A Ranger's Repentance - The Journal of Kregor Boldheart

[KregorRanger]

4 Flamerule 101

Summertide dawns, and we have gained a fellow in our pack, only to lose another.

This youngling William is a brother of the Maiden - here from the Unicorn Run in the High Forest back on the mainland. I passed thru it myself during my travels, and tis a good place for the Maiden's Needles to learn their way. He has pledged his bow to our cause, and tis good to have a fellow of faith among our fold. I told him of Kainda's words that our folk come in seasons. I pray his showing might be the indicator of a new harvestide of kin.

Meanwhile, Devin's news comes to me that one of our kin, Balthur, has fallen, though she was unable to tell me why. I must make my way to Wharftown to find out why.

[KregorRanger]

8 Flamerule 101

Found out little about Balthur's demise whilst in Wharftown. Spoke with the local woman Reo about him. She could tell me little, other than to say he fell at Torvas' hand. If this is true, then tis yet another of my kin who has fallen, or suffered loss at his hand. His hunt needs to end, somehow.

Which brings me to the boast of the Nightcloak, Salindra. She lured me to the Speedy office in order to brag on killing the Malarite. I reckon she thought I would feel indebted to her - but Torvas has proven to have more lives than a cat, also she likely reckons I still know not her true colors. All the questions she asks of followers of the Moon, even trying to tempt me into the Underdark with her as my escort, after some altar of my Lady she claims is down there after being stolen from the Lady's shrine in Wharftown.

There is a new one at the shrine now, and she asked me of it. She asked who the initials A.N. belonged to - the one who set up the new altar, that is. I said nothing, and intend to say nothing. Fairly certain I know of an elf of my faith with at least the first initial right. As misguided and moon touched I think said elf is, he is still a brother of my Lady, and I'll not go dumping his name into a Nightcloak's hands.

Sooner or later, she's going to figure it out that I'm onto her.

Met Gentlebreeze in Devin's company today as well. Seems she's gotten into his good favors, and they were en route to Cordor in order to take Devin... somewhere. His words were elusive, and he ended up rather rudely dismissing me and my new apprentice mid-conversation in order to continue his travel with her.

Part of the reason that he that declared the Bramble separate from the Heartwood when he was Warden, which he continued to tout, was because of the druids' own elusiveness, aloofness and air of secrecy toward other folk of nature, even those of the Bramble when the Watch was supposedly an outreach of their own grove. Gentlebreeze could stand to remember that, as he is becoming that which he supposedly rebelled against. And he could serve to buck up with a bit of mutual respect. Even Will saw it lacking in him, so it wasn't just me. Just because the arse used to be Warden of our wood, and now proudly proffers the title "Elder Ranger of the Heartwood," he best not presume to bequest of me or dismiss me as he feels like it.

Midsummer approaches, only two seasons from the moot at the Dreaming Tree, and our hilltop is already an island once more, even for the new fellowship. Events being planned, without so much as the courtesy to deliver the notices and invitation to our wood. Apparently they were placed in Heartwood, and even in the central campsite, but nothing in our home forest. Starting to wonder if I actually trust this dwarf druid, Burin, or not. Heartwood seems all cozy with him, and curiously enough he was eager to take helm of the moot, and now neglects to spread word of gatherings into our forest. Likely just another device for Heartwood's interests, rather than a mutual collaboration.

Over ten winters I've tried to reach out to reconcile with the Heartwood for a common cause, at numerous attempts - tried to gain a voice for our forest with them, and I always seem to be the only one doing the reaching with none in return. Bothor's alleged outreach for a joint moot, in light of his recent demeanor, was nothing but lip service. It almost more seems that the alleged outreach on his part, is more an attempt to pilfer the rangers we have left into Heartwood's service. Seems the pattern for the Heartwood - recruit all the ones that they feel they can fit into their narrow minded mold, and turn aside the ones who won't conform, and pat their backs, and kiss their arses.

Reckon I might need to make a presence at this event our hilltop didn't get invited to, and perhaps tis time I just called them for what they are.

[KregorRanger]

10 Flamerule 101

Am I the only one, who sees Wharftown's former mayor as a mistress of lies and deceit? Who wooed her man-harem to her using illusions disguised as prophecy, and put forth this concocted facade of blunt truth that was in truth only self-serving device?

Am I the only one whom she sought the attentions of, that ultimately stood resolve against her passive temptations, when I was at my vulnerable point from Olina? The temptation I almost gave into, and refused past a kiss, because it would have betrayed someone that I called one of my dearest friends? I reckon I was the only one who did concern myself for his heart - as she continued to dally and build up a corral of studs amongst the men who answered to her authority.

Tis good to be the queen, I reckon, for her at least. As it stands, her once husband is now gone - my brother of an oath - and I shall continue to believe that escaping the thoughts and sight of her with her man of the day was a huge factor in his leaving.

My brother of two oaths now follows her around like a sad puppy. I am concerned whether he would even be useful to either of the oaths' cause, now that he answers to the wench at the drop of a hat.

Work against villainy and wickedness wherever it is found, work ever mindful of the consequences of your actions.

There are still folk who pamper her and look up to her, feel sorry for her and go out of their way to cure her of her present afflictions - afflictions that she brought on herself by her own actions and flippant fidelity.

She gave her heart to a Velsharite in order to allow him to attain lichdom. For that she allegedly lost her spirit, and her emotion.

I hear word over concern of an abyssal doing some spell upon her soul now, that has filled said heart with evil.

