A hefty journal embossed with an eight-pointed star

[Zan]

*The journal is bound is toughened leather, stained midnight blue, and embossed on the surface with an eight-pointed star accented in silver. A somewhat simple clasp with lock bind the book closed. Within, the entries are written in espruar, the penmanship, though delicate and precise, seems interspersed with flourishes and embellishments on some words and characters, indicating the writer may have moments of whimsy. Within the front cover a simple inscription is written:

For my scatter-brained little brother, may this journal serve to order your thoughts better than the tongue and admonishments of the teachers who lament your talent, your wit, and your inability to master either. I know you are destined for more than the routine that you have created for yourself
With love and pride,
Nesme

The tome is thick, several thousand pages at least, all thick, weighty stock of finest vellum. The first hundred or so are filled with errant notes, doodles, equations, magical formula, or simple thoughts. *

Day 28, Month 10, AR158
This is my first attempt at a serious journal entry, the events of today seem to warrant it, I make no promises or allusions that this will be a regular occurrence, but Nesme gave you to me for more reason than to be another place to doodle. Thus I make the attempt.

It had been a day much like any other, the city had awoken to the rays of light peaking over the horizon, setting the alabaster and crystalline rooftops to glowing, chasing the shadows of might away. I had not anticipated anything out of the ordinary today, a simple morning meal in the House, perhaps listen to what the night patrol held for Nesme, like as naught another quiet one, followed by study at the College, training in the afternoon, and home in time for dinner. My life in Leuthilspar was routine, predictable… safe. I had not heard of this ‘Arelith’ before. However shortly after breakfast a messenger arrived from the College asking for all available Spell weavers to attend an emergency Assembly.

I’d never seen the Assembly chambers as packed as it had been this day, if it weren’t for the Nightstar name I would like as not have been asked to wait in the hallway since I am only a Novitiate, and space was at a premium, but what use is a Noble name if you cannot use it to find our the latest news ahead of everyone else.

The point of the assembly was simple. On this tiny set of islands, that I’d never heard of before, far away from the bounty and safety of Evermeet, an ancient, forgotten set of ruins had been uncovered; a lost outpost of the People had been unearthed, and there were rumours of relics or power that were to be sent back for study. The Assembly wished for volunteers to journey back to Arelith, to oversee the excavation of the ruins, and learn exactly what history could be uncovered from this lost settlement.
Of course, novitiates were not allowed to volunteer, too dangerous. On the positive side I’ll likely be able to examine whatever comes back to the College from the excavation, be able to pour over it and try and learn what secrets I can in the security of the College.

With the prospect of new relics to study, potential new leads on my study of High Magic, this seems as fine a time as any to begin writing in earnest. We shall see how long it persists. Who knows, it might be a lot of fuss over absolutely nothing, after all, if these islands truly held anything of value we would have heard of them a long time before now, right?

[Zan]

Day 15, Month 10, AR 158
It’s been nearly a month since the word of Arelith reached the Colleges ears, and a little over two tendays since the expeditionary forces left to survey the ruins found in that distant land. Thus far no public word has been received, though Nesme seems anxious, on edge; I wonder what she and the rest of the Eagle Riders know that they aren’t telling us? Well I suppose there is little point in speculation, we’ll find out in time I’m sure, my sister, for all her discipline and skill was ever terrible at keeping secrets.

My novitiate studies near their completion, and the Grand Mages of both Enchantment and Illusion comment that I’ll soon be able to call myself a member in full, though both warn that is when the true work begins. Whether they are being serious, or merely trying to rattle all novitiates is unknown, I merely look forward to gaining access to the library, it’s not ideal to need escorted and supervised every time I simply wish to study history, or attempt to learn the runes for a new spell, but I suppose we all go through this stage, and 40 years is swifter than most who are accounted Journeyman, so I should not complain.

If I’d being honest dear journal, of late I have been getting restless. I read the histories, and tales of what my ancestors have done, even hearing what Nesme sees daily and I wonder if I could, no that’s not quite right, should, be doing more? I understand that there is much that I still need to learn, knowledge of the Arcane, the skills required to one day guide and serve the House, but the more I think about it, the more I wonder when the time for theory ends, and the time for practical knowledge begins?

I’m not entirely sure how to begin on that, maybe I should speak with Mother? Or perhaps Nesme, ask if one of them can get me assigned to something other than study in the College? I have no idea what their response would be, I know mother has oft lamented that I am not as ambitious as Nesme is, nor that I seem to want to be Grand Mage one day; I think the only thing she is happy with is that I take an interest in History, Politics, Economics and High Magic, all things in her opinion that will help me rule one day, but how do I tell her that I have little interest in ruling?

You know something that I have noticed journal, since I started writing in you I am more inclined to introspection, and questions that than I was previously. I’m yet to decide whether that is a good or bad thing, but if you suddenly find yourself filled with artwork then you’ll have my answer!