[piosenniel]

Amaranthas’ woke up just as the sun was peeking in through the curtains. One eye popped open as a stray ray of light inched its way across it, her brow furrowed, and then the other eye followed suit. ‘Where am I?’ she thought to herself, looking about at the strange room and fingering the unfamiliar quilt draped over her. She looked down to see that she still wore the clothes from last night. ‘Party clothes! Hmmph! I must have enjoyed myself more than I thought.’

Ah! She had spent the night at the Inn. That’s why she was still in this dress! She threw the quilt off her and swung her legs to the ground. Picking up her cane from the floor, she got up slowly and walked out to the small living room.

Pio was already there, having gotten up several hours ago to supervise the cleaning up of the Inn. A tray of fruits and breads and cheeses lay on the small table between the kitchen and the living room, along with a steaming pot of tea.

‘Come help yourself to some breakfast!’ The Elf smiled at her guest and pulled out a chair for her. Once settled in, she offered the Hobbit a mug of tea and sat the jar of honey within easy reach. Pio sat down to the Hobbit’s right, and gave her a small plate to pile some food on. She had already gotten her share and tucked into it with a hearty appetite. Done, she sat back and gave a satisfied sigh.

Last night’s festivities were discussed at length by the two, Amaranthas filling Pio in on most of the guests and all of their shortcomings. The Elf nodded her head at the appropriate moments, but felt no need toad lengthy comments. Amaranthas was doing quite well at keeping the talk flowing without assistance.

Pio cleared away the dishes once they were done eating, and made ready to go out into the Common Room to see to the business of the day. ‘Come out with me.’ she urged the Hobbit. ‘Once Derufin is up, I have a mind to ask him if he’ll take ‘Falmar and see you back to your house. Will that be alright with you?’

Amaranthas’ eyes sparkled at the mention of the man’s name. ‘Yes, I think I might enjoy that! I’m sure he hasn’t seen the sights, and he appears to be free from commitments.’ She looked at the Elf in an appraising manner. Pio laughed at the thought of the man being stretched to his gentlemanly limits with the Hobbit’s guided tour.

She had just gotten Amaranthas comfortably seated by the fireplace and turned to walk toward the bar, when the Hobbit snagged her with the handle of her cane. ‘I was just thinking. If it doesn’t work out with that fellow you say you’re married to . . . say, he doesn’t show up. You might want to think about this Derufin fellow. He seems to like you. I saw him looking quite fondly at you last evening.’ She pulled Pio closer with her cane, speaking in a low voice. ‘How would you like old Amaranthas to sound him out for you? I’ve made many a happy match between young Hobbits, and all of them have stuck so far.’

Pio’s eyes went wide at this offer and she bit her lip to keep from laughing. ‘Oh, Amaranthas, that is a generous offer, indeed. But please do not follow up on it. It would only embarrass Derufin, and I am well and truly married.’ She fingered the slender gold band on her right index finger, smiling.

‘Mithadan will be here. I am sure of that. As fast as his steed will carry him.’

‘If you say so, Miz Piosenniel. But just remember my offer in case things don’t work out as you planned.’