Again, so much has happened of late that I find my mind swirling as I settle by the fire to write these reflections.
Following my darling Fille's revelation concerning her mother's death, she threw herself anew into her forging studies and I am grateful for that fact, as I know that she is safe and unseen under the care of her mentor, her delicate features hidden by soot and hard work. I knew that such work would be the best tonic for her troubled spirit and keep her from dwelling overly much on all we had discussed. Soon, I shall open that book carefully with her again and we shall contemplate what she should do to gain some peace concerning her father, but for now just thinking of her tearful confession regarding her father's lies, and how she shuddered in my arms breaks my heart. There must be some way I can shield her from such grief in the future. I would give my very life to make it so and that goal often fills my wandering thoughts.
My thoughts are also dominated by the fact that soon Xandilif shall be in Bree, drawn by my summons...as well as the mystery of Xanir's wherabouts. I have word from a mutual ally in Gath Forthnir that she has set forth and intends to pass through the pass of Ram Duath on course for Bree-land, seeking Xanir as she goes. This ally also assured me that she intends to avoid the camps of the foul Merroval, which is very good considering the last time she spent time amongst those unnatural creatures she disappeared for weeks at a time. Their ways bring out all the worst elements of her nature and she is well resolved to avoid their lairs.
I admit that I actually look forward to seeing her despite my concerns, and will be pleased to introduce her to my new friends and loved ones here in Bree. I wonder what she will make of my dear Fille, of bronze-haired Cilyniton, of little Avi and so many others. I dread that she will be harsh or dismissive unto me or these gentle creatures I seek to aid...but I must trust in the fact that though she is the Banshee and is a sore trial, she is my sister and we share far more than blood. She stated to me directly after her stay in noble Dol Amroth that she wished very much to meet Fille...well in truth she said "As for that runaway daughter that you have calved after, lock her up somewhere so I might get a look at her." but that is what she meant.
I recently discovered that Fille and Leonnie, the Wolfslayer of Combe are friends as well, which was a joyous discovery, that they had met some time ago in the company of Fille's worthy but mysterious swain. However, the pleasure of that insight was diminished by the knowledge that the Wolfslayer was aggrieved over an event at the Pony in which someone baselessly accused her of foul deeds, misconstruing her desire to help some poor boy. She was so shaken and despondent that any would think that of her that I offered my council...however I soon felt out of place as she grew very reticent and silent. I realized that she craved to share confidences with dear Fille, one of her own race, and I feared that I had presumed overly much on my feeling of kinship with her. I forget sometimes that the customs of Bree are so different then I assume or expect. I left the wounded Wolfslayer to Fille's ministrations, hopefully wiser for my errors and will make my apologies to Fille for my clumsiness later.
I spoke of little Avi earlier. Well she had words with another of her breed the other night, who was dismissive of her and her great deeds in the war against shadow and they actually came to blows. I was so disturbed for my little friend as his insults struck her most grievously. The churl's japes brought forth all the feelings of self doubt and little worth that she says drove her from her home to seek adventure in the first place. On top of that, recollections of her dead sister brought her to futile tears, which I shed along with her. For all her simple nature I have seldom met a spirit as pure as little Avi, and if I had that cruel halfling who insulted her here now...well, he would soon join Buk in the compost heap, I imagine.
As I discussed her anger with dear Avi I felt a presence enter the Pony, indescribably beautiful and old. I turned to see a woman who seemed to me at that moment to be made of only light and light alone...a lady of the Noldor clearly of high esteem and grace. I soon learned that she was a comrade of Avi's and introduced herself as Arahen, a descendent of the noble line of Orodreth of the august house of Finwe. She told me of late that she has been dwelling in the golden wood of Lothlorien under Galadriel's protection and found herself in Bree on the road on important business. As she had heard her old comrade Avi was a resident in Bree and knowing her well enough to know she could likely be found in the largest tavern, she had stopped at the Pony to bring her a lovely gift and warm greetings.
The Lady Arahen was gracious enough to linger and speak to me in the Pony and allow me to draw in the purity of her nature and spirit...truly a beloved daughter of Elbereth. She finally decided to remain at the Pony for a time, and I overcame Barliman's new distrust of me to secure for the Lady the finest chambers available, suitable to her station. She was most gracious and complementary for my slight effort on her behalf and retired for the night, with the promise we would speak the next day. She seemed to genuinely value our discussion which was amazing to me as she is of such noble lineage and I am but a simple Hunter of Imladris, of a family of little account amongst the wise save for our good service. Truly beside her I feel as if am but a humble shadow of the grace of the Noldor which fills her by nature, being of the Sindar myself. It will be wonderful if she decides to remain in Bree for a time, since as I am faced with the dangers to Fille and others and such uncertainty with my kinfolk it will be priceless to have her wise council.
Now I must lay aside this volume as I have much to do to prepare for Xandilif...for one thing I must convince Barliman not to allow her access to the keg room.
