Growth

A year. It had been a year since the poem Eiragerd had written for her own self. Somehow, again, this date managed to surprise her. Yes, she'd had further growth and goodness in the year between.
But somehow, on the very day she thought would pain her again, she was given unexpected blessing.

Eiragerd remembered the day. She could not have forgotten it if she cared to. Yet, she was surprised to find it did not stab her as she dreaded it would for weeks.
It was like any other memory and any other pain now. Looking back, she could not help but admire the growth it had brought about in her. Inspiration hit, and she could not help but write her heart on paper.

Have you noticed

How the clouds seem to weep with the strong?

As if to show them

That their sorrowful spilling of tears are not wrong.

As you watch them

They often seem to silently bear,

​​​​​​With smile or laugh,

It hurt, leaving those she'd come to know and treasure behind. She'd found acceptance there...warmth. She hadn't, since she could remember, had the ability to open and be herself with anyone. Yet here, she was able to, nearly without reservation. Even the ugliest parts of her were seen, protected...loved. She had found love there. A family.

Well it looks like I'd better get to work.  Master Balrinar is my self-proclaimed caretaker now I don't think I'll be able to get rid of that dwarf after tonight.  I made one friend I think? His name is Kabe lad about my age. He wanted to walk me home, alas that was a mistake. Master Balrinar didn't like the looks of the lad and one thing led to another. Eventually he scared Kabe off then he made me march back to the village! Like a soldier! It was mortifying.

It has been two days and well into noon, by now. Despite so, this did not trouble Nenusidh, perhaps it was one of the reasons why he had to set out so quickly, which was the journey will be a while in itself. He has made way into the steep hills of Nan Amlug, the area where the forest breaks into hill and deep valleys.