This is my life...

[TalistarSolari]

[SIZE=13]"This is your life, live it." Those words have echoed in my mind for as long as I can remember. My mother, though she not not truly so,was sure that I never forgot those words. She didn't have the luxury of living her life. However, her story, sad as it is, belongs to her. This is my story. I was born into captivity, but since I never knew anything else, I was able to accept it.Thewoman who birthed me was one of manymistresses my father had shared his bed with, and she died at birth. But the woman I considered to be mytrue mother was wedded to a guard of anobleman who made his home in Leilon. And though they were bound by themselves and the gods they prayed to, she was not happy. From what I gather, I was not a welcome addition to my father's family. And he constantly reminded me with his ritualistic beatings. I was not turned away however, for I was useful to him. And it was during my earliest youth that he put me to work. Instead of standing beside him at his Lord's ceremonies, and riding with him during hunts, I was with the servants of the estate. Manual labor became my sole reason for being. But my father was a close protector of the nobleman, and his duties often called him away. It was during these times that I knew some happiness, for my mother would smile faintly and gather me into her lap. During my father's absences, she would tell me of her younger days when she ran free under the blue sky, with her fellow Elves. All the world was their's for the taking, and they intended to expirience every acre the land had to offer. My mother and her folk were Wild Elves who followed Kithairien, The Runner, and to live free was their only purpose. Until the day my father came. He was a bloodthirsty brute of a human and he ripped into my mother's clan withthe otherhunters, threatening to kill them all. But when he saw my mother he stopped. He was enamored with her. He said that if she rode to his home and provided him withchildren then the clan would be spared. Reluctantly, my mother agreed. Though the human that would become my father proved to be every bit as barbaric as the day he took her from her home. And hisdesire for her only went skin deep, he even took precautions after my birth to insure I would have no siblings. But my mother, miserable and lonely, remained strong for me. She taught me the ways of Kithairien. And though I was a human, The Free God was fascinating to me. All this talk of freedom, it was a sweet flavor on my lips and tongue and I wanted badly to taste it entirely. But life went on as it did and freedom was not something that I was afforded. My tasks became more strenuous, and my strength grew from it. And my mother's teaching's became more zealous and my faith blossomed. By the time I was was old enough to learn weaponry, Kithairien was my shield. My faith my armor, and my prayer was my weapon. And though I paid close attention during my lessons, my mind was always on My Lord. I knew that one day The Runner would free me, and on that day I would walk the lands as my own man. I would use the tools my father had taught me and keep the faith my mother had given me. I would be what I truly was. On that day I would be the body of a man, but the soul of a Elf. And that day came sooner than I expected. Though not in the way that I wished. Late one night I was awoken by a loud crash from my parents' chamber. Scrambling from my bed I dashed to see if she was alright, but she wasn't. My father stood above her, in his hunting clothes, with a drunken sweat shining his human face. In his hand he held a heavy statuette. It was smeeredwith blood, so was my mother's face. My father dropped the sculpture and drew his hunting knife, his lips whispered something that I couldn't hear. I saw the murder in his eyes. I leapt for him, but I was too slow. The blade buried in my mother's belly. Filled with uncontrollable rage I gathered up the small statue and attacked my father. I don't know how long I beat him for, but when I was done his face was ruined and he lay lifeless upon the marble floor. I scrambled to my mother, gathering her into my lap. She was still breathing, barely. Her last words were the same she had always whispered to me, "It is your life, live it." Then she was gone. I wept, but I was not foolish. Other guards would be arriving soon. I ran to my father's weapon wrack and drew a greatsword. If they intended to take me, I'd make it a regret. Clenching the sword in my hands I ran from the only home, and the only cage, I ever knew. I didn't know where I would go and nor did I care. I took only three things from my father's home. The broadsword, my mother's name, and a hatred for my father. I was Talistar, I would become Talistar Solari. And I would never utter my father's name. For this, I was justified. It's my life and I intend to live it my way.[/SIZE]

[TalistarSolari]

