[*Varda*]

After a while standing in the common room in the Inn, Poppy started to feel a little out of place. She wandered outside in search of fellow travellers, and once more saw a small crowd gathered around Gandalf. Although not yet there, she remembered that Bethberry, the River-daughter was also coming on this journey with them. She had felt instantly curious about this strange character, having seen and heard rumours of Tom Bombadil and Goldberry on her numerous journeys.

Thoughtfully, she strolled over to the group, and greeted them warmly. She puffed on her pipe, and a grey, wispy, smoke ring floated up into the clear sky, bright in the early dawn.

“All ready to set off, Poppy?” asked Gandalf.

“Yes, master Gandalf,” Poppy replied. She noticed Menelduliniel, Estelarion, and Hinura sitting a little way off to the side, and singing. Alearindu was standing in conversation with Gandalf, and all of a sudden Poppy felt very left out of things, being the only hobbit in the crowd. She stood there unnoticed, until she spoke up, and asked Gandalf and Alearindu when they were leaving. Gandalf looked up into the sky.

“Soon, I hope. Who are we still waiting for?” he said, peering about him. Poppy looked around at her surroundings, a little pang of guilt eating at her heart for disappearing in such a way. She had asked at the inn for tidings to be sent to her family that she had set off, and would not return for a little while, but still her parents would be worried. Poppy reminded herself of the adventures and the treasures at the end, and tucked the feeling at the back of her mind. All that remained now, was to set off.

[ November 17, 2002: Message edited by: *Varda* ]