Carry The Beautiful

“Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not.” 

― Ralph Waldo Emerson

[photo credit]

What Souls Are Made Of

“He's more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” 

― Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights.

[photo credit]

Basil

Basil is one of my favorite cooking herbs. I love to include fresh basil on a pizza or pasta sauce. The smell of basil is unique and always makes me feel refreshed. 

Culinary Uses:

Basil is most commonly used in cooking. It is most well-known in Italian dishes, though certain types are also used in Asian dishes.

Best combined with garlic, tomatoes and eggplant.

The Italian sauce, Pesto's main ingredient is Basil along with olive oil, garlic and pine nuts.

Medical Uses:

When digested relieves gas and stomach pains.

Teas (steep 2 teaspoons per cup of water for 20 mins) often used for

• cold and flu
• constipation
• vomiting
• headaches
• menstrual cramps

Spiritual Uses:

Inhaling the essential oil refreshes the mind and stimulates senses.

Rids negativity from the home.

• can burn to release aroma
• add to bath for release and protection
• sprinkle in corners of rooms 

Basil also

• Mends Lover's quarrels
• brings good luck to a new home
• creates sympathy between two people
• used to avoid major clashes
• brings a scent of happiness to home
• protect you in crowds

Sources:
1-Wikipedia: Basil
2-Joelle's Sacred Grove

Natural World

"Once upon a time--but this is neither a fairy tale nor a bedtime story--we knew less about the natural world than we do today. Much less. But we understood that world better, for we lived ever so much closer to its rhythms." --Daniel Swartz

[photo credit]

City of Fallen Angels

By Cassandra Clare

I could not put this book down. "City of Fallen Angels" is the fourth book in "The Mortal Instruments" series. Clare creates a unique and intriguing world full of Shadowhunters, vampires and werewolves. The entire series gripped my attention. All four books are easy to read, light, fun, adventurous and leaves you hanging just enough to not ever want to put it down.

It is hard to talk about a book within a series because even to explain the plot points of the fourth book would be to give a away a big mystery surrounding the first three. But I can say that Clare does not disappoint in developing the characters or continuing her story. Even though I hadn't read the first three books for about a year, I was immediately drawn back into the characters and story like I had just finished them.

One thing I can say about "City of Fallen Angels" is that there is very little lull, it is plot point on top of plot point until it is a swirling vortex of excitement that I think about even now that I have finished the book. I didn't want to stop reading and I still want more, I can't wait to read her next novel in the series, "City of Lost Souls."

There is a power of self that Clare explores in her novels. These characters are teenagers still discovering themselves and their relationships with others romantically and as friendship. The love expressed in "City of fallen angels" is beautiful and pure. I love Clare's writing style as each adventure brings them closer together with even a little more knowledge about themselves.

This is a wonderful story that I would recommend to any supernatural lover. I give "City of Fallen Angels" five out of five stars for a creative and compelling adventure.

Power of Love

"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace." ~Jimi Hendrix

[photo credit]

A Dance with Dragons

By George R.R. Martin

photo credit

If you are reading Martin's "A Dance with Dragons," then you are most likely familiar with his writing style from the previous novels in the "Song of Ice and Fire" series. In one world: Amazing!

Martin has a way of storytelling that brings his magical world to life. No character is sacred no matter how big or small. The good people sometimes do bad things and the bad people sometimes do good things. Martin's world is the most intriguing of all the fantasy stories out there because the good guys don't always win, so you are constantly on the edge of your seat.

I enjoy fantasy, but no other author has gripped me like Martin. I usually get lost in the journey, but Martin weaves a complex story with lots of action that keeps me always wanting more.

"A Dance with Dragons" is the much anticipated fifth installment of the "Song of Ice and Fire" series. There is so much that happens it is hard to talk of any of it without giving something fantastic away.

There is so much to say about this novel and Martin's world, but you have to read the books to understand. I give "A Dance with Dragons" five out of five stars, it is fantastic. If you enjoy a quest, kings, queens, love, betrayal, magic and adventure--you will hands down love Martin's books.

Chapter 12: Into the Jungle

I actually did sleep fairly well in Zingu's house on the eve of my greatest adventure to date. However, I keep hearing these ghostly howls that manifest in my already darkened dreams into some of the greatest and most fierce monsters I have ever studied.

Once my companions came inside to find breakfast, I heard them speak of strange ghostly sounds in the night as well. I suppose it was more than a bad dream. Those who stayed up to keep watch of the area also saw movements in the jungle that may or may not have been tricks of their eyes. I believe we are in for quite the adventure.

Kalina runs into the dining area, excited to go. As soon as we eat and pack our gear we head out. Kalina leads the way with a pack tied to the end of a stick over her shoulder and Guarda by her side. It was here while I followed them with my senses on full alert into the forest, that I recognized the symbol on Guarda's collar.

We move along the sembalance of a path through thick forest. Everyone keeps a quick, steady pace moving easily through the underbrush except Mara, who curses and cut her way from the rear of the pack.

It is quite hot outside, which slows us down more than anything, also causing us to ration our water. Kalina leaves red paint marking the trees to find our way back--an old druid survival trick I remember reading about in my studies.

About an our into the jungle, Kalina turns sharply to the left off any sort of worn trail. We follow with out questioning her. She is still marking our path.

The further we head into the thick jungle the more I notice small changes. The birds and other animals begin acting strangely aggressive.

Kalina slows, her eyes are wide open. She whispers urgently, "We are getting close to the wall. Follow my lead. If I tell you to run, don't question it, just run--fast."

The small girl no longer looks ten or innocent. She transforms before our eyes into a wise guide beyond her years. I knew my companions trusted her in this moment, same as I did.

SNAP!

A tree falls close to us. We all freeze immediately. Kalina crouches down into the underbrush. We all follow her movement before she can even signal us to.

A shadow covers the forest. We search for the source that completely blocks the sun. We don't have to look long, for it lands directly in front of us.

It is an Elder Arrow Hawk. Ironically, this creature did make an appearance in my nightmare last night--only this one is much closer and ready to strike.

Mara takes an aggressive stance while Corin hides and Bren unsuccessfully tries to wrangle the beast--crazy old druid.

The hawk dodges Mara's first attack. In the meantime, Flynn sneaks behind the beast and delivers a massive, unexpected blow with his rapier. I begin to sing the songs of heroes past to inspire courage for my companions and myself, giving us extra strength against our large feathered foe.

We all attack the hawk unrelentingly causing him to stay on defense until he begins fumbling. Bren trips the beast onto his face. It seems strange the winged creature has stayed on the ground. We take advantage until the monster stands up, stumbles and then falls over dead.

After a deep breath, I inspect the magnificent beast. Curiously, his under feathers are branded with a reoccurring symbol of the fire fountain. I wonder what order governs this symbol. It might help explain what is really going on here. For now, I have no way to find out. I gather some feathers, both branded and unbranded, and store them in my sack.

I try to take in my surrounding, looking to the sky, further into the jungles and to my companions. What could possibly be next?


