The Harvest Moon Consortium

[Winterhawk99]

Arelush makes the trek to her Amia forest came. She sleeps the night and early in the morning she gets up. The first thing she does is undress and wash both her and her clothing in the small stream nearby. She hangs the clothing up on a line and takes a nap. Midafternoon she wakes and puts on some plain clothes. She makes some scorpion stew. While she does, she whistles.

After a ½ hour a steppe eagle comes down and lands on a branch. Arelush places a small bell on its leg. “We check lines soon.”

She walks over to where there are several pairs of sandals left out in the open. Beside them are bags of dirt. She picks out three of them and places one pair on. Then she selects three bags of dirt. Two she puts in her pack. The other she opens. Taking a fist full of dirt, she places it on one of her feet and rubs the dirt into both the tops of the sandals and her flesh. She works the dirt in for over 2 minutes then transfers it to the other repeating the process. With that done she puts on her armor and takes up a walking stick. She moves out of camp the eagle carefully moving branch to branch ahead of her from 20- 50 feet at any one moment.

Arelush moves out of camp. Part of her concentration is on the bell the other part is where she is walking. She moves silently from shadow to shadow, mostly unnoticed except for those that have very sharpened senses.

She comes to her fist trap line of three. It zig-zags down the hillside. The traps are placed where no deer tread but where traffic would be thick. All in all, it comes to 15 traps. There is a raspy bark up ahead. Arelush takes note of it as she stops and moves recovering empty traps.

At trap 5 she finds a skunk has exhausted itself in her leg hold trap. Arelush has been trained to know how to handle animals in traps. She holds its head so it cannot bite her and makes sure its front legs are off the ground so it cannot spray. She carefully checks its teeth, belly, and the glisten of its coat.

As she does, she hears another raspy bark up ahead and takes note. “You are old and near you end. It is time to let go. I make things quick”. She stands up and steps on its ribs so it cannot expand its lungs. Thus, it cannot breathe. It only takes three minutes. She releases her foot and collects the carcass up putting it in a bag of holding. She continues down the line.

At trap 12 she finds a badger. It is still struggling against the trap. She makes herself known. It churrs at her and tries to attack her but is held down by the strong leg trap. Arelush takes some rope out of her pack and makes a lasso. She then looks around at the trees and draws the shadows to her. She seems to have disappeared.

The badger not able to see the large woman seeks out another and sees the eagle in the tree. It tries to attack it even though it is far out of reach. Suddenly it feels a line over its neck. The line tightens and the monster reappears. It snaps and tries to scratch the huge thing but even with its great size it seems to immobilize him.

Now that she has the badger immobilized, she checks its teeth, belly and pelt carefully. “You are young and strong and feisty. You too young and should have good life. So, I will release. “She opens the leg hold trap and uses her ranger ability to heal its leg with a cure light wounds spell. “Now to release you while keeping me safe.

She takes a skinning knife out and cuts the rope entangling him so that it will take a few seconds for him to get out of it. Then she goes to shadow. The infuriated badger quickly gets out of its bonds but finds there is nothing there to satisfy his ire. His attention falls back to the eagle. He rushes the tree it’s perched on and attacks the tree to almost no effect. The eagle flies away. The badger gives up. There is nothing left to attack and nothing to track. Not even a smell.

Arelush runs the rest of the trapline. When she has recovered all the traps, she takes her shoes off and gets out another pair. Again, she selects a bag of dirt and rubs that into her feet. When all is done, she makes the ½ mile trek to the next line. This one along a stream to a beaver dam. It then goes across the beaver dam and down the other side of the shore.

This line as 30 head hold traps. She works her way up to the beaver dam collecting 6 muskrats and releasing one that showed she had milk. As she gets to the beaver dam she stops suddenly and disappears collecting the shadows around her. Her sixth sense sounded an alarm bell. Someone or something was watching her. She scans the area. The only thing she sees is a slight movement at the top of the beaver dam. At the very spot she placed a trap.

As she approaches, she starts to get excited. A beaver is in her trap and it’s a piebald. Again, she looks around unsure. She knows someone or something is watching but she cannot see it. Because of her shadow dancer abilities her senses go far beyond a normal person’s perception. She knows she is being watched yet even with her other keen senses of listening and seeing she finds nothing. She looks for a trap but also finds nothing. She must needs to make a choice. “Does she come out of hiding and make a show of what is to come, or does she work from shadow phasing in and out as she measures what she has caught?’ She decides on the former after thinking about the conversation between her and Mizette at the campfire on the island of blue lagoon.

She comes out of shadow and negotiates the beaver dam carefully to the top where there is an exit hole. There the piebald is trapped by its neck. It’s barely alive. She brings the 65-pound animal up through the hole and lays it down in front of her. Again, it is too exhausted to put up a fight. She examines it. Teeth, pelt, belly and tail. She sighs to herself. The pelt itself will fetch 1000 to 1200 Southport crowns but the animal’s belly is filled with milk.

She again heals the animal with her spells given to her by something or someone she does not know. She jumps back out of attack range and speaks to the beaver. “You have young ones. I cannot take a mother’s life that feeds her young. Go back to your family and feed them. They are the next generation and should have chance at life.”

The beaver after its fully revived and comes to its senses speeds to the water and disappears underneath. Arelush sits on top of the beaver dam and whistles. Sky queen her steppe eagle flies down and perches on her right forearm. Her shoulder and arm dips slightly in protest to the weight but Arelush recovers and holds firm to the great bird's size.

She then takes her fingers and rubs the eagle’s side. “Is two days before summer solstice. The pelts they are not prime, and we find too many mothers with bellies full of milk. We stop now; collect traps and what we find that good to take. Then we stop till leaves turn brown.”
The eagle makes a raspy bark and looks at a certain pocket on Arelush’s armor. She smiles, “You too fat already. If give you a treat now will no fly. We wait until we all done. Now go back to job then you get you marmot.”

She finishes this trapline and goes to the next collecting another 4 pelts along the way. The last is a branching line through a small valley. A savvy trapper would have gang trapped this trail along trees with faint marks around them. This is not Arelush’s way instead the main line goes down the center of the valley with branching traps moving outward at points where there are small game trails. She collects 5 raccoon pelts and releases three that are either too young or have milk. She recovers her traps and goes to camp. Once back at camp she goes to her bag of holding and brings out a dead marmot. Sky queen lands near it and starts to feast. Arelush takes the bell off its food.

When sated the great bird flies off to parts unknown. Arelush says, “Fair winds my friend and good hunt.”

[Winterhawk99]

The next day Arelush opens her journal and begins to write in hieroglyphs as light allows.

