The Green Dragon Inn - Part 8

[Child of the 7th Age]

Hawthorne could not believe her great good fortune. She had actually persuaded the Innkeeper to offer her a real position! In all her years in Brandy Hall, no one had ever asked her to do anything practical. How proud and surprised Dandelion would be when she learned that her young charge had been given the responsibility of cooking and preparing all the meals.

Gloating over this propitious turn of events, yet still a little muddled from the excitement of the trip, Miss Hawthorne did not even stop to consider why Dandelion and the cart were hours overdue. All thoughts of Dandelion were hastily pushed out of Hawthorne's mind as the hobbit scurried behind Aman in the direction of the kitchen.

Introducing Hawthorne to Ruby and Buttercup, the Innkeeper explained that the newcomer would be taking over the cooking, and that both of them needed to help her until she became more familiar with the kitchen. Hawthorne heaved a sigh of relief when she heard these words. Peering into the ovens, Hawthorne could also see the venison was already dressed and roasting very nicely. At least for today, she did not have to worry about how to clean and cook a deer.

Aman quickly excused herself, explaining that she needed to go tend to a number of new guests who'd just arrived. As Hawthorne saw the door close, leaving the three of them alone, the lass immediately decided on a practical plan that would save her neck for the next day or so. Hawthorne Brandybuck was not very good at cooking but she was good at giving orders. She'd been doing it her entire life. Turning around to face Ruby and Buttercup, she beamed. "I'm glad we're going to be working together! But it's very important that I understand exactly where your own skills lie, and what you still need to learn. So this is what we will do... For the next day, I will observe everything you do and take notes in my journal." Hawthorne held up a small book and a pen, waving it in under Ruby's nose. "So please, hop to and get the supper out immediately. There are guests outside who are clamoring for food. Meanwhile, I'll just sit here and observe things."

With that, Hawthorne poured herself a glass of milk, plopped down into a kitchen chair, and put her feet up on the fender of the hearth. She leaned back and began to scribble something in her book as she watched Ruby and Buttercup run back and forth across the kitchen.

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 10:23 AM January 16, 2004: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[piosenniel]

Buttercup and Ruby

‘Hop to! Well, now who died and made her the big frog in the pond?’

Ruby pushed the wisps of hair from her forehead now damp with sweat. As she scooped up spoonfuls of vegetables to accompany the slices of venison on the plates that Buttercup passed her, she noted her friend’s cheeks had gone a dangerous shade of crimson . . . and she was muttering as she attacked the haunches of meat with a large carving knife.

‘I think we should speak to Miz Aman about her “new hire”,’ whispered Ruby, leaning in close to Buttercup. She could hear the litany of muttered imprecations as the other woman took each slice with the knife:

‘Skills! . . . and who does she think she’s talking to . . . still need to learn! Cook taught me all I need to know . . . she’s the one what needs to learn, if there’s any learning to be done . . . and look at her sitting there like some high and mighty little missy . . . who in blo . . .’

‘Buttercup! Hush! She’ll hear you. We’ll talk to Miz Aman – see if she can sort this out.’ If we ever get time, that is, she added to herself, with all this “hopping” we’re going to be doing.

Buttercup turned for a moment and stared at Hawthorne. She was sitting with her feet propped on the rung of another chair, a cool glass of milk in her hand. Her eyes were fixed on her little journal as her pen scrabbled over the pages. Buttercup glared at the woman and shook the knife at her, then turned back to her friend.

‘You may talk to Miz Aman all you want, Ruby Brown. I’m writing to Miz Bunce!’

And with that she skewered another small roast from the pan and brought it to the cutting board, slicing it in sure swift strokes with a skillful and deadly precision . .

[Melisil]

Melisil

Melisil looked up to what Aman had to say, she smiled as she said her small speech. "I'm not really hungry just yet, I ate just a bit ago as you know. Yourself?" she asked, turning to Eruisto.

To her left she overheard a fellow Elf praising the Shire. Melisil nodded to herself in agreement. She shook herself as she looked back to Eruisto, "I'm sorry, what were we saying?"

Eocalad

Eocalad rode down a much used rode, he stopped at an inn wich had been recomended to him by a friend, 'The Greeen Dragon'. He jumped off his steep just outside the door, handing the reigns and a couple coins to a stable boy. "Be very careful with this horse." he told the boy.

Quite truthfully he had only just bought the horse and so far it had been less then what he had expected. Either way, a horse deserves to be well treated.

Eocalad opened the door and walked in just in time to hear who he supposed must be the innkeeper, announce that dinner would be soon. He rubbed his hands together, ah, just the thing after a days ride. he smiled inwardly as he walked over to the counter. There wasn't a free spot anywhere.

"Bit busy tonight, eh?" he said laughingly to a man in a stool to his right. The man grunted and looked the other way. Eocalad shrugged this off and turned, his back now to the counter. Not only is this place busy, it's full of Elves! he thought shocked to himself, For an inn of the Shire, you'd think they would avoid it, they must feel like giants! As he thought this he checked himself and realized that he was just as tall as many of the Elves. For an inn of the Shire, you'd think I'd avoid it. I feel like a giant!

Eocalad jumped. Now standing right in front of him was a Hobbit! "Oh, uh, hello there Hobbit." he said very awkwardly, for by now he was thinking that all the Hobbits in the Shire must hate him for being too tall. He inched his way to one side. There was another Hobbit! He started the other way, same problem. Oh dear! he turned the other way, calming himself down again, Really! They must be used to us tall folk, nothing to be afraid of. He turned around again, the Hobbits had moved. One of the tale had an empty seat, he walked over to it, and sat down.

"Good Evening people of this table!"

[Fool Of A Took]

Finrod

Finrod were riding up the hill and looked down at the peaceful village Bywater. I love The Shire, he thought and smiled. He jumped of his horse and walked the rest of the way to the Green Dragon Inn. He first walked to the stable to leave his horse there. He saw a man sitting outside, looked like he was sleeping. Finrod coughed and the man looked up. The man bowed and Finrod said "I whant you to take good care of my horse". The man nodded and said "I will, master Elf". Finrod smiled and left the man and his horse. He walked over to the Inn and read the sign, The Green Dragon Inn, he opened the door and removed his hood and looked around himself. He had never been in these parts of The Shire before.

As the dinner were getting served Finrod thought that he could some too. But he wasnt very hungry, so he just ordered some vegetables and a glas of fresh water. He sat down and scouted the Inn with his deep blue eyes. Many people were eating and he saw that they also had a Common Room at this Inn. Maybe I should go there and see whats going on, he thought. He got his vegetables and glas of water. When he were finished with his small meal, he rose up and walked to the Common Room. Now when he had got some food he whanted to talk to someone. He sat down in a armchair near by the fireplace. He saw a few other elves sitting in a corner and two hobbits sitting close to the fireplace and discussing something with excitment. He drew a deep sigh and then looked around himself for someone else that he could have a nice talk to.

~~

Ferdibrand Took

Ferri got confused by Girds silence so he just shrugged his shoulders and sat down again and started eating. He looked at Gird a few times between his chewing and thought that he was a strange man. Ferri leaned back into the chair. As Gird still didnt say anything Ferri scouted the Inn whitout taking notice of Gird.

Ferri got tired of the silence between them so he said "Why are you so quiet?". Gird looked at Ferri. Ferri awaited Girds answer.

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 2:42 PM January 16, 2004: Message edited by: Fool Of A Took ]

[Amanaduial the archer]

Aman whistled to herself cheerfully as she came into the relatively cool Common Room in a rather dramatic waft of smoke, which seemed to be appreciated by that strange fellow Gird, who clapped mildly, nodded politely, much to the apparent bemusement of his companion. But at least one of Aman's problems was, for the meantime, assuaged; after Cook had left, and Serilda so soon after actually coming, Aman had felt terrible about running the dedicated pair of hobbits around like that, not to mention herself. But this Hawthorne...strange that she should be so well educated in cooking, after all Meriadoc had said! But she had seemed so competent when Aman had asked her if she knew about cooking, elaborated in such detail; Aman had never been a cook herself. And Ruby and Buttercup were excellent company for anyone, as had been found by most anyone who passed through the Inn, as well those who had stayed for long; Pio, Derufin, Uien... - the Innkeeper reckoned it wouldn't take too long for the three hobbits to get on perfectly.

In high spirits, Aman ducked into the bar, still whistling chirpily.

"Ooh, Miz Aman, you gave me a fright; does do terrible things to one's heart to hear such a chirpin' comin' from so far above one's head, and inside too!"

The voice of an elderly hobbit-woman had Aman turn straight away to peer over the bar, and a moment later an deeply wrinkled but cheerful face appeared over the bar; the face of Rosemary Burrows, a hobbit whose recognisably voice seemed caught between the quaint Shire dialect and the high-and-mightys she spent much time with (after all, she liked a gossip as much as anyone). Still, Rosemary herself was as down to the ground as her namesake, and highly respected by Aman with it. The woman had a manner as delicate as a rose-petal but was a stern and competent teacher and that old cracked voice when at full throttle made many-a naughty hobbit bairn quail and wonder if there was a balrog on the patrol.

"Good afternoon, Miss Burrows; the day treating you well?" Aman inquired politely, turning sidewards so as to be able to prepare a cup of strong coffee, a beverage Rosemary drank almost religiously, whilst not having her back to the elderly hobbit.

She nodded and shifted her shawl with a sound like rustling snakeskin. "Aye, aye, 'twill suffice I daresay," she murmured, but smiled slightly as she said it. As Aman pushed the cup of coffee across the bar, her smile widened and she reached with one gnarled finger to it before stopping and pointing said finger at Aman almost accusingly. "Thankyou, my dear - but now listen, what's this about a Miz Hawthorne Brandybuck, hmm?" She stirred the coffee reflectively, giving Aman a sly sidewards look.

"What's that then, Rosemary?" came the mild reply. Aman knew full well that Rosemary probably knew very little, but had the talent of being able to convey she knew alot more. And 'twas only natural that the hobbit woman would take an interest, part-time gossip that she was, in Hawthorne's arrival at The Green Dragon.

But Rosemary knew more than Aman had suspected. She drove a finger into the bartop dramatically. "Why, that she's a-come to the 'Dragon to fix herself a place! A job! Daughter of that silly woman of-"

"How did you find that out so fast?" Aman was genuinely a little mystified. The old woman shot her another sly look and cackled slightly to herself. Aman couldn't help smiling as she leant forward on the bar towards Rosemary, curious herself about Rosemary's curiosity.

"So fast- psh!" she grinned roguishly, then went on. "But 'tis 'daftest thing I ever heard, to be sure...."

"Hmm?"

Rosemary looked up. "Why, the girl's been spoilt rotten all her life! I reckoned things would change for her under her cousin's excellent supervision of the Manor, but not so dramatically as packing Miss Priss off to an Inn! Why, the girl can't even clean, I should think! Has a maid!"

Aman froze. "A...a maid?"

Rosemary, apparently unaware of Aman's discomfort as she sipped at the rich dark beverage in front of her, nodded fervently as she put the cup back down into it's saucer. "Oh, indeed! A full staff of-"

"Miz Aman, can I have a word?" Ruby, standing harrassed at Aman's elbow with a steaming plate in each hand, cut off Rosemary at a vital point. The Innkeeper paused, worried at what may have come next, but mealtimes were no time for pause at any Inn within a ten mile radius of the Shire.

"Indeed Ruby, but let's get the meal sorted first."

"Of course, of course..." Ruby nodded firmly in reply, a Shire girl through and through, but the look of harrassed worry remained on her face. Buttercup had also come out of the kitchen, but, scanning the room, Aman caught no sign of the fine hairstyle of the newcomer amid the delighted Shire-folk...where was Hawthorne? Probably sorting something out in the kitchen... "Well, I wish you a good afternoon, Miss Burrows, and 'twas nice talking to you, as ever." Aman smiled charmingly and Ruby placed a plate of tantalising meat and veg under the old woman's nose. Rosemary rubbed her old hands together delightedly and, replying vaguely, she tucked into her meal and Aman scooted towards the kitchen, pausing to holler over her shoulder to the Common Room in general:

"Please pay as you take your meal, ladies and gentlemen, thankyou kindly!"

Darting into the steamy kitchen, Aman saw Buttercup holding a carving knife and looking murderous with it and involuntarily took a step back. "Miz Aman, could Ruby and I have a word?" she intoned darkly. Something strange appeared to be happening to cause her eyebrows to slide and dart in Hawthorne's direction.

"Aye, Buttercup, certainly - straight after lunch alright for you? There'll be time now we have more help, I'm sure..."

Buttercup snorted enigmatically and, taking up several more plates than should have been possible. Taking a few of her own, Aman turned to see Hawthorne lying comfortably by the fire, her feet up, scribbling in a notebook and couldn't help blinking. "Hawthorne? Come on, it won't serve itself I'm afraid."

The hobbit looked up, her mouth a round 'O' of surprise. "But...but I was going to overse..." she trailed off as Aman's look, almost inperceptibly, hardened a fraction. Standing and smoothing her dress, she looked around unhappily. "Erm...yes..."

Spending no more time, confident in Hawthorne's experience, Aman swept back into the Common Room to deliver her plates at the bar and to the tables.

[Orual]

Eruisto

"What were we saying?" Melisil turned back to Eruisto after pausing to glance over at someone in the common room.

"I think something of a lull had fallen," he replied. He wasn't particularly hungry either: he usually ate much later than this, and it was mostly in the kitchen with the servers, charming them into giving him leftovers. It would be odd for him to eat in the common room with the other guests, not to mention actually paying for his food. Even sitting in this chair next to Melisil was bizarre: he spent a lot of time in inns singing a children's song from Gondor that he passed as a ballad by tweaking the key or adding a couple of grace notes. It almost always worked, since he chose his inns carefully. He made sure that most Gondorian songs would not have reached them.

While he rifled through songs he knew, trying to find a suitable one, he asked Melisil, "Do you ride much, my lady? Horses, I mean. I'm fond of them, but don't get to ride; I could never afford to buy a horse, though I could have gotten here a lot faster if I'd had one."

***

Rie and Erulon

The two old friends were chatting, catching up, when Aman announced dinner. Rie brightened at the thought of food.

