3. The Journal of Jerrick Rayfe

The Journal of Jerrick Rayfe


  • A letter arrived at the Glen today…
    Seems this is going to be it, if Ronan has anything to say about it. A final assault on the demon fortress that we've been letting sit for a while? I'm not sure how well this will work, but then again, we haven't been sure every other time too.

    His request for two people from the circle makes me think some.
    I wonder if Fadia is going to pick me to represent the circle again. I can only hope that I can do so, perhaps It will help serve as a test, or something like it, since I still haven't been able to recover a piece of a powerful creature to bring back as proof of single combat.

    Jerrick taps his quill against his chin, thinking, and smiles slightly to himself

    On a better note, there was a big dinner outside the sisterhood, led by Nicahh, to raise funds for building a school in Jiyyd. Things went a little crazy thanks to one of the waiters trying to kill himself, cutting another person, the chef constantly being angry and the like, and my plan to propose to Kara seemed to crumble in front of me as I couldn't even get my hands to stop shaking.
    I recited a poem I wrote which, in retrospect, was likely TERRIBLY cheesy, and gave Kara a jade engagement ring that glows with a green light, which she thankfully accepted. So now, again, I find myself engaged.

    I'm looking forward to the future, more so than normal, but one thing is still heavy on my mind. How are a Quercathan Druid/Wolf/Legionnaire and a Kelmvorite Paladin/Purple Dragon Knight/Order of the divine shield going to arrange a wedding, or rather what kind of wedding we'll have....
    Oh well, all things work out eventually. I hope.


  • In most of my dreams, I am running.

    This may be because in most of my dreams, I am a wolf, but I digress.
    I keep finding myself running places, not so much FROM things, as TO them, but running has always been the recurring theme. I suppose it means I feel like I'm searching for something, and don't have much time, or I feel it's such an impossible goal, that maybe, JUST maybe I can reach it if I give it my all.

    Tonight I dreamed.

    A key rests heavy in my pocket, and a red haired girl rests on my chest.
    Cushions surround us, as well as something called peace. I think I can get used to this.

    Hells, I think I have.


  • Again, I find myself standing about, journal in hand, a million thoughts in my head. When this quill touches this page, I feel like it's no longer me writing, but something IN me trying to get out now, like I've been holding it back far too long.

    I suppose I should put what's first on my mind first.
    Kara. Kara Dumonte, Knight, Shield, Friend, and the first thing on my mind when I wake, and last thing I like to see as I fall asleep.

    I'm not sure when this all began, truthfully. We started spending time together, just chit-chatting really, after Celestria and I split.
    Then she went away for a time, and I got a letter, stating that she found herself missing my company while away, and I realized that I wasn't alone in that.

    Since then, it's been a perfect whirlwind of emotions, as if we're caught in the surface current of the sea in a storm.

    I love it.

    I love Her. (This is underlined and bolded basically, as if he took his time writing these words, purposely letting more ink spread from his qiull-point for emphasis)

    –-----------------------------(A line as if to sort thoughts)

    We often end up meeting up in Norwick, the land's hotspot of trouble as of late, it would seem. Last night was no exception. As we all sat by the fire, and Aramuil tried to rally more adventurers into another crazed and not-well-thought-out plan, the earth shook, hard.

    We looked about, and it felt as if it came from in town, so we all started searching. There, by the North cliff, was a foul green gas seeping from the ground, which left puddles of a vile burning acid where they seeped up.

    Fireballs, Magic Missles, other spells were cast at it to banish it, and nothing seemed to have any effect at all. Someone mentioned WATER being able to dissapate it, so a water elemental was brought to it, and that made progress, slowly dissolving the stuff away, as if dilution made it break up and apart.

    When we all stood about trying to figure out how to get to the source, with Aramuil digging about with no effect, I happened across an idea, and lay prostrate on the ground, ear to the grass, palms flat, and called upon nature's magic to let me speak with the plants.

    The grass responded to me, and asked my help in stopping the burning water. It was made clear that the stuff was not evil, per se, or brought on by anything that was. I requested the location of it, and was given a northwestern direction to go from, so I led everyone there, to see what we could do, after the grass asked me one more question.

    It asked for sky water, making me think of a better way to dilute the slime, and again I called upon Meilikki and her blessings, to bring a storm to me, and saturate the earth with it's life-giving water.

    So there I was, face in the grass, whispering like wind through trees, and making it rain and lightning where I stood, unsinged.

    From there, we went north, and soon found another upheaval of the foul stuff, which I called another storm to, and again, it retreated from nature's deluge, Meilikki answering my cry for help.
    When I moved forward to touch Meilikki's pendant to the ground, to bless it against a recurrence of the stuff and keep growing strong, when the very ground beneath me gave way completely. I fell, and into a waiting cave with a floor of acid.

    My elemental protections served me well, and I wasn't hurt much, even rolling through the acid as I had to so I did not break a leg. Aramuil, Eldrith, Gears, Ronan, and Moradim joined me in time down there, and we found some rune markings of the old Nars language, that when translated, spoke of "Storage Container 4" or something like that.

    This was clearly either a weapon or experiment left for later times below ground in it's stone container, or something else that had gone bad over time, and begun to leak out from the quickly deteriorating vessel. Oh, and that's when the cave sounded like it was about to come down on our heads, starting with one particular large rock I noticed while everyone else had their heads to the stone.

