Raymond Hyvarinen

[Mausman]

*Raymond was nursed back to health again by his beloved Eleanor....her caring and soothing is what brought him back in the saddle fast and swiftly*

*As Raymond knelt at the Idol of Mielikki to pay his respects, he glanced towards the cave*

Hmh....sure as hell hope that test is coming soon......I....feel a storm coming....and it's best to be united with kinsmen when it comes.....*he recalled the words of Eleanor which she had recieved from the ancient one.....danger was in the winds.....and Raymond was not planning to sit and wait*

[Mausman]

*Raymond groaned in his usual way, mulling his thoughts as he sat at the Candlekeep cliffs*

Surely, I could answer Galen with desireable answers....*he spoke to himself...his gruff
voice growling*

but that would mean I would allready be a dead walking vessel...not true to my core...not
true as to how the lady has made me......

*he sighed*

*the other task was one he was looking forward to.....meeting people of interest and learn how they viewed matters....what makes them tick.....but being forced to think about sacrificing the most important ones that make his heart beat was a task he did not like...but Raymond understood why Galen had placed the question upon him....so...sacrifice them for the future and sake of that which Galen mentioned? ...no... he would never allow that to happen..if any sacrifice was to be made...it would be himself....to allow others to live on....especially a woman with child..
sacrificing -that- would be an insult to nature itself....and forsaking all that he stands for....his answer was final....but there were more layers in this very topic....Raymond could feel the searching of Galen for loyalty....loyalty Raymond could provide...but limited to his being human...feeling and thinking as he does...*

*Raymond nodded once, firmly, knowing what he would say should Galen summon him to discuss the matter....accepting any judgement that would come from it....for he was staying true to his core, his being....and -that- was the very thing that kept him going all those years...his inner core....*

*Lyraa placed her little hand on Raymond's shoulder* "I know you will make the right choice for yourself Ray....it's ok...even if you get rejected....Eleanor...me...and the little on..or ones on the way love you for who you are....member...or not" *she gripped his shoulder tightly...as if she
wanted to comfort him that way*

Thanks Lyraa....that is real kind of you to say... *he patted her little hand with his own hand as he groaned, looking in the distance....*

[Mausman]

*Raymond chuckled to himself, sitting at a bar he frequented*

who ever would have thought I would start to prefer certain "tin cans" over certain bards......that man is the exact reason why I normally disdain interaction with other males.....

boasting...overcompensating.....pathetic really.....and most certainly a lesser man in every aspect.....

*the bartender looked at Raymond*

"Hmmh...aren't you a bit judgy right now? that sure doesn't sound like you Ray...."

*Raymond grinned*

You know, good man.....many think I have no bindings to rules....codes or what so ever.....which is...correct....and then again....it is not...

Just not always.....on certain topics....codes and rules that are left unspoken, are to be honored, if not done, especially if requested to honor them, it certainly reduces a man to being lesser....it is how I see things and is not open for discussion...most people get a second or even a third chance with me....but not these types... *he nodded once at the Bartender*

Can I get a refill please?

*after finishing his drink, Raymond paid the Bartender, tipped him and left after patting him on the shoulder in a friendly way*

*squinting at the sunshine as he left the bar, Raymond stretched*

I really should stop worrying so much.....let's total it....

I am taking good care of El.....try to do my part in this world by caring for nature in my own way......train hard and try to fullfill my given tasks...... *he was counting on his fingers, as if sorting out his priorities*

Ray....you think too much at times.....maybe that is why you keep getting hit in those rough battles? didn't you explain to Natalie to let those....you know...emotions flow in used weapons? instead of....the gloomy things or stress?

*Raymond blinked*

You sure are skilled in holding up that mirror, aren't you? *he ruffled into thin air, ruffling Lyraa's hair*

Say...Lyraa?

Yes Rayray?

Would you....be ok with it if....me and Eleanor....get a daughter and she is named after you?

Uhhhhhhhhhhm....I need some time to answer your question Ray.....*she smiled, blinking like the little girl she was*

Ofcourse....you are aware that it is not to replace you in any way, right?

hmmhhmmh! I know! *she jumped and climbed on his shoulders* Now, walk! silly!.....training time!

