Alyssum's Diary

[dalliance]

Day 21

I guess everyone assumes their life is the norm, and they proceed through their daily activities in the way they know best, not questioning what people in distant lands may be doing. As a Viamontian, I was proud of our heritage and valor. That our warlike nature was a detriment to stability was never a question. Our ambition to rule was seen as our right of conquest. I never gave our way a second thought until Varicci's cruel grip tightened around my small village.

My father had afforded all of us, my little brother, Dracek, Dahlia, the oldest, my next oldest sister, Tigerlily, and myself with a trainer from an early age, and then as our talents for specific weapons emerged, he apprenticed us to a trainer who could hone those talents.

Tigerlily was the strongest, and she chose the axe. She was lively and full of life, and she chose to serve our family in the guards. When Varicci's men came marching into town, she was one of the first to die. The soldiers didn't even check to make sure they were in the right village, they just killed the guards, and came into town to wipe out the rebels in DeCinci. Unforunately, DeCinci was 10 clicks up the north road.

Dahlia, sweet, dense girl, was never a good warrior. Her skills were more of the homely type and my father had resigned to having her take care of the house. Her suitors numbered as many as the eaters near the waterhole. Dahlia had been watching Dracek, while my father was out hunting. The soldiers decided she was no threat and since their blood lust had abated, roughly used her to sate their other lust. We found Dracek dead near her, his training sword in his hand. It took Dahlia 3 days to die after the soldiers came. I will never forget those three horrible days nor forgive myself.

And me, well, I was supposed to be hunting. But I wasnt. I was with Roan Withe. Those few stolen kisses were paid for by Dahlia and Dracek and Tigerlily. I know if I'd been there, I'd likely have suffered the same fate as Tigerlily. I'd have taken as many to hell with me as I could but, instead I watched the hell Dahlia went through before she died, and the hell my father descended into afterward.

I have escaped my village. I cannot escape my guilt or my memories. Or my duty. I've come to stay with a group of people of Isparian descent while I hone my skills. I have sworn myself to serve Ha'ak al-Qulus, the monarch of a group of very honorable people. I hope to convince them to join me in destroying Varicci.

So far I've been unsuccessful, but I've spent most of my time practicing my skills so that I become tough enough to be a worthy fighter. The group has taken in a few more Viamontians and I'm sure that we can make them see the threat is immediate to the Viamontian rebels, but unless Varicci is stopped, he will eventually reach out to conquer my new clan.

For now, I'll stop. My sword is calling.

Alyssum

[dalliance]

Day 23

I have found the large lugians near the withered area are good practice. The are slow but strong. Not nearly in the class of the viamontian knights, who are not only strong but quick. Still they afford me good practice to hone my skills.

I feel the receptiveness of the clan to my message against Varrici, still they have no fire in their belly for a fight yet. They are alarmed and sympathetic, but cautious and slow to act.

I feel badly that I lied to my patron, the monarch about why I chose him for my patronage. I'll have to tell him eventually. I dont believe he's the kind to toss me out of the clan on my ear. He, of all the Clan members, is the least likely to act rashly. He is an old man, and as such, does nothing in anger and passion. I dont ever want to get so old I forget to be passionate. On the other hand, it's unlikely I will live that long.

Alyssum

[dalliance]

Day 27

I have learned to cast some spells on my equipment to help make it work better. Eventually, I will be able to cast spells to make -me- work better. Until that happens I am grateful to clan members who have helped me.

The other night I was allowed to join a hunting party of Shobuck Jr, Perquisitor of Life, and Ha'ak al-qulus in my old homeland. It felt good to be back in the snow and ice. Although I could barely hit the creatures there, I was exhilerated by the chance ot be part of the group and the reminder that one day, I might be able to go back to my home.

Alyssum

[dalliance]

Day 31

Last night I ventured into the Mutilator Tunnels for the first time. I was a bit concerned that I would find my skills wanting, but Rain Bow and Mytra of Mystacism went along with me to assist. I was relieved to acquit myself well, although Rain Bow and Mystra managed to kill things much faster than I. Still, I felt good about my progress.

I have a new sword or two, crafted by Deft, and I'm certain that soon I will be able to make a contribution toward Varrici's overthrow.

