a street rat's life

[cbnicholson]

Its done.  I feel so empty inside..dunno what I'll do now, Ferrit and Hanna insisted on me eatin and gettin some sleep.  I woke up to an empty bed and house and remembered..my outburst at Tar's wake, makin lil Daniel watch the whole thing, finally makin the trip to Haven to lay down Tar's ashes in her own bed.  Its good the boy ain't here, I wonder iffn he misses her like I do?  What comfort does his instructors give him at that temple I wonder..Same nonesense all those rofies tried ta tell me..she's in a better place, be glad of her while she was here..celebrate her life.  *clenches his jaw*  What do they know, those smug bastards.. *fresh tears stream down his cheek and he wipes them away angrily* I'm gonna go see her now in our place.  Oh Tar..why'd ya hafta leave?  *Benjamin leaves his bed and climbs the hill and sits among the flowers for a time*

[cbnicholson]

Its been a coupla months now since Tar left and I guess life goes on.  I met someone the other day in Hemp,  a local girl with red hair named Natalie.  She seems  sweet iffn she is a bit niave.  We worked out a business arrangement, me and her, but it kinda started funny doin somethin I never thought I'd stoop ta doin.  We ran inta each other in Vehl.  I was poking  around the temple  tryin to see if DB was alright livin there, when I spotted her goin inta Marrent's house.  Her bein a tall red head and me not bein dead, I snuck in after her.  

As I tailed her in I was kinda shocked and excited ...this quiet lil thing was gonna do some grave robbin fer Marrent!  That did it fer me, I came out from behind the cupboard by the door and snickered so she could hear me.  I told her and Marrent that what they were plannin was jest a bit illegal..and that they better deal me in or else.  I wasn't surprised when she said sure..poor Marrent was pretty much speechless, but I got that bugger to agree to a price per stiff that I could live with.  

We decided ta do our dirty little job at night, less chance ta get caught and were makin our way to Krandor when Miss Treana caught up with us.  I sorta coughed and winked at Lee to let her know that in no way should she tell Miss Treana what we were up ta.  Took forever ta get rid of that nosy woman!  After that it was a piece of cake diggin up them stiffs..other than the ghosts givin us some trouble.  The real  hard part was luggin em back to Vehl..longest walk of my life, Lee's too.  After that we did some talkin at the One Eyed Harpy..seems Lee was smitten with me..*shrugs then keeps writing*  She's a sweet kid, well..other than diggin up stiffs fer true anyway.  I'm not so sure we'll work out, but since we're partners in crime, I gave her a key ta the house in Haven.  She's stayin in DB's room since he's always gone.    I figure it'll give her a somewhere and havin a woman round the place won't hurt either.  She did make me promise her somethin.  Not ta play with her heart.  I did so with a straight face, which leads me to my bigger problem...

Hedessa Tanario, priestess of Xeen..*snickers and shakes his head* Man, that lady can party.  I dunno if it was the two bottles of whiskey or the backrub that did it..Its kinda a blur ta me now, but I do know I woke up at home with her and at least six empty bottles of xeenite wine layin around  by the fire.   She ain't interested in jest one man though..typical Xeenie, but I ain't complainin.  My real problem is how do I spin it so I ain't lyin to Lee when I tell her, iffn I tell her..hmm *grins slyly*  It ain't like me and Essa are serious..*thinks on it for a while then grimaces* I gots me a big headache..yep. *closes the ratty journal, hides it, and goes off to find a cure for his headache.*

[cbnicholson]

*Benjamin kicks back in his favorite chair at 181 Haven, sipping whiskey from the bottle.  

Rubbing a hand over his stubble, he thinks back to the last few weeks then pulls a ratty journal

from a secret compartment in the chair and begins writing with a stubby charcoal pencil*

Some of my mess has resolved itself, but more jest keeps comin.  First off, In what musta been a

brush with stupidity..I asked Lee ta marry me..and she said yes.  I love her sure,  What's not ta

like, she's okay with me drinkin..jest not with Essa in the house here and she's got the red

hair,legs,  easy ta get along with and she calls me Boss..I like that.  *snickers* but I'm not

sure what got ta me ta ask right then.  *shrugs and keeps writing*  So now we're jest tryin ta

figure the hows and when.  I got told two things fer sure..Hedessa won't be marryin us She made

that plenty clear, so I'll be askin Miss Sala or maybe Miss Ranewin.  Seems neither of us have

much in the way of religion so it don't really matter who marries us I guess.  Lee suggested the

magistrate of Haven even.   She also said  I need ta talk ta lil Dan by myself and tell him

myself.  

