I am afraid I have disappointed the gentle lady at the candle shop. I told her I must leave Bree-town, and she looked quite sad. Perhaps she had grown fond of me. To be quite frank, I was not entirely unhappy in her company, either.
I have not seen the Hooded Man for several days. I tell myself it is for the best. I seemed to bring distress and discontent to him, though I cannot understand how or why. Nor can I understand why he seemed so gentle and tender towards me at first, and then more agitated as time went on. Perhaps his inner demons will not let him care for someone as he would like. Still, I am sad to think that this foray into friendship was unsuccessful for me. I do not know if this has strengthened my resolve to remain unattached from other people, or if it will make it easier next time, to get close to someone. And I do not know which of those two I hope for most.
As to the reason I must depart: I have heard that a caravan was spotted moving west, towards the Shire. My intention, of course, is to catch up to it, if I can. And see if the driver is the man I know. I do not hold out much hope, for there are many traveling peddlers and tradesmen in the world, but my mind will not rest unless I go. I have come as far as the camp belonging to the hobbit Adso, and he has confirmed the passage of the caravan. I will rest here for the night, and continue on foot tomorrow.
