The Harvest Moon Consortium

[Winterhawk99]

There are many humans here. They live below the trees. There is a circle of Druids called the conclave that elves, half-elves, humans and even Dwarves. I met a human at the circle. A supposed holy knight of the lion king. His name is Andivar. Which leads me to the next story when I came out of that first hibernation with in the Y’tellarien. Before the story though. I will say that the human men often sport beards. I think humans may be offshoots of dwarves. Their men have beards. They like to drink, and they tend to be gruff and overbearing in public. It sounds very much like a dwarf to me.

On my second ten-day with the tribes much happened. I do want to tell the story of my grand adventure and folly to trust a human. I have found some humans ok, but this one abandoned me in the very first human city I visited. A human city called Murann.

Andivar, a kin named R’jan, and a female half-breed (I do not remember her name. a name like Amelia) were near the circle. They invited me to go to the city. I told them I would accompany them, but I would stay outside while they did their business in that I had never been to a human city before and I have heard very bad things about this city. I had heard that they put kin in some form of face cage a torture device to keep them from speaking. I had heard they have elven slaves, and that magic was not allowed. It seemed a bit scary to me.

They said they only wished to do their business and return. Curiosity got the best of me, and I said I would go with them. The first bit of wrongness came just outside the Conclave. Twice, I calmed a wolf. Both times Andivar was near me. R’jan took it that he did it and thanked him. He said nothing to correct the kin. We went to a place called trade meet then took the long journey to Murann.

When we got to this city, I was going to wait outside for them to return but they harkened with them and said it was ok. As I passed through the gates, I noted a horrid smell it was appalling. All about, the streets were littered with refuse and garbage rotting in the afternoon sun. Andivar went straight to a group of people and started to talk in a language I did not know. They switched from the common trade tongue to this new language off and on to give me just a hint with what is going on.

After some time Andivar gave me over to the half-elf. R’jan went with us. We went to this place of license. I had to register and the person behind the stall gave me several papers. They said it was free… the first time.

Once I got my papers the half-elf left me and R’jan sighting something she had to do. She left us there. R’jan sneered at me and told me I was useless and told me he was going on adventure, and I should seek out Andivar. He led me back to the gate where the so-called paladin was still speaking to his friends. He dumped me there. Andivar walked off for several minutes leaving me this group of humans who started speaking that strange language again.

While waiting. A very large human that smelled of sweat in shiny armor that was yellow and red came up beside me and stared at me for nearly 15 minutes. He was close enough that I could smell what he had for dinner. A brute of a man with ill manners that was trying to intimidate me. I stood silent and pretended I was listening to Andivar’s circle of friends. He finally left and the paladin returned.

The paladin showed himself again and he led me to what is called an inn. We sat down before a fire and talked for a while. I was very nervous with all the strange humans surrounding me. At one point I thought I heard Sanya’s voice but am not sure. After a few hours Andivar told me I must sleep at the inn, and he would return come daybreak.

I begged him to take me back to the Conclave, but he said he had things to do. I screamed inside my head. There is something wrong with this whole scenario. He knows I’ve never been to a human city before and knows I am an elf that uses magic. At this point I started to think this whole thing was a set to sell me to a human or worse. He eventually left saying he would be back in the morning.

I was not going to wait around in this smelly, dirty city that hates elves and would probably burn any magic wielding elves. I jumped out of my seat and fled the city. It was night and I was alone. I gambled that my chances were better out there than in that dirty, disease-ridden place.

[Winterhawk99]

I started to walk back that night along the road. I got several miles when I found another knight that was sorely wounded. The whole front of his chest was bloodied. He had his sword drawn and his shield held high standing in a defensive position against an unarmed half-breed woman.

They were…… debating. I watched from the sidelines for several minutes then the half-breed woman turned to me and said do not worry. He cannot smite me unless I strike him first. I blinked and stood there wondering what to do. The knight said he was going to go kill an ogre and she was trying to make him stand down blocking his path. Once I got the meaning of the conversation and the gist of the standoff. I waited for just the right opening.

When it happened, I used my best diplomacy to make the knight stand down and it worked. It was the first time I used the skill the trees have taught, and it worked. I was elated. I found out his name was Casey and hers was Nimae.

The knight Casey, he was not doing well. We decided to take him to a church in Trademeet that the two of them knew about. I tried to heal the knight several times, but his wounds were too grievous. Along the way came a figure well known in the Y’tellarien. It was Wolfberries. A woman of great talent as archer, scout and swordswoman.

We made it to Trademeet and the human church, but the knight did not have the coin for the priests to heal him. Wolfberries sat in the corner while I and Nimae worked on him. He did not have much strength left so I was able to hold his shoulders down while Nimae cauterized the wound. He rested there nearly 2 hours then wanted to give us coin. I refused it. Namae stayed with Casey while Wolfberries and I went back home. As we traveled the forest, she was surprised by my ability to calm every wolf we encountered. She said as much and told me she had respect for me. It warmed my heart.