[Mausman]

*Raymond swept the sweat from his forehead, standing shirtless in the wilds, panting*

Well....at least it is a start....the bath will be....over....there *he pointed, Decha stood next to him, growling as he dropped the ropes attached to the cart used to transport lumber, Sasha was laying on a rock, overlooking the area *

Thanks fuzzball.....I knew you weren't that much of a lazy git....*he chuckled*

time for lunch....*he ruffled Decha and beckoned Sasha*

[Mausman]

*Raymond roared and gutted a few ogres*


DAMN THAT ARIVAIN!


*He had met a woman named Sam earlier...they talked.....she stated to be one of the morning lord's fold....this leading him to talk about Natalie and first and foremost, about Eleanor.....it was clear to Sam that Raymond would move very mountains for Eleanor and she smiled at his manner of speaking, clearly with a lot of pride and joy*


*the night settled in and Raymond offered her an escort to the farmlands, knowing that Eleanor would rather him to bring a lone female back to a safe place than to leave her to fend for herself in the night*

"No flirting Raymond!" *Arivain's voice rang in the distance*

*Raymond kindly parted ways with Sam and tried his best not to react to Arivain....but alas....he could not prevent himself from giving him "the finger" before walking off....even more so....after walking a bit, Raymond went back and his inner rage found a way out through words....realising it was falling on deaf ears anyway, as Arivain clearly was nothing but amused, Raymond turned.....this man...had no honor in him at all.....his credit was spent.....and would surely get no more chances.....*


*Raymond sighed, shrugging off his anger...and continued his way to Eleanor*

[Mausman]

*Raymond was resting, sitting in the pouring rain, amongst the trees...looking at their to be home.... his hair wet...strains along his face....one quite shorter than the rest of them, clearly cut off on purpose....*


*Ruffling Sasha and little Lyraa sitting on his shoulders, mulling his thoughts*


...Peace.....is such a thing....possible? .....will my heart know such a thing? ...

Kyle.....good man he is......glad we managed to smoothe things up....his.....view on things is refreshing......

Swallow my pride.....in trade for peace......for her .... I will ..... I managed it before.....

The circle.....their ways puzzle me at times....but that is to be expected....I wonder what a meeting with Galen will bring......

[Mausman]

Come on Dennis! lift damn you! *Raymond growled as he pushed the log upwards*

"I am! I am!"

*Natalie glanced at the men, doing her "girly" job of thatching...then choosing to put it aside and walk up to the men*


*Pledge was moaning a bit, sitting on the ground, his foot had been crushed by a log.....luckily Natalie was there to tend to the men.....turned out they were bumbling, clearly not used to constructing something like a house before*

*Natalie gave her blessings to the Raymond and Dennis, ending up helping lifting herself as well....even Pledge came on his feet again and tried to help.....it ended up with Natalie clearly being the one doing most of the lifting....much to the amazement of the men...Raymond came in as a good second....the other men......shared the bottom line....clearly not used to physical labour.....which was fine....both Pledge and Dennis proved to be quite skilled at the "girly" work....the thatching*

*after a break, enjoyed with a good, large meal and drinks, the foursome continued again....the ending result of a hard day's work, being all the thatchment required for the roof and all outer walls standing...Raymond nodded with a grin, it was coming along nicely now*

*Raymond thanked his friends....for they surely are the best he can ever dream to have and could not help but grin at Dennis and Natalie.....them getting married after all.....it mad him glad....and think to himself as well......*

[Mausman]

Paws and his little big surprise

*Raymond, slashing his way through some gnolls, noticed a little figure...pulling forth some large....things.....*


"Paws so tired!" *as the little one wiped his forehead, clearly sweating from pulling such a heavy burden*

*Raymond approached him*

You need a hand with that? little one?

*the little one glanced up at him, tiredness written in his face*

"Oh yes! pleases!"

*The little one explained how it were carvings, quite big and totem like.....one resembling a bear, the other.....a wolf.....he had chosen just the right type of wood, Raymond recognised it....the type of wood that would endure all seasons......*

*Raymond blinked...for both carvings made him think.....it was then, the little one and Raymond introduced themselves to one another*

"HUH?? so....waits....you is Raymond Hy.....Highla.......Hur.....ehm.....Highinsky???"

.... Hyvarinen.....yes.....what of it, little paws?

*paws stuck his little arms up to the sky*

" YAY!!!!!!! I founds hims!!! Paws gonna be riches!!!!!!!!!"

