Out of the Water

[KageKeeper]

*Enyaill kneels in the river and speaks in a low, rythmic fashion in her native tongue. She speaks to Shindaleria in reverent tones*

Mother Ocean, I find myself in a strange place. Stranger even then when I first climbed out of Your loving Embrace to take refuge amongst the breathless. I find myself in a place with many landwalkers that I have been told is a "town." A place called Hlint. It is crowded and loud and it assaults the senses with its sights, sounds and smells. I do not like it here at all! Everyone gibbers in a strange tongue that I have a hard time even understanding let alone trying tp speak. It does have a small lake which I find myself spending most of my time near. I am able to sustain myself off the fish in the water.

I met a fellow Priestess my first day here, though! I was so glad to see one that understands me. Her name is Elenwe. We talked for quite sometime and she showed me around. She said I should learn to speak their tongue, called common, and she introduced me to one called Ireth that spoke Elven and common, so I was able to learn a little. Another Elf called Yardislan also helped teach me.

It frustrates me. That language is difficult to master. I do not understand half of what people tell me and I am sure they do not understand me. I have a feeling I am going to be here for a long time, so I need to understand what is happening around me.

The people here make me nervous as well. I am never without my trident. People are always coming up to me or behind me. I don't like it! They make a big deal that I am from the sea. There are not very many swimmers here, so I guess that is understandable, but I do wish they would stop gawking and pointing. It's rude!

I have begun learning how to make potions of healing so that I can help spread your Love and Harmony. It is hard work gathering the needed ingredients, but it is something I feel I must do. I have also started learning how to make clothing and such. A nice lady named Abi, I think, gave me some pointers. I have to get what is called cotton and this cotton is guarded fiercly by some stinky and ugly looking creatures. They always get mad when I come to take some. I do not know why as I never take all of it! They try to hurt me, but I can usually stop them with the power You bestow upon me. I also have to get silk from creatures called spiders. They also try to hurt me and sometimes they do! They live where there are lots of trees. That's another thing! There are so many trees above the water. It is very discomforting and I do not like it at all! I lose my way and get confused often.

There are many people around this area that need help doing odd tasks. I am not sure why they don't just do it themselves. Probably because they are lazy, another trait of the breathless. They always want to get others to do their work for them. The only reason I do it is so I can grow stronger in You, Mother Ocean. I am also given strange golden metal discs. It was explained to me that these discs are how one gets goods and things. I have a bunch of them. Whenever I need a supply, I let the person take how many they need.

I met a nice lady last evening. Well two actually. One was named Triba. She spoke to me in Elven and she said she would make me a stronger trident! I was very happy about that. I need to better protect myself. Then she gave me a pouch full of discs for the cotton I had picked. She said she would take them back when my trident was finished, so I put the pouch in a thing called a bank until then. The other nice lady was named Acacea. She seemed to think that I should have heard of her before, but I hadn't. She was very colorful! She was also nice and asked me lots of questions. She said she helped teach Elenwe common as well. She also said she would teach me how to play something called a flute or a harp. Somethings that make music, I guess. She said something about it helping people remember. Or something. She spoke very fast so I am not real sure if I understood what she was saying.

There are others I have met as well, I do not remember all of their names. Most have been friendly and seem nice, however I do not trust anyone except for Elenwe. I have also been warned by many that I speak to not to trust anyone. I am constantly on my guard and alert.

I long for the day when the sea hag is brought down and You are restored and I can return to Your Deep Embrace.

Until that day, I do your work...

*She scoops up some water and pours it over her head several times in a ritual way. Then she dives underwater and swims away*

[KageKeeper]

*She once more floats in the water, a peaceful and serene look on her face as she speaks to her Godess*

Mother Ocean, the place is not any less strange, but I do seem to be adjusting to it slowly. I doubt I will ever adjust to it fully as someday I know I will be returning to Your Serene Embrace.

I saw my sister in faith, Elenwe and she introduced me to her twin sister, Eccala. I was so very happy to be in the company of two other swimmers! It made being on land all the more bearable. We followed a human male and he took us to a man that was waiting for some papers to be delivered. It was a long walk, but we got to swim in the Ocean! So it was worth it.

It really amazes me that hardly any here know of You, Mother Ocean. The questions he was asking us were things I thought everyone should know. Not to mention everyone seems to be very lazy. Everyone wants everyone else to do their work and tasks for them. They give us their strange discs for doing it, but it seems odd to me as to why they just don't do it themselves. Would be much easier and quicker that way. Very odd people these breathless are.

My cloth-making is going well. I can make simple items now such as robes and hoods and leather pouches. I have started working on curing animal hides as well. Tiring work at times, but very good practice for what I do. I am also doing nicely on potion making and have almost mastered the weakest heal potion and am about to embark on making the next stronger one. I am very excited about that! Oh! Also, the one that helped me with my common, Yardislan, he told me I could put the powers You give me onto a paper for later use! He has helped me alot in learning what it will take to do that. First he said to make ink. Which is QUITE involved. But I did it! I made two vials last night.. That Yardislan is a very helpful Elf and probably the one I trust the most right now.

