3. It's Only Skin Deep

It's Only Skin Deep


  • The other day Clay told me he was 7,000 gold peices in debt to the Banite Quelcoth. Something about a belt that helped him not die. He originally owed 8,000. The deal was that he could pay the belt back in full (2,000) within the first year or become his slave, or have an unlimited amount of time to pay off four times the price. Of course Clay took the latter end of the deal, knowing full well he couldn't get the money together in a year, as he just…doesn't deal with money very much. Gets everything he needs from the woods.

    So that was evidenced yesterday after a successful romp with the Gnolls with Lycka (it was good to see her again), Garviel, Squeek, Diadne, Cyrian, Eihnrich and of course Clay. That Clay has no idea how to handle money. Buying a few items in the market square in Pelt and then going to Vanity plates, I had a little black number dyed pink which was about 150 gold. I looked over and Clay had spent his coin in it's entireity.

    After that it seems that he agreed to let me handle the gold. Thankfully. His heart was set on a jacket that was a lovely shade of blue and I gave him the coin for it, he deserves to be pampered at least a little bit, he never does anything only for himself like that.

    Aftewards we went to the bathhouse and held hands, talking about how much we love each other. I'm so content right now.

    I'm so, so very happy.


  • My Death

    I don't remember too much of who was there, so I'll try to recall who I can: Father Ty, Thomas, Korlis, Garviel, Brendel, Lea, Vash, Dash.

    We were all in Pelt for one reason or another and conveniently gathered in the center of town gabbing about this and that when a distressed and bloodied Hin ran up to us calling for help. Father Ty and I managed to show a little kindness and concern for him and he told (with others overhearing) that his caravan had been attacked by evil rangers or some such. Ty and I were about to go but everyone else wanted money, so the poor thing said he would give them whatever was left if they could just help. That made Ty and me glance at each other and shake our heads, but at anyrate, we were off with Dash in the lead, searching for tracks and leading us straight to where the carnage had taken place.

    Naked Hin full of arrows were strewn about the landscape and I felt my eyes prickle. It's amazing that through everything I've been through I still manage to regain my sensitivity and not become hard and unfeeling like I used to be…

    We all followed the trail and were immediately attacked by said rangers, and though only one or two was a challenge, we still chose to go deeper. In retrospect we should have stopped, regrouped and figured out a plan because what happened next was chaos....

    So many of us fell and were raised by Ty, healed by Garivel, why didn't we stop!? Barrage after barrage of assailant and wild animal came towards us, damaging us. At once i was swarmed and I was stabbed and shot at so mightily that I couldn't even move. They captured me then and after a moment Vash joined me.

    A female (the leader??) wondered how valuable we were. I said “not very” hoping like a fish she would throw us back, but she raised her poisoned arrow to me, a bored look on her face “Then I guess we can kill you.” I backpedaled and tried to negotiate for my life, and Vashs as well when all hells broke loose and they loosed their arrows on us, before we could even make a move.

    It was surreal as always this time I remember everything...

    The In-between was beautiful and frightening and Vash was there. While I was there I could hear echoes of Clayton, I knew something was wrong with him and tried to take my mind off of it by getting to know Vash, hoping that our group was taking care of us and on their way to reviving us. Still I could hear his echoes in my head, and when I was brought back, I was furious. I admit I snapped at a few who didn’t deserve it, but neither did they understand that we needlessly died due to their lack of planning. Most of all I was mad because Lea and Clayton were deeply distraught by it, Clayton even feeling my death because of the rings….my poor love.

    In anycase I believe I somehow insulted Brendel, and later apologized for my actions. He seemed to understand but sometimes I don’t know about him… So, once I was revived, so was Clay and as I got stronger, so did he; in the end all was well but he still to this day blames himself for “Letting me down” and “not being there” for me. He puts too much on his shoulders I fear, but then again a glance into a looking glass will tell me the same.

    I do not ever want to do that to him again.

    His Death

    It…was the worst feeling in the world, to watch him fall…

    Again, nothing about our deaths were intentional, but were the result of others or our own poor decisions, and I fear his passing might have been one of my mistakes.