"Are you hungry, Erulon?" she asked. "I know I'm about to pass out. But you know how I can be; my father always marvelled at how much I could eat. I ate enough to feed all my brothers and have some left over at supper, he'd always insist. I don't think I eat that much, but I am famished." She broke off abruptly, and looked at Erulon's companion. "I don't think we've met properly. I'm Talmérië, but you can call me Rie. Any friend of Erulon's is a friend of mine. You're Irewnath, right?" Hardly giving Irewnath time to nod, she plowed right ahead. "Well, I'll get supper for us. What would you like?" Catching her breath, she beamed at Erulon and Irewnath, flipping one of her braids idly behind her shoulder.

[The Perky Ent]

After a short chat with Fungrim, Hamfast went back into the inn for dinner with Ruby. Hamfast started to sweat and his pulse quickened; his face grew red and couldn't keep a strait face.

Walking to the kitchen, Hamfast saw her. The pure heavenly perfection of absolute beauty, Ruby Brown. Ruby seamed to have freshened up since they met, although this didn't suprise him.

"Good Evening Ruby." Hamfast said as he slightly calmed. A strange feeling that everybody in the Inn was watching him came over Hamfast, a feeling that his arranged dinner with her had been a dream.

"Buttercup, i'm going on my," she paused, thinking for the right word, "break now" Ruby gave a small wink. This cheared Hamfast up as he now knew she wasn't dreading this.

"Uh...shall we sit down then?" Hamfast said with a soft, cool voice. "Alright, there's a secluded spot over here." and she pointed to a table moved far away from the crown, as if moved just seconds before.

Hamfast and Ruby Brown walked uncomfortably twords the table. The table had a small daisy in a glass vase with golden plates waiting for them. Clearly this wasn't makeshift.

"S'hows was you day" Hamfast asked uncomforably as Buttercup came twords them. Before Ruby could answer, buttercup interjected "Scuse me ma'am, but miss aman walks to see you." Ruby gave buttercup a look as to say If i go, you're gonna pay. But buttercup gave ruby a cold look and said in a wisper so Hamfast couldn't hear it "ma'am...she knows."

Shock filled Ruby's face as she stood frozen. Standing up, gasping for breath as if she'd taken a run around the shire she said "I am infinitly sorry for this, but i must go. this is a matter of no small importance. please understand"

Hamfast had a creatfallen face, but with a sigh, he nodded. With a slight shrug, Ruby gave Hamfast a kiss on the cheek and left for the entrance.

"This will not be the last time I shall see you, Ruby! For I am sure i will see angels more than once in my lifetime!" he shouted. Ruby stopped, smiled, and walked off into the distance.

[Everdawn]

Sírabel Delone


"This nasty bump?" questioned Sírabel as she sat down at the table, "It's really very silly, but you see, i was trying to recover something from under the table when i happened to hit my head. Not to worry though my friend Lanus attempted to cleaned it up for me, though i don't know how effective it was. Dear Lanus, the poor should I delivering messages today." she smiled and then her mood changed suddenly “ No! Not poor Lanus at all, you know what, he was quite horrid to me today if i remember correctly.” she sighed

“Anyhow, I don't know if I told you before, my memory was shaken up a bit as well im thinking, But im an artist. I paint mainly landscapes.” she mentioned flicking her burgundy hair form her face. “And when I heard you mention Carn Dum I had to ask you about it. I would have imagined it to be quite a haunting place, is it not? And the spirits you told me about, simply terrifying!” Here eyes were now as wide as saucers, “You must be terrifically brave to go to such a place, well i will heed your warning Eradan, thankyou.” she smiled at her new friend. “Tell me about yourself, how does a man come to go to such places?”

[Will Witfoot]

Fungrim looked at the young hobbit and smiled, for the first time in ages with no hint of bitterness in it. Only sorrow.

"That song tells of the greatest of our cities of old, the great hold of Khazâd-Dum." He gave a deep, heartfelt sigh before continuing.

"You must be wondering about my weeping. Many years ago I was bannished from the hold of the Iron Mountains for failing to protect.. a dear one. The song served as a bitter reminder of what I had lost, and for that I wept. I wept for the life that I lost all those years ago."

He rubbed the tears away with the back of his hand and turned to Hamfst again, smiling sadly. "If you wish, I can teach you more songs of the old days, but not tonight. My heart is too burdened with sorrow. But now, I guess you have other things to do than to sit and listen to my life story."

Hamfast went back inside, and Fungrim stayed sitting on the bench from which Hamfast had found him. It seemed as if the burden had been eased when he had talked to someone, someone compasionate and willing to listen. He felt a strange, sorrow like joy. The wound, after festering all these long years, was begining to heal.

[Imladris]

Iris of Bree

Iris sighed and said, “I never knew Finduilas until just recently. I found out she was blind and I told her relatives just to forewarn them so they wouldn’t be completely shocked when Finduilas told them herself. That was obviously a mistake,” Iris said icily, narrowing her green eyes. “Finduilas left and I felt it was my duty to come after her and bring her back home.”

Duty . How she hated the word. It was because of duty that she was still in Bree, living in that maggot hole that she called home. She snorted slightly, and drank a draught of cider. But then Finduilas had come: like a white lily after a storm. Sad, yet smiling at the same time. “I don’t understand how one in need of so much care can make so many friends,” she said softly to Romenna, glancing up at her. With a soft sigh, she added, “I never had a friend.”

A thin smile broke upon her face, and said, “What of you, Romenna?”

[Fool Of A Took]

Finrod

Finrod leaned back in the chair again and stared into the fireplace. He did almost fell asleep. The Shire is great, he thought and smiled for himself. He then rose up and walked to the bar and ordered an ale. He sat down at a barchair by the counter and waited for the ale. As he waited he saw a hobbit sitting beside him, he seemed drunk. The hobbit looked at him smiled. Finrod smiled back and looked at the hobbit as he were trying to get down from the chair. He got his ale and he started to sip it slowly.

The ale in The Shire are really tasty, he thought. He started to feel more lonely, and he hated the lonely feeling. He tapped his fingers at the counter and started to daydream about Eryn Lasgalen. He did that for nearly ten minutes, then he finished his ale and went back to the Common Room. He sat down in the same chair in front of the fireplace and yawned. He tried to find someone to talk to.

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 3:26 AM January 17, 2004: Message edited by: Fool Of A Took ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

For the next two hours, Hawthorne ran back and forth from the kitchens to the dining area, carting hot dishes to the tables and inquiring if the guests would like additional food or drink. Despite coming from a wealthy family, Hawthorne was not a lazy hobbit and, like many of her kind, could work very hard if the situation required. She had evidently decided that having a job was preferable to being set adrift on the highways or being ordered to return to Buckland.

This time she tried her hardest. She was polite and friendly to all the guests and heaved up the trays with a cheerful will that suggested she'd been doing it all her life. She even made a point of offering her help to Buttercup, since Ruby had been called away to speak with another guest.

I'm getting the hang of this, she confidently told herself. And I have a good idea how to get menu suggestions! When everyone goes to sleep, I'll post a notice in the Inn, announcing a contest for new recipes ...

In the midst of her happiness, she heard the door of the Common Room fling open with a crash. Glancing over at the entryway, she was shocked to see Dandelion, her servant and companion. Dandelion's dress was thoroughly soaked, wrinkled and streaked with dirt; she had an angry expression upon her face. At Dandelion's shouder stood Samwise Gamgee, the mayor of Hobbiton, and a close friend of Master Merry of Buckland. The Mayor was also staring over in Hawthorne's direction, and he looked quite upset, as if he'd caught one of his own daughters with her hand in the cookie jar.

Dandelion stepped forward and, with a commanding tone that she did not generally use with her employer, bellowed out for all to hear, "Mistress Hawthorne Brandybuck, please come here at once! You and I have something to discuss."

Her cheeks reddened with embarassment, Hawthorne set down her tray of dishes and slunk over to the door.

[Thengal]

Aramil pulled the hood of his cloak over his head as he truged towards his second home, The Green Dragon. Well the Dragon, my old friend, looks like I'll be staying the night again.

He came to the inn, opened the door and immediatly upon entering felt much better. He pulled his hood down and made his way to his seat at the corner of the bar. "I'll have one the usual." Aramil said to the bartender who had already prepared it before he even said a word. The ale slide down to him and he his hands grapsed the wooden mug. "Well, here's to a long night and forgetting my worries." he said as the cool ale quenched his thrist. Aramil sat at the bar thinking about his troubles. He drank and the more he drank the clearer he thought. Or so he thought. Would be nice to have someone to talk to, sitting by my lonesome over here in the corner.

[piosenniel]

Buttercup

As she walled at a quick pace toward the kitchen with her empty tray, Buttercup saw Hawthorne, her cheeks crimsoned, set down her tray of dishes and slink over to the door. Her own cheeks reddened at the sight, and she spoke out, unthinking. ‘Now if that don’t beat all! She’s gone off in the midst of “helping” and left me to handle the dinner crowd alone!’

Thinking on how Cook might handle this ‘situation’, Buttercup walked up to the table where the newcomer stood at bar with his ale. ‘Sir, I know you’re a guest here for the moment, but you look a like man who’s been drafted into helping out in situations before.’ She looked him up and down in an appraising manner. ‘I’ll need your strong arms to carry out a few necessary things if I’m to get this crowd fed.’ She motioned for him to follow, and in passing, directed the Innkeeper, ‘if she pleased . . .” of course, to clear off the bar top.

Aramil proved a handy fellow as he carried out stacks of plates and bowls and eating utensils, followed by the great platters of sliced venison and pots of vegetables and baskets of bread with accompanying butter that Buttercup prepared for the ‘boofay’ as she called it.

‘Come and get more if it’s needed, sir,’ she directed him. And after your done with your own meal, I’ll be needing some help with the dishes if you don’t mind . . .’

From the kitchen she could hear Miz Aman calling out in the Common Room for the hungry horde to 'Come and get it!'

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 2:26 PM January 17, 2004: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Thengal]

Although, happy to help, Aramil went through the motions of everything, his mind always on his troubles. He never got any peace from them, they constantly loomed over him and cast a shadow of gloom on his face.

Too many things flying around up there at once. I have to clear the clutter out
Maybe someone in the inn could help me out?

Carrying dishes did take his mind of things, so would ale, if he ever go back to it....

[Fool Of A Took]

Finrod

Finrod sighed and then rose up. He decided to sit by the bar again. He could at least try to talk to the bartender then. At distance, he saw a man sitting by the counter that seemed troubled. He sat down beside him and said to the bartender "An ale for me, please". He smiled to the stranger beside him that looked down at the counter.

Finrod got his ale and he said to the stranger that still sait quiet "Well, good evening to you, sir, what troubles you?". He smiled to the stranger and then the stranger looked up. "Maybe I should introduce myself. I am Finrod Silimaurë from Eryn Lasgalen. And you might be..?" Finrod awaited his answer.

[Thengal]

"I'm.. Amaril from a.....Bree!" Amaril said as the ale began to take effect. smilies/biggrin.gif "I'm a regular here at the Dragon." "She's me home away from...." Amaril began to trail off and wished he could remember what the stranger's name was.


What is his name?"Well my dear fellow I'm a regular here at the Dragon and...uh...I'm here regularly at the Dragon." "Barkeep...I'll have another ale and one for my friend here!"

Amaril went on, about his troubles, getting more confusing all the while, telling the stranger about his debt and how his donkey died.

[Melisil]

Melisil

"Do you ride much, my lady? Horses, I mean. I'm fond of them, but don't get to ride; I could never afford to buy a horse, though I could have gotten here a lot faster if I'd had one."

"Horses? Oh I love them! I ride them when I can." Melisil replied happily. Thinking of Melca, her horse, she continued: "Yes, horses are a wonderful thing. So graceful yet strong! I have my horse here. His name is Melca. It's a pity you've never had one though."

"Do you know what time it is?" she started, unsure of how long she had really been here now.

Melisil couldn't think of much else to say at the present, so she stopped, and waited for his reply. As it also had been a very long time since she had been anywhere in the Shire, or Middle-Earth for that matter, without having some message she must deliver, or a place she had to go to, that at this moment she felt peace. No obligations to fufill, no journey to go on, just rest. She did not even feel like doing anything at that moment either way, so she was happy. Peace, calm she thought to herself, are very lovely feelings indeed.

---------------------------------------------

Eocalad

"Good, I hope." he answered to his own question as no one at the table had done so yet. He looked around, thinking that there must be many interesting people in this inn, and he should choose one to talk to.

He stood up, looked around, and walked over to the bar again, This seems to be the area newcomers go to most often. he observed as though he had been here from quite some time. Now I guess I only have but to wait for someone to come in! Eocalad wiggled his fingers as he waited, he was terribly impatient.

[Eruantalon]

Erulon and his friend smile at each orther. Rie could be vary interesting to talk to. They both thought it over, then came to an agreement.

"What ever is the cooks specialty or what your having is fine with us."

"Its nice to meet you Telamarie. I don't feast on shire specialtys often. So what ever you recomend is fine with me. Elvish food probaly won't be found anywhere around here"

"If you need any help make shure to call me Rie. I'm always happy to help. Oh and bring a doubble helping for me. I'm starving!!"

She made her way off to get them all to somthing good to eat. Thats when Irwen started to speak.

"We can stay here for a time. Yet you know it isn't your home. You know where we have to go. Even though Ries hospitality is so fine. She is a good friend it seems."

Erulon smiled. "Yes she is and that is why I can tell her of our recent journey. We can trust her. If we can trust anyone in the whole of the shire it is her."

The elfs bright laughter seemed to tinkle now. He now realized that Rie though differnt from almost any of the second born he had met. Was kind, good and decent. These where the small but great strenths of men.

Telamerie made her way back to the table with a steaming platter. " How good Rie I can smell it from here! Thank you again."

[Fool Of A Took]

Finrod

Finrod slowly shook his head and smiled to Aramil. He actually shouldn't have another ale. He seems to have got his dose already, he thought. But Finrod accepted to join Aramil and have another ale. Finrod listened with excitment to the stranger's stories about how his donkey died and other problems that troubled his mind. Finally he stopped. The stranger seemed like he was going to cry, but he didn't. Poor fellow, Finrod thought. Aramil ordered another ale again as he finished his first, but Finrod just wanted a glas of water this time.

