-
*You find an old dusty journal, seeminly hundred of years old; the strong red the leather was once dyed with has long faded and the golden plates screwed to the sides are battered and old.
The pages of the journal are all aged and partly torn, but not enough to destroy the writings within.
Upon reading the date of one of the entries you realise this journal is decades old, and that it is written entierly in Elven... you open to the first page"
[INDENT]
For a Greater Cause
Gateway, Winter Deep 15, 1412.
I begin this journal in hopes it one day makes its way back to my beloved, so she may know what became of me, for I myself will not be able to tell her.
~ Tahletril
[/INDENT]
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[INDENT]Riding the Mour
Bright Eye, Winter Deep 16, 1412[/INDENT]
[INDENT]The Mour is indeed a grand sight, but sadly with the skies darkened I cannot enjoy it to its fullest.
Alro described me the seas before the great darkness as "A great ever moving mirror, reflecting the light of the sun and the blue skies perfectly" A sight I am sure you would enjoy, and will, once you and the skies recover.
I promise.[/INDENT]
[INDENT]The weather could be kinder on us as a recent storm passed upon the seas and caused quite a bit of trouble and damage on the ship the past few days, Alro said it would delay the voyage by at least a day if not two, due to having to make an unexpected stop in Katherian, a human port city on Alindor, to purchase repair parts and other supplies lost to the storm.[/INDENT]
[INDENT]I remember reading in my youth much about Alindor, I look forward to seeing it with my own eyes, and to meet humans for the first time... it will be a grand thing to compare writings with reality, though, Alro warned me that Katherian is dangerous and I should not venture too far by myself, we'll see about that when I get there![/INDENT]
[INDENT]Alro has just summoned me below deck for dinner, I will write again once we arrive to Katherian, which should be tomorrow at night.[/INDENT]
[INDENT]Rest easy my love.
~ Tahletril[/INDENT]
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[INDENT]The Unwelcoming Katherian
Night's Eye, Winter Deep 17, 1412.[/INDENT]
[INDENT]We arrived to Katherian and for the first time in my life I beheld humans, the writings indeed described them quite accurate, but it could not quite capture their manners, which are so different than our own.[/INDENT]
[INDENT]I'm quite surprised and how they live, half of them on the streets, fighting and drinking to the sounds of crowed music. Alro told me that it's not typical Human behavior and that Katherian is among the few places to host such activities, strange that my first impression of this race would be from here.[/INDENT]
[INDENT]I did my best to stick with Alro and his men, else I might loose myself in the chaos this place plays host to, we made our way to a local pawnshop and Alro bought a dozen new ropes and wood for repairs.[/INDENT]
[INDENT]Soon after we made our way to the local tavern, an unwelcoming place for fair folk.[/INDENT]
[INDENT]Many preying eyes laid upon us as we entered, but soon after a small gesture from Alro to his sword they left, he ordered us meals which were unlike any Elven cuisine I tasted before, not quite as good but special non the less. [/INDENT]
[INDENT]We rested in the ship that night, Alro said the inn is not safe enough, and when dawn comes (Although it is harder to tell, the skies are indeed darker beyond Voltrex) we set sail towards Lan's Port, our original scheduled stop.
I will continue when we arrive there.[/INDENT]
[INDENT]Rest easy my love.
~Tahletril[/INDENT]
[INDENT]P.S: I thought you might find it interesting so I included a map of our course so far. Red marks our first stop, green our second and blue our last, perhaps one day you will sail under the same road.[/INDENT]
*attached to the following page you find a tattered, burnt map as old as the journal, it's information valid non the less*
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/roido/voyage.gif)
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[INDENT]Old Friends
Dream Dance, Winter Deep 19, 1412.
We just arrived to Lan's Port, a small fishing village on the northern shore of Alindor.
Our stay is meant to be a short one; Arlo said he just needs to load some cargo and after that we will set sail to Mistone.
He told me I can wander around a bit, that Lannisport is safer than Katherian, but for the time being... after what I saw in Katherian, I rather not.
Arlo and I had a small talk on the way to his acquaintance.
I asked him about his relation with my father, and how they came to know each other
so well as my father told me; apparently Arlo was one of fathers companions back in his days of adventuring, he told me it was long before they settled in Voltrex.
I knew father was not from Voltrex, but he never expanded much on his past, only that he was born and raised in Dregar, and that after his adventuring years he and his family were accepted into Voltrex.
According to Alro, father and two other companions; a Dwarf named Horagh and a human named Victor were partners in adventures and that they traveled across Mistone, Akindor and Dregar. He told me much of fathers adventures with him and the others, how they battled foe throughout the realms... It sounded quite glorious; I never knew father was the adventures type.
I asked Alro what is his reason for leaving Voltrex as it has been on my mind ever since we left
mine were rather obvious, but his?
Apparently his lust for adventure was not thwarted over the years
and the secluded Voltrex is not a place for one such as he.
"For all I know Horagh is still alive, them Dwarfs live rather long, Heh" he said...
