Forlorn - The Account of Ereb Camusiil

[Anomaly]

Entry 16

Dawn broke not two hours ago. This is the fifth day since I emerged from the fringes of the High Forest, and the forty-second since I left home. I have decided to keep a westward direction, assuming I would eventually reach the ocean. I can see it now, and it is nothing like I had seen in my mind's eye. The waters stretch so far I cannot tell where they end and where the sky begins. It was a good decision. Retracing my path on the map from this location suggests that had I made north, I would have reached the Evermoors, one of the places father listed to avoid. If ever again I must go into the High Forest, I will need to be more prudent - I do not like to lose my bearing. A caravan passed by my makeshift shelter during the last eve. They did not see me, but I heard them conversing; they were headed to Baldur's Gate, they said, stopping in Daggerford along the way. That means the woods at my back are the Ardeep, so I should be able to gather enough provisions for the next few days, and even hunt should it come to that.

I am still looking for an answer, though I have yet to find any of The People to question.

Against my better judgment, I will make towards Baldur's Gate ... I might find a notion there.

[Anomaly]

Entry 18

The city is large and clamorous. I have spent less than several hours in it and could bear no more. Large groups gather in moments both within and without the walls and it is becoming increasingly strenuous to avoid them. Still, there is safety in the surrounding land and I find that I am not as capable as I had hoped, despite the passing weeks. I will remain in the region a while longer, as I continue the search.

[Anomaly]

Entry 19

In the woods, with some effort and the appropriate tools, there is no need for currency. Fallen timber can be cut and made into arrows, food and water are provided in abundance to those who know where to find it, and if need be, a hunt will provide both meat and leather. This is not so within the human cities or the outlying lands. Not as easily, at any rate. If I were to continue with my journey, I had to gather coin. The solution presented itself as I came upon a cavern, north of the city, where a clutch of outlaws made camp. I had mostly managed to keep out of sight as I helped myself to their spoils, yet some have caught my sight or scent, and I had no choice but to slay them... They left no room for reasoning.

[Anomaly]

Entry 20

I had nearly gathered all that I required to begin my search anew. Returning from the last foray, a Kin came upon me and presented himself as Emerest. It was clear, I believe, that he was Or'tel'quessir, yet he made it known, proclaiming himself a wood elf. I gave him my name, as is custom, and was ready to leave, when he continued conversing. It was odd; We have not been introduced by a common acquaintance, nor had we any common goals, yet he still made an effort to keep a friendly demeanor. I had answered all his questions, and he offered assistance in locating any of the elven settlements in the region. Strangely, he refused to accept any payment for his services when I offered it.

After several attempts Emerest made with some of the humans in Baldur's Gate, he had been told no more than two directions, north and south. I did not expect him to learn much from the humans, yet I will admit, the information was more than I had.

Emerest had mentioned the Friendly Arm Inn, which I knew from the maps. We started southward.