The Journal of Sallaron Tempest

[LordCove]

Well.. Ive been good... kept out of trouble. Not much trouble I can cause running back and forth making potions and doing little escort jobs.
A little trip to the Rift and Thunderpeaks with Barion... which didnt go well for him either time. I think he's getting a bit reckless.
And another trip with the Ravens to the Rift... which worked out much better. We came back with a whole pile of diamonds and ore... which I realised I didn't really need anyway. They certainly are a tough bloody bunch... bit weird and addled in the head... but tough.

Muir's still acting weird... and strange enough... Hardy didn't seem to know a thing about her being ill... but asked if I knew about Bob. Well... I weren't sure I should tell the bugger anything... so played it dumb and said I didn't have a clue. Bit strange him not knowing about Muir... I mean... she's supposed to be his priestess... he should know things like this.

And speaking of Priiestess's.... mine came back to throw my world around again. Always a joy to see her, but she always seems to confuse me and get some kind of reaction from me. We talked a lot... things came out again... but in the end she left.. leaving the same haunting words from last time which still cling to me.

but... a day or two later... I got a note from someone... telling me I had to chose... Valeria or my son. I can only assume someone was watching, and now things they got something over me... some leverage... something to bribe or blackmail me with.

Anyway... met up with Tegs... did a little Iron mining, and she pointed out to me what her and others had noticed. I'd been turning down too many trips, too many adventures, playing it safe for too long...
... she said she didn't mind if I went off and rocked some boats... so long as I didn't keep anything from her.

So... I bit the arrowhead... and told her everything about Val and the letter. I even confessed to the kiss.
I... dont think she liked it... but... at least she knows the whole story.
So now... if some bugger comes up and tries to blackmail me over it... heh... I'm free to smash their face in for trying to stir trouble.

[LordCove]

An Avatar of Pyrtech... I confess I have no idea what the hell that is. Times like this I wish I'd gone to school.
A lot of people talked for a long time about a lot of things... and ... through the most of it.. I seemed to just nod along, pretending I knew what they were talking about... or threw in some rather stupid ideas or theories.
One thing was apparent though... this seemed to tie in a lot of thing's Id been hearing about lately... and gave me some clarity on what some people had been doing.

Another Rift run with Val and the charmingly bizzarre group that is the Ravens ended in a long discussion about this Avatar. They seem to have a ... slight idea of what to do... not that I bloody like it. But... seems me and Tegs may have a slight part to play in it.
So.. once again... seems the two of us may shake the hornets nest and see what flies out.

Danger came to Wayfare in the form of some undead attacks, and me and a few others found ourselves helping out. Found an old crypt which some Lich type creature had seemed to breathe new life into. We managed our way through it, and cleared the crypt of the undead... but the Lich did a sharp exit... thankfully. Not sure I would have wanted to battle it.
But... at the end... three goblins, under the disguise of being halflings, were hailed as heroes by the people of Wayfare. By Folian that made me smile.

Bumped into Val a few more times... and like the old days... we stormed across Dregar like the old Ranger and Priestess, not much getting in our way. It's great to travel with her but... there's a wedge there now.... something we try to keep hidden and not talk about...but... we know its there.
We bumped into Tegan on that expedition... and... she was... distant, uncomfortable with me being with Val. Which... she had a right to be I guess.

A little talk with "still ill" Muir taught me a few things. But a selfish git I dont think I am. I'll always be Val's so-called Ranger... but... I'll also always belong to Tegan. How the hell am I supposed to keep that title without hurting Tegs?

Me and Trouble's opened up our little Carpentry shop. The lads excelling in some things now... woodwork being one. And... his ability's with animals now is bloody astounding. He can communicate with all kinds of creatures with ease... like... like it was a second language. We spent to long teaching him elven... only to find he taught himself to speak to Animals even better.
He's getting opiniated too. Wouldn't let me chop down no branches from the trees for our work... until we'd checked the ground around them for fallen ones we could use.
Heh... clever bugger. Love that kid.

I know Tegs mentioned she could sense the weave growing in him.,.. but... I aint seen nothing of it. Hell.. I wouldnt even know what to look for. I'll leave that to her... and just hope he dont accidentaly burn the house down or anything.

[LordCove]

Kids... heh

Seem's Trouble and Tyra are becoming quite the mischeivous duo.
Shiff aint exactly said who was to blame... but seems Trouble and Tyra decided to fill his old couch full of arrows and set it alight.
I laughed at the time... just seemed kinda hilarious... I had pictures in my head of Shiff and Val running around franticaly trying to put it out and reprimand the both of them.
Heh.. I shouldn't laugh really. Teg's seemed to think it was a bit serious at the time...but...kids will be kids I guess.

