The Journal of Creighton Dallorius...

[Creighton]

*Lights a candle, making sure he does not disturb her rest...she looked so very tired...takes his journal from the table*

--Yet another lesson in humility.

Crafting is going to be more of a task than I thought...and I estimated it to be difficult.  Many materials I wasted this day.  I had some success in the curing of leathers, but the tanning seemed my downfall.  Tricky business, this is.  

*sighs*

I shall not give up.  *looks at her for a moment*  I have too much depending on my ability to support a family...

*stares a the word "family"...looks at her again, and smiles, suddenly filled with warmth*

Back to gather salt and small animal skins tomorrow...

*sniffs, thinking he will never get rid of the smell of tanning oil*

T'would appear that our wedding will glide upon the kindness of our friends; both Tyrian's and my companions are offering so much...I am overwhelmed by the love that surrounds us...*smiles*  This pushes me to be a better man, and it is a task I relish.

Tyrian needs gloves...I gave her a pair of snakeskin that I had found some time ago, but...but I wish to give her something truly nice for her wedding gift...she deserves that...she has given me so much, both in gifts, and in love...

*thinks of what he can do for a moment*

I shall find a way...her happiness means all to me.

*puts the book back on the table...blows out the candle and snuggles back up to her...cursing the smell of the oil as he drifts off to sleep...*

[Creighton]

*He awakens early, and at first isn't sure where he is...then he sees her lying beside him, and his heart is glad.  He takes out a quill and small piece of parchment and, balancing on an elbow despite some discomfort, writes*

--Things often don't go as planned.

My crafting of leather is improving, albeit at a snail's pace.  Again, I had some success at curing hides, only to ruin them trying to tan them.  I think I shall focus on just curing for a while, and attempting the tanning later, when I am more confident.

Xain rescued me from the tedium by suggesting an expedition to the Haven mines.  Knowing I could use the coin (I still must find a way to obtain a beautiful gift for Tyrian as a wedding present) and the practice, I eagerly agreed.

On the way there, we met (or were pursued by, rather) a charming little gent named Bumblebee.  I was impressed with his glibness (and later with his aim), and he accompanied us into the depths.  Suffice to say, all was not peaches and cream.  We fought several mighty battles, each time depleting our supplies of healing potions, and at one point, I thought we would fall.  

*pauses there a moment, reaching back to touch her, just to know she is there*

My greatest fear at that moment was not seeing her again; and I dare say that thought is what gave me the strength to perservere.

We met Tyrian in the mines...she had come all that way, suspecting I was out seeking coin, and come to find me.  *sighs*  That both thrills and concerns me at the same time; I worry for her.  I shouldn't, I suppose, she is very capable...but I still worry at times...

After we left the mines, Tyrian and I came here to camp for the night.  We spoke some more of our wedding plans. She told me that she wants to have a small ceremony, and a party for our friends afterward.  She has obviously had bad experiences at large wedding affairs before.  I told her I cared not if the moons were our only witness; so long as we had each other, I would be happy.  So we go to the Leilon Arms later, to make plans for the party...it seems she already has plans for the ceremony, which she has yet to make me privy to *grins as he writes that*.

She is precious to me, and I love her...the process of how we come to be wed is academic.

*counts his coin and sighs...still nowhere near what is needed to get her something that he feels she deserves*

I spent some more time today listening to Xain and Axodeth converse in their native tongue...I daresay, I'm beginning to be able to recognize basic phrases now...

*rolls up the piece of parchment and replaces it in his pack...decides that because it is still not yet daybreak, he will roll over to embrace his love and sleep a little longer*

[Creighton]

*washes off his blood-encrusted armor...glances around the empty room with disdain*

--'Tis been a dark day indeed.

Two newcomers today needed assistance finding the Sielwood caves...I offered them my assistance, and Tyrian and Ash, along with Mercas, decided to come along.  Once at the caves, the newcomers found that which they sought.  All of this happened with little incident; the kobolds and bugbears were little trouble for us.

Then we left the caves, and were immediately ambushed by an ettercap and a swarm of spiders.

I dashed about, fighting...trying to protect the strangers...when I heard Tyrian fall.

I rushed to her, but it was too late.

Perhaps, then, the next decision I made was rash.  In hindsight, I realize the folly of my actions, but at the time, overcome as I was with both rage and grief, I felt I was doing what I must.

