Gypsy Heart

A Cow's Love, or Tellin' Tales

2005-01-25T06:29:26Z

It has been 378 years, 257 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
It is the 7th month of Moliko the Balance in the year of the Silver Unicorn.
It is currently fall and it is dusk.
A thick bank of clouds obscures nearly all of the sky above.

Silvy has had me huntin' of late. I swear that she only knows one tune, an' she's taught it to Mac as well... 'Weapons, weapons, weapons'.

To break up the monotony, I listen to the thoughts of everyone else, an' sometimes join in the conversation. An' since I was in a mischievous mood today (dancin' with leucros for anlas after anlas can make anyone a lil crazy), things went somethin' like this...

Chatter[Azimee] an' I'm happy to meet ye, Racquel, e'en at this distance. I apologize for gettin' sidetracked there.
Chatter[Racquel] Thank you ma'am..and you are...?
Chatter[Tallnavor] she's no one to believe when it comes to stories about me
Chatter[Azimee] I'd be Azimee... gypsy songbird. An' I'd ne'er tell lies about ye, Tall. Or about how much ye adore yer cow.
Chatter[Tallnavor] damn you Azi!
Chatter[Azimee] Ye just refuse to admit how much she means to ye.
Chatter[Tallnavor] about as much as firewood
Chatter[Holdenn] oh yeah, I need to hear about the cow
Chatter[Racquel] I could go the rest of my life without hearing any cow lovestories!
Chatter[Azimee] Oh, Holdenn, ye missed it. She leaped into his arms, her soulful eyes gazin' deep into his... an' mooed her love for him. Everyone saw it!
Chatter[Dayin] I wish I saw it...
Chatter[Tallnavor] you didn't miss anything Dayin
Chatter[Solstitia] my hen and my puppet are getting married soon, you are all coming yes?!
Chatter[Holdenn] holy cow! I'm still catching my breath!
Chatter[Azimee] Dun mind us, Racquel... most of our delusions are fairly harmless...
Chatter[Racquel] Aye but the poor cow..
Chatter[Tallnavor] that cow and die and rot for all I care
Chatter[Holdenn] You are the best Azimee, you actually made Tall shut up for a few seconds
Chatter[Dayin] I dont know Sols, do I have to attend sober? Or even awake?
Chatter[Azimee] Aye, I know... Tall spurned her. If ye listen, ye can hear her plaintive moos in the bushes when he's nearby.
Chatter[Tallnavor] I hate that cow
Chatter[Racquel] He told me it was the wind..I KNEW it was a cow...poor thing..
Chatter[Azimee] Aye, tis a sad tale, really.
Chatter[Nazirre] Got beef?
Chatter[Solstitia] the poor cowie!
Chatter[Tallnavor] you keep telling that story and I'm going to start throwing gweths away again
Chatter[Azimee] Tall... the next time we have a storytellin' contest. I have m'story ready.
Chatter[Holdenn] I wanna be there when you tell that story
Chatter[Azimee] Sedrig mentioned holdin' a gala ball so we can show off the jewelry an' other creations he's made. Mayhap I'll speak to him about a storytellin' contest or a story circle.

Masquerade

2004-11-18T05:40:20Z

It has been 377 years, 385 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
It is the 10th month of Nissa the Maiden in the year of the Crystal Snow Hare.
It is currently winter and it is mid-afternoon.
The sky is a sharp, clear blue.

Just north of 'Haven is a path to an abandoned castle... nae one seems to know who or what once lived there, an' it seems to have been forgotten long ago.

The Lady Eibhinne held a masquerade ball within the castle walls last evenin', an' I decided to attend for a short while. I dug out a fancy gown an' m'pirate queen mask an' joined in the fun. I'm certain Eraewyn would have been jealous of the figure I cut, had she seen me...

There were quite a number of masked folk I recognized, an' a few that I couldnae place... one was as stiff an' formal as Anamir e'er was, but introduced himself as Sir Gaenceven of Therengia. He was gatherin' eggs for ammunition when I first caught sight of him, declarin' that he always won his battles... an' he did win several egg skirmishes, leavin' his opponents covered in yolk.

At first he refused to dance, but did finally consent (albeit grudgingly) when I pressed the issue. An' he did quite well, e'en if he did insist he would tromp on m'toes. I truly wish I hadnae had to leave the party so soon, but I had other obligations to tend to for a bit.

This afternoon finds me on the roof of the castle, though... gazin' out o'er the city of Riverhaven. Sir Gaenceven puzzles me. He reminds me of someone, someone other than Anamir, but I cannae put m'finger on who or why. Mayhap 'twill come to me later...

azimee @ 2004-07-21T18:45:00

2004-07-22T01:51:55Z

It has been 376 years, 308 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
It is the 8th month of Skullcleaver the Dwarven Axe in the year of the Emerald Dolphin.
It is currently fall and it is late evening.
A steady rain falls from dark skies above.

Where did the summer go? It seems like the whole world is holding it's breath.

Raenilar has ensconced himself in the Great Tower in Shard and his troops still guard the gates, though they seem to pay little attention to us. There has been nae word from the Three... or at least none that I have heard.

The trials for various war crimes are yet to be held. Mayhap the prosecutors are still gatherin' their evidence, I dunno.

Soon enough, Grondor will be back an' attempt to claim what he says is his birthright. Theren's year of reprieve will be o'er.

I dun look forward to more war... yet it seems inevitable.

azimee @ 2004-05-26T21:52:00

2004-05-27T05:34:02Z

It has been 376 years, 85 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
It is the 3rd month of Lirisa the Archer in the year of the Emerald Dolphin.
It is currently spring and it is midday.
The sky is very cloudy.

The Ferdahl is dead, at Raenilar's hand.

An' I amnae sure how I feel about it. Part of me rails at the stubbornness of a ruler who refused to listen to reason an' leave her tower, instead goin' to meet this 'King' on his terms, with so many of his men at his back.

An' part of me mourns the loss of Ilithi's queen. I dunno why I feel it so deeply, either... I didnae know her well at all. Shard, while lovely, was ne'er all that high on m'list of favorite places to visit. I've always preferred wilder lands to the structured artistry of the city.

So now we plot an' plan to harry Raenilar's forces. Morganae lost the one small contingent of troops she sent, an' tis doubtful she will send more. She may change her mind when she's reminded that Raenilar will look to her next for revenge. Twas she who ceded Corik the land where Shard now stands, puttin' in motion the circumstances that drove the outcasts from that place.

Grondor's troops have been sent north to the desert, to crush Raenilar's forces there an' cut off any reinforcements from that quarter. An' Grondor himself has been spotted within the city. I think he'd like to personally thrust one of his spears through Raenilar's treacherous heart.

Aye, the general is our ally for now... For a rather hefty fee, the pirate wench provided proof that Raenilar planned to betray him, an' Grondor despises traitors with a passion. Therengia will still have to deal with him, but they have a year's reprieve an' that will give them time to prepare.

I wish this war were o'er already, though...

azimee @ 2004-05-11T21:04:00

2004-05-12T04:30:13Z

It has been 376 years, 24 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
It is the 1st month of Akroeg the Ram in the year of the Emerald Dolphin.
It is currently winter and it is late evening.
The night winter sky is a crisp, clear, starry black.

A letter finally arrived from Justin. He is safe. He is well. An' he is alive. An' with that reassurance, I can start to truly take an interest in what goes on around me again.

The fightin' was fierce today, apparently. While the barricade at Dirge had been broken down, it was rebuilt an' the battle to break it again begun. I amnae sure what else happened, because I wasnae there... but Grondor eventually came to parley.

Lady Aemmin was at the parley as well... I think this duty might have fallen to her father normally, but he barely holds onto the thread of his life yet. Much was said, an' much washed o'er me since I didnae know all of what went on earlier, but a few comments struck me.

Grondor claims that he doesnae desire Zoluren. He marches on the province at the biddin' of the elven Raenilar, self-proclaimed Warrior Prince. As near as I know, Raenilar doesnae desire Zoluren either, his sights set further south to the city of Shard. Mostly, I think he wishes to keep Vorclaf occupied with his own troubles so that he willnae be able to come to Ilithi's aid.

Ryken asked Grondor if we could give him whate'er it is he desired... an' Atreath wanted to know if Grondor was sure that Raenilar would follow through on his promise. An' when asked what it was he wanted, Grondor replied, "I desire my birthright." Once, long ago, when I faced Grondor in Therengia, he tol' me that those lands would be his... He declined to speak more of it, but I have to wonder how an orc, e'en an uncommon one like the general, would come to consider Therengia his birthright...

He also named Carrey as one of the suppliers of weapons to his troops an' Raenilar's. A second, older mur, was the forger... Grondor hadnae caught the name, but a couple of our better smiths recognized Chayde's hand as the one that made the blades used by the outcast troops, an' in the attempted assasination of Aemmin's father.

Apparently Grondor's dislike of traitors, e'en enemy traitors, is such that he feels nae compunction at betrayin' them. Or mayhap tis just a ploy to sow more dissention among us. He seems to be honorable for an orc, howe'er... though I still object to his desire to have Therengia as his own. When asked about the attempt on Kulainik's life, he had this to say...

Jilly asks Grondor, "Which is the traitor in Shard, can you name them as well?"

Grondor gazes thoughtfully at Jilly.

Grondor says, "I will say only this. Not all is as it seems. The red hawk is not the red falcon."

Grondor smirks.

Grondor says, "The truth lies where the red hawk was born."

A few speculated that the falcon might mean commander Kirew... his familiar is a beautiful red falcon he calls Redwing. An' a memory tugged at me... a vision from the time the apparition advised us to seek out the portents of our future while we were still searchin' for the Salengiala...

You find yourself soaring over a tall tower, struggling against tempestuous winds. Perched precariously on the edge of the tower is a cage of twisted iron, within which is trapped a majestic red falcon. Vultures circle the cage rapaciously, gloating over the plight of the falcon. As darkness falls over the vision, a cry of defiance rises, drowning in a chorus of shrieks of rage, and the vision is ended, leaving you cold and clammy.

Visions are tricky to decipher, though I wonder if the falcon may represent the commander an' his current imprisonment. But I also wonder at Grondor's words... Who might the red hawk be, an' where might we find his birthplace?

Davius thinks tis silly to worry o'er it, when there are troops everywhere... but I dun think this war will be won by throwin' ourselves again an' again against such superior numbers. I think we must discover what secrets we may... an' use them wisely.

