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Journal of Alis Rapidshill
Posted: 07 Jan 2006 09:01 AM |
((this actually happened a couple of days ago but I didn't have time to write back then.))
*the handwriting on the page is messy, as if written in a hurry*
A VISION
Something very disturbing happened to me a moment ago. I was at Aramani's, when the disease struck me again. It started the same way it did the last time, with difficulties to breathe, coughing and sweating. However, after that, it got worse. The pain disappeared, but so did my knowledge of the world around me. I was in the dark... alone.
Then I started seeing things. First I saw an ancient forest, with enormous trees, all shades of green I could imagine. There were two elves walking in there, talking to each other happily. One was blond and carrying a bow, the other had dark hair and a staff. "Who are you?" I asked, but they didn't answer. And then they were gone.
Next thing I saw was the same forest, but it was covered in snow and ice. The howling wind brought sounds of battle into my ears. Then I saw the orcs, hordes of them. They were attacking the elves, who were outnumbered but still fighting back fiercely. There was blood on the snow...
Then I saw a cave. It was not a natural cave, someone had carved it ages ago. It had been abandoned for a long time, but I sensed something in there, in the darkness. A presence. Someone who was asleep, and had been sleeping for hundreds and hundreds of years.
*the handwriting is getting more difficult to read. Looks like the writer's hand has been shaking when she wrote this*
The last thing I saw was a throne room.
There was a woman sitting on the throne.
I can't describe the features of her face, apart from the eyes. The flaming, red eyes. Slowly, her gaze turned towards me, and I could feel it burning me. I screamed. She laughed a terrible, cruel laugh, and I felt how all the pain and desperation rushed back into me. I felt like I was going to die. I fell back into the darkness.
It was dark all around me, but I heard a voice calling me. It was Cerno. I couldn't see him, but I felt he was close. Then I felt as though a veil had been lifted from my eyes, and I saw him. My love was there, comforting me, telling me it would be okay. Telling how scared he had been. There were others, too, who looked worried and confused... Dorian and someone I hadn't met before.
We went to the other room and I sat on a couch. The man I wasn't familiar with (I think he introduced himself as Baradoc?) said that visions should be documented carefully, and that's what I did. Macha was there, too, and they all were discussing what had happened, but most of it went past me, as I was writing this.
I'm very scared and I don't know what to do. Maybe I should try and find Salt, as I've been told he's had a vision too. |
IG character: Alis Rapidshill |
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Re: Journal of Alis Rapidshill
Posted: 07 Jan 2006 09:08 AM |
*next page, written later the same day*
I wasn't the only one getting a vision today. We were still at Aramani, wondering what had happened, when it hit Cerno. He started coughing and fell to the floor. Soon he was unconscious. I was in a panic, kneeling beside him, unable to help him. It felt like it took forever. Finally he regained consciousness, and told us he'd had a vision, too. Almost like mine, except that he hadn't seen the cave.
We were pondering the meaning of these visions and their connections to certain past events and Gods, when Cerno jokingly asked who would be willing to be the next one to get a vision. Soon enough, his jest became reality. An elven woman stumbled in, and before she managed to utter a word, she fainted. We gathered round her and waited. Macha was singing to her, trying to comfort her. When she woke up, she started speaking in elven. I don't know what she and Macha spoke about. (even though I have some elven blood – my grandmother was an elf – I've never learned their language. Maybe I could ask Bael to teach me some day) Cerno asked her whether she'd seen orcs and elves, too. Her surprise was evident, and she asked how he'd known. We told her.
There were others gathering to the main room. Cerno was getting agitated, because he wanted to come up with a plan to solve our problems, but I really am not sure what we can do. I know I promised I'd travel around the world to find answers, and that is what I plan to do, but I'm afraid I'm not going to find anything (except my own premature death maybe?). There's not much a simple druid like me can do, when the Gods are fighting. |
IG character: Alis Rapidshill |
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Re: Journal of Alis Rapidshill
Posted: 08 Mar 2006 03:03 PM |
*between this entry and the one before, there are many pages of notes about different places and various recipes for alchemy and baking*
I am not much of a writer and that's why I usually fill my journal only with notes, but now it feels like I have to put some of my thoughts on paper. After talking with Dana yesterday, I have been thinking about all the things that have happened to me and shaped my life, and I need to write something down in order to clarify my thoughts.
Love and loss
I used to have a home, a son... It was perfect and I thought it would last forever. Then it all went up in flames. I still have no idea what happened exactly, but the end result was that my life was in ruins, I was alone and scared. I wanted to die.
I don't know how many days I lied in the forest, slipping in and out of consciousness, but eventually I got up. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done, walking back to the ruins of our home, not knowing what had happened to my husband and our child, expecting the worst. When I got there, I saw the grave. Erlion's grave. Even though sadness filled me, there was a glimpse of hope: Cerno might be still alive. I was weak and frightened, but I forced myself to get up and go to find Cerno.
When I married Cerno, I was nothing more than a silly girl. Our marriage meant the turning of the cycle in my life: I became a woman, and then a mother. I loved, and I was loved in return. I learned to greatly appreciate Cerno's sense of humour, which was often a cushion against the blows of the world outside. When I found him outside the Four Winds, I was so relieved I nearly fainted. If I had lost him too, I'm not sure whether I would be here writing this.
And Erlion... He was such a lovely child, always happy and full of energy. My little ray of light. Even though I know that death is a part of the Cycle, it still hurts to think of him, it is hard to accept that he is really gone. He will always stay in my heart and I am not sure whether there will ever be room for another child.
The Sickness
When the sickness came and nature started withering around me, I was full of fear. I wanted to do something to fix the situation but I had no idea how to do it. When I lost my powers, I was afraid that there was something wrong with Elbereth, that the Gods were fighting. There was also a gnawing suspicion at the back of my mind that Mother had decided that I am not worthy of Her blessings. It was a dark time for me. I felt completely useless and I was in the verge of breaking down. I just wanted to find a safe place where I could hide until everything was back to normal.
I didn't hide, though. Even though I felt I didn't make much difference, I participated in the expeditions in the Inner City of Ferein. I'm not planning to go into details, as it would require dozens of pages, but to put it short, we went there, found the reason, and eventually things got back to normal. Plants started to grow, and Elbereth was listening to me again.
During the period without my powers, I learned to cope without them. I became even more careful than I already was, and tried to stay out of trouble – and to keep others safe too – as well as I possibly could. Too bad that often my warnings fall on deaf ears. In any case, the whole experience made me a lot humbler. I learnt to live without my magic but also realised what an amazing blessing it is. I am not taking it for granted ever again.
I have always thought that I am weak and insignificant because I get scared easily and often tend to act like a coward. Most of the time I struggle to carry my bags, and I know that Cerno could probably carry at least three times the weight. He can also survive several attacks from creatures that would kill me in an instant. I think that disgrace is preferable to death, but I know it's not something that will inspire a lot of respect in others. Because of this, I was very surprised when Dana and Garick started talking about my strength. I have never really come to think of it before, but I guess all the strength isn't about lifting heavy objects. A great deal of my strength comes from my Goddess, but there is strength inside me, too. It usually stays under the surface but in difficult times, it is what keeps me going. |
IG character: Alis Rapidshill |
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Re: Journal of Alis Rapidshill
Posted: 30 Mar 2006 05:50 AM |
Something's going on and I don't like it the least bit. There is a strange scent in the air, and it drives me mad. I feel nervous all the time, and I get these urges... Normally I don't like to fight, whatever the reason, but lately I've been longing for it. It could be described as bloodlust. As soon as I see something that could be described as prey – be it a raven or a boar – my instincts kick in, and I can barely contain myself. When I am in actual danger, I turn into a bear without even realising what's happening. Usually I never hunt in bear shape because of the way I feel about it afterwards, but now I can't seem to avoid it. The beast in me takes over and I can't prevent it. When it happens, I lose myself. It takes a long time before I come back to my senses and manage to turn back to myself. Sometimes I'm not sure afterwards where I am and how I got there.
Yesterday I wanted to go to the swamp near Buckshire coast to get some herbs. Cerno said he'd like to go to Port Royale first, and I told him I'd go alone. I wasn't the least bit worried about my safety but he wouldn't let me go alone. I felt quite irritated. In any case, we went there (the cave was amazing, all those plants... I hadn't seen many of them before. I'm sure I'll be going there quite often in the future), fought some beasts (I still remember the taste of blood in my mouth... Dear Mother, make it stop), and when we returned to the coast (I was still in bear form), I nearly attacked Jusin's ox. Luckily Cerno managed to talk some sense into me, and I turned back to myself.
In the past, I have often frowned upon those who are eager to hunt, to kill. I think I'm starting to understand them. |
IG character: Alis Rapidshill |
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Re: Journal of Alis Rapidshill
Posted: 19 Apr 2006 01:30 PM |
I got into big trouble today. The reason for it was my over-confidence, caused by whatever it is that has been making me act crazy and reckless lately. If I had been myself, I wouldn't have gone and challenged the fire-breathing lizards just because I was too impatient to wait for a couple of hours for the first ship to set sail. (It wasn't the first time I did this, though, but this time the results were catastrophic. Earlier I have managed to defeat the lizards with Lily on my side.)
I've been trying to think what went wrong. Maybe it was because I had been hunting for ettins and those blasted owl bears before I went there, and had no more lightnings to cast on the lizards. Or maybe I should've protected myself (and Lily) better. In any case, we went into the forest and took on the first beast. We were doing all right and it was nearly finished, but then the other one saw us. It charged, and I was foolish enough to think we could take them both. First I tried to persuade the other one not to attack us, but it ignored me, and I started shooting the creature with my best acid bullets. The first one fell, but Lily was in a bad shape. The attacks coming from two directions had worn her out, and she'd been burnt pretty badly, even though I had cast a spell to protect her from fire. She was still fighting but we both knew she wouldn't last much longer. When she fell, I summoned Unna to help, but we were still losing badly. As a last resort, I grabbed my scimitar and even though I managed to do some damage, I could merely watch in horror and amazement as the wounds were closing as fast as I could make them. I had no choice but to escape. I ran and the beast chased me, snapping at my heels. Branches were hitting me on my face and I was having trouble breathing. Being in total panic, I was careless with my steps. My foot got stuck to a huge root that had grown across the path, and I fell. Next thing I remember was Faloman's retreat. I was aching all over and my skin was burnt in many places. Normally, I'd been scared senseless and willing to leave the forest alone for Elbereth knows how long, and being afraid of getting into any kinds of fights at all, but this time I was in a rage. I had brought the monster too close to Brandibuck and I knew I couldn't just leave it there, to attack some unsuspecting travellers. Also, even more importantly, I wanted to get revenge. I knew it was a bad idea but there I was, walking towards the forest, determined to finish what I had started, even though I was not equipped any better than the first time around. Luckily I bumped into Cerno. I told him what had happened and we went after the lizard together. It had no chance against us, and I was starting to feel much better.
What is the lesson of this story? I am definitely not invincible. Even though I had defeated the lizards once, I shouldn't have expected I could do it again just like that, without the help of my attack spells. The problem is that even though I know it, this time I'm not going to become frightened by my shortcomings and start sneaking around anything that threatens me. I should not travel alone so much but the truth is that these days I don't mind being alone. When I'm alone, I can follow my instincts and act the way I feel, without others looking at me like I'm some sort of a wild creature. Which I actually am at times.
