Entry 43 -
I started the day talking to Reginald, Covah, and Piggu (a bard I briefly met before). We talked about a number of things. The new theatre in Peltarch, how I've been finding myself to be telling stories to people, and about my problems with Devon. I only started to talk about Devon because Piggu made a wise crack about keeping an eye out for wizards wanting me for experimentation as I'm the rare offspring of a paladin and a bard. Normally, I'd really appreciate the joke, but it kinda touched a sore spot considering the fact that Devon does want me for something.
Wilhelm came rushing up to me, asking me to follow him immediately. He mentioned that Braeth and Rashid were about ready to kill Coin over something. The news hit me by surprise, and I immediately became concerned for Cera. If she were to witness them killing Coin, surely it'd break her mind even more than it already is. Not to mention her heart. I immediately followed Wilhelm to the South Gate of town. Before we left the walls of the village, Wilhelm stopped and whispered a question to me. He asked if Coin had ever tried to get me to drink some demon's blood. I whispered back that Coin did give me a vial of the substance when I became bonded to Braeth, telling me that it should help me with controling my Fear. I didn't drink it at the time, however, because I really didn't trust the substance (I was scared of demons, why would drinking the blood of one help?) and if what he said was true I'd rather save it for when I needed it.
Braeth, Rashid, Coin, and Kanen's voices grew louder, as their argument became more heated. Wilhelm and I immediately exited the town and approached. Fishel was also there, I think he was trying to calm everybody down. Kanen was also trying to calm the crowd. But Braeth and Rashid were full of anger and hatred at Coin. It seemed that they accused him of trying to corrupt me and poison Karli. At least those things. Oh yeah, Coin also claimed to have elf blood stored on him in waterskins. If Coin had done wrong (and the demon blood could surely be considered wrong, also the poisoning), then Coin should have just been jailed so that all the evidence could be brought forth and a proper trial be done. But the two were wanting to kill him right on the spot! I tried telling everybody to cool themselves and asked to have the whole situation explained to me, and also remind them how they could cause harm to Cera with their actions. Nobody but Wilhelm seemed to hear me though. Rashid challenged Coin to a duel. I stormed off, disgusted with what I was seeing. This is not the way Justice should be done! When they started the duel, only Rashid was swinging a weapon, Coin refused to fight. Not wanting to stain his honor at killing a defenseless man (though if you ask me, Coin did agree with the duel so there should be no stain), Rashid walked away in a very angry mood.
Cera was not there in body, but her familiar, Mojo was. Mojo was very angry and ready to attack anybody who wanted to harm Coin. I looked down at Mojo, who was growling away, and decided that I really should try again to be the voice of reason. Braeth was still wanting to kill Coin where he stood. Braeth again mentioned how I told him of the vial of demon's blood. I was a bit shocked, for I know I did not mention about the vial before, only today when Wilhelm just asked me. Did Braeth read my diary? I'm going to have to talk about that with him. I don't like the idea of anybody reading my diary without my permission. Anyways, Wilhelm and I were able to calm Braeth down enough so that he was thinking rationally. He walked off to his secret place in the woods to clear his head. I told Coin I wanted to speak with him later, and left with Wilhelm and Reginald to talk to Braeth.
Braeth was upset, as I expected him to be, but I was surprised that he was mostly upset with himself and not with me. I truly expected him to be angry at me. Braeth was angry with himself because he had let his anger and hatred rule again. He did wonder why Kanen defended Coin. I explained that Kanen probably felt the same way as I did. Coin should not have been killed like Braeth and Rashid were going to do. Coin should have been arrested and a regular trial with proper evidence brought forth. Braeth argued that not everything can be within the bounds of Law and that I should remember the Greater Good. I disagree, this was well within the bounds of Law. Poisoning Karli at the least is against the law, even if it was just pixie dust. I'm sure that some law could have been cited for the demon blood he gave me. But most importantly, I stressed about Cera and how hurt she'd be. Tyr protect and watch over that girl... she may already be hurt from what happened. She was watching through Mojo.
