Scale and Claw

[Eorendil]

Helped a Dwarf on a pilgrimage to the Dwarven halls in the Brech Mountians.  Met a man named Shiff.  I'm not sure what he's all about but he's not too polite and more than a little full of himself.

Helped clear up a mess in Krandor not long ago.  Some necromancer got a foothold in the crypts and was building up his power.  It was a lot of running around, gathering bits for some magicker's ritual.  Then after that was done we went down to the deepest tombs.  I fell as I went to pull Jennara to safety.  The necromancer's creations were powerful but in the end his weakness was found and he was stripped of his power.

Miss Jennara told me not to let them smash his focus inside the town but I was too late.  It let loose a terrible looking smoke and was done.  No telling what might happen but things are calm for right now.  Miss Jennara was real mad though.

Mala seems to be doing alright.  That first day she told me about the Dark Elf I knew something was wrong.  She was shaking like a leaf and held tight soon as she saw me.  She's not done that before.  Its amazing how strong a person can be one moment and how fragile the next.  Though I would never think or call her weak.  It was simply a side I had not seen before.  We all have our moments.

It was a few days after our meeting that Miss Jennara came along and brought to my attention the circles and burning statues that had started showing up.  Some man tried to kill Shiff because of these.  I informed the temple.  The assassin had been caught and was going to meet the one that would pay him in Vehl, on the docks.  We watched for a very long time but no one came.  I also made a report to the temple about the circles and the statues and the people that were missing.

I made sure Mala was safe and went to Hempstead to patrol the farm lands.  Nothing.  Frustrating.  Very Frustrating.  

_____________________________________________________

An update to this.. The wizard was dealt with.  Those poor people.  I regret I was not there.  I did lend a hand cleaning up the mess from the statues and circles.

[Eorendil]

Mylindra and Storold sent me on quite a hunt.  I haven't had such fun since I was a child.  Clues and chests and a very personal gift.  An enchanted Holy Symbol.  

I met up with Clarissa on my journey and it is a good thing too.  Storold had hidden a clue in an old dungeon that we found was home to a clan of were creatures.  I don't think he realized.  I hope he didn't.  It was a heck of a fight to be sure.  The clues were superb and in the end took me to the Rofirein shrine in Huangjin.  There I found a small box with my Lord's symbol within.  It has a glow about it.  Mylindra said it would help keep me in good health so that I may better protect those that I watch over in our Lord's name.

Mylindra offered me a very nice place to stay at the Twin Dragon's Inn in Leringard and seeing as the old Freelancer is being fixed I decided that that was a good place for me to be.  I hope that I can keep up on paying her.  I've not slept in a bed that I could stretch out on... ever.  Its very comfortable and my first rest was better than it has been in ages.  

I'm going to go check on Mala.  I'm sure Mylindra will not have issue with her using my room for a time and that will free up the room at the temple for one of the Acolytes.  I'll have to test one of those big chairs by the fire to see how well it sleeps.  

I hear the Western Gate Cathedral will be finished soon.  The Vehl temple will seem a lot smaller when that happens.

[Eorendil]

Mala's doing well enough I spose.. I have to believe that her fears are lessened under the current conditions.  I'm a little afraid to leave her alone but she does not need me standing over her and I do not think that best for her either.

My skills with the forge grow daily.  Sad that it took my father having to lay in a bed for me to really get back into it, but still.  I hope that the temple will be able to make use of the armors and shields I craft.

Had a real run in with Shiff a little while back.  Someone's panther was being a bit playfull and Shiff didn't take kindly to it.  I lured it outside town with a bit of fresh fish but Shiff decided to sneak up on the creature and surprise it by barking.  Well, it was very startled and took a swipe at him and rather than let me take care of it Shiff laid into the big cat, trying to wrestle and subdue it.  When I tried to seperate the two of them Shiff kicked me in the knees.  Didn't think I'd get up after that with my knees being what they are....

Thankfully, Anna happened along and calmed him... the cat.  I have not seen her that angry in an age.  I'd almost feel sorry for Shiff but he did boot me in the knees.  She summoned a cat the size of a horse.  I've never seen her summon before but that was some cat.  The owner of the cat wasn't pleased with Shiff either.  

