Trials, Invitations, and Goblins

Things do not seem to look good for Verrick. I felt bad for him, having to sleep in that cell all night. That could not have been comfortable. There must be a way to prove the young man's innocence. However, it doesn't bode well. Verrick isn't able verify his innocence with undeniable proof. Not just for this murder, but all of the murders that have happened recent. He's being so opened about this though... so it makes me believe his innocence based on his words. I've been burned before by doing so, but I hope this time my judgement isn't wrong.
 
Something came up in the conversation.... a lottery? To sacrifice townsfolk?? This is the first time I've heard anything of this. Surely they can't think this is a good idea to end this winter? If other offerings haven't worked, why would sacrificing people? There has to be some other way to end this winter.
 
The guards woman who was with us the other day summoned Verrick and Myalee for his arainment. We were welcomed to come but we could not say anything on his behalf. She and Myalee went off to speak privately. Perhaps something pertaining to Verrick's case as she is his "legal guardian" in a sense. It's not my business so I didn't try to listen.
 
At the trial, we met an elf named Rennor Eilvaris, who was the prosecutor. It seems that he was very close to one of the victims named Lillian. He’d spoken of her so personally. Was she a relative? A lost love? If so, while the way he spoke of Verrick made my blood boil... I can understand how he feels... Losing a loved one in such a violent way...
((if perceptive enough, there is a spot on the paper that crinkles slightly, looking as if a drop of water had warped the paper)).
 
The evidence against Verrick doesn't seem very strong.... Lillian was holding brown hair in her hand? Isn't Verrick's black?
 
Shrekky burst through and proclaimed he had smelled the person who killed the victims and it wasn't Verrick.... however, he admitted that Verrick paid him to do so. Bless him, his heart was in the right place. His timing however leaves much to desire.
 
We gathered to discuss the trail, and a very prim and proper elvan woman had approached us. Informing Myalee and Alinar of a dance and tea festival. She mentioned about having to deliver an invitation to someone at the Dancing Maid Pub as well. I assumed she was talking about Melisande. Everyone always comes to the pub for her, another proposal prospect for her. But no, the invitation was for me?!
 
Why me?!? I'll discuss this with Mellie later.... maybe I can send her in my place... She's far more elegant and much more of a social pariah then I am. Alinar then gave me a very beautiful ice blue rose. I've seen these before. Odd that he decided to give me a random flower.... I've never met him before. It was very kind of him.
 
Alinar asked if we could speak to a dwarf named Hruna. She had a job for us to find a shipment of iron ore.
 
Before we left, Verrick asked for some privacy to contact this Callista woman he interacts with. I don't remember if he was able to contact her, for his sake I hope he did.
 
As we left to find the ore, a blizzard started. Verrick and I remained out in the cold while the others slept in a shared tent, and Myalee cuddled with her rather adorable polar bear mount. I hope they weren't too cold. The boots Mellie made for me helped to keep me warm.
 
We had found the shipment of ingots, that were taken by a group of Goblins. Poor things were very hungry, and Lady Evelyn in her kindness offered them her lunch. We were able to retrieve the ore and bring it back to the town.
 
I returned home, to find a severance pay.... I guess they don't need me anymore in the pub. I thought I was doing a good job. They are letting me stay in my shed in the back, but I don't feel right not having a job to assist them....
 
Now I have this party to attend to (If I can't convince Mellie to take my place))..... what am I going to do....
 
But, something feels....different? ....I feel, warmth. Not just warmth in my home and from being indoors. Warmth growing inside of me... It feels, familiar too...