Travo journal

15^th of Cass 5255 AD

Storms continue to blow our ship north.  I pray to Apollo to calm the storm and let us find safe harbor.  My faith in him will save us.  Even if we can turn around now we would run out of food before we reach the elves at Waterdeep.  Only a miracle will save us.

18^th of Cass 5255 AD

The ship crashed with the fog and the storm we couldn’t see.  The storm led us into a cove but before we could take advantage of the calmer waters we crashed.  We lost the ship but all of the crew and passengers arrived.  We’ll be salvaging the cargo for weeks most likely.  Just worthless trade goods though we need to focus first on food and survival. 

29^th of Cass 5255 AD

We are not alone on this island.  More people, what I think are elves hide themselves in the forest from us.  I have had scouts out and found very little food.  What game we can find appears hunted by tigers and out of our grasp.  Without these elves help we will die.  I pray to Apollo for mercy.  I also pray for protection.  My divine gifts sense this entire island to be marked with some strange evil like death boil just below the surface.  It is not entirely natural.

3^rd of Kale 5255 AD

With all of our rationed food gone a tiger came into our camp over our walls and left a deer for us.  It was not much but it seemed like a feast.  Praise be to Apollo.  He has seen the devotion of my sword and spared us.

10^th of Kale 5255 AD

Every day now the tiger makes a daily delivery.  We’ve begun to expect it, few even question why.  I do not question because I know its source.

15^th of Kale 5255 AD

The tiger came again today as we were beginning construction on our temple to Apollo.  Then the most bizarre thing happened.  The tiger became a man. He spoke the same tounge as the creatures in Waterdeep.  Calls himself Alexander Ravenclaw.  Says the Ravenclaw elves have ruled this island since before history was recorded.  He told me not to thank Apollo but instead to thank him.   I did thank him for his kindness.  We discussed the Island and long length.  I asked him about the feelings I had and he said there was nothing evil here but that the island was infact special.  Claimed it could bless those who respected it, give them power even immortality.  It has long been my observation elves worship the nature of the land around them.  This Ravenclaw is no different except perhaps in his level of devotion.

18^th of Kale 5255 AD

I Travelled with Ravenclaw to be with his people.  Several large families of elves and domesticated tigers. They refer to him by a reverenced title Dovochane it means Tiger born.  They are simple and delightsome.  They have very little understanding of magic so I offered to trade what we know in exchange for them teaching us about the island.  Praise be to Apollo we all agreed to be friends.

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28^th of Tamora 5268 AD

I marvel at what I’ve seen happen over the past few years. Man and elf living together. Even finding love.  Lord Ravenclaw has proven to be a wise leader.  He resists my worship of Apollo but allows it.  I move into the completed temple tomorrow.  He says the island is the only thing that should be worshipped and warns doing anything else will only bring destruction.  Claims the Island is a jealous god.  Despite all my time with them I may never understand them. 

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2^nd of Cass 5269 AD

The academy is finished.  It looks wonderful a testament to man’s knowledge.  Build almost directly north of the temple to Apollo on what maybe the further point north on the island.  It will serve as a place where human culture can be taught and continued.  As well as the study of magic.  The mages all said it was the perfect spot they could feel a special power here.  Lord Ravenclaw just smiled as if he new something.  My heart is unsettled by this.  I feel the presence of a hidden or unseen evil. 

5^th of Cass 5269 AD

I asked Lord Ravenclaw about the power of the island again today.  He said he valued me a friend by tired of such discussions.  He said that he loved me but I would never understand. Perahaps that is true but

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13^th of Kale 5273 AD

Elves are not familiar with so much death.  Despite our growth or maybe because of it plague broke out in the city on the south – Windfall.  I pray to Apollo their souls find rest.

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I have contracted the Plague myself.  Paladins are supposed to be immune from such diseases.  Perhaps my faith is short.  I pray for forgiveness.

29^th of Kale 5273 AD

Lord Ravenclaw came to visit me today to tell me why I was sick and to show me the cure.  I took my friends invitation and left with him.  He carried me on his back as a tiger to the watchtower he told me I could never enter.  There we went to the bottom of the tower and into its basements and then what seemed to be a system of natural caves.  He led me to the most disturbing sight.  Rune stones caped with bleached white skulls surround a pool of perfectly black liquid.  He told me, “Here is where the river styx touches our world.  This island’s power is because it is only at the edge of the other world.  Its why the mages find some kinds of magic more powerful here.  You and your people and your human gods have less touch here, that is why you are sick.  Bath in the styx and gain immortality.  You are my friend I beg you.” I remember him saying beg.  So this was it, the gods of death cursed this land and I was too niave to see it.  For decades have I called hell home and not known it.  He stripped down and placed a medallion carrying the holy symbol of Loki on it and dove in.  He said the styx would kill you without the charm.  I refused his offer.  To weak to do so boldly, I said I would consider and returned home.  I will find a way to close this hole to the underworld and let Apollo’s grace restore us.

30^th of Kale 5273 AD

It is miracle of Miracles. Having resisted the temptation must have been the faith I needed to prove for Apollo to send his healing magic.  I am fully restored and gathered the young soliders on horseback. We lay siege to the Watchtower.

