It struck the foreigner as amusing to have a small and relatively sheltered hobbit adopt the self-appointed role of her protector in Bywater's inn. It was very much like her friend though, to rush out and take up a project with out thinking it through properly. Their friendship been a direct result of the trait.
Benia rose to lend assistance to Gilly after she spied the hobbit threading her way around the myraid tables, arms ladened with a dish, cutlery and a tea cup.
"Oh that cup is hot!" exclaimed Gilly. "I thought I'd save some time by providing our own service" she explained with a wink. "Hope you like the food, it's not like Mother's, but I hear it's quite good." She began wiping off the cutlery carefully examining each piece. "But like they say, 'best way to stay well is to eat at home'. I guess you never know who might be washing the dishes at a place like this...."
After her ritual was completed, Gilly seated herself behind the teacup and gazed at Benia not knowing how to begin. There were so many things she wanted to ask, but she was acutely aware of the cultural differences, and dearly did not wish to offend Benia by bring up anything that might be concidered delicate.
[ May 23, 2003: Message edited by: Hilde Bracegirdle ]
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