We have failed. Failed in our quest to rescue our employer from the clan of goblinoids. The shame of our failure weighs on the party, especially the dwarf Baern. I suspect it bothers the elves as well, but they appear to have little difficulty concealing their worries. I also suspect it bothers the Tiefling not at all. But I think the dwarf is hit the hardest, as it was a fellow member of his race who was slain before our eyes by that cowardly bugbear.
Oddly enough, I find myself closest in kinship with the dwarf – a traditional enemy of my people. This does make me wonder what I will find when I do find a clan of kobolds – will I be disappointed or will I be welcomed by them? After my experience with the small green dragon, I’m suspecting I will be disappointed.
The dwarf seems to appreciate similar things to myself – a good wine or ale with hot food, and a pipe after the meal. I realize those comforts are a result of my halfling upbringing, but all the same… That he is not wiser as a result of his advanced age is a mystery to me, I expect if I reach his age of over sixty years, I should possess a great deal of knowledge.
As we head back to Phandelver, our tails limp in defeat (a metaphor, the only tails in the group are mine and the Tiefling, and hers seems to have suffered no hint of shame), I wonder what other unpleasant experiences and revelations might be awaiting me in my foray into the life of an adventurer.
