3. Diary of a Fuzzy Sorceress

Diary of a Fuzzy Sorceress


  • _~Interlude~
    ~A Morning Prayer~

    Tindra woke up with a start. She let the bad dream that bothered her fade away and took comfort in Jerrick's arm around her as he still slept. She pondered going back to sleep. She decided not to. Instead Tindra slipped out of bed, carfully so as to not wake her love.

    The blonde woman walked over to her belongings and pulled out a few things. She grabbed her armor and slipped it on and strapped her sword to the belt. She intended to go outside and knew better than to be unprepared. Then she grabbed a neatly folded altar cloth, which bore the marks of Lathander. Ready for her task, she quietly exited her room.

    Tindra tip-toed passed the room of her cave that Rith occupied. She didn't want to wake anybody her or Jerrick. This was a task she wanted to do alone. With a quiet click of the gate, she exited her home, jokingly called "the Fuzzy Den," and stepped outside.

    She smiled to herself at her fortunate timing. The sun was just rising to the east, she could see the sky lighten between the trees of the Rawlinswood. She would not have to wait. The half-elf climbed up the hill above her cave entrance and sat. She unfolded the altar cloth dedicated to the Morninglord and spread it out on her lap. As she prepared to pray, she couldn't help but recall an old friend who used to drum in the morning sun. A small smile briefly touched her lips and her fingers tapped a rhythm on her thigh for a brief moment. With a quick sigh, Tindra folded her hands together over the holy cloth, and looked through the trees at the rising sun and prayed.

    "Lathander, Morninglord, I greet your rays of light with the knowledge of a brand new day before me, and give thanks for your warmth and love. I know I am not one of your faithful, but I respect you and the hope you give to the world.

    "I pray this morning to you about your servant and my friend, Rith Phoenixfeather. I have only known her for a short time, yet she has touched my heart dearly. She is a wonderful example of your teachings, and her love has been a comforting balm for the ills that plague me.

    "Please let her stay in these lands. I realise I sound selfish, but I also feel that she needs to stay for reasons other than myself. She has lifted the spirits of many, and I believe we all could benefit from her.

    "Most of all, Morninglord, it is not for others or for myself that I ask this. It is for Rith herself. I can see it hurts her. She is in a place for a short while and discovers close friends as she serves you, only to have to break those bonds of friendship and love as she is sent someplace else. It breaks her own heart to do so.

    "Please, Lathander, I beg you… I know you to be a compassionate god. Allow Rith that compassion. Let her stay. Let her belong. Let her love."

    Tindra remained quietly for a few moments after she finished her prayer. Only the sounds of the woods greeted her ears as the sun rose further. She then folded up the altar cloth and walked back to into her home to prepare breakfast._


  • Entry 71

    I was shocked by this note from Caelisar. A little part of me wondered if it's a joke. The Dark Enchantress appearing? Sure, I'll believe that. I'll make sure to have my special arrows ready. But then he wrote that after the Enchantress, a hooded man who spoke with rolling R's was also looking for me. But Illusif is dead, right? How can that be? Both Caelisar and Rasuil say they had seen him, so I was inclined to believe it. I'd get my proof later, it turns out.

    Rith and I got quite silly. She had a delightful idea to swap clothing and see if we could fool Jerrick and others. She even found a spell to disguise our voices! We were having fun with it, we even fooled Jerrick. Though, we started to get in over our heads. I think we fooled Jerrick too well. Good thing he didn't try to kiss "me"!

    While we were setting off fireworks (still disguised as Rith, mind you), a hooded man approached the south gate. Dear Selûne, it WAS Illusif. I was happy to see him well. And I'm rather glad he went along with the charade I was doing. Oh, I know Illusif saw through the disguise. I could tell by his words. He didn't stay long, sadly. He did warn that circumstances here have changed. It's a bit ominus. And with the Enchantress also appearing, I can't help but suspect that he's back because she will be up to something.

    While our charade was nice diversion, I didn't like seeing Ronan and Jerrick arguing. The two used to be great friends, but now they seem to only piss each other off. It doesn't help that it seems like Jerrick can do no good in Ronan's eyes, especially when it comes to me. He doesn't like Rith either. Bet he also thinks Jerrick is sleeping with her.

    Fight Night was fun. Rith, Jerrick, and I all competed in the archery. Those two won prizes, I didn't. Boxing was decently fun, I at least lasted one round. Benji took out the fun for me though, by having me face a woman instead of a man. I mean… Me in a bathing suit? Can't he at least let me take advantage of it? Ah well, Jerrick got some fireworks from a gnomish merchant woman who accidentally teleported to Norwick.

    Rith is hoping to find some reason for her church to keep her here. I'd like her to stay, too. She's fun and she's kind and... I'll find a reason.


  • Entry 70

    Drat. Jerrick saw through our prank. Rith and I hopped in his bed and were hoping to get a funny reaction out of him when he came home. I guess we were anticipating too much, I couldn't help but give a little giggle when I heard him come in the front door. Instead of a shocked Jerrick, we were greeted with we wolfie nosings and licks.

    Today was fairly quiet. I talked to Soliel some. She still doesn't think I trust her. She feels left out. Honestly, I'm not sure what to do.

    Final preparations for the fight are being made. Hammerhand led a praryer to Tempus, which seems to have people feeling ready for the fight. Myself? I'm going to be at the druid glen. The elders have rituals planned and they'll need guarding. My heart and thoughts, though, will be on Jerrick.

    And Rith. She gave me her heavy robes from the Order to keep safe while she goes into the Lost City. The practical reason is because they're reinforced robes and weigh a bit and she wants to travel a little lighter. But I think she's also giving them to me so she has a reason to come back.

    Selûne and Lathander, please keep them all safe.


