The Rambling Thoughts of Dalan Stoneaxe

[OldBear]

[SIZE=13]A lone figure sits at a table with an unfinished ale next to his left hand. In his right hand is a quill that he is[SIZE=16]laboriously attempting to pen with so thatanother might be able to actually read it.[/SIZE][/i][/SIZE]
  [SIZE=13]It was a cold winter night with a large full moon just rising over the horizon. You know the kind of night, when the sky is so clear you can see for miles and the winter winds come snarling down out of the mountains. So cold, that it takes your breath away, as soon as you step outside. So cold that the winter wolves are denned up for the night instead of running through the glade. It was the type of night when no one in his or her right mind would be outside.[/SIZE] [SIZE=13]It was just that sort of night when my stepfather told me how he had come to find me. I must have been about ten or so at the time. It was one of those rare nights when we stayed at an Inn instead of in our wagon. He had said goodnight to my stepmother and had polished off an ale or two. We were alone downstairs finishing some odd bit of crafting. For the life of me I don't recall what it was. Anyway I have decided to jot down some notes in this jjournal in case anything would happen to me in this strange new land.[/SIZE]
  [SIZE=13]My Life as told by Dalan Stoneaxe:[/SIZE]
  It all started a long time ago in a place far away from where I sit and write. This tale starts with a dark and stormy night many years in the past. The north winds howled out of the mountains with a bitter cold that chilled a person to the very marrow of their bones. The wind whipped a cold dry snow along the road and into one’s eyes making travel near impossible. Imagine now that an old wagon, being pulled by two oxen, is coming over a low rise. The wheels of the wagon creak with the chill of the night. The wagon follows a nearly forgotten dirt track that leads through the foothills of a lonely mountain. Huddled together on the seat underneath several threadbare blankets is a half-elf male and his wife, a human female. They are hoping and praying that they will make the next village before full dark sets in. As they cross the rise, they come across a scene straight from the lowest depths of a hellish nightmare. Before them on the road is a small pile of dwarven heads piled in a cairn. Their beards have been shorn from their chins. Other heads are stuck on the end of broken spears jammed into the nearly frozen ground. Numb with the sheer horror of it, the couple begins to move the bodies to a nearby ravine where they can pile some rocks on top of the torn and mutilated bodies to protect them from further abuse by wild animals.
  Suddenly, they hear a fierce cry ring out. It is almost like the sound of a bear cub when it is angered. Moving two bodies, which seem to have gone down together, they find a squalling male dwarf child. Tightly grasped in his hand is a tiny axe made of stone. It is obvious that several dwarven families were traveling together down the road when Orcs had attacked them. Anything that would have given any identification of the clan name of the group had been removed when the bodies had been looted and mutilated by the Orcs. Not knowing what else to do, the couple took the young dwarf with them on their journey. They decided to name him Dalan after the grandfather of the human women and Stoneaxe for the axe they found grasped in his hand.   You could say that I grew up in that wagon, but in reality, the entire outdoors was my home. My stepparents traveled from one small town to another and from one homestead to the next. They carried in their wagon a few trinkets and items that most farmers couldn’t make themselves. They would repair items for the villagers, mostly tin plates and cups. In the floorboard of the wagon, hidden in a very cunningly concealed cabinet, were a few jewels of low-grade value and the tools and molds for making rings and necklaces. My stepparents would also occasionally take a special commission for the making of a twisted gold band for use as a wedding band. I know little of why they chose this lifestyle. But from what I gathered over the years from while they thought I was sleeping, they were for all intents and purposes hiding from their families. My stepmother evidently was from a prominent merchant family from someplace. My stepfather had been an officer in some type of military command, but I never learned which one.
  Evidently, an officer under his command was from a family that had wealth and connections. This so called officer framed my stepfather for something he didn’t do in order to get him removed from command. Once he was out of the way, he was able to step in and take my stepfather’s position. By the time this underling was done, all of my stepfather’s friends and family and turned their back on him and had completely shunned him. It was about then that my stepmother ran away with him. A druid that they knew and trusted in a hidden grove married them. My father always called mother “Sunshine” because she could warm his heart on the coldest of days. My father became known as the “Grey One” because he normally wore faded gray leathers and a cloak of elfish blue and gray. They never really told me where they met just that the wagon was our home now.
  From my stepfather I learned the use of the bow, sword and of course the axe. From my mother I learned to appreciate life and manners. I know to speak of manners and a dwarf together in the same breath is very unusual. But she felt it was important, especially since I was an orphan. She always said that with good manners one could hold your own with anyone regardless of their position in society. They also taught me a little about blacksmithing and gem cutting. However, I never did get the hang of cutting gems. We were our own little world, the three of us, always traveling from one place to another. We never spent more than a night or two in any one location.
  With a large yawn the dwarf caps his bottle of ink and cleans the quill tip. "I will have to remember to write more in the next day or so" he thinks to himself.

[OldBear]

