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Old 01-09-2004, 01:15 AM   #176
Child of the 7th Age
Spirit of the Lonely Star
 
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Sting

Hawthorne glared over at the woman standing opposite her in the hallway. Goodness gracious! This must be Mistress Aman, the lady Master Merry had spoken about earlier. This was not how Hawthorne had hoped to meet the Innkeeper. Her skirts were wrinkled from riding her pony and afterwards lying down on the bed to catch a little nap.

Even worse, her servant and companion was still missing, out somewhere on the road with all the chests and satchels packed into the pony cart. All her lovely jewelry and petticoats and fine bone hairbrushes had not arrived at the Inn. Pushing back a feeling of panic, Hawthorne reminded herself to be polite and try to make a good impression.

The hobbit lass beamed generously at the Innkeeper, holding out her hand, "Hello, there. I don't believe we've met. I'm Hawthorne Brandybuck...." She was careful to pronounce her last name slowly to make sure that Aman understood she was one of the famous Brandybucks, known for their wealth and good-natured antics, their general wit and charm. After all, the Tooks and the Brandybucks were the natural leaders of the Shire and Buckland; anyone would be thrilled to have one knocking at their door!

Hawthorne forged ahead, without waiting for the Innkeeper to respond, "Cousin Meriadoc, the new Master of Brandy Hall, suggested I might want to spend some time here, especially since his friend Mayor Sam is in the neighborhood, and we are not far from Tookborough, which is quite lovely for day trips. You must be Aman!" Hawthorne added with a bright smile. "Master Merry spoke highly of you."

"Indeed, he suggested that I might want to offer my services here at the Inn. I even have a letter of reference from him." She slipped her hand into the pocket of her embroidered vest and pulled out one of the sealed envelopes that Ruby had given to her, pushing it towards Aman.

Hawthorne confided in a matter-of-fact tone, "You know, I've never held a paid position before, but I know a great many useful things. I can play the zither and recite the names of all the kings of Numenor, which is quite an unusual skill for a hobbit. Nanny Cami made me learn that when I was but a small child. I'm not too good at figures, but I have plenty of experience dealing with servants and telling them what to do. I could help you run the Inn and make sure everyone does their job properly." She beamed over at the Innkeeper, at the same time crossing her fingers behind her back in hopes that this impromptu speech would bring her good fortune, and an immediate offer of employment.

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 2:29 AM January 09, 2004: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]
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