The Legend of Owen Lo'Kiar

[regnus]

I love Rilara.  I know who controls it and I realize the coincidence of my heritage in this fact.  I do not think that it has anything to do with this though.  It is just a peaceful place to me.  I know that sounds strange with Milara being here, and I realize that things may be going on right under my nose, but I feel at home here.  The Lake Rillon is by far my favorite place to go.  I could sit here by the lake for hours on end.  It helps to clear my head and get me thinking clearly.  

It was on one of my jaunts here on Rilara that I ran into Iradril and Connor.  I had had a long talk the night before with Lalaith at the lake and was making my way to Point Harbor to empty my pack of the pelts that I had gathered.  I really hope that I can find some buyers of my tailored goods.  The gold would be very welcome.

But as I was saying, I was sitting at the campfire and resting when Iradril and Connor arrived.  We began chatting about what we were going to do when Lalaith arrived.  Or for all I know she was there the whole time and was just laughing at us from the shadows.  So the four of us sat around the fire and determined our next course of action.  Lal made the suggestion that we go see what the Kenku were up to.  I remember the kenku that are north of Hlint and from what I remember they were more annoying than anything else.  Connor said that these kenku were from a different clan and were quite a bit tougher.  So, we set off to see how tough they really were.

On the way, I could tell that Lal was really excited.  Thinking back to my meeting with the Kenku on Mistone, they like to hide and surprise you with an attack.  I wonder if it is an ego thing for Lal here.  She likes to prove she is better at staying in the shadows.  

We arrived at a span of hills that the kenku held and sat back and watched.  Lal went to the shadows and scouted the area for us.  They were spread out over the hills and would be a little difficult to battle.  We were discussing strategy when one of them saw us and disappeared.  Suddenly he appeared right in the middle of us!  We drew our weapons and set upon the kenku.  Some of them must have heard the clash and came to investigate.  Soon we were fighting a desperate battle.  We would take down one kenku only to have it replaced.  They kept hiding and attacking.  Hiding and attacking.

Iradril went down and was bleeding to death.  I ran up to him and healed him.  He could barely stand though.  Connor and Lal held the front while Iradil and I backed up.  Then a pesky kenku appeared and cut down Iradril again.  Lal turned as I did and we came down on the kenku.  I poured a potion down Iradril's throat and got him on his feet.  

He must have irritated these kenku though.  Another vanished and reappeared in front of him.  He was cut down again.  connor, Lal, and I took this one out and then turned to Iradril again.  I didnt see but Lal must have given him a potion to get him stabilized.  I came in and gave him another potion as well.  He got up on shaky feet and moved to get out of there.  Connor pushed us out as we got to safety.

These kenku are not really annoying like the ones I met on Mistone.  These ones are deadly.

Poor Iradril though.  Earlier that day we had fallen and the soul mother came to take her due.  You could see the fear in his eyes as he fell to the kenku again and again.  We retreated to Fort Himlad where Lal took her leave.  She just vanished again on us.

We had talked earlier about visiting the area near Bone Hill.  Connor had some other theories.  Since it was so close, we made our way there.  There is a fire burning on a hill across from the dragon statue.  There is a large fire burning in the middle.  Around the fire stand four pillars.  Around the pillars are eight runic symbols.  

Connor reasoned that the runes, pillars, and the fire add up to thirteen.  Thirteen bloodpools.  There are four pillars.  Blood has four generals.  The fire burning in the middle could be Blood himself.  

It makes sense.  There have been two bloodpools destroyed if my memory serves.  Smoke rose from two of the runes...

What would really seal it to me would be the reaction of the runes if another bloodpool is destroyed.  Or if a pillar crumbles after a general is taken down.  It will happen.  I am sure of it.  the only questions are when and what result it will have on the runes and pillars.

[regnus]

I need money.  As usual, I am without gold.  I had two cougar bags that I was trying desperately to sell, but no one in Hlint needed one.  As I was standing there by the well attempting to hawk the bags, Lal stepped out of the Wild Surge.  She was twirling a single gold coin through her fingers.  It was the last gold coin to her name.  This was no good.  We decided to take a trip to Rilara to get into trouble.

"But what about the cost of the ticket?" I asked.

Lal flashed a devious grin and her eyes lit up.  "I'm sure we will find something along the way.  Besides, I have two tickets for us already."

So we started our way out of town and stopped at the campfire.  As I was resting, Iradril arrived and the three of us left for Port Hampshire.  When we arrived at the Zhainge river, we stopped and looked over the bridge.  There were quite a few ogres stomping around on the other side.  Lal made a comment about ogres and the gold they carry and that was enough for us.  We waited on the bridge while she disappeared to scout the area out and let us know how many ogres there were.  

She came back to us on the bridge and told us that she had placed some traps on the ground near the end of the bridge.  This should be interesting.  We prepared ourselves and then lured as many ogres as we could to the bridge.  Lal's traps blasted several of them as they stomped to the bridge.  When it was clear, Lal and Iradril ran down the bridge while I fired arrow after arrow at them.  

With the traps hitting them first, they fell pretty quick.  We looted them and found a good bit of gold.  Enough to get Iradril to Rilara and back at least.  We left the area and ventured near Krandor.  We stopeed there for a minute as we considered looking for ogres there as well when Lal pointed to the bridge.

Standing on the top of the bridge was a dark figure that was just standing there watching us.  He was completely covered in black.  He held what looked like a glowing skull in front of him.  He was not exactly the friendliest looking person, but then again he just stood there watching.  Then he turned around and walked back towards the river.  I ran after him.  My curiosity is going to get me killed again.

We ran after this hooded stranger, myself leading with Lal and Iradril following me.  I tried to talk to him but he would not speak.  He didnt even acknowledge me really.  He just stood there.  Lal whispered to me to back up.  It seemed prudent really with a glowing skull pointed at me and all.  As I backed away from him, the stranger spoke.

"She will feed upon you all..."

Then he walked to Fort Llast.  We stood there trying to decide we were going to follow him or not.  I couldn't not follow him though so I ran after him.  As we came into Fort Llast, we walked around the fort and found Pathfinder, Lia and some others standing outside the gate.  They had seen the man and told us he went towards Hlint.  This was not looking good.

So we followed again.  He was not going towards Hlint though.  He went towards the GreyPeaks.  There was a path just outside the GreyPeaks though that he followed.  Around a corner there was a large open area.  He walked over to what looked like a hole in the ground and knelt down.  We were all just standing there watching him and trying to figure out what he was doing.

