Kyle Pandorn: Stranger in a Strange Land

[SteveJW]

I woke up this morning on the ground...staring up at this strange stone cross. I looked around...clearing the cobwebs from my head...to find I was not in North Hampshire anymore. And Cardiana wasn't beside me.

The people I met so far talked about this being a town called Hlint...and everyone had the same dream of a dragon who drafted them into a war with this Blood guy. This dragon...it seems has been doing this for a while conscripting people against their will...I guess. It took me away from my home...my family...Cardiana.

Cardiana...sweet Cardiana. Never got to tell you I love you. And now you may never know. If killing this Blood will bring me back to you...then he dies....

[SteveJW]

Rats...back to training against rats...

I haven't done any rat catching since I first started training with Cardiana. It was the first time she let me use a blade. This man Johan...his wife was ill and he needed someone to go get some rat pelts for him. And...the accountant at the Courthouse...lost the city's tax records. I had to get them from a 'Ratman'. If Cardi could see me now...she would laugh her head off. I miss her. When I lie in bed at the Wild Surge...I close my eyes and I can see her face...like she was right in front of me. I go to reach for her...but only get air. Then I get angry.

What was the surprise that she had for me? If only that blasted dragon hadn't taken me from her...

After I get done here...that dragon owes me big...

[SteveJW]

I helped with the rats again...

But this guy...I forget his name...kept running off...getting killed. He won't last too long if he dosen't learn patience. That is something Cardiana taught me. I would wade into them...and get pretty banged up doing it. Cardiana would just let them come to her and take them one at a time...never getting surrounded. After many bandages...and bruises...I learned not to run into every battle head on.

His companion...Selena Tiriel...was with us. Now that is a warrior. She swings a mean Greataxe. She reminds me of Cardiana. How she would just wait and be patient...even when we cleaned out the undead in the crypts..she struck with ease.

I will learn a lot from her...if she doesn't mind the company...

[SteveJW]

The days just run together. I do the odd job here and there. Now...Johan needs a boar's pelt. While this allows me to use my katana...my skills are not progressing as it did when I was with Cardiana. I need to find someone versed in katana to help me. But none may come as close to being like her.

Cardiana...Cardiana. Do you miss me? Do you wonder where I have gone to? You don't even know how I feel right now. I'm so alone here.

Well...time to find that boar's pelt for Johan. And that wagon master...Ronus...needs someone...I'll see him too..

[SteveJW]

There have been attacks by this Blood's armies in and around this place. And they were beaten back by the hearty souls here. Oh...how I wish I was trained enough to join them!!! It would give me some small bit of satisfaction...since it is because of him...that dragon has taken me from all those I love.

I'm still not acclimated to my surroundings...I find myself lost and not knowing what to do.

Cardi...I wish you were her to guide me as you always have.

[SteveJW]

I saw Ranewin again today. I had met her when I first came here. She looks very different now. Some kind of curse was placed on her after she destroyed this necromancer's hand. The young vibrant face she had is now a weathered aged face...like that on my grandmother. The price she paid to destroy an evil artifact. There is a cure...if you could call it that...that would conceal the effects and restore her to a somewhat normal state. I hope she can find this. She is a kind woman.

Cardi...you would like her...she reminds me of you...I hope the letters I send are getting to you. And I hope you are writing back. I miss you so...

I went with some others to a place called Haven. Their mines are crawling with Ogres and we dispatched quite a few of them. You would have been proud of me Cardi. They didn't even scratch me. But that's maybe because my companions are better at combat than I...but I got my strikes in.

I must start to craft a katana. You were just about to teach me how before I was taken from you. It shall be a weapon that is worthy of a Master. Then...I will return to you.

[SteveJW]

Met someone new today...

Mara is her name. A dark-skinned Elven woman. However I don't think she is Drow. Her mannerism aren't Drow-like...if there is such a description. She needed help getting salt and since I was just sitting there she asked me. As I had nothing to do...I went.