"I dont think you should drink much more ale, Aramil", Finrod said and looked at him. Aramil seemed like he were going to fall of the barchair. Aramil then put away his ale he just got and shook his head. Finrod sighed and then said " So, is there anything I can do for you?" Finrod actually knew that he couldn't do very much. Aramil still sat quiet and Finrod awaited his answer.

[Niluial]

Niluial looked under the couch, her heart was racing. I have looked under the tables, on couches even under couches… where is Silma? Niluial questioned. She loved Silma dearly and couldn’t just loose her black cat. There are peculiar people everywhere, she must be frightened and very lost and maybe someone is harming her Niluial looked around. She had looked everywhere and Niluial didn’t want to ask the guests in the Inn if they had seen her cat, she didn’t want to speak to strangers, none at all. I might end up meeting people like that Iris, Niluial gasped. She searched the guests looking for the angry face she had seen earlier on. Maybe Iris knows where Silma is Niluial thought.

Niluial pushed through a few people, the people glared at her. She spotted Iris, she was actually smiling in the distance. It was a smile with meaning, not a pathetic, fake smile, but one with meaning. Romenna looked happy not upset like before as Iris spoke to her. Iris must have been talking about something interesting and intriguing because Romenna looked happy and intrested. Iris could be a nice girl, I suppose thought Niluial. Niluial jumped, her thoughts had gotten away with her once again. She remembered Silma and decided to walk over to Iris and Romenna. They both looked up when Niluial arrived at the table “Ah, hi again” Niluial said shyly.

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 7:26 AM January 18, 2004: Message edited by: Niluial ]

[Thengal]

"Ya can....ooooooh." Aramil said as he fell from his stool. He hit his head hard as he fell with a resounding thud. Everything got blurry and Aramil didn't know where he was.

"Where...?" Aramil started, but wasn't sure how to continue. His head spun and he couldn't feel his left leg. Suddenly, it clicked. Now I remember. He stood up woozy and used the bar to hold himself up. "I am Aramil the Great, King of the Shire!" he proclaimed to the stranger. "And what is your name my noble knight?"

[Fool Of A Took]

Finrod

Aramil suddenly fell of his stool and hit his head. Finrod got worried and helped him up. "Are you alright?" Finrod asked. Aramil seemed dizzy and when he tried to stand up alone, he just tottered. So Finrod grabbed his arm and walked him back to his stool. "Where...?" Aramil finally said and looked at Finrod as he had seen him before. He seemed to not recognize Finrod. "I am Aramil the Great, King of the Shire!" he proclaimed to Finrod. "And what is your name my noble knight?" Finrod shook his head slowly and turned to the bartender. "A glas of water to my frined please" he said.

Finrod wasn't used with men that got drunk, but he knew that water a little helped. I guess it's no idea to introduce myself again to him, he won't remember it later when isn't drunk anymore, he thought. He gave Aramil the glas of water and Aramil drank it. Aramil were tottering again, but Finrod helped him to sit at his stool. "No more ale for you" Finrod said and sighed. Now what am I going to do, he thought, I am standing here with a drunk man that cant even stand up, and I can't just leave him. I guess I have to stay here until he can walk whitout help again. So Finrod sat down at his own stool beside Aramil again.

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 3:15 PM January 18, 2004: Message edited by: Fool Of A Took ]

[Wingfoot]

The day had progressed, and the light had slowly faded until the merry laterns of the little Inn had become a source to the lowly shadows of the dusk. As if in mourning for the spent Sun, the muscians had abandoned their jovial dancing tunes for a more settling, peaceful air.

Long fingers curling about the tarnished mug of steaming water he’d ordered, the Gondorian looked on as couples cleared the tableless area of the Common Room that was the dance floor, and retreated to their own mugs of whatever it might be. Sighing contentedly, he shifted his eyes about the room, his interest peaking as grey orbs washed over men, hobbits, elves, all gathered in this place called the Green Dragon Inn. That same wry smile painted across thin lips, the young man’s eyes wandered elsewhere to rest upon the great stone hearth and the crimson flames coiling and recoiling at its core.

[The Perky Ent]

Hamfast was on his drinking record. 23 nonstop. If Buttercup hadn't stopped him, he'd probably be dead. The thought of his dinner with Ruby felt like swimming through a lake of needles. Still, Hamfast moved on.

Trying to take his mind off of Ruby, Hamfast mingled with some of the Inn folk. After boring himself to death, Hamfast deceided to listen to the tales of men and elves being unfolded in the Inn.

The thought of Ruby Brown's secret was starting to get to him. Did she really have a secret, or was Aman just doing her a favor by getting her out of the date.

Time pased and by now the question drove him mad, so Hamfast walked up to Aman and said, "Ma'am? If I may ask...why did Ruby have to leave dinner? We...uh...were kinda in the middle of something."

"Oh...well...i don't think Ruby would want you to know! Put don't worry, she wasn't bailing on you. She fances you, you know. She told me so. Don't worry your little hobbit head about it! Just take a rest!" Aman said in a soft voice.

Giving in to the power, Hamfast went up to his room, got undressed, and fell asleep. He knew he would dream about the subject for a while, but still he didn't want to think concicously.


Edit: smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/biggrin.gif 100th Post smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/biggrin.gif

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 7:43 PM January 18, 2004: Message edited by: The Perky Ent ]

[Imladris]

Iris of Bree

“Ah hi again,” Niluial said shyly, a faltering smile upon her face.

Iris glanced up at her and the smile vanished. She looked at the black haired woman before her, her kind eyes, her flushed cheeks, yet she looked nervous and anxious. She flashed a half smile her, but then turned to her soup.

“Iris, have you seen Silma?” she asked cautiously, her eyebrows raised. Why did everybody think that people just knew what they were talking about?

Dropping the spoon with surprise, Iris glared up at her and said tightly, “Who is Silma?”

Romenna leaned over and whispered, “It’s her cat.”

“Oh.” What person in their right minds would bring a pet into an Inn? She scowled and rolled her eyes, before folding her arms and glaring into the table.

There was a silence before a black cat, with a trill of meow, leaped to the table and rubbed her face against Niluial’s stomach. Silma, Iris supposed. She vaguely heard Romenna ask Niluial to join them for a bit to eat. So now not only did she have to talk with Romenna, who wouldn’t be too bad to talk to, Iris grudgingly admitted, but she had to also talk to Niluial.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Hawthorne purposefully marched over to where Dandelion was standing. The young lass stood up to her full three feet and looked Dandelion straight in the eye, thinking it best to take her medicine and be done with it.

The older hobbit fixed a stern gaze on Hawthorne, "You were so anxious to get to Bywater that you left me stranded beside the road. The cart broke an axel just ten minutes after you went galloping off, and I toppled into a ditch. I twisted my ankle, and there was no one to send for help! If Master Samwise hadn't come along on Old Bill, I might have sat out there all night!" Dandelion was not one to enjoy talking back to one of her Brandybuck employers, but she could not let her young Mistress get away with such bad behavior. If Master Merry had been here, he would surely have chewed Hawthorne's ear off.

"I'm sorry. I didn't think," the lass blurted out. "I was excited and in a hurry to get to the Inn." Then she hung her head, "But that's no excuse..."

Master Samwise nodded his approval, "No excuse in the slightest! You are young and strong and should have helped poor Dandelion."

Hawthorne hung her head, then gazed up at the two of them, looking a little sheepish, "I was going to surprise you. I've gotten a job in the Inn, just like Master Merry wanted."

"What sort of job?" asked Dandelion very gently, not wanting to discourage Hawthorne from her good intentions.

"I'm helping out in the kitchen."

"Helping out with the clean up and serving and such? That would be a very good idea."

"Actually, Dandelion, I've been put in charge of the cooking."

Dandelion rolled her eyes towards the heavens and, in pure shock, took a step backwards, nearly keeling into Samwise's arms from the pain in her ankle. All she could say in reply was: "Oh, dear! That's not what Master Merry meant..."

Dandelion sighed loudly and turned to look at Sam, "I'm awfully tired and my ankle is throbbing. I'll take up your kind offer to come stay with you and Rose at Bag-end. Then tomorrow morning, I'll come back down once my cart is fixed, leave off Hawthorne's luggage, and have a little chat with the Innkeeper to try and straighten all this out."

Dandelion leaned closer to Sam and whispered in his ear, "Miss Hawthorne doesn't know one end of a kitchen from the other. We'll have to see about getting her a more appropriate situation." Then Dandelion said her goodbyes to Hawthorne, advising the hobbit lass to work hard and be careful.

Samwise took up Dandelion's arm, gently guiding her towards the door, "I expect you're right, Dandelion. There seems to be a mix-up of some sort, but it can wait till the morning to straighten out. What possible damage can a young lass do in less than a day?"

With this final word of reassurance, Samwise helped Dandelion onto Old Bill's back and, taking up the reins, led the pony westward towards Bag-end.

[Er-Murazor]

"The cut doesn't appear to be infected. In my opinion, it will heal soon. However, it will heal faster if you don't touch it" answered Eradan after looking it for some time. "And don't worry about your memory. As there are no broken bones, this won't have lasting effects, as long as you don't try to break the furniture with your head" he continued with a tiny smile in his lips.

However, when Sirabel mentioned Carn Dum again, the smile faded. "I am no brave man. In fact, I am a coward. If I have lived there for three years it is not because my courage, but because I lack such a thing. I went to Angmar seeking a place to hide from both the rangers of the North and the minions of the Shadow, because I did not honour my vows of loyalty and allegiance. My life has been a dark one. If you want to hear it, I will tell you, but it is a long story and I would want to eat something. Would you mind if I order some of that vegetables soup?" asked Eradan.

[Boromir of Gondor]

Please check your PM's (Private Messages)

~*~ Piosenniel, Shire Moderator

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 1:18 PM January 19, 2004: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Crystal Heart]

Crystal Heart entered the Inn, hoping for a nice warm drink. Lately the winds had been too cold for her liking and brought memories of darker times in her past that she had been trying to forget. She entered and looked around, her heart fluttering wildly. She knew it was silly to still look for a face that had long since passed on, but she still looked. Somehow she still didn't believe.

She walked over to the bar gracefully, her cloak sweeping across the floor. It had been her mothers, the only thing of her that she had left. She hoped that she wouldn't stick out to much. A newcomer in this Inn. Sure she didn't look a thing like the locals, with her long red hair and her piercing pine eyes. She knew that many wouldn't see her face, probably wouldn't think much about her since her hood concealed her and her thoughts. Like a safety net that protected her heart from becoming destroyed once again.

She sat down lightly in the stool and smiled lightly.
"Give me the warmest, strongest drink that you have please." She requested as she rubbed her hands together to warm them. They had gone frightfully cold, colder then ice. As if the blood didn't circulate in her slender fingers that had wheeled many swords in her time. Oh, she wasn't old in any way, she just had been forced to grow up quickly. She had been expected to be a young lady that brought fortune to her famished family at the age of ten and she knew now that she would never get those carefree days back. The days of happiness before the death of her beautiful mother.

She hoped this bar would have something so strong that she would sleep without memories, without fear that night. Even though she had no idea where she would even sleep, she wasn't worried. She would find someone to buy her a room. She wouldn't let them in that bed, she had morals of course, but she knew how to be pursasive to a lonely man. She only had a few coins to her name. She knew that if she sold the cloak that concealed her then she would have a lot more coins, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. It was her mothers. Her father had already sold everything else of her mother. This was the one thing she had been able to keep.

She began to wonder if he was looking for her, searching for the daughter that had ran away from her home in the deep darkness of the night. Crystal didn't believe that he was. He was too preoccupied with the new woman in his life that didn't like the fact that he had been married before with a child.

Crystal stopped thinking about her past and waited for her drink quietly as she inspected the room around her.

[piosenniel]

Green Dragon Inn Facts:

It is the 4th Age, year 12. By the Shire Calendar it is year 1433 S.R. (Shire Reckoning).

King Elessar is on the throne of the Reunited Kingdom of Arnor and Gondor.

Mirkwood has been reclaimed by the Elves and is now called Eryn Lasgalen.

Paladdin Took, Pippin’s father, is Thain of the Shire. (Thain is an honorary title for the military leader of the Shire. The title has been held in the Took Family since the position was first established in 3rd Age 1979 with Bucca of the Marish as First Thain.) Paladdin Took dies in year 13, and will be succeeded by his son, Peregrin, ‘Pippin’, Took.

Samwise Gamgee is Mayor of the Shire, having succeeded Will Whitfoot in 1427 S.R.

The Innkeeper, in the Green Dragon Inn of this forum, is:
Aman – a young woman from Rohan.

Before her, the Innkeeper was Piosenniel, and before her it was Dwarin, the Dwarf.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+

Other ongoing characters in the Inn:

Ruby Brown, Hobbit – not married – server and maid

Buttercup Brownlock, Hobbit – not married – kitchen assistant and maid

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+

Ongoing characters from outside the Inn:

Halfred Whitfoot – local Shiriff and Postmaster; his pony’s name is Dumpling.
_____________________________________________
Please Note:

No 'SAVES' are allowed in the Inn.

With the exception of the Innkeeper and the Moderators, no OOC (Out Of Character) comments are allowed in the Inn.

Only the Innkeeper, Amanaduial, or the Moderators move the timeline for the Inn forward.

Visitors to the Inn will need to read the posts that come before theirs to get an idea of what time it is in the Shire, what the weather is like, and what is happening.

_____________________________________________


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

_____________________________________________

IT IS NOW EVENING IN THE SHIRE. SUPPER IS BEING SERVED.

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 1:22 PM January 19, 2004: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[piosenniel]

Buttercup and Ruby

‘So!? Give it up, Ruby! I saw you with that Hamfast fellow.’ Buttercup nudged her friend. ‘What’s he like?’

‘Nice enough, my nosy friend,’ Ruby replied, her brows arching at the questions. Her lips curved into a smile as she grabbed her friend’s arm. ‘Oh, if you must know . . . I do fancy him a bit. But mum’s the word – there’s nothing worse than some lad with a swelled head.’

‘Meat!’ came the cry from the Common Room. ‘Back to work,’ grumbled Buttercup, picking up a platter of sliced venison while Ruby put the pot-holders to the large tureen of taters and carrots she was to lug out.

There were Hobbits and Big Folk queuing up for the evening meal – some for firsts and many, by the looks of them, for seconds and possibly thirds. Buttercup and Ruby grinned broadly at the group; being Hobbits they enjoyed the sight of people enjoying food, and as many plates as they wished.

