The World of Layonara
Character Development => Development Journals and Discussion => Topic started by: regnus on August 23, 2005, 09:14:00 PM
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*A leather bound book with golden etching in an elaborate design across its binding. The front cover is a shining golden heart. The back cover is a detailed representation of the night sky. The stars are clearly visible as the sky is clear. The constellation, Ilsare’s Heart and Arrow, glows with a brightness that draws the eye to it from no matter what angle it is viewed.*
Ilsare has placed her gaze on me. Before I even realized it. Shariel had rescued me from whatever those creatures were and took me in. We traveled from town to town. She had business in each town that needed to be done. Sometimes she would be gone for days. I still don't know what business she had but I was too preoccupied anyway. I was saved by this beautiful woman who had taken an interest in me. We talked to each other about everything. I was falling for her a little more each day.
For a year we traveled Mistone. It was nice to see some of the old places that the caravan would stop at and say hello to old friends. For a brief time Shariel attempted to teach me the way of magic. I will only say that it was not a success. I apparently do not have the ability to manipulate my fingers in the right sequence. I was disappointed that I could not wield magic. More from the fact that I felt like I had let Shariel down than from not being able to cast. Shariel just took it in stride. She almost seemed pleased that I was not successful. She kept trying for a time but she finally gave up. She made it a point to find something I was good at after that.
She knocked on my door one day when we were staying in Port Hampshire. She had a smile on her face that made her face glow. I had become quite attached to her over the last few months. I think she felt the same way. I hoped that she did. She seemed rather pleased with herself as she walked into the room. Her smile turned a little devious as she sat on the bed. I had come to recognize this smile and what it meant. She had some plan in her mind. Usually it worked out. Other times I really wondered where her mind was. She was so kind and understanding with me but in some instances she showed an anger that surprised me.
I asked her what she was planning. She played innocent but she knew how close we had gotten and that I could see through her act. She claimed with much satisfaction that she had figured out what I can do with my life. She claimed that I could not follow her around and not have a purpose to my life. I had grown restless the last few months and felt that I needed to do something for myself.
"Hlint"
I will never forget that moment. It was the fork in the road that I took and was rewarded with so much. She said that word and it was as if she had answered some unspoken question that I was toiling over. It made so much sense to me. The temple there was devoted to Ilsare, the goddess of Love and Passion. She also governs art which made me very interested.
A purpose for my life. I didn't want to leave Shariel though. I loved her now. She must have realized what I was thinking. She stood up from the bed and strolled up to me and got very close. She put her hands on each side of my face and looked into my eyes. Such a warm look in her eyes. My heart pounded in my chest.
"You know I will be with you always. We will go to Hlint and stay there. Together."
And with that she kissed me. I dont know how long it lasted but it felt like forever. I was so enthralled by her presence. It filled my senses. Her perfume was intoxicating. Looking into her eyes, I lost myself. The feel of her lips...
We left for Hlint the next day. When we arrived we rented one room in the Wild Surge Inn. The next day I entered into the church of Ilsare. My life had purpose. I felt as if I had finally found the path I was meant to follow. I owed it all to Shariel. She honored me further by accepting my proposal to become one in Ilsare's eyes.
And now I am here writing my story to any who will read this. I have progressed as a priest of Ilsare and every day is a blessing from her. Although I am still missing something. I miss my parents and I really wish that they could see me now. I have not been back to Rilara. I have actively avoided it.
I have devised a way to honor them though. And Ilsare as well. A garden. Simple, yet intricate and full of meaning. I will consult with Calise and Amanthrulia about it and see if they will allow me to plant one near the temple.
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*A leather bound book with golden etching in an elaborate design across its binding. The front cover is a shining golden heart. The back cover is a detailed representation of the night sky. The stars are clearly visible as the sky is clear. The constellation, Ilsare’s Heart and Arrow, glows with a brightness that draws the eye to it from no matter what angle it is viewed.*
I was in the temple offering my prayers to Ilsare and watering my flowers as I do every morning when this creature wandered by. It seemed like it was looking for something but was lost. It looked like some kind of ogre but not quite as big. It was definitely as ugly though. It kept picking at its ear and well it kept picking at its ear. It saw me staring at it and shambled its way over to me.
I hurried out of the temple before it got there. I didnt want its ugliness to scare anyone away. It really was a horrid looking creature. Like it couldnt decide if it was an ogre or something else while it was in its mother's womb. It met me on the road outside the temple and smiled a toothy grin. Or rather a semi-toothy grin. Most were missing and what was there looked like it had never been cleaned. It really did seem very happy to see me though.
I asked it if it needed help and it had a strange answer for me. He answered that I was puny and needed help. It was a he it turns out. I thought he was mistaken but he said that he was here to help me.
