[center][h3][color=LawnGreen] Cassi Fairbairn[/color] and [color=Peru]Ted Noakes [/color][/h3][/center]
“Oh, I’m Casssinia Fairbairn, but everyone calls me Cassi,” Cassi chirped up all too cheerfully as the now larger group was on their way towards the city, glancing around at her new companions. “I didn’t manage to introduce myself earlier. It’s nice to see so many friendly faces in a place like this.”

“I doubt everyone will be thankful to have met you soon enough,” Ted chided, lips drawn into a frown as he kept his hand on the sword at his side. Unlike the younger hobbit he had traversed some of the more dangerous Mirkwood forests before and knew that there were always dangers, even with the numbers they now had. 

“I’d like to thing that I help cheer everyone up,” Cassi retorted, though she lowered her voice a bit as they approached the walls that now loomed before them. “And, if not, my good shot could be useful!”

“I think the fair folk have you beaten on that,” Ted muttered as he shot her a narrowed look to silence her. He moved his gaze back to the wall as they traversed around it, the two hobbits having to hurry to keep up with the taller folk. There was an eerie silence coming from the place. It was unnatural, as was the lack of men on the walls. The place seemed more than just abandoned. What exactly had happened here? Somehow he doubted they would find Roderic alive within. Cassinia may be hoping to see her cousin again but Ted was far from an optimist. 

“Oh wow, it’s so big,” Cassi let out a quite gasp as they reached the gates, staring up at the carvings with wide green eyes. The depiction of people of all races living together would have brought her joy if it wasn’t for the silence that hung about the place. Even she knew that an open gate was not a good sign.

“It would have repelled most invaders,” Ted half responded to her, looking thoughtful. He was about to turn to Elennína, the elf who had led them this far, to ask what her thoughts were on how they should proceed when Thurin stepped forward and into the doorway. Well, it seemed that the dwarf was confident in his own judgement. It was unlikely that something would jump them as soon as they entered, he guessed. It would be easy enough to hear anyone approaching. 

“Stick close to me, even if people start to split off,” Ted spoke to the two other hobbits, looking specifically at Cassi (who was want to just wander off). “We don’t know what could be inside.” And then, to the others still outside the gate. “I’m going to follow Thurin inside, you are welcome to come with me.”

He went to follow the dwarf with Cassi fast on his heels. They were barely in when the younger hobbit spoke loudly, nudging Ted as she did and pointing forward down the main road.

“Hey, is that other people?”