I got a letter from my father yesterday. It broke my heart to see his handwriting, once so bold and strong, now crabbed and illegible in spots. He told me he had moved out of our villa into a small cottage, because the villa had too many reminders of Dahlia and Dracek and Tigerlily. But most of his letter was devoted to how much he missed my mother, who has been dead 7 years. I think without the responsibilities of raising us, he has allowed himself to grieve for her.

In my memories, he was my hero. A strong man with a firm grasp of the sword who loved us and kept us together in times of difficulty. Now, he is reduced to a frail old man, remembering the past. Varrici has killed him for me, as he killed my sisters and brother, although my father's death is not as swift. For this, he must die.

[dalliance]

Day 42

I have learned more than I thought was possible from these Isparians. I remember as a child our heads were filled with tales of the "Bloodless" - a band of stupid barbarians with no morals, no character, no fighting ability. Now I know better. Although their blood is red instead of blue, they shed it, and have shed it copiously as Varrici has turned his eye to owning this land.

Last night, I ventured onto the island of Marae Lassel and was horrified to see that the towns on this island have been taken by Viamontian forces.

I've heard that rebel groups have formed of Isparian people who lived on Marae Lassel and hope they will allign themselves with my brothers and sisters among the viamontian rebels.

I've still found myself at a loss with Ha'ak. He refuses to commit to helping the rebels, but he has said he will not allow Varrici to take Dereth. This is enough for me. I care not for the particular leadership of the Grand Mother, she means little to me, but I do care that we prevent Varrici from overtaking this land, and that we eventually wrest power from him. As far as I'm concerned, the archer queen, Elyssa, or her captain, or even Ha'ak can rule when it's over. As long as it's not Varrici and as long as I can wipe out my debt to my people.

Alyssum

[dalliance]

Day 55

Some of my comrades went with me to the Singularity Bore to get me prepared for Caul Island last evening. Yasmin, my patron's daughter, A Whispered Voice, and Jenobia accompanied me into the place. It was full of Virindi, assailers, drudges, and hollow minions. I was acutely aware of being much smaller than the others, but Voice managed to keep me from returning to the lifestone and slowing the others down.

After killing the Guardian of the Singularity, I popped through onto Caul island briefly. I had no stomach for the creatures there. I'm sure I'll meet them soon enough.

There are times when I wonder whether I can go back to the Haelatan Islands now, or whether my alliance with these Isparian has changed me in some fundamental way. The clan has begun to become diverse, with other Viamontians taking an active part in Clan activities, and I find that I enjoy the mix of personalities. Keyloh is a vixen, full of life and passion, Terress a strong, solid fighter, Perquisitor is self-deprecating and courtly. Flad is sweet and kind. Shobuck is an efficient and no-nonsense type, one of the quiet leaders. Trale is....well, Trale is a loveable teasing man, but with a deep compassionate streak. He takes his duties as Patron seriously. Jenobia is sweet, but underneath, I believe she has a will of iron. She will probably be more able to convince the Clan to ally with the rebels than I. Ristar is a rebel, the champion of the underdog. There are many others in the clan I would like to know better. Little Natalia is dogging my heels to become a swordswoman, and Ha'ak is ever an enigma. I have heard much of Dalliance, both good and bad, but I've not yet met her. All in all, this is a good group.

I must go to bed and rest some. Tomorrow I shall fight again.

Alyssum

[dalliance]

Day 71

I finally acheived my 100th skill level a few days ago and am nearly using 370s swords. I belive that I'll be able to use them in the next day or so! I have managed to acquire a few swords that look likely, thanks to Yasmin for a lovely imbued sworrd, Jenobia for help with black garnet, and the munificence of Lugians. Unfortunately, Deft blew up the two bags of jet and the bag of red garnet I collected, so I'm working hard to get a good lightning sword imbued and a fire sword.

I believe I am ready to wander back into the cold of my homeland. It is hard to think of killing one's kinfolk, but when they serve Duke Varicci, I believe they become less than blue-bloods, less than bloodless, and enter into the realm of animal. I have no compunction in killing vicious animals.

Alyssum

[dalliance]

Day 75

I learned some interesting lore today about my heritige from the Mount Lethe Recall scroll. It was about the Viamontian Nobility, but the most interesting thing I found was a reference to that strange ring that Baebarri had. Since she turned up missing, I wonder what it all means.

