Exhausted
and frustrated from her fruitless search for her missing husband, Faun
sits under a weeping willow tree in the park. She slowly pulls a bound
book from her pack, and pages through her journal reflecting upon that
part of her life that has passed. At times she frowns with great sorrow
and as she flips to other pages her beautiful brown eyes light up with
intense joy.
As she opens the book... inside the front cover you see written:
To Faun with love,
Happy 10th birthday Mum and Da
Day 3 of Awakenings of the year 107
On the front of the first page you seen written:
The Journal of Faun Droisaird
The years 104 through 104
Faun turns the page and happily remembers the day she first received
the
bound book......
Day 3
Awakenings of the year 107
Today is me tenth birthday! Me mum and da have made this a wonderful
day. Me mum cooked a special cake. After we ate our evening meal that
mum prepared fer me special day, she handed me this book and told me
that it was fer me to write down anything. Da told me how proud he was
of me, and that I had grown up into a lovely young lass. He winked at
me and as I giggled I heard him tell me for the millionth time,
"Remember Faun young lass, leave the whistling to the lads." I pouted
back at him as I again failed to whistle. Me da chuckled with such joy
that I happily started to hum and sing. Me da said, "Aye Faun, stick to
the singing yer voice is lovely." All me life I have lived in the Muir
woods with me mum and me da. Me cute little sister Bratlyn is two years
younger. Me da makes many things out of the special red colored elven
wood from the trees that surround our home. Me mum takes care of all of
us and keeps our home a happy place. I love to hear me mum sing in the
mornings as she goes about her tasks.
Faun flips through the pages of her bound book an expression of awe is
reflected on her face as she reads.....
Day 10 First Growth of the year 109
I love springtime. Our Muir woods are full of new life. I know I do not
write as much as I should, but I find so much to do everyday. Since I
started seeing the sage in my dreams, I find that each day is an
opportunity to work on my ability to concentrate, and examine the
powers contained within my surroundings. I do not understand how it is
that this sage works her way into my dreams. However, I do know that
she has a purpose for being there.
She tells me she is guiding me to my future. Though I do not know her
name, nor where she might be I do know that I can trust her. She has
guided me towards increasing my mysticism through small exercises each
day. I have already noticed that the trees, the grass, the flowers are
all surrounded by auras. I sense at times that they can be drawn upon,
but I cannot find the way.
Faun skips ahead several more pages before stopping and as she begins
to read reflective contemplation fills her thoughts....
Day 29 First Harvest of the year 112
The sage
touched my dreams again last night as she has in at least some small
way most nights for the past year. I now consider these visions she
creates in my dreams to be a series of lessons. Each lesson building
upon the last. The images she imparted the past night were unusual, and
my understanding of their meaning was far less than normal. Until this
time I had felt a sense of guidance and though I have not always
immediately understood the lesson there has always been a clear
exercise to practice.
The images left in my memory were more a vision than a lesson. They
were images of a majestic beast with sides as black as night and a
belly as white as snow. I spoke with my mum regarding this vision as I
have talked to her about most of my guidance. As I tried to explain the
vision it became clear that my mum had no idea of the significance
either.
Faun rapidly
turns the pages of her bound book searching for one in particular.....
Day 14 Winter Cloak of the year 124
I awoke this
morning feeling deeply disturbed by the vision imparted by the sage
from my dreams. This was only the second time that I have received a
vision rather than a lesson, and this vision has left me distracted and
confused. The vision was of a human, a man. He was extremely handsome
with thick black hair, and the palest complexion. I have not been able
to lose this image from my mind. Through my constant practice of the
exercises I have learned from lessons of the sage, I find that I can
now draw upon the auras of the trees, and perform small bits of
healing. Yet, today even when my sis slipped on some ice and injured
her knee I was able to do nothing. Every time I tried to draw upon the
auras of the trees all I did was generate a smoky fizzle.
Faun sighs as she turns to the last page of the bound book...
Day 2
Awakenings of the year 125
The sage has come to Muir woods! At long last I have met her, and she
is every bit as mystical and wise as I had envisioned. I immediately
tried to ask her of the vision that has haunted me the past couple
months, and she immediately silenced me. She said, "Hush lassie, you
need not concern yourself about the vision. Whatever is to be....will
be." She then told me that she had much to do and very little time. She
spoke with my da and my mum in hushed tones late into last night. For
the first time in a long while, I slept last night without the images
from the sage entering my dreams.
