The World of Layonara
Character Development => Development Journals and Discussion => Topic started by: scifibarbie on July 01, 2006, 07:14:09 PM
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Well, this is the beginning of it all I guess. A dragon called me before him many months ago and pulled me from the wilds. I dont know why, nor do I care. All memories for the few weeks prior to that are blur. I accepted his offer, and I appeared in a place called Hlint.
I have made many friends in my short time there and even found love. Something I was never expecting to find. Im still all muddled up inside over it, but I know its real. Isn't it? Everything seems so surreal.
I am glad blood is dead. Barion, my love, was amongst that mughty group of adventurers. I feared he would not return and when he did I was so full of joy I nearly exploded!
But now....I dont know what to do. My Barion...my love. I know why you are going, and in my heart I am glad that you care so much for your 'sister' you would risk everything. It makes me feel proud. It makes my love for you even stronger. But I will not let you throw your life away. Not without me! I told you I would follow wherever you went, and now I follow you to the firestead mountains. I only hope to catchi you in time, and that I may at least try and help you my love. My heart breaks for your loss, and I would try to help mend it.
You are my heart Barion.
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I am full of sorrow and happiness. I don't know how I can feel both but I do. I was given the hardest news I have had to bear since forst being summoned by the dragon. Barion is going to firesteep alone. Hurry and stop him! I didnt understand the full meaning of this message that my friend Rhynn had sent me. I met one of my dearest friends, Kyle Pandorn on my way to find Rhynn and see what was going on. Barion is strong...He helped defeat Blood and came back alive. What could hurt him? kyle told me Abigail Ruzz had commited suicide. I barely knew her, but I did know she was like a sister to Barion. He cared deeply for her, and I realized this tragedy would tear him apart. He has lost so many friends in t epst.
I didn't find Rhynn, but Ozy was there sharing more of his wisdom. I asked and he spoke. He told me why and where Barion would be going. That there was no way he could succeed and that I needed to stop him. Kyle, my dear friend, offered to help find Barion. I couldn't ask for his help in this, it was too dangerous a journey and he has Ferrit to consider. But I was desperate, I should never have, but I did. I asked Kyle for his help, I knew I could never make the journey alone. He came without hesitation. He said I didn't need to ask, that as soon as he realized I was going he was going to help. He is a great man.
We traveled to Pranzis first, as we had heard a rumor that he was there preparing for something. We rushed there as fast we could to see if we could find him. Luckily, we caught him near the main gate, or at least what is left of it. He looked as if he was living in a nightmare. My poor Barion.
We talked long into the night. He shared with me his pain, and I did my best to ease his heart. He will never forget her, he considered her his sister. And his rage at Angela is without measure. He saw her trying to take the body of Abigail and threatened to kill her on the spot if she dared desecrate the body of the one she drove to suicide. I fear he may still seek revenge upon her if given the chance. I pray it never comes to that.
Afterwards we traveled to Dalanthar and met a mutual friend, Cray Rill. She too was distraught over the death of her beloved friend. They had known each other many years. We then spent many hours cloistered at the 'Stray Oxen' inn (or whatever its called)and they talked of the many adventures and deep friendship they had with Abigail. I wish I had known her as they had. She seems as if she was a great and giving person in life. A good friend.
Upon our return...we visited the place were we first kindled our romance. The first circle of our time together has come full circle. And the next journey for us is now beginning.
He is my heart.
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I dont know what is going on. The nightmares are happening all too often now. And they strike fear into my heart. I dont know what to make of them...
My childhood..I see my mothers face wracked in anguish and I cant help her. I run to her but the flames sear my flesh and I cannot bear to go any further.
I am at a grave stone. And there are others surrounding me. I cannot see their faces, but they are laughing at me. Feeding off of my sorrow...mommy.
I see a mighty warrior, aged and wrought with anguish. He is fighting. He is cut down and fire engulfs his body. He is trampled into the earth.
Then they come for me...my screams of anguish..then darkness
My screams wake me in the night.
What is happening to me?
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The nightmares continue to plague me...coming more and more often. I dont know what to do.
Barion, my love, doesnt yet know what to make oif my nightmares..I havent told him yet he horrors that make me wake up screaming. But he comforts me, and the memories fade all the faster. He is my rock, and my heart.
I feel my dreams right now are nothing compared to the anguish Barion is feeling. His dearest friend Abigail Ruzz committed suicide. It has cut him so deeply. She was his sister in heart if not in blood. He has lost so many friends, but this one has wounded him the worst. He nearly commited suicide himself over this...not by hanging, or hius own sword, but in a suicide mission he knew in his heart would take him. It was also to restore his friend from the planes of the lost. A magickal item somewhere in te Firesteep mountains. Im glad his friend tath found him and stopped him. My heart couldn't bear his loss. It can barely handle the sorrow that has engulfed him. My friend Rhynn sent me a letter as soon as she heard what Barion was going to do, knowing the danger he faced. I left immediately with my friend Kyle. Knowing we would surely die trying to find Barion in the Firesteep, he came without any reservations. Just his concern for me. Ozy gave us directions and we left. We heard rumor thta Barion was in Pranzis for some reason, no doubt preparing to leave for North Point. We caught him by the portals just in time. He was a wreck, and my heart broke. I can't stand too see him so hurt. Kyle left us alone and we talked long into the night.
We left Pranzis 2 days later and went to Dalanthar where we met Cray. Cray isone of my close friends here, and I value her opinions and wisdom highly. We reminisced about Abi..they did more so than I. I barely knew her, having met her only a 1 week before her ..her end.
Its been a week since we were in Dalanthar, adn Barion seems to be less depressed. I know he stills hurts and it will take a long time for him to heal. He can take as long as he needs.
We met a nice elven girl named Serissa, she as agreed to teach us elven. She has exceptional abilities to heal and her sword arm is pretty good too!. I like her.
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I was crafting in Hlint the other day and saw Angela Swann and Dorena by the well. I said hello as I was still on good terms with them, regardless of the problems Barion is having right now. I don't really know either of them that well. I met Dorena thru Cray and we travelled together for awhile. She seemed nice enough, a little distant, but nice. Angela I only knew from her travelling with a few parties I had been involved with. She is a capable fighter and saved me more than once even to her own peril. She is highly a good fighter and seemed very nice. We had chatted several times since then and became friends.
It took me completely by surprise when Barion told me of the relationship between her and Abi. I had no idea. I never really asked her about her personal life, we mostly chatted about the normal goings on with the Blood war or troubles with giants and the like.
Barion is so very angry with her. He loved Abi like a sister, and when he told me what had happened between them. Why Abi left us I could understand. Sometimes a broken heart never mends, and the only way to end the pain is to...to move on. He blames Angela for her betrayel of Abi, and that was the reason Abi did what she did. Barion and Angela had been friends for many years before Abi's death. I think things would have been okay between them given time. But Angela tried to claim Abigail's body, saying it was hers by right of love and the realtionship with which they had shared. This is what truly infuriated Barion. He feels Angela had no claim like that considering what had happened between them. I don't know all of the details concerning their relationship, Angela's and Abi's, but I must agree with Barion on this point. Too much time had passed for that claim to hold. Barion wanted to lay Abi in state, so that all those who had known her could say good bye. He changed his mind after Angela tried to take the body. He didn't want it stolen in the night by the very person whom he felt was responsible for her death. SHe had no right.
Angela told me another side of it. She freely admits to her betrayel of Abi. She has also said that it happened months ago, and that she had tried to mend their relationship. She said that her heart was in love with both of them, Alantha with whom she cheated and Abi. Abi couldn't deal with that and left. She feels Abi made her own choice in leaving us, She also accepts that part of the reason why Abi committed suicide is because of her betrayel. Angela says she wanted to save their relationship, but Abi would have none of it. No matter what happened before with them, it was still Abi's choice to leave forever.
In some ways I feel I must agree with Angela, it was Abi's choice to leave us. But something about her story leaves me feeling cold. I don't think it is the whole story, but we all see things as we must.