*hastily scribbled words fill the line that was originally left blank* And then I went and died again.
I don't know whether I should laugh or cry anymore.
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IG character: Alis Rapidshill |
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Re: Journal of Alis Rapidshill
Posted: 05 Jun 2006 03:52 AM |
I think the world has gone completely mad. I've chased purple badgers (even been one for a day), seen the Turnip Lord (three times!), and last time I went to the desert, it was all pink and rainy... and I shouldn't forget about the snakes. Snakes everywhere. And worst of all, they're planning to marry Dana to Karkus, the mountain giant king. What on earth were they thinking? Even if it would've been rude not to accept the offer, it would've been the only sane thing to do!! Poor Dana... that was the first time I've ever seen her scared. I really wish I could help her out of that mess somehow. And after the witch took off with her husband, that maniac Xaranthir (Dias? Darafrobozzaraxixtir? Frobozz? Whatever it is he chooses to call himself at the moment) kept egging them on to go and get the runaway husband-to-be back. Oh god, it made me so mad!
I guess I'll just have to wait and see what the council decides, and hope for the best. I know Dana will do what they say, even though it would mean marrying a giant. Whatever happens, I'll be there for her. And it seems I'm not the only one: I was quite surprised that Lucius offered to fight Karkus for Dana, I thought they were still pretty mad to each other. It is now obvious to me that they both still have feelings for each other and I really hope they will get back together soon. |
IG character: Alis Rapidshill |
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Re: Journal of Alis Rapidshill
Posted: 20 Jun 2006 09:15 AM |
((This will be a monster post and I'm amazed if anyone has the stamina to read it from the beginning to the end. I just couldn't stop writing, sorry! Oh...and... Natika rules! Just wanted to say that.))
I don't know where or how to start, so much has happened. There's a demon sword on the loose and it has attacked my two best friends, Fen has turned into a "meanie", and I went to Midor (I can't even remember when was the last time I went there).
The sword... I first heard of it from Lucius, who told me it had attacked Dana and cut her to pieces. (Yes, they're back together.) He had tried to protect her but there wasn't much he could do to stop it. Poor Dana and Lucius. No-one should have to go through such things. Soon after talking to Lucius, I ran into a group of people in Brandibuck, who were talking about the sword. Tomi was there, as well as Cora (the blond one), Nidarren (Dana calls him Niddy and for some reason, it never fails to amuse me. Maybe because he doesn't seem like a guy who much appreciates nicknames.), Fen, and an elven man who I wasn't familiar with. The sword had attacked a family on Ladriel coast, and it had cut off Tomi's legs as he tried to prevent it from killing them. I don't remember who said it, but the sword has a connection to a vampiress called Natika. She was the one who set it free. Cora said the "pie-girl" was also able to hurt it. There was an elven man there also, whose name I didn't know back then – we still haven't been formally introduced but the others called him Ayntherian or something like that. He thought that we should go and meet this Natika and ask for her help. I wasn't too keen on the idea, since it meant going to Maldovia, where I'd never even dared to go before, and there was no guarantee that we'd even find her, and even if we did, she might just laugh at us and/or kill us. Tomi said we could go and see some guy called Lex, who had apparently managed to stop a similar, if not the same, demon sword in the past.
While we were talking about the sword, it became obvious that there was something dreadfully wrong with Fen. Even though I barely know him, it was obvious that something had changed him. Everyone was stunned by his behaviour and Cora kept calling her friend a meanie. The reason behind his newfound meanness is apparently the fact that he was crazy enough to pull a card from the deck of hazards. Which he got from Cora (who, as it later turned out, got it from Jessup). Eventually the group broke up. It was decided that the trip to Maldovia would take place later on that day.
I was in a very bad mood, and I thought that brewing a potion or two might calm my nerves. I headed first to Gladden and then to M'Gok Tukar. I was in the middle of brewing when I heard Dana calling me. We talked and when she noticed I wasn't on a particularly good mood, she suggested smashing things. Usually when we go smashing, it is she who does all the smashing, while I remain hidden. I mentioned it to her and she said that this time she would watch. We left for Hardknott and ran into Daldo on the way there. He came with us and we went to the mines. In that company, I didn't have to fear the huge bird creatures. Lots of smashing ensued.
After the mines, we decided that we'd head to Bloodwood next, since the ettin population there was growing way too big. We ran into Nidarren on the way to the northern parts of the forest, and exchanged some words and then went our separate ways. I don't know what I should think of him, I don't like the way he keeps ogling me sometimes. In any case, we headed for the desert.
After walking for some time, we saw a group of travellers in the distance. Then we saw them starting to fall down. I was watching with horror as they hit the ground and lay there bleeding. Dying. Something was obviously very wrong and I wanted to leave quickly. I begged Dana and Daldo to come with me and leave the bodies, but they didn't listen. No-one ever seems to... Dana started to loot the bodies and was quite happy with what she found, and then I saw it. The sword. It came towards the dead people, like a beast who has caught the scent of its prey. It started to feed on them, to drink their blood. I yelled on the top of my lungs for Dana and Daldo to run, and proceeded to do so myself, without looking whether they were following or not. I ran as fast as I could, all the way to Buckshire trail. I saw glimpses of Dana sprinting beside me. When we stopped and were sure we weren't being followed, Dana told she'd seen Daldo fall. I felt really bad for leaving him behind like that, but there wasn't anything else we could do if we wanted to stay alive. After a while of panicking, we decided to go back and see what had happened to him. We found him at Ender's tent, apparently he'd been dragged there by one of Ender's wives. Dana was talking of going back to see whether the sword was still out there but I managed to convince her that it was not necessary. I wanted to get as far from the desert as possible, and Dana promised to escort me to Buckshire. She casted magics on us to make us invisible and fast, and then we ran. I've never ran so fast in my life. Soon we were in Buckshire. Dana kept saying I shouldn't tell anyone about what had happened, because if I did, there would soon be more corpses on the desert, as curious people would go there and investigate. She had a point, but I didn't really agree with her. Everyone should know, because otherwise they won't be cautious enough.
Cora and Fen
I was completely exhausted and I barely managed to drag myself to the inn, where I simply collapsed on the ground. I was laying there when someone came in. It was Cora, and it was obvious from the first sight there was something wrong. Poor Cora, she is usually so happy, full of laughter and smiles. Now she was the opposite. I asked her what was wrong and if I could do something to help. She answered that I could help by bringing her friend Fenni back. He was getting worse. He'd said to her that he wanted to reward her for what she'd done to her – to make her see things his way. In other words, he was threatening her. She was afraid and worried sick for him and I promised to do everything I could to help him get back to normal. I have no idea how to do it, but there has to be a way. I will even go and talk to the accursed Frobozzanthir if I have to, no matter how I feel about him and his recent antics. Tomi appeared and Cora told her sad tale to him. He became quite angry and said he would have a little talk with Fenni. He got the chance to do so sooner than anyone thought, as Fenni emerged from the hall (Claudia came in at some point too, but I can't remember when). Fenni was blaming us for being hypocrites because of our views regarding killing. Cora protested by saying that we only kill meanies, but it didn't convince him. He fails to see the difference between innocents and... well, meanies, which I think is perfectly clear to everyone who is sane. I just wanted to get out of the conversation because there is no sense in arguing to someone as warped as he currently is, and luckily he left the scene before I exploded.
Maldovia
When Fen was gone, we decided it was time to go meet Lex. I was nervous and worried, and feeling slightly out of place among the group of halflings I was travelling with, but things went rather well and it looked like the trip would be easy enough. We were approaching Syn's bridge, when I saw a man in the shadows. I greeted him while walking past, but he didn't answer. He caught up with us at the bridge. It was Vakal. Somehow I managed to invite him to come with us, even though I've had some suspicions about him and his motives in the past. We travelled through Maldovia as quickly as possible. The place was swarming with nasty creatures but luckily we didn't meet anything too dangerous, like vampires for example. Until we got to Lex. He was sitting with a woman, sipping tea. As soon as Cora saw her, she excitedly yelped it was the pie-lady.
Lex, Vakal and Claudia started discussing about binding the blade and frankly, I didn't understand half of what they were saying. I think the main point was that Lex couldn't do much more than contain the blade. Vakal expressed his interest in meeting the blade and talking to it. As the conversation went on, it turned out that the unliving can carry the sword safely. It also became clear that Claudia knew a lot about the sword. She had mentioned earlier that she'd defeated it in the past, but she didn't say much else. Maybe because we weren't asking the right questions.
I asked Natika whether we could somehow persuade her to catch the sword for us. She said she doubted we could, but urged us to try. I think she was amused by us. She was cool and calm and as we didn't come up with anything to offer, she said we could jump ahead to the part where she asked us for something morally obnoxious, which we obviously were not going to do. She suggested we'd bring her 13 virgins. It was clear she wasn't being serious, I think she just wanted to see our reactions. Then she insinuated there might be something that we could give her, perhaps an artifact of some kind that would be useful to her, concerning the sword. Vakal said he might have something – a ring, but it didn't seem to interest her the least bit. However, after seeing it, she did come up with something we could give her – a written apology from Jessup. Apparently he had invaded the castle with a High paladin of Midoran, of all things, and this was something that displeased her to a great extent. I asked her what else she would require, and she said she might like to have a new dress. A leather dress. It was such an absurd suggestion that I couldn't help but grin. She specified that the dress should make men drool (That wasn't the expression she used but it describes the sentiment well enough). Then she made her final, more important request: a set of plate mail from the Heralds of Aristi.
I listed the things aloud to confirm we'd got it right, and Natika quipped in amusedly that the dress shouldn't be too long. If we'd provide her with these three things, she said she would contain the sword. She said we would have to help her find it first, though. Then we left, leaving her to discuss with Lex. Claudia said she'd go see someone about the armor, and she also said Jessup owed him a favour, so she might get him to write an apology. I promised to look for the dress. I jumped into the portal with Cora and Nidarren. I was exhausted but quite pleased with the outcome of the meeting. I headed to the inn to get some rest. Next day I would start hunting for the dress.
Dress hunt
My dress hunt didn't get a very good start. I went through all the stores in Port Royale with no luck. I was sitting at the bench, feeling miserable, as Tomi showed up. We walked towards the trading post and checked every store on our way there, without any luck in finding any kinds of leather dresses, long or short. Claudia joined us along the road. She said that getting the Aristi armor might prove out to be tricky, since she only knew about thee existing ones, and their owners were not likely to be willing to give them away.
We didn't find a dress at the trading post. Claudia went her own way and Tomi and I decided to go see Aramani and ask if he'd make us one. We told him what we would want and promised to pay extremely well, but he didn't promise anything. I was very disappointed and annoyed, because I thought the dress would be easy enough to find. We went to Kiojji and gave the same sales pitch, but the result wasn't any better. Maybe they are too conservative to make skimpy leather dresses? Then Tomi had an idea. Who would be better source of information than the local expert on driving men mad with skimpy dresses – Candy.
Later on that day I met Tomi in Port. He was talking to Ayntherian about the trip to Maldovia and Natika's requests. Soon Dana appeared as well. She was quite confident she knew how to get all the items: without hesitating a second, she instructed us to get a dress that has big holes at the top and the bottom, and a leather wrist band to go with it. She said she could get the apology from Jessup, and that she could kill an Aristi man and take the armor. I tried my best to convince her that it was a rare armor and hoped that she'd understand that killing Aristi men wouldn't help. I wasn't too happy with the way she was behaving, and the way she was treating Ayntherian, but I knew there wasn't anything I could do about it.
