Raymond Hyvarinen

[Mausman]

*Raymond and Eleanor leaned against eachother at the fire, it had been a long talk*

*Raymonds thoughts slowly calming down but he heard his own voice in his head*

"Dennis.....wish I could open your eyes.....I know you only try to help.....but once again.....you push me down.....you have never seen what it does to her....what am I to you? an idiot?.....arrogant?....selfish?.....do you even consider me a friend at all? sure....you saved me plenty of times....but for your own convenience, you seem to forget what -I- have done as well, behind all of you.....getting assassins off your arses.....seeking out Sharrians, even if not succesfull, I went for it anyway..I may not have slain dragons....or boast about stuff like you do...but I know that I do what I can... Natalie.....you as well.....condemn my actions....while I am writing a letter to try and aid you two.....Thomas....get your head out of your own arse and stop lashing out at Dennis.....and ALL of you....stop treating ME like a kid.....I sincerely grow tired of all of you lashing out to me......Selfish? Arrogant? do you people even KNOW me? have I not tried to keep you out of the collateral at all time? have I not SHARED my plan first? hells, I should have kept my mouth shut and go at it as I had planned it at first....and THEN after ask for clerical aid.......who am I kidding.....I need El in this....we're a team...."

*he sighed*

Ofcourse I'm scared.....one drow patrol and it's over.....*his cowlless, hooded head shook*

Tell me, El....do you believe in....self fullfilling prophecies?

*Eleanor spoke*

I am not sure what you mean by that, love?

*Raymond glanced up at the nightsky, smiling at the stars, the moonlight reflecting on his visible facial features*

what I mean is....

I believe in us.....and am proven right......

I believe in Mielikki, Lurue....the Ancient One.....and am proven right....

I believe in my friends......and am proven right......

I am scared.....but I do believe we can do this.....

*she squeezed his hand*

Then I believe it as well, Ray......

[Mausman]

*Ray stood at the candlekeep cliffs, his black hairs flowing on those salty winds, one foot on a rock, leaning on it*

El and me will do this, back to back.....let's see who ends up coming with us.....all I can pray for is enough clerical and druidic aid.....

[Mausman]

*Raymond made his way to the grove, still quite astounded by the gift given to him by Warden Silverleaf.....the crown of his very father......and the heaps of praise coming from Galen and Silverleaf themselves, made Raymond feel king and peasant alike....meaning.....Raymond was honored...but also feeling very, very, very small.......he was not used to so much of it......and on certain matters, he did not even understand why praise was given....wasn't it "normal" to do what he did and does? *


*Raymond was family now.....so had both Galen and Silverleaf spoken....and Raymond's honest heart.....could do nothing but reveal to them his plans regarding the future of him and Eleanor....as he awaited their reaction....he was again, astounded.......for it was not condemnation he found....nor dissaproval.......he found brethren who offered their fullest of support.....they would not even allow him and Eleanor to travel to such dark places on their own....they both stated they would travel with them to the very depth...and bring even more allies.....Raymond had to swallow, for his throat was starting to feel sore.....his voice skipping tones....it hit him harder than before......the bond.....with the circle...would be one of a true family indeed.....*

*Galen's words still ringed in Raymond's mind...."I would like you....to become...my apprentice, if you will...what say you? " Raymond was honored beyond belief and eagerly said yes.....simply because of the fact he respected Galen and came to regard him as a father-figure.....he recognised a lot in Galen.....and despite how his initial testing had went, Galen was showing an entire different side of him now.....it became clear to Raymond.....as the Warden and Galen allready stated earlier.....he had gained their respect as well.....*

[Mausman]

