3. The Secret Life of Shalia Decauteur

The Secret Life of Shalia Decauteur

  • ?

    Intercepted

    _To my love Durai,

    I am already half way to Uthmere, the caravan nearly out of the Rawlinswood. The deepest sections of the woods that border the Great Dale are most disturbing, and the Caravan leader has advised me and the other travelers not to stray from the group whatsoever. It’s all too easy to believe that this forest holds something evil within it, for I’ve felt almost as though there has been something watching me the length of our trip thus far. However, I’m sure there is little to worry about, for the caravan is well guarded by a number of hired soldiers, who will escort us all the way to Uthmere.

    On a brighter note, I have had the sincere pleasure of acquiring a new friend on the trip, a little girl by the name of Bridgette. Bridgette and her parents are traveling to Uthmere as well, intent on paying a visit to relatives there. The little girl is most delightful, and is always running back to the wagon I ride in to talk with me, or to try to teach me songs, or sometimes play a game with her of sorts. Her parents don’t seem to mind so much, merely happy that Bridgette isn’t being a bother.

    The parents have agreed to help me find a reputable shipping company to book passage on so that I can sail to Aglarond in safety. You need not have any worry that I’ll make it to Velprintalar and on to my church in quick time. And thus, even more quickly back to you and our home.

    I think of you every day, and pray for your heart and your safety.

    With all my love,

    Shalia._

    Shalia finished the letter and sent it off on its way, watching it leave on the caravan passing the other direction back towards the encampment. It took nearly all of her will not to leave with them, and return to Norwick.

    The Caravan leader announced shortly thereafter that they would soon be stopping for the night, and would break onto the Great Road by morning. Once on the road, he promised the trip would only take a day or two at most to reach Uthmere, for the road lay on flat plains, and Shandukal willing, the wind would be blowing in the right direction.

    As the wagons found a small clearing, they gathered together, making a small pocket in the center where the travelers made a campfire and the evening meal. Shalia grinned as she watched Bridgette running around to each of the travelers in turn, asking their names and reintroducing herself in proper manner, just as Shalia had taught her. She was a most darling little girl. Flinching momentarily, Shay had sworn that she had just now seen something shift in the back of the forest. Staring at the spot for some time, she waited. But nothing moved. Well, it was a forest after all. It was most likely an animal of some sort.

    Closing her eyes lazily, Shalia smiled besotted as she drifted off to sleep, wondering if maybe one day far into the future, she and Durai would have a little girl like Bridgette too.

    The sounds of the forest lulled the travelers to sleep easily. It was such a calm and beautiful night that even the guards hired to protect the group had let their guard down, failing to notice the blackened vines that slowly curled their way into camp. In fact, no one would have noticed at all, if it had not been that Bridgette, as many children did, often failed to go to sleep when their parents told them to.

    The little girl’s scream had alerted the entire camp of the intruders, just prior to a flurry of whips, lashings, screams and swinging of swords. The vines whistled and screamed as they shot through the air, one vine piercing one of the guards through the leg. Seeing that Bridgette had been separated from the rest, Shalia ran to her, just as one vine began to snake its way to the little girl, ready to wrap itself around her. Just within reach of Bridgette, the vine changed direction suddenly, smacking itself hard against Shalia’s shoulder, tossing her back and far away from offering any aid to the scared child. Her head cracking against a tree, Shay blinked once, twice… three times, her vision becoming blurry. She saw Bridgette, screaming, and crying for someone to help her, vines approaching the girl threateningly once again. But Shalia could not move, though as hard as she tried. Her head felt awful, and she felt as though some animal was gnawing at her shoulder, teeth piercing the skin.

    Shalia’s head fell to the side, briefly catching the scent of something burning.

    Groaning, Shalia touched a hand to her shoulder, then to her forehead. Gods, she wished she was dead right now, for surely it would be a lot less painful. Looking up through squinted eyes, she saw Bridgette’s parents, with Bridgette sitting on her mother’s lap, sucking her thumb. All three seemed unscathed, but how? Surely she didn’t just dream the attack.

    Seeing the question in Shay’s eyes, the father began to explain. The attack had happened, and Shay had been thrown into a tree by one of the possessed vines. Three had died in the fray, and more casualties had been averted by some man who had ordered that everyone light torches and try to set the vines afire. No one knew who the man was, for he hadn’t been with the caravan, and he had left as soon as he saw the group on their way back to Norwick.

    Shalia rubbed her shoulder again, pushing away her clothing from it to take a look. But as much as it hurt, only a welt remained, and a few black thorns imbedded into the skin of her shoulder. Doing her best to pick out the majority of the thistles, Shalia thought to herself that all things considered, she had been lucky. She was far from being ready to have survived something that horrible, and soon, she would be on her way home, to rest and wait for the new caravan to set out in a different, slower -but safer- direction.

    Shalia wondered if she would beat her letter back to Durai with a tired smile on her face.


  • Cloaked from sight by infernal magic, he sat there in the twilight of the forest. The caravan wagons were arrayed in a circle beneath him, his yellow eyes flicking over each one in turn. With careful deliberation, his eyes locked onto the sleeping form of Shalia. He noticed curiously how she twitched and moved in the periphery of her slumber.

    He was far beyond the reach of his mistress now, and the absence of her presence brought loneliness, the kind born to servitude found difficult to bear. His mistress had left instructions that Shalia was to be untouched. Observation was sufficient she had said before sending him to his task. Pity he thought, for he had anticipated sinking his talons into her warm flesh.

    Finally, the weight of the loneliness became an oppressive burden. With a whoosh of imploding air, he planeshifted back to his mistress.

    Ja’err looked up, lines of concern etching his worn features.


  • How could one watch over what was too far away to see?

    That was Sam’s quandary.

    It never occurred to him if he –should- watch over her, only that he felt in his heart that it was something that had to be done. Perhaps it was his mistrust of sailors. His first voyage on a ship, he had lost his paladin, and been hauled from his bunk in the night and cast overboard. The next voyage, he had been forced into the fish hold and only let out for basic necessities; the captain claiming he did not need the distraction of an unclean breed on his vessel. This third voyage… two weeks hanging over the railing. And his last voyage was spent nearly comatose before arriving in Narfell.

    Ships were not nice places.

    Sam doubted he could hold off an entire crew if one turned on him because of his blood. And Sam surely knew that Shalia could not withstand the advances of a determined crew, if they should decide to use attractive woman as lonely men would.

    Somehow he would have to watch over her. And since he couldn’t, someone else would have to do it in his stead. He dearly wished for an Order of Helm anywhere in Narfell where he could take his request. But he was forced to appeal to the Order of Tyr for help.

    “The task you ask of us would require a most trusted and capable man, Sir Sam,” Daisy cooed. He winced at the title. “It would mean that I would have to entrust many lesser tasks to others, to keep our work here ongoing. And I lack the funds to pay the additional hands for this time.”

    Sam nodded solemnly, what price was ensuring someone remained safe?

    “How much?” with mild anxiety he asked.

    “Twelve hundred, Sir Sam,” Her face was almost apologetic, but it was as if she really did not want to send her ‘trusted man’ to the task.

    Sam sighed, and pondered. Was Sam over reacting, overly suspicious, or even paranoid? Would the enemies of the Hightower family seek her out? And what if he was right, and did nothing? What would happen?

    In the end, Sam was not prepared to take the risk.

    “Done,” and with a grimace, he counted out the coins, feeling his own coffers seem to dwindle.

    “It shall be done as you ask,” Daisy smiled and motioned to an acolyte. She handed the bag to her and whispered some instructions to her. The acolyte skipped away, not to return.

    Daisy begged for a moment to tend to some others, and bid Sam to wait for her, as their conversation was not finished. Sam leaned on a wall by the door, arms folded, waiting. The look on his face conveyed volumes of his impatience.

    Eventually a man in thick, studded leather armor walked in. He had obviously been around the block, and had the earthy look of a ranger to him. His thick, wavy black hair was long behind his back, dark piercing eyes, aquiline nose and strong, set jaw that showed strong muscles of one who held is tongue often. His smooth walk across the floor was pantherlike.

