The journal is a small, weathered, leather-bound pocket book. The pages are cheap vellum which have signs of water damage, acid burns, and singes of fire. Despite it's condition, the book shows signs of care and protection.
(( Two points about this journal. First, Celine is not a reliable narrator. She writes what she remembers, and she writes from her perspective. Some events will be skewed, others may be completely remembered wrong. Furthermore, she'll only focus on what she wants to.
Second, The "days" represent a day she writes in her journal. There could be one day, or several days in between each entry. However, Celine uses the "day - x" format just to help keep the order of her entries straight.
If you feel there's something that should have been added to the journal that isn't, please feel free to PM me. I thoroughly enjoy all the RP I share with everyone on this server. ))
Last edited by Featherfox on Wed Jul 13, 2016 4:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.
As per Father's habits, with a new region comes a new journal. I imagine we'll be well acquainted before too long. It's a harsh place, this Baldur's Gate. One look at my pack, and worn rapier and they immediately turn their heads. They mutter phrases like, "not another one," or "they're no better than beggars." Even the guards turn dour when they realize I'm trying to be part of the adventuring caste. Perhaps traveling without the dress was a mistake after all.
Needless to say, it's a city. So, with a city, comes people who do need a hand. I'm apparently good enough to catch an old rat, stuff hay into scarecrows, and deliver packages all over the city. I'm sore and exhausted, but the work is simple enough. Perhaps with a little luck, the farmers and dock workers will put a good word out for me.
Disaster, and luck! How can those two things come together? Even after surviving this experience, I can't believe it happened. It started with a merchant named Blunt calling to adventurers for help. However, as the bard V'Louren continued to flirt with all the women nearby, and the other adventurers stood talking, nobody offered to lend the man some aid. Having been in his position before, I decided to step in and do something about it!
Finding the bandits was absurdly easy. They're even a known nuisance to the local guard. My hands were shaking with anticipation - finally a task that would earn me a positive reputation. I headed into the cave, and was quickly ambushed by bandits and wolves! The bastards trained the dogs to fight for them! It was a harrowing fight, but I survived. I patched myself up, then headed onward.
I couldn't risk getting swarmed like that again; the consequences were beyond some lost jewels. I didn't count on there being so many! But I couldn't back out either - to fail my first job by tucking tail and running would ruin any chance at earning a working reputation. So, with bow in hand, and rapier at the ready, I began the arduously slow task of sniping and stalking.
The plan was working beautifully. I'd fire from cover, hide, then ambush the bandits that came to investigate. One on one, or even two on one, they were no match for me. As long as I kept things going smoothly like this, I should have the whole place cleared out. I'm not after genocide though; I just want the jewels and I'm gone.
Disaster struck brutally in the form of an ambush. I had slaughterd dozens of bandits in that small cave. I thought for sure I had driven them all out! I was careless, I was reckless, and I almost died. I honestly don't know how I didn't. I should have died, and to be honest I would've deserved it. But I lived. Somehow.
Waking in the farmlands east of Baldur's Gate, I had no choice but to report the failure to Blunt. He berated me, called me a fool, and he was right to do so. But, even as he cut deeply into me, he took pity on me and gave me advice. His advice was simple - don't do reckless things alone.
This is where the luck part comes in. A strange man by the name of Thomas overheard the berating. He followed me as I ran from the market square in shame. He did his best to try and cheer me up. He even agreed to come with me, so he could see for himself what I had faced.
And then...things get very strange. We returned to the bandit cave as before, but this time nothing went wrong. Tom gave me a strange potion that lifted my spirits and banished the doubts within me. The bandits couldn't best me, and the treasure we found was immense! These bandits were clearly beyond the skill I took them to have; and I realized just how big a fool I was for underestimating them so horribly.
During one of the bandit ambushes though, I saw Tom in action. He had been trying desperately to hide his skill, but I saw him deliver a punch right to a bandit's jaw, knocking him clean out. Now at least I understand some of my luck, but I feel better about this. Someone experienced is helping me get better - I truly was lucky today.
Tom then did something for me that I will always be grateful for. He left the bandit lord for me to face alone; to put a proper end to this adventure! The fight dragged on for minutes, and I wasn't sure if I could win. That's when the second stroke of luck happened. A hooded figure appeared from nowhere and started helping. At first I was shocked, and thought he was there to aid the bandit lord! But, I quickly learned he was there to help me. Well, try to help. He wasn't that good in battle.
