~ Heartfire 13. Shrine.

Writing with the statue still just in view here before I move on. Difficult journey once I rode beyond the mountain paths but made it before nightfall. May have to hike in future if its terrain this mountainous since negotiating a path with the horse was tricky, especially dodging Oblivion gates along the way. The dread each time doesn't lessen, partly fear of what might jump out as I pass by. Each gate itself seems malevolent as it radiates power and flame and that soul jarring noise. It says no mercy to any who might enter.

After hearing Azuras instructions on the vampires I tried asking if she could tell me who or what was behind my being taken to this world. Stony silence just like at the chapels. The worshippers got pretty irate when I tried to demand a response too loudly and insistently. But I just couldn't shake the feeling I was asking the right Daedra, after hearing her speak. Couldn't let it go.

I figured if I could kill the vampires I could ask again, so went to test the strength of the first one just inside. Nearly as strong as a Dremora but I was prepared and it fell. Remembering the staff I advanced carefully further, listening as I took each slow step. On reaching the last two I emptied the staff entirely, back stepping rapidly as they came and timing my movements to dodge the arrows as they let fly. To my relief the Orc finally hit the floor, my last shots hitting his suddenly ashy corpse. Stumbled out of there exhausted and with a dry throat from all the ash in the air.

At the shrine I listened and stood defiant and ready to ask again, but I could swear she seemed to hesitate slightly near the end. That was new. It threw me off, so I started to walk away. I heard it then much quieter than her statue and as if right behind me; "Earth-born." I just stopped breathing and froze still to hear. "Strive. Seek…We will stand at the juncture between planes and ensure passage. Come what may." In spite of myself I asked "Home?" and heard the reply; "Yes. Now go."

That was more than I could have ever dared hope for so I pushed my luck no further in staying. But was that a royal 'we'? And juncture not junction? Guess I should be grateful. I really am. Finally some answers and hope all of my own. Wow. Decided to keep the hard-won Star if I can, particularly with need to recharge anything as life-saving as the staff in future. It now has none of the multitude pinpricks of light I could previously count within its gem. There are still two more shrines I should be able to get artefacts from with no danger of death too. Just prison. Again. ~

~ Heartfire 14. Cheydinhal.

There're gates all over the damn place. Too many. The legion can't cover all of them. The stables lady looked terrified as she pointed me to the nearest gate overlooking the city. This one I have to shut or face a lack of soldiers to aid in the battle to come at Bruma. I just know none of us can afford that.

Refreshing at the chapel to relieve my aching limbs, supplying, eating, repairing, and then out to find Farwil. ~

~ Heartfire 16.

Slept half the day. Needed that. Farwil and friend are alive. I'm happy to say. For all anyone might say about him he's actually pretty good in a fight, and one of the few brave enough to tackle a gate, even if in extremely careless judgement. But I like him. As technically good as the combat training of a pampered aristrocrat might be, this was probably the first real fight he's ever been in. Hope he learns to better look after those under his command though. I'd followed the trail of blood and bodies all the way to him. Must be an elfish thing to be so damn perky and cheery after all that. Huzzah.

Found a few nice items at least, a slight shimmer and glow identifying enchantments. I doubt the things in those pods are going to be from anything other than the obvious horror that comes to mind. Don't want to find out how the Daedra or maybe even nature in Oblivion makes the flesh stay animate from whatever victims must have once owned the items now inside them.

Farwil and his fellow remaining wayward knight looked on in distaste whenever I stopped to search these and the various corpses. It doesn't really unsettle my stomach anymore since it takes my concentration for the task at hand and anticipation at what I might acquire. I think they mistook this as bravery and went home impressed. I was only less terrified this time thanks to the huge feeling of relief at having allies in there. I helped fight where I had to but spent a lot of the time throwing healing at them both, and carefully examining every wall, ceiling and corridor ahead for hidden dangers. Dark inside the tower. As I remember, but your eyes adjust.

Made it out late morning the next day. Felt strange with how the absence of any discernable day and night in Oblivion leaves you with a distorted sense of time. Was very glad to face the Count with the best news both of us could have wished for. I'd forgotten there was a reward! This staff is incredible. I can feel its power; it's even stronger than my other staff.

