Corba's Little Black Book

[Honora]

I've been so busy, it's delightful!  So much to write.  A very long time spent traveling between Spellgard, Hlint and Fort Velensk, praying and assisting and even (Lady help me) sewing.  I’ve tithed and volunteered and now I have some time to myself.  So I met Galen and a small group outside Fort Velensk a few weeks ago to assist Arthur and Gimbol again, this time to capture and study a magma para-elemental.  The machine was rebuilt and looked sturdier.  Several others also came; Pyran, Sideus (Sid), and a small woman whose name escapes me, but she was bright and funny.  We debated for some time where we might find a lava pool; it was decided that there might be one on top of the Greypeaks, although I’ve never heard that.  And wonders, Gimbol had cast a spell on the device that it fit in his pocket; we were able to leave the ox behind!

We did make our way up, carefully, and had to kill many ogres on the way.  Once at the rocky plateau, I noticed a bunch of rock pillars.  They were the foundations of a temple, and a fissure let our two lightfooted folk in to scout.  Once inside we moved carefully in the ancient ruin, although it seemed pretty sturdy.  Deeper we found a bridge spanning a molten lava flow, and here our scientists set up the machine.

Well, nothing ever goes as planned.  Arthur, more absent-minded than usual, almost fell into the lava, and water splashed on the machine; sadly, it activated and captured a water elemental.  I saw her in distress but before Gimbol could release her she died of the heat.  It was wrong, and felt like an evil act.  I have prayed over this, and all I can think is that it was an accident that can’t be allowed to happen again.  Gimbol did something to the machine after she (I think of them as female, anyway) melted away, and captured a steam para-elemental!  And just earlier I had been wondering if mist (air and water) could make an elemental.  We observed it for some time but it seemed very powerful and so we sent it away, but the machine malfunctioned and captured a magma para-elemental of great size.  It made me very nervous; these para-elementals are much larger and seem stronger than their single-element cousins.  

We tried then to send it away, but once again there were problems and we were attacked by some flying creatures that the machine attracted.  And then, worse yet, the magma was boiling and splashing over the bridge and a little magma creature appeared!  At that point, Lady help me, I ran.  Though not large it was clearly going to hurt us, as it charged when it formed on the bridge.  We made it upstairs with Arthur but Gimbol…Gimbol stayed behind.  We could not go back to find him, although Galen made us invisible to the magma creature who persued, because the heat was building and we were low on water.  Gimbol never came out.  I do remember he’s a powerful mage, and his command of my Lady’s Weave no doubt saved him.  He could surely teleport out, if nothing else.

After that mishap, we delivered Arthur safely back to the university.  Not too long after I was in Fort Llast and noticed Galen again (and at this point, I admit to myself that it’s not just like anymore) and went to speak to him.  There was a woman in black and purple with long blonde hair who I’ve seen once or twice before, I found out later her name is Rhynn.  She is a mage with a powerful command of the Weave.  Also there was a man who I believe to be a healer of Aeriden, Lexor, and a woman with vibrant aquamarine hair, Treanna.  And also a half-orc named Al, who spit; SPIT; on the statue to Toran.  Unbelievable.  The High Priest came out, Orpheus, and took down our names as witnesses while some other Toranites cleaned the image.  Disgraceful.  Al did not stick around, and just as well, he flaunted his association with Pyrtechon.  Later to the group was a druid, I think he was called Drogo.  Quiet but intelligent, and a wild elf to boot.  That makes three that I’ve ever seen.

Not too long after the half-orc left, two Halflings arrived; Triba and Acacea.  What a pair!  They made me smile, Triba with her antics, and Acacea because of how well she cared for Pige.  Pige is a young orphan, perhaps 11 or 12, whose parents and brother were killed last year.  By whom and why we don’t know but after our investigations we are on the track of the killer.  We know this; she came home from delivering something to Orpheus at the temple, and found her mother, father and brother dead.  It breaks my heart to think that…so young, and so alone.  Acacea was as a mother to her while we traveled back to the farmsite, and obviously cares for the girl.  Pige responded well to that.

We found the burial site for the family in the center of the fields now owned by an unpleasant (according to Pige) family named Wilkes.  But right away Pige noticed that her brother’s headstone was gone; Drogo confirmed that there was no body later.  Those of us with the Weave felt necromantic magic at work, and two spirits rose from the graves; the parents.  They did not attack but still Pige was scared to death, poor child.  They gave us a message; the boy’s body had been removed.  After they vanished I felt around for ritual magic, but since my attunment to the Weave is still developing, I asked the mage woman to help.  She right away said that ritual magic had been used.  Horrible.  Then at Acacea’s urging she scanned the now-sleeping Pige for magic and found the girl had been scryed!  This lead us to deduce why they needed the little boy’s body.  He was only three, which makes me sick to think of.  While in discussion of this we heard the new owners returning, and had a run-in with one of their oxen.  Thank you Lady for Treanna, who was able to put the ox down quickly before it gored someone.  

