The World of Layonara
Character Development => Development Journals and Discussion => Topic started by: Xandor Loriland on May 03, 2005, 11:33:00 PM
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*Sitting by the campfire outside of Hlint, Rawkwin opens a blank parchment book and begins to write in fine script*
I have never done anything like this before but so much has been happening to me that I must commit it to writing. So now I begin this record of my adventures in Layonara.
Where do I start? In just the past few months I have been summoned to the continent of Mistone by a Gold dragon, and have visuted both a Black and a Red dragon. Soon I will be accompanying a group to visit a Shadow dragon. Just think little nobody Rawkwin at the center of a titanic struggle. I told all of those kid who used to make fun of me that I would show them. Now I can. Even though I am no where near as powerful as the leaders of this land I feel I am contributing. I met the very wise and the very foolish since being summoned. I have the sense that I must choose my companions wisely. I have found a diverse group of adventurers and we have banded together and forming a cohesive unit. They are Yar a Paladin of Toran, Kavil a sorceror, Esimon a wizard, Dorax a dwarf fighter, Rodlin a ranger, and Emerald Skye a mighty and beautiful warrior maiden. We have pooled the bounty from our adventures and bougt a house in Fort Hope to use as a headquarters. I had a conflict with Rodlin for a while. We are both very stubborn and I feared I had offended him by making fun of him (how hypocritical of me). I hate it when people make fun of me. I had a card reading done today by the elf who did the reading for Emerald. It was weird at first but she made me see that I needed to make things right with Rodlin. I apologized and he accepted. Our powers will be much stronger when used together than pitted against each other. Well that's about all for now.
*closes the book and replaces it in his pack*
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*rushing in as excited as can be and rapidly finding quill and notebook*
I can't believe what happened to me today. I heard that there was going to be a gathering of representatives from all the faiths of Layonara to discuss ways of working together for the preservation of all of the gods (The Congregation of the Faithful). I thought what a great opportunity. I wish I could be a part of something like that. I just happened that Aeridin led his high priest to Hlint and I came across him. You can imagine how nervous I was to speak with the high priest himself Athus Dephillie. I asked him about the choosing of representatives for the Congregation. He said that he had received no volunteers as yet. I told him anyone would be a fool not to volunteer. He gave me a short interview about our faith and then to my surprise he said that he was going to nominate ME!! Wow was I surprised. I am going to study so hard and represent Aeridin so well. I thought that I had better resolve any issues I had with the faith with him while I had access to him. I asked him about the garb of the clergy. I have been struggling with whether strict adherance to the prefered garb (robes and quarter staff) applied to combat. You see I have found that I could do a much better job of healing if I were better protected. He told me that there was an exception for combat situations. I will wear the shiny plate mail of Aeridin in combat from this day forward. I also asked him if there were any restrictions on relations with women. You see I am becoming fond of the warrior maiden in our group. He said that there were no such restrictions. Well that's it for now.
*closes book and puts it away and falls on the bed from emotional exhaustion.*
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I am beginning to get settled in this strange place. My friends have been a big help. Rodlin and I have overcome some initila rough edges and are becoming good friends. It turns out that Aeridin was shining on us when we chose to purchase a house in Fort Hope. Our neighbors are wonderful. We have already adventured a few times together. Last night we went from the Dire forest to Spellguard. This was quite a journey but well worth the effort. Tomas Vambrace, one of our neighbors was able to craft some items that will enhance our weapons. I hope we get to adventure together often. He seems to have some problem with Yar. I think it has to be one of a religious nature. I will see what I can do to smooth things over. Aeridin is very comfortable with both Toran and Lucinda. I am not sure what the issue could be. I will find out. It may help me to represent Aeridin better in the congregation of the faithful.
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It appears that the group I have taken up with is becoming more disciplined and effective every day. Aeridin continues to bless our efforts and we continue to gain more knowledge of the continent of Mistone. I continue to grow fonder of Emerald. I have furnished her room in the house with some items fitting her beauty. I haven't told her but I suspect she will know it was me. I think our party is about ready to make up for some of our shortcomings in our early adventures. Some of us really messed up during an episode in Haven where two children ended up dead as a result of our disorganization and weakness. We have resolved to make this up to the Lord of Haven by ridding the Haven mines of the ogre infestation and bringing the head of the ogre cheftain to the Lord of Haven. Hopefully this will demonstrate our determination to learn from this tragic mistake. We will see.
