A Sunny Day...

[Kaffekat]

Here is an original story of my own; a somewhat silly precursor that I wrote for my own game world. I would be interested in any and all opinions of it.
Please. Tell me what you think.

A SUNNY DAY IN RYAN

It was a bright and sunny day in Ryan. The sun rose shining and hopeful over the new day. It had no reason for this attitude. The river ran just as filthy, the thieves skulked within the alleys the same as they ever had. Wizards plotted - as usual. The peasants, grumbled as they ever do.

Nonetheless, ever the foolish optimist, the sun rose. The life warming rays first ooze about the docks, finding nothing of interest, they travel onwards. Briefly caressing the Good Temple of Mitra, they then lightly brush the Gods of Neutrality. Briefly flirting with the Dark Gods of Death, they hover uncertainly above the city, momentarily uncertain of their path.

Below a loud voice is raised in anger. Flaring triumphantly the warm rays settle gently upon the palace. Briefly kissing its walls, tentatively feeling their way they next alight upon a broad windowsill. A scream rends the dawn. “Never again!” it shrieks. “Touch me again and you die! Horribly!”

Peeking uncertainly into the room, flickering indecisively, the warm rays waver.

A voice is raised in comfort. There is a long drawn out shriek of pain followed immediately by a string of curses.

Momentarily withdrawing, wincing slightly the rays shimmer, dancing uncertainly upon the windowsill. Extending a warm tendril it dares a second look. It is a very nice room. Lightly exploring the rays softly brush the worried faces of a bevy of servants. Quickly burnishing the rich gleam of exotic imported woods, it glimmer capriciously in the jewels of sumptuously clad nobles. It playfully flickers upon and admires a silk and gold embroidered tapestry. Lightly, delicately caressing a soft burgundy velvet hanging, shrugging fatalistically with a brilliant pulsation it slips within.

There is a last, long drawn out shriek. “Bloody 'ell!” A new sound is heard. The angry wail of a newborn.

Raven, Lady of Ryan, the Gypsy Queen stares proudly down upon her newborn son. Her glorious black hair rippling about her creamy white shoulders, she has obviously just given birth, she looks damn good, and unbelievably, hardly sweaty at all.

Bells peal out joyously across the city, announcing the birth of the new heir to Ryan.

[LadyWinterWolf]

Good start off Tamaris......looking forward to more of this story.

[Kaffekat]

Thanks LWW!!

Here is part 2 (darned thing is too long to post all of it at once)

As Raven fondly examines the new child beckoning over her husband she gives him a loving look.

Jhered, Priest King, Overlord of Ryan, Greatest City in the Known World, a wise man who knows his Lady Wife approaches warily with an eye toward any sharp objects his lady might bear. A tall, dark handsome man with shoulder length straight black hair dressed in elegant dark robes emblazoned with silver, rather sinister looking, he appears decidedly the worse for wear.

With a flamboyant gesture, Raven exclaims. “Why look dear. He has your eyes. He looks just like you!”

Gazing upon the face of the angry, screaming beet-red infant, the new father eyes him dubiously. “God.” He is heard to mutter. “I hope not.” With an imperious wave of a hand the servitors and noble witnesses are dismissed.

Raven frowns fiercely at her Lord, as he scowls darkly, ever more fiercely back. As their meet the two then engage in a long, loving look.

Their only other child, Alexandria, ‘Alex’ enters to see her new brother. Rolling her eyes at her parents foolishness, she lightly sneers at the new baby boy, and disgustedly thinks, Heir to the throne of Ryan? What’s wrong with a girl?

Raven, loudly proclaiming her son’s beauty, wonders why it took her so long to have another child?

Alex, a sullen pretty maiden of perhaps 18 scornfully wonders the same thing.

At Jhered’s choked strangle, quickly stifled, Raven glances up at him flirtatiously. Noting the haggard, somewhat frayed appearance of and the bruised wrists of her usually refined dark lord, peeking up at him from beneath lowered lashes, Raven stifles a giggle. She bursts into loud laughter. “Sorry, m’love. Did I do that?”

Alex, eyeing her mother disdainfully, ponders whether her telepathic father had borne the birth pains for this labour as he had the last one, her own? Casting her eyes worshipfully upon her bedraggled, usually elegant father, she thinks. Yup, he did.

The three then turn as one to view the new heir.

