The New Journal of Drelan Ashire
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Twentieth Entry
–--------------------------------_This day the Sails waged war upon the gnolls. A small platoon composed in large portion by our crew embarked on a quest to retrieve some crystal that an elf said had come into possession of a demon, called the Crystal of Life or whatnot. We at first attacked the main gate slaying many but eventually their numbers became to great, and we snuck in through the pass to attack the south side only running into yet another trap. Again we killed many, but were unable to move forward though we did succeed not to lose a single member to death, though many had near fatal injuries. Between the gnolls and the beetles that spring forth from them on death its like having to armies in one. Still given our numbers we caused them heavy casualities, but until we can gain and hold ground we will always be at their mercy. The oddity was again the lack of demons. I have ventured around or near the camp several times and no demons have appeared. Quite a change, and if not a trap, to me signals a time to attack and to claim what we need. In any case, much expense and effort was expended for no end result other than dead gnolls. Not even a piece of elven armor was granted to us as we found none. In the end we split up, the captain and some select others trying a path of stealth to find the demon while I lead a group from the depths of the wood to Peltarch. However, it seems that I have not been harsh enough on them. The women refused to follow orders calling me insane and out to only get myself killed. While I suppose I should be grateful for the affection, even though I still thinkit merely a spector given pattern, this kind of undiscipline cannot be tolerated. If the odds were much worse many could die unnecessarilly. Nyda is not in my command, but I will have to think of worthy punishment for Alia, as much as I'd hate to give it near her wedding. Fedar on the other hand besides proving himself quite the flatterer afterwards has followed orders above and beyond what is expected. I will have to write a reccomendation for him.
For any that read this journal after it leaves my hands, make note that often the heroes with great deeds done, are not sung by any self absorbed bard or remembered in any annuals. It is the elements that remain unseen that almost always decide our fate.
Soon my real weapons will be in place, and with a bit of intelligence, we may yet free ourselves from two of the menaces plaguing these lands. My housing fund has diminshed during this war, but until these threats are eliminated a house would be in little safety. Not that I know a location, so many places have such bad memories. Perhaps I will have to contact this Atol to see if he would mind a new neighbor._
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Nineteenth Entry
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Then entry is written very quickly, obviously with great emotion as its not always perfectly coherent and the writing is done in long quick strokes._Damn bards, suddenly very protective of their libraries these days, even if more of the doors inside their college are now open to the public. I've viewed a library at least three times and now I cannot view it without head master approval? Gah, may my time be short here before I strangle them all.
Seems Amy was wrong as well. There was no doing of an enchantment as she said. Strange I almost thought her better, but seems even though she no longer follows that path she is sick with the bardic illness of saying one thing then doing the exact opposite. I suppose at least she looked happy enough, but I thought she thought more highly of me than to speak falsities.
Then there was the dwarf. I try to inform a crowd about the potential crystal threat, and he calls me an ass and retreats behind a wall? I go to get him to retract his statement then suddenly he has people falling all over to defend him though they did not start the fight and it was the dwarf that openly started it, and the dwarf was the most disrespectful foot stool I've ever met. Even the Slaughtered Druegar seemed to agree. Why is it the idiots, the selfish, the cheats, the disrespectful ALL HAVE armies of strangers willing to fall over dead for them, while good men and women are left to die in cold corners? I saw some at the temple of tyr today and besides those of their faith that roamed the halls, ignored. WHY? I keep praying to any god that'll hear me and yet there is no answer. Not one! Is every edict they send their blasted clerics about to convert us over to nothing but complete farce? Perhaps Corana was right, destruction unheld by any restrictions is needed at times. Restrictions was all that saved that dwarf, I did not want to harm the other fools, but if I did perhaps the land would slowly begin to see its utter insanity.
I never thought I'd be so glad to return to the darkness, if not for seeing Meeghan again I think I would just dig myself a hole and stay there. Why couldn't I be a hin? They seem to be the only sane people in these lands.
