Eleanor: The Path of a Novice

[sugarandspice]

Various meetings and thoughts

His children are lost in the mountains....buried by snow and ice? or just lost..perhaps they found their way back to the other side towards Amn. The man thinks himself cursed..that this is just another sign of that curse coming true. But how can it be? if he is not of true Rokranon lineage....perhaps just tis bad fate. I feel so sorry for the man and would aid him in his search...told him not to give up hope...perhaps...perhaps...a group of druids that can shift to burning fire might melt and cut swathe through the pass to help find them....I know how I would feel if I lost my child...I feel for him...I really do.

Sel again...caught up with me as I trained in the forest. What am I ? weakling, sit at home type and watch while others do the tasks I should be doing? No sir. I am plenty fit, yes I tire more quickly, yes I am getting bigger and a bit more ungainly, but no I do not think I not taking unnecessary risks, I know my own strengths and weaknesses and do not go to difficult areas unescorted. Ugh! that man is sooooo...overbearing with his attempt to protect it is...annoying...pretty sure he means well, but he does not know a woman's mind or heart so well if he thinks I will simply sit on my arse all day doing nothing. I've a number of weeks yet before I will be too big to do much at all...'then' and only then will I put my feet up and wait for the birth. I've options too, to help with the weight and the heavy feeling. I shift to bear to run (I am stronger), I shift to become air when I tire (I am lighter), I shift to fire when I get chilled in the mountain (I am warmer). There is much I can do before I rest on my laurels.

We went to see the foundations of our new home. He stood there proudly showing me his efforts...he is such a little boy sometimes...I took pleasure from his pleasure in showing me where the bath is to be. Apparently Decha, Sasha, Natalie and Dennis have all been helping him in some way. I took careful note of the structure and wondered where 'they' will go when done...his surprise. It slipped out before I realised I had been thinking aloud. He thought I meant that I was coming around to thinking that the daughter I believed I was carrying was actually twins...I chuckled at the private joke and misunderstanding but refused to tell him more not even on pain of a tickling. I wonder what he will think of my surprise gift to him...hopefully Paws will do it soon..or in time for when the house is built at least.

Another day, another upset when Irini Iceheart chanced upon Kyle Archer and I at the campfire on the cliffs. What I'd hoped would be an interesting chance to get to know him, turned into a heated argument with accusations thrown at me from that ice bitch, attempting to turn blame for her disruption of the solstice event and subsequent so-called harrassment she feels friends of the circle have given to her, entirely onto the shoulders of ...well...it seemed like..me and mine. While Kyle tried to mediate, I felt myself getting more and more upset, inwardly seething but unable to retaliate as I should like from lack of information of all the circumstances, lack of knowledge of the druid's position (I must speak with Tarsakh or another Elder sometime, there is so much I do not understand...and if I am to face such accusations and harsh words against my belief and the path I follow, I would really like to be in better position) and still a latent fear of the power that cold hearted woman can wield...I did not wish to show her that fear and left them both there, swiftly changing to bear to run..run free and wild and away from that tempest that disturbs my serenity.

His words soothed me, calmed me...he knows how to gentle me when I get like this...
And he honoured me....I accepted his family tradition and symbol, that cloth that bears a lock of his hair, as a token of his bond and commitment to me and only me, tucked it close to my breast. While he has my heart, my love, my body and I am bearing his child...I could not return the honour, I still cannot bring myself to take that final step...it makes no sense...but it terrifies me...

Valer is troubled, searches for something, a person, is tied to the Beast until that search is over..but his heart lies with the wood spirits. The lady of Mielikki would welcome one such as he, but we did not press him. We spoke of friendship, and though he is interested in joining our brethren, it may not come to pass while he chooses to stay on that path and the calling of Malar. Raymond and I offered our help to him in his search...the qualities within him are evident and he has proven his nature to us several times now...I pass his name on to Galen as a potential seeker to the Circle once more and asked him to meet with Valer...but...we will see.

