I went to go meet with Poky at one of the temporary research camps—the Astral Ward and lowlanders are moving to the isle to help tackle the titan threat. But when I arrived, I encountered Stoic Alder instead. He said that Poky was distressed and headed north to catch a breath but didn't share many specifics. I assume the kid didn't tell him much, which is probably wise. Alder's worried about his son, and for good reason, but I need to follow Poky's lead and not interfere with their relationship. While Poky gets some rest, Alder suggested that I help with some of the local titan research. Graced by Fire, who reminds me of myself in her inability to sit still following a bad fight, has already thrown herself into the thick of our investigation. Her scouting party was killed; she feels an obligation to them to keep moving—all things that I can relate to. With Greer dead and our hands temporarily tied, I offered my assistance. The more we can learn about the titan—or titans—the better. She sent me to map the west. Even if the lowlanders have spent a little time exploring the isles, we're in unfamiliar territory. Dense pockets of forest, wilds, White Mantle ruins, the lasting effects of bloodstone fallout... Whatever happened here was brutal, and the lingering titan presence has only made it more severe. After getting the lay of the land, I returned to Graced by Fire. For one final task, she had me collect samples from the local wildlife so we could better assess what's turning them and why. Like the journeykin we subdued near the village, the creatures here are violent and frantic. Waiting Sorrow mentioned Mistburn being rampant in the area thanks to Greer, so I think we can assume that's the cause. Maybe there's a cure, but we'll find out if there's not. ***