    Del the Mighty (as I like to call him) Hammer, Clay and I decided to finally go hunt some Gnolls, it seems that every time we attempt to do this something stops us, gets in our way, and this time there was no exception. As we were making our way northward we heard a man scream, as if he were being slain. Clay heard it first, and we were off to aid whoever might have been attacked.

    We came upon a Childe of Hoar. Before then I had never engaged one in combat and didn’t know truly how brutal they could be. Poor Del was struck down early on, and I put away my bow and brought out my sword. I always feel better with the blade in my hand, even if it isn’t the most wise of decisions, it’s what I’m best at and so I charged. He certainly decided to make short work of me and I thought for sure I would take another trip to the In-between when Clay leaped out of nowhere and put himself between me and the Warrior. He told me to run but it’s not my way, and he knows I would never ever leave his side. We proceeded to flank him and did a pretty good job of almost avenging Del…

    Time stopped, slowed down. All I could hear was my breathing and the thundering of my own heart in my ears. I was looking at the Warrior, then glanced to Clay and met his eyes. Something wasn’t right. I looked down and saw his blood on the mans sword. Somewhere in there Hammer finished him off. Somewhere in there Clay said something to me. Somewhere in there I screamed his name. Somewhere in there I died with him and then it came rushing back.

    I can’t remember how many times I said the word “No” and how long I held his lifeless form in my lap, wanting to die. It was then that the physical pain started to set in. Hammer lifted his body. Most of it was a blur but we went to the Legion house, I think he thought there might be a healer there, but no luck. So we took Del and Clay to Norwick, Hammer offered to Carry clay to Norwick and I lost my mind, yelling at him, so I took him. Sobbing the whole way, it was the hardest thing I’ve had to do since Dryden died at the hands of my Father.

    Once there I couldn’t move any longer and collapsed next to him, the tears never stopped flowing, you think they will but they don’t. I combed his hair with my fingers, it was dirty. I thought I needed to wash it soon, and started to feel myself slip away when suddenly life sprang into him and he was there. It was the happiest I’ve ever been to see him and though I could barely, I struggled to my feet and fell on him, weeping.

    We got in some stupid tiff about something stupid for a moment but that was soon over.

    Not long after that Cara returned. Wonders will never cease…

    The Hunt

    Ter'ynian returned to me, it was time for the hunt, just as she predicted, the full moon above our heads.

    Clay, of course, was the one I chose to be with me and she instructed us to be prepared. I started to strip and Clay asked why, I told him that the hunt was in the nude, nothing but a weapon and your wits. After we had disrobed, she transported us to a cold place, I do not know where, covered in snow and quiet trees.

    We stalked our unknown pray, looking for tracks, a clue, a broken branch, anything. Soon Clay stopped and held his arm out, gesturing "There it is…" he breathed. Ahead of us was a massive white bear who seemed at home in the cold, peacefully unaware that it, a large predator, was being stalked by two naked pink people of elven decent. Clay let me have the first shot.

    It sang through the air and hit the large white creature who roared in anger. After that it gave chase, we shot, ran, shot ran. This repeated until we put him to rest. It was exhilaration and frightening and a little bit sad. I don't like killing animals, even if they attack because most are just purely innocent, protecting is in their nature. Clay slit his throat to give him a quick and painless death. We said prayers and Ter'ynian returned, granting me the most amazing gift of armor I've ever seen. Light and flexible, yet harder than anything I've ever seen. I can still dance in it, it hugs every curve and valley, as if it was made just for me. Our rings have also become more potent, and the bond we share is tighter than ever.

    I still have yet to see what the armor and ring can do in action...

    The Future

    The other day I showed Clay my wedding dress. It was something I had wanted to do for some time to broach the subject of getting married. I had bought it some time ago….probably for when Elith and I were getting serious, and never wore it. But now I realize that it was for him.

    I think he likes it.


  • The writing is slanted, hurried.

    So many incredible things have happened to me in these past couple days I could not be more euphoric or elated or extatic!

    I must relay everything from the beginning or else this journal will be a jumble like my thoughts…

    The day started with me showing Caelisar my new pink outfit for that much needed money that was collected from the Ettins the other day. I think he liked it so I suppose that was a plus. Afterward Clay and I met with Lea, who gave him some money for an adventure they had had earlier. I let her know that I met her mother and thought that she was an absolutely wonderful woman. Lea suggested that Thorn, Clay, she and I should all share some time together or a meal and we accepted that invitation. I hope we get together soon, I do so enjoy their company. Afterward, we decided to go hunt some Hobbers southwards.

