An Aesthetic shows you to a small reading room.

Stories of Ansalon from the view of Etilyn.

A little gully dwarf runs by and says 'Wordwrap is at 65. You change? Off 65 80.'
The gully continues 'Eyes hurt? Turn Color OFF!! (regular story dates)

Astinus says 'Enter the main library here to view only the author list.'
Astinus gently places an elegant book bound in elf-skin on the table in front of you.
You note the spine bears the word 'Etilyn' scribed in brilliant blue ink.

Author:    Etilyn         
Date:      Tue Aug 25 22:56:28 2009
Subject     A beginning in Delgaard

Two men stood over looking the Vingaard river from high atop the
walls of
Delgaard keep. The taller of the two men stood straight with a
worried look
on his face. While the other mans face could not be seen. Etilyn
remained by
the river bank watching silently. The taller man, her father, ran
his hand
over his fiery red beard. The two had been talking for some time
and she
knew she was the reason for the conversation. She saw her father
shake his
head several times as the other man, her own teacher, gestured
down toward
her. She swore that several times she could make out the words
proper lady
form on her fathers mouth. When it became more then she could
bear to watch
she turned and walked down river away from the keep. Proper lady
indeed. She
had been raised by mostly men all her life. Her mother she was
sure must
have been the perfect noble lady. But having died during her
birth, Etilyn
had no memories of her. What Eitlyn longed for was to follow more
in the
lines of her fathers stead. Mandes di Delgaard was a proud
knight. Having
retired not long after meeting his wife, Jenna, he returned to
his family
home. His retirement was unexpected by many. He was considered a
hero
throughout Solamnia and a valued member of the Order of the Rose.
Never the
less, he was a greatly respected man. Etilyn knew that not many
women sought
to enter the knighthood, but she had always been a bit different
then
others. She did not take delight in sewing, weaving, or the many
household
things that noble women oversaw daily. She defiantly did not feel
the need
to wait for a noble lord to marry her. She had trained day and
night with
many of those same lords until the time the were sent away as
squires. Her
teacher believed in her skills with a blade as well. All she
could do was
hope her father would come around. She glanced back toward the
keep and
noticed she had walked quite far. With the sun beginning to set,
she turned
with a sigh and headed home.


Author:    Etilyn         
Date:      Wed Aug 26 03:14:51 2009
Subject     A beginning in Delgaard

Two men stood over looking the Vingaard river from high atop the
walls of
Delgaard keep. The taller of the two men stood straight with a
worried look
on his face. While the other mans face could not be seen. Etilyn
remained by
the river bank watching silently. 

The taller man, her father, ran his hand over his fiery red
beard. The two
had been talking for some time and she knew she was the reason
for the
conversation. She saw her father shake his head several times as
the other
man, her own teacher, gestured down toward her. She swore that
several times
she could make out the words proper lady form on her fathers
mouth. When it
became more then she could bear to watch she turned and walked
down river
away from the keep. 

Proper lady indeed. She had been raised by mostly men all her
life. Her
mother she was sure must have been the perfect noble lady. But
having died
during her birth, Etilyn had no memories of her. 

What Eitlyn longed for was to follow more in the lines of her
fathers stead.
Mandes di Delgaard was a proud knight. Having retired not long
after meeting
his wife, Jenna, he returned to his family home. His retirement
was
unexpected by many. He was considered a hero throughout Solamnia
and a
valued member of the Order of the Rose. Never the less, he was a
greatly
respected man. 

Etilyn knew that not many women sought to enter the knighthood,
but she had
always been a bit different then others. She did not take delight
in sewing,
weaving, or the many household things that noble women oversaw
daily. She
defiantly did not feel the need to wait for a noble lord to marry
her. She
had trained day and night with many of those same lords until the
time the
were sent away as squires. Her teacher believed in her skills
with a blade
as well. 

All she could do was hope her father would come around. She
glanced back
toward the keep and noticed she had walked quite far. With the
sun beginning
to set, she turned with a sigh and headed home. 

Author:    Etilyn         
Date:      Mon Aug 31 06:53:09 2009
Subject     A Long Ride to Palanthas

Etilyn smiled as she watched the exchange between her father and
Sir
Railen. Things were falling in to place and her father seemd very
taken with
the knight. The rode ahead of her for some time talking. It gave
her time to
think to herself. 

The smile faded from her face with one thought. What if Railen
was planning
to wokr out a marriage contract with her father. She shook her
head. He had
given his word. She held faith that a knight such as he would
keep his
word.

She hated to think about such a contract. It would surely mean
she would
have to decide to disobey her father's wishes. She sighed and
finally
brushed the thought away. Whatever was to happen, it would wait
until they
reached Palanthas. 

Etilyn turned to look out over the country side. The afternoon
sun was
setteling down as evening approached and a gently breeze blew
through the
traveling companions. She relaxed in her saddle enjoying the
beauty of the
day. She listend as the men ahead talked back and forth of family
and life
in the city. She grew anxious the more fond the conversation
became of the
homes of these knights. 

It suddenly grew quite and the conversation lulled. The momentary
silence
was broke with a barbaric howl from behind them. Goblinoid
creatures were
coming up on them fast. With in moments more goblins were coming
from all
directions. Before Etilyn could estimate the numbers of the
raiders, Railen
shouted an order. Her reins were taken from her then as her
father and her
became enclosed in a circle of knights. 

Etilyn thought to herself, 'Great now I can not see anything', as
they were
lead away from the road. 

Author:    Etilyn         
Date:      Thu Sep  3 16:28:16 2009
Subject     Back to the Road

 "Halt Now". The large for of Mandes di Delgaard bellowed as
he reigned
in his horse.  "We are going back.". The man pulled back on
the reins again,
guiding his mount to turn and they set off at a running pace. He
looked back
toward the smirk forming on his daughters face as she too did the
same. "Try
not to get in to too much trouble girl, stay close to this
old father of
yours. 

Etilyn and her father both drew their swords. Not waiting to see
the
reaction of Railen's men, both advanced back toward the road.
Stopping
abruptly they saw an unfamiliar knight rushing toward them and
Railen
standing perplexed and injured on the road. 

She looked passed him and scanned the trees along the road. She
could see
nothing, but heard plain enough what sounded like battle crys.
The goblinoid
shouts sent a small chill down her back as Her father nodded in
her
direction "Be careful." 

The two of them together pressed there horsed back to the road.
Etilyn
shouted toward Railen. "Sir Railen!!! There are more! He
father had
dismounted and was running up the road as the first of the new
coming
attackers came in to view. Etilyn lept from her horse and ran to
her
father's side. 

Railen swung as he managed to turn and dodge the first advance.
Etilyn could
not tell what extent his injury seemed to be, but Raieln fought
as if it did
not bother him. She herself swung and caught one of the beasts in
it's
shoulder. Her father was doing well for himself as well, and had
downed two
of the goblins before Etilyn was caught surrounded and lost sight
of Railen
and Mandes. 

Hoof beats echoed from nearby. The knights at Railen's command
had arrived.
Etilyn turned and circled watching each of the five goblins in
frount of
her. She had before sparred with one or two other pages, but this
was
completely different. 

She was given an opportunity to act. She swung and slashed in to
the leg of
a goblin on her right. Using the momentum of her swing, she
ducked as one of
the other nights slammed a mace in to another's head. Looking
around as she
stood. She could see another dozen or so goblins still standing.
Just as
quickly as they had run on to the road, each one fell to it's
death. 

She looked at each of the knights, each one short of breath and
now covered
in sweat and blood. Etilyn was in awe of each. Her father looked
at her and
winked. He looked almost thrilled. Etilyn could not help it. She
winked back
and let out a laugh. Maybe this would be enough for her father to
see why
she very much wanted to follow in his foot steps. 

