Elohanna Dawnstar - The Journey Continues

[Anamnesis]

To: Elohanna Min A'Litae
c/o the Tower Academy
Municipal District
Port Hempstead
Kingdom of Brelin
Mistone

My Minuet -

I'm sorry, I'm sorry - I had to cheat. I had your beautiful letter translated. I think that it will help me more than scratching my head over certain conjugations and cursing (in Tilmarese) the complexity of your tongue.

Pardon me while I pause to ponder the complexity of your tongue...it has indeed been far too long since we have seen each other in a comfortably private situation!

I understand your time constraints and the demands the Tower makes of you, and rest assured my feelings have not changed, Minu. You are part of my song, more than you know. Remind me to tell you of experiences I've had in Wayfare recently and how your quiet beliefs influenced the results. We don't need to spend all our time together for me to love you. Others can wander in and out of our lives, but your place with me is always there when you wish it, and mine with you.

That said, let me catch you up with what I've been doing since last we were together. I have lately been on a listening exercise, wandering and absorbing the Heartsong wherever I find it. Listening to the Heartsong of the natural world, so very quiet and simple; the song of the city; the song of battle; the song of the slow towns and rowdy bars. It has been enlightening and contributed to my music greatly. I have also been setting myself up for possible trouble, which excites me far more than it should. I will speak more of this to you in person.

I sat for a while the other day and spoke to she whom holds a piece of my heart still; our conversation more the talks of days before her fire took me than after. I was reminded, repeatedly, of what drew me to her, and that very same thing that is such a difference between us. I think, looking back, some of those feelings may have been an undercurrent to my action that drove us apart, alcohol or no. You do not affect me the same way; I don't feel like a child around you, always being questioned and gently laughed at as if I were amusing but inconsequential. For this, I thank you.

And yet I cannot imagine not knowing her, not taking her opinion. She seemed confused that I would be content with being content. While I think that this measure of peace is merely another bridge in my song - there will be highs and lows soon enough. Soon enough indeed, as alluded to above.

It's odd, Elly. Elves as a whole tend to look at humans one way, as a bunch of loose arrowheads, utterly predicatable only in how unpredicable we are and deeply annoying in our lack of forethought. And we humans, as a whole, do the same - elves are stuffy and condescending at best, decide things far too slowly, and look down on the rest of us for what reason? And then there is you, and her, and I think to myself "but they're not like that". Who is the rule and who is the exception? I've been coming to face my own racism lately and it's an icy splash of water, let me tell you.

What else? Ah! Do you know the lady Gala, now the head of the Krandor Hospital? I have been working on making instruments to donate there (and am proud to say I can make a halfway decent hickory mandolin now), and I will be spending time there, using the Heartsong to ease pains and learning about the healing side of the Resonance of Being. This I am quite excited about and if you can find me in none of my usual haunts, check there.

My parents have opened up their new pottery barn with some success. And, miracle of miracles, Aya has gotten in contact with mother. It seems her powerful husband, an advisor to the Kagi, has had a fall from grace over a dalliance with someone's daughter. And while I will not name names I laughed myself to the floor when I got mother's letter - I myself "knew" that daughter when she was quite a bit younger! I am smiling even now, because I know exactly how persistant she can be. Aya's husband never had a chance. I can only wonder, additionally, who paid this lady to ruin him? But, the end result is mother gets her daughter back, and I, for now, can speak of my whole family. Aya is pregnant also. I'm not sure if she will leave her husband but the fall from power certainly has tempered her ego, to which I can only say: good.

Write to me, Minu - tell me what you've been doing, thinking. Better yet, write me to tell me when we can meet and have another piano and elvish lesson. I do miss you.

Andrew

[Anamnesis]

My Beloved and Treasured Symphony,

I am smiling as I read your letter My Treasured Symphony. Because I never meant for my language to be a puzzle to solve but an understanding you grasped with your heart, as you do the Heartsong. So do not worry that I am upset at you for doing so. Let my words put you at ease and I love you for more than just your willingness to learn my language. I love you because you listen to me. It has been to long since I have held you and the warmth of your breath against my body as we hold each other.

I would never give up the time the Tower takes in my life, when I can see the happiness in each of my students faces as they grasp their first understanding of the Al'noth and realize that in that understanding they have let go of their fears and opened themselves to a world so much beyond even my own imagining.

