Late morning and the sun was already streaming into the home, rays extending through the curtains toward the long dining table. It was more cluttered than normal, she did not mind, for it was cluttered with love, friendship and good wishes for her birthday. Delicious cakes, gifts and naturally bottles of wine, placed upon the table, surrounded the diary that she wrote in. Although most would be milling about their day, highly productive, she remained in her night robe, it being a dark burgundy silk and tied at the waist, her hair could have been neater, but her skin was cleansed and still had the fragrance of lavender. She was content, she was exhausted.
So much has transpired in these few short days, that I know not where to begin. Remington Remy. He is an idiot, a fool, and shortened my life with worry I am certain of it. Who in their right mind carries such a vast amount of coin around the town? But that is it, he cannot be of right mind! I know not if he thought -me- the fool when he tried to hide what had happened to him, rather the extent of it. He owes me a new dress, try as I might to rid it, I still have some blood in the fabric. Perhaps the tailor has some material left that he might be able to replace the sleeves. The urgency of the matter didn't allow me to think other than to stop his bleeding, and if we had been at my home it would have been an easier task, yet I had to make do with whatever was at hand. I have not inspected the wound recently, but he assures me he is improving. I feel uncomfortable in not being entirely forthcoming with our new friends. Yes, he did fall, I did not lie, it just so happened to be due to some thugs who stole from him, who beat and stabbed him. I did not think it my place to elaborate, if he wishes to, he will. I did mention to him that it might be wise to inform them, for what if these thugs continued to roam the streets? He assures me that the matter is dealt with, I can only imagine how.
He stayed at my home, in my bed, though not for the reason many would assume. The fool, the wonderful fool, wished to take me to a market, and it was utterly delightful. Dwarves everywhere! They sold all manner of things from the useful, to the indulgent. I knew not where to look, for every stall had something of interest, and Remy made certain we left with, it felt like, half of the goods they sold. Gems, plants, cakes, though I regret not purchasing the small toy windmill. He treated me and I dare say if I had asked for everything, he would have emptied his purse for me. We also saw friends, it was wonderful. I hope they managed to buy some things that made them smile also. It was exhausting though, for him, and my delight entwined with worry. We returned to my home close by. He needed to rest, bleeding through the bandages around his waist. Yes, the medicine I provide him is vile in taste, but very effective, but it can only do so much, he needs to stop, to allow the body to heal. In good conscience I could not have allowed him to return to the town, so my bed was offered, a sumptuous, feather filled mattress, and it was as good a tonic as any. He slept soundly. I have advised he purchases a feather filled pad of sorts to lay atop of the inns bed.
Now, my birthday! I have to say I was very surprised, and very humbled. Dear sweet Rafel, a stable hand so gentle, thoughtful. I am glad to consider him a friend. He gave me the prettiest of rings, one made of rosewood. It sits beautifully upon my hand and I wear it often, though not as much as I would like. I would hate to ruin it when performing my work, oh, and he gifted me cake! A carrot cake to be precise, one which I shared with those sat at the table in the inn. The next gift came from Saerias, an incredibly thoughtful thing from a man whom I would not expect such. A leather belt, engraved with flowers and leaves, a pouch upon it that was sealed shut by an engraved silver button. It will be very, very useful to me in my work. The third gift was from Hound, a precious thing, at least I consider it so. A brooch of a leaf wrought of silver and blue enamel, or so it seems. I adore it so much that I placed it upon my scarf there and then. I am incredibly blessed, for a woman who shuns familiarity with others, I have found good people who have made me smile, not for their gifts, but their kindness. I hope to spend more time with them in the coming days.
A sharp series of knocks were heard upon the door, bringing her out of her focus upon the writing. Drawing back the chair, she stood, expecting Remy, expecting someone needing help, a delivery perhaps. As she unbolted the door and pulled it open a crack, her shoulders sunk. Soon a beautiful smile was plastered on her face, well practiced yet not genuine. The person stood upon the doormat returned the smile "[R] Come now child, the journey has been long and I need rest". Dernwynn reluctantly allowed them inside with a "[R] Of course mother, how lovely to see you", the older woman already taking in the home with her hawkish gaze...
