Storyboards: Zhuntah

Meeting Xalenci | Xalenci & Zhuntah | Joining the Adventurers | My Apprenticeship | Training with Aewyr | An Adventure | My title | Xalenci's Reunion | Zhuntah's Past | Old grudges die hard... | ...Or not so hard | Depression... | An Adventure

Meeting Xalenci
Tol Borune was exactly how I remembered it. Rich. A man in my profession has a sort of revered appreciation for a place like this. Opportunities to pick up various things of interest on every corner. Rich patron's just begging for me to relieve them of some of the burden they bear. What do I do for a living? Let's just say I'm someone who believes in the rule 'mine for the taking'.
This story isn't about small trinkets or worthless money though. This story is about the most valuable thing I ever stole.
Something did strike me as odd though. As I was arguing with a merchant on the value of a silver flask *the flask itself was worthless, but the purse of gold he was hiding almost out of sight had defiantly caught my interest*, I saw something I hadn't seen before. A small girl looking adoringly up at a Drasnian trader she was following.
There may seem like nothing strange with that at first. But then again the look on this girls face was one that 'no' girl should have on her face when looking at a man. After a few moments I realized that this was a Dryad. I've never actually SEEN a Dryad before that I know of, but I had heard of them. Monsters from a forest near here, something to do with trees. There was little profit in stealing from a tree, so I never paid them too much mind.
Something in this girl’s face caught at me though. It wasn't the look of pure... Let’s just say 'animal instinct' that caught me, I've known a few lusty wenches in my life. But something else, something I couldn't put a finger on.
I wrapped up my argument with the merchant. I threw the flask in his face, called him a cheat, made a quick note of the back entrance to the tent as well as the position of the bag. Then I started to follow this odd couple.
As I got closer, I could start to smell a slight oaky smell. The smell of trees, and pinecones. Normally this reminds me of camping out, a sure sign of a failed venture, but oddly this smell appealed to me. I was becoming lost in it, losing my train of thought. It came rushing back to me though when I almost bumped into them.
What was wrong with me? I haven't made a mistake like that since I was just a boy begging in the street. You never get to close to the people you are following, but the smell had made me forget myself for a moment. I quickly cleared my head, and made a firm decision to leave this alone, before I really made a mistake. Even as I was making this decision I started to follow them once again. What WAS it about that girl?
The Drasnian handed something to the dryad, who eagerly took it from him, and gobbled it down. He then threw a bag into a rubbish pile and they continued onwards. Picking up the bag, I smelled it, curious to what it held.
Chocolate.
The anger that followed surprised me even more. He was giving her chocolate. I had heard stories about Dryads, how during certain times of the year they are insatiable. I had also heard that chocolate had a unique effect on them. This guy was taking advantage of that. Looking around I realized where I was. *just now noticed? What was wrong with me.. I am never this sloppy* This is the INN district. Realization dawned on me, and the anger returned hotter then before.
I saw them enter a modest inn on the east side. Following them in, I saw them enter a room on the top floor. I rented the room besides them and lay in my bed thinking. What was going on? I don't know why this girl had such a huge affect on me. I've seen beautiful women, I've charmed a few myself. But for some reason I couldn't get this Dryad out of my mind, and I hadn't even spoken to her.
Suddenly angry with myself for falling into this, I prepared myself to leave Tol Borune immediately. I needed some fresh air, the smell of leaves and grass was still here.
As I went to leave my room, something stopped me cold. Sobbing. She was crying in the next room. I heard angry shouts from the man, not quite gathering what he said. It didn't matter.
Before I could stop myself I crashed through the door to their room, dagger in hand. I wasn't prepared for the scene before me.
He was half dressed, his tunic hanging at his waist. His hand gripping the leafy material that made up the top of her outfit, trying to pull it off. The Dryad was on her knees, sobbing, holding something to her like a child. He was trying to give her more chocolates while trying to remove her clothes.
But something was wrong with her, she didn't even notice the sweets, or the man trying to disrobe her. She was rocking back and forth sobbing openly clutching something to her bosom.
I took this all in an instant, and acted before I even realized what was going on. I leapt towards the Drasnian, his hand quickly going for his dagger. He was to slow. The hilt of my dagger rapped against the back of his head, and his eyes glazed as he toppled to the floor.
I quickly knelt beside her, asking her softly what was wrong. Letting her know the Drasnian was not a problem now.
She looked up into my eyes. Her tear filled green eyes looked as if they had known a pain that words could not define. She uncurled her arms to reveal an intricately carved wooden figurine. It was really good work, a depiction of a horse rearing up.
'She... was my... Mother' she whispered softly.
Suddenly she threw herself to me, wrapped her arms around me, holding the figurine between us as she cried into my shoulder.
As I held her, and listened to her cries, I made a realization. I was lost. This girl had neatly stolen my heart, and I would do anything to make her pain disappear.
All I could do was hold her, and let her cry.

