Esme "Leaping-Ghost" Journal Entry #32
Date: October 10, 1964 Location: Trillium, Oregon
Today was my first visit to Trillium and the surrounding area, and I must say, it's even more fascinating than I imagined. Upon arriving, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for what I was about to discover, yet a part of me also felt a bit intimidated by the unknown.
The drive through the Willamette Valley was breathtaking, but it was not until we reached the mountain that I was truly stunned. As I stood there taking it all in, I couldn't help but think of Dume'fa, and the rumors of her that had led me here. It was hard to shake the feeling that she was watching us, somewhere in the darkness beyond the tree line. I had heard whispers of her from others in the Garou community, but little was known of her, save for the rumors of her immense power.
The Strauss Lumber Company ruins stand starkly against the backdrop of the mountain, and it is hard not to feel a sense of sadness at the loss of such a magnificent forest. Yet, as we neared the ruins, the air grew thick with an uneasy feeling, and I realized that something wasn't right.
Anton explained to me that the Red Talons had destroyed the area, violating the Litany and Rending the Veil. It was clear that the area was still reeling from the event, and it only served to underscore the significance of the Garou and their relationship to the region. Julia left the place quiet, but I could tell it bothered her. I suspect she's not gonna let that slide.
I feel a deep sense of excitement at the prospect of being the first to begin writing an article on Dume'fa for the Journal of Garou Studies. The thought of uncovering the secrets of this enigmatic being and the history of the area is truly thrilling. We pulled in to a restroom on the way in, and as I’m standing in the parking lot staring at this tin shack surrounded by the sounds of the forest, I cannot even question it: this place never existed for us. I find myself constantly looking over my shoulder at the trees.
In spite of that, I'm eager to start my research and learn more about the ecological and spiritual systems that govern this world. There is a sense of wonder and beauty in the air that I cannot fully describe, but at the same time, I feel an intangible sense of alienation, a reminder of just how little is known about the world beyond our immediate surroundings. As I gaze into the darkness beyond the tree break at the foot of Dead Mountain, I cannot help but feel a sense of trepidation mixed with my excitement. It is clear that there is much to uncover here, and I am more than ready to begin my journey into the unknown.