I spend 4 days with others in the cities and islands. I saw many things. I had many meetings. Most were small. A few were with many people. Now I cannot put all of these things in order. But will try to write of all. I know I will miss some, but I know I have absorbed all in some way. What should write about first? I am not sure really. I think I write about darkness.

Was twice with many others. The first time was Rosary take me on one of her wild adventures. We go to crypts in swamp where undead wizard lurk. We work our way through his maze and for some reason I black out. I wake up on crumbling pathway. I call to the grey land, and it take me back to the wave.
There another time I blackout. I called to sewers of Southport by someone by name of anonymous. I go there and find Dorje, Rosary, Dean, Will and many I not much associate with. Some of these have very dark hearts. We fight many thieves and one we raise back to life. Am not sure why.

We come to point where we find things. One was a book that others hired to find. At this moment an undead called revenant (not sure what this is maybe vengeful spirit.) rise from grill. This undead could speak and was determined to kill family that kill him. Others talk to him a very long time. I stay by Dorje if this thing attack want to protect him. This spirit he start to move back where we come from. He find thief and try kill. We stop for awhile I think and talk to this undead thing. As was talking I collapse. Many hours later I wake up. Must have been hidden in grey land or Dorje would not let me be there when woke up. I do wake up in same place and use grey land to come back to wave. I do remember name though this name is Harrington. Is not the undead’s name but family that ended his life.

One of these days I go to city of light, Cystalana or something, (why can I never remember name this creature commander lives in.) As walk threw gate I see the giant of commander at fountain. He with Mizette and a dark dwarf who has skin the color of coal and bright white eyebrows. I ask if am intruding and Mizette motion to far bench. So I know am but they welcome my company as long as I do not hear everything. I still hear everything. Dwarf want to sell undead bones to commander. Commander I think part bird because of feet, part lizard because of scales and part human because of face and beard………Maybe part dragon or something because has wings too. He is truly strange creature. Will not think about undressed maybe he have something to stab you then expect you to lay eggs for him or expect you to lay eggs so he spray his seed on to them like fish. I no lay eggs so am not enthused like that in his presence.

Anyway this commander. He become offended by dwarf and have him thrown out of city. I think this strange. I would have bought bones and then laid them to rest with few gold so that soul trapped in undead have something to counterbalance against scales of truth. Would bury them in seven sisters region where guardians still do they duty. Is different culture I guess.

I not see Jarl Grumpy when go to town this time. But did meet new elf in Dale while talking to Rosary. We talk and he come upon us. He say his name. I think is Glendil I think. Cannot be sure but is like this name. Grumpy come up. Rosary mention he now Jarl. Glendil say something like, “OH No! not Ryrik!” Then elf say he know Grumpy in past. He say Grumpy consort with demons and devils in past. That he fake being a holy man called Helmite and infiltrate city of Southport for some nefarious reason. Maybe to Murder as many as can with authority. Then Rosary say he reformed. Reformed? Am not sure can be reformed after mating with demons and devils. Does Grumpy have secret harem and many children with horns? I start thinking about this.

But then I start thinking of person that giving this information. This is self-proclaimed bard this elf. This is entertainer that would make small steps in sand look like dinosaur steps if could get more coin for a story. So am not so sure all said was true. But I learn from both that the Jarls of this island they change very quickly. So Grumpy will get thrown out one way or another very soon and new Jarl will come. Maybe Grumpy quit so can murder more people without with out having run a city too.

Maybe someday can make him kiss me to see if he turn into prince: like old story. But then again, most times frog just a frog and fairytales they are not true.

Have much more to write about days was in cities and meetings with Mizette, a woman name Nadya, Xyrmys, Elves in wave, Ania’s order of wood and most of all Dorje. Ah my body just make heat. Need put this away forever. When light temple lanterns will pray to Hathor again. I will write of this tomorrow or sometime while in camp living and boiling traps so have no scent.

[Winterhawk99]

With nothing to do but boil her traps in pairs until done and hang them up until the next season, She sits down on a hot but dry morning to finish her journal on the days she went to the cities.

There are unsaid rules for slaves in Mulhorand. When should you speak. How do you speak it. Who do you speak it too. These they all add up to a certain reputation. You learn quickly or you find that other slaves in household find ways to make you life distasteful. I follow these rules even now. This has kept me out of greater trouble with others.

A journal is different. You can write many things in journal that you would not say to another or say to anyone but must be careful too. If you lose or it is stolen There must be nothing there that would give someone that could use information for bad things. Mother teach me this when she teach me to write.

I have some advantage. I write in hieroglyphics. Not many would know it and it take them some time to have it translated. Only one I know may be Pharlos the shapeshifter. He from Thay and may know.

I want to say these things because was set in many instance when meet people where I must speak to someone else and speak with people where I say little or nothing. So will begin with Mizette.

I write letter to Mizette to come blue lagoon. This my main hunting ground when go to cities. Is good place to hunt. She come and we sit in camp on hill. I ask about this woman Nadya (will get to Nadya later.) Nadya someone like mother. She very sick in head. Mother she was not violent (unless wear her black robes from house of life) and could control sickness. Nadya I do not think she can.

Mizette come and we sit down and discuss this. We talk very long time. She tell me best would be for someone to take Nadya to place called Saladarians. She say Nadya be there before. From what Mizette say these Saladarians they like priests and priestesses of Naralis Analor only for humans not elves.

I remember that priests of Naralis always with us after elves learn of mothers sickness. They take care of her and help keep her steady catch her when she fall down and shake. But also know she hated them with passion. They nag her on what eat and what to do and not to do.

Think of ship captain and high arcanist that have much younger priest telling her what to do. She called them nursemaids………was nicest word she called them.

So we end talk on what can do to help Nadya. I would not tell Mizette full story. Told her some of what seen at monastery private. I guess she talk to someone else. Either Dorje or Xyrmys. She hear most important parts of story. Still I would not say what exactly happen only that this Nadya is dangerous and need help.

Mizette she turn discussion on my trapping. She start asking me questions on it and where trap when I disappear a 10 day to work. So I explain my rules on trapping. You do not kill mothers and ones too young to have experience yet. You kill quick and with little pain. I think she like what she hear. I tell her my feelings about life of trapping. That we all part of cycle in life and all have jobs. My job is hunter and trapper. I kill for good of city by providing meat and fur but am also knowing not to be cruel or take those that should not be taken on moral ground.

I think she like what I say. She seem to agree with me. I know is part of Oakmist and I know she take this back and tell those above her about what I think of trap and hunting. I do not think they bother me. And I like many there too. So should be no problem. She leave happy when she have too. I think she tire self out. I say good bye to her. was good talk.

I think maybe she like Commander or Commander like her. but will not be nosy like Rosary. I think she official matchmaker for island or something. Good thing is maybe Mizette can change into giant bird and lay eggs for Commander. I do think maybe is good match.

