Curse

Tender Wolf · Jan 31, 2008, 10:58 PM // 22:58

June 15, 1278 DR
Three years...it seems so long ago, yet almost like yesterday. My family was stolen from me when I was only 15 years of age. To think, I'd been out trapping and learning how to survive on my own as a ranger, and had come back to my home eradicated. My family was dead, all five of them - my mother, father, elder brother, and younger brother and sister. Those damned Kournans! In their ridiculous conquest for domination, they have slaughtered hundreds. For as long as I remember, they have been destroying everything in their wake. And they continue to do so to this day. But I will seek vengeance. I will avenge my family!

June 25, 1278 DR
The Kournans' numbers are great. I am alone. I fear I have no chance. On the one hand, I could die trying to bring my family's killers to justice. But on the other, I wouldn't be fulfilling my duty, merely dying at the hands of my sworn enemy. The Kournans are moving quickly and before long I will have no place of refuge. I fear I will be forced to flee like a coward. But I won't let the Kournans strike me down!

July 8, 1278 DR
The ship ride here to Cantha seemed to last for eternity. But alas, my feet touched the dingy streets of Kaineng. I am now in Cavalon, as I have decided to join the Luxons in their battle against the Kurzicks. Perhaps it will help me work off the frustration of not being able to avenge my family. Though it is crowded here, I still feel very alone. Elder Rhea is very considerate and is almost like a second mother to me, but that doesn't help ease the pain. Perhaps someday I will join them in the Mists.

July 16, 1278 DR
My first battle against the Kurzicks was horrific. Hundreds of people slaughtering each other all for domination of territory. And the battles never end. It seems each week, certain towns are under the opposite control until they are pushed back into their own territory. In a way, it's just like what I left behind in Elona. Perhaps I'm not destined for the art of war. Though I wish to seek vengeance, perhaps it's not my duty. Melandru has blessed me with the skills of the ranger and survival, but...What am I saying? I managed to merely wound my opponents while my allies finished them off. The only lives I will take are those of the Kournans. Otherwise, I will not kill anyone, even the Kurzicks. Why did I get myself mixed up in this? This isn't my fight. I love the Luxon territory, but perhaps I should move on.

July 31, 1278 DR
Venturing into Mourning Veil Falls for a change of scenery, I saw something today. I saw a tiger, only as though it had been dyed white. Truly the most beautiful creature I have ever seen. I managed to charm him and make him my pet, and I will train him well. Though I'm Luxon, I find the Echovald Forest to be peaceful. As long as no wardens are nearby. I plan to go there for relaxation from now on.

August 6, 1278 DR
Incredibly amazing is the only way I can describe what just occurred. I was with Blizzard in Mourning Veil Falls once again when a glimmer of light seemed to flash by. When I looked, I saw...it was like an angel. But that feeling didn't last long as the angelic figure raised his spear at me. I raised my bow and Blizzard prepared to lunge (I trained him so that he'd only attack if I did). But this angelic young man didn't throw his spear, he merely stared at me. Then he lowered his spear and I took the opportunity to escape. But who is this man? Why didn't he kill me? I was in Kurzick territory in Luxon armor and he spared my life. Is he a Kurzick or a traveler? It's obvious that he is a paragon, but why is he here? Paragons are from Elona, like me. Do the Kurzicks have honor? They're not Kournans, but still, from what I've heard and witnessed, I wonder...Hopefully the answers will be revealed soon.

August 10, 1278 DR
I had the feeling that I would never see that mysterious paragon again, but I saw him today during an alliance battle in Grenz Frontier. Only this time, I returned the favor and paid my debt. It was like no one else was around as we engaged in combat alone. I managed to strike him, but I didn't realize it was him until he was down on the ground grazing up at me with his sky blue eyes. I saw recognition in his eyes as well. I glanced around before fleeing, sparing his life. I strongly believe I did the right thing, I only hope my comrades didn't notice because I know they wouldn't agree. But I want to know who this paragon is and why he saved my life. And I'm determined to find out!

August 20, 1278 DR
It seems that I will not have to search for that godly paragon, as he has come to me! Yesterday I was walking through Maishang Hills when he suddenly came upon me. Recognition struck at the speed of light. I'd brought Blizzard and my bow with me for safety (yetis and onis love this area), and he'd done the same with his spear and shield. But we approached each other calmly and civilly, and he bowed before me. He introduced himself as Graham Moonring. I gave him my name as well (and he said it was a lovely name I must add), and I don't believe it was wrong to do so. Graham told me that he'd been hoping to find me for quite some time, and had been entering Luxon territory these past few weeks to do so. Upon asking him why he was searching for me, he just smiled; a handsome smile filled with mystery and godliness, and said that I'd find out soon enough. For only an instant, fear swept over me as the thought of Kurzicks swarming into Luxon territory crossed my mind. Was this man laying me? Was he a decoy for an ambush? Perhaps fear and angst have corrupted my heart. And yes, I felt it impossible that a paragon who'd spared my life, even once, in his own territory, would compose such a scheme. We talked for some time more, mostly getting to know each other. He isn't like any other Kurzick; he has honor. I've never seen him take a life, and he claims that's the truth. In a way, we're very much alike. I tried to hint around and be subtle in the hopes that he'd tell me why he wished to find me, but he remained adamant that I find out at a later date. I am no master of the mind mesmer, anyway. But Graham did mention that we should meet every day at noon in Pongmei Valley, where the Echovald Forest and Jade Sea meet. I fully intend to do so, at least until I discover his secret.