PLEASE NOTE: For the sake of the reader, Dalan’s writings have been translated into a much better form of common then he actually uses. In fact much of his writings are in the dwarven script and not in common at all. Where necessary this translator has used more modern common and certain phrases are translated into common as well as this author can, but not all translate completely.  A rather tired and somewhat dirty dwarf sits at a table drinking Iron Hammer Ale. He looks a bit thin and drawn, almost as if he is not entirely there. From his pack at his feet, he draws forth a small journal, a pot of ink and a recently sharpened quill. Rubbing his aching head, he begins to write:
 Today was not a good day at all. I have been trying to aid ole Johan at the crafting hall, but he is going to be the death of me yet. Though the way I feel, I may have died twice already today seeking his bear pelts.
 On the good side, I have been spending some time with my fellow cousins. There is a growing and strong dwarf community here in Hlint and elsewhere. With their aid, I have explored much of the land neighboring Hlint and several of the Forts beyond. Exodus, Beli and Thorkain seem to be the oldest and most experienced of the dwarf clan. It is by their leadership that I have learned as much of this land as I have. It is also with them that my battle skills have grown. We have killed gnolls, ogres, trolls and other enemies of this land that has adopted me. I find that while I can use a battle hammer with some skill, it is truly my dwarven war axe that I love. It is beginning to become a part of me, almost an extension of my own right arm. I have commission a new iron one from Exodus’s brother, Axeodeth, and have gathered the funds to pay for it once it is completed. The sound as it slices through the air; the feel as it strikes my foes completes me as no other weapon as before.
 Interesting enough, an elf often travels with the cousins. He speaks not a word of common but only his own tongue. He goes by the name of Drogo and appears to be a druid of some sort since he often takes the form of an immense cat. I find myself enjoying traveling with him since we seem to share a love of the forest. For me it reminds me of my travels with my stepparents. It is with him that I am relearning some of my forest skills and developing new ones as well. His friend, Demetri has done some translating for me. In fact, we have agreed to begin to teach other our own languages. So far he has taught me thank you, welcome, hello and a few other stock phrases. It is a lovely but difficult tongue for me to learn. I am sure it will take a long time for me to learn. I used to hear my stepfather use some elvish phrases to some of his customers and being half-elf himself he had a good founding in the language from his father.
 There have been many others that I have met in this land. One, a lass named Sa’kura, can almost drink like one of us. She needs more training however since she was the first of us to quit the other night. She was very helpful to me in getting started here. To my shame, however, I was trying to gather spider silk with Beli when I unfortunately cost her the life of her pack ox. She was indeed furious with me, but she seems to have calmed down a wee bit this past day or so. I suppose I should mention here that when I arrived I asked Exodus what the dwarf nation here most needed in the way of craftsman. I have thoughts of making glorious weapons for my cousins. He laughed and told me there was a need for a tailor. A dwarf tailor I said? Swallowing my pride, I began collecting cotton and leather pelts. I am making progress. To-date, I have made some simple robes and a set of padded armor. I donated them to the relief effort for the war stricken lands. The biggest hold up for me is collecting spider silk to make thread. The spiders are none to fond of allowing me to gather their silk. I am used to being alone, but have quickly learned that I cannot collect silk without the aid of others. This is a new idea for me having grown up with no one but my stepfather and stepmother.
Well the hour grows late and work waits for no one. I had best get some rest while I can.

[OldBear]

A hastely writtn note in a journal, it was obviosly written in a hurry and when tired.
  I thought it best if I write down some notes of what has been going on the past few days before I forget. I have journed with many these past days, all true and vallent folk. Demetri is still working on teaching me elf and I work on teaching him de dwarven language. We have decided to start with the alphabet of our respective tongues.
  I can't say enough about my new axe. Daily it feels as if my skillgrows with it. It fits myhandlikea well crafted glove. I have begun to look for another axe weilderwho might teach me some of the tricks of itsuse and someone to spar with. It is hard totrynew moves onthe golbins, kobalds and now ogres in thearea. Mistakes there tend to cost me plenty in healingpotions.
  Salleron and I have journeyedsome together of late as well. He makes bows and I am working on bow strings. We have worked outadeal, but it will take some time for me to deliver a box of bow strings to him. Beli, another good friend and couz has made a deal with me tosupply him with elderberries. He makes barkskin potions and I will supply himwith the strange looking berries.
  I best be a gettin to bed. I have spent de entire day craftin cloth andleathers and canna keep me eyes open. I willtry to write moreduring the day on......
  the note in the journal ends with a small stainof ink as if the writer had fallen asleep and droped the quill on theparchament.
 
 
 

[OldBear]

In the corner of the Freelancer's in Port Harbor sits a dwarf drinking a fresh brewed ale by a new friend AnnaLee.
  I thought I might jot down a few notes while I be drinkin this new ale. Well made indeed and the type that will stick with you a bit. Hard to say, however, which is better the ale or this fresh baked corn bread. Hmm!!!
  Been getting to use me new axe a lot lately. it seems to fit me hand like a well tailered glove. I haven't seen one this well made since Ole One-eyed Granite was a workin. Reflects for a bit on his past. Now there was a dwarf. We spent what was it three? no 4 winters in the village where he served as the Master Blacksmith. Me folks wanted me to learn me native tongue and to get a chance to see how I like using a weapon beyond a longsword and bow. Master Granite taught me the language as I served as an apprentice in his forge. Spent most of my time fetchin and keepin the fires well fed. He made me my first axe and started my teaching in the art of axe work. Smiles It was him that taught me that an axe was more then just a weapon or tool to be used. It is an extension of my arm, a part of my life. It was he that started me on my life long journey to make the axe a part of myself. As he was often saying, one can never truly master a weapon, but if ye get off yer lazy butt ye might someday at least come close.
  Well looks like some friends of Miss Lee have come in and she is waivin me over.

[OldBear]

From the top of a small hill overlooking Sielwood forest a small campfire shines. The flames dance in the low breeze that blows over the top of the hill and a dark robed dwarf. He methodically cleans the traces of fresh blood from his axe, the results of a misguided ban of goblins contesting his path through the area. Dangerous enough normally, tonight he gave full vent to his rage and anger upon them. Upon completing his work on the axe, the dwarf sat and watched the stars for a while thinking of his mentor, teacher and friend Elgon Merrick. After time, he dug into his pack and removed a small journal, quill and pot of ink. He commences to write: It has been too long since I have written here and now I have picked a time of greatest sorrow to pen these words. Still I have been reminded only to painfully that we do not pick our time of leaving this world. I have lost a true friend, companion and teacher today. My mentor Elgon Merrick has died this day. From what I have learned he was struck down by a band of giants in the Forest of Mists.  I have always known that there was history of hatred of the dwarf clans towards the giants that inhabit this plane. Now I know personally of the hatred that flows through our veins. They have plucked one of the best from our side and they shall pay dearly for it. I have not some of the traditional rituals of the dwarf clans to follow being raised as an orphan. So I have created some new ones to fit my purpose as well as those of my stepparents. I have made for myself a dark robe of mourning and a hood to cover my head and face. I shall think of Elgon each day as I begin my work and dedicate each item I make to his memory.  This night I have vowed two things; first to continue my studies and crafting to make Elgon proud of me in the shaping of the wood, and second, I have committed myself not to just learning the skills of the axe but to truly master it. I vow that no more shall die at the hands of a giant if I can prevent it. My axe shall bring fear to my foes and swift death to those who seek to bring harm to the ones under my protection.  A wise old man once stated that, “Revenge is a dish best served cold.” My anger shall be as the winter blizzard as it storms out of the mountains bringing ruin and destruction to those who have killed Elgon this day. It will require much planning and work to master my skills. My revenge will not be swift perhaps but it will be final and complete.((Written in something red and not exactly looking like ink))This is my vow upon my life and honor. The journal falls to his side as the dwarf stares into the flames. His eyes are cold and icy and a grim look of determination has replaced the earlier rage evident in his face.  