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With the help of our new friend Tomas Vambrace we obtained the head of the Ogre chief of the Haven mines. The Lord of Haven was very appreciative. I think this went a long way towards repaying our debt although I don't think we can every make up for the loss of innocent life resulting from our previuos failure. I have found a lead on the person of Eldarwen and hope to meet with her soon to further understand the relationship between Toran and Lucinda. I have also set an appointment with Athus the high priest of my order to obtain his blessing on an amulet I recently obtained. I believe this will aid my efforts to understand the relationships of the gods and their followers.
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I participated in a hunt for a werewolf today. We destroyed an ancient werewolf and stopped a plague of lycanthropy. I was even in the position to raise a couple of people from the dead. Aeridin's power flows through me. I am finally fulfilling my purpose. I have found a way to use the power I posess for the greater good. As I grow I am find that I can have a larger and larger effect on the world around me.
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What a week this has been. I met with Athus in Port Hamshire and he blessed my new amulet to be a holy symbol. That will aid me in my quest for knowledge of the relations of the gods. Next I visited the great library through the portal in Blackford castle. The library is amazing and I even found out some information about this Assimar race that Remiel spoke of. Could I have this heritage? It seems I meet the definition in every way but I am not aware of any celestials in my blood line. I will have to study further on this. Then our group went on a probing mission into Storan's crypt. I had heard that I could find spotted mushrooms there. There were many vile undead there and it almost ended in tragedy. Finally I met with Eldarwen to discover some of the mystery about the enmity between Toran and Lucinda. I had no idea who I was meeting. This Eldarwen told Kavil and myself a tale that explains the hatred and then suddenly the earth shook. She said something about her lover calling and ran out of the Wild Surge Inn. We followed to find many earth elementals and one huge elemental that was apearently this lover she spoke of. She vanished with him and the other elementals after discussing the defense of a pool and someone's mother testing them. I need to find out more about this woman. Well again what a week.
*slides down in the bed and fades off exhausted*
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*kneels next to his altar and prays*
Aeridin you are gracious to have provided so abundantly for me. Thank you for you many blessings.
*walks over to the bunk bed and prepares to turn in*
*opening his journal he begins to write in a weary hand*
I have been busy lately. We have explored the whole continent of Mistone and discovered many interesting places. There are still a few underground areas to be explored. We need to practice or skills a bit more before we will be ready to venture there but the above ground areas are now very familiar to us. We have branched out to other areas now. We are very close to having explored the barbarian isles and We should be moving ouyr exploration to Rilara soon. We are becoming significantly more disciplined. I have made a few mistakes and I am learning my place in the group. I have a tendency to run ahead when I think I know what's in front of us but Aeridin is teaching me to hold back. I can't help the others if I put myself in harms way. Everyone must learn their place. I have observed other groups and there is much chaos in their operations at times. Perhaps we could teach what we have learned to others. I will discuss with the others the possibility of offering services to others in this area.
Emerald has returned the favor and put some furniture in Yar and I's room. Although we both keep denying it it is clear where the furniture is coming from. The group is starting to think the place must be haunted since no one admits putting the furniture in. I took the opportunity to make my affections known to Emerald. I snuck a kiss from her the other day in a quiet alone moment. At first I thought she rejected it but she explained that she was just shocked. Then she kissed me back. I have never felt this way about anyone before. I will have to keep from showing favoritism to her or I could risk the party at times. I will keep things low key for now the rest of the group knows we care for each other but they don't need to know everything.
I am improving in enchanting, alchemy, and gemcrafting. These skills are very valuable to the group. We are approaching a point where we can supply ourselves and even possibly start selling some items we make.
Well I must remember to thank Aeridin frequently for his blessing.
*closes his journal and falls back in the bed*
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*once again wearily sits on the lower bunk and begins to write.*
How does this keep happening to me. Aeridin, what are you doing here. I submit to your wisdom. Today I saw the outcome of the efforts of many mighty warriors. We went to Xantril to meet with a mighty wizard named Ozlo. He picked only a few to enter his private chamber. Out of 30 or so I was one of 5 chosen. What happened there I cannot reveal on pain of consequences I don't even want to think of but the result of the mission was a great success. Em and I were together for this adventure although she was not chosen to go into the inner chamber of Ozlo. She is such a comfort to have around. My affections for her are becoming more open every day. I think soon all around will know I am in love with her. I only hope her feelings are as deep as mine.