    Daisy saw him, smiled and motioned him to come over to her and Sam.

    “This is Ja’err Glondin.” The two nodded suspiciously at each other as Daisy continued. “He is a Knight in our order, come in from Heliogabalis searching for a halfling accused of crimes in that state. But, this culprit is presumed dead, and while the other trackers are still out, he may be able to help you.”

    She smiled and bid them well, returning to the duties of running her temple.

    Sam discussed the now paid for mission with Ja’err. The man was nearly silent, when he spoke at all; his voice was low and quiet, only audible within a couple of feet. His stance was light and ready, and his eyes darted cautiously to every moving shadow, almost as if he could see behind him.

    Sam summarized the man’s mission to ensure he understood it, counting off on his fingers as he did.

    “Jus’ watch ‘ER. Dun’ let ‘ER know enabudy sint yuh… an fer durn shur, make shur she gits back safe eh?”

    Without a smile, only a curt nod, and not even a nod of respect, merely understanding, he replied, “Done.”

  • ?

    Shadows

    Breath in, breath out.

    It hurt…

    Shalia stared up at the sky, feeling the life bleed out of her little by little. She wanted to look to her sides, but she was too afraid. Besides, she could feel what she couldn’t see. And she felt herself laying in a warm, almost comforting pool of blood. Despite the warmth coming from around her, her inner core became colder and colder as each minute passed. She began to feel numb and sleepy.

    Don’t sleep. Gotta stay awake.

    Her eyes drooped, and visions danced in her mind. Shalia tried to shake her head a little to wake herself, but doing so only pulled at her wounds even more, speeding the process of her death. Finally she stilled, becoming entranced with one image in particular. She could see herself and Durai in front of the fire of his home. He was running his hands down her bare back as they made love in one of the chairs sitting before the fireplace. Shalia grinned faintly for a moment as she thought about that. She didn’t think it was possible to find one’s height of passion in a chair, but it was great fun finding out.

    So tired.

    Closing her eyes slowly, she let herself begin to drift off, becoming enraptured by visions of herself and Durai. Shalia’s breathing slowed, became shallower. Then in her dream, Durai started to press his hands into her side. Then her arm. Not at all in the way of a lover. Then… he started to yell at her. Why was Durai yelling at her?

    Trying her best to open her eyes, she vaguely saw a strange shadow above her. That’s not Durai, she thought to herself. The shadow was hurting her. Then the shadow yelled at her again.

    “Wake up!”

    “Lass! Wake up!” shouted the wagon driver.

    Shalia jerked out of her position, sleeping between a few bags of grain, and something that she didn’t care to identify. Rubbing her hand on the bridge of her nose, she flicked out the crusty sleep of her eyes, blinking her eyes rapidly. Staring at the wagon driver in question, he simply nodded to her, telling her they were going to soon stop for the night, and they’d be wanting to make some dinner soon. Did she think she’d mind fetching some firewood when they did?

    “Yes, that’s fine.” Shalia smiled subtly, the dream still in the back of her mind, not able to bring the smile to full brightness. Then she felt it again. Something was surely watching her, and it had been since she left the elven encampment.

    A cold shiver ran down her back, making her wonder if it was too late to begin to walking back to Norwick.

  • ?

    Love Letter

    Shalia stared out of the window, face serene, but a smile playing at the corner of her mouth. Try as she could, she was certain there was no way she would be able to memorize everything she could about this place. Not even enough to last her long enough for what was to be hopefully, a short trip. She would be leaving for Aglarond the very next morning, by caravan to the coast, and a ship to Ventriplitar from there. However, the closer the time came to go, the harder it was becoming to even think about leaving. Just thinking about all that she was leaving behind her threatened to overtake her in tears.

    Taking many deep breaths, Shalia pulled herself away from the window and the morning light, walking down the hall to the study. Finding a spare sheet of parchment, ink pot and quill pen, she sat down at the desk to write a letter.

    _To my love, Durai-

    Shortly I’ll be leaving for Aglarond, leaving you here behind me, for what I hope to be only a small amount of time. Please trust that I will return soon, and when I do, I won’t leave you again for quite some time. While I am gone, be safe, be happy, and try not to let Sam be gruff too often. He really needs to learn how to smile more.

    While I prepare to leave, I think about our first meeting, which was only just a few months ago. I still smile every time I think about how you asked my permission for you to kiss me that first night. It may have been then that I fell in love with you, but it is difficult for me to say, as I have difficulty remembering what life was like without you. It seems like we’ve known each other much longer, and I don’t think I could tell you how difficult it will be to leave you now.

    I had never, never planned to meet anyone like you, or hoped that I would. I had not known that people like you existed outside of the books of romantic and chivalrous tales I’ve read, and I wonder many times if you are real. While you are not precisely the heroes from many of those stories, I think it’s the qualities you share with them that stun me. Duty, honor, compassion, and true caring for others, despite the fact that they are spoken of so often, sometimes seems so very rare. You have all of those things in the most genuine capacity. Things that, perhaps yes- you inherited from your father, and also your mother I am sure. But these qualities, are given to shine by your uniqueness, and one day will become so vibrant and spectacular that no other will be able to deny that they have formed you into a great man in your own right.

    I know that is it is you alone that I love. Not the individual traits you share with your father, or the ones you share with your mother. I love the whole of you, as no one could ever take away any part of you. All of the small things that make you, who you are, blend together, composing a man who fills my dreams and hopes for the future.

    While writing a letter such as this might seem a bit trite, or fake, I cannot help that. I suppose thoughts, feelings and emotions like these are so often vaulted in song and poetry that even when the intent behind them is genuine, it’s difficult to believe that they are. Such things are very rare, and should be treasured and protected. I think we have found ourselves lucky.

    I love you, in more ways than I can say, and for longer than I will live. It would be too painful to do anything else.

    -Shalia_
    Sighing deeply, Shalia ran her fingers through her hair. She was never much of a writer anyways, and the impulse of writing a letter to leave for Durai had been a bit silly she supposed. Reading over the letter once more, she blanched. It was truly awful. This must be why so many people hid their love letters…

    Rubbing her eyes, she began to feel the weight of the sleep that she had missed out that night with her restlessness. Wandering back down the hallway, she entered the room she shared with Durai, who was still spread out on his side of the bed. ‘I’ll just rest a few minutes,’ Shalia thought to herself. ‘Just a few minutes… and then I’ll go clean up the study and throw away that letter.’ Sliding into the bed, she curled into Durai’s side, sleep quickly claiming her, dreaming of happier things than leaving her love.

    In her dream she was coming home.

  • ?

    Cooking…..... with Chef Sam of Helm

    Shalia approached her foe, feeling it’s hatred for her emanating from it. Wielding her weapon in her right hand, she reminded herself again, ‘be prepared for anything…’ While her opponent bubbled and gurgled, drooling out refuse all over the ground, Shalia once again hoped that Durai knew how much she loved him, for this action could be her very last.

    Now was the time!

    Leaping at her target, she reached for the handle, swinging open the door. The foul stench took her breath away, and filled the room with thick black smoke. This battle was already turning sour. Sighing deeply, Shalia calculated the current score in her head.

    Kitchen Stove- 31, Shalia- 1 ½

    Things were certainly not looking well on the baking front.

    Running out of the kitchen, she ran to the windows and doors, opening each one with hopes that the horrible burnt smell wouldn’t permeate everything in the house. It was a wonder that Durai was still tolerating her futile efforts to cook, but thankfully, he had been patient and understanding. That- and he had evaded so far being forced into taste testing any of the some what edible experiments, which if had been otherwise, most likely would have made him much less patient and understanding.

    Walking outside to breath in the sweet fresh air, Shalia looked back to the house, watching as the smoke billowed out of the windows. There was no other choice. It was time to ask for help.

    Shalia remembered Durai telling her that Sam was an excellent cook, and did so just about anywhere, as he spent so much time either on the hill, or traveling about tending to his duties. Caught up in her wondering, Shalia failed to notice Durai approaching with a pained look on his face as he glanced at his family’s home. Shaking it off, he came up behind Shalia, kissing her on the cheek, and startling her as he said hello.

