I arrived to the town of Bree only a little over a week ago, and I have grown quite fond of the simplistic, comforting ways of the place! There have been many interesting people to meet, especially the gentleman that runs the Prancing Pony Inn. Cheery fellow, always busy and bustling about. And speaking of which, I have been staying at that inn for this entire time. There has been no business for my tutoring services as of yet, though I have not yet been here for terribly long.
Now, a note on some of the people I have the chance to meet! All of them kind, and most of them I have met only earlier today in the Prancing Pony. Among them; Cesistya, an elven scholar (who I will be sure to seek out someday, as I am absolutely fascinated by the prospect of learning from an elf!), a woman by the name of Ash, who is a healer, and... Oh, confound my memory! There was another woman who was a tailor, and another young lass. Ah, and then there is Firithain, a distinguished gentlemen of Rohan who's heart seems set in the right place. And then there was Brynleigh... In the short time I have been here in Bree, I have already become friends with her. She is laden with a heavy burden from the loss of a loved one, something that I understand far too well. She has a kind heart, though I dearly hope she will not harden it for fear of yet more pain.
My experiences here have been quite pleasant so far, with few things of note. Though today, I had helped Brynleigh find books she was in need of in the Scholar's Stair (a wonderful place, that). She had offered me a place to stay, in a village by the name of Hookworth. The inn here is very pleasant, and since I lack the coin, I shall be helping manage books to compensate! Ah, where was I... Yes, from the Scholar's Stair we decided to go to the Prancing Pony so that I could settle things with Barliman. On our way there, I offered her my arm, which she kindly took. Though she always acts a little... Odd when I do so. Anyways, this led to a pleasant evening with not only Brynleigh, but the rest of the afore mentioned men and women. Once the evening stretched into night, we parted company with many of the people.
We headed to the village of Hookworth, where Ash went home, escorted by Firithain. Brynleigh showed me around the inn, and as I said before, it is wonderful! She seemed very proud of the establishment, and her joy was rather contagious. And then something... Happened, with Brynleigh. She grew somber and quiet. I tried to ask her what was the matter, and laid a hand on her shoulder. Right at that time, Firithain showed up at the doorway, not looking pleased with what he saw. I released Brynleigh, and she retreated home with a brief 'good night'. The large Rohirrim left after her a few moments later. It is clear Firithain has feelings for Brynleigh, and I would not wish to get in between anything. However, Brynleigh is clearly in grief, and as a friend I will not stop doing what I can to bring some small amount of comfort to her.
Thus, that leaves me here penning my thoughts and experiences. It is late, though I cannot sleep. My mind continues to try and return to dark thoughts of the past, and I cannot let it. I still feel the loss of the two that meant most to me, but I can not and will not let my regrets stop me from being the man I was raised to be, and the man a child looked up to.