[OldBear]

Leaning up against his pack, with a rabbit on a stick roasting over a small fire, a dwarf pens his thoughts:
  Well tis been a time since the death of my teacher Elgon and the days have begun to run one into the other.  I strive to increase my crafting skills.  Just the other day I made a crystal rod for the holdin of a spell of de second level if I understand de elders correctly.  All I know is dat dey need em so I make em.  In fact, I have now made two of dem for the guild.  I still work on me arrows and bows and keep the guild coffers full of the oak shortbow that so many of the militia use around dese parts.  As a result, me axe work as suffered a bit of late.  Though.... he muses with his thoughts for a bit.....
  I did get in a fair bit of axe work today.  Mind ye dey weren't dem foul giants but almost as good.  Seems Rain needs a fair bit of topaz so Daniel and I went to a cave outside Fort Velensk to mine de gems. There be plenty of ogres to practice on today. Daniel took along a priestess with us.  It seems he be a bit taken with her.  She be a good warrior even if she seems to fight with her hands which seems passin strange to me.  But she do know de healin spells and came in handy on more den one occasion.  She be a good un and we will have to see how me friend fairs with her.  He ain't said he likes her but de way he kisses her hand and talks to her gives me thought.
  A brief grin crosses his face then a more solomn look overcomes him.  Do the man good to find himself someone to share his days with.  The other night we were talkin how fast dese humans lives do race across the face of the world.  Course a nice dwarf lass around here wouldn't hurt me feelins either.  Still would be a distraction from me craftin and me axe work.  I still haven't found a master of de axe for further trainin so I attempt to recall what I was taught as a wee one and observe those around me.  Of late been handlin my woodaxe like it be my war axe.  Takes longer to chop de wood but be good practice.
  Sniffs the air, ah me rabbit be done and de bread I made yesterday and sat on dat hot stone seems to warm as well. Time to eat! Uncorks a bottle of Firewood Lager he laid up a month ago and begins his repast.
 

[OldBear]

Sitting at a table at the Wild Surge Inn with most of three bottles of ale and a large roast gone sits a dwarf with pen in hand.
  T’was an interesting day today and I thought it be best if I jot down some random notes so I don’t be forgettin in me old age.
First off, I was standing not far from de inn here when a lady came up askin about Daniel. Her name was Ellis and she said she was betrothed to him and had we seen him? She also mentioned something about being de best archer in de land. Puttin those two things together makes me wonder about her sanity. Still will be fun to tease poor Daniel a bit about her. Not to much however. Forgot to mention de last time wrote about Daniel how good a warrior he be too. Was a couple times when we was facing down dem ogres that we had to stand back to back. Dere be few that I have met that I would trust like I do him. Takes a big piece of worry off me mind standing in de middle of a fight knowing he is guarding me back and that I only need watch what coming at me. Let’s me swing me axe with full force and not wondering will I need to protect me back any moment.   Another swig of ale...
 Another thing I wanted to remember is dat the other day me good friend Sa’kura found out she was with child. Lot of that goin around dese parts since Rain and Sonya expected more children too. Anyway back to Sa’kura, she was de one I first met in de crypt here in Hlint. T’was with her help dat I was able to buy me first war axe. I can still remember going to de inn afterwards. She drinks her ale as good as any dwarf lass me have seen. Over the past year we have become pretty good friends. She be married to a man named Barion, a stalwart fellow indeed and seems to treat her right. Not dat she can’t take care of herself on her own. She be a right good warrior and one ye not afraid to have at yer back. She seemed a bit upset and learning the news but on our way to her house she smacked a few bugbears and some mercs and said she felt much better afterwards. We been meeting in de kitchen here at the inn often as she has been given me some pointers on me bread and roasts and *smacks his lips* given me a pie or two as well. I know it be strange me cookin and all but it seems to aid with making sandpaper of all things. Anywaz, it beats burnin food over a fire all day long.
 The grin leaves the face of the dwarf as he begins to write the rest, it is more the look of a scholar writing an important treastise on some event....
 Anyway de main thing me wanted to note down today was about dat wizard’s tower overlooking the Thalos River. I have seenit a few times but always looked locked up tight and sorta run down. But today, something new came up about it.A lady by de name of Jade Willow had heard some rumors and stuff about dis tower. She invited my friends Drogo and Praylor and myself to join her. Another couz me hadn’t met yet named Argos came along as well. Along de way a couple of other folk joined us including that new young mage Omer. We got to de tower all right, but for some reason only de original group of us could make it past some type of protective ward on de doorway going up de steps to de second floor of the tower. Once we were up there, it looked pretty barren to me. Jade was moving along de walls and stompin on the floor. Light above, if she didn’t find a trap door in de floor along the far wall. Well of course, we had to go de hole and see what was down there. We ended up below de ground in a old musty basement. As we walked along we ran into some of dem giant ants like dey got outside Port Hampshire and some scorpions de size of big dogs.Next we fought some stuff dat lied in wait on deground. Black as molasses and twice as thick it was. Very hard to kill but Jade for some reason dinna seem to have a problem with them. We moved past dem and met something out of a nightmare. It had to be 10 foot in diameter and looked like a big tear drop on it’s side with the large part all mouth and teeth. We managed to drop a couple of dem in their tracks but not without dislodging some of de ceiling in de fight. Couple times someone got trapped under some rubble for a bit.
  We decided tokeep movin a bit deeper into de bowels of de tower. The workmanship looked very old but in general steady enough to keep goin.Gulps the last of his ale....I thought those strange creatures were bad den we met some leaches. Now I ain’t talking about yer ordinary ones like ye see in de river. Dey was as big as me and if dey got ahold of ye secreted something that kept yer blood running until ye could heal de wound or bandaid it. Took a bit of fierce fightin but we finished them off too. The group thendecided to go a bit lower so we went down some stepsbutran into de coldest air and some kinda undead creature. We managed to dispatch em, but decided that to go farther without a cleric and someone good with lockpicks was not de smartest thing we could do. De group decided to leave so, of course, we had to fight ourway back up to fresh air. I don’t mind sayin it was a relief to get outside again. I am still bit sore where dat leach got me in de side. Hmm well dat be about all me know about de tower and me ale isgone so best head to bed. Going to have to listen to de gossip around town to see if anyone else been out to dat tower.

