3. The Days of Autumn

The Days of Autumn


  • The following are musings and thoughts of Autumn. She doesn’t keep a journal. That would require some degree of discipline and organization, of which she has little.


  • Aftermath

    Smoke is dead

    I could leave it at that I suppose, but such an important event in the city’s history should be remembered.

    The task force that went to the demi-plane worked well together. There were two groups. One main forced tasked with ferreting Smoke out and hunting him down, and the other to support them with magic to ensure he didn’t escape. Far Scouts, Defenders, Autonomists, and even former Silver Host were there. We all did our part and had our moments. Mine was making a clutch shot which knocked a deadly wand out of Smoke’s hand. The surprised and furious look on Smoke’s face will be forever in my memory.

    However, for me it’s not what happened during the mission. It’s what happened after that’s so important. For all the calamity, death, despair and sorrow that Smoke left in his wake, I can’t help but see all the good that’s happening around me. Don’t get me wrong. The lives that Smoke destroyed left a scar forever in Peltarch’s memory, but the healing is bringing the city together. Something that may not have been possible without the inflicted wounds in the first place.

    As a exited the Mermaid bringing two bottles of wine and enough meats, cheeses, and pastries to feed half a dozen people, I looked around me at the celebration. I saw Erurk talking to Tiller. His contribution and deeds finally making him King’s Guard. Berlinne and a former Silver Host knight named Laswell were regaling stories to a group of city guards. A group of armed Autonomists were celebrating with adventurers and defenders. All around me were the signs of unification, and I can’t help but think that without the tragedy of it all, that this kind of camaraderie would never have taken place.

    How ironic.

    I missed meeting the king and spent the remainder of the afternoon with Gom. The food was eaten. Two bottles of wine were drained. In as much detail as I could remember, I used spoons, forks, a half-eaten cheese pastry and two corks to provide an after-action detailed report. I knew that would be Gom’s thing and would help in his healing process too. Although his career will be forever tainted, I hope that someday that will heal too.

    As I was staggering home, I overheard General Del’Rosa announcing his retirement and that Williams will be taking his place. Rey will be promoted to Captain. I was in such a state that I didn’t want the General to see me, but as I passed by I wondered if I would be promoted in their wake. I’m not sure how much it matters to me in the grand scheme of things.

    I don’t measure my success in rank, but in the joy of those around me.


  • Interlude

    I have withdrawn from adventuring these many months to regain some clarity and focus on my unit. I’ve done little except train them. I want them to be the best. I want Peltarch to be proud of this little band of archers.

    The other day a large snow owl from the Giantspires appeared on my window sill, startling me and making me drop my cider. He had been hanging around the city for some time preying on the rodents that frequent the area. I had seen him occasionally on top of the city hall, and once on the Dancing Mermaid. I was delighted to see him up close, and greeted him in Auran but he didn’t respond. We watched each other for 10 to 15 minutes before he disappeared into the swirling snow in a flurry of feathers.

    Since that day he’s become a regular visitor. I speak in Auran and I tell him about my day. He sits there with a barely interested expression and listens to my babbling before taking off again. I think Gom would find it funny that I’ve named him “Winter”. I’ve prayed to Aerdrie and asked if this is a sign, but she appears as indifferent to my words as Winter.

    I’ve heard murmurs and rumors that command is getting ready to dispatch a group to hunt down Smoke. I hope I’m selected, even though it could very well be my death.

    They better not forget their archer.


  • Success

    I have achieved levels of success that just a few short years ago, I only dreamed of. I’ve become one of the best archers this region has seen. I have friends who ask me on adventure. I have a sword that one usually hears about only in campfire stories and bardic plays. I have coin in the bank, and the respect of those around me.

    The unit I’m in charge of has grown quite good as well, and has been noticed by my superiors. It all started when I introduced the games. Every ten-day, I hold an archery contest at the tournament grounds for my unit. The winner gets a one-day pass and twenty-five gold. The winner from the previous ten-day must marshal the context the next week, and thus cannot participate. This ensures the same person can’t win two ten-days in a row. This contest has bred some fierce competitiveness and camaraderie in my unit. People practice in their free time. Sometimes, citizens come and watch too, cheering their favorites on.

