☾ Aylin

[Alethryia]

I made my way to Sulburi for the summit yesterday with grave expectations, I was worried that there may be talk of war with all of the people disappearing recently, and to some extent my fears were justified. It won't be war between Earthlings though, thank Serin, or even with the Alkidikes or dreadful Elaria, but with the Dretch. I've only heard whispered half-stories of them before having spent time with Alkidike hybrids. They're the stuff of children's nightmares and bedtime stories, or at least that's what we thought. But they do exist, and I'm glad I hadn't seen one before now- it used some strange magic to appear at the edge of the crowd and snatch someone away- right there in front of all of us! I’m completely mystified by what this could mean- it was like no magic I’ve ever seen or felt before.

I was speaking with an Alkidike when it happened, and she leaped right into action at the sight of the monster. But with its immediate disappearance (into thin air!) her arrow struck an Oban instead- and she seemed pretty shaken up by it all. I'm worried about her and want to be there for her if she feels like reaching out. We just met, so I don't want to press her, but I have a feeling that something terrible must have happened to her involving a Dretch, her eyes had the same haunted look mine did after the Oban attack on my village that robbed me of everyone I held dear. I know how deep that hurt goes, and how just having someone there you can rely on is what brings you out of the darkness. I won't abandon her, so I'm not leaving yet, despite my heart longing for home and reassurance of their safety.

[WC: 302]  

[Alethryia]

I'm glad I stayed rather than returning immediately to Jauhar. Yitzah came to me today while I was grooming Airi and wasn't speaking. I can understand that she may just be too shocked by the recent encounter with the Dretch and I'm glad she came to me for company. I was able to understand that she wanted to go hunting with me, so we made our way back to the coast and searched the tide pools for prey. We were able to find a group of piplits, and while Yitzah successfully caught one, I decided that the unusually small one that I captured in a sphere of water should be a friend, not food. I've named her Kora and she's keeping Edwin company now, although the two can't be housed together as she comes from the sea.  

[Alethryia]

Well, today was final the day of the great gathering in Oba- even the Yaeli attended. I was shocked to hear so many people protest at the thought of helping the Alkidikes! The war with the extremists was so long ago, and they were just that-extremists- and they were banished and started that whole Elaria group because of it. The Alkidikes that still live in Jauhar have done nothing to provoke resentment here, so why was there so much opposition? I of course stood up and volunteered to go north and fight. It's about time I returned home anyways.  

[Alethryia]

Link to the painted egg solo.