Journal of Phyress Sylphide

[Lily]

*This book is bound in black leathers and is about average size for a book. The book itself bears the title 'Journal', written in elaborate golden letters. The pages reveal a simple handwriting, mostly written by black ink on the rather grey and old pages.*

[Lily]

*After the bartender in the Scamp’s Mug slapped Phyress and she loudly complained but he simply ignored her, she turned her attention back to her journal which was still lying in her lap.*

-Tunar, Mar 24, 1433-

It was a rough sea on my ride from Mariners Hold over to Port Hempstead on the continent of Mistone. It was my first time on such a big ship and across the ocean but I really enjoyed it. It was refreshing, stormy, thrilling, interesting and lovely at the same time, even though it was raining the whole time and not to mention the rough, stormy sea. I really wish Lydia was with me on the ride over to Port Hempstead. I know my father mentioned that town a few times when he talked with my mother about trade and always mentioned the wealthy city of Hempstead.

However, the ship landed at the docks around midnight and the cargo and passengers moved over to steady ground again which I was quite glad about. My first journey on a ship might not have been the best, judging the sea but it was still interesting and a new experience. And I did not get seasick like other passengers on the boat. Of course I was lost when I tried to explore the city mid in night. Among the citizens I saw some adventurers as well but they seemed rather busy with something and gave me some quick directions as I asked for them.

I then decided to seek out the inn and take a drink. The bartender was kind enough to serve me one apple-juice on the house. He’s a nice guy even though the inn did not seem to be very clean at all but I am used worse inns anyways. However, he gave me some directions like where to find what in town. I then asked if he had a job for me to do but he denied. But he told me to seek out Captain Trent in town as he might have a job for me. Same as for Martha.

Anyways, I should get some rest and prepare myself before heading out and get some Trues into my pockets.

[Lily]

*After some rather exhausting days Phyress slumps down into her bed in the Scamp’s Mug and starts writing a new entry in her journal.*

-Threas, Mar 26, 1433-

Now these were some long days, really. Just after I bought some general supplies for my ventures here on Mistone I ran into a rather charming, but old man. I am bad with names. A moment ago I still knew his name. When I meet him again I am sure to remember his name, all I need is just to see his face again. However he was kind enough to show me around town a little and helped me to track Martha and Trent down. Martha was around the Merchant District as the bartender already told me; I just did not ask him where that district was located. I think it was the first and last time I headed down in any sewers as they really stink. Our journey down went just fine even though I had to take a few hits by a few slimy things I saw among other creatures. I did the job though and got rewarded by Martha afterwards.

Trent had another job for me. It had something to do with retrieving a magical stick from a tribe of kobolds right outside Port Hempstead. On our way to the camp I saw a rather big creature. It was bigger than a human but I don’t know it looked somehow odd, like an ogre or so. Strange one. I only know it scared me a little.
After chatting with another new adventurer, his name was Michael if I remember correctly, we headed into their camp. It was thrilling and interesting and better than fighting stinky little rats in any way. I found a stick on one kobold with wings which looked rather odd. Of course I know kobolds are somehow related to dragons but still, it makes me giggle. My guide checked the staff over and felt that it was magical of some sorts. He’s a sorcerer from what I saw and what he told me.
After we made our way out again we handed the stick over to Captain Trent again and he rewarded me with a bag and some Trues as well. It was already past midnight as we passed the stick over to Trent so we decided it was best to get some rest first as it were some long and exhausting days.

But after all I learned a lot in the last few days. The weapon I bought at the local merchants here in Port Hempstead was a rapier like Lydia used one, just not as balanced as her one was. Not to mention that this one is just made out of copper but it will do for now. Not like I could take advantage of a better balanced blade yet. However during the last few days I grew stronger in using the rapier and found myself using more or less more agile weapons like the rapier or short sword but I still prefer the rapier and took my focus especially on it.
During the battles we fought I had to dodge and avoid many blows while I fought their masses or when I had to run over the battlefield. I really improved myself and I am more mobile in fights now. Of course I had good mentors with Lydia and Arngrim back on Alindor but now it was me who improved the basics I already learned by them and I am glad I had them as my mentors.
Well and I fought with two weapons at the same time as well. It is hard to coordinate two blades at the same time but I managed somehow. But I think I am some kind of ambidextrous so it is easier for me, especially with my weak hand. And I bet it helps me coordinating by shield as well to parry blows.

But now I am curious about what tomorrow brings...

*Even before Phyress manages to close her journal she falls asleep over it and a slight smile can be seen on her face.*

[Lily]

*Phyress rents a room at the local inn in Fort Vehl and straightly heads to her bed where she takes out her journal again, flips the already written pages and writes a new entry into her journal.*

-Tunar, Apreal 3, 1433-

The past days were rather interesting. As I got up again I took a tour around Port Hempstead again as I lost some of my baggage due to the rough see somewhere between Alindor and Mistone. So as I arrived I had only my old leathers and nothing else to dress with. While my studded leathers keep me save and rather dry I needed something for towns or other activities. I just don’t want to take a drink in my armor even though it seems the citizens in these parts are used to adventurers in any way.

So while I was looking for a tailor to get a dress made I met Ferrit Pandorn, a tailor and merchant. She showed me some interesting equipment I might be interested in like a new light armor or a new blade. But I think I should live with what I already have on me for now. The blade I am looking forward to is made of iron and definitely better balanced than my copper one. Lacking the coin and training I told her that I will contact her when it is about time for me. First of all I still have to master my training with my rapier made of copper. Right now I could not really take advantage of the better balance and handling.

After eventually I got my dress made I went out for a walk into the woods right outside Port Hempstead. On my way through the woods I met Eslar again. Yes, I eventually remembered his name. Eslar was kind enough to show me the Stormcrest Crossroads on the way to Fort Vehl and Vehl itself, too. Fort Vehl differs from Port Hempstead. While you can see that Port Hempstead is wealthy and noble, Fort Vehl is more your average town. It is dirty and some if their citizens or guards are not really good looking or friendly. But then I found some work for me to do at the local graveyard. It had to do with returning some essence of a lesser darksoul or so. Not that I really knew what a darksoul was. So together with Eslar I explored a rather huge crypt and fought my way through skeletons and zombies. But the next time I’ll go there I will surely grab a flail or so. It is hard for me to put the skeletons back to their rest with a weapon like the rapier.

The fight against the darksoul was scary I tell you. I was just glad that I did not run away screaming from it and that Eslar conjured some flames upon my blade so I was able to hurt that bandaged thing. It reminded me of a mummy. However the fight lasted like half an hour and it was very exhausting to fight constantly for such a long time. I had to take care that it did not get the chance to hit me and then try to find its weak spots. Oddly I did not find any weak spots and that made it even harder. But the long fight had its benefits. I am now able to land better placed hits on my opponents which cause them more pain and suffer. I think I really specialized myself on the rapier now. Trying it with my short sword I still cannot manage it somehow. I think this comes from focusing all my training on the rapier.

It was a long day and we made it out of the crypt alive and I got rewarded for my help which I was glad about as I still need to save some Trues for a new blade and some other equipment I am looking forward to. Eslar told me that there might be some more jobs waiting for me here in Vehl. SO for tomorrow I will take a look around Fort Vehl and ask citizens or other people whether they have a job for me or know who might be able to have some work for me.