  • Entry 69

    I came to Jerrick's house and found Rith and Jerrick both sitting on the couches looking tense. We're all tense, I think. The day for making our push against the Dracolich approaches. The Lost City is a very dangerous place on it's own, but to have such a monster making it's lair there? Well, I think I helped lighten their moods a bit. Rith also showed us some absolutely wonderful relics she discovered with Ronan. Arrows and bolts blessed by Lathander. Very powerful blessings. They shown with such a bright light that you couldn't really look at them. I suggested to her that she should let Benji have the crossbow bolts, as I know nobody as accurate as he is.

    Rith bid farewell for the night, to let Jerrick and I have some "alone time." She even slipped me a little ring from that Wilted Flower shop in the city.

    The next day, while I was talking to Thorn, I met up with Benji and told him about Rith and that she had something he'd like. Rith asked him to show if he was worthy and so we started to have a quick little session at the archery targets. Which drew a crowd and soon we had many people happily showing off. Benji didn't let me down, of course, and Rith gave him some of the special bolts.

    Later, I went back to my den to fetch that Tindra-doll that Aelthas bought for me. I had mentioned it to Rith and she wanted to see it. She got a good laugh out of it.

    Oh! I just thought of an idea. Gotta talk to Benji.

    So, Rith and I retired to Jerrick's house to raid his cabinets for food (oh, I should remember to get more pastries, I think I finished them all). We stayed up to midnight just sharing stories. Rith decided to sleep the night here and that's when we came up with a fun idea to prank Jerrick. I can't wait to see his face.


  • Entry 68

    Dwin really screwed up. Even I can't help but be disgusted at what he did to Badger. Chopped off his hand and threw him in jail over an insult. As if being the liaison between the town and the Circle wasn't hard already.

    And all this business with the Dracolich… It's going to be a suicide mission unless people get their heads out of their asses and actually work together. Especially the Divine Shield. Undead dragon with an undead army? And you guys want to refuse us the aid of priests and holy warriors? Why don't you just go tell the Dracolich it's okay to take over Norwick!!

    Ronan's got the right of it, stay out of it. If the recent massacre at the south gate is any indication, we're screwed.

    But Jerrick's going to be thick in it. <g>Fark.</g>

    Bah, let's change subjects. At the risk of giving myself more anxiety, I'm going to finish that damn story about me.

    So, Dark Enchantress lost her "pet." Tindra was back to herself and, I, Lorelai faded away. All was happy, right?

    For a little while, yes. Tindra was happy at least. However, I was very much not. I was delivered a lot of pain by having the collar removed, and then shown the truth that my life was all a lie. Plus, I was pushed down into a dark corner of the mind to be forgotten about.

    To say I was hurt is an understatement. I seethed in anger at it all. I felt jealous of Tindra, for being "real." I wanted to be real, wanted to live. And in my anger, hate, and desperation, I did something terrible. A figure somehow met me in that dark place of the mind. It promised to create nightmares to tear Tindra own so that I could take over. And in return, it wanted my first born child.

    The nightmares did cause Tindra grief. They were her worst fears. Fortunately for her, she had good friends and family that kept her strong and she didn't cave in. I finally tired of the attempts and tossed the nightmares away, and gave them no more thought.

    And so I sat for a long time. Years. Like a child sent to her room after a big tantrum. My anger slowly ebbed away. Oh, I still desperately wanted to be real, but I gave up thinking it would happen.

    Fate had other plans, however. One day, Tindra was knocked unconcious. For some reason, I woke up instead. It surprised even me as much as it did Tindra's friends. I expected loathing and fear, but instead I was shown compassion. It lasted a day, yet changed me. Those friends made me realize I was as real as Tindra, just different.

    Jerr the Skald took to task to get Tindra and I to see eye-to-eye. Tindra feared me, naturally. Through Jerr, she came to an understand that I didn't hate her anymore. She let me out more, a day or so at a time. We left letters to each other. With each day, we became think of each other as sisters.

    And then Tindra went and got us killed. I don't know what killed us, only that she was defending the town. I woke up instead of Tindra. That wasn't a problem until days passed. She wouldn't wake. Days turned to weeks, then months, then years. I pretended I was her, though some people have noticed I don't quite act the same. I don't purr like she would, for example. But I think one thing I have come to share is being a decent person at heart. I don't have the Dark Enchantress pouring hate into me. I mean, Rith wouldn't say I've a soul of gold unless she meant it.

    Now, I started having nightmares. Fears of losing friends, family, my home… myself. I didn't understand why, not until Jerrick decided to enter the dream realm and see for himself.

    I had forgotten about the nightmares, but obviously, they did not forget themselves. They must have Tindra trapped. And now they are bothering me. I guess I mustn't be too different from Tindra, I think our fears are the same. Are the nightmares bothering me because I've grown to be like her? Or maybe, they are reminding me of that deal I forgotten.

    My first born child... By Selûne, I really messed up.

    No, I gotta stop beating myself up. For now I gotta concentrate on not losing my mind and help Jerrick and Rith help me.

    Tindra will probably beat me up over this anyways, why do myself?


  • Entry 67

    So today when I left my den, I again found people by the lake in the woods. This time, they weren't running for their lives. Jerrick, Rith, Ronan, Wren, and others were in discussion with that Damaran mage. Apparently, that is where Amelia Jens had told her soldiers to setup camp. I kinda came in the middle of the conversation. I wasn't the only late arrival, as Amelia herself also came up behind us.

    I forgot Wren was a constable of the Norwick militia. She immediately told Amelia she was under arrest for her actions against the Herald and I'm glad the woman went peacefully. Ronan went to fetch Lady Daisy from Peltarch so that it could be assured there would be a swift and fair trial. In the mean time, I made the suggestion that the Damaran mage, who introduced herself as Fiona Flamerule, had honor and I would like to see any further peaceful talks done with her. I hope she understood that I appreciated her teleporting Amelia away from the Herald.

    Jerrick, Rith, and later Wren tried to convince Lady Fiona to have her people leave the island, warning about the dangers about. Of course, she didn't believe them. Stubborn as a dwarf… or a Helmite (thank Selûne I've yet to meet a dwarven Helmite).

