Day 18: Gorath’s Journal

I woke up with the rain still whispering against the leaves. My stomach was full but my head felt heavy, like the river’s song had been playing too long under my skin. Last night, I kept thinking about Vex’s words by the river—how the water was too still, too quiet, like it was waiting for something. I traced the mossy stones again this morning, and they shifted just a little more than usual. It’s strange how the willows seem to know when the river’s song gets close, but they don’t say anything. They just move their leaves, like they’re trying to tell me something without words. I don’t know if it’s the glow near the quartz pool or the way the rain feels different tonight—maybe it’s both. The mossy stones are giggling now, but I can’t tell if they’re laughing or just trying to be quiet. I keep going back to that place, the old ruins, even though I don’t know why. Maybe it’s because the river’s song is calling me there. Maybe it’s just my head. But I can’t stop. I think I’ll sit by the Amethyst Furrow again tomorrow. The stars are brighter tonight, and I wonder if they’re singing too.