We approached and heard him chanting something.  No one really could understand or determine what it was he was saying though.  I looked him over carefully this time and something triggered a memory of a cult or something but I couldn't put my finger on exactly what it was.  He just ignored us and continued chanting.

Iradril moved over to the hole and looked down.  He said he felt some sort of containment magics emanating from the hole.  Great.  If something has containment magic around it then it most likely means there is something nasty being contained.

The man stood up and looked over all of us.  Then, pointing at all of us, he said: "You...will all feed her hunger."

He slowly just walked off after that leaving us to wonder what was going on.  Iradril looked at the hole again and said that the containment magics were gone.  So, we just sat there and let this man or whatever he is release something into the world.  This was surely not good.

We moved to follow him as he left.  Lalaith found some tracks around the hole that we could follow.  There was a trail of bodies leading away from the hole too.  Wolves were dead and drained of their life.  It was grotesque.  Back through to Fort Llast we went.  Lal had to periodically stop and look for the tracks but she always found them again and we continued on.  I dont know what she was looking at.  I didnt see a thing.  There was clearly a trail that she was following though.  The bodies that turned up proved that.  Near the castle, one of the guards was drained as well.  It was a horrific sight seeing a body drained like that.  I was like all form of life was sucked from them.  A horrible way to go.

We looked past the castle while some of the others took the guard to the castle to inform the Queen of what had happened.  All the way to Leilon we looked but after Blackford Castle, the trail went cold.  It left us all uneasy that some creature was loose and draining people and animals of their life.  There wasnt much left to do but leave Leilon.  I hope this doesnt turn out as bad as I think it will.

[regnus]

Some people had found something in Krandor that demanded our attention.  A cow had been drained like the other animals we had seen several nights before.  So we went to
investigate.  The cow had definitely been drained.  It was grotesque.  As we were looking around, an old woman came out to see us.  She explained that she knew what had happened
but demanded a favor before she would tell us.  It was a little strange really, but we had no other choice.  

She had been traveling through the high forest and been ambushed by men in black armor with a red dot on their shields.  What ruffian would attack a defenseless old woman?  During
the attack, they stole a necklace from her.  It was a family heirloom of sorts and meant a great deal to her.  So we went to investigate and promised that we would return with the necklace.

*The next paragraph is written off the the side and in a scribble like it was written after the rest of the entry*
Before we left, someone mentioned something about who was in charge.  The call went out for anyone willing to lead us.  To my amazement, Lal put her hand up.  I was a little
surprised to say the least.  It just didnt make much sense why she wanted to lead.  I am going to have to ask her about this once we get a chance.

So we got to the High Forest and Lal and Path scouted the area.  Lal found some tracks and we followed them to a broken cart.  Clearly this was the old woman's cart.  There were
several tracks here that both Path and Lal could find.  These tracks led into the High Forest and took us to the druid camp.  We met with a man who claimed that we were taken advantage of and fooled!  The old woman was not who she said she was.  We were very skeptical of course but he said that he could prove it.  

Only to two of us though.  Since Lal was leading she chose who would be the second.  She took Lia.  I am not sure I would have done the same.  Lal seemed to think Lia's
magical abilities and knowledge may be useful.  I am not so sure.  I dont know if I would trust what she said.

Either way, the two of them walked to a tent that the man led them to and didnt emerge for quite some time.  I was getting a little uncomfortable with them in there so long but I
didnt hear any sounds of trouble.  Then the tent flap opened and they emerged and the three of them walked back to us.

The man explained that a creature was released by a cult that the shadowy figure we followed belonged to.  The creature's name was Xithiiraa.  It is a shapechanging, life draining
creature that was imprisoned until the cult released her.  The cage that she was held in had five pieces.  We needed to get these pieces and put Xithiiraa back in a new cage.
The man then pointed to Lal and said that she had bound herself to the task.  Before I could ask what that meant, Lia explained that Lal had been geased.  This was not good.  I
was very upset that Lia let this happen.  She was supposed to go in there and help Lal, not get her geased!

*beside the last paragraph and clearly a time after the original entry was written*
Why did she let that happen I wonder?  It certainly is not like her to let someone chain her like this*

The man also showed the necklace that the old woman was asking about.  It was an amulet actually and the first and most important piece of the cage.  It looked like a ruby but it
was a diamond.  The caged heart it was called.  When someone asked about the old woman, the man told us that her name was Estelle and the true Estelle was recovering in the tent.  
Lal confirmed everything that the man had said thus far.

The amulet was given to Lal and I can only assume that the geas is tied to it as well.  The man told us that an old elf lives in the Wolfswood and could help us.  His name is
Erdissar.  I hope he can help us.  I am not comfortable with this geas.  I remember the last time I had a run in with someone who was geased and I do not wish to repeat that trip.

[regnus]

We met in Leilon.  The group of us who had seen the man with the glowing skull and met Xithiiraa desguised as Estelle.  Lalaith approached slowly and I could tell that something
was wrong with her.  But as usual, she acted as if she was fine.  She just said she was tired.  As the group all arrived, we learned why she was so tired.  She explained that she
had had a dream.  A dream that was incredibly real to her.  

Talan appeared to her and spoke.  "You will not succeed"

As the last words left his mouth, the life was sucked out of him.  His lifeless body faded and then Connor appeared.

"She will find them all"

His body is drained of life and begins to fade only to be replaced me!

"She will feed"

I was drained as well and faded into Katrien.

"She will claim the Cage"

Then Iradril.

"You will watch us fall"

Then of all people, Lia.

"It's all your fault!"

Then the vision changed to Lal standing among the bodies of all of us.  Our bodies were drained and lifeless.  Bodies of the fallen and those that were taken by Xithiiraa were
everywhere.  The sun beat down on Lalaith and blinded her.  Then it turned red and darkened until the darkness became two hands that reached out and grabbed her head.

After that she woke up and heard a faint whisper..."I will save you for last."


The most concerning of all of this to me is the fact that Lal found a strange handprint on her window.  Xithiiraa knows where Lal is.  

I can tell you right now, this makes me feel *there is a dark spot where it looks like the pen sat on the page for some time before anything else was written.  Then it is crossed out*  

I am very concerned for Lal's safety right now.  This Xithiiraa is toying with her.  We need to find the pieces of this cage and put his creature back in it.

I went to the docks and by some grace, I convinced the ship captain to take us to Point Harbor and at a discount.  I am surprised that it actually worked.  I think it had more to
do with my appealing to his ego than any persuasive skill that I had.  Either way, we made it to Rilara and Point Harbor.  The man we talked to at the druid's encampment in the
High Forest led the way.  

