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Re: Murmers of Nature - Iolana's Journal

Posted: Tue Mar 19, 2019 8:33 pm
by LivT
I'm finding a great sense of tranquility in tending the Shrine to Eldath, between the patrols of Greenest and wandering to and from the farmlands. It offers a time to reconnect with my beliefs and enjoy the full isolation of the woods - so far from civilization that it is. Curiously, twice now I have encountered a pilgrim or wanderer there.

The first was Tholgur, a Dwarf who like many of his kind was a touch rough around the edges but a good and agreeable nature underneath. He readily obliged my request to sheath his weapon at the Shrine and I found his blunt manner quite diverting. As it turns out he is brother-in-arms to Aiden, who has been tasked with keeping an eye on him. I hope he does well in the Watch.

Another was met only today, Trystane. Seems he was a wanderer, a ranger thinning the population of Gnolls in the Reaching. We ended up having quite a long talk, of Gods and family and the like. He's interesting; there is a sense he has far more stories to tell that couldn't possibly fit into a single afternoon.

Oh, Terri and Aiden have at last reconciled! Such a relief, I didn't like to see them so at odds. Terri returned to her puckish self, and Aiden, well, it is one fewer thing on his mind.

He has had word again from Cormyr... I've not had the chance yet to ask him what it was about, but I know it must be serious. His new renewed familial communications at last inspired me... I wrote to mama two days ago. No reply yet, but I will check with the postmaster tomorrow.
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Re: Murmers of Nature - Iolana's Journal

Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2019 5:17 am
by LivT


You Can’t Choose Your Family


The fluid lettering on the parchment blurred as tears filled my eyes. I roughly wiped them clear with the heel of my palm, sniffing and taking a moment to gain some composure

“Come now, I’ve mourned this relationship long enough.” The words said aloud with the hopes they might be more convincing that way; regardless, it was impossible to read the response from mother without pain. Even here, so far from Amn, she somehow managed to make me feel like a child again: stupid, graceless, and disappointing.

I know I have to reply. I also have to stop reading this damned letter over and over; do I expect the words to change the next time I read it? Mother will never change… I think that’s clear now. Her anger shackles her and it strangles me. I will never make her proud or affectionate; she doesn’t want me, this I must simply accept.

I turn my thoughts instead to Aiden, the only one I’ve shared the contents of the letter with and when I recall his advice I begin to calm. He has faith in me as no one ever had before, and I suppose for that reason, his encouragement makes me actually believe I can and will respond to mother with equanimity.

I looked to the parchment one last time, crumpled it into a ball for the hundredth time, and threw it at the coals of the fire… and with it, the last shred of who I was in Amn.


Re: Murmers of Nature - Iolana's Journal

Posted: Fri Apr 05, 2019 7:12 pm
by LivT
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AESA:
Requested by Wren that I treat her; suffering from nerve damage in the hands and fingertips due to frequent alcohol poisoning. Has been off the drink for about a month now, no signs of yellowing in the eyes or skin and though she is still recovering from the toxins, no other sign of serious liver damage. Not pregnant or expecting to be. Difficulty sleeping, and slow to recover from injuries.

Hands - reflexes when fingertips were pricked were not pronounced and a little slow, she has shown a significant loss in dexterity, signs of trembling and poor circulation. This will take time to heal properly, but it’s early days yet.

Corydalis based treatment would be best, if I can track the plant down. There may be herbs with equivalent properties, but Corydalis will likely be the most effective choice.

Warming Lotion - Ground Corydalis root, Lily of the Valley, beeswax, vegetable oil, small fire seed, in parts 2:1:2:4:1 massage in to hands after dexterity exercises.
Compound - Corydalis root, Cantharellus, Valerian, 4:2:1 one scoop before sleeping, can take directly or infuse in tea, 15 mins hot-not-boiling water.

Meantime I’ve shown her a few dexterity exercises, and given her some Cantherellus mushrooms and a few simple remedies. Should I not be able to track down Corydalis, these will do till an acceptable substitute can be found.

Re: Murmers of Nature - Iolana's Journal

Posted: Mon Apr 08, 2019 1:21 am
by LivT
I gave into my weaknesses today... the shame of it is sitting in my heart like a lump of ice. I was not even aware of it at the time, not until the smoke had cleared and I looked back on all that happened and saw just how I'd behaved.

Yes, we were responding to the threat of Necromancers but how does that excuse my own weakness? Anger, bitterness, gloating, sneering, was I suddenly back in Eshpurta? I thought that wasn't me, not anymore but... it is. It is me, angry, bitter, snide me, for surely my flaws are as much a part of who I am as my strengths are?

