Journal No 7

23 December
O Captain My Captain

It seems the holidays are almost upon us, I've many a seasonal tune as I've passed through town. We've been so lost in our studies that the time seems to have flown by.
It was during one of my wanderings that i came across a rather strange situation outside the Wild Man. Miss Amber, and as I have heard them called, members of the White Clan seemed to have become involved in some sort of..altercation. Miss White warned Miss Amber to not put her into another trance. Interesting little bit of gossip there I must say. I should stop by the gypsy encampment one of these days and see the truth in Miss White's words. I think there was also mention of the gypsy delusion over gods that are feared. Intriguing notion. Anyways, Amber took a few steps back and waved a piece fennel about and spoke in that old tongue of hers. I heard her later explain to Sir Cromwell that she worked a circle of protection. This intrigues me greatly, and is a subject that bears more research. Of course if it comes to blows between them I think they have enough sense to meet at the Cockpit so others will at least have a chance to wager on the outcome.
There seems to be some crisis dealing with the coal situation. Some blame the village's population growth as the source of the problems. The townsfolk have strong feelings weather or not to chop-down some of the Raven Woods to provide fuel for the winter. I have to admit my knee-jerk reaction is to tell them all to bundle up. While I can understand the need for warmth, I am not sure how I feel about..desecrating the Wood. There was a news clipping I saw the other day that mentioned The Deep Pit mine had an explosion. I am fear this will not bode well for the coal prices in the near future. I have enclosed a few news clippings on the matter My writings seem to drift to speak of Miss Amber. Perhaps it is because I spend too much time at The Wild Man. It was during one of these visits that Miss Ambers seemed to utter a bit of Prophecy. I hope I have penned her words correctly...
"That cold bright night of Blodmonath, whilst the full moon bathed my naked body, linden tree staff to guide my way... "Oh Goatswood, beware! Upon you, O people shall come sore trial. for see, it is upon you that the battle of Light and Darkness shall soon descend. For you, o Goatswood, are the nexus, you are the center of all ley lines. And what shall happen here, shall effect the whole world. The battle lines are drawn. And upon what side shall you sit"
Interesting. I rather enjoyed the bit about Goatswood being a sort of nexus. As for where the battle lines are drawn, well I have to say mine own interests come first and foremost. A consequence of being all too human.
Had the pleasure of meeting up with Colonel Amberton at the Manor lounge. The conversation, i am sure was delightful, although I find myself unable to recall the details. As always I blame the over indulgence of smoke.
Speaking of smoke, where there is smoke there is often fire. I think the situation between the White clan and select members of The Wild Man has grown..tense. Miss Lauren making mention of cursing the local cider, Innkeep Ada and Miss Rhona doing their best to keep a professional demeanor in light of what some would claim is superstitious nonsense. Still if the cream goes sour, or the cider flat folks might go looking in Miss Lauren's direction
Let's see...that brings us to the Written Words Storytelling competition over at the Wild man. As far as I am concerned the event was a success! Everyone seemed to be enjoying the tales and such tales that were told. I shall have to add the rough copies that I made so as to not forget such talent. The votes showed Miss Amber to have taken first place with her tale and Miss Rhona placing second. I think, the next time the Written Word holds an event that perhaps it would be wise to start earlier in the day. If memory serves with all the tales told it lasted almost three hours.