Day 8, Ashleigh's War Journal

Dear W.J.,

In the middle of the woods right now, looking for ettercap venom and...stinkweed? Slippery elm? Purple cone-flower? I should have paid more attention to the lessons of the High Botanist. I hope Laird wrote the name down down. It's been a fun few days, and even though we're in the middle of the woods, it's dark, we were just beset by about thirty rats (I took out--hmm--twenty-seven of them?) and betrayed by our doppelganger guides, I am more certain than ever that I am a Chosen One and a great destiny awaits me.

I have to admit that a lot of it has to do with getting away from that wretched island and being back in civilization--if that's what you want to call Malacar--AND getting to take a bath at the Spotted Lion. AND being away from the boys. Laird is no Eladrin Enthusiasm Squadette, but she's actually kinda fun, and we had a blast together while the boys idled around the marketplace and accomplished almost nothing. Laird and I, on the other hand, had the following great adventures together:

1. The adventure of the ivory comb, in which I purchased an ivory comb for Laird and surprised her with it.
2. The adventure of Jacamoolay's shop, in which we learned more about the mysterious seller of poisons, including the fact that she had an affair with the Lrod Mayor of Malacar. We also very subtly made offer of our adventuring services to her, so that I am sure she considers us very valuable heroes and perhaps even potentially great friends. No word of her son, however.
3. The adventure of the Mayor's lizard livestock, in which we decided not to participate in cleaning up after lizards.
4. The adventure of the nefarious guides, in which we are still participating. The guides led us to this very spot in the woods and abandoned us/led us into a rat-trap. I have no doubt that these are the same guides who attacked us on the beach disguised as Maleogre and Diane. We also saw them again in Jacamoolay's shop. We followed them here against MY better judgment, and have had our magic scroll stolen. NOTE TO SELF: Listen to better judgment ALWAYS.
5. The adventure of the baths and jasmine oil, in which we took baths after purchasing luxurious jasmine oil.