I could tell she was shaken.  She doesn't like getting riled like that.  I almost think it makes her feel guilty afterward.  And so I ended up returning with her to the Weary Traveler.  We talked most the evening about this and that and every time I turned or made a move that looked like I might leave she.. well, I could tell she did not wish to be on her own.  So we ended up, her curled up with Lindel on some pillows and me perched on the rest, reading a story.  I'm not sure when I fell asleep but Lindel had the book on him when I woke.

I could hardly stand the next day.  Blasted knees.  Anna had some salves and her healing songs helped get me going again.  I just have to walk it out and keep from getting down on the ground.  Thank the Lord Protector for Anna.

[Eorendil]

*small ink marks dot the top of this page like so much sand*

It's been a while.... I spose there's a great deal to note.  Some of it's not so clear any more.

I met and had to turn away the affections of a lady named Emmalee.  It was harder than I thought but it was the right thing to do.  

I proposed to Honora and gave her a real nice ring with a dolphin and a dragon though nothing came of it.  Her business in Erylin and mine with the church kept us apart too much.  The children she had adopted have all grown and impressed me greatly.  Maybe I'll get into all that later.   We share the house in Prantz and I've used much of my room for storage now as the children have their own lives to lead and I return to the forge to clear my mind.

As I've always said hard work is good for the soul.  All the armor I make I've donated to the church.. Platinum isn't so hard now and I make regular trips to the cave in the Battlehelm Moores.

There was that trial a long time back with Saida, an enchantress and something more.  I'm not sure but she seems to be able to charm people with just her eyes too.  I should have wrote on it sooner.  She'd been charming people in Hempstead and such and making them do things.. mostly childish stuff but she made some guards threaten us once and that was well beyond my limit so when I found her next Abigail was on to her.  Brian was with us too...  We followed her into the wood along the southern trade route and she actually set bandits on us and cast some scary looking magic.  Though I found later it was likely just illusions to scare.. I just don't understand this magicking stuff.  Anyway, she was casting again so I took her down and held her in a bear hug.  Physically she's such a small, delicate thing.. I must have caused her to pass out.

So, I bound her hands and fingers and decided that since she'd escaped from Vehl that I'd make the journey with her to Spellgard.  Brian wanted none of that and gave her a swift kick to the head.. I was so angry.  I had her and he didn't need to do that.  She wasn't a threat to anyone all tied up and blind folded... but I didn't have time to react to him because she started bleeding something fierce.  I stripped the cloth from her head and ripped off my gauntlets, allowing The Lord Protector's gift to flow though me and heal her injury.  I used several other minor healings as well as bandages and all the healing I know...

I reported Brian's actions, formally, to the church in case miss Saida would wish to press charges on him later and we traveled with her to Spellgard.  I made sure she ate and drank but she never woke fully till Clarielle used her own gifts on her.  She weren't none to impressed with Brian's work either.  It was there in Spellgard that miss Saida would spend a fair bit of time till the trial, locked in a cell with her magicks held somehow.  I tried to ignore the look on her face but it's what you might think a bird would look like if suddenly their wings were taken from them...

Shortly after leaving Spellgard I got word that miss Saida had asked for me to defend her at trial.  I won't pretend that I wasn't shocked.  So, I went to speak to Reus on it and to ask if it were... okay.  He bid me to do what i thought best and said it violated no laws or codes of conduct so I traveled to Spellgard to speak with miss Saida and figure things out.  It was a long trip.

[Eorendil]

So, I went to Spellgard to speak with miss Saida and expecting trickery but what I found was a scared little mouse.  Clarielle spoke to her of what I had done to save her life and she seemed grateful.  She wanted out but I couldn't grant that.  There were charges that had to be answered.  

Saida looked pale.  She would barely eat.  It seemed my likening her to a bird with its wings taken away was more right than wrong.  She looked lost and like she hadn't slept but she spoke with me..  

After the first session of the trial, held in Hlint and under the close watch of Lucindite protectors, a slight man dressed in dark clothes with a cowl came to me.  He spoke of justice and Saida's innocence and I think he may have threatened me or the court now that I look back on it.  People like that always seem to hide their real intent mixed up in the words they speak.  He told me to mention the name Lairilweam to Saida when next I saw her.  I did and her reaction spoke more than words could say.  I saw the fear.  

