[Strongbow]

"Ah," Tarden replied. "Only two things more: first, forgive me for my lack of manners! I am Tarden, son of Taros of Gondor, at your service and your family's!" he said with a bit of pomp, placing his left hand on his breast and bowing low to the hobbit. "And with me is Meglis, son of Frodda, of the Mark. Meglis, speak!" His command was obeyed in earnest, with the dog letting out a bark that boomed through the room and the halls.

"And second, Mister Boffin, I ask that you let me settle in. I shall return to the common room shortly," he said, motioning to Meglis and closing the door behind him. He strode through the room, admiring the craftsmanship and choosing his bed. He set his pack down, and also set to unstringing his bow. The unstrung bow he leaned in the corner, with his sword in its sheath.

Next, he redressed himself, making himself more presentable. His mail coat came off, the rings jingling slightly as he folded it and set it in the bottom of his pack. Without thinking, Tarden's fingers went to his back, and he rubbed one of the purple whip marks that he still bore from his days with the Corsairs. His muscles tensed, and he drew his hand away, replacing a shirt on his person. It was at this moment that Tarden realized that he hadn't truly rested, that is in a bed, in a room, in a house, for at least a fortnight. He sat on the edge of the bed, taking of his boots and rubbing his feet a bit. Meglis sidled up beside the bed and Tarden stroked his massive head.

He laid back on the comfortable pillows, and sleep came over him in the afternoon.

His dreams, the ones he could remember, were queer. He could see a golden light in the distance, and he could remember that the light was calling to him. "Tarden...Tarden..." it called quietly, but clearly. The voice was that of a female. He did not recognize it. The world around him was a dim grey, not very defined by shapes, but it looked as if he were looking above a fire, with the waves of heat and the smoke distorting all he saw. But it wasn't on the environment that his attention was on. It was the light. It was getting closer. And closer. And closer. So much so that he could nearly grab it. It was so bright, so lovely. He reached out a hand and...

Falling.

Tarden woke up with a start, blinking with wild, animal-like suspicion around the room.