I realized right before returning to internet-free land that I posted the wrong chapter 1! Here's the right version.
Ildera's Journal
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If you're reading this, put my journal back where it belongs. This means you, Imoen!
P.S. I prepared explosive runes this morning.
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Mirtul 6 1368, Candlekeep
Someone tried to kill me today. I was walking through that garden west of the library, and a man named Shank said that I was his way out of the gutter, then drew a sword and attacked me. I didn't know what to do, so I just kept blocking with my quarterstaff. He just got annoyed and started attacking faster, so I flew off. I think the Watchers dragged him away to see what he was doing there. Then, near the temple of Oghma, someone else attacked me. He announced that he was "Carbos," and that he was a much—cooler, I think he said—assassin than that incompetent Shank. I noticed that he had "Shank was here" painted on his back. I wonder how he made it even that far as a thief. Fortunately, this time I had more of a warning and flew off before he could attack me, and the Watchers were even faster that time. Still, twice in one day... Neither was particularly skilled, luckily for me. Otherwise, I'm pretty sure I'd be dead already. As it is, I was far too close to being killed. I know that someday, I will enter Arvandor, but—not yet.
More errands today! Fetching Hull's sword, getting a potion for Arabelle, finding Phlydia's book, retrieving a scroll from Tethtoril—and I somehow managed to write this without reusing any words. How many synonyms for "go get me something" are there? I think the worst part was killing rats for Reevor. Do you have any idea how fast those little demon-spawn move? I couldn't hit them with my crossbow, so I switched to staff. The storeroom was a mess after I finished, but at least the rats were gone. Though, on second thoughts, they were still there—the rat bits are going to be a nightmare for that dwarf to clean. But the stores are now safe, for the rodent menace has been defeated. ...And that was an outstandingly bad attempt at a joke, even for me.
After that little fiasco, I had to get more crossbow bolts, and on the way there, Jondalar told me to get extra. I think that almost everyone in the keep stopped me to run an errand. With the exceptions of Gorion and Imoen. And Ulraunt. The Keeper hates me for some reason. Don't think that he hired the assassins, though. The fact that I even considered this is a sign that I'm turning paranoid... Well, at least I got a little gold from all these little tasks. And Firebead Elvenhair cast Protection from Evil on me. Nice of him, but it makes me wonder what he thinks I'll be facing.
Tethtoril mentioned that Gorion wanted to see me, so I went to find him. Imoen stopped to talk to me, and mentioned that she saw a letter on his desk, something about leaving. She apparently hadn't meant to mention it—that's an awkward phrase—and immediately denied having said anything about any letter, and insisted that she had never sneaked into my father's room.
Um...right. Didn't know you worshiped Leira, Imoen.
Gorion said something odd. Apparently, Candlekeep is no longer safe for me. Safe from—what? Or who? Something to do with Shank and Carbos, I think. When I told him about the would-be assassins, he muttered something about "I have delayed too long already." I almost wish that I wasn't naturally inquisitive. At least these stupid puzzles wouldn't be driving me insane. I just need to pack some things first. Not that I really know what to bring—I've barely ever left the Keep! I've only been outside a handful of times, and even then I wasn't really supposed to. Then again, how are they supposed to stop a girl with wings?
I suppose I should bring my gear—crossbow, staff, and so on. Probably a spare set of clothes, and... I don't know what else. I should probably bring some spare bolts as well, and maybe a book or two if I have room. I was supposed to read them back in Ches, but didn't get around to it, so I think I'll bring that book on the Descent of the Drow and the History of the Dead Three. I wish I could bring something from the library as well, but I don't know how long we'll be gone. Well, I'm think that I'm packed, so I should probably get going. Maybe I should check if the temple of Oghma sells healing potions? I think I have enough.
Got some spare bolts and a healing potion. I don't even know why I'm writing this down, except to put off leaving. Candlekeep is my home! It's the only home I've ever known. I know that I'm not related to them, but Gorion's almost a father, and Imoen is almost my sister. I really don't want to leave, but I know I have to. I'm going to miss this place. I probably won't come back here, and I can't even say goodbye. Gorion said that we need to be out of here as quietly as possible, so I couldn't even tell Immy that I was leaving. I think she might have guessed from that letter she saw, though. I should stop writing now, though. I need to pack my writing things away.