    Shalia looked back at Durai, sighing deeply. “It’s not going too well. If anything, it’s getting worse. If I continue on, I’m afraid that your kitchen is going to demand to you that I go, or it will leave,” said Shay, a weak smile on her face.

    Trying his best to give her an encouraging smile, Durai nodded towards the house. “Why don’t you get your equipment, and we’ll go take a walk, or maybe patrol the roads while the house airs out?”

    Nodding, Shalia took a deep breath, and ran into the house quickly, squinting as she looked around for her armor, pack, and Rosethorn. Grabbing them with haste, she rushed back out the door, shutting it behind her. “Um… ready to go when you are.”
    Some time later, they had arrived on Sam’s Hill. There were a few watchers there, scanning the pass with their eyes for the fierce bandits, or perhaps a traveler in need of help. The sun shined down brightly from over head, making things seem rather pleasant, and almost pastoral like, except when interrupted by the cry of a bandit being hit by a flying arrow. Looking around the hill, Shalia spotted Sam just over one of the rises, and gathered her courage.

    “Sam…. Um… I have a question that I’d like to ask you.”

    “Uh huh… Whut?”

    “Well, I was hoping you’d teach me how to cook. Durai said that you’re rather good at it, and seeing that I’m rather terrible at it… It couldn’t hurt, could it?”

    The large paladin looked over Shalia, seeming as though he was assessing her and deciding something. “You wunna lern how ta cook?” Shalia nodded vigorously, eyes hopeful that Sam would accept. Durai, standing behind Shalia, tried his best to keep his face impassive, though a smile crept up on the corners of his mouth as he watched the exchange. “Yuh know whur the spices ar at in the kitchen?” Shalia nodded. “And yuh know whur all the pots ‘n pans ar, and the spuns?” Shalia nodded again. “Gud! Cuz that’s not how wur gunna teach yus! Yuh gunna learn how to ruff it. Dat way, when yuz finally cook in the kitchen, it be like heavun. Lez go,” Shalia blinked at Sam, a bit confused. Where did one cook if not in a kitchen she wondered. Apparently seeing Shalia’s confusion, Sam sighed deeply, shaking his head in resignation. Whether it be that he was going to teach the young Sunite to cook, or something else he had resigned himself to, he wasn’t going to say. “Wez gutta get the things to cook furst. Wez goin’ huntin’.”

    Shalia felt the blood run out of her face. Hunting? But…

    Sunites don’t hunt…

    Durai and Sam gave Shalia no time to argue, as they had already set out down the road. Stopping briefly, Durai turned around and motioned for Shay to hurry forward, having even more difficulty hiding the grin on his face as he saw Shalia’s look of shock and horror.

    Finally snapping out of her fear, Shalia rushed down the road, barely catching up to the men as they scanned the pass for hawks that might make a good addition to a meal. All the while, Shalia kept wondering something, finally voicing her opinion once they had reached the top of a hill where Sam was collecting bird eggs. “I don’t know if Sune would approve of this… those are … they’re…” Shalia whimpered. Durai and Sam both turned to stare at her as though she had grown an extra head. “Where did you think eggs came from Shay?” Durai asked, clearly enjoying her discomfort over this more than he should. Sam merely shook his head, stopping to stare at his young charge. “Yuh got yourself a winner in this one Mr. Durai.” Shalia blinked, swinging her head to try and alternately glare at the two.

    The group moved on, Sam mentioning something about that they needed to find some hound. Nearly questioning why they would need hound for cooking, Shalia pushed the question out of her mind. She was fairly sure she didn’t want to know the answer.

    Descending into a series of caverns, the party was beset by large and gruesome dogs, resembling small horses or huge wolves more than dogs. Sam and Durai made quick work of the creatures, whatever they were, and once the fray was over, they set themselves to skinning and cutting away portions of meat from each one. They were clearly disgusting, destructive mindless creatures, so Shalia did not object to their demise, but as she watched the two slice meat away from the bodies, she felt bile rise up in her throat. Shalia swallowed it down, doing her best not to concentrate on all the blood, muscle and skin that was being torn away. Sam made his way to the entrance of the cavern, holding up a large flank of thigh meat, juices dripping and running to the ground. “Dis here’s whut we’re gonna cook.”

    Shalia ran as fast as her legs could carry her to the outside, falling to her knees as she expelled her previous meal off the side of the cliff. Somehow, Shalia was certain that Sam had meant to do that, and he was enacting some small portion of revenge on her.

    Later, after Shalia had recovered, put herself in order again, and they had collected some spices and vegetables from the pass, they found themselves in the Gypsies’ camp. Finding a free campfire, the three settled around the fire, Sam setting out all of the gathered supplies. Patiently, Sam showed Shalia how to construct a spit, chop the vegetables… and… cube the meat. The latter of the tasks became most difficult for Shalia, Durai having to sit next to her and instruct her to breath, and remain calm. He reminded her that there was plenty of water near by to wash herself and make a prayer to Sune, so she need not feel compelled to feel completely awful.

    Finally, the food was anchored on the spit to cook over the fire, and Shalia felt a small dose of satisfaction. She might actually cook something that would not cause physical harm to anyone! That in itself seemed like a large achievement, which only became compounded at the moment Durai tasted the cooked food. Chewing on a small bite of the meat, the corners slowly turned up on his mouth, nodding in approval of the finished meal.

    “Mmmm…!”

    Hungrily, almost ravenously, he began to wolf down the food, a smile of approval and of relief that Shalia could now cook. And not just cook, but cook food that was edible!

    Durai wrapped his arm around Shalia, kissing her nose, and smiled down at her. “I had faith in you.”

    If one taken the chance to glance over at Sam, they might have caught a tiny grin of pride on his face. But of course, as soon as he’d notice someone was looking, it would be gone, replaced by his usual scowl.

    Chef Sam of Helm had taught Shalia how to cook. Wonders certainly will never cease.

    (( I'd like to give a big thanks to Sam, who provided the material for this story, as his detailed and wonderfully entertaining RP is what this entire story was based off of. I'm still very amazed at how much effort he put into every aspect of trying to teach Shay how to cook. Thanks Sam!))

  • ?

    Journal Entry II

    It’s been sometime since I’ve written in my journal, but I thought it best to write in it again, what with all the changes my life has been experiencing lately. Though Durai and I were nearly split apart by my lie, we have made it through very well, and if nothing have strengthened our bond to each other. We now share his family home, I having had moved in with him to live after I had suggested he take up his residence, as it is much safer and easier to secure than a room at the inn. The house, seeming at one time to have been cursed with some unseen shroud, now seems to have a calming, and almost blessed feeling over it. It has been that way ever since the day that light appeared in the main living quarters, in the exact spot that Durai tells me Torm once appeared to his mother. Be that as it may, I think I shall ask one of the elder priests or priestesses to perform a few additional blessings on the house before I leave, as well as to ask them to place a few glyphs, to ward it against ill intentions.

    Durai seems to becoming more and more enthralled with the Sunite text I’ve loaned him. He’s always asking me questions about the more “physical” sections of the texts, and I find myself constantly reminding him that I only know as much as he does, and what we’ve experienced together. I’m starting to wonder if I should be a bit worried about his interest in my book, and the ideas it’s given him. However, seeing that I am the benefactor of his love and curiosity about the beauty of the reinforcement of the bond of love, I have very little to complain about. He’s also mentioned that he’s begun to read the philosophical and aesthetic passages now, and it seems he’s enjoyed them as much as the other sections, but perhaps not as much.

    I have also begun to read through some of his prayer books and texts on Torm, the god he follows, and I must admit that I admire this god, who was once a man. I appreciate, and hold to myself, some of the ideals that his philosophy reinforces, and marvel at how such a righteous man could have ever been mortal. Too often, it seems we mortals are susceptible to greed, temptations, and of course… hurting others, even when we believe we are trying to do what is right in our perceptions. The values of honor, loyalty, duty, and chivalry appeal to me, for they also seem so reminiscent of the knights I have so loved to study in the romantic texts, as well as the image of what I think my father must have been like. Though my faith in Sune is complete, I think I shall again refer to some of these texts of Torm’s.

