Day 454
While I am in these lands I have chosen to use the name Ura.
Finally I have been given peace to write again. The past few days have been eventful to say the least. We left the Forsaken Inn only to return to it shortly after, chasing after a dwarf who we passed on the road. It seemed he was too busy to notice our greeting and so we turned to follow, catching up with him at the Inn.
Olfrur Ironbrow was his name and while the company was short we learned a few things of what waited for us in the land ahead. By his words it was not too pleasant.
It was yesterday we reached Bree of Bree-land. A beautiful town.
We left our goats at the stable by the gate and explored the town. We asked around and were pointed to a Inn named Prancing Pony. Said to be the finest Inn in Bree.
A strange visit it was. The energy felt ill and after staying there awhile I think I can tell why. The people they curse as if it is a part of their daily tongue. Perhaps they are ignorant of what a curse truly means.
The damage has been done and I heard and was told of it. We were told this was a land and town of simple farmers but here I hear it is a town of bandits and ill minded folk. Many who do not seem to value the weight of a life, speaking of their eagerness to slay with an arrow or blade. If not harm then it are insults.
The hospitality of the town is limited and the people are wary. A pity for I hoped to learn more but all that I got to learn is how foul even the locals speak of their home such as a man I met by the name Jerick.
I am happy with the stew we had that is named pottage, a cute name. The drink was good as well, far better than that of many places we've visited. I do still miss the stronger spices.
Later in the evening I saw a group of people from where I had taken a seat. I had hoped they would join me but they seemed to be quick to turn to another table. Though disappointed I do not blame them, the people here are wary.
I did not learn more that evening.
*the writing continues on the other side of the same page*
The day after another man approached me, Valkine Serce. Said he had come here by boat that was in Ered Luin.
One of few good things we have earned from our visit to the town is the knowledge of where the roads lead from it. Further west we are told there is a land named Shire and beyond that this land of Ered Luin. We shall look forward to travel these lands when we have seen Bree-land. I think next we shall find Staddle and learn more of the smaller of Men, those that name themself Hobbit.
We met one who was friendly and wise but as I write I cannot seem to recall the name of the good Hobbit. The tavern was loud and many were talking, music playing. Even if I do not remember the name her face I remember fondly and her company. She was kind to tell us of Staddle and the Shire where more of the Hobbits live and are we still eager to visit to learn more of the smaller Men.
Jim was another odd man we met. The poor man is with a mind of a child, I hope he is well taken care of. He is with kind heart and gave us a map he drew, we in turn gave him a blessing.
We heard of a new Inn out in the settlements and with the town not feeling to welcoming we travelled to it. They name it the Mad Boar, I think.
It is very beautiful here and here is where I've found the peace I was seeking. The people who are here are kind, the food wonderful and the drink as well. We find ourselves welcomed here.
After my companion had gone to rest I sat and enjoyed the room awhile longer. The woman I know now as Heleyn offered me a pie, one I have never tasted before. It was creamy and sweet, melted and filled me with joy. What a wonderful feeling being able to try things for the first time, even at my age.
The music the women played was beautiful. I may wish to stay longer just to listen, the flute and the harp, wonderful pairing.
Later the man who blew the Bree-horn when we first stepped into the Prancing Pony arrived to this Inn, Hunsley is his name. The three of us spoke for long, we spoke of the west and the east, of our people and those further south from Bree-land. It was enjoyable and I learned much.
It seems fortune has turned for us.
