We have left the Tanglefern Thicket, thankfully. Last night
we camped on the shores of Lake Inwyn. My son and I bathed in the lake waters
and had a swim. It was our first chance to relax and refresh in quite awhile.
Dashyl was clever enough to carve a spear and quick enough to snare some fish
that we grilled over the fire. The meatflesh was a welcome change from the
dried fruit, nuts and thickbreads that have been our diet. Dashyl cut and
carved the spear with a venomist’s knife that Kalran gave him. He spent all
morning practicing throwing it at trees around camp. Being a man of science and
letters, I have not had much appetite for hunting or fighting, but Dahsyl shows
a proclivity for such activities. His mind is sharp, as well, and he
asks many questions of me and seems to understand and retain what I tell him about
this world. His fingers are beginning to recover from collecting arthids and are callusing over. He enjoys the expeditions and these times tromping through the
wilderness, but I am afraid hours spent in laboratories and libraries may not
satisfy his nature. Perhaps when we return to Katena, he can look into becoming
a radia hunter or travel to Greystalk to begin training to be a vaygr slayer,
or maybe Kalran impressed him enough to pursue a venomist’s calling (I’m not
sure he would want to return to Tangelfern Thicket any time soon, however). All
of these occupations have great risks, but could offer Dashyl a fulfilling life
from what I know of his character and interests. We shall see.
Today we should reach the east fork of the upper Cerulean
River and follow its course to the main Cerulean. We will be entering land
where I have never ventured. It will be interesting to see what new flora and
fauna we will encounter. Legion agents and mappers have come through this area,
but perhaps I can flesh out Sarion knowledge of this corner of Veratar. Still,
if the only discovery we make is the existence of the starskin carapid, our
journey will have been worthwhile.
Sweet! Excellent job Kevin!
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