    Another lady has seemed to have developed affection for Durai, and though I was merely suspicious before, I think my suspicions have been confirmed. I initially began to wonder about her, when one day I approached the south fire in Norwick, where I saw Durai an this woman sitting together. Though others, including Durai, did not notice her poise of body, and how this perhaps exposed her intent, I could feel it in the pit of my stomach. Instinct I think it’s called. I mentioned this suspicion to Durai later, and he seemed surprised, and told me that he would rid this woman of any ideas of trying to gain his affections if she had any designs on him. With his typical boyish way of smiling, which I never think he’ll be rid of even into his old age, he told me that there could be no one else for him but me. Though I know this, and as good as it felt to have this confirmed again, I do have to admit that I find myself a little jealous.

    When Durai and I saw this woman again later, he whispered to me in a hushed tone if I was sure of my thoughts on this. Being it was only the three of us on Sam’s hill, and there was nothing to be feared, I simply turned and asked her. The phrasing of her reply confirmed solidly, at least for myself, that she does indeed hold affections for him, as it held no confirmations in such existence of affections (which would have caused her embarrassment I would suppose to admit), or denials or falsities, and seemed fitting for a devout follower of Helm as she has told us that she is. From what little I am told of followers of Helm, Torm, Tyr and the like, they would not attempt to lie if at all possible, and the lack of denial would confirm such feelings but without allowing her to lose face. However, I don’t know what quite to make of this, for I had assumed she would freely admit her feelings, as that is what I am used to. Even if they are to be rebuffed, there is some relief in sharing one’s emotions, and it serves to free their heart. Or so I have always learned, though many here seem not to follow such sound ways of thinking sadly enough. Her evasion stunned me, and confuses me as to how things should proceed.

    Aside from the aforementioned, I should report that I continue to wage my war against the kitchen. I have lost to my count, nearly twenty three battles with it, and have won two. The merchant of the general store assures me that my biscuits are wonderful, and has actually suggested that I add more salt to the recipe, but be sure to bring those particular batches of biscuits to him. The man certainly has a taste for biscuits.

    (Though I believe he is actually using my failed experiments to supplement his long over due shipment of sling bullets. We shall have to speak on this.)

    I hope to soon contain my memories on my family history in this journal, as well as Rosethorn’s story, as I remember Moira telling it to me when I was a child. Hopefully, I shall get it right, and if not, I can merely ask her to help me revise it when I revisit the church for my penance. I am beginning to grow curious as to why I am being called back as well. The reply to my letter did not seem as though it would be fitting for the Priestesses normal attitude or response to such things, but I suppose I will find out once I return.

    It will be my last trip to Aglarond as my home, and I will ask to be released of my bonds there so I may transfer them here. I am sure that my request will be granted, as there are so few followers of Sune here, and I think my Priestess will be most encouraged by the idea of me adding to the number with hopes that I may bring others. When I return to Narfell, I shall claim this place as my new home, in hopes and pursuit of the life I was meant for, whatever life that may be. It is certainly a most enjoyable mystery so far, and I cannot wait to find out how it shall proceed from here.

    Sune bless and guard the bonds I make, and the hearts of those who have found a place in mine.

  • ?

    The Price of a Promise III

    Shalia woke the next day, worn, and wrung out. It felt as though every emotion in her and in her heart had been fighting one another. At this time, she wasn’t quite sure which one was winning, only that they had all surely beaten each other to what felt like a bruised and unrecognizable pulp.

    Making her way through the town square, she trudged down to the south fire. If breaking her promise to the church had not upset the priestess, if they had seen her in the state she was now, she surely would be in much much more serious trouble. Seeing Nico, she brushed a lank strand of hair out of her face, and asked if he had seen Durai. Though he smiled at her initially, his face fell as he saw the state of her appearance, and gave his answer. “Errr… yes, I think he was in Fred’s with that Adam…. Are you… Alright Shalia?” Merely nodding, she turned out on her heel to drag herself back to the Friar’s cottage.

    Stepping inside the home, she glanced around, and saw that it was empty, but for one of the Friar’s “assistants”. Suddenly, she felt a breath on her ear, and a whisper, “Come to the Boarshead immediately.” Blinking, she tried to place the voice. It did sound vaguely familiar, but she was sure it couldn’t have been that man Thyrm again. The whisper simply didn’t have that cold feeling to it, and if she were to guess… it sounded like an old man. Tipping her head in curiosity, she turned herself around once again, exiting the cottage, and nearly running into Durai’s chest.

    “Oh! Shalia!” shouted Durai, the words almost instantly bringing a severe frown to her face. He hadn’t called her Shalia in days now unless it was for an introduction. Other times, he had always referred to her as ‘Shay’, a nick name that had seemed to be coined for her. Pasting on a faint, but insincere smile, she nodded to Durai merely saying, “Hello.”

    Not quite being able to decide if she wanted to kiss him thoroughly, for the time they had been apart, or perhaps shove him into a nearby mud puddle, for the fact that it was him and that he had decided to revoke his forgiveness that kept them apart, Shalia opted instead to stand there staring back at Durai saying nothing more. “Um… Shalia, I need to talk to you…” Durai began, making her heart lighten a bit. If he wanted to talk to her, then it must be a good thing, yes? “Adam, Alannia and I need to check the room that you and I slept in the other night. I think someone was in there and attacked me while we slept. And we need your key and permission to get in now.”

    Never before had she come so close to contemplating choking someone, anyone, let alone someone she loved dearly.

    “My key?! That’s all you want to talk about is my key?!?!” Shalia shouted, triggering a deep blush to rise in Durai’s cheeks.

    Just as Shalia was about to verbally attack him, Durai turned to see a woman with gray hair and an eye patch approach. It was this woman, who beat Shalia to the proverbial and literal punch. Smacking Durai on the back of the head, the lady began to yell at him, “What the hells are you thinking boy? How dare you come out here without letting us know, or at least where you would be?! HUH?” The lady Shalia was to find out later, was Alannia Diams, paladin of Helm, and friend of the Hightower family, though- it did not appear she was feeling particularly friendly at this moment, as she continued to argue with Durai, who was also attempting to hold his own against her. “I am not a boy! I will not hide in a cave! Stop treating me that way!” yelled out Durai, a litany that had been heard many times lately. Shalia looked at Durai sympathetically, for she too believed that they were underestimating him. The look caught Alannia’s attention, turning to Durai again, “Well? Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend?!” spat out Alannia. Looking ready to shoot back another ‘I am not a boy’ reply, Durai instead turned to Shalia and stared at her a moment. She could see that he had even forgotten she was there, and this was just enough to trigger their argument once again.

    “I thought you said you forgave me!”

    “I have to think about it!”

    “Of course, it’s fine for you to keep something as important as SOMEONE being in our room, but yet I am to be flayed for trying to keep a promise to my faith.”

    “I was trying to find the right time to tell you, but then things… happened.”

    “Oh? And you don’t think I was trying to find the right time to tell you?!?!”

    The new argument raged on, with the lady Alannia standing on in watch, not even considering trying to get her thoughts in on her upset with Durai.

    “What does it matter?! You’re leaving in a month anyways!”

    “NO I’m NOT!” shouted Shalia.

    “…… you’re not?”

    “No. I wrote to my Priestess, and I’m asking to stay here and receive my penance in Narfell.”

    “Oh.”

    Durai and Shalia stared at each other a moment before Alannia’s soft voice, filled with patience came from the behind Durai. “I’m very sorry for interrupting all of this, but perhaps Young Master Hightower should remember the issue at hand?”

    Durai and Shalia both woke out of the shock of their argument, blinking at each other and turning to Alannia. “Yes…um…Let’s go search the room then…” Shalia whispered softly.

    Something seemed to have eased between all three. What it was specifically, none of them could say, and they would not have the time to examine it right now as they had already been delayed too long.

    The group hurried back to the Boarshead, intent on searching the room for clues as to who, or what had attacked Durai.

  • ?

    The Price of a Promise II

    Shalia waited for Durai to return to the Room, wringing her hands nervously and fidgeting. She had already seen that her back pack was put in order, and all of her things were inside, so that she would be ready to leave when he returned. She was not long in her wait, as he entered the room a few short minutes later.