I also met Dorena. She and Barion and a misadventure (to say the least) while drinking heavily. I really doubt anything happened, but neiher of them have any clear idea. Dorena ran into a tree and knocked herself out cold, Barion thinks he said something to upset her. He followed her to where she knocked herself and carried her to a bed, thinking to tend her wound. He promptly passed out. They woke up the next day, she was naked on the bed, he awas on the floor. Barion, not sure what had happened wrote a letter to Dorena saying as much, and that he doidnt think anything had happened, but he didn't know. Jacc..Doren's husband saw the letter and assumed the worst. This probably woudl have not been such a big deal, but Barion once had a crush on Dorena. Jacc new this and probably assumed Barion was acting on this old crush. Barion promised never to travel alone with Dorena and never to speak to her until Jacc said it was okay. The funny thing is...no one else saw anything, and that they were drinking with the witch in the seilwood, or at least in her house according to Dorena. Barion says they were in an inn. I dont know what to make of this. More than likely it was just a few friends getting really really drunk, acting stupid, and things getting out of hand. Gods only know what I have done when Ive been really drunk. Which has happened alot...alot, and who hasn't woken up naked in strange places after swilling too much beer. Okay...so Im a lush sometimes. Dalan (a dwarven friend) once said with a little more practice I could drink a dwarf under the table!
I just hope all this works out for the best. Jacc, Dorena and Barion have been friends for a very long time. I dont believe Barion has it in him to do such a thing. Get drunk yes, that...never.
Times are gonna be very trying in the next few months, but I love Barion. He may be stubborn sometimes, and a little hard headed but he is mine and I love him.
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Rain and Sonya's wedding was wonderful. Everyone looked great. For all the sorrow that has recently occurred, it is heartening to see love uniting ad showing us again that this wirld has more than darkness too offer us.
After the wedding and I ended up travelling with my friend a Nepp. We went into the haven mines where we joined another large group going down. It was strangely quiet. No ogres. Afterwards we went to Dregar and harassed the giants there. It was dangerous as always, but we were offered a job by some guy in Vale to hunt for the local giants leader. After performing this task we headed into the desert for silver.
Soon after, we disbanded and went our separate ways. I traveled with Tre'ana back to Mistone. It was pretty uneventful. As soon as we arrived in hlint...Tre'ana received a letter from Addison. Poor Tre'ana was worried sick..apparently Addison went to Trallix(?)a very dangerous place in which to travel. Im sure she willl be fine, Addsions is very tough, and she would have gone with a strong party.
She also asked me to be ber her Vyz..something. I will stand by her during her wedding. The hard part is going to be to my job. I am required to kiss Addison with as much passion and love as I would Barion. If she returns the passion and love then the marriage is off. This will be interesting. I will do my best for Tre'ana. I have never kissed a girl like that before, this is going to be interesting.
And finally...I am so happy...Barion asked me to marry him. I said yes, without any hesitation. I love him so much. Alas. our happiness in the moment was short lived as Barion ws required to perform some mission. King's business he said. I hope he is okay, he hadn't returned by the time I arrived back in Hlint. He is strong and brave, he will be fine. I hope he is travelling with Addison. He can keep her safe, adn she will keep him safe. They are both mighty warriors. It will set my heart and Tre'ana's at ease if they are.
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I told Barion the other day of my commitment to be the Viza Na'Ruvan for Tre'ana. He wasnt happy about it at all. I can't say I blame him. Seeing his fiance kissing another person with all the passion I have for him is asking alot. He is especially not thrilled that I'm going to be kissing Addison. Don't get me wrong...Barion likes Addison, hes known her for years...he just doesn't want me kissing her.
Kyle was there when we started talking about what I was to do. He agreed with Barion that I probably shouldn't do it. He recalled how hard it was for ferrit when he was to be the Viza Na'Ruvan for her before.
I guess I really didn't realize what I was getting myself into...but then again, I rarely ever do. Just my nature.
I will Tre'ana about the details of what I'm supposed to do. Kyle says he had a book stating what my responsibilities were, but he seems to have lost it
I am very nervous about this. Barion may not like it, but he supports my decision. On the plus side for us...I need all the practice i can get. Wheres Barion...I need to start training!
One last note on all of this...I am deeply honored that Tre'ana thinks enough of me that she would trust me with such an important responsibility. I will do my best not to disappoint.
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Poor Tre'ana.....Addison is gone forever. Torn from us by the forces of the underdark. I will miss her dearly.
I heard the words from Tre'ana today...She brought little Calvin with her to Hlint. I have no words of comfort for her..How could I? What could I say or do? Hopefully time, and raising Calvin will help her heal. I will always be there for her.
Mistone lost a great warrior in Addison Scarlace..we will miss her dearly.
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The dreams are returning again. This time theres something different. I dont know what.
I see my mother's face screaming in agony, crying for it to stop! There is something behind her. Something hurting her. I try to look for help, but there is only stone and darkness.
I see the shadow behind her laughing, mocking her....and then it sees me. It stops laughing and smiles with a grin tha makes me shiver. I can't see it..I feel it...cold...it makes my heart despair. It begins torturing my mother again, with even more ferocity..all the while looking at me and smiling.
Darkness engulfs me as silence fills the air...I hear the demon...the creature..and it words, its voice tear my soul asunder...."Soon my child, like your mother. You will be mine."
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I wake up alone screaming in bed..shivering...tears running down my face. My body as cold as ice as I recall his words.
What did he mean? Like your mother, I will be his...She died..I saw her grave..She's dead..isn't she? My father..he said he saw her body. I don't understand.
As I lie there trembling under the covers, my heart yearns for Barion to return. To comfort me and keep the bad things at bay, but somehow I know. I know in my heart that this is something I must face alone. If only I knew what it was.
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Oh my aching head. That darn Will-o-whiskey packs a punch! Barion Dorena and I made an impromptu trip to the Leilon Arms INN after hearing th ecrier say it was open. Stupid town crier. Anyway, we ended up in the Scamp since the Arms was closed. Beer, beer, and more beer. I was doing great until I slugged that darn whiskey. Ugh.All three of us ended up on the flor more than once! It was great fun...until the hangover. Oi vey!
Barion and I got a room, and we shared it with Dorena. I got her her own room, but she ended up in ours. Barion and her stripped down to their skivvies in nothing flat...I dont know why I didn't.. I felt shy maybe for the first time in along while. I lay next to Barion to keep him warm (it was snowing outside). I can hold my beer (drinks like a dwarf Dalan says)so I just lay there listening to Barion breathe as he lay passed out on the floor. Dorena just stood there over us, watching us. She mumbled something, that made me sad. She then fell asleep on the floor near us.
Barion and I had a great morning, a thoughtful discussion and when we went to wake Dorena; she was gone.
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Its strange...its comforting...and it makes me alittle nervous...
The dreams have been coming agaian, and again...not that they ever stopped coming, and for awhile...they were almost to terrible to behold. They still are. But they are not as bad as they have been...is this the calm before the storm I wonder? Not that they could ever get any worse.
I have noticed that when I am with Barion, that creature that taunted me before has not appeared again. I catch glimpses of a winged shadow in the dreams, but never since Barion has been home regularly with me , and I with him. Perhaps it fears Barion, or rather fears what Barion and I share. I am sleeping easier.....for now.
In other news, Jenna has fallen in love with Elgon Merrick. She has yet to tell her brother Kyle and she is very nervous about doing so. Elgon is a good man, and he and Kyle have been friends for a very long time. I think it will be fine.
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It has been a day filled with ups and downs for me. My crafting is getting better and better. Barion's helping me with materials and wanting me to really perfect my crafting has given me a drive I haven't had in awhile. MY ALchemy and gem crafting are really coming along well.
Today I heard devastating news. It nearly shatterd my spirit. I was listening to Ozy tell teh tale of the fall of Blood. I was very interested to hear this, since my beloved was there. To hear Ozy weve this tale and know that Barion was one of the great champions filled me with pride.
After the story was over Ozy talked of the dragons, and the future that Layonara may have to face. He spoke of the fall of Ozlo, a great dragon...and the dragon who summoned us. He told us his fall. My hopes were crushed...only Ozlo knew where we came from, why he chose us.
I have long had this desire to return to my village, and see if I could find any trace of my family. More importantly, to see if there are any answers to my nightmares there. Ozy once bid me seek out the temple o frofirien in pranzis, and to speak to the monks there. Perhaps they could help point me in the direction I sought. Alas, the priest there chose to ignore my pleas. I think they felt my seeking the dragon who summoned me was too dangerous. Ozy told me that his location was a strict secret only a few knew of.
As I stood there unable to move, tears filling my eys as my hopes were dashed upon rocks; I asked if there was any other way we could discover were he plucked us up. Then Ozy spoke of the knowledge that records had been kept, as to where, why and when we were chosen. He said he would help me, but it would take time. I can wait now...I have hope.