We then took Pige to Hlint, to find a portal so that Triba and Acacea could take her somewhere that she could not be scryed and would be safe.  And we will be gathering again soon to discuss what to do and where to go next.

There is a wonderful end to all of this for me personally though.  My Lady, Lucinda, granted me more spells!  As I have advanced enough, not only can I now cast the spell to bring the dead back to their bodies, I can throw out all those heavy spell components for my lower level spells.  I am thrilled, and most important, She granted me the spell that heals all.  The big heal, as my old teacher at Spellgard called it.  This had finalized my decision.  Before, I let myself wander, not quite sure of what my Lady wished of me.  Now I know.  I shall take the path of the Fallan Gis, and learn every aspect of the Weave that can help with healing the sick and damaged.

I am more excited and focused than ever before.  I know where I will go and what I will do.  I am a healer in the name of the Lady of Spells, and she has blessed me so many times.  Lucinda, thank you for all you have given me.

[Honora]

Well.  I'm just in a state.  I'm not really sure how to sort what I've learned.

I received a letter from Galen, asking me to join him near Velensk to adventure.  I hurried a bit, I really do need to stop eating the cook's special at the Wild Surge; my armor chafed when I was running.

When I got there I saw a lovely blonde woman in blue, very skimpily dressed.  I thought nothing of it; plenty of people dress to impress and not to resist the cold; but after spending just a few minutes in her company I could see she was flirting with Galen relentlessly, and seemed to have more than a passing acqaintance with him!  Much more.  She was downright aggressive and it made me uncomfortable.  I felt an old urge to compete rising...after what I told him, I'm not sure that's the best idea.  So I kept my cool as much as I could but I did get rather snippy with him several times.

Aside from her hinting that her relationship to Galen was of a personal nature, the trip was a success.  After a few profitable but decidedly strained hours, I asked him to come with me to the Fort where we could speak in private.  And I found out that this woman, Muir, has a mate and children; but this dosen't seem to prevent her from wandering, or at least that's the impression I got.  It could be that she just enjoys tugging my Weave but this remains to be seen.  

Galen and I spoke at length.  I told him how I felt, and we kissed for a while; a first.  For someone with his remarkable good looks and charm, he's very...unpolished, when it comes to actual physical contact.  Still, it seemed to make him happy and I know it pleased me.

I'm not ready to throw myself on him but at least now he knows how I feel.  He does not seem to mind the eight years between us.  And we are a good team.  So why is my stomach so knotted?

I need a cookie.

[Honora]

He's been so sweet lately.  And he kissed me again.

I feel twelve inside.  But I'm so happy!

[Honora]

I met up with the group that started helping Pige again.  Sweet Acacea has been keeping me informed with bird notes, Lucinda bless her (and She does!).  Triba was there and Miss Rhynn, briefly, although she appeared to be under some sort of malady.  A few new faces, a lady named Clarissa and one named Clover (who I accidentally whacked with my walking stick; clumsy!  She forgave me).  We were rushed or I'd have examined Miss Rhynn; she certainly looked to be under exhaustion.  She did head for an inn and take to bed which is good.  I'm sure she's alright.  There was also a man named Connor, quiet and practically throbbing with the Weave, and Treana was there.  A few other people I did not interact with much, a Klaug and a plain-spoken man who spent most of his time around Treana.

And best of all, Galen was there.  He was so affectionate, it was as if we were lovers.  Perhaps we are.  We snuggled and held hands and he seemed more relaxed with it than ever.  And for the first time I noticed how strong he is; he was able to lift an unconscious man where the paladin was not!  Such good health for a spellcaster, his time outdoors serves him well.  Such nice arms and shoulders...

I digress.

Pige is safe, according to the halfling ladies.  They have found the bones of the brother and the mage who was scrying them in Luck which is a town a few hours walk from Hlint.  So close is evil sometimes.  But the mage I'm told is quite insane and therefore not accountable for his actions, and it did not seem probable that he was responsible for the murder.  Only a tool, and a badly used one at that.  He's malnourished and exhausted, clearly not sleeping and overworking himself badly.  He was not conscious any time that I saw him.  He showed no signs of physical damage; no one is beating him; but his eyes are scarred from a scrying accident I hear, and he is blind.