    Yet, despite all of this success I am worried.

    I’m worried that I will become someone I don’t want to be. I don’t want to be someone who thinks they are a better person than others. I don’t want to be self-centered. I don’t want to lose my hopes and dreams. Most of all, I don’t want to enjoy the killing which I’ve become far too good at.

    …because I want to kill someone, and if I succeed, I know I will enjoy it.

    That sucks.


  • A Little Bit of Awkward

    I started teaching Thyr’qara how to use the rapier the other day. I promised that I would meet her every other day on the tournament grounds, and thus far we’ve managed a few lessons.

    What’s entirely awkward about the situation is I know she really doesn’t want to learn what I am teaching her. She’s attends the lessons with punctuality. She’s on time. She takes to heart what I show her and goes through the motions of learning. But I can tell even after a few lessons that she will never incorporate what I’m showing her into the way she fights. So the question is, why the lessons?

    It could be boredom. It could be loneliness. Perhaps it’s a desire put a little bit of elegance and culture into her life because mastery of a rapier, unlike other weapons, tends to have that connotation. But she doesn’t want to master it. She just wants to understand it to pretend. Perhaps she thinks her gentlemen crush will be impressed? If he slept with her, he probably already knows who she is.

    Speaking of awkward, I was commanded by The Herald to attend a party. Isolde bought me a meadow dress or rather, what Peltarch culture thinks is a meadow dress (it’s not), and I went and felt completely out of place. Rey and Morgan got naked and enjoyed a hot tub with others. I drank too much and lost my emotional filter, which was embarrassing. It was a meeting between Royalists and Autonomists disguised as a party, and even today looking back on it, I am clueless why The Herald wanted me there.

    Yes, let’s throw a naïve shepherd girl with a singing sword in a room full of drunk people. That’ll produce diplomatic results!


  • Embarrassment

    I was meandering through the circle in the Commerce District known as “The Commons”. I was hoping to find someone to talk to, or perhaps even go on a short adventure.

    Crickets. Crickets are neat. They make wonderful night music but they don’t have much to say.

    So I pulled out the GPS scroll that Hemrod sells, and lo and behold I see that Rey is in the City Hall. “Great!”, I thought to myself, and meandered into the building to see if I could find her. I walk by the Throne Room and I hear a lot of people talking, so I think to myself here’s a chance to get nosey, see the King again and maybe see someone get knighted or other neat thing.

    No, they’re all sitting around this large table talking politics, and before I know it I’m being asked to sit down too. I’m surrounded by the Herald, Generals, Know-it-alls, and here I am lowly sergeant of 11 good archers and I’m being asked what I think about this, and what I think about that and …

    …Drannor thinks it would be appropriate to play “Rebellious” music in the middle of this conversation.

    I squash that in a hurry, but Drannor thinks it’s funny. Everyone is so dour and serious that he’s becoming insistent that the mood needs lightening. I can almost feel him giggle at this point, soft chords of musical laughter.

    Ugh….

    So now I’m arguing with Drannor in the middle of this, and I can see everyone thinks I’m crazy.

    Great. Just what I needed.

    On another note, Thy is lonely. She wants me to teach her to use a rapier even though there’s no real reason she will ever use one. She slept with someone that shall remain nameless, and I think she likes him. She got all dressed up because I can see she wants to be treated by someone, anyone as something other than a warrior, and I’m not really sure how to help her.

    Gom is still sitting in the gaol too. I don’t know what to do about that either.


  • Chaos

    I was taking the road back from Norwick. As I approached the city gates, something felt odd. I couldn’t place it until I realized there were no Defenders on the wall. I could hear the sounds of fighting in the distance.

    I ran through the gates expecting Orcs, but was astonished and befuddled to find guard fighting guard, and Defender fighting Defender. A runner came up to me telling me to look for Vick and Rey. Not knowing what side to be on in this civil war, I avoided the fights and found them by the gaol. The smell of burning flesh that came through the door and clung to their clothing was awful.

    To make a very long story short, a large group wanted the senate back, Smoke took off with most of the Far Scouts, I talked Captain Gom down peacefully where he was subsequently jailed, and my unit was transferred to Captain Williams. Oh yes … Vick was promoted and I was demoted. Honestly, Captain Gom should never have promoted me, but it still felt like a slap in the face.

