The Rambling Thoughts of Dalan Stoneaxe

[OldBear]

Well Journal, I missed Erk's funeral today.  I feel bad about it, but I know Erk would have understood.  The reason is a bit complicated.
 
 I met Barion yesterday and had a long talk with him about Abbie.  I asked him first off if I could teach her me language and to dat he readily agreed.  He did ask if de other children could come as well.  I couldn't hardly turn him down, but we don't normally teach just anyone our language.  I will have to see if dey put much effort into it and try to cover some things when Abbie and I are out walking.
 
 The next topic was a bit harder since I really don't even know if it can be done.  I have no real kin, except the guild but that be a bit different.  Abbie been callin me Uncle so long dat I feel like she is part of my family.  I want to see if I can maker her dwarf-kin   I have heard of it but not sure how it works.  Barion has a bit more reservations about dis.  He said other then his memories, Abbie is his only connection to Sa'kura.  He don't want her thinking that I am replacing him.  I told him I would never try to take his place.  He was her father and it wouldn't be proper for me to try to undermine him.  With that being very clear, he agreed I could explore it further.  I suppose if nothin else, I could make her my beneficiary in case I died.  
 
 I figure next I need to contact Varka or Kobal and see if dey have any ideas.  I don't want to adopt her as me daughter since dat would be wrong with Barion livin, but would like for formalize it some ways so Uncle be more true.  But dat might not be possible, I will have to dig into de dwarf laws and customs in these parts a bit further.
 
 Anyways, so after I talked to Barion, I met up with Grena.  We went to the Stormshack. I had been dere earlier looking for Grena when ran into Acacia and Jenna.  Acacia has a tiny glass unicorn named Diamond.  From what I can tell, Diamond is alive and once was a full size one but her horn was broken off and stolen.  Acacia recovered it, I think?  But she hasn't been able to restore Diamond back to her original self.  I introduced Grena to them and we chatted for a bit.  Somewhere along de line I ended up holding Grena's hand.  Still not too sure how dat happened neither, but it was nice.
 
 From dere we went into the Ire Mts and the desert beyond.  I gathered some gems I needed and Grena got some herbs she wanted.  We kept going and came out on de old trail to Spellguard.  Since we were to close we went on to Haven City.  Dere we split up and I stopped to see Kit.  Seems my bows have been popular with the militia and I wanted to make sure dey were holdin up all right.  She said dey were, but dat a patrol was running late and could I stick around.  She was worried de gnolls were buildin up and planning an attack.  I sure couldn't tell her no and figured if I missed de funeral, Erk wouldn't hold it against me looking down from Vorax's hall.
 
 The delay did give me time to see Abbie before she went to bed.  I mentioned de language lesson to her and told her to think about it overnight.  If I was going to do this, I wanted her to agree to give it her best.  She was most solemn for her and said she would give it careful consideration. I almost broke out laughin at how serious she was about it.
 
 After she went to bed, I went back out to de walls.  Turned out one of de patrol had sprained his ankle bad and it had slowed them down.  Nothing happened of note, so I returned to Port Hempstead today.  I figure I will have to ask Grena how it went and do something private later in Erk's memory.

[OldBear]

Sitting at a table at the guild house eating a late lunch, Dalan decides to update his journal.
 
 I ran into Barion today and he appeared to be in a good mood. I have asked a lot of him lately regarding his daughter, Abbie, and I didn't want him to think I was interferring in her life. I decided to go ahead and mention something to him that I had noticed. Fortunately he took it in stride and I think he probably either knew about it or suspected my information.
 
 The thing is, on a couple of occasions when Abbie didn't think I had seen her, her hands started glowing. Though I suppose it is possible she hasn't noticed it, but that would surprise me as observant as she is.  The glow itself, never lasted very long and wasn't too bright. Knowing her mother, I suspect that some mage abilitiy is starting to develope in her as she gets closer to the age of womanhood.
 
 Barion and I didn't have time to discuss the matter because someone was approaching him about business. I left it that if he didn't know anyone else, I was sure Rain and Sonya Darius would be glad to test her at least. I didn't offer them for teaching, since I hadn't talked to them, but I knew their daughter had started to become a friend of Abbie's. He nodded and said thanks and that he would look into it. Like I said, he didn't seem to upset that I had mentioned it anyway.

[OldBear]

Well Journal I got an interesting note today from Sonya Darsus.  Seems she has seen or heard about little Abbi's journal that I got her.  She would like to make two of em for her children.  If I read de note right, dis going to be a effort several of us from de guild.  Makes sense actually, I wonder if dere would be much a market for such a thing?
 
 Anyway, she wanted me to make some oak paper for their journals or diaries or whatever dey will be called.  She is a sweet lady and I am somewhat caught up with my work, so I sent her a note back saying that I would be glad to do this for her.  I had some good cured oak in the chests, so I went over to the craftin hall and made up a bunch of sawdust.  I then headed to the kitchen and baked up a big batch of paper for her.  I took extra care with them since they will be used for writing instead of my normal sandpaper.  Anyway I got a nice big bundle of paper for her, I just need to find her to deliver it.  I haven't seen her or Rain around in ages.  Well I best be going to see if she be at de house in Haft Lake.

[OldBear]

Returning from the craft hall with an armload of oak planks for Kyle and the guild floor, Dalan checks the sales room as he goes by.  All is quiet within the hall.....for now!
 
 Well Journal one of our worse fears came to pass.  There was a robbery today at the guild hall.  So far based on our inventory, not much was stolen.  I can't help but wonder if dis was a dry run for de thief.  Will he be coming back to walk off with more items and those worth a lot more den what was stolen.  I have decided to try to sleep a bit more during de day so I can stay up at night and patrol de halls.  Normally dis place is pretty quiet late at night and I just partrol once before bed checkin de doors and windows.  Now I got to check de floor too.  Using a rat to burrow up from below was somethin I would have never thougth of.  Though I am not entrirely sure de thief didn't sneak in de front door with someone else when our attention was diverted.
 
