The World of Layonara
Character Development => Development Journals and Discussion => Topic started by: Weeblie on January 25, 2006, 07:24:36 AM
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Alleina Shiante's Diary
Everything between double parentheses are OOC comments.
Please note that the whole diary is written in her native language: Elven
Submission (http://www.layonaraonline.com/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=21096)
Album (http://www.layonaraonline.com/forums/photos/photo-thumbnails.asp?albumid=409)
LORE (http://nwn.layonara.com/Alleina Shiante)
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((24 January 2006))
Evil mephits. And demons. In Hlint.
I was just wandering around when I ended up in the public crafting house. There I found a mephit attacking the young lady Sala ((Sala Stonehill)). Luckily, a brownie named Ruffle ((Ruffle Redhead)) dropped in a few moments later. He's a quite cute and funny little fellow, but also a little bit clumsy it seems... He mentioned that he had a friend called Flappa. I wonder who he/she is... Maybe Ruffle's familiar? Wizards usually have those...
Another lady, whose name I didn't get ((Sophia)), walked in after a while, along with her dog. Strangely, Ruffle was afraid of the dog... Or, maybe not so very strange, as it was a quite big dog, much bigger than himself... Anyway, she said the she had seen demons in the sewers (5 of them), but didn't know why they were there. Her theory was that they maybe liked the mushrooms there. I decided to take a look.
Back in Hlint, a few mephits appeared out from nowhere. Thanks to Aeridin, as he answered my prayer by summoning a living flame to my aid, I survived the encounter.
More people started to gather in Hlint. It seems that they also had met some of these mephits.
Suddenly, a shadow clouded the place. Looking up, I saw a vast, hideous creature coming down from the skies. A demon, as it turned out to be. It was no match, though, for all the skilled people there. A second one appeared few moments later (maybe to check what had happened with the first one?), which shared the same fate. A third, stronger one, also appeared. I asked it for the reason behind these attacks, but the only answer I got was "die" (which wasn't strange at all, due to the fact that the others tried to put their swords or axes through it in the meanwhile). The demon fell eventually.
* You notice that this part isn't as neatly written as before, as though her hands were shaking at the time. *
But, a brave man with the name Barion ((Barion Firesteed)), as I would find out later, was killed during the battle. It was partly my fault. I could have saved him. But, I was too slow... I was scared... By the time I reached him, he was already dead... I saw him die...
* The ink here has slightly different color from before, as if it was written sometime later. *
Calise came later and resurrected him. I must thank her someday...
I suggested to the others that we should speak with the next demon instead of trying to killing it, but they disagreed. It seems that they think everything can be solved using force.
The fourth demon appeared later. Again, they started to hit it. I tried to speak with it... But it didn't seem to understand. I don't remember very much from that battle. One moment, I was standing there. Next moment, I found myself on the ground.
Afterwards, I spoke with Barion, the dwarf Kurgaz ((Kurgaz Ulfson)) and Lindel ((Lindel)). Or, mostly with Kurgaz. It seems that I misjudged him. At first, I thought that he was just a gruff old dwarf. But he did seem to care about my safety. That’s quite strange... He’s a follower of Vorax, and a dwarf, after all... Actually, I think I like him.
They told me I had been killed by the demon. Yes... Died... Aeridin must be very angry on me now. Wherever I go, I'm spreading death and not bringing life, as I should. First I let another person die, and then myself...
I was also told that I had been brought back by a elven lady. They didn't know her name ((Ranéwin)) and I only vaguely remember how she looks. I hope that our paths will cross again in the future, so I can give her my thanks.
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((25 January 2006))
Today, I met Tegan ((Tegan)) in Hlint. She looked a little bit down, so I spoke with her for a while. It turns out that she had been killed by a few Kenku's. There are so much death and suffering in this world...
Later I met the elves Menidar ((Menidar)), Lilsacalala ((Lilsacalala)) and Star ((Star Nightfall)). Lilsacalala seems to be quite arrogant, and self confident. She's a little bit hard to get along with, but can still be very nice, if she wants too. Anyway, I went with them to the forest, and Menidar showed us the way to the Rangers Vale. To my great surprise, I found a temple of Aeridin in the middle of it! I'll have to visit it again later...
When we went back again to find some necklace in a cave for Lilsacalala (or more correctly, for the short bard in the inn), we were ambushed by a couple of spiders. That encounter went rather well, as the living flame came to my aid again. Thank you, Aeridin.
The next one didn't go as well... I was again responsible for one persons death. This time, it was Star. I saw that she was badly injured, and tried to pray for Aeridin's help. But... I was too afraid of those spiders. I couldn't get the words out of my mouth... Strangely, her body were no longer there, after the battle. I hope she's fine now, wherever she is.
After taking a break, we went into the cave. We found the necklace Lilsacalala was searching for, but on our way back, we were attacked Hell Hounds. Yes! Hell Hounds! It seems that the demons are appearing everywhere.
Menidar was then forced to leave. Now, we were only two persons left, me and Lilsacalala. As we approached Hlint, a gigantic demon suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Amazingly, it didn't attack us, but instead said: "THIS CITY SHALL FALL AND THOSE WITHIN BE OURS". I tried to speak with it, but it disappeared before I could do that. It gave me something to think, at least. Why didn't it kill us? Could it be so that not even demons are completely evil?
Back in Hlint, I told the people about it and, of course, they rushed out of the city to fight those creatures. I followed them. We went to Leilon, to take the ship to Port Hampshire. But along the road, I was killed again. It always seems to happen to me... Is this a punishment from Aeridin? Or just a curse I have? I don't know...
And, once again, I was brought back to life. It was very strange this time, though... I didn't feel sick (the resurrection sickness, as some calls it)! I have no clue why...
Another person fell later (a dwarf), but luckily, a cleric of Lucinda walked by at that time. I think I'll pay her temple a visit, on my way back to Hlint.
When we finally arrived at Port Hampshire, I decided to leave them. I felt more and more than I was a burden for the group... I dearly hope that they succeeded on whatever they were going to do.
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((25 January 2006 - Later))
Walking around in Hampshire, I met Vestlyn ((Vestlyn)) again. He didn't say what he did there, though. But, then, I didn't ask...
We talked a little bit, and somehow, ended up with discussing the demons. It turned out that he also had met them. I told him about my attempts to speak with them, to know "why"... I thought that he, of all people, would understand me... But, obviously, I was wrong. Like everyone else, he answered, "it’s because of Xandriel defeat (Xandriel was one of the Blood’s generals)".
Does all people really think these attacks only happen because the demons have (temporary) lost their leader? That they are killing randomly? Demons are, according to books I've read, selfish creatures. They wouldn't risk their lives for nothing unless someone forced them. Could it be Blood himself this time? If so, we'll probably have a hard time finding the true answer. He is, after all, one of the best strategists ever...
Anyway... I then left Vestlyn in hurry... I hope I'll meet him again, soon.
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((27 January 2006))
Found the way back to Hlint at last! Luckily, there were no monsters on the road. Puh!
Sitting by the tree as I usually do, I met another nice lady ((Annun Firith)). She seems to be a little bit... brutal... and I must admit that I was a little bit afraid of her. We didn't speak so much, as I had another errand to see to...
Later, a halfling called Acacea ((Acacea Thistletounge)) passed by, along with Alantha ((Alantha T'sarran)) and a human I didn't know. Acacea seems to be a typical halfling: Very, very talktive and joking about everyone and everything... Actually, a quite funny person.
Sitting there, they started to discuss clothes... Yes! Clothes! And fashion trends! Some people are truly strange. Eventually, their topic changed to demons (everyone seems to be talking about them, in one way or another). It turns out that Xandriel (or is it maybe spelled Xandrial?) is in Abyss now, sitting in the council of thirteen (the ruling staff there, according to Alantha) and that's why he's not coming back to our world (and doesn't want to come back). Blood also seems to have some problem with his generals, as they are not completely obeying him.
Much later, I met a halfgiant with the name Micheal Mordicai ((Micheal Mordicai)). He told me that a general devil (or whatever they are called) has been here, looking for Mr Ozy (whoever he is). Interesting as I've only seen "normal" demons (as "normal" as they can be).
An old wizard, Godim Harjumaa ((Godim Harjumaa)), needed some help to get back to his gravestone. So, the impatient elf Elhara ((Elhara)), the paladin Elladan ((Elladan Peters)), and of cource myself, decided to give him a hand. Before we left though, we met lady Ireth ((Ireth Telrunya)). It turned out that she's Elladan's sister. Elladan then left for a while (I wish now, afterwards, that he hadn't...). As we were moving through the east side of Hlint, we met him again. He asked if his sister also were comming. The old wizard told Elladan that she already had left and that we should hurry to catch up with her. I didn't see her leave, at least (and we didn't met her either)... The old man must have misunderstood the question... Or maybe be mixing Elhara's and Ireth's names? I should have corrected him then, but, I didn't...
We went into the Blood Desert and soon, snakes and scorpions started to swarm around us. Elladan was poisoned twice, but thanks to Aeridin, he survived without any complications. But, Godim didn't share his luck... Being impatient, Elhara and Godim soon got separated from me and Elladan and then, suddenly, a band of ogres appeared out of nowhere. The old wizard didn't survive the encounter (it was partly my fault too, as I didn't dare to approach them)...
* Written later. *
"Death is part of the cycle."
That's the second time I've heard someone say that. First time, from the druid I met before comming to Hlint. And now, from Ireth...
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((30 January 2006))
I met new people in Hlint today: Jin Jun Lee ((Jin Lun Lee)) and Orin ((Orin Hale)). To my surprise, both of them turned out to be clerics of Aeridin! Together with Tegan, we ventured into the crypts to help Erag with the darksoul trouble. It didn't go so bad... Quite a few people had gathered in Hlint when we came back to the surface again. One person I didn't recognise was the strange bard Vesath ((Vesath Morgandai)) with a strange sense of humour...
Ireth was also there. I'm very glad that I talked with her...
A large group set out for the Haven mines. New persons I met were Yeleka ((Yeleka Orackhold)), Pig ((Koppig Varken)), Tori ((Victoria Liberalis)) and Drugo ((Drugo Darkstone)). It went pretty well as we had Abigail ((Abigail Ruzz)), Ranéwin and a few others with us. Ruffle was very close to die, though... But I guess, it needs more than "gazillions" of ogres to silence a brownie... I also met Flappa, Ruffle's fearie dragon friend.
