3. Through the eyes of the Demon Slayer

Through the eyes of the Demon Slayer


  • ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Prelude ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    _My life has taken an abrupt turn. I'd like to think for the better, but deep down inside, I feel it is only for the worst. Only time will reveal. One thing is for certain, my life is no longer as I knew it. It will never be the same. ~I~, will never be the same.

    A recent forewarning tells me my life may be cut short. Through these words, I hope for whoever may read this to understand why I am the way I am. Who I am.

    What I am.

    Kayden_

    ((Author's Note: this journal will contain strong language and adult material.))


  • ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Preparations ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    _Standing at the south gates, the air grew heavy. Just like it did in the cave when it all began. Something bad was going to happen. I wished Ashe was there. It grew difficult breath. It was almost as if my lungs were collapsing. I coughed, and for reasons I could not explain, I felt water in my lungs. I was drowning. I could just make out the faces of those around me as I fell to the ground in pain. They thought I was crazy. I’m used to that by now. The world around me began to fade. Darkness took me.

    I awoke, floating in an endless sea. I thrashed wildly, attempting to stay afloat. The waves grew too large and powerful. They overtook me. The water about me began to darken as death took its grasp on me. At the last moment, I awoke back in the real world. Several stood over me, all looking upon a mad man. Bastards. If only you knew. I vomited water. That got their attention. A man tried to take me to the healers over his shoulder. Normally I would object, but a voice whispered in my ear. “Next time, Demon Slayer, you will not live.” I cursed his name, and drew my sword, storming out of the gates.

    A demon appeared, though not THE demon. This one was not one of his. He delivered a message, saying the battle I sought was coming soon. It is prophesized that I will die. Just fucking great. Not only do I not know when I’m going to face this fucker, I’m going to die during it.

    Just. Fucking. Peachy. He said nothing of Ashe, at least. I can only pray she will not be harmed. For now, I’m going to prepare. I’m ready to face my fate. My destiny.

    I pray I will see my son before it happens._


  • ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Regretful Meetings ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    _I spoke with Death, of Aren. He’s still only a few months old, but healthy and strong. Death gave me a mirror that would allow me to watch Aren whenever I wished. It’s more than I could ever have asked for.

    Ashe came, and nearly cried tears of joy when she saw our son. That was until we heard the voice. That voice that continuously taunts us, threatening to take our son. Fuck you. You will never lay a hand on him. You’d be doing yourself a favour to kill yourself rather than waiting for me to get my hands on you.

    It taunted us. We taunted back. It sent its minions. I’m nearly insulted at the lack of numbers and strength of the forces he sent. Fucking coward. Show yourself, for once.

    It finally did. About fucking time. He doesn’t seem much larger than Taker. Again, he taunted us, telling us to look into the mirror and watch my son. Fuck you, and fuck that. I’ve waited for this moment to face you again for too long. I’m not letting you get away this time.

    I struck, and it struck back…a lot harder. Two quick blows to my head and I was out. It laughed, it mocked, it taunted. It left.

    I can’t believe I so foolishly charge the bastard. It could have cost me my life, as well as Ashe’s and Aren’s. I looked into the mirror. What I saw nearly destroyed my heart. Aren was not in this world. I cannot even describe what I saw. It was strange. Though he was surrounded by demons, all laughing and chanting. I had failed. I failed my son.

    Thank the gods Death appeared in the mirror, and took Aren. He ran, and the demons chased. Before I could comprehend what was happening, he jumped through and out of the mirror, and told me to smash it. So much for being able to watch my son grow.

    Aren was safe, thank the gods. Thank you Death. He told us nowhere was safe for him, save one place: the halls of the gods. Fuck me. Aren, my son, would be raised by the gods themselves. I’m not sure what to think of that yet.

    He gave us a moment to say goodbye to our son…again. And then he was gone. Not long after, the horde of demons in pursuit arrived. They won’t be pursuing anyone ever again. Thank you, Demon Slayer.

    I miss my son more than ever now. Having to say goodbye once was hurtful enough. Having to say it twice is torture. At least now my mind is slightly more at rest, knowing he is indeed safe. Perhaps I’ll ask Death for another mirror.

    Nothing would make Ashe and I happier._


  • ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Family ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    _Ashe gave birth to our son, Aren. It means “eagle”. Ashe knows just how much that means to me. She is such an angel. I couldn’t have asked for a better name.

