Journal of the Outcast

[TwinCast]

Solo

First week of the Scorch, Summer 2002 DW

I find myself turning to books more and more in the passing days. These journeys away from my current situation seem to soothe my mind far more than the horrible habits of my cohabitants in this dreadful tomb. I would almost go so far to say that this is a means of torture I had never conceived of, even while I am recuperating from my most recent fight. The results of which was a narrow victory snatched from the jaws of inevitable defeat.

While I must admit my annoyance at my sister for running to the one person I told her not to, I must also admit relief that he came so willingly.

However, the convalescence I am forced to undergo is the torture I am forced to endure to pay for my petty pride. Truth be told I would not begin to believe it was pride at all, merely a sacrifice to help my sister escape. By sending her away I could buy her the time not to be killed by these barbarians who call themselves civilized men, and she would not need to see my death. The fact I am still here amazes me, but I guess that by the winds themselves I am not yet to see True Death before my eyes.

Perhaps a bit more information would serve to enlighten any reader of my private journal, as horrifying the thought may be. I was walking through one of the seedier areas of the town of Radasanth, when thugs attempted to waylay me for more money. Seeing the danger, and the numerous amounts of allies my aggressor had, I decided to tell my sister to go to the local apothecary, and that I would hold out as long as possible till help arrived.

I never expect that help to arrive.

Truth be told, I had passed out by the time the cavalry had arrived. Felicity led the charge that would emancipate me from the clutches of those bothersome pests. I was then swiftly carried back to the home of my Uncle, Sei Orlouge, the Drantak Dragon, and Hero of Radasanth. I haven't seen him since, my birthday seventeen years ago. I had been meticulous in keeping away from my family, and now here I am, stuck in the middle of the more eccentric one's home. Fate can truly be cruel, can it not?

But, the torture was that my own sister would insist I not leave my uncle's place of residence, until I have recovered. The brace on my arm makes it difficult to write this out, and I am amazed at how legible the writing it, despite the splint's rigid structure. I cannot bend my arm at the wrist at all with this infernal device on, but I know far better than to merely remove it for something as trivial as keeping my journal up to date. Looking upon my injuries, I am amazed at how well they have been tended to.

I of course blame my sister's insistence on staying here. With no way to compound my injuries, I cannot of course grow worse in condition. However, for all that it does to help me grow better, it also makes me dread each day. Finding out I am by far the most qualified medic of the Orlouge Clan, Sei has decided that since I refuse to take his kindness at face value, that to earn my keep I must play doctor for these simpering buffoons. I can only imagine the stares I'll get when I begin tomorrow, as I can finally sit up without immediately being overwhelmed with pain to the point of uselessness.

Perhaps without having to rely on my books to keep me from boredom I can find other means to occupying my mind.

[TwinCast]

Second week of the Scorch, Summer 2002 DW

This week was an uncelebrated disaster. I have never seen a medical facility so unprepared. Already I have begun the task of sending some of the lesser members of these Ixian Knights out to take small groups of plants in order to begin the storage process needed to support this so called war effort. Apparently Uncle Sei has become entangled in the webs of Fate so much, that eight other souls are bound to be led by him into battle against an overwhelming force threatening the greater Corone Area, but focusing on Radasanth.

If he wishes me to play field medic for his curious game, I would remind my Uncle I am but a mere Witch, not a miracle worker.

Still, I seek to at least train a few more medics who can facilitate minor emergencies in the wake of my absence, or being drawn to a larger injury. Teaching these dolts what it means to collect and prepare for a war is exhausting. More than once I have found myself awakening to breakfast brought to me at the table I had collapsed upon while reading over a few more tomes of medicine.

While I find nothing new, no miracle panacea, I do remember more of what was taught to me by the local Apothecary, one Pierce Hawk. He was the man who taught me how to perform the most basic of first aid to a wounded person, and in exchange I dutifully took down any notes he needed on his patients. Over time I found myself understanding what was being said, and even questioned a few of his prognosis.

That made him smile, as much as I have ever seen.

