Marion - Days 33-37

--- Day 33 ---

I was concerned about the paladins when I didn't see them arrive back at Waypoint, so I decided to meet them in case they had gotten into trouble and needed assistance. One of the guard volunteered to go with me, but I assured him that I would be safe, and that he was needed more at his post.

The journey took most of the day, and the weather was pleasant and mild, which was anything compared to the temperament of the party once I had arrived.

I could hear the voices of Hrogar, Alcander and Arcadius long before I could see them, their fevered shouts and accusations booming across the hills. One would ridicule and belittle the other before returning the favor, sounding more as rabid animals than law-abiding men. The flames and smoke from a ring of fire encircling the tree cast the three into shadow, their outlines of fire casting them more as demons than angels.

I saw that many of my friends were hurt, so I started looking at and tending to their wounds. They kept discussing what had happened, and what they should do to get rid of the massive tree that was now in front of them. According to the paladins, the female ranger that they encountered was clearly evil, while the tree didn't show signs of evil at all. I started asking if we should go after the true evil instead of the tree, and I was quickly berated and cast down by Arcadius. I started defending myself until I heard my voice crack, and with trembling lips, cast my eyes downward and continued my healing.

I silently tended to the wounds of my comrades, trying to tune out the hatred and fervor that swirled in the air and plagued my mind. I was almost done when I heard Arcadius state to Hrogar that, basically, he was dead to him.

This tore me so much inside... I couldn't believe that I was hearing this from Paladins. The same person that I thought would protect me, and whom I gave an enchanted sword to, was now degrading and tearing down a fellow Paladin for whichever reason. I'm still not sure what Hrogar did to earn such ire, but from how Arcadius was talking, perhaps he killed another lawful good person in the day that I was away. I dare not ask what Hrogar did, I'm sure the others will tell me in time.

---

It was a bright spring morning in the gardens of Point of Origin. My hand lay comfortably in Xavier's as we strolled along the blooming flowers. Paladins and clerics tended to these gardens on a daily basis, and the ever-present aura of righteousness and good permeated the area. It was truly a blessed space, and one that I loved sharing with my beloved. With myself i a lovely spring gown and Xavier in his white common clothes, we looked as angels in the clouds.

A child was running towards us, tattered clothes on his back and a loaf of bread in his hands. Behind him must have been a cadre of Paladins, shouting orders and warning the child to surrender and stop. The child staggered on a loose rock and fell at our feet, his blue eyes wide in worry. The paladins stopped at his trembling form, telling him to get up and face his punishment.

Without his sword or armor, Xavier stepped over the boy, placing himself between the Paladins and the boy. He demanded to know why this poor boy was being chased through the garden. The 'crime' turned out to be one of stealing from a local merchant, one that the boy had done repeated times. It had been routine for them to toss him into a jail for a couple days, thinking that he'd learn that such actions were unacceptable. This never stopped the boy, and he would be back within the jail in hours. As time progressed, the paladins expressed, the boy had learned sneakier ways of stealing from the honest merchants, as well as even starting rudimentary lockpicking.

Xavier stood his ground, however, and said that they would not take the child away today. He gave the paladins a gold, and told them to return to the mechant with coin in hand. The paladins stared him down, as if he had allowed a great evil to be left off the leash, then uttered a word I dare not write down here as they turned away.

Xavier and I brought the child to the clerics, explaining the situation that we had witnessed. Once the boy had been fed and reassured of his safety, he wept as he told of his fate. He had contracted the plague, and his parents tended to him night and day, only to contract the disease themselves. The child, now well and able, tried to take care of his parents, but they both succumbed to the infection. The family trade stopped, the child only a few years into his apprenticeship - he knew only the basic skills of harness making, not enough to sustain his craft. It was only after selling and trading all the family's possessions that he turned to stealing to stay alive.

After much searching, Xavier and I found another home for the boy with another harness maker. The family was pleasant and ecstatic as could be to have another son, as well as a budding apprentice. We check back regularly, and when we do, we see a lovely family and a warm home.

---

I worry very much for the paladins, for I see all of them slipping and stumbling on their way. They're starting to behave in ways that we've been taught not to act. When we see someone in trouble, we're to assist them. If we see a great evil that is destroying life, we deal with it. The paladins should know this more than I, as they have a much stricter set of vows than I do.

