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*written in an unsteady hand and most words are spelt incorrectly*
I've met several people for once since I have came out of my shell and they have became friends. I owe many thanks to Brandy, Magnus, Vanther, Beli, Buddy, Castor, Verideth, Sun, Caerwyn, Brun, Shiff and Riven. I can't think of everyone at the moment because there are so many. They have helped me endlessly and my shelfishness is decreasing everyday. I hate to see the end of a good days work with any of these people but looking forward to the next time we meet. I've decided to stick around instead of moving on like I did in my childhood.
I am able to sneak around many creatures including lizardmen of the Black Dog Moors to get to the skull caps, kobolds at the camps near the cotton close by Hempstead and treants around Lake Palden for aloe. My skill in ridding furs of hair and fat has improved and I have started working with wolf and about ready to start with couger. I'm making an unsteady income of coin since I gather skull caps, wheat, and milk. I'm currently working on armor patterns for Shiff at 50 coins for one. Since I have all this money, I have lost a little of my touch for pickpocketing the local merchant and have resulted to the luxeries of knowing that the money I have is hard earned.
-Fellow
*sitting in an ally way with a candle to write from on a rainy night scribbling quickly and most is spelt incorrectly*
I was sneaking by the kobolds near Hempstead when one spotted me. It was a nasty bugger and it followed me to the entrance. I did manage to finish it off. I looked up and there was two men standing there. One was sort of shady and the other was holding an axe that was as big as I am. I do not remember it exactly but I remember a compliment. He offered to help me get the kobold leader's stick even though I did not need it. We went on ahead and I snook up to the shaman there and killed it with one blow. I have discovered many weaknesses in many creatures to strike at and do the cleaness damage. The man with the axe disappeared in blue light and the man blew on this wierd horn. The same man appeared, it must be the horn. We continued on and he gave me another compliment. We finished clearing out the rest of the camp and he let me keep the coin and the stick.
We walked out and he asked what my profession was. I told him I like to mess with furs and was looking for cotton but it was all currently picked. He offered to show me another place outside Port Vhel. We ran into two people. One was a halfling lady like myself and was rather attractive and a man that looked alot like Verideth. She held out her hand to me, not knowing what to do I gave it a light slap that my family and I used to do when I was younger. She took offense by it. She told me to watch and she walked up to Ben (that is the man with the wierd horn) and she held up her hand and said a couple things. She then walked over to me and said that was what I should have done. I am no lady's man, I asked her to forgive me and let me have another chance in hope I can redeem myself. She held up her hand and the only thing I could think of was to kiss it. That was what I did and now I have new wisdom. Women are strange and should be dealt with carefully. I was rather uneasy around her not knowing what to do. I looked over myself making sure I was clean and proper not wanting to insult her more. I even tried to talk proper...not a thing I wish to do agian.
We continued into Hempstead with Ben and Samantha or Sam (the woman who I was trying to be proper around) . Ben had to run to the banker and he left Sam and I alone...there was an uneasy silence. She asked a couple things and I replied properly. She asked why I was following Ben around and I said he was to show me where the cotton is. She said she knew where it is too and asked why I did not ask her to help me instead of Ben. I didn't mean any insult, the thought just never occured to me. So her and I went ahead and I apologized for the slap to her hand. I explained why I did it and she seemed to accept it. We continued and Ben caught up with us. Sam is a bit...stuck-up? she expected many things. I decided she was not for me. We keep on going and we met with a ranger that liked to carry a torch...a good way to give our position away to the mercenaries. He was a good fellow he turned out to be. Sam held out her hand to him and he didn't respond. I was waiting for another helping of the rough side of her tounge but she just shook her head. Ben left thinking we were alright since we have Castor (the man with the torch) and we continued. We arrived to the cotton near Vhel. Sam said she needed to rest and so we let her and I took my chance to sneak around to Castor and warned him of the way Sam is. She was rested and we went on. We cleared the mercenaries and I recieved the most damage on my left arm where I raised it to defend myself from a blow of a mace. It didn't break but the skin did. Sam did not offer any help so I took it upon my self and I did it alone with my right arm. The couger spotted us and Sam casted some magic I never seen. I love magic but the way she did it, I didn't care for it. I picked the cotton and Castor left, needing to take care of a task. I snuck up to the side of an unexpecting mercenary and I stabbed him in the back like any coward would. It killed him fast and Sam complimented me. I acted if I appreciated but I felt sick to my stomach. I do not enjoy killing anyone, but I had to or else it would have spotted Sam. We walked to the last camp and snuck on up to the elf ladies. Nice they were but still dangerous. Sam hissed at me like I was a fool to get back before they spotted me. Me? Spotted? Never. I walked up to her anyways and I asked what to do. Wait, she replied and she casted a fireball. Then before I can move she casted phantasmal killer that killed me not 2 days earlier when I was with Verideth and Vanther. It shook me a bit but Sam seemed pleased. Too pleased. I had my skins and cotton and and we left to the inn. We were almost there and she was walking close next to me. She called me "bold". Is that good? Or bad? I have no idea. I went into the inn and offered to buy her a drink. She wanted "Xeenite wine", of course, another worshipper. The ydidn't have it so I bought her a Hammer Bock, and i asked for juice and she semmed taken aback. I didn't want to drink and she didn't understand. She kept trying to persuade and I made excuses. She was at the point of to much and she tried to hug me or something. I stepped away and she slipped. She tried to grab my ankle but of course, I was to quick. I do not remember what she said because adreneline was pumping or something and I insulted her once more. She seemed to sober up quick and she stood up in front of me with anger across her face. She asked why I need help just getting cotton. She said I probably couldn't even fend for myself. I was thoroughly irritated and I asked what she wanted..."Fun and merriment" she replyed. She asked what I considered fun and I said my craft. I apologized once more for the insults and she said that maybe we could see each other agian. I said that maybe it will go better next time. I left and headed for Hempstead completely confused....
I am no lady's man.
-Fellow
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*In a corner of the Scamp's Mug with the remaining stub of the candle he used the other night*
I have helped that little girl in Krandor with the help of Beli. Retrieved Storan's ring.
I recieved a bird from Beli asking help to get through the locked door in Storan's Crypt. I am a natural lock smith and I met up with Beli and we went into the crypts. There were many undead beings and the bodaks had gazes that I've had nightmares of. Beli did a fine job with clearing the mass of undead and we went to the locked door. I examined the lock and it had not changed. We went through and gathered the teeth and I asked if we could possibly retrieve the ring. We entered the room and Beli quickly handed me a Toran's dust. I knew what it did and a Bodak ran up to me with it's gaze. I managed to to use the dust in the nick of time. I was saved and we retrieved the ring. I still to not believe in divine beings, it was a stroke of luck that I used it in time. I commented on how my arrows did not affect them, and he asked me what bow I used. I replied that I had a hickory and he said he could sell me one of oak. We went back to Hempstead and I bought an oak bow from the Orc Basher's Guild. I also bought a "Gloves of Mischeif" and he lended me an extra pair of gloves that his brother, Buddy, recommended I can use to help on future tournament we're entering... Off the subject, recent update on the group, we need two people, one just entered. I'm sure we'll gather the remaining two poeple who wish to help us. I asked if Beli trusted me enough to lend me the fine pair of gloves. He said he's only lending them to me because Buddy will be there. That stung a bit. I haven't stolen anything in a good long while and he said trust is to be earned. That's a new goal.
After we left the guild store, we made plans before that to head to Krandor's Crypts to get that little lass grandfather's ashes. We entered and evenything went smooth. Then we entered the bottom floor and it was pit black. Our eyes adjusted and there were traps everywhere with these twisted corpses. They swarmed Beli and he punched them in the gut, arms, face, everywhere. I was able to sneak past them to get to their other side and shoot them with my bow. I am able to damage them this time. After these were laid to their final rest, we continued in to more bodies. He found a rapier on one and he was kind enough to give it to me since he can't use it. Neither can I, but I promised myself that I'll try to sell it and use the money to buy more things from the Orc Bashers. We went into the last room and there was this lone dead thing in the center of the room. The floor was sunk in a bit and I didn't see the skeletons on the top level until Beli floored them. I found the ashes on the thing in the middle of the room and we managed to exit the crypts. I was never so glad to see light since it usually gives away your position, but after being in the dark for a couple hours, it was a relief.
-Fellow
*The next day on a bench in the middle of Port Hempstead*
My sneaking abilities are continue to improve. I am only spotted everyonce in a while. I am still looking for a way where I can hide from my enemies even when they have already spotted me. I'm am still looking but may be a while, I still need practice with the basics.
My skill in furs are still at about the same level from where I left off last time. I still am collecting furs and silk. My total sets of leather armors reachied a total of three wolf armors. I doubt anyone will buy but I am still willing to try. My skill in poison making has improved. One of my boxes is almost half full with the little vials of green liquid. I managed to make one of the giant spider and several of the small spiders and ettercaps. I still have many items to sell including a box of aloe, silk, two of elderberries and about 20 armor patterns for Shiff. I still haven't seen Steel to sell him the skull caps. My income of coin has slowed and diminishing quickly on account of buying oils and acids for my furs. I think everything is going well lately.
-Fellow
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*Once agian in a corner in the Scamp's Mug with a Hammer Bock taking sips at random intervals and a half eaten loaf of bread and bowl of soup also half gone*
My new mates: Steel, Bayard, Ben. People to watch out for: Lairi and Sam.
My skills in tailoring has gone to a new level this soon in my life. I have made my first couger bag after three tries. I sold about 21 armor patterns to Shiff for 1100 coins and 19 skullcaps and 6 honeys to Steel for about the same amount. I think I am a wealthy halfling and am happy. I do not result to stealing (but somtimes...small items, nothing of value) things that I need to survive off of. My hiding in daylight is constantly improving, not able to get past the griffon that guards corn. Still searching for a technique to hide while being watched.
Today, at about noon I guess it had been. I met Steel in the Scamp's Mug and sold him the caps and honey. I then went to Shiff and sold him the patterns. Before the trade with Shiff, Bayard came up and asked shiff if he has seen the "posters". I was scared, I stole a loaf of bread the other day and did not know if the baker went to the extremes to stop me. But it turned out that Bayard, Castors father or uncle I think, said he saw a dragon! I didn't completely believe him. I told him so but he kept with it. I am currently watching out for a copper dragon.
After that little discussion...I think Steel camp up first, not sure, because I have a hard time counting to 1100... But someone was wanting platinum so he was gathering a group or something to go into the BattleHelm swamps next to Vhel. So Brun, Ben, Shiff, Bayard, Steel and I went down into the Swamps. Then we met Lairi...he's a butt to the heart it seems. But we needed the help. We continued and Lairi called for this rat thing. It ran ahead to a group of trolls and got killed quickly...then they headed to us. Steel stated it as "bunch of " *smiles as he writes about this* and I do have to agree. We went into the little cave area and the trolls swarmed us, Lairi, Bayard and I had trouble and a couple of us dropped quickly but either Ben, Shiff, Brun or Steel gave us enough potion to get us back to our feet. We continued and we went through this several times. Some of us dropping but being revivied a couple seconds later. We arrived to the platinum on the lower floors and Shiff, Ben and Steel slammed their picks into the rock. They carried most of it. They said something of a "hole" where a dragon used to live. That was some type of spark that sent Lairi into a mood to start insulting Brun. I don't care for him a bit. I'll have to watch for him and his two-sided sword. We entered the pit where the hole in the cieling led to. There was a flag and I went up to it to remember it...I don't remember what it said now. Once agian we went through the swarms of troll, two which ambushed Steel, the guy had it pretty bad...and the shamans kept casting this huge pillars of white light and dazing several of us. We learned to just run around the regular trolls and mob the shaman before anything else. Steel was spilling blood everywhere and I gave him my light blue potion. I was keeping it for an emergency but I thought he was well worth the loss. We headed out and we met Marec who was stranded in the swamp and we helped him out. He owes Steel a favor.... Anyway, we split the loot and everyone got a share of about 302 coins each though Steel turned his down. Now here I am bored and writing in this book...
One thing that set me thinking was that Ben and Steel bashed on Shiff alot, I asked Shiff why that was and he said to not worry about it. Earlier before Steel came and headed out to the platinum, I think it was a half-orc, came up and started walking torward Shiff. His eyes never left Shiff and he had hatred all over his face..or what I could see of it under his hood. His arms were bare and the were the size of logs or my midsection if not bigger. I forgot to warn Shiff. I like Shiff fine, he seems alright.
*looks up from this book and glances at the stranger walking in and heading to the counter and quickly writes a couple more things down*
The group I'm in for that tournament is still incomplete, I will not write any names down.
Note to myself in the future: this was written vividly because all the turning and and twisting passageways in the cave made it all...confusing, and adrenaline was pumping, hard to remember most of it. I'd do it agian for the most part.
-Fellow
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*written in the craft hall while waiting for a skin to cure*
New mates: Iradril, Ell, Lance
My tailoring has been getting better. I have made more couger bags and a few panther capes and armor. This has been consuming most of my time and I have been staying out of trouble for the most part.
I am working day and night, hiding from creatures still working on my goal in previous writings. I am now able to sneak pass the trolls in the platinum cave in the Battlehelm moors. I went up there with Ell (cleric of Aragen), Lance (another Toranite *chuckles*), Iradril (...I forgot what he was but I know he casted arcane magics in armor), Castor and Bayard. Verideth and Sun were supposed to come but had other things to take care of.
I volunteered as scout, bait and clean up since I knew I'd take that position up without volunteering. It may be lowly jobs but it's what I can do to help the group, I am glad to know people can trust me on the coin area of the cleanup. But scouting is more of a...highly needed jobs and I take up the title that day with pride. Only few minor things happened while we were down there, first was getting started... it was tough. People shooting there arrows ahead and drawing the trolls to come down on us like a hammer. Then there was the people following right up behind me. I had to tell them they can see where I am but not the trolls... That's another thing I'm working on, disappearing from everyone's eyesight not just the bad guys.
Then we were resting and I think it was Bayard who brought up the dragon pit. I told them it was empty but spiders and a beholder. I was still thinking about when I heard something and it made me strike out in a random direction. I didn't realise I had my sword in hand and I ended slicing up Castor. I didn't believe I did that, I was dumbfounded and I used potion after potion to heal him and I went away from the group. I was afraid they make me go on my own back to the surface or they would kill me there. I did not know if I lost all my trust I did my best to earn from them. so many thoughts were running through my head, but they just shrugged it off...I was relieved but more careful in the future. I can be an overly sensitive male at times but I only dare admit this here, I don't think any one would let me live it down. I just never had any of this my whole life and I don't want to let it go. The world isn't suited for soft people. I am working on toughing up this very moment... *Checks to see if he has enough sewing needles and a new sewing kit* I do believe myself a coward at times...but maybe I'm not since I recognize that I am a coward. A coward is someone...*rubs his chin thinking of a definition* is someone who doesn't admit they are one, someone who doesn't admit that they are afraid. I am not a philosiphical man, I just think that common sense. I may have the definition wrong but that is my view. I'm am just a simple man who does not know where he stands with his emotions *laughs and starts to scribble it out but lowers his hand realizing it is the truth*
I have gotten off the subject rambling on with the minor. We did not go all the way to the bottom. We had a formation we would resume when I had spotted anything ahead. That was to form a little pocket so when I hooked a troll (stupid things they are), I'd run around the corner and they would find themselves stuck. They only had a few seconds because Ell, Lance, and Iradril was up on them with the swords and Castor and Bayard with the bows. Of course I would be behind it closing the pocket so that it cannot get out. But this didn't go well at all times. We were ambushed once or twice, they caught us out of our line and most of us dropped but those with great endurance (mostly Iradril, Lance and Ell) threw out potions left and right healing those who dropped. We got out safely but never got to the bottom. That is what I remember from the constant adrenaline that creates a constant thumping in your ears and slows down time but is remembers everything blurred...Like this fur sitting in the acids here. The fur is well detailed when looked at slowly. Someone with really good patience can count every hair and write every detail, but the acid and salt plays as the adrenaline. When added everything works well but in the end it is all left behind and forgotten nothing but a soup of hair and fat. *ponders on if this comparison will work but then thinks it well enough* That is why I cannot write a detailed story about when I go out to do crazy things carrying FIVE platinum ingots *smiles remembering that he carryed so much weight*, that adrenaline is pumping like hormones in teenage days. Everything is then blurred. That is all I have to write about today.
-Fellow
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*Written in a rented room in the Scamp's Mug*
New people: Chaynce, Sallozzo, Im'tiau Wolf-Lover even though it was a cat, I know it's a wemic, Aerimor, and a couple halflings who I wish to know more, Tugs, "moster rock jumper", and Polly.
I forgot to write about a fishing trip I went on with Sallozzo. I was standing in the crafting hall in Port Hempstead and a man walked up and started talking with me. I didn't think it unusally and enjoyed the company. He had skins looking for someone to sell to and I just made a few panther cloaks. I bartered for the skins and we made the trade. We went off to do our own thing and I was fishing carp at the little pond out of Hempstead aome time later and there was a woman and Sallozzo, I asked her her name, but it took her some time to answer because she was staring into the stars as if searching for something. I'd like to know more about her but it started raining and I told Sallozzo about this fine fishing area I went to before. We sailed to the area and went to this huge waterfall, there was trout, salmon, catfish, pike and everything. I was thinking it was someone's camping place because of a fire nearby so we lightened our load by cooking on the person's fire. We were soaking wet and we tooked time to dry off and we set out on our way.
We met up by wayfare some time later and he said he was going to clear out the "goat-men" or satyrs. We went and it went badly. Wolves were biting at our heels and the goat men and their roars and singing sent me asleep and made me afraid. The almost shot us down but I overcame the fear and we ran out, no big deal right? Sallozzo requested I take a note and money to someone and retrieve a helmet and try agian. He got his helmet and it casted that tree-skin that everyone has....I haven't gotten it yet since that blasted woman won't take me seriously *scowls in frustration*. Maybe now she will. We went back to the forest and he casted his tree-skin on himself and I and we went in. We were doing good until they roared and that was too much for me. I went running and left Sallozzo behind. He got killed and I was killed shortly after. I realized when I ended up at the bindstone that right before I died, a woman sort of...appeared to me and it seems she took a piece of me away. This is the second time this has happened...Sallozzo saw the same thing. He said this was the seventh time she has appeared to him. He said a few more times and he may not come back...that frightened me. I do not wish to leave forever and never come back. But I must be carefull now on...
*sometime later responding to the last statement*
I wasn't carefull. I recently got done talkign with Steel about not getting the skull caps he wants, I went down to the swamps and I was doing good at sneaking past all the lizardmen.
Off the subject, I talked with Sun before going to the swamps. I told her what I was going to do and that I am searching for someone to teach me about hiding. My goal is yet unreached. I have been taking the time before I go anywhere, to study the enviroment. I have became interested in the shadows even though they are simple themselves, but what they can do. I have seen somoene use them to their advantage, yet not as casually as a common thief that I once was. My attention is drawn to them at random times when hiding and I try to use them to my advantage as well but I do not..."flow" with them like I've seen once before. Sun pointed out two people who may be able to teach me but I am hesitant about asking. She said Alatriel and Brian. I have never spoken to either one of them but I am eager too none the less.
Back onto the subject. I was walking past a huge lizard man with a crossbow as big as myself. I thought he spotted me and I struck out but I never did much to him. He aimed a few bolts and they peirced every time. That was the second time I fell in one day. The woman didn't come.
Another time I wasn't careful, I was with Lance, Chaynce (who helped me get to my rock in the swamps...he casted magic in armor as well), Polly, Tugs, Aerimor, Marec, and a few other people. We were helping Marec getting that little lass's grandfather's ashes once agian. We were in the ceremonial chambers and the dead archer's in the back shot me down. I dropped quickly, and no one got to me in time. I fell and gratefully, the woman did not come to me. In total, I fell three times in a couple days. I was embarassed, ashamed and glad I died because my head was in the clouds, I thought to highly of myself. I thought I was invincible but those deaths reminded me that I am mortal and I need to watch myself. We exited the crypts and we were splitting the money and I walked up to Chaynce and started to speak with him about something only Lance, Chaynce and I would know about. Aerimor had to say he heard what I was saying. I turned to him and said that he didn't hear anything because I didn't say anything. He replied that I shouldn't start an attitude with him. We argued and everyone stayed back and I didn't mean to start anything. I don't enjoy conflict with anyone. I took the time to take a breather and sayed we would have to try agian after we've calmed down. I have figured he is a twin of Verideth but he is more....calm and settle from what I've seen of him. There attitudes are so different, I don't see how they were raised together. I do want to try to earn Aerimor's trust along with everyone elses'. That is all I have right now to write about.
-Fellow
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*written hastily in Prantz waiting on Sallozzo*
I am here today in Prantz because Sallozzo wants to show me where the corn and jaguars are. I'm a bit hesistant since this is new grounds and I have read the rules here that the "Deep Lord" or Rael has set up. You can do nothing here without getting jailed for at least a year. And NO thieving? I mean dang, come on, that's no fun is it? Well, I found the corn by myself since Sallozzo went off somewhere to run an errand. I almost walked up on these little mushroom men. They seemed dangerous so I sort of...went on to the corn and jaguars. So far, the jaguars are my second favorite feline animal I kill for the furs. My favorite is panthers since their furs are the smoothest black and they just...hide anywhere it seems. Anyway, Sallozzo finally came back and we went back to Mistone.
Something happened a few days before that I forgot to write about... This man, when Chaynce helped me get my grave and heading to Krandor since Lance is helping someone there, there were black vines everywhere from what looked like somehting a goblin summoned. We ran up to the closest hill where a scout usually is, and there was a man that looked about ready to drop and everything. I ran up behind the goblin and stabbed it in the back and it died. The man did not thank me or anything. I figured I was doing the right thing by helping. I asked if he would have appreciated more if I just came up behind him and killed him the nand there instead of the goblin. He just ran off without responding.
Later some days later, I'm updating myself on everything that has occured, I came out of Silkwood forest and Sun, Melissa, Marcus and Mykah were up on that hill where a witchdoctor usually is and I asked if I could join them. They said sure and we went all the way to the bottom but had a setback. Mykah fell and I could not get to him in time and Marcus was dealing with to many goblins to heal him. Melissa made us invisible and something that made us run faster and we headed out to wait for Mykah. Mykah arrived and only him and myself went in this time but invisible and we retrieved his grave. I've grown a bit of a bond with Mykah after that little incident and getting to his grave. I'm eager to get to know him agian.
Shortly after, some shady fellow came up and we chatted with him a little and his name was...Niloc was it? Well...we did chat and had some minor discussions about me being little and something another. Then Marcus and Melissa went of to eat at the inn... nice pair they seemed. I'm still waiting for that "charm". that is all I have right now.
-Fellow
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*written hastily*
I sailed to the Dragon Ilse yesterday for some random reason. I stepped off the boat and there was Caerwyn, Amanda, Aerimor, Verideth was there. I greeted everyone like any gentleman would and I greeted the women like I should have...I'm learning. Shortly after arriving, Elgon, Polly, Tuggin and Marcus arrived. We talked to the dock keep and he said a elven ranger woman of the name "Elyse" ha disappear with 4 other people into the forest... We found out that a small group got sent out for them and they did not return as well. A young elven, not a bad looking lass, walked up and said she was close to Elyse. She joined us and we continued to bombard the Head Guard that was in front of the gate with question. He gave us thee answers and we were on our way. We were out of the gate and decided to check a house that was nearby the woods. I'm not for sure if it was the wizards or not...it wasn't warded and wasn't very well locked but the door had a slight...glow? Iana slipped a wand up her sleeve but Caerwyn and myself caught her. She wasn't very smooth on the wand but she snatched up a necklace off the bed before anyone could notice it gone... I was impressed and what got me agian was the fact that we were all looking at her...and she disappeared... She has my admiration but I still did not completely trust her.
We went out into the forest following her voice and Caerwyn spotted a little peice of fabric...a switchable where you can flip the whole robe or clothing inside and the seams are clean and it looks normal, just different colors or patterns. Something a wizard would wear. We didn't ponder too much on it, a few...I think they were "renders" charged us along with basilisks and "owlbears". They were freaky things with a beak like an owl and a body like a bear. Someone said they were not native to this area. Elgon, he's a really good tracker, usually in his pig form *chuckles* knows how to search for scents and everything. He came up on the ruins of this building following a scent of herbs. I believe it was either Verideth or Aerimor who leaned up on what seemed a solid wall but fell right through and hit his head on the other side. This was new and Iana casted something that allowed the walkk to disappear. tugs searched for doors or anything and I searched for traps and doors. There was a crack up inside it...too staright for a regular crack and it had a latch halfway down. I pulled on the door and it grinded open. It was well lit inside and we went inside.
Inside there was an old blind man. He said he was the butler and that his wife, also blind ran the house when his mistress was out. We went inside to talk to his wife and we noticed statues everywhere, about three or four of them Amanda has been putting her knowledge about magic through the test through all this and it has came in handy tremendously. Verideth came to me in his cat form and sort of pulled on my leathers as if telling me to come. I followed him to a door and it turned out to be rigged with a trap. I didn't know this but Aerimor had some skill in locks and traps and safely unlocked and detrapped the door. The maid said aerlier that her mitress held chickens and pigs and other livestock in the pantry inside. So when we opened the door, basilisks (the "pigs") and cockatrices (the "chickens"). they had this gaze, not as bad as a bodak, but still bad that turned me to stone. I do not know what happened after that since I was a statue myself but for a short period and my memory is blank from then and to when I was flesh agian and saw the room ahead was cleared. I went inside and there was traps everywhere and I triggered (that I am ashamed to saw) and Marcus went up to this door triggered the trap and opened the door and this huge basilisk came out. It must have been about TWENTY times as big as me. All I remember is it comming up beside me and sneaking a few bites on me and that's all. Everything was black, no woman to try to tear me apart I am glad to say. When I opened my eyes (some unknown time later) I remembered where I was and I rolled up to my feet with my sword in hand and and looked around. No basilisk... I was relieved. I don't know what happened but it turned out Polly spent a long time nursing Verideth, Amanda, Caerwyn and myself back to health. I'm glad she did that since thise woman with snake hair came out of this portal and started attacking us. We came on her like a hammer! She didn't know what hit her. We found about three vials and about seven wands on her. I thought maybe the vials were antidotes so I went up to one of the statues and I poured one on her and.... nothing. The statue was just...wet. I handed the wands to Amanda and she said noone of them would help. Someone was searching the desk and found scrolls. I don't know who it was but they should be thanked tremendously because the found scrolls that would return the statues back to flesh. One person was Elyse and the other was the wizard. The other two was saved as well. The fifth...wasn't in the house I'm afraid to say. that is the end of that story I'm afraid to say as well. It was hard and dangerous but I couldn't have picked a better group to do it with.
-Fellow
*few minutes later after realising something*
What happened to Iana? She needs to teach me a thing or two.
-
*Yet again in the Scamp's Mug with leftovers sitting beside a slowly burning candle*
Here I am, yet agian, safe and sound after the day journeys. Today, was interesting yet the same. I gathered the same things and did the same stuff. I made two more cougers bags and made some molds that I was going to try to sell but ended up just throwing them away.
I met with Buddy at the camp area outside the Red Light Caverns. He complimented me on my entrance because he did not see...because I was hiding. I told him I was getting better and I'm still searching for someone to teach, tutor, or instruct me on how to go to the extremes points of hiding. The shadows have been "reaching" out it seems. Not physically yet, but mentally. My thoughts are on them often but I do not know how to work with them.
Back to the subject, Buddy complimented me and asked if I would teach him how to hit where it hurts and do the most damage. I started him on traps and how to search for him. I explained that most of what little "pranksters" like myself do involves common sense. Such as, as Buddy pointed out, finding gold in a cave where there is only copper. I told him that is more than likely a trap or extremely good luck, but to go with the former. Also, say it is a fine spring day, the trees are green and the plants that are around are new as well, and you come up on patch of leaves, green but yet still on the ground and (it wouldn't be the season for trees to be shedding their leaves if it's spring)...it's probably hiding a trap. Or..in city areas, people place traps indoors in and on thier chests to keep their valuable safe or on their doors to trigger some spike or electrical trap maybe. I told him to search for wires and things out of place. Just be smart and calm about it all and keep focused on what you're doing. But what he wants was to learn where to hit hard and do maximum damage. I told him there's common sense too. What controls the body? The head, strike at the head. How does the body get air? The lungs, pierce the lungs (I did not tell him all this but will do so next time). How does the body get blood? Through the heart and arteries. My method may not be the most affective or true...but it's what I aim for and that is what gets the job done. They may not be the prettiest or the nicest but the world is "kill or be killed". I do not take pleasure in hurting anyone even though that is the way I may act. I do what I can to do the most damage to end the fights quicker but also to cause the least amount of pain (I'm sounding like a TORANITE! *chuckles*).
I also showed Buddy this move I like to call the goose neck...I did it on Vanther (I did not mean to hurt him, he's a good friend and he's a monk so he's used to bodily pain) and I do not know if I explained it right but all in all...it's to get the person's arm behind his head. This was something I learned from a few street urchins when I was younger. The person has to be on his stomach, you twist the arm around up to behind his head but in a way where his elbow will not bend. I believe it locks up the shoulder and the fingers are in a position to where it looks like a beak...and the muscles sort of buldge out so that the arm looks curved and looks like a goose neck. I'm not the best at explaining this but it is effective once you understand how it works and know how to execute it. I know some moves but prefer to stick with a tiny sword since it's easy to carry, conceal and to fight with and since most people and creatures in the world use weapons...why fight empty handed? I'm not a monk. But this move was just something I knew and thought to add...even though I have no idea what it has to do with traps, hiding or sneaking in attacks...
Vanther has came back from his fishing trip, it was good to see him again.
That is all I have today to write about.
-Fellow
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*In the Scamp's mug, prefect place for a scamp*
A whole big bunch has happened since the last time I wrote. I've been slowing down on my tailoring since I bought this belt from Drexia...can't use it yet but it was costly at 5000 coins and a box of aloe. I have given up my poisons since it is a sad way to end someone's life...I realized that by talking with Aka' ashi Horseteaser...She's was the first wemic I've seen but I've met up with another but he was in cat form... I met Skully along the way when we heading to Silkwood forest to help her get some fire bellies. Skully was in a heck of a mood. Said he was wanting revenge since people doesn't prefer him over some people...blaming the elves and humans. We were out side Hlint when Skully and few more people came out. He ran into the caves and a paladin told us to report Skully to the authorities...he must have done something bad, he was acting out of character. I heard he killed a few drunks in the Wild Surge Inn...not sure if it was true, haven't seen him since.
I met another wemic few days later, believe her name was Pristine. She, Elgon, Van were heading into the crypts of Vhel to retrieve the dust. Pristines wields a HUGE sword. I didn't like fighting in front of her to much was afraid she'll end up slicing my head off.
Few days later, I was in Fort Wayfare. Buddy, Van and Niloc were there along with three more people. Rit, Rank and Nom. Later arrived Oma, Sun and Pristine and Razeriem. Rit was acting like he was a military leader or something. He'd make Nom and Rank march around like they were actually doing something, always saluting. A village to the east I think needed someone to help clear out goblins and undead people and things and they also needed a new faith. Why need a new faith? I believe the only reason why people need a god to rule their life is because they are too afraid to do so themselves! I'll never tell Sun, Verideth, Buddy, Beli, Shiff, or anyone else I can for what I think of their gods. It's their life, they do what they please.
Anyway, Rit would say "Front and Back order" and Rank will get in the front to "watching yur front sur" and Nom would walk himself to the back always having Rit say "ten paces back" and Nom would run 20 paces back. Of course, they were Toranites, big surprise huh? *cracks up laughing but stops as a maid spills a tray of drinks* They were a nice bunch of Toranites though. Well, several clerics stepped forward and gave their say on the matter of the faith for the village, one of Katia, Prunilla and Toran.
After the long while of the clerics talking on about their faith for a couple hours, we were on our way. We had to choose a leader, which ended up being Buddy. Took hours to do just that. I was thinking we were done for.
We arrived in the village and talked with the chief, he said the goblins were east I think and the undead were north east. We headed after the undead since the village would take care of the goblins. I was told to go scout along with Niloc, and there were tons of werecats not far from the village. We started off bad, Nom always rushing ahead and drawing the attention of the enemies. I was thoroughly irritated by the way Nom was but I tried my best to keep my temper under control. We found the cave and we went in. There were ghouls and skeletons and they casted fireballs. Alot of them, and killed Niloc twice. Mostly because Nom rushing ahead, I said we should just let him do the work, but we helped anyway.
*tries to hurry up and finish so he can get something to eat* I am sorry this is so vividly written, but I'm hungry at the moment.
Anyway, we went into the one hidden area and I found a potion of heal and gave it to Buddy since he does all the fighting and Niloc found a bar of steel...Something valuable? Sure was, we entered another hidden place with two portals and and Niloc place the steel onto the big one and htis undead thing came out, maybe a human, not sure and we killed it. It was done! Glad it is over and we exited through the other portal. The villagers were safe and were deciding between Prunilla and Toran as their faith, hopefully not Toran.
All that I have so far...
-Fellow
-
*Up on the rooftop of some rich merchant*
Here I am, taking in the scenery. The smell of the chimney brings back memories of my childhood always jumping roofs and through dirt clogs down onto people...