 I missed a part of what happened yesterday, cause I had a delivery to make.  I know one of de folk somehow invovled, but I want to talk to her personally first.  Based on our travels, I be confused how she would betray me trust in her.  I figure later I will do what me stepda used to suggest, make a note of all dat ye know and den sleep on it. Often it will help sort out de truth and what course of action to take.

[OldBear]

Up on the hilltop overlooking Haven City there is a small fire. The sun is just starting to set and children can be seen down below being called in for supper by their parents. The cows are quietly grazing on the grass and the dogs are sitting watching their charges. Only one traveler from Spellguard enters the gate and he scurries through town as fast as he can. Sitting on a rock with his journal propped up on his knees, Dalan writes:
 
 I can hardly believe how long it has been since I have written on dese pages. Much has happend, but tis hard to write when so much time as passed. I will try to cover a few of de highlights of me life for me should I ever decide to look back on dis time of my life.
 
 Probably de most important thing to happen to me personally happened a while back. I ran into Miss Grena in Port Hempstead. She mentioned she needed some things from Pranz so I asked if I could go with her and I would provide a lunch for us. I had done some cookin de night before and early dat morning. I had a fresh roast of deer and some fresh baked wheat bread. She agreed and said she would provide de ale. Bless her heart, she had some dwarf's head ale that had been just tapped. Dat lass can sure brew up a good batch of ale. I took her to a spot that I have sort of come to like. Tis a wizard's tower dat seems to be usually vacent and overlooks de sea not to far from Pranz. We went up to the top of de tower and had probably de best meal I have had in ages. Though de food was all right, t'was the company that made it so special. We watched de sun set over the sea and was a sight to behold. We ended up talkin de whole night through and dinna leave de tower till the sun was about to rise. It was a night I won't soon forget.
 
 I finally got a hold of Quantum and met him at his house.  He showed me Erk's room.  T'was passing strange to be going through another's personal chests and papers.  In the time he has been here, Erk has accumulated quite a library and stock of potions.  I had no idea how much stuff he had.  I took a few items of potions of some kind to examine so that I could find out what it was.  I figure Jako could help tell me what dey were and what dey were used for.  There was some leather armor that could be used at Bloody Gate.  There was a supply of dried oak that I belive he was going to take for the rebuilding, but it never got there for some reason.  I figure now it be better for me to make it into planks and crossbows.  The crossbows and a lot of the stuff I will deliver to that place I do not mention for pickup.  T'was what Erk wanted and I know they will put it to good use.
 
 Let's see what else should I note here? Hmm I did make me first compound mahogany shortbow yesterday. Tyrian had bought a bow from me but said she wished it was a compound one. Well I been workin hard and finally got it completed. Now I just got to find her. I think I know two others who want one like it so will be doin a lot of mining in de next week or so.
 
 Finally, I got a real scare de other day. Some dwarves were passin through the Stormshack and told me dat a little girl named Abbie from Haven City gave them a real start. Turns out she saw them enter the Gnoll's Cave and followed them in. She did such a good job of sneakin dey dinna even see her till she let out a shriek when a gnoll's head landed at her feet. Fortunately, she dinna get hurt and dey dinna kill her thinkin it was a goblin or a gnoll welp hidin behind a rock. They got her home to Lady Jenna safe and sound.
 
 I stopped by de house today. There she was scrubbin the floors on her hands and knees. Of course, she was grounded once again. I gave her a hug and said I was glad she was safe and sound, but dat I was mighty disappointed in her. I had sent her dat letter saying how she had to be carefull and to stay away from dat place. I said I was sorry she dinna think I knew what I was talkin about and perhaps she should consider whether I should waste me time tryin to teach her stuff if she wasn't goin to listen. She wanted me to take her for a walk so she could get out of de house, but i said nope. Ye knew de rules and if yer goin to be actin like a child den yer goin to be treated like one. I told her about de new bow I had made, but I also told her dinna think she was hold enough obviously to be handlin such a weapon. Maybe de next time I had one she would be ready to see it. I did give her some nuts I had found that don't grow around Haven. I figured she might want to share em with dat squirrel friend of her's dat she calls Chippy.
 
 With dat, I left and came up here. I got to decide whether it be safe to be teachin her more like I have. She was good enough to sneak out and in de cave, but not good enough not to give herself away. Next time it might be a gnoll who sees her or someone in de slave trade. I love dat girl, but she do worry me something fierce.
 
 This journal entry is set before Abbie finds Chip on the block.

[OldBear]

Sitting in his room, Dalan has a bit of a dazed look on his face.
 
 Well journal, I figured out what to do with all dem essences dat Erk had.  I am going to contract our mutual friend, Beli and see if he can help me.  He be pretty good at workin dat stuff.  I figure if he would help, we could turn over de completed potions instead of just de start of em.  I figure I will send him a message by bird and try to meet some time in Krandor.
 
 What I really wanted to write about however be last night.  I had been workin hard all day in de mines on Dregar.  I was tired and hungry when I got back to de guild hall so I thought I take some supper up on de battlements outside de main square.  It is usually quiet up dere and de breeze can be nice.  I had just filled up me canteens when I ran into Miss Grena.
 
 Well I figured I couldn't let dis change go by.  I had collected some hops for her brewing on me last trip to Dregar and some flowers dat I thought she might like.  So I gave her everything.  She must have liked de flowers cause she carried dem around de rest of the night.   I invited her to join me and she said yes.  She had a few bottles of ale she had just tapped from de keg and we went up to have supper.  Wouldn't ye know it we were half way up de steps when it started pouring.  She is a good sort.  Instead of getting angry she laughted and we ran for de guard room above de gate.  Dere were no guards dere so we sat and ate supper in there while de rain poured down.  
 
