Silence Must Be Heard

With Nialia sniffing away, we headed off on the trail of the weird blind monsters. Rowan informed us that they were called Grimlocks, and said they "see" with sounds and smell. Audric seemed to perk up at this, and he led us off in the direction of a baker's shop that he and I had visited the other day. Ohhhhh, sweet sweet goodness...
With a little bribery, Audric procured us a bottle of peppermint oil. I had a feeling I knew what was running through his mind. I just hoped it would work. We then resumed tracking the grimlocks. After a little while, we came to some abandoned warehouses. Nialia picked the one she thought it was, and we set about finding a way in. It seems the grimlocks had been going in and out of a broken window, and had carved handholds into the wall. Finally, a chance to get some climbing in! I felt like it had been ages since I had gotten to climb anything at all. The handholds were meant for grimlocks, so the going was a bit slow, but I made it up and had a look around inside through the window. It was awfully hard to see much of anything, but I thought I saw some creatures moving through the shadows.
Oh! I almost forgot to mention! Before proceeding with our tracking, we decided to eliminate the element of sound, and used the strange skull staff we took from the Orc tribe. It's indescribable how strange it was to be so quiet. Unnatural, but fun!
Rowan was up shortly after me, and the rest of the group followed. Once we got in to the warehouse, the light seemed to go out. I could still see it outside, but it was as if it were only painted on the windows, rather than coming through them. I couldn't see anything, and I was getting nervous. I felt a hand grab for mine in the dark, and it felt like Audric's so I took it. In the darkness I heard sounds like a creature coming up the platform we were on, and then a shattering of glass. Suddenly, my nose was burning with the scent of peppermint. I love peppermint and all, but I don't recall too many times where I have been exposed directly to pure peppermint oil. I may never think of peppermint in the same way again.
With both sound and smell foiled for the grimlocks, we were as invisible as they were in the darkness. I heard the sounds of a fight, but I could hardly get a fix on where, or who was doing it. I only knew the scream of pain wasn't any of us.
As I got pulled along through the dark, I started to wonder what we'd gotten ourselves into. I tried to concentrate on holding Audric's hand, rather than wondering where everyone else was. Were there grimlocks waiting in this darkness, and would they figure out where we were? I think it was around this point in time that Grumble broke our silence spell by blurting something out. I guess I should have planned for that. If anyone is good at ruining a quiet moment, Grumble is.
The silence ruined, I heard Audirc mutter an incantation that seemed to roll back the darkness around us. Looking down from our platform, I saw grimlocks below. Nialia and Grumble rushed in to fight, and I figured I'd join them. I surveyed the platform, and figured I could jump it. Oh, it was going to be so impressive! It was, too, until I panicked a little at the last minute and botched my somersault... Ouch. I knew I was rusty, but I didn't think I was embarrassingly so.
The fight went as well as it could have, I suppose. None of us died, and we got the info we wanted out of the head grimlock. She said the grimlocks were being paid to kidnap folks, and were being contacted in their dreams by an evil woman and some strange evil guy. The only real clue we got was that the woman smelled like paper. At least, what we figure must be paper. It's hard to get a description out of someone who can't see.
With the darkness dispelled, we noticed eaten corpses all over the building. It was a horrid sight. They must have belonged to the people who had gone missing during the fair. It made me sick to see, so I tried to ignore them despite the stench of rotting flesh. I couldn't wait to get out of the building.
Leaving, we headed back to the scene of the earlier fight to tell the guards about what we had seen. I think they're getting tired of us saving the city, but if that's the case then maybe they should try it themselves once in a while?
While we were talking to the guards about what we had found, I overheard some folks muttering about someone named "Alain." Upon asking, I discovered that Alain is a local paladin who is usually spot-on about protecting Brindinsford from whatever trouble befalls it. Apparently, he's been getting a little lax. He also has a female apprentice, and when I heard that, I became immediately suspicious. I decided I would make a trip out to Alain's place later that evening to see what I could find. Audric decided to come with me.
Upon arriving at the paladin's home, Audric and I found some lights on, but no one appeared to be home, or answering our knocks on the door. To me, that's just as good as a welcome. With Audric standing guard outside, I went to work searching the place, but I found nothing. Then I spotted a large chest. I picked through the lock without much trouble, but somehow I missed the magical trap that was on it, and narrowly escaped adding "Roasted" to my legion of names. I heard Audric shout, and he rushed inside asking me what the heck had happened. Patting out my singed flesh, I noticed he was smoking from the same place himself, under his armor. "What? What? Did the fireball hit you, too?" I asked.