[Ahnemesis]

I like that Kaffekat. Looking forward to more!

[LadyWinterWolf]

I love the banter between the family members, this is getting better and better.

[Kaffekat]

Part III: A Sunny Day in Ryan (one of these days I really MUST come up with a better name LOL)

Raven again loudly proclaims over her son’s beauty. She states he must after all take after her side of the family. Is he not beautiful? She then eyes Jhered expectantly.

Frowning austerely down upon the child, Jhered examines him doubtfully. A long moment passes, Raven grows visibly irritated. Straightening gracefully, Jhered sadly shakes his head. “Well, perhaps he can be returned.”

“What!” shrieks Raven. Flinging back her glorious hair over one shoulder, she follows with a string of colorful Rom curses.

“Or - looking thoughtful, Jhered calmly interjects, apparently not at all worried about the fate of his private parts and a horde of voracious pigs, as Raven looks hopeful, he adds soberly. “Alex, have we made the quota yet for the Temple sacrifice yet this month?”

Mom falls for it every time, thinks Alex disgustedly, watching her father nimbly dodge a barrage of missiles.

As Raven’s ammunition rows low, Jhered smiles teasingly at her. Softly stating, “You’re right, he is beautiful.” As Raven lies speechless he gently kisses her upon the lips. Their eyes meet conveying a world of private communication.

Alex watching her father’s rapid return to favor, glances at the babes wrinkled red face and thinks cynically. Lucky for dad, he doesn’t bear the same curse as mother does, that of being unable to lie! She disgustedly wonders why Jhered always allows Raven to make such a spectacle of herself?

Gazing at her husband ardently Raven again insists their son is gorgeous and looks just like his da. Jhered cringes in mock horror. Raven a teasing light in her eyes, quickly suggests they call the wee lad Jhered after his old da.

At Jhered’s pained expression and prompt egotistical retort, “Old! I’ll show you old.” Raven bursts into hearty laughter.

Jhered glares at her, one dark brow elegantly lifted in affront.

Affectionately leering at her tall slim lord, Raven smiles broadly. She suggestively wiggles her brows, “I’ll hold you to that me fine man.” She stares at him intently.

Jhered frowns at her sternly. “See that you do madam. Else I fear that I shall have to punish you severely.” One brow slowly deliberately rising, quirks upwards as his lips slowly twist to a sardonic smile. A wicked light dances in his eyes.

“Damn!” exclaims Raven, with a delicious shudder. “I missed it again.” She frantically cast her eyes about, as Jhered without being asked, retrieving it from the floor where she had thrown it, hands her a mirror, now cracked.

Viewing herself in the glass, as Alex surreptitiously copies, Raven carefully holds up one eyebrow with a strong delicate forefinger. Grimacing furiously, at last she tosses the mirror aside with an exclamation of disgust. “Bah!” There is an audible shatter.
Raven states petulantly, “I still can’t see how you do that expression.”
A smug expression on his face, Jhered smiles at Raven triumphantly. “Talent. Pure talent. You either have it or you do not.” Smiling at her teasingly, one eyebrow begins to quirk upwards.


“Unfair.” exclaims Raven. “I cry foul.” She ostentatiously points a finger at him in warning. “I can tell when I’m being distracted. So my love, you don’t like the name Jhered, my first suggestion? Our wee lad still needs a name. How ‘bout Balar after yer da?”

Flicking a quick glance at Alex, Jhered briefly looks startled. His expression rapidly smoothing, he shakes his head, “No.” He implacably says. “ I think not.”

Disappointed Raven frowns. Questioningly she asks, “Why not? I liked the old man, I thought you did too.”

“I do, I did. That’s not the point.”

Perplexed Raven demands. “Well, what is? I like the name. You like the name. We all like the name! ‘Tis a noble name, a fine name. Carries on the line, tradition and all that rot, like you’re always so keen on!”

Looking stubborn, with no explanation, Jhered snaps out. “No!”

Raven mulishly, fisting the bedclothes, impassioned cries out, “But why, I really loved that old guy and I like that name!”

Making no immediate reply Jhered stands silent, an odd expression flickers deep with his eyes. Unnoticed, imperceptibly he glances worriedly at Alex, and quickly towards Raven in concern.

