Confessions of a Humble Student

[Bralock]

I write upon this parchment in the hope that one day these words help further Aragen's teachings. While I do not wish to appear as conceited in these writings I must admit that I have a new sense of purpose as the visions I have had for several years have come to reality as a golden dragon of considerable size has enlisted my aid in the battle against an even greater evil known from a millenia ago as Blood. I ask that anyone that may retrieve this please take it, without hesitation, to the nearest of temples to the Wise One for they may find it of considerable use.

Upon arriving at my destination, a small town known as Hlint I was greeted by friendly faces and words of welcome. Something I am not accustomed to, and something one does not normally expect when preparing for a coming war. An elf first met and welcomed me, a young woman by the name of Marainna. I was quite astonished later to discover she is one of the feared Dark Elves which I have heard much. A subject quite sore to her, and though I should be wary I cannot help but feel sorry for this poor soul who has the unfortunate misgivings of her racial tendencies behind her. Most helpful, she showed me some of the basic things the town offered. She later helped introduce me to others, such as a very large man - a giant of men, indeed, named Duur. Quite simple in his thoughts it would seem, again his friendliness was astounding to witness, albeit from afar.

A quiet interlude allowed me to establish myself again, having used much of my supplies in my travel to Hlint. A quiet afternoon of fishing allowed for some reflection, and a chance to catch some good food. Shortly after this I made my way to the local inn where I met up with a curious man named Devinion. He appeared to be quite influencial with the locals, though I cannot help but mention a familiarity with him. We had not met before, surely, yet there was something... He is a descendent of the elves, nearly fully he claimed. Perhaps that is it, as I am unsure of my own ancestry even though it points towards a fey background.

Later I ventured into the local crypt where the remains of the dead walked. Skeletons and zombies alike walk amongst the living. I met with two priestesses upon this. Though I often have a strange fear of females I was grateful for any assistance against these abominations. Amelia, a priestess of considerable faith works in Aerdin's name ridding the crypt of the foul beings. Kalisa, a priestess of no small worth either following in Lucinda's path. Both are deities that Aeridin shares an alliance with, and if I was the type to have friends surely both of these would be fine companions. Working our way deep into the crypt we encountered a being of pure shadow and hatred. Without the aid of the divine I know we would have fought in vain though with the writings of these words we were victorious! Aragen shall be most pleased to know I have learned so much in such a short time already within this town. However, I can feel there is still so much more to learn.

[Bralock]

It is still taking me some time to get accustomed to this strange town. I thought at first that it was due to my upbringing, as I never did spend much time in the village where I grew up. I would tend to say that it is something more though, and something dangerous.

After being chased by the goblins north of town, to which they began to swarm me, I was helped by a kind stranger and a young girl. After engaging in a brief conversation with them, and thanking them for their timely rescue, we had met up with some travelling dwarves, brothers it would seem. The dwarves took the girl and I into the goblin caves. I'm not entirely sure why, but it did seem to prove a good adventure, for those caring about such things. It also allowed me to mine some copper, which is why I believe the dwarves had wished to go so deep to begin with. I felt as though I did not contribute much to the battles below, but at least my bow aided me by keeping me safe and allowing something to do be done.

After this we made our way into the town again where again we met with the red haired man that had saved me earlier from the goblins. Quin, it would seem, was quite well known by the local townspeople. Perhaps what was amazing was the revelation of some facts. Seemingly many others from the town had experienced a similar encounter with this golden dragon as had I, and were brought here for the same purpose. Yes, the dragon had spoke of such, but there was no outward indication that I was near the beginning or the end of the list of recruits.

This leaves for some interesting theories, and even deeper reflection on the meaning of everything involved here. Quin, a quite capable warrior despite his modesty, mentioned his devotion to Toran. While he pays little heed to this I cannot help but wonder if the dragon is some representation of our very deities. However, Quin had also mentioned of dark elves, ogres, and orcs which have been brought to the defense against the coming threat as well. Though I would wish to have an answer to this bizzare puzzle I can see that it shall take further investigation.

Perhaps only Aragen can grant some meaning to all of this. I shall need to meditate on the subject and seek His wisdom.

[Bralock]

Perhaps the townsfolk are becoming more accustomed to me, or at least I am to them? It is not an easy question to answer, though the point that I am beginning to converse a bit more freely is of comfort. I realize I have lead a sheltered life, despite the wonders that I have been taught.

Having no success with my daily meditations to Aragen I remembered one of the priests mentioning how the gap between life and death is often the strongest way to reach out to deity. This is often why some indulge in herbs and such to put them in a state similar to a conscious dream. With this suggestion I went to the cemetary to find a way to deal with this link between life and death, particularily as the dead walk again in the crypts beneath.

There I met with two strangers, performers as they set themselves to be, who had some sort of inner connection between themselves. At least I did not manage to follow most of what they inferred. Introduced as Ash and Ambryn they seemed to be very similar in many ways but certainly quite different from myself. It seemed a good opportunity to discuss some things though aside from the recent arrival of another person to town (which I cannot help but feel has also been summoned by the dragon also) to which I took the time to show what the town offered. I may not have been the most entertaining method to learn of Hlint, but at least it was rather thorough.

Returning to the inn later I met with Ash and Ambryn again. There was another there as well, to which more Ash knew of than Ambryn. Quite an odd fellow, he seemed to be a bard as well though was not quite the same again. Ash certainly has a playful personality, one which I cannot say I completely understand. When referring to insults he made it would seem the intention was merely banter which he then uses to play off and cause amusement for others around him. I do not understand this form of entertainment, nor will I claim to in any way.

Ambryn was regarded as being much more experienced of the lot, though her cool and gentle demeanor was more reassuring than Ash's harsh jokes. As I mentioned, they seemed to compliment one another. I would say they also both have been brought by the great dragon, for as Quin had mentioned before it seems obvious at a glance but when you try too hard to notice such things it is missed too easily. Quin is much wiser than he claimed to be, a pity as he seems to be so well known that even Ash has met up with him. A bright future he holds, I shall have to seek his council in future.

Upon seeking out some branches to fashion some musical instruments Ambryn and I made our way back into the town to notice a commotion near the town centre. Something had happened regarding a search for sylvan oak in the Sielwood forest. Not much else of the information was gathered before the group left except the person seeking this was Erag, the notable man in black who skulks around the town. Ambryn feels that he is watching her, and I feel she may not be wrong. A strange person with a somewhat friendly enough demeanor though there is simply something not quite right about the way he carries himself.

Unfortunately I am left with more questions than answers after this encounter but despite this I may actually be developing some sort of kinship with these bards. I certainly have much I could learn from them, as Ash himself had pointed out. I have always been told that bards are the friendly sort and very worldly as they often travel so much. I do not seem to worry how people will regard me here, but for three years I have travelled and kept myself distant due to my self proposed exile. I shall not see that happen again here. The cost is too high, much more so than my pride such as before.