*sits there a few minutes and begins to write agian*
Few days ago, I taught Buddy agian. I taught him sneaking and pick locking and few other things. First we worked on sneaking, he was easy to see but was getting the idea down, I told him practice will help. I told him not to step on the ehole sole of his foot since it leaves a big print in the ground, but on his toes where there's less surface area inprinting on the grass. I then showed him how I did it and let him try to spot me. Told him it took a "trained" eye to spot me. *grins* Someone spot me? Me? I think not! I'd put a shadow to shame. Anyway, we worked on some lock picking up in Storan's... Creepy place, but we needed somewhere where we can practice without getting caught and into trouble. I should him how to use the lock picks and I did it once and was glad nothing heard us behind that door. I handed him the pick and told him that it's basicly random movement inside the casing, but after a while, you'll start to recognize the different types of locks and you'll automaticaly know where the locking mechanism is. Once agian it take practice. He did good and got it opened but I think the bodak and such heard us and we went scampering out. It was dangerous but where's the fun in safety? Sure I like to be cautious and I get all paranoid but doesn't mean I have fun once we get down to wherever we're going.
I'm pretty tired now...think I'll climb down and find somewhere to sleep. This is all I can think of to write.
-Fellow
-
*pauses before writing*
Today has been very depressing, I do not know what is happening to people around here but it's spreading like you wouldn't believe. I was coming out out of Silkwood with tons of hides and beetle bellies, and I saw, people call her Elohanna, laying on the ground dead and past a few trees Jaelle, also laid dead in the middle of the fields away from Hempstead. Arkenon and Aerimor were just standing there glaring at each other. Arkenon casted something that brought down lightning onto Aerimor and he ran up the road a little ways and shifted into a gargoyle. I later found out that that was is form for anger. Anyway, Aerimor and a mephit battled it out with Arkenon and they lost. Aerimor returned to a bindstone and I didn't see him agian.
I went for help at the local temples and no one responded to what I said, they sort of...shrugged me off. I guess asking people of Shadon was a good way to waste time. I guess Elohanna returned to her bindstone or was raised, because when I arrived to the fields Elohanna, Elgon, Arkenon, and I believe Caerwyn were around Jaelle. This big large woman, another story I'll write about later, came up and raised her. Arkenon did not like this at all but let her do it anyway. This one lady by the name of "Sil" did not want Jaelle back to life because she was a Mistite. I keep telling people that gods are no good, they only bring bad news and friction between people, but...I can't control them on what they believe, I won't mess with it.
Few hours later, this villager walked up and started talking about the city council and the Silverguard. Mostly politics, things I'm not good with. He talked with Caerwyn, Brun, Katrien I believe and Treana. I left not to long after that. Aerimor didn't return and hope Verideth doesn't become like that.
*writes a few more minor things about crafting, card games and winning alot of money*
This is all I can think of at the moment, I'm pretty tired and want to sleep the next few days out and let things cool down...
-Fellow
-
*wakes up from a bad dream and decides to write through the rest of the night*
I forgot to mention some things from my earlier writing. The one large woman lives in a house close to Hempstead. I was heading for some silk or corn or whatever it was I was heading out for when Arke, Elohanna, and Omer, I think, was looking at the house. There was a statue with it's head on fire earilier, from what I heard it's a symbol of faith for the god, Pyrotechon or something, and it was agianst Arke's goddess, Grannoch. He smashed it and the lady was upset. The woman stormed out and through lightning bolts and ran back inside. She didn't come out, but Elohanna put some pie and bread on the front step and the woman opened the door really quick and snatched up the bread and pie. She was a tricky woman indeed. Hour or two later, she came out and I was surprised she could fit through the doorway. I don't know if it was muscle or what but she was rather large. She started throwing fire into her yard always saying, "Stay off my property". But she was the same woman who raised Jaelle. What she said to Arke afterwards was that she wanted her statue replaced in five days. Glad it wasn't me who smashed it, I wouldn't be able to carve anything out of stone.
*lays his head back thinking*
One more thing, this lady, never got her name still but I owe some things to her, is letting me rent a room so I can store some of my armors and hides. I'm surprised she'd let me considering that I'm a halfling. She made plain that I wouldn't keep my hands if I stole anything. I wasn't going to anyway because I need the space and I don't need people on my back. The price is to keep a huge chest full of glass for this ranger man who uses alot of it. My ox packs are pretty full with it and I accepted the offer of the room and price.
That's all I can think of, think the bad dream has left me..
-Fellow
-
*sitting in the middle of the scamp's mug in a well lit area, looking out for anyone suspicous*
Earlier today, I was running into the Ony Eyed Harpy up in Port Vhel when I met Sariel. I we were talking about how he dressed as I did before I went off to still something or before a fight. I replied "this is Vhel" and I said I prefered Hempstead because of the rich merchants and how easy it was to snatch a few gems off one. Most of the people I know knows that I've stopped on all the stealing and I'm not like I was few years ago. No I have money, tons of food and some fine valuables and I don't plan on throwing all that away.
Back to the story, the innkeeper...forgot her name, butted in that the interest on the gems would be my head or something. To smart off, I said the only reason I didn't steal anything of their inn was because they had nothing worth stealing. She replied tartly that they never have any paying customers and the old bugger, Wheezer, replied with the same thing. Then this drunk came over and stumbled on top of me saying something like "You've gone to washing your clients? You've shrunk one!" That struck me hard. My size doesn't bother me anymore but that brought back memories from hells in my past where I've got caught statching something off of someone or was caught cheating why playing dice and such. Not like anyone couldn't afford to lose some extra coins, because i only played with wealthy people. *grins* But that sent me over the side quick and I started insulting him and I calmed him boy once or twice... He asked if I was to young to be out by myself and calling my pipsqueak and someother things that most street urchins knew by the time they were five. Then he nodded to a couple of his buddies...my hopes of getting out quick and safe were dieing quickly. Couple of these half-orcs, always half-orcs, got behind and in front of me. This was no regular inn struggle. They carried axes! I mean come on! In an inn? Your'e supposed to use fists or little daggers but flashing huge axes the size of me and taller? A long sword would have done better, it's easier to store and conceal! All I had was my little shortsword that was tucked in my belt underneath my coat. I said they were lucky I gave up poisons else I would be packing several vials of it. They came after me, hit Sariel upside the head knocking him unconscious, I cvouldn't keep my I on both, they saw every move I made so I couldn't sneak in an attack without leaving the other 90% of my body open. One smashed my lip with the hilt of his axe and the other used the flat of his axe to drive me into a darkness.
I woke up, everyone was calm once agian, Wheezer and the inn keep came out from behind the counter and threw water onto us to wake us up. My eye was black, lip busted, mind wrenching headache and I needed to feed the chickens. See? I feed chickens like some farm wife! But they bring in a lot of money. Sariel and I left after making sure no one followed. We talked for a few minutes making sure we were alright. I said I was growing soft and told him he wouldn't be seeing me act like that agian. I'm not young like few years before when those jokers would have been tossed aside like rags after I was done. Having all these nice things and gathering garlic and eggs instead of fighting or jumping roofs just to get a heel of bread for supper is slowing me down some. But I've met people and this sort of life is working out alot better than being a street rat. I was quick to insult instead of trying other options such as sweet talking or bluffing or outright ignoring the drunk. My pride got a hold of me and I was over confident...like always! *grins, take a drink from a mug and sets sets it down to write more*
Few hours later, I was in Hempstead talking to Shiff about. This woman came up complaining how the drink she had was worthless...I think she was trying to drown some problems. I told Shiff to be careful and that was how I got my black and and busted lip was because of a couple drunk men. One drunk woman counts for more than a couple men. She was talking about someone named "Twist" and how he did something with her child or human or something! *rubs his temples getting a headache* Anyway, I told shiff...I've been seeing a pattern on how people started to rampage because they're "passionate" about something, that she may turn out like Aerimor and lashing out at people. That was evidently the wrong thing to say. The woman got ticked off and saying through grit teeth that I had no idea what I was talking about and tears were swelling up in her eyes...I felt bad at accusing her of something like that. I was still a little shook up from the scrapple Vhel, I afraid of how she was saying the drink was worthless and always drinking more. I was afraid she was really going to get up and try to hurt or kill me. Shiff said that it was probably time I go, I was halfway to the crafting hall by that time. I made a couple more bags and I went to the Scamp's Mug where it is alot more lit and more people with their head still halfway screwed on. This is where I stop and I rent a room and make sure no one can get in.
That's all I have that there is for me to write about...
-Fellow
-
I have truly experianced what it is to fight a "shadowdancer" to a certian point. There quite a few people around the pond outside Hempstead, Shiff, Alatriel, Elohanna, a panther (I think Aerimor, not sure), Pristine came later, and a few others including a dwarf whose wife is having a child and Drexia. There was this drow that was there too, I think she is insane. She kept talking about a "Cat Witch", I'm not sure if she's talking about a goddess or herself...
Few hours later, I kept thinking of ways to apologize to Alatriel but people were making it so I couldn't have her complete attention. This woman came up and wanted to buy the panther for 20,000 gold! Alatriel didn't want to sell the panther so the woman kept going up to about 50,000! Alatreil still refused which started me thinking it wasn't an ordinary panther... The woman went off in a huff and Shiff told me to follow her, of course? Who else? *mumbles about being a tool* I followed her, past the gates, past the fountian until I was right on top of her. I went to the left at a slower past, hoping that I was just going to the Inn. I turned around...and she wasn't there! I pressed myself up to a wall hopeing that she was thinking that I always wore black leather and always snuck around. Doesn't everyone else think that of me since I'm a Halfling? Why would she be any different? I think she knew what to look for. I went over to behind the steps and looked around. Nothing. I waited for a few minutes, nothing else. I didn't see a thing. She reappeared and tried to grab me. But as usual, I was not caught. Who can catch me besides another scamp who's been pranking longer than I have? (This is what I have been calling myself, a prankster. A scamp, joker anything but a common rogue. What makes me different from the other's is that I do not go out, to assasinate someone, I no longer steal for comfort, I am a hard working little man.) She did not catch me, I ran back to the group, Shiff had to go work on something since everything was well. I went straight to Alatriel since I know what she is. She knows more about the shadows than the others around us. I told her about, she was concerned and asked her if she can spot her. She said it didn't work like that. Why not? She is like that woman, why can she not know what to look for? I know the basics of hiding, I can spot most people hiding, why can she not look for the woman? This is why I want a teacher to teeach me the shadows, so I can know "why" Alatriel cannot see that woman. I don't know if she has known the shadows to long so she knows what to look for, or if the woman is better and no one could spot her. I do not know, I do not mean to criticise Alatriel.
The woman appeared when I was talking with Shiff. I ran behind Shiff because I've seen him fight. The woman asked what I was frightened of! Of her of course! Something I cannot track, something I cannot trace! Someone who knows the shadows, and knows how to use them! She could sneak behind me, slit my thoat, and run! She's was invincible it seems. I did not know her full potiential until later. Pristine was there, the woman wanted her. She has a thing for felines. She paralyzed Pristine and Shiff's ring I think it was, did not work for her. So...the woman is a shadowdancer and a mage. She did not stop with her wanting of Pristine, someone asked how she would carry it off, she replied that she will summon something that could haul her. Omer came up, tried to paralyze her or something, it failed, the woman turned and cast something that caused a huge woman to appear, with a scream so loud, so unbearable, I felt like laying down to die. Omer was unnaffected, he went off. The woman smirked and ran off. I didn't see her agian, thankfully. I fell endangered, like cat and mouse. She is a woman, a powerful shadowdancer and and a experianced mage. Who would not be afraid of someone with those three characteristics? I am...I'm not going to tell anyone that though. *grins*
That is all I have to write about.
-Fellow
-
*looks back to his earlier entries and scribbles out a sentence*
I have decided to take up my poisons once more. The creature that I use it on...does not have much time left since there is usually three or more people (including myself) on him, but it is fast enough. I especially need them when I am on my own, they may have intimidated the orcs in that Inn fight I was in or would have gave me at least an edge in fighting on my own since I am not that strong, I need to put my enemies strength onto my own level. Only way I htink I can achieve that is to use poisons. I have thought long and hard about it, but I think I need them. I will never use them on one of my friends, family or the innocent, only people who decide to try to beat the out of me.
*few minutes later of thinking of something else to write*
I have gotte nthe five iron nuggets I need to make the iron reinforced armor that on one of the recipe cards. I'm looking forward to it. I know I have a big chance but I'd like osmoene to cast the magic to help me even more so I have a gauranteed chance on making it. A half-orc in Hempstead (didn't know they were allowed in now, but this guy was pretty friendly to me) , I determined him that by his accent and size, walked up to me and Lance and just sort of looked at me. He held my poster asking if I was Tod who was purchasing the iron. I got all excited and he said to meet him in Hlint. I ran all the way there...tiring run it was, and met him in front of a house. He led me inside and held out the nuggets, we made the trascation, and he even offered me a portal (thinking because he saw me struggling with the weight). I thought I almost felt a goddess smilling down onto me....almost. I'm going to wait a bit until I can find someone to help me before I make it.
This is all I can think of...days been pretty boring actually.
-Fellow
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*written by the Goblin Wastlands' campfire*
These last few days have been interesting. I have been talking with Pristine more than others. I was helping her with getting malachite and greenstone with Im' tiau. We got the gems with little trouble and we headed to Hempstead with our bags full. She was heading to Vhel but asked if I could do a favor for her. She wanted to talk with Trent about the kobold stick she needed to turn in but she could not go in according to Hempstead laws. She tied a rope to that collar she alway wears and hands the end of the rope to me. She recieved the collar in an arena that chained her agianst gladiators or some other competitors. Not sure. But she has never tried to get the collar off. I sort of held the rope, not feeling right. I told her I'm not into having a slave or escorting one through town to the docks but she insisted it would only take a few minutes. I asked her if anyone would truly believe I could keep her immobile if she was to try to get away. I felt twitchy knowing I could get in deep trouble for doing this. We headed straight to Trent and he sort of looked at me like I was crazy... I felt crazy leading someone that's about three or four feet higher than myself. He was hesitant on accepting the stick as if Pristine would try to strike at him or start rampaging... We headed out and as soon as we were out of sight of the gate guards I dropped the rope. She apologized about making me uncomfortable and held up the coins and bag she got from the stick. Felt better knowing that it worked and no one was suspicous. I do not wish to repeat something like that.
All I have at the moment to write about.
-Fellow
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*In a corner at the Scamp's Mug*
I have made the Iron Reinforced clothing. I'm am wearing it under my coat at this very second. It's nothing more than a tunic with iron in it. It's so soft I could sleep in it! It was not cheap, costing me over thousand coins for the iron and other materials. I have made two "Boots of the Arachnea" and which I sold one to Buddy. It takes several materials including ten ettercap silk glands, two bolt of flexible cloths which consumes about six spool of spider silk. That's almost half a box of silk just for two bolts of cloth! Then I had to make the padding and buy the enchanting oil. It took quite a bit. I have been making dire badger leathers and then placing them in those chests that Jennara told me to place robes. I'm hoping I'm making some type of contribution for the people who need them. I was in their situation at least once and I never had anyone give me anything. Hopefully i'm making it easier.
*Few minutes after swallowing a plate of food*
I went into the Storan's crypt to collect the spotted mushrooms. I was twitching like mad knowing that if I kicked a pebble or sneezed or anything, the bodaks would come down on me like no tomorrow. I went in and grabbed a few of the little mushrooms. I was felling good and got a little to cocky. I kicked a pebble and one of the shadow fiends saw me and I ran out before any of the others saw it following me. It hit me a little but I ended up killing it with great difficulty. It sapped my energy on hit and I needed to rest before I did anything else. I walked all the way out and fell asleep on the crypt's stone steps and went back in. I was fresh and new and could hide from anything. I unlocked the door and when I stepped in...a bodak saw. He had the gaze but I ran out of range before it could see the detail of his pupils. It chased me all the way back to the road to Hlint just about. I was terrified it would catch an unweary traveler but it went back to it's hell hole before anyone got to the area. I had enough and decided to sleep the rest of the day.
*after a few more minutes of thinking*
I went to drop off some oils in my chests in Hempstead and Pristine, Im'taiu, Amanda and Trouble were in the middle of the road. I greeted them and we talked. I gave Pristine her a new bag since I noticed she was having trouble carry all the gem minerals our last trip into the Silkwood and Red Light Caves. She thanked me and we chatted somemore. She has done well with the gems she mined and asked what materials she need to start making the rings. I replied that I'd tell a friend of mine that could supply her the ore and molds. We chatted more and Keppli, Caerwyn, Buddy and I think it was...Jaelle? And...Raz? I know alot of people but not everyone. We babbled on. Pristine, Im'taiu, Buddy and Keppli chatting in animal with Trouble's monkey. Im'taiu and Pristin chatted in their own language and I think some talked a bit of Elven, can not remember since so many people were talking at once. Trouble wanted to do something such as clearing out the trolls in the swamps. Amanda made sure her dislike of swamps was made clear so I guess that was ruled out. Pristine asked if we knew where to find Vukus' oil. We talked about the Brech mountains and the Hammerbound argued which ones Vukas may have lost her oil in. We finally agreed on the Hammerbound. We all headed there. We went in and had a great time, clearing out the masses of ogres without trouble. We got to the area where the ogre had the oil and someone summoned a huge bear... What happens when someone summons a huge bear? The bear charges off! It brought all the ogres down onto it. It was a mess but no one died thankfully. We then headed up to the giant's fort. It was pretty intense with all the huge sword and their ice arrows and their huge rocks. I almost fell when we entered because of those giants and thier giant cross bows and their giant bolts... One of their bolts is the size of my arm! But someone kept throwing potions on me and keeping me alive. I'm surprised they could hit my head since it's not much smaller than the rest of me. The last guy turned into a panther or something with barkskin and I could never hit it. We had difficulty but it kept casting magic with animal language and guess it was working to well for him. Once we clear the whole fortress we mined the platinum and iron. I asked Buddy if I could possibly buy some of the platinum and he agreed to it. That takes care of having to buy platinum when I wish to make platinum reinforced clothing. Well...that's about it all the way to the part where everyone leaves... It's not fun when people do that but I guess it has to be until we do it agian.
I guess it was only Im'taiu, Pristine, Keppli and I that was left chatting. The wemics and their language and Keppli and I trying to understand a word they were saying. Kepplie caught her name spoken a couple times and asked why that was. She asked if they were talking bad about her but Pristine answered. The answer shocked both her and I! More her than me. Pristine sort of paused before she said what it was and I knew it was going to be something big. She said...that Im'taiu likes Keppli, she what's wrong with that? It was when Pristine added "more than usual". *pauses, grins and bends down to write more* You should have seen Keppli's face. She was so stunned. I never knew how it felt to have someone chasing me...besides an angry inn keeper or something... But I know how it is with the awkward silence and not knowing how to react...I tried to make it easy with making a slight joke in our own language. Few more awkward moments.... I tried to change the subject, it worked. Keppli headed off, and we decided to go to the red light caves to get a couple ears to turn in. Im'tiau had to go and do something...hopefully not to chase Keppli! *laughs and quietens down as he wakes a near by sleeper* Pristine and I talked and talked. I guess I finally got her bored and she had to do some errands. Well...these days are interesting.
Romance in the air surrounding everyone one but me...I think there's some power in being single. *chuckles quietly to himself* That whole mountain trip, Raz and Trouble were both flirting, hitting on or courting, whatever it is people call it these days, with Amanda and Jaelle...I'm thinking they were ready to fry both the men. *grins*
That's all I have to write about...
-Fellow
-
*written in sloppy handwriting by lamplight*
I am quite tired lately. I have been doing alot with alot of people. I have taken a few trips to Dregar a couple groups. Among those were Ferrit, Jilseponie, Ben, Steel, Double, Nak, and some others. The group wasn't this big until we meet at a crossroad where this little goblin man was selling some really nice pair of gloves. They were sitting around a fire and I believe it was Ben who offered for them to join up with our. We continued after getting ourselves partially aquainted with each other. I was told we were going to the Misted Village to someone that sells great items. No one buffed each other, no one used their magical helmets. The only thing that was close to magic was Flynn's singing. They did not tell me that the place was swamped with bandits. We went up a little lifting cage and camp apon a house with a little trail leading up behind it. They said this was where they hid. I got lost a little ways in and I snuck down to the second floor. They were down there thankfully. I do not know how well the bandits know how to see people hiding and was afraid they would sneak up on me sneaking. The place was clear all the way to the group and found they were alright. Doesn't seem they missed me so much, I guess it was the size of the group.
We came apon a room and someone said there was a trap door but they could never spot it. I believe it was Jilseponie...not sure, but someone spotted it and it led to a halfling that looked even more crafty than usuall... but he had some nice items. He said that one blade sucks the life out of your enemy healing yourself while another helped you hide and spot people. The regenrating sword was about thousand and the other was about eleven thousand. He showed me to a chest, somehow knowing that I use traps while alone. He showed me his deadliest one, it had the the most horrible, jagged spikes I have ever seen. The trigger it self was frightening. The going price was about thirty-thousand coins. I left the shop empty handed, I didn't bring any coin... Well left the Village all together in a well enough condition.
*Doses off but shakes awake*
I was with Daniella, Lance and Olmae clearing out the Red Light Caverns. We did well enough, no deaths. We exited and split the loot and Olmae left. We were at the fire and we fell asleep. I woke and Daniella did as well but Lance didn't. He was shaking, in a cold sweat and thrashing around slightly. He placed a hand onto his sword hilt and Daniella tried to calm him. He pushed her away to unsheath his sword and I flipped my wrist and a dagger flew to my hand. He woke all of a sudden in a daze. He asked where he was, looked around and looked at my dagger. He seemed afraid. He mumbled something like "I swear, I didn't kill her" when he pushed Daniella away. I was ticked, and afraid that he was truly going to hurt one of us. I was tempted to strike at him to disable his sword hand but... he was Lance. I could never hurt Lance. He was fully awake, and I told him I was about to do something and the only thing that kept me was knowing he was asleep and no really... looking to hurt us. He said he wouldn't be able to live he harmed Daniella or I. A falcon arrived. It said Brian was at the Toran temple waiting. We arrived and it seemed Brian did not expect anyone to be with Lance. The only thing I know of Brian is that he killed Elgon and is slightly crazy.
I was going to a trip with Amanda, Caerwyn and Tugs when Elgon was standing in the middle of the road. He kept talking to someone that I couldn't see. I believe him being killed by a family member shook him up to where he is... insane? I felt sorry for him, I don't know how he is faring at the moment.
Anyway, I looked for a direct route out when Lance asked if he was planning to harm anyon else. He said, "I don't know." He is really no one that you would want to mess around with. Lance started talking to him about a Quantum and how he is offering him a place to stay and the whole nine yards like most Toranites do... I figured nothing will happen and I left. I don't know the significance of writing this down... just something to fill my pages.
*Sleeps lightly and wakes up after a few hours. Pulls the book into his lap and begins writing half asleep*
Amanda and I went down to Mariner's Hold to help out a couple farmers. We were heading to Thorn River when we came apon Keppli, Ben and Chakar. We greeted them like any civilised people and said they just came from a gold trip. We invited to come along to help the farmers. The first farmer said he needed help with....scarecrows. Chakar and Amanda had to cast a spell that made us more...reckless? It made us not afraid of those pumpkin eyes... I collected a bundle as proof.
Chakar said he needed silk and we past the Ranger's Vale and into a forested area with grass that was as tall as myself. Their were huge blue snakes everywhere. There eyes were as big as my fist! Thier fangs, as long as my shins it seemed. But they were no problem for Ben and Chakar. Chakar led us to a cave and we entered and were attacked by a bunch of dire spiders! My poison crafting has gone pretty well. I have been making dire spider poison but I still cannot put it onto my weapons without it slipping off. The thickness and texture is different than ettercap or aranea.... I tried my best to skin the spider's sacks quickly without being seen. Amanda saw me collecting them but she seemed alright about it. We continued back into the back of the cave, and down into a little whole. We came apon what looked like a nesting area. The floor was covered in...wolf skins. I don't know how wolves got into a spider den...but it was the "Wolfswood" cave. It forgot about it and exited. Amanda gave me the sacks at the campfire away from the others. I don't really want Keppli to know she goes around with someone that uses poisons when no one is looking. Ben saw the exchange and asked if it was for poisons. But he asked it in the cant that I used to use with local thieves. It surprised me. I replied "yes" and he got all upset. I said it was for bad guys and he said he isn't the nicest man in the world. I swore I'd never use them on anyone that was close to me such as himself, Keppli, Tugs whoever that was willing to give a bit of themselves to care at least a bit of my well being. I don't consider friends something that is light, it's something that's keeps me going this far into my life. We kept nodding in the cant and Keppli noticed. She asked why we were nodding and we just sort of...let it go. Ben said it was a misunderstanding.
I was sitting by the fire and Ben sort of sat in front of me which lead him to be between me and the fire. I said he's blocking all the heat and he sort of whispers to me that I should go over and set next to Keppli, and that she'd keep me warm enough. I just looked at him and glanced at Keppli, that deserted me of all confidence of knowing women. I'm like a boy entering puberty with as much experiance of women I have. I may fight well enough, I can dodge giant boulders and fire balls and arrows wizzing by my ears but the thought of being with a woman...just dwarfs all those. I don't see how other men can act natually around women. I've seen Raz, Marcus, Trouble, they're all at home when playing around with females. I just can never bring myself to hit on one of them. I'm no lady's man...
*lays back agianst one of the pillows on the bed, thinking*
My skill in tailoring has gone to a whole new level. I was making a panther cape today, I was in the "groove" and was daydreaming. I lifted up the cloak and examined it. Beli showed me a superb cloak couple months ago, and said I'd get good enough to make such a fine cloak like the one he had. The cloak I was holding looked like his, except the detail was different. No one could make the same details but I've been studying the shadows alot more than I have before. I realised that was what I was daydreaming of. The borders of the cloak... blends in better than all the other panther cloaks I've made. More like a shadow. It is my prized thing I have made so far. More than my first couger bag even my first pair of spider boots.
That's all I have today... I'm really tired.
-Fellow
*closes his book slowly and sets it aside. Blows out the light and falls quickly asleep*
-
*sits down in the middle of the road somewhere and begins to write*
These days have been interesting like the last few have. The crafting merchant lady finally sold me an advanced crafting certificate. I don't know what I was all worked up about though. I went into the hall...and not to many people were there. They had a list of ingrediants for things to make such as a belt of cunning, or lion bags and what not... it all sounds like things I could never make. I may have a small chance at a belt but that's it... I'm starting to think that I may not be half as good as I thought.
Before all the crafting business started, a big group, I mean big, was heading to Dalanther. I thought I would tag along since I know Storold slightly and my renter but that's about it. We arrived in Dalanther and it was raining. Just...raining. And this confused looking man ran out of no where and started freaking out how it was raining. I guess it had to do with Mist or something but the man slowed down... and Miss Gala, (she doesn't prefer to be called "Miss" but...it doesn't matter in here. I've been spending to much time with Lance and Miss Daniella...) I think that was who it was, stepped up to him and asked why he is shouting and running and making a complete show of himself. He said it was raining. No big deal right? But he said he lost his "magic hammer" because of the rain. He said that it can make new armor look old. I was thinking this guy was completely nuts or something. But then he said an evil halfling man ran up and took his hammer. That got my attention. Of COURSE, he was going to say a halfling...why not a goblin? Why not a dwarf or kobold? Because it is ALWAYS us halflings that get all the crappy attention. Once he said that, the whole group looked at me. I held my hand up to show I didn't have anything and I think that satisfied them...but I wasn't happy. But the guy sayed he looks exactly like Sall...just shorter. I think he took that offensively and I sayed that is a compliment since us halfling look so good. Sall (I think he actually looks like Trouble's older brother or relative from what little bit of face I saw under his hood) found some tracks and followed them to a "Willow's Weep". He searched, asked a guard or two and a halfling ran past us without waiting for people to move. I groaned saying, "That is the that gives us a bad name". We ran into Dalanthar once agian and he wasn't there. We went back into the mountians and searched and searched. I heard someone yelling and looked along the edge of a mountian where there was a small trail running along it. There was Sall and the halfling running behind him punching the living...whatever you wish to put in... out of him. I wondered why he was using his fists but he was doing a good job. He'd punch Sall once and he would be on the ground trying to get up with the halfling on his chest knocking the snot out of his nose.I let him get past but the others blocked the passage out and he looked really ticked off...I tried to calm him, talking a bit of our own language... offering him a bottle of "Firewood Lager" I think it was... *takes out the empty bottle and looks to see if it has anything attached to it that can hint at the name* And if anyone had a pie, him and I could split it in half and talk all these misunderstandings. Grohin, I'm not sure aboutall these names ,gave him a slice, left me out of a slice too, and we talked it all out. the whole time,I think Sall was scared of the little man. I would be too if I tried to tie someone down and they got out and started to be the out of me. But Trith or someone...found a hammer in the waterfall a little ways back and we went back to Dalanthar and all was happy and dandy! Thank's all I can really remember...
*picks a few dandelions and flicks the seeds off, thinking*
I was in Hlint and I came apon the....south...maybe east..west? gate... There were guards everywhere and Miss Daniella, Raz, Aersthir and some others were there. I asked what was happening and Miss Daniella replied that Hlint was being attacked by the goblins. MY blood ran cold because I know how dangerous those goblins are becoming since they started protecting their greenstone viens and copper with traps. We listened..and we listened and I heard alot of fighting coming over the walls. We ran out, just the guards stayed behind and Steel and Miss Sil were out with Raz and Olmae and few others and were fighting some heavily armored goblins, goblins on spiders and magic castors. I ran out of the gate an to the left, I saw the soul mother *pauses*, looks like the soul mother reaching down to grasp at a soul. That frightened me. The fight was soon over, most were dead before got out and some were almost about to drop. Elgon came later, as did Caerwyn and Aeronn. Miss Amanda and Miss Jaelle came before we left the walls actually.
Sort of worried about Miss Jaelle..and the condition she was in. I mean..a man was hounding on her when it was just me and Aesthir at the campfire in the wastelands... I don't know why, but he made me feel defensive with the way he was eyeing Miss Jaelle... She said he wanted to bed her and that he was staying to get "directions"... Well, he was getting ready to get some directions but not to a port, he was going to have to ask directions out of the void if I gotta hold of him. And I would be hoping that he didn't bind himself to a bindstone... But all in all, I'm not sure I could've handled him and I'm sure Miss Jaelle's motherly instincts would've kicked in and she'd throw a lightning storm his way. I'm sure she would've been able to handle herself even if we were not there, she's a woman anyway.
Anyway! Back to the invasion. The ground was littered with dead goblins (what sight to see) and we were taking turns resting. Raz and Miss Sil ran off into the caves and were getting hurt and Raz ran up. I thought he was in the cave but he said he was brought back by the bindstone. He didn't look happy so I followed to make sure he was okay. He got to his little rock and I heard a mass of armor and what sounded like legs scratching on the floor. I snuck up with the cover of the wall and counted how many there were... I was amazed and suprised I didn't cry out. They looked like one mass of flesh and armor. There was well over 20 goblins with about eight of them riding spiders. Everyone arrived and we butchered them all! I was so scared since I know I probably wouldn't have been able to get out if anyone died... There was a shaman that was looked like a ghost but I've seen Raz and Miss Amanda use it, but we were gathered when it was in it's badger form and we were trying so hard to hit it. I figured we'd be able to since there were so many of us but the goblin was just too good. I pulled out a dust and hurled it as best as I could. It was a rainbow colored dust and it brought down a ray of light that preists and priestess use. They call it "Hammer of the Gods". But I just call it a god or sky dust. That did it well enough and it killed him and we were all worn out but we kept on pushing. We couldn't sleep because the goblins were not sleeping were they? No, there weren't. We cam to another gathering of the spiders and a overlord was standing behind them. We killed those in front and went after the overlord. He wasn't moving so we took that to our advantage and killed him. Miss Sil and Miss Jaelle weren't happy because one of them casted a holding spell that kept him in place... I didn't know, it's a goblin so I killed it. Just to finish this up quickly, we found the new overlord of the other overlord and he didn't attack us. He just stood there looking at us coldly. He pulled a lever beside him...and he slit his own throat. A big pile of rocks fell neatly into place behind him and Miss Sill tried to amplify her voice with a bit of magic and a big boulder fell onto her, pnning her down. I tried to lift it... but what could a little man like me do to move a huge rock off someone? Elgon ended up turning into a big bear and lifting the rocks with someone puleld her out. She looked fine but her legs were smashed, pinch, slightly crushed... So Miss Sil road on top of Elgon in his bear form. We got out... the town was saved! It was alot more exciting when I was there instead of thinking back to it and writing it down...
Think that's all I have at the moment.
-Fellow
-
*In Fort Llasts temple of Toran*
I went into Storan's crypts with Miss Gala, Miss Alaltriel and Raz. Nothing that wasn't too hard. Miss Gala warded us a whole lot and it helps unbelievably. She'd go in and cast a few spells and the undead people would fall around. Was a great light show with the surrounding gloom. The whole time, Raz was going at it with her, complimenting on this and complimenting on that... get's old after a while really but Miss Alatriel promised to go skinny-dipping with him agian if he'd stopped... He didn't want to stop I could tell, but we were almost done so why not take it?
Hitting the dead creatures where it would normally kill an alive creature doesn't work but Miss Alatriel would pull a shadow or two around her and disappear from sight. I was impressed and was planning to ask right before she left if she would teach me. Writing the end of how we killed Storan and everything isn't too exciting so I'll skip that.