Me and my Dryad companion had finally made it to Tol Honeth, as said in my last Adventure, she had already stolen my heart. Dryads aren't very familiar to the word "love" though. Anyway, on with the story. It was a cold day in Tol Honeth, we had been there for a week now, it was to cold to travel, so I was back to arguing with merchants, but this time I had a companion to help in the argument. Then I realized I was acting just like that Drasnian Trader. So I started to leave her at the inn we were staying at when I when to Haggle the merchants, and one day, as I came back to the inn, I found her MISSING! I panicked, losing a dryad that had so neatly stolen my heart. I was so angry I didn't realized that the door to my room, Not to mention the outside door to the inn was in pieces! I looked around the walls of the city, and noticed a forest! Things started to form in my mind Dryad, Forest, Dryad, Forest. Then I realized that dryads lived in trees. I sprinted off toward the forest, when I reached the gate, the guards would not let me through! I had to resort to my Sap skill, with both Guards sapped I moved on, at quite a fast pace. I reached the Forest and started shouting "My Beloved Dryad, come back!" As I walked deeper into the forest. Then I spotted her! She was sitting in a tree, looking kind of tired, like she had when that Trader gave her.... Chocolate!
I climbed up to her, with a struggle with the branches of the tree, letting her know I had found her and would not let her get taken over by chocolate, again. Then, hearing a noise, I jumped back into the shadows, out of sight. Then, peering around the tree saw the same Drasnian Trader that was in Tol Borune! He had more chocolate!!!! My anger now could not be helped, before I knew anything, I was lying on the ground with my dagger to the traders' throat. He successfully disarmed me and we fought hand to hand. When, finally I got my dagger back, I had one chance, I threw it as he was running toward the tree, and the blade hit him in the throat! 
After I had gotten back up in the tree and brought down the Dryad, we headed back toward Tol Honeth, the guards at the gate were still asleep, so we walked inside. Back at the inn, we slept well. In the morning, I was awoken by a knock at the newly repaired door, I stood up, threw on some clothes and walked to the door. The next thing I new, I was in the Tol Honeth jail! I was really hoping my Dryad companion was awake, and had noticed I was gone, I did hope however that she hadn't left Tol Honeth. The guards came in and said I had a visitor, A Visitor! Then she walked up to my cell and said "I would get you out of jail, but I have no gold." I said "I will give you gold" and that is how I got out of jail. 
Then, the next day, I learned her name, Xalenci. 
Like I said Dryads don't usually understand what "love" means, but apparently this one did. Because after I asked her to marry me, she didn't ask what I meant, she just said yes and hugged me. So that afternoon we ended up in the forest outside Tol Honeth, with a priest, the simple words I do tied us forever. 
A happy ending for a happy couple.