    Everything started out smooth enough but soon they were on top of us, swarming around us...though we managed to hold them back we went through many potions and spells of healing, and after we pressed on, it just became too much..

    A caster struck me with a red bolt and my legs became heavy, that I could not run but only amble away, it was agony. In the meantime, Clay nearly lost his life protecting me while I escaped. After we escaped I held him and forced him to rest...seeing him like that makes my heart ache, I couldn't bear to lose him, especially after what came later that next night...

    After we drug ourselves back to Norwick, Clay went off to buy more potions while I took a much needed rest for a second time. Soon enough Bow and Thorn came trudging back from an escapade, Thorn looking worse for wear. Bow informed me that they had lost...Vash't is it? I don't know if I have met him, but he fell and was resurrected. Thorn went up to the cliff to stare into nothingness. His heart is so tender, he hates not being able to help. The fear had gripped him like an icey fist and he had to flee the scene, he was ashamed of this. I informed him that fear was what kept us alive, it was good for those we loved, we stay alive for Clay, for Lea, for any family we have. Friends we share. This seemed to help and I gave him a hug.

    Walking down it seemed that many around the campfire were talking about me or something...I don't really know what they were saying but I don't think it was anything too terribly bad. It appeared to be Squeak, Iain a new person whose name began with a "z" and other new person, a ranger who also introduced himself but whose name, for the life of me, escapes me at this moment. If I see him I will remember. At any rate, I was about to join Bow and a few others for a fun romp with baddies when I heard Clay calling to me...

    I followed his voice until I reached a small clearing by the woods south of the South Gate and there was a dark elf. She was a female named Ter'ynian, the sister of the dark elf who bestowed my blade upon me, and asked me about Eilistraee, what she stood for, what she meant...I answered all questions about the hunt, about dancing and the blade and about love. She smiled when I mentioned that I, myself, was currently in love.

    I was gifted with two rings, one for myself and one to give to someone I would love forever and always, an unbreakable bond, this person I would bring on the hunt with me, which was to be soon. Ter'ynian regretted that she had to leave and mentioned that we should dance together sometime in the moon. I was nearly speechless with joy and agreed. She left with words that the hunt was to be soon, and I could bring the person I gave the ring to...Of course I immediately knew it was Clay.

    Despite how fast things are going, I know him to be true to me, to love me the way I love him and to never fail me. When Ter'ynian left I rushed back to camp, in a blissful daze. I was not ignored, but being watched by friendly eyes. This revitalized my faith and convictions, blessed Eilistraee, thank you. As soon as I saw Clay, I began to spill the events excitedly, Bow and Caelisar watched me, amused at my antics.

    I wanted to give him the ring in the same place we felt the spark and saw the white stag, and so after a bit we got there, and I gave him the ring...

    What followed was a heartfelt confession on both of our sides, that I don't even want to write here, for fear someone may get ahold of this journal. They are deep, dark confessions, secrets and ment to stay that way...Ty was the only other person who knows my secret here and now Clay. I have a feeling I am the only one Clay has told his secret to. We both cried when we spoke, but it felt good I think it made us stronger to know such things about the other. I want to spend eternity with him. We told each other we would always love the other, and that the past would not change that. Afterward we slept by the waterfall, in each others arms.

    I awoke this morning to find that Clay had cooked me breakfast and left a sweet note. I will eat it before it gets cold, and then bathe. Sleeping out here gets dirty!

    ~Donnie


  • I don't know what's happend, it seems that chaos is always amended by further chaos. It turns out, and I heard from many, that Dwin cut the hand off of Brendel for some disagreement or another and then went ranting about how he was or is the law or something.

    Though I frequent Norwick, this makes me glad I am a citizen of Pelt.

    Has his brain gone to Rot? Is their madness within his head? This incident, as I'm sure many others have noted, is strange, unusual…almost out of character for Dwin, or is it his true character? In anycase, rumblings of a forced re-election are passing the lips at those at campfires and can be heard in rumblings in bars.

