It's hard to keep a fire going today, it's that windy outside. And so cold! The sun be shining but the wind is bitter and hateful. Thank everything for Master Tumunir taking care of the firewood. I only had to rush out once to fetch fresh water from the well, and once was enough for me! The cold makes my leg ache so, and it makes me feel old to talk about aching bones and joints.
When I came out of the bedroom this morning, at first I thought everyone had gone out for the day. Till I saw Mister Darrell over behind his bed, doing some kind of exercise. (I can't decide what to call the man. He told me his real name was "Tarvarthal" but what a long name it is! I asked if he ever had a nickname, but he...well, foot, he never did answer that!) Anyway, he wasn't wearing a thing except his small-clothes, which gave me quite a turn. I turned around quick as you like and looked away but he didn't seem to think anything of it and just kept doing his exercises while talking to me. I heated some water so he could shave and he did at least put on his vest for that. I let slip Emory's name, and he asked about him a little. But he could tell it wasn't a happy subject for me. I haven't talked about my brother for a long time, and it made me sadder than I thought it might. I asked why he keeps his head shaved, especially seeing as it's winter and I'd think some hair might be nice to have in the cold. He said it were to keep his hood more comfortable, but I'm not so sure I believe that. I didn't say anything, but I noticed a lot of scars on his body. It made my heart hurt a little, as he seems such a kind and decent soul. I wonder what drove him away from the sea and where all those scars came from, but it's far from my business to ask, even though I wanted to.
The other day I met Mister Aeru in the Knotwood tavern, and Master Zurri with him. I haven't told Master Zurri yet that I knew his father, even if I only met him once. He left a mark on my heart, and I can't forget that night where he were so afraid and upset and...then he died. I don't know why it bothers me so. But Master Zurri seems a very affable dwarf and I like him.
They both talked of Mister Dimheim who it seems is finally on the mend. I wish him well, of course. Though something was said
(a large paragraph here is violently scribbled out)
I'm eager for spring. I don't like being shut inside so much.
