27th of Ches
Is it bad when the most exciting part of the day is waking up to find out some impish squirrels got into all our stuff and completely ravaged the camp? I guess I shouldn't complain, the past two days have been more than exciting. So much so that we're behind schedule and Wilavor had us up and out early. I guess it wasn't too bad, seeing as everyone turned in early last night from exhaustion. But I don't know how we did it, the squirrels' shenanigans made packing up felt ten times longer. And the worst part is all the damage they did, especially to Wilavor's merchandise. She lost a lot and is NOT happy about it. The next few days should be interesting.
I didn't see Val this morning, he was awake and with his company before I ever opened my eyes. He left a note, so I would know "Duty calls me away from you," always such a gentleman.
Wilavor pushed us just fast and far enough to not be exhausted but to still make up almost half a day. I'll admit she does know her stuff. I can respect that.
The evening went as usual; set up camp, dinner, after dinner socializing, and bed. Val found me for dinner. He even talked me into pushing my hood down, promising he would protect me. And surprisingly in the short amount of time I've known Val, I feel a bond and trust similar to the one I have with Envon.
It's not till now that I fully realize it's because of Marat. My dreams of Valentiniano Peacetalon, seeing our life together. All the way to his life's end. My dreams from Marat must have created the bond because in a way I've lived part of our lives together. I know we will always protect each other. What I don't know is, does Val feel this bond too? My dreams from Marat are rarely completely wrong, so unless I somehow royally screw this up, in time he will.
We joined Val's friends from his company; Hunter, Gilra, and Czorn. None of them say a thing about my face. Of course, the kind of people who would be drawn to a man as kindhearted as Val would be kind souls themselves. We enjoyed plenty of drinks while they shared stories of their adventures. I even shared a story about Envon and me growing up!
Hunter told a story about a time they engaged bandits attempting to plunder the caravan they were protecting. Hunter quickly attacked the enemies with his rapier while Val stabbed foes with his sword. An attack came at Hunter and Val couldn't get his sword around fast enough to block it, so Hunter took a gash to his torso.
Hunter interrupted his own story to tell me, "Don't worry I got her in the end!"
The conflict raged on till their group was victorious!
As Hunter finished the tale Val added, "And that is the day I swore I would learn to fight with two swords. So, I would never leave a friend unguarded again." He looked around and smiled affectionately at each of his friends.
It was a wonderful night. I even stumbled a bit on the way back to my tent. It's been a long time since I allowed myself to let loose and have a bit of fun!
Z