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3^rd of Cass 5274 AD

I had hoped the plagues would cease.  But there are reports of the dead walking in the city of the southwest.  They have endured so much.  After the watchtower siege the whole area flooded and still their city survived.   By Apollo I will find the cause of this and save them.

4^th of Cass 5274 AD

Alexander met me at the city gates.  He told me what he thinks is causing this.  The siege must have caused the styx to bleed into the underground wells of the island.  He said the monks, as they call themselves at the Academy think that is what caused the flooding and swamp.  I travel there to speak with them myself.  Alexander is not the most trustworth when it comes to these things.  He still has reason to be bitter.

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12^th of Cass 5274 AD

They all agree that they cannot stop the infection.  Anyone who drank the water from the swamp will die and become one of the undead.  That means everyone in the whole city.  They cannot stop it and its only a matter of time before the outbreak is more than we can handle hundreds of humans, elves, and the half elf children swarming past what few soliders we have looking to eat living flesh.  Even though most do not show signs of undeath yet I must stop this.   It’s the only way.

14^th of Cass 5274 AD

I dedicate this entry to the fallen of the city of Springrain.  I gathered them all to the central cathederal, where I led them in prayer to Apollo.  As we prayed my men secured the windows and doors.  I told them to all stay and pray while I saved the island from this curse.  I left and locked the door behind me.  Then we burned the Cathederal down.  Apollo forgive me but we are saved.

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“the island will purify itself.” He said that to me.  He tricked and lied to me. Made me kill all of my own people out of revenge for ending his pagan tradition.  I attacked him but to no avail, bathing in the river styx has made him immortal.  He beat me and left me alone to regret all that I had done.  The Cathederal stands seemingly froze in time of when it was burning.  Their cries from inside still all out to me.  I pray to Apollo to take his life, as I now take my own. Apollo will have to save them because I no longer can.

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17^th of Kale 5275 AD

Since the time I hoped death would release me I have only known more pain.  The men most loyal to me bound to me by my wickedness.  All alive around me sickens me.  I would destroy it all if not for the wards placed by those traitors at the academy.  They understand, know and manipulate death very well.  So I sit her in my temple always remembering, never forgetting what I did and who I became.  Alexander was right, the island always wins.

28^th of Munth 8000 AD

I found this on the altar and read it today.  I was a fool.  Alexander told me in the beginning that the island blessed those faithful.  Even with immortality.  And now here I am as old as the mountains around me and immortal.  The island rewarded me.  Though this reward is a curse.  Our kingdom we built shattered with my death turned into roaming bands of wild men.  All except the Ravenclaw family.  The human outbreed the elves at an amazing rate.  But the elves are smarter and with their tiger allies they keep the population controlled.  It’s hard to tell if there are any pure elves left so much mating of the species has certainly dulled their bloodline.  The academy now calls itself a monastery and has forgotten it was them who locked me here.  When I am free, they will burn to the ground I will exercise the island’s vengeance.  The tiger born still lives.  He comes to the edge of the skull line sometimes and it is then I play my violin to tell my old friend I am still here, and I am sorry for doubting him when he tried to save me.  Island protect you Tiger Born, may it grant all you desire.

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a deal is a deal

Lucius ranked high in the brotherhood the emperor had established.  He had atuned himself with the force well enough to hear the emperors whispers if needed.  He would one day be the listener and sit on the crystal throne.

But today he sat somewhere completely different...the booth by the balcony, and the Frenchmen greeted him.

Do you come for yourself or your master?

I come for you.  You lied to the emperor, may he live forever, and now I've been chosen to make you pay.

Lied, I wouldn't get very far in my business by lieing would i?  About as far as you'll get trying to make me pay.  The emperor wanted to know where she was.  I told him.  I even told him my source as a show of sincerity...the seeker.  In exchange he gives me one soul very every thousand he collects and he nor his minions will never collect mine.  My end was fullfilled ill expect him to honor his.  I don't break deals that's not what I do.

You knew she wouldn't be there.

Perhaps but that wasn't what he asked for.  He wanted to know where she was, a wise man would have asked where she was going.  If I'm not mistaken he confirmed via an entirely independent source that I was right and he just missed her.  But if you are now ready to ask the right question, I can answer it... For a price.

Lucius stand up enraged, "your deal will not be honored.  You gave us nothing."

Come now, no one breaks a deal with me.  Even making that deal could cause him trouble with hades.  Especially given his past poor performance, in addition to all the souls I know he didn't collect on time and is hiding.  Buying souls is one thing stealing them another.  But your lord need not fear so long as I believe hell keep his word I have no reason to destroy him.

Lucius was frozen.  This man was blackmailing the emperor a god.  And going to get away with it.

Merv continued, "I have in my possesion a seeress trained by andrea herself, and I can tell the one winged where anastasia will be.  Ht just needs to decide what else he can give me to make it worth my trade."

Journal

21^st of Kale

Wonderful day.  Ashley and I announced our engagement.  It had all been prearranged by father with the hope of possibly bringing the east side of the island to see legitimate rule, she being Alexanders niece and all, but more important than that we have known and loved each other since we were children. 

This also indicates, since Silvas has not had a marriage arranged, that I am first to be heir to Windfall and the family’s holdings.  It is natural since I am the eldest, however, father has always said the decision would be based on merit.  It seems I will in fact get everything I want.