As we approached the gates, we could see him watching us, the hooded stranger.  He had his glowing skull with him and held it like a totem or some unholy
symbol to mock us.  He just stood there watching but after we noticed him, he turned and left.  He didnt act like we were even a concern of his.  As if the outcome of our task was
already decided.  I do not like this feeling.

We made haste to the house of Erdissar.  Along the way we were hounded by several figures dressed in black.  Members of this sick cult of Xithiiraa.  A pity they will have to be
put down once we trap her in her cage again.  They were disposed of each time and we finally arrived at Erdissar's home.  We were told that he was an old elf, but I was not
expecting him to be that old.  

He hushed us as we all began asking questions.  Then he started into a story.  A story that began many years ago.  A story of six young wizards barely above apprentices but
extremely talented.  Ambitious as well.  Johdas, Dravin, Valdar, Nockwaddle, Loren, and Erdissar himself.  They had hatched a plan to show everyone just how powerful they were.  

They wanted to summon a planar creature that they could make their servant.  But the leader of this group, Johdas was impatient.  In his rush, the group failed to prepare and
research everything that was needed.  Johdas performed the ritual but got the True Name wrong and he released Xithiiraa.  He payed for his impatience with his life when Xithiiraa
drained his life.  

Erdissar looked very tired and spent.  As if a weight that he carried had gotten heavier by the day and he was losing the strength to keep hold.  Brief glimpses of the elf he once
was shined through.  The rest of them fled after Johdas was killed.  They regrouped and began hunting Xithiiraa and trying to find a way to banish her back to where she came from.
Loren devised a cage to keep Xithiiraa imprisoned.

It worked as expected, but the cult that had risen around Xithiiraa did not fall away at her imprisonment.  They waited, and watched.  When the time was right, they capitalized on
the Crimson Moon and brought the Cage up from where it was built.  It allowed Xithiiraa to break herself from her prison.

Now as the druids had told us several days ago, we need to obtain the pieces of this cage and seal this Xithiiraa back in it.  The descendants of the original wizards each hold a
piece of the cage.  Erdissar knew of Barton, who lived in Karthy.  Barton would know another.  And so on through each descendant.  To ensure that each one would believe us and
recognize the dire circumstances, Erdissar gave his runestone to Lalaith.  

Now, we learned some things about the amulet that Lal carried and it is quite upsetting.  It seems this is how Xithiiraa found Lal and tormented her dream.  There was a discussion
amongst us that we should leave the amulet in Erdissar's care so he could keep her eyes from our task.  This was clearly a mistake since the Lal could not have the amulet leave
her possession.  Path kept insisting that Lal hand the amulet off to someone.  I think he had the idea that Lal would not be able to give it up when it was time.  He kept at it
over and over.  I tried to talk him out of it but he would not listen.

I was getting upset.  Why wouldn't he listen?  I was thinking to myself that if he kept it up and tried to force her to hand it over ... well I don't know exactly what I was
thinking.  I found myself thinking that I was going to have to step in front of Lal and let Path know exactly what I was going to do if he kept it up.  Luckily, I let it be known
that Lal should keep that amulet and we were wasting time when we should be heading to Karthy.  Everyone agreed finally and we took our leave.  

*to the side of the the last paragraph there is some scribbled writing*  Why did I get so aggravated with Path?  Lal can take care of herself.  She doesn't need me to stand for
her.  So...why?

We traveled to Karthy and met with Barton.  He was a little surprised that after so many years he was finally being sought out for his piece of the cage.  He handed it over after
seeing the runestone though.  Lal took the piece from him and showed it to me.  It was a crystalline rod that fit into the palm of her hand.  It was eerie though.  It had a
piece of Xithiiraa's flesh encased in it.

My persuasive skills are improving it seems.  I convinced Barton to provide passage for us to Dregar.  He gave us some travel tickets that he had.  We need to get to Dregar and find Bentmuddle.  He has the next piece...

[regnus]

I saw the notice Karthy about Barton and was shocked.  He was murdered.  I feel so ashamed to admit this here, but the description sounded like a perfect match to Lal.  I know she
wouldn't do it but ...No it could not have been her.  There must be an explanation.  I considered ripping it down before anyone else saw it but there were too many people around
and it would have on aroused more suspicion.  This cannot turn out well.

[regnus]

I went back to Karthy to see if I could find any clues to what had happened with Barton.  I didnt care if I was caught and questioned.  I needed answers myself.  I walked into
Karthy and ran into Lal.  I pulled her aside and we sat where no one would see us.  She asked me what I was doing there in Karthy and I couldnt bring myself to tell her.  I just
kept dancing around the truth.  How could I tell her that I was trying to see if she was a murderer?  

She knew though.  She could see it in my eyes.  She was hurt and could not believe that I believed the notice.  I tried to explain that I was just there to investigate and prove
that it was not her but I could tell she was hurt.  

After a time, she took a deep breath and started to explain what had happened.  She had thought it was only a dream until she read the notice.  Then she knew.  It was like
the other dream.  A dream, but real.  

She saw Xithiiraa watching us as we went into Barton's house.  She was on the roof and hidden from sight.  She waited there as we exited and left for Lorindar.  Then, she jumped
down and turned herself into Lal as she walked into Barton's house.  She took him by surprise and had her hands around his throat.  Lal had to watch helplessly through Xithiiraa's
eyes as the life left Barton's.  It was horrible and I could see the effect it was having on Lal.  She blames herself.

Curse Xithiiraa!  She will be put back into her cage if it is the last thing I do.

And while I am at it, curse Lia as well for letting Lal get geased.  When I see her again she will get a piece of my mind whether she wants to hear from the 'filthy drow' or not!

[regnus]

I cant believe what has happened.  It was just so fast.  I am still trying to figure out how this happened.  

We had gone to Storan's.  Aralin, Lal, Iradril, Tha, and myself.  We had done rather well all things considered.  Tha and Iradril had fallen but only once we entered Storan's lair.  His launched some bolts or arrows or something from his hands that were wreathed in fire.  It struck all of us and I had to back away and heal myself.  Iradril fell straight away.  I think he was hit by several.  Tha attempted to heal him but was cut down.  I tried to get to them but it was too late.  I think Tha had a piece of himself taken by the Soul Mother.  Did I say it went well?  Maybe I was wrong.

We left Storan's and divided the loot.  Iradril and Aralin had to leave so we all headed to Hlint.  We were all pleasantly surprised to find Talan there!  He mentioned that he had been very busy crafting some things for people but would be back to adventuring very soon.  I cant wait.  