Shosandu

2004-05-12T04:04:13Z

It has been 376 years, 1 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
It is the 1st month of Akroeg the Ram in the year of the Emerald Dolphin.
It is currently winter and it is early morning.
A thick bank of grey clouds fills the sky from horizon to horizon.

Shosandu. New beginnings. And the day is as grey as I feel.

I wish Justin would write, that I would hear somethin', anythin' at all... An' I pray that Asketi didnae find him when she rode...

azimee @ 2004-04-18T00:37:00

2004-04-18T07:52:41Z

It has been 375 years, 329 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
It is the 9th month of Dolefaren the Brigantine (ship) in the year of the Iron Toad.
It is currently fall and it is late evening.
A few scattered clouds drift in the night skies above.

I was sittin' quietly in the taproom at the Guilded Unicorn when Karovaas walked in an' bought a drink. I guess walkin' was thirsty business, since he barely spared me a glance before finishin' his drink an' leavin' again. When I mentioned that I hadnae expected to see him out an' about, he did deign to indicate that he doesnae wander the roads without reason, so I headed for Crossin'. I figured the only thing that might call him away from his research would be a summons from a guildleader.

I was right, too...

He was as arrogant as usual, makin' m'skin crawl with his superior manner an' his disdain for us. But he did allow that his grudge was primarily with Siryn an' the songsworn, an' that Medmaev wishes to destroy the entire guild, so he will turn his attention to discoverin' what he may about the contraption Medmaev is makin' from the bones of those he tortures an' kills.

Ryken an' I contributed lil to the conversation, just a few details about what the mages had seen through their familiars' eyes on my part, an' a bit about the attack on the guild that resulted in Silvyrfrost's capture on Ryken's part.

We have another meetin' in a few days, to go o'er the plans we discussed earlier. Hopefully with Silvy there to guide the discussion, we can fill in enough details to allow us to proceed...

Rumors of war...

2004-04-17T20:30:59Z

It has been 375 years, 328 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
It is the 9th month of Dolefaren the Brigantine (ship) in the year of the Iron Toad.
It is currently fall and it is night.
A few scattered clouds drift in the night skies above.

It seems as if the busier I am, the less I write. Findin' the time for reflection has been difficult of late, an' there are days when I wish I could go back to m'life as a carefree wanderer.

Rumors of war abound... if it hasnae been officially declared, it will be soon, once our leaders decide exactly who they should declare against. Goblins, ogres an' orcs have settled into the ol' Gorbesh fortress near Dirge. People have been dyin' in droves as they throw themselves against the barrier, tryin' to take back the fort.

The Songsworn Tasdrean managed to escape Medmaev's clutches, but then apparently went back to infiltrate Yalleck's camp. He was there when Silvyrfrost was abducted, an' helped her to escape but was discovered a few days later... he died an' departed rather than fall into Medmaev's hands once more. Yalleck is workin' for Medmaev now, it seems... the very thought makes m'blood run cold.

Daler has proved himself adept at stumblin' o'er those bards who have escaped from Medmaev an' his cohorts. Mayhap I should just follow him around everywhere... At any rate, Silvyrfrost is safe in the guildhall with a squad of Zoluren soldiers watchin' the door. Tasdrean has headed north to 'Haven, an' Saecihlaya is visitin' Ratha.

Silvyrfrost wants us to present a plan... a plan of action that will allow us to move against Medmaev. I wish I were any good at plannin'... I do m'best to defend what I set out to protect, but strategy escapes me. I always left that part to Justin. I miss him more an' more of late... I would give anythin' to hear from him, that he is allright an' nae lyin' dead somewhere. All the fear an' uncertainty of nae knowin' Sinklar's fate for so long is comin' back to haunt me, but wearin' Justin's face this time...

We did hold a meetin' among the more active bards, an' a few plans were proposed. I tend to feel they are still too sketchy on the details, more wishful thinkin' than actual plans of action. We know so lil of substance, though, that tis hard to come up with anythin' more concrete. An' I hate to ask for too much help from others, when their attention is turned toward the threat of humanoid armies invadin' Zoluren... Medmaev is a bard concern, an' bards should be able to deal with him.

Another year older

2004-04-09T03:46:25Z

It has been 375 years, 289 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
It is the 8th month of Skullcleaver the Dwarven Axe in the year of the Iron Toad.
It is currently fall and it is early evening.
A steady rain falls from dark skies above.

Today is m'birthday. I dunno why tis important to note that, but it is. I'd hoped to celebrate it somehow, mayhap e'en go an' visit the twins, but things didnae work out quite that way.

I'm havin' second thoughts about movin' Jherrid an' Miia to Langenfirth. I'd wanted them closer to me, but with the orcs raidin' so often I nae longer think tis such a good idea to bring them to the mainland...

Solstitia discovered a goblin unit up near the ol' Gorbesh fort where the orc general has entrenched his troops. Several of us went up to see what they were guardin', an' wound up fightin' 'em off... beyond them was a barricade, an' behind that more troops that shot volleys of arrows an' poured boilin' oil down on us.

We tested their strength a bit, but didnae find a way to take down the barricade for the moment. Ieon claimed to know all about barricades an' spent a bit of time struttin' around an' offerin' his 'advice'. He an' his sraan try to walk the fence, but I think they may have gone too far this time, claimin' that the elf, the blackfire mage, an' the orc general are their friends.

I know that I, for one, will ne'er again lift a finger for them. If I am to aid someone, I prefer to know where their loyalties lie. The mur are just as apt to betray those that have helped them if they think they can gain an' advantage by doin' so.

After the skirmish at the barricade, we headed north to the gates of Theren. A Therengian company arrived an' set up seige weapons, then half of them moved south so that they could guard the trail to the fort. We spoke for a time with Lord Paragon Larinsol, an' he gave us some basic trainin' with the seige engines. Hopefully when the time comes, we remember how to use 'em.

Larinsol also confided his suspicion that the general had left the fort an' the troops there were simply a decoy while he makes his move elsewhere. Since the general isnae one to hide behind his troops, I tend to agree with the Lord Paragon. The thought worries me...

Interlude

2004-04-08T02:44:45Z

It has been 375 years, 288 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
It is the 8th month of Skullcleaver the Dwarven Axe in the year of the Iron Toad.
It is currently fall and it is night.
Dark clouds obscure the night sky above.

I have held m'self rather aloof from things since the Trickster had his fun with us. I should really pass on the tablet that we found in Undershard to someone with more interest in those affairs. Mayhap Danxiuls would like it...

Oh, I have heard rumblings that pirates an' orcs have been attackin', an' such. I walked out into the streets of Shard at the tail end of one such attack... pirates had apparently ransacked the forges as well as armor and weapon shops, makin' off with several crates of goods.

For the most part I have been up near the Dragonspine, hopin' to find some trace of a trail to Medmaev's lair... nae that I know what I would do if I found it, mind ye. Probly see where it goes an' wind up gettin' m'self captured, to be honest...

Trickster's Game

2004-04-03T23:07:13Z

It has been 375 years, 264 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
It is the 7th month of Moliko the Balance in the year of the Iron Toad.
It is currently fall and it is mid-morning.
The sky is completely covered with clouds.

I have always loved Kygar's Pub. I spent many long hours there when I lived on Ratha, amused by the resident cats, Tobias an' Samantha. Rog generally has a bit of news for me when I find time to stop in, as well.

A small group of us gathered there to meet the treasure hunters an' once they arrived, we headed to the top tier of Ratha to investigate the lighthouse. Lady Gwiirthaene joined us as we waited for the first lift. Since the amulet which responds to the pieces of the Salengiala had been in her family for generations, she wished to be there when the last piece of the thing was found.

We found another map on one of the sailors... it was marked RH an' showed a spot in a swamp near a large tree. Since this was apparently what we had come for, Siagrin started to open a moongate to the city, with disastrous results...

Siagrin gestures.
A brief wave of disorientation washes outward as reality itself tears wide open, forming a rogue Moongate tinged with blackfire.
A tongue of purely black flame erupts from the rogue gate, lashing out at Siagrin! His body is consumed in an eyeblink, leaving only a thin Halfling-shaped shell of ash which quickly dissipates in the breeze.
Siagrin falls down!
Siagrin's in shock and dying!
* Siagrin is slain before your eyes!
* Siagrin was just incinerated!
The rogue Moongate collapses in on itself.

I have only e'er seen one moongate fail like that before... Rawqwi had raised on once, an' what I was later told was a voidspawn emerged from it an' killed him. Lady Gwiirthaene recognized the signs of blackfire on Siagrin's gate, an' as we worked at gettin his body to a safer place, we discussed that as well as Yhaman's claim that he could control the phenomenon.

The moongate goin' rogue could've been an accident, I spose... but since Katamba was still up twas more likely that there was interference of some sort. At any rate, once we sorted things out an' Siagrin was on his feet again we headed to Riverhaven, usin' Baravor's jewelry since the ships werenae feelin' cooperative.

We went into the swamp, an' as we neared the cypress tree we could hear people fightin' up ahead. Though I spose I use the term 'people' loosely... once we were closer we could see they were orc scavengers an' spectral sailors who were vyin' for possession of a chest that looked to have come from a recently dug hole.

The amulet started to glow as Dayin picked up the chest. Both factions turned toward us then, an' we fought them off while tryin' to head back toward the safety of the town walls. Jilly fell to a scavenger's spear... Daler pulled her away an' tried to save her, but we were moments too late. The scavenger paid in kind, howe'er.

Once Dayin brought the chest near the amulet, it stopped glowin'... a sure sign that we had what we sought. We retreated to the safety of the Pierless Inn, an' once everyone was together, the chest was opened...

Dayin opens his seaman's chest.

The air crackles with electricity as a multi-colored gem rises from the sea chest. A crash of thunder resounds overhead as the gem lifts lazily into the air, tumbling end over end amid sparks of lightning.

At the same time, a bronze tube forces its way out of Hesil's knapsack, tumbling upwards and outwards until the two pieces dance around each other in the midst of the growing electrical storm. Thunder roars again, louder and nearer this time, as the two pieces come together in a brilliant flash of light. Just as abruptly as it began, it ends, as the two joined pieces drop soundlessly into the Dwarf's hand.

Hesil gazes at his kaleidoscope.
Hesil holds his bronze kaleidoscope near his ear listens intently as he shakes it.
As Hesil holds his bronze kaleidoscope near his ear once more, shrieks of madness begin to echo through your mind, followed by cold, distant laughter.

Your surroundings begin to swirl as the laughter continues. Faces twist into hideous nightmare visages, while every direction seems to twist and turn. Up is down. In is out. Colors swirl around the edges of your vision, threatening to drive you mad. The world slowly tilts, fracturing into multiple pieces.