23^rd of Kale

Betrayed by the man I called brother.  Ashley told me this morning with tears in her eyes that Silvas attacked her.  Driven by jealousy, I knew he cared for her but this is insane and cannot be forgiven.  I rallied some guards and this afternoon we moved to avenge her owner on the shores of the lake by our estate.  He killed on guard and I drive a nasty strike to his left cheek before father interrupted.  He says he’ll decide the justice of the matter tomorrow morning.  Silvas had best be glad, it is father’s justice and not mine that he faces . 

24^th of Kale

Silvas banished, he should be dead, and if he ever returns he will be no matter the cost.  At least we can live in peace without him here.  The whole ordeal has upset Ashley greatly as one might expect, she couldn’t stop crying all day.  Curse Silvas for the pain he has caused.  In addition the stress of needing to banish his own son seems to have aggravated father’s health even further.  I think it won’t be long until I am the only uncontested lord of Windfall.

27^th of Kale

With father’s health continuing to fail the running of the island and the city has fallen to me.  It requires me to go to the city and manage the day to day.  The people worry about my father when they should worry about their productivity.  With the new Emperor, may he live forever, taxes are likely to increase I must get more out of the mines.

29^th of Kale

I miss my sweet Ashley.  She has staid behind at our estate to tend to my father’s last days.  Messengers say he grows worse.  Despite his weakened health he has sent his personal body guard, a former imperial legion officer to attend to me.  I’m in no danger but it serves as a clear signal to all those around that I am the heir and owner of this island. 

I can only complain because he keeps correcting my actions and doing so in front of servants no less.  He still sees me as the master’s son not the master.  So long as my father lives it will always be that way.

1 st of Munth

Despite my multiple dismissing of my “guard and servant” he interrupted midday meal to inform me that my father had died.  How tragic, I had very much hoped to see him again.  To be alone and sonless on his deathbed is a sad fate for a great man.  May mercy forgive me for not being by his side.  I should have been there, had this city and these peasants not been so utterly helpless I could have been. I leave now to attend to his funeral. 

3^rd of Munth

My father now rests in our family catacombs.  May his spirit find the reward it deserves.  No son could have had a better father, and no people a better lord. 

Despite my mourning, I must continue.  I have ordered the entire house staff to return with me to the city of Windfall. Ashley will stay behind for a day and follow with the servants.  We should be in the city during this difficult time to make sure the people don’t forget their new lord.

Such a think maybe complicated since my father hid or lost the signet ring.  Its only a small technicality I can have the smithy make a new one, but it would have given full legality to my reign since my father became too ill to draft the formal declaration.

6^th of Munth

The servants have returned to the city palace but Ashley was not with them.  They said she wished for a moment alone and then they could not find her.  Silvas must have kidnapped her.  I was so foolish to think he would have left, so foolish to leave her unprotected.  I have ordered may men to search the west half of the Island, I already have a fight with Silvas no need to start one with Alexander.

10^th of Munth

Still no sign of Ashley and no one seems to know anything.  I’ve even sent word to Alexander but have yet to hear back from that bandit.    To make matters worse the mine productivity is even lower than was reported to me.  I walked through the mines and found men drinking and mourning of the days my father ruled.  I doubled their quota, if I have not time to mourn neither do they.  They act as if their purpose is not only to serve.

12^th of Munth

Reports from the dock all say they have neither seen Ahsley nor Silvas but I think they lie.  I ordered the shake down and search of all the ships in port today.  It was not a popular action, and considering what we found I understand why.  No Ashley or Silvas that prize still alludes me, but lots of smuggled goods that the empire doesn’t want to know about.  Most likely for and from the Caledenstine monastery.  Those necromancers hide on the north tip of the island as long as Alexander is there they are just out of my reach. 

They and that fortress that haunts the north rim of the bay have forever been the source of ghost stories and nightmares on this island.  Though I have not the men to fight them all.  CURSE you SILVAS.   I need more from the mines, more money means I can attrack more soliders, I’ll find silvas and bring the bandits and wizards to kneel before their proper lord.

15^th of Munth

BLOODY UNGRATEFUL PEASANTS.  Their was a riot on the docks today and a strike in the mines.  I ended the strike by arresting their leaders.  However the riot made it impossible to search the cargo.  Is it possible Silvas organized this to smuggle Ashley out under my nose?  It can’t be she has to be here, where else could she be?

19^thof Munth

More strikes today.  I publicly flogged their leaders in addition to arresting them.  I’ve also taken the privilege of knighting the most loyal of my subjects.  Extra swords are always helpful. 

20^th of Munth

My assigned guard seems to have given up.  His constant, “your father would do this…” nonsense earned him a relief of duty.  He went back to the legion.  Good riddance to him, he did little to help my find Silvas or Ashley almost think he was helping them.

21^st of Munth

The scum openly rebel against me.  The people in the slums call themselves the righteous and no one will go to work in the mines or the docks for fear that they will attack them, and I don’t have the soldiers to protect everyone.  I ordered arrests be made and a fight broke out on market street 3 peasants and 1 knight was killed.    It was made worse by the Magistrate’s visit.  He says he’ll send a group of legion soldiers to keep the peace.  Takeover is more like it.  Windfall has always enjoyed relative freedom from the empire.  Everything is unraveling.

