— session three.

Coming home to the church is always a welcome reprieve; Grigor always leaves a candle burning when he expects me, and I am forever grateful to him as I never imagined I would find a place so welcoming and homey within the Dales when my home is in with my family and the Church of Helm in Baldur's Gate.
 
I always find my rest the best here — perhaps because I feel safe within the sanctuary of these walls and not relying on the generosity of those around me to house me while I am traveling from city to city when I cannot spare the coin for an inn.
 
Speaking of spare coin, I should write to Sister Agatha about increasing my quarterly stipend to include Grigor and ask how Sera is doing, as I am sure she still has not bothered to learn how to read or write.
 
As discussed the night before, I reconvened with everyone at the Geldenstag's Rest. As we broke our fast together, we discussed what we found out about Verrick's trial, which was not much, and began to believe it has some connection to the lottery as the first victim was the final cote for the lottery, Janjan was the secretary who drew the numbers, and the newest victim was number 86; which is 100 less than the number draw.
 
Guardswoman Karla arrives at the Geldenstag, stating that the arraignment for Verrick is about to begin, and if he is not there, it will be a trial in absentia — meaning the trial will continue, even in his absence. Karla also wanted to talk with Myalee about family matters in private.
 
When Myalee returned, we all traveled to Town Hall, where we met Verrick's defender, Lenny Lazard, a dragon born who will try his best, but I fear will not help him win the trial, especially against the prosecutor, Rennor Eilvaris — an elven ranger from my past, who I fear might harbor resentment for the part I played in helping bring him back to life, and that may make things more difficult for Verrick since Rennor already sounds rather judgemental and accusatory towards our friend, but I suppose that is his job while representing Bryn Shander. But I cannot help but feel that there is something more to it, that there is a deeper connection, but I do not have the evidence to prove anything.
 
After going over the evidence, Verrick was offered a deal to plead "no contest" and be banished from BrynnShander. His defender made it sound like the best deal if he chooses to go through with the trial and is found guilty, he will be executed. The trial is not for another month; until then, he will remain in Myalee's custody.
 
While we chatted about the court arraignment, Shrekky making things worse, and how I know Rennor, someone from the Endan estate arrived to talk with Myalee, Alinar, and Eliodiel. As none of us speak elvish, we did not understand what was said between them, but from how the handmaiden looked at me, I could tell she was very judgemental. Perhaps I should ask Alinar or Myalee about this or keep it to myself.
 
After hearing Hruna's request to fetch the ore that was lost, Myalee has some choice words for her son in elvish, and we head to the Archives to find Verrick's friend Callista, who is unwilling to make an appearance until he is alone.
 
I take this time to check on Silifrey, who seems to be recovering from her wounds, and request that, if I can, see if there is anything I can do for her other son, Bran, who has a broken leg.
 
After making preparations to head out of town, I stop by the Church of Helm to collect my armor, and Grigor has a lunch waiting for me, which I am ever thankful for, and take with me. ♡
 
Heading out of the North Gate, we follow the way of the sled, and a blizzard descends upon us. Thank Helm I brought my tent along. Most of us were able to fit into it. Myalee hid beneath the warmth of her polar bear, and Eliodiel seemed unbothered by the weather. Once the blizzard passed, we followed the tracks and happened upon Goblins. As I understand and speak Goblin, I heard they were hungry, tired, and overworked. Remembering that I had the amazing lunch Grigor prepared for me, I decided to test my luck and bargained it for the sled full of ore, and it worked.
 
Hopefully, he will not be too cross with me for trading my lunch away, but at least I saved his handkerchief.
 
Upon returning to Bryn Shander, Guardswoman Karla is manning the gate as punishment for being unwilling to confirm Dwari's information...
 
We are paid by the Dward Hruna, a rather large and beautiful Ruby worth 50 gold each.
 
As I offered to look at Rhodri's brother's leg, I follow him home and notice the work of Dr. Treska. The bone was halfway healed, so what little healing I did pushed it towards recovery, and he's able to walk, though it might be a little sore and tender for a few days, so I advised him to be careful.
 
Taking my leave and on the way to the Happy Leech to have dinner with Dr. Treska, I spot the merchant Rhodri told us about. The one where he bought the potion and purchased a rather expensive feather.