In the end, we won; but I still consider it a failure. We never found the stolen jewels. Thanks to my blunder, the bandit lord had them moved. However, he had not moved all his wealth! I split the found goods with Tom and the hooded Raman. Hidden away in a crate behind the bandit lord was a curios thing; his own rapier with an acidic enchantment on it. I've named the blade "Acidic Sting"; it shall serve to deliver the same painful lesson I suffered to every enemy I face.
Day 3 - Graveyards and other things involving the Dead
Adventuring has a strange way of bringing people together. I met Raman again today - this time in the graveyard east of the city. Some crazy sage hired me to collect bones for his experiments; and I figured the practice was better than hunting bandit-trained wolves. Turns out the experience was good; I need to learn how to overcome the resiliency of the dead if I'm truly to master the rapier.
Anyway, Raman. He's an interesting one. It took me all night and a couple of drinks to learn why he obsessively covers his face. Turns out he's a tiefling; poor bastard. While I do empathize with him, I can't relate to his pain because..well, I'm not a tiefling. People don't curse my existence or spit on the ground or lock their doors and windows when I show up. They instead call me scum or useless. At least I can fight the assumptions made against me, I don't know how I'd handle being cursed for the blood I can't choose within me. Probably wear a hood too.
He's a nice enough man. Hell, he's well-groomed! That's better than I can say about half my suitors back home. Still, it's a shame about that red skin. I really really hope he finds a nice Tiefling lady who can help him with his aim.
Oh right, his aim. I should remark on that too. It's horrible. Absolutely horrible. HORRIBLE!
He wants to be a wizard, and I truly can appreciate that. Perhaps with magic he won't miss as much.
I should remark more on the graveyard, but I just can't be creative about it. It's full of dead people, that walk, and try to eat the living. I hope the clerics of Baldur's Gate can do something about that problem someday. In the meantime though, they're a steady source of income for casters who need bone components for their wands; so that's something?
Maltz, the weapons shop owner in Baldur's Gate has asked me to do a serious mission. It's another delivery quest, but this time it's all the way from Beregost - a town in the south. Luckily for me, Tom's coming.
I realized I didn't talk enough about Tom, so let me put him in now while I'm thinking about it. Tom's an eccentric man. He's generous, quick-witted, and incredibly deadly. Still, his charm and mannerisms are so disarming; I find it difficult to keep my guard up around him. I think, truly, that if he was inclined to show me his skill, I'd be finished before I could see it. And while that should terrify me; it oddly doesn't. I just don't feel that Tom would do that to someone unless they deserved it. But, perhaps that's just how I feel due to our steady stream of adventuring clients back home. Tom has his reasons for knowing what he does, and we all have to be good at something.
Raman's the one who told me about the job; and I'm amazed Maltz let me sign on. I think Raman put in a good word for me. I'm moving forward, and this is the right thing to do.
That job was another disaster! We came up with such a simple plan - run forward. Always run forward. The bandits and bears and beetles couldn't keep up with us. The plan was working so well! But then, just outside of Beregost, a goblin fell from the heavens and took Raman out with one blow! A single blow! I scanned the area but couldn't find Tom either. So, I ran! I got far enough away that they gave up on pursuit; but not before one shot lightning at my back as I fled. (*note, keep journal in backpack to avoid lighting damage to the book*)
I later found out that somehow Raman made it back to Baldur's Gate in one piece. I'm.honestly not sure how. However, I'm starting to realize that being Tom's friend means things like that will happen.
I met a man in Beregost who wielded the most fascinating weapon! It was a bladed gauntlet, but it had a gnomish device that allowed different blades to spring forth! He then taught me a few of his basic strikes. I'll be practicing those every day. He remarked "nothing swings faster than your own arm", and I agree. I must make my rapier an extension of my arm or I'll never be able to match his speed.
I feel for Raman that he couldn't make the run, but I gotta get paid. Mister Bladed-Gauntlet had taken offense to the goblins looking at him funny, and those he didn't personally kill had fled. I took advantage of his chaos to slip out of Beregost and sprint back to Baldur's Gate with Maltz's shipment intact. Finally, a successful mission!!
