I have just arrived in Trestlebridge. Were it not for the burned remains of the town and the general hardship, I imagine the place would look much prettier with all the tall trees that grow here in the North Downs. I will admit that the bridge -- the Trestlespan they call it -- is rather impressive, though I'm told it's only temporary. Apparently, there used to be a much better bridge made of stone there. I'd have liked to see that. Maybe they'll build another stone one, though I'm sure that'll take a while all things considered.
Still, I intend to appreciate the things I do see here, despite all. The locals are happy to provide me a safe place to rest my head at night as well as a few treats for Destiny -- and of course she loved that; proud horse that she is -- in exchange for me helping them out with repairs and such. No matter how badly they've been battered, the people of Trestlebridge still band together to rebuild and carry on. It's very admirable!
They have tried to warn me against my intent to travel down the Greenway at some point but once they realized I would continue on anyway, they finally gave me a strange bit of advice: To turn east at the crossroads but not north. Apparently north leads to the fields of Fornost where many of the ancient dead are buried. Not sure why they would warn against that place. Perhaps it has to do respecting the dead? Or maybe it's something related to their recent troubles? I didn't think it right to pester them with questions.
I'll heed their advice, for I'm not one to ignore the locals, who know this place better than I do as of yet. It does disappoint me that I'll not be exploring Fornost but perhaps that is for the best. The dead will not be disturbed by my presence this day.
My disappointment is gone and hope is renewed! I've just been told that there are plenty or ruins for me to see when I turn east at the crossroads towards Annúndir! What luck!
[At the bottom of this entry are various messy sketches of the local fauna as well as a sketch of the view looking down through the Trestlepsan.]