Author:    Etilyn         
Date:      Sun Sep 13 02:16:41 2009
Subject     A New Squire in Palanthas

Etilyn kept mostly to herself and quiet while they waited for
Railen to
return. She had calmed down after meeting Lanfer along the road.
She had
kept more to herself then ever listening to men talk of her as if
she was
invisible. With all the talk, she could not figure out what her
father was
really up to.

Railen had promised that she would not be pushed in to marriage
if he could
help it. But Etilyn sighed as she thought about the laws. She
knew them as
well as anyone. She also knew that her father was pleased with
these two
knights, and now there were two men in which he might push for
her to
marry.

Railen returned to his keep bringing news that reports had come
of road
conditions. The roads to Palanthas had been fully secured and
they were able
to enter the city. While they rode through the streets, Etilyn
forgot about
her fathers plotting and wished for the time being. She sat back
in her
saddle and enjoyed the view around her. She found herself smiling
as they
passed the many shops and street vendors. The entourage made
quick time in
making it to the city square. 

Etilyn dismounted with the others and stood watching a group of
children
playing in the fountain. She laughed at the antics as one of them
splashed
the others. A few minutes passed and the children continued to
play. Her
smile faded as a woman walked toward them and began to scold them
for
playing in the water. Etilyn sighed and wondered if she was
doomed to be a
overbearing wife and mother. 

She caught Railen flash her a smile as he turned away to give
orders to the
men with him. " Get the horses in to the stables, You all
know the
routine."

Her father stepped up behind her as she again looked toward the
children.
"Well Squire,  Your patron has issued an order. Will you
obey?" 

Etilyn turned to look up at him. His eyes sparkled slightly and
he wore a
crooked grin through his fiery beard. He nodded as she started to
question
him. He silenced her with a simple  "Aye". He took her hand
and lead him to
his horse. He took a rolled piece of parchment from his
saddlebags and
placed it in her hands. 

" Railen and I have discussed everything and you will be his
squire. Make me
proud Etilyn and show these knights  the strength of my
daughter, a true
lady in the making." She reached up and wrapped her arms around
his neck.
Before she could say thank you he added. "Now go on, before I
change my 
mind" 

Etilyn di Delgaard stepped back and gave a salute to her father
and flashed
him a smile. She turned and walked toward Railen then Saluting
him, she
followed the others toward the stables. 


Author:    Etilyn         
Date:      Fri Sep 25 01:00:34 2009
Subject     Shameful Reflections

Two young squires lay quietly waiting to be healed from their
recent
injuries. Both beaten and bruised, and having to admit the
biggest wound was
to their pride. A first real chance had come and gone for them to
prove
themselves. Etilyn and Blaine had both been left lying blackened
and
bleeding after letting themselves become over confident. 

Etilyn closed her eyes and tried to fight the tears burning in
her eyes. The
pain stung through out her body and he head was clouded. But she
could
remember the day before clearly. The longer she was lying in this
quiet
room, the more embarrassed she had come to feel. 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 

Alarms sounded through out the practice yard. Shouts reporting
that goblins
had been seen near Palanthas close to the High Clerists Tower.
Blaine and
Etilyn both sprang to help the knights prepare to leave. They
helped to
saddle horses and gather equipment. Then they watched as the
commotion died
down as the knights rode out. 

It was then that Etilyn had noticed another squire in the yard.
She was
unsure of who the young mans patron was, but nodded politely to
him,
thanking for his help as well. When the dust had settled three
squires stood
alone in the courtyard of Railens keep. 

 "Well now what?"  The unknown squire asked, being the first
to break the
silence. Etilyn looked toward Blaine and shrugged. He returned a
sigh. 

 " I suppose we clean up and wait for them to return." 

The newcomer introduced himself as Uther and then all three of
them set to
the task of cleaning the practice yard. The sun grew hotter and
climbed
higher in to the sky as the hours dragged on. They had still
heard nothing
when they had finally finished with their work. Evening came and
they were
still alone with in the walls of the keep. All three grew more
anxious to
hear of the action at the tower. 

With the chores done and nothing to do, the three of them set to
sparring
and practicing with one another. As Etilyn and Blaine took a turn
at
dueling, a rider appeared at the gate. The sound startled Etilyn
and she
caught Blaine in a unexpected bash to his side. 

She apologized to him and helped him to stand, as Uther gave the
rider
water. As the man drank the three of them waited patiently to be
told of any
news. As he swallowed the last of the water, he sighed heavily
and began to
speak. 

 "They have pushed the goblins back from the tower and toward
the river. I
have been sent to spread word that temporary guards are needed at
the tower.
Any volunteers I can gather until the knights regroup."  Just
as quickly as
he had brought word, he turned and rode on to Palanthas. 

Etilyn had thought to herself it was a task the three of them
could handle.
They all agreed to go. Thinking back they would have been better
off aiding
in the search for volunteers. Pride fueled the three young
squires as they
found themselves riding toward the tower. The force of the
goblins, so they
had been told, where no longer a threat to the tower. They would
only be
there long enough for the towers normal guards to return. 

The ogre loitering in the halls had taken them all unexpectedly.
Etilyn felt
a sense of shame about how unprepared they had been. It was a
wonder that
all three survived the attack. 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ With a heavy
sigh she
turned to look at the cot next to hers. Blaine was there.
Straining through
the pain, she turned her head again but did not see Uther.
Another sigh and
she looked back to Blaine. His eyes were closed and she wondered
if he too
was reliving the memory of their mistakes. 

Soon the pain became too much to bear and pushed her to sleep.
But as she
closed her own eyes, she had one other fearful thought. What
would Railens
reaction be? And worse, what would her fathers reaction be?


Author:    Etilyn         
Date:      Sun Oct  4 15:59:51 2009
Subject     Investigating Tarsis

Etilyn stood before the council answering many questions about
what she
knew in regards to Lord Railens disappearance. She remained quiet
when they
paused to converse amongst themselves. She heard a few mentioned
whispers of
a murder and of the name Coria. She remembered a few times Railen
had
mentioned them as well. 

Etilyn was not sure she needed to hear all this and finally
spoke.  "Excuse
me Lords, I do not mean to interrupt, but I would like to know
what you
would have me do now." 

The acting High Warrior smiled down at her fir a moment. She
suddenly felt
almost afraid that he was going to laugh at her. She was relieved
when he
spoke instead.  "I think Segwarides can handle another squire.
He will be
leaving for Tarsis soon. When he returns we will see to those
arrangements."

 "Again my Lord, I mean no disrespect. I have heard some of the
mission to
Tarsis and I would like to o as well."  

The men on the council became quiet for a moment. After the
silence, Etilyn
began to worry that she had overstepped her place. The High
Warrior again
spoke,  "After the incident at the High Clerists Tower we felt
that it would
be better if you remain in Palanthas."  Etilyn felt the knot in
her stomach
grow.  "Do you have anything else you would like to say?"  

Etilyn felt a spark of confidence. She lifted her head and
nodded.  "Yes, my
Lord, I believe I should be allowed to join the others in going
to Tarsis.
And Yes, I understand my mistakes at the tower. How am I to learn
from those
mistakes and gain proper field training if I am not given the
opportunity?
Besides, We would not be unsupervised squires this time." Her
voice trailed
off as she finished. She was then dismissed without an answer
from the
council on the matter. 

Etilyn found herself pacing the almost empty barracks for over an
hour. She
almost missed seeing a muscular built knight enter the room. She
stopped
abruptly and saluted to him. 

 "I am Segwarides Torgh and you Etilyn di Delgaard, are to come
with me. Get
your things. We are going to Tarsis."  ''

Etilyn lost track of time as the group traveled to Tarsis. Her
companions,
Segwarides Torgh, Gaelehad di Luinstat, and Blaine di Caela had
been heading
south by boat and then crossing the Plains of Dust. The journey
itself
seemed to drag on forever. 