[Lily]

*While Phyress sits at the pond right outside Port Hempstead and watches men and women leaving or entering town, she takes out her journal, ink and quill and after several more moments of watching the traffic in the early evening hours, she eventually starts writing into her journal.*

-Wedlar, Mai 4, 1433-

After I recovered in the Inn in Fort Vehl from those scratches I got down in the crypt I moved out again to see if anyone has a little job for me to do. Maybe Friar had another job for me regarding undead but naturally he did not have had any job for me. So while I was standing around in front of the graveyard I saw this woman leaning against the crypt. She was carrying a rather huge walking stick for her size. From her build she was clearly elven. However the woman was looking for some assistance up in the Gloom Woods. Of course I agreed in aiding her and together we headed north towards the Gloom Woods. The name of the woman was Aryanna and is a druid in service of the Longstrider. Aryanna has a rather bossy attitude but I like it. I don’t know but it somehow suits her. Just she could stop prodding me with her staff.

However, we eventually reached that cursed forest and found some strong zombies in there. Somehow I was not able to harm them with my copper rapier. Aryanna told me that these are kind of resistant against such materials and I should go for an iron one next time or something equal made out of wood. We managed to defeat all of them and I saw some even stranger creatures. They looked like a failed experiment when someone tried to build a creature out of many other creatures.
We then met another creature among some skeletons. I don’t know what kind of creature that was but from a camp within the Gloom Woods I gathered that it was called a Zamin. It was a very tough fight and I hardly survived it with Aryanna’s help. It seemed like I wasn’t fast enough yet. It easily dodged most of my attacks and most times it was too fast for me so I was unable to avoid these blows. I focused every single thought on my opponent and closely examined the motions of my opponent as it moved, attacked or dodged. This way I was able to parry most of its attacks and start a counter attack when it left its defense. In the camp I got rewarded for the defeat of the Zamin.

On our way we were attacked by those kobolds of the camp outside Port Hempstead. The previous fights really improved my skills with the rapier. While we were fighting them I tried to do what Lydia taught me in my training. If you want to end a fight quick, make sure you surprise them, flank or attack it from behind and aim for their weak spots. It took me some effort but I think that now I know how to use this technique, given I surprise them and open the battle before they even realize what is going on.

As I finally found myself back in Port Hempstead, Aryanna had to leave after we left the camp again, I wrote a letter to Miss Pandorn as now I think I can make use of an iron rapier. After all this training I should finally manage to make use of its sharper blade and better handling. Unfortunately she did not have any blade in stock so I have to wait for a few days. I don’t mind waiting for the blade though as I still need to continue my other training and of course to make some more friends in these parts of the world.

I can’t wait for what the next days will bring.

*Phyress closes her journal and watches her surroundings until the very night before she makes herself comfortable for a rest.*

[Lily]

*Phyress sits down at the pond outside Port Hempstead and eyes her rapier for a moment before she takes out her quill, ink and journal and start writing a new entry into her journal.*

-Wedlar, Junar 18, 1433-

The past few days were quite interesting I have to admit. A lot of things happened in the past few days, more than I thought. I spent the past few days mainly with my training. I only have a slow process but though it is steady. It is quite amazing to see how others use different tactics than I do. There are many ways of battle and I am just walking one of them. Some prefer the more brute ways but I prefer the more agile way.

I ventured a bit with Eslar again and he showed me some towns along the road on Mistone. I have been to Fort Llast, Krandor and Hlint. From the citizens in Hlint I gathered that Hlint once was a town filled with adventurers but most of them are gone now. I have to admit it looks a little abandoned without them. It is quiet for a small town. On our way I asked some citizens if they might have some work for me. In Fort Llast I helped a lieutenant with refilling his chests with weapons.

The last day I ventured with Aesthir and a comrade into the Silkwood Forest. It was an interesting trip but spiders are very dangerous due to their poison. However I hardly survived it and learned from it. While they were focused on Aesthir I attacked them from behind, finding their weak spots.

And now I eventually got my new rapier made. It is made of iron and the balance is far better than if it was made out of copper like my old one. So right now I am busy with getting used to the new blade. But for now I have had enough training and going to get some rest.

[Lily]

*Phyress slumps down on a bed at the local inn in Hlint. Tired she takes out her journal, ink and quill and starts writing a new entry into her journal.*

-Tunar, Seplar 24, 1433-

A few weeks have passed since I ventured the last time. It was nice to take a little break and reflect the last months here on Mistone. I saw a lot of places and faces during my time around these parts of Layonara. I can only say I am proud of myself and how I managed the rather rough places I explored with my new friends. I really grew more and more in this time. As I started to explore Mistone I was hardly able to wield my weapons or to avoid blows. But with every battle I fight and every experience I gain I get more and more confident with the ways of battle.

Today I oddly jumped into Trouble again while I was just sitting at the waterfall in Fort Wayfare. He’s hard to miss with the white monkey on his shoulder, always twitching his ear. Well he hardly knew my name anymore but at least he still knew my face. However he offered to show me a little around. I happily agreed and we headed towards Hlint.

On our way to Hlint I managed to cut some goblin ears off some goblins I needed as a proof for lieutenant Astork in Hlint. Trouble helped me with the goblins and to my surprise he shifted into a panther while we were fighting the goblins. I somehow felt that he was very bound to nature but I never imagined it was that strong. From tales I heard that druids are able to shift into some forms of animals. I asked him if he was a druid but he said he wouldn’t call himself a druid. More like an apprentice or so, still learning the ways of a druid. I can understand him. I wouldn’t call myself a warrior either, as I am still learning the ways of battle and trying to find my very own way of battle.

However we ventured into the swamps outside of Hlint where we fought some lizardmen and some other creatures. They looked like flying balls of light and I gathered that they are called will-o-wisp or something similar. After we finally got out of these stinky swamps again we headed into the Whitethorn Forest where Trouble showed me some interesting places. We headed to the Grove of Katia and he showed me some treants as well. I have to admit they were very impressive, walking trees after all. On our way back to Hlint a few Kenkus tried to attack us as we crossed their way but we managed to defeat them easily. Well not that easily as they used to vanish from eyesight.

On our trip through the world I managed to improve my ways of battle. I am already skilled in the ways how to dodge under blows of my enemy’s blades und be very mobile on my feet. But fighting the goblins and Kenkus I had to focus more and more on avoiding their blows when I want to sneak behind them and use their weak spots to harm them from behind. The problem is that my opponents mostly use the opportunity to attack me when I try to run behind them. During my training I now managed not to give them any more opportunities to have an attack of opportunity on me. I also learned how to evade traps.

Trouble and I agreed to meet again for further explorations. I have to agree that I somehow like him being around him and love heading out for adventuring with him. I will see what future brings. Who knows, maybe we’ll head to the Wolfswood Forest together.

[Lily]

*Slightly bandaged Phyress enters the inn in Hlint again and orders some wine to her room while she humbles into her room and falls down on her bed. After quite some moments she takes out her journal, quill and ink again and takes a sip from her grape-juice before she starts writing down a new entry into her journal.*

-Wedlar, Oclar 11, 1433-

The past few days have not really been that successful I am afraid. The only thing I managed way dying few days ago. While I was sitting around again in Fort Wayfare at the waterfall I bumped into Trouble again. Trouble told me that he found an interesting place with rather interesting creatures. So we headed down the road in Fort Wayfare und found ourselves in the Forest of Moans where we had some hostile contact with Satyrs. I had to learn that they were very territorial and did not like adventurers passing by. The trip itself went fine but on our way out again we bumped into a rather large group of satyrs. Even though I am trained in the ways of battle I was not able to defeat this last group, they were too much for us to handle. After a long time Trouble fell conscious less to the ground and I was bleeding all over the place as well already. It took them quite some effort to defeat me. The one I was facing I could handle, just the one in my back was too much for me.

Death is something horrible even though I found myself all alive again at the bindstone in Hlint, though very weakened from my death. I only know for sure that I don’t want to die again, it is a pain. However I found Trouble back at the forest and together we took out the remaining satyrs so I was able to pray at the place where I died so I could fully recover from my recent death.