The laughter echoes in the dimmest recesses of your mind, encroaching on your innermost thoughts and your sanity. With a feral smile, a spectral weasel slinks into view. Sidling up to Hesil, it wraps its tail around his waist and disappears.

Hesil suddenly gasps in astonishment as a kaleidoscopic aura of color surrounds him. His body twists and jerks briefly, then stiffens as his eyes glaze over. An eerie silence cloaks the area as he slowly turns to face you.

Hesil says, "Took you long enough, didn't it? For a while there, I didn't think you'd EVER find my precious toy." in a voice that is his, yet not his.
Hesil shakes his head in mock disgust.
Hesil says, "Yes, I said toy. It's a good one too, don't you think? I especially liked the "Order from Chaos, Chaos from Order" nonsense."
Hesil gets a thoughtful expression on its face.
Hesil says, "Well, of course I liked it. I started all those rumors, after all. Amazing how easily you mortals will jump through hoops at the slightest hint of untold power."

Hesil says, "Yes, I started all the stories. Long ago. Very long ago. For the matter, this isn't the first time people have hopped all over the globe, killing each other for pieces of my precious toy, no indeed. You see, that's why I made it, and why I planted the rumors. Chaos. It's all about chaos."

Hesil chortles at some secret joke, his eyes flickering with mischief.
Hesil exclaims, "Do you realize how silly you all looked chasing after this thing? I mean, the looks on your faces when that Wir Dinego appeared - it was priceless! Oh, and when those zombies overwhelmed you in the catacombs...!"

Hesil loses control completely, rolling across the ground in fits of laughter. After a while, he manages to regain his composure, sitting up and wiping the tears from his eyes.
Hesil asks, "Right, where was I? Oh, yes. The master plan. I just like seeing mortals running around making fools of themselves, mostly. Of course, there's a bit more to it than that, but...nah, there's really not more to it than that. What can I say? I like a good laugh?"
Hesil winks.

You say, "Huldah..."

Hesil asks, "But it wasn't all a waste. You found some good treasure along the way, didn't you? Made a few friends - and a few enemies, I suppose - as well. And I did advertise Order out of Chaos, did I not?"
Hesil looks around, almost as if expecting an answer.

Hesil asks, "Of course I did! And I never lie. Well, not much. Okay, I almost always lie, but not this time. Honest. Is this the face of someone that would try to decieve you?"

Hesil puts on his most innocent expression. It looks about as innocent as a fox in a henhouse.

Hesil says, "The realms are about to enter a period of chaos the likes of which have never been seen before. It'll be grand! But you see, when things get this crazy, they usually run their course far too fast."
Hesil sighs wistfully.
Hesil asks, "And that's why I decided to help you all out. You see, in addition to stirring up all sorts of trouble - thanks, by the way! - you also managed to find a few things that will actually give you a chance to survive the trials ahead. Remember those artifacts you found in Shard?"

Hesil says, "Didn't think you found those merely by happenstance, did you? I wanted you to find them. You desperately need answers, and some of the answers you seek are hidden there. The storm is coming, my silly little playthings, and I want it to last as long as possible! Can't do that if you lose too quickly."

Hesil says, "No, that would be bad. So I've given you some crisis training, and some treasure. And a few clues and contacts. What you do with them is up to you, of course."
As he speaks the final words, Hesil's eyes roll in roll up as he collapses to the ground, unconcious.
As Hesil falls to the ground unconscious, mocking laughter once again echoes through the dimmest recesses of your mind, encroaching on your innermost thoughts and sanity. With a crack thunder, the spectral weasel fades into view and slinks off. A mocking voice whispers, "As it was, so shall it be again."

The air once again crackles with electricity as Hesil stares at the kaleidoscope in his hand. Thunder roars again, louder than before, as the kaleidoscope lifts lazily into the air, tumbling end over end amid sparks of lightning.
A sharp crack of thunder momentarily deafens you as the kaleidoscope dances through the air. Suddenly, it breaks apart, the pieces disappearing in a blinding flash of light! Just as abruptly as it all began, the electrical storm ends, leaving nothing but laughter echoing on the breeze.
As the laughter fades, you notice yourself holding a memento of your adventure.

You are holding a miniature bronze kaleidoscope charm in your right hand.
This exquisite piece of craftsmanship has been created from a pair of miniature bronze tubes covered with faint etchings.

An' that was that. We were nothin' but Huldah's pawns in some game of his own devisin'...

I dun like the feelin' at all.

A Place of Lost Hope...

2004-04-03T20:47:34Z

It has been 375 years, 260 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
It is the 7th month of Moliko the Balance in the year of the Iron Toad.
It is currently fall and it is sunset.
Thousands of stars twinkle merrily from clear autumn skies.

We met up with the treasure hunters on the docks of M'Riss just as the sun set an' headed for the cave knows as 'Forlorn Hope'. We explored a bit, an' found a journal left by one of the mercenaries who had holed up there. It tol' the story of how the place had gotten it's name.

What we searched for wasnae in the cave with the journal, though we were attacked soon enough by zombies an' spirits. I'm beginnin' to think that lookin' for ancient artifacts always disturbs long-dead guardians...

We finally got free of 'em, an' then followed the stream deeper into the cavern, finally climbin' up onto a ledge to catch our breath for a bit. The remains of a campfire were there as well, an' suddenly the amulet in m'care began to glow... an indication that what we looked for was nearby.

A tattered map lay on one of the piles of refuse, an' a lens fell out of it as Roxzanne picked it up. The piece of the Salengiala found, the amulet stopped glowin' an' once again we watched with a mixture of amazement an' trepidition as the pieces joined themselves into one whole.

Before Hesil could tuck the tube away, the temperature in the area dropped tremendously. An eerie silence descended as an increasin' sense of urgency and alarm filled us. An' then... a hauntin' moan filled the air as the cold seeped into our bones. "Who dares steal our treasure?" howled a souless voice, seemingly from beneath the earth we stood on.

Skeletal sailors attacked, one headin' straight for Roxi. We were lucky to turn them back, though nae without a casualty. Carrey fell to one of the sailors, an' we had quite a time gettin' his body out of that fell place an' back to the dock.

The map was very tattered an' worn, but did show a lighthouse with a large 'x' o'er it. The lighthouse on Ratha seemed to be the most likely, since tis inhabited by more unlivin' things. We plan to meet at Kygar's pub in a few days, an' hopefully end this quest...

Undershard

2004-03-31T06:56:45Z

It has been 375 years, 248 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
It is the 7th month of Moliko the Balance in the year of the Iron Toad.
It is currently summer and it is sunset.
Thousands of brilliant stars shine in an exceptionally clear sky.

I didnae stay in Theren long... I'd promised to meet the treasure hunters an' visit Undershard with them an' anyone else they could talk into comin' along. Between the thugs that have dogged us every step of the way, an' the ones Medmaev has hired to do his biddin', a visit to Shard's underworld has been long o'erdue.

We wandered through the warrens an' the grey market... finally endin' up at the Pursemaster's office. While some of the riffraff avoided us, others attacked. An' several of them carried items that were out of place... a bowl, a tablet an' a scroll...

A chipped ceramic bowl: Though quite faded, the center of the bowl is painted with what appears to be a small island village in the middle of a crystalline lake. Around the rim are various scenes depicting what appear to be Elves engaged in battle or a bloody sport of some type.

A rough stone tablet: A relief depicting small groups of what appear to be Elves surrounded by larger, armed groups of indeterminate race is carved on the stone's rough surface. In the background, a small island village burns.

A faded arzumos hide scroll: Badly worn and faded, the tattered hide depicts a line of Elves being forcibly marched away from a small island upon which a new city is being built. Almost all are burdened with heavy packs, overloaded carts and small children.
There appears to be something written on it. "Yol Malcisen... Uskela'jama."

Eventually, the one who held the stolen piece of the Salengiala issued a challenge... meet in the Spire, at the Arena, an' winner take all. E'en though we knew twas likely a trap, we made our way there... an' the amulet started to glow, as it had before.

A skirmish ensued, an' we were hard-pressed, but eventually we won out an' recovered... a lens... which, amidst thunder an' lightenin', joined itself to the tube we already had. It looked almost like a telescope...

We headed topside an' back to Milene's Rose, where we examined what we had. When Hesil peered through it, he was stunned. After he came back to his senses, he tried to tell us what he'd seen...

Hesil tiredly says, "Chaos, lad. Endless...chaos."
Hesil tiredly says, "It be hard to 'xplain. The world seemed to be warped. Twisted."
Hesil quietly says, "The room seemed to break apart, and twist into a parody o' itself."
Hesil says, "Faces took on nightmarish aspects. Colors swirled everywhere around the edges..."
Hesil says, "Up was down, an' down was up."
Hesil tiredly says, "I guess it makes sense, given what lil' we know."
Hesil says, "'cordin' to Aesthene, the Salengiala has the power to make order out o' chaos, or chaos out o' order, dependin' on the wielder."
Hesil says, "I can hear it laughing at me sometimes."

All in all... I still think I would rather nae see this thing whole. But it has bonded itself to Hesil an' it seems to have a mind of it's own, so I think we have lil choice in the matter now.

At any rate, we plan to meet in few days time on M'riss to investigate Forlorn Hope in search of the next piece. Lady Gwiirthaene sent her owl to find me an' I met with her on m'return to Crossin'. She is concerned, given the destruction Aesthene's crystal caused once before, an' mentioned accompanyin' us on our trip to the island.

I dunno what I hope at this point... that we find it (or it finds us), or that the remainder of the Salengiala stays lost fore'er...

Defending Theren

2004-03-31T04:43:52Z

It has been 375 years, 245 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
It is the 7th month of Moliko the Balance in the year of the Iron Toad.
It is currently summer and it is dusk.
The sky is completely covered with clouds.

I was back in Shard, dancin' with leucros, when the call came o'er the gweth that 'Haven an' Theren Keep were both bein' attacked by orcs an' their cohorts. Neither Katamba or Xibar was in the sky, howe'er, so I didnae head north right away - especially since I wasnae sure I would be needed.

The battle took a turn for the worse, howe'er, so as soon as Katamba rose, I dug out m'pearl ring an' off I went. I joined a small group makin' their way to the gate... where we found the orc general, Grondor, directin' his troops.

An' so I aimed m'bow at the general. Of course, he tol' me that he wouldnae advise it. I didnae really expect he'd encourage me, though... in the end, he learned that songbirds can be dangerous creatures. He is a strange one, though... he must carry favors with whate'er god orcs honor, because nae long after he came back an' dropped m'arrows at m'feet, tellin' me it was well fought an' that while we had won this round, they would be back.