Clyde, you miserable pile of noble dung heap! How can you possibly think twenty gold per rat tail is worth trudging through those sewers under Baldur's Gate!! Where's the bounty for the foul-stenched Troglodytes living down there? Where's the bounty for the Muggers and Thieves who clearly hide from the Guard down there? I can barely afford to keep buying new boots off of this bounty - but I can't refuse a noble.
Still, since the run to Beregost, requests have begun to trickle in. Furthermore, they accept my answers for why the job may not be done immediately. Finally, a sliver of respect. I'm not after fame; I don't need my name on some honour roll and I certainly don't need songs made after me, but the respect will go a long way when it's time to ask around about Nathan.
...I haven't thought of him in a long time. I can't believe I let Tom and Raman trick me into forgetting why I'm really here. I'll have to stay focused.
To take a break from the sewers, I headed back to the graveyard. There's a strange cave I wanted to check out there. Again, I meet up with Raman. However, this time he's not alone; he's got a nice lady named Carra with him. Carra is a Mystran Devotee, and she's brutal with a Battleaxe. She's helping Raman take his first steps into magic. Together, as a group, we decide to explore the graveyard cave. Along the way we met an Earth Gensai named Tsu. Seems I have luck with meeting outsiders.
Tsu is...powerful, but silent. He only speaks in whispers; which makes me wonder if shouting truly is beyond him. Like Raman, he lacks accuracy. However, he makes up for that with incredible power, and rapid attack speed. He's not as fast as Bladed-Gauntlet, but he fights with the skill of a Monk; even using his bare hands in battle. He seems to prefer fighting with a Quarterstaff though; probably because he can wield his Strength better through it.
Oh, and to spoil the ending, the Graveyard cave connects to the Farmer's Well on the north bank of the southern river. I'll need to remember this if I ever wish to avoid passing through the Eastern Farmlands to get to the Graveyard. I wonder how many other secret passages I'll find.
Okay, where to begin with this day. Well, let's start with the fact that I fought a DRAGON! Okay, a wyrmling, but still, an actual DRAGON died to my rapier! It was amazing! Best part, Tsu and Raman witnessed it! Raman and I even killed a second one when Tsu had to leave for some errand! Unbelievable. If anyone had told me I could kill a DRAGON with a rapier, I would've laughed in their face.
But, that about extends the end of the good news. The world has a serious problem right now, and every instinct I have tells me to put my head back in the sand like the peasants do and hope it goes away. But seriously, what can I do against shadows!? I met a woman named Shina today. Her, Carra, and I ended up investigating a strange event. Selune's light was consumed by Shar's darkness. It was terrifying, especially since an angry sewer outflow pipe viciously spat me into the river! I swear those pipes are out to get me.
I traveled to Candlekeep where I met several adventurers; and got a chance to be with people who have real weight and experience behind their words. Such gravitas; such severity! I felt like a child at one of Father's merchant meetings again. Ugh, what a memory. But, that entire point wasn't lost on me; whatever is happening with Selune, it's way out of my depth. I'll keep my eyes and ears open, but if I do learn anything, it's straight to Candlekeep! Let the experienced ones handle this.
Now, I'm not without ambition! One day, that will be me facing down such horrors with the rest of them. But I know my limitations, and I'd rather be absent, then be a present liability. Men and women stronger than me have fallen to these Shadows; I can't ignore that and in hubris think I can overcome where they can't just because I gutted a whelp.
I met an elf today too. I've no idea how to spell his name, but I will write Vulnerable Dragon for now until I can get him to teach me the proper Elven spelling. He was an odd one; he warned me that Raman could be trouble; which I already knew. Oh Raman, work on your bloody aim! I don't like getting rays in my back! Anyway, digression. The Vulnerable Dragon is a Gold Elf Historian. He's an amazing individual; strict, but rather sincere in his words. He took me to a library in the Palace District of Baldur's Gate, where he found the meaning behind my name. Etymology is something I had heard of before, but it never interested me as a subject. Still, he was earnest, and he had a way with words that piqued my curiosity.
Turns out my name means Sky. He also said something strange; that every name is given with a purpose behind it. I wonder if the Wyrmling I fought was named Holy, or Coat Rack. Ah well..
If my name has a purpose, does that mean I'm not going to ever find my brother? This is why I stay out of religious matters; I've enough problems to worry about now to think about the future like this.
