Winter's Warming, enjoyable as ever, is behind us. As are short days and long cold nighttime marcs.
Everywhere across the lands vegetation bursts into life under the increasing warmth of the 'rifter as it flies above us for a larger portion of each turn. Nature, which has slept through the cold season, stirs and awakes.

And not only nature. The cycles of peace have come to an end. I wrote here a while back that I'd had a feeling a storm might be coming. And it has arrived with demons sweeping into the lands. They attack the healers or the ferrymen, healers or guildhalls.
As expected the defenders of the lands stand firm and deal out death to the demons. Memory returns quickly concerning the tactics employed in the past as everyone bands together, co-operating to see off the threat. Those who have seen only quieter times in the lands are soon learning the role everyone can play in the defence of this place we call home.

The storm is here. With well-honed skills and trusted comrades we will weather it as we have so often done in the past.

So far three people have accepted the Ultimate Champion's Challenge and succeeded in the attempt. I am honoured to be able to call all three of them guildkin.
I've looked on with unbounded admiration as Ivan, then Alfred, and then Morris progressed turn after turn. And there was frustration that I could do little but provide support but very little in the way of assistance. All three displayed the greatest resolve, and I watched on in awe at their achievement.

Long ago I found a book, a Roll of Honour of members of the Remnants of Kimald. It details achievements of members of that guild, events in which members of RoK participated, and a timeline of the events and members mentioned. I presented the volume to the guild, and it is displayed in a glass cabinet in the library at the RoK guildholding.

The incredible achievement of Ivan, Alfred and Morris set me to thinking that I should have a similar tome prepared for Twilight Serenity, displayed in a Library and Hall of Champions. I have started making notes about the design of the building - I have long yearned for a library at the hall and now seems a perfect time to erect one, to act as a repository for books and scrolls, and to also celebrate the achievements of the kin.

The Vigil


I stand in silence, in solitude.
The roses are with me.
Their aroma surrounds me
Along with my thoughts.

Memories wash over me
Like waves seen on the distant sea.
The two are as one -
Infinite, everlasting.

I think of two brought together
Through a kindly fate from above
One plus one, greater than two - but
One heart, one soul, one life, one love.

Never doubt... never forget ...

For my eternally-loved Ellyana

FallFest was a thoroughly enjoyable time. I decorated the gardens at the guild hall for a pumpkin carving contest and to aid in the enjoyment Kognan the itinerant barkeeper came along and set up his stall. At the moment he is still there so perhaps he is planning to stay for a while.
There were parties and contests, and of course the costumes. It's always a puzzle working out who is speaking to you!
There were quieter times too. I passed a few marcs in the graveyard, lost in memories that the epitaphs brought to mind.
The banditos seemed stronger than in the past. Maybe they too have their own trainers and spend the time between one FallFest and the next learning and growing in strength and experience?

The season has passed now, as it must, though there are still a few stray pumpkins and 'ditos to be seen. I have gone back to seeking medallions to leave with traders, and to hacking away at the vines which grow so freely just north of Dundee.

I was asked a few turns back if I miss older times of war and combat. The question gave me reason to pause, to think about what I do and why I do it.
A task I have set myself on waking is to clear the paths through the overgrowth of the vines that keep springing up. Left unattended they'll grow and block the way to others who need to use the area to get to their home. So that's a useful thing to do.
The Royal Road to the Caer, over on the N'Rolav side of the veil, is patrolled by rotting guardsmen. Admittedly if I did not tread the road they might remain undisturbed but the medallions I find when dealing with them may be useful to some, so from time to time I leave a supply with Levant or Kodi. Again that might be a use of my time which benefits others.
Then there's the greenhouse. I find nothing there that is initially useful, but selling what I pick up finances the training fund. That's for training others, not myself.

All-in-all it seems I pass the marcs well. But even so, sometimes I feel tense or have a feeling of being watched. Not myself specifically, but it's as though something broods as it looks over the lands.
Often I sleep at the top of the lookout tower at my hall, waking frequently to look around and watch over the lands. I don't know what I watch for, but sometimes there is a tingle in my nerves, a warning that there could be a storm coming.
And if that storm is approaching I hope it breaks soon so that the air of the lands is clear once more.

Two of the guildkin are facing a supreme challenge. Other than opening doors for them, along with the occasional unearthed treasure box, I can give them no direct assistance. I can, and do, offer some solace when things go awry, and congratulations when they attain yet one more step on their quest. I hope it is enough. The dedication they bring to bear onto the enterprise is an inspiration.

