Reading the Shrouded Sun I was flattered to see my name mentioned. Then I realized what it said…” Doors have recently been found here and there, dotting the landscape like Dirk DT after riding the cannon...”

For the love of Ben! It’s not fault they promise safe travel in a low cost package. Oh sure an in flight meal here and there would be nice, at least a packet of peanuts. But no. more times than not I am ripped into a billion little pieces and why? Well my theory is that I am rather large for those things. 6’6” and weighing nearly 2 Ixon’s, maybe I should skip the rides.

That sneaky little rogue Ixon, thinks he’s so special with his tunnels… well tunnel you rat. I shall soar like an eagle…


...getting winged by a 10 gauge shotgun.

Indeed life has its ups and downs. We are all subject to good days and bad days and days that both happen at the same time. We learn to accept that things thrown at us with mature emotional stability and a stern remembrance that regardless of the good or the bad what lurks around the corner is a new adventurer, a new chance to create destiny and gain further purpose…

I always cherish when I make a new friend in Valorn. Seeing friends as I travel even if just in passing makes me realize exactly what I’m fighting for, what we all are fighting for. I have no qualms with the other professions and have many close friends from all the other lines of destiny but I have to say nothing makes my heart more joyful than to see a fellow cleric even if just in passing. Knowing the purpose of faith, in whatever form it resides in the cleric, is true to the gods we serve makes me feel at ease with the world.

Many new initiates talk about being an enchanter or a rogue due to the swiftness at which they can move around and there is always a steady influx of warriors to be, ensuring the protection that Valorn needs. The young clerics I have met recently though assures me the faith will survive and thrive in the coming days.

I finally gained my 40th level in training the other day and now take some time to reflect the journey thus far. To be able to walk the land with out much fear and to be able to inspire young adventurers, this I take as gods glory. May I never forget the journey that got me this far.

I walked in the Dundee Inn the other day and it appeared a young initiate was feeding a small cat to a snake. Naturally liking cats and hating snakes I saved the cat and went off to Milltown to take some time to get to know my new found friend. I knew however that our time would be short, the battlefield is no place for such an animal and I believe the gods would not take to me sitting out of the fight for such a purpose. I contacted a friend living not too far south of Valorn and asked him to care for Pete. Naturally he agreed and from what I hear Pete is doing just fine. It was nice to have such a companion and friend. I cared for Pete for nearly 2 whole days until I could get word back that he would be safe.

This thinking led me to a question in my mind. Would I make a good father someday? I’m in no rush to have children as I am still very young and Valorn is still a treacherous place but someday… possibly I would like to have such a burden. I have seen others with young children and I admire the care they provide. It is much too early to think such thoughts though as I am unwed and still needed to fight…

This has been an uneventful couple of days. Fighting in the Verthedge Forest had driven me to the edge of sanity but I feel close to attaining my 40th level. The forest is dark and cold and … well… just plain creepy at times.

Still drawn to the Dundee Inn I go back often to see my friends. I walked in on Korrith almost loosing his life this morning. I’m not sure if I helped the situation but at least he lived.

Not much else to discuss… maybe I will write more later…

Today I ran into an adventurer in the Verthedge forest who appeared to be looking for a brown crystal. When I ran into a guardian I messaged him at once. Unfortunately it was dull but I felt good about helping him out. I remember my battles with the Guardians to obtain their coveted treasure. Hopefully soon he shall have what he desires.

At start of the week I found myself feeling alone even among friends. It has been so quiet around the guild but I think that will change soon… ah… my beloved AVE. so much has changed. The original founding 5… gone. I still believe in Ba-Ku. I still stand behind him and know he is the right man for the job. My guild mates are strong and we are a growing force.

Enroshia finally completed his all too impossible quest. The quest he was given was the hardest I think AVE has ever given. I see humility in his eyes though at time pride still worms its way through. He is a welcome addition to the AVE family. He is a dedicated friend if I have ever had one.

