Everything was neat, precise, tidied away, in her own mind anyway, for to others it might look a little chaotic. The work room was coupled with her kitchen, a rather iffy thing if truth be told. The last of her morning visitors had departed, an elderly man with a particularly nasty boil that throbbed upon the back of his thigh. He left with a great deal less pain, and at his insistence, the payment of a few coins. She could relax, she could breathe, she could process again recent events. Her diary had always been a comfort, allowing her to be angry, ridiculous, joyous. It held her fears and her hopes, it held secrets.
Sunny. she is most certainly an enigma, though I disagree, she does not look at all like me. He told me she can, if she wishes to, and I have no doubt of this. Considering what I know of the woman, nothing surprises me regarding her. She is my sister now, in a fashion, and our meeting was certainly how I imagine two sisters to behave. We shared a meal and a drink in one of the more private establishments of the town. It was comfortable, yes, the lodge, but more so the encounter. I know she can turn herself into whatever character she likes, a fool, a noble, a simple trader. I find it strange that given all that has transpired in the past, that she is part of the family, that she is trusted, after all she was in the employ of Efram and he certainly cannot be trusted. Perhaps she was playing a part when we spoke, who could say? Of course Percy adores her, that much was clear when he and I spoke. A man who too can turn from night to day in an instant. He has certainly made an impression on the town, a very vivid, loud one. I am told they have both returned to their home, no doubt I shall see them again one day.
Mother. I do believe that Remy confounded her. Her arrival was as any other time she had visited, full of criticism of my life style, full of warnings of the evil of men, cleaning my home even though it was perfectly clean, and complaining incessantly. Sweet Rafel suggested that she have cake to make her more reasonable. I think if I had purchased every single sweet treat the town had to offer, it would not have made a dent in her hardened heart. Remy managed it though. It took more than one meeting, but upon his last, she was practically beaming with delight. Maybe not beaming, but I noticed the difference in her behavior. After his first meeting, one where he was very frank and honest with her, she was left asking me question upon question, still warning me, still making unwarranted comments. It was that meeting she had said he looked like a whore. That makes me laugh, for it is true he takes great pride in his appearance, and he has many women flock around him. He is a gentleman though, and one that would not back down from her ill words, meeting them with grace and patience. At the end of his last visit, she was dancing in his arms, the silken gift he gave for her hair still in her hand. He arranged for a personal guard to escort the caravan that was taking her home, in addition to their own guards. I thanked him, not just for this, but giving her a taste of what she used to be in her youth.
The Baker. A woman whom struggles, one who strives, and fumbling her way to independence. I have made an arrangement for fresh baked goods to be delivered every day, though Remy decided it best to have them left in the care of the guards at the village gate, who would then bring them to me. I am still getting used to them, not the loaves, but the guards. I wished to help her. Perhaps in the coming days more shall ask for deliveries, though he has a plan in place, as always.
Rafel. He has asked to join me when next I gather plants. I feel no threat from the man, only kindness. His affinity for horses is clear, I might even think him to be of our people! I have agreed he can accompany me, though I think it might be wise of me to avoid anywhere too creepy. People think me mad to venture to the barrow downs and old forest. I shall have to give the matter some additional thought.
Remy. I have reflected on our time together. We are bonded, we share a table. You have gone beyond sponsorship, you have become a close and dear friend. A man whom I did not trust, and yet now, I cannot imagine being without. What you have done, continue to do, brings me closer to you. I could not imagine a day where I did not bolt the door to my home in several places, yet, I watched as each piece of iron was removed by your hands. It might have taken me time, I might have pushed you aside, ignored your flattery, but you understand why and your patience is unending. Your patience has its rewards. I would not be so cruel as to give you false hope. What I offer you is honesty with an open heart, my games are for others, not you.
