========
Prologue
========

To my readers,

It is quite well known that I am not much of a fighter. I prefer to ponder,
explore, think... though often times I'm not too good at that either. On rare
occasions something grabs hold of me and I am moved to take myself to one of
the uninhabited areas of the Basin and spend some time there, immersing myself
directly in the environment. During these trips I keep my senses, and my
journal, open. I absorb the works of Mother Nature - terrain, flora, and fauna
- and I write what I see and how I feel. As you may have guessed, this is one
of those trips, and whatever moves me sent me to the Gloriana River in the
southeaster portion of the Basin. The following chapters are transcribed
word-for-word from my personal journal so that you may accompany me as I
perpetually take the trip in this tome. I had planned on including some
illustrations once again, but found that my best attempts failed to recreate
the landscape adequately. So for now I have left blank pages in between
chapters so that one day when my skills improve I may add those in. I find
myself constantly in awe of the variety of things nature can come up with, and
that is what drives my pursuits and exploration. I hope that sometime you, my
cherished readers, will take the time and the opportunity to plunge headfirst
into a part of nature and see where it will take you. You may be surprised and
pleased with what you find, much the way I felt exploring The Gloriana: River
of Time.

-Professor Marzolan, the Flowing Quill

================
Roarkian 19, 153
================

It has been many years since I was last moved to immerse myself fully in
nature, tuning out all the distractions of modern life. Once again I have made
my way through the mountains. However this time my feet went the opposite
direction, almost straight across the Basin from my last adventure. Given the
recent treaty between New Celest and the Glomdoring Commune, the Gloriana River
captured my attention for this journey. I have not been here before, and
therefore lack much knowledge regarding this river and its surrounding area.
This endeavor is about to change that.

What I do know about the river, quaint knowledge that it is, is that it starts
here, where I have arrived, in the Southern Mountains. It has a curvy path, but
it generally progresses to the northeast towards the Inner Sea. The Gloriana is
actually unique in that aspect because it is the only river in the entire Basin
with a current that flows north. It is named Gloriana because it borders the
Glomdoring Forest, which, before the days of the taint, was known as the
Gloriana Forest. I have been told that the river branches off about halfway
through its course to flow off eastwards into the forest itself. They call this
branch, obviously, the Glomdoring River, but that's a trip for another time.
This mission is devoted only to the main Gloriana. I do not yet know if this
river has been infected with the Taint and therefore have no clue as to what
breed of creatures I may run into. My only option is to keep my eyes peeled, my
senses open, and some key defenses up. Among the few possessions with me lies my
staff, just as a little extra insurance in case of an emergency. If all else
fails, well, I just hope that, even if the water is tainted, my swimming skills
aren't affected.

The climbing to get to the source of my target river was once again a
challenge, as I am sure it will ever be. However, the fates smiled upon me this
time as well and held off the rain until I had safely arrived. As I have said
before, earth is not my prime element and I'd rather not be buried under it or
caked in it. The climate here is also noticeably warmer than that at the
Toronada's source. Whereas the Toronada began with a frozen spring, the spring
here is most assuredly liquid. It leaps from between the rocks, like a tongue
from some stony mouth, and rushes right on over the edge of the steep cliff,
forming a waterfall. The speed of the water and the heat of the area combine to
produce a heavy mist. No matter how hard I try, I can't see down the cliff to
even be able to guess at how far a drop it is. The deafening roar of the spring
and the start of the water's fall make it impossible for me to attempt to judge
the distance based on sound either. Point in fact, I can barely hear myself
think here. The power and force of this water... it's truly a sight to behold.
No one could ever tell me that water cannot be strong, and no one who visits
this spot could ever say something like that. Yet... even with this much water
moving through, there are some bushes growing.

I move closer to investigate. Very few plants could survive and grow in this
rocky terrain, let alone in rock that is being constantly carved by rushing
water. After a few comparisons to known herbs, which I brought with me, I
decide that it must be a kafe bush. The beans of this bush are known Basin-wide
for their stimulating effects. Many a mortal has used this plant to chase away
the body's need for sleep. And no wonder! A plant that lives in this area, with
this much energy bombarding it, is sure to absorb parts of that energy and store
it somewhere. Eat a kafe bean; eat the energy in water. The primary liquid
really is connected with everything...

