Blossom 28

Today was interesting to say the least. So much has happened that I scarecely know where to begin. Perhaps with last night. Let's see, we met together in our spare room last eve. Jotork worked on adding to his tattoos. He was generous enough to explain their meaning to me. I think I understand him just a bit better now. His form of self rememberance makes a great deal of sense. It is a fitting way to remember and express oneself. I find myself constantly amazed at the things in the world around me. In Ardania, I imagined that the life of an Adventurer would be exciting, wonderful and filled with the chance to learn new things. At the Guild, I poured a great deal of effort into learning as much as I could about far-away lands. Now, I am surrounded by friends that can teach me wonderful things and some of the book learning and research pales in comparison.

It is strange, I find myself reflecting on my life increasingly often. So much has happened so quickly. It is difficult to digest and accept. IF all the foretellings are to be believed, we are somehow important to a changing world. Though I often put on the facade of not quite believing it, I am actually convinced that this is the case. My contrary nature does not easily allow me to acknowledge it to others. But, how can we be so pivotal? Is there a cosmic balance that we need to achieve against the Blackcloaks? Is it our destiny to confront them, Ardanian against Ardanian to check their Evil? Perhaps insight will come with time.

Jaden and Lia showed up quite late. It looks like Jaden was able to confess his feeling toward her and she accepted him for it. Quite a relief actually. Though I could respect it if Lia did not reciprocate his feelings, I am not sure I wouldn't have held some sort of irrational bad thoughts toward her. It is incredible to see the change in my cousin. Perhaps he can find happiness and shed some of the tiresome guilt.

Raven was able to join us later and retrieved some food. She also prodded me into playing some romantic songs for Lia and Jaden. Ostensibly for them to dance to. It has been so long since I really danced. Not freely and happily. There are times when it is inconvenient to be the musician. Still, I enjoy playing the music as well. It just would be nice to take the time to dance and revel in it as well. With Beltane coming up, perhaps I will find a likely lass to dance with. We shall see. We finally made enough noise to rouse Blackhawk. He joined us, and even played impromptu percussion. It was great to have everyone together again. Raven even sang! What a joyous evening!

Too bad it had to be followed by the dream. We ended up changing the sleeping arrangements. Jaden wanted to stay with Lia. I offered Raven her choice of beds in the room where I am staying. I think she was reluctant to take the more comfortable looking one. Which is a shame really. It's not like I tend to use a bed too much. How many times did I fall asleep in a chair in the record halls at the Guild? Even I lost count. I stayed up late practicing the mandolin. It looked like Raven was awakened toward the end. I fear I got a bit too involved in the music and forgot to keep it low. Regardless, she didn't complain so I don't think I upset her too much. After I fell asleep, I was visited with a disturbing dream. This morning at breakfast, we all realized we had shared the same dream. This was sobering overall.

We all moved out about our business around town. Lia, Blackhawk and I went to sell off the excess armor and weapons. Blackhawk as a good eye for these things and he handled the negotiations with Witkus. He even managed to get a wonderful looking rapier thrown into the bargain. It is a beautiful weapon and has a wonderful balance and spring. It will allow me to fight a bit better if we are forced to. I feel guilty as it detracted from the total sum the Company has earned. But, it is a fine weapon and I will offer to purchase it as a personal weapon as soon as we reach Bliss and can turn in our letter of credit.

Afterward, the three of us headed back to safekeep the proceeds of the sale. Raven was ready to move about the town as well. We checked for the arrival of the pirates and wandered around to learn more. Spying one of the Mystics in the town center, I approached to learn more of their magic. It was an interesting experience, though not one I am eager to repeat. How can I adequately explain it? I'm not sure words convey the feeling, but it felt as if the mystic was studying my mind. The hint of a curious caress through my head. Never enough to intrude, but not anything leaving me very comfortable either. For my side of the conversation, I felt as if I were speaking with something that no longer relates to the world in the same way I do. It was at that point that another, younger mystic approached. Though she was affable enough, I could not shake the feeling that she was waiting for me to leave myself exposed. She finally offered to explain more of what I was seeking if I simply kissed her. The irrational thought came to my mind that demons and devils use temptation to ensare mortals. I explained that I do not freely give away my favors and declined. Raven felt some sort of threat as well and moved to provide me moral support. It was surprising to me, but also gratifying that I have friends around.

Raven wanted to investigate the temple of Gaia. I warned her that they weren't friendly, but she insisted anyway. On the way there, we overheard talk of a bounty for somebody wearing pilgrims robes or something. The people talking about it were some of the cat people we have seen. Raven tried to discover more information and learned that the information was being passed through a tavern. This gave us something to ponder while Raven entered the temple. She was gone for a bit and came back without success. I handed back her pilgrims robes and tried not to say "I told you".

On the way back to the Purple Tor, we passed the temple with the big stone head. Blackhawk wanted to go inside and Raven became quite incensed. It appeared that there was quite a difference in opinion on something. I found it uncomfortable that I didn't even know what to say. I don't really understand the nature of the transgression, but I gathered that Blackhawk had prayed to the Stone head and that Raven was offended by his doing this in her body. It pained me to not be in a position to help smooth this over. But, the middle of the town square did not seem like the time and place for an involved arguement. But, once I have an idea, I will certainly strive to help resolve the problem. Though, I have no idea how to do that. Raven was pretty clear about her feelings.

We made it back to the Tor and received word that Fara was ready for dinner. We promised to be up to her room as soon as we had cleaned up a bit. I think everyone else is just about ready, so I will finish this later tonight if I am able.