He acted much as a father figure for me, long after my own flesh and blood abandoned me to the wolves. Though I will refrain from spending the rest of this book espousing my hatred of my Kin, I shall of course get back to the subject. That of the ronin Taka, first to respond to my demands that I see every member of the Ixian Knights and make sure they are in as good of health as they can be. I was surprised by the act, for while I knew the man was rather earnest about following orders, he had arrived the afternoon the proclamation was made. I saw no reason to turn him away, and so I began the inspection of this warrior.

I must admit that this goes beyond most of what I have read about possessing forces. This man retains some semblance of himself, despite the fact he is obviously tainted by the realms of the Akishaman hell. Further inspection using my connection with the winds of Magic confirms that indeed he has the winds of Azyr the Wind of Creation and Ulgu the Midnight Wind. The fact that Ulgu is involved with this one tempts me to study him, and see if I cannot find a cure for Felicity through him, but such experiments would definitely be unethical, and a stain upon my very soul to pursue.

I recommended to him to see me if the dark legions of Ulgu's caress upon him grow. I have made note in the medical log to study the body in earnest if he should fall. Even then I worry about the man, Cousin Anita seems enamored with him, and I am loathe to tell her the winds seldom release that which they gain. It is for this reason that being a Witch is considered so taboo, we must deal with the winds as equals, and for the most power, dark sacrifices must be made. Some trade souls for the power they seek, I am happy to pronounce that I have yet to perform such an uncaring act.

I will remain silent on my findings about this Ronin, for at this moment I cannot say what his fate will be. As a harbinger of the prophecy I cannot interject any information. I wish I could at least Tell Uncle Sei of his malady, but alas each bit of information unravels the threads of fate. I refuse to be the victim of fate's wrath when her bindings are shaken free. I shall remain silent and resolute, studying his condition from afar, and keeping that well written request for the ronin's body handy, should he happen to die.

[TwinCast]

Third week of the Scorch, Summer 2002 DW

Felicity has grown worried. By now there is a cot laying next to the desk which I use when I am too tired to return to my bedchambers. This has become a common occurrence, and the truth is I don't see that changing any time soon. Felicity of course is telling me to take it easier, as this is supposed to be my recovery, as well as help Uncle Sei. She doesn't seem to know what she is asking. Of course, when Sei demands I show up from dinner, rather than have me take it in the infirmary; he also talks to me of taking it easier.

Every time I hear those words, I think back to the growing pile of reports and plants in the infirmary, which need preparation and notation. It has become a bit of a habit between us, roughly once a week I am forced into Uncle Sei's company, and once a week I give the empty promise that I will try to take things easier. Then I go back to the infirmary, and continue to do what I was doing. Besides, I sleep on the cot, it is far better than when I was collapsing on my desk and sleeping.

Though to hear Felicity say it, she rues the day she offered my services to Uncle Sei.

Nowadays I can remain standing for extended periods of time, though I should be careful when doing so. I am still fatigued from the fact I am pulling these all night sessions only to collapse on my cot. Adding in the fatigue of my body attempting to knit itself together for the first time in years, and you have a rather tired and cranky Aislinn Orlouge. The people on my staff know that if I am asleep they are only to awaken me if someone is injured, and that their reports go on my desk. Those that collect for our supplies are to put the plants in the collection basket by type. Even they are beginning to pick up the beginnings of medicine, being able to cite when they have the wrong plants now, rather than wait for me to yell at them. If I were not so insistent on working so tirelessly, they would not have made it to this point in a mere two weeks.

I am also relieved to announce that I have more than enough willow bark now. I have begun to use some of it for myself, especially for when I am forced to remain active longer than necessary. If my ribs begin to flare up I can often be found with a piece of the bark in my mouth hanging lazily off a lip. As always, it tastes like tree bark, but the pain suppressor I gain access to in doing so helps me to ignore the pain as I continue on. While we have not stripped the trees of their bark, we are looking for a new grove currently. It does not do to remove a tree's skin too much.

There is nothing of note this week, other than the incessant cries of my sister. I have a growing list of people who have reported in, and an even larger list of those who have not come in. Amongst them are the three members who are Sei's bodyguards, William Arcus, Sei of course was truly the first to be examined, though that was before the edict even came out. Kyla Orlouge's name is also on the list, though I am certain I will not get the chance in the near future. Sei would most likely wish to be present, and so of course I will need to do so while Sei was gone. It would be hard to get truthful answers if Sei is present to hear them.

