[Snowdog]

"I know there is a bounty on my head," she explained quietly. "Just as there is for all of my tribe... or what is left of it. It goes back to the war and before..... Please sit."

She gestured to the chair I was in earlier. I sat quietly, seeming not able to take my eyes from Benia.

'As you wish m'lady.' I said as a concerned look came upon her face as she continued speaking,

"Of late, I have been careless and too quick to trust, but my instincts tell me you are a man of honor."

I looked at her closely, for if she knew that which I had done against her people in the war... well she may think otherwise. But something told me there was much more to her than what was before me, so I said,

"I try to do what is right, m'lady,"

I could see Benia was pleased to see that I did not take her and try to return her for the bounty, and I was touched she trusted me enough with such information. I was intrigued by the direction the conversation was taking and her slight smile was both assured and apprehensive. Her melodic voice went on,

"While I feel I have intruded on your kindness too much already, I find I have no choice but to ask one more favor of you."

I had no idea of what she would ask, but as we searched each other's eyes, I could see much distress in the lady. After a brief moment, which seemed to me longer than it was, she broke the gaze to speak again. She spoke of her kin and of one being in the hands of the remnents, which was what the King's men called the sporadic bands of holdouts, usually led by Captains under Sauron who wished not to give up power over people. As I listened to her, my eyes remained locked on hers...

"As you probably know, before I fell on the stairs, I was preparing to depart the Shire on a rather urgent journey."

She went on about her impending trek.

"It seems that one of my uncles, someone we had thought long dead, still lives. My mother's eldest brother, Sahlman, is still being held by a renegade group of tribesmen who remain loyal to the memory of the Eye. My uncle is old now and not in his right mind, from what they say, but he is still my kinsman."

I listened intently to her story, nodding and finally saying to her,

'I understand, m'lady, but what is it you wish me to do?'

I left this open for her and was curious what she would ask. If for a moment on my journey south I could do battle with some remnents, it would bring a sense of accomplishment, and also to serve the interests of the Lady Nightshade. She looked down at her hands for a bit, then her eyes looked up as she leaned forward to speak softly,

"Merely deliver a message. I was to meet a small party of my fellow tribesmen. We intended to journey south to the desert and locate this tribe of renegades. We had hoped to attempt a rescue, but now... now such a journey is beyond me..."

A sad look came over her as she looked at her ankle, and I went on,

'And you wish me to find your tribesmen and let them know that you cannot accompany them.'

I knew the chances would be slim in finding her uncle, it would be a long time before I would arrive there, and I would still have to conduct my business. I didn't think I could serve the lady in such a manner so I said.

'While I have a familiarity and, indeed, a fondness for the desertlands, the desert is quite a long way from The Shire. You ask quite a lot of an old Ranger.'

She looked at me with those dark eyes and smiled as she said,

"Oh, no, that would be a favor indeed! Actually, my father's people are Breefolk. All I ask is that a message be delivered to them in Bree. They know how to contact my mother's people. If I do not appear as expected and send no word of my delay, they will fear me lost as well. You see my situation."

' I see. I said, then looked at the door before asking her,

'But what of Kaldir, the Ranger downstairs?'

She put her safety in being among the Shirefolk and her own wiles, but I knew that if Kaldir really wanted her he would have little obstacle. But maybe Kaldir's knowing I favored the Lady Nightshade, he would find other opportunity? I looked back at Benia as she met my gaze with a look that penetrated me. It seemed awhile when she asked,

"Will you help me?"

This question has gotten me into more scrapes since the war than any other, yet I felt the desire to help her, so I answered,

'I will help thee m'lady, even if it were to go to the deserts again. For whilst in the north this winter, the fell winter winds and snows gave me a chill to the bones, and I remembered dweating in the desert with the sand flies biting, and it was a good memory I longed for once again. But to seek out a renegade band without the King's help... well, it could go bad.'

I saw she was looking at her ankle, and also the aroma of the cooking for the evening meal was seeping up through the room. Fresh loaves of bread I could make out, and I asked Benia,

'Would you like assistance downstairs to partake in the evening meal?'

She nodded and offered her hand and I helped her up and supported her. Saying to her quietly as we started on our way,

I will go and pass the message you wish to be known. But can you tell me where in Bree would he be found? I am sure Barliman will know if he can be bothered, but if you know of where I could start, I would greatly appreciate the knowing.'

We paused at the door as she whispered to me,

"There is a metalsmith near the west gate, not far from the Prancing Pony where the knowledge of iron has served well some of my people, for though they once worked in the smithies of Sauron, now they work free. You will find them there."

I nodded as she seemed to want to keep the knowledge limited, and I reached for the door of the room. Getting the door open and making our way down the stairs one step at a time, I looked about and could see that Kaldir had left, so it would be appropriate to seat Benia there.

'Kaldir, the one who I suspect seeks you, has left, though I sense he is not far. Have a seat m'lady and you will be well watched and tended to.'

I made sure Benia was set comfortable in the common room with a chair and a knitted blanket to support her leg in comfort, letting her ankle heal.

With her now sitting comfortable, I took her hand and with a light kiss to the back of it, I took my leave of her, letting her know where I would be for the night if she should have need of me before I left, and I turned to leave the common room.

I could see as I was on my way out the young Gondorian woman who had been enjoying her ale was writing on a book of parchments. I could see little of what she wrote as I walked by, but could tell her easy flowing script was that of one well-schooled. When another came into the Inn and recognized her despite her seeming attempt to not be recognized, it was apparent she was a fugitive. Not one that Kaldir wished apparently as she was well observed earlier that afternoon, and I wondered if this man was really a friend, or was maybe bribed to bring her back to her father as well? The words about marriage caused me to smile as I checked my belts and pouches to see if I was again ready for travel. Smelling and seeing the bread being baked for the evening meal, I offered to buy a loaf for myself for part of my trail ration.

Having procuring some from the cook for a fair sum, I took the wrap and went over to the door, opening it but not stepping out. The westering sun glistened as it lit the common room, and I could see Blackveil calmly grazing upon the far hill where I had slept the night before. But now I could hear words in a distance and so I decided to investigate. I stepped out and headed toward the stables where the words were coming from. Pausing outside the side of the stable to listen, I recognized the voices as that of Kaldir, Vanwe, and the elf Lespheria. Much was at hand, and I decided to watch how it all played out....

[ July 01, 2003: Message edited by: Snowdog ]