I suspect she really needed some company...she took care of those Goblins like she owned them. She is a deadly shot with the bow. She didn't really need my help. But...I was glad to have some company. I was feeling so alone. We gathered all the salt we could find and headed back. It was then I remembered the bard in the Wild Surge who lost her necklace. I asked Mara if she would take me to the cave in the Sielwood(?) to retrieve it. She smiled and accepted without even hesitating. However...the goblins who had the necklace did not return to the cave yet...so we abandoned the search for now. She is an interesting one...I do hope we can come back and finish what we started...

I really need to start crafting my own katana...the Seilwood cave has ores...maybe I can start there...

No word from Cardiana...I am worried...

[SteveJW]

Finally got that necklace. Had some help from Armin and a few others. The bard was happy enough to get such an heirloom back.

Then I saw Talon again. She and this Azaria say thay are sisters. Must be a girl thing because Talon is an elf...and Azaria is a halfling...women.

Anyway...they needed some sage and we went to this place called the Broken Forest. The place was crawling with vermin undead and ogres. The Ogres...had a really bad experience. One struck me from behind and everything went dark.

I was floating in this darkness...a Void that had no horizon. Just as I resigned myself to never seeing Cardiana again...I found myself back in Hlint...very weak and very...incorporeal. This priestess..Ayla...said that that is what happens when you are struck down and after some time...you regain your strength. That is good. I don't think I would want to wander the world like a ghost forever. I must be careful next time.

The mail came and still nothing from Cardiana. I am getting really worried. I hope she doesn't think I'm dead...

[SteveJW]

I can now go into that cave in the Seilwood to get some copper ores to craft into weapons. Thanks to this helm I got from that Lieutenant in Fort Llast...I can stand up to the kobolds in there and get to mining.

I still need to find someone willing to take an apprentice for training in the katana. It won't be much use to make a quality weapon if I can't wield it properly. There is a bulletin board in the Wild Surge Inn. Maybe if I place a request...someone will contact me. It won't be the same as with Cardiana...but she is in another place. Worrying about me no doubt. There has been another mail drop today and still no word. I hope she got my letter.

I am starting to get the hang of smelting ore. I have a few copper ingots in the vault and as soon as I get the molds for weapons...I can begin making katanas. But it will take time to work the real quality metals.

There is nothing else I can do for the moment...

[SteveJW]

Made a new friend today...

Supintaltha Kilortinlathan. Whew...got tongue tied trying to say it. She just wants to be called Supin for short. She needed to go down into the crypts for essence for Erag. I swear he must be addicted to the stuff. She is also a capable warrior...wielding twin scimitars. That's what I may do....wield twin katana blades. I would look forward to adventuring with her again.

Ranewin also got a hold of me today. Wanted to go to the Grey Peaks. Since I need to get this Oil of Vukas for this girl in Fort Llast...I went with her. Things went bad fast...I got sent to the dark horizonless Void again...but this time it felt a little different...like someone or something was looking my way but didn't see me. I wonder what that is all about.

Well...I'm going to be resting up in Hlint again. No word yet again from Cardiana. And I really need to find someone who would train me in katana...

[SteveJW]

I seem to be making friends easily here...

And all it took was to become a ghostly figure. Aries had seen me wandering Hlint in my ghostly appearance and offered to take me back to where I fell to reclaim my body and soul. She was genuinely concerned about it. Then Angela Swann joined us...then Ranewin and her lover Trysk. I don't blame Ranewin for me becoming a spirit this time...I joined her willingly when I could have stayed in Hlint. So it is really my fault I ended up that way. Then this giant Glokk joined us. Then a few whose names escapes me now. I'll remember them next time I run into them.

We went back to the Grey Peaks where I fell...and as I touched the spot where I fell...I felt divine energy flow through me as my spirit reconnected with my body. It was good to feel whole again. I must remember never to travel through that area again until I am particularly well trained. If it weren't for my companions... I would have had to wait a while for my spirit to reclaim my body on its own. I fell two more times due to my weakend condition. Thanks to them all for their help.

No mail came today...this not hearing from home is getting me crazy...

[SteveJW]

I saw Talon again today...

We were walking towards the Craft House...when she asked me to go to a party at the Leilon Arms Tavern with her. Since I was curious about the Leilon Arms anyway and Talon is a beautiful woman....I accepted. She smiled brightly as I said I would accompany her. A smile that was a glad smile.