Other people started to show up. First Leanne, then Nidarren and finally Jessup. Tomi told him we needed an apology from him. At first, he didn't seem to remember what he'd done but after a while, it came back to him. He seemed somewhat embarrassed by it and to my relief, agreed to write an apology and even give it to her in person. He also went on to tell about a place where we might find the armor. It would be very dangerous, but that wasn't a huge surprise.
Orsk and later on, Talion, joined us. Orsk said to Talion that he had found the "final piece of the foul jigsaw" concerning his doubts about the Magistry. He didn't make any clear statements, just asked if the name Solus told him anything. Talion said that he is the current Lord Magister and that it's common knowledge. A heated discussion ensued, Talion was defending Solus and Jessup was taking his side, Tomi echoing his words, and finally Orsk simply took off. I can't blame him. I was feeling uncomfortable too, since I have met Solus and I don't trust him. I mentioned this to Talion but it wasn't enough for him, he wanted me to explain why I felt so. I just wanted to get out of the conversation and I simply told him I'd travelled him and it had ended badly, and he was partly to blame for it. I suggested Tomi that we'd go and talk to Candy, and luckily he agreed. We left, but not without Talion thanking me for sharing and expressing his hope of me being able to look past any mistakes made, and see what the Magistry has to offer. I nodded to him, even though I really felt like laughing. Magistry... pfft. |
IG character: Alis Rapidshill |
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Re: Journal of Alis Rapidshill
Posted: 20 Jun 2006 09:34 AM |
((the following part is not a journal entry, I thought it was quite funny so I wanted to share it with others :D. Cheers to Barnas!))
Dress hunt pt.2
Alis and Tomi walk to Candy, who is standing at the pier, and greet her. " 'eya Candy", Tomi says and smiles. "Hey, sugar", she purrs in response.
"Wes kinda lookin fer sumfin", Tomi says. Candy assumes it's her usual business, Tomi realises and coughs, embarrassed "ER .... not dat".
"I don't do threes."
Tomi turns red like a tomato and Alis's eye starts to twitch.
"Eh.. um.. Well ..." Tomi squirms.
Alis gathers herself and tries to get the conversation back on track: "We're looking for a dress", she blurts out, Tomi echoing her.
"A dress?" Candy asks.
"A leather dress", Alis adds.
Candy's eyes light up. "A leather dress. Gets be'er."
"One 'at makes fellas drool", Tomi specifies.
"Thought you might know something about that sort of thing", Alis continues, eyeing her.
Tomi quips in: "An' we figgered yer tha bestes' ta ask."
"Know a li'l", she answers. "Wha' kind of lady you wan' it for- or is it for one o' you?"
Alis is happy that she has found someone who might be able to help and smiles. Realising the possibility of a misinterpretation, she quickly says that the dress is not for her, then hesitates slightly before saying it's for a vampiress.
"Kinky", Candy replies.
Alis winces and looks uncomfortable, Tomi chuckles.
"So you'll wan' wha'? Some kind of slinky cocktail dress job? Somethin' showy, bu' withou' showin'?"
Alis tries to regain her composure and answers: "Yes, something like that."
Candy doesn't hesitate a second. "Has to be Versaci."
"Versaci? Ain 'at in ... Midor?" Tomi asks, not too happy about the thought of going there.
Alis is still thinking about the details of the dress and the length.
" I'd probably do it abou'..." Candy says, and holds her hands about 1/3 of a thigh length above the knees.
"Do you think that's short enough, Tomi?" Alis says, looking at Tomi. "Should be, right?"
"Well she's tha pr'fessional" Tomi answers with a shrug.
The professional continues: "Don' wan' it too shor'. Make 'er feel like a slut, an' that's bad."
Alis nods emphatetically, agreeing with the sentiment. "And you say we might find a short leather dress in Midor?" She looks rather surprised by this turn of events.
Tomi thinks aloud. "So slinky cocktail dress from Versaci."
"Don't forget the leather", Alis adds, nodding sagely.
"Versaci's the place for that kind of stuff", Candy says."Designs 'em real classy."
"Classy leatha mini skirts aye", Tomi nods.
Alis lets out a miserable sigh. " But... I can't go there. Unless I can cover my face somehow."
"We can mebbe hide an' sneak", Tomi suggests.
"Dress, no' a skirt", Candy straightens Tomi's terminology.
"Oh ... righ'... So shoul' we tell 'em Candy sent us?" Tomi asks, grinning.
"Sure", she replies.
Alis sighs again. "I guess we have no choice then."
"Ain' so bad there", Candy says reassuringly.
Tomi doesn't look convinced.
"Jus' don' go attractin' attention", Candy continues.
Alis looks thoughtful and finally says: "Unless we talk someone into getting it for us."
Candy turns to Tomi. "I still gets work there. Tell ya somethin'?"
Tomi responds with a grin.
Alis looks at Candy. "Maybe if... you could pick one up for us? We'd pay well, of course."
"Aye", Tomi nods."Pay ya lots"
Candy seems almost shocked. "Pick one? You go to Versaci, you're gettin' one made."
Alis doesn't seem pleased. "...oh."
Tomi smiles again.
Alis glances at Tomi, worried. "What if we mess up with the size?"
"Well, for this sort of thin'...", Candy says, "Guess 'er size, an' then go one smaller."
Tomi smiles nodding. "Good thinkin. Righ'. well thank ya Candy."
Tomi offers gold to Candy for her troubles and she gladly accepts it. "Ta."
Alis looks at Candy. "Well, I guess we're off to Midor then... thank you, and have a good day". They walk away and leave Candy to her business.
"See? pr'fessional", Tomi says, and Alis smiles to him.
Alis says she will not go to Midor without getting a hat first. "Wes gonna miss tha boat", Tomi moans, but Alis is adamant. She doesn't want to take any risks. They get curious glances as they run past Ayntherian and Nidarren, in search of a hat. Alis buys one from Zig and they jump into a ship, just before it leaves the dock.
As they approach Midor, Alis throws a nondescript robe over her dress and puts the hat on.
"Do I look too... suspicious?", she asks Tomi nervously.
"Nahh", he says and they walk onwards.
They approach the city entrance. Tomi sees the Righteous swords and pauses for a moment. They continue onwards. Inside the gates, they run into a man who is glad to see Tomi. They discuss shortly about bags and Alis listens, fidgeting nervously. The man departs and they continue deeper into the White city.
Finally they reach Versucci's store. Tomi knocks on the door.
Mr. Versucci opens the door. " Well, well.... what doooo we have heeeere?".
Tomi greets him but before he gets to say anything else, Versucci reprimands him. "Oh, no, no no... Black is so very last year!" He continues excitedly: "We have to get you something new! Pink! Yes, pink is very much the new black!"
Tomi winces. " I ... dun think ... I. .."
"You'll look simply delicious when we're done with you... ", Versucci beams.
Muffled sounds of suppressed giggles come out from under Alis's hat.
" Come on, come on! We have to get you measured!" Versucci urges Tomi.
"Eh ... aye. I'll b' back fer a d'licious makeover", Tomi nods, forcing a grin on his face.
Versucci is surprised by this statement. " ... back? But you havn't GONE anywhere!"
Alis speaks up. "We came here for a specific purpose..."
"Well, what was it?" Versucci asks impatiently.
"Oh aye tha dress", Tomi remembers.
Alis nods. "A leather dress. The kind that drives men wild."
"We needs a skimpy leatha dress an' Candy from tha port tol' us yer tha fella ta see."
"Oh", says Versucci.
"The problem is that it's not for either of us", Alis admits.
"What size?" Versucci asks them.
Tomi still dwells on the shape of the dress. " Slinky cocktail dress."
" I know, know..." Versucci snorts impatiently.
Alis looks thoughtful. "I think that... she's a bit more slender than I am."
"Like a one prolly", Tomi nods."Real small lass."
"Oh, alright." Versucci says. "I'll have it done tomorrow. Now shoo! Shoo!"
Tomi and Alis look at each other, confused. They start moving towards the door.
Alis stops. "How much does it cost?" she asks.
" COST!?!" The question apparently shocks Versucci. " We'll see", he mutters and walks away.
"I guess we'll just have to wait", Alis sighs.
"S'ppose 'ats takin care o' tho'" Tomi says.
" Lets get outta Midor eh?" he whispers to Alis, who nods in agreement. |
IG character: Alis Rapidshill |
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Re: Journal of Alis Rapidshill
Posted: 26 Jun 2006 02:41 PM |
Things are starting to look better. A couple of days ago, Natika appeared in Port and said she'd come to help us. Just a while before that I had had my second encounter with the sword (It attacked Buckshire. It was awful. Talion was there with me, and he fell, alongside with most of the militiamen in the area). I was surprised she was willing to help before we'd gotten her the things she wanted. In any case, they went after the sword and I followed, so that I could at least pick up the pieces. I didn't have any illusions of my usefulness.
We made it to the coast when it appeared. It started attacking us right away. I ran in panic, I just wanted to get away from the thing. It attacked Jessup and Tomi, and soon they were both lying on the ground. Then Natika just went ahead and grabbed the thing. I've never heard a sword whimper before. I ran to Tomi and started praying. Luckily I managed to revive him. And Jessup too (he said he wants to meet me at some point). Natika said she'd take the sword back to the Gathering (the squid faces). I really hope they manage to contain it this time. I was exhausted (but happy) and I went home to sleep.
Today I was travelling with Cora and Ayntherian, when we ran into Tomi and we decided to make a trip to the volcano. When we were at the plains, Tomi started acting strangely, looking around as if he was expecting to see something or someone show up. I asked him if everything was all right and he whispered to me that he'd tell me later. We were returning from the volcano and others (Nidarren and Orsk had also joined us) had gone to teach a lesson to the gnolls who had been foolish enough to shoot arrows at poor little Cora. Tomi and I stayed behind and I asked him about what had happened. He said he'd heard Natika talking to him, expressing how pleased she was with the things we got her. I was surprised because we hadn't brought her the armor yet. Maybe Claudia has? I certainly hope so. Then I could put the whole ordeal behind me.
Fen appears to be better too. I haven't seen him myself, but Cora said he's been behaving normally, and X agreed. It is a very good turn of events, since I had no idea what I could to to get him back to normal. Oh, and X seems to be acting like he should as well, I've seen him twice during the last couple of days and he was X both times. And he's also managed to get rid of that horrible loincloth! Most fortunate.
There's still one thing I keep worrying about: Dana and the marriage. I talked about it briefly with X and Orsk, who both had some ideas on how it might be stopped, but that being said, Orsk and X suddenly went on to declare it was not really their problem. Orsk changed started talking about that Sanner guy, who he's been raging about for some time now. I was fairly shocked by their behaviour, and they seemed to ignore me completely, so I left the scene in a foul mood. And ran into Dana. We talked for a while about what we could do about the marriage - Lucius's idea of chopping Karkus's head off is apparently not a good idea. She had talked to Borogask a while earlier and he hadn't told her anything, he'd just said he'd tell Dana when it was her time to know. Bah! Maybe he should be kicked off the throne, as Orsk said. |
IG character: Alis Rapidshill |
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Re: Journal of Alis Rapidshill
Posted: 12 Aug 2006 07:36 AM |
((Oof, I really feel like a blasphemer posting this, I had such a fun day and this post doesn't reflect it at all, as all the accents and other funniness is missing.))