I finally caught up with Kyle again, and this time we enjoyed a quiet and long conversation by campfire by the river in the farmlands. It was a beginning of getting to know each other better. I asked him what makes him happy, asked how many he counted as close friends and why. He talked to me of his beliefs concerning nature, more the seeker to answers of why nature is and acts as it does than what he thinks typical druids believe that nature just..simply is and we should just accept it. I was interested in his philosophy, I am open minded, perhaps not typical druidess and am curious...until this point, I have not sought to question nature, merely accepted it for what it is, enjoyed it even, seeking to sustain and preserve it and keep its harmony...those basic early teachings of my grandmother coming through. As for the other druids of the Keepers Circle, I do not know what their views are on this subject....but Kyle is still interested to become a Seeker and I will let the others know of his interest...they will also need to judge him suitable or not...I know my own mind on this matter.

[sugarandspice]

Letters to and from Paws

*a weasel scampers up and finds Paws, a tightly wrapped note stuck between its jaws offered to him to take, it scampers off again as soon as delivered*

Dear Paws,

I am sympathetic to your plight for coin as I find it a difficult one myself. I am willing to offer ((Xxxx)) GP for help with the following:

- a surprise gift to a loved one, a human man who needs but little. Such a gift must be unique and interesting, not necessarily something that one can buy off the shelf. I had thought of a song or poem from a bard, but I rarely come across such a person of late.

If you think you can help or need more information please get in touch.

Eleanor
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((quoted from Paws PM))
*He recieves the note and watches the weasel run off. He then reads the note a smile grows across his face and then a perplexed look follows that.*

How does Paws respond to Eleanor?

*writes 40 small identicle notes that say the following*

Paws interested in job. Paws is good at carving stuff with his Big Big Big Dagger. Maybe guy would want that? If not, Paws will write poem.

What is guy like? What you want poem about? What would you want carving of?

*Paws then procedes to take his forty or so handwritten notes and chase down all manner of small wildlife, attempting to tie notes to them.*
--------------------------
*as 40 small animals all manage to find her at nearly the same time, running around and over, she is forced to sit on the ground or be smothered in their eagerness to give her their messages. She reads the second and realises then they are all repeated. Tickles the rabbit and the ferret under the chin and shoos the others away with her kind thanks.

A return note is attached to the foot of a sparrow with instructions to stay and await any return message or leave as instructed. Eleanor has wisened up to Paw's message dilemma*

Paws,

A carved statue 'and' a poem are both great ideas. Depending on your skill, I propose a statue of a wolf and a bear in some natural pose. I would dearly love a sweet and appropriate poem as well. If you could do both for the said fee, I should be grateful.

I am going to place trust in your skills and will promise you the full amount for delivery of said gifts to one 'Raymond Hyvarinen'. If you wish and we are able to meet me to show me in advance, all well and good, else deliver said gifts in person to Raymond, telling him they come with my love. The monies I 'guarantee' are yours when we do meet should you recieve but the slightest smile from that man on his recieving of them.

Eleanor
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((quoted from Paws PM))
*A note is returned on the sparrow, which is slightly frightened by the massive halfling.*

Ok Eleanor lady person! Paws is better with big-big-big daggers than words, but Paws do both. Gold is gold and Paws needs it BAD.

I go to swamp now cuz they have good trees. Paws is smart and will find big cyprus. It is good wood, very hardy to elements. Lasts loooong time and has very pretty wood grain.

Paws will leave statues with guards at Baldur's Gate if that alright. If not, you tell Paws where to leave them. Paws deliver for free.

Paws can leave them where Man will find them if you want. They gonna be BIG statues like Paws. No one will miss them!

Paws work on carvings and poem in mean time.

Bye!
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*she chuckles at the thought of the statues, thinking they will make nice additions to the new home that Raymond is building. Another note is sent with the sparrow, calmed by Eleanor's words, it agrees to fly one more time to the funny, yet frightening halfing, a personage it finds more intimidating than his dear Eleanor*

Paws,
When completed I propose that you organise delivery to the statue of Miliekki or the campsite at the cliffs near Candlekeep as these are the places where Raymond can often be found. I can then organise with him, further delivery to our home that is currently being built in cloakwood. If you would time the delivery with your meeting and recital of poem to him (I shall endeavour to be there at the same time if I can) all well and good.

Eleanor
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The deal was made, she was pleased...hopeful, the carvings of bear and wolf were splendid idea, perhaps something that would go on a mantlepiece or if a little larger would rest by firehearth. Of the poem...well, he was not a bard she surmised..but...she was hopeful that he would produce something eloquent that Raymond would enjoy.