"No, just...uh....oh ahhhhhhhhh........" He stammered as the smoking from under his armor ceased.
Now, I'm not always the keenest one in the group and I'm not really ashamed to admit that, but I have noticed Audric getting injuries when I haven't noticed him getting hit, and they seemed to be so similar to mine. I've been trying to figure out why for days without success. Tonight, it hits me: The ring, stupid! He said it was so he could cast healing! You both have one! What do you want to bet he's been taking damage for you this whole time? I was so mad!
"It's the ring, isn't it?" I say, trying hard not to just yell. Thus began our first fight since we've been together. I was angry, and refused to wear it anymore, Audric got angry and told me I had no choice in the matter. I told him I didn't want to cause him anymore pain on my behalf. I'm accident-prone, what if something truly awful happened to me? He said that was his point exactly. He could heal himself, I couldn't. We went back and forth for a while, and it basically came down to "I love you. Please just do this for me." So I grudgingly conceded. Then there was someone behind us.
It was the paladin's apprentice. Great. How is it that every time Audric and I go out to do some recon we end up blowing it? The paladin-in-training looked pretty unhappy. Apparently this was the first time she had ever found intruders in her place standing around arguing over who loved who more. Heh.
I tried hard to explain why we were going through her things. I didn't feel like I was doing a convincing job. I explained about the Grimlocks, and how my party had been the ones saving the city these last few days, and told her that people were wondering why her master was doing nothing. The woman told us her master had been missing for a few days. He had responded to a message from a local who had heard a noise outside his house but was too afraid to investigate himself. Alain had never returned. My heart sank as I heard this. I could take a few guesses at what had probably happened to him, and we told his apprentice that she might want to check the Grimlocks' warehouse for his body. I also offered our help in finding out what had happened to him, if she wanted it. We exchanged names, and she said hers was Torriel. She eyed Audric suspiciously as he said his was simply Audric.
Apparently, something about Audric was making her suspicious of him. She wasn't ready to believe he was a cleric of Pelor, and I prepared myself to attack should she make a move to harm Audric. In response to this disbelief, Audric began to emit a strange aura. After a while, it died away, and he told Torriel that was about all the good he had left in him for the day. She seemed convinced for the time being. I apologized for sneaking around and she bid us goodnight, but not before sending me on my way with a smack from the side of her blade. My face went red.
Audric and I began to head back to the inn. He was saying something excitedly when he let slip something about picking thoughts from peoples' heads, and silenced himself abruptly.
I sighed. You'd think, when you ask for some honesty, that you wouldn't then continue to learn strange secrets about your lover. However, I'm fast learning that with Audric, this is not the case.
"Lunavenn, " I coaxed. "Is there something you want to tell me?"
He didn't seem particularly willing, but he told me of how he could enter creatures' minds and see their thoughts. He said that he had been in Grumble's head and seen something which he had later let slip he knew. He managed to convince Grumble he had heard him talking in his sleep. Audric also mentioned he'd been in my head as well, but not since the first night we had met. He attributed that with the reason he couldn't bring himself to kill me. Apparently, things look pretty... um... pretty up there. I was a little mad, but I knew he was telling the truth. Otherwise, how else could I explain how long it had taken him to confess he was in love with me? My feelings for him were obviously up there.
Audric explained a little more about the skill, and I realized I couldn't stay mad at him. I never can seem to. I was starting to wonder what it must look like to go crawling through someone else's head, and just what it was he had seen in Grumble's, when I heard a scream. I turned to see Torriel's place surrounded by fog. Now, if this were any other place, I would have maybe passed it off as nothing, but this is Brindinsford. The place where everything, even the fog, wants to kill you. I drew my sword and started running for the paladin's place. Audric took one side and I took the other, and as I rounded the corner I saw two men hauling a body away into the night. I shouted for Audric and ran after them. One of the men was a magic user, so we had a little trouble, but eventually I slit one's throat and Audric turned the other one inside out(but not before breaking his own nose on his mace).
