Lizmun

[There is nothing unusual about the entries.] Entries 2 - 5 -2- I have come upon a peculiar sight today while traveling. A graveyard, unmarked. It's next to a city, Pembroke, I was disallowed inside the walls. I have been trying to push such desires away, but curiosity is getting the better of me - it seems abandoned from even a glance. I plan on investigating - but by no means do I wish to bring ill willed spirits upon myself. I will gather flowers and gifts for the marked graves I find - perhaps that will ward such menaces off. If that fails, at least I have my charms. -3- I did not have much time before the sun began to set. Knowing that spirits are most roused after dusk, I decided to vacate the graveyard quickly after leaving a bundle of flowers and a few golden mina. I know the dead have no use for money, but I hope they will accept something vitally important to me regardless. Now, I walk alone on the road. I am still disallowed entry into Pembroke, I will need to find a place to camp for the night. -4- It's rained. I managed to protect my jew journal through the night, but most of my pack is soaked. My food ration is ruined. Additionally, I seemed to have expertly lost my flint. So, i had to camp without fire. Perhaps my offerings were not enough. I hope that I am not doomed to any worse luck. -5- Shortly after writing my last entry, I have stumbled upon some... structure. Just past Pembroke, in the mountain. It is monstrous in size - made of massive stone walls that seem to rot away. Abandoned, by the looks of it. I cannot hear anybody or anything inside, even as I sit before the rusted iron bars. It's alluring, how could such a hideously large structure come to be abandoned? I don't know. I can't seem to find anything that would give me clues upon the surface - for now I must move on.

A second journal in a collection. [The book is fresh, untouched. The entries starts on the first page of the new journal. A few page for a new chapter in a sad woman's life. The writing is in charcoal, a warm, uneven hue. The writing was mere scrawling, chicken-scratch, unelegent in formation and form. A commoner's journal.] -1- Years have passed since I last wrote anything in any sort of journal - though, perhaps, this was for the best. I have had very little happen to me in these few years, and my mental health has suffered. My mind tortures me still, though as of late, such terror has receded.I am failing my quest, perhaps I should have expected nothing more than failure, it is a concept I have become familiar with. Perhaps I should stop pursuing such childhood wonders - they have given me nothing but failure and stagnation. I want to be happy again, start a new chapter in my life. In celebration of these wishes, I am placing my old journal away, and bought this one, today, on the day of my 27th birthday. Hopefully this new page will bring new, more fruitful adventures.

[The entries are in charcoal once more. The pages are stained. The pages are fringed and blackened.] Entries 212 - 213 -212- A long-standing melancholy has gripped me these past months. I am a failure, I have wasted my life. Perhaps I should have never left my Caravan. My plea has gone unanswered, nobody wants me. Not even my own Journal. Perhaps I should just burn it. -213- I am leaving Haense. This will be my last entry for a while. I can't muster the will to write more.

[The book shows signs of abuse once more. Pages have been ripped out, some are black with senseless, angry scribbles, even the cover has taken some new beating. There are no new entries - it quickly becomes clear the journal was neglected for some lengthy amount of time, as if the Author couldn't bring herself to write.]

[The entries are written sloppily in ink] Entries 209 - 211 -209- I have bought ink, new parchment, and a quill. I mu [A glob of ink blots out the next few letters] -mit it's a tad... difficlut to write with, nothing like my pencils. I am going to write and post my writings in a few cities - perhaps I'll gain some attention this way. -210- [The writer seemed to be practicing more writing in ink to get the feel of using a quill. Most of it was just her name, Gawa Va'shoaz.] -211- [This entry seems to be a rough draft of this poster.]

[ There is nothing unusual about the entry ] -208- I tire of my own failures. Three years of my life, wasted, and for what? Nothing. There has to be an easier way.

