Kyle Pandorn: Stranger in a Strange Land

[SteveJW]

Well...we're just about set for the wedding...

I have plenty of fish...Ferrit made plenty of refreshments...Now...just to get some booze and get everyone to Blackford Castle...

But it was a hard day's work. We almost fell to an overgrown buzzard on Rilara. I need to hone my skills with the katana. Must find me a master who would train me. I couldn't injured the fat overgrown pidgeon of a griffon enough. We nearly perished together there. But Ilsare must have blessed us...we were only knocked unconscious but very bloodied. We picked ourselves up...and healed ourselves at Lake Rillon. Took all we had in healing supplies to do it.

I haven't seen Marcus in a while...hope no evil has befallen him. I must tell Ferrit about him. Maybe tomorrow...

[SteveJW]

I told Ferrit about Marcus...

She likes him and that is good. It also meant the time was right. I told her of his Drow heritage...of how our mother was abducted by Dark Elf slavers and violated repeatedly begetting Marcus. I told of how our mother tried her best to shield him from their influence. And that for 1 1/2 years (according to mother) he was happy. Then I told her of how Marcus was taken by his father after a party of rescuers freed our mother. And that for 5 years...we never seen or heard from Marcus. I don't know what went on then...but with the Dark Elves...

Then I told Ferrit of the day that the Captain of the North Hampshire guard...Cardiana's father...rescued Marcus and re-united him with us. He was raised with us since then..until the dragon changed that.

But he still shows that cruel streak at times. I must stay on top of it...I always had a calming effect on him. This I also told Ferrit. And she said she understands!! I am truly blessed with a wonderful woman.

I cannot wait until we are married...

[SteveJW]

I finally met Jet...

But unfortunately he is not taking on apprentices right now. In the future he might...and I am free to join him on any ventures he may be going on. I will take him up on that.

And with good reason. Ferrit, Marcus and I went to Rilara to deliver a package to Fort Himlad. The cow herder had lost his cow again and we went to find her. It was the worst day of my life. A griffon...a huge griffon took Ferrit from me. I tried my best to save her...but the *Elven expletive* buzzard felled her in one stroke. After ridding the bird of its life...I sat at the stone and cried...praying the Soul Mother would leave her be. My heart leapt for joy when Ferrit reclaimed her body and said the Soul Mother wasn't interested in her this day.

Still...due to my lack of training...I watched the woman I love...the woman I will marry...fall to a dumb bird. Never again. I will train hard while I'm with Jet. My love...my life...depends on me...

[SteveJW]

Only one more day...

And tonight...I will be lonely. It is considered bad luck to see the bride before the wedding. So I must be without Ferrit for the first time since we became engaged. Sleep well...my love. For tomorrow we will be together always.

I made two more iron daggers to sell at Leilon. Also bought Iron Half Plate from Katrien Hommel. I will sell the Iron Chain Mail to recoup the price of the Half Plate. And it needs a dye job...a little too...white for me. But it is a fine set of armor. I'm glad I bought it.

Ash finished Ferrit's wedding dress and now I wait for Vestlyn to finish my suit. He will have to show me tomorrow morning. It was looking good I must say. And I can't wait to see Ferrit in her dress. Ash assures me it will take my breath away. As if that would be hard to do. Ferrit always takes my breath away.

Not much to do now but wait. It will be a long day tomorrow...

[SteveJW]

This is a day of celebration....

First the big news of my life...

Ferrit and I are now Mr. and Mrs. Kyle Pandorn. It was a small but nice ceremony...topped off by the fact that my brother Marcus got to be Best Man because Zandor didn't make it. I'm sure Zandor had a very good reason to stand us up. Vestlyn did a fine job in presiding over things and I think he was more nervous than either Ferrit or myself. After the ceremony...Ferrit and I stole away to Lake Palden...where we had our first wonderful night as husband and wife. And Ilsare willing...there will be many many more.

And better general news...

General...appropriate word. The word is that one of Blood's generals...Xandrial...has been defeated!!! A major victory in this infernal war with Blood. This weakens Blood's forces and turns the tide of the war in our favor. But...we cannot rest on this one victory. I must still train hard...Blood is still out there...and has a few more generals under his command. He certainly will not be delayed for long.

And now...I train not only to be prepared for that...but I train for my wife...I train for Ferrit. Time to seek out Jet and travel with him...

[SteveJW]

Ok...I have potential...

Ferrit bade me ask Derrick Loadson about Weapons training. He is a Master...I'm told...and I need a trainer. He tested me...and took me to kill some mercs near Haven. 'Ya show potential lad....' he smirks at me...'but ya need a little more practice...and gather ye wits some more. See me when you have done that.' So...I practice some more.

