Iss' Diary 4

Princess that awoke was the friend they had lost, and I felt happy on behalf of Alma and Mirik. To see them reunite felt like a gift but I also could not shake this feeling that all of this was fleeting. After all, if this is a dream as Alma says or a vision as Mirik says, then would Malice be with us once we awoke? The two seemed to believe so. Then of course there was the matter of Sarulana and her book.
Never having met before the two argues about their possessions, Malice sounded confused, but I know nothing of their book, so I offered very little in terms of explanation. Better to leave to the likes of Alma who know better magic and can be more charming than I. I listened to them argue and I listened to them speak of our awakening. It seemed Sarulana made a choice to keep us within the dream, a choice I found agreeable as leaving malice on her own in a land foreign to her would have been cruel. I misjudged Sarulana on many accounts, and I still think there is an irresponsible if not childish streak to her actions, but I am growing very fond of her.
To aid us in our return I offered them my lips, as all stories must end in a kiss when read by children. Kissing Malice felt like kissing a cardboard, yet I can’t claim this was my worst kiss. Nothing magical happened as we kissed, and the dream still continued.
Our extended stay launched us into a discussion about the garden, about the origins of Malice and Sarulana. They both seem to share eerily similar stories, perhaps mirroring each other in the ways their lives unfold. When I suggested that they may share a father, they both looked at me so angrily as if it's not something that happens often. Men fuck and do so with very little regard, but I suppose people seldom feel comfortable with being someone’s bastard. Still, something for them to think about.
Before we could continue, I felt a strange disturbance of the weave, and I noticed so did some of the others. I am not fully attuned to these things but spending my time near many magic users has granted me some understanding that may not be found in others of my profession. Portal that opened was large, and from within strange little creatures came out. They were size of chicken and all mouth and teeth. Sort of looked like an asshole. They didn’t attack us, but they did not retreat either. To test the portal, I threw a rock at it and it simply went through, suggesting it was not a one-way portal and we could theoretically go through.
Upon Sarulana’s command I killed one of the chicken-things, but they still remained impartial to us, instead trying to scatter deeper into the forest. From the portal came even largest beasts, one dragged his hand behind, one had massive claws, the other with two head that bickered, and finally one with a huge mouth. Following them came the Queen.
I am not embarrassed to admit that I found her entrance to be majestic if not tad bit dramatic, but very sexy all the same.
I returned to the side of Sarulana and Malice, my arms protectively around them. The Queen beckoned for Malice, but I told her of she did not wish to go then she did not had to. Malice chose to stay with us, and we told the Queen as much.
It seemed this was the wrong answer as the Queen proceeded by putting a spell on Malice, and as she started to move outside of her own volition towards the Queen, I restrained Malice in order to fulfil her wish. Then of course, she put a spell on me, though I did not realise it at the time. If asked, then I would say she was the most magnificent thing and perhaps I still do think as such. A terrible thing she was, but still so beautiful.
Per her request, I let go of Malice and I have trouble remembering exactly what happened after as my eyes were fixated on the Queen alone, my ears were attuned only to her voice. Immense guilt embraced me once the Queen disappeared with Malice and eventually my affections for her wore off. In the future when I think of this moment, I shall think it as one of my greatest failures. That poor naïve child did not wish to go yet I let her go. I failed a friend. I will not forget my mistakes; I will atone for them in the name of our mistress Ioun. From the trees came a giant, moss covered and majestic. He attacked a creature nearest to him, seemingly raged by all these strangers in its domain. I couldn’t see it first but as the time passed on, I knew… I knew that I could trust this being with all that I had.
I joined the fight and found myself against a sad and pitiful creature and in my pity, I knew I had to kill it. Nothing this sad deserved to live, nothing this pathetic should ever breath. Somehow, we actually managed to kill all that we could, and I found myself approaching this giant who seemed so gentle and fair. I lowered my weapon and approached him with great care. There are tales of such creatures of forests, guardians that speak, and they help those that are lost and desperate to be found. Perhaps my love of forests misguided me but still I trusted him and felt no regret.
He called himself The Gardener, and his voice was soothing all the wounds of my soul. I wished to weep in his presence, I wished to expel the poison of my own suffering. I showed him my flowers, and he consoled me on my loss, reminding me that it was not in my power to save all. Still, I feel much responsibility about what happened to Malice. To hear such words from him…
I asked to hug him, and he allowed me. Never before I felt this safe outside of the arms of The Mother. In turn for his kindness, I offered him the flower crown I made, too small for his size but perhaps he can wear as a bracelet, regardless he seemed genuinely appreciative. He fed us the most beautiful ale I have tasted, and then give us directions to our new path. I shall tell the tales of The Gardener long after my death… and I shall miss him for the days to come.