Who am I foolin, I'm scared ta go ta Vehl and tell him..He reminds me of Tar too much only

somehow..less approachable.  Boys almost fifteen now, He told Miss Jennara he was mad at me fer

not visitin so I better go face him tell him he's gonna have a new ma.  *grumbles*  Wonder how'll

he'll take it?

I found out somethin a bit peculiar bout Lee.  She's got herself an adopted brother, turns out

its that Elf, Fianon.  Can't say I'm thrilled bout it, but as far as elves go, This Elf's

alright.  Him and I made an agreement, he's gonna teach me some of that elf tongue of his, so

I'll know when those buggers are talkin bad bout me.  So far all I got is Hello..Iracce and

Goodbye..Veewfaa, but its  a start.

I'm tired of writin..so I'm gonna leave this alone fer a while.

*closes and hides the journal and goes back to drinking, staring into the fire*

[cbnicholson]

Gotta write this down else I'll ferget.  Fianon gave me another quick lesson today, says I'm a fast learner.  Two names he gave me..my own Falquilsel and Lee's, Lilanilceea.  I'm startin ta like the sound of it. *frowns and takes another pull of his flask*  Also got a phrase outa of that elf.  Iream ilmacey?  Meaning..how the hells are ya?

[cbnicholson]

Freas, Febra 6, 1431

Its been a busy week fer me.  Always craftin lately tryin ta get a better understandin of how ta make oak shafts and bows and also workin metal some.  Mister Kyle's gonna whip my arse fer sure when he sees all the iron I've snitched from the guild chests, but I managed ta make a whole five quivers of stout iron tipped oak arrows fer my improved bow, Mis Jil made me, so hells with it..I'll take that arse whippin with a grin. Them arrows go through gobbie throats like a hot knife through butter..nothin better.   My tailorin improves all the time too, I'm makin bandages now fairly easily along with a mess of lion leather fer Ferrit ta work.

The elvish Fianon is givin me is causin some problems fer me though..only managed a few words in our last lesson.  He said I outa try singin em, but truth is I don't feel much like singin since Tar left.  I suppose I should write the words I got down fer lookin at later.

le -no
aala - yes
Oema - fire
Vmaaanelva - Greetins, sorta the polite way ta say Iracce..ta strangers.

I still ain't worked up the courage ta see lil Dan yet, but I'm gonna..*grumbles to himself*  I will dangit.  Well..that's all I got fer now other than guild business and collectin payments.

[cbnicholson]

Finally made it ta Vehl and that temple..No sign of Dan, one less pain the arse ta worry about, so I went in bold as brass, look his honor Reus in the eye and said I wanted ta see my boy.  It was strange seein lil Dan again.  He's grown some, his hair turnin blonde like his mother's was.  He had this silly little thing on his lip and I couldn't help but smirk a  bit at it.  

He was plenty mad at me too, I told him I'd been busy workin my tail off fer the guild and that I got married ta Lee.  That set him back a bit, said he wanted ta meet her.  I said sure, jest come visit us anytime at the house in Haven.  Lil Dan said he would, but that he needed to start his trainin in earnest first since he was almost sixteen.  Despite him choosin ta be a rofie, I'm proud of him and I'll only admit it here, jest a bit scared of him too..Hope he ain't too judgemental bout the choices I've made.

[cbnicholson]

Mulnari, Decilar 23, 1431

I've taken ta tryin ta puzzle out elf words from others that I hear round me.  Take Mister Kyle and Ferrit, always lookin at each other with mooneyes and sayin 'ceela' this and 'ceela' that.  I'm pretty sure it means love but I'll hafta ask Fianon ta be sure.  I also keep an ear on conversations round me in elvish..I can't puzzle out most of the words but occasionally I ken make out one or two.  Hidin like I do, its easy ta listen in.  Maybe I ken borrow an elvish book from Ferrit or somethin an try learn some words on my own.  Fianon's been so busy with his woodworking all I ever see of him anymore is a wave and his backend runnin off.  