My Love and My Heart are always with you, as you know even better than I, the Heartsong's melody sings softly for the both of and wills us in its own way to fit where we are meant to be, when we are meant to be there. I wish to truly hear of all of your adventures and I feel that after this auction that we will finally have the opportunity to have more time to spend together. My Heart is always yours and always with you. Please be sure to tell me of all of your adventure as I wish to understand all the pieces of my love and what adventures you have found yourself in.


Andrew, my treasure there is simply nothing about you that I would ever laugh at, rather I will always laugh with you as you touch my heart in so many ways that I hold you as the most precious person in my life. I am glad though that you have had a chance to speak and understand your lady and what made you love her to begin with, though it sounds as if your feelings for her have changed in some small way?

Please let me know when we see each other again as I wish to understand. I also have discovered recently that there was a source of scrying attempted in my own house in Fort Llast, you will have to remind me to tell you what has happened to as I rather not go into the details, other than in person.

I can tell you honestly that most of my own kind have always been arrogant, and very few have ever shown the capacity to be different. I admit that there are parts of me that used to feel that I could not ever love a human, and so I would close myself off to such a possibility. I have lost out on great friends as a result and sadly those who have tried have long since left this mortal world in pursuits to serve their gods.

I believe that there are two reasons for why this happens, one is simply an understanding that because humans are such a young race some of our race have grown complacent that they will only be in our life for a short period of time, and that the time is inconsequential to the bigger picture.

However I feel that, ever pebble no matter how long they are in our lives, matters to the greater picture and the Heartsong continues as it will because every single person matters. Every human, orc, goblin, kobold, elf are part of the bigger tapestry of life. Each race has its own arrogance though, I just wish to not fit into that predictable mold called elf. I have learned more from humans as an honest people than I have my own race and I treasure greatly the lessons learned. The rule though is sadly what you believe it to be. The exceptions are myself and your lady. Hold tight to the exceptions as they will touch your heart in most unexpected ways because we do not close our minds to the possibilities and shelter our lives away in some small portion of the world but we are willing to share ourselves with you.

I am very familiar with Lady Gala, as she is also a member of the Angels guild and I consider her a sister and friend. I am happy to hear you are able and willing to share you talents with the hospital as there is no greater gift than song that can be given to any. I am very proud of you Andrew, and I love that you are so willing to learn all you can about any aspect of the Heartsong. You have an amazing heart that I only fall more and more in love with when I hear about the undertakings you have perused. Please do not stop! I hope to see you soon and hope to also be near Krandor and Fort Llast again in the next few days.


I am also happy to hear that your parents have had success with their pottery barn and that I can hopefully soon have a chance to peruse their wares. I could use some new flower pots for the house, and though it seems a long way to travel, I believe it would be worth it.

It seems as though Aya truly needs an understanding brother to be close to her and Congratulations on being an UNCLE! Even if you have your own paths set before you, I am sure that the thought of being an Uncle has to tickle you. You are dearly blessed with your family and the chance to know the differences and embrace them anyway as you have.

I miss you Andrew and I wish to have you in my arms. I wish to hold you until you grow tired of me. I wish to listen to the softness of your heartbeat. I hope to see you soon my Treasured Symphony.

~Elly

[Anamnesis]

Everytime he holds me I feel a spark of something new that wells up with a passion that is unrelenting, that embraces him even more with the gentleness as he touches me more in just a way that makes my mind want him even more.
 
 Everytime I hear from his lips the way he calls me Minu, so affectionately I am drawn into his world in a way that will not let me go. I want to sing his song, and understand the melody within, the heartsong that he understands as Krysthalien understood the world around him as well.
 
 The journey of the Arcane did not resonate with me as much as the song does, it does not call to me as Andrew does, it does not draw me into his world as deeply. I thank Ben for showing me that it was a path that I could follow but it is not the path I have been longing for. I must thank Caerwyn for his guidance but I think even he knows this is not a path for me either. Sadly I am sure he will be most disappointed but the truth must be spoken aloud. I have nothing but respect for the path he has devoted himself to. It is his chosen path though, and sadly not my own.
 
 I am not only a mage, but a mother, a friend, a jeweler, a scribe, a cook, at times even a seamstress but how many will understand that I thirst for knowledge, and understanding, I wish to embrace the world in a way that I have not felt led to before until Andrew. I am not sure what I will do but I do wish to speak with Andrew more as I feel he is the only one who understands me more than anyone else.

[Anamnesis]

A piecie of parchment lays magically inserted into the pages of the tattered diary, lovingly placed there by its owner, much like pressed flowers in pages preceeding it.
 
