Nov. 2
So much to write, so much to write. I’m finally sitting down to record my thoughts after a very eventful fortnight! — Has it already been that long? Gracious.
What a year it has been thus far!
Before leaving Bree: I cried profusely upon seeing Cyanite again; she pretended not to grow teary-eyed. Thankfully she wasn’t so terribly harsh about my weight, though she does take every opportunity to poke my stomach or pinch my cheeks! She is as beautiful as she always has been — but there are many more silver hairs than a decade ago! Her laconic guard Thrufi was beside her naturally, and of course we exchanged few words, but I feel kindred with him at least through our mutual care for my cousin.
Travel: It was well; everyone got along nicely! Neither Lady Arlis nor Amliri are so terrifying as I was lead to believe. I understand now how L. Arlis was simply taking care of dear Bíld; if her mean of doing so is threatening potential suitors (which I am not one, but she wasn't aware of that at the time), then I appreciate her for it. And, since over this past month and half (?) I have been entertaining company with Dwarves much closer to my age, now that I see Bíld again he seems so very young despite his maturity. I will probably become doting as all his other elders — apologies, Bitty Bíld!
About the company: The caravan was nothing short of marvelous. I caught myself staring often at them all, fondness swelling in my chest (though Lady Arlis still intimidates me a slight, and Se Rofda I still know little). I watch them, Cyanite, Bíld, Amliri, especially Maurr, and even the stone-faced Thrufi (sometimes). Whether they converse, laugh, jest, tell tales, or just sit in companionable silence, there is something so wonderful about being among friends, and I think Dwarrow beauty is unmatched — my day sparkles brighter with them.
The Shire: There were nasty tricks played in the little Wistmead village! Bíld very much wanted to hunt ghosts with me. Lady Amliri, Cyanite, and (unexpectedly) Master Hrofur joined us ! He was passing through to get to the Blue Mountains as well (Cyanite flirted with him, which I forgot how unbearable to watch such things are). No true spirits did we encounter; my friends acted ghoulish enough! (Yes, Amliri deemed me her ‘friend’ once and I about fainted).
Cyanite once pretended to be lost in brambles, and as I gave up all hope of finding her she jumped on me from behind (nearly made me piss myself). Then there was that accursed maze. On my team was Cyanite and M. Hrofur (and a dirty black cat he found), then Bíld and Amliri were a team. Just as our elder bunch found the exit, we heard a terrifying scream from Amliri, crying about something being wrong with Bíld. Of course I went to searching! Now I’m embarrassed to have been scared over it (though it is a bit humorous), but Bíld had crushed blueberries on himself in allusion to blood and had pretended to have turned flesh-eating and evil.
He bought me pie afterwards, so I forgive his wicked trick.
The Blue Mountains: My heart sings such a bright song at being within stone! Even if some other Dwarves send me the occasional odd glance, I enjoy this place. All the fears and worries I had are mostly gone. Bíld toured me around through Thorin’s Hall, showing me the forges, the merchants, the fishing-spots, a tavern — I even saw the throne (from very afar)!
This range is humble, but perhaps that is a reason why I enjoy it. Surely Cyanite thinks them too humble and not comparable to the splendor of the Iron Hills, but she so far has managed to not complain overmuch! She keeps meeting folk, befriending folk, being social. Unsurprisingly, there is at least one Dwarf by her side wherever she steps. Surely she’s making sure every lad has her name on their tongue before she leaves. — I jest! Cousin, please don’t peek at this!!
Peppers: After such a wait, I’ve acquired that produce which I have been craving for so long! That rare import from the East which I’ve desired! The mystery procurer resulted to be Amliri’s brother, Master Kosziri. What an interesting Dwarf. He seemed at first nice, if nervous to have folk unexpectedly on his step.
*Note: Particular about his home — how chairs are set, dust is removed, food is eaten. DO NOT PROVOKE. Worse temper than sister. Cold and stinging attitude will follow upon eating cheese with fingers instead of knife. Fortunately forgives easy with repentance and compensation. Gave a free jar of jam in apology for his anger.
After negotiations, Maurr and I returned to pick up the goods the following week. I’m so very excited about my barrel; most of the peppers are being dried out now for preservation. Of course I’m bringing them back to my Bree-home! Sadly I’ll hardly share, for Men would be deceased from just a lick or sniff of that spice.
Otherwise: Nothing too tremendous! I’ve visited Kithri several times. Cyanite did once as well, since the Hobbit was asking for her (they both got wine-tipsy and teased me tremendously to my chagrin). Additionally, I checked-up on Addie* while she was visiting.
*Burned feet after idiotically walking across hot metal with no shoes. Apply and reapply salve and bandages daily.
Bíld was her primary caretaker, which I greatly appreciated. Of course I enjoy Miss Addie, but I came here for a rest from Men’s issues! On that topic of issues…
Dwarven issues: Master Yurri is deep into his decline. His physical condition is terrible, and his soul is weary, but he is doing his best to keep up spirits. I do feel flattered about how very glad he seems when I come into his company, and I'm eased by the thought that Kithri is his patient caretaker. Maurr brought a wheeled-chair, but old Yurri refuses to use it, and Kithri refuses to help convince him to use it. I understand; our pride is dear to us, more so as we age. But Yurri once slipped upon an icy path during a walk, and it hurt my heart so.
Good news: I’ve been spending much time in the Halls of Bóurr if I am not elsewhere. Sublime the company and atmosphere is! Sharing meals, staying with others! With this, Maurr and I have frequently been beside each other. I find that there’s nothing I enjoy more than long discussions with him.
But: Despite all my joys, there is an oddity stirring, some growing issue about myself. Over recent days, there has been an unusual skipping within my chest, and so very often do I feel light-headed and light-but-clumsy-footed!
As every person knows, Dwarves catch no disease — we never have and never shall we. But lately I feel sick, or ill; it isn’t terribly uncomfortable, and definitely not painful, but simply unusual. I know not how it is to have a true fever, but I feel more flushed or sweaty-palmed, even if there aren’t folks around to cause it.
Perhaps the weather is to blame? But nay — we resist both heat and chill! Even being a queer Dwarf, I’m still a Dwarf; there is no possibility of such an ailment. Perhaps the peppers are causing this turning in my stomach?
I shall have to write Elias for his thoughts, and also to inform him I’ll be staying here longer than I had estimated. I don’t yet wish to depart!
*A quote I think relevant, but I must correct: “Everything you need is in the mountain; whatever would you want to leave for?”
This is my retort: Father, I think it not just the mountain that’s a fulfilling home, but all the folk whom I love which reside within it. When they eventually depart, so shall I with them.