No sooner than we meet at the Leilon Arms that Azaria shows up...again. Then Talon wanted to leave to take care of her 'sister'. This...after wanting me to see the room she had rented there. She kissed my cheek and promised to come with me the next time the Arms is open. And then she left with Azaria in tow. I spent the evening trying to beat Acacea in the old game of bouncing the coin in the glass. I lost. My mind was still on Talon.

I don't know what to make of this...is Talon interested or not? I'm getting confused.

Word form Cardiana is way way overdue...something has happened...I feel it...

[SteveJW]

Another venture into the crypts...

This time it was to help Nim'Sy'Amandil and Ferrit get more essence for Erag. Nim is searching for her daughter...Sy'Ravenne and is really worried for her. Seems that Sy'Ravenne is close to having the Soul Mother take her for good and Nim wishes to see her before that happens. It would be sad if they don't get together before then. I hope she finds Sy'Ravenne before the end comes.

Ferrit is excellent with a bow...just like Nim. They hit their targets with precision at point blank range. And Ferrit can drink...after we got the essence we downed a few at the Wild Surge. She was getting annoyed at the attention the drunks were giving her and I had to keep her from cutting one. Can't have a murder rap for a drunk. She is...an interesting woman...

There is still nothing from home...if word doesn't come soon...I may have to try to get back to Vanavar but I don't think that dragon will let me though...so I wait...

[SteveJW]

Well...it wasn't meant to be...

Talon and I will just be friends. I thought I wanted to explore a relationship with her...but it would have been wrong. I felt that it wasn't right...I think that it was my missing Cardiana that was drawing me to her. She does remind me of Cardi. In fact...Talon's heart belongs to Glenn Thendor. Fortunate man he is. I wish her happiness with him. And I still miss Cardiana back home. But the silence from home is unnerving...

I must post to the board in the Wild Surge. If I'm to be ready for Blood and his armies...I must be trained well. Time is a wasting...

[SteveJW]

There is some bad news today...

Nim's daughter...Sy'Ravenne...was taken by the Soul Mother yesterday. I never seen this Soul Mother...but from what others have told me...it is not a pleasant thing. Once the Soul Mother takes you...you don't come back. I guess I am lucky...the two times I was in the blackness...no one came to see me there. But my luck won't hold out forever...so I'm told.

No response yet from the Wild Surge. Guess I may have to ask around. Someone may want to take me on as an apprentice. I just have to look.

Gave some skeleton knuckles to Ayla Bineau. Got 4 potions like the one I used to save Ferrit's life the other day. It was fortunate that I had it with me. A griffon almost killed her while we were coming back from Port Hampshire that day. I poured the contents into her mouth and saved her from going into the darkness. I...was afraid I wasn't going to get to her in time. And I was worried. I...like her.

[SteveJW]

An interesting day...

Ozy Llewellyn regaled us with the story of a paladin...Dougal...who went against the orders of his god and refused to slay some children and became an avatar of Shadisson. More to come later.

Ferrit and I went a mining and crafting. I made her a set of darts as a gift. She used some and she is getting the hang of using them. Her smile lights up the room when she made her first batch of arrowheads...leathers...and things. I...like to see her smile.

We tried to get some more copper from Seilwood...but we both fell to spiders. I had used all my potions the first time around. We are resting in Hlint...and maybe after our souls reunite with our bodies...we will try again tomorrow...before we go to the Leilon Arms.

I look forward to spending the evening with her...

[SteveJW]

Another soul is taken from us...

Ayla Bineau...the priestess I was collecting skeleton knuckles for is dead. She had gone into the mines alone and was killed. Why would she go alone? Doesn't make sense. I didn't know her for long...but she was a kind and caring soul. That's two that I know of. I will miss Ayla.

I need to go to the Arms tonight. A few drinks to Ayla is in order.

I hope Ferrit will come with me tonight. I could use her company...

[SteveJW]

I have joined a trader's group...

Well...I should say Ferrit and I did. We spoke to Talon and Azaria and they have a good outfit going. We get to use whatever is availiable as long as we contribute to the treasury of the company. The Brightstar Traders. Catchy name. I have a room in Harmony Grove near Leilon. A fair hike from Hlint...but it is a decent place.