Last event this day was when I followed Sabrissia ((Sabrissia Ice)), Jin and Drugo to the Broken Forest. When Jin, Drugo and I were sitting by a lovely campfire just outside the forest, talking about a little bit of everything, a few ogres started to attack us. Poor creatures...
I noticed then that Jin is actually quite hot-headed (especially for a cleric of Aeridin). He should really try to control his anger better, or he might find himself in big trouble in the future...
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((31 January 2006))
Met Lilsacalala today...
Said things to her that I shouldn't... Nasty things...
I'm glad that we parted as friends, at least...
Poor Zweck ((Zweck Sorbet Engel))... I think we confused him quite a bit...
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((1 February 2006))
Listened to Triba ((Triba Gues)) tell the story about the Broken Forest. Have now new respect for the undead roaming there. According to Triba, they are guarding Shadow's grave. Shadow was Selian's old lover (Selian is one of the Seven sisters).
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((2 February 2006))
Today, in Hlint, I met Lilsacalala, Arandwen ((Arandwen)), Abigail and Silool ((Silool Bærath)). The later two ladies are Xeenites and speaks quite "openly" (especially Abigail!). We had a most... uncomfortable... discussion (Abigail and Silool didn't seem to be botherd, though)...
Later, Silool let me try a few of her self-designed clothes. They looked very nice but... showed a little bit too much... to put it mildly. I think she might become a very good friend in the future...
New people I met today (not counting with Silool): A dwarf called Axodeth ((Axodeth Stonecutter)), a dark elf with a wooden leg named Alynderil ((Alynderil Wilsomin)) and lady Isilme ((Isilme Kaimelar)).
Jin seems to dislike dark elves. Maybe as far as hates them... I wonder why...
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((3 February 2006))
I had a talk with Lilsacalala... She's nice and everything... And I like her... But it seems that she likes me more than I like her... I left her in hurry...
* Written later. *
I just met Ravenne ((Sy'Ravenne Firith)) and a few others... Guess what they started to talk about? Clothes, of course...
* Written even later. *
Lilsacalala walked by a few moments ago. She seemed to be angry. She said tha-...
* You notice a few spots of ink covering the page, as though she was surprised at the time writing this. *
Lady Thalis ((Thalis Elwin)) just rushed into Hlint, seriously wounded, with two Stink Beetles behind her. Thanks to Aeridin, who summoned the dear flame to our aid, she survived. A few minutes later, Lilsacalala walked by again, and left as quickly as she came. She didn't seem to like Thalis....
New people I met today: Vance ((Vance Daro)), Taun ((Taun Granitesmasher)), Jharl ((Jharl)), Jason ((Jason Smith)) and Enzo ((Enzo Reynolt)).
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((6 February 2006))
* There are marks of tears on the page. *
There is too much sorrow in the world... Too much misery...
Arandwen and Lilsacalala. Once, they were good friends. More than friends. Now, nothing. Cold ignorance from Lilsacalala, maybe. Nothing more.
I promised Arandwen to speak with Lilsacalala, which I did. But, she didn't seem to listen. She already had decided. She said that she no longer trusts Arandwen. Not after being betrayed. Not wanting to give Arandwen a second chance. Arandwen has hurt her too deeply.
I've heard things about Lilsacalala. Some strange things... People dying around her. Is she...? No. A friend is a friend.
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((7 February 2006))
A strange day, today.
I spoke to Lilsacalala twice. It didn't go very well the first time. I was hiding too many secrets from her, which she disliked, to put it mildly. But I couldn't tell her about them. I didn't want to betray her trust, which I did anyway, by not telling her. She left me in anger.
Later I met her again. This time, I felt that I owed her explanations. For probably the first time in my life, I shared my thoughts with another. She didn't seem to be very glad of hearing them, and I don't blame her. But, despite that, she still listened to me with patience. And spoke with me, even though she could have left instead. I'm very glad for that and hope I'll never have to betray her trust again.
I saw a very strange cat in Hlint today. It wandered around, playing with the other kittens. Mildly speaking... Acting quite strangely. I wonder what it was doing there.
I also met a strange man ((Tiden Di' Ren)) in Hlint. He just stood there, grinning at me! I asked him why, but he only gave me a vague answer...
New people I met today: Skarp-Heiden ((Skarp-Heiden Sigurdson))
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((8 February 2006))
How comes that the darksoul always find his way back to the Hlint crypts? Or, is it maybe another darksoul I met today? I can't tell for sure... Anyway, I went down there with the elf Raven ((Raven Nightbreeze)), and with a great deal of luck and help from Aeridin, we managed to get back too. Raven was very kind to give me the skeleton knuckles we found. It seems that I've finally found a use for them: Healing Potions!
Later, Sabrissia, Lilsacalala, Isilme, Pig and myself went down to the Haven mines. The conclusion I can draw from that trip is simply: Very dangerous place to go to!
Poor ogres... But I guess, what we did was necessary. For the safety of others...
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((9 February 2006))
I died today. Again. It wasn't a demon this time, though...
Together with Clalai ((Clalai Dwin'are)) and Pig, we went to the crypts in Krandor, to help a little girl get her grandfather's urn back. Clalai scouted for us, and Pig took care of most of the fighting. This "tac-tic", as Pig called it, worked quite well... But then, on the second level, we met a burning skeleton. He looked quite dangerous, but he was alone after all. Or, at least, that was what we thought... Clalai and Pig started to attack him when suddenly, a few other of his skeleton friends appeared! I was greatly surprised by that! I never imagined that the undead could make such a trap (except for liches, maybe)! Clalai was badly hurt, and I tried to help her, of course. But before I reached her, something hit my head and everything went dark...
Opening my eyes, I found myself back in Hlint again and, somehow, I knew I had died... Being too weak to do anything useful, I decided to stay there...
Walking around, I soon met a very nice dark elf named Zarquil. I promised her to give some mushrooms to Isilme next time I met her...
New people I met today: Ferrit ((Ferrit)) and Jako ((Jako Stonehill))
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((10 February 2006))
Today, I went to the Haven Mines again together with few other persons. It was a disaster, to put it mildly. We lost Jin while venturing down to the deeper levels... But, he wasn't going to be the only person dying... Angered by their leaders death, the ogres gathered in much greater numbers on our way back to surface. We didn't have a chance... I think, I was the only survival...
Back in Hlint, I met Isilme. I hope Zarquil doesn't mind that it took a little longer than expected to deliver the mushrooms...
Pig was also there. And so was the wizard called Rufus ((Rufus Coldfinger)). He clearly misunderstood Pig and thought that Pig called him pig. We tried to explain it to Rufus but it seems that he didn't want to listen... When he finally walked away, he promised Isilme that they would meet again (unpleasant meeting)... I hope it's only empty threats.
Later, together with Pig and Isilme and a couple of other persons, we travelled to the Dragon Isles. One very remarkable quickling (I think they are called that) in our party was Mille ((Mille Mooneyes)). She said she was a mapmaker! Wonderful! I always seem to get lost...
Unfortunately, she didn't have one with a safe route back to Hlint... And... Of course... I took the wrong turn and found myself in the middle of a group of undead. I can only hope that they were more interested in hunting me than Mille, so at least one of us could get away alive...
Too many people has died today... Far too many... I'm so sorry...
New people I met today: Geddrin ((Geddrin SwiftHammer)), Grogan ((Grogan Gorsch)), Habril ((Habril So Dalim))
(( Accidentaly overwrote the chatlogs, so a few names is missing. ))
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((13 February 2006))
The bard lost her necklace again.
I went to the Sielwood Mines (she always seems to lose it there) with Renji ((Renji)), Imarr ((Imarrisan Ameri)), Jin and Ax ((Axzäir)). We also met the paladin Tarradon ((Tarradon Duvall)) of Rofirein. Or, at least, I think he was a paladin... After finding the necklace, we went back to Hlint again.
There, I met Ranéwin, who was really nice and even gave me a bag! I'm truly thankful for that, as it lets me carry a little bit more than usual... I also followed her to the Storan's Crypt, but we could only visit the first level because the key to the deeper ones was nowhere to be found...
Later, I followed Sabrissia and a couple of other people to Dire Woods. Again, I got myself killed there... Most of us did, I think... It seems that some curse follows me... Whenever I leave Hlint, I die. Or someone else around me...
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((14 February 2006))
Names! I have a lot of them now!
Today, I met Bob ((Bob Copperhead)), Wen ((Wen)), Tyrian ((Tyrian Baldu'muur)), Tegan, Renji and Raven in Hlint. They were going to the Krandor's Crypts to search for the urn the little girl wanted. As I was too tired at this time, I didn't follow them. Instead, I took a long nap in the Inn.
Later, I met Zweck and we talked a little bit about our pasts... I wonder, though... Why is some people so touchy?
Sabrissia and Celgar ((Celgar Magnus)) came after a while. We had a fascinating discussion about whether golems could "die" or not. But I don't think we reached any conclusion, though...
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((15 February 2006))
My name list has grown even bigger today.
First, I met Desicardon ((Desicardon The Brute)), a barbarian as he called himself. Walking around in Hlint, searching for Isilme actually, I met the dwarf Durgen ((Durgen Stormbrow)). He said he had seen her near the windmill, so I went there. But, of course, with my usual luck, she had already left. I decided to take a look in the crafting house (she's sometimes there) and nearly crashed into Kobal ((Kobal Bluntaxe))! I think I have to add myself to the list of "busy people running around in Hlint"...
When I came back to the usual "chatting" place in Hlint, I met Barion. He was waiting for Sabrissia (as usual). They seem to be deeply in love... Which I am glad for. The world would be a much better place if there were more people like them!
I also met Kloss ((kloss)), a follower of Katia. Seems to be a quite nice person...
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((16 February 2006))
I bought two rings from Isilme today... Quite useful, as they make one remember things better. She also gave me an amulet for free! So very nice of her!
Later, I went with her, Arandwen, Ireth, Elladan and many others to the Haven Mines. Luckily, everyone managed to get back to surface again...