Entering in to the city quietly, the group checked discreetly in
to a local
inn. Orders were to keep their presence as quiet as possible.
After a chance
to freshen up, the group left following an information trail
about a man
named Supai. Evidence gathered showed he was the man who had
ordered Corias
death. 

The group tried to blend in amongst the people in the city
square. Etilyn
took note that none of them held the appearance of an average
Solamnic
Knight. Gaelehad and Segwarides wore no facial hair and her being
a woman
was rare indeed of a knight. Blaine and her both followed the
leads of the
other two. 

Etilyn casually browsed through the wares of a small clothing
shop as she
kept an eye on the others. She heard mention of the name Supai
and gave a
silent signal toward her comrades. Segwarides gave an order for
them to
return to the inn where they could make plans. 


Author:    Etilyn         
Date:      Sat Nov  7 19:22:35 2009
Subject     A way out of the Sand: Part One

Etilyn looked out over the sand feeling tired and irritated.
"Rats?!?"
She spoke to herself as she made her way back in to the camp. She
held a
hand up to block the sun from her eyes and calmed herself as she
finally
made out the camp, placed in a rare shaded place. She pushed on
through the
sand, glad to be so close to the others. 

She stopped as she saw a tent fall and noticed the camp was being
taken
down. With a sigh she started walking again. It seemed as though
Etilyn
would not have the chance to rest that she had hoped. She only
stopped again
once she reached Lanfer. 

"Sir, I have returned,"  She nodded to him respectfully with
a smile. She
raised her hand for a moment dropping a large dead snake at his
feet. "It
was eating my rats" She explained simply. She glanced around
the camp again
and excused herself. "I will help finish breaking camp, excuse
me Sir." 

She heard Lanfer chuckle as she walked away. She was almost
positive that
the next hours spent on horseback would be spent with her
reciting and
explaining the meaning of parts of the Oath and Measure. She
sighed once
more seeing that the last details of packing left were to
saddling the
horses. Well if nothing else she would be allowed to ride. 

Surprisingly the journey west was seeming to be uneventful and
quiet. The
small group made their way westward in hopes they would soon come
to a
harbor. From there a boat would hopefully lead them toward
Palanthas. 

As they traveled, Etilyn tired to keep her mind clear for any
questions
Lanfer might ask. She found herself dozing off in her saddle
after the
decision to ride on through the night had been made. Every time
she felt
herself drifting off, a noise from the horses woke her again. As
the night
progressed, this happened several times. 

Her head tilted forward as she began to drift off yet again. A
sharp loud
squeal brought her fully awake. She thought quickly to herself
that was no
horse and sat straight in her saddle. Lanfer was already
signaling to them
to remain alert. What ever had made the noise was just over the
next hill of
sand. They moved slowly, weapons drawn, toward the noise. Etilyn
whispered a
prayer to Paladine as they noise became a large figure. 

Author:    Etilyn         
Date:      Sat Nov  7 22:14:54 2009
Subject     A way out of the Sand: Part Two

"What is that thing?" Etilyn whispered nervously. Lanfer
motioned for
them to dismount. They slowly tried to move around it. Aris, in a
hushed
tone, explained to her the beast in which they saw was called a
Hatori. 

She remembered having read of such creatures. What she had read
did not
prepare her for the rust colored monster in front of her. Parts
of the beast
moved under the surface of the sand while its head seemed to be
devouring
something. She could only guess, but she believed the creature to
be close
to 25 feet long. This was defiantly not a rat. It was more a
cross of
crocodile and dragon. 

If the sandwyrms appearance and size had not surprised her
enough, the
bloodbath that appeared to be its dinner, shocked her even more.
She turned
her head for a moment refusing to give in to the sick feeling in
her
stomach. As Lanfer seemed to continue to study the beast, Etilyn
found it
hard not to look at the blood covered sand. 

She noticed fallen weapons scattered around and a trail of blood
that left
away from the beast. She motioned to Lanfer quietly.  "Sir
Lanfer, I think
there may have been a battle before the creature came to be
here." She
pointed further away from them toward the trail of blood leading
away. 

Looking further up the trail, they could not help but to
recognize one of
their own supply wagons tipped.  "By the Gods what has happened
here." 
Lanfers voice seemed to echo her thoughts. One of the horses let
out a loud
whiney. The Hatoris head turned toward their hiding place.  "We
will have to
deal with this beast before we can find out." 

Author:    Etilyn         
Date:      Sun Nov  8 16:19:11 2009
Subject     A way out of the Sand: Part Three

Etilyn watched Lnafers face, trying to understand the look upon
it. It
was obvious that her patron was in deep thought planning his next
move. The
small group of knights stood close together and remained alert.
The beast
had disappeared from sight only moments ago. 

The ground beneath them had begun to shift as the Hatori swam
through the
sand easily.  "Move back now!" Lanfer shouted to the others
as an immense
rock like hide began to rise quickly from the sand. They all
clambered away
as the horned head of the Hatori broke through the surface . The
knights
scattered as the beast chose its first target. 

One of the younger knights stood motionless in front of the
beast.  "Move
Henry!" Etilyn yelled out to the man. Yet he continued to stand
there. She
quickly scanned the area as other knights began to charge toward
the
sandwyrm. Lanfer called out to them to fall back and wait. He too
lent his
voice to calling out for the startled knight. 

Looking at the sword in her hand, Etilyn felt helpless. The
Hatori began to
pull its whip like tail from the sand and moved quickly toward
Henry. As
this happened a group of rats sprang from holes in the ground and
began to
scurry.  "Rats!!!" Etilyn exclaimed quickly, an idea already
forming in her
head. 

She ran toward her horse and grabbed her bow and arrows, and
sheathed her
sword. She then ran along the edge of the dune looking for an
opening to her
target. The others continued to call to Henry to run. She could
feel Lanfers
gaze upon her. She only hoped that her plan worked. 

Taking aim at the beast, Etilyn let an arrow fly. It hit the rock
hide of
the beast and bounced off without affect. With a sigh she raised
her bow
again. The arrow bounced off one of the horns. She wiped her brow
as sweat
began to form. Once more, she raised the bow and took a steady
aim. This
time the arrow flew though the beasts eye. 

The Hatori let out a monstrous wail and slunk back from the
knight in pain.
Henry seemed to come to his senses and ran. Etilyn again notched
an arrow
and aimed for the other eye. An arrow from another knight struck
the beast
instead. 

In pain and blinded, the outraged Hatori began to thrash wildly
about. 
"Careful now men! Watch the monsters tail teeth and claws."
Lanfer then
signaled the attack. Etilyn again drew her sword as the knights
advanced on
the sandwyrm. Dispatching the beast went smoothly enough, leaving
only a few
wounded men. 

As they stood catching their breath, Aris spoke.  "We will need
to go
quickly. These creatures travel in packs." 

 "We follow the trail and find our fellow knights" As they
rode in to
formation, Lanfer nodded to her.  "Good Job Di Delgaard."  

The adrenaline running through out the group kept them all awake
as they
rode on. As the sun began to rise fully, Etilyn found herself
more and more
concerned for the missing Gaelehad, Segwarides, and the other
knights. And
if they had survived what ever had taken them. 

Author:    Etilyn         
Date:      Tue Nov 10 18:54:50 2009
Subject     Prayers for the lost.

Etilyn kept quite and mostly to herself, continuing to pray
silently. The
others also remained quiet as their scout came and went with
reports on the
various movements of the Dragonarmys caravan. She wondered if the
two
missing knights were part of the cargo . She hoped that they
still lived. 