Then it happened.  Talan left and Tha, Lalaith, and myself decided to harass the silly ogres on the way to the Broken Forest.  Tha left to rest up at the campfire while Lalaith and I refilled our canteens.  At the western gate Lalaith was stopped.  It all went downhill from there.

*the writing gets more deliberate here.  The ink is darker as if the pen were pushing against the paper very hard*
Some drow stopped Lalaith and accused her of tearing down the notice.  I was standing there and for a moment I was numb.  I could see the situation transpiring before me and getting messy.

So I told the drow that we have been traveling together for a long time and we saw no notices.  He didnt believe me.  Of course it didnt help that Lalaith pipes up and says
"And if I did?"

It was bad enough that we were stopped there but she added fuel to the fire.  This prompted the drow to say something about keeping her blade out of people's backs.  

I lost it.  I dont know why and even now I question my thinking.  I stepped up to him and asked rather roughly if he was threatening her.  I was very angry by now and had had enough of this.  I should have let it drop though.  Lalaith hid from us and when the drow was looking around she appeared behind him.  Looking back now, it was silly.  We could have walked out of Hlint and let it drop.  

So now she is standing there behind him, I am right in his face, and it couldnt get worse right?  Well, Remiel showed up.  Being the good paladin he is, he demanded to know what was going on.  After everyone was talking to him he decided to pull Lalaith aside and talk to her privately first.  I dont know what was said, but it must have really made her mad or maybe Remiel figured it out.

When Remiel walked over to us and told us that she left, I figured she had just disappeared and was waiting on us.  So I told Remiel that we hadnt seen any notices.  I lied.  Why why why?  I have no idea.  He knew I was lying but luckily didnt hold it against me.  He actually was rather lenient and said that he will give Lalaith time to come talk to him.  

I took him aside and tried to explain but he was adamant.  He wanted to talk to her.  I didnt press the issue since I figured she was around and waiting on us.  I left Hlint and fully expected to have her just appear out of thin air.

*the paper is almost torn from the pen here*
But she didnt.  

She left me there.  Luckily Tha had to rest and left otherwise he would have been disappointed too.  I cant believe she just left me there to clean up after her.  After I confronted that drow and lied to him...and Remiel!  Why in the nine hells did I ever do that?  

And she says to trust her?  After she left me like that?  

*there is more here that is scratched out.  The ink of the whole entry is blotted from where it looks like the book was slammed shut before the ink had dried*

[regnus]

I went to Lorindar with Iradril and rested the night before we were to go see Bentmuddle for the next piece of the cage.  I figured I could sleep this mood off.  I had bought some new armor
the night before and a hood.  I was getting tired of people coming up to me talking in their good moods.  I needed some peace to figure some things out.  It also wouldnt hurt to look a little
different to try and throw Xithiiraa off our trail.

Not that we could with Lalaith carrying around the amulet.  

Anyway, the next day I was feeling a little better actually.  It was a new day and we were on Dregar.  Away from Mistone, Rilara, and the problems that were there.  It only lasted a few
minutes though.  Iradril went off to feed the chickens again and I walked the town.  The breeze coming off the water had a bite but it was good.  It could tear away my problems and carry them
far from here.  I rounded the corner by the docks though and there she was.

My mood darkened immediately and my fists clenched at my sides.  So many things went through my head to say to her.  Unfortunately, looking back now, I may have said the wrong things.  It
doesnt matter anymore though.  She deserved everything I said to her and more.  So why do I feel so horrible for saying them?

I stewed in the corner and waited for everyone else to arrive.  We had to get the other pieces of the cage to finally be rid of Xithiiraa.  And remove the geas from Lalaith.  

We traveled to Pranzis to find Bentmuddle, a gnome who was supposed to be at the Hotel Layonara.  The trip to Pranzis was uneventful but uncomfortable.  I wanted to be done with this.  In the
hotel we got directions to Bentmuddle's room while Lalaith waited outside.  We couldn't have her hearing where Bentmuddle was and leading Xithiiraa to him.  Part of the group went with me and
we knocked on his door.  

I am really starting to dislike gnomes.  He talked so fast that I had to keep asking him to slow down.  He knew what was needed after I showed him the rune stone.  But there was a catch.  

These gnomes...

He needed a key.  Without the key he wouldn't give me his piece of the cage.  The key was in some lookout tower behind an enchanting bowl.  He handed me his rune stone that apparently was the
key to a chest.  So we left Pranzis with Jasra leading the way.  I had no idea where this tower was.  It was uneventful as well thankfully.  Although Bentmuddle said that cult members would try to stop us, the tower was empty.  There was a trap door behind the enchanting bowl just like Bentmuddle had said.  Under the trap door there was a small room with a chest in it.  The rune stone opened it, but
there was no key.  Only a note that was addressed to the banker in Lorindar.

So, I was a little confused at first.  Was this the key?  We were halfway back to Pranzis before I decided to turn back around and head towards Lorindar.  Maybe this note would lead to the
key.  We got to the bank and the banker was more than helpful.  But there was still no key.  Gnomes are such a pain.  

There was a bag of gold addressed to Braggo WishWangel at Orc's Watch.  Jasra had to lead again since we didnt know the way.  Along the way though we stopped at Vale.  Someone here had another
piece.  Victor remembered something Erdissar said about Valerie living in or around Vale.

So we searched around and found her house.  She was very cooperative and was actually in a very good mood.  I guess her only reason for living there was to hide the piece away.  She handed it
to Lalaith and we left.  We had moved one step ahead of Xithiiraa finally.  We had lost her on the way to Orc Watch and this piece in Vale needed to be kept secret.  

We pressed on to Orc Watch.  Braggo was in the inn and as drunk as I have ever seen anyone be.  I was going to try to get the key from him while he was drunk.  Everyone knows that drunks are
easily fooled into doing what you want them to do.  Unfortunately, Lalaith tricked him into drinking a potion that cleared his mind.  He was not very pleased.  Luckily though he was willing to
take his gold but ... no key AGAIN!

This time we got a map.  I was ready to head back to Bentmuddle if this wasnt the key, but now we have a map and an X.  We decided to follow the map to Saudiria and find the spot on the map
marked by the X.  We searched around and from reading the map I found where I thought it was and we started digging.  Jasra summoned a wolf that tore into the sand and made things a lot
easier.  

Finally as the hole got bigger and bigger, we hid something solid.  Clearing the sand away we found a massive chest.  It had a dial on it.  The map had the number 574309 on it in the corner.  
I turned the number to 5 first but nothing happened.  So I tried 57 and heard a click.  Turning the dial to 43 got another click.  Finally turning to 09 unlocked the chest.  