But...Derrick gives me a feeling of uneasiness. But...I must do this so that I can protect those I've come to call friends. And protect the one I love...Ferrit.

[SteveJW]

Ozy is sure the flamboyant one...

Last night...he told us of the heroes who defeated Xandrial and turned the tide of the war a bit in favor of the world. It was filled with colorful descriptions and embellishments...but that's what bards do. It gave everyone there a sense of hope...and that's what everyone needed right about then.

Some fool the other day...lead the mercs who hang out near Hlint into town and near the Craft House where he killed Ferrit's ox. We lost everything that was on it. Everything. Fool. Now we must start over again. Ferrit was saddend almost to tears. All the hard work she put in...gone. It took some affectionate consoling from me to lighten her mood. I hate to see tears in her eyes.

We went to Haven to get iron and hunt some ogres. We went a little further than usual with 'Wolf' Williams and a follower of Aerdin...Thalis. Bad move. We got ambushed by Ogre Berserkers and Wolf...Thalis and I fell. I slowed them down to allow my Ferrit to escape. That's when a Beresker took me down. Thank the gods Barion was around to help us get to our stones. And thank the gods the Soul Mother doesn't seem to be interested in anyone right now.

Barion...

He had broken up with Ash. That is a shame...I had thought they were getting along so well...Barion was so happy. I feel for the man. I will say a special prayer for my friend...that Ilsare's light will finally shine in his heart and he finds the love he seeks. As I have found with Ferrit.

I must warn people of Aerdin's Grove. I went there for healing and I found the Healer beinfg attacked by two werewolves and a Render beast. I lended aid as best I could falling to the Render as I did. Ever since Xandrial's defeat...strange things have been occuring.

It is different time we now live in I fear...

[SteveJW]

Ferrit and I are quite a team...

Not just because we are spouses...but we can now get to the iron in the Haven Mines with just the two of us. She is the bait and lures the ogres one at a time to my waiting katana and death by her arrows. I think we fell only once since using this tactic...and my weaponscraft is now starting to move along again.

Marcus has been conspicuously missing. Haven't seen him since our wedding. I hope he is alright. I miss him as does Ferrit.

We went along with Reventage D'Vinn to deliver the amulet to the Shifter. Now there is an empty stone in it that needs a soul. A soul that the Shifter says is here. We don't know exactly whose soul it is...we'll just have to wait and see...

Roldem is being re-taken according to Victor Firefall. The rebuilding could take a long time...but now things are starting to go our way. With Ilsare's blessing we can hope it continues.

I must go...I need to practice with my katana some more...

[SteveJW]

If anyone would doubt the power of love...come speak with me...

Ferrit and I were returning to Hlint after gathering skins...to hear the sounds of battle coming from INSIDE Hlint. Demons were attacking and the people inside were defending the town. Naturally...Ferrit and I joined the fray. We were doing well...until this one demon wench came through and cut down everyone who stood in her path. My katana couldn't even scratch her. Then...everything went dark...

I was floating in a vast emptiness...an emptiness that was cold and lifeless...when I heard a voice. It was a voice of sorrow and anguish. It was that of my Ferrit...crying and praying over my fallen body. Praying with all her being that Ilsare would return me to her. The love in her heart must have stirred Ilsare because I started to move towards her...to the sound of Ferrit's voice...

And then...I was standing next to my beloved Ferrit. She said that the Healer from Ilsare's temple brought me back. But...I beg to differ. Ilsare had heard her loving cry...felt the love that we have for each other and brought me back to her. Ferrit was so overjoyed that we spent the rest of the night in each other's arms. I will never leave her.

Not even a demon could keep us apart...

[SteveJW]

We are starting to test ourselves...

Because I need oak to make a quarterstaff for one Alynderil Wilsomin. There are 2 places I know of where oak trees grow. The Broken Forest where the undead wander...and The High Forest which are swarming with spiders. Ferrit wanted to try the spiders rather than the undead. Not too successful. We fell twice to the bugs.

We fared better against the undead. We got a little beat up...but at least we could out run them. I cut some oak and had little success in making the staff.

Another trip will be necessary to get more oak. The undead are decicedly easier than the spiders...

[SteveJW]

The practice is paying off...

We needed some more iron. Ferrit and I met up with Michel Mordecai and a man named Asher in the Haven Mines. We traveled to the lowest levels to mine iron and platinum and coal. In one of the battles with the ogres...I managed to knock one off balance. He didn't fall...but it was enough to get a killer blow in. Seems my blows are becoming harder. Just the kind of thing a Master should have.

I also had some success in making oak quarterstaves. Made 3 of them. Now if only Alynderil Wilsomin will answer my post so I may sell him one. But I haven't seen him since he commissioned me to make it for him. Someone will buy it...I'm sure.

The Weave burped...