*she was pleased with the statues, having peeked beneath the plaid blankets that Ray threw over them at the lodge. On hearing a simple rendition of the poem from Ray that Paws had recounted, she decided that....perhaps a bard might have done that deed a little more eloquently. However, the statues were tremendous, Ray was pleased and she packages a pouch of the agreed sum of gold and sent it attached to a collar on Decha with instructions to be on his best behaviour and not to frighten Paws on delivery of the coin*

Paws

My greatest thanks for your hard efforts, here is the agreed sum of gold and a little more for your lovely work.

Eleanor

((OOC I just want to extend a big thanks to Ragnarok also for some great fun RP in forum letter, thanks so much for this, worked a treat!))

[sugarandspice]

"Hmmm....."

So much has happened over the last days I am not sure where to begin, mostly to Raymond...but what affects him, affects me.

Galen's tests for Raymond.... I stayed well out of it, or intended to...each must come to the Circle under their own merits....and while I was so very happy to learn that Galen deemed Raymond suitable, one of his methods, to my mind, left much to be desired...a bit of a bad taste in my mouth also...and I told him so, openly when he realised I was not happy about something. Only for him to reveal that it had been Azrael's idea mostly. I felt that such a test had also been a test of my resolve and heart...and there I thought I was already part of the circle, no longer Seeker. I shall give that Azrael a piece of my mind when I see him next...using outsiders, namely Arivain in this case, in this way to push buttons of Seekers or members is...really not on..trust the males to think of that kind of test! Hmmm. Of course Raymond and I both passed with flying colours on that score...but that is not the point.

I felt..or was it heard? Jonas' voice or feeling in my head but I brushed it aside as I was busy in the grove on tasks for the Circle. I found out later that Raymond had also had the same sense, and had rushed to Jonas' aid. Banites...Raymond had been violated in the worst way in my opinion..his mind had been breached by a powerful banite and it was only thoughts of myself and the swift and strong action of his friends that had brought him back. Wish that I had been there now to protect him...even from the sidelines....I wish...I could have been useful. But this terror, might not be over. He told me also of the threat over his head...and his dealings with...that woman....I can only hope that that unusual connection is...hmmm...he walks a dangerous path sometimes..one I cannot begin to approve of..but..he is his own man...I have to trust him on this.

I have received many secretive letters now...from ...an..acquaintance...dare I call him friend? He calls me that....it sounds like he is in trouble this time and I may no longer hear from him....I wish him well, despite my suspicions now as to his line of work...he mentioned his 'list', that he it would hurt him if ever my name were on such a list...dear gods, let it never come to that.

I met with Jonas and his sweet wife Alistaria..finally! I got to meet with her. She is a month or so ahead of me in her pregnancy although we are near of the same size and I saw her discomfort with aching feet and her shuffle awkwardly when I guess the babe must have been kicking. That sensation has just started for me...a slight flutter here, one there...while odd...it was also reassuring and ..quite..exciting. We shared supper together around the campfire out at the lodge. Two thirds is completed now and Raymond was full of determination to push on and finish the last part in time. I am keen to get to know Alistaria further..she seemed a gentle lady.

It was during this meal and gathering that Ceci and a gentleman stumbled across us. It was obvious that something was wrong, she did not greet me in her usual way and had her hand thrust out, quite relieved to have found me. She needed someone with priest or druid skills as a matter of urgency...apparently something had bitten off her fingers...I surmised animal but she was in a bit of shock and neither of the arrivals explained further. It didn't matter. While Raymond saw to our guests, I tended to Ceci, soothed the pain and with a druidic chant cast upon her a regenerative spell...first time I had used that on another in such a way. Slowly the fingers started to grow back and I held her hand while the pain cursed through them, my touch hopefully would take the most of that away...but she is a tough lady and bore it well. She..thanked me after, before heading off...and actually called me by my given name 'Eleanor'...instead of the one she usually does..'Miss Bear'. That made me smile. I was glad I could be of help.

