3. Choices

Choices


  • It has been a while. I traveled home to see my sister and my mother. They seemed rather determined to keep my visit from my stepfather. He has been promised a new shop and other concessions for turning my location in. I hope they are just being paranoid.

    I arrived home in Norwick to find out about a massacre at the gates. Seven brave defenders were slain by a horde of undead. Many of them were my friends. All have been raised, and are slightly worse for wear, but at least they are alive. It seems this is an advanced party of the DracoLich. I have seen many people gathering for an assault on the dragons lair. But my first duty is to the people here, and I will stay behind to guard the walls. I know my skills are not enough to overcome the kind of forces the assault team will face. And I do not want to be a hindrance.

    Well there is much to do,, many people to still evacuate.


  • Well, thank Selune that I listened to Syclya and took those classes she gives at the apothecry. Tindra was attacked by a water elemental, and would have drowned if I had not known how to get her breathing again. Must remember to thank her for talking me into them. It is nice being able to save somebody else for change, especially a Selunite.

    And speaking of Syclya, I have been able to see her several times this month. Unfortunately, we have been under almost constant attack the whole time. Usually we are so exhausted that we stumble to the inn and sometimes fall asleep right in the common room. Well, someday it might slow down enough for our date to Peltarch. We will see.

    And finally, I recieved a letter from Eli. It is nice to know she considers me a friend. I am going to write her back, and give it to Thorn. He knows how to reach her. I hope she is well. I miss having her around.


  • I have been approached by Brendel, he said he has put my name forward for the Wolves of Narfell. I am not actually being offered a place with them yet. He just stated I was being watched. This means more tests I suppose. First I had to find other members and ask them questions. I found four so far, think I know of at least three more for sure. Also found out they have been watching me when I was unaware. Which, to be honest is not that hard. Seems like every body is sneakier then I am.

    I have not seen Syclya in weeks as she has been away doing work for the temple I believe. I have tried to stay busy with my mining and crafting, but it is not always enough. Talking to Danika helped a great deal. And La'ali is also good to talk to. She and Yngdir have similar difficulties, sometimes going days maybe even weeks without seeing each other. It has worked for them for ten years, it can work for us as well.

    I recieved a letter from my sister. Apparrently Tel'Vanen has not gotten over his hatred and is still offering a bounty. My sister warned me that my stepfather had become very close to Tel'Vanen, I hope he has not become close enough to betray me.

    Well time for a patrol again. Wonder who is going to be watching me today?


  • Had a long talk with Alexi. He really means well with his tests. I am not comfortable with it myself. I have no intention of giving her up based on the outcome, so it feels like I am being dishonest just taking them. He told me that she made him swear to check out any man who ever asked for her hand. My poor love, how hurt she must have been by someone to ask this of a friend. I will honor his oath.

    I finally have all the gold for the rings, I sold some of the loot from the dragon hoard, and thanks to Dwin I now have enough. Now if only I can find Val.


  • Have you ever heard of Avalon? Where all the Fae live? It is this place of surprising beauty and peace. Where all live in harmony together. Lies. All lies. I have now been there, and let me tell you, it is the most dangerous place this side of the abyss. Just walking around makes you confused enough to attack anyone near you. Even ones you love. Some how I made it back. But, I will never go there again. Ever.

    I have almost enough coin now for our rings. I hired out to help clear out a band of Cyrists. Managed to stay alive, even after the dragon attacked us. Yes, you read that right. A dragon.

    As a last note, I let it slip to Alexi that I planned on marrying Syclya. He considers himself her brother and wants me to pass some kind of tests to prove myself. I will humor him for now. I just hope he realises, nothing is going to keep us apart. Not even him.


  • There once was a time that I did not care what others thought of me. Why has that changed? That "test" I failed, the one given to me by Hen, has been eating away at me for weeks now. Nevermind that I did not know the rules, or what was expected, I still feel,,lessened.