I remained at Tyrian's stone; determined that should her spirit come to reclaim her body, that not all the devils in hell would keep her from it.  Sure enough, upon her return, the creatures renewed their assault...I fought like a man possessed, the eight-legged horrors surrounding me...

*pauses, remembering the struggle*

I...I was enraged...were it not for the arrival of Ash and Mercas, I may very well have fallen myself...I forgot my training, my instinct for self-preservation...it was almost as if I were in the grip of madness.

*thinks about that line for long minutes*

Nay; t'was not madness.  I have spent a life without the love of one so precious as Tyrian...and I was determined that she would be whole once again...those things that would try to prevent this would have to step over my body to do so.

I hope she does not think me a fool...I...I feel rather foolish, myself.  I know that with her powers, she could easily have slipped unseen back to her stone...but at the time....at the time...

*trails off*

I was terribly weakened from my battle.  She had to help me back to the camp to rest.

There, she told me she had seen the Soul Mother once more.

*shudders...with both fear of loss and rage*

I berated myself...should I not have watched over her more closely than the newcomers?

Nay...'tis not the person I am...nor, do I think, would she want me that way.  The time for blaming myself is over...even Ash said so.

*ponders a moment*

I think Ash may genuinely be accepting me...she was much more friendly and kind to me than she has been before.  This makes my heart glad...Tyrian's best friend, I hope, will be my friend as well.

After our conversation at the camp, Tyrian went to meditate about her lost soul-strand *glances again at the empty room and sighs*

I joined with Axodeth, Ash, Tegan, and a stranger whose name I believe was Kiva.  There was much argument amongst the party, and I felt ill at ease at times.  We traveled to Pranzis, whereupon we met with a Paladin of Toran named Maev...a noble knight as lovely as she was courteous (and as proved later, she was skilled in battle as well...I would expect no less).  From thence, we travelled through the deserts to Saudiria, and from there to the topaz caves.

*rubs a wound on his side...wincing at the pain*

We battled many giants...and in one such battle I was felled.  The Soul Mother did not find me, but I decided to lament my woes rather than endanger anyone else attempting to retrieve my stone.  

Later, I found Axodeth had fallen also...but the cursed Mother found him this day...

*blots the page in his anger*

I am in pain, both physically, mentally *glances at the empty room again* and emotionally.

I think I shall go into the main room and see if Axodeth will teach me some more Dwarven.

*starts to put the book away, but adds one more line at the bottom of the page*

E Ceela Aey, Tyrian...good night, my love, wherever this night finds you.

*puts the book down...glances at the empty room one last time, then goes out to find Axodeth*

[Creighton]

...Mists swirl around him, the distant clashing of thunder reaching his ears as the world
spins in slow-motion...haze obscures his vision, and he feels anxious...

Suddenly, everything comes into focus: bizarre abominations, half giant and half spider,
abound; Tyrian and Axodeth are in their midst, and what he thought was thunder is actually
the clashing sounds of desperate combat...

Without warning, Tyrian falls...he moves with all of his strength to reach her side, but he
seems mired, unable to advance.  He watches helplessly as Axodeth too succumbs to repeated blows
delivered by the beasts...straining more with his will than his body, he staggers a few steps forward,
pushing himself toward his fallen comrades with the determination that has oft times defined him, pain
wracking his frame with each step...

Then She is there; the horrid image of the Soul Mother erupts from the ethereal, dragging pieces of the
souls of his friends to herself, cackling like the distant sound of gulls on a breezy shore...he raises
his fists and bellows in a blind rage, challenging the unchallengeable with the last of his unbridled fury...

And then that are at his side once more...his love, and one of his best friends...their determined smiles
matching the power of their hearts..."Tis not their destiny," a clear, calm voice says in his head;
"They, like you, have their parts to play, ans all the fires of hell will not stop any of you from fulfilling
them...heed what you have learned, and follow your heart; it will lead you home".

