[spirit_detective]

The sun had just about sunk below the treeline, casting a long shadow ahead of Satch. Red hair that usually cascaded down to her waist was now reduced to short strands that only reached the top of her neck and were plastered to her scalp with sweat. Her attire of black pants, a white tunic, and a navy vest where laden with soil and tatters. The white tree of Gondor that had been sewn onto the vest with silver and white threads was all but completely pulled out. Blue eyes swept the landscape for a shelter, resting finally on the Green Dragon. Sighing with relief, she gathered her pack and rushed to the door of the inn.

'Please don't be closed. Please oh please ohplease.' Leaning her weight against the door, Satch managed to push it open, shut it behind and then slump down onto the stone floor. A hobbit came out from behind the counter. Obviously the innkeeper.

'Miss, are you alright?' The young girl smiled at the mistress and nodded wearily.

'I'm just wondering if you have anywhere to stay for the night.' The innkeeper smiled and led Satch to a room, handed her the key, and bid her goodnight. The two rooms on either side of her let out a mist of worry and sorrow, pressing on her already heavy burden.
Slipping off her boots and vest and crawling into the warm sheets of the bed, she relaxed and let her eyes droop. The message she carried may be urgent, but it could wait for her to rest one night.