 I had some fresh smoked trout and rice wrapped in parchament paper.  I gave her dat while I ate some other stuff I had smoked a bit earlier.  We drank her ale and just talked.  T'was an even better night den de one at de wizard tower outside Pranz.  I find I can be open with her.  She mentioned her temper but I said dat gave her a bit of spice.  To many folk running around 'fraid to say what dey think and bein all polite like.  She is like a fresh spring breeze wipin out de stench of the large city.
 
 I think she had a good time too.  We ended up teasing each other a good bit.  T'was nice.  She gives and good as she gets and had me hopin a time or two.  I find myself thinking of her while I am working.  I stop what I am doing and just seem to stare off into space as de vision of her comes into me head. Or I be fighting with de giants and think, I wish Grena could be here too, she would enjoy dis fight.
 
 She seems to like me company anyway.  Just wish I knew if dere was de potential for it being more den that.  Dere are days when the sound of settling down with a fine lass appeals to me.  One would never be bored with de likes of Grena, I know dat!  We make a good team too.  She be a great brewer and she seems to like me cookin.  Hmm well who knows what might happen someday.  Though when she could have her choice of about any dwarf male around, tis doubtful she pick me.  Oh well tis nice to dream.

[OldBear]

Well Journal some interesting news and some sad news that I thought I should write down.
 
 First de sad news, Abbie found her friend Chippy de squirrel.  A man had caught him and some other game and fixed em for supper.  From what I gather, Abbie saw dis and was about to attack de fellow when she saw his family.  Dey were starving and he caught de game in order to feed his poor family.  T'was a terrible thing for Abbie to witness and it probably made her grow up a bit faster den she was ready.  De world can be a hard place.  She lost a friend and some children survived for another day or so.  I hope she gets through dis all right, she was pretty upset when Eghaas brought her home de other night.
 
 Now for de interesting news.  A couple nights ago I was talkin to Eghaas and de Stormshack when Grenna appeared.  I tried to warn her but she went ahead and gave Eghaas some ale.  He handled it like he always does, poorly.  I am sure glad he just gets quiet and is not a mean drunk.  He passed out by de fire for abit and then later got up and went inside to sleep if off.  Grena and I sat dere most of de night talking and sharing her wonderfull ale.  We must have had a few cause at one point she fell off de log it looked like.  When she came back up, she sort of leaned up against me for support so I sorta naturally put me arm around her to help hold her.  We must have spent a couple hours talking like dat.  T'was right pleasant it was.
 
 Den the next day I went to Stone and helped clean up de rock blocking de entrance to the temple.  We got a lot of stone mined and moved.  Kyle and Ferrit were dere and Rain showed up too.  His horse was a big help pullin a cart full of broken rocks. When we got done, I headed back to the guild hall and took a long soaking bath.  I know a bath!  But me muscles were sore and it felt actually pretty good.  Later, guess who showed up looking for Hanna? Yep dat is right, Grenna.  We talked to Hanna and her new boyfriend Krys. He seems like a nice chap and I think he really does care for her.  It was getting late and dey wanted to be alone ye could tell and I was tired.  I walked Grenna outside and we talked a bit there too.  Somehow, she ended up giving me a hug and I sort of held her for a bit.  I was tryin to decide if I should try to kiss her, and had half leaned in, when she up kissed me on de nose.  Well I gave her a quick peck on de mouth to sort of say goodnight and I think, not sure now, she gave me a longer kiss.  Frankly dat whole part of the night is a blur to me.  All I know was t'was a wonderfull moment and a great kiss.  She left after dat so I went over to de reflectin pool and spashed water on me face and neck.  I was in such a daze.  
 
 I am not even sure who kissed who really.  I do know, I thnk I am fallin for her in a pretty bad way.  Most of de time she seems a bit reserved and I figured tis cause of losin her family like she did.  No new attachments to get hurt by.  So I figured nothin much will come of it, but then she talks of gettin out her shovel.  Dat is a long story in of itself. But has to do with a joke taken seriously by Sharnar and how she got her man.  Banged him over de head with a shovel.  I can't figure out whether to be worried about gettin hit on de head or not.

[OldBear]

The snow is lightly falling over Port Hempstead.  For once, as the lanterns are lit, the city is fairly quiet and peaceful and actually pretty.  Inside the guild hall in front of the fire, sits Dalan writing in his journal.  At his feet half asleep is a large wolf, "Swift through the Forest."  Both are full and contented at the moment.
 
 Tis been a bit since I have written here and thought it be good to jot down a few thoughts.  I haven't had time for a trip to Dregar recently, so I have had to take a bit of a break from my woodworking.  I thought instead to work on some of the other skills that need improving.  For instance, when de time comes to make yew sandpaper, my cookin better be a lot better den it is now.  So of late, I have been gathering sage, corn and wheat.  In fact, I made me first pie the other day, a rhubarb one.  According to Lady Lee, it wasn't too bad neither.  I am sure ye was being kind, but she dinna pitch it either but she and her son went ahead and ate it.  She might force it down to be polite, but I don't think her son at age four would have.
 
 Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find Grenna to share a piece with her.  I am hoping it is just she has been away or busy and not a result of our last night.  Though I am startin to wonder if I rushed things and upset her a bit.  I also haven't been able to find Acecia either.  I know how she likes pie and thought be nice to share a piece of my first ever pie with her too.
 
 I have also been workin a bit on my tinkering and the making of arrowheads.  The platinum ones are pretty easy these days but no luck workin silver ore to try those.  Ideally should be workin on addie for arrowheads but dat ore is so hard to get and any we do find should go to Kyle for armor.  I did make me first mahogany short compound bow about a week ago.  As soon as I can get de plat, I got an order for another one.  It just takes so much ore to make the cams.  I also managed to make a mahogany longbow too.  Pretty soon I should try for a mahogany crossbow.  We got several of the light crossbows so no need for them.
 
