[The Perky Ent]

After telling the story of his lineage and adventures, Hamfast stared out of the window, realizing how much time had past since he met Eruisto. A greater crowd had poured into the Green Dragon, making it impossible for Hamfast to concentrate on what he was saying. Hamfast never blurted out the first thing that came to his mind (with the exception of insults).

Hamfast gazed at Ruby Brown, which would make him drool if his mouth wasn't filled with meat. Hamfast finally realized that half the time he wasn't paying attention to Eruisto, and marveling at Ruby's beauty.

"Hamfast? Hamfast? Hamfast! If you're just going to ignore me and stare at that hobbit lass all day, at least make some move. Ask her to dinner, or something." said Eruisto, rolling his eyes and drinking his 7th pint. It was amazing how little effect the ale had on him. Perhaps it was the fact that he was taller and was tired. Hamfast's father said that it takes a pint to get a tired hobbit up. Surely it would take more for a man. But surely not 6 pints more! And, as tired as he was, Eruisto didn't look sick.

"You're not serious...are you? I couldn't ask her out. She'd never say yes. Anyhow I'm not much of a ladies man." Hamfast said.

"I'll make you a deal..." Eruisto said, finally smiling as though the ale had finally got to him. "…If you ask her out for dinner, and she accepts, I'll spend the rest of your date taking her place, serving the Inn and taking orders and what not! But...if she rejects you...you have to work in the kitchen and volunteer to clean the dishes. "

"All right then, Eruisto! I hope you like being on your feet!" Hamfast said as he got up, said cheers, and walked on over to Ruby, who was on her break.

"Oh, Hamfast! You're back so soon! What has it been, ten minutes? What can I do for you? I'm most honored to help a fine gentleman like you!" Ruby Brown said with a modest smile.

"Actually, I wanted to ask what I could do for you. I was wondering...if you would dine with me at dinner. After all you have done for me, and the folk in this Inn, it seams only fair that you take a load off and enjoy the night. Actually, I have a friend who's always wanted to be a server at the Inn. He'd gladly take your place for the night! What do you say Ruby?"

"Well I don't know what to say. I'm flattered. Yes! I'd love to!" Ruby said to Hamfast as though they were the only two in the whole Inn.

"Alright then! I'll come for you later and my friend can start wading the tables!" Hamfast spoke turning away from Ruby"

Watching Hamfast go back to his table, and seeing his friend, Eruisto bang his fist on the table, drink the rest of his drink, and leave the table, Ruby muttered: "Until then..."

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 1:16 AM December 23, 2003: Message edited by: The Perky Ent ]