New people I met today: Helarik ((Helarik Arestenil)), Jamekulus ((Jamekulus Gnald))
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((17 February 2006))
Things I've done today:
- Helped Zargo ((Zargo Stonehelm)).
- Talked with people in Hlint (Ireth, Elladan and Pig to name a few of them).
- Collected skeleton knuckles.
- Persuaded Arandwen that I was using the skeleton knuckles to make healing potions, not building skeletons (horrible thought!).
- Venturing into the Hlint crypts with Arandwen and Firin ((Mornarith Firin)).
- Found out that Arandwen could speak with animals in their own language.
- Noticed that some skeletons can throw fire.
- Met a strange person ((Elribril Drake)) who didn't want to be healed.
- Walking around in Sielwood forest with Sabrissia.
- Given Jin some mushrooms.
- Exchanged some healing potions for skeleton knuckles with Brenden ((Brenden Raign)).
- Given Elladan a healing potion as thanks for the skeleton knuckles he gave me.
Interesting side note is that two persons wanted to sell things to me today. The first on was Pendar ((Pendar The Hooded One)) who offered a belt of cunning and the second one was Geir ((Geir Sigurdson)). Nobody has done that before...
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((18 February 2006))
Ranéwin showed me a tablet she recently found on the corpse of a demon. She said that the demon seemed focused on killing several members of the Leilon administration. Something bad is going on here...
Zen ((Zen)) passed by a while later. And, somehow, our topic changed to "names". Ranéwin told me that her last name is Del'Armgo which was related to a drow family... Strange...
Some new names I picked up today (most of them by listening to other conversations): Kyle ((Kyle Pandorn)), Raze ((Raze Intomety Dragonas)), Ash ((Ash Willo))
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((20 February 2006))
The day started with sitting (actually, standing) in Hlint and listening to Ozy ((Ozymandias Llewellyn)) tell stories. Horrible stories. There are so much evil in this world...
Later, I met three strange persons: Sywyn ((Sywyn Rydralla)), Hand ((Handil Danoscia)) and Valan ((Valandil Sherwood)). Sywyn seems to be Valan's best friend. Hand is... I don't know how to describe him. But he did eat rat eyes and tried to do the same with the cat!
The most interesting person was Valan. He seems to be a little bit odd, but still, I like him. Very much. He gave me a flower before I left. I still have it here...
I met him again in the crafting house much later. He was practicing tailoring before I came and disturbed him. Pendar passed by a while later and we decided to come along with him when he was going to get some clay. On the way, we met a dark elf ((Ilmryn Colara)) who was fighting a halfling. He didn't seem to be very nice and had hard fealings against elves (or, actually, all surfacers). We also met Alrath ((Xenadrin Zin'Jarlan)). As I usually do from time to time, I asked for Aeridin's relation to his deity. To my surprise, I found out that we has following an evil one. I made a mistake by not telling the others. A lot of kobolds died unnecessary when he charged into them. They weren't threatening anyone... Please forgive me, Aeridin...
Much later, I met Pig, Isilme and a few other persons. We went to Krandor's Crypts to help a few persons getting back to their graves. There are so much death in the world...
Some of the new names today: Venus ((Dal'Venus Suranen)), Laurana ((Laurana Silverleaf)), Geddrin ((Geddrin SwiftHammer)), Vilanos ((Vilanos Listorian))
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((21 February 2006))
Giving things away... That's what I've been doing today.
First, I gave Kyle a copper ingot and miners pick which I found in the Hlint Crypts. Very heavy to carry around...
Later, I met Abigail. I came along with her when she went to gather cotton. Poor orcs, though. They seem to prefer fighting before talking. After that, we went to the goblins caves to get some salt. Unluckily, some other persons where already there. So, we went back to Hlint again. Sitting on our usual places (Abigail on the bench and I on the grass), she started to ask some most uncomfortable questions. She can sometimes be very, very forward...
After helping Armolas ((Armolas Folian)) with the crypts, I met Curtis ((Curtis Simon Orcutt)), Eric ((Eric Ravenhair)) and the goblin Prothro ((prothro)) in Hlint. We talked a little bit about the rumors of spider demons in the sewers. Just "random chatting"... When Curtis and Prothro left to do something else, I went to the crypts again (to collect skeleton knuckles for my potions). Eric came along, and I must say that he's a quite good soldier. Very sure of himself...
While walking back to Hlint again, I met Ranéwin. And guess what, she was looking for the bones too. Stealing her words: "Crypts crowded tonight." We talked for a while and eventually the topic changed to dragons (strange isn't it?). It seems that she has seen two of them (one called Fisteron and the other called Long Storm)! Amazing! They are quite rare, after all. She also gave me a warning. Being a powerful cleric, she can resurrect dead people. The warning was that sometimes, one has to pay a high price...
Later, I met Arandwen, Ireth, Angela ((Angela Swann)) and a few others. Finally, I've found someone to give all the strange things I find to (for example: tinker's tools, traps, woodcutter's axe...).
The day ended with a trip to the crypts with Sabrissia (after a nice chat with her, Ranéwin and Acacea). She seems to have become a very good wizard...
Other new names for today: Laurana ((Laurana Silverleaf)), Farros ((Farros Galdor))
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((22 February 2006))
Today, I met Valan again. He helped me with collecting bones to healing potions. So very nice of him!
I also met two very interesting sisters: Allie ((Alassë Hilliaraname)) and Silly ((Silmarwen Hilliaraname)). Those are of course only their short names. They gave me one too. Or more correctly, two short names. Allie now calls me Allei (note the close spelling!) while Silly calls me Lilu (I have no idea how she made that one).
We talked about a little bit of everything. Like, about a guy with a tail, hunting for a girlfriend (Zweck maybe?). Short names and real names. Whether I was a druid, a cleric or a mage with a divine issue (Allie's words). Capes and fashion. Stupid graveyard gates slamming into one. We also talked with Pig when he passed by, but unluckily; Silly said something rather offensive which made him walk away. To her defense, I must add that she meant no harm. Just too free with her words...
Both of them are followers of Lucinda (Allie is a wizard while Silly is a cleric). Most of their family members seems to be that. I felt that I could trust them enough to tell them about my own past. I'm glad that I did that. They were good listeners (one can easily, incorrectly, believe that they are too impatient to do that) and also offered me help to find my own family (if they are still alive...). And they even took me into their own. Started to call me sister... They might not know it, but that meant a great deal for me... I've finally found someone to talk with. To laugh with. And to share my thoughts with...
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((23 February 2006))
I met my two sisters again (I'm going to use that word from now). They had collected some skeleton knuckles for me. So very nice of them! I've become quite good at making healing potions now, I think.
Acacea, or "Acacea Griffon Rider" which is her new title according to herself, passed by after a while with her pony. Quite intelligent pony actually, as it can untie knots. Very suitable for a halfling like her! They greeted each other (which sounded more like friendly insults for me). Allie should really try to improve her manners. Or she'll start to spit frogs, as Silly says... (Just got an interesting thought: What if I put one in the next healing potion I give her? I bet she would be surprised...)
Anyway, we (or more like, they) talked about my sisters' family members. Acacea seems to know most of them. Their mother, aunt, uncle... I hope I'll meet them myself some day. They also drew the conclusion that the water in the well in Hlint isn't all that great. Like dead fishes in it... Dwarf toe cheese... Talking shoes... I guess, I'll only drink juice from now.
We talked for a long time, but in the end, my two sisters had to leave to prepare some festival and Acacea went to Hampshire. Myself? Well, I met Mille and talked a little bit about maps and mushrooms, before getting some sleep...
Much later, I met Arandwen and Zweck. We went to the Storand's Crypt, at my suggestion. It was definitively not one of the wisest things I've done so far... We were quite alright, in the beginning. But soon, too many of the undead started to gather around us... I think I fell unconscious twice (the skeletons hits very hard!) but, luckily, all of us survived. And many thanks to Isilme who came to our aid (and to Arandwen and Zweck, for not leaving me, as they easily could have done!). I did get 3 Bodak's Teeth... Which (might) mean 3 healing potions... Great! And even more thanks to Isilme.
I left them in hurry, though. They started to ask some most uncomfortable questions. I wonder... Has Abigail learned how to duplicate and polymorph herself?
New people I met today: Mael ((Maelverik Reznar))
-
((24 February 2006))
* It looks like though she was very excited while writing this. *
I met Eldárwen ((Eldárwen Hilliaraname)) today! Allie's and Silly's mother! I'm also going to refer her as "mother" from now, as Allie and Silly have accepted me as their sister! It's a little bit strange, though. She looks only a few years older than my sisters, but is still their real mother! I guess, some people ages slower than others.
Anyway, I told mother about my past, with a little bit more details than I did the time when I first met my two sisters. Usually, I have some difficulties doing that, but not today. It was like though the mere presence of mother calmed me. She asked me a few questions, and I answered them as good as I could. She told me that she would speak with some people to try to get more information. I really appreciate that! Mother seems to know a lot of important people. Like a cleric of Aeridin named Athus. He seems to be the best healer in the whole Layonara! And he's the man behind the soul mother’s disappearance for now! Mother even told me that she would try to let me meet him one day!
And that wasn't everything. They (or I should probably write "we") have a house in Dregar and I'm going to start to live there soon. Yes! Getting my own room and everything! They are sooooo kind!
Much later, I met a dwarf named Sturdy ((Kilian Frostpond)) and Skarp. We went to Berhagen (the mountains near Fort Valensk) as Sturdy had to meet someone there. Along the way, we ran into an Emerald Golem and quite a few Hill Giants. Very dangerous creatures, as I found out. Up there was a dwarven city. What's so very fascinating with that one was that it's located in a cave! Amazing! Must have been a very hard work to build it...
On our way back to Hlint, we stopped by in a small town (Skarp had to do something). I visited the crypt there which was much nicer than the one in Hlint (no walking skeletons!). I also found a waterfall nearby, and took the opportunity to play around a little bit in the cold water. And to refill my canteens with "clean" water...
Skarp and I also had a nice discussion about the bad sides with being married (he's married). Like, one's wife/husband taking away some part of one's freedom by setting up rules. He thought that it's easier for a woman to marry a man than the other way around (due to the fact that the man usually makes fewer rules than the woman). But I believe in the opposite... The woman HAS to make more rules, because the man is up to more mischief...
