A Fellow's Journal

[Lord Dark]

*He sits in the middle of Silkwood for not particular reason and looks at a green coat, made of several hides, that sits beside him. He runs a hand over it and smiles to himself over the texture and opens his journal to write.*
 
 I talked to Storold the other day in Hempstead and the topic went onto mithril. He said he wanted mithril ore for some armor, the silk kind that I wear. I stated that the only thing I had that was mithril was the amulent I found near that massive hole that the giant worm left by Hlint. The story about that is we killed the worm, searched the hole, a crazed goblin attacked us screeching "No take shiney!! My shiney!". I looked in the hole around other minerals of coal and copper and I say a bluish glint. I looked and an amulent sat there, lodged in between two rocks. I picked it up and looked at it. It was made of mithril, sat with a sapphire. Later on, after it started possessing Miss Daniella and me, Lareth flipped a switch on the back and a figure with wings appeared thanking us for passing the mind test. It was a tool that magicians used to test students agianst mind spells...
 
 Anyway... the subject approached Keppli when I let it slip that I was planning to give Keppli the necklace. But then why would I give her a tool that could possibly control her too? I said I probably won't, it's not set with an emerald... not that it's not worth a lot on to why I don't want to give it to her. It's not green and it doesn't match her. Storold said it's the thought that counts... that seems like a safe answer since everyone says it. I just gave up and said I had to go and he was heading to the same place. We stood away from the group at the cross roads since I think it was because Gork was there. Flynn was saying a poem with flowy sentences and elaborate rhymes... I mumbled to myself that if I could speak like that, it'd help with my women problems. Storold said that I don't need those if I just explained how I felt instead of writing mushy love poems that describes how I see her. I don't think there could ever be a poem long enough to describe her.
 
 *frowns down at the page and starts on a new subject, frowning deeper as it leads back to Keppli*
 
 I was in the crafting hall where I usually am and I heard familiar footsteps behind me. Sort of like a rhythmed skip on leather-padded soles and I turned to look and it was who I thought it was. Keppli waved and said she had something for me. Of course I had something for her but it wasn't as nice as the cloak that sits beside me now. I suprised that she would give me a fine cloak like this instead of using it herself since she's around animals more than I am. I almost didn't take it, and she was glad when I finally did, saying that she didn't want to have to force into my bag. I worked on a new pipe since I've been working with wood. I know it's not good for her but if it reminds her of home... then why not? It was made of oak and I did my best to carve a wolf head into it, making it look like a wolf blowing out the smoke. I think I did a decent job, it looked like one anyway.
 
 Rocky met up with us outside and I suddenly remembered that Miss Emie was in town and I never got around to buy those gloves for Rocky from her. We went down to the bank, hoping that I would maybe catch her as she was going in or out. Miss Emie was found by the bank's door and said that she was about to give up on me... If I said I'd be here, then I'll be here. I asked for the price and I didn't want Rocky to hear it since it would probably make him feel like he owes me something but I didn't want everyone to know that. Miss Emie stated 5000 coins to cover it. Keppli's and Rocky's eyes widen at the pricing and Eghaas, who followed along, said that was nothing and said that he's heard of jewelry that goes for over 60,000 coins. I could cover both a peice of jewelry like that and the gloves. He seemed surprised with how much the bank teller said I had in my account... I almost had a hundred but then buying everything for everyone sort of puts a hole in your account... *chuckles and continues* I don't mind, I'll just stick with my iron weapons for now and then I'll just start making more food instead of buying it. I gave Miss Emie the 5000 and she gave Rocky the gloves. They looked really good on him, made him look... professional. I don't mind the cost for the gloves, just glad Rocky likes them.
 
 They both had to leave and I had not thanked Keppli yet for the cloak... I was undecisive and had to make a quick decision. What made me do it was that it was right on spot and I didn't mull over it for days. I kissed her... sort of... no, not really. *exhales heavily and shakes his head to himself* I just gave her a peck on the cheek, it doesn't tell her much. I'm not the boldest man out there. If I went for her lips, then I would have probably missed and hit her cheek anyway. I don't see how others do it with such ease. That may have just pushed her farther away. Maybe she sees me only as a friend and never anything more and that she doesn't want this attention? I'm fine with that, I'll just give her her space and not pursue until I know it's one way or the other... Dang, I sound like a stalker...!
 
 *scowls and finishes the page* That's what I have. I'm glad no one can read this and know how slow I am at relationships...
 
 

-Fellow

 
 *He frowns down at his closed journal, thinking. He climbs up into a nearby tree but comes down when he forgot the cloak. He folds it neatly and sets it into his bag. He climbs the trunk once more and fades away and murmers:* Thanks agian Keppli...

[Lord Dark]

*Tod sits at the lake in Hlint under the pear tree munching on a pear. He begins to write, leaving dark spots where the pear juice soaked into the page.*
 
 I saw Tristan, Miss Daniella, Aesthir, Tabris, Idoran and another pretty lady that goes by the name of "Fluer" I think. I like her name, sort of euphonious, but her clothing was sort of suggestive... I'm not complaining or anything, I'll just keep my comments to myself... I greeted them like I usually do by adressing them by all their names. Aesthir said "You should love word games and riddles Tod.. always listing all the present on a quick succession..." I'm used to naming everyone I see, and I'm not good at riddles but I like games!
 
 Idoran talked about heading off since having a rough day in the caves with Miss Toni, Miss Fluer and some others. I said that the caves shouldn't be too tough, I haven't had to much trouble with them lately. Idoran laughed and said "I ain't a quick halflin' and I have simple copper armor." I replied that I wear just simple silk... he countered with that he's not as quick. I have improved a lot on my combat skills. Miss Hanta, another woman warrior that walks around in heavy armor and wields a giant sword was impressed on my sword play. She thought that my wielding of two swords was interesting and she likes my way of fighting. I was rather pleased with her comments, not too many compliment on my way of fighting from the shadows but I'm fine with that.
 