    I had just received my requisition for 30 bows, the number of people under my previous command, but now I only command 10. I had briefed 3 sergeants. Now two of them are missing. As far as I know, Scott is still a lieutenant, which means now I have to take orders from someone in all likelihood, prays to some very dark power.

    The only saving grace from all of this is that Captain Gom will likely be released. He will be Lieutenant Gom and cross my fingers, I will report to him instead of Scott.

    I visited him several times while he was incarcerated. He seemed somewhat despondent, but maintained his composure. I find that I’ve grown quite fond of him. Not in any romantic way mind you, but I can see that he’s one of the good people. He’s quirky, odd, and not very personable, but I think that’s part of his charm.

    Every day I visit him I bring a sandwich. Then I make a point of cutting it in half and giving him a piece. The first time I did that, he might have cracked a smile.


  • Respect

    I won

    While I had expected to place well in the archery contest, I hadn’t truly expected to win. I’ve seen Leena shoot before, and while her form is decent, her intuition is uncanny. In retrospect, being an elder druid, it was likely due to the blessings endowed upon her while adventuring. They weren’t allowed during the tournament.
    I am hoping this win garners some respect from my subordinates. While being a good archer does not prepare me for being a good leader, it does mean they just might listen when I make suggestions or give instruction during training.

    Speaking of respect…

    I faced Scott in the dueling arena as part of the contest. Despite miss Robyn’s training, I knew I couldn’t win. The only thing I wanted to accomplish is to engender some measure of respect by being forthright and a good sport. While it distresses me that someone of such dark heart is so good in battle, I must respect him and his capabilities. Facing him in a non-lethal situation allowed me to experience first hand what he capable of, and where I must improve.

    I know this was a recruitment event for the Order of the Divine Shield. I am strongly considering being a member of this prestigious organization. Miss Winters was a force for good, and though her life was tragically cut short, she’s someone whose life I admire. However, prizes from this even were withheld from those of dark heart and evil intent. If I am to believe miss Robyn’s words, respect should always be given to your opponents. Failure to do so often results in failure. Not awarding the prize to Scott seemed wrong to me. People of good heart should know who they have to face, and recognizing their accomplishments is one of the first steps on the road to defeating them.


  • Evil Amongst Us

    I had heard some rather unsettling rumors surrounding my commanding officer, Scott Grimm. I had dismissed them as mostly gossip.

    Scott Grimm is a mercenary sort, always pushing and testing himself against better, and better opponents. While very bloodthirsty, I had respect for him as a man of accomplishment. There are few better warriors in this city.

    I also met a paladin of Arvoreen by the name of Warziver. A gnome who had been orphaned and raised by Hin, he had received a calling and devoted himself as a righteous protector of the faith. He is a paladin, a man of unswerving principles, and one of the best shield men I have ever traveled with.

    Warziver and I went on a raid to the gnolls to push back their number and their evil a little bit further. Together, we accomplished incredible things. Miss Robyn would have been proud.

    A few days later, Scott, Warziver, Vick and I were standing in the commons. It was then that Warziver brought up the subject of the evil amongst us, and remarked with no uncertainty that one of the greatest evils in the city was standing right next to me.

    Paladins don’t lie.

    It was then I realized, like a hammer to the chest that all the rumors I had heard of Scott were likely true. When I confronted him, he didn’t deny them. He merely dismissed them as effective methods for getting things done.

    I remember standing there for a moment, not knowing what to say. I glanced across the commons at Vick, the Lieutenant of the Farscouts, and by the look on his face he knew, and was with dark humor gauging my reaction to its discovery.

    I immediately went to Defender command to explain the situation. I will not take orders from someone who think summoning undead is an appropriate and effective tactic. My gut reaction was a transfer to Sally’s division, but Captain Gom’s solution was to promote me, so regardless of the situation I would never have to take orders from Scott again.

    I baulked at that. I have been such a short time as a Defender, and hardly ready to lead men to do what they need to do in battle. I will be seen as an interloper, one who has garnered favor by … inappropriate means, and will have no respect from my men.