And we lost all we made. Everything. The iron daggers...the armor...Ferrit's fine leather armors. That's what prompted the trip to Haven. And a trip to Port Hampshire and Fort Velensk. I lost the nice iron scimitar I had forged and hoped to sell. I'll need to make another. Good thing the quarterstaves survived it.

Oh well...back to the drawing board...

[SteveJW]

I made a replacement scimitar of iron...

Which I immediately sold to Ash. It was my first sale since I sold Jako Stonehill a bronze katana. Gave Ash the scimitar for half price. She is a friend after all. But there is something bothering her. Something she is reluctant to tell me. All she would say is that it involves a friend of mine. I wonder who it is. I told her that if she ever wanted to talk...to bend an ear...that Ferrit and I would listen to her. We consider Ash to be a friend...and Ilsare demands that we help a friend.

My smelting skill is becoming greater and greater. Iron is becoming easier to manage now. Gold is next....but I will wait until I can make weapons and armor out of iron first. I don't know where to find gold...so it would be smart to stick to iron than risk getting something I can't work with yet.

Maybe the Weave will behave from now on...

[SteveJW]

Ferrit and I threw caution to the wind today...

We went exploring Rilara. Just to see what was out there. And it was a facinating and productive trip. We found leopards for Ferrit to skin...a hill hound which we skinned...and gold!! But I paid a price for that gold. The leader of some bandits...a tough cuss...took me down there. Luckily...I returned the favor...reclaimed my body...and got rid of the bandits and mined the gold in thier lair. And...it takes 2 nuggets of gold to make one ingot. I definitely need to work iron more and get more skilled so I can take care of the bandit's next leader.

But the trip was worthwhile. As long as my beloved Ferrit is at my side. It is so that I can't imagine her not being at my side. And I will never be anywhere else...

[SteveJW]

We now have a place to call home....

Lia Di'Makiir was kind enough to rent Ferrit and me a room in her house in Krandor. We received a discounted rent provided we cook the meals for her. A bargain to say the least. It is a huge room. Ferrit and I...though we enjoyed sleeping under the stars...need a roof over our heads and a place to keep our belongings. And now we have one. A home of our own...

Home...never thought I would call anywhere but Vanavar home. I thought I was set in North Hampshire. I would inherit the family house and live there till I die. But fate...and Ilsare had other plans. Now...my home is with Ferrit...and I am happy that it turned out this way. Ilsare willing...I will grow old here with my beloved Ferrit by my side and watch our children and grandchildren grow here. It is a wonderful feeling.

And now...I train even harder. To protect the place I now call home...

[SteveJW]

Armorcrafting is getting easier...

Or I'm just extremely lucky. I made an Iron Kite Shield today. Such a good job too. The extra protection it provides is a blessing. Now...if I can only make that plate armor for Jako..I'll be happy.

Ferrit is spending more time in Krandor...figuring out what we need for furniture. I also replaced the oak bow she broke in battle. It was amazing how the shaft of her old bow just snapped in two. Must have been weakened by use...the wood just wore out. She was happy when I was able to give her another one. It gladdens my heart to be able to make her happy.

And I found out something about Krandor. The crypts there are crawling with powerful undead that sometimes encroach the streets. Wonderful. At least the dogs keep them penned up in there.

Well...time to go out behind the house and practice my katana strikes. I feel I'm getting stronger every day. Hmmmm...maybe I'll grab a priest and see about the crypts. Nah...from what Ferrit and Ash tell me...it would be suicide. I'll just practice my sword katas for now...

[SteveJW]

If there is one thing I cannot stand is a waste of time...

I found Brendan Raign wandering around Hlint as a spirit. He had fallen in the second level of the Haven Mines and asked Ferrit and me for help. Being the helpful souls we are...we went. I needed some iron anyway...and Ferrit and I can get to the second level by ourselves so getting Brendan to his stone would be easy.

Yeah...right. We get to the mine only to be talked into going to the third level by Curtis Simon Orcult...Justain Leonar...and a few others. This little foray got Brendan killed on the third level this time. This after just recovering his stone. A wasted trip since I couldn't mine much iron due to the constant attacks by the ogres. We burned through most of our healing supplies trying to get back out to Haven itself.

Brendan is a likable guy...but I think I'll talk him into resting his way back to wholeness. He will certainly catch the attention of the Soul Mother if he keeps this up...

[SteveJW]

Today has been quite eventful...

Ayla Bineau asked for my help today.She needed bodak's teeth for potions and she wanted to go into Storan's Crypt to get them. Now...if it were anyone else but her...and maybe Ferrit and Ash...I wouldn't go near Storan's. But Ayla is a good friend and she can cast wards to protect us so we went...bringing Wolf Williams and this other man whose name escapes me for the moment. It didn't go well at all. Sure...the ward protected me from the death gaze of the bodaks...but the rest of the undead overwhelmed us and Ayla, Wolf and I fell. Not even the new electrical enchanment on my blade could kill them quickly enough. We recovered our graves and abandoned the errand for now.

