March 601
3-1-601 (Thursday)
I got a really pretty invitation today from Diakaryu made from fancy white
paper and gold lace. It was an invitation to a birthday party...for me! He
didn't know when my birthday was, so he decided to throw me one anyway. It was
so neat! When I got upstairs to his room, it was covered in long strips of
colorful paper and other pretty things. There was a big cake with 3 layers, some
ice cream, and lots and lots of presents. There was even a giant box with a big
ribbon in the middle of the room. It was huge...
Then he blindfolded me and we made a game out of guessing what was in each
gift.. In the smaller boxes I found a tiny, gold bell for my collar, a pair of
ruby earrings, some gold and silver combs for my hair, a silver necklace with a
ruby pendent, and some clothes. The big box was full of stuffed animals and
candy! I had to look for my last gift amongst all that. It was fun digging
through all of it, and when I finally found it...I found that he had definitely saved the best for last. Inside was a red, silk scarf...but it was only wrapping
the real gift...a whip. I was taken back by this thing. I had never seen
anything so pretty before...it was black leather with an oak handle wrapped in
platinum threads and a ruby resting in the end. A gold cord is braided in with
the leather to make the whip itself and at the end is a diamond point... Isn't
that just magnificent? I can't wait to try it out. I have always wanted to use
one, but just never found a merchant who carried them. Wow this is gonna be fun!
3- 6-601 (Tuesday)
Dusty came back today!!! He left last week without
so much as a goodbye...only a letter...but at least it was a nice letter. I miss
him a lot when he leaves, so when he opened the door and walked in, I was so
happy. Then, Diakaryu, who was visiting at the
time...suddenly hit Dusty in the face with a pillow. Needless to say, the fight
was on. It was so much fun, even though Dusty keeps saying I cheated in the
pillow fight and I didn't...which even surprises me...but I didn't. Anyway,
Dusty's imaginary friend showed up as always for the pillow fight, talking about
princesses and stuff. Then he ganged up with Diakaryu and cornered me. I think I
put up a pretty good fight if you ask me...::giggles::. You should have seen
Diakaryu's face when I baned his spells back...or Dusty's when I dodged his
gases. Anyway, I think I finally imprisoned myself to get a break. They were
wearing me out, but noooo...Diakaryu had dispels left. So anyway they finally
got me to surrender. Then Dusty turned on Diakaryu without warning and the fight
began again. Amused, I climbed onto the bed to watch as they went at each
other. This was confusing at best to watch since feathers were flying everywhere
now and I could barely make either of them out. It seems Dusty has gotten much
better since I saw him last as he was dodging Diakaryu's spells himself. Wow,
I'm impressed. Then Diakaryu backed Dusty into a corner and just when I thought
Dusty was going to lose, he smiled and jumped at Diakaryu with a pillow in hand.
Now Dusty calls me a cheater, but he had a book in that pillow. I know because I
heard it hit Diakaryu in the head. He stumbled a bit and we all stopped to make
sure he was ok. He said he was fine after a few moments so they continued the
fight. Well, they were having so much fun, I couldn't bear to just sit and
watch, so I snuck up behind Dusty while Diakaryu had his attention. I was
planning to tackle him, but as I ducked down to leap, Dusty turned and ran right
into me. He hit me really really hard too, because everything went black and I
woke up on the floor with Diakaryu asking me if I was okay. Then I saw Dusty
laying there too...well at least he knew how I felt...so I scooted over and
shook him awake. I was a little disoriented after that hit to my head, and
Diakaryu seemed to be in the same condition from the hit he took from Dusty....not me...Dusty, so I figured the fight was a draw and we went downstairs
to get something to drink. I sat with Dusty at the bar while Olven, of course,
complained about the noise as he poured our drinks. He won't admit it to anyone,
but he really does like us. I was going to ask Dusty about his trip to Corvos
since I hadn't gotten the chance upstairs, but he kept saying I cheated so I
went over to Diakaryu's table to sit. He asked me if I wished anything just as 3
men came downstairs lugging trunks and being all smiley. Well, I was indeed
curious as to what they were doing and who they were so I asked if Diakaryu
knew. He said they were 'wishbringers' come to grant him a wish. Thinking that
was pretty neat and seeing as how Diakaryu had offered me a wish just a moment
ago...I went to get myself one. One of the men stopped and asked me what I
wanted...odd, you'd think he'd know...but anyway, I played along and asked for
my wish. He smiled and then told me it would cost 100 gold...per wish. Wow
that's a lot of money for Diakaryu to pay for a wish, but I guess wishes are
expensive. Anyway, Diakaryu gave the man a large ruby as payment and then asked
me for my wish. Again, curiosity getting the best of me...I asked him to let me
see them give Diakaryu is wish. He smiled and nodded and said he would when
Diakaryu sent for him...and with that he left. Okay, now I'm confused. I think
the guy totally ripped me off because I never saw anything. I knew I should have
wished for a box of spider munchies...ah well.