September 3, 1278 DR
I still have butterflies in my stomach after the ordeal that occurred only a few hours before. As promised, I have been meeting Graham every day in Pongmei Valley, right outside Maatu Keep. He finally revealed his secret to me. His family is all paragons, and they come from a long line of living up to their reputations as being the guardian angels of Elona. Each member believes they are destined to protect one special person in their life. Graham said that when he first saw me in Mourning Veil Falls, he felt he was drowning in my eyes, as they are as beautiful as the Jade Sea itself. My heart was aflutter when he told me this, especially considering the fact that I've had a strange feeling about him that I've never had before, since I first fully talked to him in Maishang Hills. Then, he continued to say that he just couldn't kill me at the falls that day because I am the one he is destined to protect (or so he believes). It seems too good to be true, and yet I've never been happier. What is this strange and wonderful feeling? Could it be love, the kind of love my parents shared? Or is it just a dream of infatuation? I hope the answer comes soon.

September 14, 1278 DR
Graham may be a paragon, and as such, worships the fiery war god Balthazar, but he is as lovely and divine as a worshipper of Dwayna. Today I experience my first kiss. It was everything I hoped it would be. The kind of kiss that takes your breath away and makes you see fireworks. I will remember that moment for all eternity. The moment when Graham and I were strolling through Pongmei Valley, on our way to return me to Cavalon before he returned to House zu Heltzer, as was our custom, when he took my hand in his and faced me before telling me that my beauty is stunning and how much he hates it when we part. Then, as my heart started pounding, and before I could tell him how flattered I was and how much I hate when we part as well, Graham leaned in closer as his eyes began to close, and his lips brushed against mine. I felt like I was flying. In fact, I still do. It felt like time had stopped. When I opened my eyes and saw Graham blushing crimson, I still felt his tender yet firm and strong lips on my own. We smiled at each other before I worked up the courage to jump into his arms and embrace him. He wrapped his arms around me and swung me around. The journey to Cavalon was entirely too short. I am counting the minutes until I can see Graham again tomorrow. I just hope no one gets suspicious as to where I disappear to all the time.

September 27, 1278 DR
This is going to be difficult. I want to be with Graham and spend as much time with him as I can, but not knowing when the next alliance battle is going to occur is going to cost us. I'm constantly thinking of ways to avoid them and Graham said he's going to do the same. I lay awake at night just thinking about him - his sky blue eyes, sunshine hair, soft lips...I could be wrong but I truly believe that I am in love with him. When I'm with him, and even when I'm not, I don't even think about the Kournans. Perhaps they are a blessing in disguise, as they forced me here, where I met Graham. I have sworn to avenge my family but perhaps all they truly wanted for me was happiness, not the burning desire for revenge. I shall consult Melandru on this. I know it's wrong what the Kournans did, and I will never forgive them for taking my family from me. But perhaps they asked the gods to watch over me, to help me find what I truly wanted or needed in life. And I believe I have found it.

October 15, 1278 DR
Today was incredibly magical. My heart is beating uncontrollably. Upon meeting Graham once again today, he took my face in his hands, gazed into my eyes, and confessed his love to me. I replied with the same response, and we embraced each other. And as if by some magical force, we gave ourselves to each other. I hardly felt any pain because it was so amazing and it felt so right. Melandru was right when I consulted her on this matter - I do belong with Graham. It's only a matter of what we'll do next.

October 24, 1278 DR
That's it! I've had it! I refuse to take part in these alliance battles anymore! They're only pathetic battles that no one ever wins. Graham was nearly struck down yesterday, so when I met him today, I told him that we should just run away from it all. Where will we go? Not to Elona, where the Kournans are still raging war. Two of us are no match for their hundreds of soldiers. That leaves Tyria. But I've always wanted to venture there. Graham agrees. There is no point in resigning, we'll just leave. No one will look for us. We shall leave tomorrow morning and depart from the Kaineng Docks for Lion's Arch.

November 11, 1278 DR
The trek through the Shiverpeaks has been difficult. Graham and I decided to leave notes to Elder Rhea and Count zu Heltzer informing them of our departures, and then we left without a word to anyone while everyone was still in slumber. We arrived at Kaineng Docks a few days ago and have hardly stopped to rest since we reached Lion's Arch. Rumors circulate about earthquakes and strange creatures coming up from below. We made it to the Eye of the North and will most likely journey to somewhere warmer. My attire, as well as Graham's, provides little protection from the cold. I'm not sure what we'll do next, but only time will tell.

November 25, 1278 DR
I feel like I'm flying once again. I awoke this morning to find Graham sitting at the foot of the bed, holding something. When I sat up, he smiled and presented me with armor complete with fur. Just what I need to protect me from this harsh chill! And he got some for himself as well. This whole time we've been fighting creatures in our travels, I thought it was merely to survive. But it turns out that Graham was raising his reputation with the Norn. Because he is so respected now, he had Radi in Gunnar's Hold craft armor for the both of us. Upon kissing him in thanks, he took my hands in his and said he'd do anything for me, so would I do something for him. I said anything and he asked if I would marry him. I didn't hesitate before tearing up in happiness and accepting his proposal. We shall stay here now, at the Eye of the North, and live together as husband and wife. We will no longer fight, but settle down. We no longer have "our" fights. We will care for each other like my family did to me. I will be a mother someday, and as a result, this diary shall forever remain locked and closed. Farewell.