[sugarandspice]

The Dance

What made me think of that? and why then?, why there? I wonder. Why at that very moment did I lift up my left hand take his and bring it out to the side while my other rested to his shoulder? I sought to take his mind off some anxiety, I wished to know if this dark knight of mine was as nimble on his feet with something that should be so simple and yet perplexes many males.. as nimble he is in the woods and on the battlefield. I ..have to admit to doubting he would know the moves of a dance. I mean....his upbringing...possibly did not lend to it...I was prepared to teach and encourage, show him some easy steps...though t'was a while since I had danced...a long while. I remember afew festival dances as teenager, then later in that first year or so married when my husband allowed me to be sociable...the occasional dance or ball.

But...yet again he surprises me....and t'was him who found the steps easier, he who naturally found the right hold and support to twirl me around in the three-step, while I took a little more time to find my bearing and posture again, I did not need to lead at all. A tuft of grass and a little ungainly manoeuvre on account of my additional weight and bump had me tripping the once, but with firm hold and guidance he helped me recover.

I ...find myself still smiling now, the music I hummed during the dance still running through my head and ...my feet skip to a three-step on occasion as I walk the path to the grove and I find myself grinning like a silly girl.

[sugarandspice]

She picked the last piece of hay out of her hair as she smiled at the shopkeeper, he caught her movement, raised a brow, but politely focused again to the cut materials and purchases lying on the counter

"So....m'lady...thas twelve yards 'o linen 'n same agin fer the woollen....aye...with the yarns..'n yer other bits 'n bobs..tha makes....."

The shopkeeper did a quick totalling and with a grin told her the sum then made arrangements for the delivery. She could see the gleam in his eye at the amount of the sale...perhaps twas a bit overpriced but the quality was good and she wanted the best for their new lodge. She had her work cut out. Time to get sewing....curtains, bedding and some clothing for the new babe to get sorted. It would take her some time...she was not bad at embroidery but quick sewing and knitting was not her forte. Getting out and about was getting harder. A stroll to Beregost or to the grove she might just manage. A fighting adventure beyond the fields of the dead or south in the snowy mountains was...perhaps pushing it now. Ah well...

She had a few concerns about the upcoming birth and expressed them to Raymond. What if there are complications? What if..there 'are' more than one as Raymond was convinced...did Raymond have any experience of helping with a birth? His answer was a little reassuring...but...she was not a deer. She wondered whether having someone like Natalie around, another woman...priestess...might be a good idea. Raymond believed so and agreed to ask her...while Eleanor wryly wondered at herself for thinking of needing to rely on divine help, albeit of a friend, instead of their own natural skills.

This was to be her first child...what she had always held to be her greatest desire...she would do anything to ensure she arrived safely. Outside of the shop, Eleanor raised her eyes to the sky in a silent prayer of apology to her long departed druidess grandmother knowing in her heart that she would have understood.

[sugarandspice]

Bonds

I sensed him. Blurry images came through my mind and I felt his breathing as if t'were my own. We stood there exploring this odd feeling, this bond...I concentrated and attempted also to push my feelings and afew images through my mind to him, the love of my new home, the strength of my hand on my spear....and with some surprise, his senses picked up something too. I'd heard tales of this..but never knew we might achieve it. The bond of druid and ranger in harmony.

As I sat receiving a foot massage to my swollen ankles, we talked more of other bonds. He has vowed to help me find true freedom from all that my past still binds. He promised to find a way to remove the slave collar mark at my throat, to replace all the bad memories of my enslavements with good ones.....if he can do that...surely I can find the courage to do what is right for him and the child I carry.....to marry him and take his name.

[sugarandspice]

Panic

Perhaps I should just stay shifted to bear or an element? This human body is fat and awkward. The only relief I get is when lying down now, walking is awkward...more of a flat-footed waddle and as for running? Even as bear now, hidden by thick fur and skin, I find it tricky. I had to shift to the wind to move with any speed along the road and I wonder what damage being permanently shifted might do to my child, not to mention I cannot speak to anyone while in that state...and if there is one thing that I don't like...its being limited in being able to talk.

Damn, I wish I could talk to Galen and find out what he knows about shifting and any detrimental effects on a child...I know...perhaps a question to the Archdruid...but they are both males and neither is human....arggh...damn it...wish grandmama were with me.