Taking a deep breath of the misty air, I notice that it has gotten to be very
late, and my eyes are getting heavy. Had I more plant knowledge I suppose I
could pluck one of the beans from the full kafe bushes nearby and chase that
off. Ah well, I have a long way to go, and I'm not in such a rush that I need
to risk poisoning myself or something from not harvesting the perfect part of
the plant. I will make camp here and start out fresh in the morning. A thought
occurs to me and I laugh in spite of myself. The noise of the rushing water has
a strange melodic feeling. Perhaps Lord Lyreth instilled a bit of song in the
entire Basin... or perhaps nature just has its own brand of music naturally
built right in.

================
Roarkian 20, 153
================

Ah, such a restful night's sleep! The waterfall definitely has a melody of its
own. It's a natural lullaby. I prepared a small breakfast this morning of some
rations I brought with me... a smaller meal than my normal in fact. Something
about the mountain air just seems to take my appetite away. I have also cleaned
up my campsite and packed the few things I brought back up. I'm ready to
continue this journey. One problem though... as I mentioned earlier, the water
flows over a sheer cliff. There're no steps or vines that I can see, nor even a
more gentle, craggily rock face that I could manage to climb down. I suppose I
am doing this the same way I did at the Toronada. Deep breath, steel myself for
it, and just dive.

...

The fall really was a steep one, but I managed to execute it adequately. No
harm done. The water here is definitely warmer than that fresh out of the
Toronada's source, but it still has a refreshing coolness about it. Despite my
worries that it might be tainted, the water here is sparkling, crystal clear
and has a delicious scent and taste. Mountain minerals are infused with it
giving it a healthful quality as well. The area seems to shine and glitter...
why, even the rocks seem to sparkle with a light all their own! I think this
could almost rival the brightness of the Great Starry Sea on the Elemental
Plane of Water. Better not let the Tide Lords hear me say that though! The
rushing water scours the rock faces here with great efficiency, but in the tiny
cracks and imperfections the rocks have, small colonies of dark green moss
abound, sheltered from the torrent but still getting enough moisture to live.
Keeping with the general opinion in this area, the moss sparkles too thanks to
tiny drops of dew. Looking around I can't see very far. The same mist that hung
heavy at the spring hangs here too, though granted a deal thinner. Sunlight
filters through the tiny droplets of water in the air. Everything seems so far
from reality... So many people have described their imaginings of the Divine
Realm this way. If that place is really more dazzling than anything we have
here in the Basin, more dazzling than what lays before me, then it really will
be something. Aside from the moss, no plant life seems to be able to get a
foothold here. Understandable I suppose, and there is no animal life here
either. Aquatic creatures must not be able to fight the current and make it up
here; but then, too, even if they did, they wouldn't have much to eat. The
water flows off to my northeast, running between two boulders. I can't see past
them because of the mist, so maybe there is more life to find there.

As I move away from the waterfall the river slows dramatically, buffeted and
impeded by all the rocks and boulders. The current is actually still moving
downhill, so apparently the drop from the source doesn't lead directly to the
bottom of the mountain range. From what I can tell, I am in the upper foothills
of the southern range, so I've still got a good distance downwards to go before
the river levels out, if it does. There is no plant or animal life apparent
here at all, nothing anyway except the eerie, transparent shadow forest that
looms overhead, darkening the area. I've seen members of Glomdoring summon
these shadow forests to their aid before, so perhaps this is part of their
peripheral defenses. Still, it is most unsettling. The earth here is quite
different from just a short distance back to the south. Boulders here have
curious black and silver veins running through them, reminiscent of the skies
during certain sunrises and sunsets. I touch one of them and it feels cold.
It's no colder than any other stone I have felt, but somehow the cold seems
much deeper and more... well... wrong. I pull my hand back, curious about what
is going on around me. Perhaps my fears about the Taint are not to be so easily
abated. I move on down the river, not really sure if I'm ready for what may lie
ahead.

