September 30th, 2945
We had Lord and Lady Gaffan visit us this morning. Lady Gaffan seems to have taken quite a liking to Maeva. However, she does not seem quite so willing to adopt two other Fostolfr sisters or their brother. Maeva is very much loved by their family and while they may believe she will be happy with Lord and Lady Gaffan, Maeva will protest in the parting even though she has grown quite attached to Lord and Lady Gaffan. Perhaps if they come again, I will suggest regular visits to her sisters and brother to be scheduled. This might make it possible for the adoption to take place and Lady Gaffan to be with the child she has grown so fond of.
October 2nd, 2945
I was going through the books again today and I'm afraid we may come up short this month in funds. The manor house is starting to show signs of wear once more and I can't seem to scrape together enough money with local charities. This has caused me to look fondly upon the olden days once more, when I could manage the books with little difficulty and if I came up short one month, the town would somehow come through in one form or another. That was before we became so constant that we have practically been forgotten. I fear even my inquiries into allowing for a larger stipend has been lost within the paperwork. I miss the monthly visits of our Lady Gracera, but its been several years since she has held those ever since Lord Smat returned from his voyages. Oh dear, I must check myself from becoming bitter and ungrateful. They have both done much for this place and for this I am happy. I just need a bit more gold this month.
October 14th, 2945
We celebrated Kirsten's third birthday today. Everyone gathered around and we sang together while she laughed in delight and then proceeded to run around the room like a possessed child. Every time I gaze down at her, I feel saddened for I know she will probably never know life outside this place. I've noticed Cordula has the same expression on her face when gazing down at her on occasion. However, I also know she is very fond of the child and spends many an hour playing with her after giving her lessons to the other children. I thank the heavens for allowing the children to grow into such wonderful adults. Well, except for Azad Khudayar whom I still hear is aboard a pirate ship. He always was a feisty child.
October 16th, 2945
I was awaken late last night to an odd sound that I would have dismissed as the wind had not three other children and Ms. Kargolsh saying that they heard a similar sound. It was as though someone was whispering to me though I could not understand. Accompanying this sound the entire time was a small cry and drew into a note that seemed to come from a song. It sent chills throughout my body but I saw nothing when I went out to investigate. However, I did see Emilio outside of his room while I was wandering the halls. I would have thought it was a practical joke if it had been Adamu or Michel but I know Emilio would not do something like that. He also was rather dreamy-eyed when I found him as though caught within a daze. I carried him off to bed and stayed until he drifted off. Perhaps it is just this month. They say it is one full of ghostly spirits.
October 22nd, 2945
I almost laughed when I read my last log. Sometimes ones nerves can get the best of one. It makes me somewhat glad that no one reads these beside myself. They would probably claim me as a foolish person indeed. Today I had the pleasure of introducing Eona to one of the local seamstresses. They seem to be getting along fabulously and I hope that it might bring to fruition a wonderful partnership. Eona has expressed an interest in returning to the shop and perhaps she may take upon an apprenticeship. I will be sad to see her leave but I'm glad she has found something she enjoys.
October 23rd, 2945
Perhaps I was not quite so foolish as I thought when placing my last entry. I was awoken late in the night to a song warbling through the air. It seemed to entrance me whilst simultaneously sending shivers throughout my body. I gazed across my bedchamber and I thought I saw a shadow move as the moonlight seemed to twitter. I curled up under my sheets like a frightened child and then I realized who I was once again and cast my eyes around the room. It was then I heard a gentle knock upon my door. It was Roselia and Sollilja. Roselia was almost in tears as she embraced my legs while letting the tears fall. I took both of them in and comforted them as Roselia spoke of a voice that beckoned her to come. She was almost out of the door before her sister caught her. It was then she heard the song that sent them both flying to my room. After hearing this, I took both of them in hand and explored the whole of the manor to assure them it was safe. While I might have quelled their fears, I still felt my heart fluttering as I pondered over the possibility. By the end of the walk, they were both quite tired and so went promptly to sleep. Throughout the day, I heard various versions of the story whispered about until I had to force these rumors to stop before too many of the children become frightened. I only wish it were that easy for myself.
October 24th, 2945
Several of the children expressed the desire to have some of the teacher's sleep in their rooms during the night lest the ghost were to return. The younger ones were particularly adamant while the boys seemed to showcase their bravery by volunteering to watch after the girls' rooms and keep regular posts throughout the night. While I doubt this will be necessary, I think it shows a great deal of character in the boys to do such a thing. I would have thought they would be prone to teasing but I found this was not the case. It was later discovered the reason for this was because several of the boys also witnessed the haunting voice so they knew it was not a whim of the girls. Tonight they can stand guard. If anything it will give them something to be proud about.