 Miss Daniella walked around the trees into view and I was glad to see her and that she was in good health. I don't see her much anymore and I do get concerned even though Toran watches over her and my other friends such as Lance and Tristan. I think Tristan was speaking in Elven from the way the language sounded and was pleasant to the ear dispite his deep voice. Anyway, he spoke to Miss Fluer and I wasn't surprised that he knew it. Miss Danialla and everyone else was looking at them confused. I asked why they couldn't talk in common if what they were saying was going to be translated anyway... I got back at him a little with saying "Yn, U tyr'd zerd dy gryz, U'cc vomd decg ur la cerkoeki vomd dy pok ayo..." or "Oh, I don't want to know, I'll just talk in my language just to bug you..." I also asked if maybe Tristan could teach me a little Elven. Miss Fluer said it took her 13 years to learn most of it! Thirteen years! I'd sit for a long time but I don't think for that long. But I wouldn't mind learning a little Elven and I'll see if maybe Aerimor, Miss Alatriel, Miss Amanda, Caerwyn or one of my other Elven friends.
 
 All the while, Aesthir was taking notes in that book of his. I looked at him and he looked at me... I say his wry grin and I snuck into Tristan's shadow to get behind Aesthir to grab at the book. I managed to snatch it but he held on and he lifted it up into the air so that I was dangling... it's difficult to be taken seriously when you're always picked up with such ease. Miss Daniella scolded me like she does in that voice... it's a commanding voice yet not really. She said that he's probably writing love letter in a joking voice. *looks back at his previous entries* Yeah, I know a little about that so I stepped away.
 
 Miss Fluer had to leave and so did Idoran and Aesthir got up to leave but then said that he was going to leave. I asked why he didn't want to come and he said that his assistance wasn't requested. I said mine wasn't either but I was determined to spend a least a little time with them before they went to do their duties. Then Aesthir smarted off saying "Seems that is a Toranite private meeting ..." I knew, just then, that this was going to set Miss Daniella off. She asked how it was a private meeting and I tried to calm them down with saying I'm not a Toranite but I'd come anyway. He replied with "Tristan and yourself milady... and Tod that has proved to be quite fond of your church and your methods..." She said "Tod is not one of Toran's faithful, Aesthir, we are capable of having friendships outside of our temple you know" It stings not being able to be like Lance or Miss Daniella because I'm not one of his faithful but then I choose not to be one, I think it restricts who I can help because being of one god creates conflicts between other gods and goddesses and I don't want that.
 
 Anyway, he said we could all be liberal as we want... I don't know what liberal is but Miss Daniella's reaction and surprised looks scared off Tabris... *chuckles* But then Aesthir asked of my loyalty to her. She frowned at him and looked to me and back to him... I think she was thinking of the time I lied to her about Sion. She said that she would not answer out of respect for me. Aethir then said that he seemed to have pricked a nerve... You think?! That's like the only conflict Miss Daniella has had with me, of course that would prick a nerve! I said that I had lied to her and would not agian and she said I was forgiven. Then Aesthir pointed out that I would probably never try to steal from her and looked down at his book. I then had to say that I wouldn't try to steal his book agian, I'll try! But my curiosity gets ahead of me sometimes.
 
 Aesthir said something about criminals and that caught our attentions. We asked him about it. He was referring to Sion and how I defended him agianst Lex'or and Lance... that's why he muttered "criminals". I was suddenly afraid that I am now considered a criminal because I interfered with an arrest. I calmed down when Miss Daniella said that she doesn't think I'm one from what she knows of. I said that I trusted her accounts on what happened with Sion and her with Miss Anne (What has happened to her, has she been found?) since I was not there to see what truly happened. I do trust her now, I do see how he could have possibly attacked them.
 
 Miss Daniella said she had to leave for some of her duties at the temple... before we could even catch up on each other any. Then Aesthir said he was going to go too so I was left alone once more. Balazar did say that people will move on to other continents once people's has had enough of Mistone... everyone I know is starting to move on like Brandy, Magnus, Van, Miss Pristine and some of my older friends have... Yes I still remember and will for a long time. But my hand is cramping up something awful... *looks and scans over his page and quickly scribbles his ending*
 
 This is all I have to write about right now... I need to start making my entries shorter!
 

-Fellow

[Lord Dark]

*Tod sits in the Scamp's Mug, spinning a wooden top that he found in an alley on the table. He swings his legs under the table and pulls out his journal to write.*

 I was passing by where the roads beet in between Hempstead and Vehl and I saw Gork, Farros , Idoran and a lady and man I've never seen before. They lady was pretty, had green eyes and the man looks liked one of Toran by the colors he wore. I saw them talking to Idoran the day before and promised to introduce myself later. Gork and Faros ran into the portal behind the little shack in there to Dalanthar. When I got there, there was a man named Skabot (Who liked to look at himself in a tiny mirror... very ladylike in general), Miss Ami and Miss Emie was already in Willow's Weep and Malkor came. We discussed where we were going and Gork decided to get ore in the Firesteep Mountians. The mountians were HUGE! They were completely massive! Gork or somoene said Fisterion was there, or the dragon of dragons... he said we're not going to see him. There were kobolds all the way up carrying shields with the house sat on fire. There were no deaths, only bunch of kobolds, giant elementals and a really tough fiend.
 
 *Tries to sum up what happen to make a short entry for once*

 I've been seeing Miss Daniella and Lance and the rest a lot now. I don't feel so seperated now.  I even saw Marec when we were going to Dregar to do something. A lot of people showed up. Miss Amanda, Miss Daniella, Miss Pallena, Miss Tyra, Miss Mirren, Malkor, Angel, Aeronn, Aesthir, Tabris, Caerwyn came but left soon... I feel like I'm missing someone but who ever I did, they came too! The giants weren't tough, Miss Amanda and Miss Mirren kept us warded. The giants were really active and there were really big giant giants when we were coming out of the fire opal cave. No deaths agian which I am thankful for. I had a good time and enjoyed the company they gave me and wished I could go around with them more. They could just not bicker so much between there gods. Aesthir is making Miss Daniella mad, Aeronn is upset about something, I just can't put my finger on it. but I'll help where I can between god relations.
 
