Heartwood Diaries: I

Diary of Stella Heartwood - Entry I

Heartwood Diaries

In-universe date: Era Nova, April--May, Year 1

Real-world date: 1 August 2026

Author: Stella Heartwood

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I remember being raised on the farm. It was a modest living.

Ma and Pa would get me up at the crack of dawn, sometimes to help on the farm, other times to be tutored. I infinitely preferred the tutoring, but there was charm to be had in the simple life of farming.

Sometimes, I miss those simple days.

I recall the day I reached adulthood, and the day after. The first day, I had gotten into an argument with Pa over the future of our farm. I wanted nothing to do with it.

The next day, I moved out.

I came into town that day. Life was harder -- harder than on the farm. I got a job at the general store, started renting a room just outside of town, and worked my way up from there.

I began meeting people, people in high places, and eventually got appointed as the councilor for Demeralia. Significantly easier than work on the farm, but equally more dreadful.

Then, when Ma and Pa passed, I learned they had passed the farm down to me. I was surprised, after walking out on them all those years ago.

So, I suppose it's time to make it right.

Time to get to work.