 The days seem fairly routine of late.  But there be nothing wrong with that.  Tis sort of nice to have a routine and a place like dis guild hall to actually call home.  I even get to see Miss Abbie more these days.  Her da has been bringing her here for lessons with Rain.  His daughter Sarah is taking lessons with Abbie and they are often here at the hall in the main room.  Though I have got to remember to get Swift here to the forest on those days.  He had hurt is rear paw about two weeks ago and was healing up here at the hall while I was out for a bit.  I got back and de poor wolf was a mess.  Them girls had combed his hair, and tied tiny pink bows and ribbons all over the poor guy.  He looked so ridiculous. I know dey dinna mean any harm by it, and he was to good natured to snap at them.  But I know he hated it.  Took me a good half hour to get dat stuff out of his fur.  They had used some of dere hair stuff on him too to make him all shiney and to get some of to stick up around his neck.  Anyways I tried to make him understand that I won't leave him alone again around de girls.  I am not sure he understood me, but he seemed calmer at least.
 
 Well time to make my rounds again, so I best close for now.  Do hope I see Miss Grenna again soon.  Funny how ye start to miss folk when ye get close to em.
 
 With those final words, Dalan closes his journal and puts away his writing equipment.  As he got up, Swift did too and the two of them made the rounds of the guild hall checking the floors especially where the patches were from the break in.

[OldBear]

Waking rather refreshed but a bit unfocused, Dalan gets up and goes over by the tub to splash some water on his face. His bellow of outrage would have been heard throughout the guild hall. There in the mirror was what once was his face but now was something to be never seen outside his room.
 
 "I am going to skin the hide off those girls when I get my hand on them" he growls. Then the absurdity of it gets to him. He chuckles, "they did get me pretty good. Now I know what poor Swift must have felt like."
 
 He slowly begins to unbraid his hair and beard. Wincing every once in a while when one of the knots they made binding the flowers in his beard catches and pulls. "Not bad enough dey did this to me," he exclaimes, "dey turned me helm into to a flower pot." Will take me forever to clean de dirt out of it so me face don't get muddy when I sweat."
 
 "I could tell Rain and Barion what Sarah and Abbie did, but dat just get them scolded and they think of some other mischief. What worries me is that they got past me lock and that I dinna wake up while dey did this. Dere has got to be magic afoot." Dalan ponders the situation for a bit then "OUCH! dat hurt" undoing dat last braid and removing a small pink bow from his hair.
 
 "They have got to learn de responsible use of their magic. It had to be magic dat got them in here and kept me asleep. Hmm can't go in house, it might get back to dere folks too soon. I wonder if Lady Lee or even better perhaps Lady Rhynn could help me. A small ilusion perhaps, like making them look like they were two pimple faced boys of about 13." He grins "dat might do the trick! I will have to give it some thougth, I can afford to wait a bit and let de dust settle down before I teach them a lesson in de use of magic. Besides I may be gettin old, but I can still out sneak Abbie."

[OldBear]

A bemused look is on his face as Dalan sits in his room and ponders what to write.
 
 Well Journal, I am not sure exactly what to right yet.  I haven't caught up with Lady Rhynn yet to ask her about an illusion spells to use on dear little Miss Abbie and Miss Sarah.  But I figure I got lots of time and want to set up something a bit public for their lesson.
 
 I finally found Grenna the other night.  Turns out she was not mad at me at all.  Well not much anyway, I get the feeling she felt like I should have given her more then a light peck and so she hauled off and kissed me hard.  That night was such a blur to me, I wasn't sure what had happened.  She had been gone back to where she grew up and hadn't seen me before she left.  Well I gave her my last piece of my first ever pie.  She seemed to like it and we sat at the fountain here in town for a long time talking.
 
 I don't really recall how it happened, but before de night was over she was snuggled up next to me with my arm around her.  It seemed so natural and like a good fit.  Sort of like she was suppose to be dere with me.  It got late so I walked her back to her room at the Scamp.  We talked there a bit too, but no need to write those words down.
 
 I see there being three or four ways we can go from here.  One, we never see each other.  That don't seem to likely an option.  Two, we stay friends and nothing more.  Three, we stay friends and a lot more, but not tied down; we sort of enjoy each other when we want but no ties.  Fourth, we committ to one another only whether dat be marriage or not.  I sort of started mentioning this to her, but under the circumstances, I felt it best I leave so that we could think dis out calmly and not rush into something we might regret de next day.  Or she regret if I am being truthful.  
 
 She said she was going to be gone again for a while but told me where.  I wonder if I should write her a letter setting out what I think be our choices and let her ponder it a bit?  That might be a good idea.  I suppose dere be someone I could ask, but will have to think on it a spell.
 
 Dalan closes his journal and just sits there with a sort of dreamy vacent stare on his face wondering what to do.

[OldBear]

Sitting on a large rock on the island in the middle of Corax lake, Dalan checks on his trout cooking on a fire before him.  Figuring it needs more time, he pulls out his journal to write of the past days.
 
 Well Journal as normal, not sure where to start.  Been a very busy past few days.  While at the guild meeting, I found out that I had been volunteered as one who might cut mahogany planks for the rebuilding of Stone.  Course Ferrit was right, I was glad to help.  It is good experience for me taking on a project that size.  They figure they need about 100 planks.  So far I have cut about 45 of them.  The first ones went faster since they had some sandpaper allready made.  I went through that and now I have to make it up as I go.  After each batch of planks I make, I sweep the floor and collect the sawdust.  I then go make more sandpaper and start the cycle all over.  I do get out of the workshop occasionally to go collect more gum and sand.  And then there was the dance lesson.
 
 Oh yes, sis,  Miss Hanna that is, dragged me to the hall to help with dance lessons for Miss Abbie and Miss Sara.  She found a few other boys their age to help.  The girls picked it up pretty fast, but I still have two left feet.  I never was too good at dancin, but I got lucky as was partnered with sis.  She is so light on her feet and dancing with her makes anyone look good.  I am just glad I dinna step on her feet none.  She has got her wedding coming up and hate to have her limping around with a broken foot.
 