Triba finished my trident too. It is much stronger and far more balanced too. I am able to better protect myself while spreading Your Harmony as well as be prepared to fight those that seek to further harm You. Triba is very friendly and sweet. She knows alot too! That Acacea is never too far away either. She is so loud and fast. Hard to keep up and she makes it hard to relax. She says I will get used to it. Again, not sure I want too, She is nice, however. Always cheery and friendly. She sang a song last night about herself at some show....it was cute.

*She almost chuckles at the thought of it again, but stops herself*

And! I met one named Plenarius. He had WINGS! He said that Katia bestowed them on him. That is like those Bestowed by you, I was in awe to be in such presence of Devotion and Faith. We spoke of You and he is quite knowledgable. He is Her Eyes. He was telling us the story of Katia and her friends. There was a terrible betrayal and something about a dragon. A great Silver, I think. Then that strange one name Ozymandias was there. I have been warned of him and he makes me nervous. He told a tales of himself, Plenarius, an Elf close to Nature named Rhizome, some group called the Redcaps and someone called Ta'karsh Blacklung. They were amazing tales. It was as if I was there. I could hear the battles he described. It was some powerful sories. I felt honored to have heard and saw what I did.

I will continue to do Your work here and wait until I can Return. Always in Your Embrace Mother Ocean....

*she stops praying and remains floating, watching the stars far above her*

[KageKeeper]

*Enyaill aproaches the serene water with respect and adoration. The night sky lends a surreal look to the area. She happily and reverently enters the water and submerges herself to her neck. Long moments of peaceful silence reign before she starts to speak in a low and rythmic tone*

Mother Ocean, it has been a while since I have been around the breathless. I felt I needed to take a break from them for some time. Too confusing, too unfamiliar. I spent much time alone, but in the end I felt a pull to return to the town of Hlint and continue with what You have planned for me.

I was surprised to find the only thing that changed were some of the faces I saw! There were many, many new breathless amongst those that I had met in the past. Other then that, nothing changed. Everyone still runs around like a fish trying to avoid the tines of my trident. The noise and the smells were all still very much the same. I did see some that I had met before and they remembered me as well. It was actually a nice feeling to be welcomed back and talked too. It was almost as if I was seeing my family again.

I found out that there are at least two temples dedicated to You! One is on some island called Roldem, which is apparently a long journey from Hlint. The other is in some place called Lannisport on Rilara. I recall visiting Rilara with my two Swim Sisters and that human male, but we did not go to Lannisport. That is my new priority, getting to Your Temple and speaking with the attendents there. Perhaps they can help me train some more as well. I found someone that could escort me, but he was not able to right then. Hopefully soon! If not, I will have no choice but to try to find it on my own.

Later, I was invited to go with a group to help a dwarf find his temple, a temple to Vorax I think. We were lead by a halfing named Jennara. She was very nice but she never spoke above a whisper. I wonder why. I will ask her the next time I see her I think. Oh! Her eyes were glowing too! I asked her about them and she said it was a blessing from her god. She called him "The Lord Protector." We were also accompanied by Rollie. I met him before. He knows and respects Your Embrace! He always bows to any Water we encounter. He is very nice and pleasant to speak too. We also traveled with a mage, Tyrian I believe was her name. She fell in battle once to some, strange wolf creatures. I felt very bad because I was unable to keep her healed. I felt I failed the party I was in, although no one chastised me for it. The other we traveled with was the dwarf. I believe his name is Exodus. He spoke often, but I could never understand what he saying. I asked Jennara if he was speaking a different language. She said it was very heavily accented common and that with time I would be able to understand. I nodded, but I really doubt I will. Hopefully he did not say anything to me. I do not want him thinking I am rude!

We eventually came to the temple after much walking and fighting those ferocious wolf things and something called a golem. We passed through a great rock area where it was cold and there was frozen water falling from the sky. It was very beautiful, but I was thankful for your Power so I could protect myself from the chill wind. Before we left. Jennara said she had something to show Rollie and myself. I followed curiously as she took us to a great underground lake! It was very large and had an incredible waterfall as well! I immediately jumped in and spent a long while gleefully swimming and reveling in Your Embrace.

Eventually it was time to leave. On the way back to the town of Hlint, Jennara started hitting and kicking at some stick. I stood there and watched since I could not see it very well. The next thing I know I am waking up at the stone in Hlint! Somehow I had fallen in battle and I was not even trying to participate! I was quite confused. I made it back to where I fell and Jennara informed me that the thing had summoned other vines to attack and they did it so quickly and aggressively that there was no way to save me. I made a note to stay away from those things in the future should I ever encounter one, which I hope not too!

Many strange things out of Water. I cannot wait to Return, but shall continue to do so, trusting in You always.