    Unbeknownst to us, General Del’Rosa overheard the entire conversation. He let the promotion stand. I know he’s testing me to see whether I’ll rise to the occasion. I can’t fail him. Not when this kind of responsibility is being put upon me.

    I’ve been assigned three sergeants. One veteran, one standing, and one corporal promoted as part of the reorganization. The four of us will be used to create a new archery company in the Defenders. I have a meeting with them soon, and will review the troops shortly after.

    I wonder what command will do with Scott. Likely nothing, but one can hope.


  • Terrible Choices

    There are moments in life where every decision leads to terrible consequences. Such a moment passed before me recently.

    We were on a Far Scout mission led by this man called “Smoke”. As a Defender unit, we were transferred to the Far Scouts to aid in its completion. Our objectives were to kill or capture Vere, and rescue Treys.

    Captain Gom was to aid the Silver Host in defending the villages that were being assaulted by “Fire Genies”, essentially extra planar elementals. While this was happening, we were to move in quickly, accomplish our mission, and leave.

    As I write this, I’m still puzzled how it all unraveled. As we approached a ridge, we could see Vere on one side and Captain Gom and his forces on the other. Captain Gom and his men were dying. Horribly. We were ordered by Smoke to prepare to complete our objective. Vere was right there.

    …but our captain and his men were dying…

    …horribly.

    We saw Captain Gom try desperately to defend himself and the men of his unit. He took a spear to the chest. His armor and limbs burned and withered under the creatures’ assaults. It was demoralizing and agonizing to watch.

    Much to Smoke’s dismay, several of our members moved to help the captain and the villagers he was defending. I stood there, paralyzed in indecision before deciding that I would be a good soldier and serve the greater good, and defeat the creature that was Vere who commandeered the faith of Robert Holmsmead. If we helped our captain and the villagers, Vere would never be defeated. It was our only chance.

    To this day, I will never know which decision was right. Vere was defeated. Captain Gom was saved miraculously by a potion of regeneration. Treys was rescued. Robert Holmsmead repented.

    We won, right?

    I’m not convinced we did. Our efforts to free the Silver Host cost the lives of too many knights and too many citizens. Too many good people died. I don’t think the greater good was served at all. We were duped, misled, and achieved what we set out to do, but as far as I am concerned, we lost.

    One thing is certain. I will never view Captain Gom the same way again. Ever.

    I watched a man belittled by many, ridiculed by some, put his life before those under his command. It was inspiring. He may act quirky and may not be the model of what one would expect in a man of his station, but he will always have my respect.

    I have written an after action report and placed it on General Del’Rosa’s desk. Hopefully my captain will receive the recognition he deserves.


  • My life set to music

    Every season in the village I grew up, an entertainment troupe would arrive for a few days and put on a spectacle. Often times there were plays of heroism and villainy, love and tragedy, and musicians would play in the background to set the mood. In the college here in Peltarch, sometimes there are entire orchestras, and the music swells to the hero’s triumphant victory, or with somber notes with unrequited love.

    My entire life now, has “mood music”

    The “Wailing Blade”, as Aruhan called it when she put it to auction, seems to have a mind of its own. It creates music, unbidden sometimes to my own mood, the situation around me, or whatever it damn well feels like. If I sing, whistle or dance, the accompaniment is quite enthusiastic and joyous.
    The longer I own it, the more prevalent this has become. There are times I want to embrace it, and other times I pray to Aerdrie for a spell of silence.

    I did my own reading and contacted several lore masters about it. No one seemed to know anything about this peculiar weapon. However, with the aid of a spell of Lore, Syltria the Magistrate was able to find out it’s immediate history. The following is her report –

    Drannor’dharasha

    This blade’s story begins when it came out from Undermoutain with Mirt the Merciless, one of the Lords of Waterdeep.

    Given to him by Halaster Blackcloak whilst under the guise of a gnome whom Mirt and Durnan freed, the Old Walrus thought it a powerful but otherwise unremarkable relic. As a result, he kept it with him rather than selling it as he did with much of what he recovered.

    His first clue that it was more than it seemed came roughly one year after he ad received it, when what sounded like a harmony line played on the harp came from its sheathe while he hummed a tune.
    Upon further investigation, he discovered that the longer it is with an owner, the more its innate abilities became obvious, and the clearer its desires become.

