Master Maurr is back!! I bumped into him and Mister Doc in the Prancing Pony last night! It were all I could do not to burst out crying with joy at finally seeing them again, but I managed somehow. They were sitting with Mister Leoffrith and a young lady I didn't recognize. Master Maurr said as they were on their way to see me, so I left them to finish their drinks and chatter (after giving Master Maurr a hug, as I just had to) and I went to say hullo to Master Tumunir, who were sitting alone by the wall as he always does. I knew he were happy that Master Maurr were back, even if he only grunts and talks about wanting the ale that Master Maurr brought him.
He's been softening up a fair bit, I'd say. It warms my heart so, to see it! I try not to ever embarrass him over it, as I know he's got heaps of pride and he likes to keep that prickly wall up all the time. I feel both happy and sad that we've become so comfy around each other. I'm happy because my heart enjoys every bit of it, but sad because I know he won't be here forever. He's my closest friend right now, and the closest thing I have to family (well, maybe aside from Missus Hopmead, but I don't see her as often). He were the one who named the kitten in the end, saying she looked like a right little pumpkin, so Pumpkin she is! I've never seen him so soft and soppy before as he's been around this cat! He were sitting on the floor playing with her last night when Master Maurr and Mister Doc popped in, and I could've died at how embarrassing and funny it was to see.
Mister Doc asked me where Mister Dimheim went, and when, and with who. I felt terrible that I couldn't answer his questions, since I don't know myself. I only know that I thought I heard Mister Aeru say something about going somewhere with Mister Dimheim, and that's all I ever heard. Mister Doc set to worrying like nobody's business, talking about if I thought Mister Aeru were safe to be around and hoping they didn't run into goblins. And that set me to worrying, and now I can't get that out of my head, and I keep looking out the window to see if they're coming down the street and knowing it's stupid to do that at all. I won't say it doesn't hurt in some way that Mister Dimheim would just up and leave like he did. Not only because I thought he were my friend, but because the whole village were left without a doctor, right when folk start getting colds and coughs and all sorts of things. My leg's been hurting more than ever, and I were shy enough about accepting his help in the first place, and the thought of going to a new stranger about it would feel even more odd. But I've got to do something, or I'll be back on my walking-stick soon.
I've got to remember to get Miss Lumina's things together in a parcel today, as Mister Leoffrith could be coming by any moment. I do hope she likes them!
It's only a week now until the supper party! I think I'd be more excited if my leg weren't bothering me so. I were sort of half-hoping I might be able to toy with the notion of a dance, but that's not looking likely. But I'm still going to go and I'm sure it will be plenty of fun, whether I'm dancing or sitting on a chair. Perhaps Master Maurr and Mister Doc will come, too! I decided that I'm going to try to make some of those apple tarts that Missus Holbrook baked recently. We've got lots and lots of apples jarred for the winter, so I might as well put them to good use!