We got back without a scratch in the dead of night. She also showed me a shortcut back home. I was thankful.

[Winterhawk99]

Also, on the 2nd ten-day I was living with the tribes there was a conclave meeting. The conclave is a group similar to a druid’s circle. They not only have druids but shamans and others among their number including more martial types. I was sent a feeling that I should go. So, I asked politely if I could attend.

It was held in a naturally grown gazebo in the south end of the area if you go directly west you find the flower field and my nest. I was asked to stand outside with other observers while the conclave membership talked within the structure.

When it started, I got a feeling from the trees that I should touch my locket. I did and went into a form of trance where both I and the trees can hear the goings on. We listened together quietly while the members of the conclave spoke to one another. Questions of the scar came up. They talked about perhaps contacting the elder spirits of the forest along with the tree spirits. My ears became quite keen then and I listened with a bit more interest.

At one moment the dwarven member of the group said he was bound and determined to contact the tree spirits to find out the true history of the scar. I almost came out of the trance and giggled. I wanted to say no worries Ovrin. They are listening now, but I could not do that. It takes a lot of energy to channel between the spirit world and the mortal world, and I could not move or the connection the trees wanted would break. Perhaps in time when I am stronger and understand the relationship of the spirits, myself and the two worlds, I will be able to do more, however I have not yet learned how to do this.

When it was over I broke the connection, the trees satisfied with what they had heard…. I think. They asked if anyone else would like to speak. I thought long and hard and chose not to. I am a brand-new person living here and felt I had not the right to speak yet.

There are a few other minor things, some serious, some not on that 2nd ten-day that I did or learned. I met an elf girl by the name of Ysault. She’s about my age and fun to be around. I can let my hair down around her a bit. She is a bit outspoken but not overly so. She and I later talked on more serious matters with two elves by the name of Mordhel and Eryndor. They are brothers. Mordhel is a champion of the black archer. I advised caution in letting too many visitors around the area especially humans.

I have met some really nice humans. Anthara, a human I believe is a member of the conclave, is one of them. She’s a wonderful person and I would help her whenever I can. Still humans’ reputations precede themselves. I do not believe they can be trusted in groups. I will however give each one I meet a chance.

Which reminds me another human I met while walking up the hill on the northwest side of the area I met another human knight. In fact, he surprised me jumping out of the bushes girded in metal armor. His name was…… Marcazillious or something. He said he was a knight of a dawn god.

I asked who this dawn god was. He was aghast that I did not know. So, I asked him questions about this god of dawn. He talked quite a bit about this god. It seemed like a nice god, and I asked him some moral questions too about himself. This Marcazillious seemed ok, and I said my goodbyes to him. He wandered off toward the circle.

The last thing I remember about that 2nd ten-day is Anthara asked me to speak with an elf by the name of Spirit. Spirit hangs out away from the circle near the fountain in the weeds. So, I came up to her and asked to sit down. She nodded. I told her I would listen to anything she wanted to talk about. And so, I did.

In time she started talking about her problems, saying that she was not sure she or even this world was real or not. She obviously talked as if she had much trauma in her life. I spoke sparingly so as not to spook the flighty girl and, in the end, I offered her something. I told her that every time we meet, I would clasp her shoulder and tell her that she is still with us. That she is indeed real. She nodded to me, and we parted.

And that is what I remember of the second ten-day.

[Winterhawk99]

In my second hibernation in my new home, I did better. After the trees trained me better about the Wealdath forest and how to treat the animals, they started in on my again. They started to chide and question me again. They brought up all my decisions from the days I was awake questioning each one. I fought them with words about my positions holding my ground better.

Still these spirits are ancient and have an understanding I could never achieve in several lifetimes. They eventually beat me back to where I questioned myself. That is when they really got going seeing weakness. I think I know what they are trying to do now. Teach me how to unravel truth from lies. How to see where another is really positioned though their words say something else and how to get them to admit their real thoughts and feelings. I will one day be their voice. They are preparing me for that.

After a while, I asked them myself about the Scar and its history. They told me they would not tell me now. They told me to give them time. Soon they may or may not reveal this to me but now is not the time and they do not think I could accept or could deal with what they know. They also said I did make some progress and that they were pleased.

On the third ten-day there were not many significant things going on with either the Tribes or Conclave. There is to be an archery tournament soon. I watched some of the qualifications and clapped for those that made great shots.

I did try to counsel a few outspoken members of the tribe, but I don’t think it took.

I saw spirit again and sat beside her. We talked for several hours. I found out she was having great troubles with her reveries. I offered her my nest which is watched over by the spirits of the trees. I told her she could take her reverie in the nest anytime I am not in Hibernation. She liked that idea, and I brought her to the flower field. She climbed up and disappeared within the nest. I did not see her again. When I came here to start my Hibernation she was gone. Hopefully she had some peace while she rested this time.

