Unto Shadow #4 - The Cat

It is back.

It is identical in appearance and mannerisms also, much to my beloved’s annoyance. I attempt to translate its lack of precise communication in order to facilitate cooperation. That it has appeared again and leads the way, particularly when the landscape of the realm has changed drastically since my last visit, I believe is providential.

But still I cannot be certain that the Cat sustains any pure investment in our situation, or if my regard for it is one-sided. In that sense I must sound like Westlynn.

As far as the Cat is concerned, however, I am forced to trust that it is not malicious. And that some other purpose (entertainment perhaps) drew it to us so quickly.

Unto Shadow #3 - Old Friends

Sometimes being so far away forces one to reflect on who is left behind.

I had a lovely tea with Vivvienne before departing. She and I had not conversed for a time, and I thought it appropriate to invite her for a chat. We met in a tavern in the bear-people lands. Neither of us was terribly impressed with some of the edible fare. She informed me of a new development in her life that frankly, did not surprise me. She then rightly commented that I never speak of my beloved. I enjoyed the conversation though.

Nemeiah and Westlynn’s farewells were each a different challenge. I rushed a letter to Westlynn after to try to ward against any misunderstanding that would linger unresolved in my absence. Nem is left alone and I am dissatisfied with that. But there is little that I may do from a distance now.

The final goodbye was to Mirtai and Nathan. Mirtai appeared anxious and Nathan stood as steady as ever. Both entreated us to return home as quickly as possible. Unknown to Mirtai, I had spoken with him the day before to give details and answer questions regarding the venture. And we talked of her, briefly. I indicated my view and vouched for his privacy. It is the least that I can do for the stalwart service he has given.

Unto Shadow #2 - Welcome

The spirits roiled beneath the water again as we crossed through to this realm. As before the sight of them was dreadful, and at first they protested our approach. I warned my beloved not to gaze down upon them. But it really was impossible to resist a peek; particularly when one foul spectre first sneered at me and then spoke to D.A. I did not understand the word.

But my beloved did. "Welcome."

Once More, Unto Shadow

My beloved and I arrived in the realm of shadows shortly after midnight. Both of us dreaded it, but we are here. I do not like this place.

New People

Two of the odd bear-people I have spoken with. One was earnest and attentive, and the other proved disappointing.

The first is named Wen-Bie (I likely am not spelling this correctly, for their pronunciation and language is strange). She seemed young and curious. I would not have approached but she offered to share a cup of Jasmine tea. Though unknown to most this is my favorite. So I was tempted successfully into conversation. She answered many of my questions, including those that must have seemed terribly obvious to her.

The second was Shen. There was another syllable after the first but I do not know how to write it. She arrived in my attention when I noticed her display a peculiar amount of patience with an egocentric, monologuing orc. It was difficult to find her alone for a chat. When I did, at first she also answered questions and began to return a few to me. But we were interrupted by squabbling goblins, and then she departed without an acknowledgement or farewell.

But this may be preferable in the end. I dislike questions such as “Who were you before” and “Was it strange waking up in a world you left behind.” I now understand Nemeiah’s dilemma when conversing with them on the Forsaken.

Nearing Departure

The time is very close now. I have finished all reasonable preparations, but wait for my beloved to indicate readiness. I do not press or rush this, due to where we are going. Neither of us is eager to journey back into the realm of shadows.

To Nemeiah and Westlynn I gave the means to contact me while away. Westlynn of course displayed a great deal of curiosity and tested the limits of it immediately; much in the same manner she tests other boundaries. As for Nemeiah, I am content that she even considered accepting it. Likely I will be eager to converse with them when able.

And finally (a chat with Gom'jun reminded me), the garden is ready for winter and the neglect my absence will cause. I explained to him that the roses are not dead. He and Za'zii retrieved them for me from Gilneas, so his continued curiosity is understood.

Prayer Beads

Again, I say goodbyes for a time. Preparations are close to complete, save for a few matters to settle. I did not know if Westlynn would be about so I wrote a letter to her to describe what was occurring. With Nemeiah though, I was able to chat and give her a small item in person.

To my amazement, she did not protest the proposed journey and offered her mother’s prayer beads to me. The silver charm on it was a gift from me; the original stolen some months ago from her when the beads went missing. She lent the beads to Kruega when he experienced difficulty. They are extremely important to her. She said that it was as near as she could manage to shielding me without harming herself.

I am honored to carry them; though I doubt I will ever be able to hold them in a bare palm.