Post by redcoat on Mar 27, 2022 13:11:57 GMT -5
Username: Ancelas
In which the newly-formed Valor's Company sets off for the White Tower of Ilia in search of answers.
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Username: Ancelas
Session: 009-010
Date: Azay, Elanin 17
From the Journal of Taliesin Davar - Mist over the Weeping Fields…
This walk to protect Alain is disconcerting. As we walk this road the trapped spirits of long dead warriors do battle among the veil of mist over the nearby fields. We had passed travellers noting losing a female companion during a night. She seemed to have simply walked off.
Two nights we have seen a mysterious lantern light flicker miles ahead, but neither time were we able to see the one who controlled the light. This most recent night we were joined by messengers for Astorea … and I mean … the spirits of those long dead still going through the motions. But these spirits - it wasn’t just a loop of old talks but something more. They interacted - even ate the food.
This land is scarred by the wars that took place here a hundred years ago. – If I didn’t think better of it I would say these spirits are held in the care of Silvanus and Talos. The mists across the fields summoning the living essence of those that came before and the battle raging on under the watchful eye of Talos. No, that is a silly notion. Perhaps there is something arcane here giving life to the memories of the land.
No matter. We still have a few more days to travel. Perhaps the light we grow closer to each night is the lost traveller. Or perhaps it is something more sinister.
The sounds of the battle along our side keeps bringing back the memories of that day. I wasn’t strong enough or skilled enough then. Perhaps if I were better then I would have kept up with my family. As it stands I am so far from home, and our path is keeping me from the trees. It is at least 2 weeks travel to the Elvish lands from where we are going. And from there at least another week until making camp back home.
If other elves aren’t going to believe a story without death on their door, then I will focus on rallying my people and work out from there.
From the journal of Tsukiko Konane…
I have skipped a few pages to fill in the true beginning of my adventure. But for now, I write about what has happened in the past few days. We are heading to the White Tower. I know not much but it being a sort of… school for magic? I should ask more. This is why I have a journal, after all! Just like Alain… who I have mixed feelings for. A very wise man, but a little crazy, and kind of spooky. But sad about the past.
I talked to Alastair about him, and it seems we are all in the same. Well, him, Jaeger, and myself. Klinkle is impassive, and Jennar… is aloof like Alain. Likely some sort of Aegien thing. But we agreed to want to get to know him more. Friendly interactions, no stealing. As tempting as it is to just grab his journal…
We had a bit of a scuffle with some crows, that turned out to not be crows at all, but… illusions? They turned to dust when we defeated them. Troubling. More troublesome is my magic. I accidentally hit Alain with what I thought would push back the birds off Jennar. I should… take up sparring with Sae. Learn some combat with my quarterstaff, and my daggers. My magic is unreliable… although, maybe I could focus on making it do what I want?
Time will only tell…
In the next morning, it was still foggy. Sae, Alain, and Taliesin encountered… ghosts. I am very thankful they left me to slumber, but I do not know how well I will sleep for the next night, with that on my mind.
Ghosts stuck in a loop of battle. It is troublesome. Scary. No wonder Alain needed guards for this journey… It has only been half the days for travel, if I recall correctly. Still terribly homesick, but I am getting to know the others better. Hopefully we will be lucky, and avoid more troubles.
But… lucky isn't what I am. So… I should hope for the worst.
From the journal of Sae Cairel…
It is as if every time I write a journal entry, my life has flipped upside down once more. So much has happened since the last time I wrote, that I will have to abbreviate some of it. Tali and I had a heart to heart… where I learned he’d actually begun the process to petition for my hand before Ratha shut him down… As was probably right and proper, but when have I ever cared about that? Neither of us said the words, but all the cards are more or less on the table now. That has been a relief.
