Weathered Journal

[Cypher]

Property of the Library of Cear
The second day of the second academic month:

First entry.

Upon the insistence of my father and my teachers I have begun to record my thoughts. With constant introspection and contemplation, I may better myself and learn from past mistakes and successes. This journal will help achieve that goal of self-betterment. Each day, I will record any notable deeds I may have committed, and reflect on the time spent in between each entry. To my future self, and my enlightened readers: keep your goal in sight, remember the Gods and your place, work hard, and strive to be your best.

Classes were slow today. The company of Fredric and Thomson did little to lighten the mood; talking is not allowed during sessions. This hollow, stony academy feels like a cell. It drains my energy. I sustain my spirit with the knowledge that my trials are soon over, and I will be able to fully enjoy life shortly.

I completed my studies for this week, half a day ahead of schedule. I will spend my newly acquired free time at my leisure in the courtyard.

[Cypher]

The third day of the second academic month:

Fredric was caught in the food hall minutes after midday meal hour by magistrate Hector today. He received five raps across his right hand knuckles. It will be a week before he can use that hand for writing again. Until then, he says, he will learn to use his left hand.

I performed poorly on the light reflection examination. Magistrate Velund is disappointed with me and assigned me more chores. The Kathlund theory is beyond me. This coming week will be spent solely with that theory in mind. I must dedicate more time to such contemplation.

My studies in theology and botany are progressing well. I am in good standing with several of the theological magistrates of the academy, especially magistrate Varda and understudy Thorn, of Peralia and Farallis respectively. It is my hope that my studies continue as proficiently.

[Cypher]

Sixth day of the second academic month:

Rain is pouring down, and there is no end in sight. The weather has been rough for the past two days and likely to continue for at least another two. I have not seen Fredric or Thomson since the rain began. I heard from an associate understudy that Fredric had come down with a cold. I do not know of Thomson's whereabouts.

An Orator of Etoth is visiting the academy for a month. I have yet to introduce myself privately, but I have been told to keep personal interactions to a minimum. The Orator's visit meant the beginning of our studies of Imperial law. Yesterday was the introductory lesson. I am eagerly looking forward to learning more from a person of such high standing.

Magistrate Hector and I are writing a compendium about the Cuhannan "redsoot" plant for the Imperial Botanist Society. I am acting as magistrate Hector's assistant and editor. If all goes well, our research may be published in the second treatise on exotic flora. If that happens I may request a letter of recommendation. I am pouring myself over this work with high hopes, unperturbed by the weather.

[Cypher]

Eleventh day of the second academic month:

Fredric's flu worsened over the course the last three days. He is now constantly bedridden, watched over by an understudy. I have been told that his family has been informed and may be visiting. The storm has passed, but the weather caused mass flooding. Peasants from nearby villages have come to the academy, seeking high ground and shelter. The coming winter may prove much harsher as a result of this disaster.

Thomson has returned. He spent the past week being tutored in language and foreign customs. It appears he may aspire to become a diplomat. Now that he is back, I may finally have someone to converse with.

My studies have paid off with interest. I mastered the Kathlund theory and performed very well in reflection seminars. As a result, my standing with magistrate Velund has improved significantly. I no longer receive menial tasks. Instead, I have been offered minor administrative positions in the botany wing. I wrote of this to my father in my latest letters home.

The Orator of Etoth has nearly completed his tutoring at the academy. Final reviews of Imperial law are upcoming. Fortunately, this is a topic close to my heart. I have little doubt I will perform less than satisfactory.

[Cypher]

Twelfth day of the second academic month:

Recently, all my leisure time has been spent in the courtyard. I acquired a copy of a new book from the library, and have been reading it at night, past curfew. My studies will not be adversely affected; it is good that I have found some enjoyment aside from mindless chatter with associates.

Fredric is still ill in bed.

The Orator of Etoth departed with a small ceremony after the final law examinations. I performed well enough to rank among the highest percentile. However, my overall performance has slipped. I fell short of my expectations for mathematics and language. Father will not be pleased.

[Cypher]

Thirteenth day of the second academic month:

Things have settled back into the old rhythm: classes and chores throughout the day, with breaks for meals and fresh air. No notable visitors aside from from family members and substitute magistrates. The weather is back to normal. A few clouds dot the gray sky. The air is cool today.