[ A series of pages and entries are completely torn from the book. These are the next entries of the unaffected pages.] Entries 205 - 207 -205- I now depart from my short detour over the past year. Now that my sanity has returned to me once again, I seek the open road. It has been over a year since my leaving of Haense, and I have found nothing. It is time to wander once more. -206- I met a nice boy on the road - it was a cold and frigid day, and I was passing a still running stream. On the bridge a small boy sat, fishing. He was kind for me when I stopped, and even offered me food and drink. Apparently, his father worked for a brewery - but when he took me into the town and his supposed home, no father was to be found. Regardless, we traded - he gave me dried vegetables and dried fish in exchange for an old toy sword I had with me. This food will be good for the tinter travels. -207- I have arrived in Holm. While I found nothing here before, perhaps something will be here for me a year later.

[The writing of this entry is shaky and uneven.] -154- My escape from Sutica was unsuccessful. In truth, it was all a blur. I remember some orcs meeting me on the road, panicked, they took me back into the city, I assume. I lost consciousness from fright alone. When I re-awoke, I was in the city once more. I remember distinctly fearing for my life and running - though I was stopped by two assailants. I was in such a frenzy to escape out of the sheer terror that they were going to kill me for what I'd said to Therese that I don't even remember what they looked like, only that they were grappling me and had tackled me to the ground. They didn't want me to leave. Then, another woman came near, Cyrene. Her presence was soothing - like a fire to banish the darkness that had taken hold of me. She was magnificent, and I later learned, a mental mage. She was very kind and understanding of my discomfort and terror, she even drove herself to exhaustion to keep me comfortable. We spoke after I had calmed myself, she made me realize that my paranoia was unfounded, that nobody in Sutica was out to get me. I am very thankful for this act of kindness, and I am upset that I do not have something nice enough to adequately repay her. I will put more thought into what I should create later, as for now my mind is battered. I need rest. I am leaving Sutica, and sleeping in the next town over. Cyrene said she could not teach me mind magic. I must continue to Holm.

[There is nothing unusual about these entries] Entries 152 - 153 -152- I have arrived in Sutica as a detour stop. I planned to visit an old friend, Lae, so she could give me advice on caring for the plants Karyssmov had given me. The city is as grand as ever, but something about it feels incredibly... off. I still can't put a finger on it. Regardless I found the inn fine and have retired to a room. I'll find Lae tomorrow. -153- [The writing is uneven and shaky, the writer was not calm at all when this was written.] It is near morning, and I must leave this city immediately. I know what is wrong, they all know of my heresy. And they're all looking at me. Following me. Plotting, planning, I hear their whispers. They thought they could fool me into comfort, but no! I knew all along! They know, I am sure of it. It must have been that Therese woman! Damn her and the whole Wick family, we made a promise, a pact! I'll kill her next I see her! If I survive with my life, that is! They're coming!

[There is nothing unusual about this entry.] -151- The Wicks have nothing for me. I spoke privately with Arend's wife, Therese. I confronted her, and forgave her, for her initial betrayal, then moved on to discuss matters with her. We both came to an agreement pretty quickly that what we both said would not be spoken outside the room we were in - and for that reason this entry will be vague in the case should any vagabond steal my diary, or should anyone in the forge get curious and read it whilst I am sleeping. If you are not me and are reading this diary, put it down. Regardless, we did not speak for long and I quickly found that the Wicks do not have what I search for. Though, perhaps, Therese may be lying. After all, I am farfolk, and she is noble. Perhaps she has some right to distrust me. I will keep the Wicks in mind, though for now, I will leave them be. Therese did, however, not wish to leave me empty handed and directed me to a certain Demetria Crow. Even if she would not tell me where her husband resides, she has given me a new lead. To Holm I go.

[There is nothing unusual about these entries] Entries 148 - 150 -148- I am able to walk without assistance once more. Karyssmov did good work - the only problem I am having is a limp and some itchiness in the wound. It should be fine for me to walk on, albeit with some pain. Kary has done such an excellent job of caring for me these past few months, it's almost concerning. He's showered me in affection, gifts, compliments, and care overall. The thing I am most concerned about is his wife. She hasn't turned any hate onto me yet, but I've seen her glare at other women. She scares me. She really scares me. I'd rather not have her swing that sword she carries at me. If not for her, I'd readily return any affection Kary gave me, in truth. He has been a good friend. -149- I got out and about today, despite the pain in my leg. I saw a pregnant woman in the square - I decided to leave her be, as she looked... troubled, and people were already gathered around her. Instead I visited Manfred, an old acquaintance, who was sitting alone. I sat with him, and we had a pleasant talk. I asked him about Jib, if he knew him, and he pointed me in the direction of his house. I also asked about Arend Wick, and he sent me to his wife, Therese. I know Therese, we've met before, and I am not particularly fond of her. She is poor at keeping secrets. I'll find her, when I have time. I knocked on Jib's door and there was no answer, and I am not keen on waiting around to find another man. Therese is the best path to Arend I have at the moment. -150- [The following 'entry', if it could truly be called that, was completely wordless. It composed only of useless chicken scratch and tally marks. All simple, but repetitive, motions. This odd ritual continued, from front to back, for five pages, leaving them black with charcoal marks. Byproduct of obsessive impulse. The next entry came directly after, as if nothing happened.]

