Orlenne stifles a yawn as she puts quill to parchment, the candlelight flickering in a slight draught.
We are back from our trip. I will admit I was pleasantly surprised when I saw Svikt waiting outside the Prancing Pony Inn, having had at the very least doubts of his reliability after the incident with the false coins. Our horses were brought to the entrance by an hostler and Eoryn came running up soon after, a wicker basket bouncing at her side, a backpack slung over her shoulder, a fishing rod clutched in one hand and her other hand holding down a straw hat from flying off her head. She beamed happily as she caught sight of us, giving us a wave with the hand holding the fishing pole. We ducked inelegantly out of the way and quickly mounted our horses. After having paid the hostler for his services, we were on our way with very little hassle.
The trip itself was pleasant, the sun shone warmly and it was perfect weather. The horses plodded along steadily and Eoryn hummed happily, pointing out butterflies and other sights that caught her attention. Svikt was good company, attentive to our needs on the journey, making small talk and generally keeping the mood happy and lighthearted. I was surprised at the change from the quiet, almost sullen man I had first met at the Inn; then he had seemed most reluctant to speak at all.
I had expected that we would enter the Shire itself, but when we came in view of the Brandywine Bridge, Svikt had us turn off the road to the left and through a large round hole in a hedge. This was the entrance gate to Buckland, another hobbit community, but outside the boundaries of the Shire itself. We soon came to a small market and dismounted, leaving the horses in the care of the local hostler.
Eoryn was not interested in the small marketplace at all and it was with some trepidation I let her go her own way, off to the riverbank for her beloved fishing. I was calling after her not to fall in the water when Svikt motioned me to follow him to the market, eager to show me the wonders of the hobbit merchandise and so we turned to inspect the available goods. I soon lost myself in the diversity of the materials and threads available. Hobbits seem to enjoy good clothing as much as the next person. It came as rather a surprise when I felt a touch at my elbow. I turned to find Svikt looking at me oddly, almost as if he were shy. I soon found out why, he wanted to take me on a picnic, just him and me this time. Taken by surprise, I agreed before I realised what I was saying. He smiled happily then. Turning back to the stalls and feeling a little self-conscious, I concentrated on the goods available, trying to select the best threads for my work. The craftsmanship is rather different than what I am used to and I soon forgot any awkwardness inspecting them and trying to find the best quality.
It was an hour or two and several purchases later that I came to my senses again, suddenly realising how long we had been at the market. I informed Svikt that I intended to find Eoryn, suddenly feeling guilty and worried for having left her alone for such a long time. Whatever would Cymaru think! Hurrying along, we soon found Eoryn fishing away happily on the bank of the Brandywine river, pleased as punch with her catch. Relieved, we sat beside the river and watched her fish for another half an hour before heading to the hostlers and retrieving our horses. Saddling them up we made our way back to Bree without incident.
It was dark when we arrived back at the Prancing Pony. The stableboy came out and took care of the horses as we retrieved our belongings and headed inside for a quick drink before retiring for the night. Svikt took an Isenwine with us and then disappeared, I know not where. I never thought to ask where he was staying. He seemed to enjoy the trip and mentioned that his aim of the trip had been fulfilled, that is to ask me out on a picnic! I laughed at that, but must admit felt flattered at the attention. I hope John does not mind me getting attention from other men. Though he has been dead now for a year, I still feel reprehensible allowing another man to give me attention. Eoryn was content with her fish, I believe she gave them to Cymaru for preparation in the kitchens. And I myself am happy with the excellent quality threads I bought at the hobbit marketplace. All in all a succesful trip I would say.
Smiling to herself, Orlenne puts away the quill, blowing out the candle and heading for bed.