The morning we left was one of decisions. We are officially a Company, with Alistair serving as our treasurer and Jaeger as our Quartermaster. Alistair made himself a flying pet cat, and it is as clever as it is cute. Speaking of pets, we also got a horse and wagon to make the travel to Ilia a little easier. After much, much debate the horse was named Kenta Bobblesnoggins as a compromise. Also since my last entry we have met Shy, Jennar’s sprite companion, after a brief, confusing stand off. It shapeshifts, and is a curious little thing. It makes me miss having a pet a little bit.
After said debate, we ran into a caravan heading towards Astor city. They said that the fields are weeping- a local idiom for the fields of mourning being… more actively creepy than they usually are, I guess. They are missing a half elf girl named Eliza, who left with only her lantern.
Tali and I spotted a lantern in light a few nights later, headed in the same direction as the road, but it was better not to seek it out- judging by everyone’s behavior, it’s not a good time or place to go off on one’s own. Shortly confirmed as we were attacked by a mystical swarm of birds that weren’t birds, who managed to do a decent amount of damage to myself and the others. No lasting damage, thankfully.
The night of the birds, we saw the flickering light again. Alistair sent Hermes (his cat-thing) to investigate, but it turned back after being attacked. In the meantime, I offered to spar with Konane a little bit. She’s very competent- but I feel she lacks the confidence required to truly shine. Hopefully I can help her with that?
It seems though, that the birds were the tip of the iceberg. At the tail end of my watch we were visited by three ghosts- long dead soldiers. I treated them as I would hope to be treated should my spirit be left to wander the countryside instead of residing in Talos’ hall. We gave them what comfort we could, and let them go about their way. May Talos bless their journey and give them rest.
Beyond that, not much to report. I am writing this from the wagon seat next to Alain, who is driving. We had a good conversation, I think. I am curious about his past as an adventurer, and I know Alistair is as well. But Alistair can be a bit… naive, at times, about the pain that can be wrapped around such memories. Alain sleeps little- perhaps I will speak to him again tonight, when there are fewer ears awake. He is curious why I left Kel Mar, and I am curious about his past.
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Username: Ancelas
Session: 015
Date: Azay, Elanin 31
Excerpt from “Worldwalker: The Collected Works of Jennar of Aegise”…
Jaeger the Mighty
Travels through the wilderness
Of his talents don’t dismiss
Once came across a band of thugs
Wolves and ogres ugly mugs
One claimed the strongest in the land
Our large goliath raised a hand
The ogre’s club a thunderous sound
The mighty Jaeger stood his ground!
He’s Jaeger! He’s Jaeger the Mighty!
Jaeger stood triumphant
The ogre gave a final grunt
The roads between were safe again
Thanks to a hero of all men
He’s Jaeger! He’s Jaeger the Mighty!
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Username: Ancelas
Session: 018
Date: Anay, Lirin 02
I didn’t think I really would see… Evil in my travels. Misguided philosophy, or aggressive differences, confrontations where both parties have a staked claim- yes, I thought I would see danger. But not… Evil. I’ve heard of Ogres, read about them, and now that I’ve seen them I can soundly confirm that they are terrible, awful things. I’m not glad I had a hand in slaying them. But I am glad they’re dead. What they did to those people, those horses… is not something I think should be forgiven. These woods are bountiful, the land fertile. There was no reason for it.
After we neutralized the ogres and salvaged the goods the merchants had been traveling. We divvied up the goods among us… No sense in letting magical things and gemstones go to waste. We moved on for the evening and set camp. My had been racing since the rot and the gore, and without road and the sound of wagon wheels turning, I found myself growing a bit fidgety and restless. I channeled that nervous energy into working and crafted a simple wooden shield, the exercise helping me focus on the good from our ordeal. Jaeger is an inspiring man, and the Ogre he clubbed, his broken twisted face of horror - like a universal constant that had been contradicted before his beady eyes - was likewise inspiring. I channeled the shock and uncertainty into a wooden relief on the front of the shield. Her name was Defiance, and presented it to Jaegar in the morning. To my delight he was pleased. He always smiles, so it’s hard to tell, but I think it tickled him. Jennar even sang a song around the campfire in Jaeger’s honor. It was amazing. Konane cooked, the Elves sparred - then ran off into the woods like lovers. The evening felt good, and the horror felt distant. This felt like.. Heroism, though we were too late to actually save anyone. Maybe… Vengeance is underappreciated. Maybe I’m becoming desensitized. Rose would be proud, I guess.
