From the start of the sunrise, I knew that this day would not be a pleasant one. There was something about it, some undefinable taste to the air, I think, or a shadow out of place. My companion shades were silent for a change and that rarely bodes well.
I entered Bree as usual, heading for the courtyard to the Prancing Pony to continue my unnecessary vigil, at least for a time. My gaze fell upon Haldrid, however, standing near the mailbox. It is too soon yet to forgive myself for my transgression against him, thus with naught in my heart but sorrow for the loss of his friendship and shame for my actions, I lowered my head and continued to walk.
Sometime later, I sought peace in Far Chetwood. As I reached the Eastern Bree Fields, I was stopped by Nevarian and his companion. They had retrieved the flora from Angmar, as I had requested. Alas, his stress from a journey into my homelands, his weariness from such a trip and my own continued hostilities toward him combined to cause further argument between us.
Much to my annoyance, for I had other tasks in mind this day, he insisted that I continue my experiments upon his mysterious toxin with all haste. Grudgingly, and only after his companion appealed to my sensibilities, did I turn back toward the homesteads in order to install myself in the workroom of the house in Pemberth. Hours passed, but work I did; dividing the plants, setting some to dry and chopping some fresh, mixing one thing with another and waiting to see the effects. Alas, one such experiment resulted in the single most foul stench I have yet had the misfortune to sense. This drove me from the workroom to find Aakusti making use of the fireplace in the main area. His disregard of the privacy of others and the most basic of social conventions based on the simple fact that he is the son of a far-away cheif is maddening and did nothing to improve my mood.
Feeling overwhelmed and out of sorts, I once more turned my sights to Far Chetwood. I have ever found that place soothing and I believed that it would restore me to my usual self as it always does. This day, however, I could find no peace there, not at first.
I had only shortly begun to meditate when Nevarian found me there. He presence fuelled my irritability and once more we found ourselves exchanging words; his heated where mine were cold. We argued at length yet again with neither of us giving ground until finally, at long last, he spoke words of truth to me. I sent him away then, needing time alone to think on his admissions.
Try as I might, I was unable to find the peace I sought or the stillness of mind needed for my meditations. With no sign of my dearest Cyfier, I hoped that I would be able to enact a small ritual without interference or interruption. It did not take long.
Symbols drawn into the dirt first by finger, then by blade. My own blood spilled upon them that I might discern the omen. Pleased with the way the damp earth sucked hungrily at my life-fluid, and with where it had fallen, I proceeded to claim my usual rock for my own once more by placing one bloodied hand to its surface. When I was clean and my wound dressed, I erased all of the sigils save the one upon which the most blood had fallen; that should be left to dissolve on its own.
I returned to my rock and to my meditations then. My heart was unclouded, my mind clear. With ease, I slipped into that space betwen waking and sleep, between light and dark, between here and there. I felt tranquility flow around me, serenity settle into me, as my mind drifted along pathways unseen to dreams of the future.