Miss Saida told me I should let him have his way, abandon the trial, whatever I needed to do so that he wouldn't get his claws into me.  I couldn't do that either.  She said he uses people.. finds ways to make them do what he wants.  I'm still not sure what his game is but he wants power.  That much is clear and miss Saida agreed.  She was desperate to leave, even more so since I mentioned that name... With Clarielle's permission we allowed her a walk within the temple even against my better judgement.  It brightened her spirits for a time and then she tried to escape but the protectors were quick to retake her.  Sadly, she would be allowed no more walks because of that.

It only slipped down hill after that.  The Prosecutor pulled out of the trial and was replaced by someone less capable.. I'm sure it was this Lairilweam's doing.  I could sense it in his tone when he showed himself to me again.  He was a knight of the church but I believe his family was threatened and so he moved far away.  I sent word to the judge and warned those involved.  I think he's a dark elf... and he threatened me though not in so many words.  He meant things that weren't said plainly but I wouldn't back down.  He wanted Saida cleared of all charges but that's not how things work and i told him as much.  I sent a sealed letter to the judge and spoke to him in chambers about all of it and I think I did pretty well seeing as this was my first time as counsel in a trial.  It was exciting in a way.  

I was able to get murder taken off the charges because she had never killed anyone as we knew and I don't believe she did.  There wasn't any evidence either.  So, she was held accountable for misuse.. It's slippery ground as there are no laws clearly held about misuse but she did step on other people's rights.. using them against their will with magic.  So, with my suggestion the judge sentenced her to ten years community service at Spellgard under supervision of the Lucindites.  She wasn't happy at all.. but she weren't angry either.  She was sad and afraid.  

That was the last I saw her for a while.  Because of my contact with the shadow man I wasn't allowed to visit with her any more and could not ride with her on the trip back to Spellgard but that trip wasn't to be.  Sometime after the trial and all the people had taken rooms in the inn or left town shadows came to life where they were holding miss Saida.  Saida disappeared, one protector was hurt and the other dead.  Storold was seriously upset and I wasn't none to happy either.

[Eorendil]

It must have been a week or two later that I found a note slipped under the door where I was staying back then.  There was an address.. 193 Lake of Glass.  Storold and Marec were nearby and so they came with me to check up on it.  I had a nagging idea about what I'd find but we travled, taking a ship from Leringard to Hempstead and then hopping a ship to Alindor.  We rested after buying food and drink from The Weary Traveler.

I find marching across Alindor an experience that is usually pleasant but this time I was upset.  The house wasn't hard to find but it was empty.  I knocked several times and then turned to leave.  Without any proof to back the things going through my mind there was no hope we'd be able to enter the house to search.

As we walked away I was approached by a robed person and Storold was the first to suspect but it was Saida.  When she spoke I knew the sound of her voice.  She didn't want me to say anything but i objected and wished to know what was going on... Who sent me the not?  What is this game all about?  

Control.  It was about control.  The shadow was still trying to pull my strings but I'm sure he had no idea how his own lack of control would pull harder than any scheme he could think of.  After trying to warn me off she pulled back her hood and it was like I was back in the market place in Haven watching Imogen do the exact same thing.  I don't know if I was more mad at that moment or after I remembered when and where I was.  He doesn't tolerate failure she said... I could barely say anything, I was struck so dumb.

Storold protested but I called Marec and Storold to leave with me, asking Storold later if he'd seen any illusion on Saida.  I couldn't trust her fully but I could not bring myself to take her in knowing this man would hurt her more when he kidnapped her from wherever I kept her and that she, not he, would be held responsible for the injury and death of those that guarded her in Hlint.  Above all I could not bear to do that to her and still honor my baby sister's memory.  I wasn't going to play his game and I didn't wish to see Saida hurt any more.

I checked into the owner of the house and land at 193 Glass Lake... it's registered to a Le'ran Pa'fiream.  As far as I can tell he doesn't exist.  This Lairilweam, it seems, goes by many names.

