*Well at least I slept through the night. Oh ... Jayce is still in bed. After our conversation yesterday do I dare say a thing? Wait-* Jayce? *He looks, awful. Definitely sick.*

-wakes up with a gasp, clutching his forehead- ... -lays in silence for a while- *That was ... an awful dream. Gods. It happened, why must my mind relive it?*

I've noticed several of these other versions of Jayce and I are in a particular ... eh society, I believe? Called omegaverse. It's a peculiar universe that I'm not at all familiar with but intrigues me.

What a pleasant surprise it is to see George again ☺️ He is very keen on helping me pick these potatoes.

Jayce and I took Sashelba up on her offer to come by and pick from her garden. There are many options, it is impressive.

Was outside getting some air when Jayce comes back from a walk and hands me these? There's lavender...

Now that the cottage is clean Jayce and I can focus on other aspects of it. I attempted to fix some of the plumbing. It works, but only in certain areas of the house. Lucky for us the system is incredibly simple so I was able to get the majority of it functioning today.

Ah that is a common occurrence with my partner. People often say he looks like someone they know or have met. He has one of those faces apparently.

I may have added a tad bit more than a, eh, "splash" of cream but it was delightful. This will certainly be my go-to for the foreseeable future [:

Maybe. I do not know.

The walk is a nice reprieve from the happenings at the cottage. Jayce and I have been following the stream, there appears to be a large barn on the property.

Hmm, I haven't thought about it much but I suppose lavender? I have no real preference though. Most flowers are lovely.

While looking through the previous owner's impressive collection of literature I came across several of his journals. Skimming through a few I am surprised to learn Mr. Jenkins had similar dreams to the one I had last night. Peculiar.

[Viktor sits in a field surrounded by snow capped mountains. He's alone but not frightened. Where is? Oh wait there is Jayce- No... that is not Jayce. Viktor doesn't know who that is. They stand, unmoving. Viktor doesn't feel fear but ... unease. Wonders if he should call out-]

I ... do not know.

Oh thank you, these are beautiful. While I appreciate the forwardness I must decline. I can take care of myself just fine and this cottage is plenty big. Good day. -Mutters to self- Why are so many people seeking me out? I do not understand. Maybe it is a jest ...

I found this little resident on the first floor. Not sure how it got in here but there are many ways it could have. Thankfully the village carpenter is coming today and should be able fix up any possible openings this creature uses to get in.

*The first floor is done. It's nice to see the place clean. Next will be the walls and furnishings.* -Front door opens- Oh, Jayce you're back. How was the forge?

Jayce left a note, he went to the forge. I do not know what to do other than to give him space and be there for him. It's my fault he even had such a reaction. If I had not healed people then- I ... should continue cleaning.

Expecting? -looks down at self- Am I ... rotund??

That is a clever and adorable idea. Your wishes are appreciated, thank you. I hope cleaning efforts will go quickly for that very reason. I look forward to procuring my own, eh, feline friend [:

It's early morning. Jayce is still sleeping so I'm going to get rid of this mannequin. It's what caused Jayce to panic so severely last night. Did not even notice it, I feel awful. The least I can do for him is dispose of the horrid thing.

Jayce went into town for the afternoon. We were going to declutter the attic together but I can get a head start for us. There's a lot up here. After moving some junk around I found this collection. Seems Mr. Jenkins had an affinity for literature. I can relate.

As far as I know he's preoccupied.

I had a strange dream last night. I don't remember much but I know it was strange because of how I felt when I woke up. Hmm. Odd. Must be due to sleeping in a new environment.

He thinks- That cannot be true. It was a silly question he asked drunk out of his mind. If he truly thinks I would only- ehem. Well I suppose I'll have to talk with him about it at some point.

Someone from town came by and dropped off this gift from Sashelba. There's a note included saying this is all from her garden. She invited us to come by sometime and pick whatever we can carry. She is so kind.

Hmm, I like this idea very much. A cat of my own would be helpful in more ways that one. Yes, I think I will seek one out once the cottage is in better shape. Thank you for the helpful suggestion [:

Another day of cleaning the cottage done. It's slow progress but progress is being made none the less. I'm exhausted, Jayce is too. My leg hurts so laying down will be nice. I think we will fall sleep quickly this evening.

...

We've explored the cottage but there is one place neither of us have gone yet. There is a basement. It has two entrances: stairs and this door. The door is not the most secure but at least it shuts.

That's- that's very kind of you to offer but wholly unnecessary. I am in no need of a husband right now. If I ever am I'll be sure to contact you.

Jayce and I started cleaning the dust and dirt from everything. It's a good thing the Grey is gone from my body. This dust would have had me coughing up a fit otherwise. It is nice here. Quiet. Peaceful. It's a fair walk to town though.

The layout is nice. It's rough but the potential is there. Exploring the house it really is apparent that someone just ... left. At least Jayce won't have to worry about furniture. There is plenty here already, just dusty.

The cottage is much larger than I anticipated it to be. It was owned by an older man, Mr. Jenkins, who up and left one day. The town didn't know what to do with it so it lay abandoned for years. Despite his hangover Jayce has not stopped smiling. He loves it.

We put together our meager belongings along with a few small gifts from Grandma Sashelba and headed to our new home. It’s a bit of a walk to get here, might need to get a horse if we grow old here… *imagine* Gods, I know it’s imperfect but still, it’s ours. It’s beautiful.

We're ready to go to ... our cottage. Still feels strange to say. I am grateful for Sashelba and her kindness. Jayce and I are forever indebted to her. I'll also miss her sweet little helper George and the talks we had. Well, time to head out then.

We are back in our room at the Inn. Tonight will be our last night. Jayce is out cold on the bed. Despite being overjoyed by the town's gift he fell asleep in seconds. I wish I could. I am still in disbelief. This village has shown more kindness than I thought possible.

Ahh Jayce, I think the dance is done. *The music stopped and everyone is staring.* -separates himself a little from Jayce but they are still touching- *Someone is talking now, thanking Jayce. A speech. They ... they're gifted us a cottage?! As thanks?? I don't-*

The sun has set and the bonfire started. Everyone is dancing. Spirits are high. Mine should be I just ... I never thought myself a jealous person. But seeing Jayce with ... -sigh- It's fine. I am not his keeper. Though I should speak with him at some point. Oh wait, there he is

The last few days have gone by fast. Hard to believe it's already time for the party. Jayce and I just arrived. It is very lively and colorful. All for Jayce too. Several people have already come up to thank him. He has a funny look on his face.

I am flattered by your rendition of me as well as your kind words. The sparkles are a nice touch. Thank you for this portrait of me ♡

Oh my, that is kind of you to say but-

Thank you for asking. I prefer he/him. I think the people of this village mistook me for a woman the first few days I was here. The long hair and Sashelba's dress are, I assume, why. As for me being Jayce's "wife" I have no idea how they came to that conclusion.

That sounds ... heavenly. I went with a simple black tea since I could not decide. I'll be sure to add cinnamon tea to my list of blends to get at next week's market. As for the gossip gathering it was ... eventful to say the least.

Jayce and I are at our room now. A doctor came to check in on Jayce. They just left. Sashelba made him some tea to help warm him up. His teeth have stopped chattering.

This child just burst in crying and screaming for his mother, one of the women here. He says the blacksmith's daughter fell into the water well but a man went down to save her and they're trapped. The man is "that new guy with the beard"- JAYCE?!

I arrived at the gathering. It's at a lady's house, a friend of Sashelba's. It appears to be a small tea party with many of the women in town. They are offering me teas, there are so many options. I am a tad overwhelmed.