I haven't been getting along with elves too good lately. I really dislike their habit of speaking elven whenever they meet a fellow elf, and not caring if others in the group have no idea what is going on. For example, some days ago, I was walking towards home, when I saw a group of people standing outside the inn, talking. There was a couple of elves I'd never met before, and a couple I had, namely Sulanna and Ayntherian; a woman who introduced herself as Alyssa – a Naruthian priestess, Nidarren, and an elf with a weapon that was dripping with acid. That was a pretty obvious clue on who or what she was, but I guess I didn't pay much attention to such details at the time. The elves were speaking in elven and so was Alyssa at times. I had no idea what was going on and no-one saw fit to give any explanations, and after a while, as the situation didn't seem to change, I left.
The next day I found out that the elf with the acid weapon had killed several militiamen, and that Talion had killed her in return. Talion was worried that Tarik wanted revenge, and it turned out pretty soon he was right: an elf appeared out of thin air, and started shooting acid-dripping arrows at Talion. He fell and the elf calmly walked out of the door, ignoring the rest of us running around like headless chickens. She said one word in elven upon leaving but I have no idea what it was.
I managed to revive Talion. Ayntherian didn't seem too happy about my deed, although it is sort of hard to tell with him, as he seems as expressive and emotional as a... well, rock. However, his words revealed that my actions had at least some kind of an effect: "Is this acceptance and a display of respect towards the cycle?", he said. It wasn't really a question directed at me but it put me on a defensive stance nevertheless. Maybe, on some level, he is right. I can't be as calm and composed about death as he is, but I don't think I need to. Even if I do value life and want to preserve it in every way I possibly can, it doesn't mean that I don't respect the Cycle. I would never work against Mother's will, and I'm sure it wouldn't even be possible. This is something that requires more thinking, though.
My next less fortunate encounter with elves happened in Buckshire as well. I had been travelling with Dana and Bevin (she's a really fun lass, I like her a lot) and we bumped into a strange girl near the inn (well, Dana did most of the bumping, as she was returning back to our company with her newly-purchased bandages and we were about to enter the inn when we saw her). She had a strange accent which Bevin imitated quite well later. I tried to ask what her name was but I was ignored. Apparently she was not feeling too good, and somehow Dana came to the conclusion that Nidarren had infected her, which probably wasn't the case. At some point, she said she was hungry and I would've offered her some bread but I was ignored again. For a while, I suspected that I was still invisible (I had some problems dispelling invisibility after our trip earlier), but Bevin convinced me that I was very much visible.
The girl walked off without saying a goodbye. She was soon replaced by a woman wearing a pointy hat, who also didn't see it necessary to tell what her name was, even though I tried to ask, again. She had a funny accent as well, and there was a bat living inside her hat. When it flew out, Dana naturally ran after it and tried to catch it. Luckily it managed to escape. Hmm... and this is where the elves finally come back into the story. They were at the inn yard for the whole time. I think. But boy, was it funny when Dana summoned a chicken near them! (I know it was her, even though she didn't admit it to anyone then, because she'd given me a wand that summons a chicken earlier that day). The elves were scared by the fireworks that accompany the appearance, their expressions, the jumping... priceless. It was hilarious. The elves didn't seem too amused, and I can't really blame them, as one of them said she'd seen a demon coming out of a similar portal once. Bevin was shouting at the elves, telling them to lighten up and have a laugh, but with no luck. I think it made them even angrier, and they left in a huff, chattering in elven and darting nasty glances at Dana and Bevin.
Dana and Bevin proceeded to make fun of the elves, and Bevin came up with an elf impression. They went on and on, and when they started talking about burning Ferein, I told them that it was quite enough, and that elves aren't that bad really, and certainly not evil. Dana left to see Lucius, and soon after that, one of the elves made her presence known. She had been standing right behind us, eavesdropping for god knows how long. This was the last straw for me. As if she hadn't heard enough already, I told her exactly what I thought about their behaviour on the occasions mentioned above. She said the huntress had called us pets and they had defended us. I pointed that I had no way of knowing that, as I didn't understand a word they said, and if that indeed had been the case, it was my bad. More elves started showing up, and my counterpart either failed to notice my sarcasm or chose to ignore it. I suggested we should try to forget the bad start we had, and the elf agreed. Her name is Febriel, and she seems to be quite okay. She, Seriand and Sulanna even showed a sense of humour, tolerating Bevin's barbs much better this time.
We were talking about handaxes when another new face appeared. I was determined that she wouldn't get away without introducing herself, and I was lucky this time. Her name was Hanna, she seems like a good lass, even though she had some difficulties in noticing that Bevin was merely jesting. She was bursting with jests, as I pointed out. Funny, as she seemed really shy when I first saw her. Maybe it was the ale talking?
When the discussion turned towards Dana, Seriand grew angrier by the minute. He claimed he'd seen her kill a "horde of horses" because they were blocking her view. I'm not quite sure what I should think of this. He might've been exaggerating, but how much? (I might have to ask Dana about it, although I'm not too keen on the idea.) This is when Bevin got serious, and started defending Dana. Finally Seriand just stormed off. Febriel pleaded us not to think bad of him because of it. She told us he isn't good with people, or Ferein elves either. Poor lad, I felt bad for him. I can understand why he hates Dana, and the feeling is surely mutual. I wish they wouldn't be so darn stubborn.
I have no idea how long I stood at that spot that day, chatting to different people... but it was getting late when Nidarren heard something rustling in the bushes. Soon I heard it too. Someone was talking in there, in a language none of us recognised. Then we saw it. An elf-looking creature was standing on top of a hill, except that it wasn't an elf. It was something that Talion called an atalan, as he showed up and saw us staring at the bushes like complete fools. He was alarmed by their appearance and said that we should warn people about them, that it might be dangerous to move in the wilderness. I was getting tired, so I headed home, and warned Doc and the Artio on the way. The next day I heard that the trading post had been attacked. |
IG character: Alis Rapidshill |
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Re: Journal of Alis Rapidshill
Posted: 23 Aug 2006 01:15 PM |
((This is not a journal entry. I've never bothered putting OOC disclaimers into these, it should be obvious to everyone that these things are only known by those who were present, yadda yadda. The italics are Alis' thoughts, and even more obviously, she's the only one who knows them. Unless Elbereth was listening. Thanks for the DM for giving me the wiggins with the archers appearing all over the place.))
Alis wanders around in Buckshire, barely noticing her surroundings. She just keeps on walking, and finally ends up at the hillside, where she sits down among the trees. She starts praying, telling her Mother how she is hurting. She is confused, not knowing what she should think, how she should feel. My best friend is a murderer. She has killed your children, with no good reason. I know I should hate her for it and turn her in but why does it feel so bad? She's never been anything but good to me. Please, help me... Finally she gets up, teary-eyed and almost shaking.
She resumes her walking, and ends up in Port Royale, enters the Broken Mask, and uncharacteristically, walks to Margaret, who whispers a greeting to her, accompanied by a radiant smile. Alis stares at her blankly. "Give me something that'll help me get my mind off of things, please." Margaret gives her a sympathetic look and fetches an unimpressive-looking bottle. Alis examines the bottle. "Mind flayer? Sounds good." She pays and thanks Margaret and heads to a small table across the room. She slumps down on the chair and puts the bottle on the table. She is about to take the first sip when someone calls her name. Dorian. Alis gets up and turns towards him, surprised as she hasn't seen him for a very long time.
Dorian leans onto the wall, arms crossed. He is smiling slightly. "Alis, it's been a while. How are you?"
Alis' voice is quiet, as she replies. "Oh, Dorian. Hi... Not so good." She lets out a miserable sigh. "How about you?" she asks, eager to talk about something else than her current state.
"Oh, i'm alive still. Been travelling and getting acquainted with the wild side of me, but pray tell me. What's wrong Alis?"
She talks about Dana and what she's done, and how bad it makes her feel, and how she doesn't know what to do. Dorian consoles her, and says he wishes he could help, and says he thinks Dana needs guidance, and that she should do what a friend would do.
Alis sighs. "I... I just don't know what I should think anymore."
"I know, I've been there." Dorian replies.
"Not a fun place to be, is it?" Alis says, smiling a crooked, unhappy smile.
"Nope, it's not", Dorian answers. "But don't sink further into that pit. I've been in the bottom myself... Worse thing you can do is begin to doubt yourself. Remember that no matter what course of action you take, you are doing it for her sake."
Slowly, the conversation trails off to other, less painful topics, and Alis' mood is improving. They talk about Macha, walking in the woods, and how they prefer wilderness to cities. Cerno. Ferein. Dorian's past as a mercenary and bounty-hunter, which is news to Alis, while Dorian had thought everyone knew. Dorian tells he speaks Elven, and tells Alis how to say 'thank you' and 'my name is'. An elven man has entered the inn, and Alis glances at him curiously while listening Dorian. He keeps his distance, sipping on his wine alone. Tomi shows up too, and Alis is happy to see him, and so is Dorian, but there's no time for chatting as he's busy and has to go. Dorian says he's happy to see Alis is doing better and she agrees, even smiles.
"It's good to have some company. If you hadn't shown up..." She trails off.
Dorian glances to her bottle, still standing on the table, and raises a brow.
Alis blurts out that she'd probably be snoring under the table, and blushes, realising how stupid and embarrassing it sounded.
Then the elf walks to them. "Ugh, who is that humongous maid?" he says.
They greet and the elf continues: "I bumped into this Huge woman on my way out... Nearly fell on my behind I did."
Alis and Dorian look at him, confused. "And she just growled and plodded on", the black-haired elf continues.
"How rude of her", says Alis. "Oh, and how rude of me! I'm Alis."
The men talk about the woman, who Dorian says is called Pork, before continuing with the introductions. "Ah, yes. Dorian, a swordsman and a professional wanderer."
The elf bows. "Celebdil Le'theral at your service."
Celebdil asks the two whether they know about a salt merchant, and the conversation abruptly turns into a market of sorts, Dorian offering a leather armor to Celebdil, whose ears take a tinge of red as he says he's a bit flat-pursed at the moment and can't afford to buy it. Dorian asks whether he could work for him, and they agree on a price of 15 enchanting oils. It seems that Celebdil has no idea how to make them, but he's eager to get started, and runs off after Alis and Dorian tell him what he needs to make them. After a short while, he returns, asking who sells vials. Dorian and Alis exchange a glance. Dorian tells him that he should make his own, and that Elbert has the equipment needed, and he runs off again.
Alis shakes her head and chuckles. "Now that's going to take a while."
They chat about the joys of sand-hauling and the fragility of shovels, when the door opens, and a group of Ferein archers enter the inn. As Alis sees the first archer slowly looking around the room, her eyes widen.
"Iracce", Dorian greets the archer, bowing briefly to the distance.
There is no answer. The elf simply studies the pair briefly, her companions covering the door. Alis looks at the group of elves, frozen.
Dorian looks curious about the elves, and mumbles quietly: "Think they're after her?"
"I'm afraid so", Alis whispers. "Oh god..."
One of the archers watches the pair alertly, her face expressionless.
Dorian whispers. "Now's a choice for you, you can mislead them.... Or help for that matter."
