We returned from our trip to the Shire last night, exhausted, but blissfully happy. I find Bree to be full of pretty places, but the Shire is truly the most idyllic, charming, lovely land I have ever come across. The rolling hills, the tiny villages, the rippling streams...one cannot help but feel as though it has been rather set apart and preserved from the troubles of the outside world, at least for now. Our hobbit hosts at the Ivy Bush Inn were so gracious and accommodating, though we did wind up stuck with a hobbit-sized bed, which was...challenging, to say the least! I might've pulled it off, but my beloved was a comical sight to behold. A bit of close snuggling seemed to help, though. I was still grandly relieved to get home and collapse into my proper bed!
Of course, we found our "spot". The place where we shall soon exchange our vows, and be husband and wife. We looked at several, and what fun we had, scrambling over rocks and streams, and up and down embankments, looking for the perfect view, the ideal backdrop. I know most young women love to plan for elaborate ceremonies with all the traditions and trimmings and...but I never have. I'd feel overwhelmed, trying to plan something like that. I just want to look into his eyes, and have him gaze into mine as I promise myself to him, and he to me, for the rest of our lives. That's all I want. How could I want anything beyond that? He is the world to me. With him, I have everything. I literally cannot want anything else, because he is the summation of every wish and desire of my heart.
Still, I know our friends would want to share in this occasion, so we will still have a party, for anyone who wants to attend, at the Turtle. I don't expect a crowd. Folk like to tease me sometimes, about how many friends I have, but when it boils down to it, I have few that I keep close to me. Being friendly doesn't necessarily mean that one is a friend. But the doors will be open, and the food and drink in plenty. I hope to share a dance with my new husband (oh, how those words make me smile!), and anything beyond will simply be an added blessing.
We are still enjoying the lavish generosity of dear Neyaa. I can't even look over at the food and drink and other things she sent without feeling tears threaten. I don't think I could find the proper words to thank her in writing, so I will save my gratitude for the next time I see her in person. Sometimes, only a heartfelt, face-to-face encounter can convey what needs to be said.
I must pay a visit to Aallan this evening. He is ever in the back of my mind. I hope he has learned something of his fate. Waiting and not knowing must be torture for the man. I know that, if a trial occurs, enough folk will speak on his behalf, and his life will be spared. I have to believe that.
The town anniversary festival is still going on, I think. I wonder if I can convince my darling to attend the fireworks show with me...
