New Faces

As we came through the portal, we were met by followers of Moradin, with one priest holding open the door for us as we finally made it through. I was weak, having used most of my energy opening the gate; Aerilyn and Noelani, who also opened the gate, needed healing too. The head mage of the group introduced himself as Grossuc Hillhand. I didn't recognize the name, but considering he was holding open the portal by himself, I think he was powerful. Two strangers who happened to be walking by at the time saw our entry into Gere, the capital of Sgand as we later found out. They introduced themselves Cordelia Delmar, a Sea Elf, and Kahla Hala, a Tabaxi. They seemed odd at first and were anxious about staying in the streets, but even so, they offered free rooms at their establishment named the Crooked Tavern. We definitely needed some rest, and since we had made up a lot of ground, a little rest certainly wasn't going to hurt us. We followed them back to their place, guarded by some Moradin Theocracy guards who stayed far back. I have a bad feeling about this town. Something about it just feels off, like I'm being constantly watched. I feel like everything I say is being evaluated for its worth. I take it back. I don't have a bad feeling. I hate this town already.
 
Once in the tavern, we received ale and were forced into the back room. Also, Borris told me that Long Island Tea has alcohol in it. I still need to discuss it with Aerilyn. I don't think I can trust her as much anymore. Anyone who takes advantage of someone like that just for a joke is not someone I can trust with the big things. It's not a common belief among Chauntea followers, as few people in my faith swear it off their whole lives. But still, to have that choice taken from me... I am not happy.
 
We spent the night in that tavern, and of course I had another dream, this time of Amber receiving my message and returning it. Im still worried for her, and I want to ask the group if it would be ok to send our new Moradin follower friends to help her and bring her supplies. However, something keeps sticking in my mind. A question, burning its way through me. Where are these dreams coming from? I always have assumed Chauntea was sending me my visions, but clearly, I'm not the only one receiving them. Why us? What makes us so special? I need to meditate on this.
 
We woke up the next day, and while everything seemed normal, apparently one of the tavern's patrons had taken to using blood magic in their room. They painted a symbol on their own wall, and the elf who did it was missing. Surprisingly, Kahla and Cordelia brought us down to a secret room under the tavern to discuss this. They seem a little too trusting for this town from what I understand, but who am I to question them? We discovered that they were also trying to figure out who was kidnapping people, and we shared what we knew. We also learned more about a certain Mr. Faeyth, who apparently is Aerilyn's father? He apparently tried to have a rebellion in order to establish the land as human-controlled only and was defeated after sacking multiple villages in Sgand. I'm not sure what to think about this. I definitely need to pay more attention to what is going on with her regardless.
 
I feel like I'm on a long road, with no end in sight. I fear that I won't see home, or my family, for a long time. There is so much to do, so much...
 
Chauntea protect us.