My own craftin is comin along fine, I got almost enough true ta pay the license fer workin in the better craftin house up the street.  I'm sure I could put tagether a lion bag iffn I had access to the right equipment they got in there.  My own woodworkin and tinkerin is coming along nicely too.  Got Ferrit a whole stack of platty gears and wire in my chest at the guild, jest can't do anything with em just yet..too difficult. I'm blowin up the lab less too, made a whole mess of enchantin oil fer Miss Sala in echange fer some wands of stoneskin.  Handy thing ta have on ya when there ain't a true mage around.  

Might be awhile till I get back ta workin on my own projects though, Essa's gotten herself scribin crazy and I'm under orders ta help her best I can.  Spendin most of my time pickin corn fer eggs, raiding bees nests, and make oak parchments.  Word I got was Miss Hanna's lookin fer some backup in the guild.  I'm really hopin its the priestess.  She's my friend, even iffn we go at each other some days.

[cbnicholson]

Tunar, Decilar 10, 1433

Benjamin pulls a somewhat dusty journal from underneath his favorite chair and puts charcoal pencil to use.

Shadon's bollocks!  Hard ta believe two years have gone by already.  First off, business has been good.  Ferrit took Muhk under her wing at the Angels and I gotta say from lookin at the ledgers, that ugly mug ken sell almost as good as he fights.  I'm lookin forward ta payday soon, course with the disasters in Leringard and the Hold, I suppose everyone will be wantin to hand over their true ta help out.  Me, I say we jest donate some materials and be done with it.  Figure I got bout twenty oak planking and several sets of boots inta the foundations chests without anyone seein me do it..that's good enough.  

The boy's doin good too.  I haven't been able ta visit, cuz he's in solitude.  Somethin bout preparin ta become a priest.  I'm proud of my boy, even if he does seem like a stranger to me, bein a Rofie and all.  Lee's finally with child, mabe even two, Essa couldn't say fer sure despite dumping a whole bottle of wine on Lee and Marcus only hinted.  She's due in a few months, looks like I'm gonna be a daddy again..Wonder iffn spending more time at the hall ain't such a bad idea.

Them buggered elves givin me a turn of thought too.  Fianon's taken off fer parts unknown it seems..nobody's seen him in over a year, so I went lookin fer a new Anrillan, that means teacher in that silly tongue.  Turns out Miss Alatriel is willin ta teach a scoundrel such as myself in exchange fer arrows.  I managed one lesson so far, A response ta "Iream ilmacey?", "how are you? "Miss Alatriel told me ta say this "E's oela, anirilln aey" meaning "I'm fine, thank ya, but I doubt I'll ever say the whole thing, I ain't that polite.  In fact, I need ta ask her how ta say "bugger off, ya irritate me some!"   Point is,  I'm keeping ears open when I'm around other elves.  Sometimes I ken make out what their saying..sometimes not.  

Benjamin re-hides his journal in the chair as Lee enters.  "Why don't we take a walk, Ceela?", he asks, "Ya ken bring yer axe along and work out some of yer frustrations on some gobbies, I'll get my blades."

[cbnicholson]

Sunra, Mai 22, 1434

Lee's about ready ta pop..literally..Them two inside her are kickin her ribs somethin fierce when she had me feel fer em the other day-which explains the funny look on Lee's face when seein the goofy one on mine.  I think they both got thier mother's fightin spirit in em which is good, the're gonna need every bit of it ta survive. I ain't sure, but I'm ready ta be a better father this time, I think. *shrugs*

Business has been good, even great since Muhk's been doin sales.  I don't know how he does it, but that big lug is always coming up with deals and showin me gear I never knew existed..I wonder iffn he's got enough brains ta realized what a natural he is at sellin and deal makin. *shrugs and puts his pencil down thinking hard* Probably does..Ferrit's tryin ta culture him some.  I almost laughed right in his face seein him in his new blue suit with that ridiculous hat, but a quick look at his his arms and scars made me shut up right quick.  

