[*Varda*]

Poppy came down the stairs of the inn, and joined the group gathered outside. Her heart quivered with anticipation, she had never expected to find herself on a journey like this when she had left Tuckborough for the umpteenth time. She carried her small pack on her back, for she had not brought many supplies with her. She had a long dagger by her waist, but no other weapons.

As she walked into the main room of the Inn, she was almost knocked over by Hinura, who was rushing downstairs. Poppy smiled, trying to cover up her extreme nervousness. She had never been on a quest of such importance before, in fact she had never been on a quest in her life. Her years had been spent running wild throughout the Shire, sometimes further afield. But looking around her this morning, and seeing the mix of people, daunted her slightly, and for a passing moment she regretted her hasty decision to go with them.

But so spellbound had she been by Gandalf’s tale in the Inn a few nights ago, she was unable to resist. In any case, she couldn’t back out now. Pausing for a moment to compose herself, she went over to where Hinura, Menelduliniel, and Estelarion stood, considering the journey ahead. She smiled brightly and attempted to make herself feel more at home with these strange adventurers.