Testament of a Shadow

[Candor Ignifer]

[SIZE=16][SIZE=13]Mymother, a Wood Elf maiden by the name of Nathyrra, had been quite the warrior in her day. A warrior's path however is not always one of honor and duty, there are those that charge a gold coin for each time they swing their sword, and Nathyrra was one of these. Being a Wood Elf, Nathyrra was expected to accept certain duties, such as using her abilities to protect the Singing Forest, the home of her clan. But Nathyrra felt otherwise, the call for a mercenary was seldom heard amoung the musical trees, and coin trading hands was even more rare in the sects of the Elves.[/SIZE] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=16][SIZE=13]So, as the true mercenary that she was, she followed the path of money, and that inevitably led her into the lands of the humans. Though her human employers may not have always shown her the courtesy that an Elven maiden is warranted, they always paid well. Well enough for Nathyrra to make a name for herself. Eventually her contracts had brought her to Mesindal, a town far south of the Singing Forest that she knew so well, but her desire for wealth was no longer overpowering her desire to see kin. [/SIZE][/SIZE]  [SIZE=13]So she steeled herself and prepared to relinquish the life of the "sell-sword" and face her clan back home. As it was, she would never return home again, for as she was making to depart the town she encountered a male; anElven male. His name was Sjack, and he was a retired veteran recently arriving from the human settlement of North Fort. Sjack captivated her, he was a humanized Elf, it was true, but his eyes spoke of countless years, and his voice was heavy with the burden of a thousand battle cries. Indeed, Nathyrra had found another who courted death as she did. The two were soon married, and Nathyrra came to be with child. But even more remarkable was the feeling of peace that she now felt. She didn't need gold, and she certainly didn't need fame. She only needed Sjack. And though she had forgotten her old life, it had not forgotten her. [/SIZE]
  [SIZE=13]Not long afterI was born, her home was invaded[/SIZE] [SIZE=13]by dark men. They spoke no words, no threats, or cries of retribution from deeds of her past. They only advanced, a grim promise of death to come. But she was Nathyrra, and Sjack was a soldier as well, and these assassins would not make easy prey of them. They battled their foes, and had it not been for the enemy's numbers, they would have been victorious. But the dark men pushed forward, and each lucky strike made it more apparant that if they stayed, they would die. In a desperate act Sjack hurled himself at his foes, buying Nathyrra enough time to gather me up and flee. Nathyrra never looked back, she never saw the death blow, but she knew in her heart, that Sjack was dead. [/SIZE]
  [SIZE=13]Nathyrra had fled, and fearing a future discovery of her survival, she chose a remote spot in the wilds to stay and raise me. For over a century the two ofus lived on the outskirts of the Dark Forest. It proved more than capable of hiding us, as long aswe avoided the spiders. And the waters of the Shadow River and Lake Croen suppliedus with all the fishwe would need. Nathyrra spent the time trainning me in the ways of martial arts. Since swords and armor were not attainable in the wilderness,I was forced to rely more onmy natural talents, the strength ofmy fists, the endurance ofmy body, and the serenity of meditation. Butmy prowess was not the only change in me.I had been nourished for years on the dark waters of the River, and had spent hours walking the nightmarish paths of the woods, andmy environment was beginning to take its toll on me. Soonmy hair was drained of all color, andmy eyes became deep pools of silver specked blue.I was becoming as darkly twisted as the landI called home. [/SIZE]
  [SIZE=13]But it was worse for Nathyrra. She was getting on in years now, and she did not havemy youthful stamina to save her from the harmful affects of the unnaturally dark terrain. And thoughI repeatedly tried to convice her that they should depart and seek the medical aids in the city, she refused. She would not be taken now, soon she would be with Sjack again.[/SIZE]
  [SIZE=13]The night she died she spoke to me, her eyes were ox-blood and her skin was pasty, "My son, do you know why I chose to be a warrior instead of staying in the forest?"I shookmy head. "Because someone once told me what I am about to tell you," Her rasping voice was broken by a fit of coughing.I leaned in closer tomy mother, "A man is a sword," She whsipered, "A sword is constructed, piece by piece, it is tempered, sharpened, and it reaches the peak of its strength only to spend the rest of its time dulling and rusting. Most swords are common, a single edged straight blade with a wooden hilt. No engravings, no intricacies, the whole thing is solid, for the most part and will serve the purpose, but there is nothing to marvel at." She stopped to catch her breath. "But every so often there comes a blade of such superiority that it demands the jealousy of sword smiths and swordsmen alike, and it leaves all other blades before it wonting. Time is not a factor to these exceptional weapons, their edge is eternal, and rust does not find them. For these weapons, shame only comes when wielded by an unworthy hand." She grasped for a drink whichI quickly supplied her. Swallowing hard, she continued,"Men are the same. We are born, raised, taught right and wrong. We face trials and tribulations throughout our lives; some even attain prestige through special teachings. We are warriors, craftsmen, and merchants and at one point we will be stronger than at any other moment in our lives. Life will go on and we work to regain our peak stature, but like the sword we only dull and rust. Most men are common, they work hard and live good lives, but they served no purpose. Yet from among the masses there rises those of greatness. Men who change the world, leave behind legends that will live far passed their times. It is these men all other men aspire to. But these men also have worries; the premier is concern over the fate that dictates their paths." She strained at the last words. "Remember, Darkchild, a man is a sword." Her grip onmy hand failed, and sheslipped into eternal night to be with Sjack forever. [/SIZE]
  [SIZE=13]Later, afterI had buriedmy mother's body,I beganmy trek away from the forest that had left its eternal mark on me.I did not notice the miles slipping passed me,I did not notice the setting of the sun and rising of the moon.My mind was elsewhere. "A man is a sword,"I recited, "What kind of sword am I?” [/SIZE][SIZE=16]
[/SIZE]