    Death was the midwife. I can’t take him seriously anymore. MidWIFE. “Auntie Death”. Too cute. However, I wouldn’t have asked for anyone else to be. He numbed Ashe’s pain to make the birthing process easier on her…and me. In case you, the reader, have forgotten, Ashe and I share each other’s pain. I can now honestly say I know what it’s like to give birth. I’ll put it in two words:

    Not. Fun.

    Aren is a beautiful, healthy child. Even being so small, I can see the strength in him. He has my hair, and his mother’s eyes. Typical.

    Death took him from us, to be raised by a family where he would be safe. I know it is for the best. I know that, if things were the way I want them, I may not always be there to protect him.

    I do not want to accept it. I vowed to never allow my heirs to live the childhood I had to endure. Now, I am forced to break that vow.

    I am sorry, my son.

    It pains me that I was able to hold him only once before he was taken. It pains me that I cannot hold him now. It pains me knowing I will never be able to watch him grow. It pains me knowing I will never be able to give him everything I wanted.

    Death promised Aren would return to us when he was old enough, when he would be able to accept his destiny. Grow strong, my son. Return to us when you are ready.

    I love you._


  • the following entry is in very large print and takes up a full two pages with a small note at the bottom

    ASHE IS PREGNANT WITH A BOY!
    Fuck you, Death's fiancé, for ruining the surprise.


  • ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ A Warning ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    _I met Death’s fiancé. Why in the hells is he engaged to a succubus? To top it off, she happens to be the daughter of the demon who slew the last Demon Slayer. Just fucking peachy.

    She came to me with a warning. My existence has been made known among many demons. They already move against me and Death.

    I have to sire an heir. I have to consummate the marriage. Without a son, the line of Demon Slayers is in threat of ending. Indefinitely, the time.

    We spoke to Death of this. He gives us a few months to consummate our marriage.

    Fuck. I want children with Ashe, but this is too soon. We’re still on the dating stage. She’s not taking it well.

    He gave us details of what would happen when we do consummate our marriage. She would receive marks like my own, marking her as the wife to the Demon Slayer. We would be incapable of having sex with any other. A “magical chastity belt”, as Ashe put it. That got a laugh out of Death. That chilling yet friendly laugh. I wouldn’t mind hearing it more often. Lastly, we would share a bond much like elves do. We would feel each other’s pain and emotions. We would before ever bound to each other. Even death itself could not separate us. And this time I mean the actual parting of soul from the body, not Death himself.

    “To death do us part”. In all of history, I don’t believe those words have been so ironic.

    Also, Ashe is part divine. Literally. She has celestial blood in her.

    She truly is my angel._


  • ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Games ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    _I finally took Ashe on that date. I took her back to the shrine to Eldath. Our last date there got fucked up, and I wanted to try again.

    I’m never going back to that damn cave.

    We were having a swell time, until Izakiel showed. He said we were playing a part in a great game of his, and we were doing a fine job. Ashe shot a bolt through his heart. Literally, THROUGH. It was as if he were a ghost. Then he was gone.

    That fucker. Twice Ashe and I have had a date in that cave. Twice we have been interrupted in that cave.

    I’m going to kill him. But first, I’m going to take Ashe on a date that isn’t ruined. Though knowing our luck, it won’t matter where we go. Someone, or something, will show and ruin it.

    For their sake, they better not. I’m tired of struggling to find time alone with my wife._


  • ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Answers ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    _I found Ashe at the Temple of the Triad. Her leg was bandaged more heavily than my armour. That fucker tore into her while I was gone. Six times into her leg. Nearly to the bones. I can’t help feeling guilty for not being there for her.

    Daisy was there, along with Duran. They had taken good care of her. They also had a gift for Ashe. Two gold and silver daggers. “Timora’s Tits”. I can’t help but chuckle every time I heard that name.

    Daisy knows of my markings. They are the markings of the Demon Slayer, a servant of Death. A deadly weapon in his arsenal.

    It is my destiny. It always was. It is in my blood. The line of Demon Slayers died out near a century ago. Or so was thought. The last one had hidden his heir, and the line lived on in secrecy. I was chosen to restore the line. That is all Daisy would tell me. The rest was to be revealed in time.

    I was left with a choice: take up my birthright as the Demon Slayer and face the Soul Eater, or turn away and perish.

    Battling demons is my life. It is all I’ve ever known. Even before I knew of my true destiny. I’ve never backed down nor cowered from them, and I wasn’t about to start. I was not about to allow Ashe to suffer when I have a chance to free her from her torment.

