[Novnarwen]

Tanroth

"Tharbad, my friends...."

Tanroth announced their coming to the almost abandoned town, Tharbad. Relief and satisfaction came upon the elves as they trudged down the winding path, coming to a gate. The company entered the town itself, after waiting for someone to open it. They entered however, when they found a way to open it themselves. Tanorth sighed, not out of despair, but out of happiness.

"Let's found a place where we can take rest for the night," Tanroth suggested. "We'll be able to pick up the horses the first thing in the morning," he continued, with determination. Everyone agreed at once, grinning as they followed the road.

No man was seen. The old grey houses were located on each side of the road. Normally, Tanorth would have asked the group to take heed, in case someone was eying them, but this didn't really matter now. Most of the houses were abandoned, and others were just simply nothing Tanroth felt he needed to be concerned about.

They walked on, being quiet. Considering the time of night, Tanorth felt weary, but surprisingly enough he felt better as he started thinking about the horses, and that the company would finally get some real sleep. Few moments had passed, after this encouraging thought had left Tanroth's head, when they stood outside a grey old house.

"Thabard Inn."

The sign was originally white as snow, but now it looked dirty. Only thin lines of black, which had faded, convinced the company that this really was a sign for an Inn, Tharbad Inn.

As they muttered in agreement that they were to go in, they were surprised as a man opened the door and stared at them. Tanroth was quick, saying that they only wanted to stay the night. "We're hungry and tired," he added, as he saw the fierce expression in the man's face. The Elves didn't say anything, only waited.

The man waved his hand inwards, showing them the way in. Inside it was dark, but at least lighter than what it had been outside. The Innkeeper lit a lantern, advancing towards the Common Room, where he begged them to sit down. "Nine Elves," the man, named Brander said. He made an expression which showed clearly, that this was indeed something unusual. Tanroth smirked, letting Firiel answer. Women know better than to burst out about everything, he thought.

"Nine elves…. Strange but true," she said, laughing. The others laughed as well, and the Innkeeper seemed pleased with this answer. Tanroth on the other hand, was worried about the fact that this man had taken this seriously. And when the Innkeeper asked them if they were hungry, Tanroth had to make an effort not to reveal his awkwardness. Not more curious than that? he asked himself, thanking the Innkeeper, as he was served a bowl of hot soup with bread.

They ate eagerly, Tanroth kept his eye on the Innkeeper though, just to be sure. No one can be trust anymore.

[ November 19, 2003: Message edited by: Novnarwen ]