Alas, much has occurred, some hopeful, some sorrowful. I have brought great comfort to Brynleigh, yet I also have caused great conflict within her, I fear. But I am already getting ahead of myself. Only a few days ago, I had wandered in the lush forests of Chetwood, and on my way back to Hookworth, the sun began to set. The sight of such beauty always brings me a sense of calm, and to put it poetically, it is a truly awesome feeling to know that though the sun sets, it returns in the morning with a warm glow across the lands. As I sat and watched, I saw a form stumbling forward on the road. I approached cautiously, until I recognized it as Brynleigh. Her dress had been torn, and an awful gash soaked the cloth red at her shoulder. The poor woman was in a distressed state, but her jaw was set and her eyes forward. I wrapped her shoulder best I could, tearing my robe.
I helped walk her to Hookworth, and to her home. She clung to me as if I were the only thing she had left. Once she was inside, I set her down in the nearest chair, by the fire. I kneeled down in front of her, letting her sob as I gently held her in my arms. I comforted her best I could, until she pulled away in distress. She felt conflicted. Her deceased husband still dear to her heart, as if he were still alive. I... Do not know how to comfort her. She finds comfort with my company. Yet she finds conflict, and I do not understand. Perhaps I have... Come across as more than a friend. But I will not let that stop me from doing what I can to heal Brynleigh's pain, for bearing it alone is something no man or woman should deal with.
It turns out she was attacked by two thieves, a man and a woman. To find they did not steal more than her coins and knife was a weight lifted from my heart, for I could not have taken it if anything... Happened to her.
The following morning I came to check on her, as she requested. The poor woman is so broken, and my heart goes out to her. But I feel a ray of hope within her. She is moving forward, though I know how painful it will be for her. During our time together, we began... Holding hands. Yet it felt more than a friendly, comforting hold. I... Do not know what or why. We withdrew quickly, the both of us at a loss. One may even find it humorous, the both of us stumbling through words, reaching out to change the subject. The morning held more comforting, and crying. She is moving forward, and for that I myself find hope.
Brynleigh seems to be taking up much of my thoughts, and paper. I do not know it is I feel for the woman. I feel her pain and sorrow as if they were my own. I feel the need to protect her. I feel the need to comfort her. I can not and will not let my feelings go beyond that, for her sake.
