It has been a tough time for me lately. As soon as Muil left to Minas Tirith, I could feel the change inside me - I have grown so dependent on her presence that I cannot bear it lightly. She left the leadership of the Exiles on me while she would be away, but I feel helpless without her. I cannot think properly. The evening she set off I prayed to Eru to look over her. In fact, I did so every morning and night until now. And she is away for almost five days. I carry the Evenstar with great care and look upon it whenever I feel lost. When she talks to me in my mind, it's calming and exhilaranting, but it isn't by far as much as if she was here with me.
Nearly four days ago I met up with Cangi at the Pony. He was away, in Rivendell, and I was glad to see him back. In fact, I still owe him my life. So we met there, together with the Mirrored Blades, and made a raiding plan. In a few days we were to attack a group of bandits in Andrath. I gladly offered my help, firstly because these folks helped me a few times, and secondly because I promised Cangi I would help with whatever he would like me to. This raid hasn't taken place yet, and I am afraid I won't be able to help them anymore now.
But as we raised up this plan, we were interrupted by a man. A man I haven't seen before that. He claimed his name was 'Hunter', but that lie was too obvious. He had his mask on, so I didn't see his face, but that proved useful...
Three days ago I went north. I needed to sort some disputes between the Lossoth, as well as to help them with a few 'more problematic' matters. In the meantime I explored the area quite a bit. I have left out only a small mountain range to the west, where I plan to go later. The land isn't as I or Muil would expect it to be, but it isn't as bad either. The wild creatures still roam the fields, looking for easy targets, and the clans that settled in Forochel decades ago still haven't built up a decent village. Well, except for Süri-Kylä - their main 'campsite'. The only few additions to the land are the strange creatures made of ice-shards - the Lossoth call them 'Grims' - and of course the good old Witch-King's garrison of spoiled, cowardly men. After overlooking Forochel from a high peak, it seemed to me as that we were wrong to doubt our chances. The Angmarim aren't as numerous as I've expected, and in the end it will actually prove more challenging to persuade the Lossoth to help us restore the Kingdom. I still hope they'll accept it, as I feel sorry for their kind.
When I returned to Bree yesterday, I've been greeted by Hanowyn - the captain - and we had a friendly talk. But it didn't take long and I was informed by Norlack that there is a fuss at the southern Bree gate. I checked it out and spotted Belle surrounded by her fellow Blades - my precedent colleagues. She was talking to the man who introduced himself as 'Hunter' to me, and so it is quite understandable that I narrowed my eyes and did a bit of spying. Since I am not alleged to her anymore, I did not - and I still don't - feel guilty. And after all, I was there spying on the man rather than her. Luckily for me, he did the mistake of taking his mask off, and that was the moment I pressed my mind to remember the face. I knew this man was important in one way or another. At one point I was close enough to even faintly hear their conversation, and I overheard his name. It was Theodane. Or at least I would suppose so, if it isn't just another trick of his.
I have heard of Theodane before. An assassin. A mercenary. Whoever pays more, gets his undying loyalty. Just the sort of men I so much hate. I aproached him later on, but he kept laughing at me. A really friendly guy he is... He denied his name, which confused me. But then I realized he thinks I am a fool and I had to laugh back! Oh no, this ain't important... Sometimes I really am a fool, but this time I have the upper ground.
And finally today... I made my usual prayer to Eru as I woke up. Usual for the last few days at least. I spent most of my time in Bree, meeting the usual folk - Amnildir, Aemrandir and also Cangi. I've also met Reii, who returned from the West as the Greybeard and we shared a few words. But the peak of the day was yet to come. In the evening, I was invited to Sven's house. It is quite a nice place. Warm and calm. But not enough to keep me in full control. Earlier on, when I was still on my way to her (and Reii's) house, I noticed someone was following me. I thought it to be someone else at first, but soon enough I realized I was being followed on purpose. I entered the house innocently.
But since Sven was there with Reii, and I wish them only the best, I used the opportunity of leaving them alone together to check on the mysterious person outside. I carefully moved around the place for nearly ten minutes, until I found Eph lying under the tree. The shadows were haunting her. Again. There was nothing I could do, as this magic is way too complicated for me, so I had to get Reii outside. He tried his best, but failed and fainted in the process. Eph tried to kill herself in any possible way again - just like earlier at Bombadil's cottage. But this time there was no Cangi or Amnildir to help me out. I don't know if I did my best to save her, but I did try. When I began to be quite tired of constantly disarming her and felling her on the ground, Reii came at last and solved the matter. Temporarily.
I don't understand this woman at all. She even knows the 'Black Speech'. As if she was born to a Nazgul or something!
In any case, I gathered my things and left the Bree-lands. I miss my dearest more than ever, and she should have returned already. I sense she's safe, but you never know what can happen. I took the south-eastern road and right now I'm lying at a campfire near the border with Eregion. It is a beautiful night, all the stars are shining, and the Evenstar - hung over my neck - most of them all. If only she was here with me...
