Author Topic: Amber McDuff...Stranger in a Strange Land (Read 612 times)

Nook · « **on:** June 22, 2006, 09:09:01 PM »

I was called! WWWEEEEEEEEEEE! I spent my first day exploring.
I'm supposed to go get some tax papers and found a nice group of people willing to help. We never made it to whoever this "ratman" is, we went to Port Harbor (I believe it was called) instead.
Ya' know, in all the years that I fought with my 13 older brothers, I thought I might be tough. Well, this pretty gift wrapped box with my backside in it (the note reads "Hope you had a good time, we did...The Mercinary") just shows that things ain't the same everywhere you travel.
First thing that killed me...an elf ranger...AN ELF! Just goes to show that some things never change...or do they?
I happened on the Legendary Stonecutters. I was in aww. There was one of those half-elves (I think--looks kinda like an elf and kinda not) with them. Not sure what to think about that. She didn't attack me, but my life ain't completely over yet, so who knows...she was pretty though...but not like..not like she was supposed to be, not magical pretty. She's just saving it, that's all.
Well, I got drunk behind someones house. I've got a note pinned to my shirt "Jus' step o'er me for now. I'll be on my way la'er".

Nook · « **Reply #1 on:** June 23, 2006, 11:43:22 PM »

Well, here I am. Another day, another death...and another and another. Got drunk again; felt it was necessary considering that I now have a second gift box with my backside in it...this time signed from the rats...THE RATS! For the heavens sakes, I got a mud-hole stomped in me by rats. If that ain't depressing. If I had any gold left I'd go get myself loaded. I happened on Sir Creighton in the craft hall. He was nice, as usual; but aren't all guys at first. I think Sir Creighton is with The Lady Tyrian. They seemed awful close when Master Stonecutter Exodus introduced me...though Master Stonecutter Exodus had been drinking a bit, I think I got the hint...He's the only one who talked to me today...
I had to meditate for a while today. I need to find my place in this world. I need to let go of some of the grudges that I've held in the past...but how. There is so much that I could do. If only I could let go of some of this regret...but the scars run so deep. There is one regret I must hold close...it's what keeps me alive; it's why I keep going. Were I to give this one thing up, I would surely die...cold for eternity...but I might get to see them again if that's the case. I'm so confused. My first day here, out and about, I was told that I might want to find a god to worship, that there were benefits. Maybe that's what I need. I've studied about the different gods here, and am at a loss to find one that might help me.
I JUST WANT TO RELAX! REST JUST A BIT! Take away a little of the stress...
I need guidance...I need a friend...or more. One day, maybe, one day. Until then, I shall just throw myself in front of the enemy, whomever or whatever that may be; and drink...until the pain is gone. I bought a skinning knife today; the blade looks really sharp...I can't...not again...not yet. I'm a common street bum now. No money to get a room, no one close enough to share one...not even enough to buy a drink...drinks keep those like me warm on a cold night... *cries self to sleep...out in the cold...in the alleyways.*

Nook · « **Reply #2 on:** June 25, 2006, 12:15:36 AM »

Day 3 in the real world here. I ran into Thomas Stormsinger and his companions once again. This time, instead of running off continent somewhere, they hung around and helped me out of a bind...now all those cute little rats have their own gift boxes. I even got some ears (girls gotta have a hobby). After all was said and done, they took me off and got me drunk.
We did have a long conversation...I miss home.
I've spent my earnings today...even made rat leather...now what do I do with it? And where did I end up, but back in my alley.
*sniff*
No alcohol again, the buzz is gone. I miss all that I once knew, but they are gone now. Only I remain. *cries*
The skinning knife is so sharp. I accidentally cut myself. It hurts...oh gods, the pain *shivers and grins*. I mustn't be so careless again. I can't go back, not to that.
I...I...oh gods, I cut myself again...

Nook · « **Reply #3 on:** June 26, 2006, 12:03:41 AM »

Day 4...

I woke in my normal drunken stupor. For the most...I felt the need to just walk for a while today. I ended up in Leilon. It was nice there. Someone there saw that I was injured and healed me, then ran away. I didn't even get a look at them. Whoever it was, I hope they find peace in their travels.
I stayed there for quite some time. There I found a small raised platform; I sat and prayed to the world for a while...for guidance, for a path. After some time...and no answer to my prayers, I made my way back to Hlint.

***Not much of an eventfull evening. I went to the Crypts and killed some already dead folks. I stayed in my alley way again. It seems like home for some reason.