    The trial went well, I suppose. Amelia pleaded guilty and Lady Daisy sentenced her to ten years of service to Norwick. I wonder if we could have Dwin command her to stay out of Narfell for the next ten years?

    Unfortunately, when the group went to tell Lady Fiona, they found her camp in ruin and her people dead. Some undead thing attacked them and proclaimed to Jerrick that it did him a favor.

    <g>Fark.</g>

    Oh, and some group of mercenaries or such passed through Norwick. They didn't seem too impressed with Norwick; I could hear a few degrading remarks made in the Damaran tongue. Whatever. Pass on through and don't look back.

    Rith asked to see the druid glen, so Jerrick and I took her there. On the way, Rith asked if she and I could pass off as sisters. Jerrick made some dirty remark about us two and immediately was embarassed and fearful at the same time. He even ran off and hid on us. We had a good time trying to corner him. We finally did get him to confess. While I'll admit that we perhaps were a little too persistant, he really didn't have anything to fear from me at least. I mean, I wear skimpy and teasing clothing while boxing at Fight Night. Am I really going to be offended by a dirty joke? Rith didn't seem offended either.

    I know, I know… He's overly sensitive about it because people expect the worst out of him when it comes to his relationships with women. People are probably making comments about how much time he spends with Rith. Which is silly because I've spent just as much time with her, I bet. And I know better, she's not after Jerrick for love. Well, not THAT kind of love. It's a brother-sister kind of love. And I think she enjoys seeing how much Jerrick and I do love each other.

    Rith and I stayed up late talking about things. Tojan made a good impression last week, I see. The conversation shifted to Feather (whom I gather she learned of from Tojan) and so I shared with her about who Feather is and about that whole heartbreak I had and how it eventually ended with he and I together.

    Rith said I have a soul of gold, after hearing the tale. I wonder if she realizes how much hearing that means to me. I told her it means a lot. It reaffirms to me that I am NOT the hateful pawn I used to be.

    I hope she sees Tindra in a similar light, when we finally save her.


  • Entry 66

    Jerrick had another grand adventure that I missed out on. Ronan and Rith were both in it, too. I admit I'm sort of jealous that I missed it. All I caught was seeing a large group of people running past the lake in the Rawlinswood as I was heading back to town from my den.

    It turns out that Jerrick was playing tour guide again for Rith. He gathered some people for a trip to Mintas Rhelgor. In there, they found a ranger who mentioned about a meeting of duegar and bugbears, so they investigated and managed to intercept a shipment of mithril ore meant for the greenskins. In the process, they got trapped in the underground and ended up fighting their way through a bugbear fortress and coming out at the Threespire Towers deep in the Rawlinswood. It also sounded like they found a secret weapon of the bugbears, which the mithril was meant for. The greenskins tried to use it but something went wrong, if I understand correctly. Everybody was quite exhausted from the ordeal, especially running back to town as fast as can be. Jerrick even collapsed from exhaustion. I did mention that Rith would qualify at least as an auxillary member of the Suicidal Five. Maybe make it Suicidal Six?

    I helped Jerrick back home and to bed for a long rest, but wouldn't find such for myself anytime soon. A wolf pawed at the ladder and left a note. It was from Clayton, warning Jerrick that a woman by the name of Amelia Jens was in town and seemed suspicious. The name sort of rang a bell in my head so I went to investigate.

    She recognized who I was, addressing me by my official role as liaison of the druids. She demanded to talk to Jerrick. I figured he shouldn't be dragged back out of bed for this, so I declined and asked to take a message instead. She was unhappy and left the gate and headed into town.

    Rith explained to me that the woman came with Damaran soldiers who she commanded. That's when it hit me. "Jens". Sir Jens, the Helmite from Damara who had wanted the tree branch. By Selûne, I thought Folir was going to try something else for their lord?

    I felt this needed to get reported right away to Dwin, so I headed to the Great Hall with Rith. And what did I see? The Herald bound by some magic spell, a Damaran mage behind her, and Amelia Jens walking about. A Redcloak stopped Rith and I, claiming the Chancellor was taking a bath. I suspect he was under mind effects, Amelia told him I could come in and he let us pass. I asked Amelia what was going on. Immediately, she demanded that I tell her where the tree is, threatening me with the Herald's life.

    I had to make that choice before, with Jerrick's life being on the line. If I didn't crack at the threat of losing a person I care about, I most certainly am not going to crack for a person I barely know. That tree is hidden for a reason. Nature could be unbalanced further. We're talking lives at stake, not just one. She didn't like that.

    I do sympathize with her about her husbands death. I worry that she seems to blame Jerrick about it. We kind of expected that. The mage that was with her was appalled by her actions though. While her anger blinded her to honor, the mage still had hers. She teleported the herself and Amelia away after she and I bantered to no result. The Herald soon was freed of the magic and acted as if nothing happened. Good, I didn't feel like explaining more than once, and my report to Dwin would be that one time.

    Rith wanted to show me something, so I invited her to my den. I figured she would love the hot spring after the day she had. I was right, she loved it.

    The object she showed me was a crystal, meant for trapping souls such as when a person is possessed. From there, the soul could be placed in another body. She was thinking for Tindra… and I know she meant well by it. She knows only me, Lorie. I explained how guilty I feel at taking over her life as much as I have. If anybody should be separated, it's me. I also explained a couple of other things about this mess I've created, stuff I held back on before because Jerrick and I overwhelmed her previously. At least I feel confident of one thing. We will get this solved. Things will be set right. For both of me.

    Rith gave me a present too. It's an altar cloth, from the old Shrine of Lathander. Her generosity does overwhelm me, I admit. We've become sisters. She deserves a wonderful gift as well. I have an idea, I wonder if I could pull it off. I'll ask Jerrick what he thinks. For now, I give Rith the gift of my hospitality. She's sleeping in my old room right now. It's nice to have another down here. With Aelthas gone, it's been feeling empty again.

    Oh, I need to finish my story still. Damn, it'll have to wait until tomorrow.