So, with all this in mind, I must close my summary of the week, and hope for better times. Next week I can finally remove the splint, and I welcome eagerly the days when I can finally flex my rather stiff wrist.

[TwinCast]

Fourth week of the Scorch, Summer 2002 DW

This week my Uncle came to look upon what I had managed to produce in one month's time. The large room he had given me had changed almost overnight into a place filled with beds, people rushing around to make sure that supplies were amply prepared for. He needed a force that could help the casualties of an Army, and with each day I see a new army rising. Where Sei's army would be one of destruction and fate, mine would be one of life and perseverance.

I have already begun the process of beckoning Ghyran the Breath of Life to place its blessing upon the area. The negotiations would certainly be stiff and may involve placing a Geas upon me. The exact nature of this Geas has yet to be negotiated, but it is a small price to pay in accomplishing my goals for this infirmary. It is refreshing to have a goal so tangible before me, instead of the lifelong commitment to my sister. In spite of enduring the lighthearted, yet often transparent attempts at my Uncle to get me to open up to him.

However, this week also hallmarked a new level of liberty for me. Sei himself saw to it Cousin Anita watched me for a couple of days, in order to figure out what had to be done to continue my plans. Then, inconveniently Sei ordered me out of the Infirmary, and not to return for the rest of the week. With that much free time, the boredom was palpable. Needless to say, I had already read most of my books, and while he held an extensive library, I had no pursuit that would take only a few meager days to fulfill. The first order of business was to catch up on sleep, and to eat meals with Sei, in order to prove I was taking this so called "vacation" seriously.

It wasn't until Day Two that my boredom had become legendary around the Tombs. Knights would often avoid me for fear I might do something to them out of boredom. With this level of anxiety, Uncle Sei told me to feel free to walk about Radasanth, or travel to Underwood and enjoy the rest of my time off. Of course I took the time to reconnect with Pierce, sharing with him the troubles I had to endure in setting up a facility that could meagerly be called a healer's house. He empathized, and gave me a few books that could help in teaching the basics of first aid to my newly founded army.

As always I thanked Pierce, and went on my way. Moving to Underwood I decided that a change of scene would be appropriate. It was here I met perhaps a kindred soul, in the form of one Jensen Ambrose. Though to tell the truth, it was a meeting of foolish luck and happenstance. I had ordered a minor drink, not wishing to intoxicate myself on Alcohol. During this time apparently Mr. Ambrose was in the middle of talking with a Drow woman, whose name eludes me to this day. Her counterpart, a male Drow wizard, suddenly decided it was time to begin his asinine mating ritual, and I would be his target.

Between the both of us, there was not one ounce of respect, or kindness for these simpering fools. While the fights were rather lopsided at the start, we worked together to prove our prowess by far outshined their belligerence. In the end they were placed in a dung cart, where they certainly deserved to go following the garbage that they called magic and a fighting style were put so arrogantly on display. However, word travels fast apparently in this small corner of the globe, and Uncle Sei had arrived only moments after the clean up of our barbaric opponents.

Then the most curious thing happened.

While Uncle Sei was in the midst of a rather stern lecture, Mr. Ambrose spoke up. His attitude was no less belligerent than that of the Elves, and yet Uncle Sei seemed amused by the antics. A small verbal spar occurred between the two, before finally he took his compatriots out of the bar. This left me alone with my Cousin and Uncle, and the brief exchange between us was by far more civil than what it had begun with. While my ribs were only slightly in pain, I was happy to report that the pain was not nearly as overwhelming as it could be on most days. I still do not understand why he would do such a thing, but the warrior took the brunt of blame from my shoulders fixing it squarely upon his own.

I shall have to figure a way to thank him, in due time.

[TwinCast]

First week of Rebirth, Summer 2002 DW

This week has been interesting. Following the departure of my dear Uncle, I have gained back undisputed control of the infirmary. This has allowed me great leeway in continuing preparations, but again my sleep schedule has become intermittent at best. The results of this being that once again my sister Felicity has begun to complain about my work ethic. The other medics I have been training seemed appreciative of coming back to the workplace, even if Cousin Anita was quite dour on the whole thing.

I was forced to remind her that matters regarding my sanctum could only be overturned by Uncle Sei, and only if I pose a danger to myself.

