Hapha Kering/Nearing the End
In-universe date: Era Nova, October--November, Year 2
Real-world date: 22 August 2026
Author: Hapha Kering
From the Journal of Hapha Kering
We finally landed at a simple yet welcoming coastal village in the savannah, where the crew spent two days restocking and preparing to set off again. Being very glad to stand once more on firm ground, I set about my own preparations full of optimism and enthusiasm.
This quickly changed when I tried and failed to procure a local guide to take me north into the desert proper. Despite the village people's supreme hospitality and general helpfulness, this proved to be quite the unexpected challenge.
I had known, of course, that the tribe I was after had a rather contentious relationship with the locals, but I had not anticipated this stubborn refusal to even enter their part of the Gaunasub.
After much despairing and pleading on my part, I got a small party of them to lead me westward, one and a half days along the southern edge of the desert, into a small settlement in the rainforest, right at the border of the Vakaser territory.
I am writing this on the evening of my arrival here, my fourth day on this continent. My guides departed again, fairly quickly in fact, and I will have to wait until tomorrow to get new ones from among my hosts.
While these jungle inhabitants are decidedly less welcoming, a rather quiet lot, I am nonetheless filled with joy looking at their faces and their huts.
I am here, so close I almost want to go into the desert on my own right now.
I cannot believe this burdensome and uncomfortable journey is finally nearing its end.