"Pretty much how I thought it would come out." thought Elfred as he rose slowly and walked towards the center of the room. He had waited patiently in a corner by the fire, enjoying its warmth whilst the other adventurers had rummaged through the pile of weapons and gear. Elfred was appreciating the comforts of the Inn while he could. He knew that once this hunt started, it might be awhile before he enjoyed it again.
"Ned Brandybuck! Ho, boy!" he called. Elfred had always had a great respect for the Brandybuck family, but he knew they all had a wild streak, especially when still in their tweens. Young Neddy had a reputation for being a bit of a dreamer and gad-about, and Elfred had not forgotten some of the childish pranks he and his cousins had played amongst the flocks.
Still, he seemed intelligent enough. As for courage? Well, the Brandybucks weren't known to be cowards: not with taking up residence hard by the Old Forest. But Elfred believed that the young tween had never really experienced the true evil that dwelled in the wild lands beyond the Shire's borders. He'd be learning though, soon enough.
"Aye, sir!" cried Ned, taking a deep swig from his hot tea and trotting over to Elfred, almost tripping over his newly acquired sword. Elfred hid a smile. "G'morning, Mr. Thistle. And good morning to you as well, Nop." Nop let out a great, jaw-cracking yawn and gave a lazy wave of his tail. He was getting his rest while he could as well.
"Call me Elfred, Neddy. Most do. No use standing on ceremony. Are you just about ready to start out, then?"
"Yes, sir...I mean Elfred. I can't believe we're really going to be hunting Wargs!" Ned gave a experimental swing of his sword, causing the old shepherd to jump back out of the way.
"Now then boy. They'll be no hunting. Not yet, least ways. We are tracking and looking for signs, and the less those devils know we're on their trail, the better. I'd not like to be facing down a pack of those fell beasts on our own. We'll not be doing any "hunting" until we know where they hole up, and the entire group can come on them and take them by surprise."
Elfred wondered whether Ned was even listening, since he was still admiring his new blade. "Aren't you going to choose a weapon, Elfred?"
We'll be stopping by my hole so I can fetch my bow and arrows. But this is my true weapon, Neddy." Suddenly the old hobbit whirled his aged staff through the air, and spinning round, smashed the knotted head into the heavy oak table behind him. It left a considerable dent in the hard, ancient tabletop.
"Did you think this old crook of mine was only good for prodding strays? Made from a whole tree root from the Old Forest itself. Hard as iron, though not near as heavy. It'll do some damage. And in my day I was quarterstaff champion five years running at the Midsummer's fair."
"What happened in the sixth year, Elfred?" asked Ned with a grin.
"I got married. Now, where has that Autumn got to? I have my misgivings taking a lass on such a dangerous mission. But Gaddy insists she will be no burden. Though I don't doubt that he put her with us so'se I could keep an eye on her." Ned looked a little uncomfortable at this. He hoped Elfred would not be keeping [i]too[i] strict an eye on her.
"Oh, Autumn will keep up. Have no fear, Elfred. Why she told me hers..." But at that minute the door to the "Pony" crashed open, and Matt Heathertoes came running into the inn. He shoved a newly arrived hobbit carrying a sword out of his way, and collapsed on a bench, white as a sheet and panting from exhaustion.
"Wargs!" he gasped. "Wargs have attacked in Chetwood!"
[ December 23, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]
[ December 23, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]
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