3. The Journal of Jerrick Rayfe

The Journal of Jerrick Rayfe


  • _I'd say it's funny, coming back from the dead in the same spot you died in.
    But it's not.

    It's… disorienting?

    Not that I take it for granted. I just have a hard time describing the way you feel for a day or two afterwards.

    I had just returned from a nasty trip to the gnoll caves, where there was a small earthquake and a cave-in while we were in there.

    I shapeshifted into a bear, and with help, was able to move the boulders out of the way so we could make our way out, but I was so exhausted from all the effort it took, that my only choice was to shapeshift into a hawk, and ride out on someone's shoulder. Gaerielle was the best choice, since she isn't the "Run out into combat" type normally.

    We all make it out safely, make some good coin, and get to go rest at the inn, and then Gaerielle and I go to the market to meet up with the rest. Most had left, but Ael and Lycka.

    Some pale fellow walks up, remarks about a hammer wielding Orc out there that nearly killed him, and will likely kill someone else, and Ael, Lycka, and I go to take it out.

    We searched all around the foothills, and didn't find it.
    What we DID find, were two orc magi. I was caught in their spells, and subjected to magic missiles, bolts of acid, and other fun things. I had one chance to escape, tried, and got caught again, where I felt that last bolt of magic hit me, and I felt my heart stop.

    No more breath. No more beats from my heart, and then I felt cold stone on my cheek, before my vision dimmed. Well... when I say dimmed, I mean it went white. Then i was standing, and Mielikki was before me, tsk tsking, and giving me a little shove.

    I was back on my feet, good as new, and back over to Ael and Lycka.

    Now, I know I'm a lucky person.

    I know I'm a chosen champion of a Goddess.

    I've been accused of both letting this go to my head, AND taking it for granted.

    I like to think neither of these are true, however, and I find that this is just another reason I can be sure that I am indeed doing what Mielikki wishes of me, because granting spells as her favor is one thing, but granting life?

    Well, I think I'll put it to good use as long as she lets me.

    As far as good use is concerned, I'm glad to be put to it, myself.
    More than that, I'm especially glad for the good company I've had while I do so. Every breeze that stirs my hair into brushing across my cheek feels like her fingertips now. Every errant gust of wind behind me feels out of place, and I mistake it for the ones that swirl around her like playful sparrows.

    I'm torn between acknowledging how I feel, or going the safe route, and simply enjoying the companionship of a good friend. I should probably play if safe...

    I don't want it to happen again._


  • _Demons.

    I have my own, and I must subconsciously think that I need more.
    I find myself staring out over the water on the way to Jiyyd, between the flags that flutter in the new breeze over the water, and wondering exactly what is on the other side, and how things might have been.

    Sometimes… it's like the scar isn't there, and for a moment I see the familiar road, with the familiar trees, and I feel a pang of nostalgia for home as it once was... life as it once was. Who I perhaps once was?

    Back then... I was Kara's. It was a part of who I was, just like how people know me is a part of me too.

    So much has changed, both in me, and the land, and all around us. I don't have the same patience for fools that I once did, happy to let them go along their merry way, ignorant of how they not only make themselves look bad, but those around them, those that they represent, or those they keep regular company with.

    My recent trip to Oscura to explain my actions to someone, are a prime example. I think the man Justicar has good intentions for his city, and their best interests in mind, but I do not think he will be able to make all the changes he seeks. No, the rest of Oscura reminds me of a backwater town, with the resident unaware of the existence of the rest of the world, because they're so willfully ignorant. Not because they've never seen someone from elsewhere, but that they try to hold everybody to the labels that they place in their daily lives.

    Outsider.

    Yes, I am an outsider. I have been, and always will be.
    And you will forever remain in your cave, unchanging, and never will your life improve, your people gain new things, and you will remain in your seat of power, groveled to by the same folk day in and day out, known for nothing more than what you already have.

    Those that issue in the eras of change for the better are always remembered. I try to be one of those people who aid in it. I try to be one who promotes in, and lives an example for others.

    Yes, sometimes I fail. Yes, sometimes people only see the wrathful side of me, the fur and the fangs, the lack of mercy for those that have no respect for others or themselves. I find it a small sacrifice.

    For now... looking over the water to the town that once sheltered me, where I learned much about myself, life, love, and even about my Goddess, I realize this.

    There is more than our world, our plane, our daily lives. We are SUCH a part is something SO much bigger, that even our small actions make an impact. I want to (Scribbled out) I will find a way to make things better.

