Library:Stone Circles and Paths Taken

Lady FireLotus relates an overheard conversation that hints at dark tidings in the south within this journal entry. The story was first published on the Shroud of the Avatar Forum, and the first three paragraphs were excerpted in Update of the Avatar #89.

Stone Circles and Paths Taken
by FireLotus

Not too long ago, I noted that the Lunar Rift outside Owl's Head had begin working again. That, at the time, seemed only relevant in regards to my own decision (or lack of) to step into it again. But slowly, and now that I really reflect on it, unsurprisingly, more people like me have started emerging from it. Outlanders, I suppose. At least that it what the “locals” would call us. Some even patronize the Tavern. I’ve tried to maintain appearances, that I have always been here, but the desire to connect with others like me…. Well, that’s a powerful desire not to act on.

So I have started whispering my secret to a select few that I’ve gotten to know and gotten to trust. All of their experiences are unique to each of them, but they do share some things in common. They all speak of arriving here in a blinding light. They all speak of never really feeling like they belonged back where they were. And they all speak of feeling connected to this place somehow, like on some unconscious level they always knew that they belonged here.

In turn, I’ve shared the knowledge I have gathered during my time here with those whom I trust. They understand that my being shrouded in secret makes things easier, as they have all experiences the distrust and skepticism of the people who live here. I suppose I was lucky to have arrived alone, to have resembled the long lost daughter of a beloved merchant here who had recently boarded up his Tavern to go search for her. He had been missing for almost three seasons when I arrived, and my “safe-return” was celebrated. I had only planned to continue this ruse until I could enjoy a hot bath and find some clean clothes to wear, but I felt so at home here. And safe. I hadn't felt safe since I arrived, and that was the most compelling reason of them all to stay a while.

But now that there are others like me, I have to admit that I am tempted to go off and find adventure with them. I’ve never been one to seek shelter from the storm, or to stay put for very long. And Thomas could easily mind the Tavern for me, just as he does when I would travel to meet with my contacts in the Red Sash. Some of them have even discovered that they can tap into the magic of this place like I can. Imagine what we could learn from each other. Imagine the places we could see and the mysteries we could uncover.

I may not know where my path is meant to take me, but I do know that there is a path, and it is one I am compelled to follow. And I thank my new-found friends for reminding me.