I try to show the same dedication to the guild since changing the insignia of an officer to that of the leader It's a technical change - there have in effect been two joint leaders of the guild for a long time, but only one can bear the insignia. And it is my quest to ensure that the name of Twilight Serenity is known and respected in the lands.

When it comes to arts and crafts, I've always been ready to admit that I am not the most practical of people. It can be really frustrating - I have a picture in my mind of what I want to build or create or draw but my efforts fall far short of my aspirations. But it does seem that persistence might be starting to improve my efforts.
During the recent festivities there was an opportunity to use the plants growing around the newly-discovered oasis in the desert to create a Summerfaire Flower Crown. I had an idea for the crown, but how closely I could follow it depended on the precise colours of what was growing there.
I found exactly what I needed. And with a lot of care and only a few muttered oaths, I was for once able to make something exactly as I had wished to. A silver band, with blossoms of blue and white, and red and scarlet, and at the centre the green which symbolises so much.

The festivities were numerous and highly enjoyable. There were opportunities to chat with friends old and new. Music and tale-tellings, paint war or dying on the board during a game of Smites&Cannons - all of these strengthen the bonds between the adventurers who walk these lands we call home. And the ceremonies to mark the beginning and end of the festive season recognise the relationship between mortal and deity.

It's been a busy cycle.

The need to recoup some expenses sent me to the Royal Road in N'Rolav. The rotting guards are numerous; the coin they carry and medallions which I can sell all add up. And there's a healer close by, so I use no potions.

I was graced by the loan of a piece of equipment belonging to the Magistra. Kailani's Platinum Ring of Levity aided me to the extent that a small quest I have attempted in the past without success was made possible and I descended from the battlements atop The Wall with a new hood.

Alexi Corsair turned up at the Dundee inn. He has a couple of fragments of a map and was seeking assistance to find the rest. There are some who will gladly assist him. Others do so at the mention of payment! There are those who won't help Corsair and his ABV at all.
And then there are those with a different opinion. Many suspect I don't like or trust the man, and question why I would be so eager to assist in the search. There's a simple answer. Notes scrawled on the map fragments seem to not bode well. If there is some baleful artefact or source of some unknown dark power to be found, I feel it's better to be close to the search in the hope that seeing those fragments before Corsair will put us in a position to get hold of whatever the map, when complete, might lead us to. Far better it be in the hands of the adventurers of the lands rather than disappearing into the grasp of Corsair and the murk that is the ABV.
We have found two fragments, and Corsair holds two. I think there may still be a couple more to find. Once we have seen them all and been able to decipher the complete chart the race is on! And it's one I think we need to win.

The 'rifter is flying high above us. Soon it will be time to turn thoughts to the celebration of Summerfaire.

Almost two cycles ago I paid a rather large amount of plat for a ferry trip. I tried to haggle over the price of a ticket but to no avail. I almost walked away, but then realised it might be the only chance I ever had to see just a small part of one place I thought it would never be possible to visit.
I can truly say the experience proved to be unforgettable!
In between other duties I've hacked at the patch of vines growing north of Dundee, and walked the Royal Road in N'Rolav, fighting with the remains of guardsmen.
It's taken a while but last turn I finally completed the task of recouping the price of that ticket. The coin itself isn't important, but it does enable me to supply basic equipment for those I take to the temple.
I long ago lost track of how many vines and guards I chopped down to earn back the coin. Again that's a number that is not particularly relevant. The hunt has kept me out of mischief, and away from the life monuments.

Time to find another goal.

Turn after turn I awake wondering if there will be a few blessed marcs spent in the company I crave.

While I watch I keep myself busy. There's a patch of vines north of Dundee which I've spent many marcs trying to clear. Or I stalk the Royal Road in N'Rolav, cutting down the phantoms of royal guards. Either help to preserve the safety of all of us in the lands.
Recently much of my time has been devoted to training the next generation of rogues, helping them to prepare for their role in assisting their comrades of all professions.
A few turns ago I attended the bonding of two members of the Amazon association, which has risen from the downfall of the guild.
Those who set their feet on the path I follow, and those two Amazons, and two more friends who bonded recently - all of them have their plans laid and acted upon, their futures set out.
That just leaves me ...
I should find a plan, a path to follow, decide on a future to pursue. In the meantime I persevere, never giving up or giving in.