Later next day I meet Mizette. We talk to each other in whispers. She do much complaining of Dale folk. I will not say what problem was but is general problem often found between people. It seem Mizette and Dalefolk are angry at each other for a reason which I will not write here. We talk about it and I feel presence pass us invisible. We not know who is at time but later find out is Rosary.

Mizette very distrustful of Rosary and gang for some reasons. I tell her I will test these reasons and see for self. I also ask her to try find common ground and maybe speak to them about problem maybe can work it out. I hope they do. Mizette is not bad person and People of dale not bad people……am not sure about Vinny. But others I find no problem with.

Just before leave for camp got chance to test Willfire on Mizette’s problem. I was very surprised. Will fail my test. So will test others about this problem and see if all are like this. This may be hin thing or Dale thing or maybe Mizette unlucky and catch someone at worse like wake up on wrong side of bed.

I go to Dale to check on friends and Rosary only one there. She tell me she was one invisible and she smell gossip so she shield self and go by invisible. Then she ask what was said. I tell her I cannot say. I tell her all things we talk in wave other than what she say about dale. Just normal things.

Then I say. I know Dale and Mizette have some troubles now but is for Dale and Mizette to work out. If she say something like this to me I will not say because who would trust me if I tell everyone what everyone else say. If you need my help will help but whatever is must start with Dale and Mizette.

If someone doing no good then must say something to someone. If someone need help. You must say something to someone but still can keep bond of trust and friendship by not say everything. You do not need tell what a person say. Sometimes you need to say there is problem and it need worked out. This way you keep peoples trust and friendship.

When talking to Rosary I meed Glenidil first time. This when Jarl come up and Glenidil tell me Jarl consort with devils and demons, dress as helmite and spy on southport, beat babies to death against walls on murder sprees. And he sell moonweed to children dressed as lathandite nun.

I take with grain of salt. Jarl not that much smarter than me. He would not be able to do all these things and get away with. But maybe check next time see Jarl if maybe he have bumps on his head that will grow horns. He do not say about moonweed and babies. I make that up. But was point to it. (point bards make things up for greater theater so can get more coin.) The other things he do say.

Rosary and I still part ways friends even though maybe she did not get all she want from me. She know me more now. Maybe Mizette she come to Dale and talk to them after I talk to her. Hope she do. I think she live in grove which is close to Dale. Is not good to have neighbor’s fight. Always ends badly.

I write about this Nadya in afternoon. For now will change traps in boil cauldron and hang ones up that are in now.

[Winterhawk99]

The same afternoon after her traps are boiled and hung up to dry. With a good dinner in her belly she opens her journal again.

Mizette at blue lagoon she give me some paint. I told her about a great quest I have chosen for self. I will repaint the walls of the 8 gods so those that worship the gods of my people will feel comfort. This is great quest I want to do. She give me some red and yellow paint. Also need white, black and blue. Maybe little green and brown. In Mulhorand some olive like me and some brown and some black. We many colors.

Ania speak to me at wave and she say she want to build temples herself. (Maybe where I get idea to repaint walls. Since this early in 4 day visit.) She run for office in Winya. I think she want to rebuild many of the temples. I ask she build a shrine for Naralis. Mother she did not like the gold robes with white dove symbol. We crew thank them everyday for keeping her from dying.

Anyway she say she need wood, marble, stone, and other things. Stone and marble hard for me. I no like go into mines unless have too. I ask what kind of wood. She say Phantar is what most need. I ask if she need darkwood or duskwood. She not sure. I tell her I get 50 for her. She ask me price.

I say if you use this for city. Is free. She like that but she offer to do smithing for me for honor purpose I think. I think is ok to gift a city in need wood. I say ok and get on job off and one. I finish job in two days and give her boxes of about 55 plantar wood and 7 or 8 duskwood. She protest about duskwood. I say give to elven bowyers to make bows or something is extra gift. She say she give to carpenters and they do something with it. Is good enough for me.

Ania have Cooshee. He is strong beautiful dog and will be good hunter for her. I make him a friend. I do not give him treats. That Ania’s job and would not want upset any schedule she have for this like training. But when she bring him I scratch him behind ears gently and pet. He seem like me. Is good.

When I deliver goods, Ania and me talk on writing platform in wave. Elves start gather round us. Most talk around me like they do not like me. Or make point to ignore. I try converse but they no have it. So stood by Sentinel. Ania’s Cooshee mean Sentinel in common so call him that. His elven name hard for me to word. I stroke back and just listen. Still no one talk to me but Will. I give him pocket for a scorpions. I tell him I have 20 emeralds too but he have to pay this time.

He tell me that emeralds should be given freely. I shrug shoulders. This was my test for him that surprise me. I take note of this. It take me many hours to find 20 emeralds and sometimes hard work. It make me have questions.

I feel sad the elves they would not talk to me or have interest in talk with me. It upset me I talk to Dorje later about this. But is ok. I have feeling mother being around humans so long take up some human ways. And lieutenant Cyr had half-elven father and full elven mother. So neither are good example. But there were also the people of Cormoranthy that helped mother help crew get home. They and dwarves of Ascore with us 6 years. Those elves not like these elves at all. Ania is like them but others they not. It confused and saddened my heart. Was another instance before like this too but will save for later.

Before this elf meeting at wave. I see another elf. A Moonseer. She with two others. I try talk to her. and see if she have sailors reflection. She very curt with me. Like she no want me to be around. She say all things moonbow done at full moon not new moon. Then she act like she have no time for me.

I understand different cultures have different means to worship their moon goddess. Sometime Selune worship in way different in one place than another. I miss reflection where we sit around deck and tell stories of ourselves and our people to each other. Is somber event. Is time when Selune not seen but still there. It help crew understand each other and the ways though most from Mulhorand.

So instead of reflection I go to Winya every new moon. I sit by orb and remember both good and bad of my own life. Maybe learn from past at least what can remember. My head cannot remember everything do in 30 or 31 years. I remember the stories that others tell on reflection and do honor to mother’s memory. I think this enough.

Maybe I find more elves besides Ania to talk too someday. Mother she did not teach me much. Others that teach me to hunt did not talk about much either. Anai teach me many things and am grateful of this. Perhaps there more like her somewhere in city. I hope so. Would like to learn more.

[Winterhawk99]

Arelush turns the page and starts a new section.

This next page is about more serious things. There is a very dangerous woman free. A mercenary of renown that has death wish and is unpredictable. I must write about her and those I spoke with after meeting her. I think will be ok. I do not let journal off person and if had to would hide it like Mother teach. She very paranoid for good reason because of her magic. I learn good deal of hiding things from her.