    Some would say they don't have a choice, but when it comes down to it, we all do. Kara was an example of that.

    I will choose, and I will succeed._


  • _We spent a long time at my fire today. We talked of what was, what is, and what we wish had been, and nothing changed.

    We both know exactly what occurred, and that it had to play out like it did, because of how people think, feel, and act. Their nature, if you will.

    There's no way around people acting according to their original instincts, whether it's the ones they were born with, or the ones instilled in them by whatever faith they chose, or was chosen for them.

    Still, I hate it.

    I have not seen "her" in months now. Many. Sierra seems to have left.
    Even after we took care of her father, and he agreed to let us marry, it seems that once again, I am alone.

    Celestria I have not seen in some time, though I still hear of her work in Norwick. I almost fear to write of Kara in here, with the actions my comrades took, but I care not for their judgements. We still talk, thankfully, so I am not truly alone these days, despite Sierra's disappearance.

    One day she is asking that we marry immediately, the next she is absent from my life, and has been since. Celestria, Kara, Sierra.
    Three fiances, three lives planned, three failed attempts at something more than my duty in my life, gone. I have friendships, but those are mercurial at best.

    These people I admire, trust, and work towards the same goals with prove to me that I should not assume I know them as I think I do.
    Leaders resent those who do not belong to their family joining in to aid us. They speak ill of others, who did little other than association to earn their ire.

    If we're judging people by association again, then I am a Devil. I am owned by the infernal powers that be, as I am the one who spoke to Kara when she offered aid, and was of a mind to take what aid was given without cost, rather than risk losing more lives. Perhaps if Kara was there Maya would not have fallen?

    I see it in the Wolves. I see it in the Legion. I see it in Norwick, with Aramuil's hatred of the fey. Someone sees something about a person or group that they disagree with, something they feel violates their "OWN" rights, simply by existing. They forget that there is a person behind those "ideals" they stand against, a soul inside that shell they hack apart, a soul freely given to protect innocents. Good, Bad, Pure, Evil, not only are these interchangeable ideals in different people's eyes, but there's no set standard, no clear line to cut upon.

    I'm so tired of seeing hate, that I almost regret not shapeshifting and curling up in a bed of clover to bat at butterflies with my tail, or chase pixies around til I can't walk anymore.

    My duty prevents it, but I constantly feel inadequate to do what I feel I should be doing.

    When it comes down to it, until the day that I can reach into the hearts of those around me, and forcibly remove the hate from them, I will be surrounded by it. In the Den, in the Tower, and in the City.

    The Glen is the one place I feel it the least, but currently it is the place I am least needed lately, so instead I sit here writing of what I can't stand, so I don't snap at those around me. I speak little in the den because of this. I just snapped at the Legion because of it, and I have spoken out in Norwick.

    How can one person in the middle of SO much be alone in the way he thinks? I'm not, am I?

    Time will tell, or I'm not meant to know._


  • The Trip to Amn and A New Mission

    _Sierra's father was sick, and I went to go see if I could help…

    I didn't really think I would be doing anything like what I just did. Right now, I'm awake for the first time in three days or more, and I woke to her crotchety old man poking me with his cane, saying he's waited long enough to talk to me.

    We took a walk, me being ridiculously sore from not moving much for days, and had a "Father to Suitor" chat. He doesn't like the fact that men come to take his daughter away, but he didn't really know what to think about one bringing his daughter BACK, and he asked me my intentions with her.

    I told him my intention was to ask his permission, as her father, to court her, and eventually marry her. Sure, it seems sudden, and right now I am still looking at the words on the page curiously, as if I'm not sure I wrote them, but I have no desire to change it, to "Fix" it, to remove it from the page.

    It belongs there, and it's what I want.

    I answered his question, including the embarrassing ones, and he ended the talk with a nod, and scowl, and a question.

    "If I asked you to leave, just go without Sierra and leave me with my daughter, would you go? because dammit, I just got her back, and she's mine, I don't want to lose her again. "

    I told him yes, that I would leave, but I would not stop Sierra from following if she wished, and he nodded, and walked off.

    I waited, and waited, and waited some more, before Sierra came back looking rather baffled. Here, I had assumed that she couldn't believe her Dad wouldn't let her marry the man who saved his life, or something like that, but it was rather the opposite. I asked if she'd come to say goodbye, and she gave me the ODDEST look.

    After a few questions, she explained, "No... that's not what he said to me at all. He told ME, and I quote, "If you don't marry that boy, I'm disowning you and keeping him for myself. I love you, but I think I like him better than I like you sometimes."