Since he was in such poor health, we split up to persue different threads of the mystery.  I followed Klaug and Galen to the inn in Luck where they put the man in a bed for some rest.  Clarissa left him some food, as well.  His house seems fine to me except for the basement (which Triba and Acacea said "sort of might have caught on fire the last time they were there") but they wished to keep him from the house.  As it was, this was a good thing since searching the house turned up a clue.  Triba found the mage's assistant, Sahara, who gave us some potentially valuable information.  To summarize:

About 7 or 8 months ago, he received a letter from the Welkes.  The contents she did not know.  
About 6 months ago, he began to instruct her to turn away work and he focused on some unknown project.
About 5 months ago, he got a rare visit from a woman described by Sahara as "dark-haired and dressed in purple and black scarves and cloth", somewhat gypsy-like.  The woman teleported into the home, Sahara was instructed to stay away, and the woman left a few days later.

We left her caring for her boss, and returned to the house as Clover wished to search.  We found the rest of the group there looking already, and joined them.  Not much else was found except for the papers Ferrit (oh, I did forget to mention her) had already found earlier.  Connor did discover a crystal that was heavily warded.  Acacea helped him work through the wards while the remainder of us took some time in the hall to discuss matters and rest our legs.  Some hours later the mage showed up with his assistant and I won't go into all that happened except to say that Lucinda bless all the magic-users there and copper-plated clothing makes a lot of noise.  We did manage an escape though, and retreated to Hlint to study the crystal in hopes it would point us in the direction of whomever was paying the mage to do his horrible scrying.  

Oh, and I found out that the little boy's soul is inside Connor's head.  How odd that must be...

Well, my story ends there in Hlint, leaning up against the old well near the merchant houses, snuggled into Galen's arms, and sleeping like a log.  You'd think the others would have realized that I was asleep when I finally stopped talking!  I'm sure Acacea will tell me what was discovered later, if not I will find someone who knows.

I have been attending classes in Spellguard with teachers of the Fallan Gis.  Facinating; the more I see of this, the more I want to learn to be a doctor as well as a cleric.  I will make my intent known; they have some excellent doctors, and it would be wonderful to use that in addition to my Lady's gifts.  We did some dissection, and there was an excellent class on the different anatomies of human, elf, dwarf, halfling, and gnome.  Facinating!  I learned much and I'm so eager to continue!  Better still, I shared what I'd learned with Galen, and he wishes to learn as well!  We've planned to attend some classes together.  I hope they accept me as worthy of further attention.  This is something I have felt so drawn to...this is what the Lady wishes of me.

Thank you Lucinda, for all your gifts and the clarity to use them.

[Honora]

A class on bone structure and different healing methods.  

For long bone breaks (how interesting to see this finally, rather than healing through the skin!) deep healing is needed, a series of short, lesser-power heals might not fully seal the fissure.

For smaller, hairline fractures, lesser heals are sufficient; a deep heal can stress the tissue by forcing it to close too much and cause soreness as the area stiffens.

For any fracture that breaks through the skin, if time permits, setting is advised before healing for the same reasons stated above; forcing the bone back into place with divine power might stress the tissue and "over-heal".  Of course, in combat, this is unavoidable.

Facinating.  I've put forth my application.

Oh and Galen is cooking something up.  Often when I see him he's scribbling madly in his journal, and he seems focused as I've never seen him.  Wonder what he's got planned?

[Honora]

Still no word on what Galen's up to and he's in Prantz doing something.   I sincerely hope he's alright, that city gives me the chills.

I have another lesson today; healing animals!

[Honora]

She is gone.  The Queen, the Chosen, is gone.

How should I feel?  Happy, that she's in the Lady's arms now?  Sad, that we've lost a living link to the Weave?  Apprehensive, that Mistone is open to all the evils of the world now, without our rallying force to guide us?  Or hopeful, perhaps, that she felt she could go to her rest and leave the world in our hands.

I settled first for a more immediate emotion.  One found in Galen's presence, one that gives me comfort.  We talked last night more than we ever have.  I told him my fears, my hopes; some dreams as well.  He told me as much...we were both in shock I think.  He's seen so much more than myself.  He was part of a group that saw the story unfold of the Seven Sisters, from a magical mirror in the possession of the Sielwood Witch.  He watched the Lady of the Land die by an arrow made out of hate and revenge and a sister's bond lost.  He saw betrayal and the great dragon who destroyed Hurm.  He saw much more but I will have to know much more to make heads or tails out of it.