New people I met today that I didn't mention before: Serahlin ((Serahlin)), Allyn ((Allyn Lycaon))
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((27 February 2006))
(( Quest - The portrait of a man whose face cannot be seen ))
I went to Krandor with Allie and Silly today where we met Ireth, Elladan, Ranéwin and many others. Later in the evening, a black carriage dragged by two black horses came by. A man approached us and presented himself as Idraven, the Chamberlain of the Baron's Household. He was wearing black robes, a black scabbard and carried a shield with the symbol of a black raven. If I remember correctly, the man even had black eyes! Creepy...
He invited us to dine with Baron Zsartival Orios III and, of course, we said yes. So, we stepped into the carriage (after Allie had ran and bought some new "not-muddy" clothes) and found out that it wasn't more colourful inside either (and black curtains covered the windows). I made a comment about "black" and "necromancy" but according to Silly, "white" is actually the correct colour for it, to symbolise the coldness of the art. Interesting...
After some time, the carriage finally stopped (thank the gods that Allie didn't play with the wheels!). We found us in front of a big, big manor house. A high wall surrounded the place and the only way in (and out) was through a iron door which shut behind us. Very creepy!
When we entered the house I felt something strange. As though it was some sort of magic nullifying zone (but still not a completely magic free zone). I think a few others also felt that, judging by their surprised faces and the whispers. Anyway, we met the baron (guess what colour his robes were?) and went with him to the dining room after putting away our weapons and armours. As someone said: "I am starting to think we ARE dinner."
It was a big hall with a lot of helpful people walking around ("servants" as some persons call them). The first dish was soup. Leek and cucumber soup, to be exact. Lovely, but quite a few persons looked at it suspiciously before tasting it. During the meal (the soup was followed by roasted hogs, ducks and chickens), the baron asked us to tell him about our "stories". I noticed that he took great interest when certain things were mentioned, like when Elladan confronted an avatar or when the dwarf (didn't get his name) confronted the demon. Something felt wrong...
The baron was actually very nice and had quite good manners (if you are peeking into my diary now, Allie, I must add that you should try to improve yours!). But, he did have sudden outbursts of anger, which was scary, to put it mildly...
And then it happened. He changed. Claw burst from his skin. Fangs protruded from his mouth. He changed into a vampire. Luckily, we didn't have to fight him. No, instead he told us his story (which he didn't want to give us before) and asked us to end his curse. And, of course, we promised him to do that (we didn't have so much choice anyway).
So, after getting our weapons and armours back, we went down to the lower levels. But just as we went down there, darkness surrounded us. Very, very thick darkness. Undispellable darkness (I tried). Moans and cries could be heard from the darkness. I couldn't do anything... When the light finally came back, many persons had fallen. Among them was Allie. Many thanks to Ayla who brought her back to life!
But, the trouble didn't stop there. Even if the evil vampire was defeated, his soul (the mist) wasn't. It kept possessing people and turning them against us. We had to kill our own... I don't know what happened next but, somehow, he was completely defeated. Silly mentioned some jar or something... Didn't understand it really...
When we came back to the surface, we found the house empty. The curse had finally lifted! But, it seems that the magic holding that place together was beginning to fall too. Things started to age...
Hurrying, we left as the trees and vines quickly consumed the manor, hiding it forever...
New people I've met today: Freida ((Freida)), Sin'Dolin ((Sin'Dolin Val'entalith))
Just noticed that I have over 100 names in my collection now!
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((28 February 2006))
Didn't happen very much today. Met some new people: Morgana ((Morgana Fray)), Jareg ((Jareg De'Brak))
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((1 Mars 2006))
Today I went to the dire (piggy) woods with Allie and Silly. We found ourselves in tight situations a couple of times (like, when a pig and some robbers ambushed us), but overall it didn't go very bad. Or, more correctly, it was alright until I dazed off ((crashed)) in the middle of some spiders. My sisters survived though, and that's the only thing that matters.
New people I've met today: Hickle ((Hickle the Nimble))
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((2 Mars 2006))
I met a very impolite dwarf today, named Turor ((Turor Sunderstone)). He didn't seem to like elves very much... He would probably have hurt me, if not for Matilda ((Matilda Jenice Landsend)) stopping him. But, later when I met him, he seemed to have calmed down a little bit (his insults were less "aggressive"). One could maybe befriend him one day...
Walking around I stumbled upon Isilme, Arandwen and Jin. They had an argument about her name. She's called Moonlight now, which Jin didn't like. He said something about her following a path that eventually might lead to darkness. I doubt that...
Later, I met my two sisters again. Allie had a big surprise for me and Silly! And, I don't mean the "clothes" she was wearing, or that she turned herself to a bug. That was of course also surprising, but the biggest one was the keys she gave us. Yes! The keys to our house! We'll probably go there next week or so!
One thought, though. Why is everyone so interested if I have a boyfriend or not? I mean, there a few persons I do like, but not all THAT much...
New people I've met today: Allean ((Allean D'oremm)), Addison ((Addison Scarlace)), Dwar ((Dwar Whurmeck))
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((3 Mars 2006))
Talking with a few friends in Hlint. That's what I've done today. A completely "normal" today!
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((4 Mars 2006))
Allie and Silly have been walking around and asking questions about my "boyfriend"! Yes they did that! But, I don't have any and they don't seem to believe me! Allie even wanted to cast a charm spell on me! Aww...
Luckily, their attention shifted to Ozy who passed by. He's very good at telling stories!
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((5 Mars 2006))
Went to the swamp today with Freldo ((Freldo Jabutica)), Berry ((Berriford Wyndcliff)) and Freida.
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((6 Mars 2006))
Today, I met Anderoth again. We talked for some time and he said some kind words to me. He also said that he had some... feelings... for me. Nobody has done that before. I'm not sure how I'm going to respond to that...
Later, I met Saren ((Saren Tirastrae)) and Bostuk ((Bostuk Mikal)) in the Hlint crypts and helped them collecting darksoul essence for Erag. Didn't go all that bad...
After getting some sleep, I met Allie, Silly and Renji. I love my two sisters very much, but some things are just too improper to do! Allie told me that she and her little pixie Serâph have been telling people things about me! Not bad things really, but still things one shouldn't talk about! And I don't even know if all of it are true. For example, she told a person that I "liked" him (she refused to tell me and Silly who he was, but I suspect it's Anderoth). My dear sister is going to get me in big trouble! Anyway, we made a nice long trip, visiting mines, mountains, woods... Pretty much a little bit everywhere.
Much, much later, I met Isilme and Arandwen. They were arguing with a lady of the woods (I forgot to ask her name). It seems that lady Eàmanë ((Eàmanë Sùrion)) had been killing helpless badgers with fireballs. Very sadly... Pointless death should be avoided at all cost. But she did promise not to do that again which is good. While speaking with them, I noticed that my two friends have changed. Isilme seems to be more... cold. That's the only way I can describe it. And Arandwen seems to obey everything Isilme says. She even called her "mistress" which upset Ozymandias...
So, I went over to speak with him. Ozymandias seems to be very wise and knows pretty much everything that's going on in the world. But I did have some difficulties understanding some of the things he said. Anyway, he found it disturbing that a follower of runner (Kitherain) would call a follower of death (Corath) "mistress". If I understood him right, he meant that Isilme was a follower of Corath... I dearly hope she's not, but if she is, it's nothing I can do about it. Everyone has to make their own choices in life. Forcing others to take the same path as oneself is an evil act...
Ozymandias told me about the gods. Of how the two greatest dragon gods, Pyrtechon and Rofiren, struggled for control. Of how Blood actually fights for everyone's independence (doing it in an unacceptable way by killing everyone that comes into his path and trying to get the power for himself). He also told me the story behind how Katia was raised to godhood. And that Erag is actually a Corathite! The lesser darksoul is something he accidentally summoned...
I don't really know what to think about Ozymandias. He seems to be kind and everything, but there is also a darker side of him. And no, he's not evil. That's not what I mean. But... Well... He's not a saint. He has a different way to see things than others. Maybe a "more true" point-of-view...
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((8 Mars 2006))
It has been a strange day. Very strange day.
First, I met Silly and mother. They were talking about "proper wearing of clothes" if I understood correctly. Somehow, the topic switched to my "boyfriend" (which Silly stubbornly insisted that I had). And then, Anderoth appeared and asked a question. A "do you want to start seeing each other" question! It must have been one of the most embarassing moments in my life! Especially since my mother and sister was laughing. Well, I would probably have done the same thing, if I were them. To put it midly, I was completely unprepared for that question. I mean, he's a quite nice person and I do like him to some degree. But still... I'm not ready for these things...
The next strange event was with Sabrissia. We found her laying in the soil, covered with blood. She seemed to be insane. She told us that some vampires had been attacking her. And that a lich was after her. I hope for her own sake that's not true... Or, she's in really big trouble...
The third strange event was when we met Llu, one of mother's friends. According to mother, she's one of the world's best enchantress! Not someone one meets everyday! The only way to describe her is that she's strange... As though not used to talking with people.
We also saw a big cat, attacking a smaller cat...
Very, very strange day indeed...
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((9 Mars 2006))
The big cat I mentioned yesterday is actually a Wemic called Azekunda ((Azekunda "Swiftbow")). He's very nice but a little bit difficult to understand, as I can't speak his language and his common isn’t very good... Luckily, we met Allean later, who could speak Azekunda's language. I hope I'll see him again! Always nice to speak with people of different kind.
After getting some sleep (I do that a lot), I met Anderoth and two dwarves in the forge. Twice, Anderoth kissed my cheek. A very nice gesture and I think I like it... But, I'm not sure if he's the right person for me... I'm really not sure...
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((11 Mars 2006))
I met Abigail today. She hasn't changed much... Still as forward as ever...
I also spoke with Isilme today. She still seems to be as nice as she has ever been...
Some things never changes, I guess...
New names I collected today: Elribril ((Elribril Drake)), Urgas ((Urgas Bouldershoulder)), Cassandra ((Cassandra Demonbane))
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((12 Mars 2006))
Today, I spent most of my time talking with mother and Matilda. We discussed paladins, Renji, Hlint water... A little bit of everything, really... After a while, mother's shadow did something funny. It waved by itself, and stepped away from her! She told us that his name was Blink and she had met him in the Plane of Shadows. Blink seems to like peeking up others' skirts... Very rude!
