Tokiwong
First Post
Spoke too Soon of Queen of Evil
Misha has arrived with his journal in hand...
Misha’s Journal #11
10th day of the Drawing Down
I had a dream… I am not sure if it was the liquor, the emotions of my wedding, or if I am just realizing that I have been wed to Vallia. I dreamt of Ellyn last night, though not by my own will. It was a pleasant dream, I can say that, but I did not expect to see Ellyn there. I was a man, the man I used to be, and there was happiness, a brief shining happiness. But I did not feel whole, and there was something not quite right with the dream. I love Vallia I know that, but I am not sure what such a dream could mean, especially after my wedding. It only makes this journey to Amn all the more, unbearable.
That morning was slow, and even I felt lazy, and languid. Elven guards were knocking on the door; both Karanaj and Aliya were already up and being herded along the hallway by the guards. I felt it a bit odd myself, but I must say that I was not feeling altogether well. Or at least I was not thinking as clearly as I could have been. I wondered aloud where Gruush could be as the elves ushered us down the hallway, I had yet to see a sign of him or Nym.
It was then that the guards turned on us, and violently struck down Aliya with a single slash. Thain had tipped his hand, as another guard tried to run me through, luckily I was quicker then he ever thought I could be and I evaded the slash. I moved quickly on Aliya’s attacker as the rest of the “elven guards” turned on us. Vallia turned on one of her attackers but… he was much too skilled for her and took advantage of an opening and ran her through, I wanted to scream but my opponent continued to slash at me. I evaded as best as I could, and fared better then the rest of my comrades, but the situation looked bleak. They had used the surprise to their advantage and were making short work of my companions.
I remember an overwhelming fear welling up in my stomach, these warriors were skilled, even more so then myself, I wager. Both my love and Aliya were down and most likely dying. It was not a good moment for us, I contemplated running… to gather strength and retaliate. I told Karanaj this mentally, I feel ashamed that I thought such words. I nearly turned to go, when I saw the Queen and her guards arrive and aid us in the battle. I coughed on my blood and turned my attention to Thain’s assassins and I launched myself once more into the fray. I called upon the strength of Corellon to guide my hand. I was heedless of my own injuries as I fought for the honor of the elves, my Queen, and my love. Each slash I withstood only fueled my fire of determination, I must live, but I will not live as a coward. Death is more preferable to such utter cowardice.
I was close to death when the guards helped us put the assassins down. I quickly moved to heal Gruush as both Aliya and Vallia had been brought back to consciousness with potions of healing. I turned to the Queen and apologized for I knew that we could not stay to assist in cleaning up the mess. Vallia administered healing to me, as I turned to go. I do not enjoy having to kill my people, Thain, has gone much too far. I can already see that I will have to face Thain; for the good of these elves, they need a strong and just leader. Thain will die, and it will be my hand that brings him his destruction, I will have the leadership of these elves… But for the moment I could only focus on leaving the village quickly, I mounted my horse and rode quickly out of the town. I took a final glance at the village, for I know I shall not return here, for quite some time if ever. I was saddened, for much of my life has been changed in that village, a village that has no name…
But I digress, we moved quickly through the countryside, I galloped hard, for it was easy enough to assume that Thain would have his men out looking for us along the roads. The journey through the woods was for the most part quiet, as I collected my thoughts; the dream… the ambush… and the future all weighed heavily on my mind. I thought of my wife as well, for she means everything to me. But I have many tough choices ahead.
Vallia and myself, we are both leaders by nature, she has the cultured and calm leadership of noble birth, and I… I can assume that my skills are much rougher and less refined then hers. I play very few games of tact and diplomacy unless it suits a need; I am a leader of example. I am afraid that we are destined to be as much rivals, as we are man and wife, for we both have our visions of the future. Compromise may be our only saving grace. And I am not good at compromising… not all.
The afternoon passed in silence, until the woods became rough and nearly impassable. I decided that this was as good as any time to take a moment to rest, eat, and gather our bearings. Nym searched for extra food while I inspected the landscape; thankfully my love brought with her a large bounty of apples. Such a wonderful and loving wife she is, well so far at least. She still thinks of my words as little more then frivolous notions but that is another story.
I found a small trail and lead the group along its winding path. It was not well traveled, but it sufficed until we came a thin natural rock bridge. I did not like its look and wanted to turn back, but the rest wanted to press on without our horses. I still believe it would not have been a difficult matter to find another trail, or blaze our own. But the others were adamant and dismounted and began to cross the perilous land bridge. The fools, but if they do not trust my judgment, then I can only assume they get whatever comes to them. I decided to cross last and was about light the brush afire to deter our followers when I noticed after trying to call to my comrades that I was alone. They had simply disappeared, or more precise had fallen into the gaping hole beneath the natural stone bridge.