Got a strange proposal from Barion in regards to the OrcBashers. Not too sure what to make of it... but I've put it to the Explorer's to see what they think.
In honesty, I think it would be a good idea... and... I think I'd quite enjoy it... the Explorer's have been quiet as of late... but... I'll wait to see how the wind blows.

I think I might be in trouble again. All thanks to a flirty daughter of Rain's called Sil and her drinking spree in a tavern. Hells.. how blunt do I have to be? I think the lass just aint used to taking no as answer.

Me and Trouble's finished our order's for the carpentry shop... and got another order in from Jaigan just this morning. Still... it's all small things at the moment.. small True. Why can't some bugger order a Yew bow or something... fill my bank account up again. There's a set of armour the Raven's might have in stock Im just dying to splash out on.

[LordCove]

Well.. I... dont know what to make of this.
I confess.... I'm scared of anything Weave related. It's become obvious I aint got a single magical bone in my body... nor any understanding of it.
A few people of course manage to reduce that fear... Tegan, Val, Godim....
.. so anything magical I refer to Tegan.

But when she told me about the accident with the chisel, cutting her hand open and Trouble somehow managing to heal it a little... I thought " Whoa! Well.. thank Folian Teg's will know what to do."
But then to have her tell it was neither magical or Divine weave that healed her... well... Im at a bloody loss.

We talked about it a fair bit whilst Trouble was out doing whatever it is he does. Nearly ten now... he still seems like a child to me... but... acts so grown up at times.
It was Grohin who suggested, in his own elegant words, the magic may be "Tree hugger" related. Naturistic in... er... nature.
So me and Tegs talked a bit... wandered... and talked some more. What do we do? If anything?

I'll quickly interject her with something... though its hardly a prime point at the moment. But just so I remember.
We found Travie. I tried to take Tegs on a little holiday break. Few days up in Audiria, catching a tan, swimming in the sea.....
.... but we found Travie in the Inn we planned on staying. I felt a little guilty sending Tegs in to flirt with him and throw him off guard... especially considering she did it really well.
But hell.. i was two feet away... and we learnt plenty about where the bowl may be.

But anyway....

** Sall looks up from his journal, sprawled on the bed as he hears his name being called **

Well... Boon told us some... not so encouraging stories about Druids. And it was at that point we realised... we.. basically... just had to sit him down and have a talk.

** Sall sighs softly, a concerned look on his face as he snaps the journal shut, lifts up the loose floorboard and hides his journal underneath, ensuring the floorboard is replaced perfectly.
Leaping off the bed and smoothing down the creases of his coat, he opens the bedroom door to see Tegan waiting for him, a smile there but, a serious and worried expression also.
Taking her hand with a reassuring smlie, they walk into the living room, where Trouble sits on the couch,with Screech on his shoulder. His expression becomes nervous as they walk in, and the monkey, seeming to finnaly agree with the parents, leaps off his shoulder, skitters along the floor and clambers up on Tegans shoulder*

Son.... me and your mother would like to have a word.

** with that, the two sit on the couch, and start a conversation that could never be found in any parental instruction manual.... anywhere **

[LordCove]

Well... I can't find Tegan's journal anywhere. I don't know where she's hid it... but she hid it bloody well. She's up to something... always seems tight-lipped or, making exscuses.
Plus... she's spending more time with Trouble at the moment, and, apparently, the little guy's learning to control his weave. Which leaves me sat about with little to do. So, made myself busy.

One hundred True fine for a re-paint of the Hall of Weave's Ceiling! I could paint the whole sodding building for that!
Yeah... so what if some of my potions kinda... scorch the ceiling and er... billow a lot of smoke about. I don't seem them charging those Infuser's for floor damage. I mean seriously... all the Infuser's bench's look like some wizard just blew up next to it... but I have to pay for ceiling damage? Bloody joke.

Muireann. The sneaky, sly bloody wench she is. Basically bribed me into lending her some "help" with something in the future... something I may not bloody like. All so I could get my hands on some old book and a document, she twisted my words and plied this and pointed out that.
Stupid woman. All she had to do was ask for help and I would have said okay. Instead she spent nearly two hours negotiating this and twisting that.

Raven's dragged me off on another interesting jaunt. I swear... where do they come up with the idea's to head off to these bizzare bloody places. Shadow Temple or something... lots of Monks running around and kicking and punching.
Still, nice library, and I grabbed myself a book for some... heh... light reading.
Also got some kind of Horn Alantha very neatly ripped off the head of a Balor... said its got some use to it, so I snatched it up before I headed home.