The only change I notice initially as I move further down is a drastic
narrowing of the river. It remains about the same speed now as it was, perhaps
a bit slower, but it is as if the river has been squeezed in. While only about
5 feet across, I am unable to touch the bottom and still keep my head above
surface of the water. I'm not really sure if I want to touch bottom anyway
given the experience of the dry boulder I felt earlier. The river remains
narrow, but before long the rocks surrounding it begin to thin out and the
river accelerates to the north, still downhill. I watch carefully as I continue
with it, wary of any surprise outcroppings.

My caution is about to pay off. I have managed to stop my motion for now,
hovering still in these swift currents. Before me the water drops several times
in quick succession with a series of foam-churning, miniature waterfalls. Pieces
of foam are occasionally pushed into the air along with tiny drops of water. The
first thing that comes to mind is to call this a bubble rain. I don't see any
signs of my previous concerns of the taint, and were it not for the speed of
the water, this would be paradise to a little child. He could run through the
light mist and try to catch the foam bubbles, bouncing to and fro as little
ones do. Here would definitely be too dangerous, though. I can see past the
series of drops, and what lies there would spell doom for any child that lost
his or her footing. The swift torrent moves directly towards some sharp rocks;
floating sticks and leaves show that smashing into them is the destiny of
anything that gets lost here. I don't know if I can even avoid them or not, but
I am an Aquamancer and water -is- my element. So I will press on. Taking one
more look around however, I notice my first signs of animal life. A couple of
rainbow trout and red-striped salamanders venture in and out of this area on
occasion. Amazing that they would risk that punishing trip, and more so that
they appear to be completely unscathed. Though, in the salamanders' defense,
they have the sense to stay on the shore. I'm not so sure about the trout; but
hey, if they can do it, so can I.

I made it past the rocks without too much harm; nothing the body can't heal
pretty quickly on its own anyway. This trip is now definitely worth it. Here
the water widens and the view opens up. I can see down and across most of the
southern portion of the Basin. It's a perfect place for a cartographer to come
for a bird's eye view. Well, unless he can fly like a Trill anyway. I now know
the path ahead of me. The river continues on to the north-northeast. A branch
of it does indeed flow off into the Glomdoring forest, and another branch
appears to head a short distance into the Grey Moors. My final destination is
still as I planned, though. The river flows into the Bondero Bay, and then
right on into the saltiness of the Inner Sea. I could really sit here all day
and just stare off into the horizon, but I need to move on. The sun is setting,
beautifully I might add, and I need to find a suitable campsite.

As I come down from that expansive view, the water slows, now spread widely
again. Along the banks and the shallow portions of the riverfront, long grasses
grow. I giggle a bit and shift my leg as one of the many trout hiding in the
grass slides against my foot. The southern mountains cast long shadows over
these parts, and the river flows gently to the north, now demonstrating that
the same water that can kill can also be soothing. To my northwest I can see
part of the Grey Moors. As much as I am uneasy in that place, I must make camp.
My body is screaming of being tired, and even if I continue I won't be able to
see anything. So I shall climb out, dry off, make a little camp and secure it
as best I can, and continue this bright and early in the morning.

================
Roarkian 21, 153
================

I actually awoke before sunrise this morning, so setting out immediately
wouldn't have helped me document anything since I still couldn't see. Today my
breakfast was quite large. I suppose my hunger from not eating much yesterday
caught up with me, and add to that the fact I don't know how far I have to go
today before I find another suitable place to make camp. Well, anyway, after
packing my supplies and dangling my feet in the water, waking up the fish in
the process, the sun was up enough that light was filtering in onto the river.
I should get a move-on I suppose.

The water was a bit cooler this morning than I expected, but still not as bad
as the icy start of the Toronada. I move on further from my stopping point
yesterday and there isn't much to note other than some loose rocks mixed in
with the grasses - probably a combination of what nature moves into the water
as well as stones some mortals have thrown in here. However, as I get further
into the moorlands, I notice that the grass that previously housed my fishy
friends is no longer bright and green. The reduced sunlight due to the
mountains above and behind me seems to stunt the life here. The blades of grass
are further apart and most of them are at least partially brown and wilted. It's
a shame that the plants here suffer so, but at least this is a natural
progression and not Taint or mortal influence... at least, I think it's natural

Further down the river the grass loses my attention. The river still sparkles,
clean and fresh, but among the grass here are odd shadows. I jump every
now-and-then, startled by the appearance of one or another. Summoning my
courage up I investigate one of the shadows. It was yet another odd boulder...
this one not askew in color but in shape. It is as if someone or something has
forcibly willed these rocks into humanoid shapes. For what purpose this was
done I cannot imagine. Far to my west I can see an ominous black tower
stretching towards the sky. I am thankful the moorlands are not my choice
exploration ground for the moment. It feels as if I am being watched, though if
it is the stones that bother me or the tower that sets me on edge I cannot tell.
I move on at any rate.