    Eventually Mirt found the blade more of a distraction than an aid, especially considering the covert nature of much of what he did, and he passed it on to a promising young bard named Arugan Endover, who wielded it for many years before meeting his end in the Yuirwood helping to defend the half-elves of that place from a threat raised by their dark cousins, the Drow.

    From there, it was carried into the Underdark and eventually made its way to the Narfell region where it was recovered from the Drow by Aruhan Aersdottir, a daughter of the Nars Barbarians, one of the last of her people, before it made its way to Yavie, an elven archer.

    The truth is that Drannor’dharasha has had tales and stories for centuries before Mirt ever received it, and only it knows all that there is to be told.

    An intelligence lies within it, but not one that can communicate telepathically or through words with its wielder or anyone else, instead using the gift of music to do its work. It is cheeky, as well as given to moods and is just as likely to be disruptive as it is to be helpful.

    Only after it has bonded with its wielder for a year does it begin to “sing”, allowing the activation of its innate abilities, all of which are designed to further heroic tales and adventures.

    These innate abilities include:

    • Harmonizing with its wielder’s artistic performances, no matter how mundane.
    • Playing “theme music” when it is interested in doing so, such as a battle song during a particularly dangerous combat, or ominous music when receiving a prophecy or omen.
    • Warning of incoming danger to help further a story or legend with a discordant note, or staying silent for the same reason.
    • Humming loudly to indicate the way to a desired object, or the way into or out of a location, when it is inclined to do so
    • The capacity to find the harmonic frequency where a glass or crystal item would shatter, and then create a sound at the required frequency, when it so chooses.

    A silence spell suppresses these abilities, and will leave it sulking for a tenday.

    So there you have it. My entire life is now a bardic play in the making! I dread the day I run into Captain Gom though. I’m sure the sword will no doubt do something … inappropriate.


  • The People in My Life

    Since I’ve come to this city, I have encountered all manner of people, which delights me. Even the people whose affiliations disgust me (That means you, priests and priestesses of Velsharoon!) have been a learning experience and have opened windows of view into the greater world than was possible living in a little village on the coast of the Moonsea.

    I have developed many acquaintances but few friends. I expect that’s normal even amongst humans. Growing up in Bywater, I had only a handful I would have called friends. These are the people who help you with buckets of frogs, late night ghost stories, and know intimate, embarrassing and terrifying details about you because they’ve lived them … with you.

    Here in this city, that one person is named Blue. Although she borders on the outskirts of what I would call friendship, she’s the only person who’s crossed that line. She’s human, so I understand that this friendship will be limited in years.

    I think our friendship developed because we are both fish out of water. I from a small village with little outside contact, and her from a reclusive monastery. We both view the world from fresh eyes, and it’s wonderous to see the world open new experiences for the both of us. She is kind and humble, fierce and dedicated, and has a good view of the world that I can share.

    My mentor is a woman named Robyn. A sad reclusive sort who is terrifyingly good with a rapier. She pushes people away at every opportunity, yet has graced me with instruction in archery, swordsmanship and life in general. In her last meeting with me we walked the breadth and depth of the city. She never had children of her own and asked if I would be her legacy. She spent her life fighting for the common good, and it was an honor that I would never turn down. I hope that can continue her life’s work as she would see it. In turn I’ve written home and asked if she could find a place in our village to spend her remaining years.

    There is of course, my Defender unit. I spent far too much time with this people in professional capacity. Most I barely know. We all fight for different reasons but for the same cause. My immediate commander is Lieutenant Scott Grimm, an extremely competent but rather bloodthirsty sort with rumors surrounding them I’d rather not speak of. Yet, if my life were at risk there few better choices to protect it. Captain Gom is my unit commander. While he frets about his hair and misremembers names, I always get the impression I’m dealing with a very wise and intelligent person. Having him as a commander is endearing.

    Finally, there is a person named Tyrus. I haven’t quite got a handle on him yet. He’s a warrior who professes an allegiance to Helm and Tyr. He seems to fail a lot in his tasks and is full of self-doubt. Yet oddly, things just seem to go his way, almost as if divine providence were at hand. It will be fascinating to see his life unfold and find out if truly, the gods have plans for him.


