Dear Journal:
Deirdre. It just rolls off the tongue. I'm sure you'll forgive me, Journal, for not making an off-color joke involving tongues. I am not myself at the moment. In fact, I'm jumping too far ahead.
We left the farmhouse early today and headed for Wellspring. We had barely traveled a horse's trot before we realized they had started the festivities without us. The unguarded gates began spewing men, women, and children. Screaming, bleeding, and crying pilgrims raced out of the town like stampeding cattle. We made haste, running against the crowd until we came to the town square. Here we were met by four grell, finishing off several pilgrims. A magnificent battle ensued!
The monsters were quite the challenge. Though we were never at a tactical disadvantage, there were several moments we were in severe condition. This is where Deirdre came in. A few times when one of us looked as if we would fall, she called upon her divine skills to rejuvenate us at her own peril. Such sacrifice for these seven strangers was deeply moving. The beauty of her movements and soothing sounds of her whispered prayers were almost enough to distract me from the battle.
Once the grell were disposed of, we noticed the Teifling singer from the Red Dragon lain against the statue of Estered. His skin was boiling and his body convulsing so, naturally, I blasted him into Oblivion. Deirdre then called upon the powers granted her by Ioun to intervene before the Raven Queen was able to call the Teifling's essence down below. The corpse spoke in a devilish voice as it warned us of a "madness" which has made its way into this town. He blamed it on Malachi, Dreknar's son and commander of the Nighthawks. It turns out, the Nighthawks are the band of Teifling assassins I fought back at the Salty Dog.
Deirdre told us the local authority was a man named Chriswell, and we should visit him for answers to these questions. She also pointed out the Mindspire, the tower which dominated the Wellspring skyline.
She was very weak from the fight; and she had done much to help us. So as she left for her much-needed rest, I asked her to dinner this evening, and she agreed to meet at the Red Rooster, a local inn and tavern on the square, after she had her rest! Huzzah!
We parted ways , investigated the Mindspire, and headed to meet Chriswell. I do not recall much of that conversation other than hearing that our accommodations were gratis on behalf of Chriswell. What excellent timing! Additionally, we were apparently instructed to investigate a tower to the west known as the Forlorn Tower. I apologize, Journal, for failing to recollect more of the conversation, but my mind was on Deirdre. I have noticed this is becoming a habit.
Regardless, the evening came much slower than I had liked. Deidre and I met in the Red Rooster for a wonderful candlelit dinner. After the meal, we walked the square and found a quiet place to sit and talk. We learned a little bit about each other and spoke on matters of the gods. She taught me the ritual used earlier in the day to reanimate the dead Teifling for questioning. I inquired about the skills she used during the fight earlier in the day to heal me and my allies. She explained how she cleared her mind and allowed her desire for our safety to become her only thought. I shall meditate on this subject tonight.
She tired early, but was hesitant to return to the Red Rooster to sleep. This town is obviously no longer safe, and she has been separated from her companions. The night may hold further dangers, so I offered to sit by her bedside in the night since I do not require sleep. I gave my word that I would sit beside her, guarding her until she woke in the morning. I met briefly with the others to plan tomorrow's events and returned to Deirdre. She lay sound asleep in her bed, so I laid out my bedroll on the floor beside her. Astonishingly, my typical urges have been absent over the past few hours.
So I will now say my prayers and meditate on the day's events, honoring my promise to watch over Deirdre. May this follower of Ioun find peace in her dreams; and may Corellon watch over us in the day to come so that I may return here to speak again with Deirdre.
I hope Alyana isn't too jealous.
