14th Day, First Rule of Wind, NM 01:

Curses. I'm still sore from fighting with that bear. I think I'll take a hot, soothing bath and get cleaned up a bit before I do anything else this morning...

But it's so nice here. I don't want to move...

Eight hours in bed, an hour long soak, healing medicine and I still hurt. Where the hell is Amelia?! Kyden moves around better than I am and he's 10,000 years old!

Who are you and what the hell are you doing in my bathroom? Did all of my guards decide to sleep in an extra hour and masturbate or something?! I'm really not impressed right now.

I have a bad feeling about this. I think Bradford might have a gambling problem, if his hurry to find me this morning was any indication. I'll need further proof before I confront him about it, but it's something I'll have to pay attention to. If he's going to be part of the team managing Zynedia's finances, he can't owe a boatload of money to collectors.

Damn it, Sarenna, where are you? You're so much better at talking to people than I am. But after what happened yesterday, it's vital that I find out who is backing Jayden's ideas about the stocks. Do people actually like that method of "justice"?

Weave preserve me... Has Bradford been drinking or is he gay? I don't care what others prefer...until they stake it clear they would prefer me. This has to end. Now.

Fortunately, I'm able to switch the topic to what he thinks of Zynedia so far. I guessed right: the food is the biggest adjustment man of the mortals are currently facing.

A kingdom is only as stable as the laws that govern it. I've written two today: one which will dictate how long someone can be kept in the stocks, and one which forbids the use of human, kindred or Sealer victims for the Pit Monster without my approval. The last thing I need is for Sarenna to mess up one of the new laws here and for me to find her head!

I'm also taking Bradford's advice and writing a Letter of Hire seeking an Adviser. I doubt I'll let them do much, but it's one more person to look for my friends so how can it hurt?

For someone with my Purpose, there is no challenge greater than the willingness to let something--anything--go. Fly, little blue bird. Fly away before I decide to try and catch you!

For a moment I thought I'd found Cait. Alas, I was mistaken. How disappointing.

And my new Adviser's first piece of wisdom is... add more furniture to the throne room. You've got to be kidding me.

These shrubs should make it smell nicer in here. The extra oxygen will keep everyone more alert, too.

At last all preparations are complete. The Throne Room of New Haven is now officially open! It is my deepest hope that doing this will somehow help my friends find me again. It has been three days since we were all to arrive and I've yet to see anyone. I'm really starting to become concerned...

What could have happened to them? Are they all right? Somehow I must find out!

Q: A New Beginning -- Day Two

13th Day of the First Rule of Wind, NM 01:

I cannot sleep. I toss, I turn, I try, but nothing helps. I simply have too much on my mind. Where are Sarenna and the rest of our friends? What am I going to do with this lot of mortals who have volunteered to help with this restoration project? What will happen if I tell them that I don't know when--or whether-they will ever go home?

Blast it all to hell! Just thinking of that makes my stomach turn to knots. I didn't lie to these people, exactly. They knew there was a risk. It's the fact that there appears to be danger I didn't know about which is upsetting me most. But the day must go on. What is on the agenda...

If I'm up I may as well do something. Practicing a little Military Strategy out to knock me back out. Again: where are you, Sarenna?! I can think of much better ways to deal with my insomnia, but they won't work without you here.

All right, let's try this again... One, two, three... Zzz...

Who is this prick and how did he end up eating my breakfast?

Now this guy gets it. As a Gravedigger, he serves me father. So yes, he should bow to me. Manners! How refreshing! I wonder what he wants...

A church? Hmm... I'm not sure how I feel about that. On on hand, connection with the Weave is useful. On the other, Zynedia has been down that path before and it did not bode well. This is a matter I will have to give very careful consideration...

Well this has been one hell of an afternoon. The hunt went well--I came away with two cuts of Prime Venison. If anyone tries to eat that I'll cut off their fingers myself.

My further wanderings into the forest didn't quite go as planned. I stumbled across a bear and my sword technique wasn't up to par. It appears I have forgotten how much more aggressive the wildlife of Zynedia can be than their OtherWorld counterparts. And I have the wounds to prove it.

If anyone tells Sarena about this I'll send them to the stocks and throw eggs at them until they choke!

At least New Haven doesn't have a newspaper. I could picture it now: "An UnBEARable defeat: Kesyl Veradayne Mauled By Wild Animal". There's some publicity I don't need!

I'm bandaged from eyeballs to ankles and this arse wants me to take care of some village bully? This has to be a joke...

This is the "bully"...? Today really isn't working out for me. I don't have evidence to back up any of the accusations against her. Still... Can I afford to risk letting this pass? I can tell that something happened here. Better her hide than mine...

Hmm... Now she feels the same way I've felt all day. Wonderful!

I'll have to keep an eye on this guy. He's a bit too keen on swinging that sword around. Regardless of bad manners, she is unarmed and he is annoying me.

Cheer up, lady. At least you're not getting used as dinner for the pit monster. You didn't get mauled by a bear this afternoon, either. It could be much, much worse.

Okay. That's just uncalled for. Sneezy Guard and I are going to have a chat this evening... Weave preserve me I hope Sarenna doesn't see this!

Well, now we know where the phrase "getting egg on one's face" originated... I hate this, but I have to do it. If I don't support my own rulings I'll look weak. Why does egging someone bother me more than executing people? Probably because I'm damn certain someone is guilty before they die?