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Xalenci & Zhuntah
Back in the inn, after the marriage, we quietly lay in each others arms, I was thinking returning to the guardians as a spy, and bringing my new wife along, but she apparently had other plans. The morning we departed, I started heading toward Boktor and she asked "Why are we going to Sendar this direction?" Then, thinking back, I realized that I told her that we would travel to Sendar. I finally said, "I'm sorry, I forgot we were headed to Sendar, after a journey, I usually venture back toward Boktor."
The next morning, I awoke to find my new bride, tangled up in my arms, so, as I had to cook breakfast, I silently untangled myself, and dressed. I walked outside to find it had rained, and trying to start a fire would be impossible, I woke Xalenci, and we had a cold breakfast, as I thought 'A warm breakfast would have been better, but, I has rained.' So we set off that night, just as night fell, we found an inn, and Were told we were on the great western road.
After that, we slept at inns every other night, and had hot breakfasts almost every morning. We talked in the evenings, and traveled during the day, chatting about the future most of the time, while traveling.
And about a week later, we found Sendar, the capital of Sendaria, we walked through the gates, up to the Market Square, and then, north to the healer, where we rested for a few hours, before heading to the local hostel. Where, finally, we had time to enjoy each other's company in peace we stayed there a few days and then thanked the hostel owner and walked outside the north gate of Sendar, towards the Sendarian Countryside, and even farther north, to the Forest, where it was very quiet and peaceful. We stayed there a few nights, and then, the next day, after breakfast, started talking about where to live. I said "Why not here, I can build a house, or, whatever you would like to live in." and smiled at her. She nodded and smiled back.
The next morning, I awoke with a task ahead of me, get wood for building a shelter. After I had gotten the wood I needed to start, I started building, we had decided, we would live in a Treehouse, for now. It took two weeks to complete, and when I was finished building, we started unpacking things. This took another two days. So, after about, two and a half week, we could finally live in our new home.

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Joining the Adventurers
One fine day, after we moved into our treehouse, I made a run to Camaar, for the ingredients Xalenci needed for her stew. And in a shop, there were Sha-Dar Gares, and his companion Adventurer Kerowa. I overheard them, they were talking kind of load after all Gares said "Kerowa, we need to find some new recruits"
And Kerowa replied back "Yes, I agree" And I walked up to them, and said, "I couldn't help overhearing but, you are looking for new members for what?" They replied back in unison "The Adventurers" It sounded like a lot of fun to me... So I told them I would love to join, all I had to do was Travel back to the forest first.
After I reached the forest, out of breath from running I Shouted up into the treehouse "Xalenci! I am going to be an Adventurer! "
She looked out the window and yelled, "Zhuntah! What did you say? An Adventurer? I walked into the treehouse, and we talked about what they did, and that I would be in Camaar more often than I was before A couple days later, A messenger appeared, from, Sha-Dar Gares, and said that Gares wanted me back in Camaar Immediately.
So, I told Xalenci, and he walked to Camaar, It took a couple days, but we made it. And once there, the messenger, led us to the Clan Hall. And Gares looked startled.
You’re married? Okay anyways let’s get to business we have decided to let you become an Adventurer, Welcome to our ranks Zhuntah!!

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My Apprenticeship
About three weeks in the small town of Camaar I walked Into the Adventurers lounge, To see a group of people, Gares was In the group, As was Kerowa, The other was an unfamiliar face though. She was Introduced, as Aewyr, who had just recently, been trained by Gares. I started thinking about my training and Gares. Then, I walked up to Gares and asked Gares, will you teach me how to become a better swordsman?
Gares replied "sure" and just smiled at me.
So, the next, day, I awaited Gares, blade at ready. He walked around the corner, two very sharp looking swords sheathed at his side. I gaped at his mighty swords.
After he had got closer, he started talking, "Ok, the thing I'm going to show you first, would be good defence. Then, maybe we'll work on some offensive things." I just nodded mutely, ready for his attack. When he lunged, I was ready, I raised my sword, ready to strike him down, when, all of the sudden, In a blur, his swords where sheathed at his sides, and I was lying on the ground!! He had tackled me! I lay on the ground a bit, and when I finally got up, I was tired, and Gares had drew out his blades again. After vigorous training the rest of the day, I was so tired, I went to my chambers, and immediately fell asleep. The next few weeks got hard and harder training, yet, I was finding it easier to accomplished deflecting his blows, somewhat I was getting better, definitely. Then, Gares said it was time to start working on offensive skills. After some sleep, I got up willingly the next morning. Ready to train, I walked into the practice yard, Awaiting Gares, when he got to the practice area, he immediately lunged into battle, after the quick advice of "Remember, offensive skills." After a few minutes, he disarmed me, two or three times, Then, I tried to disarm him, yet, his sword never left his hand. I finally got to disarm him, catching him off guard, but, as quickly as I had, he had gotten his sword back. I started trying to focus on stunning, disarming, and tackling, and by the end, I had gotten quite good at them, then, Gares did something I had never seen before. He raised his hands above my head, and brought them down in a devastating crush.
I fell backwards, the blow had hurt, badly. After I had been knocked down, Gares started walking away, saying, Your Apprenticeship is now complete, Zhuntah You are a good swordsman, you were also a good pupil, you will train with someone else to perfect your skills more.
I was sore for the next week, and then, there was a letter at my door, from Gares, that said.
Zhuntah, you did well in your apprenticeship, You will be training with Aewyr and sharpening your skills. I bid you good luck in our training.