 Speakin of her wedding, she and Krys want me to stand up with her on her side of the fence so to speak as part of her wedding party.  Krys has some of his friends standing up with him  I said fine, but no dress or skirt.  If tradition requires it I mght, might I say be willing to wear a kilt just for Hanna.  I ain't never seen someone on de bride's side not wearing a dress, but it ain't going to be dis dwarf that is for sure.
 
 Stops to check the fish and adds some butter to the rice heating up in a small pot.
 
 Then there be Abbie.  It was her that wanted the dance lessons.  It seems there be this "cute" boy who asked her to the dance.  Now I was all set to cast this illusion on her when she was in someplace very public.  But she is at dat ackward age now, a bit gangly and head over heals about boys.  I just can't do it to her.  It would hurt her so to be so embarrassed in front of some boys now.  I think instead, I will show her the spell and tell her how I was going to have it cast on her at the public fountain when all the folk would be around for the spring fest.  I think telling her what I could have done, will get me point across just as well.  I will also have a long talk to her about privacy.  For instance, what if I had been takin a bath or been naked in dere on de bed instead of just taking a wee bit of a nap?  How would she like it if I snuck into her room while she was changing clothes?  I be guessing the embarrasment factor will get across to her that way.  Especially if I ask her how she feel if brought a boy along to aid me when we entered her room uninvited.
 
 Well my fish is just about finished, but I figure I should write why I am here anyway.  I got word last night that Hanna was out this way last night.  I have been trying to track her down since that last night with Grenna.  I figure Sis is in love and maybe she could help me sort out my feelings.  I don't seem to feel the way she does.  She is so bright and happy makes the sun seem dim by comparison.  
 
 We had a long talk.  When we got done, I had much to ponder.  In fact I have spent dis entire day thinking and fishing.  Lost a few fish due to the thinkin, but t'was worth it.  All dis courtin ideas and practices seem awefully complicated.  I know Grenna was just joiking when she told Shar to just hit de guy she loved over de head with a shovel and drag him home, but that does seem like not so bad an idea.  Quick, bit of headache depending on how hard she hits, but over and done with and ye know where ye stand.
 
 *Long sigh* Well I do know dis, I can't imagine my life now without Grenna in it some way or fashion.  I figured dat half a loaf be better den none, and I would for now be glad for any crumbs she toss my way.  So if she just want to be friends, so be it.  I hope and pray for more, but she got to decide what she wants.  Whether it be friendship, or companions with or without being married, I want to be part of her life.  De question is now, how in de blazes do I find out how she feels?  And if she wants only to be friends, who is going to pick me up from de tavern floor after I get drunk for a week?

[OldBear]

Written in rather a shakey hand is the following note:
 
 Well Journal I went and done it!  I found de strongest and wisest raven around dese parts and begged him to carry a message to Miss Grena.  Cost me a whole loaf of fresh bread and some other sparkling items.
 
 I told her I thought we needed to decide what each of us wanted.  To be friends or more.  I hope and pray tis more, but I finally decided that I be happy with any crumbs of her life she would share with me.  Now I got to wait to hear back from her or she returns from her trip home.
 
 I have no doubt dese going to be de longest days of my life.

[OldBear]

Sitting in the kitchen at the Freelancers, Dalan sits on the floor with bags and bags of sawdust all around him.  He leans up against the wall and pulls his journal from his pack and starts to write:
 
 I thought I write a bit here before I start up again.  Quill has asked me help in cutting about a 100 mahogany planks.  I have been spending most of my time cutting planks, making sandpaper and then starting all over again.  I am a bit over half way done now I figure.  I am going to have to work extra hard this week since I took a big part of last week off from this job.
 
 Sits back and reflects a bit on the prior week.
 
 Ah it was a good week too. Rain and I took Cole and Abbie on a trip for five days through the woods and the desert.  We worked on tracking, finding food, archery and some other skills.  Abbie did a great job, especially with her bow.  She has a good eye and I can tell she has been practicing.  We did a big loop around the Haven area.  Poor Cole, Rain was showing off how he can make an arrow catch fire.  He has a great aim, but scared a skunk and it got poor Cole dead center.  That poor kid had a terrible time getting the smell out.
 
 About the second night out we had an unexpected visitor.  Grena paid us a call.  Abbie must have heard her coming into the camp while I was cooking supper.  She snuck around behind her and jumped her.  That fool girl has got more bravery then sense some time.  She should have alerted us all first.  Lucky thing it was Grena and not some gnoll scout.  Course I am not so sure what the scout would have done with 90 pounds of screaming girl wildcat on his back.  I do know I dropped de skillet an had me axe out, faster den I have moved in a long time.  Rain had an arrow knocked as was ready to fire faster den I thought possible too.  Well it turns out it was Grena just making sure she had our camp and not some gnolls.
 
 We had a good laugh about it and then sat down and had supper.  I was dying to know if she had gotten me letter yet, but I dinna dare ask her in front of everyone.  Dere are some things Rain just don't need to know, not to mention Abbie.
 
 We did manage to slip out of camp later that night to talk a bit.  The stars were out for a change, must be the desert weather.  We sat and talked a bit, stared at the sky a bit, even did some snuggling.  Funny thing is, I never got around to askin her about the letter and she never really mentioned if she got it neither.  We just sat and talked and had a wonderful time.  Frankly, I don't think I could rightly say what we talked about now.  It was more a night of a warm glow deep inside me.
 
 I do think that vixen Abbie has some idea how much I adore Grena.  She kept sneaking glances at us when she thought I wasn't looking.  Course she has got no room to move on this one.  I kept seeing her give Cole them looks to.  Poor Cole, I think he is about to get ambushed by a young lady when he least expects it.
 
 Well I best get back to work now, these bags of sawdust not going to turn into paper without some help.

[OldBear]

I had me a few moments, so I thought I write down some thoughts to help me keep pass some time.  I am too tired to go back to work, but not yet ready to get to sleep.
 