    Nodding to Shalia politely, Durai muttered in question if she was ready to return to Norwick. Indicating she was, they both grabbed their things and set out. Waiting at the gates for them was an elderly man driving an ox driven wagon. The man, seeing the faces of the two, drawn and depressed, merely asked if they were ready to be on their way, then pointed to the back of the wagon, where they would ride with a few kegs of ale that he was to deliver to Barle at the Boarshead Tavern.

    Riding in silence, Shalia wondered where the feelings of love and passion they had shared the previous night had gone. Were they to be furthermore replaced by these cold feelings of betrayal and distrust? Turning to Durai, Shalia opened her mouth to speak with him, but quickly closed it once again as she saw the hard set of his mouth and how his eyes pierced out onto the road that followed behind them. Fear rapidly welled up in her chest, and panic pushed around thoughts in her head that they may never be as they were, and if it was so, it was surely all of her fault.

    In due time, they arrived in Norwick, hopping off of the back of the wagon to give their thanks and a small payment to the driver of the wagon. Looking between the faces of Durai and Shalia once more, the driver spoke up, “Ye know… Young’ens like yerself oft’n get yerselv’s inta all sorts of silly quarr’ls that you thinkin’ be oh so vere serious at de time. But dey always make up ‘n de end, yes they do.” Durai froze in his steps toward the tavern, balling his fists once, releasing, and then balling them again so tight that his knuckles turned white. Muttering an angry thanks to the driver once again, he pushed open the door to the tavern, letting it slam behind him.

    Running after Durai, she found him in the common room, running both hands through his hair as the patrons and waitresses rushed around him. Hurrying up to him, she fell into step beside him as he turned to go up to the Inn quarters. “Durai… I…” Shalia said as she took hold of his hand between hers, looking into his eyes. “I think…” she began again, faltering in her words as Durai slipped his hand out of her grip. “Yes, I agree. We’ll sleep in separate rooms tonight. I need to think and catch up on my studies and prayers. I’ve fallen behind.” Watching Durai turn and leave to go down the hall to his own room, Shalia choked on a cry.

    Holding her breath tautly as she entered her own room, slowly turning behind her to lock the door, and set the key on top of her chest. Sitting down on her bed, she stared out the window for a moment, noticing that it was ajar, just an inch or so. Closing it, she went back to her bed, curling up and hugged her arms to her chest. She couldn’t cry this time. Some things were even too sad for tears.

    Breathing in forced deep even breaths, she prayed that Sune would see that her letter would be delivered as quickly as possible to Aglarond, and that the reply would come just as quickly. It was a small prayer, and most likely not worth her goddess’ notice, but it meant everything to her right now.


  • (( you keep using that word, but I do no think it means what you think it means 😄 ))

  • ?

    The Price of a Promise I

    Shalia sat for hours in the room, thinking, contemplating what she had done after she had cried out all the tears she could. She couldn’t let this stand as it was. She had to put things right and back in their proper place. But how? She had already broken her word in so many ways.

    Oddly, she remembered the time that Moira tried to teach her to play a yarting. Oh how had Shalia hated learning the instrument, for it had seemed she would never quite understand how the finger placements or chords worked. And her fingers were so long…they always seemed as though they were getting tangled together. She continued to practice, every day, getting worse and worse it seemed, until the day she threw down the instrument onto the floor in frustration.

    “I’m never going to learn how to play this thing Moira! Never! I hate it!” said the little ten year old girl, crossing her arms in stubbornness.

    Moira sighed, putting down her own instrument, and picking up the one that had been thrown to the floor. “Are you always going to give up so easily?” Moira asked. The elderly woman took the child’s hands, and brought her to stand before her. “Just calm yourself my dear. Things aren’t as bad as you think.” Giving Shalia a reassuring smile, she gestured for her to sit on a nearby stool. Moira placed the instrument in Shalia’s hands, and moved the girl’s fingers to a more comfortable position. Guiding them in their movement across the strings, Moira then changing their placement producing a soft melody. The notes were beautiful and clear, resonating off of the cottage walls. “If you fail in one way my dear, then just find another,” said Moira, mussing Shalia’s hair.

    Shalia bounced her head on the back of the wall, deep in thought and frustration. Was she giving up too easily? She hadn’t thought so, but… Maybe there was something else she could do. Bounding off of the bed, she scanned the room, locating her pack. Finding a small sheet of parchment, a quill, and inkpot, she gathered the items in her arms, and sat on the floor, writing furiously. Stopping once or twice to reconsider the phrasing of a particular passage, she chewed on the bottom of her lip thoughtfully. Shaking her head in resignation, she wrote down the entire truth of the matter. Lies had gotten her into this terrible mess, and Sune help her she would avoid doing so again if it was possible. Completing the letter, she gathered her things into her pack, slinging it over her shoulder. Hurrying out of the Inn, she made her way through Peltarch in the direction of the Temple.

    If Priestess Daisy could some how send word to Durai’s mother within short time, then perhaps she could send a message to Aglarond in a quick manner as well, couldn’t she?

    Shalia carried her message into the temple, and asked the Priestess there for a favor.

    She hoped she would be able to keep her promise. If not this way, she would find another.

  • ?

    Unraveled

    Her dreams gave her no shelter to hide from what she had tried to do, and what she had done. She had lied, and had been lying to Durai. And to try to save herself from the consequences of what she had done, she had tried to trick him into marriage. But she had told him the truth. And in doing so, she had betrayed her word to her Priestess.

    She had betrayed her church.
    She had nearly lost Durai.
    And soon she would lose her home.

    The same dream repeated itself over and over in her mind. She, Durai, and a shadowy figure were standing on a plain in the dark of night. Both herself and he figure were asking Durai to come with them, and he stood in the middle, undecided.

    Until the end, when he turned his back on her.

    As she would try to chase him, she looked around, seeing everyone she knew. Nico, Alexander, Sam, the Priestesses from her church… They would all glance at her for a moment, and then they too would turn their back on her.

    Waking with a start, she shook the webs of the dream off.

    Durai had forgiven her for her lies. And after she left in a month’s time, she would have him to come back to. He was the only thing she would have left after she would give up everything else she had known.

    Feeling the need to have his arms around her, she turned to the side of the bed that he had slept on that night.

    But he too was gone, his side of the bed still warm from his body, but empty of his form.

    Feeling the strength drain out of her body, she bowed her head, and gathered her knees to her chest.

    Her eyes wetted, tears rolling down her cheeks.

    Never before had she felt so alone

  • ?

    [ Note to Readers: The following story, while not graphic in nature, may make some uncomfortable, or even blush a little. Those who do not care for stories of a more intimate nature, should read no further in this post. To those who are reading further, I hope you like the story I have written, and I hope you find it in good taste, and enjoy it!]

    "The Nature of Love"

    Shalia and Durai sat quietly across from each other, dutifully attending to the consumption of their meals. While some conversation would have passed between them, it was limited to vague comments and questions, and any pressing of the matter would quickly result in discomfort. Having both reached the point where they did not wish to give any more effort to pretense, they merely sat in silence, eating their stew, sorting out whatever thoughts each one had swimming around in their minds.

    Periodically, Shalia would glance up, examining Durai’s face- every curve of his chin, the lines of his nose, how his eyes were set into his face. Just looking at him brought such intense feelings to rise in her chest, making her want to tell him again, how much she loved him, and how thankful she was that she had met him. And to tell him…how sorry she was. Panic clenched in her chest and throat, making it difficult to swallow the sip of wine in her mouth. She had never meant to lie to him. No- not lie. She simply hadn’t told him all of the truth. ‘But it wasn’t my fault!’ a little voice would echo in her mind, drowned out by a much louder voice proclaiming her guilt over and over.

    From the moment she had seen him, she felt so strongly for him, and knew that she had to know him. But at the same time, worries of how young she was, and his age had welled up in her mind, reminding her how it wasn’t yet time for her to fall in love like this. It wasn’t in her plans, and circumstances soon wouldn’t allow for it. As much as she might want it, it simply wasn’t to be…Was it?

