[Bêthberry]

Bethberry laughed with wholehearted glee as the flames impersonated a colourful display of fireworks. She nodded her appreciation, but then took a different approach.

Hummph, Gandalf. I'd say that barely merits a second slice of seedcake. A good-natured grin spread across her face.

Why, you have told us nothing about why the castle was abandoned or who the inhabitants were. An ill-fated couple who died childless? A dark and secretive lord? An old and honourable family come upon hard times? An inheritance cheated? Any hobbit worth the Shire could have told us a longer tale of geneology.

Out of the corner of her eye, Bethberry observed the interest of a hobbit sitting nearby, well dressed, who appeared to be a traveling merchant of some sort. She returned to her little critique.

So, are these precious metals a magnet for the troublesome types or does some other kind of taint haunt the castle? Good herbs growing so close a nasty place invites much speculation. I'm prepared for a long night of convivial talk, my old friend, and...

Her words were cut off as everyone looked up to see Holly and Oro unceremoniously marched through the front door of the Inn. They had about them the air of young 'tweens who had just had their adventurous wings clipped and were being sent back to the smial for safety. Bethberry turned to Gandalf with a more sombre mood on her face.