3. Choices

Choices


  • Twenty Four: The days are beginning to blur together. I practice constantly with my blades, and also my new longbow. I am getting alot better at sneakin around, and was even able to sneak up on a group of goblins that were attacking the town. I also have started using a new blade, a rapier. I really like the feel of it.

    But the nights are pretty bad. I find myself thinking of Sy almost constantly. I do not get to see her very often, and when I do it is often in passing, as we both seem to be constantly busy. But, maybe that is better. If we were together to much, we might get sick of each other, and end up seperating like so many of the couples here seem to do.

    There are some men here that have gone through a whole bunch of different women. And I am sure they all thought that it would last forever and they were the "one". That is not for me. Had Starla not died, I would never have even looked at another. I do not give myself out as a token to whoever is the newest face of the month. Only to move on to the next when boredom overtakes me.

    I have made my choice.


  • Twenty Three: I have not been in this good of a mood in a long time. Not only did I see Syclya today, but she apparently likes me as much as I like her. When I walked up to the fire at the town center, she was standing there speaking to someone. I could never tell you who it was, I had eyes only for her. She smiled when she saw me and said" Celad, Wait right here" and off she ran. Well, of course I did as I was told.

    She returned only a few minutes later with a package, and handed it to me. She said it was a present for me! When I opened it I was stunned, it was a new cloak and matching belt. And both had a slight enchantment. I know they must of cost her a lot of money. I thanked her and tried them both on. Perfect fit.

    Afterwards we went on a patrol to the hobgoblins area. This time it was me leading the hobbies into our traps. It worked so well that none of us received more than minor injuries. Again, she is my good luck charm.

    I am going to go to Pelt soon, to find a suitable gift for her. Something she is sure to love. I Wish we could have spent more time together, but we both have our duties. I will take what time I can, and pray to Selune for more.


  • Twenty two: Bad news. There was a baby killing jerk named Jay that was killed in Oscura. No that's not the bad news. The bad news is he is back. And he showed up in Norwick with a friend and killed a Legion member named Troff. He also attacked Jerrick. When I showed up, Jerrick was heading to Peltarch to find him(Jay). I went along so I would have all the facts for my report to Albry.

    We found Jay in Pelt along with Jaelle and a woman named Jack. Jack was the one who helped Jay. Jerrick was so busy threatening everyone that he would not listen to what they had to say. I do not like Jay at all, but I still wanted both sides of the story. So when Jerrick was done issuing his ultimatums (by the way, who made him king?) about them not being allowed in Norwick he left. I stayed behind. Jay was gone but I did manage to talk to Jaelle and Jack.

    There story was that Troff and someone named Gina had participated in the attack on Jay in Oscura. He was out for revenge, plain and simple. Jerrick just got in the way. In fact I do not believe it was about Troff at all that got Jerrick so upset. He even said " I don't care about them, you attacked me in Norwick". Sounds to me like Jerrick is just pissed that Jay beat him.

    When I got back to Norwick Jerrick and his wolves were trying to stir up the town about the killing. And there was Troff! Someone had been able to raise him. But it did not matter if the "bad guy" was trying to balance the scales in his eyes. Nope, king Jerrick wanted revenge!

    I told a Pelt guard named Yana the other side of the story, but it did not matter. Jerrick is gonna use the good hearts of the citizens of Norwick to get his revenge. How many are gonna get killed for him. Because no matter what he says, this is not about Troff. This is not about the mighty druid "balance". It is not even about the logical choice to end the life of an evil, baby killing, sychopath.

    It is all about Jerricks pride.