[The few pages of these entries have been stained by blood.] Entries 146 - 147 -146- I am injured! A sword struck me in my leg, ripping it open near my waist. If this is my last entry, know I bled out and died a coward. I want this journal burned if found with my corpse. -147- Thankfully, Karyssmov found me as I was trying to tend to my wound (I was largely unsuccessful.), he offered treatment to which I obliged. I explained to him that a soldier's stray sword caught me when Haense was being attacked, and admitted that my curiosity got the best of me. The creatures that came, they were not of this plane. Magical entirely, controlled by some master whom I only caught a glimpse of. I hear he fled south. I will follow. Kary fixed my leg for me and stitched it up - the process was painful, immensely so, but at the very least it's over now. I've taken to resting, unable to walk without pain. As a side note, my pants are likely ruined by blood. I'll try washing them, but I may have to get a new pair tailored soon.

[There is nothing unusual about these entries] Entries 143 - 145 -143- I had an excellent chat with Wulffrey today. I was in the crafts guild weaving, trying to calm myself of my baseless fears. The conversation started with Wulffrey asking what my purpose for working here was. An odd question, but I answered truthfully. I need money, a stable income, to keep living. He chocked it up to me wanting a calm life, which I agreed too. We discussed our trade - he learned to be a blacksmith from his brother and continued the trade after he died. I also learned he is married to a woman named Marion, though I suspect she has perished. He did mention that he left for thirteen years and when he returned his family was gone. I told him, in turn, that I had lived in a caravan all my life and my adoptive mother, Jalla, had taught me most of what I knew. Our talk ended abruptly, he was called elsewhere and didn't return. -144- I have been granted a room in the smithy by the graces of Wulffrey. No more sleeping in a stiff tavern bed - at least the one I was given is a tad softer. Though, the room has a broken window, and no door. I am afforded both very little privacy and cold breezes come night time. I'll have to make a drape for the door and window, as well as a thicker quilt. -145- Karyssmov gave me some flowers today. A kind gesture, I'll definitely plant them. He always pats me (That sounds much odder than I thought it would have on paper.) and says kind things to me, it makes me feel better about myself, if I am honest. I'll find a way to repay him. Somehow. I've also finished a tapestry piece, I'm going to try and sell it, obviously, but for now I tire. I must rest.

[There is nothing unusual about these entries.] Entries 141 - 142 -141- My anxiety and sourceless dread has ebbed after a few grueling and terrible days. My mind went to dark places, but it is starting to come back from those black recesses. Still, some of my fear has stayed, as is per usual, but my consciousness is no longer paralyzed at the very least. I can write sensibly once more. I've yet to meed up with the Arend man - why are people so hard to find when I'm the one looking for them? -142- I had a nice wine in the tavern today, I brought back half the bottle. Though, when I entered, i saw a new man in there. I didn't catch his name, as he was very jumpy, and rather paranoid. I think he distrusted me because I am a farfolk, accused me of picking the lock and lying about working in the craftsguild. It was Wulffrey who had to convince him I did indeed belong. That really didn't make me feel much better about myself, quite honestly. I mustn't forget I am a foreigner here, I'll never belong. I'll just go back to weaving. I had intended to give the bottle to my friends at the forge, but maybe I'll keep it for myself.