I was confused. I looked around but no one else was around. I asked him if he was sure that I was the one he was looking for. He just nodded his head and made that toothy grin again. I was a little unsure of what to do. He seemed harmless enough, almost child like. It worried me though that he could throw a tantrum like a child and hurt someone or myself.
I was headed to the crypts though and could use the help. Perhaps he was right and I was in need of aid. Although I am not sure why he claims to have been sent here to me. I suppose he really is confused. I will not turn away the aid though. Perhaps Ilsare is sending me this gift and I should not question her.
I introduced myself and he stumbled over my name. His grasp of common is more grunting and guttural than actual speech. He eventually got it though and introduced himself as Varghgot. Now it was my turn to stumble over the name. We agreed that I would call him Var from now on to make things simpler. He has taken to calling me punies since I am so puny in his eyes.
We ventured over to the graveyard and entered the crypt. Erag was in need of something down here but I simply couldnt stand the thought of the undead marring the beauty of Hlint. Now I know Hlint is a small town and rather simple in its design. But that is what makes it such a wonderful place. Its beauty is its simplicity.
So down we went. It was quiet as we walked in but soon we ran into some skeletons. I made a move to engage them but was held back by Var's big arm. He yelled "Back! Me first!" and rushed into the skeletons. I couldnt stand there and let him fight them alone though no matter what he said. I joined him in the battle. It did not last long. They surrounded us and beat us down until everything went black. I awoke in the temple and found myself staring at the sky. Ilsare's Heart and Arrow were shining down on Layonara.
Var shambled over to the temple and met me. He was very distraught. I asked him what was wrong and he got even more upset. He claimed that he did not want his mother to be angry with him. I almost chuckled at the innocence that he had but he was truly upset. I assured him that his mother would not be upset but he said that his mother had sent him to protect me.
I am not sure what I am supposed to think about this. I really believe he is mistaken but he believes very strongly that his mother sent him here for me. When I question him on who his mother is he just says "Mother is Mother". It was getting me nowhere. Perhaps Shariel can help.
I invited Var to meet Shariel and he happily agreed. He was just happy to be tagging along with me.
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*A leather bound book with golden etching in an elaborate design across its binding. The front cover is a shining golden heart. The back cover is a detailed representation of the night sky. The stars are clearly visible as the sky is clear. The constellation, Ilsare’s Heart and Arrow, glows with a brightness that draws the eye to it from no matter what angle it is viewed.*
I was in the Wild Surge working in the kitchen when Var stomped in and was looking for me. He wanted to go and smash some goblins. I think he wants to make a stew out of them or something. It made me sick thinking about it, but I was supposed to get some goblin ears for the Quartermaster and Var was good at smashing them.
As we were walking out, we ran into the man who I had met the other day when I had brought my flowers in. He saw me and I think tried to hide from us. He knew we had seen him though and he sighed and walked over to us.
He introduced himself as Sereth. I introduced myself and Var to Sereth and we decided to smash the goblins together. Sereth is very good in battle as well. He has this ability to hide from the goblins and strike them when they least expect it. We were very successful in our endeavor but Var was a little overzealous in his smashing and smashed some goblins beyond recognition. Obviously their ears were useless to us.
We did end up getting enough ears though. We turned them in, but Var and Sereth wanted to rest. Shariel was away so I decided to try my hand in the kitchen again. I am getting rather proficient around the ovens. I think I will be able to make bread soon. Then I can make Shariel a pie! If she is home. She had to take a trip to Hurm on some business.
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The gifts that Ilsare bestow upon me have grown stronger. I am able to call on her for all sorts of things now. She can make me stronger which is very helpful. I have been asking for her to bless the water in the enchanting pool and add her healing touch. I am moderately successful. In time I think I will be able to make potions with better frequency.
I am getting better at doing all sorts of things with my hands. It should help when I really start my garden. It has to be perfect. I should have Var get some more wood for me so I can practice.
I have plenty of time to myself recently. Shariel has been gone for some time now. I hope she is ok. I know she can take care of herself. She did save my life after all, but I worry nonetheless. She usually returns by now. Maybe she had more business than she anticiapated.
I am spending my time wisely though. I planned a trip to the Broken Forest to get a hawthorne flower. It is a bush with a bluish white flower that blooms. I had heard someone speaking about it in Hlint and figured it was as good a place to start my garden as any.
While I am on the subject of my garden, I have spoken to one the highest members of the church. Perhaps even the highest. Reventage is her name. She was kind enough to talk to me about my garden. Surprisingly, she has had the same idea. She even has started her own garden in her home here in Hlint! Even better, she offered to allow me access to it. This is a wonderful day.
