*the last entry is elegantly scripted. references are made using unfamiliar numerals in between the paragraphs to separte pages containing the sketches*

Success!

I have managed to stay in one piece so far, and returned safely to my precious journal. Sister Noixiata's screams have ceased, and she has pursued the task I was delivered on her own. Rumor has it she has left Britain all together, quite reassuring if I could confirm it.

I have survived this highly regarded peril, an ordeal in itself, the details must remain hidden for now, even for you my dear journal...

As things are returning to normal my entrepreneur business is proceeding as foreseen and my economic situation is stabilizing once again. The collection from the Chapel now goes directly to me, I will have to see about doing some reconstruction or perhaps acquire some real estate on Marble Island. Perhaps I need to hire someone, however I have patience to wait for situations to sort out themselves.

A peculiar religious soldier has arrived from Cove on a pilgrimage and prayed at the chapel a few times. Mulag, the caretaker, memorized his appearance photographically. He also recognized him to be a recruit of the Baron's army and welcomed him to come any time he wished. Peculiar he would travel so far way to prove his allegiance to the Avatar, never the less, his donations are welcome.

I managed to draw a sketch and get Mulag to confirm it.

*the entry is elegantly scripted. references are made using unfamiliar numerals in between the paragraphs to separate pages containing the sketches*

After restoring the mundane necessities I proceeded to reestablish contact with my family. I was quite nervous, they must had been watching the chaos. I am sure they have had their own matters to attend to as well, perhaps my prior misfortune calls for sympathy. Or not. Fortunately, as long as a certain elf keeps her lips sealed, they will not know of my gravest mistake.

Upon contact there was work immediately. An entity appearing in a warped humanoid form had peeked the interest of our mistress. Even Lady Vierna was present. We were to hunt for a book and it seemed we wanted to make contact with a spirit as well. The proceedings were strange and unfamiliar to me but I assisted to the best of my ability.



There were two teams, and we were outnumbered it seemed. Our grim task was inside a dungeon with quite powerfull creatures. The Duchy and it's allies captured the book first and we let them leave with it unharmed. They were simply too many for direct confrontation.

The teams and the Shadow entity met up in Skara Brae and discussed the details furiously. I made several attempts to snatch the book, however all I got were dull records of payments and leases. They were returned after a brief inspection. I am happy I am not on Kaelyn's payroll.



The day after I went back watch the guardsmen activities, they had some kind of ball game going on. Absurdly enough, I felt the urge to paint it. I have felt this urge in prior times, but have failed to identify the correct satisfaction. This was one of those moments. It is something about the rhythmic military style the guardsmen apply to everything which soothes the eye. I found the game quite entertaining.

*the entry is elegantly scripted. references are made using unfamiliar numerals in between the paragraphs to separate pages containing the sketches*

The time in between my last entry and this, I have been quite busy with trivial tasks. They seem to gather and wait collectively, surfacing at the worst possible times. Meanwhile on the small amount of spare time I have had, I have been trying to improve my artistic skills. Much to my delight the second infusion of mistress Jade's powerful sanguine elixir has provided me the willpower and precision required to continue advancing.

This second infusion will remain shrouded in the journal.

Avamass has passed and I witnessed a lovely play in Cove on the day prior to the sacred occasion. I hid in the shadows, not trusting the Covians I also disguised myself. I should make a note to try and make it to other plays if there are future ones.



The time for a larger family meeting had come, and indeed we were more numerous than I had anticipated. Mistress Jade had quite a few concerns as usual.

One of particular were concerning a treatment misfiring on a certain elf. There had been visitors to Marble Island which had insulted the good intended hosts, this was very provoking. A strange but obviously skilled warrior named Gwen kept interrupting, however questions were answered after the mistress had finished speaking.



Gwen, mistress Jade and the gathered came up with a plan. The details will remain shrouded. I should note that the Shadow Court seems more involved than ever. It was fair to say it was executed, without much success. We managed to gather some information and search the Trinsic jail. As we left, some guards rallied and attempted to arrest one of our family. They failed, however they caught someone who I would rather not see questioned too abusively..

It would seem and more questions rose like the undead from Vesper graveyard.



After we had settled upon a rather hasty retreat back home, we discussed several details involving the matters at hand. Myself and Fayte were transferred to a remote very cold location with orders to look for the elf which started this whole affair. We searched the whole snowy valley and we had no such luck. I leave out some details however with intent.

I returned to find the others practicing their combat skills. I reported to mistress Jade my discoveries. She seemed quite pleased even though it was another failure. She told me to meet her outside and so I did.



We discussed matters and proceeded on my request to a room where we could speak privately. It was a fateful meeting indeed. I will explain it shortly when I have come to my senses and can perhaps begin to comprehend what actually transpired...

*the entry is carefully scripted, apparently written with great consideration. a reference is made using an unfamiliar numeral in between the paragraphs to a separate page containing the sketch*

I have decided that words will not suffice for this experience, I will not shame this journal or the revelation itself with my poor attempt. I will write a few words however. Jade gave me a choice. It was inevitable, I was already relying on the advantages which came natural to me now. She must have known it, such a powerful boon.



