October 601

10-09-601 (Tuesday)
Kiril brought me back to the Dancing Dragon inn today. He has been really busy lately and so he thought maybe I'd like to play with Dusty. Well Heck Yeah!  I've been feeling bad ever since I had to leave on his birthday, and I was hoping he wasn't too mad at me for it. I found him out back in his tree house...it's gotten much bigger since the last time I saw it, and he was more then happy to let me stay with for a while. YAY!

10-10-601 (Wednesday)
Not much happened this morning. Dusty was working with Olven in the tavern, and so I went out to pick some flowers and romp in the woods. The sun was out and since I was feeling a bit chilly, the warmth of the sun felt good. I gathered up some daisies and headed back toward the tree house to put them in some water so they would stay fresh. I noticed a letter for me that Olven had dropped off. it was from Kanki. Strange, he didn't seem all that interested in being my friend when I was in Corvos in June, but oh...it says the lupines are destroying his home there and he needs somewhere to stay. Of course... My tummy started growling then, so I headed toward the tavern to get some of Olven's famous taters. The tavern was busier then usual and so Dusty was hard at work. Great, this meant no playtime in between customers today. As I munched on me taters and even licked the plate clean, someone tapped me on the shoulder.  looked up to see this big, green bug...it looked a lot like a preying mantis...shame I had just eaten too. I was having trouble trying not to drool right there in front of him. Him being the bug, a friend of Zoie's...Tinker's adopted raccoonari sister. He just seemed to want to chat, which is difficult to do with him cuz he talks so slow and disjointed, though I'll admit that Zoie has taught him talk better then when I last saw him. He wanted to take a walk and so I obliged, still being a bit chilly, and after some time came upon a few fruit trees. I didn't care for the first one...it just was in a bad spot...and so finding another, I climbed it and threw down some apples for him...seeing as how he couldn't reach them. I really like having claws sometimes. I jumped down and started gathering apples, talking to the mantis scavenger guy about all sorts of things...mostly bugs, when a small rustle in the bushes caught my ear. Looking up, I saw a troll rush over and pummel the poor guy before he even knew what was happening. I pulled my sword out and leapt nimbly to the side as another tried to bring his axe down on my head. Facing off with them, we traded blows back and forth...they tried to circle me, and forced me back into the woods. The trolls fought me one on one now, thinking I was an easy target...I would prove them wrong. At one point, one of the creatures left and returning laughed as he dangled the arm of the bug from his hand. Great, now I have to deal with trolls that claim to have a sense of humor... As his companion turned to look, I swung my sword true and sliced his head off at the neck. The remaining troll roared in anger and, dropping the arm, rushed toward me. I was ready. He swung furiously at me with his claws, but I ducked and avoided them all. He jumped at me and again I moved out of the way, placing myself behind him, and with one mighty stroke I felled the beast by slamming my sword through his back and out the front. My foot on it's back, I pulled my weapon free, and cleaned it off. Then, pulling out my flint and tinder, I set about burning the bodies of those disgusting things. Had Kiril been here, he might have been able to add them to his army, but...well...yeah. Anyway, I grabbed a vial from my pouch and swallowed the contents. It amazes each time I see the cuts close over and heal before my eyes. Then seeing the arm, I rushed back to the bugman. I had no idea if he was dead or alive, so I poured a vial down his throat anyway. Nothing happened! I was frantic, and as I stood to grab his body and drag it into the inn for Olvie to patch up...hopefully anyway...he shook his head and began moving. Whew! He was just sleeping I guess. seeing as how he had no arm now, I reached in and pulled out another small vial. He drank it eagerly and within moments his arm was back. He seemed a bit disturbed by the recent events, and so decided to take his leave while he still could. I don't blame him...I needed to sit too...
Back into the tavern I went. It was still very busy, and so I took a seat at the bar and ordered a drink. Finally, I could relax, or so I thought I could anyway...It was then I heard a familiar voice call out my name. Eric... What did he want now? He tried to make some small talk and then, as usual, began questioning me about things that have happened. Things with Seith and Al'more. Right...he's not here to probe me for information. It was then I saw Dusty look in my direction, and after removing his apron, he leapt over the bar to join us. He always seems to know when I need him... I was really needing to just relax and think, and seeing that, Dusty made excuses for us to leave and we quickly parted company with Eric.

