Updated 1/8/24
25th of Ches
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 morning's Remembrance ceremony, so I stopped by my family's tomb and said a short prayer before heading to the North Gate. Elanor had instructed me to find Wilavor, the caravan master. She wasn't easy to find among the bustle of a dozen wagons and people scurrying about. Plus, Wilavor is a tall ordinary-looking woman, and outside of her commanding presence, a person could easily lose her in a crowd. Eventually, I found her giving out last-minute instructions to several others near the back of the caravan line. From the look of it, the entire caravan belongs to Wilavor. I must say, I was pretty impressed!
My family always joined a caravan group, not just for safety in numbers, but also because we couldn't afford the trip on our own. A caravan master charges a fee to join, which covers basic food supplies, road tolls, and the hiring of mercenaries for protection. Wilavor must be a big-time trader. I wonder why I haven't heard her name before. Maybe I've been too isolated behind the church walls these last several years.
When Wilavor finished her instructions, the caravan hands scurried away on their errands, some of them looking 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 covered it with 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 shrugged. "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 before 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, ignored my scars… mostly. 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. After looking me over, they put me right to work to see what I could do. Raenlyn is sweet and motherly while Reytyn acts gruff and uncaring, but I can tell she is a kind soul. While I worked, I searched for Valentiano among the crowd and spotted him checking his packs and gear before he mounted his horse. After I helped finish up the packing, Raenlyn showed me around the wagons and equipment to help me get acquainted with their stuff and systems. Shortly, everything and everyone were ready to depart and we started 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! Valentiano 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 a 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. While the Ruthless Blades set up around the perimeter to watch for anything suspicious, I helped set up and stake out the common tents, Wilavor has several communal tents for anyone's use, and of course, she has her own large private tent.
By early evening, 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, and poured some ale into my cup. Glancing around for a place to sit, I spotted a group sitting around one of the fires, 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 when 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 rarely 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," 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 perhaps a bit of both. All the while we laughed, cried tears of joy 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 exaggeratedly pantomimed half carrying, half dragging his friend from the story, and brought all of the focus back onto him. It was at that moment, I knew that if nothing else, Marat put Val in my path to help smooth over my physical appearance.
Everyone cheered for Val and his story when he finished. He smiled and made a small bow before he sat back down. As it quieted, another person began a story.
Val turned to me and quietly 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 thanked 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. "And thank you for not asking questions," I said, gesturing towards 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. I don't know how but we were already at my tent.
"Good night Val," I turned and ducked inside.
"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