The Journal of Galen'ael Glenstalker

[SteelForgedSword]

*Galen awakens from a long nights Reverie and sits at his desk in the Grove*

"Why did you spare me?" She asked as she stood in the moonlight on the river bank her tone half acid half genuine curiosity.

"I am not ready to tell you yet." I told her.

I am not even sure myself, this female I've known since my first arrival in this land.

The first time she walked by me, her features hidden in her green cloak I was perplexed and found her facinating.

Days go and months pass and our affairs and paths cross, never for more than a moment..except when the Warlock arrived and his service to Bane began.

More days and months pass and as their love grew so did my disdain of him and his chosen faith...and the hunting of my people in the Grove...and my wonderment of why such an Elf would bother with him...she was no Banite..she is faithless...or so I believe.

Eventually their war against my kind failed...honor and Faerynn and Elohir by my side.

I took the Warlocks Life for the final time in front her eyes and saw genuine loss in them. His last words uttered as my scimitar twisted in his chest and cleaved his heart in two.

Words from her screeching of death and revenge and she dissappears as I told her to go, sparing her life.

Days pass and she finds me in the forrest alone and she does not best me, again I spare her life and she cries like a child and dissappears into the shadows. My words of finding purpose and redemption deaf on the wind..or so I thought.

I leave and return and she appears in the moonlight as I stand upon the River. We speak of things in the familiar as if something has changed...not close..but not enemies either. I tell her what I know of Toybox and she asks me of many things in her manner getting what she wants without saying hardly a thing.

She has no one and I tell her she can come to me whenever she wishes in such a manner as she can understand...without me infering she is weak or her killing me. I think she understands and as she walks away she utters a few words that leave me to believe a new path in my dealings with her opens before me...though I am unsure what.

We agree we are more a like than we thought...I see her as the half of my mind I control...that I don't allow to manifest..that runs her life. I would be her if Life had been unkinder to me growing up.

I will write no more...only that she is what I could become with one death, one betrayal, one unfortuitious event and her I.

She wonders off dissappearing into the shadows, infering more will come. I do not think it unwelcome...not in the slightest. As one shadow walker leaves another appears.

We and the little one banter back and forth and I tell her she will have her contract when I have a direction for her to go. The chess piece is clear, it's path is not.

I, relieved, because she missed part of my conversation to the other..otherwise I might not be alive. I alluded as much to the little one and she fretted and chastised...but had she known I would be dead. Such information is not known to all but a few.

I told her I still have the amulet and she and her ilk will be needed and I will send word when I am ready, I gave her my word.

Our factions affairs have no place with each other..or quarrel..unless someone were stupid enough to put a bounty on my head. The city is hers and the wilds ours..they could hardly be any more different...

As she dissappears, she tells me something I thought I had knew and confirmed from her eloquently prancing words.

He WAS a plant and he is gone, returned home...but it hardly matters for I could kill kim easily and as I said...our factions have nothing in common and I take great care to see they do not.

Even murderes are useful..I never said I was an angel nor 'good'.

I do what I must to see that which has been entrusted to me survives and thrives as all Life must...to maintain the Balance..whatever the cost.

I am the force in wood on the outside of your perfect world, the one who sacrifices his own Spirit and Life so that you and yours can sleep at night...that pays time and again.

Ours is the only fight that matters, that you are never aware of, the fight for all Life.

I and mine walk this path, some of Us more than others...some even amoung our own kind have no idea..secrets from each other.

Good is irrelevent.

Evil is irrelevent.

Balance is all that matters and I will do what I must to maintain it..for all life.

Life is Survival and I shall survive...in the Chaos of it all..the only true test.

*the entry ends emphatically*

[SteelForgedSword]

I returned to the Grove to find no one and many notes, leaving one of my own....and smelled Azrael's musk about the chamber.

Faerynn occupies the place I once held and I am proud of him. I having been moved to a place of honor and sage advisor...am now as I once was, just a Brother of the Grove.