*He sits bolt upright in his bed, drenched in sweat, his hand searching for a weapon...the cool darkness of the
room reaches him, and his breathing slows, realizing that he is safe, that it was only a dream...he glances to
the empty space on the bed beside him and is struck for an instant with melancholy, but then a calm peace washes
over him (perhaps it is a remnant of the dream) and he smiles, a contented, true smile...knowing that she will
return to him...he turns over and lies back down, smelling the sweet fragrance of her hair on the pillow...and
drifts off into his first peaceful slumber of the night*

______________________________________________________________________________________________

//OOC

Creighton has up till now been naive and a bit unsure of himself; in light of the recent changes in his life,
he's been making a lot of errors and bad calls due to his trouble dealing with life outside of the paladinship,
which up until now is the only life he remembers.

He's spent his entire life in a black and white world, and is now having to learn the subtle shades of gray...but
after several weeks of RPing the character learning from his mistakes, Creighton will awake tomorrow with a different
attitude about life; I think he has progressed to a point that now I may start playing him being a bit more savvy; this
is not to say that his personality is going to change; Creighton will always be Creighton; all this is to reflect is
that he is coming to terms with the world that he has chosen by leaving the stringent ways of knighthood...and he is
beginning to learn to rely on others rather than upon himself all of the time.  He's seen the ways of powerful magic, and
seen valiant hearts in those around him (and he's been smacked down a few times for trying to do the "boy scout"
thing in a "non boy scout" world).  He will start thinking a little differently about situations that he's in, and make better
decisions in a pinch.

This will, of course, be an undulating process that I will RP in the weeks to come; this post merely marks
the beginning of the character coming out of his shell and living in the world that he has chosen.

Of course, this is certainly NOT to say that he will NEVER do anything naive or "goody-goody"; that's
part of his charm.  

[Creighton]

*He wakes with a start from a fitful sleep...for a moment, the adrenaline courses through him as his eyes search the darkness for an enemy, but then he realizes that he is in his bed..."another dream", he thinks, then realizes that he is alone.  A sadness threatens him, but he then recalls that she told him she may go to the craft house to clear her head...nonetheless, he still feels a pang of sorrow...

He sits in silence for a moment, then, unable to sleep, unable to think, he gets up, dresses, and goes out of the house to where Axodeth keeps a dummy for his armor crafting...he examines it for a moment, it's form weird and shadowed in the cloudy moonlight, and a single bolt of lightning splits the sky...

The dam bursts...all the pent up rage and anxiety pours out of him as he smashes his fist into the face of the mannequin.  Again and again he strikes, landing blow after crushing blow on the armature, all the while his mind imagining the Soul Mother...for many minutes, nothing exists but the anger he feels and has no other outlet for...

Finally, his rage spent, he slumps to the ground, his knuckles raw and bleeding, his breath coming in gasps, tears filling his eyes...the first drops of rain begin to fall, and he looks up to the sky...

There, in the only break in the curtain of clouds, shines the Light...his eyes soften as the rays reach him, and, though he had often looked to the star for guidance, he feels something he has not felt before...a smile curls his lips, and he whispers his own words written down days before...*

"Life is to be lived...not spent fearing its end."

*He sits a moment longer, staring through the rain, then stands...noting with a chagrined smirk the broken mass of wood and leather that was Axodeth's pattern dummy...*

Hmmm.  I shall have to replace that.

*takes up the wreckage and takes it to the trash can, then returns inside...a certain confidence in his stride*

[Creighton]

*Puts on some dry clothes and lights a small candle...glances for a long second at the empty side of the bed then smiles...takes up his journal and a quill, and begins to write*

--Even in darkness, there is light.

It seems a lifetime ago that I spoke those words, or thereabouts, to Ozymandias.  Would that I have actually listened to them before now!

Life cannot be enjoyed with the burden of the worry of it's finiteness.  

*smiles*

Onto other matters...

It seems a plot was (or IS) forming for pirates, or pirates to be used, to overtake the city of Hurm.  A party of us engaged and crushed a band of these privateers, but not before overhearing their plans.  We informed people in Hurm of what we overheard, but to what avail, I do not know.

I have heard that the King is dead; 'tis unfortunate; at such a time, succession could be a nest of corruption...and I shudder at the possibilities that the closeness of his passing to the plot we (hopefully) foiled may unfurl.

*ponders this, decides to write none of the opinions whirling in his mind just yet*

Exodus seems troubled...I know not if this is because he is frustrated at his attempt to join the Church of Vorax, or for...other reasons.