After the unwanted experience we still decided to explore Mistone a bit more. He showed me some nice places and I was able to train my skills along the way as well as not every road is really safe. As we travelled through the woods we got attacked by two griffons and Trouble did not manage to calm them. But during the battles along the way I got more confident with our tactics and our skills. I am getting better and better with my new rapier. I know Lydia would be proud of me already. A lot of time will pass till I will be as good as her, if I ever reach her that is.

For now I should get some sleep and reflect the past few days. Even though my death was horrible I learned something from it: There’s always someone better than you and without training you’ll never be able to get better and more confident in facing your opponent.

[Lily]

*exhausted from a very long trip which lasted for several days, Phyress collapses on the bed and writes down a new entry into her journal after she felt a little better.*

-Satari, Oclar 28, 1433-

The last few days have been very interesting and eventful. While I was on my way from Krandor to Port Hempstead I bumped into Trouble and his mother in Fort Wayfare. After I talked a bit with them Miss Tegan left for her business and Trouble offered me to be my guide again. Of course I agreed to it and we started to venture for several days along Mistone and Alindor. First of all I still had a job to do on Mistone. Some old hag in the swamps asked me to help her out with some knuckles. Luckily I still had some on me I planned to give to a priest so he could make some potions for me. However, I handed them over to her and she was very thankful for my help. After we got out all alive of the swamps Trouble suggested to head over to Alindor. I was quite glad to travel to Alindor again, my home. Well of course Alindor is just another continent but it is still the continent where I grew up and hail from.

On Alindor we helped a farmer with his scarecrows. And if I say scarecrows then I really want to point out that they are actually scary! Well Trouble had to fight them almost all alone as I was usually busy with screaming and running around and ended up being surrounded by four more scarecrows. I would have never made it without Trouble’s help but in the end we made it. I did not want to die again and not by scarecrows. That’s for sure. The farmer was quite glad for our help and we wished him the best for his family before we moved on.

Trouble showed me some sort of grove within the Wolfswood Forest. I did not know about that grove yet, even though I spent some time in the Wolfswood Forest around the Wolfswood Ranger Corps together with Celes. It was a very lovely place and I hope to travel there again one time. Trouble knows a lot of lovely places so it is always interesting to travel around with him.

Close to the Wolfswood Forest we helped another farmer with his lost cow. We agreed on helping him and well, we found his cow or better say what was left from it. It seemed like a griffon got hungry and ate a whole cow. In the remains of the fat and overweighed griffons I only found the collar of his lost cow. The only thing we were able to do for him was at least to hand him the collar back.
Fighting the griffon was very thrilling as it was very strong. While Trouble shifted into a cat again and directly attacked it, I sneaked up behind it and waited for a good opportunity to strike it down. The easiest way to strike it was when it flew closer to the ground in order to attack Trouble. With such teamwork we managed to defeat the griffon with just a few scratches.
Trouble and I ventured a bit more around Alindor before we eventually decided to take the ride back to Mistone. Back on Mistone he made be curious about Krashin, an isle up in the north of Layonara where it always freezes. We sailed there and it was really cold over there, more than I was used to.

Trouble showed me an interesting cavern made out of ice which was infested with kobolds, naturally. Actually they were no threat for us if you don’t fight against their shamans that is. Their magic missiles really hurt and almost killed us more than once on Krashin. However the journey to Krashin was very interesting and I learned a lot from defeating our opponents. While Trouble tried to catch their attention I sneaked behind them again and used their weak spots to harm them. With time I improved this technique and am now able to harm them even more. Due to their masses we had to be very careful and always had to watch our backs. Even if I don’t really give them the opportunity to attack me when I pass them for example, they can still catch me flatfooted.  Being flatfooted I cannot really dodge their blows anymore and I don’t wear any heavy armor. With a plate I could simply stand there flatfooted as it would not make much difference as you can hardly move in such heavy plates anyways. But if they catch me flatfooted I don’t have any time to react and parry their blows and this is of course very deadly for me. However I learned from my experience up in Krashin and figured out how to still benefit from my graceful movements, even when I am caught flatfooted.

After a warming campfire at the bottom of the cave we fought our way back to the surface and finally headed back to Mistone where Trouble showed me the desert close to Port Hempstead. Well and now I am dead tired and I can already feel my sore muscles everywhere. I should better get some rest now.

[Lily]

*Phyress sits down at a bench in front of the Crimson Eagles Memorial, takes out her journal, quill and ink and start writing on a new page, after pondering about something for a moment.*

-Satari, Novlar 14, 1435-

It has been a few years since my latest entry into this journal but not much happened in the past two years to be honest. After my latest entry I had to take some distance from active adventuring as I was getting tired of all the fighting a little. I started my training with Lydia and Arngrim to defend myself in dangerous situations and I have to agree that I step into a lot of dangerous situations lately. As I needed a break I simply travelled on safe routes from one city to another on Mistone. It was a nice life as well but something was really missing.

A few months ago I headed into the Silkwood Forest again for further explorations and I got caught in a fight with spiders which surprised me. I was able to defeat all of them but one of the spiders hit me in my thigh and I had to lie down for quite some time. When things are still very exhausting it tingles a little. I think it is not fully cured out already and some of its venom is still inside of me. Maybe I should seek a priest out about it or let a healer look over the already healed wound.

A few days ago I took a stroll through the Silkwood Forest again and took a rest at the campfire outside of Hlint where I bumped into Trouble again who was quite happy to see me again. We talked about things that were going on in the time we did not see each other and he asked me about what I have been doing in the meantime and I could not tell him much as not much happened in the meantime anyways. He was quite surprised by my skills with the rapier though. I gave him a little show after an imaginary opponent. I dodged imaginary blows, parried and launched attacks into the air where the imaginary opponent was supposed to be. After the little show we headed out like we did in our old days and explored some places I have not been before. He took me to the mountains around Fort Vehl where we encountered some giants. Giants are really huge and I did not battle them before so the first fight was very thrilling as I did not know how tough they really were. Trouble and I did just fine though. While they attacked him I sneaked my way behind them and tried to find their weak spot. However it was hard to hit them though but we managed to defeat them and I learned a lot about my new opponents and certainly improved myself during these battles. As it was pretty cold and we were just to Krashin before we decided to head back though into warmer regions and that was Hlint.

While we were on our way from Fort Llast to Hlint we met a man called Bear, an elven woman called Raven and a toranite knight and a little later Daniella as well, another Toranite.
Raven asked us for some help with the Oil of the Vukas, Juanita must have lost somewhere in the mountains. Together the five of us headed into the mountains. It was very thrilling as there were not only ogres, but giants and giants with two heads. I made some research and found out that they are called ettins. On our task to find the oil Bear bailed out of a sudden because he said he had something else to do. He did not say what but I cannot use one on a task who bails out of a sudden so we were better off without him anyways. Shortly after Bear disappeared an elf showed up in the heat of battle and almost got killed. I mean it was pretty silly and headless. He was invisible and no one of us knew about him being there, charged the ogres ahead of us at the bridge and almost got killed. I told him to be more careful and stand a bit back as it seemed the group already knew him. Needless to say he got killed as we were attacked by the next group of ogres and giants. I have to admit their spellcasters are pretty tough and sneaky and their spells hurt. Without the elf, I already forgot his name anyway, we made our way up the mountains and eventually found the oil. In the final fight we unfortunately lost Daniella who was fighting very brave but unfortunately fell. I was right in time to save Trouble but not fast enough to save Daniella as well. Maybe I had to work out the tactic a little better and others should have listened to my commands more precisely. It seems like Lance, the Toranite, and I had like the same idea but our views differed slightly. Even though he was pretty strong and experienced, it doesn’t make him our tactician. I know he’s been to the mountains more than once already and knows his ways but then I learned from Arngrim and knew exactly the strengths and weaknesses of our group. I did a good job. I am really sorry for Daniella’s death, it shouldn’t have occurred at all.