Filled it? Or just finally stripped away all of the pretense and camouflage to reveal her for who she truly is, and has been - a bloody witch with her own agenda, gaining others' favor, first with her illusion of innocence, then in her bedroom, and finally with pity.

I have no pity. I have no sympathy. At least the Malarites and the Loss Lovers who I am confronted with are honest, and blatant in their intent and motives.

Olina was right, and Jihael, and so was Elora. Amana is evil - she always has been, always will be. Nothing has changed, save the curtains on the windows.

I really need a new symbol.

[KregorRanger]

17 Flamerule 101

Two years ago today, I found Ze'Dayne's letter beneath my door - left by the one I thought would be my soulmate. Two years ago, I felt that fate had destined me to be alone, and even waxed grateful for the lack of distraction.

I had also bade the last goodbye to Elora that it seems I ever will - the goodbye spoken when she brought my path to the Mapmaker.

Tonight, the Mapmaker is beside me, peacefully sleeping. So peacefully, that I no longer need concern myself for disturbing her as I write. I was not expecting that first meeting, when we came together to collude on securing the freedom for those in shackles down below, to lead to what it has.

Yet, by the time we stood over the cliffs of the Nexus, and drank in the falls' splendor, and shared our thoughts about nature and Her beauty, and Catalin's newfound adoration for the open skies and everything that lie beneath them, I could already sense both our hearts stirring. Even still, I resolved that to again let my heart seek another, would be more distraction, and invitation to heartbreak.

Then the journal. The very book I write within now, crafted and beautifully embellished by her own hand, which perfectly captured the very scene we took in over those cliffs, quickly replaced the old binder which stood to be nothing more than a memory of a mistake made.

Perhaps it was symbolic - a casting away of the remnants of my losses, to embrace a better promise.

The Silver Lady restoreth unto me, that which loss has taken.

Two tendays past, whilst we were hidden away in our place of refuge, as she slept just like this, I took the chance that powerful divine magic might restore the sight of her eye to her - that which the Malarite had taken away - so she too, could have a loss come full circle.

Today, we travelled high into the Crags with one of her contacts - the Archer. I appreciated the invitation, and the chance to walk the trails again. Came a point, we set off alone from the Archer to broaden Catalin's mapmaking. We combed the land 'round the Viper temple, and back down again. Threats we faced were met with a perfect, synchronized opposition - her at my side, five paces behind and to my shield arm, her aim has not only improved, it is nothing short of pinpoint. The grateful expression on her face, the smile of satisfaction at each successful shot, is priceless. No longer is a shot at range a challenge, for what loss had taken, the Lady had restored.

I've not told her that t'was my doing. I am almost content for her to accept it as some enigmatic blessing. My reward is seeing my heart and soul made whole.

Heal the wounds, left in their wake.

Two Summers thence, I have learned, that in healing those wounds, I open myself to receive the healing of my own.

[KregorRanger]

*a practiced hand has calligraphed the following verse alone on this next piece of parchment.*

For thus have the men of the east solemnly sworn:
No axe shall fell the forest,
Nor road bisect it,
Nor settlement reduce it,
Nor invasion claim it,
So long as there are elves within this wood.
In return, shall the elves recognize the lands of the Dales,
As the humans', to tend and sow as they wish.

Let this stand as a permanent monument to our solemn promise:
So long as trust and fellowship exists between our peoples,
So long shall this stone stand.

[KregorRanger]

23 Flamerule 101

I was twenty and five winters, when I finally reached the forests of Cormanthor, completing the trek set to me by my mentor, an old halfelf of the Forest Queen. He made it his one condition for tutoring an impetuous greenhorn from Baldur's Gate - that I find the standing stone, and take its words to my heart.

T'was the first oath I swore, that day I stood in the obelisk's shadow, and recited the words and made them my promise to the Halfelven Goddess. I still remember them by heart. That oath carried me to the very southern tip of old Cormanthor, where I stood for that ancient promise. I would join the elven clans in their cause to drive out the black bloods that had infested those woods, and see the elves' ancient holds upon those lands made pure again.

I was called Elf-Friend, Sha'Quessir. I saw hope for a purified forest, in the care of those who stewarded the land long before my blood kin walked the surface of Toril, a place that would live in peace and cooperation with the city and settlements that bordered it.

And I watched my vision crumble, along with my ideals, under the weight of distrust, pride, and resentment - not only by those of my blood, but of the elven elders to whom I pledged my bow and my blade.

The longer the division continued, the wider the divide, til there was no reconciling between them. And in the end, powerless, my adopted clan would fall, betrayed, abandoned, and alone, with few if any of my blood kin to rally to their side against the lycan horde.

In all of my losses, and in my own betrayals and jadedness, I fear I've become the model of that same resentment and mistrust that doomed my clan in the Hullack - the same sin that has sundered the promise of the Standing Stone for centuries now.

To serve as emissaries of the wylds, to convene in peace between settlement and grove alike.

I'm old. I'm jaded. I'm bitter. T'is a poor combination of traits for a diplomat, I reckon. But I'm also a survivalist, having been betrayed and waylaid from from my youthful naiveté and graciousness far too often.

Still, perhaps I am persuaded after speaking tonight with Gentlebreeze. His words in the Dreaming Tree reflect a sincerity to embrace cooperation, not just lip service. I explained to him why it was settled upon to have the dreaming tree as our gathering point for our joint fellowship - because the Tree is part of no one faction among us, but sacred to us all. A place that even those who have felt turned away from one or both of our circles can feel they belong, without having to belong.

No mottos, no by laws, no pledges or initiations. Just a promise to answer any call of need for the sake of this isle's balance.