...
Missed an installment? Catch up on the adventure of Morrow Island...
Chapter 1: It Starts...
Chapter 2: The First Battle
Chapter 3: On the Docks
Chapter 4: Getting Nautical 
Chapter 5: Ghost Currents
Chapter 6: Into the Cave
Chapter 7: The Tomb
Chapter 8: Meet Corin
Chapter 9: The Dead Prince
Chapter 10: Port Veya
Chapter 11: Kalina and Zingu

I Think I Can

If you think you can, you will. If you think you can't you won't. Either way, you will be right. ~The Little Engine That Could

[photo credit]

Chapter 11: Kalina and Zingu

While investigating Port Veya a young girl surprises us by saying, "you must be the ones I'm looking for."

I for one am shocked by this revelation. I didn't know anyone knew we were coming, though it answers the question of where to go next. I sense that this girl is good, pure and even a little adventurous, but I want to know what she knows. I ask her, "You were looking for us?"

"Yes, my father asked me to keep a look out for the next band of travelers to come to the island. And here you are--finally." the girl answers.

My companions and I remain silent for a moment, looking at each other. In my opinion, the situation seems to easy, but no one can sense any alliterative motives. The girl sees our hesitation and takes a step, really more of a skip, in my direction. "Hi, I'm Kalina."

I have to admit, I like this girl. I bet she doesn't need to go on crazy, dangerous adventures to prove herself. I introduce myself and my companions. She especially enjoys Corin the cat.

"You must come meet father, he will be very excited that you made it. You will stay with us as well--he will insist." Kalina turns to lead us towards the town.

"Who is your father?" I ask as we being to walk.

"He is a tradesman in rare artifacts. He is one of the few who ever leave the island. I can't wait to go with him. It will be so exciting to see the world."

"I thought the same thing once. You know, it is pretty exciting." I say. "What is your father's name?"

"Zingu."

Kalina leads us all the way through town to a house right on the edge of the jungle under a palm tree. The small cottage, backed by the forest, reminds me of home. I wonder what mother and father would think of their little girl now.

Kalina and I chat as we walk. My companions follow us, most still a little tense. Mara is right behind me, watching my back as usual and covered in armor with her spear loosely in her hand.  Aramir is surveying the scene, surely keeping an eye and ear out for any signs of danger. Flynn is looking sneaky on the edge of our group--I hope he behaves himself. Bren looks like he is having the time of his life. Corin, walking beside him to bring up the rear, looks scared and fascinated at the same time.

We are quite the sight in this small, sleepy town. The people looking at us with various levels of interest. I suppose it is a big deal when a band like ours comes to town, especially with the number of legends associated with the islands.

Zingu greets us with a smile and a table of food. I enjoy the apples, the starchy soup and especially the tea. We make small talk as we figure out exactly what we have gotten ourselves into.

Zingu is friends and trading partners with Noctis, the man who hired us for this crazy adventure. Noctis let him know to expect a band of people and hoped we would make it. Zingu also shared Noctis good feeling about this group. He is more than willing to host the group in the attempt to obtain the crone's egg, a rare artifact indeed.

Zingu explains the ancient wall built between us and the jungle. He mentions the danger in this journey and that not many even attempt the feat.

Kalina, however, is already an adventurer in her own backyard and is the best tracker to find the wall. She will act as our guide as far as the ancient wall. Zingu forbids her to cross the wall to the other side. There are no maps to aid us to the wall and beyond it is completely unexplored territory. Beyond Kalina's guidance we will be on our own.

That makes enough storytelling for me for one night. I believe my companions feel the same. We have our quest, now I'm just thankful I don't have to watch my back for one night. My companions don't feel as secure though.

Even though Zingu opens his house to use and tells us to make ourselves at home, Mara, Aramir, Bren, Barbarrel and Corin decide to sleep in the stables. Flynn sleeps on the hearth by the quickly dying fire.

I debate about sleeping outside in a tree, a favorite thing to do back home in Elmwood forest. However, I've heard one too many horror stories and eerie legends about this particular jungle so I decide against it. Instead, I retire upstairs to a bed. I am determined to have one good night sleep to go with the delicious dinner before we begin our adventure into the jungle. I go to sleep hoping this isn't my last good night's sleep.

...

Missed an installment? Catch up on the adventure of Morrow Island...
Chapter 1: It Starts...
Chapter 2: The First Battle
Chapter 3: On the Docks
Chapter 4: Getting Nautical 
Chapter 5: Ghost Currents
Chapter 6: Into the Cave
Chapter 7: The Tomb
Chapter 8: Meet Corin
Chapter 9: The Dead Prince
Chapter 10: Port Veya

Upon the Wind

Faeries, come take me out of this dull world, 

For I would ride with you upon the wind,

Run on the top of the disheveled tide,

and dance upon the mountain like a flame.

~William Butler Yeats,

"The Land of Heart's Desire" 1894

Chapter 10: Port Veya

We just killed the prince of the spiders. I still can not believe it. However, right now the most important thing to do is figure out how to get off this island. We have our boat, which is amazingly still in tact--except it is still caught in the spider's web.

Flynn uses one of his newly acquired healing potions on Malcolm, our sea captain who was passed out in front of the cave from the effects of a zombie merfolk bite. It must have been a powerful potion because Malcolm jumped up with a start like Flynn pumped him with pure adrenaline.

I try to calm down our frightened captain and catch him up on what is happening. His eyes go wide when I retell how we killed the spider prince. He becomes borderline panicked when I mention Corin. Bren comes up behind me shrugging his shoulders and says, "I made a friend."

I can't help but laugh at it all. The last couple days have been quite an adventure. The overwhelming majority agrees we need to get off the island as soon as possible.

Malcolm shakes his head like he is trying to forget everything we just told him. He stands up and goes to his boat. I don't know exactly what he does, but the web is magically gone and the boat floats freely in the water.

Darkness surrounds us so we decide to rest until day break. In that time Flynn manages to decipher Corin's request for sunglasses. It will be interesting to see how Corin does outside of the tunnels, not to mention how others will react to her. Then again, I, along with my other companions, don't really care. In our minds, Corin is Bren's pet and he can deal with her. At least she is useful enough to tell us that Prince Eron is the current leader of the spider people since the king had died. This adventure just keeps getting better and better.

It is a little before light when we set out. None of us could stand to stay on the island any longer. The sun is still high in the sky when we reach our destination--Port Veya.

The port is the only civilized port among the group of islands. It is small, but clean. Glancing into the town, it appears the houses are a modest size and made of wood and mud. There is quiet activity with light strings music drifting from the middle of town. There is also a pleasant smell wafting from the right. I have a good feeling about this town--it's just what is beyond it that worries me.

We are all looking toward the town we don't notice Malcolm loosening the boat's ties intending to sail back to sea. He clears his throat to get our attention and bids us farewell and good luck. He sincerely thanks us for saving his life and healing him. He states that this is as far as he goes and he leaves us in peace. As his boat begins to drift toward the seas I shout, asking, "how are we suppose to get back to the main land?"