[Most of this entry is just a drawing of charcoal scribbles and smudges. A few words do accompany them at the bottom. The writing is calm and small- oddly so for what is said. The page has been stained.] -140- ((Art is not mine.)) I sometimes look out to the night sky and realize how truly insignificant I am. The sky stretched out into an infinite blackness before me, and it makes me feel cold dread. I am but a moth, lost without a flame. I am but a speck of dust floating aimlessly on a wanton breeze. I am nothing. Nothing. I am not deserving of my life.

[This particular entry takes up a whole page, despite it being a few words. The letters are large and scratched in. There have been indents left in other pages behind this one, as well. A few angry scribbles surround the words.] -139- IT IS ALL HOPELESS.

[There is nothing unusual about these entries] Entries 137 - 138 -137- I have arrived in Haense. For once, the sun was shining and it wasn't pouring rain. Though, the day was bitter cold. Winter's hit its worst. Regardless, I made my way back to the Wulf's den, which at the time was occupied by Karyssmov. Apparently I looked worse than usual, as he made a short comment on my appearance. Perhaps I should be more... conscious about how I look. I'll buy a new mirror later, maybe some jewelry, too. Kary and I were only talking for a small bit before something called a Dreadknight came by, joined by another odd man in armor. [The entry in interrupted by a drawing of two men - one in dark armor and another in lighter armor stained by dark speckles.] They were interesting to me, when I questioned Kary about what a Dreadknight was - apparently they are souls bound to armor by runic blood magic. I've never heard of this magic before, but it is quite interesting. Karyssmov did, however, start questioning me, much to my own surprised. He commented on my curiosity, then accused me of being interested in the dark and unusual. He wasn't wrong, though I tried to tell him otherwise. He didn't buy it, I am sure. Then, i had to pretend to cave. I told him I feared the darkness, but wasn't trying to learn about it. I told him I did pursue magic, yes, though failed to mention my pursuing of necromancy and immortality. Instead, I told him I sought mind magic. He mentioned Arend Wick, who runs the library. He told me to see him, and tell him he sent me. He should be able to help me with my magic. -Side notes I should also make, Karyssmov was once a cleric, and is very knowledgeable on dark creatures and magic. If I find a necromancer, I should be careful with him. I'm sure he could pick up on my learning of necromancy once I start. -138- I have been waiting in this library for a while now, but have yet to see this Arend man. Another did approach me, whith blonde hair and scars on his face. He looked tough, and apparently is an aspiring knight. His name was Manfred. We chatted for a small while, he mentioned he was looking for poetry and I mentioned I was waiting for Arend. He asked why and I only said that Karyssmov sent me. We small-talked for a short while longer, then he left. Overall, a rather pleasant chat.

[There is nothing unusual about these entries] Entries 133 - 136 -133- I have not written in here for a while, but I have also been unable to find anything for a while. There is nothing for me in the Dominion. The elves ignore me, people fear magic, and I cannot make any progress in my search. This has all been a waste of my time, why do I even continue? -134- I am leaving this city. I hate it, truly. I am sick and tired of constantly being ignored and sneered at. At least in human colonies I'm a bit more accepted. I don't want to return to Haense yet, I am going to stop in Santegia along the way. I need to rest, maybe I can find something of use there. -135- I have arrived in Santegia, and the colorful city is a welcome sight. I'll be staying a few days just for purpose of leisure and trade. I believe I did see some advertisement for a smoking lounge - hopefully they have good opium. I expect the entry might be somewhat pricy, but I suppose with the 700 extra mina Quavinir gave me I can now afford it. I also spied a dye shop near the entrance of the city, I'll make sure to pay that a visit. -136- My stay in Santegia is now coming to an end. I extended it to a week total, and I am quite glad I have. In all, I was able to make up for what money I spent in trading, I found a nice place to smoke, and had a few drinks. A wonderful dream visited me last night, as well. I saw the most beautiful scene - a lovely sunrise over a valley. I'm going to try and weave that out of the dye I've bought. Tomorrow morning I leave for Haense.

