Aurelia's Grand Adventure! or: How she came to join the party! Pt 1

Hercules suggested I buy a journal when I went into town today. He said it would help me in ways I have yet to understand on such a long task. So I suppose I should start at the beginning.

A few nights ago, around Day 119, Diana came to me. Most would call it a vision, but it is more real than that. She appears by your fire and shares in your food. As a follower of Diana, you take from the land only that which you need. When you share what you have, no matter how little, it is a way to honor Diana. The one exception is if a vile creature is harassing a village, then you must protect the village first. Of course, there are non-violent ways of ridding a village of pests, but I am digressing.

I have faithfully followed Diana since I was 15. Now, almost 15 years later, I am one of the hunters she approaches with some of her more daunting tasks. She knows me to be reliable and good at what I do. Even I was flabbergasted by what she asked of me. She owed Hercules a favor. From what I gather, a large favor. He has interest in a group fighting evil from the sea. Diana has asked me to go and aid in the looming battle.

And so it was, earlier today I set forth from the mountains outside Turino. Lucrezia and I entered the town. I had to get special permission for Lucrezia to accompany me to the Druid Grove. I also had to leash and muzzle her when I went into the shops to acquire ink and a journal. Poor Lucrezia. She is not used to being leashed and muzzled, she usually waits for me outside the town. My only other option was to leave her behind. She is my faithful companion and also beloved of Diana. Where I go, she goes.

Diana had arranged with the Druids to send me to Izmir through some sort of magic I have not seen before. They opened a door in a tree, we walked through, and were in Izmir's Druid Grove. The Druids in Izmir are not followers of Diana, but all the Druids I have met have deep respect for any Deity of the Wild. Oddly enough, I have found out that in a way, that includes Bacchus, since his followers include Druids with amazing abilities to grow various plants.

The Druids directed us to an inn where Lucrezia would at least be welcome to stay in my room. I left her there, unmuzzled and unleashed, while I went and gathered some supplies. I had brought most of my own supplies, including my bow and armour, but required things like trail rations, et cetera. Not knowing the area in which I am about to travel, I am not sure what sort of hunting and gathering there will be to sustain me and Lucrezia.

From what Hercules has told me so far, his disciple in the group is one called Alcander, who very much resembles Hercules. Interest in the group is also given by Pelor, the Sun God. As long as Pelor does not spout poetry like Apollo, sweet Diana's brother, I believe I will get along with his followers at least enough to fight along side them.

I must turn in now. Lucrezia and I have an early start in the morning. We have a long distance to travel and a vague destination. Hercules has promised to let us know when we are there. He said he may not know it until he sees it. This should be an interesting journey.