And the way I see it...it is the only way I could hone my weaponcrafting skills without going broke to do it. I just need to put back what I use. I'm not getting anywhere on my own.

I heard that there is a man named Jet who is versed in katana blades. While I'm getting materials for the company...I can train with him as well. I'll need to seek him out...

[SteveJW]

It was a very solemn day...

Ayla Bineau's wake. I felt out of place with only Ferrit, Talon, Roxx and Azaria the only familiar faces there. But I felt it was the right thing to do to be there. And judging by the number of people in attendance...Ayla was well loved. Geir....her fiance...is a very kind and gracious man. His grief made even deeper in that he and Ayla were to be married today...instead of mourning her at her wake. A very harsh thing to have happened. I expressed my condolences to him and he thanked me for just showing. Gracious indeed.

Ilsare has blessed me with very special people...my family...my friends...Ferrit. I feel fortunate that I met Ayla...and can count her as a special person in my life...even if it was for the shortest amount of time. Ilsare's love will comfort her in the afterlife.

I...feel the need to hit a rock with a pick. I need to channel some energy...

[SteveJW]

A very productive outing...

Last night...Talon, Azaria, Caeli, Kloss, Ferrit and myself went on a grand tour around Mistone gathering materials. We went around from Fort Hope to Port Hampshire via the Blood Desert. We killed everything that got in our way and the best part of it was...no one died!! Not even close to getting killed. We acted as a team and took our time and took them one at a time. We gathered much and Talon was pleased.

I am very glad to be a part of this group. I can consider them all friends. But Ferrit...she is becoming more to me. We are becoming close. I needed to go to Leilon to put some things in the community chests when she kissed my cheek. It surprised me...but it was a welcome surprise. So I kissed her cheek in return. I hope that there will be many more of those...

I left and made it to Fort Llast without an incident. I will rest here before going on. I will be thinking of Ferrit tonight...

[SteveJW]

Ilsare shows love at strange times...

A good friend of Roxx's was taken by the Soul Mother yesterday. Bopthor was his name. I never met him...and from what I hear he was a good man. And...a friend of Roxx is certainly a friend of mine. Ferrit and I are planning a wake for Bopthor...even though neither one of us really knew him. We do this for Roxx...because he is a good friend of ours. This makes 3 souls claimed by that...that...::Elven expletive:: in less than a month.

But there is good that comes out of this day. Ferrit and I went outside to get some air and to talk. We found ourselves by the docks where the sea air and the cool breeze was enticing. We talked about the sea...our families...the war which brought us to each other. And then...as we sat huddled together against the cool breeze off the water...we expressed our mutual feelings for each other. And we shared soft...passionate kisses. Now...I have been attracted to other women before but with Ferrit...it is different. I...am in love with Ferrit. Strange time for Ilsare to bless me with Ferrit. But who am I to question it?

Ferrit started to feel a little guilty about sneaking off on Roxx to steal some time together with me and we returned to the house...after one final kiss. Her kisses make me feel like my heart is on fire. A fire that will not be quenched. Thank Ilsare for her.

I needed to head to my room in Harmony Grove. I have some furniture to place there so I may have a place to call home. It needs a woman's touch. Ferrit will just have to pay a visit...

[SteveJW]

Theft at the house...

Someone has been going into the rooms at the house in Leilon. This has everyone a little on edge. That one of us is stealing from the others is unthinkable. Who among us would want to steal when it would be given to them?

But Ferrit...thinking they are suspecting her...has run off. Cleared out her room at the Leilon Arms and left. I tried to follow her...but she is too quick. Dear Ilsare...I need to find her...tell her that no one thinks she did it. It is tearing me up inside.

I care deeply for her...I don't want to lose her...

[SteveJW]

This has been a special day...

All is well now with Ferrit and the group. She now knows that she didn't steal anything and is back in the group. It was all a big misunderstanding. And Ferrit is relieved. I am too.

The Leilon Arms was slow tonight. No...not slow...deserted was more like it. Some Mistone Alliance guards were there taking donations for the war effort against Bloodstone. I gave them an old copper half plate I wasn't using along with a couple of daggers. But...you know...those Alliance guys gave me the creeps. Guess that's why the Arms was empty tonight. They scared the customers off.

