The lady Waen acknowledged that she had been in Lorien during the War, then lapsed into silence, her eyes flicking between himself, the fire, and her hawk. She seemed so young! But Eodwine knew that she could be centuries old. He wondered if it was bad manners to ask an Elf, especially a female Elf, how far back her history went. What a gold mine of knowledge! But she had not spoken much of herself, and he did not wish to presume too much. He signaled to the waitress for a refill.
"Good even to you, Eodwine," said the waitress as she filled his jar. The voice was familiar. He looked up. A lady Elf was smiling at him as she poured. His brow furrowed in confusion as he tried to muddle out the waitress apron and the Elven face above it; his brow flew up all of a sudden.
"I know you! The Lady Lespheria!" He rose from his seat and bowed, almost knocking her tray over. "Pardon!"
She laughed. "You have not changed, Eodwine of Rohan."
"I did not expect to see a Lady of the Elves dressed up as a waitress at the Green Dragon Inn in the Shire! Least of all an emissary of Rivendell!"
She laughed again. "I've been pressed into service-"
"Willingly enough, it would appear," Eodwine cut in.
She nodded enthusiastically. "-as the help is busy with many things."
"As soon as your duties are complete, please sit with us. Do you know Lady Waen?"
Lespheria glanced down with a smile and opened her mouth to speak when a voice called loudly, "Barkeep may I have another ale here? Make it two! I'll be here awhile."
"Sorry. Duty calls. I will come by later." She hurried off to fill another jar. Eodwine sat back down, shaking his head in wonder.
"You never know what comings and goings may happen, War over." He drank a few gulps from his brew and patted the satchel leaning against his chair. "You may yet be needed, my friend."
The Lady Waen spoke up. "What do you keep there?"
"Oh, just a humble harp I must have with me wherever I go."
Her eyes lit up. "You are a harpist, then? A singer?"
"I sing a bit and play a little in my own crude manner. I'm sure you've heard better."
"Play for me!" That winning smile came to lady Waen's face, and her eyes shone with anticipation.
[ June 06, 2003: Message edited by: littlemanpoet ]
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