  • Entry 65

    Well, Jerrick finally made new ink I see. And it's blue. Not that I'm complaining, at least I can easily read everything I'm writing now.

    I'm still trying to recover a bit from the other day. The day started off with another nightmare. The woods on fire, consuming the druid glen, the town… everywhere fire closing in on me. I woke up coughing as if I inhaled smoke and my skin stung as if burned. Both Rith and Jerrick were looking over me, I must have worried them. I don't mind so much, since Rith's powerful healing prayer made me feel much better. I like her nickname for me, "Lorie." Jerrick's is just plain silly, but adorable in a way. "Lorelindra." That's a mouthful.

    The worst part about having that nightmare though, was what followed after I got cleaned up and dressed and went to town. Animals had charged out of the woods, scared by something. We went to investigate and found the southern woods ablaze.

    It... By Selûne, I almost cracked I think right there. To see a nightmare come to life just... I'm glad Jerrick was near. He told me I could head back, he could tell I was upset from it. But I kept with the group. I need to face these fears, otherwise I'll end up letting them take over me, right?

    Powerful fire elementals were running around. We fought them off while the druids called on the powers of nature to bring forth a rainstorm. The smoke was quite thick though, many of us were overcome by it. Including me. It was a frightening experience I hope not to relive.

    So there I am tired from fighting that blaze and fighting my fears. But instead of some nice peaceful quiet with Jerrick, he has to deal with petty arguing from people. By Selûne, is it a requirement for others to take any comment they don't like as an insult? And do we have to set things up so that Jerrick always has to play the role of a scolding father?

    And then on top of that, Ronan seems to think again that Jerrick's ego is getting the better of him. He's wanting to see if Jerrick actually asks him to help with my head. Or others. There will be others dammit. Jerrick's not doing this alone and even he says so. Rith will help, I know that for sure.

    And Soliel has issues. I worry for her. Just because she hasn't seen me in a while, she has the conclusion that I don't trust her at all. Dear Selûne, can you help her get some self-confidence of herself? And maybe some more friends so she doesn't feel so alone just because I'm not around.

    I need some tea and sleep. I'm worn and irritated...


  • Entry 64

    I woke to find Jerrick talking with Vash about something. I wasn't privy to what was said since they spoke in that druid-speak. I did pick out Dwin and Horlamin's name several times out of the conversation, so I suspect I know what they talked about.

    We went to Fight Night. I missed out on archery, which Rith won. Wow she's a really good shot. After the contest, Jerrick pulled the both of us aside to discuss a problem. Yet another friend in trouble with bad magic items. Ronan and that cursed cloak. This will be fun to solve. I'd rather wrestle a bulette…

    The three of us decided to skip the rest of Fight Night and spend some time telling tales. They told me about their foray into the ruins of Jiyyd. Quite a tough battle, I don't think I would have done as well. They also told me about an empty tower they found out there. I mentioned how the Dark Enchantress used to have a tower out by Ormpur. Oh, the look on Jerrick's face, it was priceless. And they had me laughing so hard when they told me what they named the tower. Something like, "The Tower of the Glorious Tiger Rider."

    I'm sure people would wonder why I tolerate Jerrick with another woman. I'm sure Ronan or Aelthas would be rolling their eyes. I know better though. I know his heart. Besides, love is about trust, right?

    I did finish my tale for Rith. It took like most of the day, but she now knows just about everything. Who I am. Who I was. She was shocked, but understood it all. And she presents me a choice I haven't considered for many years…

    What can we do to make both Tindra and I happy?

    I can't help but worry about what it may mean between Jerrick and I. I mean… I love him, very much. And he loves me the same. What of Tindra though, if we free her? She has her own love. It hung heavily in my mind while Jerrick saw Rith out of the Wolves' Den. When he returned and sat with me, I decided something for myself.

    Whatever the future holds for the both of us, it's pointless to worry about right now. Right now, I make the most of each moment.

    He had me seeing stars last night. Wonderful, vibrant stars…


  • Entry 63

    I found myself in Peltarch, to pray at the shrine of Selûne. I thanked her for the good in my life, for Jerrick… I prayed the my Lady guide him in freeing me from the wrong I've done. I then gave a quick prayer for her to watch over Aelthas. He left me a note that he went up to the Glacier. He needs to focus on himself, otherwise he'll go nuts. I hope he knows that I'm not angry with him.I just want him to come back in one piece.

    Ronan passed by, so I talked with him. I gave him a wand that Rith gave me from the shade battle. I already picked one up myself. Arcane healing magics. A bard must have made them.

    A boat ride to Norwick later, I sat to talk with Rith. It's interesting how some people seem to really belong in your life, when you first meet. Like Feather. Anyways, Rith and I talked, and she was concerned about some worries that clung to Jerrick. I must admit I felt guilty, I'm one of those worries. The look Rith gave me cinched it, I had to tell her about my troubles so she would understand. Besides, she's a powerful priestess, perhaps she had advice.

    The gods had other ideas for us that night. Just after I started the story, bugbears attacked the gate. After that ended, we went to the inn and hoped to continue. And then were interrupted again for a rescue mission.

    We gave up after that, promising to try again another day.

    Silly pixie ink. I still find it adorable.


  • Tindra held up the vial of ink to the light, trying to figure out what color it was. The liquid was very dark, and seemed to swirl with twisting ripples. She looked back at the sleeping pixie, who Tindra relocated to a pillow. "Well, she did seem to go through a lot of trouble for it," she thought to herself. "If I ever needed a sign that she doesn't hate me, this is it."

    Entry 62

    My apologies for the abrupt ending. It seems I ran out of ink, and Jerrick did, too. My pixie, Tojan, found more for me. I guess she real-

    Testing. Testing. Testing.

    The pixie got us color changing ink. My sides hurt from laughing at this. I should ask Jerrick sometime if there is anything fae related that is actually 'normal.' Then again, I can't say I am anything normal. So who am I to judge?

