[Beren87]

The end table crashed back as Beren's head hit it on it's trip down from the bed. His rolling body landed with a "Phlump!" upon the floor, a lump growing on his head.

"Ouch.." he said, quite stunned at this odd turn of events. 5 seconds ago he had been deep in a dream involving an open field and that lovely innkeeper.

Hoping this wasn't a sign, he got up and dressed himself, the pain on his forehead preventing him from even the thought of laying back down. His feet carried him down the steps to the common room again, but it was mostly quiet at this hour. Even the seemingly ever-present server had gone off to bed now, leaving the patrons to either fend for themselves or, if they were brave, to wake her.

Deciding that perhaps fresh air would do him a little good, he stepped out the door and to the small yard around the side of the Inn. Sitting beneath the large oak was a man, softly drawing on a pipe, his smoke going up into the velvety night.

Moving over behind him as silently as possible, Beren leaned against the tree.

"Looks like it's just us up at this hour, mate."

Slowly the man looked up and around, revealing himself to be Derufin. "Ah, Beren, good to see you. I was just sitting here, watching the fireflies dance. What brings you out?"

Rubbing his head, he replied, "Well, just like you, couldn't sleep I suppose."

"So what would you like to do about those clothes? I set out a few earlier, some that might fit you. We're about the same size, though, you may have to take up the legs a bit. I'm an inch or so taller."

"Well, your kindness is unmatched. I'll just be needing two sets for now, just enough to get me through until I can have the local tailor make some or such." He slipped down beside Derufin, leaning his back against the tree.

"I'll run in and get them for you, it'll only take but a minute." He said this as he rose and turned back to the Inn.

Beren sat, silently singing to himself. The fireflies rose and fell with the wind, courting in the night. Their lights flickering on and off as the spun around each other.

He turned his head as Derufin came back, holding a bundle of cloth in his arms. His footsteps were light on the evening wind, but the crunching of the grass alerted as to his presence.

"This should last you a while anyway, they're clean, and that's all that matters". Derufin held out the bundle as Beren got up from the soft ground.

He took the clothes, examining them over quickly, then looking back up. "How much would you like?"

At this Derufin got a a bit uncomfortable, moving awkwardly. "Er..well, I.."

"Well," said Beren, opening his purse, "Do you think 45 would be good?"

"That's really too much..you don't.." said he.

"Do stop, here's 45 and that's that. I thank you kindly, my good sir. And if there's anything you ever need help with, just call for me. I'll hopefully be lodged here for quite a while. Beren said this, pushing the coins into Derufin's hand, then closing it around them.

"That I will, Beren. And the same goes for you, I'm always around." he smiled as he said this, then stretched his hand out.

Beren took his hand, shaking it warmly. "Well, good sir, I'll be going now, hopefully sometime tomorrow I'll be seeing you again."

He turned and strolled back to the Inn, the bundle of clothes packed tightly under his left arm, the cool breeze playing through his hair. Two fireflies were dancing outside the door of the Inn as he opened it, lightly, he pushed them aside softly with his hand.

[ July 27, 2003: Message edited by: Beren87 ]