[Earendil Halfelven]

Turthôl looked up into the sky as rain drops began falling. Thunder lit up the sky, and for a moment, the dark silhouettes of the White City were visible. He stood out there, the laughter of the gardener still in his mind. Kiss her? What was that old man thinking? He did notice she had blushed when the old man said that. Maybe there was something there...

He shrugged his shoulders at the thought. Oh well. He didn't mind staying here in her mansion. He got a free room, and free food. It wasn't too bad. He had put up with her this far. He could go the rest of the way, maybe.

A finger tapped him on the shoulder and he turned. It was a servantman.

"Sir, if you don't mind, I'll show you to your room now," he said.

"ok. Lead the way," Turthôl replied. He followed the servant up to one of the upper floors. Finally, after twisting and turning through so many halls, they arrived at a room.

"Here you are sir. I hope you find it most comfortable."

"Ok." Turthôl opened the door and walked inside. Just as he was about to close the door, he turned and asked, "By the way, where is Wren's room?"

The man pointed down the hall. "Miss Chambria is a few doors down,sir. Would you like me to fetch her?"

"Oh, no! I'd like to get some sleep tonight, if you don't mind." Turthôl said. Oh great! he thought.

He said goodnight to the man and shut the door.

“Oh yeah? Then why do you always end up next to me on the trail or across from me at dinner, or find cute little things to say to me every chance you get!” she had said. What a bunch of cave troll dung! If there was anyone to blame, it was Rangar. Rangar was the one who had told him to go to Bree with her, to go out on the scouting party with her, and to go out and rescue her! Geez, if this was the way she showed gratitude to the man that saved her, than he'd hate to get on her bad side. Find cute little things to say at every chance he gets? She think's insults and sarcasm is cute? And those Rohirrim men she talked with. Turthôl's sympathy went out to those guys. He'd rather fight orcs than have to listen to Wren blab on and on and on and on...

He just didn't understand that woman. But then again, why did he have to? As soon as this was over, he'd probably never have to see her again.

But her suggestion about the ship was pretty good. It would be fast and easy. But then again...if something bad happened on the ship, it would be hard to get away.

Turthôl decided not to decide anything. He set his gear down next to the bed and prepared to go to sleep. This was the first time in a long time that he had slept in a bed.