3rd Reaping, Year 864
Hello again Liza, this is our second expedition. Our group consists of Vigdis, Seraphina, myself, an old grumpy dwarf named Dugan and a hearty Cleric. Our decision was to make a bee-line to the tree I mentioned. It seemed to be the best starting point, as it was our objective last time. Today has been... well, rather uneventful. We're taking a rest now. Hopefully more excitement tomorrow!
4th Reaping, Year 864
I'm writing this entry well after the fact. So much happened so quickly, I had no time to jot any of it down. Forgive my retelling of the events, Liza, they may be a tad spotty. We arrived at the tree, decorated in bones and strange things of an unknown nature. It stood out amidst the vast forest, even more so than we had previously expected. The area around left a dry feeling on my tongue, and the scent of the area was a mix of fresh vegetation and rot; it could be the mentality I assume when I think of the Gloom, but the presence was stronger here. Inside was another Caludron with fresh stew, and a relatively comfortable looking abode. I was first to enter, an action quickly recounted by Dugan when the owner of this abode returned. Her name is Yelcha, a comely younger woman. My head went slightly blank, the anxiety of an unwanted social encounter overtook me. I remember Yelcha claiming the Gloom was a safe place, and it's people innocent. Yelcha then called those in the city strange, and that their ways weren't normal.
Yelcha then almost demanded I stay to help her cook while the others went to harvest ingredients, as I had been the first to enter. I denied this request, even after being prodded and name-called by Dugan; I didn't appreciate his behavior during this encounter. Dugan and Vigdis more or less volunteered to stay, while the rest of us went to harvest mushrooms(White, not red!) and roots towards the South and Southeast of the tree.
We assisted, Vigdis claimed I had called her to bring a shovel to me in the North. I never did any such thing... Regardless, my heart had settled by this point. Yelcha informed us of some of another peaceful resident. A man named Razzy in the Northwest. There are ruins to the Southeast and a Graveyard to the North as well evidently. Yelcha even offered to swap notes with me next time! Evidently her Grandmother is an alchemist. She might make a good ally for us, hopefully she's someone you can meet one day.
5th Reaping, Year 864
Our path back was initially to go see Razzy, then go to a place known as the Boneyard, and then go examine a den of Wolves. On our way there we realized Razzy was a bridge troll, after consulting a map we had found previously. Instead we went straight to the boneyards, only to be attacked by these abhorrent slug creatures. They were covered in bones, wearing it like armor almost. After defeating one, it was accidentally ripped open, and from it's bowels spilled forth a paste like slime, swimming with larvae. We defeated all of them, and I managed to secure a bottle of these larvae to give to the guild for research and documentation.
6th Reaping, Year 864
We explored the den of wolves yesterday, and today. Much to my dismay, our "investigation" turned to a slaughter. We were almost killed ourselves yesterday, and I was too shook up to finish my last entry. I ran, Liza. The wolves almost had us completely defeated, and I ran away... Luckily, everyone made it. I was so glad to wake up with everyone alive, ready to return home. Instead, they wanted to return and kill them. All of them. I joined, still reluctant, but not wanting to endanger my teammates by reducing our numbers. I feel horrible, honestly. They're only beasts, protecting their home and doing what they must to survive. We didn't have to kill them.
7th Reaping, Year 864
We returned safely, but I think I'll pass on the next venture. I'd like to taker some time as well to research this odd stone disk we found. Hopefully I'll find something that can help my quest to restore your life! Sorry for the sporadic nature of these entries, dear. The events of this outing have taken an unfortunate toll on me. I have so much to think about... As always Liza, I love you, and I miss you. See you soon.