Nook · « **Reply #4 on:** June 27, 2006, 12:05:02 AM »

Day 5
I traveled with a new group today. They were nice…AND I GOT TO TRAVEL WITH A STONECUTTER!! Master Axodeth was with us. However, he needs to be very careful, I heard his brother scolding him only having one soul strand left. That scares me.
We ended up, well, most of us (including me) ended up back in Hlint lamenting about our deaths.
**tears begin to well up**

Master Exodus made me such a pretty dress…*softly cries*...not sure I should wear it.
They were so nice to me…even Tyrian…the woman with Elvin in her blood. I don’t know what to think anymore…the fair folk were so evil where I come from, but here…
**sniffs**
I…I…decided not to sleep behind (what I came to find out tonight) was the Stonecutters house…It belongs to Sir Creighton and Master Axodeth. I couldn’t bring myself to sleep there now that they know that’s where I live…I spent the money and am staying in the Inn tonight. Later I will find a new alley to call my own…back on the street...until I find my way.
I gave Sir Creighton some pelts, and only asked for a simple pair of gloves in return…I feel that I asked too much…I shouldn’t have asked for anything.
They made me feel good tonight…wanted, even. Tonight…the skinning knife stays sheathed, in honor of their kindness.
May the Goddess of Nature watch over and protect them all.

Nook · « **Reply #5 on:** June 27, 2006, 11:47:58 PM »

Day 6...
At first, I really thought about not coming out of my room today...but I did anyway. It turned out to be quite productive.
I made some rat leather, some cloth, and a pattern. Of course, since I have no idea what I'm doing, I ruined all but the rat leather.
I ran into Sir Creighton, he gave me a set of gloves. That was so nice of him to remember me. My hands don't hurt near as much here, at the end of the day.
I tried my hand at fishing...the fish here are very picky about what they eat. Didn't catch a thing. But that's ok, it was peaceful...The Goddess Nature at her best.
I have a couple of things that Sir Creightons wife, Tyrian might want. Just a couple of things I picked up and have no use for...heck, I don't even know what most of them are for.

I stayed in the Inn again. A girl could get used to this...a room and bed of my own. I didn't have that back at home, not with soo many brothers.

The Goddess Nature be praised.

Nook · « **Reply #6 on:** June 28, 2006, 11:09:54 PM »

Day 7…
Today, I went back to the crypts…and walked out a disembodied spirit again. Odd things are happening down there. One of the skeletons actually stunned me with a spell.

I saw Drawna again today. I traveled with her several days ago. She had a pretty set of boots, however, she’s worried that they don’t look right. I understand that problem all to well; if your outfit doesn’t “click” then no one will take you or your chosen path seriously. She gave me two very pretty dresses…almost as pretty as her…almost. I wonder…no, it would be to good to be true…
**sighs**
I have adjusted my outfit somewhat, I like it. I hope others like it as well. I know it will attract the wrong kind’a attention, but I like it and I think it’s sexy and I’m gonna keep it. I wonder if…no…I’m still jumping far too far ahead…that’s just a though…or a hope…I’m not sure.

I spent the rest of my day learning how to sew. I have gained much experience (not just patching holes like back home, this is the real deal). I can make cloth and patterns, but making actual clothes escapes me so far. I hope one day to return the favor to Drawna and make her something especially pretty.

I now find myself worried. My memories of the past seem farther away than ever now. As I grow in this world, I seem to be leaving the other farther behind. Some things I will never be able to forget, but the everyday life back there seems to be leaving me…my regrets stay with me though. It is why I fight; why I live; and why I strive to remain a good cause in bad times.

This is my last night in the Inn…I’m out of money now. However, it was suggested to me that I sell some of the odd-ball items that I have acquired so far. I would sell them to the pawnshop man, but he’ll rip me off again.

I didn’t see Sir Creighton or his friends tonight…I hope they are ok.

It is time I turned in…

**says a silent prayer to Goddess Nature and rolls over to sleep…almost grinning**

Nook · « **Reply #7 on:** June 29, 2006, 11:36:34 PM »

Well, today I spent training in the crypts, hunting rat hides and honing my tailoring skills.

The good news is that not only have I learned ever the more in my tailoring (I have several simple robes to sell now), but I also have taken my training in combat to the next level.
The Goddess Nature watches over me in these uncertain times. Also, by cleaning out some of the crypts, I have aquired a little more gold and am able to stay in the Inn once more.

I am proud of myself. Through self-control, willpower and the help of the Goddess, I can now carry my skinning knife and resist the urges to...take away the pain...I have also not drank today. It is a first and wobbly step for me.

