Dandy, Words Unspoken

When I returned from Rohan, I found Bryn and with Tarsorel, the three of us knew something had to be done about a certain threat.

I found terrible things had happened in my absence. Especially to Bryn, who I feel most responsible for. Kaes and Aeldiet, with Emmawynn and others, had handled it. Messages had been sent all the way from Gondor of warning and what small information we had.

Morale was painfully low. 

Why do people always underestimate morale, Dandy? I am sure you would have an answer, as you seem to for most things. Yellow is your colour; the colour of intrepid passion. A questing heart. You are the smartest person I know. You are the only person I know who explores these topics as keenly as bees explore flowers.

I did what I could for Bryn, and I aggressively acted to bolster the morale of my group.

Part of that was making loud and reckless the announcement that Bryn had come out the other side of his threat; he was free of it. I broke the timidity of the group; I broke their time in hiding. It was dangerous, but timid men do not win fights. It was more dangerous to let the fear consume them.

Making no decision is always more dangerous than making the wrong one.

I took everyone to the inn in Combe, got them all drunk as skunks, and then brought them by the pond to dance.

The dance party grew, locals came, and even Greengrove, like an omen of merriment. People often don't understand that when I am reckless, it is not boredom. Nor whim. It is a call to me; a call to act. Something strong, powerful and leading me. Pushing like a tide.

The dance party that day by the Combe pond was the furthest I saw Brynleigh emerge from the Combe and Wattle Inn after days of seclusion. It was also the day Tate's spirits lifted and he let go of the dark hysteria he had held in the days before.

... And it was also the day a curly-haired Bree-land barmaid left a plate of cakes on the rock when it was over. An offering to the spirits of nature, hoping for their goodwill. Hoping to ward off darkness.

It must have been the first time you ever saw a dance like that in the open. I am sure it looked wild to you, dangerous.

You knew, didn't you, Dandy?

You knew that day was fateful. You guard your destiny. You see the destinies of those around you. You are good at understanding others. Most of all, though, you knew you would dive in, head first like you always do. The curiosity bit you that day, and it did not let go. I feel like you knew everything, all along.

That being said, faeries did not eat those cakes darling. I did. They were delicious.