Arion+Twenty+One

Novrem Twelfth - Very Late Evening

It seems strange that this may very well be the last entry in this book. Sad too. I just got the darn thing! Well, let’s not allow a small thing like impending doom distract me from reflecting on the day!

We arrived in Illrya today. It’s quite the place! My words could never do it justice. Imagine that… I have been silenced! We received a rather cool welcome at first, but that didn’t distract all of us from the beauty and splendor of this city. I expected the welcome in fact. We are a band of misfits, and mostly human (at least in appearance) at that, traveling in the heart of the elven lands. People seemed to warm to the idea of us waltzing into town when they noticed our guide, though. At first I figured it was because he was one of them… elven that is. Was I ever wrong! But I get ahead of myself.

Kaiden led us directly to the center of the city, and directly into the Bright Tree itself. The guards gave way to him with out a second thought. All doors opened for him. He didn’t stop until we were all standing mere feet away from the Queen herself. I was quite taken aback by his forwardness at first. Then she spoke to him. She addressed him as Son. Imagine that. Drayton’s friend, our trusty woods guide was a prince of Illrya! Sure nice of someone to mention that before hand.

Never being one to delay matters with too many words, Kaiden immediately brought up the subject of the relic I had been sent for. The queen seemed entertained by the notion that we sought the Gift of the Veils. She indicated to us that many have tried to obtain it, but none have succeeded. Apparently there is some challenge or test that one must pass in order to receive the Gift. She asked if ‘we’ were ready to undergo such a challenge. I was expecting the others to back down instantly. They had no idea why we were here. Instead, though, Kirin excitedly informed the queen that he was up for any challenge. Interesting indeed. Jen was a bit more hesitant than Kirin, but she also agreed. I must admit, I am a bit thrown by such a display of devotion toward a cause that they know so little about.

Kaiden showed us to our rooms shortly after we had spoken with the Queen. Once there, we cleaned up (though some of us a little more hastily than others) and ventured to the Blue Falcon for something to eat, and to enjoy a night of revelry. While we waited for dinner, Jen asked just exactly what it was that we were risking our lives for. I insisted to her that she needn’t take such a chance; that she could still back out of it and go on with her ambitions, but she wouldn’t hear it. So I told her. I told her about the letter from Drayton. I told her that I was in search of certain relics that would hopefully aid in the destruction of the dark creatures that have been plaguing the wilds, and also aid in the protection of Eliana, and those like her. I told her that I had no real idea what sort of challenge to expect, and no idea what sort of relic the Gift of the Veils was.

I was about to go into further detail about some of the things outlined in Drayton’s letters when Kirin became bored and decided to venture out of our enclosed seating area… and run (literally) into none other than Dunin! As it would turn out, he and Lia never actually made it to Spiritwood. They had changed their minds, deciding to follow us instead. If that doesn’t harbor ill trust, I don’t know what does! We had been followed for nearly a month by these two, and instead of making their presence known when they finally caught up to us, they listen in on our private conversations! I must say, I was a bit offended, but I guess the feeling must have been mutual, considering how precious little I had ever informed them about.

Immediately Dunin began questioning me about the relic I was looking for. I was tired of taking the man on a verbal side trip, and so I flat out lied to him. I don’t normally do that. It felt strange and out of character, but if he and Lia aren’t going to be honest with us, I certainly didn’t feel the necessity to be honest with them! I told him that the relic was something I had been sent to look for, but I had no idea what it did. I also told him that there was no connection between the relic and Eli’s safety. I know he didn’t believe me, but hey… what can you do!

Kaiden and Dunin are still harboring ill will toward each other. I’m not sure what the hostility is about, but the two nearly ripped each other to shreds at the dinner table! Their heated discussion (bordering on outright contemptuous dueling) finally ended when Dunin slapped a glass of wine out of Kaiden’s hands, spilling its contents all over poor Jen. Dunin eventually stormed out of the building, leaving Lia behind. She made all sorts of apologies for the man’s temper. She said it was something they were working on controlling. But controlling it is one thing… what initiated it is another. What was it that got under the man’s skin so? I will have to ask Kaiden about that.

After an uncomfortable moment or two of silence and apologies, we all decided it was time to enjoy a dance or two. Kaiden asked Jen out to the floor, and Kirin was busy ushering a young elven woman into the dancing area as well. That left Lia and me. I had some things to discuss with her… and what can I say… it’s me! I can’t just sit and allow a lady to miss a chance at a dance (even if that woman is someone who has come very close to sparking my own temper on a few occasions!).

Lia and I danced and talked. I think it was a good thing, too. It turns out she is a rather confused individual. From what I can gather, she has been rather upset with me for quite some time… in fact it goes back to time spent in Bel Aman’dur! Apparently I don’t quite fit into her view of a man doing what a man should be doing. To her, the only way to protect something is to fight. I had mentioned one day to her that I am loathe to fight simply because I am no good at physical confrontation. From then on, she had marked me as incompetent with regards to Eli’s protection. That is part of the reason she stuck with us in Oriscina… she didn’t believe someone who doesn’t fight could possibly keep another person safe!

Many more things were discussed that night, but I am afraid I don’t recall most of them. I was a little preoccupied with the thought that I may be spending my last night among the living having philosophical and moral discussions with a druidess whom I didn’t trust in the first place! Eventually the discussion lead us back to her home town… it seems to do that when ever she and I talk… and she left the room. I believe there were tears. I truly do hope for her sake that she is able to put the past back where it belongs (in the past of course!) and move on with what is left of her life.

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