[Candor Ignifer]

Nathyrra had always told Kiva that the world was full of magic and possibility. But even so, he had never expected to be summoned by a Dragon. Last he remembered he had lay down in the grass, tired from walking for such a long time. He was toiling with the idea of returning to the home he had so recently departed, when he fell asleep. It was a peaceful rest, his first in days since his mother had died.But when he awoke, he was longer in the Dregar wilds. He was somewhere else. He glanced about him, trying to pinpoint landmarks that he knew. There were none,the forest was totally alien to him.The only thing that offered any bearing was the large statue of the Dragon. He approached, hoping for a memorial plaque, or something else to read to discern his location. Instead he was greeted with great bellowing words, "Greetings, Kiva "Darkchild" Seidai!"
  Kiva had nearly fallen back in shock. TheDragon was real! It watched him patiently as hegained his composure, then it greeted him again. TheDragon's voice was softer this time. The Dragon explained that there was a great evil threatening the land andKiva had been summonedas a warrior to battle this foe. Kiva had never met a Dragon before andhe was not about to offend this one, so he accepted.
  It seemed to him that he fell asleep again, heremembered hazy images of running along a road and speaking with a statue of a great warrior. When he came too, he found himselfin the center of a strange village. Kiva looked about him, seeing Hlint for the first time.

* * * * *

Kiva watched as Renji departed with Jin's party. After theywere well out of sight, he sat softly on the damp grass. The burning fire held no warmth for him, for his mindwas miles away from it...  Jin was going in search of his mother...When I first requested Jin to bring me along, the truth is, I had little interest in his quest. All that mattered was that he would find battle. He was a means to an end. Follow Jin, find combat, learn. Then he spoke his reason for questing: An attempt to find his mother. Could ever a more noble cause be known? I was reminded of my own mother...of her life...of her death...Once Jin's motivation was made clear, I resolved to truly assist him. But Jin must have seen my initial intentions, and recognised my disinterest in his well being. I could not make my heart known, not with so many present, so I was left behind.
  ...I hope he finds her...
  Slowly, Kiva rose from the ground and left the sanctuary of the campsite. He walked back into town.