    We made it back up, I flew as a raven for the ease of it, and we began to think topside, of how we might stop this thing.

    I asked if I might speak up, and like before in the Glen, attention was on me. I pointed, and gestured to the stream and waterfall on the cliff above us, and said that since the stuff was CLEARLY neutralized by water, that diverting the flow of the water into here and completely flooding it, would take care of it, AND maybe help prevent a collapse, with the pressure.

    For once, Aramuil agreed without much argument, and we did so, eventually filling the hole, and spilling out the acid, much diluted, which promptly dissolved.

    Now we have a new pond, the grass thanked me as it's guardian, and Norwick is safe from this buried threat.

    As for me, I am pleased that Meilikki came to my aid in such a blatant way, and it strengthens my heart. I have vampires angry at me, the demon goblins issue with Aramuil trying to be the leader of the groups going to the caves, and a million other things going on, but for now, I am at peace.

    It's a nice feeling, like being with Kara. See? There I go again.
    Note to self - Write more.


  • This is a recent story that Jerrick had told a few people, when they asked about his recently gained ability to take a wildshape. He wrote it down more accurately in his journal now, rather than just having a copy of his report.

    "The Birth of Silverfang"

    I was in Norwick, relaxing in the grass after another demon attack on the town. The sky was clear, nobody was being mourned, since we all survivied, and there were friends of mine about the fire.

    Thinking back, I should have known better than to nap right there in the state I was in.

    I have been having dreams now, intense ones, and been having them for months. In them, I am a wolf. Not just a brother or a sister to the wolves of Narfellpauses but a four legged, pack running, lean and graceful wolf. In these dreams, I smell things I've never noticed, see things differently, as if color is no longer necessary, and hear so much more than ever.

    These dreams had gotten So intense, that while i was fighting the demons and their goblins, I began dreaming of it again, even as I loosed my arrows.

    Nothing happened of course, and I was able to survive, despite the distraction of thinking I was smelling things that I could not have been smelling, and thinking my vision was losing color again. We all headed back to town, tired out, and I laid by the fire, exhausted, and fell quickly asleep.

    That's when it happened.
    I was woken up by something, I don't remember what now, and turned to speak to those at the fire, and found all these teeth in the way of my tongue, and it all hit me at once.

    Paws, fur, the vision, the sounds, the SMELLS! He gestures with his hands, somewhat excitedly And to top it all off, Fayt, my wolf companion was already there, and thrilled. Belia and her friend Veree were both there too, and we soon took off once I stopped to memorize the smells of my friends there, and, yes, get a few pats on the head.

    Don't knock it, you don't know how satisfying it is when you're like that. he grins, and continues

    We decided to run to Jiyyd, as it was supposed to be a nice safe place to run and play, and expore with my new senses.

    That came to an abrupt and terrifying halt when we hit the crossroads. You know those direwolves that hang out in the caves past Jiyyd, the really thick skinned ones? Yeah, one was waiting on the Peltarch side of the road, and he snarled at us and approached, OBVIOUSLY not feeling like conversation.

    I have no clue if he SCARED me out of it, or if my time limit on how long I can stay that was ran out, but at any rate, I found myself in this form again (some MAY Note he does not say "MY" form) and had to cast speak with animals to understand what he wanted. He stated it plain and simply, and cared not that I wasn't just a wolf, nor was Beli.a. He stated that he was challenging me for what it is he came for.

    My Pack.

    Belia and I could not reason with him. He shakes his head I can understand why though. Wolves are no philosophers. TO him, I was the alpha of my little pack, being male, and bigger than the other three, and I was in front at the time. He saw us like that, and decided what he wanted.

    The sight of me with a sword and shield dind't phase him, and he gave me an ultimatum. Submit, or fight. I replied back saying I did not wish to harm him, but if he attacked us I would be forced to defend myself, and he would die if he did not leave.

    He advanced, snarling, and I cast a spell of barkskin on myself just in case. I am no match for a direwolf, especially those cave dwelling ones, and I knew it. He attacked.

    I knew that if I did not defend myself, and attack him back, he would kill me, and then who knows what would happen to Belia, not to mention the other wolves. I wasn't about to give up on them, even if I had to sacrifice my life, so I fought.

    IN a pack fight for dominance, only the two contending aplha males fight. It's not like a territory fight, where packs will go after one another. We had to fight until death or submission.

    His hide was nearly impossible to pierce while fighting defensively, and simply trying to stave him off and counterattack, so I had to fight like an animal, like he was. I attacked with all I had, and began to color the pute white snow with the lifeblood of Both of us, rather than simply spilling my own.

    I was wounded badly by now, my barkskin all buy gone in places, and showing up as dark bloody holes, while his fur was covering the blood around him, hacked off in places with bits of flesh, and part of an ear i think.

    After landing me a solid bite on the thigh which nearly broke my leg, I smashed down with my blade, and pierced through his hide, gouging my silver sword deep into his side. It leaped back, spraying blood from the motion, and barked quickly "SUBMIT"

    I jumped back too, nearly crying out from the pain in my leg, and asked "YOU DO?" to clarify that he wasn't threatening again with his last breath, and it replied by bowing, and saying "I do"

    Immediately, I threw down my weapon and shield, and told it to come to me, which it did without fear. I healed it as best I could, and spent several moment bandaging it up as well, with herbs to prevent infection for the wounds he would need to heal on his own.