Oh, and don't take the following turns and twists in the sewers to find a Temple of Mask, or a Black Market dealer. Trust me, just don't do it.
It's a shame, but it's undeniable that the sewers and I do not get along. An angry sewer outflow pipe took great offense to me collecting rat tails and snuck up on me. It grabbed me, swallowed me whole, and unceremoniously dumped me into the Chionthar river. What a night. At first I couldn't figure out which way was up; and thought I had found a new undiscovered underground river! Turns out it was worse than that.
Somehow, Selune was gone! Just...gone. How does one make Selune disappear? I don't understand this, and I can't wrap my head around it. But, true to form, whenever things get rough - there's Tom!
Only, it isn't Tom. It's his female twin! Her name's Shina, and she wants to investigate Selune's disappearance. We meet Carra first, and discuss basic theology. I know, Father, I can already hear your voice about how I should have paid more attention to studies of Lore. Still, I'm the one who guesses Shar, and we decide to seek a Temple High Priest for help! Since Carra's a Mystran, we head there first.
The Mystran Priestess didn't know much, but did confirm what we feared. It was a bad omen, and we should be worried. Very worried. Shina seems to be enjoying hersef; the way Nathan enjoyed a good book. It's unsettling. Carra, like me, is confused and out of her depth, but she handles it better.
Oh, side note, why do churches let their rat-hunting cats play the piano when they aren't working? That music is horrid! Carra tried to tell me that the music has something to do with the eight or nine schools of magic, but all I could hear was noise designed to thwart any meaningful attempts at concentration.
Shina decides we should head to Beregost and speak with the Lord of the Sun - well, one of his Priests anyway. However, on our way we pass by Raman, Tsu, and a man named Uthar. Uthar is acting mightily suspicious, and Raman is doing his best to be helpful without revealing anything. Perhaps he'll tell me later about what happened. For now though, the three of them are obviously very scared, and running for their lives. Whatever they faced; they had to face it alone. Poor bastards.
After that encounter, we met with a Ranger and a Caster heading to Candlekeep. Apparently that's where all the investigators are gathering; and when they heard we were investigating too, we were invited along. It's terrifying at times to see a Caster nonchalantly turn away beetles that give me trouble in battle. That Ranger too..his skill with a bow was exciting to watch. Finally, seasoned adventurers who's names don't start with the letter T. I may be out of my depth, but I won't pass up this opportunity to meet some new people.
When we get to Candlekeep, we're taken to a woman named Isabella. She's there along with a host of adventurers who are trying to cure someone that was attacked by a Shadow. It's here we learn the gist of what's going on. Shar has thwarted Selune, and opened up portals to the Plane of Shadow. Adventurers are being attacked, and "marked" in some way by their encounters. Point of fact, Shina and I (Carra couldn't make the journey with us) were the only investigators that weren't attacked. Apparently going to the Priests first was a good idea. So, Shina fully proves to be Tom's female clone; she's nonchalant, tries to keep things upbeat even in darkness, and she's absurdly lucky. I think I tagged along with the right person for this venture.
An interesting man hangs back on the fringes with me; listening but not quite understanding what's going on either. Like me, he primarily uses a weapon that will do almost if not literally nothing against a Shadow. His name is Daichi. There's something about him; he feels noble without having any apparent regal bearing. Perhaps his spirit? I'm not good at these kinds of things. If I remember, I'll ask Tsu about it.
Daichi and I surprisingly hit it off while Shina, Isabella, and the "grown-ups" discuss what to do going forward. As they discuss, both Daichi and I come to the same conclusion - we're of no help here. So, I've decided I'm going to stop being angry at dark sewers. They may be challenging, but sadly it's my place right now.
One day - it will be me at the front with the rest of them; dancing with Shadows to restore Selune's light. But while that image is romantic, it will stand as a goal to work towards. Right now, I'll have to settle for dancing with rats. Good thing healing kits aren't that expensive...
I know I've mentioned some good names in here, but there are numerous adventurers I've not brought up. Today I will write about them.
To the man with the Greatsword; I weep for the loss of your awareness as the undead in the graveyard ambushed you and ripped you apart.
To Raman - may you one day learn to aim your spells such that they don't hit your allies
To Tsu - may you one day learn that splitting the party is how you keep dying
To Myself - Stop trying to save them. When an adventurer falls; they fall. It's always a dangerous place where they fall, and I can't dance while carrying them. Also, too many times I've been carrying someone I thought was dead, only to find them alive and well. I'm no medic; stop putting myself through this.