Don't know how... but Pyyran's found out I got it... and sent me a letter.

" Heard you got something useful I could use. Im interested. Leave it in my study for me."

Heh.. yeah... right mate. Why don't I pass you my good front teeth and my healthy kidney while I'm at it huh.

[LordCove]

Trouble's getting a little sneaky. I aint sure where he's going.. .but he's wandering off for hours at a time by himself... but telling me and his mom he's off to see Tyra and Drakie. But... when we nip around to take him home... they're telling us they haven't seen him all day.
Aint good for a 11 year old to be doing this... gonna have to follow the bugger... see where the hell he's been going.

Our little carpentry shop's getting some bloody good business... and we're working our butts off to keep up. Just wish someone would turn up with those bloody Dusts of Appearance before I have to withdraw all the Hunter bow line.

Being trying to keep out of trouble, but, not as much as before. Been wandering the Ire mountains awhile now. I know there's some temple or little base for those bloody Coraths, and Im sure thats where they took me. On one ramble, I actually stumbled upon some of them talking, and managed to eavesdrop. Bits and pieces, about artifact's and such.
Had Gork in tow, but, we got spotted and attacked, the last Corath managing to bloody escape.

Muir. How bizzarre.
The meeting with the Orc Basher's didn't go well at all, simply because she was with us. I was put on the spot.... and well, yeah, I guess she is an Explorer, she's been with us for years. But... a merger that could have strengthened both guilds is gone now.
However, Muir's an official now. Not sure what difference it will make, between looking after Trouble, keeping the Carpentry shop running and following my little "leads".. I hardly have time for anything else.

Bizzarrer though... she fessed up about what's been wrong with her... always being ill. I gotta say... that was a bloody breakthrough, finnally telling me, even for her. Just hope she knows what the hell she's doing.

Another wander off somewhere with the Ravens, with Kobal and a few others. They may be reckless and, go some pretty strange bloody places, but I noticed, if things look bad, they watch your back. They seem to have a fondness for taking the mickey out of me... and yet... never take it too far.
I reckon one day, I'll snap and explode on them... just for fun... just to see what happens.

And.... no the news. Tegan says Bear and Abi are getting married....
... she also says Trith and Clover are getting married?!?
What the hell?? Aint that fast?
It made me a little nervous hearing it. Me and Tegs have been together 16 years... and... not a ring between us.
Makes me wonder. Should I? Would it matter? Or is this something I should have done so long ago... doing it now wouldn't make an ounce of difference.

[LordCove]

Worked my butt off I did. More sandpaper than I ever used for Yew before, and I got blisters all over my hand, making something as small as that. The leaf effect and blossom in the centre took me even longer. It had to be perfect. And ever time I felt myself getting a little weary or sloppy.. I put it down and left it.
Of all the things.. I'll be damned if Im doing this half arsed.

Trouble. What to say.
It's Folians grove he's going to. I woke one morning, heard him mooching about in the cupboards, and leaving Tegs still snoring in bed... i followed him.
He took Screech with him, no surprise there, and seems to have either found or made his own little short path to get him close to Folians grove pretty bloody quick. Quicker than I ever knew.
I almost screamed and drew my swords when I saw him walk casually over to Old Grumpy, the resident grizzly bear of that part of the woods.
Well... I couldn't help it. A bloody tear came to my eye.
I'll be damned if that huge old bear didn't lumber over to my son, nuzzle him, toss him onto its old shoulders and carry him around like it was entertaining a guest.
Damndest thing I ever saw.
Gonna be something special that kid. I know it already.

Trith's marriage. And.. Im the best man. Hell.. not even sure what I should do for it. Im was hoping a visit to the Temple of Xeen in Katherian might have been good enough.. but Tegs kinda looked at me funny and said it might not be such a good idea for someone supposedly getting married the next day.

[LordCove]

So... been quiet lately... kind of.

Teg's is moody as hell... and I mean moody. Nothing like the monthly thing or the time I went away for a few weeks without a word... or when I kinda locked the two of us outside the house, leaving Trouble inside in the cot on his own.
But I mean real moody. I haven't suffered any permanent damage or anything that requires a visit to a Cleric... but its in the post.. .I can feel it.
She won't tell me whats wrong... but Trith's involved somehow. He keeps pestering her or bugging her about something... and wont let it drop... although I aint got a clue what that is.
Well... enoughs abloody enough. Gonna find him and tell him to shut it. He aint the one gotta creep around the house all quiet for fear of a fiery arrow flying for his head. As if her fetish over me wearing pink shirts wasn't enough.. now I got this.

