28 Brussendar, 83X
At times
Halainna would look off to the north sometimes with a wistful smile and other
times with great sorrow. This has always been something of a mystery to me.
Returning to one's homeland should be a joyous thing. Home and family are of
the greatest importance whether it be the home and family that we were born to
or the ones that we create through our life.
While waiting in the inn we found out that
the village that Halainna grew up in was just a half days travel by camel from
here. We were all so excited to be able to see where she grew up. There seemed
to be a bit of sadness as the memories came both those bidden as well as
unbidden. At first, she seemed hesitant to go, but with our encouragement, Halainne
was perswaded to make the short journey home. Home a place to return to as we
grow old, and what should always be the safest of places in our heart.
29 Brussendar, 83X
The excitement of seeing Halainne home was quickly tempered by the cursed desert. It
seems hotter than forges of Kraghammer, and how anyone finds these thrice-cursed
beasts they call a camel comfortable to ride is beyond me. The hump on their
backs is no place to sit let alone having it swaying back and forth in the heat
of the day while keeping watch. As we traveled to Halainna's village we were
set upon by what the locals refer to as a bulette. They are some sort of
landshark that is able to burrow through the sand and dirt. These bulettes
must-have figure that we would be easy prey as so few of us were traveling in
our party. Two of them burst forth from the sand on either side of us
attempting to divide our attention. What they didn't consider was that two of
Moradin's faithful were in their midst. As they burst forth, I called upon the
powers of the All-hammer to aid us and hold the beast while my companions dealt
with the one to the south. In short work, Knac and Ollie dealt with the threat
and we were able to continue our journey on to the village of Bhaile.
In the
almost 7 years that she has been absent the town has made tremendous progress
towards rebuilding. The town center and the surrounding area are beautiful in
their determination to make a life here. They are simple folk, the kind that
brings you joy just to think upon them. I can see why Halainne has held on so
dearly to the memory of this place. It is a good place. After meeting with some of the local leadership we are left with more questions than answers as the
what occurred during that night. The night left our poor Halainne an orphan and
ripping her from those that she holds so dear. Arrangements have been made to visit
the graves of her father and mother, and I have offered to be their mouthpiece.
Through this communion, we hope to help Halainne gain the answers that she no desires
and bring some needed closure to the tragedy of that night.
30 Brussendar, 83X
Communing
with those who have moved on can be such an emotionally trying experience,
however, I genuinely believe that this was the purpose the Moradin has granted
me this blessing. Through it, the most beautiful of bonds as strong as steel can
be forged. This is what we witnessed today. There was not a soul that went
untouched as Halainne spoke again with her mother and father. To hear of their
love for her and their hope for her in this life have also bound our group
together. Halainne song was so touching and moving that, I felt Moradins hands
guiding mine as I worked the stone to make proper maker for their grave.