Day 3 Awakenings of the year 125
I awoke this morning the morning of my eighteenth year in anticipation
of the special cake that my mum makes every year for the occasion. I
was disappointed to see that my mum was not in the kitchen with a bit
of flour on her cheek. I went out to the porch to find my mum, my da,
and the sage all waiting for me. I soon became aware of the purpose of
the visit from the sage. The sage explained to me that I have great
potential to become a very powerful sorceress, and that in order to
achieve this potential I would need to travel to a far away land and
join the guild of the Mages in Moorgate. I felt a deep sadness at the
thought of leaving my family and our beautiful Muir woods, but I have
always trusted her. It was clear to me that my mum and da supported my
departure. My mum went into the house and woke my sister Bratlyn, and
told her that I would be going away. Bratlyn came running through the
door screaming and crying, "I will find ye Faun!!! I will!!!" My mum
held my sis close and hushed her saying, "Dear dear Bratlyn, we will
all of us miss Faun.
She must go away from us for a time, but she will never forget her
little sis." I smiled a bright smile at Bratlyn and gave her the
biggest hug possible, and tickled her until I thought she would giggle
forever. I then looked sadly over at my mum who handed me a new book,
wished me a happy birthday, and told me that she knew I would have many
adventures to write about. She then hugged me warmly and wished me
well. I turned to my da who quickly tried to hide the expression of
sorrow on his face. He winked knowingly at me and said to me, "Remember
Faun young lass, leave the whistling to the lads." This got me started
giggling, and I immediately gave him a big hug. My da returned my hug
and chuckling he said to me, "I am proud of you Faun. You will do well
in this life."
Faun closes
the book with a far-off look in her eyes as she remembers the happiness
of her life with her mum, her da, and her little sister.
Faun puts the first book back in her pack and rummages around until she
finds the second book. As she opens the book ... inside front cover you
see written:
To Faun with love,
Happy 18th birthday Mum and Da
Day 3 of Awakenings of the year 125
On the front of the first page you seen written:
The Journal of Faun Droisaird
The years 125 through
Faun turns to the first page of her bound book an expression of awe is
reflected on her face as she reads.....
Day 3 Awakenings of the year 125
I have so much to write about! I first must write about the images that
I saw just before the sage blinked and I found myself here in Moorgate
standing before a man named John who spoke to me of a task. I watched
in wondrous amazement as the sage began to draw a rainbow of energy
from all objects within view. She drew upon both animate and inanimate
objects with an intense concentration upon her face she wove all of
this energy into a ball of awesome colors that she appeared to control
with her fingertips. Then she blinked.
Faun glances
over to the opposite page her eyes sparkle with the memories of her
accomplishments......
Day 5
Awakenings of the year 125
After I had completed the task that John had laid out for me I went
into the Adventures Guild and with a fierce determination set out to
learn as much about the use of sorcery spells as I could. As I spent my
time in training there were many beasts that advanced upon me, and I
found that I could draw upon them with my new abilities. I was able to
draw upon their fiery fury, and turn it back against them. With each
beast slain by my power I found the powers I could wield growing
stronger. I soon found that I was powerful enough to venture out into
other areas of the city, and search for the guild of the Mages. When I
found the guild on Brent Street I was a bit disappointed, but not
surprised to find that there was a task that I would need to complete
in order to enter the guild. The Archmagi Gent informed me that I would
have to go in search of the Scroll of Knowledge to demonstrate my
readiness to enter the guild of Mages.
Day 6 Awakenings of the year 125
After a lot of preparation and searching I was able to locate the
scroll deep within an underground room. I returned to Brent Street and
gave the scroll to the Archmagi who then allowed me to enter the guild
of the Mages. I immediately wrote a scroll to send to my mum and da to
let them know that I am well, and that I am now a proud member of the
Mages guild of Moorgate. I handed the scroll to the Archmagi who
assured me that he would locate a pigeon to have the scroll delivered.
With that done I eagerly set out to learn as much as I could from the
guild tutors. I soon discovered that I would have to gain some more
experience either through practicing my spells, or by completing some
additional tasks before I would be allowed to learn more. I stopped in
the guild library and sat down to read as many scrolls as I could.
Faun skips
ahead a couple pages in her bound book to one that is particularly
memorable....
Day 15 Awakenings of the year 125
I heard shouting coming from inside the guild a few days ago. A little
while later, I approached the entrance to the guild and there stood the
most beautiful and graceful lady I had ever seen. Her name is Isabeau,
and she was extremely angry at the man that stood facing her. He was
the man of the visions imparted to me in my dreams by the sage. His
name is Penguin. I did not understand what was happening between this
sweet lady and this man.
His presence both distracted and confused me. As I looked upon Isabeau
I noticed that she was hurt, and immediately I healed her wounds. She
turned to me and spoke in a melodic voice saying, "Faun you are a
lovely helper. From this day forward you shall be known as Faun, lovely
helper". I realized then that the shouting I had heard earlier were the
voices of this lady and man. He had fed her poisoned putty, and she had
been mortally wounded.
