Lenora Reyes’s Not-So-Secret Diary, Entry 2
Music
March 18, 632 K.C.
Dear Diary,
Today is the day that I commit myself further to my oath. For several days now, I have prepared my belongings for the move and I finally feel ready. Though, it would not be without some additional responsibilities along the way. Mr. Burrich Greer happened to have leftover Turtle Bisque which was offered to myself and Sir Jonathan Folcard. To which we obliged in accepting, and... resulted in me hauling on Dopey all the way back to Southwatch. Fortunately, Finn was able to accompany me, but I think he did so simply for the amusement of my struggles.
Each time I've completed my patrol from Duskwood to Westfall, the same views cross my sights. To the immediate south was the Brushwind Settlement, to which the first few days I managed to scrounge up what coin I had left from my service as a Stormwind Guard to rent a room at the local inn. Mainly because I wasn't quite ready to commit myself to a home that was meant for people with deeper pockets than my own. Even if what I'm doing is noble and the right thing, there are moments where I feel the need to hesitate and take things slow. And no, Diary, this did not mean avoiding my responsibilities as a Squire. There is plenty for me to do on a day to day basis that I'm sure it is noticed.
But the journey through Brushwind to Southwatch was not like anything I have ever felt privileged to lay eyes on, let alone be invited into. The two rivers that frame the secluded home of the Southwatch Castle were gorgeous. It felt briefly like I had entered a fairy tale and was about to meet Prince Charming or something... However lucrative my imagination could get with this, Finn has a way of bringing me down to reality quite quickly and effectively. And even with optimism to incorporate his involvement in things or get to know him better, is often returned with cryptic replies and knowledge only he seems to have about a matter.
So when he left that night, I had to get the Turtle Bisque in place for all the knights. The rounded archways and doors made to accommodate more than myself felt unusual. Almost as if I was just making a delivery for the King of the Alliance himself. Stoned walls and fire illuminated sconces caused shadows to dance in the open space of tables in the barracks the knights were stationed at. Even with the order to bring the soup about, it didn't seem Sir Folcard would be about for a bit. So as to keep the soup from spoiling, I stoked some firewood in the open hearth and set the pot over top of it. Least it would taste like it was freshly made ... hopefully.
And to be frank, I'm not sure if Sir Adamar resides alongside the other knights here. With his son, I was under the impression he has a home somewhere nearby, but not necessarily within Southwatch keep. It didn't appear Dame Eleysia or Melek were about either. Perhaps the obligations of knighthood were more demanding than I initially anticipated. There were other guards in the area that probably could have informed me better about the arrangements for myself, but the Barracks weren't that large. It was a warming thought though when I spotted the sparring blades leaning near the tables. At least I knew where to find them in the event we wish to spar at Darkshire in the future.
Two stories with a dining area, and bedrooms. At one end was a stone stair way that led into the upper quarters. It seemed smaller but designed to suit the needs of Squires with a smaller space of occupancy. It seemed some of the rooms had even been used as storage or for other reasons given just a brief inspection. Like the draped blanket that likely eluded to someone having a bad night of sleep on a bed and preferred the feel of a dusty stone floor...
The sounds of descending steel portcullis is rather unusual now that the hour is late. I had made several rounds to Dopey to clear away his burdens and lead him away to the stables near the gate that led into Southwatch. It was weird looking out from the protective metal barring that was generally meant to keep commoners and threats like myself out when visiting hours were to cease. But my arms were still aching from the day before with shield training with Astrid. And I still had yet to draw water from the well and remove my armor.
However, after pushing through all the things that would otherwise cause others to bellyache and moan, did feel good. All my belongings now occupied half of my floor as the small bed and window were regarded quietly. It did surprise me that I would have my own personal hearth, but it was understandable and likely an added responsibility to be able to provide for oneself or another. Seeing all these things available to me and knowing that it was because of my determination and will to see it through had brought an unexpected level of pride too. Even if I wanted to unpack - it was too hard to turn away the allure and enamoring feel of being somewhere new. I'm happy here. No longer am I shackled to a house I have to tend to by myself or live with the memories of a shattered family. There's a feeling of belonging and wholeness again. A purpose that would make any life worth living twice over.
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