We talked for quite some time over flowers but I had to leave. I thought I saw Shariel walking into the Wild Surge. As I said my goodbyes, Reventage invited Shariel and me to tea sometime.
I walked into the Wild Surge and was pleasantly surprised to see my wife walking to our room. I ran up to her and held her in my arms. She seemed like she was a little preoccupied at first but then hugged me and smiled. I could see that she was very tired so I helped her into our room. I really wish she didnt have to pack so much. I think I may need to get Var to help me carry these trunks into my room.
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The three of us gathered at the temple, Sereth, Var, and myself. I had met Reventage there again and we were discussing what flowers would look good in the garden. She had a book full of different flowers that she had catalogued. This is exactly what I needed. She promised to transcribe some of it for me too.
I had to take my leave though. My companions and I were going to the Broken Forest for the Hawthorne. We made the trip rather easily. The ogres outside of the forest tried to smash us, but Var did his best to smash them first. It is very nice having him around. I am glad he is my friend and not my enemy.
Sereth seems to be getting better at hiding from these creatures as well. When he leaps out of the shadows and attacks them, it is a devestating attack. Yes having friends like these is a blessing.
We prepared ourselves outside of the Forest. When we were ready, we entered. It is a forboding feeling walking around in the forest. We were walking through when a group of shades found us and tried to surround us.
Luckily, we fought them back and felled them. I found no Hawthorne though. After that attack, I was skeptical about wandering too far in the Forest, but I couldnt leave without the Hawthorne. We moved on.
Then we ran into another group of shades. This time we were not as lucky. We fought bravely, but they overwhelmed us. All three of us fell. I wasnt as hurt as my companions though. The shadesmust have been fooled though. They left me alone.
After they left I stood up and moved to safety. After healing myself, I went back to the spot where we fell. Sereth and Var would be on their way.
Someone entered the forest then and offered his help. I dont remember him giving his name but he had magic auras around him that clearly indicated that he was capable. I told him that I was waiting for my friends and then we needed to find Hawthore.
He was nice enough to wait on Sereth and Var and then lead us to the Hawthorne! Finally! Another flower to add to my growing garden. This blue and white flower will be perfect.
And with the information that Reventage gave me, I should be able to make a worthy garden.
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*A leather bound book with golden etching in an elaborate design across its binding. The front cover is a shining golden heart. The back cover is a detailed representation of the night sky. The stars are clearly visible as the sky is clear. The constellation, Ilsare’s Heart and Arrow, glows with a brightness that draws the eye to it from no matter what angle it is viewed.*
I was witness last night to something terrible. I was heading inside of the Wild Surge. Sereth and Var had chopped a lot of wood lately and had kept the sawdust that was left over. I use it to make scrolls for myself and sandpaper for them. It is a convenient arrangement for all involved. They had given me so much that I couldnt carry it very well and was moving very slow to the kitchen. As I was walking through the Inn I heard a commotion outside. I heard Var and Sereth yelling something along with many other voices.
I dropped all of the saw dust on the floor and ran out the door. I was blinded as I ran out. Not by light but by darkness. Some magical darkness had descended on Hlint. It had an almost palpable feel to it. There was a sense of dread here too. And evil. I called out to Sereth and Var but no one responded.
Then I saw him. I did not know who it was but this man was walking down the street. He was close enough that I could actually see him, but I felt him there in front of me. The feeling of dread was almost overwhelming. It rolled off of him in waves that made my knees seem weak.
I stood there transfixed as he walked by. He paid me no heed, as if I was insignificant. I could see his face now though. If it could be called a face. His face was that of an undead. Someone was following him too. I couldnt tell who it was but I could see their shadowy shape.
He must have seen them as well. He turned and began casting some spell that I could not recognize. The shape following him stopped in its tracks and slumped to the ground. I can only assume that he had killed whoever was following him. Instantly.
I stood frozen still watching it all unfold in front of my eyes. As the undead thing continued walking I said prayers in my head to Ilsare to watch over Sereth and Var and to keep me safe if they needed my help. When hehad finally passed, I ran into the darkness calling for my friends.
It was several minutes of blindly stumbling about before we gathered near the courthouse. We were discussing what had happened when the Bindstone seemed to shimmer for a moment. I turned to it and was frightened once more. A Demon appeared at the bindstone! Flames licking its wings as it surveyed Hlint and the darkness that had covered its streets.
Many ran. I remember running a bit myself. When I looked back the Demon was gone. What does this mean? Was he with the others or was he simply bearing witness?
Confusion reigned in the darkness. An elf that I did not know appeared and mumbled something and then stormed off. A group of people came running into Hlint then that appeared to take the situation in and gathered everyone around and took charge.
