Ryzom

My Dearest Jeziellia,

It is with a heavy heart I send you this letter. Despite the cloud that hangs over the house of Mara'Tyr, I hope this message reaches you in good health and Matsian prosperity. I did not have a chance to inquire after you when your sister and her friend visited; their stay was short as I sent Emaelle back to Silan.

Nysia is dying. Chances she will survive this illness are very slim. I suspect that you already knew that, and I appreciate your waiting for this message as I requested. You always were such a faithful and obedient child. Now, a grown woman. It is best I do not dodder on this letter.

A small group of Zoraï will be awaiting you beyond Silan, near the Path of Exodus, to escort you and Emaelle home. I have enclosed a map. Travel there and wait for them. With the shifting of the seasons, the kitin have stirred and the Rangers are having some troubles. I do not wish to bury another of my children.

I wish I could spare you this, Jeziellia. This and much more.

I look forward to your arrival. We have much of which to speak.

With love,
Your father,

Calaith Mara'Tyr

The letter was rolled, sealed, and given into the hands of a nearby Zoraï who would carry it down the Path of Exodus and on to Yrkanis to be delivered to Jeziellia Mara'Tyr, Lady of House Etchmarc.

Yrkanis, Majestic Garden of Verdant Heights

Perun, why? Why did you have to say it? Why do you have to mean it? And why did you make me take that last spark of hope away from you? Snuffed like a candle. It would have been easier to drive my dagger into your heart.

But how can you say you love me? Love. What a funny word. Love? After the things that've transpired between you and my sister? After the incidents with Kaylee, and whatever other women you've met along the way? How many others that I know? Do you charm Elavali, Suryi? If you had betrayed them the way you betrayed me, would you have looked at them and told them you loved them as well?

I can't think about this right now. It still makes me dizzy. I shouldn't even be thinking about you at all. What is done is done, and I think, I hope it was the right thing. If you really did love me, then it is best that you have good cause not to. No, there was never hope, Perun. Not really. I love Enon. I made the choice to devote myself to that one love.

That's the kind of choice I don't believe you can truly make.

I believe you. Jena help me, I believe you, but the end result is the same. You lied, deceived, manipulated, and caused my baby sister to break a promise to me. You interfered with my family. You've interfered with both of my families, and in the face of pains I cannot make you understand, I stood in your defense. I've bled for you in so many senses of the word, and this is how I am repaid.

Enough, enough words he'll never hear. I sent him away. Now there are only these pages to bear witness. Why does it upset me so much? Is my pride hurt more? Was I really blind? I keep hearing whispers telling me I should have seen this coming, that I should have known better, that he's been nothing but trouble 'since I brought him into our lives'. Do I believe that? I really don't.

I care about Perun, I care about the rest of the Seeds. Nothing will change that.

What am I supposed to do? I'm not really 'allowed' to care for homins the way I do. Not if I hope to remain stable in life. Things were just starting to even out so well in regards to the Seeds, to Perun. Now this. Now this, and that's that. It's done.

And he's gone. Won't "bother" me anymore.

Gods, Perun. You weren't a bother. But why did you have to fall in love with me?

What is it? Why? And if you love me, then are you just using my sister? Does Emaelle know? Who else knew this before I did? If I had known...

My feet ache like never before. The bottoms look a little bruised. I overdid it last night, trying to safeguard the House in the assault on Sirgio the Wicked's encampment. I couldn't abandon them, even if I knew it would go poorly from the start. No one believes me. I could feel it when we approached. Even with the massive group of homins that gathered did not convince me. Nor did our successful assault that drew Sirgio out to the front lines.

There's too much stress in the House, and I don't know why. I think everyone is trying too hard to make sure everyone else is happy. Maybe it was just the winter. It's spring outside now. I don't much feel like a new beginning, even if I did close a door on something last night. The end of winter makes it seem that much more final.