I opened it slowly thinking that I had had enough of gnomes and wasnt quite sure if this thing was trapped with some gnomish device that would blow up in my face.  It didnt though.  It only
had the key.  Finally!  

We made it back to Pranzis as fast as we could.  Outside the Hotel Layonara we split up.  Lalaith left by herself to draw Xithiiraa away while I grabbed the last piece.  I ran to Bentmuddle
and handed over the key.  He gave me his piece of the cage.  Before I left though I got the information about Valerie.  I figured better to be safe in case anyone was listening or if
Bentmuddle got attacked by Xithiiraa.

Back to Erdissar's now.  Although once we got there something strange happened.  He was asleep but his daughter walked over to him and slapped him on the back of his head.  It woke him up but
it was a little strange.  She was such a loving daughter before and now this.  She was not the same girl we met the other day.  

Erdissar approached us and asked if we had all the pieces.  Lalaith wasnt there yet.  Or maybe she was hiding.  Still.  It would be fitting.  But she came in the door then.  The daughter was
very curious at this point.  She was watching Lalaith and Erdissar.  I told her that I didnt trust the daughter but it was her life and her geas.  I handed the piece that I had and let her
decide.  

That was when it all exploded.  The daughter screamed "NO!" and a bright flash of light burst in the room.  When my eyes recovered, she was there.  A demonlike creature with wings and an air
of evil.  She wanted the cage.  Lalaith screamed for Erdissar to finish the cage while we all threw ourselves at Xithiiraa.  We had to give Erdissar time to work his magic.

Again and again we attacked her but she held us back.  Victor fell and looked like he had broken something.  She hit me with a spell of some sort and things went black...

Until I felt myself being pulled back.  I staggered to my feet and retreated a ways to heal myself.  It was almost a standoff until Erdissar apparently finished the cage.  He looked at
Xithiiraa and let loose his magic.  Bolts shot from his hands and pummeled Xithiiraa.  Spell after spell he threw as the rest of us did what we could.

Finally, she must have been weakened enough from our efforts.  She disappeared in a flash of light.  Erdissar told us that it was not complete until he followed her to the plane where she
resides and destroyed her there.  He began chanting and a portal appeared.  We said our goodbyes and he stepped through.

We thought we were finished.  We were wrong.  The portal remained.  Jasra attempted to close it but it still remained.  Iradril was very curious about this portal now.  He said something about
having the arcane alliance look at it or something.  I am not sure.  He was stepping awfully close to the portal.  Too close for my taste.  I warned him to step back but he of course did not
listen.

I said something again and he looked like he wanted to move away but then he was pulled right in!  I told him to get back!  I even told him how I didn't want to jump in here after him!  But
that's what I did.  I didn't even think twice about it really.  I jumped in after my friend.  Funny how I seem to get in these situations a lot lately.  

Anyway, down into some pit of hell we went.  I saw Erdissar there and he looked as if he was looking for something.  Xithiiraa would be my guess.  We were on her ground now.  Not exactly the
odds I would have liked.  Iradril will hear about this when we get out of here.  I was trying to talk to Erdissar when who came through the portal but Lalaith.  

Now to say I was shocked would be an understatement.  I never really expected anyone to follow me let alone Lalaith after the recent events.  I suppose it was a good thing though.  Jasra
followed after and then Zerpa.

Erdissar looked to his right and a confident and determined look crossed his face.  Although a slightly sad look was there for a brief moment.  He walked to a chasm and began chanting again.
Spells began to fly over the chasm and as each spell landed it lit up the other side.  

There she was.  Xithiiraa.  She stood there and did not appear to even notice the spells slamming into her.  This was her home after all.  Erdissar kept the spells firing but Xithiiraa
continued to just stare at us.  When she had had enough she leapt into the air and glided over to us as if she had all the time in the world.  She looked at us as if we were nothing but bugs
to be stomped on.  It was more than a little disconcerting.

Erdissar called on us to attack.  So we started this dance again.  She was so elusive that we all had a hard time even getting close enough to hit her.  One second she was there and the next
she wasnt.  Yet she never completely disappeared.  Wave after wave of steel and spell until I could no longer keep track of how long the battle had lasted.  

Finally, Xithiiraa fell to the ground, defeated.  It was too late though.  Erdissar crashed to the ground and wasnt moving.  He was alive I guess but not for long.  I hated to say it, but this
was the price to pay for what he had done and he had already said he was willing to pay it.  I didnt want to leave him there but if we lingered too long then we would all be trapped there
forever.

Jasra did what she could to keep him alive while Iradril dragged him to the portal.  We all jumped through and Iradril pulled Erdissar through.  The portal snapped shut the second he made it
through.  Erdissar stirred for a brief instant and faded away with his final breath.  He had a satisfied smile on his face and looked like a weight had finally been taken from him.

Lalaith sighed as well.  The geas was gone and she was free.  I know I am mad at her but I am happy that she is no longer under the pressure and threat of the geas.  We looked around the house for the daughter but she was nowhere to be found until we went outside.  Unfortunately Erdissar not only paid the price with his life but his daughter's as well.  We gave her a proper burial behind the house.  It was only right.

Afterwards we all just went our seperate ways.  I walked off by myself to clear my head.  These past few days have left me feeling...empty I guess.  Maybe some time by Lake Rillon will help.

[regnus]

I have been spending time around the Lake lately.  The air here seems cleaner and it clears my head.  I feel like a fog is hanging over my head and clouding my eyes.  I used to think I knew what I was doing.  I wasnt sure where the path was leading, but I knew I was on it.  Lately though, I am not sure.  I think I may have been distracted and stepped off that path.  Time to find my way back.  

I was sitting in Hlint with Iradril, Tha, and others when a man came barging into town and was screaming at the top of his lungs at the Real Estate office.  The sales lady came out to see what the commotion was about and the man screamed in her face.  He claimed she sold a house to him with rats!  He said he could hear them burrowing around under the floor boards.  

He threw the key at her and stormed off.  Rhizome offered to investigate the home for the sales lady and make sure that there were no rats.  She agreed and handed him the key.  She said that the address was 666 Spellguard.  So the group of us made our way to Spellgard.  

Once there we found the address easily enough.  The door was opened and everyone started to walk in.  Luckily, a few of us were a little slow at entering.  As we were outside getting ready to walk in, a constellation lit up the sky in brilliance.  I shuddered as I realized what constellation I was looking at.  The Viper.  

When we got inside, we warned everyone.  Then we heard it.  The floorboards were creaking and it felt like someone was watching us.  It was an eerie feeling that reached out and grabbed me.  We continued on through the house searching.  A trap door was found and we all ventured deeper into the house.  

