Maolen M. Istario

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Maolen is a male Mage of the Antivan circle. He joins the party on their hunt for M in season 2 after they rescue him from pirates.

## Background

**8th of August 9:17**

My first expedition above was a success. I've managed to get some moldy bread and enough water to last me a couple of days. I could also grab this forgotten notebook from a desk near a huge window, and I could also find some coal lying around. My fingertips are so dirty but at least I can write this. Because I am getting bored. And scared. I really can't explain this feeling. I think I'm going to get some sleep and write more tomorrow about what's going on with me. To be frank, I firstly need to understand everything myself. Some pieces of the puzzle are missing, but I'll have it figured out soon.

**12th of August 9:17**

I've lied; I needed more than one night to gather my thoughts. It is really hard for me because I don't know who is going to read this. If I am writing all of this for a future me or for a simple traveler who will happen to find these sheets long after I'll be gone. Still, I will try my hardest. My name is Maolen Istario. I am a decade old and the only child of Hildak and Sandia. I think they di I was taught to not talk to strangers so that is the only information I am willing to give to a stranger. Back to sleep and painting the walls with coal I guess.

**23rd of August 9:17**

I have realized that I may have to stay here more than I originally planned. When I've found this place I have only seen it as a temporary shelter, until I could get enough food and water to go on a longer expedition. Apparently a library is really not the best place for that. It was a cold rainy night and I knew I couldn't hold on any longer outside. As I was curling up into a ball to warm myself, I noticed a small hole in the central library's wall. I pulled a few bricks out, and I crawled through it and fell in those catacombs. After a few days I've found a door which leads to the building itself, which has only been used for bringing food. Up until now, as I've decided to steal some books too. As long as I'm stuck here, I might as well try to read.

**14th of Harvestmere 9:18**

Today I've found a lovely book about flowers. As I was reading I suddenly recalled a chapter from another book where the beauty of the female character was compared to a flower. It was kind of a dull metaphor to be honest, but I find it intriguing how the same concept, namely a flower, can be seen from so many perspectives. And then I've realized how long it's been since I've smelled a flower. So, after more than two months of staying indoors, I have found the courage to go outside. Fortunately, the sky was quite cloudy, so I didn't have to worry about the burning sun. I was really cautious not to be seen, especially when I got back to the catacombs my home with around three unscented yellow flowers. There was no vase around or something similar, so I pressed them between the pages of a boring old book about love and alcohol.

**Satinalia 9:18**

I've had some extremely boring months, good books are harder to find. I don't know whether I've read all the good ones or I'm just becoming more picky, but I had to find a way to entertain myself before I went insane. So I decided to celebrate Satinalia. I've gifted myself those three flowers I have pressed some weeks ago, and I've even made myself a mask from some old paper ripped from this journal. Not all my entries were worthy of keeping. I've had a lucky day, the bread was almost fresh. I have even split the food in three for me and my parents! We've talked about good times, about how much I miss and love them. Of course, everything was symbolic and I ended up eating everything, including my words. I mean, whatever keeps me sane. At least Sandia the Doll was here with me.

**25th of Cloudreach 9:21**

My mom used to tell me this was the month when all wishes come true, when one can "reach for the clouds". I used to religiously believe that when I was half my age, which is not utterly foolish, as it gave me a glimpse of hope. But now, honestly, I doubt something fascinating will ever happen in those dusty catacombs. Anyway, today I've started reading philosophy. All those years I've avoided it because I virtually didn't have the capacity to process it. Still, I think the way human brain functions is beyond fascinating. And the fact that I am able to understand how perfect are my thoughts and believes. Just marvelous! The only thing I wish is someone to share all this knowledge with. A friend, if you will. I've never had a real friendship, except the one between my parents. Looking back, I realize how overly-protective they were.  My freedom was stolen by them. They were really good thieves, if I say so myself.

**2nd of Bloomingtide 9:22**

I was reading from a philosophy book when I heard someone trying to open the door which links the library to the basement. In just one second I realized three fundamental mistakes: One, I didn't think about designing a place to hide; Two, the place was really a mess with all those read books and spoiled food, so it would be obvious there is someone here; And three, I really shouldn't have moved the furniture last night so I could grab a book out if my reach, and then not put it back in its place because "nobody will notice". I've still tried to run as deep into the tunnels as I could, hoping that certain someone will give up searching. Unfortunately, I was at a dead end and the steps were coming closer and closer. I was sitting in a corner, knees tucked into my chest, desperately trying to hold my breath. When I've seen a shadow approaching me, I just closed my eyes and prayed. The person stood in front of me for several minutes and watched me shaking and crying.

"Hello", a woman voice said.

My eyes were shut on her uncombed black hair.

"What the fuck", she added almost too calm.

I've stood up, wiped my tears off and told her my name. I was too terrified to tell her the truth, so I've just said I am here because my parents abandoned me and I have no home.

"I see", she said lacking any empathy. After what felt like an eternity of painful awkward silence, she added that she'd noticed the book I was reading.

"Yeah, I am really fascinated about it. I find the concept of ration and feeling depending on one another quite interesting. We can debate on that if-"

She already made herself comfortable, so I sat down too. When she was about to leave, I rashly asked her name. She giggled.