[Eorendil]

I didn't see Saida for some time again but she found me in Hempstead twice.  I wanted to help her.  The first time she was with a man, walking, and she stopped to say hello.  The second time we talked at the fountain for a while.  She told me that she was going to marry into a Noble family of some import.  Rothsford was the name.  She was doing this for the shadow man.  He wanted power in Hempstead and they were his way in.  It didn't help even though she told me he would be there personally to close any deal with Rothsford.  This shadow doesn't trust anyone and it must be a matter of point that he has to issue orders directly.  

I wanted to use this to our advantage.  I needed something to even the field.  So, I spoke with Ralinda about this and she offered to build a trap that would remove all shadow from a place, at least for a time.  Sadly, I have not seen her in ages and I hadn't seen Saida.  I'd hoped she'd escaped or found a way out but then, not long ago, a clerk at the Vehl temple was asking me questions about the case.  I thought it was odd but there were things about the trial that I had missed in my reports and I started hearing her name again.  Then I spoke to Jennara who told me that Saida Rothsford had applied for a position at the Tower Academy and Elohanna had asked her to look into Saida's record.  Not long after that I ran into Elohanna.

Saida'd used her power to make miss Elohanna do what she wanted.. or tried anyway.  Miss Elohanna didn't know about the shadow or any of that but I told her and for now the Academy isn't doin anything till I can speak to Saida.  I only hope she still trusts me.  This may be our best chance to get hold of him.

So, I'm making regular rounds of the area where miss Elohanna said she went to the Rothsford estate hoping Saida will get word to me..  If that don't work I'm going to send her a formal request for an audience.  Or, maybe miss Elohanna should.... if I want to keep this from the Shadow.  Saida's had meanings between her words too and I may be thick headed but I got the feeling she isn't the only one under his boot.  I'll have to meet with Elohanna.. I don't know how much we can trust message delivery.

[Eorendil]

Another day and nothing from Saida... I'll find Elohanna tomorrow but for now I've a few more things to put here in these pages.

I don't know what possessed me but I found myself on Belinara, in Kuhl of all places a few years back.  I must have boarded the wrong ship... again.  I just don't have any reason for it..  There were others I knew there.. Miss Alantha, Miss Angela and Miss Katrien to name a few.  It was a mess from the start.

There was a little girl telling everyone how her mom's painting, the only thing she had of any worth, was taken by the Lord and his men.  It was surely not an uncommon thing around here but it just seemed wrong.  Nobody in town talked much and they talked even less to any of us.  None of em.  The Lord was a tyrant but under the state of Kuhl and its situation I'm not surprised.  His guards weren't no more than thugs, harassing and stealing from the citizens.  Most of them looked as though they barely ate... Though it aint no excuse it wouldn't surprise me if they had to steal to live.  

Some decided to try and speak to the Lord.  I tried to speak to the citizens and some of the guard with no luck at all.  Passing the bridge into the Lord's area of town I was caught breathless.. I can only think that my belief about thieving this town was right.  I lost count of the number of heads on pikes at that end of the bridge but I set myself straight and continued.

 When I caught up to the others they had decided to leave but I wished to give it one more try.  As I passed I noted some of the group were trying to sneak in a window in the back so I shut and barred it before talking to the guards at the door.  Well, they weren't open to questions I guess so when they decided to take me to the dungeon i went along without a fight.  I don't regret that, it gave me time to get a good look at their law and I wasn't going to be made an example of for asking to have an appointment of with the Lord, so I disarmed and subdued the thug putting me in the cell.  Caerwyn was already in there.

The two of us made our way out.  I made use of my maul and its lightning to subdue any and all I could but an alarm was raised and when we got outside the rest of the group was nearby.  It was finish the job or give up.  The guard quickly lost their courage and hid after the Lord was taken by members of the group.  I tried to get them to subdue only but few would listen.   Those deaths still weigh on me.. The one calling herself Tyra took vengeance on the Lord for the little girl when she found him.. the cowardly fool was hiding under a bed.  Tyrants are like that most times... scared and mean they take their fears out on those they rule over.  Take away their followers and they turn meek and humble or just plain cowardly like this one.

