You would think that the night before I left on this adventure I would surely have a dream. But last night was dreamless.
When I woke this morning I had that excited and nervous feeling in my stomach that I remember so much from my family's trading trips, but ten times more.
"Alright Zira, you can do this. You've been on the route before, you know how to take care of yourself, you have Kelemvor's blessings, And most of all, YOU chose this."
The caravan started out on the road much earlier than when we perform The Passing, so I stopped by my family's tomb and said a short prayer before heading to the North Gate. Elanor instructed me to find Wilavor, the caravan master. She wasn't easy to find among the dozen wagons and people scurrying about. Plus Wilavor is a tall non-descript woman, and outside of her commanding presence, a person could lose Wilavor in a crowd. Eventually, I found her giving out last-minute instructions to several others in the group. From the looks of it, this entire caravan is Wilavor's. I'm pretty impressed!
My family always joined a group, safety in numbers, because we couldn't afford the trip on our own. A caravan group charges a fee to join, which covers most of your food supplies and the hiring of mercenaries for protection. Wilavor is a big-time trader, I wonder why I haven't heard the name before? Maybe I've been too isolated behind the church walls.
The others scurried away on their errands, some even looked relieved to be on their way. That is never a good sign. But when I reached her, I smiled and introduced myself, "Hi, I'm Zira Townsend, cleric of Kelemvor. I was told to see you upon my arrival."
When she looked at me, I caught her brief frown before she switched to a small smile, "Hello Zira. I was told by the Master of the Trader's Guild you were joining us. We've never needed a special healer before. I don't know why she insisted I needed one this time. But you're here now," she shrugs. "I'll feed and house you, but I don't do handouts. Everyone in my caravan works."
"What jobs are available? I've been on this trade route many times with my family until I left for the church."
Wilavor looked me over, reappraising me, only stopping briefly to stare at my face, "You're not what I expected. You can store your bag with your chest on the third wagon. Then find Raenlyn and Reytyn Ruzzek they'll put you to work." She took one more look at my face, turned, and walked away.
It may be my ego talking, but I think she was not only surprised but a tiny bit impressed by me. And I was thankful she, mostly, ignored my scars. But that is the best I can really hope for when meeting someone for the first time.
Raenlyn and Reytyn are a dwarf couple in charge of packing, unpacking, and setting up camp. Raenlyn is sweet and motherly and Reytyn acts gruff, but I can tell she is a kind soul. While I worked, I searched for Valentiniano and spotted him checking his packs and gear one last time before he mounted his horse. I helped finish up the packing and Raenlyn showed me around the wagons and equipment to help me get acquainted with their stuff and their systems. Shortly everything and everyone were ready to depart and we headed out on the High Road along the coastline toward Thornhold.
I watched Waterdeep shrink in the distance as I rode out on the back of the baggage cart. Before I had a chance to reflect on the journey ahead and think of all the questions Marat will never answer, well at least not directly, Val rode up.
"Hello, Zira Townsend! Valentiniano Peacetalon, Val. I must admit I didn't expect to see you on this trip. Welcome."
"Thank you," I nodded and smiled, "Kelemvor has set me on this journey."
"Interesting. I hope Kelemvor doesn't have his eye on our trade caravan. And that your journey's destination lies elsewhere?" He tilted his head slightly while speaking.
"I don't know where Kelemvor is taking me, only that I follow the path he's laid out for me."
"Well then, I wish you good luck on your journey, and Welcome to Wilavor's trade caravan." He bowed and rode off.
After more than half a day's travel, the caravan stopped because an averaged sized tree had fallen across the road. Val and several of his mercenary companions fanned out looking for an ambush, when they came back empty-handed Wilavor set several people to cut and clear the tree. Raenlyn and Reytyn instructed our group to set up camp because it would be too dark to continue by the time the tree was cleared. The Ruthless Blades set up around the perimeter and watched for anything suspicious. I helped set up and stake out tents, Wilavor has several communal tents for anyone's use, and of course her own large private tent. Ugh, some traders are so pompous.
The tree was cleared, camp set up, and Raenlyn had a delicious stew bubbling over the fire that you could smell for miles. I made sure my hood was up before I grabbed my mess kit, filled the bowl with stew, some ale in my cup, and glanced around looking for a place to sit. I saw a group sitting around the fire, chatting, eating, and telling stories. Val was among them. And I felt drawn to join the group.
I had only taken a step or two in his direction and Val's head turned towards me, he smiled and waved me over. It had to be a coincidence, right? No way he could have known I was headed that way. Could he feel the same pull that I do? Could two people be this connected after just meeting?
Thanks to Marat, crazy things happen in my life, and it's almost never a coincidence.
When I approached, Val smiled and stood up, "We meet again, Zira. It must be destined that we get to know each other." He let out a small chuckle and gestured toward the log where he was sitting, "Have a seat and join us. Cordell was just about to tell us a story about the time he got lost in the woods." At that Val let out a hearty laugh.
Val waited till I was seated to sit back down himself. We sat and listened to Cordell and others tell stories; some true, some made up, some part truth and part made up, all the while we laughed, cried tears of joy, sadness, and laughter, and overall enjoyed each other's company. I felt so included and normal like I belonged, just like at the church.
Someone talked Val into telling a story. His story was of how he cared for and helped an injured companion return to their camp. I got so wrapped up in the story, I pushed my hood back, exposing my face. Of course, I was sitting next to the current storyteller, so everyone was looking our way and I heard several people gasp. Some even brought their hands up to their faces in shock and pity. Val paused his story, just for a second, then pantomimed half carrying, half dragging his friend and that brought the focus back onto him and his story. It was at that moment, I knew if nothing else Marat put Val in my path to smooth over my physical appearance.
Everyone cheered for Val and his story! He smiled and made a small bow before he sat back down. As it quieted another person began another story.
Val turned to me and asked, "How are you Zira? Would you like to continue to listen?"
"Thank you for what you did, not everyone would," I said.
"What else was I to do, let you steal the show from me?"
I giggled and replied, "Oh. You can keep the spotlight. I don't want it." And I laughed some more.
Who is he Marat to have me laughing as if I was home with Envon and my parents?
Val's voice pulled me from my thoughts. "You didn't answer my question. Would you like to continue to listen to the stories?"
I yawned. It had been a long day and I was ready for bed. "I've really enjoyed myself, but I am feeling tired. I'm not used to being on the road all day. It will take some getting used to."
"Well then, let me walk you to your tent." He stood up and put his hand out towards me. I took it and let him help me up.
During the short walk to my tent, I thank Val again, "Thank you. For taking the attention off me."
"Of course. It's what anyone should do."
"But so many don't." I know my face clouded over some. "And thank you for not asking questions," I said and gestured to my face.
"Zira, when you are ready, I know you will tell me your story. Until then let me earn your trust. Good night." He held my hand to his lips momentarily and released it. And I don't know how but we were already at my tent.
"Good night Val." I turned and stepped into my tent.
"Marat, who is this man? Who will he be to me? He is nothing like anyone I have ever met. Simple, direct, polite, caring, empathetic."
I took a moment before bed to reread my dream about Val. I'll perform The Passing for him, so that means we must stay in each other's lives. Am I the companion he protected in battle? Does this mean I'll be fighting in battles? I've never fought anyone in my life.
"Marat. Please. I need answers. I'm scared."
Z