"Victor is dead for sure though, shame!"
Well, I best head back for dinner, I shall write again once I find time.
Hopefully before we reach Port Hampshire.
Rest easy my love.
~Tahletril
[/INDENT]
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[INDENT]Within a Dragons Grasp
Winged Trade, Winter Deep 27, 1412
We've been sailing close to the shores of the dragon isles for quite some time now, eight days to be exact, as I write this Alro announced passing Enderal and that Mistone is within sight; According to him we should be in Port Hampshire in a few days. It will be quite sad to depart from him and the others; I've grown quite fond of them
I can see why father traveled with him for so long.
Alro is quite the navigator, skillfully maneuvering between the islands, though we've sailed much slower than what we did in the open sea. The voyage itself was a pleasant one, one could easily spot the beautiful islands from where we were and the sights are indeed grand, if only you could see them.
But I'm sure you will, one day, though... I think it's best to observe them from seas, as Alro mentioned these islands host quite the sum of nasty monsters. Speaking of which, if it wasn't for Alros skilled eye we would have been overrun by harpies, it seems a few arrows is enough to scare the hags off though.
I've had some time to spare with him last night; he is quite a swordsman and is more than a match for me. He said father was his teacher as well, which would explain our similar fighting style, "Blade Dancing", as father calls it. He also said that he will arrange me a caravan to Hlint, a town somewhere in the center of Mistone which he assured me will qualify for my early needs In my quest.
I await my arrival there eagerly; I do not wish to delay in healing you.
I will write again when we arrive to Hampshire.
Rest easy my love.
~ Tahletril
[/INDENT]
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[INDENT]So Begins the Beginning
Gateway, Spring Dawning 1, 1412.
We arrived to Port Hampshire a few hours ago, a city like no other I've seen before. It is a merchant town, although not like my dear Seldine.
The streets are full of life; people trading, buying and selling, food is found in every corner in small stalls and restaurants, mainly sea food of decent quality. But it lacks the Elven beauty, the architecture is poor in my opinion and lacks the grandness of our Elven crafting, houses are dull and grey and the streets as well. But I guess this is how humans are raised, unaware of the beauty of other places.
Alro, the crew and I had one final dinner together at a local tavern, sea food such as octopus and fish from the nearby sea were served which were quite a delicacy compared to what I've had in Katherian, also fruit and bread coupled with a few bottles of wine. The company was pleasant, and the humans here did not look upon us oddly as they did In Katherian, the waitress even sat with us a while and was intrigued by our stories of Voltrex, apparently she did not even know of it's existence... strange that we would be taught so much of their home and they know nothing of ours.
Alro arranged me a caravan to the city of Hlint, it leaves in morning, he was kind enough to give me a map of Mistone and a few pointers, although according to him most people he knew in his adventuring days are probably long deceased by now, "Bloody short-lived humans, Heh" he said, although I could only smirk at such a remark.
I bid farewell to the company from home, never have I met a finer group of Elven Sailors, Alro and the rest said they'll be around Mistone for years to come and that surely it is not the last we see of each other, I believe him.
I rest in the tavern tonight, the waitress was kind enough to pay for my room, and tomorrow morning I leave to Hlint.
Rest easy my love.
~ Tahletril
[/INDENT]
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[INDENT]A Hub Named Hlint
Dream Dance, Spring Dawning, 1412.
Only now did I find the time to sit and write, although I have arrived to Hlint a few days earlier. Hlint is as much of a hub as Alro told me, among the commoners that are on their everyday life and merchants from towns nearby there is a great host of travelers and adventurers as well – He was right to send me this way.
I must admit I am embarrassed by my common, it by far off the standard and I speak oddly to people; I've had a few stares sent my way for a word misplaced and such, I should have never skipped classes back at school!
Mom wouldn't be proud at me, I think, oh well, I'm sure I'll eventually catch up.
Luckily I've met with a couple of fair folk who share a common tongue, I was surprised at how quick I've encountered other Elves, by what they tell us back at home one would expect little to none!
I've met two especially kind ones; a sailor named Karn and a scholar named Tyeaan, Both were assisting me in a job I had taken from a lady in town, which of course I managed to misunderstand due to my common and didn't know where to go! Luckily enough they managed to help me find the way and finish it. Karn then took me to the questmaster for another job, which we completed together.
We spoke a lot during the episode, Karn and I; I find it strange that his fluency in his ancestral tongue is so off, and how better common rolls off him. But he understood the Fair Tongue quite well and we managed to communicate. He told me he was born in the "west seas" aboard a ship, strange... for an elf. Perhaps he is related somehow to our sea born cousins? Oh well, he is a fine person non the less, perhaps one day you will meet him.
I've quite a lot ahead of me it seems, but rest assured that it is *all* worth it if it heals you in the end. And I will heal you, I promise. Well, I best get back to the road, I've a list of tasks for today!
Rest easy my love.
~ Tahletril
[/INDENT]
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[INDENT]In the Sanctuary of Dreams
Winged Trade, Spring Dawning 13, 1412.
