"I have dreamed...that yer arms are lovely...I have dreamed...wha' a joy ye'll be!!! I have dreamed....ev'ry word ye whisper....when yer close...close to me....."
I love waking up in his arms. So warm and safe. He smells so good. I could lay here for the rest of my life. No! Don't wake up. If we wake up you will have to start your day and I won't see you while you run your errands. Stay. I know you can't, but I can dream. So long as I sleep, I can dream. So don't wake me! I have to get up. He has to get up. We both have tasks ahead of us. I need to examine the new arrivals from the Vales, mend his undershirt, make gambesons for Tree-Walker and Wood-Sculptor, repair his (I think), and fetch my armor from Mum's farm. So much to do and not a lot of time with my love. After this whole Orc situation is over I am making him take a much needed rest. He is making Tree-Walker rest while everyone is here. I can make him rest when all this is over. Good plan, Leo. After this everyone should take a rest.
And my eyes are open. By Elbereth, he is ruggedly handsome! As soon as my eyes open he nags about taking my potion. I love him! He wants to be with me all day too!! I wish he could. He has so many things to do and I have no way of helping him. Stupid foot. Stupid temper! There he goes again about my potion. No! If I take it, we will have to get up! Fine. He is right. Potion, then start our day. OR....Kiss, then potion? AHA! He agreed! Best. Negotiation. Ever. Kissed, firmly. Yum! Potion, drunk. Bandage, checked. Handsome, dressing. Blegh. Why cover up all that handsome with clothes? I need to teach him to sunbathe. Now where did my boots go? Left boot on! Right boot...won't fit. Swollen foot! No left boot then.
Maybe I should get him away a little sooner? Give him an evening of peace and quiet. Give him a massage, make him dinner, cuddle under the stars with the hounds. Maybe even play a little music? See if he is free Leo!! He is!!! Yes!!! Why yes! I DO have Dibs on you my ruggedly handsome love. A Dibs I don't plan on giving up any time soon. You are far too perfect. Come, Hundr! To breakfast!!
"How ye look in the glow of ev'nin'!!! I have dreamed....and enjoyed the viewwwwwww!!!!!"
Carried down to the kitchen. I am almost going to be sad when my foot heals enough I can walk. I love being swept up in his arms. The Lodge is full of so many people! I wonder how long after the battle the newcomers from the Vales will stay? Surely the Lodge's pantry can't feed numbers this large until Spring? Maybe not caring about getting fired from the Mill was a bad thing? They could sure use the extra flour now.
Speaking of newcomers, here is someone new! Scarlett Jay is her name. Pretty redhead. If I wasn't with Hound-Friend I would be chatting this one up. Ever since my time in Rohan I have had a fondness for fair haired and redheaded people. Man, they have some wild women in Rohan. Specially the redheads. There was this one lass in Snowbourne who...maybe I should focus on what this new redheaded lass is saying instead of remembering lovers past? Good idea, Leo.
Looking for Tree-Walker. For a shy lass she sure is popular. Not surprising. She is a sweet lass. Kind heart. I wonder if she is eating ok? Maybe I should make her a little care package since coming to the Lodge with all these people here might be overwhelming for her? I am going to do that. I will make her a basket of food Woodmen like. Meat and fish and my pastries. They all seem to enjoy those. Maybe that is what I could do for money? Walk around Bree with a basket of pastries and sell them for a good amount. People will pay for fresh pastries. People will pay for my pastries. Yes! When my foot is healed and this whole Orc battle is over, I am making pastries. Hmm? I need a kitchen to do my baking, and flour....I have time to think about this.
We are going to see Tree-Walker! I can get her measurements and get started on her gambeson. I am so hungry. Maybe I should make porridge for everyone? And he is shaking his head at me. He is not happy I am walking to the kitchen. He is suggesting left over dumpling stew. For breakfast? Love. No. No sense in arguing, but suggest a different breakfast item than left over stew. How about the cheese danish I made? And the strawberries and cream? He is going for it! Nice! No dumplings for breakfast today! Not on my watch! Here he comes with the tray. He's wonderful. So wonderful. What? No strawberries? Oh, well. We can save those for later. Oh! Maybe during our special evening!? Yes! Oh! Scooped up! I am loving when he does this!!!! It is like a fun ride in my love's arms! To Tree-Walker's!