 Dear Elohanna,

I am still alive and well. I am passing through Selrine today on the way to Amorbar. I plan to study at the Tower of Earth for a few months before I turn around.

Loving you always,

Omer
 
 I know my heart has cried out for confirmation that my beloved Omer is still alive and well. To hear from him to receive his letter has brought joy to my heart in a way only Aeridin could have answered. My heart lept in my chest racing to hear the few words that mean so much to me and have my prayers answered.
 
 My own reply simple and sweet.
 
 Be safe My Beloved and come home to me soon. There is so much to tell you and the enormity of choices made can never be expressed completely in a simple written letter.
 
 Loving you Always and longing to see you,
 Your Elohanna.
 
 I wish I could convey to him the choice I have made to let go of my bow and arrows to see them set aside forever so that I may renew myself and my faith in my beloved Lifebringer. I seen justice prevail when the truth is shown, when lies are dispelled, and I can only hope that peace will prevail as triumphantly when the options to listen are heard.
 
 I have spoken with Ferrit about my decision and she is in full support of my decisions, as are Quantum and Lance. I had hoped to tell Andrew as well but before we could discuss it, he was called away again. I do so hope to share with him at our next dinner date just how much this means to me.
 
 There is also something that puzzles, something I never new and remain quite surpised about, and that Quantum wishes that he could be Andrew, I do love them both but the feelings are different, then again I love Omer to but his love is different from Quantum so I am confused now. Even if it is not the same. It is still love to different degrees and I do love Quantum but never has it been thought of in the way of a lover, but a deep friendship that I cherish.
 
 It seems in my life I have lots to learn, and poor Emwonk, he had not known that Ben had fallen for the last time. I know his heart was breaking and as much as I wanted to cry along with him, I found much comfort in consoling him and being their for him, reminding him and myself that Ben is never more than a memory away and still remains good grounding in our lives by the friendship we have shared with him.
 
 The biggest change to come, the biggest leap of faith is probably the smallest step to take as I begin to study for the priesthood of my beloved Lifebringer. I know there is much to learn and insights to gleam and a world of understanding and faith that I have barely scratched the surface of that I am walking into, but it is willingly and with an open heart and mind that I pray my Beloved Lifebringer will touch my spirit and enable to understand truly his ways.
 
 ~Elohanna Min A'Litae

[Anamnesis]

A Gift
 
 
 My Dearest Symphony,
 
 I wished for you to have before I left a gift I was unable to give you. I did wish for you to know though that when you are ready, it is safely tucked away in your room in Leringard, in a package. I trust you to use it as it was intended, in the protection of those you love, as there is no greater reason to release the arrows.
 
 I love you Andrew more than I could ever tell you in mere words common or eleven.
 
 ~Your Minu Always

[Anamnesis]

Father Leidanos has granted me his sponsorship, and is more than pleased that I have made this choice. He could not try to stress enough to me though how difficult a path it is to walk. He has offered me a chance to stay and aid in the temple here in North Point until word reaches of us where I am needed most. So now I wait, but much more than that I have a chance to truly help in the temple as a true Daughter of Our Healing Light.

I know he is right though, as I have seen how easy it is for some to take life and find pleasure in it, and the thoughts gnaw at my stomach, at my heart and tear at my soul as it really settles on me just how cruel the world is and how unaware so many are of their own actions. I can not judge them though without understanding their own points of view, I walked the path they have and have justified my own actions because I believed it was protecting those I love.

I do not claim to have all the answers or know all the truths, I can try to change myself only, and hope that in doing so that my own actions will show others that it is possible to change.

 
 
 

[Anamnesis]

A peacefulness fills the temple of Aeridin at North Point as the night falls. The occassional coughing of a little girl fills the halls, and the whimpering of a scared little boy, drawing Elohanna towards them as the motherly instinct sets in and she goes to investigate.
 
 She kneels down in front of the little girl after pouring her a cold cup of water adding a touch of honey to it. "Here you are Cara, this should help aid that cough and help you rest easier." She then gently covers her with another blanket to help keep her warm, before she moves to Charles hearing his whimpering. She sits down on the bed beside him wrapping her arms around him trying to comfort him, gently rocking him, as she speaks softly to him. "It's alright little one, you are safe now Charles. No one is going to hurt you here." He buries his head against the folds of her dress, trembling. His pain and loss tearing at Elly's heart, as she tries to fight back her own tears and failing.
 