3-10-601 (Saturday)
Dusty and I heard that there was a man who might be
able to help us in this war against Mize, so we were sent to find him. A portal
was opened and after a rather dizzying trip, we came upon a young human. He was not a child, but I would
guess he was barely an adult...kinda cute nonetheless. Anyway, he was sleeping
against a tree and every once in a while, a blue sphere would shoot up out of the
ground near him and then crash back down causing the ground to shake. It nearly
knocked me off my feet. And Dusty too by the way he would steady himself. The
sphere did this continually and the young man never woke. We didn't know what to
do, so I crept forward and touched him. He jumped up so fast, two swords seeming
to just blink into existence in his hands. I could only fall on my knees as his
gaze swept over us. I could not help but stare though, his eyes were...well
green doesn't even begin to describe them. They were like the very essence of
what green should be...the new leaves and grass in spring pale in comparison.
His presence was intimidating and all I could do was apologize for waking him.
Then he spoke and his words were nothing I had ever heard before. I felt a fool
for gawking, but what else was I to do. Dusty knelt by me and we just shrugged.
Finally, the man found the words we knew and he asked us why we were there. We
explained that we had need of his help against Mize and his minions. He studied
us for a moment and laughing asked us if Gorgamoth had sent us. Confused by
this, Dusty and I assured him we had no idea who this fellow was...much less
that we were sent by him. Seeing there was no malice in our visit, Archon
finally told us that he would not give us his help against Mize. Apparently
Gorgamoth would follow him and then we would be in danger from him as well. This
was understandable and we didn't need to deal with Gorgamoth either, so with
sullen hearts we waited for the portal to open that would take us back home. The
portal appeared after a few minutes and then suddenly so did a man who looked
like Archon...only his skin was cracked and covered in pus. It was Gorgamoth,
and he was standing in front of the portal blocking our way back. Archon
attacked Gorgamoth using the sphere we had seen earlier only to have him thwart
the attempt in an almost uncaring manner. Then Archon did something that caused
Gorgamoth to look scared. Whatever he was doing...it looked bad for everyone
there. Thinking the outcome would leave us all dead, I looked at Dusty and ran
straight at Gorgamoth hoping to either dodge his blows or endure them as I
attempted to reach the portal. Just before I reached him though, Gorgamoth
turned and jumped in before me. This made me come to a skidding halt...scared to
continue. Then, seeing the approaching danger on this side of the portal, I
decided that at least I had a chance of living dealing with Gorgamoth and jumped
through.
Again, the trip back was nauseating, but I scanned the area
for Gorgamoth. It appeared that he did not make it through the portal, so seeing
Dusty lying on the floor...trying to deal with the trip back, I forgot about
Gorgamoth and we both returned to the inn. Thinking it was over, Dusty and I sat
to catch our breath and talk when suddenly Archon's blue sphere appeared. I
thought it was Gorgamoth at first until I heard Archon's voice. It seems that
not only is Archon alive, but Gorgamoth did travel here. So now we have him to
fight as well...
3-12-601 (Monday)
I killed Curious today...permanently. He is finally gone from this place...I
no longer will have to deal with him. The pain he has caused people is done, and
we have him to worry about no more.
It seems, however, that Fragment is a new threat. Stronger from Curious'
death...I will watch for him.
3-13-601 (Tuesday)
Interesting...I never figured Diakaryu for the fatherly type, but today I
think he has proven me wrong. I was sleeping late when he awoke me with a knock
at the door. Then, to my delighted surprise...he brought me dinner. Apparently I
had slept right through breakfast and lunch. So while I nibbled on the tasty
morsels he brought me, he told me a tale about some children he had run across
while out. Their parents were now dead and they were orphaned. As sad as that
was, it had a happy ending...Diakaryu wanted to care for them himself. You can
imagine my shock! I mean, he was a widow himself and had no one to help him, but
the thought was so...kind...I couldn't help but be touched by it. He had looked
pretty tired and a bit haggard when he first came in, now I knew why. The
children had been keeping him up all night. Well, as usual, my curiosity got the
better of me, so I crept down the hall to his room and peeked inside. There they
were...all 5 of them. Wow he really was taking on a lot of responsibility. I
hope he is successful in gaining the help of some friends he mentioned. If not,
I will see if I can find families here to take them.
