Author's Note (Malaney Belrue)

AUTHOR’S NOTE

IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE WHOLE STORY THROUGH OF MALANEY BELRUE, BE WARNED THAT THIS IS A MEANS TO EXPLAIN WHY THE STORY ENDED AS IT DID.

To those who’ve read the whole story through, THANK YOU! This was a fun campaign to recap, and sadly it had to come to an end in a rather unexpected way. This note is to help illustrate what can’t be gathered from Malaney’s perspective. But before I relay that, I will speak of the abrupt end.

As with anything long term, life happens and plans change. The group I had been playing with ran into a rather large hiccup as a friend’s health insisted upon them taking time away from game. With that, we didn’t want to exclude them by finding someone new to fill their role, nor did we want to try and fudge explaining how the new character was suddenly the Primordial we all have been adventuring with all along.

When this happened, we had just reached the monastery, which provided an opportunity to create filler. We had anticipated that it would only be 2-3 sessions worth of filler, but it quickly began to get muddled. For me, it was an opportunity to fill in a lot of story fluff that would explain the changes Malaney goes through; to get her to be someone who would fight.

See, when I first created the Bard, it was because she and Kimaris were meant to fall in love. I and my friend wanted to roleplay a genuine romance and so Malaney was the likely candidate. I knew her well and had her backstory concrete. What I failed to anticipate was how she would act in a fight. So when it came, it was glaringly obvious that the qualities and characteristics I knew her to be would not, could not, be willed to harm another. The act of violence was her bane.

The monastery was exactly what Malaney needed. It provided a place for her to train. Not only train, but to be rescued, in essence, by a past manifestation as the pressure of performing weighed upon her shoulders. This break from the actual storyline gave me the chance to figure out how Malaney would find her courage.

So that was the gameplan while our friend got better; whip our characters into shape. However the overall atmosphere in game had shifted. The interest level and engagement that once was, vanished and punctuality became less of a priority. It was frustrating, to say the least, with all the work I had invested into the story of my character, to watch the campaign slowly crumble apart. And I mean SLOWLY!! Starting back in April.

We had played earlier this week (the date I typed this being 5/24/2016) and when the session ended, I made the decision to conclude Malaney’s journal. There were various factors that had lead to this. I exercised patience and communication with players and the DM to little avail. And so it seemed silly for me to keep putting in such an effort when there seemed to be no reward for the attempts made to keep things afloat.

THE FINAL CHAPTER: This was an inspired ending when the player, who played Bordel, and I discussed the budding romance between our two characters. I commented on how his character’s name and personality was practically identical to the character I had created for Malaney’s future daughter. I then joked about what the Bard was experiencing was almost foreshadowing of what her daughter would experience. Then, without missing a beat, he replied that since Bordel was the Primordial of Time, it wouldn’t be too farfetched if he sent her back in time. He would also go find Achmath and tell him to go get Malaney, that she needs him.

The Cleric had already used his Primordial abilities when we had to switch Oda and Fernwood out with new players. It was established that he was able to go back far enough to make sure the Primordial spirit entered into that of a different person and therefore making it so that the new characters had been Primordials all along (yeah, a bit of a stretch and hence our added hesitance about finding a new player to fill the vacant role). With that power established, it seemed legit he’d do something similar to Malaney, for Bordel would rather keep her safe than to be hunted down and killed. But by so doing, she wouldn’t remember him.

I hadn’t intended to use that idea for this campaign. I had visions that the end would include Kimaris’s return, their relationship developing further, collecting the cups, saving the world, and living happily ever after. Instead, the story died and I took the day they fled the monastery as the point of inspiration to working in the drastic end. The abruptness also was an attempt to show that life changes rather quickly and unexpectedly. One moment things are fine and dandy, the next moment, the world’s turned upside down. 

So rather than making it to the city beyond the portal, Bordel sends her back to the start of the caravan that took her to Asura. Now the question lies, will Achmath be able to catch up in time?

7/5/2997: Heading to Asura

Previous Entry

Ojtejk La'Aj ab Soqojnis, 2997

Is it strange to write about a dream as the first entry in a journal? I had gotten this to help myself work through Araja’s death, but a strange vision, that I can feel fading quickly, happened.

