Grip — WDB10 Journal

What a whirlwind. What a rush. It's been three days since Weisa's sacrifice. How can so many things be different? How can so many alchemical changes have taken place in so little time? I finally met another Cicadraco. A girl Bestia. She's a Patrician. She'll one day be the head of a great house. She told me that the power of the empire isn't rooted solely in ignorance and fiat like I always thought, but that it is of the same draconic lineage that has been driving me since I could think. She showed me the truth. That a dragon has ruled far longer and more completely than almost anyone realizes. That the Green Doom isn't just the mightiest of all creatures, but also among the most cunning. His will, through her, claimed the land the summit was held on, remade the mana around us in a fundamental way. I could feel her power. And she could feel mine. I didn't mean to. But because I wanted her, a new timeline has been born. She believes that I give her the best chance of achieving her family's generational dream. Through her, you and I could one day rule the old empire together. I know. It isn't that weird. She wasn't the only one I changed either. One of the gladiators from Leptis Regium decided to join us. He's a great fighter. And more like me than he realizes. I wanted him too. And because of that, the course of his life is different. I didn't mean to, but I think that I claimed him like Bestia did to the land. I don't yet know what he thinks he sees in me or to what extent he senses my influence. But I believe he will defend me and fight and perhaps even die at my word, if needs be. Such is the power of my personal dignitas, which I am only starting to understand. Speaking of, there was yet another who felt the weight of my presence and was cowed by it. The captain of the ship we're on now challenged me when I told him I was an advisor to House Vorn. I knew I needed to correct him that my influence will grow only if I back it with the full force of my intent. What I didn't anticipate was just how successful I could be. I thought I gave him a stern, imperious glare. But he was terrified of me. He still is. He questioned me. And with a single look, I put a fear in him that he will remember for the rest of his days. He looked as though he were bearing witness to my draconic sire, feasting gleefully upon each of his ancestral generations in rapid succession. This is not a weak willed or callow individual. He's a hardened veteran who has survived for decades by the quickness of his wits and the steel of his nerve. I didn't mean to. But the strength of my blood is such that with the merest thought, the fabric of this man's life is warped. I don't really understand it, Triss. I know this will sound silly, but even though I'm physically smaller than almost everyone, sometimes I feel like I'm a giant. That my might extends far beyond the reach of my arm. My words have had lasting impacts far beyond the scope of my intent. It's a little daunting, but also exhilarating. And I've only just begun. Spirit, flesh, bone, starlight. It matters not. They are mine.