Well. A few days have gone by since the party. The dwarves have said their goodbyes. I can't help but feel some melon mellan glumness. I almost fell to tears watching Master Maurr take the last of his things, even though he smiled and were as cheerful and bright as ever. He let me give him a hug, and I hope that didn't embarrass him. He swears he'll come back, and I'm holding onto that promise. He promised to bring me back some special yarn from the dwarf halls, and asked me to make him a scarf to give him when he returns. He gave me too much coin for it, but I suspect that weren't an accident.
Mister Doc came along a bit later to say his own goodbyes. I don't know why I'm getting all teary again thinking about it. It's so foolish!! I know why it is. I'm afraid that folk who leave won't come back. It's why I refuse to let anyone get too close or let my heart get too fond of anyone again. Oh, I know, they aren't going to the end of the world, and they aren't going into great danger. Just a dwarf holiday. Stop making it into something it's not, Taite, you great, blubbering idiot.
The house felt odd after Master Maurr left. Mister Aeru came by for what seemed like a visit, but he hardly got sat down when he jumped up and said he had to go speak to someone about something, all in a rush. Of course, that were right after Master Tumunir swung the door open and struck him in the back. An accident, of course, but I don't think dwarves are much good at gently opening doors. I think that set them both a little grouchy.
I tried to ask Master Tumunir about himself a little, but he's as closed as an old spinster's corset. He doesn't seem to mind questions. He just doesn't answer them. But anytime I get up to leave him to himself, he says he doesn't want to run me off. And I don't have the heart to walk off and leave him there when he's wanting company. So he started asking me about me instead. Poor dwarf! What an uninteresting topic of conversation for him to endure. I'm only joking...partly. I told him about my family and how I hadn't really been much outside Bree. That brought up the trip from last spring with Miss Gustine and Mister Hultroth. I felt this bothersome wave of sorrow every time I said his name. Master Tumunir didn't miss that, he notices everything.
I left the basket on the Soothery stoop. It's been oddly quiet over there the past few days. I haven't seen anyone going in or out except Mister Aeru. Mister Doc asked me to make sure Mister Dimheim stays well while he's gone off with the other dwarves. I'm not sure how I can do that, but I'll give it my best.
My chest hurts. My head feels heavy. I've put off getting ready to visit the graveyard till the last possible minute. No wonder my mind is so grim and won't be quiet.