I have stumbled upon the life of an adventurer. I was running from Leilon, being sure to watch my tracks, when I came upon the small village of Hlint. I've always heard about Hlint, but never seen it. It was said to be center hub of the adventuring world. But to be honest, it didn't seem so bustling to me. I encountered few people, and the place seemed quiet. Perhaps I was merely lucky enough to expirience the town during a settled moment. We'll see. I have joined the ranks of the adventurers though, and have already completed several tasks for a few people. I feel this life suits me, as it keeps me moving and allows me to see the world. At first I walked with my hood up and my sword drawn. I expected my father's fellow guardsmen to find and attack me at any moment. I am, no doubt, wanted for murder. Some of the people told me to sheath the blade though, while in Hlint's walls I would be safe. I'm not sure how true those words are. Through the tasks I performed my skill as a warrior blossomed, and my connection to Kithairien has grown more intimate. These people who call themselves adventurers seem to have titles. Some are called fighters, others druids, and some wizards. These archaic names go on and on. It seems a bit too literal to apply such a general term to one's occupation. But if I must, I would call myself a warrior priest. I will not seek to convert others to my faith, as I am not a zealot. But I am faithful, and I will walk under the guidance of The Runner. Already he has shown me that I am gifted with a tactical mind. This will be a great asset if I am to fight to survive. And as all tacticians do, I havesetgoals for myself. There is a suit of armor, fullplate, and it's considerably expensive. I now work to procure this armament.But most importantly, I need allies. I have none. I will need stalwart friends to stand with if I am to survive in this world of turbulance and violence.

[TalistarSolari]

I've prayed to Kithairien and asked for assistance, and though I believe The Runneris with me, I know that I'll still have tomake the effort on my own. I met a very unique woman, or partial-woman. T'ashr, a tiefling, and onewhom prefers to run around half-naked.She claims that she does so to feel the elementsupon her flesh. But I believe thisto be some sort of diversionary tactic. It's easier to hit an enemy that is staring at one's chest. Other than her aparant lack of modesty, she seems to be a worthy companion. She was a great help in several of my tasks, including finding a remote settlement named Fort Himlad and slaying some haunted scarecrows. The thought of them still sends shivers down my spine.Afterwards, we returned to Hlint where we sat and talked for a short while. Hlint is far more queerthan I first thought it to be. I was surrounded by pixies, and some strange form of tiny dragon. Even T'ashr was an oddity, as she is partly fiend. I watched asan ogre ran through the village, but no one seemed to care. And I was told that there are Drow and Half-Giants who frequent the town. I admit, I am unnerved. Drow are evil, aren't they? How can they run about on the surface and people not live in fear. Surely this new life that I have discovered is going to be taxing emotionally and mentally. I predict great changes in myself if I am to survive and be accepted in this new world of adventurers. We shall see.

[TalistarSolari]

Things are proceeding nicely for me. I have the tools I need, armor, supplies, and a superior weapon. My skills are progressing steadily, and I'm learning more with each day I spend in Hlint. But I am uneasy. I can't help it. I've not seen a single of my father's comrades, but I know they must be coming. I murdered him, why would they let me go? No, they're watching. They must be. I'll be ready for them. My time is spent acclimating myself to my new life. I've met several new people, though my contact with each was brief and fleeting. But with each encounter I become more aware of my ignorance. I must study. I think I need a mentor, or a library. Something. Which brings me to my newest goal. Hone my mind as well as my strength in arms. Through my faith in Kithairien, I will succeed.

[TalistarSolari]

My list of acquaintances is slowly growing. I've met no one that I would call friend or ally, but there are several people that I would fight beside. First there was T'ashr, but I've not seen her for several days now. Though the girl was a little hyper and chaotic by nature, she was loyal. A person's shortcomings are easy to overlook when they possess such an admirable quality, even if they are a teifling. Jacob, a fellow human, seems a fickle man. His prime concern seems to be to watch, and gawk, at the attractive women of Hlint. He even chased one down and badgered her for a date. From what I can tell, he was successful. Go figure. Praylor, a knight of Toran, and Mylindra, a priestess of Rofirein, both seem of little consequence. Praylor seems swept up in his own self worth, which isn't surprising for a Toranite. I have no doubt that his inherent hypocrisy and misguided idealism will doom him in the end. And it's not that I dislike his deity, though Toran and Kithairien are enemies, it is simply that I dislike the man. Mylindra on the other hand seems a stalwart woman with a good head on her shoulders, even if she is a bit wreckless for a Rofireinite. I see great potential in her if she can quiet her screaming zealotry and listen more to sense. But as with Praylor, she'll most likely see an untimely end. The summoner named Falon seems unique, for her refusal to fight. She has no qualms summoning beasts to fight for her, yet she will not raise arms against her enemies. Odd. Then there's the Lady Iris. She is a delughtful creature, always pleased to see her friends and warming people with her smile. Her familiar, Rainbowthe psuedodragon, is always near to her. It was these two that prompted me to seek knowledge. It seems that Rainbow was insulted that I didn't know what a psuedodragon was. Then I met Van. He's the stoic type, so I really don't know much about him, save that he seemed a little concerned at my being a murderer. But once he learned of my motives he argued that I was justified in my actions.Of course there'sthe two women from Saudiria, Missy and Rihana. Both seem to be hunting something. Missy wouldn't say what, but Rihana seeks her grandfather. I traveled with Rihana a bit, aiding her in seeking an amulet for a bard named Ragrian. Rihana is pleasant company to say the least. And lastly there is Lady Dorena. She seems to have become my unofficial mentor. Not only did she forge me a superior weapon, but she has taught me how to begin in weaponsmithing. It's certainly an intense craft. I had thought that I would simply become a smith. I was wrong. I am a miner, a tinker, a smelter, and a smith. This combined with the fact that I intend to take up my true talent of cooking means that I'll become quite the craftsman. With any luck, that is. I was able to forge my first two weapons, both daggers, though to look at them one would think an elf crafted them. It seems my mother's influence runs deeper into my mentality than I thought. I still watch for my father's comrades, though I've seen no sign of them. I even visited Leilon and didn't detect a trace of anyone watching me. Perhaps they've decided I'm not worth the trouble. I'll just have to wait and find out.

