This began with me asking a question about one of my characters, and it has so far snowballed into an amazing story of love and adventure and conflict. I would invite you to read about

ME:
> > Okay, I've got a bit of a situation with Murkon's refuge.
> >
> > You see, one of my two Druid's, Lymia, has been feeling awfully lonely lately. Towards the start of the adventure, she's admired the party leader, Tipero. It's not just his impressive physique, Tipero really cared about the well-being of his people. She remembers one time, when she was a young scorceress, the two of them were alone for a while, the rest of the party wounded or paralyzed. Tipero, like always, was focused on nothing but taking care of the party. Lymia isn't sure how Tipero feels about her, and she doesn't think he has any ide how she feels about him. She's not sure how to approach the matter. She was hesitant to make a move before, because she was afraid it would get weird adventuring with a lover; it would be even weirder if he hadn't felt the same way about her. besides, their feelings for each other might get in the way of their search for Murkon.
> >
> > But now the entire party has retired, and Lymia thinks it's time to tell Tipero how she feels. But she's REALLY nervous about it. What makes things even more complicated is the fact that Tipero is a Dwarf, and she's a human. Though it could have been worse- Helgor, that troll, has been hitting on her ever since level 4. Overall, Helgor means well, but he has NO manners and he's a total slob. He is neither as skilled or as restrained as Tipero. The only other male party member is Tipero's blood-brother, Grint, also a dwarf. He's a good person, and a good friend, but there's nothing there for a deeper relationship. Besides, Lymia's never wanted anyone but Tipero.
> >
> > My other Druid, Gylia, thinks Grint is cute, but she's not really the romantic sort. Lymia and Gylia hit it off from the start, and they're like sisters now. Gylia told Lymia that she might consider going out with Grint, but she's not nearly as serious as Lymia is. Also, she's apprehensive about inter-species relationships, being a gnome herself.
> >
> > I tried already to figure out how Tipero felt, but I couldn't get anything solid. Being his creator, I could have forced it out of him, but if the answer's no, well... I don't feel at liberty to let Tipero know how Lymia feels unless she agrees to it- I'm a considerate creator, you know.
> >
> > Oh, and by the way, I refuse to simply write a love for Lymia into Tipero, sometimes you have to let your characters develop themselves.
> >
> > Does anyone have some advice for how Lymia could confront Tipero with her feelings?
>
>
SAM:
> > I have no training as a counselor, so I'm uncomfortable about providing direct advice -- however, the Kindly Adventurer is a licensed psychologist and a good man. I would advise Lymia to speak with him. He upholds a strict confidentiality policy and usually provides his services for free, although if I'm mistaken about that Lymia's reward money should more than cover the bill.
> >
> > I wish her the best and will keep her in my thoughts.
>
> ME:
> Thank you Sam, I'll direct her to the kindly adventureer.
>
> I'll see how it goes in a few days and get back to you


HOW IT WENT:
>>
>>

Well, Lymia saw the kindly adventurer. It took a long time to get an appointment scheduled, as he spends a lot of tiem roaming the dungeon seeking defeated parties to help. He was an excellent listener, and he seemed truly concerned about Lymia's problem. As she told her sad tale, Lymia noticed a longing look in his eye. Being the generally open and considerate character she is, Lymia asked him if aything was bothering. He quickly straightened up, and tried to act like he had just caught a piece of dust in his eye. Lymia pursued the matter, and after much persuasion and a few cups of ale, he was spilling his life story out to her.

"Everyday I just roam and roam, and nobody ever roams with me!," said the kindly adventurer. "I mean, it's my passion to help defeated parties, and if I don't do it, nobody will," he went on, eyes tearing up, "but I'm just so alone!" At this point he just broke out in tears. Lymia let him cry on her shoulder, and she walked him home when he was done.

Lymia felt sorry for the kindly adventurer, but she could not be the companion she knew he craved. Her heart belonged to Tipero and always would. Still, she made herself a good friend that night, and so did the kindly adventurer.

Lymia wanted to help the kindly adventurer; after all, he had helped them so many times before, and he had offered Lymia his wisdom and council and even paid her bar tab. Lymia had never really socialized much with those outside of her party, so she didn't know anyone she might be able to hook him up with other than her own friends. Gylia was human, but she was sort of into Grint, and besides, Gylia was interested in settling down, not roaming the dungeons night and day. That only left... Lelan!

Lelan was the party's chest master, a rogue and rebel from the day she was born. Her family had been at the upper end of the social ladder, and made every attempt to groom her in the proper etiquette becoming of a member of such a high family. Lelan thought they were a bunch of stuck-up jerks- and rightly so. She was only twelve years of age when she snuck out of the house one night and struck out on her own. She lived as a thief for a few years, stealing from those that she knew could afford to lose a little pocket change- her own family included. She would have felt guilt about this, only she knew those she was stealing from used the money for nothing more productive than a high class party or the purchasing of a state senator here and there. To further ease her conscience, Lelan returned a portion of what she "collected" to those who had more need for it. A Robin Hood of sorts.

As much as she enjoyed the thrill of burglary, Lelan knew sooner or later she'd be caught, and that she ultimately would have to consider career change. Better to assume that it would be sooner rather than later and play it safe. Lelan liked danger, and she liked risks, but two important things convinced her to walk away from her present lifestyle: one, at one point or another, she definitely would be caught- and caged. The very thought of living in a prison cell was torture for a free spirit like Lelan. More importantly, a life behind bars would prevent her from helping the people she'd been helping- over the three years she spent as a thief and a pickpocket, Lelan had come to give more and more of what she made to charities and beggars, and felt better and better about it as she did. There were dozens of families that depended on Lelan alone to keep from starving to death. It was one thing to risk herself, but it was another to risk those who depended on her. The second thing was the lure of a new opportunity: treasure hunting. Lelan had heard that monsters and criminals living in caves and dungeons hoarded treasures of all sorts. Lelan saw a potentially more fulfilling career ahead of her. Ultimately, she had come across a troll named Helgor, and bested him in a drinking competition. Impressed by her drinking ability, and impressed even more by how she handled the bar fight that broke out not long after the event, Helgor's traveling companions invited her to join them.

Lelan had made fast friends with the entire group, and was easily the roudiest of the bunch. She could never stand to stay in a town any longer that was absolutely necessary. She wanted to be out and hunting things, be it beast or treasure. Eventually, the part defeated the traitorous first mage Murkon and returned the King's Diadem to its rightful place. With the reward money and the treasure that had been collected along the way, the party decided to settle down. They are still looking at different houses in the kingdom's capital city, and are currently staying free of charge at a five star hotel, courtesy of a greatful community. Lelan, however, isn't interested in settling down. Lymia can see the same anticipant flames in her eyes that could be seen in any moment spent in a town that could have been spent in the dungeon.

It was perfect. The kindly adventurer and Lelan were perfect for each other. Both loved helping the needy, and neither wished to settle down. Lymia just had to introduce them. She had become so excited over this that she had almost forgotten that she still didn't know how she was going to talk to Tipero...

I would like to thank the following: Lymia and the rest of my party for sharing this story

Sam for coming up with the idea of going to the kindly adventurer

The kindly adventurer, for letting me share this story (even though he wants his name kept confidential)

If you've enjoyed this little tale, email me at bensmith71@hotmail.com and ask me to continue it!!!!