*thinks carefully before continuing*

On a note that may perhaps be related, I am unsure of this Kiva...he seems a competent man, and an asset to any party...but his stalwart distance that he maintains often seems to conflict with the emotions that burst forth from him from time to time in the form of barbed comments.  At first, I regret to say I judged him rather harshly...but Ash and Tyrian say that his is a noble soul, and he is indeed a friend, so I will believe this until I have a conclusive reason not to.  In fact, I believe I will try once more to speak to him, to let him know that even if he considers me not a friend, which is his right, that he need not consider me an enemy...if that be the case, it will be by HIS choice, not by mine.

*looks again to the empty room, shadows shifting in the candlelight*

I must find my love.  Whatever comfort I may have, belongs to her.

*smiles at the last line...puts the book away and blows out the candle, noticing the first rays of morning coming through the window...makes a quick note at the bottom of the page to remind himself to replace Axodeth's tailoring dummy...then leaves the room to clean up a bit, knowing his destination to be the craft house...*

[Creighton]

*he hates to leave her side this night, even for a moment, but he feels he must write this in his journal...the penmanship is excited, hurried*

--Truly, I did not know such happiness could exist.

Tyrian is my wife...

With nature, the sky, and the gods as our witnesses, we pledged our lives to one another.

*the pen trails off, he looks to her and his heart swells with emotion*

I love her so...

*puts the book away, snuggles close beside her; knows a joy and a peace that he thanks heaven for, then drifts to sleep*

[Creighton]

*Comes dragging in...smelling like animal hide and tanning acid...another trip into the forests to further his "trade"...*

*He half-smiles when he thinks this...trying to be very quiet, as it's late and the house is dark...he notices the plants and some of the chairs are missing...*

Must be redecorating, he thinks...*smiles*...she seems so happy with their home, and that brings a smile again to his lips...

*He moves silently to wash himself up, then into the bedroom...sees her sleeping peacefully and just stands a moment, happy to see her, even if she slumbers.  He feels a pang of regret that his travels kept him away from her..."only just married," he thinks, "and here I go off all day...I must make it up to her somehow"...says a silent prayer that her day went well...*

*Slips beneath the covers to hold her close, kisses the back of her neck, and quickly falls into an exhausted sleep*

[Creighton]

*He awakens in the night with a start, the darkness reminding him of the void he visited earlier this day...as his eyes adjust, he realizes he is in his bed, in his home, with his wife...he relaxes, smiling to himself as he touches her hair...he gently rolls over, lighting the candle by his bed, and takes up his journal and quill*

--'Twas not the best day I've had.

My leatherworking has improved...I am now curing leathers with much better success.  This is one high point to the day.

The Stonecutters and I embarked on an adventure to Dregar with a large party, Ash, Tegan, Rhynn, Nepp, and Sakura among those we travelled with.

The journey started out badly; Freldo the bard appeared, and immediately tensions arose between Ash and Rhynn.  I know not what this was caused by, nor is it my business...but I do not like to see those I call my friends so vexed...especially not with each other.

This faded, and the journey began.  We travelled through the forests with several clashes with the giants that dwell there, and once across the desert we rested in Saudiria.  Xain and I had time to practice a little Dwarven during this time, and he feels my skill is improving. From thence, we continued on into the caves to gather silver, where we met giants again.  The travel to here was cause for celebration; we were doing well, purging the land of the scourge of the giants...

...then we came to a hill where several lay in wait.  The battle was joined, and it was the fiercest fighting thus far...Exodus fell, as did I...

And Axodeth succumbed as well...but he was to meet the Soul Mother.  Should he meet her again...

*shudders...the candle seems to flicker...or was it his imagination?*

That must NOT happen.

*pauses again, not wishing to consider the possibility but unable not to for a moment...then he continues*

Returning to where my soul was bound, I set out to try to find my way back to my friends...I was ambushed by giants, and fell yet again...only to see the cursed Mother myself.

Once again returned to the holy stone in Vale, I awaited my lamentation to end with supressed rage; there, Rhynn found me, and with her magicks, gave me the power to travel unseen.

*pauses, remembering the conversation*

Rhynn is a true heart of light; but she is so troubled...the encounter with Ash earlier weighed heavily upon her soul, and Freldo, whom she makes no secret of her love for, seems to not pay her much attention...she intimated thoughts of self-destruction to me, and I did my best to let her know her life was worth more than the grumblings of others, but I know not if my words reached her heart.

