#thrymma

[thrymma]

Gyrda - Nearing Autumn - 1241

    Bandits, helping passersby, and the sweeping rains that promise the coming of autumn have slowed my travels. I figure I'll arrive at the swamp a week later than I had originally planned. I can only hope to find shelter before the cold really sets in. As frustrating as the delay has been, I feel adding another is necessary. My shoulders and legs ache. I feel my back can't take one more night of sleeping on the hard ground. And besides, a hot meal would be so wonderful. These dried meats and fruits begin to lose all appeal after a few weeks on the road. A night at the Winding Roads Inn would be a perfect place to rest and refresh.

   I only worry about the ownership being kind to me. Elves are not known for their warmth towards Orcs. But coin is still coin, and hopefully they will allow me to board for the night without any trouble. It is the last boarding available between here and the Olam'Azi swamp, so I will be trying my luck at the end of today's long walk.

   I know I am getting near. I can smell the cedar trees that line Lake Davore from where I breakfast now. It is a shame I do not have more time for an extended stay at the inn. It is much magical and hearty foraging I will be missing out on. Autumn brings so much life in its effort to begin the decaying of winter. I'd very much have liked to have a basket of mushrooms to take with me into my new homeplace.

[thrymma]

Osyra - First of Autumn - 1241

   Dartura is to be named our Revered Lady in three days time. After finding her so deep in her misery, I had lost all hope of her taking the coveted seat. The very next morning she had surprised me. She had risen and dressed in her finest gowns before I had even awakened. She had ordered me to call for her transport right away, as we were to set out on a campaign like no other. I asked only once about the child and she had simply stated it was none of my concern, and it was the business of no one outside of her chambers. There had been no bitterness in her voice, but her gaze had seemed to fall far away from where we stood. 

    We silently agreed to put it aside for the time being and had put ourselves to work to put together this campaign. Many oxen were packed with home goods, clothing, books, foods, and much of Dartura's own wealth to share with her peoples in need. She spoke with every soul that would want for her attention. She had tasked two chroniclers from the Living Library to join in our travels, much to their annoyance, to record all the complaints given by the peoples. Both had their own complaints about the waste of paper and ink for such irrelevant whining, believing history to be the only matter of importance. But do they not see? History was being made before their very eyes. 

   Dartura captured the heart of every elf she encountered. Her voice rang out over every crossroads, village, and market center. She spoke of a new era and openly condemned the previous administration for their neglect. She had personally handed out dozens and dozens of care packages and coin purses, She had shared her feasts at every tavern as we traveled across the expanse of the Kaelymno borders. My admiration for her grew with every passing day. Never before had any person of import set themselves among the common and the laborers and offered their undivided attention and also backed it up with support. She was magnificent, holding the audience of every packed inn and market center, where she sat promising a better future.

   All the while she had cleverly hidden the swelling of her belly. Dully colored, flowing gowns and long shawls and cloaks did the trick. She never once mentioned it to me or her chambermaids. I can only hope beyond hope that no one had noticed. I have been ill at ease, despite the wonderment of this successful campaigning. I wish she would share with me even an inkling of her plans to deal with the coming of a bastard child just as she is to be coronated and sat in the seat of the most renown. I sit and plan her celebrations and worry it will all be for nothing.

[thrymma]

Gyrda - Midsummer 1241

  I'm to head for the Ol'Azi in the morning. I will miss the company around Kentro, but it is for the best. I have run completely out of tinctures, balms, and infused bandages. The number of injured people at market was surprising. My coin purse is heftier, though I worry about the amount of bandits attacking those on the roads so often. I did spend a few platinum pieces at the wheelwright and iron goods traders. Yuka sold me a pair of new shears and offered free gossip. She tells me things grow more tense back home. Orcs are gathering in secret and planning something behind the military's back. Some believe my brother to be involved. I could have done without the news, I have enough on my mind.

       Zibbet tells me the southern most part of the swamp is a more likely area to provide some peace and quiet. He claims there are haunts about, but I fear no spirit. I'll gladly make their acquaintance if I can quickly settle with a clean spring nearby. I am more concerned about making it around the crocks, snakes, and poisonous mushrooms on my way inside.

[thrymma]

Gyrda - Midsummer, 1241

Twenty seven days have passed since I was forced from my home. Thirty days since she died.. since I was not able to save her. I've spent precious platinum on this book and quill so that I might have a way to arrange my thoughts. Time will tell whether or not it was worth it.

My time at Kentro market has been fruitful. Zibbet has been very kind to allow me to board at his tavern at a discount, but I feel I should pack up and find a place to settle myself. My supply of herbs will run out soon enough. I will be unable to continue sales without a garden and I miss being able to bathe properly. The refugee town of Tindory is tempting, but I feel a need for solitude and silence. The Olam'Azi swamp seems to be my best bet.