Anyway, she told us about that plane. Mother went there a little more than one hundred years ago to help her friend Laanela, the weird of earth, find a soul. (She told me that I would meet the weirds one day... Right now, I've no clue of what they are, actually...) The dangers there were both physical and mental. Constant attacks from evil creatures and the fact that the plane itself sucked life and will from one. In the end, mother decided to rest, even though she knew that it would be fatal. She said that she probably would have become a shadow herself if not for Blink appearing. He protected her from harm while she slept. And followed her when she wasn't. Chatting. Like a really good friend...
But still she didn't find what she was looking for... She was going to give up the search when she told Blink about it. And then, mother realised how the Plan of Shadows actually worked. Walking was no use there. No, one's will was the key. Laanela was given a soul but Blink... dissolved... Had mother lost her new friend? No... The story ended luckily. On her way back to our plane, she noticed that Blink had actually become her own shadow!
Mother also told us another story. But, I'm not going to write it down, just in case someone steals this book. She told me that it was a secret and I'm going to keep it. Forever.
Much later, I went with Anderoth, Renji and many others to the Haven Mines. Very dangerous place... It seems that minotaurs are appearing there too! Unexpected... Before I left, Anderoth kissed me on my lips. I tried to jump away, but I was a too slow... He seems to like me very much... But, I don't think I can return his love. I don't know how to tell him... I don't want to make him sad... But, I have to tell him sooner or later... I think... Sooner is better... Yes... I'll get the courage to do it next time I meet him... I hope I will...
Please, Aeridin... Give me the strength to do it... Before it becomes a disaster... Please...
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((13 Mars 2006))
Today, I met Serahlin again. She's quite nice actually, but strange. Very strange. Even more than my sisters... It's hard to explain... But she is really, really strange...
I've spent most of my time today with Matilda. We were searching for my sisters. In the beginning, just because I wanted to find them, and later, because I couldn't find them... If that makes sense. Anyway, we talked a lot while walking around Mistone, visiting Fort Valensk, Port Hampshire, Spellgard and a few other places... It seems that Sabrissia has been bonded to an undead creature when she was bitten by it, and mother is going to break that bond. Very nice of her! They had to gather a few things for the ritual, though, which Matilda couldn't do without Sabrissia's presence...
In Fort Valensk, we met Angus ((Angus de'Averam)), Serahlin and Isilme. We had a discussion about necromancy with Isilme. According to Matilda, that art isn't evil by itself and I guess she's right... She's actually a necromancer herself and as far as I've seen, she has never done anything evil. I made the comment about that "not all necromancers are evil" and... Well... Isilme got angry... She thought that I implied that Eàmanë was evil, which I of course didn't. I didn't even know Eàmanë was a necromancer before Isilme told me! Isilme also confirmed what Ozymandias told me. She's a follower of Corath now...
After walking around the whole Mistone (it felt so, at least), we found us back in Hlint again. It seems that Sabrissia is preparing for joining the Lucindite order and Matilda is going to be her teacher. They talked about the Five Holy Tenants and some other Lucindite things...
In the meanwhile, I spoke with Mille. She said that she had just come back from another world! A nature world with fays living there. Probably the world of T'oleflor, judging by her description of it. Mille spoke with the queen there and also met a nice boy... It seems to be a truly wonderful place... Much like a dream... I wish I had been there myself...
Much later, I met Arandwen. She's living with Isilme and Eàmanë now. I told her about my thought of the path Isilme is following right now. Arandwen said that she hasn’t seen Isilme do anything evil so far and neither have I actually... I think that I still can count Isilme as a friend... Yes...
New people I met today: Barnaby ((Barnaby Kross)), Xandrian ((Xandrian Mor))
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((14 Mars 2006))
I (finally!) met my sisters again. Allie mentioned some demonic boot and jumping cows (Minotaurs, I believe). Much more interesting than what I and Matilda did... Silly gave me a oak longbow which mother had made for me. Yay!
Matilda was also there, and we had a very, very long discussion about Corath. The fact that Isilme is a Corathite had also reached my sisters. They are taking the news... differently...
* Obviously, she hasn't written down her thoughts about that topic this time. *
I thought that Allie had been bored of talking about "who's my boyfriend" but obviously I was wrong. She's bringing up that topic at the most unexpected opportunities. And, well... My answer was still that I haven't got any boyfriend. I doubt I ever will...
Lady Llu passed by a while later. She gave Allie the task to explain what memories are (before Llu takes Allie as her
apprentice).... Tricky!
As usual, we had a very, very long discussion about a little bit of everything (nasty creatures, magic, Lucinda, etc). Too much to write down here, though...
New people I met today: Star ((Star Nightfall)), Berilu ((Berilu Fiercerock)), Lam ((Lam'lothane Xu'Linarch))
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((15 Mars 2006))
Allie, Silly and I talked about dreams today. Silly's dreaming about fey while Allie's dreams are about adventure, magic and wells. We talked about normal dreams, bad dreams (also called nightmares) and weird dreams. The possible and impossible was always a topic we touched. I love philosophy!
We made a nice little trip with Kloss, Ayla and some others to Storen's Crypt and the mountains. Didn't go all that bad...
New people I met today: Lue ((Lueanne Lightfinger))
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((16 Mars 2006))
I visited my home today with mother, Acacea and Triba! The house lies on Dregar, just beside a wonderful lake. Mother and Triba showed me around and presented for the others. I met:
- Tom. A giant tomato.
- Gigi. A girl with too much energy.
- Tunor. A poor boy. Doesn't talk very much.
- Nana. Well... Nana!
- Marcus. Best to keep a watch on one's things around him... If one wants to keep them, that is!
- Carolyn. Very formal for a kid. Plays chess.
- Faustus. Also plays chess.
- Xania. The oldest of the kids.
- Lots and even more children...
Truly wonderful family!
Back in Hlint, Acacea and Triba started to discuss sand magic (mother had to attend a meeting, or something like that). Elladan passed by after some time and gave me an Oaken Quarterstaff! So very nice of him!
Triba mentioned a weapon called the Shadow Blade. According to her, that's pretty much the only blade that can hurt Blood... I don't know to whether like or dislike this... I mean, killing is a bad thing, but sometimes it's necessary to save lives by taking lives...
Much later, we met mother in Haven and sat down and talked for a long time. She explained the Lucindite orders for me. When one first comes to the temple, one is ranked as an initiate. After a year or so, one is put into two wards (Gis) which are based on what the one is good at. The largest ward of Lucinda is the Akh'faern Gis which is the mage ward. Not so very strange that that one is the biggest one... People in the Uvaer Gis are focused on seeking knowledge much like followers of Aragen, but tends to concentrate a little bit more on things that has something to do with magic. Silly's placed in Fallan Gis (the healing ward) and Ardhon Gis (the plane ward).
At the top of the chain, as mother put it, is Allurial the Queen of Mistone and the Chosen of Lucinda. She's busy with other things though, so the real head of the faith is the Warder Altariel. The highest rank in a ward is the Nigthwoven and mother is the Dawnwoven of Akh'faern Gis which makes her the second highest in that ward. But, she's also the Threadmistress of the Cerlyn Wethrina which kind of makes her equal to Allurial and Altariel... I won't write too much about this topic, though, as mother said that some of the things are secrets...
A side note: Mother said that she would maybe let me meet the queen and the warder one day... And the weirds... And grandmother... Wonderful! And so very nice of her!
Later, some other people passed by. One of them (the creepy one) asked if I was mother's real daughter or not. I don't really mind people asking that question, but guess what mother answered him? She said that I was the same as all of her children and that was what mattered for her... I can't explain how I felt at that moment... How deeply affected I was by those few words... I don't know if she noticed, but I... I can't find words for it...
* It seems that she took a break from writing, here. *
Long time ago, there were four elemental pools. These pools were part of Layonara and helped stabilizing the plane itself. Water served as divination, the information gathering power of the pools, a source of knowledge of current events and future pathways. Earth was best with origins, finding where things began and how, focused and settled on the firmly writtten past. Fire served as the destructive capacity of the weird, a force of endings that served to replenish the cycle constantly in endings. Air... Well, mother didn't know what good Air was for... But she said that Air was supposed to be the most potent (she didn't think so herself, though).
These pools also help stabilizing the links of Layonara so that we can call for aids from other planes. Like mother's huge cute golem Mushy! Or the air mini...
Anyway, in the ancient times, the pools were served by four spirits. These creatures were completely neutral in all things and only devoted to the balance of the four elements. People from all around the world were to seek them as these four creatures were pretty much regarded as oracles. But, to ask a question, the answer-seekers were generally put into a quest. The actions of the seeker during his or her quest fed the pools (in a sense of positive force). The quality of the answers depended on how successful the quest was.
The years passed, and the pools were forgotten. Denied from the force, the guardians slowly died away. Mother's theory is that the pools were abused which resulted in that the seekers no longer produced enough of positive energy for the creatures to live. Or worse, producing negative energy which corrupted the pools themselves...
The planar links weakened and that's when grandmother stepped in about 250 years ago. Her intent was to build new sentient construct of the pools, to stabilize them once again. After 50 years or so, she managed to bind constructs to scrolls. For Earth, she used a young earth-spirit. For Air, she bound grandfather’s soul whom had recently died. For Fire, she chooses an efreet that needed a place to hide. And for Water, she picked a queen of the fey. These four are the weirds today...
But, at that time, they were just scrolls with concious, and as the prior spirits of the pools, they needed essence to survive. Not in the same magnitude, though, as they weren't linked to the pools at this time. In order to get the required energy, these four scrolls were bound to four persons. Mother was given Earth. Her brother was given Fire. But, corrupted by the lust for power, her brother fled with Fire and once again, the elements were unbalanced and couldn't be linked to the pools.
To make it worse, the links dissolved more quickly than expected. Time was running out, and having few options left, grandmother decided that she herself would need to tend the links to the planes. So, she turned herself to a Baelnorn, an elven lich of good nature. But, even doing that, she was aware of that she couldn't last forever and could only pray that the four scrolls would unite and bear fruit in time...
