This place is so different, yet familiar. Our currency is valid, and we can speak to these people, despite their accents being weird. But the sites here and the people we are assumed to know... and... my Queen.
She appeared to me as I prayed for spells as I usually do in the morning. I was already worried that she might be too far away. It turns out she was. And wasn't. I'm not sure who appeared before me, and she seemed unsure who I was. Is she the Raven Queen I know and love? Are they reflections of each other? I don't know. I don't even know how I could know. But she granted me the powers I asked for, and if I'm able to spread the wishes of my own Queen through those powers, maybe that's enough. I feel so alone... The temple rescued my soul, and the Raven Queen gave me purpose and hope when I had none. But my soul is forfeit anyway, so I'll keep what faith I have and try to do the best I can.
At least Lavia is back, and not as distraught over where we are as I feared. I think she's taking all of this more in stride than any of the rest of us, with the possible exception of Phennyr. Maybe being isolated in her instrument now and then gives her perspective we don't have. I'm happy she has agreed to give me some lessons on how to play the lyre, and I hope I can keep her company when she's in there. I know what it feels like to be isolated from the world, and I'm starting to like her. Maybe our lessons will also be a way to get to know her better and get some time without having the rest of the group over our shoulders.
Speaking of which... I'm not sure what's up with Ellywick. I've been, eh, handling my feelings and for the most part, I think I've gained some distance. Having others around who also trusts me helps get perspective. For some time, I was jealous when she hit on others. Then I thought she did it to spite me. Now I'm wondering if she's getting desperate. She tried to bully one of the captains into a date. I get trying to convince the grumpy man that we're good people, but I'm not sure that's the way to do it. I prefer to focus on the older one: Kynan.
Kynan has all the signs of someone who has gone through bad things and struggled for the respect he holds. I think I like him, and for now, I trust him more than most others here. Especially since he trusts us enough to tell us what has happened and the basics of where we are. We are in the Parchwoods near a city called Whitestone on the continent of Tal'dori. The city has just suffered a disaster like it, and the people in it was frozen solid six days ago. The soldiers here are only around because they happened to be out on patrol at the time. They've sent scouts in, but those two haven't returned. They're about to send others for help, but that will take many days. Investigating this possible unnatural death of an entire city seems to be what is right, what my version of the Raven Queen would want me to do, and could give us friends in this strange place.
On the out path through the forest, we first encountered a giant wolf that just watched us. Two yetis did not just watch. While most of us were only slightly hurt, they managed to tear into both Phennyr and Lavia. I'm not sure if this Raven Queen will give me back souls I ask for, so I try to pay extra attention. Someone else paid attention too - Vax'ildan, the nephew of Cassandra de Rolo who I understand is the face of the Whitestone government. He used one of the metal pipe things the other soldiers had, and it seems to be able to kill a yeti very efficiently.
I can see the worry and sadness in his eyes as his parents are in danger. Or might even have passed on already. I'm preparing to aid him either way. And, Ellywick, not try to bed him when he's scared for the life of his loved ones. We need to patch up, and then we're headed into a frozen hell. Tiny part of me wishes we'd head into fiery hells instead at some point, but for now - I just want to keep those around me safe.