We stood for a few minutes trying to figure out what to do, and then Audric woke Torriel. She woke startled, and told us everything she remembered, which wasn't much. Then she noticed the levitating pile of guts. I laughed and said "That's what you get for messing with Audric!" As a look of horror washed over her face, I suddenly realized I shouldn't have said that. I bit my fingers, turning red again. Why do I have such a big mouth?
Torriel stammered "B-but, you... you... you're not allowed to..." as she gaped at Audric. I think sometimes I forget that everyone is supposed to believe he's truly a cleric of Pelor, and not Shadowspawn. However, fate must have been smiling on us, because before things could get out of hand, Torriel recognized the body of the other attacker. In life, he apparently worked for a local book store. At which there had recently been a suspicious "accidental" death that Torriel had been investigating. Audric and I decided it wasn't safe for her to stay at her place anymore. We thought quickly of all the places to take her, and finally decided she'd be safest with us at the Shield and Shingle. Rowan has that great big room, after all, and Nialia is almost never there.
Dragging Torriel back to the inn was really difficult. It's not easy supporting a full sized human who has almost no sense of balance with only two little gnomes. At least Audric is strong. We managed to get her back, and explain to the others what was going on. Rowan took Torriel up to bed, and Grumble decided to turn in as well. Audric took me aside and said he had a surprise for me, but we would need to go to the top of the city's walls for it. Intrigued, I grinned and agreed to follow him, and we slipped off.
Slipping through the night like birds through the air, we made it to the top of the city walls with no fuss. Once at our destination, Audric had me look out to the view of the lands outside the city, and he put his arms around me. Then he told me to close my eyes and hang on to his belt. I did so, wondering what he had in mind. There was a sounds like ripping fabric, and the Audric told me to jump. I had to think about it for a second, but I did. My eyes still closed, I felt the wind rushing past my face, and rushing, and rushing, and we never seemed to land. Curious, I opened my eyes, and saw why. We weren't falling, but flying! I felt the breath leave my body as I realized just how high up we were.
"You're not afraid of hights, are you?" Audric asked. Of course I'm not! At least, not any I've ever been to, and this was certainly higher than any of those.
When I adjusted to the concept of being so far away from the ground, I began to really enjoy myself. The land below looked so peaceful, dark and still, dotted with lights here and there. From such a height it would be easy to forget how troubled things were below.
"I just thought you would like this," Audric smiled. "Since you've been so excited by everything else. Out of all the surprises today, I figured I owed you one you would like."
"Tell you what," I grinned up at him. "Kiss me, and all is forgiven."
I can't believe that there has been a more perfect kiss in the history of the world, nor that there ever will be.

Letter Home 2

Dear Malick,

Did you get my last letter? I hope it found you all right. I have really been missing you as of late. It seems the farther I head from home, the more it is on my mind. I thought perhaps writing another letter would ease my troubled heart.
Since I wrote you last, it seems like my life has been turned upside-down. Do you remember me telling you about the gnome, Quirky? It turns out that he's been in love with me for some time now, and I didn't know. Consequently, we're um...together now. It also turns out that he was actually an assassin, sent to kill Grumble and me. Apparently, he fell deeply in love with me and just couldn't bring himself to do his job. Do you think it was wrong of me to forgive him for that? It seems like an awful big thing to forgive and put behind me, but in my heart it was the only thing that made sense.
Also, his name isn't Quirky anymore. Now it's Audric. He said he wanted a real name that would be better suited to him, and he asked me to come up with it. I wasn't particularly comfortable doing it, but that is what I came up with. Do you think it's fine? It seems like such an important decision to be left in my hands, you know?
I suppose I'd appreciate it if you kept this to yourself, if you can. I don't expect that Dad would take it well, and I can picture Mom blanching instantly at the thought of her sweet little Ellybelle in love with a disreputable assassin. I'm not really on the track to making them proud of me at all, am I? Was I ever? Some times I wonder.
On a different note, there is a fair going on here. I wandered past some gnomes from Addun'home who claimed to make the best locks anywhere. They had a lock on display that they claimed was unpickable, and were challenging passers by to try their luck. Of course I picked it! They were really shocked, but it was only a reverse lock so what did they expect? You could have done so much better, and made something much more challenging. Still, picking it made me think of you, and all those times back home. I really do miss you. My heart is heavy with the weight of it, and sometimes it feels like it is more than I can bear.