[There is nothing unusual about these entries] Entries 125 - 132 -125- My anxiety is quelled, for now. I am still not sure what brought it about, but regardless, it has dissipated fully after a day of fasting and a week of restlessness. I am glad it is gone now. My first night of full sleep brought me wonderful dreams - I was beginning to doubt my cause and my journey, but a nightly vision brought with it affirmation and a new zeal. -126- I have learned of tension in Haense. From what I've learned and saw, there is a Duke, Duke Thomas, who wishes revenge on the people of Haense. I am not yet sure why, and Karyssmov didn't provide much insight on why this was, but he did inform me exactly what a Duke was, at least. In other news, I am in desperate need of dye, but nobody seems to know where I can buy some. -127- I've left Haense, for now, and am heading to Sutica. I believe I saw some dye in the markets, i need some to color my yarn to make a tapestry. Uppon my arrival to Sutica, however, I found the gate closed. How odd, I thought, but there was a gate man there to meet me. I was let in after stating my business. From what I gathered, there have been rising threats and a whisper of a 'September Prince' along the south. Larger cities are taking precaution. -128- In Sutica, I did not find dye. However, I did find a rather nice merchant named Lae. She sold me a plant, which she called 'Aloe Squarrosa'. It is a nice little plant, and it is small enough for me to secure to the back of my traveling pack. I've named my new plant friend Ally. Lae said she should flourish in most environments, thankfully. On my way out of Sutica, I asked the gates man about a rumored mage's guild. The first man did not know, but a woman came by who did. She wielded the most magnificent looking wand I've ever bared to witness, and her jewelry was simply opulent. She was a beauty, I must admit. She mentioned to me a now inactive Mage's guild in Dominion. I had planned to return to Haense, but now I head back north. -130- The night was growing weary, so I stopped in Arbor once more. I did come across the holy men, who seemed to conflict with the knights at the gate. But, other than that, my stay was unnotable. -131- I have arrived in Dominion after a long, grueling journey. The city is in the middle of a dense forest - the last quarter was the hardest part of it all. However, the forest is gorgeous. The tree canopies tower higher than any house or tower I've ever seen, higher even than the walls of Sutica. It is truly a sight to move. The city itself was even better, expertly incorporating nature into man-made device. It is glorious, for a lack of a better term. But the high district is even grander in its grandeur. The buildings are all decorated with white quartz arches that spiral and twist into impossible and beautiful fashions, the streets are decorated elegantly with design, and the few people I've seen pass have all been dressed in glittering gold. Though, I feel unwelcome here, in all the city's glory. The population is almost entirely elvish, with no humans to spare. Even less farfolk - I may be the only in the city at this time, truth be told. I am leered and sneered at more often than even in typically gypsy-hating settlements. At least I've yet been attacked. -132- I have found the building belonging to the mages guild, and quite honestly, I am underwhelmed. It is small and short, barely two stories tall. I expected something... Taller. Like a tower in the children's stories. After waiting at the steps all day, I left. There were no mages to be found. I asked around the city about the mages guild, and was largely turned away. I did, however, come across Quavinir Jyrickson Tviceborn, a musician I once came across in Haense. He was the only who spoke to me, explaining the history of the mages guild, how the city of Dominion has come to hate voidal magic and how the guild fell due to most of the teachers being murdered. Fearing for my own life, I made up a lie as to why I was searching for the guild when asked. I said I had a cursed item on my person, and needed the curse to be lifted by a mage. I couldn't tell if he believed me or not, but he pressed further. What did the curse do, did I still have it on me, why hadn't I destroyed it, etc. etc. I was thinking on my feet, and wasn't sure if he was believing the lies I was feeding him. But, then, he asked me how much i had payed for it. Twenty mina, I had told him, and I explained why I'd gone through the trouble for that amount. Quavinir paused, and left. He returned moments later to return my stone, and gave me a small container chest that contained 700 mina in total. I was shocked at the time, but in no way was I going to turn that money down. He explained that dealing with cursed items was foolish, and I should not have to be worried about such a small amount of Mina. He was charitable, which is something I will remember certainly, even if I did lie through my teeth.

[A lot of words are scratched out in this entry, whole sentences, even, omitted entirely. It was as if the writer was unsure of herself, and wasn't sure how to get the writing out properly. Only what's left is readable.] -124- Something is making me feel... Uneasy. A day or so earlier there were rumblings in the ground - the every earth itself shuttering in anticipation of... something. Ever since then I've been having odd yet fabulous dreams, though, I can never seem to remember their details when I awaken. This makes my soul restless, but I don't know why. I am leaving Haense once again, but I do not know where I am going. I am just going to let my legs take me. Perhaps I've just been stressed. My adventure has stagnated, I need something new.