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These last few days have been great! Barion and I have travelled the length of Dregar together over many days. Its the first time we have done this in months. He is such a great man. I love him so much. We accomplished much together.
He wants nothing from me but my love. And I freely give it to him, with all my heart. And yet, I feel apprehensive. I do not know why, he is my love, my heart. I think perhaps its because I have come from such a troubled past. one that I do not wish to have repeated. Or perhaps its the nightmares I have, or both.
When the 'thing' appears in my nightmares, it taunts me with knowledge of my mother, of my past. It seems to know things I don't. My father would never answer my questions about her. He would just get very quiet and distant.
When Barion is close by me, they nightmares are tolerable and the shadow will not appear. I have even had pleasant dreams, dreams of my future with Barion and our children. When I'm alone the nightmares are terrible to behold. Dreams of the past, and of the future.
My heart belongs to Barion, it always will. But I don't know if I can commit to a marriage with him, a life together, and children, if I do not get some closure on my past. I do not want him to die becsuse of me. I do not want the dreams of the past to be the nightmares of my future.
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Barion and I have decided to be married in 5-6 months. I am so happy, so full of joy...and yet, the dreams still haunt me. I want us to be happy, to have strong children, but if the dreams are real, if I am truly cursed...i cannot bring this fate down upon those whom I love.
Barion can tell there is something wrong, he is not blind. I want to open up to him, but how can I when I dont even know? I am terrified of my dreams...but if thats all they are, just dreams. He will think I'm mad, that my night terrors are just my mind playing tricks on me. And I cannot dispute this, nothing has happened, I have not met the demon that terrorizes me in my sleep. I don't even know if when I see my mother die night after night, if its real. I wasn't there for it, of that I am for certain.
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I don't know what to make of it. Im terrified...terrified that I may ahve met my fatehr after 3 yrs today. The problem is..is that I'm not sure if it was him. I met a shade creature in te sewers while i was hunting for shrooms.
I thought it one of those strange occurences fo shadows appearing in Hlint again, so I attacked it before it could get me. It just stood there.
After I stopped...it simply said there was something I was supposed to know...and it faded away. It left a small ribbon, like the kind I used to have my hair tied with when I was young. It turned to dust in my hands. I thought it was my maybe a ghost of my mother, it is her whose death I am forced to wathc nite after nite. Then in the middle of the sewers, a smell that reminded my of my father permeated the area.
I was floored...I freaked..I broke down...Every emotion I have ever known flooded thru me.
I went in search of Ozy. He knows about such things. Even he was stumped. I don't know if he has any idea what to do. He has said tha the would help me find out where the dragon plucked me up from. He knows of my dreams. I don't think he was ready for this. I wasn't.
And I finally broke down and spoke to Barion about my nightmares. I haven't told him everything. I can't...I can't because I can't even put into words some of the things I have seen, have felt....have experienced.
I have never cried so much in my entire life.
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Its been almost 2 weeks since the shade appeared before me. I am beginning to think it was my imaginationm playing tricks on me. In my heart I know it was real. To real.
Barion is worried sick about me, and I cant blame him. I have told him of my dreams, but I couldnt bear to tell him all of what I had seen. It was too soon, and too close after what I had experienced in the sewers.
I have been crafting like a madwoman of late. It keeps my mind from thinking adn remembering. It has given me focus...at least for now. I think Barion in his own way understood this. He has been a dear throughout this whole ordeal. He has gone out fo his way to collect the things i need for my gem crafting, and even my alchemy. Both have really flourished with his help.
A bright side to all of this is the return of my friend Cray R'yll. I hadn't seen her in so long. Im glad she is back. We have been travelling together quite a bit since she returned.
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I have been so consumed in my own thoughts of late. All I do is craft. It keeps my mind off of the dreams, and of my father's shade.
I think I have been working too much. My friend Rain took me aside and said he is concerned for me. He has seen how consumed in my work I have become. Almost obsessive I guess. I think perhaps he is right.
I know i have been distant lately. I just dont know how to deal with what has happened. My mind still reels from what i have seen and heard. Barion wants to help, wants me to confide in him. He feels I'm holding something back, I can tell. Perhaps he is right. Perhaps I am holding something back, but not from him....from myself. I just don't know.
I feel things have been set in motion and that soon, things will change irrevocably for me. I know not what, but I feel it in my blood, in my soul...and it terrifies me.
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Everyone seems worried about me. First Rain, and now Serissa. I must really be looking a mess. I'm distant, constantly crafting..and I start to break down the moment anyone asks me how I'm doing. And I'm tired...so tired...of the nightmares, of everyone wanting to help me, to console me, and worse...having Barion so worried. Gods, I am so tired of it all. So tired...
I know they are just trying to help me, but how can they? How can they when I can't even help myself. I feel so lost, so alone. Even with my friends around me. I'm feeling so alone. My family was destroyed..I dont want that to happen again...never again. Can't they understand that? I have lost everyone I ever loved...I can't bear to go through that again. Never again.
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All I see of late is the burning...the burning and the screaming and the pain. I feel the burning and the pain...and now...fear. Terror..terror and fear like I have never felt before.
I have never felt her pain before...the nightmares are getting worse. Instead of just watching..I'm experiencing the pain..mother...mommy..it'll be over soon.
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It has appeared to me again...after a month of wondering if what I saw was real. If I was going insane...it came to me again..Images of the past..Voices from the shadows...
What could it mean? I have seen images of Lucinda.. I know not why...and now I feel I must go to her temple.
What could this mean? Gods only know....
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It is finally over...the sleepless nights...wondering if I was truly losing my mind...the demon is gone, sent back to the abyss from whence it came.I can truly sleep easier now.
The shade of my father appeared to me once more, it was in pain, fighting to not be pulled back from the shadows where it broke free to come and warn me. I had the images of Lucinda, of my mother, of pain and suffering.
I made my way to the temple of Lucinda in Blackford castle, it is there that the Priestess summoned the shade and firmly anchored it to our plane. There it spun a tale of sadness and woe. Of love lost, duty failed, and guilt that could not be assuaged. It spoke of a demon, of his part in capturing my mother, and his saving her in the end. Fleeing to a hidden valley on Dregar, trying to protect that which he had fallen in love with. Protecting his new family. He failed.
The raiders that had found our village and so brutally slew my mother were sent by a vampiric demon from another plane. Trying to gain immortalty and a foothold on our world. And later, sent the slavers to capture me, and kill my father for his betrayel.
My father gave me the clues I needed to begin my search for answers. The Rolling Hills of Dregar..the madmen gaurding the entrance by water...Perhaps it was the demon who drove those men mad. To forever drive away the inquisitve from the burnt out husk of a village, and the new stronghold of a demon who had yet to make her presence known.
With my companions, we made our way thru the hills searching for the entrance. Serissa found it hidden behind the falls. It was narrow adn hardly to be seen. We passed thru and entered a fog shrouded valley. It smelled of death, and the old village was overgrown and destroyed. Memories began to flood thru me. Of times spent running thru the village and playing with my friends..of training with my father and of wandering thru the fields tending the flocks of sheep. It was overwhelming...
And then..an imp appeared. After all we had been thru to get here, Barion instantly attacked the foul thing and killed it. Moments later another appeared cackling with glee. Barion had killed its twin, and thus made it its mistress's new favored pet. He taunted me, saying my mother was suffering for its mistress, and that I would soon take my place with her. Thus cementing her foothold in this world. He taunted me with my mother's necklace. Handing it to me as proof. I snapped it out of his grimy claws and was instantly teleported to a strange chamber with no visible exits. As I recovered from the dizzying port, I saw Barion was with me. Apparently he had grabbed me just as I had started to disappear, and it dragged him with me. The demon appeared to me for the first time then. It taunted me me, said I was to join my mother. I was to feed her with my blood and my soul so that it could find permanent purchase on our world. Barion could take no more of this and struck her down...but it was an illusion! Simply acrid polluted air used to taunt us.
We searched the room looking for a way out..I found a trapped door hidden within the floor. And as we debated how to open it...All of my friends appeared within the room!
Apparently they searched for me and Barion, and came across a tower. Upon investigating it they were lured into trap and instantly teleportred to this "waiting room".
With Jin's help, we managed to open the hidden door and made our way down... And there..my eyes couldn't believe what they saw...it was my mother. She really wasn't dead! She was trapped within some sort of magical device that seemed to be sucking the very life force from her. She was writhing in agaony, trying to scream but with no sounds coming from her mouth. I tried to reach her, but the magic was too strong and threw me back. Preventing me from reaching her.