As we could not linger around for much longer we decided to head back to Fort Llast again. We were almost out of the mountains as a group of ogres ambushed us and almost wiped us out. Well, the ogres themselves were not the real problem but they had a spellcaster with them. I made my way through the ogres to the spellcaster, tumbling over the battlefield, avoiding all of their attacks; I gave them no opportunity to attack me at all. On my way to the caster I managed to kill two ogres and then I faced the big blue ogre. He casted some sort of frost sphere and then vanished from our sight. He then appeared again just to cast another spell at us and I took the opportunity to attack him from behind. The sphere really hit us hard and it took us some effort to stand after that spell. As I attacked the caster he focused his next spell on me and I died immediately before I was able to launch a final strike at him. I fell. Everything worked as planned but no one of us knew they possessed such power. I made my way back to where I fell and prayed for my soul. Then we finally made our way back to Fort Llast where Daniella was already waiting for us and we moved on to return the oil to Juanita who was quite happy about it.

Trouble and I went into the inn in Hlint to eat and drink and I was pretty exhausted anyways. My feet were killing me after like a week full of adventures. I don’t know, but I think Trouble is hiding something from me, I just don’t know what.

However, I learned a lot from our trip into the mountains. Always be prepared for everything and know your comrades good enough to know what they can handle or not. Then you need to work out a tactic which covers everyone. That part worked fine so far but we should have taken more time to observe our surrounding on our way down. With proper observation the ambush wouldn’t have been so bad but they really surprised us. Sneaky ogres. I only wish Arngrim or Lydia were with us. They would have known what to do or how to prepare. Maybe I should visit them again one day, as I should visit Celes again. I bet she’s doing just fine at the Wolfswood Ranger Corps.

But for now I should spend more time with my training so Arngrim and Lydia would be proud with me. I want to master my rapier like Lydia did a long time ago. I want to dodge every attack and launch precise attacks against my opponents and foresee their actions so it is easier for me to dodge or to evade their attacks and use every opportunity to attack them with my rapier. Arngrim and especially Lydia taught me the basics and showed me the way I am currently walking. I took the best from both mentors and combined it for me but then I want to be like Lydia. My strength comes from grace and not from brute force. I already learned a lot of Lydia and improved myself but I am still far from such a graceful way to battle her opponents. I want to be like her and I am doing my very best to become a duelist as well.

But for now I should enjoy the evening here in Port Hempstead and enjoy the life as it is without any battles and death.

*With a slight smile on her lips Phyress closes her journal, and puts everything back into her backpack before she stands up and leaves for a walk into the city.*

[Lily]

*With a sigh Phyress slumps down under a tree outside the gates of Port Hempstead, takes out her journal and writes a new entry in it.*

-Tunar, Novlar 24, 1435-

I honestly don’t know why people see me and Trouble as a couple. While I walked from Fort Wayfare to Port Hempstead Ben, or Benji, asked me about Trouble and well I simply told him that it is none of my business what he does or where he is. Like I would care where he is or what he does. He’s just a good friend of mine, at least that is what I say and yes I love travelling around with him.

So I met Trouble again on my way from Port Hempstead to Hlint in Fort Wayfare. He looked injured but he gave me to know he would be alright. The raw wound did not look alright and he was too slow to cover it from my sight. However we went to Hlint together. On our way we were attacked from goblins whose roam the lands around Hlint and entered their cave where we found more goblins attacking us. In Hlint we thought about heading towards Haven to take a walk through the Silkwood Forest that lies near by Haven. To be prepared we stopped at Ilsare’s temple in Hlint to buy some bandages and potions. Trouble told me that he was out of topaz dust which he needs for our stoneskins. While we bought some supplies from the temple another cleric of Ilsare approached. She stood there with her boyfriend and enjoyed the silent night. The cleric was called Ysalina and Trouble called the man Elgon. They asked if we needed help and we told them that we’re heading into the woods and they agreed to travel with us there to help us a little if it is needed.

In the woods we were attacked by some mercenaries but we did a good job and survived. I tried to ask them if they would mind if we sit down together with them at a fire but they simply charged and attacked. Avoiding their blows I tumbled behind them and well that is the end of story here, they did not survive. Trouble then led us to a cave within the woods. He told us that it might be dangerous and crowded with odd creatures we’ve never seen before. However, we were lured in by our own curiosity; I am always curious about new places, secrets and all new things. As we entered we already saw the first strange creature I cannot really describe. It had several arms and legs and a big mouth and frog eyes. As they stomp so hard it makes the ground shake I simply called it “stompy”. We headed deeper into the cave and saw big bugs standing on two legs and making clicking sounds. I charged ahead and attacked. But that was the only thing I got from the battle against the seven bugs. The next thing I can remember is me standing on a pile of bugs and Trouble complained about that I almost beat him down and showed a rather nasty wound. I swear I didn’t do a thing, at least not that I know about. Well it happened more than once so all thought that they do some mind trick with me or so.

The trip down there was really interesting and we made it down to a door and Trouble did not allow me to open it. He said that I don’t want to open it as on the other side are vampires. He is so mean! I really wanted to see a vampire, just see one! It is not like I wanted to charge ahead and attack them. I simply told him I would come back here later then. He made me really curious about what’s behind the door now.

On our way out again we saw even more strange creatures I cannot describe and one of them was really mean. Trouble shouted something about a sword eating creature but I simply laughed at it. And then I had to learn the hard way! There are really such things! Somehow my rapier turned into rust and disappeared as I hit it. I lost my rapier made of iron. Now I am left with just a copper one I bought from a merchant in Fort Llast and I don’t have enough True to buy me a new rapier made of iron as I spent all my money on bandages and potions.

Well, eventually I will be able to purchase a new blade and then can continue my training with it, but in the meantime I should use the rapier I just bought. Once I feel better I will continue my training. Maybe I will see Trouble again so he can show me even more interesting places or even old places as long as I can continue my training. There is still a lot to learn and to improve.

[Lily]

*Phyress looks up and drops of water fall down to her face from the canopy above her. She cannot help but smile and wraps her cloak around her so her journal won’t get wet all soaked with water. She enjoys the sounds of the woods before she finally starts writing a new entry into her journal.*

-Threas, Decilar 5, 1435-

While I was sitting at the campfire outside the gate of Hlint and looked for some work, Trouble showed up again as promised earlier to help me with True for a new blade. I simply waited outside of Hlint as I am still waiting for a reply from Miss Ferrit as I sent her a note about an order for a new rapier made of iron. She told me she was not sure she still had one in stock and also wrote that she is going to contact me when he has one made. I did not mind as I still had to earn some money to purchase it anyways.

So while we were still talking at the campfire another woman approached, one Trouble knew. Trouble introduced her as Elle. And naturally she thought as well that Trouble and I am a couple. Really I don’t get why people think so. It is not like we are holding hands or the like. Elle said she had a date with Storan or rather some Bodaks. Storan seems to be a mage of some sorts. Bodaks are some undead creature which can kill you by simply looking at you which makes them kinda creepy in my eyes. After a little more teasing Elle left and Trouble and I headed out as well. We went into the Red Light Caverns and the Swamps on the way to Haven. In Haven itself we met an elf, named Ell. Together with Ell we headed into the Silkwood Forest again. To my surprise Ell casted some sort of spell and immediately all of the mercenaries in the forest were stunned and did not move. I mean sure I knew she could cast some spells but that spell was really powerful but I did not mind and took advantage of it. It made it easy for me to dodge behind them and aim for their weak spots.

We ventured deep into the cave again and I have to say I remember more battles than last time, even though Trouble complained again that I attacked him down in the cave. I can’t help it but I don’t remember a thing. Maybe it is better that way though as Trouble said I was like a berserker, attacking everything close to me.