  • Twenty One: Well,, I had an interesting night. After going on several patrols this month and helping my friend Vander go collect logs for his crafting I was invited by Benji to Jerricks house. I finally was able to officially meet feather, his new girl. She seems like a real nice person, and was very hospitable.
    I was surprised at how large and nice their home was. It was a tree house after all. I had heard of elvin tree homes before, but this was the first one I saw in person.
    While there Ras and Brendel seemed to be at odds with each other, and Jerick had to take them both upstairs like a couple of little kids. There was a bunch of yelling but it did not seem to develop into any bloodshed.
    Now we come to my big mistake for the evening. As I was heading to Jerricks I ran into Alestra. She asked where I was going and when she learned it was to Jerricks, she asked to go along. I did not see a problem with that so, like an idiot, I said yes. BIG mistake!
    Turns out that Brendel's new (girlfriend?) friend Jaelle arrived shortly after we did. I did not know that Brendel was also seeing Alestra. Boy, you could cut the tension those two caused, with a knife. I apologised later, but the damage was done.
    The next day I journeyed to Peltarch by riverboat. I had received an invitation from Elidur to watch a recital by a new bard named Sera. I thought it was great. Although if Locrian ever hears that song he is going to be very angry.
    One last thing, apperently I have been offending Eli. When I complimented her on her outfit, she asked if I liked it because it showed more skin. Well of course thats why! I said Yep,, and do you know what she said to me? That I must keep my comments to myself from now on! What the heck? I have never had an designs on her, and really always had a great deal of respect for her and her position. I don't know what triggered this but I will be sure to keep my distance from now on. It will be hard to do considering she is one of my commanders. I knew joining the militia might be a bad choice.


  • Twenty: It has been busy. I have managed to go on several more patrols with Syclya, and others of course. I am also sending in regular reports to Colonel Albry. I have even trained with Thorn.
    But, lately, I have begun to doubt myself. My thoughts constantly return to the same woman time after time. I have not had strong feelings for anyone since my wife Starla died over ten years ago. And now, I find myself looking forward to spending time with someone I trust and respect more than any other person I know.
    The problem is, I don't think she feels quite the same. I often think she looks at me more as a brother and friend than as a, dare I say it, lover. Now that I put it down in writing it troubles me more than ever. I am filled with the fear that, should she ever find out how I feel, it will create a rift in our frienship that will never be healed. And losing that would be more than I can stand.
    So, for now, I think friends we will stay. After all, I can barely keep myself alive, let alone protect the woman I love. And truthfully, what do I have to offer, I do not even have a trade or a home. Yet.


  • Nineteen: Ok,, I think I have solved my problem of going out alone,, I joined the Militia! Well at least Albry has taken me on as a recruit. I will be getting training from her and from Brendel, also from Thorn. And you want to know what the best part is? Syclya also is a new recruit! I saw her on the day I signed up with the militia. She had also just signed up and had already gone out on a couple of patrols. We decided to go on a patrol together. That is when I found out that she had died recently. It saddened me to know that a great warrior who I care for deeply was in need and I was not there. Thankfully her faith is strong and her god raised her up.
    While we were out on patrol, we were ambushed by a large group of Hobgoblins. We might not have made it if it weren't for the Ranger Danika. She came flying out of the shadows to our rescue! I thought I had seen someone following us,and I am glad I was right. But we made it back in mostly one piece. And now I have an excuse to see Syclya more often and the best part is I am gettin trained at the same time. I Made the right choice it seems.


  • Eighteen: %$#@%#%%,,,, They warn me and warn me, but do i ever listen?!?! Noooo, not me, not the mighty scout Celad. I can sneak around and not get caught! BULL!! Guess what happened? I got snuck up on by a corpsethief! He killed me quicker than you can say boo!
    So there I am in the fugue, about to walk into the big bright light, when the next thing I know I am in the temple. I am standing butt naked in front of Albryanna, with all my gear on the floor in front of us. Turns out some wandering adventurer found my body and carried it and all my gear to Norwick. He did not even take any of my gold! He left no name and no one saw him leave,,nly Albry. I asked who paid for my res, and Albry says she did.
    I now owe two thousand gold to two beautiful women. I can only hope my dumb butt stay's alive long enough to pay em back. No more wandering alone,, EVER.


