I am shocked to find how long it has been since I have written. Though, not without good cause. So much has happened since my last entry...I am not sure where to begin. Ani and Ajwan are no longer in the infirmary near so often as they had been before. I have not heard news of Jonn...since my last entry, I believe. It has been awhile in any case. I have not heard anything of Aeroden either. I do hope both of them are well.
Carria did awaken from her coma, and became quite strong soon after. She has been a great help to ridding Everslade and surrounding areas of brigands and the like. She became quite close to a woman, Odelina, and a younger lass by the name of Rhody. It was lovely to see her loving others aside from myself. She used much of her...wealth...to restore Everslade and turn it into a village of safety and healing. It has certainly been wonderful. She owns nearly all of it. A few others have bought houses from her in the area. One of which being Hamadryt. Which I was more happy to hear than I would admit, at first.
I recall meeting him, just after the stressful and wearying trial of that evil man, Wolfshead. Owena...had still been alive at that point. After attending the trial and attempting to comfort Briony, I decided to get a drink from the inn of the Prancing Pony and perhaps find some comfort in pleasant company. I was not disappointed. Brynleigh was there, sitting at a table with a man. He intrigued me and I found him very handsome. He was witty and lighthearted, yet gentle and wise beyond his years. I soon forgot the worrisome trial and merely enjoyed Bryn's and his company. I remember making a bit of a fool of myself...saying nonsense, folly, then blushing deeply after. Yes, my mind certainly left me. Yet he did not really notice. (I did happen to see him and Bryn smirking and attempting not to laugh. But, I was ready to laugh at myself if I had not been in the middle of my foolishness.) That man, was Hamadryt. He came to mean much more to me than I had even begun to anticipate, and is always a person of strength for me. I could not get through half of what I have without him. (Carria...if you are reading...stop laughing and smirking as I know you would.) I am worried for what may happen to him, though. It seems as though everyone I love is destined to die, in some manner or another. Even my dear sister, was not allowed her life because of me. But he would not heed me when I said this, and was determined to break the legs of my every argument and simply...love me.
Let's move on...what else? Oh yes, Taragen needed his leg amputated, sadly. It never healed quite properly. It was dreadful. I despise taking limbs. I would live a happier life if I never needed to amputate a thing again!
I, myself, have been bedridden for a little while. First, for a broken ankle, then I was attacked just after my ankle healed! Brigands came, inquiring if I knew anything of Kallynn's whereabouts. She told me her father was hunting her down to silence her, and I had already received threats. I thought they were empty, but he surely acted upon them. Fortunately, Kallynn is safe for now. I can only pray she does not fall into his hands. She seemed to have a good head on her shoulders, and I believe she will be safe. So, they came and inquired, but I gave them nothing. So they began to beat me. I felt they had no qualms in killing me, so I brought out one of my daggers and...I killed one of them. Tried to kill the other, but he was too strong and too fast when I was already injured. He stabbed me twice, twisting the knife in my abdomen, then Carria came just in time, and saved me. My vision went blank shortly after being stabbed, so I cannot relate exactly how the fight went. I can remember the blood. So much blood. And oh, the guilt of taking another life. Yes, he was going to kill me, but I am to SAVE lives. Am I justified in taking one, to save my own skin? I always struggle with this...this man would be the fourth victim to my blade. Am I a killer? Though self-defense...is it still RIGHT? I cannot allow my mind to wander down this just now. I will surely lose it if I do.
I had a steady inflow of people, expressing desire to protect me. It warms my heart to think so many care for me. Hamadryt, of course, was one of them. I intend to tell Carria the next moment I see her of the wonderful things that transpired in that time. Sadly, she was hunting the man down who sent those brigands. Kallynn's father. But, she came back and her endeavor was fruitless. I am merely glad she is safe. Alright, enough for now.
~Ash
