Having read her message, Bethberry excused herself and went back to the Inn. Holly and Olo followed soon after, leaving Bird and the Ranger still engaged in quiet talk.
'I can't remember when I last had a bite to eat!' said Olo, his stomach grumbling to emphasize the point. He was trying to make light conversation to brighten the mood of the somber afternoon.
Holly was distracted, and said 'Hmmm? . . . me, too.' She stopped for a moment, and chewed her lower lip, thinking. 'But first, there's something I need to do. I can meet you back at the Inn, if you'ld like.'
The day was moving toward evening, and the shadows of the trees grew longer and darker.
'If it's all the same to you, I'll come with you.' said Olo, more as a statement of fact than as a question.
'Suit yourself.' said Holly, turning off the path. 'But hurry, before we lose the light.'
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Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.
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