A young woman stood at the bar, red haired with glittering green eyes. Her cloak was pulled about her as if she were cold, though the room it self and the mass of people in it was quite warm. ‘I’ll bring her a drink to warm her,’ offered Buttercup as she heard the Innkeeper take the woman’s order. Minutes later, and the Hobbit had returned with a steaming cup of sweetspice tea in her hand. She handed it to Crystal, who had introduced herself as Buttercup stood before her.

‘Tea!? But I has hoping for something stronger,’ Crystal said, clasping the warm mug in her chilled hands. The warmth of it was welcome . . . and what was that aroma? Something strong and heady mixed with the lemon and honey sweetness of the steam that rose from the mug.

‘Tea, ma’am, it is – but with a little of the special Dwarven spirits the Inn stocks. Whiskey, I think it’s labeled. Sets a glow in your tummy . . . or so I’ve been told,’ she said winking at the woman.

‘More bread!’ The cry for food rang out again.

Buttercup excused herself and ran back to the kitchen. Ruby threw her a loaf as she entered the door, and soon several baskets were filled with thick chunks of Green Dragon bread to sop up the last of the juices on an empty plate. Another tub of sweet cream butter was loaded onto the tray, as well as a jar of fireweed honey.

‘And just where is Miss-High-And-Mighty-Hawthorne now?!’ grumbled Buttercup as they placed the tray on the bar top and another call for “meat” was heard over the general clamor in the Inn.

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 2:55 PM January 19, 2004: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Crystal Heart]

"Thank you for the drink. I think it is exactly what I need," Crystal said as she took a sip, the warm drink slid down her throat and warmed her insides just as the woman named Buttercup had informed her. She smiled in satisfaction. She had never had a drink like this before, but it was exactly what she needed. The worries and stress of her life began to lift with each deep breath of she took in from the cup.

Crystal had been asked if she would like to have supper for an couple of extra coins. She nodded, wishing that she had more coins. She hadn't had a nice warm meal in weeks. It smelled wonderful and totally amazing. She held the spoon and looked around. The Inn was bustling with activity. She brought a small portion of the food to her lips and blew upon it softly to cool it. She put the spoon in her mouth, an explosion of flavor broke in her mouth.

"Pure magic," Crystal whispered to herself as she ate another bite. Not even her mother could cook this fabulously. She ate it slowly, trying to prevent from looking like a famished woman. Even though she had been hungry for several days. She couldn't find anything edible in days and had been on her journey with a very upset and empty stomach.

"Whomever made this, please tell them that it is truly delightful," Crystal said to the bartender as she continued to eat.

The bar was lively. She watched in interest as the hobbits danced and sang in a drunken stupor. She laughed lightly, the first time in months. She had never seen such lively people. Or ones that couldn't hold their liquor very well. They obviously never had gone very far in a drinking contest. If she started a drinking contest here, she could probably win a lot more money then she had now. She didn't think she would though, they all seemed so kind here. She wasn't in the mood to swindle money from such kind people.

Every hope and dream that they had seemed to live in this Inn. She had never felt so alive, so happy before. Not for years anyway. She couldn't believe the understanding, the kindness that seemed to fill this place. She knew she could be entirely wrong on what she was feeling, but right now she didn't care if she was wrong. She just wanted to bask in this thought, these feelings. She didn't want to feel sad anymore.

She knew she was being silly, but it was hard not to dwell in the memories that had pursued her in her quest to get away. She had been trying very hard to get away, to run away from all that had happened. And now she was here, stuck because her funds had slowly left her. Like the life that seemed to have left her long ago.

She began to have thoughts of finding someone. A man that would give her all the money she needed to get her away. Maybe he would even accompany her on her quest to run away from memories and time itself. Yet she knew that that was a silly notion. Who would fall in love with her again? No one would. No one, but the one she called Arty.

Arty was perfect. His hair dark and his skin tanned. His light sky eyes shone through her soul. They found all her secrets, all her wounds, and all of her hopes. He knew her more then anyone else in this world and now he was gone. Gone to that place after death. She had to believe he was there, she couldn't believe that his soul had perished and that she would never see him again.

That's all that kept her going now. The thought that he had survived past death. That he had survived even death, even though she knew that to be impossible.

Her eyes glistened with tears as she continued to eat her supper.

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 2:41 PM January 19, 2004: Message edited by: Crystal Heart ]

[Amanaduial the archer]

Aman smiled politely at the man who said he had known Bilbo. She had not known Bilbo - after all, he had sailed to the havens twelve years ago, and the Innkeeper was only in her twenties - but wished that she had - the Shire was full of right characters, so for Bilbo to have stood out so much must have made him really something.

Serving the strange, chilled looking woman with a plate of the venison to accompany the highly spiked drink that Ruby had given her, guessing the woman would appreciate it. A glittering glance from a pair of eyes as green as Aman's own startled Aman as they flicked up from the woman's hands to the Innkeeper's face, and for a moment the woman seemed surprised.

"Eat it," the Innkeeper commanded. "Looks like you need some good food in you."

"I..."

"The food isn't expensive, don't worry, and we can find another way to settle the debt - and, I'm sure, some of the other problems you may have." Aman regarded the woman, and was impressed when she returned the look. "What's your name?"

Before the woman could answer, a shriek came from the other side of the room, and the sound of a heated debate. Looking over the heads of the customers, Aman was alarmed to see Hawthorne at the centre of it, along with a soaked and bedraggled looking woman...and mayor Samwise himself. Murmuring a few words that would blister a horse's ears, Aman excused herself apologetically from the company of the woman at the bar and darted across the lively and noisy room as quickly as she could.

By the time she arrived, the kerfuffle appeared to be over. Catching the last of it as she arrived on the Inn's porch, Aman smiled politely as the hobbit-woman turned to look at her and inclined her head to the likeable Mayor, who currently looked rather worried. "Master Gamgee, Miss..."

"My name is Dandelion, miss. You would be the Innkeeper?"

"Aye, I'm Aman."

Dandelion pursed her lips and looked at Aman critically before nodding at something, as if fulfilling a report. "Aye. Well, I'm the companion and maid of Miz Hawthorne there," she inclined at head back into the Inn. "And...well, look, you and I shall have words tomorrow, if that's ok - see, I have to be getting back with Master Samwise now."

Aman nodded, impressed by this woman's competent, business-like air. "If you wish - I shall wait for it with interest. Good afternoon to both of you."

After exchanging goodbyes with Samwise and Dandelion, Aman came back into the hot Inn and, after scanning the room, nipped across to Hawthorne. Politely taking hold of the hobbit lass's elbow, she coughed slightly, and the hobbit turned, her smile fading as a worried look replaced it, frankly looking as if she thought Aman would fire her on the spot. The rohirrim Innkeeper grinned slightly at the expression. "Good grief, don't look so worried my dear. But may I ask what that little episode was?"

[Crystal Heart]

Crystal watched the disturbance, then turned back. This person, this Aman as she had heard her call herself, was certainly different. Aman reminded her slightly of her mother, but she pushed those thoughts aside.

"Yes, many troubles," Crystal replied to the bartender.

The atmosphere still seemed friendly and kind. She just couldn't believe that after such a ruckas that it would stay the same way.

"It is quite different here then my home," Crystal spoke up, wondering why she was.

She usually was shy and never spoke a word. The place of her home, her lineage, and her life were secret and she never spoke about them. She had no idea why she would speak about it now.

"Who is that woman they call Aman? Is she the mayor of this town?" Crystal asked, her curiousity finally picking up with her mind and wandering.

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 3:37 PM January 19, 2004: Message edited by: Crystal Heart ]

[Everdawn]

As there are no broken bones, this won't have lasting effects, as long as you don't try to break the furniture with your head" Said Eradan, Sírabel couldnt help laughing.

Eradan then spoke of Carn Dum and the reason he was there. He looks so sad, no sad is not the right word, lost. she thought looking at him as he told her of why he was living there. Sírabel touched his arm, "Of course i want to hear the story! Just dont make me cry, becuase im not fond of sad ones." she said and went to touch her head again but stopped and put her hand down on the table. "Your right, i think some soup is in order. I beg your pardon." she said and went to see Ruby at the bar and returned with two bowls and a pot of hot tea.

"Now, Please, wont you tell me your story?"

[Gird]

Gird had completely forgotten about the hobbits he had been speaking with. He was looking at the door, half listening, half thinking. He then heard the sound again, louder this time. It was the cry of a wolf in the distance, not too far away, but far enough so that no one else in the inn heard it.

Gird stood up, and had a changed look on his face. No longer was the humble-bumbling traveller look on his face. He wore a grim face as if something was hurting him, and also like he had something that he needed to do.

He walked towards the door, oblivious to the announcement of supper. He pulled out a blade that no one had ever seen with him before. it was an odd knife, with a blade that curved forwards, and it was made of a dark steel.

Gird placed his room key on the counter as he passed, and said something about "not needing this at the present." He swung the door open fast, and walked out at a quick pace.

He didn't even shut the door.

[Er-Murazor]

In the eyes of Sirabel, Eradan saw with some surprise the same mercy that Cree had shown few minutes ago. When she said that she wanted to hear his story, he nodded and said: "It isn't a sad story. It is the story of a coward".

When Sirabel returned from the bar with the supper and tea, Eradan drunk some of it before talking.

"Yes. I will tell you my story. My name is Eradan Durgilon. Lonely man and master of the dark star, it means in the language of the grey elves. Fitting names, some would say."
"I was born near Fornost, about thirty years ago, raised and trained among the Rangers of the North, to become in due time one of their kind."

"I was good. I am good. I can follow the tracks of almost everything as long as it doesn't fly... My instructors said that I was one of the best fighters among the students of my age."

"However, that habilities were not a gift. My ancestors had chosen to live in Eriador after the defeat of Arthedain and the ruin of the north. But it wasn't my choice. Our captain was a great man, but the Darkness seemed undefeatable. Of course, I didn't know of that secret that hide in this very land of the Shire."

"I decided to run away. Ten years before the war of the Ring. I had decided to sworn allegiance to the Dark Lord in exchange for my unworthy life. But I didn't complete my treason. After having reached the very gates of Mordor, I turned, full of guilt after realizing what I was about to do."

"The secrets I knew then may have changed the fate of the world, leading Endor to a very dark time. I was too coward to make such a thing. There was no longer place for me in the Light or in the Darkness. The empty ruins of Carn Dum were the only place I could go. I have been hiding there until I heard that the Ranger of the North no longer want me dead. And I just decided that in any case, if I was going to die, I wanted to talk with somebody before doing so."

[Amanaduial the archer]

Aman, hearing the chilled woman's voice as she steered Hawthorne towards the bar. She smiled and her eyebrows shot up, totally surprised.

"Good grief, my dear, I'm certainly not the mayor of a land of little people!" She grinned and the woman looked suddenly and acutely embarrassed. Seeking to sooth her embarrasment and hoping she hadn't offended the woman, she came around the bar. Hawthorne took the chance to scurry away to see to a customers order, and the Innkeeper watched for a moment, satisfied at the enthusiasm which the hobbit lass was showing. "Nay, I'm not Mayor; that would be Master Samwise Gamgee, the well-dressed, kindly individual you just saw leave. An excellent man, well liked as well as respected, and the father of a fine troupe of children," she added as further explanation, just a little background. The woman's eyes narrowed and Aman nodded, guessing what was coming next. "Aye, the same Samwise Gamgee that joined Frodo Baggins those years ago right into the heart of Mount Doom."

The woman seemed interested even, and it didn't just seem to be the polite interest she showed in customers. Aman felt herself warming to the woman - something certainly needed to, she still looked chilled to the bone. "I am the Innkeeper at the 'Dragon, although I hail from Rohan. I am not one of the little people, short though I may be," she smiled. "Still, this is the place I call my home now - and what about you? You spoke of this place being very different from your home. May I ask where that it?"

[LuthienNenharma]

Luthien strode softly into the inn, cloaked and hooded in a long green robe, wearing a bow and quiver upon her back, and having a sword in it's hilt on her belt.
Two soft grey eyes shone from beneath the hood, and she smiled as she sat at a small table in the back. She sharpened her knife as she gazed around at the conversing beings around her, she spoke no words, and silently gazed out into the bar.

Shortly after her flew in a red-tailed hawk, with dazzling blue eyes, which screeched and landed on the shoulder of her robe. She reached up and stroked it with one long fingered hand.

On her palm there was an elvish rune of some sort, in grey faded color. The hawk rustled it's futher impatiently and warbled. She gave it some fresh red meat from a small pouch on her belt and chuckled softly, whispering soft words in elvish to the bird.

A long strand of black hair fell visible on the front of her green cloak, and she pushed it back with a handstroke, sighing and leaning back against the wall behind her.

"I guess father was right about this place..." she said softly, stroking her bird fondly, "then again he was one of the wisest elves i have ever known, and one of the quickest with a sword...but not quick enough..." she sighed, stroking the hawk as it twittered and glared at everyone around them.

Luthien smiled, "Don't worry my love, we will go back to Mirkwood, Eryn Lasgalen, soon enough...after all, we cannot keep Lumenenth and Nerili waiting for long ,can we?"

She sighed and gazed out the window. Her chestnut mare Estel stood grazing on a hill. The hawk let out a low twitter. She always enjoyed flying alongside Estel as she galloped, seeing who won in a race.

To the Sea! To the Sea! The white gulls are calling. The wind is blowing and the white foam flying....Grey Ship,Grey Ship do you hear them calling, the voices of my people who have gone before me. I will leave, I will leave the woods that bore me.In Eressea in Elven home which no man can discover, Where the leaves fall not, land of my people forever..

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 4:34 PM January 22, 2004: Message edited by: LuthienNenharma ]

[Everdawn]

Sírabel held a trembling hand to her lips. "That is so a sad story." Her eyes were now filled with pitty for Eradan.

"Dont you see? You were just afraid, everyone becomes afraid, why! Im the most flighty person that i know-" she was searching for more comforting words until she rembered what Eradan had said. "You swore alliegance to The dark Lord?"

Eradan nodded slowly. Sírabel gasped and after a few seconds began to speak. "Well, Mr Durgilon, Now i have heard many a story of people's lives, and i have come to the conclusion that my life has been rather dull." she paused and took a sip of her tea.