There was something of a difference some while back. The Murder of Crows have been seeking performers and staff so that they can revive their occasional performances. Early this cycle I went along to an audition and was quite surprised how amusing people find my complete lack of skill at sleight-of-hand. That inability, I should point out, is for comedic effect and public display. The professional skills I have are a completely different matter and I am able to use them quite effectively!

I finally found the last sheet that had slipped out of the journal. Thought it best to rewrite it here before I lost it again!

Tuesday, 28 February 2023
Changed @ 16:35
It's been a busy half-cycle! Only now do I have a few moments to write here.
Mentoring an apprentice can proceed at quite a pace when the student is eager to learn and ready to work hard. Dolly proved herself to be such a one, and it was my honour and privilege to take her to the temple a few turns ago, where she set her feet on the beginning of the path I follow.

A number of unusual chests were found scattered around the lands. They seemed to be old War Chests. The locks were, naturally of an ancient design. They also triggered traps when first anyone tried to unlock them. Corsair taught a few rogues how to deal with those traps. It's always pleasant to master a new skill. But even with the traps deactivated the lockpicks and master lockpicks now available would not work on the ancient mechanism of those old locks. Keys were found eventually, hidden away for ages by gremlins and at last the chests fell open. There was an assortment of items found - demon items in one, primitives and ingots in another, a hoard of crystalline shards in a third. Corsair explained the relevance of where the chests had been found. They were bound up with the wars that led to the end of the golden age, though many who did not know the history and lore of those times may have been unaware. For myself I had wondered if the proximity of one chest to the ancient sites of Caer Soral and Winterhaven was more than coincidence , a thought which turned out to be correct.

Many took a portal to the nexus in an attempt to repair one of the pillars. The sharbearers, myself included, concentrated on releasing the streams of colour energy from the shards we carried. Bo and Cody rested their hands on the pillar for Branishor, relating the memories of events which gave them a strong connection to the city. All seemed to be going well at first but then something went amiss. The pillar shattered, sending pieces of debris flying into the attendees, most of whom were sent reeling to a monument. I recovered as usual, though there was a tinge of green affecting my sight for a short while afterward. All the shardbearers were apparently affected in the same way, the tinge of hue distorting their vision dependent on the shard they held. Valyna is digging into old tomes and scrolls for further research. All I have spoken with are agreed on one point - that further attempts should be made.

After such a hectic time it was pleasant to spend a few marcs at the inn last turn, quietly chatting with friends and acquaintances.

For some reason a couple of pages worked their way loose and fell out of the journal. Here's the first one and I'll rewrite the second one on a later turn.


Tuesday, 14 February 2023
Changed @ 11:45
Lanterns rose above Caer Laleldan, marking the conclusion of Winter's Warming.
Many had gathered to mark the end of the festive season. The fortunate ones were there with a bondmate. Others came alone. Some attended in the company of a friend. It is pleasant to have someone to chat with as you tread the long road to the Caer.

I took out the quill gifted to me by the gods, so that the message attached to my lantern would be neat and tidy - and much more legible than the usual scrawl of my handwriting. The message was of course similar to thoughts that are constantly in my mind, hopes that I eternally carry in my heart. Those who know me will doubtless realise what those hopes are, and whom they concern.

The Reptiloid can rest now that the festivities are over. Maybe he will awaken in the future. In the meantime he will be in good company - the N'Rolav roguebeast, the PallasFish, the banditorogue, all those memories of past festivities.

As for the rogue Pallas - I have work to do. There's once again a shard in my pack which I can use for the benefit of the lands. I will return to my attempts to clear the vines north of Dundee. And I can walk the lands trying to perceive the truth behind what I see rather than taking everything at face value. Something seen may give one impression. A little thought will often show that first impression does not tell the whole story, that what we might share with others could be the result of misunderstanding what we have seen.

Winter's Wrming is in full swing. Snowbanks lie around the lands. Some just melt away while others remain, tempting people into trying to build snowmen. Sometimes the attempt fails, other times the snowmen spring into aggressive life and immediately attack!
Gift boxes are passed from one to another during chance meetings or at events held to mark the season.
The Dragon Ball was fun. Many of the guests appeared in full costume. For myself, I went along as some sore of half-human, half-reptile creature. Tne following turn was a crafting event where we could make a seasonal sweater ...
We were asked for 'ugly'so I tried to think of something particularly unattractive. The ugliest thing that came to mind was my own face, decorated as though covered in scales, and vertical slits for the eyes! I put so much work into my costume for the Ball, I decided that 'The Reptiloid' will remain for the entirity of the season.
All too soon though the season will pass and the festivities will end in the traditional manner. And then there will be a return to what passes for normality in these lands.