I had visions of you during my last trance, a dream.
It has been so long since I've had a clear vision of you in my trances, I was beginning to think I'm losing what little memory is left of you.
We were back in Syliathon, and the skies were blue once more, celebrating monthly in praise of our lady Ilsare; the celebrations grand as always, of course. We were much older, our hair pale white and our bones fragile, but we sat embracing each other as we did ever so many times before. To our sides I could see children frolic, two boys and a girl. The eldest of the boys resembled myself at young age, but with raven hair such as yours, the younger boy looked a bit like both of us and had ginger hair and the girl much like yourself but with pale brown hair such as my own.
From a distance I could see the eldest boy approach a girl, much like I did when I met you... far in the borders of the celebration grounds. I could not hear them but I knew well what was being said, as I chanted those words before. You smiled and embraced me with silence, but your touch whispered your thoughts, and mine as well.
I woke however to the harsh reality of my whereabouts, far from my dearest and far from my home, Voltrex. My bones still strong and my hair still brown and soon insights sharp dagger stabbed me as I realized it was a dream.
How long until we meet again? How long until I heal you... if at all?
Perhaps I should have stayed by your side, perhaps that would have been a better course than this... I miss you and I miss home! what have I done?
Why did the dream spark these doubts, was it not an image of things to come? Perhaps they are but a passing lust, a craving... and these doubts will fade as quickly as they came, I hope.
But I made a promise, and I -will- fulfill it.
Rest easy my love; I know I shall never again.
~ Tahletril
[/INDENT]
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[INDENT]The Heart and Arrow
Bright Eye , Spring Dawning 23, 1412.
I have finally met an Elf of our faith, a priestess by the name of Ranewin.
She was kind enough to heal me outside the eastern Gate of Hlint after I've been injured by some undead at the crypt, She noticed the necklace you gave me and we talked a bit. She was surprised to meet another native to Voltrex of our faith, as was I, I did not expect it so soon (If at all!).
She said she was born close to the coral bay, You've been there haven't you? I remember you once told that, but that is for another time. She hasn't been much beyond Selrine, a pity, your village is as beautiful and worth of seeing. She seems to be afflicted with some curse of sorts, it saps away years from her visual appearance, making her look older... It was quite shocking. She manages to bypass it a bit by using some enchanter jewelry she possesses; I wonder what is the story behind it?
She asked me about my story, my reasons for being in Mistone and why did I leave Voltrex, but the cold weather we were assailed with was not a proper hostess for such a tale, I thought, so we left somewhere else. she said she knows a place that will bring feelings of fondness to me, I was intrigued so I followed.
She took me to Alindor, to a place hidden within the Wolfswood Forest.
It was a place of majestic beauty and according to her "the starting location" of our Ilsarean faith. We whispered prayers to our lady and sat by a waterfall nearby so that I may tell her my tale at last. I told her of our monthly celebrations and of how we met and then of your disease. She told me she knew who was responsible for the darkness, that it was a group of adventurers, the cause appears to be the explosion of the Firesteep mountains - a task they were forced to perform to thwat Bloods army... but for what cost?
But she also mentioned she saw the sun but a month ago, that the clouds parted as a handmaiden of Lucindia decanted and took the queen to be joined with the weave.
The skies appear normal behind the clouds of dust, if there was a way to clean it the skies would be blue once more... and you would be healed. I will find the way, I promise.
Rest easy my love.
~Tahletril
[/INDENT]
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[indent]The Accursed Return
Bright Eye, Spring Rain 16, 1412.
This is an outrage! A few days ago while in town I have encountered no less than THREE of the Drow! One by one hooded men and women revealed themselves to be Drow... so casually, as if they had a place on the surface! Outrage!! Spitting like that on our ancestors graves, who fought to banish them into the dark! How dare they show themselves in a world they no longer belong in? have they not accepted their defeat?
To top that it appears that some of the dwellers in Hlint SUPPORT their being on the surface! They are madmen! Do they not see the lies behind the dark skin? The hate nestled in those blood
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[INDENT]Eyes That See no Future
Dead Eye, Spring Blossom 11, 1412.
It's been four months since I left Selrine, since I last saw you - Time seems to fly here in Mistone, but I am not surprised, it is not immortal like Voltrex... it ages, along with its legends and heroes, long forgotten in the sands of time.
How long before I am swallowed as well? how long before I am forgotten too? I'm sure that by now mom and dad moved on, my brothers as well... Perhaps even my beloved young sister, yes, They must have, there is no returning for me, they cannot linger over my leaving.
And what of you my beloved? It's already been so many years since we've last set full eyes on each other; your empty glare haunts me still and your voice has faded from my memory, it is now but a tune long forgotten, sitting on the edge of my mind crying to burst out but I can't quite get the grasp of it. And what of me?.. Tahletril, am I forgotten to you? perhaps when you read this I will be but a memory? a faded longing? perhaps not even that and I am nobody to you... if so my love, read a strangers journal so he may rest easy knowing someone knows what became of him, please, I dread the thought of dying unknown.
