I've realized that surprises are few and far between as my bones continue to age.

Well, one of those surprises came creeping up on me a few turns ago. A young woman, Kitty Cassius, approached and asked I sponsor her as a Warrior. After we talked a bit, I agreed.

This turn, Kitty advanced again. I am guessing, based on her gear, she must be around her 16-17th lesson. So, she is handicapping herself training without a profession. While I would have liked to instill more lessons before taking her to the Temple, I felt it best to go ahead and have her learning lessons as a Warrior than continue in the lessons the Trainers provide to initiates.

This is the second person to ask me to sponsor them. The other, another woman, I've not seen in many full moons. Perhaps she has returned home.

I look forward to seeing how this young woman progresses. I have confidence she will prove herself every bit the capable warrior as her father and brother before her.

There appears to be changes upon the lands. Alexi Corsair, a Custodian within the ABV, appeared - as it was reported to me by another - and an argument ensued. Is anyone surprised? Our lot can be quite stubborn and combative, it is what makes us such good adventurers. But it also makes us lousy countrymen.

Apparently, Mr. Corsair has decided to withdraw any ABV personnel among the lands for their own safety.

I fully support that choice, of course. How many innocents have perished at the hands of demons and the domain of darkness? How many were slain in the razing of Fartown and among those that were able to flee the town? Too many.

I came down the stairs in the Dundee Inn to find Raffe hollering at Jeffrey about some watered down ale. Likely a result of the ABV's men and women withdrawing to the safety of their homes. But I told Raffe that I just didn't understand why folks were so hostile and argumentative towards Alexi. The man has been forthright about his motivations: better Valorn. And he has been forthright about how that happens: through coin. Hard to fault a guy that tells you what he will do with his right hand while expecting payment with his left.

Maybe I'm just a na?ve farmer, but I just don't have a problem with the fellow.

That puts me at odds with many, it seems.

Perhaps, Journal, I might need to make sure I have a safe place should they become hostile and argumentative with me. I wonder if Alexi will grant me asylum if they do.

Well, Journal. You're lucky! No one suspected you were behind all this nonsense. Frankly, I am still a bit annoyed with you. You don't smell anything like dirt or mint, lately.

Wait.

Maybe that is me that doesn't smell like dirt or mint lately. Just blood and sweat.

The meeting went well. I informed all who attended of the sudden appearance of these darkened figures. I call them Speakers because, and this isn't clever at all, they speak! The demons that have been roaring about for part of a cycle haven't spoken one bit! Then this first figure appears and threatens that Myna wouldn't always have protecting Adventurers by her side. I followed after him and he cleaved me clean in two with a single swing of his battle-axe. Quite powerful, that one.

I encountered a second beneath Miranda's Temple. This one taunted me, telling me he heard I looked good from the inside. Clearly there is communication going on between these Speakers.

Both of them disappeared, though, through a portal; but no portal remained behind. It is likely they are using some sort of scroll to get away.

Lavender has informed me there was possible a third Speaker. I will need to see who else may have witnessed this third one and get more details.

I am, as twisted a reason it may be, glad to see many others awakening for longer periods. I saw Raffe, a fabled Iron Commander, at the gathering. He was attentive and I was glad to pass along the information to someone so trustworthy.

A few turns earlier, Pallas, Raffe, and I were clearing assaults against the guildhalls. I had made an off-handed comment about the Iron Order compelling others to do something, I can't remember precisely what I said now, but Raffe humbly replied that the Iron Order doesn't command Adventurers unless the Adventurers enlist in their service like some assault against the Dark Fortress. I admit, that latter part isn't something I know about firsthand.

But the few interactions I've had with Raffe have led me to believe he is a man with a valiant heart and a solid mind for how to engage with others.

I am glad he is an Iron Commander.

I will admit, Journal, I'd be honored to serve alongside him - within the Order or without.

Oh! One last thing! Do you remember our dear friend, Bo Bonnie? She somehow slipped into an Ossuary and has been stuck there for some time! I am glad she is safe now, though. The gods heard her prayers and cries for help and they, apparently, rescued her.

In the turns since writing in you last, Journal, there has been near continuous onslaught against Milltown, Dundee, and many other places by demonic forces.

Is this your means of getting back at me for neglecting you, Journal?

That seems very immature.

I've called for a meeting to discuss these attacks. You better hope they don't catch wind of you being behind all of this. I won't be able to stop them from burning you.

I have found myself listless and wandering without purpose.

Perhaps it is time I return home for good.