“Many magical anomalies make sea trade perilous, but the ease of access and relative speed at which supplies can be delivered still prove too lucrative to avoid. Nowadays, the most likely merchants you would encounter are the Arterians, Veronans, Ascarians, Traxians, Potomians, and Zephyrans. Yet the masters of the western seas remain the Nautican Naval Forces, with their warships often seen guarding trading fleets. In the East, though the Traxian fleet is powerful, the kings of the seas are actually a much jostled position between the Sakurans of the far east with their armoured turtle ships, or the Potomian navy who boasts the most vaunted naval marines in the region.”


    - ??Commodore Argentine Paulis, Arterian Defense Fleet Officer, "Lecture on Naval Affairs"


    <hr><hr>


    3rd of Tessus


    Dear Diary,


    (Many scribbled out letters)


    Hello, my name is Aryana. It feels weird introducing myself to my diary but is that what people usually do? Whatever the case, Captain Osmund gave you to me! Well, I mean, you’re not a proper diary and the pages feel a little off, but you are mine! I find all the tales he’s told about the sea so fascinating that I wanted to jot some of them down somewhere and he fished out one of his unused nautical journals. You know what sucks though if we ignore paper quality? The lagrians have a different calendar system than ours! Like in your margins I saw the little labels spelling out weird names until I caught on that they were dates! We just call it first day, second day, third day! Captain Osmund and the crew had a good laugh when I had to admit I knew nothing about the Astralian calendar. It was positively mortifying! They evidently order it based on the importance of their Gods which, I mean that feels kinda wrong but I also get it? I''ll jot it down here before I forget.


    Astra = First Day (Captain says she’s the big Goddess Astralis, the top of the top!)


    Euthus = Second Day (Named for Goddess Euthymia, who is the Goddess of Water and the Captain''s favorite.)


    Phaerus = Third Day (Goddess of Magic and Wind Phaenrea.)


    Tessus = Fourth Day (God of the Earth Tessadus, so like the great mountain spirit! I wonder if he has chosen Vaettagh too.)


    Gratus = Fifth Day (God of Fire and War, Gratiax. What a cheerful combination.)


    Caeus = Sixth Day (God of Darkness Caelinor, sounds like the great sunderer. Probably a bad guy.)


    Morus = Seventh Day (Goddess of Shadows Morea, also Caelinor’s twin. Why would they seperate darkness and shadow? Why are they twins?)


    Apparently the seven days reflected the seven High Pantheon Gods. But, the first mate told me it had something to do with the saints; their version of the Vaettagh’s. Evidently they also had a seven day week and were the ones who originally spread it. But the captain insists that the High Pantheon’s seven came first. Then the helmsman chimed in between the two of them and insisted that my way, the Frostwind way, was the correct one, after all, why would the Spirits care about which day belonged to them. Which, to be fair, why would they? But to have such wild origins for first day and second day, how intriguing!


    (More scribbled out words)


    Calendars aside though, overall I’ve been excited. I think Annalise is warming up to me and the beast too, even if he still looks at me with those beady eyes of his. Though come to think of it, are his eyes just normally like that?


    We did catch a glimpse of some outlying islands though and while I worry about the ocean just crushing us under its depths, they did look like a nice place to rest a while. Sandy beaches, clear weather, and cute looking trees. Sadly though, Sophie still hasn’t woken up yet, her recovery coma still projected to last for another three or four days so it''s not concerning for now. She’s a weird one though, the others know it and I know it, but Sophie doesn’t have a heart! Like not that she’s heartless but it’s just an empty cavity. It’s so spooky.


    4th of Gratus


    Sophie sometimes kicks in her coma and makes odd little noises. It freaked me out though admittedly I did fall asleep on the table. The big minotaur found a little combat manual he had and told me to read it. It looked boring and I didn’t want to but he looked like he could squish me so I tried. Spirits save me, it was so boring.


    It’s midnight now when I write this. I never noticed it since I usually fall asleep by now but the sea is so pretty at night. The way the moon reflects off the waves and the gentle rocking of the boat is really something special. Though admittedly it is chilly, like super chilly when I went up on deck. But it was like something was calling to me and I couldn’t help but just stare at the water. Seeing the moonlight surrounding my reflection felt so surreal.


