December 2

Journal Entry: December 2, 2025

Location: Hidden Falls / The North Status: Settling In

Today was mostly about trying to carve out a space here in this frozen land. The new homestead, Hidden Falls, is undeniably beautiful—thick forests, ancient altars, and snow that never seems to stop—but it needs work to feel like mine.

I spent hours terraforming the land around my house spot. It’s tedious work—lowering hills, fixing water puddles, moving trees to clear the view—but necessary. Lacey mentioned I need Wind (Father) to officially make me an Estate Manager so I can edit the pre-existing village structures properly. Until then, I am doing what I can with my 1,000 prim allowance.

The real drama of the day happened in the main hall.

Red tried to serve Father ale, and it… did not go well. In the cities, you just hand someone a drink. Here, everything is a ritual. She missed checking the rim, didn’t kiss the horn, and whispered the prayer instead of announcing it. Father—being Father—threw the horn against the wall. Twice.

I felt for her. She was terrified, shaking in her silks, but she didn’t break. Lacey helped guide her, and by the third try, Red got it perfect. She even improvised a prayer for Father’s victory in battle that actually seemed to impress him. He even suggested she might be put in charge of cleaning the hall after parties—a backhanded compliment, but a compliment nonetheless.

Then, things got political. A guard named Vlad showed up with rumors that Muse back in Teletus might be hiring mercenaries to kidnap me. Father laughed it off. He called Teletus weak and reminded everyone that the Silver Blades control most of the mercenary contracts anyway. I’m trying not to let it bother me. I have Izzy and the Blades for protection, and honestly, if Muse wants to try dragging me back from the North, good luck to her.

We also went shopping. Red’s animal print rags just didn’t fit the aesthetic here, so Lacey took us to Kitty Creations. We found a beautiful light blue silk outfit that suits her much better, though we have to wait on funds to actually buy it.

I am still worried about Safi. She hasn’t shown up yet. Father was blunt: if she isn’t here in 48 hours, he’s reporting her to the "Flesh Eaters" as a runaway. I hate the thought of that, but I can’t protect a girl who isn’t here.

On a brighter note, I might have a job. There’s a scroll request from Var-Kor for a Scribe, but Wind thinks I should work directly for the Silver Blades as their Scribe. I haven't decided yet.

For now, I need sleep. The wind outside is howling, but the fire is warm.

To Do:

• Get Estate Manager rights from Wind.

• Buy the blue silk for Red.

• Decide on the Scribe position.

• Pray Safi shows up before the deadline.