AND...I saw Drawna again today...she looked, well, distracted. She hinted, I think, that she is having money problems. I wish I could help...Maybe one day...no...still too soon to think like that. I don't even know if she...well...likes girls...in that...way...maybe...
May the Goddess Nature watch over us, guid us, and help show us the true way of life.

Nook · « **Reply #8 on:** July 02, 2006, 12:15:37 AM »

I did not go out last night...it was one of "those" days.

Everyone is so distracted with other events in their lives, why should my problems matter?

I did not even see Drawna today...I don't know why, but she makes me happy when I talk with her...but I...I can't tell her how....

What am I going to do? Goddess Nature, guide me...show me what must be done...
.....help me......
I have run out of money once again, tonight I fall asleep under a tree.
The Mother Goddess provides.

Nook · « **Reply #9 on:** July 08, 2006, 10:30:40 PM »

I ran into Tyrian, Creighton and Master Axodeth this eve. They invited me to go along with them on a hunt. Seems we were hunting any and everything bad. WHAT FUN!
I love that kind of stuff. Lady Tyrian left after the first battle; so me, Sir Crieghton and Master Axodeth went out looking for more trouble. We battled many things, and after a while, ended up in some town.
While the others took some time out to smoke and rest, I said my prayer...

"May the Goddess Nature watch over us all this eve. May she grant us the strength to find our way back home. May she stay the Soul Mother and her appitite."

For the most, it worked. Though, I did end up dead...no Soul Mother though.

I was taken to fight the scarecrows...
Now, I'm spending the night under a bindstone in some city by the harbor....
I didn't see Drawna today...she makes me feel pretty, though I don't know why...almost like she might.....no, that would be too good to be true...
But I hung out with a Stonecutter...Gods, the Stonecutters just seem to radiate energy right into me. They make me feel so alive...but I can't let those who I consider friends put themselves in the way of danger just to protect me....not after my brother...and people wonder why I hurl myself at danger....

"Goddess Nature, please show me the way...show me the light...which is the path I should attempt? Should I tell them what affect they've had on me...should I tell my secrets?
Will that solve anything? Will it break me...if I am not already broken? I need a sign, Goddess....something to guide me...please..."

*cries herself to sleep behind the bindstone...a little note is pinned to her outfit: "If I am in your way, just kick me aside..."*

Nook · « **Reply #10 on:** July 08, 2006, 10:31:26 PM »

Not much to start with tonight. I went to the crypts, killed skeletons, they killed me, and so on and so forth...

I.....well, Lady Tyrian ran into me...I wasn't feeling myself. We talked for a long time...I liked that...it's been so long since I had someone to talk to like that.
Her husband was nowhere to be found. I hope Creighton is ok...

I am unusually sleepy tonight...I think I'll turn in early...

*******OH MY!**********

Nook · « **Reply #11 on:** July 08, 2006, 10:31:55 PM »

I have…had a dream…or a vision…but it was so real…

The Goddess Nature has shown herself to me…

**”I am she who you call Mother Goddess Nature.”**
**”I have given what is needed, but there is a price.”**
**”You are to leave this place, here and now. “**
**”A raven will guide you. Follow it until it’s death.”**
**”There, you will find a grove which needs care.”**
**”You will remain there until your job is done.”**
**”You will tell no one of what you have done or where you have been.”**
**”This is the price to be paid by you.”**

I…cannot resist…the peace an tranquility I felt in her presents…Though I know not what she has given me…I shall obey…

I will leave my journal, here at the Inn.
And with this last entry, I take my leave…I will return when whatever it is I have been given…has been paid for in full.

Nook · « **Reply #12 on:** August 04, 2006, 05:05:49 AM »

I have spent many days away from Hlint, but I am back. Sweet Goddess does it feel good to be back. I have learned many things on my journeys...only a few of which shall I ever reveal.

In my travels, I have learned to be more trusting of elves...wood elves anyway. I have learned to be more outgoing...but it's still difficult for me... I have learned much about the respect of Nature itself. It's a two way street. Nature respects us, but we must respect it. All this taking from Nature is killing us...we are killing ourselves because of our lack of respect. I have seen enough to know that, from what I have seen, Nature is already fighting back.

I still hold my regrets close to my heart...as I said before, it's why I'm still alive. Now that I am back, I shall get back to my old ways...rushing in to fights I can't possibly win...and loving it.
I have seen the dead walking and the dragons flying. Things are not right. Dragons are...magical, not real Nature...same as the walking dead. These things unbalance Nature and its force. These things must be stopped...at any cost.

