Limestone 11th, 1051
The caravan arrived today, and yet, coming from the East, they were unable to bring their wagons to our depot. Pkop met with the liason, as he is the most qualified to do so. She tells us the world is the same as ever, so I fear no enemy making a move on our position, but we were at a loss as to what to request, aside from metal I suppose. The trade agreement for our colony's production (in exchange for steel bars) has been filed in Pkop's office, where I can't be bothered to look at it.
Limestone 22nd, 1051
As negotiations with the traders continue, one of our guards (and part-time metalcrafter), Erith Edanducim, seems taken by a secreted mood. He's laid claim to one of our forges and seized some ruthenium bars. I hope something interesting comes of this.
In other news, I came across a Panda today while collecting more firewood. The beast surprised me so, and I withdrew rather than risk getting into a costly confrontation. I never though such a thing could live in these evil lands.
Limestone 26th, 1051
The panda continued harassing our guards and laborers as we work outside, so I ordered it killed. My squad rushed to put it down without grabbing their weapons, and together wrestled it to the ground and pummeled it unconscious for several hours until some bright spark thought to fetch his warhammer and put the damn thing out of its misery.
In other news, we have finished conducting our business with the traders, having acquired some iron, steel, and flux. They will likely remain here a few weeks more to rest, though. They'll need it to cross this country a second time.
Limestone 28th, 1051
Today the morning din was broken by a single, loud trumpet blast. Rushing into the working block, I found Erith at the forge, holding a trumpet. He calls it "The Beach of Dangers," and never a finer instrument have I seen! Somehow, in minute detail, he has engraved upon it the scene of our founding of this prison. This is a piece we can be proud of! Perhaps I can use it to wake the prisoners every morning, or (one day) to call the guards to battle.
Sandstone 5th, 1051
One of the guards, Zon Isonbomrek, has gone missing, having not been seen by anyone for a week; how could I not have noticed sooner? I have ordered a search for him, but I fear we may not find him alive.
Sandstone 12th, 1051
The merchants began packing. As I watch them, I notice the season is nearly half gone and yet our next shipment of prisoners has yet to arrive. It's surprising how quickly time flies, considering how we're always up to our ankles in drying blood.
Sandstone 13th, 1051
As they left, going out the West side of the river, one of the merchants and his horse fell over the waterfall, surviving but finding the body of poor Zon. I shall have to have a memorial carved for him as well...
Fortunately, the merchant managed to climb out with only minor bruises and continue on his way. I swear I think I see one of the caravan's escorts still swimming around down there, in full armor, merry as can be, but that's mad...
Sandstone 20th, 1051
Here came the next shipment, 9 in all: 6 "guards" and 3 prisoners. We now number 54 in total. Gods above, so many of these guards are still green as an elvish sprout...
Timber 1st, 1051
It rained today. Not blood, but honest to goodness real wet rain. For the first time I can remember, the ground is green outside. There are still a few scabbed-over puddles around, but it's a nice enough change. It's uplifted the prisoner's moods as well, but I'll allow that, for now.
Timber 14th, 1051
Since our ranks have swelled so and some of the prisoners seem to be finding free time, I've decided to enlarge the guard barracks. We'll dig it out, then they can smooth it. I've also ordered 20 more coffers and beds, to put the rest of the sods to work.
Moonstone 1st, 1051
Winter arrived today. The expansion of our barracks is complete. For now, at least. Should we need to expand again, I believe fortress charter dictates we do it above-ground. With any luck, the damned river will freeze soon and we can finally complete the flood barrier on the waterfall.