To Myself - Stop taking unnecessary risks; it's how I failed the first time. It may be how I met Thomas, and Raman, and others, but stop. Stop before I truly do end up dead. There are gaps in my memory of places I try to go, only to wake up in the Eastern Farmlands. I don't know how I made it back either. I just know...I'm failing.
To Myself - Stop seeing His face every time I fail. Stop listening to His words every time I fall short of a goal. Stop being so depressed that others will worry. Stop pushing away the good people I've found.
It's hard; being forced to watch strangers fall. It's harder watching friends fall beside me. It's hardest when I know it's my fault for not being fast enough; or strong enough; or smart enough to prevent that fate. I earned my Rapier as a lesson in not traveling alone, but what's the point of traveling with people if they're just going to die around me?
While mulling over my thoughts, I was pleasantly interrupted by Daichi again! This time though, he's alone at the Friendly Arm Inn. He's offered to show me the ropes for someone as green as I am. I really appreciate this chance. The distraction is helping too.
He wields a magic he calls Ki. I've heard that term in passing before too; but I know little about it. I didn't have time to chat with him about it either since he took me on a wonderful run. His power affected me; and I felt like I could run as fast as the wind! Everything else around me slowed down; I finally have an understanding of what Shina meant. This is what it means to go faster; I'll need to reflect on this more.
Daichi takes me to Baldur's Gate, where we discuss the various jobs people have available for adventurers. Some I've done, and others are perhaps beyond my skill; but nonetheless I now have a firm grasp on where I should be as an adventurer.
He then takes me to Beregost where I learn about the jobs there. When I'm ready, Beregost will be the next town I adventure from. Knowing the path ahead really is helpful; especially since I'll probably walk it alone. I'd ask Daichi for help, but the gulf between our skill levels is massive. It would be like traveling with Thomas - welcome company but I'd feel like I'm wasting his time.
Along the way, we meet a friend of his. They say something like Konbowan, or Konbanwan, or something to that extent. It's not a word I'm familiar with, but to them it means good evening. I know adventurers who know each other sometimes make up codes or words that they only share with each other; or it could be more of this Cant I've heard about. Anyway, her name's Mariko, or Mirako... I'll ask her when I see her again.
We decide to call the adventure short there. I've had such a great time being distracted from my woes; but the fatigue of this enhanced running combined with what I'm doing to myself has left me drained. Daichi doesn't know, and I haven't the heart to bring it up. It's my problem anyway.
Again, I got that sense of strong nobility from Daichi even though he's an adventurer like me. His friend certainly showed him deference and incredible respect. So, there is something to him. I'll need to reflect more upon that too. Perhaps I should by a mirror to help with all this reflection.
Well, let's start with Raman telling me that the Gibberling Cave near the Friendly Arm Inn connects to the Hilltop Ruins south of Baldur's Gate! That alone sounds like an adventure. However, there's also a ghost who might have treasure!!
Tsu, Daichi, Raman, and I all head into the tunnels to explore! Daichi is the swordmaster I surmised when I do see him in action. No, that's not fair, he's beyond where I guessed his skill at. I'll need to improve my skills of observation. But, not only him, Tsu has also grown strong with power. Now it's justified when he runs off ahead alone; he can handle himself.
Our trip through the Gibberling territory is swift, bloody, and brutishly efficient. When we head to the tunnels below, the bats, drow, and gelatenous cube that encounter us fall so fast I don't get a chance to fight. Thanks to Tsu and Daichi, I get to walk and look pretty. It's not a fun feeling.
Soon enough we get to the ghost, and learn that he wants a password to let us pass. Unfortunately, this is where things get frustrating. There are four statues, but none of us could figure out how to make them work. Even with Raman's help using shrinking magics to get to the small places, we couldn't get the statues to function at all.
Even worse; there's a memory blackout where I somehow woke up in the Eastern Fields again. The last thing I remember was Daichi and Tsu both had to leave; and Raman fell in battle. I got overwhelmed; it was too much. Perhaps I got him out; perhaps we both got out together - I don't remember. All I could feel was the overwhelming, crushing doubts of failure as my mind echoed with Nathan's laughter.