Besides... I gotta a little more "claim" to be intefering now.
I'd made her a ring, in secret. Carved and polished from my last Yew branch. Took me ages to make. Not as a wedding ring or engagement ring or anything... just as a... " here love... here's a ring... er... just because."
But... could never find the right moment to give her it. Thankfully... she found the right time for me.
Walked through the gates of Hempstead and there she was, hot little vixen she is. Had something for me... been keeping it in that bag of hers for ages now. So.. a little warily... I did what she said... and turned around and closed my eyes.

Well... in true dwarven style.... she pulled out a shovel, whacked me smartly across the head with it... and claimed me as her own.
I aint kidding.... it bloody hurt! And lay there on the floor, looking up, a little dazed.... I could hear Marcus's voice in the distance, saying some kind of wedding vows or something, and people grabbing and shaking my hand congratulating me.
So.. when Tad checked and made sure there was no permanent damage.. I gave her the ring.
 Mr and Mrs Tempest. Heh! I would never have thought it.

 We celebrated with Trouble good style when we got home... which I was surprised to find he was actually home for a change.

[LordCove]

So... the tale is... Vampire's are abound.

Oh.. I believed it. I'd heard what happened to Abi and Bear, and I think it was Kry's wife who apparently got kidnapped by one... poor lass. All this I heard from Storold and Sala's conversation.
But usually.. I hear these rumour's... and see nothing about them for myself.

Well.. until I went out venturing across Dregar. Poor kid came running right up to us.... terrified... and not one of them... Ark, Jaelle, Gravas, Argail, Brian, not one of them knew what to do with a terrified child.
Well... I put on my "daddy" head and calmed the lad down, and found out what happened. Ticked me off big time.
Whole family killed by Vamps... or... possibly all.

And it would have been all. We tracked them to the woods near the Back-bone mountains... and thanks to Brians scouting and Ark's " Baiting" Techniques... which I gotta say... when I saw him dart past me with a dozen vampires chasing him... are sadly lacking. But still... he did it long enough for me and Brian to grab that lass from the back of the wagon and drag her to safety.

And Trouble! This ticked me too! Tegs says he wants to go and spend a week in Folians woods....
...alone!

Is he bloody kidding me... a close to twelve year old kid... spending a week in the woods alone? And he asked Tegs to ask me?!
Not a bloody chance!
One night.. thats what he can have. And unbeknownst to him... I'll keep hidden to the shadows and watch every move he makes the entire night.
Yes... I know Folians Grove is sacred and safe... but it dont mean Im stupid enough to let him roam around it for a week alone.
He could fall down a cliff, into a river... hell.. there "is" a balance... and Im sure children are part of the bloody food chain there too!

[LordCove]

I'm starting to feel... kind of useful again.

A chance encounter with Miss AnnaLee in the Whitehorn stirred up some old memories... back to the days of the fiasco in New Haven.. .the er.. whole "Mayor killing...mayor reviving... mayor torturing" situation.
I still kind of think it was her fault it went bad.... and she still thinks she did the right think... but hell... that story was way too old for me to still hold a grudge. Anyway... we got ourselves mixed up in this whole trouble going on with Leringard... Tegs too of course....no surprise there. Where trouble follows me... it follows her... where it follows her... it follows me.
Anyway... Miss Lee expressed some er... concerns over one of the Leringard guards... so off I went to do a bit snooping.

Then... a letter came from Beli... a request for me to find someone for him. When I read his letter, I was kinda surprised he needed me to find this person... especially if what this person knew had such er... an important impact on what was going on.
But... I sent that good old halfling Delivery service business out... and sure enough... I've got a lead to go on. Just gotta find the dwarf... and see if he can lead me to this Rufus.

Trouble's dropped his "let me be alone in the woods" request... mainly after him and Tyra got into some bother with some hunter's or something out in the woods. Still... I'm surprised they eventually told us at all.... so I gave him credit for that.
I think he's still a little scared though... doesn't want to leave the house much at the moment incase they come looking for him. So.... despite the constant earbashing he gave me before... I've let him come along to make these new bows Im busy with.
Unbeknownst to him though... once he's feeling a little better... me and Tegs have decided to ground him for awhile. She thinks its likely to backfire on us... and in honesty I agree.. but hell... can't have him doing what he likes when he likes.

And poor Tegs. Heh... she's so easy. I keep joking on about kicking Trouble out the house or putting him up for adoption... and I think she "really" believes I'm serious. I wind her up for hours and hours... laughing my back off.
Heh.. marriage aint so bad.. but then... nothing seems to have changed anyways.

