Today I am east of the Capital City, sitting among construction at the cliff docks. It’s a bit noisy, mostly the banging of hammers to nail on wooden boards. Some shouts here and there.

Before the hard working Children of Man were hired to build this state-of-the-art pulley lock system, engineered by the Elphire, I would come here to study the Heiro birds that would nest among holes in the cliff face. They have since been relocated to the cliffs further south, thanks to a rousing group of Gracadia elite. Some efforts were a little late since the construction began before we could move them all. Even after the relocation, some still stubbornly remained. Thankfully, most have transitioned well in the last few years.

Yes, years. Nearly a decade. Apparently nothing built well was built quickly. Funny to think that even though this has gone on so long, it will most likely not be done by the time I return. Who knew constructing a massive scaffolding and elevator system would take so long? Might be that this will be state-of-the-art, and the pulleys will be run by Altech systems. I heard some engineers say that it would be powerful enough to lift an entire boat all the way to the top of the cliffs. I will believe that when I see it.

The construction itself is almost a mild form of Alterence in my eyes; the intricacies of the physics and structural makeup are beyond me. Yet, I am fascinated more by the power of unified workers, and the effort of countless hours already spent to get this far. They must squat, lift, and step all in tandem to move large boards or heavy equipment. Truly a magnificent step in the evolution of Man.

To be clear, I haven’t come here to gawk. I seek my dear friend Hugo Brindor to ask him if he will join me on this Gracadian adventure. I will need someone who will have my back, and I can think of no one else I trust so much. He may be the type to sneer in the direction of the Gracadia whenever he steps near it, but I have a sneaking suspicion that he would regret passing up a chance like this.

He’s a natural choice for an adventure like this. Gangly for a Child of Man, he scales the construction site here at the cliffs using ropes as if they’re simply an extension of his own arms and legs. Most importantly, he always has one of his family heirloom blades stashed somewhere we cannot see. What I enjoy most about him is that he doesn’t let his pride get in the way of listening to my ideas. He’s my longest known friend here in Alvescia and his lack of fear is certainly needed when venturing into the unknown.

Another reason why I want Hugo there along with me is because I think the Gracadia is going to meddle with my plans of gathering a crew. They’ve asked to meet with me later today to introduce a companion of their own choosing. While I will never agree with their agendas, they will also never have the courage to go into the Greater Wilds. So they can have their dominion as long as I get to have mine. Then again, it’s difficult to argue with their wishes when they’re the ones footing the bill.

I don’t particularly look forward to seeing what’s in store for me later. For now, I’m waiting for Hugo to finish his shift before cornering him.

I must admit that thinking of other potential crew members is difficult. I wouldn’t want to recruit all of them from the Cliff’s Taverns. We’d get nowhere! Then again, if I were to hire an all Elphire crew, were I even to find enough to fill one, I don’t know how far we’d get. Or how off the beaten path we’d find ourselves. Not to mention I would be irate if the cowardice of the Elphire would hold me back on this adventure. If I did willingly bring an Elphire with me, there would be no way that I could ensure their safety. Maybe with a full set of plate armor…Let’s see how far they get in that! Then again, their intelligence would be a significant asset. Yet of all my colleagues, none come to mind when I think of capable travel companions. If anything were to hold me back, I’d want it to be the ruthlessness of the wilds, not the incompetence of those I’d hired myself. That would only reflect on my own judgment, thus reflecting on my reputation with the Gracadia. I can’t have that.

Regardless, I will need a crew, for I am not a survivalist. Hugo—if he agrees—will be there to watch my back, but he’s not a hunter or a sharpshooter. And while I may have made it through the Gracadia on my own laurels, the Children of Man working together here at the docks proves that there is strength in numbers if we find out how to best work together.

—

My jaw aches from how much I’ve been clenching it to keep my mouth shut over the last few hours. Easy to say that the meeting with the Gracadia did not go anywhere near where I expected.

I don’t even have it in me to go sit in the courtyard with Rose. She wouldn’t be there anyway, so what would be the point? Instead, I have momentarily buried myself into the darkness of my dormitory until I get my head back on straight.

How can I simply put it? I have been relinquished of my requirements to seek out individuals for my crew. The senior members who commissioned this mission were quick to offer me the ability to approve all of the crew members. Wonderful… I should have gone into acting with the way I pretended to act grateful and thankful. Now all I can do is wonder if they really chose me for my skill and education, or for my compliance and replacement value. While I understand that relinquishing the responsibility of leading the crew will give me more freedom to explore, I must be allowed some kind of an adjustment period. Rather, a grieving period given that my authority on this journey has just been cut in half.

Their choice for an overseer? An Elphire who has never gone further west than Old River. Raunien Flutiel. Even his name sounds off putting. I’ve worked with him once, and every moment was an excruciating practice in keeping decorum and composure.

I am still seething, but apparently in their wisdom his expertise of pathfinding is ‘exactly what we need’. I’m starting to think twice about their faith in this expedition.

He didn’t look too thrilled at the prospect either. Honestly, he had the same reserved anger I did. Sadly, but quickly, I came to the realization that rather than being upset by this notion, I must be okay with it by the time we leave. This is the first and probably not the worst obstacle that I will have to face. And it could be argued that he may have some use, but everytime I think of spending future days with him in the Wilds I have to find a new way to not be bothered by it.

Before leaving the meeting they handed me a list of all the Valkys I’m responsible for studying. They are, in no particular order:

Kordorogs (known) / Mammal / Water Alterence

Sukwa (known)/ Avian / Wind Alterence

Pavdi (known) / Reptile / Water Alterence

Harorahs (living specimen) / Unknown / Earth Alterence

Aquatic Valkys (unnamed) / Fish / Rumored

Rodent Valkys (unnamed) / Mammal / Rumored

Any and all other notable flora and fauna

Any and all Alterence phenomena

The Professors believe there to be dozens of other Valkys not listed, but these are only the ones they currently document as being seen. I plan to grow this list to exceed any expectations by the time I return.