Role

Chapter 16

From the journal of Be'ellassanall'an, dated:
24th of the Month of the Dragon in the year 439

Gralker, my long-time friend and mentor, has passed from the world. It was
somewhat expected, as she had been convinced of her passing for some time now,
due to age and... well, she was very spiritual. Perhaps she could sense it
better than I, a silly poet. But in the end, she achieved her dream of facing
the Dragon Queen, Tiamat! I would love to say it was a glorious battle, but I
took one look at the dragon queen and ran for my life like a frightened child.
I shall carry shame with me, along with my other shames of which there are a
few it seems. But in truth, I believe Gralker intended to fall on that
battlefield, and perhaps facing it alone was a comfort to a giving spirit like
hers.

In her passing, Adozo reminded me that I am now the sole remaining Acolyte of
The Fortress. I am to be looked upon now, more than ever, as a guiding force
within the ranks of the Scribes. I feel sorry for them, led by a foolish drunk
who sometimes gets lost in the hills outside of The Fortress, but I shall of
course do my very best. Perhaps I might even drink less wine and ale. I shall
give it some thought.

My heart sits heavy within my chest, and my thoughts are a jumble. Would that
I could turn to my mentor to discuss this, but she is gone now and I must grow
to be my own mentor I suppose. Like a baby bird, I am to be pushed from the
cozy nest to either fly or fall.

Perhaps I shall rise like the Phoenix itself, on the winds of sorrow. Yes. Let
us pretend that will be he case. As my acting instructor once said, "If you
cannot believe yourself in a role, nobody else will either!" Enter, stage
right, a dashing, handsome (very) elf in shining armor, pious but not preachy
about it. No! Not he. He is the type of man that others look up to, but he
does not look down upon them.

I will work on that.