Friends and Frustrations

I truly feel like I should be keeping track of what happens. It's only been two days and I've met 5 others with incredible quirks. As much as I hate writing...
 
Cas revealed a part of themselves that I will not reveal in this journal in case it gets stolen or lost, and I respect them enough to make sure this doesn't get out. What's important is that I know who they are.
 
After we got a night's rest in the safe house I woke up to Cas answering the door to someone looking for them, Marcie? No. Maria. I've heard that name and the circumstance before when I first met them and couldn't control my laughter once I realized. Honestly just knowing someone else has a similar experience is somewhat comforting, but it's quite amusing seeing it from another point of view.
 
We decided to split up, Holden, Aster, and Kenku decided to go to the library while Mandy, Cas, and I went back to their home so Cas could grab more of their items. (I had assumed they were not wearing protective gear because I literally carried them out of their house before, but I'm sure now they just don't own any. I'm curious to see if I could maybe slip them something...)
 
They seemed apologetic about Maria and I felt a little sorrow hearing them explain themselves. I really do understand. Being in a situation like that is. Infuriating.
 
While they spoke to their parents about something I challenged Mandy to an arm wrestle and didn't expect to win but I absolutely crushed it. I don't think I've ever been more proud than when I pinned his arm. I shared a small celebration and we met up with the others at the library.
 
I don't even want to talk about this brat. We just needed a fucking book.
 
Skipping some unimportant things we chased after a cat with two shadows into the sewers and ran into the coolest fucking bugs I've seen in a while. Not pleasant, but we all took them down and Aster physically threw the big one. I should ask her for an arm wrestle later. I've already beaten the devil of Darynth I might as well challenge a goliath. We eventually found the poor cat covered in shit and scared and brought him back to the library where his owner was.
 
There was something about a witch but I honestly can't remember...? She had an interesting hat and gave the brat mice. I think she has something to do with right handy maybe.
 
We all got cleaned up and went to a Perry Colo concert at Reggie's. I was originally excited, I love taverns. But shortly after walking in I ran into Vlad and just hearing him talking about crushing someone's knee caps for not paying rent enraged me. The other mercs have never made me feel at home, they're way more violent than I'm comfortable being with regular people. Hiring a Mercenary to do your dirty work has never sat right with me.
 
My mood was soiled after and I was too focused on trying to keep track of Cas and making sure they were okay, at some point Perry Colo sang a song about the red right hand which made me more uneasy.
 
"you're one microscopic cog in his catastrophic plan, designed and directed by his red right hand"
 
Those lyrics hit me the hardest. Was he actually talking about the man? Does he work for him? What plan is he referring to? It was just as ominous as the clock tower incident.
 
Mandy spoke with the guy for a short while and when they were done, the guy threw a paper at him. Once Mandy looked it over his face was full of dread. He stormed out of the bar and when we all followed he had an additional shadow. Of the Dreadnaught.
 
Everyone is discussing it right now but I needed a break. After Vlad and the song and the shadow I became so overwhelmed I just need to be alone. So I'm sitting here, praying to Tempus for any kind of guidance he can give me, and writing this down.
 
I should go back in soon, I don't want the others to worry.
 
Tempus Guide Me
 
Gwen