There is a grand chef among the people here. Her name is Elithaele. She makes wonderful soup. We’ve had several talks, and I would like to help her with her cooking endeavors, perhaps even be an apprentice of hers one day. I said as much to her. I brought her leeks and mushrooms and set them on the circle table for her. After many hours she came while I was talking to the elf Spirit. I told her the basket was for her. She mentioned something about the wild mushrooms. I told her I divided out all the poisonous copy-cats. She was pleased. When I come out of hibernation the first thing, I do is go for her soup pot and eat at least two bowls along with a dozen or so biscuits smeared with honey or herb butter. She will be a wonderful teacher, and I’ll try to collect as much seasonal bounty for her as time permits.

The last thing I did before going on hibernation was joining a patrol with Hetaerina and Rociel to a ruin rumored to have goblins within. We went there and found…. Goblins. We got about ½ way through, and they managed to surround us despite my magic use and their martial abilities. Hetaerina received a deep wound. We went to the entrance and camped. We managed to clean the rest of the place out of the small vermin. I put elemental shields on all of us and used the chant at least twice. When we were done, we found it was night. We were stuck there.

We made camp and talked the night. I called a badger to defend the door. I asked about both of them. They seem to apricate my participation and are becoming good friends. We found out that Rociel comes from a faithless family and that he wanted to learn about the gods of the Seldarine.

I am just a lay woman that worships the whole of the pantheon each to their ways and my needs. I know some stories of the gods but could not tell them like a bard or priestess. Still, I told him about how Sehanine brought the lone wolf back into the fold after the dark one tricked him into betraying Correllon. It was her love and kindness that prevailed in the end.

He liked the story and asked about other stories we might have. I told him its best to ask a priest or priestess like Silaine. I also told him I would ask her to speak to him if he wanted. He told me yes definitely. Unfortunately, I did not see her before the trees called me to sleep again.

Now I am caught up in words. My body will sleep while my mind and spirit go into the mist to meet the tree spirits again. I will find out what they have in store for me the next 5 or 10 days. Perhaps they are ready to tell me about the Scar.

[Winterhawk99]

I don’t know what to say about my last hibernation. It ended on a horrible note. One that carried through the spirit realm like a shriek of terror. For many days the tree spirits taught me more of the forest then questioned all my decisions from the last time I was awake. When things slowly ebbed and I felt they were about to release me from my sleep, I again asked the question. “What is the history of the scar?”

They told me that they will soon reveal the answer to me but before they teach me of it, I must experience it as they do. Somehow, they forced my spirit into a tree near the scar. As soon as I entered a 1,000 fridged knives struck me in my feet……roots I am not sure. The Scar was rotting my roots away. It’s poison slowly working its way upward. I cried out in pain and fear. This dark cold thing was killing me slowly poisoning my spirit and changing me………changing me into something as dark and cold as it. My legs started to become numb. I felt I could take no nutrients from the ground. Cold, dark and hungry. That’s how it ends. What am I becoming. Again! I screamed out to the other trees. They say they can do nothing.

That’s when it happened. The first time I alone broke out of my hibernation, yet my spirit was still stuck in the tree. My eyes could only see blurry visions as I looked in two worlds at once. The pain, sorrow and terror continued. I felt my body falling in one world while in the other my torment continued. I hit the ground and felt my side broken.

I stumble and walk in the real world while in the other the torture continues. I beg the trees to release me: To stop this sundering of my soul. There is silence, not silence, a feeling, a feeling of sympathy. A feeling of urgency.

I stumbled and fell several times, sometimes going into a fetal position trying to scratch the corruption from my legs. I feel hands upon me helping I am almost carried I fall and stumble again despite the help I cry out again. The grief and agony so great I have trouble even catching my breath and try frantically to catch air…….The Circle tree, yes, I must touch it! I found my forehead on tree bark. I touch my locket.

Blackness comes as does a moment of peace.

[Winterhawk99]

Early in the morning Eibhlin comes out of reverie up in the branches of a great tree. It had comforted her during then night. Its spirit even now sends thoughts to peace and tranquility to her. Even thus, her ordeal scared her deeply. She opens her journal and writes.

When I was shaken awake by my friends I felt better. I was sore from my fall but the healing magic they lent me helped. I must have fallen about 40 feet from my nest. Thankfully I did not hit the standing stones in the flower field. A net was suggested in case it happens again. Thank you Val’torin. You are ever a good council. I spoke to them of my ordeal as a tree near the scar. Some said that what I said was already known. Others suggested going to an elder; for they might gleam something new from my experience.

I went to reverie. When I came back Elithaela started to guide me into making soup. She hasn’t formally taken me on as an apprentice yet. Perhaps she saw I needed something to do. I am not sure. My mind now ever wanders as to what to do about this plague of evil that is the Scar. It was kind of her though. She guided my hands as I worked with the pork belly, potatoes, peppers and spices. It came out better than I expected. A bit spicier than I am used too. It certainly filled my aching belly and calmed my nerves.

After that I was called to help in the search for a member of the tribe. It seems a woman ranger by the name of Firiel slipped and fell into the river which is near bursting its banks from the springtime rain. We followed the river picking up signs.

