The Battle of Chetwood, and its preparation, consumed us all in its entirety. But it’s over. Happened a few days ago. We were triumphant. That gives me some peace. It’s strange to walk around the Lodge now. It’s not as peaceful as it was, and I suppose that was to be expected, but I hate it. The aroma of burning orc flesh surrounds my normality, and it’s a stench I’ll struggle to forget. Celebrations are taking place, but my thoughts cannot avoid the men and women still fighting for their lives after falling in battle.
I found it to be all a blur – I don’t remember much, and I think it is best that it stays that way. I assisted Heriwulf, Hildegund, Aelfrida, and Ljota in a strategic plan where we were used as bait. My expertise is not to fight, so I did not. Instead, I ran back to offer my little experience to the healers after my time outside the stockade was fulfilled.
Lives were lost, both human and hound, and there are a substantial amount wounded. The Elf instructed me splendidly, considering the circumstance, in assisting a woman who had been struck by a poisonous arrow. To both her and Leohna, holding a life in their hands must never be easy, yet I can only assume they’ve learnt to accept that responsibility to the best of their abilities.
For me, it was torture.
It shouldn’t have crossed my mind whilst I was tending to her that she could die, and even if I was not the full cause of that, I was a contributor. It frightened my entire being. I looked at her once but couldn’t again. I carried out what I was told, and then moved on. The only one from my beloved circle, that I saw to be hurt, was poor Aelfrida… I do not doubt Leohna’s hands in ensuring her full, and greatest, recovery, but it was horrific to experience.
Life appeared so fragile to me then. It’s so easy for it to be stripped away from us, as easy as it can be given.
My thoughts were with Faron. I did not see her before, during, or in the immediate aftermath of the battle. I scouted the wounded, and I did so with some much disrespect to them, as I hoped my eyes did not fall upon her in their midst. They did not, and Leohna did tell me she had not seen her pass through the tent, but I suppose even she could not be certain with the vast amount of lives she had to save. It was all I had, and I tried not to think of the worst, yet of course it was natural. I found her, though. Alive and unharmed. Even though we were surrounded by turmoil, I felt oddly peaceful when I saw her. The Orcs were defeated, the Battle of Chetwood won, and my love was safe.
