3rd day of the 5th month

  I had a dream last night; as I had arrived, I felt myself floating above myself. I felt good. I hope I can have that dream again.

  It has been two hours I have sat waiting in this dank place. The locals have a strange aura. Their eyes linger upon my gait. Their reaction suggests unfamiliarity with outsiders; the tavern owner provided me half the portion. His eyes did not leave mine. Maybe I have violated a strange custom. Several men across the room intently watch me. I feel unwelcome. I hope the information was right.

  4th day of the 5th month

  I had a sleepless night. A strange noise came pulsing from the sea each hour, pulling me further and further away from my sweet slumber. Writing this proves difficult. I could fall asleep as I stand here. As I stagger back and forth, I doze, and the horn screams for my attention. I return alert once more. A crush would improve my mood.

  From this lighthouse, a faint light pulses over the quiet town. The jagged cliffs and mechanical purifiers stand between me and a wave of fog lapping hungrily towards my soul. A deep maroon hue, a corruption of sorts, tinges it, seeping through the haze and grasping towards me. I realize now why this place is called Blood Bay. Legend tells of the spirits of those ripped from their bodies by Etheria, forever lost here. This place feels unsettling, regardless of its absurdity. It is difficult to breathe, and the air seems dense. But the purifiers keep the miasma back. Therefore, I know it is but my imagination. I wish now that I had remained home. But home does not inspire me. However, I’ve invested heavily; retreat is impossible. Now all my hopes lie across the sea. I am sure of it!

  I inquired about the price of fish from a person I believed to be a fisherman. He simply looked through me, as though I were but an apparition. I asked him many times, but he kept staring straight ahead as I moved around. He watched, yet his gaze felt empty; lost, perhaps, in internal dialogue. I decided to just pick one. He did not attempt even to stop me as I grabbed a fish and feigned walking away. I became frustrated and placed a small bit of coin onto the stall. Still, he made no move to converse or stop me. I returned the fish to its place and took my coin up. I asked if he even wanted my business. Fear set its sight on me as I realized he hadn’t yet blinked. My appetite fled me at this realization, and I excused myself. I am ashamed to admit I fell into the mud in my retreat. When I had returned to the tavern, my muddy clothes fell as hard to the floor as I had to my bed, but I lay here not able to fall asleep.

  5th day of the 5th month

  I stood upon the shore this morning at eight o’clock on the dot, awaiting the boat I had chartered. I had arrived one-half hour prior to the agreed time, expecting captain Edgar to be excited to go. Yet there was no boat. I contemplated a crush; however, his arrival time was uncertain, so I aimed for optimal presentation. I worried about running out of Etheria throughout my travels if I used it often. It is now half-past one o’clock and yet no boat has arrived. I wonder if I had my days mixed up. Usually, it’s too late for a crush, however, I’ll indulge anyway.

  This lighthouse view reveals a town strangely silent; I see no children. It seems so quiet. Well, not that quiet. I hear the Gulls scream and waves crashing upon the rocks. The occasional dog or field beast are also common. Of course, that damned horn every so often, piercing my ears when I least expect it. I feel like it is growing more frequent, and is maybe getting closer. Maybe it is captain Edgar navigating his way to me. None the less there are no children. Where are the children? Such towns usually boast large populations.

  Perhaps the citizens are nervous about my presence and keep them safe inside. I wouldn’t fault them; judging strangers proves difficult. Still, it’s unnerving. I think I will go look around; I need something to keep my attention. And distract me from that horn. Better to avoid the market, I think.

  The citizens’ movements mimic a rehearsed performance, stage-like in their uniformity. I see them speaking with each other, but as I approach, they stop. No matter what they are doing, if they notice my presence, they face me, their eyes drilling through me. Accusing me. It’s like I have done something wrong, as though I am not playing the part I am expected. It appears to be a performance; I ran. I ran as fast as I could to my room at the inn. After my departure, they ignored me. This place, this place, is not right. I have still seen no children.

  Captain Edgar’s ship has finally arrived, and I can see his dingy approaching the shore. I AM SAVED FROM THIS NIGHTMARE!

  It is now past nine thirty in the evening. I sit in my quarters aboard Captain Edgar’s ship. I feel the events from the last few days slipped through my mind. Reality yields to slumber. Then the horn sounds, thwarting my rest. I cannot fall asleep, I will ponder upon the evening.

  This came to me while I was indulging a half crush of Etheria.

  I ran towards Captain Edgar. Even with my urgency and the lateness of his arrival, it seemed he was in no rush to set sail. He showed no urgency at all. I came to him in such a frantic state and yet he said nothing; Nor did he need to. His demeanor instilled comfort and a clarity in the situation. Now I see how peculiar this meeting was; my feelings remain unclear. Initially, I extensively detailed this location’s peculiarities. And about how strange the occurrences I had been apart. Seeing his stoic, wind whipped face, keeping a strangely gentle repose, I calmed myself and I shifted my queries to where he had been and why he was so late. However, it was as though my queries had fallen upon deaf ears. He simply stood, gazing into my very soul, it seemed. It felt normal. He then put his hands out and I knew he wished for payment.

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  The quote for the passage was ten shards, but I felt his late arrival and the week’s strange events had earned me a slight reprieve from this absurd cost. With no doubt, I knew he would refuse me if I made my misgivings known. Unwilling to stay here, and a man known for his honesty; reluctantly, I handed over the agreed amount, and he showed me to my quarters.

  6th day of the 5th month

  Given the captain’s slow pace, I half expected the ship to remain docked. To my surprise, I found the vast, misty sea to greet me. The air is as heavy as it was in Blood Bay. Though distant, the lighthouse guide remains clear. I am still pursued by the maroon mist of Blood Bay. This Etheria is oddly dense. Breathing now causes a slight burning sensation. Does this feel like the open ocean? I heard of vast blue open fields. I am not impressed. Maybe a crush to help lighten the atmosphere.