New people I met today: Enyaill ((Enyaill Waaty)), Yardislan ((Yardislan Echron))
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((17 Mars 2006))
I met Reggub ((Reggub Hillhop)) today whom seems to be slightly crazy (burning, burning and even more burning!). Mother said he's a follower of Pyrtechon, so that's probably not so very strange, after all...
Mother was busy with her paperwork for the church today, so Triba was the one telling us stories instead. There are basicly two types of dragons: The good Metallic dragons, which are made of different metals and named after them, and the evil Chromatic dragons, which are named after their colors. There's also a third neutral type which are made of gems, but they are even more rare. Mother said that they probably withdrew when the dragons started to fight each other.
Sinthar Bloodstone, the one everybody has come to know by name at least, was once banished as he tried to exterminate all the dragons. He was actually the main reason why the first dragon war ended. Even though the dragon gods left and most of the dragons went to hiding at his banishment, there were plenty of them left. Triba said that one could find an adult black dragon if one walked deep enough in the swamps just east of Hlint, or a blue one if one ventured to the small desert near the High Forest.
But in the last 50 years or so, they've been hunted down. Some by our side, some by unknown forces. Today, only 4 ancient dragons remain in Layonara. All Chromatic ones...
Fisterion - A red dragon who's the self styled king of dragons. The most powerful of them in his own way and also Pyrtechon's avatar. Has a really bad temper and, to put it mildly, hates mother.
Shadrixkayl - A shadow dragon. Very, very evil and the real "most-powerful-dragon" in the world. The true ruler of the underworld.
Long Storm - A female blue dragon who lives in the deserts of Dregar. Her real name is quite long and ugly according to Triba and she's bad tempered too. Sounded much like a spoiled girl-dragon in the way Triba put it...
Black Plague - A black dragon. Used to live in the Battle Fens Caves but now on Dregar, inside a crypt in the Dark Forest.
There was also a female green dragon called Fezrekethania who used to live in some old ruins within the jungles of Roldem. Her lair was a "magic goes crazy"-zone but didn't seem to be of an issue to Blood, who killed her a few years ago...
The fate of the Metallic dragons is less known... The last contact our side had with them was with Silver (a silver dragon, I think...).
What Triba and mother told me then is a secret, I think... Like, who the dragon that's calling us actually is... So, as usual, I won't write it down here...
* Written in the margin is the word "zool". *
New people I met today: Meira ((Meira)), Cole ((Cole Norseman))
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((18 Mars 2006))
I went to the Broken Halls twice today. The first time was with a lot of people, and of course, didn't go very well. I've noticed that bigger groups tend to walk into bigger disasters than smaller ones. The second visit was with mother and Triba... I doubt anything can go wrong around them! Anyway, mother and Triba told me that the Broken Halls was once an elven city which had, obviously, fallen into ruin. Some evil vampire called Sapropias also used to haunt that place but, luckily, isn't there anymore...
New people I met today: Jet ((Jet)), Zimath ((Szimathack Dhurion'Drzael)), Jacchri ((Jacchri Abianca)), AnnaLee ((AnnaLee McGregger))
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((19 Mars 2006))
Visited Ozymandias' house on Dregar today. Only one word is needed to describe it: Books!
Much later, when I was talking with Elladan and a few others about good and evil, something very strange happened. I said something unexpected:
"Say a person held a power, or a secret. A good person. They would have the free will to choose whether to use it for good or not, even if they had, say sworn not to reveal it. Whereas an evil person would always use such powers or secrets to their own gain. And others rise to the task. When leaders of good are no longer their to lead, then other good people will grow strong, in an hour of need..."
I don't know why I choose those words... I mean, I do make philosophical statements from time to time, but not to that degree! There is only one reason I can think of right now... But... That's impossible... Impossible...
New people I met today: Tergon ((Tergon)), Dervish ((Dervish the Eye)), Gildren ((Gildren)), Tolec ((Tolec Dakakhuur)), Talen ((Talen Sgath)), Jay ((Jay Peacemeadow))
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((20 Mars 2006))
I met a very nice druid lady today. She said that she didn't have any name, though... So... I'll call her Kia ((Kutya'I))!
Poor Ozy... His illness seems to be very, very bad. I asked him if one could cure him, but he said that one would need a god. And that no god would be willingly to do that on his terms (just healing, no attaching of strings). Doesn't sound very unreasonable for me, but he said that there was a reason why he was in his current state. I hope he'll be fine someday in the future...
Later, I went to the Haven Mines with Matilda, Sabrissia, my sisters and a few others. Didn't go very bad, but I noticed that some people are a little bit crazy... Back on surface, Matilda did some card reading for us...
New people I met today: Kiva ((Darkchild))
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((21 Mars 2006))
(( Quest - Meat Locker suprise! ))
We (Allie, Silly, Elladan, myself and a few others) met an archeologist in Port Hampshire today. He and his friends were asked by the authorities there to dig in a place in the city to get more details for the city's historical records. First they found a Dorandite crypt. No problems with that. But, then when they broke through a wall, they discovered that the place had been built on top of an older temple. A temple that was once inhabited by a cult of demon worshippers. Examining that place, as archeologists usually do, one of them accidentally triggered something and a ball of fire exploded. Some of them were killed then, but that's not it... The explosion also blasted a door which undead creatures started to come out from... He was the only one who escaped...
So, we decided to help him check that place out... We found some undead... A loom which had our life-threads (or something like that)... Some more undead... A stubborn golem... Even more undead... A door killing everyone passing through it... Undead again... Actually, it didn't go all that bad! Until we met the Marilith...
The Marilith, which we assumed was used for some evil ritual, was bound in a circle and kind of "sleeping". So, Allie and Silly started to examine the place and tried to figure out a way to send it back to where it belongs. They figured out that moving the focus brazier, or something like that, would disturb the link. But... It didn't work.
Angus did something incredible stupid then... He cut his hand with a dagger and completed the ritual! It was probably the worst thing one could have done there! What happened? Well, the creature was released, of course!
A "normal" Marilith is bad enough, I guess. An angry one is even worse. And this one had been trapped for a couple of hundred years there! So, to make the story short, the Marilith killed some of us (I was one of them) and then left by itself... Hopefully, back to its plane...
Stupid, stupid, stupid Angus!
* Obviously, she was quite upset when writing that. *
New people I met today: Hilda ((Hilda Von Axeweilda)), Storold ((Storold Doesscha))
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((22 Mars 2006))
Triba made some new clothes for me today! Wonderful!
The only problem is that they are... well... showing off a little bit too much... I'll put my old dress on top of these later. But not today... Not the first day...
New people I met today: Marius ((Marius De'Leon)), Fenrir ((Fenrir Thornaxe))
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((6 August 2006))
It's silent. All silent. The door slowly opens as a very young and cute looking elf enters. She's dressed in a plain white nightgown and judging by the faint smell of lavender, she has just taken a bath. In the right hand she holds a lit candle while in the left she carries a small book. With light steps she walks towards an elegant bed that looks way bigger than what seems to be necessary for her. After placing the candle on a nearby wooden table, she slowly sinks into the bed to a sitting position with the book open in front of her. Carefully, she picks up the quill lying on the table and writes:
There has been a long time since I last wrote in you, dear diary. So much time has passed. So much has happened. So much to tell. But where do I start?
I haven't seen my two sisters for a very long time. I hope they are well. I'm almost certain that they are well or otherwise mother would surely have told me. At the time writing this, they are probably in some distant place, exploring mystical caves and puzzle-filled dungeons. Or maybe just sitting beside a calm lake, listening to the soft sound of the waves and... Chatting...
She smiles at that thought and dips her quill into the ink and continues.
I miss them.
Mother. I can't find words to express my gratitude towards her. Whatever happens, I know I have someone to talk to. Someone to discuss my feelings with. Someone to comfort me when I'm troubled. She and aunt Triba have been doing that a lot lately. Listening to me, even though they easily could walk away and find some more enjoyable thing to do. But they don't. They choose to sit down with me instead.
Carefully, she takes her handkerchief and wipes her misty eyes.
It means a lot to me.
Acacea has slowly become my closest friend. She do have her quirks from time to time. Friendly insults are expected! But still, I like her. Oh, and there are always something going on around her. Always something happening. Always some news to tell. Might it be because she's a halfling? Like... Because of all the pies they eat?
She giggles for herself and adds:
No... It's because she's Acacea.
I've noticed that a lot of people don't trust me when it comes to important matters. I understand them. I'm young. I'm not even an adult, actually. But still... I wish they did. I might not be the wisest person walking, nor am I the cleverest. But sometimes, I do spot patterns in different situations. It makes me feel better that at least she seems to trust me in those situations.
Talan.
For a long while, she just sits there. Staring in front of her. Seeing things that only exists in her own mind. A memory. An illusion. A dream. A dream that never became true. A dream that slowly fades away.
I wasn't sure if I was going to write anything about him or not. It still pains me to think about him. Mother and aunt Triba have been a great support. I don't know what would have happened without them. But in the nights, when I'm all alone...
Tears falling freely from her cheeks as she forces herself to continue to write.
I once thought he was the person I forever would share my life with. But that seems so distant now. So far away. I loved him. I was happy around him. Every moment with him, my heart beat quicker. The world seemed more real. More joyful. I would have done everything he asked of me. It was he, and no other.
But now, I don't know anymore. I could write "I hate him" or "I never want to see him again", but that would be lies. He still has a place in my heart. He always will. There are always choices in one's life. Crossroads. I took one way. He took another. I wish he had picked the same one as me. But he didn't...
I wish him well. I hope he will find happiness in his life even without me. I don't think we will meet again. Sometimes, it's best if one doesn't. May the lifegiver watch over him...
It's getting late now. I better get some sleep. I have more things to write... But... Another day... Sleep for me now.
Good night, mother. Good night, aunt Triba. Good night, my dear diary.
And with those words, she closes her book and puts it away on the table.
The candle flame fades away.
All is pitch black again.
The only sound that can be heard is her soft sobbing.
