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Journals of the Five: A Forgotten Realms Tale
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<blockquote data-quote="Talindra" data-source="post: 75698" data-attributes="member: 155"><p><strong>Success....and I beat Misha!</strong></p><p></p><p>Vallia’s Journal</p><p>10th day of the Drawing Down, 1372 DR</p><p></p><p>Being married is quite different than I expected. I had always thought of marriage in a quiet, respectful way, two people who loved one another living together in harmony, finding peace in their happiness. I suppose I should have realized...I know Misha, I knew how thoughtless, crude, and tactless he could be. I imagine it shall always be woman’s downfall that she thinks she might change a man.</p><p></p><p>The morning after our marriage began strangely. I awoke to a light tapping upon the door. I felt as though I gazed through a fog, and my head felt heavy and stuffed full of wool. Misha was already awake, although he too seemed groggy, and he answered the door. I could see two elves in the dim light, and their faces were grim. They encouraged us to hurry, and said that we were in danger. Knowing Thain still seeks us, I immediately began pulling on my armor, and gathering my things. We travel lightly, my husband and I, and it was but a few moments before we were prepared to set out. </p><p></p><p>Stepping into the hallway, I noted that the elves had already gathered Karanaj and Aliya, who looked bleary-eyed as well. Misha mentioned finding Gruush and Nym, and the four of us turned to walk down the hallway. I noted movement out of the corner of my eye, and I twisted out of the way just in time, as the elf behind me tried to cut me down. Aliya was not so fortunate, and the elf behind her rammed his sword through her, and I saw only shock in her eyes as she fell, lying motionless on a rug that was rapidly turning red. I drew my sword quickly, and slashed at one of the elves. I must admit I acted rashly and left myself open. As a result, I saw little of the battle, for the elf was too skilled for me, and I quickly took a hit which caused blackness to close around me. I vaguely remember slumping to the floor near Aliya, and wondering if either of us would ever wake up.</p><p></p><p>My return to consciousness was slow, and I opened my eyes to find Nym kneeling next to me, pouring a potion down my throat. I finished drinking, and stood, although somewhat woozily. I noted that Aliya was still down, but Karanaj and Misha seemed to be holding their own, although both were grievously injured. I heard noises of battle behind me, and saw that Gruush had joined the fray. I drew my sword, and moved to aid Nym. Karanaj crept to Aliya’s side, pouring a potion down her throat as well.</p><p></p><p>The noise drew several guards, and the Queen, and we quickly finished off our aggressors, with a few well-placed spells by Aliya. She has grown very strong since last I saw her. Thankfully, there were elven priests about who aided my friends; frankly, I had not the strength. Once we were all mended, we set out. It would seem that Thain has been very successful in placing his spies, and we dare not trust any elf from this point on. </p><p></p><p>Misha seems so different. I know I have commented on it before, but his change was never more apparent than after the defeat of the elves. As we stood in that blood-splattered hallway, I saw him become more than the street rat he clings to. He was almost...regal. I could sense his anger at having to kill elves, his anger at Thain. I truly believe he means to rule this kingdom, and I cannot say if I’m proud or frightened of such a prospect.</p><p></p><p>We rode for many hours, and as midday approached, we entered a thick expanse of forest. The trees created a canopy overhead, making it appear twilight. The underbrush was thick, and I had the feeling of being trapped in a tunnel. After a few hours, we came to a point where a large boulder blocked the trail. </p><p></p><p>Despondent at the thought of re-tracing our steps for hours, and what is worse, chancing meeting Thain’s men on the trail, we searched for an alternate route, as we sat and ate quickly. I must confess that I packed a rather large number of apples in my pack, knowing my love adores them. Once we finished eating, Misha quickly found a trail (sometimes I wonder at the fact he was not born an elf). We followed it to a natural stone bridge over a deep gulley. Seeing no other way, and knowing that the horses could not cross, I dismounted.</p><p></p><p>Misha fought all of us. He is suspicious by nature, and in retrospect, I suppose he was right. But we ignored him, setting our horses free and making our way across the bridge. I was two-thirds of the way across when my footing gave way, and Karanaj, Aliya and I fell. We were not injured too badly, since the ground we landed on was springy and soft. Being unable to see the others, we turned, and quickly became aware that we were not alone. </p><p></p><p>A large furry creature and two spiders advanced upon us. After a quick consultation, we opted to run, Karanaj taking the rear. He turned, trying to attack the creatures, and Aliya stopped to help him. There were noises on the opposite side of the creatures, and as they dispatched of them in a dazzling display of spellpower, Misha emerged. We began to search for the others, as Misha continued to gloat, his satisfaction at our predicament radiating off him like heat. </p><p></p><p>We reached a hole in the ceiling, but it was beyond our reach. I admitted to the others that I could think of little else to do, to which Misha replied "I don't expect you to think much...” I was weary from Misha’s recriminations, and angry as well, so I sat against the wall, and waited. I am not sure what I waited for, perhaps as I told the others I was waiting for Nym and Gruush to find us, or perhaps I was waiting for an apology from Misha, a word to tell me that everything would be well. As I should have expected, Nym and Gruush found us first. </p><p></p><p>Once they had regained their footing from the drop, we proceeded to search the remainder of the maze. The only exit we could discern was yet another hole, which Misha recklessly jumped into without even pausing to consider its depth. Of course, it does not say much for me to note that I followed, as did all the others. Perhaps the results will serve to caution us in the future.