    So I have been driving myself. Following others through the Rawlins, sneaking around the goblins. Even luring hobgoblins into ambushes of my own devising. I have even lured and slain a hobgoblin reaper on my own. All I suppose to prove a point to myself. I know I blew it with whatever Hen was going to offer me. But at least this way I will hopefully be ready for the next person to "test" me.

    We shall see.


  • Well,lets see. Drow, goblins, bugbears, hobgoblins,vampires, and Thayvians. Just a few of the vermin to visit this wonderfull bit of paradise, we call Norwick. And all within a few nights of each other. Also, there is some sort of Dracolich that is starting to stir. As if we don't have enough problems!

    There is also apparently a growing group of adventurers dedicated to, shall we say, darker gods. One for sure is a cyrist who attacked a woman named Andrea. He left her for dead outside of the Kelemvor shrine. Maybe not all of his friends are evil, but I believe in Guilt by association. He and his friends have been seen locking themselves in the crypts in the old cemetary. I wonder why? Maybe visiting new friends?

    What bothers me the most though, is what some of my friends have done. Thorn, Crux, and Noah made a deal with the vampire named Harvey. They allowed it to feed on them in exchange for a promise that it would not attack the villagers anymore. I wish I could say for certain what I would have done if faced with their choice. I do not think I would have trusted it. I believe they made a terible decision and it will come back to haunt them. But, they are my friends, and I will stand by them, no matter what.

    Through it all Syclya and myself have barely had time for more then a quick hug, before the battles begin again. I have told her that we are going to take a vacation to Peltarch for three or four days. Imagine it. Days and nights with no battles, and no dieing. Just me and her, seeing the sights, and spending our nights in the best inn I can afford.


  • I am not sure what I want to write about today. While I was talking to Yngdir the other day, I mentioned that I still had not been promoted to scout. Well, there was a woman there named Hen, she said maybe it was time I looked elsewhere. Now there is no way I am leaving the militia, after all, I do not really care that much about rank. Anyways, she said she wanted to talk to me, so we went for a walk. It turned out to be some kind of test. Wich I failed splendidly. So, no chance of a job offer there.

    A few days later, the gates were attacked. Syclya and I were fighting side by side, when a large demon ran right through town!! She and most of the others chased it north, while me, Val, and a few others stayed to protect the gates. Several hours later the others returned, without Syclya! I was frantic. No one would tell me where she was. So off I went to find her. I finally found her with Yngdir and Rasuil. She looked weak and badly shaken. She told me later that she had been killed!!

    She was saved by her God, Torm. He brought her back to me safe and sound. I will definately leave some offerings at his temple in thanks. Only Ras and Yngdir stayed with her, all the others left her. Maybe they did not know, but I know I owe Ras and Yngdir a big favor for this one. Even though I know they are honorable, and would have done the same for anyone.

    Finally, after Sy went home, we had another attack on the gates. More bugbears. There was a woman named Andrea, she was already badly wounded, and looked terrified. I gave her a potion and tried to stick close enough to protect her. Well, guess what I got for my trouble? An arrow in the throat. I am not going to Syclya's tonight. She would know what happened, and she has enough to worry about with her own recent visit to that Place. I just wished Selune would take as good care of me as Torm does of her.

    Well, good thing was, Andrea managed to survive. So, I guess it was worth it if it kept someone else from that Place.


  • Well, I have been spending ,more and more time with Syclya. She confided in me that she wanted us to be a family, with children of our own. She looked a little nervous telling me that. I think she was afraid I would run or something. She sure did get happy when I told her how much I dreamed of the same thing. We know we have to be patient. Neither of us has very much money, not even enough for a ring, let alone money for the things a child would need. I will find a way though.

    I have been practicing with some new weapons lately. Sickles, yep the ones that farmers use to cut wheat. They seem to do a lot of damage to zombies. And I am really getting good with them.