Freed of the burden I once bore (I have no regrets, I merely did as I was trusted to), I am free to pursue my own agenda and just be for the first time...ever? It seems as much.

I will wonder the Land and do as my Oath swore me too; giving heed to the Council as it now stands.

Suffice it too say, I will guard the forest as the cold wind does the Mountains as a Female does her little ones..

With little care how I do it...

The Balance will be maintained and I hear the call of the forest in my heart as the wolves bay at the Moon once again.

The Chaos of Life is only true test; natures only way.

And at long last, I am free to proceed.

-Galen'ael Glenstalker.

[SteelForgedSword]

For days I have wandered the Land, seeing all that has changed and that which has not.

I have seen old friends and meant new adventurers who wander the Road in search of their destiny's....

For all that changes, so much remains the same. I am sure there is wisdom in this lesson; something to ponder.

The Grove has grown in strength and is stronger than when I left it. Faerynn and Elohir do well and I am proud of them.

I feel rather useless now; the burden of leadership no longer my own to bare.

For the first time in years I have time...

Time to wander, time to do as I want...

I have done much thinking in this week since I returned to the Gate and I see a new path opening up before me...freed of the burden Faerynn now bares, my heart and mind go in another direction...many know me but do not know my heart, and now even it changes...I feel I am free to be as I was without the concerns of the others to cause me hesitation...

And so, I wandered the Cloakwood and left signs....

Now, I shall wait....and sit...as long as it takes for the path to reveal itself...

-Galen'ael.

[SteelForgedSword]

And as I wait in the Wood....

A message arrives speaking of a meeting of what I seek...I seek to learn wisdom and different ways..and assess a threat for myself.

How odd life is...

How odd one path opens before me then branches in another direction...

One toward an old friend and a Cause I have served...

The other which speaks to sensibilities I have that I might wish to embrace...

Or not....

Mother always said my mood and path was as fickle as the wind itself...

I shall meet him, than we shall see; once a Teacher and then a Friend.

I have missed his company; I will meet him and here his words...

[SteelForgedSword]

For the love of all that holy and green...I cannot even hunt the Mountains north of Nashkell with an old companion without reports surfacing against my actions.

I share paranoia with some of my Brethern, but even this annoys me...at least they pay attention as I taught them, what else could one ask for.

I also find it annoying I contradict myself in as many sentances...how odd.

The accusations against Faerynn continue, I witness to Tarsakh's meeting with the Weave Masters wittnesses; the elf Rylath's story merely that until I saw that taint thrust upon him.

The Elven Faction plays politics and intrigue poorly; I am surmised to believe they are either diabolical or stupid...with nary a thought in between each concept.

They do squabble like children; the Elf's story has merit, but as to his motivation or concrete proof it is hard to tell...

I attended the session as a witness, my features hidden from view. When the elf showed his Shadow Form...all to quickly...I stepped in front of Tarsakh to shield him, nearly bringing down the roof of the Tower in my form of a Elder Earth Elemental.

The gathering emptied out; many frustrated.

Many do not understand the mind of a Druid; my concerns and mentality are beyond the face I wear, even my heritage.

And, as years pass, I tire of trying make outsiders understand.

Unless you walk the Paths we walk, you will never understand.

Being a Druid is not a job, it is a life..a mentality...an essence of being.

-Galen'ael Glenstalker.

[SteelForgedSword]

Were my life that of a Paladin, it would be much easier...that is evil..go and kill it, have a pray at the temple and move on.

I tire of the Grove allying itself with those outside of the Circle itself. Long ago, I warned Aloria, Faerynn and Elohir and the rest of what involving ourselves in the Elven Council would lead too...and I was right.

I did not forbid the actions at the time when I was Arch Druid; to forbid such a thing is what an idiot of a parent would do. Beings must be free to chose their own path and learn wisdom on their own.