[LordCove]

Bloody horses!

We'd set up Trouble with a babysitter....er...sorry... I'm not "allowed" to use that word no more *rolls his eyes as he writes*

We'd set up Trouble with a "housewatcher" and headed off to Orc's watch for a night in the Inn. A bard was supposed to be playing...a few drinks... an early night away from all the bloody animals swooping down on our home and those incessent bloody woodpeckers in the attic!
Trouble say's he doesn't know why they're here... but I know fine well he does. Hell.... all he has to do is ask them... which I think he's already done. Seems strange they all bloody turn up "after" we ground him.
The neighbours have been complaining about deers in their garden and rabbits eating their vegetables... even one of those sodding dwarven guards stopped me and told me matter-of-fact it will "not" be tolerated for long.

*he sighs and mutters a little as he tilts his head, hearing the sound of Trouble's music blasting from the bedroom, then shakes his head and goes on writing*

Anyway... horses and Orcs watch. Some horses had been stolen... and true to her ways... Tegs was already caught... wrapped up in the middle of it. So I joined in... and headed off to Blackfeather mountains.
It was only a bloody slip of the tongue... I never even realised what she was angry for till later. We needed something to pick up the scent... and someone asked if that wolf still followed me about.
" Igrio?" I said... " Nah.... he went off and joined up with MY Priestess a few years back."
It was said innocent enough... but... she blew her top... sputtering " My?! My?!?"
So... I tried to play nice and be nice... even crept up and followed her when she decided to follow a set of trails with Jin and Serg and Brian. But she's still mad... and... I'm not sure why to be honest... but Val is such a touchy subject between us... i really dont wanna stir it more.

Anyway...we of course... found the horses... and low and behold... killed off the mad wizard responsible. Er... with... a little help here and there of course.
So of course... after that... no free night... no drinks.. no bard... straight back home... where Im expecting the silent treatment for awhile.

*he sighs again, folding the journal and laying back on the bed, arms behind his head, toying with the holy symbol of Folian about his neck, and staring aimlessly at the toy snow Globe of a Golden Dragon on the bedtable*

[LordCove]

Oh how my life can suck! Let me count the ways!

* Sall simply storms into the house, flings his journal off the wall and curls up into bed miserably.

A few moments later... he hears the familiar sound of Trouble's music blaring from the bedroom. For a brief second, a smile plays on his lips...

... then he curses and drags the quilt up and over his head, falling into a fitful sleep.*

[LordCove]

** Sprawled out on the couch, nibbling absently on some blueberry pie, Sall scratches away contently in his journal*

Okay... maybe I was a little presumptious. Not too sure what it was that got me down to be honest.
Maybe's it was the big fight with Muireann...
the fact Tegs had seemed so different and distant lately...
 or that Beli leaving for the OrcBasher's finnaly drove home the fact that the Explorer's was gone.
Or Maybe's it was the constant arse kicking I'd been receiving lately from things I should be able to handle.
Or perhaps Trouble's rebellious finnaly stressed me too much.

What ever it was. I dealt with it badly.
But things are better now.

Muireann I know will talk to me... she always does... no matter how much we fight. She's still got the whole ....erm.... traveler with her... sucking her will on a daily basis. Oh I could rant and rave and tell her she's nuts... but... what good would it do.

Tegs isn't growing apart from me. Just cause she's wearing a new dress alot lately doesn't mean she's having an affair... no matter what Ark says about this Balth guy. Don't know why I even thought of that.
There's definetly something bugging her... but after the little arguement outside Phall... I don't think its all about me. Sure... the whole tongue slip about "My Priestess" still bothers here.. but that aint all of it.
Best make some time for her... which I should have bloody done ages ago. Find out whats stirring her and... well.. do the husband thing.

I've known the Explorer's were dead for a long time now. The name's no longer needed. It served its purpose... and name or not... we're all still the same friends whether in the Guild or not. Maybe's I should just disband it... or hand it all over to Shamur.

And yeah... why I keep trying to be something Im not I dont know. I "cant" fight as well as some people.... thats true. But a few ventures with the Raven's and wander's up the mountains taught me something.
I can do other things they can't. Show me a lock or a trap... and I'm the man. Need something finding... I got eyes like a bloody hawk.
And fighting style? Sure... one on one... I aint got a chance. But if the bad guys busy fighting one of my friends? Hell... I can sneak up behind and hit him where it hurts... and holy hells does it hurt.