We were at the road leading away from or to Fort Llast when we started talking about Muhk and we argued... well I did mostly because I know how it is to be stereotyped and seen as a freak of nature and to be looked down apon becuase of my race or looks. So naturaly, I feel I have to defend him even though I barely know him. I've argued on and on with Lance, Miss Daniella, Raz and a highly ranked Toranite with a deadly gaze, Miss Anne Ravenwind. They'd give anyone a horrendous (big word, note to self, it means horrible) migrain. They point out all the facts needed to either condemn or save Muhk... they all look to see him hang in the town square. If they are so blood thirsty... doesn't that make them like Muhk? Muhk seemed alright to me but I've only talked to him for a hour or two and that was over the price of iron.
I was tired of the subject and Raz started in on Miss Gala and her sister, Miss Sil, and Miss Sil's sister, Miss Ayana (I'm still being around Toranites to long... with all the "Miss" but it's a sign of respect and I'll more than likely use it for now on... ) and how he's going on a date with with Miss Ayana and is nervous about it. There was alot to it but I don't have the best memory. Miss Gala said if Raz was going to start pursuing her like he does every other woman around then she'd have to start on her dark magics. Raz asked if she was going to start wearing dark leathers while she's casting and I offered to make her some. But I remember something Trith said to a woman about having to get her measurements so I tried it.. Raz grinned and so did Miss Alatrial and Miss Gala... guess they didn't think I could hit on a woman once or twice. Miss Alatriel warned Miss Gala that I'm after her and such but it's not like that... she does look rather fine in armor but I'll keep that opinion to myself. We talked about how if I was a woman, men would be coming sailing across the world just to catch a glimpse of me, I was joking and everything and they know I was too. I said that would never really happen, no woman has really looked at me with even in the least of desire, I doesn't bother me much and something triggered for me to tell those before me that I have never kissed a woman. Raz looked like he saw... the most horrible thing possible before him with the way he looked at me. Of course I talk alot of smack saying I'd get every woman from the corners of the world and can move mountians and that I'm so strong but they know I'm playing. I can't really move anything let alone lift a rock that fell on Miss Sil like most people can. But I started to walk off and to find something to do so I don't have to listen to everything they were thinking of saying when Miss Alatriel said that I guess I didn't want a kiss since I decided to go off and hide. I turned back to her not knowing what to say, I think I was to late for one if that was what she was hinting but I said I'll take one willingly. Raz warned me that she's not the best of kissers that I wouldn't miss out. She sort of agreed with him but I pointed out that if I've never kissed any one, then how would I know what's good or bad and what I do or do not like? I knew that would trap her... I figured she'd dissappear before I could even ask if she could teach me shadows. But she just grinned and gave me a kiss, nothing to extreme, but not just a peck, not sure if she was playing around or joking. Didn't know if I was to kiss her lips or if she thought I was a child and was going to kiss my cheek. I had no idea what I was doing. It was over too soon really. Kissing holds alot of emotion, figured that's why Trith, Raz and Chaynce are trying to get one every now or then. Maybe I'm just thinking to much of it? But hey, it's my first kiss, it was pretty good.
I asked for another for the trip back home and she declined, and Raz said to keep at it to wear her down. So I asked agian for one on the cheek, but yet agian she denied saying it's a one time deal. Yes, I was dissapointed but no need to keep at it to irritate her. She started to dissipate into the shadows and I didn't know where she was. I called out to her asking if she has any time to teach someone something. Raz took it the wrong way, and headed off to give us time alone. He left and I asked if she could teach me to dance with the shadows like she does. She sat down and asked why I wanted to learn the shadows. I never thought of it, they just interested me. I said that I would rather be a help to a group than just running away when things got bad, maybe I could bandage someone up real quick before they lost to much blood or hopefully be able to jump across that boundary of light and shadow to get in a couple of strikes to finish whatever it is that's hurting us. For once, I would rather be the brave hero instead the one that runs away. I don't know if I want to learn for good or for selfish reasons. I feel like I can almost reach out and touch one of the shadows in the corner but they never respond. Miss Alatriel explained to me that she is still new at the dancing and that she may not be able to teach me. I didn't know if it was me or what, but it stung a bit. She said she learned from a halfling as well and pointed me to a group that may be able to teach me. She also explained that I may have "it" in me but some people don't. I'm worried I don't have whatever "it" is that is needed. I'm going to search for those she pointed too. I seriously hope I have it in me.
That's all I have.
-Fellow
-
*In the Wild Surge in after listening to Jharl's story few hours earlier*
I'll make this short... *looks over his shoulder several times* I as heading into the Merchant Hall when Raz, Miss Ophelia and Miss.. Kali I think, not sure... was outside. I waved to them all, greeted them politely and everything. I did my thing by going inside and purchasing the regular two bottles of tanning acid, oil, no salt this time since I find my own source now, and walking out to the crafting hall. I waved to them all once more, but I knew, somehow I knew, with Raz standing there with two beautiful women, that I should've went out the back way instead of walking out the front! Raz told me to wait a second and I thought maybe he's not thinking what other people think when there's two halfling around of the opposite sex... apparently, I was wrong! By then, I was growing very, very nervous. Miss Ophelia and Miss Kali standing there, whispering to each other and keeps glancing back at Raz and I didn't help a bit! I was light headed and anxious to get away, and I do not remember all the dialouge, but I started to whisper back as quietly but as harshly as I could saying that I do not know what to do with a woman... I know what, but not sure how... Miss Kali said that they were heading to the Arms and Raz said they were going to talk over drinks, card reading or something and after... he said he was not sure he, him and his humble self, could handle those two fine ladies and that he needed all the help he could get. I started to whisper back but he had to tempt me with PIE! I mean come on! He knows I can't resist pie! He probably had it on him for that reason! *takes a bite out of the pie that Raz gave him*
The two women kept whispering, giggling, glancing, winking, doing all the hair movements... They look like they could make a guy happy but I wasn't happy then. Raz had to run inside for some coin and I wasn't about to stay out there alone with those two women! Sure they are more than pleasant to look at... but I didn't want to have to stay and listen to them whispering and glancing back only at me, I didn't have Raz there at the moment to hide half of myself behind him so I headed in, making a stupid excuse that seemed half way possible. Raz was talking to the banker and he looked back to me and told me to leave everything behind because he does not trust redheaded one and he didn't know why but he planned to find out... they're both red headed! I punched him in the arm as hard as I could, I was furious! I wanted to rip his arm off and slap him with it, I was that ticked! *makes a hole in his paper while dotting the "i"* He knows I am no good with women. Sure, I can crack off a few jokes, like when a lady says I'm so cute and they want to stick me in a pocket and take me home and I'd ask, "Is it a breast pocket?" I can do that easily but I can't really take a woman out, and one that's experianced! *pauses thinking back*
He headed outside and I stood there thinking on what to do. I could sneak out, no problem but Miss Ophelia is a priest... she may have true seeing up... Not sure about Miss Kali. But I decided to head out, and they were talking and I asked what he has been saying while I wasn't there... Miss Ophelia said that he said that I had a tattoo somewhere and she wanted to find out... That scared me... she was willing and I was not. She is gorgeous, don't get me wrong, but she is intimidating. They headed off, Raz had miss Kali's hand in the crook of his elbow in that formal way and I could tell that Miss Ophelia was getting impatient... so I did the same... the best that I could really. Raz made light conversation With Miss Kali about where she was from and I stayed silent... Miss Ophelia started on where she was born and I knew I made a mistake by not saying anything to her. She talked about Mist some and about her father didn't agree with her about worshipping anyone... And I asked why we should worship anyone just to make light conversation too. She said worship in what you believe in or something, I wasn't paying attention because I was trying to make sure I said the right things and walked right and do everything right... And I asked, what if you don't believe in anything. She said that I'd be a fool and a blind man could see that the gods are everywhere. I half joked that I am a fool... since I accepted this stupid pie I am eating and going out with her!
*few minutes later after finishing more of the pie*
I stopped Raz before we boarded... amd told him to tell Miss Ophelia that I had to go check on the wife and kids (how could I have a wife and kids if I can't even go through a date with a woman that was more than willing?) and Raz also knew I didn't have a wife and kids... He asked why I didn't want to go and to tell the truth. I was telling the truth the whole dang time! I told him I am a coward, one that has no idea what he is doing. He replied calmly that Miss Ophelia would be good for me and she wouldn't hurt or emberrass me.. she's failed already on the not embarrassing part *chuckles wryly* He said a hicky wouldn't be considered hurting me... I had enough at that point. He headed onto the ship and I slip off unseen. Hope Miss Ophelia didn't take it the wrong way, she did look fine tonight, but once agian, I am no lady's man.
All I have right now that I need to write about.
-Fellow
*stuff his book back into his bag and leaves, carrying the pie with him as if it was his only lifeline*
-
*In the Samp's Mugs' kitchen waiting for a loaf of bread to cook, he brings out his book and begins to write, remembering the last couplde of days*
I feel sort of foolish... about running from Miss Ophelia that one day, I realize I should have just enjoyed the evening and then decline her offer about... desert... in a more frontal way instead of turn tail and running...
*looks down as one of the inn's cook comes in so she cannot see his burning, embarrassed face*
I have made good friends with Keppli and Rockhead (Rocky for short). We have been doing alot together. Their personalities are... wild, not too wild, and light for Rocky and soft and mild for Keppli. I was changing my new set of armor and I didn't know what dyes to choose, and Keppli arrived. She wears bright colors as well but more of greens and browns like Caerwyn and other rangers... so I decided purple since, not to many wear it and I want to see people's reactions. Ben didn't like it to much, he said it gave "us rogues" a bad name... I'm not a rogue, once agian, I am a "scamp" as Tugs puts it. I kept the purple for a couple days and went back to the darker blue and black. Rocky gave Keppli an apple that I gave him and she wanted to know where to find the apples. I offered to take her to the trees that are located past Mariner's Hold. We walked to Stone, it is a beautiful place and being there with her is better than alone. We walked the cliff face and I could sense and tell she does not like hieghts by the way she was hugging the inside of the trail. She said she wasn't afraid, but I know she was... not alot, but maybe but some. We did make it across alive and well and we went to the Sun Castle. She hadn't seen that flag before and it was good to be of some help besides just showing the way to the apples.
We left the castle and cross the cliff once more, she did go on a slightly faster pace. I advoided the cougers for her even though I need the meat and skins. We went through Wolfswood ranger's camps and around that hill with the giants camping on top. We came to the bridge that had the gap and branched off slightly to show her the pears. We left the pear trees after the giants came close enough to see us but I am glad they have poor eye sight. We jumped the bridge and went after the almonds Goldy wants so bad. We were doing good at staying low and hidden, I had gotten the last almond and I heard a twig snap.. not the logs that the giants were stepping on but a tiny twigs that splintered under a small foot... I turned back and giant started his way straight forward to Keppli. I ran up behind once she brought it away from the rest of the giants and I reach up as high as I could and stabbed the back of it's leg and twisted as hard as I could. Better he to get away but I meant to disable it but sticking one of it's arteries but it turned on me. The only though I could think of was to stay and try to kill it but it's axe.. sort of had it's own mind on killing me. Keppli did get away and I got hit on the shoulder and the both my legs after jumping away a few times. I jumped the gap and was suprised that it didn't jump too. It spotted me once agian and started to throw whatever giants throw... I think axes. The giants didn't throw one right but it did it me in the back with the flat side of the blade... I just about made every bit of air in my body force it's away out of my mouth and nose, but I did get away but with a massive black spot on my back. I had to wait for the giant to leave and go pick it's nose so I could get to the glass lake to check on Keppli. It left a half hour later I guess, wasn't to long but it seemed like hours since I could not cross. I slept during that time and felt a little better, my back ached something aweful and my legs wasn't feeling any better. I did make the jump, wasn't too hard, and I found Keppli only because she wanted me too. She was hiding somewhere, don't know where, I couldn't see her and she appeared behind me, and for a second I was afriad a giant was sneaking up on it's toes and I just about lept back and swung blindly... glad I didn't. She didn't look too good since she got hit as well, I bet I didn't look much better myself. *touches a bruised arm and winces* We rested and bandaged each other up and headed torwards the grove. The river's atmosphere was perfect after that little incident. It was calm, quiet, water was running and birds were heard. The trees were dotted red, it was a good day for picking. I climb the first couple of trees with little difficulty, sometimes missing a branch or two and slipping but catching hold on a branch a little ways down the tree. I dropped the apples down to Keppli below and we gathered quite a few. She wanted to climb one but warned she was clumsy... aren't we all? She went to jump, but miss stepped and didn't jump quite high enough and fell straight on her stomach... Once she stood, (I guess I should have helped her up, this is where I miss up alot with any woman) I cupped my hands to give her a lift but she still didn't quite make it. She did say she was rather clumsy and she was emberrassed I'm sure... I got a running start and made to jump for the same branch but I missed stepped as well and fell straight onto my stomach. I wasn't trying to make her feel better for falling as well... but her face wasn't as red after I got up. We climbed or shot the apples down on the last few trees and she had to leave to go find Lythar (her wolf friend, I wouldn't mind having a wolf around).
*turns the page to another sheet and begins to write about the next day*
I was... what was I doing? I was doing something and both Keppli and Rocky showed up. I think I was baking like I am now and they showed up in the kitchen or something... but anyway. They looked rather bored I guess, I asked what they wanted to do. They didn't really have any ideas and Rocky headed me an apple to eat since I was hungry... He said he wanted to go to the apple trees since I showed Keppli and that's what we did. It was a good day to get apples once agian. We headed torwards the ships and bought the tickets. I bought enough for all of us and handed Rocky his and Keppli hers... she gave me gold saying she didn't like charity, I was trying to be nice but I think she intrepreted as me saying she didn't have enough gold to buy her own tickets... they were eighty coins, not sixty, but oh well *grins* I showed Rocky the Sun Castle and Keppli asked for rope and she tied it around her waist... I'm not sure how it would help her if no one held the end so I took the loose end. Her face was pale as we walked the cliff face once more. Rocky read the flag and wrote it down. I took them to the other side of the water falls and found this tower that I never saw before. We climb the stairs inside and we were a couple hundred feet over the ground when we left the top door. I was even frightened when I looked over the edge and Keppli glanced over and her face went completely pale... if there's something beyond pale, then that is the shade. We left soon after and went through the woods, around the hill with the giants, got the pears and jumped the bridge. I said I would get the almonds alone since I wouldn't have to worry about a repeat of last time. I wish I didn't say that with way Keppli looked all of a sudden. I snuck up behind thetrees and scaled them quickly and snatch the almonds and I jumped off one and Keppli and Rocky were right behind me! I didn't really want to yell at them or get onto them so I just let them come along, praying to whoever will hear me that the giants wouldn't spot one of them. I was about to pass out from worry when we left the almond trees. Keppli did too with the she was pale and shaking and Rocky looked fine with a big grin on his face. We ran around the lake with Keppli staying behind to handle a stag that decided to take a shot at her with his antlers. I was up in a tree when Rocky came up and rammed his head into the trunk. I started laughing as the tree swayed a little and I yelled that he was shaking the whole tree. He replied, "That's the whole idea right?". He made two apples drop. I guess that's how he got his name Rockhead. *laughs, scaring a maid that arrived to pick up someone's soup* I climbed the next tree and I slipped. Keppli ran up underneath me and tried to catch me. I ended up squishing her while she caught me and I got up saying she made a nice cushion (I said it jokingly...). I'm glad I didn't weigh anymore than thirty to thirty five pounds... not sure now since I eat so much. We got all the apples that I thought was any good, the rest had holes, bruises or had fallen aready and trampled by deer and bears. We ran all the way back to the Hold and sailed to Hempstead. I was beat and they were too. They went off to do thier own thing and I fell asleep right there on the dock...
*after making a pause to check the bread, he sits back down on the box to finish up*
I was fixing my armor agian back to the blue form purple, and Keppli came up saying he had something for me. I looked up form the hundreds of dye bottles they keep there to her and she held out a bright purple tunic and pants. She told me to put them one since Miss Essa invited both her and Rocky to be the entertainment at her party. I pulled the tunic over my head and I looked... I don't know, bad I guess. She explained that Rocky got all of us one and she pulls off her armor to reveal hers underneath. I have to admit she did look nice in the purple with her hood down and hair up. She looked guilty all of a sudden saying that she left Rocky in the mountians past Vhel saying she escaped, and not sure if Rocky did from the yetis. We left the hall after I finished up dyeing my cloak and went to look for Rocky. He came from around an oxe and he looked banged up. He replyed he just came from the bindstone and that all he could remember is killing four and having the last three kicking in his face. I don't see how he could have killed four since I can only kill one but he said he tripped them up and shot them with his cross bow... I was impressed. He asked Keppli if she gave me my costume and he pulled off his tunic to show his own. I pulled of my coat and we were standing there all in purple. We thought of several names and Rocky's the only one that came up with one that was half-way possible. "Two-halves and a Pint*. Niloc came up from behind and said, "How about the Three Stooges?"... I don't know what a stooges is. We agreed that the Two halves and a Pint will do and Keppli said she will be doing flips or "tumbling", Rocky will be playing instruments and I will be juggling. Rocky had to leave for a little bit so we went to a patch of grass to try flips. I tried what Keppli called a "backflip". I started off bad and landed on my stomach, thankfully not my neck. she did a cartwheel or two and Niloc did a a little bit more of a backflip than I did but landing on his hands and knees. Glad he landed on anything but his neck too. I said we could use those couch cushions and Niloc said we could try to do a backflip off a tree by getting a running start and flipping backwards. So I lined up several chushions before a tree and run up and did almost a perfect backflip (from what a nearby lady and her child with her eyes wide said... she recommended to not do agian with children around.). Keppli and Niloc left and I put the cushions back to the couch. I hate seeing people leave even if it's for a day or two.
That's all I have for the moment, alot has happened.
-Fellow
-
*sits the book onto a table, once agian in the Scamp's Mug and stares at it for a few minutes. He opens it a begins to think on what to wrip. He finally pulls out his pen that he dipped into ink and lets his thoughts flow over the page*
Alot has happened in these last couple weeks since my last writing. I missed Mrs. Jil's and Marcus' wedding... I must have gotten sidetracked. Miss Daniella said there was alot of pie and food and there were fireworks at the end. I feel bad for not congradulating them and will do so next time I see them.
I meet up with Miss Daniella, Raz and another woman in the arena in Vhel one day. She had on a tunic that showed more of her breasts than she intended and she bowed to me in greeting. Well, I told her that her bowing opened up to a great view.. I don't know, I was just in a happy mood and decided to compliment her, I guess that was just too.. adrupt and straight to the point? Raz called my name and I told him I have been watching him compliment the ladies. He just grinned and asked where that compliment was when I was with Miss Ophelia, Miss Kali and himself that one day before I ran... I don't know, I guess I have to do these things on my own?
But Miss Ami (her whole name is Amireana), she didn't seem to welcome the compliment and she rushed out flustered and stiff. I felt bad for making her feel embaressed... I should be more indirect when commenting on a woman. We followed her out, and I apologized and she asked what were are going to do before she burst with embaressment and Raz said something that made miss Daniella want to fight him in the arena. We all ran inside, and her and Raz prepared thier spells (there was magic in this duel). I sat on the arena's fence to watch and Miss Ami stood beside me. Raz took the first hit but he came back to end up beating Miss Daniella... wasn't really fair since he hasted himself and slowed her... and his prize was a lock of Miss Daniella's hair which he put into his spells book. I challenged him. I knew what I was to do.Raz asked Miss ami what his prize would be if he beat me. She said a kiss and then she turned to me saying sternly that I had better win.
We stepped into the arena, I drew my smaller sword and dagger, keeping the dust of Branderback hidden in my palm. We agreed to no magic but dusts do not count since it's not really magic... it it? We moved into the middle to bralw it out, I hit him, he swung at me, he missed and I through my dust into the air. It immediatly blacked the area around us... just what I wanted. I swung widely, but my eyes adjusted quickly. I slid tothe edge of the blackness and it went away soon enough. I wipped out my bow and Raz's back was turned to me. I shot him in the back, and it hurt him pretty badly... I didn't like hurting my friends but he had it comming for beating on miss Daniella. There we beat each other, I hit him, nipping hm here and there since he was watching my blades. I was watching his and he nipped me once or twice but he was in a worse condition. I slipped my dagger underneath his arm so lay open his side and he fell from there. I am glad I did accidently grab my dagger with the snake fang or that would've been a nasty wound.
We slept to heal ourselves and we accepted healing from the healers in the arena. I went to Miss Am and Miss Daniella to let Raz finish resting. they said I was skilled and I accepted the compliments with a grin and thanks. Miss Ami saw Raz by himself and went over to kiss him anyway! I'm the one that won, but no kisses for me even when I did as Miss Ami told me to. We decided to go to the Dragon Isles. Miss Ami went to the ship to wait as miss Daniella was collecting her though. She wasn't paying attention to anything at all. I crossed my arms, not speaking to either Raz or her. I glared up at Raz saying that he still got the kiss even when I won... He asked if I was mad, I wasn't really but it made me think and I straightened myself up. He said that he'd be all over her if she wasn't taken... and I said of course. He replied that he feels differently for her. I said that it was just a phase and that he'll move onto other women like he has been. He didn't seem to accept that.
I'll skip a bunch and make way to the Isles. Aeronn later arrived and joined us by then. I was in the forest waiting for the others with Miss Ami and she asked if he's not really fair.. I didn't understand her and I said so but the others arrived and she just shook her head and didn't say anything else. We made our way down into the caves. The gorgon's stoned Raz and I brought out my chisel.. just something I like to joke about. miss ami said sharply that I wouldn't dare.. I mean, everything I do, I don't get the approval of women whether it be showing off or being brave and saving the day. Maybe that's what she meant when she asked if he's not really fair? Later, few minutes later, a shaman dazed Miss ami and he kisses her and the a little ways down, I was dazed and she kissed me this time. She said she would get back at him for kissing her and I guess her revenge was kissing me. I asked if Raz put her up to it, and she said no. I'm glad for once, Raz didn't put a woman up to kiss me. We did well getting to the flag.We were coming out and the minotaur reinforcements came. They were clustered, speakign to oen another and I tried to attract on of thier attentions. Well they all saw me and the swarmed us. I said to fight on the bridge because there were to many. One by one, we fell. Everythign went black and before that I saw miss Daniella finally run. I arrived at the bindsotne in Hempstead and Miss Daniella followed right behind. She didn't look to well... not sure if she lost a part of her soul... I hope not. We I sailed to Vhel, catching up with Aeronn, Raz, and Miss Daniella. Miss Ami must have gone off to sleep... I didn't mean to get them all killed... Raz offered three invisibilites but Aeronn had to say that there was no honor in going around his enemies, unseen. That hurt comming from him. I like him alot, like Aesthir and Lance. I know I don't have much honor, it didn't bother me until he said that. I said I'll get it by myself, I ran off to get my grave.
I arrived to the place where we fell.. the stones I saw, and the stones I hated. They are a source of pain and sorrow on which I do not enjoy. I am trying to sound... poetic, half-way lovely as I write about this since my hatred torwards the minotaurs was so great. I left in a hurry to get back to Vhel, arrived and they were still looking terrible. It was raining and Miss T was there with her realistic ways... those did not make the atmosphere any better. Aeronn noticed my behavior and said he did not mean that I had no honor, I just replied thta I was just tired, but it still stung.
Miss Jaelle arived and she was carrying a baby and her sotmach was flat! I asked if I could see the baby, and the sight made my day. She was a little elven girl, with black hair. I searched in my bags for somethign to give the baby. I did not have a ring or anything fancy that I could afford to give, so I gave her a flower that held healing magic (I keep them on me for emergencies.. or for a lady,I never have the courage to give one) and told her to tell the baby that it's from Tod when she is old enough to ask where the flower's from.... Miss Jaelle waved a hand over it and she said it was protected from aging and elements, even if it was trampled under foot. Elgon arrived and Miss Jaelle kissed him... not sure if he is the father or not, I do not really want to ask and point out that she's slept with every man.. except me of course. I do not want to upset her like I did Miss Ami either. I left soon after I chatted with them and Tugs who came later.
*pauses struggling to pulls a random strand thought from the mass of memories that bundle inside his head*
I've been with Keppli and Rocky alot lately. Just been running around bashing small thing and getting into trouble. The latest bit of trouble was when the clerics from that one village that I helped with Miss Oma and few others were camping out behind the ox merchant. I arrived hearing a group needing help and Sun was looking for them as well. Keppli and Rocky were there but thay had to run off to take care of something. Rit, Rank, Nom, and Miss Oma were there as well.. the only ones besides myself that helped that other village with the three clerics. We walked for a long time. Keppli, Rocky and Miss Daneilla ran to catch up, was glad I had some familiar faces around.
My story is dry from the lack of adding interesting detail and facts and everything people add to gild the lily. I am only telling what I saw and it's not as if someone else will see any of this.
We arrived to the first village, in a valley. Only a few houses with a handful of villagers occupieing the area. There was a huge waterfall to the side where it hurt your neck to look at the top. The grass was well kept and the villagers looked clean and plague free.. I didn't see a problem. But the leader.. Nottalor, was having wierd dreams of tigers and Anvers. We talked and agured among those in our group (Rank, Nom, Rit, some man with a green hood, Rocky, Miss Oma, Keppli, miss Daniella and myself was the group). Miss Oma doesn't like those of Toran while Toran does not like the ones of Prunilla... It's all about the gods right? Well, I listended as best as I could, I had to climb up onto a stables fence to see over everyone's heads. We talked and talked and talked, questions about this and questions about that. I finally asked what does he want us to do about it. He said he wants us to answer his dream. We assumed his dream was about peace with the Anvers (another village across a valley and river). Well.. sounds easy enough. But oh, no. Nothing is ever simple. We went into the valley, we prepared and Nom ran off to scout. Well, okay, I don't care who scouts but as long as we see what's ahead of us and we don't die... But no, he runs up onto a little hil land borught down tigers, mongrelmen and spiders onto us. Keppli was happy since she managed to calm on tigers and the others just kept on hitting it. It was about to finish Keppli off and it's better her than a tiger, so I pitch in an arrows or two as well.... I didn't like the way she looked, I can't stand to see her angered or upset. I offered to scout but Nom and Rit just kept on following me! They were spoiling my soundless movement with armor clanking and with them stepping on their heels, not thier toes so they were stomping around and everything. It brought more spiders, tigers and mongrelmen... oh my! I was irritated, tired, sweaty, hungry and once agian tired! I just got down hunting boar when I heard about the group and I didn't have a chance to sleep. I was ready to leave and let them to thier own ends.. but I couldn't leave miss Daniella, Rocky and Keppli... Miss Oma too, to stay behind and let the other Toranites get them killed. Miss Oma had ran ahead invisible and found the other village, talked to them, wahsed herself and slept while we were clearing the river valley of mushroom men and more tigers (Keppli did get a little pack.. if that's what a group of tigers are called, to leave).
Anyway, Keppli did do good with handling the tigers and we finaly arrived to the village where Miss Oma was sleeping, curled up in a blanket by a fire.. how did I envy her then. It turns out that the Anver distrusted us, told us they would hold a council with the Hanko (villagers from the first village) if we did a test of theirs by clearing out the valley to the north of them... it's always a valley isn't it? We went all the way back to the first village and told them what we found, then we went back tothe second village and Keppli and myself scouted agian in that testing valley. There were tons and tons of harpies. They looked like normal harpies, nothing too much.
So we went back tothe group, told them what we saw, and we slept, prepared and went into the valley. The harpies changed and htere were less of them. These had bows and shot at us. One pierced my left shoulder, causes my dagger to slip when I'm striking and end up hitting like a normal brawler. Everyone was in the think of battle, Miss Daniella has four or five of them, maybe more, I didn't bother to count, and she was knocked down. I made her drink several potions and bandage her up in record time, but they kept coming. She got away and I stayed to try to stop the harpies. There were more in the back shooting and I couldn't get away. Rit already fell, Keppli was falling in the back and the other were fine beside being filled with arrows but none to the vital areas. I tried to get back to Keppli and away from the harpies, but they were too many. I kept hacking away, I couldn't hit their soft spot since they watched my every move. I was up the small slope and on shot me.. I don't know. *touches the back of his neck, remembering his last second when he felt the arrow thud* Something tore, the tearing was so familiar, yet it was so painful. It hurt, I wanted to scream, yell, kick, bite, punch, tear, stab, cleave, bash, cut... at the thing that was tearing me apart from the inside out. It hurt so much even though I was unconcious.
*spends a few minutes trying to remember what happened in those hours of darkness*
I awoke... if that is what you wish to call it... in Miss Daniella's arms, I thrashed and kicked trying to get out of her hold before I knew it was her holding me. I remembered the pain, sorrow, and fear all of a sudden. It was to much for me to handle. Tears leaked out of my eyes, I couldn't see straight and was dizzy. I am thankfull that I had my hood up and no one could see that I was crying, it would not have helped the situation. I managed to answer Miss Daniellas question about if I am fine. I looked around after I was done and over with my sniffling and found that Keppli, and Rit also were alive and well... I was just so tired. We had to clear all of the valley. I trudged along with all the spirit I held before, we ran into manticores and their spikes, I pulled out my bracers with thier hidden compartment full of manticore spikes and shot way at the manticores with thier own spikes. We was over and done with, the villages made the peace and they choose once agian Prunilla and Toran as their faiths.
At the end, Miss Daniella told me I had alot of honor even though I hide more than I fight. That lifted my spirits up alot and guess that helped me keep going. I am just so tired, it's not even funny.
That's all I have at the moment.
-Fellow
-
*in the bunk of some ship heading away from Fort Vhel*
The trial for Aerimor... or the twin of Verideth, was earlier today. I did not like Aerimor much before since... well, I thought he killed Miss Elohanna and Miss Jaelle but when the Advocates questioned Miss Elohanna, it turned out that she killed Miss Jaelle (accidently with a spell while trying to stop Aerimor). And I didn't know much about Aerimor except that he was a murderer. Found out Miss Alatriel was holding his child but her body rejecting it, also he was in the fragil stages of being a shifter which also provoked the attacks on Miss Elohanna and Miss Jaelle. I misjudged him before, I feel guilty for upsetting Miss Alatriel when we first met, I should have done alot of things instead of just automaticly thinking Aerimor a murderer. I do not think he was completely judged right.
The trial was held in Vhel, several was there, I guess just to listen. I was there since I new both Aerimor and Miss Alatriel a least a little bit. Witnesses and the victims were there as well. We headed in, two Advocates, one for the court and one for the accused and the judge was there... of course. Miss Elohanna gave her testimony, I am not sure if she was telling the truth completely, I believe not since Aerimor was shaking her head and was mouthing "no". Arke then gave his, which was also went along with Miss Elohanna's. Caerwyn gave his, and then Miss Jaelle... I think she was lieing through her teeth. The judge borught his necklace which would turn hot if the person holding it lied, it did not turn hot for Miss Jaelle... the judge turned to the alter and asked Roferien forgiveness.. he must have helped her lie! Arke was getting upset and Miss Alatriel was too. Aerimor just stood there and listened but vibrant and energitic. He did not seem scared and wish I had his bravery. People soon started to leave one at a time. I got tired, had to use the bathroom, feet was hurting, I was confused beyond understanding really, but I forced myself to stay because he deserved that much at the least. Little before he was sentenced, Miss Alatriel left since she could not bare to watch. I felt that I should go confort her or something but I thought Aerimor should have witnesses of his final moments, so I stayed. He was sentenced to be executed, he sort of joked which did not really lighten the moment, but made me dread it all the more. I did manage to crack a smile once or twice but it was wiped away when they lead him outside. They said it would be up to the bindstones if he made it back. I left right afterwards, not being able to look at his body. Miss Jaelle did not even blink or show any emotion from what I saw. I think she is more dangerous than I thought. I hope her baby is fine... I hope Aerimor was brought back by the bindstone and finishing his training as a shifter and he is able to control his mind's thoughts. Hope Miss Alatriel has a second chance on a baby, do not think it was really fair the she lost it.
That is all I have to write about right now.
-Fellow
-
*In the Toran's Temple in Fort Llast after everyone had left, after dark*
I have to hurry since Miss Kashi says this is not a lounge. This news days old but Q, or Quantum, the Shining Hand, has been kidnapped by vampires and undead. The story was that Keppli and I were picking the raspberries by Krandor since I have a huge order for someone.I'm not complaining or anything, Keppli says she's not wealthiest so I thought I'd give her a chance for coin. I was showing her where the raspberries were and Keppli told me to watch out, she saw a goblinoid with a bow that was following. We went to go see what it was and what it wanted and it shot at Keppli and cast a spell that made it grow dark around him. I went in with my swords out, hoping I would be able to scare it off. It ran off and two women were in it's place. They were charming besides the sword they were carry. They were twice as long and wide as mine, dripping with acid. We ran, knowing that we could not harm them. They moved through the darkness they casted. Keppli said they had red eyes, but I did not notice, I was earging her on, not looking back to the women. We ran to Fort Llast, hoping they were not follow us to a temple, let alone a temple of Toran. We were at the gates, the darkness was outside, the guard on duty was Jursen, who thought it was Keppli and I casting it. I was instantly angered because the guard, the guard, did not even check if it was us. Q came few moments later, asking us what was wrong.
We met Q couple days before, he said he was going to be instructing a class on the undead. I remember Lance telling Brian that he will send word to Quantum about how he killed Elgon. This must be the same Quantum and I know he is a highly ranked Toranite, not only highly ranked, but the Shining Hand.
