Jillian Stuart - A Journal

[Alazira]

Being stationed at Fort Llast is wonderful so far.  Upon arriving to my new post I was greeted by none other than Champion Daniella Stormhaven herself, or as  she has given me permission to call her, Miss Daniella.

Miss Daniella gave me my first order and it was an easy one.  The order was to see as much of the lands as I can.  She then proceeded to show me around.  We went out to Mariners Hold; to the crypts in Vehl where we fought skeletons, zombies and even a mummy; a place called Gloom Woods, where there was more undead; the Krandor crypts, which by the name you understand to be more undead; and a goblin cave in the woods where we fought goblins and giant blobs that I'm not really sure what were.

What I've learned is that the undeath problems in these lands are out of control.  Don't get me wrong, there is lots of other evil in the world that needs to be dealt with in Toran's name, however there seems to be an over abundance of undeath.

In Toran's Grace,
Initiate Paladin Jillian Stuart

[Alazira]

Today I met M'Lord Lance Stargazer.  It shocks me how these well known Champions and Paladins are so down to earth.  M'Lord Stargazer was very personable and a real pleasure to meet up with.  We chatted for a while and in the end he asked that if I saw his son, Argos Stargazer, to relay the message to come talk with him. Additionally, he mentioned that he had a student, Aarcus, and that it would be good for that student and I to spar sometime.

I'm sure this is what Toran has planned for me, but so far my orders since arriving have been very easy.

Initiate Paladin in Toran's Grace
Jillian Stuart.

[Alazira]

I was at the temple today and M'Lord Stargazer's son walked in.  That assignment I mentioned in my last entry was really easy.  It didn't even involve tracking him down.

However, while he was there, Marl gave us a mission.  A traveling merchant in Toran's grace was attacked on the road in the wastelands.  he was being seen to by the healers and would live, but it was our job to try to get his personal possessions back.  So we (Argos and I) got a group together and reached the bottom of the caves, retrieved his belongings and returned.  It was a good thing our group was superior to the goblins however, because it was a rather disorganized group.  

Initiate Paladin in Toran's Grace
Jillian Stuart

[Alazira]

I was running errands in Fort Llast when I came across that student of M'Lord Stargazer's that I spoke of previously (Aarcus).  We were having a pleasant conversation when we both received missives from M'Lord Stargazer.

Mine said to find Aarcus.  What did I say about easy orders so far?  His said to come up to a special shrine/training grounds to meet up with M'Lord Stargazer.  Once there, we talked for a while.  M'Lord Stargazer asked me again to spar with Aarcus and showed me how Aarcus' style is supposed to look.  He offered me use of the training area anytime I wanted.  I may take him up on it.  It looked like a good place to work on my sword skills.

Initiate Paladin in Toran's Grace,
Jillian Stuart

[Alazira]

I happened across Aarcus again recently.  I told him of my standing order from Miss Daniella to explore more of the world.  He suggested he knew of a place to take me and lead the way to a gnoll for.  Battle was intense, but with Toran's grace we all made it out alive and victorious.

When we returned to safety I pointed out where Aarcus went wrong on a maneuver of his, so that he could be aware it was something he was doing wrong and could fix it.  Simply trying to give him some information so that he didn't get himself or someone else killed in the future.

He responded not with constructive criticism on my technique which would have been accepted, but in a more offensive way.  I prayed to Toran to give me patience to deal with him.  I believe he sent me Miss Daniella.  Her arrival could not have been more perfectly times.  I was just getting frustrated enough I might have lost my patience and she arrived telling us to follow her.  She led us to the crafting hall where M'Lord Stargazer was.

I was prepared to let the subject drop, but the tension showed and Miss Daniella and M'Lord Stargazer told Aarcus to speak what was on his mind freely.  I won't go into the details as they don't reflect well on Aarcus, but in the end I thanked Toran for sending Miss Daniella when he did, learned a few lessons myself, received a new Stargazer original sword and shield, was upgraded to Paladin, and obtained a brand new teacher.. Miss Daniella.  I cannot believe the graces I am receiving.  

After that Miss Daniella, Aarcus, Richard Watchman (another Toran follower) and I all went to fight undead in the Krandor crypts again.

Paladin in Toran's Grace
Jillian Stuart

[Alazira]

After helping a gentleman by the name of Eli push back the goblin threat near Hlint, I met up with Miss Daniella again.  This time we went to another crypt known at "Storan's".  There were lots of different undead that I had not seen previously in that crypt.  This only goes towards my beliefs that these lands are under constant threat from undead.

Additionally, I moved out of the barracks in Fort Llast and into Miss Daniella's house.  I'm renting a room from her.  It is spacious and after the noise of the barracks almost too quiet.  I'm torn between being in awe of living with Champion Stormhaven and being excited that I am surrounded by people of such great character.

Paladin in Toran's Grace
Jillian Stuart

[Alazira]

Another day another crypt.  Miss Daniella asked me to meet her at the Krandor crypts again.  I didn't know there was more undead hiding in that place than just the ones on the first level and the ones on the way to the acid throwing skeleton.  Upon arriving there, it became apparent that Miss Daniella had put together a real group to rid the crypts.  In addition to the two of us, Richard Watchman, Paladin Samuel Stormhaven, Miss Daniella's boyfriend (Chaynce), his little Deliarite halfling friend (kind of like a pet?), and some guy named Marec.

Marec tried to convince me that he he had all the values of a Toranite, but didn't actually follow Toran.  What I read out of it was that he knew he was surrounded by Toran followers and wanted us to keep him alive if something were to go wrong.

Once we were all assembled we entered the crypt and defeated all the undead.  About halfway thru M'Lord Stargazer showed up as well.  It was extremely nice to see that many Toranite's fighting evil together.

Once the crypts were cleaned out Miss Daniella, Marec, Chaynce and his pet had some business to attend to.  M'Lord Stargazer had heard some rumors about undead straying from the crypts in Storan onto the road and into populated areas, so we went to investigate that.  

When we arrived, M'Lord Stargazer put Paladin Stormhaven in charge and I have to admit he did a good job at telling people what their jobs were and making sure that they were followed.  He showed great potential at being a leader.  But that has to be anticipated, considering the family he comes from.

