[Lareth]

~Practicals and Goggles~

As I start to write this, I must confess that it has been a strange few days.. now this does bear further explanation, and I can only hope that once I am done with writing it will make sense to me, not only now but also should I come to review these words later. Having practiced and practiced in Vehl's arena, I was determined to put my learning to the test, admittedly only against a select few opponents, but at least I would be able to get a feel for it's effectiveness. With that in mind, I decided that some of the challenges around Hlint would be the ideal place to start, and thus lightly armored and with my trusty rapier in hand I engaged with some of the Kobolds that make their nests in the wilds outside of the town. Taking a long cold look at it, well maybe not so long nor so cold as it deserves, I think this is a style suited to me, the ease of less armored fighting style seems well suited, and it certinly pairs well with my choice of blade. Several bands of kobolds fell before me, quite easily I might add. Well at least until the final group with whom I fought, when taken unawares one of the sneaky dog faced scaley fiends caught me well in the back, damned near ruined my cloak as well. So bleeding profusely I decided that enough was enough, and it was time for me to limp back to town.

After managing to hobble my way back to Hlint, and on the way to the campfire area that lies just outside the road on the way to Llast, I met a lady, by the curous name of "Goggles" interesting I thought, both then, and now... Most of the ladies with whom I've spoken would perhaps shirk from a name such as that, thinking that it might somehow detract from their appeal, or mystique. Quite an interesting conversation we had by the road, it seems that fate decided to smile a little upon me, whilst no doubt also laughing as I swayed back and forth light headed from loss of blood, as I had still not managed to fully stop the bleeding from my earlier run in with the dog men. Goggles it seems is a skilled warrior, and as luck would have it she offered to help teach me somewhat of her skills. This despite my having managed to offend her somewhat during our conversation. I am to wait until I hear from her by letter, and then perhaps we shall have a time for her to teach me some of the skills that I still feel I sorely lack. My part in this is thus far to wait, and as she reminded me, to do my best to avoid getting myself killed.

I do feel a slight twinge of self satisfaction, finding a skilled warrior to learn from is certainly something I have been hoping to do, for quite some time now. Let us hope that, both I and Goggles,live up to this expectation.