Filrean entered the tavern, her hood drawn up over her head casting its shadow over her features, even though she knew what she had to do, her emotions were still mixed. She wished she did not have to do this alone, Adunzil would have come with her if she had asked but to what end? He was not the one they wanted to see and it would only proven her worthlessness to them and the others if she required someone to hold her hand.
She stepped across towards the bar, past the bards at the fireplace playing their songs to entertain the crowd in hope for some coin to pay for their next meal. At the bar she moved her hood back a touch and gave Barliman a slight nod. With an undistinguishable grunt he picked up a half pint mug and poured in some ale before placing it on the bar infront of her, she put down the required coins picked up the mug and turned to survey the rest of the room. The usual occupants were there, men having an ale after working in the fields or chopping logs, Merchants bartering their goods. People telling stories of some adventure, or made up adventure to those who would listen.
She wandered over to a table in a far corner and sat to enjoy her ale, continuing to keep a watch on those in the room. It was during this time she noted an old lady sat near the far fireplace looking in her direction occasionally before looking back towards the fire. Filrean thought nothing of it at first until the old lady threw something into the fire that set out sparks and turned the flames a strange colour for a moment, she then continued to stare into the flames as if seeing something within them. Filrean looked about the room to see if anyone else had noticed the strange behaviour before looking back at the old woman. This time she met her eyes and the woman smiled slightly then beckoned her over with her hand. At first she didn’t know whether to stay or go but something drew her in, lowering her hood she walked over with her ale.
“Hello child, come and humour an old lady, you’re a curious type yes I can see that.” Said the woman. “Sit, sit.” She motioned to the chair opposite her. “Wondering what that was were you? Hmm, yes, yes, not so good to use powders and herbs here, scares the locals I know but I’m always careful and they know me anyway. Auntie Beth to some, Old Betty to others.”
“How come..? “ Filrean went to reply before the words became stuck in her throat.
“You’ve not seen me before? Well maybe because I never drew attention to myself, that little show was for you, merely some iron dust, sets a pretty colour doesn’t it?”
Filrean took a sip of the ale in her hand, her throat felt dry with the heat of the fire so close and this woman made her more than curious now.
“So child, what’d you like to tell ole Beth then?” She leaned forward more looking at her with those strange greyish eyes. Filrean paused a moment as she looked at the old woman’s eyes then continued to talk almost without thinking of what she was saying.
“Well I’m heading North again, alone, he wouldn’t come so I have to go alone...” She stopped talking and went quiet suddenly looking at the old woman.
“Why are you so afraid to be alone? You have been before, hmm yes, many times, why so?”
“I’m not scared.” Filrean replied somewhat stubbornly.
“Scared is not what I meant dear, you’re afraid to be all alone for all your days to come. Should be content with your own company an’a sweet lass as yourself might always find someone. Clutching at straws in the wind is no way to be living your life.”
Filrean sighed to herself, maybe the old woman was right she’d been hoping for so long and maybe even fooling herself that one day he’ll come around and want her as much as she did him.
“Best you go on dear, find your way again and it’ll all come back to you. You’ll find that strength I’m sure of it you will.” The old woman nodded as she spoke and turned back to look at the flames as if in dismissal of Filrean’s presence.
She sat there a moment longer, unsure if that was the end of the conversation or not and finished off the ale in her hand before rising to leave. For some reason she felt inclined to place a few coins and a small pouch of hobbit’s weed she’d been carrying about on the small table at the old woman’s side. The woman herself made little acknowledgement other than to nod her head again. With that Filrean left the tavern and readied herself for the coming journey.