// If you have read her previous entries, you'll notice that the old style is different from this one. Due to recent event, she has been forced to mature much faster than what she has done before and I hope I caught that in this entry. Slowly (and painfully) she realises of how the world really works, shattering her old innocent view of it. Not saying that this is a 180 degrees turning of her personality, but instead that she's finally catching up with the wisdom score she has according to the game mechanics (*winks at you-know-who-you-are*). Feel free to contact me by PMs or on IRC with comments/critiques!
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((31 October 2006))
Time flows as it always has. Minutes become days. Days become months. Months become years. The Great Cycle repeats itself, just as it always has, always should and always will.
The soft sound of chirping birds can be heard. The young elven girl, known as Alleina, is silently sitting by the calm lake just beside the house she calls home. In one hand, she holds her diary, while in the other, she has her quill. If you happen to be one of the people who knows her well, you will notice that she hasn't got her usual joyful expression, but a one of sadness instead.
I'm sorry that I haven't written in you for a very long time. You are one of my dearest friends. You don't talk much, but you always take your time to listen to me. To the sorrows I have in my heart. I wish I had some happy news to write in you. But lately, those seem so distant. As far away as the days when Layonara were still bathing in the sunlight.
She lets out a deep sigh and continues.
A few words can shake the core of one's life.
I trust Him and I trust mother. They are both part of my life just as breathing and eating is. I wish the days could simply pass in peace and harmony, but it's never that easy. How can such a wonderful day as today be mixed with such sadness? The most joyful dream mixed with the most horrible nightmare.
Mother was so sure about it but yet, I cringed to the hope that it was wrong. That he didn't do it but someone else did. Someone who tried to make it look like it was His act. When Ozymandias told me that this had indeed happened before, my hope just got strengthened. But I know now that that hope was just... a hope. A dream. A wish. How can I deny that if even His Speaker confirms it?
I do understand why something had to be done, something to show how really valuable the gift of life is. But I don't think that was the right way to do it. It pains my heart to hear mother mention all the years of suffering. She has shown greater care for me as I have ever hoped from anyone. But to know that she has been through quite the opposite... That's just not right.
But how can I know what's the right thing to do and what's not. Lady Reventage is quite right to call me "girl". That's what I am. A silly girl living in my own dream world. It is well known that priests and priestesses are people of great wisdom with thorough understanding of how the world works. They are the ones giving you comforting words in your times of trouble. If a matter is brought up to them, they will know what to do.
I completely lack all of those traits.
Acacea said I'm the most absentminded cleric she has ever met. I used to just throw that thought away and disregard it as just a plain silly: "I'm definitely not absentminded, am I? If you want someone absentminded, just seek out the thousand years old wizard. Me? Absentminded? That's absurd!"
I realise know that what she said is in fact very true. I wonder if it will ever change.
Sometimes I ask myself: How comes that He answers my prayers? It means a lot to me, as it shows that He do puts his trust in me. But it's a trust I feel I'm not really worth. With that gift comes also a great responsibility I'm not sure if I'm mature enough to handle. But He do trust me. And I do trust Him. I have come to realise that not even the gods are flawless. I don't follow Him because he's perfect, but because His teachings are the ones I believe in.
For a long time, she just sits there and carefully holds her amulet in her hands. The finely crafted piece of gold and diamond jewellery glowing with a soft light. She gently kisses the amulet and continues to write.
We were told by a priestess of Az'atta to watch out for an Aeridinite known as Mercury. In his eager to show his worth for the Lifegiver, he did things that he shouldn't have done. That was of course shocking news for me, but what was more surprising was the description of him. "If you see anyone with silvery hair in particular. Avoid them. That is Mercury's sole feature that can be recognized behind form." I do have silver coloured hair. For the first time I feared for my own life around my friends and family. I mean, I actually even started to suspect myself there. But they didn't do anything. A glance or two maybe, but none of the questioning nor accusing. Mother didn't even frown at me when hearing that even though she had all reasons to.
A single tear falls down her cheek. A tear not of sadness or pain, but of warmth and love instead.
That means far more to me than anyone can believe.
Will things change now? Or will life continue as before? Can mother still accept me despite that I'm one of His followers? Is He angry on me if I still hold my trust to mother? I'm content if both of them are content. They are both dearer to me than myself. I fear the day I have to choose between them. I hope that day will never become true.
A small bird flutters down beside her and gives the young elf a curious look. She picks out what's left of a blueberry pie and places it in front of the tiny bird who instantly starts to eat the crumbs. With a finger she scratches his tiny belly and gives him a gentle smile. If the bird had been a cat, he would surely have started to purr in delight. Soon, the bird is joined in his meal by his friends.
I feel a little bit better now, after having written this down. After thinking a little, I do have some happy news too.
It was mother's birthday today! She's is...
She giggles a little and then continues.
I better not write down her age. I don't want her to feel too old, just in case she happens to peek in you, my dear diary.
It was a very busy birthday though, and I didn't really get around to give her the gift. I will do that the next time I see her. It's a very nice...
She giggles again and once more, she changes her mind.
Not going to write that either. Don't want to spoil the surprise for her in case she will look in you before I get the opportunity to give it to her! I hope she will like it.
What happened on her birthday was something most wonderful and amazing I've ever witnessed. Exactly what happened, I won't write down in you. This time, not because mother might peek. I mean, she already knows what happened. Allie on the other hand... I would rather tell her that directly!
Just to make a short summary (and to irritate anyone who reads in you): We went somewhere and met people who most believe had been gone for a long time. Mother also had a talk with someone completely amazing... Someone I just can't describe with words without hurting her feelings.
She smiles and adds.
Well, she probably wouldn't be hurt if I tried... But I do know I would fail horribly!
It's time for me to get something to eat now. I'm starving! And it is a well known fact that starving people generally have big problems finding words while writing in their dairies.
Good bye for now, my dear diary. I hope you will find a nice rest in my bag!
She carefully puts the book away and walks into the house, obviously looking much happier now than before.
// Okay... Another try to change her personality a little so the wisdom score of hers comes in sync. Her self confidence right now has reached a new bottom level, so excellent time for changes. Hopefully, I will be able to have more moments when her wisdom score is truly justified (those moments already happen a little now and then, but far too few in my opinion), but it's kind of tricky, as I'm quite fond of playing her in the... erh... the way I do right now ( :P ). This diary entry is supposed to be somewhat contradicting. She has started to doubt a little on her faith, but yet, her faith hasn't been as strong as now either (excellent timing really, as she's only a few thousands of XP left to reach level 16 and get 8th level spells!). This path might eventually lead to her leaving Aeridin. As usual, of course depending on what will happen the coming few weeks. Judging by the looks of it right now, there is a 25% chance for that. As usual, feel free to spam me... I mean, contact me, by PMs or on IRC with comments/critiques!
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((15 November 2006))
Alleina is quietly walking in the woods when she suddenly hears something rustling in the grass beside her. Looking down at the direction where the sound comes from, she notices a young bird with one of its wings bent in an awkward way. Cautiously she picks the small creature up, who is obviously too weak to make any effort to resist. From one of her bags, Alleina takes out a bottle of some crystal clear water and carefully lets a few drops of the liquid drop onto the bird. The animal twitches a little before drifting into a curing and calming magical sleep. Smiling kindly to the bird, the elven girl sits down in the grass and gently puts it into her lap. From the usual place in her bag, she picks out a bottle of ink, a quill and her diary, and murmurs for herself: I might as well write a little now...
Dear diary.
Again, it has been some time since I last wrote in you. Some good things has happened. Some bad things also. Some thoughts have been occupying my time. Some decisions have been made during this time. For the better? Or for the worse? I'm not sure and I doubt I will ever know how my future will be if I would make other choices instead. I'm not a shifter nor a seer. Even they can't fully predict what will come. The future, the current and even the past is never truly defined. Changes might affect all aspects of time.
Love and friendship are wonderful, but the paths from them might also lead to great pain. In a short amount of time, I have hurt more people than I have ever done before.
First, we have Angela. During the years in Raven Trade Company, our friendship has slowly grown. From a person I could simply talk with to get the time passing, to a person I can share some of my thoughts and troubles with. But it's not always a calm and peaceful friendship. She cares about me and I do care about her, but there are some differences in how we handle things, in how we perceive them. Differences that are sometimes leaving cracks between us.
I have almost always kept most of my feelings for myself. At least, the ones that might hurt someone else. Angela is much more open hearted than I am, and probably ever will be. For some actions, I feel that the thoughts and reasoning behind them, I better keep just for myself. It's not a matter of trust or not, but rather, that the topics are about the core of myself. I admit I sometimes take the secrecy to an unnecessary high level, a level where the hiding itself starts to hurt people.
That was what made her angry at me, and I as close to being angry on her as I've ever been before. I was prepared to just turn my back on her and leave.
Alleina glances at the still sleeping bird and smiles a little, before continuing.
Tears clear one's anger and purges one of all bad emotions. Ozymandias was right on that point. I'm glad he was.
Storold is the second person I've hurt. When he told me the first time, I could have said no. But, I couldn't. I knew it would pain him if I had done that, so I decided to simply wait. Wait and hope that time would change my feelings towards him. That everything would eventually fix themselves with a happy ending as result. I was wrong. So wrong.
He has always been a friend, a very good a friend. A friend who has always been there to listen to one. To care about one. At least, that was what he was before now. Many months has passed since he first told me, and I didn't feel anything still had changed. His caring and wish to protect felt more like those one gets from a father or an older brother than those from someone one can share one's life with. Love is such a strange thing. It never turns out the way one wants.
I knew I would hurt him by telling him that. I have been in the same situation. But I felt it was necessary. An unpleasant thing that had to be done. Usually, the longer one waits, the more it will hurt in the end. And I was right. Completely right.
What I hadn't thought of was that it might already have been too late. Already waited for too long. Storold is changed now. He's different. After I told him, he stopped caring. Not so much stopped caring about me, as he would have all rights to do that, but more that he has stopped caring about himself, about anything. He feels know as an empty shell of his former self and not like the friend I have always liked. I'm not sure about him anymore.
I hope he will get around again. Or that Mother will help him getting around once again. He seems now to be the same person he was after he left Nyyana. But worse. Much worse. This time, the fault is mine. And mine alone. I hesitated and hoped it would turn out in a good way to avoid hurting his feelings instead of telling him the unclouded truth. The pain I have inflicted now is far worse the one I could have done back then. I'm so very sorry...