    Needless to say, we were both in a bit of shock at that, so I asked in front of him, for Sierra to marry me. She said yes, and we are heading back to Narfell soon. We're dropping off Amberlynn at a Selunite temple, and then heading back, bringing Merrick and Xivian with us eventually.

    They'll travel part of the way with us, and then meet up in Narfell later I guess.

    Until then, I suppose I should keep an eye out for Mary, in case she decides to get back at us before we get away.

    I almost hope she tries._


  • Jerrick sits, quill in hand outside the glen on his usual rock, watching the sun rise as he tries to figure out something to write. Kara's journal sits beside him, and he shakes his head reading through the last entries again and finally, finding inspiration, puts quill to page again.

    _When an animal is backed into a corner, almost all will rush forward to claim the life of at least one of it's attackers on the way out, if it can. Some pretend to do so, and resume fleeing instead… which should I choose?

    Hells, that's not even a question. I've never been one to sit, or run if there's even a sliver of a chance of survival. I won't do it, because I can't in good conscience do it.

    I miss Kara, while my new relationship with Sierra is... well, taking off. I didn't think I would be able to care for another, and yet again, someone has to come and slap my reality in in the face. For once, I'm okay with being wrong. I'm no scholar, no philosopher, no spy to know the answers around me. I'm a Druid, a Wolf, and a Legionnaire.

    I suppose it's time to go fulfill my duty, and hope I don't die trying. I think I need to visit Jiyyd, to see how the seals are holding up. I need to check in with the Legion, and see if I can rouse any wolves from their naps. I need to go back inside the glen and make sure things are in order after the seal used power from the stone, and Irmunsul.

    So much to do. Do I have time?

    Guess I'll make the time. May nothing stand in my way._


  • _It's been a while now, since I've heard from her.
    No more messages from her lines, and flying to the house and then sniffing and looking about, show no signs of her being anywhere near it, back when it was still accessible.

    Now, as I sit in turmoil over a decision that not one, but two people want me to make, a terrified lookin hin delivers me this letter.

    Something keeps telling me not to open it.
    Something keeps telling me that I'd rather now know.
    Something keeps being ignored, because of my idiotic curiosity. . . I can't help it._

    The letter is opened, read, and a page of it put in his journal.

    @0abb8d6fa0=Coaan:

    _Dearest Jerrick,

    Somewhere, deep in our hearts we knew this was coming.

    Our two paths have taken us separate ways, roads that no longer cross, if they ever did. I am a monster out of necessity, but it is that necessity that will draw us apart, perhaps forever. You cannot follow where I will have to march. I am not fool enough to believe that you would wait. when it comes down to it, people never choose the harder road, they choose the easier road because there are less pebbles.

    I have enclosed a map with this letter, that should lead you to my journal. It will speak of the truth and lead you to questions that while uncomfortable, need to be asked.

    I do not know if any of us will survive this, so I will simply say this ; I love you. Throughout the entire time that we have known and loved each other, I gave you nothing but the truth. I need you to believe that this is the truth…not because it benefits me in some way. No. Simply because out of everyone, I yearn for you to know the truth.

    Wherever my path will lead me now, know that my heart will always be yours. It is just a shame that I will never know the joy of calling myself Lady Rayfe.

    Yours forever,
    Kara._

    Now… now I get to think about that, and read this map. I suppose I'll use the map partway, and my nose the rest. I'll continue this once I've got the journal, and see what I can make of it.


  • _Now I'm kinda pissed.

    Spoke to an N'jast guard near Peltarch, told her to pass a message on to Kara about the conversation we had before… and she said something about assasination attempt. Apparently they almost got Kara.

    I'm supposed to go "Yay, we almost got the (Insert whatever they're calling her now here) " but that... I don't know, rubs me the wrong way.

    I suppose assasination just isn't my style?

    Judging by the brush-off the guard gave me, I doubt even I will get to talk to her now. Suppose it might be better this way? Hells, I'll lay low for a couple of days, just in case they decide anyone inquiring about her is an assasin.

    I'm getting tired of this shit._


  • _It's been days now.. weeks that you've been here. We've had meetings, fights, and arguments. Discussions of ideology and belief, and truth that was not even wanted, truly . Of course, I only now pay enough attention to find this… I wish I could have read it sooner, but it changes nothing at this point. It could have saved some heartache to find this first, and talk to you before yelling at you.

    I'm sorry. I'm waiting for your return as I write._

    A letter that looked to haev been wrapped in a shirt and buried is in his hands, and then folded into the journal.