10-16-601 (Tuesday)
I had planned a quiet day reading and maybe writing letters today, but the fates would not have it. Do they ever? As I nestled down in a pile of pillows to get started, I felt that icy grip of death clutch my heart and my head swam until I could no longer see anything but black. My Masters call is cruel if anything, and when my vision cleared, I had stumbled to regain my balance before him. He was in need of my help, and after commenting on how slow I was in my training, he suggested that I get help...no he told me to get it. In fact, he went so far as to name the lucky person...Dusty. Since Zeek had taken a liking to him, I guess Vengeance felt that my friend was fair game. Right, Dusty a grand choice! Cuz it's not like he doesn't hate everything to do with this whole part of my life! Yeah...let's get Dusty to help me... I wanted to cry, but instead I merely nodded. It mattered not what I wanted. I was merely a tool, a means to an end. After a few more harsh comments from him and a warning to be quick about finding my companion,  I stumbled again as my head swam, and before long I found myself back at the inn. My masters words echoing in my head, I ran toward the tree house to find my foxen friend and hopefully prepare him for what was to come. He was there, and having no clue what was about to befall him, he smiled as I approached. I quickly relayed what little information I was able too, and with Vengeance screaming in my head to hurry, I literally dragged Dusty out. Now...if only I had known what was to happen before I did this... Had I and Dusty would never been found in time. I will never forgive myself for the events that soon transpired.
As I dragged my poor friend out of the safety of his home, Vengeance grabbed us both, and sent us to another place...I know not where, only that I had been there before. It was a ruined elven city. A small army of undead could be seen wandering through the streets, and the magics being used were so powerful, that even this far away, my fur stood on end. I was disheartened. How could we win this battle? Vengeance told me that he would help us, but in order for Dusty to survive, I must give him some of power that I use. I had no problem with this, but I did not know how to do it. It is true that Vengeance is a cruel and cold hearted master, for his answer to that was for me to shove my weapon through Dusty's chest. Only then would he be safe. I hesitated...I could not do that! But if I did not, he would die... I may not have the capability to love, but there is no doubt I can hate! This was unfair. Dusty could sense there was something wrong. Maybe it was because my fur turned black and the familiar glow of my eyes that he has come to hate were apparent now. All I could do was ask him to trust me. He looked like he wanted too, but couldn't. I tried to delay this, but Vengeance would not have it, and so before I even knew what I was doing, my sword fell, and the blood sickened me. I fell to my knees not wanting to look at what I had done. If Dusty did not get back up, I would abuse the power I had been given. I slowly stood and as I pulled my sword free, the wound healed up before my eyes. Dusty's fur darkened until it was black and as he opened his eyes, they glowed, as did mine. What had I done?!? He stood and looked at me. I wanted to say something, but the words would not come. Acting as if nothing had happened, he shrugged and headed off toward the city. I followed closely behind, just watching him for any sign...any at all, but he gave none. I went over our instructions in my head, we were to make sure, if nothing else, that the child abomination did not survive. There was, as always, no option for failure.
As we neared the city, the undead turned to swarm us. This close, I could feel Al'more, Mize, and Tiffany within it's walls. Dusty jumped into the fray like a madman, killing everything that even looked at him funny. I beat at all who blocked my path to my goal, and slowly I had carved a path strewn with the bodies of those who should have been lain to rest years ago. These creatures were merely distractions for those in the center of the city, and slowly we made our way to them. At first glance, I could see Mize and Al'more staring at each other...again my fur stood on end. Tiffany opened portal after portal, allowing in all manner of strange creatures and undead for her 'mother'. Al'more, upon seeing me, ranted as she usually does and with a wave of her hand, the corpses of the dead rose up from below, grabbing at my legs and feet. Mize to saw us, and with an evil grin, he opened a portal of his own and sent those horrid, winged creatures after Dusty. I cut myself free from the grasp of her minions and started forward, destroying any more that sought to stop me. Dusty wrestled with the creature for a while, and finally defeating it, charged toward Al'more. He then stopped...suddenly, as if paralyzed. No spell had found it's way to him though, and it was then I realized that Al'more must be controlling him...or at least stopping him. I didn't think she could while he was under Vengeance's protection, if you will, but it seems she was able to exert some small portion of her will on him. That was enough! All I could do was finish this and hope we survived. If not...well, I would deal with that when the time came. If was able... Al'more saw me heading toward her, and she opened a portal herself. Out stepped Leslie! NO! I shook my head, she was trying to delay me yet again. The black cloud she traveled with had already begun to swirl about, encompassing Tiffany and herself. Dusty was still there...standing motionless, almost frozen in time. I would fail... Leslie charged toward me with his usual vigor, only this time, with a little help, I managed to crumble him in no time. Dusty began to move then, slowly at first, but as he gained speed, it was as if he had never stopped. We both headed toward the same goal, swords raised. The cloud became darker, and ignoring everything else, our swords fell in unison...Tiffany was dead... Al'more wailed within the darkness and then suddenly she and what remained of the child were gone. Mize still stood there...almost an amused look on his face as he watched us panting in exhaustion. He saw the look in my eye though, and before I could even blink, a red bolt of lightning struck the spot where he stood. Once the image burned into my eye had faded, Mize was gone. With the fight over, I couldn't even glance at Dusty, not that I was given the chance. Once more I felt his icy grip crush my heart, and soon I found myself back with Dusty in the inn. He seemed to find it better to pretend that nothing had happened. That may work for him, but I could not deny the things I had done. I just don't know what to do now...

