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Poe’s Journal Entry
My training has kept me busy…sadly too busy at times to keep up with my own thoughts. I hope I can make sense of some of this once it is all written.
Several nights ago X’hayu came over the pearl, asking for help. It seems Steinn had been kidnapped. At first it seemed odd. A group of us gathered in Ul’dah to discuss what was going on. Suspicions were that the Empire had him. X’hayu did agree with me that Steinn was not the careless type, so it was unclear what kind of leverage they had on him since he went willingly. It seems X’hayu’s thought was to somehow bust him out. Eos of course had to point out that Joundi would have information on where they would keep prisoners. Not that I wanted to involve him, but I had to say he might know. It was nice to see Nev, she had been able to sneak away to meet us when X’hayu made the call.
Later, I met up with her for some drinks at the tavern. She called me out on my set-up for her and Joundi. I know I am pushing it…but I was just thinking it would make everything easier. She seemed to realize that was my intention. It…it was nice to just be able to talk, not worry about anything. Tellurian showed up, I will admit I was edgy he was around. But he was pleasant, giving us invitations to a party he will be hosting. I had some excitement about this, Ryillin was invited as well and I was immediately thinking how nice it would be if he would come, would leave his training and research to rest of an evening. Many departed from the conversation and it was just Nev and I. It was nice…so nice. But then Joundi showed up. So I quickly left…
I went to Relan’s. He appeared more tense than usual. The old man’s age is starting to show. He sat me down, told me he had heard of Mota sniffing around town. He warned me simply because he didn’t want me to be surprised. I spoke briefly of my encounter with her a week or so ago. He sat quietly, smoking his pipe. He offered me a hug, looking me over. I could tell he wanted to say more, but he didn’t.
I can tell I have been too wrapped up in my head, in the business in the Shroud. Clearly, as perhaps my memories haven’t been as clear as I am used to. I went to Tellurian’s party. It was wonderful, I remember leaving there feeling euphoric. Perhaps for so many reasons. There were plenty of drinks to be had, so many Cherryaid drinks. And Tellurian was actually really nice. We ended up laughing about so much. Everyone seemed so happy. I remember hazy glimpses as I walked off the beach, cups every where and the sound of others laughing, enjoying themselves. It had been a great party, Joundi wasn’t there so I was able to relax.
Joundi…I had been so wrong about him. I thought he was nice…until I remembered exactly how he had treated me. I…I will make sure he doesn’t hurt Nev in that same way, while she can make decisions for herself, if he does that to her as well, I swear to Menphina…. There is a pause in the writing, a large section of the paper left blank.
I started thinking about how I have managed this far…I know this journal, these thoughts, they help. They help me figure things out. Ry’s training has kept him busy and my work in the Shroud has kept us apart. So I thought perhaps he would like something to write stuff down in as well. I went to Gridania and had a small leather journal made for him. I ran into Tellurian while I waited to see if I could track Ry down. The three of us ended up on the topic of Joundi and his curse. It seems Tellurian is offering to help Ryillin in trying to locate a cure. I will admit….I almost choked on the word ‘friend’ when I spoke of Joundi. I don’t think I can say he is a friend of mine…perhaps to others though. I sighed with relief when Ry teleported us off. A night in his arms was -exactly- what I needed.
A few days later, X’hayu called over the pearl. She had more information on Steinn. Steinn has never been anything but kind to me, we worked well together when negotiating our price for the necklace beforehand. So of course I quickly offered. My luck, Joundi offered as well. So the three of us gathered. Since Joundi and I lacked uniforms, X’hayu suggested she bring us in as prisoners. Reluctantly I agreed…though….I couldn’t even watch while she roughed Joundi up. I know…I know that it would make it believable, but he also can’t be cured from wounds like the rest of us can be. But fine!-
It was a mess in there, we managed to sneak past enough of them, Owen found us and was able to help as well. X’hayu located the folder on Steinn and Owen ported us out with some device he had. But…I had forgotten….Joundi was left behind, the aetheric energies to port us out….he couldn’t…
I don’t think we realized at first, looking the file over and realizing the Empire had -everything- on our families. Ryillin showed up, looking tense and we discussed letting the captain know as well. Then Joundi came along…he…he looked awful. Clearly he had been attacked. Bleeding, bruised…I tried to help while Ry called the captain. The rest feels like a fog. Joundi just collapsed…and…was…
I know he was, I could tell. The very energy, the life force I feel within others, his was -gone-. And Ry and the captain, they tried to help. It was more than I could handle and ran.
Shameful, I know. I am a coward. I walked for a while, aimlessly. I realized I needed to get back to the Shroud; needed to bury my head and my heart in work. Arriving I found Joundi….
He was upset, he didn’t understand what had happened. I didn’t understand it either. But then the conversation turned into a fight. He threw in my face I didn’t care about him. He…he even suggested that I knew he would be left behind when Owen used his device. I growled back that he was the one that threw me away…and he kept acting like I was crazy. Kept saying he didn’t know what I was talking about. How hurtful…I never should have trusted him. But I could tell he was in pain, confused still. I quickly called Ry to explain to me what had happened.
Ry arrived and stated he was wondering if his own barrier had somehow helped Joundi when he tried to spark his heart back into beating. Something seemed off about Ry…I couldn’t place it then, I figured everything was already confusing, Joundi telling me he didn’t remember what I was talking about, perhaps I was wrong about Ry as well. Ry headed off, promising we would meet back at our place when he was done with some work. I went back to the gates to quickly make sure Joundi had made it off ok, but he was sitting there. And he got mad…again. He said one minute I was being nice and caring and the next minute becoming upset about things that never happened…..
Never happened…
I stormed off again. I needed sleep. I tossed and turned most of the night, my dreams haunting me. I couldn’t understand them and I was left feeling confused. I worry Mota will try to hurt those I care about, I miss Ry with his intense training, I miss Nev while she continues her…’research’…and I…I do miss Joundi.
