to this waitress than met the eye. She was a real smart one, quick on the uptake and upfront with what she wanted to say. I liked that in a woman and even mused that she would make a fearless shield maiden, someone to stand along side of in a time of need who would not shy away from a difficult situation.

I raised my eyebrows in admiration as soon as she voiced what was on my mind. Questions? Explain?? ... "Well my pretty, perhaps you could tell me where I am and if I really am dead?", the words coming slowly and almost distastefully. I suspected this was the case, eventhough I didnt feel dead at all. In fact I felt invigorated with such energy and strength that I had never felt better before. Everything appeared normal and she looked real, and the food was delicious including the ale. Better than what the red boar had offered, remembering the tangyness in their ales I had downed so many times before.

So I sat there, and shrugged my shoulders in an 'I dont know what the hel is going on expression' and looked up into the vivid deep pearls of her sparkling eyes and expectantly waited for a reply.