Burdens

How that word fills me with confusion. A burden was something I hardly thought a good thing, but yet, it is now one I find myself content to share.

I traversed the land and found myself at the side of Lake Evendim once more. The lake-land was cold, ground chilled, water slowly gripped by ice. It is too late in the year to travel and live off the land. Not impossible, but risky nonetheless, and it will only be worse in the coming weeks, if not days. Snow already laid on the plains when I returned home, and not alone - with the wandering hunter in tow, the one I went out to find.

Mind returns to when we met at the riverside, when I spoke of the stonespeaker and the wisdom she shared. He was dismissive of it, but the rocks spoke true, he was in peril - not physical, but mental. Not remembering why he came to this land, as somebody stole the man's journal - I didn't know his mind was this troubled, but now I am aware that it is, and I also know why.

We sat at the lakeside, talking of who he really is. I did not insist, but it seemed as if the truth was so heavy on him that it needed to be shared with another - and now, it has. What I've learned of him was difficult to process. Who he was, what he did and to whom. A foolish act, paid for by his kin. But I have decided that there is not evil in his heart - something my gut has been telling me, and I've long since learned to trust it. The man I met that day, in the ruins, had opportunities to rob or harm me in many a way. Even more after that, as he slept under my roof. That does not mean I will be lax, though. Past has a habit of returning for seconds, and I will not be a victim of it.

He is now in my home, to not lose his mind again. I've traded him a new journal, for a slight favour, as I knew the fool wouldn't accept a gift. Why are men so stubborn sometimes is unknown to me, but it can be quite charming, in a way. And tiresome in another.

For now, I will need to find more wood. My stockpile should be well enough to last through winter, but I've left the home unheated for several days and it is absolutely freezing inside. And so, much of it will go to bring it up to reasonable temperatures again. Best I set off quick, before we both fall ill.