 She gently pulls another blanket around him and holds him closely pulling him into her lap, and rocking him like a baby, bringing his head to her chest, her own tears falling at his pain and fear. She begins to hum softly to help sooth him. "It's alright to cry Charles. You and your sister, will be safe here though." After awhile he begins to settle having cried himself to sleep.
 
 She gently lays him down on the cot to sleep and moves slowly to check on the other beds that are occupied, tending to wounds that need to be changed, before she feels the gentle hand of Brother Tarmaren on her shoulder. "You should rest sister. You have been up since you got here."
 
 She sighs softly giving up to his concern after looking into his eyes and seeing how passionate he is about seeing that she takes care of herself too. "Thank you so much Brother Tarmaren." She takes a moment to head to the entrance of the Temple to gather some fresh cool night air for a moment to clear her thoughts and sits beneath the tranquility of the stars filled sky now that the most current snow storm has passed. She carefully pulls from a pouch at her side a quill and ink, as well as a fresh peice of parchment to write a letter.
 
 
 My Dearest Symphony,
 
 
 I have made it here to the temple in North Point and found myself lovingly embraced in the arms of my brothers and sisters. I had feared their judgement and that they would turn me away but such was not the case.
 
 
 Father Leidanos, Brother Tarmaren, as well was Sister Wina have allowed to me to stay to help in the halls, while I await word of where I am to be assigned. There is a chance that I may be assigned in Krandor but I will go where the aid is needed most.
 
 
 I am certain that for once in my life I have truly been called down the path I was meant to be on. I truly have a chance to make a difference. These hands were made for My Caring Light to work his will through me. I have no doubt.
 
 
 Since I have come through the doors I have seen things that would tear at your heart My Love, and my own. It was not until I watched my brothers and sisters here that I truly understand how much courage and love fills each an every one of them. The compassion within them to comfort and aid the sick and to stand by the dying when their last breath is taken. It is heart wrenching but also so heart warming and rewarding.
 
 
 While so many look harshly on them for their gentle ways, and refusal to draw a blade in answer to conflict. I can only look upon them with the deepest respect and admiration and pray that in time His Healing Light also shines within me.
 
 
 ~Minu
 
 She gently tucks away the ink and quill and sets about to find the nearest post in North Point so that her letter may be delivered.

[Anamnesis]

Dead Eye, Spring Dawning 25, 1463

 I admit my decision most recently to give up my bow has been tested as I find that when I have exhausted all my options, that I must rely on my faith of Aeridin. I have had a feeling of control in the pit of my stomach that I have always held onto, a security that when I gave up my bow. I lost.
 
 When I was able to inflict harm to others it gave me a sense of strength that I am sadded to think about as a sense of power that made me feel strong. It was the only way I could aid my friends, through spells that twisted the mind, and inflicted so much pain in the name of protecting those I love.
 
 The more I think about it the more it sickens me within and I can only pray that Aeridin can forgive me, that my parents can forgive me, that I can forgive myself. When I look at Andrew and Quantum who both have such faith in me. I can only hope I can be the Healer in Aeridin's name they believe I can be.
 
 When I was helping Cara and Charles a part of me knew this is where I belonged, with my Beloved Healing Light. I don't feel so beloved right now though. I feel horrible. The thought of who was and who I want to be are as different as night and day.
 
 I justified death by saving others who I deemed more worthy to live. Who was I to be a judge, jury, and in some cases the executioner.
 
 My Beloved Healing Light I Pray to you for your gentle strength, compassion and divine wisdom. I pray that you forgive a child lost and will see before you someone worthy of redemption.

[Anamnesis]

Bright Eye, Spring Rain 23, 1463

 
 

Each day that passes I can feel Aeridin's presense more and more, I can feel his gentle guiding light, trying to teach me that there is always a way other than harming another creature or person to solve conflict. Only a few days have passed it seems since I went to the Silkwood spider caves with Daniel, Ferrit, Jako, a lady who calls herself Lily, Bella and even Andrew appeared.

 
 
 

As I listened more and more, I started to realize it was not where I belonged, a part of me again justifying that I was there to research the poisons as I gathered what sacs I could. Even that felt wrong. Being there had not seemed as it had so many times before, and I had to leave. I could not just come out and say that what they were doing was wrong. So I left them even Andrew to think more clearly.