I tried to organize some work to set this town on the right foot but I was alone in my attempt.  Many others took the Lord from the town and went to Lor.   At least I filled a few bellies before I left.  It wasn't long before a new Lord came to claim this one's place and without someone who could challenge his claim I had to leave peaceably... and sad for all those broken people.

[Eorendil]

The shadow shows itself again.  I was making a regular mining trip for Platinum in the cave there in the Battlehelms and I was in a bit over my head, too.  So it seemed.  He showed up and helped me fight off the trolls..  

I wanted to take him low, to see him bound tight in rope and chain and thrown in the brightest cell I could find.  Lord Protector bless me, I had the wisdom and control to keep from making such a foolish attempt.  He made no move to attack me and so I listened, ready for whatever he might try.  He knew I was up to my neck in his business again.. his business with Saida and the Tower Academy and Miss Elohanna.  I could feel my gut pressing at my throat and the heat in my armor was like the desert sun was on me.  He's got this way of talkin to you... like he's beyond everything... like he can't be touched.  Well, his day is coming and when the Lord Protector's claw comes down on him he won't be able to squirm free or slip into the shadow.

He knew.  I knew before he even said anything.. It hadn't been that long since I talked to Miss Elohanna and I made sure I walked by the Rothsford estate real regular.  The blasted shadow wanted me to stop interfering.  He wanted Saida to find student.  He called her his favorite pet.  For a moment I thought maybe he seemed like it was more than that... but it don't matter.  Pet... friend... love.. you don't treat any of them like he's treated her.  Far as I know that's how he treats them all.  My death there in the cave would have served no purpose and I've seen his work.  No, we'll level this field when it's time.  Then, before he left he changed his mind.  He wants me to do everything I can to make sure Saida gets in.. No, he expects me to get her in.

Mother forgive me I cursed so loud when he left that I brought down a wandering group of trolls on myself.  Well, I dealt with them and I didn't feel like mining no longer.  So, I made the long trip to Hempstead.

A few days after I'd got back I ran into Saida.  She was sittin at the fountain there next to the Crimson Eagle Memorial.  Far as i can tell she didn't seem mad at me or nothing so I joined her and we talked a bit.  She had a guard with her and she sent him off so we could talk.  I think I spooked her talking about having a visit from a shadow.. I know I did.  

It's odd.  I don't know what I was expecting.. Part of me thought she might like this noble life she'd gotten slipped into.  Part of me knew she was a free spirit and liked to go where and when she pleased... She told me she didn't love Lord Rothsford.  Don't know why... She asked if I'd ever loved.. Of all the things to ask.. and of all the people I've cared for it was Imogen that flooded my mind.  It's little wonder though...  Don't think I've cared for anyone like I did my baby sister..  still... don't know what's going on.  Maybe there's someone Miss Saida wishes to see again that she aint seen in a long time.

She wouldn't talk about what was going on.. I didn't expect she would.  She did invite me to tea.  She invited me to tea where she had a candle that didn't cast no shadows.  Soon as I have a chance to talk to her alone, then I'll talk to Miss Elohanna again.

A candle that casts no shadows.. Now that sounds promising.

[Eorendil]

Enjoying a walk a while back in the Silkwood I joined up with Miss Daniella and a man by the name of Razerium.. or Raz.  That's what miss Daniella called him.  Been a long time since I joined in with a Toranite that didn't give me a sour look or three... a long while.  I know I've been busy but that old Navarre business sure fouled the air for a long time.  

He was a good man in my eyes.  He made amends and when time came to pay for he did, he did so without any fuss.  If only we could all be made of stock like that.  There were a lot that didn't think that way though..

Anyway miss Daniella, Raz and I did some work to make sure the spiders' numbers are cut back.  She'd said they had spilled out and there was some big ones the size of carts that had played havoc..  I was happy to help.  Don't like spiders none at all.

That Razerium is a good swordsman.  He's fast, that's for sure.  I didn't see much come close to touching him and he didn't have on armor near as hardened as miss Daniella or I.  

Miss Daniella seems nice and a right honorable lady.  Long time ago one of her best friends was a blessed warrior of Rofirein like myself..

On our way out we got dropped on by a whole swarm of spiders.  I've no doubt the Lord Protector helped to harden my amor and my resolve as we fought.