Later after Diakaryu left, Horatio paid me a surprise visit. I was sooo happy to
see him. He doesn't get to visit very often anymore since he's so busy with his
champion stuff. But just as he was about to discuss strategy and teaching with
me in more detail...Dusty came running in and tripping over me, grabbed some
pillows and ran out. Well, you know what that means...pillows... So for the
safety of the rest of the inn, I grabbed one too and followed him out and down
the stairs. I was sneaking around the common room, about to pounce on Dusty,
when we ran across this wolf scavenger laying on the floor. Horatio came down
right about then and checked up on him. It was Clouded, one of their friends
from Corvos I guess. I've never seen him around here anyway. Well he turned out
to be okay and was soon sitting up having Olven hurl insults at him just like
everyone else. I began telling Dusty the events that happened yesterday about
Curious, when suddenly my ears picked up Clouded calling me a cheater...just for
no reason. So that began it all. Let's just say that after much alchemy, spells,
and skills were used...a donut war it was...Clouded lay unconscious and I truly
had to applaud the fight he put up. Even if I did tell him to stop before it had
gotten this far. Well, since things had finally quieted down, Dusty and I
returned to the room to talk. I told him the details about Curious and passed
along a warning. Hopefully things will be well...
3-14-601 (Wednesday)
Horatio was still at the inn this morning, so I took the time to sit and
talk with him. He had been gone so long that he knew nothing of the current
situation with Mize or Curious or the others, so I spent a great deal of time
briefing him. Zander even dropped by for a short time. I hadn't seen him in a
while, so that was indeed a surprise. It is always good to see old friends, but
sadly he could not stay long. Something about a hot wolf in his pants I think...
Anyway, shortly after that, as usual, Horatio had to get back to his charge, so
we said goodbye and parted ways... I wish him the best of luck.
3-16-01 (Friday)
Grey contacted me today about my brother. Good news I think. My plans to
visit Corvos have unfortunately been moved back to June, but this now gives me
time to prepare.
And Diakaryu still has not returned...he said he would after taking the children
to his friends' home. I hope he is okay...
3-19-01 (Monday)
Diakaryu showed me some really neat stuff today, like tying knots so people
can;t get away. He was really good...especially considering I think he'd been
drinking a little too much. I really need to find out what other 'hidden'
talents he has. He's always surprising me with a neat new one...
3-25-01 (Sunday)
Today was a beautiful day, so Diakaryu and I went out to have some fun. He
said he had nothing planned that day, but suddenly I found myself in this really
neat little spot a few miles from the inn and a picnic laid out before me.
He's sneaky... Well, we talked a bit about everything and then suddenly the
weather changed. It looked as if it were going to rain, so we headed back to the
inn...barely making it in time before the first drops began to fall. I helped
him take the basket and leftover food to his room, and there he surprised me yet
again...only this time with a small gift. A ring of platinum with gold specks.
It truly is beautiful, but I really have no idea why he felt the need to impart
such a treasure to me. I hope whatever it is I did, it was worth this... I
had other business now to deal with due to the storm raging outside, so I headed
off and left Diakaryu to work on a few things of his own. It seems Dusty has
been a bit preoccupied being sheriff as he's een really busy as of late also. He
still wasn't in the room when I returned after the picnic, and I had seen no
sign that he had been there since had left that morning. Well no matter what he
thinks, I find that he does really well at his job...and he's pretty cute too
when he plays bouncer for Olvie or lays down the law on evil doers...
Later that evening, Dusty did finally return from his rounds about the town, and
decided to shower to rid his fur of the dirt and dust that had built up all day.
While he was out, Diakaryu dropped by to play again... They really must think me
an amatuer at pillow fighting as they continually try to beat me at my own game,
but as usual, this was not to happen. In fact, Diakaryu cheated this time...and
they talk about me... Just when I thought all hope lost...since Diakaryu
wasn'tplaying fair...Dusty walked in. Surely he would save me right? I guess
after sizing up the competition, Diakaryu grew worried, for he suddenly made an
excuse to leave and then did so...funny that... Thinking myself safe now, I
turned to get a drink of the cocoa Dustyn had so graciously thought to bring,
when suddenly I was attacked by a pillow wielding version of him. Eventually
after a long fight with this new evil-doer...I surrendered...
