Peak's journal

28th of Dec. Fire

• First, note: Ask Phen about additional lighting in individual rooms tomorrow.
• Addendum: Phen should not provide the lighting himself, injuries, overwork, etc.

Trip, as anticipated, was horrible. Got sick again, managed to keep myself from discarding my dignity, but that poor aspect of my ego was surely trod upon. That foul witch of a captain went out of her way to make the entire experience miserable, I'm certain.

Fortunately, when we set down, there were porters prepared, as was proper, and a wonderful young man named Al... something. Phen, as the group took to calling him. Without another moment, we were whisked away to our domicile. I was a bit disappointed that it wasn't some refurbished manse from the shogunate, considering the history of the island, but one cannot have everything, can they?

Another attempt at imparting proper manners on Syla. The woman is like a child. It's a wonder she survived to adulthood, considering her precarious family situation. I'm speaking, of course, about house Nellens. Clearly, all that needs to be said, has been, with just that name.

Tragic, that. Bitter socialites cutting down someone's reputation for sport. Regardless! Lata's child remained adorable, despite my unvoiced concerns that perhaps, little Pushpa's personal interests might be better served in the care of an aunt or uncle, or boarding at a primary school. I admit, though, she is a mystery to me. Her early exaltation, despite her mortal father, flies in the face of accepted logic and the 'selective breeding principles'. Suffice to say, there is a kinship there.

The public bath was surely poured directly from the mouth of Daana'd. Hours. I spent HOURS there, indulging myself. My god, if this is what the others see in sex, or drink, or drugs, then I need to indulge with a greater frequency than "never".

Then, there's the whole debacle with dinner. Phen poisoned, then stabilized with a redirection of mortal essence focal point 127. The would-be assassin was run down and brutalized somewhat, but the injuries were not life-threatening. However, it seems that Thunder's thirst for some excitement might be.

As for the assassin herself, Tial. Lata seemed adamant about her survival. Perhaps she reminded the upwardly emotional Lata of a particular someone else. I cannot be certain, I am no bastion of empathy; But I may have a bit too much, regardless. My efforts to ensure the survival of someone who is clearly our enemy, under the false pretenses of having her intercept shipments for me? Disturbing, to my typically logical approach. For now, I will blame this disruption on the bonds of brotherhood, and Lata's efforts towards that end.

A trip to the registrars, a second trip to the baths, and then home. Tial was in Lata's room; obviously to protect her from some of Thunder's more... sadistic enthusiasms.

Tomorrow is the first day of the tournament, and I will need to be well-rested.

1st of Calibration, part 1

• Note: Remove foot from mouth.
• Additional note: Investigate noises in town after finishing entry.

Let's start with the nice part: Breakfast was lovely, despite being entirely unidentifiable. Some sort of... horned fruit, mangoes, an array of breads. Typical, but suiting, considering the presence of an immaculate in the residence, and their rather picky eating habits.

Reminded note: Thunder is a capable doctor. Who knew? Addendum: She ignored my comment. A moment of fury, of weakness.

Saw a fight. A rather... energetic mortal with claws, being inevitably taken down by a careful, methodical opponent. A lesson there, I suppose, though I've already learned it. Part of the aspect. "The mountain may not shift, no matter how mighty the wind that blows." A favored line of Master Deep Stone, used to explain his minor adaptation of Master Azure Crane's techniques. There is a kinship there, an Earth technique stemming from the teachings of an Air.

The arena itself seems fitting. Plenty of capability to attune to it's full effectiveness. One can only assume it will shift and change as the fights continue. Syla, the silly child, forgot her weapons, and so we returned to retrieve them, with a somewhat-obvious double purpose of ensuring the younger V'neef and Tial were getting along swimmingly.

Much meandering. I admit, I was not fully myself for much of the day, idling, rereading the same book. One must assume it's the stress of the tournament. Regardless, as I was aimlessly wandering towards the arena, I came across Basq and Lata, and shortly afterwards, we noticed that we were being followed. I immediately suggested returning to the Villa, at which point they seemed to disappear. Lata and I remained behind, where I proceeded to embarrass myself while subtly suggesting that Lata consumed carpets in her spare time.

Suffice to say, shortly after I excused myself, I had adjourned to my room, and began writing, in some attempt to subdue my shame.