After we were out of the cave, in this time we were not attacked by creatures which eat blades and the like, Trouble suggested heading over to Dregar to see the desert. Of course I was very excited about it. Ell departed and told us she will come right after us but she had still some business to do on Mistone. So Trouble and I took the fast way to Prantz, the capitol of the Rael Kingdom on Dregar. Prantz is a huge city and I almost got lost, even though Trouble showed me around a little. What I found odd is that if you want to enter the main city where the bank is and some other buildings is, you need to tell them your name and race. I have no idea why. Another thing worth mentioning is that there are dwarves running around everywhere.

After I deposited my earned True for the blade we headed north out of town and headed into the Forest of Fog. The forest is lovely and Trouble guided me to a small village deep within the Forest of Fogs. The village is called Vale and there was also a temple of Katia there. Close to the village is a grove where we talked a little and where we met Ell again. As we arrived in Vale I was already pretty exhausted and tired and decided to stay here and not to head with them into the desert even though I’d have loved to. Maybe next time.

During my training in the lasts month I improved myself. I now can hit my opponents more accurate and move around even more gracefully. Almost like Lydia before she got her knee wounded and it never fully restored again. Even though Lydia is not around, I know she’s proud about me and the way I went. I don’t feel ready to see her again right now though. If I see her again I want to prove myself in a duel with her, just her and I. Even with her knee she will beat me around in the arena like mad but it is the best way for me to learn from her experience and advises. Maybe I should look around for a Duelist who can show me their ways of battle and become my mentor. Only time will tell. But for now I should try and find some rest here under this tree. Oddly it is almost raining the whole time here in this forest, not that I mind rain. I will continue my journey tomorrow.

*Phyress stuffs her journal back into her bag and takes out a rug to cover herself, curls up to a ball and falls asleep into a deep slumber, smiling slightly as the wind brushes through the canopy.*

[Lily]

*With a wide smile Phyress sits down at the monument in Port Hempstead, takes out her journal and writes a new entry.*

- Sunra, Jenra 1, 1436-

Quite a lot happened in the past few days. As I spend several days with wandering around in the Forest of Fogs I found an entrance to a cave. Naturally I ventured down into the cave. On my way deeper inside I came across several corpses of giants, their wounds still fresh and the blood not dried yet. Carefully I headed even deeper into the cave and to my surprise I met a crowd of adventurers. Ell and Trouble were there, among a halfgiant and some other adventurers. They were kind enough to let me tag along. Even as I had to fight without any protections as some giants attacked us, I did not get a single scratch. The rest of the venture in the cave went smoothly as well and I was warded.

As we got out if the cave again I met a cleric of Mist, his name is Hjalmar. I think he and Trouble don’t get along all too well. I might be mistaken though. Hjalmar headed along with the rest of the group the Anuroch Desert. The desert was really thrilling as we had to fight a lot of giants. Some of them even threw fireballs at us and some flame arrows. It was very hard to jump out of their way but I did a good job even though I did not manage to evade all of them, yet! It will come in time. We headed through the desert and got to Audiria, a town within the desert. I left the group for a while as I wanted to explore it a little more and they already moved on. I met them soon after I eventually left town though. While I was wandering around town they headed down into a cave which was taken by giants as well. It was a really interesting trip for me. I even saw giant scorpions in the desert and was almost lost between all their legs.

We then headed to a region called Ore Hills. Ore Hills were infested with some ogrillions from what I gathered and Trouble had his doubts that we will make it out alive again. I have to say it went pretty good and learned a lot down there. Hjalmar used a nice tactic which I will adopt some day; I just need to find a way first to see through magical darkness. Even without darkness it was nice to see how good the team worked together. Everyone knew his position and responsibilities, not like the trip where I gave the commands but that was due to lack of discipline from the group. However, after we came to Dalanthar again, Hjalmar and Oma left and the halfgiant headed somewhere else as well.

I travelled a bit with Ell and Trouble before Ell left and we came across the halfgiant again. Together we travelled a bit around again before Trouble and I headed back to Prantz where his parents got a house. I slept over at his place and forced him to sleep on the couch while I claimed the bed my own. After I slept I took their portal back to Mistone.

Back on Mistone I offered my help to the Captain of Fort Vehl and had to retrieve something for him. I eventually found it and handed it over to him. He was very pleased and handed me a helmet over. It is said that the helm will help me a little with giants. I am curious to see how it will help me but it was really nice of him to give me such a payment.

The next stop on my route was Haven where I had to help Officer Kit. Kit was looking for some help with refilling the weapon chamber and naturally I offered my help. It was quite a walk but eventually I managed to get her all weapons she was looking for. For my help she gave me a helmet as well which is like the one Jursen gave me, just better and can make me barky as well.

And now I can fully focus on my training as well. Miss Ferrit sent me a letter the other day that I can pick up my rapier and now I just picked it up. There’s still a lot to learn as I saw in the past few days but I know with enough training I can finally become a duelist and face Lydia. I am already looking forward to it!

*Phyress shuts her journal with a giggle before she puts it back into her bag again and leaves port Hempstead.*

[Lily]

*Phyress sits at the docks in Port Hempstead, her feet tangling over the water as she looks into the sinking sun. Before the sun fades completely she takes out her journal, ink and quill again and writes a new entry into it which lies on her lap.*

-Mulnari, Jenra 16-

The past few days have been very eventful again. I feel that I will need a break at some point and lean back and enjoy my life while I am still young. I’ve fought too many battles in the past few weeks so I am not even sure on what side I stand any longer. Actually I think that we are the intruders and murder the others we call our foes. There are of course two sides on a blade or on a coin and the one need the other, they could not live without the other one as then they would lose their meaning. I know it is quite odd but lately there’s too much blood on my blade. Earlier I simply used it to defend myself but nowadays I head with others into caves and we slaughter our way through masses of foes just because we are after something that we can find in their cave. We don’t care about whether they live there or not, I bet some already lived there before the humans showed up. We slaughter others because we say they are robbers and outlaws but isn’t it partly our fault? But I think I am starting to realize that this is the way of an adventurer or however we call us. We sometimes cannot avoid killing others to reach our goals which are paid with their lives. We convince ourselves that it was a rightful thing and get mad if one of our comrades falls. Life was easier back in Nel. I never had to make my mind up about such things and now I try to stay out of trouble and live my life as good as I can. Of course there are bad people around but sometimes they just want to defend themselves when we invade their territory. I cannot help it, such is life. I can only make the best out of it.

But well, I am still focusing on my training and I am making little steps forward. Currently I am trying to figure out a new technique Arngrim showed me once and which he loved to perform on me during my training. Arngrim always knocked me down to the ground by brute force. Always when I tried to knock him down he just had to chuckle and started a counterattack so it was like I always knocked myself down. Right now I am trying to modify his technique a little so it suits me more so I can rely on my grace and not on brute force. I just need to find the right moment and use the moment of surprise to easily knock my opponents down. I think I am on a good way already but there is still so much to figure out and still will take me hours of training to use it good enough to even have the chance to knock someone down. I will continue to train this technique on my further travels and adventures. I am also trying to aim even more precisely for their weak spots to hurt them even more. I know it won’t be easy to improve myself but I am positive that I will make it in the end.

Lately my old leather armor slows me down as well, I mean not in speed but in my movement and reflexes. Nowadays I am using my new and lighter armor more and more, especially when Trouble or someone else improves my grace. Trouble of course was teasing me about my new armor as it was bright orange and was not really like my old armor, style-wise. Well I finally found some time to alter it a little and of course to dye it. Now it is black and red like my old armor. Personally I hope this armor will last a bit longer than the old one and not slow down my movements in battle as this will end deadly if I cannot dodge right in time from their blows.