* * * * *

[/SIZE][/FONT]  The night waxed full as the clouds shifted and released the moon's silvery glow upon the land. Kiva removed his hood, and raised his face towards the sky. Silently, with eyes closed, he let the nocturnal light bathe him, his lungs filled with the night air, his ears drank the sounds of the creatures in the dark...
  I find myselfperplexed tonight... Jin Lun Lee and Renji have returned, their journey both a failure and success. But that is not what concerns me. It turned out beneficial that I was left behind, for I discovered that my nature and name have become a topic of interest. There was one, Le'vester was his name, that took a childlike awe to my name, he even wanted to call me "DC". He said it sounded epic. But everyone else reacts differently. I met a Dwraf called Axodeth and another named Thrain, both took to my name with caution. They asked if I associate with evil. How does one answer that question? I can say "No, I am righteous!" But that would be lying. I could tell them, "Yes, I eat the hearts of sleeping children!". That too would be a lie. These people will think what they want regardless of my answers. And that is the way it is...
  I wish I could show them that darkness is the absence of light, not good...darkness is not evil...
  Kiva removed a canteen from his belt and took a drink. Replacing his hood over his face, he left in search of the other adventurers.
[/SIZE][/FONT]

[Candor Ignifer]

Kiva paced back and forth, his feet and his hands trembled, his mind reeled. Not even the setting sun and the promise of a new night drew his attention away from the day's events.His body quivered with the diminishing excitement...
  Today I tasted battle! Not battle like that with those filthy goblins, but true battle. Under the care of Axodeth and Exodus Stonecutter, I journeid into the northern mountains and engaged ogres. Ogres!I am ashamed to admit the truth, I aided very little, but my gods the exhilaration was overwhelming. I witnessed theDwarven brothers slice those ogres down, each falling under their axes. It was amazing. But the best was yet to come... A dark knight joined us mid-adventure, they all called him Derrick, and mentioned that he owned a place called the Arms. If the Dwarves were amazing, this man was God-like. He knewbattle, he knewwar.He showed me the skills of a true warrior...I will not rest until I can equal him.
  Kiva's body calmed, his hands steadied. He must learn the ways of battle,in every aspect. He knew the fist and foot, he needed to learn the sword, the axe, the spear, and the bow. He must attain the strategy, the tactics, and the mindset. He silently swore that he would master warfare in its entirety.He sought out Axodethto plead for his instruction.

[Candor Ignifer]

Kiva listened intently as Axodeth provided the instructions for survival in this particular cave. He struggled to understand the Dwarf's thick accent, but he managed. Axodeth finished, wished him luck, and headed into the cave's stoney maw.
  I don't know what surprises me more, that I asked a Dwarf for help, or that he accepted an Elven apprentice. Either way, he has accepted me as his pupil. I beleive it is even more advantageous than that since Axodeth's brother Exodus also teaches me. I am truly fortunate to have the privoledge to learn from these two. I swear by my mother's grave in the Black Forest that I will not fail them. I will learn all they have to teach. I will listen to every word that I can understand...perhaps I should ask to be tutored in Dwarven as well.
  Kiva tightened his grip on his bow and knocked an arrow. He plunged into the cave and hugged the wall. He could see Axodeth a little distance away eyeing a lone goblin. The goblin faced the other way and Axodeth lunged, Kiva loosed his arrow...

[Candor Ignifer]

Kiva looked about puzzled. He pressed deeper into forest, his eyes straining to make out the shapes in the canopy shadowed woods. He stopped and listened but there was nothing, only the crickets and the owls....
  This is strange. Today I was killed for the first time while journeying with Axodeth and his brother. First I was brought to a realm of total darkness, it was an absolute void. Truth be told, I loved it. But I was ripped away from that realm and found myself staring at the bindstone in Hlint. Not long after, Exodus' spirit joined my own. I didn't feel so bad about dying since Exodus died too. The two of us sat for a while, and I meditated on my death, using the expirience of life extinguished to further my trek into the shadow of night. But my meditation was broken by a voice...it...it sounded like my mother. She was calling from the north, she begged me to come to her...I knew my mother was dead, but I didn't know how my dying had affected me, so I left Exodus in haste and followed the voice. I have searched for many hours, but cannot find her. This is strange...But I can feelthe void between life and death fading within me, I shall return to the living soon. But...my mother...if she is still alive...I must find her.
  With a sigh Kiva gave up his search. But his mind tumbled with thoughts and questions. Something was not right here, how could his mother call to him? She had died. But so had he, could he hear her because he too was dead? If so,where was she. He would meditate long on this matter, but not in the forests. He made his way back into Hlint.