25^th of Munth

A lucky break , my eyes and ears tell me the righteous do have a leader.  A man named the saint.  Self- righteous bastard.  If I can find him this will all end.  However, curse the fates the legion has arrived.  Only five soldiers, my former body guard leading them.  Not a lot of soldiers and they are clearly not here supporting me, without the signet ring or a declaration the Empire is not taking a stand, only keeping the peace.  We could over power them but killing the legion will only bring more.  I’ll have to find this Saint quietly.

How has my world unraveled so quickly?  A month ago I had a love, a brother, a father, and a realm to rule.  Now my father dead, my bother an enemy, my love missing, my realm in turmoil, and an added unseen villain. 

To hear whispers

Odyssues croutched in a hidden corner of the dragons lair.  He was away from his charge for the first time in his life.  He and his family honor bound and blood sworn to protect the rightful ruler of the grey havens he had rarely left the palace.

Yet there was some hidden threat buildng against the new king Dante.  Spies placed his arch enemy polaridin te al mordin here two days ago.  He needed to find out why.

An elven servant approached the silver dragon god. "It appears the rumors are true my lord.  Dante has no intention of paying any tribute this year.  As a result he has lowered taxes across the realm.  Some believe he will not be able to pay even if he wants to."

The dragon god answered with a voice so strong the mountain seemed to shake. "The tithe is sacred and has not been skipped or shortenned in 12 generations of the dragons.  The elves all forget that this is not their kingdom.  The true nobility is dragonkind.  Their king only has authority because they speak on our behalf, if he ceases to do so, then he should no longer rule.  Perhaps mordin was right.  He has good intentions but does not understand the divine order.  I will speak to sherib and he will instruct the young king."

Odysseus had to return to the palace to warn his lord.  The gods have been angered.

Freedom

"Dear Fearless One.  I have done all with in my power to save my friend.  Thank you for giving Kaeden to me as a companion, and brother.  He has been my friend through many struggles.  He now rests captive to the evil minions of the one winged angel.  They will not through reason or diplomacy release him and I have been forbidden from using force to free him. I have exhausted all power with in me and now ask on your mercy for a miracle.  Please return him to me.  I ask not this for myself, but to spare his suffering.  He should not suffer for my mistake.  I also ask out of love for those he and I maybe able to save if working together.  Please save my friend when I can not."

................................................................................................................................................................

Kaeden stood shackled above each hoof both wings broken, but not his heart or will. "Dear Fearless One, I thank thee for the opportunity to serve you across multiple lives.  I thank thee for the blessing of knowing Nathan, my brother.  I am here following my divine call.  I have protected the seeker by placing myself in harms way so he would not have to.  It is my honor to live and die for him and for you.  I know now in these chains you have the power to deliver me, but even if you do not my faith and gratitude are always with thee.

................................................................

The walls and floor of the prison began to shake trembling before a mighty unseen power.

The chain lit red than whit with heat until they melted, yet did not scorch kaedens flesh.

White energy and light carried from where the chains had bound him and washed his body.  The wave pulsed up his legs and out the tips of his wings causing wounds to heal and bones to mend.

The wall and ceiling cracked under the shaking.  Kaeden recognized his deliverance and with wings spread he soared out of the misery of captivity into the sweet air of freedom.

Nial's Oppus (player submission)

