//looseleaf pages, lightly perfumed by contact with Del's body, tied up in a ribbon with an intricate knot and kept very close on her person//

Dear Diary,

I'm sorry I didn't manage to sneak what I'd written in you when I left that awful city. It was you or the knife, and the knife came in much more handy.

I'm free!

It was an eventful couple of days. Bought from my old master (may his bits rot off) I was brought to a table around which stood five other slaves, all men and one of them orc-blood. It wasn't what it usually is, though. We were part of some... well, it was very odd. Considering what I've seen since I left the forest so many years ago, that's saying something. Tasted awful, and my tummy was upset.

These new masters were interrupted in their task, or ritual, or what have you, by an opposing group of those vile creatures and we slaves made our escape through a portal of some sort. One of the masters followed, gibbering about something called Temrariel. Six against one, so we slew him quickly, as we seemed to be well away from their city. On his body we found some gems, not ordinary ones. I couldn't discern their purpose, though the haughty elf seemed to know a use for his. It's something I'll need to have investigated.

Through our travels, I let the men think I was as vapid as I am beautiful. As it often is, this proved a useful ploy to get one or two to drop their guards around me, and take risk to protect me. The stupid orc-blood was a fierce warrior, even if he did attack anything (absolutely anything) in front of him. The haughty elf at one point proposed murdering the others and taking the gems; foolish in the middle of this endless cavern, before we'd found the city, and not much gain from it if you ask me. There was a man, Tennison, who was very kind. Even rather attractive, for his people. Unfortunately as poor as the rest of us, and as powerless. There was an older human (for one of their kind) as well, seemed to be skilled at healing. There was, finally, one half of their blood, who was as cruel and aloof as you might expect. Thanks be to Hanali Celanil that I never carried one of their accursed children, though what I did to prevent it may mean I never carry a child of my own kind either...

When we found the city, and I informed them of our plight, we were welcomed. A guard gave us clothing, to replace our slimy green rags they had dressed us in. Another, some sort of lawman named Bart, showed us about. I sensed a man with a bit of sway and a steady paycheck (they have coin here) and tried to flirt with him a bit, but I'm afraid I lost my control when he took me to the statue of the one - one person to escape to the surface in memory. This happened before even I was born. Perhaps I might run again in the Chondalwood, under a smiling moon, but at a wager I'd say only as I fix my gaze on faraway Evermeet and let my thoughts flow on the river Lethe.

Dear Diary,

Interesting information came to light while observing some odd sort of mimicry. A man named Edgin was buying clothes from a little halfling with a lisp, named Bill (must look him up soon for my wardrobe needs - can't catch a fly without a little honey, even better if the honey is properly displaying some cleavage). Some sort of twin or copy of Edgin showed up. In the process of determining which was the correct Edgin, it was revealed that a human wizardess (I think) friend of his, Erandla, prefers the company of women. If she were to fall for me, she'd be a powerful protector I think, though she may not have much money. We shall see.

Other possibilities:

town council - I learned a few of their names from common folk; I need to find out who's greedy but not black of heart

other powerful mages?

head of the guard? usually too stodgy for a bit of twist, though

mercenary leaders - not ideal, as they're often applying their professional approach to their love life and I've no more temper for being slapped about now that I'm free

Oh, diary, I'm free, I'm free, but I'm homeless and penniless and I know nothing about the forces around me. I need a nice, strong, rich and influential man to carry me in his strong arms to the forest above, and protect me the whole way.

And as long as my head is filled with nonsense, he may as well have a huge... tract of land. Ah well, I'll find the least smelly pig with the biggest sty and snuggle up in his pen until I can find a way up.

Dear Diary,

My wardrobe is foremost in my mind. I must find a proper tailor, and get myself out of these shapeless hand-me-downs.

Bart took me out to the town clothing shops yesterday. The one in the lower section has a very nice selection, though quite too expensive for me. Bart seemed to have no interest in buying, either. Perhaps beyond his means, which may mean goodbye to Bart as a prospect. Too bad, he seems nice enough and well-liked about town.

I spent a long afternoon with that human wizardess, Erandla. I know there's no guarantee she's got enough power to protect me, but she has the advantages of not having bristles on her face like the males of her kind, or the "dagger in the belt" males of all kinds carry...

I had her taking my measurements, to customize a dress for me (which I've yet to purchase). Not too sure I'd like her to sew for me, considering what she wore, though her hands were clear in their own purpose, requiring two or three re-measurements!

Tenni burst in on us, much to my chagrin (spoiled the mood utterly) and put in his own two coppers about my wardrobe. He wanted me to ditch that icky... Well, considering his news, I'm looking now for another who might be talked into taking it off my hands. I just need a way to hand it off without being too obvious. He was keen on throwing it in a crevasse, but I think my plan is better.

I'm sure when those bastards find out they don't have the right person they'll turn her loose.

I'm sure of it.

Dear Diary,

A tumultuous couple of days.

First, I managed to convince Erandla I had a thing for her. I finally even worked her up to a kiss, though I practically had to beat her over the head with hints first. At the time I thought I was doing well, but now I'm just ashamed.

Next, I managed to pass off that slimy item to another elf, a bard named Vip. Oh, I don't feel good about that either, though again I was proud at the time. He doesn't know it was mine to begin with, and has already found its use.

But they'd let him go, if they caught him because he has it. Definitely. What use would he be to them? None!

Finally, Erandla confronted me about my little plan at seducing her and using her as a protector. Gods, I was so embarrassed! Not to mention it can really shake a girl's confidence, to be seen through like that.

Luckily for me, she's not one for a grudge. These inconstant humans! She even introduced me to Mylin, a priestess in the lower part of the city, who's got a paladin ally named Dell. Mylin offered to get me out of Sanctuary on the run, if I liked. She says she can also help me stay in the city, but take care of the price on my head. I've no idea how she'd do that.

She gave me some very fine gifts to aid me. I think she's trustworthy. More so than the Spellguard, anyway, and definitely more than the mercenaries! Two of our little fraternity have already been killed, both in the Pissing Crone. I won't miss either of them, but I don't know how much of our story they told, or to whom. In any case, the mercenaries know my part. They've contacted me, though I won't respond. I hope they don't find me in a more direct manner.

Oh, diary, all of this bother and I still don't have a dress!

Dear Diary,

Free, again!

That's how I feel. Mylin, Dell, Erandla, and another named Nikka have cut me open, but in the kindest possible way, and removed the source of all this trouble. The bone is out! It was difficult, and I'm told I nearly died, though I only remember awful dreams of slime and horrid things.

I could stroll right in front of a stinking drow, now, and she'd want to kill me only as much as she wants to kill anything else. Finally, anonymity!

I've got to send word to Tenni. Perhaps they can help him as well.

Dear Diary,

I've received word that Tenni has died. His gutted corpse was found outside the city.

I had tried to get word to him, about the possibility of removal from the good people of the House of Light. He must not have received my letter, or trusted it.

I hope that, wherever he is now, he's out of the reach of those drow bastards. I hope he took some with him.

I hope they know I don't carry one of the blasted things any longer.

Dear Diary,

I told Erandla and Dell of Tenni's demise. I felt just awful, telling them that. They're such good friends. They'll tell Mylin as well.

On a happier note, my new bow fits my hand well, and seems to draw nicely. I've yet to test it on game, or darker things.

Also, Erandla has met someone! It's very cute, though she thinks the girl might not be very goody-goody. Might be that she has a forked tongue - literally. Gods, that gives me the shivers just thinking about it. I wonder in what land that's a custom? In any case, good for Erandla.