#terberis aeres

[magical-readathon-diaries]

Terberis #10: The Scrolls

After what felt like hours of pain and misery, I managed to put together a quick remedy and drink it. I felt a lot better afterwards while still being a little bit sore. We all discovered we had been poisoned back at the ruins and that the poison took effect all at once. I made sure that everybody was okay and if they needed a remedy I would be happy to make them one. I did check on Rhain, his throat was still sore and he had a bit of a cough but other then that he was fine.

Rhain told me something that slightly worried me. He said that he pushed the poison out of his body and spit it out in some sticky black goo. He also said that this wasn't the first time he did something like this. That he did this when he was in the Mist, that he used it against the demon. He literally bent the demon's body in half. He told me he was really scared and didn't want to hurt me with whatever kind of power he had. I reassured him that he would never hurt me and that I would help him figure all this out. I think he appreciated that more then he let on.

After about a week of traveling, we finally got to the Tower of Rumination. It wasn't as grand looking as we thought it would be and not to mention the tower was crooked. Before we could even take a step inside, we were greeted by some odd wizard with what looked like a bottle of alcohol. He welcomed us inside and hesitantly followed him inside.

The inside was a lot better then the outside, with enchanted brooms and dusters cleaning things, birds of all kinds perching in places and tables filled with delicious looking food and drinks of all kinds. As I am looking around I notice some onions and garlic hanging in place. The onions are moving rather strangely and I approach it to see what might be moving it. All of a sudden a pixie pops out and starts biting down on my fingers. I never knew pixies had such sharp little teeth and that they hurt. I start screaming and the wizard comes over calling for the pixie to let go of me. It does and flies back to the wizard. I will have to make a slave for my fingers later.

The next morning my hand has healed thanks to my salve. As soon as we wake up we are summoned to enter the Favor Chamber. As soon as I enter, I can see the beautiful wall tapestries and four pedestals standing towards the middle of the room. On these pedestals our four scrolls each with engravings on the pillars. These engravings say what kind of scrolls are on the pillars. I decide I want the Scroll of Lore. I have always loved reading and learning about all the things around me so it just made sense to me. I dont know what this means for me but I hope it is something good.

[magical-readathon-diaries]

Terberis #9: Poisoned!

We rested for a couple of days after that traumatizing incident. I didn't know what to say honestly. This is more scary then I originally thought. I can not believe I have lasted so long and I am being brave. That almost never happens. I did get more notes about the ruins before we left for our next destination. I have learned a lot about myself so far and I know I can do anything that I can not let my fear stop me from achieving what I want in my life. While I do miss my home and my family, I carry the knowledge that I will see them again soon. I will make them proud too. I also made a best friend along the way one I wouldn't trade for the world. When he is ready I will be there to listen to what troubles him.

We get to the Obsidian Falls and it is so beautiful. In the daytime it's almost like it isn't there at all but at night it shines and shimmers like a rainbow. I just stood there staring. I couldn't look away at how beautiful it is. On one of these nights Rhain came over and stood next to me.

Rhain said " Hey I am still sorry about spacing out on you. The mist just really got to me you know. It brought back some really bad memories." I gave him a look of concern and asked " What kind of memories?" Rhain looked away and then looked back at me. " The memories of my father's death. I never told you this before but my father died because of something I did. I went up on the surface of Darkmeadow just because I thought I was getting back at him. A demon attacked me and nearly killed me. My dad and a bunch of his friends saved my life. But they lost theirs in the process. My uncle was the only one that survived but he was paralyzed from the waist down. I think he blames me but doesn't say anything. My mother, she was never the same. She went into a deep depression that she can't get out of. She isn't even there sometimes. I think she hates me for taking my dad away from her. " Before he could continue he started to sob uncontrollably.

I didn't know what to say except that I needed to make him feel better. So I hugged him. He held me back really tight. " Please Terberis don't hate me." I just held him and didn't say a word. " I don't hate you Rhain, I never will." We stood there for a long time until finally Rhain broke the hug. He smiled not a cocky one but one of sincerity and love.

I opened my mouth to say something but all of a sudden I felt a sharp pain in my stomach. Rhain looked shocked " Terberis, are you okay? You need some Argggh!" Rhain was doubled over in the same type of pain that I was in. He fell to the ground holding his stomach. This must have been the work of some type of poison. The girl we found was the only one not ill. She must have brought something to us. I knew I had to make a remedy. All my talk of plants and healing was finally going to pay off!

[magical-readathon-diaries]

Terberis #7: The Mist of Solitude

We left for our next destination the day after the funeral. We didn't want to waste anymore time and thought it would honor Napvi's memory if we continued forward. We packed up our gear and our tents and headed out.