The knights remained mounted, doing their best to remain unseen.
They only
had a plan to proceed as cautiously as possible. Every knight was
armed and
prepared to fight once more if need be. Most of them, with tired
and weary
looks, sat waiting for their next orders. Etilyn thought of how
grateful she
would be to get out of the desert. 

The wind began to pick up, blowing sand everywhere, and adding
another
challenge to their goal. With visibility becoming an issue, they
no longer
worried about being seen. Would they be able to continue to
follow the
caravans trail? 

Riders approached through the moving sands causing unease. A sigh
of relief
seemed to echo from them all, when they were identified as
returning scouts.
Aris returned once again with news that Segwarides and Gaelehad
were alive
and had been seen when the caravan had stopped for water. And
with the
escalating sand storm, they would be unable to continue on until
it died
down. It appeared that both Armies would be stuck. 

No real effort was put in to a proper camp for the night. Orders
were given
to rest while they could and try to keep the horses and
themselves covered
by the abrasive sands. When the storm died down they would be
prepared to
move out immediately. 

As she tried to rest, Etilyn thought of everyone she had come to
know. She
prayed for the safety of Railen and Blaine, hoping that they had
made it
from Tarsis to Palanthas safely. She added again Segwarides and
Gaelehad to
those prayers, and hoped they 

Author:    Etilyn         
Date:      Tue Nov 10 22:56:30 2009
Subject     Prayers for the lost.

Etilyn kept quite and mostly to herself, continuing to pray
silently. The
others also remained quiet as their scout came and went with
reports on the
various movements of the Dragonarmys caravan. She wondered if the
two
missing knights were part of the cargo . She hoped that they
still lived. 

The knights remained mounted, doing their best to remain unseen.
They only
had a plan to proceed as cautiously as possible. Every knight was
armed and
prepared to fight once more if need be. Most of them, with tired
and weary
looks, sat waiting for their next orders. Etilyn thought of how
grateful she
would be to get out of the desert. 

The wind began to pick up, blowing sand everywhere, and adding
another
challenge to their goal. With visibility becoming an issue, they
no longer
worried about being seen. Would they be able to continue to
follow the
caravans trail? 

Riders approached through the moving sands causing unease. A sigh
of relief
seemed to echo from them all, when they were identified as
returning scouts.
Aris returned once again with news that Segwarides and Gaelehad
were alive
and had been seen when the caravan had stopped for water. And
with the
escalating sand storm, they would be unable to continue on until
it died
down. It appeared that both Armies would be stuck. 

No real effort was put in to a proper camp for the night. Orders
were given
to rest while they could and try to keep the horses and
themselves covered
by the abrasive sands. When the storm died down they would be
prepared to
move out immediately. 

As she tried to rest, Etilyn thought of everyone she had come to
know. She
prayed for the safety of Railen and Blaine, hoping that they had
made it
from Tarsis to Palanthas safely. She added again Segwarides and
Gaelehad to
those prayers, and hoped they would all be safely home. 

Author:    Etilyn         
Date:      Mon Nov 16 20:22:17 2009
Subject     And then there as War.

Etilyn stood counting out the few steel pieces she had left out,
and
handed them to the armor smith. She knew she had been over
charged, but let
the issue go. She had needed her belongings repaired quickly
after the long
journey back from Tarsis. It was this particular shop that had
the best
reputaiotn for its quality of work, and speed. Time was one thing
she had
little of.

With in hours of their return, she had barley the time to care
for the
horses before she was being called in to the war room. She had
witnessed
others coming and going and had known them it would be something
important.
The moment she entered the room, there was not much talking. She
was handed
a notice of her new orders, a map, and a satchel of other
notices. 

Her armor had been the most practical and appreciated gift she
had received
from her father when she had left home. She knew that what she
paid for the
repairs, she could have gotten it new. But as, she looked over
her armor,
she was pleased at what she saw, . She smiled at the man and left
the small
amount of gold he had counted back for change. She added a "Thank
You", and
headed back to the keep to finish her preparations. 

Her orders, like many others not yet knighted, were to travel as
far and as
quicky as possible. She was to deliver messages to the
surrounding nobles.
Each message asked that they would ally themselves with the
Knights in
preparing for war against the Dragon Armies. Once the messages
were
delivered, Etilyn was to await a messenger in a designated
location at the
end of her route, to receive further orders. 

Etilyn would be without the guidance of her patron, Sir Lanfer
for the
journey. She knew her actions would be noted by the council. As
she
completed her preperations, she took a deep breathe and headed
toward
Paladines temple. 

She took her time to pray for protection and guidance. She prayed
for the
safety of all the knights. Lastly, she prayed for her fathers
safety and to
those of Delgaard village. Her prayer complete, she turned and
watched the
sunrise turn full in to day. It was time to leave Palanthas. 

Author:    Etilyn         
Date:      Wed Nov 18 04:49:24 2009
Subject     Just a Little Black Rain Cloud

A heavy rain began to fall at dawn as Etilyn and her companions
had
broken camp. The valley began to turn in to climbing hills soon
after their
first day on the road. It would not be much longer and they would
be
traveling through a near by mountain pass. The road was well
traveled
though, and would for a while, be easy enough to navigate,
despite the
rain.

Now, comfortably seated in the saddle, Etilyn spurred her charger
on ward. 
"By the sun and stars, it is cold!",  A young crown knight
exclaimed from
behind her.  "And this rain only serves to make it colder yet!"
 His breath
formed in to visible vapor as he spoke. 

 "Please do not complain. Think of something else perhaps?" 
Etilyn said in
hopes of warding off any bad morale ready to build up. 

 "What kind of thoughts should I think?"  He asked
sarcastically. When she
realized he meant to go on complaining, she interrupted him,
turning around
to face him with a smile. 

cast bless  "Well Sir Nigel, think for me if you will, of the
reason you are
here now. What is it that urges you onward? Perhaps a wife and
child, some
noble and grand calling, or family honor?"  She then raised her
voice so
that they all heard her words.  "If you ever begin to feel
weary or lost in
hopelessness, remember what lead you to swear your oath and
loyalty to
Solamnia. Let that motivate you to change your sour moods."  As
she finished
her words she pictured her father giving the same speech to him
men as he
had done when she was a young child. 

Nigel smiled at her as the horses plodded on along the puddle and
mud filled
road.  "Well said, Lady."  She smiled at him and turned back
to the road as
he then began to sing. 

{I My heart it waits in fields of green Near to the bluest of
seas

There a maiden with golden hair Is saving her love for me  

It was an old song Etilyn had heard many a bard sing. It brought
other
memories of home to her as they listened. The rain seemed less
noticeable
and less cold.. She prayed as he sang, thankful for the memory of
her
fathers words to help in the situation. Her words, and Nigels
song had eased
away some of the building anxieties. 

Her attention still on the road ahead, she thought some about
what lie
ahead. By nightfall they should reach the walls of the first keep
on her
list. She added to her prayer the need for corporation of the
noble lords
she would be meeting with. When the time for gathering allies was
complete
what would come next? 

They had over come feeling down about a little rain. But what
would happen
when they had to face an adversary greater then water falling
from the sky?
War was brewing, and it would be a much more deadly storm. 

Author:    Etilyn         
Date:      Fri Nov 20 14:36:19 2009
Subject     A little help

The travel time through the mountains had gone well for Etilyns
small
band. Luckily, the rain had ceased. When they had made it to one
of the
keeps marked on the map, they were greeted with a warm meal and
dry place to
sleep. Although small, the lord of the land made room for all of
the
traveling knights. 

The Lord Calvius was an old fragile sort of man, who had donated
many funds
to aid in many charities around Solamnia through out his long
life. It was
no surprise that her remained true to that reputation when Etilyn
and Nigel
met with him the next morning. The surprise came when he also
donated his
sons.