The demon then appeared to us and started summoned her horde of golems and nasty biting flying books. The battle was hard fought, and I...and I fell. In the blackness of the void..I felt my soul being pulled from me. Pulled towards a green hellish light, the same as that which held my mother..NO! And ten I was awake..Cray had pulled me back from the edge. From the hellish torment that awaited me. I awoke dazed and frightened and with new understanding. This thing fed off of our soul energy..Its what made it strong, and the blood was the physical material which would bind it to our plane.
We found another teleport device...after much consideration we used it and were immediately set upon by elementals and golems. Another hard fight but we had the moment. Serissa is becoming quite the fighter..she brought down a towering earth elemental by herself! What a feat! I remember when she could barely put her armor on by herself, let alone defeat such a dangerous creature.
We came upon some sort of energy device..Jin, Cray and I immediately were overwhelmed by the sense of death magic surrounding it. And there, bathing in its energy..the demon. It turned to look at us. Shock awe, and then disgust flashed across its face. Then it uttered a horrendous laugh and attacked us. It called upon more of its vile servants to beseige us. The demon spotted me and attacked me with all its fury. I was sorely wounded by it, and only Tre'ana saved me at that moment. She put herself between the demon and I as it was about to cast some horrendous spell...Tre'ana took the hit, and slashed at the demon. She was sorely hurt, but had saved my soul, my life. I somehow loosed an arrow at the thing and was able to break its concentration for a split second. Then Barion ran to our aid and sliced its wing off, causing it to scream in agony. Jin arrived then and the two of them rendered it to nothing. I have never seen such fury in Barions eyes. All that was left was the wing Barion had sliced off, the rest fell into the dark energy that the demon was bathing in and was consumed.
After we had bandaged or wounds we searched the rest of the lair. We found another device similar to the portal from above..but much more powerful. Jin sensed that it must connect with the outer planes, as it was so powerful. We had no way to activate it, to see where it led..or why. We can only surmise that it may have been created to bring forth the allies of the demon, her minions and servants once she established herself on this plane.
We made our way back to where my mother was being held...Cray in her wisdom had gathered what was left of the demon, and we cast it into a ceremonial alter set up between the two soul rendering devices..With a casting of magickal fire I ignited and destroyed the last vestiges of the demon..My mother was free at last. Exhausted and near death Barion gathered her gently into his arms and we made our way to the large portal below. It was our only chance to escape. Somehow, it had been activated when we destroyed the last of the demons physical presence here..We jumped in and appeared in the field by the village. The tower, crumbled in the distance..falling into itself until t was nothing but rubble.
My mother was safe, after all these years of thinking her dead. She was with me again..weak adn hurt from her ordeal. She had aged considerably because of her torment..of the damage sustained to her essence, her very soul by the demon.
She was about to die..we could all see it. Poor Serissa was taken aback at what she had seen. My mother was aged and withered, and now she was coughing horribly, barely able to stand. It wasnt fair! I had saved her, freed her from thrall, and now I was about to lose her again.
We talked for the few moments that remained to us..my tears fell like rain upon the ground, I could barely stand, let alone support my frail mother. She told me how the demon had arranged for her capture, and how my fathere fell in love with her upon the journey to the demons lair. How he had gone from a mercenary to savior. She said that I should learn of her from her diaries since we no time left. She told me the only thing that kept her spirit strong, that kept her going thru all the torment was the image of me in her heart. She told me to be strong, to love with all my heart Barion, and to give her grandchildren..that would be her memorial.
We talked by the stream for a few more moments. As I sat there with her head on my shoulder, crying and saying our last goodbyes..She took one last breath and closed her eyes forever. I sat there with her for what seemed like an eternity, crying, numb, blind and deaf to all around me.
As I slowly collected myself after what seemed an eternity, I heard a low moan, and a cough. I looked down and it was my mother! She was alive! But how? Even Cray had said there was nothing she could do to help heal the wounds suffered by my mother.
I turned to call to Barion, but he was lying still on the ground. Cray and Serissa had both fallen over too. What had happened?
I lay my mother genly on the grass, and ran to Barion, he was barely alive! Cray and Serissa were both groaning and starting to move. I cradled Barions cold head in my lap crying. What did he do? He slowly opened his eyes, and looked at me..staring blankly at first, and then he slowly recognized me and smiled softly. "I told you I would give up my life for you" he said, and then he fell into adeep sleep. My mother, strangely recovered came to me and tok me by the shoulders, trying to comfort me. Cray and Serissa were slowly getting up, and being tended to by tre'ana and Jin.
After some time, we made our way slowly to Hurm. My mother, was as strong as an on ox now...SHe helped me carry Barion.
After several days of resting in Hurm.. Barion, Cray and Serissa pieced together what had happened. they were all praying for the safe passage of my mother to the next world. Praying to their gods for my mother. They were answered. They dont know why, and we dared not specualte too much on this miracle. But we do know tat the life force of all three was tapped, and given to my mother...especially Barion's. No permamnent damage that they could tell, but for some reason, the gods chose to give me more time with my mother, more time for us thanks tothe sacrifice of my friends.
I can never repay any of them for what they have done, I never would have thought what they did was possible, nor would have ever asked for such a gift. I owe them everything...more than I can possibly ever repay.
Tre'ana, what she must have thought when she saw this...I saw the tears in her eyes for a brief moment. I cannot even imagine what she is feeling now. After what she has gone through. But she is apart of this and I will be forever in her her debt for this.
Jin...who knows what he must be thinking about this. About the intervention of the gods, fate and whatever else he may be pondering.
-
It has been a a tiring week. Emotionally and physically. Mother is doing fine, although I still worry about her health. I know she doesn't have much time left with us. So I am making the most of it. We have almost 20 yrs to make up for. She has taught me much about magick, she even taught me how I could forgo e use of spell components for the lower level spells. She has even begun to teach me 3rd circle magick! Having never had a formal teacher, I have been consigned to learning on my own. It has been difficult, but I have managed. My mother was impressed with what I had accomplished on my own.
Although she is teaching me much, she still has not talked of her past, of her family. I haven't asked these questions yet, partly out of respect and partly because I am hoping she will tell me more when she is ready. Tho only thing I have gleaned from her was teh fact that she once commented on my archery and how she seems to think I need more practice if I am to measure up to the rest of the family.
She seems to have taken an interest in Barion too. She always looks at him curiously. I dont think she quite knows what to make of a doting future son-in-law. From what I understand, most elves are fairly formal with adult family members. Barion is anything but! He tries, and it helps that he is learning to speak the language. I think it amuses mother as she always seems to have a smile on her face when she speaks with him. Not in a mean way, but like a parent with a child.
She is glad that I have taken up trying to learn the language also. She seems to like teaching Barion and I. Not in the way Serissa did, but more like she says something and then expects us to understand what she is saying or at least try to figure it out according to what she is doing. I still have trouble with pronouncing some of the words, but Barion is really doing well with it. I think h will be fluent even before me.
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It has been abusy last few weeks. I have been pursuing my crafting with a vengeance! My alchemy and infisusig nskills are advancing steadily. I am hoping to make a few potions forf Barion for his travels. I know now where to get the materials. so I can try and try again.
Tre'ana and I decided to go travelling for a bit. It was fun travelling with her again. She seemed to need to get out of the house for a bit. It was greta. I hadn't seen her in so long. I missed having her around.
After Treana and I separated I met up with Barion near Saudria. We then met with Jin near the Rolling Hills. He is changed. Barion and i both noticed it. We later went to Vale, where we met his niece Niena. A beautiful little child who is apprently learning to kick like her uncle (from her uncle no less).Here he told us the entire story. His tale of Foilian's call, and Aeridins silence.
It was a sad tale that began shortly after he helped me defeat the demon creature that imprisoned my mother. We were attacked by wolven abominations. The story Jin told us realted to Folian and the beginning time of the world. How a demon was trapped. And now it was about to be free. How Jin fought with, adn in alast desperate attempt called upon Aeridin, and let his power flow through him. Such power as was needed to banish the monster, more than any mortal can contain. He awoke empty. Apparently Aeridin's touch could no longer be felt by him. But he had already been marked by Folian. It was Folian who called upon him to help contain the demon. And now, it is Folian who is beginning to fill the emptiness within Jin. It will be a long time before he is whole again. If he ever will be. But Barion and I have pledged to help him thru this as best as we can.