The dragons are restless, Galen says.  I must get out with him more often and see for myself what is happening.  But I'm torn, as I want so very much to learn the secrets of the healing arts and how it applies to the arcane.

But I know my Lady wishes me to do both, and so both I will do.  I even introduced myself to the Warder last night, Alterial.  What a gracious lady she is, and she remembers me from my vows!  Normally I'd dismiss this as polite politiking, but this woman, I believe.  I also saw many others, some of whom I didn't recognize although dear Acacea pointed out some names.  I felt so close to my Lady then, in and among her faithful and knowing that she is woven into all our lives.

Galen had a wonderful idea, and brought two bouquest of blue roses.  He enchanted them with a small spell to bring the brightness forward and cause a sparkle around the petals, and we would have presented them to her if we'd had that opportunity.  But as she was spirited away in the arms of an angel of Lucinda's, instead I scattered some of the petals into the wind blowing in her direction, and Galen and I then placed the bouquets where she had stood.

I still can't believe she's gone.

I've spent the morning in prayer and I must sleep soon, as Galen and I stayed up conversing most of the night.  I will not forget how our Lady parted the clouds and dust and let the sun shine on our faces, if only for a few minutes, though.  Warm breezes and warmth on my skin, and the smell of morning dew...

Hopeful is what I will choose to be.

[Honora]

The Lady has blessed me again and again, and again.  I have more of her gifts in my mind, and I was able to for the first time raise someone from the dead.  It could not be more ironic that is was Galen whom I raised; he was felled by an ogre in the Iron Hills and I was there, able to pray to our goddess and bring his willing soul back to his body again.

It was an amazing feeling.  All my love and all our shared Lady’s power in one beautiful moment, feeling the threads of his soul return to my fingers to be woven around his body again.  I have since raised another, a young lady named Melody who could not have been more properly named for her lovely voice, but that first time will be etched in my mind until I pass to the Lady’s arms.  I am more sure than ever of my path.

I have submitted a request to be tested for advancement in the Fallan Gis, and am awaiting their response.  Galen I believe will do likewise, although with his arcane gifts he is interested in being Affirmed as well as Ordained.

I traveled Dregar for the first time, beyond Prantz and the giant’s woods surrounding.  I went from end to end almost, seeing most of the incredible desert and meeting people I both admired and people I was uncomfortable with.  I do hope to meet Jade the monk again, what a lovely elven woman she is, who follows our friend Folian.  And Starr, the well-dressed gentlegnome who follows the lady Beryl.  And certainly Melody, such a sweet voice and a happy, fun person.

However, life has its twists.  I met a strange, reticent man named Jeran who confessed at some point to such misdeeds I called upon Lucinda to tell me what she thought of him.  Not much, was the answer; not much at all.  Given our situation (we were deep in a mine filled with giants, trying for gems around them) I made peace with my sudden ambivalence but he found my spell intrusive and has taken to calling me “the bad manners lady”.  And it could not be more strange that he turns out to be the boyfriend of Muir, the woman who took (and takes) such fiendish delight in teasing Galen and plucking on my nerves.  I suppose they deserve each other, although they shower each other with affection.  While her children sit home (presumably) with her husband, waiting.

I suppose I’d better not continue that train of thought.  There are some things I haven’t the right to be haughty about.

I also had a wonderful, embarrassing, and wonderful again experience in the Berhagens.  I was with a group wishing to explore the mountains, and having never been, I readily accepted.  There were golems of incredible beauty there, at least until the group killed them.  That left me uneasy and I should have spoken up then, but did not.  We traveled to Shoufall, meeting a small band of hostile giants along the way, and there visited the crypts.  Normally I’d be both excited and nervous, as much undead is still too powerful for me to effectively turn, but these crypts were stunningly carved monuments to the fallen and as clear of necromancy as any you could hope for.  Again, my respect for the dwarven people is raised.

Leaving the warmth of the crypts we met a dwarven man who was headed up toward the Ulgrid Fortress, which until that moment I had never heard of.  What a funny soul he was, he complimented me by telling me I looked like a tall dwarven lass!

He joined us, and we found ourselves not too long after inside the mountains embrace, standing in front of row after row of stone columns with braziers on top.  Simply amazing.

He (he, I have forgotten his name already, shame!) took us to meet the King and Queen of the fortress, and they were gracious until it came up that we would be invited to see the temple to Vorax within.  I was moved then, in the spirit of honesty, to reveal my love of the Lady.  This did not meet with a warm reception.  The King requested that I “do what is right for our god and for yours”, and so I left, saddened because of my esteem for the dwarven folk.  But Ferrit, dear Ferrit, chased me down, and said that the King bid me back.  It was agreed that I could continue the tour of the fortress so long as I did not step foot inside the temple, which I would not have anyway.