Of his three sons, The oldest and part of the castle garrison,
would ride
out that afternoon joining Etilyns company. The other two sons,
whom Lord
Calvius proclaimed sneakier than any fox, would travel on to
Palanthas with
money, supplies, and a promise of more troops on the way to aid
in the
defense of the great city. 

They were escorted to a near by port in the late afternoon and
granted
passages on a locally owed vessel. Etilyn and Nigel spent some
time looking
at the map. The next stop would be only 2 days travel if the sea
remained
calm and there was a nice wind to carry them. 

Nigel laughed when he realized who the next Lord with whom they
would speak
with.  "Dear Etilyn, let us hope our luck remains. The Lord of
this land is
my wifes own uncle."  He laughed. 

Etilyn smiled and nodded.  "It seems as though Paladine has
smiled on our
quest."  As they continued on, they had no idea yet of how
close the dragon
armies were. Nor did Etilyn know that the enemy lingered on the
very door
step of her childhood home. She did keep her family in her
prayers,
constantly wondering if Delgaard village and keep remained safe.


Author:    Etilyn         
Date:      Tue Nov 24 14:14:36 2009
Subject     Back on dry land

Etilyn handed a flask of water to the panting messenger who had
meet them
at the dock. She gave him a moment to drink the cool water and to
catch his
breath. The young squire had apparently traveled non- stop from
Palanthas to
meet them. He finished the water off, and returned the flask to
her and with
a heavy sigh spoke  "Palanthas has been over run with the Dagon
Armies
troops. You are to return with your squadron as soon as possible
to rally
with our knights there."  

Nigel and Etilyn both stood in silent shock as the messenger
slipped a
written notice in to her hands. He then mounted his horse and
left as
quickly as he had come. Etilyn looked at the words on the paper
in her hand.
It almost seemed unreal. 

"It is true, Palanthas has fallen, our orders are to return to
aid in the
fight to take it back.  She handed Nigel the notice and turned
and walked
away. She left him to read the notice alone, knowing that
questions of his
familys well being roamed through his mind. 

She turned to the men on the docks behind her. "We need to get
our gear off
this ship, gentlemen, and as quickly as possible. Our home has
been taken,
and we will ride through the night to reach Palanthas. If we are
separated
for any reason, continue on to the rally point. Palanthas must be
retaken,
for the safety of our friends and families."  

The men all seemed as shocked as her and Nigel had been, but all
sprung in
to action. With in the hour they were ready to ride. All took a
moment of
silent prayer for their loved ones . As they made the trek out of
the small
port town another rider approached. Looking at her with a somber
expression
was Blaine di Caela. 

It was decided they would ride together, though not many words
were spoken
as they ventured on. Uncertainty showed on many of the faces and
with fear
for those in Palanthas. Etilyn smiled toward Nigel. For miles the
only
sounds were the heavy foot falls of the horses. Etilyn again,
found herself
praying for a way to raise their spirits. 

Author:    Etilyn         
Date:      Sat Dec 19 02:57:54 2009
Subject     Moving on to Rally

Even as the fog densely lingered around the small cottage where a
group
of Solamnic knights slept and covered most of the floor, Etilyn
Di Delgaard
paced back and forth unable to sleep. A decision had to be made
before
sunrise. No sooner then Tesnos had left them had Nigel and
herself sat and
talked through the details. The late hours of the night had worn
down and
they were running out of time.

The time spent in the cottage, they had found a mere 17 survivors
of the
battle lost to the dragon armies. They had at first planned to
return to
Palanthas and regroup with other knights. But soon rumors after
rumor came
that the Solamnic forces had suffered greatly. Now they were
forced to make
other plans. 

This entire war made Etilyn anxious and had tested her skills and
command as
well. She was unsure at how to take the failure. As she continued
to pace,
Nigel brought her a cup of hot tea. She smiled warmly at him and
thanked him
as she sat. He joined her at the small table. Both remained quiet
a moment
longer, knowing they had to do something. 

She started to speak first. "When is the next merchant vessel
scheduled to
pass by." 

 "Middle of next week. Although our scouts have reported a ship
leaving a
harbor to the south at noon today."

She nodded again to him. She then noticed the dark circles under
her friends
eyes. Unfortunately they would not be able to sleep much at all.
 "How long
will it take us to reach that harbor?"

"4-5 hours seeing that we have no horses and that is if we make
no stops.
Not bad considering we have all had much harder travels
recently.."

"So our risk lies in who can we trustto follow the elf in to
unknown forest.
Or do we take passage on a ship of unknown origins?"

"Aye, if what this Tesnos says is true are we risking the
chance for an
alliance not helping him as well?

Etilyn looked out the window as both knights again grew silent.
She sipped
slowly on the tea, thankful for the relaxing brew. She held the
cup in both
hands helping to warm them. Her gaze fell to the knight outside
the window
on watch. 

"My duty is to the remaining men we have. We have orders to
make it to the
nearest rally point. We did that and now I intend to make it to
the next
till we are sure these knights have not been left for dead."

A brisk breeze picked up outside, helping the first rays of the
sun to begin
to break the fog apart. Etilyn again sighed as she stood. She
finished off
the remainder of her tea and set the cup down. " Quickly wake
the men. I
will go and speak with our new elven friend. While I am gone give
orders
that all prepare to head to the harbor. We leave as soon as I
return."

"Yes, Maam Will do.

She walked to the door, opening it with a solitary thought. I
only hope and
pray that a friendly ship awaits us and not the dragon armies.
She kept this
to herself and walked out in to the morning. 

Author:    Etilyn         
Date:      Sun Jan  3 21:13:40 2010
Subject     Thoughts on the beach.

Although Etilyns men had settled in with the others on the
island, she
felt restless. She stood looking back at the beach and studied
Sir Lanfer.
Railen had apparently left the man to deep thoughts, for he just
stared in
to the fire. 

She approached quietly noticing the dark circles formed under his
eyes. She
sat down again at the fire but said nothing. As Lanfer continued
his
thinking, Etilyn found that her mind wandered in to thoughts of
her own. 

The news she had received after her arrival on the island fell
heavy on her.
Segwarides and Nathan were missing. Gaelehad was dead. Blaine had
made it to
the island, but their last exchange had left Etilyn concerned for
the man.
She would have to make a point to speak with him as soon as the
opportunity
arose. And now they were here, without a real plan and loosing
hope. 

Etilyn looked up and noticed that Lanfer had gone. She sat alone
at the fire
a while longer. Her thoughts overwhelming her. 

Taking back Palanthas would be difficult indeed. And even then?
It would not
be enough.. Merely driving the dragon armies from Palanthas would
never be
enough. They must be forced from Solamnia, Ansalon.all of Kyrnn.
Such vile
evilness and corruptness called for a bit more. 

Etilyn felt a strong desire to do anything it took of her to
bring these
armies to proper justice. She knew what she needed to do next,
and her first
step would be to ask Lanfer for guidance on the issue. With a
lacking
council of proper knights, she knew obtaining a quest to join the
sword
knights would be a bit harder to do. It had to be done, for it
was the next
step to her goal. 

Her decision made she could not help but laugh lightly in to the
dying fire
."Ok Ettie, once more like your father?"  Her smile remained
as she stood
and doused the embers. She returned to the barracks in the dark. 

She slept well that night and woke ready to speak with Lanfer. At
the
morning meal she was informed that Lanfer and Kailen had left the
island on
a scouting mission. Her questions would have to wait for the time
being.
Perhaps Kiyohime would need help with organizing the needs of the
refugees. 

Author:    Etilyn         
Date:      Mon Jan 11 18:16:52 2010
Subject     Letter to Lord Railen and Lord Lanfer

{I Dear Lords, 

In regards to the quest given to Etilyn di Delgaard, crown knight
of
Solamnia, and oath of my honor, I Nigel uth Bastion, swear this
account to
be true as witnessed by myself. 