    @54e68c3e3f=Coaan:

    @54e68c3e3f:

    My Dearest Jerrick,

    It seems like an age since we have last seen each other and I fear that what I am about to say in this letter will further absence. I am less for not having you by my side and I truely lament not having you close by.

    By the time that you return here, I fear that our paths will be inescapably separated. When you return, you will hear lies, falsehoods and utterances of damnation upon my name for what is to come. Not all of it was a lie.

    My love for you was as true as the day I took on the vows of a paladin, and even now, separated by distance and likely ideology, my love for you is still true. It pains me to realise that love and duty are often separate from one another. I will not deny it any longer.

    No doubt you are now aware of the host from N'jast that marches on Peltarch to end the vile corruption in the senate there. They are good soldiers, and they follow orders like any soldier should. They are not evil men…they march to right a wrong that was commited against them by Peltarch. I march with them now, their Marshall and lord to bring Order to a city that has fallen so far into the grip of corruption as to be unrecoverable without direct action.

    No doubt, The people of Narfell as a whole will condemn me for this, sully my name and proclaim me villian. I see the rightness in their cause though, the just steps taken to bring peace and order to a land that has been drowned in chaos, corruption and evil. The army provided by N'jast will secure a peace that will last that's wfor an age here. Bring everyone under one banner. No longer will towns squabble, their leadership fickle and intent on their own designs rather than looking to the greater horizon. People will work together and they will be better for it. Safety of the land will be guarrenteed.

    It will no longer be safe for me in these lands, not after what's done is done, so whatever you need from the house, or even, the house itself..It is yours. Depending on how things turn out, I may return home at some point, but I do not know right now.

    Regardless of what you might hear, I assure you, my silverfang, that my feelings and love for you were never anything but the complete truth.

    When you get this, seek out my army, all I could ask for is to see you again. If even only once.

    Yours forever,
    Kara.


  • The writing on this page is deep, and cuts into the next.
    Sharp harsh lines emphasize every word, and it seems a fresh quill was used after a particularly deep hole that goes through a couple pages.

    It reads as follows:

    _Truth.

    Search for it. Find it. Live by it.
    Right?

    Never have I wanted an answer so little…

    I searched N'Jast for any information I could find on my way back to Narfell. This sabbatical I took to learn what I could of outside druidic practices, or find knowledge within myself brought me near N'Jast, and close enough to hear of the war.

    I made it into town, only to find out that the female leader of N'Jasts army, the Grand Marshall, declared war on Peltarch because of an apparent assassination. I am no spy by any means, but it's easy enough to buy people drinks and listen, and the few days I was here I learned much.

    One thing bothered me though. When I saw the Marshall, something struck me as familiar. Mintas Rhelgor was mentioned, so I know I knew her from Narfell, but I could not figure out how.

    Thanks Meilikki for my gifts, I used them in many ways while I was here. I managed somehow to sneak into the Marshall's chambers and steal a hairbrush. I figured if I could figure out the scent, I might know the person, or at least where I knew them from.

    Dammit all, but the brush had red hair in it.
    Slightly wavy, soft, red hair, gods be damned.
    Hair I've run my hands through, and brushed out after battles.
    Hells, hair I've washed the blood from after tending to serious injuries...

    Kara Dumonte, why are you the spearhead of this army to take Narfell by force? My fiance, what has happened to sway you to this course of action? If you are possessed, I will surely know when I find you.
    If you are mad, I will surely know when I find you.
    I wish I could go back to Narfell first, and check the house, and find you there so I could justify lying to myself and saying this isn't you, but I know I can't. Not with this battle raging as it is. It's all the town talks about. I hope our(is Crossed out) My? friends are ok...

    You never sent word, never made an effort to find me, by mundane OR magical means, so right now, I don't know what to think. Are you fighting for the greater good? Is N'jast in the right, and going to help in some way that is yet unclear to me?

    I will find you, even if I have to be brought before you as a "Spy". When I do, you'll have no choice but to answer to me, or have me killed. I want answers, and I will get them.

    If you're reading this after (Today's date) and there's blood on it, or it's on my body, then I didn't make it to her, or she chose the latter option.
    I hate to write this, but right now I don't know what truth is, and being the simple man I am, I have to go find out.

    I hope I have not been gone too long, and that this may have gotten past my grasp... I have to be able to help somehow. Meilikki help me...

    -Jerrick 'Silverfang' Rayfe_


  • Several ink marks touch this page, but it appears that many attempts at writing were thwarted by some unseen force of will.