    Staring down at the table, Shalia thought back to a passage she had read once in a book, the author proclaiming that his writings to be the true nature in the way love occurred.

    “Love is not all pleasure, and often the pleasure of it causes such pain that it rends the soul to feel it. It is never convenient, but like all gifts of such an incredible nature, there is a responsibility tribute that must be paid to it if those who have been bestowed with such a thing wish to keep it. Even then, a hint of a whisper, the lightest of a touch, can shatter the bonds formed by this thing which we poets have named ‘Love’. With the pain and sorrow that follows it where ever it goes, it is a wonder that anyone would ever partake of it, but alas- the mortal heart has no guard against it’s oncoming, and it quickly tricks it into allowing it’s stay, whether brief or long.”

    She had known it was impossible for her to keep herself from falling in love with him, but never had she thought it would be so painful to eventually leave him. Sam was right. She would leave, and she would break his heart.

    Shalia’s thoughts continued to wrap themselves around her distress, when suddenly a small hin in the center of the room broke out into song.

    The subject being Kanen Hightower- Durai’s father.

    Looking up quickly, she saw that Durai’s face hand tensed in distress, gripping the handle of his spoon with ferocity and pain.

    Gods! How tired she was of this. Could not more than a few moments pass in a day in which wasn’t consumed by the legend of “Kanen Hightower, heroic figure of the land” just to give his son a moment to breathe?

    Exhaling in frustration, she slammed the palm of her hand on the top of the table, pushing herself away and out of her chair. Digging her fingers into one of the pouches of her dress, she located the key to her quarters, and then offered her hand to Durai. Looking at her with confusion, he took one more bite of his meal, then slowly laid down the spoon, and then lifted his hand to take Shalia’s.

    All but dragging him behind her, Shalia led him up the stairs and down the hall to her room. Briefly relinquishing his had so she could unlock the door, she held it open, gesturing for Durai to enter. Looking at the door, and then looking to Shalia, then back at the door once again, Durai nodded slightly, stepping inside. Shalia closed the door, and the air seemed to shift, making her aware too that something seemed different.

    Turning to meet the line of Durai’s eyes, she found him once again admiring the dress that he had purchased for her just that afternoon. That was what he was admiring, wasn’t it? Her stomach stirred, bubbling nervously and caused goose bumps to rise on her arms as her thoughts drifted to the possibilities.

    Stepping towards her, he lowered his head slightly, looking up briefly to meet her eyes, then down again, craning his neck so his mouth could find her neck. Sighing softly, her arms found themselves around the ridge of his back, holding him tightly to her. Hands found themselves in other places, touching, exploring, roving over each other’s bodies as Shalia’s and Durai’s mouths began to do the same. Gliding a finger over the top of her bodice, Durai’s eyes again met Shalia’s questioningly, his lips parted with a breath of passion.

    “What do you want from me, Durai?” Shalia asked him, resting her forehead against his as she allowed herself to catch her breath.

    Leaning his head to one side, Durai began to lay light kisses on her ear lobe, pausing to whisper in reply, “I love you Shay…I only want as much as you want to give me.”

    ‘I want to give you everything Durai, but I can’t,’ the words stuck in her mind, not quite being able to force them out. Instead, she nodded slowly, giving some sort of permission that she herself wasn’t quite sure what it entailed. “I love you too Durai,” was all that she could eek out. “I want you so badly,” she heard herself say, hearing the other half of the admission, ‘but I can’t have you’, following in her heart.

    Slowly, shaking hands moved to undo the laces of her dress, another pair to release the cord on his robe.

    Though hands moved slow, taking their time to explore, touch and feel in return, the girl and boy found themselves, perhaps too quickly, engaging themselves in a right which had existed for as long as men and women have existed in the world.

    A thing of beauty, a thing of pain and passage from one point of life to another. A reason that gave purpose to the bodies of men and women to be so extraordinarily different, and completely exquisite in the intricacies of their unique forms.

    In a night, the hearts of a young boy and girl, finding themselves in love, grew to suddenly include the responsibilities which bear on the heart of a man and woman.
    And as much sorrow as it might bring in the future, each one of them were sure that they would never take their decision back.

    Resting next to Durai later that night, she watched him sleep, his breath slow, and chest rising in measured contentment.

    To say that the experience had been as good as or anything like what she had read about in some of the Sunite texts, or heard about in the songs of bards- would be a complete falsity. It was different.

    It was nothing at all like what the stories said it was. The tales had lied.
    It was completely different.

    Shalia knew that each had done their best to try to express to each other how they felt, being awkward and clumsy at times, tender and instinctual in others. If they had been to step out of themselves for a moment, and to watch, they most certainly would have either cried in embarrassment, or laugh at how funny it all really was.

    Nothing but lies, a harsh voice intruded into her thoughts causing her chest to clench in pain and shame for a moment as she remembered her situation.

    Rubbing her palm down the bone of her breast, she forced herself to ease again, to breath slowly.

    It had been completely different.
    It had been Durai and Shalia, and their love between them- that was all she would need to remember.

    Shalia smiled softly as she drifted off to sleep herself next to her lover, guilty voices put to rest for now.

    The reality of making love with Durai had been infinitely better than what any of the books have tried to tell her, and she would never forget.

    Not for a long time after they both had gone away from this life.

  • ?

    Journal Entry I

    I have now been in this land for a few short weeks, and though it has been a small amount of time, I think my life has changed dramatically as a result.

    While I do miss Aglarond a little, one does have to admit that the variety of people here is so amazing. I’ve met half orcs, sorceresses, minstrels and barbarians alike. Some of them are quite pleasant and well spoken, while others… well, I suppose they just take a bit of getting used to. The most difficult to understand at times are the dwarves- their brogue is soo thick it’s a wonder they could even understand each other!

    I’ve met so many people, each one different and a pleasure to speak with in their own way. Well… for the most part anyhow. There’s Sam, who seems to have a good heart underneath all of his gruffness, but he’s usually too wrapped up in being grumpy. One day I felt that I had to scold him, in the middle of the forest. He kept implying that I was “Keeping Durai up at night” and dissuading his studies. Though nothing could be further from the truth (however, I will have to make sure that Sam doesn’t find out I loaned Durai one of my Sunite texts), Sam had been persisting for days with such comments of how I was a distraction. I really lost my temper, so I walked up to the big lug, and stood nose to… um well… chest as it were, to him. ‘MISTER SAM!’ I must have shouted so loud that anyone else in the forest would clearly overhear. ‘How dare you continue to imply that I do such things. I will have you know, though it is not any of your business, that I keep my own room, and the only one who sleeps there is me. And I do not sleep in anyone else’s room either! Now, you are a person of honor and I expect better conduct from you in the future. I am VERY disappointed. I really expected better manners from you Sam.’

    I think my words must have been overly harsh, for the entire time I was speaking to Sam, he was taking steps backwards, causing me to close the distance. And he kept muttering, “Yes Ma’am,” and “I’m sorry Ma’am.” I’ll have to apologize for frightening him I suppose.

    Durai, whom I have mentioned previously, I find to be one of the most incredible persons I’ve ever met in my life. While I have questioned before why it is that I wasn’t meant to be a priestess of my faith, and why I was to journey here, I have found that small pieces of the answer have fallen into place little by little. And I believe Durai to be an important piece, one that I will be ever thankful to Sune for. Though our affections for each other developed very quickly after we first met, we have both agreed that we are young, and we have plenty of time to grow with one another, and find out where our love for each other will take us. I have had the benefit of taking part in many adventures here since my arrival, but I find this particular adventure of love to be the most exciting.

    As for other people that I have met, there were a few in the past few days whom I have found particularly interesting. One being a sorceress, or “Sorceress of the Rawlinswood” she calls herself, named Tindra. Our conversation had been struck up when I had complimented her on her attractive clothing, and I think we became fast friends. She has an unusual accent though, as when she speaks all of her r’s seem to extend overly long.

    I have also made the acquaintance of Alexander and Nico, two of Durai’s friends, who seem to be fine men, and a joy to talk to. Both seem jovial and ready with all sorts of teasing and jokes, yet they both seem trustworthy as well.

