The Captain's Log: 1011 LD

Convention of Mystics

Notes from Lea

24th of Dawntide, 1011 LD

I felt a sudden need to make a record of events. A log of my own I guess. I don’t remember what I wanted to say, which is clearly how important the log book is. The fey Song whispers in my heart; dance and be merry it says, but something else is stirring inside of me. Clearly it is Gavin, being stupid. Alenka has been away for too long and she needs to get her butt back here.

I’ll visit Gavin and Gregory tonight, and maybe I’ll leave this in the log book.

14th of Springtide

Can’t a girl just relax? I’m supposed to be on a vacation and now I’m putting ink to paper again. Gavin cursed the log book. This is the only answer, and I will get my revenge! We keep using the book for the dumbest things. Weather information, course bearings, and sometimes feelings. What is the point of that? Sometimes that’s a lot of work, damn it. The sacred nectar isn’t as sweet today, and the Song keeps cutting out. Someone is going to pay for this.

My pixie sister Ulya says that the Song will return soon and I can return to the revelry. I feel so human right now, getting concerned over the passing of time. I’m going to make Jenny spike my next drink.

20th of Springtide

The Song ended very abruptly this time; a plunge into a mountain stream on a hot summer day. Satyrs and Undine danced around me. Drinks were spilled and everyone frolicked without a care, and I just can’t join them. So now I’m here, sitting on a silk pillow (its Alenka’s) in the grass and dirt before the stairs to the Temple. Maybe I’ll go up there and cause them some trouble.

I checked in on Jenny today too. She is doing well under the tutelage of Juliet, the village snake girl. Nothing amazing, but she can call out cold and flame at a touch. I watched from a tree limb so that I wouldn’t disturb them. Why did I care? Is it because I have a soul? I’ve always heard that I must consume to gain a soul, but what if it has always been there and I’m finally starting to feel it? I do care, but it is clearly because I value my position. I worked hard to be second in command. That is definitely the only reason. No other reason. For sure.

I hope Alenka gets back soon. I just want to curl up on her lap and… and what? I just want us all to be together again. The sooner the better.

Notes from Gregory

4th of Greentide

Master Zafashad has named me a Master. That isn’t me. I turned him down but he tells me the call has been made. All the same, it is not my place to be a Master. I am a student and as such will continue to learn at the temple for however long I am permitted.

18th of Greentide

Zafashad spent today in observation, so still I could have sworn he was a statue on the grounds. He is patient and careful to observe. He did not council me until the sun set and the others departed to reflect on the labors of the day. His words were simple:

A flower can still grow in the shade

But give that flower sunlight and it will flourish.

There is much to do, and much I intend to focus on tomorrow:

Gavin still struggles to make sense of his training believing it to be menial labor, and yet he can pool ki in his palm through focused training. We will devote the midday to meditation I think.

Temba Terro’s form is nearly perfect, but hooves against nimble feet pose the hazard of making him lose his footing. We will continue to spar each morning going through the remainder of the week to help with this.

The ratfolk Chesa is still bothered by the loss of family. Together we will make the long run to the purest water in the evening hours to grow her sense of companionship in the others.

Much of my past focus has always been self centered. I have trained to protect my friends and family. Now I train to help others understand how to protect themselves. I think I am just beginning to understand the work ahead.

29th of Greentide

Gavin has succeeded in forming his Ki into a focused strike. He will now work with the Master to create a prison for the Oni. Our time on the mystical isle is growing short, and I have a feeling that not all of us will be leaving when it is finally time to go. Tai has struck an unlikely friendship with the Gnoll Jerr. I believe he will be asking me for permission to stay and train, though that is probably something Gavin needs to grant.

19th of Whiteflower

They have succeeded. Gavin emerged from the sanctum this morning carrying a glowing wire-mesh polyhedron formed out of his own Ki energy. I have been studying some of the materials available here to understand more. It should serve as a prison for the Oni if we can weaken it. Zafashad plans to give us each some warding against otherworld entities too, so that we are as prepared as possible for whatever is thrown at us. I will be ready whenever the time comes.

The next few pages of the log are filled by widely spaced handwriting that mark it as Lea’s. Only a quickly written date and general directional bearing provide any evidence that the Silverbird has been travelling. Many of the directions make little sense and would have the ship doubling back or heading out to deeper waters, not as though pursued, but as if the bearing were chosen at random. Short notes from Gavin are interspersed throughout.

A Note from Gavin

6th of Brightreach

We’ve done it! She’s safe. Free! My Brooke is free! I need to rest, but this victory must be recorded! We are free. We can finally go home. Together.

2nd of Glasswater

This really deserves a larger message… I AM MARRIED TO BROOKE! It is perfect. It will be perfect. We are going for a walk together to celebrate.

Everything to Lose

Gavin has placed a note in amongst the shorthand navigation log information. The message bears little structure and forgoes even a date. The writing appears to have stopped multiple times while he paused to think.

I don’t know the best place for this. I’m not even sure it deserves its own entry here, but I think there should be some record for my family, or anyone who may come looking if things don’t go well. We will be arriving at Foriedy in a couple days. I am very happy with my life now, and I need to make it known that I have everything to lose, but a promise was made, and a promise I will keep. I hope Brooke and I can grow our family in peace after this. She deserves it, and I want to live in a place where Yolanda and Terry can properly learn it. Jenny too.

This family has grown so big in such a small time. They all deserve to grow according to Jospei tradition. I could do with reconnecting with my roots. So yeah, everything to lose.

We made a deal with House Zetch when we were here not so long ago. I guess by we I mean Gregory, but I was there in the meeting, sitting face to face with a man who probably could have butchered us all. Instead we got a proposal. We do a play, sponsored by House Zetch, and they do some digging for us. Digging into The Alchemist, and Raul’s Grandfather.

This House that so recently tried to kill Gregory, now on our side. I won’t focus on that too much.

I can hear Gregory and his friend Sargel working on musical themes for the play, still going even though it is late. The tunes have struck a positive chord. Great for morale on the ship. Everyone has volunteered to help in some way. Supporting one another. One big, happy family. I love it. And I’m scared I might lose it. Brooke, sleeping over there wrapped in a sheet like a burrito. There is so much more at stake now.