Later we travelled to North Point. Barion wanted to stop by the Tomb of Lost Heroes pay his respects. Later we decided to hunt the minotaurs. Colo the guard needed the head of the leader to quell their rampaging. It was more than Barion and I could do alone. Barion fell and I barely escaped with my life. I sat on the steps numb. I could barely cry and I could not move. Then he appeared before me and passed thru me...a shade of Barion? I dont know. And thenm..and then he walked out of the dungeon. I was so shocked..I could not speak...I was so happy my I couldnt stop crying. Barion had once again risen to be by my side.
We met Jin again in North Point on our way out and decided to head towards Dalanthat. There we met Karan Elksoul..She was drunk and barely able to walk. SHe was so distraught, I felt so sad for her. Apperently with the coming cold, it is getting unbearably cold where she is from, her people are startign to suffer teh effects of it. The elk herds are dying, and food is starting to be in short supply. I hope she can find a solution.
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The last few days have been full of surprises. Some larger than others. I am still reeling over one of them. I cant believe it!
One of the good things is that Barion has agreed to help Kyle and Rain with their guild. He has been taking them around and showinmg them where to find materials. I have offered my services to them also. Although my skills are not nearly as great as Barions. they will do well I think.
Serissa and I went to Pranzis yesterday. She wanted me to make a 2nd circle divinity ring for her. And I was going ot try and make a 3rd Circle Wizards ring. Unortunately, I was unable to make my ring. I will though soon enough. Unfortunately this caused Barion and I to get into a small argument. He is mad that I use the metals he gathers so quickly, and fail to let him know. That and he sometimes thinks we are using him like Raven did. As mule for material.
Its hard for me to argue with him about this sometimes. He has wanted me to perfect my crafting, so he has been gathering materials for me like mad. Without his patronage, I doubt I would be as good as I am now. And I have to admit..I have used metals and forgot to tell him. He has asked me to let him know on a few occasions, unfortunately I have forgotten to leave him a note. But on the other hand, I dont use the metals that often. I will try and do better.
I dont want him to think I am just using him for his collecting abilities. I could care less if he stopped gathering anything at all. I love him too much to let this develop into anything bad. I would rather stop crafting altogether than have him believe this.
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Everything has been going so well. Barion has been helping Rain and Kyle with their new guild and I have been progressing with my skills faster than I could ever imagine.
I have been steadily progressing with my elven. My mother has been pushing me even harder, now that Barion seems to have mastered the language before me.
She also seems to think I should have done more to learn about my Elven heritage, regardless of the fact that she was the only elf in our village growing up and no one had any real idea about them. Or that maybe I should have made the effort to learned more after I became dragon-called. I think that is what our first mother-daughter argument was about.
I admit I have lacked any real knowledge of my elven heritage. I know almost nothing of the elves, save that they come mostly from Voltrex. A place I have never visited, or attempted to visit yet. I have seen it from afar, when i went to the great library located there via the library at Blackford castle.
I feel I am a disappointment for her sometimes.
My mother has now taken it upon herself to educate me about the customs and history of the elves. Most of our time together seems to be her discussing the elven history and what it means to be elven.
I love my mother, and I love the time we spend together, but I sometimes feel she is not telling me everything about her or about our family. She mentions things in passing as if I should know certain things just because Im her daughter. This is very frustrating. It took me a 2 weeks to get her to tell me her name, and even then..I still dont know her last name or what family she comes from. And when I ask about our family..she sometimes goes sadly quiet, pursing her lips and giving me a strange look.
Her name, her name is so beautiful... La'ranthia
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My mastery of the elven language is coming along. Mother should be happy about that. She has continued her tutelage and Barion and I are communicating more frequently in it. Im glad he is here to help me. His reassurance and help has even impressed mother. I think she likes him. She always gives him a funny smile when she sees him.
Mother has continued my educatiuon into the mystic arts. She has let me read some of her books of lore and even a spellbook or two. My power is slowly growing. I feel it within me, coursing thru my veins. It is an extension of me, I feel my being connect with the stars when I touch the weave.
Father taught me that the sword and bow are extensions of my being, that they are my limbs and my might. Mastery is journey of a lifetime. When you use them..the mind should be empty, and that thinking when fighting is what gets you hurt. How different from magic...or is it?
I talked with Elgon yesterday...About life, family, love. It was nice. We both have similar histories when it comes to demons. They have both plagued our families. IT also brought up questions which I dont think mother really wants me to ask, or that she wants to answer. I brought them up in passing..and she quickly changed the subject. It makes me wonder.
She doesn't speak of her family, nor does she answer like to talk about what happened to her. I understand that...such torment for so many years...I can't even begin to imagine what she went through. Family though, why wont she tell me about them? All I really know is that they are from Voltrex. Perhaps she is ashamed of having loved a human, and bearing a half-elven child. Elves can be very 'unhappy' when it comes to such things.
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Yay for Barion and I! After all these months, adventures, misadventures and genral fun we have finally settled on a date. In 1 month we shall be married. Now we have to get everything together. So much work to do.
We told mother about it. We thought she would be happy, to know we will finally be married...she smiled, looked at us quizzically and went back to her book.
I don't know what to do. Barion and I are so happy, and yet she has seemed ever more distant of late. At first I thought it was because we all know her time left with us is slowing slipping away. But now...now I dont know.
I need to have a talk with her.
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Barion and I went to Rilara gathering for ingredients for cooking. So much food to prepare! Beer, roasts, bread and anything else you can think of! Gods..first nightmares of demons and now nightmares of food.
The other nightmare is the fact that we have to send out iinvitations to all of our friends...No mean feat. We both know so many and people and have so many friends. Barion had a good idea though. We will post teh wedding information in all of the taverns. Everyone checks the walls sooner or later. Hopefully most will see it sooner rather than later. Our closer friends we decided will receive personal invitations.
Hopefully this will work out. Heres crossing our fingers!
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Its been a strange week indeed!
Firstly, Rhynn is being hunted by some drow fromthe underdark. Apparently he has been sent to retreive or kill her from her owners. This is not good. The hunter seemed pretty pretty ruthless and cold. I met him in Hlint. He started asking Tegan and I some pointed questions regarding our friend. Its a good thing he didn't know very much about his quarry. This gave me a fun opportunity to tease Rhynn adn still send her pursuer on a wild goose chase! Little Ms. Sunshine, I called her. She really loved that. Skipping around and spreading sunshine and rainbows wherever she went. Rhynn face nearly went purple when she heard me sayying that. Poor Tegan could barely contain herself! We did happen to pointout that she tended to hang out with one Ozymandius whom I'm sure this drow will have heard of..if not..oops for him. I do hope Rhynn will be okay.
Second. I finally heard the whole story about what happened down there from Mith. I guess it wasn't completely his fault after all. Things seemed to have just gotten out of hand. Rhynn even confirmed this after she had cooled down abit from the whole slave experience.
Third. Mith was very talkative today. Moreso than I have ever heard him. He talked to us about his and Anna's relationship and what happened. He still dearly loves her. I don't think I ever knew they were married, or even a couple for that matter. He told us about why he thinks their relationship fell apart. It had something to do with the Bone Woman, a fallen cleric of Rofirien named Dougal and a few other things. More importantly, he talked about Anna'a stolen children. He has been seeking information on them and what has happened to them for a long time now. Even though he and Anna have fallen apart. He still cares deeply for her, and more importantly, for her children. He says he his doing all he can to find them and what happened.
Number four was the fact that Barion and I got a glimpse of the dark side of Nyyana...Apparently she really doesn't like some fellow named Celgar. She doesn't like him at all. Apparently he is the only one who has ever made her so mad she has seriously contemplated harming him intentionally. Its always the cute ones.
And most important to me of all that has happened today. Mith enlightened me as to some marriage rituals and customs of the elves. This sheds new light on why perhaps, mother has been acting so strangely of late. Her health is truly starting to fail. Her hair is getting greyer and greyer every day. She is more tired more often nowadays ands she sleeps more and more. I am truly worried for her. Barion and I both knew her reprieve from death wasn't a permanent one. Her health was never copmpletely restored. But I had hoped for more time with her. She is barely even 200 years old. You never would have guessed it to see her. After her ordeal with that soul sucking demon, when we found her, she looked nearly 900 years old! And in the last few months that she has lived with us since her rescue, she has aged another 3 or 400 hundred years it would seem. I must get the answers I need for myself and Barion and our future family.