    I have also found that there is indeed a priestess of Sune in this land, a small hin (or I think she might be, she does appear to be a bit elfish) by the name of Atel. She reminds me much of the priestesses of home, very wise and attentive one moment, and the very next off entertaining with song and dance. I was cheered at meeting Atel, for I had not realized how much I had missed my former home until just then. I shall have to remember to write the priestesses a letter soon.

    Oh yes! And lastly… I have met a knight! I REAL knight! I shall have to learn more about this man. I tried to question him on what it was like, but he kept putting me off by asking me about my faith and thoughts. Though he said he respected Sune, I believe that he thinks most of her followers to be like what many others believe we are. Simple minded materialistic twits with all the depth of a shallow pond. The man’s name was Thierulf I think, and he seemed to be a nice person to speak with. I shall have to seek him out to question him more, as well as show him that he is mistaken of Sune’s followers.

    Sune bless and guard the bonds I make and the hearts of those who have found a place in mine.

  • ?

    @013337aa11=X-Kalibur:

    @013337aa11=Shalia:

    the spiders of unusual size

    :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

    ((Don't worry. I don't think they really exhist. 😉 ))


  • @9055c8fb6d=Shalia:

    the spiders of unusual size

    :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

  • ?

    Part II

    It was not long before Sam and Shalia were lead to the Gypsies’ campsite, nestled deep in a forest that hugged the Nars pass. Through a sense of intuition given to the aged half orc by the grace of Helm, they had thankfully been lead there in due haste, though each minute not knowing if Durai was unharmed seemed like hours. The god Helm seemed to be answering all of Sam’s hastily made prayers for direction and assistance, though this changed upon reaching the camp. There was too much darkness in the people’s souls here, and simple intuition was not enough to show the path to Durai. Sam became even more frantic, began to shout and curse at his god in pain, then begging him to help him in this one last task the next.

    Watching as Sam shouted out his feverent prayers and argued with his god the next, Shalia stood behind him, her body drawn tight in fear and panic, only mildly aware that Sam’s frustration was bringing him closer to violence.

    I want to be the knight Moira. I want to be the one that saves somebody.

    What silly, stupid, childish words those are, Shalia thought to herself. I could never save anyone. All that she could do was watch as Sam did his best to bargain with Helm for a key to Durai’s safety. But it was obvious that even Sam, as large and battle worn as he was, did not know if he would be able to play the savior knight for his charge on this night. It might be that the next time they saw the boy, he would be dead.

    With a thought as to what would happen if they did not find Durai in time, the fear began to ebb away, replaced with guilt that maybe it was somehow her fault that Durai had been taken away. Maybe her wish was somehow responsible for this predicament, as if to show her, “Well, this is what you wanted. And it comes at a steep cost.”

    Snapping back to reality, she saw that Sam was still yet on his knees, his prayers becoming louder and more desperate. “Mistur HELM please! Nut ano’der one! Dun let me lose an’oder one…” Any casual passer by could see how the half orc’s heart was threatening to break, and how much he wanted to save the boy. Sam would have done anything for him. How much did Shalia want Durai as well? Afraid to find the answer to that, Shalia too fell to her knees, praying to her goddess, asking for her help. ‘Help Helm help Sam… Please Goddess, just… just don’t let Durai be hurt. Let us find him. Anything…just please help,’ words rippled through her mind. ‘Help him because…’ but she was unable to finish that thought, as help had arrived.

    And so help came, in the most unusual package of a tall human man named Rick, and a hin monk named Scutum. The pair, quickly learning of the situation, turned to ask the gypsies themselves, who had not seen fit to speak to either Sam or Shalia. Surely enough, they had seen a man and a group of others pass through the camp, carrying a large sack.

    “As for what’s in the sack?” said the shady looking Gypsy man, nearly grinning, “I couldn’t say. But I think- he went thata way.”

    Running off in the direction that she had last seen Sam, Shalia found him already gone. Looking over her shoulder, she spotted him, already setting out in the direction that the man had pointed out. Helm had granted his prayers after all. It seemed that many of the gods must have been listening this evening, or perhaps they were merely watching after Durai, just like so many here seemed to be.

    Jogging to catch up to the group, Shalia found herself deep in a part of the forest that she had not noticed before. As she looked around her, she noted the abnormally large spider webs hanging off of the branches in this part of the forest, and felt her stomach begin to clench painfully. What in Sune’s name could make such a large web? A loud thud sounded before her, followed by an echo of snapping twigs and crunching leaves.

    “I hate spiders,” Sam groaned.

    Normally, the declaration would have brought a smile to her face, if not for just in front of her, dropping out of the sky there before them was a group of spiders unlike she had ever seen before, or dared to be featured in her nightmares. Spiders so large, that surely they could easily consume a horse, and quite easily two humans, a hin and a half orc.

    Immediately, Shalia pulled out her bow, aiming at the spiders as the others charged them frontally. In awe, she watched as the three made quick work of the large arachnids, often slaying each one before Shalia could launch a single arrow. Seeing such bravery and skill settled the fears in her heart. Surely with a band such as this, they would have Durai to safety in short work.

    Pausing a moment, Shalia whispered prayers of thanks once again to Sune and Helm, for it was quite apparent that they had been listening.

    Finishing off the spiders of unusual size, they made their way to a cavern, Sam sure that Durai was there somewhere inside. Upon entering, they could hear Durai’s shouts, leading the band through the cavern to find him being held in a pit. Whomever this was who had taken him had left behind men to ensure that he was not taken back, but it seemed that he had underestimated the skill of the people who came to save the priest of Torm. As Sam lowered a rope to fetch Durai out of the pit, Shalia leaned against the side of the cavern wall, nursing a gash in the side of her abdomen. While the others had dealt with the guards easily, it was apparent that Shalia had not been ready for what they had to fight through.

    “My, you are delicious. I don’t think your boyfriend will mind sharing you with me,” whispered a cold voice brushing against Shalia’s neck. Drawing her breath sharply, Shalia held her body taught, afraid to move. Hearing Shalia’s whimper of fear, the monk Scutum quickly came to her side, eyes darting around the space to find what it was that had caused the girl distress. As suddenly as the presence had appeared, it was gone, but yet it had left Shalia with a feeling of terror.

    “Shalia!” shouted Durai, hurrying through the cavern hall to her, wrapping his arms around the girl in relief. Wincing in pain, she held him tightly with her free arm, still cradling her side with the other. Blinking, Durai pulled back, seeing that she had been wounded. “What did this to you?” he asked as he began to probe the wound, closing his eyes briefly to pray to Torm for aid in healing. Smiling weakly, she studied Durai’s face in relief, seeing that he had been completely unharmed. “I’m fine. Really,” Shalia smiled at him, trying to do her best to reassure.

    “Luts get o’ta hur!” Sam shouted from the back of the cave. It was clear that Sam had regained his sense of order, and ordering others about. “Yes,” sighed Durai tiredly, “I want to get Shalia to safety.”

    Nearly flinching at this, she could feel herself grinning faintly. She needed to be taken to safety? She was not the one who had just been kidnapped and held in a pit. Not feeling up to pointing that out, Shalia merely nodded, and followed the band out.

    As the group exited the cave, she made a mental list of things that she would have to do now. Firstly, she was never going to think wrongly of Sam for being over protective and overbearing of Durai. If nothing else, it had become painfully apparent how necessary it was to be on guard against all that threatened him. Secondly, she was going to have to say some extra prayers in thanks to Sune for the help she had lead to Sam and Shalia for recovering Durai. She didn’t think Sam would care to have it pointed out how she thought Lady Firehair’s aid had helped, so she would merely have to make up for his oversight. And… well, she would say some prayers of thanks to Helm also.

    Finally, she wanted to hold Durai and kiss him gently, telling him what she felt in her heart. Sune bid her followers to be open with their feelings, but more so Shalia wanted to tell him because she knew she could not be sure of what tomorrow brought.

    There were enemies hiding in the shadows, and tomorrow he could be gone again.

  • ?