Loving families, protecting their own, their homes, seldom a rude word, overall quite a hospitable group, they practically worship peaceful activities of cooking and farming and have the closest thing to true friendship when offered than anything I've ever seen. Almost makes me want to saw of my legs and try to convince them I'm nay a tallie._
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Eighteenth Entry
–------------------------------------------------_I saw Fad today. She seemed to miss me, and despite my new bearing and my judgement I saw her and talked. She said that whoever disowned me was fools, we talked of the lands, its craziness, the wedding I never knew of, and she said she missed me. Well a me I do not remember, something about being open and warm. Never my described attributes, even by those that once said they loved me. Odd.
Today I plan a trip to Peltarch for personal reasons, the baths. The ones in the Valley are more secluded, but I fear I may start a war with that blasted Mallis if I see him again as he tries to prevent my entry, and my muscles are too tired to move. Hopefully the baths will help. Will be odd to see more than the docks on my business, many old memories lurk about the cobble there.
The nightmares have returned, though the sickness not with them, thank the gods. Its the one thing I never told Nyda of my symptoms. Is nothing she could do about them anyways.
I should visit the bardic library while I'm there. I do not look forward to the probable meetings, but perhaps on its shelves I can find what I seek. A path to victory.
May I not repeat the steps of dishonorable Relekev._
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_It seems weeks since I've been able to write. I don't think there's a place on my body that hasn't been stabbed, burnt, cracked, or otherwise. At least the gods show some pity through their minions. I found Cike, though he is worse than when he left. He, seems so familiar to something I experienced in the past but its probably rubbish. Merely tricks of the mind trying to find something like itself. I spoke to Candy of it, she of coursed told me that the wiggler I had found was in dire need of training. Gods I need to shove my nose down into a tomb and nay remove it until I have some sense. If I have to beg to Mirk one more time. The bard still makes my blood boil. I hope sister is alright and all maintaining their oaths.
Seems if rumor is true Alia will be married soon. Strange, alway speaking of needing time and to go slow, and here she is running off after someone she's nay known well but for a few weeks really. I suppose that is what the bards sing about so often. Perhaps, all they sing about are not lies.
I spoke to Nate today, will probably bring me death, but I had to correct him. I WILL not allow the crystals to spread any more lies. He said the crystals are prejudged, when in reality it is their own actions that bring them their judgement. They lied, they used force, and yet they act like they are not foes. At least Nate admitted, but only after telling him that I had seen many acts with my own eyes. All he could ramble on about was the grand scheme of things. It makes me wonder if he has seen what I have seen? However, if his dislike of Jarek's ways were true, it makes me wonder if the crystals are as cohesive as I thought. Was one of the first classes at the academy, always the problem with telling the enemy what you know. You never know if they speak truth or merely what you want to hear to bend you to their ways. Most battles are lost far before the sword is drawn. Still the risk is to great, there has to be another way. I only fear that all that now think they are on the right side, have been duped and will only realize the error of their ways when it is too late.
Amy's glare reminded me of my failures, I want to do nothing but lurk in this dark chamber with but a few visitors and rest, but this is my home. My blood will protect it, even if all that reside in are nothing but confused, delusioned, or manipulative beings, the land deserves it.
Ah, my nurse returns. I do not know if I'll ever grow used to this magic so freely about, seems useful enough, and I do envy the way she makes that water glass float around, but surely there must be some actions still fit for the physical muscle and bone._
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The door opened light guiding its way to the shelf where the journal sat. A man in freshly shined golden armor, his face hidden by a helm opened the journal and using the shelf as a table opened it. He removed a single gauntlet, and with a piece of charcoal drew a grid on the paper. On the North side he labeled, Norwick. Somewhere near the top right, Jiyyd, causing the name to fill up a square. He then began to dot the map with small words and circles. "Arrow, blood, Kell, Kell, blood, arrow, visions, fire, rumor" Each word filling up a box on the grid until he had a patch work of words around the edges, and in the middle, vastness. Much work would have to be done, but there was little time. The demons were beginning to eb in, and if the task was to be completed it had to be done in the days that remained before either side fully clashed with the others. A dart was then withdrw, and held over the page, the armored man not looking at it as he dropped it. After it landed piercing a small hole in the page and some after it, he looked down.