10-17-601 (Wednesday)
My mind still on yesterdays events, I sat in the common room in my own self pity. Dusty was as cheerful as ever as he went about his daily tasks for Olven. It was almost as if he mocked my pain. I doubt that was his intent, but it still felt that way. I wanted to talk to him, to say something, anything, but instead I got up and left. I kicked at a pebble that happened onto my path as I wandered aimlessly through the forest around the area. I liked walking through here as often as I could, but I am more and more wary about doing so now. I only do it now because the trees have been calling to me and I no longer care what fate befalls me. A few strangers passed me as I walked the main road for a bit, and none paid me much attention...except one...and he was no stranger. The raccoon I saw steadily making his way in my direction was none other then Lardas, or Xanatos as he likes to be called now.  His last encounter had been rather...unpleasant and right now I really didn't feel up to the challenge of dealing with him. As was my luck these days, he stopped me to talk. He wanted to apologize for his behavior last time I saw him. Well...that was a good start, but still...this wasn't really the time... He headed off toward the tavern keeping me in tow with his conversation. I looked for a way to escape, but it seemed the more he talked and the more we walked, the more interesting the things he said were. I guess I could use a break from my worries for a while, right? So I sat down with him and let him buy me a drink. While Xanatos continued with his story, I watched Dusty from the corner of my eye as he ran back and forth carrying this or fetching that. Then Xanatos mentioned his parents and wondering whether or not they were alive. I snapped back to attention and quickly agreed that it would be best if he did. After all, he had said they lived nearby. I offered to go with him, emotional support and all, and that seemed to make him happy, though I would have done anything right then just to leave the general vicinity of the inn. Just being there caused a huge lump to sit in my chest, and until I was far away engrossed in other things, it never went away. So off we went...strange that his parents lived only a few hours from the inn in Drakemyre, but hey, I guess someone has too. After a while we cam upon a small wooden shack. It looked to have been abandoned for a while. I watched Xanatos as he knocked and then finally, when he got no answer, went inside to find it empty. Behind the house were two unmarked graves, so it was safe to assume that his parents had long since passed on. I felt bad for him...here he was trying to make amends for things he had done, and he was not being allowed to. Still, he shrugged and got to work cleaning. He planned to stay there guess, at least have someplace to call home. I decided to leave him to his thoughts and after offering my condolences to him, I hastily left. It was getting dark, and bad things always seem to come out when the sun goes down.
I whistled to myself as I walked back, hoping that by breaking the odd silence that comes with dusk around here, it would ease my fear some. It was beginning to work when a dark figure stepped out onto the path. By now it had become quite dark, so I could not make out who or what it was, though by the glowing hands, I knew they could cast. When the stranger talked, I did not recognize the voice, nor the name when he introduced himself, though by now the pointy ears gave away his race. He was a traveler, from Ashbury. Now how did he get here? I was a bit hesitant to speak with him at all, but he had nothing but nice things to say and he didn't really seem all that dangerous. In fact, he was quite brief in talking to me, and after only moments, he bade me farewell and disappeared back into the tree line.