Time flies. But it does so in a straight line. The past gives way to the present, which leads on to the future, always moving in just one direction.
Life, on the other hand, sometimes seems to go in a circle or loop back on itself. How many times have you thought 'This has happened before...'?

The room at Ryndall which Valyna led us into was featureless for the most part. Plain stone walls and floor, one door leading back out, and a tripod in the centre of the room. It wasn't so much the exact look of that room, but more an atmosphere about it. There was a visible way out for sure, and the centre held a tripod not a pulsing crystal. But I was immediately reminded of some other room where, a long time past, nine of us were trapped and drained of strength and learning. It was a strange feeling, and rather unsettling. I know it was not just me affected - another of the nine was there, and had felt the same on entering that room.
And again, as once before, I have a shard in my pack which, after preparations are made, could be useful for the people of the lands.

Is it fate? Or perhaps it?s the will of the gods who look over us. Or maybe it's just my habitual curiosity that leads me into getting caught up in things going on as I struggle to understand what is happening. But I do know for sure that the main thought in my mind as I left Ryndall truly was 'This has happened before.'

Set a thief to catch a thief.

It's an old saying back in my home land, and it contains a grain of sense. Sending one with a similar mind-set to the prey would seem to have some advantage to it, as they would think in a similar way to the one they seek. A dubious character perhaps, but one that can be used to advantage in some ways.
But - handing the key of a bank to a dubious character seems an unwise move. To be sure I did see the key to the Milltown bank handed back to Michael though there was no way I could tell how long since the banker had handed the key over, or how it had been used other than gaining access on the one occasion I witnessed. And there was definitely no way to ascertain if that key has been copied!
I'll watch with interest for any further odd events at the bank in Milltown. And also I will conduct my business with the banker in Dundee or at the 22 guild-holding. Better safe than sorry, according to another saying from home.

Time comes, time passes. It brings the seasons which cover the lands for their allotted span.

Fall Festival with its usual festivities was enjoyable as ever.
Prior to the season I, amongst others, had spent turns and marcs protecting the pumpkin patch at the RoK guildholding. I'd collected a few pelts and now I have a rather nice cloak which not only looks good but will keep me warm when the lands are held in the grip of winter.

As is my custom I spent a couple of turns holding a vigil. Those who know me well would know where. The spot and the view are beautiful, as are the memories that place brings to mind.

Refreshed and renewed, I returned to the vines and attempts to clear the patch growing north of Dundee.

I said to Akassa that it had been a joyous turn. In the midst of the season's festivities not one - not two -three friends I had not seen for far too long awoke. It was good to have a chance to chat, and to listen to voices I had not heard for some time.
A blessed season indeed!

It had been some time since I'd last had reason to visit the desert temple and it was necessary for me to go there beforehand to make sure I still recalled the path correctly. I couldn't enter of course, but on spying the doorway I knew my memory had not failed me.
Bors has proved to be a fast learner. Once I was satisfied he was ready we both took the journey through the rolling sand dunes. We spent a while talking over a few small points before we signed the papers which set his feet on the path I follow. He will be a valuable addition to the ranks of the rogues of Valorn.
After the transformation I found among my equipment I brightly-shining crown which I wore with a certain measure of pride. As is its wont, the crown has now drifted over to a more deserving wearer.

Last turn we entered the festive time of Fall Festival. The pumpkins we carefully nurtured and harvested seem to have spread their seeds far and wide. The odd thing is that on examination many of the pumpkins now seen flourishing around the lands hold festive treats or gifts. Unfortunately the banditos appear ready to try and snatch away whatever is revealed when we take a peek into one of the growths.
The fun and festivities should be enjoyable. And hopefully I will soon have a new cape to wear at formal occasions.

I went for a short ferry ride and checked the price tag on that hood I have my eye on.
It looks as though I'll be hacking down vines for quite a while before I can buy it!