When Q showed up and asked what was wrong, I was relieved to know he was here, knowing that he would know how to deal with the women following us. He commanded Jursen to get more guard and to guard the gate. It held a little bit of satisfaction at seeing him scurry for more guards after he did not take any actions to get any when we first showed up. Miss Misty showed up shortly after and said he would help. Keppli and I followed (we halfling are naturaly curious), not fully knowing what danger we were in.
Q was standing in front of a black area, when if was fully daylight. I caught glimpses of white and and black things were moving inside the black. Q stepped in (I did not worry about him since he is the Shining Hand), and begin to fight, trying to rid the area of his sworn enemies. I ran in to help, only to step back out since the deaders out numbered us greatly. I skirted the black, jumping in and out, striking at what I could. Keppli was firing blindly in and it true the skeletons and kobolds fire. I saw Keppli fall when being... she fell from a scimitar, falchion, I do not know which, sinking through her mid section. Miss Misty fell a ways up the trail from arrows and Q was in bad condition. He yelled for me to go back to the temple for help. I was terrified, knowing that if he needed help, then we were not safe at all. I ran into the temple, yelling as loudly as I could, startling Toranites who were praying. I ran up to the healer and up to Miss Kashi who did not respond at first, finally the healer told me to quiet down and to stop acting like a raving lunatic. I told him that Q was being attacked and needed help. He seemed relunctant to follow as if not fully believing me. He walked, did not run, but walked to where Q was being attacked. He raised Miss Misty who was peirced with several arrows and Keppli who had a single hole through her stomach. I still have nightmares about that sight.
There was guards everywhere now, I'm glad they took thier bloody time getting here. Q was no where to be seen, only a bag which several guards were guarding, Keppli was beside me, but in s fragil stage and Miss Misty left. They told me to check the bag and I unlaced the top and looked inside, I pulled out a pair of gloves. They were decrative and I could tell they were no ordinary gloves. The the healer said they were the badge to show the his office and rank. I looked around, there was no Q. There was no bodies of the deaders and no blackness. The guards left, the healer took the gloves to take back to the temple and only Keppli and I were left. We talked about the possiblities on what happened to Q. We came up with that he was killed and his body was taken away, or he was taken hostage by the deaders. The only thing we came up with him being abducted was that he was taken to Krandor, or maybe to a temple of Corath since he is the god of the undead and the only one that would hate the Shining Hand so much. I know his temple were destroyed but I also know he would not stopped only because he was stopped for a little while. He is evil and evil never stops.
*persuades Kashi to let him stay for little bit longer until the sun comes up*
For days later, or earlier today, Miss Daniella, Aeronn, Lance, Chaynce, Marec and myself meet up and they told me that they went ahead and searched Krandor... I was dissapointed that I could not come along, I never went down far enough into those Krypts to see what was at the bottom. They said they found a ritual chamber and that Q was now down there. I'm going to stay around Hempstead of going around and picking berries in case there is another chance to where I can help.
But we meet up and discussed where else Q could be. Chaycne said he was going to go cut up some vampires... and the women chasing Keppli and I must have been vampires... put the two and two together and the yseem liek a match. We went to "Arindor's Demise" and Miss Daniella had to take care of a few things before she went to do anymore searches. In her place, before we went down into the door, a lady named Leisa and a man who's name I cannot recal... We put up our wards, got into our armor (Miss Leisa did not bother to hide herself when she changed... I like her already!).
We killed al lthe umber hulks, they did something to me and I started to get confused on who to hit... I hope it wasn't an evil god taking control of me, but I would stab Marec and Lance... but they had enough armor on so I only dented them and didn't really pierce their bodies. We got to the round room Chaynce was talking about and we were only fighting for a few moments and it was getting bad. The priests were bringing down thier evil god's hammers and the devourer's scared several of us and they summoned bears and threw fireballs and it was a mess! Aeronn fell in front of the door and we retreated as did the vampires when we left. I went in to scout since Chaynce says there's a trapdoor that he can never get into and I went t osee if I could ge tit open. Miss Leisa followed behind, she fights alot like me, she says there are 173 different places on the body that would incapitate anyone. She knows what she is doing! We have to talk some time.
We checked all the doors and some of them were just duds, nothing really to them. We came aon the three doors on the far end. Miss Leisa took care of one and oculdn't get it open, and I checked the other. The trap was just set to where I could not disable it. I was fustrated and worked on the lock. It was just to the point where I could not unlock it. There must be something behind the door. I asked Miss Leisa to see if she could unlock and I heard a click but the trap was still there. Chaynce yelled they were coming back and we ran to where they were. The hammers were comming once more and we were getting beat. Miss Leisa then fell. We ran out the door and and we rested for few minutes. The walls and the floor begun to shook, we left in a hurry and we were out of the danger zone of falling rocks and we were coming off the bridge to the door. Lance and Chaynce just stood there looking back telling us to go. I mean come on, there's bravery but then there's stupidity. They were being stupid by not coming. I jerk Lance down to where he was face to face to me and put all my anger to my voice as I could. He just smield at me... I wanted to sock him! By the gods! I mean come on, I'm terrified and he's smiling! I wanted to bash his face in and leave Miss Ell to clean it up for him... But then I would've felt bad and everyone would've said is was unecessary and it would have been, and I controed myself and didn't swing. It was a good thing, because one of the two women showed up out of no where on the bridge and told us to get out. We asked where Q was and she said she does not have them because they were not that foolish. She told Chaynce that he would be a good pet for her master and I didn't want him to be taken. I said I believe she took him no matter what she said and she raised her hand to point at me. She said that she could "take the little one as well"... I do not remember her exact words because I was wanting to leave to get away from her and was completely terrified. Lance asked her name and she said her name was Death....
We ran and she left. I met a priestess of Aeridin, her name was Miss Victoria and she offered to help us in the future. We thanked her, and I was a little bit calm with her appearance... she did look nice in the white dress. But I ran to the temple, Chaynce and Lance and I don't remember where Marec went... but I guess he had to leave to take care of something. I ran to the temple thinking they were behind me, and Miss Daniella and Aeronn were there. I talked breifly to Miss Daniella and she asked where the others were. I looekd behind and the were coming up the road daying a fog was following them. We went up inside the temple and Aeron nwas left outside to watch the door and Miss Kashi said this is not a lounge... *pauses as Kashi reads over his shoulder and scowls at what he wrote*
We went outside to check on Aeronn and the fog was there. Miss Daniella had said the fog had moved... it dissapeared and it moved behind us. It dissapeared agian and moved behind me in front of the temple next to the bank. The woman appeared in it and told Chaynce to follow her. He asked for what and she said "for tea". Of course he had to say "I dun like tea" and she showed no emotion. I could tell she was irritated. Lane threatened with saying that she should be careful to not step on hallowed ground. She replied that we should be careful to step on nonhallowed ground. That is why I am in the temple tonight.
We are still searching and think Q is in Arindor's Demise, not positive but we have reason to think that.
-Fellow
-
*sitting at the Lake of Glass after picking the cranberries, climbing for apples and almonds and running away from the kenkus at the angelica leaves*
I am taking a moment's break after doing some collecting, it is going very well. Miss Ami has helped with a box of corn and Keppli has helped with milk and a box of raspberries. In renturn for the corn, she did not ask for anything, but I insisted for her to take a scroll box someone gave. She seemed satisfied enough which is good, I would not have cared to pay the coin. For Keppli, I gave her the two thousand coins and for something extra I made her a bag with her name stitched into it. I was delighted in her suprise and happiness over the bag, maybe I'll have to make more to hand out... poor lions but they reproduce like rabbits anyway. Few hours ago, I made one for Rocky, since I could tell he wanted one too, which I am happy to do.
The search for Q is still on, I met one of his friend's wife, Missus Ireth. She she seemed nice enough, bit on the older side, but still quite young. She said she used to hate Toranites with a passion, but marrying Gerald (her husband), her attitude torwards them has changed. She still seemed to dislike Miss Daniella. After trip back into Krandor's crypts to get Nikki's grandpas ashes agian, Miss Daniella said something that set Missus Ireth off. I feel I will have to play peacemaker once more, which leaves bad migrains at the end of the day, but it keeps the argueing down. After miss Daniella left, Missus Ireth threatened to cut her arms and legs off. I asked her why and she said because she called her weak. I do not think she is weak, I am weak, puny compared to either of them. I naturally stood up for Miss Daniella, we talked back and forth, I told Missus Ireth that she is a big girl and can handle herself but that I would talk to her about it anyway. She did not seem satisfied and said I would take her place in being cut up to pieces if she insulted Missus Ireth once more. She still didn't accept that and I added that the only reason I would take her place is because she would have to deal with me to get to Miss Daniella. Friendship has it's hardships now and then.
I am worried for Q and pray to who ever will listen for his safe return. Maybe I am a religious man and do not know it. I still do not wish to take up one god or goddess, it will make an opening for arguements and conflict.
All I have to write about right now.
-Fellow
-
*On a bench in Hempstead, after most of the population has gone to bedfor the night*
I was on my way from Hlint to do something. I'm not sure what to do now, I really just roam when not with anyone. I ran into Miss Elly and into Miss Daniella (literally ran into her) because it was a downpour and my hood keeps drooping now and then, obscuring my vision. They both asked if I was alright and we made our apologese. I told Miss Daniella, hoping to run into her, but not really into her, to tell her about Missus Ireth. She didn't seem to surprised. We updated each other on Q and what have and mostly on what we haven't found out. They told me they were going to the Citadel in Huagjin to do something and that it was an impressive place. I asked something, I forgot it, and it seemed to make Miss Daniella upset, such as worried or uneasy, not mad, and she said nevermind it. I asked Miss Elly what has happened and she said Miss Daniella had recieved a threat. Not straight to the point threat, but the package had held a woman's hand... A real woman's hand! I think that gets the point across.
We left to Huagjin and walked to the Citadel. The walls were massive! The stone was smooth form the many years of wear from the rain, the stained glass was clean and reflected the sun perfectly. We went inside to the inner walking area and then into the "Keep" if they use castle terms for it. There were several rows of benches with worn fabric as cushion. The walls were grey and huge statues of warriors to each side of the Anhk that sat in the middle behind the binstone. The cieling was high and arched and there was alot of space to move around besides the benches. Miss Daniella prayed at the Anhk and we discussed several things. One was Miss Elly saying Miss Anne threatened her children and home and I said she should be forced away from the church, and that's what Miss Daniella said. She said Miss Anne left the church. I said she was bit mean and she should be watched... Miss Daniella didn't take that and said that I didn't know her like she does. Well, I'm not sure what she has to see to know when someone is dangerous.
Miss Daniella changed the subject at seeing my discomfort and she gave me a tour of the rest of the Citadel. She took me to the side room... the room stretched far away. The room was huge, it was just so big. I would've been ready to pass out if I ran from one end to the other! I thought the room was big enough to have an indoor archery range! There was a pot at the end that I would've wagered coin that I would be able to hit it, but thought agianst it since we were in such a holy place... being the Toranite's headquarters and everything.
Miss Daniella lead us on to couple of tombs with big bright blue beams coming from the cieling. She asked if I remember the story about Toran's first paladin, I asked if it was Naverre and she just nodded torwards the tomb to the far left and say that it was where he rested. I read the tomb and... forgot what it said. I'll have to get permission to go back in to copy it down.
We left shortly afterwards and Miss Daniella and Miss Elly said we are now searching for Miss Anne... she picked the wrong time to disappear or anythign right now.
*rubs his eyes and sighs, writing a quick apology to himself*
My descriptions are not the best, I am worn out and weary.
*Sighs once more trying t othink of anything more to just fill the last space at the bottom of the page*
Miss Essa's party is coming up, I am getting worried and anxious that Rocky, Keppli and myself will not do to good of a job at entertaining. Hope those that come know that we just started practicing. I had someone make five to six balls made from an elastic material that would bounce if I dropped it. I have been working on my juggling on my free time from searching for clues on finding Q, now Miss Anne, and my collecting job. I once saw a man on the corner of a street in some city I was in when I was younger, he had the ame type of balls and were throwing up in the air, often changing the patterns they were falling in. there were sevral I liked and remember. One, my favorite one where it took five balls to do correctly, and he would just continually bounce them off the ground in a cascading fashion. I'm not sure what I'll do, just a quick series of tricks. For my finish, I have been working on one where it takes eleven balls and it only lasts for few seconds at most. I'm not sure how high the cieling is but I'm hoping it is high enough or I'll have to have some really quick hands. I'm looking forward to it but yet still dreading at the same time.
All I have to write about at the moment.
-Fellow
-
*written in the woods somewhere*
Alot has happened. Three more paladins have been found. Miss Anne is still missing. Miss Daniella was mad at me.
I am just quickly going to describe what we did.
We have check Arindor's once but we couldn't get pas that door. Lance sent out notices, asking for help. Alot of people arrived. those that came was Lance, Miss Daniella, Miss Ell, Miss Ayana, Marec, Miss Amanda, Caerwyn, Miss Valmara, Beli, Verideth, Miss Sun, Miss Mirren, Meryth, Angel, Ben, Sion, and I'm sure more, but there were so many that came, I may have forgotten someone. Anyway, we went down, prepared, fought the umber hulks... almost dieing in the easiest areas, we were so disordered... Miss Ell almost left and everyone was getting irritated. I may have showed how irritable I was, I usually try to hide my frustration but I was getting anxious, nervous, worried, excited... I just couldn't hide my emotions.
We made it several levels below, constantly bombarded with skeletons huge purple worms and vampires. Sion, Miss Daniella and Tristan were ones to fall before we went down the stairs to the last room that we made it to. Miss Daniella rushed to attack Miss Sharyn (or the vampire woman) and she died trying to kill her... Miss Sharyn dissapeared right when she looked like she was done. I was furious and Tristan ran after her, which in turn killed him and that made Miss Ayana mad. We had to literally drag her back from following Miss Sharyn and getting herself killed. Miss Daniella was raised and Tristan was lost to the will of the bindstones. He was caught at the last moment by a bindstone because I saw him earlier today.
We rested and went down the stairs and killed some of the skeletons, no problem. We saw Miss Sharyn up on a raised platform and we rushed her. This man, hooded and dressed in a black robed knocked me out and that is all I remember... I found myself back at Hempstead's Bindstone.
*sighs, trying to slow down writing and make it more detailed*
This is after all this in Arindor's... I was heading down into the goblin caves next to Hlint, because I wanted greenstone to make healing essences. I was clearing the area on top of the hill when Sion showed up. I was afriad miss Daniella would walk up at the wrong time. She does have a knack for doing that. Anyway, I offered to Sion that he could come down and help me. He gladly accepted and we got the greenstone, while in the process, almost killing ourselves.
We were at the campfire and we slept. Miss Daniella and Tristan were there too, resting since they are in thier fragil form of dieing... she didn't seem to recognise Sion. It seemed safe enough so he stayed and she slept. She awoke, same as normal and the nrecognised Sion. She asked him to remove his hood and I said that he was "Nios".. or his name backwards since Miss Ayana said he needed his name to be different so we could adress him. Sion then sayed that he had enough of the chasing and the running, he basicly just gave himself away then. Balazar, Mando, Meryth and Rasa were there as well and chased after him. I just sort of watched, not making a move to catch him. I don't want to turn someone in that is a friend, I don't completely believe he attacked three people.
He ran into the goblin caves and Miss Daniella turned to me quickly, obviously angered. She asked why I didn't tell her and why I lied to her and why I couldn't trust her enough to believe that he attacked three people. It's not that I don't trust her, it's that I was not there and couldn't see what he actually did. I like Miss Daniella to much to anger her... it stung beyond belief. I couldn't stand her getting onto me for lieing and why I couldn't tell her the truth and why I'm standing up for a dark elf. My eyes were burning and I didn't want anyone to see that I was about to cry because someone was getting onto me. I pulled my hood up, not kowing if they saw that the tears were leaking or not, I tried to keep my face dry so it is not noticed. She said something that I cannot remember and called me "sir"... She never calls me sir, it hurt, it was as if she was saying that I wasn't as close to her that we were before. That I wasn't considered a friend. He came running out and they caught him up the road. They talked and argued. It was somethign about Sion doing osmething and that I was saying it was not true. I supported Sion by saying that he didn't do it, I know he didn't do it. But they didn't say anythingto me and I asked if they didn't believe me enough to take my word. Miss Daniella said she doesn't know if she can anymore... I thought I was loosing her! I didn't know if she'd ever want to see me agian or talk to me or anything. At this point, I didn't know why I was sticking up for Sion. He was wrecking my life, and the friends I had gained. But he does deserve a proper trial and I do think he is still innocent but I don't think I should say anything like that in case I loose anymore trust. Miss Daniella left saying that I should convince Sion to turn himself in. I did that, he said he didn't want to turn himself in with Miss Daniella or Balazar or any other Toranite, and I told him to wait at the temple. I told Miss Daniella earlier today and she said he was to turnhimself in to the Roferien temple not the Toran temple... I tried and I made another mistake. I have yet to send Sion a bird.
I made Miss Daniella a pie as an apology and she accepted it. I didn't know if she was forgiven and she asked why I lied, I said it slipepd my mind. She asked did it ever occur to me to tell her that I have been talking to Sion. I said it did, knowing that she caught me. It was another lie and it felt aweful. Then everyone started to show up. There is no privacy it seems. Elgon showed, Snagnor showed and so did someone with a red sword... I told her I can't talk about this with everyone around and she said she wasn't mad at me anymore. The relief just crashed down onto me, it felt great. The last she said was not to lie to her, and that it hurt her. I don't think I will be lieing to her anytime soon except to keep her from walking to her doom.
I hope to not anger Miss Daniella agian. This is all I have to write.
-Fellow
-
*sits in the middle of the cotton field by Hempstead for no reason but quiet*
Miss Essa's Masquerade Ball was fun and had a good time. Before that night, I talked to Aeronn about how to bow and how to ask a woman to dance. I soaked it all up but still was tounge tied when asking Keppli to dance. Maybe it was because I fell on her when Elgon picked me up when he was in elemental form or maybe her large emerald eyes? I'm not a poet but they are pretty eyes, commented by her green leathers. I asked her to dance and we did a little, it was awkward really, we both didn't know how to dance. Everyone else was dancing to the various tunes of Miss Sun, Rocky, Snagnor and another halfling that played a heck of a violin. I took Aeronn's advice and watches the movements of other dancers and I did pick it up quick. I didn't step on her toes once I am proud to say! But she did end up tripping over my foot, I guess that was my fault, hope I didn't embarress her too much. Overall, I think she danced better than I did.
I asked Miss Daniella to dance, she did look dashing as a princess. She didn't respond for a little while, hoping she wasn't ignoring me or didn't hear. Tristan leaned down and told me to compliment her, such as "May I have this dance with the most beautiful human woman?" It seemed to catch her attention even though she heard Tristan whispering. She warned me that she is no dancer and to watch my toes, I said it didn't matter. It didn't really, she doesn't weigh much more than me... maybe only a little. She is twice as tall as me if not more. She said I was warned... when do I ever stop at warnings? We danced, not stepping on each other's toes, Ben yelled for her to not step on me... people really underestimate how much pain I can really take. She asked why I wasn't dancing with Keppli, I did want too but my little bit of courage was gone. She dragged me to her ( I didn't really need to be forced...) and turned to Keppli, who was standing beside us, listening to the music and asked if she wanted to cut in to take her place. I was thankful Miss Daniella helped, I did manage to dance with Keppli for a few moments more until Nemo dissapeared stylishly. It was black and it dissapeared. Rocky took that as a moment to introduce us to the crowd and to ready us to perform.
He gave the introductions and we did our flips, jumps and cartwheels. Keppli did manage to fall couple times but she was tough and got back up to continue. I was waiting for the moment when I would do a flip and lands on my neck... it never came thankfully. We finished the first part and Rocky sung a song he made up. He joked about four different people: Keppli, Ben, Miss Essa and myself.
I managed to remember what he said, it was so funny:
Now Keppli, she's a halfling child, who likes a drink or two, so pass the ale and watch her drink if you can afford the true.
And Tod's a fashion cautious guy (I don't really think I'm -that- cautious. I just want to be presentable.) who rarely ever dies, 'cos he's got suits of black and blue, equipped with swords and pies!
Ben Poetr's a cheeky chap, who runs 'round cafting stuff, but watch out in the crafting hall, 'cos he crafts in the buff!
(Miss) Hedessa's a fiesty ones, priestess and healer too. I once asked her for sounds advice, she said moo, moo, moo, moo! (I don't really understand the moo, moo, moo, moo, thing)
It was a funny song, something Rocky would diffently come up with. My time was up to juggle and I think I did quite well. I didn't drop an apple until I threw up twelve apples and the scattered to land on my head!
Rocky had to leave in a hurry and Keppli did too. I was hoping to catch another chance to dance with her for a couple more moments since we didn't finish one of the two we started before. She said she was tired and I simply gave her a hug and thanked her for coming. I went back to talk to Tristan and Miss Daniella... they left to go for a walk together and I was left in the huge room with Miss Essa and Sal, Miss Tegan, Miss Jaelle, Miss Sun, Lyle and his violen (he played really well too), Storold and a few others. They seemed occupied with thier dice so I thanked them for the time and the dance, I did have alot of fun.
*draws a line to show a subject change*
I talked to Miss Daniella and Aeronn earlier today. Miss Laura (the vampire who says she is good) wants to help us but she wants a file from the Citadel before she gives us any informations on Q's where abouts. Miss Laura, I saw the other day, but she looked very normal and didn't know she was dangerous, she sort of gotten me out of danger with Magus Del'mar.. she seemed pretty nice.
I asked if there's another payment she'll take but she only wants the file. She left, not saying anything more. I asked miss Daniella wants in the file and she said it's a record of Miss Laura's past and her terror. I suggested we make a copy and give her the original but we keep the copy. Miss Daniella said it didn't work lie kthat and I asked what really happened to Miss Anne. She would tell me saying it would both cause harm to Miss Anne and myself. I'm really curious.
That's all I have, it's getting dark, I'm really tired.
-Fellow
-
A short chap wearing purple under his cloak and hood is seen sneaking out of town for few days, carefully watching every corner to see if Ben Poetr is following.
he makes his way out towards the Ire mountains but falls asleep in the barn in Hemp Fields with nightmares of recriminations and possible death threats giving him a tortured rest!
Its tough being a bard!
the wherabouts of Howling Wolf is currently unknown........
-
*the dates written in the corners of the pages are a month apart*
I've been running around with Shadowmaster Black in the Rift... he agreed to teach me the shadows. I think he was sincere in helping me, it is hard to understand what he says sometimes, he speaks in riddles. He said that is the language of the shadows. We just roamed, he taught me how to concentrate on sneaking past and keeping focused. I still cannot truely cover myself, but I work on it daily.
Before I left with Shadowmaster Black, I arrived in Dalanthar with Miss Alatriel, Aerimor, Miss Sun, Verideth, Miss Amanda, Aesthir, and Miss Ayana. They asked why I was here. I don't know, I think it was because the Rift is where the Deep meets the surface and shadows play with people here...
We saw this man, dissapearing and reappearing, I could sort of tell he was one with the shadows. He said he missed it agian (there was a shadow that kept running past us and laughing) and said he wants it back. He said he'd let us help him if we were to answer his riddles. I was thinking that was just dandy, something I can't figure out is riddles! The first riddle was easy, Miss Sun answered it once and it was right. The second one was hard, but Miss Alatriel knew it the whole time:
When you look in the dark, you're blind. When you look in the light you see. You look here to find what's already been seen...
We all just sort of rattled off answers... mirrors, reflections, paintings, pictures, yourself, calenders... But Miss Alatriel sort of blurted out the answer, I guess from impatience or boredom.. I sort of understand since I wanted her to come and then we get here and there's nothing to do... But the answer was "looking deeper"... I don't know how that fits the riddle, makes no logical sense. *frowns, tapping his quill agianst the side of his head thinking* I asked in the morning if he would teach me. He said he would and I asked if he could show me how then and there. He dissapeared... stepping into the shadow with a slight shimmer, but the actual "stepping in" didn't make since to me. He showed me once more and suddenly seemed thoughtful. I asked if I should feel anything when I make the transcition and Miss Alatriel stated that it feel the water... He said if I spent a month with him and learned faster than Miss Alatriel ( I don't think I could, Miss Alatriel is pretty smart) then he would teach me. I left the group, waving bye to them, not wanting to leave really... but curiosity was the larger emotion. We roamed the Rift, him teaching and instructing. The month flew by quickly and he brought me back to Dalanther. I am now in Hlint, tired and weary, really wanting sleep and to see everyone. I think I have reached me goal.
-Fellow
-
*Written while sitting in the back of Aerimor's and Alatriel's house, waiting the rain out to head back to town*
Not much has taken place, still haven't found Q. There's not much for me to do now, seems like this is Toranite only business. They have rangers to track and scout and then wizards have spells that can work out simple locks and traps. Those are my area of expertise and everyone has it covered. I'm start to think that I could just... go out on my own. I could be more effeciant, knowing that my friends are safe somewhat, and only having to worry bout my hide and my task. Snagnor already said to search the area in the Ire Mountians that is inhabited by undead. I'm thinking of searching there and then maybe the Serpent Isles.
I'm feeling self-pity at the moment, thinking I'm not useful, it's so easy to surrender to it.
*groans and rubs his eyes with both hands, the gloomy weather getting to him*
I did talk to Keppli earlier today, I told her about the wedding and gave her the pie and ale that Mrs. Tegan made. I still have yet to give Rocky his. Hope I see him soon, or there won't be any pie left! I showed her some pipeweed leaves that I pciked up on Dregar when out for blueberries. I knew what the plant was, it's Plains Exceptional. Famous among Halflings so of course, I knew what it was on sight. Keppli lent me her pipe and I put the plant in. She warned me to remember not to swallow... so when I pulled in a mouthful.. what do I do when I have something in my mouth? I swallow! So I swallowed all that smoke, and had a coughing fit. Tears were flowing from the pain and sting, it was so thick. The smoke finally came up in a huge grey cloud. She patted me on the back which did help a bit with getting the smoke to come back up. I don't see how she does it, she's got to have lungs of mithril to handle the smoke. After I calmed down a bit, and the tears weren't coming any longer, she explained to me that the reason she really does it reminds her of home... I understand how she sees that, maybe a grandfather smoking in front of a fire, or a father smoking while retelling their child a story. I just never really had any of that, but I can see a mental picture of how it reminds her. We talked about maybe chewing it instead, she just smiled and said that if I wanted her to really stop, she'd stop. I'm not going to say that I want her too. If she wants to, that's completely fine with me, I'm not sure why she would let me stop her from doing it. Plus, she's a halfling, we're tough! I said I'm an exception, I'm not so tough, can't spook a deer or anything! But that's Tod for you, they just gotta be happy with what they get, I'm not easy to change.
She had to leave, as usual, to soon. I didn't even say that her armor's new look looks nice. Women get irritated when people don't notice when they get their hair changed or new clothes (from what I've heard in the past), but I'm one to notice little details. She went for more of a brown than a bright green, but kept a little bit on the sleeves and waist, still enough to compliment her eyes. She still wears her cloak with the wolf head that she stitched in a little while ago. I do agree it does look like Lythar. Her hood and cloak isn't pink.. or purple, like before. I'm thinking she doesn't like to be the target with the bright colors! *chuckles despite the rain, now pouring nonstop* If she was to lay in a pile of leaves, anyone could walk right past her, not knowing she was there until she giggled about them not noticing her. Maybe that's why rangers are called to do the scouting and tracking? They blend in so well? My black and blue helps with shadows in towns and cities, but in the woods, I sort of stick out in the light with being the little black spot on everyone's vision. I'm thinking about getting the dies to change, I tend to be in the forest more now than rural areas. I'll ask her or Caerwyn on how much and where I should put the colors.
That's all I have.
-Fellow
-
*His words are becoming easier to read and the words are spelt correctly as he progresses through his journal. He writes in Hempstead, thinking of the last few days, releasing most of his numerous thoughts onto parchment*
Mister Plenarius told some of his stories at Blackford's Castle by the two waterfalls. Benches and tents were in place and the roar of the waterfall was a good touch. Many people came to listen, I went twice since he retold couple of his stories couple days after the first.
The first day Plenarius told his stories, I went alone and sat in the back to listen. He told of Eon and his betrayal to Katia, of the fall of Blood and then the metallic dragons. He told them really well, I felt emersed into the stories themselves. I do not want to copy the stories here, because I'll leave things out and they won't be so good to read as from the one that told it. We had little intermissions in between the stories, the first was fireworks! I never saw fireworks because I miss Missus Jil's and Marcus' wedding so I saw fireworks for the first time. They were loud and bright, not really my favorite adjectives but I enjoyed it. Miss Alatriel and Aerimor showed up before the fireworks. Aerimor had left before they started, leading a little boy behind him on the way back. I thought Miss Alatrial had a miscarriage, but this boy is about ten and not elven. So he must not be hers geneticaly. His name was Zain and he's seems like a good boy. Plenarius told about eight dragons eggs weighing 1000 stones each, and Zain's eyes widen and asked if his dad, or Aerimor now, could carry that many. *chuckles* Aerimor said he could in bear form with no problem. It was funny and I enjoyed watching Zain in his ignorance (that's put nicely) about the Al'Noth and it's powers. Well... I probably don't have much more knowledge in it either so we have that in common. At the end, Miss Alatriel was going to take Zain home, I wanted to meet Zain and asked about why he's with her. We talked for a little, she said Zain and herself didn't want to relive the story over agian so soon. The little guy must have had a hard time. But I said I'll go around with him, get him a sling and break couple of windows and beat up some kobolds or giants that harass travelers. Miss Alatriel didn't seem too pleased with the idea of Zain or myself breaking windows... so I changed to not being around any buildings when we do... I'll try somewhat. *grins* If he breaks any... or I do, I'll leave more than enough coin in the window sill to repay the glass. Zain looked axcited but Miss Alatriel said they had to leave... I'm thinking Zain and I will get along together just fine!
The second time, I remember that Plenarius was retelling the stories when I was in the crafting hall with Keppli. We were growing a bit bored, I made the belts for Missus Jaelle and Miss Sun, one was an exceptional , the patterns of the tiger's hide was very nice, they worked together to make excellent patterns. But after finishing the belt and wishing Keppli would put it on so I could see how it looks on her, I remembered that Plenarius was telling more stories and invited Keppli to come this time. We took a ship and ran to the falls, telling Keppli about the fireworks and stories. She never seen fireworks either so I'm glad I remembered to come. Sadly, Plenarius just finished with Eon's betrayal so Keppli missed the first story due to my forgetfullness. But he said fireworks were starting and I didn't feel as bad when Keppli's green eyes lit up with excitement. There was a small boom and the first firework was in the sky, making bright patterns and crackles. I believed I watched Keppli more than the fireworks themselves, out of the side of my eyes, watching her features flash with the sudden introductions of lights. Her already large innocent eyes were wide during the whole display, I could watch the fireworks in them. They reflected the lights quite well.
After the lights were finished, we went back to sit down in the grass to listen. Plenarius told us a story, people sometimes leaving and more arriving. Rocky arrived later on in the middle of the second story, was good to see him too. He could use Plen's stories to add something to his own stories and songs, so this was good for him. Miss Daniella arrived later, wearing some new armor. I found out later that Tristan made it and said she looked better in it than he did... I was thinking he made the armor for that purpose... to get it to fit her just right.*grins as he writes* I think Tristan's going after her, but more subtle than Raz or anyone else. He is one of Toran, and puts Toran first before anything else, so I guess they would be find together. They would both know Toran comes first before each other and themselves... I'm not sure, everyone's getting together and leaving each other, it's confusing.
But Tristan did show up, along with Verideth and some others. Plen finished up his stories and there was some after story socializing. Miss Daniella came to the other sides of the benches and sat beside the fire. I went to talk to her some and work my way up on what Rocky found in the Ire Mountians (will write about that later). Miss Daniella was in one of her thoughtful moments, not responding to anything and Keppli came down to sit by me. I grinned to her and looked back to Daniella. She said she foudn the pie before but left it so not to disturb evidence... I was shocked, I thought we were doing good by taking it and showing it to her but didn't know it was found before and that we just messed up a site that could help... Tehn Miss Daniella looked sad all of a sudden and said that people found the apple man dead.. shredded to pieces... so we really didn't find much evidence at all. I said that he couldn't be and she asked if I had heard. That set me off, I haven't heard anything at anytime, and I sort of.. yelled it at her... I immediatly felt bad with the look she had, it was of shock, I never yelled at her before. It felt wrong and I did it right in front of Rocky and Keppli... But Sion showed up and it was forgotten. He said that he didn't know Toranites would give up so quickly. I was not in the mood for his smart mouth, there were shadows playing everywhere around us, I could have easily dissapeared into one, feeling the "water", as Miss Alatriel put it, that you feel when you manipulate one, and have punched him square in the jaw. She didn't need this right when I yelled at her... but then she didn't need me fore starting anything. So I let Miss Daniella handle it and I stood by, listening. She said that there will be even more searches and that he won't need to be part of it and he could turn himself in. Keppli looked confused and asked why he should turn himself in. I whispered to her about the assault on Miss Daniella and Miss Anne, and the murder of the other dark elf while he was in the cell. I tried to put it nicely, knowing that Sion could possibly be partially innocent, my irritation torwards him gone. Keppli just looked at him with narrowed, suspicous eyes (ones that I hope she will never train onto me) and said she thought she could trust him. Miss Daniella then said that he could go turn himself in and being honorable, I wasn't listening much. Sion left and came back later asking if I knew anyone that would be buying aloe. I said that there's only one person I know that's buying and that I'm already gathering for him. Miss Daniella asked why he would need coin if he's going to be taken to a prison. He smarted off a little more and stomped off... his mouth isn't helping him much, but that's why I need to work with him and hopefully, he can straighten it out.