In several spots she made it to shore before being swept away again. A piece of cloth, a muddy handprint, a pulled-out patch of weeds where she tried to find purchase. We did not find her nor a body. There is still hope though small. We came back dissuaded.

After half a day another search party was formed. This one much larger. Again, we followed the river until the forest got too thick. We tried to make our way around to a switchback that takes the meandering flow to near the Scar. A troll blocked our path, and we all had to run. There were close to 10 of us or more in the group. I did not count. This was a very large and powerful troll. Even with our numbers we knew some would not come back if we faced it. We turned and ran.

We stopped a few miles off and discussed our next action. That is when Easel the Elk shaman found us and alerted us of another troll near the conclave. This one of a smaller variety. We called off the search and went into action.

When we got there all became chaos for some time while we tried to figure out how to down the beast as its regeneration was such that not many wounds could harm it seriously. I know fire works against the breed; however, I am not allowed to use fire spells. The trees won’t have it. I found that even though it regenerates from my cold spells I could hurt it with them so that is what I used. I helped to temporarily wound it so that those that can use fire spells could put it down permanently. We formed a circular firing squad of magic and as the beast switched back and forth undecided on who to maul first. We finally downed it. I was wounded from it upon occasion but was able to quickly heal myself and when my healing spells ran out others lent a hand.

After we recovered at the Circle, I had a long talk with Keely’heran. She offered me revenge upon the Scar for my parents and the trees. I don’t think she figured on me accepting her offer. I did. She was surprised that such a gentle soul like me would accept something like this. Revenge is not something I would normally ask for. She doesn’t know what I know about this cold, evil thing that poisons the forest. I had to accept. The trees were silent on this, but I know they watched with interest.

[Winterhawk99]

Eibhlin spends the next day gathering wild peas along the forest. She walks quietly and if any danger nears, she takes to the trees until it passes. It takes her most of the day to fill her basket. She goes to the Circle, placing it on the table. She notices the shadows are getting long and the area getting dim. It’s dusk. She retreats to her nest and throws up a light spell. She opens her journal and continues her thoughts.

The second day after my last hibernation two people came to the boughs. One a human. The other half-elf. The human is famous here. As soon as I heard his name, I remembered the rumors surrounding this man. His name is Felix… Felix the mapmaker. Felix came here before. He then made maps from here to Murran: The city that’s lives in its own refuse that Andivar took me to and promptly dumped me as soon as he could. After he had all his maps marked for anyone to find the tribes. He then sold them around this city for anyone to ‘come visit us.’

I immediately take a keen interest in what he and the half-elf was doing here along with about a dozen other people. They said they came here to strengthen relationships between the elves and the city. Euril the sentinel took charge and negotiated with them. They were told several times that they could stay a few hours then they must be on their way.

This Felix looking around started to negotiate with Euril. I stood just out of earshot of a whisper. It’s too bad I was not closer. For now that this Felix had everyone’s attention he started to whisper quietly to Euril. I watched their facial expressions, Hand Gestures, reactions, and other indicators the tree spirits had taught me. I did not hear the conversation but I’m 90 % sure Felix was trying to bribe Euril.

The conversation went on for a very long time while I and others watched. One of the women in the circle a known human hater had many open comments about Felix and his companions. I used my diplomatic abilities to shush her.

Meanwhile, the whole time I concentrated on Felix, his companion, and Euril. I said nothing to them. Some in the circle decided enough was enough and gathered to go out on patrol. I joined them. I figured by the time I got back these two individuals would be gone. This Felix seems to me very underhanded. I did not like the situation.

We went out on patrol and did well; however, when we got back this Felix and his friend were sitting in the circle. I went to the edge near the soup pot and stood there listening. Now I hear a different story that Felix and his friend were seeking sanctuary at the conclave. It seems Felix is a wanted man. He did not say that of course. He said something like ‘He didn’t want a guard to recognize his face and talked about an elven lass they put in a head cage.

I found it was time for myself to get involved. I asked the Circle tree first. I got a warm feeling, so I laid into him. I asked if he was seeking sanctuary why did he make the story up when he first came here about making good relations?

He tried to deflect and started about the elf the city put in a head cage and how he started a riot about her mistreatment.

I asked him if he actually saw what happened with the elf?

He said no.

I said, “So you relied on hearsay? You really don’t know what happened?”

We went back and forth for several minutes. Diollium the high druid of the circle, came and listen to our conversation.

After a time, Felix knew he had lost the debate and was ever looking smaller in the eyes of others around the Circle. He accused me of being a human hater.

I told him I had never even talked to a human until I came here. Which is true. I told him that the first time I saw a human city was Murran. I also said I would never go back to his city.

He became verbally hostile proclaiming it wasn’t ‘his city.’

Diolliun at this time had enough and had both He and the half-elf escorted out of the conclave. And that was that. Diolliun said quite plainly the begging for sanctuary after proclaiming something else when they came is what did it. So, I played my small part well in getting Felix to show himself.

I was just glad it was over. Next time I see this cretin Felix, I will call him Felix the mapmaker.