*Raymond placed down the feather pen....reading his own writing one more time*


Dear Lady Sharpe,

My name, is Raymond Hyvarinen.....but a humble ranger who is dedicated to Mielikki's cause.....
I write you, regarding your daughter, Natalie Sharpe and her loved one, Dennis Green....
Why is it a complete and utter stranger writes you, regarding such a delicate matter? Well, I shall explain in this letter, Lady...for word has reached me that both you, and your husband, disapprove of him...
Allow me a chance to explain why I think that a mistake is being made by that and as to why I would ask, nae, beg of you not to summon your daughter back home.....
I have been graced with the friendship of both your son and daughter and of Dennis....hence why I think another party should reveal their view on matters....despite the outcome....
Dennis.....is a man of honor....a selfless man, if you will. He is in a constant endeavor to fight evil in his own way....even now, he is involved in liberating Nashkel...
Why is he the right party for Natalie? you ask? simply because of the fact he...almost literally went to hell and back for her when she was abducted by the Nightsinger....an event in her life not easily forgotten....but her resilience shows even now....as she has her chin lifted up in life...but know full well.....it was his love for her and her love for him, that got her through....I know Dennis for quite some time now.....and I come to think of him as a brother..and I am willing to put myself in the very flames for him...
Now....I am aware he can be a royal pain in the buttocks at times, but don't we all have our quirks? nobody is perfect, nor should we really want people to be....in my opinion, for is it not that very imperfection that keeps life interesting and going? the challenge to....overcome matters together and become stronger together?...for that, is the future I would see for them....a loving couple....children....and a steady income, since Dennis allready has plans to have a secure and low risk source of income, doing more behind the scene work....please....I beseech both you and your husband to think this over.....for I dare guarantee.....Dennis IS a good match for your Daughter......
Now.....to explain why I also beg of you not to summon your daughter.....me and my loved one, Eleanor, whom also will add her part to this letter, are expecting two little wonders.....and it would mean a lot to us, if Natalie would be there during the delivery.....as a friend and both as cleric.....please....consider this.....

I will now let Eleanor write her part.....and I can but hope that you will do you think is right in your hearts.....

-Raymond Hyvarinen

[Mausman]

*Raymond watched Noric from a distance*

Thin Ice....and I will be waiting underneath.......-thin- bleeding...ice....

[Mausman]

*A man in red robes approaches Raymond, clearly of eastern origin.....Raymond arches his brow, recognising that hint of pride in the man´s stance....Raymond smiled to himself, amused*

*The red robed man spoke* Westen man! I would speak with you! you are this....Hyva ree nin person, hai?

*Raymond grinned at the man´s manners and nodded*

That I am, stranger, though it is Hyvarinen...*repeating slowly* Hyvarinen....try it *smiling*

*Atsu´s nosthrils flared, his gaze stern at Raymond* Atsu need no lecturing from western man! .....Atsu seeks to buy amulet....Atsu desires to gift it to Lotus Jas! *showing the note to Raymond* that Atsu might prevent pretty Lotus from....*appraising Raymond with an utter look of dismay* offering of arts to Western man....and men! *he sneered*

No can do, my pompous eastern friend......I only sell to customers on name....I can not be sure you really are her friend.....

Even more so, your tone is not exactly......invoking my.....co-operation.....I suggest you....leave the matter as it is and make your way now.....maybe offer her to reimburse for her costs? it is not really my problem.....

*Atsu gave Raymond a harsh glare, turned on his heel and had his fine cloak flow in the swift turn, walking off without words*


*A day later, Jasmyn Teng sought out Raymond, proposing business transaction over the amulet*

Jas.....offers.....coin and perhaps service of Geisha arts as part exchange for...amulet, yes?

Ehm.....I am not really sure as to what kind of....services those would be....lady teng? ....I....-am- engaged you know......

*she smiled* Hyvarinen-san misunderstands.....it would involve services such as tea ceremony.....massage.....dancing....

hmh......*Raymond grinned to himself*

I am sorry lady Teng, but it would feel.....wrong for me to spend time with another woman while my loved one is at home......and even more so, being with child......I will have to...decline.....unless....*rising his indexfinger*
I can gift it to someone? someone like....that Atsu? ....but under one condition only...and that will be your challenge.....this.....rude man, named Atsu....has to come to me and tell me if it was enjoyable for him *he smirked*

*She raised a fine brow* you wish to....gift it to...Atsu?!?....but he was rude to you......Jas does not understand....but if this is Hyvarinen-San´s wish......so be it *she offered a polite smile*

Then it is agreed! *Raymond handed her the amulet, grinning widely, for his aim was to help the woman and both insult Atsu....in a jesting way, he then made his way to Eleanor, telling her of what had came to pass and how he dealt with it*

*Another day later, Atsu came at Raymond, nosthrils flaring and that stern, narrowed eyed look*

*he hissed* Do not think Atsu is not aware of western man´s intention! but Atsu will keep word to Lotus Jas.....if only to help her obtain the item of desire and to honor our culture! .....Atsu greatly approves of Lotus´ arts......Western man will know that he is idiot for not wanting them himself....but Atsu is gladdened Lotus has not touched western man....*he sneered* you men are NOT worthy! not even knowing WHAT to praise of such arts or a woman as she!

