Entry the fourth.
I will first say that I am very sorry that my intrusion, the one occasion I did not think to knock, was timed so poorly. I hope nothing ill comes of your wound, or otherwise.
I will now write of the matter of Miss Rue, about whom I have learned much and yet little in the past few days. I mentioned I sought the assistance of an Elvish healer; it has proven since that this Elf already knows Rue well, their history, and the details of their ailment. Of course, though I explained to the Elf everything I knew of Rue's case, she did not deign to do the same for me, as I have been told is an Elf's wont; nevertheless I did learn a few things.
First, the 'She' of whom Rue speaks is a real, flesh-and-blood woman who has somehow traumatized them. Therefore, though it is clear that Rue is to some degree disturbed, it seems that their fears are not wholly delusional, perhaps instead heightened and distorted rational ones. Second, though Rue seems to be suffering from some sort of loss of memory or identity, not all their memories are affected, as they recall their old friend, the history of their relationship, and at least some of their childhood. I know the latter because Rue themself told me that the teaching about 'beating ... breaking ... bleeding and burning' was instilled in them by their parents.
Last, I am not sure I believe Miss Silver's theory that Rue's crisis centers around their gender-suffix (I do not know if there is a concise word in Westron). I learned from their friend that the choice of 'Miss' or 'Master' has not in the past mattered to Rue much; of course that may have changed recently, but if they insist it does not matter, we ought to believe them, I suppose, though I cannot easily understand how someone could not care
The Elf assured me that she will work on a remedy, ready in a few days, though she did warn me that Rue may not like the treatment. I think, though, that progress is progress even if it is painful, and I would like to help them even if they shall not be much grateful for it.
[An elegant filigree is drawn here as a divider.]
I have made arrangements for the purchase of ingredients in town, according to Mistress Dumpling's specifications: meat and lard from the hunting lodge — vegetables, fruit, and flour from the market stalls — dairy from the milkman who comes to the market thrice a week. For now I will haul it myself in a hand-cart, which is no great trouble, as we Dwarves were made to shoulder heavy burdens. However, if the Soothery should become more prosperous in the future, I shall not fight to keep the privilege!
Mistress Dumpling is a very fine cook and I will much enjoy the meals she serves at the Soothery, though I do hope the portions end up somewhat smaller, as I suffered horribly for my night of gluttony followed by two heavy breakfasts and a lunch. I think perhaps we should guide her away from deliciousness and towards easy digestibility, for our own sakes as well as our patients'.