    I had the pleasure of meeting Brendel a couple of times, though militant, he seemed like he had a good enough heart and I should like to get to know him better. It just makes the actions against him more unbelievable and as expected, has most in an uproar.

    Another person who I had the pleasure of meeting with was Clay's mother. A charming, hard-working lady working in the kitchens of the Dancing Mermaid named Raina Grayfeather. I like to think we hit it off, having something we love in common, and talking about the refugees from Norwick. She took care of them when they arrived and I felt warmed to know they had such a nice lady looking after them. I should like to meet with her again over a meal and let her know more about me.

    After that we went shopping and I purchased a new outfit, a soft pink leather number that Clay quite likes. I think he finds it hard to keep his hands off me whenever I wear it....I'm not complaining! I will have to say that he has been the most attentive and adventerous lover since Elith, with twice the size...he is half elven after all and I have only been used to smaller male elves, Dryden, Elith, Ayndur… all elves! So this is a completely new and wonderful experience for me as a female.

    As far as any adventures, I've been to the Ettins twice yet, both times with Cealisar bossing everyone around...though I know it comes from a good place it can still be tiresome. He is very strategy oriented, which can be a good thing but now I laught and think that I know what Clay was grumbling about so much the first time! I shall see him soon and show him my new outfit in exchange for the coin he owes me, a playful contract between friends made amoung jokes. Vander and Arandor went with us, I had not meet Arandor before but knew of him some time ago. He was a very nice man, I should like to get to know him better.

    Along the way, I noticed the make of Vanders armor and sheild and commented, he thanked me and mentioned that he had recieved it in the battle against the Dracolitch, and that it was repellent against fire, a very useful tool to have in these strange times.

    When the search through the Ettins was over we came across Nicahh, a lovely lady with beautiful hair and a stunning red outfit. She was friends with Arandor from long ago, and I recognized her vaguely, but introduced myself to her. Quite nice! Perhaps I will make a friend with her. I do wish I had more time around more females, I miss the interaction that only ladies share.

    Well, It's off to meet my love, Clay, again at the south gates...I have on that outfit he likes...

    ~Dondiah


  • I've purchased this journal to record my thoughts and actions…It's better than writing to my kidnapped child, and a lot less difficult for me in the meantime~

    You know I thought I had a friend in Cara, I really did...in fact I still hope too, but lately it has been difficult. She makes a few comments here and there, some obviously trying to embarass me, and shoots looks to me that can only spell one thing: jealousy.

    I had no plans to fall for Clay, to steal him from anyone or anything and I had no plans to hurt other people in the process but well, appearantly that happened despite my intentions. Should I have seen it sooner? How would I have been able to tell that other women harbored feelings for him?

    In retrospect though, it should have been obvious, he is tall, handsome and strong. Despite the attitude that others may see in him from the moment I met him I only saw humor, kindness and tenderness in his actions towards me.

    I had to explain to Cealisar the other day that he is used to being alone and would talk to him about his group interaction. Caelisar, who appearantly was (...is?) interested in me has the idea that Clay is a wild card, is rude had has disregard for others. I informed him that not ALL of that was...completely true...we'll have to sit down and talk about it, Clay and I.

    Other than THAT the battle with the Dracolich is finally over, and more capable people than I have laid the threat in the south to rest. I was afraid, because I didn't get to say my fairwells to my friends but it turns out that I didn't need to and for that I am greatful.

    I decided to do my part by escorting the townsfolk of Norwick to Peltarch. Brendel was the lead in the expedition and Clay was second in command. Though there was an almost casualty, we banded together to provide protection and support for each man, woman and child on the journey and eventually made it without anymore harm.

    The one thing that irritated me was how their Leader, Eric...a lumberjack, was behaving! Grim faced and mopey for what? HE wasn't fighting a Dragon, he was getting to safety! And most of all MOST of all, he had all of Norwick looking to him to lead them out with these adventurers and he was acting like death had already come! I attempted to have a talk with him about ACTING LIKE A FARKIN' MAN but it did little good.

    Now I'm all irritated!

    This energy is best used for other things....I'm going to find Clay.

    ~Dondiah


  • Dierdre,

    I'm wondering if these letters will ever find you, I'm sorry mama hasn't written in so long, but you see, I've been away for some time now.