There were rats.  Not just rats though.  Larger and nastier rats than I have seen before.  That feeling kept on too.  It was like the hair on the back of my neck was standing.  Like I knew something was not right here but we had to press on.  Downward.

Rats and spiders and snakes.  Always the snakes.  It was clear that we had uncovered something evil.  The further we moved the more that feeling kept weighing down on us.  We rounded a corner and saw what looked like an apparition.  It stood there and watched us for several moments and then came at us.

It fell easily, but before it disappeared, it was a shock to see that it appeared to be that of a child!  We rested there before moving onward.  It was then that we had the vision.  All of us saw the same thing.  It was terrible.  

Children gathered in a circle with a pillar of light in the center.  They were chanting I think as well.  They were certainly performing some sort of ritual.  Then each child in turn walked into the center of the circle and then out of the ritual chamber.  

It was a horrible feeling to watch that play over in my head.  But the worst was to come.  We entered a hallway that had several doors leading off of it.  Behind each door was a bedroom of sorts.   And waiting in each one was what appeared to be the children in our vision.  I watched as they attacked and were cut down.  It was really no contest.  They had no chance.

I know that they were not really children.  I believe Ozy said that they were remnants or impressions of something from ages past.  It made me sick to watch it happen though.  Seven bedrooms in all were visited.  The last room had something of interest but at this point there was bickering going on and I missed what was said.

There was a door at the end of the hallway that we paused at.  The evil feeling seemed to emanate from behind it.  I could feel it rolling over me.  Pulsing.  It made perfect sense when we opened the door.  A statue of a viper greeted us.  Shadison.

Behind the statue was another doorway.  As we stepped into this room, we were surrounded by darkness and stared at a portal.  It was like no other portal I had seen before.  Our road led through there.  I believe at this point we decided to take a step back and discern some things regarding the children and the evil and the portal.  We are to return here and step through the portal to parts unknown.

[regnus]

There was a meeting to discuss the events in Hlint earlier.  I guess Blood and his generals paraded through town and brought down an unnatural darkness.  As usual, I missed it.  I am not sure what I could have done really.  I most likely would have fallen.  But regardless, I wanted to be at this meeting to decide what needed to be done.

I was mistaken though.  This meeting was a farce.  Ozy put out a call to everyone to spread the word of what happened, what is happening, and what will happen if we fail.  Information is our greatest weapon if we would just use it.  At this, I thought we were going somewhere.  Unfortunately, the meeting then turned to forming a council to consolidate the information.  

Now, I understand the reasoning here, but this meeting soon became pointless.  It was nothing more than people bickering over who is in the council and who is not.  Other were arguing over who gets to vote and who gets to nominate.  The point of this meeting was to get people to talk not appoint a council!  

I appreciate Ozy calling the meeting and I understand where he is coming from, but this council business makes me think that nothing will get done.  Since when is the spread of information a formalized process?  I get the uneasy feeling that this council could very easily sit on information it gleans rather than get it to the people.  

I will ask Ozy, but I dont think that this was his idea.  Who knows though?  Ozy is a unique individual and this may have been his plan all along.

After the meeting, I stormed out of the courthouse and stood outside waiting for Tha.  Lalaith followed him out and to my surprise she joined Tha and myself.  I let Tha know how I felt about the council idea.  Both he and Lalaith somewhat agreed with me but had hopes I guess that it would succeed.  

As we were discussing it, Chanda walked by.  Lalaith disappeared and I can only assume she followed Chanda.  Then Tha left as well.  I sat there outside of the courthouse and just watched the people stroll by going about their business.  My mind was still whirling over this council and some other things.

After some time, Lalaith reappeared.  I guess Chanda was not as exciting as Lalaith thought she was going to be.  

The conversation then turned to what has been eating at me for some time now.  Yet she still claims to not know why I am so angry.  It is as if nothing ever happened.  I suppose I should be so unaware but I am not.

*beside this there is written* I must remember to never begin a serious conversation in Hlint.  There are far too many distractions.  I suppose it comes from being so famous.

After several interruptions and some heated words, it was all worked out.  Although she is hiding something from me still.  But yet it is almost like she is teasing me with it.  Like she wants me to find it.  I suppose in time.

Now I have to rest.  I ran a long way to hear what was said in the meeting and I am tired.  Then I have to go find my hat...

[regnus]

Where to begin...

I can only assume that she is either avoiding me or she just isn't coming back.  I suppose, when I think about it, I don't care either way.  Either option leads to all sorts of questions that will never get answered.  I have asked around and no one seems to know where she went.  Then again how could they when she can disappear like that.  

It has been months.  Enough is enough.

I am sure Tha will be mad at me.  He always seemed to know something about myself that not even I knew.  Or rather maybe I was refusing to see it.  Would things have been different if I admitted it before?  At this point does it really matter?  I can go through all the what ifs that I want, but the end result is the same.  

I am left sitting here by the campfire writing in this blasted book.  

*Owen slams the book shut and throws it in his pack.  He pokes at the campfire a bit with a nearby stick.  Lightly at first, then with a little more aggression.  The light of the fire reflects off of his eyes as he stares into the flames.*

*The stick finally breaks.  Owen looks at the broken stick in his hand and shakes his head and sighs.  Then he tosses the stick in the fire and stands.*

"I think I need a drink.  I wonder what Yastin has on hand?"

*As Owen turns to head into Hlint he sees Acacea skipping down the road and enter Hlint.  His face cracks a smile that hasn't been seen in some time*

"Yes, I think a drink is the perfect end to this day"

[regnus]

*Owen wakes in his room and looks around confused.  He looks like he is trying to get his bearings.  He sits up in the bed and holds his head in his hands.  He grimaces in pain as he stands up and puts his clothes on.  He walks to the door and before opening it, he glances back at the bed and sighs in relief*  "At least I wasn't a complete idiot"

*He strolls out to the Wild Surge common room and finds a small table in a dark corner.  He pulls out his journal and begins to write...*

The night of drinking has taken a toll.  I have no memory of the events of the last night.  I remember finding Acacea in the Wild Surge and sharing a drink.  Beyond that is a blur.  I suppose the upside to that is if I was acting like a fool, I dont remember.  The downside is my other memories are still there.  Perhaps I need to find another distraction.  

Actually, I think the downside is this pounding in my head.  It feels as if a dwarven miner is using my head as a pick.  How does Acacea drink so much and survive to walk the next day?

I think I heard her talking about the Leilon Arms having a big celebration tomorrow.  Perhaps I will go and see what trouble I can get into.  Surely I can find a distraction there.

