The Diary of Ara'ka
Page 1 – Day of Silence, 14th Cycle of Lunar Flow
Today, I led the villagers in quiet reverence beneath the new moon. The stars shimmered with promise — no clouds, no doubt.
I spoke with Elder Malu about the sea guardian again. We cling to hope that Busmandi will watch over us again.
We see the stars as a true sign of the watchers above, I quietly consider and discuss the opportunity of new worship to the established god Pelor. We may need to seek new hope if Busmandi remains dormant.
I feel gods will be a new way forward for the village, something for the villagers to gather around, in replacement of some of these older models of thinking.
Page 27 – Day of Mourning, 3rd Cycle of Whisper Tide
There was a voice during my meditation. Faint. Gentle. Not the Starspeaker’s chant — it was deeper. Older.
It called me by name. Ara’ka.
I laughed at first — imagining sleep’s tricks. But when I opened my eyes, the stars had formed an arch above the altar. Perfect symmetry. An invitation.
I do not fear it. I feel chosen.
Page 32 – Day of Binding, 9th Cycle of Reef Wake
I have come to know this beautiful creature and I've named him Bruce.
Silly name, I know. But he gave it to me, whispering through a seashell I found near the sacred pool. He says names are just... illusions of permanence. Still, I call him Bruce.
Bruce tells me the villagers aren’t ready. They worship myths, not truth. He says the stars are not gods — they are gates. And he can show me what lies beyond them.
I trust him. I feel clearer every day we speak. The more we speak the stronger our bond grows.
Page 41 – Unmarked Page. Ink is shakier, more symbols in the margins.
Bruce visited last night — not just a voice. I saw him. Like a crab with only four legs... but warm. Familiar. So not really like a crab I guess. He is so strange of sight but so familiar of touch.
He needed food. I gave him one of the fish I had caught. It didn't seem to be enough. No one seemed to notice, but I've been puzzled as that oddly wasn't the kind of food he was after.
It was an intimate moment. Our minds unwound so quickly together, Bruce said. So easily we folded into each others thoughts.
He asked to stay close. Said the cold was growing. I said yes. Of course. That’s what friends do for each other right? They shelter each other. They keep each other room.
I don’t remember falling asleep. But I woke up humming.
Page 5 – Pages stained in coral ink. Script loops erratically.
The stars are strong tonight. They are not blinking. They say there is jealousy in the air, but I know the truth. Finally this stupid human has given up, conceded in his thoughts, and confided in me to take what I rightfully deserve.
I shall consume what I need, and start the process to bring forth my new masters.
Page 68 – Final page. Scrawled. Disjointed. “Bruce” appears in multiple alphabets.
(The rest is a sprawl of symbols and inked star charts, with one repeated word: JOIN.)
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