I returned to Pranzis to find my beloved wife...

*smiles, reaching over to touch her shoulder gently before continuing*

It was so good to see her...it had seemed like ages since I last held her in my arms.  She was a bit chagrined at my news, and rightly so, but we forgot the worry and relished being with each other.  We visited Exodus in his home in Haft Lake, then travelled home.  We let the Stonecutters know of our plans for a celebration of our marriage, and they seemed excited.

It will do us all good to have some fun together.

*she shifts in her sleep, and he leans over and kisses her gently on the cheek*

She worries so...as do I.  Not for myself, but for her...for the Stonecutters...for ALL those I call my friends.  The times are dark...but we have our own light...we all have our friendships...Tyrian and I have our love.

By Toran...we will take care of each other.

*puts his book away and blows out the candle...whispers to her that he loves her, in common, Dwarven, and Elven, then pulls her close to him, kissing her gently on the neck before drifting off to a troubled sleep*

[Creighton]

*He listens until he hears her leave, then takes up his journal and begins to write*

--'Tis been an interesting day.

I spent a great deal of my time gathering the herbs and plants Tyrian needs for her potions, while at the same time gathering materials for my own leather work.  I had a couple of close calls; but it seems my skills are becoming more and more up to the task.  Perhaps all that grueling training with Master Cort back at the academy coupled with what I have learned of Dwarven combat with the Stonecutters is paying off...

I am progressing with my leather crafting; I have made cloth and belts, and the curing and tanning processes are becoming less frustrating.

When I returned home, I found Exodus and Anna conversing.  I sat in, Exodus taking some time to teach both of us some more Dwarven, and good fellowship was had.  Later, my darling wife arrived *smiles as he writes* and brought even more light into the house.  Exodus took his leave, whereupon an at times tearful Anna told us of her plight with assassins and the like...

*frowns*

T'would appear that relief efforts for the people of Roldem are being mishandled by authorities, so a select few have taken it upon themselves to help the stricken.  Tyrian and I pledged our help to Anna, and by my oath we WILL help these poor people...it angers me that official channels have proven so...ineffective.

Also, tonight I have learned that my wife's skills are even greater than I had thought...*mutters to himself that that is saying a lot*...and she is becoming more and more sought after for her wares.  A man named Talen brought some gold to her for her work, in exchange for some items that she crafts so well.  He also gave me some instruction on leatherworking that I feel will be most beneficial to me.

*pauses, thinking for a moment*

She is at the craft house even now, working diligently for the dreams of Roldem, and the dreams of a house that belongs solely to the two of us...What a remarkable woman I have had the good fortune to be in love with!

Perhaps soon I will be able to craft well enough to contribute further to buying a home for my beloved and I...she works so hard for it...and I want it so badly for us as well...I shall work harder.

In the meantime, I have some ideas to drum up support for the Roldem relief; I will use what skills I have as best I can, in leathers, in arms, and in voice.

WE, my wife and I, have a cause...several, in fact.

*smiles as he reads over the entry...closes the book, snuffs the candle, and drifts off to sleep holding her pillow close, her scent filling his dreams*

[Creighton]

*Comes into the room battered but cleaned up...sits gently on the bed and kisses her on the cheek, then turns and lights the small candle he keeps at bedside...takes up his journal*

--T'was a good evening.

Tyrian had worked long hours this day, and thus was retiring just as I was awakening...*glances over at her*  She works so hard...she nears fruition of her dream of a home through her efforts...and now tirelessly toils for the unfortunate of Roldem...

*sighs with a smile*  How lucky I am...how fortunate to have a place in a heart so wondrous...

Axodeth emerged tonight...the first I have seen of him since his last meeting with the Soul Mother *brow furrows*...he told me of his desire to form a guild of dwarves, to unite the clans.  I told him that the people of his fine race could ask for no better leader.  

*grins*

He went on to bless me with a great amount of pelts and skins that he had been collecting for some time, telling me to make good use of them for my family and for the stricken peoples I now try to help...

*thinks of how to write the next line*

He...he asked me to join with him...his guild...to be a Stonecutter.

*reads that line over several times*

I was...speechless.   That he would offer me such an honor warmed my soul in an indescribable way.  Of course, I told him that I would be happy...honored, indeed honored, to be one with his clan.