It's good to understand this now... painful, but good. These weaknesses of character will always be there, so too then must the strength to overcome them, to be better than that. I choose to be better than that.

Abstaining from fighting or getting in a tangle with necromancers must be the first step for now, focus instead on my duties to the Shrines, and Aesa's treatment.

Eldath, I ask your forgiveness and guidance...

Re: Murmers of Nature - Iolana's Journal

Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2019 2:32 am
by LivT
FINGAL

Desirous for a sleep-aid. Has recently cut back on the drink and is suffering insomnia for it. Not prone to troubling dreams, likely his mind can be easily trained to fall asleep naturally again. He seemed rather desperate for a quick knock-out; a tincture might be best for that, though no more than three doses per vial. Would not do to have drink replaced with drug. Will encourage him to use tea instead, the ritual before bed time should help slow his mind and ease him to sleep.

Tincture:
Chamomile:Valerian:Poppy: 4:2:1 One or two drops under the tongue immediately before rest.

Tea:
Chamomile:Lemon-balm:Valerian: 8:4:1 steep one scoop for ten minutes in hot water, add honey for taste.

Re: Murmers of Nature - Iolana's Journal

Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2019 6:44 pm
by LivT


”Just Friends”


A fresh chill on bare skin made Aiden draw Iolana tighter into his embrace, the couple spent and tangled together by the fireside. There was little sound other than the crackling of the embers under their own laboured breathing and - for Iolana, who’s cheek pressed against Aiden’s bared chest - the hard and slowing thump of his heartbeat.

Now and then Aiden drew breath as though to speak, but would then swallow or quietly clear his throat. Iolanna blinked up at him, the firelight making her golden eyes luminescent as molten lava.

“…What?”

“I’m… trying to think of something to say…” he had to chuckle a little awkwardly, and she in turn blushed.

“Well, I just now found out actions often speak louder than words, so…” her sentence trailed off, but Aiden grinned at her, and tucked a long lock of black hair behind her ear.

“Oh? And what were all *those* actions saying?”

“…That I’m in love with you.” The confession was quiet; she snuggled against his chest, calm and peaceful as the Goddess she worshipped. “And I know you’re in love with me too.”

She looked up when Aiden sniffed sharply; his jaw was tight, lips pressed to restrain a smile; and there, a glimmer in his eye, a glisten on the lash… a tear, barely kept in check. He swallowed hard and looked down at her.

“Can I still tell you that myself?”

“Oh yes… and frequently, thank you.”

They both gave weak little laughs, overcome by the moment, of a love that had taken years to unleash. Aiden gently lifted the woman’s chin, and pressed a soft, gentle kiss to her lips.

“I love you, Lana.”


Re: Murmers of Nature - Iolana's Journal

Posted: Mon May 27, 2019 8:03 am
by LivT
Strange that I have not written in so long… life had sort of fallen into a comfortable pattern, there really seemed nothing to say about it all. Perhaps why I’ve opened these pages now, today became anything but peaceful…

More trouble at the Shrine to Eldath; yet another Drow - Ssynirr - knows that it promises sanctuary. I cannot say that her presence there was the actual cause of the chaos, but there is a correlation none the less.

Aiden and I had spent the day roaming, though as we were about to turn back for Greenest Aiden had a sending from Michael; he was at the Shrine and in trouble, naturally, we strode there immediately.

I appreciate Michael’s friendship but his acquaintances with more and more sinister characters is becoming very worrying; he was being apprehended by Zeland Belord and two others, what for I do not know, but had sent for us to help the Drow who was injured.

I hate that they do this… I know what I should be trying to feel, I know the Shrine is a sanctuary to those who offer it but… one cannot help but think they are abusing its safety, and why wouldn’t they? Surprisingly this one was not the trouble, though. No, the real trouble was this masked man, a summoner of undead and fiends who apparently was there to put a stop to Michael’s arrest.

He just made everything worse. It’s astonishing how arrogance can do that.

A peaceful resolution was just made between Michael and the trio - Michael had agreed to meet with their Captain the next day to spare them using such violent and forceful means - when that masked man began mouthing off, making threats against Zeland and his friends should any harm come to Michael, and when he was dismissed, actually cast a spell to try and choke the life out of one of them, blathering about ‘showing him the proper respect’.

Naturally, this all resulted in a fight, and he and his summons were killed.

Poor Aiden… it hurts him more than anyone knows to see Eldath’s shrine so defiled, as if it were an attack on the place of peace within his very soul… we have since put the Shrine to rights, at least. It doesn’t do to dwell on the event now.