    I also went on a trip with Val and Ras. We went to some caves where the Koa-toa live. I helped Val carry out a huge amount of ore. Even with a spell I could barely walk with it all. Afterwards, when we split the loot, I was amazed at how much I made. If I can go and help a few more crafters, I might be able to afford our rings sooner then I ever dreamed possible.

    Well, time to wrap this up,, I promised Syclya that I would attend one of her classes at the apothecry. Maybe I can learn something about tending wounds, I sure get enough of them.


  • Went on a trip to a crypt. Sounds a litle poetic, however it was anything but. I would not have gone, I hate the undead, and I have very little that can damage them. Unfortunately, when Sy said yes she would go, well,, there is no way I would stay behind.

    It did not start out badly, a few skeletons and minor zombies. It quickly became much worse. First Sy was struck by a zombies blade, it must have been poisoned or something. She immediately began to get sick, and next it was my turn. Sy was being hardpressed, so I jumped in, trusting to my quickness to distract the zombie, thus giving Sy a chance to strike it from the side.

    Even though I could not cause much damage, the tactic seemed to work. The undead would turn to me, leaving themselves exposed to the far more damaging blows from my Love's blade. Then one of them got lucky with a dirty sword, and I became deathly ill. What a pair we made then. Both of us sick as heck, and nowhere near the end of the tomb. There were others along, in my delirium I am not sure of their names. But they did fight well.

    When we got back to the gates there was a woman with a bastardsword for sale. As I was examining it I noticed a look in Sy's eyes. I knew she wanted it. She always gives so much to the poor, and even spent some of her last gold on a gift for me. This was finally my chance to get her something she really wanted. It was worth every last piece I paid to see her eyes light up when she held it.

    Well, we finally arrived back in her room, and after she was able to heal us both, we were so exhausted we fell right to sleep. Let's hope for a quieter day tomorrow.


  • ThirtyEight: These mornings waking up here in this little room, with Sy still sleeping in our bed, are the most precious of my life. Can you believe that I am really looking forward to getting a house? It is amazing how people change.

    I finally told Sy about Starla. How we met. And how she died. It was the first time since she died,that I was able to shed a tear in her memory. I was worried that Syclya would not understand, but she did. She was very sweet, and even shed a tear herself. We talked a long time, and she told me things about her own life and family that she had never shared before. Her parents sounded like wonderfull people. Her mother was very understaning and kind. I wonder how different life would have been if I had parents like hers.

    And finally, I will no longer write in here if I get seriously injured or have to be brought back from that place. I saw Syclya reading some pages I left lying around. I think it causes her to worry more than she should. I will not be responsible for causing her pain. Of any kind.


  • ThirtySeven: I almost decided to not number these sheets anymore, untill a stray gust of wind through Syclya's window, scattered them all over the place. It would have taken forever to organize them without the numbering.

    And yes, I am in Sy's room again. We have managed to spend a few more nights together. Each has been better then the one before. And every evening, when she falls asleep, I walk to the window and give thanks to the Silver Lady. I thank her for helping me to find my one true Love.

    Yesterday morning I took the advice of that Spirit. The one in the fugue. I went on a patrol by myself, to see if I could be the kind of scout I should be.

    I went to the goblin cave in the howling woods, I really stirred em up. I had thrown a flask of fishguts in the entrance, and when they came boiling out like an angry swarm of hornets, I led them on a merry chase! I let them think they had me , and then I vanished on them. My sneaking has really improved over time, many did not see me untill my blades severed their heads from their rotten little bodies. There were, over a dozen, plus their trained wolves. When it was over, I was slightly wounded, but they were all dead.

    I believe that maybe Selune sent that spirit. She was probably getting tired of hearing my pleas for help every time I was killed. I look at this as a last chance from her. I have learned my lesson.


  • Thirtysix: I write this as I sit in a comfortable chair only two feet from our bed. Our bed. I like how that sounds. Sy is still sleeping, after all we had a heck of a long day yesterday. And we really did not get much sleep last night! It is amazing to watch the woman you love sleeping so peacefully, especially when just yesterday I almost lost her forever, twice.

