Property of Thomas

We...well.

Apparently I turned into a magpie, thanks to that horrible ring. I know I've been neglecting you, Journal, in my work and in my exploration of the Nexus - but I will try not to be so bad at keeping you up to date.

Basically... this weird ring appeared in the Sanctuary when Kyon and I were looking for a game. I - I had this sudden urge to put it on, and when I did, it said it would help me with the castle, and that Kyon was not really a friend. I tried to tell him wrong, but when Kyon grabbed for it, now that I looked back, because he was sure something was wrong, I believed it.

Then it did things to my memory, twisting it - like somehow I never lived in Budehuc itself, running it, instead, I was roosting in a tree, and - like I wasn't human at all. I thought we got rid of the ring.

Then it reappeared in my tea cup, I remember fighting with several people for it.

Then... uhm realizing that Kyon was holding me, and I had no clothes on!

I do not want to go through this again!

Dear Journal,

Sorry I haven't wrote in here for a long time, but things have been so busy.

I went to Vinay del Zexay with the letter and ring, just as Mother asked me to - and I met the man in question. I... should have known better then to expect a warm welcome. He took a look at the ring, and the letter and he went white as a sheet!

He said he had something for me, I stood there while he was going through the drawers, muttering to himself - mostly about me. I suspected he forgot I was standing here, which is nothing new. When I was about ready to go back to the Inn and wait for a summons, he found something.

Apparently whatever it was that mother wrote agitated him so greatly that he immediately found an open post for me at this Budehec Castle. It was clear by how he talked that this wasn't for my sakes, how that my post 'would solve two problems at once', and that I should leave immediately.

Can't dawdle in the city. Figures, I'm always in someone's way and I shouldn't stay where I'm not welcomed. I bought supplies and quickly headed out. I have to admit it was terrifying, having to flee from rune-knows-how-many beasts along the way, and I was constantly rained on for the first half of the trip, but I pressed on.

According to a passing man, the castle should be within a day's reach.