Plenty has happened, too much maybe!
Night before my birthday, I kept company with Maddoct again. He said much what he did before, though were worried as he said he told Mister Blid of what had happened with me, Elias and the journey. Lo and behold I get a letter a couple of days later from Mister Blid, supportive and such, venturing his opinion on what I should be doing. I look forward to having a natter with them both over some cake and tea. I know they mean well, and only want me happy. Contrary to what that big fella says, they are by far the wisest of dwarves!
My birthday were lovely, well, as lovely as it could be. The lads laced bunting and lanterns through the lower branches of the trees, and there was a proper spread laid out on the table, which were also in the garden. Ma kept hugging me, Pa were hugging his ale cup a bit too much, as for Quen and Jack? They just stayed away from each other. Bobby were lovely though, playing music, telling stories. Think Bailey had a bit too much cream. Gifts! Well, I got the drawing from Bobby, Ma and Pa got me a bangle of silver that has these flowers etched into it, the Denton children chipped in for a nice blanket box with a couple of new blankets inside, Ma Denton got all the food and made the best of birthday cakes, Apple with a honey and nut drizzle. There were no fights, a couple of warning words, and plenty of laughter.
Were the evening that were queer. I were reading Mister Blids letter, and there were this man watching me. Big bugger too, long red hair tied back, looked ready to be killing something or someone, but only on the way he looked, his face seemed calm enough. He came over, we spoke, then this lass shows up that he knows. She goes eventually and then he starts poking a bit of fun at me, says I am an eight! An eight? said it were because I was too thin. He asked me for a tour of the town, to which I obliged. He also wanted to know if I were seeing someone. He ventured his own opinions when I gave him a little bit of information. I swear I have them coming from all directions and all saying the same. It were when he were bold with me that I knew why. He wants to take me to supper, I said I would go as his friend, but, he's made it clear he wants to court and all, even asked me if he should stop laying with other lasses! He's got a short temper too I reckon. Still, supper with a friend, it'll be fun, I hope!
I reckon it's doomed. Mister Blid, Maddoct and this new lad, all say it is, that he ain't grown enough to be ready for all of this, ten years time one of them said! Then there is that horrible cow Elias is -helping-, and even his friend, being nasty to me, the man didn't even recognise me from when we were both at the soothery that time. No one thinks we should be together, because they care for me, or just want to jump in his underwear. Maybe they are right. Maybe this lass who is fond of him? Maybe she should have him? She's trying bloody hard to. I mean, he made a choice didn't he? Then there is his friend who were vile when all I was doing, because no one else bloody cared to, feed him. No doubt he were likely saying all kinds of stuff to him. There are horrible people, bitter and nasty folk and they'll use and hurt him. I hate that I miss him, I hate it more to think that they might be right, that we're doomed.
I need to get ready for that supper, I feel down now. I want to smile.