*Ray's quick mind managed to put the dots together......this was his Eleanor's surprise.......he had to swallow....clearly moved*

*The totems, even if carved with moderate skill, were beautifull.....but...there was more.....the little one also stated he had a poem..made for Raymond*

"Why's you sads Raymond?" *Paws asked before starting his poem*

I am not.....I.....am happy...Paws.... *he smiled as he wiped his eyes*

"Then why's you cries?"

....happy tears, Paws....happy tears.... "oh...."

*Raymond offered poor, tired paws some thistletea to have him back on energy....after sipping from it...Paws began his poem*

*after the poem was finished, they agreed to drag the heavy carvings to the to be home of Raymond and Eleanor, being aided by both Decha and Sasha....where Raymond placed them under the first patch of roof and covered them underneath multiple plaids...his heart gladdened....this by far was the most kindest...naye....touching of things someone had done for him.....that woman surely knew how to move him.....and he was glad she did..*



// the poem will be posted by Ragnarock1983, who plays paws don't want to steal his thunder, and Ragna....massive thanks for your efforts mate....really appreciate it!

[Mausman]

The Circle and...darker things....


*Raymond awoke with a loud gasp.....breathing heavily....sweat had poured out of him....his eyes shifted left and right.....reassuring where he was.....to his left...Eleanor was sleeping peacefully....which was all he needed to see....calming himself down...sitting up for a moment*

*he let out a sigh......he had dreamed about the Banite.....the temple......Bane invaded his very mind and heart......at the whim of such a lowly villain.....who had caused his friend Jonas harm.....*

*Raymond did not regret his siding with Jonas.....at all.....but the experience that left him scarred after......was something he rather never would experience another time.....if it was not for Aeili and Jonas looking after him......the Gods only know what would have had become of him.....*

"To me...Raymond....you, in your own way, are a true knight of the light......"

*Raymond could do nothing but swallow a big lump in his throat and glance to the ground as Jonas spoke these words to him....was he really a knight after all? a...hero? ..no....he was just a man carving his path in life....doing what he deemed was right.....nothing more....nothing less.........or.......?*

*Raymond could not ignore that slight tingle he felt inside....he looked up to Jonas......both at that moment but also in general.....the man who had overcame so many hardships, yet still was smiling in standing tall in life....he admired the man....thus....the spoken words touched his very soul....his inner core....*

Thank you....Jonas... *Ray's voice skipping over a bit, being utterly tired from all the happenings*

*Earlier...Raymond had spoken at length with Galen.....a very good conversation as well. Raymond had learned more then he initially thought...and Galen proved to be a fatherly figure to him.....something he.....had missed for a long time.....guidance....not the type of guidance Eleanor gives him.....but the guidance only a father could give....they had discussed the matter of Irini...Aurilites in general....the ones that Raymond had met of the circle and his vision on them....the Arivain incident..ending with Galen finally saying that he was proud of Raymond...explaining that he was to meet with Warden Silverleaf now....surely though....Raymond would continue to seek guidance of Galen along his path....for this man proved to be more with honor than he initially thought....despite the harsh path he and Azrael had Raymond walk.....*

[Mausman]

"Ray! psst, we need to talk!"


..... Can...pledge over here come as well?

*she regarded the man in his robes*

"... No...."

Fair enough.....Pledge...please? wait here....I will not be long...

*Pledge nodded*

*Raymond walked with the woman....they had met often before....a strange...bond had formed between them....both so very different, yet so the same...duality in it's best form....and a bond of tolerating one another had been forged*

*her voice lowered to a whisper*

"Heard you had some problems with the Banites, hmh? "

yes.....*he whispered*

"Well.....I have to kill you now...."

WHAT?!? *he hissed in a whisper*

*She chuckled, clearly she had more up her sleeve*

So it finally came to this eh? *Raymond anticipated that her loyalties had shifted, in his mind, preparing for combat*

" I am afraid so....."*she paused*

"But....I have a plan"

I'm listening.....

*the veiled lady explained to him her plan....with Raymond nodding and grinning....she had not betrayed him after all.....even more so.....he fully understood the kindness in this gesture of her....and would make sure not to forget such a kind act..........for she easily could have taken his life....*

*this is what made the path that Raymond walked in life so dangerous.....he was always in the middle of good and evil....black....and white......always on the borderline of things......but it was his path......he would not have it any other way......