    It was time to finish this, and it was to finish where it began._

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ First and Final Meeting ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    _We were back in the cave where it all started. Death came before us. I was again given the choice: accept my destiny, or back away and perish.

    I accepted.

    The markings, which now covered my left side, now covered the entirety of my body. He presented me with a blade: Demon Slayer, named after the bearer.

    With determination and a goal, we came upon the room of nightmares. Blood spattered the walls, that haunting word written everywhere: “MINE”.

    Not anymore, you bastard. She’s mine.

    A portal pulsed in the middle of the room. Ashe disappeared in a mist of red smoke as those ghostly hands took her right before my eyes.

    I stepped through the portal, and faced the bringer of our fears: Soul Eater.

    Ashe was chained to the ground in a runic circle. He tauntingly cut open her back, scowling at me. Then he sliced his wrist, dripping blood into the circle. He wanted to see his own blood? I was more than happy to assist in cutting himself. I slashed down his arm.

    The fucker was oblivious to the weapon I possessed. Nothing has ever pleased me more than to see the fear cross his face. For once, finally, the tables had turned. The hunter was now the hunted. I was now in control.

    The chains binding Ashe had broken. She was free, and came to my aid. That fucker had the nerve to taunt me by claiming I didn’t love Ashe enough to save her. In all its existence, I don’t believe it was ever so wrong.

    What Ashe said next nearly froze me as much as it did him. She said she loved me. The words I’ve been dying to hear reached my ears. He was stunned, speechless. He froze. It was the last mistake he would ever make. Ashe leaped and bore Timora’s Tits into his skull, riding him to the ground. I rammed Demon Slayer through his heart. He disappeared in a familiar red mist.

    It was over._

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Vows ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    _Death came before us. We spoke briefly, and he proclaimed us as husband and wife.

    Well fuck. I love Ashe, but I didn’t think I’d be married this quickly. We didn’t even have a choice in the matter.

    We were married. Final.

    Also, Death laughs. Who would have thought? Ashe loves his laugh. She is utterly fascinated by it. I can’t lie, I’m rather partial to it myself. It’s a laugh that carries amusement, yet still carries a sense of cold bitterness. I don’t mind it. I welcome it.

    He healed Ashe of her wounds, though scars of that word remain on her: “MINE”. Twenty-nine times, forever to remind her.

    He returned us to Norwick, in the middle of Fight Night, no less. I wish I could see everyone’s faces again. Priceless.

    I lie awake next to Ashe in the temple as I write this. Questions still fill my mind. Most importantly: what power do these markings hold? Death has failed to answer this yet. It will become clear in time, I know, but I hate waiting.

    In the mean time, I will uphold my duty, both as a husband and the Demon Slayer. My destiny.

    Also, I’m going to take Ashe on a date._


  • The following entry seems to have been written by a shaky hand. The majority of the sentences are incomplete and merely fragments. It almost seems as if the writer was jotting down hasty notes to avoid forgetting the events.

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Pain ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    _That fucker showed again. It marked Ashe with that damn word thirteen times on her stomach. It wrote that damn word on the walls INSIDE the Lathanderite temple. It came inside a bloody temple.

    Nowhere is safe anymore.

    I’ve been marked. Not by it, that I know of, but by something. Black lines now trace over my left ribs.

    My touch hurt Ashe. Literally. My touch sent pain through her body. Gods, send me to the hells now and spare us both from this torment. I couldn’t touch the one I love.

    Yes, I wrote it. Love. I love Ashe. I’ve come to admit and accept it. I love her. And now I couldn’t have the luxury of holding her. Of embracing her. Of kissing her. Fuck you, Taker (that is Ashe’s name for it).

    Those red hands that once tried to take Ashe in the cave of Eldath now took me. I awoke in a cave. At least I believe I did. It may have been a dream. Ashe was nearby. What I saw was the very epitome of nightmares. The entirety of the walls about us were covered in blood, spelling that gods damned word: “MINE”. The air was heavy in my lungs. We were in the cave where this all began.

    I could no longer hold onto the grasp of reality. I slept, and woke to being lashed to a bear. We had been found and were being brought home. Ashe cut us free from the bear once we crossed the ferry. We remained there, letting the other return.

    I felt pain surge through my ribs. I could feel it, the snakes of markings slithering their way beneath my skin, lengthening. A figure appeared before us. We spoke a moment before it touched the markings. They spread across the entirety of my left side, neck to foot. I will never forget the words it spoke after that.