  • Seventeen: I spoke with Master Z today. He said I would have to go on a few trips to prove myself to him before he would take me on as an apprentice. I must show him that I can follow orders and work as a team. Also i must demostrate skill with my weapons and with tactics. I do have to get some extra gold, because he wants me to bring some healing potions so he doesn't have to worry about me. So tomorrow I go hunting. I hope I am makin the right choice.


  • Sixteen: Norwick was attacked today. Apparently there is a mage named Izekial, who has a vendetta against Norwick. First he tried a weird creature that looked like a beholder, it's name was Gamblor. It made a bet with a Dwarf named Stubbs. Why do thes people play these foolish games with the bad guy's? It never turns out well for them.
    This was no exception. Both Stubs and another guy fell for a succubus and ended up under it's control,, they tried to kill Belia. I couldn't stop it so I ran for help. When I got back Belia was down and Ferdinand was killing the succubus .
    But then we were attacked by Giant spiders. Now these I can kill!! (Did I mention I HATE spiders?) By now the guards had showed up and we managed to win the battle. Thats when Izekial shows up and admits to bringing the Gamblor here. He seemed a little put out that it was gone. Then he left.
    I talked to Belia for a while after her wounds were tended to. I found it strange how she seemed to be the primary target. I believe it was this Izekial who was really in control all along. Belia did say she had laughed at him once and called him a child, so maybe he wants to prove her wrong? Any way, later he came back and tried a more direct approach. This time Ronan was there and was able to defeat him several times, each time the coward would run off. So Izekial then sent spiders again!! This time I was so close to death I thought I could see a white light. I remember thinkin, darn I'll never see Syclya again. What a strange thought to have then,, I must have got hit on the head. There was more but it all is kinda fuzzy,, I think I'll go get some rest. My head really hurts.


  • Fifteen: I spoke to Vander about smithing, since I was unable to speak to Z . He said I would need a book that I could only get in Peltarch. So off I went by myself. While there I also took a couple of basic classes in smithing and in tanning.
    I am goin to need new armour soon, since I keep gettin these mysterious tears and slashes in this set. I arrived back in Norwick only to find out that Jerrick is missing. All the signs point to foul play. I expected the Druids and the local militia to be working together, but sadly that is not the case. I even heard rumors of those of Elvin descent saying the "halfbreed"got what he deserved!?! I hope I don't hear that, I might end up gettin in trouble.


  • Fourteen: Today was a good day. For the first time in months I was able to talk to Syclya. She was at the south fire when I walked up. I had seen her around town runnin errands for the apothecry, but she was always so busy I did not think she would want to be bothered. Maybe I was wrong. She realy seemed happy to see me.
    After a while we went huntin hobbies together. It's weird but of all the others that I go huntin with, I always seem to do the best with her. It helps that she is really an awesome fighter and her bein able to heal me sure does help. But I think there might be more to it than that. When we got back I treated her to dinner and some wine. I have a real low tolerance for wine and I think I got a little to drunk. I hope I didn't do anything stupid. I would not want to get her mad at me.
    Also, I talked to Alestra the other day and asked who would be good to talk to for lessons on forging small blades. I don't think I want to become a smith, however, if I know how to make 'em it should make better able to use 'em. She said I should talk to "Z". She says he can help. We will see.


  • Thirteen: Friends, what an interesting word. Sometimes they appear from the unlikliest places. Dexter almost gave his life for his "friends" today. And I don't think a single one of them said thank you. He offered himself as a sacrifice to that crazy demon bitch that keeps poppin up. Yep, thats right, the one I kissed. I tried to ask her some questions, but she just turned me into a cxx(part of this is crossed out), I mean a bull.
    After she cut Dex, she left. Troff and I carried him to the temple, where he was healed by a priest that I have not seen before. Anyways, after he was healed I went to the south fire for a while, met an elf named Nure and talked to Milith for a while. When I went back in I thought I heard something from the barracks and went to check it out. I know, I know, when will I learn not to go pokin around where I don't belong. So it turns out the demon was back again. She was in the barracks with Kayden. He's the one who married Ashe. Well, when I got there Eli was blockin the door and not lettin anyone in, she told me to get lost. Who the heck does she think she is?? I know she is the captain of the militia but I am not in the militia, for a very good reason, I don't take orders well.
    Well when Kayden came out he says "she won't be comin back" and tells us it's none of our business why. WHAT?!? Last I looked we all live here. We all have had problems with this bitch. I don't think I can trust someone who keeps that kind of a secret.
    Cabel was there to and he was really pissed off at Eli for not lettin him in to help Kayden. Asked me for everything I knew about the demon, it wasn't much. He seems to think I might be able to help him get her. I hope not.