[Mausman]

To Dance one more..


*They both stood straight....smiling....Raymond gave a slight nod with a grin as Eleanor hummed her tune....the tempo being of a waltz....and thus, they danced....twirling, forgetting all there was around them....it was a delight....it had been long, long ago....yet he remembered it all still...and his love and passion for her clearly was noted in his movement, enjoying the dance.....a slight trip she did make, but she managed.....leaning on him and recovering in an ever so elegant way....they danced and danced....and ended up sleeping under a nightsky.....*

[Mausman]

Sasha


*Lyraa was bouncing on Ray's shoulders, a bit bored* Rayhaaaay? *she asked, bugging him, with her child-like voice* how did you and Sasha become friends mh? tell me? pleeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaase?

*Raymond groaned in his familiar way*

Fine....fine....bored, are you huh?

*as he walked through the forests, he started to tell, Sasha walking beside them*

When I was a teen....I did not have that much to play with....except a wooden sword....and my older brother to annoy him with it *he chuckled in the memory*

I needed my thrills.....guess I allready was reckless then.......but...I managed to find a pack of wolves in the woods......scary stuff at first...I'll tell you that....

But in due time.....they slowly got used to me, watching them from a distance...and I slowly, but surely, closed the distance a bit more, each time I went to the forest...

One fated day.......the alpha walked up to me.....I nearly choked! beautifull beast.....and I thought that he had enough of my....intrusion....mayhap coming to give me a warning or such.....

but to my surprise.....he stopped right in front of me....and plainly.....looked at me....as if appraising me....his eyes piercing mine....as if....as if he was looking right into my soul.......

It was then, the alpha....well....it looked like a nod.....and turned....glancing by turning his head a bit at me another time...it seemed as if he...beckoned me to follow him....

I slowly did.....hoping I did not misunderstood....

Before I knew it, I was in the middle of the pack......and they were not disturbed by it at all.....not sure I can describe how that felt.....except that all the hairs on my body were standing straight up......I felt.....honored.....beyond belief....

Time passed by.....and as their acceptance of me grew....I even was offered a share of their kills at times.....and let me tell you......having dinner with a wolf....is.....special *he grinned* I ofcourse always was allowed to eat from the kills as one of the last...it is part of their structure....their ways....to let the strongest eat first...

Sadly.....what I didn't know....was that a group of poachers....had noticed me traveling off into the woods often enough....and one....sad day.....they stalked me....and when they noticed me in the middle of the pack....*he gritted his teeth*

they initiated a brutal attack......gods....those wolves never had a chance....so many men.......arrows flying........and....if it wasn't for the alpha.....well......I would have had an arrow in my chest.....he....*Ray's voice clearly emotional* he leaped at me....I thought...he feared I might have led these men to them on purpose....but as he leaped.....I heard his cry......as he was shot in the back by a hail of arrows.....falling into my arms.....crying in pain.....while in the meantime.....his pack was butchered.....

He...sacrificed himself for a fecking human.....and his pack......*Ray swallowed*

Before he died, he pointed at my side with his snout....revealing a cub to me....the final cub alive.....a she wolf.....

I understood his wish....and took the cub....running off as fast as I could....

That cub......is Sasha as you know her......she is both my companion and my vow to that Alpha that his death was not....entirely in vain......

*Lyraa's eyes had become moist, but she smiled no less....putting her little arms around Ray's neck as well* Ray.....do you know you are more of a hero than you think?

*Raymond blinked.....then growled*

Sure as hell am not! ..... I just...do what I do.....'kay?

*Lyraa plainly smiled, allowing him his pride*

[Mausman]

I....promise you El......I....WILL set you free......

*they stood near the stacks of gathered hay....holding eachother firmly...*


*That....final mark.....the pink one around her neck.....remembering her of those dark days.......it injured Raymond heavier than any blade in excistance to see her grab for it.....at the moments she was reminded.....the look in her eyes......it weighed heavier on his heart than anything......*


*Raymond sat under a self built lean-to in the woods, regarding their lodge....just a few pieces of the roof needed fixing...for they leaked......rain pouring heavy during a thunderstorm.....he had made a few chairs.....decent....but nothing fancy...and had begun on the bed..*

hmh.....*as he held the book he had recieved from a candlekeep monk, for a ranger.....Raymond did quite often visit the candlekeep library.....and he had befriended a monk there....who had been most helpfull.....*

So..if I am right....reading this.....I will need....-a huge list of herbs was mentioned here- to make that tincture.. ....but....that will mean.....the underdark.....*Sasha's ears perked up and she turned her head at Raymond....Lyraa gasped loudly and started to shout*

OH NO! OH NO NO NO NO! you are NOT going down there Ray!

