-The following is the partially deciphered text of a forlorn, hidden journal, written in a multitude of languages, from a florid elven script, to a highly organized mathematical notation dotted with a fiery, chaotic, symbolic lexicon. A breathing inked testament that all thought is not necessarily coherent, but yet, not always mistaken-
The second night of my return proved to be...unusual but lovely. Well, lovely in its inception, but quickly turning to a state of preoccupation.
I was greeted by Master Leo in the Sanctuary, and as always, it was a pleasure to see him. Truth be told, I am appreciative of Master Leo and his quirkiness. As different as we may seem at first, I feel we have several key issues in common, and for some reason, he seems to comprehend my distinctions. Perhaps the fact that we belong to primary monasteries that follow very similar ideologies has something to do with our quiet understanding.
Did -I- just call him quirky? Wonder what he would say if he read this!
Our meeting proved to be a bit unsettling. He told me, with a straight face and serious tone, if he were to be turned, I should see to his death. Of course, the reprimand came out immediately.
“I don’t like those kinds of jokes, Leo” I blurted out, but he was very sincere in his request. It seems that during my departure, a new adversary, a dark and foreboding being known rudimentarily as the Lich, had taken and converted two individuals, amongst others. One of these poor souls is...was...a dear acquaintance of our masterful friend. Looking at has drooped shoulders and murmuring tone, it was obvious. The concern was heavy upon his mind, his shoulders, his soul.
I could not ask; I so wanted to, but it was not in me to fish for the answer. Did he fear being turned into such a foul minion, or did he hate the idea of destroying a friend turned into such? Figuratively, my body took his place in the Sanctuary and the question was turned upon me with its full weight. My mind turned and headed down that same condemned path. If he, Chang, Tabitha or my nephew -Powers forbid-, Fane, Eralynia, Niena...any of them...were to be turned...
Could I? Would I? Or should the choice be made for me, forcing my training into motion without giving free-will a chance to assert itself in such a situation?
In the end, would I lift a finger to destroy those that are close to me? As my resolve began sinking to Master Leo’s level of sadness, he suddenly cheered me up by doing what he does best. Being himself.
“Wedding,” he simply stated. After talking of a dearly departed, I thought it unusual, but not unheard of. Some cultures do have a wedding after a funeral, but he quickly clarified my confusion on the way to what I thought would be the church. With due reverence, I will not state the location of the wedding. They have been very kind and respectful towards me, as such in this journal, they shall have their privacy. In its place, I can very merrily state that the ceremony was beautiful!
Before arriving, Leo surprised me. It was Cord, and a young woman, Eleora, or Elly as I have learned. That little scoundrel, I never knew! Seems he has been stealing hearts as well as paintings and other valuables. Of course, I had to leave the outfit Tatiana gave me...[Script changes to softer script with oily ink]...they were angelic in appearance. Too bad this world has so few of these events...[script normalizes]...tend in my usual robe and cloak, but fortunately they had been washed earlier that day. Leo was given the honor of escorting Elly down the stairs, while Baralin, Seamus and I waited from a short distance, joyfully viewing the events unfold with gentle tears and soft murmurs. Seamus may have left a small puddle or two of tears near the pillar. In all fairness, I wasn’t too far behind. Cord looked so dapper in his suit, and Elly was a true beauty to behold. When I saw them side by side, temptation nearly took hold. What would have been my chances of finding a five foot high cake in one of the local bakeries so I could put both of them on top!? They would have looked so cute as life-sized wedding figures atop their own cake!
Aduial narrated the ceremony with such zeal, eloquently providing a moving rendition of Corellon and growing past adversity, prospering, and how Corellon’s own selected champion should not care about that bitch Lloth and how the battle against the Night Skinned elves was an important part of our history. Very poetic, if you ask me.
Of course, I do carry a certain measure of guilt since I spent the night quietly needling Master Leo by taking hold of his arm, tightly, during the entire ceremony proceedings. Question. Which was redder that night? My outfit or his face? Hehehe. Baralin’s comments did not help, but they were funny. Especially the ‘dual wedding’ and ‘green-haired children.’ Yes, Leo and I often verbally spar, and I could do him some justice by not frustrating him so much. Yes, he is shy and reserved, but in all fairness, Leo is also one of the most honest and committed individuals I have had the pleasure of knowing. He is one of those individuals you would be proud to have as a friend.
I am.
With finishing touches, the ceremony came to a close and we were allowed to be the first to witness Mr and Mrs Tealeaf as they stood arm in arm. Moments like that always leave a little joy in you, whether you wish it, or not. Why someone would not, though, is beyond me. The group scattered and changed, as some left, others arrived, thus creating a moving, fluid community of differing personalities lodged in a small, cozy room. With the fireplace casting such a gentle glow, and the warmth of the event, he came in looking for someone. How does life always know the best way of confusing you till you don’t know your own name? Or making you wish you did if you don’t?
I am smiling, but that story...[chaotic, sprawling script with ashy ink begins]...come on now! Don’t be shy. Tell the details. Live a little you sentimental cow. It’s so bo...[script becomes normal again]... will be for later on, since it ties into the later part of the evening. Things went from depressing, to enlightening to being fearful of my life. For...all life.
It is important to note two separate things this evening that have been swimming in the ether of my thoughts as of late. First off, Master Baralin. Such an interesting philosophy for life, and its sister, the afterlife to which he refers to as part of the Grey Court. I know the philosophy. Another of our kind also practiced Master Baralin’s personal belief. Baralin is a good soul, I believe. And when I see his form, I see a potential grandmaster in the making. With time, he -will- strike the balance of his own Path and follow Thomas into the strata of the Ascended, the Perfected Self. But he must temper that one hot iron that so many wield with a bit of carelessness.
Recklessness. He depends on his speed; a great asset that few can claim. But life does have the nasty habit of stripping us of our most dependable traits when they are most needed, when they are greatly required. Slow down, my friend! We do not want to see you hurt. Practice a bit of patience and calm, and you shall run further than any other...
Legos came to us with amazing news. There is evidence that our kind, the elven culture, may have existed in these lands before the Tergs themselves! Though records are limited, and the depth of our heritage is extensive, the scope of those records goes back only a few hundred years. Yet, Legos provided physical proof! We saw the items. Yes, they could be false; elaborate frauds designed to confuse us. But, the fact a bounty hunter has been on the prowl for said items proves they have some worth. Even just literary research could prove incredibly fruitful. As a security measure, I won’t list those who are aware of the event, who is holding the relics or what the items were, though I do have rubbings of some items. This can all prove to be significant for elven kind, but we must proceed carefully. If this is a hoax, we must learn who and why!
-Comments are always welcome-
