Hi there! I've just finished BG:ToB, and I thought I'd share this with you.
It kind of came to me in the middle of the night, so it may be a little
strange. (But then, most of my writing is strange.)
Anyway, Baldur's Gate does not belong to me, it belongs to the wonderful people at Black Isle. The only thing that is mine in this piece is the name of the hero, so there's no point trying to sue.
Are you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin ...
*
Words That Could Never Be Spoken
This parchment was found on the body of Duran, a famous warrior of our time, Child of Bhaal, and force for good in Faerun. Her loss will be felt by many.
*
If you are reading this, then I am dead, and my wayward life has drawn to a close. Perhaps, with my death, peace will come to our fair shore. I have done more than my fair share of the killing. The mark that has left on my soul shall never be cleansed. The blood of too many innocents stains my hands. I can only hope that they are at peace.
Whoever finds this should deliver it to Imoen, my sister, at Candlekeep. She will know who to contact. There are things written here that I never found the courage to say in my lifetime, and need to be laid to rest.
I was still a child when my troubles began, living a carefree life among the cloistered halls of Candlekeep. Gorion was the calming influence on my life, keeping me from straying too far from the path that would ultimately lead me here. If it were not for him, I would perhaps have perished with my friends in Candlekeep, or been murdered by the Five as they wreaked havoc across Faerun. I suppose I should resent him for the life I lead, but I cannot bring myself to think ill of him, a man who sacrificed his life as a Harper and scholar to raise a wayward Child of Bhaal. Poor man, he had to put up with so much as I grew, often having to apologise for my nimble fingers and quick temper. Together with Imoen, I ran the monks ragged. Despite all our faults, we were loved and cared for by those who lived alongside us, and would be still were we to return to the safety and serenity of those hallowed halls.
Imoen, my best and most treasured friend. We've been through so much together. You were the first to join me, staying by my side throughout my erratic childhood. I've never been so happy as the morning after Gorion's death, when you found me wandering aimlessly in the woods. Just the sound of your voice pulled me from my despair. You set me on the right path; after all, you knew more about it than I did, having read the letter. I never found the words to thank you for staying with me, for fighting by my side when I had no right to ask it of you. When Irenicus stole you from us, I was lost. All I knew was that you were gone, and that I couldn't go on without you. You once asked me why I went to all that trouble to get you back. You are my other half, little sister. I'm not complete without you, I can't function. I couldn't have asked for a better friend, or sister.
Jaheira. However can I repay you for what you have done, and what you have lost? You and Khalid were with me through my toughest time, when I discovered my heritage. You helped me come to terms with my blood, drawing me on to follow the path I chose. You always said my humour kept you going. It was Khalid who taught me to laugh again after Gorion's death. You never knew how he sat up with me on watch, telling me stories, teaching me how to laugh at life. He was the best of men, and sadly missed. As with Imoen, you were a mother figure to me, becoming one of my closest companions during my struggle to understand myself. I wouldn't have blamed you for leaving my side at all, but I will always be thankful that you chose to stay. Even when those Harpers in Athkatla tried to have me imprisoned and killed, you sided with me, against those to whom you owed more allegiance. I know you will say they were false, but you didn't know that. You fought and killed your own kind to protect me, and I will never forget that.
Minsc, what can I say to you? Despite your downright dangerous qualities, I love you as a brother. I remember when I first met you, in Beregost. You were almost frantic with worry over Dyanheir, grabbing Khalid and forcing us to stop and listen to you. I was frightened of you, I freely admit, but you were so kind to me, so complimentary of my stance and my skill. I can say with all honesty that you are the most unique individual I have ever had the honour of meeting. But of course, how can I speak of you and not mention Boo? It took you so long to convince me that he wouldn't bite me, but you finally did. You are so proud of your furry little companion, and part of me envies you that closeness. Of course, people would think me strange for saying such things, but you are lucky to have Boo. In your own words, we are all heroes, you and Boo, and I. Hamsters and rangers everywhere, rejoice!
Jan Jansen, the gnome with more stories than I could care to name. You always had an anecdote for anything. I would give anything to hear another of your stories before I go, but you have your family to consider and I would never dream of keeping you from them. I of all people should know the importance of family. You gave of your time and energy to help me find Imoen, even following me to Hell to complete my quest. For someone who sells turnips, you are remarkably well-rounded. I hope Lissa knows what she's missing out on. You are truly remarkable, my little friend.
Sir Anomen Delryn, my husband. Do you remember when we first met? You were so arrogant and prepossessing, I almost drew on you. But I gave you time, and I will always be thankful for that brief lapse in my usually quick temper. I discovered that beneath the facade of a confident rude young squire, you needed reassurance, a boost to help you on your way. I hope I gave you that. In helping you find yourself, I let you in, and Imoen will tell you, I don't do that. I felt for you when you lost Moira. I never thought I could feel such pain on behalf of another person. And then, when you passed your test, you were so happy. You deserved such joy after all you'd been through. Remember I told you there was no need for you to fight alongside me, before we confronted Irenicus? You were so offended, you thought I was calling you a coward. But I wasn't. I just didn't want to see you hurt for no reason. The joy you have given me over these past years has completed me. There is only one thing that I can say to you. I love you, Anomen, and I always will.
There is so much more that I could say, both to those mentioned here, and others who I have encountered in my travels. You all contributed to making me the person I am, and your kindness will never be forgotten. From those who comforted a grieving child when she had just lost a father, to you who travelled alongside a girl who was treated with suspicion by everyone for her heritage, and to those who shared their lives with the woman she became, you are very much appreciated. My only regret is that I never had the chance to tell you to your faces.
