The Pause

... Its been a while since writing an entry in my journal but I feel now is the time to take note of events that have been transpiring over the past year. I often don't think the words I choose to describe our time enough gravity. From our meeting at the village of Blaising Dell to the events leading up to the tearing of reality itself.
 
A toll has been taken on us all. We failed to save a lot of people and in our failures, we've inevitably withdrew ourselves from rest of the world. Since the events that transpired at the cathedral my colleagues and I have drifted apart.
 
Killian
-Killian has resided with me at Thunderfall but we are very much like the faces of a weather clock always in the opposite place. He's taken a vow of some kind. He has sought the guidance of his deity Dol Dorn. A god of battle and honour I think ? I don't know whether if he has found illumination but he has renounced all luxuries and worldly gains. The training room has been occupied almost everyday for up to 8 hours, I've a pile of prototypes that need testing in there for me to iron out the kinks but I just can't get in there. I wish he'd accept that he is as sharp as he'll get. Training is good practice up to certain point but it won't save you if you don't have experience.
I have concerns regarding his health, physical and mental. When I've managed to actually see him get his attention for longer than a minute, I'm met with a different man. His build has become more lithe, his head and beard is now shaved to the skin and I've noticed a tattoo of what is clearly the arm and hand of an Orc reaching from his chest up to his throat.
I have no doubt the man I knew has been hewn by his own hand into a weapon of fervour and fanatical resolve. Impressive and admirable to accomplish this much self improvement but I shall be keeping an eye on him, he was always self confidant. I don't want the powers that be to take advantage of this trait.
Note- The tattoo is most certainly linked the orc in Killian's past. I must confirm if this tattoo is magical in nature. There are writings that describe marks left on those who experience a significant trauma equivalent to a curse. I must find out if this hand gripping it's throat intends to squeeze.
 
Lairion
-The collapse of the order of celestial weavers left many without faith and Lairion stepped in to Sheppard those who have lost there way. The events of the unravelling of the world has made my elven friend question a lot of things. After a month or two afterwards Lairion decided head back to the monastery devoted to Raven Queen for sanctuary and learning. I applaud his quest in search for answers but I can't deny my disappointment that he has sought these answers it in a place that practices religious dogma.
There has been a small amount of correspondence with him over the past year. From what I can gather he's taken back to practicing the monastic traditions of his order. Burying himself in his work to figure out the bigger picture. Sounds familiar.
He's been back maybe less than a month but has made himself busy with helping folk out, volunteering to help the forest guard in their patrols etc.
Note- I must ask Lairion to test the Elemental wooden arrows I've managed to fletch. I'll be fascinated to see if the magical potential of these arrows perform as predicted ?
 
Krod
-Since my colleagues have sought a higher calling, I'm left with almost the entire Hideaway at my disposal. I thought it was time to further enhance my own skills. My workshop has not seen rest. Over the past year I have developed various designs and prototypes of magical an non-magical mechanisms. Poured over tomes and texts in the Eternal Library. I also been keeping a weather eye on the village of Blaising Dell and the cult of Baal, to my relief there's not been much activity. Between this all consuming work I have ventured into the town to lend my hand to the inhabitants. Sometimes a good days hard work with ordinary folk is what's needed the reset the mind and put thing into perspective.
I checked in with my mentor Boris Bronzeteeth. He is after all the only family I've got and I needed his reassurance. He visited Thuderfall and blabbed from the moment he arrived about his various commissions, new inventions and chastise the way I work. I guess the blabbing was to take my mind off the events past, as if nothing had transpired. Subtle as a brick. However to my surprise the stubborn bastard told me before he left that he was proud of me and never stop learning.
Note- Ongoing Research Notes;
1. Wood harvested from the Infernal Forest has revealed more possibilities, more properties to put to use. I have asked permission from the Treants to harvest various woods taken from the elemental trees. I've only scrated the surface with the different types at my disposal but I have discovered the sap taken from the fire elemental trees holds the key making fire burn for longer.
2. Matilda my faithful scorpion construct has been my closest companion over the past year and has assisted in my various pursuits. I'm in the process of designing a tool or mechanism that will allow her harvest ore as well as wood. Rare metals are a boon to any artisan.
3. My reputation in the Order of Arcane Scribes has significantly increased since the event. They have granted me supervised periods of time with ancient and mystical texts. Taking the lessons taught to me by the order I've managed to store a spell within an object as well as a magical scroll.
4. Biology isn't my strongest subject but I've been researching ailments, diseases and curses. Mundane and Magical in nature. The various blood samples I've taken from the fallen may hold the key to curing others afflicted int he future... I must remember to not stray down this path like Augusten did...
4. On a more trivial note I've taken up brewing a few minor magical drinks.
 
...

I don't know what next for us. The world has had a chance to take a breath. Now the breath has been taken we're back together ready to face what has been exhaled.