    I think I will continue that story when I have normal ink. I do appreciate that Tojan went through some trouble for this, but I think the random colors will be distracting. I'll save this for less wordy diary entries.

    Jerrick and Rith met a druid of Malar, who of course wanted an answer from Jerrick about their proposal on us letting them hunt in our lands. He declined, of course. The druid was a reasonable fellow, probably because he is a druid. Unfortunately, his group is full of fanatics and devout priests. There will be bloodshed, as I'm sure they will not back down.

    That put Jerrick in a foul mood until I showed up. I find that ironic, that he finds it calming to be near me. I'm not exactly a calm person if you ask me. Well, maybe outwardly I am. Inwardly, I'm a complete wreck. He decided to head to the Wolves' Den. Rith and I followed, curious to what was on his mind. When we got there, he started a long ritual prayer to Mielikki at Grivel's Tree.He was worried about the bloodshed to come, and sacrificed the Malarite armor he won from them on their first Hunt in Narfell. He asked Mielikki to keep the Wolves' Den safe from the battles to come. The air stirred around him, only him, and the armor vanished.

    Satisfied with what he did, we spent the rest of the day having some tea with Rith. I really do find I like her. She's very polite and kind. And while she is devout to Lathander, she's hasn't let it go to her head. And she has a sense of humor. During our happy chatting, a white deer approached. Jerrick quickly surmised it was a messenger from Mielikki, and he was mostly correct. The deer had something laying on it's back for Jerrick. It was the armor, but with green instead of red and Mielikki's symbol instead of Malar's. She was pleased at his offering.

    I still can't stop giggling about this ink. I can't wait to see Jerrick's reaction.


  • ~Interlude~
    ~Pixie Quest, The Search for Ink~

    Tojan was startled awake by a frustrated exclamation from Dark Kitty. She looked down from the top of the book shelf quietly and found her pet over by Fang's desk looking a bit defeated. In her hand was an empty vial. By the cushions on the floor was Dark Kitty's diary.

    "Oh, I see. Out of ink. Gee, that's too bad, that diary has been a lot of help for her. I know, I'll get more," the pixie thought to herself and then flew out the window.

    "And I figured you seem to do a lot with liquid stuffs and such. So, do you have ink?" Tojan asked a reptilian figure in the druid glen.

    "Sssorry, little one. I brew tincturesss, not ink."

    Not one to give up, Tojan flew to others in the glen. The gnomish druid, the guarding druid, the old historian druid. And each time the answer was the same. No ink.

    "Oh, fluffernutter!" the pixie exclaimed.

    Her friend, Franni then appeared. "What's the matter, Tojan?"

    "Dark Kitty and Fang ran out of ink so I was hoping to find some."

    "Oh, is that all? I know how to make very nice ink. Let me get you a list of ingredients."

    Tojan had to admit, she was a bit unsure about this. The first ingredient was sensible enough, fenberries. A quick trip to the Silver Valley was all it took to procure them. The second item worried Tojan. She stared at a bee hive she found. "How is honey needed for ink? Oh well, here we go."

    The pixie rose high in the air and brandished her dagger-sized sword. With gravity to help, she dove at the beehive in a speedy blur of sparkles, cutting the hive open as she passed and flew on into the bushes. She had to keep moving, she knew, as she slowly wove through the branches. Already she could hear the insects swarm and buzz angrily at the damage done to their home. They easily began to follow the scent of pixie dust in the air.

    Tojan started flying quickly as soon as she was free of the bush. She rapidly sped through trees, hoping to lead as many of the bees away as fast as she could. The buzz of the insects filled the air, but she could tell she was quick enough to stay out of reach. Soon, she figured it was time for the second part of her plan. She quickly double-backed and criss-crossed her own path before flying off in a round about path back to the hive.

    Her plan worked. The bees became confused at her loop and kept circling. She had plenty of time to swiftly swipe at the hive again, this time taking some honey instead.

    Tojan wondered if Franni was playing a joke on her when she got to the fourth ingredient. She found herself flying quietly through the woods south of what was once the Gypsy Camp. Soon enough she found her quarry, a lone forest spider. Seeing it sent a chill down Tojan's spine. These spiders were big enough to frighten people, so to a small pixie, she could only be considered prey by the spider.

    "Dark Kitty better appreciate this."

    Tojan dove at the spider from high above, putting all her weight behind the blade as it sank into the spider's head. The arachnid collapsed with a screech and was silent and still after. Pleased with herself, Tojan yanked the sword free and then began to cut out a few of the spider's many eyes. Just as she finished her task, she heard an angry clicking noise behind her.

    The spider had a mate.

    The spider jumped at her with a surprisingly fast leap. She tried to dodge, but felt it's mandible bite into her arm. Without the element of surprise, Tojan was sure this was not a fight she could win and flew as fast as her wings could push, with the spider following after.

    "Goblin gook? She can't be serious." Tojan sighed with exhaustion. Sure enough, that was ingredient seven on the list. Her pet probably had some bottles stuffed away in her pack, but the pixie wanted to keep the ink a surprise. The only other option she could think of was to steal one from a goblin.

    Tojan quietly crept through the brush of the Rawlinswood. She found a spot that she could see plenty of goblins (which there rarely is a shortage of) and yet was close to Fang's house where she could quickly hide if she had to. As she walked, she came upon a goblin's dead body, it looked to have been ripped apart by a large wolf. "Ooo, Fang and his Fluffy have been working, I see. Maybe they left behind a gook for me?"

    Sadly, there were no bottles of the goblin beverage in it's belongings. All the pixie found was some lint and a doll. She stood for a moment, trying to figure out why goblins like their lint so much. "I suppose it does kinda sparkle if the light hits it right… and goblins like things that shine and sparkle. So I gotta be careful because they'll like my sparkles and..." The pixie suddenly had a brilliant plan that brought a mischievous grin to her face.