After this, he and Wren Thendor and I traveled around the outskirts of Hlint, gathering roots and herbs for my beloved and purging areas of monstrosities for the safety of travellers...the two of them did save my skin at one point battling lizard folk when my potions ran out...I nearly fell but for their efforts, and I owe them much.

*thinks that he owes another as well, but does not name him here.  Then it occurs to him that he did promise to be careful; what a quandry!*

I must continue to work on my skills...Taskmaster Cort would have had me flogged had he seen me so ill-prepared in my Academy days.

*sighs, a bit disappointed in himself...after a moment, he continues*

Upon returning to Hlint this night, I have crafted some gloves for the children of Roldem...hopefully the first pairs of many...

*blows out the candle...curls next to her, whispering "E ceela aey, my Tyrian" as he settles in to a well-deserved sleep*

[Creighton]

*this entry is dated several days from the last one*

--I...I suppose things are well....

*dark line hastily scrawled across the page, the ink blotting*

Nay...I shan't even write such a lie.

I...I'm worried...I...*trails off*

No, no, it's not even that...I miss her, my beloved.  She's been gone now for quite a while *"Too long" he says aloud as he writes*  I know full well she can care for herself...but...

Enough.  It is enough to know she will return.

*takes a deep breath, re-inks the quill*

My crafting is improving; I have made things for the people of Roldem.  My dwarven is getting better; Axodeth has mentioned that I will fit in fine with his guild, that I will be speaking Dwarven like a native before long.  I have been....

*Slams the book, gritting his teeth...he was only writing, he knows, to give himself something to do in these the hardest moments of his day...he's not been of the mind to write lately, and tonight, it seems, is no exception...he glances at the empty side of the bed and sighs an aching sigh...he puts the book up and snuffs the candle, staring for long moments into the darkness where her form should be.*

"Come home soon, my Tyrian, my love."

*he stares for long moments still at the emptiness, clutching her pillow close to him, before sleep finally claims him*

[Creighton]

*waits until she sleeps, then takes up his journal, using the ring he found in one of his chests to light his writing...smiles, remembering that it was she who gave him this ring upon their second meeting*

She is home.

*sighs contentedly, looking over at her*

She had aided a stranger who had come to her under false pretenses...and he got what he deserved.

My mind was awash with emotion...I fear I acted as a fool when I saw her...but that is all right.  She is home.

*smiles again, glancing at her once more*

Much is happening around the world...although I didn't get to speak to her much, Anna seemed uncomfortable.  I must make it a point to speak with her at length again about the Roldem efforts.  Exodus and Xain have pledged themselves to her cause, but that will still not be enough...the Called must be united in their efforts...petty differences must be put aside...they must be made to understand...

*grins*

But that is for later...for now, let Bloodstone himself walk through that door...

...as long as I know she is safe and with me, I fear nothing.

*puts the book up and cinches the ring in a leather pouch...curls next to her and, kissing her neck, whispers "Nurga a', Kohaarz", then drifts into a needed and peaceful sleep*

[Creighton]

*Dreams of being a small child, sorting peas...but in the oddness of the dream world, the red peas make war with the blue and yellow and green peas....the blue and yellow and green peas could stop the red peas, if they could just stop fighting amongst themselves...

Wakes with a start, shaking his head at the oddness of the dream...his weary head falls back to the pillow...places his arm around his wife and goes back to sleep, thinking only three conscious thoughts as slumber takes him once more...

It will be wonderful to care for one of the children...

I must speak to Ozymandias....

Paint...paint to make blue, yellow, and green the same....

Fades out into blissful sleep*

[Creighton]

*Takes out his book and his ring for light, grins as she sighs...she's not yet quite asleep...he shall be swift*

I think this may be the first day I haven't left Hlint.

I spent my time crafting, making more gloves and boots for Roldem.  My beloved wife wiled away some hours there also, crafting and conducting her business...

*smiles at this*

She handles the transactions like a true professional...I'm amazed at her savvy.  With her at the helm, we shall have our dream home in no time...

*pauses a moment, glances at his acid and oil-stained hands, and wonders what contribution HE will be able to make*

...and though I don't let it show, I am anxious to meet with Anna about this child we are to take in.  *smiles*

Speaking of Anna...well, there appear to be more problems than I thought...Ash and Ty were discussing some of what they knew of her plight...

