I find myself almost too tired to write this evening. I will not linger over these pages for long. But I want to record a few thoughts before I retire.
Gamferth and I have arrived, at long last, in Snowbourn. Finally, we can remove our traveling armor and weapons and not have to think about going anywhere! At least for quite some time. Aeruthuil is here as well, and I've exhorted him to seek what help he may be to the city, since he is skilled at fighting and scouting and such. I am forever grateful to him, since without his aid, the scar on my chest would likely have become a mortal wound.
Our first days here have been spent resting, eating, drinking, and for myself, trying to find my way around. I was here once or twice as a child, but so long ago that I remember nothing besides how pretty I thought the white stone walls were. Stables and horses are plentiful, of course, and I presented myself to each one I came across until a kindly woman granted that she needed a helping hand at a very fine and large stable at the south end of the city. In exchange, she has given me a small cottage for lodging, and while it is very small indeed, it is perfectly suitable for my needs. I have not yet met Gamferth's mother, but I think even he wants a few days of recuperation from our long and weary journey before visiting her home.
I know that Crow promised to meet us here, and I will keep my eyes open for him. I have so many questions about his purpose here. And not only that, but about other things. Things, perhaps, that would not yet be prudent to touch upon.
A curious man escorted me home this evening. Saexwyrd is his name. We first saw him last evening, in the mead hall, where he seemed oddly brusque and a bit short tempered. I encountered him again today in the tavern, where he continued speaking in the most blunt manner to a young, blind man (who, for his part, seemed very pleasant). I departed their company to find some peace for my thoughts, as they were speaking of very...dark things. But not long after, he came out and approached me, to my surprise. He seemed amused that I was unsure of my way home, and walked with me, perhaps hoping for a good laugh if I should get lost. A careful eye led me rightly to the house, however, but then he stood as if afraid to approach the building, and would not meet my gaze. I left him there and bid him goodnight. I am exceedingly puzzled, and there is even more to tell of this man, but I have not the concentration to write it all now.
For now, I am most content. I do not have to go anywhere, to ride anywhere, to pack rations and supplies, to sleep in the cold on the hard earth. The bed here is warm, the hearth is cozy, my candle's little flame burns so prettily beside me. My blood seems to sense its familiarity with the land under my feet, and the air I now breathe. I think less of the past every day, and I pray I think less of it still tomorrow.