Hello Tree-Walker! We come bearing cheese pastries!! HA! Go Hundr go!! I love that pup!! Look at him run so happily!! I want a dozen Hundr puppies!!! Looks like Ljota is here too!!! I am glad we brought a whole tray of pastries. Yes! They love my pastries!! Eat, ladies! Enjoy! Scarlett took the tray and now I can measure Tree-Walker. Just like measuring Rob for new clothes. Don't touch her and get out quick. Done! Didn't cause her any stress either. Aha!!
Oh, my foot is bothering me. Time for some bark to kill the pain. Here comes silly Leo! I wish I didn't react so strongly to Willow Bark. Oh, well. I will be silly and giggly until I fall asleep. Soon as I wake up I will be fine. Somewhat pain free and able to think straight. Tree-Walker thinks I am nice!!!! Lass!!!! I make her feel at ease!!! I feel so special!!!! I think I'm going to cry!! No! Be strong. Don't you quiver that little lip. Stiffen up! Here comes my love. Back from talking quietly to Ljota. We are going back to the Lodge. Aww. I was having fun out and about. He called me pretty!!!!!! I know he is mine and I am his and I know he thinks I am pretty, but it still makes me excited when he says things like that.
Now my love is carrying me to the Lodge where he will leave me to his errands. Why is he dropping me off in a hand cart? Why is he asking where my Mum's farm is? Why am I in this cart? He is going to push me in the cart so I can go with him on his errands!? I can be with him all day!!! Oh, my love!!! I have the best love!
"In these dreams I've love ye so!!! That by now...I think I know....what it's like...to be loved...by...ye!!!"
Singing to my love as he pushes me in the cart to Bree. He seems to be enjoying himself. He is! I bet he sings real fine. That's right, he does!! He sang to me in Bree when he taught me that song of his. How could I have forgotten?! Must be the excitement of learning a new song, I forgot it was he who sang it. Poor love! I feel so bad now. And sleepy...must be the willow bark.
Vandallan just hailed Heriwulf. Probably doesn't see me sitting in the cart. I am sure I look rediculous, but I don't care. I get to spend the day with Heriwulf. He draws!! Heriwulf draws! I would like to see that. My love creates things of Beauty!!!!!! My Dear Lady!!! Did you make him so perfectly just for me?? Every day I find something more to love about him. The lads are talking about weapons and war again. I understand talking about the upcoming battle with Orcs should be talked about so we are prepared, I just wish it were over already. I feel like I am holding my breath and am waiting for the signal to exhale, but the signal isn't coming.
I'll let them talk for a while of war and weapons and things. The willow bark is starting to kick in. So sleepy. I'll close my eyes for a minute. No one will notice a thing....
**FALLS ASLEEP SPRAWLED IN THE CART**
Why am I awake? I stopped moving. Where is Heriwulf? Can't reach him from the cart. Where am I? Staddle. Little market in Staddle. Teehee...little market...Oh! Fabric! I wonder if they have any pretty green fabric for a nice tunic for Heriwulf? Or maybe a dress for Home-Wright? Oh! Something soft for Tree-Walker!! Doesn't look like they have anything that soft here. Oh! That would be perfect for an embroidered tapestry! And they have thread!!! Oh! I could make one for the Woodmen depicting all their deeds since I have known them!! I can put a little image of Heriwulf standing in the river, The rescue of Pipsqueek, Spear training, their Moots....so many options!!! I can put little trees and leaves and hounds on the border!! It will be perfect!! And at the center, the Lodge!!! Yes!!
He said something about my sword? Nope, do not need a new one. OH! They have a lovely Forest Green cloth! Perfect for Heriwulf's tunic! Mine!! He never saw me coming. I am the Master at haggling. All it cost was some copper and my apple tart recipe. I love Hobbits. They speak my language when it comes to food. Come on willow bark. Take away more pain. It should be working better than this. I wonder if the bone is set right? I should check that later...if I remember. Fever has my brain addled. The drunken state induced by my sensitivity to any pain reliever doesn't help either. Few more feet to the cart and my love.