    We spoke a few moment longer, and he acknowledged me as his pack leader, bowing once again. "Your silver fang is too strong" he told me, gesturing to the sword in the snow, it's blade shimmering wet crimson, and I nodded. "I warned you, did I not" It said yes, and went back with my message.

    Tell his pack, and friends, that I am the pack leader now, and I and my friends are not to be given any trouble, or they will have to deal with me.
    I gave him Meilikki's blessing as he left, a brother, but a member of the pack I now lead apparently.

    I'm likely known to the wolves out there as silverfang, and apparently have a pack somewhere. Not exactly what I expected for my first time as a wolf in form, but Meilikki's blessings and gifts are not always obvious I suppose.

    Somewhere, I am a leader. He grins embarassed a little Strange huh?
    And thus was the birth of the Alpha Wolf Silverfang


  • A light copy of anotehr page, presumably written on thin vellum so it would bleed, it shoved in btween his journal mages, as if to keep note of what he wrote.

    –-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Alright, to whom this may concern within the circle....
    (Jerrick's script looks hasty, as if he for once was agitated when writing, or just got back from nearly dying... the little blood on the paper shows it may be the latter)

    I recently gained Mielikki's blessing in a new way, and can no take the form of animals!
    I went for a run with Belia in those first moments, and we went from Norwick, where it happened, to Jiyyd. Well, at the crossroads, we ran into a direwolf. A huge one...

    He was angry, and startled me when we ran across him, and I ended up taking my own shape again out of suprise. He challenged us, or rather ME, for my "Pack" Because Belia, Veree, Fayt, and I were all running as wolves together when he found us.

    It gave me only the options to fight or submit, and I wasn't going to fathom what he wanted by submission, so I had to fight, alone, for the safety of the "pack"

    It was bloody, and terribly difficult, but I managed to make him yield, and did not have to kill him, thankfully. He submitted, and admitted that I was the alpha, and the leader of the pack, which he is now a part of.
    I don't know if he had his own pack, but if he did... somewhere I'm a leader of some pack of direwolves.

    Any... advice? Oh, and he may have a name for me, as wolves often give each other and others. he made a remark about my silver fang being too difficult to beat, so I've adpoted the name Silverfang amongst the wolves.

    That's all for now I suppose.
    -Jerrick "Silverfang" Rayfe


  • The next page in Jerrick's journal seems to have been stopped and started again a couple of times, as if it were written over an entire day, the thoughts mulled over, and Contemplated again later on

    A lot has happened.
    The Glen remains unscathed, despite the number of demontouched still roaming about it, which I still regularly wipe out systematically, and efficiently. There HAVE been a few surprises as of late, however. A party apparently went out further south, past the bugbears, and encountered demons and the like in great numbers. They returned mostly unscathed, save Aramuil, who fell. He has since been revived, which I am glad for. He is a good person, and it is comforting to know he has not passed.

    They returned, and apparently were followed to a point. When I saw them all gathered by the pond outside the old town gates of Norwick, I let them be and walked back into the Rawlins to continue my work. I was told it was not safe, and that demons may be about, which gave me further reason to head into the Glen. A panther joined me, which I spoke to, and learned that it had lost it's home, and was content to travel with me for a time.

    Belia and I hunted in the Rawlins for a while with the panther, Belia taking it's form as well, and we were both surprised by something new to that section of the Rawlins. Demontouched assassin goblins… I fought two at once, killed one, and nearly fell after a staggering blow from the other. I ran... the panther and Belia were fine, but it was a jarring experience. They came from nowhere! Knives in the back are unpleasant at best....

    That was days ago now, and more recently, back in the Glen, I was checking it out with Jerr again. He and I have become fairly regular scouting companions it would seem, and he also seems to have a vested interest in the Glen. He cares much for its safety, as I do. We had just come out, when I checked from tracks randomly, out of habit, and saw bugbear tracks. It had been rumored that since the demon fight, Tomek had not been seen, and in fact, Jerr and I were just talking about him and hoping for his safety when we came INTO the Rawlins...

    He was fighting a demontouched, and it was giving him quite the tough time. It seemed to be what we refer to as an "Elite" goblin, and it was also demontouched, and it was ridiculously powerful. We eventually slew it, after Jerr and I saw to Tomek's wounds with our magics. His bardsong and my gift from Mielikki kept him alive through the fight, and we fell the goblin swiftly.

    After speaking with Tomek for some time, we discovered that his tribe tried to kill him, and were all slain one way or another, not necessarily by Tomek, and he is basically moving off to start his own tribe. He is a bugbear who keeps his word, and wants to begin a new tribe with ideals like Grummsh, who always watches, and keeps his word, he says.

    As for the dryad, I have gotten a good response from my fellow wolves, but have yet to hear from Tala. I'm sure we'll find the wolves glad to house her there, and keep her safe, it's just taking time to track her down, as she has not been around lately.

    Scribbled in HA! She approved it. When I next see the keeper of her, I shall get her situated in her new home. I can't wait!

    As for me, I got promoted. I am now a corporal in the legion, and have already been given the assignment of introducing recruits to the legion, starting with a young warrior who seems smart, able to take orders, and is good with a bow and sword. He looks promising.

