Recovering from the Gala

We are still in Chortu. I needed some time alone, so I ventured off to hunt some rabbits and squirrels. I shared some food with Atoth when I got back to the hostel. He talked mostly in grunts. I just joined him. It's hard to know what to say when one of your friends barely makes it back from the cliff-of-death, right in front of you.
After Xune's brush with death, I've concluded that I need more substantial armor. Nothing heavy - I still want to be able to sneak up on my prey - but something more than my usual leather. I wandered Chortu and found an armory called The Scepter and Shield. I bought some studded leather armor enchanted to protect me from necrotic damage. I hope that will help me in the ultimate battle, the one that seems to creep closer with every day. The stitcher, a goblin named Meek, seemed surprised at my choice. Necromancy is a foreign magic to this continent. For now, at least.
On a lighter note, Atoth and I had a spa day at The Draughthouse. The dwarven proprietor, Lester, took excellent care of us. I sure hope we can visit again. It's already been 8 hours and my hair still reeks of huckleberries! Atoth went with a roast beef scent. Weirdo. A lovable weirdo.
As I write this evening at a tavern table, Mylla and her brother are getting hammered next to me. Their relationship is confusing to me. I reckon it's confusing to them too, with his uncertain parentage. He's also trapped in servitude to some gold-hungry, slave-driver of a church. Teysa's name may be too much like mine, but I'm seriously considering giving her my support. But I must be careful, my father always warned me that I must follow with sound eyes, ears, and conscience. As for Lukos, well, I feel we've got more important things to move on to. Based on prior experience, Mylla's relatives aren't good for much of anything. Still, for Mylla's sake, I hope Lukos can break free.
And damn, Xune just returned to the tavern/hostel in an odd mood (odder than usual, at least), and promptly ordered a TANKARD of wine. It's always a wild card when Xune wanders off alone. Who f***ing knows what happened? But I don't care. Imma order one too! Until tomorrow, paper friend!
Jagh!