 Oh! Miss Daniella got a really nice warhorse. It has shiny armor and everything! she looks like a real knight when she has her sword out and everything. I don't believe that the captian in Hlint didn't believe her when she said we saw a black horse with a horn! I had nightmares that night, the horse didn't leave any hoove prints except where it was standing... it was like it flew away!The captian thought she was drinking or something... Miss Daniella drinking? Naaahh... Anyway, she makes me want to get a horse, she could probably show me how to take care of one.
 
 All I have to write!
 

-Fellow

*Tucks the journal away and the wooden top into his coat pocket.*

[Lord Dark]

*he quickly writes as he leaves Daniella, Aeronn, Aesthir and Marec to their conversation*
 
 They saw the horse agian. I was jealous sort of because I want to know what the horse was. They're so lucky to get to see everything! Then they have their families of faith to go to after long days of adventuring... it's hard not to be envious of them. But they're my family and I could never ask for more.
 
 I went to check the prices of the horses. The man thought he could take advantage of me and offer the price of 18000... I may not get one for a while yet...
 
 That's what I have.
 

-Fellow

[Lord Dark]

*He pulls the wooden top back out to spin on the table and stares at it creep towards the edge of the top. As it spins off, his hand snatches out to catch it and spins it agian with a slight smile on his face and his legs swinging over the edge of the chair. He pulls his journal out and begins to write.*
 
 Well, we saw the Deepening Dark. He was something! He was "the bestest" shadow out there by far. *looks back at the shadow behind him* It feels like my shadow's watching me... *he quickly looks behind his shoulder to see if his shadow is reading over it. He reaches out to touch it and it doesn't resist... but he still shivers as if being watched* Shadrixkayl "marked" us with a ritual. I guess he watches us through our shadows.
 
 Anyway, the trip was long and it was rough. Tons of people came to help and I was lucky to catch most of the people's names. Steel came of course, it was his trip. Rocky, Keppli, Miss Angela, Miss Alantha, Miss Emie, Miss Ami, Miss Alatriel, Sall, Idoran, Miss Sasha, Miss Argali, Missus Gala, Missus Sala, Abiorn, Hardragh (who Miss Argali despised...), Malkor, Brewlot and a sort of crazy man, Pyran. I may have forgot someone.. if so then I should be able to remember sooner or later. Anyhow, we made it to the Deep with being invisible and hasted. We made it through the tons of giant spiders and dark elves and dwarves. Keppli fell once.. but in the confusion I'm glad I didn't see. Missus Gala and Missus Sala can raise people really fast. Idoran commented on Keppli's strong will but sometimes it's too strong and it almost stops my heart when she gets killed. Rocky fell twice, Malkor, Miss Argali and Idoran once, I never saw any of them fall, the battles and fights were just so confusing, I just concentrate on firing my arrows over their heads into the masses of dark dwarves and fiends. I almost died once too, but was lucky enough to have so many well trained priestesses with us.  I don't think the Soul mother ripped anything away from those who died at all, she must have been feasting some where else.
 
 We finally reached the Deepening Dark. I was literally shaking when he came into view. Miss Alatriel had a black dragon scale that a shadow gave her. The scale sort of dissapeared and flew across the gorun to merge with the Deepening Dark. Shadows blocked us in and these weren't the friendly kind... Shadrixkayl was controlling them all I think. I was completely fascinated with him, Miss Alatriel was too and she stepped a little bit to far... a trapped activated and she instantly dropped. It made me mad that she couldn't help her love for the shadow dragon and that's how he repaid her. But... it is a dragon... also a shadow dragon, I like the shadows, I'm growing more attached to them, but really, what could I do? His servant I didn't like much with how he smashed Rocky's instrument and then took threatening steps towards Miss Alatriel. But once agian, I couldn't do a whole lot. I'm not sure what questions were answered, all I know is that Shadrixkayl what's the "Orn's Tear". I think that's what were are going to do next.
 
 I saw the black horse agian in the back. I think Miss Emie saw it first. I ran away and that's the last I saw... was the horse part of the dragon too? Was it a spie and calculating the chances of success in destroying Hlint or something crazy for the dragon? I don't know, I'm keeping watch for it and I'll head directly to Miss Daniella if I see anything... which I do need to do since I saw it down there.
 
 That's all I have to write, it was a long trip and I'm glad Keppli and Rocky there along with all the others.
 

-Fellow

[Lord Dark]

*Tod sits on the side of the stable stall watching his new pony eat out of the hay ben. He steadies himself and pulls his journal out and writes.*
 
 Well... I got my new horse! Aeronn, Miss Daniella, Marec, Aesthir and later on Chaynce, helped me get to Orc's Watch. I didn't enjoy the trip down into the giant's cave. Miss Daniella was pretty sour during it all, I didn't know what I did to irritate her. So I picked a spotted white and brown one pony when we got to the watch. It was a mare and she's pretty calm and laid back like me. Miss Daniella showed me a safer way back to Prantz on horseback. The ride as pleasant and she was in a better mood.
 
 Aeronn stepped out of the portal after Caerwyn gave me a run down over a horse (It took a while... horses are harder to take care of than oxes!). I asked Aeronn why Miss Daniella was irritated and wasn't acting like she usually does. She's a really good friend and she may be couple years younger than me, but I see her as my half-half-mother (Is there such a thing?)... she goes out of her way to make sure I'm fine sometimes. But I asked Aeronn if he loved her and he gave me a look that asked "Is it that obvious?". He's frustrated because their gods don't permit for them to be with each other... I gave advice and I though I did pretty good! Think I got him thinking!
 
 *draws a dotted line*
 
 I meet up with Rocky first and then Keppli later in the crafting hall. Rodlin *checks to make sure it is spelt right* said something about "recruiting"... They both liked my new horse.. I still hadn't picked out a name then, miss Daniella and Caerwyn both said I should give her one. Keppli suggested Biscuit, I liked it! Keppli neighed to her about the name and sounded exactly like a pony! She road around on her and I sat there and watched. I enjoyed it a lot, I like it when she smiles. We later went on a fishing trip and we carved our names into a the boulder on that little island, claiming it ours! (It's really not... just pretending!)
 
 That's all I have to write!
 