.....you are...welcome...Atsu *Raymond chuckled and shook his head*

one would think you would be...less tense after such a good massage then? but maybe there is no....soothing you......*he smirked*

I am glad you enjoyed, and thank you for coming to me. Allthough I still do not understand this....hostility.....not all of us are that rotten you know.....something happened in your youth? *Raymond blinked as his thoughts rang in his head* ´Damn.....I am sounding like Arivain would...` *Raymond chuckled* `Well what do you know.....that bard did teach me something after all....`*he grinned*

*Atsu glared* this conversation is over, western man.....*Atsu gave an arrogant look and turned on his heel again, walking off*

[Mausman]

The Birth.....part 1....Raymond´s point of view...

*Raymond was sitting nervously in his chair...he felt it in his guts....it was nearly time.....maybe it was his wolf like sense that revealed it to him....or Mielikki planted the feeling in him.....fact remained....he knew it was coming...and the knowledge that maybe only one of the two had turned...had him worried a bit*

*Eleanor blinked and muttered that she had wetted herself, standing up...Raymond´s instinct took over.....pointing out to her that her water had broke....he helped her change and soon after....she was struck by the thundering pains of the first contractions.....*

*Raymond focused, casting his feelings away....his calm mode taking over, to act....to handle.....he began preparing the bedroom and all materials needed.....then sent a bird to contact Natalie....for she would be needed direly.......he then guided Eleanor to the bedroom....lovingly.....shooting her glances of pity as the contractions took their natural course*

*Natalie opened the door of their lodge, panting from running, closing the door and smiling, she knew it was time and Raymond updated her, briefly and pure facts....smiling at her*

*the water had boiled above the firehives in their garden and Raymond brought it in to have it cool....it all went so fast after that....*

*Raymond sat next to Eleanor, holding her hand, allowing her to claw deep into him with her nails as she had to endure the pain.....cursing and swearing along with her when she did.....soothing her with warm and soft spoken words....stroking her gently, moving the strains of hair back behind her ears*

*After that final push....Raymond was holding his son, amazed.....cleaning him the best he could at that moment....smiling emotionally as he slapped him on the bum, hearing the primal screams and cries of his son.....wrapping him in linnen before bringing him to the strong and proud woman who gave him life.....Eleanor....*

[Mausman]

Birth, part 2, Raymond´s point of view


*Raymond glanced with concern at Natalie and so did she at him in return...the second one would be....very tricky...*

*Raymond did his best to comfort Eleanor, speaking softly to hear and encouraging her* You did great my love..and I know you will do great again

*Eleanor handed back their son, clearly she felt the second one coming*

*Raymond ensured the boy was well wrapped and discussed softly with Natalie* What can I do? this one will be tricky, right?

"Aye, this one will be more difficult. I won't lie Ray... it's risky"

*Eleanor was taking deep breaths, her body weakened and weary now from the first birthing, feeling a contraction coming on, but something felt different from the first*

What can I do Nat??!? It is not like a doe.....I can not reach in and help it turn..

*Eleanor grunted in heavy pain and involuntarily began to bear down as the baby, feet first, decided it was time*

*Natalie spoke quietly, calmly but the concern in her voice was evident*
"That 'is' what needs doing, Ray"

*Seeing her push they both called out sharply *

No, no, no! No pushing, Eleanor
"Eleanor, don't!"

*Raymond handed the bundle of baby boy to Natalie and readied himself, scared like hell, but determined to do what he thought had to be done*

Nat!...instruct me from distance....same as doe? Yes or no

"Ray, how would I know? I've never tried to flip a doe!"
Can I push it back gently?
*Natalie glanced at his large hands with a worried look, asking him if he was sure*

If you can tell me you know how to do this....I will let you...

*At that point Eleanor screamed out loud, nearly losing conciousness as her body attempted to expel the baby in its dangerous position with another push but still no success*

"I can... but it's your wife." *Eleanor was not his wife, but no one cared at that point to correct. She looked to Eleanor then to see if she had an opinion but Eleanor was breathing shallowly, eyes unfocused and barely registered either of them*

"STOP PUSHING!" *Natalie shouted*
Do it, please... *Raymond moved to the side himself next to El, checking on both her and the baby, Natalie switching places....He was SO scared.....but never did he allow it to show...*
"Keep her calm, make her stop pushing."
Eleanor.... I know you are there my love..*Ray took a deep breath trying to calm his own breathing*..listen to us...stop pushing..listen to my voice...I am taking you to the grove..*though his voice was calm, his eyes were moist as if about to tear*..follow my voice El.."

