In Search of A Legacy - The Tale of Richard Falrin

[rudy2688]

This is the account of my PC, Richard Falrin. Some things may be incorrect, but this is how he sees them and as such it is possible that there are some mistakes. I hope you all enjoy it!

"How Did I Come So Far?"

Richard walked quietly along the wooded road leading away from what was once Daggersprings. His mind replayed the scene that occurred in that cave.

The wise old blind man, Valencian… that giant bear… Polka, did he call it? And… Machus… who was Machus? Is that my father? The only man to enter the Forest and come back out… Was the elven women my mother?

He shook his head with a sigh. He quickly scanned the area for any more signs of those orcs they spotted the night before. His eyes fell on a tall, pretty, human women moving deftly through the underbrush, making little to no sound.

Karin…

Just looking at her brought a smile onto his face and a flood of happy memories from over the past several tendays. His spirits lifted as he began to smile faintly.

My Khessria… how I love you. I’d do anything for you, if only because of this crazy and wonderful feeling we share for each other.

He watched her a little more and his smile faded to a look of concern.

She seems tired and stressed… perhaps this trip was harder on her than I thought it would’ve been…

He returned to his watch of the surroundings, but, once again, his mind drifted off. What brought him here, this far from home?

-----------------------------------

Outside Arabel’s Eastgate- A Few Months Before…

Elrien- That nice druidess from the Draedan… she pointed out what I knew deep down all along and yet so many people hid from me. I’m half-elven… why such a surprise? I’m not sure even now… I’ve grown-up a lot since then.

His thoughts shifted to later that night as he slept in his room at Amy’s Inn, outside Arabel.

Then there was that dream… who was that women clad in that green and yellow dress? Or was she a girl? Her hair was all leaves and golden moss… songbirds by the hundred flew about her singing in their whistling voices… I’ll always remember that voice… it was a low, dusky purr… what did she say to me? Her eyes… those deep brown pools looked to me… I felt I could fall into them and drown… then she spoke-

<maiden> Seek out Daggerdale. There, you shall find your legacy.

Who was she? Is she a goddess… she looked as if she was a Queen… made of the very forest itself… was that Mielikki? What would she want with me? Why help?

Even though he didn’t understand it, within a couple tendays, he left Cormyr for the Dales.

-----------------------------------

He moved off the road and into the tall grass and crept along quietly, as he often does, making very little to no noise. He thoughts drifted once more. This time to Kiksa.

A kind and noble soul, that Kiksa… if it weren’t for him, I’d know not where to start. He must be four hundred years along or more… a knowledgeable bard of the tale spinning type. He’s the one that pointed me to Endyana and took me to Daggersprings. A good friend and a person I hold in high regards.

His thoughts shifted from the wood elf to the wizen, old half-elf, Endyana.

Master Endyana… he’s the one that took me to Cormyr when Mother Manara passed me on to him. He knew not my parents, so he sent me on to Valencian… Valencian… the man who dwells in his memories. Thanks to him I sought out the Bearson and now know where next to go. Endyana is a caring sort… like a father to Karin and a sage to me…

He caught himself as he almost stumbled on a up-grown tree root and cleared his head. The woods were beginning to thin out as they approached the Glen.

Machus… who is Machus? Is he my father? …if not, then where do I go? What will I do then?

He took a deep calming breathe and tried very hard to focus. He’d be an easy mark the way he was acting. He looked over to Karin who took no notice.

She looks very weary… I wish I could comfort her. All in due time, I suppose.
I’ve changed so much since I’ve come… Ha… if Killian could see me now. I came here to find my real parents… a selfish goal, indeed… but, now I find myself fighting daily against renegade Rangers, Gypsies, and Zhents alike to protect this land… I was a scholar… a student of nature. When did I become a Protector, even a Knight of sorts, in my own eyes… when did I become so different?

He was happy with his change and he knew the reason.

The Pitchpines… a wonderful couple. Selfless in their duties and kind of heart. I owe them much, especially Rogir, who is a good friend and comrade in battle. Then there is Karin… the biggest influence… a noble soul and loving women. A Knight, as any I’ve seen and more a Lady then the majority of the Cormyrean court. She won my heart in no less then a tenday and I’d gladly lay my life down for her. I love the way she looks at me with her beautiful green eyes, the way she runs her hand through my hair when we kiss, and the way she smiles when we see each other. I live for her passion and her soft touch… Mestin, Kiksa, and Endyana… they all strive to protect this place and they’ve inspired me to do the same… if this is indeed my homeland then I’ll make it a place for others to be proud of… I’ll win this place back from those who torment it!