 
 
 

As I was leaving though I came across a dire spider, who began to chase me, and I can only imagine it did so because I startled it. I did not want to hurt it. I simply wanted to get away from it. I had caused enough harm to its family. When I finally stopped it tried to bite me and I reacted. I reacted just as I always do until I felt it pull back as though it did not want to hurt me either. I made a deal with this spider that I would not hurt it if it would not hurt me, and so I tended to the wounds I had caused it. It seemed to calm a great deal and understand I intended it no harm, or perhaps it was I who finally realized that they are smart enough to understand.

 
 
 

I could only believe that My Healing Light is trying to reach my heart, to show me more each day what is possible. I am trying to listen and understand.

 
 
 

After I left the Silkwood I traveled under the cover of invisibility to the hills just outside of Hlint, along the way thinking of all the possible ways there could be to befriend and possibly even make amends with those I have caused pain to before. I have a great many things to atone for.

 
 
 

My path and lessons did not seem to end there and only continue to further tear at my heart as I used my tome to go back home. I thought I had wanted to be alone but as I stepped through the portal to see Captain Jennara, I knew I needed her wisdom and somehow she may be the only one who would understand just how I was feeling at the moment. One of the few willing to listen.

 
 
 

What she said though hit me hard as though I would want to deny the truth but then I find myself accepting it. She is right. "those who qualify as 'adventurers' are often simply killers."

 
 
 

Could it come to a point where I would would have to turn my back on all those I consider friends because of that simple truth?

 
 
 

True friends would surely take the time to listen, to understand, and give peace an opportunity. I feel miserable though as I come to understand the wisdom of Jennara and realize just how difficult it must be to see such atrocities, and how the actions of adventurers leave homes decimated by war parties, leaving few if any survivors in their wake.

 
 
 

Aside from the abberations of undead, those souls that need to be set to their final rest, and the constructs that even I have called before to do my bidding. All Life has a purpose, until it ceases to be. We take and consume so much. Things we simply do not need to survive. Things we were not born into this world possessing and make them the center of everything. We are not content to settle for just enough but must always have more than we need.

 
 
 

I used to want to be one of them, always it was so important to be more than I needed to be, more than I was meant to be. I used to protect so that they could hurt more people, more creatures, devestate more lives.

 
 
 

Until someone takes a step to change, no one else will. They will see no reason to. I am afraid that Glurgle and what his people have shown us has gone forgotten over the many years. It can not simply be allowed to be forgotten. In their memory I have to try to finish what Melanna and Glurgle started. Aeridins shining light must burn bright in this world, much more so than that of senseless, unnecessary death.

[Anamnesis]

Dead Eye, Autumn Harvest 11, 1463

 The anamnesis of it all begins right outside the tower walls of Port Hempstead, along the small pond that lies just on the fringes of Dapple Green, full lush trees, beautiful ponds, and so much life it is so hard to name all that lives there.
 
 It was at the pond I chose to take a respite to recollect my thoughts though I admit I forgot what my thoughts were on at the precise moment that Ty approached, but we spoke for awhile of many things. And then Miss Valanca, a beautiful Ilsarian cleric with a love for painting approached and Ty told me of how she had called Hlint guards on her one day.
 
 While I have very little cause to be alarmed by Ty aside from her quest to put unnecessary wards in my home, not everyone feels the same.
 It could not be just a simple observation of her carefully considered brush strokes bringing life to beautiful sunrise, not on this day. That would have been as if asking far to much. Not long after I began to enjoy a quiet morning watching Valance, everything was tossed upside down. It could not be as simple as my beloved Andrew appearing to warm my heart and enjoy the painting with me.
 
 No instead, several others began to appear on the roads, and why should they not. It is a well traveled road that leads between Vehl and also Fort Wayfare, and why should I try to claim it as my own at this moment. I was enjoying myself at this moment is why. I was warming to the idea that Miss Valanca's paintings could being a sense of peace to Galathea's patients in the hospital. A thought that I still stand by.
 
 A man by the name of Twinkle appeared to the slowly growing group, distraught and of course as adventurers are, and even myself. Our curiosity of his situation brought us to ask the questions of what we could do to help.
 
 It seemed a Malar bag of still unknown contents had been stolen from him and his companion. So we proceeded east along the road towards Fort Wayfare and found his companion, by all accounts she was dead. I could not feel any life from her at all, but through the will of Ilsare and that of Aeridin that it was simply not her time to die. She rose again. Twinkle the man who had lead us along the road then returned with his companion to the city to see she was properly cared for by a healer.
 