After Braeth was again of calm mind, all the guys in the group decided to have a little fun with sparring against one another. I guess they needed to vent out a little of their anger and frustration. I didn't partake though. Instead I watched and defended myself from the occasional goblin that decided to attack us.
I'm just so frustrated at what happened. Sometimes men really piss me off, always so quick to draw a weapon instead of thinking things through. I have to applaud Kanen, Fishel, and Wilhelm for keeping their heads cool. I'm also frustrated at the fact that Braeth seems to act more human and I act more elven. Oh well, hopefully things will work out alright in the end.
Please be alright Cera.
Entry 44 -
Coin has been put into jail and there will be a trial held soon. I've been called to be a witness at the trial, because of the demon's blood that Coin had given me. Braeth and Adam were arguing over Adam being able to talk to me because of it, since Adam will be Coin's defense at the trial. It kind of disturbed me how Braeth was acting, gloating on how he's setting the rules. So, Coin's charges against him are two counts of attempted poisoning, and one count of conspiracy to commit mass murder with Vinessa. The last charge REALLY surprises me.
This whole trial business put me in a foul mood, because I know the one who stands to be hurt by this is Cera. I decided to go bash out some frustrations on some wandering goblins in the Rawlinswood. While in the woods, I ran into Jade. She seemed to be in a good mood, and we both decided to hunt together. By Tyr, she is skilled with that greatsword. It seems unreal how a smaller elf such as herself can wield that weapon with such grace. She attributes her skill to her teacher, Steele.
After our hunt, Jade went off with Wilhelm. I wandered around town for a little bit, still feeling anxious about the trial. While I was talking to Amissa, I noticed a black figure near the houses across from the Friar's place. I had a suspition that it may be Mojo, because it looked like the big cat. I left Amissa to investigate, and sure enough, it was Mojo. Poor Cera. My heart aches to think of how she must feel. I called out to Mojo, asking if Cera is okay. While I stared at the panther, I heard Cera's voice in my head, and I spoke back to her.
I'm very disturbed by her words. She hates us all for what we are doing to her Coin. He's special to her like Braeth is to me. She thinks we all betrayed her, especially Braeth and Rashid. I think she understood that I didn't want any of this to happen, but... She said if Coin dies we will never be forgiven....
I'm losing a good friend. And even worse than that, I'm seeing her innocence slip away. That one cherished quality I saw in her, it's fading away. It breaks my heart.
After I left Mojo, I ran into Wilhelm and Jade again. Jade pulled me aside, wanting to talk to me. She told me that she thinks Reg has fallen for me. Now, I've known the bard for a long time. He was one of the first friends I made when I arrived in Norwick. I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised if he has fallen for me, but I think he hides it well. Usually, at least. Jade told me he had drunken himself into quite a stupor the night I became bonded to Braeth. Wilhelm had a hell of a time getting him down from the roof of the inn. Poor Reg. Falls for a girl, only to have her belong to another man.
Later, while I was talking to Wilhelm, I felt a spirit reach out to my mind. At first, I thought it was Yohan again, but it felt different. Familiar, but not the old man. A few brief flashes entered my mind, a knight of Torm was fighting some bugbears, trying to rescue a friend. I realized the knight was Sir Wulf. I spent quite a bit of time trying to find somebody help me retrieve him, the only way I could think of was to become invisible, for I did not want to fight bugbears. However, before I went deep into the woods, I felt the spirit's contact with me disappear, like he was pulled away. It was strange, but I felt in my gut like the spirit had been pulled back to the realm of the living. The sorceror I had gotten to help me and I decided not to go search for him, hoping that my feeling was right.
Entry 45 -
I had a wonderful day of fun and relaxation. The gypsies held a huge party, which they called a Patshiva. Unfortunately, I missed the beginning of it, which had many stories, songs, and poems. A well, fun was still abound.
Kanen was kind enough to escort me to the camp. On the way, he spoke of how he hoped I understood his decision to leave the militia. I told him that I completely understood, and in fact felt the same way as he did. He was glad to hear my words. Why is it that I seem to be the only one that understands this paladin?