I've been pushin ta get Essa in the guild too..seems like we're relyin too much on Miss Sala ta get raw materials and she ain't even an angel..even if she is nice enough ta help out.  It ain't right.  Mister Rain want's Miss Galathea ta be in the guild too, which all things considered, I'm for too..Can't hurt my luck at minin gems ta have one of his priestess' lookin over my shoulder some.

My elf learnin is draggin along.  I managed ta find some books with both common and elf in em, even puzzled out a few more words with the help of Miss Alatriel and a sad moon elf named Sun..Sun lost her hubby in the mines, but despite all that she still seemed willin ta talk to the like of me.  She even gave me a quick lesson..an answer in Elf ta How the hells are ya? Fine thanks.  *carefully pencils the elf words for fine thanks* E's oela, anrillnlin.  I figured out a few words from readin some elf poetry too,  That stuff ken make yer eyes bleed!   I really can't say em yet..not without hearin em spoken, but here's what I got so far.

understanding -ylwmlaanillwelv
patience - tyilanealnya
hate - irilana
fear - oailm
anger - illvam
babies - filfeala
mother - seaniram
father - oilamram
brother - fmeaniram
sister - laelaanam

*reads them over several times and tries to sound them out, mostly unsuccessfully, keeps writing*

I did figure out how ta tell someone ta bugger off in elf though *snickers* Its ve fyvvam aamlaaco!   Probably not somethin ya'd hear an elf say though.  Not unless they got real mad at me, like Miss Jaelle was. *smirks and closes his ratty journal*

[cbnicholson]

*A weary yet happy Benjamin scribbles in his ratty journal as Natalie sleeps with two baby boys*

Tunar, Mar 24, 1435

Lee did it, two healthy baby boys - Fianon and Stephan Poetr.  Fianon came first.  Not identical twins either, but fraternal.  Fianon takes after his ma with scattering of red hair and light blue eyes already turnin ta green. He was about six stone and not quite the length of my forearm.   Lee found a birthmark on the right side of his ribs.  

Stephan was a bit heavier with a lots of brown hair and dark eyes, he was just longer then my forearm and about eight stone, his birthmark was found on his left shoulder.  Both boys seem ta have the skin of their mother and I'm guessin they'll have freckles soon enough. *grins tiredly*  

I near panicked when Lee said it was time and sent out a bird ta the only person I thought might get it in time, Aerimor.  Him and Miss Alatriel met us at the door of the house and the silly elf then tells me he's never delivered human babies before-only lots of animal ones!  Guess that's what I get when I ask a druid fer help.   I jest told him to do his best.  My Lee, Ceela, kept havin this silly notion that everyone must have pie before she'd relax enough ta let the birthin pains start. *simply shakes his head in amusement*  So everyone had apple pie..whether they wanted to or not.

Anrillan, Miss Alatriel,  looked near sick the whole time and the two of em kept arguin bout somethin, I couldn't follow much of it, but I overheard a few elf words I know - child and baby.  Dunno iffn they was referin to my own or someone elses.  The way they kept carryin on, not sure if I want ta know.  

Elgon and Miss Ysaline showed up after Fianon was born and finished the delivery.  I felt much better with the two of them in charge and I couldn't help but notice, both Aerimor and Alatriel seemed relieved ta be leavin as well.  I sent word off ta Dan soon as I could figurin he'd want ta come round and see his nephews and also that he might get word ta my boy in Vehl.

Miss Ysaline left Illsare's blessin on the babies and I got a start when I when I left the house this mornin as her and Elgon left a wardin mark on the front door for protection.  They really didn't have ta do that.  *looks deeply thoughtful and closes the book*

[cbnicholson]

*Benjamin carefully removes the twins from a papoose rig inside his pack and sets them down on his cloak in the shade of an oak.  Making sure nothing threatens, he pulls out a ratty journal and begins writing*

Threas, Apreal 12, 1435
Lee and I have worked out an arrangement fer caring fer these youngins.  I've decided ta take a more active role..well, she's told me I'm in charge of diaper duty since I ain't afraid of dirty jobs.  *sniffs the air, then resumes writing*  

I've taken some steps ta ease the burden some and enable myself and Lee ta take up adventuring again by hiring a live in Nanny.  Works for the both of us, since Shorty, that's what I call Keppli, needed a someplace and we needed someone ta watch the twins.  Fer now, I'm keepin em with me and stayin close ta Hemp or home in Haven.  

