The Inn might have begun to seem strangely empty without the two men and their songs, but 'new' arrivals were not long in coming. The door to the Common Room was opened and a young boy stepped in. Those who had been at the Inn the previous day would have recognized him as Gomen. He looked about him thoughtfully, considering everything and everyone he saw. He paused the longest on the little girl sobbing gently into her mother's gown, and after careful deliberation he made his way towards the two.
"Good morning, little girl," he said, smiling a little shyly. A tear-stained face turned towards him. He hesitated a moment before speaking again. "I'm sorry about whatever is wrong, little girl." He reached out and patted her head gently. "When you feel a bit better you can come talk with me, and you can meet my sisters." He gave her another comforting smile before moving on.
There was an old man seated at a table, eating breakfast. His eyes were dull and unseeing, but his face glowed with warmth and friendliness. Gomen moved towards him slowly, the beginnings of a smile creeping along his face. He suddenly found himself desiring to make the acquaintance of this man, but he wasn't quite sure how to do it. He would wait and see if he were noticed. Sooner or later he would surely build up enough courage.
Sitting upon the nearest table to the old man's, Gomen smiled favorably upon everyone in the room, pausing on Aylwen and Bethberry. "Good morning," he greeted them, his voice cheery. He had known Aylwen and Bethberry since he was very little and he held them very dear, though he would not say so to anyone.
Deman and Fierlan were entering, arguing over some little cake they had received from their mother during their stop at the kitchen. They saw Gomen but paid him no heed as they continued through the room. Their voices rose in heated anger several times, but by the time they reached the door they had their arms about each other's shoulders and were talking in a most amiable fashion. As they opened the door they were halted by Bethberry's voice. "Deman, Fierlan, where are you boys going?"
They turned to face her with cool, composed faces and spoke as one. "We're going to the stable to see our papa," they said. When Bethberry nodded her consent they went out, their faces obviously showing that another argument was brewing between them. Bethberry gestured Gomen to the window, saying, "Just make sure they do go to the stable; I wouldn't trust those lads to remember what they set out to do as soon as they see something exciting."
Gomen hurried to obey her, smiling at the old man as he did so, but he realized immediately after that that was of no use, for the old man could not see the smile. He would have to be courageous enough to speak, unless the old man noticed him without seeing. The latter would certainly be more ideal.
Deman and Fierlan made their way to the stable successfully, though they almost decided to go off in pursuit of their uncle and sister. Fierlan, however, had cast a meaningful look in the direction of the Inn and said something (most likely something concerning Bethberry and their mother), and they continued on into the stable. Gomen shook his head in a despairing fashion before returning to his chair near the old man.
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