"And thus the path is lain." The man then closed the book and tucked it under his armored arm, leaving closing the door behind him.
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With every step Drelan went deeper into the darkness. The sword held accross both his hands, his journal resting a top it. Perhaps this was the abyss he was told to find? A potential pit, that seemed to never end. All had expected him to be the same. After all, he was always the predictable one, always there, always the same, but no longer he had changed. Even she realized that, saying the fact with what almost seemed to be fear. It didn't matter, his path was clear for now, without conflict or hesitancy. He kept walking until he came upon a small nook, behind a piece of stone that was hinged as a door that he had to move. Inside was a shelf. He slipped the sword upon it and the journal then closed the stone door behind him.
The only odd thing was as much as the he had seemed to conflict with the world, he strangely missed it.
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Sixteenth Entry
–----------------------------And again it happens, my rest another tool of my torture. Every friend, every enemy, every city, every lass, always the same end. Its as if I'm frozen in some painting of a battle, forced to fight the same battle for all eternity. I went to the temple of Helm, asked what the guardian wanted of me to be satisified, I recieved no answer. The Lady no longer guides me to safety, just into repeating horror. I have no home and not the strength to find a new land to only see the same end. I wrote sister a letter explaining how I could not do my duty and be there on the day of her binding, another sign of my weakness, but I can no longer force myself to watch anymore. I will miss her even she cared not for me, a mere problem in her path. I can only hope to escape the ever watchful eye, perhaps then I can gain my rest.
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Fifteenth Entry
–-----------------------------------------------_Power Pixie C? Ultimate power and savior of Jiyyd? Surely all have gone completely and utterly daft. Not only that but in the pitiful raid we made on the camp where we were driven back by literally thousands of gnolls, I beheld that crazy childlike elf turn into a similiar looking creature. If they are the same people place their hopes in someone that we at least ~hope~ accidentally about killed two spectators in the ferret one night? The realms are often strange, but I doubt this "creature" is some overly powerful being, though I have to admit the little woman did flitter and fight better than I would think.
then there are two or three pages of what seems to be quotes or cannons without any particular order below is only a sampling of what lies on the pages
Protect all until the fire dims.
You cannot save the world, protect your mates.
Keep and look to faith in troubled times.
A martyr would rally the cause
There are still a few that are not all.
The strength is there. the last one of the particular list being underlined several times in a charcoal_
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Fourteenth Entry
–-----------------------------_Whatever makes me happy? Thats what Ocean said today. When I cannot have a single thing I want, then it is offered. Gah that lass is daft at times. I did what I should. I gave Sister her dowry, after I questioned them all. If they keep their vows they will do well. I even ensured, hopefully, that ocean will treat Mirk as well as her true love. I thought the greatest pain would come from seeing one I loved so dearly again be yanked away, my duty and sense of honor forcing me to help it happen, instead it came from watching them all smile, especially sister when in the past all her apologies and things she said she wished she hadn't done, she realized that indeed she was glad she did them, admitted to it a loud. As evil as it is, I think I liked it when she at least felt some remorse. Perhaps my darker side wanted her to realize what she was doing when she came to the realization of what her actions meant. She may have said no, but she was instead always saying yes in action. But intense happiness as if there was no cost? Ocean did the same thing. I really do mean nothing in these lands, if even my supposed new family would kick me to the winds so. May Sune rot in whatever divine grave the gods will possibly have. I so despise being right, and cannot wait for the day when I'm horribly wrong. Ah well they should be happy, Mirk has his love, Ocean has who she wants, and Sister has them both. Perhaps it is envy that pains me so, or just the fact that I would be so easily sacrificed and ignored for ~true love~. Still all I can remember is all the nights when I was told I was the whole or at least half of someone's world. That and the happiness they felt at my actions even as I continually saw they would not do the same at every question I asked. Indeed may Sune rot. Duty or justice. Justice would feel so nice right now, and yet I cannot bring myself to do it. Damn Lermonian to the nine hells as well.
Almost was jailed for public drunkeness. Alia tended to me, helped cheer me up as short as it lasted. Probably one of the only three that have never used me for their own benefit. I just wish she could give me the will to fight again, but she can't seem to.
