Night-time Encounter
Another sleepless night...
I decided I would take a long stroll around Hookworth - not that it would really help; if anything, the cold air would only wake me more - but it's better than lying in bed, wide awake.
Surprisingly, I could hear voices coming from near the barracks. I decided to investigate.
Upon getting closer, I could see Alfmaer and Inayat talking in the distance. I decided to go over, hoping not to intrude.
Alfmaer appeared to have been crying, but I did not want to bring attention to it - I was worried I may have intruded after all, but they seemed welcoming and happy for extra company, so I joined them.
Inayat offered a sweet roll from a rather large basket full - it was delicious. From the conversation, it appeared that they were a somewhat unwanted gift from Inayat to Alfmaer.
Alfmaer kindly asked how Kirseth and I were doing after the accident with the spiders, but referred to her as my wife.
I intended to simply state that we were unwed, but instead ended up putting my foot in my mouth by blurting out that we were "not wed yet."
My reddening face and fluster at realising my own words gave me away, as Inayat gave a rather mischievously teasing grin.
It was rather refreshing to really talk about it to someone, and I explained the situation - that the reason I was even in the marshes that day was to retrieve the brooch I had planned to give Kirseth when asking for her hand...and how it was never found. I also made it clear that this was to be kept secret!
Alfmaer said that we must go back and try to look for it once more, and that they wouldn't utter a word to anyone - I explained that it was some time ago now, and it was probably long gone but they both insisted, full of hope.
It was a nice thought, and maybe there is still hope. Who knows? I will take them up on the offer when time permits.
The subject was eventually changed, as we discussed the Hookworth library. A decision was made, to make our way to the building. I have never been one for books, but I enjoyed the idea of exploring more of the village.
We walked and talked along the long paths of Hookworth - it's rather large for a village. You could make out the library from afar, however, by a huge, impressive statue overlooking the entrance.
Inside the library were many statues and figures depicting a variety of diverse people and animals. Alfmaer took great interest in a small figurine of a horse and rider.
Inayat explained that when she was young, she had a great set of wooden figurines that her Aunt had made - that she would set up on great play adventures.
We preceded to the next room, and I was in awe at all the books neatly arranged. Though the library had nothing in terms of size and scope of the Archives at Minas Tirith, it was very different - more extravagant and well kept.
Inayat passed me a book, explaining that Arenborne had shown her it before - it was a tale of a Gondorian Queen and her spying cats. She asked me to read the title page for her, as she could not remember the full name.
I flipped to the title, it read : "The Cats of Queen Berúthiel"
I flipped further through the pages, intrigued.
I spoke to Inayat of my disinterest in books, though explained of this journal and my documenting of my journey.
A map of Breeland caught my eye; I scanned the beautifully drawn region - and made the effort to draw a crude depiction of it hoping it may aid my journey, as I am still not accustomed to this land.
Alfmaer appeared completely blown away by the sheer number of books, almost to confusion, it seemed.
I spoke of the Capital's archive, describing its dark and dusty halls, and its aged, crumbling tomes. Maybe my disinterest in reading comes from the dislike of the archives.
Suddenly, Alfmaer excused herself - stating she had left her spear at the barracks and needed to retrieve it. With a farewell hug, she asked me to let her know when I am ready to make a trip back to the marshes. She seemed very sincere.
Inayat and I spoke some more of the book, and how she aims to read it.
Before long, Inayat made her leave to visit Arenborne.
I spent the rest of the night in the library chair, reading, "The Cats of Queen Berúthiel."
I woke up the next morning, still in the chair.
