Hammer and Rose - A Journal by Theros Ironfeld

[Theros Ironfeld]

He sat at the table, lost in thought, recalling memories long thought forgotten. His journal lay on the table, its blank pages staring back at him. A gust of wind blew through an open window and extinguished the candle, bathing the room in darkness and stirring him from his thoughts. Mumbling to himself, he quickly lit the candle and set about to writing.

I never thought that I would return. I was content with remembering the past, not reliving it, but here I am. What am I doing here? Is this really happening?

I purchased a plot of land in the area of Edinburgh and have set out to rebuild. Maybe I can't stop living in the past, but that doesn't mean that I have to forget. The days of old are just that. Old. So am I, but I don't care.

This place makes me smile. It brings back fond memories and I am happy here. I remember Mariah. She was a gypsy. So kind hearted and beautiful. Her touch was like that of silk against my rough hands. She liked to play the harp and often referred to herself as a harpy, which made me laugh. She was always good at that. I fell in love with her, but never told her. I almost did once. I think she always knew though. She gave me a rose. Left it in my shop with a note. "This is all I can give... M."

I never saw her after that.

I will rebuild, or at least try. I may not be able to relive the past, but I can make new memories. Not better memories. Just different.

He smiled to himself as he read over the page. The ink was still wet so he sprinkled some dust on the page to help set the ink. Waiting for the ink to dry, he sat back and continued to remember...

 

[Theros Ironfeld]

The house is coming along beautifully. I was able to get large amounts of sandstone transported for a nominal fee and construction began in earnest. The main part of the house has been completed and I am very happy with the design. I will be able to have separate areas for dining as well as an area for my workshop. I am excited about getting work with metal and stone again.

I will plan for a house warming party. I really want to bring people back to Edinburgh. It is such a peaceful area with very few disturbances and lots to do. The mountains provide an inexhaustible supply of ore while the forest gifts us with an ever growing supply of wood. The sea is also very close by and I am sure our fisherman friends would enjoy the quiet time sitting on the shores.

That reminds me of the time when Edinburgh had its share of visitors. They came from the sea. Pirates. Their intentions were not noble, I assure you. Luckily for us, the village had gained many residents who were skilled fighters and defended us from threats. Oh, we had our own internal problems with a certain Lord who lived on the other side of the forest. He was very much interested in taking over Edinburgh and bringing it under his rule. He did not however, much appreciate the pirates invading us.

I remember the day vividly. The pirates had come to the Whispering Pines Tavern, demanding that we surrender to them. Our mayor had finished reading over their so-called "contract". It was not much of a contract as it was a list of demands for taxes, food and supplies. In return they would provide protection. Laughable. The nerve these pirates had!

We did not have much choice. Between the pirates to the south and the dangers from Dungeon Wrong to the north, we were in bad sorts. I remember the moment that the doors to the tavern blew open. Standing there was Elmdor and he was in a foul mood indeed.

He said that the pirates were not welcome, and that they had no stake in his claim for Edinburgh. If anyone were to gain control over the village it would be him.

Pirates are bullies, for the most part. Stand up to them and they should back down. Elmdor put the fear of death in that group. Later that night, we watched as their ships sailed away. I remember standing next to Elmdor, but something was different. He was different.

Things changed for us that night. Oh we still had our little squabbles with Elmdor and his people every now and again, but it was not like it was before. The village seemed to have new protectors, though they would never admit to it. We enjoyed relative peace and a coexistence. For a time...

Then someone had to go and dig up something strange in the cave next door.

~*Theros*~