It's been a long hard road, to Shal Ka Mense and beyond to Lamech and the final resting place of the Blood of Caine.

For those who don't realise, this story began in the mists of time, SoC recently had it's third birthday and this is the only tale which has encompassed the entirety of that time, from the earliest days when Eveshka, the Harpy of Cascadia presented the scroll to Seneschal Tromador to the present day.

It is said of a true epic that the ending of one great story is simply the beginning of the next great story, a small part in the grand tale of which all stories are but chapters in the greater whole. I hope we've managed to add a good one this time.

Peter and I have at times lived and breathed this, heady emotions and occasional tears being a small part of what has gone into this long and involving tale.

I'm sure he'll join me in wanting to give a smile and a wave to all those who have participated in our tale over the years.

Eveshka, Julius/Tromador, Gabriel, Morathi, Cyrilynn, Kathy, Porter, Elzbet, Mundug, Euryon, Sorenti, Rhiannon, Michelle/Khemintiri and the countless others who played in the Chrons of the past and to whom I apologize for forgetting.

It's been fun. I hope you enjoyed it too.

[i:1e60d46e7b]Stefan Morrell
Bradford, West Yorkshire[/i:1e60d46e7b]

I am humbly honored that all of you allowed me my small contribution to an epic tale of tales. It has been an education and a wonder to have worked with such varied and interesting talents. Bless you! :D

To me, the main theme to WoSKM has been very much like a house: full of stairs, up and down, doors that have lead to personalized rooms and where the walls whisper of each occupants life, to the basement, where secrets are buried, and the attic, where answers are discovered. And then there are the windows which allow the characters to look out upon the world and for the world to watch the events that unfold within. A truly epic feat. I hope, someday, that some enterprising soul, will take up the whole of this saga, polish it, shine it and take it to the publisher, as I have given brief thought to do. Please do not suggest that I attempt it. My head lies too much in the clouds of creation and I've no longer the patience of youth to try my hand at it. I simply hope to become the figure of legends long after this piece and I are history.

I thank Peter, Stef, Kathy, Frank, Gabriel, Gravy, my daughter, my household, my neighbor Jodi, Batty, and all those others who've read my crude efforts, pointed out my errors and stroked my ego. I never would have made it this far without them all. But my biggest and most heartfelt appreciation belongs to Stef/Julius. Had it not been for him, I wouldn't have had the courage to come on board and stay here. Thanks, sweet cheeks! I love you the best! hehe

I look forward to the continuation of True Friends and my participation there. I eagerly await the inclusion of Serai and Alekz to A Future, Red and Oblique. Nor will I limit myself to just these two. I've one more I'm considering and who knows what else the future will present me with?

Trish
Seattle, Washington, USA

I'd like to say that this has been one of the most fulfilling experiences I've had with this guild and vampire in general. I can remember when I first read what was available about the scrolls thread and being thrilled to be allowed to join such a wonderful, rich storyline with such full, engaging characters. My expectations were fulfilled and then some.

My character has certainly grown from this adventure and will undoubtedly be changed because of it. All the goals I had set for him had been accomplished through the masterful ST work of Peter. Gabriel has now been witness to some of the most monumental events in vampiric history, and truly has gained a clear perspective of his place in the world.

I've grown as well. I think what sticks out most clearly to me is the expectations of my writing skills in relation to this thread. Obviously I was writing with a higher degree of writers here, and to have so much to live up to was a rare pleasure. I've been able to read some of the best and imaginative writing I've ever seen on the boards, and even seen the addition of a new character and author! I've formed relationships that have brought me comfort and joy countless times on a personal level...

Well...I think you can see where this is going. I'm just thankful to have been able to have taken part in this extraordinary adventure, and with once again to thank the authors and participants for making it so much fun.

BTW, I share Trish's excitment about the future of our characters. In a A Future, I plan to incorporate openings for Julius and Eveshka, so I hope you two will be willing bring them along for the fun! Such a legendary coterie can't end with the solving of a great mystery. If anything, with their new insights and knowledge of one another, they're more formidable than ever!

Although Mora had to go deep undercover for a lot of the end phase of the story, she's still about....

I have had a lot of fun in my involvement and who knows what the future will hold.

I had to stop following it, it was too much... MY HEAD HURTS.

Shit, I just came.

But it was hella fun when I was into it :) Damns hame things have to end....

[quote:386bdf1cdf="Morathi"]Although Mora had to go deep undercover for a lot of the end phase of the story, she's still about....

I have had a lot of fun in my involvement and who knows what the future will hold.[/quote:386bdf1cdf]

I sincerely hope there WILL be more of you! I've missed seeing your postings. Write soon! :)

I must confess that this little yarn went on for longer than I had ever anticipated when I first had Faruq ibn al-Qalanisi stumble half dead into the office of Tromador, Seneschal of well... no place really, back in January of 2001. Cascadia hadn't even been thought of yet, we were still in some weird limbo. From there it grew. Oddly enough it seemed to touch nearly every storyline in the guild in one form or another. Whether or not it was from assamites breaking into Eve's house and kidnapping her and Leila, to Brian Braddock, Euryon, and the garou Gabriel fighting off assassins trying to find the scroll in Eve's penthouse (when in reality it was in Trom's place). Even Sorenti and Ivy had parts in it later on. It almost seems sad that it is done. My personal favorite thing that happened during the telling of the tale (apart from having Eve kill Mark Archer with his own sword one fine evening) was getting to RP the battle where Gabe's little paramilitary operation got shot to shit by the egyptians as he tried to cross over the border from Israel into Egypt.

I think this was some of the finest creative writing I've ever seen in a fan fiction forum. In truth, I think that this little thread has seen some of the best creative writing I've ever seen. James and Frank (for the short time Ports was there) did marvelously and Trish and Jan were pleasant surprises when they came into it later on. Of all of the characters though, James was the best sport for putting up with so much abuse early on (and in going along with Ali chopping Gabe's arm off).

At the risk of sounding corny and what not, I want to thank everyone who participated in this silly vision of mine. I would especially like to thank Stef for putting up with my emotional bullshit about Eve, vampires, :::coughs:: Rhiannon :::coughs :::, :::coughs::: Michelle :::: coughs:::, :::coughs:::: Ayane :::: coughs::::, and all the RL personal baggage that ended up in the story. So, thank you :)

Believe me, Peter, the pleasure was all ours! :D

Jan and I both look forward to working with you in whatever other plotline you join or think up. ::evil grin::

this thread makes me sad i wasn't around to read the whole thing.
But i must say This Place has some of the best writing i have seen around. (( and it is the main reason i don't join in..i can't spell ))
I enjoy reading these threads. but i really must keep up and check the board each day.