I must truly sound like the petulant child sometimes. Butthis is important.
My family history means so much to me now that I have a family of my own. And mother, she barely discloses anything to me about her side. Who they are, where they live, what they did. Even simple things she barely divulges. I understand that I may be a half-elven child, whom the rest of the family may want nothing to do with. I accept that. But I do deserve the right know where I come from. And on a sadder note...I must know whom to contact about mothers death. Im sure her parents woud like to know what has become of her. What happened to her and why. I know I would. I may not like it, but it would give me some comfort at the very least.
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Well...Only a few weeks left until the wedding. My hand is killing me! I sent out all fo the invitations today. Those poor messenger birs must be swooping up and down all over layo.
I just hope I remembered everyone..if not, then hopefully they will see teh signs posted in the inns.
Im so excited, now. The wedding is coming up, nad mothere has agreed to finally tell me of our family. It is definitely going t be an excitng week!
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Only a few days left until the wedding...I am getting very anxious. Still not enough food yet...Barions says there is ..maybe he's right. I guess I am just trying to keep busy.
Nyaana has made my wedding dress for me..It looks fantastic! SHe has really done a good job.
My only other concern now..is mother. Barion told me she had a chat with him. SHe doesnt want em to seek out her family. She feels it would be dangerous for me. Being a half-elven, her family would not be overly welcoming to me. I somehow feel there is something more to it than that. Hopefully she will tell me more soon. She is getting so much weaker...I dont know how much longer she will last.
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I am so happy! Today was the big day. A few mishaps, but overall it was a great success! Many of Barion's friends and my friends showed up. The were patient enough thank goodness Many were there before already when we arrived. And then the nightmare. The catereres hadn't arrived yet. Nothing was setup! Ugh... Poor Quantum who wanted to make all of the arrangements for the wedding was practicially hysterical. He hid it well..uyt you could see it in his eyes. He was not happy. But luckily, we were able to get ahold of the company that was supposed to do this. The caterers partner ended up showing and did an excelent job in getting everything ready at the last minute. Apparently her patner forgot to put it on the calender or lot the billing or something. Im not sure what happened. I figured his team came out and were eaten by gnolls. It wouldnt have surprised me in the least. In the end, I think she gave Q a discount due to the mixup, and it was a grand wedding. Quantum performed the ceremony sans Cray and Serissa gave us a blessing as a cleric of Rofirien. I do hope Cray is safe, I received a bird from her sayiong she was called away unexpectedly and would not make it. The other no show, was mother. She has really started to weaken n the last few days. Barion and I dont think there is much time left for her. Quantum offered to try and help her, but he didnt understand the nature of her malady.
//OOC: Here is a link to the photos: http://www.layonaraonline.com/forums/photos/photo-thumbnails.asp?albumid=524 (http://../photos/photo-thumbnails.asp?albumid=524)
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It has been an exhausting and exhilarating week.
After the wedding, Barion and I disappeared for several days of well earned rest...well..it was sortof restful.
We went to Saudria and enjoyed the quiet of the inn, and the peacfulness of the sea. And then Nyya and Mith came along.
We decided to stretch our legs for a little walk around Dregar and met up with some of Barion and Mith's old friends. Varka, Q, Ketil and a halfling named Larissa.
Our walk consisted of saying hello to some giants and trying to get a helmet for Ketil from some really mean orcs. That didnt go so well for us. We all fell.....Mith and Nyya somehow escaped thank goodness. I never knew orcs could be so tough! They cut through us like we were butter! I had a headache for a week!
Then the fun really started. We all met back at the new house in Pranzis where Barion and Mith decided to arm wrestle. Barion didnt do so well. So much for the spindly little mage! But I think it had mor eto do withteh fact that he polymorphed into a giant.
Then he polymorphed into a dragon (thank goodness for high ceilings!) and Barion and he started to wrestle. That was funny. Poor Barion was like a cute little doll.H eeventually got his feetand then he gave Mithy a run for his money! Mith was so tired he couldn't change back and passed out on the floor. Nyya and I hada blast climbing on a dragon!
Later Barion needed to head to Haven for something, and Mith decided to take Nyya and I to Vanavar. He wanted to show us where he grew up. It was beautiful countryside, but mercs had the run of the land now. Mith didn't like that very much. Let's just say toasty doesn't quite cover it. He then showed us both one of the most terrifying things either Nyya or I had ever seen. Scorpions the size of towers! It was like we were in a nightmare that was real!
I really like Mith but he is a strange fellow sometimes. He has been thru alot. He can be the nicest guy in the world one second, then a act like a crochety old man the next. He told Nyya and I that at one time all he craved was power. Not to rule, but to be free. In the process he has loved and lost, and learned power isn't everything. I really like Mith. Once you get through the gruff exterior he can be very sweet, but he is very lonely. He doesn't show it, but he is. His breakup with Anna hurt him deeply. I dont know the details, but he blames himself. His only desire now is to see her children reunited with her, or at the very least, give her the revenge she deserves for such a horrendous crime. He still loves her...
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My life just seems to get so confusing sometimes....
I have just found out from Mith that Ozy and he had a chat with my mother recently. Apparently...she has a chance for life again! Apparently, all the clerics we talked to had no clue. This was beyond their experience..so they assumed her weakening was the lifeforce of Barion leaving her...and when it was gone she would...she would die.
She is weakening..that much is true. But now I am beginning to wonder if it is because Barions strength is leaving her, and her own body and soul are being taxed from the healing.
Perhaps this explains her recent forays to Spellguard. She was once a powerful and gifted mage. Perhaps hope has been kindled within her and she doesn't wish to raise my hopes in case of the worst.
I have been traveling with Mith alot lately. We have had long conversations and I have learned much about him. Not too much..he is still very secretive. But i feel he trusts me. He offered me an item of extreme personal value...something that if it fell into the wrong hands could be devastating to him. I appreciated the honor of his trust with this, but I did not feel comfortable accepting it. If something went wrong..if it was stolen or somehow got into the wrong hands..... I just hope he understands.
I have also been made a strange offer. Well, not so strange really. Unexpected would be the word. Mith has offered to tutor me in the arcane arts. I was rather surprised by his offer. I am honored that he would extend this too me. Especially since I have heard from others and himself, that he is disinclined to take on apprentices.
He has also shared with me some of his past. A past that he has no memory of, or rather...one that he never had any idea of. AS I promised him..this is all I shall say about this.
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I have been offered and accepted an offer from Mith. He is wanting to rebuild the Arcane Alliance from the chaos that seems to have engulfed it. I have no illusions about this. I trust Mith, I dont know why, but I do. I also have no illusions about him. He explained his reasons to Tyr and I and I think they are sound. I also know that Mith tends to think about 20 steps in front of everyone else.
I guess I am going to be a member of the Arcane Alliance. Barion is not gonna like this. But then, he is going on a suicide mission into the underdark. I don't like that idea.
I understand it is to save his friends, and I can't say I wouldn't do the same thing in his shoes. But I am fearful for him. This is dangerous and he may not come back. He will..I know he will in my heart, but I still can't help but be very nervous.
I need to go practice with my sword...
That sounds so funny to me now. I have spent so much time studying my magic, wanting to learn all there is, and practicing so much. And now all I want to do is practice with my sword.
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Mother is gone. She finally returned to Aeridin's arms. It happened on Voltrex, her home. I am so glad for that. Nyyana took her there after mother askerd her to escort her throught the High Forest. THe high forest, mother alsways said it reminded her Voltrex. I guess when she spoke of Voltrex is sparked something in Nyyana's memory. Mith was there for some reason. He was there when she passed. He said she simply faded away. He burned her body and scattered her ashes to the wind.
She had one final gift left to give.
Spellsword. A fighter and a wizard blended together. A path few have taken. There are only a few known to my friends and acquaintences. And they haven't been seen in a long while.
Perhaps this is my destiny. It feels right. I already blend both sides of my life, the fighter and the wizard. This is the logical next step.
-
An inauspicious beginning.
The first ladies night out. What a fiasco...what fun...what pain.
There were many who showed up. Honora, Brisbane, Jennara, Iris, Sep, Ferrit, Jade, and myself. We took a moment to figure out where to go. Our party was pretty powerful.
We decided to go to Roldem. I was all for it. I had never been there, nad travelling hte countryside sounded like fun. We decided to help the locals by ridding the area of undead.