October 25th, 2945
Last night passed without little show except for a few arguments between the boys and one practical joke where they stole baking powder from the kitchen and replaced the soap of Valdis Fostolfr. I had to spend most of the morning trying to track down the culprit and punish him as well as wash all remnants of the baking powder out of her hair. I think that from now on I'm going to ignore any act of heroism and simply let the ghost get to us.
October 31st, 2945
All Hollows Eve… It passed with little collision though I had prepared for some run in with some form of practical joke as they have been popping up at regular intervals now. Most seemed to be directed toward Roselia, who was insistent about hearing the voices and song for so long. After much teasing, she has withdrawn her previous venture and grown very quiet. None of my urgings seem to help nor my scolding of those who tease her so. It's been over a week since the incident and Valdis is still scowling about the baking powder while Michel I know is proud of himself despite his protestations when I cornered him with a paddle. It never is very effective on him and I'm starting to question its usefulness again. Even though I spent most of the day telling the children there was nothing to worry about this evening, I still found myself checking the corners and behind the wardrobe when I finally readied myself to sleep.
November 5th, 2945
Lord and Lady Gaffan came to visit Maeva once again. I was starting to wonder if they would be coming or if they had lost interest in the child. However, I know that is not so since they seem almost willing to take in the other children as well. Lord Gaffan is still quite weary about taking in four children at once and one that is a developing woman. I feel as though the child's charm may win out in the end. I will miss her if she does find a home. It will not be the first child that has left nor will it be the last. I am only fortunate that Cordula and Aldous remained with us. I also have an inkling that Cordula will one day have the last name of Welliver after observing them together on several occasions. Their love has been long in blossoming but it would not be the first time I have seen such things here.
November 9th, 2945
It seems that I'm never too far from financial difficulty. The butcher is complaining once again to the cook about our bill that we have left unpaid for the past three weeks. I tried to quell him with the promise that we will pay in full by the end of the week but he does not believe me. I guess the thought of hungry children no longer has the effect it once did. I looked through our books and realized that we do not have the money to pay him in full by the end of the week. I wonder what they would say if they knew I have been continually delving into my own funds to pay for the items for the children. I'm afraid I'm running out of even my own salary. However, I will pay off half of the bill and I guess we will have to do without meat for the rest of the week. I wish there was something I could do. My letters are not getting through to Lord Smat and I'm uncertain if it is proper to write to Queen Gracera about our issues. I don't wish to offend our Lord.
November 17th, 2945
Just when I thought that the events of last month were a calm imagining, I found myself awaken to the sweet calls of the phantom again. I felt as though I was transported to that moment of fear in a flash. Sweat painted my brow as I peered into the darkness and slowly crawled from my bedclothes. As I stepped into the hall, I spotted a pale shape in the distance. She wore a gown of translucent blue and stood against the night sky, beauteous and calm. I stood transfixed upon this image as she uttered a long sweet note as she drew her hands to her face. It was then that I noticed the elongated nails and my skin grew pale. I also noticed that she had Emilio standing close beside her and she seemed to be leading him away. I called out and she turned. The image of peace was quickly transformed as her eyes flashed and she let out a long piercing note before vanishing. Several children and teachers started to file out of their rooms as I ran over to Emilio to see if he was unharmed. Though slightly stunned, he seemed well enough and I proceeded to organize the children into several groups to account for each as well as to pose some measure of protection. The teachers did not sleep in their own rooms that night and I found no rest. But, there was no sign of the Al.
November 18th, 2945
News of our encounter leaked out despite my attempts to quell the rumors. Several of the townspeople came to our doors expressing concern for the children as well as providing ancient lore concerning Al's and various other specters. Many told tales about this house being haunted by a spirit of a daughter or some forgotten duke. While some of the stories were useful, most were nonsense. I have studied much on the history of the manor house and there never was a duke living within these walls. It was owned by the Baron and Baroness Rulion and that there family tree never included a Duke or Duchess. However, this does not wipe away the experience from last night nor the fears that this might be a reoccurring theme. I fear for the children.
November 19th, 2945
We spent another night in careful watch for the appearance of the Al who did not show. I wonder if we could arrange for a hunter to come and track down this apparition. I am not sure how many sleepless nights I can handle. The children were finding it hard to concentrate on their studies today as I was finding it hard to teach. I think I will devote my time during the day to figuring out what this might be instead.
November 20th, 2945
Once again the hallways were filled with the sound of her song though no one discovered where she might have been located. I have a meeting arranged with a slayer tomorrow in hopes that he might find away to destroy or at least chase off the creature that is haunting us. My nights sleep was compromised yet again and I wandered through the day in a half daze. Lord and Lady Gaffan expressed their concern for the safety of the children and say if there is any more sightings, they would be willing to house some of the children in their house for a while until the creature is banished. I hope this will not be necessary but I may have to move out the children soon if something is not done.