[TalistarSolari]

I think I'm settling into Hlint nicely. There are people who know my name and greet me as they pass by, and I've yet to make a single enemy. Which, of course, is a very good thing. I've been spending a lot of my time mining the ores I need for my craft, and honing my skills as a weapon smith. Needless to say, it's slow going. The rest of the time I spend trying to earn gold. It may still be early in my adventuring days, but I can already see that this sort of life is going to be expensive. I've procured the first of many "treasures" I assume that I'll gather. I am now the owner of two sapphire rings that enhance my raw physical power. I'm not a simpleton, I know what my strengths and weaknesses are. No need to enhance agility when I'm already a prime physical specimen. The rings were crafted by a woman named Tyrian, and she seems a good woman. I hope she and I have more dealings in the future. Oddly enough, the second ring was paid for by Mylindra. Strange that a Rofireinite would aid a priest of Kithairien. She said she was doing it because I was a warrior in need and that she hoped I would do the same for those less fortunate than I. Of course, I will. And since she wouldn't allow me to repay her, I swore my service and my sword to her. I only hope that she will take advantage of it. People have begun to ask why I don't treat my Lord's enemies with disdain. I've tried to explain that I am not a zealot. But they don't seem to understand. The way I see it, these people are Kithairien's enemies, not mine. I am not Kithairien, I am Talistar. Oh well. Lastly, I met the woman that T'ashr calls "Laela", her real name is Tegan. The three of us traveled into the Haven Mines, so Tegan and I were given time to talk. I don't think she likes me. Either that or she's extremely harsh. T'ashr tells me that she's not mean spirited normally, so it must be that I simply rubbed the woman the wrong way. Or maybe we just got off on the wrong foot. Time will tell.

[TalistarSolari]

I don't understand. Am I not tall, broad shouldered, and well muscled? Then why do these people keep mistaking me for someone else. Several times now I have been asked if I am an Elf or a Half-Elf. This is impossible. My father was a man, a horrible man, but a man none-the-less. My birth mother was one of his many mistresses, his human mistresses. So how is it that I am mistaken for an Elf? I've thought long about this, and I have come to only one conclusion. Someone lied to me. Why did Solari become so fond of me? Why did she treat me as her own child? Why was she the only person that I felt safe with? My mind now toys with the idea that she was more than my adoptive mother, is it possible that she was truly my birth mother? Is it possible that I am a Half-Elf? With both my father and Solari dead it is no longer an option to ask one of them. I suppose my only choice would be to return to Leilon and investigate the old fashioned way. But by doing so I risk capture, imprisonment, and most likely an execution. I must weight the possibilities carefully before I make my decision.
  Aside from my sudden doubt with identity, I have discovered precisely what I needed; a library. The Blackford Castle boasts a considerable collection of books, and it seems I am able to borrow them. Of course, I am on my honor to return them, but just the thought that the facility will harbor to the very thing I was lacking lifts my spirits. Now I read incessantly. The library in the castle also contains a portal. The Librarian there told me that it teleports travelers to the Great Library on Voltrex. This place is sacred land, for it is the ancestral home of the Elves. Solari spoke of it often. I don't know if I would be welcome there. My intention is to read every book in the Blackford Library and then venture to the Great Library. With any luck, they won't turn me away.
  My life as an adventurer is going well. I've made several allies now, and have gone on a handful of expeditions into various mines and such. My swordsmanship increases daily, and my fortune grows with it. It seems these adventurers lead wealthy lives. Miss Iris, I think, has taken to me. I'm not quite sure yet. Her company is pleasant, and she's a conversational delight. But I hope she does not wish for more. As a murderer, and a fugitive, I am not ready for any sort of romance at the moment.

