Inner Thoughts

[enarian123]

Kald lowered himself to sit on the ground in his camp. Before him was his small fire, encircled by stones on three sides, the forth side the stone opened into a smaller circle alongside the fire. As the small fire burned a log into coals he would move them into the smaller circle, and over time he had boiled water, and cooked some stew, not a small kettle sat on the coal heating water for tea. The camp was on a hill side, deep in a forest, on a hillside next to a creek just before the water fell off to a small pool where it then continued as a creek on the further side. Before the water fell, he had arranged a few larger stones creating another small pool above the falls near his camp that he used for water, and a shaft he had dug along the side of this small pool now filled with the cool water he would lower food in a sealed bag to keep cool to store for a short time when he left the camp. The side of the camp not against the creek had large threes bordering the camp. And around the fire was arranged a simple one pole lean to tent under which his pack and other belongings he did not carry remained. The tent faced down hill, and the upper side had a small trench about an inch deep, and half as wide dug around the tent as it pointed up hill, the ditch circled the tent to the down hill side where it angled up, keeping water from rolling into the tent.

The large paladin took his amulet from around his neck and held it before himself a moment studying it before returning it to his neck. And taking out a leather bound book, opening it he started writing.

"It is funny how some things on this coast change, and yet while they change nothing seems to truly change. I returned to these lands months ago, I had no idea of a plan other then to serve as my kind is called to. On arrival the first thing I found was an old student,
sitting by the fire relieved of his grace. The Order was silent, and rumor of it leaving these lands. Talk of deals made, and Zhents controlling the Dukes abounded. People claimed they where the answer and yet, nothing seemed to change.

Thedran remained, which was good. He's misunderstood I know, and many do not like him for the simple reason they want to control him. I laugh to think if the shoe was on the other foot. He is accused of being a brute, and a monster. And yet people still come to him when they wish to attempt something dangerous. Funniest issue for him at the moment, is that he killed two men. One a known mercenary and killer. Drogo, while he had a code, was not a good man. The more I learned of him the less he seemed like someone to redeem and turn to a good cause. And I'd seen the man kill others over mere words. Yet, when Thedran and him came to blows over the same thing and Thedran slew him? Suddenly he was a great man undeserving of his fate and a victim of a ruthless killer. How many came to me in fear of Drogo, convinced he did evil yet afraid to brace him. And now his slaying is labeled evil for this deed. Corvin, or Bran is the second. This was my fault, I did not handle the battle correctly and left the task to Thedran. Bran used lies, and half truths to manipulate Arkain and others into carrying out his wishes. He sent word of a meeting with Drow, while he himself met with them. And surprising to me, turned out he used evil necromancy as his offensive weapons. Again though, a follower of tempest claims that he was slain without honor. Where does Tempus teach rules for a duel? And where does he teach that men using mass, lies and deceit as weapons must be fought on their terms? Again, people who do nothing to aid a cause stand and give judgement. Nothing changes. Thedran if anything could learn to forgive, not trust but forgive for his own sake. I'll have to try and work on this.

The Order stands, by miracle it stands, yet it stands. When I first heard of the Order being silent I encouraged others to seek it revival. My doing so would have been seen as a personal attempt to take it from Arkain, something I never wanted. I only ever wanted the Order to exist and be a place that goodly men and women could go to have allies in the fight against evil. It remains mired in politics, and opinions, but the doors are open, it is something. Time will tell what will come of it, and myself.

The druids returned while I was away as well. A new circle was formed, and they allowed me membership, for which I'm grateful. Is it sad I am more excepted by druids then by a paladin Order? Of course I'm a servant of nature in a way, so perhaps it makes sense. I do however enjoy the Circle, and it's members. The druids are refreshing to be around, and they have a number of able bodied Rangers. In truth where I in need of might, this is where I would go. Lambe, Mendle and Vendor while not paladins, are men able to carry a cause. I'm grateful the Lady pointed this out to me.

I've met others as well, Rania, Eldarian and Cory.
Eldarian is a paladin of the Morning Lord. He's been here some time and was made nobility but the Dukes. He currently has leadership of the Radiant Heart. I am glad he is there, though it was not the way I intended. Thedran likes him, which speaks much for his character.

Kory is a servant of Hoar, and a good man. He is committed to fighting the darkness and evils in this land. And is an abled bodied man, and leader. I hope we become better allies as time goes on.

Rania is a priestess of Selune. She's become a very dear friend over time, she gathers information better then most who can sneak. And her list of contacts is vast. She is also committed to action against evil, and while on the fragile side has no fear about getting to the fight. We've traveled much recently, I do enjoy her company.

Rai also is around at times, and Sivyen. I was suprised to see both of them, but happy as well.
Sivyen is a masterful warrior and information gatherer, one of few I would walk into battle without thought knowing him to hold is side.

Rai I worry about. I miss the times, where I was not in the Order. I was free to move, and help as I wished. To come and go unnoticed and aid those I wished, not report to the opinions and wishes of others issued from within walls. How many paths did she and I walk, dangers faced, foes out witted and layed low. I'm well aware of her wild nature, it is the part I came to hold so dear in time. It was so misguided as a raging killer it was tragic. And when it was shown another way she took to it in time. Now however, in my attempts to aid the Order I'm ordered to keep her out of the Keep, to not work with her and shady folk it would appear bad. I think I"m going to need to speak with Eldarian, I will not allow Rai to return to evil due to my upholding the interests of an image.


Kald closes the book and tucks it into his pack before taking up his bow to go find dinner.