[Horse-Maiden of the Shire]

Avery whirled around, her eyes wide. Elwing couldn't help but chuckle at her expression; it was that of a frightened child rather than that of a hardened criminal.

"Surprised to see me, are you?" teased Elwing, strolling over to Avery. She relaxed and sat down on a nearby chair. Elwing gave her a quizzical look, and asked, "Do the people here not know a halfling when they see one? 'Runt' indeed!"

Avery laughed and grinned at her. She could tell that this hobbit, when around people for a bit of time, liked to tease and make jokes. Elwing said, "Well, I'd better go check on Gil-collo. Back in half a minute."

She squeezed out of the window and jogged lightly toward the stable. As she stepped inside, the warm scent of horse and pony invaded her nostrils. She went to Gil-collo's stall, but was surprised and alarmed to see that it was vacant. "Gil-collo? You there, boy?"

A nicker out of the corner gave her relief, and she stepped in to rub his nose. "Quiet and shifty as the shadows, are you? That will be your name henceforth: Dae, 'Shadow'." She made sure he had enough food and water, and returned to Avery.

Climbing back in through the window, she asked a question she had been itching to since she had seen the dagger on Avery's arm: "Avery...if it might please you, may I join your gang of thieves?"

[ March 16, 2003: Message edited by: Horse-Maiden of the Shire ]