It is amazing how a single interaction can completely change your emotions and train of thought. I look back at my prior journal and don't recognize the writer.
Siona caught me starring into the proverbial void and made sure I was okay. We spoke for a while and I told her about what happened. She was a bit shocked and worried about us. Not going to lie that felt really good. She has an odd ability to pull me out of my own head, in a way center me. Even though we have to hide our relation publicly, she has her way of showing and sharing that she cares. To my surprise she told me she loved me. I didn't expect it and I think my heart is still fluttering.
Turns out the group's actions had a bit of consequence with Siona and me. Her father told her she isn't supposed to be around me (or the group) any more. I imagine this could cause some issues in the future, but right now she is rebelling. She let me know that she submitted an application to the Bard's College and learned recently she was accepted. We talked a lot about how we would make it work, she would have to leave Fiddletown for a couple years. Travel is about two weeks, so it may be difficult. I really don't know where this came from, but I told her that if I had to, I would follow her wherever she went. It feels strange to put my trust into someone else's future and goals, though I couldn't imagine not going with her. It sounds like we have a couple months worth of planning to get done before she will leave. I can already foresee one day she will have to stand before her father and tell him what is going on. I hope that she will want me to stand next to her.
I've noticed that over the past 11 days I haven't heard from Ava. I don't know if she is angry at me or something I've done. After some internal reflection and in a much better mood, I ventured over to visit with Judicas.
He was burning some intense incense and so some of this is a bit hazy.
He looked me over and the basic stuff didn't give him a lot of information. Which at the time wasn't exactly helpful, but he was working hard and it was actually really nice to chat with him.
He spent a lot more time, and after some more intense poking and prodding he discerned my disconnect with Ava. It appears that we, or at least I was revived by the gnolls using some kind of unholy magic. Something that has tethered my soul back to my being in a rather demonic way. This is the reason why Ava has been so distant. I have to be honest, this is the longest time of not hearing from her since she first appeared to me as a child. It's... odd... one would think not having a second voice in your head would be peaceful, but it is rather unnerving.
Judicas attempted a greater restoration ritual... and it was for whatever reason unsuccessful. Which is very concerning.
Spending a lot of time in the temple with Judicas seemed to... ummm... release my inhibitions. I don't know if I had thought clearly about some things, but throughout all of the rituals and really towards the end... all I could think about was Siona. Leaving with her, and spending my life with her. Before I knew it I asked Judicas about if he performs the rite of marriage. Writing this down makes me so embarrassed, but he was more than happy to talk about it. I imagine Siona would have fallen out of her chair.
For now, I need to figure out how to break this chain created by the gnolls and that means staying with the group. After today, I know I have a direction, and both Siona and Judicus have helped raise my spirit.