[Kates Frodo Temp]

“Can’t we just go in?” the little hobbit lass yawned. “It’s creepy out here.”

“Just sit still!” hissed her young companion. Aietmen frowned. I could appreciate a soft bed right now. Looks like they're closed, though. What did Rosie do without me? The girl must have gone through some rough times before he found her. “You’ll be okay; just stay where you are.”

Aietmen slipped silently out into the road. After one nervous look around, he turned back to Rosie. “Now, you’d better stay…” She was already asleep! Well, at least she wouldn’t be going anywhere.

Looks like the coast is clear. Aietmen dashed over to the stable. It was after midnight now, but the moon was bright. In the shadow of the building he stopped to look back. Still no one. Good. He circled the building, but decided the door was his only option.

The door’s creaks and groans made Aietmen wince in the stillness of the night. Please, please don't anyone be awake! Thankfully, he didn’t have to open the stable door very far to slip in. Inside, he froze, listening. Nothing. Whew! It's so dark in here! I wonder if I would see anyone, if they were here. No, no one would be in a stable at this time of night! Well, if anyone can creep up on me, they deserve to catch me. I haven't spent my life on the road for nothing!

He stood for a moment more, letting his eyes adjust fully. Look sharp, bold traveler, it's not over yet! Aietmen moved forward, hands slightly out in front of him, and dragged his feet slowly, instead of lifting them. It wouldn't do to smash into something now! I just need a look around, and then I can get Rosie.

He heard a restless shifting in the stall near him, and looked over at the fine animal. A lady's hack, sounds like. But all's not right. He stopped again, listening hard, but not for footsteps. No, now he had eyes and ears only for the horse!

“Quiet. Quiet, fellow. Yes, I know a good horse when I hear one.” Aeitmen breathed in the horse’s ear.

[ July 04, 2003: Message edited by: Kates Frodo Temp ]