I need Enon. The gentler Enon of Silan. I just need to cry, and not here alone on this apartment floor. I want to be held. I want to be allowed to be vulnerable, weak. Just for a little while?

Reminder: I need to harvest more wood nodes. I don't have enough counterweights to perfect this newer axe design.

Soon I will set out for Silan to get Ema, and then to my father's home.

Outside the Goo Grapplers' Camp, Paramount Stock, The Void, Witherings

Again, some time between my writing, and so much has happened.I don't know where to begin, or when this will end. I'm sitting near the goo field in Paramount Stock, waiting for Kas to return from helping Kirasadira.

Despite sending Perun away, I sent a message when I returned. It isn't that he haunts my thoughts, so much as the guilt does. A part of me knows it was the right thing to do, but the rest of me aches for the hurt I've done.

Oh, my return. The second message from my father came. Enon took me through the Ring that linked to a halfway destroyed teleporter in the old lands. He insisted on coming along. I am glad I did not try to dissuade him, and that he urged me to hurry along.

Nysia is recovering and should do well. The infection was causing a fever that caused her to slip in and out of delirium, but it had not actually reached her Seed, thank Jena. With the premonitions that run in our family, I can only imagine what terror that could have been. Did she foresee Enon's presence? I certainly hadn't anticipated him coming along, or leaving early the way we did. I had been so distracted, I didn't even mention my plans to him - or much of anyone else - until nearly the last minute.

My father gave me a small bundle of logbooks and a sealed letter. I fainted almost immediately, and he refused to tell me what they were. What they are. I haven't looked at them, and the sick feeling that came over me makes me not want to look. I promised him that I would read the letter first, when I was ready. He wanted me to read it then. I could see it in his eyes. And when he handed me the books, and the pouch of amber cubes, it was as if half a weight lifted from him.

Do I want to know what they are?

Before I left, Valko told me he

I don't want to think about that either.

Forcing one friend to never see me again, after he betrayed my trust, and then having another more or less tell me that we would face one another on a field of battle, and then my sister nearly dying, and whatever is in those books - I can't right now. I can't. I say I'm fine, and I guess I am. But I just can't.

Instead I've been digging. I've been crafting. I've been out here healing Kas. I've been trying to stay pleasant and cheerful, but it wears off terribly fast. I need time to digest this all, and Enon's arms around me to keep out the world.

Dunes of Exile, Burning Sands

Varinx are peaceful when they sleep. Not like gingos. Gingos twitch and turn, and pace between naps. I've watched all manner of predators lately, while they sleep. Gingos in Fleeting Garden, Varinx in the desert, Tyrancha in the Abyss. I don't think Kinchers sleep at all.

Of late, neither do I. No dreams, no darkness, no peaceful warm embrace of blankets. No, sometimes I do. Just not as much as before. Only when I can feel Enon next to me. There's something secure about that. There's this anxiety that never leaves me, and it emanates from that letter on my desk. I haven't touched it, nor the logbooks. I haven't opened the pouch of ambercubes. I won't.

How long can I avoid them though? I can feel it's important.

I helped Kae and Vae find the Excellent Zun amber spot in the desert. Rather, a spot. There's probably another. It was very picky, at best. The pack of Varinx made things somewhat interesting. Zyquo helped keep them off of Kae and I while we worked on the node, and Vae took up healing. All in all, the situation was managed very well. Thankfully I trusted my hunch to search along the Dunes' cliffside, instead of going right to the Flaming Forest. I still need to go there and search around. If I conscentrate just right, I'm fairly sure I can get a sense for the nodes without running myself into a predator den.

I spoke a few days ago with Kendrus, about Perun. I explained what had happened. I explained, as best I could, why I did what I've done. It's for the best that Perun and I simply never see each other again. I know he meant well, in taking Emaelle home before our father sent for us, but

Too much. And here I am writing about it again.