After hours of walking we came upon a wall of mist. It was large, larger then I thought it would be. I know what this is this is The Mist of Solitude. The place where others have lost their minds or worse have never came out. Seeing it now up close, It is very itimidiating and scary. Our party members try to look for a way around the mist but they can not find another way. They say the only way past the mist is to go through it. After much debate and much reluctance, we decide to go through it one by one.

I looked at Rhain, nervousness in his eyes, He looks back at me and smirks. "Everything will be okay Tree Hugger, don't worry how bad can a little stroll through the mist be." He reassured me that he would see me on the other side and would come up with some smart remark when I come out. I know he was trying to make me feel better about all of this and I appreciate him doing that. When my turn came, I took a deep breath looked back at my friends and I stepped through.

At first I could see everything quite clearly, It looked normal and nothing was really out of place. I walked further and I noticed as I walked further on the mist seemed to grow denser and thicker. It started to make it's way around my feet and ankles. I got startled and tried flapping my wings to keep the mist at bay. It didn't seem to do much as the mist kept coming and swarming around me. It made it's way up my body and before I could react darkness overtook me.

I opened my eyes and I saw nothing. I heard nothing and felt nothing. I tried to move around but I felt frozen. I looked around me and heard small little whispers. They started getting louder and louder. I tried to cover my ears to block out the sound but it did nothing to stop them. They kept repeating all the things I had said about myself over the years. That I was a failure and a coward and just a unnatural half breed. I had to make the voices stop so I did the only thing I could, I made a vine barrier around myself and meditated hoping the voices would leave me alone.

They only seemed to get stronger and stronger and showed no signs of stopping. I sat there listening for a long time and I thought about just giving up letting the mist take me and swallow me whole. Then I thought about my friends and my family and I couldn't just give up and leave them behind. I got up and put the barrier down. I saw that the voices have now taken shape, shadowy large shapes. I looked at them, looking them straight in the eyes and I thought of my father's words.

He told me that the world can be scary and terrifying. People are scary too but he said that nobody in the world is perfect and that the words of others should not matter. That only what you think of yourself should matter. I took his words and summoned all of my courage and brought forth my power.

I had a sword made of wood and vines in one hand and a shield in the other. I lifted myself off the ground and ready myself. I flew towards the shadows and swiped and slashed at every one of them. I kept doing it until I started to grow tired. I was afraid I would pass out until I saw the mist start to fade. I landed on the ground outside of the mist, sore and tired, I looked around and realized I have beaten the mist. I smiled and laughed. Now I have to find Rhain.

[magical-readathon-diaries]

Terberis #6: What Comes After

The funeral was short and simple. It had a small attendance. It was really sweet and many words of love and praise for Napvi was said. They buried him in a small grave, in a beautiful spot underneath a tree. I couldn't believe he was gone. That he was gone and never coming back. I couldn't see much of the funeral clearly because I was crying so much. I just hope that Napvi is safe and at peace wherever he is now.

I just sat for a long time in a nice quiet area away from all the others. I couldn't stop thinking about all the people I left behind in Irtheria. My mother, my father, my friends and family. My mind just would not stop wandering. I thought about them all alone, some bandit groups attacking them in the dead of night. I thought about my father getting lost in one of the ruins and never coming back. My mother getting poisoned by one of her plants by accident and dying with no one around to hep her. I cried silent tears hoping and praying that no one can hear or see them.

I do not know how long I was sitting there until I felt someone sit down next to me. I lifted my head from my knees and saw Rhain sitting next to me. He looked disheveled, like he hadn't slept in days. If I could see myself I would probably look the same. He looked at me and smiled sadly. He opened his mouth, hoping to say something but he stopped himself. Almost like he didn't know what to say or he was afraid he would say something wrong. He took a deep breath and said "Are you okay Terberis? Who am I kidding of course your not. I just hope your okay and if there is anything I can do to help just let me know okay?" He looked at me sincerity in his eyes.

I looked at him stunned. I knew how much it took for him to say something like that to someone especially someone that he just met a couple of days ago. I smiled at him and before I could stop myself I wrapped my arms around him and just let the tears flow. He stiffened up a bit, probably because he wasn't expecting me to do that, but eventually loosened up. He wrapped his arms around me and just held on. I didn't mention anything but I could feel wet drops fall onto my hair. I knew he was crying too but I didn't want to embarrass him so I just let him believe I didn't notice. We just sat in a comfortable silence just grieving. I think we both needed it and I know that this will not be the last time we need it. If that ever happens I know one thing, I want Rhain Valence on my side. He is a true friend when it really counts.

