The diary of Lilyvaen Glensmere

[INKachu]

Like any diary, this book is of standard size and width with over a hundred white pages in it, all neatly presented. It has a hard cover though the surface seems to be made of pure-white cloth. All along the borders are thin, intricate designs and twirls in a feminine pink color. On the front, in script-like writing, is the name Lilyvaen. It is written in gold ink, and on either side of the name are small swirls similar to those found on the book's border. The only thing keeping strangers from accessing this diary is a golden lock in the shape of a heart, binding the cover to the back.

"Lily believed with all her heart that she was sent from the heavens to preserve life in Layonara. It was her purpose, her reason for living, to help others and put a stop to those who threaten the well-being of the natural course of life. She believed that she was not born, but sent, and she could only return when all of her duties would be fulfilled. The undead must be rid of, and those who went against the ways of Aeridin must be talked to and convinced otherwise. She is not one to go against law and order, but she knows also that it's not always right. Lilyvaen never thought about resorting to violence or battle, and wore only traditional white robes while studying under Ellin, up until the day the old woman finally passed away. She was left with a cabin not too far from Spellgard, a worn out quarterstaff, and a necklace with the Lifegiver Leaf symbol embedded on it to show her loyalty to her deity. Now, there was nothing left for her here, so she took what she deemed necessary and set out on her adventure, preachings of Aeridin held strongly in her heart."

[INKachu]

*written in cursive using red ink*

I've never thought of using a diary before. Praying to the God of Life was always good enough, and isn't it still? But there are problems that have risen and there's something about writing it down... though I wouldn't want anyone to read this, and yet I would at the same time. I suppose it's feeling comfort as though I'm speaking to someone, without the risk of offending them or having to be criticized.

 Since I left 'home', I've met many interesting people. Thinking back, I remember Sala Stonehill, a fellow priestess. I helped her gather corn, and now have two more boxes waiting for her, or perhaps I'll give one to the hard-working Honeybee. She's very cute and has a good heart. I hope to give her several other materials I've made and collected on my way.

 Not all I've met are good, though. Tyra Dragonheart seems to have a bit of a brutal and cold nature, though I know she still has good intentions. One of the most ... interesting... of the people I've met is a dwarf named Nokka (or Noks). He drinks and jokes and has done many favors for me, but his dogma holds nothing but cruelty and violence. In ways, I appreciate his companionship, but in many others, I cannot stand his behaviour. He treats creatures of this world with no mercy and even tries to get into trouble! He makes an effort to do this! Not only that, but he often seems to be unaware of his own life being at stake. Though... his faith is with Vorax, but at times he does have a good heart. Perhaps his friend, Aarcus, can help steer his mind the right way. My words seem to have a lesser influence on him. I'm a bit torn between whether to help him or leave him be. He's been a bit of a danger to goblins and kobolds, but he's been a great friend to me.

 As mentioned earlier, I met a charming Toranite named Aarcus. I believe I'd be in pieces without him there to help me. He tried to keep Noks under control and had some really comforting advice for me. There's so much that I owe him, and hopefully being able to assist his battles will compensate a little at least. I think he cares a lot for me... I hope to lend him a helping hand as often as I can. I feel really safe by his side.

 Another great Toranite is Argos. I believe he fancies a woman in bandages that we met not long ago. I can't blame him, she had a sort of enchanting beauty to her. And very nice blue eyes. Oh! Something interesting happened a while ago. Upon exploring the goblin caves, he seemed to become weaker the deeper we travelled. Eventually, his body showed visible sights of damage that even my magic couldn't cure! I believe that place does have a strong evil emitting from it. I'm afraid of this strength of... evil... that hurts others in ways I cannot help. Perhaps I'm not strong enough? As Daniella has told me, those goblins are harsh creatures who are very familiar with the blood-shed of innocents. I think something important crossed my mind then. Although with Noks around, I often feel like we're invading homes of innocent creatures, these goblins are brutal beings who have no reasoning. If I'm to protect anyone, I should gather my courage and face them, as well as any others with similar intentions.

