Terath DrethanAug 25, 2017Aug 25, 2017 at 04:26 AM
#1
On several loose pieces of parchment, Terath wrote hastily with a shaky hand
I think this is it for me. We’ve been locked in here for 5 days. I don't know how it happened. I guess some cults or packs got together and decided to cut down as many Fighters Guild leaders as they could. They did a fair job… but not because they killed them outright. Because they infected so many. They started to turn and the ones who were infected but haven't turned made the rest of us end them before they did. I've used up all of the supplies Wren gave me. There aren't many of us left now. We've fought in waves. We lose more than them every time since we have no more ways to cure the disease. I guess for once it's good I was cursed and cured. This is perhaps the most disturbing thing I've ever seen, no, heard. People talk of the cries of the wounded and dying on the battlefield. Here, it's silence. We kill our brothers and sisters in this twisted silence. We are all warriors. They are meeting their deaths proudly. I can't hear screams of pain like you'd expect. You just hear nothing. So much silence. It's deafening. I feel like someone could scream in my face and I wouldn't hear it.
*There's a large ink blot and almost a tear in the parchment from where the point lingered and scratched repeatedly.*
I have to fight. I can't give up even when we're all so close to being lost. I made Wren a promise, and I will always keep it. If I die here… if you're reading this I'm sorry. I really did and will continue to do everything I can.
They passed mail through. The fucking wolves gave us mail. They're taunting us, trying to drive us mad. I got a letter from Lu about the town. That helped more than anyone would probably ever guess. It was a reminder of everything I need to return to. I know everyone there would be fine without me, but that doesn't mean it has to end here. I have to lead by example, right? What would all of my words mean if I give up or die here.
Nothing.
*Another scratchy pause*
I was looking forward to getting to know Afer, ironic that he just opened up to me and now I'm here.
Wren. She's all that's keeping me going. I won't leave her alone like this. I told her I'd always be there no matter what happens. Even if it means marching my stupid ass into the ouze. And I will. I guess there's more though. She's just what has been on my mind.
Lu, thank you for the note. It has given me strength and courage again when it was all faded. Tonight we will push out and fight them. We’ll make them eat their taunts and regret the games they are trying to play.
The following starts on a new page
In case I don't survive and others do.
Keys: Keep training hard and be yourself. You're already a wonderful influence on those around you. I fully believe you will become the clanmother. Don't give up on it no matter what this bitch of a world throws at you.
Degala: I hope you find Falen and he turns out okay. It was good to have you back and I'm sorry I didn't get to spend more time getting to know you.
Afer: Don't you dare fucking give up on what we discussed. Be the man you were meant to be. Guess our sparring will have to wait until your time comes. Take your time, I'll be there.
Disenyl: I don't know you well, but you showed promise. Take the leaders seriously and I’m sure you will grow into a fine fighter and maybe a leader.
Adsomar: I'm sorry about your leg. I wish I had done more to prevent that. I wish you a speedy recovery and thank you for risking yourself for the others. We are lucky to have you among us.
Boris: I don't know why you walked off. Never got a chance to talk to you. But I hope you remember you always have a special place in my heart. I hope the guild treats you well and you continue to regain your strength and grow as a leader.
Aurelius: I feel I have no special words to offer you for you could have exceeded me easily. I will miss our chats, I believe the guild is better off for having your tactical mind and martial prowess. Please look after the others and help then grow as I tried to. Perhaps you can join me and afer in sparring when your time comes. Again, no rush.
Storm-claw: Thank you for sharing your burden with me. I'm sorry I won't be around to help with it in the future. I have no doubts you will grow as a fighter and leader in the guild. Remember to practice patience and you will be well on your way.
Senda: We never got to speak at length, but someone as capable as you should go far in the guild with combat. I pray you never stop learning and growing with those around you.
Seriduril: I never understood you. I never fuckin will. That's okay. Thank you for the help you provided. Thank you for helping Wren through things which I could not. She needs people like that, please don't give up on her if she becomes emotional or stressed. She has a bright future ahead of her if she can get through all of this and not relapse.
J’Skarr: We didn't talk much but with the trainings you took part in you showed intelligence and promise. I didn't always agree with your methods or understand what you were saying with that lisp but at least you were creative and offered ideas others did not. I never really got to see you fight but I hope you do well in life and within the guild.
