Things have been slow.

I've just been chatting to various people, really. Nothing exciting.

I'm off for a while.

I just wrote this. It isn't very good, but here it is anyway!

Heroes
There are many heroes,
That occupy this land.
Many people willing,
To show evil their hand.

But certain ones stick out,
As being truly great.
In doing their part to save,
Valorn from a gory fate.

The high cleric Elijah.
He is our migthy guide.
There is no greater honour,
Than standing by his side.

His has an apprentice too.
The one they call T'yandra.
And if it were not for her,
The path would soon meander.

More practical in his approach,
The fierce knight, Gunthield.
Prefers to do all his talking
With his sword and with his shield.

And there are more we must remember;
Lindsey, Wilson, Harrell.
And we'd still be stuck on the third seal,
If it wasn't for goddess Carol.

And yet there are more, all around us
Plain for us to see.
Heroes live amongst us,
And they're watching over me.

Heroes. Heh. Well it's a new one on me. I'll warn you, journal, this will be a long entry.

I awoke, feeling mentally prepared for what we hoped would be the final day of seal searching. I was hardly prepared at all, in reality.

I awoke to find people talking of a guy named Harrell. Seemed he was giving out keys for something or other. I went to get one from him at the canopy, and picked up a few more, knowing some would not make it in time to get one themselves.

Before we knew what was happening, Harrell was gone. We needed to wait for Elijah.

As the marcs passed by, demons spread and attacked, every now and then. They tried to listen in on our plans.

A protective barrier mist fell over Valorn, shielding us from Demon ears.

Gunthield brought a message, telling us to be at the HoL at the 24th marc, and that four carriers would be needed for the seals. I immediately thought "Oh no.. We're going to argue about this if we have to decide who should carry ourselves." Through screams of "I will!" or "My best friend should do it!", I tried to calm the crowd and make them realise that we couldn't make this decision ourselves, and that a higher power should decide. People seemed to come around to my way of thinking.

Everytime someone would enter, they would say "I will do it!"... As if anyone WOULDN'T do it. I repeated myself quite a few times over those few marcs. When Elijah came, he asked for heroes, the four carriers. People again started to put themselves forward, and yet again I tried to say Elijah should be the one to pick, and only him. (Well. Maybe T'yandra or Gunthield).

And indeed, Elijah made the choice. Remy, a good friend of mine. Ethiril Darklight. Gellawyn. And... Me.

Never in my time in Valorn have I felt so nervous. I gripped my hammer as I tried to calm myself, with people from all sides swearing to protect me, including the high cleric. Remy turned a shade of red... I felt pretty sick.

We made our way to the Caer Laleldan courtyard, with us four sealbearers closely guarded by all.

Once there, the first use of our keys became clear. To unlock the magical barrier on the throne room. Elijah granted Eldrin, a strategist and battle leader of old, the oppertunity to count down so we could do it at the same time.

Unfortunately, the same gloryhungry people burst in the second he said 10 to try and get the first kills, denying him his bestowed influence on proceedings.

We made it inside and dispatched all demons, at any rate. A small arguement broke out about why some people ran in before Eldrin had counted down. I begged them not to argue, as one Helen Yewbeam was dragged off by demons. This was NOT the time for arguement.

Elijah held the door as we all put our seals on it, in order. I was third. Remy was a little slow with his, but I think people were harsh on him. It was entirely understandable to be a little uneasy and slow in such a situation.

Once all seals were down, we were told where the fifth lied. Down a hole in the floor. Our keys once again opened the magical barrier, and people dived down. Unfortunately, demons also dived UP. Elijah slayed a bloodied champion, breaking his arm in the process. Gellawyn tended to it.

Chade Fallstar was the first to return to safety with two boxes. Eventually, five boxes were found. However. We didn't know which one held a seal, and which ones nasty surprises. Only one way to find out. As people opened boxes they were shot across the land. I steadied myself and decided to try one, but noticed something on the floor next to a box.

It was a seal.

I picked it up before any demon could, and told all. The seal was quickly put into place.

And the day was won.

The ancient door. With it's evil so mighty. Stopped. By the collective efforts of all of Valorn.

Harrell came to the HoL library and gave treats in exchange for the return of keys. I returned most of mine, but kept one, for memories.

That key unlocked more that a barrier. It unlocked the way to perhaps something I was born to do. It unlocked oppertunity. It unlocked who everyone really is, inside. And who can keep their cool under pressure.

Since then, the four seal bearers have been called heroes. An accusation that Remy merely laughs at. Are we really heroes? Or just people in the right place, at the right time, caught up in a whirlwind of responsibility?

I think all of Valorn are heroes.

What a day.

The day started with a few demon raids. The demons were forming a plan for later...

Lindsey the Librarian... I've met him.. Twice, I think. He found a seal in a book in Aldwythe's. Grabbing it, he tried to get it to Elijah.

