He whistled a merry tune while travelling the road that lead back to the town of Bree, his hands resting behind his back and the thoughtful gaze wandering around to study his surroundings as he passed the fields and farms that dotted the land around.
The mistress of Breeland. Who would have thought such a woman would exist in these simple lands of farm and trade. Then again I suppose most all places has at least one tugged away somewhere, hidden in back rooms or idling on the street corners.
He looked back over his shoulder and grinned, his whistling dying down as he tired of the tune.
Or hidden in the woods.
Looking ahead again his eyes followed the road and in the distance he could spot the town.
Admittedly Faylyn has more exotic means to treat her suffering men, as she names them. Oils and herbs and whatever else she mentioned. Wonder if I should visit again to try? Then again heavens knows what she'll charge for such. The coin purse is light enough after simply asking for a conversation from her. Did Fay add cost to the kiss she stole from me? Can't be. I should be charging her for that one but then again a woman who has men taking so much I might as well let her enjoy taking something for herself.
I will have to hope that I do not end up with a rash or odd blisters from that touch. I can only guess where those lips have been before.
His grin widened and he tasted his lips for a moment, chuckling to himself and a cheerful hum followed to entertain his walk.
At least I managed to get some fun out of it even if the more interesting topics fell short after awhile. She at least seemed convinced that fate had something to do with her place there when it seems fear is what chains her or perhaps it is the attention that she adores and doesn't want to leave it behind and start again even if the work then would be more dignified. Who am I to judge? If she enjoys it then I will not be the one to change her mind, not my worry or task.
Pity that I never got my bantering, few seem fit for a intelligent banter these days. They are far too quick to take insult, afraid to have their thoughts and ideas questioned and dig around the reasons for them or even have them challenged. All wish to be wrapped in cotton.
He shook his head and smirked amusedly to himself. The man neared the gate and his gaze wandered upwards to study the structure.
At least she was laughing and seemed to grow fond of my company, though I do wonder if that was something real or just a trained act that she has mastered over the years. I doubt I will ever know. The wine was good. I'll have to remember to try and find more of that Shire wine.
He halted by the gate and spoke with the guards, waved in shortly afterwards. He looked around the town as he entered it and his hand moved up to the back of his neck to rub the sore muscle.
Maybe I should visit a healer. Maybe I should have taken the bed offered. The couch was comfortable but sitting like that through the night? A poor mistake. Well, can't complain too much. I did get a warm body to wake up next to and a decent breakfast followed.
Wonder if I'll ever have such a view again. Breakfast prepared in a kitchen, a woman, a home?
He shook the idea out of his head and scoffed.
Don't be ridiculous now. The road is your home and shall always be. Don't go letting Baldvin's foolish ideas start creeping in but then again maybe every one of us goes through this. I do wonder if she will be inviting me back to her cottage. She was low on supplies and so I am certain she will be visiting the town soon. Maybe she will invite me to visit or leave a note. I guess I'll just have to wait and see.
The man hummed to himself in thought and darted his eye towards the familiar shop owned by Gerlof as he passed it.
That reminds me... Haritha. I still need to fix things. I've not seen the man yet and even if I did I doubt he'd take time to listen. If he didn't listen to her what chance do I have? It does not matter. If he wants to brood then so be it. It is not my problem anymore. I will have to do something for Haritha though... But what? Now she tells me she will not be allowed to leave work to make it to the festival even if I'd offer to take her. Maybe if I'd convince Baldvin to take her place? Or take my place? No, that would not work. Neither of us knows anything about that shop or what we'd have to do. Gerlof will never go for it.
He stopped and looked around the market, up and down the street.
But what if....
He turned around and jogged down the street to the crossroad behind the dwarven statue, looking around once more and into the Beggar's Alley. Suddenly his grin widened and he snapped his fingers.
I've got it!