    I wrote Celestria a letter recently, as she did the same for me, and despite all the
    challenges, I think things are going fairly well. At least as well as they CAN be....
    I continue to do my best to support her, and plan on filling her in on all of this at some point quite soon, I may just let her read this journal as well, to keep me from rambling off on some silly tangent and missing the important things.

    I tend to do that sometimes....Like now.

    At any rate, I think I need to get more ink again (The writing is fading some on the page) so that's it for now.
    -Jerrick


  • No time as usual….

    Recently events have been moving at a rather fast pace, and I find myself patrolling the area around the Glen often, and even sleeping in the Glen so I may see to the goblins immediately after waking.
    I miss Celestria, and need to see her more often.
    Last I saw her, actually, she had a surprise for me. Well, two. One was the new outfit she was making, and the other was more of a "Hey I needed to show you this". Her ring from me was mangled, and she had a ragged scar underneath where it was, due to it being hooked on a hobgoblin scythe and nearly removing her finger.

    She has since told me that she will not be wearing it on her finger any longer, due to the danger it causes. I will get it repaired if possible, and see to setting it on a breakaway cord so that she cannot be pulled by it if it's about her neck.

    During that conversation, I was also promoted by General Grag, simply by asking of it. Apparently I;ve been doing well enough in my endeavors, and it;s paying off. I look forward to any new duties or responsibilities I mat take on due to this, but not to the time it will take away from an already deprived Celestria.

    I know she understands, but I still feel like I neglect her.
    I shall soon suprise her with something, in hopes of making it up to her.
    Until then...


  • A Copy of his legion report, a rough draft is shoved into the pages here, before his entry

    ===============================================
    Official legion report - Jerrick Rayfe
    Rank: Private

    On the 4th day of the 10th month, I did a normal patrol of the town of Jiyyd, moving around all it's boreders, closing all the gates (The font was open) and checking for suspicious tracks nearby. There was no unusual activity in the town, and the guards were in their normal positions about town.

    That being checked, I decided to move through Norwick, to go check on the population of the demontouched goblins to the southwest.
    Upon arriving, I was immediately attacked, and managed to slay the first 5 that I encountered from afar.
    They don't seem to be as powerful as they first were when Norwick was whole, and I made my way in the circle of land that surrounds the Druid grove, and managed to wipe out every single goblin in the immediate area.
    The Druid Glen itself was safe, and undisturbed.

    Once the area was wiped clean of the demontouched scourge, I made my way to Peltarch, where I was quite immediately set upon by a large band of hobgoblins on the ridge. There were none by the bridge itself. These too, I destroyed completely in my passing, to make it safely through to Peltarch.

    Things in Peltarch were quiet, and I had only headed there to re-supply.
    I made my way back to Norwick afterwards, so that after I rest I can resume my watch over the forest outside.

    The area outside of Jiyyd with the large insects and scavenging bandits has changed little, and there are still corpses showing up in the area, that belong to neither.

    [The tightly scripted, flowing lines that make up Jerrick's writing are again written in the bright blue ink that has recently appeared on the pages, and it's composition is organized and neat again, showing his transparent moods easily as always, this one to be calm, collected, and focused. ]

    Still no word on Winter's Heart.

    I'm not sure who to ask about it, and recent events lead me to believe that it may not be a good idea to let too many others know I seek it.
    For now, it's on the back burner. If it comes through the grapevine back to me, without me asking certain induviduals, I'll know others are on the search for it, or that it has surfaced.

    On a much brighter note, I feel I am closer than ever to unlocking more of the secrets behind my druidic talents. Practice is key of course, and I spend much time at archery targets as well, spending 99 arrows at a time before I let myself stop.
    I practice the different spells that I am aware of, and show others who wish to observe them as well. Fayt has been improving as well, and the motion of the two of us in battle is becoming more fluid, more efficient, more graceful, and much more deadly.
    I have made myself a resolution, and Fayt of course, has joined me in it. We are going to liberate the druid's grove, by systematically wiping out the corrupted goblins at any and possible opportunity.

    Tonight I will speak at the fire in the den, after I drop off my report at the legion headquarters, so that all of the groups I am with know of my doings. Celestria, I've left this page open so that you may know what it is I am up to right now, and to let you know that I am taking the utmost care in my pursuits. I love you deeply, and regret only one thing in all my tasks that I am accomlishing lately. I miss spending the time with you that I used to. Please know that I do try to make time as I can, and that I'll make it up to you soon.

    All my love
    -Jerrick


  • It has been some time since I last wrote here.
    I suppose it's because of how busy I've been. I think I should at least jot down the recent thigns that have happened, so that I may keep better track of them, and think upon them when I have some time to plan out my next few steps.

    I have joined the legion as a recruit, and should be accepted any day now I think. They make me run plenty of laps, but I run a lot anyhow, so It's nothing I am unused to.

    I have joined the druid circle. I am an apprentice to the arch druidess, and she has said she will help me learn more about my druidic skills.

    The wolves finally contacted me. I have my fang now, and am officially a wolf of Narfell. I will need to give my wolf oath next time I arrive at the camp, and have spent some time preparing for what I will say.
    I am very excited to be a part of this group, and feel that I have finally achieved one my first goals since coming to this land.