T'is the reason I took away two additional boards that were set up in the Tree's shrine - someone didn't get it.

I explained that to the dwarf Burlin some tendays past before his seance of spirits in the Heartwood. The same way I explained it to Gentlebreeze this night. To give the alliance structure, makes it exclusive, and that's already what keeps errant folk away from both fellowships. I think he gets it.

Now I need to speak to the druidesses, to assure they are on the same page.

Navira, she's open, trusting, and receptive, I can speak to her and feel my words received. Mila, I still don't know how to deal with; I cannot read her, or predict her response or actions in any way, and it unsettles me greatly. And perhaps I am just as stubborn an arse as she is.

Still, I cannot expect others to swallow their pride and look beyond past resentments, lest I do the same.

So long as trust and fellowship may exist between our peoples, so long this stone shall stand.

[KregorRanger]

9 Elient 101

A new pledge to our pack found me on the hilltop yesterday. A wanderer, like Catalin, and one who prays to the Four Winds. Selei is her name, a wild elf, likely the first I've ever known to give homage to the Windwalker. I imagine Selei and Cat should get along well.

We're beginning to form up a pack again. Selei joins Will as new folk among us. Will has proven he can hit the ground running - keeping the green skins beaten back to the fort, and he seems a solid sort we'll be able to count on. Selei seeks to learn of the druidic ways, so perhaps, we'll finally have some folk who can help heal the wounds of the land again.

Perhaps Selei will shape up to travel along with some of the expeditions on which my mate has promised to take me along. I can tell this elf has restless feet - even more so than my mate. Meanwhile, Selei and Will can help tend the home lands I broaden my own horizons a little.

I am far too unfamiliar with far too much of this isle. Cat has been on the isle for nigh half the winters I have and she's covered far more miles of it. I reckon I've tethered myself to the Bramble too closely. But there are things that need minding within, and I feel remiss in my duty to the wood, if I don't. T'is my home, and I'll not see another dragged down into captivity by the Drow from our forest - not on my watch.

Still, I am remiss in my duty as a pathfinder for those who wander, if I am myself in the dark on where I may find myself on this isle. Cat has promised to go over her maps, and lead me to some where I've never seen. I have to strike the balance between Cat's need to wander and discover, and keeping the hilltop alive.

That, and tending the little spot of refuge that we've come to cherish. I've begun clearing just enough of the spot, to begin that cabin that we'll call home when we can feel good in leaving this forest in the hands of others of the pack. Tis likely to take a few winters at the pace I can take it. But we've time.

We have forever.

[KregorRanger]

12 Elient 101

A surprising visit from one of the rangers of Heartwood - and as much of a surprise to find out that he was one of the folk who actually seems to get the point of the alliance we sought to forge at the Midwinter Moot.

Yuri ended up in agreement with me on the informality of it, the need to make no requirements or commitments beyond making one's self available for issues of the balance that beg the attention. He was also the first one I've heard to actually use the word "politics" when referring to their grove. I think I may have sorely misjudged the man based on early impressions. Seems he doesn't care for kissing certain folks' arses. For that, we actually see eye to eye.

Further, seems that one of our wayward pack has found his way back to the hill as well. Last I saw Gabe was, I reckon, a couple winters past, and he was among those who failed to show for the foregathering of reckoning when our pack had its last upheaval. He said something of planar travel, and getting lost. I've been to a few of those myself; not may of our kin likely know that. As t'was, there was no pack when I walked those planes - before the astrolabe, and before I took Olina under my wing. In fact, t'was perhaps the last point I can recall that I worked alongside those of Heartwood, with no strife or difference.

I never journaled those days when the planar rifts threatened to rend the isle straight off of the prime, nor my days of following the Code of the Road, when Benwick fell to the machinations of Jel and other of her ilk. Nor did I journal the early point of taking helm of my pack, and its early days when it was only myself and Olina who formed the core of it. Nor when the Liberated Territories cut into our land. Nor the attempt of Cassima to take control over all of the forests and their groves to use them as a tool for personal power. Nor the plagues that haunted our forest, nor the invasions of either demons nor green skinned mongrels that banded together across the isle. Some of these, I'd almost let wane myself in memory.

I didn't chronicle anything extensively, after leaving behind the journal I penned in my days on the mainland. Some of those days even seem a blur to me nowadays. Would that I could recover those pages - alas, they were left tucked away in my tent, which I would never be allowed to return to. I hope Sindell retrieved the book as I'd told her to when I departed for my exile. I pray there was some benefit to those thoughts, for someone.

I started these pages, because the one I cared for then, encouraged me that I should chronicle my experience, and my thoughts - that I might leave a book behind for those in my footsteps to learn from my mistakes, and observations.

Perhaps I should go back, and recollect, and put those encounters down in detail, before the details get muddled in all the rest of the experiences I undergo as I continue to age.

Not tonight for certain, as I've already exhausted both my inkwell and my mind for this day. Another occasion.

[KregorRanger]

2 Marpenoth 101

Bloody wench.

She could have stayed gone off of this isle - stayed with her traitorous pet in their little cabin gods know where. If t'is truly what became of them. For all I know, Olina left her sorry arse for the slattern the darkened wench is. It would make sense as to why she slimed her way back onto this island. She wouldn't tell the truth in any case, particularly if it gave me some satisfaction of karma.

She still tries to take the credit for cleansing our forest, even though all she did was press herself into the scenario - all with Olina's help - and do everything that any priest could do. Things Ze'Dayne did just as well, and played as much of a part of it as Layla. I should have never welcomed Olina to join us in cleansing the forest of the haunting. I should have reckoned she'd give in to her Mistress' demands to bring her along, like a broken pup.