Shortly after he retreated to the fort he's taken o'er, he sent a scout to call us to meet with him. There he delivered a warnin'...

Grondor says, "Well fought."
You nod to Grondor.
Grondor says, "I was beginning to think this land had no defenders."
You say, "I do m'best."
Grondor smirks.
Grondor says, "I wish to give you fair warning."
You ask, "Of?"
Grondor matter-of-factly says, "Soon we will claim these lands. If you wish to live, I would advise you to leave them."
Grondor says, "There is a new Baron. He is young, and untried."
You say, "I think the people who live in them now, would prefer to remain here."
Grondor matter-of-factly says, "I do not intend to give them that option."
You quietly say, "I do."
Grondor nods to you.
Grondor says, "As you wish."
Grondor says, "A few among you have been honorable opponents."
Grondor says, "I will see to it the orcs do not feast on your flesh."
Grondor says, "The rest..."
Grondor shrugs.
Grondor glances up at the sun.
Grondor says, "You have been warned."
Grondor says, "We move soon."
Grondor bows.

I think I should speak to the Baron... or to one of his advisors...

Interestin' times...

2004-03-27T16:48:29Z

It has been 375 years, 243 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
It is the 7th month of Moliko the Balance in the year of the Iron Toad.
It is currently summer and it is early morning.
The sky above is a bright blue, and free of clouds.

Well, I was in Shard...

I was just plannin' m'day, decidin' where I would search an' where I would hunt when more screams lanced through m'mind.

Felecia once again sent her falcon after Medmaev at m'request. The things she saw still leave me shudderin'. He cut open a bard's chest, an' took her ribs... an' added them to the thing he was makin'. Felecia seemed to think it looked like some sort of twisted musical instrument.

He ordered his thugs to capture more bards... in particular he wants Silvyrfrost. Then he turned to Tasdrean, but Tasdrean was quick an' wrested the knife from him an' managed to escape. Daler found him at the gondola. I think Medmaev must be hidin' in the mountains somewhere nearby, since Saecihlaya was found nae far from there as well.

We healed Taesdrean's wounds as best we could with herbs, an' hurried north to the Crossin' guildhall... in part to reunite him with Saecihlaya, an' in part to warn Silvyrfrost. We called for a healer, who graciously came to the guild an' healed what we didnae have herbs for.

After some discussion about Medmaev's plans an' cautions to take care, the two Songsworn left to rest an' recover. May Faenella keep us all safe until this is o'er...

Ye'd think that would be enough excitement for one day, but nae... pirates attacked Crossin' soon after. They fought their way through the city streets an' out the east gate, but were stopped before they reached Ulf'hara Keep. One of them was o'erheard sayin' they were there for 'the wench', an' the general feelin' was that they wished to take Lady Aemmin. Thankfully they were unable to achieve their goal.

Of late, with all that is goin' on in the world, all I can think of is the old blessin' (or is it a curse?) - 'May ye live in interestin' times'...

azimee @ 2004-03-26T17:17:00

2004-03-27T01:43:21Z

It has been 375 years, 240 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
It is the 7th month of Moliko the Balance in the year of the Iron Toad.
It is currently summer and it is early evening.
The clear summertime sky shines with many twinkling stars.

Today is Justin's birthday... I hope he likes the gift I picked out for him at the festival, though only the gods know when I'll be able to give it to him. I miss him... I know that guild business is important, especially now with all that is happenin' in the world. But still, I miss him.

Baron Gyfford's coronation went well. The rain stopped fallin', which was a good thing, since twas held outdoors. An' the ceremony, though formal, was blessedly short. I was surprised, to be honest. Generally paladins are a long-winded bunch given half a chance... when Justin was knighted the ceremony took much, much longer.

Gyfford allowed me to sing afterwards. Long ago I learned a song that was suitable for a coronation, an' I was pleased to finally be able to sing it. I amnae sure what he thought of it, since the song reminds a ruler of his duty to his people, but still... it was a fittin' song for the occasion.

The feast was well received, an' I got the chance to speak to Artisan Zatria, Medurik's patron. I was happy to learn that the stolen chest of gems had been recovered. I know that Medurik was very upset at it's loss, an' Zatria tol' me that he plans to take fencin' lessons when he returns to Shard.

Shard is where I am now... I seem to have nae choice but to be here of late. The treasure hunters plan a foray into Shard's underworld, an' the clues to Medmaev's location lead to the mountains surroundin' the city. M'dreams are haunted with tortured screamin' an' gurglin' laughter again... what I wouldnae give for just one night's uninterrupted sleep.

Sir Danxiuls mentioned that another bard has died, the seers have had more visions, an' someone... Damian, mayhap... had caught a glimpse of whate'er it is that Medmaev is makin' from the bodies of the Songsworn. I will need to find him an' ask, methinks, or find out who does know what was seen. Hopefully Saecihlaya recovers enough to speak with us again soon...

Another Songsworn lives.. for now...

2004-03-25T05:55:20Z

It has been 375 years, 231 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
It is the 6th month of Arhat the Fire Lion in the year of the Iron Toad.
It is currently summer and it is dawn.
A few white clouds float lazily in the sky above.

I was back in the Crossin' bard guild when the sounds of Medmaev's cruelty once again tore though m'mind...

A tortured shriek assails your mind. As the agonized wailing reaches a crescendo, subtle nuances of sound lead you to believe that the voice's owner has been highly trained in the vocal arts. The desperate cry goes on for long moments before fading away, leaving you reeling but whole.

You hear a rasping chuckle that sounds as if it's coming from somewhere behind you. The laughter echoes briefly through your mind before fading out, though the wet sound brings to mind the gruesome image of a rotten mouth with fetid breath.

A largish group of people gathered at the gate, includin' Esmaril an' a couple of the newer bards. Esmaril asked if anyone there could locate Medmaev, an' Felecia offered to send her falcon. He was too far away at first, but Felecia headed toward Leth an' her familiar was finally able to spy on him a bit.

She saw him in a mountain valley, near a dark pit surrounded by toppled menhirs. An unconcious man lay at his feet an' as Felecia watched through her falcon's eyes, Medmaev kicked him an' said, "Well, Tasdrean, I'm done with you for now anyways. Your death can wait." A couple of thuggish types then dragged the man away an' Medmaev went into the pit, but at least the Songsworn lives for the moment.

I searched the areas around Shard again, especially the base of the Wyvern mountains since the rumors had pointed that direction. I ran across Daler, an' he also helped me look, but we came up with nothin' yet again. The madman has covered his tracks well...

Tomorrow, I must head north for Baron Gyfford's coronation. As soon as I am free of that obligation, howe'er, I plan to come back to Shard... at least now we have a clue. Mayhap there is yet a chance to save the others an' stop whate'er horror Medmaev has planned.

The Place of the Ocean's Song

2004-03-23T23:02:23Z

It has been 375 years, 226 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
It is the 6th month of Arhat the Fire Lion in the year of the Iron Toad.
It is currently summer and it is dawn.
A hot summer sun blazes from its perch in a cloudless sky.

If there is one place that I would e'er name as m'home, it is Aesry Surlaenis'a. Peace an' beauty permeate the island, an' when I find events on the mainland too stressful tis Aesry that calls me. I love to climb to the top of Eluned's Temple an' let the ocean's song surround me while I watch the colors of the sunrise reflect off the cloud that fills the lake...

I bought an ondjai some years ago, an' decorated it in the island fashion. The twins live there with their aunt, an' Justin an' I visit as often as we can. Since I still owed them their birthday picnic, an' the Baron's coronation had been delayed, I decided to spend a few days on Aesry. Besides, I wanted to be sure m'latest purchase had arrived in one piece.

While shoppin' at the festival, I came across a window I fell in love with. Avnel the glass-blower had a few stained glass windows for sale, an' one of them pictured a wren surrounded by instruments. I had planned to have Justin install it in the cottage in Langenfirth, but he wasnae able to get away from his duties so I had it delivered to the ondjai instead. I'm rather glad I did, actually... those bits of jewel toned light spillin' across the cool ivory an' jade that predominates the decor was the finishin' touch needed to mark it as a gypsy's home.

Jherrid, Miia an' I had a wonderful time on our picnic. We headed down to the beach... there is a lil cove with a flat rock just perfect for spreadin' out a picnic lunch. We raced up an' down the beach, pickin' up shells so we could listen to Peri'el's song, dancin' in the surf an' laughin' when a wave would catch us by surprise. In their eyes, there is nothin' better than bein' wet, covered with sand an' full of birthday cake. I doubt very much Reyahnna appreciated it when we came home in that state, though she didnae say anythin'...

We spent the next day sortin' through their things an' packin' up the bulk of them to have shipped to Langenfirth. I have been ponderin' it for a while, but finally decided that since I spend more time on the mainland than the islands, I would prefer to have the twins closer. Hopefully Justin will find time to finish redecoratin' the cottage before they arrive...

azimee @ 2004-03-19T21:41:00

2004-03-20T17:35:25Z

It has been 375 years, 209 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
It is the 6th month of Arhat the Fire Lion in the year of the Iron Toad.
It is currently summer and it is mid-afternoon.
A few white clouds float lazily in the sky above.

I was passin' by Gaethrend's Court just at dawn when Lady Gwiirthaene emerged for her mornin' walk. I had received word that she had traveled from Aesry to Crossin', so I was happy to see her. Gak joined us as well, an' as she wished an update on the treasure hunters, we went to m'guild to talk. Tis warded against familiars an' various forms of scryin', so tis a good place to hold private conversations.

I've made a record of the conversation... tis long, an' at times more than confusin', but mayhap somethin' can be gleaned by goin' o'er it again...