[OldBear]

Sitting at a desk in a house in Krandor, Dalan pens some random thoughs in his journal:
  Dere has been a lot happening of late and me not sure where to start. I guess I will start with de good news. Sa'kura had her babe, a wee thing with hair lke her mother and a grip of iron allready. Her name be Abigail and she is an absolute jewel. Sa'kura had a few errands to run and I got to hold and care for her for a few hours. Been a long time since I held a wee one and she was as good as gold. Almost made me a bit misty eyed caring for little Abbie. Must say I am very happy for her and Barion.
  As for meself, my axe work is getting better. I have been getting some practice in de Haven mines of late. I have taken to traveling down to mine iron by myself. So far, if I take it easy and go slow it seems to work our well. I think I have found someone who can make me a true war axe of addie but will have to see yet as to de price. As for me crafting I have now made oak Bows of the Hunter and continue to supply oak short bows for the Haven Militia.
  In fact, I was going to go get some iron last night when I met up with Lance. And dat leads me to me strange news. I had heard some strange rumors and stories of friendly ogres in the mines. Well last night a strong willed lady name Mellana was leading a group into de mines. Lance was going to I sort of tagged along. Neither Lance nor I could believe our eyes when she found some of de ogre rebels as she calls them. Dey were actually sort of friendly and talked. The one who did de best talkin was called Glurgle or something close to dat. In fact he actually aided up fight off an attack of the hmm regular ogres? Anyways they talked for quiet a while. I tried to see if could get some minin rights to the plat there but no one seemed to care about dat idea. Glurgle did seem to like me idea, once I showed it to him, of wearing an armband so one could tell de friendlies from de ones trying to break our bones. Dalan shakes his head at the thought and downs the rest of a bottle of ale....And here I though the giant purple worm was strange that I saw. But to think we were actualy talkin to friendly ogres.. hard to believe it is.
  That trip also lead me to some bad feelins as well. I have journeyed often with Praylor and count him as a friend and even more a stalwarth warrior whom I can trust me back to in a fight. He has talked often of Toran but yet didn't try to push it down yer throat. I have met other's of dat faith including Sindor and even those of our guild. They are all good warriors and good folk. Well me have to talk to Praylor now to see if they are the rare ones. I met one last night who I believe is a paladin of Toran. Tyrian by name I do believe, and a more rude arrogant thg'rgI have never met here. The old dwarf phrase me weapon master taught me came to mind last night. "A halartth la urwa az thur'k pour'ra urtha kurark rurhte" It suits him perfectly. Still we had just met so I should give him de benefit of the doubt for now. But me gut says I am right.
  Well tis time to sharpen me axe so best be puttin dis away.
 

[OldBear]

A force of nature? No, a grief stricken dwarf who is blinded by rage and tears,travels through the land heading toward Hlint. Those creatures who stand before his path be they troll, ogre or other menance to travelers fall beneath his axe. A grim laugh escapes from beneath his helm as his foes fall. "Ye shall have an honor guard to make any warrior proud my friend!" A sob of grief slips out before he turns to strike down another ogre on the road to Fort Llast. As he stands before the gates to Fort Llast, he exclaims "I vow to you Sa'kura that should Barion ever need help with Abbie I shall be there for her." One to giants now one to trolls, my retribution shall turn their swamp into a nightmare for them.

[OldBear]

Sitting on a couch in a house in Fort Llast the dwarf sits chewing on the end of his quill. Finally he begins to write:
  Lots been going on of late. I have started to get a hold of me grief over the death of Sa'kura but the littlest thing seems to set me off. The other day Eghaas and I finally took our planned trip to Karthy. We had fun explorin and even got in some fishing. Our route took us past Fort Hinlad and I managed to find some ripe appples. T'wasn't untill I took a bite of one that I remembered the last time I picked apples. It was for Sa'kura so she could make a pie she needed. That was a good trip, but it was one that was suppose to include her too. Shakes his head she would have enjoyed it too.
  Then today, Rain calls me to de center of the room and in a most serious tone tells me the group has a "grave" concern. The first thing dat comes to mind is not that I am in trouble but Sa'kura's grave. Tis funny how certain words trigure a memory. The good news is however, dey were not upset with me work. In fact, they were happy with it and made me de chief woodcrafter for the guild. I am a full member now. I can scare believe it. I figured it be a year or so before I could pass the test they had proposed for me. I won't let them down. I will past what they had proposed as a test in less then a year from now. De guild needs those mahogany bows!
  I also did something the other day that I am not sure how will turn out. I have not been able to find Barion. Me thinks he is in mourning or is at their other house nearPranz. I thougth about it long and hard and finally sent a message by one of dem special birds. I included a letter to little Abbie should Barion decide to give it to her when she be older. Dat girl is so special, but me afraid I will hardly get to see her any more. Barion will probably avoid Haven and she will be raised elsewhere. I sure hope I get to see her again.
 

[OldBear]

High up on the mountain overlooking Haven sits a dwarf with his quill in hand. The wind blows a lock of hair back from his forehead but does little to dry the moisture around his eyes.
  I don't have much time to write, but I wanted to record me meetin with Barion today. We ran into each other in the craftin hall in Hlint. I had been sorta fearin this day, but Barion dinna seem to hold me ta blame for Sa'kura's death. We talked a bit and I guess little Abbie being doing good. He said dat when she hears a dwarf she smiles. A wry smile crosses his faceHe even offered to take me to see her once a week if I wanted. Course I jumped at de chance. I guess she be livin in de same hidden village that my dear friend Sa'kura grew up in. I can hardly wait to see her. I think I best be lookin for some type of gift for de wee lass but I no be sure what to get her.
  A brief time passes as he chews on the head of his quill. I wonder what Sa'kura was like at dat age? I bet she was a handful and de prettiest .....The writing ceases at this point as the tired dwarf closes his journal. He loudly blows his nose and wipes his eyes. Maybe more tomorrow he thinks.