    When finally there are words, they appear slowly and deliberately written.

    It's been too many tendays. Too much travel, and little company.
    I'm thinking of you always.


  • _I've never really had a problem with spiders.

    I'm not sure if it's just the druid thing, or the fact that most are small enough to not be able to cause you any harm, and they eat annoying things like gnats and midges and such.

    Lately though… let's just say my opinion was slightly skewed, and biased to think badly of them by a sentient mammoth spider queen the size of the Legion Hall.

    Yes, THAT Legion Hall...

    Luckily, the damned thing was terrified of me. I am sure it's because the circlestone imbued Oreth, Belia, Nere'yn, and myself in some way to help defeat these things... now only if I knew HOW to do so.

    I'm almost thinking it may have imbued the staff itself, which seems bound to my side, and always appears back near me if I drop it. Perhaps if I just run up and WHACK it with it?

    Perhaps a ritual will do the trick, rather like a smaller individual remote casting, as if I were communicating with the stone itself, close enough to touch it... I'm fairly certain it can be done, so perhaps it's worth a shot.

    Other things though... other things.

    Meilikki has seen fit to bless me again, in mind and body... but mostly body this time, and in a couple of ways.

    I have learned new shapes to take, forms to shape myself into, while out hunting polar bears with Telli. I don't use lightning to hunt them, it's sword vs. claw, or if I shapeshift, claw vs. claw. I brought the hides back to the glen, and cooked the meat with Telli, and now I have rations for a few days.
    While fighting them, I feel like I learned a little more of what it is to BE a bear, how they live their lives, what they fight for...

    Now I can take the shape of one, and it all makes sense. Also, I've learned Fayt's form, that of the direwolf breed. A "Pack leader" if you will.
    There's something that makes me want to laugh when I look DOWN at a goblin caster, jaws slavering, and see if stop it's spell in mid cast, as well as it's breathing, even BEFORE I rip it to bits.

    Again... things are morbid in my mind. I've really got to quit that.

    Again, brighter things.

    My friends are alive and well, Kara and I are actually making wedding PLANS, and I am stronger than ever in every way. . .

    Random ink swirls on the page

    I guess I'm not in the right mindset for happy thoughts... I can't get the sound of that spider-woman-queen things voice out of my head. One moment otherworldly and frightening, the next a desperate plea.

    "Kill me...."

    Dammit I want to be able to sleep at night again..._


  • _Again, much has happened of late.

    Hobgoblins? No more. We've wiped out their nest, and the source of their creation, a mad magic user who thought of them as his "Pets" and gave them trinkets to get to our lands to "Play". So many deaths due to the mad whims of another.

    If one such should surface in these lands, I'll surely do my damndest to set it right, and kill the bastard should it ever surface where I can get to it.

    People like that may as well be demons, or some of the unseelie fey, with their casual disregard for human like. Or elf or dwarf for that matter, but I know what I mean.

    Kara and I have gotten to spend more time together lately, thankfully.
    That's been a breath of fresh air in the everyday slaughter of goblins and the like that seems to drape a misty red curtain over my vision some days.

    More often than not lately, I tend to be fighting in a form other than my two legged one, however. It's more… satisfying to feel bone break under paws, or between teeth, and feel the wash of blood across fur and tongue.

    I feel it again, that rising hunger, that constant feeling of not being able to WAIT until I can shift again, feel the air through my fur, smell the scents on the wind, and feel flesh in my teeth.

    Does that make me...

    I'm not sure I should even be writing this down. It feels like I'm acknowledging it now, which makes it... what? More real? Am I losing my grip again like when I first learned to shift? I'm not understanding why it's a BAD thing to be closer to nature, more close to the natural world. Should I be more careful? Is this something I need to be careful of?

    I know I'm in control, I just WANT to be shifted. I WANT the feelings of paws, or claws, and wind and scents and just the new senses I can revel and escape into.

    Escape... damnit, that might be my problem.
    Should I feel like I need escape from something? I know it's not Kara, or the druids, or the Legion, or the Wolves...it's more like... I don't know, this place? Perhaps expectations others may have of me?

    Perhaps I'm just over-thinking this whole thing. There's nothing wrong with me enjoying myself in whatever shape I please, damnit.
    Writing all this down helped to see that though. I think I'll go for a run now... on all fours._


  • _Fey. Fairie. Seelie, Unseelie, those of Avalonian descent.

    Damn if I can't go a day without seeing them.

    Not that it's a bad thing per-se, but The more I interact with them, the more I end up having to deal with the likes of Aramuil or whoever else thinks I'm digging about in things I don't belong in.

