Celine Prospero's Journal

[Featherfox]

Day ????? - Addendum: The Adventurers of Baldur's Gate

Isabella: The Gatewarden - This woman is patient, wise, and incredibly knowledgeable. If she has a weakness, it's that her experience can weigh against her. Knowing her powers full well causes her to be somewhat paralyzed when frustration sets in or her wisdom fails her. Beyond that though, she cares for everyone she meets. My favourite quality of Isabella is how she gives everyone a chance to show their goodness; she never treats a person like they're evil upon sight. Even Raman; who's had so much trouble with people is accepted by her.

Thomas (Tom): My Good Luck Charm - It's his words I hear giving me comfort whenever I feel scared. It's his footsteps I hear and follow when I need guiding to the surface. It's his arms I want to be in after dancing through danger. I know so much about him now that perhaps only a privileged few will ever learn - but I will never reveal his secrets; not even on this paper. What Tom can do, and what makes Tom tick; will be my secret to keep forever.

Raman: A true friend - Next to Tom I can't think of any other person I'd rather have guarding my back. Raman's spell aim can still use a little work, but his loyalty is without question. He may have infernal blood, but all it's done is warm his heart with generosity and kindness. I can't think of a better way for him to spend his life than the way he found it; pursuing knowledge and taking enjoyment from making not only his life; but other lives better. Mine is better for knowing him; and there's little I wouldn't do for the man. He's a Wizard, with a seasoning of hidden scoundrel. He isn't the best fighter, but he uses his vastly impressive intellect to make his blows count! Despite what he's been through, he still prefers to open with kindness; which can be used against him. And the next (hero) who tries will find me as their next dance partner.

Tsuchinoko: Tsu - Silent, solid, reserved, and a plethora of other imagery that can be compared to stone. Tsu pursues perfection in form; and he does this by being as earthy as he can. Not one soul on this wide land understands my desire for perfection better than him. He pushes me in ways others can't; not even Dragutrotos. But, I understand even the reservation of my Swordmaster. Tsu is the living embodiment of the pursuit of perfection. He stops for nothing else. He cares very little of the opinions of others. I fear with the more power he gains; the more distant he will grow from the society around him. Fewer people speak of his name with respect, and I feel that's wrong. When I can, I use my voice in his defense. People think him savage or uncivilized; but they simply haven't met him, nor do they understand his passion. One day, if I ever catch up to him, I hope he'll let me dance with him again.

Daichi: The Guide - This is an interesting man. He speaks mostly in Common, but he speaks in a dialect I'm unfamiliar with. He wields a Katana with the same passion I wield my rapier; but where I seek perfection - he seeks harmony. There's a clear difference not only in our styles, but also our attitude when it comes to battle. I don't know enough about him yet to say more, but I hope to change that someday. He's a good one to learn from if he'll offer to teach.

Dragutrotos: The Swordmaster - He's cold, distant, and often unsympathetic to the people around him; unless they're fellow elves. Still, there is a compassion to his actions; and a desire to be a leader if only by example. No matter how chaotic the storm rages around him; he remains centered and calm within it. Though he doesn't wield weapons as I do, his lessons in battle have dramatically improved my own style. He is my Swordmaster, and I write this with pride! I know it's possible for me to surpass him; but even if that day comes I will never stop thinking of him as anything else. My life is better for meeting him.

Ed: The Farmer - I've only met this man a handful of times; but I consider it a good day every time I do. He's an honest, down-to-earth person to be around; and his dog is adorable. To be fair, that dog could probably rip me apart if the right order was given, but he has such a gentle personality it's easy to forget that fact. Ed is always a pleasure to talk with; and swap stories with. If I ever see Ed by a fire, I try to make time to spend it there too.

Krostin: The Charmer - Heavy metal; heavy sword; heavy ego; and an incredible skill to back it all up. Krostin is perhaps one of my favourite adventuring partners if only for the fact that he can make light of a dark situation. He's only a man with a sword; yet his presence keeps morale up with any group. His weakness is women, which is somewhat amusing. However, he's treated me with respect and camaraderie; he looks upon me as a fellow fighter. He's a good man to know; and a better sword to have at your back.

Sirion: The Bench Elf - Unquestionably the most powerful arcanist I know, Sirion has also become a good friend. He jokes with me, swaps stories with me, and does it all in Elvish so I can practice more. I need more Elvish friends; I really enjoy the language and want to master it. So far, Dragutrotos and Sirion are the only elves I know well; and if I only use those two as examples, I feel I would really enjoy meeting more. My Father always told me that elves were distant folk which mostly kept to themselves; not the best trading partners. Still, from what I've seen of the elves in this region; my Father would most certainly be proven wrong.