Together with Trouble and Ell I travelled across Alindor the other way and I have to say I really enjoyed it. We got close to Nel but in the end we did not head there. With Arke and Oma we were in some swamps close to Katherian and we had to fight against masses of trolls there. It was a very tough and challenging battle but in the end all of us made it out alive again. Back in Katherian we departed and Trouble, Ell and I headed to Mariners Hold. In Mariners Hold the guards were looking for some help and naturally we offered our help. It seems that they got some trouble with the bugbears on Bear Island so we headed over to the isle. Before we headed there Trouble had to flirt with a strange elf, naturally. I already heard about Bear Island but never been there before. But I imagined it almost like it really was. Just some details were mixed up. We headed down into a cave or dungeon and had to make our way through several bugbears to eventually face their leader. It was a tough battle and they outnumbered us one to ten I’d guess. The three of us made it though as we work well as a team. Everyone knows what the other one is going to do or what one can do or cannot.

After we got out again we headed to Mariners Hold where we handed over the head they wanted, got our reward and I headed straight into the inn to get some rest at last. I must have slept for like a whole day. As I already said before, adventuring is exhausting. That is why I think about a break as well. But I want to see Arngrim and Lydia before I do though. I can’t take a break while I could still use the time to learn more about their ways of battle. That reminds me that I still owe Trouble a dinner, but then I need a new dress. Well I cannot train the whole time, I need some social contacts as well and nothing’s better than an evening with my friends in a tavern with a good drink, stories from adventures, heroes and tales. Maybe I should organize something. We will see.

*With a slight smile on her lips Phyress shuts her journal and looks into the sinking sun which is almost completely sunken now. She lays back and watches into the sky till the night falls over Port Hempstead and she heads into the inn.*

[Lily]

*Phyress sits down at the pond outside the gates of Port Hempstead and starts writing a new entry into her journal.*

-Wedlar, Febra 18, 1436-

I headed out with Trouble and some others again and continued my training. It took me some time and effort but now I finally figured out how to knock them down. Of course I hardly knock them down and fail most of the times but the first I knocked down were giants anyways. The kobolds I just faced were rather easy to knock down. I still need a lot of practice with my new learned technique though. I also improved my attacks in general as I can aim better for their weak spots now and use it as an advantage in battle to defeat them faster.

Besides that I now purchased an enchantment for my blade. I just hope I won’t lose it again to a rust monster; that would be very mean and unfair.

And as a sidenote, I shouldn’t drink from Essa’s wine again. I know I was very drunken and woke up with a huge headache so I laid down for a whole day to sober out again. Maybe I will find some work to do in the next few days. We will see.

*Phyress shrugs slightly and closes her journal before she heads out towards Fort Wayfare.*

[Lily]

*While Trouble fell asleep at the lake around the Viper's Teeth, Phyress takes out her journal again and watches the sleeping Trouble from time to time, smiling.*

-Freas, Seplar 20, 1436-

In the past months I’ve been working heavily on my training. There is so much to learn yet so little time. Due to my training, especially working on my knockdown-technique, I can use them much more precise and with less effort. Not to mention that my timing improves more and more. You could say with every defeat of my opponent I grow more and more confident with my blade, my equipment, my techniques, talents and of course myself. Mainly I travelled around with Trouble and Ell, though I’ve seen many other new faces as well, like Sein or Fil.  I also got to know many new places and I love to travel to them together with Trouble, Ell, Oma and some others from time to time.

Of course I was in need of the one or other break from time to time so I used my time to think about new ways of how to improve my skills with my rapier and other techniques. I often wandered around in the Forest of Mists and thought about Arngrim and Lydia. I really adore Lydia. She’s great as both a friend and of course as my former mentor. Still I won’t be a match for her but I know I can only try. Right now I am focusing a little on my offensive. I am trying to aim more precisely and trying to hit them on more vulnerable spots.

I have been shopping a lot of supplies and equipment lately. I am glad that I was able to sell some boxes of aloe and one box of bodak teeth, though I have to get at least one more box of teeth. I am hoping I can see more boxes of aloe though so I can afford even more equipment or save some True for even more expensive treasure and equipment. I bought some nice gloves and a necklace which help me with more graceful movements.

Due to these circumstances I decided to purchase some platinum reinforced clothing from Trith. I feel more and more that my current armor is already too thick and restricts my movement in battle. The lighter the armor is the more I can use my grace in battle. That’s why I decided to buy not a new armor but clothes. I still have to get used to them till I can wear them effectively.

Ah well Trouble’s waking up again. I think we will travel around a bit. He looks kinda weak so I think something happened to him. We’ll see.

[Lily]

*Pleased with herself Phyress takes a room at the local inn in Port Hempstead and orders a buys a bottle of wine from the barkeeper. In her room she uncorks the bottle and fills some wine into her cup. She sits down at the desk with the already lightened candles and sips on her wine before she writes a new entry into her journal.*

-Tunar, Seplar 24, 1436-

The past few days since my latest entry into this journal have been rather eventful. Actually I did not get that much into trouble this time though some others really did. But more about these happenings later. After I spent a few days in Dalanthar to recover from the latest exhausting trips I decided to head back to Port Hempstead. It had been some time I have been there and it is always good for the latest gossip and rumors. The citizens of Dalanthar themselves behave strange lately. I asked a bit around and it seems that several children have been kidnapped during nights. According to the rumors no one ever saw how the children were kidnapped; it is like they just vanish while they are sleeping in their beds. It seems like a few adventurers returned some of the children already, though many other children are still missing. They even pointed fingers at me behind my back when I was on my way to the inn. I cannot blame them in anyway, these are rough times for them and I have to admit, maybe I should not have had to wear dark clothes and all covered in my cape and hood. However, nothing happened on my way to Port Hempstead itself. As I arrived in Port Hempstead I saw a poster at the market hall about a guild of merchants called 'Raven Trade Company’ while I was looking for anything useful across the board. The name Storold I still remembered; I just had to find their house. After some time I eventually found the company which is located in one of the more wealthy districts of Port Hempstead. I have to admit their guild hall looks quite comfy as well. What I usually see are huge storage rooms and far too big rooms everywhere where I could get easily lost. This place was a lot smaller and therefore looked way more inviting and nice to me. I found Storold at the company who was busy with refilling the stock of some of their wares. I asked him if he had a necklace for sale which makes my movements even more agile. He simply smiled and told me that he just made one and was about to put it in their crates with their goods to sale. Storold was kind enough to let me use their portal so I was able to easily get back to Dregar.

While I was travelling across Dregar I found Trouble sleeping under a tree in some mountains which are called Viper’s Teeth, as I have already mentioned in my previous entry, but that was all written in hurry. Even though he was sleeping he was a little pale in his face and was shivering slightly from time to time. I could not help but sit next to him and watching over him. I think he had a rather bad incident as I was able to see some signs of battle on his body. As I did not want to disturb him I simply wrote an entry into my journal and as he woke up he was rolling his eyes about that everyone around him seems to keep a journal or diary with them. I don’t know, but I like to write down what I think or what I did during my lifetime. Later I can surely smile about what I have done in my life as an adventurer. And of course it always reminds me about who I am and where I am from; I just need to read my first entries again I wrote since I arrived in Port Hempstead for the first time.