Gak says, "I've never met a bard I couldn't trust so far, so I believe it is safer then other places."
Gak says to Gwiirthaene, "I was just getting ready to compose a letter to you, actually."
You smile at Gwiirthaene.
Gwiirthaene smiles at Gak.
Gwiirthaene says, "Fortunate timing, then."
Gwiirthaene takes a seat.
Gak nods at Gwiirthaene, obviously agreeing with her views.
Gak says, "Forgive me, my time is short, but I wanted to let you know I've entrusted your amulet to Azimee, as things have been keeping me away."
Gwiirthaene nods.
Gwiirthaene says, "She has told me."
Gak nods.
Gak says, "Wonderful."
Gwiirthaene asks, "She mentioned a bit of a problem with another of our guild?"
Gak says, "I'm sorry, I really haven't been up to date on things."
Gak sighs.
You ponder.
Gak says, "As much as I'd really like to be, I'm very much out of the loop so to speak."
Gak bows.
Gwiirthaene nods to Gak.
You hug Gak.
Gak says, "Hopefully I will be able to rejoin you all "soon"."
Gak wraps his arms around you, giving you a great big bear hug!
You grin at Gak.
Gak just went east.
Gwiirthaene says, "Perhaps I was remembering incorrectly."
Gwiirthaene ponders.
You say, "I dun remember sayin' anythin' about a warrior mage..."
You ponder.
Gwiirthaene ponders.
Gwiirthaene says, "Hm. Perhaps my mind is a bit fuzzy."
You say, "I do apologize for nae keepin' ye more up to date... things have been movin' more quickly of late."
Gwiirthaene says, "It is understandable. I have been busy as well, which does not help matters."
You say, "A lady such as yerself must have many calls on her time."
You smile at Gwiirthaene.
Gwiirthaene says, "You might be surprised."
Gwiirthaene chuckles.
Gwiirthaene says, "It seems everyone thinks that, so nobody bothers to try."
You say, "Well, if a simple songbird seems to be pulled hither an yon..."
You grin at Gwiirthaene.
Gwiirthaene chuckles at you!
You ask, "I do have to ask ye, howe'er... has the amulet e'er glowed for ye before?"
Gwiirthaene ponders.
Gwiirthaene says, "Not that I can remember, though that doesn't mean it never has."
Gwiirthaene asks, "Why? Did it?"
You nod to Gwiirthaene.
Gwiirthaene asks, "Hm. Where were you when it happened?"
You say, "In throne city... as we uncovered a second piece of rune-etched brass tubin'."
You say, "aye, I was."
Gwiirthaene ponders.
You say, "Oddly... it didnae glow when the first piece was recovered.... I still have... misgivin's... about all of this."
Gwiirthaene says, "As do I."
You say, "Hesil claims his employer is a paladin... as if that very fact would inspire me with confidence."
You chuckle.
Gwiirthaene says, "It would, for most, unless one knows that not all paladins are very...upright."
You smile at Gwiirthaene.
Gwiirthaene says, "Or perhaps clear thinking."
You say, "Havin' had rather extensive contact with various members of that guild..."
You say, "Aye, I know that nae all of them are paragons of virtue."
You say, "Sir Tyrael would be a prime example of one who is a knight in name only."
You smile wryly.
Gwiirthaene chuckles.
You say, "though admittedly the bulk of them are indeed honorable an' upright."
You ask, "But what would ye wish to know?"
You smile at Gwiirthaene.
You gesture at a wide cushioned settee.
Gwiirthaene sits down on the cushioned settee.
You say, "I curled up an' slept on it many a night when I first came to Crossin'."
You grin at Gwiirthaene.
Gwiirthaene grins at you.
You settle yourself on the wide stool.
Gwiirthaene says, "It seems quite comfortable."
You nod to Gwiirthaene.
Gwiirthaene says, "I would just like to know what the hunters have now and what they plan next, if you know."
You say, "They have what we believe to be two pieces of the Salengiala... two pieces of brass tubin' with faint etchings on them, that put themselves together..."
Gwiirthaene glances at you.
You say, "A third piece is in the hands of another group who would like to find the whole."
Gwiirthaene asks, "Put themselves together?"
Gwiirthaene asks, "What do you mean by that..?"
You say, "We uncovered it in throne city... an' as Hesil brushed the last of the dirt from it... thunder crashed, lightnin' flashed..."
You say, "Both pieces, the one recently uncovered an' the one he had in his knapsack rose into the air... an' amid a rather spectacular show of light an' sound... joined together."
Gwiirthaene's face pales noticably.
You say, "I'd say that should we find more pieces... they will do the same."
Gwiirthaene quietly says, "I do not like the sounds of that, at all."
You shake your head at Gwiirthaene.
You say, "The moment we started to dig... the amulet started to glow... an' continued to glow brighter an' brighter until the thing was uncovered."
Gwiirthaene quietly asks, "Dear gods above. What was Aesthene into?"
You shake your head at Gwiirthaene.
You say, "I know your ancestor warned him that what he dealt with could bring death an' destruction. What Hesil has mentioned about this... artifact... is that it can bring order from chaos, or chaos from order."
You say, "I would rather see it destroyed once an' for all... than to see it fall into the wrong hands, or worse yet, corrupt someone whose only thought is to do good with it."
Gwiirthaene nods.
Your mind hears Raecear thinking, "anyone here?"
Gwiirthaene says, "If Aesthene only tapped into one small part of it...and it brought such chaos to Crossing...if indeed it is related..."
think Aye, several people, I would imagine...You concentrate on projecting your thoughts.
You nod to Gwiirthaene.
Your mind hears Maximilien thinking, "Nobody a'tall."
Your mind hears Raecear thinking, "where are you Azi? I'd like to speak with you, if you've a moment.."
You say, "From the account... it leveled half of Crossin' when he lost control of it.."
Your mind hears Aramil thinking, "Hiya, Mr. Max. Long time since I've heard your thoughts."
You ask, "Would ye mind if I invited RAecear in?"
Gwiirthaene says, "Not at all."
Your mind hears Maximilien thinking, "Ain't ever long enough for most decent people."
think I am in m'guild, Rae... ring the bell an' I'll come let ye in.You concentrate on projecting your thoughts.
Gwiirthaene says, "If you trust him, then I do."
Your mind hears Aramil thinking, "Whoever said I was decent? I'll break their knees."
You say, "Aramil mentioned that Rae had been seein' visions... visions that encompass great power... an' that he thinks it may be related."
Your mind hears Bakan thinking, "You're decent, Aramil!"
Gwiirthaene frowns.
Your mind hears Ulfsisk thinking, "Bakan ye around? I have a couple ingots I wanted to give ye"
Gwiirthaene says, "I think I prefer not to have such things as visions."
You say, "They can be very disturbin'... I have had a few m'self..."
You shudder.
Your mind hears Bakan thinking, "Sure. In the forge?"
You say, "Nae concernin' this, howe'er."
You stand back up.
Your mind hears Ulfsisk thinking, "Ayup"
You say, "Let me see if Rae has gotten himself lost... help yerself to somethin' from the bar, if ye wish."
Gwiirthaene chuckles.
Gwiirthaene nods to you.

I escorted Raecear an' his friends into the guild, where he tol' us of what had happened in the north.