Wouldn't you know it - Thomas to the rescue again. Raman tried very hard to cheer me up; and Thomas appears from out of nowhere to help too. It's thanks to them (especially Tom) that I realize I am looking at my entire adventuring career the wrong way.
We went back to the statues with Tom in our group, and even with his immense luck we still couldn't get the statues to work. It was beyond all of us. Seeing Tom fail struck a chord within me; and I started to realize that I was wrong. Nathan, wherever you are, I can't imagine what your failures have taught you...
Tom takes me back to Baldur's Gate, and helps me see the value in small victories. If an inch is gained; that's an inch of progress. Advancement can seem so small, yet as long as we're alive and moving forward; we're going to reach our destinations. It's an uplifting thought. Tom also bought me a beautiful hat that kept the enchantments I was relying upon from my helmet. Now I can see better; and my head doesn't feel like it's encased in a metal oven all the time. It's nice to not feel dizzy from heat while dancing.
I decided to measure those small victories; as a way of celebrating Tom's words, and purging the last of my doubts from my mind. I first visited the Bandit Cave; where I earned my rapier and where I nearly lost my life. It's incredible! They couldn't touch me. They moved so slow; so clumsily! It was beyond easy to predict how they'd move and how to stop their attacks. Even their ambushes and snipers could barely hurt me anymore. I took some scratches, but the path was easy! I never would've described that cave as easy! The failure that marked my arrival has now been put firmly behind me.
I next decided to test my skills thoroughly! I took a walk from Baldur's Gate to The Friendly Arm Inn via the underground tunnels that connect the Hilltop Ruins with the Gibberling Cave. This walk was intense! Kobolds, Shamans, Chieftains, Rats, Dire Rats, Imps, Bladelings, the Wyrmling Dragon, a Mimic, Gelatenous Cubes, Beetles, Bats, Drow, Gibberlings, Gibberling Hunters, and Gibberling Shamans all stood in my way. That army of opposition could not stop me from completing my adventure! I did it! I, Celine Prospero, danced my way to the Friendly Arm!! I had no idea just how far I had come, and yet this day wasn't done.
Remember Vulnerable Dragon? Well, his name is Dragutrostos! He took me under his proverbial wing and we traveled to the Cloakwood mines together with an unstoppable powerhouse named Tiberus! Oh, note about Tiberus, every statement is packed with emphasis, energy, and gusto! I don't think he knows how to tone anything down. He even power-walked!
The Cloakwood Mines were an area far beyond my skill. I knew that entering, but a friendly elf named Sirion enchanted all of us with immense protections and augmentations. I had no difficulty dancing against the Balati, and even the Umber Hulks we encountered down there. To think, I'll be doing that one day without magic! The thought excites me greatly. Tiberus smashed everything we encountered; including the Queen Umber Hulk and Balati Commander. He even smashed the Mind Devourer we encountered down there!
The Mind Devourer deserves special notation. This thing looked like a man with an octopus for a face. When he screamed, my head felt like it was exploding from within. All I could do was clutch my ears as I stood transfixed by that awful scream! It turns out I learned afterwards that the scream was in my head. This thing stopped me with nothing more than a thought! Such power frightens me deeply.
After all was done, Dragutrotos was impressed with the way I handled myself, and I think he liked my dancing too. He's offered to take me on as an apprentice of sorts. He wants to give guidance in my martial development. Well, this guy wants to build a school, and he's very devoted to he subject of learning. Also, he's a better swordfighter than me.
Thomas - I hope you never find this journal. Because if you do, I'm afraid you'll learn just how much I'm growing to respect you, and how much I'm starting to depend on you...
I'm putting down a question here for future consideration; how does a Genasi move so fast? Today I spent time with Dragutrotos and Tsu, though never together.
Dragutrotos spent time today imparting Elven wisdom We spent the day talking about patience, the weight of history, and how easy it is to let emotions cloud judgement. I found the entire conversation rather relaxing. I also found myself repeating some of those words as I battled in the caves under the Hilltop ruin. Spending time with this elf has been good for me.
I should make a note here; I've been keeping my reason for being here a secret. Tom, in his infuriatingly charming way, got me to trust him well enough to tell him about Nathan. If anything, I hope telling him has helped him understand my situation better. So, since I had told Tom, I decided to tell Dragutrotos too. It turns out, Dragutrotos had already deduced part of that on his own.