I go to monastery to meet Dorje. They direct to ring? Practice field? Is where people that like to fight challenge one another. I do not like this. there no reason to hurt another just for fun or even if practice. I think I make my feelings known to everyone when things get out of hand.

I find Dorje on bench. Xyrmys in ring with woman I do not know. Her name I find is Nadya when say hi. Dorje have me sit by him at bench while other women fight. They fight some and break up. Xyrmys bleed badly so I come up to heal. She wave me off. Dorje get upset with me too. He say for me to come back. I do but do not like situation? This seem somehow wrong like you feel lightning in air before it strike near you.

They fight more till blood everywhere. They stop for moment and talk. Nadya start saying that Xyrmys is her heir and she want Xyrmys kill her. I take no more. I stand and say I will heal you both are badly bleeding. They finally let me.

A debate start. Xyrmys figure it out after me. Xyrmys and me talk to her. I tell her if you head messed up because you kill so many you need stop fighting and start new thing where do not kill anymore. I hard on this woman and every time I speak she glare at me. She know I speak truth but not want to admit. I do not care if she like me or not like me. I care she not have someone she call heir kill her. I care she not die at all. I tell her all this. I say if xyrmys kill you she have scar rest of life what mother would have daughter kill her. is saddest thing in world. Like said I very hard on this woman. Maybe if speak enough truth to her how she hurt others in quest to die. I also keep saying there many other things one can do in life beside kill another.

Xyrmys she not so hard on woman. She try understand. I understand all to well is like to lose mother even if not birth mother and would never think that mother have me kill her. Is so distasteful.

Nadya she calm down and is heal then she stomp off field to ways unknown. Xyrmys, Dorje and me have long discuss on what happen. This woman is very sick woman. Sick in head. Wounded from so many battles. She need find peace within herself. She need find her real place in life not all this warrior killing.

I kill as huntress and trapper because is my place in life. I do not enjoy killing. It is necessary thing I do in job to feed others around me. Am good huntress and trapper and in happy in my place as part of cycle of life. This woman need find her true place. It is not that of knight. That much is clear to me.

I talk to many people about this Nadya. Commander, Mizette, Ania, Dorje. It seem we have to find way to get her to these Saldarians. Maybe they can help. I do not think she go willingly. Will have to think on this maybe try draw her out and try reason. If reason no work we need take her unwillingly. She too dangerous a person to be walking around. Given time she will hurt others or herself. I already see her do this on practice field.

Just before I go to camp and just after big meeting with elves at wave. I go to monestary again and meet Dorje. We sit and talk. I tell him how sad I feel about way elves treat me in Wave. They make me feel like I am less than person. Have not had that feeling in many years since free. It hurt me.

Dorje he cheer me up. Am grateful for his friendship. Xyrmys come then Mizette. We talk about our differences. The things we can do that others cannot. Mizette’s ability to change. Xyrmys holy powers and way Dorje can fight with fists. And the way I can use shadow and seem resistant to nature. We talk about if some natural develop by way we live or is learned and practiced. Was good discussion.

He also start question me where trap when I work ten day. I tell him Amia forest. He question me more. I explain same thing that I tell Mizette. Dorje satisfed. I question though is something going on between trappers of Amia forest and Oakmist grove? I hope am not involved if there something going on. I just want do my job and another reason I stop trapping now with furbearers not in prime.

We break up late. Am glad got see Dorje before camp. Is good friend. This end of 4 days in city that I remember is probably more but forget the more. I will hunt instead of trap. Skyqueen she need to hunt too. She getting to fat. Will do that until return to city with last of pelts for year and hopefully some good friendship beyond.

[Winterhawk99]

Arelush goes back to camp after a full ten day in the city. It wasn’t her usual schedule; however, pelts are not primed, and she worries many of the animals she hunts may be mothers. Her trapping has completely stopped, and she only hunts occasionally. She tidies up camp and begins a leisurely existence deep within the forest of Amia.

Ever since she came to Amia it has been a glorious existence for one who has had nothing for most of her life: less than nothing for most of her existence she did not even own herself. It’s not long until she opens her journal and begins to write in hieroglyphics.

I am back in camp after a full 10 day in the cities and other hunting grounds I use when there. I learned so much. Did so much that I will not be able to remember all of it so I will write down what I remember.

The first and most important thing that I did over these days is fail my friend for a second time. I am mortified by this. It seems the gods have decreed we must wait. Here is what happened.

Early in my stay I met an elf that told me it might be possible to go to Mulhorand from Khem. You see Dejet a city in Khem trades with Mulhorand. It seems the island of Khem itself is in the Alamber sea right off the coast of the homeland.

I take this information to Dorje who wants to see a priest of Horus-re. He is elated. I felt so good for him. So, the next thing I did is look for a way to get to the mainland. I just so happen I meet that duke that worship Hoar on one of my trips to the temple of 8. He showed me a ship that trades between Dejet and the mainland south of the city. I try to book passage with the captain. I did book passage, but the captain seemed a bit shady. He takes my money and tells us when to come. At the appointed hour we were both there. The ship was there. The captain and crew…. They were not there.

The ship is a small sloop that may only hold about 35 tons at the most. I also wondered about that. It seems I have been taken by an opportunistic thief. Thus, I failed the mission at hand. I apologized to Dorje profusely. He did not get upset.

After I failed, I went down to Selune’s temple and asked the great navigator for guidance. I do not know what to do now. I have sent letters. I’ve tried to book a passage. All has failed. Now with such a small head about these kinds of things I do not know what to do. Maybe Selune she guides me to where am supposed to be when the time comes. I would go to the gods of 8 but this is not their sphere to guide people with their compass like Selune do. So, I go to her.

The other great quest the two of us embark on is the restoration of the temple of 8 gods. We talk to djinn wives and make an alliance to work together. They do most of the restoration but leave the hieroglyphs for Dorje and me to finish. The first day we were there we touched up some blue and gold backgrounds and paintings of people.

I think am getting better with writing now practicing much…. Ok Next, we start on the back wall near Osiris and Geb. We write down the ancient history of our people up to the 2nd age. All the while I teach Dorje the symbols and what sounds come with them. I also read to him slowly and make him read it as I do. Dorje is very smart. He get what take me forever to do. Only problem is he cannot get some sounds yet like the guttural KH that comes from back of throat at the end. He better at trills but need much practice too. He learns fast.

The last wall I have him paint. He unsure because this is temple, and it is to honor the gods but I help him write. He do good. Second day we do walls around Osiris. This how I learn of Set killing Re and Horus combining with him. It such a sad tale but now I know for sure and am more comfortable about the knowledge I miss when jump in time with crew. I cried.

Sellie show up and put us a bit off track with problem but that is ok. One should help others with problems if can. If cannot is good to listen so they take some weight off their shoulders. We are slowly but surely doing our part to make temple look new. This make me happy but also sad because my great quest is moving in direction and Dorje’s is not.