  • Twelve: I know it's been a while since I last wrote, at least three months. I have seen my first fight night! I could not join since gold is scarce for me but I did get to watch. Boy, what a show.
    But first, I have to write about Eli. She is the one who made me pancakes that time in exchange for info. She came walking out of the grapevine dressed in the sexiest outfit I have ever seen! There was less of it than there was more of it, if you get my meaning. Proof that beauty and deadly really can go together.
    Now, back to the other show. First came the archery contest. you know, I always considered myself pretty good with a bow, but they put my skills to shame. Although one female archer, I think her name was Yana(not sure, I was distracted) stripped down completely to shoot. But it did not work. She was beaten by her opponent. Then there was some one on one fights, but I missed them to go on patrol with Eli and Cabel.
    We ran into some goblins and took them out. I am finally learning to stay back and use my bow more. Tryin not to take so many chances. On the way back we were talkin about friendship and best friends. Eli lost hers and we were discussing the need for everyone to have at least one "best friend". Cabel said something to me that I am still not sure about, he said " Celad are you sure your best friend material?". What the hell does that mean?!? I did not think that I have ever given anyone reason to doubt my ability for friendship. What did he mean? I will have to ask him for an explanation when I get a chance.
    Later, the southgate was attacked by some weird creature. It looked human but nothing I had could touch it. I almost died again. Unfortunately Malika was killed in the attack. A new elven Bardess named Calia saved me with healing and then she carried Malika while I carried her gear back into Norwick. Malika was brought back by a High Priestess of Correllon Larethian. The elven druid Calia kept going on about how it was all her fault(Calia's). I was not as kind to her as I should of been. I just can't stand it when people blame themselves for things that are out of their control. It diminishes the sacrifices that others make. But, maybe I am wrong, heck it wouldn't be the first time.


  • Eleven: Well, it was bound to happen. I've been warned by everyone I have gone out hunting with, but did I listen? Oh no, not me!
    I died today. Went hunting spiders with Malika, she said run if they get to close, they are pretty tough. Well, I thought I had enough time for one shot before I ran, but the barking spider was faster. It webbed me and then walked over and took its time mauling me. Malika and her wolf tried to save me but then it all went dark.
    I woke up in a place that was all clouds and light. I talked to a being who said I could go back if I made a deal with Kelemvar. I decided to wait. I had some time to think things through and do some serious soul searching. I have to decide, am I going to keep trying to be the brave elf from the stories, or the smart sneaky one who lives a long time. As much as I try, being sneaky is to hard. So, I guess I will have to learn to fight better. A LOT BETTER!!!
    Well, just when I was about to go make a deal, I felt this weird pulling sensation. Next thing I know, I am waking up in the temple of Chauntea, with Malika, and Troff, and Belia standing there. Turns out Malika carried my big dumb butt all the way back to Norwick. And then finds Belia who agrees to pay the 1000GP for my ressurection!! Where did these wonderful people come from? Nobody back home would have ever carried my body that far, let alone dished out 1000GP. I had hoped I would find friends, but never imagined I would find ones like these. I owe them BIG!!! I know they think that I probably won't be able to pay them back. But not just the gold will I pay, I swear I will lay down my life for them. Some day, Selune willing, I will be there when they need me, and I pray I won,t fail them.
    Oh yeah, almost forgot, we now have land sharks to deal with. The drow have figured a way to let them survive on land. They taste like chicken.