So, since neither was occurring I had continued to work, quite glad that for once I would not have the distraction of an hour long dinner. Though I must admit it is nice to have such a dinner once in awhile, and I am finding the conversation a bit more palatable. Once they realized I am quite content with my lifestyle, they reluctantly relented. I do worry though, that all the attention I have devoted to this infirmary might be distracting me too much from my sister's malady. That of course is unacceptable since I had long since promised her cure before this ridiculous agreement.

To that end I have taken to small breaks from work. When things get too slow I have begun to pull books from the library and stacking them on the desk in my infirmary. Most of these have to deal with the Plane of Shadows, with a few being on the winds themselves. Despite my Uncle's attempts at seducing my mind with books on witchcraft I need a balanced approach to this. As a result of the Shamanistic approach of Witchcraft there are woefully few books that even breach the topic of other planes of existence.

And so I am forced to turn to the Hermetics.

While surely a strain upon my very soul, I have gleaned a few important facts from the vitriol of these tombs. The more intriguing aspects of this plane are that only weaker shadow creatures can actually manifest on the Firmament. In order to come through as a larger creature, one must find a body to host their essence in. While not a solution for what is going on, it does explain why they would attack my poor sister. It of course also explains the myriad of injuries I sustained the first couple of years on the road.

This also means that the solution to healing Felicity is perhaps more difficult than imagined. Originally I thought this the work of Ghyran Breath of Life, and while the influence of the wind offered initial success, the degree was minimal at best. This was of course an obstacle, but not one so insurmountable. The research into Ghyran showed that at the very least, this was not the work of shape shifting magicks, which are born from Ghyran's ability to reincarnate forms, even if only momentarily.

Moving forward I began to study more upon the topic of Ulgu, the Midnight Wind. This information gave me more on the nature of my opponents, even if it offered nothing on their society or motives. While there were remnants of the wind upon Felicity, I cannot imagine that they would be in sufficient quantities to do more than serve as the fingerprints of an attacker. Whatever the fiend that did this to her was he certainly came from the realm of twilight. This insight was useful in the creation of the shadow trinket that currently resides in my hair. In changing my aura to match that of a creature born of the shadows, they have lost track of me, at least for the moment.

Alas, I seem to be regurgitating old information, I should perhaps reflect more on the new information than re-hash the old. The important thing to know is that places that are constantly hidden from the light are where the weakest boundaries of the Shadow Plane exist. It came as no surprise to me that among the list of such places the Shadow Trials of Chateau Drantak was one of the first mentioned. This would explain the attack, and further confirm the nature of the attackers.

With motive and opportunity, now I need more evidence than the presence of Ulgu upon my sister.

I have been tempted to take off the Shadow Trinket for the first time in years, and see what the results would be. While certainly a foolish and suicidal thought, confirming that my attackers are from the Plane of Shadows puts me at the advantage, especially with so strong a mage of the Light Trials only a few doors down the hallway. However, since that particular mage is missing from the premises, I am forced to wait in silent contemplation, considering if this course of action is wisest. The removal of my safety certainly would draw them as a moth to flames, a more fitting comparison considering what I plan for them.

All this would do is confirm their fiendish natures.

So, I sit in the infirmary, and see the growing stack of reports, before I shall close this ragged tome, and begin anew my work.

[TwinCast]

Second Week of Rebirth, Summer 2002 DW

Uncle Sei returned briefly this week, I hope he shall disappear for a bit longer, lest he usurp me from my clinic once more. While Cousin Anita's attentions were good in maintaining the pace, they were not enough to bring us closer to completion. She seems to have taken to administrating the clinic more, learning from me how to properly categorize and tally the stockpiles. Atop this she is learning to manage the people while I have passed out on my cot, but refrains from touching the reports.

She learned quickly when she could not make out any of the jargon upon them.

My staff is now comprised of a dozen people, all trained in the basics of first aid. They can create splints and set fractures with able readiness. While not tested under fire, they certainly are confident. I have taken to calling them out at random times, and testing their knowledge. The surprise inquiries into their abilities, has proven helpful in making them understand what they learn, rather than recite by rote. While harsh, they understand that lives rest in their hands when they take people in to care for them. A minor mistake can cause illness, or at worse death. In teaching them how to prolong life, I have also taught them how to snuff it out, as one would a candle.