Headed home to the guild to sleep, with tired, heavy feet but a light heart. The voices of the townspeople I can hear through the window this morning sound more upbeat too as they pass by on daily errands, no longer in the shadow of a gate.

Finishing breakfast then the now familiar routine of repairing, shopping, bartering and preparing. May as well stop off in the Imperial city as I need to head straight west for Sanguines shrine. Note-to-self: check by that bookshop Roland mentioned about Seridur and check up on Thoronir too. ~

~ Heartfire 18. Skingrad.

Been a bit more wary about coming into town this time. Mythic Dawn assassins had been waiting for me in the Imperial city. Sharp eyed guards alerted me in time with their shouts and wasted no time waiting for the attackers to even strike. The guards wouldn't tell me much other than it currently being standing orders to be on the lookout for Mythic Dawn 'activity'.

Was mainly a lovely scenic journey across the Reserve to find Sanguines shrine again. Was a peaceful grassy region with birdsong around me as I rode. Beautiful creatures I've never seen before. One tiny pair twirling midair had long lacy tails spiralling as they flew together; another one I spotted was pale pink across its wings. What at first sight was a blackbird had piercing blue eyes, and I think the pretty grey ones were actually winged rodents of some sort from their faces. The birdsong faded as light did, and the thickening trees made it darker still. Activity at the shrine was fairly subdued too.

I've bought a new horse here for the ride onward to Leyawin. Wonder if they ever retrieved the last one I 'borrowed' then lost… This looks a damn long way on the map. Was wondering if I could cut through Elsweyr over the border, but when I asked around about a route a few people warned me against that. Not only are there apparently big political tensions there right now as well as gates, I could be mistaken for an Imperial agent against them based on my renown in Cyrodiil. An old Khajiit even gravely told of rumours of travellers being found dead on the roads with no signs of a fight or injury, and nothing taken. Maybe it was just a ghost story to intimidate and keep out foreigners but I won't chance the unknown in that.

Have to take care on leaving Skingrad since I hear there's now a gate in that strange graveyard to the north. ~

~ Heartfire 20. Bravil.

Learned something interesting today. A passage in the book the 'Lunar Lorkhan' mentions 'plane(t)s'. Maybe the civilisations they came from are now only confined to ancient memories and distorted legends, the knowledge and technology so advanced forgotten in formula and methods of creation; now only known by the mortal races as magic. But maybe the immortal Daedric gods know more of the origins and workings of the high technology. No -more like super technology- it's so advanced even I can barely recognise its true form has to be artificial. 'Planes' she said. The book was from that trapped guild mage's nightmare. To think that book was from in his mind. I hope I never dream I'm back there, with the imagination he had. Suppose at least it wasn't the guy's sex dream, could have been a far worse experience for a visitor than seeing his nightmare!

Yet another new horse to throw away money on but it's a long journey since I'm not stopping to rest here. Wasn't too rocky but had a fair amount of undergrowth to navigate through and bandit camps to avoid on the way here. Done my usual selling-off with both guilds supplies. I'm not fond of Bravil. It's damp and smells kind of mouldy like a swamp. The statue here freaks me out, no way in hell I'll ever kiss that thing, it can keep its luck.

But still may have to stay a little longer. I'm the only one with a chance of actually saving Aleron Locke as well as ending that sick hunt. I saved Menien in the Kvatch gate. As far as I know. I want to try. Can at least give him a weapon; tell him to hide until I come back outside. Already know he's trapped there. Poor bastard deserves a chance. If I succeed I'll write it. Have to at least try. Wish me luck. ~

~ Doesn't help I haven't slept but just being near the shrine of Sheogorath is frankly weirding me out. Don't know how long I was hearing it before I realised but the birds sing out of tune. There are things round here that aren't quite right, never mind just the worshippers, or victims possibly. Some of the trees have grown with the branches making unusual warped patterns. One looked like there was a twisted face in the trunks bark. Of course I had planned ahead so offered the gem, thread, and old lettuce. I hope there will be no long term consequences for Border Watch, because I plan on doing this. ~