Later Andivar came in saying a mass of gibberlings were near the conclave and he needed help cleaning them out. It was night. I joined with three others. We went out and found less than a dozen but quite a bit more than usual. We ended up near the lake. Andivar was in the lead and found a colossal spider. Instead of turning back and running he attacked it. Now we are into it.

I’m not too sure of Andivar’s intellectual capacity. He left a 125 year old girl in a city of filth and now attacked a colossal spider with only 4 people. He’s going to get someone killed eventually if he doesn’t start using his head.

Now that the spider was on us, we had to defend ourselves. I used most of my spells and the chant. On the thing. The male elf still went down. I ran over and healed him. He then promptly left the scene leaving us with a maddened and badly wounded giant spider. Eventually we did kill the thing though all of us were wounded. That’s when I said we need to go back now. Thankfully Andivar agreed. We went back.

None of the bounties from the gibberlings I collected would be taken. But we did make 184 gold. The elf lost his gold, so I gave him another 100. Then after buying a new dress cloak for the Solonor ceremony to come, I have almost no coin left. All is well though. I never needed much.

The trees told me I did not need to hibernate, but I have many questions about the things that went on those days that I must ask and meditate on. My reveries also keep taking me back to my hibernation when my spirit was trapped in the tree by the scar. So, for the next days I wish to be alone with my misgivings and thoughts. I gather for the tribes and conclave. And try to stay away from everyone until I have answered some questions.

What do I really feel about these humans? What part will I play in this ritual, and will it be as horrifying as when I was in the tree? What of the vengeance I told Keely’heran I wanted against the Scar for both my parents and spirits? I am not sure. I must think about this and choose the better paths. The trees watch, interested in what I find within myself.

[Winterhawk99]

Eibhlin returns to her nest after talking with Keely’heren. Before she uses her locket to go into hibernation, she throws a light spell above so she may write.

I don’t really know what to write. It was two days in hell here in the real world. There were few ups and many downs. I came back from foraging to find an empty camp. Many had gone to reverie early to be in the search party for Firiel. When the time came, I was in reverie and missed it.

The next thing I did was participate in the Adoquor. A meeting of the tribes along with the elves from outside including me. Everyone had a chance to talk. I gave them my name and where I was from. I told them of my nest and if anyone should come up there do not think I am dead. I’m just hibernating while my spirit and mind walk the spirit plane. I thought that was the best thing to say. I did not want anyone to think that and bury my body or something.

Caerylia the priestess seems to have gotten a vision from the gods. In her translation she says she thinks Firiel is still alive. It does give me some hope, but it has been a very long time now. She also said do not follow shadows where the roots grow teeth. It has a hint of meaning to me, but I am unsure about it. The scar has touched my spirit twice now. (The rot in the ground) is that what she means? I am unsure.

Oh, before the Adoquor, I took my father’s place in the ceremony to Solonor. I prayed, gave my war trophies, and shot two arrows in the midnight sky. One for my father, one for my mother. Perhaps new stars will be born for it to guide their spirits to Avandor. I pray it so.

So came the ritual. We went very close to the scar. I was very nervous and unsure of this. We sought out information from the spirits. If so, why did we have to go so close to it. It was if we were sending out an invitation for it to both attack and know us. Still, I am a shamaness that speaks to the trees. I needed to attend, and the trees agreed.

There were 8 of us. Not all were spirit walkers. Silvane lead the ritual. She has a piece of wood she passed around for each of us to scribe our spirits on. I am not sure what the druids scribed. I placed an acorn in the center of the circle and when my turn came, I scribed the symbol of the great oak within my locket. To my left with Silvane on the other side was Shalee, a druidess. To my right was Val. The others were Easel, Elitheale, Diolliun and Ovrin, the dwarf of the conclave.

As all the preparations were done. Silvane began the ritual. I touched my locket to go into a deep trance. My spirit and mind began the transition to the spirit world. As warm thoughts entered my mind, I fully stepped in. I could see the spirits at the edge of the horizon approaching.

I looked around at the spirits with me. Elitheale shocked me. I thought her spirit would look like a stroke of lightning held in place. It did not. Elitheale in fact looked like a ghost of herself but with great white wings made of snowflakes sprouting from her back. They were not the wings of an Eldrin. They had splitting feathers on the ends like a vulture……... not so spread as a vulture no. More like a Raven. She spoke about lightning and stone, but her spirit guide is much different like a great bird I suppose or maybe snow itself making its presence as wings on her back.

Easel did not surprise me. Her spirit stood in position as a great albino elk. A noble creature tied to the land it grazes upon. Val looked like a great treant which made me laugh because my own spirit looks like a dryad. Perhaps that is what I will become when my pact is complete, and I give my locket to my own daughter. I wonder if I could hide or make a spirit home within Val’s spirit. That would be something. I will not say what Ovrin’s spirit looks like, but I must say. He must be the most huggable dwarf in all the lands.