Scholar Raecear's group just arrived.
You notice as a white-tailed leopard slinks into the room.
The white-tailed leopard begins to watch the goings on carefully.
Aramil whispers, "Is there somewhere in your guild that a familiar cannot go?"
You nod to Aramil.
Raecear whispers to your group, "don't pet the cat.."
You ask, "all of ye?"
You chuckle.
Raecear nods.
Aramil says, "Regail us with song."
You say, "I havenae seen ye in quie some time, Max."
You grin at Aramil.
Raecear asks, "in..?"
(Raecear glances at the portal with mild urgency.)
You feel a tingling brush of power over your skin as you pass through a shining mirrorlike portal....
Maximilien says, "'s true. Things come up, yah know."
Maximilien smiles.
Raecear slowly empties his lungs.
Aramil seems to be waiting for something.
Raecear smiles at Gwiirthaene.
Maximilien pulls the hood of his cloak up.
You say, "I seem to have collected quite a group..."
Gwiirthaene smiles at Raecear.
Aramil asks, "Warded here?"
Gwiirthaene chuckles at you!
You say, "Lady Gwiirthaene..."
Lorik says, "We're your groupies Azimee."
Raecear says to Aramil, "warded."
Lorik says, "Come to collect ransom on your bodice we stole."
Aramil says, "Good."
You say, "These are Raecaer, Aramil, Lorik, an' Maximillian."
(Raecear's shoulders lose a modicum of tension.)
Maximilien clears his throat.
Aramil bows to Gwiirthaene.
Maximilien says, "Mahdam."
You say, "an' aye, the guild is warded."
(Raecear grins slightly.)
Aramil asks, "How do, mistress?"
Aramil smiles at Gwiirthaene.
Gwiirthaene smiles at the assembled group.
Raecear says to Gwiirthaene, "pleased to see you again Lady Gwiirthaene."
Aramil asks you, "A friend of yours, I assume?"
Aramil smiles at you.
Gwiirthaene nods.
Raecear says, "I hope I'm not interrupting too horribly.."
Gwiirthaene says, "Pleased to meet you all."
You nod to Aramil.
You say to Aramil, "We met her on Aesry... she is a descendant of one of Aesthene's cousins."
Aramil asks, "Truly?"
Aramil smiles at Gwiirthaene.
Eyes unfocused, Raecear raises one hand before him in a studied gesture.
Raecear gestures.
Gwiirthaene nods.
You settle yourself on the wide stool.
You say, "Please, do sit."
You smile.
Raecear says to Aramil, "he's still in muspar'i.."
Raecear slowly empties his lungs.
Gwiirthaene leans back.
Lorik hisses, "They sssay I'm a dessscendant of the World Dragon."
Lorik snickers.
Raecear sits down on the cushioned settee.
Aramil says, "Good."
Raecear says to you, "we bring unfortunate news from the north.."
Aramil says, "Perhaps Baravor doesn't travel that far north."
Raecear nods at Aramil, obviously agreeing with his views.
Gwiirthaene smiles at Lorik.
You glance at Raecear, a male Elf.
You ask, "Unfortunate news?"
Gwiirthaene gazes at Raecear.
Aramil sits down on the cushioned settee.
Raecear quietly says, "I saw another vision.."
You say, "the last time I received unfortunate news..."
Raecear says to you, "I was in shard at the time.."
You nod to Raecear.
Raecear says, "vision of sand and wind.. and the elf again.."
Raecear shivers.
Raecear says, "they're getting stronger.. I couldn't ignore it.. it's as if the plane of probability itself is being shaken"
Lorik asks, "So, he's conquered four elements now?"
You say to Aramil, "If ye set off the alcohol in here with yer lightnin', I'll ne'er forgive ye."
Aramil grins at you.
Raecear says, "I'm not sure.. the tattoo was the same.. perhaps he has not had it changed yet"
Aramil says, "Please. I've at least a little control."
Aramil grins at you.
Raecear says, "I went north.. and passed Jilly en route.. she'd seen Raenilar heading through ker'leor"
You say, "ah... Aramil had mentioned him to me the other evenin'."
You nod to Raecear.
Aramil nods to you.
Aramil says, "I'm convinced now."
Raecear says, "I took her with me as far as fornsted, but she had no passport, so I went on alone to the barge into the desert.."
Raecear says, "Jilly apparently told Aramil here though, and he met me on arriving into the city"
Raecear says, "we went into the desert, and found no sign, but then I sensed him in the city"
Raecear says, "we both went in under the cover of invisibility and listened.. he wasn't alone this time.. there was a human mage with him"
Raecear says, "by the name of Yhaman"
Aramil says, "A powerful mage."
Aramil nods.
Gwiirthaene ponders.
You say, "I have heard that name before..."
Raecear says, "we heard the tail end of a coversation"
You ponder.
You say, "who mentioned it..."
You act puzzled.
Raecear says, "Raenilar was asking him if he learned anything while visiting "the city".. wherever that was"
You say, "Gak, I think... along with mention of darkfire..."
Aramil glances at you.
Aramil asks, "What?"
Gwiirthaene pales slightly.
Raecear says, "he replied, telling of the ruler, who is human, and their defenses and racial makeup"
You say, "he'd met this... Yhaman... at the fest, I believe... he mentioned it when he gave me... well, he mentioned it."
Raecear says, "almost like giving a military report.."
Aramil nods to Raecear.
Raecear asks, "Gak met him?"
You nod to Raecear.
Raecear shifts his weight.
Lorik says, "Told you we should have killed him on the barge."
Aramil says, "And to add to that, the fact that they were going to "gather supplies"."
Raecear says, "he was... quite good."
Lorik nods to Aramil.
Raecear nods.
Gwiirthaene puts her almonds in her velvet satchel.
Raecear says, "they discovered us after that, so we didn't hear any more"
Aramil says to Lorik, "If my suspicions serve right, not all of us together could have taken Raenilar down."
Raecear says, "we did engage in conversation to some degree after that"
Raecear says, "apparently this mage.. human.. is in some clan that follows Raenilar"
Aramil says, "One doesn't get to be the Chieftain of a desert tribe for nothing."
You smile at Gwiirthaene.
Aramil says, "Yes.. I'm unfortunately unfamiliar with Moon Magic.."
Aramil says, "I botched our attempt at stealth."
Aramil blushes, the tips of his ears turning a deep shade of red.
Maximilien smiles slightly.
Lorik slings a smooth bone staff wrapped with ruddy strips of fur off from over his shoulder.
Lorik leans on his staff.
Raecear says, "after our conversation they began to get somewhat unnerved, and left rather abruptly"
You say to Aramil, "Stealth isnae my forte either..."
Raecear says, "I drew the refractive cloak around me again and shadowed them to the city gate... the western gate though.. to the palace road"
Raecear says, "I believe Raenilar went through, but I saw Yhaman again around town, and tried to shadow him, but he seemed to have disturbing knowledge of my presense despite the invisibility"
Aramil gives Raecear a crooked grin.
Raecear says, "then he sent his... hawk to inform us that "the elf named Raecear has given his water over, and thus no longer welcome to share shade""
Aramil says, "And he's got a death threat on his head."
Raecear says, "which I presume is not a good thing."
Raecear says, "his cat tracked us to the portal out there."
You nod to Raecear.
Gwiirthaene ponders.
Lorik asks, "We need a paladin. Didn't you say you were married to one, Azimee?"
Raecear says, "he does like to keep himself warded against my sight and mind.. I can never divine his location reliably.."
You smile at Lorik.
Raecear says, "though strangely, Raenilar is the same way.."
You say, "Aye, I am. He has been busy with guild business of late, howe'er."
Aramil says, "I caught sight of something Yhaman had right when we arrived."
Aramil says, "It was a gold sigil.. I'm not sure what it was for, though."
Gwiirthaene glances at Aramil.
Gwiirthaene ponders.
Raecear blinks.
Raecear says, "you're right.."
Raecear frowns.
Raecear says, "actually.."
Lorik says, "A paladin, who will march right up to them, and overtly ask them what the heck is going on."
Lorik snickers.
(Raecear flips through some notes in his pack..)
You chuckle.
Aramil says to Lorik, "As I've said to you before, you're more than welcome."
Raecear frowns.
You ask, "An' why a paladin?"
Raecear quietly says, "I didn't think of it when you said it."
You smile at Lorik.
Aramil says, "March right into the desert to their tribe home and demand to know what they are doing."
Raecear says, "but I know what that sigil is now."
Aramil glances at Raecear.
Aramil asks, "What is it?"
Raecear shifts his weight.
Lorik says, "Because paladins have that flair for rhetoric and the whole awe inspiring image."
Lorik snickers.
Gwiirthaene gazes at Raecear.
Maximilien pulls down the hood of his cloak.
You ask, "Aye, Rae? What is it?"
Raecear says, "it's a powerful enchantment that will destroy all light based magic... it's a lunar enchantment."
Aramil blinks.
Lorik says, "The time of shadows."
Lorik frets.
Aramil says, "I wonder how he might have come up with that..."
Raecear says, "it could have dropped our invisibility, or destroyed one of those mirror spells Davius likes to use, from afar, if the user of the sigil was the target of the spell"
Lorik says, "G'Nar Peth said this would happen."
Raecear frowns.
Raecear says, "or why he had it out when we arrived.. unless they were watching us approach."
Raecear says, "or someone had just given it to him.."
Aramil shakes his head.
Aramil says, "I don't think so."
Gwiirthaene says, "Or for intimidation."
Gwiirthaene shrugs.
Gwiirthaene ponders.
Aramil says, "They wouldn't have still been talking about the defensive capabilities of the cities."
Gwiirthaene nods.
Aramil says, "I can only assume that the city they were talking about was Crossing."
The shimmering shield fades from around Aramil.
Aramil says, "He said that 'the city' when pitted against Therenborough the defensive walls were weak."
Lorik shifts his weight.
Raecear says, "I don't know anyone besides Damian who could make those sigils.."
Raecear nods to Aramil.
Aramil says, "As though they may be planning a seige."
Raecear says, "I asked him if he'd been to crossing to see if maybe that'd give a clue, and he said he had.."
Aramil says, "And he mentioned there being libraries, but not being able to find what he was interested in."
Raecear nods.
Maximilien clears his throat.
Raecear says, "and they both were wearing Arhat imagery.."
Raecear says, "the lion wreathed in flames.."
Aramil says, "I found it odd at first that he would mention that he saw no Elotheans..."
Aramil says, "But then he went on to describe the people he had seen."
Raecear asks Gwiirthaene, "does that have any signifiance that you know of Lady Gwiirthaene?"
Lorik asks, "Could they be trying to find the secret of the blackfire mentioned on the ancient Warrior Mage history books?"
Raecear says, "Arhat that is.."
Raecear blinks.
Raecear quietly says to Lorik, "that would almost make sense.."
Gwiirthaene quietly says, "Nothing that I would state without further study."
Aramil says to Lorik, "Let us hope not."
Maximilien says, "Arhat's thah one whaht knew of thaht lot, if yah'll forgive mah intercedence."
Raecear says, "conquoring each element one by one.."
Aramil asks, "Knew of what lot?"
Aramil peers quizzically at Maximilien.
Aramil asks, "The Blackfire?"
Maximilien says, "Blackfiah."
Raecear frowns.
Raecear rubs his right eye.
Lorik asks, "So they can control the void to defend against blackfire?"
You say, "He was a powerful mage, aye."
(Raecear ticks off points on his fingers.)
Aramil ponders.
Raecear says, "arhat imagery"
Raecear says, "looking for libraries"
Aramil says, "I don't recall reading in the history anything about Arhat using blackfire.."
Aramil says, "Only the S'kra."
Raecear says, "visions conquoring elements one by one"
Raecear blinks at Aramil.
Raecear says, "they were in muspar'i..."
Aramil glances at Raecear.
Aramil says, "That's a large jump."
Aramil grins at Raecear.
Maximilien says, "If yah'll 'll excuse me. Mahdam."
Maximilien takes an ebon broad-brimmed leather hat with a raven feather tucked into a silver band off his head.
Gwiirthaene nods to Maximilien.
Maximilien nods to Gwiirthaene.
Lorik asks, "Aramil, your history books do state that blackfire was conquered and destroyed by four seperate elementalists, each specializing in one of the basic four elements. Correct?"
Aramil says, "I had thought that all information on the Blackfire sorceries had been surpressed by the Guild.."
Maximilien puts an ebon broad-brimmed leather hat with a raven feather tucked into a silver band on his head.
Aramil nods to Lorik.
Maximilien gives a courteous nod and tips his hat politely.
Aramil bows to Maximilien.
You smile at Maximilien.
Traveler Maximilien climbed down a long sweeping staircase.
Aramil says, "Yes."
Raecear quietly says to Aramil, "I don't know if you'd say that if you felt the visions... it's as though fate itself is writhing against this.."
Raecear shudders.
Gwiirthaene frowns.
Lorik says, "I described it more as the fabric of fate itself is being torn massively."
Lorik shudders.
Lorik snickers.
You say, "Well... as with anythin' that is suppressed... it oft finds a way to become unsuppressed later..."
Gwiirthaene nods.
Raecear says, "so far there's been consumed by flame, crushed by torrential storms and waves, out of the crater of a meteor, and torn and beaten by a sandstorm.."
You quietly say, "Karovaas an' Medmaev would be prime examples of that... as well as Aesthene's crystal..."
Raecear says, "I'm not familiar with the ways of elementalists.. I'm not sure which elements the later two may involve.."
Lorik says, "The basic four elements."
Raecear says, "if indeed they do"
Aramil nods to you.
Aramil says, "Someone told me those two treasurehunters are after the jewel."
Lorik asks, "Lightning and aether, correct?"
Raecear says, "perhaps wind on the last one.."
Lorik says, "I am no elementalist myself. But I tend to keep up on as much lore as possible when it comes to magic."
Raecear says, "fire, water, earth, and then wind.."
You say, "More than just the jewel, methinks... I think there was once a whole artifact built around it, though Aesthene may or may nae have been aware of that."
Aramil exclaims, "Eluned preserve!"
Raecear says, "they've already a few pieces actually.."
You nod to Raecear.
Aramil says, "If those blasted fools won't get the Guardians on us, these northerners with their blackfire will."
You say, "Two. An' clues to the rest."
Raecear says, "they don't know about the.."
You glance at Raecear, a male Elf.
Raecear asks, "about Gak?"
Lorik says, "And then that one with a necromancer device that is killing the songsworn."
Aramil nods to Lorik.
You quietly say, "They know about the amulet. It revealed itself in Throne City."
Raecear shifts his weight.
Raecear asks, "does Gak still have it?"
You shake your head at Raecear.
Raecear sighs.
You say, "He gave it to me, feelin' I would keep it safer than he could."
Gwiirthaene sighs.
Raecear says, "oh... oh well that is one piece of good news at least"
Raecear says, "I thought you meant that.. they.."
You shift your weight.
You shake your head at Raecear.
You say, "I have it safe."
Raecear says, "well, regarding the elf to the north.."
Raecear says, "I'm worried what may happen if he's allowed to finish.. what he's started"
You say to Gwiirthaene, "An' I will return it to ye, if ye wish it."
Gwiirthaene ponders.
Raecear says, "I wouldn't be so concerned if.. the visions were not so dire."
You say, "The question I have now..."
Gwiirthaene ponders.
Aramil says, "And for a Barbarian to be doing these things..."
Aramil says, "It's odd."
You say, "From all ye've told me... is whether we may *need* this... Salengalia... to combat whate'er these two are up to..."
Raecear says, "but I believe that it may be in the best interest of all people for us to attempt to stop him from finishing the job.."
Gwiirthaene asks Raecear, "Where is this Yhaman now, do you know?"
Eyes unfocused, Raecear raises one hand before him in a studied gesture.
Raecear gestures.
Aramil says to Gwiirthaene, "We left him in Muspar'i."
Raecear winces.
Aramil glances at Raecear.
Gwiirthaene peers quizzically at Raecear.
Raecear says, "ker'leor.. heading south."
Gwiirthaene slowly empties her lungs.
Aramil frowns.
Raecear says, "almost to theren."
Gwiirthaene ponders.
Gwiirthaene says to you, "I would not trust it to help."
You say, "He knows we are here, after all, if, as ye say, twas his leopard that followed ye here."
Raecear says, "Aramil confirmed it was.."
Aramil shakes his head.
You say to Gwiirthaene, "Sometimes we are given lil choice in the matter..."
Gwiirthaene says to you, "Not based on what happened to Aesthene and Crossing."
Aramil says, "I knew it was his from the inn."
Raecear says, "I should have smote his eagle when I had the chance.."
You mutter into the air something about karovaas.
Aramil says, "His mind was shrouded, though."
Aramil says to Gwiirthaene, "Ah, but if I recall the account correctly, the gem only turned on him because he did not finish his encantation."
Lorik makes a wheezing sound.
Lorik snickers.
Aramil glances at Lorik.
Gwiirthaene glares at Lorik.
You say, "From what Hesil tells me... it is an artifact. It brings order from chaos... an' chaos from order."
You raise an eyebrow in Lorik's direction.
Raecear says, "I doubt that even after all my study I can do anything against this Yhaman.. and likely Raenilar"
You say, "Tis impolite to make fun of another's disability."
Gwiirthaene says to Aramil, "He was playing with fire, as the expression goes."
Aramil nods to Gwiirthaene.
Aramil says, "I personally think the gem should be utterly and completely destroyed."
Aramil says, "It has brought enough trouble to the world."
Gwiirthaene asks, "The gem?"
Gwiirthaene peers quizzically at Aramil.
Aramil nods to Gwiirthaene.
Aramil says, "Yes, indeed."
Gwiirthaene asks, "Aren't the parts brass?"
You ask, "Is the gem at fault? Or the artifact that it powers?"
Aramil says to you, "If it allows the artifact to function, then yes it is at fault."
You say, "the parts we have found so far are brass, aye. Whether they all are, remains to be seen."
Gwiirthaene ponders.
You say, "The gem itself still lies in the Close, I think."
Gwiirthaene nods to you.
Aramil chuckles.
Gwiirthaene says, "From what I hear, yes."
Aramil says, "Or floats, rather."
Aramil grins at you.
You say, "an' still transports people... elsewhere."
You chuckle.
Gwiirthaene says, "Though, if it caused such destruction when Aesthene could not finish his incantation..."
You say, "One has to wonder what would have happened if he had finished..."
A shiver runs up your spine.
Aramil asks, "You don't suppose that they are attempting to collect it to use it as a weapon, do you?"
Gwiirthaene asks, "How do you plan on destroying it and not taking out the entire city? If not province?"
You say, "I think tis very likely they are... which is why I would like to know far more about their employer than I currently do."
Aramil says, "Well, I suppose it need not be destroyed."
Aramil says, "Send it through a rift into the aether."
Raecear chuckles.
Raecear says, "it's possible to send items into the void.. though I believe sending an item such as that into the void might have.. interesting consequences.."
Gwiirthaene says, "Any alteration of it, quite frankly, worries me."
Raecear says, "I don't know the way of that particular magic in any case.."
You nod to Gwiirthaene.
Aramil nods to Raecear.
Lorik leans on his staff.
Aramil says, "There is one there who might use it to her advantage."
Aramil says, "And that would be terrible, indeed."
Raecear shudders.
Lorik says, "The age of shadows."
Lorik shudders.
Gwiirthaene stands up.
Gwiirthaene says, "I have things to study."
You say, "There are always those who would use things to their advantage..."
Raecear says, "well.. I am not sure what more we can do now.. when night falls, I plan on studying the sky for some sign as to where these men may move next"
You stand back up.
Aramil bows to Gwiirthaene.
Gwiirthaene nods to Aramil.
You ask, "May I walk ye to the inn, m'lady?"
Gwiirthaene gives you a formal hug, pressing first her right cheek, then her left, against yours.
Raecear says, "and then I plan on trying to stop them."
Gwiirthaene nods to you.
You hug Gwiirthaene.
Raecear stands up.
Gwiirthaene says, "Of course."
Aramil stands up.
You hold Gwiirthaene's hand.
Aramil asks Raecear, "Where is he now?"
Eyes unfocused, Raecear raises one hand before him in a studied gesture.
Raecear gestures.
Raecear says, "langenfirth."
Aramil nods to Raecear.
Gwiirthaene frowns.
You sigh.
Gwiirthaene says, "He draws nearer."