  • The Silver Host

    The Paladins and Knights of Torm came to this land with pomp and ceremony. Their bright shiny armor glistened in the sun, and the warhorses they rode were well bred and sturdy. It was a story book setting with story book heroes, and I watched it all with awe.

    They are led by a Sir Robert Holmsmead, a man of near divine favor. Together he gathered his troops, and led an assault on the demonic forces that destroyed Jiyyd. I was blessed to be a part of that, and his mere presence inspired courage and confidence. Together we rid Jiyyd of the demon menace, in a manner befitting tales of legend. I was even rewarded with a pendant bearing the marking of the Silver Host, that’s enchanted with blessings of protection and resolve.

    But things are not always what they seem.

    In their desire to set the land right and punish the wicked, they have forcibly gathered folks, some of which have already paid for their crimes. They charge that these people were not duly punished, and that only Divine Justice will set things right.

    This is terribly analogous to the Bane led purges that I read about in school. Divine right has no bearing here, and if laws are broken and people freedoms taken away, how are they any better?

    Granted, they have brought to justice many wicked people. But they go too far, pulling people from duty and homes. Lieutenant Rey was the first casualty that tipped the scales of Peltarch’s neutrality. She is a Defender. One of the city’s great warriors. She did some horrible things in her past, but was put on trial and now pays restitution by caring for the city’s lost children. She has no business for paying for her crimes twice.

    Now it seems that Sir Robert may is the one being played by his seer, one named “Vere”. I don’t know the details, but I suspect she’s not what she seems.

    I hope this is sorted out without direct conflict. There are many good people in the Silver Host, people that want to do good and save the world from evil. I would hate to see it come to bloodshed. So many good people will die on both sides.


  • My Tour of Duty

    Torm is the human god of duty and loyalty. I have met a few priests of him here in Narfell. In particular, Galin in the Temple of the Triad. He is a stern yet fatherly sort of whom I have much respect.

    The concept of duty has weighed on my mind recently. While at home, this would be a simple chore like feeding the chickens. Here in the city, particularly for these humans it means much more. Duty is implied as service to a greater whole. Usually, there is honor and sacrifice that goes into it.

    I’ve decided to embrace service and duty to the City of Peltarch and join the Defenders. I must admit, that part of this decision was the curiosity of what drove the human soldiers to serve. The other was that I thought I might make good use of my skills to protect those that can’t protect themselves. By the standards of my people I’m but a teenager, barely into adulthood. Yet here, I have already lived a full lifetime. Though time passes differently for Tel’Quessir and the people here, I’ve acquired more general knowledge than many. My archery skills surpass all but their best soldiers. Why not put that to use and serve the greater good?

    I was a recruit for a few months, and quickly earned the rank of the most basic soldier, a private. Unless I show leadership though, I’ll probably remain in this rank for some time.

    My direct report is a man named Scott Grimm. A lieutenant in the Defenders, Scott is an extremely seasoned swordsman. He’s an abrupt no-nonsense sort, who says what he feels and doesn’t take crap from people unless he has to. He’s a bit cold and bloodthirsty for my liking, but there are few others whose skill and resolve I respect as much.

    My captain is a man named Gom. I’ve heard reports that he’s a brilliant tactician, but he’s obsessed with his appearance, particularly his lack of hair. Personally, I find his lack of hair adorable. I’m sure other woman do too. If he stopped obsessing about it, he might come to realize that. Beyond that Gom has a dark and quirky sense of humor I find endearing. I can’t speak for his soldiering though, as I’ve not traveled with him.

    One thing I’ve learned about being a soldier is that it provides a sense of belonging that I’ve not had before. I don’t just dwell in the city. Now, I’m a part of it.


  • Rapier

    Aruhan somehow managed to get ahold of a singing blade. It was a rapier, the finest blade I have ever seen, something born of story and legend. She was holding an auction for it, and I assumed it would also command a legendary price. I made it a point to show up, just to see which wealthy person was going to acquire it and how much it would go for.

    I was the only one there who was even remotely interested.