And Trouble... sure... he won his little point with us... or thinks he did. Had to unground him when all the animals showing up got er... kinda out of hand.
But he's growing fast... real fast. Either that... or time's flying by.
Fourteen he'll be soon... but he's so grown up. And the thing's hes able to do... control animals and plants and such. Sure... I've seen this from Druids before... but this is my son.
Can't even begin to explain how proud I am when I see him do these things. I just smile and watch and think... " bloody hells... thats my son."


** Sall finishes up quickly, hearing the door knock. In the margin, he writes a few notes for what he needs to enter next time**

The Artificer's lair... the diary and what we found
Looking into Phall... Bastion the Protector
The Dusty book and the Ravens trip... and the Portal shard.... and Allei's secret love for me

[LordCove]

Trouble's 14th Birthday was a little while back. Was a fun day. He dropped all this rebelliousness and argumentative attitude... and became our son again for the day. He spent most the morning out with Tyra and Drakie of course... but the afternoon we went to Folian's grove... where we had a little picnic... told a few stories... and Tegs put on a magicky light show for him... which scared the wits out of his bear Old Grumpy. Trouble had to go chasing off to bring it back.

We also, with several others, found the lair of this "artificer" Padraigh wanted us to find. I managed to find a diary in an old cupboard down there... but the place was a mess. From the looks of it... the things this Artificer had built actually turned against him. Just waiting now to sift through the old pages and see what it all says.

Also joined Sasha. She'd heard rumours about Phall and something to do with the Green Dragon Cult me and Tegs had been in bother with. Well... the group slit up and made our way there... and holy hells!
They have a Dragon... called Bastion.... that does the bidding of the town and Lord there. But! The bloody thing is poisoned! With the same stuff me and Tegs stole from the Leringard arms and gave to Q.
Not only that.... whilst helping out some merchanteers in Audiria... we stormed what we thought was a "basic" pirate cove. Like hell was it!
The Sederan army stormed the place, and in the midst of the fighting, a gold Dragon turned up, posioned too! It took out a huge portion of the pirates before flying off west!
Someone's doing this... and I'll bet my butt its these Green Dragon Cults.
I've tried a lot lately to keep out of trouble... not get too involved...
...but...
... this is getting bloody serious.

Me and Tegs... kind of ... hit a bad patch. I thought she was distancing herself from me... she thought I was from her. Guess I'd become comfortable.. it had been a long time since we traveled just for the hell of it... none work involved... or we'd sat down just to talk about things not concerning Trouble or what the house needed or who was fetching This and That from the shops.
I'm trying to make amends... same as her... but after finding Triths parents... the father who... apparently... is "her" father too... I think she may be more confused than normal. But... we helped Trith deal with the Vampire trouble... and by Folian... the Tempest's did well that day.
So... I'll speak to her about it first... but I think we need to poke our noses into this Poisoned Dragon trouble... see if we can't help out again.

Hmm.. what else.

Ravens trip... managed to tag along a few times lately.
First off to... I dont even recall the name... this kingdom... and an old castle.
I bloody swear... Emeralds and Mithril and piles of gold just lying around the bloody place! But could I touch it? Oh no... all went to the Foundation... not that I minded so much.
Me and Angy helped out some Toranites clear up some undead... which.. to my joy... allowed me to stick a thorn in the Corath's backside.
Allei snatched me up for some Iron and wood gathering. Seems she's wanting to build herself a house in Stort or Nith or somewhere.. so think I'll be nice guy and see whats lying around the wood shop for her.
And Linny... knocking me on my butt again with her spells whilst we raided the pirate island. Still... she kept calling me over and keeping me warded. She didn't need to... so... Im thankful for that.
They may be a bloody crazy bunch... but they aint bad.

Bloody hells... I've rambled a bit today.

[LordCove]

** Lay comfortably in the bath, the room slowly filling up with steam to the point it was getting diffiuclt to see the opposite wall, Sall hummed an old Leringard tune to himself as he lazed and soaked contently.
Then the sound of the front door being banged upon sounded, and he tilted his head.**

"Tegs! Door!" he shouted

*no reply*

" Trouble! Door!"

*again, no reply, and the door banged again, louder and more impatient.*

"For Folians sake!" he muttered, and clambered out the bath, wrapping a towel around his waist and padding out the bathroom and down the hall, leaving squelchy wet footprint marks behind him.
At one point, he slipped and nearly went flying backwards if it was'nt for the coat rack by the door. But in his haste, he pulled the coat rack to the floor with a clatter, hats and coats flying across the floor, and Screech, who had been soundly asleep on the top, suddenly screamed and screeched in panic, leaping up to the ceiling roofbeams and skittering about them.