And now Nightseer has taken to meddling with the graves of our founders at the foot of the hill. Not only taking down the original markers crafted by our folk, to replace them with stone billboards for her gods forsaken church, but took the liberty of exhuming and rearranging their remains to suit herself.

I've no idea where the original markers are now, but I'll be damned if I'll let her name or her church's stay rooted at the foot of our hill.

I reckon my threats to gut her bony arse if she sets foot on our land again won't hold much weight just for the speaking of them. I'll need to meet with Jenna, to make certain I have the force of the law on my side to take the measures needed to give teeth to the threat.

Lady Moonlight, reveal this darkened wench for what she is to all the fools who can't see past a smiling face.

[KregorRanger]

6 Marpenoth 101

T'is done. T'was not the most artistic doing of my hands, since I'm not a stone mason, but her name and that of her forsaken church will be read no more from the site of our founders' graves.

Met with the first of the new councilors today - the gnome, Gearbit. He's been working for some time now in the public works using his tinkering to try and draw more resource from the existing farmlands. An effort I can appreciate, since making the farms more productive will mean less need to plow more land. Our discussion turned to past efforts to reclaim the farms on the eastern outlands that fell prey to the scalers, and whether we might want to mount yet another effort to try and cleanse them.

Thrice since I have been on this isle, there has been a cause mounted to reclaim that farmland. Thrice we've lent our hand, from additional scouting and defense of the city folk doing the rehabilitation, to setting one of our old druids, Jesh, to the task of counseling them for wise development and reclamation. Thrice, the effort has died, just as a modest progress was reached.

Now, the infestation has grown even more, with lizardling chanters channeling planar summons to reinforce their positions. The situation has grown to where younglings who once went on the occasional lizard hunt would likely find their demise now, lest they go in company.

This, and the growing presence of the gobs, moving out from the old fort, both need to be culled back, and I'll need some extra hands to do it.

Sergeant Kenner and I discussed combining efforts, offering some lessons in survival to the greenhorns in the Guard, and joint efforts to press back some of the mongrels on the prowl among the outlands. I reckon if it gets more folk on the task, t'is worth a try.

[KregorRanger]

12 Marpenoth 101

I awakened in the shelter this mid-night to be greeted by Catalin looking for me. She was in the company of Talon, one of the first druids I met upon this isle.

Talon was first introduced to me by Caelyn, the day he showed me to Heartwood for the first time, when I was still getting my bearings upon the isle, even before I took the oath of the Road under his tutelage. Talon is a personable one, for a druid, and we seemed to get along well from the start. The day of that meeting, Talon said he would show me back to the city southward - he did so by way of almost the entire isle. Talon’s enchantments and wards made me nigh infallible, and I walked with him along the crags, the falls, the lake of Minmir, the marshes, and finally back to Cordor proper.

He came with Catalin seeking me as well, to offer his hand in the Bramble’s stewardship. I’m honored, frankly, that a druid of his season, who could just as easily make his way back to Heartwood, has chosen to home himself in the southern forest. He will be good for Selei also, as she seeks to learn the druidic ways.

I’ll not press for the extent of his involvement just yet. I’ll let him settle in as he sees fit. Perhaps, by the Forest Queen’s hand, our wood might gain a High Druid that will actually tend to it.

As the three of us spoke, Catalin palmed a gift into my hand as we sat side by side. My words would fail me, short of what I told her after actually getting the chance to look at what she’d given me. There is no question that our connection goes beyond a spoken understanding. She knew exactly what I needed, without even asking.

Round my neck, I will no longer bear a symbol that I now know was forged in hypocrisy, and with ulterior device.

The new one now hangs to glorify both of the Ladies of my spirit - lovingly crafted by the one of my heart.

[KregorRanger]

***A pendant, with five braided silver cords woven through it, is tucked into the large tome. It features a pair of Selune’s eyes with Tanzantine irises. Typically, when it catches the moonlight, seven illusory stars would glow and radiate brightly around a faintly glowing, blue disc. However confined within the cover of the book, the stars are dormant, and void of luster.***

***On the following page, a quick note is written***

I shall do as my love suggests. Keep it tucked away, to give to someone who might appreciate the token for the strength it holds, without the bitterness attached to it. Give the token a chance to spin itself a prettier tale.

I still feel she grants Amana far too much grace - all I can see is a shrewd manipulator whose innocence was contrived. But I shall keep it, at least for a while, shut away tightly til I might see something to convince me against my gut feelings.

Perhaps, another kin of the moon shall find it a blessing, someday. Or perhaps, I shall finally see it rendered for its metal for another purpose.

[KregorRanger]

24 Marpenoth 101

The Dreaming Tree rallying point seems to be doing some progress. Folk have posted reports upon the board to raise awareness of growing threats. Though, it does seem as if our folk are the ones mainly using it.

I'll attempt to make my way toward Heartwood in the morrow, perhaps see if I can find the druidesses for their time and audience.

I needed a bit of away from the hilltop anyhow. I should have reckoned Layla would not keep quiet over the Order of Restraint I posted barring her from entering our holdings. How dare she refer to the headstones she tampered with those of her "family." Bedding someone who was once a part of our pack, then cast out from it, does not qualify her to claim any kinship with anyone who is, or was upon this hill. I'll give it a few days before returning south, then I'll make another complaint of trespassing. Seems to do little to change anything. Perhaps the note I passed to Ser Kristofer will be an edge against her, eventually.

