Callings, part two

[Mizbiz]

This is in reply for the second letter here. http://alandfaraway.org/phpbbforum/view ... hp?t=29743

Alendir, dear brother, wise and wild;

Your words speak as my own heart does. You sentiments match my own.

I too have been on a spiritual journey. I loved Arakiel much, for he brought joy to one who had never known it, and being young I saw no reason not to take joy where I found it. You, I know, loved him too. Of course I knew all along it would not last.

In a way, his death was my rebirth. I no longer was tied to things human. When he died, I left Daggerdale.

As you say, our gods lead us where they must, so I traveled to Shadowdale there to aid Marii in Cormanthyr. I met Velyn, ranger of Fenmarel Mestarine. We three, along with Myrillis became involved with a druid cicle who called themseves the Circle of Fire. The were harnessing the anger of the fey to destroy the human settlements, driving the fey insane in the process. They saw us as enemies. They would attack, but I would not fight back. They flame lashed me, and I would not raise my hand in anger. This is how I gained their respect. They came to understand that we did not disaprove of their hatred, but their methods. Stiring fey into a frenzy would only hurt all the wood. Marii now works with them.

Velyn was so right for me...again, the gods guiding hand. As like to Arakiel as chalk is to cheese. I learned some important lessons from him. Like trusting no one. Keeping to the shadows. He is sly, sullen, distrustful, suspicious, and seriously considered becoming an assassin before becoming a priest of Fenmarel. And Gods of the Green, am I happy he is an elf! Velyn is my Bonded, head, heart, and soul. My children are being raised like elven children, learning longsword and bow. Teia chafes a bit, but she is so like her father.

The shadows indeed gather. That is why I retreated to the Rystall. I sent the humans of Daggersprings back to their own kind in Hadreths Glen. I told Lord Morn to take care of his own. I alienated Jen-Wa and Milia the hin when I told them that we were not going to fight the Zhents and were not taking any into the forest exept Tel'Quessir.

As far as Velyn, Ky'Talas, Ahleera and I were concerned the humans could squabble for the land they had, and left them to it. We had the forest to concern ourselves with. Remember our last conversation with Hignar, when we told him we did not need his help, but to leave the forest to us?

Rest assured, the Rystall is dark, and deep, and full of thorns. Some of these I think you suspect of. The only human they tolerate is Machus, and he helps keep the forest stocked with monsters to keep intruders out.

The war....we saw its beginings you and I. First in dreams. Recall our visit to the baelnorn. You and I, my savage sibling, know much of the Shade and their machinations. That is why they sent Erynn and her band to kill us. If you need to fight them in the Marches, so be it. I have chosen my battleground, and it is the Rystall. It seems as though we have all grown up.

Do not fear the darkness in your soul, dear wolf, for that is what balances the light.

With all my love and trust,

Arien