 Dere been no word from Miss Grena for a bit and I still don't know how she really feels about us or for dat matter if dere is an us.  I find myself pacing a lot wondering what she is doing and what she is thinking of.  I didn't have this much trouble learning to use my axe safely.  Oh well I got no choice, I can't force her to write to me or tell me what she is thinking.
 
 Maybe it is that frustration, or maybe that it is just woman in general, but Abbie is been getting mighty strange lately.  Was over Haven way so I stopped to see if she was around and wanted to go for a walk.  She said yes, but had to get cleaned up first before she could go.  Cleaned up? "Whatever for I asked her?"  She just smiled and said she be out soon.  T'was almost an hour later before she came out in some type of frock.  I got know idea what she was thinking.  I had figured we were going into de woods and work on tracking.
 
 Only thing she could be tracking in dat garb was a guy.  I hate to think she be getting that old allready.  Course the looks she was giving Cole did worry me a bit.  More for Cole's sake however.  She had that predatory look a lioness has before she jumps on an unsuspecting deer.  I do hope Barion and Jena have talked to her about men folk.  It sure ain't any of my business, but I would sure hate to have to kill some guy who tried to take advantage of her.  On the other hand, might not be much left of him after either Abbie or Barion got done.  I think perhaps dis be a good time to go on a long trip, say till Abbie turns 16?

[OldBear]

A loud yell of frustration echoes across the valley outside Port Hempstead. Dalan has just finished reading a letter that had arrived by a bird messenger. He stomps back and forth across the valley reading and rereading the letter.
 
 
 If anyone was close enough they would hear him muttering,
 
 "Darned woman why couldn't she just write and tell me how she felt? I can't tell from dis bloody letter what she wants for us!! Dis part here makes it appear she enjoys me company, but she don't say if she wants to be more den friends. How is a dwarf suppose to know what to do with something like this?"
 
 With these words he shakes the letter to the heavens in frustration.
 
 "I got no real idea if she loves me or not. She says I be special. What de blazes does dat mean? She says she enjoys me company. Well I enjoy de company of an ale too, don't mean I want to spend de rest of me life with a mug of ale in me hand. Well not most days anyway. I swear if I live to be as old as an elf, I won't understand what goes through de mind of a woman!"
 
 As he calms down on about the fourth trip across the valley, he smiles to himself.
 
 "Well at least now I know she got me letter to her and she dinna come out and tell me to take a hike. So dere must be some chance for us having a future together of some kind."
 
 Dalan carefully folds her letter and places it beneath his armor near his heart.

[OldBear]

By a fire in the woods somewhere close to Fort Vehl sits a dwarf watching a young lass asleep.  He smiles and pulls his journal from his pack.
 
 Tis been too long since I have written here and dere is so much I should say.  There was trouble with Sara recently and fortunately Swift and I came along before she was too badly hurt.  Still she had a pretty bad bump on her head and I believe a slight concussion.  The boys chasing her had a pretty good scare, so I am hoping they will think twice before going after her again.  Swift nipped one pretty good on the back of his leg as he was runing away and my axe sheared the feathers from the cap of another.  The sight of a dwarf in full armor with his eyes flaming and Tempest crackling with power should put de fear into 'em. She be all right now and I managed to get her home in one piece without further injury.  
 
 It did set me to thinking.  I decided it was high time I went and talked to Barion about Abbie.  She just turned twelve and it be time I talked to her about Sakura.  I been dreading this, but she got a right to know what happened and how I failed her mom.  Well I went and begged him to let me take her for a trip to where Sa'kura fell.  He wasn't too happy about it, but I told him it might make her feel better about the ambush she led a party into.  It wasn't her fault, and from what I hear, even an experienced scout would have probably fallen into de trap.  Sounds like they came from a old trail and didn't come from the direction that Abbie was traveling.  Fact is there was no sign of them till Abbie stumbled onto them.
 
 Anywaz, it took a bit of arguing, but Barion finally agreed to the trip.  I had never showed Abbie, Tempest or told her the story of it's naming.  I figured I take her to where Sa'kura fell dat last time and tell her the story of Tempest there since that is where I dedicated and blooded Tempest.  I assured Barion that I keep a close eye on her and that I had just been there.  The trolls clan that used to be there and been pretty much wiped out.  The ones that remain are from a differant and much weaker clan.  The will-o-whisps there are more of a danger dese days.
 
 We were about two days out of Haven, when Grenna and Jin stopped by.  It was good to see her.  We had a chance to talk, and I will write of her more later.  They spent the night with us and Jin got started talking about Sakura.  Was sort of bitter sweet hearing them, but brough the memories of her back in full force for me.  They traveled with us during the day and spent the night.  They left, headed in a differant direction the next morning.
 
 We got to Port Hempstead without any problems and Abbie did real good leading the way.  I let her run and see her friends while I picked up some supplies and such from my room at the guild hall.  Later that day, we headed for Fort Vehl.  Abbie got turned around once, but caught it right away so we made it there just at nightfall.  By mutual consent, we made camp in the woods a ways out.  That town is no place to take a young lady into during the day, much less at night.  
 
 As we sat down for supper tonight, I warned Abbie of the dangers we would face the next day.  I told her of the mercanary/bandits in the area.  I dinna go into that I wasn't to sure they dinna get involved in slavery, but told her no sneakin off alone.  I asked if I could trust her to keep watch during the night.  We would sleep four hours on and four off.  This area be too dangerous not to keep an eye out.  She seemed real honored dat I would trust her that way.  She also mentioned that how could I trust her after the ambush.  I tried to explain it could happen to anyone, but I am not sure she believed me.  I figure it going to take time to get the death of that father out of her mind.  I hoped when I toldl her about her mom she wouldl better understand what I mean.  I also dinna tell her I am a light sleeper in the woods and most likely I would wake at any stirrings.   I also dinna mention that Swift had caught up to us and would be awake all night nearby keeping watch too.  I figured she needed the confidence booster.
 