Four of us started our journey once more, Mirik mostly being one to lead us as she is more familiar with the foliage and tracking. I know the forests of the mountain like the back of my hand, and I am a sufficient tracker but still I am no match for a druid such as her. I have come to appreciate and trust the talents of my fellows.
Such trust paid off as Mirik turned me into a fucking giant eagle! I can’t express how fucking amazing it felt to have such power, strong wings, and to fly… Oh to fly was a freedom I had never tasted.
I packed Alma on my back, and we scouted up ahead. I noticed few things but what was more prominent that I couldn’t fly too high. It was almost like there was no where else to go? Once I dropped Alma back again, I tried some aerial tricks both to entertain my child’s mind but also to see if I truly could no go any higher than before.
Alas, I could not.
For hours we travelled, I carried Alma and Sarulana on my back whilst Mirik chose to swim through the various bodies of water we crossed. Eventually, the spell that kept me broke and we all came tumbling down.
From the distance, we could hear the loud gallops of many horses, and then they entered our field of vision and I found myself holding my breath. The centaurs were so beautiful, so proud in the way they carried themselves, true protectors, ferocious warriors.
I stood in front of them and plead our case, normally what would fall on deaf ears they seemed to listen. Perhaps they recognised my intent, or perhaps they understood that I, like them, am a warrior of good stock. Either way, they allowed us passage, offered us directions, and in turn I told them where to find the Gardener and promised to get rid of any ill willed creature I see on our path. I sense that this forest is old, and alive, and is protected by many a creatures, all that brings love to my heart.
From a young age I was taught to love the forest, to respect the life it sustained within it, and how we had to give tenfold of what we took. Being here reminds me of home, and to see this forest be destroyed by such creatures… that would certainly break my heart.
Continuing on our journey to find the maze and the wizard, we came upon a beautiful growth. Apple trees as far as the eyes could see and I collected some of it for the journey ahead. As I bit into one, I heard Mirik say something about salty apples and spit it out but as the taste settled in my mouth, I could confidently say these were the most beautiful apples I have ever eaten.
Further in we found centaurs once more, and I told them of our encounter with their brethren and the Gardener, and how we came to be there. Naturally, they mistrusted us as we invaded their home, but they did not attack and listened to us and even offered furthermore directions with the promise that we do not return.
I am not proud to admit the next part, but we got lost big time. Mirik was distracted, and I lead us to the wrong direction due to missing a turn someplace. We had to double back and go further deeper into the woods to locate the dryad gardens.
Out of the blue Sarulana attacked a tree and I could feel my heart drop and shatter. Why would she do such a thing? Why would she act in such cruelty? I grappled her to prevent more attacks, I was so angry at her that I thought, for a moment I could lose myself and attack her. She yelled at me to let go of her, but the sorceress had crossed a line. I have forgiven her for many things, but I do not know if I can for this.
I ran my hand on the bark of the tree, and I apologised to the live it contained within. Perhaps Sarulana does not know but the forest do scream. The trees do feel pain, and like us they remember.
A lady of the forest rose from the shadows and spoke to Mirik. I did not understand the language of the forests, but I do know the face of an angered spirit when I see one. Near us another one arrived, I found myself apologising yet again.
The one that spoke common told me the ruin they were facing, and I knew I had to help even if I went on my own. I would risk life and limb, but I hoped that these people now I consider friends would come with me. I hoped and they granted me that wish. I doubt they understand why I am so reverent to the trees, why I love the forest so much, but they still indulged me and for that I am grateful.
They directed us to their gardens, covered in creatures and puffy strange mushrooms. Alma and I inspected them, and I thought that healing magic could dispatch them safely without bursting them.
I raged and I threw myself into this fight without a second thought. The scene in front of me broke my heart, death everywhere and it almost felt like I could hear the trees scream inside of my own heart. I fought many creatures in my rage, and I can gladly say I killed many of them.
For a moment, and only a moment this corner of the forest was safe. We spoke to the dryads once more and in their kindness, they directed us towards the mistletoe we seek. They also warned us of the dangers of where we intent to go.
Now, we rest to restore our health and strengthen our constitution.