[Deorlin]

Deorlin's request for food and ale was interrupted by a loud commotion. A female hobbit was screaming near the back of the tavern - something about wargs! An involuntary shudder ran down Deorlin's back. He hadn't yet had the misfortune to come face to face, or sword to sword, with any of the foul creatures. But he had heard tales that would make a man's hair stand on end. Still . . . it seemed unlikely that such fell beasts should have made their way into the peace of the Shire!

The hobbit was surrounded by concerned and curious onlookers. Deorlin rose from his stool, but there seemed nothing he could do for the moment, until more coherent information was to be had from the near hysterical halfling.

As most of the inn staff seemed preoccupied with calming the little one, Deorlin decided that he would best use his time in seeing to his horse, Arad. He had intended to tend to him anyway, while he waited for his food. Arad had carried him many a mile through his journeys lately, and was his chief, and ususally only, companion. Deorlin knew that it was not only wise and fair to put his horse's needs on par with his own, it was absolutley necessary, if his wished to continue his trip and complete the task given to him so many months ago.

Slipping through the crowd and out the door, he untethered Arad and led him to the back of the inn, hoping to find a stable or barn and perhaps some feed and water. He would settle up with the innkeeper later when all the uproar had quieted down. He noticed another traveller who was seeing to his own beast, and Deorlin inclined his head politley, asking "Know you whether or not this inn can provide food and shelter for horse as well as man? We've travelled far this day and I'd say Arad here would enjoy a good nosebag of grain as much as I would a hot bowl of stew." He patted the horse's neck and extended his hand in friendship. "I am Deorlin, of Rohan, a stranger to these parts."