We were then taken to a wonderful underground dock, and shown waterfalls with an almost purple sheen in the deep light.  We all sat at the edge of the water and listened to the tale of the finding of the lost elven library, now the Great Library in Voltrex, which I truly hope to see someday.  The dwarf told the story and shared ale with a dwarf in our party, and questions flew.  I felt warm and tired, listening and letting my eyes wander over a boat scaled to dwarves that lay in harbor there.  I asked if the battle scars on the ground and rocks were from dark elf attacks, and he said aye but they’ve fought them off every time.

After the story was done and questions answered, we were taken to see the temple.  I elected to remain outside, but urged the others to see; it would have been disrespect to both Lucinda and Vorax to have entered.  Some of my companions pushed for me to take a peek but I refused, instead admiring the stonework.  Daniel remained outside, as did Kyle and Ferrit who follow the lady Ilsare and would have been equally uncomfortable inside the war god’s home.  We talked long, about many assorted things, and when the others came back, we drifted out saying goodbye to our dwarven friends.  I can respect and admire a dwarf without being friends with his god, after all.

And now I rest, having run myself silly all over, and pray, and read the book on skeletal systems I was lent from Spellguard.  And wait, to hear from the Fallan Gis, and pray my Lady has faith in my abilities.

[Honora]

Nothing yet from the temple, and it frustrates me; however my request may have become lost.  I will re-send it to another to make sure it gets read.

Other than that, Galen is wonderful, Lucinda is giving me time to adjust to my new spells, and I've some newer people to Hlint.

[Honora]

Galen has bought a house.  He lives on Dregar, under the protection of Lor and Castle Raxwell.  A nice neighborhood, on a hill.  And very near Prantz which while it still makes me nervous, is a wonderful place to purchase things.  Its a bit orderly for my tastes however.  How do I know all this?  I live there now!  He invited me to come stay upon which I thanked the wonderful people at the Wild Surge, packed every single thing I own, and gleefully tossed my key at the Innkeeps's wife as I dashed out the door!

I live in a house, with a man that I love.  And I know he loves me because he told me so.  I was not as nervous as I thought, perhaps both of us have been thinking this for a while.  He's a gentleman and he loves the Lady as I do and it's so easy to love him.  Oh, and he put a lovely private alter to the Lady of Spells in a small room near the back, so we might worship quietly and become closer.  I have already found this room to be the one I prefer to study in; as I read the books of the Fallan Gis, become clearer on what would be expected of me, doing so in Her presence makes the concepts understandable and keeps me alert.

No word yet on my desire to test for a higher position.  But I'm busy helping Galen decorate; he's got a touch he didn't know about!; and meeting my new neighbors, so I'm quite busy and as happy as I've ever been!

[Honora]

My life has been wonderful but I have not much to report.  I have no news from the Fallan Gis, and I've spent most of my time acquainting myself with the area so I have not tested my abilities.  I have nice neighbors, Mister Tempest lives next door and a Mister Silverhands I believe his name is? is on the other side.

Galen and I grow closer every day and tonight, tonight we decorate!  He's done a lot but he's asked if there is anything I'd like to add.  Well, I hadn't said anything, but there is a APPALLING lack of flowers and plants around here!  I'm going to spruce the place up a bit, add some color.

I do hope he doesn't mind flowers!  And some new rugs, and sconces for light, and perhaps some curtains?  Oh, and maybe some table covers.  And paintings!

I'd best get shopping!

[Honora]

Well, we've decorated.  He admitted the house looks much better with the new furnishings and the plants and the new rugs.  It has a "home" feel now, and I'm much more comfortable.
 
Galen is so sweet.  I've lived here for almost two months, and he hasn't made any moves on me.  He's a perfect gentleman, truely.
 
Perhaps, and I smile as I write this at my new desk, it's time to change that...

[Honora]

I've been by the Fallan Gis several times for classes and to discuss concerns or questions and something is happening.  I am not in a position to know, but I sense discord and worry.
 
 More worrisome is the changes I feel in my prayers and the way they are answered.  I fear something has happened, something is not the same with my Lady.  I must seek out the Beloved and ask as soon as I am able to get to Blackford.
 
 Galen and I continue on a path together.  He's been more...shall I say aggressive?  I rather like it.  
 