-Fellow

[Lord Dark]

*He sits in the arena as Keppli takes her nap by the bench she sat agianst. He gives warning glares to the other arena patrons agianst coming close, ocassionally making a shadow rise from somewhere to make them back off.*
 
 The trip for the Orn's Tear is close. Steel has warned agianst assassins from the dragon cult and the supposedly safe places are Hempstead and Leringard. I asked Steel about them while he was talking to a nice lady named Llane. He said it was true, but we have nothing worry about. I have sent letters to Keppli that warn her and Rocky to be careful. I am confident that they could handle themselves if they were attacked by assassins.
 
 I got to spar with Rocky, Caerwyn and Keppli today. I had to blow out several of the torches around the field to make sure there were good enough shadows to hide me in! I went up agianst all three but I had fun... sort of, I didn't really like fighting with no one on my side... Keppli's really deadly with her bow and Caerwyn is really good too. Rocky is really needed in any fight with the way he sings! It's distracting for the enemies but good for the group.
 
 Keppli seemed like she was upset and apologized to Caerwyn and me about not being any help... she thinks that, but I think she's a major part of any group. I tripped up Rocky and Caerwyn and I left the arena, I couldn't hurt Keppli at all, she's just my weakness, yet I can't even tell her that. Rocky said I forfieted the match since Keppli was still in the arena but I'm perfectly fine with that! I don't even think I played fairly... I liked it best when Keppli and me were one group. We're a dangerous pair of Halflings!
 
 *looks up as a round begins, but looks back down to write more*
 
 Sion's trial was couple days ago, he was sentenced 20 years in service of Toran, which doesn't seem bad since he'll probably live close to 700 years. There was a man named David that I would like to take in the arena... he's a stuck up punk even though he's the Beacon... I think Lance and Miss Daniella are good enough to be under command under someone better than him. I didn't like how he said that I was agianst the church when I was alone talking with Miss Daniella... He said "This... halfling.. is defending a dark elf over a highly decorated knight." Now, I think Miss Daniella is mad at me agian... women are so complicated but she's a close friend and I'll deal with that! *sighs and gives off a little whimper of frustration* But Sion's alive and that's good. I think I can talk to Miss Daniella and hopefully she'll be happy agian.
 
 That's what I have for now.
 

-Fellow

 
 *Packs his journal and gives a final look around the arena. He leaves the building silently so not to wake Keppli.*

[Lord Dark]

*Tod sits in the Scamp's Mug, seeing how slowly he can run his fingers over the flame that sits on top of the candle without burning himself. He leaves a finger over too long and he lets out a small yelp, drawing the eyes of the depressed drinkers at the counters. He sinks down into his seat and turns his arm so he can look at the burn that's healing at a quick pace. He pulls his journal out.*
 
 Yeah, we got the Tear! And we gave it to a servant of Fisterion to take to him too.
 
 We took off from Fort Miritrix from Abiorn's house (It's a really nice house too). We trudged through a forest and nothing happened. Then WHOOSH! Something flew above us and settled farther into the wood. We kept going without hesitation and these dragon- fiend like things started attacking. They didn't even wait to see if we'd leave! The just started to hack at us. But we were a pretty big group so it turned out fine. Rocky fell once or twice and Keppli once. It always hurt beyond belief when one of them falls, I'm just really glad we had Missus Sala and Missus Gala!
 
 We came upon their castle or fortress and we decided to make a camp since the bad guys are waiting for us. Then all of a sudden, Keppli got extremely mad and was really impatient and wanted us to just charge and break down their doors... I don't know what it was but she was really scaring me. I even told her that and she was completely oblivious. She was even more mad when that horned horse was on the other side of the trees... and then a big flash happened at the fire Miss Sasha put up! Bunch of elementals climbed out and they charged the castle, burning down the gate and killing all the fiends inside. We went through the castle up to the top and a room was on fire. We killed the guy that was guarding the Tear and a fight started. Storold began to cast when Steel took the Tear and then Abiorn casted on Storold. It was chaos! Then something flared agian and bunch of elementals appeared. They argued over who to give the Tear to and then someone did something and they all started to attack. One of the biggest elementals struck me upside the head and the other brought his fist down to make a long burn across my arm... *looks down at his arm and grimaces* And then that's it. That's all I can remember. That somewhat familiar tearing ripped me apart and next thing I knew, I blinked awake and Missus Gala was giving me a hug. I remember trying to get Keppli away from the main elemental and I looked around for her but she wasn't around. I wanted to panic but we had to get out. We jumped into a firey portal and we trudged back to Miritrix...
 
 I don't know why my arm is healing so fast, but I think it's that potion Keppli poured onto it, it's still red and puffy like the real bad burns are but it's getting a lot better.
 
 *He pulled a letter out of a pocket and opens it. He reads over and puts it between the pages.*
 
 Keppli sent me a letter saying she was attacked by her own shadow. I was instantly worried for her but she said she was fine. I'm always watching my own, just hoping she doesn't run into more.
 

-Fellow

[Lord Dark]

*He sits propped up in an apple tree near the Thorn River, taking as big a bite as he can with loud crunching.*
 
 A lot has happened, I can't remember everything. I've been sitting with Storold a lot now when he's on his bench... I'm planning to pull a prank and put a holy trap right where he sits so it gives him a little burst of positive energy since he hates Toran so much *chuckles and tosses a core and grabs another apple to munch on* We just talk about whatever, we talked about the Viel and how she can hide even while being watched with the sight, I wouldn't mind meeting her. Or why Miss Emie hates men so much and what our most valuable thing is... He said Miss Ferrit had an amulent that makes you breath under water... I want one of those! That'd make fishing so much easier!
 
 I haven't seen Miss Daniella, Lance or any of them really... Aeronn said that it's not working really well between them, he said that she may have found... someone else. But at least he said she was happier than she usually was. I won't get in her way, it's not my business.
 
 I haven't seen Keppli much either, I think I drove her off since I've... put my feelings out in the open. Storold and Miss Llane both said it's best to just say it than trying to make it fancy or anything, so... that's what I did, the most plainest way to say it... *pauses and grumbles with a mouthful of apple "I'm 'bouth plainsth asth they come"* If she doesn't give back the feelings, I'm fine with that, it'll sting but I'll get over it, just hopefully she'll tell me before I-
 
 *adruptly stop and he adds a quick ending as he hears heavy footsteps lumbering in the forest a little ways away*
 
 All I have!
 