Well, I will keep this short, as I know you are probably busy and don't need to be burdened by my ramblings. I hope life in Addun'home is working out for everyone. I'm sorry you all had to pick up and move there because of me. I hope that things will resolve themselves soon, and you can all return home. Until then, I hope you find fortune where you are.

May the truth find its way to your heart always,
Badger

Fear of The South

I woke up this morning not really feeling any less homesick. I tried to put it behind me as the day began, however. There's no good to be had in thinking about things that can't be helped. After breakfast, Audric, Grumble and I went to Shooma's. She's apparently the best smithy for miles and miles and miles. Audric felt it would be good if we all had some silver weapons, given our most recent brush with lycanthropy. He bought silver weapons for all of us except Grumble, who got his own silver axe. I'm now the proud owner of a silver rapier. It's not nearly so amazing as Rowan's new one, but it ought to do the trick with the wererats.
From Shooma's, we left to head to the library. On the way, we passed a bunch of Gnome run carts. One of them seemed to be having some to-do, and there was a fair sized crowd of folks gathering around it. Upon closer inspection, I found a pair of gnomes boasting an unpickable lock. Not only an unpickable lock, but also boasting that their locks were the best locks around. I may not be locksmith myself, but family pride isn't very particular about those sort of things. The lock they had was impressive, but not any more so than pretty much anything Malick dreamed up on a regular basis. I couldn't let the insult to my family go without a shot, so I composed myself and headed to the cart. The gnome there obviously had no idea who I was, or I think he would have looked a little more nervous when I approached. In fact, as Audric tossed him some coins, I swear he had a "This ought to be good" look on his smirky face. I pretended not to notice as I strode past on my way to the lock.
I've had a lot of experience picking locks since I left home, and I had a lot of experience picking Malick's locks before that, however, I would be lying if I didn't mention that part of me was utterly terrified of failing big time. After all, I have a reputation to uphold, and the thought of blowing it in front of both Audric and Grumble made my stomach swim.
On my first try, I realized how careless I've let myself get since leaving home. I tripped a simple boobytrap and almost got my hand caught. After I pried my tools out and it reset, I took my second shot. There was something about this lock that seemed so familiar, so simple. It took me nearly snapping one of my tools off inside to remember what it was. It was a reverse lock! Feeling a distinct sense of relief, I went in for try number three. Reverse locks are engineered in such a way as to appear locked even after you've unlocked it. Another try will make it appear finally unlocked when in reality it has just been locked back up again. The point is to frustrate a thief until he gives up and goes home. Clever, but not Turen clever. The look on the gnomes' faces when I threw open the chest was reward enough for me, however I actually got something tangible! A gnomish lockpick device, with Silence cast on it! Finally someone realized that silence is more than just figuratively golden when it comes to lockpicking. I know that Dad is furious that I am using family secrets to pick locks with, but I'd like to think even he would be proud of me today. Well, maybe that's just too much to ask, but I know Malick would have been proud, and Audric certainly was. I can live with that for now.
Anyhow, after letting the family name do the explaining to those poor fellows, we were back on our way. We made a quick stop for lunch, and then made it the rest of the way to the library. The library was quite possibly one of the neatest things I have seen since leaving home. Natural Gnome curiosity set in, and I had the feeling I could have stayed there all day without much complaint. There were books and wizards everywhere, and even a huge mechanized model of the planes. I can't really say I know anything about the planes other than they exist in some fashion, but the model was amazing to see. It made me wish I had paid any mind to that part of school.
We headed up to a desk with a very official looking woman behind it. She told us her name was Carthryn, and would be able to help us with whatever we might be looking for, as none of us are wizards. This is apparently a prerequisite for understanding Libraries in this town...
Grumble started us off by asking about his axe. It turns out that it resembles the weapon of a Goldenaxe from a really long time ago. We couldn't get a definite fix on whether it really was or not, but it's looking like Grumble has a very old and important weapon on his hands.