[There is nothing unusual about these entries] Entries 120 - 123 -120- The city of Arbor is quite nice. The bed is warm, the food is good, and the market is healthy. My few days here have been pleasant, and I've found extensive use in the city's bath house. My aching, tense back has been a problem for me since I've set out on my journey, but a few hot, herbal baths have alleviated this problem entirely. If only I had a strapping elvish man to take a bath with me. That'd be a treat. But, I suppose that I cannot always get what I wish for. A shame, really. I must admit, however, that I am quite reluctant to return to Haense. The bitter cold, bleak landscape, intolerant highlanders and fanatic clergymen make the town unattractive and draining. But, I'll admit, I already miss the loom. And I still have business there, unfortunately. But, it wouldn't hurt to wait a few days I suppose. -121- I saw a spirit today! I was in Arbor, in the early morning, at the stalls. I heard commotion at the tavern, and approached to investigate. There I saw her, an apparition of unholy merit. A young girl, by the looks of it, misty and dead. I fled quickly - I refuse to commune with spirits in any way. It's bad luck, and I wish not to be possessed and pupeteered. I have left Arbor, and am now returning to Haense. -122- I met a fellow traveller on the road. A merchant, like me. He was kind but... odd. He was an elderly man, with thinning hair and a wiry beard, and he wore small glasses upon his hooked nose. He always smiled - not a thin, wary smile but a boisterous, uncomfortable grin. He put me off, but we did stop to trade. He sold me a music box, I gave him a talisman of good health. He went along his way fine. I hope he is alright. -123- I have arrived in Haense once more. The rest of the trip was unnotable, and my entry into the city was as well. I am putting my journal down for today, and going to visit my loom instead.

[There is nothing unusual about this entry.] -119- I have left Haense, for the time being. I can only be in that city for so long, lest I risk my sanity. I had intended to go to Sutica for a short visit, but I was roped into Arbor instead. The inner city is nice, there are goods for sale, I've already bought a book. A nice child showed me around, I gave her a mina in return. I'll be staying in Arbor for a few days before I head to sutica - the city has a bathouse, something I intend fully to use. I'll re-stock my rations, as well. And perhaps pick up a few items to sell. I am tired, though. I don't feel like writing much more.

[There is nothing unusual about these entries] Entries 116 - 118 -116- Karyssmov ushered me over today in the square. We had a short, friendly chat with others present. He introduced me to Brog Dhoon, a tower of a man, likely a warrior. He seemed jolly, though. A fae came near, I've only ever seen a few, his name was Latreftos. He wasn't particularly notable to me, I must admit. The most interesting thing said was that the dark elf bard I seek works for a 'Seneschal' named 'Jerry', I should find him and ask him more about about his employee. The other thing I learned is that Fenn will likely be very difficult for me to get into. They are isolationists, and only allow a very few people in and out their walls. Maybe I should forget the Fenn business, for now. Perhaps I can find a necromancer elsewhere. From what I am getting, Haense should not be stayed in much longer if I cannot get ahold of the dark elf. There is no magic here, as it is strictly outlawed. Perhaps I will return to Sutica. Karyssmov did ask me what I wanted in Fenn, the first to do so. I just told him that I saw it in dream, and that it was 'the way of the gypsy' to follow her dreams. I think he believes me. -117- On another note, I will perhaps be staying in Haense for a while longer. Karyssmov wished to buy from me after I mentioned I was once a caravaner, and heeding his request, I showed him my wares. he bought one of my trinkets, a movement stone. Helps with travelling on the roads - prevents your rations from spoiling, protects you from bandits, etc. etc. After buying this, and after I showed him a vase I had, he offered me a position in the Wulf's Den Craftsmen Guild. Though, he wanted me as a person to make pots and vases, a skill I don't have. He still allowed me entry when I told him of my skill in weaving and loom-working. This will be a good opportunity to get Mina and lay-low whilst I try to learn more of the south, and hopefully uncover a way into Fenn. Or better yet, find the location of the source of the supposed undead in the area. -118- Now I am in Haense's library - it is cozy, there are many books here. Perhaps I should stay for a while.

