Before picking up her quill, Orlenne rubs her jaw, where a lump the size of a small bird's egg is visible. Wincing, she grins wryly, then begins to write.
Where to begin? I thought today would be just another day of mending, but I have hardly sewn a stitch! First of all I ran into Craign in the common room. I did not recognise him at first as he was wearing a hood that covered his face completely. Not until he pulled it down and greeted me did I see it was him. He seemed to be quite on edge. Told me that he had had to leave Bree! He would not tell me why or where he has gone, just that circumstances have made it necessary to leave the town for a while. He only came in to Bree to check on a friend. We spoke for just a few moments before he said he must go again, pulling up the hood and quietly leaving the Inn. He has made me quite worried for him, I hope he will be well.
Soon after, while I was doing some mending in the common room, I met Laevis, a sergeant of the Grey Cavaliers for the first time. A rather old-looking and grizzled man, he seems very competent for his role. He had a new recruit with him but I have forgotten the man's name. We had a few drinks together and discussed how the crime-rate in Bree seems to have died down a little.
Later in the day, Ceolweld arrived at the inn and asked me to join him outside. He wanted to teach me the basics of fighting. I believe I will need to learn sooner or later, so I agreed. Once outside, he told me to attack him. I drew out my scissors, but told him they were practically useless in a frontal attack like he was suggesting. The merit of the scissors is that no one knows you have them until you need to use them. Surprise is key. Realising I was right, he asked if I had another weapon I could use. I quickly went inside and with Mr. Butterbur's consent, fetched a stout club from behind the bar. Then, turning his back on me, Ceolweld told me to try to hit him. I asked him if he was sure he wanted me to do that. After his consent was given, I raised the club and attempted to hit him on the head with it. How he knew it was coming, I don't know, perhaps he could hear the wind whistling past, but next thing I knew, he had ducked down, making me miss my swing, after which he turned around and rose up until his fist connected with my chin, making my teeth collide painfully. Feeling rather dazed, we agreed that was enough for one lesson and made our way indoors where we ordered drinks.
Putting the quill down, Orlenne once again gently probes the lump on her chin, wincing at the touch before making ready for bed.