Even now they have begun to take up the mantel of checking the peasantry I am forced to catalogue. In breaking up the workload, I am given the ability to focus on the upper echelons of the Ixian Knights, namely the Nine and their staff. With such a narrow focus, I have found more free time to enjoy, though that merely translates to study once more into the Realm of Shadows. Each one has been assigned to a division, with the remaining three floating about, helping as needed. In some small way we have formed a minor family, with these budding healers acting as my surrogate children.

Perhaps I have been here too long…

Of note, a new arrival came, and Sei insisted I check her out. The woman was a rather lively Elf by the name of Tobias Greenleaf. More than a few times I saw her eyes roam over the wares I was looking over, and I could have sworn one or two items turned up missing in her wake. The fact of the matter was, she was of good health, nothing terrible to note. While lithely agile, she seems to be a loyal lot. She mentioned nothing too terrible of note, though she did mention she was working for my esteemed uncle.

Apparently, this was to impress me. She seemed let down when I merely nodded and jotted down notes in my books. Asking the usual questions such as activity levels, whether she was suffering from a lingering malady, or of any unusual characteristics I should know of. I am beginning to think that people expect me to give them an in with my Uncle. As annoying as that habit would be, I am barely on good footing with him, let alone do anyone favors.

I also much prefer it that way.

After she left, I could not help but feel like something was expected of me. Even to this moment, I feel a missed opportunity. Of course, I saw nothing missing of the data in my journal, but I feel like I was not fully aware of everything that happened that day. Perhaps I should ask my uncle when he returns on his nostalgic tour of his weapons. Even then there is already a mountain of questions waiting for my uncle, and further plans to make use of his abilities.

I do so loath my reliance on him, despite the autonomy I am given to carry out this plan. Still, it is something to pass the time, even as my ribs now only hurt when overtly pressed upon. Breathing has become less of a hassle, and I can even jog for short periods of time. I am out of shape, and in dire need of more exercise. If I wish to leave the Tombs, I suppose I shall have to rectify this, though with each passing day I find it harder and harder to pull out of my intricately woven plans to finish this infirmary. What once began with grand generalizations and a smattering of good fortune has become a nearly autonomous process.

A month ago I would have called myself crazy for thinking I could prepare as far as I have. Further, the war is coming with each passing day. I feel myself running against a clock and while that clock has not yet hit its final second, I feel it looming over me. One day I shall see if my efforts were in vain, but in the meantime I shall continue to fortify this infirmary. Perhaps this is why I refrain from rehabilitating my wrist, which still is uncomfortably stiff, and working on my stamina.

Perhaps, as crazy as I believe myself for writing this, I have found a home…

[TwinCast]

Third week of Rebirth, Summer 2002 DW

There are some weeks when I wish I was not a Witch. This week, is one of them.

Ghyran the Breath of Life is the wind of magic that is devoted to healing and sustaining life, as well as modifying it. The problem comes, when one must deal with Ghyran, who can be rather fickle as deals go. As it was it took my doing more than my fair share of healing before Ghyran blessed me with the ability to heal using it, an ability that has slowly grown stronger over time. From those trying times, I learned more about medicine than ever.

However, this time, I believe Ghyran has overstepped its boundaries.

In exchange for blessing the infirmary as I wished, and help in soothing patients that they might recover from their injuries faster, Ghyran has asked for perhaps my greatest sacrifice. This one was perhaps the hardest choice to make, as I seldom like to leave a job half finished. The blessing would be a boon in keeping patients from teetering over the edge of death, and because of this, Ghyran asks for a sacrifice. This is the common strain in all Witchcraft, in that our power comes from sacrifice, be it momentary inconvenience, or physical.

Ghyran wishes me to bear a child, in exchange for blessing the Infirmary.

The deal for the blessing was given only after a few weeks, trying to get Ghyran to grant me this one blessing. I had argued that this was in keeping with its goal to promote life and evade Shyish, the Wind of the Tombs, grasp. It seemed to accept this at first, until it realized just what it was doing, while yes this promoted life, it also flew in face of the winds of Death and Beasts. To do such a thing would be angering two of his brethren, and so the wind decided to think upon it, and ask for something in return.