I'm nearly qualified as an actual Desert Forager. A few seasons of hard work, and I should be able to claim the same in the Prime Roots. That, of course, tends to be a little trickier. I am becoming more familiar with how to get to some of the more dangerous locations, however. I haven't been to Nexus in a little while. The solitude of the desert's been more comforting than just sitting and waiting for rain.

Autumn brings blooms in the desert. Flowers, varinx pups. And simplicity. I like that part the best.

The House has made a number of successful hunting expeditions. Most recently was Kibakoo. Though not a 'success' in traditional terms, it was very successful in the way of a learning experience. Or even "experience" in general. Nothing can quite encapsulate the rush of being a healer in a situation like that. Our group was too small, I think; only six of us. The Kinchers and Kipucka were the biggest of our problems. Without them, it would only have been a matter of endurance, and I believe we could have done it. Discretion is the better part of valor. We will try again another day.

Gibbakin still frightens me.

((backdate to January 3, 2007))
Dunes of Exile, Burning Sands
Last day of Fallenor, Atys Cycle 2, Jena Year 2536

I'm out in the desert, and while it's nothing like Silan, I'm digging up fine materials. I can't help but look at them now, and remember how proud I was to be able to refine such things from the node flows on that island. I remember how sought-after those fiber spots were, in the jungle. The kipesta that would sneak up on a digger. Carrying all the gear I would use or need. One hundred materials were a glorious haul, and a long day of hard work. Frustrating but fulfilling.

Now? Two Jena Years later, I know quite a bit more about node flows. The desert flows are still a little unfamiliar to me, but tonight I proved myself worthy to be called a Desert Forager. They are the most basic secrets of the desert, but secrets nonetheless. It's warm, even in autumn, but I can feel the chill of winter. "Chill." What a strange word to use in the desert, but compared to summer's glaring heat, that's exactly what it is.

Mercellus, what a precious homin. Such an innocent one too, so he seems. It always makes me feel a little better to 'hear' from him. Moreso when he displays such trust in me. I can admit I'm fond of him.

Digging and thinking of Silan, and then Mercellus - of course it all brings me around to Gyles. I wonder how he's doing. Two Jena Years of wanderlust, roaming only the gods know where. I know he's alive. I cannot believe otherwise. Gyles, my friend, I wish you well - wherever you may be.

Much like last year, I haven't told anyone about today. Now, in the House, there are many more homin who would make a fuss. I don't want a fuss. I'm happy to be out in the desert, providing Enon with the materials he'll need to finish whatever project it is he's working on now. Apparently, for the last while, he's been working very hard to learn how to make a complete set of Tryker Medium armor. The end result? He made a complete suit for me, in purple. For Emberstorm's wedding. It's really gorgeous.

It's a vague melancholy that seems to come with my birthday. I should apologize to Zyquo for my behavior. I don't think he realized what day it was, or maybe he would have understood. This year, I declined his company but still wanted some comforting through our Seed connection. Of course, he knows the importance of the date. He's actually the only homin I've told. Those were better times, I guess. Overall. Between us. Simpler times? Maybe.

I think all times are simpler, when you look back on them. The choices no longer lay before you. It's all a single path. Single paths are always simpler than the webbing of choice, decision, and consequence that spreads out before us, every day.

I'll sleep here at the outpost, and return to Yrkanis in the morning.

Jeziellia's Apartment, Yrkankis, Majestic Garden of Verdant Heights

Jeziellia tossed her pack in the corner as she entered her apartment. Reaching up, she removed the two elaborate carved hair combs from the upturned twist, freeing her hair. The twist undid itself and her hair tumbled down her back. She gave a relaxing sigh.

After she changed into her lighter gown, she returned to her pack. She reached into the bottom of the bag, and withdrew her kincher shell covered journal. A smile played over her lips as her fingers caressed the smooth cover, still pleased at her handiwork. She pulled out her chair and settled at her desk. Her eyes scanned the pages as she slowly flipped through, working her way to the blank pages in the back. She tucked her hair behind her ears with one hand as the other smoothed over a fresh page.