Our adventure started out great. We cleared the way thru to the footfo the mountains. Form there we entered a cave. It was there where we lost it. WE made it thru to the second level without much incident. It was there we were ambushed. I and most of the others fell. I almost escaped with Brisbane, but at ht elast moment a storm assasin brought me down. I dont remember much except the excruciating pain. The soul mother visited me once more.
Fortunately my soul was still bound to the northpoint bindstone. I made my wasy back to HLint and drogo adn Mith returned with me once they learned what had happened. It was then that I learned Ferrit was pregnant. We needed to get to her. To see if she somehow survived.
Mith was wonderful. For some reason I find he is always around to bail me out. Im not sure why that is, but I am grateful for it. Even Brisbane said he was the hero of the day. Without him we would never have been able to help Jennara, Iris or Myself reach our graves. Brisbane said Ferrit had returned to Hlint's bindstone. This is terrible..we can only hope she didnt lose her child.
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My training is beginning in earnest. I have begun to fully realize the truth of my gifts. To fight with spells and steel. There is a harmony of balance between the two which before I had only contemplated briefly.
My tutoring by Mith has also begun. He has taken me into the Arcane Alliances keep. He even gave me a key. They have many resources within the tower, more than I had ever dreamed. It is a school for teaching, and learning. To explore the mysteries of magic and plumb the depths of the weave.
Mith has shown me much, he has agreed to help with my elven language skills, he has begun teaching me the methods of magical defense, and has fostered my understanding of enchantment.
Now I must ask Barion to help me with my fighting skills. He is a weaponmaster of almost no equal. He will be happy to help me Im sure. It will give us more time together, which I miss. He has been gone so much lately, as have I. And it will ease the tensions between us regarding Mith's tutelage.
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My quest continues on..
My fighting skills are improving with the help of Barion and I have learned a few new spells which I have found quite useful. Mith was helping me with my elven language. Apparently mother talked with him before she died and expressed her desire for me to master the language. He has taken it upon himself to help me, that and I asked him too.
The most wondrous thing has happened. Two of my friends have had nad are having children. Kyle and Ferrit are expecting this week and Tyr had a beautiful baby boy just a few days ago.
I am so happy for them. They will all make fine parents.
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I am exhausted! I ahve been running around gathering items for this little business venture i started with Mith. 4 orders in less than a week. And we filled them all within a couple of days of receiving them! My feet are killing me!
I have been travelling with Dalan alot lately. We have been mining iron in haven. Its fun travelling with him. He's a great fellow, even made me beer. Its usually the other way around. It was mighty tasty though.
I miss Barion...I havent seen him for days. I know he is off helping his friends and has alot on his plate, but we havent had much time to ourselves. I miss him.
I almost think some of this maybe my fault. I needed iron for some arrows and used quite a bit from one of our chests. I usually try to let him know if I use something, but he hasnt been around lately. I shoudl leave a note for him I guess. rain said he was pretty miffed. I think ima gonna start making more trips into haven. I am going to try and get him more iron than he could possibly use! Well...thats alot i guess. but i will do my best to help fill his chests at the very least.
One last note to myself...i need to remember to talk to Ozy about spellswords...See what he knows, perhaps he can help guide my training. Although i think i am on the right path now.
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I have recently learned new magic and my connection to the weave seems to have become stronger over the last few days. It is strange though...for I have been training harder and harder with my sword. Honing my skills with a blade and with magic...as one blooms, the other blossoms.
I am worried. Barion hasn't been seen for days. He has been home..the iron has been used. My way of checking on him I guess. But he never stays long, and seems to be there only when I am not around. No one in Hlint has seen much of him lately either, and when they have he has been strangely silent. Not saying much, just practicing his crafting.
I am at a loss...I have searched for him, but not located him..I have finally sent a messenger bird with a letter in hopes that it will locate him and bring him home.
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The last few days in hlint have been strange to say the least.
The other day a strange creature appeared in hlint with a staff shaped like an eyeball. It seemed to be searching for something. Rhynn really seemed to bug it as it kept lobbing fireballs at her. It didnt say a single word. Rain, yllaron and I follwed it for awhile as it traveled south towards Krandor. IT seemed to be looking for something in particular. What i have no idea. It looked into water, felt the walls examined the ground. It was very strange. I would have followed it further, but my frend Cym sent me a bird saying he needed me urgently.
I traveled to Dregar nad met up with him near Saudria. The Temple of Azatta. Cym had told me that he awas being sent on a quest by his church to prove his own devotion by redeeming a vampire lord who had corrupted a city after Azatta didnt grant his prayer to protect his people from the drow. The undead were powerful indeed. I almost fell several times but got lucky and fought my way thru. We discovered some sort of tomb that was surrounded by a self feeding mystical barrier. It took us a while to figure out what to do. In the meantime, we discovered a priestess who recanted, and was brought back into the fold of Azatta by Cym. She told us the story of the Drow Priest who fell. We aslo fought and destroyed the Vampire Lord who was behind the changes in the city. He it was who turned the priest and priestess and bound them here. That was a tough battle..i could barely touch him, even with my silvered weapons. Jin Lun Lee and I both fell. Cym was finally able ot defeat it while it was distracted by Jin and I. After that we freed the drow priest who deecided to ask forgiveness and was redeemed by Cym and went to Azatta. We barely escaped the city as it collapsed in on itself. The ruins are gone forever now.
I unfortunately paid a high price for my friend Cym...the soulmother met me once more. I have only 1 strand left now..I must be more mindful of the future. Especially if i wish to be a mother. Kyle and Ferrit let me hold and play with Cole their son. I was so happy and he is such a delightful child. I walked with him around the pond in Hlint for a bit, and covered him when it started to rain. Perhaps Barion and I will be lucky enough to have a child of our own someday.
Barion...where are you. I have missed you so much. Rain says you have been crafting like mad of late. I just wish i could see you again. You are always gone when I am home. I miss you so much.
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It has been a day of bittersweet memories.
I finally came across the love of my life...I was on Dregar headin gto find some aloe again when I came upon a small band of adventurers. My Barion, Rain and Sonya Darsus and Serissa. I was finally reunited with Barion. We saw each otehr and ours eyes filled with tears of joy..we held each oher close forgetting the world around us.
It was then after our brief moments of joy, that I noticed Rain was sitting on the ground in silence, Sonya was crying nad Serissa was strangely silent. It was then that Rain said the words...Elgon's dead. I stood still and then fell down as the words formed in my mind. As I realized their meaning...
Elgon was a good friend. He had a noble soul and I will miss him dearly. I only hope Jenna will be alright..they wer quite fond of each other.
In the aftermath of stopping Rain from running headlong into the giant camp by himself looking for vengeance, barion had to dunk his head into corax lake a few times, we all had a good cry remembering elgon. Barion and I stepped away from the others for a bit to finally talk abit. I missed him so much.
At the end of the day..Barion ad I decided to give the Darsus' a hand...They have kids who need room to play, so we now have new neighbors. Right across the path from our house in Halft Lake. Barion decided to help them with a loan to purchase the house. They were so close, they just needed a little help and we were glad to do it.
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Ugh....The only words I can describe how I feel. I think I ate some bad meat the other day. I have been sick for the last couple of days and I miss the sun. You would swear I had drank Dalan under the table the way I look.
Oh well...I am just gonna have to grin and bear it. Back to Moraken's. Gotta get these potions made.
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Its been almost a month now and I am feeling anxious. I've been practicing my enchanting as much as I can. Its pretty much the only way to improve my gemcrafting skills at this point. I need to start being able to enchant my own rings.
On the plus side, whatever seemed to have made me feel ill earlier this month seems to have passed. Now I can at least play in the sun again. I suppose I should fetch some sage. I ate up alot of the pie and roast we had stored away. I was a eating like a pig! I swear, I need to go for long walk to keep from not being able to wear my armor. I swear its getting tighter on me every minute.
At least while I was cooped up I was able to practice my elven...Barion just wouldn't stop talking to me in it...forcing me to learn. Its so much more fun to learn with him around. He kept my spirits up when I was sick.
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Oh gods...what am I gonna do? Kyle just cornered me in the kitchens at the surge. He thinks I might be pregnant....Nope...Im not...
It explains alot though...the sickness..the hunger..the exhaustion...No..Ive jst been working to hard...
Still...It would make Barion so happy, and I have always thought about a having a child...raising a family...
Im not ready for this...Im too reckless...to clumsy...what if I drop it...or forget it somewhere...what if...
Nope..not yet
I will go see the healer tomorrow and prove Kyle wrong. Im just going through a phase. Thats it.