We awoke in the morning and hit the road. A few hours travel and we could see the tower of Ilia in the distance. It’s incredibly tall, impossibly tall. Upon reaching the tower, we met with guards and told them of the Ogre camp we’d passed. I hope they can put the victims to rest.
Alain then brought us to the Wanderer’s Waystone, a lovely inn with a pair of gracious hosts - Ayella and Emon. Ayella is a lovely elven woman, and Emon is a tough looking man who collects stray cats. Hermes had a chance to wander and acclimate herself to the other felines. I wonder if she gets it, sometimes. Miss Milly Van departed from our group, seemingly to meet with her company. I’m happy she got through to her destination with us, though I don’t think she’ll be sticking around.
The others are getting ready to head off to the white tower. I’ve had a chance to have some actual coffee- the first cup in months. I missed it. But I don’t have long to appreciate it. We’re to meet with the man Alain spoke of- the one who’s got all kinds of information about Ruin. I imagine things should go smoothly, once we explain to the powers that be the severity of this situation. I just hope Alain’s political inclinations haven’t put much of a black mark on him. We need as much clout as we can get.
Date: Tuay, Lirin 02
Having dropped off my Letter at the post, my mind is swirling. Not spiraling, but swirling, like an eddy. The urge to let the undertow take me is strong. But it’s morning, even if the sun hasn’t made it over the walls. I can’t dawdle. So put the thoughts on paper, put them down so they can’t move.
Magister Dimitri Echinaris blocked us from entering the white tower, as Alain wasn’t welcome. We had to argue with Dimitri to hear our story and was eventually led inside, onto an Aetherstone… lift of some kind… and into the chamber of the sages.We told him what was up. He challenged our lack of evidence but I think Konane swayed him. We left soon after, leaving Alain to speak with the 'Lord First.'
To pass some time we found our way to a magic shop run by a genasi. Steepest discounts I’ve ever seen. Fascinating runic work, too. I’ll remember his method for later.
The others went their own ways, Sae, Jaeger and myself looked for a smithy willing to rent their space, like they do in Liore. My mantle of Artifice came in handy. Sae still doesn’t trust me enough to see the inner workings of her firearm. I get it could wind up with both our heads on a pike, sure, but I felt a little disappointed that she had to keep it hidden behind a sheet. You can take a wide old gander at my treasure trail, but I’m not allowed to take a peeksie at your brass baubles in the forge? I see how it is. I thought it was going to be small talk and chatter, gossip. But Sae actually had some serious baggage on her plate. She came out with it, worried about my reaction. I’d like to say I’ve done the same thing in her shoes, but I don’t have the turnips. Right heroic, I think.
After building and selling a weapon for a couple gold, I finished my other project. She needs a name and I need a brand. If anyone’s going to recognize my work, they need to recognize the label. Maybe Konane can give me an idea. She’s been a right proper muse.
That evening we gathered and spoke to Alain. He told us that Dimitri would investigate our findings. Alain then gave us another quest, this time pro bono. We’re to go to Skyhammer to find a man named Ta’roe, tell him our story, and see what can be done about this invasion. I don’t think I’ll be heading home to Liore any time soon.
And after tonight, I don’t think I want to. Not yet.
I went to find Alain later to go over some thoughts that have been on my mind. I found he was with Konane, and so I eavesdropped. Instant regret. She’s got some kind of secret that could kill her if the world ever found out. As I walked away to wait and wallow in guilt, I encountered an anomaly down the hall. The candles were blown out and a massive shadowy beast was staring me down. I recognized it. This was the thing Hermes had seen in the fields of mourning. Did it belong to Alain? I tried to approach and talk business. It wasn’t a good conversationalist. Konane opened the door, it bolted, and I was left with my heart in my throat.
