I came out of the quiet dark. I saw Zanaan and others. That was good. I bought something on the market and thanked the person. He said his cousin had more. I should talk to him.

We needed to be square. He said I could give him what I thought it was worth. Those were his words. I went there and he gave it and left. His cousin said he wouldn't take anything for it. We'd agreed. I couldn't be not square. I found where he'd be and left it.

He said he'd promise to trade square now but I said no. He gave his word he said. But he said his words earlier and didn't keep it. I don't think I can trust the new words now. Why do you have to bring out new words to mean them? That's confusing. Aren't they the same words?

Maybe I can ask someone and they'll explain. I'm going back to the quiet dark. It's not so confusing there.

Lots has happened. I opened things like I promised. I got a message from Teacher. He said the trainer wouldn't see him for a while but that he would in time. He left the quiet dark. He siad he'd have to find a new place. I don't know where he'll go. I hope he likes it. I like the quiet dark. It's not loud or busy.

He asked if I'd heard about the new discoveries. I hadn't. We were going to go looking but he found it first and told me where I could meet him. It was a long way down. He said he should go first because I was lighter. I didn't think he'd slip but that's what he wanted. It got dark and foggy. We didn't slip.

The caves were big. There weren't recent tracks. It was very loud though. He said they might be fungus and alarms. I don't think anything could sleep through that much noise. I covered my ears but I could still hear them. We explored more.

There were some stones and gems in the walls. Someone had cut them so they shone and reflected light. It was very pretty. He said taking them would be like picking wildflowers. I don't think they'd die but he said they might be less bright away from where they were. We didn't take any. Do stones grow back like flowers? I don't know. It doesn't sound right.

There was a another place to go but it was too bright and loud. It was confusing. I couldn't find my way out at first. I don't know of any place as loud and bright.

I ran away. I don't know if he'll want to talk to me again because I'm a coward. Maybe he can teach me to be braver. I'm in the quiet dark now. I have to leave it eventually. Maybe I'll try later. It was a good day until that happened.

I saw Avaryn again. It had been a long time. She can talk. Last time I saw her she had to write her words. Now she doesn't have to. She's glad. I'd be glad too. I reckon it's easier for her.

I saw other people too. Lowrenzo said it was too much ale but I don't think so. I just think he's brave to stay there. Butterfly was around but I think he's busy. I didn't bother him.

I've spoken to Teacher more. I'm glad. He's very smart and explained how a place can be sad or happy. Sorynn agreed. I saw her and talked for a while. She gave me a forever blessing. I like those. Only you know you have them and they don't weigh anything.

I went back to the quiet dark to write and sleep.

She was sad because she thought she was too dumb to be an enchanter. She forgot to use her sword and got killed. I figured that the beetles came because they smelled the food and that's why she died. An enchanter came to tell her she wasn't dumb. She got enchanted and I left. I guess she's going back to kill the beetles that killed her before. I went back to the quiet dark to think.

Picking isn't just done with fruit or music or locks. It's another word for teasing. Alloran taught me that. He's pretty smart. I saw him near the sewers when he told me that. It's not a new word but it's a new meaning. I like when that happens.

I woke in the quiet dark. I was going back to the light when I saw Teacher. I came back and we stood and talked a while. He likes the quiet dark too. He says he may stay there a long time. He has light with him. Not Light. He said he gave him something before he left. Now he doesn't have it.

Maybe I can help. If he wants. He wants to get it on his own he says. I think he will. He said I have lots of things in my nest. I didn't know I had a nest. He said it so it must be true. That made me remember and I went to visit Stalky. There were lots of signs that Stalky and people had been there. I left some food for him.

There was a raid and lots of demons. There were lots of people too. I unlocked things and went back to the quiet dark.

I woke and went to buy potions in the quiet dark. There were things in town and I told someone. He took care of them.

We talked and he told me about a trader who has a ring he wants. I hope he can trade for it. He says the trader has lots of things to trade.

Later I talked to Lark. What is one supposed to hang on to when told to hang on? I told her about the bugs in Milltown and that Butterfly didn't seem to mind them. She got upset and ran off. She said to hang on. I don't know to what. I followed her instead.

They were killed off and I went back to the quiet dark to rest. I missed Teacher again.