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Training with Aewyr
About a week after my Letter from Gares, I got a note from Aewyr saying we would start the next morning. So, I prepared myself, knowing, that she had when through the same training I had. She walked around the corner of the practice building, Swords at ready. We clashed with all force, and both stumbled backwards. She was an Aggressive fighter. I went In to deflect a blow to the chest. She went under my swords and tackled me!!! I thought "hmm, just like Gares."
After that, we Parried and dodged each others blows, trying to tackle or stun our way to Victory. At the End of the day, I was tired. I said "Your a good Warrior." And walked off toward my chambers, to retire for the night.
The Next couple days, got more and more Intense, as Aewyr and I got better and better. We were getting better at every skill we had worked on. Then, I decided to try crushing Aewy, it was almost like she was waiting for it! I was throw backwards, after I missed my target. It was hard to stand, panting, I finally made it to the standing position. I said "I think I will retire for the night, I'm tired"
She responded with a nod, and I walked away, waiting for tomorrow.
The next day, she was already at the practice yard, I walked around the corner, blades sheathed at my side. I was still tired, but she lunged in, ready for attack. I drew my swords, and parried, dodged and tackled my way through the day. I was very tired. I got a good sleep that night, read for tomorrow, I had a feeling it would be the toughest day yet.
I was right, Aewyr looked different; she got new swords!!
She lunged right into battle, steam surrounded us, as, my blade, was hot to the touch. We dueled in steam, both trying to get the upper hand. We did whatever we could, tackled, dodged, parried. It was a very interesting fight. People began to gather around the cloud of steam. Then, after duelling for about 5 minutes, I was blinded! I was blinded! I staggered blindly backwards, in vain attempt to unblind myself. I was suddenly stunned. After that, I was sure Aewyr had blinded and stunned.
Then, about five minutes later, Sha-Dar Gares appeared, and said "Your training is now complete, Zhuntah Good luck in your journeys."
Then he turned to Aewyr, and Said, "Your training, is also complete, Aewyr. I bid you Good luck on your Adventures." Then he turned his back, headed back toward the Adventurers clan hall.
This, Is how I became, Zhuntah the Blade Master

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An Adventure
After my leg had healed from my little mishap with Kokeiro, Belar came to me in my dream, he said "Zhuntah, go forth, and find my forgotten sword!" and a picture of a sword came into view. Then, it was all gone, the vision, and the voice, and I awoke, startled. I got up immediately, woke Xalenci, left a piece of parchment with the healer,
Addressed to Gares, and Xalenci and I walked toward the harbor, we found a ship bound for Riva, and boarded it.
Three days later, we saw the Isle of Riva, My Homeland. I first headed toward the shops I didn't see the sword in any of them, not even the city blacksmith shop. So, I headed toward the Citadel. I was immediately admitted entrance. I first searched around the throne room, nothing, I moved onto the Library, after about a three hour search of the Citadel, I walked outside, and scanning the grounds, spotted a Blacksmith's shop, Inside the grounds. I rushed over to it, and asked "Have you seen A sword with a Golden Crosspiece with the name Belar across it?"
The Smith nodded his head and said, he shipped in out to Boktor some days ago.
I walked back to where Xalenci and I were staying, and she said "I'm not leaving, The Fraternity wants me to stay on Riva." I was about to object, but decided against it. So, I left the Isle of Riva, only to Return again, after I had found Belar's lost sword.