Next we broached the subject of the House of Bel, and I thought for a moment that Carthryn might not be so willing to help us with that. She drew her wand, and all the color slid from her face like liquid pouring from a cup. She ushered us hurriedly into a small study area, and formed an enchanted bubble around us to protect us from prying ears and such. What we heard from her made me feel slightly sick. Apparently, Carthryn is a loremaster, and it's been her job to try and strike the name of Bel from the history, and the face of this earth. The members of the house are two brothers and a sister, though one of the brothers is presumed dead. Apparently they are beings so evil, that generations of families have vowed to send them to their graves. Great. It's nice to know that evil incarnate wants you dead. Carthryn seemed shocked that we had incurred their wrath in the first place, but after telling her our story, seemed to accept that we might be telling her true. We also told her about Baron von Hawkmoor, and she seemed a little troubled by that as well, though reminded me that he is only a man. Ha! A man that seems to feel the need to send Shadowspawn himself to end a dwarf and a gnome! Though I guess I should thank him. I would be a lot lonelier if I had never met Audric. Still, dangerous and crazy folk shouldn't be taken lightly, no matter how "human" they are.
I left the library wondering what the heck I'd gotten myself into. The feeling was made all the worse by a sudden swell of vertigo. When it ended and my mind and sight cleared, I still had to rub my eyes because we were standing in front of a large pool of slime, and a huge, sickening worm thing with nasty tentacles was staring at us. We all knew what had to be done, but I don't think anyone will think less of me when I say I really did NOT want to do it. Grumble and I managed to take some decent chunks out of it before it got a hold of me and started to make me a snack. Audric tried what he could to get it to drop me, but it didn't want to seem to let go. I found myself being pulled into the grossest mouth I have ever been near to, as another creature appeared in close proximity and grabbed Audric. When it finally dropped me, I could hear Audric screaming as he was getting pulled into the other creature's mouth. I was torn between taking out the one in front of me, and trying to rescue Audric. Sadly, I was covered in slime, and not being particularly effective in any capacity. The other creature dropped Audric and grabbed me, and I took what should have been a nasty hit. It felt slightly less so, however, though it still hurt like anything. I thought I could hear Audric's screaming somewhere under my own, but I wasn't sure. When we finally defeated the creatures, the bystanders thought it had all been a show. I guess odd things like this aren't the usual here in Bridinsford.
Shirtly after the battle ended, Nialia and Rowan found us. Apparently they had had a fight out in the woods with a gross beast of their own. This town is really starting to weird me out! Something is obviously not right here. I'm not sure what, but whatever it is seems to be calling out to strange and evil things that don't belong in the city.
Tired and weirded out, we decided to head back to the inn. On our way back, we passed a troupe of street performers putting on what may have been a true theatrical abomination if ever there was one. As I was dismissing it, I saw a huge troll-like thing with no eyes and a giant hammer step out from behind the stage curtain and raise his hammer at the actor. I wasn't sure what I was seeing, but Audric went sprinting past screaming "It's real! Shoot it! Take it down!" Just then, more of those things poured out from behind the curtains and began slaughtering people at will. What is it about this fair that seems to attract ugly things that like to murder innocent folks? Once again we sprang into action, but this time Grumble seemed distracted. He stopped dead as we all raced past and cried out "Glorwynn!!!!" as if he were calling to someone. I have no idea what he was seeing, but I don't think it was what I was seeing. He came to eventually, and we managed to take out the eye-less creatures.
Audric came up to me afterwards, hurt in the same place I was. I don't remember him getting hurt, but he must have, because there was the injury. I tried to ask him about it, but he just leaned in and kissed me. It's almost annoying how that seems to temporarily wipe my mind. I just can't help it, though. He's such a good kisser...
Anyhow, we have a serious problem on our hands now. Those awful things came from somewhere, and we're going to have to find out where so we can attempt to keep this town safe. I just hope Nialia can track them, because I am more than a little tired of evil things ruining everyones' good time!

Guards! Guards!

It turns out that I didn't have too long to wallow in homesickness after dinner. As we headed back to the inn, the fair was slowing down for the night. Making our way through the crowd, the general shouts and cries turned to screams of terror. Being so short, I couldn't see much, but the mass of folks in front of us started pressing against us in a panic, trying to get away from whatever was causing those screams.
Of course no one but Grumble had their armor on, but when duty calls, you just have to answer. We began pressing our way through the frightened crowd, and I had just enough time to think "Well, it's a good thing I'm not a disaster at sewing, too..." before Audric leaned in and told me to put my arms around his neck. He grew up to the size of a regular human, taking me up with him. Hands down, that was one of the weirdest things I have ever experienced, but it was nice to be able to see what was going on, and to not have to worry about being trampled.