Instead of whistling, I decided that maybe silence really was best. that way I didn't draw anymore attention to myself. In fact, I even clung to the tree line (once I was a safe distance from the last encounter) and took the long way back through the woods. Surely even Diakaryu himself wouldn't be able to find me there, and he claims all kinds of stuff. Once the inn was in site, I adjusted my course so I would arrive behind the tree house. Dusty had to be finished with work by now, so maybe he would be willing to talk with me. Now I just hoped I could find the words. I evaded the more treacherous parts of the path and slowly climbed the ladder. From the balcony, it was easy to see the rest of the inn's courtyard, now mostly filled with Dusty's obstacle course. It had been a while since I played on it with him... And off in the distance was the stream where we go fishing, and where I used to go to relax and swim... Ok ok ok...enough stalling. Taking a breath, I rapped on the door and waited. A few moments later I heard Dusty tell me to come in, but feeling a little uncertain, I peeked in to judge his mood...and then I quickly shut it again. He had been just laying there with nothing more then a towel on. Oh my... I heard him laugh a little, and after a few more moments, he asked me to come back in. Ok, this time I peeked out of precaution, and seeing him dressed now...well in shorts anyway, I went ahead and slipped inside. It was very tense inside, at least for me anyway. I could not bring myself to look him in the eye, and he seemed not to notice how uncomfortable I was being near him now. He tried to just idly chat with me about stuff, but I was too concerned with how to bring up the real reason I was there. He babied over me for a bit, seeing how my fur was all matted and I hadn't eaten since yesterday, but eventually he stopped and waited. See...he knew. It was now or never, so I just blurted everything out...all in one big sentence, though it was more like bits and pieces of stuff all hurled together in some incoherent apology. He just sighed though and told me it was ok...it was ok? How could he say that? I mean, yeah I wanted it to be, but did he mean it? We talked for a little while longer and when all was said and done, I think we are better off now then we ever had been. And even better? I don't have that lump in my throat anymore. We had just settled down and everything was going so well, when suddenly someone called out our names from outside. Now who could that be? Dusty jumped up, grabbed his sword, and raced out the door. I got up too, though not as quickly, and followed him out. What I saw outside was odd indeed. Kanki, the white fox from Corvos was standing there talking with Dusty. I guess he decided to take me up on that offer to stay in the inn until he could find somewhere else to live. Dusty discussed the lupines with him for a few moments as I listened in, not truly participating in the conversation at all...was just too tired. Kanki finally said his goodbyes, and headed back toward the inn to sleep. Dusty led me back to the tree, and now with that weight finally off my shoulders, I was able to relax and sleep. Thanks Dusty...

10-18-601 (Thursday)
Not much happened today...for once. I stopped by and talked with Kanki about the lupines, but partway through our conversation, the smell of apple pie was too great, and we ended up following it to the source. Wouldn't you know it, Xanatos had been baking it seems, as we caught him napping while his pies cooled off. Well at least he was doing better, and once we woke him up, he was more then willing to share them with us. Mmmmm, they were pretty nummy too. I'll have to get him to give his recipe to Olven.

10-19-601 (Friday)
Another night of friendly reunions it seems. Strange how it all hits at once eh? Well this time is Zander...granted he was a glowy Zander, but it was him nonetheless. I couldn't mistake him anywhere. Seems he was wanting some information about things happening in Elan and was hoping Dusty and I could impart some of our almighty wisdom on him. Sadly, I had nothing to offer for once. He did, however, kinda update me as to what was going on, and for that I was grateful. Seems Arainyn's scouts are getting fat and lazy. I will have to remedy that...

10-21-601 (Sunday)
Seith called to me today, and upon answering him I found his home in shambles. At first I was concerned and then worried as I saw him stagger toward me. I rushed to help him, but he waved me off and after a few moments seemed to be fine. I think he was more concerned about my well being then I was for his, but I was no longer his student, so I was curious as to why he had brought me here. It seems he is still in need of my help, but until Vengeance is done with me, I am off limits to him. Great...so now I'm stuck with that mean old geezer until he let's me go. Just another reason to finish what I started as quickly as possible.

10-22-601 (Monday)
I have no idea what place of consequence this little inn is, but there are too many strange beings that wander these woods. As if one man from some other Plane were not enough to be just a little odd, but two...yes, today I met another one. A lion Sarr by the name of Aris. I am unsure of his intentions at the moment, but he sure does like to hunt. I really don't understand. Sure I like hunting too, for play and sport, but this guy wants to kill every little bunny that crosses his path. Can we say bloodlust? Maybe he and Diakaryu are working together...hmmm.
No matter, it seems that was just a prelude for what I would have to do for Vengeance later. I swear, there is no rest for the weary.