[regnus]

I ran into Tha tonight.  Of course it was in the Broken Forest.  I swear his zealousness is going to be the death of him.  What was rather interesting was that he mentioned the Leilon Arms after we had dispatched with the undead.  I was curious as to why he would want to go there.  He mentioned that the place was interesting and he was becoming fond of it.  I think he just likes to watch the people there.  It can be quite amusing.

So we headed off to Leilon.  I was still wondering about the coincidence of Tha's suggestion and my desire to go to Leilon already.  I could only think that something was going to happen tonight.  

When we arrived, I saw one of the couches around a table was available and I sat down.  There was a good sized crowd there, laughing and drinking.  Tha had seated himself on the couch across from me.  We hadn't been seated for more than a moment when Kali came over and asked us what we would like.  Tha ordered his customary wine.  I passed.  I was still recovering from the last time.  It must have been funny to Kali though.  She smiled at me that almost seemed like she was laughing at me.  Or maybe it was something else.  

As she walked away I watched her walk back to the bar.  There were several people seated there.  I saw Acacea of course.  I also saw Connor.  Another coincidence?  I hadn't seen him in quite some time.  It made me think about ... other things.  I almost stood up and walked out, but he saw me and made his way over.

Connor exchanged pleasantries with us and sat down.  He looked tired.  He asked about Iradril and then as if by magic, or maybe coincidence again, Iradril arrived and sat down with Tha.

I wanted to leave.  This conversation could lead to all sorts of things that I was trying to avoid.  Blasted coincidences!  I came here to forget, not get pulled back in.  But Connor is a friend.  I couldn't just leave when he had only come over to say hello.  

So I asked him what he had been up to.  His answer was sort of strange.

"Hmmm...well...quite a bit, really."

It felt like he had answered me with a question.  Like he was waiting for me to ask him something.  Maybe it was all in my mind.  I was sitting there and it felt like I had a choice to make.  In one hand I held the choice to ask him about her.  I can only think of one or two others that would know something of where she was.  

In the other hand, I could just sit and listen to him explain where he had been.  Remain silent and continue to forget.  

He was looking at me like he was waiting on my answer.  Staring at me even.  As if he was going to judge me if I chose the wrong path.  I supposed I could ask him about her.  It couldn't hurt and it could answer a lot of questions that I had.  

I was just about to ask him about her when I caught a scent.  It was a slightly floral scent that seemed to come from behind me.  I turned back and Kali was standing there leaning over the back of the couch.

"Mind if I sit here?" and she pointed to the seat on the couch next to me.

Her green eyes sparkled in the light as she waited on my answer.  It seemed to be a night of decisions.  I looked at her for a few moments and then let her sit.  I cant help but think that a bigger decision was made there that I was unaware of.  My mind wasn't very clear though.  

The perfume that Kali was wearing was confusing me.  I couldn't stop thinking about her.  I kept turning and looking at her.  She kept asking me questions and I couldn't answer.  I was distracted by her eyes.  Those green eyes that entranced me every time she turned to me.  

Someone mentioned Arindor.  I can't remember who it was but Kali made the comment that she planned to return to that dungeon and pay him a visit.  I told her that if she did, I could not follow.  An oath was an oath.  She apparently had no problem with breaking that oath.  She tried to convince me to accompany her there but an oath IS an oath.  To change the subject, I offered to take her to some other dark and nasty dungeon some time.  She looked at me again with those eyes and scooted closer and leaned into me and whispered: "Is that a promise?"   How could I say no to that?

She stayed there a moment and then some fools came in to advertise some brothel in Fort Llast.  They didn'y call it a brothel of course, but we all know what they meant.  It was comical to listen to them try to rationalize what they were doing, but it soon became annoying.  We all moved to the bar.  Unfortunately, so did the idiots advertising their 'club'.

It was time to leave unfortunately.  I said goodbye to Kali, who I now refer to as, Giggles.  That woman giggles more than anyone I have ever seen.  

I am going to have to find some dark place to visit with her to keep my promise.

[regnus]

Tha and I went on a trip to Rilara after we left the Arms the other night.  We investigated Bone Hill.  So many changes.  There is only one mirror or whatever it is that is unlit.  Could this be the end game?  Is there only one more turn left in this conflict?  I wish I knew who was winning.

Bah!  Enough of that.  Another StoryTeller night was taking place.  As I approached the stage in Fort Hope I was discouraged.  The crowd was slim.  I wonder if the trip through the Broken Forest might have scared most of the people away.  I talked with Geir before the show started and got more bad news.  Kali and Acacea were not present either.  But as they say, the show must go on.  

In the end, it was a good show.  Some new faces and some old.  The tales were entertaining and informative.  The crowd seemed to really enjoy themselves as well.  I talked to Geir afterwards and I believe we are going to move the show back to Hlint.

I headed to Leilon after the show.  I was going to see if the bar was open.  I could use a good brew.  Not to mention the other perks of a visit to the Arms.  I walked in and the bar room was empty.  I heard someone on the piano though and I was pleasantly surprised to see Kali.

She smiled at me and those eyes.  I could get into a lot of trouble with those eyes.

We shared a few drinks as we sat on the couch.  After each bottle was finished she got another from behind the bar.  I swear that she sat closer to me each time she returned.  

*in the margin there is some scribbling* I need to remember to speak to Derrick about putting a window in the Arms or leaving the door open.  It became very warm in the Arms while I was speaking to Kali*

I am not sure how many drinks I had when it was all said and done.  I remember Kali trying to get up for another and she fell into my arms.  I can't say that that was a bad thing.  Her perfume was intoxicating.  

I didn't think that it would be smart for me to venture out in the condition I was in.  I asked Kali to find me a room for the night.  I remember her getting this grin on her face.  Her eyes almost glowing...

I cant remember much else.  I think I do but I cant be sure.  I will have to ask her when I see her again.  As I sit here in the common room of the Arms, I wonder where she is this morning.

[regnus]

*As Owen walks into the Leilon Arms common room, there are a few people sitting at the tables, eating their meals.  The morning is nearly over now that he strolls into the room.  He takes a seat at a table in the corner and after a few minutes, pulls out a somewhat worn journal.  Flipping through the pages, he finally stops at a blank page and begins writing.*

As I sit here and write these words I can tell you that I have found something and lost something at the same time.  

I have found a distraction.  I haven't really thought of much else lately so I guess it is a good distraction.  The fact that the past is past can only be a good thing.  The future is ahead and I have to say that it looks really good from where I sit right now.