As we moved closer, I saw several wererats attacking guards and festival goers alike. There were also dire rats coming out of various nooks and crannies.
Audric set me down, and I was quite thankful I had tucked my kukri into my boot before leaving. I tried my best to be helpful, but without a silver weapon., how much damage can one do to a were-anything? I got bit and stabbed, and by the time we had killed or chased off everything, my poor kirtle was in sad shape. Oh well. There's a reason I don't own nice clothing. Nialia promised to cast a repairing spell on it later, so hopefully that works.
At least we were able to stop the rats from killing anyone else. However, we almost got into trouble with the city. The wererats turned back into their human form when they died, and the guards were suspicious of us, having our weapons drawn and being at the center of the commotion. As it turns out, there were two other attacks like ours in other locations, and after a talk with Lieutenant Shella, we were cleared, and told we no longer needed to have our weapons peacebonded.
After that, we finally made it back to the inn. I was hoping for a little peace and quiet, but it was so crowded in there, and it didn't take long for word to spread that we were the folks that had stood up to the rats. Of course there was a lot of fuss over us all. At the crowd's request, Rowan gave a pretty good retelling of our encounter, which seemed to satisfy them some. I just sat and felt embarrassed, wishing they could find something else to expend their energy on. When the hullabaloo finally died down, I pulled Audric up to our room. Since Rowan had run into her father's friend, I had had a nagging hope that maybe Malick, or Tom and Jon might have made their way down here for the fair. Audric asked me if I thought they could have made it down here since I saw them that night at Morwen's. Thinking about it, I felt really stupid for having said anything. Of course it wouldn't be possible, and they're all always so busy. I couldn't imagine why I had thought they might be here in the first place, other than homesickness giving my heart false hope.
Audric put his arms around me and asked if I wanted to try and find the gnomish community here in town. I told him no. All I wanted was to see my brothers. Seeing other gnomes that were complete strangers would probably just make it worse. After all, I have Audric, even though he's not actually a gnome, nor does he really know much about being one or anything...Ok, so that does make me a little sad. Still, I love him and being with him makes me feel better about things, and he looks like a gnome, so I can always pretend. Besides, I have my companions as well. It's not like I'm alone with strangers in this strange place. I should just try to put my family as far from my thoughts as I can for now, lest I find myself dangerously distracted from the tasks at hand.
Audric suggested we go to the library with Grumble, and try to learn what we can about the house of Bel. I had actually forgotten about that until he mentioned it, and it chilled me to remember. I suppose I really have been distracted as of late. For now, though, it's time for Audric and time for bed. Sleeping next to him feels like the greatest peace I have ever had.

Another to Say its Name

Quirky pulled me aside last night, looking nervous and thoughtful. I was worried what could be on his mind, as he gets this special look on his face when he's about to say something particularly important. He looked me in the eye and asked "Badger, would you do something for me?" He told me he didn't want to be known as Quirky Timbers anymore. It was just a name that he'd made up as part of his ruse in the citadel. Beyond Quirky, he really had no name at all, only aliases. With all this in mind, he wanted me to give him a new name. Two new names, in fact. One that everyone could know him by, and then one just between the two of us.
Quirky took my hands in his and explained that he wanted a special name, like the one I had received when I reached adulthood. He wanted his to mark his passage from mysterious shadow to real person. I swallowed hard. The skin on his hands was impossibly soft and comforting, but I still felt panicked. Nicknames aside, real names are important business, and I couldn't believe he was trusting me to give him his.
After making sure this was what he wanted, I promised to do my best. I would readily dive straight into a dragon's mouth for Quirky, but I was heartily wishing I could back out of this challenge. I looked into his eyes again and saw how expectant he looked. I felt sick, so I got up and went to sit outside for a moment. This was what he wanted, and I was going to have to come up with something. There was no escaping it. Once my head had stopped swimming, I went back inside and laid down next to Quirky.
I lay awake for quite some time, listening to him breath, and looking him over. I wanted something that would represent how I felt everyone should know him, how he is. I also wanted something that would let him know how I felt about him. It couldn't be stupid! It had to be perfect and special, like him. Eventually I wore myself out with such thoughts, and fell asleep. As I dreamed, it seemed that my mind cleared. When I awoke the next morning, I felt I had made up my mind. When Quirky woke up, I told him I thought I had reached a decision. Digging my nails into my hands to keep me focused, I told him what I had thought of.