I fear for Aloria and her well being, she is all that holds the Elves of Doron Amar together; without her they would be nothing and fall apart quickly.

If the Elves are her destiny, then so be it, she is my friend and I hardly begrudge her that which has taken hold of her.

She only wishes the best for the Seladrine in this Land; a noble sentiment.

I am Elven also, but do not see it as she does. I left the squabbles and diatribe of Elven politics and culture behind a long time when ago when I became a Druid.

I serve the Land, the Balance, the cycle of all Living things, not the Elven Nation. My calling and concerns are higher than the Council of Elves now sees. You may say I am as haughty and arrogant as any Elf in that statement and you might be right, but my service and Life is devoted to a cause greater than any nation or any people, for if nature perishes and the Balance goes awry; we shall ALL perish.

The Shadow Druids do walk the Land; I have seen the Dark One with my own eyes and heard his words.

The only proof the Elves have of their accusations is from the mouth of an Elven Assassin fool who seeks Aloria’s station for himself.

Any accusation or thought derived from this information, in the Circles concerns, is invalid and only deserves to be monitored for potential calamity…not acted upon for now

As long as they continue to fight amongst themselves as all Elven tribes do, I will have nothing to do with them as an ally and encourage the rest of the Grove to do the same, though our members are free to act as their hearts would have it as long as they remember to whom they swore their Oaths.

Doron Amar has much potential, if they could cut the fat, so to speak, from their ranks and live to their true potential. They have come far, but have much further to go.

Irregardless though, I fear they and the Grove will never see eye to eye on many things given our callings…I don’t know. The Circle is not a political faction and many do not realize this. I am not against allying with the Elves, but they have much to do..to learn..to grow..and to earn the trust of the Circle as our allies have and those allies are few and far between…such trust is earned with time and blood.

I encourage the Circle not to act on the Shadow Druids until a crime is committed against the Grove, our members or our shrines, or an act that threatens the Balance.

To maintain is our calling and the sides we chose all do not always agree with when you factor in politics, personal agendas and other petty animosities one sees around Baldur’s Gate. We kill Drow, but we do not hunt them. Will kill Banites, but we do not hunt them until they cross that which we protect. To carelessly involve ourselves in the affairs of outsiders we endanger many lives…

Whether the Circle or outsiders realize it or not..the Circle and the Shadow Druids are linked by fate and idealism, read the lore at the shelf of many books if you do not believe.

All life, indeed all actions are linked and the Circle and the Shadow Druids are no different. Mirrors of each other we are and the gray spaces in between.

What happens to one, will happen to the other, that is Life, that is the Balance.

Many tales of Druids not acting permeate the lore of the humans and other races, but not for the reasons you think. Inaction is an action.

For once the power of Nature is unleashed, many will be caught in the cross fire..many who have no place in it.

This is why the Shadow Druids and the Circle are linked, this is why we must be careful.

This is what the others must come to understand….

Galen’ael Glenstalker.

[SteelForgedSword]

Once again the land of Baldurs Gate has drawn me to her. As I have traveled far and wide for many moons, I was strangely drawn back to this place.

We shall see what is in store for me as I wander the wild places and the roads once again.

It has been some time since I have seen my brothers and sisters of the Grove.

I hope they are well and I am anxious to see how the Grove fairs since Faerynn has step down as Arch Druid.

-Galen'ael Glenstalker.

[SteelForgedSword]

I spent time hunting the Troll Claws today...

It has been ages since I have seen Raymond, my first Ranger student I iniated into the Grove so long ago. We hunted the mountains and shook the rust off of these old bones.

Much of the Mountains has opened up.

I found myself face to face with a Demi-Lich in some series of caverns and valleys full of snakemen.

I returned to the city exhausted seeking a jug of wine to ease the soreness.

It was good to see Raymond again, an old face was most welcome; until I saw him I felt quit alone.