[OldBear]

Walking into Hlint is a figure dressed in black leathers and cape wearing a dark colored light chainmail. He carries a staff, a recent treasured gift to him, and heads for the Wild Surge Inn. Inside, he pulles back his hood from his face and warmly greets Doria. Taking a table in the corner, he orders an ale and pulls forth his weathered journal.
  Tis been a pleasant few days I have had. This new suit of panther leather's that Lady Ferrit made works well. And the staff from Eghaas is just the thing for walkin through the woods and travelin from place to place. A lot has happened to me lately. Recently I went with my fellow angels to a cave out past Haven. No one seemed to have a name for de area or the cave. We fought some strange creatures almost like giant insects they were. They were sort of an umber color and made such a confusing sound. More then once I found myself wanting to attack my friends instead of them. Fortunately no one was hurt by my axe. Dalan reaches down to his side to pat his axe head once. It gave me a good chance to work on my swings. I have been trying so shorten up on the stroke of the swing but increase the actual force with which I hit. Each day that I use the axe seems to increase my skill with it. It be a pure shame it doesn't seem to work so well on the undead. We ran into a bunch of them down deep in the cave. I had de strangest experience. From what I can tell I fell to some priest's spell. I felt like I was drifting above my body. Fortunately Lady Dora brought me back. Later I was told I appeared to be dead and only the gift of her god was I recalled to my body.
  Anywaz, the real reason I wanted to jot down some thoughts here was that I met up with Barion again. He was on his way to see little Abbie and invited me to join him. It was wonderful. She must be about 18 to 20 months old now. She didn't seem to walk anywhere she could run. And if she wasn't running she was a climbin things. She pure wore me out tryin to keep track of her. It was grand! She reminds me so much of Sa'kura almost as Sa'kura was reborn in her daughter. I had carved some simple blocks out of oak for her and painted them some fancy colors. She surprised me how she could stack em (grins) and throw em. Bounced one right off me nose she did. We spent the day playin and I read to her a bit later when she finally started to settle down. I left in the afternoon in order that Barion could have time with her too. I should have left sooner but dinna realize how fast the day was going. I am hoping it didn't bother Barion. I dinna mean to keep her to meself. It has been a long time since I was someplace where I was around children for a period of time. I couldn't belive how big she has grown since I saw her last. Sa'kura would be proud of her.
  With those last words, he puts his journal away and picks up his mug of ale.He offers a a silent salute to one who is not there saying "She be a good one lass ye can be proud of her."

[OldBear]

A cheery crackling fire illuminates the night. In the background the chirping of crickets and the other normal sounds of the night can be heard.  Above his head Orm has just risen in the eastern sky, his supper finished, Dalan pulls forth his journal from one of his many bags and pouches and begins to write.
  Not sure exactly where to start.  Been gone for a week or so from Hlint and believe it or not I be almost looking forward to me return.  I thought I best write down some brief notes as to what I have been doin.
  I had a couple of trips with Eghaas lately.  I dyed some leathers up and a bit of chain and now have a nice light weight outfit to wear in de woods and on the road.  It doesn't have de protection of me armor but it works well for most things.  Wearing that and with my staff that I got as a gift from Eghass, I make a right travelin dwarf.  We must make quiet a sight the two of us walkin down the road and talking.  He is so slender and me, well I ain't never goin to pass for no elf whether me hood up or not. Chuckles to himself  We seem to make good traveling companions.  I had de best time just walkin and talkin about nothin much at all.
  However, I haven't put up my armor just yet.  I managed to get in some good axe work a while back.  I was up by Fort Velensk and aided some getting topaz and then put down a bunch of dem undead in de woods around the cave.  Nasty sorts they be.  Me friend Erk was there and was a good group we had.  Eghaas must we rubbin off on me.  I was even thinkin to meself Aeredin be proud how many we returned to the great cycle dat day.  If I keep up with dis however, I have got to get some silver worked into me axe.  De fire is nice but a wee bit of silver wouldn't be bad neither.
  An den dere is some good news too.  Heard tell on me way back dat Lady Ferrit and Kyle had their second childe.  Sounded if mother and childe be doing good.  Glad to hear it I was.  Dey good folk and always glad to offer a helpin hand if one needs it.  I haven't seen Kyle yet, but I bet de buttons be poppin off his tunic due to his pride in another healthy childe.  Between dem and Rain and Sonya, dey can start dere own guild in another generation or so.
  Speakin of children, went with Barion again to see little Abbie.  My she has grown.  She and de other littles have started playing hide & seek.  Barion showed me de basics of it.  T'was fun watchin him to try to hide from dem littles.  Give em a few years, and we can start dat game for serious.  Tis time I start using some of dose ranger skills me stepfather passed on to me.  I could lead dem a merry chase through de woods and it be good for em to learn it with someone safe and not a orc or such.  I had a good time there all and all.  Little Abbie's smile sure can brighten up yer day.  She has got a giggle that sure do twist me heart up in knots.  I look forward to seein her again soon.
  Well I best be puttin this away.  Been gone a bit and with one good push, I can make it back to Hlint.  Need to get back to work, I do.  Been gone to long and have a long way to go in me craftin.

[OldBear]

Had a real nice day today.  I went with Daniel to get him some oak and on the way we ran into Lady Sonya.  She decided to come along.  It was more fun then anything collecting the oak.  The spiders and beatles were dispatched without any real effort do to her spells and Daniels sword.  We split up afterwards and Daniel and I went on to Leilon.  We had a real interesting talk.  It has been a while since Daniel and I could just sit and talk.  It pains me to see him suffer with love like the way he is.  And since I have no real good experiences in that area, it is hard for me to offer him advice.  Hmm not that I don't anyway....offer him advice that is.  But the fact remains, it was nice to just sit and talk with him.

On another note, I feel like I made a bit of a breakthrough on my axe work.  It seems like I am getting more damage out of my swings.  I am not sure if just a bit stronger from chopping all de wood I need for my crafting or chopping all those ogres and giants.  I know I have a long way to go, but it felt nice to have a feeling I had made some improvement.

The other thing I should note is that Eghaas and I made it out to see Abbie.  It was great to see her and to watch her with Eghaas.  It appears she has two adoptive uncles now.  Still, I am glad Barion has worked out a deal with the soul mother and will be around a lot longer to raise her.  Being an uncle is one thing....a father is an entirely differant matter.  Not that I wouldn't do anything necessary to aid either Barion or Abbie.  I owe Sa'kura that much, and frankly Abbie has me twisted around her little finger.  I am hoping she don't figure that out for a few more years however.

Well best be going, got work to get done.