Dan paid me a visit too, and in his usual way blessed the children with a kiss.  I ain't much for sentiment, but I was glad ta see he's carryin on that family tradition.  He seemed both sad and happy fer me and Lee.  I think he's wantin a child of his own, but takin things real slow with Treana.  Probably fer the best as she was near losin her mind after her experience in the dark.

I found yet another instructor ta teach me a few more words in elf.  Miss Galathea knows the tongue and we startin working together more ta gather materials fer the guild.  

mailwa -ready
llananilnyn - attack
waoalw -defend

Kinda a game we'd play as we worked our way through that bugbear temple off alindor..Here yellin commands and me tryin ta keep up.  She's a tricky one in her fightin and I admire that some.

I've been workin on another project fer both Galathea and Essa..Seems the both of em are packin old iron shields and in need of somethin a bit better.  My woodworkins come ta the point that with a little help, I figure I ken make em both some maho shields..so that's what I'm gonna do since addy seems ta be in such short supply.

*Ben finishes his entry and puts the journal away.  Sitting for a time under the oak tree, he watches as Stephan, the quieter of the two rolls himself over and Ben grins* Atta boy..*he mutters*

[cbnicholson]

*Benjamin takes a moment and blows the dust off his ratty journal, now filled with more financial entries then personal notes*

Mulnari, Decilar 16, 1437

A bit of surprise, Mister Rain resignin as Guild Leader.  Its been a few months since it happened, but ta be honest the new arrangement seems ta be workin fine.  Guild actually made an addy run ta firesteep and everyone came out alive.  Course we had three different priests ta heal us as we went.  Miss Sala, Essa, and Miss Jil's hubby, Erik all joined us.  Steel's connections with some dwarf that lives there didn't hurt either.  Made fer a pleasant place ta rest in between forays inta the mine.  Mister Kyle has taken up leadership of the guild and I was a bit surprised when Ferrit pushed fer me ta be his second, Guild Captain. *pauses and looks thoughtful*  I never asked fer the job, fact is, I'm probably the most reluctant leader there will ever be.  Its one thing ta risk yer own neck, its quite another ta tell other folks ta risk thiers.  

Guild business has been good.  Miss Galathea has taken a shine ta makin diamond rings and we're selling quite a few fer a tidy profit.  Hard ta think that at one time I was thinkin of knockin off a bank fer a big score ta retire on.  

Lee and boys are doin great. We had ta recruit more help ta watch em. Keppli still does from time ta time and I'd be hard pressed ta let her go as our nanny since I'm sure both boys would be heartbroken if she left.   A kind old lady, Lee calls Grams has agreed ta watch em on occasion.  At two, both Fianon and Stephen are full of questions which I do my best ta answer.  

This buggered book of elvish poetry..I ken read it jest fine , not that I'm keen too, but the sayin of the words remains a bit of struggle fer me.  Still needin a regular teacher ta help me since Alatriel seems ta be preoccupied with a human boy and buildin a home with Aerimor.  One of the guild's contracts is ta supply the nails fer it.

My oldest boy, Daniel, has started makin a name fer hisself as well.  I'm hearin from folks like Miss Daniella what a fine, well mannered boy he is.  Sendin him ta the temple in Vehl seems ta have worked out I guess. I'm proud of my boy and what he made of himself.

[cbnicholson]

*slams a ratty journal on the table in his modest kitchen and waves away the dust, flips to a page and starts writing*

Tunar, Seplar 24, 1443

Fool woman has run off with my kids! *curses in a mix of crude elvish, dwarvish, and common* Said she's had enough of me always workin, never here..so she up and left and is stayin with her folks in Hemp.  Good riddance I say.  Leaves more time ta get the important stuff done, like makin true and tavern running with Essa.

Speakin of true, the guilds doin quite well from the looks of the ledgers.  I wouldn't know first hand since I spent the last few years sortin things out in Leringard. *shrugs and chews on the end of the charcoal pencil*  Important part is ..I'm back..Although Snagnor made mention of wantin my spot as Guild Captain, which all things considered I suppose he'd have rights too.  After a friendly challenge ta arm wrestle him fer it, he wisely declined.  