I keep a fake smile up for what little friends I made, my poor common limits me of approaching anyone but Elves. I do not complain however, among the horrors my eye beheld so far I am glad to have what little friends I do -Drow, Orc and other monsters roam the town freely... I'm surprised trust is found amidst the chaos. oh how I long to leave this place.
But I made a promise, and knowing that it might make your face shine again is enough for me to continue... until my body fails me and I can continue no more.
Rest easy my love and know that a stranger watches over you.
~Tahletril.
[/INDENT]
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[INDENT]A Bond of Fire and Snow
Winged Trade, Summer Home 13, 1412.
It appears not all is as bad as I thought, perhaps... perhaps not at all.
A few days ago a group of adventurers and I traveled far into the grey peaks; we arrived to a place known as "Lar" Far above the mountains, deep in mounds of snow and assailed by fearsome gusts of wind it stood tall and proud, a town like no other.
The atmosphere... If I could only describe it in words! It's as if the freezing weather and the warm shelter the "Burning Twins" inn offered cheered me up! I haven't felt that way perhaps... since the last grand festival in Syliathon! Maybe it's just what they call "Mountain Air"?... Though, I doubt that's it. Watching people sit together around a warm fireplace, sharing tales and ales together in a bond of friendship rarely seen somewhere else, even the ruff locals smile to the sound of a grand story... That is what cheered me up, I'm certain.
Needless to say my mood has greatly improved there; I've even recalled memories of you, of home, crystal clear images of what I had left but for a good reason. I took this opportunity to draw while my memory was still sharp. I drew you, standing in the tallest tower in my fair Selrine, by the statue of our lady Ilsare... Observing the grand scenery: the forests, the Emerald River and the mountains beyond, just how I remembered you that moment. I will attach the drawing to the next page, you will love it I'm sure.
Even the biggest of problems I've had so far is fading; my common improves on a daily basis! I'm certain it will not pose a problem soon. Everything will get better from now on, for both of us.
Rest easy my love.
~Tahletril
[/INDENT]
*to the following page you can see a drawing attached, clearly the one mentioned in the entry before… It is old, faded and tattered – time indeed took it's tool on it*
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/roido/SyleneBurned.png)
((Drawing by Stef Edwards per request, all rights reserved and all that))
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[INDENT]Of My Blood and Flesh
Dead Eye. Summer Home 11, 1412.
Creators thought to twist my fate, it seems, as today a most curious thing occurred. I was standing in Hlint, by the wooden deck when my very own flesh and blood walked before me; my second eldest brother, Elzhabehl.
Needless to say I was shocked, amazed, puzzled - What brings my brother so far? Why would he unroot himself from the soils of home and come to this forsaken place? You know him, you've met him, no doubt you can guess the answer to my questions yourself... He grew bored of Seldarine, claiming to have known all there is to know there. Has he any idea what he left Voltrex for, though? I wonder...he will soon learn the harshness of Mistone, no doubt a lesson he will not appreciate.
Brother appears to be much more skilled in common than I am, quickly maneuvering between people to achieve his misguided goals, perhaps his arrival to Mistone will be easier than my own, I hope so, for his own sake.
He's attitude has not changed much in the five months since I left, however - still arrogant, pompous... Ever so full of himself, but a brother none the less, even if my least favorite I still love him... Hopefully that won't change. With brother came another familiar face, one I was much gladder to behold - Tvix! You remember him? The silly small dragon mom kept, sort of a house pet I'd say, and a cook. I was surprised to learn mom gave him to my brother; he will no doubt mistreat him. Sadly there is not much I can do about it other than display my fullest affection for the little dragon when in reach, payment for the fond memories of my childhood time with him.
Regardless... I am glad, somewhat selfish, but glad, family is a company I welcome heartily. Perhaps life will continue its current course and things will indeed improve for me.
As for myself; I've set myself a goal to buy me a house in the half-lake district of Prantz, at the moment the price is a bit too high, but with a bit of hard work nothing is impossible. A lady named Tegan has been kind enough to hire my services in collecting various materials for her; boxes of silk, wheat and corn, it seems to pay nicely for the time being.
Perhaps once I've a place to call my own my longing for Selrine will fade a bit, or so I'd hope.
Rest easy my love.
~Tahletril
[/INDENT]
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A Celestial Dream
She was an Angel without wings, a celestial dream
Midnight black hair cascaded down delicate curves
Apple red lips adorned divine features so rare
Grace beyond compare...
Yet emerald eyes reflect nightmares sorrow
A dying picture of light...