Nial sat in the warmth of the afternoon in Atlanta, gazing out the window of the private room at the Roaring Lion, courtesy of Remus of The Den. He watched as bits of dust caught the daylight and swirled about in the air, shining against the sight of the Isle of Winds in the distance. Each mote danced in tiny drafts of warm air created by the difference between the light and the shadows of the room. Suddenly, this moment, out of time and yet caught right in the midst of his life and the moment, came into sharp clarity. A powerful metaphor with layers upon layers of meaning built into it suddenly opened to him, behind the momentary image in his eyes. In this flash of inspiration, he saw each mote as a person, accepting and receiving light. Even so, as in real life, not all did; many lay on the floor doing nothing good with their time. Those that caught the light and rose on its warmth enjoyed a wondrous dance, coming alive in its presence and putting to shame the rest of the room. And, though they were all just specks of dust, they were also ALL specks of dust and defined only by the light that reached them and how they responded. So it was with people, rulers, nations, even worlds. Most importantly, so with souls. He saw edges of this mural when Nathan explained to him the light and its nature, and often as Jillian did her best to convert what she thought was a spiritually stunted heathen into a believer. He saw the blurry truth of it in dealings with Darkness. He saw its power in his dream encounter with Darkness and in the combat with Tyros in the Council Hall of the elves. The elders of the Steppes opened his mind clearly to it again for the first time since he left his clan more than a year ago. Their songs and poetry brought his mind back to the concept of the life force of the universe and its permeation through all things in the form of the Eternal Blue Heaven, Tengri. Then, he had found the text concerning Apollo, a being so perfectly matched with Nial's experience and life goals that he felt as if they had been friends from birth. That feeling never left him, so he asked the elders for the right to copy parts of the book. On a piece of cloth from his old set of clothes, he wrote the words the elder said to reopen the mystery of Tengri to him, as well as excerpts and notes from the text on Apollo. He rolled this into his original copy of the hymn of hope, thinking he would someday build an anthem from all of it. His visit to the temple of Apollo the day before had given him much to think about. He had addressed Apollo as a friend, though he had never seen him, and asked someone more familiar with the deity to divine an answer to the question at hand. He was not surprised that Apollo, who delights in giving people just enough light to see their paths and fill the world with their own as they went, responded in a riddle. He did not imagine, at the time, that the vague nature of the message would lead him to this moment, as well as provide him further wisdom concerning his current goals and tasks. Nial pulled out his scrap of cloth and the Hymn of Hope, adding a few more notes concerning the nature of motes of light. But, as was his vice, once the quill and ink met a willing surface, he could not stop the flow of words. For several hours, as the light strengthened toward noon and then stretched out the shadows toward dusk, the skald wrote and rewrote poetry and music, trying to put what was in his mind on paper. In the end, he had more than he thought he could ever hope to combine. He was amazed that what he had put down was so powerful. It required more work, no doubt, and after a short dinner he returned to the room and continued working by lantern light until well into the night. He could not let it stop until it had run its course. Finally, as the street crier called eleven, Nial felt it come together on the page. It was not ready to present in its full form, he knew, for such copious notes and scribblings would take quite a while to reorganize into forms others could read. Even so, Nial had the start of a magnum opus, a work of unmatched glory and a fitting counterpoint to Mallory's dark works in the Crystal Empire. The Anthem of Light was begun, complete with the Hymn of Hope, fourteen more masterpiece items started or completed from today, storyline and dialogue for a cast of perhaps two dozen, notes on stage settings and magical augments, and notes on places to produce the work. He could not wait for the designs of his floating concert hall to reach him so that he could finalize the work. His friend Apollo had truly given him a most memorable, valuable and useful gift of wisdom and would no doubt be glad to see it gifted in return to a world relieved of darkness for a season. He would have to choose another venue to start the spread of this rousing work, but other matters pressed on him for now. With the production finally clear in his mind and mostly on paper, it was only a matter of time before his plan to flood the dark corners of the world with light – in a way that a war could not quite achieve – came to fruition. Before that, the morning would come and, with it, a trip to Draconia and a meeting with Luther, Polaradin Te Al Mordin, self-proclaimed Grand Poombah of Everything. Such pride! But as he drifted off to sleep, his dreams were laced with visions of a grand concert and play...

"Why the long face, lass? Why is there such darkness on your brow and such coldness in your eyes? Don't you know the joy of family, the love of friends, and hope for a bright future? We all know these things, though we may not see them from time to time. Why even your name should remind you always that such is true..."

"you old fool, you don't you know a thing!" ...all we are is dust in the wind... "this war has only put evil at bay. The cost was too high and our bright hope is gone. I lost my brother in the war and now he is neither here to bring joy to my heart nor to help me find love and labor befitting a bright future. It is all gone..." ...dust in the wind...

"I know there is pain in your life, but you cannot believe that is all there is to your existence. It is certainly not all that there is to mine, even if I live my whole life moving about like dust in the wind..."

"What can you possibly be going on about, you loon?"

"in the heart of every person..."

...There’s a dream taking wings

There’s a voice that wants to sing

Even in the deepest darkest night

(the flaming sword) is raised to the sky

There are hands that hold it high

You were born to keep it burning bright

You were made to fly, you were meant to shine...

"you are most certainly a..." ...Child of light...

"The world is rid of the Dark One for now, but shadows still strangle the hearts of the people, like myself. We have lost our bright hope, our eyes do not shine, our hearts now only the ache of loss and the fire of anguish."

"Listen, child. Your darkness is not much. I have seen the face of darkness, stared into the void and seen nothing there but myself staring back. Likewise, I have looked into the light and seen the same. You will see, if you try, that we are as much of the light and darkness as we make ourselves. You are already connected to the joy of others, whether or not you see it. You may choose to be saddened by your experience and become swallowed by your pain, but the light is ever there to fill your emptiness with energy if you will but turn to face it. Do not accept the face of the situation as a diminishing of something that was, once, different. The world changes, it floats about in the winds of circumstance, but the light shines ever on, whatever the face of the world may seem to be." ...Open your eyes and see the world that stands before you now...

- - - - - - -

"Thank you. It is good that you came to me when you did. I was most certainly near despair. I could not see the potential of my life as it was. Bless you for your grace and wisdom."

"I am glad to have spent a day with you lass. The company has been greatly invigorating. I would remain and enjoy it, but I must be off again. I go where I am needed most and I was only needed here briefly."

"but what happens to me when you are gone away to war again to face the Dark One or those that seek his place in his absence?"

"I will go at once to the shrine and..."

...light a candle for you...

"We will..." ...Keep it burning in the night

And pray that you are alright...

"All will be what it will be, as you will be what you WILL yourself to be. The light will come to you if you turn to invite it in. Will you do this?"

...You light up my life

You give me hope

To carry on

You light up my days

and fill my nights with song...

"So, in faith, I will turn to the light and that light will also grow in me. I believe now that I will be alright. I look forward to my future, whatever may come."

