I do believe this is the most beautiful day I've ever seen. It's not warm, not cold, it's just right. The sun is so lovely on my legs, it helps the ache a bit. The leaves from the apple tree and the birch tree are fluttering down on the wind and scattering all over the grass. The air smells of earth and woodsmoke. I think I could sit outside straight up till sundown and not move a muscle! Last night were so much fun, I could hardly sleep after, and I'm so completely tired from head to toe.
I'm proud of myself for swallowing my fear and going to the party. I couldn't make up my mind to go or not go, right up until it were nearly time to be there. I were so full of nerves, and I hate that feeling with every bit of my soul. On my way out of Bree, Mister Gregwald dashed up to me, panting like he'd chased me clear across town. Mister Leoffrith were right behind him on his horse, a huge, beautiful creature, black as pitch! Mister Gregwald asked if I wanted to come along with himself and Mister Leoffrith to the ball, since Mister Leoffrith's lady had took sick, poor thing. I hadn't expected to be asked to go at all by anyone, especially not someone I hardly know and with barely an hour to run home and change. I flubbed and stuttered and told him honestly that I didn't know if I were even going at all, but I thanked him most kindly for asking, and said maybe I'd see them there. I feel bad now, thinking of how Mister Gregwald's face looked, and he even mentioned my blue dress and how he wanted to see me wear it again.
Then, right in the middle of that, Master Tumunir appeared out of thin air, with a strange dressed person next to him that I can only guess was a hobbit? Though I didn't get a clear look. He barked and asked if the two fellows were bothering me. I thought that were so sweet of him, and of course I told him they weren't. He walked on with the hobbit, and I am so puzzled about who it was or where they were going or why. I'll have to ask him when I see him.
I can't hardly remember how I got the nerve up to put on the dress and go. I barely remember walking there. Next thing I saw Master Maurr and Mister Doc standing outside the Peaceful Peach. I don't know that I've seen two cuter figures in all my life. Mister Doc offered me his arm and said he'd walk me in since I were alone. Is that not the kindest thing ever?
We hardly got in the door when folk started pouring in behind and around us. I won't sit here and go over every single minute of the evening, but just what sticks out to me.
The whole thing were hosted by Miss Piper Plumwood. She looked amusing in a long robe and a pointy hat! She seemed terribly obliging and friendly, and I wish I'd gotten a chance to talk to her more. I'll have to visit the place again.
I found a chair that were empty and near the wall and parked myself in it for most of the evening. Mister Leoffrith and Mister Gregwald stayed near, and I was glad I didn't have to sit and look foolish with no one to talk to. Oh, Miss Gustine and Mister Theo came, too! Ah, she were so adorable, dressed in orange and green and saying she were a pumpkin! There were a few other folks I didn’t know, but that’s to be expected at a big party. The food were delicious, too.
I couldn’t figure out most of the costumes, really, but that’s all right. Mister Leoffrith looked very fancy, Mister Gregwald had some kind of wrap around his head. Mister Theo said he were a bandit, I think? I’m not sure what Mister Doc were supposed to be, but he looked mighty and stout either way! There were someone that seemed to hover near the walls, wearing a mask that sort of frightened me, but I think they took it off later in the evening. Ah, and there were a man dressed all in armor, what stuck close to Mister Dimheim all night. I were surprised not to see him with a lady on his arm, but knowing that he can be a little unsure of himself around people and how to carry on and such, I guess he just felt more comfortable on his own with his friend.
Thinking back to how he said I should ask Master Maurr to go with me, I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised. I haven’t seen nor heard a peep out of him since the night I were there helping him with Master Yurri (ah, I hope he’s doing all right! I’ll have to ask…) I thought some kind of corner had been turned or something, but it were all in my mind, as usual. I can’t keep showing up at the man’s door when he’s so busy with folks all the time and always looking so tired and thin. He needs peace and quiet and rest. I’d be a poor friend to add to his burdens.
Hmm. I’ve got an idea.
Anyway, there were no dancing, least while I were there, and I was glad about that. Not because I wouldn’t like to have seen people jigging and twirling about, but I wouldn’t have wanted anyone to ask me to dance. Maybe I would have found the courage to do it and just not care. But maybe I wouldn’t. I wish I didn’t care at all. Maybe if I just tell myself every single day that I don’t care what folk think, I’ll stop caring. But something tells me that nothing in life is ever so simple.
Master Theo and Mister Doc tied for the pie-eating contest! Mister Leoffrith didn’t want to take part, but we convinced him, and I were proud of him for doing it. The man with all the armor stepped up as well. I suppose nobody stood much of a chance to beat a hobbit at eating pies! I thought that were one of the funniest sights I’d ever seen. Still makes me laugh to picture it.
I’ll iron the dress tomorrow and get it back over to Missus Holbrook. The flower crown is still pretty. I’ll leave it sit on the table here until it starts to fade.
I’m so happy that I went. I wish Pa and Ma could have been there, or at least be here to tell about it. I’ve got no one to tell but this diary, and I don’t think it much cares what I write. I’m not going to think about what I’ve got to do in a few day’s time. I’m going to think about the party and just keep my thoughts happy. At least for today.
