"A Charmed Life..." Chapter I By: Dragonflyr and Augustus (Submitted by Sir Auggie) In the immense dining hall of Camelot, Dragonflyr and Augustus are finishing a private meal... All the others have gone to bed... and the happy couple share an intimate moment as they sip the last traces of chilly mead from the chalise they share... Augustus gazes dreamily into the sparkling eyes of his beloved... The same contented and peaceful gaze which has graced his brow since she first agreed to wed him... He takes her hand in his and looks down to the diamond ring upon her finger - the tip of his finger tracing the outline of the large gem set there... "My Love... I was thinking... Perhaps we might arrange a bit of a second honeymoon... Mayhap the islands would do us both a bit of good... You know, to get away from the crowds here in the city... What think'st thou...?" A charming and genuine smile crosses her lips and her eyes twinkle in joy... "Oh, Auggie ;) That sounds lovely..!!! I've not been there in so very long, and the time alone with you would surely be enchanting..." "Ah then.. it is decided.... ;> There is still time this evening for us to make the trip... Shall we..? In hopes that you'd agree, I've already had our travelling attire prepared for us... " "Oh yes, beloved Auggie... let's..!!!" They depart Camelot and head for the Neverwinter docks... within a few minutes they sail into a dark sea under the canopy of glistening starlight... as the ship moves into deeper seas, the air takes on a chilly breeze... against the railing of the ship they cuddle close and look out to the horizon... As Augustus' eyes trace the line where sea meets sky, his mind briefly wanders to the recent rumors he heard from YenLoWang of impending Pirate raids on the city of Neverwinter... He finds himself searching the waters before him for ships bearing unsavory minions and thinking of the impending danger... Dragonflyr, noticing his distraction, looks up to him... "Oh, Auggie..?" :::pinch::: She giggles, "I hope I'm not boring you..." ;> With a start... and a hand to hers to abate her further playfulness, he chuckles... "Oh.. not at all MiLove... You know well by now that I have difficulty turning my mind from the threats to the realms... but that is why we are taking this trip, is it not..? So that we might enjoy each other for a bit without such distractions..?" His hand traces the soft skin of her cheek as he gently brings his lips to hers... "Mmm... Yes Love... that is _exactly_ why we are here... ;>" From the bow of the ship a surly cry rings out... "Land Ho...!!!!" and within moments they have docked upon the island closest to the city.... Auggie and Dragonflyr lift their packs and stride arm-in-arm down the plank to the shore... As they step upon land, the gravelly voice of the shipmaster calls down from behind them... "Har.. ye two sweethearts enjoy yer visit..!! ;> Careful ye don't get feebed here tho'...!!" He roars a laughter which shakes his emmense belly so hard that he begins coughing... Auggie tips his hat to the shipmaster and Dragonflyr flashes the most disarming of smiles... The shipmaster pauses a moment... Then calls down... "Oh.. ye two waits a moment... I gots som'thin' ta makes yer visit a bit mor' pleasin'..." After a moment of turning away, he hurls a bottle of the ship's finest mead toward Auggie - who deftly catches it.... "Ahh.. Thank ye kindly Milord..!!" This fine bottle shall not go to waste.. ;>" Auggie nods and grins confidently to the captain... "Har..!! I kin bet it shur'ly shall..!!!" The captain laughs as he turns away from the railing... As his laughter fades he can be heard to mutter to his first mate... "Lucky &%#@*&..." Spying a small inn which seems a bit neglected but possessing 'character'... they approach the door and enter.... At the desk, a stooped woman with greenish skin arises and registers them to a chamber.... ascending the stairs, they enter the room which is clean but not regal.... ;> Auggie drops the heavy pack to the floor, but as he does so Dragonflyr turns to him... placing both hands against his armored chest... "Oh my dear... this shall surely be a lovely night.... but would you care to take a stroll and take in some night air before we retire..?" The coy smile crosses her lips that he never could resist.... so despite his fatigue... he grins... "Umm.. well... of course MiLove.. that sounds charming... ;>" They decide to exit the inn and stroll north.. and despite a few interruptions by Basilisk and other wild creatures, they happen upon a dock... Dragonflyr becomes enthusiastic for a boat ride and urges... "Oh, Auggie.. let's go on the boat... it shall be quite lovely, I'm sure..!!!" Augustus' brow furrows... "MiLove... Ye have not yet travelled to the outer islands... It is not altogether pleasant I assure you... ;>" "Oh.. you silly..." she leans against his chest. "I'm certain nothing in the realms could put hesitation into the heart of my brave Augustus... Let's do it.. okay..? ;>" "Hmm... well, okay MiLove... but we such action shall require caution... I hope that ye shall follow my guidance..." Augustus places a fistful of coins in the hand of the master of this small ship and they board.... "Take us north, good captain... if thee will'st.." Upon arrival, there is little to see.... they happen upon a captain of Neverwinter who explains.... "The Krakens have control of much of the islands... and they have sights on Neverwinter proper.... If ye have the heart, enter this passage to the west island and defeat the foul minion...." Dragonflyr's eyes twinkle upon hearing the challenge set before her... but Augustus once again furrows his brow.... "MiLove, we both know what lies behind us at the inn.... a second chance to return to what brought us to wed...." "Oh, but my dearest..!! How can we turn from this challenge..? Let us proceed into the passage and make the realms safer for all...." She grabs his hand and rushes into the dark passage.... Within an instant, they are on the western island.... Auggie wispers.... "Milove, we must exercise the greatest caution here.... evil most foul resides in this place.... as we open each door, we must prepare to the utmost to defeat