Bad News, Bandits Bad For Town, Nala's Recovery

It has been about seven days since I last wrote in this journal. I haven't had the time to collect my thoughts, and even if I did - there wasn't much to update on... Until now. Nala still hasn't woken up, and although she is maintaining a steady pulse - she remains in a coma, unresponsive to any attempts to wake her. My abilities have never left someone in this type of state, which makes me think that her injuries were more critical than originally thought. Argen Duage, the blue dragonborn that I found over Nala (the one that helped carry her to my cottage) has come to visit her regularly - each time I turn him away, I don't allow people in my residence, Edgewater is full of less-than-trustworthy people. I do tell him of her condition though, and I can't help but think back to the magic he attempted on Nala before I was able to get to her. Was that causing her ailments, is that why she can't wake up? I am unsure, will need to research Argen further. He came into town about a month ago, and little is known about his background. Regardless, I have done all I can for Nala, and now it is simply a matter of her body and mind collecting themselves so she can get back to her life. I have decided to keep her with me, in my cottage for now. It is the best place for her, safe and quiet - she can use all of her energy to heal and should anything happen, I am here to help in any way I can. This isn't good enough for our blacksmith Normon, her father. He is angry with me, and rightly so. I myself am not sure why she remains the way she has. All we can do is hope, pray, and continue to live for her.

Things aren't looking up for the town either. The monsoon, and storms have continued - leaving Edgewater in a state of disarray (not to say it was ever organized in the first place) without much in the way of food - and other necessary supplies/provisions needed for survival; much less in the way of good quality of life for the sick and injured. Our fishermen still are unable to catch anything, and our hunter's haven't had much luck either. The farm is running low on crops that are ready for use, and it seems all the more likely that Rolim will have to butcher one of our animals from the ranch in order for the town to continue to get by. We're doing all we can to prevent that, as it would lower our overall production, and food yield - but we are basically out of other options at this point. The bakery has practically shut down due to lack of wheat, leaving him to fend for himself like the rest of town. All I can do is to continue to make my daily rounds, checking in on everyone in town (especially the young and elderly). Due to the lack of provisions, the bad weather, and the ever-increasing amount of refugees coming to town - those with disease or other illnesses are dying faster than ever.

Those that have managed to remain healthy, or as healthy as they can be are at an increased risk because of these factors - leaving myself working extra to ensure they don't get sick too. I tell myself to stay strong, and maintain my confidence for them, and for the sick. The reality of the situation is that I am running out of energy, I can't heal every injury I come across - and that kills me. Aywin does her best to comfort me, and tells me that most of the people around Edgewater would feel better just because I am confident when I tell them they are going to be okay. So, I maintain a sense of bravado, in the hopes that I can keep spirits high...

Well... As 'high' as they can be.

I have also had less time to myself - as I become much more needed throughout town. I am no longer outside the walls as I please, the local mercenaries are increasing security, and they ensure me a trip to the local watchtower ruin where I like to practice my magic would only needlessly endanger me. I am beginning to feel claustrophobic inside these walls - but I know they are necessary.

On another note, recent news of an Orc raid reached town. They sacked the trading post Deepwood Motte about three days South from Edgewater, I hope survivors made it out safely, I wouldn't wish Orcish slavery on my worst enemy... They are becoming more brazen - which is concerning. But, between our walls and The Blades of Oros - I am not too worried about it. I have full faith in The Blades, they have been around a long time and they have always done their duties. At the end of the day, they are mercenaries, working for money ,but they have always done right by me - and by the others in town. The Orc tribes haven't moved against us yet, but I imagine this was the reason our 'mayor' Reed Thompson hired the Gnoll-Choppers.

They came into town a while back, and they are nothing but thugs. Here under the guise of "extra protection around town", all they seem to do is hold up inside the local tavern, partying and drinking all of our remaining alcohol - bullying those that would normally go to the tavern. In fact, all they have really done is further decreased our ration supplies. They keep us all up throughout the many hours of the night, especially the sick and injured, who need the rest the most. Reed himself also hides away in his manor, alongside his riches and provisions. Disgusting to think that he sits in there while the very people he is supposed to serve are dying and suffering right outside.

I just hope these bandits (or anyone in town) do not find out about my medicinal stash. I keep alcohol and other supplies bundled together for healing purposes in case I cannot use my magic. It would be catastrophic to lose what little supplies I have left to people that would use them to get drunk.

Last night, one of the chopper bastards drunkenly came to my doorstep with a dislocated shoulder. I know not how it happened, but the man knew I am a healer and he refused to leave until I helped him. I was also aware that not helping him would only cause further harm to the town, and I couldn't let that happen. I took him in and quickly healed him, before sending him on his way. Today, while I was making my rounds, I was receiving looks I am not used to. They were questioning my intentions, and why I was helping those that brought harm to the town. I ensured those that asked that I was only there to help anyone in need - but it chills me to think that I helped someone that was out there this very second terrorizing the people of Edgewater.

I just hope we can pull through and make it past these troubling times, lest we all fall prey to the cold.