[Several pages that have been scribbled on throughout the entire week.]
To do:
* Finish touches on Maurr’s hook Done!
* Finish costume/Go to Harvestmath Ball Done!
* Finish Cyanite’s circlet Done!
* Get mud out of robe? Dye robe to hide stains? Done!
* Line leather for Maurr Done!
* See Elias w/ coin Done!
* See Taite Done!
* Bring Jacki wheelbarrow Done!
* Make meal in Soothery Done!
* Travel for Durin’s Day...
[A separate page.]
Oct. 14
The Harvesmath Ball was wonderful, wonderful! I haven’t had such a fine night in a long time. Spent most of the day working on Maurr’s hook, and he was ecstatic to receive it. I was very happy with how my robe ended up looking; I actually felt handsome in it. And of course the miner adornments made me look ridiculous, but I am comfortable that way, too.
Maurr picked me up in a ‘pumpkin carriage’ (a cart with a pumpkin in the back). Of course he drove like he was trying to race someone, and the fruit toppled/splatted in the yard! He cleaned it up while I walked in with Miss Taite. She was without a partner; I don’t know much about ladies, but I know from Cyanite that most like being escorted in places.
The rest of the night went by so quickly! Piper was a great hostess, I saw Gustine with the lad she’s courting — he and I tied in the pie-eating! Maurr won the costume contest (and received pastries!), I saw Elias, Kithri, other folk, and Maurr and I were the last ones to leave.
He told me I had promised him some things, and I felt like a right fool for having forgotten! The dances! It was raining when we left, and Maurr was real disappointed over it; he said he would've had us dance in the yard since nobody was dancing inside. I couldn’t keep myself from suggesting that the rain wouldn’t kill us, and he agreed, so we danced then and there! In the rain! We set the sweets basket under the tavern’s eaves, of course. The beat was the patter of the drops on my helmet, and the spin of the windmill nearby. I’ve never felt so happy to get rained on.
Maurr slipped into the mud, got me and my new robe muddy too. But I don’t think I mind it; I’d muddy a thousand new robes if only to see his laughing at the end of the day like that. I even grabbed up mud and smeared it in my beard to show him I wasn't upset. Thus, the night ended finely, after we got home and clean and to bed.
~~~~~
Oct. 17
This week has been mostly calm, thankfully! I finished the circlet (I do hope Cyanite loves it), added to my to-do list (I’ll finish it all eventually), been trying to clear out the cupboard before leaving so food doesn’t spoil...
Last night I dreamt of birds, worms, plants, and ants. There were bird cages, and one of the birds had hatchlings, and I had some plants that wouldn’t grow because I didn’t have any bugs, so Maurr collected the ants while I occupied myself with the worms! The worms seemed to solve all the problems — both baby bird hunger and my failed sproutlings.
That dream made me re-pot my plants. I hope they won’t all die before I return! The day was chilly, and I still have dirt under my fingernails, but I’m satisfied with my work.
The next thing I am excited about is Durin’s Day. Nervous, but excited. I expect I’ll see everyone coming back from Rivendell very soon! Then we travel!
~~~~~
Oct. 18
Miraculously, I managed to save my robe. Seems some of my mother’s homely tricks and advice stayed with me! And I said my good-byes to Miss Taite. She’s such a sweet lass; I hope she does well. I asked if she could make sure Elias stays well, too. She shook my hand, though I was hoping for a hug. I said good-byes to Kithri, too, but I’ll see her soon. And I gave Jackilyn her wheelbarrow! She and I chatted for a while, she spoke of her new lad… I have some thoughts on that. I will keep them to myself. I'm very glad that she's happy.
~~~~~
Oct. 19
Bíld has returned! I saw Bíld! It was wonderful! I love him! He came to the Soothery while I was cooking the rest of my food; I couldn’t let it waste. Elias showed as well, and I gave him the coin-pouch from Maurr. Saw M. Tumunir also. He scares me as always, but his mood didn’t seem incredibly sour or terrible last night; Bíld was right sweet to him, so I’m sure that was a cause of his less-harsh demeanor.
I also finished that adjustment on Maurr’s prosthetic; had the leather’s inside lined with cloth, so it shouldn’t irritate him badly any longer.
I suppose we leave tonight. I hope the travel goes well. I hope Cyanite doesn't tease about my stomach too badly. I hope I don't die because of Bóurr's sons or the ladies that will be along. Or from misadventure with beasts or bandits or the road's other perils..!
*"If y
I began to write a Haddoct quote, but most are so very idiotic or so very rude.