    "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."- John Lennon, Beautiful Boy

    Part I

    Shalia spent the majority of her morning in study, thumbing through the worn texts written in elvish, a language she always had preferred reading in. Common simply didn’t seem to give the life to words as elvish did, she thought to herself, nor the same intensity or sincerity. Study was not an entirely unpleasant task for a Sunite, as the material to be studied was often poetry, literature, and philosophical works on the nature of Sune’s gifts to man. It was no longer necessary she supposed that she kept up the tasks of study and prayer that the acolytes were often given, as she no longer was on that path, but it gave her some warmth and guidance to do so anyway. She often remembered the other students complaining about their study tasks, something which she herself enjoyed. If they disliked what they had to study and it was such a trial, she wondered, why did they wish to serve Sune as priestesses? How ironic that those same girls who she had studied with, and tutored at times, were now fulfilling their vows to Sune, while she herself had been told that life was not for her.

    It was not that she did truly wish to be a priestess she supposed, but that she had felt she had done something wrong. That somehow, she had displeased her Goddess so much that she simply didn’t want this troublesome girl in her service. But yet…

    Words from long ago itched at the back of her mind, and she could almost hear Moira’s creaky voice.

    “Whatever anyone tells you Shalia, it’s the gods who decide who receives their gifts, not mortals.”

    Rubbing the bridge of her nose, Shalia felt the pangs of a headache ripple through her head. She was over thinking this matter, a flaw which she seemed to show all too often. She was sure she would find the answer in time, but until then…

    She let thoughts of a charming young man invade her mind, and began to wonder if he might be outside, waiting for her. Grinning to herself, she could not resist going to find out if her hunch was correct. Closing her books, she stacked them neatly beside her bed, pulling her robe over her head and clothing, smoothing down her hair and pinching her cheeks for color. Hurrying down the hall, stairway, and out the common room, she took care not to run into anyone, nearly failing when she spotted Misty following at her heals, threatening not to let her out of the tavern without a lengthy conversation involving ordering a drink.

    Arriving outside unscathed by ale, wine, spirits, barmaid or drunken tavern patron a smile quickly spread across her face as she saw the object of her affections sitting next to his keeper. A warmth spread over her, fluttering in her stomach as she walked over to Durai and Sam, curtsying to them both and giving her greetings.

    Quickly the group exchanged salutations, Durai’s warm and pleasant, Sam’s gruff and disapproving, at which Durai looked over his shoulder, glaring at his protector with an unspoken sentiment relaying that he was growing frustrated with this act of Sam’s. Somehow knowing that it was the best way to irritate Sam, Shalia flashed the brightest smile she could make without straining her cheeks, but yet put Liira’s followers to shame. Shalia only felt a small amount of guilt when surely enough it made the large half orc turn a most delightful shade of green.

    Somehow knowing what her intent was in the smile, Durai stifled a chuckle.

    “Shalia, I was hoping you would join me for dinner at the Whore,” asked the young Tormite priest.

    Instantaneously, Shalia looked at Durai with utmost shock. “Excuse me?” her voice creaked out.

    Flushing, Durai’s cheeks grew high in color, the priest looking ready to melt into the ground so that he might escape his embarrassment. “No, I didn’t mean that… Just… the Inn in Jiyyd… it’s named the Regal Whore…”

    A slow grin spread across Shalia’s face, nodding. “That’s a most interesting name for a place to dine. But yes, I’d love to have dinner with you there.”

    Durai smiled brightly, nodding and eager to set out on the trip that would take them north out of Norwick. But before they could leave, Sam intending to chaperone the two, a waitress came running out of the Boarshead, calling after Durai.

    They are most certainly relentless, Shalia thought to herself.

    The waitress asked Durai to follow her, telling him that she had some brief, but important business to discuss with him. Looking back to Shalia, his face seemed drawn.

    “Shalia, I’ll be back in a…”

    Shalia smiled, “Do not worry, I’ll wait here by the well.”

    Nodding, and flashing a smile of his own, he hurried after the waitress, Sam following behind, obviously not about to let his charge out of sight for anything.

    Seconds passed, turning into minutes. And Shalia waited at the designated spot. She itched to go inside, and find out what was taking so long, but she didn’t want to seem like Sam, thinking that Durai could not be left alone for a minute to himself. Pacing in the courtyard, a nervous feeling creeping through her, nagging at her thoughts. It certainly should not be taking this long. Giving in, she ran to the inn, pushing open the door with an ungraceful thud.

    Shalia’s heart threatened to explode in panic upon seeing Sam beating at a closed door, yelling Durai’s name.

    Soon enough, the door was opened. But yet that offered no comfort to either her or Sam, as all that was left in the room was the waitress, gesturing to a spot that concealed a hidden passage.

    Searching the passage, Durai was not to be found there either, and the waitress who had lured him into the room was no help.

    Turning to Sam, Shalia could no longer contain her panic. “He’s gone Sam! I… I…” she stammered, feeling more paralyzed by fear as the minutes passed.

    “Nuh!” yelled Sam at the girl, frowning, and clearly not about to deal with the growing hysterics she was about to experience. Yanking on the sleeve of her robe, he all but dragged her outside, and began to run, looking in every crevice. Suddenly, his head perked, panic drawing across his face. “Nut ano’der one. Nuh! Dun let dis happen to ano’der one Mister Helm!”

    Shalia watched in a daze as Sam run north to the gates of the village, running as fast as his legs would carry him. Stopping suddenly, he turned, looking at Shalia with a dose of frustration. “Wul? Com’on GIRL!”

    Blinking, she snapped out of her panic, picking up the skirt of her robe, running after Sam.

    The pair sprinted down the Nars’ pass, hope panging in both of their hearts that they would find Durai alive.

  • ?

    Once upon a time…

    Shalia sat at Moira’s feet as she worked with her mending. The warm fire crackled in the fireplace, giving the small cottage a warm glowing interior.

    “They were so mean to me Moira!” complained the eight year old child, mud streaked down her face and caked all over her dress of pale pink. “They said that I wasn’t allowed to go play with the puppies anymore, no matter what the farmer’s wife said. ‘Little girl’s wanting to be priestesses shouldn’t get so filthy in the mud’” she said, doing her best imitation of the Head Priestess’s voice, even scrunching her nose as the elder priestess did, just to emulate the effect of her slightly nasal voice.

    Moira, weathered and bearing the signs of old age, merely shook her head, laughing at the small blonde child sitting on her floor. “Yes, they are mean, aren’t they? But then, if you want to be a priestess, then you should heed their words. They are doing what they do for your best interests.”

    That was not what the little girl wanted to hear, obviously as she wrinkled her nose at the notion that anyone knew better than she what was her own best interests. “Well maybe I don’t want to be a priestess! Not if I have to be so prissy!” little Shalia snorted, rubbing her nose and getting more dirt on her face in the process.

    “You don’t want to be a priestess, eh? I thought you wanted to help Sune…?” asked Moira. She was not at all displeased at the notion that Shalia might be looking elsewhere to put her talents. The girl showed promise, but if she too soon chose the life that her mother had led, she might be cloistered in the temple for the rest of her life, and Moira knew how that would only stifle the little girl’s spirit.

    “I dunno… I thought maybe…” said Shalia, hesitant to continue her thought.

    “You thought maybe what?” Moira prodded.

    Shalia bounced up to her feet, and began to gesture grandly, “Well… Lady Caitlin reads me these really nice stories. Of knights and ladies…and how they fall in love, but the lady is always captured by an evil sorcerer or some other fearsome creature… But the knight always saves his lady love in the end through some daring act of true love! And I want to be just like that!”

    Moira laughed at the child’s antics, moving a delicate piece of pottery out of Shalia’s way before she toppled it over to the ground. “You want to be captured by an evil sorcerer?” she asked, pushing another piece of artwork out of the way.

    “NO!” shouted the child, shaking her blonde strands furiously in denial.

    “You wish to marry then?” the older woman asked, curious, and already making lists of young sons in the area that might make a suitable husband when Shalia came of age.

    “NO!” Shalia shouted once more, her face growing red with frustration that her friend didn’t’ already know the answer.

    “Then what little one?”

    “I want to be the knight!”