Baer 13th, 3294
I certainly haven't done this for a while, but the feel of a pen in my hand and the smell of new paper is nostalgic of my life before. It's hard to believe it's been nearly two years since I last seen the world of my origins. Though I miss home every now and then, it was probably for the best that Isaac sent me to this world I now reside in. What kind of ridicule would I be enduring there for being a cold blooded murderer?
What am I doing? Already spiraling down tragedy lane. Granted many things still haunt me, but I figured this journal would be good for me to talk about my new life, not the past.
Like I mentioned, it's been nearly two years since I've been here in this nameless world. The Aarakocras I've lived among called the world Gaja, but I've come to learn quickly the ways of the bird like folk were not necessarily common knowledge among the world. Not that that really matters, I've actually enjoyed my life among the Aarakocra. Their way of life reminded me a lot of what I envisioned my life being if I was still with Cloudbreaker.
I woke up the morning of Dwadoj 28th, 3292 to find myself in a nest of sorts. Cloth was under my body to protect against the sticks used to compose a type of enclosure similar to a hut. One of the bird folk, whom I later learned her name to be Niaejma (Nigh-yay-ma), took care of me. Goodness, I felt so numb that day. Once more I was waking up to a strange new place which included its own folk I had never seen before. Since they were caring for me, I went along with it, unsure what their intentions were. Niaejma took the most interest in. Once I was on my feet again, she mentored me in learning to fly and how to channel my magics. In time I was strong enough to leave the nest and take on my own responsibilities to help the tribe.
Eventually, Niaejma asked about my missing finger, tattoos, and my white skin. I couldn't tell her why my middle finger was missing, but I told her it likely correlated to a friend who's calling card was that of a stone that fused with my palm. I explained the names on my left arm the best I could, some of the names being too distant to grasp. And as to my skin, the best I could say was it was a sign of my exile. I was banished from the Kingdom, and likely for good reasons too.
Niaejma and the tribe were beginning to feel like family. I remember smiling more and joking around with the other Aarakocras. I sung songs from my childhood and regained some of my competitiveness when playing games. I loved learning the ways of my adopted family and being more immersed in nature. My favorite thing was waking in the mornings and going for a flight high above the tree tops and to the near by mountain. For once, I had no cares in the world. They were all left behind.
Then came Sux 8th, 3293 when the forest burned down. It will scarcely be a day I forget. Niaejma had left two days prior to go on her coming of age journey. It was accustom for young Aarakocras to fly away from the tribe and walk home. Typically they'd fly a days journey away and so it was expected that we wouldn't see them for up to a week. On the third day of Niaejma's journey, the village was set a blaze. I looked on at the inferno crushed by what was happening. It was like when my home was burned down as a kid... only this time it wasn't just my family involved.
Niaejma returned amidst my grieving. I was so startled by her presence. Guilt took hold of me and I said what I could. I said I was sorry and added that I had just returned from my flight to the mountains twenty minutes prior.
Together we cried. Once our tears were spilt, Niajema insisted that we hunt down the culprit(s). I gave a weak smile. I didn’t want to linger on the past by seeking revenge, but I had no where else to go, so reluctantly I agreed to help.
The Aarakocra proved to be quite the bounty hunter. She had a knack for tracking people and creatures down. Because of this talent, those who hired us began to call her a jinx. It certainly was easier for the townsfolk to catch on and soon Niaejma was replaced with her acquired nickname.
Our efforts to gain funds to hire on people were proving profitable and Jinx was getting ready to start searching for hired help. The plan was to create a search party of sorts, to conquer and divide on figuring out who destroyed the village. Or hiring someone who was a particularly good sleuth. Right now no one seems to know of Jinx’s tribe nor any real enemy of the Aarakocras.
But we’re back to square one on obtaining funds for we were robbed in the middle of the night four weeks back. All our earnings were taken with the few weapons and equipment we had. Jinx was furious and couldn’t understand how anyone would do such a thing. I shrugged my shoulders since being robbed and left destitute was a common thing in my life, and said, “At least they left us with our lives.” I told her of my first kidnapping and right quick she realized we certainly were better off.
We took on a few more jobs before coming into the town of Crystal Lake yesterday. There was a buzz in the city in which many guilds were vying for members. I looked to Jinx and told her that we might have better luck joining one to secure our money over hording it ourselves. She immediately began to ask the various guilds if we could join. Many looked at her and me, clearly perplexed by our presence.
“What are you?” one asked me as they scrutinized over my appearance.
“I’m an Ang-” I began to say when Jinx interrupted.
“She's an Aarakocra.”
The guild leader laughed at us, “You’re kidding me right?”
I looked from the man to Jinx confused by the exchange. My friend pulled me along, leaving the man to his amused fit as he shouted, “What a featherless wonder!” Jinx then stood in front of me and peered into my eyes whispering, “Unless you want to get killed, or prevent us from joining any guilds, do not admit to being who you are,” she instrusted me sternly.
“Why?”
“Because your kind has a very bad connotation here.”
I furrowed my brows confused by the sudden shaming for who I was. “If that were so, why haven't they attacked me then?” I pestered.
“Because Angels in this world have varying forms and are all about bringing about their God’s judgement.”
So I went along with it, feeling insecure in my own skin once more. We had no success yesterday joining a guild, but at least we had some funds to get a room. As I rested, I had the idea that we really ought to put our money into acquiring equipment. We just looked like a bunch of women who lived in the woods most of their lives, which wasn’t too far from the truth, but perhaps obtaining the gear that was stolen too, and I getting some clothes and armor, we’d have a better chance at getting hired on.
We went about first thing this morning and were able to purchase a bow for Jinx and a Halberd for me. I then put in a request for a chain shirt with an open back and was able to find some pants and boots for my legs and feet. Then there was the problem of items. A bedroll was desired by me, as well as rope and rations, but we were too poor to obtain a magical pack like the one I use to have. So I got creative and put in a request for a corset that could double as a utility belt. As we shopped for a bed roll, I noticed this journal and pen and couldn’t help but add it to the list.
Tomorrow I will have my chain shirt and corset. The only thing I’ll keep of my old outfit will be the vest I made of the dress I woke up in my first day in Gaja.
Though I was happy in the forest, it sure does feel good to be back among civilization. I love laying on a bed. I love having fitted clothes. I love having the peace of mind knowing my Halberd is nearby. I love writing again.
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