The Return of Trusk

I was sitting by the fire sipping tea in the main room of the Inn. Lost in thought, reliving every moment of that wonderful visit with my family, I heard the heavy foot steps and Trusk slapping his hand down onto the counter, insistance that the Keep appear. When I looked over seeing him have that one fur in a strangle hold, I decided it was time to retreat upstairs to my room and headed that way rather quickly. That blasted Keep looked directly at me as the reason to why he was back to one rather mangy looking fur. The bellow of my name, full name mind you, halted me on the steps and a turn with charming smile as I faced the rather irate man. He did have me a bit nervous.

His inquiry to my actions brought cool answers that since he was not sleeping in them, certainly he didn't need the extra furs and it was then that he captured my wrist and lead me to the tarn cot to meet the conditions he sleeps in at night to ensure I had the last room of the Inn. The clench of his jaw was enough to keep my tongue in check and once out to the tarn cot I found myself sticking close to him as it was smelly, cold, very dark and quite frightening. I asked if there were tarns in there and he said yes, there were. I waited for one to attack or something while being taught what he volunteered to do for my benefit by sleeping out there. I felt bad for him and now knew why he usually smelled like he needed a bath. I relented, more furs for him and I insisted we go speak to the Keep to find a better arrangement. I am not sure why I was being so nice..

Anyway, a new arrangement made. After seeing his irritation, I have now reconsidered the dock of pay and will not do what I had planned. He had his work cut out for him. He has to outfit the ship. He mentioned in his most recent missive while he traveled that he would be hiring free men instead of buying slaves. Their pay will be handed out as the shipments are delivered. That way I am not out a chunk of coin and a crew that disappeared.

I think he will make a fine Captain.

I laid awake for some time after my hot bath and a deep snuggle into my warm furs. Listening to the sounds of the Inn. Thinking of Dawson. Dawson, I think of him quite often but try to suppress the hurt and anger. I am injured inside and have retreated to heal. I felt so separate from his life, not really part of everything he was. I found that gap so difficult to understand. I do not feel we are finished, only time will tell. I have changed so much in the last several hands. I think I will blame that on Trusk. I have calmed and have a positive outlook and I am willing to take things as they may. He has been very good for me.

I must remember to tell Trusk about the Scribe. I was reading the paper and see he has passed on to the Cities of Dust. For a moment that brought a sadness in my heart. While it had been many years since I had been his, he had taught me a few things about myself that I have not forgotten. Time with him was good while it lasted. I hadn't seen him for some time and had wondered how he faired at Destiny Point. Trusk told me Lucian had traveled to Ar. I hope he is at peace, he was a discontented soul. Fondly Lucian, I wish you well.