*stops*

No...I shan't write that down.  'Tis not my place to do so.  Suffice to note that Anna is a good soul, working so hard to ease the suffering of others despite her own hurt, and it pains me to see her in such an obvious state of sorrow.

So many of those dear to me in pain!  Exodus, whose love for Ash is waylaid by her angst over one she thought she loved spurning her...*that man has less couth than I thought, he thinks*...Anna is so upset...Roldem still needs help...the forces of Bloodstone seem to be gaining strength...

*stops writing, the thoughts overwhelming him*

So much turmoil in the world...

*nudges her*

"Are you asleep?"

*a sleepy mutter is the only response...he smiles*

Thank the gods for her...and our happiness together.

*cinches the ring in the bag, puts the book away, and lies close to her beneath the covers...*

[Creighton]

*He wakes to the sound of a crash in the house, his sword in his hand before he's fully aware of his surroundings...he's nervous; he knows the time is nigh for the final confrontation with Bloodstone, and he's regretful that he cannot stand with the defenders...

...but he has a family now, and his place is here, to defend Mistone if needs be...he notices that Tyrian is distressed; t'was the crashing of her journal being flung 'cross the room that woke him...he wants to go to her, but understands her pain and leaves her be for now...

puts his blade away and settles back down in bed, his eyes searching the darkness of the ceiling, his ears straining for sounds of trouble, and says a silent prayer for all those who will stand this night on other lands to meet the challenge of Darkness...so many that he does not even try to name them all, but holds them in his heart and mind as he asks Toran to light their way...*

[Creighton]

--T'was a day for both sorrow and celebration.

The war is over...Blood has fallen.  'Tis a shame that the joy that writing that statement should bring to my soul is dampened by the price this world, these people, have paid for it.

The sky is dark...the earth itself heaved into the sky as payment for Bloodstone's defeat.  Temperatures drop, and will likely drop further...the crops, the livestock will suffer...and so the people must suffer as well.

*thinks about a conversation he had earlier*

This is still indeed, a time for heroes.  Heroes with warm hearts and stout resolve.

*glances at her sleeping form*

Good thing there's still some of those around.  *smiles*

Onto the celebratory note:  Tyrian and I had our party to celebrate our marriage.  Freldo was kind enough to open the Leilon Arms to us and our guests.

*grins*

The party was fun indeed, with many of our friends showing up and releasing some pent up frustrations in an enjoyable and satisfying way.  Exodus had a marvelous costume, and I daresay he was, at least for a moment, the life of the party.  Nepp was...well, inimitable Nepp *grins at the memory*...Addison and Treana were matched in some odd religious garb, and put Freldo through his paces comically.  There were quite a few others, and it was good to enjoy such merriment with those dear friends.  Ash, *pauses*  I think Ash has finally accepted me fully.  That brings joy to my soul...I know Ty sees her as a sister, and I am blessed to count such a valiant and fiery spirit as a friend.

On the way back, Ty and I picnicked in the forest close to where we were wed.  

*glances at her again*

T'was marvelous to simply be alone with her...to discuss the future...although the ways of the world may be tenuous right now, our love bolsters our faith such that together, we shall see it through.

Later, she and Axodeth and I travelled to the Blood Desert to gather agates for her craft...there was an abundance of ogres there...perhaps the leftovers of Blood's armies, trying to carve out their own niche in the world now?  Who knows...we bested them, "zihazzig thg'nnth", as Xain would say, and my heart was again swelled with the pride of the companions that I keep.

With friends such as we have, and with each other, I face this uncertain future without fear, and with a strong sense of pride and honor.

*smiles once again...dusts the page and replaces the book upon the shelf...slips into bed beside his wife, and drifts into sleep with her in his arms*

[Creighton]

*Listens until she drifts off to sleep; puts on his ring quickly, turning so as not to disturb her; takes up book and quill*

--Not my best day.

First, in my efforts to find skins for my crafting, I was ambushed by several of those "dire" spiders deep in Sielwood.  I felled half of their number, but their venom took it's toll, and I fell before the rest.  My beloved brought me back to find the stone to make me whole again....but still...

Later, we gathered a rather large group to travel to the Berhagens, to see if the presence of monsters there had increased since Bloodstone's defeat as it has in the desert...