[Featherfox]

Day 15 - Finally Everyone Met Everyone

It's incredible that it took this long; but finally all my friends were in the same place! Raman already knew Tom, but didn't know him as well as I do. Dragutrotos surprised me; he didn't handle the meeting as well as I had hoped. After a while, he explained that is fears are my emotions will conflict with my training; and to an extent I understand where he's coming from. Still, it's my risk to take - it's my choice to make such a risk. I must know myself if I am to achieve the perfection I seek.

Tom was unsurprisingly his usual forgiving self. When he, myself, Dragutrotos, and a few other adventurers were by a fire, it became clear just how much tension can be caused by my decision. Dragutrotos showed a side of himself I didn't see; or perhaps I chose to blind myself - I'm uncertain. Either way, it was ugly, and for the time being I've distanced myself from him. At least, until I can reconcile what I saw. Tom said he had words with my Swordmaster, but I feel such words were spoken out of heated emotions. This place has taught me; even elves are prone to rash decisions given the right circumstances.

Tom took me to a beautiful lake today. I'm keeping the details hidden because again, this is a secret place Tom shared with me. The waters were clear, and the rain felt so refreshing.

I should explain. I have always loved the rain. However, since I started dating Tom (I can't believe that's still a reality), the rain has brought on something more. Now, whenever I adventure; the rain is always a sign of good luck. It's never failed; it's as if Tymora herself announces when I'll have good luck by dousing me with a shower of fortune!

Despite some setbacks; these past couple of days have been some of the best I've had in a long time.

[Featherfox]

Day 16 - Sewers on a First Date?

Officially, this happened before everyone met up, but I decided on reflection this should be added. Nothing sums up my relationship with Tom better than this.

So, not long after I talked with Tom about dating; we bumped into Maddy. Maddy is a wonderful merchant gnome in the area who wanders the lands selling alchemy. Maddy is one of the people I'm getting to know well because it's people like her who will help me find Nathan when I'm ready to face him.

Maddy had a strange request; she needed some Water Elemental Essence. However, it had to be pure; collected right at the moment of the monster's demise. Well, I have good reflexes, so for the price of one bag of gold I took the contract! Tom traveled with me to keep me company. The two of us trudged through the sewers of Baldur's Gate in search of water elementals!

Our first setback was realized when a Water Naga used fear on us. The lower sewers are already enough of a maze; we don't need to separate due to fear assaults! Next, came the slimes, which made me realize none of us had blunt objects. I was left punching slimes with my gloved hands while in the sewer. It was awful! I was so glad I packed as many healing supplies as I did. Tom decided not to hang back; he was very helpful in navigating the bowels of Baldur's Gate.

Our first discovery was a strange crypt! I think it was forgotten about; but there were active undead! What's worse, they were resistant not just to my rapier, but to steel as well! We found out though that I am a strong enough dancer to win despite these handicaps. Tom and I worked very well as a team down there as we puzzled through doors and locks while guarding each other from the undead menace! In the end though; we grew tired of the puzzles and no water was found anywhere! Reluctantly, we headed back to the sewers.

Finally, after what felt like hours of searching; we found a Water Elemental with no slimes or nagas to guard it! I faced off against it while Tom watched! It was an incredible experience; dancing with water! I had to be more fluid than it, while still striking at it with as much force as I could muster. Though the dance was difficult, I overcame my adversary, and with a delicate but swift swing of my flask, I captured it's essence before it struck the ground! Tom watched the whole performance, and I think I saw some admiration behind his usual smirk.

We found a bench nearby which overlooked two mysterious wards. Also, sconces in the walls were lit with a strange blue flame. The entire environment was surreal,yet so beautiful! Also, we were far enough from the main flow that there wasn't a stink either. By chasing the water elemental, we found ourselves in a strange place!

We ended up talking there for hours. I learned so much about him, and he learned a lot about me too. My love for him grew down there; amidst the blue flames and glowing wards. Strangely, it was our first date, and it hit me at that moment. I laughed, and he laughed with me. Our first date was in the sewers of Baldur's Gate!

After we left the sewers, I rushed the sample to Maddy. She ended up paying a bag and a half for how fast the job got done! Fast! I didn't know how to react; as I took hours off the job to hang out with my boyfriend in a sewer. Nothing about this relationship makes sense in my head, and yet I'm loving it even more for that.