[Candor Ignifer]

Kiva held a rapier in each hand. They felt heavy and clumsy, despite what he had heard about their swiftness. His fingers wrapped oddly around the hilt, and he shifted them endlessly to find a comfortable position. He swung his arms a few times to test their weight and drag factor...clumsy. Sighing, he focused on the bush directly in front of him, he poised...and struck! His arm lashed out, the blade piercing through the foliage...but his hand followed, pursued by his arm and then body. Kiva now lay in the bush.
  This is ridiculous! I have seen My Lords Axodeth and Exodus slay many enemies. Renji as well. Why can I not get it right, I know I hold the swords, I know what they are used for, but whenever I strike I mimic the movements of an unarmed strike and over-extend myself. But I will not give up. I will continue to try, and in the end I will be a master of combat in every facet. But first things first, time to get out of this bush...
  Kiva pulled himself from the shrub, plucking branches and leaves from his cloak. He prepared to try again, he focused on the bush, his grip tightened, his shoulder and elbow coiled, then...he struck!

[Candor Ignifer]

Kiva calmly strolled back to Hlint, a joyous smile hidden under his shadowed hood. His mind was at ease, and the fellow adventurers racing ahead did not disturb him, he was tranquil. Nothing could ruin his mood.
  I can't believe that I killed him. An Ogre! Can you imagine, he was three times my size at least, and his club was the size of my body, but he fell! And not to my foot, not to my fist, no. That would be expected, he fell to my blades. My twin rapiers! They tasted Ogre blood by my hand. I wish I could have seen My Lord Axodeth's face when I slew the beast, but he was wearing his helm. I'm sure he was pleased though. Unfortunately my increasing skill surfaces new questions, suh as: How does one reconcile the mind of a martial artist and the mind of a warrior. They're lives are similiar, but couldn't be more different. Discipline and order with talent and force of arms. I'm sure the two paths can be walked simultaneiously, but I must discover the means.
  Kiva's tranquil mood had vanished, leaving confusion in its wake. His pace quickened to catch up with the others as he puzzled this conundrum.

[Candor Ignifer]

Kiva knelt on the platform above Hlint. The night had waxed full; the moon shone through the clouds, casting its silvery light over the town. Through his meditation he could hear the voices of others throughout the town. He recognized a few of them; Renji was speaking with Tegan, and the Stonecutter brothers were speaking with one of their many cousins. Kiva sank deeper into his reverie, escaping the noise of civilization.
  Today I tested my skills without the aid of the Stonecutters. A man named Allean was seeking an oil that had been stolen by an Ogre who resided in the Grey Peaks. He sought aid in his quest, and though I had been to the Grey Peaks previously and knew full well the ferocity and numbers of the Ogres, I agreed to help. Our party was small, but there was a woman who called herself Moonlight, and a man named Brenden, and the three of us were able to tackle our foes and guide Allean safely to his quarry. It was strange not having My Lords there to protect me, I felt both terrified andexhilarated all at once. And by the end of the day, Iknew that my skills are improving. They must improve more.
  Kiva let his mind drift back to the surface and the noise.His eyes opened to find Exodus Stonecutter standing over him. "Time for another adventure." Kiva thought to himself.

[Candor Ignifer]

Kiva stared at the two rapiers that he had pierced into the ground. They just rested there, almost daring him to pull them from their new home. He paced back and forth glancing at them breifly and looking away again. He knew it was ludicrous, but he was angry at them.
  These things, they taunt me. I chose them as my weapons, to be my bastions on the road of the warrior, yet everytime I draw them I feel my skill vanishing. Their weight adds to my arms making me clumsy, and their length feels unnatural to me. I cannot help but want to collide my fist into the enemy. But now I understand. I tried to walk both the path of the warrior and the path of the monk at once. It was my mistake, how can one walk a path he does not know, and I do not know the path of the warrior. I have realized that to reconcile the two courses I am going to have to know both, I know the path of the monk, I must choose the path of the warrior. And then, once my feet have tasted both roads, I will combine them.
  Kiva grasped the rapier hilts and pulled them from the ground, he realized that he was regarding them as enemies. Grudgingly he placed them in their scabbards and tried to forget about them.