10-26-601 (Friday)
I had wanted to go with Dusty this weekend, but a couple of days ago, what's his name ever so politely asked me to stay and help him out with a few projects. Yeesh...and now it's as if he's forgotten his request and left be to die of boredom. I mean...nothing. Some emergency...
It was too late to try catching up with Dusty, in fact, I had no idea where he went...so I decided to try my luck at helping that Mazzlock (or whatever his name is) guy. After all, Max said I could go on his ship, and seeing how ships are fast, I might still make it. I think ships are safer then horses too. Horses are pretty mean. Wish me luck...

10-27-601 (Saturday)
Max's ship, Revenge, picked me up at the docks late last night. I couldn't wait to find my cabin on board and snuggle into my blankets...I was really tired. The captain of the boat, however, told me that everything below deck was off limits. OFF LIMITS?! That was nuts! I mean, what were we all supposed to do, sleep on deck? Max was going to hear about this... Good help is so hard to find these days. Anyway, I had no intention of sleeping up there, so I looked for a way downstairs. Would you believe it? Every single door, nook and cranny was magically locked. I don't know whether they were wards or wizard locks, but really...did it matter? Not like I could do anything about it anyway, so on the deck I stayed along with everyone else. I'll admit it wasn't too bad. The stars were really neat to look at and the rocking motion of the boat lulled me to sleep in no time. The only issue I really had was trying to comb all the salt outta me fur the next morning. That, and Danrick was having nightmares I think. Tried to run in place all night...like he was chasing a bone or something.
The trip there was at peaceful at least, until we neared the island. It was then we saw the ship heading towards us. Considering the reason we had come, to get rid of the pirates there, it was pretty easy to guess that these must be the guys. Sure enough...they pulled alongside us, threw over a gangplank and tried to board. I am unused to fighting at sea, so I was not up to my usual skill against the foe. Many times, my legs buckled under the shifting boat, and I would have very nearly died or even lost a limb had the others not come to my rescue. Good thing we had a bunch of healer's on board I guess, although it doesn't sound as dangerous anymore if you put it that way. Well, it was a fierce battle, I assure you, and eventually we gained the upper hand and pushed ourselves onto their vessel. Knowing they were beaten, they fought bitterly for their lives, and eventually I turned to find no one else to cross swords with. I looked around at the massacre...a shame really...the ship had been damaged in the skirmish and was quickly taking on water. After my fellow adventurers did their best to loot as much as possible from the sinking ship, we headed back to Max's ship so we could continue to the island. The enemy boat was sinking quickly though, and it was quickly consumed by the ocean before we all made it back safely. I barely escaped the hungry sea, and only then because Danrick grabbed my shirt before I fell back. Cleo, however, was not as lucky and I still remember the look of fear on her face as she plummeted toward  the shark filled waters below. It was only a moment before more splashing was heard. Danrick had tossed me to the side once I was safe and after tying off a rope, jumped in after our fallen comrade.  Quilleron opened his pouch to reveal a multitude of vials all filled with liquid. After a quick search, he grabbed one, and after drinking it down, followed Danrick. I never really considered Quilleron the type to do that, so all I could do was stand there a moment in surprise as I saw the bubbles below begin to grow thinner, and then stop...
It's moments like this that make me sometimes wish I could swim, especially since everyone else was pretty much standing there dumbfounded. I wondered exactly when I had become House Drake again as I ran around the deck looking for a rock, pebble, stone, anything... I yelled at the others to check their pockets (since clearly they weren't planning to do anything else) and as I checked my own, I found the gem Tinker had given me in my little tin. Thank goodness... Grabbing it tight and taking a deep breath, I leapt over the side and into the black water below. I froze in shock as I broke the chilly surface, but I soon regained my senses and peering through the inkiness, I could make out Danrick and Quilleron fighting just ahead of me. I could barely make out the shapes of the fish weaving in and out of their reach, but as I swam closer to them, I could see that a few of them were almost humanoid, but with shark like features. Oooo this wasn't going to be good, especially with Cleo imprisoned behind enemy lines. She would drown soon enough if we could not reach her, and Danrick already looked as if he was about to burst. With a few test swings of my sword, I swam into the fray and one by one we disposed of the shark men and their mean little fish counterparts until we reached Cleo. The imprison went down around her, and Danrick quickly got her to the rope where she was pulled to safety. Very nearly out of breath, I paddled as quickly as I could toward them. The pounding of my heart beat was loud in my head as I concentrated on reaching the rope. Then, suddenly, Danrick looked behind me and glanced in my direction. I looked over my shoulder to see more shark men speeding toward me. I barely had time to turn and raise my sword in order to fend off their blows before they reached us, and in my weakened state, the creatures were able to breach my defenses more often the not. The water around me soon turned red with my blood, and as I fought my instincts to breathe, my vision soon faded and then was gone.
