Found:
In my daily search for a new campsite, I was pleasantly surprised to happen across none other than Khazim! Ah, but I have missed his smiling face and his company.
It seems he's been up in Evendim hiding from the world a while, though he forgot to visit my assests there and, again, expressed an interest in doing so. He asked to come along when I next head that way. I didn't tell him why I was going, nor did he ask, but it should be of little consequence to leave him on the island for the few days that it will take to conclude my business. 'tis not alike he will be alone there anyway.
Assuming he and Ry get along well enough - which they should. Both are very personable men - then all will go well and they can keep one another entertained in my absence.
I've not seen the latter yet. I hadn't expected to, truth be told, but I remain concerned. Not for his physical safety, of course. The man can handle himself well enough in a fight. I fear, however, that his mental and emotional wellbeing may take a bit of a battering if he stews in this for too long. There's naught I can do, however, but wait for him to decide that he's ready to see me again. Besides, I'm not the only one he can turn to. I just hope he doesn't take it out on the others as well.
Better not to dwell on it.
Instead, I shall turn my attention to the welcome distraction of the merchant. He is, as always, a balm to the spirit and mind. His warm and gentle presence always manages to make even the worst days more bearable. Luckily, then, these are only mildly trying days... except for my continued desire to move.
I need to get out of Bree-land. I know what Ry said, that he would give the others until the end of the week and then we would depart regardless, but at this point I'm not holding my breath. Someone's going to break a nail or need more time to prepare rations and we'll end up delayed by another week, and another, until I can't stand it anymore and end up breaking the promise to wait for the sake of my own sanity. What little there is left.
Khazim! Remember Khazim. Remember his calming influence.
He's making progress. I hugged him in greeting and he didn't almost die of fear on the spot! Indeed, he offered me a further embrace before his later departure! The world is full of wonders indeed. Perhaps, given time, we might even be able to work him up to the point of accepting that he need not be alone. Probably not!
Mayhaps I should try to convince myself of the same first.
