Aemalia

Twilight twisted the tall trees of Chetwood, turning them into terrifying sentinels. Each tree was gnarled by time, the elements hacking at them, turning them into beacons to be feared and respected with awesome grandeur. Evening shadows played over them with a pervading stillness, encompassing the trees with further darkness, each tree overshadowed by his neighbours. No sound could be heard; as though the encroaching night time darkness was whisking away all sounds of life and wind; leaving nothing but an orchestra of silence.

Poor reader. You who have persevered thus far. Why do I talk to you? I was right in saying Delinor has a stronger heart than I. I tire of the webs of deception and the masks. Albeit for different reasons. But what should she do to me if she learnt that I had cut off Theroneth's head? He was in my employ for a goodly long while. That I hunted her old associates. That I killed the man in cold blood for naught but the crime of playing an influence in the degeneration of my father's path. Being one of the primary instigators I believe. Wouldn't it have happened anyway?

The few manor houses in Bree-land are all of a similar design, Therefore as I look around the vast hall I would have acquired for myself on the hill I am at once reminded of the smouldering ruin I made of my parent's mansion home. Nonetheless, this is the one place I can come now and be alone. I wouldn't normally have brought anyone here under any other circumstances but just across the village in my humbler abode by the river Kríea sleeps. I have enlisted the aid of Leecher Cartwell who attends to her on a daily basis.

So ends another chapter in my life, Aemalia, as much as I wish I could have helped you. I fear the pain runs too deep. May you find the peace and happiness you so truly deserve. Before you ask oh curious reader, No, she was not yet another object of my desire. Sweet though she was, delicate even. I did not think of her in that way ultimately. Her mere presence in my home since I saved her from the cruel men who tormented her and abused her thus had become more of a burden on my already damaged spirit than anything else. In the end it would have done me more harm than good.

Hello, my leathery friend. The one sat with me here at my deathbed. As expected, no family, friends doing theirs and me here, bedridden and infirm and only getting out to piss in a bowl next to my bed.. Quite a mess I will leave for others to clean, hah! Oh, I shall not lie, I do enjoy no one seeing me in this wretched state.. coughing phlegm and blood at every turn, but I should get on with this.. will.

Hello again my leathery friend. Been a few days since last we spoke, last time must have been while I was still in the mountains.