« on: November 20, 2021, 10:24:26 AM »
A Nidalan's Lullaby
*A journal written in Nidalan, the language of the Nidalan people.**The first entry has been dated 'November 20, 776'*Ever since I have ended up in this forsaken land, I've only felt as much despair; though a lesser degree of loss. I've come to find my new familiars, the 'outlanders' as the Barovian people call them are quite insane, though despite the rabid, dangerous flock - there may be some good apples within. The night is full of the most foul creatures that I were told were merely fantasy and that the reason for this was that our despicable Knight Protector's kept our country safe. Seems monsters are required to slay their own. My new home in Barovia, by the town of Vallaki is a church devoted to a 'Morninglord.' Were the priestesses outside not wearing their token orange robes and hopeful smiles, I would have never gone inside. Inquisitors take many forms, yet I doubt they could ever make it this far and these priestesses seem candid. Their obsession with hope or their aspirations to make this world a better place, is filled with a sense of naivety and foolishness that children can aspire to become. Such as Natalya or Annaka. Those wonderful fools, I hope their light burns for as long as it can. It is respectable though, to be able to hold out for so long, clinging to that candle in the wind for whatever warmth it might give in the long, treacherous nights. They are a strong clergy; able to take whatever insurmountable obstacle is put in front of them. A clergy deserving of aid and funding, it only remains a great sorrow that I'm usually at odds with them about such things, given Nidala. Perhaps that will change later on, perhaps not. In the meantime I've taken to tending to their graveyard, which is being seen to by Vallaki's Mortuary, headed by Ophelia bell, a strong woman with a big heart. The work has no pay, but it helps to have a place to be, with others. Hopefully with them, I'll find out what lies within me. *The second entry has been dated 'November 21, 776'*I will be staying at the mortuary within Vallaki's walls, so at least I'll be safe while I consider my living situation there. Living with Ophelia, Clementine, and Elisabeta will be strange as I've been used to staying with family for as long as I can remember. Primarily though I am hoping for answers regarding me. I've spoken to a witch who despite her selfish and scheming nature - has agreed to seeing if I have any magical essence or promise within my blood. While I stay here she will see to what processes need to be done to uncover this new puzzle I've given her. While I do not trust her enough to give her my full history, this should sate her curiosity regarding my person and give me the answers I seek. All I can describe to myself if I had to label whatever has come over me is that I've had strange dreams of casting magic when I was a child to now, though some of them have been rather foul. One ending for example with a severed Knight Protector's head held by their hair in my hand, as I stared out into the untouched forests of Nidala, I could swear something whispered in my ear as I stared into the darkness, unknown threats lying within, or simply tricks of my own mind. Aside from that and dreams of a similar nature, I've slept well. On other less depressing topics, I've made a few 'friends' as Ophelia specifically requested. One of them the scheming witch mentioned above - Delphine who worships a strange set of beings or spirits known as Ioa - mediums between our world and theirs - giving magic to their worshippers. Her compatriot or even partner if I were so bold is Lilith, Lilith Verpirios - a warrior priestess of the Sanguine Mother, a god devoted to pleasure and the well-being of life, a foreign concept for me, yet perhaps with further questions I'll learn more and better understand it. In the meantime I would guess Delphine has obtained a new 'pet' of sorts by the name of Markus, a 'holy warrior' he proclaims. Who worships light, though I suppose outlanders will worship anything that gives them hope in this forsaken world. He seems dependable though, though naive and gullible. In the meantime though, I am told I should smile more, however awkward the action is for me, perhaps it will help. *A small sketch of the Nidalan landscape is drawn at the bottom.* What watches that which lurks within the darkest crevices of your mind?
« Last Edit: January 11, 2022, 12:02:10 AM by Facilis »
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