Pio rubbed the back of her neck as she listened to the woman from Rohan speak. 'You are in luck, Laurie. I have two rooms left. Would you prefer the one with a window facing west or perhaps the one facing east?' She watched as the woman fumbled with tired fingers to open the purse at her belt.
'A little flat.' she thought to herself. 'She must have travelled a long way and her monies nearly spent.' Her hand went out to Laurie's arm and stayed the removal of a single coin.' She smiled to herself, wondering what the Dwarf would think of this bargain.
'A new year has just begun. Keep your coin, m'lady, and give me a story from your travels in payment for the room.' Pio called to one of the servers who sat exhausted from the already long night. 'Some tea, Parin, if you please. The one from the shire - scented with elanor.'
She poured the tea for Laurie, Beruthiel, and herself, pushing the pot of honey toward them, should they so desire. Inviting Parin to take a cup with them, she sat back waiting for the story . .
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Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.
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