It was another one of those deceptive days. I begin to tire of them.
Brenorn found me as I gathered herbs with which to soothe the skin of my dearest Arugru. We spoke at length on the outskirts of Far Chetwood and I showed him the hiding place of the coracles used to reach my island. It was a largely pleasant conversation concerning unpleasant topics, but I enjoyed the chance to debate opinions with one who will consider my viewpoint and not grow angry if I do not agree with his. It is refreshing to say the least.
After his departure, I gathered some rabbits from my snares, returned to my island and continued to care for my poor injured canine companion. He suffers greatly, but he is strong of heart and will. He will recover. He must recover. I know not what I would do without him.
Both Rellas and Aakusti joined me there. I knew that they would find me sooner or later, but I had not expected to be discovered by both men in one day, and within an hour of one another no less. I was even more surprised to be told that Aakusto had sighted strangers creeping about my newfound home. Naturally, both men were instantly hostile, stubborn and more hindrance than help. Whilst I am aware that they seek only to protect me, it irks that they are incapable of being rational. Diplomacy is so much more difficult to achieve when people are waving blades around.
Still, the posturing of the men worked in my favour it seems, for the strangers were Erinwyn and two unknown men. The men kept Rellas and Aakusti occupied whilst I spoke to the woman behind the walls of the ruin, unseen and unheard by the others. This, she told me, was imperative for Aakusti is in the employ of Seaver and she did not wish him to know of her conversation with me.
She fears her lover. I fear that she is right to do so. I have seen his father within him on more than one occasion, though he hides it well. From her words, it would seem that the more hateful and violent traits of his nature are becoming ever more strong. To be told that he attacked the woman of his heart only days before is worrying to say the least. That she fears Aakusti would return to him with news of her visit is also rather concerning.
How much does he know, I wonder? How much of my activities has my protector told him? Is that why Aakusti came to me? It makes sense, certainly, for he appeared shortly after Seaver learned of my possibly being in danger. Nevertheless, it bothers me. He has lied to me, manipulated me and I trusted him. Faithless, deceitful, foolish... and worse.
She warned me, at great risk to herself. She told me of Seaver's plans to end the life of my love. How could he call me friend, yet take from me the reason my heart still beats? I had thought that he had put aside such notions; he certainly seemed to have done so when last we spoke on the matter. Meanwhile, my beloved has promised that he will lift no blade against the man I name friend.
I must warn him of this danger. But in doing so, I prolong his path to redemption and perhaps cause more strife. Seaver has already betrayed my trust and he threatens that which I hold most dear. How did it come to this? I look to the shore now and where previously I hoped to see him, now I pray that he will find me with haste.
Cyfier, where are you?
