The Staircase Dark

I record this entry in shadowscript because I quite simply lack the strength to lift a quill.
I spent the better part of last evening leading two Tribemates deep into the odd place to
show them their loved ones who had passed on before. The journey made so many times proved to
be more difficult than I had anticipated as the Odd place's draw is very strong, and the deeper we went the more powerful it's fingers wrapped about them. That is the effect...once it has you, it does not want to let you go, and I spent a great deal of my energy insulating them from harm. I do believe they were aware of the dangers around them, but to their credit they followed as directed. The end result was well worth the pain I now endure and the fathers were instrumental in the success of this trek, rescuing both Tribemates when I collapsed from exhertion.

The spirits of the dead were amenable to meeting their living relative...after some prodding by me. Their concern...and rightly so was that it was a dangerous thing to bring the living to the land of the dead..they agreed only when I relayed the pain and suffering I found in the heart of their child...who was forced to bury her entire family. I must say, I am usually impassive during such meetings but the depth of emotion and joy touched my shadowed heart. I have buried my entire family and year after year I lay more to rest, so I can empathize with the grief that wells up within a person. However I saw genuine love for the first time in many, many years and my faith in the decency of the living has been renewed. I was also particularly impressed with the mate of the afflicted who was for lack of more colorful prose...willing to walk into the underworld for her beloved.

I did not mention it at the time, but I visited the burial site of the tribemate's honored dead, and blessed and consecrated it. It was my duty to do so, however in this endevour I must confess I took personal joy in such. As I sit in my chair watching the soft rain tapping on my window I wonder when my time comes, will someone lay flowers on my grave? I suppose I have many, many years to ponder that question, but for now I must rest and regain my strength...I have to prepare a ritual for another Tribemate on the next moon.