As this revelation sank in I began to fear this man. It had never
occurred to me that the man from the visions could be harmful, that
this man could be anything but good. I had always thought the sage had
an affection for this human, and that I was to somehow help him with
something. All of these thoughts running through my mind have left me
extremely confused. Up until this point in my life I have never
encountered any being wishing to do harm to another. None other than
the beasts in the training area, and those in the tunnels and rooms of
the place where I had found the needed scroll, and those were beasts
without a conscious ... with the blackest of souls.
Faun's eyes shift to the opposite page as she continues to read.....
Day 16 Awakenings of the year 125
I have tried
since yesterday to reconcile the actions of this man Penguin with the
images imparted to me by the sage. I have been here in Moorgate for 13
days now, and the sage has not entered my dreams even once. I suspect
that it may have to do with the well guarded walls of the city, and
that there is some divine force that protects this city of Moorgate. I
have decided to write a scroll, and send it to my mum and da and ask
them to try andcontact the sage. I am deeply disturbed by the mixture
of emotions I am feeling, and hope that mum and da can contact the sage
for some answers.
My dearest mum and da,
I have been in Moorgate for 13 days now, and my training has gone very
well so far. I have learned much about the use of sorcery spells, and I
have even learned to defend myself fairly well. I have made many
friends since my arrival, and they have all been good hearted and kind
to me. An especially kind berserker by the name of Goldenaxe went with
me on a journey to slay a very difficult beast that had three arms. It
was not a pleasant task, but it was necessary in order that I might
journey deeper into the underground tunnels and rooms of the catacombs.
I am very worried though that the sage no longer touches my dreams.
There are some answers I must get from her. I sense that something has
gone seriously wrong in the life of the human she cares about so
strongly. Please da, do what you can to have her contact me...I am
afraid of what may come.
your loving daughter,
@-}Faun
As mid day
approaches Faun closes her journal and moves from the park bench onto
the grass beneath the shade of the weeping willow tree.
Faun opens her journal, and as she begins to read a bright smile shines
upon her face....
Day 3 Weeping Skies of the year 126
Bratlyn is here! My da received my scroll, and the sage sent Bratlyn to
Moorgate. She has started her training, but I fear it will be some time
before she is ready venture outside of the city. Nonetheless I am
overjoyed to have family close again. I did not realize how much I have
missed little Brat. Though as she insists on reminding me she is not so
little. The same age that I was when the sage sent me here. I had not
realized that Bratlyn had been to Moorgate before. It was a long time
ago that she had spent time in the city when she traveled without
mother's sister. She has been reunited with some friends, and
acquaintances. I am disappointed though, that she has not brought with
her any guidance from the sage. I was hoping to receive at least a
small bit of advice.
Faun sighs, as she skips ahead several pages and starts to read an
overwhelming terror begins to take hold of her...
Day 19 Deori's Pleasure of the year 126
Though I am continually faced with the evil of this man I have tried to
keep in mind the message from the sage. She believes in the goodness of
this man that now calls himself Penilord. Because I trust the sage and
her words to me I find myself time and again confronted and shocked
with his actions. He has recently begun to speak of a soul-leech spell
that he has been developing. I have no idea what this sort of spell
might do, but the thought of soul-leeching chills me to the bones. As I
have continued to study and train, I have watched how Penilord torments
many goodhearted and kind spirited men and women. He has been
especially cruel to the beautiful and graceful Isabeau as well as those
ladies that call themselves the Sisters of Battle. As for myself there
are times when I feel drawn to him yet my fear over rules this
unexplainable desire to be around this man. If I am to believe the sage
he is quite harmless, though that is not what I see.
A remembrance comes into her eyes, and Faun turns the pages looking for
one in particular. A feeling of dread grips her very being at the
thought of a long forgotten pain....
Day 7 Longing to Harvest of the year 126
I have spent a number of days off on my own trying to make some sense
of what has been done to me. During this time I have spent a great deal
of time hunting in the icy Blizzard Pass. It seems that spending time
in this freezing mountain area is the only way that I am able to keep
my mind clear.
A few days ago, I skipped into the centre of town and saw Lerrim. She
appeared to be extremely happy and kept giggling. When I looked closer
I was horrified to see that her soul had been leeched. Penilord was
standing beside her, and when he saw me he became quite animated as he
shouted, "Victim number two has arrived!" He caste a soul-leech spell
and I froze with fear as I watched the mist surround me. I was
courageously guarded by a silent hunter named Rutger. His bravery and
willingness to defend me against Penilord was commendable.
Unfortunately Penilord cloaked the silent hunter in shadows, and he
could not prevent the red mist from entering my body. I became dizzy,
and fainted. When I woke up I watched in horror as a white mist seeped
from my body and he formed it into a glowing ball. As Penilord
transferred this glowing ball into the heart of a troll I felt
confused, and my mind dulled.
