Date: 632 AF March 2nd
The journey to Tiamaht continues, each step bringing us closer to our destination. As we get closer to the Horned Sect's region, I am struck by the stark beauty of the landscape, the rugged terrain stretching out before us like a vast canvas painted with the hues of the setting sun.
Yet, amidst the natural splendor that surrounds us, there is an undercurrent of unease that lingers in the air.
It is a feeling that I cannot shake, a sense of foreboding that tugs at the edges of my consciousness like a shadow lurking in the darkness. And as we draw further from the Veil, that feeling only intensifies, a silent warning of the dangers that lie ahead.
I find myself trying to recall something I know not. A memory that escapes me the more I try to remember.
My sister, Lily, walks beside me, her hand clasped tightly in mine as we navigate the treacherous terrain. She is my constant companion, my source of strength in the face of adversity. And yet, even as I strive to protect her from harm, I cannot shake the feeling that danger lurks around every corner, waiting to strike when we least expect it.
And then, without warning, they are upon us – the creatures of the Veil, their ghost-like forms twisting and writhing, slithering through the air in the darkness, They were void worms - distorter-type beasts, a native to the Veil region, never one to wonder beyond the edge of the veil. For our company to meet one on a secure path is merely bad luck.
My companions and I ignited our rune armor and brandished our weapons.
I move to shield Lily from harm, raising my blade etched with its runes that ignited in defense against the onslaught. But even as I fight with all my strength, I can feel the venomous bite of their fangs sinking into my flesh, sending waves of pain coursing through my body.
I black out for a moment, the world spinning around me as consciousness slips away like grains of sand through my fingers. When I come to, I find myself lying on the ground, Lily's concerned face hovering above me. She reaches out to touch my cheek, her touch warm against my skin.
She was unharmed, thank the gods, but I could see the fear and confusion in her eyes as she struggled to make sense of what had just happened.
A healing cloth is wrapped around my wound, and the runes on it hum with a pulsating glow. I can feel the energy as it spreads through my body to stimulate and execute my body's natural healing process.
As I struggle to regain my bearings, I can feel something stirring within me, a sense of disorientation that clouds my thoughts like a thick fog.
Thankfully, by the blessing of the Chosen, we have made it to the Horned Sect. It seems my companions have carried my injured body all the way here while I was unconscious.
I am told that we were saved by the intervention of the Horn Dwellers. A tribe native to the Horned Sect. We were welcomed into their homes high up among the pointy mountain peeks - a horn of Tiamaht.
It is a mountain that resembles a colossal horn thrusting towards the sky. Its sheer cliffs and rugged slopes create a striking silhouette while swirling mists crown its summit like ethereal ribbons. Cloaked in dense forests and cascading waterfalls, this is home to the Horn Dwellers.
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We've reached the halfway point of our mission. Our journey here was tough, but we've made it this far.
Here we rest for a few days, gathering strength and supplies. Despite the challenges we've faced, we're ready to push onward without pause.
As we sit by the campfire, I feel a sense of anticipation. Our adventure is just beginning, and I'm eager to see what lies ahead.
With renewed determination, we'll continue our ascent, ready to conquer whatever challenges come our way. Onward into the unknown, for the thrill of discovery awaits.
Until next time,
Rodney Edwarte
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Excerpt from: "The Journal of Henry Viola - Honored Gold Class Pathfinder"
“Nestled amidst the rugged terrain of the Tiamaht region, lie the Horned Sanctuaries—sacred havens protected by the devout followers of the titan Tiamaht. These sanctuaries serve as bastions of tranquility and reverence, where the faithful gather to pay homage to their slumbering deity and seek solace amidst the chaos of the world.
At the forefront of defense for these sacred lands stands the Titanborne—a select group of humans blessed with the divine power of Tiamaht herself. These fierce defenders, imbued with the very essence of their titan god, are sworn to safeguard the sanctuaries from any who would dare to desecrate their hallowed grounds.
Approaching the Horned Sanctuaries is no simple feat, for they are nestled near and upon the horns of Tiamaht, on the outer edges of the last great city, Triamaht.
Only those who bear the Crest of the Horned Sect—a symbol of their unwavering devotion to Tiamaht — are granted safe passage through these lands. Others are met with swift and unyielding resistance, as the Titanborne fiercely protect their sacred territory.
Deep within the sanctuaries, the followers of Tiamaht gather to perform ancient rituals shrouded in secrecy. Known only to the watcher who oversees them, these rituals are a sacred bond between worshiper and deity—a testament to the enduring connection between the people of Tiamaht and their slumbering mother.
As we traverse through this sacred land, one cannot help but feel a sense of reverence for the ancient traditions and rituals that have shaped the lives of those who call this place home.
For in the Horned Sanctuaries, amidst the towering horns of Tiamaht, the faithful find refuge and strength in their unwavering devotion to the titan god who watches over them.”
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“The tale of Queen Tamarah first of the Tamarians”
“Once upon a time, in a land where legends whispered through the trees and rivers sang ancient songs, there lived a lonely Chosen, a God named Reighner. He was the guardian of all living things, from the tiniest seedlings to the mightiest beasts - a father of Titans.
One day, Reighner bestowed his blessings upon a little girl named Tamarah. With a touch of his hand, Reighner granted Tamarah the power to protect herself and those she loved. Her power came forth and took the form of a slumbering beast.
The sleeping mother who watches over all weeping brides, the titan named Tiamaht. Her very breath shaped the mountains, her womb held worlds and her dreams wove through the roots of the land. Her horns pierced the crust of the earth, creating peaks that reached toward the sky.
As Tamarah grew, she embarked on a journey to spread love and kindness throughout the land. With each step she took, flowers bloomed in her wake, and animals gathered to listen to her gentle words. Her compassion knew no bounds, and soon she found herself surrounded by followers who shared her vision of a world filled with peace and harmony.
Driven by her unwavering determination, Tamarah founded a great nation of eternal paradise, where laughter echoed through the endless valleys and the scent of flowers perfumed the air. She became their queen, ruling with wisdom and grace, and her kingdom flourished under her care.
And so, the legend of Tamarah, blessed by a Chosen and protected by the sleeping mother goddess, lived on through the ages. Her story served as a beacon of hope for all who dared to dream of a better world, where love reigned supreme and beauty knew no bounds.”
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-End of Chapter 3-