"Yes, young one, it is good that you finally see this. But it is not enough simply to have your own light. Before I leave, there is one more thing for you to learn. You must be a beacon for others. You must never let the darkness take others while your words and deeds might remind them of what they may find beyond the shadows. You cannot help others if they cannot see you as a beacon to guide them to safer waters, and..." ...you can't be a beacon if your light don't shine...

...so, let your love shine...

"But I am just beginning to see my own light, my friend. Where will I turn to find sufficient light to shine so brightly for others?"

"You must let your light combine with the light of others. Even if it is to just one at a time, like you and I. Together, your light will grow and join with the light that permeates all things beneath the Eternal Blue Heaven. In the light you will see eye to eye and become one and the same, as we are in this moment, and as we and everyone are, now and at every moment. Once you realize this, your light will grow and it will only know the boundaries you set for it in your own mind. You must refuse to be less than a brilliant, shining beacon..."

"so, the way our light grows together now, so it will grow beyond this?"

"absolutely. I have seen it in all the moments of my life where loneliness, despair, and hopelessness lost out to hope, love, faith and light. It is true for those whom I know, it is true for me and it is true for all people. You should try it out. Let's see... Aha! See that orphan there? And the tired old man? Go and share your light with them and see what may come of it. Through this, you shall see the truth of my words, I am most certain..." ...You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free... "to gather light, love, happiness, joy, and all that which will fill your soul. What are you waiting for? Get to it. I will come back to this place as soon as I can."

- - - - - - -

...this little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine...

"Excuse me, sir, may I help you with that? There you go. I could not help but notice that you seem saddened by something. How may I help? A son lost at war may indeed never be returned to you, as my brother to me, but you may find joy from others by bringing joy to them. I was told this by a wise friend and share it with you now. See this orphan, here? Perhaps we could invite him in and brighten all of our days? I will bring some lunch and my friend there will bring some music. You let us use your courtyard and we will rejoice in the light of the afternoon..."

- - - - - - -

"What news from distant lands. It has been a little while since I have entertained a wanderer such as yourself. Tell me, ancient traveler, do you know a man such as yourself who goes about spreading light? Oh, I hardly recognized you! The years have added so much of their character to you and the light now reflects much better from your head. I am thrilled to see you! I would like you to meet someone. Do you see that young storyteller there in marketplace, surrounded by..." ...shiny happy people, holding hands... "eager to receive his words? He is none other than the little orphan boy you pointed out to me so many years ago. Though the sadness in his eyes certainly informs you his old adopted father has died recently, he is yet full of hope for all souls and loves them better than even I ever have. I am proud to claim him as the son I never had. Come, join us this night as he weds my eldest daughter, have dinner with my husband and family, and sleep in the room we keep ever available for those who have no place of their own. How long will you grace us with your presence this time?We certainly hope it will be more than a few hours. My husband has long desired to meet the man who made me sparkle. You simply must see the new temple, the artist's guild, and the view from the lighthouse."

- - - - - - -

"I am glad you came here with us. From here, when the day permits, we can even see the distant shore with a farseer. The bright sun of day brings us joy and makes this bright tower visible for many miles. At night, we raise our 'flaming sword' into the night sky and shine for all around to see. You see, Old Father, thanks to you, we refuse to be less than a beacon, these days..."

"I am glad to be here and even more happy that you see clearly at last, my dear lass..."

Even in the deepest darkest night

(the flaming sword) is raised to the sky

There are hands that hold it high

You were born to keep it burning bright

You were made to fly you were meant to shine...

"you are most certainly children of light"

Rowenna player post -- Victory

Rowena leaned her head back against the wall, eyes shifting slightly when Gumqui tracked the movement. He had been watching her like a hawk since tasked with looking after her by the Seeker of Truth. Her friends had been trying to avoid following her wishes to end her life as she had asked after she was first taken by the Antilife equation. However, they were soon running out of options and the latest idea, the Seeker negotiating on her behalf, had her worried for him.

What deal would the Seeker have to make now? And could the world survive the deal.

Normally the display of faith from her friends would make her happy, but now, she couldn’t help the dark thoughts that kept coming. They should have given up; they should have done what she asked.

After all, the blighted apple doesn’t fall far from the corrupted tree. She thought bitterly. The memories coming more quickly, even she had to admit now that she was Galendrielle. Even the idea of being a descendant didn’t hold weight because of the personal nature of the memories. She had learned the history of Hyrule, learned of the downfalls of her father and uncle and had sworn she would never do the same. She may be unfamiliar with leadership, but she would be the leader Hyrule deserved. Her family’s curse would not drag them down farther, and she failed. She had been presented with the same choice her father had, your soul for your people safety, and made the same choice he had. The choice had been given through different vessels but it was the same choice nonetheless.

How could she have been so stupid? Even if Hyrule survived, their leader would not be able to make choices for the best of Hyrule. They’d have a master other than the love of the virtues. She wouldn’t be Hyrule’s leader, the Merovingian would. She still didn’t feel remorse for losing her soul, it was a price she was willing to pay to keep her people and friends safe. What she regretted, was not finding a way for her to not be the ruler of Hyrule and save them from the manipulations of the Merovingian.