I hope I see my friends...I hope they are still here...
Creighton...
Tyrian...
The Stonecutters...
Drawna...
I hope they remember me...
I hope...maybe...If I can just get my head sorted out...

I hope the Soul Mother stayed her hand while I was away...those I travel with don't understand. I've seen what happens when you freeze up or try to run away from danger as such...once, I was engaged...
It was when the fair folk broke through...I was 12 or 13...it's been so long, I don't remember (where I'm from, that was the marrying age). It was...a unicorn...one of the Lady's pets. It caught me and my future husband off guard.
It chased us...it wouldn't stop...
I could always run faster than him...
As I looked back...I...the...the unicorn caught him. **starts crying softly**

**sniff**

I can't explain...it's so graphic...so real...it's always at the top of my thoughts...as though it is always happening right here...right now...
And where I am from, we don't have the luxury of soul strands...once you die...you're dead.

For this reason, I cannot...I will not run away from a fight...not when others I know are involved...not when they are in danger...not when I can sacrifice myself to keep them safe! I WILL NOT LET THEM DIE!!!
I must hone my skills. I must become the best there is. I will seek out teachers...I will train...
It is no longer about the accidental murder in Sigil...I have more than paid for that crime...I spent eight hundred years paying for that crime...it is time to move on...THAT is no longer a regret, it is a price that has been paid!

I will learn control. I will learn to block out the world and learn focus. I will become that which cannot be touched by those willing to do me harm. I will kill those things that are an abomination against Nature...**whispers** I will be the hand of my God**

In the time that I have been gone, I have been helping heal the damage caused by unnatural forces. I have been nurturing the trees and the grass. Helping the fowl feed their young. Taking away the weeds that would strangle the life out of the rest of the forest.

While, for personal matter, my mind is still in tangles; for what I am to do and how I am to train and am to evolve, is all laid out before me. As for the hand to hand fighting, I shall keep in practice and learn more...but not much more...after I have gained enough self control, enough center to my awareness, I shall seek out those that have tamed the wild magik of Nature itself. I shall learn...and all those who would harm either friend or nature shall have to answer to me...then to the Soul Mother.

I have returned...now my life shall begin.

Nook · « **Reply #13 on:** August 04, 2006, 10:06:34 PM »

Well, it was my first night back in town...I got back and in less than 3 minutes I was dead...Gods I love it!
I ran into Tyrian and Exodus...they and some others took me to Dreg. It was great; I think I'm getting better 'cause I didn't die. I got to loot and everything...they don't need me to loot anymore...well, I don't need me to loot anymore. I tallied it wrong and everyone got their gold...'cept me.
What's new...but I have enough to keep me in the inn. That's what counts.

**May the Goddess Nature watch over my friends and stay the hand of the Soul Mother for another day. May Tyrian and Creighton stay safe...they seem really nice and make a cute couple...they'd have beautiful children...May the Master Stonecutters stay safe, they bring an odd joy to my soul for some reason. They're so...alive...maybe it's the dwarf in them...maybe it's something else...I am not sure.
Thank you Goddess for the food that Nature has provided. May the evil slain tonight remain dead and rotting.**

Nook · « **Reply #14 on:** August 06, 2006, 08:03:54 PM »

Note to self...Orge's are bad...very very bad. I am in the Inn once again, as a spirit...no Soul Mother though *smiles*.

I saw Drawna today. She didn't seem to recognize me...that's to be expected, I've been gone for a while. I guess I should move on from those feelings...but...she is still as beautiful as ever.

I bought myself some ink and a quill and some partchment...now if I only had something to write. Oh well.

I didn't see Tyrian or Creighton again, I hope they are ok. I did get to see Exodus Stonecutter...poor little guy's got a cold. I hope he gets to feeling better.

**Mey the Goddess Nature watch over my friends and stay the hand of the Soul Mother. May she bless my friends with well being and health. May Exodus get well soon. May Tyrian and Creighton be safe. Give me the strength to strike down the evil of the land.**

*rolls over and falls asleep...a tear falls to the floor*

Nook · « **Reply #15 on:** August 07, 2006, 10:01:44 PM »

Today I happened upon Exodus, Tyrian, Creighton and Exodus's cousin. I would put his name down, but I can't spell it...it sounds like Zack but with a 'tck' at the end. We traveled many places and I learned something new. I can now dodge much better now.
I promised myself to learn at least two more things then see where my life is going to take me...that's one down, one to go. I feel that being a sorceress may be the way to go...or maybe a druid. *I've been studying again*
I'm just not sure which one. I can feel the power of the land beneath my feet, but it is something that I can't harness and use...and the power is on a grand scale.
I have heard that druids and sorcerers' can harness and direct this power. Right now I feel as though I am a tool of the land...a weapon it can use. I want to be an extension of the land...as a finger of the hand...not the hammer in it. I am not sure which, if either, path to follow...May the Goddess Nature guide me.