We ran to Fort Llast to see if they needed help. All was quiet though, thank Ilsare. We ran north to Blackford Castle to check there as well. Everything was fine there too. As we turned to run to some place called the Shifter's Tower, the elf that appeared in Hlint appeared again at the castle gates.
"STOP"
That's all he said. We all stopped and turned to him. Then he explained that Blood and his generals had walked through Hlint and had stopped time to do it. He had already talked to the Shifter and asked him how Blood had stopped time. The Shifter told him that Blood had not stopped time. Someone else had done it.
Before we could discuss it though, he lead us into the castle itself. Around it's passages until we came to a great audience chamber. Many were assembled there. From what Ozymandius (That is the elf that appeared in Hlint) said, they were the seven sisters of Lucinda. There were others as well. I did not recognize any of them. A dwarf was standing in the back though that caught my eye.
He had a blade that was maybe a short sword or possibly a dagger that had a reddish glow to it. He seemed a little out of place. But then I was distracted by the beautiful woman in the center of the room. Queen Allurial.
She spoke of time and Blood and his minions. As we had seen, he has landed on Mistone. Our time of relative safety is over. The Queen and her companions had shielded us and guided us to this point, but our destiny is now in our own hands. She asked us to find who had stopped time and aided Blood in reaching Mistone. Information is our strongest weapon.
And with that, she escorted those assembled out of the room, leaving us to discuss what happened.
I am glad Shariel was in Port Hampshire for this. Although in a way I wish she had been here to meet the Queen. What an honor! I will do my best to live up to her belief in us.
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*A leather bound book with golden etching in an elaborate design across its binding. The front cover is a shining golden heart. The back cover is a detailed representation of the night sky. The stars are clearly visible as the sky is clear. The constellation, Ilsare’s Heart and Arrow, glows with a brightness that draws the eye to it from no matter what angle it is viewed.*
My hawthorne has been transplanted to Hlint. It seems to be ok. I hope so. I planned another expedition for another addition to the garden. From what Reventage has told me, this next flower will be extraordinary. There are twin buds. This is not exactly that special. What is special about this flower is that the blossoms are silvery in color. What makes it unique though, is that the blossoms only bloom at one time. The flower only grows around the Tower of High Arcana.
The Tower of High Arcana is in Spellgard. I have never been there. The caravan that I had traveled with those years ago had never gone to Spellgard. I am not sure why we avoided it but we did. So, since I didn't know the way, I left a message in the Wild Surge Inn. Luckily enough, Jaren Valhaikor met me at the temple along with my friends, Sereth and Var of course.
I thought that the Great Library would be the place to go to get any information regarding this flower. Ilsare was smiling on me. Jaren knew the way to the Library! He led us to Blackford Castle and to a portal that took us there. It was a magnificent sight to behold. I can only hope that my garden will be a fraction as beautiful as this.
Inside it was overwhelming. Books were everywhere. I searched for some time before I figured out the categorization of the books. Or at least I think I did. Regardless, after more searching I found a large book that contained information on all sorts of flowers. I tried to find anything on this flower, but Var was a little overwhelmed by the books as well. He was distracting me with his questions and fumbling around.
I finally gave up and decided to just head to Spellgard. If I had to sit there for an entire day and night then I would! The trip was rather quiet. I was expecting it to be a little more dangerous from the stories I hear, but maybe Ilsare was watching out for me and making sure that my way was safe.
Jaren led the way to the Tower. Spellgard is a likeable enough city. Although there is a feeling here of... I am not sure. Something beneath the surface. I am not sure exactly what that is but I can feel it. As we approached the tower, we heard several voices and what sounded like a gathering.
The people we saw there were surely not what we expected! There gathered around the tower was Amanthrulia from the temple as well as another who could only have been a healer of Lucinda. I was looking around in shock. There were angels gathered around too! Halflings, brownies, and others. It seemed to be that everyone there was with a mate. As I looked around the couples were all looking to the sky or whispering to each other. I know I am biased but there was a feeling of love surrounding the gathering.
Looking around I was very surprised to see Moraken there too. He was looking at the stars and commenting on astrology. There was a lady there with her back to us that was talking to Amanthrulia, the Lucindite healer, and another lady I did not recognize. The healer of Lucinda saw us and waved us over excitedly. She explained to us that the gathering was there to witness the blooming of the flower that I was there to harvest.
It is called the Angel's Tear and there is quite a story behind it. A sad tale of Love, Faith, and Duty. I expected the Lucindite to tell us this tale but she turned to the woman who still had her back to us and said:
"My Queen would you?"
