Author: Holly Eckert

Xavier has come to Runeheim, it feels, only to give message of several disappointments. How much of it is actually father’s missive or my brothers’ opportune machinations I cannot say. The problems need wrapping up regardless, and I am glad to have seen Xavier, and that he may be staying in the Reich for now. I could do without the politics though. I suppose it was a slim hope that being beyond Rogalia would turn our sibling relationships into something less weighty. I will have to make sure Xavier does not get himself into trouble while he is here. The mark of anacrusis upon him was unwelcome, and I worry his straightforward mindset will lead him to conflict with the varied presences in the Reich, especially the mages and Drakes.

I truly cannot believe that a member of House Drake openly cast spellfire in the tavern. What madness is it that lends a noble to completely forget proper decorum, and then send in a commoner to attack a fellow noble? More weight against the Fire Guild’s actions. They seem to have little and less proper leadership. I have hopes that the new Court Mage will be able to assist in reining them in. I do not wish to resort to Xavier’s proposition of detainment.

The mystery of where the vampire’s thralls are getting supplies has been solved. The Dwarven roads were a thing of amazement. Large enough across to march armies, and so smooth as to expedite travel several times over. It was immensely refreshing to converse with a dwarf. The lack of underlying motives was extremely foreign, but the clarity of the conversation felt as if, at least, the intent of true progress could be made.

The almshouse, I hope, will be successfully built after this forum. Three towns raided by Rimelanders, one razed to the ground, more peasants displaced, and finally, maybe these people will see that mobilizing the Scum might be worthwhile. If they are not given the opportunity to protect their homes they will only be a poison to it, preying on the working classes and adding to the difficulties our soldiers face.

I am unsure if the leadership of Runeheim is ready. Marshal Stoneskin, for all his strength, loses himself in battle when he should be leading. One Master of Coin has given their name to a fae and is recovering from drug addiction. Another is an accused murderer of a noble. Night Warden Alaric is still compromised from his contact with the vampires, Father Erasmus is stretched thin already, and our newest addition is but one person. I know it is fruitless to hope for a true respite in this land, but Peace Day cannot come soon enough.

More responsibility, an oath, and already more troubles. Leadership outside of my house feels thankless. I can’t weigh in too heavily, and all of these differing ideals make creating a system that runs itself impossible. These people must make decisions for the land they live in and take accountability. But really? A pub? Over almshouses? And after the aghast defense of the war trodden when I offered up the Conscription Prison as a solution to the Scum problem. You’d think I’d slit their mothers’ throat in her sleep. Shelter, food, and training. Structured so as to stave off the despair of sudden levies. What do these people want for those giving nothing back to society, unable or not? Granted, the bare logic of its name is perhaps too blunt for understanding outside of Rogalia. But it seems they think Scum all babes in the cradle rather than a threat to the working populace they are.

Somehow, despite this forum being more taxing than last, the arrival of Lorelei and Leonora made it seem lighter. Our cheer seemed four-fold with Lorelei returned, and the reliable silhouette of Leonora eased my worries. The news of vampires they brought with them was more than unwelcome. I cannot believe the creatures had hidden themselves so far north. The fallout of the battle at the Monastery and all those compromised leaves me worried. Should I be thankful this is an enemy I am familiar with? Or should I be dreading that what I believe I know is nothing in comparison to what is lurking here? The matter of Alu is already something I feel unprepared to understand. The man, thing, was struck down only to get back up, and even those native to this land seem to have no clear answer.

I can do nothing, but that which I can. We cleansed the Fort, and that, at least, is a worry laid to rest. We will be able to build up a force there and lay groundwork for stability. Men and arms will be needed whatever comes, and House Valerian will see that it does its part. Despite the Drake’s sniffing about. My guess is they will make some play for the fire mages which were abandoned at the Fort. Which, I am informed, they were told of last forum. If the foppish man they have sent is any indication, I fear there will be delays in all proceedings.

I pray that candles lit at home for Soldier’s Day stayed lit till the morning. Father Erasmus kindly blessed our candles for the event. It was an odd celebration visiting graves unknown to us, and without the stories connected to them shared around a fire. But something in the ritual of the Howling Flame and the oath made there held a kindred spirit. In the end, the fire burned hot all the same.

We arrived in Runeheim, and, unsurprisingly, were beset with a challenge before we could reach the township proper. Jacqueline found some respite in the fight, but its lack of an end left him on edge. Without Lorelei here I must admit I have let him run rampant. We both miss her, and nothing else but battle will temper him in her absence. Luckily, there came an end to his challenge. The branded woman, controlled by some Njordic thing called Alu came back. Unluckily, the other branded in town were also brought under Alu’s control, along with soldiers of Fafnir. We were able to stave off casualties, even amongst those under control, but it was a tough thing. The war front has led many to strike more than needed at time. With the supernatural mixing in with the humane I can’t say I’m surprised.

Besides this there was a disease of stone that moved through the populace. Unearthed from a fort which was broken open and revealed a crypt. I can’t help but feel as if this lingering despair is something that the members of House Randal felt as the plague swept over them. If I can, I will take it upon myself to take charge of the fort. It will relieve the strain on current leadership so they may focus elsewhere, and I am confident my people can lay this curse to rest.

Lady Vindicta Dragomir was poisoned at her own court. Do these nobles feel so secure they have no one check their food or drink? Especially when drinking with a Rennet. The play seems too bold to truly be done by Rennet’s hand. At least, not without someone else controlling it. What with the uncertainty at the time as to who would rule in this land, and now knowing Fafnir was compromised by a malefic. It all seems a mess.

Of all this I found solace in the woods. They are deep and ancient here. Not the clear cuts and new growth hastily tended to of Rogalia. If I could I would spend my days in them completely. To be without duty is a luxury I know I cannot afford, and so the woods become yet another among them. Here they have a ritual to stave off the cold bite of winter, so that the forest makes it through to the spring. The being that came upon us at the Grand Tree was cold, unsettling. I thank those that were with me for holding it off as I spoke the chant. I know Theopania suffered dearly for it. In the end we were successful, and something spoke to me with care. Perhaps the Grand Tree, perhaps my own pain addled and exhausted mind. If it was this, and not war and politics, how much more warmth would I have the luxury of bathing in?