Loraine Crim In Cinder's Cradle

Rimgard's soldiers are good for one thing, at least. After they broke through the Ancient barrier, I was able to slip past. If they could break the seal here, they most likely managed to surmount the gate, as well...

Lord Vorgoth must already be on his way. Right now, it's just a thesis... but not without circumstantial evidence: The Shroud has gathered here in unprecedented levels. It creeps from the Veilwater Basin all the way through to... where, exactly? Some central point, a platform I can spy far below.... right beneath the floating isles.

I am not alone in my quest to ascend. Rotting tendrils stretch upward, clawing at the drifting land rafts above - keeping them low. And therefore, within even my reach.

As long as the Shroud's attention is away from this platform, there may still be time. I have to take my chances.

• Loraine Crim

I've felt this heat before.

Long ago, I left my assistant Nala to research a monument within the Pillars of Creation... a strange, portal-like structure amid a sea of flame. She called it a "gateway" - a jest, I know. And yet: Perhaps she was right. And perhaps... this platform could be similar: A teleporter to the isles above.

Of course, it's not activated. That would be too easy, wouldn't it? Two observations: 1. I see pillars of light in the distance, aligned with the directions of the markers that surround the platform.

2. These pillars may be akin to the beacons of the Ancient Spires, and must be conquered to power the teleporter!

...Let's add a third remark, for good measure

3. My provisions are running low. I cannot, should not leave this platform.

I wonder what Nala or Fran would say if they could see me now: On the other side of the world, the edge of eternity, reaching for the stars while being chained to a pit.

It seems I only learnt the language of the Ancients to understand a single, cruel joke. In fact, I may have become the punchline.

Well, we'll see who gets the last laugh. I still have hope. I always will.