*closes journal and falls to sleep holding the quill*
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So much has happened since I last wrote. I have been so busy. We have begun a tale that may have no end. Ozymandias has agreed to tells of demons and devils and the Bloodwar. We started meeting in Hlint and now have invited him to our house for the completion of the tale. The information about all of the planes of existance is hard to get my brain around. I have also learned wonderous and disturbing things about the man himself. Things I am not sure I should even mention.
The Sea elves have been scattered from their home. Through a very disturbing turn of events Carocsa is dead. Murdered at the hand of a priestess of Mist. She must be made to account for her actions. Remiel took her into custody and then released her while he decides how to deal with her. I shall have to watch how the system of justice deals with this case. As a result of her actions the balance of power in the sea has shifted to Mist. Mist has promised to protect Firesteep from invasion. This could be a mixed blessing. These events are very complicated and bring into question the very fabric of morality. How will actions like this affect the congregation of the faithful? How will they affect the outcome of the war with Blood? We shall see.
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*smiling from ear to ear with a feeling of exultation he rushes to his room and grabs up his Journal*
I have to write this down while I remember it all. A few weeks ago I was with a party that investigated a mysterious sleeping sickness. The investigation led us to Karthy and the temple of Xeen where we discovered a chamber of sorts where recorded memories could be experienced. A malfunction in the system had caused the sleeping sickness and the party had to shut down the chamber. In the process many of us lost a piece of our memory to the machine. This is kind of hard to explain since we couldn't remember the memory that we had lost but we were told that it was so. Yesterday we along with some others ventured back to the temple of Xeen in Karthy to investigate rumors of two additional chambers named Radiance and Nightmare. The priestess of Xeen told us that she would tell us of an elf called a dream seeker who could use the Radiance chamber to relocate our memories. The problem was that we had to agree to open the chamber and leave it open in order to find out the location of the seeker. We agreed and the priestess placed some sort of Geas upon us. It was a very strange feeling of pleasure and pain but now I and the others are somehow bound to the fate of these chambers. We sought out the seeker and found her near North Hampton. She was reclusive and took a while to trust us. She ask to examine two of us to test our motives. Myself and a drow in the group were chosen to be tested. During this testing she drew out of me my deepest dreams. She discovered my desire to marry Emerald and my drive for power to do the good that must be done. I had a feeling of deepest peace and affirmation through this experience and afterward felt even more driven to accomplish these goals. After she was satisfied that we were sincere she transported us to the Radiance chamber were we fought fiercely to reach a final chamber of glowing crystals. With the help of her pet she went through one by one discovering and restoring the lost memories of each of us that needed her to do so. As we watched it was evident that sustaining our existance in the place as well as recovering the memories was draining her and that she was pushing herself to her limits. I was last in line to get my memory restored and it was evident to me that she may not have the strength remaining to complete the task for me. I had no desire to see her sacrifice herself to restore a memory I couldn't even remember. Even though the others said that the memories they had restored were life changing I could not be the seeker's undoing. I told her I would not allow her to risk her life for me in this way and released her from the task when she could not ensure her survival to complete it. Aeridin would demand no less in the interest of preservation of life. Apparently the combination of my faith and conviction along with Aeridin's blessing allowed the memory to be released from the chamber and one of the crystals exploded in a blinding flash restoring my memory without her assistance. It was a wonderous event. I have never felt myself closer to attaining that for which I seek. I am positive now that nothing can stand in the way of my faith and the use of my power to help others. I can't wait to share this experience with Emerald. I miss her so much. She should return from her journey soon and I will tell her everything. The elf was able to transport us out of the chamber and back to her home. There is still a lingering thought of the Geas however. There is an unatural binding of ourselves to the purposes of Xeen. The Seeker told us to meet her back in Karthy at a prearranged time and she would be able to tell us what needed to be done to release us if possible. I am so glad that the Seeker survived. I believe there is hope now that would not have existed if she would have been lost to us. I pray that my example and service to the great preserver of life will draw others to his service.
*relaxes once the ideas are put to paper*
Well that is all for now. The more I discover of this world the larger the potential impact I feel I can have. Aeridin only knows what lies ahead but I look forward to whatever comes with a faith and conviction that are stronger than ever.