I should not say what the others look like. I do not know them well. I only mentioned Ovrin’s because I was so surprised and delighted in his spirit’s appearance. Only that I know them now both in the real world and what is at the center of their hearts for a spirit reflects what is within one’s own soul.

I looked up again. The spirits they were moving towards us, but something happened. A Black mist came from the east. It blocked all the spirits paths to us. It surrounded us. Cold, Hungry. I cannot say for sure, but it is almost a certainty that this mist was either the spirit of the scar or a spirit of something corrupted by the scar.

Maddened ghostly forms of animals came with it. These phantoms attacked the spirits of our defenders while the black mists attacked the trees themselves. They cried out at me, but I knew if I broke the circle all would be lost. I kept my spirit in place.

Shalee’s spirit did break the circle. I saw it run to the west. I heard vague cries from the real world and the clash of battle like a bubbling brook in the background. I saw a raven made completely of shadow fighting with a great maddened Warg. The magic of the circle stopped, and the mist came in. It came at me first as a great stag and touched me. Cold pain seared my being. Icy daggers once again attacked my feet and the whole of my body. Still, I stayed through the pain and when the stag turned its eyes to Val, I kicked out with my foot to stop it from touching him.

Shalee’s spirit came back to the circle and the magic once again flowed in the circle but now much weaker. We could not sustain such punishment for long. I started to cry as the pain like before just would not quit. Still, I would not give up. If only our magic could pierce this vail of mist our spirits would connect with us: give us what we need to fight this dark thing that slowly destroys the forest. Yet I could not lose hope.

One by one the others in the circle started to falter and break. The pain was so intense I started to cry and kick my legs to stop the corruption once again growing with in them. It became to much. I myself faltered and was thrown back into my body. A new pain came to me at once. My body was severely damaged. My body was bleeding and broken. Someone healed me. I was able to stand. Someone helped me up and we ran from the brambles.

When I got back home the tree spirits of the boughs took the corruption away. They sent me an emotions of warmth, sympathy, and that I did well. I don’t understand. The ritual failed, but I have learned that the spirits of trees, ancient as they are see things so differently, so alien that I still cannot grasp many of the things they send to me. I feel it was a failure but perhaps I did learn something significant. If so, what is it? For I cannot perceive it myself.

I do have some ideas about the failures of the ritual. I will not write them down now but Keely’heren and others of these ideas when I come out of hibernation. I will first ask the spirits about what they meant. They will probably say I am just a sapling like aways: to young and inexperienced to understand. Demons and Devils! When are they going to trust me enough to actually tell me things I need to know! This is starting to get so frustrating.

On my last day before hibernating, I went out with Hetaerina and Rociel. We cleared the bug cave, the goblin ruins, and the undead below. When we left, we came up to the ground at night and were attacked by a horde of gibberlings. I received a grave wound. I had to go up to the mother tree to be healed. I lost most of my gold and basically have to start all over again. I was able to replenish my meager supplies but that’s about all I was able to do.

There are things that must be done now. First, I must walk the spirit world and train with the tree spirits to eventually be their voice to the world. It will be grueling. These spirits are ancient. They are hard teachers with hard lessons for me to learn, but I will come out stronger for it.

[Winterhawk99]

Eibhlin climbs up to her nest. This time under orders from Luthias. He even sent someone to escort her and make sure she went in. She is somewhat confused by this but once up there she throws up a light spell, gets her journal out and writes.

I spent two days among the tribes. Met many new people. One Enya a paladin of the forest maiden. Some important things happened in those two days which I should get too right off. Then some lesser things.

My friend and comrade in cooking and gathering Elithaela confided in me at the starlight court. We were alone and undisturbed. Something has been disturbing her reveries of late. She, like I, is a spirit walker so dreams, and vision play a huge significance to us though not so much with me because of the way I commune with my spirits. Here is her story:


The spirit I have seen hangs like a dark cloud in the peaceful quiet of my mind. It doesn’t belong there that much is clear. Sometimes, it takes the shape of a dark bird that is not a bird and crows on and on though it is not a crow. About fatalism and fate.

The bird has three heads, each larger and more substantial than the last. It speaks through rows and rows of jagged teeth. Its shape resembles three sharp peaks. Ten teeth each line the valleys between them.

The bird that is not a bird carries a key. It lies and says the key’s name is destiny.

It mocks me with its lies whenever it can. Its jokes are not funny, and they bite and gnaw ever away at my patience whenever its heads draw near.

The first is small and insubstantial. It bears the number 125 on its neck. “Your life will end with me”, It says, grinning softly. “Your freedom and choices too.” This head speaks quietly when it can. Its teeth pass through me, and it cannot bite.

It often speaks words that seem true. “You must take my head, or else claim another’s life before my time, or I will come back to bite you. Make all the choices you can. I do not want you to regret me.”

The second head is louder and taller, and much more substantial. It crows often about fatalism; laughs loud and sometimes lies. Its every bite is poison. 135 It wears proudly on its chest, though that number sometimes flickers.

“Everything you care about will end with me.” And everything you understand will only show you to be the bigger fool.”

