Yurla and the Town of Tuli

Two days ago, Locke, Esra, and I left Willow's Keep. The journey was very difficult -- Esra is quite fast on her feet! Nevertheless, we finally made it. She brought us to a large hill and right below was the town of Tuli. It's unlike anything I have ever seen. Despite our height, we could see the houses below and they looked so miniature! But I digress. Esra big her farewell and darted back to Willow's Keep. Without us to slow her down, I'm sure she's already made it back by now.

Thankfully for Esra, she left just in time, for it was only moments after that we were ambushed! The most giant, ugly, and disgusting spider attacked us, and for no reason at all! Locke managed quite well, but I came out of it with a terrible bite on my shoulder. Oh, it still hurts when I touch it!

Anyway, that's when Yurla appeared. She's one of the sweetest people I've ever encountered -- and we've only known her for a few hours. She's a dwarf from Tuli, which obviously must be a dwarven settlement. Just as our battle with the spider started to look grim, she appeared with her massive hammer and made quick work of that ugly creature. She then brought us back to her camp, treated our wounds, and made us the most delicious tea. . . before she told us her story. It's a long story, but her daughter is being held captive, the poor infant!

Tonight, we will set off to rescue her. I am not sure of the dangers we will face, but if it'll help this beautiful soul. . . I'm willing to do whatever I can.

. . . Locke is snoring again. Grrr! He's the reason I'm awake in the first place! Although I appreciate her lovely hospitality, Yurla obviously only had a single tent for herself, which Locke and I are now forced to share in order to rest for tonight. It was quite awkward at first -- sharing such a small space with a man. The last time I recall sharing such small quarters with another person was when mother and I traveled to Murrad so long ago. I remember snuggling into her for comfort on the long sea voyage, as I was afraid of the rocking and the great crashing waves which pounded on the little merchant ship. . . But this is different! He keeps snoring and mumbling in his sleep about rum. Ohhh, he makes me so mad!

Although. . . I must admit I feel a sort of comfort knowing he's close. If I were here on my own, with those massive, ugly spiders (oh, I do hate them!) crawling about, I don't think I'd get an ounce of sleep at all. I bet my mother would be jumping out of her boots in excitement if she knew we were this close. Hmph. I can't believe she would see me married to likes of him. Sure, he would make a great husband -- if rum soaked, womanizing, sexists are your idea of a good lover!

. . . Oh no! I think he's waking up! I must bid you farewell for now, book. Hopefully, our journey tonight will not be our last!



P.S. Oh. He was just sleep talking. . . again. That buffoon. Anyway, I wasn't quite done before. I had a thought, during our long journey to Tuli. When my mother suggested I make this journal, she thought it would be a good idea as well if I wrote about my past memories. It would have a "therapeutic" effect of some sort, she thought. I think I will do just that! Today, however, I think I will stop here.

Good day, book.