-Fellow

[Lord Dark]

*Tod sits in the Scamp's mug once more with his forehead down on the table. He is obviously thinking and oblivious to the other customers. He lifts his head couple times and lightly bangs it on the table and mumbles a small curse. He pulls his journal and writes.*
 
 I cannot keep my mouth shut, it's like it has a mind of it's own! I spend some time with friends I haven't seen in sometime and I end up ticking one off.
 
 I went into Hempstead and Miss Daniella, Miss Tyra, Balazar, Mando, and a pretty lady named Miss Rose (Not the Miss Rose that I usually talk to) in a nice looking dress was talking with Miss Sophia... I thought it would be funny to see how they reacted to her with her being Xeenite... *laughs quietly to himself and swings his legs underneath the table, his mood momentarily changed* Apparently they have met before and they didn't like her too much. Miss Sophia left and they were going to Dregar... I asked if I could come but none really responded. Mando and Balazar said I could tag along before they stepped into the portal.
 
 I was with the rest of the group in Prantz and they talked about how much of a wh-... prostitute Miss Sophia was. I sort of stood up for her, I have absolutely no idea why! I just don't like people talking down about other people... I didn't feel like a part of the group, sort of on the outside since I haven't talked with any of them for so long. I still enjoyed the time with them a lot though, it's always fun to fight alongside friends.
 
 The rest of the group ran ahead to Prantz afterwords and Miss Daniella walked behind, so I stayed behind too so I could talk with her. We didn't say a whole lot, just about who lived in that house in the middle of that lake next to the giants' forest. I told her I sit a lot now with Storold and I could ask him since he knows so much, and that's about it...
 
 We met with part of the group and I was still talking with Miss Daniella, I asaid I was sorry for defending Sion in the trial and that the way David put it about me defending him wasn't right. She said "Tod... what he said was true. But perhaps you should think beforehand about your actions instead of always having to apologize for them afterward." I thought about that a lot since I left. I told her that I thought David... I mean Beacon Dubois (She told me to adress him right...) wasn't right for his position and then I said I liked Miss Anne better... and she left since Miss Tyra started to say she didn't like Miss Anne... she said she's not going to stand there and let people talk ill about them. Last thing she said was "And Tod, you have no idea what you're talking about". It always hurts a whole lot whenever she chastens me. I just think that Lance and Miss Daniella, maybe Brandon too, should be under better command than Beacon Dubois! But I'm not going to tell her that, because that'll just make her mad agian. I talked to her agian in Wayfare and told her I won't talk about Beacon Dubois like that agian... because I did exactly what they were doing to Miss Sophia, putting them down behind their backs, it's no surprise Miss Daniella defended him, I was being a butt.
 
 

-Fellow

[Lord Dark]

*Tod sits in his top bunk on a ship to Mariner's hold. Before he turns in for the night, his laughter is heard from outside the bulkhead and in the walkway*
 
 Miss Daniella's my hero! Miss Rose told me that Miss Daniella (of all the people I know) insulted Miss Sophia by implying that she would gain pleasure from a common farm animal! She went a little too far I think, it was not appropriate or anything, I do feel sorry for Miss Sophia with having to deal with that... only wish I was there to hear it! I'm going to lock Biscuit up tight in her stall and secure it with traps all the way up to the cieling! I didn't think it was possible to make her that mad though... oh well, Miss Sophia probably was heading for an insult like that anyway, hopefully she'll be a little better with how she flirts? Or did Miss Daniella just add fuel to the fire?
 
 We had a good mining trip afterwards, I felt like I was part of the group and they even let me mine a little! Miss Drexia was awesome with how she punches in the knees of the giants and dodging all the fire missles and heading straight to the mages and killing them (With her fists only!) before they could cast anything else. And then Aerimor can turn into a medusa and a flayer and everything now... he's sort of creepy with some of the things he can turn into. We got tons of silver and now Miss Daniella will have a really nice silver coating.
 
 All I have.
 
 

-Fellow

*He quietens and puts his journal aside. He pulls the covers up to his chin with a small chuckle and falls quickly to sleep*

[Lord Dark]

*He hums cheerfully and sits on Storold's bench as he writes. He legs swings and he continues to grin*

 I met another wemic today. Her name's Raksha and she's not very good at common. But a cute little Brownie named Miss Annie gave her lessons, starting off with her little red rose she's always carrying. She looks like a firefly when she runs around, nothing but a little blur of red. She is the most cheerful little thing I've ever seen and the "little" factor adds to it. She had me laughing when she did her imitations of zombies and trolls. I also met a exotic elven woman named Miss Asheni, she had tattoos that are all on her left side, ending at her left middle finger and probably all the way down her body. We cleared Gloom Woods and the swamps with Father Logan and Miss Rose. Miss Rose seems to have gotten better with her magic, she's impressive to watch.
 
 I miss Keppli a lot, she's constantly on my mind. I just haven't seen her any and hoping she's okay. Storold seems to understand and gives me good advice on what to do. I like talking to him and he's very easy to find since he's always near his bench. He recommended a letter to her and that's what I did... except instead of a falcon, I sent a shadow to deliver it and Storold said it was good idea... I don't know what to do now, sort of roaming blindlessly on a road I've never been down before...
 
 That's all I have to write!
 

-Fellow

*He slips off Storold's bench and heads for sleep.*

[Lord Dark]

*Tod huddles out of the rain in Vale after leaving a group that was clearing the giants. He begins to write the date down, thinking it important to have it down for events.*
 
 Freas, Junar 13, 1442
 
 Storold's and other Lucindites' hearing was today. We talked outside until it was ready and several people showed. Miss Ami handed Storold an apple and he gave it to Missus Sala... for some reason, he didn't want to eat it. I asked him but he wouldn't answer... I'll ask him agian later!
 
 I didn't understand most of the hearing. I was hungry and thirsty but wasn't allowed to eat or drink... and I had to got to the bathroom... The only reason I stayed was to support Storold but all the lady requested was "not to speak ill of the past and focus on the future"... the present too, that's why it's a gift!
 
