[NEWS] The Last Chase

[Sara Of Baja]

from goldenbrewtavern.com

The last chase

Sunday, September 13, 2009
By EMSeppo

On the fourth day of his watch, a white prophet came to visit. She waited by the steps, sighing intermittently. Sometime later, she spoke with a voice so soothing that it could have tamed an angry tsunami.

A mishap, or fortune? That even one so universally despised would acquire such unconditional love?

I anticipated this moment, yet I encouraged it… Do the needs of many justify the pain inflicted on you now, little one?

Again sighing, she looked down feeling a sudden pang of guilt. Next moment, she raised her chin, with her eyes shining of resolve.

Consider this as a small gift, and forgive me, my friend!

With those words hanging in balance, she bent down and caressed his ears. The wind surged at that moment, bringing with it a hint of peppermint-apple smell from the nearby Orfluer flowers…

Bartalbe’s ears pricked up, his entire self coming out of a deep paralysis. Graced with a blessing, he looked up and whined happily at the stranger besides him. As if grinning, his tongue lolled out and he started licking her toes.

Farewell, my friend! Go now while the pain is kept at bay!

Bartalbe leapt out happily, seemingly chasing a squirrel that was never there.

Bartalbe roaming the woods in happier times

 

[Sara Of Baja]

A bit later I encountered this scene:

 

[WarderDragon]

In honor of Bartalbe, our shards favorite desceased canine, here is the original story from which the legendary hound emerged.

May he never be forgotten.

[News] Two Upstanding Citizens Rescue Casca's Dog! by WarderDragon

Greetings, Readers.

An unmarked envelope was recieved by the Stratics Herald this morning. The envelope contained an anonymous letter, along with several sketches that appear to correspond to the tale depicted. The letter was written in a rough, albeit literate hand, on a piece of fine vellum parchment.

We are reproducing the letter and sketches here for your reading pleasure.

Two upstanding citizens responsible for reclaiming Lord Casca's lost dog!

During routine patrols Friday evening outside the west Bank of Britain, a town guard spotted a mangy mutt sniffing around, as if seeking its' lost master. Upon hearing of this news, citizens Lady Pandora (S*RE guild) and Lord Zorax (RoU guild) remembered hearing of Lord Casca recently having lost his dog, Bartalbe.

At the behest and encouragement from the citizens, the town guard approached the dog again curious as to whether it would come forth when hearing its' name called. Lo and behold, Bartalbe wagged its' tale and came towards the town guard and followed him around, proving it was indeed the missing mutt of Lord Casca himself!

Lady Pandora and Lord Zorax offered to assume the guard's duties around the Bank of Britain in his absence while he hurried the hungry, and dirty, mutt back to Lord Casca. Once arrived at the bridge leading to Lord Casca's castle, the town guard requested entrance.

Royal Guard's Hamilton and Carlo merely laughed and snickered and barred the way in offering no assistance at all. Some time later, Lady Pandora and Lord Zorax appeared and helped create a grand diversion, allowing everyone entrance onto the bridge!

It was there, at the gated entrance that Bartalbe, mangy dog and previously lost companion of Lord Casca, was returned to his rightful master. On the return Journey, citizen Firefly (also of the RoU guild) distracted the Royal Guards Hamilton and Carlo, allowing Lady Pandora, Lord Zorax, and the town guard to leave unnoticed.

All citizens would do well to honor and praise the actions of Lady Pandora and Lord Zorax for their prompt attention and fine devotion to the kingdom, and to Lord Casca himself! Huzzah! Huzzah!​

Before we had the chance to print the article, we recieved another anonymous sketch.

It would appear that Lord Casca was spotted near Britain Bank, happily reunited with his long lost pet.

- Joshua Harper,
Baja Stratics Herald.