Dodging Bulettes...

 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.