These days have been trying indeed.
I ran short of supplies shortly after my last entry. I was forced to make my way to a settlement of sorts to the north of our camp, leaving Violet alone for the duration of my journey. I had been told that it was a few hours ride and, whilst this may indeed be so, no one thought to warn me that the way is fraught with all manner of creatures! Alone, but unable to turn back through fear of both leading them to the injured man as well as what would occur should I not get what I need, I was forced to waste many hours indeed sneaking from one sparse piece of shelter to the next. I was even forced to fight my way free once or twice. I never would have thought myself happy to know even a little of the skills necessary to enact violence and yet having learned such, I am now thankful for that knowledge saved both my life and Violet's.
Eventually reaching Gath Forthnir more or less intact, I was almost turned away. The inhabitants of this dank little cave are highly suspicious and, I suppose, who can blame them? This is, after all, their home and I do not exactly look like a fresh-faced picture of innocence unfortunately. Still, they were more than happy to accomodate myself and my requests once I told them for whom I was acting. It seems they know all those of the group very well indeed and are grateful for the works they do in this area.
It took a while for them to gather the things I had requested and so I took the opportunity to draught letters to those I care for. I had not had the opportunity before now, so busy with one thing and another had I been. Having written, sealed and sent them, I can now only hope that the missives get to those intended.
Over the next five days Violet improved dramatically. He is a hardy fellow, it seems, and once given the most suitable herbal aid is quick to bounce back. There was more joy to be had, however, for a few days later the main party returned!
They were battered, bruised, bloody and exhausted but they were in high spirits for they had retrieved that which they had sought in those terrible towers. In their midst was a man I had not seen before. Under normal circumstances he would be tall, broad and ruggedly handsome, although I could see that his time in captivity had rendered him somewhat ragged and unkempt. He too was in a bad condition and I had to work harder than ever before to see to the needs of the triumphant heroes.
We shall rest a while, I am told. Three, maybe four days, and then we shall depart from here to begin the journey home. A large part of me looks forward to that; going back to those I care about the most, speaking with them, hearing all about how they have been since last we convered. Another part of me already misses the people I am with now, the friendships and trust we have forged through peril and the camraderie between each person present. More than that, though, I am happy to have been here, to have witnessed the reuniting of brother and sister; Leoric, the elder of the two, once more in the company of Blaecwyn, our leader.