[There is nothing unusual about these entries] Entries 113 - 115 -113- I was approached in the morning by four men. Three were in armor, one was plated in black, gold, and decorated by red. He seemed like the commander of the three other guards, and was named Lucien var Andest. A high ranking man, surely. Perhaps nobility? The first thing that came out of his mouth was a question. 'Do you believe in god?' he said. Of course, with three armed men by him, who was I to tell the truth? I told him yes, naturally, and he believed me. He then asked where I was from, and this time I did tell the truth. I told him I was a traveler from a caravan. He then asked me to join him in follow to Judeburg. I have never heard of this town, so I was reluctant and declined under the notion that I was content just traveling. He pressed the matter a little more before giving up outright. He is an odd one, a holy one. I should be wary. -114- Shortly after writing my last entry, I heard commotion outside. When I went to investigate, I found that the screeching was centered around Lucien and his armored lackeys. I learned that he is indeed the commander of the 'Chantrey', different from the Enchantrey, it appears to be a holy group. The man Lucien was scolded by a knight, whose name I didn't quite hear, and was told he could not recruit in this town. I overheard the remaining men conversing as they conversed. The chantry deals in purging heretics. Burning at the stake, public executions, interrogations. I must be wary of them. -115- The four men were condescending when I approached them, I initially asked where I could find that bard I'd seen last I was in Haense, as well as Valdun and his people. They didn't know, but the conversation took a turn and they started to ask much more... personal questions. I obliged, and they learned I was a gypsy, then they proceeded to ask if I could read fortunes. I never was a fortune teller, but they offered money so I lied and told them I could. Madame Aris would have my hide if she ever found out. I read one of their fortunes, I didn't quite catch his name. I just made some base things up about how he'd find love and die a glorious death, etc. etc. He seemed to just be playing a long, but I was payed anyway so that doesn't much matter to me.

[There is nothing unusual about these entries] Entries 108 - 112 -108- Unfortunately, There was no brothel that I could find in Santegia. My warm bath will have to wait. The city is very nice, but I must move on - there isn't much for me here. Though, it was a welcome break from my travels. A much warmer chapter to this journey. I've bought some more rations, and a rather warm undershirt and some socks. I am tempted to buy a dagger, too. I've heard of bandits on the roads. I will be returning to Haense once more - I need to find that dark-elf bard, and I will try to ask around about Fenn. Hopefully somebody knows why the gates are shut. -109- [Another rough drawing takes up the page.] (( OOC note; This is not my drawing, it was done by barbarian_j)) The ducks and the gulls in Santegia are funny to watch as they intermingle. I caught this little display before I left. There is a duck-feather hat for sale in one of the stalls. I am tempted to buy it, but I do not have enough Mina right now. Oh well. -110- I made a brief stop in Aldenburg. There wasn't anybody or anything particularly interesting there, but a local merchant did sell me a finely crafted satchel at a discount. I traded him a painted stone and 80 Mina for it. It's a rather nice bag. -111- I passed by that shrine again, the one with the crystals and the marble spires. This time, I didn't show the same restraint as I had previously. It's properties are... odd, to say the least. I could feel something coming off it, some kind of power, but otherwise I couldn't tell what it was for. The stone it was primarily made of was unfamiliar to me. Featureless black flags hung from its side. I looked around for any key as to what it was for, but the structure is devoid of any markings. It excites me, the mystery, perhaps I could bring somebody knowledgeable on such things back to it at a later time. -112- I have Returned to Haense, and brought a cold, miserable rain with me. I like this town less and less with each passing day. I did have a talk with a highlander in the tavern, he wore odd robes of black, gray, and gold with a dark mask to boot. Something about him seems... off, but I can't seem to put a finger on it - I couldn't squeeze anything out of him in conversation, besides that his name was Thorvn. Out conversing was cut short as a brawl broke out in the tavern. I quickly retreated upstairs to the room I had bought. Back to a stiff bed.