Ayla and I then went to Pranzis for a meeting. This was to learn of the progress of the search for the soul to put in the gem that we showed the Shifter a while back. It turns out they found the soul of a benevolent lich and he willingly went into the gem. We also learned that there is another soul in a gem. And there is a third gem and soul yet to be found. I could be wrong but my understanding is that only one of the 3 souls can be put into the sword and that will determine the moral bent of the sword.

We also heard of a ship. A ship that was carrying the third gem. It went down near the other end of Roldem. All that was recovered was a mirror that is believed to point out the real location of the gem. It still leaves the question of which soul will be used in the Shadow Blade.

Who is to determine that? Who has the wisdom to make such a decision? And who would give up his or her soul willingly when it means certain death for them?

I pray that we can come up with the right course of action...

[SteveJW]

We met a very nice half-orc monk...

Honora is her name. She is very outgoing...friendly...and good at bare-handed fighting. Even better at it now that Ferrit gave her some lion skin gloves to wear. We like Honora. We will travel with her a lot.

The marriage certificate came finally...

And there it is in black and white. Kyle and Ferrit Pandorn. Has a nice sound to it if I do say so. Ferrit went around all day testing it out. It made me smile to hear her say it over and over and over again. And it's a gift that only I could have given her. My family name. A family...period. Maybe someday...we will go back to Vanavar so Ferrit can meet her new family. It would be wonderful.

Lia needs bronze...

Lots of it. 44 ingots to be exact. It will be no problem getting the bronze....but what in Mistone does she want with that much bronze? Anyway...it should be able to pay for a few months rent on the room with some left over for us.

Better get cracking...

[SteveJW]

I hope this was worth it...

Xora got a hold of a gem that is of better quality than the one holding the soul. And needed to get to Silden in Roldem to make the transfer. This place was supposed to be the weakest spot between the planes...according to Ozy...so we set out for it.

Seems that we weren't the only ones interested in the soul. An army of demons attacked us and attempted to disrupt the ritual. We fought hard...but they were overwhelming for Jako and me. We fell to the demons onslaught. This is after Vin Oxyshade cut the rope keeping the demons...and us...from disturbing the ritual. Only Ilsare's love and grace...and Quantum Windward...brought me back. Ayla Bineau said the transfer was a total success...that our falling was not in vain.

I sure hope she is right...

[SteveJW]

Rings...

That's what Lia needed the bronze for. So I sold the whole lot to her for 5000 gold coins. Lia was surprised that I was able to make all the bronze so quickly. And happy...she was literally humming as she made her way to the portal to Hlint and the crafting house. I'll never understand the mind of a mage...

I must get back to practicing my katana strikes...It won't be too long until Derrick will consider training me. I don't feel as uneasy as I did...because Ireth Telrunya told me that Jet was trained by Derrick and that I would do well to have him as a mentor.

I do hope that she is right in her assessment....

[SteveJW]

We need a couple days off...

I wasn't keeping a good enough eye on my ox and it got killed in the Haven Mines. It decided to go up against the ogres and was quickly sent to the big pasture in the sky. Lost all the iron I mined plus a bronze half plate...3 iron daggers and an iron large shield. Must have been all the fights with the ogres over the last few days...because I have been getting very absentminded lately. Maybe some rest and relaxation with Ferrit in my arms will straighten me out. Anyway...I did manage to pull 9 nuggets out of there...and now iron is just as easy to smelt as copper and bronze.

I do love to make Ferrit smile...

There is a florist in Fort Hope now...and I couldn't resist buying a bouquet of roses for her. The brightness of her smile and warmth of her embrace was worth the trip. Now...if I could just get platinum for her compound shortbow...that would really make her day. It is to be a birthday present for her...but she doesn't know when that is...so it is for whenever it happens to be.

There must be a way to find out when it is...

Well...we're off for a couple of days...some down time for just the two of us is long overdue...

[SteveJW]

Murder in Leilon...

Some poor sod was murdered in Leilon today. The strange thing about this was that his eyes were sewn shut and his heart was removed...by someone with some skill. The search took me...Ireth...Pendar...Ellan...Supin...and a few others to the shop of this shoemaker Tomas and his brother...a cleric of Pendar's order. The brother was...afraid to talk in front of Tomas...and with good reason. Appears that Tomas read a tome that made him possessed...or obsessed with prolonging life. And if Tomas were to find out that he talked...he fears that he would be killed as well. The brother suggested that a tome buried within the Krandor Crypts holds a ritual that will put Tomas right. It takes us practically to my backyard.

