Found:
Boundless entertainment.
Who knew that being stuck in and around a tavern for days on end could be so much fun? Well, alright, a lot of people would say that drinking until you fall into a ditch is the height of entertainment. Not so much myself, though. I like the occasional goblet of wine - mulled, of course! - but I'd much rather keep a clear head. Now, I'll grant there are plenty of men hanging about the place as well and that in and of itself can provide some measure of amusement. However, they have a tendency to fall asleep once they've fulfilled their purpose and I've no liking for that. Who wants a sweaty, snoring stranger half-lying on them first thing in the morning? I'm in no condition to escape before dawn and I'm not physically capable of kicking them out just now, so I've been eschewing the more carnal forms of distraction for the moment. That has left me almost exclusively with chatter.
Bessie, of course, dear that she is, always has a laugh and a smile for me and I for her! It does one no good to get on the wrong side of a bar matron! Indeed, even were she a far less affable woman, I'd have made an effort with her. I'm told that she's stern and sour but I've never seen it!
Seaver, owner, proprietor, friend, and all around jerk that he is, seems to have hit the upswing in his reactions toward me. Again. Rather than being a sour, stone-faced and generally ignorant twat of a man, as he has been since my return, he has begun to smile and laugh again. The insults came thick and fast! It was glorious! If there's one nice thing I can say about the man - with a straight face and no desire to vomit at least - it's that he has a sharp wit. I do so enjoy our verbal sparring.
Neyaa meanwhile watched on with amusement of her own. I don't think she quite knew what to think or say in response to some of the abuse that Seaver and I threw at one another! It was a joy to see her again, and so comfortable and happy in her own association! I'm not sure what has been said by whom or why, but it would seem that the pair have decided to come clean about the nature of their relationship. I still have no idea what she sees in the man, but to each their own!
Annoyingly, the delectable Neyaa was the only one to bring with her something to dampen my good mood. Dagramir, it seems, has charged her with watching over me in his absence! I am not a child in need of a baby-sitter! I do not need watchful eyes upon my every movement or lips reporting my actions. I do not require accompaniment at all times or reminders, however gentle, that I remain less than fully mobile.
How dare he do such a thing? He has no right!
I fled the room in Bree with the express purpose of being beyond his knowledge or reach by the time of his return. I fled the room in Bree that I might find some space to breathe and put the man out of my mind. Yet, I come here, to the White Wolf Tavern, the only place I know that he will not come, and still he manages to find a way to follow me! It is infuriating. He is infuriating!
It should not have to be like this.
My greatest source of solace at the moment comes in the shape of Rhaug. That he continues to return here is of great amusement to me. That he seems perfectly content in my company regardless of how I tease him is also a great delight. It still doesn't harm his case that he is most pleasant to look upon and although his flirtations toward me are rare and perhaps a little clumsy, nevertheless they are enjoyable when they happen. He remains quite close-mouthed on all matters personal, but I can hardly fault him for that. Am I not so often evasive myself?
Is it boredom or a genuine desire to learn that compels me to seek more knowledge of this man? Does it matter? For as long as I remain in Bree-land and for as long as he deigns to grace me with his presence, I shall continue to enjoy his company. The days may seem long, almost unending in their oh so gradual march toward my recovery, but I find myself a little less impatient now.