8 days ago, her quest began shortly after Etilyn came asking me
to serve as
her witness. When I accepted, I met her prepared to leave camp on
the Island
of Sancrist, near the refugee settlement there. Lord Railen Revon
was there
with Etilyn handing her a leather map case with the details of
her quest as
I approached. 

Saluting each other, he walked away and Etilyn began to read the
outline of
the mission to me. I was informed she was to scout a suspicious
ship that
had landed to the south of our encampment. She showed reports to
me from the
scouts that steady traffic had been seen coming and going from
the ship. I
was to merely observe as she investigated. I had orders from Lord
Railen to
interfer only if Etilyn found herself in a dire dire threatening
situation,
with her life at risk. 

Already accepting these terms before hand. We set out right away.
Etilyn
lead us south along the shoreline. Her eagerness was apparent, as
she rode
on through the evening without stopping to rest. The weather was
pleasant
and we stopped to rest finally sometime in the night. We slept
under the
cover of the trees, and then rode out again in the early morning.


By the end of the next day, Etilyn had found where the trail of
her quest
really began. The large ship came in to view in the early
afternoon. From
there I will give copy of my journal kept of those days. I have
started with
our third day, seeing as it is where things began to happen. 


Author:    Etilyn         
Date:      Mon Jan 11 18:23:22 2010
Subject     the Journal Day 3

Day 3

Etilyn and I have come to what appears, for all intense purposes,
and
abandoned ship. She has told me a fresh trail of foot prints is
clear just
further south of the vessel. I have remained on the beach while
Etilyn has
gone to make an attempt to sneak aboard. 

Yesterday while still riding to this place, Etilyn looked at her
map so
often, I was sure we would find this place soon. Although the
reports state
of constant traffic to the ship, there is no sign of any creature
about. I
have been here for about an hour alone and already, I can see
Etilyn
returning to our concealed place beyond the beach. I will write
more when I
have gathered more information. 

Day 3 continued. 

Returning safely and after taking a drink and sitting on the
ground, Etilyn
pulled out the map case again and looked it over. She started
talking mostly
to herself but I was able to make out most of what she said. The
boat was
empty, completely cleaned out. She said there had been not even
an empty
barrel left aboard. 

There had to be a reason the ship was left stripped down to
nothing. Etilyn
said she felt that someone was on board still and had hurried
back for that
reason. But she questioned why someone would be on an empty ship.


Our answer came very shortly after. Apparently someone had been
on the
vessel even while Etilyn herself had been on board. The ship had
been set on
fire and was let loose to drift away from the shore. We watched
the vessel
drift further away for a time before Lady Etilyn pointed toward a
dark
figure running south along the beach away from us. 

We have eaten quickly and I have little time to write my thoughts
on this.
The sun is setting now Etilyn plans to follow the trail left by
the figure
with the cover of night. I can only hope to keep up with her as
she is
already prepared to leave. 

Author:    Etilyn         
Date:      Mon Jan 11 18:31:07 2010
Subject     the Journal Day 4

Day 4

Etilyns tracking abilities leave much to be desired. Although,
the figure we
are following seems to be making it easy on her. It is obvious
that he, the
young lady is sure she is following a human man by his boot
shape, does not
know he is being followed or knows and is leading us on a wild
chase. 

Etilyn has remained quiet most of today and seems set to find out
who this
man is. She has kept us following close and it appears that he
has stopped
for the night, as have we. I am curious as to who it is exactly,
we are
following and why. 

Etilyn has discussed with me certain facts about the vessel she
searched
yesterday. There was only one identifying mark. Upon the doors
she found
symbol she said looked much like a dragon claw. But not the same
as other
emblems we had seen before fighting the dragon armies. And she
believes
either way, the ship had been stolen. It would explain the fire
and being
set adrift. 

Etilyn has also mentioned that her suspicions have been peaked,
that we are
being deliberately lead away from something. She has figured the
man knows
he is being followed. She wants us to remain awake and pull back
to the
beach where the ship was first seen. As she is now dousing our
fire and w
have eaten, We are prepared to leave once again. 


Author:    Etilyn         
Date:      Mon Jan 11 18:32:47 2010
Subject     the Journal Day 5

Day 5

Etilyn was right. After backtracking in the night, we have
witnessed a small
group of men camping west of the beach and in to a wooded area.
One man
standing watch and four others sleeping. Etilyn calls the count
at six,
knowing it likely the other man will return with us no longer
following. 

We have moved in to the woods as well staying off the beach. The
tide has
washed away much of our own trail. Etilyn has said it is a
blessing, when
the man we followed returns, we may remain unseen.

She has spent some time resting and now is looking for a better
suited
location to observe these men. There is something familiar in the
way they
move. I have seen it before but can not place it. It will be
interesting to
hear what Etilyn finds. 

Author:    Etilyn         
Date:      Mon Jan 11 18:37:13 2010
Subject     the Journal Day 6

Day 6

It is important that I get as much of this information down.
Yesterday was a
very interesting day. I have already written about us coming up
off of the
beach so I will start in the mid day. 

Etilyn returned from her search for information with her jaw set
in
determination. She pointed out that all 6 men were now together
in this
camp

She said to me then, that all of this group were wanted men. She
recognized
all but one of them from arrest warrants issued in Palanthas
before our
struggle with the dragon armies. She is sure they have been
hired. We sat
discussing the identities of all of them. 

The hirelings as identified by Etilyn are thus, 

Addison uth Fallon: Young man with noble lines known through out
Solmnia. A
rebellious streak in him that turned nasty. Dishonored both the
knight and
his family with his illegal actions and gambling habits before
being
dischanrged from the knights as a squire. 

A man known only as Harmod, wanted for helping Jesup Mason
escaping trial
for murder. 

Jesup Mason, wanted for murdering several young squires several
years ago. 

The fourth man, Xanto Willowflame, actually a half-elven thief,
is wanted
for questioning in many unsolved thefts in Palanthas and a
botched attempt
to poison a visiting ambassador. 

The last of the men we know of is Ormond Thane. I will be honest
Neither
Etilyn or I could remember much of him other then the issue of
his warrant
was more recent then the other men. He is the one we had been
initially
following. 

Etilyn believes that the man leading this group is a warrior of
some skill
by his stance. Tonight she plans to try again to get closer to
them to
investigate. 

Author:    Etilyn         
Date:      Mon Jan 11 18:38:45 2010
Subject     the Journal Day 7

I followed Etilyn on her surveillance of the small camp and have
stayed
back and am writing from up in a tree. Ormond has been left on
watch and is
talking to himself. The leaders name is apparently Wallace. I
wonder if it
is the same Wallace uth Varen, also wanted for murder in
Thelgaard and
Palanthas. 

I can see Etilyn from here now, she has come around behind
Ormond, easily
covering his mouth with a gloved hand is dragging him toward the
tree where
I am hiding. I will write more after I watch what will happen. 


Author:    Etilyn         
Date:      Mon Jan 11 18:46:14 2010
Subject     the Journal Day 8

We have stopped to camp and here I will fill in the details I
have been
able to write from yesterdays action. Etilyn had pulled Ormond
toward my
hiding place, and quietly questioned him. He confirmed that they
were in
fact working for Wallace uth Varen, before he yelled for help. 

Etilyn quickly gagged him and knocked him upside the head. She
quickly bound
his hands and tied him to the tree below me. She nodded and
smiled to me as
she headed back in to the camp. 

Addison soon joined Ormond at the persuasion of Etilyns sword
point.
Repeating the same ritual, soon both men were tied unconscious
below. I
believe Jesup is where things became a challenge. It seems the
man had come
to relieve Ormond of watch. 