    “Over time, you will learn what these markings mean, and what power they hold. But know, they do not come from the Soul Eater.”

    Soul Eater. I could only assume that was the creature haunting us. The being before me looked at Ashe.

    “You have chosen well, Demon Slayer.”

    And it was gone. Questions flooded my mind, though I tried not to think of them. Instead, I thought of Ashe. She insisted on touching me. I refused. I didn’t want to hurt her. She persisted. I respected her wish and obliged. Nothing happened. The gods be praised, I could touch her.

    She kissed me. We embraced.

    “I would stay my blade for you”, she told me. Those words hold great meaning in them.

    I love her._


  • ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Twisted Minds ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    _I still have trouble keeping track of the days. I sleep only when I can no longer overcome exhaustion. Sleeping for an hour feels like I’ve slept for a day. Sometimes I wonder if it HAS been a day. I guess it doesn’t matter. As long as Ashe is safe by my side. As safe as she can be, that is.

    Sometime after the incident at the shrine, a strange purple shaft of light shot into the heavens somewhere in the Nars. It drew the attention of everyone in Peltarch, including Ashe and myself. I was grateful for it. It gave us something to take our minds off of the past few days.

    The shaft of light turned out to be a portal. Ashe, damn her attraction to shiny objects, walked right into it. Unable to stop her in time, I dove in after. Turns out her mind was under a spell and drew her to the portal, so I

    Where we were taken was a room full of chest, along with a figure clad in robes. A mage, named Ezakiel. He’s a fucked up mage. He apparently likes to play twisted games, and our only way back to this plane was to play them. We did. After we passed the first part, only five of us could continue. Aelthas, Ronan, some man I don’t know, Ashe, and I volunteered to continue on. The rest were sent home.

    The next part pained me greatly. Two of us five had to die. Ezakiel said we would not actually die, as the two who would die would continue on in the game. The two killers would be sent home. The fifth had to watch. Ashe and I were forced to decide which of use would die. “I will never hurt you”, I had promised her a while ago. I wasn’t about to break that promise. I forced her to kill me.

    The pain I saw in her eyes from what I was making her do nearly killed me in itself. It’s bad enough having to see her in pain from those fucking marks on her back, let alone emotional pain from what I was making her do. She kissed me. Our first kiss. My first kiss. I wanted it to last forever. Her lips we soft. Then I felt her rapier piece my heart. I tried my hardest not to show the pain. I still don’t know if I hid it or not. I looked into her eyes as I slid to the floor. Then blackness.

    I awoke in a desert. This was the final portion of his twisted game. Only one of us would return home. The other two would die here, never to return. The objective was to touch a chalice that would take the bearer home, leaving the other two in the desert to die. We managed to fight through hordes of goblins and touch the chalice at the same time. Ezakiel called our determination to touch it at once insane, and seemed to enjoy it. He returned us all home.

    Ashe was there, waiting for me. She took me to the temple to recover, and I still am as I write this. The moment of our kiss still echoes through my head. I want it again. It made me feel that I was someone special in her life. It made me feel loved. I want to return the feeling.

    I’m going to take her on a date once I’ve recovered, granted that bitch of a ghost doesn’t show up again._


  • ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Peace ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    _Peace. I have the hardest time getting some now, it seems. Ever since the incident in the cave, I’ve found myself with Ashe nearly every waking moment. Even when she has to work with the Sails, I’m never far away. I’m the only one who sees them, those ever-bleeding scratches on her arm: “MINE”. We still haven’t found out it is invisible to all others. No one believes us. They all feel we are insane. Guilt tugs at me. I should have made her leave as soon as we came upon that circle. None of this would have happened. Damn my sense of duty.

    I hardly sleep now. I force myself awake each night to watch over her. That word on her arm haunts me. “MINE”. I know something will be coming for her. She has been marked, and the owner will come to claim its property.

    Good luck, you fuck. Not while I’m around.

    Ashe and I decided to get away from civilization for a while. Get away from the questioning gazes we receive wherever we go. Ashe knew of a quiet place we could rest at. A cave. Really, Ashe? A cave? After what we just went through? Turns out it was the shrine to Eldath, the goddess of peace. Peace. Perhaps we would get some after all, despite my doubts. It’s gorgeous there. The grass is greener unlike any else. Sparkling, chilled water surrounds a small island bearing the shrine. It really is a beautiful sight, and I’m glad she brought me there. I felt at ease…mostly.