[TalistarSolari]

I don't think I am being hunted by my father's comrades. For one reason or another they must have decided to let me go. I still can't tell for certain, but I'm almost sure. It's been more than a month now and I've seen no one, and I travel through Leilon constantly. But still there is no sign of arrest. Perhaps there is justice after all. My time in Hlint is now spent studying whatever book I have borrowed from Blackford Castle. And my free moments are spent strengthening my alliances. My list of allies has become impressive, and I'm surprised that I am able to keep them. I know my social skills aren't exactly top notch.
  There is one person I would call a friend though; Miss Iris. The woman is a delight, and always pleasant company to share. We've been spending time gathering things she needs for her craft. Aloe and garlic mostly. It's entertaining to watch her, for not only is she beautiful, but she insists on wearing a formal gown of bright orange everywhere she goes. It's certainly not battle-ready garb, but somehow she makes it work. She truly is a charming woman.
  My newest "acquaintance" is a lovely Elven woman named Akki. I'm not sure of that is her true name or an alias. She claims to be a simple singer, but even a child could see the magic clinging to her. My guess is that she is a bard. She's definately a unique creature. Flirtatious to a fault, and not bashful at all, she seemed to draw the attention of everyone around her. Even Eghass, another Elf, suddenly produced flowers to present to her. Akki seemed entertained by me, however, and made it clear that she was interested. I would be lying if I said I wasn't equally interested. But I am no fool, and won't rush intosuch things. I'll have to carefully monitor my emotions while interacting with her.

[TalistarSolari]

My craft is coming along nicely. I was able to mine a large amount of copper and I spent the last several days working through the cycles of molding, smelting, and smithing. Normally during my practice I become very bored, but not this time. I had company. Miss Iris joined me throughout the long hours, I'm surprised she didn't leave out of boredom. But she seems to like my company, and I'm glad for it, because I have come to enjoy her presence as well.
  I told myself that I wasn't interested in women at the moment. I told myself that it would be unwise while I avoided my pursuers. But I've seen no one following me. And Miss Iris is a delight. It's impossible to ignore her, maybe it's her orange dress. But whatever the reasons, I think I'll continue along this course and see where it takes me. She has become my one true friend. Now she even let me drop the Miss and call her simply Iris.

[TalistarSolari]

I think it's true that all men are fools. Women seem able to cast a spell over us and sway our morals until we do the things we claimed we would never do. I have been spending more time with my dear Iris, and the moments I spend in her company are joyous. Her every touch lights my soul and causes me to smile. If we continue as we are now, she could have my heart.
  But, as a fool, I have also been spending time with the fascinating Akki. She seems the total opposite of Iris. Her mood is always light, she's quick to joke, and always ready to laugh. Her laughter is infectious too, making me seek to draw it out of her. We spent some time together venturing outside of Hurm, during which we spoke and acted as if we had known each other for years. I am ashamed to admit it, but given time Akki could also claim my heart.
  I don't know what to do. Two women at opposite ends of the spectrum. Iris, soft, tender, and caring. She is everything a man could ever desire in a woman to love. The promise of a future with her makes my heart soar, and brings a warmth to my soul. And Akki, fiery, passionate, and alive. She's the kind of woman that would make a man beg for her affection. And unlike Iris, my time with Akki is spent thinking of "unpure" thoughts, and she is most receptive.
  Two completely opposite women. Two choices lay before me. Two chances for happiness, but also two chances to make a mistake...

[TalistarSolari]

I've decided what I need to do. I need to be honest with myself. Yes, I am fond of both Iris and Akki. But I love neither. There is a woman that I do love. A woman that I dream of every night. She follows me everywhere, in my mind, smiling at me, watching me. She's incredible. She's the perfect woman for me. Long dark hair cascades down her shoulders, bathing light caramel skin in it's silky glory. Hereyes bat with long lashes that tempt my every thought. She's a bit short, yes, and older than me. But I've always loved that. She's not on Mistone, no...she's far far away. But I will go to her. Forget this nonsensical life of adventure. I go now to my true love, and I will give myself to her forever.
  *With that, Talistar Solari leaves Mistone, vanishing into obscurity.*