(Featuring artwork by @cloudytheartist.bsky.social)

Battle...

I seldom ever admit to anyone the true exhilaration I feel when in the fight. I never tell them of the joy I feel when I start swinging my blade. I certainly never tell them the euphoria that rushes through me when I kill my enemies.

It's on night like this where I remember the tales of how people like me are made.

My brother used to tell us a story about a foolish elf who only wanted power. The elf met a dragon who asked only for a seed to be given to one of his servants in exchange for the power he sought.

I felt something calling to me. It felt and sounded like hatred given a vaguely spiritual form. Everything felt as if it was deep beneath the earth. That thing must have reached out to me from the depths of whatever prison keeps it. The temple commune is likely my best start after I've rested.

Every moment I can recall was consumed by visions. Most were of things I couldn't understand be they what I could see or what I could hear. One vision though...

I can scarcely recall the last few days I spent in that stupor. The doctor said I was thrashing and sweating for a week since I was taken here from the tavern. I should apologize once I've gotten some rest.

It has been some time since I was able to write. I'm not sure what infection I was afflicted with, but the doctor said I'm in good enough condition to leave his care at sunrise. He has given me medicine and soup to drink. It's a pity I do not know who made the incense they use; it eases the breath.

It is by the sword that I shall live my life; and by it that my life should receive a glorious end. To fall holding fast against the wicked is a most glorious gate to the next life. Perhaps I will be welcomed by those champions of old. Until then, the living world requires swords and good hearts...

My name is Aedric. I was born twenty five years ago and have been traveling the land for about seven. I grew up as the second of three siblings with my older brother and younger sister. This is a journal of my adventures and whatever else comes to mind I suppose.