Many things have occurred since I had joined The Bloody Dawn, I haven't the will yet to write up our battle with the Giant... In hindsight it was a fun encounter if not for Dalfura's injuries... I hope she recovers soon...
Dalfura...
I know your secret now... I know who you are... You're one of the skin-changers of the Anduin... Elusive as you are noble, yet not a savage or a ragged nomad as I previously thought your kin were. You carry the heritage of your people with pride and brilliance. Why do I feel these strange feelings for you? Is it love? I would not know... For I have been stoic and hardened for so long, there was simply no time for petty emotions...
It began as a chance meeting... After the events of the Jail riots I had wandered back up to the Prancing Pony for a well deserved ale and a chance to sit down. It was then I seen her.
Dalfura stood near the crackling hearth wearing a beautiful green dress, the likes of which I have never seen before. Surely she must be doing well for herself to be able to afford such attire...
...Turns out it was her mothers, handed down to her.
We took to somewhere more quiet and got talking, turns out we're not too different, I have no family... She has no family, we're both practically estranged to this town though I would go as far as to wager that she doesn't even know the customs or laws. I took pity on her knowing that her coin was indeed low.
Then it hit me...
She has the strength not only of a fully grown man... But likely three of them!
What a great asset indeed it would be to The Bloody Dawn to have a Beorning on our side! Though her Westron is poor and her knowledge of these lands slim... I would gladly see to teaching her our ways. I have managed to pry out from her the fact that she is good with an axe!
I shall see Ebold and try and convince him that dispute her 'gift' she is no threat to the company. I shall be held responsible if anything happens.
***
With some convincing and a great deal of trust I have been able to convince Ebold to allow Dalfura a position within our ranks! I am glad for that means my friend finally has somewhere to stay. We have moved into the barracks and already she claims to feel at ease despite this all being rather new to her. Several days have passed and I've noticed something remarkably different about her... The way she carries herself, the way she glances at me with those striking earthy green eyes. The way she smiles warmly to me.
Has she... has she taken a fancy to me?
No... That can't be it... Keep your head on your shoulders, Aske!
Surely not... I must not delude myself...
Already several of my colleagues have began asking questions about her... Usually it's something along the lines of ''Can she really turn into a bear?'' and ''Is she dangerous?''... As if Dalfura is some strange creature from the wilds! Bah!! She's more civilized than most of the grim and foolish locals to The Prancing Pony who swig many ales and ciders as if it's their life source! Do they not see that Dalfura is simply just misunderstood... Aye rumors have began to spread like they usually do of a lass who 'attacked' some Watchmen... But I witnessed the whole ordeal kick off... I know you're not a monster, Dalfura... You are just misunderstood...
Perhaps they're right to worry though, no one knows her true temperament yet. One of the stable masters jokingly referred it to keeping a pack of hounds... If they are savage and trust not their master then they may turn against you...
Dalfura is not a dog... She is a person!
Of all people... Why you?
It has been days now... And yet your beautiful smile warms my heart... Your very presence seems to ease my worries...
Argh! what is wrong with me?!
What would Mr. Vandal think of me if he knew who I've grown to love...
What would it matter? He is not my master...
Dalfura... I have not the strength or emotional capacity in my regimented heart to tell you how I feel...
And you likely don't have the means to tell me how you feel... Save perhaps in the songs of your own tongue, beautiful they are yet I know not their meaning... I can only sit and listen to your voice like a wave of comfort over my troubled mind...
But she can turn into a bear! Is that not reason enough to say no to her?
She's dangerous! A woman from the wilds with bear instincts! She'll be the end of you! You are blinded by passion and you know it!
What good are spears and shields when she lays beside you? Don't let your guard down lest you are slaughtered in your sleep! Foolish boy! You're playing with fire this time...
I can only hope I have chosen correctly... If anything kicks off now it'll be my head on the block for sure!
But then again... She gave me her word...
She will cause no harm.
