[Garen LiLorian]

As the little scouting party exited the inn, Ned's spirits were in high order. Elfred had impressed him mightily with his quarterstaff-cum-walking stick, and Ned knew he was in good company. Especially with Olo along as well. Ned constantly eyed the sword Olo carried as they walked. He hoped the older hobbit might take some time, maybe after lunch, to show Ned a few things. It was all very well to carry a soon to be famous sword, he thought, but I might need to use it, and then where would I be?

He was a little upset about not being allowed to lead the party at any point, but his common sense prevailed. After all, this was country he knew nothing about. Better to let- Then Autumn gave a yell and ran on ahead. Ned looked up from his musings and, holding his sheathed blade away from his legs this time, followed behind her at a run.

The sight was the most awful thing he'd ever seen, bar none. He swayed, feeling sick to his stomach as Autumn dropped to her knees in front of him.
"Oh... goodness." He managed, before dropping to his knees as well, and offering up breakfast to whoever might be watching.

He felt miserable, and wondered why he'd ever volunteered for this job. He was no hero. This was a job for Old Elfred, and Gaddy, not to mention the Big Folk.

The howling of a dog brought Ned back to himself. He dragged himself to his feet, and braced himself for another look. Yep, it was still awful. But he could sort of bear it now. Autumn pointed at something that Ned was too far away to see. Tracks, apparently. A fire started burning somewhere in his stomach region. He was going to find the beasts that had done this, and then... Well, he didn't know what then, but he was sure something would present itself.

Elfred clapped him on the back. "Steady on, young Brandybuck. We'd best be resting a bit before following those tracks any further. Come away here, and let's have some lunch."

Ned allowed himself to be led back to the group, out of sight of the horrible slaughter.