[[Session 6]] journal by [[Rintario]] Journal entry 6, 16-17 Ches, 1498 Dale reckoning (DR): No warning, but our observations were at least sharp. Ice fragments raining down on our heads. The ground turning rough and cold. Ravisin, the cursed druid of Auril that has incited countless animals and plants into being murderous and cruel, had set her eyes on us. It hurt. It really did. Freida went straight down. Trusting Rere and Cucumber to take care of her, I stepped forward as fast as I could, only to be thrown into a snowstorm right after… Druidic magic is terrifying. I hope Rere never becomes a monster like this. Although having a monster on our side can be useful… Then the charm activated. Cucumber cleared our vision, smoothed our path and showed us a way forward… A mere kobold, becoming a beacon of hope. A chance for escape. I unfurled my wings and rushed toward him throwing a bolt of fire at the wolves attacking Pleic as I moved… Then the skies lit up… And Cucumber was lying on the ground, dead. I was shaken. As an intellectual, emotions are not my strong suit. I didn’t say much. But it broke me. I failed again. Another comrade down. The rest is a blur, until I kicked her off the ridge. I don’t feel better. Can one ever feel better? Rere gave him nature’s prayer, the snow melting and the world accepting the offering. Life is so fickle. My hand itches today. My eyes burn. I stumbled on. We made our way to Lonelywood town, stumbling through the snow. The road felt long. The town was surprisingly lively. Children laughing and asking questions. I tried to distract them a bit with some magic, looking around this strange place. Seems like Caelum is pretty good with the kids. But inside I still feel empty. We heard some strange rumours at the local watering hole. Seems Velynne has been here, picking up some Kobold followers since we last met. Glad she is doing well. Perhaps I can learn a bit more from her, but I need to find something to repay all her kindness or I will start feeling bad. Rere shared some information she got on the Caravan’s normal routines, Caelum heard about a meteor, Pleic heard rumours of the legendary PLACEHOLDER… I chuckled a bit at that one. But it's hard to keep a smile on my face. Freida also disappeared for a couple minutes… Some shady business I am sure. We tried to plan an ambush. Talked about observing them for a bit then trying to separate Sephek from his crew to kill him… But quite a surprise, they appeared a day early. As we were observing, Pleic threw a rock at him… Savage. But I guess it’s effective. He was struck down much easier than we expected. Then we had to deal with the town watch… But that’s a story for another day. PS I got my pearl. Time to start the real investigations. The tattoos, the vial. The ruins. Even this eternal winter… Perhaps I can find some answers.