Found:
A little release.
Well, that was fun!
My last night in Bree-land was spent singing, dancing and drinking. Not so much the latter, of course, regardless of how many of the locals tried to ply me further. No, it would have done no good to drink myself into oblivion the night before setting off on what, I hope, will be my last foray into the wilds.
I had a word with Bessie in the morning. In my few days here, she has come to like me a great deal it seems and though I've not confided to her my overall plans, she did appear a little downcast when I told her that I planned to leave so soon. Whether through my charm or her desire for something a little different, she was perfectly amenable to my request and even spoke to the doormen to ensure that what I had planned would not be taken amiss.
I packed, I checked, I double checked and then I settled down to wait until evening when the patrons would be plentiful before I embarked on my farewell.
It was glorious!
Poor Seaver, who had been stuck behind the bar all afternoon, did not know what to make of my antics. His face was priceless! More than worth the twisted ankle I suffered from falling off the top of the stuffed bear later in the evening. Not that such a minor inconvenience could slow me down. It only inspired the men there to dance with me more!
The woman weren't best pleased that I was taking the attention away from them. The gossipy bar wenches in particular spent the entire night casting jealous, hateful glares in my direction. I just blew kisses at them, prompting ever more snide comments. Although more than one of the female patrons winked back! That bolstered my ego admittedly.
My songs certainly went down a treat. When I wasn't making large portions of my audience drool with my movements and suggestive lyrics, I was making them laugh to the verge of tears instead. Some of the more ribald women even stopped pouting for long enough to join in.
It is unfortunate that more than one fight broke out. Nearing midnight, one half-cut cad even tried to pick me up, throw me over his shoulder and abscond with me! He was met first with the fists of several other men before all of them were unceremoniously dumped outside by the well-muscled guards. I thanked them for their intervention, giving each a kiss upon the cheek before returning to my adoring public.
By the time the patrons had been turned out for the night, I was exhausted but feeling more unburdened than I had in years. That lasted until I fell into bed. As soon as my back hit the mattress everything came crashing down upon me again. Luckily, I had imbibed enough mulled wine to be able to fall asleep quickly and I had refused all offers of company. I didn't spend too long staring into the dark wishing that I was someone else.
I'm pretty sure a few bits of the furniture were broken. I can't say I was paying all that much attention in truth, not even when I slipped out of the back door long before sunrise. Still, as thanks for being allowed to do as I did, and as reparation should it be needed, I made sure to leave something behind this time. When the maids come in to tidy my room, they'll find a good-sized pouch of coin upon my pillow. I won't die in debt.
For now, Steel and I have stopped for rest and lunch a little off the Greenway. Bree is still visible behind me. I see no reason to ride hard but I do want that place to be out of sight by days end.