"Well Mr Durgilon, you seem like a nice enough man, i would have never have believed it had someone else spoke of it to me, anyhow. I wont judge you, that was all in the past. And i do not wish for you to die, id hate to loose another friend, but if you are unsure, well i am glad to be speaking with you." she said dragging her fingers through her long burgundy hair.

[SonOfBombadil]

Lewis smiled and he didn't want to hide it. He was happy and he didn't care who knew it. Lewis was about to order some food, when he heard the announcement that supper would be served. "Well, that's good timing," he said with a chuckle, "I'll go order some food, to save Aman from having to bring it here."

Lewis got up, and walked over to the bar. "Could I please have two plates with venison?" "Of course sir," came the answer. Lewis pulled out some coins in the appropriate ammount and placed them on the counter. He thought while he waited for the food, about Ravon. How lucky he had been to have met her, and become friends with her so quickly.

He received the plates and walked back to the table where Ravon was sitting. "Here we are. Some nice, fresh cooked venison."

[Crystal Heart]

Crystal blinked and looked back over to the man. Samwise Gamgee, the one name she had known better then her father's name.
"Samwise Gamgee is a mayor? He sure is one well rounded man," Crystal replied as she took another drink. The warm liquid bubbled inside her.

Aman was taking quite a liking to her, that much she could tell. Maybe it was the liqueor, maybe it was the lonely hole that filled her heart, maybe it was Aman's openness that was making her feel like she should open up.

"Home is far away, in a land long gone. Home is so far away that neither you nor I would ever recognize the no longer lush fields of war. Home is a memory that only I and other wanders from that home hold. Home is gone," Crystal replied as she ate more of the stew.

Her mind wandered to the lush fields of green that held her childhood wonders. Her mind wandered to the day she had met the one man that she had wanted to live and die with. He had died without her, leaving her to live in this world filled with strangers. Strangers that didn't take kindly wanders from a time in life that use to be kind. Wanders like herself.

She had been shunned from any place she had gone. She had be turned away from warm beds and real homes. She had been turned away from young men that could have given her hope and a new life.

Maybe that's what she was looking for. Maybe that's what she wanted. The safety, security, and love that only one man had shown her. Maybe that's why she continued to wander.

"Home is in Rohan for me. A Rohan that will never welcome me once more," Crystal said quietly, as memories of her time flowed through her mind like water. Each memory a stone in her mind that stopped and placed its self in the riverbed of her mind. The riverbed that twisted into the distance of a future she didn't know would come. A future that never felt like it would be here.

"Rohan is not as kind as many would make some believe," Crystal retorted as she took another sip from her glass. She looked out over the Inn. This place, this Shire that they called it, was amazing in its kindness and warm. Amazing that so many could live together in happiness and even though disputes were what always happened, they still were able to come in here for a pint and have a good time.

"Maybe my wanders are over," Crystal whispered as the feeling of being home washed over her like a wave from the sea. She had been to the sea once, when she was just a wee child. It had been an experience that she would never forget and had vowed to allow that experience to whatever children she would have. As of late she had been wishing to settle down, start a family, and to be happy once more. Maybe here she would get those wishes.

Crystal turned to Aman and smiled brightly, her eyes glowing with happiness as the feeling of belonging set into her weary mind.

[Angry Brandybuck]

Angry walked rather skillfully into the Green Dragon. He felt he was really getting the hang of this walking lark, it would be easier if the floor didn't keep moving around so much. It wasn't really right for the floor to be so horrid, it wasn't even as if he'd been drinking.
Well, he had just shared that keg of homebrew with the Proudfoot Twins. Their old man had had a few things to say about that! He couldn't remember quite what those things were though.

With one last push of effort he made it all the way through the crowd of faces swimming in front of his eyes to the bar. He slammed his half-empty tankard (carried all the way from the Proudfoot's house) on the rough wooden surface and said to the girl behind it,
"Fill 'er up would you love? And while you're at it you can marry me an' all!"

Finshing this tricky sentence, he triumphantly perched himself on a stool and swung his hairy feet in the air.

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 8:02 AM January 21, 2004: Message edited by: Angry Brandybuck ]

[Crystal Heart]

Crystal looked over at the man and laughed lightly. She hadn't heard such boldness since she was a wee girl. A young boy had said something similiar to her father and he scared him away.

That boy was Arty, how he had loved her. He never wanted anything to happen to her. He had even said that he would die for her and in the end he had. He had died protecting her from the one man that had scared him away on his first encounter.

She blocked the memories. She wouldn't let them. Not here, not now, not ever again. She would be free of her haunting memories. She would be free from the jail cell her mind had created for her. She would be free from it all.

I will make a new life here, Crystal thought with a smile as she finished her supper. The night was closing in around the Inn, but now that didn't matter to Crystal. She wasn't worry about lodging for the night. These people were kind. I can work for my pay. I can work honestly for my money, Crystal thought. The thought alone made her feel proud. She hadn't earned a decent coin in years. She wasn't proud of it, but she had done what she had done in the past to survive. She vowed she wouldn't do those things again.

She took a small pouch out of her cloak and gave the last of her coins to the Innkeeper.

"Thank for the meal. How much is it to rent a room for a night?" Crystal asked, hoping that it wasn't much. She wanted to pay in advance if she could, but she wasn't sure she would be able to. Her fingers found their way to her locket, her one possession from Arty that she had also been able to save before her father had destroyed all the artifacts of her mother and Arty in that fire he had created.

"I could give you something for the room until I get enough money for it," Crystal suggested with baited breath. She couldn't believe that she could part from this, but she wanted to become honest once again. This was the only way she knew how.

[Angry Brandybuck]

Angry looked around the room while he waited for his beer (they were having to change the keg over). He noticed a tall, female human laughing at him. Then again, on the way over to the inn he had seen three blue sheep laughing at him, so he didn't take any action against her. He knew his old Dad would have a few things to say about all these humans coming into the Green Dragon, but he felt he quite liked the mixed company.

The bowl of his pipe wavered in front of his eyes as he concentrated his entire mental capacity on stuffing it with his last bit of Longbarrow. After an age of patting, unbuttoning and rummaging, Angry found himself desperately short of a taper. This would not do, a hobbit with a full pipe and no means by which to light it! Whatever next?

Brandybuck courage flowing through his veins, Angry got down from the stool and approached the woman he had seen laughing earlier. As he got nearer he made some attempt at tidying his attire and settle his wild brown hair.

When he reached her he touched lightly on her elbow and, in his best Common Tongue, said
"Err...Excuse me Miss, but I couldn't trouble you for any means of lighting my pipe could I?"

[Angel_Queen]

Ravon looked up to see Lewis coming back with the plates of food. She offered her hand to the young man. To her everyone was young whether it be in real life or in their heart. "Thank you Lewis. I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't met you. Well I know I would still be after Cree. Yet now I'm happy and no one can take that away from me. Your the only one that could make me happy."

She reached to her side and pulled out a pouch. "Here I want you to have this." She pulled out what seemed to be some sort of ring. "This ring has many stories behind it." She remembered the day she found the ring. It had been so long ago. A gift to her from her father. Now she had given it to Lewis. She knew she would never have anyone else to give it to. Perhaps the mirror was wrong. It never did show Lewis in my future. All it showed was sadness. Indeed he has changed my future.

She placed the ring on the table. "Will you accept my gift?" Her words sounded soft. She didn't know what to do if he refused it. My father wouldn't know what to think of me now if he saw me. I have changed so much from the time I left Eryn Lasgalen.

[Crystal Heart]

Crystal felt a tap upon her shoulder and glanced down at the hobbit that had asked for a light. She smiled kindly as she took out her taper from the pouch.

"Of course," She replied as she held it out for him. She had never used the taper, but it had come in handy for others that needed. She figured she could sell it one day, but it had been Arty's and she just couldn't force herself to sell it.

Crystal looked into the hobbit's eyes and was surprised to find a familiar glint in them.

"Arty?" Crystal asked lightly, her heart beginning to race. Thoughts of hearing of his death became blurred and a whirlwind of wishings swooped through her mind.

Realizations broke in her mind like a dam that couldn't stop the flood waters from pouring over. Her wishing, her happiness, faded.

"I'm sorry to pressume anything. You reminded me of a man I use to know," Crystal said hurriedly as she glanced back into her cup.

[Er-Murazor]

"And I am glad, too. And even more glad that you don't want me to die. However I think that there is an important point that I should clear: I didn't swore allegiance to the Dark Lord. Such was my intention in the beginning of my fall and I almost did so, but in the end I decided that dooming Middle Earth wasn't something I wanted".

"The secrets I knew were important. Sauron would have know of the identity of the heir of Isildur too soon. He may have attacked Gondor without hesitation. And that would have been the end of all hope. I could not survive in exchange of the lifes of untold thousands. That was too much even for a coward like me. My deeds grant that there is no longer place for me neither in the Darkness, nor in the Light. But I am alive. No reward is offered for my life, as the Rangers think that stripping my from my heirlhoom and rights is punishment enough for my treachery. And I am among another people with a delicious bowl of hot soup... Not that far away from what I wanted."

"I have no ambition but live. And live with some happines and comfort, if it is possible. The days in which I was involved in the making of history are now the past, hopefully. But I think I have said too much. Would you like to tell me your own story in return for mine, lady Sirabel?", asked Eradan while he drinked little snips of soup with the spoon.

[Angry Brandybuck]

Angry gratefully accepted the light offered by the beautiful lady he was now confronted with. His already ruddy cheeks blushed profusely at being held in her intense gaze. He was taken aback even more when she called him "Arty". Thinking it was a trick of his beer befuddled mind he ignored it and continued with the important, and rather tricky, task of lighting his pipe.

When he finally overcame his embarrassment at the attention from such a beautiful, and tall woman, he looked at her again. She had looked back down now, and a seemingly immeasurable sadness had filled her eyes. Angry prided himself on his ability to react well to situations, and to always say just the thing to cheer melancholy people up...

Here, however, he was stuck. He stood in an awkward silence a while, wracking his poor little brain for something to say.

"So... You'll have somewhere to be staying then I presume?"

Despite his drunkeness, he could see that this was a lady who was all alone in the world, and he knew that lonliness could be cured, cured by company.

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 3:35 AM January 22, 2004: Message edited by: Angry Brandybuck ]

[Potatothan]

Huan walked down the quiet road. His feet were painful and his knees were hurting badly. The sight of an Inn further ahead seemed to comfort the pain a bit and he hastened his pace. His cloak was swept by a gust of wind and flew back. It got loose from his neck and flew away. Cursing the wind he went after it and soon recollected the cloak from a bush. Now the road was longer once more. Nothing more than a few steps, but annoying nonetheless. His mood wasn’t improved and he decided to stop walking and start running. He was more than fed up with this trip and the Inn seemed to be unreachable. He grasped his hat tightly so it couldn't be blown off and in a last effort he finally reached the sturdy Inn door.

The people inside didn't notice him much and he hung his cloak on the rack which was beginning to get stuffed. He walked to a table and crashed down on a chair. A nice lady came and asked if he needed anything. He was satisfied with an ale and a warm meal. He filled his pipe and lit it. Finally at peace, he scouted around for a familiar
face, but expected none.

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 3:11 PM January 22, 2004: Message edited by: Potatothan ]

[Amanaduial the archer]

Aman eyed the man suspiciously, but didn't throw him out - she's had a fair amount of marriage proposals as such, and the novelty had worn off somewhat; although he was drunk, he wasn't insensible; he was acting perfectly decently towards Crystal. Those three things being as they were, Aman decided to leave the hobbit be for the time being.

Drifting along the bar slightly not too far, she looked along the room to another newcomer who had come in, a weary looking and slightly scruffy individual who looked as though the increasingly windy weather of the progressing afternoon had not been especially kind to him. The man didn't notice her though, and seemed in no particular hurry to get a drink; she would go over to him in a minute.

Checking on the pair one last time before she would go over to the solitary, windswept individual, Aman raised her eyebrows. "Another drink?"

The good-natured hobbit grinned amiably. "Oh, aye!"

Aman half-smiled at him - possibly he wasn't so drunk as he made out then. She turned her gaze to meet one so similar. "And can I get anything for you?" she inquired of Crystal.

[Hama Of The Riddermark]

A pattering of hooves was heard from outside, and the snort of a horse...boot crashed in the earth and a man of full height ducked under the door to enter...

Long dark blond hair hung bedragled about his head, and scalemail armour covered his torso and extended down to his legs, which were covered in bronze greaves. A short, neatly trimmed beard grew on his chin, and it extended into a moustache. His cloak pin was a brass circlet, with a bone horse fitted neatly inside...

He moved to a table and sat heavily, the pommell of a Rohirric shortsword protruded from an ornate scabbard...

As he sat down he romoved his helm, and his hair fell to his shoulders, he put his helm on the table and called for an ale...

[Thengal]

Aramil swayed in and out of reality. He couldn't even be sure if his problems really existed. He thought the ale had solved his problems though, and was very confused. The world started spinning and his vision blurred. He tried to stand, then WHAM!

He instanly collapsed to the floor and balcked out.All he remebered was someone standing over him saying something about "bad mushrooms."

[Everdawn]

Sírabel hesitated for a moment, deep in thought while Eradan patiently sat. After a few moments more she spoke, "Well, i guess i should start at the beginning, then shouldnt i?" she sighed.

"I was born in Long lake, My father was a merchant, nothing exciting there. And my mother was a housewife, I never knew her, she died giving birth to me, and you know, im not sad about it either. I never knew her so i couldnt really ever truly miss her. But at times I did miss the fact I never had a mother. I have a sister called Sírawen who is married to someone twice her age, they have a child also called Sírawen. (Much to my dismay, I wanted something origional, or somethign elvish..)" she stopped quite out of breath.

"My father is 'not quite with us' anymore, no I dont mean he's dead, I just mean how old people get sometimes, you understand?" Eradan nodded.

"When i was twenty-one I left home to see the world. I can tell you now Mr Durgilon, that I certainly did not want to spend my life in Long Lake married to someone twice my age with nothing to do all day but look after children like my sister, i couldnt stand it! I spent a long time in Minas Tirith painting, (you know im an artist), many of my works hand in the galleries there, there are a few in King Elessar's citadel as well."