Despite his excellent leadership skills, I perished inside the crypts.  That was my first death and it was an experience I don't care to repeat.  

I returned to the crypts and to my party, we defeated the last of the undead and proceeded back to Fort Llast Road.  I feel kind of bad for Paladin Stormhaven.  His sister (Miss Daniella) said told him before she left to watch out for me and to keep me safe.  Then he was put in charge and I died.  I tried to tell him it wasn't his fault and that he did a good job as leader, but he left after that.  I believe he was going to pray on the matter at the temple.

M'Lord Stargazer also believed my death was his fault.  He said he was slow on a potion that might have saved my life.  In the end, my death was my fault for not being good enough in battle.  I will practice and work harder to try to make sure this doesn't happen again.

From Storan's we went to a place called Dragon Isles where we once again met up with Chaynce and his pet.  Chaynce was even talking about building a barn for his pet.  I know it isn't polite to call the halfling a pet, but that is what he was being treated as.

We went onto the island and fought minotaurs.  It was a difficult fight, but well worth the experience.  On our way out of the minotaur caves Miss Daniella joined us again, but Chaynce and his pet had to leave.

From there we fought some giant mushroom kind of people who seem to have the ability to confuse people.  Before we knew it Miss Daniella and M'Lord Stargazer were attacking each other.  They did serious damage to each other before they managed to regain their wits.  I think my favorite line for the entire trip was when Miss Daniella looked to M'Lord Stargazer and said "Did I?  Did you?  Did we?"  It was a priceless moment to watch their faces.  

The more time I spend here in Fort Llast and the surrounding areas the more I learn.  I finally do believe it is only a matter of time until I am as proficient in battle as either Miss Daniella or M'Lord Stargazer.  

Jillian Stuart,
Paladin in Toran's Grace

[Alazira]

It seems Ft. Vehl had some trouble recently.  One of their prisoners escaped.  The local guard asked those of us present to track the escapee and return him to custody.  There were approximately 10 adventurer types present, five of which were Toranites.  Miss Daniella and M'Lord Stargazer were present.  In addition to them, I also met another Champion of Toran, Clarissa and a Priestess of the All Watching, Rose.

The group was difficulty getting a starting point.  Because of that, the others and I spent hours questioning people around town.  We finally tracked down the escapee.  He was being guarded by a group of very deadly rogues.

Before we knew it, we were mid-battle.  The combat was hectic and deadly.  The enemies seemed to appear out of no where.  I nearly fell several times, but Priestess Rose used Toran's grace to keep me standing and fighting.  Unfortunately, two members of our group died including Miss Daniella.

Priestess Rose raised her, but was unable to help the other gentleman.  once everyone was patched up, we pushed forward and came upon a man who fit the description of the escapee.

Champion Clarissa persuaded the gentleman to admit who he was and to come with us willingly.  In the end, we retrieved the escapee and returned to to where a proper trial could be held and justice could be followed up on.  Miss Daniella told me I did a wonderful job in taking charge about getting the information.

After a short stay in Ft. Vehl and the escapee situation was handled, Miss Daniella, Clarissa (as she requests to be called informally), Eli, and I decided to go cleanse the Krandor crypts again.  I am finding that I spend a lot of my time these days cleansing crypts and putting undead to rest.  

I find myself planning to Miss Daniella about the possibility of looking into the Order of the Shining Hand.  I spend almost all of my time in these lands fighting undead and their mere existence angers me.  It feels that I spend half my life in a crypt or fighting undead since I left Huangjin.

After cleansing the Krandor crypts again I headed in the direction of Krashin.  Miss Daniella had a group of Toranites and allies headed into the Frozen Marshes near there.  She was in search of a person last seen in that area.  Apparently this person had some information that she needed.  We did not find the lady she was looking for, but we did find more undead.  These seems to come right out of the water of the marshes.  No crypt for these undead.  They were extremely tough undead.  It was my job to protect the mage and archer, which I did.  Although the mage, Miss Elohanna, kept walking into the middle of the fray.  I had to remind her several times that she was not to be in the middle of battle.  

Jillian Stuart,
Paladin of Toran

[Alazira]

There is a gentleman by the name of Fi Poetr.  He is the brother of my housemate Daniel Benjamin.  I met him some time ago.  I was told by Captain Trent in Port Hempstead that the kobolds in the Hempstead field area were causing trouble for the locals.  So I asked Fi if he would be willing to help me put an end to that trouble.  He agreed and we went and helped Captain Trent out with that problem.  Captain Trent gave us a small reward that was completely unnecessary, but welcome nonetheless.

After taking care of the Kobold threat, Fi and I went to Gloom Woods and destroyed the abominations that live there.  I wonder if the feelings that go through me when I kill undead are natural.  I intend to speak with my teacher on the subject.  

Jillian Stuart,
Paladin of Toran

[Alazira]

I came across that Fi Poetr gentleman again.  He was happy to keep me company on the trip I had planned into the Krandor crypts.  Shortly after entering the second level of the crypts Fi asked for a rest.  We headed back to the top to rest and came across Daniel Benjamin.  Daniel Benjamin and Fi had some brotherly conversation until a gentleman named Emwonk something joined us as well.  

We decided as a group to go cleanse the crypts.  We were fighting well as a group, until it went bad.  In the room opposite the room where the acid throwing skeleton lives, the whole party died except me.  I am ashamed to say that after everyone else perished, I fled the room.  I am not sure how I managed to move so fast while I was so hurt, but I did.  By the time I reached the entrance to the crypt, bandaged my wounds, and took a short rest, Daniel Benjamin had returned from the bindstone.  

I helped Daniel Benjamin return to the place where he died and killed the abominations that killed the party.  After helping everyone return to the places of their deaths and clearing out the area of undead we went to where the ogres live near Ft. Llast, over the bridge.  

Once that was complete, I went back to Ft. Llast to pray on what happened.

Jillian Stuart,
Paladin of Toran

[Alazira]

There is something going on that I am completely in the loop on.  Miss Daniella warned me of evil doers that may come after me to get to her.  I think she is in greater trouble than she is letting on.  She doesn't sleep well anymore, when you look at her she always looks exhausted.  I am tempted to ask Marl to cast some sort of sleep spell on her just so that she can get some rest.  

