Asherons Call: The Adventures of Mr P.

One-hundred and seven times before, Mr. P has snuck out of his igloo house in a seemingly never ending search for a warm place to live. Each time he went out, it would begin to get chilly, and he began to miss his family and would turn back. He did this so many times, that eventually his big Brother, Uber P, stopped getting worried when Mr. P would disappear. Uber P knew that it would only be a matter of time before the front door would open, and in would slide a cold and scared little penguin. But this time was different...

Planning, planning, and planning some more, Mr. P knew he was going to make it this time. He packed an extra blanket, wore two scarves, and sat on his mittens for thirty minutes to make sure they were nice and toasty. The route was mapped, food was packed (chocolate, of course) and a time was set for the perfect escape. Quietly sneaking out his window, he looked to the evening stars and started on the long road to Silyun. He knew that if he made it there, he could take one of those famous portals and make it safely to warm weather and happiness.

Around a mile into his trip, right next to the same fishing hole that he has given up at every other time, those same thoughts of family and the frost on his nose crept into his mind. But he knew he had to press on. He knew he had to make it this time. He could not stay another day in such a cold place. And that is what he did. Laying on his belly and pushing his little feet, Mr P slid towards freedom and his future.

The route he picked was not the safest. Mr. P knew he had to be careful. There are many wild creatures that roam even the coldest climates of the world. He also knew that the biggest danger of all was at the end of his journey... Humans! Mr. P grew up on stories about the dangers of humans. Whole colonies have been known to disappear whenever one comes around. And, worst of all, the countless eggs that have been stolen by these horrible humans. Mr. P had to wonder... would they welcome him or try to hurt him?

After many days, the little penguin that never made it more then a single mile from his house could see the outskirts of a human town. Very carefully, he snuck up in an attempt to see if he could find a portal to take him to his destination. However there was a gathering of humans in the town. There were too many people for him to go any further so he decided he would wait where he was for the crowd to break up and continue on his journey. They all seemed to be lined up to speak to one particular person. Mr. P thought this must be an important person for so many to be patiently waiting in line.

Sappho was having a very bad day. There were so many items to un-inscribe, so many questions to answer and so little time. She wished she had someone there to help her. After helping the last person in her line she began to gather her belongings and say her goodbyes. While reaching for the last item, she noticed out of the corner of her eye a little penguin hiding behind a rock. Sappho, being a friend to all animals, wondered what the penguin could possibly be doing here. Very slowly she approached the small frightened creature.

Mr. P saw the human was headed in his direction! He was too scared to move. He had heard so many stories about what happens if you get caught. He thought for sure he was doomed and that he would never see his family again. Then the strangest thing happened; the human offered him a fish. Mr. P knew better than to accept fish from strangers. He knows all about the traps with the fish in them. "That's how they get you", he thought.

Sappho noticed that the penguin would not touch the fish. So she next tried bread, fruit, even cheese to no avail. Just when she was about to give up, she pulled out a candy bar placed it on the ground and stepped back. This seemed to be too much for the little guy to resist. He slowly waddled over to the candy and nibbled away. Being careful not to startle the penguin, Sappho quietly approached him and offered some more chocolate.

Mr. P was surprised at how nice this lady was being to him. Could all the stories he heard have been made up? Could the penguins be wrong about the humans? He decided she was worth trusting and grabbed the chocolate out of her hand. Mr. P knew he had made a new friend.

Sappho sat down and eventually coaxed the little penguin over. She rubbed his soft belly and Mr. P feeling warm and snuggly fell asleep in her lap. She then picked up the sleeping penguin and recalled home.

Once home she tucked Mr. P safely into bed and sat down to think. Sappho could tell that Mr. P was a very friendly and loveable penguin. However she was worried that the people of Dereth wouldn't understand a friendly penguin and that they might even cast first and ask questions later. Right then and there she decided that it would be up to her to keep Mr. P safe. Sappho then cast a powerful protection spell over the sleeping Mr. P that would keep him safe always.

When Mr. P finally woke up he saw Sappho sitting on the end of the bed smiling at him. He remembered his long journey here and wanted to somehow repay her for her kindness. Mr. P asked what he could do and Sappho simply responded with, "Stay here and help me with my events and that will be all the thanks I ever need."

Mr. P was so happy that he started belly sliding around the room and even jumped for joy. He was so excited by his good fortune that he agreed right away.

And that my friends, is how Mr. P met Sappho.