Alis gulps, looking at the elf, who it gesturing at Margaret, with her hand above her head, around human height.
Alis opens her mouth, talking with a slightly trembling voice, glancing at the elves. "So... what were we talking about?"
The archer lifts a brow and looks briefly at her companions with a nod.
"Sand. Do you think he'll survive at the desert?" Alis asks, and continues quickly. "Maybe we should go after him. To make sure he's okay."
Dorian clears his throat and replies: "I think he would probably need help to survive."
The archer starts to speak in elven and Alis glances quickly at the group.
"They're going for her room", Dorian whispers. "I think they're setting up a sentry here for Dana." The elves disappear and Alis trembles visibly, as she covers her mouth with her hand.
"Listen, do you know where Dana is? You should warn her quickly before she comes this way", Dorian whispers, with a sense of urgency in his voice.
Alis gives him a panicky look in return. "I don't know where she is, I haven't seen her for a couple of days."
Dorian looks dead serious as he eyes Alis directly. "They could be anywhere...."
Alis' eyes dart nervously around the room. She takes a deep breath and says they should go.
"Yes, let's go see after that elf..."
They leave the inn, Alis muttering nervously as soon as they get out. Dorian shhhs at her, as the elves might still be around. They walk to the coast, and stop to have a conversation, in hushed tones.
"I have to warn her. I owe that much to her", Alis whispers.
"Might be even wise to mislead the elves from her trail", Dorian replies, tapping his chin thoughtfully.
Alis lets out a sad sigh. "That would make me an... accomplice."
"Warning her would make you one", Dorian answers.
Alis hangs her head, looking miserable. Dorian says he will stay neutral to the matter, as he hasn't seen Dana for a long time and doesn't know what she's become and whether she deserves what is coming to her or not. Alis agrees with him. Too bad she has no such choice herself. A determined expression sets on her face.
"How would you feel about some more walking?" she asks. They head to Buckshire.
They head to Elbert's residence and it seems that they are really lucky, as Celebdil shows up just a moment after they arrive. Alis smiles widely, happy to see that he is still in one piece. They discuss the dangers and general nastiness of the desert and Alis tells there is a nicer place to get sand, Mystique. Dorian hands Celebdil a down-payment. Celebdil seems surprised and asks Dorian whether he's sure about it.
"Sure, get me the oils and i'll give you more", Dorian replies.
Vakal shows up to do business with Elbert, and nods to Alis.
"Good evening. It's been sometime."
"Indeed", Alis replies. "I don't think I've seen you since..." she trails off, not too keen on reminiscing her first ever visit to Maldovia. She has her doubts about Vakal and his interests, based on what was discussed there, and previously as well.
Vakal turns to conduct some business with Elbert, while speaking to Alis. "Have you been well?" he asks politely.
"Um... yes. Fine", she answers, even less keen on sharing her current feelings.
Dorian and Celebdil talk about weapons, when there is a sound coming around the corner, apparently someone is knocking at the door. Alis glances at Dorian nervously. Not unexpectedly, a Ferein archer looks around the corner.
Dorian smiles wryly to the elf coming around the corner. "Iracce." No answer.
Celebdil bows reverently to the elf. Alis stares at the ground, as if seeing something really interesting down there. The archer leans to her right, speaking in a low voice to her colleague, her gaze passing over all five slowly. Celebdil shifts uncomfortably, and Dorian folds his arms, eyeing on the elves uncertainly. A polite smile lingers on his mouth.
"Hum, do you know the common tongue? Pardon me for being so blunt", Vakal asks.
Celebdil asks something too, in elven. The elf softly says something to her companion.
Alis finally looks up from the ground and fixes her eyes on the elf.
"You need to calm down, Alis", Dorian whispers.
The archer nods slowly, fixing her gaze on Alis as if committing her features to memory. Alis bites her lip.
"Right then, doing some melting down of sand?" Vakal asks, apparently clueless to what is going on.
Celebdil tugs his earlobe thoughtfully. Dorian asks another question in elven but instead of answering, the elves just walk away. Alis frowns.
"Guess not", Dorian grunts. Then he whispers to Alis again: "You need to relax, they were suspicious."
Alis draws a deep breath and fidgeting nervously she asks what the elves said.
"I believe the direct translation would be: Nothing, but the woman looks suspicious", Dorian replies, his focus lingering on Alis for a moment longer.
"Oh, great!" Alis exclaims, frowning. She kicks a pebble, clearly irritated. "Just what I needed."
Celebdil eyes Alis from the corner of his eye and asks: "You're not in trouble are you miss?"
Alis sighs. "I sure hope not."
They talk about what has happened in Ferein. The dead archers, Dana, Camthalion. Tarik and his followers. Celebdil is swept off his feet with shock as Dorian quips in that he personally knows Tarik's daughter. Vakal adds he might've even met Tarik once. Vakal says he has to go, and bids farewell to the group. Alis is getting tired and she tries to suppress a yawn, without much success. They say their goodbyes and Alis starts trudging towards home. She is approaching the inn when she nearly bumps into Balthor, who asks whether she's seen Ophelia or Dana lately. "I heard they fallen in on some bad times, was hopin' maybe I could help set everythin' straight."
Alis winces and answers that no, she hasn't seen them. Balthor leans forward slightly and asks her if she's sure she hasn't seen them. Alis nods quickly and adds: "But I can tell you what I have seen... Lots of elves, looking for something."
"Probably them", Balthor replies. Which direction they went in?"
Alis sighs. "I don't know, we were standing at Elbert's. They just disappeared behind the corner."
Balthor looks towards the Oinstoin residence. "Guess I'll go 'ave a look. Thanks, lass."
Alis looks as if she's about to say something (Do you really plan to help them, or are you in league with the elves? Dorian worked for you when he was a bounty-hunter. Is it 100,000 for both or each?) but stays quiet and simply nods. Balthor leaves and Alis continues walking.
Alis sneaks past the cougars unseen. She enters Tanglewood, placing her feet silently on the forest floor. She passes an elf, who quietly watches her walk past. Embarrassed at being seen, Alis stops tiptoeing and turns to the elf – another archer from Ferein.
"Uh... hello there." The woman nods politely in response. Alis curtseys and gets on her merry way, hoping that this elf doesn't want to talk either. Her hopes are crushed, as the elf looks at her go, with her head tilted. "You are nervous."
Alis stops again and turns around, facing the elf. "Oh, you do speak common then?"
"Of course, we are not barbarians", the elf replies. "Or murderers."
Alis blinks, somewhat stunned by the last remark.
"Why?" The elf continues.
"Um... Why what?" Alis asks, not entirely following the conversation.
The elf watches her intently. "Why are you nervous? We are not fools."
Alis tries to compose herself and answers with a tone that she hopes could be translated as innocence. "Nervous, me?" She looks at the elf as calmly as she can. "Just a little... surprised."
The archer nods slowly, not taking her eyes off Alis. "Surprised? At what?", she asks.
"To see Ferein archers here, in Buckshire", Alis answers.
"You will see more, until we find what we seek. And we -will- find it."
Alis is in the verge of panic but she manages to cover it surprisingly well, and simply nods slowly. "Could I ask you a question?"
The archer nods slightly.
"About this Camthalion guy..." Alis starts hesitantly, not sure how her question will affect the mood of the elf.
Hearing the question, the elf frowns slightly. "What of him?"
Combining genuine interest and a welcome diversion from the previous topic, Alis asks: "Do you know why he... left?" She then adds, as an explanation of sorts: "I'm just trying to understand what's going on in Ferein."
The elf shakes her head. "Not for certain... only that he killed two of my colleagues when seen as he... defected. Going on? What do you mean?"
Alis is slightly worried, as if she's skating on thin ice. "Well, I don't know... it just seems odd to think he decided to run off without a reason."
"I daresay he had reasons... I am but a humble archer... you would be better advised to ask one placed higher", the elf replies.
Alis nods. "I understand." Now that she has the chance, she tries to milk the subject of Ferein as much as she can, trying to make sense of all the little pieces of information she has. "You have a coronation coming up, right?"
The elf has had enough and she changes the subject abruptly. "Besides... at this moment he is not my concern You know this woman?"
Alis squirms. This is it, the moment she had feared. "Um..."
"This... 'Dana'?"
Alis sighs, seeing no benefits in telling a lie. " Yes, I do."
The archer watches her face carefully. Alis looks at her, with sad eyes.
"Where is she?" the elf asks.
"I don't know. I honestly don't", Alis replies truthfully. "I haven't seen her for many days."
Without taking her eyes away from Alis' face for a split second, the elf asks: "And if you did?"
Not straying from the truth, Alis looks back at the elf steadily, without a flinch. "I would tell her that you are looking for her. Although I suppose she knows that already."
"Indeed.... you would also tell us? Tell Ferein?"
This is the question Alis has feared the most. She looks very uncomfortable. Betray a friend or take a risk and anger the elves, which one shall it be? She decides to try dodging both two.
"What use would it be? She moves around a lot."
"Those who help enemies.... become enemies."
Alis lets out a sad sigh. I wish life really was that clear, black is bad, white is good, grey doesn't exist.
Unlike Alis, the archer has no moral dilemma in the matter. "She is a murderess. If you doubt that, go to Ferein, speak to the families of those she killed."
"Are you absolutely sure it was her?" Alis asks, although she already knows what the answer will be.
The archer nods slowly. "We are sure."
Alis is getting desperate. "How can you be? Did you see her?"
"She was followed. And heard crowing over her deed."
"So, what will you do when you catch her?" Alis asks, bile raising into her mouth. "Execute her straight away?"
"What would -you- do in such a case?"
"Hold a trial. Find out why she did it."
"We are not Midorans, she will be tried – fairly."
Fairly. Yeah. "Did you kill them?" "Yus!" "Do you regret doing it?" "No, elfies are evil!" Off with the head. No matter how kind she is towards those she loves.
"Right."
"She will be permitted a defence of her own choice. But if found quilty... she and the other will die."
Alis hangs her head. The archer's eyes glaze slightly. "Yet doubtless not so painfully as those they attacked."
Alis sniffles, rubbing her eyes. No longer able to block her inner mess of emotions from pouring out.
"Have you ever seen a body that is burned beyond recognition?" the elf asks. "I have.... my brother. He was one of those killed."
Alis looks at her with puffy eyes. "I'm so s-"
The elf walks off without a further word.
Alis sighs and heads home. Tears run down her cheeks and her emotional state is getting worse by the minute. She can barely breathe. As soon as she gets inside her home, she collapses on the floor and cries tears of despair and fear for her friend. |
IG character: Alis Rapidshill |
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Re: Journal of Alis Rapidshill
Posted: 25 Aug 2006 06:27 AM |
The news of the capture reach Alis. She starts writing a letter. The words are not coming out easily and soon the floor is flooded with shredded paper.
"Dana thinks elves are evil, she is merely following her own warped moral code", she writes, then rips the paper in half and tosses it to the floor, sniffling.
New, clean sheet of paper. "I can't defend her for what she's done but" but what? Ignore the fact she murdered your people because I want you to?
The mess on the floor grows.
She stares blankly out of the window. I wish I had known, I wish I had talked to her... told her in her terms that elves are my "bad bruddurs", and she shouldn't kill them. She values my friendship, maybe I could've convinced her. I don't kill your brothers and you don't kill mine. Mutual understanding and respect. It's too late now...
She sighs and resumes writing.