At that point I had a free moment to talk to Alain. I brought up the painting again and he danced around the issue. I then mentioned Fenderberrin’s old adage, and asked if he had coined it himself.
He knew Fenderberrin. They had been adventuring buddies. I was astounded- that was Alain in the painting the whole time. Holding that woman, standing next to O’Fenderberrin. At first I was furious- Why lie about that? And yet, all I could do was try my darndest not to cry. He was grieving too, in his own way. I tried asking other questions, but Alain did what Alain does. I accepted that some secrets aren’t ready to come to the surface. Why he glamours his eyes, why he lied in the first place. Who those people in the photo are.
Why does woman next to him look so familiar?
I don’t think I want to know the answer to that. But denial is poisonous. If Rose reads her letter and decides to blink first, then maybe I’ll have answers, should she find `a way to contact me. I know Alain won’t blink. Maybe not ever. And I think I can understand that.
I hope I get to see something neat in Skyhammer.
From The Journal of Sae Cairel
I would like to say that I will get better at writing down my thoughts and deeds, but I’m not a very good liar, even on paper. I suspect that when we are nothing but notes in dusty old books, they will have to rely on the notes from Alistair and Jennar to piece together my story- ah well. I’m still not good at words.
Tali and I have fought and made up and fought and made up and sparred and I think things are finally settling there. I had worried that the years we were apart may have made it so we couldn’t find our pace again, but hopefully, knock on wood, we’ve fixed it.
We stopped at the fort on our way to Ilyia, Taliesin met another Alurani. I didn’t, but I imagine that was on purpose on her end. We picked up another traveler to our merry band who joined us on the final leg of our voyage. She was pleasant enough, quiet.
Ran into some ogres, who beat us to dispatching the bandits on the road. We paid them back in kind, Jaeger so productively that he inspired two different works of art. I’m a little jealous, in a good way. He is impressive.
We finally arrived in Ilya. We are being hosted by the innkeepers Ayella, a Deori, and Emon, her rather impressive human husband. They are the owner of an Inn, several dozen pleasant kittens, and a few pleasant adult children. They seem so happy.
Met with the High Mage, an Albion elf with a larger than average sized stick up his ass. I… probably was less than professional, and I probably should care more about it. He bugs me. He was mean to Alain, he was too bogged down in paperwork flavored nonsense to address the clear and present danger to the continent, and he seems unwilling to do anything more than send us to the expert on Ruin. I dislike when things move slow for no damn reason other than egos. Jaeger kept me from behaving more egregiously. I wonder if I should give him my secret pouch of bail money.
Making little to no progress with the tower, we went shopping. I found the book on magic that I need- it’s basic, and has the few spells that I both think I can learn and will be useful to me. Including *the* spell that I’ve wanted for awhile.
After that, it there was time in the forge. Alistair has something that lets him handle exceptionally hot metal very quickly, and continues to amaze me with his speed and skill. I wish Kaladin was still here. I could use some advice on how to navigate whether or not to show him my pistol. He is an enchanter…. I just know that he’s so much cleverer than I, and he could dream up more improvements in a day than I could in a year.
I told him about Elta. Keeping that secret was chafing my soul. I’m a shitty liar, and while I can keep other people’s secrets just fine (example, Alain’s different colored eyes and my suspicion on Alistair’s parentage) my own just seem to tumble out of my mouth.
Once again he surprised me. He seemed to take the same track Tali did. That Elta deserved it, that waiting would have been a disaster. It’s a relief knowing he doesn’t think of me as a murderer. Konane is the last one I’m really worried about.
Relaxing tonight. Took a long bath and am sitting with my sketchbook and a bottle of wine, trying to make a better pistol. I have to wait for the wizards in this place to get drunk before I begin my plan.