So...Ferrit and I went to the group house across the street. We had a little party of our own...after bathing to get the smell of stink bugs off of us. I fed the jukebox and we held each other close as we danced around the common room...sharing more soft kisses. She is very light on her feet. I cherish these moments alone with her. I am deleriously happy when I'm with her.

She was getting sleepy...from all that Ear Pilsner and some stuff called Jumpin Juniper Bock we were drinking. I would have gone to my place in Harmony Grove...but Ferrit didn't want me to travel the High Forest alone...so we spent the night in her room at the Leilon Arms. She is so beautiful...and she is so soft lying in my arms...

I love this woman...dear Ilsare...how I love this woman...

[SteveJW]

A not so perfect foray...

I seem to be known around here. A fellow named Glenn Thendor met Ferrit and I outside the Craft House in Hlint. After being introduced by Ferrit...Glenn says..."Oh...your that Kyle...". That Kyle...wonder what that means. I half-jokingly said..."Good things were said about me I hope..." and he said that at least nothing bad was said about me. Hmmm...that has got me thinking too.

Then the group...no...the family as Talon calls us went on a not so merry trudge around Mistone last night. Just to hunt and a little gathering of things. But...it wasn't like the last time. Trying to get through the Fens near Port Hampshire...I fell along with my beloved Ferrit, Ash Willo and Roxx. My death was partially my fault becuse I didn't see the Lizards guarding Roxx's death sight so I fell in a hail of arrows. Last thing I heard before going to the void was Daemon say something about being foolhardy. I don't think I like him.

And from what Ferrit told me...no one was watching her back as she was looting the corpses and was killed too. Then Ash fell. And Ferrit fell again trying to get back by the claws of a griffon. We were able to recover our bodies. But death took a toll...not just our bodies...but all the gold coin collected was gone too.

Talon blamed herself for the whole mess. I tried to tell her that...at least in my case...that I bear some responsibility for the deaths...but she would have none of it. Now...she will not go until the last one of us has left the area. We call it a hard lesson learned.

Azaria wanted to talk to Ferrit. Ferrit is a little anxious...and I am as well. But...it is probably nothing anyway....

[SteveJW]

I am afraid...

Ferrit fell on Dregar and was visited by the Soul Mother. This has gotten me anxious and afraid for her. I...don't know what I'd do if the time came that the Soul Mother keeps her from me. To find love and to lose it...I don't think I could handle it. I love Ferrit so.

Bopthor's wake was small. Not as many showed as at Ayla's. But his closest friends were in attendance remembering what a fine man Bopthor was. From the stories Roxx told me before passing out...I wish I had met him...I would have liked him. And Roxx said he would have like me as well.

I must go...I feel I must be with my love...lest the Soul Mother finds her again...

[SteveJW]

I hurt Azaria yesterday...

I didn't mean to. It was just that while we were on a hunt...I had said that Ferrit should loot the corpses. But Azaria was already doing that and made the comment that maybe that I didn't trust her. I do trust Azaria...it's just I am used to seeing Ferrit loot that I said that. Azaria wouldn't talk to me for a while. I could see that I hurt her.

So back in Hlint...I took her aside and apologized for making her feel that I didn't trust her. I think that made her feel better because we hugged for a moment before going back to the group.

They were planning a trip to Dregar again but I was feeling a little piqued...so I stayed behind. Ferrit went on though and upon her return...she wasn't feeling too well either. She is resting in her room a few days as I drop in every now and then. I hope she feels better.

Talon wants to see me. Why...I don't know. Probably to tell me what went on in Dregar...

[SteveJW]

It was just a key...

Talon had changed the lock on the house in Leilon. I found out the hard way by breaking the old key trying to get in. Seems that she doesn't trust Zandor Glowingaxe anymore and needs to keep him out. I never had a problem with him. But I think Talon released him from service. It's her call...

Ferrit is feeling a bit better. I see her trying to keep busy in the craft house in Hlint or down in Haven feeding the chickens. But she is still a little wobbly on her feet...and needs me to lean on to get her back to bed. Not that I mind...I love it when she snuggles up to me. Her skin feels so soft when I hold her close.

She still has to take it easy. At least for the next couple of days.