 With all that being said, I also met another who has shone some light under these dark situations. Razeriem is his name. The first time since ... Ellin... that I met another Aeridinite. He's nothing short of wonderful, and a real gentleman. I believe he promised himself to Aeridin to save the life of his daughter. How valiant! A real charmer. Though... he is already intimately with another. Which is good, is it not? Of all things, I should be focusing on clearing the crypts and helping others, not selfishly admiring someone else. But I can't help but think of him sometimes. Perhaps another trip to Vehl will help clear my mind some more. He did invite me to Leringard, though! I hope it's not as bad as I've heard over there, but if I pay visit, I'm sure he'll take me to a nice place for a bite to eat!

 There are many other wonderful, interesting travellers that I've met, but those skeletons won't turn themselves, so I'll have to write again some other time. Perhaps I'll see Aarcus soon, I believe I was distracted and forgot to say goodbye to him the last time we met.

 May faith in Aeridin lead my heart victoriously,
  Lilyvaen

[INKachu]

*written in neat, cursive writing, using red ink*

I finally saw Sala today! It's been ages since we first met, and I got a chance to give her the three boxes of corn I've been holding onto. They're no light load. She even gave me a great amount of True! Hopefully the corn will bring her plenty of eggs, she seems to know a lot about what she's doing.

Just outside of Hempstead, I bumped into Aarcus, though it was hard to tell from far away with his big helmet on. I'm glad I hadn't mistaken another Toranite for him. It wasn't long before Razeriem came trotting by on a magnificent white horse... He does bring the sun in my day. The three of us decided to go get purple mushrooms (Raz needed them for his potions. I didn't know he was into such alchemy as well!). The creatures around the mushrooms were vicious. Though we were the first to attack, I was reassured that they are evil, and a danger to travelers. Regardless of how ferocious these creatures were, Raz defeated them gloriously and quickly, without even a mark on him! I don't think my heart's ever beated like that, everything was moving at such a fast pace! Aarcus stood back for some of the battles, but I could understand. After all, these lands were the home to these beings. There's at least a bit of guilt inside me for doing what we've done. I will pray to Aeridin.

After we retrieved the mushrooms, we headed a bit further to get some corn for Aarcus. I've never seen such a magnificent flying creature before! But in all its marvel, it was still taken down. I have a lot of trust in Razeriem's blade, I believe he would know what's right and what's wrong. How can I keep myself from feeling bad for these creatures though? There's so much more I need to learn.

Shortly after, Raz left with haste but his charm lingered. What is it about him? ... 125 Leringard, I think it is. I'm afraid that there's a part of me that won't let go. If he is indeed in love with this woman he speaks of, why am I compelled to be around him? What is it about him that makes him so irresistable? ... It's probably best for me to not interfere with his love, ... if I can help it. I'd be wronging many if I did.

Ahh, Aarcus. There is not a speck of dark in his light and loving heart. He's loyal, faithful, strong, and righteous. Toran should be proud. I... well... though my life is devoted to Aeridin, Aarcus was right in saying that we could better protect the world if we, ourselves, are happy. Though it's true that he's only human, whose years are little compared to that of the elves, I can't help but admit the ... intimacy between us. With him, I feel safe, and I hope I can provide the same feeling of safety for him through my healing. Hand in hand, we walked through the woods and even saw some deer! They were very at peace. If only such moments could be shared throughout Layonara. Maybe with Aarcus, a goal like that can be accomplished. If I'm to ever devote a part of my heart to someone in such a manner, ... I'll ... I'll have to stop the reoccurring thoughts of Raz that enter my mind. I have a lot to think about. I hope that Aarcus isn't right about Razeriem's intentions. But if he is, wouldn't it be so much easier to just keep distance from him?

Anyways, this is more than enough for me to think about. Perhaps I'll head to the river and relax a bit before heading to the crypts once again. Perhaps I'll stop sighing.