I was right that something happened to Trouble. He told me that he died somewhere down in a cave in the Forest of Mists. I told him that I will accompany him and help him to get past those giants so he would be able to pray at the place he fell. On our way through the mountains we met Jaelle who was apparently heading the same direction as we chose. In Orcs Watch we met Oma and Ell again and after a nap for me we headed down into the cave together to help Trouble. Everything went well so far and Trouble was able to pray where he fell in a battle he was not able to win. So we pressed a bit on and launched an attack on a group of rather strong giants in the cave. The first few we defeated easily but then things got a little weird. Having trust in my comrades I attacked two giants who were running towards me and I really thought my friends were right behind me. Apparently not as I fell easily and did not get any support from them. Luckily Jaelle saw me down on the ground and tossed a potion at me which brought back my spirit and I got up. I jumped up just to get knocked down again, not right after I got up but a few moments later because no one thought it as necessary to bless me with some healings. It is not like we were lacking a cleric or someone else who was able to heal. Either Trouble or Ell should have taken care of my wounds. I don’t know what they were doing and it all started with no backup from the others as I had to face two giants at once, one wielding a huge greataxe. At least I had a soulstone with me so Ell was able to raise me again. Still all this could have been avoided. The last was lacking every sense of tactic and was pretty much unorganized. As I wanted to address the situation later it was like no one really cared about it. Of course I was pretty much ed about this and I told them not to get too close to me as I would bite. Now I slowly have to find trust with this group again. I am not comfortable with relaying on those I cannot trust to back me up or let me defend the group all alone against opponents I am not able to stand alone. If I could only dodge more of their attacks, then everything would be fine.

It seems like something really got between Trouble and Ell. On our trip in a crypt in Krandor they were discussing something. I have no idea what it was about and honestly, I did not even care at that point. Ell and I usually tease Trouble a bit but I think something got mixed up this time and things got out of hand. At some point Ell told him that she will tell him why all think he’s an idiot when we are out again. After we were out of the crypt again Ell and Trouble left to somewhere to settle their dispute. I don’t know what their talk was about nor do I want to know, but either one or both must have said something that hurt the other one. My guess is that Trouble said something silly. He was always telling her that he is sorry for what he said and it seemed like something really got between them.

Due to these circumstances our trip into the crypt of Storan went rather bad as well. We did fine till a locked door. Trouble and Ell took a rest while I was standing guard and then started to prepare for battle. As I picked the lock though Ell was not fully prepared yet and Trouble forgot to cast an important ward on me. I picked the lock as I was told and just stepped through the door as one of these bodaks got me already and died immediately. Ell had to raise me again after they defeated the undead creatures which were lurking around in the chamber we were in and I blew off some steam on Trouble as I was pretty much loaded. So we ended up trapped in exactly the same chamber again with a little difference this time: Ell in one corner and Trouble in another and helpless me. As someone had to do something I asked Trouble about a blessing which makes me more agile again. Still being down, he casted it on me and I focused on the door again. I had to sacrifice my precious tools but in the end I picked the lock and we headed to Hlint where our ways departed.

I headed to Port Hempstead where I met Storold and Miss Elohanna and had a little chat with them. At first sight they seemed like a couple but Elohanna told me she was happily married to a man called Krys. After some time I moved on to make some alterations to the platinum reinforced clothes I bought from Trith a month ago. I am not quite sure if I can life with the design I have right now but it looks way better than before. It took me some time but now I can use the armor effectively and I think that these clothes won’t slow down my movements so fast. I just have to get to used to my new armor though as it is way lighter than my old leather one. Somehow I start to think that my shield will slow me down at some point as well. Lydia always fought without a shield as well. It will require some tough training to avoid the blows I used to parry with my shield. After all I don’t want to get hit and need to dodge it somehow. This is what I should be focusing on, besides improving my way with the rapier in order to become a duelist.

One or two more cups of wine and then I will try to get some sleep. The past four days have been very eventful after all. And then we will see what tomorrow brings.

*Phyress shuts her journal again and smiles slightly. After a few moments the guides her attention to her wine again and some bread.*

[Lily]

*With an amused look Phyress sits down under a tree in Fort Wayfare, watching citizens and travelers passing by. From time to time she writes a paragraph down into her journal and then observes her surroundings again.*

-Tunar, Oclar 24, 1436-

I continued with my training the whole last month. Well of course I did not only train on a daily basis but I have to agree that there was a lot of training involved after all. Besides my training I have been out with Trouble and Ell again. It is always quite amusing to see how adventurers differ from each other. So while I joined a group into a cave in the Great Desert, Ell and Trouble were there as well, no one really talked with the others. On the ventures I usually participate there is a lot of chatter going on. But then it is Trouble, Ell, Oma, me and some other adventurers from time to time. I heard numbs talking more than them! I think the only time someone of them opened their mouth was to answer Trouble his question why they were so silent. Silence is one thing but you need to communicate for tactics when the group is under attack. I really did not get it. We need to know what the others are doing and shout commands from time to time. Just telling Trouble that they all were focusing on their task did not really please me. Neither did it please Trouble or Ell. I think someone cut off their tongues or they poisoned it so they had no control over it during the trip. I simply cannot work with a group like this. Even on rests no one was talking. It was worse than on the funerals I witnessed. However I was quite glad when we got back to the surface and I departed from that group. I focus on ongoing fights as well but that doesn’t keep me from talking to my friends during a trip. Even when they moved there was no talking involved at all. Well honestly I don’t care about them anymore. Doubt I will see most of them again anyways and I still got Trouble and Ell and other friends who can actually talk.

On a later trip with Trouble, Chi and Ell through the Forest of Mists, Trouble forgot to cast a specific ward upon me. Don’t ask me about the name. I only know it keeps me unaffected from the cloud he usually casts to stop our opponents’ movements. I made the mistake once before and ran into his cloud unwarded. The result was that I was stuck in a large stone and was not able to dodge the fireballs and flame arrows the casters of the giants in the desert threw after me. I died before I or Trouble even realized about what was going on.
However, as I was forced to stay out of the cloud I was able to keep control about our tactics and was able to shout commands to them. Once Chi was surrounded for example and I told Trouble to take care of her. The other time giants sneaked up behind Ell which she did not notice. I did though and told her to watch her back. You see, communication is good in the heat of battle. It keeps us all alive.

Well I already said that this Malkor is annoying. This time we stood in the desert and Malkor simply sneaked up on Trouble and knocked him down, yet again. He always does that. Sneaks up on him and then knocks him down. Of course Trouble gets angry and shouts at him which seems to be enjoyment for Malkor and ends with Trouble being knocked down more and more. I don’t know his reasons behind that and I don’t care about them but it is not the first time this happened to Trouble. It would tick me off as well. Even harsh words did not help so we left to the inn in Audira. We told him not to follow us but he did nonetheless. I still wonder why they did let a goblin in anyway. However, as I defended Trouble and told Malkor to leave him alone, he started to annoy me as well with his childish antics, invaded my personal space and was close to harass me. If there were not so many other travelers around I would have simply drawn my rapier and ended it. And what was quite sad that he still did not get what he was doing wrong. Maybe he should have simply changed back to his normal, human form though. It might have been the best for him to do, but he did not. Well in the end he told me that he did not like me and left. I did not care about that, I was just glad he left in the end and did not show up so far. After he left everyone was relieved and ready to move on and then we had some fun again and did not worry about any silly actions from his side and the team worked as a team again. Like it did before it showed up. As I already discussed with Ell. Either Malkor stops his antics or I will leave. It would have ended with everyone leaving anyways. If he learned from this he is surely welcome to join our group again but as things look right now it is the best for everyone if he doesn’t travel with us.

