It has been several days now, since I was freed from the hands of the Easterling brutes that held me captive. My back still aches, and I have been told I shall ever bear the marks of the whip that was used upon me; yet I am alive. A blessing that does not escape me. Had Rothrian not been so persistent in finding me, had Rogue not been aside her ... but she was, and I shall ever be in her debt. She is a boon friend, and I feel grateful to have met her.
As I sit here contemplating my next task, I feel a cold sense of unease as to what I must do. For too long have I lived with the spector of my past - of my father's wrath - and I shall no longer sit idly looking over my shoulder, waiting to be dragged home. I am my own woman now, not bound by his rules and restrictions, and I will not be forced into marriage like chattel. I will choose for myself when and who I marry, and only for love.
I thought that being away from him would lessen the feelings I feel inside. Yet I find it is not so, that they only grow with each passing day. I close my eyes, and I see him clearly still, my stoic captain of Dale, and I truly miss him. The man is like a fire in my heart, and a balm on my soul. Even without my oath, I would wait for him - none other measures up to his worth.
The rumors I heard in Bree of Theoden King were true, and he no longer tends to the interests of our people. I've seen first hand our lands; our crops ravaged by disease, our people beset by both beast and raiders alike. The sight makes me weep, and I am determined to uncover the cause of our king's dereliction. Perhaps I shall, as I travel deeper into the lands of my ancestors.
Rohan, after all, is my blood.