On to Bree-town! Look at him pushing the cart so I can spend the day with him and not be in pain. Well, as much pain as if I had walked here. Don't think about the pain. Focus on Heriwulf. Focus on what you like about him. Hmm? His smile. His laugh, definitely the laugh. His valour. Oh! His heart!! He must be the sweetest man I have ever met. Gentle. Kind. Funny!! I love how his eyes look when he is teasing me. Or that look he gives me when he knows he is right and he knows I know he is right about something I am being stubborn about.
He called me his lady again! Telling the elf about my making gambesons for the clan. Almost sounds like he is bragging. And he kissed my cheek!!! Add that to the list. The way he makes me giddy by kissing my cheek. Now he is off shopping again. Look at him. He is so....perfect. Oh! A stall with some herbs. I wonder if they have feverfew? Maybe some more carrot seed too? No feverfew. They never do. That would take the pain away and help the fever. Better than willow bark. Nice selection. A few herbs I need, a few I don't but would like any ways, lovely roots, extra potion bottles, very nice. The clan could use all this! Good price too!
Oh! Ribbons!!! So pretty!!! Should I? I don't really have that much for spending on silly things like Ribbons. Maybe if I haggle for them? Some cloth for bandages, thread...if I throw in a bag of pipeweed...? YES!! I have ribbons!!! I knew making that trade would be worth it one day!!! Yes!! Victory!! So hungry....what did I eat today? Nothing. Made sure everyone else ate, but forgot to grab something for myself again. Oh! A lad with a cart selling food!! Maybe Heriwulf and Vandallan are hungry too? Oh, I need to sit. My foot is throbbing!!! Give the lads their food and sit. There you go.
He is talking to a little boy. Seems some friend of the elf. Cheeky fellow. Not Master Hound. Hound-Friend. Get my love's name right little lad. Skip away little happy fellow. Adorable. Look at him skip. Heriwulf bought eggs! He remembered! Bought them when I was napping!! Love!!! Where are they? Hard boiled you say? Why do I hear Sindarin? Oh, right. The elf. I don't think Heriwulf speaks elvish. Nope. Translate for my love...THE EGGS! Jackpot!! So hungry. I need to remember to stop skipping meals. My foot...Soon I can go home and get more willow bark. Really wish I had fever few. I don't like how drunk I get on it, but it takes the pain away. I could use some relief.
Have we got everything from Bree? Restocked on healing supplies. Heriwulf got the supplies for the larder. What else was there? Candles? He already got them. Should we get more cheese for Tree-Walker? That would be a no from Heriwulf. Aww. I wanted to get her a treat. Maybe something for Tree-Walker? I could make her something to wear while scouting that would feel like she was wearing less? Oh! If only I had elvish silk!! THAT would be perfect. Vandallan says he has some, but I can't afford silk unless....maybe he will take a trade? I should ask when Heriwulf isn't about. Maybe I could get some silk for something for him, too? Oh! I just had the perfect idea!!! I really need to talk to that elf. Heriwulf suggests nails? How would that make a nice gift for Tree-Walker?
And I am back in the cart? How? Oh, Heriwulf. I must have been thinking too long and he wanted to get moving. That is the issue with being as small as I am. People feel they can pick me up and set me places. Like I was a sack of potatoes. Although, I don't mind so much when he does it. He does it gently and with love. What's he whispering in my ear? (Love it when he does that!) Where we met? The fountain outside the Pony! He remembered! My love!
"I will love bein' loved....by...ye!!!"
I think lifting this cart to push it is taking its toll on him. The added weight will do that. He says he is fine. I believe him. He is hardy folk. I remember. Silly love. Ruggedly handsome, hardy love. Cheeky love. The fountain in front of the Pony again. I wonder if I should say---? He kissed me!! In front of people!!! As we passed the fountain!! Oh! I love him!!! Look at that smile!! So shy and sweet!! I wonder if I can make him blush? He would look adorable blushing.