They're treating Hrogar like he's an evil to be vanquished. Instead of realizing that he had done something arguably wrong and then helping him, they're belittling him and then stating that they'll no longer help him. How is this good? How is this virtuous? How can browbeating a fellow paladin help him return to his vows, or eliminate the 'supposed evil' that he succumbed to in the first place? When a diseased person is brought in for care, we take care of them and cure the disease, we don't berate him and tell him that he was wrong in contracting the disease in the first place!

If we ridiculed everyone that steps slightly from the path of righteousness, vowing that they are dead to us and denying assistance, it will only be for a few miles until no one walks the path anymore.

It's our duty and our vow to help out those who have dedicated themselves to the light and righteousness.
We pull out daggers that have cut us, not push it in farther.
We create stretchers for those who have fallen, we do not step over them.

This is the way of the paladin, and it strikes me with such great fear that I must remind the paladins of this way, when they should be paragons of these virtues. I've been praying to Kaladis for insight into helping the paladins understand the law-abiding and contractual obligations that they have made with their gods.

--- Day 37 ---

I haven't written for days, I've been too exhausted. We've finally returned to Ismir, and I'll write some here before retiring for the evening.

We've finally allowed the tree to go somewhere that it should hopefully cause no harm. With the helpful suggestion from Ryan, we went to visit the ranger that we met while in Ismir. He told Ryan, Alcander and I about the evil ranger that the paladins met, as well as her motives in the woods. We discussed the predicament about the moving, carnivorous tree, and he had agreed to come with us to see what he could do.

Upon chatting with the tree, the ranger assured us that he had told the tree of a place where it could go far from here, where it could live without harming human settlements. I'm relieved that we could find a resolution here, since I'm not certain that the paladins would have survived if they confronted the tree head-on.

I get the impression from the other paladins that the way we resolved the tree issue was not as honorable as they would have liked, but I honestly couldn't have seen it going any other way. When they talk of destroying the tree, I remember them saying that it had never been evil. I believe it was used as a tool for the evil ranger's purposes, nothing more. We don't crusade against wolves, which are also carnivorous beings that have been known to occasionally attack humans. We instead defend against them as need be - we realize their neutral standing in the world. To condemn a carnivorous tree or wolf as "evil" seems hypocritical in the face of a nice lamb stew simmering in the cauldron.

I also wonder how much the Paladins will forsake in order to vanquish what they believe is 'evil'. They almost gave up their lives to a non-evil tree in their hubris, which deeply disturbs me. We must be careful of our lives and our bodies, because they're not just tools of the gods, but *gifts* from the gods. To throw away such a gift so carelessly would be to insult them greatly - for if we toss ourselves into the bonfire of evil heedless, how can we help vanquish the greater evils of tomorrow?

I pray to Kaladis for wisdom and insight.

Marion - Day 32

I pray to the gods when I see the paladins disappear over the hill, but there is no time to worry on such matters, for there is much pain and suffering among the town guard that I must help alleviate. 

I've never done triage of this size before. Before this day, we'd have the occasional sickness spread through the town, and there's only so much one can do to heal such diseases. In those times, I'd only need to prevent or cure a disease and then heal any damage that was done, and I'd do this with other clerics at the temple. I would then go to the major sources of water in the city-state, purifying the water that was routinely drawn. I was rarely fatigued, since there were plenty of clerics around to help, not to mention paladins. 

My first patient came early in the morning, brought into the temporary infirmary via a makeshift stretcher. The man was babbling incoherently as he clutched his stomach tightly. He grimaced in pain as his two fellow soldiers set him down, then rushed out to their posts. I reached for a bucket of heated water that I had purified, rinsed some pieces of cloth, then started cleaning around his wound. I calmed him down enough to finally see the wound, peeling his arms away. 

The cut went far into his belly, almost piercing the skin of his back. His intestines were hanging out of his torn flesh, oozing blood and partially digested meal onto his uniform and the cot. Dirt littered the cuts, turning into a reddish mud. I clutched my own stomach, nauseated from the sight and the stench, and ran out of the tent. 

I felt so embarrassed as I knelt over, throwing up my breakfast on the side of the road. A guard rushed over, overly concerned, and helped me up while asking questions. I felt myself blush as I told him of the scene in the tent, but he was reassuring - he'd told me that the same happened to him many years ago on his first watch. I asked him what had happened, but was stopped by the pained look in his face. I didn't pry any farther as I came to my senses again, knowing that the man on the cot desperately needed my help, lest we lose him to the afterlife. 

