[The following pages contain many entries from many different moments, days, or nights.]
Apr. 10
Of course, I forget about this journal every time there’s excitement in my life.
O, the travel so far has been fine! The walk to Ost Guruth was uneventful, but from there to Thorenhad — we came across an injured Elf! Or, rather, he came across us. Master Ke Celibr Celeb I will have to ask how to spell it. I will use Master ‘Cel’ for short, though it’s rudely familiar and I would never dare say it aloud for fear of causing offense.
He was injured by an arrow, so Bíld and I helped extract it and wrap the wound. Poor Maurr stood near, to help the Elf’s privacy from others’ eyes, I suppose. But looking at the blood made him faint; I wish he wouldn’t have put himself through it at all, as he’s sensitive to such things since the loss of his hand. Thus, my mind is settled: if he and I are going to have a life together, I will resign from that area of that craft, to support him as he does me. (I have been enjoying it less anyway).
Of course I’ll still be making medicines and keeping them on my person if needed, and I’ll even keep my tools should there be an emergency; but as I don’t enjoy surgery anymore, there is no point in making myself continue to do it when there are many other good healers about. I’d rather specialize in prosthesis or mentoring or somesuch.
Master Cel has proved very nice company, though, and I hope to see him even more in the coming weeks before our departure. Beetle likes him, too!
While at that little settlement, we all (Bíld, Maurr, M. Erlingur, M. Cel, and Beetle) went to visit the stone trolls, which was something remarkable. To stand where the Original Company stood! Another nice Elf came across us while we picnicked, but I haven’t seen her since.
Since we have reached Rivendell, it seems that time has just passed like nothing. Too fast, and too still all at once; a day leaves in a moment, but a moment seems to last a day. Beetle and I have been taking many walks, and I have been doing much sitting by the water and thinking. Or painting, on some very tiny canvases I brought.*
*Check the Elf Market for paint (Grn, Bl, Pk)
Strangely, there was something awaiting me here. A letter and a gift from Addie. Her tone was worrying and made me think that she doesn’t plan to return for a long time. I’m not sure what to do about that. I suppose I should start working on the instruments, to give one to her one once we do reunite.
~~~~~
Apr. 15
Cyanite, on some days, drags me into the library and holds me hostage among the books for hours upon hours. I don’t hate this, but she grows offended when I need a break because my eyes hurt. She’s older than me, but hers are better, and I think that an injustice!
~~~~~
Apr. 29
Recent business:
*I was introduced to a Master Golvagor (sp?), who was very curious to hear about the prosthetic I crafted for Maurr. Bíld was happy to brag on me, as was Maurr when he joined us, and it gets me all embarrassed and shy. Yet there’s a slightly vain pride, too, within me, that they like and want others to like my work.
*Lady Nimin Ninimil we have also encountered again, multiple times! I adore her and her company. (She attempts to act so serious, but her jests and tricks ruin that facade. — And even if the jokes are at my expense half the time, they are neither malicious nor hurtful, which I appreciate).
*I went to the Elves’ midweek social, and met many folk! Odd Elves, nice Elves, some who were both and some who were neither. I wasn’t particularly introduced to the one who was less-than-pleasant towards Bíld, which was probably for the best.
Two of Bíld’s friends, a Lady Ealendil (I asked Bíld how to spell that, to which he said he wasn’t sure, and then made an educated guess) and a Lady "Ambassador", suggested a symposium be held, so that Bíld can discuss his learnings on the scars of the soul. And I was encouraged to join, to speak of prosthesis! If we can leave before that happens, I would be grateful; Elves are presumptuous, planning to host seminars at a moment’s notice! I fear I would do horribly! Of course, I would go to support Bíld.
There was also a Dwarf momentarily present, oddly enough; a Master Dalbren? Dalbran? Delbren? I don’t recall exactly, but he didn’t seem to be any bad sort!
Once the main crowd left, Bíld and I both found ourselves in good spirits and spoke at length with Lady Mo M Mormerildes (I asked Bíld again, and he again guestimated), her betrothéd Master Cedmon, and again Lady Ninimil. The conversation was quite merry, for the most part, and I would like to say I made a pair of friendly acquaintances in the couple. Both seemed very kind, even though I’m sure our joking about ‘egg milk’ went a bit past their heads, which I should apologize for.
Nothing more for now, but I do await mother’s reply, which should return in a fortnight or so. Her correspondence is usually very punctual, and it has now been a month to the day since I first sent my letter. It should take no more than two and a half weeks at most for Mänik to fly to her, and if I calcula
I am getting ahead of myself. I will be patient.
~~~~~
[Especially lazy, wiggly handwriting, from a happy Maddoct, buzzed from drink.]