Miss Daniella had to leave, I didn't say sorry for the yelling and I still feel bad.. Rocky had left as well and it was Keppli and myself. She said she had to leave and get some sleep, I felt that the time flew by and she had to leave again too soon. *frowns, tapping his quill against the books, leaving black dots as he thinks*
Miss Jaelle *starts onto a whole new subject* was in the crafting hall in the gems crafting area while I was messing aorund with some gems. I found out that I can get alexandrite and sapphires by myself and decided to cut a few. She seemed really skilled in how she handled and polished the gems. She asked what I was cutting and I replied that I was just messing around with the gems, having a little fun. She explained to me some things about sapphires since they're so hard and have to be cut right. She said if they're too large, they'll look small and won't look right, and if they're too small, they'll look big but won't have the proper color. She said it's all about the light entering the sapphire. She showed me one of her rings that she had on one of her elegant fingers, it was a big sapphire sat in silver. I love how the blue interacts with the silver, I would say blue's my favorite (everyone should know with my blue coat I've had for months and then my black and blue armor and my blue and silver shortsword) ... green's coming up close, it's as if Keppli's eyes are imprinted in my mind. I close my eyes and I see hers, bright and green, full of life.
But Miss Jaelle eased the sapphire out of the silver and showed me a view from the side, and I don't believe how many facets there was on such a tiny surface. I went back to try agian, and she didn't seem herself once more. She didn't seem herself at Plenarius' storytelling either. She asked if I had heard of the problems in Vhel, Hempstead and Leringard. I said I did and that I felt sorry for the poor souls... then Miss Jaelle said it was a "poor soul"... it's one girl... cut up in pieces and shipped to different ports to send a message. I felt horrible for the little girl, she turned out to be close to Miss Jaelle and it explained her sadness. Her name was Rhiannon and I'm determined to find the man, who she said she saw him snap a child's neck like a chicken (I'm sure it wouldn't take much more force to snap mine), and put a end to him. Miss Jaelle said to check Leringard and Hempstead... to be sublte and to lie if I'm figured out. I asked what to do if I found him and she said to reply back to her. She said to be careful, so I'm going to try since she's somewhat afraid of him too... this may be too much for me if it is a little for her but I'm determined.
That's all I have, I'm really tired, my head seems a little bit more clean and ready to hold more thoughts and experiances. My hands are cramping up. I still have more to write about, but it will have to wait!
-Fellow
-
*Sitting in the tree by the lake outside Fort Hempstead, munching on apples and drinking from one of his canteens*
I haven't talked to much of anyone lately. I had a nice conversation with Miss Melissa. Miss Lavender was there earlier but left. Miss Melissa talked about having to speak to Miss Amanda about something and being interupted by someone she hasn't seen in a long time. I was naturally curious, so I asked her indirectly who it was. She said it was "Tobias" who acts as if he's dangerous but she doesn't think he has it in heart to do anything serious. I don't think that as a weakness, I also do not have the heart to even act mean. She couldn't imagin me being mean either. She soon asked if she could ask me a personal question. I was thinking, "Oh boy..." I was worried she would ask a really personal question. I said she could and thta I didn't have much to hide... I really do I guess. She asked if it was hard being short. *leans back agianst the tree trunk, laughing* I was happy that's all she asked. She asked if it was hard to do anything besides reaching up onto counters. That's not really a personal question since I've accepted that I'm short, and people are fine with it. I don't think I would be Tod if I wasn't short.
I said that it is sometimes with people thinking they can take advantage of you but they don't think about hidden blades or myself hiding in their shadow, fading away right in front of their eyes. Another thing I mentioned was people thinking that I'm "cute" rather than handsome. She said that's a good thing... I guess it is but it's sometimes hard to have any woman look at me seriously... it probably doesn't matter since I'd run away? I don't know, I guess cute isn't bad. She said the handsome and cute sometimes come in a package, and when it does that, then it's a good thing. When will I get that package?
I had to leave for a moment, and came back to Miss Lavender talking to Miss Melissa agian. Miss Lavender had a club out with big spikes and I asked why she used it. She said she uses it because she likes to break things... does she really like to crush skulls with it? But it turns out she prefers to use the mace on skeletons instead of stabbing... it makes a bunch of sense. Miss Melissa said she prefers to miss them all together. She said she didn't have anything that would work agianst skeletons and Miss Lavender said why not a stick? She replied that sticks are heavy or something that that sparked something in Miss Lavender to mess around with her about her not being able to carry much. I asked if Miss Melissa had bags, she replied that she did but full of clothes. Well, I couldn't use a stick much either. Miss Lavender pulled out this nice walking stick and told me to stand up. She handed it to me to try out and I looekd up to her, making she wasn't looking and I whacked her leg as hard as I could. I mean, it was a good whack, but it just glanced off her armor. She pulled it away from me and bopped me right on the head. It stung a little of course, didn't hurt too bad. I said that I wasn't that hardheaded and she told me to stop whining... I wasn't whining! I rubbed my head, hoping that rubbing it hard would stop the sting. Then Miss Lavender started on Miss Melissa about her clothes and then starts getting sarcastic about not stubbing her toe when Miss Melissa went to leave... I don't know why Miss Lavender was being like this, it wasn't like her really.
*rereads back on his writing and sighs as he barely catches any of the conversation but continues anyway*
I then talked to Miss Lavender about wearing dresses or even pants to show her hips somewhat and just a silk tunic... is that modest enough? I mean, you can't hide youself behind armor and not give a chance for guys to look at you when you're behind a mask. But she said she didn't need my help. Which is fine, I just wanted to be nice and give her some clothes, maybe get her to take her mask off. She took the outer shell of the mask off (yes she had shells of the mask in case one fell off?). She lead me back farther away from the pond and told me why I couldn't walk like everyone else. I told her that I'm just used to walking like that when I don't want someone to follow me and it's a habit. She just rolled her eyes and looked down on me. She sighed and took her armor off to reveal her regular clothes and begins to undo her mask even more. It came off completely it was hard to believe she'd hide her pretty eyes behind goggles. I don't know, I just have something for pretty eyes? *shrugs without thinking about it* But she had bright purple eyes... not like Keppli's but pretty anyway. She asked if I knew who she was and I said I didn't. Was she Miss Lavender like she said she was? She just rolled her eyes once more, and she said she was Tyra, Tyra Dragonheart, daughter of Shiff Dragonheart. I was surprised, really surprised! I knew he had kids but not any as old as Miss Tyra. We just talked brielfy about how Missus Valmara was faring and I asked her if Shiff told her about him and I would try to crush each other's head in a handshake. She has a strong grip, *flexes his hand* like Shiff's. I told her he'd let me try once more and I squeezed as hard as I could. I guess it's not hard enough.. she barely did anything more than a slight frown. She said she had to go and I was told not to tell anyone... so I won't. But she should try a dress on once or twice, she may look really nice.
That's all I have, sadly it doesn't have much detail. I'm glad only I can see my journal.
-Fellow
-
*He sits in front of a fire, twisting a red rose in between his fingers. He face is set with a frown, his eyes dead black without their usual shine. He looks to the fire several times, the raging conflict taking place in his mind on whether or not to toss the rose into the fire, slowly retreating back into the dark corners of his conciousness as he thinks. He begins to write slowly, taking care not to dig too deeply with the point.*
I went into the Great Rift for diamonds. I thought they'd make a good gift to a couple people I know. Maybe one for Keppli and an uncut one for Rocky so it could be his goal to work harder so he could finally be able to cut it? I was thinking about her throughout the trip, being less careful, mining in clumps of darkelves. They never saw me.
I found one area, close to the water. It look intimidating, but my greed then, was somewhat unmatched to anything I have felt in a long time. I swam, it was a long swim and I came out just at the right time when the black specks in my eyes were covering the majority of my vision. I sat there, breathing deeply, suddenly aware of the darkness that surrounded me. I realized that is why people compare my eyes to the Deep, it was pitch black in there. Shivers ran up my spine, my senses stretched out, trying to find any source of noise of nearby creatures or beings. I look back at the water, my boots giving off a soft glow. There was no way back through the water, I was stuck in this bewildering darkness. I went on forward at a pianstakingly slow pace. I never thought myself clausterophobic, but the black and silence were crushing me. Knowing thousand and thousands of pounds was over my head unnerved me.
There was rock scraping on rock around the next corner that I didn't know was there. It was hard to distinguish and new corners or turns in the passage, everywhere sort of looked the same. I slipped aorund the corner and something hit my shoulder but it was unaware that I was there. My eyes were adjusted to the dark a little, and I could barely makeout a figure that was darker than the walls. I thought it Aerimor but these weren't like him. I heard more scraping and the area around me was alive with gargoyles. I slanked along the wall, almost not breathing to keep my noise low. I came upon a gate, it was trapped and locked. The trapped was set to the side and the lock picked silently. Inside held another things of unmined diamonds. They glittered, thoughts suddenly back to Keppli. I sat there, the whole area a shadow, there was an unearthly glow somewhere that created them, and I was finally able to be in peace. But me chipping pushes my arms out into some of the light, and a gargoyle caught a glimpse of me. Knowing I was there, he brought one of his massive claws over the whoel area above the deposit. He clipped my shoulder, laying it open and I was to my own devices. Out of no where, giant giants appeared, trying to smash me under thier massive feet. My only hope was to go deeper, praying to whoever that would listen, to put something near me to make their mines deviate from me. My prayer was unanswered but their short attention spans slowed them in their tracks and they wandered off.
I came upon a bridge, its cobblestones raised in place. The area was swarming, literaly swarming with dark elves. I snuck past, taking extra care not to put a signle one of my tiny toes onto an irregular stone. My thief senses were in overdrive, I didn't see a nearby elf wander almost to directly where I was. It shoved me, still not knowing what was there and I had to either step blindly or to be seen.... I stepped on the only raised cobblestone and I felt my body freeze in its movement and everything was darker than before. I felt two forces fighting over the control of my spirit. One was the Soul Mother who wanted me and then the force of the Bindstone, fighting to bring me back. I was over as soon as it started and the relief... if you can feel relief, was overpowering, I didn't feel a familiar tear of myself that I have felt before, and I found myself back in Dalanthar.
*He sets the rose aside, giving it a hateful glare and he pulls out a diamond that was recently free from its rock prison. He wieghs it in his hands, admiring the blue and white light it gave off. He pockets it and picks up the flower once more, setting it on his crossed leg and begins to write once more*
I managed to get three diamond minerals by myself. But I will not brag, that is not me, I took it by cowardly ways but for several people I admire and look up to. I sat in Hlint, gathering my thoughts and Sion walked past and sat beside me. He asked what was wrong, noticing me unusually quiet and still. I explained to him my adventure, trying not to layer it with smugness. We talked for a few hours, watching the people run past and retire into their houses. I said I was going to have to leave and get some sleep, I haven't sleep for the couple days in the darkness, afraid something would come by me and take me out without a fight. Sion dropped the grass weaving he was doing and handed me a red rose to give as an apology to Keppli. I never experianced jealousy so strong, so... I can't describe it.
I never recognized my feelings for Keppli, I guess it was myself being afraid that they would not be returned. I've tried to be subtal, but now I realize that I'm not the only male on earth that would go after her as well. What if I'm running out of time and my lack knowledge of women is holding me back? Maybe I should be held back and meant to be single my during my life? Gods aren't so fake as I thought before. I favor many of the gods that rule Layonara, I favor some of this god and then some of these goddesses, I don't think I can truly be devoted to one god out of so many. But maybe Ilsare would help me, give me the courage to confess myself? Do I wait until I recognize a sign that she loves me back? But then agian, we may not be meant for each other but I'm not up to thinking about that, it hurts too much. If I can't pull myself together, then I can handle being just friends.
*He scowls at the rose and tucks it away, planning to give her the rose anyway so not to loose the trust that Sion and Keppli give him*
That's all I have, it's alot this time.
-Fellow
-
*He sits in the corner of the Scamp's Mug, a big candle in the middle of the worn out table. The light illuminates the surface of the blank page which he plans to fill. He dips the quill and writes slowly, trying to make it look nice.*
I finally saw the inside of the Leringard Arms Inn that is next to the Card Emporium. I never saw the door open or close and thought the building closed. But it turns out that Steel worked there.... or something that allows him to have a key. Several people came to listen to what Steel had to say about a job that he put out big posters about.
He lead us to the dining room which held many tables. These weren't the normal run down tavern tables, they were covered in a light red to pink table cloth with little candles in the center on each one. Keppli looked into the flames several times as if searching for an answer, her eyes bright and seem to sparkle as the flame danced on its wick. I like it better when she's focused on an object, it allows me to observe her without her knowing. It's pathetic, I know, but that's... just how I am.
She unfocused and looked away and up to Steel and his silver masked helm. I've never seen his face or the horns he's claimed he has, I'll have to ask him sooner or later... he doesn't seem to have it so I can accidently throw a rock to knock it off. I'm sure he'd have me by the ankles and dangle every stone that is hidden in my pockets since the first failed to work. *grins* But he got right to the subject of the meeting. It was about armies of dragons and men are storming Khul or something another and he wants to get answers about who's leading them or how to defeat them or... *he doesn't finish the sentence as he trails of in thought* But he says he wants to go into a dragon's lair in the Deep, not far from the emerald and mithril viens. That made my decision, I have never seen a dragon (drakes don't count) and I'm determined to see one. Keppli's coming along to see the dragon too, her excitement is another reason to go... someone's had to watch over her a least a little bit even though she's a big girl and handle herself. Gork and a red-headed dwarf (obviously one of Vorax with his red hair and beard braided with white lace...) seem to underestimate us. *shrugs as he writes* I'm used to it and fine, I sort of expected people to think of us only as dragon food on this adventure... but I'll make sure Keppli isn't eaten and I think she'll do the same for me. But we'll show them. *grins and chuckles, thinking how Keppli and himself could possibly come out alive* She keeps saying we'll do fine and Rocky is coming as well to record the trip, he'll keep us out of trouble... maybe!
Steel said we may have to give the dragon gifts, I thought that if he already had everything, why would he accept anything else? But as I thought and figured, Gork had to suggested on offering the little ones, or refering to Keppli and me... I'm fine with that, not the being the gift, but on him underestimating us. As I wrote above, we'll be fine! Miss Tyra was there and didn't seem to think we could do well either... even though she's seen me fight a little, I'm sure the dragon would have a couple holes in his belly if he swallowed me whole! But I like Miss Tyra and won't hold her opinion agianst her, she's just really realistic. Of course I had to suggest offering a pie but no one seems to ever take that seriously. *shrugs* At least Keppli and me were on the same mind track, I'm sure a dragon wouldn't mind sharing a massive pie with a couple Halflings. But everyone that I know may be coming is Miss Alatriel, Keppli, Rocky, Chakar maybe Gork and Grohin (the Vorax dwarf), Abiorn, and Wren... Maybe Missus Elly since I told her about it too.
All I have to write about right now.
-Fellow
-
*He wakes up from a nightmare, shredding the bedsheet to ribbons with the dagger in hand. He looks down at it and throws it at the wall as if the handle was scalding his palm. He looks to the bedside table that the inn had and pulled the journal to write in, hoping that releasing the memories onto paper would help relieve dreams.*
I see it... I see the bleach white skull, it's blazing red eyes laughing. I still hear it's ghostly whispers:
Kill the leader here... let them take the gems and let them suffer...
*He shudders and jerks his head around, looking around the room. He steels himself and looks underneath the bed, hoping the poor attempt at humor with himself would help.*
We went to search for the portal that Storold said was in Krandor. We went past the door that I have never been past. We cleared a room of skeletons and nothing was found. There was a trap that kept us from examining a little area of wall behind it. It wasn't a problem, cut few wires here, set a rock on a little latch from it triggering the string that lead up the wall to drop something down on us, and we could walk past safely. There was a fire opal, it's shine and it's fine quality tempting me, but nothing that I need to worry about. Missus Gala examined it saying it's trapped magically and Miss Ell said there was a pattern etched into it that warded the area from creatures of the abyss... We left, hoping that none of us would try to scratch it out. We came upon a room, a red glow over the floor and a red... cage like thing was in the back. Glittering fire opals were scattered around the perimeter, beckoning me forward. I got too close and was... overcomed with blackness, a skull, white with the black pits that was inhabited by crimson eyes, appeared and laughed. He whispered, urging me to kill our leader. I am so glad, so happy, so relieved that I didn't know who our leader was... was it Miss Amanda or Storold? That confusion kept me from attacking. The power and anger, surging through me and threatening to make me insane, prodded me to snuff out their souls, to make sure that even the Soul Mother couldn't snatch them away to put them back through the cycle.
*He gazes at what he wrote, remembering the anger and power surge and shudders once more. He wipes his dampening eyes, frustrated with himself about why he could not remember everything that took place.*
Miss Sala came near, I guess worried, she is a motherly kind. I was confused and the hatred of her was so great. She came near... and all I can remember is her lieing on the ground, and a massive urge to laugh was unbearable. I felt something from behind and I managed to get away and I struck out blindly and made contact with Missus Gala and she fell to the ground as well.
All I remember now was me feeling normal but with Aerimor in his drake form, duking it all out on my face and any place he could reach. I could not sneak away to safety, the shadows' welcoming embrace could not hide me away from Aerimor's dragon sight. We were obviously in a hurry to leave and several were helping Miss Sala and Missus Gala, indicating that they were hurt and wounded and I was the cause of that. We made it topside with little distractions and I was overcomed with grief. Missus Gala comforted me even though I did not deserve it. I said I was sorry to both of them and they said I was forgivened, but that doesn't satisfy my need for repentance of some kind. I don't think I can do a whole lot, but I was controlled agianst my will... is that an excuse? Am I making something out of nothing like the way they make it sound? What if Keppli was one who tried to stop me...?
*he finishes his entry with few more rhetorical questions to himself*
It's all I can handle to write.
-Fellow
*He closes the book and sets it aside. He lays awake, asking himself several questions until he falls into a shallow slumber*
-
*He's light in spirits and his mood enjoyable. He opens his journal to write as he sips at a beaker of diluted ale.*
I met up with Missus Gala and Keppli today near the Angel's Guild Hall... She wasn't mad at me for striking at her in Krandor and it was great to see Keppli agian. She asked if I wanted to come to Hempstead's square to figure out what to do and I followed. I'm up for adventuring and getting into a little bit of trouble, it's been a while since I've had a really good trip. So it was Missus Gala, Keppli and myself talking and everyone dissapeared... of course it was Rocky playing a trick on us. We talked and chatted, Keppli was watching the ioun stone that was still flying around me. Missus Gala noticed and said I have a way of catching Keppli's attention and winked to me... Maybe that's a good thing? I like having her attention without me having to show off... It's really hard for me not to, I want her to know that I'm there, yet I don't want to be like all those other men who's egos are huge... mine is a little, but they know I'm joking most of the time. I want to be subtle and bold, but those aren't my qualities really... I tend forget the stone is there so I held out my hand and letting it smack into my palm.
Miss Alatriel showed up beside me. It was good to see her since I rarely see her or Aerimor now. I hope Zain is doing good, I still need to get a sling or bow for him. I don't know if it's me or what, but the light around her seems to dim slightly as if shadows are still clinging to her. She carries an air of mystery with her and her wry sense of humor adds too it even more. I doubt I'm like that yet.
We were discussing where to go and Missus Gala smiled to someone sitting a way off on a bench. She waved her over and it was a rather pleasant looking lady. She had on light purple blouse with a really low neck line... and pants and heels that reach up to my shins! Miss Gala asked her name, which was Miss Bree, and began to introduce us. She introduced me as "handsome" before stating my name... am I getting that package yet? *chuckles about the package* Someone said something, I wasn't really paying attention and Miss Alatriel... oooh, I'm goin to have to get her one day. She said something about me running away from women, I shot her my most dangerous glare I could (it's not that threatening...) and pulled a hand across my neck to signal her to stop. She just winked and smiled. Miss Bree put her hands onto her knees (to show herself even more or what, but it made it hard to breath) and she smiled and asked "What's your name, cutie?"... Yeah, I couldn't help but stutter, I couldn't get all the air I needed! I said my name even though Missus Gala just introduced me. Miss Alatriel then had to pipe up about how talented I am at kissing and she knows from experiance... *stops writing and runs his hands over his face, trying to hide the redness.* "Oh, but he is cute" Miss Bree said agian making me turn about as red as I could go... I would have sworn I was going to pass out with how much blood was going to my head, I was growing really, really dizzy. She just stood there with her hands on her knees still looking at me. Keppli and Rocky both tried to step in and help. I was still blushing and looked away, it took all I could to not dissapear in Miss Alatriel's shadow. Miss Bree then straightened and turn to Keppli and said she was cute too... she is but I'll probably never tell her that... and asked Keppli's name. Missus Gala grinned and said Miss Bree was diffenently a Xeenite. Keppli turned red and said her name and then we changed subjects. I was sort of dissapointed, I do like the attention she was giving me, it's just that I can't handle it. Miss Tyra came up behind us and heard us talking about Haven. Of course that'd catch her attention. She said she'll come and Miss Bree departed saying she has to catch up with a couple of her friends... to do what?
We arrived in Haven that night all of us exhausted. We slept and went in to get the commander's head and everything was going really well. Missus Gala had a knack for dazing the gnolls with her spells. In one room, there were more than the usually scouting groups and they swarmed us. Missus Gala couldn't call down her hammers fast enough and Keppli was beat to death. I yelled at Miss Tyra to shut up because she was rambling on about us not staying behind her and her shield. I pushed the gnolls off Keppli and was going to check on her but Miss Tyra scooped her up and took her into the other room. I followed closely behind, trying to catch of Keppli's body but she wouldn't stop until we were in a safe place to let Missus Gala go all the way out to sleep so she can gather the energy and to pray on raising Keppli. I sat beside her body, hoping she would suddenly jump up to suprise us or just to show some sort of life in her. I sat there, studying her face, she looked really peaceful and it took what I had not to stroke her cheek or to push her hair out of her closed eyes. I checked her pulse, hoping for even the slightest jump to show signal of her heart beating. It wasn't and I felt horrible when I remembered why I didn't notice her getting hurt. Miss Tyra moved her body behind the little space between rocks and I checked her pulse once more, even more hopeful than the last time... I didn't feel a thing and I exhaled without realizing I was holding my breath. Miss Alatriel whispered a suggestion from a near by shadow to just kiss her and maybe that'll bring her back. Of course I turned red once more, if I knew that if one would help her, then yeah, I would diffenently give her one, but I can't when she's like that. She couldn't tell me "no" or even slap me... so I didn't kiss her. Missus Gala came back down and raised Keppli, I gave her a quick hug, hoping to not to upset her or make her unconfortable. I would've given her a kiss but I don't want her hand leaving an imprint on my face so soon after her resurrection... The rest of the trip was uneventful beside Miss Tyra's knitpicking with Missus Gala and Miss Alatriel over battle tactics and that was it.
That's all I can write about right now.
-Fellow
-
*Tod sits at the top of the waterfall, watching the kids play down by the tents. He pulls his journal and begins to write, his quill's feather swaying side to side quickly. He writes in big letters at first and then returns to his normal style.*
WE FOUND HIM!
Q has been found! We (Miss Daniella, Lance, Keppli, Rocky, Miss Tyra, Miss Sun, Verideth, Aerimor, Sion, Lexor, I think her name was Angela and another Dark Elf that was around Miss Angela the whole time was there.) all searched the other day, up by where the pie was found. The grate lead to a black maze and in the back was a door. I was lost when out scouting and I guess the group didn't want to wait and they went on down. I was stuck up in the maze, vampires at every turn and the never ending tunnels that sprawled before, behind and beside me. I finally found my way back to the door and the group was already down. They held a wounded man, it was hard to determine who he was, his face seemed permantly etched with pain. The man was Quantum... he was tortured the whole time while we searched. We left with Lexor carrying Q over his shoulder. Q never responded to anything we said, he always had that blank gaze.
We arrived back in Wayfare and Lance confronted Sion about him turning himself in. Lexor talked to both of them and I squeezed in between Lexor and Lance to stand in front of Sion... I think that was a bad decision on my part, Miss Daniella left, looking stressfull. I hope I wasn't one who made her leave, she worries me with everything she takes up at once. I should have defended Sion in a more... subtle way instead of standing in between them like that as if they were about to attack him. It's just hard to see a friend being taken in. I've tried to visit him but my visits have been fruitless. I think now I'm only hurting the trust of those I love and care for when trying to visit him when he's detained like that. I talked to Lance after taking Q back to Toran's temple in Fort Llast, I asked him to tell Miss Daniella I said "Hi" and Q that too when he snaps back into the proper mindset. I don't think I help Miss Daniella when I try to defend those that are... probably guilty. I should let them take care of their business, I'm not a Toranite and I don't think I would make a good one. I won't get in their way again like that, even when my mind is screaming at me to, I will stay to the side and let them do what they're trained to do.
It's rumored that Quantum has lost his mind and lost his rank of Shining Hand. He's lost almost everything he's worked for when he was just trying to defend Keppli and me and I feel guilty about this too. I should have stayed to help Q instead of running back to the temple, then I could have followed and stabbed those vampires with a stake, keeping them in their blasted coffins! I should have shredded them apart and burned the pieces! I just want them gone... I'm am glad Q is back, I sort of do think that Toran was watching over him from somewhere... a little bit at least, I don't think anyone could survive being tortured like that.
That's all I have to write.
-Fellow
-
*Tod sits in the tree outside the crude fence that warns new adventurers not to enter the kobold's camps. His journal is in his lap with his pen in hand, tapping his bottom lip with the top and his legs swinging on one side of the branch, thinking of what to write.*
Aerimor and Miss Alatriel had to leave to do a long trip errand and Verideth and Miss Sun wasn't home either. They asked me to take care of Zain for a day or two and to keep him and myself (they took extra care to make sure they told me too) to stay out of trouble. How much trouble could a thirteen- fourteen year old boy and a Halfling man that is about twenty-five and with the same maturity level get into? Actually, Zain is quite mature, he didn't talk much at first, but he loosened up a little bit when I took a couple pies out. He liked the cherry one a lot more than the blueberry... Aerimor has a bad influence on the boy about pie flavors! No biggy though, all pie is excellent.
Zain sat in one of their big chairs most of the first day, not saying much. It wasn't like when I had to scavenge for a heel of bread that would be my supper for the night. But then again... being a werewolf wasn't easy either. I guess that's something we have in common, we both has rough childhoods. I didn't want to let him sit there all the next day. I sort of raided Verideth's stock of roasts and bread... I'll replace it! We only ate two loaves of bread and roughly two roasts... the boy is a bottomless pit! He eats almost as much as me! It was sort of weird... not weird but interesting to see him tear into pieces of meat the way he did... is it werewolf instinct to finish up his food before something else comes and takes it away or that I didn't give him his supper soon enough? Either way, he finished a good ten or twenty minutes before me!
The rest of the night was quiet, he read a lot and I dozed on. Zain must've slipped off while I was in one of my slumbers in one of their cushioned chairs... it's hard to see over the arms of one with how low I sink down and Zain did not make a single floorboard creak. I jerked awake and climb up to stand on the arm of the chair to look around. Everything was the way it was when I feel asleep, just the chair where Zain sat was empty. I slipped through the shadows that the fire and chairs made and went upstairs. I poked my head into each room, making sure not to linger so not to invade anyone's personal space and I finally found the boy's room... the house is pretty big but not too big. The door opened silently and the think column of candlelight lit up Zain's face. People say you look years younger while asleep... I don't think Zain could look any younger. His features are well defined and I think he's going to be really muscular... He's going to have every woman in a mile radius coming to just get a glimpse of him. I backed out, planning on what to do tomorrow.
*He sets his pen down to rub his eyes, giving off a loud sigh. He picks it back up and continues to write*
Zain was already up, fixing breakfast when I finally woke. He moves quickly but he is really quiet. I don't even think my hearing could pick him even if he was stomping around in metal boots. He fixed me a plate and we ate silently... almost, except with me rambling on. I asked him what he wanted to do and what he normally did... he just shrugged. I asked him if he's any good with a bow and his eyes lit up. We went out side and he showed me his bow. It was rather nice, what else would he have? Aerimor and Miss Alatriel are bloody rich! I'm surprised his doesn't have a catapult and a castle with a mote and alligators swimming through it all. I offered 50 coins if he could hit a apple right off my head. He frowned but accepted and I was sort of worried then. I've never had a little boy shoot an arrow straight at my head before! But he seemed well trained, I guess from having Elves as parents. His movement was fluid like and I never felt the apple move on my head. I closed my eyes after he already shot but I didn't know that at the time. I told him to shoot and he laughed and told me he already did. I lifted the apple off my head and looked at it. It had a very nice hole through it with little slits from where the fletching sliced through. I couldn't let him do that without giving me a shot! I handed him the same apple and told him to put it on his head with the hole pointed towards me. I stepped back and brought my own bow out. He looked extremely nervous but kept his cool. I pulled the fletchings to my cheek and made sure I aimed right. I let the string go and the arrow whizzed right through the hole that he already made. He grinned, whether from being impressed or relieved, I don't know. He looked at it and my fletchings were exactly opposite of where his where, making cross hairs. He seemed to be enjoying himself so I gave him the coins anyway for not killing me.
He asked if we could go up to Leringard near the oak trees. I was confused but agreed to take him. I was sure that Miss Alatriel and Aerimor wouldn't be too upset if he came home a day late. We took a ship and left the city. He likes it much more out in the woods, he doesn't seem so tense. We passed several tufts of comfrey and and we just roamed. Zain lead me to a small cliff that revealed a little clearing. He crouched low, almost professionally and peaked out, looking for something. I heard a gentle yelp and looked over the edge too and there was a little pack of wolves and a few puff balls that could be the pups. The boy just watch with a slight smile on his face. It sort of makes sense for him to come and watch wolves... I didn't mind it at all, I enjoyed it thoroughly... wolves would have to be my favorite animal. I wished that I could walk up to an animal and become friends like Keppli does... that's almost what Zain did. It took a little longer but I guess that's because the parents were protective of their litter. He finally motioned me over and I took care not to shadow myself so that the wolves would know I was there from the beginning. I crouched next to Zain who was sitting cross- legged by the wrestling balls of fur. The parents were proud of their family and gave me a warning growl but let me sit close by... I'd be protective too if I ever had a child. The boy scratched the pups behind their ears and sort of yelped along with them. They peered up to him with their vibrant puppy eyes and they all tackled him. He nodded towards me and they ran up to me and begins to lick my fingers and tug on my boot laces. It was a lot of fun playing with wolves... they would have attacked me on site if it wasn't for Zain... it must be the old werewolf thing in him... or that Aerimor's been teaching him how certain animals act... or that's just him. By then, it was dusk and the parents picked up a pup each by the scruff of their neck and the others pounced through the tall blades of grass in the back, trying to keep up with their guardian's long strides. I recommended that we start heading back or else Aerimor would give me a long speech with his big words and Miss Alatriel wouldn't let me visit anymore. He nodded, seeming more comfortable with being around me.
We made it home about a hour before Miss Alatriel and Aerimor came home. I said we had a good time and offered that if they needed me to keep an eye on Zain again, that I'd make time. I grinned to them and winked to Zain and left to go my own way... or.. well, right in this tree where I'm writing this now.
I like Zain, he's a interesting boy and wouldn't mind taking him on a trip for sapphires or topaz or something. That's all I have to write about right now.
-Fellow
-
*He sits in the middle of Silkwood for not particular reason and looks at a green coat, made of several hides, that sits beside him. He runs a hand over it and smiles to himself over the texture and opens his journal to write.*
I talked to Storold the other day in Hempstead and the topic went onto mithril. He said he wanted mithril ore for some armor, the silk kind that I wear. I stated that the only thing I had that was mithril was the amulent I found near that massive hole that the giant worm left by Hlint. The story about that is we killed the worm, searched the hole, a crazed goblin attacked us screeching "No take shiney!! My shiney!". I looked in the hole around other minerals of coal and copper and I say a bluish glint. I looked and an amulent sat there, lodged in between two rocks. I picked it up and looked at it. It was made of mithril, sat with a sapphire. Later on, after it started possessing Miss Daniella and me, Lareth flipped a switch on the back and a figure with wings appeared thanking us for passing the mind test. It was a tool that magicians used to test students agianst mind spells...
Anyway... the subject approached Keppli when I let it slip that I was planning to give Keppli the necklace. But then why would I give her a tool that could possibly control her too? I said I probably won't, it's not set with an emerald... not that it's not worth a lot on to why I don't want to give it to her. It's not green and it doesn't match her. Storold said it's the thought that counts... that seems like a safe answer since everyone says it. I just gave up and said I had to go and he was heading to the same place. We stood away from the group at the cross roads since I think it was because Gork was there. Flynn was saying a poem with flowy sentences and elaborate rhymes... I mumbled to myself that if I could speak like that, it'd help with my women problems. Storold said that I don't need those if I just explained how I felt instead of writing mushy love poems that describes how I see her. I don't think there could ever be a poem long enough to describe her.
