There is a pair of trees where we would spend our time when not at work on our respective farms. There is an old set of armor stuffed with straw that we would hang from a limb by some rope. We would take turns pushing the armor or attacking it with dull swords. While at the farm, I made my way to the trees and found that old armor. I took it to her grave and set it up next to her grave marker as a sentry watching over her for all of eternity. As I made my way back to the farm late that night I swear I could hear her voice on the breeze. Maybe I heard what I wanted to hear. I don't know.

After mending the fences and settling a dispute between Pa and one of the neighboring farmers, I've made my way back to Dundee. There isn't much to do training-wise, so I'll probably follow what Pallas does and make sure the pathways are clear of vines.

I arrived home earlier this turn. Ma and Pa are still going strong since my last visit. Looks like Evelyn won't need to be taking ownership of the farm any time soon. I'll be here a few turns, I think. Long enough to make sure the fencing is whole, the fields are looked after, and that a set of trees are cleaned up.

Journal, you're still very judgmental. So, you don't get to know why I will not be staying long at home.

Be ashamed, Journal. You should really be better.

Done! Journal! Done!

It took 72 turns, but I finally finished the challenge!

Now, to head to the farm and check on ma and pa.

The pumpkin carving went well. Had a good turnout, I think. Topaz's sculpted pumpkin won first prize.

I've nearly finished the challenge. I need to complete my 68th lesson and then just one more. Should be done in a few turns! Then, I can rest. I don't mean some sort of short old man nap. I want to go find a good field and walk barefoot through the grasses until I grow weary and then just sleep. Maybe I'll sleep for a whole cycle!

Bunny Brains. An interesting thing happened. I'm not sure I'm ready to share it with you, Journal. You're quite judgmental, you know? It's really an issue. You should get some help, Journal.

Sorry about that, Journal. I had died a few times trying my hand at pruning the vines Pallas frequently speaks of. I died so many times, in fact, that the gods' impatience with my abuse of their power in reforming dictated I had to avoid combat for nearly six marcs. So, knowing a friend was likely off doing something crazy, like eating chocolate, I extended an invitation to sit for awhile and just enjoy each other's company.

FallFest is upon us and it couldn't have come at a worse time! I've been thoroughly distracted from my trainings that I will not advance this turn as I should have. Ivan, on the other hand, has finished the challenge. His determination to succeed is unshakeable. I am exceptionally proud of him and look forward to joining him in the coming turns as I, too, complete the challenge.

There are many waking because of the festival and events have started to pop up. We are hosting one in a few turns: pumpkin carving. Hopefully the turnout is high.

I have advanced again, completing my 65th lesson. I am currently on the 66th lesson and look to close it out in no more than two turns. FallFest is starting in a few turns and I'll have to train around the events.

I tried my hand at pruning the vines that grow wild north of Dundee. In a matter of moments I was locked to the monuments and their surrounding areas by the power of the gods. It was foolish to try without the armor of the next lesson, but I was feeling bold - and foolish.

I hear someone at the stairs, Journal. I should go. More updates to come.

The final lessons given by the trainers are proving to be more difficult to master. I'd expect nothing less, though. After all, these are the final lessons. When I first began this journey it was easy to relearn what they expected novice adventurers to know. I easily advanced through the first ten lessons in a single turn - as is allowed by the Master Trainer. Then every turn thereafter, an advancement. But here in the last ten, the lessons are time consuming, thought provoking. It is less about actual execution and more like understanding the why. Which, ironically, is how you start!

I remember the first ten lessons. They were introductory, superficial, but they laid the foundation. Now, in the final ten, that foundation is being tested. Did I listen to those first ten lessons? Did I lay the proper foundation for everything else the Trainers had to teach me?

I want to say yes, but here I am struggling to close out the lessons.

I liken it to the last rows of plowing on the last acre. At first, the bos are fresh. You're fresh. The chill of the morning is still in the air. But by the end of the last day, when the 'rifter wants to hide beyond the horizon and you're begging it to stay up for just a bit longer so you can finally rest, you're exhausted. It's mind numbing. But, the next morning is a short rest before getting out for seeding. That rest is glorious.

Fortunately, like the fields growing up where I had a large family encouraging and helping however they can, I have that here in this challenge. Ivan has been here before. He provides such great insight in where we should train or find coin. Pallas is constantly encouraging us both. Even a Cleric that I've only met a few times has offered her abilities. In all of it my mentor, Topaz, has quietly kept tabs on me. She privately encourages me.

Truthfully, if it were not for her, I doubt I would have taken on this challenge.

It's about time I should get back to it, Journal. Thanks for not judging me too harshly for the extended break. I'll dust you off a bit more frequently, soon. I promise.

Oh, one last thing. I overheard a townsperson talking about a young man that likes to explore the various guildhalls in the lands. Apparently, there is a ghost in one of the halls. Of course, I knew better, but I didn't want to spoil their fun. I knew this ghost was no ghost, but was actually a Cleric between the here and there. Miss Bo Bonnie. I miss her terribly. My friend. But, perhaps Fall Fest will encourage her to haunt others for a bit and leave those old halls alone.