He replies with a shrug, "I don't know, I wasn't paid for that."

Great. That told me something that I honestly knew the whole time: no one expects us to come home. Well, I hope we prove them wrong. I for one quite enjoy living.

Now that we finally arrive at our original destination, the modest Port Veya. Now what?

We talk about the best way to figure out where we need to go. Corin is hiding, Bren and Barbarrel are surveying the pier, while Aramir, Mara, Flynn and I are about to set off into the town to gather some information.

Just as we begin to move forward a stray dog approaches us. It seems Barbarrel is talking to the peaceful pup. Sure enough, Bren begins to translate the conversation as Barbarrel learns about the town. It is a fishing town with very old families rooted here. They have little to no trade and live completely off the land. They love animals of all kinds, which is good for the strange ancient cat, Corin, travelling with us.

A girl about ten years of age comes towards us calling, "Guarda!"

The stray dog runs over to her. She stops with one hand petting the pup and really takes a look at us. She smiles, "You must be the ones I'm looking for."

...

Missed an installment? Catch up on the adventure of Morrow Island...

Chapter 1: It Starts...

Chapter 2: The First Battle

Chapter 3: On the Docks

Chapter 4: Getting Nautical 

Chapter 5: Ghost Currents

Chapter 6: Into the Cave

Chapter 7: The Tomb

Chapter 8: Meet Corin

Chapter 9: The Dead Prince

"Yuzz-a-ma-tuzz"

My alphabet starts with this letter called "yuzz." It's the letter I use to spell "yuzz-a-ma-tuzz." You'll be sort of surprised what there is to be found once you go beyond "z" and start poking around. ~Dr. Seuss

[photo credit: Art, Dr. Seuss]

Chapter 9: The Dead Prince

Bren wants to be alone with our apparently new cat friend, Corin, so I go with the others to scavenge the entrance room of the cave once again. I get lost trying to read the engravings on the wall, though there aren't as many in this room as the actual tomb. It seems like no time before Bren is motioning for me at the door.

As soon as I was in earshot, Bren says, "I got the pearl! Can you go talk to the spider man outside? Turns out Corin's people are super enemies with them."

I want to know many things, first of all how he got the pearl from the cat, but I shake my head and say, "I can do that."

"There's one thing though," Bren continues, "You need to try and get some safe haven for the ancient cat race so tell the spider man to stop attacking them."

What? I'm trying to follow his train of thought, but he turns away to re-enter the tomb once again before I get to ask any of my questions.

I turn to face the rest of my companions with the pearl in my hands. I don't know what to say at first, but they see the pearl and want to know how Bren acquired it. I tell them I have no idea, he didn't say.

We decide to go outside to meet the Spider creature at once. I'm thinking, the sooner we can get this over with the sooner we can get out of this creepy cave and back on track to our original mission.

We walk outside where the spider creature is waiting for us, he seems on edge. I walk up to him flanked by Mara and show him the pearl. His eyes light up.

I decide to see what he knows about the cat people, but when I mention the ancient race the spider creature clams up and adds anxiousness to his being already on edge.

The next several seconds blur together. I think I say something else to him about the cat race, but the next thing I know I am on my back with the pearl still in my hand. The spider creature tries to run me over. Thanks to Mara he fails, miserably. Mara is on him, immediately following her are Flynn and Aramir's arrows.  I begin to sing and barely manage to get a shot off with my bow. The Spider creature does not even get a hit in before he is motionless on the ground. My companions and I have pulverized him.

That is really weird. I have no idea he was going react that way at even the mention of the ancient cat race. I am very thankful my companions have my back. I get up, shake myself off, and go to look at the body.

Aramir steps back to reveal a small circular metal shield with the inscription "Prince Eron." Well that is probably less than ideal. However, it is very curious why he became so hostile so quickly to begin with.

I catch a glimpse of the spider's crest under his name. Just before Aramir slings the shield over his shoulder.

Barbarrel trots outside the cave as Mara finishes cutting up the Prince's body. We decided to spread the pieces out over the first room of the cave. We try not to leave any traces that it was us who killed him.

Bren and Corin come into the room as we finish. Corin freaks out, squealing, "Is it dead?"

No one took the time to respond to the unique cat, though I did see Mara's eyes roll. The halfling comforts his new companion while we turn to more important matters--like getting off this island before the spider people demand retribution for killing their prince.

...
Missed an installment? Catch up on the adventure of Morrow Island...
Chapter 1: It Starts...
Chapter 2: The First Battle
Chapter 3: On the Docks
Chapter 4: Getting Nautical 
Chapter 5: Ghost Currents
Chapter 6: Into the Cave
Chapter 7: The Tomb
Chapter 8: Meet Corin

Forgiveness is...

Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it. ~Mark Twain

[photo credit: violets, Twain]

Nonsense

I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, and that enables you to laugh at life's realities. ~Theodore Geisel

[photo credit]

Ingenuity

Never tell people how to do things.

Tell them

what to do

and they will surprise you

with their ingenuity.

George Smith Patton,

"War As I Knew It" 1947.

[photo credit: pyramid, nighthawk, Dubai, space station, feet, Patton, book]

How to Sculpt an Elephant

"A fool-proof method for sculpting an elephant: first, get a huge block of marble; then you chip away everything that doesn't look like an elephant. ~Author Unknown

[photo credit]

The Vampire Lestat Quotes: Part III

The Early Education and Adventures of the Vampire Lestat:

The Legacy of Magnus (p. 79-148)

"And yet my grief was not entirely gone from me. It lingered like an idea, and that idea had a pure truth to it." (p. 99)

"Do devils love each other? Do they walk arm in arm in hell saying, "Ah, you are my friend, how I love you," things like that to each other? It was a rather detached intellectual question I was asking, as I did not believe in hell. But it was a matter of concept of evil, wasn't it? All creatures in hell are supposed to hate one another, as all the saved hate the damned, without reservation." (p. 102)

"Well, now I know, whether I believe in hell or not, that vampires can love each other, that in being dedicated to evil, one does not cease to love." (p. 102)

"Sometimes I was simply crying out in something like joy. It had to be joy. But how could a monster feel joy? (p. 113)

"And in desperation, I went up over the Communion rail and put my hands on the tabernacle itself. I broke open its tiny little doors, and I reached in a took out the jeweled ciborium with its consecrated Hosts. No, there was no power here, nothing that I could feel or see or know with any of my monstrous senses, nothing that responded to me. There were wafers and gold and wax and light. (p. 113)

"The Long vibrant notes, and the chilling glissandos, and the violin singing in its own  tongue to make every other form of speech seem false." (p. 130)

"Beauty wasn't the treachery he imagined it to be, rather it was an uncharted land where one could make a thousand fatal errors, a wild and indifferent paradise without signposts of evil or good." (p. 131)

"Beauty was a Savage Garden...Good and evil, those are concepts man has made. And man is better, really, than the Savage Garden." (p.131)

