8-21-20: To Neverwinter

Well Berúthiel, I've done my good deed for the day.

Bacon was indeed on the menu in the morning at the Aldarleaf farm. Hana, Oskar, and I (despite the dwarf claiming ignorance) remarked on the uncanny nature of our dreamed battle with goblins, though they seemed to shrug off the incident...is it that common for this lot to experience these sort of events?

I managed to help myself to the only keto-friendly component of breakfast, outmaneuvering Oskar and prompting Hana to attempt to flavor his breakfast beets and Brussels sprouts via magical means.

There's something about his demeanor that I find...pitiable. Despite his gruff, "dwarf may care" appearance, and the near endless banter and belittling these three share with one another...I suspect its their manner of showing affection? (I'd as lief blame current Sword Coast culture's toxic masculinity!) But I'd hazard a guess this dwarf may harbor some insecurity, self-doubt, self-loathing...something.

Not that I'm really one to address any of this.

So I relented and let him finish my plate of bacon--a bit too fatty even for my taste. He seemed appreciative.

Berúthiel was less than pleased when he tried to control her; I did convince her to play nice and hand him one of her apples instead of bucking him right in his britches.

Turns out we're to head to Neverwinter where a supply caravan will set out; I imagine the extra muscle will be a welcome addition. But when it came time to ride out, I found this lot bumbling about talking about getting horses.

It's at this point that my truly good deed of the day came to be: I taught Oskar to summon a steed. I mean, it was clear that he had earned power by swearing an oath (although he seems to not know much about that), and with that agreement comes the empowerment (and fringe benefits!) So within a few minutes, he produced...

...a small woolly-mammoth thing? Name's Snuffles.

I mean...I named my horse for a queen that was more a cat lady than anything, so fair is fair.

~~

I don't know.

If it were just me...would I have killed that man? Probably. And would have felt fully justified in so doing.

So why did they insist on mercy?

Nobody seemed keen to take a watch, so I volunteered. But after the weird dream thingy the prior night...and the near constant night terrors, I'll admit I wasn't at the top of my game. And somehow a sneakthief infiltrated camp and made off with our coinpurses.

Now, I don't carry much...38gp at most? But it's the principle of the thing. And a thief deserved swift justice indeed.

Hana, Perrin, and I tracked the fellow to a nearby cave, which the two of them seemed to recognize. Oskar "guarded camp," which I took to mean either continued to sleep or intended to avoid danger. Honestly, probably the strongest of this trio...what is it that he fears? (For another day, Bronwyn!)

Arriving, Hana held the thief through arcane means, then tied him up. I leveled Lightbringer, ready to strike at a moments notice. It turns out Perrin recognized the man--apparently a similar story of a criminal who grew disillusioned with organized crime, but who didn't repent of his lawlessness.

I recall saying something to the effect of "you miscalculated; you did not prey on the weak today, and I will have satisfaction." But...did I?

Perrin scarred the man's face with his knife. Hana insisted on leaving the man be, that he needed a chance to change his ways, as Perrin did, and that violence would only complicate the situation.

Not bothering to hear me out, he turned heel. Had Perrin not kept watch...I'm not sure what I would've done.

I threatened the bound man; reminded him I knew his name, his face, and if we were to meet again, he'd not live to see the light of day.

But is that justice? I still don't know. He was helpless, powerless before me, weak. But it's incumbent upon the strong to lead the week...and yes he pilfered and was caught, the coins returned, his visage forever marred for the transgression. Out here on the road, is that justice? Vigilantes meting out punishment? All the more reason these roads need to be better patrolled and the city-states exert their authority, for the good of all.

Did I extinguish hope as I've sworn to do? Has this man been "scared straight" through our actions? Or will he prey upon the next unsuspecting travelers?

I must consult My Lady. In due time.

~~

No time for distractions it seems. We passed an artist on the way to Neverwinter today, and were overtaken by a courier with news of death in Waterdeep. The masked lords...massacred?

This is quite troublesome; though I've never been that far south, the thought of those in power being assassinated...I can only hope whoever rises to power in Waterdeep is strong enough to lead it well.

~~

Arriving at Neverwinter's southwest gatehouse, our party was challenged by a guard...apparently this group has gained notoriety. For once I was glad that they've kept me at arm's length, as I was free to enter. By the gods, what have they done...and why was I called to adventure with them?

I'm not one of them. And no, it's not a gender thing. I mean, it *could* be, but they speak of a previous female companion, Dairy Prawn...currently flash frozen as a dragon's trophy. As I said to them earlier, she must've been weak and foolish, for the strong take what they can while the weak suffer what they must.  They looked at me as though I was the seven headed dragon queen herself!!

But no, they've been clear in dismissing my company as some minor inconvenience that once our mutual quest is fulfilled shall be parted with post haste. Like I care...

 

I don't know why it eats at me so.

That's not true, Bronwyn. You know perfectly well. Ever since that night.

Losing them, it's what's shaped you, because you were weak and you had to become strong. Others are born into their positions, you had to rise above your station. You've gotten this far by clawing your way through adversity. So you shall do again. Where are those who berated you now? The ones giving you epithets in the play-yard of "Bronwyn the Parentless," "Bronwyn the Orphan," "Homeless and Boneless?"

Truly? They're with me everyday, they are. Right along with the snarls of were-beasts.

This could be a beautiful world; but even if I were to purify it, to erase chaos and lawlessness and bring order and the power to defend the powerless...I'd still have no place in it, it seems.

For now, I must content myself with my current lot. Which remind me: it's time to feed Berúthiel.