And what have I lost?  Well, my hat is gone.  I think I know where to find it.  I think I know exactly where it is.  But what it really comes down to is the thrill of the hunt.

*He closes the book and replaces it in his pack.  With a slight grin he stands and makes his way to the bar*

[regnus]

Kali read my cards tonight.  It was just a tad bit unsettling to be honest with you.  Some of the meanings behind these cards struck close to reality.  I have never had any faith in these types of
things but I suppose there might be some truth them.  Either that or maybe I am just reading into them what I want to hear.  Either way it made for an interesting evening.

It started with the past.  A reflection of the past, she said.  I pulled a card and handed it to her.  As she laid it down I saw the Great Gold, Rofirein in all his splendor.  It was right side up
to me and upside down to Kali.  I am not sure what the difference is but it appeared to her to be very important.  I was excited when I saw the card until she told me what it meant.

    "Injustice and inequality.  A Seperation or imbalance."

This wasnt really what I was expecting but I went along and pulled the next card.

The Present Times
I handed her the card and again she flipped it over between us.  It was the Queen.  She said that she was a striking resemblance to Allurial.  I had to trust her on that as I have never met the
Queen.  It was again right side up to me and upside down to Kali.  

    "Possible domestic problems, a lack of affection and achievement.  This could possibly lead to or be caused by promiscuity."

And then we came to a glimpse of the Future.  She claimed that the future the cards would see would be if I remained on my present course.

The card I picked this time was upside down to me and rightside up to Kali.  It was a picture of a man surrounded by books.  She called it the Lost Librarian.  I had to laugh at that.  I would
hope that my life would be more exciting than that of a librarian!  

But the card meant nothing of the sort.

    "Caution and discretion.  A need to reach into one's inner resources.  A time to take a step back and reflect on the current circumstances.  Counsel sought and taken."

I was a little apprehensive after the reading.  Could there be more to this or was it just a coincidence?  I would have asked Kali more about it but she just stared at me with those eyes.  I cannot think straight when she looks at me like that.  It's like they bore into my head and make all my thoughts on everything else disappear.  

Not that I am complaining.  

It's just..

[regnus]

*as Owen leaves the Arms he is met by a smallish wind elemental. The elemental bows and lays a scroll at Owens feet, then it disperses into a gust of wind.  The scroll is bound with ribbons of white and gold and it is sealed with a Golden Leaf.*

*Owen carefully unwraps the scroll and begins to read it. He is standing on the doorstep of the Arms and as he continues to read, his fingers slowly begin to grip the paper more forcefully. As he finishes reading the scroll his hands crush it between them. He crumples it into a ball and squeezes it in a tightly clenched fist.*

She wants me to know she's around? After all this time and that's it? She's around?

*He chuckles in disbelief and shakes his head.  Then he looks at his hand which is still clenched so tight that his fingers have streaks of white running through them. He takes a few steps into the street and throws the paper as far as he can and turns before it lands*

A gracious invitation indeed. I suppose maybe if I have the time I will make it. Who knows? I may just have to be distracted at the time.

*He turns and walks back into the Arms.  Patrons exiting the Arms hear him mumbling something about finding a drink and someone named Cae.*

[regnus]

*Owen sits down at the desk in his home and pushes aside the notes that he was using to detail the truly epic nature of his life.  He sets down another notebook and brushes off the dust that has accumulated on it.  Opening it, he peruses the entries that he had made long ago.  He shakes his head and sets the book down, open to a blank page.*

*He stares at the page for some time before picking up the quill and puts it to the paper.*

Change.  

It is inevitable.  That is an understood and accepted fact.  Yet, when change arrives, we rail against it with all of our might.  In the end, change always wins.

Always...

[regnus]

*Owen sits in the grass so familiar to him now.  Even though the memories here are still painful, he still sits and lets out a long sigh as he opens his journal and begins to write*

At one time I felt as if there was a direction in my life.  It was not without some trepidation that I actually started to follow it mind you.  I had been just 'being' for so long that I knew nothing more.  The truth be told, I think I enjoyed just 'being'.  

It was fun.  

It was easy.

Little did I know that I would get some guidance from the last place I would have ever believed possible.  A Dragon.

But as with all things, I pretty much laughed it off.  Why should I care?

Until the signs pretty much slapped me in the face.  So I followed what I thought I was supposed to be doing.  It made sense.  As strange as it may seem, it felt right.  And let me tell you, even though it felt right, it was still a little strange to me.

But somewhere along the way I got distracted.  What had felt so right before was totally pushed aside.  

Forgotten.  

Until now.  

I sit here and reflect on the past and I really dont see how it happened.  It was as if the path was pulled out from under my feet without my knowledge and replaced by some twisted path where no matter how far I tread, I end up in the same place I started.  

I talked to Tha'Azail the other night about all of this.  Well, not all of this.  I think he knows how I am feeling but he wouldnt pry.

I did ask him about faith and how he knew that Aeridin had called him.  It was an interesting conversation.  He had grown up in much the same situation that I had.  Maybe not to the extreme as I was, but he felt the resentment among those he was raised with.  It got me thinking though.  If he can find the perserverance to join the priesthood among the those who did not want him, then why cant I go back?

Now I should stop here and put any of your fears to rest.  I am not under any circumstances going to go to the Citadel and become a priest.  I can imagine all sorts of hells in which I would be tormented for all eternity.  Becoming a priest would top them all.  

However, I feel a certain need to return to the Citadel and make some sort of effort to make up for the ...problems that I caused while living there.  I never really appreciated the fact that they took me in.  I realize now that they took quite a risk by allowing me to stay there.

After talking with Tha, I decided that I should seek out Kobal and seek his advice.  He is a no nonsense person and I think that even through his hatred for Drow, he would give me a straight and honest answer.  I also need him to make a sword and armor for me.  I can think of no better person to make it for me than another who follows the Dragon.

[regnus]

I have spoken to Kobal!  More importantly, he didn't try to kill me!  

I had heard of his dislike for drow before and I even experienced it once when we worked together to remove that vampire creature that was terrorizing people in Hurm.  Nasty business that was.

Anyway, I talked to Kobal.  I really should clarify that.  I sent him a letter....but he answered so that can be considered talking.  Really!

So as I said, we talked.  He agreed to meet with me and discuss my concerns over returning to Pranzis and the temple.  And of course the forging of my rapier and chain shirt.  I only hope that I can meet with him soon.  Something is coming.  I can see it all around.  I can feel the tension in the air.  Everyone is preparing for the worst.

I wonder if the time is drawing near when we will be asked to step forward and become what the Dragon saw in us all those years ago...