I met some of Gorlen's friends tonight, members of the Bloody Dawn. They were all dressed in a variety of armor and bore swords, the men and women alike. As I approached the woman with the striking red hair spoke of Gorlen in an intimate manner but other than some sort of unfulfilled past between them I did not get the feeling there was anything else. She seemed wary of me until I made some nice small talk and then seemed to relax, though she was also quite drunk. Taala, is her name, and she was the one that hired me to help an intoxicated Gorlen to his room. I should probably thank her for more than the coin. The man called Seaver left shortly after I arrived, he seemed distracted and rather melancholy but it was not my place to pry. The other woman was a brash woman with auburn hair and some very painful looking scars. They spoke of business and Gorlen cuddled against me, making it obvious to anyone watching that he had a claim on me. I had to admit, I did not mind which is unusual because I normally do not like clinginess. I suppose because I know his behavior is not one of someone who is jealous or possessive that it was acceptable.
So aside from all that the big story is that I'm going to the Blue Mountains! I mean, really a real trip, not just a jaunt to the Shire! I'm so excited I stayed up tonight to make a list of things I'll need. Taala said I could borrow a horse so I would not have to ask Father for one. He'll probably blow his top once he hears about it, let's hope we're well past the Brandywine when that happens. I don't care, I want to go and I'm not going to stop for anyone. Gorlen wants me along and I'll do my best to make myself useful. There are two other mercenaries going along, I'll be safe as anyone and make my contributions count. I decided to put my skills into preparing the food and drink for the trip, let's hope it doesn't get too expensive!