*winces as he writes*

---again, again I fell.  I will make no excuse...I charged in, saw Axodeth in danger, and lumbered into the waiting arms of death like a mere whelp!  True enough, my discipline had slipped, but I will not note why here...who knows if one day my children may read this, and I will not have the shame upon me..

*grins at the thought of children....wonders when they will see Anna for the one they are to care for*

Regardless, I MUST be more disciplined...Taskmaster Cort would have flayed me alive were he here to see...I must keep a firmer grip.  

*glances at her asleep*

She...she worries...and my lapse of good sense could put HER in danger...and THAT cannot happen.

*sighs*

Faith, heart, courage, and skill.  That is still the mantra.  Note it does not say foolhardiness...Toran's wisdom is here, I must simply listen more closely to it.

*dusts the page, cinches the ring in it's pouch, and curls next to his wife, the perfumed scent of her hair carrying him to a peaceful slumber*

[Creighton]

*sits by his campfire far from home...the flickering light making shadows dance around the small clearing...he puts down his roasted boar meat when he is satisfied, then takes a small leather case out and removes some parchment and a quill*

--'Tis worse than I imagined.

I have taken this time to explore the surrounding lands of Mistone to see what has changed in the wake of Bloodstone's defeat.  I supposed that this would give Tyrian time to do her work, and allow me to gather some skins, broaden my knowledge of the surrounding lands, and re-hone my tactics.

The temperature is indeed cooler, and seems to grow more so.  I am glad I chose leathers as my trade; the skins I have cured are coming in quite handy as a means of warmth.  Baleful beasts, also, are more prevalent, but they seem disoriented...their guiding hand gone, they have no true direction.  I suppose it is only a matter of time before their food runs out, and they come to populated areas for easy sustenance.

*glances at his bloodstained armor and freshly honed sword*

By Toran, they will learn that it is not all that easy.

*reflects a moment on his day, then continues*

Tyrian's advice has rung true *no surprise there, he mutters as he writes*...I have been assailed several times on this journey, but have acquitted myself nicely by using my head first, then my sword.

*glances at the empty flasks in his pack*

Oh, all right....I've used quite a few of the potions she made me as well....she wouldn't be surprised...*grins his half-grin*

I'm sure she's worried....and I miss her so...on the morn I return to Hlint.

*puts his writing gear away...takes a burning ember and makes one more loop around the camp to ensure there are no lurkers about...satisfied, he lies close to the fire, wrapping himself in cured lionskin, and drifts to a chilly sleep clutching the amulet she made for him*

[Creighton]

*sits beneath his tree, having returned from his duty of honor, wanting to enjoy the night a moment before returning home...tekes some parchment from his pack, and, here beneath the stars, begins to write*

--I'm feeling a bit guilty.

I spent most of my day working on my crafting skills, and have made some broad improvements to my technique.  I decided I needed some cougar pelts to continue, and I ran into Amber, a young woman who has travelled with our group a few times of late.  She said she had never been to where the cougars roam, so I invited her to join me.

All went well for a time, but we were beset by griffons, and in buying her time to escape, I was felled by the winged horrors.

Finding myself in Hlint, I realized that I still carried much of her share of the spoils from our journey.  

Thorkain happened along, and noticed my state...then Mercas, as well.  Mercas used his magicks to make me good to travel, then Thorkain, a man whom I just met named Daniel, and I set off to find my stone.  After a merry adventure (Daniel seems a noble soul, and Thorkain was impressed by my Dwarven), we retrieved my stone and returned to Hlint.

I ran into Nepp and Ash...the two of them seem to be enjoying each others company, and that makes my heart glad.  *smiles*

Then my beloved approached...I was very glad to see her *smiles again, looking toward his home*.  A small group that gathered in the forest decided on a journey to Dregar...

...but I still was duty bound to return what belonged to Amber to her.

So, as the party departed, I kissed my beloved good bye, and set out to find Amber.  After much travel, I was able to do what honor demanded and give back to her her rightful share.

*sighs, looking up at the stars*

I am home now, and am ready to return to Tyrian's side.  I noticed a candlelight in the window a little while ago, so I hasten to go to her..*pauses*

I hope her trip went well...I am sorry that I could not accompany her.

*looks sadly at the line, then toward his home...wraps up the parchment and hurries home*