I was shocked! Queen Allurial! I was honored to be in her presence the other night after the incident in Hlint, but to be here with her, it was truly a blessing from Ilsare. She was radiant in the moonlight and exuded a commanding presence that could be felt beyond her outward beauty. It is no surprise that she is such a well liked ruler. She held me with her words as she started the tale.
The tale started with a lady of Lucinda and a man of Ilsare. Emily Nightwoven and Narsill Fledgeheart. True Love could not be more personified. These two were so in love that the stars themselves would stop and bask in the glow of the pair.
But each had a higher calling and that was to their Faith. A road that would lead them to places that they had never been.
Ilsare is the Lady of Dreams. Yet the Dream is a weave and Lucinda claimed it as her own. There was conflict in the Heavens. Small and confined to the domain of the Gods. But as conflicts so often go, it spread to those of the faith.
Emily and Narsill stayed out of the conflicts at first. But they were beacons of their faith. Though their love was strong, their faith was that much stronger. It began in petty bickering over inconsequential things but soon escalated into violent conflict. As the war raged on it fueled their contempt and disdain for each other. Hatred replaced the Love they had for each other, weaving itself into their being and consuming them.
Their only purpose to see the end of the other and they pursued that end with such zeal that it was unmatched. It was in this hatred that each wrapped themselves and began a series of events that would end the war. Though the intent was only to see the other perish.
Emily beseeched Lucinda to send to her side a being of the Heavens to slay her former lover. "She called forth a Celestial maiden, radiant in power and beauty, terrible in the arts she commanded."
In another place, Narsill, thinking like Emily called upon Ilsare to send a Planetar to kill Emily. "He called forth a man, a mighty bow wrought from the heart fletchings of Ilsare herself, rune laden and graced with power beyond our ability to conceive."
Each took the Hatred in their hearts and wrapped the Celestial being in it, forcing them to their will. But, in a divine irony, these two Celestials had already met and fallen to Ilsare's arrow. They were lovers.
Emily sent her Deva to destroy Narsill as he sent his Planetar to destroy her. "The two met en route...and clashed with a the fury of their summoners bindings, arcane power sparked shields and wove magic of destruction, on swift wings the Ilsarian planetar ducked and wove, firing shaft after shaft at his lady"
Days passed and they continued to battle. Bow and arrow against arcane might. “Tears flowed from them both the whole time the battle raged." Until the Deva's protections failed. An arrow pierced her chest and sent her falling from the sky.
She landed near the spot where we sat. Near the Tower of High Arcane.
The Planetar chased her. He was bound to finish the task regardless of the pain he felt. But the Deva was not finished. She called upon arcane destruction and laid it in wait. The Planetar touched the ground and the Deva sprung forth her evocation.
"...the ground itself flared in blue life, huge strands of power flowing through earth and calling to the fiery cores of Layonara itself. Flames roared forth, a fissure widening...with a noise like the shattering of heaven he was struck."
He escaped the brunt of the attack by divine agility, but struck he was. His wings now burnt and tattered, hers pierced, they pulled their strength to perform the killing blow.
Their swords pierced each other in the same instant. Their hands touching for a moment. But in that moment time seemed to stop. The enchantment binding them to the hatred of Emily and Narsill was gone. They could look on each other with vision unclouded one final time.
Ilsare and Lucinda felt their servants fall. "They both looked to the cause to see the two, hands entwined in each others now still heartblood, tears sitting in eyes that were stilled in the grasp of death."
"And for the first time since conflict broke out, love and magic merged, two divine powers flowing together and reaching towards the land. A gentle wind sprung up, a wind tinted with the smell of roses and rustled dead wings. Chains of runes flared within the winds and sought out the fallen servants."
"Yet lessons had to be learned, and the death of the two was not to be reversed. Not even in this new found harmony. Lifeless forms did not move to the call, still and motionless as the tears of heaven fell."
"Not to be thwarted the winds swirled more strongly, plucking delicate white feathers from wings and spreading them all around. Magic embraced each quill and turned it to a searing white light of force and the feathers fell to earth... In each place a small flower sprung to life, the feather sinking to earth."
"Now on the nights when the star of enchantment shines bright, and Ilsares arrow tip glows, the beams intersect and here where the two fell Angels Tear blooms. It is said..that if you look closely, woven in starlight just above each you can see the two, alive and whole and embracing in joy."
The story left me in such a sadness that I felt remorse for having planned to remove this flower from this place. It did not seem right to remove it now that I know its history. I said as much, and the Queen told me the last part of the story.
It is legend of course, but there is truth in legend if you can find it. According to the legend, if an Angel's Tear is taken and placed within the circle where Emily and Narsill summoned the Celestials, they will rise again to be blessed in Love and Magic.