Well...at least I won't have too far to go should I need to rest...

[SteveJW]

I forgot to tell of a halfling that I like....

His name is Berriford. Berri for short. He wants to be a warrior...but he seems to be...reluctant. But once he gets going...I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of those kukuri he wields. He needs a confidence boost. He helped Ferrit and I mine some copper for Ferrit and I made a pair of bronze kukuri for him.

But...I wish he would call me Kyle instead of Mr. Pandorn. It makes me feel old....

[SteveJW]

Kyle is outside the house in Krandor. His face is a picture of concentration as he practices his attack and defensive stances with his katana. He stops for a moment to write.

Wolf Williams told me something of himself today...

He is an outcast from his family. In fact...they sent someone to kill him!!! Seems that his family doesn't care much for those outside their family...and anyone who mingles with an 'outsider' is either killed...or 'purified' by the family. Wolf's father was killed becuase he dared to love an elf woman who was Wolf's mother and they tried to 'purify' Wolf by torture. Wolf somehow got away from them...but still they persue him.

Wolf...myself...Ireth...Ferrit...and Zan went to Rilara...to the place of Wolf's family where we learned that a man named Flagg is exerting an influence over the Williams family. An evil twisted influence since none of the Williams clan are allowed to mingle with anyone but family. Such an abomination!!! We now await to see what this Flagg is all about.

I find myself thinking about my family. They are the very opposite of the Williams clan. I have no doubt that they will adore Ferrit...if and when we go back to Vanavar. They will love her for who she is. As I love her.

The Williams clan believes to love someone outside the family...especially one of another race...is to taint the blood of the family. They are already tainted. Tainted by racism and possibly by an evil influence. A taint that will be hard to cleanse.

Kyle puts down the quill and returns to his practice...

[SteveJW]

We did battle for Stone...

A group of 30 of us went to retake Stone from Blood's forces. Now...you ask...what can a group of 30 do against an army entrenched in a fortified town? Give them a bloody nose...that's what. The battle started in the Belager Hills near Stone. We took out a scouting party of Dwarf Mercs and Black Rain Archers. That was the first strike in what the bards will tell as the Battle for Stone. We were enhanced to the hilt by the mages and clerics we had on hand and we battled all the way to Stone itself. My arrows were finding their mark softening them up for the fighters who were better trained than I. I did use my katana if a fool merc got close enough. But for the most part...I just rained arrows at the enemy.

When we got to Stone...we found it to be heavily guarded by all sorts of demons...the toughest being Defender Balors from Milara. A few fell to them as we fought them with everything we could muster. And we prevailed!!! We raised the fallen and looked around.

Then we saw the devastation. The town was completely in ruins. Totally razed to the ground. And the bodies of those who tried to defend their homes...crucified for all to see. It was the most horrible sight I have ever witnessed. Then...there was the temple. And sounds of desperation. We cleared the debris from the entrance to find 20 or so gnomes...cold...frightened and starving. With the sounds of reinforcements approaching...we quickly lead the gnomes away from Stone to safety in Point Harbor.

Now...some say that we did battle for nothing. That since we let reinforcements come...the town wasn't liberated. I know of 20 or so gnomes who would disagree. We saved them from a horrible fate. So...in a manner of speaking...we did liberate Stone. And we put fear into Blood's troops. That such a small force could be so bold as to attack a stronghold of their's and come out of it successfully...it will make them take notice.

But now...they will be on their guard. The generals will not be pleased.

And there will be hell to pay...

[SteveJW]

Zandor is on a quest for knowledge...

Knowledge of the Elven language. And he has asked me to teach him. Now...that is a sight...a human teaching a dwarf the Elven tongue. Everyone back home would die laughing at the sight.

But...he does have an aptitude for it...and we now can carry a simple conversation. Even if it is the 'Hi...how are you?' kind. Zandor is an intelligent man. He will pick it up quickly.

I hope I pick up Dwarven as quickly...

[SteveJW]

Met some one new today...

Rhynn is her name. A mage who is friendly and helped Ferrit and I immensely today. Ferrit needed skullcaps today and we went into the swamps to get them. Ferrit usually goes alone and sneaks her way past the lizards...but today...she wanted me to come along. We met Rhynn on the way and talked her into going as well.

Good thing too...We fell to their poisoned arrows....Ferrit and I fell...but Rhynn was only knocked unconscious and was able to get out of there. She cast a masking spell on Ferrit and myself and we recovered our bodies. Such a gesture by Rhynn couldn't go unappreciated so I made her a set of hickory crossbow bolts as a gift. She is a very nice girl and we look forward to travelling with her again.

I've had this nasty cold for the last few days...the draught the healer in Hlint gave me lessens the effects...but I still need some rest.

With Ferrit to keep me warm in her arms I should feel better in no time...