We finally found Gubakoo in his lair. I felt a little bad, knowing how Kae really adores Gubani, but as I've said - in my mind, many creatures become material diagrams. And Kas likes challenges. Five of us handled it very well. Kedino, Kae, Vae, Kas, and myself. I was not prepared for a fight, but my digging gear suffices. I really shouldn't put it through such rough work.

Rereading, I can't help but laugh at my own words. I think I'm rougher on my digging equipment than I am on the suit of heavy armor Valko gave me, when I careplanned for him.

Ah well. It isn't like I don't have a whole wardrobe of options. Poor mektoub. It's almost time to pare down what I have stored away. Get rid of what I've outgrown, or don't wear.

A few nights ago, Kas, Kae, Xyrana and I found Quadon and Rendokin. I think Rendokin is right. Gorgeous Rendor, really. Absolutely stunning.

I don't know why I keep thinking about Silan lately. Less about Silan, and perhaps more about the people I'd met there. Where are they now? What are they doing? Many of them... I never heard from again. I know Zenon is doing well, and I'm glad. Little Tiger is still around, of course. Kedino is in the House.

But what about Vie? Villik? Where did Hayashibara go? Senduin? Erebus? Jena only knows how reliable my memory is in recalling these names, let alone if I've recorded them correctly. But I do remember them. Hayashibara came to me once in Yrkanis, and then I never saw him again. I think he was the first homin I hugged after coming to Silan. Vie? Most loud and obnoxious Zorai. Maybe not 'most', but close. She wore Matis medium armor very well. Senduin said he'd be waiting in Yrkanis for me. Maybe I took too long in coming? Villik was a very talented Zorai digger. Erebus, the first Fyros I'd ever gone out harvesting with. And so many others...

I look for them sometimes. Sometimes I think I see them. A glimpse from the corner of my eye, but when I turn, there's no one there. Or not who I expected.

Such is the nature of Atys and life, though. Not even memories last forever.

Yrkanis, Majestic Garden of Verdant Heights

As much as I reminisce about the past, I try not to stir old, painful memories. It seems that some homins enjoy doing just that, however. Old wounds poked and prodded - for what purpose? None. What is done cannot be undone or relived. Decisions cannot be changed. If my silence over the matters within the Order somehow lessens who I am in the eyes of some homins, then so be it. I will not revisit the past or bleed old wounds for anyone else's urges to do so. Even the decisions of my heart are questioned time and again. Can't homins be happy with my friendship and leave well enough alone?

I wonder if it is so hard for some to accept peaceful happiness. To let the past settle into the path that it is, and to simply walk forward on the path that will be? For all the talk of forgiving past wrongs, why is it suddenly that - there's no point in even pursuing this line of thought. I can't heal all hurts. I can't make everyone happy.

I have heard Na'Rael has returned to Silan. I envy her that a little. Simpler times. Who doesn't want that? I certainly do. I will miss her, regardless of anything others may think of me. My first memories in the Order are of her excitement at my accepting the badge. I am sorry, for the part I played in it all, for the way such things affected such a bright soul.

Joney helped me harvest seeds near Dryon. I learned quite a bit, and somehow managed to let a few nodes get away from me, knocking him out and nearly doing the same to myself. I apologized. That was a humbling experience. I've never had so many slips. He took it in good humor, thankfully, once I helped him back to his feet. The seed haul was quite large, and will help Enon along quite well, I think. Eventually I should take another day or two to focus on the materials I need. I wonder if Kas will take my suggestion about learning to make his own ammunition. I do have trouble picturing him sitting and practicing for hours though.

