I'm not normally one to put much stock in dreams, but these visions seemed to be so vivid and intense that I find it hard to put them out of my mind. I know that Master Jensen has mentioned that it'ss possible to receive or even summon visions when one's ki is sufficiently aligned. He's even encouraged me to speak with Master Keyleth about getting training toward that end. I mean no disrespect to Master Keyleth, but I find her interest in the more mystical side of our Order a bit too much for myself. I appreciate the focus, self-discipline, and lightning-quick reflexes I get from working with my ki, but I'm not sure I'm looking for any sort of supernatural or spiritual experience.
And yet, if these dreams continue, it may be wise and even necessary to speak to and learn from Master Keyleth and the other elven members of the Order.
Today itself was mostly uneventful. I woke up to a relatively peaceful afternoon, performed my morning exercises, ate a small breakfast, packed up my gear, and got back on the road. Traveling was pleasant and uneventful beyond coming across a fellow traveler every now and then. The occasional nod or word of acknowledgement was exchanged, but everyone was mostly too busy with their own business to stop for pleasantries. I found myself wondering if anyone I saw stopped to even acknowledge a given moment, let alone enjoy it. After spending the last ten-plus years in the monastery, I find I can no longer comprehend such a life devoid of mindfulness.
As evening drew close, I found a campsite that already had a couple -- a husband and wife -- set up. I stopped and introduced myself, originally intending to only exchange any news of the road ahead, but the man invited me to stay and have dinner with them. He had prepared some game -- he indicated it was fox -- and steamed vegetables. Once I confirmed that they had more than enough to spare -- I did not wish to make anyone go without when I have perfectly good rations I can live comfortably on -- I accepted. The food was quite good.
The man's name was Montahue -- Monty for short -- and his wife was named Grisella. They are a food vendor and seamstress respectively, headed for Baldur's Gate. Monty shared with me a bag of his roasted walnuts, which were seasoned to be both salty and sweet, with just a hint of fire to them. Monty calls them "Monty's Munchies" and they are sure to be a hit in Baldur's Gate. He was kind enough to let me have a bag for free provided I agreed to promote their name and his shop to anyone I share them with. I will most likely share them with any children I meet in my travels, as I think children would enjoy them. I'm not sure that will get Monty much business, but I will be sure to share the information anyway.
Since my camping companions came from the south, they were able to give me news of potential trouble ahead. It seems that giant beetle-like creatures are coming out of the Troll Mountains and randomly attacking travelers and caravans on the road. Monty says that there are rumors that two dwarven smiths and their caravan got attacked and at least one of them was even carried off. The rumors also say that a rescue party went into the mountains and were never seen again.
I find myself wondering if these creatures are at all related to the creatures that Lakmere said live in the cave that contains the artifact I'm searching for. At any rate, I will have to keep an eye out as I get closer to the Troll Mountains. It would be unfortunate to get caught unaware by such an attack.
As I finish this entry, the only light that remains is from our shared campfire. I should put one more log on the fire and retire for the night. Tomorrow will be another long day of traveling.
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