Aerimor and Alatriel have done well.  The Elves gemwork is a boon fer us Angels and she's picked up teachin me elvish.  I ken near understand all of it now, even if I can't speak it other than few choice phrases worth a dang.  Ima a bit concerned about Alatriel though..She's gotten herself with a wee elf baby and is marked somehow..She's scared cuz this mark of hers was given by a dragon fer some kind of betrayal and the buggered dragon keeps sendin out shadows after her.  Me, Aerimor, her, and Miss Gal fought one off and the buggered thing left me so drained it took me near a full day ta feel better.  Alatriel tells me everytime one of them shadows attacks it takes somethin from her and the baby..She's lost one before and is afeared she'll loose this one too.  I told her ta try ginger fer vigor and ta get her skinny arse inta see Miss Sala.  I may not believe in much, but I'd bet my last true iffn anyone ken help that skinny elf have this baby, its Miss Sala.

My oldest boy,Daniel,  I heard tell, has taken a fancy ta Paladins in tight armor. *smirks then laughs out loud* Miss Daniella seemed flattered by his attention, but I gotta wonder iffn he's goin astray by such thoughts.  Heck with it, iffn he wants ta abandon his dragon an chase after tight armor, I'll be the first one ta buy him an ale and talk about it some.

Otherwise, lifes about the same, folk needin gear, gettin inta passels of trouble, and me avoidin the whole icky mess of it.  

*With that, Ben shuts the ratty journal and rehides it in a special cubby*

[cbnicholson]

Threas, Junar 26, 1444

I've been workin hard, mabe too hard lately.  My needleworks gettin much better as a result, but I've been spendin so much time tannin hides and makin patterns my eyes are goin fuzzy.  

I say that cuz I saw Lee in her armor the other day outside the guild hall and had ta do a double take.  We ain't spoken in over five years.  I decided what the hells, and snuck up on her.  Tapping her shoulder, I ducked just in time ta avoid the head of the axe on her shoulder as she she swung around.  She still looked good ta me after all this time, and I quickly fergot how I angry I was fer her leavin me with the boys.  The look on her face told me she felt about the same.  I asked her iffn she was back fer good and what her plans were, she seemed a bit uncertain, kinda confused, so I told her I was ready ta start over if she was.  She kissed me by way of an answer and filled me in on how the boys were an said how much they missed me.  She also said she didn't know if her key fer the Hall worked anymore so I grinned and told her lets go see.  It did jest fine.

We spent several hours jest talking in the Hall about little things, but mostly how it was good ta be with each other again.  I still had work ta do fer the guild, so I had ta cut it short, but she said she'd come again real soon.

I noticed a sign in Hemp today, it offers trainin in the Al'Noth an one of the instructors is Miss Sala.  I think its time I renewed my interest in magic, or at least see iffn I have any skill with it.

[cbnicholson]

*Ben scribbles a quick entry into his journal


Freas, Augra 27, 1444

Miss Alatriel has her wee elf baby the othe day, I was glad Miss Sala was there ta help as the elf kept whinin and carryin on about how much it hurt.  *smirks* I do recall Tar and Lee both callin me everything but my proper name when they were birthin, but nothin like the carryin on Alatriel did.  Still, she's not called 'sticks' fer nothin.  I reckon even given birth to that wisp of an elf baby had ta hurt some.  Lee and I didn't stick around long after either as Miss Sala made it pretty darn clear everyone needed ta clear out and give the elf and her daughter time ta rest.  I'll hafta make a visit soon as I ken.  I'm a godfather ta an elf. *snickers* Who'd a thunk that?

[cbnicholson]

Wedlar, Mai 25, 1446

*Ben finds a clear space amongst guild reciept of goods, true deposits and payouts and writes a paragraph*

Its been a coupla years since I've written anythin personal like in here.  First off, Lee's stayin was short lived.  She decided I hadn't changed and she wasn't gonna put up with me conductin business all the time so off ta her folks she went again. The boys are nearin eleven years now and are changin fast.  I got ta visit em briefly during thier birthday a coupla months ago.  I'm worried fer em, Both of em are talkin bout joinin the Hemp militia when they get old enough.  Fianon the scouts and Stephen the the mages.  Seems Stephen has a bit more talent with the Al'Noth then I ever did.  I let him play with a minor wand I hand and he actually managed ta trigger it properly, encasin his brother in a skin of bark!  It made us all laugh which felt pretty good.  I let him keep the wand as his birthday gift.  Fianon asked me ta make him a hickory bow, which I did.