The candles illuminated her empty body
beneath silk covers she rested with graves peace
In her wedding gown she laid, the bride of death
Charmed by the deepest sleep, a beauty left bare
His sight only saw her ghastly phantom visage
Seeing eyes cried, he collapsed in dismay
He embraced her one last time, whispering that cursed nights vow
Upon the day they were wed, she fell at darkened skies eye
They've sworn hearts, but for all it's worth she left him cold
In silence for the deaf, no farewells said no goodbyes
Torn away from him by blackened predatory heavens
A hypocritical turn of fate; betrayed
Yet within his shattered broken heart,dawns aglimpse of fate
Clear visions stand true of a timewhispered in bliss
Images of sky andbeloved together - hisdesired wish
Enchanting his dreams with a painful play
But now only lantern gaze brings life to hollow complexion
And even she is hauntly possessed with an elegant dread
Soon his prayers burned black, unanswered and blank
And such clarity escaped sanity, silent cries held at bay
To observe her blossom wane was torment to his eyes
Until desire no longer held back, he set out with a saving pact
For a sky veiled dark with blanket of ash
And an angel without wings, a celestial dream...
-
[INDENT]A Memory of a Memory
Gateway, Summer End 22, 1412.
There's a certain unease in the air; as if everything has gone amiss and nothing is as it should be, you know the feeling don't you?... a certain dread that doesn't pass. It burdens me, it lurks behind the fake smiles on my face, it travels along with every word I say and when everything is silent it is all that I can see or hear. This masquerade I'm playing with everyone won't last long, it snapped today.
I was with Elohanna (a sun-elf much like yourself) earlier, helping her decorate a room she is preparing for a group of homeless slaves, a just cause. she asked about my past... I told her; at first I thought I'd be able to restrain myself. There was no point not telling her, one way or another I need to justify my leaving Voltrex and what better way to do so than the truth?
So I told her, word by word... each word like a cold dagger in my chest, painful. And when the tale came to an end I snapped, the pain was too much to bear. I tried my best to keep myself together, I tried so hard but I couldn't, I simply couldn't. How could I when the consciences are so very real? I left you to save you and by doing so I ensured that even if you were saved we will never meet again.
And that is assuming you can be saved at all and that there is a point to this entire trip, is there? What if I left only to find out you cannot be saved? What will I do then?... am I to die on this land so far away for nothing, to fade away forgotten? No, I mustn't think such and I won't, at least I'll try not to.
I need to stay focused at the current events and stop putting myself through unnecessary torment; I've people to look after and tasks to complete. I've even my own place on Mistone now, a room in the "Angel's Rental House"... rented for four years in advance, until I can afford my own place. It's not much but, well, it's home now.
I've also met brother again, still pushing me around for no apparent reason other than his arrogance, making fun of me in front of other people is becoming casual for him. Curious that out of my loving family he would be the one I'd meet on Mistone, Pity. He did however apologize, clearly after being convinced by Elohanna, he wouldn't have thought of something of that nature by himself! But even so, I was barely listening, my mind was drafted elsewhere… my problems.
Regardless we departed on good terms, and I've invited him to my room again, if he pleases... family is family after all, even a rotten apple is an apple.
Rest easy my love.
~Tahletril.
[/INDENT]
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[INDENT]Bloodlust?
Bright Eye, Autumn Harvest 16, 1412.
Curse that insolent fool! I grow tired of my brothers ignorance to those around him! Ten years since your illness and only now he bothers to question your health, and in such casual manner!! I assume she is better now? How dares he? Ten years later! Curse his insolence!
I invited him to my room twice; I've done my best to make a good host, everything like I was taught! I respected him as my elder, offered him my own and he dares! Is there no limit to his misdeeds? Need I suffer from them time and again just to ignore them? I think not! He has no right to treat me like this and clearly no right at all to even ask about you... you never liked him anyway.
And as I urged him out before I snap he drew the last straw, claiming to have the ability to burn my room to ashes"… Arrogant fool, but I should not have done what I did... I have no control over my anger and it worries me.
I followed him outside, pushed him to the ground and held my sword to his throat, had he not mentioned he was defenseless I would strike him down. That is not what father taught me.... I am not a murderer, or Am I?
How many monsters did I slay since my arrival? How many times did I travel to their territory... how many times I sought them out for one sole purpose; to slay them? I'd like to believe my reasons to be just for if I do not slay them they will slay commoners and innocent. But how can I be sure?
I must seek counsel on the matter; I dare not think what might happen next I draw my swords. Today brother made it out, but if my course continues he might not next time.
Rest easy my love.
~Tahletril
[/INDENT]
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[INDENT]The Dance of Swords
Night's Eye, Autumn Twilight 10, 1412.
It… compels the anger?
Father knew this, he taught us that style for a reason...to hold it inside, not to use it. Forgive me, I started a bit ahead of myself - I think there is reason behind my recent bursts of anger, a cause to every single slay and kill I did for the misguided reasons that eluded me... I was not fighting how I was taught to.
It's been many moons since I last danced with the blade, many months passed since I clashed swords to the sound of shields, the dance that compels my anger. It... Is nearly forgotten, faded - my birthright as an Elven born to defenders of Selrine.
How could I let years of training be forgotten at the sight of true foe?
-
[INDENT]In Rhythms Phase
Gateway, Winter Snow 1, 1412.
