189 D.U.D.D
Not a day goes by with out missing you m'dear Brulda.
The march was cold,long and tiring, but with in two moons and suns I arrived at my destination. The Mountain air has once again filled my lungs, A fact I am more then happy for. The walk from Bree tents to sadden and joy me. An odd mixture of feelings I am sure but never the less present.
I enjoyed my peaceful days in Bree, although my mission failed, my trip wasn't for nothing. I have enjoyed to company of those I have grown fond of, Lady Brynleigh the kind soul that she is was heart-broken I left Bree-land again. My heart goes out to her fragile and harmless soul in these hard times. As much as this beard wants to, I cannot offer her much protection. My duty is to my people, not to those I like to spend time with.
Although my journey through Bree it self was quick, I did stop by the Pony for A short while to search out the Amrothian lady. I had some last advise to give her before returning to my duties but alas, she was absent from the pony that night.
I tent to march quickly whilst on me own. As A lonely travel causes ones mind to speak. Thought enter the head long thought extinct. I met more then one wee lass in Bree, and it with it came my fatherly instinct. An odd thing, the desire to care for some one. The ever craving of being needed...wanted
Although I do not like to admit it, the faces of old have started to leave my mind. I have grown more forgetful in the cold months. And A new fear has slipped into my heart, one which has shown to be truly dreadful. I have woken up not knowing where I was in the morning and only until I would see my boots it would crawl back into my mind. As if that wasn't bad enough, Now and then I forget color of my sons beard. And its only through pure willpower I can force my mind to recall it.
Whilst returning to Gondamon, I was welcomed in A curious way. The normally lively market has become A silent place for misery and dread. The weight of the war has started to drag upon the good folk of the mountain. The merchants have left these parts for A good reason, but with them leaving the joy of browsing and pondering the market has left us to.
Back in my armor, I wear it with great pride but I cannot hold my chin as high as I once did. My helmet feels heavy and my shield sluggish. It wasn't until my old faithful mace was back in my hands I felt like A true warrior again.
Word has reached my ear that Lord Dwalin is leading A mighty force higher up in the mountains, open warfare is now A fact, although the Goblins are weak, there are plenty of them to make life hard on the Free-people. Several letters have been send towards the Lonely Mountain for reinforcements, I presume and even expect non of them to get through.
Unlike most here, I do not think the King has it any easier then us here beards. As the mighty kingdom under the mountain is A very attractive price to conquer. Although I try to be lighthearted and positive, dread is often overwhelming my mind. Something I can't show nor share.
I will resume command of my unit again tonight. I need to find some joy in my self before seeing the beards who have continued the fight here. Lets hope I find it.
