22 Doane, Year 864
Dear Liza,
I've come across the most unorthodox group, but they seem reliable. A halfling man who talks too much, a tabaxi man with a strange elocution, another halfling who keeps to herself, a perplexingly tall elf who's as skinny as a branch, and the Top Goblin; she's an odd one... Despite what I'd prefer, we've chosen our first venturing destination as the Gloom. It seems as good a place as any, even if I'm not as home there as I'd enjoy being. It's a vast swampy land with rolling hills, decrepit structures and venomous creatures. Direwolves too! You'd always tell me about how you wanted to see one... I know you meant own one as a pet, but we never had the opportunity to cross that bridge, did we? There's still time, however. We'll be reunited soon my dear.
Continuing on, just making a few notes for you, Liza. Our first major find was a strange watchtower. The going myth that surrounded it seemed to be "Don't sleep under the watchtower". It's awfully curious, I would enjoy finding out what happens. There is clear evidence of spellcasting there, using a cauldron no less, perhaps it served as a witches den; that is being presumptuous, but forgive me Liza, you know your Edward is a daydreamer. Apart from the spellcasting, not much of interest could be found. It makes me all the more excited to sleep near or even under it next venture!
From the tower, we spotted a large tree to the southwest bathing in a sea of it's kin. Ominously large, but comforting at the same time? A confusing feeling.
We were almost attacked by wolves! They were scared off by Top Goblin thankfully. I'm not wholly sure of the size but, I may have jinxed myself when I mentioned your fixation with Direwolves... All this danger, in this place I'm not sure of, is it worth it? Are these allies, people I barely know, my best way to getting you back? Regardless, I'm happy to rest. The ease of a nights sleep should put to slumber the restless feeling in my bones; one of my worst omens.
23 Doane, Year 864
Double Jinx. No, triple Jinx. I awoke with my teeth chattering incessantly, the worst of my bad omens AFTER restless bones, and behold we found a damn ruin. I must apologize my writing this is so far after the event, but I had to investigate with the others! It was a temple, dedicated to ritual sacrifice for the deity Lolth. Drow ruins, in the shape OF A SPIDER, that were still in use to make these sacrifices. Luckily, I got some favor, and whoever these cultists were, they were entirely absent from our jaunt into these ruins. It was so exciting though, Liza! The mystery, the intrigue, the reward, the danger of it all. Simply exhilarating my love. We even encountered this floating, brain like creature. It savagely attacked Mah'keet and Vígdís, but our combined assault was too overwhelming! I had a small mishap in casting my spell, but it all turned out all right. Vígdís(Top Goblin) actually managed to cut the monster in half. Our reward, by the way, was a magical quarterstaff that was quite finely carved with intricate figures of animals, a good bit of coin, and wondrous gems.
I must say, all of my itches are scratched and I feel like a new man! I'll sleep well tonight for sure. I haven't enjoyed myself this much in quite a while.
24 Doane, Year 864
After the battle and a nights rest, we headed straight back to Heathwell, no side ventures or anything too interesting to note. I'll be spending the next little while researching more earth magic and alchemical concoctions. The sooner I can find one of those stones or make one, the sooner I can bring you back to me. I'll use your research well, my love.