  • Ten: Been three months since my last entry, and I have been to the city of Peltarch. I did not like it. Way to many people and all that they bring. Went with Cabel and Troff, but we got sepersted and I ended up gettin lost for a couple of days. First time I have EVER been lost. DAMN CITIES!!!
    I arrived back today and of course went to the south fire like always, and like always it was not boring. First there was a lot of lightning fallin all around, but no thunder. Then Dexter gets hit at least three times by it, now I have never heard of lightning strikin the same thing twice let alone three times.
    Of course it wasn't natural. Turns out to be a demon responsible. She had red hair and dark skin. She also had wings and a set of horns. Beside all that she was very pretty. She said she wanted to play a game and started to turn us into different critters, I became some kinda troll. Then, when she turned us back she said she would play a game were we either gave her our soul or died. Not a very fair game if you ask me.
    Well about then Benji shows up and we all start tellin him to run. As she turned towards him, I thought sure she was gonna zap him, so I did the first thing I could think of to distract her.
    I kissed her! Yea thats right I went and kissed a demon! I don't think I have a brain in my body. But, it worked, Benji got away. Then she said "uh oh" and took off. Just like that, not another word. Ronan claims it was because he was prayin to Mystra, but I think she just didn't know how to deal with it. After all I was always told that I was a pretty good kisser. HA! HA!
    A few minutes later another demon shows up. He says he is her father and that she ran away from her wedding to the lord of the sixth hell. Man I hope he's not the jealous type.
    I know my friends won't believe me but who could make this stuff up? I kissed the fiance of a Demon Lord!! What the heck is wrong with me?!!?? Talk about poor choices!!


  • Day Nine: I have to stop writing this as if the days are right after each other. It's actually been about 2 months since my last entry. Since then I have seen some of my (friends?) a few times. I don't know if I can call them friend or not. We get along fine and can trade sarcastic jokes back and forth, which was impossible back home.
    So for now I guess I will consider them my friends. Especially Syclya , Brendel, and surprisingly Elidur. He is quite the comic and, like me he never seems to take anything serious.
    I met my sisiter south of Norwick and we stayed at an inn for several days. She had to pay for it since money is getting a little tight. She told me to be careful, she started to tell me something else but changed her mind, all she would say was not to ever tell father were I was. I know that he has never really cared for me like he has his real children, but I don't think he would betray me. But, maybe a little caution might be in order.
    Today was the 23rd day of the 3rd month, springtime! My favorite time of year. I went back to Norwick and saw Brendel, he is still a badger. He is always gettin treats and is really gettin kinda fat. Wonder what will happen when he gets cured? He is gonna need to exercise to lose all that.
    A goblin messenger was sent to the south gate from Egg-butt. Said stay away or at least we should bring some honey when we do go so they can cook us in it. I didn't know that elf tasted bitter. Glad I'll never know. Only bad thing about my visit was I did not see Syclya anywhere. They say the curse is gone for now so she and the others can go into town again. Oh well maybe next time.
    I find myself traveling more and more but always returning to Norwick. It really is starting to feel more like home than where I grew up ever did. I have been practicing a lot with the small blades but I will have to find someone who can maybe teach me how to use them better. First I am gonna need to raise some money though, I am down to my last 5 gold. Thank Selune I don't eat much.