He's been very affectionate lately. That may not be the right word for it. He never quite ceases to amaze me, in a way. Amaze seems to be too strong of a word, really. Wonderment is a good one, I think. A sense of wonder. He finds such contentment in his role as a servant. He's happiest when fulfilling his purpose. In a way I can and do understand that. I'm happy when I'm able to provide for others, to serve a purpose, to have a use. I've given up on questioning it and I've found that time and acceptance has helped me understand better than questions could. Or maybe I'm just lulled after all this time?

If I'm happy, does it matter?

I haven't heard from Emaelle since we returned from the settlement. I will have to write to her soon.

I've been thinking a lot about Gyles. No, not really thinking, I suppose. He just crosses my mind from time to time. And now, the news of Mercellus - I hope he recovers well from all of this. I know it's not quite the same, but I can sympathize a little.


I gave half a mektoub's packs worth of Big Shell to the Seeds. The quality was too low for me to use to any good purpose, so I hope they will benefit from it. As I wrote so very long ago. It's so much easier to give my assistance, knowledge and things than it is to give of myself.

Enough of that.

I was wandering around the desert practicing my sword work the other evening when Kas asked me what I was up to. He came out to heal me. We tried to fight Heffah, and it might've worked if our roles were not reversed as they were. Usually I'm healing and Kas is cleaving things apart with his axe. This time I must've looked like a refugee, swinging my sword haphazardly, in comparison with the dexterous moves of that frahar. Needless to say, I was not able to defeat the beast.

From there, we went to the Maze area, in case Xyrana and her friend Mushkin needed help. It turned out they did - mostly in finding the correct path through - so Kas and I helped escort them. It was a leisurely enough pace that I was able to make the notes that Kas indicated, on the way through the Maze. It was odd to be the only one in heavy armor, and thus in the front. It's been a long time. I'm more accustomed to being a secondary or tertiary warrior. We did well, nonetheless. Xyrana is a very good healer, and both Kas and Mushkin are powerful Elementalists.

Valko was surprised I hadn't learned fire yet. I'm always so busy trying to provide for the House and others, and with the pain of casting, my pursuits have fallen to the wayside. I didn't want to admit to him the pain that casting causes me. I like the simplicity of our friendship. He lets me forget the more dire parts of life, and we can simply enjoy being. There're no political worries - at least for me - and nothing else hanging over the little time we do spend together. I wish... a lot of things.

After going through the Maze, Xyrana and Mushkin had a small accident in Loria, so Kas and I went to help them up. From there, the trip turned into an expedition for a patch of Stingas. Inside the stinga patch we did find was a larger one, rather pretty too. The local tribes called the specimen "Stinkan". We tried a few different approaches, none of them seeming to work very well. I sat back and watched, in case there was trouble. We gathered quite a group together though, and eventually did defeat it. When magic failed, we moved into the patch, the casters clustered against a wall, and the warriors worked on hacking through the stinga's main stalk.

I invited Zyquo along, and Kedino came out to join us as well. A Tryker who was in the area came to help too, with healing, named Rolland. Being confined to my heavier armor, I took off my boots, sleeves and gloves. It was nice, at least, to have my feet in the sand. Kas allowed me to use me his saturated jewelry. I can feel the sap pulse in the jewels when I hold them between my hands. They are very amazing. The fight went well.

We thanked Rolland for his help and the rest of us decided to roam around. We ran into a kincher I'd never seen before. Gerder, I think is what it was called. Kas had put on his armor by this point, so the battle was over fairly quickly. We encountered the rumored "Death Najab" as well. Oh, and Fijoo. Eventually we traveled to the jungles, had to fight off the Demolisher Kipesta in the Grove of Umbra, and assaulted Gibbakya's encampment.

As the night progressed, the group diminished. Mushkin had to sleep, then Xyrana and Kas. After Gibbakya, only Zyquo, Kedino and myself remained. On Kedino's curiosity, we traveled to the Knoll of Dissent and out onto the peninsula of land that ran to the left side of the entry to Hidden Source. Rendokin was grazing in his accustomed field. I was a little worried how we would fare, but I let Kedino borrow Kas's saturated jewels while Zyquo and I stood to the fore. The battle was a little tough, but we handled it very, very well.