Bumpkin, as I call her much ta her mothers irritation, is doin fine..still an infant at two years, but then elves change so very slowly. Meralea or Mera fer short, is cute as a button, Alatriel tells me she's blowin spit bubbles at folks ta say heya..me, I think its jest gas.

Speakin of the Elf, she asked me how old I was the other day..an I couldn't rightly recall..I remember a time before the darkness an famine so I reckon I must be nearin fifty.

Guild news..well..we now seem ta have more wizards than we need, as we recruited Lareth and Miss Hanna came back ta us.  I'm tickled myself.  More wizards is never a bad thing iffn ya ask me.  My craftin is steadily gettin better, I strung a yew bow the other day and I've been makin lion bags real easy like.  My glasswork still needs..work, but I did manage a few of them third circle rods so Its gettin there as well.  Come ta think of it, I ain't blown up the lab in a long long time and healin potions are a snap, so I guess all that work is payin off.  Hells, did I jest write work pays?  *frowns at his letters and sighs* Rats..I'm gettin ta be a respectable citizen. *grumbles and closes his journal*

[cbnicholson]

*Benjamin sits in a small patch of yellow roses close to a pond and pens a letter*
 
Tunar, Mar 3, 1449
 
 Dear Tar,
 
 Its been twenty years since ya fell and sometimes I wonder iffn yer lookin on me from time ta time.
  Angels got a statue of ya in the entryway and I wonder if that buggered things channelin yer
 spirit an smirkin at me as I walk by.  Maybe Im jest getting jumpy in my middlin years, but I
 coulda swore it raised its sword at me the other day..right creepy it was.  Not bein much of a
 religious fella, I really dont know how yer doin up there in the sky with yer dragon, but iffn yer
 doin half as well as ya did by me here, Im sure yer fine.
 
 Our boy, Daniel, youd be proud of him, Tar.  Hes a full fledged priest now of yer dragon.  I may
 not see ya ever again, but at least part of me will   someday.  Iffn ya get this letter, let him
 know hes done me proud.
 
 I doubt yad recognize me much, Tar..Ive taken ta respectable business mostly and hardly ever
 misbehave anymore.  I guess Ive gotten ta the point where chasin women and carousing jest aint as
 much fun as it used ta be, but  there is this elf girl, Zari.  She wants ta have a picnic, an I did
 promise her some eats, but Im thinkin that will be it, as Im thinkin the right thing ta do is ta
 simply tell her I aint much fer her and that maybe she should find an elf fella, and let this old
 street rat ta his work and memories.
 
 Mostly, I miss ya Tar..I miss the times we spent fightin pirates tagether an the laughs.  Ya bein
 all mad at me all the time fer one fool thing I'd say or another.  I never meant all them nasty
 things bout yer dragon..guess I was jealous and wantin more of ya.  Sides, that was how we got
 along werent it? One jibe after another?  Anyways..might be Ill see ya soon or might be Ill see ya
 never..Im still rememberin and thats a good thing ta my mind.
 
 Ben.
 
 *carefully folds the page in half, pressing a yellow rose in the middle and tucking it into his
 journal*

[cbnicholson]

Benjamin carefully folds a newly acquired robe and sets in a chest along with several scrolls. Taking out his ratty journal he frowns at its beat up appearance and sets it aside. Pulling a newly leather bound journal from the chest, he runs his calloused fingers over the cover which reads "Ben's Spellbook". Setting this book aside as well, Benjamin takes out a third newly bound book and opens it to the first page, dipping his quill into ink, he begins to write very carefully.

