Not Forsaken

Chapter 5

It was pouring steadily, as the dwarf entered the inn. It was not an unusual place, considering where he was. It was rank and damp inside, smelling of old ale, smoke and some less pleasant things. Once inside, the smell of fresh bread and stew made it feel a bit more welcoming, if anyone could be made to feel welcome in such a place. Odd sorts, some men, hobbits even, and even a couple other dwarves. He found an empty table by the fire, and sat himself down. He did not notice the wizard and his very small companion sitting across the room.

Gandalf and Luliana had entered the Prancing Pony a short while before. Luliana was uneasy with the crowded atmosphere. She had never been in such a place, and would never have chosen to come here on her own. It smelled dirty to her. She was unaccustomed to the sorts of odors that assailed her all at once. Sweat, smoke, fresh bread, urine, ale....it was almost too much. It was so dark, and the assortment of folks in the cramped room left her woozy. Drunken laughter and loud cat calls, the occasional raised voices left her ears ringing in just a few minutes time. She pulled her cloak tighter about her. It felt like just a bit of safety to her.

She noticed the women there were very largely uncovered, which she did not understand. The sights and sounds were beginning to quite overwhelm her when Gandalf finally spoke to her.

"Would you like something to eat? It may help to warm you some." Luliana hadn't realized she was shivering, but she was indeed freezing. They were not near the large fireplace that crackled away, teasing with its warmth. She wanted to go stand near it, to warm up a bit, even dry out some, but she was not about to wander away from her companion.

"I'm not hungry," she stated matter-of-factly. Even if she was, she wasn't sure she would be able to eat with the horrid smells around her. Even though she had spent her life in the woods, outside, Luliana did like to be clean. She wondered if this was why her father had liked to stay away from the towns. Were they all like this? Her thoughts were interrupted by Gandalf, who looked up suddenly.

"He is here." He said it so quietly, half in a whisper that she was not sure if he had meant to say it out loud or not.

"Gandalf," she started to say, before he quickly interrupted her. "You are to stay here. I will be back soon." Standing and turning to the barmaid, he said, "please bring my companion some hot food, and some mead. She is in need of a good meal." The barmaid obliged, as Gandalf moved towards the fireplace. Luliana was not sure who he was looking for, but she quickly figured it out as he sat down at the table closest to the fire. His back was towards her, and she tired of straining to try to see whom he was seated with. She gladly turned back around to face the plate of steaming hot food in front of her, and took a rather large gulp of the glass of mead in front of her.

With more than a little reservation, she began picking at the food in front of her, wondering if it was safe to eat. She had always depended on herself to provide meals, and she realized that the last person to make a meal for her had been her mother. Do not go there again, she told herself. She realized that the food was in fact quite good, and found herself enjoying it. Gandalf appeared next to her again, motioning to her to follow him. She left the rest of her meal, grabbing her goblet of mead. Gandalf escorted Luliana back to the table he had sat down at near the fireplace. She braced herself, not knowing what this introduction would be like, what questions would be asked. Thankfully the mead had warmed her a bit, and eased her nerves some.

She had no idea what to expect. It was true that she had no recollection of ever meeting any dwarves besides her mother. She had seen them at a distance, of course, but had never spoken to one. Gandalf and Luliana approached the table where a dwarf was seated.

"This is my companion that I was just telling you of. Thorin, meet Luliana. Luliana, this is Thorin Oakenshield." Gandalf took his seat again at the table, and pulled out his pipe. Thorin's eyes were fastened upon Luliana. He coolly nodded, never taking his eyes off of her. She stood there, feeling very exposed, and quite annoyed at his silence.