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In which the newly-formed Valor's Company sets off for the White Tower of Ilia in search of answers.
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Username: Ancelas
Session: 009-010
Date: Azay, Elanin 17
From the Journal of Taliesin Davar - Mist over the Weeping Fields…
This walk to protect Alain is disconcerting. As we walk this road the trapped spirits of long dead warriors do battle among the veil of mist over the nearby fields. We had passed travellers noting losing a female companion during a night. She seemed to have simply walked off.
Two nights we have seen a mysterious lantern light flicker miles ahead, but neither time were we able to see the one who controlled the light. This most recent night we were joined by messengers for Astorea … and I mean … the spirits of those long dead still going through the motions. But these spirits - it wasn’t just a loop of old talks but something more. They interacted - even ate the food.
This land is scarred by the wars that took place here a hundred years ago. – If I didn’t think better of it I would say these spirits are held in the care of Silvanus and Talos. The mists across the fields summoning the living essence of those that came before and the battle raging on under the watchful eye of Talos. No, that is a silly notion. Perhaps there is something arcane here giving life to the memories of the land.
No matter. We still have a few more days to travel. Perhaps the light we grow closer to each night is the lost traveller. Or perhaps it is something more sinister.
The sounds of the battle along our side keeps bringing back the memories of that day. I wasn’t strong enough or skilled enough then. Perhaps if I were better then I would have kept up with my family. As it stands I am so far from home, and our path is keeping me from the trees. It is at least 2 weeks travel to the Elvish lands from where we are going. And from there at least another week until making camp back home.
If other elves aren’t going to believe a story without death on their door, then I will focus on rallying my people and work out from there.
From the journal of Tsukiko Konane…
I have skipped a few pages to fill in the true beginning of my adventure. But for now, I write about what has happened in the past few days. We are heading to the White Tower. I know not much but it being a sort of… school for magic? I should ask more. This is why I have a journal, after all! Just like Alain… who I have mixed feelings for. A very wise man, but a little crazy, and kind of spooky. But sad about the past.
I talked to Alastair about him, and it seems we are all in the same. Well, him, Jaeger, and myself. Klinkle is impassive, and Jennar… is aloof like Alain. Likely some sort of Aegien thing. But we agreed to want to get to know him more. Friendly interactions, no stealing. As tempting as it is to just grab his journal…
We had a bit of a scuffle with some crows, that turned out to not be crows at all, but… illusions? They turned to dust when we defeated them. Troubling. More troublesome is my magic. I accidentally hit Alain with what I thought would push back the birds off Jennar. I should… take up sparring with Sae. Learn some combat with my quarterstaff, and my daggers. My magic is unreliable… although, maybe I could focus on making it do what I want?
Time will only tell…
In the next morning, it was still foggy. Sae, Alain, and Taliesin encountered… ghosts. I am very thankful they left me to slumber, but I do not know how well I will sleep for the next night, with that on my mind.
Ghosts stuck in a loop of battle. It is troublesome. Scary. No wonder Alain needed guards for this journey… It has only been half the days for travel, if I recall correctly. Still terribly homesick, but I am getting to know the others better. Hopefully we will be lucky, and avoid more troubles.
But… lucky isn't what I am. So… I should hope for the worst.
From the journal of Sae Cairel…
It is as if every time I write a journal entry, my life has flipped upside down once more. So much has happened since the last time I wrote, that I will have to abbreviate some of it. Tali and I had a heart to heart… where I learned he’d actually begun the process to petition for my hand before Ratha shut him down… As was probably right and proper, but when have I ever cared about that? Neither of us said the words, but all the cards are more or less on the table now. That has been a relief.