Was having problems with my armor. My gauntlets they are very protective but so is my armor. Rosary trade me gauntlets so that instead of being protective they make me healthier. So now armor work with them. Also Serena she make me many suggestions about equipment because I have no help to my hide and ability to move without notice. She tell me of robes of fugative. These very powerful shadow armor. I trade someone for special magic things I need and…….I can not remember. I think Mizette make me robes and combine pieces of magic into them. I think was Mizetter she tailor I believe. Anyway was help greatly in trade and sewing and spend very little for these robes. I guess past good deeds and feelings add up. So now I have robes made but think have to alter.

I show Dorje them and he say he like them but will not stand near me in crowd now. I think is too revealing. I do not want to push him away so will have them altered so not so much skin. I do not like when he seem distance himself but can only do so much and understand his nervousness. I will try to be more sensitive to his needs on this so it not seem we together. This make me sad but know he cannot have relationship or even seem too.

I also have very long talk woman to woman with Rosary about this matter and how sensitive it is to Dorje and I. Surprisingly she get it. I do not think I need to speak to her again about looking at us strangely and making silly whispers when we all in crowd.

Dorje gift to me a miniature bowyer shop that I can magic to make big. I put it in a bag and take it out when need it. Now I start to make bows. I do not get much profit from phandar bows. But do from duskwood bow so I set aside duskwood for this purpose. I make about a dozen bows and get about 3,000 in profit for each one at store.

One time Sellie sell two bows for me and I get about 7,000 in profit from each after her commission. This is really good, but Sellie not always around and 3,000 still a lot of coin. Life is so good now. I have 21/4 million or so in coin. Could buy small palace at home and live in luxury rest of life if want but love outdoors now and prefer simple life helping people where and when can.

While in cities I go to grove to rest and sleep. Mostly the grove they not bother me. Some of these people they seem not want me around but I learn to keep to myself. One day I pass by and an elf challenge me on something. A large group was there.

Was a bit of hard day for me was not thinking and thought he was crazy elf that think he gold dragon. They look similar and both names are Galan with different last letters. We get into small spitting competition like baby cobras and I spout out where I really from or rather when I really from. Was very bad decision……...maybe, maybe not.

I think now they think something wrong with my head. This would be good for not everyone should know or care where am from. If they think I am crazy all the better. They put in back of mind and leave me be. I do like some there. Mostly Ly’nes and Mizette. I am not sure about others.

I sleep on bench near lake. Sometimes Ly’nes come and talk to me. She nice woman. And Mizette always up for talk here and there. We often help one another. So as long as rest leave alone is ok. I not trust others for some reason they very intimidating and seem not want talk to me. Maybe because I am such slow learner. I cannot sleep at monastery. Would like to but would be imprudent. There would be too many questions.

Xyrmys invite me to fancy restaurant that have squid. Was delighted but they only give you sticks to eat with. I give up trying to use and just stab my food. Xyrmys laugh and show me better but still have a hard time using. Will take much practice.

We talk about her mother who she hate. I have long talk with her. She tell me about training and how mother never have anything good to say. She say mother is very angry woman and wish Xyrmys not born. I try comfort her some and say maybe not hate mother but pity her for what has become.

Hate I think never good feeling. Pity better and I think in this is right emotion to feel so I try steer Xyrmys to this instead. We did have fun. I make few joke she laugh at. Am not so good with joke so she kind for laughing.

I hear more about bad feelings between Dale and Grove. I talk to more than a few about this. Each side say that other side is selfish and no like others. I see some truth in both sides and some misunderstanding. The problem is that there so many people involved that are so different I do not believe can be fixed by one person or even a few people. I hurt that I cannot help for have friends on each side. They are like bickering neighbors, each looking for reason to start fight with the other.

I cannot see this being fixed in peaceful fashion and fear only a great tragedy will bring them together again for common cause. So, what have decided to do is if someone complain I will listen and comfort them maybe say and help on bad feelings so that maybe when something come up, they stop and are able to put somethings behind them. I do not know. What do know is I know cannot fix this myself so should not put foot where doesn’t belong.

There of course many other things. A good kobold by name of Ioth and other new people I meet. If I think of something else will write it down before going to cities again. For now, this long journal day and should end before I not read again because it so long. Maybe write tomorrow.

[Winterhawk99]

Arelush gets back to camp and spreads out the things in her bags of holding. She takes out a whole set of armor, rings, boots and other things. She lays it out and inspects it. Here are all her items that help her with stealth and movement. She knows she will need these things over the next 10 day to do what she must do.

She takes a bath in the stream with a bucket and switches her combat gear for her stealth gear. After changing she opens her journal.

Was in the cities for 4 days. Most times not much happen. I did not see Dorje until the very end of stay. This what was most important. Rosary, she call me to Amia forest. This is where meet Dorje. A place I know well. She and friends have meeting with strange man. Before we get there men in heavy armor attack us. I use bow and shadow abilities to help them fight. It go good. We find men we suppose to meet in a ruin.

I am not a good talker. So, I lay out around entrance to ruin on a hill leg hold bear traps so if these men they call Baneites come back. They would have to get through traps before they get to us. I warn everyone of traps and just listen.

Man say these Baneites have secret base in Amia forest that must be found. He say it hidden by magic. I tell them when I go to camp for ten-day to work with pelts, I collect on hunts I will look for these men. If this base concealed with magic, I most like will not see. I am not good with magic. But still men have to protect this base. So, they will be out in the forest. I find where men are and put mark on map. If can find many times men in forest with their heavy armor or look like not suppose to be there will mark map. Once I get enough points will be able to find a center. This is a good place to check maybe find base. Will also contact grove. Maybe they help, maybe not. This be good test for them and Dale maybe to bring together before something happen where have no choice.

After meeting Dorje and I go to temple. We complete hieroglyphs around statue of Osiris and statue of Thoth. Temple start looking very well on one side. It is all shiny with new paint. Am proud to help and am Very proud Dorje help me with this and learn so fast.

Ania took me to library and have 10 elf children books. Will study between search for base. Is all have to write. Like said, I do some hunting, gathering, talk to few people. I meet Jarl Grumpy for first time in a long time. He seem different or maybe acting different because want something. I do not like this. It make me suspicious he up something. Will write again after go back to cities.

She takes a papyrus and writes a short letter to the grove. She then calls Sky queen to her. Arelush doesn’t put the hawkers bell on the bird. Instead, she shows it a strip of cloth cut from a tabard saying, “Well when I show you dead animal you get that animal. This is cloth. Do not attack, just bring me to where you see cloth if you can understand. We scan forest for people with this cloth on this 10-day.