We went to a place that some called the Broken Halls in Whitehorn Forrest last night in search of Corathite activity.  It seems an odd location, but I have no doubt it is all wound up in this together.  In this place we fought big rats and mummies.  Another place in this world that has undead roaming the area unchecked.  It makes me wonder how good a job the Shining Hand is doing considering the amount of undead everywhere.   However, forgive me Toran, I should not think like that.  

We did not find anyone there, just rats and mummies, but Miss Daniella did not seem to take that as a positive sign.  It makes me wonder what she and M'Lord Stargazer know.  I am sure it will come out in good time, but will it be before bad things happen?

Jillian Stuart,
Paladin of Toran

[Alazira]

The house is unsafe.  Miss Daniella was attacked in our own home.  She is staying at the temple for now and I've made arrangements to stay in M'Lord Stargazer's barracks until we can secure the house.

Miss Daniella needs help with whatever she is fighting.  I wish she would include the rest of us to help her.  If my read on her is right though, she doesn't trust anyone.

Jillian Stuart,
Paladin of Toran

[Alazira]

I met with a priestess, Lucia Drake, recently.  She has Toran's grace as well.  I met her outisde of the goblin caves in the wastelands.  She was with a halfling fellow.  Fianon (who was traveling with me), Priestess Drake, the halfling fellow and I went into the caves.  We made it down to the third level before we decided it was wisest to turn around.

On our way back out we heard chanting coming from the side room.  We were all basically out of protections, but we couldn't leave the evil there, so on we went.  We all lived, defeated all the goblins and undead they had created.  There was something left behind that glowed and radiated evil.  Priestess Drake prayed to Toran for his guidance.  I tried pouring a bottle of holy water I had with me over the item.  It helped, but did not extinguish it.  I took a few minutes and prayed for a blessing from the All Watching.  I used his blessing over the item and I could feel the evil disapate.

We had to fight extensive guards on the way out, if the numbers of goblins we had to defeat in order to exit were any indication, we stopped something important from happening.

I feel the All Watching has been directing me to put my efforts into destroying undead abominations.  Ever since I left Huangjin, I have been fighting undead practically non-stop.  However, to fight undead in the goblin cabes in the presence of a Priestess of His.. I believe that to be a sign from Him.

Upon coming out of the caves, I ran into Miss Daniella.  I asked for a few minutes of her time with the intentions fo discussing this with her.  We were off to a fight, but agreed we would talk later.

A group of us (Fianon, Miss Daniella, Chaynce, Alton, Razeriem, and I) faught spiders and then went to a place called the Ore Hills.  Miss Daniella needed gold and Chaynce needed the Topaz.  After that it was a trip through the desert for more topaz.

During the whole trip I was thinking back to the event with the undead andmaking a decision.  I believe it to be the right decision because I felt Toran's power grow in me while I was in the desert.

Jillian Stuart,
Paladin of Toran

[Alazira]

I have been working on my tinkering lately.  It is a skill that is needed by the Toranites.  M'Lord Stargazer took me to the desert to get sand to work on making rods.  I had a good time just talking of nothing with him.  

Keira, Lance's housekeeper, is ill.  Since I'm temporarily living at Lance's house due to the attack at Miss Daniella's, she has taken me under her wing and is very mothering.  I'm very fond of her.  I hope she pulls through this.  Lance has also taken in a young girl named Myla.  She is a darling.  Lance apparently rescued her from a den of vampires.  Despite that, the girl is fairly balanced.  

Lance (as we have agreed to go by our first names) came back to chat while I was working the sand we got.  While we were in their, Miss Daniella and Chaynce came in.  It came out that they thought that Lance and I were secretly dating.  I have never noticed Lance noticing me that way.  I thought we were friends, but there was one slip of the tongue during the discussion that makes me wonder.  He said that whether we date was my desicion.  Wouldn't that be our decision?  Anyway, I think I accidently hurt him when I asked about his ex.  He ended up leaving in tears before we could get everything back on flat ground.  So, it should be a bit awkward next I see him.  I hope our friendship makes it through this.

Jillian Stuart,
Paladin of Toran

[Alazira]

I am not the best at finding the time for my journal.  It has been years since my last entry.  Lots has happened.

My personal life is still confusing.  Somehow between my last entry and now, I have fallen in love with Lance and become the closest thing his daughter knows to a mother.  Lance and I have shared quiet conversations, picnics, foot rubs, shouting matches, etc.  

I came home from one such fight to see the house filled with recruits, initiates really.  It seems like so long ago now that I was an initiate.  They looked so young.  However, some of them still needed manners drummed into them.  Lance wasn't home, so Kiera asked me to do it.  She introduced me to those initiates as Mistress of the house, Paladin Stuart.  I was partially baffled and embarrassed at the introduction as it isn't entirely proper to be the Mistress of a house that you or your husband doesn't own.  I suppose she did it because Lance never got around to having light fixtures put in or buying furniture.  I hired someone for the job because the house was simply not a home without it.   Anyone, I didn't show my bafflement or embarrassment.  The boys were not keeping their eyes in appropriate places.  So I put on my serious face (The I'm going to kick your butt if you don't do as I say face), and let them know that was not acceptable behavior under this roof.  Some of the boys looked confused (the innocent ones) and some of them looked like they might soil themselves.  Problem solved.

Lately, I told him I cared for him more than I should.  He went running.  I thought I had my answer, until next I saw him.  Then he was kissing my forehead and being attentive.  I think Lance is very confused and still hung up on his ex.  I would leave him his space to figure things out, but I can't leave Myla.

Myla is Lance's adopted daughter.  He found her in a vampire den and despite some nightmares; she turned out a fairly normal child. *stops to smile to herself*  She can find trouble anywhere, is almost as hard headed as I am, and keeps all the adults of the household on their toes.  She is a true gem.  My duties to Toran shall always come first, but Myla is family now, relation or not.  

I found her wandering Leringard a few months ago, because she was "bored".  Anything could have happened to her, but she doesn't see it that way.  Her teenage life will make me go grey for sure, but I will enjoy every minute.

