Eofeole had a long sleep in his little camp outside of Bree that night. He awoke when the sun was already warm in the sky and little drops of rain began to start falling down on his face. He raised his hood and smiled at the weather before fixing his spears and his shield to his back. He walked into Bree from the West Gate at a great pace, by now the rain was falling down harder and he was getting soaked among with all the other townsfolk who were out in the rain. He walked to the Prancing Pony where he had a quick word with the friendly Barkeep, Barliman Butterbur. He had organized a stay in Bree for a few nights. The two greeted each other with warm smiles before Eofeole turned to leave the Tavern.
He stood on the porch for a while watching the rain drop and the townsfolk walk by the courtyard about their own business. Some, grumpy and others still as merry as can be in such weather which seemed gloomy to many. It did not dampen Eofeole's spirits, he enjoyed it and saw it more as a challenge to over come. Among the townsfolk standing around in the courtyard he noticed a small group, they were talking to someone who Eofeole was familiar with, Threland. Among the group there were three others. Two men and a hobbit. Slowly he approached them and began to curiously listen to their discussion.
"Cursed birds are everywhere!" Threland exclaimed. "Aye, one of them left me with a scar on my eye, if it was not for my dagger I would have lost it completely." Said another who laid back his hood for a moment, revealing a scar which trailed down over his eye. "What are they called now, them black birds. The dangerous ones?" Threland asked but appeared as if in thought, shortly remembering the name, "Crebain!" He called out then Eofeole finally spoke in, "Aye lads, that is why you use a spear, impale them and put them on a fire. Your dinner right there." Some gasped and stared at Eofeole in disbelief, "Eat Crebain!? I do not want to eat those darn buggers!" The conversation concerning Crebain went on for a while.
Suddenly then the conversation began concerning the Barrow Downs, they spoke of treasure, wights, crawling worms and hands. All of this seemed to interest Eofeole deeply and he had immediately decided to go, whether they would go along or not. However, Threland had the same idea and looked to the others, awaiting their answer. They had decided to go along, even the brave little hobbit Isaura. They began to gain acquaintances and revealed their names to each other, the other two men were Bramson and Colson of Bree. Bramson was a queer man, he wore a hat of a bear's face and almost shot his bow at anything which moved.
So then the small company prepared for the journey, Eofeole geared up in something a bit heavier but harder. Threland went to find his two fine swords. Colson went off somewhere and had not yet joined the company when all were prepared to leave. Bramson fetched his bow. Isaura went to fetch her horse. They met up at the West gate, only Threland and Isaura had a horse, Eofeole and Bramson walked, though Colson did not yet arrive among the company.
They got impatient of waiting and had decided to start walking to the Barrow Downs...