Oblivious to her father’s quick glance of concern at her, Alex eyes the debate with interest. At Raven’s impassioned ’why’ she inwardly fills in her father’s answer for him based on the slim chance that he should care to be truthful. Because, my dear Raven. It is just a little bit awkward, besides being in very poor taste, to choose the name and call our son after the man I brutally killed for his throne. Unsure of the exact details, Alex punctiliously adds, or had killed. Hidden even to herself, unaware of the kernel of resentment buried deep within her heart, Alex smiles at her father. A wicked glint in her yes, she says teasingly, “I like that name too.”

Jhered frowns repressively at Alex, who inwardly quails. Returning his attention to Raven, capturing her hand, he bestows a loving look upon her. Looking deeply into her eyes, lightly caressing her hand, he says smiling. “I would prefer to start a new tradition, one created for us alone. How about a Rom name?”

Alex thinks admiringly, Good move dad. Desiring above all things her fathers approval, Alex is still unable to resist the demon within her. Wickedly, she helpfully suggests, “How about Balar as a middle name, then?”

Looking trapped, Jhered gives his daughter a look that if life were fair would have her six feet under, or at least slightly scorched. Smiling sweetly at her for Raven’s benefit he says distractedly. “Perhaps…. Pausing, he looks sternly at Alex, and adds mildly, “We’ll get back to it later.”
Smoothly turning towards Raven, he asks tenderly. “What do you think love?”

Raven looks thoughtful. “A Rom name… ‘tis a grand idea, her voice trails off. There is a moment of silence. With a wild gesticulation, thumping a pillow for emphasis, Raven loudly exclaims. “ Aha! I have it!”

Both Jhered and Alex start only slightly, inured by long habit. The baby wails piercingly. Frowning, with a look of irritation, Jhered gestures gracefully at the child. Uttering a soft murmured incantation under his breath, the babe falls suddenly silent. All breathe a sigh of relief.

Posturing flamboyantly, as Jhered eyes her with trepidation, Raven proudly proclaims. “Giorgio. ‘Tis a fine Rom name, with a long and noble history.” She then launches into a long story, full of bravery, derring-do, daring rescues, narrow escapes and noble deeds.

Jhered with a teasing smile, amused says in a loud aside to Alex. “Probably the name of her first boyfriend.”
Glaring at him fiercely Raven continues her story. Alex yawns delicately, Jhered gazing ostentatiously towards the heavens, is apparently fascinated by the ceiling. All - with the possible exception of the baby, who probably is aware of it too, know Raven is making it up as she goes along. A long time later, Raven is interrupted mid-epic.

At Jhered’s barely muffled, “Aaaarrghh!” Pained wincing he finally caves in, “Oh, Raven. No! Not your second cousin once removed, the best pick pocket, con artist and all around second story man in the Rom!’

[Kaffekat]

Come on people, opinions please?

A Sunny Day in Ryan - Part IV

Raven disgruntled grumbles. “Cheat, you read my mind.” She adds with a sly smile. “No? Well ‘twas your idea. You suggested a Rom name. And anyway ‘twas not my boyfriend, so there!” Looking dreamy, she then suggests innocently. “How about Aidan then?”
At Jhered’s curled lip, Raven glares at him.

He sneers disdainfully. “In a bad tu-penny novel mayhap. Sounds like something from Mime Books, “Lady Whatshernames Lover” that stupid Romance novel all the ladies were so besotted with a few months past. Which I of course, have not read.”

Raven looks guilty. As Alex giggles, Jhered eyes them both suspiciously. He quickly suggests, “Vigi, a good strong name. A mighty warrior.”

Raven making a vulgar gesture, says, “Barf.” She adds. “Strong. You want strong. I’ll give you strong. The strongest name I know!” Her voice continually rising she is now practically shouting.

Casting a nervous glance towards the elaborate cradle Jhered breathes a sigh of relief. The baby miraculously is silent. His spell, against overwhelming odds - has held.

Sweeping her hand down in a slicing motion, as the carved rafters shudder Raven continues, her voice raising louder and louder. Jhered looks worried.
Raven her voice rising to a triumphant shout, shrieks piercingly to the sound of falling plaster, “Strong! I’ll give you strong. Jebediah. Aye! Jebediah, me step-da. Scourge of the Eleven Seas. The mighty Yellowbeard, who nearly defeated Viridistani, practically slew the r..….

