[samsmyhero]

"Yes, that seems to be true to form for love and all the romantic sentiments." Denegal grimaced and shook his head. "Whether one deserves its blessing or its curse, love seems most capricious in handing out its favors. Those who seem most undeserving somehow manage to come out the winners." The young soldier's tone had a bitter ring to it.

A slight frown passed over Falowik's face, and Denegal, noting his companion's look, hastened to add, "Not all who win it are undeserving. I didn't mean to imply that. I have known many couples, good men and women, who were well suited for each other and who were both good people, deserving of happiness. My parents were such. Until . . . until my father died. Perhaps it's just my own misfortune that makes me see the world thus." He fell silent and brooding, his face a dark study in self-pity. The heavy rain that was now falling in sheets outside the snug inn reflected the heaviness of his mood.

Thenergal and Sherman shifted about uncomfortably in their seats. This love lorn Gondorian was certainly not improving the grey weather outside with his sighing and moaning. Sherman, bored with all this talk of love, leaned over to look once more at Denegal's feet and asked "But I still don't see how it is that your losing a girl would make you want to wear those fancy slippers?"

"I don't want to wear them!" Denegal replied, with some exasperation. "I lost my left boot some days back, and had to leave the place where it was . . . lost in some haste. I had no other choice but to journey on, and the road has been a hard and rocky one. My left foot, as you can see", here he removed his foot from the slipper and held it aloft for all to see, "has suffered greatly. That kind little woman over there" he pointed out Ruby who was bustling about bringing out lunches from the kitchen, "Allowed me to make a search of a wardrobe upstairs and I found these discarded amongst other unwanted items. I assure you, they were the only shoes that fit. If I had the means, I would seek out a cobbler and have a new pair of boots made. But, alas, my purse will not allow for such luxuries."

Sherman looked somewhat reassured by this explanation, at least that Denegal was not wearing the slippers voluntarily, exactly. "Uh, you can put your foot down." He pointed at the foot still dangling in the air by his face.