Still feeling alone my heart aches to see the one I love but we both have been so busy I fear a wedge has been driven between us. Not that it can keep us apart forever but I know it has to be hard on her as well… I shall train hard in the coming days to take my mind from it… I have always been a patient person but when your heart tells you to jump how long do you wait to take the plunge? Perhaps I should seek advice…

From nervous anticipation to fulfilled satisfaction …From possibility to actuality … from beginning to end… life is an enigma

When is it the right time? Is time just an illusion as they say or a standard that we must live by? As the marcs tick by I grow impatient for things I want to do but I restrain my selfishness for the right time. so many things to be done…

I feel a lot more confidence today as I walk about in the forest I once feared. Something about speaking before a large crowd that brings confidence in everything you do. If only we could live without the anxiety of the build up to the moment… I think I shall fell that again soon…

I am inspired to write a story of my own. Not knowing much of Valorn except the journey I have taken or the stories I have heard from the mouths of my friends I think I shall write an original piece. Maybe something with a little comedy in it. I enjoy the sound of laughter almost more than anything. To draw a genuine laugh out of someone, to make them lose their composure if only for a second… that is enjoyable beyond words. We will see… I still stand by my words that writing is not for me…

in the fold of the Journal lies a neatly folded note...


Dear Dirk,

I hope this letter reaches you safely. I thought I’d share my new found adventures with you to pass on to everyone. It’s only been a few days and already the fun has begun…

As the boat left the mainland, I could not help thinking how our adventures were about to end and yet new adventures were around the corner for both of us. The ship was moving rather fast as we had good winds for much of the start of our trip. I stood on deck until I could see you turn and walk back toward your beloved Dundee. I will surly miss the times we spent there but as you said, no regrets. If I turn back now I prove myself the fool that many take me for.

Days later we reached our first destination. It was a large island, possibly a continent but I didn’t figure we would be there long enough to waste time finding out. The markets were right along the shore, I laughed as I though of what you would have said about that… “Beaches are for strolls not for sales!” the merchants were pleasant and loved to haggle. I moved on into the town and decided to go looking for adventure. Apparently, I lost my powers I had gained as an enchanter in Valorn but my strength was still there so I decided to slip into the forest behind the city. Night had fallen and the ship was going to be ashore for a few days so why not test my skills. I walked into the forest and a sign said to beware after dark but I didn’t figure any creature here could threaten me so. Walking through the woods, I found the paths uneventful. I walked off a path when I heard a noise. I didn’t care if I got lost, I was so mad that the sign had misled me thus far. It sounded like several large creatures but the were running from me not toward me. I gave chase but to no avail, and now I was seriously lost. When I stopped to take a bite of the food I bought in the market I noticed a strange smell I had not noticed before. Possibly my chase had not afforded me the chance to assess my surroundings. I finished my food and stood to look around. Darkness engulfed me. I could hardly see the tree I was leaning against. It was quiet. No sound of insects or bats or owl. Suddenly I heard a sound… a rustle of leaves, first from the south, then the north. Soon the sounds surrounded me. I took guard as best I could. Now suddenly wishing you had come along with your light weapon doohickey. Shortly I was face to face with what appeared to be a Zombie but it stood nearly 10 feet. Then another from behind and they didn’t look like they came to play checkers.

I was never good at checkers anyway.

I had to think quickly so I took a swipe at the one nearest me. Nowhere to run I fought as hard as I could. At first, my sword just sunk into the soft rotting flesh. I had to sake shallow swipes at him to cut without having to try to pull my sword from him after every blow. Time was of the essence as the others were closing fast. Soon he dropped. I was hurt and bleeding badly.  Only one way to run, I took flight as fast as I could. Scrambling for any sign of civilization, soon I found a path and by luck alone took it directly into town.

There was a cleric at the temple that healed me. He reminded me of you in many ways, he was tall and chuckled when I shared with him my story. Laughing at my misfortune must be a popular past time for clerics.

A few days later the ship left and we were off for more adventures. Lucky to be alive I take nothing for granted in the alien world I now traverse.

I pray this letter finds you well and that you have asked that lovely girl to marry you. I doubt I would be able to come back for the wedding but you know my heart would be there.

Don’t ever loose the fire that burns in your heart to unify the guilds. The road there may seem long but remember what you told me as a young initiate, “Fear not the length or condition of the road but merely take it because it is there for the taking…”

Give my love to all in Valorn.

Your friend

R

Nerves of steel?