 Of course now the adventurers all had their eyes on the prize, the mystery, solving it and finding out why archers of arcane teachings may have been involved in the theft of this item. What did it hold of such great importantance that several of them were willing to kill their companions to keep quiet about?
 
 I admit I was even curious as I could feel the magic on these arrows and trying my best to keep anyone further from being hurt. I tried to hold several bandits along the path but only one of them lived. Only one of countless lives survived the devastation of our group. Only one when I tried to tell them to stop. They charged in with weapons swinging without much of a consideration of saving a life of preserving it, of finding answers without bloodshed.
 
 I know we came under attack and they would justify it as protecting themselves, even I took a few arrows but I was not going to attack. I was willing to take the arrows. I...could have very well died, had it not been for Andrews healing songs keeping watch over me.
 
 Deeper we went into the forests along the river until we came to a larger encampment and came under attack again. So many fell as I was trying to hold those I could from attacking. Their weak minds not able to withstand the spell casts that took their lives. I watched in horror as Richard casts the spell that took so many lives, as if it was the only choice, as if it was so easy. Dear Aeridin I pray that you have mercy on their souls. They never stood a chance.
 
 I try to look back on that moment and think about all I could have done different. How I could have stopped time and perhaps prevented part of this but in the moment all I could do was feel the life being torn away from the world, with no chance of redemption. Not one of them sorry about the loss of life that day.
 
 The path I walk may very well be walked on my own. My thoughts are confused sometimes, my heart torn by friends, who wish my aid but fail to see how their actions are hurting others. This trip only solidified my reasons for keeping my distance. I can not compromise who I am even for my friends, and if they are truly my friends they will understand.

[Anamnesis]

World Tree, Winter Snow 14, 1463

As my fingers gently played over the keys of the piano in the living room, the tears could not help but fall reflecting back at the journey not very long ago to aid Twinkle, the fallen, the thoughts of what I could do differently tugging at my heart. The lady and Twinkle survived. Our party survived. When she is well enough her bag will be given back to her by the guards of Port Hempstead. For now its contents still remain a mystery and everyone has gone their seperate ways. Now I sit here in my home in Fort Llast waiting for My Beloved Symphony to appear. Right now I really need him. I need the warmth of his arms to hold me. He says there is something we need to discuss and I can see it troubles him a great deal. I have hardly seen him so tense.
 
Where were my thoughts.. oh there is the door. It must be Andrew. I shall return later.
 
 later...
 
I woke up this morning to find My Beloved and quietly taken his leave while I slept. I have never been so tired, but he left in his place a letter for me. A thought, a thought I find worth persuing, and hope that perhaps Moraken, and perhaps Mage Dalton, may be able to be of some aid. The thought of such a spell, It could stop them all before the fighting starts and then force them all to sit down and talk reasonably. The amount of power required though for such. I am not sure that one mage could accomplish its task but if I have learned anything over my life and persuits of magic. Anything is possible. If it is the will of My Caring Light, I must find a way to bring it to fruition.  
 
Andrew told me though, of his encounter with a dark elf, on behalf of himself and Lady Saida, they have threatened my beloved, in an attempt to get him to back off of his own investigations of the enchantress and the one she works for and to get me to bring them a sacrifice.
 
I simply can not allow Lady Saida to use me to hurt others any longer. I am not going to aid her in finding an innocent child to exploit, nor am I going to play her games. Never have I seen Andrew so hurt and afraid, and something needs to be done to stop Lady Saida. While I am the Headmistress of the Tower Academy, I can not allow her to have what she wants, nor can I allow her the chance to hurt another but instead of pursuing another to do the task for her, she seems bent that it should be me. She will be waiting until firesteep freezes before I will give in though.
 
Miss Lana is in danger from her, Andrew, Emwonk, she has already tried and failed to get her grips on Emwonk, but I can not allow her to take the wife of my dear Friend, away from their children. The choice is left to me now, do I confront her, and play into her game once again. Or simply ignore her and hope she loses interest?

[Anamnesis]

Minu;
 
 I've been thinking, per our discussion of last night. I sat up quite a while and watched you sleep; you must have been exhausted to have done so. And it struck me that you used the holding spell to try to prevent the death of some of those men, yes?
 
 What if you could develop a mass holding spell? Something that would prevent either side of an altercation from killing? You have centuries of learning tucked under your slender belt, and your beliefs and your god would support that research. It would be a very powerful spell but it would also allow you to freeze a situation before any blood is shed.
 
