Acquiescence “Let me go and speak with the way-watchers first, just to be sure things are as they seem,” I suggested, as we began to close upon the entrance to the encampment. Deverell agreed, so we steered the horses toward a grassy knoll upon which some trees grew nearby. “I will not be long,” I said and, with a wave over my shoulder,...

Spirits Our reticence from the day before was gone. We had found our resolve with the dawn of the new day, and our spirits were high with the promise of the journey we were beginning together… I turned in my saddle to make sure that Deverell and Dancer were coming along, “Make haste, slowpokes! The morning is getting away!” They finally were...

Reticence My rest undisturbed, I did not awaken until the next morning. I made to make ready for the day and went down to the common room for breakfast. As it was the previous two mornings, the Pony was busy with many patrons. I looked about for Deverell, but she had not yet arrived in town, it appeared. “Today or, at the latest, the day after,” I...

Appreciation The next morning I awoke early to make ready for the day. I was not expecting Deverell to arrive for another day or two yet, but I wanted to be prepared if she did. I made my way downstairs for what I planned to be a quick breakfast before taking Dandi outside the gates for a morning ride. The music of minstrels was a welcome greeting as I came to...

Unity It was time. I had spoken with the neighbors, letting them know I would be away for a spell. Those I had hired to see to things while I was away knew what they were to do in my absence. All that was left to do was begin the journey. I gathered the things I had put by the door the night before, but there was too much to take all at once, so I left a bit...

Harbinger I gathered my leathers and the Scouting implements I had put away upon my return in the Spring for the journey to come. I decided it best to bring all of my maps with us, for we did not know where we would be sent, nor what we might find on the road. I folded them together as best I could and tucked them away in my pack in a safe place. I tossed my...

Promise Deverell and I had made our plans well into the night. She needed a few days to prepare for the journey and to tie up loose ends, so I asked her to meet me at the Prancing Pony in Bree. The next day, I made to leave Archet, to return to my home and see to things there before going on to Bree-town. I said my farewells to everyone that morning, with the...

Mistrals Deverell had already left for the training grounds by the time I awoke next morning. I gathered my things and went to find her there, my thoughts on the conversation we would have later that day. A cold breeze was on the air, brisk and strong, more like a late Autumnal wind heralding the coming of Winter than something felt in late Spring. I decided...

Wishes “Deverell!” I cried, nearly toppling over the man she was treating as I rushed to her. “Oh, I am sorry, sir” I said to him, as his groan reminded me of his being there. “Kaleigh! It is wonderful to see you,” she replied as we embraced, “but if you keep wounding my patients, we will both be here all day fighting...

Homecoming It was as I feared. Archet remained in a state of ruin, caught within a stalemate between a seemingly distant past trying to hold off a foreboding future. Blackwolds, encamped within the ruins of an old kingdom, meant long ago, and still mean to this day, to drive out all life from the village we call home, to spread their ruin as far as their...

Reflections I made my way over to the stables to fetch Dandi, and we began a journey that I both longed for and feared. But I could not help looking back and wondering whether this was the right road to take. Perhaps, one day, time and reflection will tell. We passed through the Combe gate and turned northward on the road. As we came into Combe and passed by...

Opportunity I looked up briefly and smiled at a cloaked and hooded figure, whose face was turned toward the fire and hidden. The person remained silent and still, a traveler just returned from the road and lost to their thoughts, I figured. “Good morning,” I said and turned my attention back to my letters. After a few moments, I sensed the person...

Crossroads Home again… I had Dandi circle about at the crossroads so that we both could gaze westward one last time. She stood silently for a moment, then shook her head with a whinny, pawing at the cobblestones of the road with her hooves almost as if to rebuke them. I leaned forward in the saddle and hugged her about her neck, whispering in her ear,...