An Impossible Dream.

I am still unsure what to make of the past 24 hours or so. So as I tick my brain over the events in my mind I will put them down on paper, or PC, for you to process.

After my last post, yesterday morning, I sat for 30 minuets or so pondering my current situation before I came to terms with everything and finally put the mask to my face. I don't remember much that took place immediately after that, other than it resulted in my unconsciousness.

I slowly awoke to the sound of soft rain falling on damp soil. The second sensation to bubble to the surface of my consciousness was the smell of wet grass and topsoil. A low hum sounded as a soft cool breeze blew across me, landing a fine watery mist on my face. My eyes opened and a small dark room came into focus around me, a single exit highlighted by a dim glow of blue grey light falling in from outside.

After climbing to my feet, and taking some time to fend off a hindrance of disorientation, I walked towards the exit. As I slowly paced myself through the dimly lit room I started to notice more marking on the walls. Different from the markings found at Palenque, but still seeming somewhat familiar. Pushing these thoughts to the back of my mind I pressed on, curious to find out where I was and how I had come to be there.

There was a short rocky tunnel from where the dim light came. Three meters up the tunnel the walls gave way to a small clearing surrounded by dense woods. The plant life seemed to be European, less tropical than the jungle near Palenque. The sky was covered in a blanket of low dark clouds and a thick mist weaved through the trees. The ambiance of insects and rain fall filled my ears. It was incredibly peaceful.

After taking a few moments to gather my thoughts, I started walking in a line straight forward from the cave opening. Most temples or structures open onto a path or travel-way, maybe in a direction of great significance to the builders. So forward from the cave seemed like a choice as good as any. A few meters into the forests edge, I spied a small path emerging from the mist. I followed the path for a number of hours, some times it disappeared beneath the undergrowth, but I always managed to find it again.

The more I traveled, the more I was reminded of the great woods of England, such as Nottingham. Occasionally the woods took on a more tropical feel, like that of a rainforest. This occurred more frequently as the hills got higher and steeper. Soon the flat swamp land became rolling rocky fields with large areas of forest. I traveled for several more hours before I came to a ledge high over a flood plain.

Looking out over the land I could see the clouds beginning to part, and somewhere on the mountainous hills far across the plains, I spotted a settlement. I could barely make out the loose outline of several large structures, surrounded by smaller establishments. Setting out to climb down the steep hillside below, I paused to try and work out where I might be. From what I could discern I had only been unconscious for what felt like a short time. There was no location similar to this within a thousand kilometers from where I live. With these thoughts weighing heavily on my mind, i descended the escarpment and ventured across the plains towards the settlement.

When I finally arrived at the settlement, the few people present greeted me with smiles and gave me a hot drink, that tasted like chicken soup, and some warmer clothes, as I had no jacket. I was very fatigued from my hours of journeying, so they took me to one of the smaller establishments, that turned out to be sleeping areas, and gave me a bed. I have little doubt that their hospitality saved my life. I tried to talk to them, find out where I was but the fatigue was too much, my head fell to the bed, and I slipped into a deep sleep. My last thought was why the people had done so much, but only ever uttered the words "Dioos, dioos tzu Daleha".

I then awoke here, on my couch, with the mask on my face. I took it in my hand and lifted it as I sat up. I placed it on the coffee table and reflected on what had just happened. As I slowly began to believe it was all just a dream I looked out my window, at the sunny new years day, and caught the lingering scent of fresh rain on green grass and topsoil.

That brings me to this journal entry. In a day or two I hope to try the mask again. Maybe find some answers to the many questions I have. But if and when I return I will be much more prepared. I have organised many an expedition, but never one so impossible.

I also managed to contact a friend of mine, who happens to be a formidable linguist, and I had her translate the phrase "Dioos, dioos tzu Daleha". It means "Welcome, welcome to Daleha". As such I have given a name to this journal and the stories it will detail, The Daleha Journal.

Sincerely,
Dr Alstead Fabulavir