Bali sat down at the table with a long sigh of relief. "What was that about," asked Burzdol. "Hpmmh, just a little mishap with an elf, nothing to get excited about."
Then he noticed the tall, dark stranger sitting at the table with them, talking low tones to the Lady Nostalwen. Erulon was chatting amiably with Elwen, trying to act like nothing had happened.
Bali sat back and sipped his drink. It was a nice inn, but he already grown tired of the cramped courters, filled with elves - ELVES! If he had been alone with that meddling firstborn for a few minutes outside, the elf would not be a pretty sight to look at. If he tries anything like that again he'll meet a little friend I call Axehead pretty quick!
In truth, Bali longed to be on the open road again, traipsing around unknown paths. Outside, that was what he needed - a breath of fresh air. He excused himself from the table, and walked over to the door. Putting on his coat and grabbing his axe, he slipped out of the inn.
The night air felt good to his hot body. The moon was full and the sky cloudless. Small puffs of breath drifted from his mouth as Bali walked around the lamp-lit yard.
After staying outside for about an hour, he returned to the inn and found his friends all at the same table. Sitting, he sipped at his ale, only to find that it was warm. He went over to the bar and was about to order another, but then stopped himself.
That has been enough ale for one night!
|