In Aeridin I trust,
 Lilyvaen

[INKachu]

*written neatly in cursive with red ink*

So much has happened since I wrote here last. It's hard to pull my thoughts together, but sitting here now in Hlint on the steps of Ilsare's temple, ... it's all so beautiful, isn't it? Well, quite a few days back, I met up with Raz once again! I know,.. I know... well, Argos was there too! And a very pretty elven girl named Zari. She looks a lot like Raz, and lives with him too. I hope to visit her clothing shop someday, they were talking about a black dress that would fit me nicely? I hope it's not black, or Aeridin would forbid it. That doesn't stop me from being just a bit curious, though. Oh! Tyra was there as well. I haven't seen her in so long. She's not as bad as I remember her being, but still rather rough and bitter. Well, we all met up and went down into a creepy cave to fight spiders. I'm still trying to pick the webbing off my clothes, and their venom ... I'm just glad to be out of there.

Afterwards, the little bear fighter, Daring, and I, took a boat out to a town faroff. I can't remember much of the places we visited, it all went so fast! He has so much energy, it was hard to keep up. Finally, when we parted ways, I was left a bit confused in a town I've never been in. It took me days to find my way back, but with Aeridin's help, I've made it home.

Not too long after, I ran into Aarcus once again. Ahh, how days look bright! We sat and enjoyed the peace for a moment before going to Gloom Woods. A creature attacked us, something I've never seen around that area before, but Aarcus defended me bravely. I'm glad to have such a strong knight by my side. Had it jumped me without him, who knows what could have happened! Well, we then left and headed to Hlint, though we parted ways before reaching town. I'll never forget his warm hands in mine, and his reassuring smile...

Well, on my way to Hlint, I ran into a well built man heading into the Goblin caves. After seeing what that place did to Argos, it would be wrong to let him go alone. Following him in, I met with quite a few others, even Zari herself! Oh, the Stonebreakers were there as well. I'm really not too fond of them, but the dwarven one did give me a helm awhile back. If they are to offer protection to me, should I not, them? I suppose since we were fighting the goblins, evil as they are, I should've given greater support than I had. I was holding back, ... I know I was. Something inside me, well... I didn't think it was right. To my fault brought the loss of Urick. Samarra, his sister, blamed it on poor Zari, but I know it was my fault. To this day, I can feel the guilt. I can't hesitate about things like this when it involves the lives of others, that goes against everything Aeridin's taught me! Sure enough, we resurfaced and met up with Urick and ventured down again so that he may put his grievances behind him. This time, I helped, and things went far more smoothly than before. I hope to never make a mistake like that again. At the end of it all, I think Samarra had forgiven Zari.

 Hmm.. there's so much more to write, but Aeridin's will calls to me. Perhaps I'll have time later to write about the shady man in the caves with us, or a similar evil being in Fort Llast. I can't forget about Angel. These stories are for a different day.

 May Aeridin grant us holy glory,
  Lilyvaen

[INKachu]

*written neatly in cursive with red ink*

Of all the things that have happened lately, one was most alarming. I don't think I've ever been so scared in my life! I was headed to Fort Vehl and Gloom Woods when I ran into Annabelle and a few others. Our group grew large as it seems the undead around this region drew quite a crowd. The more to fight them, the better, but... a number of the members of our group seemed cold. They dressed in dark, hiding most of their appearance, if not all of it. I always get a chill around people like this, but it was the number of them that was unsettling. We moved on, and one of the dark characters turned out to be a rather nice wood elf named Bo. Thank goodness for him, or I'm not sure whether I'd be writing this now! Well, I followed this group curiously. We were both after the undead, right? We headed through Gloom Woods and when it calmed down, we left for Krandor's Crypts. That place is nothing less than a great challenge. I think a few members dropped from our group, and we were left with an even 8, 4 shady characters and 4 who showed their faces (including myself).