Turn to the moon, and she will make your path true.
Follow the path of the wylds, for the wyld ways are good ways, in balance and harmony.

[KregorRanger]

*A letter, somewhat crumpled, tucked here between the pages*

Dearest Kregor,

I am truly sorry that things ended this way. I know you tried your hardest to save me, even though it may never have been possible.

My parting does not leave you empty-handed, and with this gift comes perhaps another chance. Her name is Annalynne. She is a clone of my sister. I've no idea of her skills or talents, or even of her personality. But I do know that she deserves a chance at a much better life than what she's had here.

I do apologize for dumping her on you like this, but I know she will be safe in your care. This is my last opportunity to do some good, and I truly hope some good will come out of it.

Thank you for all that you have done for me, know that I will always always be with you. All you have to do is look to the stars, and that is where I'll be. Keep your heart open for love and your mind focused on what's best for the Bramble, and the vows we took to protect it.

Elora

[KregorRanger]

*other notes have been tucked into the book; they are weathered, and some faded from the elements, dirty with masonry dust.*

I need to speak with my dancer, to aid a task for freedom. Meet me here in two sundowns.

Met with the mapmaker again. We need to talk about the darkskin below, and your mate's company.

Two moons since we last spoke. We need your eyes again lest we remain blind to what waits in the dark.

Two seasons and no word. Fearing the worst. Please leave a reply. Something.

[KregorRanger]

12 Uktar 101

Elora is dead.

It would seem I should have handled it better than I did, seeing t'was over two winters past now since she disappeared. And yet, I cried when I finally received confirmation written by her own hand the night before she would be executed.

I can't help but lie awake tonight and wonder, if I'd made a different choice, would she still breathe today? If I'd accepted her, even for her faults and the darkened part of her heart, before it became too late for her to turn back, would she have found the way to turn away, or at least refocus it? If I'd only not been so damned narrow and harsh, would she have still run to him, the same way Olina ran to the Nightseer? Was it inevitable for this to end this way, or if I'd only kept her close, would they have not gotten away with taking her back to the mainland?

Was I a betrayer, for using my words to cast her out from our pack, because of Torvas, only to find myself still needing her? Calling upon her for her eyes among those I needed to see, even while I kept said callings concealed from the kin in front of whom I cast her out? Was I a betrayer, for wanting her embrace still, for losing myself in her kiss again?

Know I love ye still; even as he holds ye.

The hole in the ruined wall in the Western Frontier, that she'd chipped out a brick for us to communicate - all the notes I'd placed there from our first secret meeting to the last, to the desperate effort to find her when she came there no longer - it contained all of them still. I took them, and sealed up the brick. T'is over; and the price for my sin was loss, once again.

Look to the stars, and I will be there.

The first night we ever embraced, before she chose him, I told her how I believe the stars are the spirits of those who went on before us - they look down upon us and pray to their grand sister in the sky for us. She remembered. She took them to heart, and used those very words in her letter, to try and comfort me the same way I comforted her that night. Was it just to console me, or did she in fact, hold out one small glimmer of hope of her own redemption in spite of saying t'was too late?

Can I ever tell anyone? Could I ever tell the one I love now, the full truth of why the news of Elora's loss bit so deeply, without in turn causing her to fear that I would betray her, or be unfaithful?

For now, that question is moot, as Catalin makes her way across the sea back to the mainland. The one who brought the news of Elora's fate, also brought us Elora's sister. She can't be more than eight winters, and she was taken away from being the subject of her father's experiments. She has enough of Elora in her that I could see it in her eyes. Part of me wanted to keep her here, and keep her safe, perhaps impart a better life to her than her sister endured. But the same reason she was taken away, makes her not safe to stay in the exact place Elora was found last. They will come for her.

There is only one way to keep her truly safe - and Catalin takes her to just the place now. To put her in the care of a brother of our oath, til such a time as she could return, and grow in this land without fear of being hunted.

I know t'is the best way it could happen; the only way. But the knowledge doesn't stop me from feeling like the two most precious gifts this life has given me, are now rent from me til fate shall return them.

Silver Lady, guide them toward their destination, and see Catalin back to me safely. If anything should prevent my heart and soul's return, then I shall have none of either left within me.

[KregorRanger]

13 Uktar 101

I don't know how she did it, or exactly what she said, other than "please", but t'is done. The woods are quiet of the darkened wench's meddling again, and her latest gift to our gravesites has her church removed from the reference. Catalin did at least share some of the latest lies te Sharran tried to spout during their discussion; this time, I have a mate whose grain of salt is bigger than The darkened wench's forked tongue.

Not certain what some of the lies would profit - substituting one deity of darkness for another as her alleged patron, nor how she could be so dense as to think I couldn't do simple math, nor have known enough of the Watch's former wardens to know the troupe's former roster. Perhaps she forgot that for a brief time, Fox was my second, just as she was for Nightingale.

Perhaps she didn't think Catalin would share all of it, to open it all to scrutiny. No secrets between us. It will ensure the Dark Sister's main device for festering loss and betrayal doesn't wedge it's way between us.

No secrets, just requires the time to tell it all, and it answers my own question.

[KregorRanger]

23 Uktar 101

"Nature folk come in seasons. Keep the ground fertile and open, and they'll come a harvest."

Kainda's words to me, when I first set foot on this hilltop to no one else, save myself and her. After that, she put it all in my hands and handed me the other Nightingales' mantle. I've seen many a fallow and harvest now. Perhaps some of my own venom has eroded the core in times past. But none since that first stand were so fallow as this season past.

Now, with trueness to that gentle Chauntean's word, the first fruits of harvest are once again coming to bear.