Today will be a big test for me my stomach aches from the thought of it…

I received a Letter from our dear departed Reena… seems he cannot keep himself out of trouble but he’s enjoying the journey his life has become. I intend to share this stort at the Order of Norton meeting this week.

It was at the first order of Norton meeting Reena and I met. Both interested in the literary arts and enjoyed Jimmy’s story of the one we all know all to well as “Norton”. He was a young, determined initiate and I was nearing my 24th training level. We become friends, then guild mates, and often shared story’s back and forth though I never got the courage to share in front of the group. I’m just not a great writer.


Iso was at the Dundee Inn last night when I had returned from the field. He could see the stress in my face from the recent events and, as always, tried to cheer me up. We joked about different ways to prepare him (since Iso is so Yummy… long story) and then he started the shoving. *smile* …Iso has improved much in skill since that first meeting. Strong as a bear and not as clumsy on his feet. Soon he will be as strong a battle cleric as I am. We both stand to nearly the same height and he is looking strong these days. The Vanguard has trained him well.

It was at the first of Iso and my wrestling matches that I can recall seeing Elhana for the first time. she was wildly independent and strong for an initiate. When I tickled her she whacked my so hard across the head I had to sit down. I don’t think I fell in love with her that day but that was when I recall my heart being drawn back to Dundee more and more…

I need my rest now. The time is coming soon for me to prepare for the days events and I have yet to close my eyes. Here’s to hoping many of my friends will be there. Although, the meeting is not the heaviest decision that weighs on my mind this day……

Reflections … Part II

I had not thought much of my homeland for a long time before yesterday. I suppose I wanted to forget but it is a part of me, of who I am. That I cannot deny…

My father was a harsh man, Cold and Stubborn most all the time. he had no use for magic or the blessings of useless gods. When I would play with the other kids he strictly forbid I talk of anything having to do with such “nonsense”. I did not anger him for fear of the backside of his hand. He and my mother would argue and I would see the way he treated her when she disrespected him.

I stayed to myself mostly as it was easier to lose myself in a book than it was to interact with other children of our town. They feared my father as a monster and rarely came by preferring to act as if I didn’t exist than to have to go near my father.

When I turned 15 my father never said happy birthday… he hardly said goodbye. Mother said there was a demon siege and he was going to assist in the battle. His final words resounded in my ears…and then he was gone. Impossible to be brought back by the power of the gods he swore off as fantasy.

Having always felt like an outcast I never quite fit in in my home land, first the son of a monster, then a bastard child. I turned 18 and decided the land held nothing for me. My mother told me of an older brother who did not grow up with us for he was of a different mother.

“Drake is his name I believe.” My mother told me “He lives in a land not too far from here assisting with their battles over evil.” This was the first I had ever known of Valorn. I decided to leave the only home I had ever known to start anew and find myself.

In Valorn I found acceptance almost immediately and a brother who introduced me to his guild and taught me of the gods that rule the land. I was a bit of a fish out of water being a loner most all my life but learned quickly to rely on my guild brethren.

The gods of Valorn, though sometimes harsh, are protectors of their people. I feel safe knowing they are here. Perhaps it is their protection or the acceptance I felt or a little of both that led me to become the cleric I am today.

As I look back to the harshness of my father it becomes apparently clear that life is rather simple… filled with many complex situations

What we make of life is what life makes of us…

**Dirk watches a ship sail from the coast. half chaoking back a tear he turns to face his destiny**

Three gone, one not forgotten…

In the midst of my newly found love and the joys of my completion of the quest there is tragedy.

A young Initiate left AVE though she has really not been around for a while. She had been a member of AVE long before I knew of Valorns fight. Long before I bound ties to my AVE brothers. Her leaving was not shocking and to be fair she gave us fair warning… I can honor that and I wish the best for her.

