Arnhelm and I’s trip to the Barrow downs has been postponed. In the meantime I have purchased myself a nice little hobbit-hole in the neighbourhood of Songburrow, in the Shire. Since Bree is not so far away I was able to take a small holiday to start moving in. Arnhelm is still about his business around Bree last I heard. We will meet up again soon.

This morning I found a nicely written letter in my mailbox. It seems my new hobbit-hole was only recently vacated. The previous owner is now my new neighbour. They seem like a friendly sort, and they sent along a lovely vase full of fresh bluebottle flowers. I have it set up in a nice spot in my home.
I have copied the note, and my reply below.

Dear new homeowner,
was it only yesterday that I moved out of my snug little home at 2 Wending Way in Songburrow?
I came back to pick up some boxes and saw you had started moving in! here are some flowers to brighten things up while you unpack.

~Smidge

Greetings previous homeowner,
I could not resist the cute little home in Songburrow. The location was perfect for a lazy hobbit, easy to get to and from. It also pleased me that the name of the neighbourhood was Songburrow, seeing as I am a minstrel after all.
I have only barely begun to move in, as I am working on gathering interesting items to put inside. Your gift of a flower arrangement is well recieved indeed.
Thank you kindly for your note, you are always welcome to my home and yard.

-Lunetta

Today Arnhelm and I were busy running errands for a Hobbit named Adso near Bree. I wonder why they are camping out there if they cannot provide for themselves. I guess it is good to help others, but I wonder how they will fare when there isn’t anyone near to bring them provender and hides. It would also give me the willies to be sleeping so close to the old forest at night.

Speaking of Arnhelm. Today while I was in Bree I took a look at the local marketplace. I was able to find a sturdy ranger’s robe, so he wouldn’t have to wear those terrible leather breeches. It’s well sewn and weatherproof. I have given it to Arnhelm and hope he likes it. There was a bit of a downpour this afternoon, he was well protected from the elements and I found myself wishing I had the foresight to buy my own. At least I had my cloak.

My feet are aching from all of the running around we have done today. It was a relief when the sun went down and the ground was able to cool them off a bit. I am going to be sore tomorrow though. All this going to and fro is not my style! I guess I’d better get used to it if I am to be out exploring. I probably should have done more work for the quick post to stretch my legs, but I was really more interested in practicing my music. Oh well, I will get in shape eventually.

Tomorrow we will be heading to a place called the Barrow downs. I am a bit worried as I have heard there are all sorts of terrible things there. It will also mean braving the old forest. I hope we don’t get lost in there. I really don’t like being outside in the dark. The prospect of being stuck out there at night with all those creepy crawlies and what have you makes the hair on my feet stand up I tell you!
I hope Arnhelm’s sense of direction is better than mine. I could get lost in my grandmother’s pantry… though I wouldn’t be the first hobbit to claim being lost there as an excuse to linger. She made the best preserves. I’m rambling, I guess I am just nervous.

I have reason to be nervous though with the terrible things I have been seeing lately. I cannot help but feel that evil is growing. It is easy to forget the foul things in the world when you are at home cozy in your hobbit-hole. I guess it is better to know what is happening though, and to do my part to help stop it. I may be just one small pair of hands and feet, but I will do my best. My heart aches for my friend Amdir, who saved me when Archet fell. Arnhelm and I pursued his kidnappers, but we were too late. We had to end his life, lest he remain a tool of evil. It pains me to write of this, and I doubt I will ever forget watching the last scrap of his humanity vanish from his eyes.

Well, it is late, I am tired, and there is a long day ahead of me tomorrow. I will write more later.

-Lunetta

I’ve decided to use one of my spare notebooks to keep a journal in. Usually they are just for writing songs and compositions, but I think that since I have decided to leave the Shire in search of adventure that I shall write down my experiences. Perhaps they will come in handy for future song writing.

I made it all the way to Bree today. What a long walk that was! Not long after I arrived I met a man champion named Arnhelm. He seems like a nice fellow, and was certainly helpful. I am not sure he is used to grand adventure however, so perhaps I better keep an eye on him.

Speaking of keeping an eye on him. I wonder about his wardrobe choices. When we first met, I could not help but notice he was wearing a pair of canary yellow tight leather pants that either have a concealed codpiece or he perhaps keeps his spare change in there…

Nonetheless I think it is impractical and distracting adventure wear, and find myself averting my eyes lest I be caught staring in shock. I feel a little sorry for him as I caught some females of his kind averting their eyes and blushing as well. I should do him a kindness and check the market for something more suitable.

-Lunetta