Less than amused... he swung the door wide open.
Two young girls stood there... .at first smiling innocently with a giggle in their eyes and dressed rather prettily. But upon seeing the rather disgruntled and semi-naked Sallaron stood in full view of the doorway... their mouths dropped open and they glanced at each other, unsure what to do.

Sall, a little flustered and embarresed, quickly hid behind the door and poked his head around the corner.*

" Ermm... something I can do for you young ladies?" he coughed, a little embarresed.

*The young girls quickly regained their compsure and peered past Sall and down the hallway, apparently hoping to get a glimpse of someone.*

" Oh... Hello Mr Tempest. Is Trouble in? Can he come out to play?" they piped shlyly, one of the girls giggling and nudging her friend when they spoke Trouble's name.

" Trouble? Erm... he's not in I'm afraid. Probably out with Tyra somewhere or other. Er... you want me to leave him a message?"

*One of the girls frowned a little and glanced at her friend at the mention of Tyra. But the other girl simply sighed and shook her head.*

"No.. that's okay Mr Tempest. We'll come back later. Oh.. and my Mom said to say thank you to Mrs Tempest. Her pies went down well at the birthday party."

* Sall simply nodded and smiled, still only his head visible behind the door. *

" I certainly will. Be good ladies" he said, and closed the door slowly while one girl still seemed intent on peering down the hallway.

With a sigh and a chuckle Sall locked the door and began padding down the hallway back to the bath....

.. a few moments later, a squelchy skidding mark could be heard, followed by a loud thump and the sound of plates and cups shattering on the floor.
Not two seconds later a loud " BUGGERRR!!!" could be heard from outside the house.*

[LordCove]

*hunched over the table, Sall scribbles neatly on various posters of his " Sallaron and Trouble Tempest Carpentry shop", adding an extra line in large print along the bottom. He sighs with every copy he completes, until he has a large pile next to him.
Tegan sneaks up behind him and leans across, massaging his shoulders and reading one of the posters out loud*

" Due to time constraints,a lazy teenager *she chuckles at this* ,  bulk and type of orders, and the fact I am bloody exhausted... Sallaron and Trouble Tempest Carpenter's are taking an extended holiday. For the moment... no new order's will be taken.
Order's already taken will be honoured?? Sall... your closing shop?"

*he turns and smiles up at her*

" Hell no sweets. But Im bloody knackered. All I ever to from morning to night is run here and there, make this and that... and to be honest... it's for True we don't really need. I mean... it's not like we're starving or anything.
I want to get out more. Lie about Hempstead... go off with folks doing the usual stuff I used to bloody do."

*she smiles down and gives him a nod*

" True... very True. But you better not be thinking of lazing about the house Captain. If your not going to be working... Im sure I can find some house chores for you."

*Sall chuckles and pats her hand*

" Oh joy."

[LordCove]

So... despite my attempts to go on holiday and take a break from work... Im "still" running around like a headless chicken making this and that. The Saddlebags order's out the way, now there's just Kobal's parts for his bow ( I never want to make another one of those bows as long as I live!) and Caerwyn's parts.
But... despite the want to move away from work... something sprung to mind... and I'm making investigations into it.
A boat.
Always wanted one... I know how to sail pretty bloody good... and a nice, run down old barge or something I could do up and take off in sounds like a dream.
Sure... it's more work... but its a different kind of work.

Dragons are getting about these days. Me and Tegs joined with some to track down and find Earth Whisperer. Contaminated by the poison, it went on a wild rampage, and despite our best attempts... we couldn't help it.
Although, the Voice of Fisterion came to take it to the Red Dragon itself, it's escaped and is loose again.

Also, I've started making notes on a book... regarding adventuring. And lately, I've taken some pretty good notes. Regarding a Priestess trying to track down some old Poems and works of Art.
I swear, these people have no idea why the items are being collected, how much danger theyre getting into, they even know its likely they're "not" being told the whole truth about what theyre getting into... but STILL they just agree and go along.
No planning or considering consequences what-so-ever.
I mean, after seeing Voon fall in the crypts... how can I risk my neck for a seven hundred year old poem... or a tattered old painting done by some dead guy whose name I cant even remember!

What else.. oh... me and Teg's are making trips across Belinara.
I gotta say... we kicked some bloody butt that day! Took down a legendary bear that had moved to the cave to die... and gathered some Yew... despite the Guardians throwing spells at us like it was confetti.

After that, I must confess, I er... felt a bit more confident with what I could do.
So.... I dropped into the Explorer's Guildhall and left a note...
... and they replied.
Been years since we gathered to put our minds to something! Cant wait to get back out on the road with them.