 *Lets a jaw-creaking yawn out and pushes his drooping hood back up from the rain and pulls his cloak closer*
 
 I just left a group clearing out giants. Even Miss Ayana was a part of it! I haven't seen her for a month of something really crazy. I forgot how nice she was even when she's really, really quiet sometimes. But the trip went well even when Fehriel was a butt couple times and a lady named Miss Mel and Dragomir fought up front and got hurt, so it went good
 
 I talked with Rodlin agian at the campfire after I bought some things from Miss Shrowd. I asked him if Keppli was recruited yet. He said she wasn't but then he said she was progressing nicely. I hope so! She's always working hard and I'm sure she'll climb up in the ranks to a commander really quick. I think she deserves something like that... Keppli Quickhands, Commander of the Wolfwood Ranger Corps. That's a worthy title I think! *chuckles*
 
 That's all I have to write about.
 

-Fellow

 *He chuckles agian and snaps the book close and pushes it into his bag before cacooning himself in his cloak to sleep*

[Lord Dark]

*Tod sits in the Scamp's Mug, turning three smooth rocks over in his hand. He gives them a shakes and sets them on the table.*
 
 Sunra, Augra 1, 1442
 
 I went to see if Miss Llane was at the crossroads and she was. Ni was there too but they were talking in Elven. Miss Llane usually good at talking in common around me but she didn't seem to really notice me there. I went to get a drink from that shack and came back out and Miss Jaelle was sitting down. Ni went off and Miss Llane followed and I complained to Miss Jaelle about them speaking Elven and I don't understand any of it and how there's often no Halflings around for me to chat in my own language with. So Miss Jaelle said hello to me in Halfling and I was surprised. She asked if I wanted to play a game with her about me saying a phrase in Halfling and then she'll say a phrase in Elven.
 
 So the first was "My name is..." which is something like "Sa lilsa ela...". I'm not sure it's right but oh well. She asked me what I wanted to learn next and I asked for "I love you..." She chuckled and asked what type of love. She named off a couple and I picked the last one (Someone who you desire but have not yet told?). She gave me chills when saying "E ceela aey", she said it in the sort of seductive tone and it just rolled off her tounge in that certian way women can talk. Then we got to the topic on different types of love. She used three stones, one for different parts: Passion, Intimacy and Commitment. She described how two could combine and what each meant alone. I said I wanted all three... and she sort of pryed and asked if I kissed her yet. I said sort of and asked if the cheek count. She hid a smile! I know she did! Of course it doesn't count, but she said everything counts... She said I knew if feelings were returned and "It's more like leaping off a cliff, not knowing if there's water or sharp rocks at the bottom" when making a move on a woman. It's a risk... a dangerous one, if I mess it up, it could go from being friends to nothing. She said to give her a proper kiss, with a warning so it doesn't stun her or make her slap me from how sudden it was. Will I jump off the cliff? I want too... but will I hit water? And how far will the jump be? Why does Keppli have to make her cliff so high?
 
 I think I'll make the jump but that's all I have right now. I need to make a list of Halfling letters for Miss Jaelle, I promise I'd make one and she'll be wanting them the next time she sees me.
 

-Fellow

 *Pulls the rocks off the table and sticks them into his pocket. He begins to write down the list of Common's letter and then writing the equivalent letters in Halfling: a- e, b- p, c- s...*

[Lord Dark]

*Tod sighs and sits in Hlint, playing with a small kitten with a piece of string. He sits back and writes in his book*
 
 Tunar, Seplar 17, 1442
 
 We went with the group to see Fisty about those who are blessed by him and for help or something else. We took a boat ride and I got to look from the crow's nest and everything. We got to the island and Fisty flew down with a big thud and blew hot air all over us. He was HUGE, bigger than Shadrixkayl. He kept jumping in front and back of the group, always changing where he stood and I heard Keppli suddenly yell. I turned and Fehriel was trying to pick her up. It made me mad that he would even think of picking her up against her will. If I didn't have a lick of self control, he would have holes in his hands by knives and possibly his hands off all together! He thinks he can do anything he wants but one thing I won't let him do is to man handle Keppli! I'll just help Keppli kick him in the shins later... I'll feel sorry for him if she does, with how she can kick doors down! *cracks up, laughing* But I do regret yelling at him like that, I think he was just trying to help... but doesn't mean I have to like his methods!...
 
 We made it back fine, not completely sure what happened. Fisty said he would lift the curses and blessing if Miss Sasha offered someone close to her for a blood sacrifice. She offered herself and I'm surprised how bad she wanted to be the sacrifice for the good of others. But Fisty relented and said something else and we were off back to North Point. Rocky was further up the hill the whole time, praying or something since he was on his knees! Poor Rocky, he just wants a good story for his songs, but then he has to risk his life trying to get them... or he's trying to keep Keppli and me out of trouble. *chuckles and pets the kitten*
 
 I waited for everyone to leave, asking Keppli to stay behind so I could talk to her. It took all I had to not kiss her right then. I forgot all I said before that... All I can remember is Keppli growing red and fumbling for words. And then her hugging me back with a tear falling down her cheek as I kissed her. I didn't know what the tears were for, so I stopped and leaned back to ask why she was crying. She said it was because she was happy and I mumbled to myself asking if I "hit water". She looked confused and I said it was nothing. Has she been waiting for me to make a move all this time? I said it would have been a lie if I said I like her (meant more than just "like") but she took it literally... *laughs* I said no, I didn't like her, well... I do... I confused myself now... but more than just "like", love by now. I think she got it, not sure. Maybe I should just say it straight out? Then she talked about how she felt sort of the same about me, like it's fun when Rocky, her and me go out adventuring and that it's not the same when I'm not with them. I don't know what she means by that... she's confusing sometimes, not on purpose I think... just... confusing like women are. I said it's hard for me to express how I feel since I've never done it before. I also mentioned how I couldn't think straight when she look at me with her eyes... once agian she took it literal and looked away... I swear, she's one for me if anyone... But did Miss Jaelle's advice help? Did I really hit water or will I hit rock once I'm a little ways into the water? Am I doing all this right? I do love her, more than anything, I can tell by how defensive I am of her, even though she can take care of herself. Kissing Keppli was better than being kissed by Miss Alatriel, it wasn't a sympathy kiss... I'm just not going to tell Miss Alatriel that! *laughs*
 
 That's all I have to write.
 

