It is only a few weeks' time until we make our departure with Baldmar. Cesistya will be along, and I'm glad, for I love her company, and hope to get to know her better by pulling her beyond the walls of the Prancing Pony. I confess, I'm a bit nervous about the whole affair. It's been nearly a year since I've done any traveling, and though most of the dark rumors I hear involve the roads to the south, I worry that we might encounter trouble heading northeast, too. Baldmar's presence is the only thing that would tempt me to dare such a journey, as he knows the wilds better than anyone, and he is fearless, though I've never seen him engage in violence towards anyone or anything. I know he would, to protect his friends. I still need to get my sword to Aeonid for sharpening. My mettle may yet be tested during our adventures!
Of course, Aallan's absence is keenly felt, for he was supposed to join us. I wish I knew the truth of what had befallen him. Was it wargs, really? I have not seen Dufr since that ugly debacle with Aallan's father. There are doubts about the entire thing, but no way to prove any of it. And since I have not heard or seen any trace of my old friend, I can only assume that his death is genuine.
I had a brief letter from Tothrandir. He is called away south. We did see him in the Pony a few nights ago, though he didn't approach us, and I assume he departed shortly after that moment. I wonder now, if he knew when he walked through the door, and he simply wanted to see me one last time. A romantic notion, no? As ever, his sudden departure makes me sad. And it reminds me again that we have done the right thing, in going our separate paths. But thankfully, he and I have said all that needed to be shared, and he knows my heart, as I know his. I will once again pray for his safe-keeping, until I see him again, whenever that may be.