*When she is done speaking, she once more pours several handfuls of water on her head before leaving the water and continuing on land once more*

[KageKeeper]

*She dives into the water and slowly sinks to the bottom. Once there, she closes her eyes and focuses on her surroundings. In a few moments, she begins speaking*

I still have not been able to get to your Temple. Mother Ocean. I met one yesterday that was going to try to help, but he had to leave before we could go. I am going to attempt to find my own way, although I am worried. There are many things on land that seem to enjoy hurting me. I have fallen to flying creatures called Griffons on more then one occasion. I am merely running on the road and they will swoop down and try to rip me apart with their claws and cruel beaks. I dread to see what I may face on my journey to Lannisport, but I must go. Soon.

*Her voice get a bit more excited now*

I met one yesterday, a breathless elf, who worships you, Mother Ocean! She saw me and pronounced a Blessing on me in Your name. I was very surprised and startled. I spoke to her on a brief journey we took. She is a Druid, one who protects Nature, but she follows You. She also wants to visit Your Temple. She calls herself Jellyfish and she is very nice. She seemed a little concerned when she heard that I use animal skins to make things with, but she seemed to calm once she realized that I don't kill animals for pleasure. Also, she wore leathers, so she must understand the necessity of it.

I met another today who informed there is another Swimmer in that Hlint place! He informed me that she does not speak any language but that of the Water. She must be so scared and alone, not being able to speak to another, nor find out where she is. I hope I can find her soon so that I may help her adjust as much as possible to the awkwardness of being amongst the breathless. He also told me that she sings often, so I will keep my ears alert for her songs. I asked him to try to let her know I am looking for her if he sees her before I do. I said he would try, but was not sure how he could since she does not understand Elf. I will have to look harder for her.

I have been able to tell many people about you, Shindaleria. I have also told the story of how Carocsa was brutally killed by our Enemy. Everyone is surprised and shocked when they hear. They do not realize how evil that one is, Mother Ocean. I make sure I let everyone know.

*She bows her head*

I thank you, Mother Ocean, for all the Blessings you have bestowed upon me, your humble servant. I ask You for continued guidance and protection while I spread Your word and continue working for Your Goals. I know the Way will be dangerous, but the end is worth it.

Always in Your Serene Embrace.

*When she is done praying, Enyaill swims rapidly upwards and breaks the surface like a fish jumping on a warm, summer evening. She ritually pours handfuls of water on her head and slowly, reluctantly leaves the water to continue her duties*

[KageKeeper]

*Enyaill swims down to the Shrine of Shindaleria with a smile. She kneels reverently before the shrine and after a long moment of silence she begins speaking*

I have finally found your Holy Shrine, Mother Ocean. Thankfully, two of the Breathless were able to guide myself and another Swimmer, Eccaia, safely to Lannisport so that we may visit Your Temple. The two that guided us were a male named Jharl and a female named Jacee. Jharl was more talkative then the female who seemed much more...serious I guess is a good word. While Jharl would talk a bit more to us, she did not say too much. She wasn't rude however, just quiet. We made the trip with no problems and I am sure I can find my way on my own from now on. It is so peaceful here and beautiful that I do not want to leave. I want to just stay here and do my service to You. I know, though, that that is not what You desire for me.

I know that someday I will be to return and stay here in Your Loving Embrace to provide Your Love and Wisdom to all who seek it and until that day, I shall endeavor to do all that  You ask of me.

*She looks around once more with a serene smile and a wistful expression on her face*

I have also met another Swimmer; the one I mentioned last time we spoke. Her name is Aqwena. I saw her standing before the small pond in that Hlint town. She was very scared and alone, much as I thought she would be. It reminded me of how I felt when I first came to this place, and how I still feel at times. We talked for quite some time. She does not know the strange common tongue that everyone seems to speak on land, nor does she know the ancient language of our ancestors so we spoke in the language we are both most comfortable using, that of the Water. She likes to sing and she does it often and very well. I could almost hear the waves flowing over my head as she sang of the Ocean Blue. I echo her sentiments of missing my home. She is not a Priestess, but one that can work other forms of magic, and from the way she described it, the magic seems to come from within her. She does not need to study to learn or pray to You for her spells. I look foward to introducing her to Elwena and Eccaia also. It warms my heart to spend time with my own kind. Ones that understand what I am going through since they are going through it themselves. Ones that don't look at me oddly for how I look or speak. For the most part, everyone is accepting of me, but there are those that stare and point and say things behind my back when they do not think I can hear them. I guess I can understand since there are too few Swimmers around, but it is still rather frustrating at times. It will take time, I suppose.

Until then, I will continue telling Your Story and spreading Your Peace and Love.

Always your humble Servant.

*After another brief moment of silence, Enyaill stands and says farewell to the various attendants and Priests and Priestesses in the Shrine before swimming slowly to the surface and walking amongst the Breathless once more*