[Kates Frodo Temp]

Elhor looked about, searching for something to distract him from the frightening thoughts.

Many new people, if they could be called "people", had entered the inn. They were strange folk he had never heard of before, even in tales.

He was not frightened, but others seemed to avoid them, and shuddered if they came near. The people of the Vale, his home, could hardly be called beautiful, and Elhor did not consider these strange, dark creatures to be too different from some men he had seen. To be sure, they were not the sort he would like to have as close friends, but why did everyone seem to shun them?

Elhor had compassion for those who were alone and unwanted, no matter whether he truly liked them or not. But Pio had not trusted them, so they were probably trouble-makers. Still, she had let them in.

He went up to one of the strange creatures, leaving his new-found friends. Maybe Morwyn would like to talk with Nahai for a while. It made sense that they would want to be alone.

“Hello, sir.”

"Why am I doing this?" he thought. It was against the boy’s nature! Shy and reclusive, he would not introduce himself even to someone he liked and trusted. He should leave the inn, now, without telling anyone. If not, he was bound to get in trouble this way. He couldn’t have friends! What had ever made him think he could?