[magical-readathon-diaries]

Terberis #5: Trouble on the Road

This night I thought would be like any other type of night. A normal night. I noticed some people had snuck out of their tents or did not go to bed until late. I retired to my tent early to study the inscriptions I acquired from the tree. They are truly strange, I have never seen anything like them before. They seem to be important because why would they be on this tree if they were not put there for a purpose. I read over and over again, I could not take my eyes off of the runes. Eventually my eyes started to hurt and I decided to take a break. The books I had brought with me did not give me enough information, the most I have gotten was that they could be some sort of protection runes. Maybe someone put them on the tree to protect the tree from evil forces or maybe to ward off people with ill intent. I was just about to start up my research again when I heard a commotion outside.

I ran out of my tent and I saw something that chilled me to my bones. A big golden eyed creature stepped out of the shadows, sharp long teeth bared, eyes scanning it's surroundings. The rest of my travel companions were looking at this creature in terror, frozen in place afraid to move. I stood still not moving for fear of alerting the creature. The creature turned it's head and it's eyes landed directly on me. I tried to control my breathing, my heart beat strongly against my chest. I felt myself on the verge of a panic attack. Then all of a sudden the creature leaped into our campsite.

Darkness was all over us as the creature leaped at us and landed on the nearest person. Before I knew it Nepvi was on the ground. Normally he is very cheerful and peaceful but not the most experienced fighter. The creature started tearing, slashing and ripping at Nepvi. He tried to struggle and fight back but the creature overpowered him. Fausta casts her light and we all see it. A large ravenous Dire Wolf on top of Nepvi. Tearing him limb from limb.

The next thing we know Nepvi is lying motionless and limp on the ground, his breathing shallow and then still. A pool of red forming around his body. His eyes, I will never forget seeing the light leave his eyes. The creature sensing that it's prey was dead, turned it's attention toward the rest of us.

I have to do something I must stopped this thing from hurting anyone else. I summon the forces of nature at my disposal and attack it. I summon vines from the ground and try to wrap them around its feet to hold it in place. While I do that The others attack it with everything they have. I fly up in the air to try and attack it from above. I shoot blasts of air from my hands even summoning a small tornado with leaves and twigs. From my vantage point in the air I see Rhain slashing at the wolf with his sword. I land in front of him just as the wolf is about to strike. I slam my hands on the ground and throw the wolf back. I turn to look at Rhain to see if he is okay. He looks terrified, more terrified then I have ever seen him. He looks to be on the verge of tears. Before I can say anything he yells " Terberis look out!"

The wolf is right in front of me stepping closer and closer. I freeze not being able to move. Golden eyes staring right into my soul. Teeth ready to bit down on my flesh. Is this it? Is this how I die? I think of my mother, my father and my village. I think of my mother crying hysterically, my father blaming himself for my death and the village mourning the loss of one of their own. I should have never left my home, I should have stayed in my village. I knew I wasn't cut out for this. I close my eyes ready to accept my fate until nothing happens.

I do not feel any pain, any sharp teeth biting down on me or heavy mass on top of me. I open my eyes slowly and see in place of the wolf a small crystal. I look and see Aenwyn, bow in hand just as surprised as the rest of us. It seems magic can be beaten by the most mundane things.

We bury the remnants of the broken crystal and bury it. Now we must tend to Nepvi's body. I must go his funeral is about to begin.

[magical-readathon-diaries]

Terberis #4: The Ashtorn Tree

Four days! Four days we have been traveling! Lucky for us all that nothing bad has been happening to us so far. The path is soft, The food has been plentiful and because I know all kinds of things about flora and fauna, I was able to help harvest some mushrooms and herbs for us to eat. All was really going well but some people thought they were going to well. Rhain was one of them. He was suspicious the whole four days. I notice that he is extra cautious with these sort of things. I think it has something to do with what happened to him and what he told me.

On the fourth day we finally reach the Ashthorn Tree. It is more beautiful then I had ever imagined. The tree seems to be devoid of life, no birds nesting on it's branches, not ants crawling all over it and no animals in sight. There was also these strange pulsating ruins all over it. Every nature loving instinct told me to come close to it to study it but I tried to resist it.

Rhain was just hanging back away from the tree giving it a look of mistrust and caution. I swear that must be his permeant look. I have heard tales of people succumbing to madness just by touching the tree. Even listening to the voices is said to have ill effects on those who listen. I do not touch that tree that would be too risky but I do know one thing I can do.