I can't do this, this is far too much for the cause.

If I accept this deal, and get pregnant, I have effectively given up on any hope of curing my sister. I won't be able to travel for at the very least several years. To compound this, I will be almost indefinitely in servitude to Sei, as I will never repay my debt to him if I accrue a larger on in its wake. Anything else I could have entertained the notion, but pregnancy? This is too far, I even yelled at Ghyran for the insult of binding me to such a place as this tomb. It certainly was a long conversation following it, with the deal being resolutely stuck at this most monumental of sacrifices.

After I cure Felicity I am more than certain I can settle down with family, but until this occurs I refuse to be so bound. I need to be sure that the winds are not going to root me to one spot, merely for their benefit, and this reeks of such an attempt. Even if I were to accept the deal who would be the father of my child? I certainly can think of no one that I would even remotely entertain the thought of touching me in such a way. I have not given into such urges as of yet, nor do I wish to either. I see no overwhelming need to create a family as of yet, and the thought of doing so frightens me.

What would I explain to the child when he came of age? That their mother is an exile from the Mystic Community because she chose family over the traditions laid down in a village he may never see in his life? Perhaps even a discussion of his blood and why she was so different from children that run about her? No, this is ludicrous and I do not wish to even entertain these thoughts anymore. I believe the infirmary can manage without me requiring such a gross sacrifice.

At least, I hope it can…

[TwinCast]

Fourth week of Rebirth, Summer 2002 DW

Today was perhaps the most perplexing day of my life. Felicity in an effort to teach me to live my life, rather than live her's, set me up on a date with Jensen Ambrose. The man had come into my infirmary finally for the check up he was required, and in doing so made a rather large ass of himself. The results of the examination showed him in excellent health, and the fact that would never change. He is Immortal, and because of this, Jensen Ambrose is incapable of experiencing old age and perhaps illness as well.

Out of pity for the man, and at the behest of my elder sister, I attended the date. We met at the bar that had been our introduction, and talked. At first we had joked and managed to get along, before finally we came to the realization neither of us wanted to be there. Putting on a façade for my elder sister we pretended to enjoy ourselves, before leaving. Once outside, we found ourselves ambushed by the same impudent drow that had attacked us the first time we had met at this particular bar.

I was forced to realize how reliant I am upon the winds of magic. Jensen came to the startling discovery that he had been met with fraud by the lady in the original fight that had lead to their hubris. In stripping the winds of magic from the area, he came to realization that the girl was of course addicted to magic, and that I unfortunately was as well. While others might force themselves to wean off their addiction I know I cannot, I have a job to fulfill and abandoning the craft now would be tantamount to suicide.

Recovering from the attack we suddenly found ourselves warming up to each other once more. Perhaps it was the heat of battle and the feelings of friendship it can engender, but I knew better than to assume that this fight would make us fast friends again. I had paid the immortal back for his help in the bar, by taking on the black dress his friend Stephanie had forced upon me, and going to that bar a second time. Now that I have experienced this outdated courting ritual I can safely say I never wish to pursue such an event again in the entirety of my life. The meager enjoyment was far outshone by the hassle of surviving it. Even now I am sure my ribs have been set back a couple of weeks of healing because of this night.

However after trying to escape the torture device known as a dress, Jensen attempted to burst into the room. He seemed insistent on being there and warned me about Felicity's odd behavior as of late. He seemed to be trying to say something about it, before he finally pushed me over the edge and in an effort to get him out of my room whilst I was half nude; I let out a verbal lash that seemed to strike home. In its wake he thrust his jacket upon me, and told me to search his past if I truly believed what I had said.

In the aftermath of such words, I feel foolish in calling him the child left in the cold. In a cruel irony those words were devoured, tasting every bit as briny as when I had spat them out initially. In the future I shall know comments on temperature should be avoided about Mr. Ambrose, lest I trigger a recollection of the memories I have seen. While he knows of sacrifice, and of loss, I know that he feels entitled because of it.

And the horrendous part is I am much the same way.

My love for my sister has caused me to lose sight of any goal that does not involve getting her better. Since arriving in the Ixian Knight's tomb, I have become less bitter, less angry, and this has frankly frightened me. I fear I am losing my edge that allows me to obsessively research my sister's condition. When I was angry and bitter, I could work and nothing would deter me. Now I have…distractions. I have the Infirmary to run, people to interact with. No longer can I callously drive them away.

