[Frodess]

"Here, have some water," said Champignonne, pouring a glass form a pitcher that was on the table. "I, uh, I am glad to see a cousin, though ever so distant. My mother, Umbriel, did not associate with the family. I think my close relations rejected her for something she had done in her youth, before I was born." With this, she blushed. She was getting in the habit of giving too much information.

"I suppose that I am to tell my tale,though there is not much to tell." She tried to cover up the somewhat awkward silence, looking at both in turn.

"Um, I guess it started a month ago. My mother told me that I had to get out in the world, though we had been isolated from most of the Shire all of my life. And so, a few weeks ago, she told me that I had to go to Rivendell, and I have a message for the elves from her. I don't know howshe knows the elves, but only that she does. Over there," (pointing in the direction of Tiquandel) "is my guide, someone whom I have never met, who is supposed to take me to Rivendell. That is all. I have come here so that I may prepare." She didn't say how, but she thought they wouldn't undersatnd the psychological preparation she was going under even now.

"And so," she said, clearing her throat, "if I could get some mushroom soup-hot-" (glancing in the direction of Drago) "do you think you would warm up and talk a while?"