Mulnari, Jenra 9, 1450 Its taken me nearly thirty years, but the other day I finally got myself accepted as a wizard's apprentice! Miss Hanna accepted me as her student in the Practice of Al'Noth during the opening of the Wizard's Tower here in Hempstead. I found it strange that the only other interested student was Tod, but I'm sure the two of us will make the most of our new assignments. I fully intend to put all my energy inta being the best wizard I can. My first task is ta *crosses out ta and replaces it with to* work on my writing. If I'm to be able to work magic, I must be disciplined enough to overcome all my street talk and write as a true scholar should. I've also taken the liberty of acquiring a new wizards robe from the guild, hopefully the rest will understand my need of it.  To date, my lessons from Miss Hanna have been sparse, but she did recommend a few lessor spells for me to study in preparation. Daze and resistance, she told me we crucial to all beggining practitioners of the Al'Noth. I've studied these spells and tried to focus my mind on retaining the symbols but I still lack something to finish the casting. I will ask Miss Hanna as soon as I ken *grumbles and crosses out ken neatly and replaces it with can* about it, hopefully she will have some idea. Benjamin Poetr, Wizard's Apprentice *Bejamin sprinkles some fine sand on his writing and gently blows it off*

[cbnicholson]

Freas, Jular 13, 1451

I can feel it, inside me, this sense of ..something, an energy that requires me to focus and channel it.  The Al'Noth, it excites me , but still it remains out of reach.  The mental exercises and the demonstrations of magic both Ely and Omer call to that part inside of me, but I can't reach it just yet.  I am frustrated but hopeful.  My work consumes me, folks comment on it, how I am always in a hurry.  They don't understand how I feel my years now more than ever and that tingle, deep in my chest of power- I must find a way to release it as wizards do or it will consume me. I do not have many seasons left, certainly not as the elven do.  I have redoubled my effort to strengthen my mind so when the time comes the words and gestures will flow smoothly. The Al'Noth will be mine to control- Even if it is a small part.

I watched with mixed emotions as Elohanna rushed the bugbears and my limbs moved of their own accord to block, thrust, and parry the double bladed axes away from her as she fell into her casting trance, not a blade touched her, but still I worried.  "You don't trust me!" She said quietly after, to which I could only reply with a nod.  The truth is more, I love this elf, despite her skinny legs, her Krys, even my own...distaste of the elven form.  She is troubled, Elohanna, she told me she is tired of living a lie.  A lie of the heart, she said.  I parried her feelings as I did the bugbears weapons,  redirected them to Omer, who I know loves her beyond what he says. The lie is she feels the same about him, that silly elf..that lucky elf. She told me that openly in a meeting.  She doesn't know my true feelings nor will she, for I will never tell her and give no hint other than to listen, and to offer a brotherly shoulder.  I can do that much at least with the time I have left.

Benjamin Poetr, wizards apprentice.

[cbnicholson]

Satari, Novlar 21, 1451

I've finally done it, I managed to tap that energy inside myself.  Odd thing occurred when I did though, a raven flew down from the trees in Silkwood and wouldn't let me be.  First thing the bugger did was poop on my cloak and look at me funny.  I tried to shoo him off an as I did so, I felt a connection, like I could understand what it was feeling, sorta.  I decided ta call him Fletch and was gonna pluck a feather, but the smart devil seemed ta know my intentions and flew out arms reach.  He's still close, I ken feel him, hovering out there watching me.  

Fletch even trailed me ta Fort Hurix, where me and few other heroes *smirks* Helped the folks there fight off a force of drachs and cultists.  We lost quite a few of our number, but thanks ta Miss Galathea, we held the gate.  Earlier in the fight, the gates got smashed in, so we built a barricade of dead bodies and timbers I took from the walls.  Miss Gal prayed and a miracle happened - one of the barricades turned ta solid stone!  Now the  soldiers are calling us heroes.  That feels kinda good, but its misplaced iffn ya ask me.  I simply went to help defend my home area
round Luck.  Lots of good folks died to hold that fort, they are the true heroes, not me.

After the battle, I helped rebuilt a new gate and then went scouting, I didn't see much, but I'm hoping the other scouts will report soon ta the commander, he's a cool customer and will know what ta do.  More work ta be done in Hemp, so I took off fer home.  I know the forts in good hands, as a force of Rofies, Tories, and Voraxians showed up as the battle was getting over.  Better late than
never I guess.