Etilyn was easily spotted by him in her armor and a scuffle broke
out. They
fought without weapons for a time but Etilyn came out of that
with only a
blackened eye. Soon Jesup was thrown toward where the others were
tied. I
had to work to stifle a laugh That little lady has power to her
punch. 

Unfortunately the scuffle woke the rest of the camp. I continued
to stay
unseen as the sound of blades being drawn. I moved up the tree to
get a
better view at that point. Etilyn stood with Wallace, Xanto, and
Harmod
surrounding her. Her mouth moved and I recognized it right away
as her
praying as she always does. 

Soon after she was caught in a whirlwind of parrying and
countering the
attacks of Xanto and Harmod. Wallace stood back from them,
assessing Etilyn,
as if trying to learn something more about her. As the fray
continued,
Etilyn turned to counted an attack of Xantos. The flat of her
blade hit the
side of his head, knocking him to the ground. 

It was then, Wallace seemed to have had enough. He threw Harmod,
to the
ground himself and turned to face Etilyn. I heard him shout to
her that she
was not the woman he was looking for and she would pay for
interfering.
Etilyns head tilted slightly, questioning him. I could tell she
was trying
to keep him talking. His mouth moved speaking in some form of
response. What
they were saying I could not tell. 

His anger in to a boiling rage, and he swung at her. Etilyn
struggled to
dodge the sudden strike. There was no talking after this. Etilyn
at first
was able to match him, strike for strike. Eventually she began to
look tired
and stumbled. His sword caught her in the under arm and she
jumped back. 

Her lips began to move, another of her prayers. She stood upright
a bit more
and advanced on him. Never relenting, Etilyn soon had him
stumbling in
return. He fell. Lying looking up at Etilyn, her sword pointed at
his
throat, I recognized her warning. She was asking him to yield.
Quickly
trying to swing again at her, Etilyn, easily countered. Wallaces
head fell
from his shoulders. 

Etilyn stood a while catching her breath and taking a moment for
prayer
again. I climbed down and gathered the bound men. Giving her a
moment of
peace, I pulled the fugitives to our own camp and prepared for
our return to
the refugee settlement. 

Etilyn took time to search each of the tents, spending the
longest in the
one where Wallace had been. She returned to our camp, her head
low but still
looking at me. It was then she explained what she found. 

They were searching for a woman who came here recently. She
handed me
documents that showed a drawing of a woman. Etilyn explained it
to be the
woman Tanari who had recently joined our ranks. Etilyn said the
name did not
match, and that Lord Lanfer would want to see the documents. What
other
things in the documents, Etilyn only added, were not her business
unless
Lanfer or Tanari wished it to be. 

Author:    Etilyn         
Date:      Mon Jan 11 18:47:48 2010
Subject     The end of Nigel's letter

With the testimony of the men captured, and Etilyns own
accounting as
well, I leave the rest for your decision lords. I would like to
add in
closing it was an honor to serve with the Lady Etilyn, She is a
noble woman
of rare faith and a solid belief that that justice will always
have the
final say in all. 

Signed, Nigel uth Bastion, Knight of the Crown 

Author:    Etilyn         
Date:      Wed Jan 20 17:41:41 2010
Subject     New Order, Refreshed Outlook

"Est Sularus oth Mithas."  Etilyn had said the words of the
familiar oath
as the formalities of her promotion closed. She had remained
respectful and
humble through out the rite, but a small part of her was glad it
was over.
Now, on the beach alone, she sat watching the sun set along the
coast. 

Suddenly she shouted out, releasing pent up energy that had left
her feeling
suffocated. She prayed then, to help her anxieties fade. She
smiled to
herself feeling somewhat calmer in that moment. 

Etilyn knew full well this promotion meant new challenges to
face. The
knights of the Sword were known for more bold fighting tactics
away from the
home front. With the constant threat of war now lingering in the
surrounding
lands, a new truth surfaced. She would have her chance to gain
much more
battle experience to come. The thought both excited and
frightened her. 

She was one step closer to her own goal. Although she followed a
path much
like her fathers, this was Etilyns calling. Being part of the
order of the
sword, she was on the necessary path to that goal. She vowed to
herself and
to Paladine, there in that private moment, to continue to give
her all. Not
just for future promotions, but for the promises she had made. 

That night as she made her way back to the camp, she felt
refreshed.
Entering her tent with a confident smile, she repeated quietly to
herself, 
"My honor is my life". 

Author:    Etilyn         
Date:      Mon Jan 25 00:03:17 2010
Subject     Mages on Sancrist

Etilyn had spent most of her morning on the beach, sitting and
quietly
waiting for a meeting that she was asked to join. Although she
was unsure of
the details, she would not ignore the summons from the new Grand
Master. She
was grateful that there perhaps was something important for her
to do. As
much as she had enjoyed being given a day to rest, her moment of
relaxation
was quickly becoming boredom.

Just as the thought occurred to her. A young page came to her on
the beach.
He smiled and saluted her. She politely smiled back at the young
boy . 

 "Lady Etilyn, I have been sent to tell you it is time.  He
smiled again as
he hurried away, to carry his message to the next knight. 

Etilyn looked out along the dock once more with a soft sigh. 
"Well Quiet
time is over, I suppose."  She stood and made her way back in
to the camp to
find Lord Lanfer. She found him standing and talking to Lord
Segwarides,
apparently catching him up on the situation in the camp. 

She saluted them after giving a polite greeting. For the most
part standing
back until she was addressed. The two superior knights exchanged
a few more
words and Lanfer turned to acknowledge her before continuing on
with
Segwarides. 

Lanfer chose then to bring her in to the conversation,  What do
you think
about the mages helping Etilyn? 

 If it gains us a foothold back in to Palanthas, I see no
reason not to try,
my lord.  

The talking ceased and in the next few moment things seemed to
happen
simultaneously. A bright portal opened, Lanfer drew his weapon,
and the most
shocking to Etilyn at that moment was that Segwarides had grabbed
Lanfers
wrist to restrain his action. Lanfer jerked away as Etilyn then
noticed from
the portal an envoy of mages appeared before them. 

Following the lead of the others, Etilyn greeted the newcomer
with a warm
smile. She listened to the brief exchanges of introduction calmly
enough . A
man in red robes appeared through a gate of his own. Etilyn felt
uncomfortable as the man sneered in her direction. 

She stood back and anxiously whispered to Lanfer, asking if she
should go
and find Lord Railen. That permission granted, she sighed deeply
relieved to
be able to walk away. She headed o the training yard hoping to
find him
there. Meeting Railen on her way, she quickly explained they had
visitors,
and they both returned to the group. 

Author:    Etilyn         
Date:      Mon Jan 25 00:10:54 2010
Subject     The Lady Knight and Barbarian Mage.

Conversations of preparations carried on, and soon the group was
exploring areas of the encampment. Railen left with the larger
group winking
at her. She returned a smile and turned to see a scantly dressed
mage near
by. The woman did not appear as the rest of the mages, wearing no
robes, and
skin showing in ways very unbecoming of Etilyns upbringing,
certainly no
knight would dress as such. 

She looked like a plains barbarian, but spoke like a well
educated person.
Etilyn was not quite sure what to make of her. She seemed to
notice Etilyn
as well, for she walked over to her and they began talking. 

' The supplies have been stored and categorized, the squire
that was sent
with me has things in there under control, least for the time
being. 

Etilyn nodded politely to the woman.  Very well, I have been
working closely
in the hospital we have set up with the clerics. Would you like
to see that
as well for your reports?  

 'Would be nice to see how things are ran around here. Lead the
way.' Etilyn
tried to cover the fact that the way the woman was dressed made
her blush as
they made their way across the camp. 

 We do not have many patients at the moment, but everything
should be ready
for the wounded all battles are bound to bring. The woman
followed her
closely in the hospital tent. She seemed to know Etilyn was
uncomfortable so
Etilyn added,  I thought all mages wore robes. 