At Jhered and Alex’s identical looks of disbelief, her voice trails off.
The pitiful cries of a frightened baby are heard. Shrugging apologetically Raven smiles sheepishly. “Sorry. I do tend to get carried away.” With a glance at the screaming babe, looking at Jhered she eyes him expectantly.

Deciding to let her suffer, Jhered smiles evilly.

Raven cringes. As the babes cries reach a new crescendo, wincing Jhered reconsiders. Darting a quick glance at Raven he utters a soft incantation. Swiftly adding, “This is for my benefit. No reason for all of us to suffer.” He dares her to say anything. The baby falls silent.
Raven looks at Jhered. For his eyes only, her heart in her eyes, she states softly, “I do love you.”

His shoulders tensing, Jhered stiffens. He straightens as if for a blow. Praying that he is reading her mind now, pouring all of her love into her thoughts, concentrating Raven thinks, I do love you. I really do. I wish that you could believe me.

Avoiding her gaze he turns away. Raven sadly knows that he has not. She inwardly curses both his abusive long dead mother, the courtesan Ione and his father, Balar Naga for his benign neglect. Shrugging regretfully, she returns to a light hearted teasing manner. Jhered relaxes as Raven states banteringly, “Of course you did, dear. You evil wicked priest you.”
Practically returning to the matter at hand, she glances at the baby. Looking frustrated she becomes lost in thought. She muses. “A strong name… hmmm. A strong name? With an exultant , “Aha! I have it.” With a smug smile, Raven grinning states victoriously, “Sheelba. He actually did defeat Viridistan. Can’t get any stronger than that!’

Her words drop like a brick into a shocked silence. Both Jhered and Alex again eye her with those same irritating identical expressions of disbelief. The sound of Raven’s drumming fingers echo staccatingly loudly throughout the room. Looking at them both with annoyance Raven waits.

Jhered suppressing laughter replies. “That’s true. He did…But…” He gives a choked gasp. There is a long pause.
Raven eyes Jhered’s amused smile as unable to speak he struggles not to laugh. Her eyes speaking, she warns him he’d best remove that smile before she removes if for him.
Unrepentant, irritatingly echoed by Alex, giving up the struggle he laughs wildly. His voice breaking he states amusedly. “A Paladin? Is that really appropriate, dear? We might as well name the poor lad Alianora, or just kill him now, put him out of his misery and save him the trouble later on.”

Raven angered snaps. “OK Fine. No paladins names then. How about Zarach?”

When both Jhered and Alex again give her that infuriating look. Raven wonders what is the problem with this name? Knowing she is weak in local history, she searches her memory. Definitely a strong name, a mighty warrior, definitely male. The conqueror ruler of Thunderhold… a strong, ….Dwarven… Kingdom…. Oops! As the light dawns in her eyes, Jhered smiles sardonically. Alex proud of her knowledge, quickly glances at her father for approval. Looking intellectually superior she grins disparagingly at her mother.

Noting Ravens imminent explosion Jhered frowns repressively at Alex. Her face falls. Turning to Raven he quietly suggests Valgeir.

Raven resisting the urge to strangle her daughter, snaps. “Well fine. As if everyone knows that. Some of us have a life. We don’t have to spend our time reading about it, with our nose always stuck in a stupid book!” Still smarting, Raven turns to Jhered, furious muscles rippling, thrusting her chest forward indignantly, she flings her glorious mane back over a strong shoulder. She sneers, “Valgeir. Wimp name.” She parries again with Aidan. Jhered eyeing her heaving breasts, gasps weakly. “Argh” His breath short, he distractedly runs one slender hand through his hair.

Smiling triumphantly, Raven sweetly suggests Aragorn. Jhered still eyeing her up thrust breasts, weakly responding, retorts with a curled lip. “Another sappy Romance name, and a Paladin both.”

Still smarting from her fathers rebuff, Knowing her mother usually gets her way unless it’s a matter of state, Alex wickedly interjects, “ I still like Balar.”
Raven looks thoughtful. Jhered panicked forgetting, desperately suggests Vigi once again.

Raven shredding a pillow for emphasis, smashing a few pieces of valuable bric a brac for dramatic emphasis, snarls. “No way. Gak! I already told you.” She suggests Aidan, yet again.
Looking as though he has just bitten into a lemon, recovering slightly Jhered sneers. “Sissy boy.”
Raven, dark gypsy eyes snapping, flinging her glorious mane back, slowly arcs her spines, muscles rippling. Stretching luxuriously she smiles seductively.