Belly - massive, I feel like twice my usual size
Toes - standing, I can't see them, sitting/lying, can't reach them anymore
Belly button - Sticks out, ugly bulge in the dress..bit embarrassing
Ankles - regularly aching and swelling now
Breasts - humungous and heavy, not that Raymond minds, far from it
Face and neck - definately heavier of face with all this weight

Shouldn't complain really, must just be having a bad day...I feel like a frump.

Getting rather scared too as I get nearer the time to birth. Sooo big...how the hells will I get her out...no...scary thought but...with the kicking I feel now, it can't just be one in there...how the hells will I get TWO out!?

Sshhh calm yourself El...breathe...damn it!

Breathe....relax...

I'd rather face a demon from the nine hells than this...I know, I know...I exaggerate, I won't let Ray hear me say that..he'd go mad.

Natalie might be around to help but she is novice like me ...Ray says Auriel would like to assist and she is an expert cleric...but I've still to get to meet and know her. Times like this...you want mother or sister or close girl friend around.....breathe...stop panicking El....

Perhaps Ray will be able to manage...he's helped a doe with her calf before....

Oh My Goddess!!

[sugarandspice]

Eleanor at her wildest in human form (before she became pregnant)

[sugarandspice]

Moments with the Archdruid

"Um...Archdruid Tarsakh?

Eleanor quietly addresses the Archdruid, stepping closer to talk in a low voice only to him

"What do you know of...shapeshifting while carrying a child and the length of time one should or might stay shifted and in which forms? Is there any risk to a babe?"

She waits anxious, but patient, wondering if this man in all his wisdom bears the knowledge of female and of druid

In all my time on this land I have read many to me. One in particular I can bring to memory was one that was written by a druidess who was with a youngling. It was a thought full and informative piece that she wrote with pride and joy of bringing in new life which is part of nature’s cycle. She spoke of shift with concern of her unborn child. Since there was no documentation on such before she had nothing to worry of so she shifted without thought. Upon the time of the arrival of her unborn she was in the shape of a natural creature of the land. Since she was in this shape she was unable to change back during her labor, thus giving birth to a health new bear. She cared for this young bear as it was a normal child. She nursed, and cared for it dearly. Upon the young bears twelfth year it being the mothers child seemed to inherit her natural changing ability and it presumed the shape of its mother. So, my advice is to change with care and only assume natural animal forms that normally give birth. Plant life and elemental are unknown so I would advice against such. Use caution when entering the later trimesters and only do so when in dire circumstances unless you care to birthing a bear child.

*with the responce he smiles and gives the young druidess a friendly hug*

Eleanor returns the hug, offers the Archdruid a warm smile and returns to her seat to ponder on his response....reassured in some respect, concerned in another for it was only as bear or element that she was able to move with any swiftness these days. Things were becoming more difficult, but nor did she wish to give birth to animal....even though by her size and drain to her energy it felt like she was carrying a brace of baby fuzzballs within.

[sugarandspice]

The Priestess' Advice

Two buckets, one for each end in case of vomit or...other uncontrollable situations
A basin to collect the afterbirth
Clean linens and towels
Hot water
A sharp dagger for dealing with the cord

What else...what else?....Raymond took notes of the preparations...I hope he got it all down. I was just relieved to have a lady of her experience there to advise us....and possibly, nay hopefully...who will also be there on the day. I felt I was doing the right thing...asking for her help. There are only males at the grove Circle and I was not comfortable in having the giggling dryads in charge. And besides...Raymond thinks highly of the lady Auriel, he trusts her...so I will.

She warned of possible complication, particularly with two to birth, but with two priestesses at hand, they should be able to alleviate most of the pain between them. I am not sure I will be in any state to manage that for myself...and I am all for less pain.

I thanked her warmly as she departed, a great load off my mind.

[sugarandspice]

A Monologue with a Fuzzball

Decha eyes her lazily, his head perched on her lap, her hand stroking and teasing the fur about his ears. His muzzle is covered in remnants of his latest honey feast, occasionally his large tongue slides over his snout to taste of that nectar. He is confused by her changing show of emotions as she talks to him, firstly angry, then happy, then puzzled, then sad..all he knows is that she needs him. He pushes his wet sticky black nose into her hand and snuffles at her

"So much has happened fuzzball...I feel at sixes and sevens.

