Dad,
From now on my journal will be letters to you to keep you updated on my journey. First and foremost, thank you. You haven’t been gone long, but knowing that I won’t hear or see you again hurts so much. You and Mom have literally given everything for me. You took in this little monster when no one else wanted him. You kept my busy hands and mind occupied and imparted skill and knowledge unto me. You held back the beast in me and taught me to use my mind instead. You showed me that anyone can be anything if they work for it. You instilled a sense of standing up for those that can’t do for themselves. You taught me the value of loyalty and respect. But above all, you loved me. So much so that after yet another mistake I made, you stood up for me and gave me another chance. This was the hardest and most painful lesson I’ll ever have, but it is one I will never forget.
After things calmed down a bit, we held a memorial for you. We had planned on it just being an intimate affair with my new companions, Silt, Amber, maybe Miriam, and Mom of course, but the whole town showed up! It was amazing to see how many lives you have touched and how respected you were in the Glade. I know it made Mom’s heart swell as well. Corvus carved some beautiful statuettes of you and our other companions that fell due to the creature. He truly captured your essence in the carving. I will do better. Not only will I honor your memory, I will avenge you. That, Thing, that caused all of this will be ended. It will know your name. I vow this to you.
Backing up a bit, when we brought you back to the house, Mom formed you into a fire-colored gem and gave it to me. As it was when you were here, so it shall be now that you help me focus my magic. Even from beyond you are there for me… Mom also had some words for me, you know how she is. But her counsel was what you’ve both told me all of my life. I will use my mind and all of my abilities to figure out a solution to this problem. We will protect Nirruk and free and whomever else has been subjected to this madness from this monster’s malevolent control.
We’ve done some research into his kind, Illithid or Mindflayer, and found a few vulnerabilities. One of which, according to Nirruk, is the blood or saliva or something of a creature called a Carrion Crawler. I think that will be our first step. We also just need to be physically stronger and more adept with our skills and specialties, but I think this will come with time. How much we have though is not known, but I won’t rest until this monster is dead.
After seeing how the town guard fared in our battle with the Mindflayer, York spoke with the Captain and helped train up the force. Now that this threat is known, it’s important that we protect as many as we can from it. Your sacrifice will not be in vain.
I’ve also done some research into the thing I was hoping you would be here to see. I need more time and experimentation, but the goal is to develop a handheld projectile launching device. I want it to be more powerful than a crossbow. I’m thinking explosive pressure in a contained tube or something could launch a projectile in a path with devastating effects. I just need to find a material durable enough to withstand such forces or a catalyst that won’t destroy the container. I’m looking into Exaltium as it is useful in many ways. My recent attempt didn’t fare too well, but given the recent events I don’t think my mind is fully into it.
Oh! I did manage to make another version of EDWarD to help mom around the shop. And to protect her. I like Alita for a name, but I’ll let Mom name it. Speaking of Mom, the guys told me about this person with whom you had made the trade with. The Withered One? How did you two know of them? Who are they? I wanted to talk to Mom about it, but there are bigger fish to fry at the moment. My biggest concern is your soul. Does he have it or are you free in the afterlife?
I also went to the forest around my cave to see if I could get a better understanding of the magical connection between the Grove and the Feywild. Something happened. I’m not sure what, but I feel different and I feel like the Beast within me is stirring. Like something awoke it and changed it somehow. I now feel a connection between it, your gem, and the inherent magic of the forest. Whatever is happening, I feel stronger. I will keep you posted on any developments. My handwriting is different now too!
Aside from looking into the connection, I was also hoping to see Miriam. Of course I didn’t find her, but I know how much she adores you and Mom and I’m certain she’ll be upset to know what happened and that she missed your service. I hope she is ok though. I know she had her path to take, but she’s been gone for a while now…
Sorry for rambling on, but this helps. I know I’m just writing letters in my journal to you that I’m not certain you could even be aware of, but it truly does feel like I’m talking to you. Thank you again Dad. I will take it from here. My companions, no, my friends and I will eventually get to Woodberry and end this. Mom will be safe. We will get better. I will honor your memory. You WILL be avenged!
… I love you and I will be looking for your red star Nebin Rivenstone...
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