I walk up slowly. Just enough so that I can see the ruins glowing on the tree's bark. I pull out my leather bound journal and start writing some of the ruins down. This journal was a gift from my father. He got it for me when I was just learning how to fly. He said that if I was going to fly to all these new places I would need something to record them in. Father your gift is coming in handy so much right now. You and mother are always with me when I have this. When I finish writing some of the inscription down, Rhain gets my attention "Hey tree hugger, we got to go some water earthling said we have to move on soon." I close my journal and approach him. Rhain says "What were you doing?" I say " Just looking at the tree and gaining much needed inspiration."

[magical-readathon-diaries]

Terberis #3: Onwards!

I wake up this morning refreshed and ready for adventure. I am also very nervous and anxious too. I get dressed, get myself ready and go to the tent next to mine to wake Rhain up. I shake his shoulders and say "Hey Rhain time to get up. We got to go!" He snores and doesn't stir. I look and see a water flask next to him. I open the flask and dump the water all over his head. He sputters awake and looks at me wide eyed and surprised. "What the hell Terberis! You trying to drown me in my sleep or something! I knew your shy, sweet guy thing was just a act." He groaned and grabbed his head in pain. "Oh my head hurts and I feel like I am going to" His face turned green and he ran out of the tent. It was the grossest sound I have ever heard. At least he is fast though.

We packed our things and headed out through the stone door of the entrance to the Novice Path. Rhain looked miserable for the whole trip and I couldn't help but feel bad for him. I got his attention and handed him some herbs from my satchel. Rhain gave me a questioning look and said "You're giving me flowers? I don't think I'm your type deer boy." " No I am not giving you flowers! Of course I wouldn't! They are herbs, their suppose to help with headaches and nausea." Rhain looks at me cautiously and simply says "Thanks." He eats the herbs and we continue on our way.

As I look around me, I start to take in the unsurmountable beauty that is the beginning of the Novice Path. The green fields stemming from the dusty desert landscape, the lush trees and beautiful flowers and greenery. The birds sing their songs above our heads as we take in the beautiful scenery. It reminds me so much of home, of Irtheria. A pang of homesickness strikes me suddenly and I silently wish I was home. Pictures of my mother's shop, my dad doing tricks in the air and me exploring my home flash through my head.

Rhain gets my attention when he says " Okay this is really suspect." I look around. Now that I think about it, it is a little suspicious. I focus on my surroundings but my focus quickly goes to a flower I know very well. A Blue Eyed Willow! The rare never before seen Blue Eyed Willow! I honestly can not believe my eyes! I know I need to focus but I cannot look away. I know I must go forward, so I grab a small part of the Blue Eyed Willow and move forward. As the large trees loom over me as I walk, I can not help but notice a buzzing sound in my ears.

[magical-readathon-diaries]

Terberis #2: The Outpost

As Rhain & I approached the Outpost a unshakeable silence fell upon us. I tried to break the silence by asking a question. "So" I said with a awkward smile and a bounce in my step, " What brings you to the Novice Path Rhain?" He turned to me and said " The same reason everyone else comes I guess, to go to some magic school in the sky and slay some monsters on the way. You?" "Well I wish to attend said magic school and experience adventures like I have never experienced before." Rhain started laughing, not at anything funny going on because we were in the middle of a supposedly empty outpost but at me and what I said. "What's so funny huh?" Rhain settled down enough to speak and said " Look Terberis is it? I know you must think this is some epic quest or grand adventure full of riches but I got to tell you something. Adventuring is not all it's cracked up to be, you don't want to screw anything up okay?" I looked at him for the briefest of moments and i saw a serious look dawn on his face. I asked " What do you mean by that Rhain?"

Before he could answer, a elderly elf man clapped his hands and got up from his seat on a barrel. In the distance I could hear the awful sound of someone throwing up. Yuck. He started talking about shenanigans and dancing and riddles. Then the weirdest thing happened, He pulled out a flute and started playing it. He played a song I have heard many times in Irtheria. A song that started the whole myth of the Novice Path and the wonders that lay before it.

A party started shortly after and everyone around me was having the best time. Even Rhain who recovered from that memory that crossed his mind minutes ago. He started drinking and singing and what I assumed was his form of dancing. It was ridiculous but ever so funny! I even saw a Air Earthling accidently start a fire with his massive wings. I am glad it wasn't me this time.

Eventually I did relax enough to join in on the fun and I did discover I can be fun at parties. I ended up showing off some of my air moves and out dancing Rhain by a long shot. By the time I helped Rhain back to his tent, as he was much to drunk to get back on his own, the party had run down. He did grab me by the hand and said in a slurred speech " Don't go out there by yourself Terberis, You'll never come back."

A stunned look crossed my face and before I could ask him what he meant he was out cold. That does worry me, what did he mean by do not go by myself? Why did he look so scared? Like he didn't want me to leave him?