Suddenly, a strange feeling came in her chest; the cold that had been with her since her soul was lost was gone. She still felt empty, but the cold dread had been replaced with a warm knowing. Without even understanding it, she knew that Nathan had won. Her eyes closed as she savored the idea, but it was tainted with a wonder of what he had to give up. She couldn’t help the slight thought that Darkness had been right, how could the light win when each victory was one step forward and two back?

NO! The voice startled her, making her jump slightly. She didn’t recognize it, though there was a strange familiar tenor to it. Haven’t you learned? Don’t you understand? Thoughts like that will only make it easier for the darkness to win!

What else can I think? She asked the voice, it always seems like the darkness is winning! We didn’t even truly kill Darkness, just locked him away.

You did what some thought was impossible; the Antilife equation has been stopped. You should start having more faith in your friends, how many times have they proven worthy of that trust?

This is wisdom you speak, she admitted, how many times have I given into despair and fell to darkness, only to have them pull me to the light. But, how can that –

She cut off her thoughts after realizing that the darkness around her was more than her eyes being closed. She felt disconnected, adrift in the shadows surrounding her. She tried to open her eyes but nothing the Darkness was in her mind. This was horrifyingly familiar.

No…it can’t be, He’s trapped in the urn, he can’t be back.

“Can’t he?”

The voice startled her again, the darkness seemed to lighten and after a few seconds she was able to see…Herself? It was her, but there was something off. There was a coldness, a harshness to the lines and planes of her face. She looked up into the eyes of her double and stumbled back in shock. The evil, the darkness reflected back in those icy blue eyes. She hoped she had never had such a look on her face before.

The double gave a feral grin, “You think you can beat me girl? I’ve always been a part of you, the darkness inside of you will never leave, never die. And no urns or holy water will stop that.”

“You’re wrong” Rowena hissed out, her voice weak and fearful. “You’ve been beaten. You will be beaten.”

Darkness walked forward, pulling a sword from its sheath on his side. It was Raphael’s Blade. But it too was different. Instead of the white and gold flames she was used to, there were flames of black midnight that seemed to swallow what little light was remaining. “I told you, I am eternal, I am your guilt, your shame, your self-doubt. I am your hatred, your fear, your anger. You can never stop me, no more than you can stop the night.”

She was now kneeling, her strength gone, he is right, why fight, all I want to do know is sleep. She felt a hand touch her lightly on her shoulder. Her horrified eyes shifted from the Darkness in front of her to the person kneeling next to her, it was Jillian and then next to her came Ara, followed by Nial and Gumqui. “Don’t give up, we’ll always be able here to guide you” Jullian said as the others helped her to her feet. “Allow our light to help you when you feel yours dimming” Ara chimed in. Nial pressed the hilt of her sword into her hand. The flames of it were dimmed and small. But when the others started glowing with a light of their own the sword’s flames grew. Rowena closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of the flames wash over her. It was like coming home, the feeling of love that always comes when you are with those that care about you.

“The light in you is only snuffed out when you allow it” Nial said, her eyes opened and regarded the Darkness in front of her.

“No more,” she said her voice hard with determination. “You will control me no longer. You may be the darkness inside me, but my light is stronger then you, because they make me stronger than the darkness! “ she lunged forward, stabbing Raphael’s Blade into the chest of her double. The darkness pressed her on all sides, fighting to crush her again. But the others were there to keep it at bay. The flames on the blade flared brighter and with a shriek of anger, the double disappeared.

Rowena stirred lightly where she was sitting; someone had walked through the door of the room. Nathan stood there, wobbling slightly as he regarded her with tired eyes.

“Are you alright?” He asked of her, she wondered briefly if he had seen the struggle in her mind.

“I think so, the coldness is gone.” And the darkness as well. She thought.

Nathan handed her a scroll, asking her to read it. As she did, she felt the emptiness dissipate from her, she felt whole again. He suddenly grabbed her shoulders, but the movement wasn’t threatening. He talked of a lesson she was learning, and hoped that she would continue to remember it. To not forget that her friends, and he included himself in that category, would always be willing to help her. That the cared and loved her. And as long as you were willing to not give to despair the Light will always win.

Interview with an almost vampire

"So where do you want to start?"

She was silent in response.

"A voice like yours shouldn't be silent. Why don't you tell me why you helped him?"

She rubbed her fingers across the low center of her neck tracing an invisible but not forgotten scar and said nothing.

"All the detect spells show no charm, no control. It must have been a choice. Why? The Ballad of Darkness, gave you your start to stardom was it out of gratitude?"

She sat there he curly hair falling into her face as she seemed to only examine the lines of the floor.

"He's gone now locked up, destroyed."

She lashed out and had it not been for the chains on her wrists she would have throttled him. "He can not be stopped. No matter how bright the day, the sun always sets and the Darkness always returns." Even in chains her voice couldn't help but carry notes.

"Then it was for fear? You believed no one could protect you?"

"No. I had broken free of his beautiful dark lure. The lovely black velvet held me tightly once, Galan saved me. He destroyed the Volturium the light vanquished the shadow and gave me freedom, I know they can be defeated."

"Then why?"

"He was my angel of music."

"Angel? Interesting term for Lord Darkness."