 Well today, we made it to the swamp.  We only saw one will-o-whisp and no trolls.  I took her to the place where I found Sakura lying dead that fateful day.  I took some roses from my pack and split then with Abbie.  When she asked me why, I almost broke down completely.  I knelt at her feet and told her "love, this is where your mother fell defending someone the last time.  It was here she died."  She gave a big sob and grabbed me around the neck and started to cry.  We stayed there a bit without talking, just holding each other.  I told her I thought it was time she knew the whole story about what happened that day and the story of my axe.
 
 It was getting late so I told Abbie we needed to get out to dry land and find  a safe place to camp for the night.  She didn't want to go, but finally left we me.  We walked out of there hand in hand, with Swift roaming ahead looking for danger.
 
 Tonight, we built a fire and ate our meal mostly in silence.  After supper we talked.
 
 At this point Abbie lets out a small moan and Dalan puts his pen down and goes to check on her.  He covers her up again and just stands there staring at her.

[OldBear]

The time for the first watch is over.  An internal debate rages within Dalan's mind and heart.  Should he wake her or let her sleep?  Still, she felt trusted to stand watch, to let her sleep would probably send the wrong message to her, especially at this time.  Letting out a low howl and a few barking sounds, he lets Swift know it is time to protect the pack.  He then wakes her up for her watch.  He will later write of their conversation before he settled down to sleep for a bit.  It went something like this:
 
 Abbie, I canna say what be going through yer mind right now, but I feel I got some idea.  Ye see, I lost me folks, both of dem when I was such a wee lad, that I dinna even know them.  I was raised by foster folk, wonderfull folk, but they were no family and no dwarfkin.  Ye got to remember ye got a da that loves you greatly and cares for ye.  Don't lose sight of that fact and whatever ye do, don't lose yer conection with him.  Tis far too important and it will only get more important to ye as ye grow older.
 
 Yer ma and I were good friends as ye know.  I was leading off de group dat day, taking the brunt of the troll charges while de others used dere bows or came in from de side.  We had thought we had finished them off and had moved to de mouth of the next valley to rest, when I discovered yer ma missing.  I hurried back, but she had seen someone coming to join us that we dinna know about.  The two of dem were ambushed, something like ye were dat day.  Yer ma was a good warrior and keen witted.  But no matter how good ye be, bad things happen.  It ain't right, it ain't easy but it happens.  No one got control of dis life and we got to learn to handle what happens.  To dis day, I question what if I had been wee bit faster or a bit more observant?  Did I miss a group that set up de ambush or did dey come later after hearin our earlier fight with dere clan.  Yer ma took on one of dat clan's beserkers.  Dey were de big ones, towering over us normal folk.  He may have killed her, but he dinna live long afterwards.  Her last stroke must have got em good, cause his dead body was lying next to hers.
 
 Ye have seen dis axe of mine and heard me call it Tempest.  What ye don't know is how I named her and where.  I took some friends of mine, dat dwarf mage I mentioned before Erk and another elf ye have met named Eghaas.  We went to dat spot I showed ye where yer mother fell.  Dere I prayed to Dorand and Vorax both to aid me protect other travelers in dese lands so an innoncent might be saved next time.  I named her Tempest for the mighty storm's rage that my rage at these foes might be used to save others.  I dedicated her to yer ma's memory I did Abbie lass.  Then as I was finishing my prayers a giant troll appeared out of de swamp mist that had been gathering around us.  It was one of dem big berserkers like killed yer ma.  Ye see Tempest hadn't been blooded yet.  She had never been used against a foe, and her like a miracle came the best foe I could think of to blood her proper like and to honer yer mother.  
 
 Well we went at it I tell ye.  De fight was long and hard, but in de end I took de trolls head.  Ye know tis strange, but not long after dat dis swamp seemed to lose some of it's dangers.  Oh, dere be de will-o-whisps now that have moved in and the occasional troll, but nothin like it used to be.  I have often wondered if dat was the last big protector of dat clan.  They keep pretty well hidden dese days, and I have always figured dey moved away or deeper into de swamps.  All I know is dat I haven't seen one dat big since.
 
 I used to think that wiping out de clan of trolls that killed yer ma would make me feel better.  It don't lass.  Nothing can make dat ache within ye go away.  It get better with time, but de loss is with you.  Yer getting to be such a spittin image of her that I end up rememberin the good times now, not her death.  I just take it a day at a time, I when I used Tempest it is to remember dat it is to protect those I care for, not revenge, not hate.  Oh I still get mad at trolls and giants, but it don't control me dese days.  I control it.
 
 I know ye blame yerself about dat ambush.  Oh don't look so surprised yer da told me about it.  But lass, I doubt from what I heard that I or anyway would have discovered it in time.  Dey had plenty of time to set it up and their backtrail was from the other direction.  Dere was nothing for ye to see in time to warn folks.  I canna tell ye de feeling she have are wrong.  But use dem to make yerself a better tracker, a better scout.  Use it as a lesson as to what happens and recall that no matter how good or experienced ye are, ye can't prevent everyone from getting hurt.  Hurt is going to happen no matter how good ye are.  All ye can do is to strive to prevent as much as possible, but no one be perfect.  Dere will be days when yer dead tired and ye want to drop de care and say ah it is safe no troubles here and drop yer guard.  That be the time to recall what happened in the ambush and why ye must keep up yer guard in de wild all de time, no matter how safe it looks.
 
 Well I have given ye a bit much to think about and dis ole dwarf is tired.  I am going to try to get some sleep and will let you think on what I said in peace.  Dere is some hot tea made there by de side of the fire if ye have a mind for it.  I  stuck one of dem apples there too.  Keep a sharp eye out lass, tis not that far from the swamps we be.
 
 

[OldBear]

Dalan sits on a bench inside Hlint writing a note.  Beside him is a young Raven eating some bread crumbs that Dalan has torn up for him.  Looking at the Raven, he conveys the thought that it won't be much longer before the message would be ready to go.
 
