As a slightly different take on the character journal theme I'm going to post here letters written by my character Jereth. There is no real attempt at order, but instead they will reflect his own mind and how often he is able to write. I hope that you enjoy.
The Most Honorable Lord Kelldonza, Head of the House Kelldonza and Master of the Knights of Irespan,
I write to you with a heavy heart. It is my duty to inform you that your daughter, Lady Dame Kelldonza, has gone missing. I traveled far to Wartle to deliver messages for her, and arrived at the town of Sandpoint upon the set day of our meeting, only to discover that she has failed to arrive. My suspicions were further aroused when I met a young Lady by the name of Dannie who claimed to have tried to meet up with Lady Dame Kelldonza but found only her riding gloves. She would not have left these gloves behind on her own unless she was in dire straights, given that they are a gift from your most noble self. I feel that I have no choice but to assume that something has befallen her somewhere within the forests surrounding Sandpoint.
I am beginning a search for her, even though I lack much skill in that area, and will enlist what help I may. I will not fail in my sacred duty to you or your house. It is my intention to continue to search the forests surrounding Sandpoint for as long as it takes to discover her fate. I will be using Sandpoint itself as a home base during my search. Messages can be left at the Rusty Dragon Inn should you wish to reach me. I shall send word if this changes.
However, I do have one humble request. The man who delivered this letter is one Sheriff Hemlock from Sandpoint. The town was recently attacked by goblins, and much of their town guard is either wounded or very green. I fear for the safety of the innocents here should another attack occur. The Sheriff has come to Magnimar in the hopes of securing more aid in the form of equipment and personnel. I ask that, for the sake of the good people of Sandpoint, you see if there is anything that you might do to help him secure the aid he needs quickly so that his people are not without his protection for too long. He has appointed several deputies to watch over the town in his absence, offering me the post as well but my honor forced me to refuse lest I be distracted from finding Lady Dame Kelldonza. I shall render the people of the town what aid I can, for I believe them to be good solid people.
I understand if you are unable to help, and crave your forgiveness for daring to ask such a thing from you. You are truly wiser than one such as myself and I shall accept your decision. If you should see fit to replace me with a more experienced member of the house I shall return. I ask only to serve as you see is best.
Most Humbly Your Servant
Jereth Holtan
Squire to Lady Dame Elane Kelldonza of Magnimar and the order of the Irespan
Revered Father Thomas,
I am writing you with a heart filled with mixed emotions. As of the time of this writing I have arrived in the town of Sandpoint. I am sure that you have heard from Lord Kelldonza about his missing daughter, my Mistress the Lady Dame Kelldonza, but that is only one event that has occurred during but a single day here at Sandpoint. I shall attempt to relate what happened in as clear a manner as I may.
Upon my arrival I discovered that Sandpoint was celebrating an event called the Swallowtail Festival. I was quite impressed with it, and I have much to say about it, but something terrible also happened. At the height of the festival the town was attacked by goblins of an unknown number. Many were injured and several killed before the goblins could be driven off. I must crave forgiveness, however, for I killed a goblin during the attack. I have prayed for justice to be done to its’ soul, but the taking of a life is a heavy burden. I ask that you give me some penance that I may perform that I might find some forgiveness in the heavens.
There is another matter that I feel a need to confess. I have met many good and noble people during this one day. One is an elven woman named Dannie, who is an exotic beauty that appears to be a friend to Lady Dame Elane Kelldonza. She is a special person, and it seems as if the light of the sun shines upon her continuously. I have no knowledge of the workings of a woman’s heart, Lady Dame Elane Kelldonza has informed me that it is a lesson that I am not prepared for, but I sense some strangeness about her, as if she feels uncomfortable around me and many of those she has met. I shall endeavor to understand her better, for anyone who is a friend to my Mistress is a friend to me and I wish to be as kind as I may.
Another person that I have met is a short and stout man by the name of Tamai. He has spoken gruffly, but not unkind I think. While I have not knowingly met a dwarf yet I imagine that one would be like him. He is a good fighter and has also offered his aid in my search to find my Mistress. I should accept his help gladly, although I’m not so certain about his invitation to drink due to our order’s views on the consumption of fermented beverages. I shall endeavor to be polite as always, but would appreciate any advice you might have.
Miss Sorn, a young girl who appears to enjoy fighting with her fists is another person I have encountered. I do not yet know what to make of her, but I will praise her fighting ability. She handled herself well during the goblin attack. I thank my service to my Mistress for preparing me for the sight of women fighting head to head with monsters. It still feels unnatural to me, and I find myself striving to protect her from harm, but I am trying to understand. Would it be wrong of me to suggest that she wear some armor Father Thomas? I do not wish to offend.
I have also encountered a young man named Jinn. I feel sorrow for him though, for he lost his new fiancé during the goblin attack. He appears to have channeled his grief into anger at the goblins. I an concerned that it will consume him. I remember well your lesions about revenge. I shall attempt to pass them onto him should he be willing to listen. If you have any advice or help please wrote me.
I met a man by the name of Master Foxglove, aiding Dannie to save his life during the goblin raid. He is a good man who has invited me to go hunting with him. He has also promised his aid in helping to find my Mistress. I readily accept it. He even granted me a generous gift. Some armor for Alana. It is wonderful to meet such a generous soul in this time of trial.
There is one other person that I feel compelled to tell you about, and they are the source of much of my troubled heart. I was wondering the streets of Sandpoint alone and lost at the beginning of the day when a young lady by the name of Shayliss took pity on me. She guided me through the town and welcomed me to the festival. She even introduced me to several of the local people, and helped me find the owner of the Rusty Dragon Inn. She has the ability to ease my troubles with a simple smile and I can’t seem to help but feel my cheeks heat when I am with her.
I am afraid, Father Thomas, for I have never thought these thoughts before or felt these feelings about anyone. Shayliss is so kind and gentle, and I sense a purity in her expression that touches my very soul. She is beautiful, as much as any lady of noble birth I have seen, and I feel my feet leave the ground when she touches my arm with her delicate fingers. I remember your advice about a lady love, and although she may not be noble of birth I feel that Shayliss could be the Lady of my Heart. I fear only that her father seems to dislike me, although I cannon understand why. I shall strive to win his favor through deeds of valor. It is my intention to ask Shayliss for a Favor next we meet. I hope that she will grant it.
My fear is, however, that none have ever captured me so, and I find her entering my thoughts frequently. Especially after she bestowed a kiss upon me. My lips still burn with the memory, and I feel a strong desire to feel her kiss again. I fear that my thoughts are less than pure, and my cheeks heat with shame to admit that I fear such thoughts could possibly distract me from my mission. I must beseech you for forgiveness and some penance for the sins in my thoughts. I fear I understand now at least a little of why some Knights do such strange things for the love of their ladies.
Please, Father Thomas, guide me with your wisdom. I shall strive to do what is right, but I worry about my lack of experience and pray that I don’t do further harm. Am I a fool? Have I lost my way? What must I do?
With Great Humility,
Jereth