Jhered his breath short, flings his arms out in defeat. “I concede. You win. Choose whatever name you like, Zarach, Sheelba, Aidan - Whatever!” He adds vindictively, “Just don’t be surprised when the poor brat thinks his name is, ’Hey you.’

Grinning broadly Raven begins to gloat. “Once again, the woman wins. Triumphant as always over the poor male, who brought low by his manly urges, once again, must concede the superiority of - “

[Kaffekat]

A Sunny Day in Ryan *Conclusion*

Leaning nonchalantly against the wall, Jhered casually examines his nails. Elegantly crossing one slim muscular leg over the other, he yawns loudly. Quirking one eyebrow at Raven, a slight smile curves his lips.

Obviously ignoring him, Raven continues her gloat. A soft voice sounds whispering seductively in her mind. Raven is reminded of a certain intimated candle-lit night. Pretending disinterest, shooting a quick surreptitious glance towards her husband, her breath quickening she forges gamely ahead.

Jhered eyes her innocently, his face dispassionate, he calmly asks her if she has decided on a name yet? Raven continuing her gloat makes no reply.

Shrugging lightly at Alex, Jhered’s attention is apparently caught by a horrific flaw in the door molding, as moving he examines it carefully. He lightly brushes it with his fingertips.

Raven gasps audibly, as inwardly a soft silken mental voice touches her intimately.
Continuing her diatribe on the weaknesses of men, Alex eyes her oddly. Jhered with a concerned expression gently queries if she is feeling alright? Raven her face flushing makes no reply.

Shrugging dismissively at the weaknesses of women, with a patronizing smile Jhered turns towards Alex again. Blandly commenting on the molding he lightly compares the Ionic, Doric versus Corinthian styles of architecture. Knowledgably lecturing on the ancient versus the modern styles. Pointing out a flaw to Alex, lightly brushing it he asks her opinion.

Raven gasps loudly. Her face flushed, seizing up a fan she waves it frantically at her face.

Lightly tracing the molding once again, gently caressing it with a fingertip, slanting a look at Raven ,Jhered smiles blandly, a wicked light dancing in his eyes.

With an abrupt halt to her gloating, panting slightly Raven gasps. “Well enough of that. I think I have made my point.”

Alex, eyeing her mother’s flushed face and rapid breathing, inwardly sneers at her weakness. Imagine being so aroused simply watching a man cross a room. She vows she will never be so pitiful.

Jhered smiles at Raven teasingly. “Had enough love?” Lightly tracing a carving he adds, “Please forgive me my thoughtlessness. I know how architecture bores you.”

Her breath quickening, her face flushes even more.

At her apparent anger, crossing to her bed, abashed Jhered kneels. Casting his gaze downwards, tracing the elaborate floor pattern. He begs her. “Please forgive me. See I cast myself at your feet. “
Trembling Raven does her best to look stern. Her eyes smoldering, dark and heavy lidded, filled with promise she looks at him passionately. Licking her lips in a husky voice, she tells him. “I’ll forgive you this time.”

Lightly capturing her hand, he smiles at her. His love shining in his eyes he softly brushes his lips across her palm. The other hand, gracefully outstretched he beckons Alex near. She approaches hesitantly. Her eyes worshipful, smiling triumphantly at her mother, she leans into his embrace.
Raven smiles thinly at her.

Jhered oblivious to the byplay between mother and daughter, hugs Alex close. Catching Raven’s eye, he states softly. “We await your decision, m’lady.” Gently kissing her upon the lips, pleading he begs, “But please…. Not Sheelba.”

Smiling lovingly at Jhered as Alex looks on jealously, Raven eyes her daughter thoughtfully. Looking at her stiff, conventional daughter, she is for once, thank Arawn not dressed in her usual drab, dusty gown. Still with a musty tome tightly clenched in one hand. Reading the title Raven sighs resignedly, it is as usual a dreary collection of gloomy death related poetry. Wondering what she is going to do with her, inwardly concluding that Alex needs to get laid, Raven firmly resolves to find someone for her daughter as soon as possible! Looking at her speculatively, she sympathetically thinks, adding, As close, and as similar to her father as possible.
Looking lustfully at her, lets face it, tall, dark and embarrassingly handsome, gorgeous male. Raven lasciviously admires the silky black hair, the soft grey eyes, the long, lean muscular form. Austere, elegantly garbed… in tasteful, foreboding black… soft, touchable - velvety. Shuddering, with a quick inward shiver of pure pleasure, Raven chuckles. Talk about setting yourself an impossible task!