"But maybe deep inside Nicki had always dreamed of a harmony among all things that I had always known was impossible. Nicki had dreamed not of goodness, but of justice." (p.131)

"How to describe what humans look like to us...There are those billion of colors and tiny configurations of movement, yes, that make up a living creature on whom we concentrate. But the radiance mingles totally with the carnal scent. Beautiful, that's what any human being is to us, if we stop to consider it, even the old and the diseased, the downtrodden that one doesn't really "see" in the street. They are all like that, like flowers ever in the process of opening, butterflies ever unfolding out of the cocoon." (p. 134)

"But I was mad in these moments. To say I wanted or I thought makes no sense at all...I knew the madness of the course I'd chosen, and the lie of it, and what I really was. What a sublime idiocy that I had dragged that paltry morality with me, striking down the damned ones only--seeking to be saved in spite of it all? What had I thought I was, a righteous partner to the judges and executioners of Paris who strike down the poor for crimes that the rich commit everyday?" (p. 135)

"Strong wine I'd had, in chipped and broken vessels, and now the priest was standing before me at the foot of the altar with the golden chalice in his hands, and the wine inside it was the Blood of the Lamb." (p. 135)

"But the words were really beyond my reach. They floated in some stratum perhaps where a god existed who understood the colors patterned on a cobra's skin and the eight glorious notes that make up the music erupting out of Nicki's instrument, but never the principle, beyond ugliness or beauty, "Thou shalt not kill." (p. 137)

From "The Vampire Lestat" by Anne Rice
Take a look back at my quotes and highlights:

Part I (p. 1-21)

Imagination

"Dreaming is an act of pure imagination, attesting in all men a creative power, which if it were available in waking, would make every man Dante or Shakespeare." ~H.F. Hedge

[Photo Credit]

Chapter 8: Meet Corin

"Here kitty, kitty," Bren calls almost mockingly in Sylvan to the cat-like creature we found in a tunnel dug under the spider king's sarcophagus.

Bren precedes to try and reign in the tiger. It is fairly comical to watch the small halfling  wrestle the big paws of the large cat. At least it would have been entertaining if my heart wasn't in my throat fearing for our lives.

After a few minutes of wrestling around, Bren gains relative control of the cat.

"Stand back," Bren calls to the room. "Don't attack it! I got this!"

I chuckle lightly at Mara's raised eyebrow. I am thankful for the break in tension. But I have to admit, I am a little suspicious of his control over the creature myself.

The large cat peers over the side of the sarcophagus. It is an unusual hybrid. The head looks like an elongated lion with circular ears protruding from the corners. Covering any hair is  an ornate leather helmet. The claws are shaped like a badger's with extended nails suited for digging. Each finger is decorated with elaborate rings embedded with gems. It is quite a sight.

The looks on my companion's faces mirror my own confused expression. This species is completely different than anything I have ever studied before.

Bren seems the least affected by the creature's appearance and only skips a beat before taking a step toward it.

"We don't mean you harm." Bren reassures the creature, "What are you?"

"I am part of an ancient race." The creature responds, quite nervously. "What are you doing here?"

I learn a few things very quickly about this creature. It is a she, she is very young for her species, and she is as perplexed at meeting us as we her.

Bren took a moment to explain to her about the pearl and the spider man who requested it. When he asks her if she knows anything about it she becomes very anxious and responses stiffly, "I don't know anything."

He changes the subject--"What do you do?"

She begins to calm as she explains how she tunnels underground and brings things back to the master--though she never sees the mystery man. She enjoys scavenging for precious metals and creating things--an obvious passion.

She finally introduces herself as Corin. She briefly tells how her whole life is spent in the tunnels. When Bren speaks of our travels, she becomes extremely interested in coming along so she can scavenge for precious metals on the surface, a place she rarely goes.

The rest of us observe this interaction with various degrees of attention ranging from my extremely interested to Mara's absolute apathy. However, even Mara turns when the cat creature called Corin creeps out of the tunnel under the tomb to curl up in front of sarcophagus.

We all remain inaudible as Corin moves, a conscious effort to be polite at least on my part. But no one could help staring. Beginning at her shoulders her body was snake-like with several tendrils protruding from her slender body. She wore a satchel and had bottles, chalices, and other random junk in pockets along her entire body.

It is there, about halfway down her body, that I see the pearl. It wasn't entirely visible, but I am sure it was what we were looking for.

I glance around using mostly my peripheral vision and realize everyone has noticed the pearl because everyone's stance has changed slightly. Aramir has a hand on his bow, Mara still looks bored but her weapons are out, Flynn gets a conniving look in his eye, Bren's eyes got wide as he talked with Corin and I feel like I am on the edge of my seat reading a good suspense thriller. Except of course that this is real life. Coring grows anxious again seeing the change in temperament.

Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Flynn moving toward the pearl in his silent, stealthy manner. I try not to react. Just as he is about to stick his hand out, Corin turns to him. I'm not sure how he made it happen, but in the blink of an eye he is putting a small bag of gold into Corin's satchel. He gives nothing away that he was in fact reaching for the pearl.

I fear she will snap at the small gnome anyway; however, she instead rubs up against him with affection.

Without missing a beat Bren and Corin are conversing again. I am a little more on edge now, but I continue to listen without feeling any need to interject. Bren asks about the island, but Corin only knows the undergrounds. She is very excited at the idea of seeing new lands.

Bren offers Corin protection when she expresses true fear of the spider folk. I sense the need that we should get off the island and fast. If only we had possession of the pearl so our death wouldn't be waiting for us at the mouth of the cave.

I even feel relief when Bren asks me to distract the others in the previous room so he could try a different tactic to get the pearl. I turn to the others who don't seem to have any hestiation about getting our of the room with the giant snake cat. As we turn to leave I hear Mara mudder with a shrug, "eh--he should be okay."


...
Missed an installment? Catch up on the adventure of Morrow Island...
Chapter 1: It Starts...
Chapter 2: The First Battle
Chapter 3: On the Docks
Chapter 4: Getting Nautical 
Chapter 5: Ghost Currents
Chapter 6: Into the Cave
Chapter 7: The Tomb

The Vampire Lestat Quotes: Part II

The Early Education and Adventures of the Vampire Lestat:

Lelio Rising (p. 22-78)

"You're stronger than anyone else here, that's your tragedy." (p. 38)

..."Only the impossible can do the impossible." (p. 42)

"In fact we were at that moment of drunkenness that the two of us had come to call the Golden Moment, when everything made sense." (p. 51)

"You make life when you play," I said. "You create something from nothing. You make something good happen. And that is blessed to me." (p. 51)

..."I'm speaking of the character of human beings, not what they believe in. I'm speaking of those who won't accept a useless lie, just because they were born to it. I mean those who would be something better. They work, they sacrifice, they do things" ... "There is blessedness in that," I said. "There's sanctity. And God or no god, there is goodness in it. I know this the way I know the mountains are out there, that the stars shine." (p. 52)

(p. 54-58) I feel it is important to interject here that a major turning point happens in the novel, a state of mind Lestat settles in where he realizes there will be no answers to the great questions and truly believes in nothingness, a very lonely thought indeed. It is this mindset that motives the rest of the story and sets up Lestat's many conversations and philosophies on good and evil. These philosophies, in my opinion, is worth reading the entire book and series. 