I had woken in the dark on a cot of sorts. The smell of smoke filled my nose and I heard the sound that a sword makes when it is unsheathed.

“Miss Malaney!” a creature cried. I looked up and saw a man- or woman, dressed in dark robes, bringing their sword up high. A silver streak crossed in front of me as the blade came down. I had barely dodged out of the way, but remember seeing a faerie dragon, halved, on my bed as I fled. It made the most gut wrenching feeling seeing the creature dead, knowing it had sacrificed itself for me. Why had it done that?

The person suddenly blocked the door to the room I was in, to which I sent a pulse of energy toward them. Honestly, it was a rather strange sensation. The magic felt like I was trying to put the person to sleep. I don’t know where that idea came from.

I made it past my attacker and into a corridor lined with doors. I met others who had a familiarity about them, but why I can’t say. There were three men, two tall, and one a little shorter than me. One was a Shifter, with tufts of orange hair sticking about wildly. Another was a much older man with a bald head and a very prominent mustache. The third was more scrawny and wore a vibrant, yellow coat. Then there was a young girl, who was literally the embodiment of the universe.

We all rushed out to a courtyard where the real fight was taking place. Skeleton hounds and more robed figures fought against many monks. I was ready to fight- everything within me was ready to fight, but someone whisked us away. “They have come for you!” the voice said, “The Order will kill you if you get involved!”

The person brought the five of us to a balcony that overlooked the mountain range. The sun was still hidden behind a peak, but the orange colors that painted the sky signified the new day. The beauty of the elevation was breathtaking, but I didn’t get long to linger. Whoever had guided us there pointed over the edge. A translucent vortex shimmered. It was a portal and we were instructed to jump. We were then left alone as the cries of battle echoed about us.

I watched as the girl, the Shifter, and the young man jump. They quickly vanished into the portal. I remember hesitating, looking back at the monks. They felt like family, or perhaps I felt guilty I wasn’t helping them. I then remembered the dragon and mourned as everything began to weigh upon me. It was as though all that was going on was connected back to me. My very existence had caused the strife.

The man, who remained, grabbed my shoulders. “Malaney,” he said, though I can’t remember who he was, “Everything will be okay.”

I shook my head, hot tears poured down my cheeks, and I replied, “How can it be okay when we can’t protect those who fight for us? Why can’t we protect them!?” I sobbed. The man took hold of my hands and after a long moment, with sorrowful eyes, said, “I can promise you, that you will be alright.”

He then lead me to the edge of the balcony and before jumping he added, “I’ll never forget you.”

As I leaped toward the vortex, I opened my arms, which turned out to be wings, and began to glide down to whatever laid unknown behind the portal.

Then there was a great flash of light and my eyes fluttered open. I looked about at all the heads in the circle, Rueben, my boss, was already awake and preparing food for the caravan (we are three days out of Lythmeir and have quite the journey ahead of us). With it still being rather early, I quietly stole away to get my thoughts down for there was a feeling as though I was- well, still am- forgetting something. I mean, it's like going to fetch an item you know should be where you think it is. Infact, you know the item is there because you put it there yourself, only when you go to the place, the item is nowhere in sight. I have searched my mind relentlessly trying to remember what it was I've forgotten. The dream feels like it holds answers or perhaps the vividness of it is what I'm latching onto, hoping it'll remind me of what I can't remember. It's all rather maddening.
The most I can dissect of the dream is that it played on how helpless I feel towards Araja’s death. Why wasn’t I able to save her? Why was there nothing anyone could do for her?

As I think about it, the final words that man said are very much how I feel about Araja. Wherever she might be now, I will never forget her. No matter the adventure ahead, she’s forever branded on my heart.

Anyways, I must get back to the group. Like I mentioned, we have quite a journey ahead of us. We're heading to the capital Asura, about 3 continents away. Here's hoping a fresh start can be had there. Perhaps I'll even find a set of bag pipes. I have a sudden interest in learning that instrument.

