Journal of Tren tetsui:

Entry 1: (broken writing of young child) My father told me to grab this journal. He
said that the old man didn�t need it while we were robbing him and that it would be
good to help me with my writing. Don�t know why I need it. I don�t think I�ll ever
need to write much but father insists that I get good at it.
Entry 2: Father has been teaching me many things lately. Maybe he sees how skilled
I am and will appreciate my help more. So far, he has taught me how to fight with
all manner of blades and how to mark my prey. He taught me how to divert someone�s
attention with one hand and rob them with the other. I was able to get that one on
the first try.
Entry 3: I�m tired of waiting around while my father goes off and gets the big
marks. How does he not understand that I can help him? Why can�t he trust me to be
by his side during the heists. I�ll show him how good I am. I marked my target
today and I�ll hit his home tonight. This will be easy.
Entry 4: (erratic writing) They saw me. I don�t know why but a sudden wind hit and
threw off my hood. They saw my beak. They know it was me. I must warn father when
he gets back.
Entry 5: They took him. They said that he robbed that noble. He told me before they
came that I needed to hide. I don�t know what to do. He�s gone and it�s all my
fault.
Entry 6: It�s been a few years since I wrote in this journal. I had tucked it away
and ran from this place when my father was taken. I�m glad I found it again. I�ve
been getting by mostly. My skill as a thief was unmatched where I went, and I
needed a new place to stretch my legs. I thought �what better place than my old
home�. I tried to see if father was still alive. That�s a no go, place is a
fortress. Maybe I�ll see him one day. Maybe he will forgive me one day.
Entry 7: In all my years I have never witness such beauty. I first heard her voice
outside the charity grounds early this morning. Her accent reminded me of my
father, but her voice flowed like sweet honey. I must find out her name. maybe I
can ask her tomorrow.
Entry 8: I was able to get her name, and she wants to see me again! I don�t think I
have ever been this excited in all my life. She told me that she serves one of the
gods across the sea and that she came to bring healing to those who need it. Her
name is Asuka Hibari.
Entry 9: I have been distracted lately. I�ve lost my mark more times than I can
count and all I can think about is her. I stumbled so hard on my words today when
she brought up what she thought about thieves. The regret I feel for what I have
done with my life is boundless. I hope that I can fix this before she finds out
that I am exactly what she hates. Hopefully she doesn�t already know.
Entry 10: how could this have happened. She caught me in the middle of the act. How
was I supposed to know that she was asked by that noble for healing? Things could
not be worse. She will never speak to me again. THIS CAN NOT BE HAPPENING!
Entry 11: she came to me and asked me directly about last night. I could not look
her in the eyes. I told her it was. But she didn�t leave, instead she embraced me.
She told me that if I leave this place with her and start a new life that she would
forgive me. With tears in her eyes she made me swear on our love that I would never
steal again. I said yes. how could I not? We leave for Ishlansai in two days.
Hopefully the water agrees with me.
Entry 12: Its been sometime since I have written in this book. Found it under a
pile of old clothes. My wife and I have been farming a plot of land given to me by
her father. Its not the most enjoyable thing in the world, but I get to be with
her, so it doesn�t matter. All that matters are her and my soon to be child.
Entry 13: It�s a boy. We decided to name him Murai. He is a Tengu like me and he
reminds me of my father in how he looks. I could not be more proud than I am today.
Entry 14: the land seems to be getting harder and harder to farm. More and more of
the crop seems to die before the harvest. I must not be doing this right. I will
seek advice from Asuka�s father and see if I can fix this.
Entry 15: Asuka�s labour is not going smoothly. The midwife asked me to step out
and wait until they were done delivering the baby. I can�t help but think that she
hasn�t been eating enough. When she makes our meals, her bowl seems a bit less full
than my own or my sons. It does not help that tension seems to be growing between
the Yajunin (beast people) and the humans. I remember hearing something happening
to the emperor when I was selling stock in town. I�m not sure what it was though. I
want my sons to be able to grow up strong and to do that they need to be safe. They
will not live through a childhood like mine, I will NOT allow it.
Entry 16: She is gone. Weak from malnutrition and she died while I was in town.
There was nothing I could do for her. Kuroki and Murai are beside themselves. I
don�t have the luxury or mourning. I need to see that my sons are taken care of.
There seems to be violence happening between the humans and Yajunin lately. This
place is no longer safe. I think they will be safe in Arboetha. I remember tales
my father would tell me of the schools in the capitol. They know the common tongue
there well enough and will be able to get by, but the problem will be acquiring the
money for it. I have little coin and doubt I will stumble upon great opportunity.
I�m sorry Asuka, but I will have to break our vow. Please forgive me when I see you
in the next life.
Entry 17: all has gone well. I found a wealthy mark and was able to grab a little
more than I needed to make sure my sons could be taken care of at the Lindenford
school for young men. While expensive, this place is one of the best places for
young children to grow. I couldn�t ask for anything more.

� you say you found this in his hut? Good it has all the leverage we need. Find out
who these two sons of his are and make sure he knows that we know. This thief has
some skill and we are going to put it to good use��