She releases the bird and follows it as it takes to wind, makes altitude and starts to scan the ground.

[Winterhawk99]

Arelush finishes setting up her camp at crystal lake. She has a small tent for supplies. Across from the dock and a few smoking racks made. Traps are hanging from trees. She has tapped the local silver bark trees and done everything necessary for the meager comfort she is used to now. She looks at her skin and fur station across from her. Everything is natural but she does a mental check for what wastes she may need to bury such as brains of animals that she uses for tanning. Satisfied she studies the area.

She stands on an old wooden dock. There is a raft tied to it and a station for gutting fish. She walks to her tent and takes a bucket. She then walks back putting it on the table. Again, she stands on the old dock. She will most likely have to replace some of the boards and possibly stain them with some tannins from boiled walnut shells. And then add a finish of melted shellac beetle shells. She writes that down in her journal.

She goes over to the fishing spot and checks the small nets she has for holes. So far there are none. She places them in her lap again and looks up. There are a few posted elves in the trees here and there in the forest. They have not bothered her thus far. She found a way up to the trees and can shadow jump to each tree stand. From time to time, she silently brings the guards apples and scoots out of their way since the days she has found this place.

She also knows there may be others hiding in the grove. There are other camps and caves. One cave has a well-tended garden. They have not shown themselves to her as of yet. Perhaps they will perhaps not. She does not know. They leave her alone to do what she does. It is enough for her, and it is much quieter than the Amia forest. She was happy there. She hopes she will be happier here without all the background noise. When satisfied she opens her journal and slowly writes in hieroglyphics.

I decide since is summer and no trapping I go to cites for more than a 10 day. This was a long time for me but wanted to make sure see Dorje. I see, hear and do many things. One of first things I do is go see people. They have wonderful news. Dale and grove talk. They mend their differences. Is good thing. Neighbors should not be angry with one another. I like to think I did small part by talking to Dale people and some I know at grove. I think letter I send to them help too. I extend hand for Dale though they not ever know. Grove think I part of Dale group though am just friend. So, all work out.

I tell this to Mizette. She say she never forgive Dale but is not my problem. She friend too I will not step between two friends with hurt feelings directly. This would not be wise, I think. Eventually maybe they work out problems. I am hopeful.

Ania need more wood for temple. I go get her wood and some stone. I meet Duke and Devlin where get Ania supplies. I guess he part of government in area. He warn me not use shadow near temple of Lathander. They no like that. I think because I also hunting and using my detached shadow when break from task. He say not do by temple because lathander people are fanatics and do not understand that shadow abilities not evil. I tell him not want make waves and reattach shadow to self. Must remember not use when near lathander people. I not want crazy fanatics burn me at stake or something. Is somewhat theme these day people that do not like my abilities but will write more on this later.

I think Ania think me personal project on teaching elven. Am very glad of this. She help me much and encourage me. I try speak it a few times. But only when she around. I have reason for this is part embarrass because learn so slowly is part I know some elves here they do not like me so I try not to make mad in practice with one that do not. I think they hate think of human as daughter of elf. It do not matter to me. Is what am so try to just stay away from those that I think do not like me. Is easier this way.

I go to second meeting with high people. People that drink tea with their pinky finger standing up. Is called beacon alliance. They first honor their dead and Max. The dead reagent. When they get to business I know I ask many important questions but forget what was about now. My head so small and so many thing happen. I know was important though and I think I represent common interest.

After ceremony new reagent Max wife have nice ceremony with Duke and Delvin. They get high rank or something. Was very nice. I notice Reagent feel stomach few times and her face little flush. I think she pregnant. Was houseslave for first 20 years of life. These good signs she pregnant. Would know, I have seen this many times before.

By chance I was around ft Crystana and find a hidden grove between fort and elven kingdom. Is called crystal lake. Is very peaceful with lots of resources. I sit down and think a long time. Amia is always good place for trapper. But is also very high traffic. I always feel grove watch me all time there. I have friends there like Ly’nes and Mizette but also there people there not give me time of day. Maybe because Mulan or maybe because friends with Dale. Am not sure. When go to grove and sleep I always be made feel am intruder by some. They not all wrong. Am quiet and not want to be official part of anything. Is because I see groups with good intentions may go bad in end. I no want to be part of this.

At crystal lake is no one except elves that guard in trees and maybe few others. am not sure who but so far they leave me alone. Is much quieter with no adventurers stomping through woods all over. I like it better here than there so move camp to crystal lake. I tell grove this so they know they no have to worry or put up with me in future.

There is elf in grove called Galan. He is ummm soft in head, not right in head. He think he a dragon and can take shape of elf. I see mother turn into copper dragon many times to defend ship and crew. I know this elf have delusions and unlike mother that learn to control hers he no control his. This elf like Nadya. Is danger to himself and others. I try not talk to much. You must be very careful with people not right in head. If not expert should not upset these. I am not expert on people’s heads. My own head is cloudy, and I learn slow.

This elf he bite me every time I use shadow. I mostly ignore this. Shadow is part of my. I study hard at academy and get my master sigil. I am mistress of shadow and am proud of this. Have been using so long now is deep part of me. He bite me several times in cities about my use of shadow. Finally after battle he say again. I tell him if he stop changing shape I will stop using shadow. I make point that all have abilities and should not chastise another’s for theirs when you have strange abilities too. He shut up. I do not think will have trouble with him again. Hope not. I do not like being target of someone just want to put grief in my soul. He is bad person for this.

Just before festival, shieldmeet, there was great storm. Beacon go off at Moonpier. A few of us rush to there using lantern. We get there as last of a battle rage on docks. sahuagin and pirates either create storm or use storm to try raid village. I did not get to fight but afterward check trade and civic center then help with badly wounded in infirmary. Pharlos and I bandage most heavy wounded: Those that would not survive without. I also use small nature magic to treat them that I have. Is not much but help worse cases. We work quickly. After those were done best we could do I quickly clean up bloody rags and other things.

When all done with this I go to docks to report that most bady hurt were someone fix and will survive. All there start biting me for using shadow jump and other things. I realize they did not appreciate me there. Most do not like me. Was not surprised by crazy elf Galan or strange winged drow. They always mean to me every time meet. But was very surprised Xyrmys there and throw in with them. This when I tell Galan I will stop using shadow when he stop changing shape. Was not disappointed by two elves I know they wrong in head. Was very surprised by Xyrmys. I guess was pressure of other friends. That happens.

Mizette make me such fine dress for festival. Was so happy. While we work on it She say she want special dress for summer. She say she have dress called blitzette for winter. So I say why not call summer dress Sunzette. She laugh at first then her eyes go wide and she start frantically work on new dress. She name it sunzette and it very beautiful on her. Glad could help friend and we laugh about.