Observed the gardener earlier. The courtyard is in excellent condition. That old man looks peaceful when he works. I think botany is the right path for me. Hopefully the compendium magistrate Hector and I wrote will catch the attention of some important people.

[Cypher]

Fifteenth day of the second academic month:

In my letters to Father I spoke of my success with Imperial law and botany, and possible official recognition for the compendium on redsoot plants. But I believe such fleeting successes will be overshadowed by my shortcomings. Father has never been a lenient person.

Fredric's family visited the academy earlier. I shared only a brief word with his father before they retreated into the infirmary. Mister Bradley seemed a firm and sensible man. I did not sense any of the impatience or aggressiveness of my Father from him.

My studies today consisted of applied mathematics and engineering. An understudy of war taught machinery and physics while magistrate Sardan was out on official business in the capital.

I would like to visit it someday. The capital.

[Cypher]

Twentieth day of the second academic month:

The nights have started becoming longer now. Yesterday was the last ceremony to ward off darkness, before next Nuheims. The whole academy gathered in the communion temple for prayer. A priest of Coloth and the resident acolyte of Culnul held opening speeches and made offerings. I doubt there was one person in the crowd who was not uncomfortable.

Fredric recovered over the weekend. His family departed a while after he showed signs of improvement. Him and I spent midday meal hour together and shared a word about the letters we have written and received. Thomson is still in private tutoring.

The more aristocratic pupils of the academy held their own fencing tournament two days ago. Some sons of minor nobles allegedly pooled their resources to pay the tuition of the winner. A young man by the name of Alexander Campbell went undefeated and took home the grand price. I do not think he needed the money, based on his reputed heritage as the son of a trader-turned-noble.

I am set to meet with a priest of Iaosia in a few days time. Magistrate Hector is coordinating the meeting to further my education in botany and natural science. As a side note, I undertook cartography courses on Father's advice.

[Cypher]

Twenty-third day of the second academic month:

The priest of Iaosia arrived early yestermorning. The name was John Rothwild. A severe man, for an Iaosian. He arrived by foot, in contrast to all other visitors who arrive by carriage or horseback. It is quite a treck up the hillside. Shameful as it may be for an academy such as ours, our roads are not equally as well-maintained as, say, Brigmoore or Inning. I suppose the maintenance expenses end up lining administrative pockets...

I have yet to make proper acquaintance with the honored Sir Rothwild. There has simply been no time for extra-curricular activities, including one ordained by magistrate Hector. Natural philosophy studies intertwined with practical application of mathematics and engineering. Magistrate Sardan demonstrated the use of war machines and all teams later built their own for the competition tomorrow.

Thomson and I are in the orange team; Fredric ended up in the yellow team. He stands no chance against us.

[Cypher]

Twenty-fourth day of the second academic month:

While my orange team did not win the war machine tournament, we placed in the respectable third place. I would have settled for any spot below that, as long as it was ahead of the yellow team, which incidentally placed twelfth and last. Fredric shall never heard the end of this.

Exhausted as I may be from the preparation involved in a tournament the likes of which we held today, I still had the honor of acquainting with sir Rothwild of Ineania. He insisted I not call him "Sir", but informality feels quite inappropriate with a man of his standing.

After evening meal hour, Sir Rothwild and I discussed philosophy and theology. While his feelings seem difficult to discern, I believe he was pleased to hear of my family's association with Farallis. To accommodate an extra one and a half hours of tutoring, I will have to sacrifice half of morning meal hour and rise earlier than normal.

I doubt I will get much sleep for the rest of the semester.

[Cypher]

Twenty-sixth day of the second academic month:

I feel drained. I can barely keep my eyes open. These last two days passed by so agonizingly slow, I almost thought time had stopped. I met Sir Rothwild in the horticultural greenhouse before sunrise yestermorning. He tutored me in soil fertilization, humidity, eco-balance, and the proper amount of sunlight for varying species of non-blooming flowers and ferns.

It took me one and a half notebooks to properly record my private studies and all scheduled lectures from yesterday through to this evening. In total, the combined height of all my notes stacked on top of each other reaches up to my waist.

