Journal of Maylarrah - Day 1

 Maylarrah Journal Entry

Day One

    Having whispered a prayer to Auri-El, as I woke, it wasn't hard to notice the calm way my spirit immediately connected to the world around me. It wasn't just the gentle breeze which wrapped its arms around me, or the sound of the waves on the shores hundreds of feet below, but it was much deeper in my subconscious existence. Today would be different from my past life. My thoughts lingered on all of the expectations my parents held for me and I sighed deeply. It would be a nice change to take my mind off of all the things that once held my attention and move slower. I know where I am going in a sense, but I am not in a hurry to get there. Destination of the soul is what I am seeking. For most of my long years on this earth, compared to the human existence, I have been bound by expectations and training. I have renounced my place in the Queen's guard and decided upon a new existence. The path which I have decided to take is a position in my spirit, not in my career.

    My companion is a walking stick and the sounds of nature's song. The Systres is a beautiful place to walk. Most of the day was spent in fasting and prayer. I kept asking Auri-El to take my mind out of my previous way of life and place it in the calm of the birds flying overhead. At one point upon the road, I shouted out in anger, "Auri-El, clear my head!" I looked around to see if anyone had heard my frustration. Only a squirrel in a nearby maple stared at me. I wondered if it had a better life, only provision and shelter were on its plate. There were no meetings of state or expectancy on its time. Then my mind remembered why I was taking this pilgrimage. 

    My first rest finds me on a small boulder under an oak tree. I have not ran into another soul in more than half a day. My musings about the squirrel linger in my mind. Auri-El help me to find my way. I am searching for the real me. Show me the authentic way of life which frees my soul. 

    I have refused to bring any of my people's writings with me. When I sailed to the Systres Archipelago, I made a vow to only read new material, words not known to me. The purpose of this vow is to see the world from a new direction and release my cultural bias. My people can be a little stuck on themselves. I have even battled my own prejudice over the last years of my life. Maybe the readings of the druids and other peoples of Tamriel will help me change.

    My first destination is a small druidic alter to the south. While I am a firm believer in Auri-El, I know each of these sights is holy to the locals. I shall pray to my God but take in my surroundings with all five senses at each site. I want to see the world around me for what it is, not what I have been taught that it is.

    My first stop opened my spirit. I have never considered myself a mystic, but I am sure someone was there with me. I prayed to Auri-El, "Bless my steps. Guide my mind. Show me what I have never seen before. Show me a new way." As the words exited my mouth, I felt a gentle cool breeze blow across my neck and the sound of a whisper in my ear. I turned but saw no-one. Walking to the edge of the cliff, I took in the world around me as slowly as I could. I reached forward and touched the grass at my feet. I tasted the dew on a leaf. My eyes took in the glorious rays of the sun, the leaves dancing on the tree beside me, the delicious smell of salt water, and I let myself collapse into the soft blades of grass behind me. My mind wondered to a new path, "Is this what it feels like to simply exist?"

    I walked only another mile down the road. I could not get in a hurry after that experience at the druidic shrine. Every flower, herb, and animal caused me to pause. I found myself stopping completely in the middle of the road to ponder a cloud or speak a prayer to Auri-El. My soul seemed so at rest. As the sun set in the west, I picked a spot under an oak by the river. I would settle here tonight and head to visit the druids at Stonelore Grove tomorrow. I had a long walk ahead of me.