An urgent note...

[Lilira]

I ran around the room frantically packing. I had been in this room too long, my belongings had scattered everywhere. The message I had received catapulting me into my tizzy lay crumpled beside my tinkers bag.

The man you seek has been seen in Hillsfar.
Hurry!

“Maybe this time,,” my thoughts kept spinning in a circle.

Finally with all my belongings ready to go, I grabbed my bag and headed for the door. Something stopped me. Once again the strong hand of duty grabbed my elbow and tried to pull me back. An unfulfilled vow dragged me forward. I had two days until my next mission, but in that time, he could be gone.

Sighing at the time it took, I pulled out some paper and quill and wrote a note. I blew on the ink to dry it, folded the paper in half and left it on my pillow. Once more grabbing my bag, I went out the door, stopping to pay the innkeep to hold my room until my return. I left the Three Kegs at a run, a song falling from my lips to speed my steps.

Anyone looking for me would find the following;

I had to go. I will be back in time, I swear it.

Lilira

[Lilira]

Hillsfar.

I had run the whole way with only a pause to rest. Such a feat was only possible with the magic of my song. Once the village was in sight, I silenced my song, exhausted from the trip. As I walked closer, I saw a group of figures picking up their packs and preparing to leave. A small glowing pool appeared, and the group began to step through. I had seen this before, having entered them myself.

A slender figure with mottled brown hair was alone, heading for the well. I hurried my tired feet, yelling, pleading with him to stop. My words reached him as he entered. Before the flash of light signaling his departure, I saw his pale blue eyes widen in recognition. I ran to enter the well, not caring where it may lead, for here was the end of my search and the fulfillment of my vow.

I reached the pool as it dried up and disappeared.

With a moan I dropped to my knees in the dust, weeping.

[Lilira]

I’m not sure how long I knelt there sobbing. Certainly long enough for my knees to ache in agony when I returned to my senses. I had been so close! Five years of searching, and he had been within my sight. A small breeze danced around me tugging at my hair and clothing, drying the tears on my face. The cold hand of duty once more tugged at my elbow and I dragged myself into a standing position.

I was exhausted, physically, emotionally and mentally drained. The little breeze moved to the trees, sending the leaves dancing on the branches. I paid it little heed, and with plodding steps, began the long walk back to Baulder’s Gate, unable to sing a note to help me along.

This was going to take forever.

[Lilira]

I staggered into my room at the Three Kegs, my mind reeling in shock and exhaustion. I pulled my filthy gear off and tossed it in the corner for me to deal with later. I wrapped myself up in my blanket and stretched out on the bed. Closing my eyes I waited to slip into slumber. It didn’t happen. I laid there staring at the backs of my eyelids, every muscle burning with the need for rest, and I could not sleep.

My mind kept pushing around the images of my talk with Teflor. He had tracked me to Hillsfar, and escorted me back. I hated the fact he had found me at such a weak moment, and I had told him more than I ever wanted to. Part of me wondered if I had handed him a rope to hang me with if it ever came down to it. The other part knew that it would. I cursed the inattentiveness that had allowed me to leave the message I had received lying about. If I didn’t sharpen my focus, in the coming days I would most assuredly die.

With those ‘comforting’ thoughts, my mind fell into the dark chasm of sleep.

[Lilira]

I woke up exhausted. I looked at the pile of filthy gear in the corner. I had just gotten it clean the day before after my return from Hillsfar, and here I was cleaning it again. Why does blood have to be so hard to get out? Why do I have to keep tossing myself in the middle of brawls? A part of me knew I should just leave it. It would probably just get mired in filth on my next mission, but while I’m not much to look at, I do have my standards. A bard after all does have to be seen. Then there’s always the issue of smell. I’ve taken to wearing my armor a lot more lately, for a silk shirt won’t stop that dagger in the dark even if it’s easier to get clean.

With a groan I stood up, grabbed the leather soap, rags and water, sat down next to my pile of gear and got started.

I used the routine to empty my thoughts, humming along as I worked. I have no time for my cares, and a duty to others. I stopped in my work when I realized the tune coming from my lips was a joyful one. With a shrug I continued, singing happily.

I had chores to do and for once would enjoy them.