  • Day Eight: Today was the 23rd day of the of the month of deepwinter, my birthday. Felt like bein alone so was gonna go out the south gate and just hangout. But I guess Selune had other plans for me.
    I saw Elidur and about a half-dozen others sitting outside the gates. A mage named Ronan was blocking it with Railla and another warrior. The ones outside had all been bitten by troblins and were not aloud in town until after they had changed into somethin creepy. I decided to go and get them some hot food and some wine. I hoped it would make their time out there a little more bearable.
    When I came back with the food I noticed for the first time that Syclya, the cleric I had met before was there. I don't know why, but it bothered me more seein her in that predicament then the others, especially since I know she is more then capable of takin care of herself.
    Anyway she asked if anyone would go to town to trade in some of her stuff for oil. I of course went and volunteered. So, I ran back into town and brought her back some oil. She started a fire and several of us sat around it for quite a while.
    After a while she began to get restless and decided to go for a walk to "smash some hobbies", and when she asked me to go I jumped at the chance. It was anoyin to me that I wasn't even bothered by the fact that she might suddenly change into something frightening and try to eat me. I just trusted her. How stupid is that!!!!
    We traveled south for a while, and ran into some magic tosin hobgoblins. I was stunned by some strange mist and, if not for Syclya, I would have surely perished. I owe her my life. We did arrive home safe and almost sound where I had to leave her outside the gate.
    I have to go south for a day or two, I pray that Selune will watch over her while I am gone.


  • Day seven: Interestimg day, first listened to an argument between two barbarian woman and Dana, they said that elves were weak and cowardly, Dane took the side of the elves. After a while the two barbs put on some hide armour and went "hunting". Looked like the hides were made from wolf skins, wonder how the Druids are gonna feel about that.
    After that I made a deal for some pancakes with a woman named Eli. I traded her some info for them, it seemed to embarass another Elf at the fire named Elidur. If I had known he was the one Rain called captain I would have kept my big mouth shut! But the pancakes were really good!!
    Also met a warrior called Cabel, he is a follower of Bahamut. Seems to be lookin for something but he isn't sure what. Later on he and Elidur paid me back for my info to Eli, I simply misunderstood a question and next thing I know my face is flaming. I'ts not a good look for an elf, let me tell you.
    Lately I seem to be to free with info on my past. I even told Cabel my home town is Pyarados!! I am goin to have to try to keep to myself more. The problem is to many of these people have been kind to me. This is a new experience for me and I don't seem to be handling it well.
    I have managed to improve my skills with a blade though, I can even use either hand now. It helped when a druid named Vash let me tag along at night to bash some goblins, he is so good he doesn't even need a blade! I know I will never be that good!


  • Day Six: Even though I don't write in here every day I think I will just keep track of the entries has if it was day by day, it makes it easier on me. I am not always able to find paper everyday so I do the best I can.
    Found myself by the south fire, the initial panic has worn off and now I will go on with my life day by day. If they find me I will deal with it then. I met a cleric of Torm today, her name was Syclya. She sat down while Kendel was trying to convince me of the merits of war and the return of rule by the strongest. Of course Frosty showed up and basically said I sounded like a coward. I just don't like the fact that all the regular people have to suffer so some jerk with delusions of granduer can try to take what little they have. All in the name of the "balance". Sounds like a bunch of orc-crap to me, but heck what do I know.
    After Kendel left Syclya asked if I wanted to take a walk around to help her refamiliarize herself with the area. She said she used to live here a while ago, and just recently returned. While we were talkin a badger walked up, now i know this sounds crazy but somehow I "knew" it was a person i met before named Bren. I joked around and asked him if I gave im a treat would he go along with us on our walk. Surprisingly he said yes.
    We walked around awhile until we came to a cave. I am embarressed to say that I have a lot to learn. Again with-out my companions I would have not lasted long at all. Syclya tried to warn me several times about not rushing in, but somehow it would all go out the window when the action starts. I just have to put myself in harms way if I think someone is in trouble. How stupid is that?! The people Ii have gone out with are far more powerful than me but it does not seem to matter. I have to learn to holdback or I'll end up dead.


  • Day Six: Avoided the fire today, I got a message from home. Turns out that the jerk I killed back home( Tel'vanen) was resurected by his family. I forgot just how rich they are. Anyways, he is supposed to be offering a bounty for me but thinks I went south. I am glad I made the choice to go north instead.
    Isn't that what life boils down to? A series of good and bad choices that help to shape who we are. Before you know it, who you are begins to shape your choices. OOh Gods! Listen to me, I sound like some kinda nutty philosophical elf. Next thing you know I'll be writin poetry and singin all the time, EWWW!!