Dragutrotos and Tom are in agreement, annoyingly. They want me to stop my pursuit of Nathan. But I can't just abandon my brother, nor my family duty. He's out there; somewhere; suffering, and it's changing him. It's changing him in ways I'm not sure I'll be able to face down, but I'm resolved to do so. It's nice knowing that Dragutrotos and Tom both care though; they aren't trying to help Nathan avoid me - they're trying to give me a better life in their own way. I guess they either don't understand, or choose not to - bringing Nathan home will lead to a better life; for both of us.
Tsu, on the other hand, is not trying to stop me. He doesn't know about my brother, and he doesn't ask. He has noted how dedicated I am to my dancing, and he genuinely wants to help. The first lesson? Running! Tsu had me race him all along the tunnels where the Gibberlings live. It was intense! I couldn't keep up, but I was determined not to lag behind. However, every time I caught up to Tsu, he had just finished a fight with Gibberlings and was ready to race onward again. It was exhausting; he kept me running in that dark for hours. I was never so relieved in my life to pack water!
After spending time with Dragutrotos, I met up with Tsu again. He was very quick to take me to Cloakwood for some rather intense training. First, we dueled each other so he could gauge my skill. He then remarked that I don't move fast enough on the battlefield. I did remark on my chain, and on the fact that dancing is precision footwork; it can't be rushed. At least, that's what I thought. He had me race him again, but this time the racing was different. We were running circuits of Cloakwood until we met up at the mines, or the campsite. It was taxing work. My muscles ached all over. But, Tsu wasn't done!
He took me into the mines, and started having me run at my opponents.Headlong I stumbled dangerously off-balance at the Batali, but the results astounded me. My reckless charges were throwing them just as much off-balance as myself. Casters in particular showed a fear to my presence I had never seen before. After the tenth charge, I started to realize there was a way I could run while keeping my balance, though there always carried some risk.
Whenever I saw fighters charging into battle; I thought they were being reckless and brash. I had certainly seen my fair share of men with swords fall because they ran in without even looking first. However, Tsu showed me the wisdom behind the act; how a simple sprint to a caster means only one spell affects me instead of three; how archers don't even have time to turn and run. Charging is a very simple technique; this is true. However, knowing when to charge, and from what angle to avoid hurting or tripping on friends, actually takes a measure of tactical analysis to perform.
Thanks to Tsu, my movement on the battlefield is greatly enhanced. I won't forget this day; I've started running as a form of training to work on my endurance.
He knows I'm here! I can't believe he already knows I'm here!!! How does he know this? Where did he find me? How did I not see him!?
Today was going to be a nice quiet day. The only plans I had were to sit at the fires in the Eastern Farmlands, and the Friendly Arm Inn. It was going to be a nice, relaxing day of gathering rumours and hearing the stories of friendly adventurers.
That's exactly what was happening too until Raman showed up carrying a pair of all-too-familiar boots. I had just met the Genasi Ashan; turns out only Tsu has the whispering problem. As adventurers came and left while we swapped stories, Raman arrived with Nathan's "message" to me; a pair of his old, well-made boots. Layers aside, the one message was very clear - walk home.
There is no way I'm leaving now. He's found me; and there's nothing I can do about that. However, the chase won't end now because of this.
So, I'm not hiding my reasons for being here anymore. I told Ashan, and anyone else who would listen why I was there. I then continued with my plan; relaxation was definitely needed. That's when I met Sirion.
Sirion is an elf I met before; the same day I met Dragutrotos. However, we were both caught up in our own affairs to have any form of discusion. Today I found him lounging on a bench by the fire.
After some pleasantries, we talk in earnest. We talk about my family; Sirion showed surprising interest in my Grandfather for some reason. We talked about my brother and why I'm here. We talked about magic, and elves, and Tom. I can't believe that I finally meet someone who knows who Tom is, and infuriatingly it seems I know more than him! How can that even be possible?
Well, though I made some new friends, relaxation was simply not happening. In the end, I'll take some advice from my Swordmaster, and enjoy a restful night's sleep at the Friendly Arm.
Raman.. Wherever you are, may all the Gods and Goddesses shine their grace upon you and give you luck in the shadows that trap you. Tsu has told me of your fate; and I hate how powerless I feel as I know I can't help you now.