Kashya: Marshall, I'm glad we finally got to know each other a bit better. I had hoped to continue those talks, but I suppose they won't happen now. Take care of yourself. Remember you have people around you who really do care and would listen.
Suki: I'm pretty sure you're crazy, but thank you for being warm and welcoming to me when you had no reason to be. Perhaps it was for business, I don't care. I appreciate it.
Gilyn, Amaethaera, Ty: I didn't really get a chance to know any of you. But I saw you around a fair amount and it was almost always making a positive impact on those around you. That deserves praise itself.
Ali: Thank you for keeping everyone alive and well, even when people don't offer to pay. I don't know if people of Vulkwasten know what they would be missing without you.
Fedris: Please continue to be a voice of reason when others will not see it. I know we didn't talk much but I always felt comfortable around you, like you were watching my back without a word.
Thris: I barely know you but I better not hear that tune if I find myself in cold harbor.
Dre: I don't know where the fuck you went, but I hope you're mixing up trouble and living the life now that you're cured.
Xithic: May you hunt forever in hircines fields. I'm sorry things turned out how they did. I really tried to ignore what you were. I hope you can be cured and return home but I don't know what's going on with you.
Stripes: You were the first mage that got me to start accepting not all mages were arrogant assholes. I see a ton of potential in you and I'm happy you got cured and returned. Look after Wren for me, yeah? She likes having you around.
Estre: I kept saying I wanted to get to know you better but things always came up. My apologies for that. I've heard you can be hostile but I've never seen it. Thank you for all the times you've healed those in need. And for keeping me from drowning in sand and mud when everyone else left. Sorry I never got to buy you a drink for that.
Amelie: You probably saved my life more than once. And helped save Wren’s. I regret that I'm not able to return the favor. I am happy to see you growing as a mage and hope with your guidance more mages will rise who care for others.
Cirlin: You are one of the smallest fighters I've seen, but your energy more than makes up for it. Thank you for your trust and support. I felt like you never doubted me even if you did. It was nice to know you believed I was doing my job well even when I may not have been. Keep up your training with the others, I have very high hopes for you.
Terrance: You sir are an odd duck. But you were fun and good to have around. You are another one I would've liked to get to know better but time didn't usually work out that way. I hope your life and travels get you where you need to go.
Bethany: Thank you for the large contract and trust. You helped change my opinion of mages and the guild. I imagine we could have had a lot of collaboration and crazy adventures together. Perhaps the other fighters will carry the mantle forward with you as time goes. They're a good group so don't be afraid to contract them.
Wraesha: I'd love to give some final preachy advice about how you need to be better. But you already know my thoughts there. I wouldn't push so hard if I didn't see potential in you. Don't waste it. Okay sorry that got a little preachy. I believe in you.
J’Varr: It greatly saddens me that I may never get to say Do’Varr to you in person. From what I've seen you are well on your way to earning it. Your handling of the ruins. Your training. Your will to stand for others. If I may bestow the title on you through this note than I shall. If you see it from others after more time, I understand. Be well, Do’Varr. I broke the silence by saying 'Do’Varr’ outloud and got some weird looks. But it was worth it. I wish I could see what you become.
Theo: I hate you and I love you so much. You complicated things tremendously but helped me be a better mer. Wren misses you, I know it. Perhaps she'd be better off with you around if I won't be. I'm sorry for how I treated you, but I did what I believe to be right. We both made promises and I was trying to keep mine.
Lucia: Sister. The only blood family I know. I'm sorry I've kept you at arm's length. I.. was afraid of what might happen. What I might have to do. You know… the family stuff. You were always so welcoming and supportive. I’m sorry I didn't return it as I should have.
The following section was removed and is not with the rest
Lu: Gods be damned I'm so sorry Lu. I didn't mean to shove you into this spot. I know that's a huge amount of pressure. You can pass it off if you need to. That said I know you can handle it. Be confident. You were doing great before I left. Keep going. If you're wrong and make bad decisions, understand that it happens. That's why I’m here. That's why we're all dying... bad choices. Some of them my own. I don't think your mistakes will equal mine. When the day comes that you lead and make a mistake, admit it to yourself. Admit it to those that it affects. Tell them you know you messed up and what you're doing to fix it or improve. Learn from it. Don't dwell on it. You are stronger than you think. You just need a push to wake that part of you up. Listen to the others. Don't just hear them. LISTEN. They won't always be right and sometimes you will have to make choices that defy what everyone is telling you. Remember that you are in this position for a reason. They are your calls to make.