    It was getting close to dinner time when the pixie had everything finished. The doll hung on a vine in the air. Leaves covered in the goblin lint were stuffed into it's back and fluffed out to look like wings. More vines circled on the ground underneath the doll, hidden by leaves. Satisfied with her work, Tojan flew off to find her victim. Minutes later, she found a goblin trudging around in the woods.

    "Hey, Green-face!" she shouted. "Your mother was a toad and your father smelt of bird dung!"

    The goblin snarled angrily at the pixie's insult and charged at her. She grinned and flew off staying just ahead of the goblin and yelling back taunts at it. As soon as she reached her trap, she turned herself invisible so that only the pixie-looking doll could be seen in the air. The goblin ran up to the doll and took a swing at it with his club, clobbering it good. Tojan began to cut a vine where she stood hidden behind the tree. TWANG!

    Branches snapped straight, which pulled on more vines. Those vines pulled on the ones around the goblin's foot, and before he had a chance to figure out what was going on he found himself hanging upside down in the air. It's pouch fell to the ground under it. Tojan quickly ran over and ransacked the pouch to the goblin's dismay, and pulled out the bottle of goblin gook she needed.

    "Thanks, Green-face!"

    "And the last ingredient, some daisy pollen." Tojan handed the final ingredient to Franni. It was a while since the sun had set and she was feeling pretty tired. What should have been a simple errand for Dark Kitty turned out to be a long adventure.

    Franni tossed the pollen into the pot with all the other ingredients. "Okay, that should be everything. Oh! Wait! I forgot one thing!"

    Tojan's shoulders slumped for a moment, but then she stood straight. She came this far, she wouldn't back down now. "What do I need to get?"

    "Okay, this is a very important ingredient, okay? And we need it before this mix settles or it will all go bad, so be quick about this!"

    Tojan nodded to her fellow pixie.

    "Alright. I need.... pixie dust."

    "Right!" Tojan zipped off into the air without a thought.

    After a moment, she fluttered slowly back down to Franni and gave her a glare.

    "Oh, you are gonna pay for that one sometime, Meanie."

    Franni couldn't stop laughing for a good hour.

    Tojan carefully placed the second vial of ink next to the first on Fang's desk. She gave a weary yawn and sat down next to her presents. She couldn't believe how much trouble she went through for something as simple as ink. Exhaustion overook her and she fell asleep, where Fang and Dark Kitty would find her the following morning, still sleeping next to the vials of ink.


  • Entry 61

    Okay, bear with me here. I usually find this hard enough to tell friends. So to write it down? Where it might get stolen and then a person I don't trust knows my secrets? What if it's a zealous paladin who then decides I'm an evil to be expunged?

    I think I need to write it down now, however. Hopefully, we'll have it solved soon and perhaps then this secret won't matter. At the very least, my other half will need an explanation. And who knows? Perhaps you, the mysterious thief, is really a friend who is looking for clues to help me because my nightmares have claimed me.

    So here we go.

    My name is Lorelai. Tindra used to be my name, but circumstances created deep scars. There is still a Tindra. I am simply another persona, caused by trauma. Tindra, unfortunately, is indisposed. And as I recently found out, I'm at fault for it.

    Here's how it all came about. Years ago, decades really, I was only Tindra. Tindra had come to Norwick seeking a new life, after being exiled from her tribe for her sorcery. She made friends and family. And then became involved with some werefolk. She helped prevent a war with the werewolf clans by becoming a werefolk herself.

    Unfortunately, in the course of that, she attracted the attention of a terrible creature known as the Dark Enchantress. She wanted a pet, and decided a werecat would be a good choice. Perhaps it was also because Tindra was a sorceress as well. So the Enchantress kidnapped Tindra and then brainwashed her with hypnotism and illusions. She made Tindra believe that her friends and family were betraying and hurting her. Fear grew until Tindra could no longer stand it and she ran away from Norwick… into the clutches of the Dark Enchantress who made herself appear to be Tindra's mother. She gave Tindra a collar which bound her mind to the Dark Enchantress.

    Minds are fragile. Deep down, Tindra wasn't... isn't a hateful and vengeful soul. With all the stress, the pressure, the twisting... She broke. Tindra hid herself away while a new Tindra came to the fore, this one being the one who accepted every little lie the Enchantress fed her. She became a person who hated everybody and wanted revenge for the betrayals she saw. The Dark Enchantress gave her a new image to better hide among the commoners so that she could secretly cause chaos and get her revenge. With that new image, a new name was chosen. Lorelai.

    Lorelai fortunately did not have the chance to fully see her plans come about. Vilmar, the elf who adopted Tindra as a sister, somehow figured out who Lorelai truly was and tricked her into a trap. Call Sanner and Amissa of the Phoenix helped him in breaking the collar and it's link. In that moment, Tindra woke up from her hiding space. Lorelai, already in pain from the collar's removal, was suddenly faced with the realization that she was not "real." Her thirst for revenge, her anger, her hate, all born from lies. Who she thought was her mother was very much not, hiding by illusion.

    Lorelai faded away and Tindra regained her life. And all was quiet for a while unt-

    _The half-elf looked at her vial she was using to write with. She dipped the quill back into it but found it empty. "Dammit, this figures. I wonder if Jerrick has some more at his desk." She started poking around at his desk, and only to find an equally empty vial.

    "You have got to be kidding. <g>FARK!</g>"_


  • Entry 60

    The shadows are taken care of, their necromancer is dead. By Selûne that was an awful battle. Shadows and shades everywhere. At one point, shades poured out in endless numbers from every dark corner around us, leaving no place to safely pull back to. Which stinks when their unnatural presense hits your mind and you lose yourself to fear.

    I did good right up until the end. One suddenly looked like her, the Enchantress. I panicked. Everywhere I turned, I saw her lashing out at me. After so much fear, pain, and loss of blood, I finally passed out.

    And even then that was no relief, my inner demons continued where the shades stopped. Somehow, some way, I could feel somebody calling for me. With all my might, I pushed through. I weakly opened my eyes and saw Jerrick over me, bandaging my wounds and somehow pulling me back from the brink of death. Others were around me, I heard someone give thanks to Miellikki and Selûne that I wasn't dead. Soliel unfortunately did not have such luck. Thankfully, she returned to life after we returned to town and brought her to the temple.