With my stomach empty, it was considerably easier to see the sight again. I started cleaning out all the mud and fecal matter from his body, cleansing the area of all disease and poisons. I then carefully arranged his organs and skin back to their proper places before clearing my mind and focusing on my healing spells. Pouring my energy into my right hand, I concentrated on the healing power flowing out of my hand and into his body. My eyes were closed so tightly that they hurt, my brow furrowed with wishes and desires of rejuvenating life. 

A loud gasp emerged, and I jumped back, startled with the sudden noise. The man on the cot was alive and breathing, his eyes wide open in shock. He looked to me, and started whispering. 

"I'm... I'm alive," he gasped. 

I held his hand in mine - his life force had returned, his hand warm and full of energy. 

"Yes, you are. Do you know where you are?"

He nodded. "I'm in Waypoint, I'm a member of the city guard."

"Yes, that's correct. Did you need anything to eat or drink? I can get one of the guard..."

He squeezes my hand tighter. 

"No, I'm fine. I just want to lay here for a while, will you stay with me?"

I nod, pulling up a stool and sitting by his side. 

"The guards thought that they had lost you," I tell the man. 

"I thought I was lost myself. I only saw a blur before the being attacked me. I swung at the blur, but it was too fast for me, and it tore open my belly," he whispers as he looks down where the grievous wound used to be. All that remained now were the last remnants of mud and the bright pinkish/white of new flesh. 

"Don't worry, you're here now. What you desperately need now is rest. Even though you're mended, the skin and muscles are new and will need time to regain their strength."

I continue to hold his hand as he falls asleep, retiring to his dreams. 

---

The man doesn't rise from his slumber until hours later. In between healing minor wounds from other members of the guard, I rest a cool cloth on his head and listen for his heartbeat and breathing. Upon awaking, he immediately reaches for a mug of water that I set by his cot. 

"How are you doing," I ask as I check his wound and head cloth. 

"Really thirsty, but I'll be fine," he says as he finishes the mug.  

"I think your wounds will be fine, I can help you to your home if you need assistance," I offer. 

He nods, then sits up carefully, nursing his stomach.

"That would be wonderful,... um,... what's your name?"

"Marion."

"Ah, Marion. Beautiful name. I'm Gregory. Listen, I'd like for you to join our family for dinner tonight."

"Oh, I couldn't. I wouldn't want to impose," I start stammering.

"Nonsense, it's the least I could do to repay you for saving my life."

---

"And that's why Kaladis watches over marriage ceremonies. When two beings make a commitment to spend the rest of their lives together, we consider that to be one of the most important promises that a person can make. Without the sanctity of that promise, families and communities would fall apart. It's what helps mothers and fathers take care of their kids, just like how your mom and dad care for you."

Korina, Gregory's eldest daughter, sat on my lap near the fire. Hines, her younger brother, was nursing from Gregory's wife, Alyssa. I had started telling the story of Kaladis and the Knot Binders after a savory meal of roasted quail and bread. Gregory offered a small amount of mead during and after the meal, and I accepted it graciously, remembering my short yet memorable times with Prudence. 

"So you do marriage ceremonys then, Marion," Korina questioned. 

"Not yet, but I will in time. I'm still learning the ways of Kaladis as well as being a cleric. I'm currently questing with a group of paladins. By going out into the world and helping people, we can learn more about our world, ourselves, and our relationship with the gods."

"Will you be the Knot Binder at my marriage, Marion," Korina giggles, her eyes bright with glee. 

"Once you're old enough, sure. You'll be able to find me at Point of Origin," I smile at Korina. 

"Are you married?"

"I will be soon, Korina. My betrothed is a Paladin, off on his pilgrimage into the world. Once both of us are back in Point of Origin, we'll be wed."

"Do you miss him?"

I bite my lip, fighting off tears. 

"Every day, Korina. Every day."

Marion - Days 28 Through 32

-- Day 28 --

Rotanna and I are continuing on our way towards where the paladins are, provided that this rod is working correctly. It's been many days so far, and the weather has been pleasant thus far. I'm actually quite surprised and pleased that I found another cleric on such short notice.

