Aria's Journal - Page 1

Aria finds a large flat rock covered in moss. She pulls out her journal and closes her eyes. She takes a deep breath and consciously becomes aware of the present moment: the tension of her right foot from a goblin earlier in the day, the smell of fire, and the moss beneath her legs. She opens her eyes and begins to write:

This morning I rose with the sun and the serenity of the Fireside Mountains lingered within me. The air was crisp and world seemed to hold its breath in anticipation of the day ahead. Gundren has always come through when I've been in need of herbs or odd jobs. This time I met a group of others who are joining me in transporting supplies to Phandolin. Amidst the group, a figure catches my attention - a Shadar-Kai named Nailo. There is a certain aura of intrigue surrounding him, as if he too has delved into the mysteries of death.
Soon after, I am introduced to Findabhair, a barbarian of righteous convictions. She exudes a sense of responsibility and order, her lawful nature a stark contrast to my own tradition of Long Death. Though our ideals may differ, I find solace in her presence, as if her unwavering lawfulness will somehow aid me in our journey.
And then there is Boarm - a gentle orc who radiates kindness and adolescent like chaos (I still cannot reconcile what happened with the goblin a the river).
But the true surprise of today was encountering a giant bear named Po. Donned in a simple potato sack, Po is unlike any creature I have encountered before. We discovered him trapped within a box on the back of our cart and Boarm took an immediate connection. It was oddly heartwarming. I cannot help but wonder at the significance of Po's presence on our journey (and how a giant bear is sufficed by one lone alcohol).
Together we embark on this task entrusted to us. I sense a kinship but dare not speak it.

— Aria Jadehand