Settlers

The moments before my deep breath faded away. Those moments were routine, the habits of each day, but behind the door stood a new terrain everyday. With a hand on the cold latch, the pause to gather myself helps navigate the crowds. The latch clicked and the Spring morning greeted us along with a busy street. Stepping out into the crowd takes a little timing especially to head left into the city. L'tea held my hand for support, and I do weave us through the people, but her hand imparts more strength and confidence than I have admitted to her.   She is from the Auguston Citadel and I worked my way out of the Ecathen Kingdom to make the journey on the Long Road North to the City of Etonia. This is the Northern frontier, past the K'hala Swamps. Here they call it the Wildlands, and it feels exciting, but further South they consider it a poor backwater. That started to changed about ten years ago with the Etonia Council's call for settlers.   When a cobbler can't find work, you know the economy is in trouble. So, I sold everything I had, including most of my tools, to secure passage on a caravan to Etonia. I arrived at the gate with two pair of shoes and the clothes on my back. Told the guards at the East Gate I was answering the call for settlers and I fixed shoes. They sent me to the Bard's Lute General Store and I registered with the Merchant Guild. I got a lodging voucher and shared stand at the marketplace. The journey here was nothing compared to the whirlwind of the next couple weeks.   I begged, borrowed, and improvised the tools to get through the first few days. Customers started showing up in a slow trickle but when word got out that another cobbler had made it to the city- there was a line. I met L'tea in the market. She had been working as a server at the Harper's Nail and picked up a food order at the market each day for the tavern.   I think I got swept up in all the change. With the voucher and stand, the city paid me to get started. The other merchants and food vendors in the market were so supportive. Lunches were dropped off at the stand the first few weeks. The other merchants passed the word that I was here. When I saw L'tea walk by with worn out shoes I offered to make her pair of new shoes no cost. I was simply paying forward all the support I received, but found a life partner.   I need to get back to the stand. She takes the orders now and keeps me organized, but I still have to get them done! You'll do great too. And, if you need anything don't hesistate to ask.