I found this journal in the stash room. That…that just sounds stupid, right? The stash room. The room I used to stash my weapons and all the shite I’ve stolen in. Like someone isn’t just going to break into my house and steal from a thief. I’m cleaning it out and turning it into a guest bedroom. Because it’s a really good idea for a thief to entertain guests, right?
If change is constant, then friends come and go. Reading over previous pages, it’s saddening to find that everyone who was previously in my life is no longer around, save for my sister and Rhody. But what surprise is that, when you’ve been gone for longer than you were here in the first place?
Ten months ago, Odelina and I departed for Rohan. Hamadryt and Ash were supposed to come a few weeks later, but O and I had business to attend to in West-march before we met them in Eastfold. Nothing ever seems to go according to plan, and this proved to be true again. Apparently, she reached the conclusion that my martial skills ain’t good enough to take on an army on my own. So, we got in contact with some family of hers, and big surprise. They didn’t like me. Can’t imagine why, I’m charming enough, aren’t I?
They forced her to choose. Her duty to the family, or me. In her place, I might have chosen the same, but… in her place, I would not have had the same choice. Finally, I left, travelling to Aldburg to meet up with Ash and Hamadryt…only to find that they weren’t there. There was a letter waiting for me from Ash. Apparently, Ham had left without her, with no word, not even a goodbye. I was shocked to hear the news.
I spent a few weeks stalking our parents’ house in Aldburg. I don’t know what I expected to find, but I managed to overhear my father speaking to several people, attempting to use my sister’s virtues as a bargaining chip to be sold. I was disgusted. For the briefest of moments, I considered slitting his throat in his sleep. Then I saw mother, or what’s left of her. She has become a sad, sullen woman, her eyes hollow and tired. And I realized, despite my own anger, my own hatred of him and what he’s done… I can’t bear to take everything from she who has already lost two daughters.
Regardless, I chased down the men to check their intentions. I was not about to have my father’s fallacies endanger my sister again. Neither of them showed much interest in her, fortunately. Satisfied, I opted to spend my last night in Eastfold in the glade where Ash and I used to hang out. Found a gift there, waiting for me. Was a nice surprise. I’ll have to thank Lilthalas if we ever meet again.
The trip back was far more eventful than I’d like. I decided to travel through Dunland, like I did the first time I travelled through. It’s less hazardous if you can sneak through. Which, with a fast-enough horse, I certainly can. Two days in, I stopped in the valley south-west of Galtrev. I think they call the place Starkmoor. It’s not a pretty place, but for once, there was a beautiful sunset casting light over the mountains. It cut through the trees in a way that left me stunned. The wind picked up ever so gently, sweeping back my hood. I didn’t think, I just stopped. Felt the breeze through my hair and closed my eyes. The moment was almost surreal…. until an arrow zipped past my head. A Dunlending hunting party had stumbled across me just then. As I leapt from my horse, I remember making some snide remark about how they should be nice, because I’m a Breelander, but I think I was speaking Rohirric. That likely didn’t help. Three more arrows followed, and after landing I filled all but one with blades. The last one wasn’t nice enough to hold still. I didn’t have many options, so I rode north as fast as I could. They chased me, leading to several skirmishes. I think I had to change horses four times because they kept killing the one I was riding. Little shites. I think I rode constantly for a solid week on the South Road, just to get back to Enedwaith.
I don’t like barely escaping with my life. Doesn’t happen often. But that was a huge group of fucking Dunlendings. Seriously.
Anyway. I told Rhody about Odelina’s decision today. It was… easier than I expected. Although, I found out that she had not expected either of us to return. But, she was happy that I returned, and we spent a long evening together, before I let her sleep in the guest bed I’d set up not long ago. I enjoyed the evening. It made me feel like I was home again. And in a ghost town that I’d once made vibrant, even briefly, it was everything I needed.
After all, she and my sister are all I have left.
Now, why can’t I bring myself to knock on Ash’s door?