 Other than a chance meeting with Muireann and Jeran the other day, things have not been very exciting.  Although it was less unplesant that I feared as Muir held her sharp tongue a bit and Jeran was unusually funny despite my unease around him.
 
 I must seek the Beloved.  I will leave as soon as Galen returns and I can tell him where I'm headed.

[Honora]

I've been distracted by the Gloom Woods.  Never have I had so much fun at what I do!  Galen comes with me sometimes, and my powers at destroying the walking dead have grown.  It is very satisfying.
 
 I still must find the Beloved though.

[Honora]

I've seen something distressing at the Fallan Gis and I must write about it.  I knew something was wrong but I couldn't put my finger on it.  Now I can.  
 
 It's been months since I started learning here, and my time trying to help Gimbol has pushed me to learn of magical ailments.  I've been in and out of the temple building and libraries and talked to the teachers and priests.  And in all that time, I have seen no new initiates of the Fallan Gis wandering the halls lost, pouring through the anatomy books, learning the intricacies of the Weave as it pertains to bodily humors.  I've seen the same faces for over seven months.
 
 Where are the new students?  Where are those called to learn the art of healing with magic?  I can't get a straight answer from anyone.  Are they closing the school down?  Are they moving it?  It's so very frustrating!
 
 However, my time spent with the group trying to help Gimbol has been very valuable.  It seems our friend the gnome was not destroyed by the magma paraelementals after all, but seemed to survive in some quasi-state between this world and another.  It's like he's his own paraelemental, and this facinating halfling called Emwonk and a number of others such as Jenarra and Clarissa and a nice woman of the Weave named Elohanna, and the always lovely, always engaging Miss Acacea, are trying to solve the mystery and bring him back.  
 
 Three orbs have been found thus far that allow him to regain strength in this world; the third just the other day when Emwonk channeled wild magic from a poor mageborn girl into the first orb found, which was empty of Weave at the time.  There are many theories regarding frequencies, which makes sense in light of the machine.  Could he have trapped himself in its field?  We should go back to the temple and see as soon as possible.  I'll suggest it.
 
 Galen is good but distracted, having just had a brush with the law in Prantz.  I could not even tell him how afraid for him I was when I found out he went before Lord Broegar!  He's been around the house more, and has taken to working with Acacea and Conner and the others on Mistone for the purpose of finding out how to aid Pige.  I hope he succeeds, I spend far too much time studying to pursue that and help Gimbol.
 
 And that brings me to this promise.  With all the time I've spent, with all the studies I've done in both magical and mundane illness, and with my new training on the healing arts not depending on the magic of my Lady, I will take this and put myself in a position to teach.  No more Threadbound for me.
 
 I have my eye on the knowledge that the Threadborn or; dare I say it?  The Dawnwoven hold.  It's time for me to take that step.

[Honora]

We're sitting in the foyer of a home waiting for the Lord to speak with us.  How we got here, without ever using the front door, requires a bit of explanation.  

First Emwonk, then Elohanna and finally I examined the orb.  Elohanna and I agreed that it did not "feel" like Gimbol; magically, there were many schools but necromancy was strongest, and the entity contained seems whole and malevolent.  Emwonk at first felt that it was a shard of Gimbol's personality but later, after the clever dwarven monk - Belly was his name? - hired a capable bard as Acacea was called away, we were able to call Gimbol to our location and Emwonk indicated to me that the orb did not call to Gimbol at all.  So now we have an orb with...what?  It is strong willed and will try to assume the corporeal body of whomever can touch it with the Weave, as it did little Druissa.  She said it had a name:  "Mister Sparkles".  

Druissa's parents asked for help with her, and Miss Jennara then asked me to speak to them.  I first discovered her latent abilities were as a sorcerer, a rare gift from my Lady indeed.  I then found the local shrine after assuring her parents that the fires, lights, and sounds she manifested were all perfectly normal, and was sent to the magic shop in town where I found a Miss Abby.  A kind old woman, I sensed her devotion to the Lady of Spells immediately.  She needed little convincing to take on a student of such special qualities and I brought her back to speak to the parents.  I hope the young lady takes Lucinda as her goddess, but it is homage enough to find her training.  I gave my address and information to the shrine's keeper and Miss Abby, with the notation that any charge to her training I would cover.

Ah, I hear footsteps.  I will return to this later!

[Honora]

The caravan is resting while Bear fixes a wheel and so I can write.  Galen is sleeping, Lucinda bless him.  He's been very protective of me since he found out and stays up too long watching over me.  We will have a quick ceremony when we get to Spellgard.  I think the others won't begrudge us that.  

