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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Aust Meliamne" data-source="post: 969" data-attributes="member: 95">OK, just a little background, by popular request, this is a journal from Talindra, or Aliya, dated at the same time as Karanaj's first Journal entry. 2nd day of the Fading, 1372 DR I met a man yesterday…that doesn’t really sound grand enough for what really happened. I was in the street, and then, suddenly, there he was. I saw him bend down and speak kindly to a street urchin, even thought the urchin had tried to steal from him. When a second urchin attempted to help the first relieve the man of his coin purse, he did not even give chase. Something about him intrigued me, and I made my way over to him. I spoke to him under the pretense of making sure he was all right from his encounter with the street urchins, though in truth, I knew he was fine. I introduced myself as Talindra, which is the name I use here. Grandfather does feel better thinking I am hidden. I know it frustrates him so that Vallia stays in plain sight. I realized soon after we began to talk, that this was the man Grandfather had sent me for, the hero named Karanaj. I did as Grandfather asked, and took Karanaj to him. We had a pleasant talk, at the end of which Grandfather gave Karanaj a Ring of Protection, upon receiving from him a promise to always help an elven girl in need. I was not happy with this manipulation; Grandfather always knows more than he lets on, but I let it go. I was beginning to like this man too much for my own good. Grandfather began not feeling well (small wonder at 900) and I assisted him to his room. I returned and asked if Karanaj needed to provision for his journey, and he stated that he needed to visit the alchemist. Seeking a way to spend more time with him, I said that I could get him a better deal on goods, which was not altogether false, by any means, but certainly not my prime concern. He bought several things at the Alchemist’s shop, and I was disappointed when we had to leave. We stepped outside, and he asked if he could buy me dinner. Of course, I said yes. I do not know what strange magic he has over me, but I cannot resist him. I could get lost in his smile…. We arrived at the restaurant, and I ordered something for his cat, assuming her to be his familiar. I wanted her to like me. He surprised me by ordering elven wine, something that I have a great fondness for. I did insist at the end of the meal that he allow me to pay. After all, I have no need of money, and he is leaving tomorrow. Of course, I could not tell him I was wealthy. Besides Grandfather’s ruse, what man wouldn’t be intimidated by an elven princess? We left the restaurant, and he began to walk in a direction opposite his inn. I was not sure how much time we had, or what eyes were watching, so I asked him to take me to his room. I could see in his eyes how much he wanted to, and how much he didn’t. It was at that moment I knew I loved him. We reached his room, and as we entered, I checked the door and window for anyone listening. Grandfather’s paranoia must be rubbing off on me. I pulled one of the rings Grandfather had given me out of my pocket, and before I realized what I was doing, I had handed it to him. Grandfather always said I would know who to give it to, when I asked, and so he was right, that meddling, sweet old man. I told him to show the ring to my sister, Vallia, once he reached Amn. She needs protection in this foolish quest of hers, and I trust this man, even with my life. I think I injured his pride in letting him think I had brought him here for another purpose, and in that moment, I realized that I had. I loved this man! I immediately communicated as much to Vallia, who was as shocked as I. She immediately asked if he was my ma’sheira. I was stunned. Of course! That would explain it. I looked at him, standing there, and I knew I would be his forever. I offered him what he had thought I was offering before. I had never been with another man, but that did not matter. He refused my offer. I was hurt, and a little angry, but I understood, and in a way, I think it made me love him more. He offered me the bed, but I refused. The floor was sufficient, and he had a long day’s travel ahead of him. He acquiesced, and I quickly stripped off my clothes and lay down. My sleep was fitful and troubled, and I was not happy about letting him leave. I felt as though I might not ever see him again, and I almost woke him to tell him how I felt, but I did not. When I awoke the next morning, he was staring at me. He did not want to leave, it was plain to see, and I did not wish him to go. But we all must do what we must do, and so I stood and dressed. We had a nice breakfast, and I walked with him to meet his new employer. I turned to him, and I wanted to say so much, but I could not. Circumstances made loving him impossible, but I did anyway. I gave him a long kiss, and tried through that to let him know how much I loved him. I turned away quickly, so he would not see the tears in my eyes. I twisted the ring on my finger, and heard his thoughts. I replied to him, and felt his surprise. At least I will always have that. Grandfather’s gift is very precious, indeed. The hardest thing I have ever done was walk away from him this morning. If I do not see him again, I will regret for the rest of my life not telling him how I feel. Grandfather assures me I will see him again, and that gives me some measure of comfort. Until then, I will dream of him every night, and call out his name…Karanaj… Aliya Woodshadow</blockquote>

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