[samsmyhero]

Denegal and Falowik had passed out into the inn yard in search of Uien. They had gotten no further than the pump under which Denegal had sluiced himself earlier, when their erstwhile companion, Galither, appeared. Slumped over the neck of his horse, he seemed barely able to hold on. Indeed, when he reached the yard, he fell from the horse in a swoon.

The two men quickly went to Galither's side, Meriadoc running over to join them. Feeling for a pulse, Falowik opined "I see no wounds, and his hearbeat is strong and steady. I think he's just fallen unconscious."

"I know when he arrived earlier, he and his comrades had secured a room for themselves." Denegal said, touching his palm to Galither's brow. "He doesn't have a fever. A pity his friends have gone off. Perhaps we should carry him to his room and make sure someone more knowledgeable in healing sees to him. "

"As it happens, Uien is a healer." Falowik replied. " Let's get him inside where it's warm and dry and then we'll fetch her."

So saying, the three hoisted Galither by the arms and legs and carried him into the inn and up to his room. He was heavy, even for the three, and they had to somewhat drag him across the common room floor. Meriadoc called to Buttercup to come along with them so that she also could ascertain his condition. They laid him on one of the beds in the room, still unconscious.

"I'll take it from here, gentlemen." Buttercup shooed them from the room. "if I need anything, I'll let you know."

"My companion, Uien the elf, may be arriving shortly - she is a skilled healer and may be of assistance." Falowik profferred. Buttercup nodded her head in understanding.

Falowik hurried down the stairs, followed by Denegal. "I wonder what that was all about?" Denegal pondered out loud.

"It's certainly mysterious, Galither leaving the inn so suddenly and then reappearing only to fall at our feet, practically. If it's love that's responsible, I'd say your fellow countryman can match you tale for tale with some sad story of love lost." Falowik replied with a smile.

Denegal crossed his arms over his chest as they stepped out once more into the yard and walked quickly towards the stable. The rain was beginning to let up, but the wind was still brisk. Denegal was truly glad he had a warm place to sleep for the night. "Well, Falowik, perhaps if he comes to, tonight we can each tell our respective tale of woe and see which is the sadder - you and your love can be the judge!" Denegal let out a chuckle which quickly turned into a short curse as he carelessly stepped in a puddle, soaking his feet up to the ankles.

"Oh well, at least your shoes won't be ruined - they can't be any worse than they are!" Falowik laughed heartily as he looked at Denegal's drenched feet. "Come, let's hurry out of this rain and find Uien"