The morning we left was one of decisions. We are officially a Company, with Alistair serving as our treasurer and Jaeger as our Quartermaster. Alistair made himself a flying pet cat, and it is as clever as it is cute. Speaking of pets, we also got a horse and wagon to make the travel to Ilia a little easier. After much, much debate the horse was named Kenta Bobblesnoggins as a compromise. Also since my last entry we have met Shy, Jennar’s sprite companion, after a brief, confusing stand off. It shapeshifts, and is a curious little thing. It makes me miss having a pet a little bit.
After said debate, we ran into a caravan heading towards Astor city. They said that the fields are weeping- a local idiom for the fields of mourning being… more actively creepy than they usually are, I guess. They are missing a half elf girl named Eliza, who left with only her lantern.
Tali and I spotted a lantern in light a few nights later, headed in the same direction as the road, but it was better not to seek it out- judging by everyone’s behavior, it’s not a good time or place to go off on one’s own. Shortly confirmed as we were attacked by a mystical swarm of birds that weren’t birds, who managed to do a decent amount of damage to myself and the others. No lasting damage, thankfully.
The night of the birds, we saw the flickering light again. Alistair sent Hermes (his cat-thing) to investigate, but it turned back after being attacked. In the meantime, I offered to spar with Konane a little bit. She’s very competent- but I feel she lacks the confidence required to truly shine. Hopefully I can help her with that?
It seems though, that the birds were the tip of the iceberg. At the tail end of my watch we were visited by three ghosts- long dead soldiers. I treated them as I would hope to be treated should my spirit be left to wander the countryside instead of residing in Talos’ hall. We gave them what comfort we could, and let them go about their way. May Talos bless their journey and give them rest.
Beyond that, not much to report. I am writing this from the wagon seat next to Alain, who is driving. We had a good conversation, I think. I am curious about his past as an adventurer, and I know Alistair is as well. But Alistair can be a bit… naive, at times, about the pain that can be wrapped around such memories. Alain sleeps little- perhaps I will speak to him again tonight, when there are fewer ears awake. He is curious why I left Kel Mar, and I am curious about his past.
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Username: Ancelas
Session: 015
Date: Azay, Elanin 31
Excerpt from “Worldwalker: The Collected Works of Jennar of Aegise”…
Jaeger the Mighty
Travels through the wilderness
Of his talents don’t dismiss
Once came across a band of thugs
Wolves and ogres ugly mugs
One claimed the strongest in the land
Our large goliath raised a hand
The ogre’s club a thunderous sound
The mighty Jaeger stood his ground!
He’s Jaeger! He’s Jaeger the Mighty!
Jaeger stood triumphant
The ogre gave a final grunt
The roads between were safe again
Thanks to a hero of all men
He’s Jaeger! He’s Jaeger the Mighty!
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Username: Ancelas
Session: 018
Date: Anay, Lirin 02
I didn’t think I really would see… Evil in my travels. Misguided philosophy, or aggressive differences, confrontations where both parties have a staked claim- yes, I thought I would see danger. But not… Evil. I’ve heard of Ogres, read about them, and now that I’ve seen them I can soundly confirm that they are terrible, awful things. I’m not glad I had a hand in slaying them. But I am glad they’re dead. What they did to those people, those horses… is not something I think should be forgiven. These woods are bountiful, the land fertile. There was no reason for it.
After we neutralized the ogres and salvaged the goods the merchants had been traveling. We divvied up the goods among us… No sense in letting magical things and gemstones go to waste. We moved on for the evening and set camp. My had been racing since the rot and the gore, and without road and the sound of wagon wheels turning, I found myself growing a bit fidgety and restless. I channeled that nervous energy into working and crafted a simple wooden shield, the exercise helping me focus on the good from our ordeal. Jaeger is an inspiring man, and the Ogre he clubbed, his broken twisted face of horror - like a universal constant that had been contradicted before his beady eyes - was likewise inspiring. I channeled the shock and uncertainty into a wooden relief on the front of the shield. Her name was Defiance, and presented it to Jaegar in the morning. To my delight he was pleased. He always smiles, so it’s hard to tell, but I think it tickled him. Jennar even sang a song around the campfire in Jaeger’s honor. It was amazing. Konane cooked, the Elves sparred - then ran off into the woods like lovers. The evening felt good, and the horror felt distant. This felt like.. Heroism, though we were too late to actually save anyone. Maybe… Vengeance is underappreciated. Maybe I’m becoming desensitized. Rose would be proud, I guess.
