Never take up Batbayar’s offer to help in the yard.

Day.. Whatever.

I don’t know why i even keep record of my joining the Aether Corp. They are family now. Time is not important.

I spent the day tending to the flock.. It reminds me of home. Moonshatter, Moonsong, Goat and Lightfellow like the attention, as well.

Lightfellow, as I understand is a bird of loyal service. Clad in the armor that they are, they have to be tough, and swift. I’ve field-sharpened their claws; blunter at the front for grip, with the rear claws razor sharp for rending kicks.

Moonsong is still acclimating to both the heat of Thanalan and the life of a companion bird, bless her. She speaks with her new stablemates with the innocent tones of a chick, almost. She has the strength of the wilds, her lineage yet maintains a naïvety to war.. Suffering. Keroa will have to steel her for the storm to come.

Moonshatter, ever the matriarch has proclaimed the flock as her own, to varying degrees of success! She has the voice of a leader, yet lacks the wisdom and temperance of her mother. Does a stable even need a princess? Who knows why she tries, this is not the Clan, there are different rules here!

And Goat.. Poor Goat. Their owner has not been seen in some time. We do not know if battle or wanderlust has claimed them, but Goat.. Goat still waits. I haven’t the heart to tell them anything otherwise... As long as they hold out, I shall keep their barding clean and their grooming taken care of.. Even took them out for a trot round Drybone. Bleedin’ hell, there’s some speed in those haunches, let me tell you. I miss ridin’ a bigger bird, if I’m honest. Moonshatter is a grand companion to be sure, but she’s a dainty wee thing.

The Grand Companies are bustling with activity, summoning all and sundry from the quiet, safe outposts to move towards the wall. I know, sooner or later we too will answer the call. This is what Oschon has been beckoning me towards. This is where we must go. And i’ve made a decision.

Oschon’s path is one of progress, good or bad.. And though it pains me to say it, against the Garleans, the old ways might not cut it. Recently, I’ve taken up a pistol, getting Moonsong used to the sounds of war. The explosion of black powder.. And it turns out I’m not a bad shot. The clan will benefit from knowledge new, so at least for now I shall strive to master marksmanship, and the ways of the machinist. What better way to fight a bunch of magitek lovin’ basts than to learn how to turn their shitey toys against ‘em?

The Clan is older than half of these empires, borders and squabbles and we’ve always adapted. This will be no different. You’ll never catch me trading me bird in for a reaper, but if Moonshatter obliges, soon i’ll be clutching her reins in one hand and a pistol in the other. And i’ll feckin’ blast any and all who’ll hurt me clan and kin.

News from home!

The company gardens are often where i spend the night. The trees and the open air suit me just fine, and i can fall asleep to the gentle mutterings of our birds.

But this slumber was brief, as i was awoken by a messenger bird of the Clan landing rather hard in the tree. The clumsy bastard had managed to dislodge me into the pond. Then Moonshatter, and the bird which i'd come to learn had been named Hurtling Boulder had a loud, excited reunion, resulting in a peppering of expletives from a neighbor's home..

Regardless, Boulder had a message scroll for me, which I took the time to read:

Surestep, Our fondest blessings to you, from Garlemald.

As usual, the empire persists in trying to stop us crossing lands we crossed for centuries before they were here. Abalathia still seems an age away, having to dodge the hail of magitek and metal across their dour, enslaved lands. But we persist, as Oschon wills us.

The Queen of Sil'dih speaks of the peace in Dravania. There have been whispers of the Stardowned revealing themselves, after a long absence. The clan will need new allies on the wing for the times ahead, Batbayar!

You were the Clutchward once, and as Surestep, you must act where we cannot. A bird of the night broods would be of benefit to the clan, and a stalwart ally on the path the Wanderer has chosen for you.

The Queen also asks that you send her love to her wayward daughter, and to remind her of the dilligence she expects from all of her young. She must help this new addition to the flock prepare for the trials ahead. Whether you take one of these birds into your care, or tack it for your companions, fill it with the spirit of the Clan.

May the Wanderer's path be true,

Sudden Glacier, Clutchward

So, lots of talk of responsibility and no tales of a good rumble. As disappointingly dry as a Glacier can be.. But the Stardowned are meant to be birds of high breeding, allies of the Clan of auld! I think I sense a solution to a certain someone's problems!

Dravania is hardly a place for the unprepared, however. I shall seek the council of my second family  before I seek to parley with the birds.. If i can even find them. At last, an adventure! Oschon has allowed my heels to rest too long.. Now, to convince the tall-folk this is all worth it.

Day 101

I’m searching for the perfect bird, as only I can.

I got in touch with the Clutchward and heard of the season’s hatchlings, fledglings and stand outs.. I also asked of Moonshatter’s siblings, to cease her constant asking! Such a proud family, to a fault..

But my sights are set on something special indeed. Something costly. I shall have to propose a deal. @keroascrazy

Day 98

Well, no one complained of getting deathly ill snd no one threw fists so not a bad pep up meal, all in all! I even manage to get the claw marks out of the countertop, without anyone noticing. Bloody Moonshatter was so fidgety.

Might have to do this more often. Though I might have to make some sort of giant cake to placate Suzi.. Strange lalafell.

Day 96

Everyone’s looking tired and radgy as of late. I’ve seen those looks before. The tired, the overworked.. Once more, the clan shall provide. Even though they’re not Clan, I think they deserve our hospitality.

So, a feast it is! The markets await, and I know a butcher who’ll cater to other cultures.. I’ll grab a few Paissa thighs, Morbol tentacles and Flatfish and enough animal fat to submerse them in.

As for booze? I’ve got some homebrewed brandy that one goldsmith swore could etch glass, cheeky bast. I was hoping to save it for when I got that bastard garlean that shot me, yet Oschon’s path does not yet allow me.

Twelve willing, we’ll finally get to Garlemald one day.

Day 95

Was told to clean the stables. Was also told it was ‘Poor form’ to empty the shit out onto other people’s lawns.

These cityfolk, I swear. They’ll keep things that shit in tiny little sheds and then get angry that a great deal of shit amasses. Baffling. I miss when Oschon’s calling was not in one place.There was less shovelling.

Day 94

Banpei and Moonshatter conspire against me. They know i’ve caught them embezzling from the garden, and mean to hide the evidence. For such tiny brained creatures, they can be as quick witted as any blackguard.. I shall confront them. Write more later.

Evening Entry:

Now own half dozen plume from both birds. Moonshatter went for the eyes, but she always goes for the eyes. Predictable, yet as violent as she needs to be! They were mere lovepecks. To the eyelid. Will inform masked woman of the source of her garden woes.