It's been nearly a year now hasn't it? Since I left that is. Yes, Winter Snow's chill is a sign of that. The right season to own a fireplace I'd say, I had one constructed in my room at Krandor, Elohanna was a great help at that, and other things. As for me?... I've returned to my trainings, I once again feel connected with the the harmony father taught me.
I've nearly forgotten it with all my recent bursts of angers and mixed emotions... It was foolish of me, my birth right as a defender of house Tyr'neldth is that of the blade, and I must embrace it once more - I must reconstruct my path of "Blade Dancing"
The scimitars I've brought with me from home are proving to be the right choice every passing day, the curves magnificent... the blade sharp and beautiful. Truly an exquisite Elven craftsmanship, it was a wise choice.
I've been using them as father taught me, step by step to the rhythm defense and attack as I define my respond purely on sound, it is relaxing... an art in the making.
In my last battle, I reckon it was trolls - I did not attack with force as before, not with rage, depression or any other foul emotion that clouds my sight... I attacked with pure lust and desire to dance in my ladies name, to protect my comrades and make a safe return home for a change and it was successful.
The trolls were not aware of me, I moved between them with speed and grace as father taught me, assailing to the sound of their defense, blocking to the sound of their move, it was exactly like in the academy, but this time no marble walls shielded me from rain, no brother or father to help me as I fell... It was all up to me and I have done it, just as I was taught.
As I observed the others fight I noticed how they stay rooted in place, letting claws hammer them in hopes that the magic and plate they wield will soften the damage... they do not respect the body, the art - they let it suffer blow after blow. I am glad father taught me better, to relay on speed rather than steel to protect me.
Look at me rabble on and on about my training, you never quite liked the fact I held a sword, you'd rather I was a fisherman, I remember, mind you I'm quite the fisherman as it is, but... perhaps when this is all over I'll become a full time fisherman, when the darkness has faded and perhaps I'd be let back home... No, I must not dream.
Not yet.
Rest easy my love.
~Tahletril
[/INDENT]
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[INDENT]Mastering the Blade
Bright Eye, Winter Snow 16, 1412.
I should be careful, much more careful, if it wasn't for Celgar today I would have been torn apart with guilt for a misdeed I committed. I was at the arena of Fort Vehl when an odd person approached me with a challenge, one that ended tragically on my and the hostess's end. He however, fled the place.
We began the duel properly, at the middle of the dueling ring, both of us dashing side to side with perfect balance and speed. Our attacks timed perfectly and our defense ringing with respond to each assail, it was marvelous, so marvelous the hostess began cheering - soon the battle began spreading, we were locked in mortal combat and moved around the ring quickly.
His dagger parried my blade, my blade blocked his... it was amazing, almost as if he knew the dance as well, it was like training with my father and brother again, back in the marble halls of the grand Academy... I was fascinated, the battle grew intense as every second passed and I was drawn to its rhythm like a wolf to sheep.
He then pushed me over the rings fence; I quickly regained balance as he jumped towards me, parrying his attacks as he did mine. I was enjoying the battle more than ever, more than I should have. He kept pushing me backwards and backwards, until we were right by the hostess, whom didn't seem to be frightened from the sight of our swords approaching, possibly because she was caught up in cheering - it was then that he threw me off balance, his sword rushing to my throat and my respond, a dire one.
I tried to parry with my left hand, I pulled it from behind me and hit the hostess instead, I sliced her open and he laughed, quickly slamming his bracers together and fading into a dark spell... it took me a while to realize what I've done, but insight couldn't have had a sharper edge, horror seized me - she laid dead by my hands.
I ran outside, looking for a guard to report my deed. I've found one by the pond, he approached me as I confessed, throwing my blades at his feet with guilt, yet he demanded we investigate. We marched to back to the arena, already filled with other personal... among them Zergon and Celgar.
I showed him to the body, barely a word escaped my mouth, I was torn inside. The others quickly turned their attention to us, and Celgar... Celgar, Ilsare bless his heart, he saved me! If it wasn't for him I'd be lost that day... he called upon his mistress and resurrected the hostess, as if nothing happened, he sacrificed a part of himself for both her and me... claiming it was his duty, acting as if such a deed is nothing, truly an amazing person.
I sit now writing this, my blades returned and sheathed, my mind almost calm and I can only wonder what would happen if Celgar had not been there. Not only to me - but to the family of the hostess, to you... I need to be more careful, I need to tame my blades. I need to master them and myself. If not for me than for you, how do I dream of saving you when I can barely save a woman from myself?
Rest easy my love.
~Tahletril.
[/INDENT]
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*parts of this entry are filled with water drop stains, you wonder if they are tears or perhaps just another rainy Decilar night*
[INDENT]Hollowed March
Dead Eye, Winter Snow 25, 1412.
Winter Snow draws to an end... the candle nearly gone and as I sit back and reflect I cannot help but wonder where are you at the moment? What world did your mind drift to in your current state?... perhaps you're still with us, seeing and hearing... screaming with silence hoping for some respond.
they say people in coma see things, hear things...
