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Gentlemen Who Catch My Eye
by Samriah Lostforge

Young swordsman who came through the Landing's North Gate,
With unbandaged wounds sat for healing to wait.
O'er the din at the Gate he then heard a quick shout,
A lass on the rooftops was yelling "Look out!"
Just in time he looked up, hand thrust out to catch
A small orb falling earthward in midair to snatch.
He looked in his hand and what did he see
But an eye that stared back at him, sorcerously.

High above on the tower from whence the eye fell,
A Lady stood waving, from whom came the yell.
He ran up to meet her, with eyeball in hand,
And thus that dark beauty before him did stand.
She asked for her eye back, dismayed by the pocket
In her face, 'til she popped the eye back in its socket.
So grateful was she for the return of her eye,
She could not repay him, but she promised to try.

"I'll have you for dinner, for snatching what's mine,"
"And show the true nature of one of the Trine."
He recoiled at the thought, for of sorcerous ways,
The swordsman had heard many tales. In dismay,
He took a step back and reached for his weapon,
In fear he'd be stewed in some pagan-witch cauldron.
"Not like that, you ninny," she laughed with a wink,
"Tis but a meal I would share, and after- a drink."

"I just want you to come up, for a meal is in wait,"
There's really no hurry to get back to the Gate."
She shifted her gaze, and with a kiss on his cheek,
Whispered a promise of her own intimate treat.
At the close of that fabulous feast the fair maid,
Extended her hand and a new offer she made.
"Your company, my swordsman, is beyond compare,"
"But to further reward you, let's to my boudoir repair."

The lad was aflutter- he'd heard of such women,
For his mother had warned him that witches to men
Though cold-hearted inside could yet appear kind.
Thus bravely he voiced that which bothered his mind:
"Was it something about me you saw in the street,"
"Or do you offer this treasure to all men you meet?"
With a smile most solemn, she gave her reply,
"No, only with gentlemen who catch my eye."

Come Sit With Me
by Tamasin Talamontes

Come sit at my feet,
And I'll sing you a song;
Or tell you a story,
It wont take too long.

Close your eyes, dream a dream,
And I'll take you away,
To mystical valleys,
Where unicorns play.

I'll paint you a picture,
With only my words,
Of kingdoms and heroes
And places unheard.

Of whimsical faeries,
And monsters so bold.
Treasures and dangers,
For young and for old.

Lovers and warriors,
And maidens so fair,
We'll fight mighty dragons,
And dance with the air.

So please, take a seat,
Let our journey begin,
To the realm of a dreamer,
And a world without end.

The Faendryl - Ashrim War
by Seashimmer

Waves shifting between ships at midnight,
Dark the waters of the harbor deep,
Tall masts shrouded in fog and moonlight,
Who has sailed to Ashrim keep?

Anchors dropped, thick ropes trailing,
Dark eyes watch as sharks gather 'round,
Slender hands raised at the railing,
No time for tears shed to reach the ground.

Dark winds rise, called by forbidden spells,
Men cry out, and children weep,
Three ships rise and fall in the sea swells,
Who has sailed to Ashrim keep?

Buildings shatter, shards fly through the air,
Blood runs through the city streets,
Broken and lifeless is the city fair,
Nothing remains of Ashrim's fleets.

From all the isle escaped not a one,
All of Ashrim shall ever sleep,
Nothing worse have mortals ever done,
Since Faendryl sailed to Ashrim keep.

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