The process itself began as the last time. Mistress Jade casually revealed a delightful river of celestial liquid with a elegant flicker of the proper tool. As I kneel before her, there was no question on my mind what was the appropriate action. It tasted far better then expected, it could possibly be described as all the senses are experiencing one powerful flavor. Primitive, previously connected to your instincts. Suddenly it turns on you, captures you, refusing to release your complete attention. A vision displayed itself, it was provoking. As I previously mentioned, I will not go further in describing this. The experience momentarily left me furious in the end, slowly ebbing away.

The mere practical side of the experience binds my unconditional will to the Mistress. She must have expected to pass something on to me in this process. As I thought it was over, she wanted to give me something else. It revealed itself to be an ability, one I have yet to discover the potency of. I am supposed to draw energy from dead creatures around me with a casual chant combined with powerful concentration of a certain distinction. If no dead creatures are around, I would use my own energy it seems. Also, I heard voices while attempting this, not the likes of sister Noixiata's. In contrast of their bleak tone and disturbing languages, they seemed to be manageable for now. This might prove itself to be quite useful. It is not the only remarkable thing that has happened in this... transformation, but this one will require more work to become usefull.

After this I settled in the chapel cellars for a whole day, considering the previous events. I looked over my agenda at the end of it. Curiously, seemed I was scheduled for a trip to the city of sins, Trinsic. I would have company of an elven family member called, Flipper who I knew quite well. Plans would need to be constructed carefully to not expose ourselves, I am sure the guards will be watching as well...

*the paintings have some absurd details reflecting what Amel looks for when he sees people and objects. it is also organized according to the numerals*

*this entry is written with apparent ease, the script is growing slightly more sophisticated for each entry. references are made using unfamiliar numerals in between the paragraphs to separate pages containing the sketches*


The following day was a slow one, but progress has none the less been made. Earlier on the day I made myself to the library on paladins isle in Trinsic and had a look at a few books there. I am sorry to say they had to part with some copies. For this simple task I even hired a rather stunning girl who seemed able to defend herself, I am not sure why.



She worked like a charm. It's however upsetting that we had a fatal disagreement when we negotiated the salary, well fatal on her behalf at least. I hid the books and left for marble island.

I met up with sister Flipper at her office, she was wasting no time. Immediately, after obligated courtesies, we began manifesting our scheme to please mistress Jade. We would have to go completely incognito, little could be left to chance. The specifics were impressing but quite too detailed to bring up here. Our disguises were perfect, I posed as a fading artist, and Flipper as my wife.



The couple headed south towards Trinsic, the travel was uneventful and we barely saw guards on our covert entry. The first inn was located next to the alluring prison I wanted to watch. Flipper dismissed it because of the rooms poor state. I agreed, they were claustrophobic. The second inn was much bigger, closer to the shady district as well. We founded our base of operation, immediately she left to investigate.



I wrote a few postponed letters and we met up again at the west gate. Here my dear "wife" had already managed to get the attention of our targets. After a subtle suggestion from my partner, we suddenly found ourselves seated surrounding a table awaiting a small feast. She discussed mundane matters to get the conversations started properly. I arranged some drinks and after some polite conversation I requested the dinner served. Lady Cherry excused herself and left for some business shortly after the small feast arrived.

After a few playful conversational subjects I could barely contain myself. The target seemed very suspicious of us, speaking mostly in general with the exception of his own background and current real estate interests. I was quite sure he would not tell us anything about the pressing matters yet. My partner did however become interested in a library he mentioned and even managed to get invited there with an escort by his liege, lord Decardo.

We me up with them at the bridge, she departed through a summoned gate. I eagerly await her discoveries at the chapel for now.

*the entry is carefully scripted, apparently written with great consideration. a reference is made using an unfamiliar numeral in between the paragraphs to a separate page containing the sketch*

Arranging some casual business I was pleased to be summoned by Jade. I delivered instructions to Hakeem and left immediately for marble island.

The mistress was waiting in a large marble chamber barely illuminated with the exception of a candelabra next to the stairs. A chill went through my body as I walked slowly into the room absorbing the details. Perhaps it was the cold room itself, or perhaps Jade's cold voice as I sat down next to her.



Immediately she opened with her agenda, she had seen to Trinsic today. Also she had learned Stewan was seen in the Shadow Court's domain. He was not alone, it was almost certain he was not a mere cook as he so innocently claimed. It was obvious what the mistress wanted. Everything we could find out about this infidel, his family, his business and his accomplices. I revealed our own discoveries in Trinsic and the mistress flattered our scheme. I displayed my concern for Flipper who had failed to report back yet.

Mistress Jade had spoken with Lady Cherry and arranged for the prime target to return to our home once more. This must be most satisfying. Of course, the earlier mission is still primal and will have to be worked on still with equal concern. She had some news concerning my future training and occupation as well. I would be introduced to master Fargo for these tasks. I was to update him on my proceedings with the mistresses' missions as well.