**Goddess Nature...Please watch over those I travel with...watch over those I call 'friend'. Stay the hand of the Soul Mother, keep her at bay. Help to guide us all in our ways. Show us the evil that pollutes the land and help us to remove it. Guide me in my path...point me in the direction I should go. And...uh....help Creighton to stay out of fire...really...fires likes him, it's kinda weird. Help Tyrian and Creighton to stay safe and help to provide for them. May they have many children together...May their names live on into history for thousands of years.**

On to bed...**a tear falls to the floor**

Nook · « **Reply #16 on:** August 08, 2006, 08:58:48 PM »

Went out venturing alone again...I should really stop doing that. I sit here in the inn...as a spirit. I didn't see Exodus or Tyrian or Creighton...I hope they are all ok. I posted a note up that I am looking to sell my whip...no luck tonight. It wouldn't really matter anyway, I want a house in Hlint and currently, there are none for sale. I shall remain in for the rest of the night...it's safer that way.

**Goddess Nature...Thank you for staying the hand of the Soul Mother. She has not yet visited me. Keep my friends safe wherever they may be. Stay the hand of the Soul Mother so that they may continue to fight the good fight. Guide my hands to strike true.**

Nook · « **Reply #17 on:** August 10, 2006, 09:45:48 PM »

I seem to be dieing alot lately...
A man named Praylor helped me out by getting me back to my grave...both times, and he helped me with a small quest. I'm gonna have to learn to stay out of trouble. I had put up a note about my whip for sale; no one seems to want to buy it. I think I'll find Tyrian and just donate it...I'll keep it a few more days to see if it'll sale first though.
I passed by Rhynn and someone else on the way to the inn...she says "Nakid Lady!" every time she see's me...and every time I bust out laughing...I wonder...

**Goddess Nature...thank you for staying the hand of the Soul Mother so many times in my case. Please watch over my friends and keep them safe from the evils of the world. Stay the hand of the Soul Mother for them as well. Allow them to find happiness...**

***Rolls over in bed and falls asleep, while crying softly***

Nook · « **Reply #18 on:** August 13, 2006, 12:04:11 AM »

I met someone new today. His name is Darkchild...however, he has asked to be called Kiva. He was very helpful to me and provided me with some things he no longer has use for. He has asked me and a few others to meet up with him later...lest a falling star strike me down, I shall be there; it is the least I can do to repay his kindness.
I tried to trade him my Adler, but he has many of them. I did not know it was so popular an item. I can get 300 gold from the pawn shop, so I guess I'll go there.

I did not see Tyrian, Creighton, or the Stonecutters today. They have been missing as of late. I hope they are all ok.

I saw snow today. It has been so long for me...actual snow. *sniff* I miss home.

**Goddess Nature...please watch over me and my friends. Keep us safe and stay the hand of the Soul Mother....and thank you...for the snow...**
*sniff*

Nook · « **Reply #19 on:** August 15, 2006, 09:13:39 PM »

I cannot explain what had happened to me...but I was not able to meet up with Kiva...I hope he forgives me. The other night, I was simple unable to move. It was as though a strange illness had come over me. I was better today.

I ran into Tyrian, we talked for a bit. She told me that her friend Ash just had three kids...THREE KIDS...I don't know how she lived through it. I've seen enough births back home to know that one is more than painful enough. I tried to give Tyrian some stuff I don't need...she said they were spell components. She didn't want them. I told her that I didn't need them, I don't do the spell thing....she said that maybe I should.
It's a thought, no doubt about it. Channeling the energies of the planet to strike down evil....with fire, lots and lots of fire...burn them all....*smiles*...mmmmmm....fire.....
Oh...I shouldn't ramble my thoughts. It's a tempting thought though.

**Mother Goddess...Help Ash to relax, rest...help to keep her out of pain and to find a babysitter. Keep her safe and stay the hand of the Soul Mother for her, her family needs her. Please help to stay the hand of the Soul Mother for the rest of my friends as well. Keep them well. Help guide me in my travels and guide me in the future path I should take.**