-Tod

 *He begins to finish off with "Tod" for no apparent reason*

[Lord Dark]

*He's sitting in Wayfare, tending his sliced foot. He winces and leans back to write*
 
 I saw Miss Essa and Ben today, it was great to see them! I didn't know if they got eaten by giants or what! They were in good health and everything, Ben's still his tough self and Miss Essa's the cheerful, playful kind.
 
 We went and got mahogany wood. It went fine, nothing really happened. Miss Essa's blessings worked a lot and Durgen's speed was good too. There were druids and tons of giants with big clubs and acid. Couple bonked me on the head with their axes but the stone skin helped, I am known to be little hard headed!
 
 We were almost done, heading to Dalanthar and Miss Essa wanted to get the "looneys". She made blades come out of the ground and lifted her top to get their attention... *blushes and looks to makes sure no one is around* I'm sorry to say that she was the first woman I've ever seen with her top just about off. So I couldn't help but to look. I stepped too far up, not paying attention to where I was stepping and one side of my foot got cut a little bit... *leans forward to check his foot and grimaces* I didn't know about it until a little while ago, it just stings.
 
 But it was good to see Ben and Miss Essa again!
 

-Tod

 
 

*Looks in his bags for one of Keppli's smiley face bandages.*

[Lord Dark]

*Tod sits beside Biscuit as she munches on oats and hay, no sugar for dessert this time. He sips from a bottle with green writing on label, thinking about what to write.*
 
 Satari, Febra 7, 1443
 
 I was walking through the forest, just roaming like I do, when I went by a house. An old man came out, holding several pots of flowers and sat them on the ground where he was planting a little garden or something. I was thinking why anyone would want to plant a flower garden in the middle of the forest! But I wanted to know and sat down beside him to ask what he was doing. The old man just sat there, continuing to plant the flowers. He said it was for his wife, which passed on years and years ago, and that he planted flowers for her everyday. I looked at the flowers and they were clear crystal! He told me to wait outside and he walked, very slowly like old men do, inside his hut. He was smart and he could tell I was distressed and he went over to his window sill, plucked several red crystal roses from a new batch he just made and slowly came back holding the bouquet out to me and said that I should give them to her... how'd he know? I think Keppli liked them a lot.
 
 Then I went with Steel , Miss ami, Miss Emie, Abiorn, Aerimor, Miss Drexia and Iradril couple days after Plen told his story about Blood's fall. We met a lady named Miss Maddison and we went into these ruins from where you don't want to step off the stone path. Balors were lower down in the castle, with bone wings that were blue and white with electricity. Big stone dragons.. wvyerns they called them, had to be killed so we can get a key to get out. We went to this one cavern and Abiorn did all the fighting, killing balors that made time stop and then it'd pick back up and everyone would be bloodied. He broke a magic portal that felt so cold when getting close to it. But something came down right after we finished the portal and then everything went black... that's all I remember, and I found myself in Wayfare after that.
 
 

-Tod

 
 *Shuts the book and dozes as Biscuit finishes her meal*

[Lord Dark]

*Tod sits in a hayloft in one of the barn in Hempstead's fields, waiting the rain out. He burrows himself in the hay after checking it to be clean and pulls his book out to write and lights a candle, being extremely careful not to let it touch the hay*
 
 I went deep into the Deep with Abiorn, Miss Ami, Miss Emie, Wren, Aerimor, Alatriel and Steel. They were after emeralds and mithril and they invited me along. I never thought I'd go to see actual emeralds be mined... or mithril! It took a little while to get ready since we needed picks and chisels and get to know each other and to calm some of Alatriel's nerves... I never thought she could be so nervous, but I'm glad she came, she helps with my own nerves until she starts with the "holy hells" stuff... could a hell really be holy? Then it wouldn't be a hell!
 
 We went out by the fire that is constantly kept out by the shore in Miritrix and Miss Emie and Miss Ami were bickering agian. I told them to be careful, they get pretty rough... but what does Miss Ami do? She "booms" me! She threw a ball of lightning and made me deaf! It hurt too, my hair was standing up for a while. Alatriel and Aerimor finally came to the fire after their own arguement over something... I'm not sure what it is but hope they get it settled out. Think it has to do with her getting pregnant agian, maybe she won't lose this baby? Miss Ami and her big mouth blurting stuff out put Aerimor in a bad mood and it took him a little while to get out of it.
 
 We finally left and went through the depths of the Deep. We saw big golems agian and beholders, dark elves, dark dwarves, mind flayers and we heard "holy hells" from Alatriel couple hundred times. Abiorn likes to move quickly, always making this big scorpion, spider and snake thing come out of now where and scares all the things to death. We made it to the mithril golems and they beat Abiorn up pretty badly. Luckily we all had some scrolls to help him up. It's gotta be pretty dangerous if couple golems can beat Abi down! We found a thing of mithril bullets and they were going to toss them out. I was about to say that I'll take them, they're made of mithril! But Steel beat me too it, I'm sure he doesn't mind taking them with saying "Speak for yourself, I've got a pocket full of mithril rocks" when they said they found no treasures. We then made it to the emerald caves. There was big blocks of living emerald beating at Wren, Miss Emie, Aerimor and Steel. Abiorn takes control of the littler ones to make them turn on the big ones and then he gets in close and personal, taking little hits now and then... he's a tough gnome! Miss Alatriel stays in the back with me trying to hit those things, our arrows just bounce off.
 
 At the end, we got about seven emeralds, Miss Emie, Steel, and I think Miss Ami and Abiorn didn't want any emeralds. Abiorn just wants to cut them so Alatriel, Aerimor and me probably have a very good chance of getting some. Steel wanted five mithril nuggets to make for mithril reinforced so he took five, and then several were extra so I got five too. Steel said Miss Ferrit could make the armor, I'll see if he can talk to her or whenever I run into her about making me some too since I have the stuff. I got a nice white cloak from the extra loot too alongside a cloak Abi gave to me since it was really cold down in the Deep and then Wren giving me white gloves that are extra soft and helps me bandage people up. I'm very happy with the things I got, just my pockets and bags are getting heavy!
 
