How did I even manage to sleep last night? I must have been exhausted with happiness... is there such a thing?
I have not stopped smiling since I opened my eyes this morning. The day appears rather dreary and drizzly from where I sit, but I can't find it in myself to mind. I feel as though the sun has found its way into my breast and is filling me with light - warm and golden and gentle.
Yesterday evening was a blur of smiles, congratulations, warm firelight, cheerful music, and the bliss of being able to freely sit beside my sweetheart with his arm around me. He smiled unceasingly, bragged to every person we encountered, and bought them drinks. I cannot begin to express the sheer delight of seeing him so happy. The whole affair left me feeling rather heady, in the most pleasant way imaginable. We enjoyed chatting with the doctor, Raven, Aranglin (who was thankfully back on his feet), and sweet Cesistya (who was joined, to our great surprise by another elf, Glanlotiel, whom she called "second mother"). To my happy surprise, we heard that Brywulf and his lady, Arelie (yes, I finally learned her name!) are also engaged to be married, and they joined us as well. There was just one moment early on, where my dear, scarlet-clad Aallan said something that seemed rather out of turn, and hit me unexpectedly hard. I forgive him, of course, immediately and without reservation, and I pray still that he doesn't withdraw his friendship and love, as he means a great deal to me.
Yet in the midst of my joy and excitement, there is reality to be dealt with. Conversations to be had. And...a book that must, somehow, be closed. Some people are impossible to forget. I still have a pendant, and a ring; what am I to do with them? It wouldn't feel right to sell them or give them away. For now, they will be tucked away somewhere, I suppose. Perhaps when I travel home someday (soon, I hope), I can return them to his family.
My writing today has been accompanied by a plate of biscuits and a fine cup of the Kingsmead so generously gifted to me by Seaver. There is something about that man that continues to puzzle me. I have seen him sit alone with a bottle of rum, hunched and burdened, as if the world sat upon his shoulders. And I have seen him smiling and joking among his friends, his head high and seemingly carefree. I had a moment to look directly into his eyes and speak with him just a few days hence. His smile is disarming, but there is something behind his eyes that troubles me, and I can't put my finger on it. Something...
Ah, nevermind! Back to my happier thoughts!