Sírabel took the time to drink some more of her tea. "Now here is something which may interest you." she turned her blue eyes on Eradan, "I met up with a ranger of the north in Minas Tirith, that is how i came to be here. His name was Hamirdan, now i dont know if you know him but I rode most of this way with him and some of his companions." she stopped and smiled.

"You see Mr Durgilon, i told you my life was dull."

[SonOfBombadil]

"Will you accept my gift?" Lewis wasn't sure how to reply. He had nothing to give back to Ravon in exchange. Except... surely, if she would give him the ring, then he could give it to her.

"I will accept your gift," he replied, "if you accept mine." Lewis reached around his neck and unclasped a silver chain that wasn't all that special, but on it, was a triangular pendant, that had a design on it, and a green jem in the middle of it. He held it out to Ravon.

[Melisil]

Melisil

Melisil blinked sleepily, she hadn't remembered how long it had been since she had last met the sweet embrace of sleep. It was overcoming her slightly now.

"Eruisto," she began, "I'm sorry, could you excuse me? I'm very tired, I think I will go up to my room. Thank you so very much for talking with me." Melisil stood up. "If you are here later this evening, or possibly tommorow morning, then I will see you then. Goodnight for now though."

Melisil walked up the stairs to her room, upon entering, she took out a bag that had been hiding under her cloak. From that she pulled out a few of her belongings and placed them on the dresser-top. After changing into her night gown, she quickly fell to sleep.

Eocalad

Eocalad walked out of the inn and towards the stables, he stroked his horse lovingly. "What do you say, shall we go back to Rohan?" He whispered to the animal.

Home was something he had not seen for a while, he missed his family, his wife. Originally he had only planned to be gone for a week or so, but things had been prolonged. "It's been too long." Eocalad said decidingly, he walked his horse out of the stable and hopped on. "Home..."

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 10:29 PM January 21, 2004: Message edited by: Melisil ]

[Fool Of A Took]

Grimm entered the Inn the late evening with a smile on his face. He removed his hood and sat down by an empty table. He was quiet hungry so he walked to the counter and ordered some supper that already were being served among the guests. So peaceful, he thought, I might stay here for a while. He sipped his ale that he got and looked around himself. He saw a few dwarves sitting in the corner and a stranger sitting alone by the bar. Two hobbits were sitting close to each other and whispering. He he gazed out the window at his left side. It was getting dark.

He rose and walked to the Common Room. He sat down in an armchair and leaned back and then drew a deep sigh. It feels like this is my home, he thought, like I have been here before. He shook his head and laughed quietly. A hobbit looked up at him and looked confused. The hobbit thought Grimm was strange. Big folk!, he thought. Grimm said to the hobbit “You dont know anyone from Rohan around here?”. The hobbit seemed shy, but answered “Erhm, the only one I know of is the Innkeeper here, she’s from Rohan, her name is Aman”. Grimm nodded slowly. He looked around himself, he wanted to talk to someone, it had been a long journey from Rohan.

[Hama Of The Riddermark]

Hama looked up from his ale. At the mention of Rohan he was instantly alert, as was his nature...

He caught Grimm's eye and smiled. 'Good to see another Rohirric face around here,' he said in Rohirric. 'I hear that the barlady is from the Mark as well, but I have not yet been up to the bar, so i have not found if this is true...'

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 4:04 AM January 22, 2004: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Angry Brandybuck]

When the lady did not answer him, Angry grew ten times more embarrassed thatn he already had been. You stupid, stupid little hobbit he chastised himself, If hobbit women don't ever want to talk to you, what chance do you think you have with the big folk?

"Umm...I, err...I didn't mean to suppose, y'know, I just thought by looking at you, I thought to myself, 'Angry, now here is a lady thats all alone, and a lady thats all alone only needs a little company an' then she'll not be all alone' if you catch my meaning. An' I thought maybe, just maybe, I could do the right thing for once an' offer some help."

"An' I remembered that I've got a nice snug Hobbit hole not far from here, thats where I live thats is, an' I've got a spare room all waiting for a guest, but thats never had one, So y'know, I err...put two and three together, an' out popped a nice big pumpkin of an idea, if you pardon my using such a phrase"

[Crystal Heart]

"I'm sorry. I was somewhere else, in a time and place that have disappeared from this world," Crystal apologized. She smiled at him gently, allowing the care of her feelings to shine through.

"It sounds wonderful. I do need a place to stay. I would pay you for your kindess, but I don't actually have any money," Crystal said as her blush deepened. She didn't want to take advantage of a man that was obviously just slightly drunk. She had already taken advantage of too many men.

She shook her head at Aman when she asked if she wanted anything else. She didn't have the money for anything else. Crystal was beginning to wonder why money was ever an importance to people.

She unclasped the jeweled necklace that hung from her neck and held it out of the hobbit.
"If you'll please kind sir, take this as a payment of your kindess then I would be honored to stay with such a gentleman as you," Crystal replied with a smile that didn't show the breaking of her heart. She never wanted to part from this, but she had to if she was going to live through the night.

She studied his eyes again and couldn't help feeling as if she wasn't dreaming. That these were the eyes of her Arty, the only man that she had loved. The only man she had wanted to love. Maybe that's why her heart and stomach were feeling funny, but she could tell it wasn't Arty's eyes. They were the same in some ways, compassionate and kind, but the eyes had a different soul. The soul of this hobbit.

"Excuse me, kind sir, is your name at all Arty?" Crystal asked boldly, regretting it immediately. She had never asked a stranger for his name, but yet she never felt at home before. She watched his face for any sign of surprise and hoped silently.

[Angel_Queen]

Ravon couldn't believe the beauty of the chain but the triangle pendant caught her eye. Ravon nodded her head in approval. "I would love to accept your gift.." She felt Lewis tense up. Is he afraid that I won't take it?

"Will you just due me the honor and place it around my neck." She could feel the tension leaving him. "Its rather lovely you know. Thank you Lewis. I will never take it off." Ravon felt her heart flutter. Now if he can just stick around and not run off.

[Fool Of A Took]

Grimm noticed a man sitting alone near by him. "I am rohirric here too" the man had said and smiled. Grimm smiled and sat down beside the man. The man seemed nice and Grimm asked in rohirric "And your name is?". Great! Another man from Rohan, he thought and smiled to the man again. He tapped his fingers to the wooden table and tried to come up with something to talk about.

Grimm ordered an ale and awaited the strangers answer with excitment. He felt happy that he wasn't the only Rohirrim at the Inn. He had many friends that had been visiting The Shire and the Green Dragon Inn before, and they always said it was wonderful.

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 2:23 PM January 22, 2004: Message edited by: Fool Of A Took ]

[Hama Of The Riddermark]

Hama reclined in his chair and ran a hand through his hair, light danced on his armour and reflected around the room,

"My name is Hama, son of Frealaf." Grimm nodded, as if expecting to hear more, Hama chuckled quietly, "I fought on the Pelennor, and at the Black Gate. I lost many friends to the wicked Haradrim and their beasts. I wittnessed the attack of the oath-breakers led by Elessar." Hama smiled...

"Yet I am here in the shire, and I know not why, only that it cheers my soul to see a land so untouched by darkness..."

He sighed and drained the rest of his ale, it would take a long time to erase the horrific memories of the Seige of Gondor, but he hoped that someday he might forget, he turned to Grimm, "yes, it cheers my soul..."

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 1:04 PM January 22, 2004: Message edited by: Hama Of The Riddermark ]

[Angry Brandybuck]

Angry stared in befuddlement at the pretty trinket dangled in front of his eyes while the meaning of what the lady had said filtered through the muddy quagmire of his mind. He was taken aback when he worked out what she was saying
"Ah, don't be ridiculous Miss, what would I want with such a pretty thing as that eh? No, come now, theres no point in me letting a bed go unused now is there?"

Although inside he knew that he would never go hungry with the money that shiny thing would get him, he could see plainly in this woman's eyes that there was history behind this artefact. He also knew that he was easily well-off enough not to need the money this thing would provide, He was a Brandybuck after all.

He had been warned by his parents about inviting 'strange folk' back to the new Hobbit Hole they had bought him, but he had been ever so lonesome in there ever since moving in.
"In fact," he said "I'd enjoy the company at breakfast time, and during most of the day come to think of it. Aye, theres a bed for you at Number 6, Grassy Knoll for however long you need it"

"as for me name, well, it is actually Arthur Brandybuck but most of my friends're want to call me Angry, on account of me never getting too worked up over anything. There're those'd call it a Hironik name, I just accept it as me own."

He proffered his stubby little hand to her as mean of a formal introduction, and beamed at her with his best smile.

[Fool Of A Took]

Grimm nodded. "I fought at Helms Deep and Pelennors fields" Grimm said and sighed, "Darkness has left this world for now". He drew a deep sigh and then said to Hama "Well, this land sure is untouched by darkness and sorrow." Grimm shook his head slowly and said in rohirric to Hama "My own cause of being here is almost the same as yours. I want to see the lands that haven't suffered war and sorrow."

Grimm felt the memories of the horrible battle of Helms Deep coming back up on his mind. He could picture it. Just how his brother got slayed by an orc. Grimm sniffed and burried his face in his hands and tried to hold back his tears. He tried to pull himself together and be strong. "So, how long since you left Rohan?" Grimm asked in Rohirric. Hama seemed like he was thinking of something.

[piosenniel]

Please remember to follow this basic rule when you post in the Inn or a game:

2. Write in complete sentences and in paragraph form. Each post that you make should be at least two paragraphs in length with each paragraph made up of at least two sentences. Separate the paragraphs by double spacing between them. This makes your posts easier to read and more enjoyable for everyone. ~*~ The Red Book of Westmarch/Rules for Posting in the Shire

Bottom line your post must contain these 2 paragraphs and then if you wish to put in a single line of dialog, or a single dramatic line at the end that's fine.

~*~ Piosenniel, Shire Moderator

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 12:20 PM January 22, 2004: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Crystal Heart]

Crystal smiled, her heart lifting at the fact that she didn't have to give it away.

"You have a fine name Arthur. My name is Crystal, Crystal Heart. From the far reaches of Rohan. I appreciate your hospitality. But is there any way I can repay you for your kind heart?" Crystal asked.

Yet, even though her mouth was working in its normal way of speech, her head was not. Arty-Arthur. That had been his name as well, being called Arty by his dearest friends. Much like this Arthur's friends calling him Angry. It didn't seem to be luck or chance at all. Her mind was screaming that it had been fate, but she just didn't want to believe it.

Besides, he was a hobbit and she a human. What could they have in common?

Loneliness, Crystal thought as she watched the eyes of the hobbit in front of her. He was lonly and she had brought a ray of hope, happiness, companionship in those still slightly drunken eyes. Maybe she was wrong, but she was getting the distinct impression that he was a kind hobbit, even when drunk, and that whenever this stupor from the liquor wore off he would still be the same kindhearted and gentle gentleman that he was protraying at the moment.

She had seen the way he thought about the necklace though, yet that didn't worry her. She felt that her necklace, one of the only things of memory left for her, was safe around him.

She got down from the stool and stood only a foot taller then he. She was a shorter human, her mother had been extremely short and her father had been very tall. It was an interesting match, height wise, and had created a slightly short daughter.

Her eyes laughed at Angry's astonishment of being only a little bit taller then he.

"Not all that tall for a human, am I?" Crystal asked with a laugh.

[Hama Of The Riddermark]

Hama turned round to Grimm, and he was surprised to see the shining of water in Hama's eyes as well.

'I left a while ago, several years. The village I live in in the West Emnet was attacked by Dunlendings while there were few Rohirrim left to defend it, they were all slaughtered and the village was razed, even the women and children. My wife, Naefrewyn, was abused and killed, and my lad, Leodwyn, was mutilated and killed...coming back to the stench and the ashes was the hardest thing to do...'

He paused, two fundamental instincts fighting within him, his shoulders rose and fell rapidly...a drop fell from his eye onto the table and splashed, he knuckled his brow. The light flashed around and illuminated his cloak pin momentarily, the brass reflected into Grimm's face for the smallest of moments before it vanished. Hama took a deep breath and sat back once more in his chair.

'We tried to rebuild the village, but there were too few of us and there were many more Dunlending raids. It was impossible. They haunt Isengard again, but there are only a few, with a strategic assault they could be romoved, but that is only until the next generation of them grows up and learns what we did to their fathers...'

He rose, "Stay here, I will be back soon.", withing five minutes he returned with two more frothing tankards of ale. One he set in front of Grimm, the other he put before himself. "How long is it since you left Rohan, and i do not yet know your name...?

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 2:41 PM January 22, 2004: Message edited by: Hama Of The Riddermark ]

[Er-Murazor]

"A dull life is a gift. And a valuable one with the Shadow lurking near your home. I never visited Esgaroth but two of my friends among the Rangers, Dinrandir and Aeldra went there in their youth. If they were telling the truth, the nocturn life of Laketown is very... intense?", said Eradan.

"And you have my most sincere condolence about both your parents. From what I heard, my father suffered from a similar illness after my betrayal. I don't have the courage to face him, I fear" he says with obvious pain.

"And you must be an artist of great skill if Elessar himself does like your works. Among the Rangers he was as reputed for his excelent artistic taste every bit as much as for his martial skills. Hamirdan? I don't know him. But there were many of the order I never met and since my departure some of the young ones may have received the rank of Ranger, I suppose" he said after thinking about the name for an instant.

"Would you like something more solid after the soup?" asks the dunadan while he looks around trying to find the Innkeper.

[piosenniel]

Green Dragon Inn Facts:

It is the 4th Age, year 12. By the Shire Calendar it is year 1433 S.R. (Shire Reckoning).

King Elessar is on the throne of the Reunited Kingdom of Arnor and Gondor.

Mirkwood has been reclaimed by the Elves and is now called Eryn Lasgalen.

Paladdin Took, Pippin’s father, is Thain of the Shire. (Thain is an honorary title for the military leader of the Shire. The title has been held in the Took Family since the position was first established in 3rd Age 1979 with Bucca of the Marish as First Thain.) Paladdin Took dies in year 13, and will be succeeded by his son, Peregrin, ‘Pippin’, Took.

Samwise Gamgee is Mayor of the Shire, having succeeded Will Whitfoot in 1427 S.R.

The Innkeeper, in the Green Dragon Inn of this forum, is:
Aman – a young woman from Rohan.