[OldBear]

In a house in Fort Llast sits a dwarf before the fire. On his lap is his beloved axe that he is sharpening. When he finishes with the axe head, he polishes the handle with a special oil for wood that he has made. He whispers to himself, "You have done well my beauty. Those desert giants stood no chance against yer sharpness." After he finishes caring for his axe, he opens his journal and begins to write....
  A lot has happened in the past few weeks.I have traveled twice to Dregar to explore the lands outside Pranz. Tis madness in Pranz itself, what true dwarf would issue orders like that regarding weapons and especially the axe of a brother dwarf. Anyway, I traveled with Erk and Silverhand into the cave in the Forrest of Mists. Pats his axe We did well there, and many of dem giants fell before us. My vow to make them pay for Elgon's death is finally starting to come to pass. Later, I traveled with a group to Saudria? I am not sure of the spellin of that desert city. I have found that the giant kin that live there are not so fierce as those of the forest. In fact just the other day I traveled alonethe road in and out of the town a bit as I explored the countryside.The giants I met there were no match for me axe.
  Speaking of my axe, I obtained from Lady Ferrit an enchantment for her. It is sometype of magical liquid silver that I applied to this beauty Pats his axe again. I have been told that this will cause even more damage to the undead. I have yet to have an opportunity to try out this latest power. I hope soon to test the enchantment. As my friend Eghaas says, "theundead should be returned to the great cycle". I hope soon to send many back to the great cycle or whereever dey may go as they fall before me axe.
  Dalan pauses for a bit as he thinks what else he should note.
  Ah I should also write about my last visit to see Abbie. She is a true vixen. When I arrived at her village, I figured I would have to wait a bit since it was the time she normally has her lessons. I stuck my head in de door just to let her know I was there, when her teacher laughed and said "nope no sign of her here. If ye can find her, don't worry about bringing her back until supper time. It is too late now to start with what I had planned for today, but tell her to be here an hour earlier tomorrow."
  I figured if she wasn't at her lessons like she was suppose to be then she had lit out for de woods and was hiding there someplace. I slipped into the woods near her house and began to look for signs of her tracks. I wasn't doing to good, I must admit. She is so light on her feet that she leaves no real sign of her passing. That was when I cheated a bit. I took some broken pieces of pecan from by food bag, and bribed a squirel for information. He gave me a good idea where she was. I headed that way, and sure enough, she was up in a tree chatting away with a old mother squirel and robin. I have to tell ye, I just stood there and watched her. I dinna have it in me heart to break up her happy time with them. So I just settled down beneath an old oak and listened in for a bit. It took a bit but then Abbie noticed me beneath that tree. She almost made me heart stop the way she dropped down so fast from the tree and ran over and gave me de biggest hug. She scrambled up on me lap and demanded a treat. Of course, I been keeping some in me bag ever since I learned she had a bit of a sweet tooth. Once that was over I aksed her what they hadbeen talkng about. It plumb amazed me how much she had picked up from my previous visits when I talked to some animals with her. So we continued our private lesson for a bit more. I am guessing she will outpass me soon. She is a natural when it comes to conversing with the animals. I mean I can do it, but it is more a sense of what they observe and a bit of their emotion. Abbie seems to be more one of them then I ever will be. I suppose I should tell Barion about the lessons, but it never seems to come up and when I think of it, we aren't together. Oh well, I can't see why he be upset. Well I have have to be up early so I best put dis quill away.

[OldBear]

Sailing back to Leilon from Fort Velensk, Dalan pulls out his journal and tries to write a few words while the ship lies becalmed. Fortunately it looks like a storm front might be moving toward the ship and hopefully they will be able to sail before the storm. Since nothing is grumpier then a wet seasick dwarf.
  Went to see Abbie alone yesterday. She was happy to see me but kept asking me about her da. Where was he? I tried to explain that a good friend of his was missing and he was searching for her. I am not sure she really understood me. All she knew was that she missed him and wanted him home for a visit. Other then that she appeared happy. Her ability to talk to animals is astounding for one of that age. I watched while she tried to talk to a tree snake. Not one that was poisonous at least. She got rather frustrated when she couldn’t make the s’s that she needed to be understood. Frankly, I have never had much luck trying to communicate with them anyway. I just told her to give it time and work more on the rabbits and foxes for now. I also got her to promise not to try a wolf or bear until I was around. I do hope she remembers that promise.
 On a different note, it finally arrived today. I met with Master Kobal Bluntaxe in Velensk today. I felt like a little kid when he handed me a wrapped package. I could barely contain myself as I knelt and carefully unwrapped the package. And there she was, the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. An adamantium war axe made by Master Kobal’s own hand. It fit my hand like no other axe ever has. The balance was incredible. I feel like I could swing it all day. I swept through a few moves with it and I felt like it was cleaving the very air around me.
 Once I settled down a bit, Master Kobal asked me on what enemy I would blood this axe. It is very important in the dwarven traditions to blood the axe carefully. A weapon of this caliber deserves a truly strong foe. It wouldn’t do to waste her on a boar or spider. I have been thinking about this since the day I ordered the axe. I have narrowed it to two, but am undecided on which. I have decided that it should be either a giant of the Forest Mist Clan that killed Elgon or a troll of the clan that killed Sa’kura. Either one would be appropriate. Part of my problem for now is that I have yet to come up with a suitable name for such a lady as this axe. Dorand’s hand has surely blessed Master Kobal in the making of the axe. But now I need his aid in finding a suitable name for her as well.
Looking up he sees the sails begin to billow with the wind. He carefully puts away his journal and even more carefully wraps and stores the axe that was lying across his lap as he wrote.

[OldBear]

