Log 30
I came across a rather odd sight just now. A mother wolf had been slain by one of those gigantic runebears, and it seems her pack wanted revenge. I wouldn't quite call what happened jolly cooperation, the wolves saw me as prey to be slaughtered same as the bear, but without those wolves distracting the giant beast, I doubt I could've felled it. I was hoping to let the dogs go about their business after I helped them get their revenge and looted the treasure behind the runebear, but it seemed they weren't keen on the idea of letting me go, so I did what I needed.
Just another night in the Lands Between. What a joyous place.
Log 31
While exploring the Mistwood I came across a Minor Erdtree, the majestic tree was visible from most of Limgrave, but seeing it up close was another matter entirely, words fail to do it justice. It was surrounded by those strange magical scarabs, and at the foot of it were two more of those crystal tears for mixing within the flask I found back at the church.
Afterwards I rode back up the road away from the Mistwood to finally investigate the Waypoint ruins. I found them overrun by monstrous plants, and one especially gigantic specimen. I'd heard tales of carnivorous plants that attacked with poisonous gas, but I wasn't prepared for them to start summoning rays of holy light from the skies. At this point, my shock has become so commonplace that I wonder if it even bears recording.
The giant one proved worryingly durable, but setting it aflame seemed to do the trick, so now the way is clear. While the ruins seem abandoned for the most part, I've spotted a stairway to an underground cellar, and will be investigating shortly.
Log 32
The underground cellar was guarded by a madman wearing a helmet like a giant pumpkin. As silly as it looked, it actually made landing a blow much more difficult than I anticipated. I had to lure him into attacking and then strike at his back. It was more of a challenge than I would've liked, but I cut him down. Behind him, I spotted the mysterious inhabitant of these ruins that Kale's note mentioned.
Sellen, a sorceress, has apparently converted this place into a study. When I introduced myself to her, she asked if I came here looking for instruction, and while my first instinct was to say no, I soon reconsidered.
The old me would never have even dreamed of learning sorcery, wouldn't even wish it. But in these past few days, I've done many things I never thought I was capable of. I'm not certain of much, but if there's one thing I'm certain of, it's that the only way to survive in this place, the only hope I have of reaching the Erdtree, is to adapt. I must leave behind the old ways, and take every advantage I can. I am dreadfully outmatched, so the only way for me to claim victory is by using every last resource at my disposal. If learning sorcery will bring me closer to my goal, then so be it.
Of course, this is not to say that I expect much from myself in this endeavor. Even at a glance, Sellen could tell that I was unsuited to learning this art. She said that she was a heretical witch, an outcast from the Academy of Raya Lucaria, as if that would dissuade me from taking her as a teacher. I could only laugh. A heretical, outcast teacher for a hopeless, outcast pupil. Who could be a better fit?
Log 33
I don't know why Mistress Sellen was exiled from the Academy, but surely it cannot be from lack of talent. I know little of sorcery, but even I can tell that her knowledge of the art is astounding. And she has a gift for teaching, as well, even with a pupil as dull as I.
(Apparently, the term in the Academy for people like me is "bluntstone", what a charming phrase.)
I've been studying with her in between my travels for the past few days as I wander across Limgrave, skirmishing with Godrick's forces and the rest of those brutish mercenaries. I've learned much from her in the ways of understanding the principles and meaning of sorcery. Her last lesson was particularly fascinating. I shall record what she taught me here for posterity, should I ever wish to review my lessons and continue my studies. I was always a poor student in my youth, but perhaps if the topics had been as engrossing, I wouldn't have angered my teachers so. Or perhaps Mistress Sellen is simply that skilled as a teacher.
"Our powers draw upon the powers embedded in glintstone, but what is the nature of such power? Glintstone is the amber of the cosmos, golden amber contains the remnants of ancient life and houses its vitality, while Glintstone contains residual life. And thus, the vitality of the stars. It should not be forgotten that glintstone sorcery is the study of the stars and the life therin."
How fascinating! Regrettably, my enthusiasm is not matched by my talent. Mistress Sellen is not one to mince words when it comes to my failings, nor would I want her to, but as always, I am frustrated by my own ineptitude nonetheless. I knew from the start that I was talentle a bluntstone, but even the most fundamental sorceries are completely beyond me. I understand the philosophies and theories (or at least I think I do), but the practical applications are where I fall short.
However, during my last lesson, a thought occurred to me. If I can use the strength of runes to enhance my body, then perhaps I could do the same with my mind?
Log 34
It worked! With the runes I reaped from Godrick's forces and Melina's aid, I was able to strengthen my intellect, and my studies in glintstone sorcery have made great leaps! It's as if I was looking through a fog that has cleared, even if only slightly. Patterns and meanings that were imperceptible to me before have suddenly revealed themselves. I was even able to conjure a small mass of glinstone energy! I could scarcely believe it, that I could be capable of such a thing, and yet there it was, right before my eyes! I'm still only scratching the surface, and I have far yet to go, but at least now I can see the path.
I was worried that Mistress Sellen might disapprove of my methods, and berate me for cheating, but she seemed rather pleased with the results, thankfully. However, now I've come across another roadblock on my journey. I lack a Glintstone Staff with which to cast sorceries.
The staff that Mistress Sellen wields is far too advanced for me to handle, and even if it weren't, loaning it to me for the sake of a lesson is one thing, but it's not as if I can take it with me on my travels. Still, there must be a way to obtain one somewhere throughout the Lands Between. I'll have to keep an eye out for one as I continue my journey.
-Accolon of Elis