First, his common name. Audric, meaning "trusted," because if he is anything, he is that. It's also quite a handsome sounding name, I think, like Quirky. Blushing red-hot, I continued. "For your special name," I said, trying hard to still meet his eyes, "I think Lunavenn. It means "Beloved Companion," and has the same fragment as my Lunhedia."
There was a short pause while Quirky took this all in, and then in a flurry of sheets and kisses, he tackled me. I guess it is safe to say he liked my choices!
Feeling much relieved, we went out to join the others for breakfast. I noticed Grumble came in not from the hallway of the sleeping area, but from the front door of the common room! As it turns out, he never made it back to his own bed last night. He and Cora must have found they had some things in common. He was trying to disguise it, but I could see there was a bright happiness in Grumble's eyes that I don't believe I've ever seen there before. Whatever passed between the two of them must have done his heart a great service.
Quirky announced to the party that he would like to be known as Audric from now on. It feels weird to look at him and try not to think "Quirky" anymore, but I'm sure we'll all get used to it eventually. I just hope everyone else likes the name Audric as much as I do...
After breakfast, we set out again for Bridinsford. When we arrived, there was trouble at the gate. Two half-orcs were apparently grievously offended by the concept of peace bonding, and were letting the guards know it. As it looked like the guards were not going to be able to settle this alone, Grumble rushed into the fray, and I followed. We killed one, and knocked the other out. I wasn't much help at all, but Qui-Audric was able to heal the guards, and the rest of my companions were able to handle the orcs.
One of the guards told us as thanks that his brother would put us up in his inn for free. I can't imagine anyone actually honoring a promise like that during festival time, but here we are with three rooms! Three really, really nice rooms!
After settling the matter of lodging, we went to the barracks to tell Lieutenant Shella of our success with the Skull Tribe. When she was finally able to speak to us, we were thanked not only by her, but by the Barron's sister as well! She was so glad we had helped out the barony, that she doubled our reward. Looking at her, she seemed sincerely thankful, and I am frustrated to say that I still cannot decide who is behind the treachery with the orcs. Even Shella seemed grateful. I wonder if we will ever get to the bottom of this?
After completing our business at the barracks, we were all able to go our own way for a while, but before we split up, I made Rowan promise to meet me after dinner. Quirky and I went off in search of food and sights. It has been so long since I've been to a festival of any sort! I forgot how many delicious foods can be skewered on sticks! With Audric by my side, I thought I had temporarily died and gone to heaven. It was so nice to be able to forgot about being adventurers for a while, and just spend some honest time with him.
When dinner time came around, we met back up at our inn. Rowan told us she had run into a friend of her father's, who had invited us all for dinner. I rushed upstairs to try and get ready. I have this kirtle I have been carrying in the bottom of my pack since I left home. It was a parting gift from my friend, Effinia. She was always so good with clothes, and boys! She embroidered it with badgers and apples, to represent how I got the name Badger. Before I left, she told me that one never knows when one will meet a boy they'd like to impress, and at the time, I remember having a good laugh. Now, with my hair looking like an exploded pheasant, I was most certainly NOT laughing. I guess I should have asked her to show me how to illusion my hair into something nice, as well. However, with Rowan's help, I was able to put it back the way it was, except with ribbons instead of leather ties, and head downstairs with fingers crossed. I think I managed to sufficiently impress Quir-ack! Audric! Then we headed off to dinner with Rowan. Dinner was so nice! Bruge and his wife were such nice hosts, and they told us some stories from Rowan's past. Then, they gave her what is probably the most amazing sword I have ever seen in my short little life! It was supposed to go to Rowan's friend, but when she died, her parents thought it was fitting that Rowan have it in her stead.
It must have been so nice for Rowan to be at dinner with friends from her past. Listening to them talk made me miss my own family desperately. I wish I could see them again. I wonder what Malick would say if he ever met Audric? I can't decide if he would be impressed that I've managed to find someone, or if he would feel protective and concerned. I don't know if I'll ever find out. I wonder if Dad has forgiven me yet for running away and not becoming a locksmith? Malick had said Dad was so angry, he'd shouted that he was glad I was gone, and never wanted to see me again. I can't believe that would be true, but then again, he seemed so disappointed that I was picking locks instead of making them. I know I let him down, but I would hope he might want to see me again someday all the same. If I ever get the chance, that is. *sigh* At least I have Grumble, and Audric, and everyone else. They make a good substitute for a family in the meantime.