The End

Author's Note

9/33/2997: My Chance to See Araja Again

Previous Entry

Kæjk La’Sux ab Jujnis, 2997

Last night’s dream was vivid once more. I had barely finished talking with Kimaris when I woke up to a scene that was vastly different from anything I would have expected. I was in a crowd of folk, all looking to their King, who was Kimaris. I, too, was dressed for the fight, which funny enough I was half anticipating. Either the training really is sinking in and I’ll no longer fear a fight or I was truly swept up in the dream.

Kimaris, or King Buru as the the folk referred to him as, was addressing the assembly, preparing them for the battle ahead, instilling courage and trust with every word he spoke. I think that was why I didn’t dread what was approaching..

In the midst of listening and looking on, impressed by his grace and authority, I felt someone tug at my sleeve. My eyes met Kimaris’s stand in, Destiny. She looked very much like a Princess. “Are you ready?” she asked me. I nodded and returned my gaze to our King.

The Primordial then locked eyes with mine, somehow spotting me out in the crowd. He smiled and filled the air with his rich voice as he turned and instructed everyone to attack on the count of three. I gripped my Lyro Blade firmly and began to sprint ahead with the army as three rang out through the air.

One moment the thunder of feet and the shifting of armor filled my ears, but somehow it altered to where I found myself running down a stone corridor. I stopped in my confusion and looked about the dimly lit place. Then an arm brushed against mine and I whipped around to find myself alone with Kimaris. He smiled warmly and spoke something about the war, saying along the lines of, “we should have killed them all right then and there.” He summoned a weapon to his hands and then looked at me, boldly asking, “Are you afraid to die?”

I’m surprised I didn’t fear him. He had just conjured a weapon in hand and want to know if I was afraid! Instead I contemplated and replied, "In a way, yes. Very much. Yet... I know where I'm going after this. I am Balance and therefore know this moment in mortal flesh is temporary. In a way, I’m never going to die. But the pain that comes with it must be what I fear." There was such a calm too. In a way it felt almost like a lie saying that there was some fear.

Kimaris held his gaze firm upon me, an endearing look resting upon his countenance. He sheathed the sword and with one hand resting on the hilt, he used the other to cup my face. “Don’t fear for I will let none harm you.”

The dream then took another sudden turn as Kim informed me that I could visit any memory of my own while in his realm. I thought about visiting my father, but if it was a memory I knew, it wouldn’t reveal anything about whether he was or wasn’t my father. My heart then longed to see Araja and Sorin.

I took Kimaris to the backyard of the Thompson’s home where I use to live before getting caught up with the cups and being a Primordial. It was late evening the night before Araja died. The day was warm, the heat still lingering in the air. My eyes locked on the vision of the two children. They both spotted me and ran, the girl crying, “Malaney!” and her brother, “Ney ney!”

My knees fell to the ground to envelope them into a big hug. The tears poured, Araja questioning them. The love I had- still have- for those kids was overpowering. I had almost forgotten that Kimaris was there. It was Sorin’s look of curiosity that reminded me of my companion.

"You see that man there Sorin?" the boy nodded, "That's my friend."

Kimaris came over and and charmingly greeted the children. The toddler buried his head into my shoulder while Araja stated, “I’m not a lady!” I gave a warning glancing suggesting she was treading on rudeness. “Well... yet,” she added more politely.

In a tone that was gentle, Kim knelt down to her level and replied, “A gentleman should always respect a lady, no matter her age or position." He then flashed his obsidian eyes at me and I remember this great sense of love just emanate through my limbs. It was like seeing a vision of Achmath in a new form before me.

"Are you a Prince?" Araja began to pester.

“A King actually,” I answered for him, “But it is time for you and Sorin to go get ready for dinner.” The little girl gave her best curtsy to Kimaris, bringing up the edges of her dusty dress and crossing her foot back before wobbily lowering herself. She then jumped back on her feet and instructed Sorin to say his goodbyes.

It was hard to watch the two wander back into the house. After some deep breaths, and knowing my companion was waiting to know what the significance of the memory was, I said, "I was there nanny for a few years. Three months ago I had to say good bye."

Kimaris gently placed an arm around me, pulling me into him. I felt stiff and my mind was muddled as Araja and Sorin were replaced by thoughts of how close I was to the Primordial. He mentioned how I was welcome to visit my memories as often as I’d like. I scoffed, stating that that wouldn’t do me well. If allowed, I’d stay frozen in time with Araja.

