Cynic, a blackguard whose faulty vision sees things as they really are, not as they ought to be. Hence the custom among the Scythians of plucking out a cynic's eyes to improve his vision.

From 'The Devil's Dictionary'

Introduction: This is the story of Zaerini, a half-elven Chaotic Neutral bard, and her adventures. It starts out where her story first began, in Candlekeep, and will eventually take her through Baldur's Gate, Shadows of Amn and Throne of Bhaal. Rini is pretty much a trickster character, surviving as much by her wits and her sharp tongue as by magic or sword. Intelligent but with a reckless streak, she has a tendency to quickly get into trouble, and then equally quickly wriggle out of it.

But as much as it is a story of adventure, it is also a story of romance, and an unlikely one at that. The Edwin Romance. It began as a challenge to myself and an urge to do something different, and by now it has taken on a life of its own. If it brings even half of you half as much satisfaction reading it as it did me writing it, then I shan't consider it a complete failure. Also, I would like to assure you that despite the different forms of pressure put on me by my characters to do them justice I seem to be holding up well so far. (Apart from having developed the habit of speaking in parenthesis and referring to annoying people as 'monkeys'). And now Zaerini herself would like to say a few words.

Hi guys! It's just me, Rini. Before you start reading I thought you should get to know some friends and family of mine, so I persuaded them to let me put up their pictures here. Not an easy feat either, I got hexed when I told Eddie I wanted to use this pic I got of him when he wasn't quite…um…himself. Really, he should have known I was kidding. But I'll get him back when he gets dressed tomorrow and finds out about the itching powder…

Softpaws, my familiar. Where I would be without her I really don't like to think about. Quite possibly the most clever cat in the world, and fond of managing my social life.

These are my siblings, or two of them anyway. Immy's always been my best friend, ever since we were both little. We'd do anything for each other. Except that she won't let me dye her hair back to its real color, rather than that glowing pink one. Then there's Big Brother Sarevok. Not the easiest guy to get along with, but our relationship's much improved these days. I even get to tease him about that hideous spiky armor of his without him trying to lop my head off.

Edwin Odesseiron, wonderful wizard, master of magic and sultan of sarcasm. Also really cute and with a surprisingly loyal and caring side, if you happen to be one of the extremely rare people he does care about.

Speaking of which, this is Eddie's family. Great people once you get to know them, as long as you're not too squeamish. If you want to get some more info on them I suggest you head out to Laufey's section on the Short Stories site. As long as you're polite you should be fine.

Well, that's it! See you around, and hope you enjoy the stories! Now I'll have to look around for that baby picture of Eddie and see if I can sneak it up here…