A new priest has been stationed in Fort Llast.  His name is Mark Stanley.  He is a quiet fellow, but always seems willing to help aid me in my endeavors for Toran.  My somewhat normal group of people of people to do Toran's will with include:

Miss Daniella (needs no explanation or introduction)
Mark Stanley (just mentioned above)
Priest of Toran, Acilius -- He is... well I am not sure how to characterize him.  He doesn't seem to exactly go out of his way to help everyone.  He follows Toran's laws.. just not in a way I've seen others do it.
Richard Watchman -- He is a darn good (if not, very speedy) wizard.  He often quotes the onocodo when he is nervous.  He is a good man.  He is a follower of Toran, but holds no actual place in the church.  He is smart and thoughtful on most subjects.
Priest of Rofirein (and former house mate) Daniel Benjamin Poetr -- He often gets hung up on procedure as opposed to what is truly good in the world, but that is expected of a Rofirein, even more so than us "Stuffy Toranites".  He is recently married with a new daughter.  He is a great help and good addition to our little group.
Aarcus -- Lance's student.  Shows up sometimes.  We usually end fighting.  He hasn't learned to take order... or use his brain.  One can't give orders until they can take them.  And he doesn't do either well, no matter who is giving them.  But that is a story for a different day.
Lance spends more time alone than with us and he doesn't need introduction.
Argos is almost never with us, but bear mentioning.  He is gaining great strength from Toran.  He is applying AGAIN for membership into the Order of the Long sword.
Quantum Winword is back.  He told me to simply call him "Q".  It feels odd calling someone who I read about in my history books as not only their first name, but a nickname.

Daniella, Lance, Richard, Acilius, and Daniel helped me with a mission I was given.  I applied for membership into the Shining Hand.  They got shorthanded and started having applicants take care of things.  The mission they sent me on was one that already had two failures.  There was a ship that was brought inland by the recent Tsunamis.  Someone had turned it into what the Shining Hand dub a "meat locker."  Basically, they trapped/created a bunch of undead in a warded ship and were going to let the wards drop and the undead out to flow into Hempstead to kill people.  So my friends/comrades went with me to investigate this.  A short ways from the meat locker we ran into what killed my predecessors, a Banshee.  All but Lance and Miss Daniella were instantly knocked unconscious at just one wail of the banshee and this is where I differed from my predecessors.  I brought help.  My friends destroyed the banshee and saw to our wounds.  It was then that we found the bodies of the others.  I felt in my heart that Toran wanted us to bury the bodies.  So we did, before heading to the meat locker.

We got the wards to drop and entered it.  The information was correct.  There were undead everywhere.  In the end, we killed them all and destroyed the power source that kept them lingering, but several fell in the process.  Had that been unleashed on the town of Port Hempstead there would have been too many casualties to count.

When I reported back that the mission was complete and the dead buried, I was welcomed into the Shining Hand at full Beacon status.  I am very proud of this, but am not so naive that I don't realize the power in friendship.

Very shortly after my success at joining the Shining Hand, I went to the Pitts of Strife with Lance and Miss Daniella and a crew of others I don't know well.  Lance has been given a task.  The leaser of Fort Mitrix (Toranite) was being haunted for lack of a better word by a long dead Toranite judge.  This judge was among the dead in the Pitts.  We spoke with him and found out long ago that the Lucindites punished him (for being too lawful and following Toran's code too well) by making him be the counter part in a prison designed to keep a lich from getting free.  The judge was asking to be freed.  He basically said he was punished for being true to Toran and wished all this time later to be released so he could be with his love.  The decision by the party was to do such.  So now it is only a matter of time before a lich is released upon Layonara.  The only upside to that is, that if we defeat him in full lich form... then he will be dead for good and unable to keep coming back as he is known to do.  We are all frantically trying to solve the puzzles left behind so that we can kill the fiend once and for all.

Miss Daniella asked me to join her a while after returning from the Pitts to help cleanse a tower in the Dapplegreen of undead.  The area had been blocked off by Gallant Gauntlet's Shining Hand.  They had quarantined it while waiting for reinforcements to arrive and also to find the previous owner of the tower to see if he had any answers.  Beacon Isabelle Stridewith showed up at the appointed time and said that all the Shining Hand members were too busy to destroy these abominations.  They had been quarantined for a few months already.  So of course we (Tyra Dragonheart -- the owner; Andrew William Reid -- her friend and Ilsarian; Mark; Richard; Miss Daniella; Lance; Acilius; Iellwyn -- Lance's ex; and a high ranking Rofireinite, I forget the name of, said we would take care of the problem.  We were told it was Shining Hand business.  When I informed her I was a Beacon as well, she ordered me not to.  I had a few problems with that.  First, I am not in Gallant's Gauntlet.  Second, I took an oath to kill undead.  Basically, I am to kill undead over most anything else.  It is the number one priority.  So, leaving those there, when we had the power to destroy them wasn't an option.  So destroy them we did and destroyed the magic that made them keep coming back.  A few of us fell in battle, but were resurrected.  Afterward, while talking to Beacon Stridewith, she slipped and inferred heavily that they had tortured the previous owner for information.  Well, we are good people (Toranites), we shouldn't be torturing anyone.  Isabella threatened to bring charges against me for insubordination if we brought up the torture thing.  I left that day and went straight to my new mentor in the Shining Hand and filled her in on it all.  Both she and her boss said they backed my decisions completely.

Ironically, this leads into what happened a few days ago.  I received a missive from Miss Daniella, who requested I come straight away to Huangjin.  We (Miss Daniella, Mark, Richard, Q, Chaynce, Acilius, Daniel Benjamin, and I) went in front of the Asuculture.  Miss Daniella told him her whole story as to why she thought Gallant's Gauntlet was corrupt (including my run in with Isabella).  It was a great and wonderful and horrible night.  The Ausculture actually knew who I was and said he was expecting great things from me.  He took Miss Daniella's story fairly well.  In the end, he ordered a strike force to be sent for Anne Ravenwind (Miss Daniella's former mentor turned Corathite Priest), Beacon Isabelle Stridewith taken into custody and investigated, and assigned a watch dog to Gallant.  He then kicked us from the room and spoke to Miss Daniella alone.  I am not aware of what was said (she was sworn to secrecy), but I can read Miss Daniella's body language enough to know the Ausculture assigned her something big to do.  She told me that we don't have to fear within our church anymore, that the danger is not there.  I got the impression we have outside problems.  I have told Miss Daniella I would help her see this thing thru.  So I'm in it.  Even if I am not sure what "it" is.  So, for now I am on assignment to help Miss Daniella.  Because of that, I'm not going on the strike force to get Anne.  However, if half the worry I read in Miss Daniella is accurate, I'd rather stay by her side or within short falcon distance.

