First Entry of the Journey
The trading winds carry us forth from the shadow of Asshai, I arranged transport on a trading vessel that makes somewhat regular shipments from the western lands. The darkness clings to the vessel like a burial shroud, even now, as I watch the blackstone walls recede into the mists. I can feel the hum of magic in the air... though it grows weaker the further we get. Still it's presence is more profound than it should be this far from the heart. The captain of this vessel, a man from Yi Ti, he calls himself Lo Zhou he's promised swift passage through the Jade Sea. The crew don't look at me with the fear I have come to expect from heathens, no they look with a hesitant curiosity. Perhaps they can be convinced to see the lord's light.
I have taken up quarters in the stern cabin, I've taken up the habit of maintaining my night fires despite the captain's protests. He fears that if an accident were to occur then the ship would be set ablaze, that won't happen for the lord deems it won't. I know this much.
In the flames, I continue to see fragments of a greater vision. Of course the fortress of dark stone remains, lately I have seen new images: vast stretches of jade-green water, distant storms that dwarf mountains and mask the crackle of red thunder.
On a far more glorious note, the sky now bleeds. A blood-red star bleeding across the sky visible both day and night. Its appearance cannot be a coincidence especially with the increase I have felt with the very presence of magic itself. Magic has grown stronger and more powerful... it's greater than anything I have ever felt before, perhaps it's even greater than magic before the Doom. The Red Star is not a coincidence that I am convinced of, it links to this western bound figure I see.
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The ship's hold carries crates of shadow glass that I've carefully wrapped in black silk. The silk is of course to prevent light from tainting the glass's more important properties that are useful for my purposes. The tools of my faith and magic must of course travel with me if I am to use magic more effectively. The glass acts as an amplifier and focuser for magical energy, it strengthens the lord's holy blessings. The glass, or obsidian, mined from Asshai is simply more powerful and refined then western glass. I will need it all for what is to come... when the sea boils it will be imperative.
Three days out from port, while the shadow still looms the air is warmer... and cleaner? The perpetual twilight of Asshai has given way to night and day something I haven't seen for decades at the very least. I find I prefer the darkness, for in the dark R'hllor's flames burn brightest. Still I find myself still able to sustain myself without food or sleep, the lord sustains me in ways simple men cannot comprehend. My faith sustains me. My followers from the local temple - four acolytes that showed promise in the higher arts to be specific - they maintain their chambers below deck. Their purpose is to help me establish a new temple on this island of dragons. Assuming they survive the journey, the Jade Sea is merely our first test. I intend to pass through Valyria itself for that is what the lord has decreed, I may also be able to collect a gift for the one I am purposed to guide. I will survive the journey, it does not matter if anyone else does. Eighteen months or so, if R'hllor grants us his favour. The journey is merely a moment to me, when a priest has served the lord's divine purpose for as long as I have... time is meaningless. The ending of this journey is what calls to me. Tonight, I intend to begin teaching the crew our prayers, my night fire has already begun drawing them in from the cold of night. By journey's end, they will all understand that the night is dark and full of terrors. They shall sing in praise to the Lord of Light for my presence when those terrors rise from the depths to test us.
~ Melisandre, humble Servant of R'hllor.