    It’s been four days since we set sail, and I think I’m a little bored of being on a boat. Mila, the girl who never stops scowling, was throwing up again. I feel bad for her and wanted to say a few supportive words but I don’t want to get her mad so I just kept my head down since she always looks so angry. Maybe I’ll try to give her a present or something.


    5th of Caeus


    We saw another ship! We even sailed close enough to see the crew and they looked so strange! There were scaly reptilian looking people and some were even as tall as the minotaur. They seemed friendly enough. I couldn’t help myself and waved and one of them waved back, so they can’t be that bad? Right?


    The Captain told me they were a merchant ship from the Veronan Trading Guilds. A group of lizard people and drakes on a large island off the coast that’ll I’ll end up seeing if I go to Arteria with the others. The Captain described their wonderful fabrics and spice filled bazaars, how they also had huge monolithic temples that looked more like castles than well, their castles. I hope I get to visit someday!


    Later in the day we did see glimpses of smaller islets that formed the outskirts of what everyone called the Isles of Dusk. I watched as the crew stopped smiling and dropped into a serious mode. I had to sneak up to the ranger to ask her about it. Evidently, the isles marked the beginning of uncontrolled territory between a people called the Nautican Union and the Porinthosians. They remained unclaimed and relatively unexplored because of how dangerous the isles are. Many sea creatures from the Captain’s tales roamed the shores and waves, with even reported sightings of proper ghost ships! At least that’s what Annalise’s adventurer friends had once told her. Admittedly, a part of me does want to go exploring the isle but another part of me thinks we’ll come here regardless. I don’t know what exactly Sophie and the others are looking for but if it’s ancient, old, and hidden away, then those isles sound like where someone would hide something like that.


    Sophie’s grunts are also getting more vicious. I think it’s a good sign that she’s getting a little more active, it means she''s regaining control. But it''s also a little terrifying because she growls too. And those just keep reminding me of the monsters that were in the city. I’ve been trying hard to forget those. The screams and the way they looked almost human. I hate it.


    I hope she gets better.


    6th of Morus


    I saw a siren or a mermaid off in the distance but no one believed me. I swear I heard its mournful cries. It reminded me of the people crying during Prince Alvin’s funeral, it was sad. The only reason I noticed it was because of the glint of the sun off its eyes. When I looked over, I felt as if it looked right at me. The two of us were just watching each other.


    (Scribbled out words and scrawled script follows a poor attempt at drawing a siren)


    I’ve recovered enough. The others still think me mad, but I know what I heard and saw. Annalise expressed her worry that I’ve been around Sophie too much, and that being below deck for so long was getting to me and that I should spend more time up above. But I don’t want them to get me, the sirens that is. After all, Captain Osmund told me that sailors who hear its call become ensnared by its voice, walking themselves off into the abyss, never to be seen again. I don’t want that. I don’t want to disappear into the deep dark.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    We did get treated to the strange sight of a minotaur sparring with the crew, an attempt to keep their skills and wits according to the captain. His full title was Templar Blademaster Taurox, I think I finally understand why they respect him so much. He twirled like a whirlwind and could even control his strikes with such precision I thought he was a machine of sorts, like a (messy scrawl spelling out “Robot”).


    (Panicked scribbles and scuffed marks follow)


    I think those are my thoughts, I think they’re my memories. But every time I try to think of something from beyond, from where I came from, I can’t. It hurts, my head hurts. I’m sorry diary, I can’t recall much, I almost couldn’t write. It hurts so much. I see the lights, hear the noise, and then I hurt, then it just hurts.


    7th of Astra


    Annalise said she found me shaking on the spot yesterday. I’m sorry, I tried to think more and write it down but I couldn’t. The ranger now keeps an eye on me more than ever, I think she’s worried about something happening to me if I’m on my own. But with how vigilant she is, I wonder if she’s gone through something similar with the others before.