*frowns down at the page and starts on a new subject, frowning deeper as it leads back to Keppli*
I was in the crafting hall where I usually am and I heard familiar footsteps behind me. Sort of like a rhythmed skip on leather-padded soles and I turned to look and it was who I thought it was. Keppli waved and said she had something for me. Of course I had something for her but it wasn't as nice as the cloak that sits beside me now. I suprised that she would give me a fine cloak like this instead of using it herself since she's around animals more than I am. I almost didn't take it, and she was glad when I finally did, saying that she didn't want to have to force into my bag. I worked on a new pipe since I've been working with wood. I know it's not good for her but if it reminds her of home... then why not? It was made of oak and I did my best to carve a wolf head into it, making it look like a wolf blowing out the smoke. I think I did a decent job, it looked like one anyway.
Rocky met up with us outside and I suddenly remembered that Miss Emie was in town and I never got around to buy those gloves for Rocky from her. We went down to the bank, hoping that I would maybe catch her as she was going in or out. Miss Emie was found by the bank's door and said that she was about to give up on me... If I said I'd be here, then I'll be here. I asked for the price and I didn't want Rocky to hear it since it would probably make him feel like he owes me something but I didn't want everyone to know that. Miss Emie stated 5000 coins to cover it. Keppli's and Rocky's eyes widen at the pricing and Eghaas, who followed along, said that was nothing and said that he's heard of jewelry that goes for over 60,000 coins. I could cover both a peice of jewelry like that and the gloves. He seemed surprised with how much the bank teller said I had in my account... I almost had a hundred but then buying everything for everyone sort of puts a hole in your account... *chuckles and continues* I don't mind, I'll just stick with my iron weapons for now and then I'll just start making more food instead of buying it. I gave Miss Emie the 5000 and she gave Rocky the gloves. They looked really good on him, made him look... professional. I don't mind the cost for the gloves, just glad Rocky likes them.
They both had to leave and I had not thanked Keppli yet for the cloak... I was undecisive and had to make a quick decision. What made me do it was that it was right on spot and I didn't mull over it for days. I kissed her... sort of... no, not really. *exhales heavily and shakes his head to himself* I just gave her a peck on the cheek, it doesn't tell her much. I'm not the boldest man out there. If I went for her lips, then I would have probably missed and hit her cheek anyway. I don't see how others do it with such ease. That may have just pushed her farther away. Maybe she sees me only as a friend and never anything more and that she doesn't want this attention? I'm fine with that, I'll just give her her space and not pursue until I know it's one way or the other... Dang, I sound like a stalker...!
*scowls and finishes the page* That's what I have. I'm glad no one can read this and know how slow I am at relationships...
-Fellow
*He frowns down at his closed journal, thinking. He climbs up into a nearby tree but comes down when he forgot the cloak. He folds it neatly and sets it into his bag. He climbs the trunk once more and fades away and murmers:* Thanks agian Keppli...
-
*Tod sits at the lake in Hlint under the pear tree munching on a pear. He begins to write, leaving dark spots where the pear juice soaked into the page.*
I saw Tristan, Miss Daniella, Aesthir, Tabris, Idoran and another pretty lady that goes by the name of "Fluer" I think. I like her name, sort of euphonious, but her clothing was sort of suggestive... I'm not complaining or anything, I'll just keep my comments to myself... I greeted them like I usually do by adressing them by all their names. Aesthir said "You should love word games and riddles Tod.. always listing all the present on a quick succession..." I'm used to naming everyone I see, and I'm not good at riddles but I like games!
Idoran talked about heading off since having a rough day in the caves with Miss Toni, Miss Fluer and some others. I said that the caves shouldn't be too tough, I haven't had to much trouble with them lately. Idoran laughed and said "I ain't a quick halflin' and I have simple copper armor." I replied that I wear just simple silk... he countered with that he's not as quick. I have improved a lot on my combat skills. Miss Hanta, another woman warrior that walks around in heavy armor and wields a giant sword was impressed on my sword play. She thought that my wielding of two swords was interesting and she likes my way of fighting. I was rather pleased with her comments, not too many compliment on my way of fighting from the shadows but I'm fine with that.
Miss Daniella walked around the trees into view and I was glad to see her and that she was in good health. I don't see her much anymore and I do get concerned even though Toran watches over her and my other friends such as Lance and Tristan. I think Tristan was speaking in Elven from the way the language sounded and was pleasant to the ear dispite his deep voice. Anyway, he spoke to Miss Fluer and I wasn't surprised that he knew it. Miss Danialla and everyone else was looking at them confused. I asked why they couldn't talk in common if what they were saying was going to be translated anyway... I got back at him a little with saying "Yn, U tyr'd zerd dy gryz, U'cc vomd decg ur la cerkoeki vomd dy pok ayo..." or "Oh, I don't want to know, I'll just talk in my language just to bug you..." I also asked if maybe Tristan could teach me a little Elven. Miss Fluer said it took her 13 years to learn most of it! Thirteen years! I'd sit for a long time but I don't think for that long. But I wouldn't mind learning a little Elven and I'll see if maybe Aerimor, Miss Alatriel, Miss Amanda, Caerwyn or one of my other Elven friends.
All the while, Aesthir was taking notes in that book of his. I looked at him and he looked at me... I say his wry grin and I snuck into Tristan's shadow to get behind Aesthir to grab at the book. I managed to snatch it but he held on and he lifted it up into the air so that I was dangling... it's difficult to be taken seriously when you're always picked up with such ease. Miss Daniella scolded me like she does in that voice... it's a commanding voice yet not really. She said that he's probably writing love letter in a joking voice. *looks back at his previous entries* Yeah, I know a little about that so I stepped away.
Miss Fluer had to leave and so did Idoran and Aesthir got up to leave but then said that he was going to leave. I asked why he didn't want to come and he said that his assistance wasn't requested. I said mine wasn't either but I was determined to spend a least a little time with them before they went to do their duties. Then Aesthir smarted off saying "Seems that is a Toranite private meeting ..." I knew, just then, that this was going to set Miss Daniella off. She asked how it was a private meeting and I tried to calm them down with saying I'm not a Toranite but I'd come anyway. He replied with "Tristan and yourself milady... and Tod that has proved to be quite fond of your church and your methods..." She said "Tod is not one of Toran's faithful, Aesthir, we are capable of having friendships outside of our temple you know" It stings not being able to be like Lance or Miss Daniella because I'm not one of his faithful but then I choose not to be one, I think it restricts who I can help because being of one god creates conflicts between other gods and goddesses and I don't want that.
Anyway, he said we could all be liberal as we want... I don't know what liberal is but Miss Daniella's reaction and surprised looks scared off Tabris... *chuckles* But then Aesthir asked of my loyalty to her. She frowned at him and looked to me and back to him... I think she was thinking of the time I lied to her about Sion. She said that she would not answer out of respect for me. Aethir then said that he seemed to have pricked a nerve... You think?! That's like the only conflict Miss Daniella has had with me, of course that would prick a nerve! I said that I had lied to her and would not agian and she said I was forgiven. Then Aesthir pointed out that I would probably never try to steal from her and looked down at his book. I then had to say that I wouldn't try to steal his book agian, I'll try! But my curiosity gets ahead of me sometimes.
Aesthir said something about criminals and that caught our attentions. We asked him about it. He was referring to Sion and how I defended him agianst Lex'or and Lance... that's why he muttered "criminals". I was suddenly afraid that I am now considered a criminal because I interfered with an arrest. I calmed down when Miss Daniella said that she doesn't think I'm one from what she knows of. I said that I trusted her accounts on what happened with Sion and her with Miss Anne (What has happened to her, has she been found?) since I was not there to see what truly happened. I do trust her now, I do see how he could have possibly attacked them.
Miss Daniella said she had to leave for some of her duties at the temple... before we could even catch up on each other any. Then Aesthir said he was going to go too so I was left alone once more. Balazar did say that people will move on to other continents once people's has had enough of Mistone... everyone I know is starting to move on like Brandy, Magnus, Van, Miss Pristine and some of my older friends have... Yes I still remember and will for a long time. But my hand is cramping up something awful... *looks and scans over his page and quickly scribbles his ending*
This is all I have to write about right now... I need to start making my entries shorter!
-Fellow
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*Tod sits in the Scamp's Mug, spinning a wooden top that he found in an alley on the table. He swings his legs under the table and pulls out his journal to write.*
I was passing by where the roads beet in between Hempstead and Vehl and I saw Gork, Farros , Idoran and a lady and man I've never seen before. They lady was pretty, had green eyes and the man looks liked one of Toran by the colors he wore. I saw them talking to Idoran the day before and promised to introduce myself later. Gork and Faros ran into the portal behind the little shack in there to Dalanthar. When I got there, there was a man named Skabot (Who liked to look at himself in a tiny mirror... very ladylike in general), Miss Ami and Miss Emie was already in Willow's Weep and Malkor came. We discussed where we were going and Gork decided to get ore in the Firesteep Mountians. The mountians were HUGE! They were completely massive! Gork or somoene said Fisterion was there, or the dragon of dragons... he said we're not going to see him. There were kobolds all the way up carrying shields with the house sat on fire. There were no deaths, only bunch of kobolds, giant elementals and a really tough fiend.
*Tries to sum up what happen to make a short entry for once*
I've been seeing Miss Daniella and Lance and the rest a lot now. I don't feel so seperated now. I even saw Marec when we were going to Dregar to do something. A lot of people showed up. Miss Amanda, Miss Daniella, Miss Pallena, Miss Tyra, Miss Mirren, Malkor, Angel, Aeronn, Aesthir, Tabris, Caerwyn came but left soon... I feel like I'm missing someone but who ever I did, they came too! The giants weren't tough, Miss Amanda and Miss Mirren kept us warded. The giants were really active and there were really big giant giants when we were coming out of the fire opal cave. No deaths agian which I am thankful for. I had a good time and enjoyed the company they gave me and wished I could go around with them more. They could just not bicker so much between there gods. Aesthir is making Miss Daniella mad, Aeronn is upset about something, I just can't put my finger on it. but I'll help where I can between god relations.
Oh! Miss Daniella got a really nice warhorse. It has shiny armor and everything! she looks like a real knight when she has her sword out and everything. I don't believe that the captian in Hlint didn't believe her when she said we saw a black horse with a horn! I had nightmares that night, the horse didn't leave any hoove prints except where it was standing... it was like it flew away!The captian thought she was drinking or something... Miss Daniella drinking? Naaahh... Anyway, she makes me want to get a horse, she could probably show me how to take care of one.
All I have to write!
-Fellow
*Tucks the journal away and the wooden top into his coat pocket.*
-
*he quickly writes as he leaves Daniella, Aeronn, Aesthir and Marec to their conversation*
They saw the horse agian. I was jealous sort of because I want to know what the horse was. They're so lucky to get to see everything! Then they have their families of faith to go to after long days of adventuring... it's hard not to be envious of them. But they're my family and I could never ask for more.
I went to check the prices of the horses. The man thought he could take advantage of me and offer the price of 18000... I may not get one for a while yet...
That's what I have.
-Fellow
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*He pulls the wooden top back out to spin on the table and stares at it creep towards the edge of the top. As it spins off, his hand snatches out to catch it and spins it agian with a slight smile on his face and his legs swinging over the edge of the chair. He pulls his journal out and begins to write.*
Well, we saw the Deepening Dark. He was something! He was "the bestest" shadow out there by far. *looks back at the shadow behind him* It feels like my shadow's watching me... *he quickly looks behind his shoulder to see if his shadow is reading over it. He reaches out to touch it and it doesn't resist... but he still shivers as if being watched* Shadrixkayl "marked" us with a ritual. I guess he watches us through our shadows.
Anyway, the trip was long and it was rough. Tons of people came to help and I was lucky to catch most of the people's names. Steel came of course, it was his trip. Rocky, Keppli, Miss Angela, Miss Alantha, Miss Emie, Miss Ami, Miss Alatriel, Sall, Idoran, Miss Sasha, Miss Argali, Missus Gala, Missus Sala, Abiorn, Hardragh (who Miss Argali despised...), Malkor, Brewlot and a sort of crazy man, Pyran. I may have forgot someone.. if so then I should be able to remember sooner or later. Anyhow, we made it to the Deep with being invisible and hasted. We made it through the tons of giant spiders and dark elves and dwarves. Keppli fell once.. but in the confusion I'm glad I didn't see. Missus Gala and Missus Sala can raise people really fast. Idoran commented on Keppli's strong will but sometimes it's too strong and it almost stops my heart when she gets killed. Rocky fell twice, Malkor, Miss Argali and Idoran once, I never saw any of them fall, the battles and fights were just so confusing, I just concentrate on firing my arrows over their heads into the masses of dark dwarves and fiends. I almost died once too, but was lucky enough to have so many well trained priestesses with us. I don't think the Soul mother ripped anything away from those who died at all, she must have been feasting some where else.
We finally reached the Deepening Dark. I was literally shaking when he came into view. Miss Alatriel had a black dragon scale that a shadow gave her. The scale sort of dissapeared and flew across the gorun to merge with the Deepening Dark. Shadows blocked us in and these weren't the friendly kind... Shadrixkayl was controlling them all I think. I was completely fascinated with him, Miss Alatriel was too and she stepped a little bit to far... a trapped activated and she instantly dropped. It made me mad that she couldn't help her love for the shadow dragon and that's how he repaid her. But... it is a dragon... also a shadow dragon, I like the shadows, I'm growing more attached to them, but really, what could I do? His servant I didn't like much with how he smashed Rocky's instrument and then took threatening steps towards Miss Alatriel. But once agian, I couldn't do a whole lot. I'm not sure what questions were answered, all I know is that Shadrixkayl what's the "Orn's Tear". I think that's what were are going to do next.
I saw the black horse agian in the back. I think Miss Emie saw it first. I ran away and that's the last I saw... was the horse part of the dragon too? Was it a spie and calculating the chances of success in destroying Hlint or something crazy for the dragon? I don't know, I'm keeping watch for it and I'll head directly to Miss Daniella if I see anything... which I do need to do since I saw it down there.
That's all I have to write, it was a long trip and I'm glad Keppli and Rocky there along with all the others.
-Fellow
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*Tod sits on the side of the stable stall watching his new pony eat out of the hay ben. He steadies himself and pulls his journal out and writes.*
Well... I got my new horse! Aeronn, Miss Daniella, Marec, Aesthir and later on Chaynce, helped me get to Orc's Watch. I didn't enjoy the trip down into the giant's cave. Miss Daniella was pretty sour during it all, I didn't know what I did to irritate her. So I picked a spotted white and brown one pony when we got to the watch. It was a mare and she's pretty calm and laid back like me. Miss Daniella showed me a safer way back to Prantz on horseback. The ride as pleasant and she was in a better mood.
Aeronn stepped out of the portal after Caerwyn gave me a run down over a horse (It took a while... horses are harder to take care of than oxes!). I asked Aeronn why Miss Daniella was irritated and wasn't acting like she usually does. She's a really good friend and she may be couple years younger than me, but I see her as my half-half-mother (Is there such a thing?)... she goes out of her way to make sure I'm fine sometimes. But I asked Aeronn if he loved her and he gave me a look that asked "Is it that obvious?". He's frustrated because their gods don't permit for them to be with each other... I gave advice and I though I did pretty good! Think I got him thinking!
*draws a dotted line*
I meet up with Rocky first and then Keppli later in the crafting hall. Rodlin *checks to make sure it is spelt right* said something about "recruiting"... They both liked my new horse.. I still hadn't picked out a name then, miss Daniella and Caerwyn both said I should give her one. Keppli suggested Biscuit, I liked it! Keppli neighed to her about the name and sounded exactly like a pony! She road around on her and I sat there and watched. I enjoyed it a lot, I like it when she smiles. We later went on a fishing trip and we carved our names into a the boulder on that little island, claiming it ours! (It's really not... just pretending!)
That's all I have to write!
-Fellow
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*He sits in the arena as Keppli takes her nap by the bench she sat agianst. He gives warning glares to the other arena patrons agianst coming close, ocassionally making a shadow rise from somewhere to make them back off.*
The trip for the Orn's Tear is close. Steel has warned agianst assassins from the dragon cult and the supposedly safe places are Hempstead and Leringard. I asked Steel about them while he was talking to a nice lady named Llane. He said it was true, but we have nothing worry about. I have sent letters to Keppli that warn her and Rocky to be careful. I am confident that they could handle themselves if they were attacked by assassins.
I got to spar with Rocky, Caerwyn and Keppli today. I had to blow out several of the torches around the field to make sure there were good enough shadows to hide me in! I went up agianst all three but I had fun... sort of, I didn't really like fighting with no one on my side... Keppli's really deadly with her bow and Caerwyn is really good too. Rocky is really needed in any fight with the way he sings! It's distracting for the enemies but good for the group.
Keppli seemed like she was upset and apologized to Caerwyn and me about not being any help... she thinks that, but I think she's a major part of any group. I tripped up Rocky and Caerwyn and I left the arena, I couldn't hurt Keppli at all, she's just my weakness, yet I can't even tell her that. Rocky said I forfieted the match since Keppli was still in the arena but I'm perfectly fine with that! I don't even think I played fairly... I liked it best when Keppli and me were one group. We're a dangerous pair of Halflings!
*looks up as a round begins, but looks back down to write more*
Sion's trial was couple days ago, he was sentenced 20 years in service of Toran, which doesn't seem bad since he'll probably live close to 700 years. There was a man named David that I would like to take in the arena... he's a stuck up punk even though he's the Beacon... I think Lance and Miss Daniella are good enough to be under command under someone better than him. I didn't like how he said that I was agianst the church when I was alone talking with Miss Daniella... He said "This... halfling.. is defending a dark elf over a highly decorated knight." Now, I think Miss Daniella is mad at me agian... women are so complicated but she's a close friend and I'll deal with that! *sighs and gives off a little whimper of frustration* But Sion's alive and that's good. I think I can talk to Miss Daniella and hopefully she'll be happy agian.
That's what I have for now.
-Fellow
*Packs his journal and gives a final look around the arena. He leaves the building silently so not to wake Keppli.*
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*Tod sits in the Scamp's Mug, seeing how slowly he can run his fingers over the flame that sits on top of the candle without burning himself. He leaves a finger over too long and he lets out a small yelp, drawing the eyes of the depressed drinkers at the counters. He sinks down into his seat and turns his arm so he can look at the burn that's healing at a quick pace. He pulls his journal out.*
Yeah, we got the Tear! And we gave it to a servant of Fisterion to take to him too.
We took off from Fort Miritrix from Abiorn's house (It's a really nice house too). We trudged through a forest and nothing happened. Then WHOOSH! Something flew above us and settled farther into the wood. We kept going without hesitation and these dragon- fiend like things started attacking. They didn't even wait to see if we'd leave! The just started to hack at us. But we were a pretty big group so it turned out fine. Rocky fell once or twice and Keppli once. It always hurt beyond belief when one of them falls, I'm just really glad we had Missus Sala and Missus Gala!
We came upon their castle or fortress and we decided to make a camp since the bad guys are waiting for us. Then all of a sudden, Keppli got extremely mad and was really impatient and wanted us to just charge and break down their doors... I don't know what it was but she was really scaring me. I even told her that and she was completely oblivious. She was even more mad when that horned horse was on the other side of the trees... and then a big flash happened at the fire Miss Sasha put up! Bunch of elementals climbed out and they charged the castle, burning down the gate and killing all the fiends inside. We went through the castle up to the top and a room was on fire. We killed the guy that was guarding the Tear and a fight started. Storold began to cast when Steel took the Tear and then Abiorn casted on Storold. It was chaos! Then something flared agian and bunch of elementals appeared. They argued over who to give the Tear to and then someone did something and they all started to attack. One of the biggest elementals struck me upside the head and the other brought his fist down to make a long burn across my arm... *looks down at his arm and grimaces* And then that's it. That's all I can remember. That somewhat familiar tearing ripped me apart and next thing I knew, I blinked awake and Missus Gala was giving me a hug. I remember trying to get Keppli away from the main elemental and I looked around for her but she wasn't around. I wanted to panic but we had to get out. We jumped into a firey portal and we trudged back to Miritrix...
I don't know why my arm is healing so fast, but I think it's that potion Keppli poured onto it, it's still red and puffy like the real bad burns are but it's getting a lot better.
*He pulled a letter out of a pocket and opens it. He reads over and puts it between the pages.*
Keppli sent me a letter saying she was attacked by her own shadow. I was instantly worried for her but she said she was fine. I'm always watching my own, just hoping she doesn't run into more.
-Fellow
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*He sits propped up in an apple tree near the Thorn River, taking as big a bite as he can with loud crunching.*
A lot has happened, I can't remember everything. I've been sitting with Storold a lot now when he's on his bench... I'm planning to pull a prank and put a holy trap right where he sits so it gives him a little burst of positive energy since he hates Toran so much *chuckles and tosses a core and grabs another apple to munch on* We just talk about whatever, we talked about the Viel and how she can hide even while being watched with the sight, I wouldn't mind meeting her. Or why Miss Emie hates men so much and what our most valuable thing is... He said Miss Ferrit had an amulent that makes you breath under water... I want one of those! That'd make fishing so much easier!
I haven't seen Miss Daniella, Lance or any of them really... Aeronn said that it's not working really well between them, he said that she may have found... someone else. But at least he said she was happier than she usually was. I won't get in her way, it's not my business.
I haven't seen Keppli much either, I think I drove her off since I've... put my feelings out in the open. Storold and Miss Llane both said it's best to just say it than trying to make it fancy or anything, so... that's what I did, the most plainest way to say it... *pauses and grumbles with a mouthful of apple "I'm 'bouth plainsth asth they come"* If she doesn't give back the feelings, I'm fine with that, it'll sting but I'll get over it, just hopefully she'll tell me before I-
*adruptly stop and he adds a quick ending as he hears heavy footsteps lumbering in the forest a little ways away*
All I have!
-Fellow
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*Tod sits in the Scamp's mug once more with his forehead down on the table. He is obviously thinking and oblivious to the other customers. He lifts his head couple times and lightly bangs it on the table and mumbles a small curse. He pulls his journal and writes.*
I cannot keep my mouth shut, it's like it has a mind of it's own! I spend some time with friends I haven't seen in sometime and I end up ticking one off.
I went into Hempstead and Miss Daniella, Miss Tyra, Balazar, Mando, and a pretty lady named Miss Rose (Not the Miss Rose that I usually talk to) in a nice looking dress was talking with Miss Sophia... I thought it would be funny to see how they reacted to her with her being Xeenite... *laughs quietly to himself and swings his legs underneath the table, his mood momentarily changed* Apparently they have met before and they didn't like her too much. Miss Sophia left and they were going to Dregar... I asked if I could come but none really responded. Mando and Balazar said I could tag along before they stepped into the portal.
I was with the rest of the group in Prantz and they talked about how much of a wh-... prostitute Miss Sophia was. I sort of stood up for her, I have absolutely no idea why! I just don't like people talking down about other people... I didn't feel like a part of the group, sort of on the outside since I haven't talked with any of them for so long. I still enjoyed the time with them a lot though, it's always fun to fight alongside friends.
The rest of the group ran ahead to Prantz afterwords and Miss Daniella walked behind, so I stayed behind too so I could talk with her. We didn't say a whole lot, just about who lived in that house in the middle of that lake next to the giants' forest. I told her I sit a lot now with Storold and I could ask him since he knows so much, and that's about it...
We met with part of the group and I was still talking with Miss Daniella, I asaid I was sorry for defending Sion in the trial and that the way David put it about me defending him wasn't right. She said "Tod... what he said was true. But perhaps you should think beforehand about your actions instead of always having to apologize for them afterward." I thought about that a lot since I left. I told her that I thought David... I mean Beacon Dubois (She told me to adress him right...) wasn't right for his position and then I said I liked Miss Anne better... and she left since Miss Tyra started to say she didn't like Miss Anne... she said she's not going to stand there and let people talk ill about them. Last thing she said was "And Tod, you have no idea what you're talking about". It always hurts a whole lot whenever she chastens me. I just think that Lance and Miss Daniella, maybe Brandon too, should be under better command than Beacon Dubois! But I'm not going to tell her that, because that'll just make her mad agian. I talked to her agian in Wayfare and told her I won't talk about Beacon Dubois like that agian... because I did exactly what they were doing to Miss Sophia, putting them down behind their backs, it's no surprise Miss Daniella defended him, I was being a butt.
-Fellow
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*Tod sits in his top bunk on a ship to Mariner's hold. Before he turns in for the night, his laughter is heard from outside the bulkhead and in the walkway*
Miss Daniella's my hero! Miss Rose told me that Miss Daniella (of all the people I know) insulted Miss Sophia by implying that she would gain pleasure from a common farm animal! She went a little too far I think, it was not appropriate or anything, I do feel sorry for Miss Sophia with having to deal with that... only wish I was there to hear it! I'm going to lock Biscuit up tight in her stall and secure it with traps all the way up to the cieling! I didn't think it was possible to make her that mad though... oh well, Miss Sophia probably was heading for an insult like that anyway, hopefully she'll be a little better with how she flirts? Or did Miss Daniella just add fuel to the fire?
We had a good mining trip afterwards, I felt like I was part of the group and they even let me mine a little! Miss Drexia was awesome with how she punches in the knees of the giants and dodging all the fire missles and heading straight to the mages and killing them (With her fists only!) before they could cast anything else. And then Aerimor can turn into a medusa and a flayer and everything now... he's sort of creepy with some of the things he can turn into. We got tons of silver and now Miss Daniella will have a really nice silver coating.
All I have.
-Fellow
*He quietens and puts his journal aside. He pulls the covers up to his chin with a small chuckle and falls quickly to sleep*
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*He hums cheerfully and sits on Storold's bench as he writes. He legs swings and he continues to grin*
I met another wemic today. Her name's Raksha and she's not very good at common. But a cute little Brownie named Miss Annie gave her lessons, starting off with her little red rose she's always carrying. She looks like a firefly when she runs around, nothing but a little blur of red. She is the most cheerful little thing I've ever seen and the "little" factor adds to it. She had me laughing when she did her imitations of zombies and trolls. I also met a exotic elven woman named Miss Asheni, she had tattoos that are all on her left side, ending at her left middle finger and probably all the way down her body. We cleared Gloom Woods and the swamps with Father Logan and Miss Rose. Miss Rose seems to have gotten better with her magic, she's impressive to watch.
I miss Keppli a lot, she's constantly on my mind. I just haven't seen her any and hoping she's okay. Storold seems to understand and gives me good advice on what to do. I like talking to him and he's very easy to find since he's always near his bench. He recommended a letter to her and that's what I did... except instead of a falcon, I sent a shadow to deliver it and Storold said it was good idea... I don't know what to do now, sort of roaming blindlessly on a road I've never been down before...
That's all I have to write!
-Fellow
*He slips off Storold's bench and heads for sleep.*
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*Tod huddles out of the rain in Vale after leaving a group that was clearing the giants. He begins to write the date down, thinking it important to have it down for events.*
Freas, Junar 13, 1442
Storold's and other Lucindites' hearing was today. We talked outside until it was ready and several people showed. Miss Ami handed Storold an apple and he gave it to Missus Sala... for some reason, he didn't want to eat it. I asked him but he wouldn't answer... I'll ask him agian later!
I didn't understand most of the hearing. I was hungry and thirsty but wasn't allowed to eat or drink... and I had to got to the bathroom... The only reason I stayed was to support Storold but all the lady requested was "not to speak ill of the past and focus on the future"... the present too, that's why it's a gift!
*Lets a jaw-creaking yawn out and pushes his drooping hood back up from the rain and pulls his cloak closer*
I just left a group clearing out giants. Even Miss Ayana was a part of it! I haven't seen her for a month of something really crazy. I forgot how nice she was even when she's really, really quiet sometimes. But the trip went well even when Fehriel was a butt couple times and a lady named Miss Mel and Dragomir fought up front and got hurt, so it went good
I talked with Rodlin agian at the campfire after I bought some things from Miss Shrowd. I asked him if Keppli was recruited yet. He said she wasn't but then he said she was progressing nicely. I hope so! She's always working hard and I'm sure she'll climb up in the ranks to a commander really quick. I think she deserves something like that... Keppli Quickhands, Commander of the Wolfwood Ranger Corps. That's a worthy title I think! *chuckles*
That's all I have to write about.
-Fellow
*He chuckles agian and snaps the book close and pushes it into his bag before cacooning himself in his cloak to sleep*
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*Tod sits in the Scamp's Mug, turning three smooth rocks over in his hand. He gives them a shakes and sets them on the table.*
Sunra, Augra 1, 1442
I went to see if Miss Llane was at the crossroads and she was. Ni was there too but they were talking in Elven. Miss Llane usually good at talking in common around me but she didn't seem to really notice me there. I went to get a drink from that shack and came back out and Miss Jaelle was sitting down. Ni went off and Miss Llane followed and I complained to Miss Jaelle about them speaking Elven and I don't understand any of it and how there's often no Halflings around for me to chat in my own language with. So Miss Jaelle said hello to me in Halfling and I was surprised. She asked if I wanted to play a game with her about me saying a phrase in Halfling and then she'll say a phrase in Elven.
So the first was "My name is..." which is something like "Sa lilsa ela...". I'm not sure it's right but oh well. She asked me what I wanted to learn next and I asked for "I love you..." She chuckled and asked what type of love. She named off a couple and I picked the last one (Someone who you desire but have not yet told?). She gave me chills when saying "E ceela aey", she said it in the sort of seductive tone and it just rolled off her tounge in that certian way women can talk. Then we got to the topic on different types of love. She used three stones, one for different parts: Passion, Intimacy and Commitment. She described how two could combine and what each meant alone. I said I wanted all three... and she sort of pryed and asked if I kissed her yet. I said sort of and asked if the cheek count. She hid a smile! I know she did! Of course it doesn't count, but she said everything counts... She said I knew if feelings were returned and "It's more like leaping off a cliff, not knowing if there's water or sharp rocks at the bottom" when making a move on a woman. It's a risk... a dangerous one, if I mess it up, it could go from being friends to nothing. She said to give her a proper kiss, with a warning so it doesn't stun her or make her slap me from how sudden it was. Will I jump off the cliff? I want too... but will I hit water? And how far will the jump be? Why does Keppli have to make her cliff so high?
I think I'll make the jump but that's all I have right now. I need to make a list of Halfling letters for Miss Jaelle, I promise I'd make one and she'll be wanting them the next time she sees me.
-Fellow
*Pulls the rocks off the table and sticks them into his pocket. He begins to write down the list of Common's letter and then writing the equivalent letters in Halfling: a- e, b- p, c- s...*
-
*Tod sighs and sits in Hlint, playing with a small kitten with a piece of string. He sits back and writes in his book*
Tunar, Seplar 17, 1442
We went with the group to see Fisty about those who are blessed by him and for help or something else. We took a boat ride and I got to look from the crow's nest and everything. We got to the island and Fisty flew down with a big thud and blew hot air all over us. He was HUGE, bigger than Shadrixkayl. He kept jumping in front and back of the group, always changing where he stood and I heard Keppli suddenly yell. I turned and Fehriel was trying to pick her up. It made me mad that he would even think of picking her up against her will. If I didn't have a lick of self control, he would have holes in his hands by knives and possibly his hands off all together! He thinks he can do anything he wants but one thing I won't let him do is to man handle Keppli! I'll just help Keppli kick him in the shins later... I'll feel sorry for him if she does, with how she can kick doors down! *cracks up, laughing* But I do regret yelling at him like that, I think he was just trying to help... but doesn't mean I have to like his methods!...
We made it back fine, not completely sure what happened. Fisty said he would lift the curses and blessing if Miss Sasha offered someone close to her for a blood sacrifice. She offered herself and I'm surprised how bad she wanted to be the sacrifice for the good of others. But Fisty relented and said something else and we were off back to North Point. Rocky was further up the hill the whole time, praying or something since he was on his knees! Poor Rocky, he just wants a good story for his songs, but then he has to risk his life trying to get them... or he's trying to keep Keppli and me out of trouble. *chuckles and pets the kitten*
I waited for everyone to leave, asking Keppli to stay behind so I could talk to her. It took all I had to not kiss her right then. I forgot all I said before that... All I can remember is Keppli growing red and fumbling for words. And then her hugging me back with a tear falling down her cheek as I kissed her. I didn't know what the tears were for, so I stopped and leaned back to ask why she was crying. She said it was because she was happy and I mumbled to myself asking if I "hit water". She looked confused and I said it was nothing. Has she been waiting for me to make a move all this time? I said it would have been a lie if I said I like her (meant more than just "like") but she took it literally... *laughs* I said no, I didn't like her, well... I do... I confused myself now... but more than just "like", love by now. I think she got it, not sure. Maybe I should just say it straight out? Then she talked about how she felt sort of the same about me, like it's fun when Rocky, her and me go out adventuring and that it's not the same when I'm not with them. I don't know what she means by that... she's confusing sometimes, not on purpose I think... just... confusing like women are. I said it's hard for me to express how I feel since I've never done it before. I also mentioned how I couldn't think straight when she look at me with her eyes... once agian she took it literal and looked away... I swear, she's one for me if anyone... But did Miss Jaelle's advice help? Did I really hit water or will I hit rock once I'm a little ways into the water? Am I doing all this right? I do love her, more than anything, I can tell by how defensive I am of her, even though she can take care of herself. Kissing Keppli was better than being kissed by Miss Alatriel, it wasn't a sympathy kiss... I'm just not going to tell Miss Alatriel that! *laughs*
That's all I have to write.