I fear that I am becoming something else, and that whatever that is, cannot save my sister.

[TwinCast]

First week of Cull, Summer 2002 DW

Today I had my first medical emergency. Imagine the shock and surprise when it was none other than my Uncle. Having been attacked by a blob named…Hans of all things, I came upon the scene. Immediately the first thing I noticed was that he was covered in a high strength acid that was eating away at him. Working quickly I used the cloak of one of the Knight's to get most of it off him, but the cloak of course was eaten away by this acid.

Then I tried to pry his hand from the chakram he was holding. It was at this point I came to find the chakram seemed to have absorbed the acid, for it immediately burned by hands upon touching it. With a rarely used curse I managed to pry the grip with the help of the now utterly useless cloak and began the prognosis, though the malady was easily known.

Somehow my dear Uncle had taken an acid bath, and while unusually clean, it did open him to a myriad of infections in doing so. With the help of Taka and William, we managed to get him to the infirmary, where I stabilized him through use of the winds of magic. I only hope that such things won't be necessary in the near future, if this is to be the case. My first method of treatment was in dunking him briefly in water, to wash the acidic residue from him. Upon accomplishing this he was immediately sent for bed rest. Being the only patient, I managed to use this as an opportunity to teach the other medics about what to do in such situations.

Needless to say we were over prepared for this event, and that we returned to our routine quickly. The only annoyance I encountered during this time was the constant request for updates to Uncle Sei's health from the two who had helped carry him. Needless to say, I quickly had to institute a visitor policy or those two would probably have never left the infirmary. When he had awoken, I had a circus side show as I attempted to explain to Uncle what had occurred.

I finally had enough of it, and when he was well enough to move, had him placed in his quarters. I cannot say how annoying it was to be constantly harassed over his conditions. I am a medic, and I am taking care of the patient, if there was no change two hours ago why do you assume in the third that something miraculous happened? I will never fathom the stupidity of people in large groups, for that way lies the path of madness. In the end I managed to heal my uncle, and that is all that matters.

Still, the faculty of this tiny infirmary has done well in keeping pace with me. Perhaps there is hope yet that we will be done in time for this supposed attack. With the Ixian Knights, swelling and my cadre of healers working overtime to accomplish their goals I feel that we might just fulfill my promise. By summer's end, we will be ready, and we might just escape this war without a single casualty. I look about me and no longer see a room that is but a rock cavern filled with beds. I see a hospital, with a staff that prides itself on getting its work done.

I would have to say, for a clinic only two months old, we are progressing at an alarming rate.

[TwinCast]

Second week of Cull, Summer 2002 DW

We're done. I have accomplished my goals in getting this place completed by the time summer had left the Corone region. The staff of this infirmary is at the highest I can comfortably teach them. From here it requires practical knowledge, which they gain with every passing day. The amount of paperwork I went through this week was a day's work when this project began, and I am pleased with how much I can trust my fellow workers. My time collapsing on the cot behind my desk is at an end, as the cot has been moved to join its brothers in the rest of the infirmary.

The stock house is filled to over brimming with various extracts and plants to use in the application of medicine. Blindfolded the doctors are more than capable of finding what they need, and mixing it as necessary. They recognize the symptoms of many conditions from shock to a hairline fracture. While I do not bask in their admiration of me, I know that the comments that I give them, made enduring me to get here all worthwhile. They know I trust them, and they understand now that when I yell at them, it is as equals and not peons. They know I have stacked my name and bond on their ability to do the job I have tasked them with, and they seem to thrive in this environment.

I began with peasants who could gather me plants, what I ended with was a team I am honored to call colleagues.

While I do look longingly at the horizons, I dare not leave. Not now, I wish to see them in their moment of triumph. I wish to experience their first true test of skill, and be beside them to encourage them as they undertake their first steps as healers. Perhaps I will curse the need to pride myself on their accomplishments, but I wish to see it, and help them through it. While I only promised to stay until I got better, somehow this infirmary has…changed me. The healing that I give to others seems to soothe my soul as well.