I cannot help but wonder at Michael though, and in particular, why that summoner was so very determined to help him. A masked man who actually made the Drow there the likeable one! She is another matter, a curious case that I know I must be cautious of… I’ve never seen a binding spell like hers before, a symbol cut into her leg, a wound that will never heal, binding her into life.

No, I must be cautious how deep I choose to dig here; life has been good for Aiden and I for some time now, mustn’t do too much that will invite strife.

Re: Murmers of Nature - Iolana's Journal

Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2020 7:51 am
by LivT
Cant sleep. Another bad dream. It’s been happening more and more since I met that seer Linetheil.

I’m back in the Small Teeth mountains, back when I first found Aiden, and that man came looking for him. I can’t recall it all but… I’m alone in a copse… but I’m not the one confronted. The hunters are somewhere in the forest, I hear people calling for help… familiar voices. If I try to follow them, it gets darker, and darker, till its so dark I can’t see the trees.

My friends, undead, every last one, come shambling out at me.

I don’t have gifts of premonition, at least, I don’t think I do, this must be my own anxieties playing on me after the seer.

But… no… it’s like the change of seasons again, the autumn leaves suddenly dropping in my path before I found Aiden, this is the same. Change is coming.

…The ink has finished drying, and I’m already writing again.

Sane is stepping down.

I’m rather stunned by the news, I’d not known he’s gotten so tired, and I’d not realised how distanced I’d become from the Circle. He won't be leaving, and I'm glad for that. I can't lie, at first it dredged up feelings of Doran's death and... I know Sane and I aren't close, but I've looked up to him. Distanced though I am.

It’s not so strange, a Druid is often a solitary person, but two have put their hats in the ring so far to become the new Arch Druid and I know neither of them. Sarisay, and Emmanuel I must meet them both at the very least, if I’m to cast a vote.

Both sounded earnest in their service to the Circle in their applications and their intentions for the Circle are diverging. Emmanuel had connections in many factions from what I understand, however, I am inclined towards Sarisay’s vision for us. She has made it clear she wants the Circle to focus on our duty to the wilds, and not scatter our attention and resources. The cities have many protectors; we are the only guardians of the wilderness, nature gave us our gifts and our magic, it deserves our protection in return.

Aiden did ask if I intended to raise my hand for the position but I don’t feel right about it. I’ve not been as interactive with the Circle as I should have been, we never seemed to synchronise…

I’m taking this as a sign though to recommit to the faction though. Learning dragon magic and a few days later there’s a change of leadership in the Circle, this feels like a chance for me to refocus.

Aiden’s found himself in a similar situation with House Vale, which I’m grateful for. After Wren suddenly left her position with the Northern Watch, they all seemed cut adrift… but things are looking up. Aiden’s been promoted to Commander in House Vale and I couldn’t be prouder; they are working with Sir Aaron and Lady Vega to forge a better alliance with Cormyr, for one.

…Huh. Ironic I should find myself with a partner so involved with political maneuvering.

They are talking about reinstating the Watch too, which I hope happens. That faction was… it was a good place for so many people. People who had something to give and needed a second chance. Either way they will have Sempo there to keep him in line (if we are not careful he might end up being Aiden’s new step-father. If Lady Vega was a man, right…?)

Tying the Watch and Vale together makes sense; weapons of both pen and sword. We’ve seen how capable their fighters are after Azariah’s problems with her ‘mother’ were resolved… slaying a dragon is no small feat.

Meantime, I need to increase my pharmacopeia; Greenest is growing with Rocky Trade, which means more patients for me, human or otherwise. One of the stablemaster’s horses is close to foaling, but I’m a bit concerned… belly hasn’t dropped as usual and in this late stage the foal might not be in a good position. Will keep an eye on her. Also need to up my stock of Angelica and Coltsfoot, flu season is coming up.

...Change is coming. I need to be ready.

Re: Murmers of Nature - Iolana's Journal

Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2020 7:30 am
by LivT
I met with Emmanuel and Sarisay. It’s not made it any easier to choose but in a way that’s a comfort; they can back each other up well. Either way there will be some changes when the next Arch Druid is chosen, something that we need right now.

The undead threat has been growing and there’s some real concern that the Circle itself might be compromised… it’s a frightening thought that someone unwelcome could find the Grove. Still, we were able to discuss our options, a few paths to take to remedy these issues.

Found some dreamward. I used to make it for Aiden now and then, in the early days when he had trouble sleeping. Been longer still since I used it for myself but the dreams are being persistent and I need some proper rest.
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Re: Murmers of Nature - Iolana's Journal

Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2020 10:45 pm
by LivT
I finally got to sit in on a meeting; albeit, an impromptu one. More leadership discussions, but Sane was present, as were other members. My vote was already cast though, so it is out of my hands now.