    I was flabbergasted. I didn’t have close to the coin that Aruhan was asking, yet I had a great number of goods to trade. These included two exquisite blades, one bearing Corellon’s holy symbol, along with gold, rings, and other items. I put in a bid on a lark, just in case I was the only one interested…

    …and lost, only because Lieutenant Vick Blake showed up at the last minute. He placed a bid, and it was accepted. I wasn’t completely heartbroken, but I certainly went on an emotional ride thinking for a moment that I might get it….

    …and that’s when Vick offered it to me, for what I was originally bidding, plus my first pick of some substantial item later.

    I didn’t know what to say. I thought he wanted something of me, perhaps something I was unwilling to give. But no, he was just being capricious and kind. I asked him why he even bid on it only to give to me, and he just shrugged. The only thing I can think of is maybe he gets great joy out of helping others, but he never struck me as the type. Perhaps I’ve misjudged him.

    Now I had this legendary rapier. A sword I never expected to own. A sword I haven’t been truly trained with. So somehow, I needed to take advantage of the situation and learn to use it.

    There’s a woman named Robyn who spends most of her time in the Mermaid. She sits quietly by the fire doing puzzles. I’ve seen her practice on the College stage though, and for someone who is innocuous and blends in with the crowd she seemed terrifyingly good with it. Rumor has it she killed someone famous in a duel in the marketplace.

    She eventually agreed to teach me. I offered to pay her but she refused. Her only stipulation was that she would teach me only what I needed to learn. Nothing more. Nothing less, and that I would listen to what she had to say. When I asked her why should wouldn’t accept payment, like Vick she just shrugged.

    There was a part of me that feels like I owed these people something. It eventually struck me that what I owed them was to make the best use of this gift that was given, and do right by the kindness they have shown me.


  • Treasures

    Ever since I was little, I’ve been fascinated with flight. I’m completely jealous of the wizards and nature priests who can affect a shape change, and become something that flies. Bat, bird, it wouldn’t matter to me. To be free up in the sky even for a day is something I would like to accomplish.

    That and my wanderlust turned my prayers to Aerdrie Faenya. Such was my passion at one point that I even learned the language of the Avariel. Unless I meet one, it’s an utterly useless skill. No one speaks it but a handful of people these days. The Avariel are all but gone. I had thought, perhaps foolishly, that learning the language would grant me her favor, but Aerdrie is fickle in such regards, and rarely concerns herself with us. Nonetheless I say my prayers and hope that one day, she’ll listen.

    I thought that day had arrived. A resourceful Hin named Derek Underhill often grabs folks in the city circle for all manner of adventure. One of the known treasures was an Angel Wing Cloak … that allowed one to fly.

    Yet, when it came time to draw lots for treasure I drew the next to shortest straw. Someone else grabbed it and I was left standing in the frustration and randomness of it all. Perhaps she had indeed heard my prayer, and decided if my luck and ambition will good enough, that I would have a chance to wear it.

    It’s odd, because otherwise my luck has been spectacular. I found a pair of boots crafted by an Tel’Quessir woodsman, and they allow for swift and quiet footing. The blade I found has the symbol of The Father on it, and was also made by Tel’Quessir hands. Were I a swordswoman of some skill, I could make better use of it, but my heart and life are in my bow. Nonetheless, I will wear it with pride.

    My skills with my bow have grown and been remarked upon since I’ve been here. The head of the Far Scouts suggested that I join the city’s “Defenders”, and that they’d be glad to have another archer. I shall have to dwell on that. I wholly doubt I am soldier material, but it would be a new experience for me. My mentor, rest his soul said I should fill my life with new experiences, so perhaps I will.


  • The Letter

    When the letter from The Court finally reached me, I was beyond excited. It arrived by courier from Spellweaver, and I tipped him well for his troubles. Then I opened the seal and read it.

    It started off well enough. It was written in my native tongue, and thanked me for telling them of Gaeleron’s downfall, and marking the location where he was buried. Being an Elder, they’re considering relocating him to a proper spot for his final resting place. A shallow rocky grave on the side of the Long Road does not befit a man of his life and service to his people.

    When I read the next section though, a cold knife slowly twisted in my stomach. The bottom line is that no, I would not be assigned another mentor. Whatever agreement and arrangements I and my family had with Gaeleron died with him. I was welcome to return home, apply for service to The Court, and perhaps when I’m older and have proved myself, future considerations may be forth coming. I was duly reminded that service as a Warden was only given to those of exceptional skill and ability, and few even out of the elite were chosen.