"I took up the theme again that music and acting were good because they drove back chaos. Chaos was the meaningless of day-to-day life." (p.55)

"Of course all that these young bourgeois really wanted was to be aristocrats. They bought titles, married into aristocratic families whenever they could. And it's one of the little jokes of history that they got mixed up in the Revolution, and helped to abolish the class which in fact they really wanted to join." (p. 66)

"I can live without God. I can even come to live with the idea there is no life after. But I do not think I could go on if I did not believe in the possibility of goodness."(p.72)

From "The Vampire Lestat" by Anne Rice

Take a look back at my quotes and highlights:

Part I (p. 1-21)

The Vampire Lestat Quotes Part I

I really enjoy Anne Rice's "The Vampire Chronicles." I am intrigued by the philosophy, theology and perspective that the immortal characters have to offer. My favorite character, for better or worse, is Lestat. He is very dynamic and extremely quotable. I am re-reading the book "The Vampire Lestat," the second book in "The Vampire Chronicles," for the purpose of writing down quotes to remember. I wanted to share them here. It is a way for me to catalog them and perhaps you might enjoy them as well.

The Vampire Lestat Quotes: Part I

Downtown Saturday Night in the Twentieth Century, 1984 (p. 2-21)

"Then a self-consciousness developed in me. I realized I was no longer dreaming. I was thinking about what I heard. I was wide awake." (p. 5)

"But I can't say that in the very beginning there was great thought behind my wish. It was rather a ruling impulse, strong enough to bring me up from the earth." (p. 5)

"I was enchanted by the world of rock music--the way the singers could scream of good and evil, proclaim themselves angels or devils, and mortals would stand up and cheer. Sometimes they seemed the pure embodiment of madness. And yet it was technologically dazzling, the intricacy of their performance. It was barbaric and cerebral in a way that I don't think the world of ages past had ever seen." (p. 5)

I also love the way Lestat, an "old world monster," sees our present day society (p. 7-11). The feminist movement being a particular highlight: "For the first time in history, perhaps, they [women] were as strong as and as interesting as men" (p. 7). How "the simplest people of this age were driven by a vigorous secular morality as strong as any religious morality I had ever known" (p. 9).

And "As for sexuality, it was no longer a matter of superstition and fear. The last religious overtones were being stripped from it. That was why the people went around half naked. That was why they kissed and hugged each other in the streets" (p. 9).

In all of my debates about "religious overtones" it is important to remember that this century is very different from any prior to it. Society how it is today is all I have ever known. It is very interesting to see the perspective of someone who is immortal and has lived through many centuries before to illustrate how completely the world has changed.

Chapter 7: The Tomb

We stand still just long enough for Flynn to heal me, and then we begin moving forward in the cave. I think we are all ready to get this side quest done so we can get out of this creepy burial chamber and back to our original mission.

It didn't surprise me that no one finds the spider's pearl very interesting. But the reward for finding it is our lives, so that is fairly good motivation.

Flynn hands me a lantern that allows us to see the whole way across the room. He gives me a look that says, stay back and out of trouble. I nod, I am more than happy to oblige.

Flynn moves forward stealthily into the cave. I take note of the sarcophagus in the middle of the room. It is made of hard, thick stone with a sturdy lid laid on top. On top of the lid stands an ornate holder assumingly where the pearl suppose to be. But where is it now?

Flynn looks back and gives us a nod meaning he finds no mechanical or magical traps. Bren throws several stones consecutively into the room. Nothing moved, there was only the sound of the echo of stones hitting the ground.

I see Flynn's eyebrow rise and Barbarrel take a defensive stance at the same moment I hear it--a faint rustling followed by heavy movement. We are not alone. I can't tell exactly where it came from, I suppose the shadows, but it felt like it was under us.

Flynn and Bren move to either side of the room where they light a torch on their respective wall. The torch lay in a furnished fixture with ornate castings. The whole room lit up.

I turn my focus to the sarcophagus. I will need to reach up on my tip toes to look inside, but on the humans it stands as high as their chest. On the lid under the pearl holder is a name written along with respectful words about the man. The language is Aquan, but I didn't take the time to decipher it with my limited knowledge of their written word. However, I could easily tell that he was royalty, possibly even a king.

There were engravings surrounding the room. I recognize the practice, it suppose to allow the deceased to pass safely from this world to the next. This scene lets me know that it really is a priority for the spider inquirer that the pearl which they believe contains their ancestors souls because lost with it is the soul of this honored king.

Looking up is a sight to see. It appears to be a tunnel, dug out directly about the sarcophagus. It is now empty and blocked about ten feet up--very intriguing.

I remain in the entry way--out of trouble. Mara and Aramir stand next to me. Flynn and Bren, along with Barbarrel, still stand on either side of the sarcophagus. The room is still for a moment, none of us know exactly what to do next.

It is Mara that makes the first move. With a little sigh, she walks straight over to the sarcophagus and flings the lid right off where it lands with a thud on the far side of the room. Everyone's jaw drops. She didn't even wait for help, she is stronger than I thought because that lid was solid stone and really heavy.

It is done now and we are all peering inside the king's sarcophagus at a large hole dug straight down into the found. I can not see how far down it goes. Flynn throws a torch into the hole and we watch as it just keeps going, spinning into oblivion. I did notice that the sides were a honeycomb texture as far as I can see.

Bren dropped another torch into the hole. This time a large paw swats at the light before it disappears into the abyss.

There is an audible gasp in the room. Honestly, it is probably just me.

"Did anyone else see that?" Bren asked, I'm not the only one who can't believe my eyes.

I remain speechless, but Mara calls, "Yes! Call it!"

I wonder why in the world you would want to do that, but before I can form coherent words Bren is calling the cat-like creature almost mockingly in Sylvan, "Here kitty, kitty."

...
Missed an installment? Catch up on the adventure of Morrow Island...
Chapter 1: It Starts...
Chapter 2: The First Battle
Chapter 3: On the Docks
Chapter 4: Getting Nautical 
Chapter 5: Ghost Currents
Chapter 6: Into the Cave

Chapter 6: Into the Cave

We sat in silence as Mara guided the boat according to our strange passenger's directions. We did not particularly want to be sidetracked by the request, but we didn't want to die either. It was great motivation to fight.

We are off to a dungeon on Spider Island, which in itself is daunting. When we are there we are to retrieve a pearl that contains the souls of our temporary fish-arachnid ally's ancestors from the tomb. Our foes are lizard folk, I imagine the same ones we encountered on the beach last night.

We met our guide Malcolm after that attack, though he is now passed out at the boat's stern from a hallucination inspiring mer-folk bite. It has been a very exciting 24 hours for us. I suppose this is what I asked for when I wanted a quest to prove myself a mature, wise elf.

