'Jean' did not wait long after Peony got up to leave himself. He stood, not bothering to push in his chair, and walked to the door and opened it. Before he could step outside, however a sudden flash of lightning silhouetted a massive form against the doorway. With the heralding of that singular lightning flash the storm began again in earnest. Rain began to pour down and the wind began to howl like a pack of wolves.
The new arrival was wrapped in a black cloak which made Jean's unnaturally dark cloak seem pale grey. Despite standing in the doorway with harsh winds behind him the apparition's cloak did not stir. The figure was a good foot taller than Jean, who was an uncommonly tall man. The new one placed a gauntleted hand across 'Jean's chest and pushed him firmly backwards. Then he stepped forward and allowed the heavy oaken door to slam behind him.
The stranger started towards an unoccupied table in the corner and beckoned to 'Jean' to follow him. 'Jean' hastened to obey. The stranger's heavy boots thunked loudly on the hardwood floor.
The pair arrived at the table and took seats opposite each other. 'Jean' leaned over the table and whispered "What brings you here, Master?" The characteristic relaxed tone of Jean's voice was gone: he sounded intimidated, even obsequious.
"There will be a time for questions" the stranger responded harshly. He raised one hand and snapped his fingers, quite loudly. A serving girl scrambled over to the table. "Your finest red wine." He sent her scurrying off.
"So. I am told you call yourself Jean now. Well, 'Jean', let me tell you what you will do. You will first tell me everything you know of this 'Faragorn', and then you will go to the stables and look after my horses." The two men began to converse in low tones.
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