71 bags of sand delivered to the house. 89 more bags to go. I need a break. The Leilon Arms is open tonight...and I'll be close to Ferrit too....

[SteveJW]

Now we know who the thieves at Harmony Grove are...

Not exactly thieves...just some mischeivous brownies 'borrowing' our unused items. Nothing we could do about it. Just as long as they don't wreck the place and return what they borrow...I have no problem with it. Guess this let's Zandor off the hook.

Azaria is moody lately. It seems that she is having a crisis of faith about her god Goran. She doesn't think it is right to craft golems as slaves. I don't know what to say to that. I did tell her that if she ever want someone to let her vent some frustrations...to talk to someone about her thoughts...I would listen to her. She is a good friend.

I asked Talia to make a dress for Ferrit. Something I hope Ferrit likes. It will be a surprise once she is back on her feet again. It is very lonely without her. Maybe when she gets better we could take some time for ourselves alone. Maybe our spot at Lake Palden. That is always a peaceful place to go. To look at her with the reflected light off the lake in her eyes...it just makes me love her more.

Not only the dress...but I made my first bronze weapon...a dagger. Not as big as her rapier...but she is always complaining about the copper weapon she has. Too flimsy...she said. Now she has a better grade of weapon to use. And it's my first...crafted by my hand. That is what makes it special.

I need to go make little rocks from big ones...need to start practicing my crafting...

[SteveJW]

Alnusa is one of a kind...

He was playing with...what was his name...Vergath's...companion panther last night. He had been down for a while...but playing with Pandora...that's the big cat's name...made his face light up like a bright sunny day. He is still wondering what life's all about...but at least for a few moments...he didn't care. He was happy. And the happiness was catching...I couldn't stop smiling.

I mined some more in the Seilwood and found not one...but two sapphires!! An extremely lucky find for me. Ferrit will most definitely want these. I'll surprise her with these along with the dress that Talia is making for her. I can't wait to see her face.

I was practicing my striking forms today. I am getting a little rusty. Need to learn the next series of strikes to be more effective. I need a trainer...

[SteveJW]

A dear friend was taken by the Soul Mother...

Roxx Cloudwalker...the sweetest half-giant there ever was. I will miss the big lug. Alnusa and Talia were hit the hardest. Especially Talia. She was beside herself and was shocked when I gave her a consoling hug. We all drank to Roxx in Harmony Grove and got a bit drunk. Azaria and Talia went off somewhere and I put a very drunk Alnusa to bed. I however....couldn't sleep. I walked back down to hlint to hit some metal. I wish it was whatever killed Roxx.

Ferrit is back on her feet again. And earlier that day...we had a semi-successful mining run in the Sielwood. Semi-successful because I fell once to a Kobold shaman's evil magic. But I avoided the Soul Mother again...and recoverd my spirit. Ferrit was sorry she couldn't save me...but that wasn't her fault. No harm done.

Ferrit...

Imagine that...there were a lot of beautiful and eligible women back on Vanavar...but it took a war and a dragon to bring me to the one I love. And I do love Ferrit. More that anyone could love someone. I can't imagine a life without her. And...I know what I must do to keep it that way...

[SteveJW]

This was a strange but wonderful day...

First the strange...

A man needed an escort for his brother Joseph to the Barbarian Isles. But this man was killed by gypsies in a cave not to far from the port. It also appears that his brother had set him up. Joseph was killed the second he entered the cave. His daughter was abducted...but after Joseph was killed they released her. They wanted a ransom and I believe that Joseph's own life was it. We need to look into this further.

Now the wonderful...

Ferrit and I were in the Craft House in Hlint. She was working on making bandages for when we go a hunting and gathering. And with all the souls that never returned...I finally got the nerve. I proposed to Ferrit right there in the Craft House. Gave her the first and probably the only ring I'll ever make as I dropped to bended knee. Imagine the joy my heart felt when I heard the words..."Oh...Kyle...Yes...I will!!!" The tears started flowing as I said I will be her family now. And that not even the gods would separate us. But we need to build up some coin first. The diamond I found should fetch a nice price at market. Would have rather it be Ferrit's wedding ring...but she agrees that we need to get on our feet first.

I love her...and we will live a long and loving life together...with Ilsare's blessing...