We arrive on the shore and head in the direction our spider ally points us. He leads us to the mouth of a dark cave and then steps out of the way. Now it's time to enter and find out exactly what we are up against.

We all stand at the entrance of the cave, I appreciate the momentary silence, the calm before the storm. Inside the cave was darkness, like that of a new moon. Even though the blackness surrounds us, my sensitive eyes are able to pick out the lizard folk who laze about the large foyer room. There seems to be eight of them paired up in small groups on either side of the room. They are currently unaware of our approach.

Aramir and Flynn tip toe across the middle of the room soundlessly. Not one lizard foe even reacts as they cross the large area. Bren stands just in the mouth of the cave, just to the right of his silent but ready riding dog.

I stand next to Mara, one step into the room. My senses are hypersensitive in the still darkness of the room. Mara smirks and rolls her eyes at the two creeping through the room. I sense that she will not attempt to leave these lizard folk thieves alive. She has a blood-lust that I don't understand, but I find it fascinating.

I'm not sure what exactly alerted the lizard folk to our presence in the cave. I would most likely pin it to Mara's whispered sigh as our two companions reached the far side of the room and turned back to us. I would also assume that the almost inaudible sound was on purpose, though I'm not sure if she would ever admit to it or even consciously created the initiation.

In this moment however, it doesn't much matter what started it because our lizard foes are alert and slowly approaching us. Their clubs and daggers are extended and their intention is death.

It is no surprise that Mara swings the first blade and obtains the first kill instantly. She steps over the lifeless body waiting for her next opportunity to attack.

Barbarrel the dog remains in a ready stance until one gets within his reach. Then he swipes once before springing into action.

I still stand in the entryway looking into the eyes of my opponent. I take a step backward and unsheathe my longsword as I prepare my attack. I really have to work on my reaction time, but I'm getting better.

Though not good enough. Before I can get a swing into my foe I feel a sting and a warm gush of blood flowing from my thigh. I pull the small dagger out as an arrow thuds into his back. I stab the lizard man in the juggular with the dagger in my left hand, still wet with my own blood--a fatal blow. To seal the deal I decapitate him with my waiting longsword.

Damn, that hurt. Thankfully it is nothing critical, just really painful. And a little nauseating.

I look up to meet Aramir's eyes. I nod to him, thanking him for the assist.

My leg is throbbing, but I try to focus on what is going on around me. Barbarrel is sparring with one lizard foe to my left, Bren aids his dog with his slingshot. Mara swings but her opponent dodges her attack. Thankfully, the lizard men are fumbling about and missing us as well.

The battle control gets back in our hands. Flynn swings his sickle, injuring a foe near Mara. She lowers her sword to decapitate that one and carries through, injuring another. Aramir punches an arrow into the foe's arm.

I notice a lizard man slithering closer to me. I take a deep breath before I swing my sword trying to block the pain and maybe make the room stop spinning. My lunge is wide, catching myself off balance. My opponent catches me on the upper arm with his club. I stumble, but manage to stay on my feet. Well, at leat my leg doesn't hurt so much for the moment. That will be a hell of a bruise though.

Mara calls over to me, "Are you okay, elf?"

"Um, not particularly, but I'll live." I answer.

I fumble to grasp my sword and gain my balance as Flynn becomes my rescuer this time. He leaps silently and lodges his sickle in the foe's belly--instantly dead.

There is only one for remaining, standing in the middle of the room. Aramir lodges an arrow in his eye and then Barbarrel the dog finishes him off.

 The silence after combat is eerie, the air is entirely too still. Not something I'm use to--at least not yet. I sit heavily on the ground and rest my head between my legs in the mouth of the cave. What an adventure this is turning out to be. My pounding head and aching limbs are making it feel more real than ever.

The others are in various stages of resting and looting bodies. I notice them picking up loose gold, clothing and small weapons. Then I notice a large glint of gold on one foe's belt. Flynn hovers over it a minute before picking it up. He was close enough to me that I think I see a small water symbol on the green amulet and he turns it over in his hands. Then without a sound he slips it in his pocket. I don't say a word about it, I'm positive he isn't paying any attention to me. Then again, the way my head is swimming, I could be the one hallucinating. Nonetheless, I will keep a close eye on him, especially since he is now turning towards me.

Before I turn my attention to Flynn, I notice Bren standing in a white powder that fell on the ground, breathing it in. I begin to feel very good, despite my injuries. Yes, very good indeed.


...
Missed an installment? Catch up on the adventure of Morrow Island...
Chapter 1: It Starts...
Chapter 2: The First Battle
Chapter 3: On the Docks
Chapter 4: Getting Nautical 
Chapter 5: Ghost Currents

Chapter 5: Ghost Currents

The sea tiger disappears under the sea where he came from. My four companions and I stare at each other wondering if it is really over. I don't believe the beast is dead, but he is gone--the battle is over for now.

"What was that thing?" Mara asks in a shout over the wind.

"I don't know." I answer. I've seen sea monsters in my studies, but none that match the description of what we saw. I feel we are breaching new territory among these islands.

I hear a strange muttering and turn to Malcolm who is standing at the vessel's helm. He is turning increasingly more pale and a faint shade of green. He clutches his left arm and drops to his knees.

The halfling, Bren, who is closest to our guide, rushes over to aid him. When he looks back at us I see it, a raw, festered gash across Malcolm's forearm.

"He's bitten." Bren reports.

I hear my own gasp as Malcolm begins to seizure.

"Does anyone know first aid?" Mara asks.

Without a word Flynn the gnome walks over to Malcolm. I can't see exactly what he does, but within a few minutes he has wrapped the wound of a now apparently stabilized Malcolm. Flynn and I move him from the helm to rest in the stern of the boat.

"Let's kill him," Aramir declares, "throw him overboard."

"No." I surprise myself with my intensity, which gets an odd look from the ranger. "He is our only guide, he may be of more use to us."

"We do not know what he will turn into, and he's a liability as it is."

"But he is stable now, he may not turn into anything. If we kill him it will be in cold blood and I do not want that on my hands. Besides, we still don't know where we are going or what else lies in these waters."

"Perhaps. I still think we should throw him overboard." Aramir grumbles and stalks to the bow of the boat. I won the argument for now, but we would keep a very close eye on Mr. Malcolm.

Mara, with the most sea faring experience, takes command at the helm. She gains control of the boat, but only moderately. It feels as if the waters have a mind of their own, pulling us on a specific course away from our destination.

The boat shudders but then stabilizes. We are riding the "ghost currents" now. They pull us towards the island, despite Mara's command.

Malcolm whispers to me in a hot slur as I lean over him, "trap...under...the ship." I can barely hear him so I lean closer. He weakly points toward a small, dark island to the south--Spider Island, where legend says people go to be eaten. I do not like where this is going.

Barbarrel the dog growls as the boat rocks. A strange creature climbs aboard our boat on the starboard side near the bow.