November 21st, 2945
Last night passed in relative silence. I had feared the worse for it always seems to come when hope is at the highest. The most I could complain about was a light rustling of wind that one of the children had mistaken for the creature. I calmed her fears with stories of slayers until he felt at ease and drifted off to sleep. I had my meeting with the slayer today and he expressed grave concern for the children's safety and suggested I might take them to Lord and Lady Gaffan's on the morrow. I wish I could take them tonight but it was out of the question. At least we will have someone watching over us.
November 22nd, 2945
She gone. We've been searching for her all of the day but I can't seem to find her. At first I thought she had wandered off while we were packing up the children's belongings to stay at Lord and Lady Gaffan's but after doing a thorough search of the house, I fear the worse. I should have taken them two days ago when it was first offered. I should… I just am finding it hard to write now. My dear little Maeva. The whole of the town is searching for her and the slayer is tracking down the Al. I thought we would be safe in the daylight but I found we were wrong. Oh please let them find her.
November 23rd, 2945
They still can't find her. Lady Gaffan keeps on looking at her sisters and brother and bursting into tears each time. There were several times she had to be revived from a faint. I feel rather faint myself. The sight of the orphanage causes my stomach to turn and tears to swell in my eyes. Where could she be?
November 24th, 2945
I can't believe I am writing this down. I have barely the strength to hold my pen. I can't keep the memory from my mind. Little Maeva lying there with
December 11th, 2945
This is my first time returning to the orphanage since we lost Maeva. There has been no more sightings of the Al but what she did to that poor child is still etched within our mind, especially my own. I cannot keep the children at Lord and Lady Gaffan's indefinitely nor does it feel right returning to the orphanage. I have contacted an orphanage in Corbeau about possibly housing the children there. I have yet to hear back from them. Lord and Lady Gaffan have taken in the Fostolfr family as their own perhaps as pity or in memory of Maeva. I do not know. We will be staying at the orphanage until further notice. Most of us are huddled in the same room though for the children don't want to be left out of the sight of the adults. I don't blame them. I'm afraid to let them wander off. I hope we receive notice soon.
December 25th, 2945
My heart is not in these pages any more. However, I felt it necessary to take note of Christmas day and the generosity of the town toward the children. It was one of the first times I have seen them truly happy since our loss. Thank you for these occasions.
January 1st, 2946
It's a dawning of a new year. I think that we might be able to survive through this and pull out. The children are starting to cope with the tragedy. Some are still scared to sleep or wander around by themselves but I think the disappearance of the Al has lifted some spirits. I have gotten a response from the orphanage in Corbeau about housing our children. They say they will help us out if we need to and their doors are always open. I don't think we will be needing to now but I am going to hold onto it just in case.
January 3rd, 2946
I was awoken last night to a familiar note and I grew pale with fright. Quickly I ran throughout the place and woke up all the children to make account of them. They were all here though slightly grumpy from being waken. I didn't dare tell them that I thought I heard the Al again. They do not need that fear in them once more. Perhaps I should consider this letter more carefully. Tomorrow I'm going to call the slayer back again to see if he is available to watch the manor.
January 6th, 2946
I have been sleeping rather easily ever since the slayer has started to watch over the place at night and during the day when he is not busy with other engagements. I don't know how much longer he will be able to do this or how long we can afford it but it is reassuring while it lasts. However, I am starting to worry about the large population of rats that seem to be appearing throughout the house. We have never had such a problem before. At first I suspected sweets but I found none or other food items that would attract them to certain areas. We've started to set up traps in hopes of catching them. I hate those vile creatures they send chills up my spine.
January 10th, 2946
First an Al and now rats. It's enough to drive one insane. Where are they coming from?
January 12th, 2946
We lost our slayer and now we are alone. I hear the sound of her each night and it frightens me. I won't allow the children to sleep in their rooms any more alone. We must all stick together. There are rats everywhere and we can't seem to get rid of them through poison. Kristen almost ate some of the poison the other day and gave me a fright. I don't know how much more of this we can stand. I need more sleep.
January 14th, 2946
I won't allow her to get them! No more. There comes a time when one has had enough. I contacted the orphanage in Corbeau and told them we are coming. First Maeva and now Emilio is once again the target. And there is too many rats! I won't let them get any more. I'm sick of fighting away rats with sticks, healing bite marks and listening for strange sounds or mysterious women. Why are they after the children? Or are the orphanages cursed? Is this why they never had one before. It doesn't matter any more.
January 15th, 2946
This is my final entry in this journal. I have sent all the children to Corbeau and given the teachers good references so they might find employment elsewhere. Lord and Lady Gaffan have hired me to instruct their children. I may take the job after returning from Corbeau or I might just stay there. I haven't decided yet. I need some time away though. I hope I never see another rat again.