On a small hill outside Hlint sits a dwarf before a carefully banked fire.  The faint glow from the coals would barely provide a casual passerby sufficient light to notice that the dwarf is frowning as if he is deeply concentrating on some vexing problem.  Finally with a sigh of frustration, he pulls from his pack a small journal, quill and ink.  He pauses for a moment as to gather his thoughts and then begins to feverishly write down his thoughts in the journal.
I have decided to marshal my thoughts here in de hopes that it will aid me to come to some decisions.  Sometimes seeing in writing what de problem is brings a solution to mind.  Least wise dat be what I am praying for this night.  Being without kin or clan, I am unsure of what or how to prepare a ceremony to honor this axe. Truly Father Dorand must have blessed Master Bluntaxe when he forged this axe.  I seek to honor that blessing as well as name a weapon that Father Vorax would approve being wielded by a dwarf.  This axe sings to me in a way no other weapon ever has.   As I see if I have three problems to solve regarding my new axe, though one appears to be taken care of.  They be:
 1.      Who should I invite to de blooding of me new axe and it’s naming ceremony;
  2.      What foe should be honored in shedding it’s blood first on me axe; and
  3.      What shall I call this new beauty of mine?
 De first problem turned out to be de easiest of the three.  While I gave it some thought, the answer came to mind without much soul searching.  I have decided to ask three to join me in this matter.  Seeing as how I have no real kin or clan to accompany me, I have turned to my three most trusted friends.  Though as I thought about it even more, they represent much more den friendship.  The first I thought to ask be Daniel.  He by means of my joining the Angel’s Guild has become sort of an adopted brother.  We say we are family and they have become like that to me.  All of them are and I hate to slight any of them, but Daniel has become de closest of them to me.  Smiles to himself, Even if I do call him a long legged jackrabbit.  I cannot image him not being there at this ceremony.  I have decided that he stand for my new family since I have no real one left.  My parents died without me knowing them and my stepmother is long passed away as well.  My stepfather hasn’t been seen for ages after her death and I have no way to reach him.
 The second companion shall be my friend Eghaas.  I have come to enjoy and treasure are journeys together throughout the land.  He brings a quiet wisdom to any discussion we have and is a kindred spirit even if he be an elf.  I am sure we are quiet the sight as we travel down the byways around Hlint each with our staffs.  He will represent the unknown, the future this axe will face as I travel down life’s pathway.
 And then there is Erk, not the least by far and not slighted by saving him for last.  He has been a great aid to me in considering my questions and the answers I must have to make this ceremony truly meaningful.  He shall represent the dwarven clans as we have become in away from those who frequent Hlint and the lands surrounding it.  As Daniel is the immediate family, Erk is the greater clan bound to me by ties of blood and friendship.
 Using these three as feeling of rightness about it.  The four of us represent in a way the four major elements, the four major points of the compass, a symmetry that feels right to me.  It answers some unknown drive within me to perform this ceremony.
 The second problem started out easy but quickly became a trap for de unwary.  I had thought about the axe before it was delivered, but Master Bluntaxe brought the second question to a head when he delivered the axe.  He asked me what foe would blood the axe.  What a question!  It is an important one, which foe’s blood shall first be shed with this axe.  It must be a worthy one so as not to shame the axe and it’s user.  It was easy to decide on two foes, but the narrowing from that has caused me two nights so far of very uneasy sleep.  I have cried vengeance on two foes, either of which may prove my downfall.  The first was the giant tribe of the Forest Mists.  It was they that killed my mentor and friend Elgon Merrick.  The second is that of the troll clan in the Ajar swamps who killed my dear friend Sa’kura.  I must say my head hurt pondering this question far beyond the worse hangover I have ever suffered from too much ale.  Finally last night I was fortunate to have Erk stumble over me on this very hill.  We talked far into the night.  He did not provide answers to me but instead many questions.  It was those questions, which assisted me to define the problem and come up with a solution to it.
 One of his questions is has vengeance been started or even completed on either foe?  Has either been honored or had some sort of tribute to them?  Would that make a difference to me?  As I pondered those questions, I decided that Elgon has had some vengeance.  I slew the clan chief deep within his cave in the Forest Mists and took his head.  The guild plans to call our new hall, Merrick Hall, after Elgon.  It seems while my hatred for the giants has not ended at least there is some sense of rightness and retribution having been completed.
 With Sa’kura it is a different matter.  I have no doubt that her husband Barion sought some sort of retribution for the trolls. He and I have never discussed the matter and in fact other then their daughter Abbie, we have not mentioned Sa’kura.  I felt it was not in my place to do so, nor did I want to bring up bitter memories for him.  I have scouted the troll area but not had many dealings with them since her fall.  Erk asked me why do I care so for her memory.  It was a hard question to answer.  She was one, if not the first, who aided me when I was first dragon called.  We shared similar interests and I often wondered if she didn’t have some dwarf blood in her in the way she could down ale at the inn.  She went out of her way to make pie for me, and while I love pie, it was the fact she cared about me and thought about me more then the actual pie that touched my heart.  She touched a spot in my heart that I didn’t know was void until I met her.  I don’t mean of course the romantic holding of hands, but that of a true friend.  It was her that trusted me with the care of her daughter Abbie; she who has now filled my heart as if she was my own daughter.  It was Sa’kura who called me Uncle Dalan as she spoke of Abbie.   It will be her memory that I will tie to this ceremony as a tribute to her and her kin.  His eyes blaze here A troll shall be the first to fall before this axe and its clan shall rue the day it was forged.
 Which brings me to my third problem. What shall I call this lady? He pats the axe as he thinks for a moment.  I want the name to have meaning.  I have a feeling this axe is something special.  I got that feeling on board ship that night when the storm approached.  I could see lightening dancing in the heavens.  As I held this lady, the stormed pulled me as if it was calling the axe to be part of it.  I talked to Eghaas about a name and he mentioned Storm Cleaver if I felt like using something from the storm I was recently in. There was something about that name that just didn’t ring true to me for this axe. Perhaps just calling it a cleaver bothered me? Erk and I talked last night and he suggested if I decided to blood it on the troll clan, I could name it Trolls’ Bane.  The name sounded good but still seemed wrong to me.  I have thought of Storm’s Fury and Lightening Strike.  I even considered calling it Lady Sa’kura, but I would hate to have those who didn’t know her think she was an old battle-axe.  I am going to have to ponder the name more I think.  I am sure that when the time is right the true name of this axe will come to me. 
Dalan then puts away the journal and carefully wraps the new axe before placing it in his pack.  Laying back he studies the sky before drifting off into a restless sleep.

[OldBear]