When we got to the camp, they were holding the archery competition. I was surprised to see Coin with Cera. Last I knew he was in jail. Did they let him out so that he could see Cera one last time before the trial? If so, then I have to commend whoever let him out. Cera really did need to see her Coin again. And I have to commend Coin if he does keep his word and return for the trial. I really wanted to speak to Cera, but I was too scared that she'd not want to talk to me, so I just kept things to a polite greeting. I've come to miss her cheerfulness though.
Hugh won the archery contest. Afterward they had a melee competition. Coin surprised us by showing himself to be a very skilled. He bested Kanen and made it to the final round. Ultimately though, a dwarf named Balin proved to be the best warrior. Next was a boxing competition, which turned out to be very one-sided. Hugh was completely victorious, which isn't surprising. Monks are trained very well with hand-to-hand combat. Cera surprised me by stepping into the ring for a boxing match. She lost, but put up a very good fight.
Things started to wind down after that, and many of the people left. A few others and I still wanted to hear some tales. Reginald started to sing a song, but was interrupted as a theif tried to steal something from Coin. Next, my bard friend recited a prose, which was very lovely. After that though, it seemed nobody wanted to tell a tale. Having had an ale, and with my mother's blood burning in me, I decided that if nobody was going to give me a tale, I might as well give one of my own. I told of how my father became a paladin. I know I told the story before, thus it should be easy for me to tell again. Plus, it was a new crowd so it was new to everybody. The crowd loved the tale, though it took longer than I thought it would to tell it.
Reginald was especially pleased with the tale. He told me that my heritage obviously showed itself. I could tell by the way he acted that Jade was definitely right. He's smitten. I feel sorry for him. I must commend him for being a perfect gentleman about it though. Poor Reg.
Entry 46 -
I dreaded getting up this morning. I feared what Coin's trial would do to Cera. I also had a hard time believing that Coin was as bad of a person as this trial was out to make him. I headed out of the inn, and went to find Braeth. It wasn't too difficult to find him, he was over by the guard platform by the north gate. He was with Rashid and Karli, and another elf, named Sil I think. Karli and Rashid seemed to be arguing about something, and then both stormed off angry at each other.
Wilhelm then entered town with Cera of all people! I guess she wanted to see the trial for herself. She really yelled at Braeth. He tried to explain himself to her, but I think he was doing more harm than good. I also sensed that even if Coin was proven innocent, his troubles with Braeth wouldn't be over. It felt like Braeth was hiding something.
Rashid called Braeth over, and told him that he's dropping the charge doing with poisoning Karli. She basically told him not to do it. Braeth got very upset. He quit the militia right there, throwing down his papers. All because he thinks Justice is not being served. His attitude was starting to piss me off. He's damning Coin to be this person as evil as Vinessa when the whole Truth isn't known! We exchanged a few words, and then he stormed off. Wilhelm went after him, with the hopes of calming him down.
While Braeth talked to Rashid, Cera started calling me, "Mommy." It was nice to see her not angry at me, but to see her in such a state that she's reverted into acting like a child really struck me senseless. I don't think I ever realized before how shattered her mind is. I knew from the first day I met her that she wasn't fully sane, but to this level? It's terrible that such mental illness has struck such a sweet person. Cera and I tried to find Adam and Coin to tell them the news about the trial, but we were unsuccessful. I ended up parting with her at the tavern.
Later, I travelled back to the Alliance hall, wanting to pray at my temple. Things were just going too crazy, especially with Braeth. I know he's doing what he thinks is for the Greater Good, but I just can't agree with it. Braeth came in just as I was praying, figuring that I'd be there. He and I still argued a bit, and I could tell he still wanted to do something to Coin. He just couldn't let it go. We both left the temple and ran into Fishel. Fishel and I both tried to talk Braeth into not taking further action against Coin. It was a long talk, but we were successful in the end. I think. Coin just better watch himself and not get Braeth angry again. Fishel and I then talked, about his past, about my overcoming my Fear, a few other things too.
It looks like Braeth wants to move. He's sick of the town. He's considering moving to the gypsy camp. Not a bad choice really, it suits his personality better. We also have a lot of friends that moved there, and it's closer to the Alliance Hall. I guess I can live there.