Burning the candle at both ends...
Alishe sat down the pencil and stared at the open page before her. She had read the words at least a few dozen times and still, she lingered there almost as if she was hoping something new would come from reading it just once more.

Branny's demeanor has not improved dramatically. But one can scarcely blame her for it. Considering what she has been through and what she is dealing with currently, I am afraid that anyone would be much the same.

The treatments continue, with no visual improvement. However, it does not seem to be getting worse. So for the moment, we wait.. and see. I try to have as much hope as I can for this to be something we can control and hopefully one day push back, ideally into non-existence. But there lingers an ever present reality that the worst is likely yet to come.

I try to steady myself for the possibilities, all the while keeping my hope that they will never come to pass. But I am a realistic girl. These are demonic energies we are dealing with. Uncertainty is always going to be a constant part of this journey.

I continue to work on my salve recipe, in the hopes I can make something a little less... disconcerting to the senses. I know Branny cannot be very happy having to use it so often as she does and while she does not complain, I hope that by making it a little easier in one way, I can help ease her.. even if just a little.

The current mixture is the following: Dreamfoil, Teroc..."

She rubbed her temple and moaned a little as the tension in her head started to throb. Perhaps some steelbloom. That was a fragrant herb which may counter some of the stronger bitter herbs she was using.

Prydion came into the room and walked up behind his wife, gently pressing his hands on to her shoulders. He started to massage and whispered. "Ishura, ye are still staring at that book? Ye should come outside I think. Spend some time in the garden, aye?" With a soft sigh, she nodded and leaned back in the chair, her head pressing against him. "I am glad you came in when you did, Dor'ano. It feels good to have you near."

He smiled and leaned down to kiss her cheek, nuzzling his nose against her neck. "Have ye got your bags packed for the trip, Ishura? I know that is weighing heavy on ye mind as well." She closed her eyes and took a long breath. "Mmm hmm. Just do not let me forget to bring my book with me. It has information I promised to give Genise and Ilarra when we meet with them." He took her hand and urged her from the chair. "Aye, su rini, I will remind ye."

Alishe rose slowly and moved into Prydion's arms, hugging him tightly with a contended sigh. As she pulled back and smiled to him, he watched her face carefully. "Still not sleeping well, Ishura? Ye look a bit weary to me." She nodded just a little. "Bloody dreams keep on nagging me. I find it hard to rest as I should. I still cannot believe Ilarra tried to give me potions!" He brushed a dark indigo curl from her face. "Maybe ye should have taken it from her. It couldn't have hurt." Alishe smirked at him. "I can make my own teas, Dor'ano. It is fine. When we make this trip, hopefully the dreams will end and I can rest again. For now... I will endure what I must."

Arms wrapped around her as he drew her close once more, not knowing what to say. He hated to see her in distress. She smiled at him as their foreheads met. It almost seemed as if they drew energy from one another and it was several moments before they finally pulled apart. With a soft smile and a gentle kiss, Prydion led Alishe out of the room.

The book lay open on the desk, discarded for now.

I will check on Branny again tomorrow and then finish getting everything ready for our journey. All I can hope is that Elune will continue to guide us as she has and that we will find the cause to these dreams.

Hyjal... awaits. Another trek will come soon. I hope I will be ready.