I have to.....it's the only place for that herb.....no is not an option Lyraa....simple as that.....

*Lyraa stood before him, clenching her little fists and stomping him on his chest, crying* NO! ....you can't go there! you will get killed! there has to be another way....there HAS to be!

*Raymond allowed her her anger and frustration....groaning softly*

I'm sorry Lyraa....but I need to do this.... NO! yes.....I promised her...and if this is one of the ventures I need to make.....so...be it....

*She slowly stopped pummeling him....sniffing....*

I need your support in this....Lyraa....and not only yours.....I also need six clerics of the light....and two druids....to perform the ritual....and the ritual may not be disturbed.....*he sighed*


I...better...wait with explaining till after the child....or children....are there....no need to get her worried allready....*he sighed again*

I should seek out Jonas to get some training....if he would give it....to better ward myself against the darkness.....


((this is but the first of a series of posts to come

[Mausman]

Purpose.....?

*Raymond had to swallow.....pulling out that arrow finally.....growling loudly in the bush he was hidden in*

*He had met with Warden Silverleaf, finally, after tracking his scent and tracks.....not an easy task indeed..... and one of the brethren.....they had hunted would-be assassins together....causing Ray to get hit by an arrow....luckily....nothing too serious, but the arrow was stuck in a nasty way....and had rendered him incapable for the moment. The meeting with Silverleaf, from Ray's part, could be described as....emotional.....a coming home on a different level.....it seemed the elf and Raymond instantly...connected....not in words per se.....it was something.....that could not be grasped or pinpointed....it simply was.....there*


*After he managed to pull the arrow out....and take care of his wound...his mind trailed back to the meeting with his friends.....Dennis scowled at him....even was about to storm to Eleanor to tell her of his plans to venture into the underdark....but after yelling at eachother like brothers do.....they both calmed....and Raymond explained his plan......Pledge.....Natalie and Thomas being there as well.....it would not be a long stumble.....it would be a quick in and out......for he needed that mushroom stalk......it was one of the key ingrediënts.......without it...failure would occur and Raymond would not have it....the fellowship agreed not to bicker or speak in the open of this plan of Raymond.....Raymond did state that he would tell Eleanor -after- the children were born as to what exactly his promise to her would behold......the entire conversation being held in whispers.....away from meddlers....Raymond knew he had a lot to prepare still......and....surely, Auriel would lecture him as well......it -was- the underdark after all.....and there was a high risk that a drow patrol might discover him.....or whatever else which lurks there......he would seek out Jonas after El would have given birth......he knew he would need training to protect himself in dire situations.....*

[Mausman]

*It had not gone as Raymond had hoped....tensions were obvious....back at the bridge....and it had ended with Raymond explaning to Eleanor as to what exactly his promise to her would behold......*

*ofcourse...Eleanor was in tears.....he could see her urge to run....though tried soothing her....it was useless for them to separate NOW....and especially in her current condition.......Raymond regretted that his plans were linked to arrogance and stubborn being.....whilst all he wanted was to set her free.....but it was clear she was not going to allow him to go alone....even with the promise of friends coming with, Eleanor clearly showed that she wanted to go down with him....and he knew in his heart he would need her.....direly.....for they were bonded.....but surely....they needed to talk more about this....one thing, Ray hoped, was clear to Eleanor...he would move the very mountains for her if he had to....his devotion to her....knew no end*

*Natalie and Pledge being in their house.....Natalie trying to clear things up to her best efforts....but clearly being troubled by her own load with Dennis and family....after some time, both nat and pledge left...leaving Ray and El to themselves*

*A loud howl sounded in the distance.....surely.....the howl being so deep...it could not have been from a regular wolf......Ray and El went outside....looking to see if it might be a wounded beast.....but it was no wounded beast they discovered.....far from it....it was The Ancient One who blessed them with a visit....and words of wisdom......the encounter was far to beautifull to ever describe in mere words....but both Raymond and Eleanor surely would carry this encounter in their hearts for always....*