I've not seen Selei since our last meeting, but there are now two others attuned to the wylds such that they may give seed to a circle once again in our boughs. I found Daemonia upon our hilltop this morrow - a young girl with a great cat whom she calls her sister. She herself, displays no knack for channeling her commune with the wylds, but perhaps, a trip to the Dreaming Tree is in order.

The second in as many days, Clara - who states her ambition, but again a novice, at best. Perhaps Chultan, from her appearance. In any case, taken into captivity, then released here upon the isle when she warded off the fish from being caught by those upon the vessel. A strong grasp on the concept of the balance. She will learn fast and well, I believe.

Add these to Will who was the first fruit of a new harvest, and the return of the Chultan Ojo to our hilltop. He says t'is time to lay roots somewhere. I pray he will, as our rangers direly need buffing.

I have also become fully persuaded that Soko was a good choice for second. He has made himself present for younglings, and tends them in turn. For an ornery, feckless recluse, he's doing rather well.

Regroup, refocus. Back to the attention of our home field as priority. The rest can be tended freely by those who pledged upon the Dreaming Tree. Yuri's name is upon it now; a show of solidarity from one of the Heartwood.

I can focus upon the matters at hand now, and not be distracted by bemoaning my mate's absence. Perhaps, even, the pack may yet find another heart among its new harvest, to bind them all together, like Kainda.

Soko tends the younglings for now. I can find, and deserve, to finally rest this eve.

[KregorRanger]

8 Nightal 101

Tis approaching the solstice of winter, and seems the harvestide of nature folk may indeed be upon us. Our novice druids now number three - four provided that Daemonia does manifest a latent commune as I suspect - and two ranger apprentices.

I found the first apprentice's letter neath the door to the workshop, as I was going to check the stock. Duncar was the name, and my timing was impeccable, as it seemed I'd just missed him in passing from leaving the note. Impeccable enough that I met the same outside the Nomad as I walked to the Speedy office to send him a message. He seems eager enough, and desires to learn. Seems our young feline sister was the one who told him of us, at least with enough words to give him my name.

As we went to the hill, another pair of folk wandered upon us. Those being a new young druidess from the mainland, along with her escort, who is a hunter. Natalia seems as eager to learn as Clara, though she seems far less simple in her demeanor. It almost seems as if she sees the path with an academic approach. Neither way of going about it being wrong, because nature folk, as Kainda would say, are as varied as the leaves of the trees, yet all comprise the same forest.

Her escort, Jovia, is a young man, who at first seemed unsure of desire to learn of a ranger's path. However being encouraged by his companion, he soon embraced the thought. He also seems to be starkly curious of the feline nature of Daemonia. Daemonia, on the other hand, needs to learn the concept of personal space with these new folk. I've beheld nature folk of all sorts, but few are so feral.

I gave Will his first task at leading - by taking the new folk along with a young hin scout out to patrol the bounds, and the goblin stronghold. All seemed to go well, save for Daemonia getting strayed from the pack and wandering into danger alone. Fortunately, she and her feline sister made it out alive, and all I had to afford was a search for the wounded cat, and a lecture to the party about not leaving a member behind.

After many had dispersed, Devin, my Second and I led Daemonia toward the Dreaming Tree, in the hopes it would enlighten her about her possible nature, and talents. For some reason, however, the tree would not speak to her. Perhaps t'is just a passing situation, and a later trip will bear fruit.

There is also the wisdom that hopefully Talon will impart upon the new druid folk. Dealing with him is refreshing, and he echoes the same supportiveness he did from the first I met him when I was a ranger without a path. I see his concerns for the growth and strength of Heartwood mirroring my own for the Bramble, and ditto our mutual concern for the isle at large. Perhaps our friendship and cooperation will be the key to a final reconciliation between the forests. If nothing else, then let it be a buttress for the common causes we will rally to at the Dreaming Tree.

Also, found my sister Angela today, for the first time in winters. I warned her about the darkened wench's current plans as Catalin relayed them to me, also about the other Sharran's desire to find the mysterious priest of our Lady who sanctifies altars about the isle. Seems she doesn't know who t'is either. Ignorance on one hand keeps us from being able to betray the holy one's name, but it would be preferable to know it, so that we might protect him, or her, from the hopeful Dark Justiciar who seeks a suitable sacrifice. We are now on the quest to search this enigmatic Silverstar out. Having such a figurehead amongst our Moon kin could give us a newfound strength, perhaps even draw more to Her light - exactly why the Dark Sister's lot would wish to snuff them out.

Also I've gained the support, at least in her blade, of one who could be as valuable for the knowledge she can impart of those who will affect the law of the land our woods sit within, as the martial support. Hopefully she will lend the knowledge as freely.

[KregorRanger]

25 Nightal 101

I woke to the sound of howling last eve, exited the shelter and scouted the Bramble to find two lycans stalking the hilltop. I confronted them, saying that i would offer to heal them, if they could see to reason and want the cure. Otherwise, I would put them down. They took to flee, and i went into pursuit of them - farther north I saw the trail, til cornering them again at the portal near the gob fort.

As timing would have it, my kin Daemonia and Duncar emerged from it - likely from a patrol into the old ruins, with the orc blood my sister called "Boar Man." Now we had the lycans surrounded, but apparently not enough, as they brandished wands of speed and eluded us yet again. Again we took pursuit, tracking them as quickly as myself or my apprentice could manage, til we found the tracks ending in the farmlands of the city.

There was death all about, as every living thing had been slaughtered. Further searching turned up nothing, and the only thing I have to go by was the observation that one of the black bloods bears a pendant of the Foehammer.