[Candor Ignifer]

Kiva paced back and forth, he struggled to overcome his anger, but he wasn't succeeding. He turned on his heel and sent his fist into a nearbytree , there was a small crack and he saw that a dent had formed. Realizing that he had allowed rage to overcome his discipline, he regained his composure and leaned against the tree that he had just assaulted.
  Today I met a woman that I thought was truly stunning. Her name was Akki. The events that transpired are not important, what is of note though is that I do not know if I have made a friend or an enemy. Only time will tell. I still owe her however, because she called to attention something that I had overlooked. In my race to become a great warrior I neglected my own unique talents. The mark left on me by the Black Forest and the Shadow River runs deeper than the flesh. I have become totally abhorent to light, I dread the sun rise, and I feel more enervated during the night time hours. What any of this means, I do not know. But if I am to become a complete combatant, as I intend, it may be wise to explore my dark influence. I just hope it does not make even more people assume that I am evil.
  Kiva peeled himself from the tree, closed his eyes, and listened. He knew he was alone, but those whispers were there. The ever present song of the shadows around him. He lost himself to the dark music.
 

[Candor Ignifer]

Kiva's body felt like it was being turned inside-out. His vision swam, his lungs burned, and his eyes were melting, only to reform and melt again. Finally the world took form, the pinnacle that was the mage's tower loomed above him, and the familiar sounds of the forest north of Hlint greeted his ears. He stepped out of the portal and awaited the others.
  I was almost home. Almost! We had journeyed for days, crossing oceans and mountians, forests and valleys. And finallywe had reached the Troll Mountians, a treacherous snow covered range in Dregar.I could hear the call of home, it was so close. We found a pass under the mountians, we descended the stairs, the chill air whipped at the gates behind us.I scouted ahead, but Axodeth cried out behind me. I turned to find My Lord and his cousins swarmed by vipers, they were fighting back...but they fell. Every last one of them.One of the serpents came for me then,Idodged and weaved my way through the mass of writhing bodies. But I wasnot swift enough, one of them sank its fangs into my leg. Refusing to succumb I struggled to the surface and slammed the gates shut. Ilay there, the poison coursing through my veins, and darkness swallowed me. And I welcomed it. But I awoke, theGoblin Protho standing above me, he had survived too? I stood, finding that my body was no longer wracked by the venom. Wiping the snow from my clothes I began the trek back to North Point.
  The last of Kiva's deceased fellows passed through the portal, and Kiva followed. He watched the spirits of theDwarves as they opened the gates to Hlint and entered. Kiva was the least skilled of all of them, and only he had survived. Maybe he wasn't as unskilled as he thought.

[Candor Ignifer]

Kiva's legs threatened to fail with the force he was putting into them. He pressed them harder, working them back and forth, but no matter how fast he ran, the bright figure behind him was gaining on him. Heoberved his surroundings, he was in a strange forest, silver trees with golden leaves, white sunlight piercing through the canopy and showering the ground in light.His pursuer was almost on him now, he made one last attempt to tap into any preserved strength he had stored. There was none. He wascaught...His eyes shot open, sweat pouring down his face. He realized it was only a dream.
  ...No...I cannot be caught by the light...I cannot be captured by the day...NEVER!! This is all my fault! I've done this to myself. When I first came to Mistone I was weak, true, but I relied on those around me far to much. Now I find myself looking forward to their faces. Ridiculous! Why should I? They don't know me, they don't know what happened to me, they don't know what I've become. They all judge me by my name before they even witness my actions. But I cannot blame them, I have done this to myself. I will remedy it. Yes, I will repair the damage I have done and rid myself of any traces of light that I have foolishly clung to. But I cannot become evil, I will not be their perverse view of darkness. I still have debts to repay. Axodeth and Exodus Stonecutter, I must not break my word with them. But when my training is completed...that's it. No more! When I have what I need I will become what I am meant to be, an absolute creature of the night!
  Kiva glanced around him. No one was nearby, he sought out the deepest darkest shadow around, and when he found it, he sank into it and let the blackness take him.