[SteveJW]

I don't know what to say to Rhynn...

She told me a very disturbing story about herself. The Master...who I thought she idolized...is in fact a creep who had treated her poorly when she was staying with him. He told her some guff that it was her duties as an to him. He should be drawn and quartered and fed to the boars. Such a man does not deserve any respect as a Master of anything.

And...Rhynn seems to be taken by Ozy. Which can get deadly for her if she keeps it up. Ozy's fiance...Kea...almost killed her. Instead...she threw Rhynn into the pond and disappeared.

Rhynn is a sweet girl and I will keep and eye on her...

[SteveJW]

There is a terrible thing happening to the women in Hlint...

It seems a halfling demon named Anxiety is conscripting beautiful women to become his 'Riders' for some unknown purpose. He gives them horses to 'ride' that brings out certain emotions.

The first to be...violated...that's the only word I can think of...was Rhynn. She rides the horse named Anger. She can barely contain her anger. It takes a gentle voice by me and a calm steady hand to keep it under control. I'm just doing what a friend can do.

Then Ireth became a Rider. She rides Fear. She is...fearful of confrontaion now. Which is sad...because she is one of the bravest women I know.

Dorena Abianca rides Defiance. She will not agree on anytrhing...rather she becomes stubborn...and uncooperative.

AnnaLeMacGregger...she has Denial. She has become withdrawn and it takes great effort for her to speak.

And last is Addison Scarlace...Indulgence. I never met her before...but I hear she is a Weapons Master. Last night at the Arms...she overindugled in ale and food...much to the bewilderment of her love...Cole Norseman. I will have to tell him...he deserves to know. She above all should know the value of keeping her emotions in check.

I have been keeping an eye on them as best I can. Along with Ferrit and a few others. I have told the ladies that I will help them as best as I can to defeat the halfling and get their lives back.

But...I am at a loss to figure out how...As a friend to Rhynn and Ireth...I must find a way...

[SteveJW]

Seems I was totally wrong...

The halfling....though not totally innocent...is not our true enemy.The Guardian of the plane Pandemonium...Koralawyn...is. She is treating the horses badly and the halfling made the ladies Riders to try to protect them. Master Ozy said that she had come to power under less than honorable circumstances and Anxiety wishes to unseat her. So we hunt for information on her to defeat her. We need to walk the planes.

But there is another thing bothering me...The five ladies...they have expressed a desire to keep their horses. That they relieve their ills. And they say that the horses love them as much as they love the horses. I...won't stop them from keeping them...but I feel that it is wrong for them to be...bonded in this way. Rhynn says that while they are near...their emotions are kept in check...but when the horses are called back to Pandemonium...that's when the women start to lose their control.

What are they supposed to do? Stay in constant contact with them? How did they handle their emotions before the horses bonded with them? It doesn't sit right with me.

But...I cannot force Rhynn and the others to give them up. I won't. I just hope it isn't a mistake...

[SteveJW]

A meeting was held at the Hlint Courthouse...

And a lot was gleaned from that meeting. It seems that Koralawyn is abusing her authority as Planar Guardian in order to get the halfling to submit to her will. And that the horses were being used and tortured for that purpose. The Five...as I have come to call them now...must appeal to the other Planar Guardians and prove Koralawyn is abusing her powers. They first must go to Arborea and Celestia to find out what they can. They already went to Arborea...now I hope that Celestia will prove just as fruitful.

Ireth was frightened today. She said she couldn't always feel Fear. And that made her even more fearful. We talked at length...me trying to calm her...make her overcome her fear even though she lost contact with her horse. My advice to her was...to hold on to Jet with all the strength she could. And to let her love for him take over...and I gave her a friendly hug to calm her. It worked. Her fear had subsided.

Then I spoke to Rhynn...she wanted to go to Rilara to reclaim her body. She fell to the overgrown pidgeon there. She could have gotten there by herself fine...but I went along to keep her company. She guessed what I was afraid to tell them. That I felt that they don't need the horses to soothe them. That they had dealt with their emotions before the horses and she said..."and we will deal with them afterwards." She also said that she doesn't blame me for thinking that...that I was worried about them as a good friend should be. I think that she has considered the possibility that the horses may not be able to stay with them and has accepted it. As has Ireth. Ireth said that she could live without being bonded to Fear. I truly hope so.

I also hope with all my heart that if this is so that my friendship with them won't be at an end. I will also take my own advice and hold onto Ferrit with all my strength....

[SteveJW]

I needed to get away from Hlint for a while for the world seemed to be wrong...

And Ferrit must be a mind reader. She sent me a note to meet her on Rilara for some panther and cougar skins. I hopped the next boat off Mistone to see her. We hunted and fished...and everything seemed right with the world again. I needed to get away from Hlint...away from the constant worry about demons and horses and ogres. We made a fire at Lake Rillon and we held each other for a long while just cuddling by the fire and sharing tender kisses by the reflected moonlight off the lake.

