* Later that night, Gandalf, Bethberry and Midnight returned to the Trade Inn. Arcon had stayed behind at the rangers' cabin just a short while longer to discuss private business, with Gandalf teasing the Elf that he'd try and save him some mutton stew for breakfast. *
* Freed from the packs he'd been carrying earlier, the black horse trotted off to graze near the stable, within sight of the Halfling woman's pony, Periwinkle. Meanwhile, Vorondil met Gandalf and Bethberry sloshing up the rain-soaked path. The ranger looked at the newly-made honorary ranger bearing the pendant with the Numenorean star, smiling, and bowed a greeting. They'd been in too great a hurry to speak with Vorondil before, but had promised to meet him before his watch was done. *
* Now, Vorondil quickly relayed all he knew about Olo finding the incriminating Southron coin that Podo had dropped. *
Then Podo Cotton will bear special watching, * remarked the wizard, his brow furrowing. *
Podo, apart from his interest in pies, was keenly interested in the treasure at Castle Maladil, which could bode ill, if the boldness of his appetite grows to take on ghosts. * added Bethberry. *
As for your own travelling companions, * asked Vorondil * ... besides what happened at the shell game today, * Vorondil cleared his throat * ... have you noticed anything about her? The one called Bird, I mean.
Why certainly! * replied Gandalf * What with her new clothes, you might say that she's changed into something completely different. * The wizard laughed at his atrociously bad pun. * [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]
* Bethberry remembered back to the night she had made the wondrous discovery of Bird as a skin-changer, and smiled gently, keeping a discreet silence. *
* Vorondil now being struck with a musing speechlessness, Bethberry and Gandalf bade him goodnight and went "inn" out of the rain. Bethberry made straight for the fireplace, asking the Innkeeper for steaming mulled cider, and a good hot bath to be drawn. *
* Gandalf, thoroughly exhausted, creaked up the stairs to his room, planning to throw himself on his bed and sleep. There on his nightstand, he was met with the welcoming sight of violets, orchids, and wild roses, along with the note from Holly. The wizard was greatly touched, and fell asleep much at peace about Holly ... though still concerned about Bird. *
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