    I asked Celestria to marry me.
    She said she would, but we both know the laws of her land will not permit it. Instead, she wears my ring as a promise ring, symbolic of my promise to wait for her as long as need be. Which I will, for her.

    I have also been practicing my combat skills much, especially with the bow and the stone greatsword I accquired from felling an ogre chieftain.
    I was not alone of course, but I was the only one interested in the weapon. It has served me well so far.

    Now I am heading out to find Celestria again if possible, and check up on her. It seems many many men have been approaching ehr and declaring their love for her, as if the ring she was wearing about her neck was not enough… hence why she now wears my promise around her finger.
    I hope she's not busy, I'd love to have some time to talk.

  • L

    As she goes about the room tidying up and putting things back in their place, she rather absently pulls a towel from a small table aside the bed. When the last part of the towel leaves the table, the journal, left beneath it, falls with a thud to the floor, one corner landing squarly on her toes. She instinctively raises her foot and holds the toes with her eyes closed awaiting the easing of the pain. When able to place her foot back down again, she looks at the journal on the floor which is still open to Jerrick's last entry. Sitting on the bed, she scans through it, a miriad of emotions taking her expressions as she reads, though the final expression that seems to rest on her face is understanding. Swiftly moving about the room and gathering things from her own pack, she puts together a back of items that would look to be for a journey of some type. She then carries the journal to the small desk where she places it down and takes quill in hand as she places her own words on the same page

    My love,

    I understand, at least to some degree, the questions living with you. Unanswered, even unspoken questions, ne'er even whispered in your sleep. They seem to make their appearance at the oddest of times and leave you feeling baffled about many things, uncertain of your path, unassured of your own actions. Perhaps I have an answer to the one question you posed here.

    Our relationship has left us both in a whirlwind, as though everything that was afore clear to us now spins in circles and we are unable to stabilize them. We have not had the time to think or to consider the many things that must be thought out in such a relationship. We have both walked blindly, although blissfully, into this love. The time spent together has been absolutely wonderful yet if we were going about this properly, neither of us would have so many unanswered questions, guestions not only unanswered but never spoken, not even to each other… It should not be so.

    I have taken the liberty to pack some of your things and ready them for a trip. There is a week's supply of various dried foods, herbs for both tea and wounds as well as heavy clothing and a blanket to keep you warm. All that you need is here save perhaps for healing elixirs should you need them.

    I wish for you to go where you feel the closest to Mielikki, though this journey you need make alone. I wish for you to spend this time communing with only Her, speaking your questions to Her aloud, listening for Her voice, Her guidance, Her words of your path. Seek Her with all of your heart and mind, my love. Seek ONLY Her during this time. Tis my belief that She will indeed answer and your mind will be cleared of the questions and doubts you have. You will return able to focus and much less likely to put yourself into situations that could easily harm you.

    Please do not seek me out, rather simply go knowing that my heart goes with you. I shant be found until your return but rest assured, I shall be here then and shall await hearing all that you have learned from Her, if indeed you wish to share it. Upon your return, if you still wish to speak with me, there are matters of interest I wish to share with you.. interest to us both.

    Celestria


  • ((The blue ink you see formed into leeter upon the page, is not the normal handwriting that is shown previously in the book. It is shakier, although not tremendously so. It is less like the writer is injured, and more like is simply does not have the grace in his hands that he once did. ))

    AS of late, I find myself asking questions that I cannot seem to answer.
    And only to myself.

    I try my damndest to divide my attentions to my friends, and not solely to the one I love, which I wonder, may be a mistake.
    Our recent parting was, abrupt, and she is more upset with me, than I am with me, I fear.

    Again, I have fallen.
    Is she mad at me for this? I think not, she said not, however it is something that is bothering her still I see.
    I wish not to cause her pain, however, I need to do things when I feel a calling, and I felt it as soon as I saw the woman enter the peltarch square. She needed help, it was with herbs, and it would have led to an old druidic circle. . .

    I have heard far too little from Mielikki in far too long. I jump at the chance to do some good in her name, and I fail, yet again.
    I can't help but wonder what it is that is getting me into the trouble I seem to find so easily?

    I have had more near-deaths lately than I can count… and yet the recent death leaves me upsurprised, but angry? I know not...

    I have the strangest sensation I am doing more hurt to others than myself, despite all of this, and I think I need to take time to reflect.
    I shall pray upon this knowledge, and fast until I find an answer...

    I cannot lose the most important thing I have found in this life outside of you, Mielikki, please help....


  • ((Scrawled in a hasty manner in the following note. The beautiful blue ink is smudged in many places… or rather blurred by having a red liquid spilled upon it that was attempted to be rubbed off, leaving a red/brown smear))

    Stuck. I'm hiding in a damned bush near the watchtower. I try to get out of Peltarch to go find work, and I get besieged by every hobgoblin ever created! I've killed off a few, and managed to get their blood and stench on me, so they've had little luck sniffing me out. They've not lost interest though.

    If anyone finds this, with my remains of pieces of them scattered about, apologize to Celestria for me. (Although still legible, this previous text was halfheartedly scribbled out)

    Ah hells with it, time I put this big new sword to work. I'm just going to fight my damned way out of here.
    (A smudge where the unused ink escaped from the quill closed INTO the journal is left, as if the writer closed it in a hurry)


  • ((The familiar beautiful blue ink scrawls across the page, and it is damned

    near evident, just by the slant of the writing and the way that the letters

    are crossed and dotted, exactly what the writer feels as he writes things.

