Patrick's Journal

[Patrick]

Glade 1, 120 AoS

Another new year, and with it another new journal.

Normally I spent the first page, or two, reflecting on previous entries from what's now last year's journal. But over the past few weeks I've began to wonder, maybe instead of focusing on past memories I should focus more on future ones. Not that I can determine what's to come of course, such a notion is rather silly when you think about it.

What I'm thinking I need to jot down is a wish list of a sorts, something that outlines what I hope for this year. When you set aside the fact danger is always never too far somewhere, everything else almost kind of blurs into one repeated cycle honestly. I mean sure there's been a couple rough spots, what with the Dread Mists showing up this past Frost. Between those and the plague that hit Grimholdt, I'm pretty sure Atinaw's political as well as social antics are strained. So it's with great hope that this year, some great things will come our way.

And on that note these are some of the things I hope the new year brings;

-Harvest proves favorable for the new year
-Business at the bar remains promising
-Everyone remains in good health
-Connor doesn't pull a 'Connor' anytime soon
-Maybe even make an adventure out of the year.

[Patrick]

Glade 5, 120 AoS

So Dominek is already talking about the idea of going out camping some time, not that I blame him though, sometimes the need to escape from all this gets high. Helping our parents run this business gets a little overwhelming sometimes, admittedly I myself find the need to getaway at times. Not that its really bad or anything, but sometimes it just gets a little old. Getting up every day to prep the bar, help start the kitchen chores, handle some of the room cleaning; it all kind of piles up on you after so long.

Maybe what I need is an escape as well, or perhaps a distraction to alleviate the pressure. When I see how committed Dominek is to the business, I can't help but question my motives and how they're not fully invested. It's not that I don't want to be remain here, this is my home after all, yet being stuck here the vast majority of my time... it does get a little overbearing. So I think what I should do is pitch the idea and see what Dominek thinks, and if Old Ones are willing then our parents will welcome the idea as well.

Connor won't like it but he'll just have to deal, a little brotherly bonding experience may be what Dominek and I need. Never really thought about camping though, from what I know Dominek rather enjoys the open air. Last year he brought back home a modest haul of fish, so hopefully this year we'll both come back with something impressive. Now that I think about it though, he'd have to show me the ropes... I don't really know how to fish like he does.

Next time the topic comes up I think I'm going to go ahead and ask, see how he feels about the idea before I commit to anything.

[Patrick]

Glade 10, 120 AoS

Today something unusual actually happened to me, and I'm not sure what to make of it. Two Avialae outlanders came into our inn looking for a room to rent, and as you can imagine everyone else proves wonderstruck by them. Granted I too still feel mystified by the fact they're here, I also came realize that they're both strangers from foreign lands. It wasn't something I wanted to focus on at first, but the more the fact sunk in the more I started to think about it.

We know nothing about the lands beyond Atinaw's borders, well I speak for my brothers and I in that regard, but our mother has never really mentioned much about foreign lands. Now that I think about it she is only a local Antinorin, but you'd think the Academy was more well versed with other cultures? I'm not sure since I've never really visit the Academy much, but from the way Elinora reacted when she saw them; I've concluded that the world is much bigger and more mysterious than we can ever know.

Yet that scares me somehow, knowing the amount immensity found within the uncertainty. I couldn't quite put it to rest in my mind at the time, plus the fact that honor and duty are the staple of our own society. Maybe part of me is just afraid of the consequences, or of the simple idea that I might ruin my own family's honor. You'd think being raised in a tavern I wouldn't ever have such worries, but the truth is I sometimes struggle grasping my role in all this. Dominek's always eager to play his part in being the model son, pretty much for as long as I can remember to say the least.

And Connor? He's so wrapped up in when his next bout of fun is, that I'm beginning to think he doesn't care about such important ideals. I guess what I'm avoiding to admit is that I don't know what I want to do, much less what I really want to be other than some tavern owner. There's never been a lot of time or consideration put into the idea of leaving, but I can't help but admit there's innate curiosity in me that wants out. I'm pretty sure that's why my mother and I get along so well, since we're such inquisitive minds hellbent on making sense with the world.

I think I'm honestly just letting the pressure get to my head however, from what I know these two outlanders come from a place with similar principles and traditions. Yet the cultural differences between us is what makes it all so worthwhile, and while I may not pride myself as the best proprietor of this inn; I certainly don't intend to let principle cripple my ability to provide for the two. It's like Elinora said earlier today, they became my guests the moment I showed them their room. Therefore it's my sole responsibility, as a proprietor, to make sure their stay is as comfortable and memorable as possible.

P.S. Avialae have wings.