Another left in a wake of fury angry at the gods for telling him what he can and cannot do. Do we not all live under our gods rules? Have I not been told what I was doing was wrong and taken it like a man? At times it seems I cannot please the gods enough but I don’t require them to tell me so… that’s not their job. At times I wonder if Ben ever really forgave me for my wrongdoings but to harass the ones that provide our very existence. Ludicrous! I knew this of the young adventurer even from the day I took him under my wing and brought him up through apprenticeship to a member of AVE. I thought my friendship meant something and my warnings of his foolishness would stick but I was wrong… so I move on… no regret …

An apparent harsh pencil mark when lead has broken, the book, slightly tattered from possibly being flung at trees and kicked repeatedly… slight droplets stain some of the page…

Smudged writing as if being written by the stub of a now mutilated pencil continues on…

Hacken said his good byes. It was hard because I still fell he should not go. He sat down and explained a lot I did not know about the founding five… a lot I didn’t understand about AVE… a lot I had forgotten of Valorn. He was a great friend and will be missed. He left me with one request, to watch over AVE and remind the others of the origins. For without our past, we have no future…

I spent the night in Aldwythe's Landing. I have been here before but not for some time. There is a cool breeze but the air seems thick and muggy. It makes my lungs fell heavy. I feel by tomorrow I will travel back to the Verthege forest. I feel so alone down here… even among the town folk that call it home. Its quiet… too quiet.

Have you ever had that lump that sits in your throat like an apple attempted to be swallowed whole? Most likely then you have been in the early stages of love… never knowing quite the right things to say or do… when you stare into her eyes and your brain is screaming “KISS HER FOOL!” while your stomach is saying “not a great idea… I think I’m going to hurl!” an unlikely combo but should they both be right the results would be disastrous.

… take it slow. My mom’s best advice in everything. I have never been one to take it slow. In such a short time in my life I have practically out leveled everyone in my guild. I am always on the search for new adventures. Luckily there are other Levelheaded sorts amongst us who reassure me that when it comes to love… patience is the answer (though I’m not sure the question would not be “what will you loose quickly when you finally fall in love?”).

Good ol’ Korrith was in the inn sitting by his favorite window staring out. He mentioned how I had laughed at him for it. I let him know that I was only laughing because I do not sit at windows waiting for the world to come to me… he said it was not the world he was waiting for, and gave a smile that told me everything I needed to know. I hope someday his world does come to him…

I don’t often sit with my fellow cleric Venus Darkmoon. We have just never really been in the same place and awake at the same time. She is not one of many words but when she speaks, her words are well crafted and reassuring. I admire her as a fellow healer. She understands patience much better than I ever will. Maybe someday we will be able to exchange thoughts on the proper way to lay hands to heal a gaping chest wound. I find myself clumsy when it comes to healing. Almost intruding not asking before I assess someone’s wounds and lay hands upon them. I suppose its all my time I spend healing in battles that makes me rush it so. Taking for granted the powers the gods put in me when I was very young. I could learn a lot from her I’m sure.

Time to go see if the sun is up. I have spent too long in the dark… the light awaits me…

I sit tonight writing by the light of my new weapon. It may be pitch black out there but it’s like day around me. There is warmth among the trees of the forest tonight, much more so than I thought there would be. I am comforted sitting out here in my gods’ nature. Created for our enjoyment yet filled with the evil that torments our gods’ people. Sleeping at the inn is so overrated when I can come out here and see the beauty all around me. Valorn is truly a wonderful place. I remember being a young initiate wandering through this forest intimidated by the creatures around me. Now they lie still when I walk through as if out of respect.

Jake and Cat are so close to their wedding date. I fear I shall miss it though. I really am not one to hang about in crowds at formal get togethers. I used to shy away from attention all together. Now it seems I make a fool of myself in public on a regular basis. I enjoy having fun though, who can fault me for that?

Ah weddings, it seems there are more weddings happening than I can keep up with. Too many? Possibly, but then who am I to say. If you love someone with all your heart why not be bonded in marriage? I think the bonds of marriage can only make people stronger. Two souls joined as one, fighting the evil that plagues our land. It’s not for everyone I’m sure. I used to think it wasn’t for me either…

I sat in the inn in Branishor yesterday. I was glad to be away from the loudness of the Dundee Inn for a change. I needed to get some work done. The inn keep hushed me as I walked in and I gave her a wink, Lukass offered me a drink but I was not thirsty and needed the clarity of mind. Venus was sleeping so I took a table across the way as to not disturb her.