I do not know what happened after that, but I woke up still in the water. I hate swimming, and after a quick pat to make sure my gem was still there, I slowly made my way to the rope. Looking down from the surface I could see the bodies from the skirmish quickly fading as they sunk toward the ocean bottom. I anxiously waited as Quilleron pulled himself to safety. Then without hesitation, I scrambled up as well with Danrick close behind. Once on board, I found an empty spot on the crowded deck, and sat to catch my breath. It was then I heard we had found land. Finally...we were there at last.
We jumped aboard a life raft and paddled out to the island. At first, we thought the island deserted, that maybe this guy had made some kind of mistake, but after a brief exploration Danrick encountered some lizard men, who eventually ran off. Cleo also found a strange human hiding in some nearby bushes. He told us that he was the only one left from a previous expedition, and about four distinct tribes of creatures (one of them the lizard men) who lived there. We offered to let him leave with us since he would surely die if he stayed and that maybe he could stay on the ship until then. He said that we could not leave here by boat...that it would sink in the bay...they always did. I am not going to be the one to deliver that news to Max... Anyway, this guy said the only way to leave was through a portal...or at least that was the theory. Since he had never tried, he wasn't sure. Great... He was willing to show it to us though, and so after making sure it was safe, he crawled out to show us the way. We passed through a graveyard, where he told us to make camp. It was apparently the safest place on the island. As we continued into the forest on the other side, I suddenly realized I was alone with him...everyone else was gone... This made me a bit uneasy for obvious reasons, but it seemed it was not the human I had to fear...
I stopped, ready to turn and leave when a sudden jolt made me stop to grab my head. A whispering wind...from Arainyn. The human had stopped by now as well, and was watching me curiously. I will not repeat here what was said, but the words were harsh and uncaring. I was in shock, what could I have done to make him say such things to me? I waved the man to continue, but as we walked I could not help but think about what my liege had said to me. I was confused. Again I felt that sting in my head...another message? This one from Kiril and...Meissen? What?! No! Why? When I looked up, my companion was staring at me in concern. I told him I was fine and once more we continued. I was expecting the next one, but that did nothing to ease the blow when I got it. Dusty's words were even more harsh then the others, bringing tears to my eyes... I could sense the man nearby was becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the situation, and unsure of what to do. It was then I stopped and suddenly looked around...something was watching...other then him. I glanced in his direction, he had noticed as well. Then slowly my friends rounded the corner behind us. I sighed in relief...maybe they could explain what I had done. I wiped my face with the back of my hand so no one would know I had been crying, and the human took a step back...maybe a little fearful of such a large crowd. After all, there were just a few of us when we first met, and now everyone on the island was apparently searching for me. I tried to calm his fears, but his eyes only widened in sudden fear as he pointed behind me and ran. I turned...and suddenly understood why... Weapons raised, my 'friends' headed toward me. There was nothing else around, but surely they meant me no harm...or did they? Oh my gosh! What had I done? I would make it right, whatever it was, I swear it! They were deaf to my pleas though, so I ran... What else could I do? I could hear them behind me as the chase began. The things they said...the words they used...I cannot even bring myself to think about them now. They are unforgivable and malicious... Through the trees I ran, leaving my pursuers to find me within it's cover. Then, finding a hollowed out tree, I crawled inside, closed my eyes, and cried. Why were they doing this? If they would but give me a chance to fix whatever I had done, I would make it all better. They would see...