A letter to the Council
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IG character: Alis Rapidshill |
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Re: Journal of Alis Rapidshill
Posted: 31 Aug 2006 06:54 AM |
((back to writing journal entries))
The trial has begun. It's a farce, plain and simple. Everyone knows they're guilty but naturally they pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor was ripping orc-sized holes into Ophelia's story every time she opened her mouth. I wish she had just told the truth, maybe they'd have let her go. Salt said she hasn't eaten for days, it is clear that she regrets what happened. Unlike Dana. I prayed for Mother to make her see, to no effect. I don't know, maybe a part of me was expecting a miracle to happen, that Dana would see the error of her ways and break down in tears and show remorse. She was... well, she was herself. I don't know if I can ever look at her in the eyes again after this ordeal. Maybe I've been wrong about her all along. Maybe all the horrible rumours I've heard about her are true. Maybe the woman I know is just a tiny fragment of her personality. If this is the case, our friendship is based on false assumptions and make-believe. It's all falling apart now. Even though it hurts me, I will see the rest of the trial – to understand what I've been meddling with, if nothing else. |
IG character: Alis Rapidshill |
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Re: Journal of Alis Rapidshill
Posted: 06 Sep 2006 04:24 AM |
*the handwriting on this entry reveals that the writer has been in a very emotional state, some words have been written with such a heavy hand that the ink has seeped through the page*
The trial is over. Ophelia is free, Dana is dead. I knew it from the start, there was no way she could've walked out of Ferein alive after what she did, but I was not ready for it. I doubt one could ever be. The prosecution called Ulalume as their final witness. That sanctimonious little *a word is scratched out* If Dana is so very capable of murdering her enemies as she stated, why is she still alive? And she claimed Dana had eaten someone's finger. I wonder how she acquired such information. That rumour-mongering, jealous witch She said she felt pity and sorrow for Dana because of her upbringing and whatnot, but I didn't buy it. They shouldn't have allowed her to testify. She was obviously biased. Not that it mattered much whether she did or not, Dana's fate was sealed from the moment she turned herself in. And Balthor... when I ran into him in Buckshire before Dana was imprisoned, I got the impression he wanted to protect Dana and Ophelia, but it seems my character-judging skills failed me again. He's a horrible, horrible man. Nico attempted the "elemental defense" and called Balthor as his only witness, but he wrecked it. He talked about summoning demons, too. And I thought he was a good man! Well, goodish at least. The things I heard him whispering... that he wished Lucius had been there so he could see his face. He just wouldn't shut up. And it only got worse after the court was closed. I don't even want to think about it.
*the last paragraph is marked with tearstains*
No matter what I wrote about Dana before, I will always remember her as the best friend I had, and I will miss her. I doubt no-one can ever take her place in my life and my heart. I don't know what to do now. I can't go home, I couldn't bear it. It is no secret that Cerno dislikes Dana. I'm sure he would try to hide his glee and act like he cared but that is all it would be, an act. He would only feel compassion towards me, not her. It would be too painful for me to face him right now. I think I'll go to Ladriel for a while. |
IG character: Alis Rapidshill |
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Re: Journal of Alis Rapidshill
Posted: 08 Sep 2006 06:43 AM |
I didn't end up in Ladriel as I had planned. As it was dark when I finally left Ferein, I decided to fly to Icy Vale first, to buy some dye (I wanted the colour of my robes to reflect my mourning). Moirin didn't have any and I was just leaving the village when I saw a strange progression: A huge golem, an earth elemental, two orcs and a cart, everyone dragging dead mastodons. When they came closer, I recognised Ophelia and Caddo. The golem approached me and gently placed its huge hand on my shoulder. Then it pointed towards M'Gok Tukar, and off they went. I looked at Ophelia, expecting an explanation but she didn't look back at me. I decided to follow. The golem, who later turned out to be Lucius, seemed to approve my joining them.
We were approaching the gates of M'Gok Tukar when Ophelia said she would stay back. I was hesitant too, not too keen on meeting the chief, but I followed the others anyway. After getting the mastodons across the water, Lucius returned to his normal shape and told me they were trading the "kows" for Dana's body. Those savages had planted her head on a pole and defiled her body. Lucius seemed to hope that once we had all the pieces (I can't believe I wrote that), I could put her back together. It made me very sad as I knew I couldn't. She is gone. Even if he somehow managed to bring her back, I doubt she would be the Dana I used to know.
We went to meet the chief. I stayed back while Lucius talked. I don't know what they said but it seemed they reached an agreement, and Lucius packed Dana's remains into his bag. It was painful to look at. Poor Lucius... No-one should have to go through that. When we were approaching the boat, Lucius said he didn't know what to do. I told him we should bury her. He started talking about some guy who had been beheaded and then put back together. That he had a scar around his neck but he lived. I told him I couldn't do it, that he should let her go, but he refused to listen. He said he wouldn't give up so easily because Dana wouldn't either.
Caddo stayed behind as we left M'Gok Tukar. We met Ophelia right where we left her, and told we had the body. Her face didn't reveal any emotions. Lucius pondered his options and decided to ask the help of the healers in Port. I told him again that he should let go of her, as her spirit was gone. He said he couldn't leave her in a limbo. He thinks she is not in peace.
We went to Port. (Rick was acting even more nuts than usually, running around and shouting about gnomes and trees.) The healerwoman was willing to help for a large sum of gold that Lucius paid without batting an eyelid. The woman had no manners, she didn't show any empathy towards poor Lucius. She was making crude jokes and I really felt like slapping her. Unsurprisingly, she didn't manage to bring her back. Lucius asked if it was possible to appeal to the Gods in the temple, through the healer. She suggested asking a priestess of Elbereth, and Ophelia and Lucius turned their attention towards me. I told him I could try to find out where Dana's soul had gone, nothing more. Lucius kept saying that even if I couldn't raise her, maybe Mother could. Why on earth would She possibly want to do that? I tried to make him understand but did he listen? No. They never do! In any case, having listened Lucius and his worries, the fate of Dana was troubling me as well. Since there's no harm in praying and I would've done it even if he hadn't asked me to, we headed to the Standing Stones. I really didn't feel like praying in the temple, in front of that crass woman.
To put the long story short, my prayers were answered. This is what She said:
Dana has taken her place in the Cycle. If she were to live again, the Cycle and the balance would be broken, and that it wouldn't be permitted to return her by normal means. However, bringing her back is possible but She would not condone it or reveal how it could be done, as Dana killed her children. And those who would attempt it would do so at their own risk.
I demanded Lucius to let go and told him that Mother would be angry if he'd keep trying to bring her back. I delayed telling him that there might be a way, as I do not wish to give him false hopes, and even more importantly, I don't want to see him work against my Mother's will. Then, all of the sudden, the ground shook. I was afraid that Mother was not pleased with me, and that she held me partially responsible for letting her children die in Dana's hands. She spoke to me again and said she was not angry with me, but those who would seek to bring Dana back. She said, however, that it was their choice and that She wouldn't neither help nor prevent them if they found a way. So, even though I hated doing it, I had to tell. I have chosen for myself and they will have to be allowed to do the same. I told Lucius he shouldn't go through with it but I doubt he listened. He is obsessed and he won't give up until he sees Dana walk again. So I turned around and left, I had done all I could. I really hope he will come to his senses after he has had some time to think about it, and chooses not to go on with this fool's errand. If not, I will have to talk to him again. And if that doesn't work... I don't know what to do. But this I know: the Cycle must not be broken. |
IG character: Alis Rapidshill |
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Re: Journal of Alis Rapidshill
Posted: 12 Sep 2006 01:02 PM |
I saw Ophelia yesterday at McGillicutty's. I asked what had happened the other day, after I left her and Lucius at the Standing Stones. I was hoping to hear Lucius had changed his mind, against all odds. She said it didn't matter and then added that they didn't have her anymore, that she was gone. She was drinking heavily and clearly wasn't in a mood to talk, and I didn't really feel it was necessary to pester her with any more questions. If the body is gone, it is gone, it doesn't matter. Maybe it is a good thing, maybe they'll give up now. I can only hope.
I met a woman called Nadia at the inn as well. Nadia, servant of the Lady Naruth – that is how she introduced herself. I've ran into followers of Naruth before but this one was by far the scariest of the bunch. She was blunt and in the verge of being insulting in some of her remarks. She said she had come to Port for business, which apparently meant questioning Omiga about people who he has seen cutting or polishing fire opals. It turned out that they are not so keen about people going to the volcano for the minerals, after all. I'm glad that she didn't ask me whether I had any because I'm such a lousy liar. I'm happy that I'm not short on gold at the moment because I doubt I'm going to the volcano for a while.
Another thing that worried me about her was what she said about Dana. Well, she didn't use the name because it didn't come up, but nevertheless, she said that she could talk to her goddess about bringing her back. I told her I didn't want it. She asked me whether it would make me happy if I were to see my friend again, and I didn't know how to answer. (A part of me wants to, but I know it would be awful if it really happened.) Since I had just met her, I had no intentions on sharing my feelings with her, even though she was being considerably friendlier, even sympathetic, compared to the beginning of our discussion. She said she wouldn't do anything unless I wished it but still, our discussion left me feeling nervous. It doesn't help that I've heard bad things about Naruthians and I got the impression that Nadia is a passionate follower of her goddess. I will have to be cautious around her. |
IG character: Alis Rapidshill |
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Re: Journal of Alis Rapidshill
Posted: 24 Sep 2006 08:01 AM |
((Cheers for the Ranger for messing with us, it took me completely by surprise))
I had the strangest day yesterday. I agreed to go on a walk in the woods with Katya, to cheer me up. We ended up at Sable Lake, talking about religion. What makes it strange is the fact that she doesn't (or didn't) believe that gods exist, even though I had been fairly sure she follows Mother. She told me she hadn't heard of Her until that day. She also said she believed religion is the source of half the world's troubles. She asked me how this "mythology" or religion started. (How would I know, I wasn't there now was I?) I told her that Elbereth is the Mother of all and that she created the world in Her dream. Katya was quite confused by this, and asked a lot of questions I didn't really have the answers for.
Then I felt it, a warmth surrounded me and I felt safe and... blessed. Katya was very nervous, she even drew her weapon. I told her she didn't need to fear. Then we saw it, a white stag walking towards us. I was in awe, as I had never seen one appear before. I reached my hand towards it and it nuzzled my hand. Then, as suddenly as it had appeared, it disappeared. I was overwhelmed. So was Katya, but apparently she wasn't feeling as good as I was. She said something about being cursed and then she fainted. Then I saw Her. Mother Herself had appeared behind me, and even though She spoke to me in elven, I understood. "Perhaps the woman believes her senses, even if she will not believe words."
Katya was slowly coming back to consciousness and I asked her whether she believed now. She was still quite disoriented and asked me whether I thought Elbereth had cursed her. Maybe She did, to prove a point, I don't know. All I know that She obviously wanted to make Her presence known. Then it started to snow. Soon the whole lake was frozen over. We stood there, shivering and wide-eyed with wonder. Katya was at a loss for words, and so was I, truth to be told. Then she demanded that I take her to the "master of my order" because she wanted to learn more. Then I saw Mother again. She said that it would be a waste of time, that she needed faith and understanding first, and that until then, she had no place. I'm not quite certain what She meant by the last remark but Katya definitely needs to have faith. She asked if she could be shown a path and whether there was something that she should do. I told her she was already walking on the path, as she respects life, as well as balance and harmony. Maybe she has had Mother in her heart all along, without knowing Her name.
