It is strange, is it not, the way a memory can have such a powerful and instant effect on a soul, even after such a long time has passed.
All it took was the mention of Ost Guruth, that old, ruined fortress in the Lone Lands, which I have glimpsed only once in my lifetime. The words fell from the lips of Aeruthuil as he escorted me home last evening. A strange man, he is. A man of deep secrecy and inward mannerisms. Always he seemed a silent statue to me, aloof and distant, with little to say beyond polite niceties. That is, he always felt kind but never knowable. Even now, I feel I know so little of who this man is, though thin layers of the shroud seem to be falling away, one at a time. This one memory he spoke of in passing, and suddenly it was all within my mind again. I could see myself sitting there, dressed in my traveling clothes. The man Helegrandir had guided me there in my search for Tothrandir, though it was all for naught in the end. Aeruthuil found me there and spoke with me, revealing grievous truths I did not wish to believe. A single evening, so long ago, and still so painfully sharp in my memory.
I spoke without thinking when he mentioned this, and he heard the sorrow in my voice. I think he felt the need to ease the hurt, and he talked on about kinder and gentler things, and by the time we reached home, I felt a tender wish to hug him. It didn't seem right, somehow, to make such a expression towards this peculiar and puzzling man, with his hooded face and his stoic manner. So I rather just leaned against him a little, without expecting any gesture in return, but he surprised me by reciprocating with a gentle embrace before we parted ways. And now, I have written far too much that I didn't intend to write. Such seems to be the way with me. My mind does love its rabbit trails.
There was a fantastic gathering of people at the Sizzling Turtle yesterday! It began with just myself and Adriellyn running into each other outside and having a nice little chat. She was wearing a dress, of all things (I hope that doesn't sound unkind!), and we had a sweet exchange of compliments that we both tried to deflect. She is smiling so much more now, and even laughing here and there, and I'm so glad to see it. She was so incredibly sad when she and Leoffrith returned from their journey, and it pained me to witness her grief.
One by one, we were joined by an ever increasing number of folk. It seems the balmy weather was bringing everyone out to enjoy some cold cider and hearty fare from the Turtle kitchen. Jonnathan kept me thoroughly entertained with his jokes and his constant banter. He really is the most jovial person I think I've ever met! I know he can be more thoughtful, as he's shown during the fleeting conversations we've had alone. But I admit, I appreciate the way he can keep me smiling and laughing. Inayat and Arenborne arrived a bit later, and by then it was quite a crowd, and I couldn't enjoy Ina's company as I would have liked. But she and Aren looked as happy as could be, much moreso than a few months back, and for that, my heart was gladdened. A few faces that I was not expecting happened upon us as well; James, the roguish fellow from Bree-town, a charming young woman (with a horse named Jack!) named Storm, and a pleasant hobbitess who introduced herself as Meillion.
For now, I must close, and will write again soon.
