It has been a few days since he arived back in Bree. The atmosphere of the town has been one of hostility and distrust. It might have something to do with the briggans that has been calling Bree their new home. Or something more sinister altogether. The inn was, as was as the custom on this hour of the evening, filled with voices, laughter, music and clatter. Now and then the clink of glass can be heard, sharp, above the rest of the noise, as well as the jingle of coins from the counter. The air in the room, filled with smoke and the fumes of alcohol, presses down closterphobicly on him. Though the excitement and joys merriment feels contagious, so too does the hostility and apprehension in the tavern cause for caution
From his right a man shouts out "Another, Come on!" from behind him a pair of voices, one woman, the other a gruff man, was arguing about some or other dwarf that has been making himself a nuisance. Barliman, from across the counter, regards him with impatience. The dirty clothes that he wears, stained with oil and sweat, from which drifts up a stench of stale drink and cabbages. His worn pudgy face, piggishly fat and glistering in the low orange light of the fire, stares at him once more "Oi, oi! come on! what'll it be? a wine again!?" he half shouts to be heard above the hub, bub of the tavern. He lowers his head at Barliman and leans forward to be better heard. "One of the usual, thank you!" he orders aloud as new shouts interject above the rest.
Receiving his drink, he turns around to look at the inn. Most of the faces in front of him are familiar. Shaking his head to the smell, noise and oppressive atmosphere, he rather places his wine back on the table, without taking a sip. Again, he curses his forgetfulness. He forgot to take his things out of the saddle bags.
If it wasn't for the fact that he needs to speak to someone here, he wouldn't have come. But seeing as it has become his custom, no less, that he needs a distraction, he has made his nights at the tavern his entertainment, and anyways, he still need to prepare again for the Lone Lands. Soon he would resume his scouting there again. The last time that he was doing his own reconnaissance in the Trollshaws, he noticed on his way back that there seems to be an increase in the number of orcs along the way.
Beongarn, Farncar and himself, have discussed their next move. But first, they need more information.