He beamed brightly at this new enthusiasm he found deep within. He now realized a greater purpose and he would do what he could to fulfill that.

Maybe that is why Mielikki sent me here… am I meant to serve her and protect this place as Karin, Endyana, and the others so unselfishly do?

They closed on the Glen and the sky opened up to greet them. He’d give his thanks to Lathander then find Machus. There was so much in store for him on the road ahead. Where would he begin? With a grin he entered the commons of Hadreth’s Glen and his spirits were uplifted.

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Next installment coming soon. As always post your comments, if you have some. This was to bring up-to-date his story and the way things stood with him. I hope you guys liked it and to all of you I've played with so far- Thanks for everything. If I didn't mention you it was because you just didn't pop up in his head for some reason or another. You'll be in the next one's for sure.

-Rudy

[mr duncan]

nice. well written. Its so very cool to see more stories coming out of our DD campagin. Hopefully your and my stories will get more of our players to post their own as well.

[Vaelahr]

Great post Rudy. Good job!

[rudy2688]

“The Magi”


Richard lay in his tent near the pond in White Chalk Hollow. He was restless. An hour before he couldn’t wait to sleep, but as he lay there wide awake he couldn’t help, but, to feel alone. He turned onto his side and listened to the crickets chirp and the occasional owl hoot. He couldn’t stop thinking about her tonight. It had been over a tenday since he had seen her last. Where had she gone off to?

Karin… what can I say? I miss you, khessria...

He knew she would come to him whenever she was good and ready, but that still didn’t stop him from worrying. To clear his head he began to think about those Thayans.


Zarrin and Aagati… cousins, so they say. Who was that third? That exotic woman? Rust mentioned something about her being Zarrin’s friend… she was a thayan, too. Three of them in one small dale? What were the odds...?

He thought back to how he met them.

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Daggerdale, 3 months earlier

It was a late moonless night and he was heading to the Hollow from the Glen. The woods were quiet, save for the gently rustling of the leaves in the wind. At the bend leading to the gates, he heard a cuffle. He heard two male voices with strange accents in the dark arguing with Taya and Karin. So… what did he do? He snuck up on them and drew his bow, leveled it at Zarrin and spoke.

<Richard> Well, well… is everything alright, Taya?

Zarrin looked back at him with his crossbow in hand. He was wounded. Not badly, but wounded still. This intrigued him.

<Karin> Richard. She sounded relieved to see him.

Aagati’s shoulders slumped and Taya stepped up to speak.
<Taya> These two were walking into White Chalk armed.

At this, one of the thayans spoke something to the other in their mulani tongue. Karin be came confident and relaxed. Richard smirked confidently.

<Richard> Oh, were they? He looked to the thayans, Not a very bright thing to do, gentlemen. His voice oozed with sarcasm- it had no bounds.

<Aagati>Well, we just got attacked by bandits, good sir!

Taya and Richard both narrowed their eyes at Aagati. Then Zarrin spoke up-

<Zarrin> since you seem set on doing the bright thing... you walk around in the woods -without- your weapon? or does that smirk keep the bandits away? This he said to Richard, with which he responded-

<Richard>Are you blind or just a sarcastic snit? He gestured to his bow for emphasis.

-----------------------------------

Richard couldn’t remember much of what was said after that point. At the end of it all the thayan cousin’s entered the village and they all had a drink. Turned out that they worked for Aseph out of the Office of Arcane Arts, in the city. Later on in the month came the slavery allegations and the tensions between Qillia and Zarrin… but, he couldn’t think on that now. He had to get up in the morning to patrol the Black Road.

Damnable bandits… Taya said Nayla had told them her name… the “mythical” Fire Lady wasn’t so mythical after all. Her name was Nistall…

He didn’t know what to expect when he first saw her that night with Rogir and Rust, but she didn’t seem all that powerful to him.

Perhaps she was exhausted…

His thoughts then drifted to Machus, which was all he could think about since meeting Valencian, other than how much he missed Karin, of course.

Endyana said he was not one to be found… but, rather he found you… then how did Zarrin and Aagati get that scroll off of him… what’s wrong with me? Thinking about all of this and losing sleep isn’t going to fix anything.

He sighed and rolled over again. He needed to sleep. He took some deep breaths which calmed him down. His last thought before he fell into the dark world of his dreams was-

Vi Khess Dos, Karin...

And he was out...

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Nothing too special, but, I wanted to put up something. Writing calms me down and I was feeling teh uber anxiety last night. Hope you guys enjoy. Post your comments as always. The next installment will be in after Finals are through. Til then... happy reading.