In Toran's Grace,
Beacon Jillian Stuart

The last few weeks have been stressful.  We are sitting around waiting for the unknown.  Finally a few days ago, we did something.  We were asked by Lord Mandrin to join the strike force on Anne and the Corathites.  We were going to go, when a teenage boy arrived at the temple asking for help.  Miss Daniella declared her intentions of helping the boy and not going on the strike force.  There were some mumblings among the group, but in the end, the Ausculture wants us to help Miss Daniella in anything she chooses and those mumbling were reminded of that by several, including Lord Mandrin himself.

Turns out the boy and his family were so poor they were literally starving to death.  The boy had already lost one young sibling.  The cause of the starvation was a land dispute.  So we got food, clean water, clothes, etc. together and went to investigate and help.

In the end Miss Daniella, Daniel Benjamin, and Richard worked out a deal with the neighbor while Samuel (Daniella's brother), Mark, Aarcus, Acilius, Q and myself helped fix things around the house, farm, babysit, etc.

Somehow I thought that with my experience of my little sisters and Myla that I would be relegated to primary babysitter, but ironically enough Master Q took first shift with the kids and played marbles with precious gems and Samuel and I split the boys and girls up for chores, showers, and naps.

The two families won't starve anymore and are friends now because we took a little time to help.

Jillian Stuart,
Beacon of Toran


It seems that even though I am not away from Miss Daniella more than a few days at a time if I can help it, that my undead slaying time is up even higher than usual.  I think it is because the rest of the Shining Hand is on mission elsewhere.

I've made a few trips to the frozen marshes (where I am told I was like a kid in a candy store because I enjoyed killing the undead so much), several trips to Krandor Crypts, a few to Storans', a trip to a place referred to as the Temple of an Ancient Lich (I didn't see a lich), and even fought ghouls and ghasts outside Hlint.  (There was a problem with them being raised and getting free to attach caravans on their way to Hlint and the city itself).

I think Master Q and Miss Daniella are both stepping up the patrols because of the absence of the Shining Hand, because it is with the two of them that I am making most of these trips.

I am either very paranoid or vampires are out to get me.  I have seen them in the caves outside Haven; outside Gloom Woods; Lance got Myla from them; there was practically an army of them at the temple of an Ancient Lich.  They seemed to come out of the woodwork and even blocked the exits; some attached us in the frozen marshes; etc.  Every time I turn around, vampires are involved.  

Myla sees me as her mom I think and I'm not sure what to think about that.  I don't mind being there for her, but my work with Toran is important and balancing motherhood with being a Beacon may cause me some severe problems in the future.  She is a handful, but I do love her dearly.  I think it would be hard not to love her.  I worry about her.  She still has nightmares even after all this time.  I wonder if she'll be haunted by her early childhood forever.

As for Lance, I still am completely confused.  We did make it through a trip that included his ex where he didn't ignore me the whole time.  So there is progress.  Only time will tell I think.

I should be heading out.

In Toran's Grace,
Jillian Stuart

[Alazira]

Lately helping Miss Daniella has been an interesting expedition.  We just got back from a small town where a "Priest" of Toran had the town believing all kinds of weird things.  He convinced them to give their children to him to send off to join the Toranite armies.  However, he simply locked them in his basement.  He was also taxing them for the same supposed reason.  We found that money under the floor boards in his basement as well.  He had them for worship services several times a day, but his services were scary.  His idea of what Toranism is, well it is far far from anything I've ever seen before.  He had the town convinced that anyone who saw things differently from him had evil in them and was therefore wrong.  I believe at some point, he was a good priest of Toran, but was corrupted himself.  The town was all poor and barely able to live with him taking all their spare money.  They all missed the children (who he was warping daily with his version of Toran).  He wasn't taking into account any of the recent changes of Toran belief.  We took him into custody and back to Ortheus.  His second in command, upon realizing what he did wrong tried to kill himself, but Miss Daniella was able to stop him.  The details were worked out while a couple of us went to free the children.  It does seem that Toran was wise in giving me little sisters and Myla, considering how often I come across children and need to be able to calm them or keep them happy.

Before we arrived there though, we stopped at a Rofirein temple.  We were asked to by the local priest.  He says he knows what our mission is and while he was talking our (the Toranites) powers kept waning in and out.  From how all the upper echelon of Toranites are acting and the words this man used, I believe that this mission is for Toran himself, to help him directly from some tragic thing.  I am slightly confused on how taking care of all the small jobs helps him directly, unless of course it just frees up his time or shows others how good we are as a faith.  I really don't know.  I wish Miss Daniella was free to tell us, at least a few of us closest to her, what exactly we were doing.

A while after that, we were in Huangjin when we heard rumor of two very different, very bad things happening at once.  We had to make a choice who to help.  The first was that an orphanage of children were attacked in the middle of the night and everyone who worked there and all the children save one were killed.  No real leads.  We were asked to go investigate that and see what we could do to find those responsible and bring them in for trial.  However, just as we were getting ready to do that, we also received word of a small town outside Audria that was dying of a horrible disease.  We had to make a choice, help bring justice to those who killed the children or have mercy and try to save those still alive.  To me, the decision was easy.  You help those that live before seeking vengeance.  So we got supplies together and headed toward the outbreak.  Almost immediately upon getting there, Daniel fell ill, even with his protective magics in place.  Miss Daniella was trying to heal a diseased person, and I put my will and prayers behind her.. and the man was healed.  That wasn't the best thing to do, because then we were mobbed with diseased people wanting the cure.  Mark soon fell ill as well.  Lana and I went to the mines, where the healers were and tried to find out where the disease started.  We were told the wells in town.  We returned back, just in time to see Miss Daniella waist deep in the local watering hole.  I jumped in, and again put whatever prayers and will I had in to helping her (though, being as close as she is to Toran lately, I don't think I was really needed either time) and we managed to turn the water into the cure.  People flocked to the water and were cured almost instantly.  We quickly got Mark and Daniel into the water, and the town was healed.  Of course we didn't make it in time to save everyone, but we did save a lot of them.  Or should I say that Toran saved them, because the next problem was that the town thought that Miss Daniella did it and built a statue and shrine to her.  She had to explain things to them, that it was Toran and not her that deserved the praise... or even the Aerdinites and Az'attans who had tried to help as well.  In the end, I think they understood.