    Before this whole ordeal, I was getting concerned about Jerrick again. He seemed quite annoyed and pissed off. Maybe I took it too hard, but the way he refused to talk about it bothered me especially after Aelthas's attitude the other day. After we got back home to rest from this battle, however, everything seems fine again. Perhaps he was just very annoyed at something and didn't want to burden me. That would be just like him.

    He'll be waking up soon, I think I'll go get breakfast ready. I for one am looking forward to an ordinary and quiet morning followed by a quiet day. He'd like that too.


  • Entry 59

    Well, I now know who would win in a spell fight between Ronan and I. Some "puppets" attacked the south gate. Thorn told me of them before. There have been copies of him. After killing one, we faced a copy of Ronan. It summoned a giant water elemental. As people were trying to chase the puppet down, I tried casting numerous dispells at it. I think I stripped a good number of defensive spells off it. And then the water elemental came up from behind me.

    I didn't have a chance, it engulfed me and filled my lungs with water. Within seconds I blacked out.

    Thank Selûne that Celad knew how to help a drowned person. I owe him my life.

    Before the puppet attacks, there was a woman asking to talk to Jerrick. I didn't recognize her at first, but after a little while it hit me. Rith, the one who helped build the shrine for Lathander in Old Norwick and also founded the Order of Divine Shield. Turns out she's a member of the Phoenix too. She's a little disheartened by how both Orders have been lately. I hope she can turn things around.

    Actually, I rather like her. While she comes across as very faithful and rightous, she's also very level headed and a nice person to talk to.

    We also have had numerous attacks from shadow creatures. Jerrick is trying to find out who is creating them.

    I still feel very tired from all this. Especially the near drowning. Time for some tea and then bed.


  • Entry 58

    Soliel did make me feel a bit better about myself. I'm a little worried about her though. She's still mourning the loss of Devinee and she still feels very out of place here. She grew up in a temple without a lot of contact from regular people. I hope she'll grow more comfortable in time, but I can see it's very hard.

    I explained the whole situation of the nightmares to Lycka, Ronan, and Aelthas. Ro and Lycka were pretty supporting. Aelthas? I don't know. I tried asking Ronan about Aelthas and he told me he's just got some issues he's dealing with and that I shouldn't worry about it. I suppose he's right, I have my own issues to deal with.

    And then days later, Aelthas goes and shows me that Ronan wasn't telling me the truth. Yeah, he can be an ass sometimes, but THAT much? No, something's getting under his skin. After talking with Thorn, I think it may be after effects of becoming a werefolk. The same kinda happened with me. It's a change that affects you mentally as well as physically. Now just to figure out how to help Aelthas.

    I'm kinda liking Thorn's "bag of neverending belladonna" idea.

    I been spending some time with Thorn lately. I was with him before, during and after Fight Night. He reassures me as well, like the rest of my friends. We can't change the past, only deal with the consequences and hope to set things right. Somebody did ask if we were close. I think we are, but as siblings. He'd make a good mate though, I bet.

    He does worry about what might happen to me, when we confront these nightmares and their creator. Soliel does too. I bet Jerrick's thinking it too, even if he doesn't say it.

    I promise I'm not going to disappear. I'll work things out with Sis. Somehow.

    (OOC: I think I got my order of events mostly correct…))


  • ** The following entry is written with a shaken hand, as if the author was nervous or scared. **

    Entry 57

    By Selûne, I really made a mess of things. All this time, it's my fault. Tojan must be seething with anger. I feel it a bit. She's not saying anything though. Maybe she just wants this over with? I know I do.

    And Jerrick. He went into the realm of dreams to confront my nightmares. He saw faced my worst one. Myself succumbing to the Dark Enchantress again, becoming her and killing him.

    That's bad enough, but it's only a dream. I can see him brushing it off as such and not holding it against me. But Selûne, why why why why did he have to see that memory?

    Because he had to, right? Otherwise, how can he understand how to solve the problem?

    I feel so ashamed and disgusted at the kind of person I was at that point. No wonder I almost completely forgotten about the offer from that dark figure and my agreeing to it's terms. Revenge and freedom in exchange for my first born child.

    If I could meet my younger self, I'd probably slap her and wring her neck. That Jerrick can still look at me with compassion is a miracle. I think I felt my heart stop beating for a moment when I realized what he saw. Thank you, Jerrick, for your love.

    And Ronan… Whatever you think of Jerrick and lack of sacrifice is clearly in the wrong.

    Whoever in the future finds and reads this diary, I'm sure I'm not making any sense. I've left out so much here in this book. It's about time I correct that.

    But later, Soliel just stopped by.

    ((OOC: Woo, I've got a couple of days to make up here.))


  • _~Interlude, Part 3~

    Tojan had snuck upstairs when she realized Fang was done. He went into the dreaming realm, she could tell. The thought made her shudder. It could be a dangerous place if you are without a guide. And the only guide she was aware of was the Skald. But he was dead. Dark Kitty mentioned Pinkie's wife knew somebody, but they aren't here. It was just Fang. Fang must be a lucky one, to make it back fine.

    She stayed hidden and quiet, as she listened to Fang talk to Dark Kitty. He fought a nightmare. The nightmare, the nasty one. The one where she succumbs to the Dark Bitch and kills her loved ones… and becomes the Dark Bitch. That's a nasty nightmare.

    "What did he just say?" Tojan asks herself as she listens, finding Fang's recent comment confusing. "First born?"

    Dark Kitty's response was so laced with guilt the pixie could almost see it pouring out of her. As their conversation continued, the eavesdropping pixie felt confusion give way to anger.

    "I was right!" she thought angrily.

