Today was a relaxing day and I think I was in need of it.
The day started with me visiting mister Butterbur at the Prancing Pony and get myself a drink before I would head off to the lumber mill for some extra coin to take back home. While there I came across a young boy who was being harassed by some man who I later learned was a rather dimwitted bandit, even admitted so. Claimed that when he was in need of coin then there were wagons to raid and it seemed he was planning to find some coin in the Lone Lands.
I couldn't do much at the time except try and shoo him out and leave the boy alone. With such a low skill in bantering the man quickly staggered off in defeat, which was pretty amusing.
I took to talking to the boy after. I recognized him as one of the troublemakers around town and so I took the chance to try and bring him into some honest work. Tempted him with a challenge of who would be able to split more wood at the lumber mill. He seemed to take to it and very quickly after a woman approached him, same woman that I saw the other night dressed as if she was going to war or a simple brigand. I was thankful to see she had taken to wearing something more proper within the town.
When we arrived he seemed eager enough to take the axe and begin the contest. I watched him try and found myself chuckling as he learned the work isn't as easy as it looks and of course gave the boy a few tips on how to split the logs.
We soon took to cutting and seeing the fire in his belly I made certain that he would find his pride in beating the old woman, gave me a smile to see how proud he was of himself after the work.
When I saw his arms were starting to shake I suggested a break and we made way to the cabin to sit and eat, talked some as we did over sandwiches and ale. I learned the boy name was Rue. He's a decent boy and I will continue to try and lure him into picking up work here at the lumber mill, it would do him good. Maybe even have the title of troublemaker dropped from his name in time but we shall see.
I can't help but think back home and to the children and wonder if they are doing well. I will look forward to seeing them again and I even did manage to keep my word to the woman since I have gotten a good amount of toys to bring back, ones that walk on their own. Pigs, goats, horses and a wagon to attach to them. If that won't bring the children joy I do not know what will.
Later that evening I found myself in company of a tale-spinner and how my heart lightened. It seems to be a rare treat in the town these days to find someone who tells a tale or two and I was all too happy to hear it, even if I had to sit on the floor to enjoy it.
We were soon joined by three others and among them was the toy-maker, a woman I believe he fancies and to my surprise an elderly kinsman. His face was familiar though I can't recall from when, probably from when I was a little lass myself.
Hard to think I've been in this world for nearly a century now. Seen so much and at the same time so little.
I later offered the company I had found myself in for some pottage and ale which they happily accepted.
I saw Rue come in and offered him to join us and again he was rather eager to do so after that woman walked up to him again. It does make me wonder why he dislike the lass so much but I will not pry, he does not seem to be ready to express anything too personal to me but maybe in time he will. Can't help but feel as if I need to mother him a bit, just as I do with all the children.
I had to order an extra bowl for myself after the new company arrived and while I waited a woman approached me. I remembered her from the night I met Belodin and as I suspected she questioned me about him.
I can't say that I am too happy hearing how many know of the Rangers, as they call us, we have kept the illusion and hope that the people would look at us as vagabonds and maybe even brigands to make certain they do not come seeking us, it is far too dangerous for them. Perhaps my kinsmen are being too loose tongued as of late, forgetting the reason why we do not speak of our duties. Why they would do such I cannot say. Maybe it's simple foolishness or maybe some of the younger think it a way to impress a local woman? Whatever the reason I do hope that they will remind themselves of why we do not speak of this to the people and our work and kin falls back to the illusions of simple wandering men.
I told the woman that I had not seen Belodin since that night, claimed he had met with an odd man that I had promised to take him too that evening. Another foul lie which I am not proud of but a lie that was needed. I cannot have the locals pry into our business, what then when things have become so dire.
No, they must remain ignorant.
The company spoke, ate and drank together and through it the toy-maker and the young boy from earlier that day ended up with a challenge of who had the strength to split more wood and so we decided to make way back to the lumber mill.
Sadly we were not joined by my kinsman nor the old tale-spinner. I made my farewells to my kinsman who I am guessing is heading back to the Angle and so I may meet him on the road soon again if my suspicion is correct. I have a broch to return that he snuck into my pocket after trying to give it to me. I'll have to ask him the reason when I see him again.
We took to the mill and there Daerist and Rue began to split logs to see who was the better lumberjack, an amusing sight and were we even joined by another who works at the site. A good man who seemed to find some enjoyment in watching the two young men work and they even managed to make decent coin out of their chopping. I am sure that some of the lumberjacks will be happy to see some of the logs already chopped so that they can make way home earlier to meet their families and enjoy their supper.
The victory went to the toy-maker, surprisingly enough. He was even rewarded with a kiss from the maiden who followed but to my surprise it was no peck on the cheek she gave but a hard kiss on the lips, maybe my suspicions were correct after all.
I tried to encourage Rue not to give up. Suggested that he'd come here more often to practice so that he could beat the man another time.
With his hands and muscle so sore he didn't seem to be too keen on the idea but maybe once they have healed he will return to the mill to cut the wood. I won't be able to edge him on as I plan on making my way towards the Angle in the morning and after a long thought I've decided to bring the toy-maker with me. His skills may come in handy to forge new weapons for the less able, a good crossbow will do for the younger women of the Angle and the men of the Eglain.
I do not know when I'll return but I will hope that the young boy shall pick up on some honest work, that my encouragement shall leave some mark on him. After all I do not want a day to come where we stand on opposite sides as enemies rather than friends.