 *Draws a zigzag line*
 
 I'm still mining for Miss Sophia, she said she was giving necklace of shields for ore. She wants about 75 ingots of platinum... I have about 20 ingots now, maybe 15 nuggets, I've given up smelting the nuggets into ingots since I make so much mush instead of solid platinum. Hopefully Miss Sophia will accept nuggets too.
 
 I was going on a trip to the troll cave, maybe I could carry ten more nuggets out (That's all I can carry! So me working for Miss Sophia is a slow process) and I ran into Miss Shrowd. I told her I was going into the caves and she said it's a dangerous place. I said not so much since the trolls are stupid enough to keep their backs turned to me and try to hit something that's not truely there (meaning shadows I control to draw the attention). Her eyes got all wide and asked if I was one who could bend shadow to my will. She then bowed too me asked if I could teach her. I don't know how to explain how I do it, I just do it, second nature now. As long as there is a shadow near me, I should be able to mess with it in some way. But I pointed her to Alatriel since she taught me some, maybe I'll come along sometime and learn some extra stuff too.
 

-Tod

 
 
 

*Closes his book and snuffs the candle out. He pulls his green cloak over him and falls alseep for the night.*

[Lord Dark]

I was heading into the Red Lights to get salt since I was out of pies, meat and bread. Storold was already inside getting the goblins and he said he was getting copper to start some weapon smithing. I'm sure he could just buy the swords and stuff, it's not like he's poor. Couple minutes later, Keppli, Rocky, Miss Rose and Fehriel ran inside almost bumping into us. Miss Rose and Storold had to leave so just the four of us went on down.
 We came back up, Rocky had an accident so we went and helped him get back to his stone. Fehriel ran off to do his own thing. It was quiet for a long time. Then Keppli took her armor off to show her tunic and pants, then pulled on an old brown coat... But wow, did she look good. The extra long sleeves and then the raggedy look looked good on her. Sort of worried I wouldn't stop staring if she ever puts on a dress. I asked her if she ever thought about it but thought me joking.
 
 Rocky asked if I ever wanted to try on a "kilt". I didn't know what it was, guess it's a manly skirt like that ones Flynn wears. Rocky changed into his bright blue, green, and yellow clothes with the big feathered hat. We both laughed and he asked I wanted to try it on. Heck yeah! I wouldn't mind having a hat like that. Rocky said I could try it on and Keppli said it looks amazing. Hope so! It was wierd having it on, felt exposed with having on bright colors.
 
 Rocky was going to give me a stick to go with it and I went to the bank to get him some coins, but when I came back, only Lythar and Keppli was there! The fat dwarf ran off knowing I was going to try to pay him! So I took out a bottle of whiskey and shook it in front of me, yelling that I was going to accidently drop it and it was going to be such a waste. I heard Rocky cursing behind some trees and Keppli started to try yelling louder than me saying that I didn't have a bottle and we kept trying to shout louder than the other... she's pretty loud! I almost got the coins into his pocket but he got away. But then he came back and gave me the stick, saying to give Keppli the coins since she's broke from trying to pay me back... so I gave them both my puppy eyes and they both looked away! Puppy eyes don't work when they're looking away!
 
 But Keppli denied the coins too so I begin to pull the clothes off and pull my coat back on. I was hoping she'd accept the coins after I put the clothes away, so I'd put them back on. But it didn't work like that. She said she was going to keep an eye on me and I said she wouldn't see me with that hat back on when she's around and she pulled on a horrified look... that's worse than the puppy eyes! But I just gave up trying to give the coins to her, maybe I can persuade a banker to transfer coins from mine to her's.
 
 I'll give her the coins somehow. I can be just as stubborn! But now I need to cook some supper even though she shared several pies.
 

-Tod

 
 *pushes the book back into his bag and pulls on the big hat with the feather.

[Lord Dark]

*Tod sits crosslegged in his bunk on one of the ships he frequently travels in. He groans when he starts to have a stomach ache and pulls his journal out. He rubs his eyes for a couple moments, trying to think of to write.*
 
 Neither Keppli or me won Plen's house in that raffle. We only had maybe...
 *does the math* 6% chance of one of us winning anyway. There was some other things Plen put up for raffle too. Keppli won second or third and got some Elven chain mail, I'm not sure what she'll do with it, she almost tipped over when she was carrying back for us to see so I'm not sure she could really wear it. I had to run off since nature called and I came back and I won something! I got some bracers that bend so they are better then the gloves I had. Plen had to leave early, then shadows attacked us and then afterwords, Raz started to tick off Storold by messing with Miss Amanda and saying "Shut up old man, mind your own business" when Storold tried to get him to stop... I like Raz and everything but with having told the Protector of the Al'Noth to shut up and then calling him old with Keppli, Fenrir, Miss Amanda, me and several other people there that are friends with Storold, is NOT smart! I don't know what Raz's problem is, saying I began to turn on him during the last decade... I don't know what he meant but I mean to talk to him.
 
 I talked with Keppli couple days ago and she convinced me to where the purple hat and suit, think she really likes it, but anyway! Rocky came and asked Keppli if she told me about the trip. I didn't understand and they said they went to meet the Golden Emerald! That she was huge and the nicest dragon of all! and that they got unmarked... That she turned into a stunning elf woman and they took their hands and then they suddenly felt weak which meant the mark was gone... And I MISSED it! *Slaps his forehead several times with both palms* I would've brought every pie I had so I would have a chance to share it with the Golden Emerald, but I missed it... Now I'm stuck with this shadow... I'm tired of it popping up and punching me and then me having to mop up the blood after saying that I got excited after cutting a gem and sliced my hand. I'm happy, relieved, and thankful that Keppli was unmarked, Rocky and Alatriel too... feel a little jealous but I'm glad they're safer than before.
 
 Another thing I missed was breaking that portal in the Red Lights that lets out undead... that's not as bad as missing the trip to the Golden Emerald, I still get to beat up the deaders and take their fancy weapons they sometimes carry, but I still wished I could've helped Storold.
 

-Tod

 *He puts his journal away and props himself up agianst the wall where he eventual dozes off.*