Feb 71, 361/ Feb 27, 2007-02-27

The training arranged by Kaldor did not give me the usual satisfaction. Elise’s marksmen are a tough group to go against and they all seem to share Devante’s desire to win at all cost. After getting some more lessons in how to bite dust (there is several ways of doing this, rolling over the floor, fall flat on your face, fall flat on your back, use arms to protect yourself and so forth) I openly announced I had enough. I do not mind losing at all, but when I take part in a training I’d like to learn more then being defeated over and over again by a team of which beforehand can be told they will win. To my surprise my announcement was met with mock, misunderstanding and I was even under the impression that it was better for me to leave the training if I did not shut up.
Well… that sure didn’t improve my mood. My love not saying anything made it even worse.
Mordred was the one who in the end convinced me to stay for another game, showing me in a much more kinder way that there could still be something learned. His cheerfull words later on the matter when things became quiet again in the Rose made me look differently at this type of training completely.
This sure ain't easy, Father, but i will learn. Eventually. Someday.

Gwen Irima

The elf closed her diary with a sigh and leaned back in her bed at the Trinsic Rose…

Gwen rolled on her back on the fur in front of the fireplace, holding up her diary above her and flipping through the pages, reading some of the writings that caught her attention. Then she rolled back on her front, closing the book and staring into the fire, her thoughts completely claiming all of her attention. The Tower, the Fool, Three of Pentacles, Five of Pentacles and the Chariot. The reading of Alraune had given her an insight of matters, something to think about. Yet… Why did she feel slightly uncomfortable about this mission she was going to be send on?

Mar 59, 361/ Mar 4, 2007

Some days ago Raven appeared in the tavern and not long after I had promised Raven that I would be there when the child was born, I was witness to the birth of their baby girl Raelia. As if the child was waiting for that. Is the One giving me a hint? Making sure that I never get the desire of wanting to have a child of my own? If so… he succeeded. I will leave it up to my brother Amras and his wife to be the ones that continue our family line, for when Raven’s baby began to cry I never was so sure that there is something else I have to do…Children don’t fit in my future and… I think the One agrees with me.

Mother understands these feelings. After making sure Jern had safely arrived in Eska’eldalie, telling the Lady VanQa of his arrival, I went to see her immediately. Even though I am grown up, no longer a child myself, it is only in her arms that I can let go of all my worries, all my doubts. I do not have to use words in front of her, she knows what I feel, what is on my mind, just by looking at me. Our bond is strong and perhaps it is because of that, that she was chosen to speak to me of a mission of some sorts. The details are vague, but i do not question my mother’s choice of sharing little information.

I brought flowers from Eska’eldalie to Kimi and later in the evening I brought Keina the heartwood music box that I requested the crafter to make for her. They are both in the Healers after having been tortured by some drow male. I heard that Vesper attacked again late in the evening the previous day. Poor Kaelyn… it must be tough to be a target constantly. Heard rumors that she was tortured, hope she is all right. A robber is hanging around in the Quarter, had attacked Eagles. I wonder if it is the same one that attempted to rob me of my gold some time ago when I was drawing a map of the Quarter? Could also be there is more then one at work in the area, which is probably more likely.

Gwen Irima

She closed the book and looked up into the fire of the fireplace. The heat of it warmed her face, soothing her while she pondered more…

May 20, 361/ Mar 13, 2007

Vesper attacked again last night. Just after the Champion of the Regiment tournament of the Marksmen. I did what I could, the Marksmen and the Guards did what they could, but the Vesperian Army swarmed into town and quickly took down whomever they saw. I menaged to get out unharmed, but only because I was so surprised to see the mage amongst them. I don’t trust him. I do not understand what he wants and I certainly do not understand why the Vesperian army accepted him into their ranks. Does it mean they just accept anyone? Does it mean Phlebas is looking for allies and thinks he has found them with the Vesperians? Maybe Vesper doesn’t know they have a criminal in their ranks, which would indicate he is using them without anyone knowing. I do know one thing… I won’t serve anyone from Vesper until this thing is over.

Another concern is rising while the fighting (for Trinsic? Is that what they want?) continues; Someone claims that Kaldor has turned its back on Trinsic. After all the stories told by fellow elves, I look up at the Kaldorians, respect them greatly, so I could never accept such rumors being told. I immediately went to Kaldor where I found some in their tavern, and I asked them. Mordred said it was nonsense. And I believe him. But I believe Genty as well. I am sure there is an explanation for what Genty saw and I hope to hear it soon.

I have to tell Devante of what Durinka has proposed, but I find it hard. I am considering to tell him that I am just off to see my parents, what she asked takes about a day to do. It is a proposal at this point, but she is right that at the moment I am the best choice of person to do this. That uncomfortable feeling that I have been having… I should listen to it.

Gwen Irima

July 30, 361/ Mar 26, 2007

And so i did what was asked of me, showing loyalty and obedience to my Lady.. but i sure wish someone told me about this before they send me away. It is an awkward situation that I find myself in and if it were not for mother promising me something good will come of it I would sit in a corner until everything is back to normal again.

