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?