    We talked for hours, exchanging small facts of each other. It seemed like the right thing to do, seeing as we were stuck together for the time, and the gods only knew for how much longer. I hope for a long while. I’ve come to realize I enjoy her company. I’ve come to realize I like her…a lot. I won’t say it’s love. We haven’t known each other nearly long enough for it to be at that stage already. Perhaps, if we live through this, it will grow into something more. For now, I will stay friends, and continue to protect her.

    I leaned back, taking in a deep breath of the unusually clean air. Something was wrong. The air…it was no longer pleasing to smell. It was heavy, thick…just like in the other cave.

    It was here…whatever “it” is.

    We noticed shifting in the sand. Footprints. This was almost a welcoming sight. It meant it has a physical form, meaning it could be hurt. By the gods, I was going to do more than hurt it.

    It drew near. With each step, the air grew heavier, thicker. I felt the air being compressed from my lungs. It grew hard to breath. Ashe threw several knives in its direction, with great precision for not being able to see it. It must be bloody farking fast, as each knife flew over the footprints, planting into the sand several feet behind the freshest prints. It was in the grass now. Tall grass. Thank the gods, it was tall grass, else we’d never been able to know where it moved to.

    I heard retching behind me. Ashe. I took a deep breath, realizing I had been holding it for what seemed like the past minute. I understood why she felt sick, because I did myself now. I had had enough. I couldn’t stand seeing her in pain any longer.

    I bellowed. I hollered. I swore. I told it to take me. Take me instead of Ashe. I would take the pain for her. There was silence for a brief moment, but only a moment. I must have lost sight of where it was, because then I heard a whisper, directly in my ear.

    “Mine”.

    I felt searing pain across my cheek. I’ve never felt anything like this before. It was as if someone had taken a poisoned stick and ripped through my skin. I couldn’t take it. It was more pain than I’ve ever endured. I felt weak. I fell, screaming. I swear, my cheekbone was being ripped from my face. If not for my clawing at my face, I would have thought it had been. What came next was worse. Now it felt like maggots we crawling in the gash. It began to heal…painfully. How the fuck does that work? Painful healing. I hate irony. The gash was closed now, and I could still feel those maggots, or what felt like them, worming under my skin. Before I could think much more of it, I heard a scream. Ashe. Screaming. Fuck you, you bastard. You will not have both of us.

    I went to her. She had passed out. A pool of blood surrounded her. The cave grew silent. I wanted to think it had left, but the air still felt heavy in my lungs. It was toying with us. Bastard. I held Ashe, and managed to wake her. I regretted that as soon as I had, because something happened I wish she didn’t have to see.

    The fucker was writing on the cliff wall with Ashe’s own blood: “MINE”. The fucker was mocking us. Despite my attempts to keep her from looking, Ashe saw. She grew enraged, and began clawing at the writing to make it indecipherable. Ghostly red hands reached from the cliff and took hold of her. I thank the gods I had a silver spike, for that drove them away.

    We’re in the temple now. A jagged, black scar now crosses my cheek. It feels warm to the touch, and still hurts. I haven’t not felt pain surging from it since it happened. That was yesterday. I’m beginning to wonder if the pain will ever subside.

    Ashe is also in pain. Always in pain. She has nine more carvings of the word on her back: "MINE". They're always bleeding. You'd think from the amount of blood she's lost she would have died by now, but she lives. I wish I could help her, but there is nothing I can do but hold and comfort her. It isn’t enough.

    Fuck you, you bastard. She’s mine. MINE. You will not have her. I would very much like to kill you, you bitch, but I’m not going to if I can help it. I will do much worse. I hope you’re reading over my shoulder as I write this so you know what I’m going to do to you. First, I will remove your legs so you many never escape, and never near an innocent soul again. Second, I will remove your arms so you may never bring harm to another being again. Third, I will carve the very word you haunt us with into your flesh over and over. Lastly, I will stitch shards of silver to your flesh so you will endure the pain every moment as she does.

