Chapter Ten – Estriel has a plan...(gulp)

"So how did it go?" asked Jenna as Estriel returned to the inn.

"He's leaving for Mirkwood tomorrow," she replied, sitting down.

"Tomorrow?" asked Jenna. Darayne looked nonplussed.

"But, I've actually got kind of a plan forming."

"Uh-oh," said Jenna under her breath.

"No, it's actually kinda good," said Estriel.

"Double uh-oh."

"Shut up! So, basically...we go with him," she said gleefully, surveying her audience of two for their reaction.

"What?" exclaimed Jenna and Darayne together.

"Well...obviously there's more to it than that...You," she nodded at Jenna. "go and see that Isobelle girl, and see if you can heal her. If you do, ask for two horses as your reward."

"Two? There are three of us," pointed out Jenna.

"Yeah, but you can't ride," said Estriel. "So, you're gonna have to ride with one of us."

"I'm coming too?" asked Darayne in a 'that's-never-going-to-happen' voice.

"Yes," said Estriel. "I've got to do this story-telling thing tonight, so that we can get some food to take with us."

"Es, not to rain on your parade, but I doubt that Aragorn's exactly going to welcome company, especially not with...well, er..."

"Me," finished Darayne.

"Well, he's going to have to. We need to go to Mirkwood. I...I know it." Jenna looked at her friend, who seemed so determined and sure that this was the right thing to do that she felt that she could not go against her.

"I'm in," she smiled at her friend, who smiled back. They both looked at Darayne.

"I would rather be thrown into Mount Doom than spend time with...with...him," he spat.

"Please?" asked Jenna feebly, looking at him with her large brown eyes beseechingly.

"Well..." he faltered.

"The wills of men are weak indeed," said Estriel, and the two girls laughed. Darayne just looked confused.

"Pretty, pretty please?" Jenna fluttered her eyelashes, begging.

Darayne sighed.

"You do not understand. It is... Difficult." Darayne sighed. "I would do much to oblige you both, but you do not know what you ask."

Estriel looked puzzled.

"Then tell us!" She said, as though it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"He can't..." explained Jenna. "It's complicated. Let's talk about it this evening; we have to get to the mayor's house. Come on!"

Bidding Butterbeer goodbye for the present, they trooped out of the Inn and up the road. Darayne stopped mid-walk.

"I must return to the Pony- we must engage rooms for the night. I will walk you there, return, engage rooms, then meet you at the Mayor's front door as soon as I can."

The girls nodded- the plan made sense.

"Are you sure, Darayne? I mean, we have no money." Jenna asked hesitantly.

"It's on me. You can pay for the rooms when you have money." Darayne smiled at Estriel, allowed his eyes to linger on Jenna for a moment, and began to lead them on.

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