A Gypsy's Tale

[Lalaith Va'lash]

*The pages of a small journal.  Scattered with notes, songs and stories from the hand of Kali*
  Coming to a new place
  After my first adventure away from home I drifted into sleep and was taken away.  The  blood pulsed rapidly through my veins as I spoke to a dragon for the first time in my life.  I thought nothing of it though, I thought it was just another dream.  I often dream of dragons.  Surely now I know it wasn't a dream. 
  When I entered Hlint it was night, it was a very dark and cold night.  The few that ran by me were in to much of a hurry to talk.  This disturbed me as the dragon had told me to seek others, friends and companions which I could aid in the war.   I was almost unsuccesful in finding converstion, or company this night,  I was about ready to check into an inn.. but then I met Chanda. 
  Chanda, a priestess of Corath sat by the fire with me for hours.  We talked of gods and faith, of death and life.  It seems without faith when one dies their soul becomes breakfast for the soul mother.  Not a very pleasant thought.  
  She told me of Corath, the god of death.  She showed me the power he grants her to control the undead.  She raised bones that would do her bidding.  Fasicated I watched.  Chanda talked of many things, I listened long and questioned her.  I think if I were granted the oppertunity to travel with her, there would be many tales.  Tales of the dark not often told.   One day I hope to travel with her, to witness things few often do. 
  Truly I am fascinated by this but still a bit uneasy.  I do not follow the path of the Gypsies any longer, but I do not think I would follow the path of a Corathian either.  Although the stories it would bring.. The stories would be worth retelling.. 
   
An acquaintance in the night,   shrouded in red and black.  A priestess of the dark  granted her powers by Corath.     She speaks of night and death,  of tales less often told,  of adventures and travels  which not many have behold.     She told of her aspiration  to fill a place amongst the stars.  A story like no other  an inspiration to a bard.     As night grew into day  and the stars were almost gone  She pray darkness give its blessing,  to grant me breath another dawn.      
   
 
 

[Lalaith Va'lash]

The Red light caves
  The sign outside read "danger" but carefully we approuched...
Armed at the ready, with my hand at the hilt of my sword
  I stood amongst the others, prepared for dankness unexplored
   
  We entered the cave five brave warriors, each fierce and true
  Ready for whatever awaited, not real certain if we knew.
   
  Half-elf, Halfling, Elves and Drow
  We bravely fought the goblins,
  The fierce green beasts on the prowl.
   
  Emerging from the cave, one less than before
  They may have one the battle, but they will not take the war.

[Lalaith Va'lash]

*written in delicate black elven script, many marks and ink blots appear where the pen has paused as Kali wrote*

****

 I have become more inspired.  I sing and ..new.. things happen..  As my sound now fills the air.. it helps heal my small wounds. 
  I do not understand it myself completely but whatever it is that allows me to do this seems to flourish the more I find adventure..and the more I preform..  could it be just practice or somthing... more?  
  I often heard tales when I was young of others in our family with this... nature?... this gift?  My mother and this elder elf in the caravan would stand in the shadows speaking... I do not know if they knew I could hear them, but I listen well.. Someday I hope to find more about this.  I could never ask them though, I could not let them know that I knew.. I was afraid they would stop talking about it and I would never learn, I was afraid they would think me too young to know..  or that they didn't know for sure what it was..

****

 On a different note.  I have great news today!  I was able to make a new tambourine.   I was a bit depressed after having lost mine when I was taken to the dragon, but this new one sounds great, and really has inspired my singing.  In time I will replace my violin I left at the Caravan as well.. I just need more practice at crafting the wood to make it.  It may be difficult to get the sound just right.
   

[Lalaith Va'lash]

Progess and War
  Many many days have passed since I have last written.  I am progressing well in my ability to create musical instruments.  Soon I will be able to complete my violin.  Then my songs will be grand.  Crafting has been difficult and tiring though, and that damndable hickory tree is winning the war.  Five axes, FIVE axes I broke on that thing and have only been able to complete my work twice.  Thank goodness for Li though.  I was taught to use an axe in the caravan, but nothing like she does.  Li wields two axes and certainly knows how to show the tree who is boss..
  On a different note I have been spending my evenings reading travellers' cards.  Most appriciate it, some just don't get it.  All seem to donate well enough though, soon Li and I will have our finances straight enough to begin our travels...
  I am drawn away from this place, to new places ...our story awaits just beyond the horizon.. I can see it now... 

[Lalaith Va'lash]

*Sitting under a tree by the Hlint pond, Kali begins to write*
 
 
It has been many long days since I have written.  I realized this today after speaking to Remiel.  He had his journal, full of maps drawings, riddles, stories and thoughts.  More things than I could ever imagine actually writing down on paper.   
 
 
I have talked to him a lot the past few days.  It seems though that he only returned for a short time, since now he is gone again.  Traveling constantly from place to place I can understand, that’s always been a part of my life.  But doing it alone… I would think one would get quite …well, lonely. 
 
 
However, the past times we have spent together have been entertaining to say the least.  We’ve talked of hopes, faith, and other strange things that only a gypsy could think to talk about on cold rainy nights.  He has even let me read his cards, twice.  However, the second time I didn’t completely finish the reading.  The cards were really quite disturbing to me the second time.  Not for me at all really, but it made me worry a bit for him. (Though it would make an interesting story).  He seems to have had quite the past.  Something I am sure I’ve barely begun to be told.  He seems to have many secrets as well.  Strangely enough, he seems to know secrets about me too.  At least that’s what he has mentioned.  Perhaps it’s all a ploy to keep me curious, I doubt it though.  But either way it’s worked!  The funny thing is though, he barely knew me when he mentioned knowing something about me, which I have not even discovered…  I’m sure in time I will figure it all out..  I just wish I didn’t have to wait so long.
 
 
*Kali’s ears perk as she hears an interesting conversation going on behind her, and quickly she closes her book, jumping up to go see what trouble she can find or what story she can sing about*