3-26-01 (Monday)
This morning I found people moving Diakaryu's belongings out o his room. Not
stealing them...but it looks like he's leaving... I wonder where he's going, and
why?
3-27-01 (Tuesday)
After talking wth some of the moving guys yesterday, I found out where
Diakaryu was and went to talk to him. It seems that a war is about to break out
in his homelands, so he is leaving to help his friends there. As much as I hate
to see him go...I guess it's for the best. Hopefully he will write...I sure will
miss him.
3-29-01 (Thursday)
I got letters from Diakaryu today!! He seems to be well...I guess. He did
invite me to his home to visit though, so I think I will go...
I found Dusty outside practicing on his obstacle course...that's a really fun
course too. Finding him hanging upside down, I tried to sneak up and tickle him,
but with reflexes like his...I didn't even get a chance. He wanted to stay in
that position to talk with me it seemed as he made no move to get up...he is so
funny sometimes...so I obliged and told him that Diakaryu had asked me to visit
him at his home and that I was going to be leaving to do so. I hated to leave at
this time, but...what else could I do...
I set out walking to Diakaryu's house. It's faster to ride I know, but
horses hate me for some reason, so it's in my best interest to walk. Anyway,
after following the map he sent me for most of the day, I came to a fork in the
road that wasn't on the map. There was a cabin nearby, so I knocked and asked
for directions. The man inside politely gave them to me and I moved on.
apparently his place is further then I thought, because by nightfall it still
wasn't in sight. Since I don't see all that well in the dark, I found a spot to
camp for the night. i can't make fires very well either, so I gnawed on a few
rations I had and then snuggled up in my blankets and went to sleep. It sure was
lonely out there by myself...
3-30-01 (Friday)
In the morning I packed up my things and continued following the directions.
About halfway through the day, I came upon another cabin. There was horse
hitched up to a wagon outside, but no driver...and only blankets tossed in the
back. I knocked as the previous man had told me to do and the gentleman inside
who I was. He then told me to climb into the cart and we set off the rest of the
way to Diakaryu's. Wow he lives far...
We arrived late that night, but the house was very...impressive. Two story, with
a white picket fence and everything. I almost couldn't wait until morning to see
the flowers that looked to be everywhere. I bet that's a beautiful sight!
As soon as I stepped down from the cart, the driver took off...leaving me
standing there in the darkness. I knocked on the door...Diakaryu answered and
seem genuinely surprised to see me standing there. Then he quickly let me in and
rushed about seeing to me hand and foot. I was ready to leave again that night,
but Diakaryu has a way with words and somehow talked me into staying the night
to rest after such a long trip. The trip was a long one, so I hastily agreed and
soon found myself napping in a big comfy bed.
3-31-01 (Saturday)
The next morning I arose early and did some exploring around Diakaryu's
house. It's pretty big. I found a basement which looked pretty fun for
exploring, but it was protected by magic and I was unable to get down there.
Finally, not finding anything of real interest to me at the moment, I decided to
go wake Diakaryu. That was pretty easy...I tiptoed in and he opened his eyes. I
take it he's a light sleeper... He told me about the basement and after
finishing breakfast took me on a field trip down there. It was his old alchemy
lab I think, and didn't have much in it...just some old bottles and stuff, so
that got boring real quick and we went out for a walk. It was more beautiful
then I had imagined the night before...flowers blooming everywhere...trees full
of leaves...just...well...hard to describe. We walked through the woods, picking
flowers and watching the animals play. Then he brought me to a gazebo at the end
of the trail... It overlooked a cliff and the view was overwhelming! You could
see forever in just about every direction. I even though if I looked hard enough
that I might be able to see the inn...or the manor house. It would be hard to
leave this place now that I had seen it...
Again, Diakaryu talked me into staying, so I decided to write everyone and let
them know lest they worry about me being gone so long. Unfortunately, he had no
pigeons for me to use. He did offer to cast a whispering wind for me, but
well...ummmm...yeah...that was a NO!. I decided that I could go down the
mountain and find some pigeons there to send off, when he mentioned a small town
at the base. He thought the inn there might have some I could use and so we set
off at once to do so once he had gathered some things from his house.
The trip down was a bit bumpy, but we made it there in one piece, and once there
I was happy to find that the innkeeper did indeed have pigeons for me to use. I
sat down and began writing letters to Dusty and Kiril, but they were left unsent
as the conversation quickly turned angry and I acted childishly. Needless to
say, I returned to Diakaryu's house with apologies. He, of course, accepted it
and seeing the hour was already late, we turned in to get some rest.