[Candor Ignifer]

Kiva sat, his feet dangling just above the water's surface. His eyes were closed but his ears were open, they were drinking in the dark song of the shadows playing upon the water. A peaceful smile crossed his lips and he breathed lightly.
  Thisis the night as everyone should know it, the dark world, so intoxicatingly beautiful,yet so fleeting. I tried to show Lady Ranewin how to hear the shadow's song, and I think she was beginning to understand, but we were interupted, someone named Firesteed. I forget his first name. His comments broke Ranewin's concentration, and then they became utterly offensive. I do not blame him however, how can you explain the concept of colors to a blind man? It is the same with the nocturnal world that I know and love. Perhaps I will try to show Ranewin again some day, but that day is not today.
  Kiva lay back on the grass, letting the moist dirtwet his tunic. He entered his Reverie guided gently by the music of the night.

[Candor Ignifer]

Kiva perched high in the tree in Hlint. Unknowing people passed below him and exchanged words and gestures. He, however, was not paying them any mind, his attention was drawn to the conversation he had the previous night.
  Last night was a marker point for me, I know it. By speaking with the woman Eldarwen I was able to discover the truth behind the women called Ally and Silly. And I am glad to say that I met Silly, the true Silly, for the first time. But even more noteworthy is the companion of Eldarwen, a Shadow named Blink. At first I was awe struck by him, and I greeted him as a brother. But as our conversation continued I found that I did not like Blink much. I do not know why, he seemed abrasive, an odd quality fora Shadow. But the truth is he has given me much to think on. I have always believed that darkness is natural and light is artificial. He proposed that they were different sides of the same coin, equally dependant on one another. Perhaps he is right, and perhaps I should not look to darkness for dominance, but for perspective. I will meditate on this matter.
  Kiva looked down upon the people in Hlint once more, then he stretched and entered his Trance.

[Candor Ignifer]

Kiva stared at the needle that he held as if it were a completely alien object to him. His eyes passed from the needle to the cotton on the table, then to the book beside the cotton. He gazed over the words again, being sure that he understood how to mill this cotton into cloth. He looked at the needle again...
  It has occured to me that if I plan to survive among these others I will have to find a profession. I do not wish to become a mercenary, for that would be an insult to my discipline, and other mercenaries seem to be killed on sight. It is true that I hunt many animals and I am never in short supply of rare pelts, but that doesn't seem to be bringing in any gold. So I have turned to a skill that I can use, and hopefully others will pay me to use. Tailoring. Not the most noble of arts, but that cannot be helped. I have read the manuals and spoken to other tailors in Hlint, I have purchased the correct tools, all I need do now is begin. That seems to be the problem however, I have been standing here, needle in hand, for three hours now and I have not milled a single bolt of cloth. Can it be that my comfort in my skills has made me apprehensive to learn a new skill? This is disturbing...I think I will begin now.
  Setting down his needle he began the slow process of milling the cotton into cloth.

[Candor Ignifer]