*Between contractions, Natalie, as gently as she could, slid her hand inside a short way and along the baby's foot and felt for the umbilical cord. Eleanor spoke then, words almost incoherent, an ancient tongue, a few soft words passed her lips. The two tending her could hear her sob and catch part of the mumble that was made in common* "..tis nature's way...nature will take its course"

*Raymond slipped her hand into his* It will ..Mielikki and Lurue are with us.. * he explained to Natalie that he thought she was talking to the Ancient One in her mind, suspecting to garner help to supress the pain*
Let me know when you need her in the here and now...

[Mausman]

A man can only take so much....and The Welcome of the Animal Kingdom

*Raymond stood in their garden, trembling from stress....tempted to lit up a pipe....but then what? he would become mellow due to the herbs and be of no help at all anymore...so it was no option.....he had remained calm and did what he could.....it had been too much for now.....he alsmost had lost his daughter and to-be wife.....blinking rapidly.....struggling....he had to be strong.....`come on man....no crying now...` but it was to no avail....and with a loud sob, it came out..he could not control it.....but he also did not allow to have it all come out....he was still needed....he walked back inside...splashed water in his face in the kitchen and went back into the bedroom....sitting next to Eleanor on the bed...being there for her....they would make this work....his mind was tired....spinning...but he forced himself to stay in the here and now....kissing Eleanor on her brow and regarding his family....*

*when the evening settled....Raymond asked Eleanor if he could take the children outside....and asked if Eleanor would sit up.....looking out of the window...*

*Raymond put on the crown given to him by warden Silverleaf and carried his son...and elemental daughter outside....kneeling down...smiling as he threw his head back and let out a loud wolf howl....which was answered in the distance.....soon after...his companion Sasha...and those of her kin...came out from the bushes....and made a circle around Raymond and his children....a full circle of wolves....sitting down and lowering their heads in respect and acknowledgement of the new life in this world.... a loud roar was heared....Decha....Eleanor´s companion, led his kin to make a circle around the wolves in turn.....to be followed by birds of all sizes landing....all paying their welcoming visit to the newbornes of these servants of nature....as if orchestrated...all animals let out their loudest of calls.....their unified welcome to the children.... Eleanor had decided to come out...standing beside Raymond with her eyes moist....*

[Mausman]

*It was night...Raymond once more stood at the cliffs....boot on rock....arms crossed.....at ease...talking to the skies*

Hello Father...Hello Mother....Ianus......I hope all of you are happy...where ever you three are *he smiled*

Well....seems I am getting on in life....wish....you were there though.....grandparents to our children.....meet with Eleanor....be...part of it....but alas....fate has not allowed such.....

I have become.....eagle eye....*wry smile* who ever would have thought that huh? hope I make you proud......and Ianus....each and every wound still is in your name......allthough I am getting more adept in avoiding to get hit *soft chuckle*

Though....the promotion....the challenges......they´re things I cherish....surely.....but....at the moment....it´s hard to -feel- the significance....

I do my tasks as they are requested....and give my all.....

but.....all my thoughts are consumed by the current state of our daughter.....and....the pain that Eleanor attempts to hide most of the time.....allthough surely she knows -I- know.....that last time here...she could not.....so many things that still need doing.....helping our Arianna the first priority....removing El´s mark the next......while in the meantime...I juggle with my new position and tasks......

Sometimes....just sometimes.....I long to be a little boy again and feel that feeling of.....innocence....-not- knowing of the serious and dark matters in this world.....

but then again....

someone has to make a stand to keep this world preserving....and those who do...their numbers seem to reduce.....

*he sighed and swallowed*

I miss you all......

*a shooting star was to be seen....causing him to smile and make a wish*

[Mausman]

*Raymond was leaping through the woods, fields and plains angry like hell*


*SLASH!* there flew the guts of goblinkind......

*SLIT!* A wyvern´s head fell on the ground....

*RAAAAAAAAAAAGH!* A hill giant blinked as ray flashed out of nature´s shadows, landing two feet on his chest, causing the giant to fall over, Ray balancing on that chest, managing to cope with the fall and ending in a slashing frenzy, baring the giant´s inside, splattering the blood over himself as he howled loudly in rage*

I am even required?? or should I sod right off?!? and shutting out forms of help for Arianna just because she felt wronged??? GAH!!!!!!! do it all on her own why don´t she?? and scowl at me in the proces for trying to move heaven and earth to give her a good life.....for trying it on my own.....