Katya asked me to become her guide. She is a kind girl, and she seemed eager to know more. I told her I still had a lot to learn myself but I promised to do whatever I could to help her. I felt sorry for the girl, she was so overwhelmed with it all, lamenting her ignorance. I consoled her and told her to have faith, both in Mother and in herself. She feared that she would fail and not be worthy but I'm sure she will be. I remember feeling the same not so long ago and I suppose I have turned out quite all right.
We didn't talk about religion only, though. I feel I should also mention that Katya told me about her bad experiences with elves and wizards, and especially elven wizards. He mentioned that one such specimen had proposed that a trap could be disarmed by summoning a bear into it. I barely believed my ears. This man, his name was Valet...something. I can't remember exactly, but I'm sure it'll come back to me when I hear it again. Katya seems to have run only into the bad apples and she was uncertain whether she would be welcomed in Ferein. I told her that all elves are not bad but I guess she'll believe when she witnesses it with her own eyes. Oh... and Katya is friends with this Nadia person, which is somewhat surprising. Nadia seemed so tough, a complete opposite to gentle and naive Katya. I hope that they truly are friends, and that Nadia isn't just using her for Goddess knows what purposes she might have. |
IG character: Alis Rapidshill |
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Re: Journal of Alis Rapidshill
Posted: 27 Sep 2006 06:05 AM |
A couple of days ago, I was returning from Brandibuck (where I had burned all the bread I was trying to bake) when I met Zubeida. I arrived at Buckshire coast and she was there, as if she had been waiting for me. She said she'd been thinking about me. A strange coincidence, if it even was one. Maybe it was fate? In any case, she suggested a walk in Tanglewood, which is what we did. We walked mostly in silence but I didn't feel bothered by it, as I often do. We sat down and she asked me what I think of the "old faith" - Mother. I told her I'd followed Her since I was a child. We talked about Katya, Zubeida has met her too. And I told her about what happened to us at Sable Lake. She told me of her beliefs, that there are forces that affect even gods, and that Nature is one of them. This is what she has come to believe, based on her experiences. There is much wisdom in her, even she seems at times very young (I think she is younger than I am. It's a bit hard to tell, since I've never seen her face in its entirety, only the parts the veil doesn't cover). She also said that she thinks of Elbereth as a mask Nature wears to speak with us. I think it makes sense, maybe she is right.
Until now, I haven't thought about these things too much, as Elbereth has always been a part of my life and I've simply been content with having Her in my heart, just believing without knowing much. I said to Zubeida that maybe she should've been the one to teach Katya about these things, instead of me. She said I would make a fine teacher, which was very kind of her. I am not so convinced, and I told her it was difficult to explain God to someone who doesn't believe that they exist (Not to mention that this particular explainer has gaping holes in her knowledge). This is not exactly the case with Katya as she has seen Her, and it is not something that is easily ignored. Zubeida said that there's always a choice of not believing. She told me about a girl, who had lost her parents and believed that nothing should ever die. It is obvious to me, Zubeida and most of the general (sane) population that dying is inevitable. Life and death are two sides of the same coin, just like Zubeida said. But this little girl... she refuses to see it. She was offered "eternal life" and she gladly accepted it, not knowing that it really meant. She is undead now. It is almost too terrible to even think of. I asked Zubeida who presented the poor girl with this choice and she leaned towards me and told in hushed tones that it was her brother. Her brother, who is known among the Kobai as Lord of Death. Dethsades. I was quite surprised when she started to chuckle like a maniac after saying this. Between fits of laughter, she told me the real first name of this Dethsades. It is James. I couldn't help but starting to laugh as well. It is such a... regular, innocent name. Definitely not fit for a lich.
After the laughing was over, Zubeida told me that she is trying to find a way to give the girl rest, as she has asked for peace. Before leaving, she said she had been thinking of me earlier as she has been looking for someone she can trust, a peer. I told her she could trust me and that if I could help her somehow with the girl, she only needed to ask. She asked me to keep quiet about it, as... JAMES sees a lot of things, and that there's a man, Gabriel Eurifalio, (he is also called the Emissary), who works for him and that I should watch out for him.
After Zubeida left, I headed to Port. I was purchasing supplies when I saw Nadia, sheltering from the rain under Gariert's roof. She greeted me and complimented me on my new outfit. I joined her under the roof as she suggested. Due to my not-so-good opinion of her, it was slightly uncomfortable to be crammed in such a tight space with her, but I thought it would be less harmful than choosing rather to stay in the rain and possibly insulting her in the process. We were exchanging trivialities when Fenn showed up – it turned out that they were about to head for Ka'azim to buy scrolls (well, Fenn was the one doing the buying, and Nadia was on door-opening duty) and asked whether I wanted to come along. I didn't have any pressing matters to attend to (as usual) and I was interested to see what the tower held inside, so I joined them.
When we got to the second floor, Fenn hit the stores and it took him ages to get everything he wanted. Meanwhile, Nadia showed me the view from the roof. It was somewhat misty but still, the it was beautiful. Nadia told me that on a sunny day, you could see all the way to Port. She was standing right at the edge of the roof, which is something I would never ever do. We had a facetious conversation about illusionary rails and false sense of security, and how everyone has at least one failing - mine would be the fear of heights, Nadia said hers was being too modest. I have to say that my opinion of her greatly improved that day, as it turned out that she can be very fun to talk to. It's still a long way to having a serious, meaningful conversation about important things with her but maybe that's not a bad thing. I am way too serious a person, so I guess it's good to have someone who you'd rather just have a laugh with. |
IG character: Alis Rapidshill |
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Re: Journal of Alis Rapidshill
Posted: 01 Oct 2006 06:30 AM |
There was a festival in Buckshire a few days ago. I had a great time there, even though the storytelling got me on a sad mood. Even though the stories were sad, they were really well told, and I was quite impressed by Alyssa, Lucius and Nadia. The comedic performance that followed them was very funny, I can't remember laughing so hard since... well, ever. The magic show was interesting too, apart from the fact that Balthor decided it was a great idea to summon demons. I liked Bel's performance a lot, she really managed to create a spectacular show. Oh, and I got the award of the best dressed woman. I'm not sure what to think of the prize, I have no clue on what to do with a whip. And the wand that summons a dire chicken... I already have one, it was the last thing Dana gave me. Karli, or miss kurli-toe, as that woman with a pointy hat called her, seemed to think that she should've been awarded instead of me. She was dressed in bright red and blue, her chest was pretty much bursting out of her corset for all to see, not to mention the existence of puffy pants and curly-toed boots. Obviously her sense of style is misguided to say the least, so I wasn't insulted by her remarks. I thought Katya was looking very pretty, maybe she'd been awarded if she hadn't been one of the organisers.
Today I met Nadia in Tanglewood. We talked about dresses and beauty, and she decided to teach me about the two important S's, about being a... vamp. Apparently, she wants to turn me into one, as she thinks I have the potential. She emphasised that the word is often used by men in a negative sense, because they fear the vamp. Part of what se said made sense - I agree that even though married, I shouldn't stop trying to look good. There's no harm in being soft and pretty, and I could definitely use some more confidence. But the part about using beauty as a weapon against men, to make them bend to your will... well, spoken like a true Naruthian, I suppose. I don't think I could ever become a vamp, even if I wasn't married. I could never use my looks the way she apparently does, to manipulate men by giving them false hopes and telling blatant lies, only to discard them after getting what she wants. I admit that men often do have the upper hand in life but it still doesn't make it acceptable in my eyes to use them the way she described. I wonder if she has ever loved anyone (or any man, to be precise). Either she has, and that particular man has betrayed her in some horrible way, or she has no idea that love exists. It is quite sad. She also said that most people avoid her company because of her religion. At the festival, I noticed that she and Alyssa weren't the best of mates, even though they follow the same goddess (well, Nadia did say that the only enemy of a vamp is another vamp, and Alyssa was definitely dressed like one). It may well be that she has no true friends – it is easy to see her as a threat. Women are intimidated by her beauty and confidence, and men... well, maybe they are as well. And even if someone decided to try and befriend her, I'm not sure if she would let them get very close. Who knows what she's really like, maybe the whole vamp thing is just an act? |
IG character: Alis Rapidshill |
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Re: Journal of Alis Rapidshill
Posted: 08 Oct 2006 06:48 AM |
I met Alton yesterday, and he had some bad news. Something bad is coming, or so he was told by a dragon, of all things. Vaast-something, one of the greatest dragons in Vives, says Alton. Apparently, the dragon had told him that there would be a storm, a fire and a winter but none of them caused by the sisters. The first two we have already, and the elves might have something to do with the third – Alton said something about the elves tricking them into stealing some ancient fire spell from Helkris, in order to study it and stop people from using it. I thought it sounded quite odd. In any case, Frezt had appeared, as well as Itarille and Silmarwen, and with the help of those two, they had walked out with the spell in their possession.
Alton said that he had no idea who was causing the weather conditions at the Plains (which are getting worse by the minute, it turns out that a warning has been issued about going there, it's not safe anymore). Just that it wasn't Helkris, which would've been the simplest guess, I suppose. It crossed my mind that maybe it was Elbereth, considering that She did freeze Sable lake just a while ago, although I have no clue why She would do this. It probably has nothing to do with this but I mentioned about it to Alton nevertheless, and he seemed quite surprised. Then he asked me whether I knew that Elbereth has paladins now. Ulalume, to be specific. He might as well have smacked me on the head with a brick. Why, how? He didn't know.
Later on, Alton told me that the dragon had suggested that no god was responsible of the events taking place, that it was someone too small for him to see. And that person might not even be aware of what s/he is doing. It sounds incredible, but I'm sure the dragon has his reasons of believing this to be the case.
After Alton retired to Brandibuck for the night, I wandered around. I ended up in Port, where I sat on the edge of water for quite some time, lost in my thoughts. At some point I heard someone talking to Gariert, it was Rosen. After a while, I decided to go and greet her. I told her that I'd liked her tale at the fair. We exchanged a few words on the festival, and Talion joined us. He's been on the Divider Chain, trying to get to the soldiers that are stranded at the wrong side of Beldin's Pass. I told her about Alton's suspicions about the weather problems and he made a mysterious remark about people working on it. He didn't say who, and I didn't want to pry. Maybe I should've.
Rosen and Talion were discussing about alternative routes to Beldin's Pass when Ulalume's name came up. I blurted out that I'd heard she'd found a new god to follow, which seemed to struck a nerve. Rosen said rather stiffly that it was such a convoluted matter that it wouldn't make any sense to bring it up in casual conversation. I apologised, as I realised it had been a dumb move to ask something like that, especially from someone I barely knew. However, she did say she would be willing to discuss the matter properly if I wanted to, all I needed to do was to ask. I got the impression that Rosen has had some rough times, and she said she is in a "reflective period", and she is not as adaptive by nature as Ulalume. Then the discussion turned towards armour-making and after a while, I left.