 'They do, but I refuse to wear something that hampering. I
grew up in the
plains of dust. We do not wear too much out there, you never know
when
restricted movement could cause your death. 

Etilyn nodded, hoping to appear that she understood.  'I
suppose I am
accustomed to armor Guiding the women through the tent,  I
hope this all
meets your approvl. She was glad to be able to change the
subject. 

The plains woman had begun to look over the cots. She smiled to
Etilyn as
she said.  It will do quite well, the Solamnic are lucky to
have a woman in
their numbers to keep things tidy.  

Etilyn stopped and had to bite her tongue. Had this woman just
said what she
heard? Pushing it to the back of her mind, she realized she did
not know
this womans name.  I apologize my manners seem a bit delayed. I
am lady
Etilyn di Delgaard, may I have your name?' She turned to face
her.

'I am Kah'rihn. I do not use my surname and to be honest I
forgot it many
years ago. 

Etilyn thought a moment before adding,  'As for being a woman,
I hold my own
I suppose. I guess the one benefit is having my own tent without
the rank
most men must have for that privilege. ' Etilyn could not
understand such a
comment coming from anyone of the knights around her, so she
hoped the
subject would close with that. 

 'Might as well, they might get into trouble without us.'

Etilyn exhaled deciding it would be a good time to go join the
others.
'Shall we return to our superiors' She heard the woman
snicker. She seemed
to know she was getting to Etilyn. Praying a silent prayer for
patience,
Etilyn lead them back.

Everyone was preparing to say good byes as they approached.
Etilyn
remembered to stay back from the man in red leering at her. The
woman,
Kah'rihn, said her own Farwell and left through a magical gate. 

Etilyn felt relived to see her go and smiled to see that she was
not the
only one. As the portal closed, the last of the departing mages,
vanished.
Lanfer took a deep breath and she heard him say, Well that was
interesting.
Damn mages always make me uneasy'.

Each of the knights then returned to their own orders. Etilyn
looked back
toward the beach. Knowing she still had most of the evening still
off duty,
she sighed. Off duty or not, she would find something to do. She
headed
toward the training yard. Perhaps Railen would like the company. 

Author:    Etilyn         
Date:      Thu Jan 28 00:08:40 2010
Subject     Scouting for safety

Sunrise had not yet come to the island of Sancrist. Etilyn had
been awake
for a few hours already preparing. She smiled as she brought her
hand across
the neck of her destrier. The honey colored stallion stamped his
front
hooves and whinnied. 

 "Anxious to head out there, Arturo?" The proud beast stamped
once again as
Etilyn patted him. "Just a while longer. I promise."

She handed the reins to her new squire, Toma and walked back in
to her tent.
She reached for the pack of her belongings and hefted it over her
shoulder.
The last thing she did before leaving was to kill the flame of
her lantern.
Toma stood waiting and took her pack from her. 

 "I will be only a moment longer. Go and see that we have
suitable rations
for the journey."  She again turned away from him and smiled at
the few
other men that would be joining them. Most of them familiar
faces, but this
would be the first time Etilyn would ride with this group of
knights. She
made her way across the camp and found her self standing at
Railens tent.
Not surprised when she was told he was already gone, she headed
toward the
beach were he was training alone. 

The conversation was brief and her orders given. With a scroll
case filled
with a map and vital information to her mission, she wasted no
time. Etilyn,
her squire Toma, and eight other knights rode north away from the
encampment. 

Two weeks was all the time she had been given to survey the
surrounding
island. Luckily, the elves had granted them with what they knew
of the land.
It was with that information, Etilyn had chosen to ride north. By
mid
afternoon she would head inland more to the west, occasionally
stopping to
check and mark along the map she had been given. There were
refugees
counting on her succeeding and with war once again on the
horizon, those
innocent citizens needed more now then ever, a safe haven. 

Author:    Etilyn         
Date:      Fri Feb 12 18:24:46 2010
Subject     A rest stop?

Etilyns eyes flew open at the metallic chink of a sword nearby.
The small
party of knights had stopped to rest for the evening. That moment
of rest
was now being interrupted. 

Whispering voices in a foreign language came from a wooded area
not far to
the west. The eyes of her companions scanned through the trees
while she
signaled to one of them. A linguist of some notability, she hoped
that the
young knight may understand something in the hushed voices
surrounding them.
He mouthed a single word toward her and drew his own blade. 

The whispers became louder as Etilyns group drew weapons and
stood ready for
what ever company had found them here. The next few minutes
seemed to drag
out as the voices stopped suddenly. Etilyns sword seemed to fly
to her hand
where she had not remembered drawing the weapon. And then the
silence
broke.

Goblins flew from behind trees and steel flashed around them.
Etilyn drew up
her shield, instinctively, as she swung to block a coming blow.
The men
around her were doing much the same. 

One swore under his breath while another seemed to find pleasure
in the
moment.  "By the gods! We wont have to go back in to camp with
only tales of
saddle sores this night." 

 "Focus and you will have your time to celebrate later." 
Etilyn called out
as she caught an arm-numbing blow from the club of her attacker.
The small
beast attacked again, this time glancing the edge of her shield.
She
muttered to herself as light sweat broke on her forehead. 

Dust filled the air and began to sting at Etilyns eyes as she
worked to
focus on the vermin in front of her. She forced her mind to block
out he
extra noise of battle around her. Her arm throbbed from the hit
it had
taken, causing her to drop her shield. 

Moving quickly she thrust at the goblin, she side stepped his
next swing,
cutting in to his arm. {I There now we are even.  she thought
to herself. Time
seemed to stand still as they each exchanged blows, {I Now to
finish this. 
She stepped again, toward him this time, swinging toward his. The
blade hit,
leaving a bleeding gash at the goblins throat. 

Etilyn scanned the battle in time to see two more of the quick
beasts
lunging toward her. She easily dodged the attacks. This seemed to
surprise
her new foes and they stopped a moment. 

She tried to pace her breathing as she stood ready for them. They
stared at
her with such deep hatred, it made her stop a moment to study
them. They
circled around her trying to gauge her skill. Etilyn took the
moment to
swing at the taller of the two. A vivid cut bled along his side.
He held
tight to his dagger as his other hand held to his wounded side.
Etilyn
turned and held her sword up defensively. 

Her attention was split between the two and was not prepared for
the goblin
behind her. The beast attacked, smacking a club in to Etilyns
back . Etilyn
pitched forward, off balance. Her sword fell from her hands as
she fell. 

The wounded goblin saw opportunity and advanced on her. Grabbing
her fallen
shield, she rolled, sitting up quickly. She bashed quickly at the
wounded
goblin while looking around for her sword. Finally, she spotted
it, and
lunged for it. 

The wounded goblin had staggered back, falling back to the
ground. Now able
to focus on only the one, for the moment, Etilyn swung around
wildly. The
goblin struggled but was able to dodge her blow. The next time
she swung,
she forced more practice in to the swing. Her sword thrust
through the
goblins shoulder. 

She left the beast to his death, turning to find that another
knight had
finished off the wounded one she had left. Looking around, Etilyn
noticed
her young squire, Toma, standing over one of the fallen goblins,
a proud
smile on his face. With, the last of the attacking goblins lie
dead and all
of the knights accounted for, they took a moment to reflect and
search the
dead. 

" Unusually organized for simple minded marauders. Do we have
any idea where
they came from?"  

When no answer came, Etilyn decided to make a point of speaking
with some of
the elven Wildrunners on her return to the beach camp. They would
burn the
corpses, justice had been dealt to the evil beasts.
Unfortunately, there
were some unanswered questions. She motioned for her squire to
join her. 

 "Toma, I have a task for you.," 

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