This thing about the Riders has made me appreciate what I have with Ferrit. I need no horse to assuage my fears...hear my worries. For that...I have Ferrit and I know that she will be there for me...to listen to my worries and calm my fears. To be there to keep me from losing my cool...to accept that which I cannot change. And when I hold her in my arms...I become complete.

No horse from another plane can even come close to my Ferrit. I love her even more now than ever before.

And I hope that the Riders will be able to see that for themselves...

[SteveJW]

Just when everything was going our way...sort of...something happens to darken things...

The Soul Mother has returned. Ash had found that out the hard way. She had fallen and the Soul Mother was there waiting for her. It isn't fair. I think of Ayla now. And how if she falls again...it will be for the final time. And I think of Ferrit...and her two visits by that witch. With the Soul Mother defeated...I was at ease. I was able to look at a future with Ferrit. We grow old together...watch our children and grandchildren grow. And we would die of old age. It was the best thing one can hope for.

Now...I find myself becoming more timid...more concerned about Ferrit. If she were to fall for that final time...The best future I pray for will not come to pass. I cannot let that happen.

I must...for the sake of that future...become the hardest man to kill so I can protect my love...and anyone else with me from losing their futures. So help me Ilsare...

[SteveJW]

I am overcompensating for my being timid of adventure...

Almost to the point of foolhardiness. I was talked into going to the Moors to kill some lizards by Rhynn and Treana...someone who I recently met. And we also got Talen Sgath to go along. We got through the first couple of patrol groups...but when we pressed deeper into the swamps...the artillerists let loose with their deadly poison bolts...Rhynn, Treana, and Talen all fell to the poison. I was slowed by the poison and couldn't save any of them with the potions I had and barely made it back to Hlint alive. The new belt I got from Jharl seemed to keep most of the bolts from reaching me so I could escape. And...from what I was told...the Soul Mother wasn't around this time. I was glad for that.

Here I am...worried for Ferrit...and I go and almost get killed. I don't know what came over me or why I agreed to go...but it could have resulted in a meeting with the Soul Mother. I must pick my battles...or adjust my tactics so that I am not overwhelmed. I must be smarter than that.

Ferrit will not be happy once she finds out. I think I will tell her before anyone else does. She needs to hear it from me. I'll have the...scolding coming...

[SteveJW]

There is a place in Velensk where death has no teeth...

An Arena of sorts where you can go...fight..and not worry about death or the Soul Mother. It was the perfect place to bring Rhynn..Addison and Treana to let out some steam.

And Addison desperately needed to let out some indulgence. She hits...really hard...I did give her a little bit of a fight. Rhynn and Treana didn't have a chance. It was the perfect therapy for Addison. Her indulgence was sated and she returned to a calm collected state.

The Riders don't have much time...the need to get Koralawyn to bond to Insanity. This is just a guess...but since Insanity is white...he is pure. And I'm betting Koralawyn can't resist purity. Insanity is believed to be the uncorrupted pure form of Elezandar...the rightful Guardian of Pandemonium. Our theory is if Koralawyn bonds with Insanity...and the Five focuses their emotions on Insanity...Koralawyn will fall. The horses will be freed...

And hopefully the girls will get their lives back...

[SteveJW]

I may not need to train with Derrick Loadson after all...

After going a few rounds in the Arena with Addison...I told her that I was training with the katana as well. I also paid her the compliment of being honored to train under her...and she said that she will get in touch with her master...I forget his name for now...I was to say the least, stunned. And also relieved. Everyone says that Derrick is really a good guy....but I don't know...I'm still a little skittish about him.

Anyway...I took Ferrit to see the Arena. And she decided to pick a fight with me!!! I put her on her butt...knocking her down and it felt...sickening. Even though there was no fear of death...the thought of me...striking my love...I felt like my insides were being ripped out. She kissed me and said she wanted to try it out...but I...couldn't bring myself to do it. Luckly Addison was there to give a demonstration. She took both of us down...rather easily. I don't think I'll bring Ferrit there anymore...

And as for paying Jharl with silk for my belt...it is getting too hazardous. Ferrit sneaks into a cave of spiders on Rilara to fill the boxes I need for Jharl. She fell three times to the stinking bugs. And thank Ilsare the Soul Mother wasn't looking each time. Each time she falls...a little piece of me falls with her. Even though I never felt the Soul Mother's touch....this has to be close.

I'll be glad when I pay Jharl off so she won't have to go into that cave anymore for me...

[SteveJW]

I'm at my wits end...