The first thing I notice about the creature is that it is not aggressive. "Don't harm it." I shout to reach across the boat. Aramir lowers his bow, but does not disarm it. No one else moves.

I've seen this kind before, though I cannot place the name. He is both fish-like and arachnid. He has scales over his skin, but maintains eight legs and a handful of eyes scattered across his face. Two fangs protrude from his lips. This species dwells in dark, damp places and does not associate much outside his own kind. So what is he doing here aboard our ship?

The creature speaks, I recognize the language--Aquan, but I only understand a few words. Luckily, Aramir is fluent.

"What do you want?" The ranger asks, a bit too harshly to sound peaceful. I really need to brush up on my Aquan.

While the creature speaks his haggard response I leave Malcolm's side to stand next to Aramir, perhaps some of my diplomacy will wear off on him.

Thankfully, the fish-spider of a creature gets to the point. Aramir turns to the group and explains with a sigh, "He's asking us to help his people. He wants us to go to a shallow dungeon on Spider Island and retrieve a pearl that lies in the tomb. They believe this gem contains all the souls of their dead ancestors. The lizard fold stole it, but they can't fight them, though I can't get why."

He paused briefly while that information sets in. Then he looks a little cross when the creature speaks again. "Either we help them or we die."

"So they will fight us, but not their own enemies?" Flynn spat.

Aramir actually chuckled. He translated when the creature continued, "No, he says he has our boat in his web and he will simply crush it and watch us drown in the undertow."

"Well, when you put it that way." Mara shrugs. I honestly wasn't sure if she meant we should fight or drown--she is a very good swimmer, she might just survive these crazy waters.

"So we don't have a choice then, we have to fight." Aramir pronounces.

I looked around to all the heads nodding with various amounts of enthusiasm. So our fate was set, we now had a new quest.


...
Missed an installment? Catch up on the adventure of Morrow Island...
Chapter 1: It Starts...
Chapter 2: The First Battle
Chapter 3: On the Docks
Chapter 4: Getting Nautical 

All Life Really Means

Anyone can carry his burden, however hard, until nightfall. Anyone can do his work, however hard, for one day. Anyone can live sweetly, patiently, lovingly, purely, until the sun goes down. And this is all life really means.

Robert Louis Stevenson

credits: photo 1, photo 2

Chapter 4: Getting Nautical

Our Savior, Malcolm, is a stout drunkard, but he currently seems conscious enough. I stand with him in his shack trying to find out about our journey. He doesn't have much to add to what we already know, but it is interesting that he seems almost afraid of the islands we are to travel to. He must be getting paid handsomely for his troubles.

He says that he doesn't often go to the islands or even look at them more than he must. The reason he states is the "blasted changing currents." After a bit more prodding I define the current as the "ghost currents" which are said to hold the corrupted souls of the Nadine tribe turned Naga. The currents proper name is "Neira's Path." Malcolm doesn't have much good to say about the area, but we are on our way nonetheless.

We all aboard the "Last Drop." Malcolm takes his place at the helm as he directs our boat into calm waters. The day starts out beautifully, it could be a pleasure cruise, the winds are fair and the sky is clear. Of course, our good fortune could not last for long.

When the sun reached its highest I began to hear whispers drift over the waters and onto the ship. I thought for a moment I was just hearing things, but when I looked around I saw everyone's ears had perked up, especially the riding dog's. The boat swerved unnaturally causing everyone to have to regain their balance. Malcolm looked frightened. He stood back from the wheel with his hands in the air, he was no longer in control of the vessel. Malcolm grumbled, "I've been sailing these waters for 40 years and I've never seen anything like this before."

I noticed that the boat was pulling toward the steadily growing unsettling voices. The current begins to become visual and angry voices mingle with the sorrowful cries. I close my eyes and reach out toward the water, straining my ears to decipher the ancient language. I open my eyes and shake my head. I can't quite grasp what it is saying, but I do conclude that it is from one source and that is strong magic. I can' understand very little, but three words come to my understanding--"Summon, deep, swarm." I say to no one in particular.

Dark shapes begin to appear in the water. I can see them easily because I am standing at the rails on the starboard side. The forms begin to rise out of the water and creep towards the boat. They are twisted, stale forms of humans. My skin begins to prickle as I cautiously step backwards to the middle of the boat.

Mara is in front with Barbarrel, the halfling's riding dog, right beside her. They begin swatting and cleaving them as they reach the side of the boat. I only get one shot off during the whole battle. Thankfully, the ranger is a better shot. Our foes do not survive long. I am amidst strong fighters.

I barely even get a full breath before I realize that we are once again not alone in the waters. A large shape begins to rush the boat. My companions take a readied stance. But Aramir of all people wait in effort to communicate with the beast.

A large sea tiger rose out of the water and was actually taking a pause at the ranger's encouraging Aquan accent. My Aquan is very rusty, but I try to follow the action. I was so involved in trying to understand the rough conversation that I did not notice the gnome rear back and attack the sea tiger. From there it was a blur. Aramir became furious and retreated to the opposite side of the vessel as the rest of us attempted to fight.

We were doing fairly well. I was able to sink a couple arrows into the beast. The ranger finally offered a shot after protesting the gnome's impatience. Mara pierced with her spear, the halfling with his slingshot, the dog with his teeth and the gnome with his crossbow. We fought hard and drove the beast back into the water.


...
Missed an installment? Catch up on the adventure of Morrow Island...
Chapter 1: It Starts...
Chapter 2: The First Battle
Chapter 3: On the Docks

Chapter 3: On the Docks

I have lived my whole life amongst the trees, it is a very different to sit and smell the waves of the ocean. I am feeling confident and strong again. After the attack of the dogs in the square I was shaken, not by the combat persay, but by my reaction to it. I completely locked up and was unable to react or even get an accurate shot off. I couldn't believe myself. I know I am green at living in the real world, but I thought I was better than that. And I am better than that.

While I sit, calm, watching the sun sizzle into the water, I vow to myself that I will not show that kind of weakness again. I have a lot to learn, but that is why I am on this journey. I want to gain experience, find wisdom and prove to myself and my home that I am worthy to be an elf guide, one who leads and teaches others. I have the knowledge, now I just need some practical experience. I didn't realize how challenging that would be.

But here I am, meditating with the setting sun on a dock ready to set sail on an adventure to almost certain death. I am traveling with four companions to an island surrounded with evil legends to obtain the Crone's Egg, a gem said to hold a deity of destruction. This should go well. At least I can appreciate the sunset, which is absolutely gorgeous. 

I catch a glimpse out of the corner of my eye, a metallic glare, rising from the water. I stand up and rush back towards a run down shack on the beach. I look back to see strange lizard folk rise out of the water. I didn't have to think twice before I knew they were intent was to kill. They were short, scaly and smelled like rotting seaweed. And they were getting closer.

This time I do not panic. I am still not the most sure with combat, but I have a few other tricks up my sleeve. I begin singing an ancient battle song, a ballad of heroes past. Sure, it has no large impact on the approaching foes, but my companions who are all on the beach awaiting our unusual enemies begin to stand straighter and a glaze of courage over their eyes. 