And just like that, a could wind swept through turning the warm colors into a dreary waste. My heart pounded as I knew what was coming. I don’t understand why I knew it nor why I couldn’t stop it, but as Araja’s death weighed upon my mind, the scene we were in cracked and fell away like broken glass, leaving the two of us in the dim hallway of Araja’s home. I could feel my companion pull me into a hug, my face resting on his chest.

One eye remained fixed upon the image of Sorin standing in the sunlight that pour from Araja’s room. The cry then came, “Malaney! Get help! Araja’s not breathing!” Soon a memory of myself rushed past me and Kimaris, freezing at the sight of Sorin and quickly redirecting him into his room. She then called over her shoulder that Achmath was getting help. Soon Sorin’s door closed and the memory faded to black.

I apologized to Kimaris. I hadn’t meant for anyone to know of that memory and there it was. He saw why I wanted to see Araja again. He continued to hold me, wiping away the tears and asking, “Do you blame yourself?” It was so strange to hear. Of course I don’t blame myself... it just seems unfair that my little friend died without reason.

A finger worked under my chin and tilted my head up right. I described his eyes as obsidian, but really, it was like the universe was gathered together in them. Though his skin was darker than my own, his black eyes stood out because of the flecks of light that flitted about.

He then said, “You don’t have to be sad or alone any more Malaney. I’m here for you.” Kimaris then placed a soft kiss on my forehead.

Part of me hated how much I wanted him. How I loved his care and the way it filled the void that I pretended didn’t exist in me. There was a completeness as I mourned, as though Kimaris was holding me together. Why couldn’t I hold myself together?

Words failed me as to how to thank him. So I reached up and kissed him. I had meant for it to only be a peck, but Kim returned with a kiss of his own.

Who knows how long it lasted, but Kim, in time, leaned his forehead against mine and whispered,  “I have waited for that kiss for five lifetimes.” He couldn’t explain why, but ever since we were created, he had waited for me. If that is the truth, I don’t understand how I didn’t see it sooner. How did I not know the depth of his love all this time? Or is there something the vale of mortality has let me forget? Either way, Kimaris has to be the most patient being I know.

“I wish I had known sooner,” I mentioned, as thought I owed him an apology.

“No,” he said, giving me another quick kiss, “this moment has made it all worth it. You’ve made it all worth it. I watched you suffer for so long, and now I have the chance to help make it a little easier.”

The scenery then shifted once more in the euphoria we felt. I smiled brighter as I realized the place. It was mine and Achmath’s meadow.

“Well isn’t this lovely,” Kimaris noted. We ended up laying in the grass and suddenly the weight of sleep was upon me. My head rested on Kimaris as the will to keep awake became harder to resist. But in those moments before falling asleep, I listened to the sound of Kimaris breathing, the birds singing, the river in the distance, and the rustle of leaves. 

Then, almost as though it wasn’t me speaking, I heard myself saying, “I love you,” waking to the words dancing off my tongue. I looked about my room, Bubblesnort curled up at the foot of the bed. I threw my head back on my pillow, frustrated by the illusion of reality I had just endured. I mean, it was pleasant. I wish the dream hadn’t ended. But that’s what I hate most about it. It’s all wishful thoughts my subconscious is putting together. I just wish they didn’t feel so real...

Any how, the gong has wrung. 'Tis time for another day of training. The soreness I use to feel has long since passed. I take it to heart as a sign of my improvements as my strength and stamina show greater endurance as Ahmiaus continues to increase the difficulty of my training.

I also feel I should note that I have an unsettled feeling about me. These past few weeks... they've been too structured, too predictable. Just the other night when I was playing music, this feeling crept in as I thought to myself, it's been unusually peaceful. Perhaps I'm just sabotaging myself, but it feels as though something bad is about to happen. If only I could shake the thought from my mind.
Next Entry

9/32/2997: Kimaris?