    The first was when I ended up in the fugue after trying to save Hahn during an attack by goblins. I met a spirit there who asked me why I was not reflecting on my mistakes in life? I am afraid I was a little arrogant with him. But his advice was worth listening to. I always thought I had to pile in if someone was in danger, but as he pointed out, what good was I doing anyone if I died before I saved him. I am honestly trying to improve on that, especially now that I have even more to lose.

    The second time was during a later attack by hordes of wierd undead. They seemed to be after a group of noisy little Hins. While battling them Syclya was drawn into some kind of gateway! I panicked, I had no idea where it led, I only knew she could be in danger and the gate could close any second. So, I leaped into the gate with my blades drawn!

    Imagine my shock and relief that the gate led to the Nars crossroads. My love was safe. Then began the long run back to the southgate to help the Hins. A few more battles and then some mage turned everybody into badgers!! Thats right, badgers. All of us, for a period of time. I managed to become myself quickly but the others took longer. I was beginng to wonder what people would say about the crazy elf and his badger girlfriend, but then Sy was restored as well.

    And now we get to the good part, Sy inviting me back to her home. This is my first time here, and when I asked if she wanted me to stay, she said yes. She told me that she wants us to be a family. It made me so darn happy I almost started tearing up. I thank Selune every night in my prayers for blessing me with her.

    She is starting to awaken, I think I will see how tired she really is.


  • Thirtyfive: Well, another day spent at the hall, a few more knives made, and a little more skill earned. It really helps me focus.

    The plan is starting to come together, I have bought some supplies I will need, and there are volunteers to help me. All I need is to hear from Colonel Albryanna. If we have the help of the militia, then this can not fail.

    I am also going to contact Jerrick and the druids circle. They and the wolves would prove invaluable in closing off or patrolling most of the Rawlins. Thus narrowing the killers choice of approaches.

    And, I have Syclya by my side. I know she is worried for me, and would probably prefer we use different bait, but she supports me completely. She knows this killer must be caught and brought to justice. Hmm, listen to me, since when have I ever worried about the law instead of just doing what is right? Guess she is rubbing off on me afterall.

    Last thing. Thorn has a brother. I have not officially met him, but I saw him today. Syclya acted a little strange around him, and I thought they might now each other. Later she told me that they were once in love. But it did not end right. I think she expected me to act jealous or "rash", but how could I? In this whole messed up world there is only one thing I am sure of. Syclya's love for me. I would believe the sky was green before I would ever doubt her. After all, I myself have had loves in the past. Just none as true as her.


  • Thirytfour: I spent the entire day in the Crafters Hall. It was amazing how I was able to lose myself in the smell of the forge and the heat from the near molten metal. I only was able to craft a few knives, but considering how hard I was beating on the metal at first, it is a wonder I made any at all. The constant hammering in the hall helped to drown out the voices in my own head. It truly brought me a sense of peace that I sorely needed.

    And now, I think I have a plan. The murderer is not going to stop. So I figure, why not give her a victim of our choosing? We know she will be back, lets give her an easy target. Me. In disguise of course, and with friends rendered invisibile by potion and spell around us. I think it might work. We will see.


  • Thirtythree: I have got to get a hold of myself. I stalked the rawlins all day, killing every goblin I saw. Untill I realized, it was not them I was seeing when they died. It was her! Jaelle. It was her face over and over that I saw as I drove my blades home! Why? Why kill an innocent farm boy, or merchant? What possible reason could she have had? She never struck me as a coward. Never showed any signs of fear that I could see. Was it all just for pleasure?

    I wish Syclya was here. She has a way of calming me, keeping me from doing something, as Thorn would say, rash. I miss her strength, her sense of justice, and her love. And now I fear that if I can not come to grips with this on my own, I am gonna get myself either killed or jailed.

