Beltane Day

Between the Years of 801 and 802

We left the beach and returned via Lia’s routes to the Purple Tor, Surprisingly without incident. Perhaps the evening’s power and cavortings had left the creatures as exhausted as we. We helped ourselves to a massive breakfast of those wonderfully filling pan-type cakes with the sweet syrup. Sister Fara accompanied our fast breaking. She was keenly not interested in our Beltane activities, as I suppose those of her church do not encourage their followers to seek the company of the gods. Given what she has done for us, I will respect her beliefs. Though, looking about the table with the Uli flowers lying next to everyone’s plates, I could feel a certain pent up joy in our company, reluctantly keeping the details of last night to themselves. But it seemed, as Fara inquired about the flowers, that the Companions were not unlike children, all in on a secret, delightful prank that an adult couldn’t begin to fathom the humor of. Well, I was personally pleased to know that the evening’s revelry was still fresh in their memories. Last night will stay fresh in my mind for some time to come.

On to more mundane matters, Sister Fara updated us on the bounty hunter situation. It seems that those hunting for the said elf were indeed Blackcloaks, given the description of their garb and background. However, our newfound friend, Raige, did us a great favor by leading the “bounty hunters” through some of the complex labyrinthine magical passages about the island, finally leaving them stranded near an Orga village. I know it is not proper, but given what atrocities they have committed, I was quite satisfied with that arrangement.

Apparently, pirates have also spotted a Scarlet sailed ship. It is not near here as far as we know. However, we must be careful to keep our guard up and our disguises intact.

Today we planned to mostly rest. Jaden and BlackHawk decided it would be safer to travel in pairs, and so the went together for Jaden to run an errand to the Love Shop. No doubt personal business on Jaden’s part. More of the chocolates I am sure as well.

Apparently, the two of them did attract the attention of a pirate and ended up in the Library to lose him. That was where I met them. I had gone to the library to learn what I could on this last day. I do not usually find myself turning to books. I prefer to seek answers in the world about me. But the others had spoken highly of this tomb of tomes that I decided I would venture there as well. I read up on the history of Puddleby. I had hoped to find references to the powers that are here on this small isle. I found references, indeed, but no real information about it. It seems that those that live here are as confounded as we are. Nonetheless, it was interesting reading. I looked up information on the Uli Flowers, but again, found nothing truly helpful. I did find one picture that confirms that is what these are, but nothing else.

We finally ditched the tagging pirate, and returned to our rooms at the Purple Tor. Stephen and Jotork were still resting. I am not surprised. Stephen’ incredible accomplishment at the Beltane celebration last night took a great deal of effort I am sure. He will need more rest than most of us. And Jotork, he performed his duties admirably, standing guard as we performed the sacred rites. He deserves rest as well.

I am still in awe of last evenings happenings. I do not know if Stephen fully understands what occurred last night, and what it was that we accomplished. He intended to create a Glamour of the God and Goddess. This he did successfully. But the powers of the Island felt our presence on the beach, and perhaps moved by our sincerity, they chose to make themselves present with us. I felt the female force of this island flow towards our beach. The male energies likewise. The Goddess and God manifested before our very eyes. They appeared and consummated their relationship in our circle. Their power was magnificent and beautiful. We were truly blessed.

The gift of the Uli Flowers were manifestations of Her presence. Again, I am honored and blessed. I shall not forget this.

We all chose to spend the rest of the evening resting, eating and resting again. We are to depart in the wee hours of the morning to the ship we have hired to Freeport.

Our afternoon sleep was uneasy as we all shared yet another dream. Again, an Ardanian Fox hunt but this time there was no fox. We had, however, a clear sense of the great field of hunters and their fine trappings. There were dozens and dozens of them. Everything moved in slow motion, and it was difficult to perceive feelings or intents from the hunters.

The evening meal was a little happier, as Jaden chose this time to express his love to Lia in a more tangible manner. He presented her with a box of chocolates (of course), and a ring of promise. His promise included more than an intent to partner or marry, but to survive our ordeal to do so.

I shall pray for these two. It is not often one can look at others and see hope and promise. They shall represent something for all of us, and shall serve as reminders as to why we seek to achieve what we do.

The early morning finally approached. I am a little reluctant to leave, for I have grown to like these kind and caring people. The power here is tremendous, and I have grown used to feeling it thrumming through my viens. I will miss it, and I regret that I did not have the time and resources to learn more. I had so much wanted to spend time in the forests here. Ah, perhaps another time.

And yet, I fell apprehension. The altar here has posed many questions for me. I wish to flee it, and I wish to learn more of it. Perhaps I will have time to discuss the thing with Fara. But I am also uneasy for Jotork as he is pursued by these bounty hunters. I am nervous, too, for our situation. It is best for us to move on, and quickly.

The ship we have hired it the “Comfrey”, captained by Eoric (pronounced Yorrick). It is a sloop, and given how low it lies in the water, it is fully packed. The Crew is mostly human, but there are also half-orcs, a gnoll, and some creature with green skin.

We have decided to board with different identities, but maintaining our pilgrim pretense. We board as Arn (Jotork), Kaya (Stephen), James Douglas (Jaden), Mel (BlackHawk), and Branwin (Myself).

We head South from the Isle of Puddleby. The teeming waters boil with its abundant life. But as we put distance between us and the Isle, the creatures assaults on our ship diminish, and they are seen less frequently.

Submitted by
Raven Kenda Fox

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