I went back to check on Druissa and found that we had missed an orb.  The house was a magical shambles, with the parents and the lovely Lucindite teacher I found for her locked in bedrooms while some...entity...had his run of her mind and powers.  Mister Sparkles she called him.

The orb, which her parents handed over in due haste, glows faintly green.  I hold it while Emwonk holds the evil entity orb.  Excellent work on the part of our group while I was dealing with Druissa traced the man who bought the orbs from the Estate.  We found him in Fort Wayfare, where incidentally we were finally rid of the foolish and very probably evil-minded Hawklin.  His wife Kinai (I presume) was upset but not so much to leave with him which I found interesting.  Those who follow a dark path don't offer each other much comfort do they?

I digress; we found Bear, and the story of how he got the orbs and a statue which we then looked at.  By Lucinda's name it's Arthur, petrified.  I don't know who and how but he is and so we have bought the statue and the kind trader is helping us get it to Spellgard on this long trip.  Oh how my hips long for a real bed!  Fortunately the baby is new in me and my stomach is no larger than it usually is.  Which is large enough.

When we reach Spellgard I'll update this.  For now we protect the statue and travel on.  Thank you Star's Mage for giving me comfort and for the life that I hold in the name of your sorcerer and cleric.  You bless me every day.

[Honora]

We've had so many stops and starts I've become heavy with child.  Galen is helping his friend Honora and is gone, which figures, although his last letter said he was terribly worried about me.

I'm worried about me too.  My temper has been short of late, too short.  We had a dream...or an experience...when that little spoiled goggle-faced freak Emwonk

Why did I write that?  Didn't I used to like him?  I can't remember...

He stared into the orb too long which figures, he works off half of a brain.  Then we awoke in a place of strangeness, with food and a caged man and a beast and a checkers board.  Two names, one was Gilderad, I cannot remember the other right now as I'm very tired.

At any rate, I ate the food, awoke, and started waking the others.  Since then, the lady Acacea tells me, I've not been myself.  I can't tell and it worries me.  I have not written Galen to tell him about how I'm doing because all I can think about is how he left gem dust ALL OVER the floor and didn't sweep it up and who am I his personal maid?  I mean!

Worse, recently while traveling through Hlint I noticed a great many frogs.  Too many.  Far too many, and worse, they were coming in my wake, and it seems my every step was producing them in the wet ground!  We found a golum, old but working, and that seems to tie to Gilderad whom Beli found out was a master crafter.  The golum touched his head to mine, and I heard an argument, and then it moved on.

It is all so strange and I'm starting to feel like I'm walking in a dream while awake.  I worry terribly for the child though, how can this be affecting it?  I pray to my Lady day and night to watch this little one.  I should go home.  I should be safe, but Arthur...something keeps me here.

I will write Galen a letter.  He must know I'm safe at least.  I hope this is worth it, and that we get there soon.  I'm only three months from the birth and I won't have this child in the back of a wagon!

[Honora]

It's a boy, with my dark skin and Galen's light hair and eyes.  He's so lovely it hurts.

I had to leave, finally, as the travel was too much for me.  Galen was so happy to see me home and the next day after I arrived he had a friend, a cleric of the Lady, come and marry us in front of the alter in the house.  The wedding was simple and quiet and when we said our vows in the circle of blue and white flame I felt closer to both Galen and my goddess than I ever have.  I am Corba Tweed, now, wife and mother.

But.  Arthur's plight keeps calling me back...and months at home have me a little restless.  Galen has suggested I go for a while, to see if I can help.   I don't want to leave him or our son but...

Time away has me thinking about my disposition, as well.  Perhaps this is not merely the pressures of pregnancy and parenthood?  It is hard to tell.  I work at controlling it but I'm still snappish.

I think I must go back, try to meet them on the road.  I feel there are answers waiting there.

[Honora]

*A letter is tucked inside the exquisite leather-bound pages, written meticulously and sealed with the official seal of Lucinda*

To Corba of Lucinda, Strandbound Fallan Gis,


It has come to the attention of the temple that you have offered your healing services to a direct representative of an enemy of Lucinda. We wish to know and understand the reasoning behind this action. Please respond to this letter before any action is taken. If the reasoning is not something of dire importance to Lucinda we request that you immediately rescind your offer. Lucinda does not look kindly upon those faithful who willingly offer their aid to Her enemies.