 I believe you can do it, Elohanna. I suggest you think on it. I had to take my leave before you awoke but I wanted to plant this seed. With your clerical training and your wizard learning, that would be a legacy to leave Aeridin. And you are the woman to do it.
 
 Muse inspire you, Minu, and I know She will.
 
 Love,
 
 
 Andrew

[Anamnesis]

My heart cries out and it barely seems as though a soul is listening, death is a part of life, and all we can do is try to make those we live as comfortable as we can while they are here.
 
 I hear it at every turn that death is going to happen, wars are going to be fought, blood is going to be spilt. Friends are proud warriors, proud of their skills, proud of the reasons they fight, and proud to call me one of their family.
 
 Why is it then that I am so confused? Why is it that I see things so differently, I see hope I see life, I have heard and read of Ayla Bineau a follower of the Healing Light, who traveled and aided all those who asked it of her. Who aided Corash and it is because of her that he now stands in quiet contemplation of the life around us in the Vale of the Silkwoods.
 
 I stood for hours in the Hall of Heroes speaking with Tod, and while we see things differences, we understand each other too. I feel as though I am again compromising, and if I am not careful I will fall into the same trap that I had when I journeyed away from home. I want to be there for my family and friends, but I also do not wish to support them in senseless slaughter.
 
 Aeridin I pray you hear me and help guide me to do what is right and to lead me in such a way to help those who need me most. Help me be the healer and protector of life in your service to aid those I can.
 
 Always Your Daughter of Light

[Anamnesis]

a letter arrives by falcon to the temple in North Point
 
 Dear Father Leidanos,
 
 I patiently await word of where the church wishes me to aid the most, I have offered to the Krandor hospital my aid when they are ready to open their doors. I have also been traveling where and when I can with those who have asked of me to provide what healing and protection I can, as it is all I can do until I hear more from you and the church to know where it is I am to formally begin my training.
 
 There are so many questions that I have, so many thoughts and it is difficult to walk such a path without answers. I hope to hear from you again soon. There are things that have happened and I wish to share. Please write back soon.
 
 Elohanna Min A'Litae
 Daughter of the Light

[Anamnesis]

While I await word from Father Leidanos, I have been traveling with a few friends more often than not though I find myself with my dearest friend Quantum. He understands me more than I find even Andrew does. Quantum to me is the only and true Shining Hand of Toran and the others are just grasping at what that means.
 
 It seems most just pick and choose the virtues that fit into their immediate needs, all but forgetting that there must be a balance maintained to be a true servant. Yet it feels as if they have forgotten humility exists in accepting aid from outside of their own, that restraint rather than fighting can save more lives than blindly swinging their sword until there is none left standing. Toran is a great leader and to me that means more than just seeking to end life senselessly.
 
 Toran's followers are not all who trouble me though, even Rofirien's own who should been seeking Justice, has forsaken races. I can only imagine that both Toran and Rofirien are saddened by what they see of their own followers, and while part of their hearts are well intentioned they need also to find the path back to what they should be fighting for.
 
 Recently on a trip to the Great Spikes, they allowed me a chance to limit the bloodshed to only those abberations of undead residing in the frozen wastes. We left the inhabitants of the lands between alone. Everyone has to have a place to call home, and if they can not be safe in their own home, they will fight to protect. They will grow angry and we will never be able to reach peaceful resolution with them.
 
 On the way back though, it was so incredible. The size of the bear we encountered was well, as big as a house! He was so beautiful, and terribly hurt by an ice shard that had been lodged in its leg. I felt so bad for it that I wanted to help it. I was worried at first the others would attack it, but they didn't! Praise be to you My Caring Light! I know you are working miracles in my life, and changing me to be a true daughter to the light.
 
 We were able to finally remove the shard from our injured friend and through the healing hands of Iellwen we were able to save our friend. I know he was afraid, it was as if he had resigned to his death and that I would be the one to end his life, but I could not. I had to help him, the wound though grave was not so grave it could not be mended with the aid and grace of you My Healing Light.
 
 I pray to you My Beloved Aeridin that you continue to work such miracles in my life and use me to show others what is truly possible given the courage to lay down their blades and walk in your Light.
 
 I used to think I knew who I was, but I know now I am your Daughter of Light.

[Anamnesis]

Gateway, Spring Blossom 22, 1464

 A tear stained letter is sent to by falcon to Omer...
 
 My Dearest Omer,
 
I write this letter to you because I can not form the words the way I wish to, and I wish for you to understand your return has meant a great deal to me. You always must know how deeply I love you and cherish you. You and I have been through so much together through the many years we have known each other and I simply can not imagine being without you in my life.
 