-Rudy

[Mizbiz]

Are you someday going to write up the whole Bearson revelations?

[rudy2688]

I will, Miz. Don'tcha worry. I was thinking about it for the next one. I have to seriously sit down and filter out that log, though.

[rudy2688]

"Of Bears and the Lost"

Richard sat atop a hill just north of White Chalk Hollow watching the moon rise through a clear, starry sky. His mind had temporarily been abated of his worry for Karin. A few days ago they spent a wonderful reunion with one another.

It felt so great... just laying there together in my tent... listening to the dull roar of the waterfall... the sound of her breathing... the warmth of our bodies so close...

They hadn't made love with one another, yet, but that wasn't important to him. He loved her purely for her heart and mind, not her body, and he was just happy knowing that she was safe and well.

He sat there all alone at their special spot, but he didn't feel like he was alone. Every time he saw her he felt more and more in love. Just being on this hill, watching this moon, he could feel her in his heart, more so than ever. This made his mind drift to Valencian...

He seemed so melancholy... indeed it could be because of the lose of Daggersprings... he did say he missed the children... but, there seemed to be something more... I had felt that way myself when I lost Lorilai... lost-HA! She decided to become... become that THING...

He shuddered in disgust at the thought of his lost fiancée. Before he allowed a flood on painful memories to invade his heart, he turned his thoughts to that night in the Bearson's cave.

---------------------------------

A Month before in the fallen Daggersprings...

He was sitting down in a cave in front of an old, wizened, almost blind man. His heart was still beating madly from his encounter with the bear Polka. A jagged scar ran down the man's face. There weren't any smile lines at all, just a grim, determined, yet somewhat melancholy look on his face.

Is this the man who is supposed to help me? Is he the one to send me on my path? Well, I might as well make an introduction...

His anxiety was overpowering, yet he tried hard to calm himself. He took a deep calming breath. "My name is Richard, I've been sent here by Endyana."
Valencian sat grimly before asking, "Why?" Richard tried to keep eye-contact with the man, but was having a hard time. His anxiety was getting the best of him. "You were at my birth." He replied quickly, "I tended to many births." Richard sighed, as he always does then spoke, "I was given by Mother Manara to Endyana for safety... this was almost 20 years ago..." Again, Valencian responded equally as gruff, “Why?” Staring at the ground, Richard confessed, “I-I don’t know. I don’t even know my parents... only that one is elven and the other not.” Valencian took a moment before responding, “A half-elf?” His face took on a reminiscent expression. “20 years... I remember an elf woman was brought here from the forest... Mother Manara cared for her.” Richard listened attentively, leaning forward with a creased brow. Valencian continued, “Manara asked for my help. Mother Manara did not see with her eyes... like my one- they were taken by the drow.” Richard was watching the old man, nodding along with the story. Kiksa had already told it once before to him. “The elf woman held on for as long as she could... it was plain she could not last. So much blood...” At this Richard’s head fell, Valencian continued on, “Mother Manara held up the boy. The elf focused her eyes on the baby. ’All life is precious’ she said.... then she was gone. A week later so was the boy. I do not know where and Mother Manara told me not to ask.”

Richard remained transfixed as he blinked back tears. “Both my parents... dead?” he asked. Valencian held in a sympathetic sigh, “I do not know who your father is... the elf was brought to us near term.” Richard wiped at his eyes then Valencian spoke more, “She was brought to Mother Manara from the forest.” Richard nodded somberly and murmered, “The Rystall...”

After a pause, Valencian spoke again, “A human man brought her. He’s the only one to go in and come back out.” Richard studied the intricate cracks of the cave floor with a sad, thoughtful look on his face as Valencian continued to speak, “The man is still living... He visits Hadreth’s Glen a lot.” Richard nodded and asked, “What’s his name?”

Valencian looked distant, his thoughts in another time and place, “I miss the young ones... the children...” He came back to the present and regarded Richard, “Machus. the man’s name is Machus.” Richard looked up, “That name sounds familiar... Machus.” He tasted the name, again.

Valencian returned to the past, a cloudy expression in his remaining eye, “Kemeras, Rogir, Aramis, Keriwan. Gone.” He met Richard’s gaze, “I have lived too long, young one.”

Richard took this oppurtunity to bring Valencian some good news. “Rogir I know well. He’s a good, strong man. He’s wed, too.” Valencian, sounding hopeful, asked, “Wed?” Richard nods with a slight smile, “Very happily, too.,” he assured the old druid. “Who?” Valencian asked eagerly. Richard replied, “A woman named Taya. A follower of the Earth Mother. There is a woman, whom I love very dearly here as well. Her name is Karin... she is of Daggersprings also... a needle of Mielikki.” Richard sensed what this meant to the old man, so he continued, “All three fight daily to protect this dale...” He sighed, his heart with his khessria.