Nyda still tends to me as well. She says that talking about things will free me from the illness that plagues me. Yet if I do, I betray the ones I love, even if they do not hesitate to do the same. But still I talk to her about as much as I can, I nay know what it is, but I think she could get an orc to speak to her in their own tongue. I just don't see how her excercises could bring peace, all it reveals to me is more and more undue pain and foolishness.
I beg the lady shows me the path in my dreams, lest I fear I lose it forever._
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I like it, keep it up Etherian.
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Oh agreed, very well written
Of course if Ocean ever read it she'd probably kill herself, but that's Ocean for you 
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Agreed, brilliant!
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just want to poke my head it to say that I love reading this thread. Excellent, excellent work.
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Thirteenth Entry
–-----------------------------------_My, will to fight I think has finally left me. Garcen, your curse has won, albeit in a way you could never imagine. I spoke with Nyda today. She was nice and kind, and though sheltered not so different from who I was. Her master of arms sounded much like Garand. She said the most cliche wisdom. You can only find happiness in yourself. While it is wise, tis horribly short sighted. I, this is was my Dajemma as sister would say. What I found was nothing more than a man fighting desperately to hold on to a dream, to show that the legend and ideals of his house were not mere lore though the world did everything it could to make it so. Is this man worthy of praise? Yes, many that have known him does indeed pay him apologies and sections of worth by voice of lips and writings. Is the man actually worthy? No. I can say I am against banites, want to slay anyone I see. But unless I actually do it there is no difference than if I was for banites, or neutral to them. Action is the actual cost. Word implies action which gives word its worth, because of the hope or fear it will bring action. This is what's occured. I am not worth action. The city of Peltarch almost jailed me numerous times though I served it. Norwick as well. Jiyyd paid no heed to my wisdom. The Silver Valley exiled me though I gave blood for it. The Gali still don't remember my name, and were quick to let me rot. Sister, unknowingly through her actions do what people in my lands do to disown someone. Yet she says she respects me. Ocean said I was her world, yet left me to die in corners, ignored me do to some squabble with her father, cared not for anything I tried to do for her, and instead decided to wed someone that didn't do as much, though she supposedly doesn't love him and still does me. Mirk, betrayed me to help his own position though I called him friend, blamed me for all, could see nothing I did. I failed to save Amy. All say they ~respect~ me, but it is merely courtesy or perhaps their delusion. Nyda said if I am really what I thought I should be proud , happy in the fact that I am a virtuous, good man. As long as I seek something else not from me, I will not be happy. Instead all I see is a fool, whos attempts have earned him nothing but stress, blood shed, illness, injury, with no property, exile, cursed, and not a true ally in sight. If what he fought for does exist, he has none of it. This knowledge somehow is supposed to bring happiness. Hells it would have in the past for me. Fight for the sake of the fight, the challenge. The greater the fight the greater the challenge, the greater the learning, the greater the prize. But there is no prize. Victory brings the same as defeat, the same as neutrality. The acceptance of the realization takes away from my worth even more. Shows weakness, greed, lack of adherence for one's word.
Perhaps it is merely my own selfish arrogance and pride I've regained of late, but I am tired. May I gather the will to accomplish one last task in my retreat. Brother, I miss you._
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Twelth Entry
–---------------------------------------_It has been many days since my writing, but with Captain away I've nay had much time. I cannot wait until his return perhaps he can gain audience with this supposedly willing diplomat. Ah well, at least there was a fight in the ferret today. I was crushed of course, by a blind gnome no less but at least he won the competition. Candy was there too. I've nay seen her in so long, I was glad to see she was alright again. Almost was able to beat Mallis to the floor as well. The announcer called a final all out battle and free for all in the end. Pity the hins were working together, else I could have gotten him. Healea later did though. Lucky fool. Meant to duel him afterwards for honors sake but was called on by Rolan instead for a fight. Nay know why he wants to fight me. I've told him I've nay recovered yet, and my hip still slides around. Ah well, I'll nay run from a fight, if he wants some blood on him so be it, though I'm glad at least this night I was saved, for the alternative was so much, nicer. I'll need to buy something from Dwin in thanks.