-Tod
*He begins to finish off with "Tod" for no apparent reason*
-
*He's sitting in Wayfare, tending his sliced foot. He winces and leans back to write*
I saw Miss Essa and Ben today, it was great to see them! I didn't know if they got eaten by giants or what! They were in good health and everything, Ben's still his tough self and Miss Essa's the cheerful, playful kind.
We went and got mahogany wood. It went fine, nothing really happened. Miss Essa's blessings worked a lot and Durgen's speed was good too. There were druids and tons of giants with big clubs and acid. Couple bonked me on the head with their axes but the stone skin helped, I am known to be little hard headed!
We were almost done, heading to Dalanthar and Miss Essa wanted to get the "looneys". She made blades come out of the ground and lifted her top to get their attention... *blushes and looks to makes sure no one is around* I'm sorry to say that she was the first woman I've ever seen with her top just about off. So I couldn't help but to look. I stepped too far up, not paying attention to where I was stepping and one side of my foot got cut a little bit... *leans forward to check his foot and grimaces* I didn't know about it until a little while ago, it just stings.
But it was good to see Ben and Miss Essa again!
-Tod
*Looks in his bags for one of Keppli's smiley face bandages.*
-
*Tod sits beside Biscuit as she munches on oats and hay, no sugar for dessert this time. He sips from a bottle with green writing on label, thinking about what to write.*
Satari, Febra 7, 1443
I was walking through the forest, just roaming like I do, when I went by a house. An old man came out, holding several pots of flowers and sat them on the ground where he was planting a little garden or something. I was thinking why anyone would want to plant a flower garden in the middle of the forest! But I wanted to know and sat down beside him to ask what he was doing. The old man just sat there, continuing to plant the flowers. He said it was for his wife, which passed on years and years ago, and that he planted flowers for her everyday. I looked at the flowers and they were clear crystal! He told me to wait outside and he walked, very slowly like old men do, inside his hut. He was smart and he could tell I was distressed and he went over to his window sill, plucked several red crystal roses from a new batch he just made and slowly came back holding the bouquet out to me and said that I should give them to her... how'd he know? I think Keppli liked them a lot.
Then I went with Steel , Miss ami, Miss Emie, Abiorn, Aerimor, Miss Drexia and Iradril couple days after Plen told his story about Blood's fall. We met a lady named Miss Maddison and we went into these ruins from where you don't want to step off the stone path. Balors were lower down in the castle, with bone wings that were blue and white with electricity. Big stone dragons.. wvyerns they called them, had to be killed so we can get a key to get out. We went to this one cavern and Abiorn did all the fighting, killing balors that made time stop and then it'd pick back up and everyone would be bloodied. He broke a magic portal that felt so cold when getting close to it. But something came down right after we finished the portal and then everything went black... that's all I remember, and I found myself in Wayfare after that.
-Tod
*Shuts the book and dozes as Biscuit finishes her meal*
-
*Tod sits in a hayloft in one of the barn in Hempstead's fields, waiting the rain out. He burrows himself in the hay after checking it to be clean and pulls his book out to write and lights a candle, being extremely careful not to let it touch the hay*
I went deep into the Deep with Abiorn, Miss Ami, Miss Emie, Wren, Aerimor, Alatriel and Steel. They were after emeralds and mithril and they invited me along. I never thought I'd go to see actual emeralds be mined... or mithril! It took a little while to get ready since we needed picks and chisels and get to know each other and to calm some of Alatriel's nerves... I never thought she could be so nervous, but I'm glad she came, she helps with my own nerves until she starts with the "holy hells" stuff... could a hell really be holy? Then it wouldn't be a hell!
We went out by the fire that is constantly kept out by the shore in Miritrix and Miss Emie and Miss Ami were bickering agian. I told them to be careful, they get pretty rough... but what does Miss Ami do? She "booms" me! She threw a ball of lightning and made me deaf! It hurt too, my hair was standing up for a while. Alatriel and Aerimor finally came to the fire after their own arguement over something... I'm not sure what it is but hope they get it settled out. Think it has to do with her getting pregnant agian, maybe she won't lose this baby? Miss Ami and her big mouth blurting stuff out put Aerimor in a bad mood and it took him a little while to get out of it.
We finally left and went through the depths of the Deep. We saw big golems agian and beholders, dark elves, dark dwarves, mind flayers and we heard "holy hells" from Alatriel couple hundred times. Abiorn likes to move quickly, always making this big scorpion, spider and snake thing come out of now where and scares all the things to death. We made it to the mithril golems and they beat Abiorn up pretty badly. Luckily we all had some scrolls to help him up. It's gotta be pretty dangerous if couple golems can beat Abi down! We found a thing of mithril bullets and they were going to toss them out. I was about to say that I'll take them, they're made of mithril! But Steel beat me too it, I'm sure he doesn't mind taking them with saying "Speak for yourself, I've got a pocket full of mithril rocks" when they said they found no treasures. We then made it to the emerald caves. There was big blocks of living emerald beating at Wren, Miss Emie, Aerimor and Steel. Abiorn takes control of the littler ones to make them turn on the big ones and then he gets in close and personal, taking little hits now and then... he's a tough gnome! Miss Alatriel stays in the back with me trying to hit those things, our arrows just bounce off.
At the end, we got about seven emeralds, Miss Emie, Steel, and I think Miss Ami and Abiorn didn't want any emeralds. Abiorn just wants to cut them so Alatriel, Aerimor and me probably have a very good chance of getting some. Steel wanted five mithril nuggets to make for mithril reinforced so he took five, and then several were extra so I got five too. Steel said Miss Ferrit could make the armor, I'll see if he can talk to her or whenever I run into her about making me some too since I have the stuff. I got a nice white cloak from the extra loot too alongside a cloak Abi gave to me since it was really cold down in the Deep and then Wren giving me white gloves that are extra soft and helps me bandage people up. I'm very happy with the things I got, just my pockets and bags are getting heavy!
*Draws a zigzag line*
I'm still mining for Miss Sophia, she said she was giving necklace of shields for ore. She wants about 75 ingots of platinum... I have about 20 ingots now, maybe 15 nuggets, I've given up smelting the nuggets into ingots since I make so much mush instead of solid platinum. Hopefully Miss Sophia will accept nuggets too.
I was going on a trip to the troll cave, maybe I could carry ten more nuggets out (That's all I can carry! So me working for Miss Sophia is a slow process) and I ran into Miss Shrowd. I told her I was going into the caves and she said it's a dangerous place. I said not so much since the trolls are stupid enough to keep their backs turned to me and try to hit something that's not truely there (meaning shadows I control to draw the attention). Her eyes got all wide and asked if I was one who could bend shadow to my will. She then bowed too me asked if I could teach her. I don't know how to explain how I do it, I just do it, second nature now. As long as there is a shadow near me, I should be able to mess with it in some way. But I pointed her to Alatriel since she taught me some, maybe I'll come along sometime and learn some extra stuff too.
-Tod
*Closes his book and snuffs the candle out. He pulls his green cloak over him and falls alseep for the night.*
-
I was heading into the Red Lights to get salt since I was out of pies, meat and bread. Storold was already inside getting the goblins and he said he was getting copper to start some weapon smithing. I'm sure he could just buy the swords and stuff, it's not like he's poor. Couple minutes later, Keppli, Rocky, Miss Rose and Fehriel ran inside almost bumping into us. Miss Rose and Storold had to leave so just the four of us went on down.
We came back up, Rocky had an accident so we went and helped him get back to his stone. Fehriel ran off to do his own thing. It was quiet for a long time. Then Keppli took her armor off to show her tunic and pants, then pulled on an old brown coat... But wow, did she look good. The extra long sleeves and then the raggedy look looked good on her. Sort of worried I wouldn't stop staring if she ever puts on a dress. I asked her if she ever thought about it but thought me joking.
Rocky asked if I ever wanted to try on a "kilt". I didn't know what it was, guess it's a manly skirt like that ones Flynn wears. Rocky changed into his bright blue, green, and yellow clothes with the big feathered hat. We both laughed and he asked I wanted to try it on. Heck yeah! I wouldn't mind having a hat like that. Rocky said I could try it on and Keppli said it looks amazing. Hope so! It was wierd having it on, felt exposed with having on bright colors.
Rocky was going to give me a stick to go with it and I went to the bank to get him some coins, but when I came back, only Lythar and Keppli was there! The fat dwarf ran off knowing I was going to try to pay him! So I took out a bottle of whiskey and shook it in front of me, yelling that I was going to accidently drop it and it was going to be such a waste. I heard Rocky cursing behind some trees and Keppli started to try yelling louder than me saying that I didn't have a bottle and we kept trying to shout louder than the other... she's pretty loud! I almost got the coins into his pocket but he got away. But then he came back and gave me the stick, saying to give Keppli the coins since she's broke from trying to pay me back... so I gave them both my puppy eyes and they both looked away! Puppy eyes don't work when they're looking away!
But Keppli denied the coins too so I begin to pull the clothes off and pull my coat back on. I was hoping she'd accept the coins after I put the clothes away, so I'd put them back on. But it didn't work like that. She said she was going to keep an eye on me and I said she wouldn't see me with that hat back on when she's around and she pulled on a horrified look... that's worse than the puppy eyes! But I just gave up trying to give the coins to her, maybe I can persuade a banker to transfer coins from mine to her's.
I'll give her the coins somehow. I can be just as stubborn! But now I need to cook some supper even though she shared several pies.
-Tod
*pushes the book back into his bag and pulls on the big hat with the feather.
-
*Tod sits crosslegged in his bunk on one of the ships he frequently travels in. He groans when he starts to have a stomach ache and pulls his journal out. He rubs his eyes for a couple moments, trying to think of to write.*
Neither Keppli or me won Plen's house in that raffle. We only had maybe...
*does the math* 6% chance of one of us winning anyway. There was some other things Plen put up for raffle too. Keppli won second or third and got some Elven chain mail, I'm not sure what she'll do with it, she almost tipped over when she was carrying back for us to see so I'm not sure she could really wear it. I had to run off since nature called and I came back and I won something! I got some bracers that bend so they are better then the gloves I had. Plen had to leave early, then shadows attacked us and then afterwords, Raz started to tick off Storold by messing with Miss Amanda and saying "Shut up old man, mind your own business" when Storold tried to get him to stop... I like Raz and everything but with having told the Protector of the Al'Noth to shut up and then calling him old with Keppli, Fenrir, Miss Amanda, me and several other people there that are friends with Storold, is NOT smart! I don't know what Raz's problem is, saying I began to turn on him during the last decade... I don't know what he meant but I mean to talk to him.
I talked with Keppli couple days ago and she convinced me to where the purple hat and suit, think she really likes it, but anyway! Rocky came and asked Keppli if she told me about the trip. I didn't understand and they said they went to meet the Golden Emerald! That she was huge and the nicest dragon of all! and that they got unmarked... That she turned into a stunning elf woman and they took their hands and then they suddenly felt weak which meant the mark was gone... And I MISSED it! *Slaps his forehead several times with both palms* I would've brought every pie I had so I would have a chance to share it with the Golden Emerald, but I missed it... Now I'm stuck with this shadow... I'm tired of it popping up and punching me and then me having to mop up the blood after saying that I got excited after cutting a gem and sliced my hand. I'm happy, relieved, and thankful that Keppli was unmarked, Rocky and Alatriel too... feel a little jealous but I'm glad they're safer than before.
Another thing I missed was breaking that portal in the Red Lights that lets out undead... that's not as bad as missing the trip to the Golden Emerald, I still get to beat up the deaders and take their fancy weapons they sometimes carry, but I still wished I could've helped Storold.
-Tod
*He puts his journal away and props himself up agianst the wall where he eventual dozes off.*
-
*Tod walks in Stone when one of the moons is articulary bright enough for him to see. He suddenly stops and grins, turning to the canyon. He cups his hands around his mouth and yells as loud as he can, "She said YES!". He gives a satisfied nod when the echoes bounces back and sits to write.*
Threas, Decilar 12, 1444
I finally asked Keppli if she would marry me, out by the cliffs near Blackford Castle. She was nervous with how she kept trying to offer me pie and asking how Biscuit was doing... but she said YES! If she truely follows through, I'll be married, with a wife! *pauses and his hand starts to shake* Sort of scared now that I think about it... I don't own a house or anything! But spending the rest of my life with Keppli sort of makes all that seem like little inconvienences.
If we are to make our lives... one, we'll need to communicate and get rid of this... awkwardness that's between us. First, when to marry, how does she want it? Does she want it casual or big and grand? Second, where do we buy a house? Does she want one in the woods or in a town, village, city? Third... well, haven't thought of three questions yet! But she said yes! I was so afraid she'd say no, I wouldn't hate her for it if she did, I'd still want to be one of her best friends. I want her to marry me because she wants to, because she wants to be with me as bad as I want to be with her.
I think she'll make me the happiest man in the world.
-Tod
*He closes his book and rubs his eyes, thinking about the remainder of his life.*
//A song that reflects Tod's mood and thoughts as he writes:
Would You Go With Me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sApH8VtWFI)
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*Tod walks in Stone when one of the moons is particulary bright enough for him to see. He suddenly stops and looks down at the path closing his eyes trying to keep tears from leaking and turns a wooden ring banded with leaves around his finger. He turns to the canyon and whispers quietly, "She said no...". He gives a dissapointed nod and sits to write.*
Wedlar, Apreal 18,1445
I saw Keppli yesterday and she had some... news. She said she doesn't want to get married, but just wants to be my best buddy. It stings, it hurts more than I ever thought it would, but I'm glad that she was confortable enough with me to tell me what she really wants and how she feels. I hope she knows I'm fine with her wish and that I am more than happy with being just best buddies. *sits quietly, unmoving except twisting her wooden ring agian* I do admit I still love her but I won't pester her about her decision, because after all, she's the most stubborn person I know. *forces a weak grin and lets it fall after a moment or two.*
-Tod
*He closes his book and rubs his eyes before standing to leave.*
-
*Tod sits up in the Scamp's Mug, late at the night like he usually does when he can't sleep. He reads the last two entries several times with a sad expression, but turns the page to write another.*
Tunar, Jular 24, 1445
I went to that card tournament that Steel advertised for today, it was fun, I had a really good time and almost won! But Miss Jaelle is really good. She wasn't planning on playing but she joined anyway since there were only three contestants: Storold, a man named Travie and me. I played agianst Travie, winning best out of three but he had to leave after those. Then I watched Storold and Miss Jaelle play, Aerimor kept getting mad everytime they played skeleton cards *chuckles quietly*
Off topic, I got to see little Miss Mera, Alatriel's new daughter. I didn't really get to see her face, she was wrapped in blankets, and I'm glad Alatriel didn't sweep her away from me since I'm stilled marked.
But Storold and Miss Jaelle played three games and Storold lost twice, making Miss Jaelle my opponent. I didn't think Miss Jaelle would be the kind that would play cards since she's fancy and everything, but boy, did she woop my butt! I asked her how she got so good and that's when she told me that she taught some people the game... that would've helped I think, I wouldn't have been so cocky, but oh well. So Miss Jaelle got first, I got second and Storold third.
Afterwards we just played some more, I beat Storold with my dragon and I think I beat Tim once... we have to play agian though, I want to play Steel too. I played Miss Jaelle agian since she could drink her wine she was drinking during the time... she beat me agian! So we have a date next week and she'll play me some more (she's bringing the pie, how can I say no?).
-Tod
*He gives off a big yawn, putting his arms behind his head to stretch. He picks his journal up and trudges back to his room to try to sleep.*
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*Tod sits outside Fehriel's log while Fehriel is off doing his round of patrolling. He yawns and hunches over his book*
Mulnari, Oclar 2, 1445
The Green Dragon Cult is suspected to land right around here on this coast, I'm not sure what I'm supposed to watch for except ships, but nothing yet. It's pretty boring work, nothing to do except sleep, eat and sleep some more on off time and hiding, watching and more hiding when scouting. It's sorta chilly sometimes and mostly wet but hey! maybe we'll be heroes for spotting something and giving a heads up for everyone else. I just wish these squitoes would stop biting me! *smacks himself on the cheek to kill a misquito.*
Fehriel is here, I saw him when he was on his way in. He's a butt a lot of the time, but he makes good company. He knows his way around swamps and he's a good bird source for sending a message to Plen if we see anything. We take turns watching the coast so at least one of us is always out watching and the other is sleeping. Mine is in a couple hours, guess I'll rap this up and get forty winks!
-Tod
*He puts his journal away and climbs into the log to sleep.*
-
*Tod sits in the Scamp's Mug, chewing on the end of his pen thoughtfully. He sighs and just writes, hoping his thoughts would come onto paper.*
Lance had a chat with me one day in the troll cave while we mined platinum for his armor making and everything. Before we went there, Lance was complimenting me on how I do real quality work and he said there's no doubt about my reputation as a gatherer... but then he said "at least as a gatherer" with a sad look. I didn't understand what he said and he said he'll explain to me later.
Lance talked to me about how he was pained when I stood in front of Sion and that I thought he was going to kill Sion in cold blood. But I said I didn't mean for it to turn out like it did, that I know now that I had no right to be in his defence since I wasn't there when he killed the other elf and assaulted Miss Daniella and Miss Anne. He seemed lightened by it, he didn't seemed as hurt like before. He questioned me about why I liked to help people. I like to help people because it's what I do! It's something I enjoy doing. Making people happy, going out of my way to mine ore for someone or making bags or just giving directions, it's something I like to do! I like to see the smiles and the gratitude some people give. But he said he forgives me and thinks my regret is sincere.
*Groans as it is late at night and moves down the page for more space.*
Missus Gala asked me to accompany her to the Berylite temple for her summonings. So I came and the others were late, being Rocky, Keppli, Miss Essa, Ben, Missus Ferrit, and Missus Sil. Something was wrong with some gems in the Crest Hills, their "vibrating life" or something like that was being sucked out of them for bad reasons. We all went down and there were several dark elves and spiders. We jumped into this portal and we all sunk in to the other side. There, we found orbs with black empty gems all around. Missus Sil had to sing and Missus Gala had to chant while holding some gems. The first time she turned into a huge red golem (Ben didn't like it because it hid all Missus Gala's curves *chuckles*), but she went into the light... and she shattered into millions of pieces! We were all scared out of our wits for Missus Gala, I was thinking we'd have to put all of Missus Gala back together agian and raise her like that. But the light went away and she was laying on the ground unconcious. She finally woke up but was hurt. We had to do another orb but this time, Missus Gala turned into a diamond golem instead of ruby. She explained afterwards about being touched by Beryl when she shattered and was back to normal, I didn't understand it all. For the last orb, she used one of my diamonds and it was a pretty big explosion. But Missus Gala was tough and she broke them all with Missus Sil's help. So we all finally left the cave and at the temple, Missus Gala was raised to an Alexandrite... not sure what that is either but it must be good! It's all I have and it's getting really late.
-Tod
*He yawns and rubs an eye, slipping out of his chair with his journal under his arm to head to his room.*
-
*Tod sits hunched over underneath his cloak in the middle of the swamps, trying to keep his book dry.*
The invasion has started! I spotted some people out by that tower in the Battlehelm Moors and I tried to catch a bird as fast as I can... but they're so dang quick! I sent a message to Plen saying that I spotted some people, one was a dwarf, the other was covered in wards and the last was... well skinny and it had a horrible scream. *cringes at the memory of the scream* Lance met up with me near that cave in Silkwood to discuss that and something about a "pool" in Storan's with me, apparently something they're coming for. I'm going to try to help the best I can, that's all I can do. Maybe be a spy or a scout a little longer but I plan to be a part of the cult's downfall.
*draws a line* Not about the invasion, I saw Keppli looking at the horses in Orc's Watch when I got done getting rocks and sage. She said she was just looking at them... We were bored and the topic got on Miss Fluer and Maran about how he's having a hard time getting some cherry pie, so we went and traveled all the way across Dregar past Highpass to get some. It took a long time, few days, but I enjoyed every moment of it. We got quite a bit even though we ate most of it as we picked them. We took Storold's house back since he wasn't home, we only looked at the temple and took the portal. Isher was right outside the portal and we talked with him. I arm wrestled him and won by a long shot! Keppli wanted to try too but Isher got a bit out of hand and beat her pretty badly, could have sworn I heard her wrist pop! But I knew she was okay when she blew into this magic horn that made me want to dance... Anyway, Miss Fluer ran by and Keppli told her we went and got cherries to make her a pie with. She started crying, didn't think it'd make her that happy! She squeezed us in a hug so that it made me squeak when I tried to talk! I still have to make the pie and give it to her since I haven't seen her in awhile.
I have to go back to make sure nothing is sneaking out of the swamp.
-Tod
*Tucks his book away and climbs out of his tiny refuge to continue watching.*
-
*Tod sits hunched over in Biscuit's saddle and tries to write as she takes her sweet time finding the greenest grass to eat.*
I've been going around a lot with Missus Gala just messing with things, taking out some bandits (Who Steel said were probably bound!), trying to get this orcish helmet, flag and axe things. I've also done some trips with the Angels, it's pretty cool that they get together just to roam.
One time after Missus Gala and Shamur had to leave, we took so long to get moving agian that Miss Drexia walked up (Or ran really, there's not much difference between her walking and my running) and she wanted to join. We took even longer and Sall and Missus Tegan came up. They joined us too just to have some fun. We had Sharawood planned agian (Missus Gala really wants to meet Miss Shara, I don't know why... she's a handful!) and Sall suggested fire giants. Not just normal, already dangerous giants, but fire giants! with big swords! and a lot of fire!
After we finished the forest, we headed to the giants. Miss Drexia decided to leave because she knows her own limits unlike someone else I know (Miss Daniella). They weren't too bad, we (meaning Chakar, Sall, Missus Tegan and Aerimor really) took out all of them, some of the genasi (I think that's spelt right) and some monks with rapiers and staffs. The monk punched or stabbed Sall in the wrong spot... you know! that spot. So he was wobbling everywhere, *laughs* I'm sure Missus Tegan took care of him. We got back and everyone left, Sall took a book, Aerimor a Healer's hug, and I got some magic gloves.
Another day, I was in Storan's getting into that locked room and Daniel and Samuel ran up and Miss Daniella in the back. It was good to see them, they seem to be getting alot better with their paladin stuff. But Miss Daniella has changed, I swear to whoever will listen. She doesn't take note of her bodily limits. She doesn't keep clean like she used to, she just rushes ahead to another place to fight (One was my fault where I lead her into the locked room and I died because of the bodak's stare... Not her fault!). She jumped from Storan's to Krandor without much sleep. She doesn't eat much and she wonders why her brothers are so concern and saying she should take breaks... I don't think it's really fair for her to make her brothers worry too much because she's too busy to take some time off. She's just doing her job... that's what she said. Well I don't like her job, it hurts me too because I've known her a long time and we're best friends and I don't like seeing her hurting. She doesn't even stand still enough for me to wrap a bandage on or even use those new magic gloves. She needs to be shown tough love! Except... I can't really say any of that to her face since I'm not used to showing tough love.
*sighs and rubs his forehead* I hope she gets through whatever it is before she really hurts herself. She should talk to Lance, he usually has good advice.
Oh! On the brighter side, congradulations to Storold and Miss Amanda! Missus Tegan said Sall sung at their wedding and he wouldn't any more after that! *chuckles*
-Tod
-
Threas, Mar 5, 1447
These last few days have been interesting... I got to see a bone dragon!! I was running past Krandor and a big thing of bones started to bash on Chakar, Storold and Miss Amanda. But then it dissapeared to Krandor's crypts near that portal that made me hurt Missus Gala and Missus Sala. There the lich started to mess with us. He made this man walk into a portal and it turned all red and then he rushed out of no where and started to attack us. We killed him, I hope his family forgives us. And then this big bony golem came out of the portal that was said to have a spirit that Storold knows. It killed Jacob and almost me! Then yesterday, I was talking with Missus Gala and Rocky, later Keppli, and this wierd man in a grey robe said go to the abandoned outpost because he said that he could help us against the lich. *Inserts a copy of letter in between these two pages*
I saw Storold near Hilm's Castle and I gave him the letter, but he didn't seem as excited as I thought but I think he was at least a little bit! But then this really ugly man (I don't mean to be mean but it's the truth!) said he lost his wife and he wanted us to go find her. So we did and we all walked into this dust that was falling around us without thinking. And I don't know what but I laid eyes on Missus Tegan and she suddenly seemed... sexy. She's always been attractive but never like that! *Suddenly turns a bright bright red* I felt the urge to get her alone, I wasn't even thinking what Sall would say! I was saying all this cheesy stuff, the kind of things Raz would. Then Missus Tegan and Storold started talking about Keppli, well they don't know Keppli had changed her mind but there's always that little bit of hope... *sighs, saddened* But it helped snap me out of it and I realized my shoulder was touching Missus Tegan's thigh *reddens again* You know her skirt is at the perfect length?... It turned out that the man's crystal rose was making the woman fall in love with him and it was now broken (The stuff inside was what was affecting us), so he walked away crying, you can't help but to feel a little sorry for him with being rejected like he was...
-Tod
*Closes his book and tucks it away still with a slightly red face*
-
*Tod on his bed in his room in Wayfare with his white and pink suit laid over his wardrobe neatly.*
Sunra, Novlar 1, 1449
It was great! Missus Elly's and Miss Jaelle's Ball was a blast. I wore Miss Zari's suit that she sold me, it was white with pink poofy... I think lace, around the wrists. Everyone was there, Miss Tilli (Who's wings looked great), Lance (Who didn't look much different from normal *laughs* He was still handsome though.), Miss Ell (Who looked dashing in her silver dress, it complimented her red hair), Miss Jaelle (Who's skin sparkled like a bunch of diamonds, a real neat effect) with Aislin (her daughter), she had a dress on like Miss Jaelle's, she was completely adorable! Tralek and Vrebel (Both looked a little out of place all cleaned and straight with suits!), even Wren was in a suit, too! Ben was there too, he was in a black suit. I thought he would shave but he just had his mustache trimmed. *chuckles* Emwonk had a lizard helmet and tail, it was pretty funny when he starts his vocabulary in a costume like that.
Miss Tyra even came though she said she was bored, but I think she had fun. Idoran came in a suit too, been a while since I saw him. Castor, I think I met him a looong time ago but he used on of Fehriel's back up suit, he looked pretty good. Miss Darthirae came with her red dress she normally has on but she looked pretty like usual. Missus Ferrit came in a nice red dress with a tiger mask, she looked like a pretty rashaka (I'm positive that's spelt right!). Missus Elly was there too of course, she looked nice and elegant (even more than usual!) Missus Sala had a really pretty dress and cloak, it was blue at the bottom and white at the top, Lucinda's colors. Steel didn't have his mask on so his skin blended in with his suit, think it was blue... or black? He was often surrounded by a bunch of people. Later on, Fehriel showed up in gold pants and a white coat with white wings with something that goes green whenever he walks. Miss Azaionna came too in a pretty blue and gold dress that matched Fehriel. Miss Drexia came too! Even though she was covered unlike a nymph that came (I'll get to that in a moment) she still looked great, white top and a blue bottom with a tiger mask, think she was a rakasha too. Towards the end Miss Zari showed up in a very nice dress and Raz was in a suit too (I'm willing to bet it was all silk!). Triba came in a red dress with what looked like fire (real fire!), I was tempted to throw a bucket of water on her the first time (but I quickly changed my mind when I saw it was intentional and she wasn't getting hurt...). I was surprised I didn't see Miss Argali or Miss Jennara there, I was curious what they'd dress up as. Missus Amanda came and she was beautiful too, a white dress with white wings. Storold was along too with a blue suit, I think he should just shave the hair he has left, it'll make him look like his hair style is actually intentional. *grins* Hopefully I didn't miss anyone, there were just so many people!
Okay, the nymph. This part is great. A beautiful nymph came in with nothing but two shells? attached to her chest and a bit of a bottom. She had the most attention by far, every guy went to her at least one ( I think there was a couple that new the secret maybe like Steel that didn't drool over her.) I even asked how her top didn't pop off every couple of moment, Missus Sala said it was probably glue. Long story cut short, the nymph's voice deepened sometime and she ended up leaving. Later, I talked to Tralek and he said he heard Miss Jaelle say her named and it started with "M"... for Moraken! *bursts out laughing again* It was great, hands down the best joke for all the men who hit on the "nymph".
When we were on the top floor, I even asked Miss Drexia to dance with me! I knew it wasn't the best idea, she can get really fast without thinking. She said she couldn't dance... liar! She was a great dancer! I don't think she liked some of the contact we had when she stiffens when I pulled her in for a twirl or anything, but I think she had fun. Soon we got really fast and I couldn't keep up! So I backed off a little and she did some martial art dance by herself, I didn't come anywhere near, afraid I'll end up with a black eye or something. *grins* At the same time Miss Drexia was dancing, Triba and Steel were to gypsy music, they were really good, even when Steel was bent over to accommodate Triba's height. I accidentally disrupted Miss Drexia's dance with my cheer and said she was ready to head home.
Everyone started to leave, it was pretty late but I think everyone had a great time. Everyone looked great in their suits and costumes, there wasn't one I didn't like. I was dead beat tired afterward, couldn't even finish the pie I brought home.
-Tod
*He hangs his suit in his wardrobe carefully and climbs into bed.*
-
*Tod leans back in one of the Scamp's Mug chairs, popping some bright colored candies into his mouth*
The carnival was a blast, I hope there's another showing up somewhere, I'll go to that too. This one was in Lan's Port, there were tons of tents and food stalls but there wasn't even one pie stall! But there were so many animals and other attractions that I only bought some candy. There were some cages around a ring that held a lot of weird animals like a werepig, werecat, a black bear but Lue said it was different and the only way you can tell is if you look at its face, which had some yellow speckles. Anyway, next to that held a beautiful white tiger and then a ticked off hyena and that tried to swipe my head off when I cackled to it, it must have realized how annoying they must sound! then there was a owlbear that we puzzled over.
All of a sudden there was yelling around the game room so we all went there. Miss Abi played one where you throw balls at the target, she didn't miss one! Lue and I tried to make sure it wasn't rigged and it wasn't, Lue just said that's how they sort of rip people off, they make you pay more for the game than the prizes are worth. Then I played this ring game and I won on my first shot, they game lady gave me a drink (Dwarf Head Ale, what else?).
Then there was another game that had a very very tiny man who was a pansy and then a giant of a man as a partner. Miss Abi dunked the little guy in the water easily, but Miss Ami dunked the huge man, with ONE swing! We all got a little wet, which I had to go around in since I didn't have extra clothes like Lue had, she had a nice red blouse and skirt.
One of the best parts of all the games was the eating contest. This big orcish looking person had some table that we (Lance, Gunther, Miss Abi, Miss Ami, and myself) gathered around. The guy was a bit stupid but he put covered bowls in front of us. The first just held a stew which didn't taste bad, it had some different meats like mice, Miss Ami was the only one to puke that time. The second held cheese, mine was owlbear! from the cage outside! While Gunther and the rest sat and ate their's easily, I was over at the nearest can pukin'. Lance ended up winning the last round which had some time of gelly that moved, now he gets free food for a year.
After the game room, we went back outside to watch the animal show and some others got their fortune read. But Miss Argali, Lue and Lance didn't seem to like their's. But after that, we got to watch the dancers. I was wondering if Nighteyes would be there but she wasn't... but I did get Miss Sama's and Miss Sayuri's autographs and kisses (While Raz got kicked out! *laughs and inserts the kissed-autographed paper in between this page and the previous*). They danced really really well but sadly, their show was ruined due to the werecat that tried to steal from Miss Argali. It turned out that she wanted to escape, using the stolen good to buy the guards to let her out. Lance and Raz were all for killing it, I didn't voice my opinion because if I said I was for or against it, I would tick someone off and would get in trouble with one person or another. So, only I know my opinion. But I got to see some shadow dancers, pet a white tiger, and eat some owlbear cheese, it was a good day.
-Tod
*Closes his book and sets it on the table to finish his left over rock candies.*
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*Tod sinks deep into his new chair that sits right in front of his middle floor's fire place, soaking n the heat that wards off the night's cold.*
Mulnari, Junar 16, 1451
I've been hearing a lot about giants and their horns, which I did manage to snag one but not sure if I'm allowed to keep it. There were tons of people in Hilm that wanted to help but all the mages and other powerful fighters ended up leaving, leaving Miss Drexia, Lue, Beli, Miss Mirren, Tralek, Vrebel, Miss Oma, Fehriel, Caerwyn, Marec and me to find what happened to the Foot's souldiers. I didn't feel very good about it since we didn't have many mages and not even one cleric... but we got through it! Lue and me did a lot of scouting which I think helped a little.
We found the Foot but it was barred up so we tried to get over the bars. I could've done it, but Miss Oma had to have Tricksy do it instead, *scowls* pixies take all the fun. But Lue found the entrance a little ways up and I think she was getting pretty frustrated because no one was listening to her. I sort of know how that feels sometimes, I don't blame her. But she did find the entrance and then we were attacked at the camp. So we went on the offensive and fought the giant's camp that was a little to the South east, it went well until Miss Drexia died... not sure if she was visited or not, but hopefully not! So we got back and Steve (The giant slaying master) was happy and bought us all food. That's pretty much it, I'm still a bit sore.