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Well...I went to the healer after a couple of days of avoiding it. Kyle was right.
I'm pregnant.
I am terrified. I am not ready for this, but then again, who ever is.
After visiting the healer I was stunned. I just had to wander around for a bit. Squished some bugs which made me feel better. I ended up at the freelancers tavern after a day or two. I was glad to see it open once more. Anna was tending bar and a few friends were there also. I just needed a beer.
I started crying into my beer and trembling. I feel bad for ruining the good time everyone was having. I just couldn't stop shaking. I blurted out I was pregnant and everyone just stopped. Anna promptly took my beer away and gave me juice. I wasn't happy about that, but she was probably right.
Dalan and Daniel escorted me home to tell Barion the news. Dalan was so sweet..he lured a few orcs my way so I could relax abit by doing a bit of bashing.
I know everything will be fine. I have always wanted a family..I am just not really ready for this.
I am so scared.
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Another friend has fallen...Mercas.
I will miss him dearly. He was a fun companion, reckless and wild, intelligent and witty. He was a good friend to all.
I helped Dora fetch his body from the fire opal cave near corax lake. We then removed him to his home at Haft Lake.
Poor Dora...I feel so bad for her, she witnessed his fall and could do nothing. Now her home that she shared with Elgon and Mercas is silent.
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Oh the last few days have been swirling by me in a haze of confusion. Of old fears and the uncertainty of my future.
Of old fears...Sabrissia Ice has returned. Barion's old love..the one he searched for for years but was lost. The one who held his heart before me. She came to Hlint looking for Barion. She found him. He found her. They talked and I listened. I had heard she was rash and impulsive. That when she met me I may not survive the encounter. She spoke of being trapped on the planes, that some demon had made prisoner of her nad she was tortured for 10 long years. I never realized it had been that long here, but then, time on the planes flows differently there. She was scarred and wounded. Happy to see her old love Barion again, and then saddened when she realized he was hers no more. She told us how she was returning from some ritual, and eager to be home decided to cut across the planes where she was ensnared. I left them alone for a time...I needed to think and they needed time to sort things out. Varka met me outside of Hlint where I was standing just staring at the stars. He said if I loved Barion I would fight for him. I will if it comes to it. He is the father of my child and my heart, nothing can keep us apart.
Of the future...Sonya had her children. All 3 of them. They are the most adorable things, so small, so beautiful. The Darsus' are truly blessed. I can only hope I am ready when the time comes. I am truly terrified. I watched as Barion carried Sonya thru the door as he took her to her pallet. I tried to follow but I couldnt move. My feet were frozen in place. Then..I dont know..I just went blank. I remember feeling stark fear and terror and then..nothing. I recovered from my stupor with Barion holding me close and Daniel watching over us from a nearby tree. I guess I lost it. With everything that had happened earlier that day and now being there when Sonya had her children i guess I was overwhelmed. Barion said I was babbling about pie. We then went back to the house nad saw the newborns. So soon after their birth, Sonya let me hold one. It was so small, so delicate, like a flowers first bloom. She was so beautiful. I'm still scared, but I think Im gonna like being a mommy. Sonya then asked if Ferrit, Serriss and I would be godmothers to the children, and Rain asked Kyle and Barion if they would be the godfathers. We all said yes.
The future, the past, its all come together again. I know Barion loves me, I also know Sabrissia's return is going to bring back old emotions he thought were gone. I do know life is about to get pretty complicated.
*the writing here looks messy as if something just startled sa'kura
The baby..it..it kicked me!
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Ugh...Im getting so heavy these days. The baby is going to be as strong as Barion if these kicks are any clue! I think Barion is hoping for a boy. The way i've been describing how the baby feels you can see it in his eyes. A boy to carry on the Firesteed name, someone he can train with the sword. I would be happy with either. We strill havent really talked about names for the baby either. I think if its a girl..Abigail...if its a boy..I like Terence or Frederick. But I think we should see what the baby is..and what we think he would respond to. names are important after all. I jsut hope they have my hair. Pink hair is cute.
On another note..Cray has been back again. I am glad she is finally back in Hlint. I missed hanging out with her. We've been travelling around alot together. She great at picking apples, although she wont admit it.
I feel bad for her..she's so lonely right now. Alantha's leaving her for someone else hit her hard. In time she will move on, but for elves, memories are long and healing will take time. Hopefully she will find someone new.
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Oh my..I'm a mother. I can't believe it..I'm a mother.
A beautiful baby girl...I think we will name her Abigail. Barion would like that I think. I will ask him first before it becomes official. I wish he had been there..on second thought no, maybe just outside the door.
Tyr, Malor and Maple helped me home when i went into labor. That mean lady form Hlint who thinks she's all that came too. tyr chased her off after she became rude and not very nice.
I must say..I blame Ozy for this. He made me laugh so hard today when he was telling us a story that I lost it went into labor. Granted it was because he was teasing miss princess because she was being all puffed up and ordering everyone around.
Oh well...time to rest with my littel angel, my littel orc basher..my darling daughter. And she has my hair.
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Abigail is growing so quickly. Its hard to believe she only joined us a few weeks back. She eats almost as much as Barion I think. She is a hit with almost everyone. Nyyana keeps trying to sneak away with her, Dalan never hought he could have so much fun with a baby, Cray just adores her and Rhynn...she seems to think she will fall to the same fate as Abigail whom she was named after.
Rhynn can be so sweet and nice at one moment and completely callous and hurtful the next. Spider chow. That hurt..I was basically floored by her and then was so mad. I was speechless..I couldn't think of anything to say after her little tirade. Abi isn't Abigail, her name has no prophetic meaning. She will be her own woman when she grows up.
I met Plenarious finally. That druid in vale wanted me to ask him about the betrayel of katia. It was a sad story about the desire of power and the consequences of it consuming ones soul. I also met Yardislan and Daeron Stormcloud. Daeron nearly exploded when he found out i had a key to the tower in Hampshire. He said Mith had no right to give it and would be removed from the roster if he ever returns. Not that that would bother him much I think, Mith was ever doing his own thing anyway. I returned the key to Daeron when he asked me, and that was the end of that. He wasnt mad at me, thank the gods, but Mith really irritated him. Big surprise there.
Barion had told me to seek out Yardislan, as did a few others, when I discovered the legends of the spellswords. He said there wasn't much known about them, that if the Great Library didn't have much information then he wasn't sure where I might find any. He did make mention of the Lucindites. Apparently there is a society known as the Runic Blade that is affiliated with the Lucindite church, but that it always a loose organization with few members. He didn't even know if any still exosted. He also mentioned another name..Conner something..I think. But he had not been seen in many years. At least I now I have more information to go and research. I think I will take a trip to Spellguard...That seems my best bet right now.
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Abi is sure a handfull these days. She is crawling all over the place and getting into everything. Barion has started to lock up some of his chests just so she doesnt get into anything that could hurt her. But she is daddy's little girl. He has taken her around while he gathers his materials a few times. And she is always so happy when he is around. She falls asleep so easily in his arms.
I am also so happy for Barion. He has finally become a memeber of the Order of the Wyrm. HE is going to be a knight soon. I just worry about the chaos within the church. How will it affect him, and how will it affect our future.
I have also recently met Yardislan again. I again asked about spellswords, nad this time he mentioned one Iradril Arken..something. Although he hasnt been seen in a long while, he recommended I send him a letter. I just hope the messenger birds can find him.
I have travelled to Spellguard and inquired about a group known as the 'Runic Blade'. Supposedly they are a group of spellswords associated with the Lucindite's. Unfortunately, the temple clerics and the libraries I was granted access too had little information about Spellswords and even less about the Runic Blade. Im beginning to wonder if that organization even exists. At least I found some information in the great library awhile ago attesting to some of the abilities of spellswords; the ability to enchant their own weapons with fire and ice. At least it gives me something to try and figure out..something to strive for.
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*a small breeze is felt within teh Firesteed household*
Barion and little Abigail are fast asleep together on the bed....
Abigails eyes sflutter open for a second and she looks up at the spiritand smiles recognizing her mother standing above her..she smiles and tries to reach up to her...
Sakuras spirit reaches out to the little handnad her fingers pass right thru..."I will always be there watching over you my darling" she whispers softly into the still air.
She bends down t kiss the baby and Barion one last time on the foreheadsof her familyand disappears into the void.
Abigail smiles and falls asleepi again into daddies arms.