I boarded the ship to Kotu, which that was about a week and a half long trip. At Kotu, I bought a horse, a fully grown stallion I needed to get to Boktor fast. So, I left Kotu at a Gallop, the Countryside was amazing, rolling plains, and grazing horses. I regretfully entered Boktor, Knowing that I would only see these plains once more. I slept fitfully hat night, at The South Gate Inn.
Belar came to me in my sleep again, he said "Zhuntah, you have made it far In your journey, I'll tell you this, seek out the Smithy, he will aid you in your journey." And, just like before, I was awakened, startled. I walked up and down the streets, looking for The Smithy. First, I went up Long March road, and Then, back down it, finally, I made it to Dagger Street, and on the left, and I saw the Smithy shop! I walked inside, and asked the same thing I did in Riva, he nodded, and said He sold it the Blacksmith in Market square.
I walked outside, and headed toward the famous Boktor Market Square. I got there, and located the Blacksmith, in the bottom left corner of the square, I walked inside, and noted to myself that it was a very big shop, and it looked a lot like the Weapons shop at Riva. I walked up and down rows and rows of weapons, examining almost everyone on the way, just in case it was disguised in any way. I finally found the expensive assortment of weapons, placed more carefully along the walls. I finally found the Golden Crosspieces, I was getting closer, I could feel it. I kept walking, now examining every weapon very carefully, I got to the last one in the row, and I saw the Name Belar. I picked up the Sword, and walked to the counter, he said "You want this sword? That will be 400 gold pieces." I glared at him, and finally said "Fine, 400 it is. After I noticed he was very likely not to haggle.
I walked outside, sheathed with Belar's sword, and started for The South Gate Inn, with the Sword of Belar at my side.

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My title
After I recovered the Lost sword, I returned to Riva. I found it exactly as I had left it. Grey and murky. I thought about this upon returning to Riva, I thought "Maybe I can become a palace guard…" I pondered that for a day or so, then, I finally decided. I was going to the Palace. I walked toward the Citadel. It was Vast. I was admitted entry, and I explained to the Guard of the throne room. " I would like to become a palace guard. He in return said, “I will look to see if there is an opening, Come back tomorrow..."

I nodded my head and walked back outside. I thought "While I'm here, why not just visit the forest I lived in for the few days before I left." So, I walked toward the Forest, It was beautiful, not like I remembered it, vast trees, lush grass, waterfalls. I searched for my old, temporary home. After I searched for an hour or so, I discovered it, it looked torn down, or burned, I couldn't decide which. I sat on a nearby rick and thought about what could have caused this. I couldn't find an answer. So, I just shook it off like it was nothing, went and found a nice hostel, and fell asleep for the night. I awoke early the next morning. I immediately went to the Citadel, as I entered, I spoke with the guard again,
He said, "I spoke with the king, he said to give you a series of tests, we begin in the practice yard…” I followed the guard to the practice yard, he said "the first test, is basic swordsmanship skills…" I though "This, is going to be easy." But, it turned out, it wasn't so easy, he was a very good swordsman. But, I caught the upper edge when he made one little mistake, and disarmed him! He stumbled backwards, I threw dirt into his face. He fell into a wall, Defeated. The next test was a test of stamina. He said "Run the practice field 5 times, in what you are wearing, you might have to run that long if pursuing someone. I almost didn't make it. That was hard, I thought to myself, almost collapsing after the hard work. He said finally "The test is over, all you needed was a good stamina, and good swordsmanship skills, you have both, I will discuss this with the king, and If you return tomorrow, I will tell you the answer, if you become a guard or not...” With that, I walked away, a faint smile playing on my lips.
The next morning, I was very sore, I had a rough day yesterday, and I had a very hard time standing up. I finally stood up, using the wall for support, I walked toward the door. As I walked, it got easier, and by the time I reached the Citadel, I was walking normal. I walked inside, up to the guard and he said "The king has decided, you are to become a Palace Guard, he also says you exceed performance as a swordsman. Welcome to the ranks of the Palace Guard, Zhuntah!"
This, is how I became, Zhuntah the Palace Guard