I meant the Arch Druid Uriel, a halfing of all things. Such if Life and not a concern. Strength and wisdom do not know size; only heart and wisdom.

Raymond said he returned to investigate the reports of the Shadow Druids in the Area; such was the concern when I left months ago.

I must speak to Uriel when we have more proper surroundings...I see much going on in the Wilds and none of our own hardly around.

I must catch up and figure what to do next and how to fit in and serve as best as I am able.

It is good to see those other than The People in the Grove; such foolishness as our involvement in Doron Amar was short sighted. I hope for a new direction to things.

-Galen'ael Glenstalker.

[SteelForgedSword]

Eric Lightbringers corpse hangs from the Walls of the city; a fitting end for a fool. Such soldiers in the Fist do them honor.

Daaf did the right thing, at least in the end. How it will affect the Circle from the incident where they tried to arrest Uriel, I do not know. Aid has been requested and we do have many allies, the Fist amoung them.

Eric was wrong, but Daaf was just doing his duty. The treaty I negioated with Eltan long ago must stand, if for no other reason than the good of the Land and the People who call it home.

One bad egg should not ruin our relationship with the Fist and the city. The Land near our Grove is ours, but we live within the dominion of the Dukes, even if we do not fully recognize their claim to all land...we are Druids not Human nobles from Water Deep...maintaing the Balance is tricky.

As I said to Raymond, the Fist and everyone else...and Uriel agrees...it is about respect and mutual alliance. The Keepers will be respected..we are few but powerful. The Fist are thousands, I do not wish to end my days slaying 100's of young humans before I am burned out. It is not about whose genitals are larger, forgive my uncooth manner mother if you read this someday, it is about respect.

The storm Uriel and I sent to Baldurs Gate should have delivered the proper message. It was large and blessed by our Lord.

I do not blame Daaf; he was doing his duty and is an honorable Dwarf in my dealings with him in the past. I only pray he learns his position as Captain now bears a great weight upon his shoulders. He is Captain, he must think now, not merely take orders.

Eric's corpse atop the wall is a good start.

I am sure this will satisfy Uriel; whether he wished the man dead...I doubt it...I will not shed a tear.

I am also sure some form of recompense will be asked of the Grove for Uriel supposed crime...I am not against it...but it will not end with our Leader in the Fist prison for the pettiness of Eric Lightbringer. A gesture to them would not be a bad idea; something reasonable. We are supposed to be allies.

I am filled with happiness at the status of the Grove; Uriel is a fine leader and I have no hesitation about fully supporting him. He looked to me once or twice to lead or for advice. Advice I will offer, it is his to lead. My time as the face of the Grove to the world is done; though I still serve as an advisor.

I like it this way, I can hunt with Raymond and my Brothers and Sisters as I want with no great burden. I have lived to see all my past work and deeds flower and it warms my heart. Many of those I have taught are the foundation of the Grove and we have new members such as Mia who seems kind. We have need of more Druids.

Uriel shows wisdom for one so young and is more patient than even I was. We act as though we have known each other for many seasons, though it has been a few days only.

I will support him in whatever he needs, Tarsakh did the same for me when I took the mantle of Arch Druid. He will learn, the job changes one. I will say nothing more.

But I am happy and hope for the future for the first time in a long time and I will rejuvenated.

-Galen'ael Glenstalker.

[SteelForgedSword]

Now a human girl who witnessed the fight between the Grove and the Fist seeks to accuse me of use of Necromantic Magic.

My other spells were exhausted, my Grove mates lives in danger, I felt it necessary for Us to survive when we were attacked unjustly and Uriel accused of something he did not do.

My intentions and reputation speak for themselves. I do not care if she tells the Fist...neither do I deny and I have left word at the Grove in an extensive note...I will not rehash all here.

I felt justified and am not afraid.

As a I say, I will do as I must to see the Grove and the Balance protected and maintained.