Previous Entry

Tiæjk La’Sux ab Jujnis, 2997

I had such a lovely dream with Kimaris. Would it sound strange to say it could have been real? Like, how he touched my face and the warmth of his hand... it was more vivid than anything I remember. Actually, it was similar to the night Adam came to me, but I don’t know. Part of me ought to ask Kimaris, but I don’t want the others to know that I’m dreaming about him. I’m pretty sure they’re annoyed as it is with our nightly chats.

Whatever it was, I still can’t stop thinking about it. I had woken up on a blanket. It was purple and soft. My name was just called and as I sat up, an Elf, tall and strong, with dark skin and long black hair, sat nearby. He began to tell me where we were, saying he wanted to show me his home before it was gone forever. I looked around for the voice i had come to know as Kimaris’s, but the man looked far different than what I had expected.

I could see it was night time. A city glowed in the distance, nestled on the coast line of a great ocean. The waves lapped against the rocky base of the cliff, barely illuminated by the city lights and moon. I was on a grassy hill that overlooked the entirety of the city and had almost forgotten who I was looking for.

“Where am I?” I asked thoughtlessly.

“My home,” came the deep, mature voice of Kimaris. I looked back at the man and shifted around. As soon as I saw his dark eyes, everything in me knew it to be him. The little boy I had loved like a brother was vastly different and quite frankly, more handsome than I could have ever dreamed- except I did. My subconscious clearly pieced together a look fitting for Kimaris’s new voice.

Anyways, we sat together, talking about our families. I explained why my relations weren’t better with my mother, she blaming me for my father’s unexalted state when his own undoing was suspected all along.

A song then played. It sounded familiar, but before I knew what was happening, Kimaris and I were in the midst of the universe, watching his world fall apart. Then the pull of gravity was upon me and when I opened my eyes I was back in my room.

I find it rather silly that I feel so disappointed that it was just a dream.

✻   ✻   ✻   ✻   ✻

Of course, emotionally charged and another song just pours out of me.

I had a dream that you were with me.

We dance among the stars so pretty.

You opened up your door

And showed me there is more

To you.

With me you shared all of your secret things.

Giving me reason to still believe.

You invited me inside

Though I tried to say good bye

To you

Now I’m wondering where you are. (ooo)

Are you somewhere in the stars? (ooo)

No I won’t let them in

Nor let them see

The demons deep within

That try to rule me.

Is it a sin

To love so fully

You who in the end

Left too quickly?

We laid in a field by a city

And talked of home; our families.

Reminiscing of our past.

Does it feel we’re moving fast

To you?

Unsure, my heart I tried to keep

From you to stop myself from falling.

Then I asked myself why

Am I trying to hide it

From you?

Now I’m wondering where you are. (ooo)

Are you somewhere in the stars? (ooo)

No I won’t let them in

Nor let them see

The demons deep within

That try to rule me.

Is it a sin

To love so fully

You who in the end

Left too quickly?

I’ll keep looking for your signs

To keep this hope alive.

Show me where to find

And I’ll leave my past behind.

I’m trying to be strong

Promise I will carry on.

And so I’ll close my eyes

May it help keep you alive

For I cannot say good bye...

Now I’m wondering where you are. (ooo)

Are you somewhere in the stars? (ooo)

No I won’t let them in

Nor let them see

The demons deep within

That try to rule me.

Is it a sin

To love so fully

You who in the end

Left too quickly?

✻   ✻   ✻   ✻   ✻

Daevri just gifted me a set of bagpipes. Like, it’s a sort of peace offering. He’s been trying to be more cooperative, but I can’t help but feel there’s ulterior motives. Yet whatever they are, I will strive to one up him. His room is adjacent to mine, so I’m going to learn how to play them.

And I’m going to start first thing in the morning.

Next Entry

9/30/2997: Test #2

Previous Entry

Halejk La’Buq ab Jujnis, 2997

The simulation once more tricked me, but this time I remained level headed. No sooner had I entered into room two, Ahmiaus reminded me that I needed to show the skills I have been learning. Then the sound of oxen, people talking, and creaking of wagon wheels filled my ears. My feet quickly matched pace with the caravan. It was a particularly hot day, the shade of the trees providing little refreshment. I had begun talking with some of the folk, asking where we were headed, since time was slipping on and I hadn’t a clue where the fight would come from.