    Just yesterday a fantastic rainbow appeared over the lake south of Norwick. Myself and Miea and Bear and Belia went to see what was happening, although myself and Belia already had an idea, since the rainbow looked like a daytime version of the aurora the Fey bring with them when they make a large appearance in this land.

    They asked to speak to Ronan, to speak of payment for the protection they have been providing him. The protection I laid on him with Oberon's power, to shield him from that Fey woman invading his very dreams. The fey made it clear to all assembled what they payment was for, and that it was I that had asked for it, and I offered to carry Ronan's cost for him, since I don't wish to burden anyone with this artifact we've been entrusted with. OR it's cost.

    He of course told me I'd do no such thing and took the price himself, a cherished memory, but the look I saw on his face was one of such confused loss, he couldn't figure out why he was so sad, that I nearly regretted ever doing this…

    I need to hold fast that I know I'm doing the right thing.
    We're destroying the taint, I went to the coldstones even with a group of others, untainted another of the places where the fey lands nearly touch ours, and then instead of risking death in the coldstones while we were all hurt and tired, I took us through the lands of the fey back into the Glen. It cost us all, but I planted another fey fruit I found there, and we were all safe and whole.

    I will continue dealing as I have, and remain firm in my belief that I am doing the right thing.

    I must. I am. I will._


  • _Well, it was a busy day.

    Belia and I were coming back from the Rawlins and happened across what appeared to be Ronan speaking with a fey. She said something along the lines of an apology, then kissed him on the lips, and he immediately transformed into a person shaped tree.

    I stood up to the fey who had an assortment of six legged and half man wolf-beasts with her, and in her audacity she blew me a kiss, and wandered back onto her plane saying something about how Ronan would be so in love with her in twenty-four hours that he would not be able to WAIT to get back to her realm, Avalon. She left a pendant with the curse around Ronan's neck, and he was unable to speak any language but that of plants, which I thankfully am able to cast a spell to communicate with, and he didn't know how to help himself out of the situation, and seemed half resigned to his fate.

    It's a first I've seen from him, and needless to say, it rather disturbed me. I tried to take the amulet off of him, and it tried to zap me! My armor flashed, the golden runes glowing at the magical attack upon my person, but it deflected it. Still, I was unable to get the thing off. I sent Belia into town for Aramuil at Ronan's request, and even dispels were ineffective. Belia and I came to the same realization at that point however, Oberon!

    I ran for him, eating one of those fey fruit that increases he speed of one's feet, and ran as a wolf part of the way as well. Upon retrieving it, I came back, and Oberon immediately leaped to action upon my touching it, blasting the curse off of Ronan, and blasting ME with the backlash of power it needed to take to do so.

    I'm only glad I again proved strong enough to weather the attack, and Ronan was freed immediately.
    I have NO idea if the fey woman who tried to curse him knows it was me, or how Ronan got free, but I'm certainly watching my back now… and I plan on continuing to do so.

    Belia and I did make it all the way to Peltarch like we planned, but not without me testing Oberon once more on Jerr, with his permission, as he is quite covered in curses and burns, the curses making him burn from within violently.

    The backlash from THIS attempt was worse than the previous, as it wasn't just the drain from Oberon that hit me, but whatever curse was upon Jerr took a vicious swipe at me.

    Again my armor came to my rescue, and took a large chunk of the hurt I was about to endure away, a magical attack that made the runes glow like freshly forged metal.

    Once we DID make it to Peltarch, I colored the leather parts of the armor to my liking and dulled the colors of my cloak, and I am now satisfied with the look of it. Can't wait to show Kara.

    Hells it's heavy...._


  • _Oberon seems to be staring at me now, whenever I walk by.
    Sure it's a crystal skull of some dead faerie, but it's magical, and sentient by all appearances and experiences.

    I do have to admit, although it hurt a little, like it was using me to power itself, but it was exhilarating! Cleansing that little bit of taint was amazing, beyond words, and I could feel the area in the woods where the faerie plane was close to our own… I wonder how many more places like that there are?

    I've a lot to think about recently, but I feel like I have a renewed sense of purpose. It's good to have goals, a purpose, new avenues to explore within oneself. It's a good thing...

    Just like having finally gathered enough gold to get my armor made by the crafters in the circle, to get it made and imbued. Can't wait til it's done!

    Kara and I have actually gotten to spend some time together lately, and she's helped me greatly in getting the funds together. I can't thank her enough, but I'm sure I'll think of another way to repay her. Maybe get her something as a surprise.

