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Old 12-01-2002, 10:46 PM   #43
piosenniel
Desultory Dwimmerlaik
 
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Sting

The common room of the Floating Log was abuzz with the chatter of Hobbits when Bullroarer descended the stairs from his room. Well fed and warm, the Hobbits had gathered into groups and were discussing the first day of the journey. From where he stood on the steps, he could see Giles, Robin and Dinodas laughing at something Autumn had said, and he watched as Daffodyl and then Carl drifted over to join the conversation. Branda sat at a table with Lotho, both drinking ale and engaged in some low voiced conversation with much gesturing for emphasis. Elenna and Celandine sat with Daisy and appeared to be trading stories with Hal and Gaddy.

He walked quietly into the room, and stopped a passing serving girl, asking for a mug of ale. He walked up to the bar where Gundabald, the Innkeeper stood and bade him a good evening. Old Gunny, as he was called in Frogmorton,had heard of Bullroarer's mission to the Elves and plied him with questions.

The Floating Log, as well as most of Frogmorton, had succumbed to the dire progress of this long winter. Bullroarer had noted how the stew served that night, once quite rich and thick and the talk of travellers to the eastern Shire was now grown thin, souplike, with the stray vegetable floating here and there and only the vaguest hint of soupbone present. The ale, too, was thin, and there was no wine to be had at all. Still the hospitality of the Inn kept to its former standards and all were well served with what slim fare was available.

Bullroarer wandered over to Branda's table and asked if he might speak with him for a few moments. Branda nodded his assent, and Bullroarer asked if he might gather the Hobbits together sometime this evening and have them decide who might lead the group tomorrow. If they got an early start, they might make it to Whitfurrows and possibly just beyond by tomorrow evening. He was eager to leave the boundaries of the Shire behind as soon as possible, before heavier snows came.

Gunny had spoken quietly to him of the trouble they'd had lately with packs of Wargs coming farther into the boundaries of the Shire as hunger made them bolder. Bullroarer relayed his concern to Branda, saying that the sooner they got to Rivendell and back the better in his book.
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