Earlier this morning, Sir Rothwild and magistrate Hector both tutored me further in average temperature fluctuations during the day/night cycle in the warmer months. The local flora's adaptation to rapidly declining temperature on summer nights is astounding. Even lifeforms as simple as plants are hardier than one expects. It may not seem fascinating, but I am continuously intrigued by nature's ingenuity.

There has not been much time to spend with my friends. All my attention is focused on the final stretch of studies now that the semester is winding down, and my graduation approaches.

[Cypher]

Thirtieth day of the second academic month:

The academic period is ending, on the cusp of Newyear. The days are cold, and the nights are long. Spending my time studying by candlelight. I will put the last material to mind before I submit my final work on cartography and horticulture to Magistrate Sardan and Sir Rothwild respectively.

Magistrate Hector has fallen ill with fever. It seems to be the same sickness that afflicted Fredric. This comes only a day after the news that the Imperial Botanist Society rejected our compendium on the Redsoot plant. The shock must have been too much for my mentor. Magistrate Varda of Peralia even spent the night at the side of Magistrate Hector's bed, in case he should receive the Blessed Gift. I keep him in my prayers.

My professional career has been set back significantly by the Imperial Botanist Society's decision. I am unsure of how to proceed. It seems my future as a horticulturalist will be cut short.

Thomson left the academy yesterday, days early of the final ceremony. I believe he got word of problems at home. Fredric is equally as busy as I, so we have not had the chance to speak with one another for some time. Unlike Thomson, I have not received any correspondence from Father, despite the letters I have sent. I feel alone.

The Last Day of Nuheims in the year 618 MR, the 24th year of the reign of Emperor Marcus IV.

[Cypher]

First Day of Thaheims in the year 619 MR, the 25th year of the reign of Emperor Marcus IV:

It is late evening, the day after Newyear. The graduation ceremony has been held at the academy. I received two diplomas: one in natural science, and the other for cartography. Father's wish for me has been fulfilled, at the expense of my own aspirations. Regardless, my future is that much more predictable.

My room is dark and empty. All belongings have been packed and many colleagues have already traveled home. I could not say farewell to Fredric. It is cold.

I know now why I had not received letters from home. Father had requested all correspondence to me withheld until after my work had been submitted. Three letters in total. The latest informed me of my arranged marriage to the daughter of a tailor. I will meet her immediately upon my return home.

[Cypher]

Seventh Day of Thaheims

I have arrived home after six days of travel by carriage and sporadic visits to inns and a hayloft. Mother and sister greeted me upon my return and had a servant carry my bags indoors. Father was absent with work and I have yet to meet the girl I am supposedly to wed.

Dinner meal is over and I am once again situated in my own room. I remember the smell of this house very fondly. Father still has not returned, he may be back tomorrow morning. He will surely wish to discuss my education and career going forward. Also, my not-far-off marriage to Elda Lucilius.

It is now night, and my room is back to its old self. The clothes have been put away, the carpets are back, and the curtains have been withdrawn. Father paid for a new workbench for me, upon which I may practice my cartography. I have to make a note of purchasing new quills and higher quality ink and dye. And to wear dark shirts..

[Cypher]

Eighth Day of Thaheims

Woke up before sunrise, and could not go back to sleep. I find it difficult to sleep in my own bed after so many months at the Academy. Spent the time before breakfast at my work desk, improving my calligraphy out of boredom, and spilled ink on my night shirt.

Ate my first breakfast at home in the company of Petra. Again I had to eat for two; my sister never did have any appetite. I have missed her smile and the gossip she overhears at the amateur poetry readings she frequents. The melody of her voice puts me at ease better than the atmosphere of this town. She is a true noble lady, born of common blood. If ever there was a lady worthy of a Lord's attention, it would be Petra.

Father arrived not long ago. We spoke at length of my education. He said he was proud of my achievements, but internally I believe he thinks I could have accomplished more. Perhaps that is true. It is difficult to live up to a Father's expectations when I would much rather spend the day doting on my sister than provide maps of trails for snot-nosed, drooling noblemen too eager for foxhunts to appreciate craftsmanship or the complexity of native geography.