Have I been completely distracted by him again and lost track of where we are? Again? Oh! I know where we are!! We are near Ellie Cutleaf's. That means puppies!!!!! I'm so excited!! Puppies!! Hundr is excited too!!! I love this hound. He gets me. Look how tiny they are!!! They can't be more than 6 weeks!! Little wiggly darlings!!! The wee faces and wee noses and wee toes!! Little wiggly bottoms! What? Are three pups enough? NEVER! I love Hundr, Niht, and Brunan, but you can never have too many pups!! I just want to kiss them all!! I can't!!! Ellie is like Heriwulf. Don't touch the pups. Come here Hundr! I can't love and give them kisses, but I can you!!! Sweet, fluffy puppy!!! My cuddle monster!! Why am I forbidden to touch all the wee puppies I see?? That's not fair. What?? I can love the puppies at home?!?! I can play with puppies!!!!!!!!! Oh! I am going to snuggle each little face!!!!!
Oh my. Mum's farm. Please, My Dear Lady, My Great Lady, My Queen!! Please let Rob be having a good day and PLEASE do not let Mum bring up marriage or babies. PLEASE! Ok, time to tell him about Robin. He is so wonderful. He took it so well! Like it was nothing. LIke telling him my brother sits there in body only while his mind wanders wherever he lost it in the dungeons of Angmar was nothing unusual. Or the fact he could be attacked or bitten if something sets him off. Please, don't let anything set him off. Here we go. Kiss his cheek for strength. That will help.
Ugh. Mum. Called me Lilbit in front of him. Thank you for that. And she hugged him. He took that gracefully. Love him so much. And he told my Mum we are intimate. Kill me now. She knew, but you don't bring it up in front of her!! And she is laughing at me. Double kill me now. I need to get Heriwulf out of here before Mum brings up marriage. First check up on Robin. And he has no idea who I am. No recognition I am even here. Please Rob...hear me. Look at me. Do something. Please let me know you are there. Oh, Robin. One day, I swear I will find a way to cure you. Get you back. I promise.
Time to go before I start to cry. My foot is killing me. Mum can't see I'm hurt. She has enough to worry about. Did Heriwulf just call me Lilbit? Please never tell him why they call me that. Heavy. Everything feels heavy. My heart feels heavy. My foot feels heavy. My armor feels heavier than I remembered. I feel like crying. I want to curl up in bed and sleep for days and cry. I feel like a part of me died and the pain gets worse every time I see Robin. Back into the cart.
Focus on something that makes you happy, Leo. Focus on Heriwulf. He saw me hide my limp from Mum. He saw how much pain I was in as we left her farm. He knows me so well. His shoulders are going to be hurting tonight. Maybe he will let me rub them? That would make him feel better. Would make me feel better too. At least him I can help. No objections on the massage. He says he should be pampering me. Oh, love. I want to cry. Quick, talk about something else besides how sad you are and how sweet he is.
He likes berries and apples!! I am going to make him so many pies!! What? No flour for pies. Oh, this will not stand! I need to come up with a way to get more flour. There will be pie. Oh, yes! There will be pie! Beastmother is here with Gloss. They are talking about clan things. I am so tired. So sore. I just want to sleep. Did he just grunt getting the cart moving? That's it. I am walking. He is not going to be sore on my account. It isn't that far to the lodge. I can make it. Be strong!! You are hardy stock!! Oh!! This hurts so much!!!! Don't cry! You are tougher than that Leo!!
Hello Scarlett Jay. Oh, thank goodness! The Lodge!! I need to sit and cry and check the stitches on my foot. Now to bring everything inside and put it away. THEN the foot stuff and the crying. And my love kisses my cheek before he leaves!! How does he know exactly what I needed? Everything is put away. Beastmother is still here. It would be rude to leave her. Ok, take your potion for the infection, get some alcohol and drink lots of it until the pain is gone. Oh!! I can't! I can't! Beastmother, I love you. You are great to talk to my friend, but I am in pain and need sleep!!! Cry first, then check foot. Sounds like a plan.
