All Gehrhart could muster was a snort of derision, "The only thing you count on an elf to do is be petty and arrogant" he spat back, "You're a good man AND I trust ya, but i'll never understand why you do some of these things". Feeling very tired all of a sudden he stood and patted Thaddeus on the shoulder "I'll see ya there then" ,he said as he walked back to the old innkeeper. "I trust my young acquaintance paid for a solo room for me then?" he asked the man. "Why indeed he has master dwarf" the innkeeper said to him as he cleaned a mug "Far room at the end of the hall, can't miss it". "I won't be needing it" Gehrhart said "In the morning i'd like you to return the money back to him".
"Of course master dwarf" the innkeeper said slightly confused, "But, if i might ask where shall you be sleeping?" 

"Outside" Gehrhart replied as he headed for the doors "I want to see the stars". "Ah" the innkeeper said as realization hit him "I warrant you haven't seen the sky at night then?" "I have but never for long" Gehrhart answered as he exited "I find it relaxing". "Well a good night to you then master dwarf" The innkeeper called as Gehrhart left. 

While he had been truthful about his desire to see the stars there was an ulterior motive to Gehrharts wish to stay outside. He made his way to his pony and retrieved from its saddlebag one of his most prized possessions from a small wooden case, a small delicate looking lute carved from wood and engraved with dwarven runes, He also retrieved a clay pipe and pouch of tobacco. Taking the flute, pipe and a small blanket he found a dry spot under a tree on the edge of the town and sat at the base of the tree lighting his pipe and began slowly playing the only tune he knew, a dwarven lullaby. [i]The stars are beautiful tonight[/i], he thought, [i]like diamonds thrown across an ocean, I wonder if you ever saw them.[/i] A tear began to form in the old dwarfs eye,[i] I think you'd have liked the stars[/i] He continued [i]Maybe you're one of them, way up there away from all this.[/i] The old dwarf looked up at the night sky through the branches of the tree at the stars,[i] if you are and you're watching I hope i can make you proud.[/i]

---

He didn't know when he had fallen asleep but he awoke the next morning at the sound of a rooster crowing, the lute sitting in his lap. He returned to his pony and stowed the small instrument back into its case. [i]Daddy loves you[/i] he thought as he gently placed the case back into his saddle bag and began preparations for the ride. He hoped Wolmak would be around soon and they could head off to their destination and could get this adventure really underway.