How was she doing back there with that nasty elven woman? How were they all doing? Were they safe?

Valencian spoke slowly, “That’s..... good. So good to hear.” Richard repeated the name, “Machus,” like a spell. Valencian seemed warmer now, temporarily brought out of his depression, “Endyana... always after me to move to the Glen. Can’t leave Polka alone here though.” Richard looked to him and spoke again, “Perhaps, Valencian... this place will be reborn again.” With cold certainty, Valencian responded, “I won’t live to see it.”

Richard shuffled his feet uncomfortably, Valencian added, “Tell Taya to come to Hadreth’s Glen for her blessing when she’s ready.” Valencian rose and offered a hand up to Richard. He held the old druid’s hand for a moment, “Thank you... I’ll be sure to tell her.” Valencian nodded, “I wish I could help you more, lad. Safe travels.”

Richard regarding the wise, old man who had dragged him out of the worrisome present into the past, and maybe a bit into the future. “You’ve done more than I ever hoped, Valencian. Rest well.” Richard bid goodbye with a smile and walked out of the darkness into the light.

---------------------------------

Richard smiled to himself as it began to rain. He hurriedly climbed into his tent and settled in for the night. When he fell asleep, he did so with a smile.

Yes... the future awaits... I may just be a leaf blowing about on the wind’s of chance... but, now I know where to start.


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Much thanks to Miz for the log, DMing, and her own rendition of the story which contributed to 90% of the flashback. Enjoy the read everyone.

[rudy2688]

"A Clouded Heart"


The Adventurer's Way - Hadreth's Glen


"Live and die for her, lad," Endyana had said. The words bounced around in his head over and over. The image of himself fighting a bear, naked and unarmed kept flashing in his head. He releases a calming sigh.

Come on Richard. Shape up. Your circumstances are certainly different than those of Arakiel's. You'll do fine... yes... I'll do fine.

Endyana walked away, "See you next moon, if not before." Richard watched him walk down the stairs, slowly coming out of his daze. "Safe travels." he mumbles then turns to the man called Machus who stood before him. "What do you need, lad?" the man asked. Trying to sound confident, "I was told you brought my mother to Mother Manara near term." At this Machus looked around the room with a deep frown on his face. He looked Richard over, "How old are you, boy?"
"Almost 20 years..."
"I was afraid you'd say that."

Machus walked across the common room and opened up his room. He turned back to Richard, "Come here," and entered the room. Richard followed him, with each step his anxiety became like lead in his stomach. He stopped in the doorway and stared blankly at Machus. "Sit down." Richard found a pile of cushions and did so, his eyes never leaving the man before him. Machus' stern gaze fell upon the young man before him as he began his tale, "This was during the occupation, you understand. A friend of mine came to me about another friend... there was a bonded elf pair living in the Rystall. Bikath and Tikakska. Tikaksa was a ranger. She was running traplines one day and a Zhentarim came upon here. He raped her," Machus sighed mournfully, "Bikath when he found out..." he trailed off, Richard's chin fell to his chest and Machus picked back up, "Elves don't suicide, lad, but understand... going up against a whole troupe of Zhentarim is just that. Bikath did it anyway." A doleful frown spread across Richard's face. "Tikaska's heart and soul were ripped in half. It happens like that." Machus continued while rubbing a ring on his left hand absently, "Tikaska held onto one belief though. That life was precious. All of it. Even the seed of her bonded's killer and rapist." Machus bit down on his lip, watching the young half-elf rub his grief-stricken face, "Bikath had a brother, though, a hothead named Temok... Temok tracked the Zhent down and killed him in his sleep. Someone heard him raving that Tikaska and the Zhent's child would be next. So, they brought her to me and I took her to Manara."

"Do many know that you are looking for your parents, son?" Machus' eyes watched Richard intensely. "Oh no..." The young man's expression changed quickly from grief to dread. "Only those close to me... but..." The kelemvorite cut him off, "But, you've been speaking about it? In public?" he sighed and awaited Richard's response, "They've been spied upon... in some form or another I may have spoken in public... not sure how you define that, though." Machus replied, "You know what they say about secrets? That the only way to keep one is to tell on other person... and then kill that person." At that Richard spoke up quietly, "...I'm sorry, but, that's not the way I operate..."
"I wasn't suggesting such a thing. Just merely stating cold fact. Temok is a wild elf, son... lives deep in the Rystall. There's a good chance he'll never hear."
"The Rystall... oh no! Ky'Talas... no," his head falls into his hands. Machus replied in a reassured tone, "I know her. I'll talk to her. Believe it or not she trusts me. Don't fall over in shock now." Richard raised his face slowly up to the man.