I carefully uprooted two flowers and placed them in my pack. I voiced my original intent of transplanting them to Hlint as well. Amenithrulia seemed to smile at the idea so I took a couple more.
I will pray to Ilsare that I am successful in both endeavors. I wonder if Shariel will help me? I wish she was here to hear this. I know I love her as much as Narsill loved Emily. I know she loves me as much too. It would be a blessing to bring the two Celestials peace with my wife at my side.
//much thanks to Pan and Storm for this. The quotes are straight from them. I could have rewritten it but their words sounded so much better.
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*A leather bound book with golden etching in an elaborate design across its binding. The front cover is a shining golden heart. The back cover is a detailed representation of the night sky. The stars are clearly visible as the sky is clear. The constellation, Ilsare’s Heart and Arrow, glows with a brightness that draws the eye to it from no matter what angle it is viewed.*
I ran into Reventage today in the Hlint crafting hall. She was cutting gems. I need to find Var and Sereth and plan a trip to get some copper and greenstone. My skill in cutting gems is not the greatest. I have been meaning to talk to Reventage though about the Angel's Tear that she had told me about.
We left the craft house planning to sit at the temple but something had happened. We walked outside and the air was filled with darkness. It was like a black smoky veil was pulled from the ground up to the sky. I waved my hands in front of me to try to clear the darkness and allow me to see.
It was too thick. We slowly made our way to the temple though. If anyone needed help then they would come there. All was quiet though. Or maybe everyone remembers what happened the last time that darkness fell on Hlint. Everyone would do well to just stay inside today.
Reventage sat down at the temple and I could tell she was contemplating something. Before I could ask though, she mentioned going and asking the witch. I was not sure who she meant. She explained that the Seilwood witch could see things. She might be the one to ask.
So we walked to the Seilwood forest and after a while we came to a very large tree. I had seen it before but I never knew who lived there. We knocked on the door and waited. The door finally opened and we went inside.
She was standing near the back of the house and she was staring into a large bowl-like object. It looked like it had water in it. She never turned around either. She just kept staring into the bowl. Reventage announced that we were there, but the Witch never turned around.
This must be normal because Reventage just walked to the side of the room, sat down, and began playing her harp. I had just started to listen to the melody when the Sielwood Witch turned and approached us.
Reventage asked several questions, but the answers left more questions.
The darkness covered the entire world. That was more than unsettling. She was not sure who was the cause, but someone or something was being released. The feeling to the darkness was one of control. Reventage mentioned talking to Shifter, and the Witch told us to be careful. He may be the cause of the darkness.
So, we left and headed to Krandor. Reventage took me to Shifter's tower. I had been wondering what that tower was outside of Krandor. Shifter lived there. It isa curious thing though. Reventage said that the tower and very likely Shifter himself were not anchored in this time. She explained some of it, but I must admit that I am still confused.
We moved to Krandor and sat in the grass inside of town. The darkness was lifting and I had yet to talk to Reventage about the flower. I related the journey we took to get to Spellgard and then the tragic tale of the flower's origin. I was not sure that I had told the story as eloquently as the Queen had, but Reventage actually complemented me!
We discussed some of the other flowers that she had told me about. I told her about my attempts to get to Pranzis. Then she mentioned Seran. I never realized who it was, but Reventage cares for a young girl in Hlint. She stays with Amenthrulia in the temple while Reventage is out of town.
I could not help but offer to help. I am going to ask Shariel if she would mind looking after the young girl for a while. We have no children so Seran would get more attention than with Amenthrulia in the temple. She has a lot of responsibility there and not a lot of time for a child. It would be good practice for us as well for when we have children of our own.
Shariel always seems to be watching the children around Hlint anyway. I see her watching them when she thinks I am not watching. She is so intent in her stares. I think she wants children but she must be afraid to ask me if I want any. This could work out nicely for everyone.
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*Regnus walks through the temple of Ilsare in Hlint and offers weak smiles to the passersby. At her call, he raises his head and smiles at Calise. His mind is
obviously elsewhere and his face shows lines of worry. He walks past Calise and out into the grass behind the temple. His garden greets him as he approaches
the town wall. His shoulders droop and it seems as if he has shrugged off a great weight. With a sigh, he sits down and pulls his book from his pack and
begins to write.*
Shariel was in a foul temper today! I arrived home shortly after I had talked to Reventage. As I always do, I greeted her with a kiss. I must have shown with
excitement because she asked me why I was so happy. I told her that I had spoken with Reventage and how I told her of the trip to Spellgard and the Angel's
Tear.
