–March 08: 623 (HMC)–
It sounds like a dangerous game Siyah’s playing with this Vandivh Radumir. Professor Arathan explained a great deal more to me tonight when he came for pie. I’m very concerned for all of them, and as much as I’d like to cook that man in his skin, Haleth was very right when he told them that something of this extreme could create contempt and a need for vengeance. Siyah tells me it would be for the best, but I’m just not so certain. That the professor is capable, that’s clear; he does have the background education. He says he’s already altered his spell … but this isn’t the sort of thing one tests on a neighbor or a friend.
We enjoyed pie and spoke of things not related to Siyah’s troubles. Yarane teaches magic here in Storwmind, and it seems he has a growing number of students. I suppose my methods would be rather unorthodox, but the idea of teaching does appeal to me. I’m not so sure about reading, but surely the practical application of things. Recall and obscuring spells. Backlash waves for transportation magic. Yes, I think I would enjoy this …
Especially finding myself with a fair bit of time on my hands again.
–March 07: 623 (HMC)–
I saw Rory today. Briefly. Or, it felt brief in light of all that’s gone before us this last year. He promised he hasn’t forgotten. Our first year together. It’s hard to believe it’s only three days away now. I think back to that first meeting and shake my head; I am still surprised by it all. Still find myself wondering how. I want to believe time will make us stronger, but I’m uncertain. We’ve overcome a lot of obstacles, but he drifts farther and farther every day. I say nothing, keeping my fears to myself. I don’t want him to think less of me, though sometimes I suspect he does.
We did make a date to spend our anniversary together. I forgot to ask him what he wanted, except — of course — blackberry pie. I have barely enough berries to make two, but this shall have to suffice.
Our daughter grows quickly, and every morning when I look at her, I see more of him. She has his eyes and her hair is dark like his. I can see the strength of his jaw in her, and I can still feel the way she used to kick. He said today she will learn to punch crocs and battle sharks with him. I worry this is true … worry she will be more like him. Perhaps it is for the best. She will be determined, of this I’ve no doubt.
She is stronger and needs me less each day. Tisu tells me she will be crawling on her own in no time; it did not take her long to shift from her stomach to her back, and the other way around. I’m told the latter is much harder for infants, and yet, she’s done it twice now.
–March 06: 623 (HMC)–
Siyah came to me today asking for help … to assist in putting together a spell that will do what Stilwell’s “mage-tamer” does, only permanently. I admit I’m very torn. On the one hand, there’s no doubt in my mind that some people who can, should not be able to touch magic. But, I’m not sure if I would be the same person if I had chosen to give it up when I questioned my ability to control the fire. She sent me to introduce myself to Professor Yarane Arathan, and naturally, the trouble-maker didn’t bother to warn him of my coming. It made for several awkward moments. Even so, he’s a kind and charming man. Seems a bit down and a little lost personally … I suppose we all have those ups and downs, don’t we?
We talked for a while and then agreed to meet at the Dryad tomorrow evening. I offered tea and pie. I hope to get a better idea of his plan before I offer my insights. He did mention the use of felhunters — Light, no. I can still recall the attack in the pie cave before we could escape. No one should have to suffer something that painful.
… And, it’s hard to believe that was now almost three years ago.
I leave in the morning for Pandaria. Pip brought a basket of apples collected from the trees in Stormwind, but I need other ingredients. It will be a nice escape from the mundane for me and Katie. I promised the professor a mango pie for his efforts.
— March 05: 623 (His Majesty’s calendar) —
All of my dreams have collapsed. This time, from within … The Dryad is the fortress I intended it to be. But, in my efforts to be sure I wouldn’t lose another establishment, I failed to realize how little anyone else even cares. All my hard work. All of my sacrifices. And still … they just walk away, proving it — and I — mean very little to them.
The message came today, delivered from the House of Nobles. We have no funding. We have no support, despite having the king’s blessing. There is always something more important. I shouldn’t feel this bitter, hurt, or enraged, but I do …
I must begin again and rebuild, but I feel like a hollow shell. In the last few days, I’ve considered packing myself and Katie up and moving back into my wagon within the Masquerade. I know Tiri would welcome us both, and there’s plenty of room in my wagon for Katie and I to live comfortably. Rory can visit, of course.
When he’s not busy punching crocs and wrangling fish.
It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve fled to the caravan when things haven’t gone according to plan. I did so when Jespen died. And again when the Hearth and Hind sank into the sea along with Stormwind’s park. Losing Vith and then watching the Galleon (my ship) burn in the harbor and sink, was enough to set me adrift again. If Tiri hadn’t kept my wagon clean, I’m not sure what I’d have done. The older I get, the harder it becomes to rebuild. I don’t know how many times I can do this in one lifetime —
Or … if I should even care.