The demons moved swiftly. Kidnapping him. A brave clerical apprentice named Wilson tried to follow him, but he too got kidnapped.

I tried to occupy myself until such a time Elijah or T'yandra was awake and we could form a plan. In the process of this I got a bit of training done, and my first ever red crystal guardian, which gave me my first ever red crystal. I am now the proud owner of Ben's great fury.

Elijah awoke, and called any who would help and were above level 10 to the HoL library. Quite the gathering, I must say.

T'yandra was to lead us into a demon ground. I don't think anything quite like it has ever been attempted before. We had to get into groups.

I was... Quite proud to be in my group. It consisted of me, Fleur, Raffe, Doyle, Eldrin, Hacken, Xanthias, Venus and Malin. Surely such a group would do well.

We stepped into the area and an unstoppable screaming sound rang through my ears. People we dropping like flies left and right. And peering around as best I can and saw a Demon. I think I can take him. Swinging my hammer round I smash it's skull, and it turns out someone else run it through with a sword, still not sure who was first.

I couldn't hear a thing. I needed to concentrate. I tried to block out the screaming sound, and heard a familiar voice. It may have been Xanthias or Doyle, both their voices sound similar to me, but they were shouting "West!". Stepping over the corpses of the foolhardy and the demons, I followed Fleur west.

It wasn't getting any easier. Demons left and right, too powerful for me. And where had Raffe and Malin gone? Eldrin, Doyle and Xanthias continued to attack, with a few blows dealt to some smaller stuff by Hacken. Someone pointed north and we went and found more demons. And here's Raffe, trading blows with it. Xanthias gets in a spot of bother. I reach to heal him but my path is blocked by a centurion too mighty for the likes of me. Venus deals a few blows to a few monsters and dies. Crillion, a young man I've never spoken to is suddenly swallowed whole next to me. The world crier shouts about another adventurer who is eaten. We must retreat.

Retreating, I found Malin. But now no sign of Eldrin. I don't know how other groups were faring, but it seemed later that everyone else had just split up and got killed.

We press north as best we can, and then east. Eldrin has returned and starts blasting stuff with his staff, Venus now gone and not returning. All of us got involved, with us killing all manner of demons over and over. My wrists hurt from the wielding of this hammer. Me and Fleur were stuck with a veteran demon officer, at one point, and unable to do anything else, I chucked a sandclaw burster to her. I slipped on some demon blood so did not see if she used it, I know only that when I rose, the demon was dead.

Wilson had been found, and was healing people, and Lindsey was apparently in the north east. The larger demons started to flee. We ran, I smacking the littler demons with my hammer as I ran. We found T'yandra infront of a magical barrier, and with a ritual, the barrier was broken. And Lindsey was there. Not bad, for a librarian.

A portal from Framon and we were out. A little worse for wear, but very, very proud, to be Valornian.

My apologies for not writing.. But I have been so busy.

I think I have yet levelled since I last wrote. Level 25 is proving difficult, yet I soldier on with it, as best I can.

I don't think it's really set in yet. That he's gone. Waterfall seems to be most upset, but I havn't spoken to Venus in person yet.

I dunno. It certainely isn't the firm time someone has left me here in Valorn. At least he knows how to tie things up before he goes...

We have two more seals, and I finally met my idol. T'yandra Stallheart. I had heard of her only in legend. And she lives up to each of them.

To get the first of the new seals, we had a quest to collect items of all differant colours, and made a rainbow. It was beautiful, if a little hard to organise. And funnily enough, our colour task, revealed some peoples true colours.

Colours. Heh. I just realised that ties in more with recent events for me more than anything...

The second new one, was... A bit more difficult. T'yandra had not turned up. I felt anger. Anger unlike any I have felt since the early days of my relationship with Wye, when I felt Cyno was getting in the way.

We set out to look for her, and found her in the plains. We escorted her all the way back, trying to stem the bleeding, heal her, cure her of a curse. It didn't look good.

We got her to Elijah, and if there was any doubt as to Elijah's pure spirit, it was ceased last night. He gave his life, to save T'yandra's...

The clerics in the area, including me, felt overwhelmed with a sense of grief. I even saw a few tears about the place, from men, fully grown men who kill for a living. I was close myself. We could not let Elijah go in vain, and we hunted out and destroyed the demons who hurt T'yandra, taking back the pieces of the scroll we needed.

We performed a ritual, holding hands. It's remarkable what you can tell about someone from how their hand holds yours... Be it strong and fearful, light and loving, soft, caring, sweaty and nervous.

Goddess Carol answered our prayers, and granted us the seal in a ball of light.

... She also ressurected Elijah, and the day was won!



Yet I grow nervous for tonight. Demons attacked earlier, trying to draw plans for tonight... and if what they have tonight is more than what they tried today... We may be in trouble.

Well. We found a seal last night. Not that I was of any help whatsoever.

I wonder if I have done the right thing, by abandoning my laziness for just these few days.