My mind is not at ease tonight. I sit here, as I do so many other nights, lost amoung the stacks of books in the Great Elven Library of Voltrex. I have built these piles myself, seeking knowledge...any knowledge. My hunt for lore began several weeks ago. I had died again, it seems my list of deaths is ever increasing, luckily I know that my soul remains totally intact, with luck, that will remain unchanged. Be that as it may, I was still dead. I have to note, that my deaths have been greeted with a combination of both rage and lust. I am constantly angered by the fact that I was defeated once more, on the hother hand, however, I know that my time as a spectre will be enjoyed.
  The truth is, among the songs of the darkness and the night, I have found my mother's voice. I have been huntingher since my initial encounter with death, that night when her voice called to me. I never found her. Rather with each time I die, her voice becomes louder, more coherent. She sings to me of the teachings she imparted before the Dark Forest claimed her. She reminds me of my discipline, and that I should not anger so easily. I should use this expirience to meditate upon my mistake in battle, instead of blame myself for my flaws. All of her guidance is not positive however, and that is what has brought me to the library. She scolded me, I suppose mothers never change, not even after death. She reprimanded that I had not been expanding myself in all the required fields to grow as a true martial artist. I had been so determined to discover myself as a warrior, that I neglected my mental facets. And she is right, a true monk is not only a warrior, but he is a scholar, a philosopher, and a craftsman. And now, to remedy my excess neglect, I am surrounded by books.
  It is not all boring reading, I have in fact increased my understanding of reality a great deal. The books written by the bard Ozymandias are invaluable insights into the side of Layonara that one would not discover from street side banter. And there are many accounts of the Shadow Plane and the nature of darkness that I have eagerly soaked in like a sponge deprived of water. I can't say I agree with all the interpretations of the night time world. I have read doctrines of Paladins seeking to "bring light into those places most dark, and shine like a beacon for all to see and follow!" I have poured over parchments claiming that the essence of darkness can only be conquered by an even greater darkness. And I have read books that state that darkness is in a delicate balance with light. These last books remind me of what the Shade named Blink spoke of. And also of a Shadow Dancer I encountered in Hlint...I did not catch her name. I do not concur with this theory. And I have decided not to debate the nature of darkness anymore with those around me. There is no point. We have different perspectives. These that call themselves Shadow Dancers, they actively sought out shadow, they hunted it, and yearned for it. And I cannot fault them for it. But they would never understand what I mean when I say that the Shadows claimed me. As much as I am an Elf, my being is determined just as much by the Dark Forest and Shadow River's mark on me, as it is by my mother's parenting hand. It is who I am. As I am called, I am Darkchild.

[Candor Ignifer]

I think I am slowly becoming assimilated by these folk. The Dwarves especially. And that troubles me, given I am an Elf. It is a strange alliance that we have forged. What began with an apprenticeship under Axodeth Stonecutter has evolved into an allied association encircling all the Dwarves of Mistone, save a few, and myself. What is even more troubling to understand is my fervor for keeping these allies. There was an incident, and I will not repeat the events because they differ from party to party, however this incident left the Dwarf, Alymli, and I on opposite sides of the freindly spectrum. Word of this occurance spread faster than a wild fire in a dry forest, and all the Dwarves that I called ally were calling me enemy. Regardless of warnings from Jerei and Ash, I confronted the Dwarves...all of them at once. The words I used were not gentle or diplomatic, rather it is safe to say that I challenged every last one of them. Truth be told, it is a miracle that I am not dead, and even more of a miracle that the Dwarves and I have resumed our allegiance, even including Alymli. I am grateful for that outcome however, I cannot have multiple clans of drunken Dwarves hunting me, and in all honesty I have become fond of them.
  I even have them to thank for my recent realization that I will never be a warrior in the sense that I wanted to be. I will still take part in battles, and I will still defeat my foes. But not with a battle cry and a waving axe. No. My gift in battle, unsurprisingly, is that of the stealth. I make a fair scout, and I am more than adept at flanking my opponents. I have honed my skills of hiding and moving silently so that I can be standing right beside my target and he will not know it until it is too late. This, of course, has made me admit that I am heading for the path of the Shadow Dancer. I refuse to relinquish my beliefs however, I will use my particular "kinship" with darkness to acquire the ways of the Shadow Dancer. I will even seek training if it is needed. But I will NOT believe the ideals of another.

[Candor Ignifer]

A Monk's life is structure and discipline. We do not have the option of running through life, chaotic as we please, with no plan and no goal. As such I have decided to state, for my own sake, my intentions. My path of life, if you will.
  Unfortantely I tried to force myself on the path of the warrior, this will happen, but not in the way that I had originally intended. I will still train with my blades, however, that will be a secondary course of study. My true intent is to harness my natural talents for subterfuge and increase on them. It seems that my calling is not that of the knight or soldier, but rather the spy, assasin, or covert agent. This makes a great deal of sense to me considering the alterations that the Dark Forestbestowed on me. Truth be told, I am surprised I had not noticed it before. No matter, the mistake has now been rectified.
  But most noteworthy, I have began to pay attention to the others of Mistone, especially those who walk in the Shadows. I know that my course in life will inevitably lead me to the path of the Shadow Dancer, and if that is the case, I intend to be well informed and prepared for what that course entails. I refuse to be caught unawares.