Gods I'm rambling. I just thought we had more time. I have so much I wanted to teach and show you. And so much to learn from you and the other members. I was so excited to tell your daughter the story of how her mother was a hero. The legend of the flying mer. Perhaps someone else can tell her the story. They'll probably tell it better anyways. I never was a good story teller.
The following section was removed and is not with the rest
Wren: Well this is going to be hard to write. I love you, you know that. With everything I have. If you go to the ouze I'll just have to become a ghost or make a deal with one of the daedric princes so that I can keep my promise. I will keep it. No matter what happens I will be there for you unless you don't want me to be. Don't fall into drugs or drinking. I know you want to deal with things that way but you are so much stronger than that. You're a guard for now, don't keep doing it if it's not what you want. Find what makes you happy in the world and do it. Don't run or hide. Face it. I'll be by your side, just like the dreams.
I hope I'm not being too pushy. I just know what's in your heart and don't want to see it get covered up or blocked out. You've given me so much and made me happier than I ever thought I could be. I *there's a small blot from a pause with the quill*
I'm sorry we didn't make it to Falinesti. I know our odds were low but I really wanted to get there with you. The island was a nice alternative and I wish we could spend more time there. Feel free to go there whenever you need to. Maybe I'll become a tree and you can climb all ov- that sounds weird nevermind.
The writing on the last part gets smaller and tighter as he realized he was running out of room on the parchment
Remember you have a lot of people who love you and will be there for you. Lean on them. I have so much more I want to say to you but I fear I'm out of time and room. I'm sorry I'm leaving you like this. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. I love you, Longsword, Little Bird, Little Woof.
I'm still here.
-Tits
A few spots of dried water distort the parchment near the bottom with a small blood smear on the corner where it was picked up
I think this is it for me. We’ve been locked in here for 5 days. I don't know how it happened. I guess some cults or packs got together and decided to cut down as many Fighters Guild leaders as they could. They did a fair job… but not because they killed them outright. Because they infected so many. They started to turn and the ones who were infected but haven't turned made the rest of us end them before they did. I've used up all of the supplies Wren gave me. There aren't many of us left now. We've fought in waves. We lose more than them every time since we have no more ways to cure the disease. I guess for once it's good I was cursed and cured. This is perhaps the most disturbing thing I've ever seen, no, heard. People talk of the cries of the wounded and dying on the battlefield. Here, it's silence. We kill our brothers and sisters in this twisted silence. We are all warriors. They are meeting their deaths proudly. I can't hear screams of pain like you'd expect. You just hear nothing. So much silence. It's deafening. I feel like someone could scream in my face and I wouldn't hear it.
*There's a large ink blot and almost a tear in the parchment from where the point lingered and scratched repeatedly.*
I have to fight. I can't give up even when we're all so close to being lost. I made Wren a promise, and I will always keep it. If I die here… if you're reading this I'm sorry. I really did and will continue to do everything I can.
They passed mail through. The fucking wolves gave us mail. They're taunting us, trying to drive us mad. I got a letter from Lu about the town. That helped more than anyone would probably ever guess. It was a reminder of everything I need to return to. I know everyone there would be fine without me, but that doesn't mean it has to end here. I have to lead by example, right? What would all of my words mean if I give up or die here.
Nothing.
*Another scratchy pause*
I was looking forward to getting to know Afer, ironic that he just opened up to me and now I'm here.
Wren. She's all that's keeping me going. I won't leave her alone like this. I told her I'd always be there no matter what happens. Even if it means marching my stupid ass into the ouze. And I will. I guess there's more though. She's just what has been on my mind.
Lu, thank you for the note. It has given me strength and courage again when it was all faded. Tonight we will push out and fight them. We’ll make them eat their taunts and regret the games they are trying to play.
The following starts on a new page
In case I don't survive and others do.