We awoke in the morning and hit the road. A few hours travel and we could see the tower of Ilia in the distance. It’s incredibly tall, impossibly tall. Upon reaching the tower, we met with guards and told them of the Ogre camp we’d passed. I hope they can put the victims to rest.
Alain then brought us to the Wanderer’s Waystone, a lovely inn with a pair of gracious hosts - Ayella and Emon. Ayella is a lovely elven woman, and Emon is a tough looking man who collects stray cats. Hermes had a chance to wander and acclimate herself to the other felines. I wonder if she gets it, sometimes. Miss Milly Van departed from our group, seemingly to meet with her company. I’m happy she got through to her destination with us, though I don’t think she’ll be sticking around.
The others are getting ready to head off to the white tower. I’ve had a chance to have some actual coffee- the first cup in months. I missed it. But I don’t have long to appreciate it. We’re to meet with the man Alain spoke of- the one who’s got all kinds of information about Ruin. I imagine things should go smoothly, once we explain to the powers that be the severity of this situation. I just hope Alain’s political inclinations haven’t put much of a black mark on him. We need as much clout as we can get.
Date: Tuay, Lirin 02
Having dropped off my Letter at the post, my mind is swirling. Not spiraling, but swirling, like an eddy. The urge to let the undertow take me is strong. But it’s morning, even if the sun hasn’t made it over the walls. I can’t dawdle. So put the thoughts on paper, put them down so they can’t move.
Magister Dimitri Echinaris blocked us from entering the white tower, as Alain wasn’t welcome. We had to argue with Dimitri to hear our story and was eventually led inside, onto an Aetherstone… lift of some kind… and into the chamber of the sages.We told him what was up. He challenged our lack of evidence but I think Konane swayed him. We left soon after, leaving Alain to speak with the 'Lord First.'
To pass some time we found our way to a magic shop run by a genasi. Steepest discounts I’ve ever seen. Fascinating runic work, too. I’ll remember his method for later.
The others went their own ways, Sae, Jaeger and myself looked for a smithy willing to rent their space, like they do in Liore. My mantle of Artifice came in handy. Sae still doesn’t trust me enough to see the inner workings of her firearm. I get it could wind up with both our heads on a pike, sure, but I felt a little disappointed that she had to keep it hidden behind a sheet. You can take a wide old gander at my treasure trail, but I’m not allowed to take a peeksie at your brass baubles in the forge? I see how it is. I thought it was going to be small talk and chatter, gossip. But Sae actually had some serious baggage on her plate. She came out with it, worried about my reaction. I’d like to say I’ve done the same thing in her shoes, but I don’t have the turnips. Right heroic, I think.
After building and selling a weapon for a couple gold, I finished my other project. She needs a name and I need a brand. If anyone’s going to recognize my work, they need to recognize the label. Maybe Konane can give me an idea. She’s been a right proper muse.
That evening we gathered and spoke to Alain. He told us that Dimitri would investigate our findings. Alain then gave us another quest, this time pro bono. We’re to go to Skyhammer to find a man named Ta’roe, tell him our story, and see what can be done about this invasion. I don’t think I’ll be heading home to Liore any time soon.
And after tonight, I don’t think I want to. Not yet.
I went to find Alain later to go over some thoughts that have been on my mind. I found he was with Konane, and so I eavesdropped. Instant regret. She’s got some kind of secret that could kill her if the world ever found out. As I walked away to wait and wallow in guilt, I encountered an anomaly down the hall. The candles were blown out and a massive shadowy beast was staring me down. I recognized it. This was the thing Hermes had seen in the fields of mourning. Did it belong to Alain? I tried to approach and talk business. It wasn’t a good conversationalist. Konane opened the door, it bolted, and I was left with my heart in my throat.
