The table now was occupied by three, himself and two men. He watched both carefully as they continued to think, wondering what they would make of the problem. He was soon to leave the Shire, but wished to find out their business before he set out. He was lingering in the inn for longer than perhaps he would have done otherwise, but warmth had overcome him, and he was unwilling to exit into the dark where rain poured down and there were all the signs of a storm. That would be foolish. As long as he was under a roof, he was safe for the moment.
He suddenly stood up without a word and strode to the door, and stood there looking calmly out into the black night. There were no stars for the thick clouds covered the sky. Rain drops fell upon his face as he stood, watching. Then, he turned abruptly and returned to the table as if nothing had happened.
He sat back down, wiping the moisture from his face. He looked worried, but no more so than usual, and also slightly relived. The truth was, he didn't want to leave, and the rain was just another excuse. it wasn't that he hadn't ridden in the rain before, but as long as there was another option, why get wet? Besides, he could relax here, no need to fight for himself. It was about time his weapons had a rest anyway...
He continued to watch the men, waiting for one of them to speak and break the silence of thought that had fallen upon the table, just as the rain had fallen on his face. Then he thought to say something.
"Well then, are you going to introduce yourself newcomer? My friend here seems to know you, but I am afraid I do not. Maybe you would like explain yourself and your apparent lack of air." At the last comment he smiled in a way that could be thought of a superior, but was more teasing than anything.
"As the Elves of Mirkwood would say, 'You breathe so loud I could have shot you in the dark'."
[ January 02, 2003: Message edited by: Dark Shadow ]
|