[Dated] Alturiak 30th, Year 153

Its been tendays since I've found myself at this placed called Sanctuary, Free from Illithid's grasp on my mind. I don't know how long they held me captive, forced me into their servitude, the last thing I can remember was the creatures slimy tentacles sliding across my face a-[a large splotch of ink, the pen ceasing its movement, pooling with its writers thoughts]

Such memories are in the past, and should stay there, hopefully forgotten forever.

My time since arriving in this City has been anything but calm. To find bed and food, I've been forced to hire out in mercenary work, such dangers that I'm so unaccustom to. I've always had things brought to me, bought for me, served to me: To have to sleep on the street when your coin is gone has certainly been an awakening.

The citizens of the community seem to be a rugid sort, enduring danger after danger, but living on, best they can. The city seems short of most of the pleasures and comforts I'm accustom to, though when work is plentiful I find time to treat myself to a good meal, and a warm bath. A drink with pleasant company.

I've come to realize though that such comforts cannot be taken for granted - the dangers that threaten this Sanctuary are ever present and ready, I can no longer sit back and merely enjoy pleasantries, they must be fought for, in whatever way I can. Sharess grant me the strength to fight for such, that one day all who reside here can experience your pleasures without constant worry of danger.

@--[A long elegant line splits the page, curling into spirals at both ends]--@

I've recently found love within the hearts of two men, and mine shares love for both, though both have been ripped from me, just as I accept the feelings in my heart.

Dearest Erik. A single, sweet kiss was all we were allowed to share. So brief, but I will never forget the feel of your nervous lips pressed against mine, the feel of your body as you pulled and held me close. Such a noble man; loving, caring, and true. There is so much more I wanted to tell you. So much more I wished us to share. Be at peace, beloved Erik, you shall always have a place in my heart, your memory always in my thoughts.

I love you.

[another paragraph looks to have begun, but the few words as smirred and illegable, a volley of tears soaking the rest of the page as the writers composure is lost]

[Dated] Ches 2nd, Year 153

My attempts at finding a place for myself have not been as easy as I would have hoped. The spellguard seem to have taken a liking to me, and the Operative seemed pleased with the outcome of our first interview. I however, don't know if I can be as pleased. They have a noble cause, the defense of these people. But some of their tactics and ideas seem a little underhanded. He even had me thinking up things I would not have thought myself possible of even concidering.

I want to help - but I don't think I have it in me for such duties. That is not who I want to be.

[Another page, Dated] Ches 2nd, Year 153

So much has happened, I don't even know where to begin...yes I do.

I'm getting Married! [decorated with hearts and smiley faces]

Darling Jarrico, such a surprise when you proposed to me, but my heart could wish for nothing more. I'm so grateful that you can understand my feelings, understand my love. I cannot wait to set a concrete date, I cannot wait to become your wife. Despite my happiness, I still worry of our journey ahead, though I do my best to have faith that we will endure, as I've no doubt that our love will. And though I may not fully understand the purpose, I will forever be at your side, my love.

So many things to be done, so little time. I wish I could get a response back from Brelm on that dress. I hope Jarrico has found a priest. And I still haven't asked anyone to stand by my side.

[blotches marr the bottom of the page, as it seems the quill was hastily used to hold the page in the book, as it was quickly deposited in its bag]

[Dated] Ches 4nd, Year 153

Life has been hectic, so I will only try to touch on a few things.

I handed in my Spellguard Aspirant robes last night. I just know I don't have what they may want me to have. I watched the Sheriff drag a young woman to just outside the stand; naked, gagged and shackled. After claiming of her traitorous ways, he threw the girl off the ledge, and to her death in lower. I just don't think I have it in me to do something like that, for the city. I couldn't humiliate a person like that, and I don't know if I could kill a person, helpless, like that. That, plus the other concerns I'd already been having, I knew it just wasn't the right place for me.

I've met an extraordinary woman recently, and have spent much of my time with her. Ariel, such a care-free and spirited young woman. I can't help but find her boundless energy and enthusiasm, for everything she does, simply intoxicating. She is a facinating person: Straight forward, innocent, and true.

I've signed on as an alchemist, with the Marching Men. I'm afraid I don't know much of the subject yet, but have purchased the tools I require. I will try my best, and I hope I do not fail.

I miss you, my beloved Jarrico; longing for your embrace, yearning to feel your hands upon me, your lips against mine. I hope you finish your work soon.