We left the guild to escort the Lady Gwiirthaene to Gaethrend's Court...

You notice as a white-tailed leopard slinks into the room.
The white-tailed leopard begins to watch the goings on carefully.
You nod to Gwiirthaene.
Aramil whispers to your group, "That is his familiar."
Raecear whispers to your group, "anything to be done about the big ones?"
Gwiirthaene asks, "Then why run from it?"
Gwiirthaene gazes at a white-tailed leopard.
You notice as a white-tailed leopard snarls for a moment, then seems to calm down.
You say, "He looks much like Ealdgyth's leopard..."
Aramil nods to you.
You say, "though I doubt he shares the same fondness for chocolate..."
Aramil says, "It's master looks nothing like Ealdgyth."
Aramil grins.
Raecear chuckles.
Gwiirthaene says, "Very well. My thanks for the escort. Eluned protect us all."
You say, "It seems to have completed it's mission..."
You gaze at an ancient wooden door.
Gwiirthaene nods to you.
You curtsy to Gwiirthaene.
You say, "Keep ye safe, m'lady. An' call if ye have need of us."
Gwiirthaene says, "I will do so."
Lorik nods.

And then the lady took her leave of us. We spent some lil time afterwards discussin' Yhaman an' his threat on Raecear. For a time, we were certain he was headin' south to collect Rae's 'water', but he stopped at the standin' stones an' apparently performed some sort of ritual there. One more thing to worry o'er...

Robbery!

2004-03-20T01:13:45Z

It has been 375 years, 206 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
It is the 6th month of Arhat the Fire Lion in the year of the Iron Toad.
It is currently summer and it is sunset.
A few scattered clouds obscure some of the stars above.

I was still up in Haven, contemplatin' a return to the south when I heard the thoughts of a gembuyer, lookin' to purchase rare or unusual gems for his patron to use in her beadwork. He indicated he would be in Anthelorn's shop for a time before headin' further north, if anyone was interested. As he was headed in m'direction an' as I had a few gems I was thinkin' of sellin', I offered to meet the ferry an' escort him there.

It seems Haven was a bit too far out of the way for most sellers... Rawqwi an' I were the only ones to meet with him. An' though Rawqwi seemed to feel that Medurik was cheap an' nae willin' to pay enough for his gems, I found the gembuyer to be very fair.

Our business finished, I escorted Medurik to the barge landin' so that he could be on his way to Theren. I noted footpads an' thugs in the streets, so we moved quickly an' arrived just as the barge was about to cast off. I fairly pushed Medurik up the gangplank, then went back to take care of the ruffians. I wasnae sure what they were after, but I didnae want him injured in any fightin'.

Apparently they were after the gembuyer... after a bit of a scuffle which went decidedly in m'favor, one looked around an' asked where the mark was, that the woman (meanin' me, I spose) didnae have the loot. They melted back into the shadows then, an' I sent out a thought askin' that Medurik be watchful, an' that someone meet the barge in Lang.

Calacirya an' Rawqwi were good enough to meet him... unfortunately, quite a number of thugs an' ruffians met him too, killin' both of them an' knockin' Medurik cold before takin' his coin an' the chest full of gems. I arrived moments too late, but Dayin happened to be nearby an' managed to get him safely to the city.

In hindsight, I probly should've gotten on the barge with him, but... what's done is done. Lorik an' I spent some time lookin' for clues, but exhaustion caught up with me an' I took m'leave, headed for the inn an' a good night's rest. We will spread the word. Mayhap with more eyes lookin', twill be easier to find what was stolen.

Is it all just coincidence?

2004-03-20T00:21:38Z

It has been 375 years, 203 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
It is the 6th month of Arhat the Fire Lion in the year of the Iron Toad.
It is currently summer and it is night.
Thousands of brilliant stars shine in an exceptionally clear sky.

I met Siluna up in Haven. She was loaded down with boxes gotten from the sand sprites on Ratha, so I offered to open them for her. Professional locksmiths are hard to come by at times, but I dabble in the skill a bit. Enough to be able to handle sand sprite boxes, at least.

We were just finishin' up when Aramil stopped by. He brought news from across the lake... it seems the moon mages have been seein' visions of an odd elf masterin' the elements one by one. Aramil an' Raecaer believe they met the man up near Theren. His name is Raenilar an' he apparently wears a tattoo that is strikingly similar to the theme of the visions.

I amnae quite sure what to make of it all... so many threads in this tapestry still hang loose. Maelshyve's rise, the treasure hunters' search for the Salengiala, Medmaev an' the Songsworn, the recent orc an' goblin raids, the invasions of undead that seem to coincide with Lady Kirharaseth's visits, this odd elf that has the seers worried... how much of it is just coincidence? Or is there some other power at work behind the scenes, weavin' the threads of each event into some greater whole?

azimee @ 2004-03-16T11:39:00

2004-03-16T20:39:55Z

It has been 375 years, 199 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
It is the 5th month of Uthmor the Giant in the year of the Iron Toad.
It is currently summer and it is early morning.
The sky above is a bright blue, and free of clouds.