About an hour passed before the commotion begun. Explosions in the ground tossed dirt into the air, spooking the animals and the folk alike. People began to scatter while those who signed on to guard began shouting for order. I ran up to the one who appeared in charge.

“M’lady, you must run. They are the very people hunting you,” the man told me pointing in a direction blurred with smoke. I was surprised that he knew who I was, but I refused. I had my lyro blade in hand and could feel the magic energies on the tips of my fingers. I then told Bubblesnort to go into the canopy above and let me know what was out there.

A few moments later, I relayed to those who remained to fight what the faerie dragon saw: that there was a Necromancy and a Fighter with him. From the smoke came skeletons the Necro had summoned. Memories of the first fight I was apart of (with Bordel and Kimaris) flashed through my mind. My heart pounded and I fought through whatever fear or reservation I had. I began sending out the new magics I had, attempting to knock out the advancing skeletons.

The undead continued to advance and I began to feel unsure and scared. I had to wonder why my magics held no power. I couldn’t sap them of any energy! The caravan leader gripped my shoulder and got in my face amidst the battle cries that echoed about. “Are you to help us or not!?” he spat.

“I’m trying, but my magics-”

“Then use that pretty little sword you have there!”

My face slacked and my legs weak at the thought of getting close to the creatures, but as though he could read my mind, the man said, “If you’re afraid you’ll hurt them, you’re too late for that. They’re already dead. You’ll be returning them to their natural form.”

The man then went on to fight a skeleton that was creeping up on us. With new resolve and a strange realization that I hadn’t thought of before, I gripped my blade and focused on what I had been taught. Into battle I went and quite frankly, it was fulfilling seeing how well I held myself.

The fighter was the first to strike of the duo. He got me from behind, his sword catching me under my arm. I almost lost it there, but managed to pull myself together, parrying his blade the best I could. He was very strong and was overpowering me when I pulled a maneuver. I blocked another attack and quickly side stepped so that his weight from the attack would knock him off balance without my resistance. I sent my open palm into the side of his shoulder shouting, “Da Na’ee!” and watched with great satisfaction as the fighter straightened, shaking his head to rid the fog of energy loss.

Soon I had the fighter subdued, taking a few more blows to my knuckles and nose. When I turned around, I could see the Necromancer being pelted with arrows. I channeled my magics toward him, siphoning his energies too. Once he fell to his knees and passed out, I quickly commanded the men to lay down their arms.

“There is no need to kill them,” I began to say and was met with protest, but I pressed on, “Bind them and take them to the city. Let the courts deal with them and have them be tried for their crimes. If anything, they might be able to glean from these two members where the others are in the Order. Let the law deal with them and not taint your own hands with their blood.”

With reluctance, the men listened and soon the two Order members were bound and placed in a wagon. I had walked but a few paces when the caravan disappeared and Ahmiaus came unto me.

“Well done, far better than the last,” he mentioned. And thus I was spared from doing the Vrum Lejkmars.

Other than that, I once more chatted with Kimaris. We kind of played truth or dare. I chose truth, since he couldn’t see me do a dare, nor did I feel comfortable doing one if he went with it. He asked, “ Did you feel bad when you crushed the boy’s heart.” For a moment I thought he meant Achmath, but he clarified that he meant who he was, as a young boy weeks ago. I confessed I did. I think too highly of other people’s opinions and feelings.

I then asked him, and Kimaris chose truth too. So the question that came to mind was if he had parents. I felt guilty afterwards for it. He was born of an Elven mother and a half Elf father. He was sent to the monastery after the molten mountain incident. Of course I pressed to know what that was. Apparently the life before this one, he was tasked with keeping the citizens safe, but failed when the mountain erupted, destruction everywhere in its wake. He confessed to wanting to forget that memory.

With as heartfelt of an apology as one can give via the telepathic link, I apologized for bringing the topic up. Kim brushed it aside, saying that it’s because of that moment that he is striving to find Eden. Kimaris will do it with or without the cups. I then had an opportunity to express to him my thoughts, about whether we needed to, considering two cups have already been secured. All we need to do is find the members of the Order and put an end to their deeds. And considering they are hunting us down, we likely wouldn’t have to put much work into the hunt either.