Today was a very interesting day; and a day I really needed. After learning of Raman's fate; Krostin, Tsu, Daelin, and I all went out adventuring into the Cloakwood. Somehow I let Tsu convince me to go try dancing with Minotaurs. A Minotaur is actually a rather terrifying creature. Decked from head to toe in armour, they wield axes that are larger than me. The Minotaurs reside in a cave network that's a complete maze. However, since Tsu has me lead, we end up stumbling across a ruin deep inside the cave networks.
We're doing incredibly well as a team. The minotaurs can't bring us down, and we're carefully watching each other's backs. However, the cunning cows understood one thing we didn't respect; their terrain. It only took one misstep, and we were separated. I was left alone with two cows while my friends were ambushed by another group. I fought for as long as I could alone; but I eventually must've succumbed to my wounds. When I woke up, there was a very friendly Priestess making sure I could stand, with my friends worried about me all around me. All things considered, they didn't abandon me, and for that I've committed their names to memory.
To that point, Krostin comes rushing in as I'm remembering how my legs work, and demands I fake injury so he can use me as an excuse to get closer to a cleric. He just risked his life to save mine; this really is the least I can do in response. So, I went along with it. Turns out I play dead rather well.
Unfortunately, I can only fake injury so long before the cleric's discerning healer's eye sees the truth, but it still worked! I took a firm jabbing in the ribs, but Krostin got close enough; even being caught still did the trick. The cleric's name is Rin, and Krostin made his move. Rin, it seems, is not interested in the male gender though.
We decide to try and help Krostin through his rejection by taking vengeance on the Cows that helped create that situation. Unlike last time; we move more slowly as a group. This simple change of pace ensures none of us get severely injured. Daelin didn't stay with us; but in the end the three of us who remained danced with minotaurs for hours! Eventually, we met up with a druid named Thorinwolf in the form of a walking puddle of water!
Before we left, we each tested ourselves against the Cows in single combat. Even I can dance with Cows now.
Wherever you are Raman, just hold on. I'm getting better at dancing, and Isabella is seeking people to take into the Dark.
Unbelievable! Turns out the first Tiefling I get to know is actually amazing! Raman returns, and somehow by sheer luck I happen to be right where he appears as he escapes! He came to me rough and exhausted, dressed in something the villains wear in plays. I took him to the Friendly Arm for a rest, then motivated him all the way to Candlekeep.
Turns out there was a Drow who wanted him; some crazy woman named Lissal. I've no idea what her end goal is, but I am glad to have my friend back. I imagine she'll be pissed when she learns he escaped. A small part of me wishes I could see it, but I'm not crazy enough to desire it strongly.
Isabella, the Candlekeep Gatewarden was there when Raman and I arrived at the infirmary. She immediately took over his care as he told her what he could remember. Poor Raman was so panicked; and I don't blame him. A rune had been etched into his skin; something this Lissal could use to track him down. The very thought of that gives me shivers. Raman says he stole some gold, then used it to buy a teleport scroll from an unscrupulous merchant. He witnessed the horrors of the Underdark and Lissal's madness for three days; by the sounds of it I'd be terrified too.
Isabella's an interesting one. Her way of getting to know me was to drag me into the kitchen with her. I can't believe it's already been two years since I've spent more than a moment in a proper kitchen. I barely knew where anything was; stumbling around like a helpless kitten. Still, we made tea and sandwiches for everyone; Isabella, Raman, Hinzel, Isabella's protector Solwyn, and spares for other guests who came and went. It was a good exercise in calming peple; a way to get centered.
It was during this moment I realized there was something important I had to do. I'm done with self-doubt and unknown answers. So, when Raman was well on his way to sleep, I went to find Tom.
Not surprisingly; he was easy to find. We talked for a bit about what happened, and toasted to Raman's good luck. Then, Milil forgive me, in the most graceless way possible I asked Tom what he thought of me; and us. In the years before now any man who's been interested in me has first approached my father. This is..scary. I wonder if this is how any of those men felt as they sought permission to have my hand.
The campfire felt hot, and the rain which fell against my hat didn't do anything to cool me down. Everything felt like it was moving in slow motion; and a strange, hazy mist surrounded everything I could see. My eyes were locked to his, and for a moment, I couldn't breathe. In the end, I held on waiting for what seemed an eternity before he gave his anwer. He said yes.
Father forgive me, but I think I've fallen for a man you won't approve of.
))