    Ayunder has passed away into the mists not of this plane, and he will be missed dearly, but it's been so long that that wound has now since healed.

    It's taken so long for me to really let go Dierdre, to let go of deaths, to celebrate the lives…Though I still maintain hope for you my child, hope that hideous vampire, TK, hasn't taken you to that other plane another world..Denver...Colorado? I can only pray that one day you'll be returned to me somehow, or I will find out word of what has happened to you one way or the other.

    Another thing prompted me to write to you, Ty has returned, albeit probably briefly as he is wont to do, and it reminds me of you and Daddy, and all of our friends.

    I've been on a pilgrimage, so to speak, to find peace within myself over what has happened before I came here, to Narfell, and what has transpired here in this land. I cannot say death follows me and my loves around, as death follows all of us, breathing on our necks, staring in the window, drifting through our dreams. Death is always there, but with the companion of life. Filtering in through sunlight, dancing on the laugh of a friend, cradling with comfort as we sing or weep, or cry or scream.

    Through it all I have come to terms with myself over what has happened to me and the ones that I loved, and cherish the memories, instead of letting them eat away at my soul.

    I continue to live, and through me and others they will continue to live as well, through us and then when we are gone through my songs, writings and then through stories into legend and from legend to myth as all great people and events do.

    Though I have not lost hope, this will be my last letter to you. I will not stop loving you, but my writings will now be dedicated to Eilistraee, who has seen me through and will guide me farther. I keep your love and picture close to me.

    I love you Dierdre, please never forget that, if you are alive.

    ~Dondiah (Mama)


  • Daughter,

    So it seems that there is a war here. I am involved in it, investigating the possible resurgance of Eastlanders. They were a human people here long ago, that were wiped out. From what everyone has spoken of them, they were definitly the undesirable sort, bent on taking over the lands.
    These Eastlanders were not the cause of the current war (or so I think) but this current one is being lead by Bugbears, who seek to take over Norwick sooner or later.
    Though I have had trouble with Norwick in the past reguarding Elith, I have come to grow fond of it due to the fact that nearly all my friends frequent or reside here, and have also come to terms with what he did to get himself in such a position.
    However, now he has returned. Please do not ask me how, I know not if his shadow lord brought him back or the god he abandoned. But either way he has no memory of what happened, no memory of what he did, and no memory of me. I have been aiding him in surviving, as have my friends Eli and Elidur.
    I am troubled by his return, having found another that I now can say I have fallen deeply in love with, but cannot abandon one I used to feel just as deeply for.
    I met another man, kind and handsome, though I cannot remember his name, I do remember my friend Luke was there when I had drinks with him at the Dancing Mermaid. I proceeded to make a fool of myself on halfling ale. My troubles haunt me, just when things were looking bright. These feelings tear me apart from the inside.
    It is funny, at one point I felt no one could love me…now it seems there are many interested in me. I do not understand how fate works.

    ~ Dondiah


  • Deirdre,

    I wish to update you on the happenings of your mothers life:

    • Knighthood

    Your mother is a now a first star knight of the Cerulean order here in Peltarch! Now I am a knight twice over, fighting not only deamons whenever possible, but now magical threats. I am also regaining my abilities as a sword mistress…Eiliestraee will be pleased with my advancement soon enough!

    • Performing

    I can now dance and sing as well as you once remember, I wish I could sing you a lullaby, but for now, I will write one to you at the end of this letter.

    • Ayndur

    I have met someone yet again. This elf has many qualities your father possessed: stoicism, bravery and kindness. However he is also so very different. He talks far more than Dryden used to, and is smooth where your father was rough, clean where he was dirty, gentle where Dryden could be biting or sarcastic. He isn't as humorous as your mother, but I believe he does possess humor under that golden armor of his that shines so brightly.

    I love your father and always will, but I am realizing that that chapter of my life is very much over. The same is said of Elith, whos scar he left still eats at me sometimes at night when I happen to be alone.

    He is a beacon of hope for me Deirdre, he is a promise of future...

    Now that the pages of those chapters are written, I can begin anew.

    There is room in my heart for him.

    Love,

    Your Mother, Dondiah.

    Little Deirdres Lullaby
    By Mommy

    _The sun of day has faded
    The fairies lights glow bright.

    The time for play has ended
    And now comes silver night.