In the book from Harlune's Library written by Midistaf the Learned I found these words...

"He declared himself as Harlune, of Feirgard, slipped a small rose-colored ring from Dunol's finger, and disappeared into the crowds before the guards could reach him. It was later revealed that Harlune, a young Life Mage of considerable ability and versatility, had spent the whole night smuggling the children out of the dungeons, one by one, under a magical cloak of shadows. Alas, he grew weary and was forced to rest to replenish his mana, and hence lost precious minutes toward the end. This, it is certain, spelled the farmer's doom. From that day forward Harlune, now inevitably known as the Shadowed, became a figure of legendary stature. He is said to have traveled through the taverns, approaching those who muttered quietly against the Throne.

Holdfast came to be a safe haven for the Orts and their sympathizers in the coming years. From the walls of the Holdfast, many a party rode down to the plains to waylay Alfrega's patrols, or to rescue her victims. It was in the latter capacity that young Harlune proved most valuable. Under the stern guidance of Tharesun, he organized sympathetic Aluvian elements throughout the land into safe-houses and guides, who would safely escort accused spies out of Alfrega's grasp.

Accompanying the various groups proved too taxing, so Harlune sought to create a magical aid that could provide his shadow-screens wherever and whenever needed. He and Hendac agreed upon an enchanting ring, an object small and common enough to escape general detection. Having little experience with enchantment, Harlune sought the aid of the great mage Urbex the Venerable. Urbex, though of temperamental and cross nature, had little love for the Viamontians.

For a week, the two mages toiled over a simple ring of rose quartz, imbuing it with spells deemed of use for the Aluvian resistance members. The bearer of the ring could heal himself and his companions. He could run all night with urgent messages. He could see on a moonless night, and could wrap himself in a cloak of shadows. Should all these measures fail, the mages endowed the ring with the ability to negate the pain of fire, which Alfrega preferred to use in her interrogations. Harlune named this ring the Rose of Celdon, after a tale which circulated just before the Viamont invasion. A mute farm girl, Jehanna Domremad, came into fame as a hedgerow prophet while the dust-light of the Comet of 804 glowered over the land - the harbinger of the Grand Armada of Viamont. Jehanna, when questioned on the comet and the safety of the town of Celdon, wrote; "Celdon is and will forever be the Rose of the Valley. He who holds it gently will marvel at its beauty. He who tries to clench his fist about it will know only its thorns." Many of Jehanna's predictions have proven true as the years have past - but that is a matter for another historian, and another history.

The Rose was passed from agent to agent in great secrecy, and did much good. Regrettably, the marvelous artifact was lost before Alfrega's fall."

Then later, the ring passed from knowledge in an act of betrayal.

"It was during the events of this black night that the Rose of Celdon was lost. Colrim, it is known, did not have it then. It had been in the town when Alfrega's troops fanned out across the snowy streets and squares. Although many searched the bodies of the slaughter victims for it, it was not found. Neither was it discovered among the embers of the safehouses themselves, which were looted and burned by the soldiers. It is thought that one of the resistance members threw it into the Canfeld before his or her capture.

Never captured, yet never recovered, the Rose remains a potent Aluvian symbol of defiance against tyranny."

I wonder what it all means?

Alyssum

[Trale]

The Rose of Celdon is rumoured to be found in the Temple of Xik Minru on vissadel isle.

This is a quest that i am most interested in carrying out and that lore we unearthed on the mt lithe quest only hightens my desire to complete this.

Perhaps those with access to the new island could form a party to enter this temple and find out the truth from Xik Minru.

[dalliance]

Day 90

My progress has slowed now. I have mastered the rudiments of sword mastery and magics, and am now trying to take those skills and hone them to the point where they are not just merely proficient, but to where I am actually feel competent to take on some of Varrici's warriors.

Oh, I've taken on some of his minions, and gathered a few trophies, but there are so many, that I must ever be strong.

I recently made a trip to the Plains of Ruins and I found that the Ruschk are beyond my capacity, except for all but the smallest ones, the Sadists and the Kartaks. This made me reexamine my skills. I have spent quite some time killing smaller creatures for their salvage, and I must continue that until I have the materials for better weapons, but as soon as I'm able, I will throw myself back into building my skill at the sword.