Before we split for the night, we also paid Torrius a visit. That damned gingo. I owed him. I owe him a few more, for that matter. Of course, he wasn't far from the Sha Amber node.

Oh! In the jungles, I spotted the strangest thing - a cray! I had heard rumors of a great cray that lived in the jungle that the Zorai called "Tin-bok-haï", but I didn't really believe them. It was amazing.

Lini still says I am not ready to learn the secrets of Living blades yet, and she's probably right. I know I haven't been studying nearly enough. Perhaps I'll take some time to harvest some materials for myself and work on my axes. Or even my regular blades. Soon I'll be able to make weapons that can hold enchantments I can barely use; it seems a bit silly to be unable to make the blades I would need.

Yrkanis, Majestic Garden of Verdant Heights

Jeziellia stretched and rolled onto her side. She slowly opened her eyes and Enon's peaceful visage came into focus. She smiled. He was lying on his stomach, his arm crooked to support his head, his cheek on his hand. Jeziellia leaned forward and kissed his forehead before rolling onto her back and then to her other side. She sat up, putting her bare feet on the chilled floor. Instead of the soreness she expected, she was met with only a dull throb. She smiled slightly again and made her way over to her desk.

Enon is rather wonderful with his hands. Overall, really. I feel a little guilty, after all of the jewelry work he's done. My feet feel fantastic, in comparison to how I know they would feel if he hadn't surprised me with the most delightful foot rub.

He and Kas gave me a set of jewelry taken from Gibbakin's hoard, and those have helped tremendously. They are so saturated with sap that I can draw from them, and the anklets help most of all, I think. I don't think I will ever be able to tell them quite how much.

Emberstorm's wedding is fast approaching, and I admit there are times I simply don't want to go. She's terribly rude to me sometimes, though I know she only means to be playful. At times, we all share 'colorful' comments, but they are generally disguised in plays on words and the like, but not her. I'm so rarely offended by another homin; I'm not certain what to do. I've tried reprimanding her in good humor, and being generally good natured, but whether the things she implies or outright claims are true or not, it's certainly not her place to say so, nor to banter about in public.

Perhaps I'm being too sensitive, but I don't really think so. Others manage more subtle and clever turns of phrase and implications without outright saying such things.

Maybe I just needed to get the complaint out of my system, who knows. It was a very emotionally tiring evening. Poor Mercellus. His love disappeared, left for the old lands (I can only imagine) without so much as a word. I hope my presence and support have been as good for him as it seemed last night. He had doubts in his mind that were drowning him in despair. From what I could gather, Perun implied that the girl was not sincere. I suppose he was trying to convince Mercellus to forget the girl and that manner of thing. Mercellus is such a tender soul though.

I asked him if he believed her when she was with him. He did, resolutely. I responded then that it must've been true at the time, but that homins change. We spoke briefly of the reason she might leave without a word, and by the end, between Kendrus and myself, he seemed at greater ease with himself, with his feelings. I pray to Jena he lets the emotions out as needed, but does not let them consume him. While we were sitting down for something to eat, I could see the tears welling in his eyes.

I held him for a bit longer, until he settled into what must've been the first peaceful sleep he's had in days. The strain of it all was plain on his face. Kendrus arranged a room and carried the exhausted Tryker to a bed. I would have stayed, but thought it better that I not. Kendrus stayed with him. I know this may not be the end of the matter, but I hope Mercellus is on the path toward healing. I almost could not bear to see that spark in him almost extinguished, the way I watched it wither and die in Perun.

Today is a new day, and one full of promise. For now I'll curl up and enjoy a few more moments with Enon before his busy day sweeps him up, and later I'll visit Pyr. I'm excited, but not in a hurry, as I imagined I would be. I'm almost afraid of channeling sap into Fire.