Why does Tymora do this to me? Seems she can nay make up her mind if she wants me in these lands. First spurned, then lied, then betrayed by all, then ignored, then given a glimmer of hope just so that all can be repeated again and show me I'm a delusional fool, then destroyed several I touched, and while I was jumping to leave thes lands at the offer to go to the wastelands, the events of late make me hesitate? Am I a fool only playing to delusions of that what doesn't exist again? I spoke to sister, she probably thought me babyish, hells I thought myself babyish. But its not that. As much as it sounds, I swear I've spent hours trying to place myself. What am I? What should I be? What am I to the world? I'm nay liking what I've finding, and yet all actions seem to draw me to the same path. Well I best get breakfast ready, Lady of The Lanceboard please give my brother the insight to survive if he still breathes._
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Eleventh Entry
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_The gnolls move again. The camp has fallen. If only I knew why, I passed out during the fighting. Awoke safely though no one was around, only to the consequences. Odd games fate plays. We should have moved sooner instead of waiting. Now much more work will need to be done, and I fear the whole nars may fall into the beast's grips. Would be fitting to leave the Gali to die otherwise. Those that would not help others, would not protect their own oaths, never recognizing sacrifice. Much I find distasteful of the people, but if they must be kept alive as fodder to help control the mistakes of their people so be it.I need to go south to complete the ceremony. If only Cike knew that Amy is dead. The blind fool. She could never see anything but that which was not right though she was surrounded by it. Sil told me it was her time to go, but I knew better. Amy lacked the will. I hope I do not become the same though many nights I see much of her in me. Even with her foolishness. If only she could have waited…then perhaps. May the spirits guide her to the peace she sought, if it really exists. Always pained me to see her pain, her hatred, her inability to let go, the inability to see that the future is worth it even if it doesn't always bring perfect utopian times. I'll always remember her quiet calm simplicity, the beauty of listening to a rising breath, the smell of that flower sitting a top her hair. I miss her. I hope she can see me fighting for her home, for I know she would want someone to take her place.
The rest of the page is written in something definately far from common._
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Tenth Entry
–--------------------------_I do not know how the wigglers do it. For nights I have researched reading ancient tombs and babblings of the magically inclined or insane. I can read it, but I swear the lines blur and twist the mind after any work involving it. Perhaps I shall call on Candy, or even the bard. Sil said she needed to speak with me, I can only assume this means good news as her spirit seemed higher than in my last visits to her.
Can you kill that which is already dead? I heard those words in some play or perhaps read them in the bardic college. I'm sure Jena or Khaya would tell me yes, but I'm no longer so sure. I've witnessed many horrific and defying feats in this land, almost as dramatic as Relekev's accomplishments with the flesh. My new blade, while not as weighted as well as Father's, fought the vampire's well. I can only hope that it does the same to undead wigglers. If only I could think of a name for the blade.
Captain has left for several days, no doubt some business deal he forgot to tell me about again. If Mercy doesn't give the crew too much of a taunting perhaps I can have some gold waiting for him upon his return. I only hope I'm not needed elsewhere in the near future. I suppose one of the leutenants could take over, but as much as Captain argues against trust I'd hate to see him in the hands of someone that doesn't. Some lessons are learned harshly._
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Nineth Entry
–--------------------------------------------------------------------------_Finally, peace. Dare I say I actually felt happy for a while. Just had to get away from the bards. About decided that profession attracts people with uneasy minds and taints every bit of their actions. All except for Sil anyways, she seems amazingly well adjusted for one that even attended the college. Perhaps one day she will become head master, and if there is a blight in that place, cleanse it.
I glanced upon Mirk using that blasted green antlered helm again, praying to the all mighty Cariboo. You'd think almost dying several times while praying to the supposed creature,and only surviving because I gutted them, would teach him to follow a more reliable.. entity. I felt to much pity to beat the fool senseless. I grow soft in my age I think.
