Dec. 14
I’ve been neglecting my journal in favor of being holed up at home! Something about the cold weather makes me wish to do nothing by stay by the fire and tinker or read. O, my poor eyes, I strain them so. Working on the hand, working on the thing, working on other writings, working on painting. Yes, I impulsively bought much paint and canvas and have been making a horrible mess — but I’ve been having fun.
Much has happened over How long has it been? Since returning? Several weeks — three? Four? How time slips away so quickly. How horrible!
I will summarize:
*Elias returned near as soon as we, hale and whole (of body, at least. I cannot guarantee his mind). I worry for him. He has apparently been in some drama with the lasses (but that is nothing new). I sympathize with him, I do.
*I lost a bet with Maurr. We had jested that someone would be with child by the time we returned to Bree. He bet an ale that it would be Master Tumunir, and I bet a whole hall that it wouldn't be! Well, we found that the grumpy old Dwarf has become attached to a kitten. That qualifies as being with child, does it not? Maurr thinks so. I suppose I owe him a hall, but he doesn’t realize that’s no great loss to me; building him one would be a privilege. Alas and woe — he’d never use it, as Bóurr’s halls are his true home.
*Kithri came to Bree (????).
*I went to a Harvest Potluck. It was enjoyable! I made my favorite pastries, and ate plenty of those and other foods. Music was played (by myself and Miss Gustine) and dancing was done.
I did have a bit of banter with Master Okrog, though. He named Maurr’s family accursed, and I don’t think I’ve ever felt such rage boil up in me. I barely resisted the urge to lob my drink at his face! I told him just what I thought about that, and luckily hadn’t angered him by the end. He called me wise, even, which I believe to be an overstatement. I am only willing to debate anyone who says any foul word towards any member of that good family.
— I must stop writing over this else I become upset again.
*Miss Ashwyneth was there as well — it took me hours after I had left to recall that was the same woman Master George was friends with and under care of. I wish had I asked her how Rolf was, and if she knew where Clay was, but of course such topics may have dampened a merry mood. I miss that lad. I hope he's well.
*I made the acquaintance of a master Byrge Brighteye. Apparently he has been hired by Bíld and Rofda for Arlis as a stonemason. I hope their project is successful. I thought the Dwarf was going to murder me at first, and then I thought I’d scared him… Maurr says he’s simply shy! Shy indeed — the worst case I’ve ever seen — and a rubbish conversationalist. I’m sure he’s nice, though. Especially if he and Maurr are friends.
*In greater news, The Individual touched my face and I just about had a heartstop. A brush of thumb across the cheek was enough to undo me completely; I was reluctant to wash afterwards. — I appear utterly ridiculous writing that. Maddoct, what is wrong with you?
* In regards to my heart: I am content. I read over my last entry and saw how overly dramatic I felt! Nothing much has changed, in truth, since my realization. I feel deeply, yes, and I love strongly, but he the individual and I are still good friends; I would trade nothing in the world for that. I’m happy. Though sometimes I I'm very happy. Every moment spent with the other is nearly nothing but happiness.
*Taite’s leg had been an especial bother to her as of late, and the reason has been realized — a lump at her old break. She wrote me a letter, too; she wanted me to be there for the procedure that Cesisistya (I’ve spelled it correct, I’m sure of it. Taite wrote the name) would perform. I wished to be there, but was preoccupied at the time of it — I’ll do a check-in. Maurr says she’s doing finely, so I am reassured.
*Master Balnirar slighted me, and I slighted him. I'm embarrassed over it now, incredibly so. But — it was the near second or third time he was acting a disrupting drunk, and he spilled Master Leoffrith's soup on my new robe! So I, yes, I threw my drink on him — it seems that the cold weather gives me my father's temper, too.
M. Balnirar and I had a more recent encounter afterwards, where he was sober; neither spoke, but each gave an awkward smile and wave. I think there are no ill feelings. Or at least I hope he does not think ill of me. I don't think ill of him.
*I bought a new new robe. Not the brown one that was spilled on; this is orange with some accents. Maurr said I look handsome in it.
*Otherwise, I have been attempting to write mother. That letter's process has been very unwell. I try to write! But my quill will not cooperate! What all do I say? Surely Mänik wouldn’t like to travel all that way in this current cold to deliver it, but I still would like to create something comprehensive now and rewrite it after the thaw. It’s long overdue.
*Speaking of Mänik: He’s in my home eating all of my food again, since Bíld wrote. My dear cousin, return quickly and take your beast. He got into the peppers and blamed me for them being too spicy for him! He stepped in paint and tracked it onto the carpet without apology!
To Do:
* Anticipate the others’ arrival.
* Continue painting (I'm rubbish at it).
* Continue work on hand.
* Continue other project (?).
* Visit Miss Taite.
* Deliver letters to Elias & Finnric (Or make Mänik do it when he stops being so petulant).
* Speak with Elias otherwise.
* Go to Frostbuff Frostbluff with Maurr.
* Anticipate more feasts for Yule (I hope!).
* Make a decision about the Spring travel.
* Keep from embarrassing myself.
