[alaklondewen]

Lothaniel seemed to understand Estella’s story about the Boffin’s, and that satisfied her. It had been a long while since she’d had a willing participant in listening to her talk. Taking a deep breath, Estella realized that she almost didn’t leave her hole that evening. She had felt anxious at first, and was now filled with relief at how the evening had taken shape.

Being always thirsty, Estella looked around again for the Innkeeper. What a nice girl, she thought as she watched the pleasant woman behind the bar. She was beginning to feel quite pleasant herself after three drinks.

When she looked back at Lothaniel, the beautiful woman from across the room was approaching their table. It look as though her wonderful company was going to leave, but she understood in her own hobbit way. All of these adventures to go on…why, they should just stay here in the Shire, she thought as she smiled warmly at them. Lothaniel reached out and placed a kiss on her hand. Estella was not used to being treated like a lady, and she blushed turning her eyes away from him for a moment.

“Would either of you care to join me on the steps outside for a breath of fresh air?” Estella heard a voice behind her and was startled a little. Turning around in her chair, she found Waen. This was a pleasant surprise and Estella answered, “Fresh air sounds wonderful.”

She pushed her weight off the edge of the chair, then smoothed her dress before saying, “I heard your flute playing. Very nice. Very nice.” She nodded up at Waen giving her approval and a little admiration.