My worry is for Teris; it’s been a long time since I’ve seen him, but he was on the beach today. Poor man had a fight with a friend though, he was quite distraught… I sat with him a while and talked. It’s apparent he suffers from a form of anxiety-illness, and fortunately Dove was wise enough long ago to supply him with medicines for it. He has a friend who prepares him medicine now, but I think it may be of use to have something ready as a backup.

Just realised how many of my remedies are for sleeplessness and anxiety. For Teris, however, there is certainly a worrying aspect of depression - that will require an adjustment in ingredients - and also of codependency… that will need something other than medicines to address. He liked the tea I made for him though, I will simply start with that.

The sad thing is, his anxieties are not unfounded… strangers showed up at the beach to harrass and threaten him. He ran away, they went after him and… well. I’m not too proud of what I did, but it did rapidly diffuse the situation, no fight broke out.

Terris Tea, for calming, mood elevation.
Dream Ward:Bilberry:Chammomile 1:1:2
Nothing else unless I ever chat to the lady making his medicines, dont want things interacting, but it’s a good backup.

Re: Murmers of Nature - Iolana's Journal

Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2020 9:15 am
by LivT
Been neglectful, storing more in my mind than committing it down to paper. It's been decided within the Circle to gather medicinal supplies for the Dwarves, as a means of offering them our help. That, at least, I know I can help with.
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Re: Murmers of Nature - Iolana's Journal

Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2020 4:52 pm
by LivT
There's a renaissance happening within the Circle; it's made me glad Aiden and I returned to settle in the Sword Coast when we did. The trouble that happened with Oona has been resolved, though I won't commit the details of all that transpired to paper. I guess they are that sensitive, I don't feel comfortable seeing them in black and white, even in my own journal. Things are happily resolved anyway; for a while there I was sure it couldn't be.

It's given me another view of Sarisay though... one I am ambivalent about. She's worked hard to be level headed and even-handed, with the rocky start to her new position. But after what has transpired I've seen something hard and formidable in her, something cunning. Granted, this only showed itself once she felt the Elder Circle was in danger and was directed as a means of protecting us. Something she perhaps learned from her upbringing - after all, even I still have dregs of those lessons taught in higher society. I know there was a moment where I had my doubts, my frustrations... now I feel confident in my instincts, and casting my stone for her.

Seems the Circle will be growing soon too, with luck, anyway. There's been many new druids and their ilk arriving to the area and in such a short time, I wondered if there was some sort of call. I try to reach out to them. They're from so far and so many different paths, my curiosity won't let me leave it alone. Menolly is one elf from a much larger Circle, one firmly established with their own traditions and cultures. She came with me the other day to gather medicines from the water cave then shared some stories of her home with me. When we'd talked about traditions and trials for our Circle she'd mentioned a Trial of Healing, and I'm not sure such a trial has been used by our Circle before. But it's a thought, an option.

I hope Menolly asks to join us.

Who else is new here... Sten, for one, the Shaman in the wolf pelt. Shaman, or... druid who knows some shamanistic things. He says he's from Ruathym, one of those frozen islands in the far west sea. Again, a way of life I know so little about but want to know more of; the sound very ritualistic and perhaps supersticious. he practises a form of divination in bone throwing, and talks about their dance rituals, and spiritualism. He's a streak of ferociousness though, I cannot quite tell if he simply respects the brutality nature can show, or reveres it. A little investigation showed though, people of Ruathym frequently follow Umberlee or Tempus. It doesn't follow these are his Gods; he doesn't seem a sea-faring type, and despite Tempus' guardianship of Eldath, he's not a nature God. Time will tell.

MaLuke and Yeslynn have officially begun their initiation time, there's maybe a fortnight before trials may begin. But if this is to happen I will need to speak to MaLuke and get a better read of his mindset. His heart is good, but he can be child-like, which looks like it's become a bit of a problem where personal space is concerned.

Encourage to grow, don't punish and restrict. That's my part in all this anyway, I suppose.

It's odd to have found my life settling in to something so comfortable. Even with the wars in the Troll Claws - and a skirmish I needed to take part in, alongside House Vale. Aiden tends to his duties there when required, but we've fallen into a way of life much like that when we first met, those simpler years together in the mountains around Amn. Living in harmony with the world, preparing for the winter months, roaming freely together. Granted, he doesn't need me to teach him much about survival any more.

Has life gotten easier? Or have we just gotten a little better at it?
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