The Journal of Ankhara Vieil'arbre

[Angelique]

Hand fashioned and bound, the leather is worn and stained with age, from between the pages a frayed black ribbon is used as a bookmark, dangling from the end is a bronze pendant in the shape of a dragon scale.

[Angelique]

It has been a rough go since leaving Heartwood, all my training, the years spent doing my duty, serving the temple, they did not really prepare me for life on my own. It is overwhelming when confronted with so many people with so many different ideals and beliefs. How one community can survive when no one seems to share much common ground with anyone else. Tolerance is the key word they use, they tolerate what they do not approve of, they are neutral... how far off is tolerance and neutrality from acceptance? The elders were right, I find forests lined with the unnatural, Orcs have set up camps even farms... I have even found the remnants of dwellings dedicated to those who serve the Spider Queen.

I found a lead on a tome of elven magic, one lost many centuries ago that brought me to a pirates haven in the southern jungles. As I made myself acquainted with the village, I met a man, Xander he told me was his name. Corellon blesses those who help his faithful, I do hope Xander is one of those, his generous nature and kindness will not soon be forgotten. I wept when at the end of the afternoon we shared together, he took me to an Elven City, Xander called it Silverwood and within her borders is a Temple to Larethian Corellon. Kneeling at the foot of Corellon's statue I was overcome with tears. A refreshing reminder that I am still guided by my faith and Corellon's protection. Xander took me to the city he works and lives in, there is a hostel in Istas that I've taken a room in. Perhaps more comfort than a Paladin should partake of, but being so close to such an amazing library, and museum have great benefits.

Perhaps it is a test of my faith to be granted an open assignment, and trusted to do my duty on my own... time will tell if my faith is strong enough to keep me on my path and help me endure the realms I find myself in.

[Angelique]

Like a cat I've managed to find many beds to sleep in. I ventured to the Knights Rest where I finally met Beleg and Ahmaya Megil. While talking Beleg asked where I was staying and later offered me a room in Silverwood. I look around in wonderment at the luxury, I wonder if it is common for people to live so well?

I wandered around the building and became jealous of what the Megil's have, knowing also they are raising children added to the weight it put on my heart. I sit here now with everything I've ever owned in the centuries I've lived spread out before me... Though I will never admit to being over six hundred, how does one live so long with nothing to show for it? My life I wear on my back, or carry in a saddle bag; I have no legacy here.

I look forward to meeting the Megil children, its been a very long time since I was around any at all.The Bronze Guard is a life of sacrifice and duty... there isn't much time for children or families. We rescue the sons and daughters of Kings, but never our own.

I don't like the quiet, I miss the heat of battle sometimes, the clash of weapon on shield, the twang of a taught bowstring. Have I been put out to pasture... retired without my knowing? The difficulties that befall this realm seem trivial to the onslaught of the armies of darkness that besieged Myth Drannor; perhaps there is a need I can find for my bow and my sword, hidden in this realm somewhere.

I feel idle...

[Angelique]

I spent the evening with Beleg Megil, he is enchanting to speak with but I still feel this knot in my stomach when speaking about home... that sense that if I speak too loudly a portal will open up and I will be dropped back into the befallen city I escaped...

Beleg is unlike the priests from the Temples of Faerun, his attachment to these lands are surprising and comforting. Maybe one day I will feel a similar sense of home here. I was shown to a secret garden, the tranquil grace of moonlight, mixed with the plants and water was pure magic. We talked into the night reminiscing about old times. "Take a century for yourself..." I hear his word echo in my thoughts, this self is something to get used to.

I need to find something productive to do!

[Angelique]

I have dwelt long today on the caution given me by Beleg last night, the elf hesitated at first but felt it important that he tell me about the governorship of Istas. He is a vampire... my mind raced back to a night in Magincia the night I first met Lord Azrael; “Perhaps, then... they chose to move, instead of being forced, with armament?” was his reply when I asked why to all others the wraith bound to the island didn't move unless forced but for him... for him they made way...

So much of Istas makes it one of the safest places I've rested my head, and yet it is governed by such an abomination. Have my instincts dulled so much? Perhaps I am too old to continue my duties?

Have I strayed from my faith?

Encounter in Magincia: solantavo.crimson.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1489&p=5362#p5362