Short goodbyes
Monday, August 11th, 2008
“So, you all intend to set out immediately?” Marinald asked Arias as they crossed the great hall to one of the kegs tapped conveniently near a table. The five companions had gone their respective ways to gather their possessions, leaving Arias and the halfling relatively alone.
“It seems that way. Truth be told, I’m a little nervous–I barely know these people–but I’m excited to continue. As wonderful as your hospitality has been,” Arias said, drawing a mug of room temperature ale (”Finally, a reasonable mug ‘o mead!” Drugal had exlaimed upon sampling it) for the halfling before filling one for himself, “I’ve been feeling a bit claustrophobic down here. It has taken me so long to reach the Vanguards, and now that I’m so close, I’ve been stymied… until now.”
Marinald looked up while tipping back his mug, eyes framed by bushy eyebrows and the rim of the tankard, and studied the wizard. Setting the drained mug down, the halfling wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, wiped it again on his breeches, then extended it to the elf.
“It’s been a pleasure to meet you, Arias. You’re welcome here anytime,” he said with a smile and a wink, “though hopefully next time you’ll hold off on scorching our fields until the Homeguard can join in on the fun!”
Smiling himself, Arias took the halfling’s hand warmly in his own, squeezing it briefly as he set his own mug down, still over half full. “Thank you, Marinald. You have been a true friend to me, and I hope to return someday.”
“Just don’t wait too long, elf,” Marinald said with a chuckle. “‘Someday’ is a long time to your kind, and I can’t wait a hundred years until you remember to pay us a social call!”
Standing, the elf said, “I’ll be back sooner than that, I hope. It all depends, I suppose,” he concluded, his eyes taking on a distant, unfocused look, “on what we find across the Vanguards.”
An awkward silence stretched between the two for several seconds before Marinald stood, treated Arias to a half bow, and turned to leave. The elf blinked, watching his friend go, then shrugged and turned himself. Walking to the burrow entrance, he checked his pouches and bags, a slight smile touching his lips.