*Goes down into his kitchen to finish off Elly's pie and drink some milk*
I want to go to Steel's fancy Gala but 10,000 is a lot. And if I go, I'd want to get a raffle ticket but then 35,000 is a whole lot too. I'm not sure I should risk that coin even though I heard the prizes are supposed to be really good. I'll have to think about it.
*Switches topics adruptly*
I saw some scars on Lue's back when she showed me her formal dress and then agian when we got back to Wayfare, and she explained how Triba (Or "Tribbles" is what Lue calls her *grins*) suggesting getting another tattoo that uses the scars as part of the malar's stripes (That's what gave them to her, a malar got her). I think it's a good idea and would look really good... makes me want to get one, maybe a badarse looking tattoo... like a pie with a bunch of steam coming off to show how dangerous pies are when they come right out of the oven. Speaking of pies, I need to go look for fey berries. Lue said they make the best juice and if I'm going to make a bakery, I need to find the best berries and fruit!
*Tries to stiffle a yawn and finally dozes in his chair after the lack of sleep in the Great Forest*
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*Before bed, Tod just feels like writing and scribbles*
Well, I got to go and help with those draconians or drachs or half dragon- half demon that's trying to take over Mistone. They're toughies. We went to Hurix? and Storold was so negative, he needs to relax some. Missus Angela's pretty good at cracking jokes, and I think that helped a little. But we found the fort and the drachs were picking off the men! They were dragging them off somewhere north or south... west? But anyway, the men's leader was also really worried, he pretty much lied to the soldier's just to boost their morale but he think they were doomed. The Toranites haven't gotten there yet and we were the only one's there to help.
After talking in the barracks, we were attacked! These guys were the real deal. No magic buffs or flying hellballs or anything, just brute strength, they were so tough, they got me three times! *sighs* It hurt... it felt wierd, I haven't ever experianced before and I don't want to agian. But we killed so many and Missus Gala even called on Beryl to turn some of their bodies into a wall of solid stone so they could help block the door. Even this one man, who says he's Shiff an' Miss Tyra's dad stabbed one. I don't think it's Shiff, he's supposed to be dead.
*fingers the Drach tooth that hangs around his neck*
I did manage to get a tooth loose, it's pretty neat, it's about the size of three of my hands! Maybe it'll help with the cure? So, now I have a giant giant's giant horn (still haven't blown it yet!) and a tooth, I'm such a pack rat. I even got this cool white belt that has a little ball on the leather, I think it's supposed to help me use a shield... but no idea how to get it to work yet!
But thanks to Missus Gala, and everyone else, I'm back here to write in this book.
-Tod
*Shuts the book and pulls his covers over his head and falls asleep in seconds.*
-
*Tod takes a moment to scribble some things in this journal and then a new, leather bound book.*
Wedlar, Febra 4, 1452
Well, we got a new base made in the Great Forest, it's call the "Hand". So we built it in one day! We killed a few giants on the way there and then we had to build and defend until the giant slayers get there. I couldn't scout much, everyone else seemed to have that done. Everyone was spread off doing there own thing until a lady dressed in green approached me, then people would gather around. But it turned out she was for the giants and kept warning us to leave. We didn't and kept on building until tons and tons of giants attacked. I was hit by some magic pillars of hot fire that pretty much burned me pretty badly, so I'm still healing really really quickly thanks to Missus Gala's magic, Missus Amanda's potions and Miss Angela's gloves... or whatever she used. But we defended and a dwarf named Kobal Bluntaxe (He said a blunt axe is good if you swing hard enough) and Dan continued building while the actual workers left!Dwarves are bunches of beasts, keep going while others can't.
But then Steve came and we were relieved. So it was good, sort of feel sorry for the giants but it was us or them.
*Goes down the page a little*
I finally got to have a lesson with Miss Jaelle, it was fun! I got to go to her house in Leringard and she showed me around her elegant home. Then we sat and chatted about what I wanted to learn. So by the end of trying out different types of magical clothing, gloves and cloak., we tried scrolls... I didn't fail on one! I tried a light, darkness, some type of thing that helps with fire and ice, becoming half ghost (not really, it's an illusion), stoneskin, summoning a shadow and getting the sight, but for some reason, I didn't mess one up. Why can I just do that when I really need them?
Miss Jaelle concluded it was a confidence thing and also I just need some practice. She said I could use some puzzles and tounge twisters to get used to pronunciating complicated words and runes so I don't stumble when reciting a scroll. She also said she'll help me learn the magical patterns and how to understand scrolls from different scribers (since different scribers scribe a little differently, like hand writing). So it was all good, I'm excited for the future lessons, and I have this new book she gave me to write stuff in that I can give to her for her to write notes in for me. I'll go home and dig into my stash of scrolls to play around with... out side!
-Tod
//Just a link to Tod's magic-item-usage-recording-book. (http://forums.layonara.com/development-journals-discussion/238862-tods-leather-bound-book-magic-usage.html)
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*Tod munches on a left over snow petal cake at home one night and pulls out his book*
I like nomadic people, they bring along good stories. I went by Stormcrest and the shack, and there was a wagon I never saw before and people camping around a fire. I went over and, of course, looking for someone to chat with. Then, all of a sudden, tons of people I know started to gather around! We had a great time! Well most of us I think. Miss Zari didn't like Uncle Loren's love story about he met his wife, I think... I liked it, just because I have bad luck in that particular section of my life doesn't mean I should hate it because someone else did better than me. But anyway! Most of everybody had a story, Missus Ferrit had a story about how Wren was trained to be sneaky and went on a sneaky quest and wasn't sneaky! *laughs* One of the camp ladies told a tale of Braden Veld, someone sucked into his own desires that he turned himself invisible and is stuck in a different plane! Argos told one about a goblin and redemption, which I still don't completely get. Then Miss Jennara told a really good one I think, about a really smart child that could outsmart almost anyone... but really, who ever heard of a stallion having a foal?
Miss Argali told one too, it was about a gloopy-gloop and a rat, it was interesting. *grins* Then Tobas, another one of the campers, had a story about an elf and a demon coming close that went back to his pit world with a "looking glass" and can look anywhere on Layonara! That's a frightening thought. Then Lue said I should tell one, I couldn't think of any except that competition that Marcus, Lance, Van, Buddy and myself went into about... 17- 18 years ago. I think they liked it enough, I'm surprised I remember as much as I did. After mine, Lue told us her story about the giant crabs, about how her brother sold a potion to make crops big but the farmer overdosed which resulted in Lue's brother being wanted and then her saving him which resulted in her being wanted... she even had a wanted poster with her on it. It didn't get up to much, maybe 3,000 coins at most, which is sad considering it's Lue.
But it was getting late and most people had left or gone to bed and we decided to take off too. Sometimes, it's just nice to sit down and tell stories around a fire instead of running around bashing stuff or crafting.
*Sips the spirit water and his face scrunches up from the taste. He moves to the next page.*
I even went to the Cherry Blossom Festival! It was great, pretty too with all the cherry blossoms everywhere. But once everyone arrived, we were taken to this one lady's house who gave us all kimonos to wear, and even let us keep them! Mine was blue and white, which I was surprised they took so much time to make a size that would fit me. They even had a size that could fit Caighd! The locals had some interesting traditions, like guessing which trees would blossom first by placing their ribbons around the tree, I should've asked who won. Then they didn't sit in chair but on their knees and they ate with a couple of sticks!
The next part of the festival was okay I guess, poetry isn't my strong point. We had to write haiku's and I didn't even know what that was. But they were kind enough to remind me so I sat for a long time, wracking my brain for something about blossoms. By the time I finished writing it, everyone else went and told theirs, which Miss Jennara had three! Mine was a tad off topic but i think they liked it, at least from what I saw.
But when it was time for the festival, their mask (which the dancer wore) was stolen. Just to make it short, it turns out that Miss Anika's (the dancer) sister hid the mask in one of her cushions in her room. The elders told Miss Anika to determine her sister's punishment, and it sounded more like a punishment for her whole family, which was to volunteer for all the hardest tasks for next year's festival. Might have had to do with the family's honor, but I thought it was nice that she didn't really punish her sister. Once the whole mask ordeal was over, Miss Anika danced a really beautiful dance about the changes the cherry trees make during the winter and then to spring. The music they had was also strange, they had one instrument called a kudaragoto or something that was like a harp, and then some other things I can't remember... But once everyone was dispersing, I even asked to get Miss Anika's autograph! But it's in strange lettering but she said it's her name.
It was fun and glad I took a break to go to that, too.
-Tod
*He shuts his journal and heads upstairs for bed.*
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*Tod stops suddenly and growls in frustration, kicking a rock in the stream next to him. He sighs weakly and plops on the ground, his hair in a messy mop on top of his head, his coat and tunic is wrinkled and unkept, and deep shadows under his eyes. Just through pure will power does he pull out his book to write in.*
I should've stayed, I should've continued along with them, I shouldn't've left. I would've stayed, but I thought she would be safe enough with them. But no! Now, I'm stuck here, looking for berries that may not even exist anymore, alone. I wish Lue was here, we were supposed to do this together. *Tod sits huddled next to that little creek, his shoulders slumping a little bit more.* How am I supposed to find them? What do they even look like? Even if I do find them, what's the point? I only wanted to find them since she wanted them.
*He hides his face in his hands and furiously runs his hands through his hair to get out of the gloomy mood*
At least she had a full life, not too many can say that they found the shadow blade that was used to kill Blood, not too many can say they slayed a dragon with a sling, or had their faces on wanted pictures, fought giant crabs, or saved the world from a skull in a box. She will definitely be missed. Bye Lue.
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*Tod sits at a table in the Angel's Guild Hall and blows the dust off his journal. He rubs his eyes thoughtfully and starts to write.*
Freas, Augra 20, 1454
I've kind of lost interest in writing in here anymore, not much left to write about. But I did go to that thing Missus Amanda was holding a couple months ago, something about Wren being better than her summons. It turns out that he is and the poor angel lady never took him down. But this weird dwarf almost did! It was a long match, the dwarf just wouldn't drop! But after getting beaten on over and over, he finally passed out. I wanted to try but with the way Wren yells, it's kind of scary and intimidating when it's directed at you. Missus Amanda gave me a little help with that and gave me something to clear my mind so I wouldn't freeze. The fight wasn't hard, not really fair since he couldn't get a good swing on me during the whole time, but I think we both had fun!
Then the bar lady came up and offered us drinks, 50 for a bottle, 400 to drink it out of her belly button! The only one to take that offer up was Kurn. *laughs* It was a sight, a little embarrassing but I also think it sort of ruined the fun atmosphere. And you know who came up next after everyone left? Tugs! I haven't seen him in years and years. It was great to see an old pal. He's in a lock business of some sorts. What a scamp! We talked for hours, and hours and hours because we had to get caught up on so much.
*Tod draws a dotted line*
There's these demon things that have been showing up and leaving black scorched marks everywhere. One even picked me up and burnt my shirt! (Which he will have to buy me a new one!) But Connor and Miss Annalee called a meeting and we searched this cave near the Bydell Castle. It had a bunch of walking rocks and genasi looking things, even this pretty Angel Lady showed up and we helped her take down one of the eight demons! (I'm not sure how many there are, I think eight are left) But she was sort of snobby but was happy to help anyway. I got to watch for more marks and report anything to Connor since he specialises in portal-like things.
*Tod draws another dotted line*
I got called to Castlemask castle for something about the fight at Hurix. I didn't know if we were going to have to go back or what but I was excited! Commander Nilles was there and took us to his room where he gave us MEDALS! I never got a medal before, let alone of of honor! What's really neat is that it's magical and turns our skin into rock! (My abs don't need to be turned into rock since they already are!) So now I wear the badge on my coat or have it in a pocket since commander said if I ever show it to a soldier, that they would help me. *pats his coat pocket* But it's not over yet! There's a second surprise. I still have that drach tooth off of a drach at Hurix and thought to make it into a necklace since it's so big and jagged, but then Commander Nilles said he had weapons and others thing made out of the drach bones and hides! I opened the chest and there were some wicked looking things. A little ring, couple of belts and boots, a shiny scale shield and two cloaks. But what caught my eye was the dangerous looking bow. It caught Ben's eye too, but he let me have it since he's just that cool.
The bow is made out of drach bone and its handle is wrapped in a hide (I guess the drach's), but it's so hard to pull back that I need to get a little stronger. Lets see how other drachs react when they see me with a bow made out of one of their brothers! Even Missus Amanda said I looked dangerous, and Ben said I looked more dangerous than an empty larder (Ha-ha, he's soooo funny). It was pretty neat that Commander Nilles brought all this stuff, we were just doing our duty.
I need to go and write up this sale's ticket, guild life is nice, just it's a lot of writing those little slips that records sales and whatnot.
Also, I'm not sure how my lessons are going to continue with how Miss Jaelle got up and gone missing! I hope she's alright, but we need to watch that student of her's that put up the posters, sometimes, it's the one who you least expect it that does the crime.
-
*Tod sits in front of his fireplace after Ben and Aylana had gone to bed upstairs and settles his book in his lap. He nibbles on the end of the pen and tries to scribble something down.*
Heard something interesting the other day, Missus Sil'via said Milara was back doing something or another. I forgot exactly what he did that was so bad from before, but I know that if he came back, it wouldn't be too good.
It's neat to have Ben and Miss Aylana sharing my house with me, it doesn't seem so lonely anymore. I like how they've decorated the second floor, it doesn't look as boring as before!
*He pulls at a loose thread on his chair's arm.*
I was sewing together some gloves and was about to finish up the pinky finger when I thought about everyone I've met. Where has Keppli gone? I'm worried about her, has she gotten into something over her head one too many times? I hope she's alright, just skipping around in the forest with Lythar maybe. *Sits, contemplating as he twists her wooden ring that he had protective magic cast on to help preserve the wood*
I did see Miss Daniella today! She was with a bunch of other Toranites and holy people, and we went and punched some deaders. We bopped 'em good! But we didn't see the woman that Missus Sil saw, so I'm not sure what else we accomplished other than killing stuff that's already dead. It was fun though, just really really cold.
I also saw Chaynce! But he had to go soon so maybe we can go do something later.
I don't know what happen to little Miss Brandy, Van, Miss Pristine, or Miss Mirren. What happened to Balazar? Or Bal? I'm curious on what type of weird stuff he has eaten. Everyone just seems to move on, it's sad sometimes, but maybe it's better for them that they leave for some time, maybe staying here just holds them back. Oh well, hopefully everyone's out doing what they've wanted to do and maybe they would drop by to say "Hi" sometime.
-Tod
*He slips out of his chair and silently tip toes through the second floor, up to his room.*
-
*Tod walks through the forest as the sun sets, weaving in and out of tree shadows, coming in and out of sight, humming cheerfully. He disappears for a time until ending up on a tree branch that sticks out of the ground from an old oak to write.*
It's been a while since I've wrote, not much is happening. Ben and Miss Aylana's wedding party was a blast and some people had some really nice costumes, even a couple were "hot" (double meaning). Miss Essa did a great job organizing it all.
I'm not around town a lot, but on my way just roaming. My bags are loaded with gems and whatnot. Gems reminds me of a trip with Miss Rissa when we went through the forest giants and then the desert. It was fun, I think she's getting close to where the AlNoth gives her more magic since she practiced so much magic during that time. I was afraid I wouldn't be good enough to where I could keep the giants off her but I think we made a really good team. She's an interesting woman, and her actions confuse me, I don't know what to make of them.
My aim is better than ever since I can use my new bow, it's super neat. Has a nice hiss and a little snap, crackle, pop. I'm learning a new technique with a shield, still a little awkward but I'm getting better. I'm at my peak in my shadow abilities, my learning and progression has slowed down to where there's almost none at all. I've always wanted to be able to do things like the Veil can but I doubt that will happen, just something I can maybe push for. I guess I will pick up my training again and try to improve, what's wrong with trying for second best?
-Tod
*He stuffs his book back into his bag and jumps off the branch to continue on his way, weaving in and out of the shadows, obscuring his silhouette and then is gone.*
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*Tod sits in his house once again after a long day at the docks, he's tired and soaked through but he pushes himself to write in his book.*
Sunra, Junar 8, 1457
Wow! I went to go drop something off at the guild but everything was under water! I took me a moment to believe what I saw. It was horrible! The only place that wasn't under water was the Tower Academy, and all these people were piling inside. It makes me sad to see people like this, it isn't much fun.
It's a lot of work, I try to pitch in every now and then and make sure people eat and rest.
I wonder what made the big wave come. Now, all our guild stuff that we've worked so hard on is ruined, and so many people's homes and life savings that have gone into it is gone now. It's a sad time... but we'll push through! We have all the best helpers out there helping right and we should build this city back up in a matter of... I don't know, a few years? But that's okay!
-Tod
*He pushes his book back into his bag and pulls out boot material to begin sewing a pair.*
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*Tod sits in front of his fire place in his "thinking chair" with a little pile of leather on the table next to him. He pulls a sheet into his lap and cuts it to make into boots before he pauses and writes in his book.*
Satari, Seplar 21, 1457
I guess I am really an odd person, Miss Rissa's right on that. I do run around with wacky people. I mean, jeese, that Ben guy, who can be wackier than him? I'm just kidding, he's a good friend.
And I hope I didn't upset Missus Elly or Amgine too much, I'm not very good at tough love... I do care about them and I felt that it just needed to be said.
That tsunami thing really hit us hard, so much work to be done, it's none stop! But we gotta push through, life is tough but we gotta be tougher!
-Tod
*He yawns behind his fist and closes his book and sets it to the side. He goes upstairs to find a blanket and returns to his chair to slowly drift to sleep.*
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*Tod sits outside his cave/house's entry way and across the street against the tavern's wall. He wipes his eyes and pulls his journal out to write in a shaky hand.*
Poor Miss Essa! I've never seen her in so much pain... her screams are terrible, I wish I could take some of the pain to where it's just that much more bearable. I think she's getting better, but something still wracks at her body or mind. I left early because I couldn't handle it, I am ashamed to say that I couldn't deal with the sounds of agony to stay beside her side but Ben (He was having it just as rough...), Kyle, Miss Zira, Caerwyn and Miss Jaelle was with her, I would probably make a flower vase fall on her arm or something. I still feel strongly about her well being, we are guild brother and sister after all. Besides that, I'm not sure how really close we are, but I hope we're like this: *crosses his fingers to show closeness.*
But I think we saved Hempstead a little more than it would've had to endure without us. I didn't do a whole lot since I couldn't cast magic, just held hands with mages to make a circle or something. Only time I've ever really felt useless. Like I said before, there needs to be a nonmagical bad guy who uses traps and conventional means to commit a crime. But I'm not sure a tsunami counts as a bad guy, but whatever it was, it was dangerous. But we beat it! For now at least. Everyone did a great job, even the strange tattooed-head-Dwarven-speaking man who prayed, to Miss Acacea singing and dancing the whole time, to Miss Jaelle and Miss Essa and Miss Zira who was doing gods knows what, and Missus Amanda's pause in time!
I'm not ready to go back inside, I need to go find some junk food...
-Tod
*He closes his book and goes to find a bakery that's open in the middle of the night.*
-
*Tod sinks low in his chair and spreads his legs over the footstool that's placed in front of the fireplace. He heaves a sigh and rubs his eyes*
Freas, April 27, 1458
I just had the worst sugar crash in my life... I was bouncing off the walls when I walked out of the Twin Dragons, Biscuit nearly tossed me off because I was standing up in the saddle!
But it was so much fun! Miss Zira did a good job organizing it all. It was great being a judge. So many pies! Miss Zira entered a beautifully decorated one with layers and layers of apples. Ben brought in a very humble pie, but sometimes, no sense in gilding the lily, the best type of pies are the simple, homemade ones. Then Miss Jaelle brought in three but I didn't understand what was being said about her not being fair except entering three pies. So Cricket (Miss Honora's little devil-imp thing), was the second judge, and myself tried all three and picked the best one in our opinion, which was a meat pie! Had venison and mushrooms, how weird! but it was pretty darn tasty. Then the winner was Miss Jennara's Peach Pie. I never thought of using peaches as the filling. They were all delicious, but Miss Jennara's was just that little bit better. I'm surprised Miss Rissa didn't put one in, she was there but I guess she ate the one she was meaning to enter in before she left the kitchen. *laughs*
Then I guess Miss Jennara won the poetry contest too! I wasn't pay a lot of attention to the poems since I was concentrating on judging the pies, but her's was short and straight to the point. Maybe I'll enter one next time.
I was hoping Keppli was one of the judges but she wasn't around at all. Which I'm surprised, this was one of the biggest pie events that's happened in a while. And I didn't save her any of the pie! *slaps his forehead* She would've like the peach one, the raspberry-blueberry... the Humble Pie... all of them come to think of it! But maybe next time, I guess imps can be good judges too. And where was Rocky? He should've been in the poetry contest.
So all that was donated was about 33,000 coins and tons of pies, which is great. Ben was talking about kids and the orphanage too. I guess they was looking at children to take home. I'm so excited! I get to be an unofficial uncle. I hope they get three, four, five kids. I hope Ben and Missus Lana are willing to share, considering my lack of kids. Maybe I can babysit when they're not home.
I'm off to hibernate for the remainder of the year.
-Tod
*He shuts his book and puts it on the couch that's next to him. He heads upstairs to find a blanket and returns to his chair so he can sleep in front of the fire.*
-
*Tod taps his fingers on the inn's counter top in the middle of the night while the bartender polishes the same dirty mug with the same dirty rag to pass the time. Tod pulls his thickening book out and scribbles a little on a new page.*
Jenra of 1459
I went to the Leringard Inn's celebration thing, but a celebration for what? It was still burnt to the ground... but it was fun none the less. Tons of stories and songs, some of them deep and some of the playful and humorous. Miss Acacea's stories were amazing! They were so funny, my favorite has to be the Knight with Damsels Too Many! *laughs* That was definitely a funny one.
Almost a "bar fight" or two, a cute fiery red Halfling lady came in asking for Fisty donations from Argali, that's just asking for a punch in the face right there! *chuckles quietly*
But several other people were there, not sure of who some of them were though, someone named Derrick and Quin... Plen came too but he didn't tell any stories this time... Miss Zari told a pretty good one and Andrew told a really really deep one that sort of killed the mood... but then it picked back up! A lot of conversing, it's nice to kick back with some good company to just chat.
-Tod
*He finishes of his drink and flips through his older pages with a saddened expression but shuts the book with a snap, determined to enjoy the rest of his evening before going to the guild to work on some diamonds.*
-
*Tod lays sprawled across the floor in front of his first-floor fireplace with a circle marked by string with marbles laying inside. Across from him are sitting two little human girls with their own leather pouches of marbles with "Bria" and "Katelyn" sewn across the fronts.
"Okay, Bria! You gotta start tonight, we did the last couple of games. No, you go right ahead! That's what that fat one is for, so it's easier to hit! Here, use this one, it's pretty."
He gently tosses a diamond that was artfully carved into a small ball about the size a normal shooter marble would be to Bria, and then hands Katelyn one.
"Yep, someone told me I was jaded before, so I'm making you all jaded too! You better hide that one though, no tellin' what your old man would make out of those things. Who wants a ring with a rock that big anyway? It's better to hit other rocks with it!"
The three play marbles for a little while until Tod finally chases them up to their room. He kisses their forehead and tucks their blankets in around them before heading back down stairs to wait for Ben and Lana to come back home. He picks up the girls' marbles and places them into the correct pouches and sets those on the mantel. Tod climbs into his thinking chair and pulls his journal into his lap.*
Satari, Apreal 14, 1460
Bria and Katelyn are pure sugar, true blessings to have around! Helps fill in the hole. Not quite as lonely as before. Hope Ben and Lana don't find out, but when women ask if there's a Missus, I say “Nope! but I do have two sweet little girls.”
We have a lot of fun! Though they're still a little bit shy, Bria has it a little rough but she'll still grow up to be a beautiful young lady, even without the one arm. Katelyn... she's a little whirlwind. She does enough talking for both of them! But we have so much fun. I like to take them shopping in the market or taking them out to ride Biscuit out to town. I'm thinking they'll both need their own pony for their next birthdays. I'll make the saddles, horse blankets and teach them how to brush horses and how to cut up the apple instead of just a whole one, and how to feed them sugar cubes by putting the sugar into your palm so they don't end up biting your fingers!
*His back arches a little as he stretches and shivers, rubbing an eye tiredly*
They're what's been taking up most of my life right now, haven't done much with the guild, or went on any huge adventures... maybe it's time to just settle down? Everything's not as excited as it once was. I haven't gained any recognizable titles or anything, but I don't really mind any more. It's just fun to spend a morning out fishing with the girls while their parents aren't home. We don't get into much trouble at all, they're good girls! Okay, we get into a little bit of trouble but it wasn't our fault, those pieces of candy happened to appear in our pockets at the wrong time! I can't really go around teaching those innocent gals things like that, it won't do them any good.
I guess tomorrow we'll play tea party for the eighth time, tag or some hide and seek. Maybe pick out some gifts for Missus Lana or take them to a kitchen to show them how to make a pie! I won't even get mad if they throw flour everywhere, because that's a good part. But I'll have to watch when they break the eggs, I don't want bits of shell in our pie.
I think that's Ben and Missus Lana now, I'll just wait and see what's in store for us tomorrow!
-Tod
-
*Tod sits on one of the high bar stools with big clay mug in front of him late at night after nightly patrons have left. He sits silently swinging his legs over the stool while the bar keeper is off to the side wiping down the counter. Tod looks down at his hands that are wrapped around the mug and he twists a wooden ring a couple of times and then presses it to his lips for a brief second before putting them back down around his cup and mutters, "My zned uw U'l viecyom."
"Hm? What's that m'boy?"
Tod looks to the barkeeper apologetically and slaps a gold coin onto the counter, "Nothin'! Was sayin' good night!" He smiles and turns to slip off the stool to shrug back into his coat and head out the door.*
-
*Tod scribbles in his book.*
Wolfswood Ranger Corps? Good luck with that Keppli, you'll do great!
-
*Tod returns back to where Sonya's pyre was located during a rainy day and he sighs, standing in front of the burnt flowers and other tokens. He sticks his hands into his coat pocket and lets his head fall so his face is hidden by his hood. His shoulders shake for a couple moments as he cries before using the back of his hand to wipe his nose. He sets his jaw and sighs, looking at the rock*
Why did ya have to go, Ben? We're supposed to look after each other... I'll miss ya a tons, Ben. Y'too Missus Sonya, I didn't know ya well, but you were still a good friend.
*Tod nods once to the rock like a final farewell and turns and finally disappears in the rain*
-
*Tod's head whips to the right as he comes down the stairs from his room, to look down the hall that Lana had rearranged, wondering why the furniture has suddenly changed. He narrows his eyes and slips silently along the wall to check out the room at the end of the hall. He cracks the door and frowns, puzzled, at the breathing of a sleeping boy. Tod shuts the door and snaps gently for Lady to follow him outside for her early morning walk. The little terrier wags her tail happily and bounds after him as he heads down the stairs to the bottom floor. Tod furrows his brow in confusion and looks up at the ceiling in the direction of the room with a boy before shaking his head and exiting his house with Lady.*
-
*Tod sits in his bed with his knees pulled to his chest with his arms out, holding a mirror to look at his eyes. He moves his head side to side to look at the fading colors and sighs sadly.*
Well, I had the pleasure of catching glances today! Elly was cool enough to play with my eye color and change them so one eye was a different color than the other, it was fun. Now they're just black... but she did say they were deep and attractive that way, so that's a plus!
Bella had her baby, she the sweetest thing. Now there's four kids running around the house, there's always something to do! Charlie likes to go fishing and Bria and Katelyn tag along, maybe sometime I'll get to take care of the little one, I don't know. Who needs their own kids? I'm lucky to have so many. I think I'm going to have to clean out a room or split mine into two so there's enough room for all the people here! *grins, satisfied*
It's really busy though, Rachel cries a lot, which I've grown used too. Katelyn and Bria are really independent, Lana is doing a good job raising them, Ben would be proud. I like to watch Charlie train with Daniel and Bella sometimes, they never know I'm there, but I am! I think Bria and Katelyn should be taught to fight with something, it's a cruel world and there's creepy men out there... I can name a few, but I won't say!
*Looks into the mirror one more time and sighs again.*
Well, the color's gone, it was fun while it lasted.
-Tod
*Tod looks to the door that leads from his room to the second floor to the crying and soft murmurs. He climbs down from his bed and goes to see if he can help.*
-
*Tod digs under his mattress for his journal late one evening*
I saw Fehriel and Missus Talia today. Missus Talia has gumption! but she was snappy. It wasn't my fault that I was standing there and her horse backed into me, yet I was blamed? All I can say is get your facts straight, woman, and I really didn't appreciate it, even if I was a butt to you a couple years ago, I wasn't holding a grudge. But I did deserve it I guess... reluctantly, I'm happy for them and their fortune, I'm wrong to talk to anyone like that, even Fehriel. They seem happy, ert U el viecyom. I can admit that and it helps me push through. I'm not desiring a woman as much anymore, I haven't had a taste of being taken, so that helps me. But it's refreshing to see a happy couple, even if we're at odds with one another.
It's time for bed. But whoever you are that's supposed to steal my heart, I'm waiting! I haven't met you yet.
-Tod
-
*Tod sits on his bed with his book in his lap, reciting his Elven sentences that Jil has given him. He is a little more comfortable and a little bit smoother since he's been at it ever since their first lesson. His frustration is obvious since empty pie tins litter his bed and his Elven book pages are smudge with pie filling.*
I'm struggling Miss Jil! It's really difficult, but I'm getting better! It's a really nice language, but it's kicking my butt. So many tongue twisters, even saying the simple words, I have to turn my tongue at least five times!
*He goes down the page and sighs, furrowing his brows and hanging his head*
My temper is becoming so short after the years. I used to be able to shrug most stuff off but now even the little-est thing sets me off, the shadowdancing gets to my head. I'm even to the point to where I even yell at my oldest, dearest friends! I don't know what's going on. *rubs at his eyes* I just need to calm down a little bit, that's all. You don't have to been known all the time! You don't have to let everyone know that you do some things better than others, Tod! Because those people can do things better than you can, too. It's time mellow out old buddy! Life was happiest when everyone are friends.
-Tod
*He shuts his book and picks up the book with the notes he received from Jil to continue his recitation and practice.*
-
Originally posted before 9-14-10 post on 9-08-10.
*Tod sits in his arm chair that is placed in front of the fireplace with Lady, his little terrier, that is laying in front of of his feet. He has paper all over his lap as he rereads, rewrites and recites sentences that are written in Elven. He scowls at the difficulty of having no one there with him to help, but his stubborn personality helps keep him going. He pulls his journal out for a quick break.*
I'm teaching Missus Jil Halfling! It's exciting to teach her, it's a lot of fun and it's easy for me since she knows how to go about learning. I hope she doesn't do what other people do and speak it in front of those who don't know it! So in return, she's teaching me Elven! So people can't talk their elven in front of me and think they have all the privacy! I'll understand and I can come up with the proper retort. That really gets under my skin, not only is it disrespectful, it's dumb because those people aren't big enough to insult a little Halfling face-to-face. But I am determined not to act like those non-Elven people who talk Elven like it's their native language.
It's fun learning from her, it's pretty to listen to her talk and I'm probably butchering it in every syllable I speak, but Missus Jil is really patient, we sat forever swapping sentences that use different sounds so we get comfortable putting them together to produce a sentence. I can't wait for our next lesson!
-Tod
-
*Tod walks by his wash basin's mirror but suddenly stops. He back pedals and places his hands on either side of the sink and puts his face in close to the mirror. His black eyes scan over his face, taking in the crow's feet, the laugh lines around his mouth, and the thick head of black hair that is becoming heavily speckled with graying strands. Tod frowns a little, one corner of his mouth pulling back in a skeptical manner. He looks down at his right hand to a ring carved of wood and etched with leaves and figures of the forest, then back up to the mirror, thinking. He smiles a bit at a distant memory and shakes his head, using his fingers to pull the skin around his eyes taunt to see how wrinkles are developing.*
Gettin' bags old man.
*Tod mutters and pushes away from the basin, looking around his room that is furnished with wooden furniture scaled to fit him and his taller friends. His floors are laden with various furs and a fire is built in the fireplace. His walls have several shelves lined with numerous trinkets. Some of his favorites being his Hurix medal, a flower that had been encased in a protective spell, dragon scales, his drach fang, and his bag of marbles. He reaches up to another shelf to find the stick he had been whittling and climbs into his favorite cushioned chair. He pulls a knife from his sleeve to work on what seems to be a bow in hands of a petite Halfling woman. He finishes the details in little over an hour and he places the figure onto his side table that already has figures standing next to the candle. One appears to be a short and rather round dwarf carrying a fiddle, another is a large dire wolf, two look like knights with one having a feminine stature. Both are holding shields with the Anhk of Toran. Another figure has a big bushy mustache and wielding two shortswords and a mischievous smirk. Among the rest of his whittlings and upon closer examination, the other figurines look like several members of a group locally known at the Angels. He looks fondly over his work but picks the Halfling woman up again to finish with details, including the wolf emblem of Folian, and sets her beside the wolf and dwarf. He slides out of his chair and digs into a chest, pulling a thick, old journal from the depths. Its leather bindings refinished numerous times with some of the finest hides Tod could find. Tod climbs back into his seat and fondly flips through the pages, a slight look of depression settles on his battle and weather worn face. With a small half-hearted sigh, he reads his memories through the night until he eventually slumps low in the high backed chair and drifts to sleep to the sounds of the fire crackling in the fireplace.*