Kimaris gave a sigh and mentioned that the cups themselves hold their own power which the Order shouldn’t be allowed to wield. I shrugged, though he couldn't see. All I can say is I’ll go where the group goes, but I ultimately don’t want to look for a fight. Next Entry

9/29/2997: Just Jump

Previous Entry

Ojtejk La’Buq ab Jujnis, 2997

Had our first simulation as a group today. It was a rather gory endeavour. Ahmiaus had informed me that the afternoon would be spent with my companions as we went through a trial that had us work together. It seemed smart, other than we weren’t really instructed on how to work together. It was just thrown upon us.

We gathered in front of room one, where the tests are held on Halejk. It turned out to be just me, Destiny, and Daevri at first. Bordel was in with the Founder and Zaren was detained by some other task. I furrowed my brow and thought it strange that were assigned to do a group assessment only for two of the five to be exempt because of other obligations, but I didn’t question. I was more eager to prove myself to the others.

The three of us were instructed to locate the Chalice of Healing (trapped away in a tower), Destiny giggling. “We’re being trained to find a cup,” she whispered. I did find that mildly humoring considering that is the pressing matter we’re responsible for. Although... to be honest, I have to wonder if we really need to bother with it. Seriously. We were collecting them to prevent the Order to ever find all ten and use their combined power to make a wish. WIth two already secured, they’ll never be able to accomplish their task. I haven’t told anyone that thought yet, but nevertheless it is something I’ve pondered about.

So with the task in mind, Destiny, Daevri, and myself walked into the room and waited for the simulation to present itself. Trees formed, the kind you’d see in a jungle. Then the rain began to fall. It was thick and warm and blurred my vision. It was blood. I went to grab a large leaf from a nearby tree and believe it or not, the darn thing bit me! And worse, it was trying to suck the blood. It dawned on me quickly that the forest was vampiric, but only as Bordel showed up.

His meeting with the Founder was less than formidable. Basically the simulation we were in, if we failed it would mean our death. I mentioned then that I was likely a lost cause as I felt the effects of the vampire bite taking hold. Goodness, the look in Bordel’s eyes as I showed him the bite on my left arm, and the great ax that Daevri drew high, had me certain I was about to loose my arm to save me. I made to jerk my arm away, but Bordel held strong and simply placed his other hand over the bite mark. I then felt his warm magics collect and create a kind of seal. He told me he had placed a protection spell from the evil magics to stay the effects of the vampirism while we remained in the simulation.

The Cleric had summoned a dragon to provide cover from the blood rain and soon we were on our way to find the chalice, keeping a safe distance from the trees. Bubblesnort went and surveyed the path ahead for any signs of a tower. Upon his return he mentioned that the tower was just a few more minutes ahead and protected by many ghouls.

Sure enough when our destination came into view, a sea of ghouls stretched out before us. Bordel sent the dragon into the midst of the creatures, I summoning a barrier overhead to avoid the falling blood.

The summoned creature walked out amidst the ghouls and soon was swarmed by them. As they clung to the illusion, Bordel uttered a few words before the dragon burst into rays of light, killing all of the undead creatures. The wave of energy that came from it knocked me down onto the blood soaked ground.

Once I regained my footing, we quickly hurried over to the door of the tower. It was unlocked, but inside Daevri and Destiny determined that we needed to pay attention to the pattern of falling items. It was oddly rhythmic, and I was ready to follow up the stairs, careful to move once I saw the item fall. However Daevri thought otherwise and called out to me a warning, to which I hesitated and got hit by a brick. I gritted my teeth and looked at the mechanical boy and resumed my focus.

At the top of the tower, there was a single room with a pile of wealth. All sorts of gems, weapons, armor, and finery littered about the place. But then they moved! The items literally made up the creature that began to attack us. I furrowed my brow unsure if my magics would work on such a creature. I instructed Bubbles to turn into some kind of earth elemental and the faerie dragon happily obliged. He joined Destiny’s and Daevri’s forces as they proceeded to tear apart the creature item by item.