I've been searching, beyond my continued training, beyond my current path on Mistone. My ear always keen to rumors, ideas, theories... anything!but nothing is true, some said certain peaks reach beyond the grey blanket, others that the gods will soon aid us - but in reality? Nothing.
Your illness is beyond my ability to cure, and I try... The Lady knows I try. But I can't, I try and I can't! How can I hope to cure something even gods refuse to solve? Who am I to think I can? I can barely tame my own blades and I dream of conquering the blackened dark?
I try to retain hope... a small grain of hope, but the world around me is crumbling, people falling into despair and soon I will swim among them in the sea of madness, soon I will fall into despair as well, and my little grain? Gone, vanquished by the midnight sky, and you with it.
I'll never hold you again, I'll never feel your sun kissed skin, and I can only struggle to keep the memory, I remember the summer, the fall... but there's nothing left for me except fear trapped inside. I'm here alone, isolated, heretic to my own church.
Night time despair... and other comforts.
~Tahletril
[/INDENT]
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[INDENT]Devils Caught in Ice and Snow
World Tree, Winter Deep 28, 1413.
Forgive me, please forgive me; recent events are simply too much.
I've been thinking about removing the entry from the journal but decided I best not, you must know of my progress regardless of how dire it might be, I owe you that much - I've decided it's time to grow up, to mature and to face things as they are.
I will not be able to save you in my current state; I'm too fragile to simple emotions. To heal you I will have to face the dreadest of dangers... I've already faced things I did not dream I would when I first ventured the "mainland"... who knows what future holds for me?
In order to heal you I will have to master myself, my blades and my mind so I may face what challenges are thrown at me and prevail, and if not I have no hope of curing you, none at all... but mastering my blade cannot be done with so much distraction, so many people who I barely know yet interact with every day.
I must find an isolated place to train in, a place where no one can disturb me at. Perhaps the peaks beyond Lar, yes... I remember them well, the dwarves barely go that far, it will be perfect for my training; the harsh winds will provide further difficulty to master.
I know it must be odd to read such a thing; that I'm willing to drop everything and go complete a training you were not fond of at the first place, but I cannot save you being a simple swordsman, I must master my blade in order to charge the darkness, it does not fear a mere swordsman.
A few days each session, no more, perhaps a week at best, and hopefully no one will ask questions... I will survive by hunt and shelter built by myself, I must push myself to my limits, to the very edge of sanity and insanity, civilization and savage... swordsman and blade master, and when it's all over I will seize the devil inside and conquer it, I will face the darkness anew and be victorious, and your health will be my just reward.
I depart to the unknown with dawn, may my first session be successful.
Rest easy my love.
~Tahletril
[/INDENT]
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[INDENT]Dying Words of a Wolf
Dead Eye, Spring Blossom, 1413.
I return from my first session in the peaks beyond Lar, it was...unique. Surviving in such a climate with nothing more than robes to warm you and nearby game to feed you is indeed a harsh thing to do, especially when the odd giant stumbles across your cave on occasion.
I found myself a small cave to "settle" in while I train, I've made a shelter out of it, building a bed out a wood pile I found near a deserted hunters lodge, I would use the lodge itself but it Is ruined, burned by a previous encounter with giants I will explain soon. I appreciate the harsh conditions of the cave though, they are a kind teacher.
The lodge was clearly occupied by followers of Folian S'pae, as it was full of symbols of the Wolf Prince, as well as the journal of one of the hunters, Melissa. It was interesting, it explained much of Folian S'pae, her dedication to him and what happened to her brethren and her, the hunters - We share much in common; we both fight for a cause we hold dear.
They were protecting the high mountains, guardians of the animals that roamed there - protecting them from the savage giants whose greed took the lives of many, a task given to them by their "Prince of Wolves", as she refers to him, eventually she and the other hunters met their doom during a siege by the giants on the lodge, which is very well documented in the journal;
The siege began at dawn to the sound of horns, a regiment of giants approached the lodge in clanking metal armors, the hunters met them on the road by the house with bow and spear ready to defended themselves to their last breath, the battle was mighty and fierce by descriptions, the hunters stood no chance against the raging giant forces... they were slaughtered.
The few hunters remaining, Melissa among them, retreated to the lodge. They locked themselves inside hoping that by some feat of luck they would be able to shoot the giants from behind the "safe" stone walls, but luck was not on their side. The giants set the house on fire, mocking the hunters from outside in barbaric giant tongue as flame bitten… these were her last words, sealed with some sort of magic to prevent the destruction of the book in the fire.
Right before the entries end she explained where her belongings could be found, her reasons were that if she was to die she wishes her blade to continue her work and protect the animals from the raging giants; she wanted them killed for a just reason... But somewhere within her words I found sorrow, she knew her tale was about to end, her dim light swallowed… she wanted revenge, she wanted to be avenged.