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Xalenci's Reunion, Zhuntah's point of view...
After I had been chosen as a palace guard, I was walking around, after I had finished for the day, and I saw a woman running behind the castle, to the huge tree I always sat at during the break for lunch I got. I followed her. As I got closer, I realized, it was Xalenci!!! I ran forward, being as quiet as possible, a million thoughts running through my head. then.. I heard her..
'He loves me... He loves me not ... He loves me ... He loves me not' she was talking to herself, looking out at the ocean.
I just stood there, not daring myself to speak. Finally, I spoke, 'Have you developed a crush for another while I've been gone? I wasn't aware that I was gone for that long.' She spun around with a startled look on her face.
'Did you miss me? ' As I opened my arms in welcome. She hugged me tightly, and started...crying... I was about to ask why she was crying, but I noticed she was crying out of happiness, not...pain or sorrow.
'I thought you wouldn't come back. I regretted leaving you... every moment that we've been apart.' she sobbed lightly in my arms, like she never wanted me to leave again. 'How long will you be here for?'
'Well, I'm a Palace Guard now. '
'Your a Palace Guard, and you didn’t tell me?!?!?' Xalenci started beating on me, but didn't have much effect, she was smaller.
She sniffed and pouted, and walked away from me, toward another tree. I walked closer to her, and he turned around. 'So... We're staying? '
I nodded 'Yes, We'll be together... here.' She smiled at me and spent most of the day pointing out trees to me, which I discovered, she spent a lot of time in during the day. She seemed happy here, but I couldn't tell completely.

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Zhuntah's Past
Zhuntah lived on the northern coast of Riva as he grew up. He grew up either working on ships, as a farmhand, or, even a merchant down in the marketplace. When he was young, his parents were murdered. He then moved on, into the real world, as a Merchant, striving for life, and wealth.
One day, he decided he had had enough of the bleak Isle of Riva, and boarded a ship to Sendar, the capital of Sendaria. There he worked as a farmhand. After about a year of farming, he joined the ranks of the Guardians of the West. And, as a Guardian, battled the Angarak Horde.
Then, finally, I retired from battling the Angarak hordes, and now, strive for Adventure and profit, As a Defender, for the Adventurers.

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Old Grudges Die Hard...
On Riva, I started thinking about my Past, I went from A little kid, fending for myself at the age of about ten, after my parents were murdered, here, on Riva, the Bleak Isle of Riva, where, I was bound to stay at for a while. So, I thought I would seek revenge, If the killers were still, alive. 'I seek revenge upon the killers of my Mother and Father' I said aloud, through clenched teeth.
I was alone, in a Treehouse, so, I decided then and there to go find the person or people that did this to my life. I dashed from the treehouse, sword and dagger aloft. Jumping down, I ran toward the Bleak city. My eyes fogged over, I had no clue why I was doing this, my life wasn't miserable any more, as it was when I was young. I lowered my head, Sheathed my sword, and walked back toward my treehouse. I needed to start by thinking this through, not by acting as I went along. I was acting foolish, foolishness was not the way of a warrior.
The way of a warrior, was trust, honor, and, most of all courage. Not, foolishness. I sat down on a couch, and started thinking "How am I going to find these... These... Killers... " I considered the idea, and, I couldn't find a logical explanation as why or how I was going to find this person, or group of people. I was confused about what to do! I was deep in thought lost at all the things running through my head, when, suddenly, I heard a loud noise, and then a long string of curses. I peered out the window, quietly, still out of view of whoever it was. It was two males, about my height, armed with swords! They started climbing the ladder to the treehouse. I acted before I knew I had, I jumped on them, noticing they were not, palace guards, or guards of any kind. I killed one, and knocked out the other without much struggle. I dragged the unconscious one back behind a rock, took his weapons and tied him up, and waited, for him to come back to reality. I thought could they be the killers? Or, are these just, random murderers. Wait, random murderers? On Riva?! This was a very moment I was waiting for. The man started to stir, and I heard that string of curses that I had come so familiar with before. I jumped up onto the rock he was on, and jumped down in front of him, his eyes went wide, he stuttered,
"Y-y-you! Were just a little one last time I saw you, the day I murdered your parents," he clamped his mouth shut, as if he had said to much. He had said enough, for me to know of his identity, my parent’s killers.
I spoke aloud "you killed my parents!! You WILL feel that pain, just as your friend over there has" with a vague gesture. I unsheathed my dagger quietly and in one continuous motion, slit his throat. I wiped my dagger off on his tunic, and returned to my treehouse, after I had so carefully disposed of the bodies.

