On our way to Bree! A bit on the shorter side, but it made the most sense to cut it where I did. Enjoy!

Chapter 5

We set out about an hour later after briefly breaking our fast and making sure everything was packed and secure. Candaith smiled down at his horse. "He has been with me for many seasons, but he is strong and able to travel this journey without trouble." The horse snorted as if in agreement.

I laughed, "I think he would be offended if you said otherwise!"

His eyes twinkled with humor, "I think you would be right!"

There was pause where we looked at each other smiling in shared humor, before I began to feel a little flustered and broke eye contact. That strange feeling in my chest returned. What on earth is going on?

Thankfully the ride to Breetown was uneventful, and it took us a couple of days to reach it. As it was late by the time we arrived, we decided to spend the night at the Prancing Pony. I wanted to restock my supplies at the market, but it was closed until morning.

I walked up to the bar and smiled at the Innkeeper, Barliman Butterbur. He immediately blushed and seemed flustered. I looked sideways at Candaith and saw him smirk and roll his eyes.

"Hello again M-Miss Gwinthilnel. How can I help you?" Barliman stammered.

"Well met Mr. Butterbur. I am hoping to rent two rooms for the night, both single beds."

"I'm sorry miss, but we are very full at the moment. Many refugees from the surrounding farms have checked in due to the brigands and other strange creatures that have been roamin' around," he replied.

I frowned. Could it really be so dangerous? I had spent a decent amount of time eliminating various threats while I was here…but that was many months ago, "I had not realized it was so perilous."

"There isn't anything available." He continued, looking a little too sad. I raised an eyebrow in disbelief, feeling suspicious. "Nothing?" I wondered if it had to do with Candaith's presence; I had heard from Aragorn that rangers were not well-liked.

I decided it was time to be charming.

"Mr. Butterbur," I said softly, reaching out and placing a hand on his arm, "Surely there is something you can do." The owner's eyes went wide and his jaw slackened, before he recovered. He looked down at his room registry and tried to act surprised as he pretended to see an open room he had missed. "Well, fortunately for you, we do have one double room available…" He sent a nervous glance at Candaith "…but it wouldn't be proper for you both to stay there."

Candaith narrowed his eyes, "Are you presuming I would not act honorably?"

Barliman looked flustered, "I'm sorry sir, but your kind don't have a good reputation here."

"My kind?" Candaith growled, looking furious.

I stepped in before this could escalate further, "I assure you I am quite safe." I smiled and fluttered my eyelashes, secretly a little embarrassed. If this is what I have to do…then so be it. "Your Inn has quite a reputation for being the best place to stay in town. You…wouldn't let anything happen to me in this fine establishment, would you?"

Barliman blushed scarlet, "N-No milady, I would never let you come to harm!"

"Besides, I am quite able to defend myself; as you can see, I have a bow and a sword." I motioned to my weapons.

"I can see that milady, but I would feel much better placin' a guard outside your door, just in case," Barliman insisted.

I forced myself not to sigh in frustration. Continuing to keep a smile firmly in place, I replied softly, "If you insist. I thank you for your hospitality." I gave him a wink, and that was all it took to seal the deal.

"Y-you're very welcome milady. I insist that you come down and have a meal, on the house," he said quickly.

"Why thank you sir, I would be very grateful," I murmured, nodding my head and holding out my hand for the key. He gave it to me quickly and offered to show me to the room, completely ignoring Candaith.

I resolutely walked ahead, following Barliman and purposely not looking anywhere near Candaith. I could hear him snickering behind me.

"Here we are milady," Barliman said, pointing at the door with an unnecessary flourish. He turned to Candaith, finally acknowledging him with a glare. "If I hear of any funny business, you will find yourself out of here faster than you can say Bree". Candaith nodded his head slightly, but I could see him rolling his eyes as Barliman walked away.

Sure enough, a guard quickly made his way over to the door before I could even open it. "My lady, I'm Pearson, the one who will be guarding your door tonight. If you have need of me, I will be at your side in an instant!" he said dramatically. I fought back a sigh and schooled my features into a smile. "Thank you, sir, but I am certain everything will be fine."

"I have my orders," Pearson said gruffly.

I nodded, "Then you should obey them. Please feel free to stand guard outside the door. If I for some reason have need of you, I will call." I gave him a wink and almost laughed out loud at the wide-eyed expression on his face.

Unlocking the door, I opened it to find a modest-sized room with two beds. Before I could do anything, a maid appeared and hurried over to the fireplace, lighting a fire that quickly warmed the cold room. She also set a bowl of water on a table with some linen cloths and some towels. I nodded my thanks as she bowed to me and sent Candaith a suspicious glance.

"I'm getting a little annoyed with everyone treating me like a miscreant," Candaith grumbled. I laughed and set my belongings next to the bed nearest the window; I liked to be able to see the stars.

Candaith threw himself on his bed, lying down without even taking off his dirty boots. I grimaced, "Really Candaith? At least take off those shoes, they are filthy."

The ranger opened one of his closed eyes and looked down at his boots. "I suppose you are right." He kicked them off, one of them almost flying into the fireplace. I sighed and moved them a little further away; burning leather was not something I wanted to risk.

I sat down heavily, digging into my bag and pulling out a bar of soap, "I better wash up a bit before eating, I am covered in dust from the road," I muttered, staring at my dirty hands before standing once more and making my way over to the bowl of water.

Candaith eyed the soap, "That looks fancy. Do I see lavender sprigs in there?" He smirked.

I rolled my eyes and muttered "I am not going to apologize for investing in quality soap. You are just jealous."

"No, I'm simply being practical," He pulled out a plain bar of soap that had clearly seen better days. "No need to waste money on expensive Elvish soap. Now move over." He nudged me out of the way and started to wash up.

Biting back a sarcastic remark, I lathered the soap on the linen cloth. It was a bit rough on my skin, but clean was clean. I squeezed it out and dipped it back in the water so I could wash my face and neck. I was about to finish when Candaith suddenly dunked his entire head in the bowl.

I gasped as he whipped his head up, his wet hair flying and spraying water all over me. He grabbed a towel and dried his hair roughly, and then turned to me. "Sorry about that," he said, looking entirely unapologetic.

"You know, that behavior only reinforces the views of the people here who think you are a barbarian." I said, trying to be stern but unable to keep a grin off my face. "I am calling for some clean water before I wash my hair." I looked down at the water in the bowl (what was left of it anyway) and noted its now brown appearance.

Candaith smirked, "And that only reinforces the view that Elves are vain." He ducked as I threw the cloth at his head.

Enjoying the playful banter between our two characters? I know I enjoy writing it! Please leave a quick review, and check that little "author alert" button so you make sure to get an update when I post a chapter. Thanks for reading!