The bird seems to find joy in my pain, and mocks everything I say and do.

The bird’s third head is much larger than the others, and fully real before my eyes. I cannot see through it like the others, but its stern and piercing gaze travels through me, as though I am the ghost instead.

It carries the key it calls ‘destiny’ The number it bears is jumbled but sometimes reads 42 or 145.

She sank down shivered after telling the story.

I can't remember the rest. I asked her several questions about it. I asked her If it’s related to her spirit guide. Something like a dark side of it.

She told me her spirit guide said the three headed raven is a friend to all.

It is very confusing to me. We discussed at some length about this three headed raven. Is it a messenger? Is it a test? is it trying to teach her something? I even asked if it may be possible to pull Elithaela fully into the spirit world with me to confront this three headed bird.

We could not figure out it all between the two of us yet, but I will await any new developments about the spirit when next I see her.

The other major thing that happened was that I called a meeting for all spirit walkers: conclave, elven, and those that do not wish to align. I think it’s important to talk to each other about the ritual, how it went and how it we can improve if we do another ritual whether about the scar or not.

The mistakes I saw or felt were these.

Someone left the ritual circle causing the magic collected to vanish. When they came back the magic came back but much weaker not enough to defend against whatever stood against us.

None of us knew each other and how we individually deal with the spirits we talk to. As we all have different ways to do this the ritual was bound to be somewhat disorganized.

We were looking for information about the Scar from our various spirits that we communicate with. Thus, we did not have to be close to the Scar at all. In fact, in being that close we were practically begging for it to challenge us.

At the meeting I hope to garner kinship among all the Shamans and Shamaness. I have to keep it relaxed so we can discuss these things honestly. We are all trained in diplomacy, lying, and sensing motive behind words. Along with many other ‘people’ related skills from our spirits. By creating a relaxed atmosphere, I hope everyone can open up and speak honestly about their spirits and themselves so if we perform another ritual, it will go better.

I felt a bit livelier when at the circle these last days. I told an old tribal story about a sailing woman in love with a noblewoman. I joked around with Luthias. Did some other things. Helped many that came with sickness or wounds. I enjoyed that.

I went out sparingly on a few trips. One to a new dungeon filled with undead knights. We did well there but I had to leave before going to another new place. I did not receive anything for my efforts there. I am also developing a plan to pin Kashari down to a practice bout with me. He showed up with a new cloak. However, his trusty lady at arms was not with him so I held off. While I was telling my story a whole bunch of humans came into the area around the circle. I was telling the story in elven and kept it that way. I was very wary of them even if I knew most. They eventually left to another part of the conclave.

I saw Amiela again. I could not ignore her, but I was very reserved. She was one of the people who abandoned me in the city. I do not trust her and will keep her at arm’s distance when she is about the conclave. I did the same with Andivar. Thankfully he has not been around recently while I was awake.

That’s all I have for now. I am sure there is more, but I cannot remember all of it. Except for the colossal spider we defeated. It was tough but a single encounter. I’m very happy to have been a part of that. Many were hurt and I healed them up with chant and spell as best I could.

I must sleep now for an extended period of time. I hope all goes well and that I have learned something once it is down.

[Winterhawk99]

Eibhlin throws up a light spell in her nest so she can write. Most of the stitches on her face have finally stopped bleeding. She feels sorrowful and afraid. There is so much she had done and experienced in the last 11 days out in the world, yet one thing has damaged her so badly both body and spirit that it seems to be overwhelming her.

Her training has her putting up a good front but deep within she is scared of what might happen in the future and if someone would be willing to love her new face. Afraid that she may even be a determent to the tribe the way things played out. Would they throw her out if they knew the shadow she encountered with a group sought her out first and foremost? She did not know.

She writes:

I spent 11 days in the real world and now will spend 10 in the spirit. I will write the good things that happened and then pour my heart out in the evil that seeks me and what the Scar took from me, for again it sought me out and tried to destroy me.

The first thing I attended was Greengrass. It was so much fun. It was a happy event of art and dance. There was a competition on elven history to which I did not attend. Instead, I was matched with two others one at a time to look for blind dates. We didn’t find any of course. Dates aren’t even in season, and they can’t be blind. Fruit doesn’t have eyes. I don’t think they are even aware.

The first was a mute that could hear. She signed her name was Songbird. So, we went around the festival for an hour, and I translated her words for others. I was happy I could help her. The second woman I was paired with was Ynshael. I was glad I was paired with her too. She has a bad leg and some kind of ailment where magic placed on her hurts her. I helped her get around. None of us could find any dates, even in hidden places around the circle.

After the event of searching for fruit Ynshael suggested a game of Sembian dice. I did not know what that was, so she explained it. A group of people each roll a die. In our case a 20 side. When all the numbers are counted the highest score can ask the lowest score any question they want.

I thought this might be great fun, so I joined. I prayed to Erevan first for good luck and what do you know, it worked. During the whole of the game, I never had to answer one question but got to ask three questions myself.