I couldn’t help but laugh at their predicament; sometimes I do love being correct. If only to show that Vallia should listen to me every now and then. I find she tends to act and only marginally pay heed to the wisdom and words I do have. I did not have long to mull over my thoughts before something snatched my by my leg and tossed me into the hole as well. I feel into a spongy substance, which cushioned much of my fall. I heard sounds of fighting and followed the sounds through darkened caverns to find Aliya, Vallia, and Karanaj at least well if not somewhat frazzled from battling some giant spiders. Did I mention I really hate bugs?
I admit I might have gloated somewhat at our predicament and made some choice comments about how following my idea may have fared better. I could not help it; I do love getting the better of my wife, if only to show that maybe once in her life she might trust my judgment. Just once, that is all I ask; I understand I am just a street rat, and not nobility but there are times when she might want to listen to what I have to say. But being a princess born and bred, I am sure she is used to being obeyed without question. Too bad for her.
We stumbled around those caverns for some time before we met up once more with Nym and Gruush. Then we pushed onwards and I believe I fell down a hole into a large webbed cavern with a giant spider and many smaller scuttling spiders. As fearsome as they sounded we made short work of them and pressed on. I admire Aliya’s magical talents, even if she does tend to defend Vallia over much for something as little and as simple as gloating. We snatched some treasure from the webs and then made haste out of the caverns. We crossed the gully at least and were safe on the opposite side of the of the natural bridge. For that I am thankful, though I do miss that horse, it was a such a good steed. But I digress; we continued on and camped not too long after our escape from the spidery pits. Vallia was upset with me that much was obvious and she said very little to me. Aliya did all the talking, and I can see her opinion of me as well is about the same as Vallia’s. I do not care, Vallia will see that I am not upset with her, and if she does not she will learn. I love her, but I will not change, not again, I have changed enough in these intervening months. I hate that I make her feel this way, but sometimes one must see that they must grow to trust and rely on another.
She snubbed my words, without any consideration. It is painful, and I am sorry Vallia, but for now this is for the best. Aliya may not see it, but her manner is irrelevant to me, the only person who matters is Vallia. Vallia I love you, but I will not allow you to control my life… I have other pressing concerns then such familial squabbles… the schism has begun and I know that I must face Thain… for the Queen… my people… and for my wife…
-Misha “Burning Rose” Koldun
Misha has arrived with his journal in hand...
Misha’s Journal #11
10th day of the Drawing Down
I had a dream… I am not sure if it was the liquor, the emotions of my wedding, or if I am just realizing that I have been wed to Vallia. I dreamt of Ellyn last night, though not by my own will. It was a pleasant dream, I can say that, but I did not expect to see Ellyn there. I was a man, the man I used to be, and there was happiness, a brief shining happiness. But I did not feel whole, and there was something not quite right with the dream. I love Vallia I know that, but I am not sure what such a dream could mean, especially after my wedding. It only makes this journey to Amn all the more, unbearable.
That morning was slow, and even I felt lazy, and languid. Elven guards were knocking on the door; both Karanaj and Aliya were already up and being herded along the hallway by the guards. I felt it a bit odd myself, but I must say that I was not feeling altogether well. Or at least I was not thinking as clearly as I could have been. I wondered aloud where Gruush could be as the elves ushered us down the hallway, I had yet to see a sign of him or Nym.
It was then that the guards turned on us, and violently struck down Aliya with a single slash. Thain had tipped his hand, as another guard tried to run me through, luckily I was quicker then he ever thought I could be and I evaded the slash. I moved quickly on Aliya’s attacker as the rest of the “elven guards” turned on us. Vallia turned on one of her attackers but… he was much too skilled for her and took advantage of an opening and ran her through, I wanted to scream but my opponent continued to slash at me. I evaded as best as I could, and fared better then the rest of my comrades, but the situation looked bleak. They had used the surprise to their advantage and were making short work of my companions.
I remember an overwhelming fear welling up in my stomach, these warriors were skilled, even more so then myself, I wager. Both my love and Aliya were down and most likely dying. It was not a good moment for us, I contemplated running… to gather strength and retaliate. I told Karanaj this mentally, I feel ashamed that I thought such words. I nearly turned to go, when I saw the Queen and her guards arrive and aid us in the battle. I coughed on my blood and turned my attention to Thain’s assassins and I launched myself once more into the fray. I called upon the strength of Corellon to guide my hand. I was heedless of my own injuries as I fought for the honor of the elves, my Queen, and my love. Each slash I withstood only fueled my fire of determination, I must live, but I will not live as a coward. Death is more preferable to such utter cowardice.
