Reading my last entry, I'm surprised to see how much time has passed since I wrote. I suppose I was avoiding putting quill to paper about what was a very difficult task. I did continue to Tosie's house but not to make up with her and take her in my arms. There was a part of me that wanted to through caution into the wind, again, and try once more but I could not. It was not only because of the ups and downs, but I know in my heart I can't give her what she needs. I'll never be able to give enough time, enough of myself to her. I told her as much. I could see the pain and anger in those dark eyes. She'd given up being happy with Eordian for another chance with me and I could not accept it. I wish she hadn't as I wish I hadn't gone chasing her. We both made mistakes but I'm determined not to repeat them. I wish her well even if she can't stand the sight of me. I knew that as much when I returned Meredith's doll. I'd heard she had been dating that loan shark Ildrand, she can do much better but it is no longer my concern.
I spoke to Nunen not long after I broke it off completely with Tosie, she's such a sweet girl. Dark hair and green eyes with a soft face, it's hard to resist even if she's very shy. I invited her to dinner, hoping to figure out where she stood when it came to what she wanted from me. Turns out we are looking for different things at this point in life but I was happy to keep her company and I will be her friend. Even I would be hard pressed to want to corrupt her, though it's tempting.
On the Watcher front, things have been moving very fast. I was promoted to Fourth Watcher, I can hardly believe it myself but Captain Redwood seems to have faith in me. What set that in motion was the death of Brokenridge, the Stone Quarter bandit identified by one of our own, Karl, who grew up in the Alley. He's a decent sort and an example that not everyone that lives in poverty will grow up to be a criminal.
Rhyva and I were patrolling, we ran into a young girl who was alone and ended up following us. I could not help but look at her and see Ada who is about the same age. I might not have my daughter but I am thankful she is not running around town in ragged clothing or living in a tent in the Alley. Narchith is a charming child and I think I made a new friend as I spoke with her and she told me about her adopted father who helps folks in the Alley. I would like to find and speak with him, if I can, we need friendly eyes in the Alley and I asked Narchith if she would watch for me. Children can often see what adults can't, they are rather more unbiased than we are and adults tend to ignore them.
It was on our second round that we found the Stone Quarter bandit, hammer and shield in hand, cornering the girl and a young woman, which I later found out was named Murienn and she had brought some food to the children there. It happened quickly, Rhyva drew her crossbow and I stepped up to him, repeatedly telling him to lay down his arms. At least he was distracted enough that the girls ran to safety but he was not going to go down without a fight. He swung at me and the Captain's crossbow bolt hit his shield, we both had swords and after a brief scuffle, the man fell to his knees. It was then I saw him pull a knife, aiming to stab himself so I threw myself at him, hoping to knock the knife away. Unfortunately, this caused him to fall over and right onto it, stabbing himself between the ribcage. He died there and I felt bad, I'd wanted to take him alive so he could be questioned. Also that Muirenn and Narchith had to witness it, though the child did not seem very perturbed. No doubt she's seen worse in this place.
Mandic hauled away the body and I took the witnesses to the Pony. I could not leave the girl in her tent next to a pool of blood. I made sure they were comfortable and the girl's dad would look for her there, she assured us. She's quite a confident and happy child for her situation and I felt well enough to leave her stuffing cookies into her mouth under Barliman's not so watchful eye.
When I finally got to meet up with the Captain, she was speaking to my friend Billium. He's been raising some attention to his cause, the Bree Defense, a movement for Breelanders to defend themselves against the brigands from the south. While his current action is focused outside the Hedge, we will soon have to address the inequities and abuses of power caused by certain "Houses" from Harad and Gondor who seek to corrupt our way of life. Bree is simple and the people here have no need for great Lords and Ladies who bring so much gold with them they make it hard for the poorer folk to buy anything by inflating the goods. The merchants are to blame but they'll come to heel if the issue with the market is dealt with. All in good time though, we won't have a town to straighten out of these bandits aren't dealt with. I agree with Bill's idea and told him as much and it seems so does our Captain. I knew I could count on Rhyva, she feels much as I do about the situation.
Part of my promotion and raise comes with a price, for I'm to take a few men I can count on and help Bill's lads when the time comes on the other side of the Hedge. That means real fighting, not trying to arrest someone. I mean to speak to Mandic, as he's a veteran and I know he's not squeamish when it comes to killing. I worry only for he seems to have a love of a foreign woman and she is dark of skin, it makes me suspect she is a southron and I will have to address that with him. Penham would be a natural choice but he is nursing an injury and won't be healed for some time. Sewyn seems like he might be keen and I think I'll ask Makorl as well. As for anyone else, I'm not sure about the new recruits Danwick and Thornbrough as I've not worked with them as much.
All in all it's been very busy, I'll be collecting the bounty in a few days. 1500 silver, it seems obscenely high but I did do the work. I'd planned on buying a horse and giving the rest to Bill's cause for weapons and armor but that's changed. Piperel came to me yesterday and told me she wanted to move out of her apartment. She then told me why. Bill's speeches and his activities over the hedge seem to be making him enemies and for some reason one of them thought Piperel would know where he lived. She told me it was a large heavy set man wearing a hood and mask with a knife who broke into her home and grabbed her. She could not tell me any more and seemed evasive when I asked her why anyone would think she knew much about Bill. I left it alone, as she was already shaken up and apparently her dear boyfriend was nowhere around when this occurred. I told her she should go back to the farm, keep Corrinne and Gram company until our parents got back, which should be soon as they've been gone nearly a month. Hollace's baby will be walking by the time they finally make their way back.
Piperel insisted she wanted a place of her own but did not have enough, She needed nearly 800 silver, for the purchase of the home and some furnishings. She always has such great timing. She showed me what she'd saved from her job as a cook and I asked her about Gorlen's contribution. Again, she looked away and was evasive, saying he was still recovering from his wound and only had one job to guard a wagon as it made it's run to the Shire once a week. Hardly enough coin to keep a woman and I certainly have seen him spending enough on ale.
Still, she's my sister and I made her promise me to only put her name on the deed. She agreed and I told I'd give her 700 silver but she'd pay me back, a little each pay day. It felt good to hug her and I was happy to see her smiling at me. Even though I know that shitheel boyfriend will be sleeping under the roof I bought, at least Pip is happy and will be safe. I told her to tell him he'd better to the most important job he has now, and that is take care of her. Now I have to decide to delay on the purchase of the horse or not give money to Bill.
Looks like I'll be walking to those farms if trouble arises.