[Patrick]

Glade 12, 120 AoS

Dear Journal,

Today I had the pleasure of meeting Reyna Portova, who is a journalist from the Front Page store. She came in wanting to interview... well mainly me I think, over the rumors she'd likely heard about the two Avialae we provided room and board for. Of course I felt the need to turn her down, however my brother Dominik felt I was a little to harsh about it.

Thinking about it now I don't feel guilt over it, but I do understand what he meant before. I was fired up when I shot her down, mostly because I didn't want to give her any sort of interview. Period. Not that I had anything against Reyna or journalism, in fact I'm all for the idea of printing articles; as they provide the capital with a means of being updated on current events. But truthfully the reason why I turned her down... I don't know honestly? Part of me just didn't want to do it, mainly because I felt I had enough eyes on me at the time.

Since those Avialae are presumably -my guests- that means I'm responsible for them, and the kind of reception that they may receive while under our roof. It's difficult because lately people -have- been talking, and they -have- asked questions in relation to our guests. But here at the Inn we have a strict policy, and that is to never compromise our guests privacy. So naturally telling the journalist 'no' was the best option in my mind at the time.

However mum is considering otherwise, thinking that maybe an interview -would- be appropriate. She approached me about it later, making sure I was okay with the suggestion. I'd told her to do what she felt was best, so long as I didn't need to be a part of it. Naturally she understood and promised she'd handle the situation, and knowing her I trust she'll do what feels right when the moment comes.

[Patrick]

Glade 15, 120 AoS

So Reyna visited again to confirm her interview with my parents, a little more cool on the heels compared to her first visit here. I couldn't help but notice she seemed put off still, probably because she still harbors feelings about the other day. I wouldn't blame her now that I think on it; if I were excited over a subject I was researching and that happened to me, I'd probably still feel bitter about it for a few days also.

Well. At least she's getting the interview she's looking for, mum and pa are both with her in the office now. From the sound of it she's looking to shed a bit of light on the Inn, and the clan that works together day in and day out to keep it running. Honestly I'm starting to think she's being seriously genuine about it, and far as I can tell the three are laughing and enjoying the interview.

So hopefully the article comes out as promising as it sounds, though I still dread the amount of attention our home's going to receive. Regardless of that the season is still young, plus it's only a matter of time before I check in with Dominik; because that camping trip is much needed at this point in time.

[Patrick]

Glade 17, 120 AoS

Awaiting the Scenario Another Day At the Inn to conclude beforehand (Requires Linden)

[Patrick]

Glade 24th, 120 AoS

Dear journal,

It's actually the twenty-fifth and morning time. Yup, today I'm starting early with this entry because something happened last night. In the simplest of terms I got drunk with both my brothers, and actually wound up enjoying myself for the first time in a while. To think we've all been doing our own thing when the season started, and yet after a trying couple of weeks we actually sat down and enjoyed each other's company. The fact that even Dominik was willing to get drunk, and laugh about it no less, made me realize just how cooped up we really are here.

We spent almost all our free time making sure the business is up and running properly. So much that I think we forget to take time out for ourselves, all because we want to keep bringing honor to our family. Yet when we sacrifice so much of our free time for that, we fail to realize just how irritable we become with one another. But last night? Well, I guess it's best to start from the beginning of what took place.

Connor wanted to wind down and have a drink to himself after we closed the bar. It had been a long day for all of us, and he didn't feel like going out like he sometimes does. So when he was about to pour himself a drink, Dominik went against the idea because he knew how our father would react. Which he wasn't entirely wrong, Albert definitely looked ready to lash out when he caught us. But the whole time we sat there, drinking together, made me realize just how much fun we're really missing out on.

We're all grown men who want to get out and do something, making something of ourselves in our own way; yet when it comes to the business it's always our top priority. I'm thinking what we all need is a break, a day or two to relax and take time out for ourselves. I can't imagine how hard it is for our parents, if all three of us are in dire need of such a thing. Come to think of it running this place must be a lot more stressful than any of us comprehends, I almost don't see why our parents decided to open the Inn to begin with anymore.

Needless to say we were caught, and right away our father made his case. He wasn't afraid to call out Connor either, though I'm pretty sure it's because he was seen with the bottle in hand. Ultimately what was meant to be a light and relaxing night is now becoming a situation, as our parents are already having words with one another in the common area. I also feel like I should reinforce the fact I'm at fault, while Connor just wanted to have a few drinks I encouraged the idea; if I'd shut it down then maybe none of us would've been caught.

I can only imagine how this is going to make things more difficult for a while. Dominik's camping trip is still a venture waiting to happen, maybe when he's more relaxed over the situation I'll pitch the idea of joining him.

[Patrick]

Glade 32th, 120 AoS

Today was hard.

