Heartless

Chapter 3 - Part 4

22 Frostfall, 4E 197
Journal,
Ziri is battling the Lycanthropy well, and I have almost made enough money to take her to the temple of Kynareth for healing. I only gained her back yesterday, and I can only hope she can continue fighting. Whiterun is peaceful, now that I have been released. I still hold regret in my heart for how Ziri was treated while I was locked away.

My deepest wishes,
Shadow

1 Rain's Hand, 4E 198
Journal,
Ziri is weakening, and I fear for her life as her strength is beginning to fail. I took her to the temple of Kynareth yesterday and they told me she had no chances. I just want to believe my little sister won't leave me in this world on my own. I don't want to die, but if Ziri goes I might not have it in me to keep living.

My tears,
Shadow

9 Last Seed, 4E 199
Journal,
18:00 exactly was when Ziri took her last breath. I am packing up and joining one of the Caravans this evening, for Whiterun will only fuel my depressing thoughts. More than once has my mind turned to Skooma, but I will not cave to such temptations. What will they think of me?

My pieces,
Shadow

31 Morning Star, 4E 200
Journal,
Dro'Marsh is leading us to Whiterun from Windhelm today. I hope I don't have to see young Ziri's grave while we are there, but at least I will be able to provide shelter in my lonely little home in the plains. Oh Ziri, why did you have to leave me? Not even the Moon Sugar can dull my pain for you any longer.

My thoughts,
Shadow

19 Second Seed, 4E 200
Journal,
We once again returned to Whiterun, and I burned down our little cottage in the plains. Ever since then the nightmares have stopped, and Ziri has stopped invading my dreams. My birthday is in a few months, but it won't be the same without you, Zirishalk. I'm leaving the caravan tomorrow.

My loss,
Shadow

15 Sun's Height, 4E 200
Journal,
I've made thousands in coin! I swore I would never turn to Thievery again but I can't help myself. I've discovered I have a particular talent for Jailbreaking, and I just got back from breaking out another Jailbreaker in High Rock. High Rock is beautiful, and for the first time in a while, Ziri has not shadowed my thoughts.

My joy,
Shadow

31 Frostfall, 4E 200
Journal,
Maven Black-Briar hired me today to perform a no-strings-attached Jailbreak for a member of the Thieves Guild. I had half a mind to flat out refuse, but the 5000 gold she paid upfront sealed the deal, and I'd rather get my other 5000 than cross Maven.

My lockpick,
Shadow

20 Evening Star, 4E 200
Journal,
The year is almost out, and I have gone back to missing Ziri. I am fortunate that my Jailbreaking skills have come of good use and have gotten me lots of coin. Skooma is becoming more expensive these days, and my last thousand was spent on three unusually large bottles from my Argonian friend, Gulum-Ei.

Best for a new year,
Shadow

I fanned my face and stepped out onto my balcony, welcoming the cool night air against my sticky fur. I sighed and leaned against the balcony, Journal in hand and memories in my mind. It was now the first of Rain's Hand, three months after my last journal entry. I decided I should probably record what I had been doing lately.

1 Rain's Hand, 4E 201
Journal,
Oh how things have changed! From the cinders of our old cottage arises my new abode, bigger and better than anything Ziri and I could have built. I'm retired from the life of a Jailbreaker, and I think I'll live happily from now on. It won't hurt to keep my skills sharp though, and I'd better make sure I fletch some more arrows. Some of the Whiterun game can be tough to kill. Currently,

What was going on currently? Well I was slowly making my home an inn... No, I wouldn't put that. Dipping my quill back in my ink pot, I crossed out "Currently" and finished my letter.

Best,
Shadow