    I found a nice corner on the deck to try and write, though I''ll have to ignore the little giggles I hear from the crew when they point at me. The air feels nice I suppose, it is relaxing to be on deck though I always feel like I’m distracting people when I’m just resting behind the helmsman, even if he says he doesn’t mind. It calms my mind a bit.


    We are close though! The Captain says we’re about a day or two away from Strumbreaker if the wind doesn’t hold us back. I admit I’m a little more than excited at the thought of going someplace new. I wonder what architecture is in this city and how the people there dress and act. Ascari is said to be a very vibrant place since each of the cities are technically independent, only united by the principles of the league. Lagrians certainly emulate the tribes whether they know it or not. The council of tribes is one such thing, where all the chieftains gather to debate our next course of action, even if they rarely cooperate or aid each other outside of the council. It does feel a bit surreal that I’d likely never get to see my childhood home again, especially considering most of the tribes moved down the mountain to escape the coming dark. I guess even if they do not consider me one of them, I am glad that the king was willing to host them in his lands, I just hope that nothing bad comes of this arrangement.


    On the bright side, I maintained the armour and sword the king gave us. They said it was from the prince and I figured since Sophie probably interacted more with him, she should be the one to bear the gift. We also found a sigil and a house seal on her and when we presented that to the king he just looked sad and told us to let her keep it. How peculiar! But yeah, despite Annalise telling me I should use the blade and armour, I don’t feel comfortable enough to even dare to fight, much less wade into the thick of things like Sophie. Besides, her gear was wrecked beyond repair and I very much doubt that she could use any of it again.


    8th of Euthus


    She’s awake! Sophie finally stirred from her coma much to everyone’s relief. I had fallen asleep trying to read again and my back hurt. I woke up to find her wearing a confused expression whilst she just stared at me. It was a little creepy but I quickly bolted out to tell Annalise and the other’s.


    They brought her up to speed about the king’s boons, the city, the tribes, the inquisitor and our journey at sea. Even Captain Osmund came down to offer his congratulations, though it was somewhat dampened with the news that rough waters would mean another day at sea. Still, as happy as we were, I think me and the others, that is the ranger and the minotaur, felt something off about her. There was this strained look on her expression, like she was trying to smile because we smiled, not because she was happy. I snuck a few glances in and saw her looking confused and tense in the moments when she thought we weren’t paying attention. Not only that, but she was pretty quiet the whole time, more than even me! She would mostly just grunt at us or just utter simple phrases like “yeah”, “mhmm”, or “yup”. Though when she had asked about the boons, she finally spoke more than one word in telling us her dealings with the prince.


    I felt horrible when I presented her with the cuirass and sword. I thought it would help motivate her a bit, especially considering everything that happened. But she only deflated further,  muttering a half hearted thanks.


    When I helped her up to the deck, she also seemed to avoid touching anyone. Like she didn’t mind when we steadied her or helped her stay upright from her days of inaction. But whenever she almost fell or felt wobbly, she would also stop just short of grabbing onto one of us and either hold onto parts of the ship or just fall completely instead. Even when we tried to help her up, she would allow us to pull her, but refused to grab onto our arms.


    Taurox pulled me aside later in the night when Annalise was the one tending to Sophie. I must’ve shaken quite a bit at the time because I distinctly remember him sounding a little sad saying “I’m not that scary am I?” After a little awkwardness he confided in me that he suspected Sophie was feeling some form of trauma or guilt from the battle. I was about to ask why when I remembered the grim scene we found her in. She had collapsed in a heap backwards with that sword sticking out of her chest and a mess of wounds. But, in front of her was the body of what had once been a person, his insides having been thrashed about and torn out in a violent frenzy. I didn’t put it together back then but now that I think about it, it all made sense. Sophie was the one who did that.


    It honestly scared me a little to think that the same kind of slightly exhausted elf that found me on the mountainside had somehow been capable of tearing a man apart like that. Thankfully the minotaur just nodded at my expression and I think he understood what I was thinking about on some level. In truth I was still afraid of him, but at least he’s nice.