I worked a spell to make the creature hesitant about attacking us, but can’t say if it really did much. Items were flying about the room, and I had only a moment to look at the creature in his jeweled eyes when a sword came right at me. I flew my hands up instinctively in anticipation for contact, but a dull thud, like an arrow hitting it’s target, rang loud. I opened my eyes and found a shield impaled by the blade. Bordel had summoned it just in time and I quickly thanked him.

We all worked together to tear the creature apart. The more disassembled the creature became, the more the tower began to crumble. I knew we were fighting against time. My mind wondered if we’d find the cup first or fall to our deaths in the midst of the tower. It was Destiny who answered that question as she held up the cup stating, “I got it!” but as soon as those words escaped her, she began to vomit. She threw the cup toward me and Bordel. The Cleric reached down and took it, but I insisted that I hold onto it for he was showing signs of illness.

I used my magics to hold the object, the tower continuing to crumble. “We need to leave now,” Bordel instructed and jumped out the window.

“How are we to get out?” I questioned. The Cleric had a way of manipulating rock and so I wasn’t too worried about how he was getting down, but the rest of us...

“Bubbles, can you turn into something big enough to catch us?” I asked. The creature nodded and hopped out the window. “Jump Miss Malaney!” he called back to me. I looked out the window at faerie dragon disguised in rock and earth. The idea of stone catching me sounded about as pleasant as hitting the ground itself. Daevri came up next to me, took a peek, then tried to push me out the window. I elbowed him away.

“Com’on, you got wings now,” he said as he jumped out, creating an illusion of wings to tease me.

“Yeah, but the feathers are still growing,” I muttered. It then came to me. I looked at the cup in the translucent hand then to Destiny.

“Wasn’t the simulation to end once we found the cup?”

Destiny shrugged. I then got my waterskin into hand and poured a little water into the cup. I dribbled the water from the cup onto my bitten arm and watched to see if it would cure the wound. I was appalled to find the wound to fester and become infected. Confused, I shrug, maintained the cup and jumped out the window. I figured if I was going to die, what was jumping all that bad?

Lucky us, the simulation was over. I had closed my eyes, waiting for my back to hit the ground. Instead my feet felt something firm beneath them and my center of gravity shifted to orient me in a vertical fashion. My lungs huffed in the cool air as a light pierced the dark room we stood in.

“The cup?” they asked. Quickly I handed the thing to them, partly annoyed on their timing. Ahmiaus walked over to me, holding a hand out. “May I see your arm?” he asked. I placed my left hand into his so he could examine the bite. Interestingly enough, my arm was whole, but I could feel the ickiness of the vampire venom faintly.

“So why didn’t you jump?” he asked. I narrowed my eyes.

“Because I would have been hurt or dead.”

“Did you not trust you dragon friend to catch you?”

“I imagined there wouldn't have been much of a difference beween him or the ground.”

“Bordel seemed to have no problems-”’

“Because he can manipulate rock! I have not learned that.”

“But you have wings whereas the others do not.”

“Really? Might I point out that you are scolding me for not jumping when in fact I accomplished the task you sent us in there for? What was jumping from a tower to prove?” I replied vehemently. Ahmiaus smiled gently and simply said, “Trust.”

The monks who took the chalice returned and in the cup was more water. Ahmiaus took the object and held it to me. “You should drink this. You’ll feel better.” I refused, telling him what it did to my arm. My teacher informed me that the cup had been corrupted and has been disenchanted of the evil magics.

“You first then,” I said. I didn’t care if it was another trust game he was trying to play with me. My annoyance was peaked and I wasn’t about to drink from something that could very well kill me.

Ahmiaus took a small sip, wiped his lip and stood patiently. I eventually took the cup and drank. Sure enough it worked. The venom that lingered disappeared. I quickly humbled myself and thanked my teacher before hurrying off for dinner.

I’ve relayed the day's event to Kimaris who just chuckled along saying that the monks can be a bit sadistic at times, but to take heart that it’s all for the best and preparing us to think on our toes when the unexpected comes up.

Kimaris still hasn’t told me when he’ll return, but one can hope it’ll be soon. Until then, I need to rest for tomorrow is my second test. I can only hope I will fair it far better than the first. Next Entry