Natalie agreed to help me with the birthing and with a hand to my belly, with her knowledge and skill, perhaps through connection to her god I don't know, confirmed that I was carrying two, that they were healthy and strong. She was concerned I might shift while she is there at the birthing...I told her I had no intention of so doing by choice...only hope I can keep it together to not do it by accident. Hmm...I don't want to scare her away....perhaps..sometime afterwards I might show her, help her learn of my ways that she becomes used to them.

There was small incident as we walked together, the men were up ahead. Approaching them darkness settled around us, taking us by surprise..for it was broad daylight...I remember screaming, Natalie was shaken too, Ray and Dennis ran back to us and disappeared off into the hills chasing some dark cowled figure. Horrible it was....remembering of Natalie's fears I cast light over us both as we awaited their return. I don't know about Natalie, but I felt vunerable, unable to run nor fight...and you you great beast...where were you hmm? guzzling honey somewhere or fishing...

Pledge and Natalie came with us to see the lodge then..Dennis had to leave. Its finished...with bed, table and seating. Amazing. The statues that Paws made for us are inside....what's that? No! stop grunting at me....you are not allowed within .....you'll muddy the place..or get honey over the drapes. Anyway...I found out then what all the odd looks and tensions were between Ray, Dennis and Natalie were all about..gods! What the hells is he about?

I know I cried, the shock you see, then I yelled at him...couldn't help myself..called him stubborn and arrogant....ugh...he'd better take me with him...the Underdark fuzzball! I told him its arrogant to think that I would want him to put himself in the way of that level of risk...for that promise to me..when I agreed to marry him if he could help free me from this final remnant of my past....I had NO idea that it would be that hard...that dangerous...ugh...he can't go alone...uh uh..no way....he needs me...we are a team, we have the bond...how DARE he?

I looked to Natalie then...hopeful of her help and understanding. She knows, she knows how I feel. Call me bad mother if you will, but...if he is so stubborn as to go ahead with this plan....least of it is he takes help, good friends...but I want to be ..I need to be there for him too. It worried me also that to ask this of Nat and Dennis, would be getting them to break promise to each other...for us. Oh dear.

Six servants of the light, two druids...a ritual...all to remove the dark thayan magics that linger within and around, to finally remove the mark. Is it worth the risk I wonder. But that damned man...when he makes a promise...he keeps it...annoying...but...he is what he is..and I love him for it ...oy! stop looking at me like that....I love you too honey-face...dratted bear you are...

They left then....and before Ray and I could settle things better between us...we heard a great howling of wolf in the distance...no ordinary creature. We were immediately on our guard...it...seemed to be beckoning us...Ray tracked it through the woods, ended up in the mushroom ring deep in cloakwood forest. You should have seen it fuzzball. I was in awe...a great beautiful old wolf approached and spoke to us...changed shapes and.....I knew it....once as tree he'd come upon me a long time ago...twas the Ancient One...

We both knelt before him, dumbstruck. It spoke of the evil that rises and causes him to return...Raymond then shared of his knowledge with Warden Silverleaf and the recent assassination attempts against followers of Mielikki...the Hand he called them. He told us..

The Circle will soon meet to discuss this threat. As the rangers protect us, the druids must in turn protect the rangers. It is the balance of things

Exactly! I thought..I try to protect him...as I would the other rangers...if he but would let me..sometimes.

The Ancient One spoke then of nature's twin gift and blessing..and I of my worry of taking other forms..then he told me to relax and focus on my surroundings, feel and sense all that is around me...concentrate I did...and there it was...slowly I opened my senses, though my eyes were closed and it was before me...a plethora of life, a squirrel in the tree, worms burrowing underfoot, the snake that slithered between the rocks..the leaves rustling to the breeze...and I told him of all I could feel.

Take the form most natural to you my child as you focus. You have a strong bond to the wilderness. You will not be trapped in any form so long as you focus on the gifts nature gives us all. Love nature as she loves you and your children will be healthy and whole

And there it was Decha...a confirmation, an answer to my worry from the Ancient One no less. If I can focus, keep my concentration, I might shift, but I will be cautious, there is but a month to go now.