 My dearest Grenna,
 
 I recently ran into my friend Lance,  He told me that ye learned I had fallen in de cave outside of Haven and of yer rescue attempt or was it a suicide attack?  He said ye were crazed and lead an all out attack on them gnolls.
 
 Truly I be honored to know ye and to love ye.  I wish ye be a bit more carefull, however, and trust in me own skills a bit more.  Though lass I must be honest twas a close thing for me and it did me good to hear of yer rage directed at them cause ye thought dey had gotten me.
 
 Well in fact dey did hurt me bad.  I must have been out a long time, for when I awoke, I was covered in blood, much of it me own.  I managed to push off the bodies of two dead gnolls who had fallen on top of me.  With de aid os some healin potions and a invisibility potion, I managed to get out of de mine and  make it to Lady Jenns's house.  Fortunately she and Abbie were at home.  If I understand dem right, I passed out on dere doorstep.  I suppose it was either de lack of blood or de lak of yer fine ale.  Me thinks twas the lack of ale.  
 
 I guess I must been out of it for about two days, cause I woke up lying on a cot with me wounds bandaged and a powerful thirst.  Lady Jenna would only give me water or fruit juice.  Bah de juice wasn't even fermeted.  It took another two days before dey would let me up off dat cot.  I finally got to leave dis morning and hiked to Hlint here when I know some of de raven clan here.  One of de young ones, has agreed to take dis letter to ye.  If ye have a bit ale handing, please give him a few drops, he as got de taste for ale but not de head for it.  Hmm reminds me a bit of Eghaas it does.
 
 Anywaz I now be fine.  De wounds on my right side be healin well and de bump on me head from yer shovel is now finally gone.  Must have beed de rest and all does healing type potions dey used on  me.  I truly be sorry for makin ye worry so.  T'was a group dat I dinna know well and in tryin to protect one of de youngsters, I got meself surrounded I did.  Not a smarth thing to do at all.
 
 I hope dis letter finds you soon so dat ye can stop worrying about me.  I want ye to know I love ye and dat no gnoll going to take me away from ye.  Besides, I finnally got ye to let me know ye care about me.  No way going to let ye off de hook dat easy.  Yer stuck with me now lass.
 
 Yer servant,
 Dalan

[OldBear]

Sitting on a crate in Lenigrad waiting for a ship, Dalan pulls out his journal and decides to jot down a few words.
 
 Well I haven't written here in while.  I have been too busy since Hanna asked me to cook up most of de food for de wedding.  We figure we need at least fifteen loaves of bread, that many roasts and at least that many pies.  My Grenna is making the ale for the wedding and she has made a good start of it.
 
 Speakin of her, I have seen her a lot the last few days.  *Rubs his ribs*  The first time was at de Scamp in Port Hempstead, I was baking a batch of bread when she came up behind me while I was taking out a loaf.  I had just put it away when she wacked me a good one on de back of me head and den started to pummel me ribs.  Turns out she got me letter after I fell in Haven, but thought it was sent before I fell.  Was she mad!  She chased me around de kitchen like a bat out of hmm the deeps.  I got bruises on me bruises.  She finally settled down and started cryin.  I guess dis whole time she thought I was dead and gone.  We made up and den put it behind us.  Other den the bruises while she was mad, the makin up was pretty nice.
 
 Den we met up in Dregar while I was coming home with hops and chestnuts for her for her brewin.  We had a long talk and some nice hugs and stuff.  We came back to Port Hempstead and finished our work.  We then sailed to Lenigrad here.  She had stuff to drop off at her guild.  I got to use the barracks room. Dey had a bath and some clean clothes I could put on.  De pant legs had to be rollled up a lot, but it felt good to be clean.  We settled down on a sofa in dere visitor's room.  We talked for abit and she leaned up against me.  It felt so good holdin her tight and talkin.  T'was the most relaxed I have been in a long time.  Bit too relaxed I guess.  Last I knew, she had fallen asleep listen to me heart beat and I was out no long after.  I woke up a bit stiff and sore dis morning, but it felt so right holdin her like dat.
 
 Dere be no doubt in me mind.  She has captured me heart entirely.  I canna say I know what our future holds, but I will never regret knowin her.  Me Grenna is one special lady.
 
 Well me ship is ready to sail, so I best be going.  I got more bread and pies to make for de weddin.  I want de food to be perfect for me sis, Hanna.

[OldBear]

Sitting in the Wild Surge Inn at Hlint, Dalan waits for some bread and pies to finish cooking.
 
 Well t'was nice of the inn here to let me use dere ovens.  I have been roasting and baking for ages it seems.  Hanna's wedding dinner is going to be de best I can possibly manage.  So far I got all de roast done.  We have got venison, pork and bear meat.  Thought it bit strange but Hanna specificaly requested bear.  Me thinks that perhaps Kyrs favors it.
 
 I have also made her corn, rye, wheat, rice and oat bread.  I figure I still need to make about five more loaves of bread and about dat many pies.  I have made rhubarb, apple and blackberry pie for her dinner.  I would make others, but not sure where to find any other fruits.
 
 While I was at it, I made dinner for Jenna, Abbie and de rest of the kids.  Something be terribly wrong dere, but I am not sure.  Jenna and Barion must have fought or something, cause dey asked me to take de kids on an outing.  When Jenna came to get em, I could tell she been cryin.  Her eyes were red and a bit puffy.  She said something about chopin onions, but I pretty sure dat was for de kid's sake.  Anywaz the next day I was still in Haven gettin wheat.  So I came to Hlint made up a big dinner with roast, bread and pie and deilvered to dem.  I figure a break in feedin dem kids be good for Jenna.  We dinna have time to talk, but I do hope all be well.  She seemed sorta sad at de time.
 
 Well it smells like me apple pie is done.  De wheat bread should be shortly so I best put dis book away.