Time alone is good for the soul. Time of reflection and rest, time to complete all the things I have needed to complete and time to reformulate my plan for the coming days.

I heard a rumor today. *laughs* it’s funny how fast these things go around. I finally get the nerve to Tell the woman I love exactly how I feel and already people are making wedding plans. There seems to be a lot of weddings going on here. I would defiantly count my self lucky if she would marry me but at least let me pop the question *smiles* I suppose someday it will be right. I just feel it would be a distraction for her at this time. We will see…

I can’t believe what happened to the throne room. Those girls, they make me laugh. Makes me want to go paint the dark tree… its looking a bit drab these days.

Reflections… yesterday I tried to help a few Young enchanters to a Guardian of the green crystals. He was deep in the black wastelands and most all the creatures there cower from me these days. I admire the young “zesty” Zarock, He really hung in there until I could wait no longer. One day I will defiantly get him to a guardian, it just wasn’t his day. Enroshia I hear did finally get a crystal yesterday. His determination reminded me much of my own not so long ago… his pride is another story though.

My past in Valorn has had its ups and downs for sure. I was harshly reminded of my time when I was younger running around the tombs with a cleric. She was beautiful and helpful. We hunted the Gold Crystal Guardians together and grew to be great friends. I thought she would be the one for me but soon we grew apart. Though I tried to convince myself she was the one, her heart belonged to another. Then we grew apart. Still friends from afar, I grew in strength quickly and left the tombs behind for better hunting grounds.

Her heart was broke when the one she sought disappeared from the land, hopefully to return someday. She tried to give me her heart at that time but we were so different now. Our friendship did not feel the same as it did back in the days deep in the tombs. I turned away from what I thought I wanted and took to seeking the glory for the gods. I turned to taking time between fighting in the now far off lands and going back to the place that I love so dear, the place I call home, Dundee. There I forged great friendships. Some of the closest are the brothers Iso and Zarock who never fail to entertain me,the beautiful Waterfall, who I feel is like a sister to me, Jake, who when he’s not sleeping reminds me not to let my title go to my head, and the Lovely Elhana… with her smile that can melt a mans heart and unquestionable independence that inspires even the strong. She is truly the one that holds my heart.

Looking back I would not trade in my past for anything. Not the good, Not the bad… not the heartache or the pain. I may never have got to where I am had it not been for all that and now I am happier than I have ever been.

More amazing than I could ever imagine. It’s like holding pure light. Perfectly balanced no matter where I hold it and shinning brightly piercing every bit of darkness in my path. Beauty only a god could have created. Some of the creatures seem to cower at its presence, others, disgusted by its goodness, attack more fiercely yet still fall to its power.

I don’t think I can thank my friend Islander enough. Had he not spotted the portal and pointed me in the right direction I might have never found it. It makes me want to investigate the tomb in N’rolav more closely to search for more clues to help prevent the death that the place foretells. He is humble, quiet and rather smart for a warrior. He would make a great cleric *laughs*.

I look at our good king Deek and I see something in his eyes lately. Something I see in the eyes of our fellow adventurers. He serves well as the chosen king but I think he thirsts to get in the fight against evil. I would fight along side our good king any day; he is a good person through and through. I find it odd when new adventurers grovel at his feet or bow not looking upon him. Deek does not wish for this. His hopes I believe are much like mine. Help the young and destroy the evil ones that threaten our land. And to the gods be the glory.

I find my role in life to be more and more interesting every day. I am glad that through Bens rebuke I turned my life around. So many good things have happened since then. Most importantly I think is my focus on helping wherever I can. Many times I will be sitting in my favorite chair and a new adventurer will ask me a question that turns into a several marc long session in the north room. To many this may seem irritating or a nuisance but to me it is pure joy to get to share my knowledge.

Not too many days ago a young Initiate came to me to get some help starting out. Though I could have handed him Deek’s guide (an excellent resource) I felt I might be more useful if I just talked with him and fielded his questions and then handed him the guide. He was an intelligent lad. His questions were not to complex but I could tell he really wanted to know a lot about the land and our role in defeating the demons. Perhaps someday he too will wear the title Scholar.