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Where can I start? It has been so long. How could she have done it? Well I guess I will start at the beginning. I woke up and went to meet Emerald to get about the business of the day. She normally woke up earlier than me so it was odd to not find her around the house. I looked around Fort Hope outside the house and she was not there either. When I went back into my room to meditate and seek Aeridin's wisdom, which was my custom at noon time, I found the note. The small piece of paper that would set the course of my fate for a long time. Emerald had only recently learned to read and write so the note was very simple. "I am going to find my family, I love you." What was she thinking? Why would she go somewhere without me? How long will she be gone? She had told me that her family was a long way away and she didn't even know how to get there. I think it must have been that last trip to Xantril that made the change. While we were there she recognized a few locations and said that her family must be near there. I knew she was excited about the news but I never suspected that she would go alone or so soon. I left as soon as I gathered my gear to find her and lend my support. We had become so close but this issue of her family and specifically her father always seemed to be hanging over her. I never really fully understood what haunted her. I spent many months trying to find her going from town to town. I found a few people who said they had seen her and described her as somber and detached. I have a hard time imagining her like that. She was normally so alive and hopeful. That trip to Xantril changed her somehow. I used all the resources at my disposal and prayed for guidance constantly but to no avail. Why would I be allowed to taste the sweet joy of her love and then have it taken from me without warning. To make a long story short, I was not able to find her and now I have returned to see what I can do in the fight against Blood. I will have to check how my friends fare and determine the status of the Crimson Shield. I know that her disappearance has something to do with Blood. I know that I will likely never see her again and I know that I will not stop until I discover her fate and avenge her if anyone harmed her. I am more focused now on doing whatever it takes to rid this world of evils that haunt innocents like my Emerald. I now believe that it is the will of Aeridin that I should not be distracted from his service by romance and have given my heart forever to Emerald. Thus ends a phase of my life and so begins another. Aeridin help me to do your will.
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The past few days have lifted my spirits and given me hope that I will be able to continue. I have encountered my close friends from the Crimson Shield. They have grown considerably in power and stature since I left them. I felt band leaving them without notice just like Emerald left me but there was no other choice for me. They have received me as if I had not even left. The darkness in my heart during my travels had stunted the development of powers but I feel my connection with the Lifegiver strengthening already, even in the short time since my return. I need to find Athus and find out the status of the church and I also need to talk to Kavil who is now in charge of the guild. Much has happened since I left. I have a lot to catch up on.
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I met up with a group of adventurers in Leilon who were heading to a cave in Roldem to venure through a portal to the plane of Pandemonium and attempt a rescue of a kidnapped little girl. The background of this mission I have only recently begun to understand but the adventure was one of fear and amazement. After fighitng hard to reach our destination we found the girl and the kidnapper. The girl was killed by the kidnapper and I thought all was lost. It turns out that there was a greater plan at work. There was a halfling there as well who seemed fairly powerless but 6 of the individuals in our party had been possessed by the spirits of six horses. The halfling told them to release the horses and when they did the horses ran to him and joined with him which made him grow in stature and strength. He was then able to transport us out of that plane to the plane of Celestia. I have never seen such a beautiful place. When the little girls body was placed in the water there she was revived and in addition there came forth another soul that became the new guardian of Celestia. Over all the experience was amazing. This experience has also brought me to a better understanding of my own nature. I spoke with Remiel Delmir afterwards and he explained why I had felt such an attachment to Celestia. It appears I am not entirely human but infact I am an Aasimar he called it. There is some part of a celestial being in my family heritage. This explains a lot about how I have never felt entirely at home in this world. Well, once again I have a lot to think about.
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I met up with a group of adventurers outside of Hlint today and who should be among them but Athus the High Priest of Aeridin. I was really wanting to speak with him and I finally got to. Of course nothing is as simple as it seems. Just after I met him a man named Daren told us a tale of a lich that had been tormenting his family. While he was telling the story a man came up and told us that there was trouble at the temple of Azatta in Saudria. We traveled to Saudria and found out that a girl had been kidnapped by the lich and that he would release her if Daren would take her place. We followed a map to a site in the desert where we met the lich. There was something not right about him and he said that Daren had something specific that he needed. Daren did trade places with the girl and she was released. The lich and Daren disappeared and we returned the girl to the temple. We now have to hunt down this lich and rescue Daren. After ward I got a chnace to talk to Athus. I need to go now but I will write more abotu that later.