I was close to death when the guards helped us put the assassins down. I quickly moved to heal Gruush as both Aliya and Vallia had been brought back to consciousness with potions of healing. I turned to the Queen and apologized for I knew that we could not stay to assist in cleaning up the mess. Vallia administered healing to me, as I turned to go. I do not enjoy having to kill my people, Thain, has gone much too far. I can already see that I will have to face Thain; for the good of these elves, they need a strong and just leader. Thain will die, and it will be my hand that brings him his destruction, I will have the leadership of these elves… But for the moment I could only focus on leaving the village quickly, I mounted my horse and rode quickly out of the town. I took a final glance at the village, for I know I shall not return here, for quite some time if ever. I was saddened, for much of my life has been changed in that village, a village that has no name…
But I digress, we moved quickly through the countryside, I galloped hard, for it was easy enough to assume that Thain would have his men out looking for us along the roads. The journey through the woods was for the most part quiet, as I collected my thoughts; the dream… the ambush… and the future all weighed heavily on my mind. I thought of my wife as well, for she means everything to me. But I have many tough choices ahead.
Vallia and myself, we are both leaders by nature, she has the cultured and calm leadership of noble birth, and I… I can assume that my skills are much rougher and less refined then hers. I play very few games of tact and diplomacy unless it suits a need; I am a leader of example. I am afraid that we are destined to be as much rivals, as we are man and wife, for we both have our visions of the future. Compromise may be our only saving grace. And I am not good at compromising… not all.
The afternoon passed in silence, until the woods became rough and nearly impassable. I decided that this was as good as any time to take a moment to rest, eat, and gather our bearings. Nym searched for extra food while I inspected the landscape; thankfully my love brought with her a large bounty of apples. Such a wonderful and loving wife she is, well so far at least. She still thinks of my words as little more then frivolous notions but that is another story.
I found a small trail and lead the group along its winding path. It was not well traveled, but it sufficed until we came a thin natural rock bridge. I did not like its look and wanted to turn back, but the rest wanted to press on without our horses. I still believe it would not have been a difficult matter to find another trail, or blaze our own. But the others were adamant and dismounted and began to cross the perilous land bridge. The fools, but if they do not trust my judgment, then I can only assume they get whatever comes to them. I decided to cross last and was about light the brush afire to deter our followers when I noticed after trying to call to my comrades that I was alone. They had simply disappeared, or more precise had fallen into the gaping hole beneath the natural stone bridge.
I couldn’t help but laugh at their predicament; sometimes I do love being correct. If only to show that Vallia should listen to me every now and then. I find she tends to act and only marginally pay heed to the wisdom and words I do have. I did not have long to mull over my thoughts before something snatched my by my leg and tossed me into the hole as well. I feel into a spongy substance, which cushioned much of my fall. I heard sounds of fighting and followed the sounds through darkened caverns to find Aliya, Vallia, and Karanaj at least well if not somewhat frazzled from battling some giant spiders. Did I mention I really hate bugs?
I admit I might have gloated somewhat at our predicament and made some choice comments about how following my idea may have fared better. I could not help it; I do love getting the better of my wife, if only to show that maybe once in her life she might trust my judgment. Just once, that is all I ask; I understand I am just a street rat, and not nobility but there are times when she might want to listen to what I have to say. But being a princess born and bred, I am sure she is used to being obeyed without question. Too bad for her.
We stumbled around those caverns for some time before we met up once more with Nym and Gruush. Then we pushed onwards and I believe I fell down a hole into a large webbed cavern with a giant spider and many smaller scuttling spiders. As fearsome as they sounded we made short work of them and pressed on. I admire Aliya’s magical talents, even if she does tend to defend Vallia over much for something as little and as simple as gloating. We snatched some treasure from the webs and then made haste out of the caverns. We crossed the gully at least and were safe on the opposite side of the of the natural bridge. For that I am thankful, though I do miss that horse, it was a such a good steed. But I digress; we continued on and camped not too long after our escape from the spidery pits. Vallia was upset with me that much was obvious and she said very little to me. Aliya did all the talking, and I can see her opinion of me as well is about the same as Vallia’s. I do not care, Vallia will see that I am not upset with her, and if she does not she will learn. I love her, but I will not change, not again, I have changed enough in these intervening months. I hate that I make her feel this way, but sometimes one must see that they must grow to trust and rely on another.
She snubbed my words, without any consideration. It is painful, and I am sorry Vallia, but for now this is for the best. Aliya may not see it, but her manner is irrelevant to me, the only person who matters is Vallia. Vallia I love you, but I will not allow you to control my life… I have other pressing concerns then such familial squabbles… the schism has begun and I know that I must face Thain… for the Queen… my people… and for my wife…
-Misha “Burning Rose” Koldun