[Day 456]
We have wandered around the settlements that are here and it is a very beautiful land. The people still seem wary but they are friendly. Only two have taken to harsh words so that we would move faster away from his home.
We decided to visit the town again and may spend a night here again before we begin to explore the land proper. In the tavern we met with two we knew before, the woman that helped guide us when we first arrived to the Mad Boar and then the man who likes to spread his curses, Hunsley and Thrush.
The simple minded map-maker was there as well. We sat down for pottage, ale and company and it was wonderful. The map-maker even gave us a trout as a gift. It was spoiled and rotten but my companion was able to cut into the fish and find some stale pieces that were still good enough to eat.
The locals of this land may be strange to us at times but those we have met and spoken with are all of a good heart. They shall sit in our memories for long.
I later overheard that a woman was about to give birth. I would have offered my assistance but I do not think they would accept from a foreign stranger. Instead I sent her my blessing, that the child is born healthy and the woman is allowed to keep her life after.
I will pray for her their good health.
When I had finished with my prayer to the mother and child, to bring fortune to the birth, I stepped inside again to enjoy the warmth of the fire. I noticed a couple sitting nearby and I could feel such air of joy and love around them. Though normally I am shy to approach strangers when I am a guest in their land I could not help myself.
I greeted them and asked what the source of their great joy was, soon learning it was because they are to be made husband and wife. Such wonderful joy. I of course offered my blessing to them as my gift to their union. They were hesitant at first but then accepted and now I hope that good fortune shall follow them into their new life together.
*the writing continues on the other side of the same page*
Conrob and Brynleigh, as I learned their names were, offered me to sit with them and I accepted. More joined soon and I happily listened to learn more of them and their lands. Men of Bree-land and a woman of Rohan. There was much to be learned.
More and more joined and soon the table was filled, news arrived that the child was born and it was a healthy son. No sad news followed and so the mother must have survived the birth. May the great bird watch over the child.
There was joy but it slipped to gloom as they began to speak of harsher things. A man who is named Heswic worried he would not find love in his life and then they spoke of an injured child.
I do not think it was something for the pair to listen to, to spoil their joy but it was not my place to speak of it and so I listened. There were so many names around I barely remember them all. A Hobbit woman sat with us and never have I heard anyone speak so much, so much so that others barely got a word in. It has me wondering if all the women of the Hobbits speak as she does.
I must remember a few words if on the road I happen upon their friend by the name of Aallan. I am to tell him that they miss him and think of him often, that they pray for his safety and happiness. I am to tell him that they are wearing his tunics for the wedding party.
I will remember this for them.
When time came to leave I heard the pair was heading to the settlement and so I joined them to return to the Mad Boar. We spoke on the way and more praise was given to the land of Shire. I will look forward to going there.
We parted ways when we reached the settlement and I encouraged them to visit the Mad Boar in hope that I may meet with them again to speak further. I still have not heard of the horseman-lands, Rohan.
The spirit of the boar and spirit of the horse joined. It is an interesting sight.
*An image is painted on the bottom of the parchment (image is made by me)*