Yrkanis, Majestic Garden of Verdant Heights

Nothing of real note lately. A lovely evening with Enon, in Charmer's Way. I do remember that night, so long ago. "Are you alright?" "Is that all you can think to say to me...?" Something about the glowing field. So my memory isn't picture perfect, as it were, but close enough. Those days are long behind us, and the future lies before us. I should avoid waxing philosophical.

The House has been very, very quiet lately. Kae and Vae haven't returned from their little hideaway in a while. Suryi's been gone, I assume back to her family's lately. Korial and Aiwe? I don't know. I hope they are alright, though. Jelathnia has been resting and Ember is preparing for her wedding. Apparently Kian had some customary meditation to do, so the original date was pushed out a little bit. They won't make Spring this cycle, the flowers have already started to drop from the trees. Perhaps the next?

There's a cluster of mektoubs in the Stable yard. I don't know why. Normally the stablehand keeps them in better care than that. As long as they don't start leaving droppings all over the city streets, I suppose there's nothing really to complain about.

I helped Kas with some harvesting, and he got a little taste of my wandering tendencies. I half wonder if he doesn't do the same thing when he's out by himself. He really does need to wear gloves when he's crafting. Otherwise, those burns will only get worse.

Maybe I'll do some harvesting for Kedino, Kas, and Enon tonight. I don't feel like harvesting for myself yet.

Yrkanis, Majestic Garden of Verdant Heights

Anxiety. Anxiousness. Pacing. It's been building for the past season, and now the leaves have changed color and it isn't lessening. It's building.

There's a rift in the earth of Almati's Wood - more like a sunken area, actually, and the Rangers have moved in to patrol around it, setting up barriers. They are almost desperately watchful of it. No matter what I tried, I couldn't get past them. I wonder how long it will be before the Kami or Karavan try to incorporate themselves into the efforts. Their help wouldn't be unwelcome, I'm sure. With the Rangers spread as thin as they are over Atys, there's no way they could even slow down a small nest of kitin, if it were to swarm from that opening.

This all makes me wonder about the Matisian expedition in the Rosidera Forest. I was there for the first wave, and saw the mounds from which the Kitin came. They had collapsed back in on themselves, blocking any homin investigation. The last time I remember hearing anything was a few seasons before my 25th birthday. It's been over a Jena Year. They were looking for a Kitin nest. Sometimes, with the lack of word sent back from the Captain, I fear they found it.

I remember feeling like this shortly before the uprising of the deep Roots kitin just after my birthday.

I hadn't put the two things together before, but now it's right here in front of me. Homins gather in Rosidera Forest to help wipe out a second wave of Kitin, which was impeding the search for the Kitin nest in or below the Forest. A cycle later, strange pale Kitin, presumed to have come from somewhere deep in the Prime Roots, surface in the new kingdoms. And now, roughly one Jena Year later, the rift opens up into a potential Kitin lair in Almati's Wood. Are they related? Did the deep Roots kitin relent finally because the pressure from Rosidera Forest ceased? There are so many more questions than just those.

I also remember hearing of a Kitin problem near Silan perhaps two seasons after the uprising of the deep Roots kitin in the Kingdoms. I don't remember hearing word on whether Wilk and the Rangers were successful in gathering Homin from Silan to help eliminate the nest, or not. I pray to Jena that they were.

Maybe I should send a letter to the King requesting either permission to do it myself, or asking that scouts be sent to check on the status of the expedition. I'm actually a little worried now. Hah. As if the King would actually read a letter from a simple homin like me. Perhaps to one of the other officials. I must remember to ask around later.

I haven't been doing anything. I let the summer pass by without doing anything, except going out to kill Najab with Kedino and the others. Oh, and gathering one thousand or so seeds for Enon. I never did finish the stack of amber. One of these days I'll end up out with Jelathnia in the Grove of Confusion, to careplan for her. Hopefully she knows safer places than I do.