I visited the trainer again a few turns ago, to be once more met with a welcoming, if surprised, smile. And I've planned for one more visit once my learning is sufficient. I have seen a rather-useful looking hood to replace the one made from a rat pelt which I have been wearing for a long time. And with some extra abilities from that and also from the further training, I can search out a new mask for myself once my armour is upgraded. It's a plan for the upcoming cycles to maximise my strength and abilities, and to use the best equipment available so that I am ready to face anything the lands can throw at us.

Along with a few others I planted pumpkin seeds at a patch prepared for us in the gardens at the RoK guildholding. And after it became clear that the seeds were attracting unwanted attention, some of us have erected scarecrows.
I've never been one for gardening and I have been surprised by the variety of wildlife which keeps returning in attempts to consume the seeds as they have grown into vines which will hopefully soon bear fruit. Zombie crows, a massive frog, bunnies, caterpillars and now seagulls are all appearing far too frequently and it's quite an effort each time to clear them away.
The crows seem to have so far been dissuaded from returning since we built the scarecrows, and the frog has found a new home in the lake. But the struggle to keep the rest away goes on. Who'd have thought growing pumpkins could be such hard work!!
Not that I mind, so long as the plants thrive. It's all good exercise - my armour is losing its tendency to shrink if I stay idle for too long!

I've spent the last couple of turns atop the tower in Branishor, looking out over the city but mostly gazing to the north. Maybe my eyes played tricks on me, or perhaps I really did once again spot the unicorns at play far off. If the sight was indeed only my fancy, then it also revealed, just at the edge of vision, shining emerald eyes and a tumble of dark tresses beside me. And it could have been a slight breeze that carried the calls of the magnificent creatures to my ears, along with a familiar perfume and also the sound of the voice that I hold dearest of all - or they may have been brought to me on the wings of memory. But I can not explain the sensation of a warm and tender hand in mine, other than being a recollection of previous times.
There's no fault in spending some time thinking of the past. That past makes us the person we are now, and lays down the basis of who we will be in the undiscovered country of the future.
I abide.
Along with others, we keep the lands serene, guarding against any evil which might threaten. Those who sleep can do so safe in the knowledge that they are protected, not abandoned or forgotten. The lands will be held secure for the time when the ones who sleep awaken. And perhaps those who follow will inherit a safer world than some of us have faced in the past.
Memory, and faith, and hope, and duty - pillars which support us in our life in these lands.

While walking around the guildhall I often find passing through my mind those who are sleeping there. Faces and voices may possibly be unseen or unheard for some time - the marcs I wake can be quite different from those of others - but they are not forgotten.
It was a delight when one voice turned out to be not in my mind but one of the kin who had awoken. Though we were able to speak only for a marc or so it was a pleasure to catch up with each other's news.

Once again I've spent most of the last cycle covering parchment sheets with scribbled notes. I have to hope that I can read the scrawl at some later time!
I've taken a couple of marcs on most turns to tear myself away from that ever-growing stack of ideas written out in a hurried manner to take a stroll around Dundee and Milltown.
After the recent rash of visits to the trainer I owed myself a quieter time for a while. I've not even paid the local taxman as I didn't plan to be abroad in the lands, so during my walks around I have only been able to visit the old mill to see if any of the woodchucks were of suitable strength for me to keep my skills honed.
I hear there is an interesting contest due in a couple of turns' time. Just the thing to get me out of the hall and back among company.

I visited the trainer in Milltown once again. The expression on his face was a mixture of surprise and pleasure, along with a tinge of puzzlement. Surprise that I had arrived for the third time in about a cycle, pleasure at the progress I was making after such a long time of avoiding all the trainers in the lands. And the puzzlement was clear when Ural asked if there was a particular reason for me training so hard recently. ?Perhaps you have heard some rumours? Or maybe your skills have allowed you to sniff out some information and you know you need to hone your skills as quickly as possible??
I shook my head, and merely pointed out that since I first visited a cycle ago the royal guards on the road to Caer Laleldan on the N'Rolav side of the veil were such easy targets I had been able to train my skills without any great effort.
I have new robes and new boots. Both will assist me in whatever I face next as I explore areas I have never visited - or done so only rarely, usually resulting in a short painful skirmish and an awakening at the monument!
As I left, I did tell Ural that I could not guarantee when I might next return. I don't make promises I can not keep. And I always try to hold true to those I have made.