    An observant reader will notice them as they come along))

    If there was was thing I could have right now, that is not at this moment lying next to me and breathing softly, peacefully, and content… back to subject. If there was one thing I could have right now, it would be the truth. The simple ability to see the truth of whatever I wish. I am curious I have to admit. Probably more-so than is good for my health.

    I should not write names in this thing, as I have a tendency to drop it, or leave it laying about, but if you read this and discover my thoughts, perhaps you'll have an answer to my question...

    Mec. What drives him to purify evil as he says he must?
    Mel. What drives her to parrot him, when she has before now, been more apt to disagree with people just for fun?
    Ronan. Just what IS is that has people so up in arms about one man?

    I defended him today in a way. He doesn't need defending, least of all from me, but damnit, I can't see the sense in ruining a man's life by corrupting the views of his friends towards him, Like Mecizq showed a find ability to do today. Natasha I think is her name, and Ronan actually seemed a little upset at being renounced by her as a friend.

    To see him visibly upset was a bit of a shock, despite him not being dramatic or broken down. Just… he seemed more defeated than angry, and I can't stand to see someone who I respect brought down like that.
    Sure he may be "Evil" in the eyes of others, and support a cause of an evil Goddess, just because of how he makes his living, but I honestly do not care. (The last sentence or so nearly scratches through to the next page.)

    Mielikki forgive me, but I can't condemn a man who I honestly do not feel to be this evil entity that he is given credit for being. I suppose I'll pay for my arrogance in stepping into Mecizq's face, and trusting Ronan too far, if he does indeed warrant the mistrust he is given, but I'll take that chance.
    I'm not gonna change him, nor am I gonna try.
    To the nine hells with the various zealotry I've seen far too much of lately, towards fellow townsfolk, adventurers, and soldiers and the like.
    If this town could turn all the drama and violence it sees and pulses with into an effort like clearing the path from Jiyyd to Peltarch, I would arrive to see Celestria NOT bloodied all to hell and out of spells after every time I leave this town.

    On that note, she is whispering in her sleep now, and I think I should join her. I think a good sleep and a whisper or two could do me some good to calm down...

    ((There is a inkblot here on the page where the quill was obviously tossed carelessly down, while Jerrick turned over in the bed to hopefully pleasant dreams to match the pleasant company))


  • ((The following entry is written in such a fashion that it looks like the writer was either drunk or

    couldn't be made to care for the first paragraph, and the continues in a legible, neat, script.))

    I can honestly say, that I have found something I never knew I was searching for. I have found what could

    have been my life's goal, for such is the feeling that I have now that I am here. The experience I just

    has, may very well have changed me as a person. I think I'm going to do it again!

    Today, things between Celestria and myself have been wonderful. Waking up next to her is like being

    reborn, into a perfect world. Both of our turbulent pasts have been put away, locked back where they

    belong, with other matters if little or no importance. Our goals are still the same, me with my Goddess,

    and her with her God, or course. Past that however, there is little that exists beyond her that can

    compare. It's not just the silver blue eyes that look like a mountain lake in winter, when the sun is

    out. It's not the light gold hair that catches the sunlight when she walks and looks like a heavenly

    waterfall either. Who she is, and how she makes me feel, those are the things I have finally come to

    terms with, as has she with me.

    I have read poems, heard stories, and listened to many songs in my life, short as it has been…
    Whenever ones of these touches on the subject of confessing one's love for another, they always make it

    to be as a battle, often a terrible struggle wtih one's own emotions and shotcomings, flaws and doubts. .

    . They don't know the half of it. It was hard, and drawn out, and the most worthwhile thing I have done

    in a long long time. I think I'll leave a few others details out of here regarding worthwhile things,

    should anyone happen across this.
    ((A line is drawn across the page here, an intricate lacing pattern resembling vines.))

    
I must note this, so I remember what I need to work on.
With the gold I came across, I re-evaluated all my weaponry, and found it lacking.
My silver sword is fine, and it has come time that it deserves a name. I shall soon find one I am sure.
MY bow, a gift from another, I shall not name, as it was not originally mine. This, I need to replace.
It has been a terrific bow, and felled hundreds of foes, some in a single shot. The problem however, is

that, as I grow in strength and skill, so do my opponents. I am constantly finding myself beseiged by

undead when I go out on missions, usually mercenary missions, and neitehr the bow NOR my sword help any

at all. The bow won't puncture zombie flesh, and slides through bones, and the sword cannot harm a

skeleton no matter how hard I swing.

I have since purchsed two more items. Firstly, a warhammer, which I can weild with my shield, for those

skeletons or anything else needing to be crushed rather than cut. Secondly, I traded in the greataxe I

accquired on the last mission for a greatsword. It's lighter, and I'm more accustomed to using a sword

anyhow. I shall soon go out and see how I fare with these weapons, although I am certain my silver long

sword and my bow will remain my primary means of defense.

*Train more!
*Take more jobs
*Find Brandy to make money from Mel
*Find the wolves! Star is the new leader
*Talk to Mel about the bow, and suit of armor for Celestria, if she's still open to the bargain after the

chewing out she got.
*Spend more time in Peltarch and Norwick, as most jobs come from there. Especially Peltarch.