Keys: Keep training hard and be yourself. You're already a wonderful influence on those around you. I fully believe you will become the clanmother. Don't give up on it no matter what this bitch of a world throws at you.
Degala: I hope you find Falen and he turns out okay. It was good to have you back and I'm sorry I didn't get to spend more time getting to know you.
Afer: Don't you dare fucking give up on what we discussed. Be the man you were meant to be. Guess our sparring will have to wait until your time comes. Take your time, I'll be there.
Disenyl: I don't know you well, but you showed promise. Take the leaders seriously and I’m sure you will grow into a fine fighter and maybe a leader.
Adsomar: I'm sorry about your leg. I wish I had done more to prevent that. I wish you a speedy recovery and thank you for risking yourself for the others. We are lucky to have you among us.
Boris: I don't know why you walked off. Never got a chance to talk to you. But I hope you remember you always have a special place in my heart. I hope the guild treats you well and you continue to regain your strength and grow as a leader.
Aurelius: I feel I have no special words to offer you for you could have exceeded me easily. I will miss our chats, I believe the guild is better off for having your tactical mind and martial prowess. Please look after the others and help then grow as I tried to. Perhaps you can join me and afer in sparring when your time comes. Again, no rush.
Storm-claw: Thank you for sharing your burden with me. I'm sorry I won't be around to help with it in the future. I have no doubts you will grow as a fighter and leader in the guild. Remember to practice patience and you will be well on your way.
Senda: We never got to speak at length, but someone as capable as you should go far in the guild with combat. I pray you never stop learning and growing with those around you.
Seriduril: I never understood you. I never fuckin will. That's okay. Thank you for the help you provided. Thank you for helping Wren through things which I could not. She needs people like that, please don't give up on her if she becomes emotional or stressed. She has a bright future ahead of her if she can get through all of this and not relapse.
J’Skarr: We didn't talk much but with the trainings you took part in you showed intelligence and promise. I didn't always agree with your methods or understand what you were saying with that lisp but at least you were creative and offered ideas others did not. I never really got to see you fight but I hope you do well in life and within the guild.
Kashya: Marshall, I'm glad we finally got to know each other a bit better. I had hoped to continue those talks, but I suppose they won't happen now. Take care of yourself. Remember you have people around you who really do care and would listen.
Suki: I'm pretty sure you're crazy, but thank you for being warm and welcoming to me when you had no reason to be. Perhaps it was for business, I don't care. I appreciate it.
Gilyn, Amaethaera, Ty: I didn't really get a chance to know any of you. But I saw you around a fair amount and it was almost always making a positive impact on those around you. That deserves praise itself.
Ali: Thank you for keeping everyone alive and well, even when people don't offer to pay. I don't know if people of Vulkwasten know what they would be missing without you.
Fedris: Please continue to be a voice of reason when others will not see it. I know we didn't talk much but I always felt comfortable around you, like you were watching my back without a word.
Thris: I barely know you but I better not hear that tune if I find myself in cold harbor.
Dre: I don't know where the fuck you went, but I hope you're mixing up trouble and living the life now that you're cured.
Xithic: May you hunt forever in hircines fields. I'm sorry things turned out how they did. I really tried to ignore what you were. I hope you can be cured and return home but I don't know what's going on with you.
Stripes: You were the first mage that got me to start accepting not all mages were arrogant assholes. I see a ton of potential in you and I'm happy you got cured and returned. Look after Wren for me, yeah? She likes having you around.
Estre: I kept saying I wanted to get to know you better but things always came up. My apologies for that. I've heard you can be hostile but I've never seen it. Thank you for all the times you've healed those in need. And for keeping me from drowning in sand and mud when everyone else left. Sorry I never got to buy you a drink for that.
Amelie: You probably saved my life more than once. And helped save Wren’s. I regret that I'm not able to return the favor. I am happy to see you growing as a mage and hope with your guidance more mages will rise who care for others.
Cirlin: You are one of the smallest fighters I've seen, but your energy more than makes up for it. Thank you for your trust and support. I felt like you never doubted me even if you did. It was nice to know you believed I was doing my job well even when I may not have been. Keep up your training with the others, I have very high hopes for you.