The Masquerade Parade was a resounding success. A large number of floats lined up on the path between Milltown and Dundee. As they moved along the path members of the ABV showered onlookers with doubloon pieces which could be exchanged for flowers, drinks and items of jewellery. The pieces are quite attractive, with the exception of a ring made of bone. It has a sharp spike jutting out, which gives some aid when attacking a foe. What it lacks in look it makes up for in usefulness.
I have put a necklace in the bank, to keep it safe until I can give it to Ellyana. The moment I saw the piece with its stones glinting in the rays of the 'rifter I knew she would love it.
The guild float turned out just as I'd hoped it would, as did my costume.
The Remnants of Kimald were worthy winners of a prize for the float they built. And Ivan won a prize for his costume. It was so good a likeness I had to keep checking if I was speaking with Ivan, or with Raffe.
All-in-all it was a spectacular event, and all enjoyed the turn.
Time to start making plans for the next Parade!

The gearing we constructed to make the display move as the bos-cart goes on its way works well. We've tested it and I must say the result is pretty much as imagined.
I'd considered an apparatus so that one component of the display would emit a stream of fire. But I had to abandon that particular idea! Apart from the expected crowd of onlookers who could have been endangered, there's also the nearby forest to be considered. A jet of flame could all too easily set the trees alight. The result might have been impressive to watch but it wouldn't be a satisfactory occurrence by any stretch of the imagination.
That part of the plans will have to be kept in mind for the future should any such event be held again - in the middle of the desert where no harm could be done!

One of the first things I do on waking is to take a leisurely stroll around, chatting with a few of the traders. I've found a few interesting bits and pieces in the past. A couple of turns ago I had a stroke of good fortune, finding some clothing which will be perfect to use as a basis for the costume I plan to make for the Springtime Masquerade Parade. I couldn't have obtained such an item myself. And the trader asked only a fraction of what I might have offered a relative newcomer to the lands, to hunt for a similar thing for me. So I can go ahead with adapting it to my needs for a costume.
I spoke with kin that I have seen recently and discussed ideas for a float which the guild will enter into the Parade. They seem happy with the design I had drawn up so I will spend the next few turns working on it. I hope it looks as good in the parade as it does in my mind!
Some mechanical work will be necessary, as I want the rotation of the bos-cart axles to cause movement of the display. After some discussion with Ivan we think we have the basics worked out but some experimentation may well be needed as we test the construction on a trial-and-error basis. It could take a fair bit of time and effort to get everything working as required, but I hope the result will be worthwhile.

Ural, the trainer at Milltown, has for cycle after cycle watched as I ran past him when heading for the tunnels of UnderValorn. To say he was surprised when I stopped to speak with him would be an understatement!
There was no rebuke from him as he checked his notes, then reports from other trainers of the lands. He merely read further and further back, blowing dust off old parchment sheets as he delved back through the records.
Our meeting over, I left with his approval and best wishes. I set to work hunting guards in the gatehouse of Caer Laleldan on the N?Rolav side of the veil.
Ad if Ural had been surprised when I stopped to speak with him, he was completely dumbfounded when, five turns later, I went to speak with him again!

The tombs in N'Rolav are dark and forbidding. Seemingly endless corridors are lined with sepulchres, some empty, some shrouded in dust. And everywhere are nooks and crannies, niches in the stone walls where wretches lurk, waiting for an adventurer to pass by.
I have been looking through my journal. Thirteen-and-a-half cycles of the 'rifter - that's how long I have walked those halls and passages. First to train, slowly working down level by level as I gained strength and learning. And in due course I no longer trained there but used the tombs as a place to farm for coin and treasure boxes.
All in all, a fair proportion of my life in these lands has been spent in that dark place. It's been a training ground, and a hunting ground. At times when it seemed I had no other place to go, it has been a home of sorts. And in even darker times it has been a refuge as I stalked the halls and vaults, cutting down wretches by the score, not needing to really think of the combat while my mind was on other matters. I recall with gratitude those who would seek me out in those dark halls, or stand watch against the wretches while I slept after fighting myself into a state of utter exhaustion.
On a wall of one sepulchre are marks, the shadow imprints of two blades, one crossing over another, older imprint. I know what is behind that second, more recent shadow blade. But the story behind the first is not mine to tell.
I've done my best to clear out the wretches but they seem as numerous as ever. I decided it was time to leave them to others and that I should at last visit a trainer and move on.
After so much time spent down in those dark tombs it was, I admit, quite a wrench when I closed the mighty stone doors behind me for the final time.