Before her, the Innkeeper was Piosenniel, and before her it was Dwarin, the Dwarf.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+

Other ongoing characters in the Inn:

Ruby Brown, Hobbit – not married – server and maid

Buttercup Brownlock, Hobbit – not married – kitchen assistant and maid

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+

Ongoing characters from outside the Inn:

Halfred Whitfoot – local Shiriff and Postmaster; his pony’s name is Dumpling.
_____________________________________________
Please Note:

No 'SAVES' are allowed in the Inn.

With the exception of the Innkeeper and the Moderators, no OOC (Out Of Character) comments are allowed in the Inn.

Only the Innkeeper, Amanaduial, or the Moderators move the timeline for the Inn forward.

Visitors to the Inn will need to read the posts that come before theirs to get an idea of what time it is in the Shire, what the weather is like, and what is happening.

_____________________________________________


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

_____________________________________________

IT IS NOW EVENING IN THE SHIRE. SUPPER IS BEING SERVED.

[piosenniel]

I want to remind Inn patrons of one of the Shire rules from The Red Book of Westmarch:

Chatty-style posts which encourage other players to post in a chatty manner are discouraged.

Be descriptive, and try not to use a lot of dialog.

[Witch_Queen]

Cree turned around to see what was going on. She walked over to where two men were setting. "Excuse me." She felt as if she didn't know what to saw to them. "May I join you?" She remembered that she was leaving in the morning.

To her the figures looked tired. Perhaps from Rohan. Yet she was way past assuming anything. "The name is Cree. If I heard right your Hama and your Grimm. I may be wrong but thats what I heard." Cree didn't know what the two men may have to say. "May I join you?" The elf stood there looking down at the two men.

[Fool Of A Took]

Grimm sniffed and said to Hama "I'm so sorry. I have forgotten to introduce myself. I am Grimm." Hama nodded. Grimm sipped some of his ale and tried to think of something else. Dont think about your sorrow, not now, not today, he thought and then sighed. "Now, it was about... Hmm... two weeks I think" Grimm said and looked at Hama. Grimm fell into his daydreams and they both were silenced for about five minutes. Grimm thought it felt like it was thirty minutes. Silence can feel both lonely and long, he thought.

He really felt sorry for the fate of Hamas family. Grimm felt his tears coming again, but he held them back. The silence kept going but Grimm started to feel hungry and said "[b]I am getting hungry, they are serving supper now, I think I will have some. You want to join?"

[Hama Of The Riddermark]

Hama looked up at Cree, he felt guilty about keeping her waiting for an answer so long, especially since she was an elf... he had no desire to upset an elf, if anything of what he had heard of their power was true. He turned to her, looking up to her face,

'Yes, of course, I'm sorry,' he said, 'we're just a couple of warriors reminiscing about battles long fought.'

He turned to Grimm, and tried to force a smile, he failed, and all that came from his face was a look of pain. He reached for his belt and felt the pommell of Tithaing. Memories flooded him, che charge at Helm's deep, the Oliphaunts at Pelennor, and the sheer mass of orcs at the Morranon. Tithaing had served him well for the years he had carried it, and he had no resaon to be thinking about battle now, he was away from it. As a flicker of light reflected off his helmet onto his face he said,

"Yes, some food would be good. I will get it, it will take my mind off sadder things than a meal, what do you want to eat?" he addressed Cree...

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 3:03 PM January 22, 2004: Message edited by: Hama Of The Riddermark ]

[piosenniel]

Please remember to follow this basic rule when you post in the Inn or a game:

2. Write in complete sentences and in paragraph form. Each post that you make should be at least two paragraphs in length with each paragraph made up of at least two sentences. Separate the paragraphs by double spacing between them. This makes your posts easier to read and more enjoyable for everyone. ~*~ The Red Book of Westmarch/Rules for Posting in the Shire

Bottom line your post must contain these 2 paragraphs and then if you wish to put in a single line of dialog, or a single dramatic line at the end that's fine.

~*~ Piosenniel, Shire Moderator

[Fool Of A Took]

Grimm rose up and bowed for the elf woman. He felt embarresed for not noticing her. "I am so sorry for not noticing you, my Lady." he said, "Of course you can join us, we were just about to have some food." Grimm then said "Excuse me, I will order my food, I haven't got any food for seven hours."

He walked to the bar and ordered some supper for him. He sat down again with the elf and Hama. He looked at the elf and got curious about her. "So, what is your name, my Lady?" Grimm said curiously.

The elf seemed a little shy, but that maybe was just a look she had. Grimm looked at her and then started to think about the elves at the Battle of Helms Deep. No! I mustn't think if that right now, he thought and he almost got mad at himself.

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 3:33 PM January 22, 2004: Message edited by: Fool Of A Took ]

[Hama Of The Riddermark]

Hama nodded and got up, he walked into the main bar area and returned a few minutes later with a two plates of steaming stew, he went back out and returned with two mugs of ale, one he set before Cree, and the second before himself, he did the same with the stew and stuck a spoon into each bowl.

He took a mouthful of his, it was warm and it didn't taste too bad either, certainly better than the stew Eowyn cooked on the route to helm's deep. Hama smiled, he had been lucky that day, though his horse had been killed by wargs he'd managed to make it out alive... He jerked his thoughts back to the present... he chewed on the pork in his mouth and swallowed it, and drunk a large gulp of ale...

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 3:41 PM January 22, 2004: Message edited by: Hama Of The Riddermark ]

[Potatothan]

Huan looked up at Aman as she placed the supper on his table. She eyed him swiftly before heading over to the next table. Huan nudged her arm for a second.

"Ehm, I didn't pay for this food milady. Don't want to be a thief of your wallet." He said while handing her the plate.

"Giving me back this plate would make you the thief of your own wallet sir. The supper comes with the room you ordered." Aman replied.

Huan smiled and placed the plate back on his table. Since he was running out of pipe weed and ale he asked Aman if there was anymore he could purchase in this Inn. Aman gave Huan a many-saying look and finished her round.
Feeling like a complete idiot thinking an Inn wouldn't have any pipe weed, she already came back with something wrapped in cloth. She placed it carefully on his table and went on her way. Huan smelled the bag and smiled. He added the tobacco to his own stock, which was getting very low. Aman later on picked up the wrappings looking at it for a second.

"I think a lot." Huan said with a smile.

Aman gave him a kind smile and went on her way. She seemed as busy as an Innkeeper could be. Huan just took it easy and started eating his meal. A camping trip of three years really did made him appreciate every meal someone else cooked and when things were settling down and the people just needed ale from time to time Huan scuffled to the bar. (Of course with his pipe already smoking)

"I would just like to thank you for that meal milady." Huan said.

"Just call me Aman. But you paid for that sir." Aman replied.

"Yes but being outside and cooking your own good makes you appreciate a good sturdy meal. Tell me, you have been to Rohan, that's a pretty nice place. I have dwelled there long. Good green lands for the horses and nice villages with nice people. Tell me, have you never had the urge to go back?"

"No I haven't" Aman replied "I like it here, but you talk about Rohan as you are not one of the Eorlingas. Where are you from?"

"I'm a man of nowhere, so a man from everywhere." Huan replied and he turned for his table.

On his way he passed a table where two Rohirrim and an elf were talking together. The first man had asked for company from Rohan, but since he had just dwelled there for 20 years he didn't count himself fit for conversation since he had only went to war with the Rohirrim and didn't know much of the politics. He just scuffled to his former table took a chair and sat himself by the fire.

From his equipment he took out some more pipe weed since it had gone out and filled the pipe again. With a splinter of burning wood from the fire he lit it. The fire kindled and licked his hand but since the travel had made them harsh he hardly notice and just threw the piece of wood back in the fire. Just sitting by the side of the fire with an ale on his side and a bench for his tired feet, he glanced around a bit and looked at the people letting his look linger at everyone for a while not caring if they looked back.

[LuthienNenharma]

Luthien sipped from a goblet of wine she held in one hand. She pulled her hood back casually reavealing long ebony hair and a fair face.

She looked around and smiled. The hawk was slightly perurbed by the breeze from her putting the hood down and it ruffled its feathers, letting out a loud squawk. She hushed it and fet it meat from her pouch.

"Quiet, Loniwel, we musn't be noticed by too many here, save maybe the elves...."


She narrowed her eyes watching the hobbits drink and laugh with their hairy feet and short stature. 'Despicable...', she thought to herself and scoffed, taking another sip of her wine.

This wine was one of the finest taken into Mirkwood, but it was strong, so it could only be drunk in sips unless you wanted to end up asleep on thetable and vulnerable to enemies.

&lt;font size=1 color=339966&gt;[ 4:41 PM January 22, 2004: Message edited by: LuthienNenharma ]&lt;/font&gt;

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 4:43 PM January 22, 2004: Message edited by: LuthienNenharma ]

[Angry Brandybuck]

"So thats settled then! You shall sleep in the spare room." It suddenly occurred to Angry that the short stature of the bed, although it was one of the best king-sized beds available in all the four farthings, it would most likely be too short for this handsome lady.

As she stood, however, he saw that this would not cause a problem. She obviously noted his surprise at this which made him feel slightly ashamed; it was not his place to pass any judgement on the way a lady looked.

After a mumbled apology, of sorts, his ears perked up again and said "But come, we cannot go home just yet, the night is still young and there are songs and dances to be performed, learned and discovered!"

Taking a long draught from his recently replenished tankard, he started a jig of his own design. this involved jumping several times from foot to foot before falling over abruptly and hitting his head on a stall.

"Maybe singing would be a better past time for someone in a state such as myself"

[ShadowElf]

Maikaalph and Fain stood outside the Green Dragon Inn. “Fain, I remember when you asked me why Gandalf wanted to save this land. Now I can answer that question. Look around Fain, can’t you see what this land of the Shire has to offer. It is a pocket of goodness and hope that was untainted by Sauron’s rule.”

Maikaalph paused here to look over the landscape. The sun setting over the rolling hills, young hobbits going inside to play because the night was approaching, and the land seemed to eke out an atmosphere of innocence. Maikaalph walked over to the stable and took his horse Anoria. Anoria looks much like Shadowfax in speed and stature.

“Fain, I’m going for a quick ride. But I’ll be back before tomorrow.” Maikaalph said as he rode off into the sunset.

[Fire-Galad]

Sindahir sat as still as stone across from Drowin. He looked up from his cup.

"Sindahir, you're as tense as a drawn bow. Just tell where me it is and I'll leave you alone." Sindahir raised her eyes.

"Go kiss an Orc," she hissed. Drowin started but thought better of it. Sindahir sat still for awhile before suddenly getting up and pointed behind Drowin.

"Look behind you!" she yelled. Drowin looked behind him, looked back and Sindahir was gone.

"I hate it when she does that." Drowin growled as he ran outside.

Sindahir glanced one way then the other, trying to think. 'If I go that way, Drowin might run to the backdoor and cut me off, but...'Sindahir mused,'But if I go the other way, I can do it.' Sindahir ran to the left of the inn, found a tree by her window, and climbed up. She watched as Drowin looked around the tree, on the ground, and was no doubt counfused about her trail. Sindahir waited until Drowin went to the other side of the inn before she climbed into her room. After taking a breath, Sindahir returned to the window, gave a small dove call, and waited...

Talon roosted in a branch not too far away from the inn. He was getting ready to snooze when he heard it. A lone dove call. Talon, irritated that he was distsurbed, streched his wings out. The dying sunset turned his chest feathers a deep red-gold while the rising moon seemed to give his other faethers a deep silver sheen. 'She can wait,' he thought to himself. But when the call came again, he took off and flew towards the inn. He alighted on a sill and preened his feathers.

"Good you came." The falcon cast an aggitated eye at the Elf and screeched at her. "Don't take that tone with me, Talon." Talon glared at Sindahir. "I know, I know I woke you up but this is an emergency. I need it back." Talon raised his right claw, tied to it was a small leather bag. Sindahir untied the bag and shook it. Out fell a bronze ring with emeralds forming a flower. "Ther's no way Drowin's getting his hands on this." Sindahir climbed back down the tree as Talon flew next to her and they headed to the stabels.

Drowin hated Sindahir. Not only because of a family feud, but because Sindahir was eveything he wanted to be. Smart, special, and funny were some words to describe her. Sindahir was also famouse for always playing tricks on him.

"I'll get her one of these days,"he hissed. As he turned the corner,Drowin heard Jet, his black horse, whinning. Drowin ran for the stabels, his gray eyes burned in his dark face.

[Crystal Heart]

Crystal giggled and smiled as she knelt down to to him. His dance had been delightful to watch, but she was sure his head was throbbing. As payment for his kindness she took his head in her hands and kissed the top of his head lightly.

She looked at him and continued to smile.
"I must agree Mr. Brandybuck, you probably shouldn't engage in dancing. Songs are more your speed right now," Crystal said as she laughed lightly.

"And please don't be sorry for being surprised at my short stature. Your surprise is nothing compared to what others have thought of me," Crystal reassured as she helped the hobbit back up off the floor.

She hadn't felt this happy in many months and Crystal was very thankful for whatever higher being that had brought this kind hobbit forth into her life.

She had a place to stay and a new companion, a new friend to talk to. It had been something her heart had searched for, her heart and yearned for, but she hadn't allowed herself to really dream. Now she was with this man that had such life, such joy, that made her change the way she saw the world. He was beginning to bring back the woman she had once been, the woman that Arty had known, the woman she had wanted to be for him, the woman that she had forgotten.

[Angry Brandybuck]

"A song it is then!" declared Angry as he stood awkwardly, head throbbing. He avoided Crystal's gaze however, to hide the embarrasment he was feeling from the kiss that had been planted on his forehead. For the sake of all the Farthings he thought You must stop getting so embarrassed all the time, heaven only knows what she'll think of you!

He wracked his brain for a song, a song fitting for this occasion. most of the songs he knew were just too doomy and gloomy to sing for such happy times. When he had remembered one at last, he straightened his jacket and wasitcoat, took in a deep breath, and with a voice purer and more melodious than anyone expected of him, he sang:

Troll sat alone on his seat of stone,
and munched and mumbled a bare old bone;
For many a year he had gnawed it near,
For meat was hard to come by.

[Crystal Heart]

Crystal clapped at his song. She had never heard it before, but it was a nice song. Most certainly it was much different then the songs of Rohan.

"That was wonderful Mr.Brandybuck. Where did you learn that song?" Crystal asked as she got back up to her stool and motioned for him to join her.