    You will feel her pain and more before you meet your end._


  • ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Circle of Fate ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    _I can’t help but wonder what Shaundakul is guiding me towards. I’ve once again found myself in the company of Ashe. That sweet, charming, yet dangerous lass whom I find myself growing more attracted to each time I see her. She wished to travel out in the old orcs plains near Jiyyd. I obliged to accompany her, as I wished to also visit the battlefield. Jiyyd had once been a temporary home, and I miss it dearly. Shaundakul willing, those farkers will wish they’d never presented themselves in that region…

    We came upon a cave. Ashe, being the curious one she is, decided she needed to know what was inside. After a short time of exploration, we found ourselves in a small room with a glowing circle in its midst…a necromantic summoning circle. Not exactly my area of expertise, but I wasn’t about to let it be. After throwing a few objects through it to experiment for any kind of reaction, which came to no avail, we decided it best to move and find the source of the circle. Yes, we were foolish enough to go hunt for a necromancer by ourselves. That was before something appeared in the midst of the circle: a shadow. Within a moment it was on us. I don’t know how long I fended it off before it decided it had enough and disappeared through a wall. Just moments after it disappeared, another appeared. Or was it the same one? Fark, I didn’t care, because it too disappeared through a wall. I couldn’t help but feel it (or they) were toying with us. They wanted to play cat and mouse? I’ll be their farking mouse. I hope they don’t mind playing with mice of dire size, because that was what I was going to give them.

    Moving less than ten steps around the corner and down the hallway, the cave trembled as an explosion sounded behind us: the circle. Gone, leaving a large, scorch mark in the stone floor. I thank Shaundakul he guided us from that room when he did, otherwise I may not be here to write of this tale. For better or worse, the circle was gone. No point in waiting to see if it was for worse. It was past time to most on.

    The air grew thick as we made our way down the corridor. Drawing breaths became difficult, as if invisible walls were compressing air from our lungs with each step closer in our forward direction. We heard footsteps. Behind us, no less. I couldn’t help but feel I had led us into a trap. We were obviously in the right direction towards the source, but now they were behind use…whoever “they” are. Again, they played cat and mouse. Their footsteps grew closer, then faded. Closer, then faded. This was insane. We were never going to make it out of the cave alive if we pressed our luck. Slowly backing our way towards the cave’s mouth, the footsteps approached again. I expected them to fade away just as before. They didn’t. Instead, what reached my ears sent a tingle up and down my spine. A whimper. It was Ashe, staring at her arm in horror. I took a moment to glance over her arm, and what I saw sent a wave of guilt flooding through my veins. Scratched on her arm, with an appearance of a youngling’s handwriting, spelled one word: “MINE”. Fark my eyes. I just killed Ashe. I don’t know how, or when. But I did. I looked her straight in the eyes. Fark my eyes again, I wish I hadn’t. The horror, the pain, the panic I saw etched in her gaze stabbed at my heart. She was helpless, just like a lost child with no one to care for it. I said one word to her: “Run”. She obliged without a moment’s hesitation. We ran for the gods only know how long. Past orcs, wild dogs and cats seeking food. Not today, you farks.

    Tired and exhausted, we made it back to the Kelemvorite temple, which still didn’t feel far enough away. We needed to get to Norwick. Ashe fell over, crying. I felt another stab to my heart. A lost child. “Don’t look her in the eyes. She’ll only see your weakness.” I picked her up and carried her the rest of the way. Thank the gods she’s nearly as light as my armour, or I’d never have made it.

    Back in Norwick, and still not feeling entire safe even amongst civilization, I took her to the temple. Long story short, I’m the only one who can see her scratches. That one word etched into her skin with blood: “MINE”.

    Fark you, whatever you are. You’re not taking her from me._


  • ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ An Unexpected Meeting ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    _It's almost strange being back in these lands. A few familiar faces, though more new ones that I remember. It so happens I found myself alone with one of those new faces. A young lass: Ashe. Strange name for a woman, but I wasn’t about to judge. Well, in a way I did. Something of her appearance and composure told me she was different than most others.

    Fate began to weave its course, and a conversation was lit between us. We talked for hours on end, for longer than I can remember, having to get drinks as our mouths began to parch.

    What in the hells is wrong with me? Why do I bother acquainting myself with people? More than likely I will be called to another land, and never see her face again. Nevertheless, her curious nature got the better of me, and I couldn’t hide my interest to know more of her in time. She was going to make a fine friend.

    Little did I know what fate had in store for us…_


  • ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ A Calling ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    _Through Shaudakul’s guidance, I have returned to the god-forsaken land of Narfell. Why? I have been called here in the past, and it still remains unclear to me why. Why in the hells have I returned? Shaundikul willing, everything will become clear soon. Despite having enough patience to drive a paladin insane, I hate waiting…

    All my questions were answered in an instant as I stood on the plateau overlooking Jiyyd…what remained of it. Fark my eyes and call me a bard. Jiyyd, destroyed. How? Demons. It all made sense now. It was time to go to work.

    I wonder if they’ll come..._