[SteveJW]

Another victim of the Soul Mother...

Shelu U'alarune....one of the very first people I set eyes on when I first got here has been taken by the Soul Mother. She too was to be married in a couple of days to Barion. He has disapeared. I hope he dosen't do anything rash. Shelu was a kind and gentle soul and will be missed. Why is it always the good and kind people who fall to the witch? First Ayla...now Shelu. It put Ferrit in a panic about our own wedding...since we have become engaged. I held her close and told her that we will be married...we will grow old together...and we would defy the witch doing it. It put Ferrit in a better frame of mind. We have yet to set a date for ourselves. We should set it soon.

And I learned something about Ferrit. Something she felt ashamed of. She isn't a maiden. She thought that it would have made a difference...but not to me. I didn't care if she wasn't...and I don't. She also told me it wasn't with consent. She fears that it would hurt if we were to lie together. But I would not hurt her like that. I would be loving and tender. She would not be hurt ever again. This I promise...may the Soul Mother take me if I ever hurt her in that manner...

[SteveJW]

This is madness...

But it is a sweet madness. Ferrit wants to elope. Just find a cleric...exchange vows of love...rings and just slip away for a while. It is impetuous...it is crazy...it is...perfect. I mean...it isn't like we have anyone we'd consider a close friend. The closest ones were those who have betrayed us. I will not even speak their names anymore. They are not worthy to share in a special time in our lives. Maybe we can invite Sen Stranzini. He's a good man. He is closer than most. I'll ask Ferrit.

I never thought life would turn out this way. I would be an Elite Guard of North Hampshire...find a wife...have a few children and settle down. Then that blasted dragon changed things. I would like to say I hate the dragon...but I can't bring myself to anymore. It is because of him that I found Ferrit. It was because of him that I found true happiness with her. The gods have a strange way of doing things.

Now for some dire news...

There is always a down side to every good news. The town of Stone on Rilara has fallen to Blood's forces. Sacked totally I hear. Now he draws ever closer to Mistone. Something must be done to halt their advance. I fear I'm not nearly trained adequately enough to attack such a foe. And I have Ferrit to think about.

We must elope soon...

[SteveJW]

A horrible thing happened today...

Ferrit was hunting for silk in the Sielwood today...and she fell to the foul bugs. And...*tear stain*...the Soul Mother paid her a visit. That's twice now. And I curse myself for not being there for her. I may have saved her from that. I will not lose her...I can't.

We camped out near the Seilwood after returning with some ore. It was a way to put the Soul Mother out of our minds and that was the only way I knew how. We sat by the fire watching the setting sun turn the sky crimson...and I gave her the ring Zandor had sold me. She was surprised and pleased and kissed me...and she let the kiss linger. I guess it was the brush with the Soul Mother because as we held each other close...we expressed our love for each other. And as she lay sleeping in my arms...I swore to myself that she will not fall again while I'm with her. We must get married soon. And I...must find a mentor. I must be able to protect the woman I love.

The Soul Mother be damned...

[SteveJW]

I must have angered a god or two...

Don't know how...but I have had a terrible run of luck. I went to the Seilwood to mine some more...and lost two oxen in there. One to the kobolds and one to a couple of Goblins who wandered near. This is after breaking four picks on the vein and losing my prized weapon...my Iron Katana striking the vein while switching to it when those blasted kobolds attacked yet again. It was unbelievable. I had to crawl back to Hlint to smelt the ore to make a bronze katana as a replacement.

Maybe I angered Ilsare...I did leave Ferrit in Port Hampshire to take care of the chicken there so I could get the ore. She said she would have come but she was tired and would rest in Port Hampshire. Maybe I should have stayed with her...I love her and I cherish the time I spend with her. Maybe I will stay with her more from now on.

Maybe Ilsare is telling me to get with it...

I also need to get with finding a trainer...with Blood's forces near...I must get ready. Or there won't be a life together with Ferrit...

[SteveJW]

Errands...errands...errands...

Warrant Officer Kat in Haven needs weapons...so I have been running around Mistone getting them for her. Why are these people in charge of garrisons if they don't have weapons for the troops? Oh...well...4 more weapons to go.