He had blushed wildly at her kiss, she had saw that. She hadn't meant to embarsse him, it was just instinct. Her mother did it all the time. Even though she didn't know Angry Brandybuck all that well, she still had felt compelled to comfort him. Falling upon ones head did hurt, she had fallen on her head as a child and understood that throbbing pain that he was experiencing. Yet he was being very great about it, he didn't say a word about the pain that must be there. And he continued to sing, a thing which is hard to do with throbbing pain in ones head.

A thought struck her mind. Was he blushing because he was beginning to have feelings for her? Crystal asked herself. She disregarded that thought. It just couldn't be. Who would want to fall in love with a lonely wandering woman with no money and no inheritance?

Crystal smiled as she watched him take the stool next to him. She wanted to buy him a drink, or do something for he had already provided shelter. He had also shared his talent, but she just didn't know what to do. She could dance, but she didn't want to chance it with the liquor that she had had. She had never had that type of liquor before and wasn't exactly sure how it would affect her motor skills.

And she knew that she couldn't sing. At least that is what her father had told her. So she never did and wasn't sure if she knew exactly how. Besides she didn't know any songs by heart. She knew tunes and the like, but never the lyrics to these songs.

"I have to admit to you, Mr.Brandybuck, that I don't know any songs," Crystal said quietly, slightly embarssed for even saying so.

[Angry Brandybuck]

When the song was done, Angry beamed at the applause he received, even if it was just from one person. If only you could make a living out of singing, I'd be made! he thought, quickly dismissing the idea as folly. It was precisely those kind of ideas that made his father dislike him so. And that was why he was living here, away from his parents in Buckland.

He was shocked to hear that she didn't know any songs, what was this world coming to when a person could grow up not having learned any songs or verse? "What Lass? No songs? well, we must spend some of the time we'll have together learning you some. Maybe I could even teach you the craft of plucking your own songs from out o'the air. It's just about the only thing Angry here is good for."

He took a long swig of his beer and realised that Crystal wasn't drinking anything. He had been so swept up in all his jollility and merry-making that he had completely forgotten his manners. He asked her if she would like anything to drink at all. After this beer he himself was planning on starting on something a little stronger, perhaps some Misty Mountain Malt.

[Witch_Queen]

"The name is Cree. Go ahead and talk about battles you've fought. I don't mind listening to stories." Cree looked down at the stew in front of her. Why not. All I've had is a piece of bread but that was so long ago. She picked up the spoon to try some of it. Well atleast its warm.

"I take it you two are from Rohan." She looked at the two men setting across from here. She could feel the stew going to her stomach. She wasn't use to the heat. She picked up her mug of ale and took a sip. She remembered her father telling her about the battle of helms deep.

[Hama Of The Riddermark]

Hama smiled, the first real smile he had had in a long time. His thoughts wandered to the battle of the deep. Riding out with Theoden had been the greatest moment of his life. He was proud to have served such a king...

'Yes, we are from Rohan. It seems that Grimm and I have fought many battle side by side but not talked until now...'

He chuckled, it was indeed a strange co-incidence that he had fought two large battles with Grimm and hadn't known his name up until a few minutes ago. He thought it doubtful that any rider that had served for a reasonable time could not have been battle hardened by the Deep and the Pellenor, or indeed the battle at the Morranan.

'Yes, the charge of the Rohirrim at Pellenor. A glorious moment...the charge of the Mumaks brought that to an end...'

He saw before his eyes once more his brother, Eodwun, ripped from his saddle, impaled on a mumak's tusk. He visiualised how he had brought the very same mumak down, the same way Eowyn had, by hamstringing it...

'Helm's Deep was awful, every forsaken minute of it. I saw freinds plunge to their deaths from the ramparts, skewered by the black-fletched bolts of the crossbows, I saw one man impaled by an enourmous ballista bolt, the finest moment of my life was riding out with Theoden and Elessar, and seeing Eomer and Gandalf charge... But those memories are long past. Nearly thirteen years has past since the battle of the Deep. And still it stands.'

Hama sighed once again...he shouldn't be remembering the glorious moments of valour in the battles, he should, if he were thinking about battles at all, think of the un-named masses who died...

'Yes, battles are glorious moments of triumph until they are over, then there is only sorrow...'

[Potatothan]

Huan smiled at the song of the hobbit. He applauded loudly from his place by the fireside. The hobbit went back to the Rohan girl he had been talking to and they chatted further. Huan puffed little rings of smoke for a while and sat deep in thought while he read an old book that was lying in his lap. The hobbit didn't make hesitation to sing another song and Huan stood up from his chair to get some more ale.

He once more made it for the bar. He could have asked one of the waiters, but he just wasn’t used to it. The hobbit was talking with the Rohan girl still as he arrived at the bar. Aman was busy tapping some mugs for the other customers so Huan turned to the hobbit and tossed a silver coin towards him.

"That was a fine song back there master Holbytla. One that deserves some credit other than applause I should say." Huan said with a kind smile.

The hobbit stared at the coin for a second and looked up to the big man. As hobbit manners go, he bowed his head.

"Thank you for you kind words sir."

"Just call me Huan. Might I put in a request for another song master Holbytla?"

[Angry Brandybuck]

Taken aback by the attention from this stranger, Angry could suddenly remeber no more songs. His mind was a complete blank. Fumbling nervously with the silver coin that had been tossed to him, he stood silently, thinking.

"Well, sir, what do you know, normal times I can't think of anything but songs, but now the some whose wan'to here me, I can't think of any! Well, except one, but, begging your pardon, sir, its one that I have writ myself and I don't know if it would be up to scratch for public performance so to speak."

The stranger made it clear that he would be more than happy to hear this song that Angry had written himself. 'ere goes then, he thought to himself and, taking another long swig of beer, began to sing;

You'll remember me
When the West-Wind blows,
Upon the fields of the Shire,
You can tell the Sun,
In his jealous sky,
That we walk in fields of green.

So he took his love,
For to gaze a while,
Upon the fields of the Shire.
And they told the Sun,
In his Jealous sky
That they walked in fields of green.

After he finished, Angry noticed that he had been singing louder than he intended, and for some reason he had been staring into Crystals eyes, oblivious to the stranger who had asked for the song. The man started clapping, bringing Angry out of his stupor, and making him blush.

&lt;font size=1 color=339966&gt;[ 9:28 AM January 23, 2004: Message edited by: Angry Brandybuck ]&lt;/font&gt;

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 9:29 AM January 23, 2004: Message edited by: Angry Brandybuck ]

[Fool Of A Took]

Grimm tried the stew, it was warm and refreshing. He looked at Hama. The man he sat in front of had been riding at the side by Theoden and Elessar. An honorable man. Grimm remembered the look in the face of his brother, slayed by an orc. The blade that chopped of his hand. His brother fell, and tried to crawl away. The orc caught him and held him up. The orc smiled a horrible smile. His brother looked like he faced death when he looked at the orc.

Grimm couldn't do anything, he had got a cut in his stomach by an orc and was laying on the hard ground. His brother tried to scream when the orc stung his blade in the chest of him. Grimm remembered how he started crying when he saw his brothers pain and suffer. And there he died, Eothór of Rohan, the brother of Grimm. Grimm sniffed and took a sip of his ale and tried to hide his tears. He coldn't stop them now, to much sorrow. He didn't know why he cried now, he cried and screamed out his sorrow outside Helms Deep when his brother got buried.


Grimm sat silenced, he didn't know what to say, but after about 10 minutes of silence he knew. "Honor to the fallen men of Rohan in the War of the Ring" Grimm said and held up his wooden mug.

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 9:36 AM January 23, 2004: Message edited by: Fool Of A Took ]

[Potatothan]

Huan heard the cry of the man from Rohan at his table and raised his mug. He went over to the table of where the two man sat together.

"Honour to the fallen men of Rohan indeed. But also to those of Gondor and the realms before them I should say. You are grieved, man of Rohan. It seems the stories of Hama have brougth up memory to a deep grief."

Hama turned his head to look at Huan, but did not regocnize him. Their eyes met and Huan smiled at him.

"Yes Hama, I know your name. For I also rode with King Ellesar and King Theodon. But at Helm's Deep I have not been. I only met Theodon for a short time during the great war, before that I had seen him many times. Also King Ellesar, but our roads had separated even before you were born. You have done a great deed at Pellenor. Bringing down one of the great Mumakil is a deed of bravery and courage." Huan said.

"Who are you?" Hama asked.

"I am no one, therefore I am everyone. I rode with King Ellesar on paths that are now closed forever, but of that I shall not speak. Tell me, what takes two man of Rohan all the way to Bree?"

Hama eyed him for a second, Grimm did not. He was taken by his own thoughts and grief was to be read all over his face.

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 10:27 AM January 23, 2004: Message edited by: Potatothan ]

[Witch_Queen]

Cree sat there listening. "I've never seen battle. I've only heard stories. Yet those weren't anywheres like yours." She finished her stew and drank the rest of her ale.

"You haven't met my good friend." Cree put her fist in the air just as her white crow came to her side. "This is Avalon." She turned to the crow. "Avalon met Grimm and Hama." She felt the safety return to her.

[Hama Of The Riddermark]

Hama turned his eyes to his tankard of ale, he focussed on it intently. It was clear something was squirming inside him, eating him up...

'Why first for Gondor?' he said in a surprisingly bitter voice...'They knew not true sorrow, they knew only fear, fear of what was to come. Rohan felt sorrow, men are not so easily replaced in The Mark as they are in the southern realm. There were few women in Gondor left to grieve over the fates of the men...'

His voice tailed into a whisper as he said the final sentence, then drank a gulp from his tankard and turned to Huan and said, in the same bitter, constricted voice,

'No, not to Gondor first, to Rohan before all others...'

[Fool Of A Took]

"Calm down now, everyone!" Grimm said and tried to calm Hama and Huan. Huan and Hama both got quiet but still had the bitter gaze at each other. "Now we shouldn't be angry at each other for this cause, both Rohan and Gondor have suffered greatly in the Ring Wars, so have many other people of Middle-Earth. Right now, we can only feel sorrow and remember our honourable fallen comrades." Grimm said and the bitter look disappeared at Hama and Huans faces.

Yet the mood at the persons around the table got bad and all four of them didn't say very much for a long time. Grimm tried to get the spirit up and said "So, Cree, what brings you to The Shire?" Grimm looked at Cree and Avalon that sat on her shoulder that looked at the others around the table.

[Crystal Heart]

Crystal had accepted Angry's invitation to a drink. She was quiet surprise at the man that had come over and had asked for another song.

She listened intently at the song that he had wrote. It was a beautiful song, a song she had never heard before. He gazed into her eye's, locked with hers as if he was reading her very soul. And yet, she wasn't afraid as she knew she should be of his feelings that were obviously there. For she was beginning to find that her feelings were there as well.

"My, that song is by far the most beautiful song that I have heard Mr. Brandybuck," Crystal said quietly, as she blushed profusely. She hid her face in her cloak as she took a drink of the glass that Aman had set in front of her.

And suddenly the thought started to rise that she didn't subdue. The thought that she was falling in love with this hobbit. She just couldn't be sure. She already had liquor in her system already and she was adding more, but she couldn't help but think that it wasn't the liquor. She couldn't help but think and feel that all of this was real.

"I do know one song Mr.Brandybuck, but only the one. I've never sang it in front of anyone, but it you want to hear it I shall sing it for you," Crystal said boldly and quickly.

[piosenniel]

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ smilies/biggrin.gif NOTICE OF NEW GAME OPENING smilies/biggrin.gif ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

smilies/smile.gif Everdawn invites you to play in her new game, The Legacy of Traitors. smilies/smile.gif

Click HERE (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=19&t=000136).

Prospective Players:

The game-discussion thread will be opening sometime early next week to take on players. Watch here in the Inn and on the Discussion Thread for the final announcement.

Until then, read the proposal carefully, craft an interesting character using the Character Description form, and write a good First Post for your character.

This should be a fun game!

~*~ Piosenniel, Game Moderator

[Potatothan]

"But men die nonetheless. And it does not matter if there are too few to grief about it, men die. And that is a tragic event. So why do you claim lordship of grief for Rohan? Last time I checked they considered themselves equal to Gondor and Gondor to them. But let us not discuss this ill in one of the places that has suffered so few from the war. For I am sick and tired of battle after having to watch it for 87 years. You too are weary master Hama. Let me buy us four an ale and talk more merry." Huan said ignoring Grimm's attempt to change the conversation.

Huan nudged a waiter and she brought them four ale's. Huan sat back and was stuffing his pipe once more
.

[Angry Brandybuck]

Angry had never been able to take compliments gracefully, and this was no exception. He blushed, flushed and mumbled a thankyou. He stared down into his tankard, as if it contained the most beautiful thing in the world. It didn't, that was sat on the stall next to his.

What would his parents think of him? they had never approved of the Big Folk that came into the Shire more and more often since Frodo and the rest had gone off to war and come back all shiny and brave looking. He had no such feelings, however, and was all for the new 'cosmopolitan' feel of the Shire.

He was delighted at her offer to sing him a song. The tall man who had given him money before was obviously now more interested in arguing about War with the men from Rohan. He had never understood how the men of a country could be so preoccupied with war, but then, he had never suffered it.

"Why yes Miss Crystal, I would love to hear your only song, it would be an honour!"

[Hama Of The Riddermark]

Hama reached swiftly for his belt and his fingers closed around the hilt of Tithaing, he tugged, but his hand did not move. Grimm was holding it in place, shaking his head with a pained expression on his face. Hama returned his gaze to Huan...

"Do not instruct me in the meaning of grief!"he shouted,"I have never claimed lorship over all sorrows in the world, only of my own! You talk about war too easily for someone who has seen so much..."

Hama breathed deeply for several seconds. He found he was standing up, his shouting having attracted a lot of attention from around the inn. His hand was still closed around Tithaing. Grimm released his grip. Hama slumped into the chair...

"I am sorry..." he said with a heavy heart...

[piosenniel]

The Green Dragon Inn - Part 8 had come to it's limit of posts, so I'm closing it.

Please continue to play in the new incarnation of The Green Dragon Inn - Part 9 (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=19&t=000137#000001).

~*~ Pio

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 4:05 PM January 23, 2004: Message edited by: piosenniel ]