[Himaran]

Novnarwen's post - the Company leaves the Inn

Considering how early Dwalin had gone to bed the night before, he felt terribly tired. His body seemed to have had enough of the marching, even though the company hadn't walked anything yet. The thought of going all the way to Rhûn seemed like a goal, which he had no chance in ever reaching. The thought of his body aching like this, seemed to him unbearable. Dwalin tried reproaching himself for his negative attitude, as he realised he had called for this adventure. He had approached this, not the other way around. He had a responsibility, which could not and would not neglect.

Luckily, he felt better, sooner than expected, as he found himself laughing hysterically by the fact that Bali had spilt ale on his sleeve. "Sorry, I just found that funny," he said, laughing again. Eruantalon grinned as well. "Too much ale, already perhaps?" he suggested, blinking. Dwalin broke into laughter again, but was forced to stop by the look in people's eyes at the Inn.

The two of them settled down with Bali, discussing back and forth about various things. It wasn't until late in the conversation, Dwalin remembered Bali saying, the previous day, that money was short. He thought about asking, but wasn't sure if it would be wise to do so. After all, Eruantalon sat here as well. Dwalin had never thought about this before, but could he really trust everyone and anyone? The company was going to Rhûn, to find treasure. Maybe some would be taken by greed? Would it then be wise to burst out about the company’s status, and whether they were short on money or not? The dwarf thought for a while, eyes narrowing.

"Dwalin?!"

It was the third time Eruantalon had tried getting his attention, and first now Dwalin seemed to catch his eye.

"Sorry, you were saying?"

Eruantalon looked questioningly at him, as if worried. Bali didn't make a grimace, he just sat still. "Are you ready to go?" Eruantalon asked, looking at Bali. Dwalin nodded eagerly, trying to avoid Bali's eyes. The two of them exchanged looks, as Dwalin raised to pack his last belongings, which were still at his room.

"I'll be back soon," he said and was off.

***

The dwarf turned around. He had heard noises just outside his door. The little man narrowed his eyes, wondering who it was. He decided not to let his curiosity take over, and ignored it. The Dwarf packed in a hurry, running desperately around in his dormitory seeking his belongings. His clothing was spread around; on the bed, in the chairs, in the bathroom and in the closet. The strange thing was, that he hadn’t brought that much with him, but still it was scattered all over the place. He sighed, hearing new noises in the hallway. He had had enough.

With firm steps he walked to the door, roughly opening it and halfway yelling: ”Will you stop that noise!" To his surprise he noticed that it was only his dwarven companions. Eruantalon walked merrily in the front. "I just woke them up," Eruantalon explained, giggling. Dwalin grew red. "Riiiight," he muttered a bit ashamed about his outburst. "I'll just finish here," Dwalin said quickly and went inside again, hearing the rest of his companions making their way trough the hallway and down the stairs.

***

As soon as he was done, he ran down stairs and announced their departure. It was a merry and rested (or so Dwalin thought) company, which left the Inn, heading Southwards.