Adjusting to Bree-town has proven taxing of late. A man alone with no profession can find himself with too much time on his hands, leading him to dwell upon his darker thoughts. It is for that reason that I have decided to consider my position. My skills in warfare are adequate, but I am not fit to become a soldier. My knowledge of the land is considerable, but I am by no means a protector. When you have lived by the sword all of your life such as I, there is very little one can do to further contribute to the world other than utilising that skillset.
I considered Ardyn’s words, his offer to join his rabble. I would never agree to his invitation, but contemplated whether that is what Bree had now become. It had always been a hive of villainy and criminal misfits, that much was true. But I had expected things to change in the dawn of this new age. Alas, it remains the same, if not worse. I have witnessed several brawls and attacks in the streets, not to mention that on the road just moments away from the gates of the town. Eriador is still, it would seem, in a state of unrest. Whether this new King of Gondor will play a part in its restoration, I cannot say. Nevertheless, given my previous history with that country, I have very little faith in Gondor or its people to rally to our aid.
I owe much to Bree. In my past life, I did nothing but contribute to its degradation for my own selfish, personal gain. It is for that very reason that I have decided to take upon the role of a mercenary. The term ‘mercenary’ often comes with a negative connotation, as most who partake in the profession are generally considered the more unsavoury sort. This is, without a doubt, due to the tasks they choose to uptake and the relentlessness of their ambition to receive coin. Coin is the main reason for my decision, for my own will not last long. If I remain idle, I shall become a pauper, I must act.
I received my first offer of employment from a man within the Prancing Pony. To say that he looked untrustworthy would be an understatement. He was rough and ill-spoken. I did not take kindly to his attitude. He wanted me to find a man within the town and threaten him. I declined this offer for the very reasons I have just explained. I will not be a thug or enforcer, and I shall certainly not use my skills to bring about fear in the town. A second offer came from a woman whom, I believe, is a barkeep within the Prancing Pony. She was a timid character, as fragile as a bird. I admired her courage to approach me, for other than asking patrons for their orders, she seemed very uncomfortable within her own skin. She asked me whether I would be able to find someone for her, someone who went missing not so long ago. This, I accepted. The coin she offered was not much, but it was a start. If I am to establish myself as a reputable mercenary, what better way to start than to offer my services to a public figure such as she?
The barmaid told me that this man went missing along the road leading to the Lone Lands. I am familiar with the terrain and shall begin my search there. Given the fact that this person has been missing for several weeks, I do not hold out much hope for their recovery. I have prepared myself for the journey and will see what can be done.
Image created by AI, sourcing a screenshot from The Lord of the Rings Online
