey say it will be a cold night, stranger, take this. It will keep you warm on the night to come. Sleep well.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâThank you, adventurer. I am forever in your debt.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ The man creaked to his feet and scurried away. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâThat was awfully nice of you!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Jess said admiringly. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâThis is no place for an old man.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Jess walked into the tailor shop, telling Phil to wait outside. He stared at all the different robes, and silks in the window, which kept him entertained for a while. Jess talked to Braggus, who seemed to be the owner of the shop, and tapped him on the shoulder. As he turned around, Jess got her first proper look at him. He was tall, with dark skin, and a muscular build. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâYes?ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ He asked, in a rolling voice. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâHow much is your finest red cloak?ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâFour hundred gold.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ He paused, and then added persuasively; ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâBut worth it. Should last a long time.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâCould I see it, please?ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ The man nodded, and led her over to a blood red cape on a small iron hook. It was a full length cape, and had a golden hem on it. It was finely made, and was PhilÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s colour alright. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâItÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s beautiful,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ she said, chuckling. She was certain Phil would love it. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâVery fashionable. Trimmed gold hem, gathered scarlet collar, soft peaked hood. Cut differently from most cloaks, slightly inwards to the ankles from the waist. Lovely choice,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ She pulled out another pouch, and handed it to the man, and he handed her the cloak. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâThankyou,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Jess walked slowly out of the shop, and told Phil to hold out his hands. He obeyed, and she placed the beautiful cloak into them. PhilÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s eye lids opened and he smiled as he saw it. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâWow, Jess, itÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s gorgeous! I donÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t even want to think about how much you spent on that!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ He swept it over his shoulders and hugged Jess. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâThanks! ItÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s perfect,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ 'no problem. I want to visit the library before we go. Is that ok?ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâSure, IÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢d love to. Hey, I havenÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t seen Jane or Sarah for ages. Do you think theyÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ll be there?ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ThatÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s why I want to go! Jane got a job as the new librarian, you know. Everyone loves her.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Jess hesitated and then spoke sadly. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâI havenÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t seen Sarah for ages, though. IÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ve tried contacting the White Knights but they wonÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t let me know anything. I miss her so much, Phil. I donÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t know whether sheÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s alive or dead or whether sheÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s still working for the White Knights. The last thing I know was that she was sent to Ardougne on a spy mission. IÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢m so scared for her and IÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ve been trying to pretend I havenÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t but I miss her, so, so much. I wonÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t be able to stand it ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Ãâ if ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Ãâ if ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬ÃâÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹Ãâ Jess shivered and Phil put his arm around her as they carried on walking. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâItÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s alright, Jess, IÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢m sure sheÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s fine. Anyway, now that weÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢re helping Varze out, heÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ll have to tell us everything he knows. Sssh, itÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s ok!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Jess led the way into the library, and pointed Phil to a chair. She then crept over to Jane, who was checking the shelves. Jess coughed to get her attention. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâOh hi Jess. Looking for anything in particular?ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâWell, actually no.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ she paused, her eyes shone with sadness. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâIÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ve been summoned by the white knights, and IÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢m not sure if IÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ll be coming back.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâOh Jess! I thought youÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢d given up all your adventuring talk!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâIÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢m really sorry Jane.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Jess burst into tears, embracing her old friend. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâJust do what you have to do, donÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t worry about me.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Jane handed gave Jess two books to take with her. One was an atlas, to help them find their way, and the other a copy of ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâWindy Stars,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ JessÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s favorite book; it was full of amazing poetry pieces. Jane and Jess hugged once more, and Jess and Phil tore themselves away from the library. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâWell, I think thatÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s everything Phil. WeÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢d better go now, Deln will be waiting for us,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Jess wiped a final tear from her eyes, knowing that after this dangerous mission she may never see her friends again. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâThis library is the meeting place of the worldÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s finest authors, Jane told me. ItÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s always been considered the most esteemed place of writing, leaving it the home of some of the most inspirational pieces ever written,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Phil nodded. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâItÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s a lovely place,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ he agreed. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâI feel honoured just to have known it,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâI can remember the first day I met Jane. Just outside the library. I feel so happy for her, now sheÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s working there,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ She had been in her formal outfit, looking pretty in a white toga; it was a tia-bwo-wanna make, except it was pure white. She wore red boots with it, and a cloak a bit like PhilÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s. Her glossy brown hair looked like gold in the light of the sun. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢It was a great day, that, IÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ll never forget it.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Phil just nodded, and went along with it. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâWhere are we going then?ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ He asked ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâTo pack.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâOh, ok.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Phil said, and smiled. About half an hour later, Jess had her bags packed and was ready to go. Phil had already got his equipment ready when Deln arrived, so he was cooking some potatoes. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâHow do you like your potatoes?ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâAs long as it isnÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t boiled its fine!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâRoast ok?ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâYup!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâCool, dinners ready then!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ Phil emerged from the kitchen with a tray in his hands; he placed it on the table. Jess was wearing a dark blue tunic, that came down to her knees, and a sky blue cloak, that reached her ankles. It suited her, and her hair was tied into a loose ponytail. As she pulled back her chair, there was a knock at the door. Phil walked to the door, pulled back the bolt, and opened it. Deln was stood on the door step. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâYou always did manage to get here in time for food, Deln! Come on in.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâHi, Phil. I was just checking to see whether you two where ready to go.ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâNearly, we are just having a bite to eat before we go. Do you want some?ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâYes please!ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ So for the next hour they where there, eating roast potatoes and drinking chocolate milk. Then, forgetting final goodbyes, they rose from the table, and made for the door. They left for Falador, with the blood red sun setting behind them.
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