Rhynn is getting stranger and stranger by the minute. And it isn't the horses this time. Now she believes that her former creep of a mentor Saebhel is looking for her and loves her and she him. She didn't even remember who I was. Not even a fake attempt at drowning in the lake snapped her out of it. She has now started to alienate those she is closest to. Bah!!! I was a fool to think that I can help her. I'll let Freldo handle her. She's his problem now. I wash my hands of her. And I'm not the only one who feels this way.

Treana was also hurt by Rhynn. Rhynn...in that fit of amnesia...told her that she didn't trust a word she said. This got Treana so upset...that she was mean to Ferrit after Ferrit had saved her from the Sielwood spiders. It took a lot of cuddling from me to ease Ferrit. I must speak to Treana...tell her that she has other friends than Rhynn.

Well...back to more saner things...I am one strand of silk from paying off Jharl and I couldn't be more relieved. Ferrit didn't want to go to Rilara to get it and I don't blame her one bit. Truthfully...I was relieved. One more trip to the Seilwood should do it.

Kesa Briams is becoming one of my best customers for weapons and shields. She bought a bronze bastard sword and a bronze kite shield from me. She also purchased the bronze longsword that I was going to sell to Jeremy Steel. They seem to be quite taken with each other...they do make a handsome couple. Ferrit and I must travel with them...I think we could become good friends with them.

I think I'll go to the arena...maybe Addison can teach me a few more tricks...

[SteveJW]

Kyle hand is shaking as he writes this journal entry...he is visibly upset.

Ayla Bineau is dead once more...

The Soul Mother...that...that...*Elven expletive*...just couldn't wait. Ayla was helping to heal someone on Arabel when she was killed. And that witch was waiting for her. There will be no return for her this time. I will miss her even more now. Dearest Ilsare...let your love take care of her now. I will remember her smile as she made that enchantment for me. It is the memory that will stay with me.

Ferrit was understandably distraught. And was worried about my dying. I told her if that ever happened...she was to go on...knowing that my love will always be with her. And nothing can ever take that from her. I told her..that I want to grow old with her...and watch our children and grandchildren grow....and I will fight my hardest to see that come to pass. I swear on Ilsare that will happen.

And I have made peace with Rhynn. Seems my little stunt in the pond worked in restoring her memory. But I still felt a little foolish. She told me that Insanity had shifted from Angela to Mith. And that we were all being affected by the insanity some. That would explain the amnesia and her wishing to return to that slime of a master. I must make it up to her as soon as I can.

The times are getting crazier and crazier...

[SteveJW]

It's all coming together...

We had a visit from Fear and Anger today. Ireth...Rhynn and I were talking about things...when their horses appeared. I couldn't help but pet them. They are just as much pawns in this as the ladies who ride them...and they seem to understand me. Just as the seem to understand that I mean them no ill will or harm. From what Rhynn told me...they are prepared to become unbound to them. As much as that makes me relieved...it will not be a happy occasion. I hate to admit it...but those horses grow on you. But I wouldn't want to be bound to one.

Fear told Ireth of an amulet. An amulet that would be key to the undoing of Koralawyn. We would have to travel to Lorindar in Roldem to the rubble of the bard guild hall of the Ineffable Chord. Therewe found a hooded spirit...also looking for it. We did battle and after defeating it...we went inside where I found the amulet and gave it to Ireth.

Ozymandias tells us the amulet was the instrument by which Koralawyn came into being the Guardian of Pandemonium. And that we need to get Insanity to bond with it...then get Koralawyn to bond with the amulet. Easier said than done. We must first find Insanity. I think that all we need to do is get Insanity to wear the amulet to bind him to it. And the only link to Insanity is Mith.

There is also a side story to this...Aranna has another mother. Ireth had carried Aranna for her. And she is the rightful Guardian of Celestia. And that her bloodline is heir to Guardianship. It seems to me that Koralawyn means to disrupt the bloodline by tainting the lake that is used to christen the Guardian of Celestia.

We must bind Koralawyn to Insanity before that happens. Or truly there will be hell to pay...

[SteveJW]

Last night was special...

The dress and suit that Treana made for us were what made the night special. Ferrit was simply radiant in her red dress. We wore them at the Arms where we had dinner....danced...and spent most of the night just looking deep into each other's eyes...bringing smiles to all those who passed by our table. It was the best night we've had in a long time. I hope we will have more of them. I love Ferrit so..

Now the time draws near...

The Riders will ride to Pandemonium to confront Koralawyn. Hopefully they will be able to bind her to the amulet and force her to be bound to Insanity. And hopefully..they will be freed from their own bonds to their horses. And the Plane of Celestia will be safe as well. I fear a lot of us will perish...but if it will stop Koralawyn...it may be worth it. For Koralawyn will not be content with just Celestia...all the planes may fall to her.

And that would be worse than Blood taking over...