Miette’s Journal (translated from Elven)
There are many entries alluding to Miette’s life as a a rogue but they all seem to be dated several decades ago. About ten years ago, though, she apparently settled down in this grove with her sister, Onarra, a powerful druid. For a few years, the entries are fairly mundane. Miette notes when Onarra was off with her adventuring companions, and there are several entries detailing how happy Miette is about having left that life behind.
There are occasional, minor mentions of most of you by name, but with small details that don’t make sense. For example, in one entry Miette alludes to Mordai and Brigga as being powerful healers, and in another she notes that Balisar’s technical lockpicking skills have greatly improved, especially when using the mage hand spell. Miette also mentions her distaste for Bannock because he is from the savage tribes of humans to the north, noting that he shared more in common with a pack of wolves than with men. That same animalistic nature is why Onarra trusted him so deeply, though, and Miette trusted her sister’s judgement.
There are a few entries that stand out even among those discrepancies, though. For several months, Miette makes frequent mention of your companion Naziah. Apparently Miette was harboring a secret crush on him, though her descriptions of Naziah are quite unlike the man you know. Miette describes Naziah as an accomplished bard with a generous and open nature, quick to smile even in the face of danger, and a loyal and steadfast companion. As you read these entries you can clearly see Naziah’s face in your memories, with a smile of pure mirth. Somehow you feel, in your very soul, that you trusted him with your life and he never let you down. That thought makes you feel inexplicably guilty, though...
Miette also notes though that Naziah seemed to have an unrequited crush on another of your companions, Gwendolyn. And it seems as though maybe Erk was jealous? Miette couldn’t be sure because she didn’t see Erk much, noting that he was often away working on tasks for his mysterious patron. Miette also notes that Onarra was concerned about Erk. As his arcane power grew, he was growing more distant and often seemed to be cloaked in darkness. Miette didn’t seem to be exactly sure if Onarra was speaking literally or figuratively.
In another section, Miette talks about Quarion and Jareth, and their martial skill being a credit to the ancient elven traditions. Miette clearly states that Jareth is an elf, and he and Quarion are brothers! Apparently Quarion had sworn a great oath of vengeance after their father was slain by a necromancer. And Jareth apparently wielded one of the legendary elven Moonblades, which had been a symbol of their elven family for almost a thousand years! Miette speaks of her great respect for the brothers, a feeling echoed by Onarra.
About four years ago, you find more passages of immediate relevance.
Onarra and Brigga came to the grove today and started planning an addition to the cottage. When I asked what it was for, Onarra looked at me strangely and replied, ‘storage’. Brigga looked amused but said it was Onarra’s secret to tell. For all of their differences, these new dwarves from the far western lands can be just as stubborn as those here in the Central Flaness.
I’ve enjoyed Onarra and Brigga’s company these past few weeks. I enjoy my life here in this ancient forest, but occasionally it’s nice to be reminded of civilization. Maybe I’ll take a journey soon. I wonder what Rookroost is like these days?
But the addition is completed. Thanks to Brigga’s craftsmanship I can’t even tell that the addition wasn’t constructed with the rest of the cottage. Apparently the only furnishing is to be a plain stone table. I’ve no idea why, but they both insisted. I don’t understand but they’re both acting like they’re sharing a joke that they don’t want to tell me just yet.
Over the next few years it appears that Miette got more comfortable with the clone lying inert in the next room, often talking to it as if Onarra was really there, just sleeping. Miette notes that Onarra’s visits home are getting more infrequent and that she seems much more interested in the savage power of nature rather than the power of life and growth, as she used to. The final entry again jump out at all of you.Sehanine above! I’ve finally met the mysterious Quirin! He showed up late last night with Erk. I’m sure they teleported here. Quirin seems a fairly serious type. There was a quiet dignity about him, though. Maybe it was the silver hair. He seemed old, even beyond the hair, but I always have trouble judging age in humans. Erk was unusually somber, too, but I don’t wonder why after seeing their purpose!
All four of them were holed up in the addition for hours, talking, then chanting. Some kind of powerful magic was being crafted and when they were done, they all looked exhausted, but proud of themselves.
There was a large wooden box on the table. It took me a moment to realize that it was a coffin! Onarra reassured me that everything was alright and led me over to the top of the coffin. There was a glass pane in the lid and when I looked inside my heart almost failed me! There’s a body in the coffin, but not just any body, it’s Onarra! Which of course, means that I was also looking at myself in a coffin.
Everyone had a good chuckle at my reaction, but they all assured me that everything was ok, that this was just a copy of Onarra’s physical form, in case she were to be slain somewhere. I don’t care what they call it, it’s damn creepy!!
I can scarcely believe the events of the last two days! I was awoken at night by a loud crash from Onarra’s bedroom. I rushed to the room only to find Onarra’s bed lying cracked and broken on the floor, obviously fallen off of the stone table. And Onarra was awake, but dazed, supporting herself on the table. I rushed to her side but she looked at me wild eyed, with no recognition at all! I tried to grab her, to explain where she was but she pushed me aside and ran out of the cottage, into the night. I would have followed immediately but I cracked my head against the stone table when I fell and I must have passed out.
When I awoke, I dressed and grabbed some of my old gear but she was gone. I searched for hours in the night, calling for her, to no avail.
I have only returned home for a brief rest and then I will set out to find Onarra’s adventuring companions. I fear something terrible has happened if Onarra’s clone was activated. I’m going to try Lucky Break first, since it’s the closest of Onarra’s companions. If I don’t find anyone there I’m going to try and find Erk’s tower. He or his apprentice, Ulheln, have to know something!