It is not my way, but I could not read it and ignore a dying womans wish... I sought her belongings out, beneath a wooden tile on the floor locked within a chest.
I broke the lock with minimum effort and revealed two objects, both of great beauty. The first was a necklace bearing the symbol of the wolf prince, much like my own necklace of Ilsare, and the second, to my amazement - a magnificent scimitar forged of Adamantium, a flawless curve adorned with markings in Elven writing "Ameco Oillv"... It's name.
I will honor Melissa's dying wish and wield them into battle against the giants who murdered her, may she find peace knowing her animals will be safe. I will gather some friends and seek these giants out, I promised her spirit so.
Rest easy my love... and rest easy Melissa, your death was not in vain.
~Tahletril.
[/INDENT]
((Ameco Oillv = Wolf Fang))
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[INDENT]Avenging the Wolf
Dead Eye, Summer End 4, 1413.
The deed is done and the murderers have been punished, may Melissa take comfort in the fact the giants that slain her will no longer cause harm to the animals... at least for now.
I marched into the frost-bitten mountains with my companion and friend, Tath, a savage warrior of great strength, although brutal at times - and such a task required so. The battle was fierce but well fought and her blade stroke the final hit against the giant warlord, may he rot in whatever place his soul drifts to.
We climbed the eastern edge of the mountain to flank their camp and avoid being spotted, Taths bear transformation proved useful in maneuvering on the rocky surface. We charged them for behind while they were feasting on a villager from Lar, savagely eating its corpse like a pack of hyenas on a dead carcass... but he was still alive. We did not make it in time and just as the first giant fell he gave his last breath.
Tath fought furiously, jumping from giant to giant with his bear-strength and collapsing them in piles, his display of brutal strength was enough to scare a few off, but he chased. I however fought as father taught me, but with a different cause in my head… I'd hate to admit I was avenging a dead person, but she deserved to be avenged; a noble death that won't be told beyond what aged scripture bears.
Her scimitar danced from giant to giant, nearly flawlessly with its amazing curve - It was the first time I wielded the Adamanatium blade, I can barely describe how it felt. Slicing their tough iron armor as if it was butter to a warm knife and when it neared the warlord it did not hesitate, through his shield like nothing and then Tath leaped on him, knocking the thing down as I gave the final blow with her blade, earning the right to wield it as my own... nearly mastered the right to wield it.
We returned to Lar afterwards to celebrate the victory over the fake warmness of ale and the embracing fireplaces of the burning twins... I bid Tath farewell and made my way deeper into the mountains, to the abandoned hunting lodge to give her a final burial. I buried her with her amulet, keeping the blade as I thought she would like.
Tonight Melissa rests below cold earth with peace... perhaps you will have peace soon as well.
Rest easy my love.
~Tahletril.
[/INDENT]
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[INDENT]
Wrath or Will?
((I will add a date once they re-open lore
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[INDENT]
Wrath or Will?
((I will add a date once they re-open lore
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[INDENT]Wrath or Will?[/INDENT]
[INDENT]//I will add a date once they re-open lore
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Wrath or Will?
((I will add a date once they re-open lore
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Wrath or Will?
((I will add a date once they re-open lore))
Blades speak word of death to those demanding to hear, or so father said some twenty years ago when I first seen him slay an invader during some Drow raid
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[INDENT]Wrath or Will?
Bright Eye, Winter Snow 2, 1413.
Blades speak word of death to those demanding to hear, or so father said some twenty years ago when I first seen him slay an invader during some Drow raid. Demanding was the key word, never did they speak without being spoken too never slay without a reason to protect.
Truly, I've seen many claim to be masters of their weapons since my arrival to Mistone some two years ago, many that think they wield their weapons, they are nothing more than vessels of destruction - scythes in the hand of a death angel. They fight with great skill, their prowess unmatched by their foes, yes, but for what reason?
Some slay for the "fun" of it, others for the "challenge" but a constantly doing so over and over against the same poor group of foes who can barely defend themselves, why? I find no reason in their mindless slaughter, I did not hone my skills by killing that which did not attack my friends and family - or me.
I was in a rise overseeing Lar a few days ago when I saw a group of people descend into a lair of some beast or another, a wolf I presume, the beast was clearly sleeping. "Let's kick 'em in the head til its dead!" one of the teens shouted, charging the lair. I made my way down as fast as I could only to find the wolf slaughtered and them long gone and for what reason? Human cruelty knows no boundaries, much like the Drow we so long ago banished.
I refuse to let folly cause guide my blade, and I refuse to grant the metal an answer to it's blood lust. If I am to wield it masterfully there will be a cause, and we both know well enough you are my cause, as much as you hate warfare or being a reason to it.
It is a constant struggle which occurs with each blow and strike I deliver, am I really doing it for the right reason? Is it the blade that wields me rather than I it? does it direct my wrath or does it direct my will? Do I direct it? I feel these questions will be answered soon, my training is nearly complete and a final answer will soon follow.
Rest easy my love, just a bit more and I will be ready.
~Tahletril.[/INDENT]