Saeldith

Honored Lady Saeldith and Lord Duarion,

Sometimes I wonder why I keep this diary. It is old, tattered and no-one except myself will ever read it. Nobody even knows I have it, or where it is kept. Yet, I find that if I look back on the pages I have written before, it is similar to looking at a painting of some distant Age. The person represented can be understood, but is not the same as you. I have changed so much I barely recognise myself.

So we have finally returned to Bree. I have enjoyed resting back in our home after the long ride from Rivendell. I look to the future with a new hope in my heart, such as I have not felt for many years.

Slowly, things are returning to normal. The cloud has lifted from my mind, and now I must heal my body also. When I heard the elves of Rivendell may be able to help, it was an easy choice to begin this journey. We are nearly there as I write this. Saeldith says she can help me find the hidden valley.

Bree does not seem as friendly as I remember. The hairs are always standing on the back of my neck. I feel like I am being watched. It reminds me of... no, I cannot bring that up so soon. I am haunted by that dark time such that all around me seems tinged with grey.

So it has happened at last!

I have imagined this day for so long, but I can hardly believe it is now here. It has been a long, hard journey from the dark times in exile. Now I can safely say I am happy. I have a loving wife, something I did not think I would live long enough to see. A humble soldier  becoming a Lord through marriage.

It has been some time since I recorded my thoughts. So much has kept me busy, away from Bree and my responsibilities. While it felt good to ride away and once again experience the roughness of the Wilds, I could not help but miss the simpler, more joyful life amongst my companions.