So many changes and so quickly too! I saw an elf. I -spoke- to an elf. In an elf place! Me, Jackilyn Blackburrow, adventurer, explorer! He were tall, imposing like, and asking why we be traveling where they be. Ath did most of the talking though, and gave me a fair warning about how their kind ain't all that keen on folk getting too curious, but, talk about pretty! Don't just mean the buildings or the plants, trees, no, I mean the folk themselves! Tall, delicate but strong all the same and as if they be carved out of fancy marble, flawless. I were more than a bit careful with the way I acted there, not wanting to offend folk and all. Our camp were just outside of their town and close enough that they would be able to soon see if we were causing trouble. We only stayed for a bit though, I could have looked at them pretty pink trees, ivory towers and waterfalls for much longer.
When we traveled on, there were bits and pieces of dwarven influence. Road markers that be measuring distance to different places. Bridges that looked nothing like them in Breeland or the Shire. Tall, angular buildings, rarely a curved line to be seen. Ath were telling me of a dock we had to go by, and it were a pity we couldn't get closer as I've learnt, I think I want to be close to the water, I find it calming. We were approached by a rabbit hunter, he were a friendly sort who made certain we weren't lost, and we parted ways with a promise to drink an ale for him when we got to our final destination. Though after a bit more walking, we eventually we made it to a trading post, it were impressive too and with a bit of something for everyone. I got me self some fur lined gloves and a scarf, so along with me Ma's cloak, I ain't got any chance of getting cold, and there be snow also! I can't remember the last time I saw more than just a dusting of the stuff.
It's like this journey has been like walking in a dream, things I didn't think I would do, or see, happening. Ath has been making certain I take this paste he says be made of kingsfoil, and me ear is all healed up now too. I did have another one of them dreams though, and they be bothering me. Every night I go to sleep quickly, exhausted what with all the traveling. Each night has been pretty much the same as the next, same sort of dream, and it be troubling now, but thankfully I get to forget them during the day because every day has given me something new. Something to see, something to hear, something to experience. As reluctant as I were to do this, as much as the cold air seems to want to challenge me, Ath has given me something wonderful, memories of places I would have only ever read or heard about.