As for my personal life, every time I stop at home these days Myla is getting into new trouble.  I came home to find "artwork" on the bathroom wall one day.  She wanted to add it to the art show that Leringard was having shortly after that.  I had to actually ground her.  Of course, grounding didn't work, because she snuck out and actually attended the art show without an adult.  She once promised me she would not leave the house without an adult again, so she broke her promise.  I have to figure out what an appropriate punishment is for her and get her to understand that she is a child and has rules to follow.  Otherwise, she is going to be a spoiled brat and we'll forever be cleaning up her messes.  I will need to speak to Lance on the subject.

In Toran's Grace,
Jillian Stuart

[Alazira]

To pick up where my last journal left off, which is admittedly a while ago, I finally know why Miss Daniella was so concerned about the mission she was tasked with.  Apparently Rofirein raised Toran into power, but placed a condition on it when he did.  If ever Rofirein thought that Toran had strayed too far from his original goals that he would create a series of tasks for one of Toran's chosen to complete, to test if they chose correctly.  Toran chose for Miss Daniella to be his one chosen.  If she failed the tests, Toran would have lost his godhood.  Thankfully, we succeeded and most people aren't even aware of what we did.

Miss Daniella has opened a school to help teach young Toranites how to act.  Basically how she taught me, but on a younger basis and helping multiple children at once.  They have come along well since their first arrival.  I am a teacher, along with Miss Daniella and Lance.  We are simply teaching them about leadership, making the hard choices, undead, speaking to Toran, etc.  Basically all those things we use on a regular basis.  Most of them are coming along well.  There are a few that are hard headed, but that can be a good thing in its own right.  When they graduate,  I think we will have a good bunch of Toranites to help do good.  

More recently than that, I volunteered to be security at an auction I was already planning to attend.  A lady by the name of Lady Saida attended.  I knew the moment I saw her that she was evil to her core.  I was honestly just hoping we could get her out of the room that I was responsible for keeping safe.  She did leave, without much incident, except that she took the time to personally threaten me.  Daniel tells me that she is powerful at dominating magics.  His voice when he spoke of her took on an air of fear.  So I am taking precautions in my safety.  I haven't really been home since due to the fact that the children from the school are there, though Miss Daniella is trying to convince me that I should.

I got word not long ago from the Shining Hand.  We had a mission.  It asked me to report for something big.  When the orders came in, I was with Riley (longer information of Riley to follow), and he asked if he could go along for his own edification, but I think it was more to keep an eye on me to keep me safe.  The limited information I got about the mission made me think that magics might be involved, so I asked Richard to join me as well.  When we arrive, the group split up and I was to lead a group to investigate and see if I could find and deal with the problem.  The problem was that local animals were being spotted by reliable sources (Retired Beacon "Beak") that appeared to be rotting, yet still alive.  We checked into it and did indeed find animals with that description and followed the trail of animals and information back to a cave filled with an evil acolyte, a bunch of elves with the same problem, and a giant magical machine that created and transported these elves.  We captured the acolyte of Corath and took him into custody and sealed off the cave.  The acolyte said that in order to destroy his machine that someone of pure heart had to kill an innocent and let their blood drip into the machine.  We were fairly certain he was telling the truth as Richard had dominated him, but I couldn't bring myself to do such actions without checking with my command to see if they could come up with another way to destroy it.  So we left it guarded and headed back to where we separated with my captain from.  That's where we are now, camping on our way back.

Since my last entry Miss Daniella, Lance and others have gone to war.  While away defending innocents in the war, Chaynce died his last death.  Miss Daniella is grieving.  It almost hurts to see her most of the time now.  I miss Chaynce, but mostly I miss him for Miss Daniella.  

My personal life has been a mess since my last entry, but appears to be heading toward a positive road.  First Daniel started flirting with me, but told Miss Daniella that he was only using me to make himself feel better after his ego was bruised with his wife leaving him.  Then a few months later (after apologizing for the first go round), he came up to me at that auction I spoke of earlier and told me that I was the second best lady he knew, second only to Miss Daniella and asked me out again.  Who tells someone they are asking out that they are the second best?  Anyhow, I didn't know what to tell him to not hurt his feelings, so I told him I'd think about it.  I was fairly certain he hadn't insulted me on purpose.  Before I could get him an answer, he then took back the asking out because he apparently isn't able to date now due to his oaths and he hadn't figured that out before asking me out.  I am glad that I stayed away from him now, as he is nothing but trouble walking when it comes to relationships.

Coming fresh out of this, I met a Paladin named Riley Alexander.  He was in strange company when I met him (Ilsarians), yet I still liked him.  He was polite and had manners like a Paladin should.  After having us end in the same traveling party several times, he asked my permission to get to know me on a social basis better.   I feel bad for him, because I didn't trust him.  Since men have a habit of using me to make themselves feel better, my response wasn't exactly the welcoming he was hoping for but in the end after many questions, I agreed.  We got to know each other better and I thought we were at the stage that I was finally ready to call him my boyfriend and he presented me with a ring.  I thought it might be a promise ring or something along those lines and he intended it to be an engagement ring!  He asked me to marry him... standing in a bank... with a ring I paid for.  *smiles face drawn here* I sort of panicked on  him.  He is clueless in women, but that is kind of a good thing because it just means he hasn't done any of this with another woman before.  In the end that day, we agreed that instead of an engagement ring, which I wasn't able to accept, that we'd just call it another step in our relationship.  He thinks I'm his soul mate.  I'm mostly just happy around him, want to spend time with him, and all of those other gushy things, but the idea of soul mate and engagement rings makes me panic.  He is a good man and he is understanding that I'm ... skittish with men.  He thinks Daniel is a dolt.  I think we'll work thru this, but he's just going to have to move slower, because it feels like we're flying through this courtship after all the years I spent alone.