((The entry ends there, with Peltarch being written in a calligraphic style, as if the writer is somehow

fond of the place... which earlier entries show contrary evidence to))

  • Written in a bright blue ink, probably hard to find, is the following entry in Jerrick's journal. The date on it is at least a year from the one before it, possibly close to two if you take the time to decipher it. The writing is fast and flowing script, and has snatches of elven throughout it, looking like someone was in a good mood when they wrote it.

    I suppose I should write in this again, now that I'm back. I've left it untouched since I left, and have neglected it since I came back, but recently, a lot has happened, and I'll need to remember some, and want to remember the rest.

    Peltarch. First things that used to come to mind when I thought of it were Hobgoblins, pain, sore feet, and too much stone. It's like a pretty cage, with all of its rules and guards and nobles. The air is only fresh at the ports, and the gardens seem to be choking on the small space they're given. By all rights, I should really hate this place. It's <e>UNNATURAL.(written in elven) Somehow, however I found something to keep me here.

    I found something about this place that makes me constantly fight through the hobgoblins to get here from Jiyyd, where I have citizenship, and often stay. I have even been seen fighting with a grin on my face, probably making a few who have made the trip with me think me crazed, or reveling in the bloodshed. I don't of course, but there is a certain exhiliration I have grown to find in fighting, the complete giving over of oneself to survival, back to the instinct we're born with. . . (The ink trails off here, like the thought that placed it)

    I even end up finding friends gathering here, Melanie more often than others. That alone should be a good reason to visit often, however there is more.
    I have surely found something <e>SPECIAL. SomeONE really. Every time I speak to them, we speak of anything that comes to mind, even the issues that people avoid, the ones that can make people hate each other over the differences they will find, such as religion or beliefs. We speak about our pasts, and have found each other sharing secrets we have shared with no other, and our own differences seem to make no… difference. We seem <e>BOUND TOGETHER, like the wood of two trees, different species, that have managed to grow together as one. It's actually almost frightening, but in the most glorious way. It's <e>ENCOMPASSING, COMSUMING, INVIGORATING.

    Her name is Celestria, and she is a follower of Torm. I have met a few other Tormites as of late as well, and really only found one whose company is slightly less than agreeable, but I'm sure she has her reasons... if she even realizes how she comes off to other people, that is. That however, is really none of my business. Speaking of business...

    The last mission I went along with, has brought me to seriously think about things such as following orders, or evaluating the depths of a friendship. We were set to investigate and if possible, return a stolen ship to Peltarch's harbors. This of course was much more difficult than it would seem, as the first thing we encountered was a phantom ship, held together, seemingly only by the evil and malicious intent of it's undead crewmen, who proceeded to pepper us with arrows til we jumped across the ships to grind their bones back into the dust they belonged as. Of course, we had to jump right back, as once they were destroyed, the ship began to crumble, and was lost to the sea.

    Thankfully, this was not the ship we looked for, and we did find it eventually. More undead fighting, as well as large lizardlike creatures ensued. It was bloody, and disheartening, since I made more use as a decoy than anything. Arrows go through Skeletons, and a silver longsword doesn't so much as give them pause. It wasn't until I picked up a fallen enemy's battle-axe that I was able to start damaging the creatures. We went inside a tower at that point, despite having taken the harbor and dock where the boat was back from the undead menace and having already completed our mission.

    Melanie wished to clear out said tower, once she found out that more undead lurked within. I went in to help her after the rest of the group did as well, despite the initial protestations of General Lyte. (Or is she a captain... I cannot remember) We all went in, and Tobias, a spellcaster was struck down, I believe he was felled by an arrow. My attempts at healing him were fruitless, and he passed beyond our grasp. Furious debate ensued, and Melanie continued on to clear the tower. She began fighting some sort of shadowy creature, and I assisted her though my arrows did little or nothing but distract it, which was good enough, until a second appeared and came after me personally. I am not equipped or capable of dispatching such a spectre, so I had to run, and leave Melanie to fend for herself. She of coruse, IS capable, and in the end cleared out the tower alone, until Lyte went back in to help.

    I feel insignificant, and more of a burden on missions like this, but plan on using the 1,000 coins I received as payment to better equip myself for situations like that, should they arise. I won't be able to make money from fighting creatures and selling their gear anylonger however, since I will already be laden down with my own gear however, so I need to consider finding paying jobs like that one to undertake, in order to fund improving my weapons and armor. I also need to train with my spellcasting, so I cannot be distracted while trying to heal someone, or myself. . .

    Writing this is depressing me, so I'll finish writing on a happier subject.
    The past few weeks I have spent nearly every moment with Celestria, and cannot stop thinking of her. I was distracted with thoughts of her at the archery contest, which I won a round of, and made a few people a great deal of gold who bet on me. My second opponent was William, the Wolf, and he bested me easily. No suprise there really, but I will take him on again, and see how I improve.
    She is the reason I keep going to Peltarch, and neitehr Hobgoblins, nor situations like the demons myself and a group came across, shall keep me from there so that I may see her.
    I've never met one like her, not even the lady who previously had kept my attention for a time, despite the fact that she was married. That was indeed a hopeless endeavor, but I was, at the time, lonely and desperate for company and attention. <e>Some elf I was.