She lets out a deep sighs and quietly sits there, stroking the sleeping bird. After a long time lost in her own thoughts, she picks the quill up again and continues to write.
Other things are also changing.
After having time to think about it, I'm not sure anymore. I thought I could simply live with the knowledge of what he had done to mother, to simply consider that as a part of the past. But I can't. I still trust him and I believe I always will. He has been, and will always be, a very important part of me.
When I've been alone in a corner by myself, I always knew that he was watching over me. That even though it looked dark at those times, there would always be another bright morning. I knew that whatever would happen, he would be with me and guide me if I took the wrong path and got lost. It was something to lean on; the big unmoving rock I always knew was there.
In a way, I still feel like this today. He is the god I follow and his teachings are the ones I put to my heart. Any denial would be an outright lie. But, after what has happened, what I know now, a tiny disagreement is slowly fogging that trust.
The Great Cycle is about the birth, the life itself and the death. All three inevitable aspects, ever repeating to the end of the days, as it should be. Any attempt to change one of the parts shouldn't be taken very lightly, as it is important that the Great Cycle is working as it should. Without the balance, the world would eventually fall into ruin.
But... I have come to realise that sometimes, the rules are broken for the better than for the worse. I do admit that making sure people aren't cheating the Great Cycle has never been one of the parts I try to uphold most, but it was still something I was conscious about and frowned on. After the years I’ve met some very special people, my views on that have definitely swayed. Some people have done, and are doing, far greater things this way than they would if they had been forced to completely obey the rules.
It's a view I don't believe is shared by anyone else among his followers as it is against his dogma itself.
The relation between a priestess and her goddess should be a one of complete trust and without a single hint of doubt. A relation I was able to give before now. I'm not in position to question his wisdom. I'm not in position to question anyone's wisdom as I severely lacks it myself. But, I can't come from the fact that I believe what was done is... wrong... and simply cruel...
Those are the cracks between us that I don't believe can be mended in a short time. Maybe some day in the future, but not now.
I think the church of Aeridin would benefit of without my presence, at least for now. I don't feel it's right of me to call myself one of his priestesses when I'm not so sure about his wishes myself. When I'm not completely believing in the path he is showing me.
I will eventually visit the temple in North Point, but I want some more time to think over this first, if he lets me. This is a very big decision, bigger than any of those I've ever made before. A decision that will forever change my future. I don't want to make it hasty and find out that's not what I wished, after all. I want to think this over again and again until I'm truly sure about it. He has been like a father for me and one doesn't just part from one's family over a night. I'm sure he already know about my thoughts of this matter and I'm grateful for his patience and to let me make the decision. He could simply throw me away if he wanted to, after all.
If this ever comes true, he will still be someone close, just not as close as now. I -am- very thankful for all the joy and happiness he has brought into my life. Nothing will change that fact.
Until I do decide, I will still do the duties that are placed upon me as a priestess. In these dark times, there are more people living in poverty and in need of help that one can count. My heart tells me to give them whatever aid I can. The only wish I have is that he, for now, still can trust me enough to allow me to do that.
She closes her book with a deep sigh and carefully puts it away in its usual spot in one of her many bags. The small birds lets out what can only be a yawn and looks at her with very cute eyes. Smiling gently, she carefully pats the now quite unshy little animal and lifts it up in her palm. With a last thankful glance at the elven girl, it flaps its wings and flies away.
// After reconsidering it, the chance for her to leave her faith suddenly bumped up to "quite likely". The reason for that are many, a few of them I haven't stated here (and not going to either), really. Keep the comments flowing, as usual! :)
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((4 Mars 2007))
Alleina is sitting on her bed and humming a joyful tune for herself. Beside her lays a jar with four well-fed glow-worms crawling around among the leaves, their soft light revealing a small bottle of ink, a quill and a book nearby. The elven girl carefully opens the ink bottle and with a graceful gesture dips the quill into it before starting to scribe in her diary.
It has once again been a very long time since I last wrote in you, dear diary. I've grown a little bit lately and my head can almost reach Angela's shoulder now! People say that I'm short and I guess... I am a little bit shorter than most people. But certainly not as short as they say!
I wonder what Mother has been doing lately. She seems to be very, very busy and I haven't seen her at home for a long time. Though, I did receive a letter from her a few weeks ago. She sounded very concerned about the cursed rose I accidentally picked up. That reminds me of that I should send her another letter back, as the previous one didn't really tell what I now think of the whole matter.
Ralinda has made me two new dresses that are looking quite different from the ones I'm used to. Allie is usually wearing this type of clothes and I've also seen Xania in them. They are quite comfortable, except for one pair of the shoes, and look quite nice. At least, a lot of boys seem to think that. But they are slightly on the "lack of dress"-side and nothing I've ever completely get used to. I hope I can keep these two dresses for Mother!
She gives a light-hearted giggle before continuing.
This immediately brings my thoughts to a lovely knight I've met! His name is Tristan and I've spent quite a lot of my time with him lately. He's so very cute and most importantly... he seems to like me! He also seems to have a very poetic side, a gift I've seen in very few.
I first met him during one of those evenings when Angela and Ralinda were trying to tell me that I'm not looking all that bad in the new dress and that I should be proud over it. I think I kind of managed to catch Tristan's attention with it. Well... not only his, but some others' also. Together with my friends, we had a nice talk and a few other things happened with details that I would rather skip for the moment.
Anyway, I did notice that Tristan seemed to show a slight interest in me and he acted quite gentlemen-like. I then decided I would let him walk with me to the door of Angela's house, where I would spend the night at (it was too late by then to travel all the way home).
She lets out another giggle before taking up the writing again.
Tristan's nice and acts quite confident, but he's also a little bit shy deep inside him. I would have let him kiss me at that moment, and actually expected it, as it is rather traditional to do so. But, no, he didn't and I gave him a light kiss on his cheek instead. He was so cute!
A few days later, he asked me if I wanted to have a picnic with him and... Well, how could I possibly say no? He brought me to a very nice place with a very nice waterfall where we had a very nice meal of the lovely food he had prepared. There, he started to tell me about how it comes that he joined the church of Lucinda. As all stories, there are both the light and happy bits and also the dark and sad parts. What happened eventually resulted in his legs getting hurt, the reason of why he's limping now. But, at the same time, it was what shaped him into what he is today.
She closes her eyes and smiles at the obviously fond memories.
I like him. And I'm afraid. The old memories are still there, to never be forgotten. It would pain me greatly if the past repeats itself, if what had happened once again came true. I hope it won't. I know it won't. Not this time, not ever after. But it's still a doubt I cannot simply throw away, a shell around myself as Angela called it. I cannot know what the future will bring, but not now. It's too early, far too early. I'm glad that he understands me. He told me that he had been through this himself, that what I have experienced is also what he has experienced. Understanding is, after all, a very important step in a friendship.
She lets out a soft sigh and carefully puts her scribing materials away. Quietly, as though not wanting to wake anyone else up, she crawls into the blankets to get a well-deserved rest. In a quiet voice, she tells herself: "Why is it never as easy as the stories say...?"
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((19 June 2007))
A few glowing worms are crawling around in a small jar, their light giving the room a ghostly feeling. The young elf, known by the name Alleina, can be seen sitting upright in a finely crafted bed with her quill in one hand and her diary in the other. Humming softly for herself, she dips the quill into the bottle of ink present and starts to scribble in her book.
Time has passed, once more, once again. So much has changed, so much has changed me. For good or for bad? I hope... no... I'm sure that it's the first. A chapter of my life has ended and a new one has just begun.
She rubs her forehead before continuing.
My heart should be heavy after all that has happened, but strangely, it is not. Aeridin did decide to push me away, and so I decided to return the favor. I no longer care about Him, His church and all that He stands for, as it has been proven again and again that those are just lies. He teaches others to value life, yet He does not Himself.
Kind and gentle are what He's known as, what I thought He was, although none was shown when it really mattered. Instead the opposite was slipping through. I'm just sad that Bell had to depart before I finally realized. Her death was my fault, but I'm not naive enough to take full credit for it. He knew, He watched, He could have helped, but instead, He settled for the opposite and what should not have been lost is now gone. Cruelty wrapped in silk is what I said He was, cruelty wrapped in silk is still what I think He is.
I'm so very sorry, Bell... So very sorry... Whatever happens, you are my friend and you will always remain my friend. So much I will promise you, so much I owe you.
She closes her eyes and gets a sad expression as she remains completely silent for a few minutes. After taking a few deep breaths as though to calm herself down, she continues to write.
My dear diary, have you noticed how strange it is that life is such a mixture of joy and grief? One moment, I feel like my life had no purpose, of me just wanting to lie down and let the days pass. The next moment, I feel like I had the whole future before me, wishing the time could freeze or at least slow down. Today is definitely one of the later days.
She smiles for herself as she dips the quill in the ink again.
I'm going to be married! It was so very lovely! We were on a small island, having a nice picnic when he offered me a slice of blueberry pie. Something glittered from the inside... something round... something turning out to be a ring! I'm so very happy!
You probably sense that I'm very excited over the whole thing, and surely I am! I thought first that marriage was just a confirmation of what one already knew, not a big deal! But now... I'm not so sure about that. Yes, it -is- just a confirmation, but at the same time, it is also something bigger... If that makes sense! I know, dear diary, I tend not to make sense so very often and surely not now!
I wonder how much I will change, if I will change at all. Will I feel as though someone has put big stones in my bags or will no such burden be placed on my life? Despite all the happy feelings that are jumping inside me, tiny drops of doubt are present after what mother said. I'm very happy now, but will I still be in thirty years? Forty? Fifty?
Silence is once again filling the room for a long while, until Alleina finally picks her quill up again. The soft scratching noise of it touching the page echoes through the quiet room.
It doesn't matter. I love Tristan and I always will.
She puts her book and quill away, stuffing the jar of glowworms under the bed before once again laying her head down on the cushion. After that, she carefully takes the sleeping Tristan's hand in hers, while staring up the roof for what seems to be hours. The thoughts are bouncing through her head as the darkness engulfs the room. The only sound that can be heard is the ones from their soft breathing. Just before she drifts away to her dreams, she whispers to no one in particular.
Thank you, Ilsare...
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((12 October 2007))