In the coming days I know my travels take me further and further from Dundee but I hope never be too busy to give to young adventurers who come to me with pureness of heart… and someday I hope they will give that knowledge to other young adventurers without regret or impatience.

Yesterday I was complaining that the Brown Crystal Guardians are too greedy with their coveted brown crystals. I guess I knew it wouldn’t be easy… nothing worth doing ever is. Though today was a different story, the first BCG I came across gave it up without much of a fight. Nice =o)

I witnessed King Deek level up this morning… wait…

**rereads his last sentence, scratches head**

Hmmm.. Odd but true I did see it. Hail Deek!

The Unification Counsel is still standing by. This week I will work on the proclamation and present it to them for their additions and comments. Once we all are in unanimous agreement we can present it to the people and the gods. I think most importantly we need to show we are not a governing body but a group of guild members determined to make Valorn a stronger place by our unity. Maybe a meeting in Valorn somewhere to discuss goals would be a step in the right direction.

Amazing... how is it when you have no idea what to say you seem to say the right things? Even the sunshine is brighter today...

The sunshine... *smiles*

I have finally found a resting place for my heart. Now I feel more driven than ever before and am sure my goals are within my grasp. I cannot allow my defences to go down.

She's amazing... stronger then I think she even knows.

As I sit here in the dark, huge and really intimidating forest I still have my mind on other things. so much going on now. it's unfortunate too because I know what I want I just don't know how to get it. this has never been an issue with me in my time in Valorn. And yet, even as I say that the one thing that escapes my grasp is the one thing I want most...

Feelings? As a young man almost every boys father teaches them to hold back thier feelings. they can only hurt you. I remember my father saying that a thousand times and then the day he went off to battle and never returned. I remember as he was leaving I told him I would see him soon. He turned to me and said it was that kind of thinking that would hold me back from being a great warrior as he was, that I must be committed to living every battle as it was my last... and then he was gone. my mother, a healer at the time, never tried to disuade what my father told me but taught me compassion that led me to be the cleric I am today. I am strong... and because i have feelings, I feel stronger than My father ever would be...

Amor est vitae essentia... A posse ad Esse......

I have got to find a safer place to sleep. Apparently Waterfall has been stealing my journal when I’m sleeping and reading it! I have a suspicion she’s been reading it to other people and most likely passing it around. I had Thorin check it out and there’s fingerprints all over this thing! I’m surprised she hasn’t written in her own comments… dirty rogues! >_<

*sigh* how can you be mad at someone who brings you good news…

Today I found my strength and the protection of my armor now afford me to fight the Brown Crystal Guardians effectively. I can taste victory as I am but steps away from completing my quest. It has been such a long journey. Such a long long road to get here. Soon I will have the gift of the gods I so desire.

Now if you snoopers don’t mind I must be off… I’ve been told I have to hang out in the forest near a tree or something odd like that… *scratches head* I really need to ditch this demon weapon… its affecting my thinking way too much

Apparently Grandpa was a fool

The response to the unification counsel has been outstanding and a bit overwhelming. Amazingly the first four responses have brought four people who I respect greatly. I hope to hear from the other guilds on the matter. Soon though we will have to forge exactly what the counsel does. I have laid out my thought and am getting good feed back.

I can’t help thinking “What if I’m wrong?” maybe the counsel is not a good idea and it is all just a waste of time. Would people really have told me it’s a good idea if it is not?. I’m prepared to be humbled in this way. The one thing I’m not afraid of is failure. I have seen many things in this world, the beauty as well and the horrors. If it is not meant to be then I will accept it…

On other fronts I can see today is going to be a great day. I shall advance in power and be one step closer to a goal that has escaped my grasp for so long…

Distractions aside my wishes are coming to completion. Time to set my goals higher for fear that I will reach them. Life is a fragile thing; the distractions are maybe not a bad thing at all. Do I believe that there is more for me in the future? Perhaps my grandfather was right.

In all the world there is one quest,
That can make a good man great;
That takes his soul to a higher place,
Away from sin and hate.

The destiny of his soul,
Led by gods desires;
Takes him far from what he wants,
And leads him through the fire.

With this in mind, man seals his fate,
When he takes his eyes from above;
And foolish is the man who looks,
And finds the thing called love.

