Journal of Emma Denton

[thorandike]

I will call this Day One in My New Life. I have finally arrived in Baldur’s Gate – thank the gods! I couldn’t have taken another day on that filthy, smelly ship. And those men! Do they ever bathe? My poor, abused nose tells me the answer is no.

I was so anxious to stretch my legs and get some fresh air that I didn’t pay attention to where that grubby little man was taking my belongings. I had to check four Inns before I found my things. Who knew there would be so many! I must have walked around for half the morning – my aching feet!

So far I have found a lovely little dress shop and the most wondrous hats! Once I am more fashionably dressed, I am sure I will meet those of the upper class of the city. The only problem is that I did not bring nearly enough coin. I shall have to borrow a purse of coin from Thomas when I find him.

I suppose I should have written him that I was coming, so that he would have been at the docks waiting for my arrival. My plans to surprise him with my sudden arrival may have been for nothing, as I have had no luck in finding him yet. I am too tired from shopping today, but tomorrow I shall search out the temple of Helm. Surely they will know how to find their priests.

~E~



Day Two and the Ongoing Search for Thomas.

I went to the temple today, only to be told by some rude novice woman that Thomas was “gone”. She walked off before I could ask where he was heading when he left, and I certainly wasn’t going to chase that woman down to ask for her help. I’ll just have to keep looking on my own.

After that, I went to the Inn where Thomas had sent his last letter. The Innkeeper was a peasant of a man, who informed me that he hadn’t seen Thomas or “any others of his lot” in days. I can only assume he was referring to his sister Natalie and his other followers.

Could he have led a group off on some daring mission of Helm? Is he off saving these lands from evil, not knowing that his beloved has arrived? He will be so happy when he finds me waiting here for him.

I spent the last of my coins on a room at the Inn. Should I have asked for a key to Thomas’s room? Why is such a small room so expensive? I will have to find a source of coin until Thomas’s return.

~E~

[thorandike]

It is a few days later. How do people stand it here?

I think it was three days ago that the Innkeeper threatened to toss me out into the filthy street unless I could continue paying for my room. I tried to explain that I was betrothed to Thomas and could just move into his room, but he claimed Thomas no longer HAD a room. I am not sure if my beloved has really found other accommodations, or if the innkeeper is just slow. I suspect the later, but am hopeful that Thomas has found nicer living quarters for us.

Since I still can’t seem to locate him or his sister, I had to come up with a source of coin on my own. I didn’t bring any merchandise with me and none of the local shops were interested in hiring me. Once I have established myself here with a shop of my own, I will make them sorry that they didn’t hire me by running them out of business!

One of the soldiers patrolling the street suggested that I seek employment in the farmlands. (I must really take more care with my appearance and buy some new, fancier dresses – apparently I look like a farmer’s wife for goodness sake!) With no other options, I was forced to take his advice.

It was quite a shock when that farmer told me he wanted me to KILL things for him! And I cannot believe that I agreed to give it a try – it only goes to show how dire my circumstances have become. It turns out that killing a few wolves was not too difficult even though I was frightened of being bitten or having my clothing ruined. The worst part was skinning the beasts. I tried to get the farmer to just come count the dead animals himself, but he insisted upon the skins for some unknown reason. I wonder if he performs some evil act with them. I shall have to ask Thomas if I ever see him again.

After that ordeal was over I went back to the inn, paid for my room and collapsed for two days. I can’t believe all that I have been through here already. Will life always be so difficult in this new land? Have I made a mistake in coming here? I should have insisted that Thomas come back home instead of coming to him. I wonder if it is too late to fix it.

~E~