And Galen......respect?!??! disrespect?!?! how about trying NOT reprimanding brothers or sisters in public???? you can sod off untill you take that broomstick out of your arse!

*RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!* *Raymond wasn´t noticed that much during the day....nothing like him at all*

[Mausman]

Family life...

I came home....the smell of a lovely stew entered my nosthrills...she was busy....good thing she did not see how much I was covered in the blood of those that had to pay for my inner rage....not that it mattered, goblins, giants and the likes I had put to their miserable ends today are not worth talking about much anyway.....just a hell of a job to get that armor clean again....

I felt calm....I should do this more often before getting hot headed in conversations.....I get angry....slay some worthless beings...calm down and then, with a more clear mind, proceed to talk to the woman I love so much, that the rest bleakens in significance....

I...was touched.....she really made so much effort on that stew....simple meal? yes, but that matters not, simple is more than enough for me....I still am not sure what it is in life that I did to deserve such a fine woman.....

I offered to help her, but in her womanly ways, doing multiple tasks at once, she told me she had it under control....so I let her.....I checked on the kids.....at peace....Ariana sure is getting big.....I am overjoyed that she is....stabile....but....instinct...told me to act soon.....but how??

We sat....ate together....despite her still being a tad bitter regarding as to what happened between her and Galen.....and me still feeling the sting of the way she...shut me out.....I did enjoy it.....imagining the day she willingly allows me to name her my wife.....sure....I know she has flaws, but so do I.....we all do....and hell, I love her with all she brings with her...it´s not like she is doing it on purpose....I know why she reacted like that.....but I had to make it clear....we are a team..in everything.....in life foremost.

Satisfied after filling that grumbling stomach of mine she ofcourse had the cleaning urge....I smiled a bit to myself, she is so lovely....but I urged her to drop the dishes and leave them as they were, I would do them after talking.

I explained, calmly and lovingly, how I had experienced her reaction....also told her I did not want an apology from her, she allready had given one and I allready had forgiven her.....what I wanted from her....was a confirmation that we are in life -together- ....ironic....she is the one who taught me not to do all which I seek to achieve on my own...and yet....I am the one holding up that mirror now.....and I am sure....might have to do that more often.....she is making progress though....wether I am part of that or not...I am not sure.....she is so strong.....makes me so proud.....I have confidence that...that past....one day....will properly belong to the past.....

I was glad when she understood what I was saying....her smile earlier when we ate....t´was heaven to behold.....seeing her smile is the best reward....well...among many other rewards....

We discussed Arianna.....the time of waiting is over from my part.....I am well aware of the risks she explained to me.....and she is well aware of my thoughts about trying none the less....we will do this together and manage....this is my family.....sure, so is the circle, but this is -my- family.....and it comes first....for when -my- family is stabile, so is my performance for the larger family....stepping stones....I know myself, and know how I work inside.....they will simply have to accept it or make a choice in the future should they be troubled by my methods of acting and thinking....I -did- tell Galen my priorities....

The Hand......they will pay......no proof is concrete so far, but the mere fact they came for me and Deal.....proves that I am right.....they will die....all of them.....with pain.....lot´s of pain....yet swiftly

[Mausman]

*As the winds at the Candlekeep cliffs blew through his black hair, Raymond spun his blades, smiling*

The black ranger has returned...let us see what this brings.

Much had changed in the lands...many people walk the soil of the Sword Coast...certainly, interesting events could cross his path...

[Mausman]

* Raymond stared upon the alter of Mielikki*

If there was any moment I required your guidance...it would be right now...

Sure was a hell of a fight...and yes, I did enjoy...as I always do. But I rather put the same effort in slaughtering those who -need- to be eradicated from this world, Lady...not those we forged bonds with.

Is it true then? Is common sense sincerely dwindling? Are we to stand and die at the whims of corrupt Fist members? Is standing up to that nowadays an outlaw act?

Heh...would be fitting, since in the core I could not give less about them, they are but a guideline for most humans...t'is even sad we -need- them to make life able to be lived normally.

They are growing arrogant as well...the Fists...while they do deserve respect in their own way, they should not think they can do whatever they please and abuse their power to boss around the common man...

[Mausman]

*Rubbing his face, growling slightly*

How could I have missed that? That spell...

Galen did it to save us...but at what cost? No doubt this is going to backfire at us...even more so of some woman scorn. I thought Tin Cans had no romance in their lives? Sure as hell proves me wrong...

Galen...dear old mentor Galen...We will work this out somehow...

*A pebble being thrown into the pond in front of him*