    Land has gone to sleep now
    Gods bless you from above.

    Lay your head upon my lap
    Close your eyes my love._


  • This was the song for your father:

    _Warrior brave
    on his deathbed gave
    his only love
    her grief

    His eyes they closed
    with his last breath spoke
    with the whisper of
    a thousand trees

    "I'll fly away me love
    when you see the dove
    T'will be me
    all along."

    T'was a sad spell gave
    on the bed he laid
    and his warrior days
    were done._

    Tears dot the page

    I miss him so…

    ~ Dondiah


  • _I have discovered something I find very disgusting about myself.

    I feel worthless without someone to love and someone to love me back.

    My actions as of late speak of desperation and lonliness….how pathetic....
    Is it making others uncomfortable? I am certain it is. Is the dancing just for worship, or do I seek more? Fufillment in spirituality and physicality...the lines are becoming blurred.

    Weakness...sadness...these are not things I should be experiencing, are they?

    I have fought Black Dragons. I have been to the Abyssal planes. I have faced time travelling vampires that aren't afraid of the sun and who piss away holy water. I have been spit on, tortured, violated and imprisoned.

    Why isn't my heart hard and impenitrable? Why do I still cry, get angry and feel lost? Should not I be stoic? Should nothing phase me?

    Why am I not a beacon of strength after all of this?

    My heart is still tender, the bruises are easy to see. Every time I look in a mirror or a clear stream I see someone who is too old for this and who has been wounded too many times.

    A pitiful creature.

    I disgust myself.

    ~ Dondiah the Pathetic_


  • Dierdre,

    Here is the song I sung about my friends:

    _TO ARMS! TO ARMS!
    THEIR HEARTS WERE RACING
    HANDS WERE AT THEIR SIDES

    TY HE BE STONE
    RED SHE WAS WATER
    KAZE, SHE BLESS'D THE DARK

    COME HOME COME HOME!
    THE RODE WAS ROCKY
    DRUMS WERE BEATING SLOW

    ORETH HE LISTENS
    DRYDEN HE WHISPER'D
    DONDIAH BE ALONE

    TO DIE TO DIE!
    THEY SHALL BE LAUGHING
    HEARTS WILL BE MENDED

    BUT GODS LOOKED AWAY FROM THEM ALL._

    I have another about your father….but I cannot locate it right now. I will send you all my songs. There will be more, I promise. You are in my heart.

    Dondiah


  • Deirdre,

    This letter is going to probably be either longer or shorter than the rest, I can not tell at this point, but it will be different.

    A young elf came to me, Thorn, he would like me to be his guide on the road to Eilistraee. I don't believe I've ever felt so honored to do something so personal for someone. Never has anyone truly looked up to me for anything, or to guide them. You did of course, but you were so small then, I'm sure things have changed.

    In other events, I have joined Zyphlins group, the Cerulean Knights. I still don't know quite what I'm getting into…I believe only time and experience will tell.

    Oreth and I went to see if we could find any Drow...I believe more and more in Eilistraees message of redemption, and thought I could aid some that weren't entirely black of soul.

    I find myself worshipping even more than I used to. Dancing and singing nightly has become engrained in me now more than ever, wheather it's for comfort, for faith or for both, it keeps me level in a chaotic time for me.

    I've made a friend through the knights, though I'd met him when I first got to Narfell: Mordechai. His quiet nature reminds me of your father, but his dicipline is something that I've never had in a close friend.

    He is kind and guards me when I dance, but don't get any ideas Dierdre, there is another in his heart.

    Interesting item of note: I saw a small white Dragon the other day from Jiyyd to Norwick. As far as dragons are concerned, they aren't very smart and enjoy gems for treasure and frozen meat (Should you ever encounter one). Of course for some reason everyone seemed to be hard of hearing to this advice and proceeded to ignore me. One brought a warm deer for it to eat (of course this displeased it. FROZEN. FOOD. FROZEN.) And I believe this perturbed it, although I am unsure as no one would tell me what he was saying (And PLENTY at the scene understood him). I did not understand the abrupt snub by all those present and left the scene.

    Interestingly enough, this seems to be about the same length as my other letters, just goes to show you that the future is unwritten!

    Love,

    Your Mother - Dondiah