His lips curved knowingly, Jhered views her in polite confusion.

Raven realizes she has laughed out loud. Smiling mischievously she reminds him. He has promised to go along with her choice….Whatever it might be!” Flagrantly, sternly wagging a finger at him, she ostentatiously warns. “No peeking. It should be a surprise!”

Wearing a false expression of innocence, in mock offense wounded, Jhered vows truthfully. “No peeking.”
Bells still peal out joyously throughout the city. Emotions flickering rapidly across her face Raven lies lost in thought. She gently caresses the baby’s cheek. “I have made my choice.”

Taking a deep breath, Jhered manfully prepares for the worst. Alex scornfully readies herself for a brother named Alianora.

Smiling wickedly, with a dramatic pause, Raven in ringing tones loudly proclaims;
“For his Celtic heritage, Aidan. For the Rom, Dimitri … And for his past, and an honorable heritage; in loving memory of his grandfather, Balar.”

Alex smiles broadly.

Looking belligerently at her husband, Raven dares him to disagree. Darting a quick glance at Alex, imperceptibly he flinches. Momentarily closing his eyes, he draws a deep breath. Eyeing Raven steadily, with a thin mocking smile, he softly states. “So be it.”

His face expressionless, inexorably he draws the small wickedly curved dagger he wears always at his belt. Stomach clenching, Raven fears she has made a dreadful mistake.

Moving deliberately to the cradle, arms outstretched in ceremony, he stands unbending over the baby. Coolly, unflinching he brutally cuts his palm, cutting deeply. He stands dispassionately as blood wells forth. Gesturing ceremoniously the babe is delicately spattered with his fathers blood.
Formally making the sign of a star above the cradle, it glows bluely, brightly hanging in the air above the child’s head. Leaning forward, he repeats the gesture. He lightly traces in blood, the shape of a star upon the child’s forehead.
In ringing tones, the words sorcerously crackle, hang in the air around them. He proclaims sonorously.

“By the power granted to me through Arawn, Lord of the Earth
I call as Witness, the sun, the moon and the stars.
To Arawn I commend this soul.
May his steps, be always guided,
His path never falter, his heart be always true.
In life and in death, Consecrated by Blood
I name thee, Aidan, Dimitri nic Matigan Balar Naga.”

With a graceful sweeping motion, he gestures abruptly downwards. Pulsing, the blue star hanging above the child, softly flares. It drifts downwards, a lazy snowflake, gently settling upon the child it vanishes. The baby cooing happily, waving tiny fists, briefly glows a soft luminous blue. The light fading, it leaves in it’s wake, a warm feeling of comfort and well-being.

In normal tones, he softly states. “I also acknowledge this child as mine, borne of my blood, flesh of my flesh. Heir to Ryan. …” Apologetically shrugging at Alexandria, he adds wryly. “Sorry Girl.”
He continues. “And I promise to seriously hurt, maim and cause grievous bodily harm, up to, though not necessarily including death- which they shall seriously wish for after I am done with them - to any who dare to mess with him.”
He lightly adds, “We’ll have the formal, state-naming ceremony later on. The High Priestess Alanna can take care of that one. “ Quirking an eyebrow at Raven sardonically. Raven breathes a sigh of relief. “You don’t mind the names then?”

A slight smile curving his lips, he calmly states. “Not a bad choice really…. I was expecting Alianora.” He mischievously adds. “Had you going there for a few moments though, didn’t I?”

Seizing a pillow Raven steadies her aim. Flagrantly brandishing it above her head, she waves it threateningly. “Stand still you fiend!”

Alex rolling her eyes, thinks, Oh no. They’re at it again.

From across the room, where he has just appeared Jhered smiles mockingly. He suddenly vanishes, as Raven flings, the poor pillow, abused once too often, explodes in a flurry of small white feathers.
Abruptly reappearing, he disdainfully brushes off the feathers which continue to drift lazily downwards. Trapped in a thick white cloud, he coughs. Choking he adds. “Damn. The delayed reaction ploy… Got me anyway.”