When Mara swings her sword to ward of the advance, she swings a little stronger and decapitates the scaled foe closest to her. The halfling's dog rips one of their throats out, while the gnome skewers one crawling onto land. 

This battle is almost too easy. Until four more lizard foes come from the direction of the shack, a little too close for comfort. I unsheathe my sword preparing for their approach when I hear the ground rumbling behind me. I take a chance to look back and see the wind whipping around as a crocodile springs forward ready to attack. I smile slyly to myself, the druid has some tricks up his sleeve too.

Before we can even attack the oncoming lizard men foes and old man runs out of the shack swinging and shouting. He looks mad, but he causes the lizard men to scurry away, back to the water.

As they rush away I catch a glimpse of a marking on one of the Lizard folk. Branded on his arm is a symbol that looks like a fountain of fire. Interesting. Very interesting indeed.

"Who are you?" I shout at the stout, drunken man.

"The name is Malcolm. Are you the folks who need passage?"

"We are." I answer.

"Then come on in. We'll leave at daybreak." Malcolm turns heading back to his shack.

That name does sound familiar. Malcolm is the name Noctis gave to us of the captain who will sail us to Morrow Island.  My instinct says we can trust him, though drunk, he is mostly harmless. I trust my instinct, but my companions don't seem so sure.

I want to know what this strange man has to say so I follow him into the shack. Mara follows me and so does the gnome. Aramir, the ranger stands at the door, still able to hear, but staying at the ready. The halfling and his riding dog are not to be seen.

Now it's time to get some answers, and perhaps get an idea of what we are getting ourselves into.


...
Missed an installment? Catch up on the adventure of Morrow Island...
Chapter 1: It Starts...
Chapter 2: The First Battle

Chapter 2: The First Battle

The quest is to travel to the Isle of Morrow and collect the Crone's egg. This task is easier said than done. The Crone's egg is actually a large gem, which legend states holds the evil god Forosei prisoner. This diety is feared throughout the lands through the form of ghost stories to tell around the campfire or send the imaginations of little kids wild. Forosei consumed the Nadeen people, he devoured with a greedy appetite.

It is quite concerning that an anonymous benefactor is willing to pay handsomely to obtain this gem of evil legends. However, the money is good and after weeks of traveling and searching for a noble way to prove myself as a worthy elf, coming across a quest of good deed seems unlikely.

My companions are four others who have agreed to this crazy, possibly suicidal mission. Aramir, a human ranger, seems very nonchalant in the grand scheme of things, but also secretly protective of those he deems honorable. Mara, the gorgeous and ferocious human fighter is wrapped in juxtaposition. She is both sweet and deadly--a perfect combination. Bryarbahn is a halfling and an experienced druid, always accompanied by his riding dog. He seems comfortable with whatever is thrown his way. The gnome keeps to himself even more than the others. He seems shifty and self-preserving, but more than able to handle most any fight. And then there is me, by far the weakest link--Lorien, an elf maid, a bard, remarkable with people and knowledge, not so wonderful with weapons and combat. We make an interesting combination, but the group is ready and willing to go forward with our quest.

I am comfortable in the marketplace. There are many people and rarely any physical confrontation. I watch the merchant as he hands my newly purchased supplies across the table: a small tent, a backpack, several days rations of food and a few other small items. His eyes are shifty, though the daytime transactions are valid, this merchant has a whole operation that is undoubtedly illegal. That was more than I wanted to know, but that is normal. Reading people is easy, I often wonder if it will one day get me in trouble. Perhaps, but that is another day to worry about.

Just as I get my backpack secured in place under my quiver, a large group of people rush past me leaving the square. Their absence leaves a strange silence in its place. This, however, is quickly filled with deep growling from a pack of dogs quickly moving into the empty space. They are large, closer to wolf than dog, with barred teeth and red-tinted eyes. A shiver slips down my back, the quest has just begun.

I only have a moment to panic before my companions spring into action. The fighter, Mara, moves in a flash to head the dogs off before they make it any further into the town. Bryarbahn's riding dog is just behind her, ready to sink his teeth in our foes. I try to focus and remember my remember my training. As I fumble with my bow I hear an arrow soar above me. It must be the ranger. It was a good shot too, straight into the haunches of one of the dogs. A stone hits another from Bryarbahn's sling setting loose a ripple of howls from the approaching foes.

Mara cleaves through the throat of one dog dropping him to the ground and sinks her spear into another. I finally get a shot off, but it lands uselessly between two dogs. It was barely even a distraction to the oncoming foes.

The rest is a blur. The ranger rushed up beside me, releasing a sure fired arrow straight into a dog's ribs. With a lunge Mara cleaves through one of the remaining dogs. I almost didn't see the gnome's swift, silent attack until the last dog fell with a thud.

There was a moment of complete stillness, I had to remember to breathe. Combat was a lot different in action than reading about it in the scrolls.

My companions drift away, mostly undisturbed by the confrontation. I sat on the wall overlooking the square collecting myself. I yearn to look confident and able to this group, but I wasn't so sure I was succeeding. It happened so fast, I didn't know how to react. I hope experience comes quickly, so I don't prove to be a hindrance--or die, I definitely want to avoid that.

I watch the others finish purchasing goods and hope my excelled ability to control people will be useful during this adventure.

...
Missed an installment? Catch up on the adventure of Morrow Island...
Chapter 1: It Starts...

Visualizing Lorien

[Morrow Island: Behind The Scenes]

Just so you know, I can not draw. It is simply not one of my blessed talents. I have accepted this and am moving on. However, I still want to show you what, in my mind, Lorien (Morrow Island Elf character) looks like.

This is what I picture her overall. Except with a few differences...

I imagine her dressed in more of a dress or skirt and tunic sort of like this. Imagine the dress purple with gold glittering through the skirt. I like the feel of this picture (without the wings of course) and the flute.

I imagine her hair golden blonde and very thick and wavy. Like this:

or this:

This picture shows more of the demeanor of my elf. She is very kind , thoughtful and close to nature. She is built more for mental challenges than physical ones. However, she is very fluid in her movements like all elves, she just doesn't (yet) have the heart for battle. (I like this dress too, though I'll eventually have to add some armor likeness for battles).

I like this picture, just because it is a close up of a female elven face. I like this one as a whole. I imagine Lorien's face very soft, but angular.

This last picture I like because it is more of a combat dress. I also really like the sword. Lorien does have a longsword. This is actually a great stance, except the outfit is purple with gold accents and the hair is golden blonde and flowing behind her. 

So that about sums it up...right? One day I might have help from some very talented friends to make a better collaboration for my character. Basically, these are a bunch of pictures that I like where I can take things from to imagine what Lorien could look like. Ultimately, Lorien looks like me, but more awesome and an elf. 

Photo Credits: photo 1, photo 2, photo 3, photo 4, photo 5, photo 6, photo 7.