We bowed to him then, he shifted to his most natural form, a great oak tree....and he took his leave of us.....wonderous it was...wonderous fuzzball.... "

Decha growled then, groaning in contentment as his ears are scratched, his mind on honey, an ear scratch and her, the thought of some great Oak Father of the forest, or some adventure to the Underdark far beyond his immediate concern

[sugarandspice]

A Crime Reported

Eleanor and Dennis came across members of the Fist shortly after dealing with the distraught victim and they made the report to them as promised, the Fist member Barvok taking down the details.

"The perpetrator wore dark cowl had white beard...a human male. She told me he laughed at her, told her his name ..one Raldring Lathenfallen...then bid her run...she ran...he chased, slowed her by raining arrows to her back then finished her off with his sword and left her for dead on the road near the gnoll stronghold. The victim's name is..Alarice...Alarice Lharythlin, an elf."

The poor thing barely speaks common, I had to translate and promised to report. She'd found no one in the Gate and with her language difficulties had trouble getting others to understand. Well then, tis done...Dennis will talk to Ears, get the Cloakwood company on the look out..Dennis suspects tis a malarite. I will inform the rangers of the Circle to do the same, the knight Thostar I met, an auxiliary of the Radiant Heart, Jonas' Order, was also informed and took the details away with him and now I've made report to the Fist. It seems they already know of this person...has bounty of 1000gp on his head...not enough but with all now on the look out, he will surely be apprehended soon and pay for his crimes.

Eleanor leaves note at grove Circle for all members and Seekers to see, requesting assistance of the rangers to be vigilant, do their 'bit' to track and search, helping the Fist catch this criminal

[sugarandspice]

Selfish

Selfish Dennis said....Raymond was being selfish to even consider this, risking leaving his children fatherless like Dennis himself had been. And...if I do go with Raymond, then that makes me selfish too? Quite possibly. I didn't tell him that I'd grown up without parents, neither father nor mother, only grandmother.

Can I not live with the mark? Are the memories so very bad in the end? Are we not family without the need to marry, without need to risk anything? Or why don't we just marry anyway? I find it hard to believe that tis Dennis speaking words of caution. It's only Ray who sees what lies still deep within me and understands. We both wish for clean slate, so that I might come to him free of the remaining bonds that tie me to that past, those vile memories that still haunt and stunt our relationship. If I am to feel guilty and selfish for wanting that then so be it. Acting wisely, does not always mean no action at all. Let the blame be on me, not Raymond. I make my path with him and we are doing this.

[sugarandspice]

A Letter

*Eleanor looks at Raymond's letter and chuckles* "Royal pain in the buttocks Oh Ray...he is isn't he? Bless him. But still that's a bit direct to tell to parents ah well...lets see if I can temper this a little" *and she begins to add her points at the bottom*

Lady Sharpe,

Raymond has already noted most of the salient points above as to why we both ask you and your husband to look kindly upon Dennis Green in his suit for Natalie's hand in marriage. I have known Dennis now since I first came to Baldur's Gate and right from the start he has been there for me as friend, listening to my troubles as I did to his. He is kind man and of good heart and a staunch friend and supporter to those he loves. He has had a rough journey like many of us to get where he is today and I believe he deserves the happiness that I know he and Natalie can find together, if you would but find it in your hearts to accept him into your family and your own hearts.

I am due to give birth any day now and I really need Natalie around for her friendship as well as her skills as priestess, I am warned that twins might be complicated and they are my first. I have asked her to remain a little longer here on the Sword Coast to attend the birth and hope that you understand and give her leave to do that.

Your servant, may Lurue guide and protect you

Eleanor
Druidess and Protector of the Elder Circle

"Ray...not sure if this is right to do or not, but I've added title to my signature..shouldn't matter but...if it helps in any way.." *she seals the letter and hands it to Raymond who organises its sending*

[sugarandspice]

A Ring and a Crown

She accepted his offer of ring...another symbol, another step to that final bond. The final step would be hers to make once they had that clean slate. She supposed the ring made them engaged in the accepted way of things.

Later that evening, she looked on with pride from her seated position at the foot of the statue of Mielikki as Warden Silverleaf honoured Raymond by making him Pathfinder of the Circle. Daelthrien placed a crown upon Raymond's head, a family symbol of the Warden's to relect his personal welcome to the family that is the Circle.