Lately with the way things have picked up around the Inn, we've been working our asses off just to keep up. And then before we know it Connor's higher than a sparrow, -while- he's busy working in the kitchen no less. Needless to say it didn't end well for him...

Both mum and pa are both furious but rightly so, his apparent drug problem has gotten out of hand lately. Despite the setbacks he's brought on us, Connor's still struggling to accept that he caused this. Even Dominik's a little angry with him but not as furious as pa, he certainly made it clear that he wanted Connor off the drugs. Mum was in full agreement but that's where their opinions met a boundary, as pa wanted to place Connor in the care of doctors and healers. I guess he thinks they're the next best solution to handling drug addiction...

Mum however thinks, or rather believes, that isn't necessary because she wants to keep Connor home. But sobering him up requires him not going out at all, and when he feels the need to relapse he'll be in for a world of hurt. Thinking about it more has made me begin to wonder, that maybe what Connor needs is the same thing we all need. A getaway from the constant routine we relive every day, and maybe the nice fresh air might help sort him out better.

Well I pitched the idea to mum and pa both, Dominik too even, to see how they might've felt on the suggestion. Pa didn't seem too convinced about it, but mum definitely thought it a better solution; compared to keeping Connor locked in his room for a week or two. Dominik didn't really look to excited about it all either, then again it would be all three of us out in the wilderness. What could go wrong right? Well... worst case scenario Connor actually gets sick while we're out there, but if that happens then we can bring him back to Alfsos.

I'll admit watching over Connor while camping does sound like a bit of a hassle, but I'm sure everything will get better once his system is clear of any lingering drugs.

Fun fact: Moon Rock's are utterly addictive to consume, and from the looks of it you cook the shit until it's brothy; and then just sip away until you can't feel a thing anymore.

[Patrick]

Glade 40th, 120 AoS

Well today was the day we officially set out, and made up camp somewhat about a mile from the river. Dominik has this really nice spot he comes back to every time apparently, with a good view of Alfsos and nothing but nature all around. I'll admit the sounds and sights are intimidating, but the beautiful view is impressive when you find the chance to appreciate it.

Connor's in the worst of it now, apparently Moon Rock withdrawal lingers longer than other after effects. He's gone on about how he'll never touch that stuff again numerous times, and I'm pretty well convinced because of the few times he's already lost his lunch. The poor guy...

Dominik is gonna give me a few 'good lessons' on proper survival, as well as some tips on things like fishing when the morning comes. I'm honestly surprised he invited us along, but then again he probably feels the need to keep an eye on us. Out here things feel different compared to the city, you're more aware of your surroundings because of what may loom within. Thankfully we haven't seen or heard any real nasties yet, but I don't wanna jynx us on the first night out here.

Dominik's calling me, says he wants to show me how to light a proper fire also. Least I know I can draw a decent one, let's see how I handle making a real -living- fire for once.

[Patrick]

Glade 42nd, 120 AoS

Dear journal,

Today I've met the most peculiar man... or maybe an elf? Looking at him now he seems like he could be an elf? I should probably start from the beginning, before I let my own thoughts get carried away with excitement. I was heading out to collect more wood for our campfire, when I encountered this elf coughing up blood. At first I was a little nervous because I didn't want to walk into a trap, but when I saw the splatter on the grass, I knew right then he had to be in some kind of trouble.

Turns out he was only a mage going through withdrawal symptoms, saying that threshold sickness had taken a toll on his body. Of all the times I'd heard or read about magic, it had normally be akin to stories told or murmurings within books and tomes. Nothing ever so directly involved as what I experienced today, when the mage actually -summoned- another entity from a different... Plane? World? The fact I saw it materialize led me to believe I'd gone crazy, until I initially realized that I'd just witnessed the power of magic at work.

And the strange thing is this creature he summoned, while terrifying as FUCK to look at, is not only capable of listening to it's summoner; but also able to somehow communicate in the Common Tongue no less. Already my noggin's been brimming over with questions, trying to ascertain the forces at work before me; yet no matter how hard I try I'm only baffled by the result. Magic. Could that be my key to understanding Aether? It's always been one of the world's biggest mysteries, one that I don't think everyone has been able to fully comprehend either. So much about it is unknown, and yet mages are the ones most practiced in harnessing it's power.

Maybe what I could do is learn how to use magic... to study Aether? It's not a bad idea but there has to be a catch, otherwise this mage wouldn't be suffering as he was earlier. Of course he's sleeping right now, and it's been a while since he started resting. I think I'll get to know him a bit more, maybe he can tell me about where he's from and how he came to be a mage. A lot of questions are about to get answered, hopefully, and I can't help but wonder what lies in store for me and this new acquaintance I've made.