I recieved a letter this morning... It is... The worst news I've heard in a long time. We can fight, to stop Balthazar destroying our spirit and hope. But I don't think we can be as effective in ensuring those that embody our spirit, give us hope, do not leave us...

Gunthield brought news last night.

He arrived and having been healed somewhat by Shamson, I blessed him and healed him further. After a drink, he told us how in a holy place of punishment, the next part of the book was guarded by demons.

I immediately thought and said Cory's dungeons in Aldwythe's. Everyone ran there and found the book in a jail cell, guarding it long enough for Elijah to arrive.

From there it was taken to the HoL library... Where we read it. It contains 5 riddles, to help us find 5 relics. We have not much time. All must be searching

Gunthield may arrive with more info tonight.

Further developments have been made.

As we kept watch over the ancient door, a seal broke. Demons attacked everywhere. Apparently, Elijah had found a book, and we had to protect him long enough to get him to safety. Eventually, we got to the HoL library, protecting him every step of the way

The book, "The strength of seals" speaks of the Sign of five, and how hero's long enough sacrificed their lives to make the bonds that tie that ancient door.

Evil is so close to being unleashed, it's nerve wracking.

Elijah said that the door had to be identified.. Pages found... Then seals made or found based on what the pages say. Demons are trying to steal the books and pages at every turn.

We cannot lose... We simply cannot.

I had another thought. What if we end up fighting an ancient zombie EAST KING!? Eep.

I have had yet more theories.

"North is north

East is east"

Deek is the King of the North. Does perhaps, a descendant of an Eastern King exist?

The most North Easterly part of Valorn is Balthazars domain... Too many possibilities. I need to know what this has to do with the sky.

I feel investigating Deek's crowning may guide me to more answers. I wonder if Meteors fell back then...

The Salvation chant (Breaking the habit)
Be it magic, be it steel,
Be it powerless as we may feel,
Be whatever, we shall not kneel,
We must defend these magic seals.

My world she is as sweet as cider,
I may sit often but I stand beside her.
With powers sent by the great divines
We all must draw the battle lines.

Be it magic, be it steel,
Be it powerless as we may feel,
Be whatever, we shall not kneel,
We must defend these magic seals.

There is a time, for drinking ale,
For singing songs and telling tales
And then it's time to pledge our souls
To becoming a stories' new lead roles.

Be it magic, be it steel,
Be it powerless as we may feel,
Be whatever, we shall not kneel,
We must defend these magic seals.

When demons come, we're sure to bust 'em
The bar shall do without my custom
For just a few marcs, just a few,
While I do what any good man would do.

Caer Laleldan holds the answer.

The ancient door. It is in Caer Laleldan. All credit to Cray for noticing. To my knowledge, no one else has yet? Or, I have not seen it documented.

The throne room, it has an ancient door leading west which no one can enter. It has fresh seals on it, from the looks of things.

What secrets lie within that magical castle...

Doors are funny things. Be they continental doorways, or simply a way to a new room, doors represent a change in surrounding. Walking through a door can change your mood, your outlook, your stance. Even your beliefs. I fear this door may change us. But we sure as N'rolav aren't going to let something in, let more evil seep out into our world... Let ourselves drift further from salvation. No sir.

Meteors, ancient doors, demon hordes. It's all been happening.

My apologies for not writing in you, Journal. I havn't cared to document anything I've done. Waterfall has returned. I've levelled twice.

But now I feel I must write. I feel we are on the brink of something huge. Making Valornian history.

Demons have been attacking in more numbers recently. Most notably, yesterday I found myself face to face with a gargantuan N'rolav beast, aswell as a whole host of other demons across Valorn.

Elijah has been running around a lot. Apparently there is an "Ancient door" which he puts magical seals on, to keep something from escaping. Some people think it is the temple doors, but I specifically remember hearing about him "hurrying back to the temple" after putting the seals on the door. The temple doors are too obvious. There is something more here. In yesterdays raid, the temple attack was just a distraction so Caer Laleldan could be attacked.

A meteor fell to ground yesterday. This isn't all that uncommon... But this one is.. Special. A zombie crow from the area took a liking to Topaz, for some reason. And on the meteor.. There is an inscription. Something about north, east, and the king having built where he did for a reason. I ask you.. Who could control a meteor, to send a message to us with it? Who could inscribe that on there...

And so, I try to think logically. The King built where he did for a reason. Hm. East of Milltown... Next to Lake Valorn. Perhaps, ALL meteors are sent for a reason. Meteors smashed the mills in Milltown, near Lake Valorn. The latest meteor is in the farm, not too far from Milltown and Lake Valorn. The meteor in the plains, is not that far south from Lake Valorn.

Could Lake Valorn, in it's sparkling watery depths... Hold the answer to it all?

Whatever happens... Valornians can hold strong. I believe in them. And if my new Hammer gets to smack something evil in the process. We could well be heading into one of the biggest adventures of my life to date.