Terrance: You sir are an odd duck. But you were fun and good to have around. You are another one I would've liked to get to know better but time didn't usually work out that way. I hope your life and travels get you where you need to go.
Bethany: Thank you for the large contract and trust. You helped change my opinion of mages and the guild. I imagine we could have had a lot of collaboration and crazy adventures together. Perhaps the other fighters will carry the mantle forward with you as time goes. They're a good group so don't be afraid to contract them.
Wraesha: I'd love to give some final preachy advice about how you need to be better. But you already know my thoughts there. I wouldn't push so hard if I didn't see potential in you. Don't waste it. Okay sorry that got a little preachy. I believe in you.
J’Varr: It greatly saddens me that I may never get to say Do’Varr to you in person. From what I've seen you are well on your way to earning it. Your handling of the ruins. Your training. Your will to stand for others. If I may bestow the title on you through this note than I shall. If you see it from others after more time, I understand. Be well, Do’Varr. I broke the silence by saying 'Do’Varr’ outloud and got some weird looks. But it was worth it. I wish I could see what you become.
Theo: I hate you and I love you so much. You complicated things tremendously but helped me be a better mer. Wren misses you, I know it. Perhaps she'd be better off with you around if I won't be. I'm sorry for how I treated you, but I did what I believe to be right. We both made promises and I was trying to keep mine.
Lucia: Sister. The only blood family I know. I'm sorry I've kept you at arm's length. I.. was afraid of what might happen. What I might have to do. You know… the family stuff. You were always so welcoming and supportive. I’m sorry I didn't return it as I should have.
The following section was removed and is not with the rest
Spoiler
Lu: Gods be damned I'm so sorry Lu. I didn't mean to shove you into this spot. I know that's a huge amount of pressure. You can pass it off if you need to. That said I know you can handle it. Be confident. You were doing great before I left. Keep going. If you're wrong and make bad decisions, understand that it happens. That's why I’m here. That's why we're all dying... bad choices. Some of them my own. I don't think your mistakes will equal mine. When the day comes that you lead and make a mistake, admit it to yourself. Admit it to those that it affects. Tell them you know you messed up and what you're doing to fix it or improve. Learn from it. Don't dwell on it. You are stronger than you think. You just need a push to wake that part of you up. Listen to the others. Don't just hear them. LISTEN. They won't always be right and sometimes you will have to make choices that defy what everyone is telling you. Remember that you are in this position for a reason. They are your calls to make.
Gods I'm rambling. I just thought we had more time. I have so much I wanted to teach and show you. And so much to learn from you and the other members. I was so excited to tell your daughter the story of how her mother was a hero. The legend of the flying mer. Perhaps someone else can tell her the story. They'll probably tell it better anyways. I never was a good story teller.
The following section was removed and is not with the rest
Spoiler
Wren: Well this is going to be hard to write. I love you, you know that. With everything I have. If you go to the ouze I'll just have to become a ghost or make a deal with one of the daedric princes so that I can keep my promise. I will keep it. No matter what happens I will be there for you unless you don't want me to be. Don't fall into drugs or drinking. I know you want to deal with things that way but you are so much stronger than that. You're a guard for now, don't keep doing it if it's not what you want. Find what makes you happy in the world and do it. Don't run or hide. Face it. I'll be by your side, just like the dreams.
I hope I'm not being too pushy. I just know what's in your heart and don't want to see it get covered up or blocked out. You've given me so much and made me happier than I ever thought I could be. I *there's a small blot from a pause with the quill*
I'm sorry we didn't make it to Falinesti. I know our odds were low but I really wanted to get there with you. The island was a nice alternative and I wish we could spend more time there. Feel free to go there whenever you need to. Maybe I'll become a tree and you can climb all ov- that sounds weird nevermind.
The writing on the last part gets smaller and tighter as he realized he was running out of room on the parchment
Remember you have a lot of people who love you and will be there for you. Lean on them. I have so much more I want to say to you but I fear I'm out of time and room. I'm sorry I'm leaving you like this. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. I love you, Longsword, Little Bird, Little Woof.
I'm still here.
-Tits
A few spots of dried water distort the parchment near the bottom with a small blood smear on the corner where it was picked up
Edited Sep 05, 2017 at 04:34 AM by 0