    (More scribbles and crossed out words)


    Sophie couldn’t sleep properly. She kept thrashing about all night. Whatever night terror she had must’ve been intense, for she kept repeating “Eva! Please! Eva!” when she got afraid followed by “Riza, sorry.” when she got sad. At first I was annoyed but seeing how in pain and her terrified she seemed, I tried to give her a hug only for her to unconsciously pull me in and curl up under me. I tried to get away but her grip was pretty strong, the whole time she was muttering “Eva…” in between little sobs. I almost thought she was awake until she rocked herself to a calm sleep. Though I admit I was a bit annoyed when I started writing this, I do feel sorry for her. She looked like she was in pain and I only hope she’s doing okay. Who are Eva and Riza though? They seem important to her.


    But in the name of the spirits, I feel so worn out today yet can’t sleep myself. For tomorrow we arrive in Sturmbreaker, a completely new town! Ideally the others give me a little time to explore the city whilst they get set up but they seemed intent on getting to Arteria so who knows! It’ll be sad to say goodbye to Captain Osmund and the crew but new adventures await! I just hope things go well for everyone. Anyway, I''ll try to get a little bit more rest.


    9th of Phaerus


    We’re here! We’ve finally docked at Sturmbreaker! The city is so big and vibrant! Granted, it looks smaller than Melisgrad but its high wall and countless multi storied buildings give off the impression of a denser city. The town houses look quite plain with their simple brick and stone foundations but the true gems were the administrative hub of the city visible even as we disembarked. Pointed spires, countless arches, lots of columns and pitched roofs made up the majority of the buildings that stretched above the townhouses, most of all a giant cathedral that loomed over the center of town.


    It all looked so alien to me and compared to all the tribe holds or clan keeps, this positively bursted with life and a certain energy from the people that filled the air. I was so excited to explore I almost forgot to bid the crew farewell. But Captain Osmund found me amusing enough that they said I could be considered an honorary crew, much to the unsubtle chuckles from the other sailors. It was mighty embarrassing but now I got a strange little cloth hat that some of the crew have wrapped around their heads. Though most of theirs bore the Meltonian royal colours of blue and purple whilst mine was a plain green one.


    It took a while before we could even figure out where we were going after we disembarked, but the big minotaur took charge and we slowly but surely moved towards the center of town. There were so many new scents, sounds and sights that Annalise had to basically herd me along ever few minutes or so. But clearly I wasn’t the only one who felt something, because, despite Sophie having been quiet for the most part of the day, when we were walking through the streets, I noticed a wistful twinkle in her eyes.


    According to the others, Sturmharbor was created by Carradorian refugees a long time ago, the same people who currently reside in where Sophie came from. Thus the things we see here are very much rooted in Carradorian heritage and styles. Still, to me this was something completely new and, by the time we arrived at the inn room rented by the church for us, I was itching to get back outside and explore.


    To my great disappointment I am now sitting here writing this because everyone jumped straight to work. Mila and the minotaur had to go to the cathedral to sort some things out with the local clergy whilst Annalise and Sophie went to check in to the adventurers guild. It…(some crossed out letters) it feels like they all just forgot about me or just didn’t want me to come along and that feels…(large crosses).


    I don’t like that feeling.


    At least I got a chance to listen to some bards whilst I made sure no one snuck into our rooms to steal our stuff. Word of what happened in Melton traveled fast. I unintentionally overheard a table of people muttering about what’s happened in the north, the lagrians debated between what exactly ‘went down’ there. Some saying Carradorian wizards cursed the town, others saying another wave of the undead like in Eichafen, a few even whispering about ‘The Dark Tide’ and ‘demons’. Whilst I can’t say for sure if the cultists were actually demons, the giant flesh monster they summoned definitely looked evil and unnatural. So maybe they have a point. But this ‘Dark Tide’ thing sounds like another one of the Captain’s tales. Could there be a book of tales or history that has records of such a thing? A trip to the local records keeper might be worth it if only to get a head start on understanding the people, much less learning about legends. Though I would really like to know more legends.


    But they''re coming back now, I see them from my window. I should probably go back downstairs to greet them. I wonder what they’ll say about taking me around the city tomorrow. Hopefully they don’t just leave me here again. I don’t like being left alone.