I have finally seen Hawk again with my own two eyes! And he was perfectly hale and whole! I could just jump on top of a barn and sing with how glad seeing him has made me! But, thankfully, I'll do no such thing. I've learned my lesson about climbing on top of barns the hard way so many years ago. Instead, I will start from the very beginning.
Maddoct and I finally arrived back in Bree-town in quick time, though I think that was in part due to his eagerness to see a certain someone. Honestly, seeing a friend so much in love is a source of true joy for me! We stopped at the Prancing Pony to refresh ourselves with food and drink and was given a merry welcoming back by Mister Byrge, Bild, and even that sweet pup, Beetle, who was, I'm certain, the happiest to see Doc's return. Even Miss Cesistya was there and it did me a world of good to see her sitting where she usually does, reading. Little familiar things like that are among the bits of life that I love best.
Later, Miss Xanderian showed up, much to poor Mister Byrge's dismay, and said her hellos. I was awfully glad to see her again, though she looked a little more serious than usual, as if something is weighing heavily on her. If it is what I think it is, then I'm afraid my worry over how things were with Miss Addie and Miss Neth before Doc and I left starts anew.
Speaking of Miss Addie; she left a letter for me and a most delicious pie that was shared between Doc, Bild, and I. I didn't get to read it until after I went back to my bed at the Knotwood Boarding House -- I went in very quiet like after knocking so as to not cause Mister Tumunir or Pumpkin a fright! I was relieved to hear from her that she is on the mend, though worried that she and Miss Neth have had to move locations and that she's not heard from Miss Kithri. She also wrote of Hawk, though, by the time I read this letter, I had already seen him in the Pony. She wrote that it was a matter of which she wanted to speak to me about. I wonder what that could mean? Perhaps she thinks I'm rather silly for worrying on like I did about Hawk, knowing that he's tougher than he looks and I'd be the first to agree with her, though I know that it won't stop me from worrying for the people I care about. I suppose she'll tell me when I next see her. Just as well; I think I've finally worked up enough courage to ask her many questions and receive any answers she's willing to give.
But back to our little gathering in the Pony!
After awhile, Miss Xanderian came to our table and brought Hawk with her! I think I might have looked like a right loony jumping up and hugging him like I did. I've got a bit of a bruise on my knee now from where it hit the table in my haste but I say it was well worth it. Truly, I don't think I've ever been more relieved or happy to see someone after so much worry in all my life! Isn't that also silly of me?
He tried to reassure me about what passed between him and Miss Xandilif and while I was still relieved, I admit that I was also a bit concerned. It seemed like he thought being hit by Miss Xandilif was no big deal and he said that he might've said something untoward to her, like whatever it was set her off. Still, I think she shouldn't have done it, especially since I think she does care for him. Maybe I'm just being soft hearted but I think that one should seriously hurt someone you care for like that. I hope she apologized to him afterwards. I'm certain she did. I don't believe she's not a bad person at heart.
I have been thinking of Miss Xandilif lately. I feel sorry that I took a terse tone of voice with her before I left her with Miss Addie in Knotwood. I know I didn't say anything awful but I'm certain that perhaps I shouldn't have spoken my mind at all, considering the upset mood she had briefly gotten me in that night. But Hawk said that I should never feel badly for speaking what's on my mind. I usually don't but in that instance, I think that perhaps I might've accidentally hurt someone who I have a feeling has been hurt many times over before. When I look at her I see how tough she is but -- I don't know. It's like hearing a story and feeling sad about it, except there's no story that's been told and I know little of her after all.
If I see her again, I'll apologize anyway and thank her for protecting Miss Addie and Miss Neth and everyone else like I know she has.
[At the bottom of this entry is a rough sketch of Hawk in side profile and a rougher sketch of Xandilif's sword from memory. Below this is another hastily scrawled post script.]
My potato hunt in the Shire was very successful. Perhaps too successful. What in the world am I going to do with all these taters?!