At that point I had a free moment to talk to Alain. I brought up the painting again and he danced around the issue. I then mentioned Fenderberrin’s old adage, and asked if he had coined it himself.
He knew Fenderberrin. They had been adventuring buddies. I was astounded- that was Alain in the painting the whole time. Holding that woman, standing next to O’Fenderberrin. At first I was furious- Why lie about that? And yet, all I could do was try my darndest not to cry. He was grieving too, in his own way. I tried asking other questions, but Alain did what Alain does. I accepted that some secrets aren’t ready to come to the surface. Why he glamours his eyes, why he lied in the first place. Who those people in the photo are.
Why does woman next to him look so familiar?
I don’t think I want to know the answer to that. But denial is poisonous. If Rose reads her letter and decides to blink first, then maybe I’ll have answers, should she find `a way to contact me. I know Alain won’t blink. Maybe not ever. And I think I can understand that.
I hope I get to see something neat in Skyhammer.
From The Journal of Sae Cairel
I would like to say that I will get better at writing down my thoughts and deeds, but I’m not a very good liar, even on paper. I suspect that when we are nothing but notes in dusty old books, they will have to rely on the notes from Alistair and Jennar to piece together my story- ah well. I’m still not good at words.
Tali and I have fought and made up and fought and made up and sparred and I think things are finally settling there. I had worried that the years we were apart may have made it so we couldn’t find our pace again, but hopefully, knock on wood, we’ve fixed it.
We stopped at the fort on our way to Ilyia, Taliesin met another Alurani. I didn’t, but I imagine that was on purpose on her end. We picked up another traveler to our merry band who joined us on the final leg of our voyage. She was pleasant enough, quiet.
Ran into some ogres, who beat us to dispatching the bandits on the road. We paid them back in kind, Jaeger so productively that he inspired two different works of art. I’m a little jealous, in a good way. He is impressive.
We finally arrived in Ilya. We are being hosted by the innkeepers Ayella, a Deori, and Emon, her rather impressive human husband. They are the owner of an Inn, several dozen pleasant kittens, and a few pleasant adult children. They seem so happy.
Met with the High Mage, an Albion elf with a larger than average sized stick up his ass. I… probably was less than professional, and I probably should care more about it. He bugs me. He was mean to Alain, he was too bogged down in paperwork flavored nonsense to address the clear and present danger to the continent, and he seems unwilling to do anything more than send us to the expert on Ruin. I dislike when things move slow for no damn reason other than egos. Jaeger kept me from behaving more egregiously. I wonder if I should give him my secret pouch of bail money.
Making little to no progress with the tower, we went shopping. I found the book on magic that I need- it’s basic, and has the few spells that I both think I can learn and will be useful to me. Including *the* spell that I’ve wanted for awhile.
After that, it there was time in the forge. Alistair has something that lets him handle exceptionally hot metal very quickly, and continues to amaze me with his speed and skill. I wish Kaladin was still here. I could use some advice on how to navigate whether or not to show him my pistol. He is an enchanter…. I just know that he’s so much cleverer than I, and he could dream up more improvements in a day than I could in a year.
I told him about Elta. Keeping that secret was chafing my soul. I’m a shitty liar, and while I can keep other people’s secrets just fine (example, Alain’s different colored eyes and my suspicion on Alistair’s parentage) my own just seem to tumble out of my mouth.
Once again he surprised me. He seemed to take the same track Tali did. That Elta deserved it, that waiting would have been a disaster. It’s a relief knowing he doesn’t think of me as a murderer. Konane is the last one I’m really worried about.
Relaxing tonight. Took a long bath and am sitting with my sketchbook and a bottle of wine, trying to make a better pistol. I have to wait for the wizards in this place to get drunk before I begin my plan.
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