    I threw the letter into the fire. I’ll make my own destiny here in this cold land without them.


  • Pride and Prejudice

    The Orcs and Tel’Quessir have been warring since before recorded history. The Orcs are a brutish race, bent on conquest and destruction. They raid towns and villages, destroying everything in their path, often leaving behind unwanted offspring when women are violated. Most of them are evil personified.

    In our village, raids were always a threat. All able bodied men and women were required to take part in training, even if it was just to heal injured or carry them from the field. Those events were often both somber and joyous occasions, and villages banded together for training and feast. In my youth I won an archery tournament at one of them, the day I met Gaeleron.

    My grandfather died in the West Forest Orc wars before I was born. My mentor Gaeleron was killed just a few months ago when Orcs ambushed us on the long road between Damara and Narfell. I have no love for them. My first kill was an Orc who pointed a crossbow at me in the forests west of Peltarch. Every time I see one, a little bit of rage rises within me.

    I shouldn’t be surprised that there are half breeds in the city of Peltarch. I’m sure they are the product of raids. Unwanted souls left on doorsteps. I know it’s not their fault, but their visage brings out unreasoning hatred, and I haven’t figured out how to quell it.

    I categorize these half breeds as two type. Those that have embraced their Orcish nature, and those that try to fit in. There are two I’ve met in Peltarch that fall into the latter category. One is Tiffany, and the other is Tim.

    Tiffany is aware of the effect she has on other folks. Tim does not, or chooses not to acknowledge it. Both are intelligent and good people. I have traveled with both, and despite my unreasoning instinct to shoot them and leave them in the swamps, I trust them. I applaud them both for trying to make something good of their lives.

    I know this hatred I have is born of decades of upbringing, lore, and training. My heart tells me one thing, and my head tells me another. Here in this city I’m going to have to learn to put the hatred aside and give these people a chance to become better than their heritage.

    It’s the right thing to do.


  • Enchantment

    I had my Grandfather’s bow enchanted!

    I was cautioned many times that the coin was simply not worth it. That it would take too much coin and too much of myself for such a meager benefit.

    They just don’t understand.

    The enchantment was a simple one. By tuning my essence with the bow, and putting a little of me into it, it has become an extension of who I am. Although I will always call it “Grandfather’s Bow” out of habit, it’s now truly “Yavie’s Bow”. This process required a dragon’s eye gem to allow the bow to “see”. It also required an enchanter with some artificer skill to mount it and tune me to it. The process took a lot out of me and I have yet to feel myself, but the small subtleties this tuning provided are extraordinary. Arrows are easier to place. Knowing where to aim is easier and faster.

    Archery is all about the little differences. While I was still in Bywater, Gaeleron once asked me what the most important part of archery was. When I hesitated, he poked me on the forehead and replied, “Yavie”.

    Now that the bow and I are closer to being one, I finally understand.

    Sadly, he’s not around to see it


  • Recognition

    There is a man in this city that goes by the name of Cecil. He is one of the larger than life heroes that dwells in this city, and I mean that in quite the literal sense. For he is indeed, very large.

    So large in fact that I hear the benches creak dangerously when he sits on them. You could stay cool in the shade he provides. Were he and Aruhan be wed, their progeny would make Faerun tremble. In combat, he uses his great size to wield a large sword with leverage and terrible effect, sweeping through smaller opponents like grain being harvested.

    But he is also large in heart too. When traveling, he is instructive and caring. He protects those that accompany him with his skill and tactics. He’s one of these people you meet in life that 100 years down the road, I fully expect that this city’s children will hear the embellished stories of this great man.

    So when he turned to me, after a foray into the swamp to seek out some vicious hag witches and said, “Autumn, your great! You can travel with me any time!”, I just about gushed with pride.

    I floated on a sea of good feelings for the remainder of the day after that remark, but I must caution myself that I don’t think that he has seen a truly great archer. There are those of The Court that have put hundreds of years to the craft, and easily put my meager skills to shame. Some day perhaps, I will be one of them, but that someday is a long time away.

    So while I enjoy Cecil’s perceptions of my skills, I must ground myself in the fact that my journey ahead has just begun.