That set her off. She was furious that I had spent the night talking to Reventage. My place was with her and not that 'priestess'. I didn't know what to say.
I was speechless.
That only seemed to anger her even more. I think she took my silence as an admission of some sort. An admission to what I am not sure but she seemed to be
even angrier that I did not offer any excuses.
When I finally recovered, I tried to explain to her that we had journeyed to Krandor and that we were just sitting under the stars and talking. I had only
wanted to tell Reventage about the Angel's Tear. Shariel was having none of it.
She immediately began accusing me of sneaking off with Reventage to Krandor. Why did we have to leave Hlint? Why didn't I come to tell her that I would
be going to Krandor? Why didn't I tell her that I was meeting Reventage?
I tried to get a word in between her accusations, but she was insistent. I finally raised my voice and told her that I offered to see if she would watch Seran
for Reventage. Maybe she would stop being angry if the thought of a child in the house was in her mind. And it worked it seemed. She stopped and looked at me
for a moment. Then she turned from me and almost seemed as though she was pondering the idea. But it was not a look of happiness on her face. It was more a
look of *an inkblot on the page here* calculation.
Then she shook her head and turned back to me. She had a calm and almost serene look to her. This was the Shariel that I knew. She looked like this when she
wanted something from me. She looked me right in the eyes and said : "I don't want you to associate with that woman anymore. She is a bad influence on you.
Please?"
I was shocked. I couldn't avoid Reventage. She was in Hlint all of the time and in the temple. She is a high standing member of the Temple. It would be wrong to avoid
her. I tried to explain this to Shariel as nicely as I could but she went crazy when I tried to make 'excuses' to see Reventage.
Then it dawned on me. She was jealous. I was shocked. I couldn't believe that she would even think that I would be interested in Reventage. That idea is
just ridiculous. That is not to say that Reventage is not beautiful and a catch for some other lucky person. I am just saying that I have already found my
true love. She was standing there, right in front of me, yelling in my face!
I made the mistake then of laughing. I couldn't help it though. It was very funny to me that on one side is Reventage who has been nothing but extremely nice
to me and offered me guidance in my task, and not to mention very beautiful. Then on the other side I have Shariel who was livid and ready to tear me apart but
I could not help but be more in love with her.
She however must have not seen the irony.
*Regnus stops writing for a moment and reaches up to his right shoulder and rubs it for a moment before returning to his journal*
She thought I was laughing at her which made her anger turn into a rage. Unfortunately, Var heard the noise and thought that someone was trying to hurt
Shariel. He opened the door just as the plate crashed into it and shattered.
Plates! She threw our good plates at me! She has quite an arm on her too. I have the bruise on my shoulder to prove it. I know it would be a simple thing to
heal away but I just cant. I have left it there to remind me to not upset Shariel again. And poor Var was stuck there not sure what to do. He wanted to
protect me from the plates but did not want to get Shariel angry with him either.
In the end we both ran out of the house. So now here I sit by my growing garden.
I am not sure why I came to sit here. I guess I feel closer to Ilsare and in a way my parents. I wish they could see me now. I am sure they would be proud.
*Regnus closes the book and places it back into his pack. For a few minutes he tends to his garden, pulling weeds and checking each flower and making sure it
is healthy. Then he grabs an empty vial and carefully fills it from the pool there in the temple. He asks for Ilsare's blessing and spreads it over the
flowers.*
-
*A leather bound book with golden etching in an elaborate design across its binding. The front cover is a shining golden heart. The back cover is a detailed representation of the night sky. The stars are clearly visible as the sky is clear. The constellation, Ilsare’s Heart and Arrow, glows with a brightness that draws the eye to it from no matter what angle it is viewed.*
I made a trip to Leilon to check on a place that seems to be on everyone's tongues as they make their way through Hlint. The Leilon Arms is where everyone is going to these days. So Sereth and I made our way there after leaving a message for Var to meet us there. I hope he knows the way.
We were going to stop by the Arms when a woman passed by us. I couldn't help but notice that she had a magnificent white flower. I could even smell it from across the street as she walked by. Sereth and I tried to stop her but she was clearly in a hurry and would not stop.
As we were walking back to the Arms, a little girl approached and she had the same flower! We tried to question her but her mother had taught her well. She did not want to talk to strangers. She did tell us that she got the flower from a flower stand near the docks. Then a man with the wings of a bird walked by us and actually took to the air! I was standing there, amazed. The little girl was so taken by it that she said that she had to run home and tell her mother about it.
We searched the docks for the flower table and found it being managed by a young gnomish girl. She was selling all manner of flowers and roses. She was a pleasant young lady and she explained what all of the flowers were that she had displayed. I noticed that the white flower was not there though.