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It was good to meet with the members of t he guild again. I feel I have purpose again in my life. It was very encouraging to receive the unanimus support of the guild for me to take over the leadership. This guild will be a great force for good. The resources and diversity are unmatched in my experience. I have great expectations for what we can accomplish. The guild approved my plans for how to employ our resources in the short term. Now I just need to get to work. Aeridin bless our efforts.
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Life is sooo good. I went to Arabel to continue my search for Emerald and as I was asking around I saw a figure limping out of the shadows. IT WAS EMERALD!!! She said she had been held captive by someone. She has not told ne the whole story yet but she had recently been able to escape and was led by a vision to Arabel. My prayers have been answered. Praise Aeridin for preserving her life and bringing her back to me. I have asked her to be my wife. I will never be without her again. As soon as she is fully recovered we will seek the priest of Aeridin in North point and be married. Life is soooo GOOD!
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While sitting by the fountain in Port Hampshire with Emerald a crowd gathered. Among them was Brisbane. The conversation that followed was very interesting. I found out some things that I had been wondering about for some time. She told me the identities of the "the seven sisters" that I had heard so much about. She also explained what had happened in the Broken Forest to make such a radical change recently. We discussed if there was anything that could be done to heal the forest and she said only time would heal the forest. I asked if planting new trees might help speed the process and she gave me some seeds that I could plant there. I will plant a few each time I pass through the forest in hopes that life will return there soon.
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Emerald and I went to the Leilon Arms Inn tonight to here some story telling. We heard an amazing tale of adventure about the Soul Mother and Xandrial. At one point when Acacea was talking about people being imprisoned on Xantril, Emerald just got up and ran out. What could have happened to her there. She still won't talk about it freely. Perhaps with time she will be able to reveal more of where she was and what happened to her. I am just so greatful to Aeridin that she is back.
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We finally did it! Emerald and I are finally one. We went to the temple in North Point with a few friends as witnesses (Esimon, Rodlin, Riley, and Dorax). The priest there joined our spirits in a short but beautiful ceremony. We will never be apart again. Praise be to Aeridin.
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Well things have settled down now and the business of the guild is starting to fall back into a rythm. I have been involved in a few issues that are pulling me in a few different directions.
First, there is the issue of the new Triumvir who apears to me to be a traitor. We have managed to deduce that Selian, one of the Seven Sisters, has placed her in power to accomplish some agenda. We managed to convince the Lady of the Land to side with Queen Allurial and the Sielwood Witch. She is going to try to convince the other sisters to oppose Selian. We are also seeking a set of four seeds realted to the four elements that will hopefully restore the Broken Forest and undo the damage done by Selian in her fit of rage. Brisbane has the lore of the locations of the four seeds. We must succeed in healing the forest.
Second, there is an acheological dig going on near Krandor. The arceologist have uncovered what appears to be a shrine and an underground ruin from pre-cataclysm. I have managed to formulate a theory that a poem we uncovered is related to the formation of a magical staff of some sort. I think this staff was realted to the worship of the dragon gods. Our efforts are being resisted by followers of Mist. Putting two and two together makes me think that Mist may have learned something through her alliance with Pyrtecon that has led her followers to seek this staff. There is much more to this mystery but it is gradually unfolding.
Third, there is a poor unfortunate who has been kidnapped by a vile lich and is being held in the underdark in a drow city. We have managed to get to the city abd have sent a scouting party into the city. Once we discover the lay of the land we will attempt a rescue. The forces at work here are dark indeed.
In addition to all of this there is the bussiness of business. We have recieved many orders and are filling them at a pretty good rate. We will have a guild meeting soon to discuss the direction the guild needs to take. I hope we get good attendance. The last two times we tried to have a meeting it had to be postponed. We will see. Well, I need to get some sleep. Lots to do tomorrow.