Regrouping, we encountered Storm, who confessed she had contracted the taint herself, and upon anticipating the last turning, took herself out of folks reach. She had just returned to the settlement to see the death around us.

I wasn't prepared for the verbal fencing that would be involved in taking Storm to the cure. Nor did I know til this night the pain she suffered by my own words before. I gave no thought to my reaction to her angered rant when she quit our pack, and how I'd essentially disowned her - much like my own father said to me, when I went against his wish, in order to become a bane to black bloods.

Walk out of this house, ye walk out on our family.

I hope my words last night helped to heal the rift. At least she agreed to let myself, my apprentice and our sister take her to the place where the cure lie closely guarded and protected. T'was an anxious race against the next highmoon to get her there, and with less than a hour left when she took it.

Twenty minutes of anxious waiting, comforting her. I've never seen her shed a tear before. She fought it even then. But when the moon reached its peak, she knelt there still, with no change. She was cured.

As Storm found a place to rest within, I took my sister aside so she could see the path I felt she was meant to walk. She learned of the totem, she finally understood that she can walk her path as both human, and as kin to her feline sister.

I also made better acquaint of the orc blood she called "Boar Man," Thorne is his name - a follower of the Oak Father, I believe. He is kin of the wylds. I told him of the fellowship we sought amongst those of no grove or forest who also walk our path, and I hope I impressed it upon him, as he remained within the holy place to meditate.

I brought my sister and brother back to the south - encouraged that I've seen one rift healed, one bond forged, and direction given to one who wandered. And all of those brought together now are charged and empowered to deliver others from the taint of the black blood.

Thank ye, Lady of Silver, for allowing me to heal the taint from one of those afflicted, and for healing the wounds of strife between us.

[KregorRanger]

8 Hammer 102

New Years dawning, and a new pack. This time, it truly has come together as one. I was summoned to the hilltop on a report that our cookpot was taken. First time since t'was Olina and I atop the hill.

I arrive to see all of our young folk - including William, who now stands with us as Journeyman. They were all gathered, there from patrolling the lands around us, and venturing to the heartwood by Will's lead. There was no panic, no chaos, there was a plan. And within the eve a new cookpot hung over the fire.

They gather and travel in tandem, and learn by doing. The Druids among them get along as a circle should - even our youngling feline shifter is embraced by the rest, language and culture barriers notwithstanding.

We also now have two more to join into our circle - with the return of Lane, the orcblood who continues to further dispel any conceptions of his kin with his insight and wisdom, as well as Amber, another young skin walker of the wolf totem. These two made a full showing of their wisdom this night, as we discovered who the Tempuran bearing the taint was - he was visiting among us, and confessed it.

Heal the wounds left in their wake.

He was given the taint by Torvas, as he told us. And the black blood had already seeped into his mind enough to give him a thirst for strength, and bloodlust, and led him to believe he could turn the curse against the Huntsman. My kin spoke up, with no aggression or threats, only insight and compassion to try and reach my friend within that was clouded behind the screen of bloodlust. In particular, t'was not my words, but Lane's that finally broke through, and sent the Tempuran onto his knees weeping.

I did not condemn him, nor did I patronize him. I offered him the measure of trust a friend should offer. I told him where my Lady kept a plant safe high in the snow caps, and that half the warrior he is could make it there. He says he will take his mate and himself in the tenday. Silver Lady, I pray that he may not succumb again to the lust lying into his thoughts, but keep him focused and resolve, that his God is bigger than the promise of power given by the Beastlord's taint.

Khalreshaar, the Halfelven Goddess, also blesses this wood with a new pack. One that perhaps I will be able to pass this legacy on to when I have reached my autumn.

I am a Sword of my Lady. I am a Needle of my Maiden. I rest tonight twice bless'd.

[KregorRanger]

*a letter tucked into the pages here*

Dearest Heart,

Two moons at sea. There is one thing to be said about the sailors and captains working diligently to connect Amn and Arelith. They know their ropes and the sea. It is alone thanks to them the fare was uneventful and safe for Annalynne.

Also, to the sailor's credit, they are discrete. No questions asked, no questions answered. A woman and her son will be what they have admitted aboard.

I was worried, bringing Annalynne back to the very shores from whence she had come less than a moon ago. I hurt for the child at the life we are setting before her, but I do not think we had much of a choice.

And in a way, to her, it is all yet an exciting game of hide and seek. Would that I could embrace it all with her unfettered joy and enthusiasm unmarred by the ken of dangers lurking.

Shearing off her hair was one of the hardest tasks. I imparted one of my disguise kits on her and much knowledge on how to use it. Out of the cut hair we created two wigs, each dyed of different colors.

She has not developped yet and while Zhent guards may scour the world for a woman and a girl, they would not suspect a well born daughter of nobility 'neath the guise of a harlot and her son. People see, what they expect to see.

The girl is taking well to the lessons and much time aboat was spent by teaching her the rudimentaries of a bow, daggers, lock picks, traps... And yes, even the cartographer's writ and code I shared with her.

I pray she never has to fall back on these learnings but I'd hate to have been remiss in the teachings in case one day they might safe her life, or she wishes to build on them. She is a quick study and has a good head on her shoulders. Even the world of wizardry might one day be open to her.

Euclio and his peers will have the joy of her, for she drinks in knowledge like a sponge takes in water. The closer we get to the monastery, the surer I am it was the right call.
Throughout the towns we travel there aren't open searches, but guards discretely looking for a woman of Rose's description and a girl.