There is still much to do before we are fully prepared for the battle, but that only covers procedure at this point. The knowledge required to survive the day has already been imparted and absorbed. Even now I find myself joining the rest for dinner more often, at first I could tell they I was uncomfortable, but with the work load lessening, it was getting harder to keep my empty promises just that. Now, I can at least maintain a semblance of civility, despite my acidic tongue. I used to fear being at that table every week.

I no longer fear never finding Felicity's cure either. Perhaps it is the mark of maturing, and while I highly doubt I will ever function well in a social situation, I know that is but another obstacle on the road. Perhaps I can find the cure here, amidst the labyrinth of tomes in the library. Perhaps I can do more good here, and find others like my sister to study. I do not know where this path may lead, and while it frightens me, it also elicits a giddy sense of elation. Perhaps in the time I have been here I resisted the efforts at first, but now, now I recognize what I have gained…

…I finally have a home.

Spoils:

The Ixian Knights have a fully functional Infirmary with twelve healers plus Aislin Orlouge to staff it.

[Silence Sei]

• STORY ~

22/30

Continuity (8/10) ~ You did good referencing your first adventure with Aislinn, you didn’t even mention Felicity and the mystery behind her transformation until post 5, and even then I didn’t know what the ‘shadow figures’ did. You did do a good job at explaining you didn’t want to ‘regurgitate’ old information, so you still got a decently high score here.

Setting (6/10) ~ While in the earlier half of the thread, I could see the dilapidated room that Aislinn was forced to work in, I found that the transformation left me wishing for more details. A few of your paragraphs were pretty good as far as the characters coming in for examinations, I just wished more effort would have been put forth into describing the complete infirmary makeover.

Pacing (8/10) ~ I think this story completely served the purpose of developing Aislinn. She started off a hermitess of sorts to starting to accept her interim job, to finally calling the Tomb home. A great example of how things are supposed to be done.
• CHARACTER ~

22/30

Dialogue (0/0) ~ Given the fact that there was absolutely no dialogue, or actual action in this thread, I’m scratching dialogue and action scores in order to give Persona out of 30

Action (0/10) ~

Persona (23/30) ~ The first few posts of Aislinn being guarded and secluded became a bunch of the same-old same-old at first. Luckily, you began to recover later on by having her evolve without going to great lengths in doing such. Her personality started off annoying just due to how much emphasis was put on ‘the only reason I’m here is because of my sister’. Like I said though, you worked your way out of that for a good score.

WRITING STYLE ~
27/40

Mechanics (5/10) ~ A couple of errors here and there. The first one and the one that sticks out the most off the top of my head is your misspelling of ‘co inhabitants’ on page one. I also noticed you capitalizing ‘elf’ when referring to Tobias Greenleaf, and as far as I know, elf is only capitalized as a name, title, or the first word in a sentence.

Technique (9/10) ~ The absolute best part of this thread. I have said before how much I enjoy first person style writing. Throwing the style into a journal entry seems to make even more sense than what I’ve always seen the character talking in first person to the audience as (An old man/woman recalling his/her greatest adventures). I really don’t think there is anything wrong with your technique at all, other than one small thing. As an older brother to a now teenage sister, I know how diaries are written. You used too little to too much in the span of a week’s time. The only real time I saw you reference multiple days was when you were also referencing Sei. This may have been the only way you could tell the audience of the passing of time between weeks, but it seemed odd that Sei was the only factor in making time pass for these week-long entries into the journal.

Clarity (7/10) ~ Everything was written to where I could understand it. I only had to reread a couple of things (A sentence here, a couple of words there). Overall, your target audience should be able to read everything in one go.
Wild Card (6/10) ~ It was a rather good read, and it gave us some insight into who Aislinn was. My only real beef is that while she mentioned Sei and Anita in the Tomb as her family, she only mentioned Kyla in passing, and if she mentioned Rehtul, her own brother, at all, I didn’t see it. Sure she may have shunned her family away, but if she’s living in the same cave with them, there has to be more interaction than just Sei and Anita checking up on Aislinn to see how she’s doing, and the occasional dinner. I just know this as Sei’s writer myself.

Total: 71/100

TwinCast gets 750 exp, and 150 exp. As well as a full infirmary for Sei’s Tomb.

[Silence Sei]

GP-EXP added.