Walk in the Light of Amaunator, my friends.
Anyway, Baldur's Gate does not belong to me, it belongs to the wonderful people at Black Isle. The only thing that is mine in this piece is the name of the hero, so there's no point trying to sue.
Are you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin ...
*
Words That Could Never Be Spoken
This parchment was found on the body of Duran, a famous warrior of our time, Child of Bhaal, and force for good in Faerun. Her loss will be felt by many.
*
If you are reading this, then I am dead, and my wayward life has drawn to a close. Perhaps, with my death, peace will come to our fair shore. I have done more than my fair share of the killing. The mark that has left on my soul shall never be cleansed. The blood of too many innocents stains my hands. I can only hope that they are at peace.
Whoever finds this should deliver it to Imoen, my sister, at Candlekeep. She will know who to contact. There are things written here that I never found the courage to say in my lifetime, and need to be laid to rest.
I was still a child when my troubles began, living a carefree life among the cloistered halls of Candlekeep. Gorion was the calming influence on my life, keeping me from straying too far from the path that would ultimately lead me here. If it were not for him, I would perhaps have perished with my friends in Candlekeep, or been murdered by the Five as they wreaked havoc across Faerun. I suppose I should resent him for the life I lead, but I cannot bring myself to think ill of him, a man who sacrificed his life as a Harper and scholar to raise a wayward Child of Bhaal. Poor man, he had to put up with so much as I grew, often having to apologise for my nimble fingers and quick temper. Together with Imoen, I ran the monks ragged. Despite all our faults, we were loved and cared for by those who lived alongside us, and would be still were we to return to the safety and serenity of those hallowed halls.
Imoen, my best and most treasured friend. We've been through so much together. You were the first to join me, staying by my side throughout my erratic childhood. I've never been so happy as the morning after Gorion's death, when you found me wandering aimlessly in the woods. Just the sound of your voice pulled me from my despair. You set me on the right path; after all, you knew more about it than I did, having read the letter. I never found the words to thank you for staying with me, for fighting by my side when I had no right to ask it of you. When Irenicus stole you from us, I was lost. All I knew was that you were gone, and that I couldn't go on without you. You once asked me why I went to all that trouble to get you back. You are my other half, little sister. I'm not complete without you, I can't function. I couldn't have asked for a better friend, or sister.
Jaheira. However can I repay you for what you have done, and what you have lost? You and Khalid were with me through my toughest time, when I discovered my heritage. You helped me come to terms with my blood, drawing me on to follow the path I chose. You always said my humour kept you going. It was Khalid who taught me to laugh again after Gorion's death. You never knew how he sat up with me on watch, telling me stories, teaching me how to laugh at life. He was the best of men, and sadly missed. As with Imoen, you were a mother figure to me, becoming one of my closest companions during my struggle to understand myself. I wouldn't have blamed you for leaving my side at all, but I will always be thankful that you chose to stay. Even when those Harpers in Athkatla tried to have me imprisoned and killed, you sided with me, against those to whom you owed more allegiance. I know you will say they were false, but you didn't know that. You fought and killed your own kind to protect me, and I will never forget that.
Minsc, what can I say to you? Despite your downright dangerous qualities, I love you as a brother. I remember when I first met you, in Beregost. You were almost frantic with worry over Dyanheir, grabbing Khalid and forcing us to stop and listen to you. I was frightened of you, I freely admit, but you were so kind to me, so complimentary of my stance and my skill. I can say with all honesty that you are the most unique individual I have ever had the honour of meeting. But of course, how can I speak of you and not mention Boo? It took you so long to convince me that he wouldn't bite me, but you finally did. You are so proud of your furry little companion, and part of me envies you that closeness. Of course, people would think me strange for saying such things, but you are lucky to have Boo. In your own words, we are all heroes, you and Boo, and I. Hamsters and rangers everywhere, rejoice!
Jan Jansen, the gnome with more stories than I could care to name. You always had an anecdote for anything. I would give anything to hear another of your stories before I go, but you have your family to consider and I would never dream of keeping you from them. I of all people should know the importance of family. You gave of your time and energy to help me find Imoen, even following me to Hell to complete my quest. For someone who sells turnips, you are remarkably well-rounded. I hope Lissa knows what she's missing out on. You are truly remarkable, my little friend.
Sir Anomen Delryn, my husband. Do you remember when we first met? You were so arrogant and prepossessing, I almost drew on you. But I gave you time, and I will always be thankful for that brief lapse in my usually quick temper. I discovered that beneath the facade of a confident rude young squire, you needed reassurance, a boost to help you on your way. I hope I gave you that. In helping you find yourself, I let you in, and Imoen will tell you, I don't do that. I felt for you when you lost Moira. I never thought I could feel such pain on behalf of another person. And then, when you passed your test, you were so happy. You deserved such joy after all you'd been through. Remember I told you there was no need for you to fight alongside me, before we confronted Irenicus? You were so offended, you thought I was calling you a coward. But I wasn't. I just didn't want to see you hurt for no reason. The joy you have given me over these past years has completed me. There is only one thing that I can say to you. I love you, Anomen, and I always will.
There is so much more that I could say, both to those mentioned here, and others who I have encountered in my travels. You all contributed to making me the person I am, and your kindness will never be forgotten. From those who comforted a grieving child when she had just lost a father, to you who travelled alongside a girl who was treated with suspicion by everyone for her heritage, and to those who shared their lives with the woman she became, you are very much appreciated. My only regret is that I never had the chance to tell you to your faces.
Walk in the Light of Amaunator, my friends.