None has yet suspected me and my boy, and the further in land we go, the less scrutiny we find.

Soon we'll get close to Athkatla. I've talked to the girl and she is smart enough to understand, that her identity will remain secret. Euclio will know, but until the day she departs the cloister again she will be Maria, an orphan begotten by a wench unable to feed her and giving her to be a scribe for the Oghmans instead.

Her sister's story, I'll leave for you to tell, my love, for I have a feeling 'tis not mine to tell. Once the girl is ready and strong to find out her past, she will hold a letter, leading her to us, so that she may find who she is.

I will remain here a few days to rest, before I leave this land forsaken by seasons, and addled with Zhentarim. I trust these words will reach you before I'll be home again. Know that I hurry and am eager to wander the Brambles with you once more.

Who'd have thought, my exile would one day become my home.

Yours always,
*a small map scroll drawn*

[KregorRanger]

There is a balance between the wylds and the settlements. Both may exist and prosper freely, without encroachment one upon the other.

I've now heard multiple words from multiple sources about the expansionist goals of at least one member of the current council. Tis time for me to play diplomat again and see to dissuade said ambitions.

I have spoken to one or the other of the new pack individually on the matter. Amber, Natalia, and Clara, our druids, each with their individual perspective on the matter. More than one has shared a sentiment that I first held in my own early time upon this hill, that continued to be my ultimate goal up to the treaty being signed with Cordor - that the Bramble should be totally free and sovereign and under the sole purview of its druidic circle.

T'was a point that the land was truly free, and held by no one. And as Amira recounted to me, it was the acts of the last Warden to stand upon this hill before me, that led to selling out the lands to Cordor, as a sort of lesser of two evils in a land grab between the Arcane Tower and the City.

The treaty as it was signed in the 94th year was a compromise - it gave us our purview, it gave us a voice in how the lands outside the city walls were used and protected, but t'is sill no more than a vassalage of our lands to the settlement, and I still have to kiss politicians' arses.

I must admit, that I still have the dream of seeing this land truly free of any claim or territory, and not subject to a piece of paper that depends purely upon the honor of the entities that signed it to hold any water. But for now, we shall continue to be its stewards, and hope that we can mediate the perceived need to plow ground that has never been broken.

So we focus our attention upon the ransacked farmlands in the eastern outskirts of the city. Long abandoned by its inhabitants in the wake of the kobold incursions, its current inhabitants are being fueled by the scalers that burrow from their pits into the mine tunnels running beneath it. The mines are yet another example of how flippant use of the land can unearth unknown consequence and imbalance it its wake.

We shall now proceed to assess the conditions needed to end this burrowing, and cut off the bloody lizardlings from the surface. From there, we can rehabilitate the land, and hopefully stave Cordor's need for farms and housing for the foreseeable future.

Regardless of the times t'is been tried before, no one has truly pulled out the stops to see it done. But if we meet it with the same unceasing drive as was given to cleanse our forest of the plague haunting, we can surely do away with a tribe of scalers to make our neighboring land safe as well.

As much as I wish to see the gobs driven out of our boughs, as we did the haunting spirits, and to make that our main focus, a clean forest will profit us nothing, if t'is reduced by the city walls.

No axe shall fell this forest, nor road bisect it, nor settlement reduce it, nor invasion claim it.

Not so long as I am able to do something about it.

[KregorRanger]

to serve as emissaries of the wylds, to convene in peace with the settlements.

Shieldmeet 102

The elves of Myon held a gathering of peace for the other settlements. After Commander and I apprehended and exiled one of the wretches that has been accosting our female kin, I travelled to the gathering, being held at the crossroads within Bendir Dale.

I did not see any of the dwarves of Brogdenstein as I'd hoped might show, so that we might draw upon their tunneling mastery to come up with a plan to cut off the scalers from the abandoned Cordor farmland.

Whom I did see, as I expected might show, was The darkened wench to draw division and ire among the gathering in her own subtle way. What I did not expect, was for her to be representing Guldorand as it's Marshall again. By the time I'd arrived, she had already managed to taunt the Knights of Mystra to attack her and nearly jeopardize the peace of the gathering. She had also almost managed to provoke Cordor's Councilor into leaving, til I stopped him and encouraged him simply: do not give the wench what she wants, which is to divide.

She has tried to do it again, already among my pack, and worm her way into the favors of one of my sisters, and cast a dim light upon me in the process. Fortunately, the younglings of the pack seem, for the most part, more instinctive, and less swayed by false sentiments and circular logic. And their Alpha has learned the best way to keep her from dividing us, is to make her irrelevant.

Did my heart good to see so many of my kin at the gathering. A new generation; a new core grows strong, and solidly together. And I dare say I can even see those who might someday lead rising among them. With yet another joining us yestereve who was brought to me by my brother of two oaths, it yet is not unwieldy, for they work together naturally, as a pack should.

I spoke to those gathered, in the wake of grumbling and tension over Guldorand's Marshall, to hopefully bring a bit of peace to it all, and do as my mate herself said, and make the darkened wench irrelevant.

A settlement is not about a single person, rather t'is about the goodly folk that inhabit it, and why we come together for a common cause - not for whomever is in charge.

I reckon my Ladies grant me more wisdom in my older years. Our cause rises above that of a single person still. And the words of peace offered by the stone set by Myon almost rang to the same spirit as the stone I stood beneath at the corner of Moonsea Ride and Rauthauvyr.

So long may this stone now stand.

[KregorRanger]

*a charcoal rubbing has been folded and tucked into the pages here*

((Placeholder. Drawing to come))