Life seemed bearable now Bernger was around. Everything was brighter I 'ad summat ter look forward to at the end of a day.
We would go a walking out of Bree, were the air was clean and we could clear our eads.
Sometimes I would go with him into the Old Forest, (stayin' on the edge mind, twasn't safe ter ventur' in too far), when he were lookin' fer a special 'erb or plant.
Sometimes we would walk all the way over to Combe, and stop in the 'Comb and Wattle' fer a half and a bite ter eat. One night Bernger asked me ter walk with him, we walked all the way up ter the top of Bree.
I stood lookin' over the old town, it twer purty as dusk fell...
“My! Bernger tis a fair luverly sight this, I 'ad no idea this wer 'ere.” I sighed looking below.
“I found it when I was foragin' fer mushrooms a few weeks back, I do come 'ere sometimes when I want to think and be still”. Bernger answered noddin' slowly.
Down below us some travelling minstril was playing a hobbity jig outside the Pony, I recognised the tune and hummed a little along with it.
Suddenly Bernger sprang lightly to 'is feet, “'Ere! Igerne! Do yew 'member this one? We used ter dance ter this in the Mad badger on a friday! You me and Wil, arm in arm! My but we did laugh!..Now let us see, 'ow did those steps go?” Bernger looked down at 'is feet and began skippin' about. I laughed as he held out his 'and ter me to join 'im. We danced and danced and spoke of the old days in Archet.
When it were time ter go back ter me lodgings, Bernger fell in step with me and we made our way down the hill, I fell quiet, and Bernger looked right thoughtful.
“Igerne ol girl”, he said sudden like ,“I know yer un'appy 'ere in Bree and you 'ate the place.”
I nodded, “tis true Bernger, I do 'ates it with a passion, tis an 'arsh and unwelcoming place, nowt like Archet. I miss it I do, and the folk there.”
Bernger stroked his beard, smoothing down his wiry moustache,” I been a thinkin' old girl, well I 'ave a bit o money put by and well ther' be a friend I know who' has a small house out a ways in a village nearby,” (he stopped and scratched his head) .“Anyways, he mentioned he be lookin' fer somone ter rent it too wile he's away. And well, I dun thought meybe we could go stay there, yew and I, we've been friends many a year Igerne and I think your Wil would 'ave wanted fer me ter look out fer yew.”
Oh I wer that shocked yew could've blown me down with a feather!
“Well gracious me,!” I spluttered.” I dunno what ter say Bernger, tis so kind of yew, and yes I do want ter leave Bree with all me 'eart but meybe.”...I stopped “meybe we should think on it a time?”
We walked back past the pony, another drunken fight breakin out nearby, Bernger took my arm, “ I think we've thought on it enough old girl eh?” He said smiling down upon me.
And I smiled back at 'im in answer.. “Aye”.
