Soot's Journal: Yeti Hunters

18th of Hammer, 1512 DR
 
I woke up from an extremely deep hibernation in the most comfy bed, with no idea how I got there... Luna was laying to my right and quickly rolled out of bed, and with a flick of her wrist she cast magic that appeared the repair the broken posts of the bed. I guess we broke the bed with our combined ursan weight last night.
 
Images of the previous evening began to sift through my head as I groggily slumped out of bed, it was far earlier in the morning than I am used to waking up. I vaguely remembered walking with Luna up the guard Dirk. She cast some magic on him to make him friendly, then suddenly I started seeing multiple of him... I'm not sure if that was Luna's magic or just the alcohol Dyleth bought me. She convinced him to show her the letter from the ceremony, and also told us it just arrives each day. He also mentioned Speaker Duvessa Shane, the chieftain of the Brynshander, and Sheriff Markham Southwell, the elder warrior of the Brynshander. Drik said that Speaker Shane's family had never been chosen for the lottery.
 
The rest is all a blur, but based on the beautiful room I am in, I imagine that I was able to successfully pick the best of Mr. Sax's rooms! There was a lovely, big, private fire for us, as well as a comfy bed and bathtub. The true height of luxury! After fixing the bed, Luna decided to take a bath, so I hung out by the fire and made the little fire bear I like to play with. It's a fun little trick. I know it is just fire, but I think I will name the little guy Cinder; he makes me very happy whenever I get to practice my fire tricks.
 
Once we were ready, we went out into the lobby to meet up with the gnomes that tasked us with the quest. We spoke with them for a while and chitchatted with patrons of the inn and Mr. Sax. Hruna informed us that if we kill the yeti that gobbled up his friend, that he would award us with more the shiny pieces. He also gave us snow shoes, but I don't think he knows that Luna and I have special feet that help with the snow. We also spoke with him about the iron ingots they left behind, and he told us that they were meant to be delivered to the Black Iron Blades store, and they might be able to give us even better discounts if we deliver them! That means I might be able to get even more leverage in acquiring a warhammer!
 
While we were talking, I began to overhear the conversation of some tavern patrons. They spoke of another town, called the Targos. An expedition from that town headed to Kelvin's Cairn but they never returned. Apparently they are sending a search party out for them, and after speaking with these townsfolk, Liam and Aiden, it seems that if we help out, we could make some useful connections in the Targos. Very helpful knowledge indeed! Who would have thought there were so many towns in Ten Towns? I wonder if they all are as big as the Brynshander? The dwarves seemed upset whenever I mentioned the idea of helping though, and said that we need to aid them first. However, they said that if we help them first, they will help us with the search party. Sounds like a good deal to me!
 
After leaving the tavern, Luna tried to claim that Volcano Man is not real! I still cannot even believe she said that, but it is okay, I forgive her, she is just being silly. Even Dyleth had my back though about Volcano Man! I really think we are starting to become fast friends. We made our way towards the edge of town, arguing the whole way, when Luna pointed out a stables full of Axebeak!
 
We made our way inside and got to finally meet the incredible giant chickens that Mr. Bolt had told us about yesterday. It was amazing, they were so gentle and nice to us. However, the stable keeper was a big meanie, and wanted us to pay fifty of the shiny yellow pieces to rent just one of the birdies! Absolutely ridiculous, highway robbery... hopefully one day we can afford it. But, when we were inside we met another elf! Her name is Electra Leidon, and she seems really cool. She is a noble elf, and can make magic with fire just like me! We invited her to join us, and she said she would come along! So very exciting to have another member of our new little clan.
 
We being walking the long way to the Dwarf valley, chatting with Dyleth and Electra the whole time. However, eventually we get to a clearing, hear faintly hear growls over the howling wind. I briefly notice the flash of a white furry arm behind a tree, and the suddenly we get attacked by two Yetis! Myself Electra begin to throw flames at the yetis to try and defend our friends. I was very impressed by her fire! Perhaps I am not as rash and obsessed with fire as Momma always said! Though, to our shock, Solana called the Yetis off though, and revealed she was raised by the Yetis. She then started talking about some more important missions she had, honestly we had no idea what she was talking about... then just as quickly as the yetis arrived, she left with them.
 
We felt a bit betrayed, but continued to explore and move along the path, eventually encountering a blizzard. It came on so suddenly, and within minutes Luna and Electra got lost in the snow, and we were separated. I throw fire out into the air, crying out for Luna, but she did not respond. I start panicking and looking for her, it was my job to protect her and I lost her. I felt so scared and guilty; I was worried I was going to lose her for good... Dyleth tried to calm me down as I frantically searched for my sister. He tied a rope between us so that we could not get separated, and we both continued to call out into the void for our friends. I start to smell the area for Luna or the pastries Electra had, and with luck, I managed to find Electra because of the food crumbs on her clothes.
 
Once the three of use were together, we tied her onto our rope, and we all cried out for Luna. Electra sent her magical messages, and I burned some of Electra's pastries in order to make a strong smell for Luna to follow. I continued to cry for her, and I could faintly hear "yoo-hoo" in the distance, so I started chasing after the sounds of Luna. After what felt like hours, we eventually found her after the storm had lessened a bit. I ran at her and tackled her with the biggest bear-hug I have ever given her.
 
Never in my life did I feel as scared as I did today, not even when I was alone against the winter wolf or the remorhaz. I can't ever let her get in such a dangerous situation alone again. I have to protect her... I am too tired to keep writing for now, I will update after a brief rest. Hopefully we will reach the wagon soon. It seems as though today will be a very long day.
 
~ Soot Isbjorn