Well, I managed to somehow fumble my way through telling Mister Tairy about the wedding. Of course I couldn't muster the nerve to simply ask him to go with me! It weren't his fault it took him a few minutes to catch on and offer to come along. And then I felt a little off for telling him that only I were invited to the wedding itself, and he'd have to wait for the party after. But he didn't seem put out one bit, and just smiled and said he'd wait with the pony-cart and it were no trouble at all. My heart wants to ask if he understands just how shiv shivel gentlemanly that is, and how much it means to me. But I daren't.
Is he my friend now? Are we friends? It's hard to tell. He's so attentive and kind and gentle. I let slip to him about my birthday. I didn't tell anyone else, because who would I tell? And who goes around bragging about their birthday? Ma always said folk what announce their birthdays and hope to get gifts are acting in poor taste. But he asked outright when it was, and I weren't going to lie to him. He said he would go around the whole town and tell anyone I wanted that it were my birthday so they could come visit. Have you ever heard of anything so generous?! I told him I didn't want any such thing. I knew he would do something for the day, anyway. He's that kind of person. And I know he doesn't have much coin, and he works for his meals and the roof over his head. He gave me an inkwell. A pretty blue inkwell! He said it were for me writing here in my diary, since he saw it when I read my List to him. I’ve only ever had a bit of sharp charcoal to use, and now I have ink! Proper, beautiful ink! It’ll take some practice, I’m sure, so I don’t make an absolute mess, but that’s anything in life, aye? He were fretting about forgetting to buy a quill to go with it, but oh, please don’t worry on that, Mister Tairy! My heart hurts just to think that he would worry about anything at all.
Mister Doc is back in Bree! Which means sweet Miss Finchley is, too! I ran into Mister Doc at the Prancing Pony, and I were so happy to see him! Such a jolly, round little fellow he is! He fair begs to be hugged like mad, but I always hesitate, as I’m not sure we know each other “in that way”. One day. One day I will hug him and see if he seems happy with it! Of course, my heart were full of happiness on account of my dearest Master Maurr, knowing how much it would mean to him to have Mister Doc back! Master Maurr managed to sneak up behind him while we were sitting and talking and then they were laughing and hugging and it were all I could do not to start crying at how precious it all was. Ah, I held back partly because another person were sat next to me! Mister Mattais of all folk! I haven’t seen him in a long while, and sadly I couldn’t stay to catch up with him as it were late and I had to get myself home.
I saw Miss Finchley’s bed had been rumpled a bit the next morning, and most of the roast and taters were gone! Bless her, I hope she enjoyed her trip with Mister Doc.
And yet another ghost I’ve seen. Mister Dimheim, after all these months. I were in the Knotwood tavern with Mister Aeru and Mister Tairy and in he walks like it were nothing at all. Misters Aeru and Tairy had to convince him just to sit down, and then he seemed like he didn’t want to look at anyone much or say too much. But he seems hale enough, not ill anymore, and it were...well, to be honest, it were strange seeing him so sudden after so long. I felt… Well, never mind that. I were glad that Master Tumunir stayed with me after everyone else left. I can talk to him about things, and he always understands.
I need to start working on the wedding gift for Mister Leoffrith and Miss Lumina.