On last day I could stay in cities was festival and Dorje finally come out of monestary. I thought maybe other monks hit him over head so he could not see me anymore. But he come. I do not think he notice dress much. I ask him if he have something special for festival. He say no. I try persuade him to maybe think of next time but he shake head he like his monk robes. Must get used to this in future.

I did get him try arm wrestle. I tease and prod him much to participate and have fun. And he do until tournament come. I get him to sign up for tournament. Was two teams. One team was Jarl Grumpy and his friends. The other was Dorje, Will (Wildfire) and Xyrmys. Dorje get behind somehow, which was not allowed when they fight and his team disqualified first fight. They do 2 of 3 and fight again. Dorje’s team lose again.

I was still proud he fight and give it a go but Dorje not take it that way. He take it very hard. He say he could not use Ki. Am sort of understand this. I would not fight because I think would not be able use shadow. Shadow is big part of how fight. He so upset about this. I start to get worried. Jarl buy him prize though for coming second. Hate to say but was nice of Jarl. Was honor thing to do. Maybe he possessed by good spirit now. That just scary.

As festival wind down I suggest Dorje see new home at crystal lake. So we go just two of us. We sit down at dock and look at stars until morning. I careful not get too close. We talk about why he upset with self for losing. I say not worry was game. Sometimes win sometimes lose was for fun. I think he come around as talk of other things.

In the morning, I catch two salmon and cook them for him with some salt, lemon, rosemary and butter. He say he never have fish like this and was very good. I smile and we eat. He suggest contract with me to bring meat and fish to monastery. I say ok and say charge him same for what Randel give me at wave. I ask how many monks. He say 33. Is not too bad so will put some game aside for his people. He also want recipes for different things but no lizards, snakes or scorpions. I laugh at that. So next time go into cities will show monks simple field cooking to taste good. Will have to collect some spices. Have plenty salt and oil but not much other things. Will get as hunt.

I think that all I write for now. Will spend a 10-day hunting and prepping skins and furs for market then go back. Am happy here. Hope it stay that way and am happy Dorje comfortable in our relationship again.

[Winterhawk99]

After two days of hunting in the desert Arelush comes back to her camp at crystal lake. Her camp seems fine but there are trample marks everywhere. She checks her hanging traps first then her two small curing pits. She walks around looking at all the disturbance. Something large had been through here then a small army of elves.

She can’t put it together, so she checks the taps in the silverbark trees. All of them are half full. Someone had taken some during her outing. She looks around thinking it is ok. She was willing to share with anyone else that may live in the grove though they have not come out yet. She takes some papyrus out and writes a note in elven scrolling very carefully trying not to make a mistake. It says, "Take what need, Leave what not need for other." She then nails it beside the taps.

She quarters and cleans her kills. The skins go into a bathe of natural acid she makes herself. The meat she salts and smokes for the monastery. Before she falls to sleep, she checks the nets in the lake. She is not hungry so releases the fish back into the water. Instead, she eats a few dried scorpions and cobra chips. She makes a nest for the night under a tree and falls to sleep.

[Winterhawk99]

Hello journal is Arelush again. I will speak of going to the cities for 4 days. First thing I do is fulfill long term contract with Monastery. Dorje set it up for me to bring them food every 10 day. So, I bring them 46 peasant, 222 pounds of deer and elk, 72 salmon, 97 trout, 99 bass, 109-pound shrimp and crayfish, 113 pound of clams, 39 sack of potatoes, 25 pound of sugar cane, 8 truffles, and 19 coconuts. Should feed 55 people for 10 day. I hope. Maybe monk eat more to feed ki too. Will ask Dorje.

Dorje no show up this 4-day rest. Was a little disappointed. I know he want me show them how cook food but I cook simple houseslave food. I ask Dean who is wonderful chef to ask Dorje if he can show monks how to cook. Dorje say monk food very bland like potage or meat with not spice. I cannot see how men can live and work with such so is good thing I can help them to eat well. Will also help Dean in kitchen to teach monks if he want but feel that real chef should teach not former houseslave.

Dorje do not want scorpion or snake. I offer but also say this is food Mulan slaves use too, and his monk might shy away from. We discuss and Dorje thing so too. I do not think he like scorpion or snake to much though I give some to try. This was at festival I think when he try more than 10 day ago.

Pharlos make order too. I charge him 500 a piece for phantar wood and I also get him 10 marble and stone. I do not want charge too much like others. I get 250 a piece for most things so if special order I think 500 for each is good. Some charge 1000 a piece but is not so good, I think. It seem too much like cheating another.

Yesterday Pharlos make another order for 100 shadowtop wood and 50 marble. This will be hard order to fill but will do it. He come from what I know as Provence of Thay so for me at least is fellow countryman. So, I do this for him. I have maybe 6 or 7 shadowtop now. Marble I know now where get but is not so easy. Will do best with this.

There was party at Wave. Some old friends and some new friends we all get drunk. Was like girls night out except for one guy. Other guys come and leave to. Most of us get very drunk. We sing songs, laugh, make jokes. I think Mizette and few others need to be helped home. Am not sure. But was nice to let go for bit. Life too hard not let go few times a year. Was fun for me though I do not think anyone like my old sailor song.

I meet nice minotaur lady by name of Muumin or something like that. She very nice. I do not think she mean desert Minotaur of Khem but she is from desert, so we have mutual respect I think. Next day with headache still Me and her and Mizette go to spiders for special quests. Mizette want cream to make her horns shiny and pretty. Muumin say she know how. We go down to spiders and kill queen then Muumin mix spider webbing, ash, and mint and make ball for Mizette to buff horns with. Mizette very happy and I am happy for her.

Mizette seem have many personal problems of late. She not tell me what but I be friend and just listen when she down and try bring her up at those times. I think she appreciate walking beside me. Later after big adventure the people of dale said I should get wig so Dorje think is more attractive. Am not sure about wig but would wear headdress of freewoman if Dorje might find me more attractive………. Maybe that not such good thing. I frighten him away I think with low cut dress I have made once. Next dress cover more skin and he much more relaxed. So maybe if wear headdress that Mizette make will make me prettier in his eyes. If Mizette pull of Mulan headdress right may kiss her and give her much more coin than she ask for.

I go to visit friends at Dale. They all have their children out beyond wall at bench by cart service. Xyrmys there too with her adopted son. I decide to stop hunting for while and go with them. They go to grove. The grove make huge make-believe adventure for children. There was a dragon and a sphinx, a troll, a guardian badger. and a giant owl on their quest. It was much fun and warm my heart to see so much attention on the children. One was a brave knight. Cypress was taker of notes and lead of quest just like wizard would be. I stay to back and watch over children. When troll jumped on bridge right behind me missed opportunity to fall down and act like he capture me. I only think this after that section play out.
Like most times was too slow to realize.