Don't fall over in shock? Did he just make a joke...?

"Who else knows?" Machus asks plainly. "Valencian... Endyana... Karin... the Pitchpines..." Richard listed slowly as his voice trailed off. "Valencian doesn't even talk to his bear, and Endyana I trust. I don't know the Pitchpines or Karin... other than they are from Daggersprings." Richard spoke firmly, "They are good people. I'd trust them with my life and would give mine for them. Especially, Karin." Machus stared blankly at him, "Still, we've run out of fingers on my hand. Anyone else?" Richard shook his head, "Not that I recall..."

"What's your name, lad?"
"Richard."
"Good luck, Richard," Machus said as he patted him on the back. Richard's shoulders were slumped and his head bowed, "They are both gone then..." he sighed deeply and opened the door, stepping through into the common room. Machus followed him out, "Sorry, son. If that helps..." Richard thanked him quietly and stared forlornly at the far wall. "Tikaska loved you even before you were born, even considering her condition, even taking her mate's death into account. Not many people I know have been loved that much." All Richard could do was nod as Machus left the Inn.

My father a Zhent... my mother dead... and a psychotic wild elf wants my head. I'll have to tell Karin... will she still love me? Even if my father helped destroy her home? ...What does this make... me...? ...Am I really such an abomination that my own uncle seeks my destruction? ...What'll I do? What am I!?

He clenched his fists tightly and leaned his forhead against the wall. His face, one of anguish and confusion. He could barely contain himself, so he wept.

The leaf floated about on the winds of chance and fell once more, back into darkness.

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I took some literary license on some minor points, since I lost the log... hope it turned out okay.

[rudy2688]

"The End"

Richard quietly walked into the woods, making his way stealthily through the underbrush. Carefully, not to making any sound. The silhouettes of Hadreth's Glen fading away into the night as the tree's thickened around him. His thoughts on Taya and she lay there bleeding her wounds refusing to close.

I have to do this... no matter if Machus is going. I owe this much to them. To see the job done right.

He carefully skirts the upgrown roots of an ancient oak as he deftly moves from tree to tree, lost in the shadows of the Rystall.

Karin... I love you so much... I'll be so sorry if I do not return, my khessria. Take my heart with yours always and never forget me...

Next came an image of the hard old half-elf he called master...

Endyana... now maybe I can prove myself to you... just this once... I will go at it with every breath I have.

In his mind he bade goodbye to all those he met. Elrien, Rust, Kiksa, Rogir, Taya, Karin, Endyana, Qillia, Corgrym, Mestin, hell... even the Thayans and Aseph... he didn't know why he was saying goodbye, but deep down in his heart somewhere he must've known the ill-fate of his quest.

As he made his way through his last mile, deep in his thoughts, he erred horrendously...

ORCS!

He jumped back as he almost wandered into a camp of the Red Tongue Tribe... his foot snapping a branch, sounding as if an explosion went off in the still night. The orcs turned... their crude blades pointing where Rich stood formerly hidden in the shadows. As they rushed him he drew forth his scimitar, Zephyr, and with a cry to his goddess he charged forth.

Oh Karin... I'm so sorry...

His pack slipped from his shoulders and rolled by the road, his book spilling into the grass, and the clashes of steel and the cries of orcs filled the air...

Fade to black...

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I want to thank all you DMs and Players that made Richard's journey so much fun and so much hell at the same time. I love you all for it and it was fun for a while. Good luck to everyone and hey maybe someone will stumble upon Richard's pack and book.

Much Love.

[Adalia13]

tis bittersweet. Good read Rudy...I didnt really know Richard, but I am sure he will be missed. Marii thought he was nice

[mr duncan]

Nice read. Playing with Rich as Zarrin was damned fun, hope ta see you around as your next toon.


J

[Inwintersshadow]

Sorry ta hear ya went out man.....hope ya took a few with you. Look forward to seeing you in your next toon.

[Zelknolf]

Wasn't a bad way to go because Richard was retired - death by orc is just the IC explanation.

[Inwintersshadow]

Yeh Miz just told me....good explanation for why though:)

[rudy2688]

Yes, it was all purely literary license and my IC excuse. Miz in no part killed my PC or any such thing. She was never less than an exemplary DM and I love her for all she has done.