I appear to be getting a little bit better at the rules of courtesy of the Soft Folks, and as I ride back home, my cart empty (I delivered the yew to Marnewyn's cottage though I wasn't able to catch her at home to do it so I left a note), I wonder if I'll start to fall into Soft-Lands habits and confuse, or unwittingly offend, my tribe-mates. Not right now, I mean, nor soon, but if I keep this up, perhaps someday. It seems Frideric intends me to visit Staddle and Bree regularly (I guess that cartful of barley and oats, and the good price I earned for it, unwittingly committed me to more such journeys).
My cart is empty, but nevertheless, my efforts were largely fruitful. I had to pay coins for seeds in Staddle but I got seeds of a good variety of vegetables that hopefully will grow well in our feeble soil. The other things I was sent to purchase aren't ready yet, but I've made good trades for them, and in one case, was able to barter directly with artifacts of Rhudaur or Arnor for them, which is better for everyone (I think) since both parties avoid the costs of the middle-man.
That one case was the purchase of healing salves and other supplies to restock Strangsig's hoard, which I arranged to purchase from Cesistya (an Elf who previously helped me find my way to the Scholar's Stair Archives to find writings about brewing), who was quite fascinated by the ancient relics I had to show, shards of two pottery containers, probably urns, we recovered from Minas Eriol. I left her with about a quarter of the pieces for each urn, and will provide the rest on completion.
The farming tools had to be paid with coin, or will be, when they're ready. Fortune really smiled on me (after so much frustration at failing to find Gafford), for, as I walked into the Prancing Pony, two people at the counter chanced to be speaking about how one of them was a metal-worker who made tools. I almost fell to the habit of stepping up to ask about it, but remembering my troubles at the last market, I simply mentioned my interest and removed myself and my beer to a courteous distance, and chatted some with Tholpa, a hobbit I'd met the previous night. In time, the fellow, Allyster Norwood, came over and we discussed the sale. The woman who he'd been speaking to, who I did not meet, didn't even seem angered, so I imagine I must have handled it correctly by Bree's rules.
What's more, Allyster is able to make not just the farming tools, but also the remaining metal items I need for brewing, the spigoted pot, and the air-locker (I had previously collected the fermenting tun from Clarador, trading for an old Rhudaur spoon). The price for Allyster's work is quite dear, at least by Eglain standards (and the two pouches of pipe-weed I bought, and one more that Tholpa kindly gave me, will have to last a long time), but I should be able to start attempting ale in a week or two (if a few barrels are also ready).
The only thing I had hoped to do on this journey that I couldn't was to speak to Sareva, the tailor, about some improvements we'd like to learn, specifically ways of making clothes more water-resistant. Not something the Lone-lands demands often, being as it's dry so much of the time, but when it's needed, it's very needed. But despite that and the emptiness of my cart, I feel that the journey was quite successful. I'll be back in a week or so, and hopefully the farm tools, healing supplies, and brewing equipment will all be ready. Until then, it will be nice to be home. Bree is enjoyable after a fashion; so many people, good beer, easy hunting, and the chance to keep quite busy at the business of the tribe. But perhaps the greatest thing about Bree is the feeling of leaving it and returning to the solitude and open spaces of home. Each land improves by contrast with the other.
