A man sat alone by a table, a mug in hand and a lazy stare sat on nothing in particular. He listened to the music from across the room, the murmur of the few guests around and a few chuckles that echoed from the bar where the tavern keep served patrons their drinks.
Company was always good but this evening the man didn't mind to sit alone with his drink and thoughts, pondering on the days that had passed since he arrived to this simple town of trade and farm work.
Seaver, one of the first man I recall meeting here. Owner of a tavern outside of town which I still haven't visited. I should do that soon. The White Wolf it was called if I remember correctly.
Gafford, the shy blacksmith. Interesting man though terribly withdrawn at times and terrified of crowds. A man of interest, no less. A man welcomed into the scholar's hall and a man who reads, a good gift but consuming and even lonely. Maybe the man can be dragged out of his little shell yet.
He grinned to himself and reached over to the small pitcher on the table to refill his mug, turning his head towards the entrance when a call caught his attention but it was not for him. For a moment he watched the two women that met, observing as they ordered their drinks and chatted nearby.
Audea, the sweet little bardess. I still have not heard her play or at least nothing proper. I wonder if she is shy as well, continues to put herself down but that is the artist's curse, isn't it? I know it well myself. Nothing is ever good enough, no matter how often others say it is. She is a good woman, I am sure she will do well. She might not go off and travel the world but locally she might do well for herself, once she dares play something more openly and bring cheer.
She did seem eager to pry off my face the other day. Will have to be careful of those grabby hands of hers. A man's face is never left in peace.
Hawk, that was his name? Her name? I still need to figure that one out. Was it a woman? No, a man? No, no, it was a woman... Or was it a man?
Neyaa, ah.. Still remember that little flower. Fun woman and interesting to speak with. A pity that she and her friend did not deliver the wit and jests I had hoped for when I beckoned them over. Maybe next time. Haven't seen her around lately.
Silver, the woman's friend. Had hoped for such a play of wit with her and her friend but what was given was so disappointing. Who can blame her. She did seem awfully distracted about what was in my trousers by the way her wit was so quick to fall to that place. Simple minds, simple pleasures.
His eyes wandered away from the pair of women to stare off towards the wall ahead, smiling wide as he let the ale dance on his tongue once more.
The tales of this ale is not wrong at least. I haven't tasted a brew this divine in a long time, if ever. I wonder what his secret is.
Ellamir, strange man. Traveller as I understood it. Last I heard of him he had gone to the Old Forest or was it Fold Forest? Either way he seemed to come back whole, never really heard his story proper. Maybe the fault of a large company but it's fun no less. I wonder how he is doing now. Saw him the other night or I think it was him, the same red garment at least. Does he travel with the Combe Watchwoman? What was her name again... Lamdala? I think that as it. Lamdale? Lamdol? I best remember the name before I meet her again.
Fyria, the pregnant woman. Such a dark cloud she has over her head but at least she is not like the strange hooded man I met some nights ago. I wonder if there are many like him. Skulk somewhere in the back looking so tense that you think they're trying to keep themselves from going to the outhouse. At least she is a bit more at ease, encouraging for us to take to the stage. Hope she is well.
I should check with Gerlof again, the man with the golden grin, and see if his offer is still there. I can always hope that his good beekeeper, Ains, shall be around when I do meet with him about the matter. A lovely woman she is and with luck she might have more of her baked goods to share. Maybe I'll even meet the maid, Haritha, I think she was his maid. Maybe I misheard. What was the name of the woman in pink? How could I forget her name? Strange. Ah! Then there was the Rose as well... Another face I have not seen since I got here.
Tylva, such a straining company at times. The woman has brawn but the brains she sometimes lacks. I hadn't thought people could be that simple or maybe I'm just not used to such company. To bring a carcass into a tavern and think no one would care? Though it did seem that many did not such as Leoffrith that sat with me that night. Strange. But I am told she is a good woman none of the less, I will not doubt it. Is it normal in Bree to bring in dead animals? Hmm...
It has been some time since I saw that man named Crow, I still wonder why anyone would name their child that. Not seen the good Fenflower, Corrinne, for some time either. Not since that night, I believe. Never did learn the name of that woman that sat alone, claiming she was poor company. Not the first time I have heard it, strange how people can judge themselves like that and assume that the person who wants their company will think the same. Perhaps I will see her again, perhaps not.
He raised his mug for another sip only to find it empty. With a pause he looked around and his table was still empty and he himself too lazy to stand and find some. The pitcher was picked up again and the rest of it poured into the mug.
Bledigg and Fialed a pair I've come to know as well though their company can straining at times. Like most in this town they tend to be far too serious, has me wondering at times if that is the theme of this town. Is there a prize for the most serious face, gloomiest mood and dullest spirit?
The two are not all bad though, Bledigg has some wit to him and I did enjoy a banter with him. He does not bend easily or speak against himself, fold when pressure is pushed on him and alerted of what is being said. A pity that he took it so badly at the time but at least I have given him my praise, time will tell if he took it well or if he is still bitter from the banter. Fialed still amuses me along with many of the other women I've met, sometimes speaking and acting as if a woman has no worth unless she can stand up against a man and strangely enough they seem to assume that taking a life and standing in battle is the way to do it. I don't think I will ever understand it. Mother would have such a laugh about such a thought and probably pity them for not seeing their worth. She did always say that it's the women that control the home and rule over those within it, I don't think anyone ever argued that.
Then there are the Barleycorns, Conrob and Brynleigh. Not certain if to be happy for the pair or pity them as they seem stuck to the hip, can't be healthy. Seems the woman can't even sit beside another when he arrives since he shall have to sit next to her even in company. Maybe it's something they enjoy, maybe it's something forced, I do not know. Not my business. Pity that the woman cannot ease up at times, unable to take a small sip of a proper drink to join the mood of the company. Naturally like that or something sculpted by her husband? It is a wonder.
Speaking of the woman though there was that night at the Singi-..No, it was Sizzling Turtle. Who did I meet there? Ah, yes! Neremnes the dock-child, Caaran and the man with the hat who I had thought the last name was Cod but apparently it is not so, strange the man did not correct me at the time then assumes I was making a poor joke when I knew no better, Ricky, I was told to call him.
He tilted his head back and tapped his chin in thought.
There have been so many names Lieta, Verbeinna, Cadyll, Birchald, Ealwayn, Calagand and the child Amanda. Of course I cannot forget Io and her very recent lover Uartu. I wonder if they worked it out. She did seem rather eager last time we spoke, perhaps the man has returned now.
There are so many more but why can't I find their names... Maybe next time, when there is less drink in me. Though I cannot forget the lovely little Hobbit Derosyn who I met. Such a cheerful little thing or was at least when I first met her, the mood seemed to have dulled the second time and I've not seen her since. I wonder if she is alright. I still need to hear more Hobbit tales.
The last of the ale was downed and his eyes lifted to see the face of his grinning brother "Time already?" He questioned and his brother nodded "Very well."
He pushed the empty mug aside and rose to his feet, looking around the table briefly then following after Baldvin to join him outside.
I wonder where my hat has gone.