Footsteps nearby caught my attention then, and I held my breath until they passed. I sighed softly and forced myself to relax...that was close. I was alone...very alone, and no one cared what happened to me. I grabbed the grip of my sword...the one Rand had given me to use...I didn't want to use, but if they gave me no choice, what would I do? Little did I know that I was about to find out. The footsteps returned and again I held my breath. This time, though, they remained just outside where I hid. I willed them to leave, but they did not. n fact, another set of feet appeared, and another, and another... Had they found me, or were they just gathering here? I was still holding my breath when someone suddenly reached in and grabbed my leg...I had been found?!? I fumbled with my sword, but I could not draw it in such close quarters. Instead I kicked and dug my claws into the hart of the tree. Another pair of hands reached inside and grabbed the other leg. I screamed and pleaded with them to let me go. The only answers I got were insults and profanities. Please! I could no longer hold on, and soon my hands slipped. I tried desperately to grab onto anything, but my claws only made tracks in the dirt as they slowly pulled me out. Please I begged...I begged! The looks of hatred were terrifying, and as soon as I was free, a hundred hands grabbed me. I cannot even begin to describe the pain that fell upon me then. They made sure I would not die quickly though...and that it would be as painful as possible...that I remember. How could I not?
The next thing I know, Cleo is standing over me. I looked up, waiting. She asked me if I was okay, they had found me laying here in the road asleep. Right... The human walked up then...cautiously. So they would pretend nothing happened eh? I looked toward the human for confirmation, but he had already left. Clearly they wanted me to think this was all a bad dream. Sure it was. I guess that's why I still winced at the unseen blows and cuts. That is fine...I can play that game too. They would all be sorry...
Back at camp, I found Tinker setting up his things in my tent. He too acted as if nothing was wrong, though he had been there. He was going on about us all being in his dream again, and then looking at me made mention that I was covered in what he called Dream Goo. Ok, it's official, the man is just nuts. 
It was not until later, when we met with the NightStalker that I learned what had truly happened. We had gone to this creature in order to gain our skills back as we were told we would need them in an upcoming game we were to play for our survival. It seemed a good reason to me, so I followed the others and waited outside for my turn. One by one the others went in and out. Some, like Cleo wore fearful faces as they left, but no one said anything of what was happening inside. Finally my turn came, and inside I saw the human...or at least he resembled him. What was he doing here? He bade me come closer, and when I did he reached out to touch me. I felt refreshed...as if I had just slept a full night. Then he looked me in the eyes and said something about not telling me the truth...whatever that means. I shrugged, clueless as to what he was talking about, and walked away. Before I reached the door though he threw a spell at me... What did I do now? Never mind that...I wasn't going down this time! NO MORE! And with that I dived into the dirt as it passed over my head. I turned over just in time to see another leave his hand. I quickly backpedaled out of the way, and then jumping up ran outside before he had the opportunity to throw another. Those still in line, grabbed at me asking what had happened, but I never stopped until I was back at camp. Moments later, the lizard men who had been acting as guards for the NightStalker came in looking for me. Apparently my presence was being requested. Those in the camp (and there were actually quite a few at the time) stood by as the lizard men grabbed me and dragged me back kicking and screaming. In fact, those in line still awaiting their turn also stood by and did nothing. Some friends...you'd think they could at least continue with the act. The human, or should I say creature, threw several more spells at me until finally I lay at his feet sleeping. I do not know what he did, but when I awoke, everything had been made clear to me. I said nothing to him, merely stood and left. I could not look at him. He had caused me so much pain already and I would not let him cause me more.
As we had now learned that the portal required four scrolls to open, and we were only missing one, I began actively helping the others in the search. As I said before...I would make it all better... By now we were fighting all manner of things. Sarr-like creatures, orcs, and a variety of other things. It was chaos, and it seemed the fighting would never end. Someone mentioned we would have to play a game later. I was ready...a game sounded fun right about now. there was too much blood everywhere, and not all of it belonged to the opposition.
The night came early this day and as we neared the hour when one day became the next, Tinker pulled me aside. He said we had to leave, we were needed elsewhere. Ummm ok...and how did he propose we leave? The answer was so simple to him. We were in his dream right? Right... So he merely shifted his thoughts so that we were no longer in that dream. The scary part? It worked! The world around us blurred as he talked, and when it became clear again, I was standing in the woods just outside The Dancing dragon Inn. Tinker was nowhere to be found. Odd... I didn't really want to think about it. This was too weird, even for me. With a deep breath, I walked toward the tree house. I really needed some sleep...maybe this really had been a bad dream. One can hope...

10-30-601 (Tuesday)
I thought I was surely dead this day. My own stupidity nearly cost me my life as I know it. I had just had yet another enlightening encounter with my friend Diakaryu. As I lay bruised and sore in the woods near the inn afterwards, I begged for Vengeance...and it was given to me. I will never do that again...EVER!