At end little dragon turn into wizard and children defeat it with ceremony led by Cypress. They save the princess and giant squirrel. They were all crowned The Green Knights. They have party afterward. I stay as long as could until ears start to hurt from so many around me. I leave happy that all is well. I think Grove and Dale now at peace with one another. This make me even more happy. I think even Mizette warm up to Dale people. Is a very good thing. Neighbors need find ways to live together happy even if different.

Last day in cities two very meaningful things happen to me. First pirates attack Southport. There was first a fog. We think Galan fooling around but Galan say he no do this that he think pirate raid coming. So we prepare. There many people there including Grumpy. I cannot remember all people but was like 20 of us. The pirates attack over bridge to city. We quick to put these ones down then we fight our way through Southport with chicken guards of helm running away but telling us where pirates are.

If they so chicken they run away why they guards in first place. It make no sense. We have easy fights through city to gentleman’s club then things get hard. I go upstairs to check on the bedwarmers. Was bedwarmer slave a few years so wanted to check on them make sure ok. Ummm only problem was there must be 30 or 40 pirates there. was so crowded someone bound to see me even in shadow. Was quickly surrounded and every bone in body I think broken. I could not even heal self. I wait for others to help me. They do eventually.

I think pirates looking for something at brothel but do not know what. After I get patched up we fight rest of pirates in brothel till all dead or run away. Then we go to secret hideout of pirate captain cult leader. Is were I learn these pirates follow witch queen of the sea, Umberlee.

We fight through secret headquarters. About half-way this giant golem start to follow me. I not know where come from or what happen but I ask if this thing mine or it claim me. Everyone say yes. This giant golem I worry he step on me or hin friends. But he very good in fight or should say she.

As work our way through headquarters golem pull arms and legs of pirates and ummmm smaller parts too. This why I think golem is a she golem. Men scream in very loud high-pitched voice when small parts ripped off. Is awful pleasant sound from pirate and they no fight too good after that. If see golem again maybe name her. Have to think of good name like ummm Flower Petal.

We come to where pirate cult leader captain is. There is big fight with many men. I arrive as one of last and start to shoot them with bow. I kill wizard and working on fighting pirates then I see this big pirate work way behind alter in different outfit. So I start put arrow in him. I get lucking and put one throw neck. He fall down dying. It turn out he was cult leader pirate captain. So I kill leader of pirates. I think is good that one who was merchant marine even if just cabin girl get killing strike on pirate captain. It feel very good. Can see big bad goddess of sea when find his soul asking who did this and his answer is “It was a cabin girl with an arrow!”

Ohhh and then there Grumpy too. I start to like Jarl Grumpy. He come into brothel and say I come for beacon alliance. I tell him “Should come because is the right thing to do, Grumpy.” He tell me, “Shut up woman.” I missed opportunity to say. “Oh, is good for you. You do favorite thing with no trouble from others. You get to go on murder spree.” My mind again was too slow. Missed opportunity. Maybe next time me and Grumpy have words I bring out red handkerchief and wave at him. If he charge me will shadow jump across room and yell out………. what is word……Oh yes. “O’LAY!”

Last thing I did was obsidian golem. We hear rumors of Obsidian golem tearing apart land known as obsidian island or other name Caldreis I think. So, I got to get help. There were few in crossroads of traveler's rest. I ask for help to fight golem. They say Caldreis can handle own problems. I know there many bad people on obsidian island but if golem tearing it up what about common people. Common people just want do their job and go about business. I do not think they would be evil like leaders are. But they not want to go. I become very afraid am only one but I know must go because is right thing to do for those innocent people that are just there living lives.

I explore and at first find no golem and go past area. It must be hiding. When know I go to far I turn back. I go back to east coast and there is golem in distance and is running at me. I gather shadow and hide while my own shadow go fight him………..ummm my shadow not last long. He get beat down so hard he slink back like chicken shadow and re-attach even before I give permission all while golem see me and run after.

I shadow jump to hill I not think he can climb. I then summon my ruby golem but he cannot fight is on hill with me. So I try use him to distract and start to shoot him with golem punching arrows. He get hit few times and then make this ball of air or something and throw it at me like snowball. This air ball hit me break several ribs and throw me back 5 feet! It hurt! Had to take healing potion and calm self down.

I have to fight smart. So I use shadow and hide walk to edge. Aw! He cannot see me, ok. I shoot few times and run back. Now is blind! How he blind me! I wait till over and take potion of mind something so cannot effect head. I hide run up to cliff edge fire arrows and run back again. I do this again and again. But always something happen. Golem shoot stream of fire. Or try make me confused, or try to shoot lightning. The lightning and fire it no harm me. But sometimes mind potion wear off and when hit him I get confused and he make more air balls and hit me with sending me flying back. We do this for hours.

Now my golem punchers have little effect but they do effect. Little cracks show up on golem I hit him maybe 3 or 400 times with golem punchers and decide not working well. I try magic arrows. They not work well either. So, I try frost tip arrow. These special arrows only those of university can use. They are cold and drain energy. Golem need energy to work. Was good idea. These arrows work better. Every time I hit crystal get cold and shatter and a little bit of dust fall off near crack from golem punching arrows. I keep hiding, running to edge and shooting.

After many more hours I begin wear down now chip away like artist bit by bit. But golem he get sneaky and run up to cliff and hide from me. I can no more shoot him. Now must take chance. I think if I shadow jump as far can go turn around golem no get to me before can jump back to cliff. You see it take time for me to see grey land after jump. Is concentration thing. I must realize am in real world again then concentrate to walk through smaller grey land again. It take a few seconds so must make sure golem cannot cover that in time to turn me into ragdoll.

I make jump. When I come up giant ants are all over me. I have to fight them too while golem charging at me. Giant ants is no problem by self. With golem is big problem. I kill one ant and big bad golem almost on me. I jump back on cliff shoot once maybe twice and golem go right back against cliff again and try hide. We are getting nowhere. I can see golem is chipped away by arrows very much but cannot shoot well with him against cliff.

I must take another chance. I call skyqueen. I try tell her. Do not let golem get you with air ball. Just show flapping wings a little over cliff to distract then can shoot. The bird do what I say, happily. Golem get confused with skyqueen and I have openings to shoot him. I finally defeat him all on own. When jump down off cliff its chest cracked open from all the chipping and there is box inside one that has button that will protect me from lightning. Am elated!

I come back to traveler's rest and others still there. I put golem head on ground and say. I did it. They congratulate me. I think was one of best days of life. Am also glad golem is gone and cannot hurt forest or common people of Obsidian Island. Leaders I no care for but there normal people there too. I think was right thing to protect them even if I first think going to certain doom.