I was not mean and asked questions most would readily answer. One however had my curiosity going. There is a half-blood by the name of Enya who I got to ask a question too. Enya is a paladin, a holy warrior of the Forest Maiden. I asked her what brought her to her faith. I think she was quite pleased she gave a lengthy and passionate answer. I will not put it down here, but I thought it a grand tale.

Greengrass came out very well and I had so much fun. I will cherish the memory.

I myself tried to call the spirit walkers of the Wealdath to a meeting. The only shamaness that showed up was Elithaela however I kept it open and three learned and distinguished men showed up. They were Varitan, Ylvanhim, and Hel’thalvin.

We discussed what had happened in the ritual. Everyone gave their thoughts, and I found the men’s insight into magic ritual both fascinating and something to take down. The last ritual failed; however, I believe as we talked, we gained much knowledge about how to make the next one more successful. Both Elithaela and I shared much about how we commune with spirits though we are very close and know each other well enough. I do not know Silvaine and other spirit walkers that well. I hope to some day if I can get my voice back. I hope if we have another meeting more will come. I thought the meeting went rather well with regards to information.

The very next day I went to the circle after hearing a fight. Not really fighting just yelling. I found several people in a circle and a bunch of cooking pots on the ground. Shalee was tearing in to Luthias. After a time listening to the two, I deduced that Luthias had offered her a cooking pot as a gift. I’m surprised she didn’t take it and beat him to death with it. Elithaela was there and could hardly contain herself laughing. Shalee finally left and we (the women that were left) slowly explained to him what a bad idea that was. By the way if he ever offers me a cooking pot, I will beat him to death with it.

Late that night I came to the circle. There was no one around. I sat down and was doing some thread and needle when what do you know Isileme came walking up from the direction of the mother tree holding her stomach. She had thrown up all over her dress and was not walking well.

I thought she was drunk, so I went over to help her. She wasn’t drunk. She decided it was a good idea to eat a few brown caps to “Become one with the Weave” Whatever that means. I know what it means, and it was stupid though she thinks it worked. Should I tell her they also cause hallucinations? Probably not. She could have killed herself.

Luckily her body did not agree with the eating of poisonous mushrooms. She had already thrown up all over herself. I led her to the pond and made her take off her dress. I then mixed some special charcoal I have with water and had her drink it. I made her sit down and watched her until I knew she was well then gave her one of my two light dresses to wear until she could wash hers.

She brought the dress back the next morning and thanked me. I told her not to eat any mushrooms again unless she knew they were not poison. If she didn’t know then come to me. She said she knew they were poisoned but ate them anyway to understand the Weave. I just shook my head.

The next day I had to do some work out in the forest both gathering and helping the trees. I had hoped to go to the Cantor’s meeting. A meeting of musicians to share songs and tales. I did make it but very late. I arrived at the last song. Unfortunately, the song was satirical about another member at the Cantor that got upset about it. There was a discussion and the meeting broke up. There should be another meeting in 3 or 4 ten days. I am not sure I should go. I would not want to bring down such a wonderful sharing of song and legend.

A few days later I was invited to another game of Sembian dice, but Ynshael changed the rules. This time after each roll the high and low player were thrown out of the next roll and so on until the last two rolled and one questioned another. I prayed again to Erevan hoping to win everytime. Alas I lost two times this time. The questions though were not bad. In fact, one of them was if you could be any creature what would it be whether magical, normal or abomination? I said if I had to be something else it would be a squirrel. They get to play all day with almost no care in the world and love to play tricks on each other.

I think Ynshael commented why am I not surprised. I think perhaps my face flushed a bit.

A few days later I went to the Crescent Moon Celebration. It is a religious ceremony in the name of the Father of Elves, Colonel of Avandor, Correllon. Ivaebhin led the ceremony with one of the women helping. As the proceedings started, I noticed Hanan watching and he looked confused. I got up from my seat and translated the ceremony for him in the trade tongue. I think he was pleased.

When offerings came up I said I offered my voice so those of our half-bloods that do not speak the tongue can understand. Ivaebhin seemed to accept that. If I had remembered I would have made a fairy ball for the occasion. Before the next Crescent Moon I will make one for the occasion that way the Starlight shrine can have pixies gathered too.

The next day a new wood elven showed her face from a faraway land. She said her name is The Daughter of the Polar Dawn. As we and others talked to her, I became suspicious of something, and I was correct. Her speech was confusing and very esoteric. After a time, I asked her who are the spirits that you speak to? Without a bat of an eye, she said the northern star spirits.

I found out that she is a shamaness newly awakened. She was confused and seemed to look into both worlds without knowing which was which. That’s how I caught on to it the fact that she was newly awakened. The men in the group thought she was out of her mind. I told them that I understood and not to worry.

We spoke at length. She could not even yet use spirit sight. So is completely untrained by the spirits that guide her yet. Both I and Elithaela two of the elder spirit walkers that are among the Y’ellterian promised to work with her to help her transition to her full potential. I have yet to get back to her but, I made a promise so I will do this when I return from hibernation.