    I'm sure I'll think of something, I always do._


  • _Well, that takes care of that.

    Tumluk got his tears.
    When one of those damnable changelings caused Trouble in Jiyyd and someone was killed, I went to console the children of the families struck by this tragedy, and I collected their tears.

    Defiantly I faced Tumluk in my next dream, and handed over the jars, and he gave his word that I was no longer a target for this hunt of theirs. Also, his interest in Belia will no longer be a pursuit for him, as part of our deal.

    He got his jars, and I have the safety of my packmate ensured. My own safety comes second, as I can elude their hunt for as long as needed, or stand and fight if they ever had cornered me, but I won't stand for Belia being whisked away in her sleep.

    Now that that's settled, I've been spending more and more time with oreth in front of that Stone. We've GOT to find out it's workings, and preferably sooner than later.

    –-----------A divider in drawn into the page--------------

    Kara is back.
    My heart is at peace, and for the first time in many many nights I slept away from the glen, in our home, and after about 17 hours of resting, playing, resting, eating, playing again, resting s'more, and finally eating again to regain our strength, we went back to our various duties.

    Duty once again is always a constant in my life, but a part of my life has returned to me, and for that I am glad.
    Meilikki, you've blessed me more than words can explain.
    I continue to be your chosen, your vassal, your follower, your sword._


  • _Again I find myself musing about dreams.

    I miss Kara terribly, and I see her face when I sleep. That doesn't bother me though, it's pleasant even though I know (i NOW know) that she's in a land far away. Nobody told me til Eluriel said something abut an airship, but even she was not sure.

    I'm assuming the information she gave me was correct and true, and praying for Kara's safety. Part of me screams that I should be looking for her, because I don't believe she would actually leave without telling me.

    Would she?

    At any rate, dreams.
    That bastard Tumluk came to me again, offering a deal.
    if I collect something for him, he will set aside his claim to Belia and I.

    He wants Belia, and thinks I would make a find addition to he and his queens hounds or somesuch, and I don't know what to make of it except to understand that these unseelie are not to be trusted, as they care little for mortal lives. We are far below them, in their eyes, and toys.

    I don't know what to do about his deal… but I've got to do something, even if it's to throw the items he handed me into the dirt and smash them beyond recognition. . . or giving him what he wants.

    First, I need to find out what they're truly for. Then I'll act._

    There is a space here where he drew idly, it looks like a couple of pillars, hazy outlines of them.

    Also, I either need to get better sleep when I lay down to rest, or find out why I seem to be passing out on random hills and random times… could end up bad for my health at this rate.


  • _I've spent little time with Kara since it happened.

    I was struck down in the demon fortress, and thankfully, she was not, for which I am glad. One thing bothers me however.

    I still have not recovered from the first time, and I begin to fear what may happen if I continue to decline so. Fayt no longer comes to me, as if I am too weak to be anything but a burden to him on a hunt. I cannot cast as many spells as before, and some are lost to me altogether.

    Strange thoughts fill my head, and I can't remember hardly any of the fortress trip either. I feel like I should remember something about Will and Raver, or was it Eluriel and Meril? Bah… none of this makes any sense. All I really know is they're saying we won. I even got a trinket as thanks for our efforts.

    I'm glad, and thankful, but suspicious.
    It's said that it was Silus himself who released the actual anchor holding that demonic plane to ours like a leech, and it's also said he may not have made it out.

    Somehow I doubt it. Somehow I fear that e may have forseen the terrible backlash that washed over the Rawlins like a rogue wave from the sea, spreading pure vile corruption over the place that now sits like a seething festering blanket of sorrow.

    Turns out this attracts demons like bears to honey too.
    While outside the glen as I have been lately, waiting for our visitors from the "Other circle" of the same name, Arvangel the prince of demons or whatever it is he styles himself decided to pay me a visit.

    I had lit myself a smoky fire on a rock before the glen and sat there, remarkably undisturbed by the demongoblins that still roam the area, probably confused why more of their bretheren don't swarm to the swirling miasma of filth in the air now, the taint that I can feel all around me now everywhere but inside the very Glen itself.

    Arvangel and I chit chatted for a while, and Calen brought some others to come say hello to me while I waited, seeing him as well. he was mocking and imperious, but I've had worse company than the demon before, til he grew bored of us and flew off.
    Good riddance.

    Eluriel came to see me after I walked Calen and his companions back, and I spent several hours with her, which was enjoyable, and interrupted by the arrival of another. Merry she calls herself, and apparently a servant of Auril, or "Winter", and a member of this other circle of Quercatha Terr.