*The writing seems to get a bit less neat and clean*

We all headed down to the crypts but there was still something very unsettling about those dark members. I got a bad feeling, and before I knew it, I was already in the crypts and fending myself against the undead! I felt trapped. You'd think that having gone to Vehl so many times, I could deal with these beings easily. No, they were much stronger. They didn't turn easily like the skeletons. Well, we all worked hard and made our way down those eerie halls. The second floor was riddled with traps. With caution and staying near Bo for safety, I made it out okay. I think it's the first time I felt the need to protect myself from other humans or elves. When we got out, many left the group and only me, Bo, and the four villain-like shades were left.

*The words are written relatively messy now*

I felt a heavy chill and I felt like all the blood had left my body. I don't even know if I could make a coherent sentence at that point, and I left hastily, following Bo to the nearby Inn. There, he listened by the door and we only relaxed when we were sure they were gone. Apparently, he says the could've been ... well... Dark Elves. It's no wonder. I felt as though the life was drained out of me by their mere presence! Praise Aeridin that they didn't come after us. I'm glad we didn't appeal to their interests... I mean, Angel has told me of the dangers... and his story... and...

*It looks like red ink has spilled over the rest of the page*

[INKachu]

*Written in cursive neatly with red ink*

 There are so many nice people in this world! People with good hearts. People who seek change for the better. Perhaps I'll be able to go home soon, with all of us working together! Oh, oh, where should I start?

 Bo may be one of the kindest elves ever, but you wouldn't think it from his dark clothes. We've been running into each other a lot lately. He took me to a nice spot where we could see all of Hlint, the stars, and the sunrise. For someone so nice, I asked him why he dressed the way he did, why he would choose to appear that way. He asked me in return, who I'm afraid of more; the good, or the evil. The evil, obviously. Well, if he dressed as one of them, they would be less inclined to harm him. I think it's one of the wisest things I've heard. There's obviously so much more that I've yet to understand. I should remember that not all who look evil, are evil. Oh! Another great example would be that wolf-looking man I met as well! His eyes brewed red at times, but he was kind.

 Also, I've come across a fancy looking woman who calls herself Nidual, and a man of disguise named ... Elliis? Or was it Denny? Oh, Dennar, I think is what he prefers to be called. I cannot see their faces, and Dennar hides his well. Perhaps battle wounds have got to them. They travel to many places for their research. Did I mention I also met a charming fellow named Fenthon? He works at a hospital in Leringard, also doing similar research as the other two. They're all working together for the better of humanity, curing those in need and possibly doing things even I can't do; bringing lost team mates back to life... I pray to Aeridin for power such as this. I'm tired of feeling helpless....Well, anyways, I will be helping the three of them in their studies. With their help, I shall return to the heavens soon!

 On the Dragon Isles I ran into some friends, but more importantly, I met two very nice people. An elven man, his face was bandaged. I heard from Zari that he dealt in poisons before,... which is.... strange... but I'm sure his intents are well. I wonder why Zari needed poison? Anyways, he seemed to be very close to the female in armor. I couldn't see her face, but she spoke in a thick accent of some sort. It was hard to understand what she was saying a lot of the times, but I picked up on it a bit. I think they call her Dutchess. Well, after some tragedies and being chased by a Minotaur, saved by Zari and fleeing for our lives.... I really couldn't take it. I had failed to protect Aarcus and Daring, two great companions. In all my tears, (and I guess it was pretty embarassing, being the only one falling apart and everyone else a bit together) Dutchess comforted me. Only Ellin has really provided to me that same comfort. I can't even begin to describe...ah... but, I felt warm. Safe. Everything's going to be alright, Lily. Sometimes when I get worried, I wish I could go back to that same place and be in her comfort once again. Well, some conflict arose between her and Aarcus. I stood there dumbly. If only I knew what to say... well... I hope to see Dutchess and her companion someday soon. At first, they seemed a bit eerie and cold hearted, but looks can be deceiving, can't they?

 Oh, Aeridin, thank you so much for your blessings. Times are great, and your teachings are spreading quickly. Thank you, for bringing me to this place.
 Lilyvaen