Keep goin!

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We explored this new abominable village, if one can even call it so...

The people here are primitive, and they dabble in magic that should not be conjured. I only met one woman that spoke anything worthy of my ears. She said that if we are not sufficiently worthy, this jungle will break us in a matter of days.

I am inclined to believe her warnings.

Finally away from the laws of the desert lands, we could share this shack between us. There was even a small boat which we could use to set lines for fish and reptiles in these waters.

I used some of the old fishing nets to make a barrier over Abhaya's side, to shield her from the relentless biting flies, and from what she may see as my prying eyes. I do not wish to make her uneasy; and even the first night, I could tell she rested easier. Incense that I made from old bark set us into long dreams.

We dreamed of a long forgotten temple, a temple of old vanquished souls...

Timeless visions of passing worlds,
Lacerate the skies beneath past minds.
Once again you seal your wounds,
To shelter those you have entwined.

No time passing, all is void,
A mind is but a sacred foil.
A blunted axe of somber stone,
that withers mortal coils.

Though we needed the rest, after a few days in the thick stale air of this vestige of a town; we became restless. What lies beyond the barricades in the swamps will remain a mystery no more.

As soon as we set out, a cloaked figure appeared before us. I merely spoke in its direction and it vanished into the mist, spawning vile wyrms meant to devour. It appears these banks will be filled with troubles.

Toils here are not without their rewards. Powerful foes yield new mysteries.

The small jade statuette appeared to be of little use; I thought to give it to the old sea captain. He had sailed well, and I felt that I may have dealt too harshly with him. We exchanged wares and cemented a better bond.

I hadn't spoken with the alchemist in town yet and decided to see if anything could be gleaned from his addled mind. How long has he been going mad in this hut? Practically snatching my newly acquired symbol of friendship from my hands, he squealed about things I couldn't not discern.

A potion -- wonderful; I tried not to think about slitting his throat as we walked back to our hut.

Another warrior of note has fallen here in this muck. I will honor his deeds by mending these gloves and keeping them safe.

Perhaps we should not have entered here. I loathe the arachnid kind, and this den of theirs was infested with more than I could count. Venom spewed forth from fangs -- and the eyes, so many unblinking eyes...

I kept one that was hidden among the spoils here; Somehow it seemed different, who knows what it may have seen. When I stared into the blood red center, I could feel an ancient gaze upon me.