It's good to be back, even if my stay will be short. I've thought on grandfather's illustration and it wasn't until after the tournament that I realized its meaning. Thinking on it now, I feel foolish for not having seen the obvious meaning when I first looked at it.
Unfortunately, the local markets do not sell what I need and I've had to plan a journey westwards, where the sea meets land. Fiontann has offered to be a hired sword and guide. Miss Cedwyn shall accompany us too, as I've been assured that she's a master of the bow and her blood familiar with how to handle horses, thankfully. Never trusted these beasts and if we're meant to have four, two for each wagon, I'll feel safer with a woman of Rohan there to calm them down.
Maddoct has decided to remain and overlook things here at the Soothery while I am away. I'm uncertain how long this trip will take, but I trust him with the place and ability to care for those that need.
* Talk to Doc and prepare.
* Visit the tailor.
* Gather books and parchment to travel with.
* Talk to miss Fletcher about a map.
* Visit Fiontann and go over what's needed.
* Study the next step of the recipe.
* Make certain everything is stocked before departing.
* Find a cooper.
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The tournament went well, I am both surprised and thankful it didn't go worse. The punishment the participants took was impressive. The woman's midsection took a few hard strikes, but saved by the padding.
I lost a wager, which ended with my full pay being cut. It still surprises me that a man of such a height lost, but it was interesting to watch none the less. I worried for Maddoct, but it seems he found somewhere else to be during the fight. The child is still in Fiontann's care and managed to wander outside. This game was not for her to see.
Overall, things went well and there was no added cost for my service. From what I understand, he may host a joust next time. I doubt it will be like the one I saw, but it will be interesting to see even so.
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The small hunting trip took an unexpected turn. Aside from my injury, the whole thing was oddly pleasant. Where I feared there would be mocking, there was none. A simple wager won, when the hook was cast into the water caught something. I think I understand the thrill some get from this activity, to fight against a creature to see whether you eat or lose your tool. Perhaps I'll try it again another time.
I've examined the bark gathered from the trees in Far Chetwood and after comparing them with some illustrations, I believe I've found the species. It has many medical uses. I'll have to return one day soon, to forage more before the ground freezes.
While there, I'll have to do some research on the animals, or at least the deer. If Fiontann hadn't been there to witness what happened, I doubt anyone would believe my story. It would be of interest to know whether this method can be used by hunters to lure their prey closer, or if this was a strange coincidence. When I think on this, I'm reminded of the cow-herder back home and her song.
I've taken Fiontann's advice to try and draw from memory, to see if it'll cure my problem. He suggested that the practice may be able to train my mind to form the images within my mind's eye, as seems to be the natural state. If I'm able to fix this, then perhaps I shall finally be able to see the words that the bard's paint while telling their tales and with luck, I'll be able to dream.
I will begin by copying grandfather's illustrations, capture their essence while I work on his recipe. Once I have the confidence, I'll begin to draw them from memory. I'll continue to try and decipher the next page to understand what to do next, he hasn't left any clue of its meaning in his journals.
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Misses Denton came by to pick up some tea, but she's left it. I'm uncertain whether it was on purpose or not and I begin to question whether it would be wise for me to visit miss Blackburrow. I made the choice to visit without thinking of the repercussions, that it might put the woman in a poor mood, given how she choose to end everything.
I must remember that I'm not kept in high regard with her family. Were I to visit and something would happen, regarding her mood or health, the blame shall fall on me. I'm uncertain what the social protocol is here. Do I follow Maddoct's suggestion of visiting or should I stay behind so not to upset her or the family? I'll speak with the dwarf about this, he has far more experience with social interactions and I will trust his guidance.
