Day 3:
I've finally made it to Conall Curach. Although I'm trying to be aloof and purely scientific about this expedition I can't help but be amazed by this place. My ancestors came here, this swamp was supposed to be the last obstacle in our way to our haven. The ones who came before me believed in their dream so strongly that they built bridges across the marshes. Bridges that are still here. Some parts may have become dilapidated but they still hold.
Near the first network of walkways I found an old stone carved with Selkic runes. I've translated it here for those who don't know the old script:
To those who follow:
We shall build a road. Let these stones guide you to our new haven.
The optimism of the bridge-builders is inspiring. I wonder if there are any more stones in this swamp, the message suggests there are. I can only hope that my work will be as indelible as that of my ancestors.
Day 4:
I was right! Today I discovered a second runestone:
To those who follow:
We have lost many of our own. Be ever vigilant as you advance.
I know very well what they mean. Yesterday it seems I was a little too enchanted with this place to record information with much accuracy. Over the last two days of exploration I've been ambushed by Sahagin several times. I'm very glad that I would always take time from my studies to practice with my racket. I may not be a genius in hand-to-hand combat, but with what racket skills and magic I've mastered I can at least defend myself.
Monsters aren't the only living things in this swamp either. There are mature trees, thick grass, and some species of beautiful, red water lilies that grow in the mud by the larger ponds. I find it surprising that the plants here can survive in such a pure state when they grow in so much miasma. I would expect the only plants to be gnarled trees and sparse reeds, but I find lush vegetation. There must be something about the plants that allows them to thrive. A chemical perhaps? Maybe if I eat some I'll ingest the chemical and gain a miasma resistance as well.