If There's Something Left to Lose

Since defeating the roaming clan of orcs that had been wiping out halfling farming villages outside of Bredensford, we've been staying temporarily in one of the remaining villages. It's been pretty weird to be in the company of halflings. I actually feel tall for once! Sort of.
Quirky has been in bad shape since we fought the orcs. They got a few lucky shots at him, and he got hurt pretty badly. It was really unnerving to see him so injured. I know he always insists he'll be fine, and I'm sure he will, but it still doesn't make it any easier to take.
I feel so helpless. Quirky is so great at healing, and he's always there to protect us, but when he gets hurt, there's so little anyone can do, especially me. I feel like I can never return the favor.
This morning after breakfast, Quirky excused himself and wandered off. As I was walking past our room in the common hall, I heard him speaking to someone. I know it's not right to spy on him like that, but I couldn't help it. I had to listen in. I couldn't hear any voice but Quirky's, but he sounded serious. He said he wasn't telling us about something, and sounded as if he were asking this mystery person a favor they didn't seem willing to do. When Quirky ended his conversation, I managed to just duck out of sight in time to avoid being seen. When I searched our room, I found nothing out of the ordinary, just a scratch on the mirror, but that could have always been there I suppose.
Quirky must have been looking for me, because he came back into the room calling my name, and I couldn't hide in time. I felt a little ashamed for sneaking around, but I also felt a little betrayed. How could he still be keeping secrets from me after I begged him for total honesty? I confronted him, and he asked if I'd been listening. I told him yes. Quirky said he hadn't thought that this particular issue was pertinent to our relationship, but what he said next made me wonder why he had thought so.
Quirky told me that he was making arrangements so that I would be provided for in the event that something should happen to him. If I should die, he explained, he could bring me back, traumatic though it might be. Our connection, our love, he hoped would be enough to make my soul return to my body. However, if he should die, things would be more difficult. It's the price he pays for being able to wield divine magic, apparently. He wanted to think wanting to be with me still would be enough, but that it would be complicated.
I was a little shocked by this thought. Quirky said he had been attempting to call in a favor with a "work associate" of his, but he hoped he would never have to test his theory. He hadn't wanted to tell me about it because he didn't want me to worry, but obviously it was a little late for that.
I swore I would protect him, no matter what. I would never let him die, if there was anything I could do to prevent it. I don't think I could manage this life anymore if Quirky left it without me. He held me close and tried to reassure me, but it's still there in the back of my mind.
Afterwords, we went to the feast the halflings had prepared in our honor. I did my best to hide my worry from the others, and tried to enjoy myself. There's no reason for anyone else to worry about either of us, and unfair for me to burden them with something between Quirky and me.
Besides, halflings throw an unquestionably good party. How can I resist good food and good company? Rowan and I have each set a platinum against the possibility of Grumble being able to not only pet Nialia in wolf form, but to do such a good job that she begins to tap her foot in ecstasy! He'll never pull it off without losing a valuable limb, but he seems set on trying!
We also had a chance to speak with Elder Joram about the villages' relationships with the barony. From what he says, I see no reason why the Baron should be behind the Orc attacks. Perhaps it is Lieutenant Shella who is misusing the Baron's good name? Either that, or someone is putting the Baron up to it. Maybe I am trying to read too much into it. I can't imagine how someone could order such awful acts against innocent people, but life has recently pointed out to me how innocent my world view is, and how easily I can be taken in.
Perhaps I should blame Malick for teaching me to expect the best from those around me. Perhaps not. Maybe it is just the way I have always been. Sometimes I think I would be hurt much less if I took a more cynical view, but I feel like I would be losing a valuable part of myself if I gave in to such things.
I've noticed that seeing these evil things has disturbed Quirky as well. It seems strange to me that Shadowspawn would be so affected, but maybe Quirky has been impersonating a cleric of Pelor a little too long? I don't know. I still feel there is a lot I don't understand about him, but I'm not sure it's my place to ask such things of him. I should feel grateful that he's been even this honest with me, I suppose. Sometimes it feels like there are six worlds between us, even when nothing more than a breath separates us. I wonder if that feeling will ever change?