[Alazira]

//Not actually posted in her journal.. just an entry of rp.

Jillian walks hand in hand with Riley thru the town of Huangjin. She occasionally points something small out as a place she used to play or something along those lines. She leads you to a modest, yet well kept home. Upon arriving, she hesitates outside the door. "One last chance to turn around and run, like any sane person would do." She waits for him to make some comment or assurance that he wants to go in. "Just remember, I said that I thought this scarier than the dark elves we just fought." She doesn't bother to knock. She simply takes a deep breath and opens the door, hand still in his dragging him in behind her hollering out loudly "Mom?! Dad?!"

A pretty lady who bears remarkable resemblances to Jillian, yet is obviously older and hair going grey steps into sight from another room. Her hair is pulled back into a bun and she is wearing a dress with an apron over it. At the sight of Jillian her eyes light up and she squeals running toward Jillian, throwing her arms around her. Jillian swirls her mother around once and then sets her on her feet and steps back. Jillian is without a doubt happy to see her mother.

As she steps back, she puts a hand on Riley's shoulder. "Riley, this is my mother. Mrs. Abygale Stuart. Mom, this is my friend, Paladin Riley Alexander."

As soon as her mother stops long enough to realize that Jillian has a guest with her, Abygale's eyes light up. She looks up at Riley, who is significantly taller than her and smiles widely. "Well aren't you a handsome one? And you've even got my daughter to wear something other than platemail? Well you are certainly welcome here." She never lets him get a word in edgewise.

She takes his hand and leads him further into the house, hollering out herself. "Rick! Come see who Jillian brought home!"

Jillian has turned about 18 shades of red at this point and has tried several time to hush her mother and been shut down each time. Her eyes plead with Riley.

Abygale turns to Riley. "You interested in my daughter?" Although she asks the question, she doesn't actually give Riley time to answer. "Of course you are. She never brings men back here. Well, there was that one time she brought the Ilsarian, that sweet Andrew boy and his lady love, the elf Elohanna and with them that Priest of Rofirein, Daniel Poetr. But, you.. it's just the two of you, and you are such a handsome man. Even my daughter must have noticed that." Her gaze switches over to Jillian. "You have haven't you?"

Jillian's face is in her hands. "Toran, please. I ask of you patience. Either that or to silence my mother. Whichever you feel more fit."

Abygale asks her question again. "You have noticed how handsome he is, haven't you Jillian."

Jillian looks to Riley. "This was a bad idea. I apologize. I never thought my mother would embarrass me this way." The last was said pointedly to her mother, even though she was looking at Riley.

Abygale speaks over her. "Answer me Jillian Rose Stuart."

Jillian sighs and her eyes roll heavenward in prayer. "Toran..please. Yes mother. A blind woman would notice how handsome Riley is."

Just then, the man who is obviously Rick steps in wiping his hands on a rag. He has saw dust on his clothing and scattered in his hair that is going grey at the temples. "What are you yelling about Abye Girl?" It was then that he noticed Jillian and a wide smile crossed his face and he simply opened his arms awaiting her. Jillian quickly crossed the floor and stepped into his open arms, hugging her dad. "Dad. Please make mom behave. She has embarrassed both myself and my guest."

Abygale starts to say something and Rick raises a hand and she silences herself, crossing her arms over her chest.

Rick steps back from Jillian, leaving his hands on her shoulders and checking her out from head to toe. "You look healthy enough." His eyes then rake over Riley head to toe. "And who is your friend?"

Jillian looks relieved to be introducing Riley to her dad. Although her manners were welcoming with her mom, she obviously has a closer bond with her dad. "Dad. This is my friend, Paladin Riley Alexander. He also serves Toran and lately has been doing his best to keep me safe. Riley, this is my dad, Mr. Richard Stuart."

Jillian's dad adjusts where Jillian is standing to put her at his side, his arm slung over her shoulders in a clear manner claiming her as his. The hand not slung over her shoulder however, reaches out to shake hands with Riley.

[Alazira]

//Not actually posted in her journal.. just an entry of rp.

Riley takes little notice of what Jillian is saying. Just a nod or an occasional "Mmmm Mmmm" in acknowledgement as she shows him the sights of her youth. He's more enthralled with the woman who just recently fought by his side, tough as any warrior he'd ever witnessed, who is now this seemingly fragile flower only looking for the sun. Not a care in the world. Her hand in his tugging him onward. Where were they going? He didn't care. He is with her.
She stops before a doorway turns and says with a beaming smile, "One last chance to turn around and run, like any sane person would do." He smiles, but then again he's been smiling since the moment she took his hand at the docks. He tries to nod but before he can she says something about "scary" and "Dark Elves". Then she turns to the door and as she does he shakes his head clear and says to himself, "Snap out of it. These next few minutes are important. For both of us." He wishes he had been a better student when Sillool was trying to educate him about such matters. What was it she said? Something about, - thinks -- "Come on Riley? What did she say? Something about don't interrupt. No! Yes! When meeting her mother don't interrupt. Be sincere. Compliments are nice but don't flatter. That can come later when the relationship is more....firm. Something about the father. What was it? Can't remember. Then a quick gentle tug through the doorway and Jillian calling in a loud, happy voice for Mom and Dad.
As they step through the doorway they pause and he notices Jillian looking down at their hands clasped together. Almost at the same moment they realized that the first meeting with her parents shouldn't be in such a manner so they reluctantly relinquish the grip they've had since the docks. As Jillian's mother steps into the room both women rush to each other and once Jillian finishes twirling her mother about like a wagon wheel five or six times she sets her down and steps back to Riley's side. Poor mom takes a few moments to regain her feet and turns to face the two and Riley gets his first real look at the elegant lady. Easy to see from where Jillian's beauty emanates.
Jillian steps back to Riley's side and softly lays her hand on his shoulder and makes introductions. "Honored to meet you Mrs...." Abygale 's eyes flash suddenly and starts a quick conversation. With who? Anyone I guess. Smile. Don't interrupt. No problem there. Nod a lot. Keep smiling. Not so wide. All the while he hears Jillian in the background in a firm whisper, "Mother! Mother please! A quick appeal to Toran. Sorry M'Lady he can't help you. You are on your own. Which means... I'm on my own. What did Sillool say again? Oh yes. Don't interrupt. Still no problem there. No chance for compliments. Still nodding? Yes. Good.