As I crawled into my furs the other night to bed down beside the fire, it occurred to me that I cannot remember the sound of my father's voice. In fact, when I think of my father, the voice that echoes in my head is that of my patron, Ha'ak. What changes have this few months wrought! I have become more like these Isparians than I ever thought possible, and what is more amazing is that the thought is not repugnant to me.

Alyssum

[dalliance]

Sadly, I have lost track of my time here. I no longer know how long it has been since I ran away from my family like a coward. I had been thinking of late that I should go back home and see my father, see the place of my birth, see the graves of my family members. I decided it was time I faced my own failings and returned to apologize to my father and tell him I love him and will do my best to wear the family name well.

I journeyed east of Silyun to the edge of the snowpack where my family has lived for generations. I found the house, looking more dilapidated that I remembered, but still, a plume of smoke issued from the chimney. At the door, I knocked and after a long time, the door opened. I peered into the dimness at a young woman of only a few years past my own age who stood behind the opened the door, tentatively. She looked familiar, but I could not place her.

"Is Baron Velliert here?" I asked.

"He's out back," the woman said. When I heard her voice, I suddenly placed her. It was Lotya, the daughter of my nurse.

"Lotya! It's me, Alyssum!"

The woman stepped into the opening so she could see me, squinting in the sun. "Aly? Is that you?"

I hugged her happily, then realized that in my armor, I might hurt her. I stepped away. "Have I changed so much?" I asked.

Lotya rubbed her eyes tiredly. "Certes, I cannot tell. My eyesight is getting worse these days. After the..." she faltered, "slaughter, we spent many days hiding in caves and eating little. There were many who got sick.
Your father...." her voice caught and she swallowed. "Your father was not right after your sisters and brother died. He was out of his head for several days, like a child. He went where he was lead, and ate when told. Then after we began to get sick in the caves, he recovered his mind and lead the remaining men on forays, chasing Varicci's men out of our pasturage. When we were able to come back out, many had to be nursed to health. I was one of them. Your father is a great man!" She suddenly gripped my hand so hard, I could feel the gauntlets pinching my knuckles.

"Do not say anything to hurt him. I will kill you if you do," she hissed.

If she had not been so sincere, I would have laughed at the absurdity of it. After all, I was there, in armor, having killed knights and lords and eaters of all types, and she was a frail, nearly blind woman. Still, it was not my intent to harm him. Quite the opposite.

"I only want to tell him I am safe and that I love him," I assured her.

We walked through cold wet grass, around the edge of the house. My father sat in the sun with his parchments and scrolls, reading. He looked as if he'd aged 10 years. The sound of my metal on metal and the swishing of Lotya's skirts alerted him; he stood quickly, hand on sword.

"Who...Gods help me!....Alyssum?" My father looked shocked and delighted at the same time.

We embraced and soon we were talking of the war and all that had happened, dancing around the painful issues. The hours flew, and as dusk came, we ate supper in the kitchen. In the darkness, it became possible to talk of the past. Around the fire in the big room, we drank wine, and I noticed that Lotya had not gone home. It was then I realized that my father had finally come to grips with my mother's death so many years ago. We spoke of her, and of all the other deaths, and when the wine was gone, I went up to my old room and left him to his new lady.

I have returned to Ispar with his blessings, and with his approval. It was not the way I imagined our meeting would be, and it was less painful than I deserved. But he reminded me that I lived, and went on, and that the people we grieve for are lost, and gone. They cannot be brought back, no matter how much guilt I had nourished.

I have a job to do. And I have his permission to live.

Alyssum

[dalliance]

My skills continue to grow as I learn from my new family in Rain Clan. I am constantly amazed at the skills of the other clan members and how they are so different. Trale is amazing with the bow, yet he can cast life spells as well as any mage. Shobuck Jr is a master swordsman, and also armor tinkerer. I am amazed at Flad's UA skills and the generosity of Terress. Perquisitor is always ready with a courtly offer of help and a joke. What a wonderful group I have found. Master Ha'ak continues to encourage me, yet stay at a distance to allow me to grow. He seems to know best the style of learning for each of us.

The hills are whitened now under a blanket of snow, but I feel an uneasy quiet. Something is very wrong.

Alyssum