The frontier of Baghatur

32nd day of Humanus, Day 1 of writing. Thank you Evelin for this kind gift.

 Though I was reluctant at first, I decided to try writing a diary since Evelin suggested it. She bought it as a gift for me yesterday while we were on our trip (date?) to Alanfer. I wanted the first page to be special but I've given up after a dozen crumpled papers. I've also decided to ditch any attempt at 'writing with manners' as professor Langford used to say. I'm sure old 'Dullford' would be furious (but really, when is he not?) if he read this, but he's the last person I'd show my diary to.

 After waking up this morning with a clear head and an empty wineskin, I've come to the conclusion that I've grossly overestimated my ability to budget. I'm almost out of money once again. It truly was a shock to wake up with only three silver in my pouch when I had six gold the day prior.

 I have also come to the conclusion that I would make a terrible quartermaster, as I have forgotten to buy food. Sergeant Garric (or was it Marshal Garric? Why couldn't he just be called professor like every other teacher?) would've strangled me if he found out, and I'm sure Vannol would laugh his ass off as he did so. 

 Huh, Since when did those two get linked in my mind? I guess their manner of teaching is fairly similar, but Sergeant Garric should learn to relax once in a red moon while Vannol could use at least a single class on etiquette (maybe a whole semester actually, though I doubt even that would be enough).

 Either way I'm an idiot. Thankfully the housewarming gifts of my new neighbors were mostly food, so I got through the day just fine. 

 What was I writing about? Finances, right. So what did I spend 57 silver on? Well, I'm proud to say that all of them were used on well thought out purchases that are absolutely necessary to my day-to-day life. Yesterday's purchases include:

-A new bed, thick blankets and a feather pillow.

-A compact furnace along with a pot, knife and a stoking rod (maybe I could get Evelin to teach me to cook?)

-Some new clothes

-A whetstone

-A stock of oil for equipment and for burning corpses should the need arise

-A magic crystal (just in case my equipment enchantments give out, however unlikely that may be)

-Leather barding for Atlas (I'd have liked something heavier, but I wasn't affording that any time soon. I'd also have to get a riding horse, Atlas wouldn't be able to carry me around all day if he also had steel barding on)

-A new lance

-Street food (an army marches on its stomach)

-Spiced wine (absolutely necessary for troop morale)

-An orchid hairpin for Evelin (also critical to morale, that 'thank you' could've make the devil weep)

-A tiny iron padlock with no key (I really can't explain the reasoning behind this one, might've been slightly buzzed when I bought the damned thing off of that merchant on the road)

-Now that I've reread the last few items I'm considering handing my purse to Atlas, he'd probably do a better job of managing it than I.

 I was able to move everything in and give the cabin another checkover. I realized that the quick cleaning I did on the day I arrived was wholly insufficient. The cabin is much larger than I first realized. 

 Two bedrooms, a kitchen, a backyard, and a cellar—big enough for a family. Considering Evelin's mention of her mother, I'd guess that this place was under attack at some point.

 I was just about finished with (re)cleaning when a battalion of children—the same ones from before—stormed my house, practically demanding me to tell them a story. They seemed quite disappointed to see me outside of my armor, I suppose I don't make as much of an imposing sight without it.

 I retold them my fight with the troll. I evidently wasn't very good at entertaining children because they stormed out just 10 minutes later, claiming that Sir Thomas told much better stories than I did. My pride wasn't shattered, nope, not at all. If Evelin or Patt ever says otherwise, know that the two of them are bold faced liars.

 I ended the day doing something I'm far more comfortable with, maintaining my equipment. Armor could always use a scrub and a sword could always use some sharpening. It's an eternal task that helps one relax, I'd go so far as to claim it's meditative.

 Notes for tomorrow: -Let shoulder rest properly

 -Take Atlas out on a ride, maybe join Sir Thomas on his patrol

 -Buy food (very important!!!)

 -Remember to meet Evelin by the grove (also very important!!!)

 -Avoid children at all costs (critical to continued survival)