May The First
Rofda’s birthday picnic was fun! Evryone liked my cake which made me rather happy! Especially that the birtday-girl liked it. Maurr and I are going to have another picnic soon!! I’ll have to cook and Im excited.
~~~~~
May 3
A little gathering was arranged, just for fun; several Elves showed, as did some of us Dwarves, and even a Hobbit, Master Geribras, arrived! It occurred on a small island in a tiny lake — why, I do not know, as I thought it would be on the riverbank — and Maurr convinced me it was a swimming sort of thing. Apparently it was not, so I imagine I looked rather silly in just my shirt and pants all soaked, pack and things meanwhile left safely on-shore! But I enjoyed myself nonetheless (even though the Elves spoke of things I didn’t understand).
Still waiting on my mother’s reply. I’m growing a little fretful.
~~~~~
May 6
Cyanite keeps trying to teach me Sindarin. I’m not very good at it, but she’s stubborn. I also had an interaction with Lady Arlis, which... I think was good? Awkward, but not bad. We held a conversation that lasted longer than just some minutes, and I think I'm assured that she doesn't hate me!
~~~~~
May 15
I saw Finchley and Miss Ryn again! What a delight! They’re both going through some difficult times, but it was still fantastic to see them healthy and whole! They were sweet girls as always, and Beetle was incredibly happy to get their attentions.
Beetle also was a little bad, not listening to me! He made a new friend from a Miss Moss, who was really nice (though also a bit strange). He didn’t want to leave her side — and I’ll admit here that it made me a trite jealous. But! He was eventually coaxed to follow me to bed with the promise of treats.
I hope to see the lasses again before they leave, and I’m sure Beetle hopes to see Ms. Moss!
~~~~~
May 17
Maurr and I had that picnic! I made all the food, to both of our delights, and we spent a long time sitting together chatting about happy and sad things, both of which made me cry, I will admit.
The bad: I learned about unfortunate Master Hawk. It pains me even now, especially to think of how poor Finchley is faring over it. He was a very nice person, and I just it’s so upsetting that so many good, young folk are getting hurt or killed because of life’s dramas and such things. I hope all the best for everyone in these times, especially those who were closest to him.
The good: Maurr gave me a beautiful courting bead to wear in my beard. It is so magnificent, and I must thank Rofda for all the fine work she put into it — Maurr says he mostly stood around commenting and contributing to the design, but that in itself is still very precious. I am unsure if I am worthy of wearing it so plainly. Yes, it was given to me for that purpose, but still I worry that I am not good enough. That he will see it on me again and change his mind.
— But I think too meanly of Maurr. He would never do such a thing.
All I could give in return was the bracelet I crafted for him; if I had known he was having the bead made here, I would have created the same for him! My original plan was to wait until Erebor to craft it, and I suppose that is still what I will have to do.
~~~~~
May 18
Mother’s letter has arrived! I am so elated! She was so kindly towards me; I should have expected it, but still…. In such abundance was she supportive! I will have to show Maurr and whoever else cares. Mänik is a little peeved with me still, but I cannot bring myself to care!
I also was introduced to a very nice Elf lady who is Bíld’s friend. Bel… something. Belosel or.. I can’t exactly recall, but she was kind, and humorous as well! She and I and Bíld and Ms. Ryn sat together for a time, exchanging tales. She told of stealing-sweets as a child, and so did I; overall everything was pleasant.
Ryn would like to send a letter to Clay, but she fears for it being intercepted by a Master ‘Dom’ (her father-figure? He seems so very rude). She will tuck it secretly within an envelope to Clay from me, which the Man will have no reason to pry into as he doesn’t know me.
I’m so gladdened to learn that Clay is back and safe, at least!
~~~~~
[Hastily written.]
May 20
Ryn and I sent off those letters yesterday and said our goodbyes to each other; I do hope she stays safe and her spirits lift the longer she lingers here.
Very interestingly, we've received a letter from Mrs. Lumina at the last moment! 'We' meaning Bíld and I, mainly. It makes me near cry just thinking about it now. The couple is well, thankfully, and the missus is with child! A little girl, they suspect, and I am just speechless so very happy to think of it! And that she would do us, do me, little me! such an honor, and ask me to be a sworn-father, an akhrâmadad of sorts... I'm about to cry again, but I don't want tears on the page. I am blessed, truly, and I hope we return 'fore the baby is due. I would come out of retirement to help midwife! It isn't the first time I've done so, nor the first time I am to be an 'uncle' of sorts to a child of Men, but it is still such a special honor!
It will only be a few minutes, now, ‘til we depart from Rivendell! I’ll miss it, in a way, but I am so very eager to get on the road again. While I would have liked to encounter a few Elvish acquaintances again before leaving, I’m not upset; their sense of time is so different, anyhow, that we’ll probably be there and back before they even realize it, ha ha!
— Really, I should double-check I’ve everything packed, real fast.