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Praise be to Aeridin! Blood is dead and the Great Oak has been preserved. Rhizome and Brisbane led two mighty groups in the defense of the Great Oak. Blood's forces were strong indeed but in the end were no match for the power of the dragon-called. The power of Aeridin flowed through me for what seemed like an eon as my group fought from southern Belinara to catch up with Blood's army enroute to destroy the Great Oak. The fighting was fierce and it was all I could do to keep healing the wounds of the injured. Our party fought as a machine grinding through Balor princes and Galbrezu and Maraliths. We even faced some of Blood's elite guards and demons but none were a match for the machine that we became. We moved and fought as one. The teamwork was amazing. Emerald, Eldan, Brisbane, Michael, Jennara, and Ketilbjorn inflicted mighty damage with swords and teeth. The mages and archers rained down all manner of pain from the rear and the healers sustained the injured. We were one in mind and action and none could stand in our path. In the end we reached the front of the army and joined the other group very close to the Great Oak. The fighting was fierce and unfortunately Ozlo, the gold dragon that had summoned us here fell in our defense. It is my only regret that I was not able to reach him before he fell. Rhizome showed us the great tree once the battle was over. To bask in its presence was to feel the power of nature itself and was a reward in itself. I would like to go back there sometime for meditation. Emerald fought so valiantly and never waivered in her fury. I was so proud of her. Now maybe we can rest for a short time and enjoy our married life before the next crisis comes. I am sure that as long as evil exists there will always be a need for Emerald I to help in the cause of good. We will be there but now we will enjoy this victory.
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*picks up his journal and brushes the dust off of it* *coughs*
Well it has been a long time since I wrote anything about what's been going on. We have continued to explore the mysteries of the ancient elves and the sea shrines. We are making slow but steady progress. The mysteries of the orb and the lich have been revealed and now we just need to seek a solution. I still have this box. I hope Ozy will be successful at setting a trap for the thieves. Our group recovered the cloak that Epheris wanted and another group is going after the "light" I have not heard from them. I can't wait to help restore the Broken forext with Brisbane and the others. I have been visiting Belinara more frequently lately. Last night we went to the Fort of Last Hope. This was the first time I had been to where Emerald is from. It was very close to the site if Blood's defeat. The crater there was the largest hole I have ever seen. The enrgy released when the blood well was destroyed must have been enormous. I really wish there was something that could be done to restore Belinara to its former state. I will have to think more on this.
*closes his journal and places it back by the bedside*
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Well it seems I am using this journal more to remember the big picture than to chronicle my detailed thoughts. Much has taken place in the recent past. Let see.
Em and I went to Belinara and deep into the underdark in search of Emeralds. Linda led the group and did a great job. We made it to the emerald cave and the sights along the way were fantastic. It was a good thing we had a coordinated group and the mission was a sucess. Em and I each ended up with two emeralds.
Well the group looking into the reaising of Estibana continues to make progress but in a chaotic and undirected manner. The whole situation stinks of another Carocsa incident and I fing myself waiting for the last minute betrayal from Yashilla. Mist is not evil I keep hearing but I have a hard time seeing acts done soley to produce Chaos as anything else.
I was able to make a nice ring for Treana to set Addison's ruby. I am glad to be able to do something to honor Addi's memory.
The group following the situation of the lich and the orb seems ready to seal the lich's fate. We have the silver bowl that the "good lich" asked us to get. now we just need to set the trap and spring it.
I should soon find out what happened with the group that went after the "light" in Belinara. I gathered 3 other healers , Quillwem, Celgar, and Daren, and we were able to remove the curse on Rhynn. The outcome of this battle with the devils is like a knife balanced on its point. It could easily go either way.
Finally Em and I went to the underdark to help Lia find some information on the staff she seeks. We got much more than we expected. We ended up selling three of our friends into slavery to drow. DROW ARE EVIL! Never forget that. Now Lia wants us to go to the Abyss to help gain this staff of demon summoning so she can turn it in to drow mage to help get our friends free. That's not going to happen. I will not aid a black wizard. Em and I have to find a different way to free our friends with or without Lia. I think I have a plan. I need to speak to others though.
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Invisibility is a wonderful thing but I could be so much more effective if I could cast offensively and heal. The problem is avoiding the attacks during the combat. I have to figure out how to deal with this problem. If I could just be more agile. I need to ask someone about this.
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The lich is dead. Well that's one less thing to have to worry about. Now we just need to find the orb.
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We freed Lillian and Ralinda from the underdark. I know that I can never atone for my stupidity in trying to trick the drow and thinking we could deceive the deceivers. Drow are evil! Devils are evil. An evil I am only just coming to awareness of. I have learned much and will never again underestimate the treachery and deceit of these beings. I am so thankful for good friends. It was quite a contrast to see the level of aid that came to help in our rescue attempt compared to those who showed to aid Lia. I am afraid she burned a lot of bridges in her life and finally paid the ultimate cost for bad decisions. I feel for her and will pray for her soul to pass to a place where she can finally be free.