I expect there will be many official meetings in my future, to discuss certain findings. But those are words for another time. For now I will simply take comfort in the results.

Today I take myself to a neighbouring market for supplies and to establish the foundation for more regular trade between them. One merchant to another, this should be easy… Even with a large cart in tow.

But then, even in retirement, anywhere I go there is the possibility I’m recognised and sought out for guidance. To a certain extent, the same has happened here. But I am content to remain as only a resident.

Of course I would. You and your brother, together or separate, are welcome any time. My tasks with the town are not obligations. They are donations of my time as I see fit. It’s no responsibility I need to balance with seeing family.

But we may meet again for the new year, yes. I would like that very much. Until then I will see what my town might need assistance with. The community work, the meal prep, it is not so demanding. And preparing these larger portions does soothe my soul some.

For how much time has passed since their introduction, I find that hard to believe… It does concern me. But Tristepin is capable enough to handle further investigations. I cannot let myself think too much about it, or I’ll be inclined to make it my problem too. For my own sake, not yet. Not yet…

But it’s strange, some were not titled or contained in items I recognise. I expected them to all be catalogued by now.

I will leave that to him and his…son. For now I am retiring for the year.

Not that Tristepin seemed to notice. I suppose that’s for the better… But despite myself, I went with him to investigate these rumours of an uptick in rowdy Shushu. Yes, we did find some, and taught them a thing or two.

Perhaps a good excuse as any to get back in touch with Tristepin…

Reincarnation is a regular occurrence here. But if it’s the same for Shushu, that’s unknown. These “evil” spirits are apart from those in the regular cycle, belonging elsewhere.

Excessive condolences aren’t necessary. Though he was in my care, we weren’t close. What I regret is not actually being there when it happened. One evening he was there. Today I returned inside, and he was gone. But such is the way of these things. No, what bothers me is the memory it has brought.

Hm.

This thing Shushu do, departing like regular people do, I don’t understand it much. They are only souls, brought into the material world and put into objects, and so you would not expect them to die again. The last time I saw it happen, it was…not many years ago.

Repetition is the basis of any good pupil. Atch was the same in his earlier years. I trained with him from time to time too, so I know a thing or two about pacing and what to look for, yes. I’m no expert in spears and lances, but you will be in good hands all the same.

Often my kids teased me, saying I embodied the spirit of the holiday too much. Maybe they were jealous, or maybe they were right. Altruism was never my goal. But no good kid should go without that comfort, or live to never experience it at least once.

It’s healing, somewhat, getting to cook for so many again, when I was recently lamenting the opposite.

Next time I will bring chocolates for the pantry in light of these colder months. This tradition I extended to the orphanage too. It may be time I pay them another visit.

Train for now. I will look into introducing you to the appropriate merchants and tutors when the time comes. The means are available. But the process is expensive... You’d be better off finding your ideal weapon before you commit to having one converted.

It’s worth a try once you are more comfortable with a base spear. I will watch your progress, and even offer to spar, if you wish. The practise may be beneficial in its own way. For both of us…