Some people have asked me about my awkward situation, but once I told them they either stare blankly at me or accuse me of being possessed by evil. Only the elves in Eska’eldalie and the wiser ones like Miguen and Ziani, seem to treat me with the respect elders of our race are usually given. Some even look up to me, as if I have been to Valinor and back.

Sennah’Jo in the mean time is making the best of the situation. We’ve agreed that at certain times he’ll stay in the back of my mind and that at other times I’ll let him have control so we can prevent the embarrassing sitation of him speaking while I am in charge. I’ve begun teaching him how to use my bow in case I get knocked out and he has to take over. He knows the basics now, but perhaps it was better to let him continue to think it was a one stringed harp.

He was pleased to speak with Lady Durinka, to see the elves, but I guess since we’re this intimate he cannot hide from me that he looks forward to going elsewhere.

Kirtian still has not returned to health. His condition worries me. If it weren’t for him, nobody would have known where I was. Everyday I visit him and sit besides his bed to bring him fresh flowers and to tell him what is going on. I hope he gets well soon…

Gwen Irima

*the following part in Gwen's diary is written with thick big letters that express that the writer is very angry. Completely opposite of the writing with thick black pencil is the childishly simple drawn colorfull flowers around the writing*

August 5, 361/ Mar 30, 2007

Vesperian Brutes !!! Feuyaerea edanea ! Gurth ar’ Lirva a’ sen I’lya! How dare they come to the Elven Quarter and harass my Venka like that? And on top of it: I wonder what explanation the Kaldorians will have in regards to throwing my friend out of her home because they want to have a private chat in MY tavern??? A Public building locked because whoever it was, was too damn lazy to take the time to wander into Kaldor. The Nerve !

I know my friend Venka Joyleaf can be a hand full and that it requires patience to have her around, but she is a good and innocent soul that does not deserve the treatment she has been given.

First Sakura and Zefar, now an invasion on my tavern and the harassment of a pixie. This is totally unacceptable.

Gwen Irima
*added in colorfull writing:* and Venka

September 21, 361/ April 6, 2007

Last night was just weird.

I had thrown as many people as possible out of the tavern in a most subtle way to create some peace so I could finish baking cookies, cleaning and dusting for tonights tavernshift, when my work was disturbed by a trio darkly dressed (do they ever dress differently?) and armed strangers. Never before I had met these people, so of course I assumed they were travellers seeking food and drink. But no, like most things are around the Quarter, they were not just travellers. They actually came especially for me, or rather especially for an elf. What better place to find an elf then in the Elven Quarter huh?

While I was figuring out who the trio was and maybe a way to speak with them calmly without having to go anywhere with them as they demanded me too, a marksman came in the tavern and quickly saw the awkward position I was in. Also Haila had risen from her seat, addressing the trio as well. As long as I carry Sennah with me, I have to be carefull and when the situation become more hostile and their weapons poked more threatening in my back I decided to calmly go along with them while one stayed with the Marksman and Haila.

They took me to the nearby waterfall and asked me about the Nine and where they were and what I knew of the prophecy. I could have probably gotten released sooner, if Sennah had not interfered. I didn’t know anything, but apperantly Sennah did and for some odd reason he could not resist taunting my new friends.

Apperantly in the younger days of Sennah’Jo, when his wife and sons were still alive, there was a war between elves and nine necromancers. Sennah himself did not fight in this war as he at that time was hiding the recipe for the Fountain of Life, but his sons did. His sons died in this war and for this reason Sennah took great pleasure in reminding the people that had taken me (and thus also him) that Elves won that war and that they would never find the hiding place of the Nine.

With people gathering at the Rose and scouting the area the Trio decided to let me go. I don’t think this is the last we have seen of these people. In fact… I am sure that they will try and interrogate other elves as well as they seem to be very keen on finding these Nine. (I wonder why? They should be dead by now?)

And on top of it someone visited the Rose after this all and told Haila and me that he was looking for Ruadnit. Apperantly there is something that is called the Force, which is everywhere around us and Ruadnit’s new sight has to do with that. I told him the best time to find Ruadnit would be during the Repair Hour on Wednesdays as she offers free healing at the same time.

Gwen Irima

Oct 9, 361 / Apr 11, 2007

While i was making a drawing for Keina in return for the one the little girl had made me, i heard footsteps outside my office. When I checked out to see who it was, at first no one was there. As I wanted to make my way inside the office again, suddenly there was one of my “new friends” on the doorstep. I quickly reached for my bow, which I keep on my back always now after their last visit and with the constant threat of Vesperians returning, and aimed it at him… or her. I am not sure what I would have done if it were not for Miguen leaving his house and noticing me and my “friend”. Now, with him at my side, I could not resist taunting the human as Sennah had done. Maybe not the wisest of actions, but what is done cannot be undone. They will be back. They wish to speak again with the Elder in me. He also claimed that the Nine would soon rise. Part of me laughs at the idea. What makes this human think these Nine will prevail this time? Yet the certainty in his voice speaks to the other part of me. There are not many elves left. There are not many true elves left. True elves are those who follow the One Path, the only path that will eventually lead to Valinor. What if there is too little of us left to stand up against them this time?

Gwen Irima.