The highly esteemed Gwen interrupted our meeting as we were closing up. She needed assistance raising a spirit from the dead, I would not see the urgency of such a matter, none the less mistress Jade indulged the powerful lunatic. Gwen was quite specific about not using zombies this time, she wanted them to be used in training with our newest family member, Jaston. After I made some puzzled gestures I was prompted to add something to her conversation, I excused myself. Gwen left and mistress Jade told me to go. I left for the arena.

I found a quiet corner at the pub on the first floor where I could work on my notes. I heard several alarming noises coming from the floor below, I assumed it was Gwen who had returned. After finishing up I went downstairs to watch while I thought about what mistress Jade spoke about earlier. Spirits , and using their energy to sustain your own. I was completely lost in my thoughts.

Following Gwen with my hazy eyes, I saw her approaching me slowly. I was always suspicious of her in the past, the blade in her hand did not alarm me as she was always armed. My instincts did not have a chance to react to her suddenly manifesting a tornado of an attack with her poisoned blade. The stabs were furious and the wounds terribly painful. It was obvious she did not try to kill me however, but my instincts and body could not care less for this. I exclaimed these insane actions referred to her her as an "insane person" and filled my part of the arena with smoke to insure my swift escape.

This was the second attack I have suffered from a family member in the arena spectators section, this one however, will leave a permanent mark. I will not forget this ordeal, my poisoned veins and bleeding wounds will not allow it. For now I have more pressing matters to attend to, the very rhythm of my heartbeat demands immediate action on behalf of my mistress. I shall return to the chapel and heal these wounds, it is practically on it's way to Trinsic in any event.

*the paintings have some absurd details reflecting what Amel looks for when he sees people and objects. it is also organized according to the numerals*

*this entry is written with apparent ease, the script is growing slightly more sophisticated for each entry. references are made using unfamiliar numerals in between the paragraphs to separate pages containing the sketches*

I had one last trip with my dear "wife" to Trinsic, there was lots to see and take, however our mission kept us focused. Immediately upon arrival we saw a small group which included a few Shadow Court members and Lady Vierna. They were in the middle of a friendly dispute regarding a deity of some sort as we passed by.



We easily maneuvered to the jail where my "wife" proceeded casually and with great ease to question the prime target. I was talking to someone outside the prison and when I turned around they were engaged in conversation.



The target seemed very apathetic from what I could gather, but I only caught glimpses as I watched in the doorway for potential trouble. Suddenly I saw the guards escort the prime target outside the walls. I saw them halfway between the west bridge and first river before the moongate. Perhaps they just wanted privacy ? Now I couldn't allow them that privilege. I doubt they would see me behind the trees..



I learned nothing new from their questioning, quite pointless to follow in the first place. As I watched a lantern behind me blazed aflame, I was shocked to see a familiar face manifesting in the flame explosion delivering an urgent message : Get out! Obviously the others did not see it, or could not.

As I fled slowly not to raise any alarm I caught a fragment from a conversation. I learned someone had been apprehended, I had a sneaking suspicion of who might be the unfortunate one. I know she will not expose her true allegiance, fortunately I will end up in such a peril. Upon returning to Marble Island I received another message to stay away from Trinsic until further notice. I promptly decided to do some training and reading and settled for the evening.

*the entry is elegantly scripted. references are made using unfamiliar numerals in between the paragraphs to separate pages containing the sketches*

The next day I went to a scheduled family meeting. Jade began as usual immediately with the agenda. There was some discussion about an unfamiliar warrant in Mistress Jades name recently posted around Trinsic. The Duchy apparently wanted her for several reasons which for now were clouded to us, but we did not fail to see the motives behind them. The council reached a decision regarding appropriate actions. We were to learn of the charges and make proper arrangements off-base. I will keep the details shrouded. The one thing I will mention is that we need to raise funds, however I doubt that will be any large issue with our magnitude of resources.



Myself and one of the senior family members were taken to a smaller room on the first floor where Mistress Jade gave us specific instructions. They were very much in line with the previous missions, however I shall keep them shrouded until they are in irreversible motion.

The senior member and I investigated the cold valley of the shadow court once again upon the mistress' request. We had no such fortune with us, we discovered no clues, nor living creatures for that matter.

When I returned to the island I saw even more plans manifesting before my eyes. We had received visitors. I was called to serve the esteemed guest something to drink. The person had disguised himself but the persons reputation preceded it and I was honored to serve. A good choice of drink our guest had.



We waited outside patiently as the meeting transpired. Sister Gwen arrived and burst through the doors of the great hall heading for the meeting. We saw the bodyguard of our guest run after her. Apparently nothing happened because of this.

It was all going very well and it was a pleasure to see the pieces fit together. Even another town seems to be intertwined in this already crowded web. Most intriguing...

*the paintings have some absurd details reflecting what Amel looks for when he sees people and objects. it is also organized according to the numerals*