"In sleep he sang to me, in dreams he came to me. His image his story gave birth to my voice. In a land of Geneva, to be less than perfect is a crime. They all scurry about pretending to be immune to the shadow that rests in all our hearts. Darkness understood what we really are, who I really was. When I sang his ballad I felt complete, as though I was one with him. I always felt that I was only waiting for the flames to consume me. When he came to me as we prepared the concert I knew I was past the point of no return. He told me his bride had betrayed him and begged me to lead him from his solitude. I agreed, only with the dead did I ever feel alive."

"You agreed, to what?"

"I was the mask he wore. It was my voice but him who they would hear. He promised to fulfill me. I swore to serve him and drank his blood. I became his bride, the only way to stop the ritual is to kill the master. And I since he can not die, I was and now will forever be his. I belong to the eternal, I am an extension of the Darkness. . . forever."

"Lord Malekite, may he live forever, takes no pity on the undead abominations. The ritual can not be stopped but your sacrifice will prove helpful in future hunting and destroying of the undead plague. You're going to be sent to the mage's school where you will be studied and dissected, the Angel of Death be willing we will find a way to use your connection to him to destroy him. The Empire thanks you for your cooperation. You must realize the reign of darkness is over.." "Is it? Once the antilife touches, infects, liberates someone it never leaves. It stays inside, and in even the slightest moment of despair it will take its form. And who could be better at destroying hope among the nations of the world than the Emperor, may he live forever. Even with my lord in an urn his spirit continues, he lives on inside your mind."

A Deal and an Answer

Drackus, Jeric, Illyena, Blade, Allura and so many more. They had all been weak and given to temptation. They had all struggled with the shadow with in them and surrendered at one time or another. Despite his desperate pleas and valiant attempt to show an example of integrity they all one by one sold their honor for lucre. It is true: that no heart walk so far in the shadow they too can not find the light. It is also true that it is easier for a man to extinguish the light with in them than to fight the darkness on all sides. How many times had he extended his light into that darkness to reach for a friend? He had lost count.

Yet he was here standing outside the Merovingian's bar again. One of his companions had foolishly sought help from the shadow instead of relying on the light for deliverance. A miracle only occurs after the trial of your faith. Yet, they could never see that. She had no remorse for her decision and that caused a conflict in Nathan. No remorse meant he should leave her, you can never save one who does not want it. However, she made the choice knowing it would sacrifice her soul and her people would live. She did not regret that she had lost everything to give others a chance. That was admirable, and meant she was worth saving.

There in the old city, the darkest part of Dragon, he took a deep breath to summon courage. All he could summon was the foul smell of rotting city around him. Most Genevan's in Dragon would be considered and act of war, yet the Merovingian was so eager to speak with Nathan again that he pulled some strings to allow the visit. It all felt like he was somehow compromising his values just by being there.. but he would not surrender to fear. He knocked on the door.

After being shown through the coat room and the dance floor of vile undead he was shown to the booth.
"AAHHH Yes, ze Seeker of Tulth is it. What an expected pleasure to see you at my table. Please sit. May I offer you a zrink?"

"No thank you I'd rather get down to business."

"It is always this way with you. Where is the joy in life if you are always going from one to the next to the next. All business makes things very boreing no? I had thought us to be friends."

"You are mistaken. Rowenna's soul what do you want?"

"Well zen, if that is how it must be. I have something you want, but I can't think of anything you would be willing to give me. After all I am how you say, evil no? And you don't deal with evil, you can not, you must not. The very fibers of your being resist it and fight against it. Yet you are here, why?"

"I'm here to save someone you took advantage of."

"NO!!! You are here because you must be here, the same reason she came here. She must. I took advantage of no one. I did not seek her out and recruit her as you did. She came to my bar because she heard I could help her. She had more choice in that than any choice you gave her to work with you."

"Its different!"

"Why? how is it so? Because I am me and you are you. of course. We all are victims of our nature. We fight against this but in the end it is the only one undeniable truth--Causality. Do not judge her so harshly for did not you journey so far to also ask my help."

"I have no interest in debating philosophy with you Frenchman, I'm only here to save my friends."

"Interesting she said the same thing. It matters not. I am happy to release her. Everyone keeps talking about how they will kill her if I don't, makes her worthless to anyone. Most of all herself, since even dead she would still serve me. Dis is ironic that the good guys are the ones threatening death to an innocent victim."

"You'll release her then, no cost?"

"No significant cost. I only want you to be what you must be and do what you must do. You believe all truth should be had by all people no? You are bound by who you are and oaths to sacred to discuss to seek find and teach such truth right?"

"I am."

"Then I return her soul to your possession, if you promise to answer one question I ask you."

"There can be no harm in spreading the truth. I agree."

He flashes his hand and slides a rolled up parchment across the table. "Her soul is yours."

Nathan took the document and stood to leave.

the Frenchman stopped him, "Not even a thank you. Such lack of manners from the valiant. Where is the Empress of the Crystal Empire? May she live forever."

Nathan blinked and was taken a back by his question.

"That's my question, answer it."

"She is being hidden by Genevan officals among the Dwarven clans in the northern mountains. A hall called by the Dwarves the heart of the forge."

Nathan rushed to leave. The Frenchman spoke, "A Deal had been made and an answer given. Thank you. Are you sure you don't want that drink?"