The shaking has grown weak again, and it seems I may be cured again. I will need to train particularly hard in this respite. Perhaps I will need to speak with Kull._
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Eighth Entry
–--------------------------------_Sisterink dribbles hugged me when I told her why I was angry. That was all. How that was supposed to mend or explain anything I do not know. This land is a strange place, always intentions never action. Of course, their intentions are usually lies, or deceptions to themselves. Captain knocked me aside for a pretty lass again. Bloody first leutenant, bringing in more gold than all others until my recent state and kicked aside for some lass he just met. Spoke with Mercy, and after getting used to the stench felt somewhat better, though more confused. She said ignore others, yet this doesn't seem right either. If trying to live as an example merely makes you tread upon, disrespected, and to live selfishly at least earns you a required respect for your abilities and guarantees you a soft bed yet still to be forgotten as soon as your powers weaken, what path is there? Both end the same. Perhaps this is why Helm forsook me, I couldn't see the answer to this question. I spoke with Sil. Cike has been gone for sometime. I hope to the gods that the stars look over him, guide him, and the fire keep him safe. He is the one friend, that never did any harm to me, never asked me for anything without being willing to return the like, and I am his brother. Not by blood but by plight. Different causes, yet still the same punishments haunted us, we always had a strange understanding of each other and what had to be done. I.. promised I would fight beside him, yet he has left without me. I must find him. Tis the only way to hold on to some remnants of the promise, and Cike would do the same for me. Mirk is wrong. Words, oaths, the intent to back them is everything. Not that he would understand that, for he is blind either by physical defect, or lack of teaching.
I will do something, I have fought for some time tonight. I will consult the flames. It is all I have left, all I really had, though I had hoped it wasn't and believed it for a while. Unlike the blue light, I know its orange glow is real. I will prepare for a journey soon, as soon as I have my supplies and some incling if even just a rumor of where to go. If the world will forsake and forget me, then I will do the same to it, and do what should be done.
As one of the last of my order, I make this pledge. May the gods take notice and woe to anyone who tries to keep me from my goal. Fire will take you._
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Seventh Entry
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_Cursed Mecc, that chancellor always has some unbelievably hard work not worth the money. Go after the lizard that slew three citizens, was the mission, payment unstated. Our party of mostly clerics of various faiths was able to make it into the woodsink dribbles even to where I protected Candy and further. The Lizards have quite a supply of tainted arrows and axes it seems. Every barrage had acid that burned the skin, and evidentally my gold armor attracted more attention than I wished. I used a fortune on healing remedies that day, always retreating back to drink and douse over the burns before charging in again. Each time the elven cleric looking at me like I was an idiot or a coward. I hope by the Lady my strategy was right, I lived.. if at great expense to guide most of the party back alive. The hin, Mia, was sticken down though by a nasty bite from a beast larger than I had ever seen, even bigger than the land sharks I used to fight when I lived in Norwick. Where is Portia? I hope she is alright, it feels as if I've been lax in my brotherly duties, and sometimes I'd give anything to be snuck up on by a bear and be slurrped accross the face. As disgusting as it is, it lets me know she's well. In any case, upon our return Mecc gave us our bounty, 2000 coin. By some odd joke of fate, I became leader and speaker of the group. Odd to be so taunted at times yet looked for guidance at others. I divided the pay equally between all, including the fallen Mia, but wouldn't let Mecc raise her by the power of his god. I think I may have offended him though I tried not to. The Lady allows me to be neutral, to have the flexibilty to work with many, but not all are that way and I doubted the hin would want to be raised by such a dark power. I paid for her raising myself. I should have taken it from her gold, it would have been fair and more kind to my purse, but it pained me that I had not done better. Mia has fought in many battles, at least I know the coin did not go to waste.I almost died again today, leaving Ormpur. I'd hate to say it, but if it wasn't for Mirk I would be dead. An army of worgs decended upon me as I tried to fight a way through for our group, I just really wanted to be away from that place. I think in my home I would be allowed to take his head for what he did, yet he too waivers between friend I owe greatly and dishonorable bastard. Why can't things make up their minds what they want to be of late? Sister is confused, or maybe angry at me for my sudden despisal of the bard, but what am I to do? I dare not worry her, but gods it felt good to slam her lover's green helm into his nose._