We walk over a hill, when we see a large tree surrounded by some vines. The rod points directly towards the middle from where we stand - I sigh and question as to if the paladins would go to such a place without clerical aid. We decide that it would be easier to skirt these rather vicious looking vines, during which we discover that the paladins haven't gone into the vines, but are in the distance. I wonder what's been at the vines, however, as it looks like some of them have been burned.

It's over the next couple hills that we discover the paladins. They're a little worse for wear, and Rotanna and I tend to their wounds. It's been a while since I've healed such serious wounds, and I feel tired and drained from the efforts. I lay down to sleep, thankful that I can now have a peaceful sleep, with paladins keeping watch during the evening.

-- Day 29 --

The darkness is piercing, draining all color from the landscape. Dull grey tufts of grass are all that's present in this barren wasteland. I'm wearing my cleric regalia, with the Seal of Kaladis embroidered on the tabard. I see a figure crouched in the distance. I rush forward to help, but I'm walking through water. I can't get to them fast enough - they stand up, writhing in pain. Dark shadows encircle the figure, swirling in the mists.

I'm almost there when the shadows intensify, spinning faster around the man. He's wearing paladin regalia, I can't see the symbol from here. He starts screaming louder as the shadows speed up. I recognize the voice of the man screaming - it's Arcadius.

--

I wake up in a cold sweat, with the morning finally here. I look over to Arcadius in passing, and he seems to be a bit shaken. I wonder if he's actually healthy or not, these dreams have persisted for a while and have me worried.

The paladins have told me that they tried burning the vines around the gigantic tree, and they wanted to check on how it was progressing. When we arrived, the tree that was there the day before has simply vanished. The fire appears to have burned a straight path towards the tree, not straying from its path as a natural fire would. I approached where the tree used to sit, and dry, old knawed bones lay where roots used to be. All the paladins seem greatly distressed - they've said that because they've started the fire, they're responsible for letting the tree go.

In the back of my mind, I wonder if this is actually the case. They did set the fire - which was smouldering and rather lackluster when I saw it the day before. What if it was another fire source that set the tree free? I'm not sure if magic directed the fire - I tried to detect magic, but I sensed no magic auras.

I'm not certain where the tree has gone - a path leads to the woods, but then disappears. I'm wary of setting forth as of yet, since I still used more healing spells today.

-- Day 30 --

I'm shaken awake early in the morning by the group - they've heard screams in the night, over the hill. Only a set number of paladins decided to investigate the screams: this includes myself, Rotanna, and three of the paladins. We travel in the general direction of where we heard the screams, only to find a carcass on the road. The trail continues down the road, and I'm not certain of continuing without the rest of the party. We have three who decide to follow the trail: Rotanna, Fflam and Kennith, while Alcander and I return back to camp. I should be able to follow Fflam with the rod.

It's not until much later that we catch up to the three who went forward. It seems they have lost the trail, intrigued by an area of silence that they encountered along the way. It's here that Hrogar discovered the lair of a dragon. I didn't go far into the cave, being in awe of the massive entity before me. His metallic scales gleamed almost as brightly as the pile of accumulated treasure at his side, and his booming voice would shake the scales of my armor and set me on edge. I couldn't help but be impressed by the majesty of such a creature, and especially impressed by Hrogar's diplomatic approach in conversing with the dragon.

In the case that the tree has gone ahead and attacked a city, Alcander and Ryan have volunteered to be runners, alerting the towns of the possible danger that they face. The rest of us, in the meantime, will be going to another town that's fairly close to where the tree was before it was set loose.

-- Day 31 --

I wish that these nightmares would stop - each time that I look over at Arcadius, he's praying. I'm not sure what could be wrong with him, and he hasn't said much about it. I do hope that he's ok. Paladins are tough personalities, but they can be proud as well. I'm afraid that I'm timid as well.

We arrive at the town, which is definitely up in arms. The guards have told us about creatures that have been attacking them all evening. The paladins have started to rest while waiting for Alcander and Ryan to return, and I've volunteered my services to the town guard to heal those wounded in combat. They seem pleasantly surprised at my arrival and my services.

-- Day 32 --

The paladins have decided that they're going to pursue the tree. They've taken my flask of alchemist's fire to help their efforts. After thinking about it, I figure that my skills are of more use in the town instead of going with the paladins on this venture. I can't in good conscience leave this town, which would leave them without a cleric while still being attacked by creatures. I wish the paladins the speed of the gods and for their safe return.