[samsmyhero]

Ruby hefted her tray back into her arms and with a final barely suppressed smirk, she made her way back to the common room. Denegal sighed heavily and stood up. "Well, I'd best get to that wood before this rain starts. " Cook directed him to where the fallen tree was to be found. The quickest route was through the common room, so Denegal passed through the door and strode purposefully across the room. As he did so, conversations at the varoius tables faltered and then came to a complete stop. By the time he had come abreast of a table at which sat four men, possibly Gondorian by the look of them, Denegal realized that the room had fallen silent. He stopped, feeling the combined stare of many eyes directed towards his feet. He could feel the blush creeping up his neck and suffusing his face.

Ruby, sensing his embarassment, hurried over to him and gave him a quick pay on the arm. She whispered ,"It's alright. We'll find you a pair of boots somewhere. Just on now. Don't pay any mind to them."

Denegal glanced around, catching the eye of one of the men near him. "Do you like my shoes?" he asked lightly, trying to appear totally at ease.