What does this all mean? What was this reflective period Rosen mentioned? Has Elbereth shown Herself to Ulalume and Rosen, just like She did to Katya and me, and Ulalume accepted Her as her new Goddess, while Rosen is still uncertain, reflecting? If She did, why has She suddenly decided to start converting people Herself? And who are these people Talion mentioned are working on the matter of the badness that is coming? How can they do anything if it is caused by some random person who doesn't even know he's responsible? What is the deal with the elves and the fire spell, and why did they lie about it to those who helped them? I am full of questions and I doubt I'll be getting answers for any of them too soon. |
IG character: Alis Rapidshill |
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Re: Journal of Alis Rapidshill
Posted: 10 Oct 2006 02:51 AM |
((Not a journal entry))
After the hours spent at the bathing house, scrubbing away the horrid smell that seems to have stuck on her, Alis heads home. The incident has already made headlines, and Berens hollers abuse at her as she passes. "Vandal! Terrorist!" Alis is shocked, her face turns bright red and she quickly sneaks out of the city gates, trying her best not to be noticed. As she gets home and closes the door, she lets out a miserable sigh. I don't think I'll be going to Port for a while. Or leave the house at all. This must be the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to me. She slumps on the chair and starts writing a letter. |
IG character: Alis Rapidshill |
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Re: Journal of Alis Rapidshill
Posted: 04 Nov 2006 05:58 AM |
I have spent a lot of time lately with Nadia, talking about... well, men, mostly. Her opinions on men are extreme and misguided at best, but I think she is getting softer. She definitely has strong feelings for one man, even though, in her words, he is a prime example of everything she hates in men. I hope she will come to understand that men aren't all bad, it would make her life a whole lot easier. I'm not sure how this would work with her religion, though. It is quite a confusing situation, to say the least.
I've also travelled quite a bit. I've went to the icy lands twice, and the first time nearly got me killed. Everything went fine, until Talion insisted on paying a visit to the witch's house. Alton got distracted by the beasts the witch summoned, and wasn't able to dispel her protections, and Talion was not faring too well battling against her. The witch was chucking spells for all her worth, and soon enough, Talion was down, and I fell unconscious. When I came back to my senses, the witch was gone, and Alton was still standing. I rushed to Talion and saw he wasn't breathing. I managed to bring him back, and we left. We didn't discover the route Talion has been looking for, and I'm starting to doubt that there is no such thing.
The second time I went to the halls of the ice giant king with Nadia, Talion and Londo. I was quite surprised to see Londo joining us, as I thought Nadia disliked him immensely because of his lewdness. Because of this, I was prepared for hating him (actually, I was prepared to flee when seeing him), but my suspicions feelings were short-lived as he behaved just fine. The journey was considerably less dangerous than last time, and most of the time I was just watching Talion and Nadia do all the fighting. There were a couple of stray giants that I had to take care of with Londo (how sloppy, usually Talion and Nadia won't let anything get away from them). I didn't have to go home empty-handed, I received a fine weapon, although I have no clue how to use it. Maybe I should start practising with it.
A couple of days ago, I went into the Port sewers and below with Nero and Hans Wilhelm. (I still try to avoid going to Port, or at least avoid being noticed.) We didn't get locked in, and we were not ambushed by hordes of skeletons, and not a single one of us got wounded badly. When we came out of the sewers, we met Nadia. She and Hans had barely been introduced to each other when they started hurling insults at each other. It was painful to watch. I was relieved when Hans left, even though neither of them had seemed to take the insults seriously. Soon Fennigan showed up, sporting a lightning stick of some sort, and started teasing Nero. The talk turned towards a gnomish city that Nadia and Fen had both been to earlier. Nadia was almost drooling as she told us about the things they sold there, and we decided to go and have a look. Getting there was not easy, as we had to climb down a cliff face and then swim. We met Rosen and Talion on our way down. Most of us had difficulties in climbing. The swim was much easier for me, and I offered to carry Rosen's armor, but Talion was quite pig-headed about carrying it. He completely ignored my offer, even though I'm sure I could've carried it much easier than him. I was quite grumpy because of this, and it pretty much ruined the whole journey for me. It didn't help that climbing up was even worse than going down the cliff. I feel especially ashamed about blasting a scrag with fire and almost burning Talion and Nero in the process. Luckily they survived with minor burns. At this point, I couldn't do anything else than apologise for my behaviour and leave.
Yesterday I travelled to Fiirkraag with Talion. To cut a long story short, I ended up in the middle of an ambush of the vicious barbarians that live there. I had been chiseling off minerals and my bags were so heavy that I couldn't even run. I inched towards to the direction where Talion had gone, yelling my lungs out, hoping that he would hear me and come to the rescue. He showed up soon enough, and quickly dispatched most of the barbarians. However, he missed one of them – the witch. She had gone invisible when the commotion started and I walked straight into her lap. She held me down with a humongous, magical sickly-green fist that started squeezing me, nearly breaking my bones. As if that wasn't enough, Talion got spooked and ran away, making me the primary target of the witch's entire spell arsenal. I couldn't do anything but hope that my protections would last and that I could heal my wounds, as long as it would take either for Talion to get back his bearings or for the witch to run out of spells. Talion was faster, he snapped out of the state he was in, ran to the witch and fought fiercely. Soon the witch fell and the hand disappeared. It was definitely not an experience I wish to live again. On the bright side, the outcome of the mining was tremendously good, which made me feel at least slightly better. I think I'll need to spend a good while just crafting, and stay out of trouble, my poor heart can't take much more excitement! |
IG character: Alis Rapidshill |
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Re: Journal of Alis Rapidshill
Posted: 16 Nov 2006 10:02 AM |
So much for staying out of trouble... trouble seems to find me, even if I'm just keeping a low profile and minding my own business.
There's a red-haired hin running around, trying to make deals with people. She calls herself Seil. There's something seriously wrong with her, she looks as if trampled by wild horses, and she doesn't seem to care. She must be some sort of undead or a demon. Or both? The worst part is that she can't be harmed, and if you try, she seems to enjoy it. This abomination bursted into McGillicutty's a couple of days ago, when I was sitting there with a group of people. Hans has apparently met her before, as he told her to get out or he would kill her. She kept giggling like a lunatic and called Hans silly, and a murderer. Hans and Shard told her she wouldn't get any deals, and told everyone else to say so as well. It was one of the most unsettling experiences in my life, that wretched, broken, bleeding creature wouldn't listen to them, and then she stated she wants "the druid". Me. How did she know? And why would she want me? I told her I wasn't making a deal, but it had little effect. They tried to kill her with arrows, blades, magic... nothing happened. She just kept on giggling and gurgling and asking for more. Shard asked me to come and walk with him, and I gladly agreed. We left, and ran into Cerno. We travelled to Four Winds invisible, hoping the little beast wouldn't follow us. Cerno was confused and I can't blame him, so was I. It didn't help that while I was walking past the Trading Post, I heard her voice in my head: "we love you Alis, you must save the forest or all is lost."
We arrived at the inn and talked about what happened, and Shard stressed how important it was that we wouldn't under any circumstances agree to make a deal. Then he said he would return to Hans and the others, and so he left. It didn't take long before the door opened and Seil walked in, squealing with joy of finding me. Cerno threatened to kill her if she came any closer but she didn't seem to care. She rambled on about how her father wanted her to make a deal with me, and that I would save the forest. If I didn't, 'it' would get out, and everything would die. The forest is apparently Sunix, and 'it' is something that is behind the gates in there. And she has been there. This was all she would tell, unless I would make a deal. I told her I wouldn't, and finally she left. While dancing towards the door, she did say that she would come back, and that "things close to home" would make me deal. I don't know what she meant by that but I certainly hope it was just an idle threat, the last desperate attempt to make me change my mind.
After Seil was gone, Hans showed up, carrying a tied-up Bel. He'd tied her because she was about to make a deal with Seil. She'd promised Bel to help her get back home. Somehow, this thing knows what everyone wants. From what I gathered, she'd promised Hans to bring her wife back (I assume she is dead) or something like that, I'm not sure of the details. We talked at length about what she is but no-one knew much about her. She has approached at least Salt and Ophelia as well, maybe they know more? Cerno was becoming impatient, as the discussion wasn't very fruitful in terms on what we should do about Seil, (apart from not making a deal) and so we headed home. I don't know what to think. What if there is a seed of truth in what she's saying? What if there really is something lurking behind that gate, waiting to break out and kill every living thing? And even if there was, how am I supposed to stop it? And what is the importance of this deal Seil kept ranting about? I will certainly not make a deal, as it is obvious she is an unnatural being, and her goals are quite likely to be something that wouldn't last the light of day. I am not crazy enough to make a deal without knowing what I'm dealing with and I hope she won't approach me again. |
IG character: Alis Rapidshill |
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Re: Journal of Alis Rapidshill
Posted: 29 Nov 2006 07:14 AM |
Unsurprisingly, I saw Seil again. I had just entered the Ranger's lodge, planning to give a batch of enchanting oils I'd just made for Nero, but as I saw Seil, I immediately turned around and fleed in panic. I made myself as difficult to see as possible, and waited around the corner for a good while, hoping that she'd assume I'd run far away. No-one came out, and eventually I decided to go and check what was going on. No-one seemed to notice as I entered, and I stood there, listening. She was about to come after me. I heard her voice in my head and for a second I thought she'd seen me, but she hadn't. Seil and a couple of others who were there rushed past me. I had no idea what to do, so I went deeper inside the building. I came out of hiding for a while, to plead the people still inside to help me. They just looked confused, and I went into the other room to hide.
I huddled there for a while, hiding behind a bed, when I saw Nero walking past me. I decided to follow her, give the oils to her, and then get out. I was in the middle of doing just that, when Seil entered the room, and said I couldn't hide. I decided to make a run for it. This time, she didn't come after me. I think. Maybe she'll give up now. I'll have to stay alert, in case she shows up again against my hopes. |
IG character: Alis Rapidshill |
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Re: Journal of Alis Rapidshill
Posted: 13 Dec 2006 05:12 AM |
Lucius is dead. Londo killed him, and now he’s dead, too. Salt told me that Londo was Lucius’ half brother. I had no idea... I only met Londo a couple of times and he seemed like a good man. I don’t understand it and it makes me really sad. I considered Lucius as a friend, even though we had our share of disagreements. He seemed to be doing so much better the last time I saw him, and now he’s gone.
I also heard that there was some sort of an attack of Synspawn at the Buckshire coast. Dark trees. I didn’t quite follow the conversation (there was a large group of people on the Plains talking about this yesterday, when I was passing through to get some grains) but apparently the lord of Aboddan, something they called Sugar Man, appeared as a shadow before the trees came. Salt said that Balthor had offered Nero to him in exchange of his own life. I can’t say that I’m surprised, my opinion of him dropped quite low with Dana’s trial. He only cares for himself. In any case, the Dark trees attacked from the direction of the swamp end people who were present luckily managed to take them down. Some suspected that the appearance of these cursed trees was linked to what happened earlier, after the meeting that Bel also mentioned to me some days ago – creepers attacking the wizard tower. I don’t know the details of this meeting, apparently it was organised by Salt, and they’re planning to have another one at some point. It’s probably a wizard thing, none of my business, I suppose.
There was this elven girl on the plains too, her name was Josaphine. She’s strange, she was singing in elven, something about emerald green... sleeves? And shadows and lies. It was quite odd. Yes, it turned out that I can still understand elven, the day at Sable Lake changed me permanently. I’d suspected it earlier, but now I’m certain. It truly is miraculous, and I am grateful and full of awe to have received such an amazing gift. It brings some light and warmth to my heart on these dark days. |
IG character: Alis Rapidshill |
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