Moss's hut had been overwhelmed with visitors for the past few hours. It was inconceivable how so many people had come to wish me well in my recovery, and I felt enveloped in the caring nature of the community of this harbour village. I had met the Rian, her mysteriously beautiful handmaiden, her kind companion, and the jovial bard who rescued me from the hillside. Moss kept herself busy serving up her wonderful food to all the well-wishers. I could almost feel the delicious stew mending my bones and refuelling my limbs.

It was a wonderful gathering, I was able to talk with many of the warm-hearted residents who expressed their concern and condolences. The tragedy that brought me here is ever-present, but the amiable company was able to lift the burden of sadness from my shoulders for awhile and allow me to enjoy a pleasant evening with new found neighbours. Before I was ready for them to depart, my eyelids began to droop, and I felt the corners of the room begin to darken. Moments later I was floating among the faerie in the realm of dreams. When I awoke, the visitors had dispersed and I was greeted by the dying embers of the fire and the crushing heft of Thorn resting on my arm. I struggled to free it from the dog's weighty trap, but my puny efforts didn't disturb the great beast in the slightest. I chuckled at my uselessness and curled myself close around the dog. My benefactor, MacMorna, had reclaimed his beautiful brat, now sullied and stained, and I was definitely feeling the loss of its warmth. I felt quite bad for ruining the bard's generous contribution, and vowed silently to make him a new brat as soon as I could.

At that moment, Moss walked in, having readied the hut for the night. She sat down beside me and gently patted my shoulder. I turned to her and she started a little to see me awake. Softly she spoke, "Ah Ceirdwyn, you've had an eventful night, you must get your sleep now, rest is a powerful medicine." I sighed and lay my head slowly back beside Thorn's. The healer woman has been so generous and gracious, I feel a connection with her somehow. Mayhaps she has had a difficult past too? Her remedies are certainly gifts from the gods, I am healing faster than I ever thought possible. I look forward to getting to know her better - to getting to know the community better. But for now, as Moss instructed, I must get my sleep.