  It is just after noon as I write this. I wonder if I am the only passenger aboard. I have walked the deck and only one person caught my eye. He, like me, observed the sea; undoubtedly, a crew member with a mop and bucket. I hoped for a kindred soul to help ease my sleepless voyage. but as I approached, I noticed this man babbling to himself, biting at the air. He seemed to have burns running down his side. I hesitated, but decided I shouldn’t judge a book by its cover; Gods know, I have had my fair share of bad art soiling my good books. I made my way over. The moment I noticed, he picked up the mop from his side and swiftly began scrubbing. Completely engrossed in scrubbing and moving away, he didn’t realize his bucket was empty. Conversation with him, I determined, would be like speaking to the sea itself; empty, unclear, and disappointing.

  The mechanical purifier takes time to pull the Etheria from the air. I know that, but we seem to move like a dead horse. Despite the passing hours, I continue to see the lighthouse beam pierce the clouds. I yearn to escape this location. Maybe I am simply not understanding. I must confess, I am not familiar with the complexities of sailing. Hopefully, Captain Edgar can clarify this, and I’ll inquire about the crewman I encountered. I hope he is in good spirits today. Maybe I shouldn’t have had that shard earlier.

  My questions regarding ship efficiency received no reply; Captain Edgar remained stoic, my words lost.

  As I spoke at him, something about the captain’s uniform seemed off. It lacked its prior sharpness. Small stains and tears made themselves known in the clear light. Little imperfections grew before my very eyes. The buttons on his jacket had bits of corrosion, bits of the copper seemed green from lack of polish. I had not noticed his boots did not match. As I spoke, he stared past me. Not once had he blinked.

  Sleep, sleep, sleep. I crave this thing that comes slowly to me, but each time I close my eyes the siren calls, my ears burn and my head throbs. I will take some more Etheria to ease my pain.

  7th day of the 5th month

  It is some time just after dawn. My damn watch is now only correct twice a day. That’s what you get for penny pinching, my mother would say. My interaction with Captain Edgar was unnerving, to say the least. Despite not instilling fear, I prefer to steer clear of him, which I’m certain suits him. I have, however, seen another passenger. I tried to get closer, unfortunately she ducked quickly back into her quarters as I approached her. But I now know, at least I am not suffering alone.

  I repeatedly tried contacting her today, yet she ignored me. It does not seem to matter. I am sure, like the others, she will simply remain mute. But I must try. It has been days since I have had someone speak to me. I WANT A CONVERSATION!

  I stood upon the deck when I noticed the captain looking down from his post looking at me. The man who was mopping yesterday was looking down as well. They were whispering to each other, laughing at me! I know they were! They stare, they laugh. Was that happening in the last town? No. right? Before I can conclude, I will have a crush.

  9th day of the 5th month

  I stayed in my room all day yesterday. I am tired of seeing these people. Ignoring me, they converse amongst themselves. I am glad at least I have my journal. No good people. I saw that woman again today. She has a kid with her. Perhaps the echoes of Blood Bay’s terror still haunted her. Of course. They had dinner with the captain, maybe they are his family, of course, that’s why they had such lovely food. Someone gave me bread and salty soup, or perhaps just saltwater.

  Another crush.

  A scare occurred today; the captain and two unfamiliar men worked on the mechanical purifier. The scare was brief, yet my heart continues its heavy beats as I imagine how close I am at all times to the mist closing in, suffocating me. Constricting me, draining my energy. I watched as they fiddled with it. I hope it works again. Another crush of Etheria will help calm my heart. I am glad I have enough to get me through this trip. I just want it to be done.

  15th day of the 5th month.

  Caught the kid with my journal. He stole it days ago. Not that anything happened, but everyone’s gotten weird. The boy ran and locked himself in a closet. I told him he wasn’t in trouble. I just wanted to talk. His mother and the crew watched me. I tried to talk to them to let them know I wasn’t angry, but they all stared, that fucking stare. They keep looking at me. I want, no, need them to stop.

  Earlier, I had a couple of crushes. I need to unwind; I’ll have another.

  16th day of the 5th month

  I, I am hiding in my bunk; the crew went crazy on me, I; I saw them, their flesh sloping off their face. They… I… I am so scared that horn won’t stop. It is driving me crazy. My ears are bleeding. I need. help oh my gods; they are going to kill me; I need more energy. It is impossible for me to take them all. With increased speed and strength, taking the rest of my Etheria will enable my escape. I intend to try for the dingy. Into the fog, I will take my chances! I am running.

  17th day of the 5th month

  I felt scared but now I know everything is alright. I am going to lose myself in the fog. My only wish is freedom. They can keep that creepy vessel. I’m safer here; this is the last page.

  Gods, I am alone now., set adrift in this fog. Gods, I didn’t realize how amazing this would feel. I feel at peace, completely enveloped in the mist. There it goes. The ship’s name, Misty Man, is visible; strangely, I briefly thought I was looking down from it.

  Wait, I had a dream. I remember now; I was floating above myself. It felt so good.

  I looked back in my journal to read the passage. It is all blank. I, Oh Gods, I feel the same, so good but, Oh Gods no.

  Captain’s log 17th day of the 5th month

  We’ve done all we can, but passenger Henrik Featherstone has overdosed on his private stash of Etheria. Following his erratic behavior, we realized what was happening and did all we could to get him, but he locked himself in his room and took his remaining Etheria. This is how Mr. Featherstone became a Husk.

  Captain Edgar Monroe.