You must understand though that in the time you have been away, just how much I have changed. It is more than just simply setting down my bow, it is more than just embracing the ways of My Caring Light and walking his path to becoming one of his chosen in the priesthood.
 
I have changed in my ability to accept love in entirely new view, while once I was possessive seeing love as only one way, a way that limits its beauty to on soul only. I have come to realize that it is possible to trust your heart to more than one person. And there are so many different reasons that it is impossible for me to even think of them all.
 
I simply can not turn my back on the love I feel for Andrew, no more than I can for that which I feel for you. But I am different and while I don't want to lose either of you in my life. I simply can not take the heart break of hurting either of you.
 
Andrew asked me if you were the sharing type. In my heart. I know you are not. So now I am at an place where I am being asked to chose between two of the most compassionate and caring men that I know and I feel as though my heart is breaking.
 
When you hold me in your arms and I feel your warmth and I simply wish to be no where else. You are the center of my being, and when I am held by Andrew it is so much the same. I can not make this. I can not.
 
Truth has always been at the center of what is between us, regardless of what that truth may be. I have felt like running and hiding from both of you but that would not be fair to either of you. Nor would it in any way solve this delima.
 
Can you accept that I love you both? I need to know Omer.
 
~Elohanna

[Anamnesis]

My Dearest Andrew,

Love can not be a forced choice, as I feel it has been made, not by you but by Omer. So I have sent a letter to him, to ask him if he can understand my feelings, and how much I love you and how I am not willing to let that go.

I await to hear word from him, but I wish you to know I do love you, I treasure you, and my heart is always going to be with you. Your Muse has blessed us with an understanding and unbreakable bond, and I feel as if my heart has been forced to make a decision to simply push love away for the sake of another, to choose not only between friends but what I know and embrace as the truth between us both.

I know there was an understanding between us that should the others love return it would be understood, but now that that decision is upon us. I can not simply turn my back on the love we share.

If you truly can should your love appear, please let me know Andrew. Please I ask of you only this that you be honest with me as you always have.

Your Minu so long as you will have me,

~Elohanna

[Anamnesis]

*the writing on this short scroll is italic script; the letters are not the usual strong strokes but show signs of a trembling hand*

Minu. Minuet.

This is my fifth draft and still I can't get it right. Yes, so long as you'll have me - there, now you can read the rest without wondering.

I was, am, still willing to be a part of your life along with Omer. I hope for your sake he pulls his skull out of his behind and realizes what he's tossing aside in the name of his pride; but if he doesn't, well, more for me. Is that too honest? I hope it made you smile.

Love cannot be forced and love must sometimes be shared. We both understand this. If he comes around, or if my other love wishes more someday? I will never make you choose and I know you won't force the same on me.

I had a lot more to say but I think I'll tell you after we have proper make-up...conversation.

Love,

Takeshi


P.S. Tiger misses you. He spent days whining under the bed.

[Anamnesis]

A silver envelope apparently imbued with magic, floats above the bed, slowly turning with the soft air currents. Upon magical inspection it appears to be locked, and will open for a single individual. On approch it opens for Elohanna falling on the bed

Elohanna,

Change is inevitable. You have changed, I have changed. I am overjoyed to see you happy, centered, balanced and focused on your new path. You make me very happy.

We have been bonded in one form or another for many, many years now. Our bond has survived sweet times, hard times, long temporal distances and long physical distances. I predict that our bond will remain as stalwart as ever against the future perils that undoubtedly will come.

In the fog of uncertainty, you asked whether I could share you. I asked if you could share me. The questions only reaffirm answers that we both already know to be true. The questions are not new nor are the answers. I believe that the bond shall hold true even when one day I wander the plains. When the fog lifts, I know that you will see the truth of it as clear as I do.

I despair that I have caused this newly found balance to be disrupted by my return. I refuse to cause you this anguish. I have moved my things to the Great Library and will remain there. Perhaps I will author a manuscript, treatise or simply dust books and read titles.

Forever yours,

- Omer

[Anamnesis]

Elohanna discovers a silver envelope on top of a pile of Omers gear in the bedroom

Dearest,

I have returned to Fort Llast, as I could not focus in the Great Library. You are obviously away and busy. I owe the guild a visit, and I plan to visit the Tower library as well. I left Ping in the house, so do not be alarmed.

Love,

Omer