    Dark Kitty did do something to Kitty. Those nightmares, all along were Dark Kitty's fault! That deal she made, nightmares in exchange for her first born?! The pixie felt like she was going to explode. And how can Fang just sit there and comfort Dark Kitty! He saw it himself! So what if she stopped using the nightmares! They are still there, obviously.

    Just look at Dark Kitty! That imposter! Doing that to Kitty and now sitting there in her place! How dare she!!! She must be feeling pretty smug-

    No… Guilty... Very guilty. Ashamed. Scared. Regretful. Sorrowful. Feeling like she doesn't deserve Fang's love, yet would surely crack without it. Horrified at what she's done.

    Tojan frowned at what she felt through the mage bond.

    She watched the two get some tea to calm Dark Kitty, and then went to bed. The pixie understood why Fang did what he did. Why he still loved her. Tojan floated over and landed on her pet's head as she slept dreamlessly thanks to the tea.

    "You were a Bad Kitty. Unbelievably bad. I don't know if I will ever forgive it."

    Tojan sighed, "But that's not you anymore, is it?"

    Tojan looked over to Fang and hoped he could solve this. The nightmares need to be stopped. Kitty needed to be rescued. And Dark Kitty needed to be freed from her deal. The Kitties and an future child's fate hung in the balance.

    And to make it even worse, it's an unseelie fae behind it all.

    "Fark!" the pixie exclaimed, then laid down to sleep._


  • _~Interlude, Part 2~
    Tojan sat on the window sill and looked out the window at the night sky. Fang's house was cozy, and under different circumstances the pixie would love to be exploring the nooks and crannies and probably would find some fun mischief to cause. She just wasn't in a mischief mood, she couldn't be.

    The talk with Fang had gone well. He seemed to at least understand that Dark Kitty's nightmares were important. He seemed especially alarmed when the pixie told him that Kitty had them before, back when Dark Kitty was locked away.

    At first, Tojan was happy to see Dark Kitty suffer. The pixie never believed that Dark Kitty didn't do something to keep Kitty from waking. Dark Kitty had wanted that for so many years before. Tojan couldn't understand why Old Elf believed Dark Kitty. She must have tricked him somehow. And so, the pixie did what pixies love to do when they hold grudges. She gave Dark Kitty lots and lots and LOTS of mischief. Mean mischief. A few tricks drew blood even. She hated Dark Kitty and let her know it.

    But now Dark Kitty showed she's more than what Tojan believed. She couldn't believe how heart-broken Dark Kitty was when she came home the night when she realized her love for Fang and gave it up for a friend.

    Dark Kitty made a sacrifice for another? It shocked the pixie, who couldn't help but feel sympathy for her adversary. She was not Kitty, but she was also not as bad as Tojan believed.

    Forgiveness granted. Still, she wanted her Kitty back.

    The nightmares have grown worse. They have become bad enough they pain Tojan through the mage bond with the Kitties. The last nightmare especially worries Tojan. She saw flashes of it. Fang being killed. He understood that from Dark Kitty's sobbing. Fang was disturbed. He had them go to his house and now he began some ritual upstairs at his altar, with Dark Kitty next to him. Tojan didn't understand what for, besides trying to find answers. The pixie is glad he leaped into action, so that she and Dark Kitty didn't have to explain what killed him in her nightmare.

    It's how he died that scared Tojan as much as it scared Dark Kitty. It was Kitty's worst nightmare, too. If these nightmares overtake Dark Kitty…

    She would lose both? The pixie felt a pang of dread. She would be crushed. It was such a sad thought. A memory flashed through the pixie's head, of another pixie, Tilly, who's sadness was so great it affected a dryad's tree. Tojan and Kitty both felt that sadness, almost succumbing to it. Would that be Tojan's fate as well?

    As Tojan up at the moon, which was partly covered by clouds, she decided to call out to the one her both her Kitties revered. "Please Selûne, guide Fang to help my Kitties. Both of them. There will be much sadness if we lose either."_


  • ~Interlude, Part 1~

    _A pixie fluttered over Tindra as she falls asleep in the druid glen. "Who knew having a pet was so much work?" she said with a sigh while landing on a tree branch to sit. The pixie looked perhaps just as weary as Tindra.

    "Hey, Tojan!" a voice called out. It belonged to another pixie, who often stayed at the glen. "You haven't been around much lately, how are you?"

    "Hi, Franni. Sorry, I know I still owe you a rematch. But I have to keep an eye on my Kitty so much."

    "Oh, she still has problems?"

    "Yep. Kitty's still broken. Still got Dark Kitty."

    "Oh dear. I remember you mentioning her before. I thought you were gonna get rid of her."

    "Easier said than done!" Tojan huffed. "Dark Kitty just won't go away. I miss Kitty so much. And now it is complicated."

    Franni laughed, "What could possibly make this more complicated?"

    "Dark Kitty fell in love."

    The floating pixie almost fell down with surprise at Tojan's answer. "Fell in love? But I thought you said Dark Kitty is just hate-hate-hate and anger-anger!"

    "I know! She was like that! All because of that evil Bitch who tried to take my pet away. But maybe that's just it. Dark Kitty is her own now."

    "Ooooooo! I think I see! No Bitch, no hate"

    Tojan nodded, "Yep, that's what I'm seeing. She fell in love HARD. It almost broke her more! Unrequited love, you know."

    "Oh my! Who did she fall for?"

    "Fang."

    "Fang? As in… Oh! I know him, he's an elder! Huh, both Kitties go for druids, huh?"

    "Yyyyyyep! Funny that. I guess Dark Kitty's not really all that different. She and Fang finally are together now, but the nightmares are back."

    Franni frowned, "Not those again. Kitty had them too, right?"

    "Yep. And I don't think Dark Kitty realizes the significance. What should I do? I'm afraid to tell her."

    "I know! I know! I know!" Franni bounced up and down in the air excitedly. "Talk to Fang."

    Tojan blinked and looked over at her friend. "That's... Brilliant! Thanks, Franni!"

    "Sure thing! Glad I could-" Franni started to answer back, but Tojan was already flying away._