Into the Forest

[Grand Fromage]

I don't usually write in first person, but it seemed appropriate. So forgive any awkward wording.

---

I am a murderer.

It's an odd thing to say, that. There's a certain weight to it, an honesty that few admit. It's just a fact, though. It usually doesn't bother me.

I don't think I've murdered anyone who didn't deserve it. In fact, there are some who annoyed me by dying before I had a chance to kill them. Jain'n, who needed murdering every day he drew breath. At least he got what he deserved, and I got to thank the halfling that did it. Then Illyana, the traitorous drow lover. They said she died in the Underdark--how I hope it was on the blade of a drow who she helped. That would be sweet irony, and would make up for never getting the pleasure of seeing the life drain from her eyes, sending her black soul to Carceri in Fenmarel's name.

So yes, I am a murderer, and I am not ashamed of it. There are plenty of people in the world who need murdering, and someone has to be there to do it. I choose to limit it to those who try to harm me and mine, and any traitors among my race.

Heroes are more romantic than murderers, to some. I just think a hero is someone who wants to die young by doing something idiotic. Nobility was always a bad idea, and I made the mistake of trying to be noble for once. Stupid decision. Maybe I felt I could redeem myself through sacrifice, make up for the murders... but why? I have nothing to redeem for. A moment of weakness and stupidity, and here I am.

What has it been, four months? Five? Not terribly long in the grand scheme of things, but too long. I thought that if we split up, perhaps they would come after me... and then what? Kill me, I suppose. Arien is more needed than I am, so better that I die instead. What supreme idiocy. Why would they come after me? I'm no threat to wizards of such power, but she is. Trying to redeem myself for crimes I never committed. And I abandoned her.

Fixing that mistake is why I'm here now, following her through the woods. Ensuring that no one else is doing the same before I reveal myself. Arien's senses are keen, but she has no hope of finding me as long as I remain hidden. I am damn good at what I do, however narrow that field of expertise may be. The trees barely move with my presence, and shadows are plentiful.

I am tired of this. Tired of sneaking, of constantly being on the lookout for treachery in everyone I meet. Tired of sizing up everyone, looking for weaknesses, planning out how I can kill every single person I meet just in case I need to later. Trusting no one. A hundred and fifty years is a long time to do anything, even for me.

After an hour I am satisfied neither of us is being followed, and I drop from a tree, practically tackling my love in a hug. I may always be an outcast, by choice or by circumstance, but I can try being a happy one. You can't change everything.

And besides, it's true that you can't trust anyone.

[Mizbiz]

Why I love Velyn....

Arien loved Velyn with her heart AND her brain. His self-preservation and his dark patches were what made him special. Velyn is her Bonded forever. She had her fill of "hero's".

Well played GF. Kudos.

[wvincenti]

Awww...



I always liked Velyn too, though in a more back-slapping Drow killing sort of way. Well played GF!

-Bill

[Inaubryn]

Good story. And you are a murderer. Never met, Vel tho. Too bad. We woulda had some fun.

[PensivesWetness]

Good story. And you are a murderer. Never met, Vel tho. Too bad. We woulda had some fun.

i wonder what he thinks of other annoying halflings

but a very good story dear, for closing...