I was still in the guild when Saecihlaya woke. Though there were yet dark circles under her eyes, she looked much more rested than she had when I met her. She expressed a desire to obtain new armor, weapons an' clothin' so we headed out to do a bit of shoppin'. We ran into Lorik as we stepped into the street, an' as he wished to help protect the Songsworn he came along with us, though he grimaced when he discovered our errand.

We talked a bit as we visited the various shops, pickin' out clothin' an' armor that suited her taste. She looked much more the warrior bard when we were done, an' it must have felt very good to shed the rags that she had worn durin' her captivity. Once she felt presentable, we headed to the Half-pint for some dinner an' to continue our conversation.

Saecihlaya had been held captive for better than a year. She said lil about that time an' I could see the shadow in her eyes when her thoughts wandered to the other Songsworn, both those who had died already an' those still left alive. For some do yet live... five, she said. One thing she did say was they werenae allowed to sing. But what struck me as odd was the mention that though he was a bard, she never heard Medmaev sing either... only hum. I have to wonder whether he lost the power of song durin' his journey into madness.

As Saecihlaya seemed tired after the shoppin' trip, I didnae press for more information just then. We did speak briefly of the need to rescue the others quickly, if at all possible before Medmaev kills more of them an' completes whate'er thing he is attemptin' to create in his madness. But as it was growin' late, we returned to the guild so that she could rest an' recover her strength...

Songsworn

2004-03-16T05:01:14Z

It has been 375 years, 196 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
It is the 5th month of Uthmor the Giant in the year of the Iron Toad.
It is currently summer and it is night.
Thousands of brilliant stars shine in an exceptionally clear sky.

I woke suddenly, a feelin' of unease sweepin' o'er me like the echo of a gurglin' chuckle. An' then a voice ripped through m'mind. A voice to match the laughter I have been hearin' off an' on for the past year or more... "You will not escape so easily."

I was out the door in an instant, scannin' the sky for moons, intent on headin' south. Yavash alone rode the sky... but m'stud would carry me to Crossin' at least. I gwethed a greetin' to that city as soon as the disorientation wore off, an' was immediately called to the guild. It seems that Mikkel had succeeded in his task, far beyond our wildest dreams. He an' the group who went south with him had brought one of the missin' Songsworn home.

The story Saecihlaya told us was the stuff of nightmares. Medmaev is makin' somethin' from the bones of the Songsworn he captured... I cannae e'en begin to comprehend that kind of sick an' twisted madness.

A bard he is, once a Songsworn himself, a warrior for our guild. He was part of the group of Songsworn who originally captured Karovaas, but went mad when he was forced to kill his brother durin' that chase. Now his only goal is to destroy the guild that, in his madness, he blames for his brother's death.

Raecear grew noticably uneasy as the tale began, an' left us. Lorik followed him through the portal an' called me out into the commons soon after. Raecaer wouldnae go back inside the guild... he had seen a vision. A vision that held the woman's death - a gaunt elothean carvin' into her chest...

He seems convinced that nae matter what we may do, the woman will die. But what are visions for if nae to give us warnin' of events that we may influence their outcome? While I believe that the fates, or the gods, may give us glimpses of our future... I also believe that those glimpses can be changed, for good or ill, by our own actions. To believe anythin' else is to believe that our lives are meaningless.

I went back inside just as Saecihlaya went to find a bed. She looked like she could use a good night's sleep... guarded by her guildmates, untouched by Medmaev... I will tell her of Raecear's vision another time, after she has rested.

Portents...

2004-03-15T22:24:53Z

It has been 375 years, 193 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
It is the 5th month of Uthmor the Giant in the year of the Iron Toad.
It is currently summer and it is early evening.
Thousands of brilliant stars shine in an exceptionally clear sky.

I came across Raecear at the festival. Since I'd been advised by the apparition from Dunshade to heed the portents of m'future, I asked Rae if he would be willin' to scry a bit for me. The results were decidedly mixed...

You see a young Halfling lad inspecting a large crate. With a cry of discovery, he beckons to his Dwarven companion. The Dwarf leans in for a better look just as you hear a sharp snap. The Halfling dodges expertly out of the way as two bolts strike his colleague in the chest.

You see a Dwarf hunched over a tray of precious gems. His fingers nimbly search through the uncut jewels, stopping on a large black diamond. With a smile, he holds it to the light where the reflection a dazzling black diamond shines in his eyes.

A large orc strides into the area, shouting commands at his troops who frantically scramble to do his bidding. With a satisfied nod, he turns his attention to the two ogres by his side.

You find yourself soaring over a tall tower, struggling against tempestuous winds. Perched precariously on the edge of the tower is a cage of twisted iron, within which is trapped a majestic red falcon. Vultures circle the cage rapaciously, gloating over the plight of the falcon. As darkness falls over the vision, a cry of defiance rises, drowning in a chorus of shrieks of rage, and the vision is ended, leaving you cold and clammy.

There were more, but these were the most disturbin'. The dwarf in the visions reminded us both of Hesil, an' Raecear had seen the orc commander before as well... but neither of us knew what to make of the last portent. Finally, we parted ways in order to make ready for the upcomin' auction.

Cesiro's auction was, as usual, a resoundin' success. It was well attended an' several items were hotly vied for, the biddin' fast an' furious. Others had more limited appeal, but still.. twas good to see old friends, an' to join in the fun of biddin' for the rare an' unusual.

After the auction was o'er, I headed toward Langenfirth, an' the cottage. Lost in thought (or rather, lost in plans to redecorate in preparation for movin' the twins to the mainland), I sped right by El'Bain's, but returned when Barnacus sent a thought o'er the gweth to call me back. He an' Arellina had wonderful news to share... their engagement is official, an' they asked if I would be willin' to sing at their weddin'. I was more than happy to agree.

We stood an' chatted for a while, but finally I took m'leave an' headed south again to the cottage an' bed. The day's excitement wasnae o'er, howe'er... as I was walkin' along, I was suddenly pulled into the shadows...

[North Road, Danduwen Forest]
The road travels at a fairly steep slant over inland hills, meandering through the thick woods of old eucalyptus trees with drooping long leaves, tattered bark and heady fragrance. You also see an adult acanth log and a twisting trail.
Obvious paths: north, southeast.

You feel a hand over your mouth as you are grabbed from behind and quickly yanked out of sight.

A soft voice whispers to you, "Shh...not a word, or the thugs will find you. Quiet..."

A small band of unsavory looking types arrives, looking around the area. "I thought that one was just here," one says, as the others nod to him. They apparently decide to go before drawing too much attention to themselves, and leave as quickly as they came.

"Be careful," the soft voice whispers to you. You feel yourself released, and turn to find whoever it was--but nobody is there.

It all happened so quickly that I was stunned... an' though I searched, there was nae one about. It seems m'savior, if tis what he or she was, had moved on. To be honest, I wasnae sure whether to be relieved or offended by the gesture... I take pride in bein' able to take care of m'self an' the thought that someone felt I needed their help stung a bit.

At any rate, I sped the rest of the way home, an' gwethed a warnin' to take care on the roads before fallin' into bed an' an exhausted sleep...

Amid the Ruins of the Empire

2004-03-14T02:14:24Z

It has been 375 years, 185 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
It is the 5th month of Uthmor the Giant in the year of the Iron Toad.
It is currently summer and it is mid-morning.
A few white clouds float lazily in the sky above.

Rohrr an' I met with Hesil an' Siagrin last evenin', as planned. We had hoped for a larger party. As it was, the four of us boarded the 'Riverhawk', headed for Throne City an' the archaeological dig there. I swear the ride is longer than the one to Langenfirth.

I led the way since I'd been there once or twice before. The others were amazed by the illusion hidin' the road to the city... that it still holds true after so many years is a testament to the mages who created it. We walked quickly through the streets, intent on our errand, but as we paused at the alley that led to the dig we noticed a young scribe takin' notes. It might have been just coincidence, but... it may nae have been, either.

We moved e'en more quickly through the ruined part of the city on our way to the excavation site. While the hatchlings are smaller than full-grown angiswaerd, they are still dangerous an' they have a tendency to swarm. I had seen them before so I knew what to expect, but the others had nae desire to meet an adult once they'd seen the lil ones.

The dig was as I remembered it, a series of trenches near the colosseum ruins which the alley thugs have claimed as their own. They dun usually bother the dig itself, but we decided twas best to take turns diggin' while the rest of us stood watch. The moment we started gettin' out our equipment, Gwiirthaene's amulet began to glow. Gak had given it to me, insistin' that I would keep it safer than he could.

The amulet glowed the entire time we dug, growin' brighter an' brighter... then suddenly it stopped. What happened next stunned us all...

The air crackled with electricity as Hesil uncovered a bronze tube covered with faint etchings. A crash of thunder resounded overhead as the tube lifted lazily into the air, tumbling end over end amid sparks of lightning.
At the same time, a similar piece forced its way out of Hesil's knapsack, tumbling upwards and outwards until the two pieces danced around each other in the midst of the growing electrical storm. Thunders roared again, louder and nearer this time, as the two pieces came together in a brilliant flash of light. Just as abruptly as it began, it ended, as the two joined pieces dropped soundless into the Dwarf's hand, as much to his surprise as anyone else's.
Hesil's jaw dropped as he stared at the bronze tube. Finally, with an awe-struck grunt, he stuffed it quickly into his soldier's supply bag.

An' then a thug stepped out of the darkness, intent on killin' us. We were ready for her, howe'er, an' the skirmish was quickly o'er. Apparently she'd been paid in advance for her services... we found a small pouch full of gems on her body. Since we'd found what we came for, we quickly headed back to 'Haven. Twouldnae do to give them more opportunity to attack us while we were so far from help.

We discussed our next move on the ride back... Hesil seems inclined to take the fight to Undershard, since one of the thugs who attacked Theren Keep mentioned headin' back south in the confusion. Our other option seems to be to find the place of lost hope that lies across the sea which the apparition mentioned. The island of M'Riss, mayhap, an' the Dunes of Despair?

I dun mind headin' south to Shard, howe'er. Twould give me reason to be nearby while Mikkel completes his task, as well as allow me the chance to talk to Sir Danxiuls. I am certain we could count on his help in any foray into Undershard. He takes his duty to that city seriously.