Yet again the past comes back to haunt me, this time in the form of a man from Aughaire.
When I refused my mother's demand that I return home to wed the son of our cheiftain, I had thought that would be an end of it save for her complaints and occasional attempts to change my mind. I had never imagined that my prospective groom would come to Bree to seek me out.
I did not see him there, but it is evident that he saw me. He must have followed at a distance when I left there for as I was nearing Pemberth, he let loose an arrow in my direction. It was a mixture of luck, I think, and my recent paranoia for the attacks of the Legion that allowed me to move out of the way in time. He followed me as I ran, burst through the door into my house regardless of my attempts to keep it barred to him.
Mother came in shortly afterwards and an argument ensued. He claimed that I belong to him, that he has come to take that which is his. Naturally, I disagree with this assessment. I am no possession to be given or taken. I belong to no one but myself. Mother at first argued on his behalf, but then sided with me after he shot another blunt arrow in my general direction. I believe his declaration of taking me with or without my consent also helped sway her mind against him.
Still, I am nothing if not a courteous host. Angered as I was by his insistance upon brandishing his weapons within my house, and the words he spoke, I nevertheless brewed tea for each of us in the hope of calming the situation. It worked for a time, although he did not give up his belief that I am to be his bride. Mother, unfortunately, went one step further; poisoning his tea when neither of us were watching.
When she told me, I grew angry again. There was no need for such an action. There was no need to poison his drink. There was no need to harm him in any way. She assures me that he will recover soon enough and tells me that I should run, but I will not do so; not until I must. Aakusti may yet seek to take me back to Aughaire against my will, but until he tries I see no need to flee.
Besides, there is too much at stake on other matters here. I cannot leave now when I may yet be needed by Cyfier. I cannot leave whilst there is still some hope that I may do some good for him.
