[Noinkling]

“. . . Should I go on searching for the man? Perhaps I should find the man who rescued me and thank him more appropriately. Should I go back to Taryn? Or should I take up a life like that of a Ranger?"

‘My stars, Keleth what a lot of questions! I don’t envy you having to find the right answer to them!’ Tolly shook his head in wonder. ‘And here my big question was just to find out how to get set up with some honest merchants for the Inn.’ He took a deep breath, considering Keleth’s problem. ‘Now, I’m not saying this’d be right for you, but if I was facing those problems, I think I might go about it this way. To be honest, I think I’d not bother with the man you were chasing . . . the one who murdered your friend. What’ll that get you but a lot of disappointment? I can’t really see how you’ll find him and if you do, what do you plan to do? Kill him? Makes you about the same as him, doesn’t it? And the other man, the one who rescued you – just staying alright is what he wanted for you. Seems like thanks enough if you keep yourself healthy and whole.’ Tolly narrowed his eyes, thinking about what he would do. ‘Family’s awfully important to me. Guess I’d go back and see my sister. Let her know I’m doing just fine. My sisters and brothers talk a lot to each other. We’re always telling each other what we think’s best for each other.’ Tolly laughed. ‘Of course, often I don’t want to hear what my sisters think I should be doing . . . but they tell me anyway!’ He nodded his head. ‘Yes, that’s what I’d do if I were you – go back to see my sister. Talk over your last idea there, the one about being a Ranger. She might think it’s a good idea or really dumb. I know my sisters often think I’m as dense as a rock.’

The Hobbit stood up by the side of his chair. ‘Something to think over, anyways,’ he said. ‘Of course, it’s all up to you in the end. For now, though, let’s go see Cook about helping out with the party.’

The man and Hobbit went into the kitchen, just in time to see a crow screeching at Cook