I watched as he put the heart of the troll into his pouch, and as I
gazed into his eyes I felt an overwhelming need to remain near him. I
vaguely remember wandering around carrying a stuffed rabbit and a lump
of gray putty. Holding this putty stuffed rabbit somehow eased the pain
in my chest when Penilord was not around. Each and every time I tried
to free myself of his presence a sharp, stabbing pain would form in my
chest. This pain remained with me for several days, and only faded to a
dull ache when Penilord was near. Penilord had stolen my soul! He is
pure evil.
Finally, I was assisted by two brave men. Flynn lent me his strength,
and Sedillo provided kind, friendly, and supportive words. With their
help I was able to summon enough power to overcome the desolation and
pain I felt. I will forever be grateful to these men for the sacrifice
they subjected themselves to, in order to help me regain my soul.
The sage that I have trusted was mistaken ... she has somehow allowed
this man to cloud her mind in some way, so that she cannot see his true
nature.
Faun turns the pages forward searching for happier memories.....
Day 15 First Harvest of the year 126
I have taken a great deal of notice lately in a very charming and
courteous man. I have hunted with him a few times, and Rutger has been
most considerate. I suspect it was the shaman Muldroun who told Rutger
how much I love rubies, and each day he collects and brings several to
me and then silently disappears. I have been making rings out of these
rubies and giving them away to all who are close to me. I find myself
looking for Rutger and wondering when our paths might cross once again.
Faun quickly
pages through her journal to a worn page...a page she has read
often....
Day 3 Winter Cloak of the year 126
I had the most wonderful time at Azriela and Szordrin's wedding
reception. It was a lovely wedding and Azriela was a stunning bride,
but it was Rutger who captured my heart. Bratlyn was indeed fretful
that I was drinking more of the free flowing wine than I ought to, but
I was having a wonderful time. I suspect that Muldroun was whispering
into Rutger's ear much of the same that he whispered into mine.
Muldroun was telling me, "I think Rutger likes you." After a bit of
time Muldroun would say, "If he asks you to dance with him, will you?"
I was light headed and feeling very happy for my dear friends Azriela
and Szordrin. It was no real surprise to me when Rutger asked me to
dance with him, or was it I that asked him to dance with me? I clearly
remember Bratlyn's raised eyebrows as she clearly tried to warn me that
I was on the verge of improper behavior. The wine andthe longing in my
heart allowed me to ignore her stares completely. I danced with Rutger
late into the night, and he swept me off my feet. We continued to dance
well after the effects of the wine wore off, and as my head rested
against his shoulder he gently caresses my back. I reluctantly said
goodnight to Rutger as Bratlyn became increasingly more persistent in
her demands that we return to the guild for the night. This is the
first time that Bratlyn has ever scolded me, and the happiness in my
heart left me only able to beam a broad smile at her as we strolled
back to the guild. I do believe that if it were not for me being the
older sister Bratlyn would have dragged me back to the guild by my ear.
Faun skips
ahead to the middle of her book and her face glows with happiness...
Day 22 Frost Fall of the year 127
Rutger's enthralling charm has captivated my heart, and I am consumed
by an overwhelming joy. While hunting in the depths of the underground
tunnels the most wonderful thing happened. Rutger presented me with the
most beautiful and thoughtful gift. He gave to me a Glowing Ruby Ring.
As I gazed into his eyes with honest admiration; my dearest Rutger who
had never spoken to me above a whisper said aloud to me, "I love you
Faun." I was in awe of his exhilarating charm as he knelt down before
me, and on bent knee asked me if I would marry him. With fervid
enthusiasm and boundless love I told Rutger, "There is nothing I want
more in this life than to spend it by your side as your wife." My love
for Rutger cannot be expressed with the simple ink, quill, and
parchment. Though there are a great many ways to describe the
completeness brought to my existence with him by my side, words alone
fail to convey the divinely blessed and joyous fulfillment that has
uplifted my spirit. While looking through my book of poetry that
normally sits in my locker I found a poem that was simple and yet
complete. I am writing it here so that I can remember to share it with
Rutger later.
I sought for Love
but Love ran away from me.
I sought my Soul
But my Soul I couldn't see.
then I sought You,
And I found all three.
Faun looks
up from her journal, tears streaming down her face as a shadow passes
between her and the small ray of sun shining through the drooping limbs
of the willow tree. The fear and sadness gripping her heart as Don
Protean saunters up to her and tells her that all the necessary
preparations have been made, and as suddenly as he appeared the Don
slips back into the shadows. Faun draws in a deep breath as she slips
her journal back into her pack, and dabbing the tears from her face
composes herself. As she collects her pack she mentally goes through
the instructions that were provided to her and begins to make her way
towards the docks.
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