    Hair like the shining of the sun, and eyes I have never seen the like of, <e>this blue ink doesn't do them justice even, <c>and a strength of will and dedication to her cause that I envy. She constantly refers to me as sir, which is apparently used as a term of respect in places, and ensures me that I am more a "Sir" than many she has met who actually hold the given knight's title. She makes me feel that I am the kind of person she sees me as, which is obviously a change from who I used to see myself as. Hells, that makes little enough sense to me, even as I write it. Am I as <e>Smitten <c>as she described it? I suppose I am, and I am suprisingly content with it. I do hope to receive a letter from her, as I gifted her with a bottle of this blue ink, and a quill, so that I might receive another letter like the first from her. I do not believe I have ever been teh object of someone's attention like she describes me as, and it's a fantastic feeling. One I don't feel I deserve fully, but hope to prove her right even more-so, nonetheless.

    <e>She makes me want to aspire to be the kind of man she seems to view me as. It's certainly a loftier and more noble goal than most, and I enjoy seeing it through. I hope that I inspire a similar feeling in her.

    ((The last word on the page is written with a flourish, a finality that seems to have left the writer with a longering thought on the word, as he gave it special meaning and attention with the quill-stroke. A small line is drawn under the last words, to signify the end of his entry, and the beginning of the next, and a small drawing of an eye in the blue ink is sketched in there with some skill.))</e></c></e></c></e></e></e></e></e></e>


  • There are those who believe in dragons, and those who do not. OF course I believe in them, I know of people who have lost friends to them.

    Today I went out to hunt them. I joined a group of people whom I know from various other venturings out of the cities, and listened to them speak. From all I heard, a black dragon was to be foudn terroriznig the skies nearby, and we were to do something about it.

    I joined, nearly swallowed my tongue in nervousness… and then I noticed that She was there as well. And HER!
    Two people that I find myself drawn to, for reasons I could never voice in words from my own mouth. So I write it here.

    Fadia. Her presence makes me feel ... unworthy of the druidic strengths I have. Being a favored of Mielikki, I use a bow, and metal, yet it does not pervert my beliefs. I grew up with bow and steel, and traiend with bow and steel, and vowed before I even met a druid, that I would protect those inoocent creatures that need no killing, and be at harmony with the woods, to take only what's needed.

    She makes me feel unworthy of my gifts, but she calls to me. She beckons, something pulls me towards her often, and now twice, I have been swept up in missions where she has been leading, or present, like I was supposd to be there. What am I missing. What should I know about her? Why do I feel as if I'm missing some big piece of a puzzle I didn't know I was supposed to assemble?

    We spoke for a time, and then she left for reverie, and I spoke to Shannon for a time, before leaving for Peltarch with him.
    Peltarch. I can't think about the damned town without feeling a sense of loss now, which bring me back to ... her.

    Eluriel, and her teasing, her way of disappearing when you look away for a moment, only to creep up behind you, and whisper something in jest.
    Bluish skin and hair, the kidn that drink moonlight like a lush drinks wine, reveling in it, loving it, basking. Her grace when pulling back a bow, or swinging a sword.

    How could I have thought that her attentions were not elsewhere?
    I have nearly the lifespan of a human, I have little experience in this land, and nothing to give her or show her that she can enjoy. No new places to show her, and little in way of possessions to my name.

    I don't know why I stumble upon these Peltarchan flagstones as I walk through town, simply because I remember her speaking to me, and helping me accquire gear. The dyer's shop was an hour of laughs, as we watched the model try on purple helms that would look stunning on me... if I were purple.

    I should have known better. I must clear my thoughts, and think on my Goddess instead of my fancies...
    But I... ((More scratching covers the lines here. It nearly tore out a section of page)) will continue as I have. A friend and companion, and nothing more. Another hold that place, and I must respect that.


  • I didn't think 300 arrows would be such a piddling amount when walking out of Norwick yesterday. I found Eluriel again, and we traveled with a man who was new to these lands, but seemed to bear a special hatred towards goblin-kind.
    Since I was given this bow by Eluriel's friend, the Seashea speaker, I have done my best to keep the hatred and desire for revenge out of my heart, as instructed by him. When using a bow that was once owned by a hand of the black archer himself, it is wise to keep one's emotions at bay, although the bow has no latent magical properties to be known.

    Scores of golblins fell as we traveled, but they were more fierce than usual… and frighteningly organized, for goblins. Eluriel was graceful as always... I cannot stand to watch her hunt, it gives me a desire to run beside her in the blackness of night as she does, as if she does not fear falling or encountering an enemy ambush. She's somehow more graceful than words, more beautiful than the moon her kind are known for being named for, and ... I should not be writing this in my own journal, should it be found. Im sure she ((Indistinct scribbling covers the next few words here, but the word love is almost readable))

    I gave my old bow to this traveler who joined us, as I said I would pass it on, and it is a much finer bow than what he was using. I had him pledge to use to not for ill gain, or to slay without necessity. I hope I have helped the land a little with my gifting, and have no mad a judgement that will prove ill for us in the future.

    I must rest now... I have hunted for nearly a day straight, and tire quickly these days, as I have forsaken rest for the sake of company and the hunt. I feel driven by my Godess and the land alike, I only hope I can provide all that they demand. ((The writing fails to be as neat near the end of the page, as if he was falling sleep reading it...))