Journal of Tren Tetsui:

Entry 1: (broken writing of young child) My father(Eiji Tetsui) 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…”