She explained that that particular flower was called a White Ice Dahlia. It grew in only one place. But the girl's father was the only one who harvested them. He resided on Rilara but was in some trouble.
I was very hesitant about offering my help to her. I have not been back to Rilara since leaving my aunt's home after my parents had been killed. Too many memories there for me to deal with. But this girl's father needed our help. Var finally arrived as I was trying to make up my mind. Sereth didn't care either way and Var simply follows wherever I lead. This decision was my own to make it seemed.
This girl's father needed help and his life was more important than my apprehension at old memories. She told us to find him at Bloody Gate. From what I remember about that area, there was quite a bit of danger.
We bid farewell to her and purchased several boat tickets. We sailed to Port Hampshire and then on to Point Harbor. Stepping off of the boat, memories I thought I had buried came rushing to the surface again. I felt like I was retracing steps I had taken all those years ago.
I could see my aunt's house but I couldn't deal with that now. I had a job to do. Focusing on that was all that I could do. We walked through town and I led the way to Bloody Gate.
As we left Lake Rillon, Sereth heard something and motioned us to hold where we were. Var and I stood quiet as Sereth went to investigate. He came back and reported that there was troop movement on the river. Some of them were headed our way too. We were going to move on to Bloody Gate when I noticed one of the soldiers standing on the bridge and coming our way.
I was actually turning to head the other way when I noticed just what the soldier was. It was the same creature that had plagued me since that one fateful night. I saw him standing there and I am not sure what came over me. A sense of revenge I suppose. I turned back and rushed the creature. Sereth I think was caught off guard as he watched me run past. Var just seemed to be excited to bash something.
If only it were that easy. The creature made short work of us. Even my magic could not slow him. I am not sure if Var or Sereth even hit him. After humiliating me, pummeling Sereth, and threatening Var, he stopped and gave us a choice. Surrender or die. There was not much choice in that. We surrendered. They had me again.
-
*A leather bound book with golden etching in an elaborate design across its binding. The front cover is a shining golden heart. The back cover is a detailed representation of the night sky. The stars are clearly visible as the sky is clear. The constellation, Ilsare’s Heart and Arrow, glows with a brightness that draws the eye to it from no matter what angle it is viewed.*
Jail was just like I imagined it. Dirty. Something must have died in there too because the stench was almost unbearable. I thought that my nose would have become accustomed to strange smells from beign around Var all the time but this was truly remarkable.
Sereth was in a foul mood and I can't say that I blamed him. He had been beaten senseless and then dumped in a cell with us. I am sure that this was not what he envisioned when I asked him to accompany me here. Var just wanted to tear down the cell door. I had to calm him down several times before hurt himself or actually ripped the door from its hinges and got the guards to come down on us.
We moved to the back of the cell and heard what sounded like something scraping against a brick on the wall. Sereth and I found a piece of metal in the cell and began scraping around the brick. Eventually we removed the brick and to our surprise, a gnome was on the other side. He sent a note through the wall that said that he had smuggled invisibility potions into the cell. He apparently just needed help getting out of the cell.
The gnome also handed some pieces of metal through the hole in the wall. Sereth took them and seemed to be pleased with what he had. I wasn't sure exactly what they were until he went to the cell door and used them in the lock. They were some picks that the gnome had fashioned for us!
Sereth proved to be invaluable to us really. I will have to thank him again. He actually opened the cell door and got our things from the crate outside of the cell. Once we were ready, we took the potions and became invisible. The gnome was very familiar with where to lead us. He took us right out of the cell and the camp.
I had to stop myself several times from taking a swing at one of the creatures while they couldn't see me but I kept remembering how the one had taken all three of us on and never broke a sweat. I will get revenge on these creatures one day. I will know why they seem to haunt me wherever I go.
Once we were safe and clear from the camp, the gnome told us that he indeed was the girl's father. He was a spy for the dwarven armies in Shoufal. We all looked a little strange at the gnome when he said he worked for the dwarves, but we almost laughed when he said he was a priest of Vorax! I seem to always be surrounded by strangeness.
Regardless, he would send messages to the general in Shoufal coded in flowers. Depending on the flower and the color, the general would get the message. But he was caught and imprisoned. It was up to us to get a message to Shoufal. We were to tell the general, "it's all roses." That was to let him know that things were in bad shape there on Rilara.
Thankfully, he also told me about the Ice Dahlia. It only grew in one place. On one of the Barbarian Isles. It was dangerous too.
The gnome took his leave and said that he was going into hiding. We thanked him and assured him that we would get the message to Shoufal. After some discussion we decided that we also needed to get some help. The road to Shoufal was not an easy one and the Barbarian Isles are not exactly the safest place either.