    If I am honest with myself, I know it is guilt driving my anger as much as sorrow for the boy's mother. Instead of doing my job I was playing and drinking at fightnight. That is about when I figure she must have killed him. Jaelle is almost always at fightnight. But not this time. this time she had other plans.

    I did promise Thorn I would not do anything rash. And honestly, giving him my word is the only thing holding me back.


  • Thirty Two: A boy was killed in Norwick. Not by goblins or wolves or demons, but by someone he trusted. It was murder, plain and simple. His mother came to us, saying he was missing. I looked for him, and finally tracked him to a cemetary on the cliffs above the river across from Jiydd. He was not alone, and the signs seemed to indicate he went willingly. That is where he was murdered. His body tossed into the river from the cliffs.

    When his body was found by a fisherman, he had been in the water for a couple of days, Benji found some flesh under his fingertips and gave it to Armuil the mage. Aramuil performed a divining and we discovered that the flesh was,,, Jaelle's !!

    I trusted her,, I gave her the benefit of the doubt when Jay killed Troff. I even spoke on her behalf! And now all I can wonder is, if I had not, would the boy still be alive today? Damnit, it is my duty to protect the people of this town! If only I had found him sooner, maybe I could have stopped her. Maybe his mother would not be crying herself to sleep at night. And maybe I would not feel this sense of shame for my failure.


  • Thirty One: I was invited by Z to go on a crafting trip. While waiting I saw Syclya, and when I asked her to come along, she said yes. Made the whole day so much better. I swear she is more beautiful each time I see her. I find myself torn though, I wish her to be safe yet I want her with me always. And we all know, being around me is seldom safe.

    Our trip was north to the gnoll woods. I had never been there, but with the group we had, I figured we would be ok. The gnolls turned out to be very good fighters, even their younglings. We were exploring a particularly eerie section of the woods when Syclya slipped on the edge of a hole and plunged to the bottom!! I never even thought, I just jumped after her. Well, maybe I slipped trying to grab her, but it is my story..

    I am glad I did though. When I got to the bottom she was under attack by two of the filthy stinking beasts! I pulled my blades and pounced on them! I even managed to kill one in the process. Kinda silly of me though, after all, my love is one heck of a fighter. Soon the rest of the party slid down to us and we,,,,,(( the rest of this entry seems to have had some type of wine or ale spilled on it,, it was quite lengthy though))


  • Thirty: Wow, it is hard to believe that I have been here in Norwick for over two years. And never even saw a sign of that jerk I killed back home. Probably has forgotten alll about me by now. But I am still never going back. This is now my home.

    I saw Sy for a little while this week, seems things might be turning around for us. We might even be able to spend some time together for a change. I can only hope.

    I ran into Tindra while I was on patrol. After we arrived back in town we shared a meal at the town fire. Somehow I began to tell her about my past, and about Starla. She is a good listener and we seem to share some of the same dislike for intolerance in others. It is nice to talk to another Selunite. We are far to rare. That's probably is why we tend to stick together. It is us against the world!!

    Last note, Eli took me on patrol and told me I was in charge, said it was some kind of test. I hope I passed.


  • Twentynine: Okay, this is getting rediculous!! I am really beginning to hate that place!! Oh! What place, you might ask? That horrible, cloudy, stormy place the priests call the Fugue! Twice in two weeks I get to visit it again. Once because of a sneaky little blood sucking vampire mage. Yea, you read that right. And then a stupid biting vine gets me after I managed to survive a battle with giant wyverns, harpies, and a couple of cockatrice!!

    The real problem is, I do not think I would have done anything different. The others say I should run, but how can I when I see someone I know in trouble? Am I getting some kind of message? I do not believe Selune would want me to be other than who I am. Perhaps I did something that I am unaware of, for wich I am being puished. Or, and this is the most likely answer, I am just down right unlucky.

    One thing for sure, I had better get practicing. I need to be a lot better at fighting since I obviously can not rely on luck