I eventually reach the point where the Glomdoring River branches off from the
Gloriana, and I find I was mistaken. The Glomdoring River flows into the
Gloriana instead of the other way around. They merge here and both flow towards
the Bondero Bay. I am concerned about the possible health risks of continuing,
for the dark waters of the Glomdoring mix with the sparkling waters of the
Gloriana, and sadly the dark water holds the power. The water before me is
murky and sickly colored, but I set out to do this, and I will. I only hope it
has no permanent ill effects on me. I'm startled suddenly and almost drop this
journal, but I quickly find myself laughing and smiling despite what lays
before me. A playful platypus has come along, no different from the ones that
accompanied me down the Toronada and made everything more enjoyable. Well my
little friend, if you can survive this water, then so can I.

I have fully immersed myself in the dark water, and can tell no ill effects
other than a want to take a bath. The brown and withered grasses that I had
gotten used to have once again been replaced. Here an odd grey grass grows in
abundance. To my west it fades into the grey land of the moors, and to the east
it mingles with swamp and trees until it fades into the dark line of the
Glomdoring Forest. I wonder idly if the greyness is some effect of the Taint,
but decide I had better just move on before my mind manages a victory over my
courage.

It isn't all that long before hope swells back into me. The river may be
slowing, but my journey is speeding up. Behind me the mountains still loom, but
before me I can see a tiny shimmer I know must be the Inner Sea. The miasma that
covers the Grey Moors obscures it somewhat, but I'd know that big puddle
anywhere, through anything. I'm drawing closer to home. Despite the new hope in
me, however, I realize that my platypus friend has deserted me. In fact, the
life here appears to have been snuffed out altogether. I do not know if this is
because of the inky water, or if it has something to do with the moorlands and
the dark forest.

I round a turn in the river and am confronted with a set of drops not too
dissimilar to the ones that almost ran me into that rock outcropping earlier.
Foam and water flies through the air, the current is swift here making an
already slippery footing more dangerous for anyone who might try to cross, and
there are even sticks and leaves being funneled out to the north. Something is
indeed different though. The drops here aren't like the smooth, water carved
stone of the earlier set. These, instead, are made of carved stone from the
mountains. Whoever undertook the project of placing these here made sure they
were in the exact spots needed to recreate the natural one. But mortals aren't
perfect, and so will never emulate nature in a perfect manner.

I make it past the artificial tiers and find myself feeling much better than
before. The dark waters of the Glomdoring River appear to have been diffused
over such a long distance, for here fresh, blue water flows once more. It is
definitely a pleasing contrast to the bleak Grey Moors and the dark Glomdoring
tree line that comprise the surrounding area. The last rays of sunlight are
evident against the waters of the Inner Sea still visible in the distance. I am
close to my destination, but the safest and smartest thing to do is probably to
find a place to make camp for the night.

I take a westerly fork in the river and arrive in a marshy pond. Plant and
animal matter alike are decaying here. A plethora of unappetizing smells wash
over me and I accelerate my swimming to escape the water, heading towards the
moorland. Insects buzz all around, getting in my eyes occasionally. This is
disgusting, pure and simple. I'd actually rather be back in the dark portion of
the Gloriana as opposed to this. I make it to the shore, cast a cleanse spell to
get that filth off of me, and once more just to be sure. I shudder thinking
about what I just swam through, and then put it out of my mind before I manage
to throw up. I establish my little camp, set up my defenses, and curl up to
sleep, desperately attempting to ignore the smell of the marsh.