[LordCove]

That bloody woman! Don't know whats bit her butt.. but of course... whatever it is... all seems to be my bloody fault.
Thunderclapped me.. amongst other things... she's always sharp and ... well... pointy... wouldnt wait for me or grace me with a nice word. If this is just one of those bad months then its a "long" bloody month!
Wondering if because Troubles away exploring she thinks its a chance to spread her.. " Oh yes... I "will" annoy you" wings.

And yes... oh yes... the bloody joy of not working. Which... somehow... ends up with me working "exactly" the same as when I "didnt" want to work.
How the hell that works I dont know!

** Sall mutters and finishes the passage, sliding it into a hole under a looses floor board and curling up, rather uncomfortably, on the couch*

[LordCove]

" I'm sorry what happened to your wife" Goldy said.

He said it with such... sadness... that.... I felt myself go cold all over... and panic rose up in me.

" Er... what?" was all I could blurt out.

It was that mountain! That stupid sodding bloody mountain and those Giant things that seem to be moving closer and closer to Dalanthar! They jumped them by the lake... and Tegan.... being her usual self... threw herself in the fray to try and save someone.

I almost wanted to throttle Goldy! Theyr'e supposed to keep an eye on her.. protect her! Well they were doing a  bloody job!
But then.. I realised... he felt bad about it himself... like he'd let her down.

And now.... she's... she's talking about Wills and.... final requests and.... and.... ugh... I dont know what to bloody do.
The thought of losing her... I... I'm truly not sure... I could handle that. I "know" I couldnt handle that.
I dont want to... and I bloody Refuse to have to handle that!

And there we were, not a few days prior, arguing and fighting or, barely speaking to each other much.

** he sighs as he continues writing*

Anyways... I've finished some work... the Ravens helped me out a lot, mainly for me helping Allei with her house... Alantha wants a....

** he pauses a moment, thoughtful, and swallows a lump in his throat*

.. gah... what does any of that matter.
I'm close to losing my bloody wife.
Nothing else matters.... but that.

[LordCove]

** The mist of the Thunderpeaks billowed all around, and Sall gazed up thoughtfully, chewing the quill in his hand, wondering where the mist ended and the clouds began. His hand poised over his journal, and had for some time now, uncertain what to write, how to start it, what even to say. The sound of stifled laughter caught his ears a moment, and with a smile, he glanced over to the camp fire, where the rest of the adventurer's caught up in this affair ate and slept and passed the time.
Thoughtfully, he cast his mind back to events a few days previous....*


Tegan woke with a start, bolting upright and gasping for breath.
It wasn't the noise that woke Sall, since she made none. It was just the movement, and just as fast, he woke and sat up, rubbing her shoulders.
" Again?" he asked hesitantly.
She simply nodded, chewing her lip and gazing out the window to the darkness.
" It... its wasn't as... scary this time. It just felt so lonley.And I think its a boy."
Sall arced an eyebrow.
" A boy? The dark figure in your dreams that has you waking up every night... is a little boy?"
Finnaly catching her breath, she just shrugged simply and lay back on the pillows, staring out the window. A little concerned, Sall leant over and rested his head on her shoulders.
" You gonna be... okay while Im gone?"
She smiled and patted his head like a child.
" Of course Captain. It's only a dream. I'm more concerned whether "you" are going to be okay. I... dont like that mountain and what's been going on up there."

Sall grinned a little.
" The mountain I can handle sweets. I'll wager a lot of tough cookies will be going to see the Boymeister about this. Lotta people for me to hide behind. Hell... Im more concerned about this letter to see the Admiral than anything I might find up that bloody mountain. If I come back... we'll head straight to Hurm."
Tegan frowned, and turned on her side to glare at him, moonlight shimmering in her silver hair, her eyes narrowed at him.
" Dont you "if I come back" me Mr Tempest. You bloody well come back in one piece or I'll be coming up there to drag you down kicking and screaming!"
He chuckled and kissed her brow.
" Yes dear. And maybe's after... if your still having these dreams... even though I bloody think they're a bunch of charlatans. Go see one of those er... Sage type.. people. Though personally.... " he smiled before continuing, " I just think its your innate "momliness" waking up. Kinda strange how you get the idea to adopt and then these dreams kick in."

She smiled a little, slyly turning to her side in a seductive manner, mischeif in her eyes, her finger trailing a line up his chest.
And quick as a flash, she whacks her pillow off his head with a thump.

" Innate momliness! Hmmph! For that your making breakfast! Now get to sleep Mr Tempest!"

A little stunned, chuckling to himself, Sall roll's over and curls up to sleep.