Ferrit and I plan on a Satari evening wedding. Nothing extravagant...maybe just the woods...some food and cheap drinks and our friends. It cannot come soon enough. I'm about ready to burst...

I can smelt Iron now. I need to catch up on my weapon crafting to be able to work it. I got the iron from a very successful foray into the Haven Mine. Somehow...we found new veins of iron one level higher than normal. Fortunate for us...we didn't have to deal with the Ogre Mages on the bottom level.

Oh...well...Kat needs a copper mace now...

[SteveJW]

I am upset...

Last night...I went with a large group to the Grey Peaks to one...get Ash to her grave...and two try to get the Oil of Vukas for Juanita in Fort Llast. The first thing was made moot as Ash's spirit and body re-united in Hlint. I...didn't wish to risk anyone's life for a flask of oil...but I was talked into it by Zandor and Victor.

We took along two women that I am not too comfortable around. Cassandra Demonsbane and Chandra. They are powerful...and I sense a cruel streak in them. We get deep into the Greys when Ogre Mages took down Zandor and Victor..our two most powerful front liners. The two women...one of whom was supposed to be a cleric...did nothing to help them. They laughed at their fallen bodies. I barely said two words to anyone...including Ferrit...all the way back to Fort Llast.

Another detour...Cassandra and Chandra wanted to go into Storan's Crypt. I was uncomfortable with them before...and more so in the crypt. We got locked in with Shadows and a Bodak. And I got no help from them until I slew the bodak for them...almost dying in the meantime. Good thing Vestlyn...the priest of Ilsare who will marry Ferrit and I...cast a ward to protect me from the Bodak or...

I will not travel with either Cassandra or Chandra again if I can help it. And Ferrit agreed. She said that Cassandra had changed...why who knows. Ferrit needed to relax...her shoulders were so knotted and tight that we went to Aerdin's Grove to relax by the fire.

As I rubbed her shoulders...we talked about our wedding...about how upset I was that Zandor and Victor had fallen needlessly...but Ferrit just hugged me and said that it comes with the territory. It was little comfort...but with Ferrit in my arms...I became less upset. We drifted off to sleep after sharing tender kisses. I guess we were more tired than we realized. And I cherish these tender moments we have.

Tomorrow is starting to look better already...

[SteveJW]

I finally heard from home...

And it comes in the person of my half-brother Marcus Canterus. I haven't seen him since I left to train with Cardiana. It seems the dragon was not content with just me...so he takes him as well. Still...I am happy to see him. He said everyone misses me since I disappeared and that they haven't given up hope of seeing me again. Now they will worry for two of us.

He met Ferrit and is pleased that we will be married soon. We taught him how to fish and I hope to see more of him...it is good to have family around.

But...I wonder if he still has his 'blackouts'? That cruel streak he exhibits when he is under stress. I will have to tell Ferrit about that. She needs to be prepared.

I hope she understands...

[SteveJW]

3 weeks...

That is what we decided on. Three weeks to get married. It seems like an eternity...but we will finally do it. Whether it will be in Leilon or Club Llast...it makes no difference. I would marry her anywhere. I love her so much.

And the best thing is...Marcus is here. My brother. Family. Here to witness the start of another family. Mine and Ferrit's. Ilsare is certainly smiling at us.

We helped Marcus recover Ragrian's necklace again. She has got to learn to keep it under wraps. The strange thing was that not one but five Gel Cubes attacked us in the cave. I must report this to the authorities.

We mined some copper and I will smelt it as soon as I can. I want to give Marcus some more crossbow bolts.

But enough of this...Ferrit and I will be married in three weeks...got to start planning...

[SteveJW]

It will probably be an outdoor ceremony...

Silool hasn't been heard from in days now...and I'm chomping at the bit. I want to be Ferrit's husband so much it is driving me crazy. We decided to take matters into our own hands. We may get married by the waterfall near Blackford Castle. It is a romantic and peaceful area. It will do. All that remains is getting Vestlyn to do the ceremony. And the food...and the drinks. I have to do a lot of fishing...

Ferrit and I will be together always...this I promised her at the waterfall. Not the war...not illness...nothing will keep us apart. At least not for long. Ilsare willing...we will grow old together and will watch our children grow.

That is a life worth fighting for...