"Damaca."

Keeping a straight face, she turned around and left.

**28th of Bloomingtide 9:22**

This will be more like a summary of what happened in the last couple weeks rather than just the events during a day. After three days of silence, Damaca came back. I was just about to feel asleep. She kept asking me personal questions, about where I came from and how I got here, which I was trying to avoid answering. In the end, she kind of understood my boundaries and what I'm fine with or not. So we talked about literature instead. And she visited me every day. Sometime in the middle of the month she brought me a cooked meal, which I initially refused, but then cravings defeated me. I was sick of apples and bread. Soon our conversations became more casual, we were having a lot of small talk, which I didn't mind that much. Her company was a nice one. An interesting thing is that she gives me cute nicknames, like Melon (it's her favourite fruit). I like that because that's what friends do, meaning that I finally have a friend.

**5th of Justinian 9:22**

I'm spending so much time with her. I feel like we've been knowing each other for ages, as cliché as it may sound. But staying alone almost five years really makes every single stupid thing a whole lot special. Bringing me edible food and enjoyable books became a norm, and I'd always make sure to read by the next day, so we would have something to talk about. The best thing is that she also likes talking to me, and thinks I'm one of her best friends. I've also learnt that her father sent her here to see if someone is hiding here, but she decided to lie to him just because she though I'd have a lot to offer, spiritually at least.  I've briefly mentioned tomorrow is my 15th birthday, and she seemed more fascinated than I was.

"Oh my God, why didn't you tell me earlier? I would have bought you a sweet gift. We have to celebrate!"

"There is really nothing I need. As long as I have books and food I should be fine, thanks thought!"

"Oh come on, Mandolin! Fifteen's a big age! I'll bring a bottle of wine. You've drunk before, right?"

"Yes, of course", I lied.

"Perfect. See you tomorrow!"

My happiness can't be described. I couldn't sleep all night thinking at her kind words. I finally have someone I can call "my best friend".

**6th of Justinian 9:22**

I've just fucked my best friend.

**11th of Justinian 9:22**

She dragged my head on her chest and started to play with my hair. It's just so awkward that she's barely listening to me anymore. So this time I actually had the guts to push her away from me.

"Damaca, I think we should stop."

"What?" Her face turned red.

"I-I'm just...Don't get me wrong, it just doesn't feel right."

"Maolen", she called me by my real name, which means it's bad. "What can I say except I'm sorry, huh? I'm sorry for caring about you so much that I actually took my time to-"

"You're almost an adult for FUCK SAKE!" I screamed, catching her off guard.

Damaca just smiled nonchalantly.

"So what? I love you, you dummy!"

"Well I don't. Please leave and never come back. I fucking hate you."

"You'll regret this", she mumbled as she closed the door.

**1st of Solace 9:22**

FuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckFUCK. Tonight I tried to get out to grab some food, but the door was locked. I kept trying to open in for around an hour, until my hands were to bloody to work. Is this how I'll die? Why am I so scared? I kept telling myself to stay calm as I was looking for another exit. No success. That was the only door. Why would she do something so cruel? She could have just tell her father about me not...this. I hopelessly walked towards the door and cried myself to sleep next to it.

**5th of Solace 9:22**

As I was reading a stupid children's book, I heard a knock on the door. I stood up as quickly as possible, shouting and asking to be let out. A cold laugh answered me.

"How are you, Mandarin? I hate mandarins so much, worst fruit ever."

"Damaca, no...Please let me out! I will...do whatever you want. I swear on my fucking live I'll fuck the live out of you if that's what you want from me. J-Just, don't let me starve here."

"You really have some spine to talk to me like that, imbecile. I've just came back to hear you begging, it really turns me on. You're really an idiot if you think I'd let you out only after five days. I am goin-"

I've stopped listening to her emotionless voice. I could feel my whole body shaking, almost burning with madness. I've closed my eyes in an attempt to calm down, but I could physically feel all my mana leaving me, spreading across the room. And when I opened my eyes, the catacombs were on fire.

"What's that smell?" Damaca wondered. "And why is the library burn-OH MY GOD, NO! NO NO NO!"

She tried to unlock the door so she could escape the fire, but it was too late. The door opened and her still conscious body rolled at my toes, asking for help. Not knowing what to do, I just ran away and somehow survived. When I got outside, the whole library was on flames, and everyone in town was here.

**6th of Solace 9:22**

"I've already called the templars. You'll go to the circle, where you belong, you brute!" a stranger told me as I was trying to run. So I'm a mage. And I-they're going to take me. That was I was avoiding in the first place, getting caught. I'd run, but this time there is no way it will work. So I will use my last moments of freedom burring this journal. I really don't want in confiscated, it is important for me. Maybe someone will stumble upon it and know my story. And, if not, then Dear Future Me; I hope you are doing well. I hope you've found mom and dad. I hope you're the best mage ever, like no one ever was. Please, take care.

## Notes

Also known as: Melon, Melanin, Minecraft, Modem, Manalin, Mark Hamil etc