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...Or, not so hard
Back in the Treehouse, I was shaking with rage. There were a million thoughts running through my head "I can't believe I hadn't thought of this sooner than now" I spoke aloud, for the first time in the hour. I walked outside, I decided I would go on a walk. I started looking at my surrounding features. There were little islands north of the island, dotting the sea. I calmed down enough to make an appearance in the palace, only to resolved my duty as A guard, I had gotten enough fighting for one lifetime. I was content, other than the miserable fact that, nothing could avenge my parents' death. The very thought sent a chill down my spine.
With a solemn look on my face, I approached the Citadel, alone, and unarmed, I marched directly past a protesting guard, and into the throne room. I had been here on many occasions, there were rows and rows of seats, benches facing A High-Backed throne, and above the throne, a banner with a Great Sword, engulfed in blue light, sat. I marched up to the throne, bowed deeply, and proceeded tell the King that I was fully resolving my duty as a guard. He looked shocked at my story. When I was finished, I turned quickly on my heel, and walked out the door, without out backwards glance. I walked around the Isle some more, fully taking in the situation at hand.
"What should I do next?" I asked myself, "return to Camaar, or stay here, on Riva."
I was content with life on Riva, but, I wasn't sure if Xalenci would be, after I told her about these, these, murderers. I finally made it to the treehouse, and climbed in. It was the same, except this time, Xalenci was there, I smiled at her, and sat down
“Xalenci,” I began, after about five minutes. "I killed two men outside this treehouse this morning I don't know if it is very safe here."
“Really, two men? And, why did you kill them?” she replied.
“I knew this was about to get ugly so,” I lowered my head and said quietly, “T-they K-killed m-my parents! "
So, are we going back to Camaar, or, are we going to stay on The Isle of Riva? I asked her, wanting her opinion.
She finally spoke, "we will stay for now, and if conditions get worse, we will leave, "
That, was not the answer I had wanted, I sat back down, I had been packing, getting ready for the move back to Camaar. I did not want to have anything, especially not people's lives, at risk.

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Depression...
The next day, I woke up, early, to find it raining and windy, and, as usual, bleak. This isn't good I though. I wasn't happy here, I need to clear my head, start fresh.
I decided I would go walking, in the cold rain.
I walked outside, and, started toward the city. I wasn't completely sure I should have left at all. I kept walking; I reached the city, and decided I'd pick up a nice gift something to light up my home. I found some flowers, bright reds and pinks, and I kept walking, wanting something that would really make my bleak little tree house brighter.
I walked into another shop. I saw the perfect picture. It showed Camaar. "This picture will remind me of Camaar, and, my clan, the Adventurers," I thought. I was as happy as I had been in a long time, as I walked back to my tree house, the sun was now out. I walked into the tree house, to find the most devastating scene I had ever witnessed, blood everywhere.
The worst part being Xalenci, lying on the floor, dead.
The rage that followed was not surprising. I leapt from the tree house, determined to find the people or person that did this. I started slashing random things with my sword, rocks, trees, anything I could find. After I had calmed down, I started walking back to the tree house. I knew we should not have stayed on Riva. I started packing my things, leaving the picture and the flowers, there, on the Bleak isle of Riva.
Only so that I could return to Camaar to sort things out, and think things through. I would come back another day.

Back in Camaar, I walked into the familiar Clan Hall, and was greeted by the Clan, a few of them were off on their journeys, and, I also noticed a few new faces. I moped around the Clan Hall for a few days, before I started feeling like myself again. Greatly at pain on the inside, I looked happy on the outside. I decided I would live in the Hostel near the Hall for now. But, I did not want to go back to the forest, or live in the Clan Hall just yet. The week went ok, but, I was striving for Adventure, and I had no place to journey to! So, I just stayed in Camaar. I honed my skills, and had time for a mental workout, solving problems I usually wouldn't have stopped to think about.
Not being on an Adventure had changed me. When I had finally moved into the Clan Hall, I got a whole new room, and decorated it, extensively. I had decided it time to get a new weapon, So, I went and found one, It took me a while, but, I finally found the weapon I had wanted. I walked out of the clan hall, ready for Adventure.

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An Adventure
Over the next month, the clan hall was quiet, and people were coming back, so, I decided it as time to move on, and go elsewhere. Dressed in all Rivan armor, I walked toward the stables, waiting for a chance to ride away from Camaar, maybe go to Tol Honeth, or maybe even Val Alorn, possibly even Visit Boktor again. I hadn't had the chance to explore, other that the Smithy and the Blacksmith in Market Square.
So, I decided I would travel to Boktor, and explore, maybe pick up a few worthless trinkets here and there. The next morning, I headed out toward Boktor at a rolling gallop.

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