    She tracked the demonbear-bat creature past the glen into the southern Rawlins, and we killed it. I saw to the burning of the mutated abomination myself, much to Merry's displeasure. Fire and all, so I understand a bit.

    We're scheduled to have some sort of meeting with their elders, I only hope we can get our bit of the circle up to par and together before this happens. We've got a slew of apprentices, and an elder or two, and No archdruidess.

    These are the druids who offered me a warning when then offered aid weeks ago before the demonfortress assault, which was one of the reasons Kara and I spurred Narfell into action against this threat once again, thankfully with better results this time, as far as getting folks together.

    Still... I can't help but wonder.
    Did we actually HELP the situation?
    It seems time will tell.

    Now, I believe I have a wedding to plan, if I ever get to see my fiance anytime soon with all the new threats in the woods keeping me from our home together._


  • _Failure.

    The search for gold to replenish what Kara and I have used lately failed, and rather quickly, three times in a row.

    First, we took a look at the bugbears, seeing if there were any lurking about that could prove easy pickings.
    Too many bugbear druid types, and I didn't have my lightning resistant cloak on me.

    Next, we decided we'd go play with ogres in the giantspires. After wrestling icebears bare handed, Kara and I made it to the cave, and attempted to cross the bridge.

    Several flaming axes later, we decided against it. Retreating back to Peltarch, we found another to help us, Mec, who went back to the bugbears with us. We began slaying several of them, and that's all I remember. Apparently Kara said they ignored her and went right for me, despite me being past her, and I was soon overwhelmed, despite trying to get to better ground to fight back.

    This loss has left me very weak. I feel as if a piece of me is LITERALLY gone now, like it would take much less to take me down now, like I could not stand up to a tough fight anymore, like a sapling cannot weather a storm.

    I'm worried, but not scared. Just worried that I won't be able to protect those I care about while I'm weak like this…

    Meilikki, tell me what I should do. How can I be what I need to be?_


  • _Up down up down up down up, and down again.

    What the hells is with this today? And yesterday? I'm trying to keep track of everything around me, but I can't even get my OWN head straight with how things have been going.

    The recruits are pretty good overall, though I've had to deal with plenty of crap from each of them lately.

    Self esteem issues seem to be more of an issue than the actuall threat of death to some of these … kids.
    Yes, a few are acting like chidren damnit.
    Yes, I understand you were a slave, I know you want to prove your worth, but you're no good to ME or anyone else dead.
    Caric was first, now Radriel. Granted, Radriel seems a good deal smarter than Caric, less prone to rushing headlong into certain death, but she still wants to be the one to FIND it each time, even if, like today, the slight chance of her being found would certainly spell instant death.

    Let Gears or someone walk into that. He seems to be losing his mind lately though, but clears up in battle, so he's still good for it. Merial makes a great scout too, and damn if Amywen is something other than a ghost, I won't believe it. She sneaks up on me easier than liquor on a lightweight drinker. Thorn's good at it too, but he uses the potions, so If I see him drink one, I know to strike at shadows or bent blades of grass nearby if I think he's up to something.

    At any rate, the GOOD stuff. Kara's home.
    I smelled her as a wolf earlier, but I was late, and she's since bathed and left home, so I went to Norwick. Sure enough, I saw her there, and before I could get so much as a KISS in... Demons.

    GODS it's never FELT SO GOOD to pierce a demon through the eye with an arrow, or score a hit with my blade as it did today.
    Anything getting between me and my Kara is going to have a BAD day, I told myself. And they did... but apparently the bugbears didn't get the hint. No those F#@#$ decided to attack while I was still cooling off form Radriel's insubordinate stunt of possibly quitting the legion. I had the highest damned hopes for her too!

    So we killed scored of bugbears. None of us fell permanently, Loc also got killed but was healed quickly enough, and I was a magical arrow retrieval target today for some reason for those thricecursed bugbear archers.

    I finally reported to Lyte, who was there, and she seemed understanding of the whole mess, and now, well now I'm sitting in front of the fire in the gapevine inn with Kara sleeping on my chest, finlly relaxing, and helping me to do the same. Right now, however, I think it worked. I'm happy right now, and at the moment... yeah, nothing else really matters._

    Notes at bottom of page

    -Find new wolves
    -Find Fadia for testing
    -Prepare for next wolf test
    -Keep training recruits
    -Spend time with/protect/spoil the hell out of / KARA (#1)