</p><p></p><p>We landed hard, and I for one became entangled in a web, sticky strands winding around my legs. Karanaj was trying to help me pull free, when we heard, and then saw what could have been our worst nightmare. A gigantic spider descended from the ceiling, easily 3 or 4 times our size. Several smaller spiders attacked as well, and with three of us trapped in the webbing, things looked grim.</p><p></p><p>Aliya, my dear sister Aliya, destroyed the spider almost single-handedly. In a tremendous display of power, she launched a bolt of lightning that sent it flying into the wall. I pulled free at that moment, and swinging my sword fiercely, gutted the spider as it launched itself at Misha. We took a moment to look around and I pondered the strange sound I had heard during the battle. It had sounded like a bell, the same sound I had heard at the K’io races. I did not have time to think too long, however, for we spotted an exit, and what appeared to be a fair amount of treasure. We gathered it quickly, eager to be gone, and made our way back to the surface, emerging on the far side of the gulley. </p><p></p><p>We continued on into the night, finally stopping for camp. Misha took every chance to remind us all of our bad decision, and his wisdom, and at some point I suppose Aliya had had enough. I cannot fault her for becoming angry; in truth, there was no other course. We must never forget that we are being chased, and to move backwards means risking capture, or death. Moving ahead is our only alternative, but Misha never was one for doing things the easy way. I imagine that Aliya has also fallen into her old habit of defending me; our childhood was filled with such instances. Perhaps I too have regressed, for I have spoken very little since the time at the bridge. I have to admit, however, that I almost snickered when she told Misha that he complained like an old woman. He rather does…….</p><p></p><p>I do not know which hurts me more, the fact that Misha questioned, and continues to question, my judgment, or the fact that he flaunts his disrespect and disgust for me for all to see. I cannot allow either to continue, not if I wish to become the ruler of my people. What ruler is a laughingstock such as Misha has tried to make me today? It shames me to admit that for a moment, I regretted our marriage, though I know I could never love another. Perhaps I would have been better off alone, if this is truly the way he sees me. Perhaps I am only quiet because there is nothing left to say....except maybe goodbye.</p><p></p><p>--Vallia Koldun</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Talindra, post: 75698, member: 155"] [b]Success....and I beat Misha![/b] Vallia’s Journal 10th day of the Drawing Down, 1372 DR Being married is quite different than I expected. I had always thought of marriage in a quiet, respectful way, two people who loved one another living together in harmony, finding peace in their happiness. I suppose I should have realized...I know Misha, I knew how thoughtless, crude, and tactless he could be. I imagine it shall always be woman’s downfall that she thinks she might change a man. The morning after our marriage began strangely. I awoke to a light tapping upon the door. I felt as though I gazed through a fog, and my head felt heavy and stuffed full of wool. Misha was already awake, although he too seemed groggy, and he answered the door. I could see two elves in the dim light, and their faces were grim. They encouraged us to hurry, and said that we were in danger. Knowing Thain still seeks us, I immediately began pulling on my armor, and gathering my things. We travel lightly, my husband and I, and it was but a few moments before we were prepared to set out. Stepping into the hallway, I noted that the elves had already gathered Karanaj and Aliya, who looked bleary-eyed as well. Misha mentioned finding Gruush and Nym, and the four of us turned to walk down the hallway. I noted movement out of the corner of my eye, and I twisted out of the way just in time, as the elf behind me tried to cut me down. Aliya was not so fortunate, and the elf behind her rammed his sword through her, and I saw only shock in her eyes as she fell, lying motionless on a rug that was rapidly turning red. I drew my sword quickly, and slashed at one of the elves. I must admit I acted rashly and left myself open. As a result, I saw little of the battle, for the elf was too skilled for me, and I quickly took a hit which caused blackness to close around me. I vaguely remember slumping to the floor near Aliya, and wondering if either of us would ever wake up. My return to consciousness was slow, and I opened my eyes to find Nym kneeling next to me, pouring a potion down my throat. I finished drinking, and stood, although somewhat woozily. I noted that Aliya was still down, but Karanaj and Misha seemed to be holding their own, although both were grievously injured. I heard noises of battle behind me, and saw that Gruush had joined the fray. I drew my sword, and moved to aid Nym. Karanaj crept to Aliya’s side, pouring a potion down her throat as well. The noise drew several guards, and the Queen, and we quickly finished off our aggressors, with a few well-placed spells by Aliya. She has grown very strong since last I saw her. Thankfully, there were elven priests about who aided my