Okay, the "lesson" is done. It's time this poor woman was released. Jayden and I really have to talk about this whole medieval punishments system he feels we should use the next time I see him. I'm not entirely certain this sits right with me. I'm pretty sure if Sarenna had seen this I'd be sleeping on the floor for at least a week. Or by myself. Either one is undesirable.

Now this is much more like it. Music, dancing... But what I really need is food. I hope I can find out what these guests want fast. I want to cook some dinner, maybe take a bath...

Red hair, good dancer, nice dress... Could it be?

No. How disappointing. But I need to start befriending some of these people so they will want to remain here at the castle full time. If I play my cards right, Lady Selby might become New Haven's newest housegust.

And here is a long standing Zynedian tradition I'm pretty sure Sarenna will hate. Seriously, Sara. I'm only trying to make an alliance with Selby as a Trader. I swear!

A hot meal and a good night's sleep. If I can get some decent rest, I should be more than ready for whatever tomorrow might bring...

Q: A New Beginning -- Day One

12th day, First Rule of Wind, New Millennium (NM) O1:

I have arrived at Castle New Haven, having been told that preparations for my arrival are now complete. It has been a long and tiring journey, but I pray it will prove itself worthy. It has been near a decade since I set foot on Zynedian soil. Far too long since the calamity claimed the homes of my people, forcing us to flee to the OtherRealm. [Earth]

I have requested the aid of my fellow Sealers in reclaiming our nation, but as of yet have received no reply. It appears I am on my own for now. At least I have servants. (For all the good those do...)

I've no doubt there will be challenges ahead, but as always I am ready to face them. That is why I, Kesyl, am the Lord of Justice.

But first, it is of utmost importance that I prepare myself for all that is to come. If I am to rule this land, I must present myself in a light which will show that I am worthy of such a duty. There are many things about my homeland I have missed. But for the sake of honesty, I must confess that our bathing rituals are not one of them:

No matter. It is done. I think I look quite presentable!

Now then... I'll just take a moment to warm my hands and all should be well and right with the world. Or with me, anyhow.

Now then... Daylight's wasting! I am to meet with my new Build Master, Bradford, and discuss the future of our fine new kingdom. 'Tis a strange thing, having Awakened humans walking on Zynedian soil. Yet it is both a boon and a great necessity. Were it not for the mortals, neither Sealers nor Kin would have ever set foot on these lands again. King or not, I shouldn't keep him waiting.

After a few pleasantries--the mortals aren't exactly use to being ordered around--we finally get down to business. It appears that we will need wood and stone to get these building projects started. Who would have guessed? But giving credit where it's due, Bradford seems to know his way around a castle. His expertise in medieval construction and modern architecture will hopefully come in handy to make the best use of our resources here. Many of the conveniences I've grown accustomed to on the OtherWorld would not work properly here. If I miss them, I wonder just how these mortals are faring...

Bradford: The throne room is done. We'll need more resources
to start the next building you deem necessary.

It has been a long time since I walked a land enveloped in such lush, green beauty!

While I'm here, I think I'll see if there are any wildflowers or herbs nearby, too. They might come in handy when Amelia and Sarenna arrive.

Yet despite the beauty of this place, I must always remember my Purpose. To serve and protect those who would choose to follow me as their King... A sword sharpened is a wound prevented!

Who have we here...?

Kesyl: Good morning! Fine weather we're having.

Did I know she was a bandit? Of course. But everyone deserves a chance. I might have given her some food or money... But then she tried to rob me...

A man has his limits. She tested mine and found I had the metal to match them...

Step one: put your opponent on the defensive.

Step two: Keep them distracted...

Step three: Take them down.

Foolish woman. She should have known her place. Blast, though. That worked up a sweat and rather defeated the purpose of my bath. Such a pity.

Perhaps it would be best for me to keep my armor on for the time being. If there are bandits in the meadow, who knows what the forest may hold...

Two hours, one possibly dead pixie and a mouth full of foul smelling sulfur water later, I'm finally done collecting the wood. I did manage to gather some Blood Moss, though. I'll have to do some reading to see what its purpose is and ensure it gets to the right person. I don't I'll have any use for it directly. I've never really had much of a green thumb...

And after the day I've had I'll be damned if I'm going to eat the slop the mortals are eating in the castle. Do they lack guts or gumption? No matter. They can dine on what they wish. I'll be having fresh game if I've anything to say about it...

Well, that didn't take long. It appears that venison will be on the menu tonight. Excellent. I love a good venison stew or a bite of jerky. This hunt has been very successful.

Kesyl: Many nobles die needlessly because they are too stupid
or lazy to learn how to cook. I don't have that problem!

Ah, breath deep and savor the wondrous aroma! There are many foods of the OtherWorld which I will miss, but the wildlife and crops of Zynedia hold their own allure. 'Tis a shame Sarenna is not here to taste this. But then, she isn't usually the adventurous type when it comes to food. I wonder how she will find it here?

We brought some of the most brilliant minds of the future on this voyage, yet no one thought to bring any knives, forks or spoons. That's rather scary when I stop and think about it... So I'll just focus on how delicious this soup is and lick my fingers when I'm done. Like I did as a boy.

I can't decide what I find more amusing... How many mortal men I've heard complaining about missing the pot, or how many ladies being utterly unable to figure out how to use it. At least I've done this before and I have servants to pour it out.

And now, at last, I am ready to settle in for the night in my nice, comfortable bed. The only thing this is missing is Sarenna. But at least this will be here when she arrives. Oh, yes...

It's good to be King.