[Candor Ignifer]

I have taken to watching the others. Not out of distaste for them, but I find that I can learn much from them if I speak as little as possible and listen to their words. This approach has proven successful in the terms of foriegn languages, such as Dwarven. It is true that I have been practicing my Dwarven, and Axodeth and Exodus assist me everyday. But I am able to guage the calibur of a conversation by watching the Dwarves, I am able to notice the nuances of the dialect and accent. These are things I would not get from being "tutored".
  I think I will choose a specific mark. One person whom I do not know, and it is imperitive that I do not know the person. Any association with my target will tarnish the excercise. No, I must find a person I do not know and become thier shadow. Learn of them, watch them, KNOW them. I feel this is a suitable activity to developing my investigation skills. I will have to keep my eyes open to find a suitable mark.
  My studies in the library proceed. But I find that I have learned more of the outside worlds, namely "The Multiverse", than I have of Layonara. I am to blame for this, and I will make an effort to correct this mistake.

[Candor Ignifer]

The Grand Library of Voltrex was silent, save for the soft hummingof the distant librarian as she sorted and sifted through her books. She moved mechanically, placing her tomes in their appropriate places, and signing off on her ledger that said book was accounted for. Her duties had brought her right passed Kiva, and she had walked by him, either not noticing him, or not caring. The truth was, he did not care, for he had not noticed her, and it was not the large scroll pressed to his face that distracted him. It was the events of the day's passing.
  " A moment of weakness, that is all it would take. A simple flicker of unpracticed caution, and my life would be over. I must thank my good fortune, if there is such a thing, that she was not intent on killing me. AnnaLee was her name, and her hair shone like autumn leaves cascading in a great waterfall of seasonal glory. I must admit that it was her hair that distracted me most, for I have seen pretty faces before. I profess that I have sat in the presence of Ranewin's splendor, and have marveled at the flawlessness of Sabrissia. But this AnnaLee captivated me."
  The librarian shuffled passed him again, now she struck a high note in her melodromatic humming, pulling Kiva from his daze. He watched her with a disturbed gaze as she pulled several of the books from his desk and went about her idle task of recording and replacing them to their homes on the shelves. Kiva pondered for a moment if her task was made moreeasy to bareby her own private song.
  "Never again, I refuse to succumb to the wonton lusts and needs of those less disciplined than I. I am a being above the flesh, and I should have a more firm grasp on my desires of the flesh. As I told Grympint earlier today, 'Women are distractions and nothing more. As allies I welcome and accept them, as lovers, I will never allow one."
  Kiva noticed that he was crumbling the edges of his scroll with his adsent minded grip. He placed the document down and smoothed the wrinkles. He glanced about for the librarian, but she was nowhere to be seen. Probably on the other side of the library, Kiva thought.He stood and stretched, comtemplatedwhat the time might bemomentarily, then pulled a smallblack leatherbound pamphlet from his belt. He sat and proceded to record the name, appearance, andhis personal thoughts of AnnaLee. Afterwards he scanned over the other names in his log.
  "My list is growing. What started with a single name,'Renji', has become a list of names. Sometimes when I write these names and my comments I forget what I am doing. Sometimes I even consider burning this little book of mine. But I will not. This may very well be my most valuable possession."
  Kiva let the ink dry before he closed thecovers and tucked it back into his belt pocket.He reached for a heavy tome hehad left resting on the edge of his desk, and just as his ringers gripped the book, the librarian returned, still humming her song. Kiva's fingers retreated from the book, and with a sigh he left the library and the librarian.
  With the only occupant of the library now gone, the littleElven librarian added words to her song...her voice was beautiful.