friends; frankly, I had not the strength. Once we were all mended, we set out. It would seem that Thain has been very successful in placing his spies, and we dare not trust any elf from this point on. Misha seems so different. I know I have commented on it before, but his change was never more apparent than after the defeat of the elves. As we stood in that blood-splattered hallway, I saw him become more than the street rat he clings to. He was almost...regal. I could sense his anger at having to kill elves, his anger at Thain. I truly believe he means to rule this kingdom, and I cannot say if I’m proud or frightened of such a prospect. We rode for many hours, and as midday approached, we entered a thick expanse of forest. The trees created a canopy overhead, making it appear twilight. The underbrush was thick, and I had the feeling of being trapped in a tunnel. After a few hours, we came to a point where a large boulder blocked the trail. Despondent at the thought of re-tracing our steps for hours, and what is worse, chancing meeting Thain’s men on the trail, we searched for an alternate route, as we sat and ate quickly. I must confess that I packed a rather large number of apples in my pack, knowing my love adores them. Once we finished eating, Misha quickly found a trail (sometimes I wonder at the fact he was not born an elf). We followed it to a natural stone bridge over a deep gulley. Seeing no other way, and knowing that the horses could not cross, I dismounted. Misha fought all of us. He is suspicious by nature, and in retrospect, I suppose he was right. But we ignored him, setting our horses free and making our way across the bridge. I was two-thirds of the way across when my footing gave way, and Karanaj, Aliya and I fell. We were not injured too badly, since the ground we landed on was springy and soft. Being unable to see the others, we turned, and quickly became aware that we were not alone. A large furry creature and two spiders advanced upon us. After a quick consultation, we opted to run, Karanaj taking the rear. He turned, trying to attack the creatures, and Aliya stopped to help him. There were noises on the opposite side of the creatures, and as they dispatched of them in a dazzling display of spellpower, Misha emerged. We began to search for the others, as Misha continued to gloat, his satisfaction at our predicament radiating off him like heat. We reached a hole in the ceiling, but it was beyond our reach. I admitted to the others that I could think of little else to do, to which Misha replied "I don't expect you to think much...” I was weary from Misha’s recriminations, and angry as well, so I sat against the wall, and waited. I am not sure what I waited for, perhaps as I told the others I was waiting for Nym and Gruush to find us, or perhaps I was waiting for an apology from Misha, a word to tell me that everything would be well. As I should have expected, Nym and Gruush found us first. Once they had regained their footing from the drop, we proceeded to search the remainder of the maze. The only exit we could discern was yet another hole, which Misha recklessly jumped into without even pausing to consider its depth. Of course, it does not say much for me to note that I followed, as did all the others. Perhaps the results will serve to caution us in the future. We landed hard, and I for one became entangled in a web, sticky strands winding around my legs. Karanaj was trying to help me pull free, when we heard, and then saw what could have been our worst nightmare. A gigantic spider descended from the ceiling, easily 3 or 4 times our size. Several smaller spiders attacked as well, and with three of us trapped in the webbing, things looked grim. Aliya, my dear sister Aliya, destroyed the spider almost single-handedly. In a tremendous display of power, she launched a bolt of lightning that sent it flying into the wall. I pulled free at that moment, and swinging my sword fiercely, gutted the spider as it launched itself at Misha. We took a moment to look around and I pondered the strange sound I had heard during the battle. It had sounded like a bell, the same sound I had heard at the K’io races. I did not have time to think too long, however, for we spotted an exit, and what appeared to be a fair amount of treasure. We gathered it quickly, eager to be gone, and made our way back to the surface, emerging on the far side of the gulley. We continued on into the night, finally stopping for camp. Misha took every chance to remind us all of our bad decision, and his wisdom, and at some point I suppose Aliya had had enough. I cannot fault her for becoming angry; in truth, there was no other course. We must never forget that we are being chased, and to move backwards means risking capture, or death. Moving ahead is our only alternative, but Misha never was one for doing things the easy way. I imagine that Aliya has also fallen into her old habit of defending me; our childhood was filled with such instances. Perhaps I too have regressed, for I have spoken very little since the time at the bridge. I have to admit, however, that I almost snickered when she told Misha that he complained like an old woman. He rather does……. I do not know which hurts me more, the fact that Misha questioned, and continues to question, my judgment, or the fact that he flaunts his disrespect and disgust for me for all to see. I cannot allow either to continue, not if I wish to become the ruler of my people. What ruler is a laughingstock such as Misha has tried to make me today? It shames me to admit that for a moment, I regretted our marriage, though I know I could never love another. Perhaps I would have been better off alone, if this is truly the way he sees me. Perhaps I am only quiet because there is nothing left to say....except maybe goodbye. --Vallia Koldun [/QUOTE]
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