How cold it is this morning! I can see my breath in the air, and the ground is covered in a fine sheen of frost. I must admit, peering out at the grey mists with my blanket around my shoulders and a mug of weak tea in my hands, I feel quite hardened by all this traveling and adventure. I smile even to write that, for I don't know how true it actually is, but it makes for a good joke in my mind.
Gamferth remains nearby, as always. I think sometimes, he is loathe even to close his eyes and sleep for an hour, so great is his protective urge. I have been blessed enough to meet many kind people in my lifetime, but he is certainly one of the kindest. I cannot imagine having taken this journey without him, though I was so certain when I was back in Bree, that I could have done so. How many long leagues have we traveled together now? More than I could count. We have fought orcs and been robbed by Wild Men and worried over our food supply and talked long into the nights beside the camp fire and taken great comfort in each other's company. I feel a deep, warm affection for my friend, and while I cannot wait to be home again, I do not want to say goodbye to him.
On that subject, he has asked me if I would like to accompany him to Snowbourn, to meet his mother and see his home there. I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that I have no solid plans for my existence in Rohan. The obvious answer would be "go back to your family farm, Brynleigh". But I do not wish to go there. I would not find a warm, loving welcome, nor would I feel at home there anymore. I daresay, they were relieved to be free of me two years ago, and I would not set the burden upon them again. And so, I will go with Gamferth, and I am happy to do it. I imagine someone in that town will have use of a horsewoman, and I will find work well enough.
I have written long enough for now. My dear Gamferth is already preparing Sigefaest for departure, and I can hear Jack snorting and stomping with impatience. I do believe I can sense something in the air - some sweetness, some cleanliness - that makes me think we are very close to Mark, indeed!
