Protoss is going to be the death of me. I can understand that everything is new to the construct, but that doesn’t change the fact that its incessant questions drive me to distraction. Sometimes I absolutely despise Grandfather for saddling me with the thing. I could have been studying! But Grandfather saw fit to invite turmoil into our home and leave it in my hands. Then even the home was taken from me. And Grandfather’s library! Gone! It would have been easy to disappear amongst the twisted streets of Atma, if I were by myself. Instead I must contend with the construct-child hanging onto my proverbial apron strings.
We’ve been staying here at the Dragon’s Head Tavern for the past few days. Gunther seems friendly enough. He always makes sure my room is tidy and has a hot, tasty meal waiting. But the price of boarding at an inn for an extended period tends to become exorbitant. My plan was to meet up with Nifa. She is going to help to find a place in the university dormitories. It certainly won’t be Grandfather’s house, but I can make due. Protoss? Hmm. Well, hopefully there is a large closet. Ha ha.
Mmph. Alright, I suppose I wouldn’t actually do that. Though it is a current favorite fantasy. And after today! The past twenty-four hours have been absolutely dreadful.
It all started last eventide. I had been quite absorbed in my studies. Protoss had, thankfully, remained silent. I was attempting to master the spell Ray of Enfeeblement; I’m sure I will have it presently. Then my stomach growled in a most obscene manner. I ignored it for a bit, until Protoss saw fit to open it’s big metal trap. After a brief explanation of what a stomach is and its purpose, Protoss said we should go to the tavern area for food. No, wait. I believe the terminology was “Then you must answer this call, Lady Cidra, and go take nourishment.” Normally, I would have ignored it, but it had already shot my concentration.
Adjourning to the Common room, we found it to already be quite full. Not altogether unsurprising as it was well past dusk. Gunther greeted my jovially and brought a platter of the most succulent roasted duck. Then I realized Protoss was still towering over me, so I told it to sit down. Goddess, do I have to tell it to do everything?
Later, while still enjoying my duck, a stout dwarf plodded into the tavern. I thought it odd. Why, I pondered, was he not in the dwarven quarters? He reeked of travel and many “blessings”. At least, he didn’t see fit to sit close to me. He instead joined a group of merry-makers on the other side of the room. Time continued, in an uneventful sort of way, until I observed another man, human, approach the dwarf and speak a few low words. Both then moved to another table where a man was sitting there very nervously. I didn’t think too much about this until I heard a gravelly voice state quite clearly, “I don’t care much for thieves,” and see the dwarf push his very large ax in the twitchy one’s face. I wasn’t too concerned. If they started brawling, Gunther would have taken care of it. He loves this bar probably more than his own mum.
Hmph. Then one of the obnoxious city guard put in an appearance. He stated that several citizens had been attacked. He had the nerve to question me about this! I never though Atma would see the day where an innocent maiden would be treated as some Common, violent thug. He reproached Protoss for wearing it’s cloke inside. I believe the gorilla would have actually, forcefully escorted us to the nearest guard outpost if it hadn’t been for Gunther vouching for our presence. I made up a little story to explain why Protoss wears the cloke, though the bot nearly gave it away when it did a double take at my little fib. Most upsetting was that we suddenly ended up with an escort to Murgood’s tomorrow. I’m still not entirely sure how that happened. Apparently, Protoss discovered that the dwarf and the man were going there as well and though it smart to journey with them, as the walk is several hours. This Garrett is supposed to know a shortcut.
Well, we shaved time off of our hike. I missed Nifa by approximately one hour. Absolutely infuriating. Realizing I must send her a note to apologize and reschedule I inquired about the nearest post. The rest of my assorted pseudo-companions to join me. On our way, we soon heard the screams of fear. Rounding a corner, we were nearly trampled by the people running away from whatever scared them. Protoss and the dwarf immediately go running towards the sound of the commotion. Damnit! We had more important things to do. Garrett was more reluctant to join the fray and we both hung back. What happened, was some machines became scrambled and attacked townsfolk. The actually killed a guardsman and two others.
And then came the second pleasant encounter with the city guard. I barely restrained from snarling responses I was so upset. Through some quick talk, by Garrett I believe, we were released to immediately return to the Dragon’s Head. Though we had to promise to be there and available for questioning tomorrow morning.
Sigh. Why does life have to be so chaotic? |