The Weave keep you in all that you do,
Threadmistress To'Rania Mistreaver


*Another letter is beneath it, obviously a first draft by the crossing outs and hasty writing in a small, tight hand*


To Threadmistress To'Rania Mistreaver

In the spirit of friendship *crossed out* I have indeed offered help to the paladin *crossed out* Champion of Toran known as Clarissa and feel my reasons for doing so are valid. I will explain.

First and foremost, while she may be a stated enemy of Lucinda, she has been actively working to help with a conundrum with implications for our Lady *crossed out* mages everywhere. For some time we, along with others, have been involved in an investigation of Arthur Zein and his assistant Gimbol and their activities in calling forth and in Gimbol's case trapping para-elementals.  We first began this investigation some years ago *crossed out*
   
  For the sake of narrative I have enclosed a separate report of this inquiry, including the times that we have come to the Temple in Spellgard seeking assistance. Arthur resides there now while he recovers from his inadvertent mineralization.

Second, Clarissa has, over time, become someone I can feel I trust *crossed out* respect *crossed out* trust.  Working with her at first was annoying *crossed out* difficult - she was and is a strong-headed woman - but I have been in her company now for several years. While she can be as thick headed and insensitive to the Weave as any other Toranite, over time she has *crossed out* she is willing to flex a bit more than most and has certainly learned to stand back and let the mages do their jobs without barging forward and trying to figure it out herself. What I suppose I am saying is that during the course of this investigation, this one woman has become a friend.  I apologize if this is a sin in the eyes of the Church but friendships often do not follow neat lines on a chart.  I apologize if this is a sin but  I am sure that friendships don’t *crossed out*

Putting this together, when I learned of her curse *crossed out* predicament, I offered my aid as someone who has a vested interest in a solution that she is also trying to reach and as a friend as well. If this explanation does not suffice, I will submit myself to the justice of the Illumination.
 
 
  Ask or not??
 
Threadmistress, I do have one question. In my time at the Campus at Spellgard I somehow managed to miss the lecture that explained why Toran and the Lady don't get along. I do not know, and I have never known, the true reason for the ill-will between two gods whose agendas for all I can tell are not dissimilar. Would you do me the favor of explaining, regardless of the outcome of my case?

With thanks and may the Weave surround and protect you,

Strandbound of the Fallan Gis Corba Tweed, of the Spellgard Tweeds.
   
   
  *Smoothed flat between the heavy pages is a third letter, also sealed with the seal of Lucinda’s Church*
   
  To Corba, Strandbound of Fallan Gis,

In regards to your reasoning, I am afraid these things do not matter when you speak of a divine representative of an enemy to Lucinda. I can understand how it might be easy to over look the inconsistencies of the morally righteous, however, as ones who wield the blessings of Lucinda we must be ever diligent that our actions do not bring harm to Her or that which she bids us protect. While I can understand the necessity of a temporary dealing on this case you present, directly offering aid of your own free will to such an entity is an affront to the goddess you claim to love and serve. This highly publicized curse lifting is neither a threat to Lucinda nor is it a boon for Her that it be lifted.

Lucinda has seen fit to discipline others over this proposed event, some even falling from her favor. She is kind in her ways, as a mother protecting her children from harm, and we ask only that you see this. Please do not subject yourself to these trials as well. Her favor is not lightly given or taken.

As to your question, that is for Lucinda herself to decide whether or not to share. It is not for us to question but to serve.

Yours in Lucinda's faith,
Threadmistress To'Rania Mistreaver,
   
   
  *On the heavy cream-colored pages, in Corba’s small script*


  And so that is that.  I did return to Arthur, and despite the weakness brought on by childbirth I travel to and from Spellgard to visit and help as I can.  He was freed from his mineral prison, and much has transpired.  Gimbol is not what he seems and must be investigated further, and I am pushing for us to find one of the SEARCH machines.  But more on that later.
   
  What’s really on my mind is Clarissa and the letters...I have thought so long and hard on this.  Why did I offer?  Why did I think to do that?
   
  Friendship is strange.  You know someone for so long, and it becomes second nature to be there.  But all this time I have been forgetting that my Lady and her lord do not see eye to eye.  I have prayed to the Lady, spoken to Galen about this, and postulated to Theo endlessly while we snuggled or he fed.  Thank goodness he’s finally weaned, as a side note.  Those teeth were starting to hurt.
   
  I must remember, bless the Lady, that who I respect and who I work with is separate from my ties to Lucinda.  I can respect whom I wish, if they are worthy of it, but I cannot go against that which Lucinda wishes.  I owe her much and while I will never stop questioning – I think to stop wondering is to die – I will absolutely be more careful in the future.
   
  I wonder how this will affect the investigation?