I am not an Oathbreaker, I am not a Liar, I am not Lightbringer.

I did as had to.

Whatever comes will come; I am not afraid and I will not lie.

Once, for the lives of my friends and my Oath I swore to long ago. Once I have done it and I will not sherk.

-Galen'ael Glenstalker.

[SteelForgedSword]

What have I done???????????

Gods forgive me........

Silvanus help me.....

I was weak and I am so sorry...

I dwell in darkness....the price to high....

*chokes on black vomit*


-Galen'ael Glenstalker

[SteelForgedSword]

Here I sit...no word on my fate.

I did not think such a thing as this could happen..my own hubris my falling.

I have dishonored those I fought for and all the while I feel the taint growing inside me as I battle for control...

I hardly remember the parade of death I left upon the Road to Baldurs Gate..the only one I remember a female Elf..who I raised after I had slain her...her broken corpse at my feet...Then..

Tears..darkness...rage..and pain.

Now I am here...

I must regain control..I need help..for the first time..I beg you Father...help me or send one who will..

Help me...I am so sorry..

*it ends abruptly*

[SteelForgedSword]

*Galen'ael sits in his cell, a moment of clarity as his memories of the last 6 months, the time of which he was gone from the City rewind in his mind*

((more of a flashback than a journal entry))

He sent me North...seeking power..power to bring our enemies to our knees...I left the Grove in a time when they needed me...My heart was heavy that day as I left North...

I traveled many days and found myself in the High Forrest. I was filling ill and weak...my dreams haunted by things black and morose...

I camped one dark night and awoke ... wandered to a Circle of Stones...the taint of the place heavy like copper in my mouth.

The Circle...an old and abandoned Grove...sickly and wrong.

Here I felt the veil thinned and my pain strangely dissappeared....

For reasons I do not understand, I began to pray..chant...something of the sort in this vile and place...

I found myself pulled away and visions of power and darkness filled my mind and heart...

A voice mumbled a name...Lord Seorsa'ssr..a name only known to those I chose to walk with for the greater cause of the Balance...

Pain inflicted my being as the stars swirled above my head and infected me...promising that which I sought.

Power...to make a difference...to affect change when the others of the Grove would not.

I called them family and fought beside them, taught them, guided them, and led them...and failed them...I limited by The Council..so I thought at the time...

But, in my heart, I called them cowards for lacking the will to do what had to be done...the burden of Arch Druid upon my heart seeking a solution to the challenges of the Grove...

As I swirled in the darkness, stars twirling above my head...I surrendered to the unseen will before me...the Veil here thin to that plane of Shadow...and at last...I surrended becoming a pawn to something I did not understand and gave in to the promises that came to my ears in whisper.

At last, my own Hubris over came me and I returned to Baldurs Gate..the memory of the night fuzzy and far off...but changed I felt...

No here I sit, in the cells of the Fist, shackeled like the animal I do not remember being...blood upon my hands and my soul...

"Father...forgive me...I have dishonored my People and Your Cause...I was wrong...I am tired...so tired....."

*Galena'el slips into the darkness of his cell and knows no more as he coughs black bile upon the floor*

[SteelForgedSword]

Here I sit as the Fist repairs and rewards the door to my cell....

Thanks to an act of kindness and mercy I am whole once again; free of the taint I had brought upon myself...

I am clean, Silvanus has forgiven me and restored my prayers...

Here I sit and wait...for trail.

My honor demands no less.

I have seen true Mercy when I was showed none.

I hardly believe my soul is freed.

Such friends as these I do not deserve...

-Galen'ael Glenstalker.

[SteelForgedSword]

I will likely hang and be executed.

Such is my fate, I deserve no less.

The choice to pull such power upon myself was my own. My soul is clean and Silvanus has forgiven me.

I only must face what I have reaped.

I will not face it with fear, I will compelte my penance.

Mercy be upon me....

I am not afraid.


-Galen'ael Glenstalker.