================
Roarkian 22, 153
================

I woke up early this morning. Well, I didn't really ever get to sleep, so I
suppose I really just got up, no waking about it. With the stench of the marsh
urging me on, it didn't take long to pack my things and set out again. To
minimize my contact with the filth of the marsh, I summoned up my skills in
Aquamancy and encased myself in a bubble, struggling to maintain it long enough
to get back to the Gloriana proper. While not a perfect defense, any of that
filth that did manage to get on me was instantly carried away by the Gloriana
upon arrival. Never have I been so thankful for the cleansing properties of
water.

I pass through one last stretch of the moorland-surrounded Gloriana before
emerging back into thriving greenery. Grasslands surround the waters and a
crisp, cool breeze runs over me, lifting my spirits and refreshing my tired
mind. In that breeze I can smell familiar scents. I knew I had it bad when I
realized I was enjoying the scent of freshwater mud. Once I regained my senses
and composure by basking in this fresh environment, I also noticed that many
flowering plants ran over the area, adding in their own fragrances. Birds
actually sing into the air, and only a very few of them are Glomdoring crows
that strayed from the dense portion of that forest. I feel as if I've rejoined
life after being dead for decades. It's a wonderful thing.

Now, in this rich environment, I don't really even mind that the water is
starting to pick up silt. I'll take murky water running through beautiful,
living scenery over the previous experience anytime. Several birds are hopping
along the shoreline, not really even paying me any attention. The mud around
the river looks as if a great piece of art is being done - all the little bird
footprints making a delicate interwoven pattern. While never coming to the
surface, an occasional darting of silver past me tells me that life has also
returned to the waters themselves, and I am glad I will have some fishy friends
to keep me company the rest of the way.

Further down, tall grasses reclaim the area, making it nearly impossible for me
to see past the banks. Ahead is a bridge that I assume to be part of the Great
Southern Highway. As I pass under the bridge I take note of the variety of
slimes and mosses growing on the ancient stone structure. Give life an inch and
it really will take the whole mile. On the other side of the bridge I am still
confronted with the very tall grasses, but the soil here is more sand than
anything else. This change must signify that I am approaching the Bondero Bay.

I pass through a small delta, nothing near as extensive as the Toronada. Fish
abound here feeding on tiny plants drifting through the waters, and the sounds
of sea birds are reaching my ears. I am approaching my destination. I put full
force into my swimming, my energy renewed by the thought of home, some food,
and a bed back at the Aquamancer Dormitory. The extra steam pays off as I
bypass more of the same in the Gloriana's delta. Silvery fish dart to the side
away from me and then back in to continue their business. Seagulls also disturb
them, doing their best to catch a meal, and failing more often than not.

I round one final small turn and find myself in the rich waters of the Bondero
Bay. I tread water for a while here and just observer life, strengthening my
composure. What a trip... I have a lot to tell my friends about. This was not
an easy journey nor near as enjoyable as my previous venture. But was it worth
it? Yes it was. I now know what the Gloriana River holds between its source and
its mouth. Growing in knowledge is always worth the risk, time, and multiple
castings of cleanse.

========
Epilogue
========

I'm sure everyone is curious to my title, though some of you may have already
figured out why I call the Gloriana the "River of Time". You see, I've have
long believed that water will be institutional to the eventual scrubbing of the
Taint from the Basin. However the Taint is more than just a pollutant of the
physical existence, it also infests the soul. Water, as much as I sometimes
feel it does, cannot fully cleanse the soul. For that job we need the Light.
The Light that existed before the Taint, and the Light that now exists in New
Celest. The Gloriana River exhibits the timeline of our world I feel. It starts
clear and pristine, full of energy. Not far from the source it runs into some
hard times, bumps and falls, and rocks and impediments that slowly calm that
energy. It settles in for a mostly smooth ride, still with a few hiccups along
the way. Before long things begin to look ominous, and soon Tainted waters
mingle with that of the pristine. The darkness takes over, obscuring
everything, blocking the light. But just when you think it's all about to be
over, you find the light has slowly nipped away at the Taint. Near the end, the
sparkling waters of old have begun to return. I feel the same is true of our
world. We started out bright and sure, hit a few bumps, met the taint, and now
are struggling against it, striving to the day when the Light overcomes. I look
forward to seeing this day, and I know that it is coming.

Thank you all for accompanying me on my journey. May the waters soothe your
bodies, and the light your souls.

-Professor Marzolan, The Flowing Quill