While the she-elf had gone to her room to fetch a bowstring, which of course, Barden was grateful for, the ranger engaged himself in conversation with the innkeeper. Barden had many questions he wanted to ask Lazarus, however, he imagined he would not get too many answers. That is, at least not to the questions that troubled him most.

"How did this place come to be?" He asked, keeping eye-contact with the innkeeper. Despite his appearance, there was a sense of authority and almost majesty to Lazarus, it was something to be respected. Lazarus was silent for a moment, leading Barden to think he was not going to receive an answer at all. The innkeeper's lips parted, he took a breath and then placed a smile upon his face and began to answer.

"I found it, a very long time ago." He paused, "I was once a wanderer like yourself, lost in the depths of the forest. Long story short, when I emerged into this clearing, the building was here, decrepit and ruined. I dedicated my life to making this place a safe haven for people who had been lost like myself." The innkeeper took another brief pause and then placed his hand on Barden's shoulder, "Many faces have passed through this place, some for a brief while, others for longer. Some have even left and returned. There have been heroes, even kings brought and made in this place. I will not lie to you." Lazarus let his hand slip from the ranger's shoulder, back down to his side. "There is no doubt in my mind, that there is something magical about this place." Barden's face had a quizzical look cross his features, "All timid, naturally." The innkeeper assured him, putting the ranger's mind to rest. 

[i]"I-I assume you a familiar with the stringing of a bow, no?"[/i]

Barden turned to face the she-elf, taking the string from her as she handed it to him, he nodded his head with gratitude and smiled, "Yes, I wouldn't be much of a ranger if I did not" Holding the bow and the bow-string in one hand, Barden was satisfied that should he need it, he would at least be able to use his bow. "You've done me a great favor, and I do not even know your name..." The ranger spoke to the she-elf directly now, "I'm Barden."