As Abygale takes his hand and pulls him into the center of the room he steels a glance at Jillian who is now beside herself with embarrassment. She wears that shade of red quite well he thought. A call for Rick. Then another. Abygale turns to Jillian. Takes a quick look and just as quickly turns back to him. "You interested in my daughter?" Tries to answer but cut off. "Of course you are." Then the history of others who have graced this house. Another glance at Jillian who has the face buried in her hands I prayer. A quick gentle tug by Abygale and then, "Answer me Jillian Rose Stuart." Just then a tall man strides into the room and jillian runs to his arms pleading help with her mother. A small gesture from Rick and Abygale falls silent. And by all accounts she's not to happy with the turn in events. Rick takes stock of his daughter and approves of her condition. Looks across the room at Riley as Jillian makes introductions. Glances furtively at his daughter and gathers her in and offers his hand to Riley in friendship. As Riley crosses the room to take Ricks' hand all the while he is thinking, "What did Sillool say about the father? Think".

//Originally written by Riley's player

[Alazira]

//Not actually posted in her journal.. just an entry of rp.

As the meal progresses, the question continue to both Riley and Jillian. You notice that Jillian tries to duck answering most of the questions that cross any lines. Her sisters wink in her direction with words being mouthed or whispered in the effect of "He's Cute", "Look at those muscles", "Look who finally brings home a man!" and other such comments that make Jillian look uncomfortable. One of the nephews, who appears to be about 16 asks "So what are your intentions toward my Aunt?" His mother looks horrified that he asked, but doesn't tell you that you don't have to answer it. You learn that one of Jillian's brother-in-laws is also in the Order of the Longsword and has a scar over his left eye to prove it, her father is a retired paladin, and that her sisters are way more girly than she is. Children crawl into whoever's lap is available, but seem to like Riley and Jillian as they aren't normally around. One particular niece crawls into your lap sucking her thumb. She then grabs your ear like it is a safety blanket and makes no qualms about napping in your lap at the table. Jillian smiles at him when she sees it and comments "At least she is well adjusted and not afraid of strangers." That said with a grin on her face. Jillian looks much more animated here than you have ever seen her, more relaxed. With that said, she also looks like the odd ball of the family, the one who doesn't belong. Her sisters never knowing quite what to do with her. The bindstone has obviously been kind to Jillian. Despite her being the oldest, she looks the youngest. At dinner, it is announced that Jillian's youngest sister is with child again and everyone is thrilled. Abygale obviously overdid herself with the meal she prepared. There is a practical feast being served despite the food shortage in Huangjin. It is obvious this household is not without food. In fact just after the meal, you catch Jillian unloading a bunch of stuff from her pack into the cupboards.

Several little girls come up to him batting their eye lashes. One puts her hand in his asking if he'll play jump rope with them. If he agrees, they pull him outside and play with him for a while. They also pull Jillian outside to jump rope as well. She looks well practiced at this particular game and manages to hold a conversation with him while jumping. The girls are singing a jump rope song when Jillian winks at Riley and speaks. "think of it as being useful in that the game teaches you to be light on your feet AND you please my nieces." If his gaze strays and makes her self conscious then she'd hold herself while jumping, but she probably wouldn't think of it unless he has a wandering eye. The girls bring out a second rope and do a double jump. It looks difficult, but Jillian is laughing and smiling the whole time. Eventually, after a good work out, she quits by jumping out of the swirling ropes and then attacking one of her nieces with tickles. More giggling insues. The nieces do all they can to get Riley to jump rope as well, sinking so low as to shame him if he doesn't give in and give it a try. One boy who is obviously in a rebellious stage in his life comes up to him and flat out asks if Riley is sleeping with his aunt. Thankfully, the kid chose a time where no one else was around to hear it but himself and Riley. As some point a little boy of about 8 brings out 2 wooden swords and walks up to Riley, and in a slightly shaky voice (as if he is scared) says "Paladin Alexander sir, will you spar with me? I want to grow up and be like you and daddy and grandpa." He seems so serious. "Maybe you can teach me something now?" Both Brother-in --laws watch you intently throughout the day. Neither challenging, but watchful, acting more like blood than in-laws. They regularly have their arms thrown over her shoulder in obvious familiarity and claim.

Jillian pulls Riley out back hand in hand when he looks like he could use a break. She takes a deep breath, then smiles widely while facing him and leans her head against his chest a moment before looking back up at him. "They are a handful, but they mean well. I'd hide a few minutes if I were you though. I heard the girls plotting to get you to have a tea party with them and their dolls soon." Facing him, she threads her fingers thru his on both hands so that she stands holding his left hand with her right and his right hand with her left. "You doing okay? I can make excuses if you don't want to stay here tonight and we can stay at the Citadel instead."

It's a long day and assuming Riley chooses to stay at the house, if eventually calms down as Jillian's sisters and their families leave. Various different children tell Riley they like him or thank him for playing with them, wish him luck with Aunt Jilly, hug him, or asked to be picked up for a hug. One whispers in his ear. "Come back. We like you. Be careful and be nice to Aunt Jilly. She pretends to be hard, but she needs a hug every now and then. I just think she needs a teddy bear. Then she could get a hug anytime she needed.

When it is bedtime, Jillian shows Riley to the guest room. It is a fairly simple room with a bed, dresser and a desk with c hair. It has ankhs hung up and soft sheets n the bed. It's decorated in various shades of blue. As she stops outside the door, she pointsacross the hall to a room he see thru the open doorway. This room is the opposite of his room in that it is very pink and frilly. "If you need anything, I'll be in cotton candy land over there." She grins. "I hope today wasn't too bad and you don't' get nightmares." She pauses a moment. "Thank you. Simply. Thank you." If you are up during the earlier part of the night, he door is cracked open and you can see the light behind it. If you look closer, you'll see her in cotton pajama bottoms and a short sleeved shirt. She is either writing a letter or pressing the flower you got her in a book.