[A hurried, but not unhappy, scrawl. Any imperfections in the normally carefully-written words are a result of this very hasty hand.]
Apr. 4
Finally, I am giving myself time to write again! But I must do so quickly; we’ll be departing from our current camp in less than a few hours at most. First, a list of our splendidly full company:
*People: Me, Maurr, Bíld, Rofda, Cyanite, Thrufi, Finnric, M. Huldaur, M. Erlingur, L. Arlis, L. Endla (sp?).
*Animals: Clarinet, Beetle, Mänik eventually, Glan? Glen? (L. Endla's... companion), Potato (Bíld’s pony), . . . I know not the other steeds' names, but we have several more ponies for our two carts, the Elf has a horse, and there is a riding goat which belongs to L. Arlis!
*Other: Five who can cook well (though only four who will; Cyanite won't raise a spoon unless to eat, I wager), four who can fight well (five mayhaps), many many bags, and five tents.
Now, to start my actual entry: In Bree, I had a long list of loose ends, but I’ve tied most of them. Chiefly I have finally sent that letter to mother, and a great relief it is! Mänik was a hassle to convince, as expected; he had to be bribed with offers of my food and shiny things.
*Ask Cyanite where he puts all of his collected trinkets, as I know not what use a bird has for such.
^That cousin of mine pronounces a proud ‘good riddance!’ to Bree-town, but I know I will miss it. I’m grateful for all the time spent there — over a year and half! How it went faster than expected! — but I also am excited (if nervous) to return East, to where I know not what will happen. Another unpredictable adventure, to an unpredictable destination, where unpredictble situations will happen. Such is life.
For now I’m simply glad that we stayed not in that creepy Forbidden Inn, and rather have camped in a very scenic spot not-too-far away. Clarinet, as I am, seems to enjoy greatly being among our company, and I think he knows that we’re headed back to his home.
Alas and woe, I never did get the chance to craft those pipes with Addie! But we should or I believe she mentioned an imminent trip to Rivendell, so we should hopefully be able to do some crafting there. But, if the time comes to leave the Elf-lands and further our journey, and I see her not, then I’ll have them sent in a package to wherever she may be. I’ll have no use for them in Erebor, and they were acquired to cheer her, after all.
Since I have taken so long between entries, I will recapitulate as I often do:
*Master Leoffrith and now-Mistress Lumina were wedded early last month, and a wonderful little ceremony it was! I shall admit that a few tears were shed — not just by me, but especially by me. I cannot help it! Weddings cause me great emotion (usually happy, but I won’t say I’ve not felt otherwise at other couples’ unions). The bouquet was also tossed, and poor Byrge among all folk fell in the dirt, diving to save it! O, I went from crying, to laughing, to cry-laughing in an instant.
I only hope the flowers were put to use — to woo M. Tiarvi, perhaps, ha!
*Mentioning M. Tiarvi reminds me: I received my spectacles! Two pairs, as I couldn’t decide on shape; I dare say they make me look handsome, and they are crafted very finely.
*The couple (L&L, not B&T) was given their gift from me only days after the dancing was done and delicious food ate, as I’d not finished it before then. A bit funnily: Mrs. Lumina was a moment confused, as she thought the gift from Bóurr’s children included myself. Nay! I told her I was not yet part of that family, and of course I would craft something of my own to give.
It was this: a little chime / suncatcher of sorts, good for looking pretty and sounding sweet. The pair seemed to appreciate it. It was given over lunch at their home, to which Maurr accompanied me, and in addition to that craft I also gave Mrs. Lumina the rest of my peppers. Hope she likes em, but I did warn about the spice. Not that I think she cannot handle herself.
*My sympathies are heavy for M. Leoffrith; I’ll write no more of the matter here so as not to invade his privacy, but he and his family are in my thoughts often.
*Anywho, Maurr and I were happily filled from that late lunch, and overfilled once we met Byrge at the pony and tried his newest creations. Amusingly, they are being called ‘Byrge-rs’, which I think he dislikes but knows the name is in fondness and fun. They are of beef and bread and all sorts of toppings; I’m already craving one again, but couldn't make one on the road, alas, and I’m sure I wouldn't make em as great as he. — I also tried a candy frog, gifted by one of Addie’s friends; it was good. Had me craving some of Cy’s father’s frog legs.
*Writing of food, particulla particularly Byrge’s, reminds me of the feast we had — before that lunch but after the wedding — with he, M. Tiarvi, Finchley, Ms. Ryn, Maurr, Bíld, and Me. It was delicious of course, and Durin (the large potato) got ate.
*Then another feast! After the Byrge-rs; this one included L. Cesisis L. Cesistya, Addie, Maurr, Byrge, Ms. Ryn, Me… and sometimes some Dwarf who never gave me his name despite my very polite introduction. That meal ended less happily; my sympathies are also with Ms. Ryn. I hope the efforts to find Clay go well and smooth. Above all, I hope she stays safe while searching.
*I visited Elias before leaving; we chatted well about many things, and caught up on how our lives had been in the month — two months? — that we’d not seen each other. I’ll be sure to write to him once we reach Erebor, so he knows the travel was smooth; I officially resigned from the Soothery for now, as I can make no promises that I’ll continue working there. Who knows; I may settle back down in Erebor again! We’ll see. Maurr and Bíld have the letters Finchley and Addie and other sorts of good folk covered, so I think he’s the only person I have to worry about personally writing to. — If I’ve messages to the others, I’ll tell the sons of Bóurr to add them, as I hope my Mannish friends will have messages for me.
*I was going to visit Taite, but became too busy packing and wrestling that raven. Perhaps I’ll write to her, too, if Maurr does not? I also forgot to commission her another sweater for Beetle, so that he doesn’t grow cold over the Misty Mountains; hopefully Bíld or an Elf in Rivendell can be sure he has clothes that will keep him from shivering.
I believe that is all. Most recently, as in several days ago, I finally told Maurr about that nasty business of mine that I dislike speaking of. He was the sweetest about it all, and loves me no less; I’m eternally grateful.
Sidenote: Master Erlingur shares a tent with us, which I do not hate, but… He does snore so very much, and it was already a bit crowded with Beetle between Maurr and I. O well; it will be something to chuckle about later on!
I should give Maurr his gift, soon; I have it with me, but I find myself being shy about it. It is within one of my bags — and I have a few, but Cy. has more! It’s her cart anyway that my things take up space in. Or her and Thrufi’s, that one they came here on, with the irritatingly squeaky wheel.
I couldn’t carry everything with me, of course, nor did I wish to; I made a hefty payment for several month’s worth of rent, so my home in Bree will still be there when I get back. Byrge will be checking there occasionally, I believe, so that I won’t wo I never paid him, damn it all! For the dog-watching nor the shelves! Damned Maddoct, damned! Why must you forget everything you don’t write down! Accursed mind! You’d lose your beard if it weren’t growing on your face!
I hate owing coin, especially due to my own absentmindedness. I will send Byrge a purse, if Mänik will let me. If he is not still annoyed with me!
To Do Now:
*Wash Beetle immediately, again… He rolled in some dead thing and now reeks!!
*Travel safely!
To Do Later:
*Give Maurr his gift.
*Make sure Beetle has fitting & warm clothes.
*Find Addie?
*Await mother’s reply.
*Send Byrge money & ask how to make those delicious things (?).