Dalan sits on a large rock not far from the cornfield at Fort Velensk. Leaning back against the boulder, he begins to pen the following words:
 Much has happened of late, so in no particular order of importance, I thought I should jot down my thoughts and impressions. First a few days ago I was in Hlint when a young came running up to Capt. Garrett. She said a man by the name of Daniel had sent her seeking help since a large strange creature had been sighted in the depths of the goblin caves. It had been seen slaughtering goblins. Of course Capt. Garrett thought this was a fine idea, and while I might understand such a reaction, I was worried what would happen if it decided to venture outside by the gates of Hlint. When I described Daniel to her, I quickly determined it was my friend who might be in need of assistance. It took some persuasion, but Capt. Garrett finally agreed to double the watch on the walls in case a problem arose. He refused to provide any men to go and actually investigate the problem. When I arrived at the mouth of the cave I found that Lady Rhynn has also been told and I joined her and a group of others. We descended downwards and met nothing unusual until we found Daniel and those he was guiding. Pushing on we found a slumbering creature of the foulest breath. I will not comment on the suggestions and actions of some of the party except to say I wondered if they were trying to commit suicide. Finally Lady Rhynn performed some sort of act of magic and had us slay the creature. Frankly I would have tried to talk to it, but since the other’s blades were already chopping large junks of its hide away, I figured the event had gone beyond the stage were words might be of any good. The creature was killed in short order. Then Lady Rhynn managed to persuade a pixie friend of hers to drop down a deep narrow hole. I must say he took his time going down but was back up in a flash. I didn’t hear all of his report but it sounded as if a large membrane covered the area. She proceeded to establish an elaborate set of warning and explosive runes about the hole so to give warning to her if any more creatures arose from the lower depths.
 The next major event of late took place in the crafting hall in Hlint. Erk was aiding me put the finishing touches on a new staff I had made. We were working in one corner when in came Jade the new finance of Barion. While I worked, she and Erk struck up a conversation. They hadn’t been talking very long when she informed Erk that she was redoing some clothes. She went on to say she had been sick in de morning and that folk thought perhaps she was pregnant with Barion’s child. I nearly dropped the staff at a critical place in the work when I heard that. I knew that the rumor mill was saying he had decided to marry her, but not this. I will of course not say anything to Barion, as it is not my place and our only real connection is his daughter Abbie. Still, I couldn’t help to wonder about this woman. First a whirlwind romance with Barion and then she might be pregnant even before the wedding. Was she just after his money? She was starting to sound like a common…hmm trollop I guess is the best word I can write here. How would this strange woman being around affect Abbie? Barion is well off financially as far as I gathered from Sa’kura. I know he owns two homes and is an excellent craftsman. Was she just after his gold and figured getting pregnant was be the final closing of the trap she has laid for him? I am afraid only time will tell if she is pregnant, but I am concerned greatly. I wasn’t before so much, but her casual announcement to two strangers leads me to wonder about her.
 Speaking of Sa’kura, Eghaas, Erk and I visited where she fell this night. Erk needed some thistle so we went by the site of her death. I have not been there since she fell. I took a few moments to lay a bouquet of red roses on the ground where her blood stained the soil. I offered up a prayer to Dorand and whatever gods Sa’kura followed to be with her and Abbie. I must say that killing the troll who tried to interrupt my prayer gave me a great deal of satisfaction. I am trying to follow the suggestion of Daniel not to let revenge color my world, but I felt no shame this night putting an end to many of the troll clan.
With these words, Dalan closes his journal and leans back to recall some of the special memories he had of Sa’kura.

[OldBear]

Sitting before a campfire, Dalan opens his journal again, this time to write a brief note to himself and possibly two others. He has to stop to resharpen his quill since he broke the tip in his anger only moments before.
  Ah I thought it best to write a brief note here and to get some of de anger out of my system before I go talk to some folk I know. One be Barion the other a cleric of de dragon god. Neither of em be here at de temple in Velensk so I will now look elsewhere. Daniel let slip today that some villainous foul mouth liar be passing slanderous statements about him. He be afraid that this will harm him when he takes his knightly trials in a month hence. He doesn’t want me to say or do anything, but I cannot stand idly by while such slander is spread. Imagine de nerve of some low life scum calling Daniel a coward. I have known Daniel since I was called here by de dragon to aid in the battle against Blood. A truer knight I have never heard of. He is a brave man. Willing to put himself in danger regardless of the risk to save another. I can’t say that I know a more noble and yet gentle heart in all de land. He has worked hard to get to the point where he could apply to be a knight. It be his life’s dream and now some scurvy bilge rat is out spreadin lies and half-truths about him. I would like to give em a piece of my mind I tell ye or better yet a piece of my staff rammed up his…well ye get de idea. Anyway I figure I will be traveling a good bit this next week since I promised not to look up dis lore master Rastern or whatever his name be.
With that Dalan slams his journal shut and strides off into the night to find someone to explain the truth about his friend Daniel and woe to any foe that wanders before him this night.

[OldBear]

Sitting at the inn in Hurm, Dalan decides to jot down some thoughts about the events of the past days in hopes that it will help clarify a few things in his own mind and sooth his anger a bit.
  Not sure even where to start, but I got to do something to calm down. Lot has happened recently. I dropped by to see little Abbie and found out she had gone to de wedding of Quantum and Serrissa. I missed that which is a shame but I ended up high in de mountains and a sudden storm came up trapping me in de pass. Abbie was full of questions for me. Primarily she wanted to know more about dis lady Jenna who was holdin her da's hand at de wedding. I told her dat I really dinna know her and dat she should ask her dathat. Frankly dinna think I should be de one to tell her dey planning on gettin married, that she might be pregnant, and that she had been calling one of me best friends a coward.
  That's right I finally found out from Daniel that there had been a problem and a misunderstandin and that it was she and Barion sayin Daniel was a coward. Boy was I furious that it went on so long. Figured Barion was a good man and if he had questions about something he would go to de source to find out de truth. Guess what dey say about love makin a man a fool be true. I did promise Daniel not to say anything about it and to let it be put to rest since he and dis Jenna got it worked out between themselves. I still don't trust her and will have to keep my eyes open, if nothin else to protect little Abbie from her new stepmom. Almost sounds like one of them fables about the wicked stepmother.
  While I was at de village, I heard from one of de teachers that Abbie be starting to learn her letters. I figure next trip to bring her a small quill, ink and a journal so she can have a place to put down her thoughtsand a place towrite out any questions for me. Ponders for a moment I think I best look for one of dem ones for girls dat has a tiny golden key so she can lock it up. Me thinks she like dat. Protect her privacy a bit more too.
  The only other thing is been gatherin plat with the guild. We had a good trip the other day, no one got hurt and brought back a large load of ore. I made arrows with my share. Others are using it for shield rings or so they said. I also made me first mahogany short bow the other day. So far made 3 staffs and a few arrows too from the wood we brought back a month or so ago. Nice thing about dis last trip is that I got in a lot of work with my axe. Not the new one yet, but my old one. Can't seem to gather all three friends at one time to do the ceremony. I am hoping Daniel be available now while he waits for de results of his knightly trials. Especially since it appears things not goin good with him and his lady friend Tegan. He doesn't want to talk about it, but I can see in his eyes he be hurtin.
  As for de others, I have seen a bit of Erk and Eghaas since we been fishin some together. Been right nice it has to do that. Was also a good chance to gather crannberries for Eghaas. It seems he can make some essences that I will need for a bow I want to make. I figure be 2 or 3 months before can try it, but nice to know have some of the stuff I need all ready done. Eghaas and Erk been good to have as friends. We can talk out problems when necessary but can do stuff together in silence when de time is right for that too. They be good sort to have as a friend.
  Well I am still worried about Daniel, still mad at Barion and Jenna, still worried about Abbie, but it is late and this writin seems to have taken de edge off my mood. Course the ale here has helped a bit too.
  With those final words written, he packs up his stuff and retires for the night.