An older book than Celeste’s current journal, kept deep in her pack, and wrapped in several layers of cloth; a memento of happier times.

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Banana pudding, smoked salmon, slow-cooked venison… Wow, I hadn’t thought Simone’s suggestion would work but it did! “Just start writing anything. Your favorite foods maybe? Just get something down on the page, and it’ll suddenly be easy to write!”, that’s what she said and sure enough it worked! I’m not really sure what to write now, but I guess I should start with an introduction?

To… Me, I guess, or anyone later who reads this… Hello, my name is Celeste Whiteash, Initiate… Rather, Priestess of the Raven Queen, and soon to be caretaker of the dead. I am sixteen years of age, today, and this is my first time writing any sort of diary. My hobbies are cooking, playing the flute, and learning from Mistress Iselna. I especially like sharing any food I make with my friends! Though I guess it should be family and not friends, since I only really know Simone and the rest of the temple’s initiates, priests, and priestesses.

Oh dear… That’s probably too much, for something silly like this… But I guess I’ve already written it, and I can’t well throw away Simone’s present, so I guess I’m stuck with that as an introduction. Sorry future me, or anyone else!

As I said, today was my birthday, and though I was expecting it to be much like my others, a small celebration with Simone and Mother Selene, I was truly surprised and delighted to find that everyone from the temple had gathered, even Mistress Iselna! I have to admit, I hadn’t been at all prepared for something like that, and I sort of broke down crying on the spot . I mostly try to keep out of peoples’ way, and it was… Really, really nice, that everyone took the time to celebrate with me, and congratulate me on my graduation to priestess.

I’ve got a big day tomorrow, and I’m really nervous… I should probably get to sleep, so I guess I’ll leave it at that tonight. Hopefully I’ll remember to make a habit of writing in this…