On a trip with Trouble, Ell and Chi I handed my old shield over to Trouble. Trouble was pretty much surprised that I handed over to him. He saw me fighting without my shield on the trip before and asked me why I did not use my shield. I told him that I feel that it is slowing my movements down as well, like armors do these days or anything heavy. I even modified the armor, well my reinforced clothes, a little so that there is enough room for my movements. However, I told him that I don’t use my shield anymore due to my training. If I keep on blocking attacks with my shield I will never fully figure out how to dodge in the right moment. This way I am forced to use my brain to observe their movements, foresee them and then manage to dodge or evade their attacks. I know this is a rough method but like Arngrim already figured out: It seems I love to learn it the hard way. I know it is pretty tough and painful that way but I can only learn from the experience I made in battles. In a fight not only brute force is needed, not that I make use of it anyways, but what is needed is your brain. The more I will use my head to foresee their movements the more I will be able to dodge them. I am slowly learning and getting better already. I am just glad I always have Trouble and Ell with me so they can tend my wounds after the battles. So this why I handed my shield over to Trouble. Keeping it with me would only tempt me to use it again in the end and that would be a step backwards with my training. If I really want to become a duelist like Lydia and even want to duel her, I will need observe their movements and try to foresee her next strike so I can try to dodge or evade it. I need to keep up with my training. Trouble and Ell told me that I made huge progress with my training. I know I did and I thank them for their trust in me and even their support, but I need to keep up with my training even if this means I will have to endure more cuts and wounds. But then I have Trouble and Ell with me. I know I can trust my life to them, even though Trouble let me die once lately. It was not his fault but I love to tease him with that anyways.

Besides all this I was able to help a man called Larry back on Mistone. He was looking for his hammer he borrowed a friend. This friend actually gave the head of the hammer to a friend so that there was a lot of running involved which was rather amusing. But in the end I managed to return the hammer to Larry and he gave me a ring as a reward. He told me that it bears something of the Al’Noth inside. Something that will make them laugh. I think such a ring is hilarious. I might test it on Trouble when I see him again and see if it actually works or is just rubbish. We will see.

*Phyress shuts her journal and leans back against the stem of the tree, watching the children of Fort Wayfare playing tag with a slight smile upon her lip.*

[Lily]

*Phyress sits down at the temple of Katia in Vale, takes out her journal, quill and in and starts writing a new letter. A slight smile can be seen on her face.*

-Satari, Decilar 21, 1436-

Sometimes Trouble is no fun at all. Well Chi and I had some fun but oddly he did not. I wonder why. On a venture through the desert together with Trouble, Ell and Chi, we stopped in Audira on our way back to Orcs Watch as I decided it was on Chi what to do next. We stopped by in Audira and Chi wanted to take a swim and refresh herself in the sea. As it was her turn to decide I followed her to the sea as I felt pretty much drained and dirty with all the sand and giants. The sand was simply everywhere. While I headed with Chi to the sea, Trouble went into the inn to drink and eat and I think Ell followed him. I am not too sure about that though. However, the sea was very refreshing after the long venture from Dalanthar and Chi really enjoyed it, as I did. While we were talking in the water we got an idea to improve my skills and techniques for future battles. Chi was performing some ritual or dance in the sea; however, she was jumping and tumbling around like the water did not slow down her movements at all. I decided to do some of my training in knee deep water as well now. First it was very hard and I hardly was able to dodge right in time or to react but there more I got used to the water the better I got and I was able to dodge or evade more and more blows. This also helps my training with foreseeing my opponents’ attacks. The harder it is to move away the more I have to observe their movements so I have more time to get out of the way. After a few minutes I was already pretty much exhausted. But the more I practice in the water the better I will become.

After quite some time we finished swimming in the sea and got ready to leave again. Chi decided that Trouble should have taken a swim as well. As he did not want to join us to the sea, Chi decided to bring the sea to him. I sneaked ahead and placed my boot tightly on his chest so he could not move away and gave Chi the command. Chi ran by and splashed a load of water over him. I quickly jumped away, out of his and the waters reach. It really made Chi and me laugh but somehow did not like our little prank and got mad at us. I don’t know but it was still fun, even as he said he was not going to talk to us for the rest of the day. A few moments later he was talking to us again though. Seems like it was not all too bad then. I know that I would do it again, just for the entertainment.

However, even though it has been like three days since my latest venture with Trouble and Ell I still feel weak and drained from running all across Dregar. It was very thrilling and exciting though as I saw some new places. Some I don’t want to return for now. Ell mentioned a cave of trolls somewhere on Dregar and we decided to head there. Well getting there was the rather easy part, till three vampires blocked our way. It was a tough fight and they almost got us. They pretty much dodged like every of my attacks and somehow I was not able to find any weak spots on them. They did not us though. Their blades were very sharp and hit right through our armors and left some ugly wounds. We decided that it was better to turn around and Ell mentioned that there was a path through the Sinister Woods to the cave. In these rather dark and creepy woods we had to fight our way through a lot of spiders and snakes. As we almost got to the cave Ell somehow lost her nerves or so, I cannot really explain it else. After we defeated some more vampires she started to yell something at Trouble again and then left. I have no idea what got into her. Even though Trouble is an idiot sometimes, I did not see him doing anything wrong this time. Maybe she acted that way because he cured the poison in my veins and did not cure the poison in her veins? I have no idea to be honest. If I see her around again I will ask her what was wrong.

But for now I should stay in the woods. I might even stay here a bit longer. A week or so I guess. When I feel better again I will head to the lake close by and practice a little. I am close to master this technique if I train a little more. I already improved myself with evading their attacks by foreseeing their attacks. We will see.

*Phyress smiles softly, stuffs everything back into her back and leaves Vale in the direction of the lake.*

[Lily]

*Phyress sits down at a table in the inn in Orcs Watch, orders some wine and food. While she is waiting for her dinner, the watches all the other travelers and citizens who are in the inn this fair evening. Phyress eats her food and takes the wine to her room, where she sits down at a table, enjoys her wine and starts to write a new entry into her journal.*

-Mulnari, Jenra 23, 1437-

I think Trouble thinks I would know what is going on with Ell these days. Honestly, I don’t know it either. I told Trouble that to understand her he will need to know the background why she acted up like this. It took me some time till he realized that I had no clue as well. Ell simply told him it was a woman thing. But that did not help either. I did not have had the chance to talk to her either so we are still pretty clueless here.

My break from adventuring was very good. Not only I had time to review my current progress in the arts of battle and my defense, I also had time to think about certain things that worry me from time to time. Sometimes it seems like men only get in the way, trying to be bossy or simply say that one could tag along but don’t really need aid in battle. The last matters for Trouble. After some time he seeked me out in Vale again, after he had a long talk with his mother, and asked me if I wanted to venture out with him. I told him that if he needs a hand I would love to accompany him. And then he blankly told me he would not need my help, he could handle our opponents alone just fine. Sometimes I really think Trouble does not think before he opens his mouth and I simply replied that it would be fine with me. I’d simply watch him fighting them and would not even arch a brow if he fell in battle. I would simply watch him bleeding to death given he was defeated by them. Well that really got him and opened his eyes. Even though I know that I could actually defeat my opponents on my own, then I still rely on my comrades for their aid in battle. You never know what is going to happen and they sometimes hold nasty surprises for you and then your last thoughts are: Why didn’t I listen to my comrades and was too selfish to realize that some battles can only be win together as a team. I really think he knows better now. It took me some time but then we fought back to back, trusting the other to help the other one if things go bad, which gladly did not happen this time.

Experience taught me that I need to take a break from time to time from all this adventuring. It is very interesting and thrilling, sometimes even too much of the later. But if I am out for too long and don’t take time for myself to regain my strength and take care of my wounds and my very soul, I start to blunt emotional. If that happens I am to a point where I don’t care anymore and don’t really see a difference between foe and friend. A few years ago I was close to that point and took a long deserved break from any active adventuring and I only managed to take the break because I still cared for Trouble and Ell. The other thing that might happen to me is a nervous breakdown which is followed by emotional blunting. Sadly my mind is not as strong as I am agile, else I’d have it easier, but such is life. As long as I take a break from time to time I’ll be alright.

But for now I should go back to my practices again. I still need to figure out how to better foresee their movements in order to dodge their blows. We will see.

*Phyress shuts her journal with a slight sigh, leans back against the chair and takes a sip from her wine.*