I sit in our bunk room but cannot bring peace to my mind. We received a disturbing letter from Lia stating that after a fight with her mother, she started off on the road to the wind shrine alone. This has shattered the limited balance our group has recovered since its arrival in Bliss. Except for the incident in the Grinning Goblin, we have had a peaceful several days, even though the brawl did bring me an additional measure of peace as we rescued an agent of the law and apprehended all but one of his assailants.

But now with news of Lia's departure I can see the visible fractures. We hastened to leave immediately, but I reminded everyone to stop at the Cathedral and speak with Fr. Lowdry. I was ready to race out on the trail, but deemed it wise to get full directions and find out what we might face. He cautioned against travel at night and warned of flying creatures.

We made a decision to wait until dawn, but I could tell this was a stressful one. Jaden the most visibly agitated, and understandably so, clearly wanted to set out that night to some how comfort Lia on the trail by herself. We stated that Lia was quite a capable adventurer and would likely be fine on her own, but this only seemed to calm him a little. It was then that my current dilemma developed.

Ever practical Raven volunteered to take a message out to Lia, we could only assume in animal form. I could tell this idea troubled Stephen and he may have seen the distress in my expression, but in the face of Raven's confidence in her abilities and the very apparent relieve this seemed to bring to Jaden we remained silent. Stephen's reasons are likely these, but mine are deeper. It is not a Fian's place to question a Druid's decision. Raven chose to undertake an obviously dangerous mission on our own. With no opportunity to accompany her, I could only respect her wishes and wait for her return, or follow in the morning. But it is also my respect in her abilities that keeps me silent, for if I felt it was a task she could not complete without endangering her life I would have likely interceded.

So for now Jaden, Blackhawk, Stephen and I are all in the dorm room, but I doubt much sleep will come to any of them. There is much pacing and soul searching taking place. Our thoughts to Raven and Lia, hoping that they are together and thus able to defend each other. As for us we wait till dawn.

Dawn finds me in the Rosewater Garden, but the natural beauty does little to calm my nerves. Two hours ago, Jaden could wait no longer, with Blackhawk in tow, the two set off on the road to the shrine. Though still night, I would have accompanied them but Stephen seemed adamant on waiting till dawn. Jaden, his eyes bloodshot from fatigue and stress, marched off refusing to compromise with Lia's safety at stake. I am not sure how Blackhawk felt about the situation, but I have been getting the hint that he wants to prove himself to the Rangers and may actually be looking for trouble. Stephen volunteered to follow us alone after dawn, but I would have none of this. Since the group seemed determined to follow its chaotic tendencies I sought to minimize the risk. Blackhawk and Jaden actually make a good pair with brawn and spell as do Stephen and I with finesse and song, but we are still at risk of easily being outnumbered.

Stephen is greeting the dawn with Elvish song. Perhaps preparing himself for the pilgrimage. As for myself, I find it hard to be spiritual during the current situation. Fr. Lowdry spoke of a chapel at the base of the mountain below the shrine. It is perhaps here that I will best have a chance to compose my thoughts.

I feel like a shepherd whose flock wandered off in the night. I can feel no peace until the herd is restored. I will now have to nip Stephen's heels to bring about a reunion all the sooner.