*A blue, leather bound book sits upon the table before her. A silver inkwell and quill to her right, a goblet of red wine to her left. Tapping the quill to her lips in thought, she then dips the sharpened end in ink before writing...*
Another day, another storm.
How oft I think of committing words to this book, and how frequently I lack the enthusiasm, but the wine and events of late have made me more reflective. Though before I continue, my bard, if you are reading this you shall cease now and return the book to where you found it!
Arithem, oh how you would relish in my troubles at this time, such the protective brother but I do not think even you and your company of men would be able to resolve them, and most certainly your hair and beard would turn grey with worry and your cheeks redden with anger. I miss the company, I miss your people..our people..I only hope they are recovering from the illness and are once again strong.
Scarlock, I could quite happily strangle you at this time! You have done exactly what mother warned me of, allowed me to fall in love then disappear to another love...the forest. I have bravely given my heart only to have you go off to embrace trees or whatever other nonsense you are engaged in, perhaps a river maiden has caught your eye with her charms...though I should be glad of this. At least you are safe... I believe you are safe...for Bree is no longer for you or your men regardless their jovial attitude in light of danger. As I entertained the captain they entered my home and sought my services as a washer woman! Me? I have the women in town tend to my clothing, why ever they assumed I would wash their dresses is still baffling. My poor brand new bathing tub, it overflowed with the salt and bubbles they added to it, water all over the floor, and the captain seemingly more murderous by the moment for all their taunting, calling him a pirate! You should be here, controlling them, keeping them safe, for is that not your task my dear, darling bowman?
Captain, a man who enjoys base pleasures, drink, women, coin...you ask too many questions and now I fear you know too much. If my charms cannot persuade you to turn a blind eye to the acts of the men, perhaps my coin will? Yes, I have indulged in your company for a little more than the idle conversation we share, but then it is far better to befriend than to fall foul of your kind.
Bard. I know not where to start. How did this happen? A jest turned too serious, too quickly, but for now I am content..no..I am wary. Wary of every smile, burst of laughter, feeling of happiness that I express. You have shown devotion to me that no other man has, kept dark secrets, given no false words, no promises you cannot keep and have been protective of me. You have made me feel like a woman who is wanted, but for how long? Will my mother be proven correct again? Trust no man, trust not their words or their hearts for they are false, you are only pleasure to them, nothing more.
Deredan..no, I will not speak of you, such cruel words you have gifted me in the past, and oh how you said you loved me, so much you lay with several other women shortly after our parting. No matter, I hold no ill will, only a lesson learnt. You placed me upon such a high pedestal, as likely you did the others, I only hope you are content now.
Kalf..sweet Kalf..you are worth more than you think, more than others would deem you. I do so hope you are not lingering in a prison somewhere, such a knack you had for finding trouble. May your hunt be successful and your life long, I still treasure the gifts you gave me.
Myself..I am a confused, angry, frightened woman, desperate to see those I love protected. Mother, I am your daughter, but I am not you. I have manipulated for my gains, associated with unsavoury sorts, given my heart freely, lied through my teeth and taken a dark trade, regardless, I love you and every word you gifted me I have kept in my heart and mind. I shall remain guarded.
*...Blows lightly upon the ink to aid it in drying and once satisfied, closes the cover of the book, replacing it then beneath her bed.*