Grandfather was never all that great a poet…

It is done. 8 letters to the 8 leaders (or acting leaders) of the guilds. soon I shall have a responce. My stomach turns with the thought of it. the anticipation is way too much. as I sit here writing this entry I know I should be getting my rest yet sleep is the furthest thing from my mind...


... I only pray that they are as accepting of the idea as my guild and the king were... and that it pleases the gods of Valorn as well...

Great joy fills me. My guild has already given me great feedback on the unification. I'm glad they are behind me. this would be all for nothing if they were not. I hope the other guilds will be on board with this as well.

This journal entry will be short as I am currently working on letters to the other guilds for the project.

I made my way back accross the black wastelands. the town cryer announced demons on the gorge. there ware only two but I slaughtered them just the same. while prying a weapon form one of the demons cold dead hands I noticed the workmanship and the defensive advantages. exploring around I found the centaurs were easier to kill with it and I was back to defending the area outside the forrest,

A minor setback may slow me down but now I feel confidant I am getting close to gaining power. My thurst for power still in direct conflict with my heart, I will trudge on...

King Deek has blessed my plan for the Guild Unification Counsel. I'm excited and can't wait to make the announcement to my guild and take personal invitations to the other guilds... but it will have to wait

Breathing in the salty air of the eastern beach I stand my ground fighting off the landrays that challenge my path. Here I sit in the remains of a ship that has been beached here for a long time or so it seems. There’s ash in the air from the Volcano that is this Island baking my lungs ach with every breath. Soon I will have to pick up my axe again and start in on the creatures that infest this land. It’s all I can do to distract my mind. Apparently I am still drawn back to Dundee. At first I thought my obsession with Jeffrey’s Inn was just my longing to feel safe or my gods driven purpose of helping the young but now I fear it may be not my soul or my head but my heard that drags me back…

Cerbie was there the other day while I visited. What a great guy, providing jobs for many adventurers. I did inquire about the bouncer position but thankfully someone else took the job. It’s really not me to be a brute. Maybe someday I’ll settle down and take a job.

As I sit here, waves crashing against the rocks and wreckage I am reminded of the purpose that drives me. I must go before I get lazy. And soon I will sleep. I will hold myself back from the Inn today. Though I can tell already my heart aches to go back…

I can’t believe I almost missed the “Order of Norton” meeting. I still remember the first and how Jimmy’s story was so great. I know I have many tales I can tell but I have been so busy. I’m glad they had the contest. I had a chance to read over the archives and I am thoroughly impressed by the great tales.

It’s been so hard being so far from Dundee but I know I must keep at it. I miss the inn; Jeffrey’s warm smile, The in and out of young adventurers, Making Jakes amulet glow brightly while he’s trying to sleep, and of course Scooter… who doesn’t love Scooter?

I sure made a goof of myself the other day in Dundee. Trying to run to a chair in full armor, tripping and falling headlong into the wall… I was s embarrassed, right in front of… well… at least they didn’t laugh too hard.

I spent some time with the Valornian Vanguard recently and what a great group of adventurers. They remind me of my own guild family in many ways. Between them, the RoK and my beloved AVE I can see the unification starting to build. I have spent limited time with the Bunnies and LoL and I know they are all good people. The Champions of the Red Road seem to be doing well. I don’t know much about them but something about Christopher makes me believe they will do just fine.

Time to get some sleep…

Hmm... Islander passed by me today mumbling soemthing about not being dumb... big but not dumb... I swore I also heard Cerbie's name thrown in there, must be the paper again.

Yesterday I visited the inn in Dundee. Jeffrey keeps such a nice place but man do the arguments that ensue within grate on my nerves. It wasn't a wasted trip though... thats all I'll say about that. Today, I hunt...

Still awaiting word from the king as to how I shall proceed on the Unification Proclamation. until then I sleep...

Writing, erasing and writing again. The unification proclamation is almost ready. Must formulate the plan…

Momentary setback. The guild is stranger than ever. Our family grows; though I am still saddened by those who have left I cannot look back. Changes I will suggest today will take us in a direction I think every member longs to go.

*Dirk Stands to his 6’6” height, gathers his papers, snuffs out the candle and sets off for another day… *

soon……